the lott of us

It is June June june

2011-06-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous day. I have been outside enjoying it all day. Now I am tired and resting inside for a while although I wish I had the stamina to just keep going. My yard is starting to look how I want it. I usually choose a color scheme for my flowers and this year I choose reds and purples and oranges. They are bold colors and I decided I needed that this year. They have survived the cold windy days and hopefully will grow now that it is warming up. I think I have a flower addiction. I want to buy more and more. Then it turns into work and I wonder what I was thinking. I actually left some pots empty this year. We will see if it lasts.
I am reading "Atlas Shrugged". It is one of those books that when people ask me if I have read it I usually say yes thinking I have. But I wasn't really sure and I didn't really remember anything about it. Now that I am reading it I am positive I have not read it. But it is one of those books I think I should read so I am. All 1168 pages of it. It is slow going since I have been reading things like "City of Bones" and other fun stuff. But I will plow through it because I think I should! I want to pick up Lisa Bloom's book "Think" and read it too.
My motto in life "so many books, so little time"

May: Where is Spring?

2011-05-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

It is so cold and windy here today and it has caused me to be lethargic all day. My motivation involves outside things right now so when I can't be outside I feel frustrated and can't think of things to do inside. You would think with all the activities we have that I would relish a day with nothing to do, but instead I feel bored and restless. I think I need to find something fun to do that is just for me-- a crafty class or something. It has to be something for which I don't have to have take too much responsibility because that just stresses me out. But something fun would be nice. Just what is it?

We had such a wonderful time in Iowa and Nauvoo for the wedding festivities. So happy for Eric and Cara and their new life together. The sealing was so wonderful, very moving and a memorable spiritual event. We love the Pence family and had a great time with them. Wish we lived closer to them, I know we would be good friends.
We have a BBQ planned here for Memorial Day for the Singles Branch. I hope the weather warms up a little by Monday. We are planning for about 100. Should be fun. Hopefully I will be able to get something done tomorrow! If the wind would stop blowing!!

Happy Birthday to Cooper!

2011-02-14T15:55:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Cooper's 13th birthday a little early. His birthday is Feb 16th. It was a fun afternoon and he is a fine young man. I told him I hope his brain doesn't short circuit now that he is a teenager because he has been such a good kid. He assured me he hopes the same thing.

Jordan and Heather
Cooper
Carson
Kent and Kathy Bartholomew
Anna Gershner

January

2011-01-19T17:49:00.000-08:00

Keeping up with my blog is hard for me for some reason. I used to write in my journal once a week and usually I just wrote about what was happening in my life. It wasn't profound writing, but I could look at past journals and keep track of my life. I am not very good at remembering things any more and I like it better if I write it down. I have been negligent with my journals this last year so I probably won't remember anything that happened in 2010.
So I will recap a few things.
Stan is still branch President of the Jerome 9th Single Adult Branch. He has a new counselor, Ron Buhler. Lynden Mower is the other counselor. We enjoy our calling and are so so busy with the activities and lives of the young adults in our branch.
Eric got engaged to Cara Pence and they are getting married on May 3, 2011. She is the perfect girl for him and we love her so much. We hosted an engagement party for them on December 11th. Cara went to the Twin Falls Temple Dec 10th to receive her endowments. Her family came from Iowa and we had such a wonderful time with them at both events. We are so excited for the wedding events. Eric left for St. Eustatius Medical School in January and he is doing well there.
Our grandson, Gavin McKay, was born on December 3rd to Jordan and Heather. He is a beautiful boy with wide eyes. He was small, just 6 lbs 4 oz, but he is growing and doing well. Carson is a chattering happy boy and seems to be adjusting to his little brother.
Bethany is working hard at BYU. She moved into a new apartment this semester and likes it a lot. Her schedule is difficult but she is managing.
Anna and Tamio are busy with two adorable boys and their work and church. I wish I were closer to them but we manage to see them often. Everyone was here for the engagement party and that was a very special time.

