Back Again

I have been busy, some; and lazy, some; and neglectful, some; and I need to move on! When I wrote last, we were off to spend a few days with Ed and Janice Bishop in Newport Beach. Now, that is not too far from home, but it seemed like it. We played games, and ate good food, but funnest of all was our "day trip" to San Diego to see the newly refurbished Mormon Battlion Visitors' Center in Old Town. It is truly worth the trip! The LDS Church never does anything half-way, and the presentation of this historic part of California is really interesting and entertaining. Never mind that we were in a huge amount of traffic, both coming and going--I thought it was worth it, but then, I was not the one driving! If you are ever in San Diego, it is worth the time--and of course like all LDS Historic Sites--it is free!
A week or so later we pulled the motorhome out and cruised on down to Tucolata Springs for an outing with the folks in 341 Just For Fun, our RV club. This trip took us through Temecula, and while, again, it is not too far away (which is fine with me) it had been a really long time since we had been in the Temecula area. Can you say population explosion? My gosh! Where is the little old town of Temecula that I remember? Where did all these people come from? Where did all the vineyards and winerys come from? Phew! Five of us ladies went to town on Saturday. So did everyone else in the area, I think! We did find a few of the shops I remembered and we looked at a lot of antiques and collectibles. (I didn't buy anything :( ) I was a bit concerned when I saw how many cars were parked at every winery we went past. Who is going to drive home after all that tasting? It was a nice weekend away, though, and the weather was good--it only rained at night.
Home for a while, we rolled out Darth (that's what we call our Holiday Rambler motorhome)
and headed for Arizona and the Cactus League Baseball Training Camps. In case I haven't mentioned it...I am a huge baseball fan. I know, I know, many of you would rather watch paint dry; I prefer to sit in the stands and soak up the baseball games. At home, I am an Angels fan;
and a LBSU Dirtbags fan and a Wilson HS fan and a Millikan HS fan--but my heart is in
Cincinnati with the Reds (and Johnny Bench and Joe Morgan and, sigh, PETE ROSE!) That's where I learned to love baseball--my Dad played and I went with him. Imagine my sheer JOY when I found out that the Reds now have a stadium in Goodyear,AZ. We saw them play the Indians. Because our friends the Seatons, Ritters, and Rubels all live in Escondido, we saw a lot of Padres games--Padres vs Angels, Padres vs Giants, Padres vs Dodgers (booooo) , Padres vs Royals--- but they were all good! The stadiums are so nice and the practice areas are so fun to visit in the morning when all the players are out. What a great trip, great weather, Great Friends, great travel.
At home, inbetween trips, we celebrated Rylee's 17th Birthday and Sabrina's 10th Birthday (party is on Saturday) and watched a lot of Soccer games and basketball games. Family is what life is all about.
( Next trip is to BYU for Womens' Conference the end of this month.) Bob is already anxious to go to Utah, but there are some things to do before then.
It's good to be back again.

Things I Love 2010

11. I LOVE to see the ocean and beach
To watch surfers and ships that are far out of reach.
Cruising south (or north) on Highway 1
Enjoying the scenery and the February sun.

Today we leave for a short vacation stay with our friends, the Bishops, at Marriot Newport Coast Villas. I can't wait to go, but I have a little organizing that will keep me busy this morning, so I do need the last bit of home time. We will return on Sunday, and the family will gather on Valentines' Day for dinner and to finally celebrate Amy-Sue's Bday on her favorite day (which is not her real Bday, but we missed the August 13 date because of our Mission).
I am excited for the Olympics to start--poor Vancouver must be frustrated with the lack of snow this year, after all, it is the WINTER Olympics. Gee, they could have had the Reno snow we had in December when Sabrina ran her cross-country Jr. Olympics race. Something is backwards here. So...get creative Canada and Go USA!
I will have to catch up when I get home. Meanwhile, make it a Loving, Caring, Great weekend.
Remember, I LOVE YOU!

Things I Love 2010

10. I love the Pioneer Woman blog written by Ree Drummond
Her sense of humor is hillarious and her photography is gifted
When I finishih reading her blog each day
My spirits are lifted.

