Honors go to....

The other night Pop's and I went to the Orem Junior High to see the Twins receive some honors to finish off their school year. Then after that Ben was off to a barbecue and Chris was off to a dance.Ben excepting his award and Chris walking up behind him. Good job guy!!!!

Today was a great day for a Graduation!

Got up bright and early this morning to go to Sam's Graduation. Picked up Les and then meet Rod, Raquel and boys at the Marriott Center. It was a great day for all of us but especially Rod and Raquel. This meant that all the hours of studying, typing reports, (computer) and tutoring paid off. Way to go Raquel for being a great mom and helping Sam achieve this day. And Rod for all the love, support and encouragement you have given Sam over the years to help him reach this day. This day was definitely one of those pay day days for both of you. I know how very proud you both were as well has Ben and Chris as I heard the, "there he is," 'Where', "Right there behind the girl with the pink Lea." And the whistles and cheers as his name was called and he walked across the floor to get that diploma. It was hard for me to keep back the tears as I saw the tears in Raquel's eyes. Now Ben and Chris just a couple more years and we will be there for your graduation. "Where is the little boy I carried? When did he get to be so tall? Wasn't it yesterday when he was small?" I remember like it was yesterday having Sammy sleep overs. Taking him for walks in the stroller, teaching him to sing twinkle, twinkle little star. Boy where does the time go?
Sam's picture on the big screen as he was presented to receive his diploma. Sam so excited with his graduation gift from us. Papa wanted to make sure he had a camera to take with him on his trip to New York this summer.

Proud Family!!!!

Proud Mom and Dad with their Grad.

Three generations, Rod, Sam, and Nana and Papa.

The three Bro's!!! What a handsome crew!!! I found some quotes about brothers that I thought you might enjoy. "It nice growing up with someone like you - someone to lean on, someone to count on...someone to tell on!~Author Unknown" ;-] " "A brother is a friend who was once a bother." This was one of those days that is etched forever in your heart!!

Congratulations Sam!!!

I can't believe it but it's true. We have a grandson graduating tomorrow! Congratulations Sam!!! Your not coming to an end, but a new beginning. Your closing a chapter in the book of life of your childhood and now your stepping into a new and bigger world of learning, growing and developing skills and talents that will take you into your adult life. These skills will be the vehicle to help you accomplish your dreams and make them a reality. Good luck Sam. Be wise in your choices. Choose good friends, listen to those who have gone on before and may be able to help you avoid the pit falls they may have stumbled upon along their way. We love you and wish you the best.

"Weather" either or!

Hasn't the weather been crazy or what? Sunshine one day, rain or SNOW the next, and then 96 degree weather last Sunday. You never know what your gonna get. I bought flowers for the front yard the other day and thank goodness I got them planted before the rain came AGAIN! Back a month or so ago Ashlyn and I went and enjoyed the morning at Thanksgiving Points Tulip Festival. Tulips are one of my favorite flowers which I plant by our walk way and the past couple of years the deer have eaten them all. This year I got to enjoy only a few before the deer got to them.The colors were magnificent at the festival. Don't you just wish you had all of these in your yard? I'm sure the deer wish I would have planted as many as well. They would have had a feast!Now this is a different Tulip!
I watched a lady who was putting her camera underneath the tulips and snapping a photo, thought I would try it and see what it looked like. Kind of interesting. I put this as my screen saver on my computer and you can really see some detail in the peddles on a larger print.

And some say there is no God, how can anyone say that when you look at the beauties of nature?!?! And he did all of this for us. I love Spring and it was great to enjoy such a beautiful time with my daughter. Thanks Ash!!!

Photos From Our Trip

I thought I had taken a picture of the Berkley Plantation home stead. Home of Benjamin Harris but I guess I didn't, however this is a photo of a canon ball shot into the side of the Plantation home. Can you imagine having to worry about having a canon ball shot at your house?!? Yikes! Inscribed on a plate mounted on the outside wall it reads ...From the attack from General JB Stuart on the Army on the Patomac 1862. I hope your able to tell what that is. Can you make out the cannon ball?
This is the walk way from the home to the gardens and the lake where the family would entertain. It was to early in the spring to see what the gardens must look like but I'm sure they would have been beautiful. They used their English traditions in their homes and gardens.
They would make mazes in their gardens.
Hayden, Papa, and Jaron sitting in the crotch of an old tree that looked like it had Elephantiasis.
Get a load of Hayden's pant legs...the boys were throwing rocks and stick in the lake...what little boy can get that close to water and not go in:-)

