Oh! What do you do in the summer time? You play music, ride a train, ride a bucking bull, milk a cow, discover the states, read stories, watch puppet shows, and so much more! Audrey has a family pass to the highly interactive Tree House Museum, located in down town Ogden and this was a good, good day to go there. The kids had a blast!
April 3 - Cherry blossom freeze
It got cold enough last night to freeze a bunch of cherry blossoms. Where you see the brown on the petals is where the frost hit. So much for a full crop of cherries this year.
Sky gazing
I got up early early in the morning to snap a picture of the full lunar eclipse. Cool!
April 5 - Three for Three
Two - Easter. It was a last minute plan. We colored Easter eggs, ate our traditional ham and funeral potatoes dinner, complete with dutch oven peach cobbler. The kids hunter for Easter eggs filled with money, and rolled eggs down the hill.
Three - General Conference. Today was extra special because it was General Conference. I loved the talks, as usual and can't wait to study each one.
April 6 - Mom's pancake bowl
I use mom's pancake bowl just like she did. It's the perfect way to water house plants. It has dark yellow stain streaks running down the sides from years of use by mom. I love my watering can!
April 7 - Final Day
Dave officially retired from the Army on April 4, 2015. And today, he is turning all his gear in. And, another chapter begins.
April 8 - James
This adorable little guy is 13 weeks old today. He loves being held, is starting to reach for things, drools, and always has a smile. He is such a joy. I love James!
April 9 - Yard
When a storm moves in, it cools everything down, smells fresh and new, and the lawn turns a deep green. I love the rain and cool spring weather right now.
Play day at Grandma's
Audrey went to a dentist appointment and I got to watch the kiddos. They always have a ball in grandma's room. There's plenty of room to run and play.
April 11 - Yard work
Today was dedicated to yard and orchard work. Dave planted some new trees, burned branches, and pruned the wisteria on the pergola. I enjoyed sitting outdoors, smelling all the fragrances that come with spring... burning branches, fresh turned dirt, rain.
April 12 - Blessing Day
It was so dang cold today, but the sun was out shining and it was a glorious day for a baby blessing. James was blessed by his daddy today. Afterwards, we went to the park and had a picnic. It was wonderfully good! Audrey and Mike were perfect hosts. They had bought meat and cheese trays with all the fixings for sandwiches. There were chips, drinks, salads, and dozens of cookies.
Audrey's family was well represented. Kelsey's family, myself and Dave, Greg's family which included Shaniel's kids, and Connie and Gary. Mike's family was represented by his parents and sister's family.
April 13 - Grandkids
I stopped by Audrey's for a visit today. The kiddos climbed all over me. And... I love it! James is such a handsome little fellow. So good. So loved!
April 14 - Spring Snow Storm
It was cold enough for snow. And the snow flakes were huge. If I can't have spring rain, the snow will do. It was so pretty.
April 15 - Bird Tracks
I walked out the door of the garage today and saw these bird tracks. So cool!
April 17 - Alia
Alia practiced her songs and dance at home and as well prepared to do her part in the end of school year program. She danced a Chinese dance in the play of Tikki Tikki Tembo. She was the star of the program as far as grandma is concerned.
After Alia got home from school, we went to the pond at Lee's. The kids love to feed the ducks and chase after them. Alia is doing a good job at imitating them.
April 23 - Vintage Trailer Farewell
Dave sold his parent's vintage house trailer today. It sold within hours of posting it on ksl classifieds. Love the colors of the 1960's!
Red Tractor Farewell
The red tractor sold just as quick. It was the first tractor Dave bought. He bought it in 1994, the year we got married. It was hard to see it go. It was either buy a new engine for it or let it go. Dave decided to let it go. Sad!
April 25 - A Walk for Shaniel
Today, Celeste, Miss Carbon County, hosted a walk for Shaniel. She named it "Walk a Mile in her Shoes", a national slogan on Domestic Violence Awareness. It was very nice. A few family members and many dedicated friends came and honored Shaniel. Amie shared a few thoughts and memories. We wrote messages to Shaniel on purple balloons and released them in the air before we walked down the Price River Trail. One of Amie's friend's from Huntington, a survivor of Domestic Violence, participated in the walk. That touched my heart. The many months of hospitalization and dozens of surgeries have helped her recover physically. It was a miracle! Our hearts and prayers continue to be with her in the months and years ahead as she heals emotionally from the abuse she endured.
Natalie surprised me and we walked and talked our way down the path. I was saddened to hear that Jimmy and Marilyn lost their baby girl just hours before. Life is so full of troubles and trials. My heart goes out to them. It's hard to lose a child, at any age. Grieving becomes very much a part of your life. You think about the memories, and then the sorrow, and then the joy that awaits when you are reunited with them once again. Oh... I can't wait. Eventhough I am thankful for every breath and day I live. And I am thankful for my children and grandchildren and the joy that they bring to my life. Death doesn't seem so scary to me. I know how full my joy will be when I step to the other side and hug my dear sweet daughter again. And... mom and dad. I look forward to such a glorious reunion.
Lilacs
I have always loved lilacs. Purple lilacs. Not only for their fragrance in the early spring, but because they bring back such good memories of home and mom. Mom loved lilacs. We had a large purple lilac bush in our front yard. Every spring, for Memorial Day, mom picked a bucket of purple lilacs to take to grandma and grandpa Bentley's graves. She faithfully did this every single year. I love that memory with my mother. Now... I pick purple lilacs. For mom. And for Shaniel. Purple was Shaniel's favorite color. And, oh... the smell! So exquisite.
April 27 - Kids Books
Audrey's family has been packing up their belongings the last couple of weeks, and today they started moving into their new home. Alia was a big help to mommy and packed the kids books. She even labeled the contents.
Their new home is a new town house with stairs! Oh... how excited the kids are to have stairs. The girls share a room, and the boys share a room. The complex has a kids park, a community club house with workout room, and a pool. And the best part about it... no maintenance and no yard work! Mike can concentrate on his business and school without the worry of doing extra stuff.
April 28 - Farewell dear friends, farewell!
Two of my dearest friends in the whole world are moving away. Mac and Peggy Ray are moving to Pleasant Grove to be closer to a daughter. I am going to miss them so much! Tonight, a member of the ward hosted a farewell for two of the most loved people in the ward and community.
Peggy and I have been visiting teaching partners since I moved to the Willard First Ward almost 5 years ago. We supported each other through thick and thin. We looked after and cared for each other and the sisters on our beat. She always wore a smile on her face and was so optimistic about life. I will never forget the first Sunday I went to church right after Shaniel's death. She was there with tissue and hugs. Sitting next to her provided much needed comfort and love. She, herself, having lost a young son in a car accident, knew how to comfort on a very painful and sorrowful day. Peggy served many years as a city council member, served as a R.S. President and was one of my closest friend's. I love her!
Mac has been a faithful home teacher and friend since we moved into the ward. He was always just a phone call away. I could depend on him for anything. He reminded me so much of dad. His large upper chest, his demeanor, the way he talked and counseled me, his tenderness, his faithfulness, his friendship. I will never forget him.
I seldom tear up when I part ways with people. But these two were different. They were true friends in the most genuine way. Our friendship has been forged for the eternities. How thankful I am for these good people that came into my life!
Month in Review
1 comment:
I love the picture of the kids climbing on you. You look very happy.
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