For Christmas I received the Pioneer Woman Cooks cookbook by Ree Drummond. I also gifted the book to Amy-Sue and to Tiff. So far I have not tried many of the recipes, but the photography and the narrative makes the book so charming that it has a place of honor on my counter in the kitchen. Her sense of humor just cracks me up and; if you have ever had a close experience with a Bassett Hound, this book is a must read for you.
Well, Tri Delta alumni meeting was fun and productive--we assembled about twenty hygiene kits for Whittier women who have fled to refuge from abuse. And we had great conversations and planning for next month "s visit to the Gamble House. (Sorry I will miss this tour, but we will be in Arizona for baseball Spring Training camps. Too bad everything happens at the same time)This small group of women is mighty, and I am so glad to be a part of it.
"Delta Delta Delta is forever" is something we learned in our collegiate chapters and now I can
understand the meaning of that quotation. We all went to different colleges, but there is a bond of sisterhood that we all feel, and that was talked about last night. ( why did it take me 50 years to really "get it"?)
Thrift and Vintage Shop duty today--it is always interesting. For me the hours pass by rapidly because there is always something to do or someone to chat with while I work.

Things I Love 2010

9. I love the Assistance League of Long Beach
It has awesome philanthropic outreach,
My favorite programs are Orthodontic Clinis, Kids on the Block, and the Thrift & Vintage
Shop
Volunteering to help others brings blessings that don't stop.

Busy day today, getting ready for Tri Delta alum meeting, and visiting teaching, and valentine shopping. Make your day busy, productive and great!

Things I Love 2010

8. I love Monday dinners out with the Millers
The fun never ends
Then we play Quiddler
With these valued friends.

So Monday nights are fun, we alternate choosing the place to eat and then alternate homes for a couple of rounds of Quiddler (a spelling card game--good for our senior minds :) you know), and perhaps a tasty dessert if our dinner didn't include it. Last night it was Olive Garden with the unending soup and salad which were yummy. Then I lost both games of Quiddler--dang!
Our desk-top computer is feeling its age and is in need of some help so we called our good friend Eric Hayhurst who is a computer guru in our opinion. He ended up taking it away to clean and reinstall stuff (see how technical I am---not!) so Bob is now computerless for a few days and he is having withdrawls especially from Solitaire. Luckily, the lap-top resides in the Scrapbook Room so I can still blog--and "blog-stalk".
I'm off to help with orthodontic screenings (not chairside, I assure you) at Assistance League of Long Beach (ALLB), at 8:45am, so I need to get started. Make it a great day! Smile at someone!

Things I Love 2010

7. Things I love. . .here I go
This is one I'm sure you know,
To read a book, one that grabs my attention
Perhaps Grisham, Pecault , Sparks or Grafton.
(. bad rhyming, huh?)

Well here we go into a busy week. I really like to see our calendar full, it gives me an extra push to get moving and get something done. Today Bob sees the heart doctor, just as a check-up. I bet he will get an earfull about his weight. Tonight it is dinner out with the Millers. Tomorrow I am volunteering at the Assistance League's Orthodontic Clinic Screening. It is a fun job and I surely feel like I owe the ALLB Orthodontic Clinic a lot for the great work they are doing with Rylee and her braces (which are very close to coming off!) Wednesday I am hosting Delta DeltaDelta Alumni Chapter in our home. We will be making hygiene kits for the women of Whittier area (since we are the Whittier D.D.D. alum chapter--what am I doing way up there?--long story, but I love the women in our tiny chapter). Thursday I am working at the Assistance League Thrift and Vintage store in trade with Pauline Stenberg who is working for me on Friday, because we will be spending Friday and Saturday with Ed and Janice Bishop at their time-share at the Marriot Newport Coast Villas. Together we will watch the opening of the Winter Olympics and play a wide variety of card games and enjoy the time we get to spend with our Utah friends. We will hurry home on Sunday morning so we can have a family Valentine dinner--how often does that happen? (and celebrate Amy-Sue's birthday which is really August 13, but we were on our mission then and this is the last of the make-up 2009 birthdays--perfect for Amy-Sue because Valentines' Day is her favorite holiday!!!)
Whee-------Makes me happy just to read this list. So here I go, off into a great week. I've gotta get organized!!! You make it a great week, too.!!:)

Things I Love 2010

7. It is really appropriate on this day
For me to take some time to say
I LOVE the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
I commit to serving without complaint.
Our lives would be different, that's not lies
If we hadn't decided to be baptised.