From there we go to Colonial Williamsburg. What a beautiful historical place. It's like stepping back in time and expecting to see John Adams, George Washington, any of those founding fathers walking down the road. We did see Benedict Arnold, the handsome young man on the far left riding up to warn the people about the conditions of the government. (Maybe things weren't so different back then). They enact scenes from the past in the streets all the time and you can tell the people you meet there love the history of our country and their state. They love depicting what took place all those many years ago. Look at the homes along the street, many are rented by people who actually live there, but, their homes have to appear as though no one were there. I asked Jeramy and Rebecca, "why would you want to live in a home where it had to appear as if no one were there?" They said, "it's people who love history and living in the past." Rebecca and some of her friends run through the square when they go running on week ends because there is little to no traffic and it's just a peaceful beautiful place to run.

The people's attire for their day.
The Governor's Palace.

This give you a feel for the colors they used back then, decorative wall papers and floor coverings.
Quite busy don't you think? But we have to remember they didn't have any electricity only candles and oil lamps and they had to do something to brighten their surroundings.


And this is the mode of travel back then. It took them days if not months to get from place to place and I complain that it took us a day to get from Salt Lake to Virginia!! I take so very much for granted!!

Rebecca's friend told us we had to go and see Patrick Henry. She said if you don't you'll regret it. She actually has a crush on the man who plays Patrick Henry. He was amazing, he could answer any question someone threw at him. And you could tell he knew Patrick Henry almost as well as Henry himself. Patrick Henry was the most famous orator of the Revolution. He delivered dramatic speeches which kindled the spark of liberty in colonial Virginians and was, according to Thomas Jefferson, "far above all in maintaining the spirit of the Revolution." As a member of the Virginia patriotic convention, he helped draft the State's constitution and bill of rights. He became Virginia's first Governor, but, he was best know for his most famous speech of the Revolution, "Gentlemen may cry peace, peace - but there is not peace. The war is actually begun...Is life so dear, or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!" For any of you who get the chance to visit Virginia and Colonial Williamsburg visiting Patrick Henry is a must!!!
this is inside the Capitol. The walls were covered with guns and rifles. You see the British seal.
Les and I being punished for being bad in the stockade. I would have really been in trouble because I wasn't tall enough to kneel down. There is so much more to Colonial Williamsburg that I can't even begin to do it justice. The foundations mission is : To help the future learn from the past by preserving and restoring the 18th-century Williamsburg, and by engaging, informing, and inspiring people as they learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse people who helped shape our new nation. It is amazing!!!
The next day Rebecca, Hayden, Jaron, Les and I went to Jamestown. Back to the time of Indian Villiages and Soldiers of this area.
These are the type of dewelling the Indians had back then. Hayden and Jaron didn't really like the smell inside the huts....Hmmmm. Hayden sitting on one of the beds covered with skins.
Jaron demonstrating how the Indians ground their corn. Papa and Hayden working on a deer skin.



The mighty Soldiers...and warriors!

One of the modes of transportation for the Solders.

We ended our tour in Charlottesville Virginia at the beautiful home of Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States. It was a cold rainy day but it didn't dampen our spirits and we enjoyed it very much. Thomas Jefferson once wrote, " All my wishes end where I hope my days will end, at Monticello." and in touring this beautiful edifice we can understand why. Monticello was Thomas Jefferson's home for the remaining fifty six years of his life. He spent forty years designing it, building it, tearing it apart, redesigning it, and putting it back together again. He loved the house and it's property, and knew the name of every tree planted on its grounds. And if one of his trees died he knew it. He used his own kilns to bake the more then half-million bricks he used in the various stages of construction. While serving as Minister to France, he filled almost a hundred crates with furniture and various works of art for the many rooms at Monticello. While in France he would collect fruit trees and bring them with him on his long boat trips home. When Mr. Jefferson was President of the United States, he would long for his home at Monticello and whenever possible would make that long four day trip there from Washington. Life was uncomfortable and difficult in the early years of construction especially for his wife Martha, who had to live in the house that in her lifetime was never finished. She had to tolerate unfinished walls and roof, being subjected to severe cold winds, brick and plaster dust, all while bearing six children in ten years, having lost four of them, until her death in 1782 at the age of thirty three. When you visit Monticello you see that Jefferson was way beyond his time in his ability to draft the plans and construct this beautiful home. I could go on and on but you just have to see it first hand and experience it yourselves to appreciate it. Thomas Jefferson passed away at the age of 83, July the 4th 1826 was was the 50th anniversary of the signing of the declaration of Independence. It was also a coincidence that Jefferson died on the same day as his friend John Adams. Both died of causes attributed to old age.
Brynlee and I trying to keep dry as we walked about the gardens and property at Monticello. She is growing up so much and turning into such as sweet and beautiful young women.

