SUNDAY, SUNDAY AND MONDAY

We woke up at 7:30 this morning. I noticed a text on my phone from Robin, that she sent at 5:20 this morning. It said to call her as soon as I get the message. I did and got no answer.  Tony showered, (I took mine last night) and we got ready for church. We are going to Scott's ward at  to hear him speak for the last time in his ward.  We ate breakfast and after cleaning up and getting the dishwasher going, I came up to my craft room. I tried calling Robin again and had to leave another message. I assume she's asleep. 

I printed off this handout for the primary kids and I got the program and all the parts organized to hand out to all the teachers and the kids.  I will be gone next week to McCall so had to have it ready today. Jan is out today. I'm sure Diana is getting tired of having us gone but Jan (and she's the president) said, "That's life! We all have a summer to finish up."   I love her!!  Diana was thrilled to see I had the program and parts for everyone. That took a little pressure off.

We attended Scott and Jill's ward. It was so good. Scott conducted the meeting. After the Sacrament was passed, there were 2 speakers. A young man and a young women. When they finished, Scott and Scotlyn sang a song together. I WILL WALK WITH JESUS. At the very beginning, Scott got a bit emotional but he pulled it together and they did a beautiful job. After their musical number, a member of the Stake Presidency stood and released Scott from the Bishopric. Then they sustained another man named Scott. He then asked Scotlyn to come up and bare her testimony and he also asked the new Bishopric member (Scott) to come and bare his testimony. I got so emotional as I listened to this man tell how much he appreciated my Scott and how he had helped this man through some very hard times. I found out later that this man had a little girl who drowned and her name was Scotlyn. He also had lost a leg earlier in life and he told how my Scott had helped him with so many things and how grateful he was to know my Scott. It was a teary meeting. Then Scott was supposed to speak but there was hardly any time left so he basically bore his testimony and expressed his love for his ward family. He also quoted President Nelson and expounded on his quote a bit. It was such a good meeting and we were so glad we were there. We left and headed over to our ward and had sacrament meeting and then Primary for me. I got things handed out for the program and felt good about that.  We came home and I changed clothes and then handed over to Robins to check on her. I stayed an hour and then came home and baked my mac & cheese. At 4:45, we went and picked up Lynn and headed to Mary's house.

There were a lot of people at the party and I didn't know some of them. Of course I knew this cutie. she'll be heading to Pocatello this coming Thursday to start college.

Hawkins came home for the weekend. He has 2 more weeks of work left and then he and his friend are going to Japan. The family is  going to put down their little dog, Thor on Monday. He has lost movement in his back legs. He hasn't been eating and is suffering.  They took him to a vet but the surgery was going to be $10,000 and it wasn't a sure bet it would work. I think Hawkins was a bit depressed about it. I know it's hard on the whole family. Thor is a big part of the family.  Traci and Isabel came and Traci had a date with her. She told me a head of time I could not take pictures. 

Gavin came. I was so surprised to see him. He looks more like the kids dad than any of them. When I 1st saw him, I thought I was seeing my X. It was weird! He's a nice kid. I wished he been looking up but  he was finding old Snap Chat pictures of him and Scotlyn.

Mom Norton was with us and Porter's parents and grandparents were there as well.  Also two of Porter's brothers. Then Claire and Lincoln, Mostyn, Jennifer (Jill's sister) and her daughter were there too. 

Gavin was showing Scotlyn the SnapChat pictures.  They were getting such a kick out of them.

This is Porter's family.

After dinner, Mary brought out a cake and we all sang Happy Birthday to Jill. 

Jill, Mostyn and Scott

Wished I'd got more pictures like this but Traci told me I wasn't allowed to take the pictures (of her anyway)  so I didn't have many posed pictures. lol

Jill opened her birthday gifts. She was gone to Utah for her birthday and then to California. I went to their home before her birthday and gave her our gift. 

She got this goose and she was thrilled!! She said she had been wanting it for a long time. It came with a bunch of outfits for all the holidays. She dressed it it the summer outfit and can't wait to put it on her porch. lol She'll have to pack him away soon as the move comes up. They will all three be driving to Pocatello on Thursday and dropping Scotlyn off. Then Scott will head on to Utah and Jill will be coming home to get more packed and the house ready to sell. I'm going to miss them so much. We came home around 8:30. I didn't sleep very well. A lot going on in my mind. 