Today is Fast Sunday and Ed and Janice Bishop went to church with us. It was also so good to see Craig and Tina Wurtz there today.
(if it weren't for the church we wouldn't have eternal friends like them)
The testimonies were very diverse but each one seemed to make an impact on me.
(we couldn't progress and continue work to better ourselves without different points of view)
Our Sunday School class is taught by Janet Hale and she does such a good job of reaching us on all our different levels, and making us think.
(I need to hear varied opinions and the church gives us challenges and chances for reflection)
In Relief Society we had a lesson about visiting teaching given by our RS President. It is so important in our church that we care for each other.
(i needed a kick in the b---to get me back on schedule with my ladies)
The teacher pointed out that our visiting teacher is never "done", just because we made a visit, and reported it. Our RS President, Nancy Smith, is doing an awesome job!!!
Lots to think about. . . but right now I better think about dinner preparations... Family feed time! FUN--FUN--FUN!

Things I Love 2010

6. I love Amy-Sue's chocolate chip cookies--she makes them very yummy
Of course I'm not begging or hinting,
But if she was to make some, and share...
I would have a happy tummy!

OOOOOH it is still raining and I am tired of it. I am feeling a little empathy for those people who are house-bound by snow for days on end. I like to be home, but if I want to get out, I don't want to scurry around in the rain. Not that I don't have plenty to do here--Ed and Janice Bishop are coming today to spend the night with us. They are fun to be with and they always bring a bunch of games to play. So we invited the Millers over for dinner, too; 'cause they like games and they are fun to be with, also. I'm going to try a new recipe for dinner "Easy (I like easy) Sirloin Tip Roast, Lemony Red Potatoes, Broccli, and Mixed Green salad with pears, and ice cream and sherbert for dessert. I hope it turns out to be good--I need to brighten up my repitoire.
Sabrina has a basketball game today--I hope we can get to it! She is very fun to watch because she puts all her energy into playing, and seems to enjoy any sport she tries.
Make it a great (wet) day and if you are out and about, travel safe--us Californians do not know how to drive in the rain. ( Kinda makes me glad we have a Hummer on a day like this.)

Things I Love 2010

5. In our livingroom are two red/white checked chairs
That always make our house look cheery,
Given to us by friends who shared
Whom we are blessed to know and love dearly.

Well, today is Mom's Doughnut Day at Tincher Prepatory Academy (translate elemenatary school) and I got invited to go with Tabitha to eat a doughnut, drink a little orange juice (no coffee thank you) and spend a while in her class (first grade). We got to study teeth, make a mouth with mini marshmallows--how cute is that? Then did a packet about dental health. I'm very impressed with Tabitha's reading and spelling abilities; she does really well for a first grader. (Who said "proud nana"?) We are so blessed to live close to our families and be able to join in their activities.
Rainy today--make it a great day to stay inside and maybe do something you have been wanting to do, but didn't have the reason--read, write a letter (on paper! with a pen!! how unique), knit, scrapbook, stitch, try a new recipe, make some soup, or even organize some small area that has been bugging you.
Anyway--make it a great day:) !

Things I Love 2010

4. I love my car, my convertible P. T.
It is the perfect car for me.
Top down, buckled in,
Time to take the grandkids for a spin.

I saw this car while we were on our first mission. I loved it. When we came home, we went to the Chrysler dealer and bought it. Occasionally I see some car on the road that I like, but when I get home and open the garage door, there it is---my car!! Shiny and red--I LOVE IT!
(see, I told you I would get materialistic.)
We cleaned more garage yesterday, and now we can see the entire top of the saw, and the workbench. Well it's a BIG DEAL to us!
Poor Amy-Sue had a root canal yesterday. Empathy, empathy! Then to make her day complete Sabrina has a bite (or something) on her leg and so Amy is off to Kaiser to get that checked.
The worst thing is that Sabrina has to stay off her feet for 2 days, so she will miss the fitness test at school. What? Can't she earn it by default? After all, she is 89th in the nation for nine to eleven year olds running 2 miles ( in the snow, in the altitude, I might add), and all she has to do for this "fitness test" is run 6 laps (1 mile) in 11 minutes--holy c---!
Tonight I have a meeting to learn more and get updated on the Yount program that is my Stake calling. It has been a while, and there are changes, so I hope this will help us get on track.