We walked down to the place where Jefferson and his family were buried. Thomas Jefferson had made a note of what he wanted on his Headstone. He wrote that he had been President of the United states but wished simply to be most remembered for founding the University of Virginia, for writing the Declaration of Independence, and Virginia's Act of Religious Freedom, and last of all the date of his death. There are many relatives and friends buried there. I found it interesting, if you can read the first name in the inscriptions in the photo. Anne Cary Bankhead (Grand daughter). We have Bankheads in our Genealogy. My Great, Grandmother was a Bankhead. I will have to see if Anne Cary might be related.
Here's Isaac beside the sculpture of Thomas Jefferson. Bryn and Isaac were in school most of the time we were there but Mom and Dad let them stay home from school and go with us to Monticello. We were so glad to be able to spend some one on one time with them while the little boys had play day with their friends. We played games in the car all the way to Monticello and sang songs on the way back. It was great!
And heres our missionary in training! Doesn't he look handsome in his new suit! He was so excited to wear his new suit especially because it had a secret inside pocket in the jacket:-) Even at his young age he is a great little missionary. They have many neighbors who are not LDS and they love Jeramy, Rebecca and their family which is mutual on their part. Isaac invited all their neighborhood friends to his baptism. There were three non member families there to witness Isaac's special day with him.
Isaac was so excited to have his Dad baptise him.
A proud Mom and Dad, and a proud Nana and Papa.

Papa and I are so thankful that we had the opportunity to make this trip. It was so fun visit all the wonderful historic place that are there, but most of all, it was great to spend time with Jeramy and Rebecca, and create some memories with our grand babies. Hopefully they will carry these memories with them throughout their life. Knowing they have a Nana and a Papa that love them very much. We have wonderful memories of bike rides, paying games, singing songs and just plan having fun together. We look forward to more of those time in the near future. Let me tell you there were many tears shed as we said our good-byes. And it was so hard to load up our car and drive away. That's the worst part! Les kept telling me not to dwell on the good-bye, but to feel happy for the time we were able to spend with them. And that's true. We had a wonderful time!!! Thanks Jer and Bec for being such great host and hostess to us, fixing us wonderful meals, packing us lunches and being wonderful tour guides!

"Pippin"

Before we left for our trip we had a great experience. We went to see the Play Pippin . Presented by the Timpanogas High School Productions Company. I really didn't know that much about Pippin but our grand son Sam was the "Headless Man" in the play. In case you are as clueless about Pippin as I was let me share with you a little part from the Director's Notes...Pippin is on a search for the meaning of life. As we all are. Pippin shows us so powerfully what is really meaningful in life...what is truly valuable. As a child of the sixties who was part of a generation "trying to find" itself, Pippin's story and music always touch my heart. Also as a parent and a teacher I have come to know that finding the "right track" is the most difficult thing a teenager has to do. Hopefully by the end of the evening we all will have learned from Pippin's search for complete fulfilment.

We are so proud of Sam. He has such a passion for the theater and arts. We all need to find something that we are passionate about. Something that makes us excited to get up in the morning, something that puts a smiles on our face and fills us with energy. Bravo Sam. You did a great job! We love you!

Sam and Rod...The proud Dad.

Guess Where We Are?

We are in beautiful Williamsburg Virgina!!!! We got here a week ago today and sad to say we are leaving today. Jeramy and Rebecca, mostly Rebecca has been a great tour guide. Jer has had to work most of the time we've been here, which we understand completely. We've been to Colonial Williamsburg where we listened to Patrick Henry tell about his day and foresee things of the future as well as listened to Benedict Arnold warn the people about the government. We've been to the Berkley Plantation where Benjamin Harris who was one of the Presidents of the United States was born and later went back to live there. We went to James town to visit the settlements and the Indian village. We went to Thomas Jefferson's beautiful Monticello. But the thing that was most important was visiting with our kids and grand kids and renewing our relationship with them, and the most importantly witnessing Isaac's baptism. Stay tune because there will be more about our trip as well as photos when we return home.