Today (Monday) we got up and went to the gym. I was going to mow the lawn early but we forgot to turn the sprinklers off so the yard needed to dry out. So we were late getting there. When we finished, Tony dropped me off here at home and he took off for a dentist appointment. I took the sheets off the bed and got them in the washer then went out to mow the lawn. When Tony got home, we ate a quick breakfast and I started to get some things done inside. Got laundry done, started getting some things ready for this weekend. Hemmed Scott's pants, fixed Tony's tie and made lunch. Gonna head to bed soon and pray I'll sleep better than last night.

A BUSY SATURDAY

Well, 2 more times to work our Saturday temple shift and then we'll move to Thursday nights.  We got up at 4:30 this morning and worked till noon today. The smoke has cleared out quite a bit. The wind came up yesterday and that helped some.  I got to help in Initiatory for two young women who took out their own endowments. It is so special to see the young people coming to the temple. In our prayer meeting this morning, they asked if those who are serving before their mission, and those who are serving after their mission, to stand up.  There were about 15 young men and women who stood up. It was so awesome!! My last assignment was to help a couple who were having their two young boys sealed to them. They had 2 girls, 12 & 8, who were born under the covenant. They just adopted these 2 little boys. One & two. It was such a special day. The parents were so wonderful and said it was 15 years since they were sealed together.  They had two girls born under the covenant. One 12 and one eight. Such a beautiful family.

I have to admit that I am going to miss all the exciting things I get to do on Saturdays. It is the busiest day in the temple because that is when most marriages and sealings like the one I was involved in today, happen. BUT, we've worked the Saturday am shift for 8 years and it's time for a change. We miss a lot of family events and some church activities when we work Saturday. It's time. 

We stopped at Chick Fil A on the way home and got a salad. Then we went to Costco and picked up a prescription and some rolls for the dinner we are having at Mary's tomorrow. 

When we got home, I made a pan of Mac & Cheese to take to the dinner tomorrow as well.  Mary is making London Broil, Jill is making some kind of potatoes. I think her sister is making a salad. Anyway, it'll be good. I was going to have the kids to my house for a going away party for Scott, as he is moving to SLC for work next week. But, it was Jill's 50th birthday recently, and her mom wanted to throw a party for her. It will be a combined party. Birthday and going away. Gonna miss those kids so much!

This afternoon at 4:30, we picked up Liz and Mom and we went to do baptisms at the temple. Drue and Yeti went as well.  It was windy and started to rain on the way to the temple. I did all the women baptisms and Liz did the confirmations. Tony baptized me and then Yeti baptized Drue and then Drue baptized Yeti. Drue had signed up to do sealings after we finished so he didn't get to be in the picture.  He's there in spirit. It was beautiful and clear when we got out.

 We  did 70 baptisms total.   30 female and 40 male and confirmations for all. 

I love going with these great people. Yeti is waiting to take out his endowment. He is waiting for Salt Lake to approve him getting the Melchizedek Priesthood. Liz is ready but has to wait till November when she's been a member a year.  As we sat in the chapel, waiting for the men to finish confirmations, she said, "I sure love you guys." I told her we loved her too. She has been a very special sister.

It was a great day!

GOD IS GOOD!

BEN AND CHARCIE STAY ON THEIR WAY HOME

It's still smokey here in the valley. We went to the gym Monday and Tuesday and the smoke made it possible to stare right at the sun. 

Not sure when  thie air is gonna clear up but I'm sure it will eventually. We just feel so blessed that our home and community have been free of fire. I feel so sorry for those who have lost their homes and belongings. So terribly sad. On Monday, the Primary Presidency had a meeting to discuss the Primary Program that is coming up in September. Jan is leaving Thursday for an Oregon vacation on the coast and I will be gone the following weekend. So, after our meeting, I told the sisters that I would get the program all typed up and ready to hand out parts this Sunday. SO, Tuesday, I was on my computer most of the day. I got it all typed up and children and teachers assigned to various parts. I ran the rough draft over to Jan for her approval and she called and said it was perfect. The only thing I had wrong was the spelling on one of the boys name. I fixed it and then ran off programs for  all the adults. Then I ran off the parts for the kids and got them cut out and ready to hand out this Sunday.

We were relaxing and watching TV later in the afternoon, when I got a text from Charcie. They were on their way home to Warrenton, and they had spent the morning on a river, tubing. They were sunburned and tired. I was so glad to accommodate them again.   They arrived about 7:15 in the evening. We were visiting when I heard the doorbell ring. I looked out the window and could see a fella with a bunch of pizza's. I couldn't see his face. Tony got the door and it was Rick and Wendy.  I was so happy they stopped to visit. They had made arrangements to sleep at a motel, but they stayed, and we had a great visit for about an hour. We ate pizza and salad. Both Rick and Wendy were pretty tired, so they said their goodbyes and left for the motel. I sure wish I had a home with room for others to stay.