Things I Love 2010

In the spirit of the Valentine Season, I will take part in the "things I love" posts, too.
I'll do it "my way" . . . here goes:
1. Nine little grandchildren all in a row
They're all so awesome, don't cha know

2. Two wonderful children, funny and fun
They provide me with everyday sun

3. Might as well mention my husband now
He puts up with me, I don't know how

Now I'm caught up and on my way to list things I love until Valentines' Day. From now on, I'll probably be very materialistic--are you surprised?? I may need more than 14 days. Anyway, around here we are cleaning up the garage. When you have recovered from your faint you can read on and find out how we are doing it. We subscribe to the "inch by inch each chore is a cinch," philosophy. We have already found the top of the radial arm saw table, and half of the workbench, then we took a day to celebrate. I figure that by June we may be finished.
Then we can start on Bob's office/den. he he he!

That's it in a nutshell!
It has been a long time, and I have been busy, but that is no excuse. I'll quickly update, then try to do better this year. I promise I will learn to add photos to this blog, this year--really!
In December I was able to accompany Sabrina ( and her parents, Amy-Sue and Gian and her sister Tabitha ; Charlee stayed home with Tiff and Drew) on her quest to the USATF Junior Olympics in Reno NV. It was truly a trip to remember...snow, and lots of it; cold 7 degrees when we arrived; the festivities of the Jr. Olympics; the cross-country race in the snow, with 253 9 to 11 yr.old girls; the awesome finish for Sabrina 89th (in the nation!) ; a trip to an amazing sporting goods (and more) store named Scheels (a must see if you ever go to Sparks Nv; delayed flights because of weather; and just the sheer joy of being with the family. It truly made December special for me. Camryn made the basketball team at Rogers Middle School--one of only two 6th graders. She has skills and she played well. We loved going to the games. Hudson continues to play soccer and his skills have improved so much. It is fun to be a "Soccer Nana and Papa!" Christmas was wonderful for us--Drew and Tiff and kids were able to spend the whole day with us and for that we are most grateful. New Year's Eve was a fun, spur of the moment party with friends from church, playing games, eating and ... yes! staying awake to usher in 2010! A real feat for us old folks .
January arrived and we made plans to go to Quartzsite AZ to reunite with missionary friends.
The Millers went with us this year. It was fun, we played lots of card games, shopped, and the weather was good until the day we left. Even then we really didn't hit rain until the 605 FWY. Then, not only did we hit rain, we also hit a semi's rear view mirror with our rear view mirror and while it turned out to be undamaged, we had to drive the rest of the way home without the use of the right-side rear view mirror. That is not good in a 40 foot RV! I was busy running to the back window to see if anyone was next to us so we could get the right lane before we got to our off ramp. Exciting times--but we made it !! January brings us back to our regular routine--after 3 days of rain, we were ready for it to be over! We Southern Californians are so spoiled. Did I mention, I am not teaching this year? I miss it, the children, the art, the creativity, and hmmmm the money, too. Hard to tell the girls, "no American Girl dolls this year!" Did I say spoiled? But there is lots of time to clean up and pare down and serve others and be with the family. I love that. That's it in a nutshell (as the saying goes).

Grateful Heart

Early Thanksgiving morning--the paper isn't here yet, probably because it has to be stuffed with all the ads for tomorrow's shoppers. While I await its arrival, I ponder what I am grateful for today, and every day! The list is lengthy and I will not post it here, but at the top of my list is Bob, who lets me be me even when it causes him to roll his eyes and shake his head; and my family, whom I love with every fiber of my being. We are so blessed with good children who always try to do what is right and follow God's plan for us--Drew and Amy-Sue and their spouses Tiffany and Gian (who we especially feel blessed to call family--we couldn't have chosen better); the grandkids--Rylee, Cassidy, Camryn, Sabrina, Hudson,Devyn, Tabitha, Peyton, and Charlee -- We love 'em and we are blessed beyond measure to have them so close to us.
What fun they bring to our lives. For all that God blesses us with in our daily lives and the chance we have to serve Him daily we give thanks today and every day!

Now, "let's get this rodeo started" !! Where is that darned paper??

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!

CSULB Homecoming: Yep that's my alma mater!