Extra Extra Read all about it.

Monday I was getting ready along with Les to go to the dentist to have our teeth cleaned when the phone rang. It was Ashlyn, she asked if I would like to go to Salt Lake with her to hear Keagan and her orchestra play at...drum roll...Abravanel Hall! Hmmmm, dentist or Keagan, dentist or Keagan? That was not a hard choice to make it was Keag's hands down. The kids were AMAZING!!! Keagan like the old Beetles song just keeps getting so much better all the time. I'm so glad that she loves music, it makes it so much easier to practice:-) I hope she will always stay as sweet as she is right now. Good job Keagan!

Call To Serve.

This past week has been a week of good byes. Our friends Patsy and Doug Adams have been called to the Sacramento California Mission. Years ago we said that we would go on our missions together requesting the same mission. This is when the possibility of going was still way out there in the distant future. Doug and Patsy and I retired last year leaving the youngest of the bunch (Les) still working. Well did they ask our permission or decide to wait for Les to retire to go? NO!!! We went out to dinner with them last Monday. Saturday night I made cookies and we went to their open house farewell, and then Sunday night we went to their setting apart. They were given beautiful blessings and the Stake President gave them and their children great counsel. Many tears were shed by their children and grand children. Some sobbed uncontrollably. How hard it would be to leave your home, your children, and especially those grand babies for a year and a half of your life, just when you are at a stage in your life when you can travel and do the things you want. What would make a couple do this? Many people may view it as sheer and utter craziness. But for Patsy and Doug and many other couples it is because they feel so blessed and they want to give back to our Heavenly Father by serving his children. They have already started to witness blessings in their lives from this decision to serve, let me share with you an email I received from them...Loved Ones: As we get closer to leaving for Sacramento, we are getting pretty dang nervous. This past Monday night however, we experienced yet another MIRACLE in our lives. Drew (their grandson and Cody's son) and his friend were in a terrible 4 wheeler accident in a remote part of Mona. It's a long story, but here's the amazing outcome. Darrell, Drew's friend, was driving. They hit a huge iron gate. (It was dark and no, they weren't wearing helmets.) Drew was basically scalped, broke a wrist, lost a front tooth. He required stiches in his lip and several staples to reattach his scalp. Darrell lost all of his front teeth, has multiple facial fractures and a broken arm. They placed a tracheostomy yesterday in preparation for the facial reconstruction. This is a miracle: Drew was unconscious, but Darrell, with all of his injuries, was able to call his sister on his cell phone to tell her where they were!! If he hadn't have been able to do this, no one would have started looking for some time. Cody is on the Search and Rescue Team for the county, and he would have been the one to find them. Frankly, they probably wouldn't have been alive. WE ARE SO GRATEFUL!!! I was able to assist the Doc in ER (Patsy is a nurse) - It kept me in a clinical mode, but to be honest, I was so amazed that neither boy had spinal injuries or skull fractures, I wasn't even nervous or that upset. Drew only had to be in the hospital for one night. We are all praying for Darrell as he starts his long journey to recovery, but feel so blessed that it is what it is and not what it could have been. I am so humbled by Drew's life that I really want to serve this mission. Love Doug and Pats. Patsy and Doug entered the MTC (Missionary Traning Center) this past Monday and will leave for Sacremento California a week from today.

The Lord blesses his faithful. Les and I look forward to the day that we too can serve the Lord.

The Month of the Blaws

If you hadn't noticed I haven't felt like blogging anything because of the dreary, drab weather we've been having in the month of February. It has been one year since I retired. WOW, I can't believe that time goes by so fast, but when I was working the weather really didn't effect me that much. I was always inside where there were little to no windows to see out of so I didn't know what the weather was like until I walked outside to go home. By that time it was starting to get dark. Being home everyday and looking out to see dark sky's, and drizzling rain can really put you in a funk. Somedays I really had to make myself get dressed, do my hair and look presentable, for what and whom, well at least Les. Sunday was no different it was bleak looking outside, but I looked out the window and what did I see?!?! No, not popcorn popping on the apricot tree but pretty darn close. My daffodiles are starting to push through the ground!!! Wahoo!! Spring is just around the corner! So all of you who feel like I do there is hope smiling brightly before us, there really will be an end to winter!