Canning Day

On Saturday we  borrowed the stake canner and did some dry canning.  My daughter, Lucy, and her family were there to help.  This is what our car looked like loaded down when we left our house in the am.

This is the sweet sight we were greeted with,  Elisie in her mom's arms.

Lucy's husband, Aaron, cooked us chorizo, egg and potato breatkfast burittos.  YUMO!

Here is the group hard at work.  Its amazing what mothers accomplish with an infant in arms!

Ahh, done at last with our goods all canned and boxed up.

Lillian and Anders wanted to show me their dirty feet!

And David needed a nap after our short work day :)

Its Official

Kiersten is engaged to Heath Hart.  They will be married July 18th in the Mesa Temple but will make their home in Brisbane, Australia.  We are happy to add Heath to our family!

Never A Dull Moment

I came home from work one day last week to find this in my living room.  In the 30 years we have been married, I have never seen David iron anything!! It was his day off and he couldn't go golfing.  To David's credit, I can probably count on one hand how many times I have ironed in 30 years :)  Thats what dryers are for!

Easter Sunday

My good friend Ginger, from Lake Havasu City, spent Easter weekend with our family.

After church, we colored Easter Eggs and had an Easter Egg hunt! ( Lucy, Anders, Lilly and Ginger)
Lilly filled her basket with lots of eggs  :)
Anders smashed all his eggs after he got them!
Coloring eggs with the kids thanks to Lucy.
Anders talks up a storm with Grandma.  
Lindsay and her family left before the Easter egg hunt, but here are a couple of videos of Tristan.  He turned one on Saturday!  

Miracle Re-affirmed

In the wake of Natasha Richardson's death, I have been reminded to not take for granted the miracle that occurred with Kimberlee being spared her life.  I talk to her weekly and she has the same smile, same laugh, same positive outlook on life.  She is pregnant and her children will be only 14 months apart.  Nothing like a life and death experience to help you see life's priorities clearer!  

Reflections of General Conference

As I have read and re-read my notes from general conference, my heart has reflected on a few thoughts:

• Life is a race of endurance (Pres. Dieter Uchtdorf)
• The Lord will shape the back to carry the burden (Elder Neil L Andersen, 12 apostles)
• Change is an essential part of life experience (Steven E. Snow, seventy)
• We are never alone (Jeffrey R. Holland, 12 apostles)
• Fear not and be of good cheer, face challenges head on (Pres. Thomas S. Monson)
• There is protection in temple attendance (David Bednar, 12 apostles)
  
• Replace leisure activities with temple work (Gary E. Stevenson, seventy)
• The temple will bring us peace and renewed dedication (Pres. Thomas S. Monson)
  

I will be eagerly awaiting the May Ensign!

Good Form

David wanted me to post a picture of him golfing. This is the best one I could find.....doesn't he look GOOD!!!

David Birdie Putt

David volunteered to drive my mom back to Safford so he could play 2 rounds of golf  with Richard Slade and Lyle Broadhead.  All 3 had birdie putts but David's was the best!    

Change and Passion

Change, even good change, is difficult for me.  My good friend, Donelle Quinn, asked in her blog what we are passionate about.  Pardon me as I take a minute of self reflection.

It has taken me 3 months to begin to accept my new life without children.  This is my analogy of transitioning from mother to empty nester.  

• I spent the last 3 decades being the leading lady; now I have a character role.  It hurts to be downsized.  
• I know my daughters are now wives and mothers themselves, but they are still my daughters.
  
• Mothers say to their children "I want you to be happy".  And I mean that.   What I don't say is I want to be happy too.
• When I visit you I'm not coming to inspect your home, just to see you and your family.
• My dirty little secret:  If I don't get this right, my children will downsize me.
• I cherish every moment with my children and grandchildren now, never taking time with you for granted.

So as I have worked through these feelings, I have come out on the other side appreciating a good marriage, a good job, and good friends.  I am taking this time (the next 3 decades?) to 

• increase my testimony and relationship with the Savior by magnifying my church callings and intensify my study of the scriptures (and other good books), 
• spend more time with my husband and developing our relationship and, 
  
• increase my relationships with family members (children, in laws, grandchildren).
  

Hmmm, my goals are actually the same as they were before, just with a different slant.  

I think I am beginning to develop passion in my life again.