My heart is heavy today.

My dear father returned to our Father in Heaven last night.

I wish I could be there to see the joyful reunion

with his parents and brothers and son.

I am so happy for him to be free of discomfort.

I am very sad.

I love my precious daddy, so very much.

This world, my world, will not be the same without him

.....but we are better for having had him in it.

Today we are traveling to Oklahoma City

to enjoy Thanksgiving with Brittany and Mike and their families.

Then, we will travel on to California for a Tuesday funeral.

Wild Rose Funeral Home
916 Divisadero St.
Fresno, CA 93721
559-486-7777

LDS Chapel
5685 N. Cedar Ave

Fresno, CA 93710
tentative time: 11am

Tuesday was painting night; each youth contributed.

It was so fun!

I love their energy and attitude. . .

teenagers are constant motion





When they weren't painting,

they wrote letters to wounded soldiers in the hospital.

For weeks, they have been collecting toys and activities

for the wounded children, who have little to do during the long hours in bed.


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The kids were so proud of how the banner turned out,

they did a great job!





I added a few details for dimension, and the banner is ready to go.


This has been a really rewarding project

We send our prayers, along with this care package, to Afghanistan....

in hopes their spirits will be lifted.

I think I have said it before, but it bears repeating...

I think Homemaking is the most important class in Jr. High.

I still use those skills every day!

Today I attended the annual Thanksgiving feast

prepared by Chloe's Home Economics class.

It was so fun! and Chrissy came along too!

First, they set a lovely table

with place cards, real dishes (not paper) and tablecloths

Then, we were welcomed by Mrs Osteen, the teacher (she's at the end)

The class was so cute and excited.

The menu was delicious:

Stuffing and Chicken casserole
Broccoli and Cheese with Rice
Green Bean Casserole
Yam Casserole
Garlic Mashed Potatoes

I was impressed most by Chloe's yummy Pumpkin Bars

Mmmmm. Pecan Pie and Pumpkin Bars for dessert

I am so proud of Chloe and her great cooking skills!

She can try them out on me anytime!

Thank you !

Veterans and active Military !


I am part of the Young Women's program at church, these days.

it's a busy calling

.....and I love it.

I teach 3 Sundays a month, which is my assignment.

But I also like to do artwork and decorate and other stuff, so...

this month, my calling got soopa bizzy

The youth are gathering toys to send to a US hospital in Afghanistan.

Among the wounded US (and some Taliban) soldiers, there are some brave little Afghan children who have been caught in the crossfire.

The walls of the hospital are bare and cold, and my job is to change that.

First, I drew up a design containing American symbols
that would warm their heart
and remind them of home.



Then, I cut down and hemmed a canvas drop cloth
into a 6' x 9' canvas banner.



A coat of white primer prepares the canvas for paint.





Next, transferring the drawing onto the banner,

with the help of my projector/enlarger.





I am doing all the lettering, since that can be tricky

then I will label sections for the youth to paint,

kind of like a giant paint by number.





We took a photo of the entire youth group to iron on to the banner;
two of the girls have a father who is a doctor in the Afghan hospital.

I am so thankful to have the opportunity to serve AND do what I love....art.

Next Tuesday is painting day.

I am excited to see the finished product!

Chloe is 13.

Trick or Treating is great when you are 13.

I remember how cool it felt to roam the streets without mom and dad in tow.

We would plan our route for maximum candy acquisition,

dragging full pillow cases home to separate into piles.

I gave my mom all the Mounds and Almond Joys and kept the rest.





By age 14,

the boys we met while Trick or Treating,

were more interesting than the candy.

I imagine next year will be the last time Chloe will want to go....

she will be in High School

and that will be a little sad

no more flapper girl or pirate, Teletubby or Disney Princess

just my pretty girl, growing up.