.Both Bob and I graduated from "Long Beach State College" which, some 50 years later has morphed into California State University Long Beach. This year the "Golden Graduates" were honored at homecoming. Bob is one of those "Golden Oldies" and he went with one of his old football buddies to a very nice Banquet and Program to be honored for still being here after 50 years. Personally, I do not like "banquets and programs". You go, you sit, you eat, then you get gas while people speak and speak and speak--so I opted to not spend $50 for that pleasure.

We did get to visit with our friend, Sonia Richardson, who was the matron of honor in our wedding. She came down from San Francisco, 'cause she's a Golden Grad, too. It was so great to see her .

We went to Saturday's Homecoming events, which included a barbecue and tour of the campus and the season's opening Men's Basketball game. The team looked pretty good. When we went to Long Beach State, there was a football team. Years later, there is no football team. BAH
There was a t-shirt for sale that had a list of the 10 top reasons to choose CSULB. The #1 reason said: They haven't lost a football game since 1991. Hmmmm, yep, that's my alma mater!

Proud Nana Time(again??)

Sabrina won the election at Tincher school. She is now the SNAC (student nutrition a????? council ) vice president. She gave a talk to all the 4th and 5th graders, then the election was held, and she called me (while I was at work at the ALLB Thrift and Vintage Shop) to tell me she won. I like those elections that don't go on forever...! Good job Sabrina!!
Then, on Sunday (please forgive us, the Jr. Olympic Committee doesn't understand about Sundays) Sabrina ran a Cross Country race at Mt. Sac. College and placed 9th (out of 64 runners) to move her one more step closer towards competing at Nationals in Reno. Next week she will run in the last qualifying race in Escondido at Kit Carson park. Go Sabrina Go!
Hudson played Soccer on Saturday and was instrumental in scoring enough points to help his team win, TWICE! Way to go Hudson!!
Everyone else is Sweet, and Kind, and Enthusiastic, and Fun, and I love 'em all!!!

It's Been a Long Long Time

Way too long since I've posted. I have tried to keep busy since we got home from Martin's Cove. First Bob and I put together a DVD of Martin's Cove that we can use if anyone wants to see a presentation of one of the most sacred and beautiful places on earth. We had a lot of help from our friend Eric Hayhurst, who is one of our gurus when it comes to our lack of computer knowledge. We did give one presentation to our Ward High Priests Group at a fireside, and with Eric's help, it went well.
Then, I got a calling from the Stake, to be the Stake Education Specialist and Yount Program Specialist. There was some time for training, and it looks like it will take more time when all the Wards get their specialists called. It is an exciting program that has as it basis the encouragement of members to finish, update, and/or reeducate for progression in their career fields.
Bob and I also have been called to organize an "Empty Nesters" group in our Ward. This is purely for fun and to bond the empty nesters in our Ward. We hosted the first event in our home. It was a "Hobo Dinner" with a getting to know you "Census" and a rousing game of
"Fact or Fiction". Next month we plan on heading out to Orange for their annual Nativity '
Scene display, and a dessert afterwards. We also have an invite from Tom and Susie Poe to attend their family's party for the Naples Boat Parade. People are so interesting, and sometimes we don't realize what we have in common.
On the home front, We have two lovely Wilson High School coeds: Rylee is a junior and among other things she does she played a lot of golf for Wilson, and did very well. Cassidy is a freshman and is enjoying the high school experience and especially loving her dance class. In Rogers Middle School we have Camryn, a 6th grader, who has made the girl's basketball team. First game was yesterday and she played about 5 minutes and scored one basket--Whooo Hooo!!
She has the doubious honor of being the shortest girl on the team---small but mighty!
Hudson is in 4th grade at Fremont Elementary and is playing soccer in his spare time. He has greatly improved his skills, and has been chosen on the All Star team! Go Hudson!! He has an old friend of Drew's as a teacher and his best friend is in his class, too (what was that school thinking?) but I think his teacher can handle it. Sabrina is in 4th grade at Tincher and she continues to excel. She is running Cross Country unattached (that means she is not on a team this year--mainly because her team's coach has a son who is fighting brain cancer, so the coach is not able to give the time to an extra team this year) Gian coaches her and runs her around town to keep her in shape. It is hard for her to not have that team support. But, she runs well in her new division where most of the girls are bigger and older than she is. She is running this week-end and next to qualify for Nationals. Go Sabrina!! Devyn is 6 and in the 1st Grade at Fremont, and does well in school. She has a winning smile and a sweetie. Tabitha is in the 1st Grade at Tincher and has bars and rings mastered and has the blisters to show it. She is taking swimming again and is never happier than when she is in the water. She is an excellent speller ( and we think she will be tutoring Rylee, soon): ) Peyton and Charlee are the stay-at-home girls.Peyton is 3 and she is full of mischief. She is, however the boss of the little ones that Tiffany tends each day, since she is the oldest of them. Charlee is 2 and loves to follow all the cousins around and do what they do. Just say Yo Gaba Gaba and she is there!
I am busy with Assistance League-- Thrift Shop assignments ( and making up for the days missed while we were on our Mission) learning to be a puppeteer and memorizing
my script for Kids on the Block, and helping with Orthodontic Clinic mailings and screening days. Bob keeps up with all our friends.
We are blessed this year with health that allows us to do what we do. We are blessed with family close by to enjoy and support.
Let's face it-----WE ARE BLESSED!