I got a picture of Rick and Wendy before they took off. Charcie was outside with us so I told her to get in the picture too. Love them all so much! I have the most wonderful family members.  After they left, we went back in and visited for a bit. Ben was tired too and Gabe was not feeling very well so they went to bed. 

Little Abraham was sure wound up. I thought it was because he had been in the car for so long but Charcie said it was so unusual for him to be so wild. He is the cutest little bugger. 

Dianna and Gideon were so cute. They played with their tablets and each other and were good to be quiet so their dad and brother could sleep.

I got a cute picture of them all (minus Gabe) 

Tony went to work on his puzzle and Dianna said she would help. She said "I'm  an an expert at this."  lol We got such a kick out of her. She told me she wanted quesadillas' for breakfast.   Around 11PM, we decided to go to bed. Charcie got the rest of the kids to bed but I guess little Abraham was so wound up that she didn't get much sleep. When Tony and I got up the next day at 7:30, we tried to stay as quiet as possible so the kids could sleep. Ben and the kids got up around 8:30. I did have tortillas, so I made cheese quesadillas, scrambled eggs, raisin bread toast and grapes. Dianna was thrilled. As a matter of fact, ALL the kids ate them.  Ben said Charcie asked if she could sleep as long as possible because she'd been up half the night. The kids and I played with SnapChat on my phone for quite a while and they all got such a kick out of it. 

Even Abraham was entertained. 

Dianna loved all the silly faces it gave her. Soon, I gave up my phone to the kids,  and I helped Ben take all the bedding, air mattress and what not to their car. 

Before they all left, I got a few pictures. The sun was out and they were having a hard time looking at the camera. I got s good one though. All but the little guy . lol

Then one with Mom and Dad but then the sun was just too much! lol It was wonderful to have the kids stay again. They were such a joy to be around. And they are so well behaved. Love them all so much.

A SURPRISE VISIT

Sunday morning, Tony had an early meeting. I had some time to kill before I picked up Lynn for choir practice. I had made the tennis shoe die cuts earlier this week so I decided to figure out a card to put them on, while waiting to leave for church.

I got two done and they will be used for birthday cards, since the background paper says happy birthday. lol

I added a sentiment inside the card. It was all I had time to do before going to church. I picked up Lynn and off we went. We had a good practice and then we sang the intermediate song for Sacrament meeting. The speakers were awesome and it was a super good meeting. Primary was fun but two of our teachers didn't make it to church so I pinch hit in one of the classes. The lesson was on ESTER and little Jeremiah Day was visiting. The Day's used to be in our ward but moved to Boise. Jeremiah knew the story of Ester so good, he practically taught the lesson. It was awesome. After church was over, I took Lynn home to pick up her cantaloupe.  Then we went to our house and I'd made Zuppa Toscano soup, garlic bread and a jello poke cake. The cantaloupe was a nice side. After eating, I cleaned up the kitchen and Lynn and I went into the back room to watch COME FOLLOW UP, and Tony had an Elder's Quorum meeting. Lynn and I finished the program and then I tried to get The Chosen playing but it had a bad echo and I didn't know how to fix it. That's the trouble with having five remote controls and not knowing how to work any of them! Grrrrrrrr. So, we closed our eyes and snoozed till Tony finished. Then he came in and we watched

THE IMPOSSIBLE. It was a good show. Tony took mom home and then we watched AMERICA'S GOT TALENT. While it was playing, I got a text from Will, my nephew who just got married on Saturday in Idaho Falls. He and his bride Hannah were on their way to Astoria and wanted to know if they could spend the night with us. OF COURSE!!!!

We quickly blew up the air mattress and made a bed for them. When they arrived, we had a great visit. I fed them soup, garlic bread and cake and apologized for it not being the RITZ but they were grateful for a place to stay and the food.  We went to bed around 11 PM. We got up this morning at 7:30 and have been puttering around the house waiting for them to arise. lol I know they were exhausted with the wedding, reception and all so we are letting them sleep. 

I came up to my craft room and made three more cards. A little different layout because the tennis shoes wouldn't fit on the 5x4 card base. I don't have a sentiment for them yet but will work on it later. 

The kids finally got up around 9:45. They were easy to feed. They only wanted cereal. lol We gave them some snacks for the drive and some water bottles and then I got a picture of them on the front porch. They make such a cute couple!