We're Baaaaack!

Time flies when you are having fun--and we sure did have fun at Martin's Cove. We also had
a spiritual time, and we worked hard to do all we were asked to do. When one of our TechnoSavvy kids can help me (again) I will post pictures of wonderful Wyoming. What a great place to visit and to serve. I know some family members think we are crazy, but serving a mission gets into our souls, and we just want to do it again. Do we miss our family? Yes we do!
But we know that while they miss us too, they are getting blessings and that helps them to carry on until we return. When I returned home I got the news that Carden School's enrollment is down and I will not be working this year. It is hard on my ego, but I'll live, and I will find other ways to use the talents I have and maybe develop some dormant ones while I'm at it. Heaven knows I have hours to make up at the ALLB Thrift and Vintage Store, and I really want to do Kids on the Block, and there are things to do around our house, and I need to practice the piano so I can play better when we go on our next mission, and maybe Bob and I can play some golf (if I can control my "potty mouth" when I don't hit the ball well), and... well you know, the list goes on. So here we are home again and back with the family we adore. Thanks to them for all the support they always give us. Make it a great day.!!!!

MAYbe there is still time

Last week whizzed by. It was the week that Carden Whittier School's 7th and 8th graders had the opportunity to visit Washington, D. C.; however, not all the students went. We were left with about 17 students who attended school (and a few who went elsewhere with their families). Since we couldn't go on with the curriculum, it meant coming up with a project all the students would enjoy. I decided to have each student make a mini photo album for their mom--using an Altoids box as the outer protection. (it may sound weird, but it will fit in mom's purse, and the bonus is you can eat the Altoids while working on the project). I took almost everything I have in the way of scrapbooking product to school and the students really had a great time using it.
Yesterday, one of the girls came into class and announced that her mother "just LOVED" the Altoids box. Most of the class didn't know what we were talking about--so I showed them the prototype. Now everyone wants to make one. Too bad, 'cause this is my last week of school for this year (MAYbe next year????)
Jolene continues her knitting instruction and she is getting it! I gave her instructions for a washcloth, and when I saw her Sunday she was all smiles because she is on her way to a finished product. Maybe she will finish before we leave ?????
Mothers' Day was fun. Amy-Sue and Tiff each gave me 2 selections of food for dinner. Luckily, they didn't choose the same things, and I was able to fill their requests. They left me with the dessert choice--yum. As gifts they both got DR. Laura's newest book: In Praise of Stay-At-Home Moms, money for much desired items I couldn't get, and Amy-Sue got a full pan of lemon bars "just for herself" (but I bet she ended up sharing them). In return I was gifted with an ADORABLE cheery cherry apron, a yellow spatula, a yellow Kitchen Aid Mixer (which has not arrived yet) and a box filled with the (fabled) Carbone amber glassware that I coveted at the ALLB Thrift and Vintage store. ( Tiff went down the day after I first talked about them, and SHE is the one who bought them.) WOW! I was sooooo surprized. MAYbe this week at dinner we will be drinking from them. (ya think?)
We are beginning to really rev up for the Mission. Only a week before we leave. Maybe I need to start making daily lists. We bought a new Canon camcorder so we can record the awesome activities at Martins' Cove. MAYbe we will learn how to use it. Of course, Satan continues to bother us with little stumbling blocks. ( I remember this from last year so it is no surprize, but I hate to start each day wondering what else will go wrong.) Yesterday my phone decided to quit transmitting. After visiting 2 different Verizon stores, (ugh) the "tech man" agreed there is a problem, and a new phone will be shipped to me in 2 days, then I have to take it in, get it reprogrammed and mail the old Satan-infected phone back to Verizon. What the heck--it is just time intensive--but at least MAYbe I'll have a working phone again. (amazing how attached I've become to having a cell phone). We took Amy-Sue and Gian to Outback for dinner last night--belated Anniversary gift. It was yummy, and fun to have just the two of them to visit with.
Amy-Sue invited me to 10th Ward's aerobic class which meets at 6:30 am. After 45 minutes of aerobics, (phew, pant, pant) the ladies end with a little scripture study. What a great way to start the day! MAYbe, they will do this again in the fall -- I hope. Thanks ladies for allowing me to be a part of your day.
I'm truly blessed to have a loving family, friends who amaze me (more about this comment in the future) and opportunities to grow.
There is still time to make this a GREAT week! MAYbe you can make it a GREAT week, too!

This MAY be a busy week!

So, it is the week of the 7th and 8th grade trip at Carden, and about 52 students are off to Washington, D.C. The remaining 27 are staying home and many of them will be attending school. (some may be off on their own family outings) The challenge is to plan something interesting and arty for the stay-at-homes to do. I have come up with an oldie but goodie: the purse-sized photo album made from an Altoids box and lots of scrapbooking product. It makes a great gift for mothers--which is part of its popularity. I gathered up all the product I could find, put it in my "Navigator" (rolling supply carrier) and took it all to school. Tuesday, the art class took 2 hours (regularly 45 minutes) and I was worried about boredom setting in; but no, all that product to look at and choose from kept the 17 boys and girls busy. Today, they will have one hour to work and tomorrow, two hours again. I think some might finish today, but with all the product to peruse, I think it will be okay. The rest of the classes are making Mothers' Day cards. As part of the design, they have to sew a button on the center of a flower--that is a challenge! It's a hoot to watch them. I'll just say, I love teaching at Carden.
We had Book Club last night. We had read Glenn Beck's book Real America and the discussion was interesting. We had the opportunity to listen to a CD of him talking about his conversion.
He's led an interesting life, and has a great testimony.
Last Sunday we celebrated Gian's Birthday. We all wish you a great year, Gian and enjoy spending those gift cards! The kids busted out the yoyos and tried to learn how to make them work. I think we are lucky no one got injured--parental guidance definitely needed. Sometimes when we have some new thing to do everyone dashes out the front door, laughing and yelling and dancing around, I see the faces of some neighbors at their windows wondering what are those Ashcrafts up to now. It is fun to be so close, and I know that I will miss Sundays at Nana and Papa's when we are at Martin's Cove.
The H3 had the tow hitch on it now, and stronger cables are on the way. Each day we try to accomplish something, as the time draws nearer for us to go. Every day Bob asks, "What else do we have to do?" We'll probably forget something--we always do--but we're working on it!
So Make it a Great week! (even if it is busy)

Come What MAY

April was not the best month for us, so we are glad to see May come. May 1 started off well. Remember that I have missed out on some merchandise that I really wanted at the ALLB Thrift and Vintage Store? Well, yesterday I scored! It was an "extra placement" day for me and I worked 10-4. As I started the day I toured the store to get acquainted with the merchandise. I have been wanting to add to our "everyday" china set (Rosenthal's "Maria White") so I would have enough dinner plates for the 15 of us, for Sunday dinners. Of course, we chose that pattern in 1960, when we got married, so finding it now would be a internet nightmare for me; plus, I don't buy stuff off the internet (old-fashioned geezer that I am). Well, what do you know? There they were, 8 Maria White dinner plates sitting on a shelf in the boutique section. (there were 8 small bread plates, too, but I didn't need those). Right then and there, I told the others that were working, those are meant for me--I'm buying them at 3:30 (when we can shop and buy)!!!
Yipeeeeeee! I got them!!!!!!! Now I can even have a few extra people for Sunday dinner!! Wannna come? :) :)