They had been driving Hannah's car but it broke down at Burley yesterday. It was going to cost them $500 plus to rent a car to drive the remainder of the way. She got in touch with her dad and he was able to finagle a deal with someone he knew and they got this little SUV for $65 bucks!!  NICE!

And off they go!   They are headed to the Baltic's for 10 days tomorrow. That is where Hannah served her mission and she wants to share that with Will.  I am so happy they stopped and stayed the night. I was so happy to meet Hannah! Love those kids!

THE LAST FOUR DAYS

Wednesday,Thursday, Friday and Saturday were pretty busy.  Of course we went to the gym each morning. We did our walking and visiting with Pat.  She waited for us on Wednesday and walked with us after we finished our temple day. We only did an endowment and then 5 initiatory each so were able to walk by 3 in the afternoon. Thursday we went early. We did our exercise at 7:30.  After we finished, we went and picked up Lynn and took her to quick care. She had a swollen arm and it was red and burning. We thought she had been bitten by a spider but it turns out it was an allergic reaction from some weeds she had pulled out of her garden. After her appointment, we ran to COSTCO and picked up an antibiotic for her. We took her home and then Tony took me home. Then he went to his dermatology appointment. When he got home, we ran to the post office and then to my eye appointment. I was getting checked to see if the Xdemphy had cleared up the eye mite problem. It had! YAY!

Then when we got home, we cleaned up and took the Jarretts 

to lunch at Chick Fil A.  SURPRISED??  lol They had given me a gift card for $50 dollars when I cat sat for them. I told them it was way to much and so when we used it, they were going with us! 

So, Thursday was the day. It was fun and we all enjoyed a good lunch. After, we ate, we went to COSTCO and Tony bought them an ice cream cup. They each got one but I just took a couple of bites from Tony's because it's way too much ice cream for me.  We both bought some groceries while we were there and then we took them home. We came home and relaxed and watched some TV.

Friday, we went back to the gym early again. When done, we came home and I did 3 loads of laundry while Tony checked on his mom to see how she was doing. Better, thank heaven. We decided to watch a movie on ANGEL while I folded clothes. We watched 

DEEP WATER HORIZON. It was pretty intense. Scott got back from El Paso and came over for a short visit and to drop off games he is getting rid of before he moves.

We are going to use them for gifts when we play the BINGO GAME at the family reunion next July. The Vern Berezay family is in charge so Scott and I have been planning some things. Now that he is moving to Utah, he had to bring over the games that he got from Pam at this years reunion. We'll store them. I've made an afghan, and 6 boxes of cards and I also had a couple of nice hose attachments for sprinkling. We should have a good supply with all the games. 

Scott got up early this morning and drove to SLC. Jill and Scotlyn are already there and they are flying to California to celebrate Jill's 50th. Tony and I got up at 4 and got to the temple for an early prayer meeting and then we officiated the 6 o'clock session. We were training the Hansen's this morning. 

After we got home, we changed and went to the Poulson's for the Primary Pool Party. Jan made a ton of goodies, and we had a pretty good turn out. 

They have a beautiful yard and the pool was wonderful.

The Bishop came with his kids. Eleanor and Wesley

The Winter kids came with their mother. We were happy to see them.

The Bishop had fun tossing little Wesley in the air.

I think he enjoyed the water as much as the kids. I know the mother's who came with their kids did. It was HOT!

The party went from noon to 3 and they kids enjoyed the water and the goodies.

This is Lou Winter. He and his sister Cara were there with their mom and he brought his kitten. He even put it in the pool. Poor kitty.

Little Sammy Williamson and his mommy had a great time. 

Sister Millward brought her sister in law and she had 3 kids. 2 were old enough to be in the pool so when the mother was in the pool with the older 2, I held the baby. He's was 7 months old but a real chub :)

Jan's daughters, Brittany, Sydney and Gentry were there with their kids too.  Adelaide brought her friends as well.

I caught little Oliver in mid air. lol

At 3, we started clearing the pool and getting ready to call it a day.

Sister Millward holding her sister in laws baby. See, he's a chunk!!  

Little Kit was fearless. She would jump off the diving board into the 9 foot pool without floaties and she would swim to the side.  I was impressed. Her 2 older brothers were there too. Around 2:30, Sister Millward took Coulter to baseball tryouts. Jed and Kit stayed and we kept an eye on them till their mom got back. It was a fun day. The Primary kids loved it and I think the parents did too.