It is now January. We said goodbye to Eric then made a stop in Logan to see Grandma Kolster, who was in the hospital. She is doing better and is now back home. Beth started school again. We had a Chinese dinner with the branch and a Chinese New year celebration at Family Home Evening. I was in charge of the games and we had a fun time. We have several young people that the missionaries are teaching and a baptism scheduled this week. The Branch is always growing and changing.
We saw the BYU Young Ambassadors in concert this week and enjoyed that.
It was my Dad's birthday on the 13th. I still have a hard time around this time of year. He passed away on Christmas Eve three years ago. We all still miss them so much.
Ok. I have entered a few things that will help me when someone asks me questions like what day was the engagement party or what year was Gavin born. I am doing better.

2010-11-17T12:27:00.000-08:00

We said goodbye to our beloved cat Ashes this week. I am stunned by my level of grief associated with her loss. She was 17 years old. Beth was four years old when she picked her from a litter and brought her home. We named her Ashes because she had a grey smudge on her nose. She was mostly black and white; a Jellicle Cat, as Beth would say. She was supposed to be an outside cat but as Beth continued to smuggle her in the house she quickly adjusted to the life of luxury. She loved to go outside though, and was a fierce huntress. Mice and birds were not safe in our yard. She was not intimidated by the dogs and no matter how many other cats joined our family through the years, and there were a lot of them, she was the matriarch and they soon learned their place. She had several litters of kittens and we loved it when new kittens came. Her favorite place to have her kittens was in an empty aquarium in the basement. She once had them on my closet floor and we brought the kids in to watch the amazing miracle of birth. The kittens grew up, were given away, ran away or who knows what, but Ashes endured. She was street savvy as she accompanied us on walks. With her tail straight in the air she would follow us down the rough road or along the barrow pit, then turn around when we did and come home. I knew what she wanted by her meow. Sometimes I think she said "hi".

The last few months she had become blind but she learned to find her way around the house most of the time. She would cry and it worried me because I didn't know if it was confusion or pain. Sometimes she would go out on the deck and lay in the sun, but mostly she was curled up on our bed sleeping. She never went upstairs until Beth came home and then she always found her way to Beth's room.

I haven't really even told anyone that she died except our family. Somehow saying "Our cat died today" sounds silly. Perhaps I am afraid of the reactions. "It's just a cat." or "It's not like she was a person." I know there are people who love pets who will understand but I don't know who is who and I can't talk about it without getting emotional so I have kept it to myself.

But it feels like I have lost a member of my family. She was funny and clever and warm. She was loyal and feisty. But mostly she was just always here and now she is gone.

I know she is happy in cat heaven. I keep telling myself she is better where she is. I know she is. But I am not. I am grieving. And there is a little indent on the bottom of my bed where she used to sleep.

2010-11-05T11:25:00.000-07:00

Happy news! Eric and Cara are engaged. I am thrilled for them and looking forward to all the wedding stuff. It will be a Spring wedding!

It is already November. Someone recently told me they just don't have any concept of time anymore. I kind of feel like that. A great misconception I had was that I would have more free time after my children left home. Nope. Our calling in the Single Adult Branch keeps us as busy as if we had a household of children. Sometimes we do. We had a group here last Saturday night for Halloween and it was fun. They keep us young I guess.

I started a project to remove some wallpaper in the dining room. After I got started I wondered what I was thinking. It was hard work and of course a bigger job than I anticipated. I got it finished yesterday after painting for two more days. It looks nice but is one of those things probably no one will even notice. Anyway I like it better. I ordered new blinds for the windows, too. It updated the look a little from the 80's maroon and green. Stan went Steelhead fishing for a couple of days and I did it while he was gone. My hands hurt when I use them a lot and I am suffering from that but otherwise happy I did it.

August

2010-08-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

I am going to recommit to keeping up on my blog. I think it is for two reasons. I have been so negligent about writing in my journal and I spend too much time reading Facebook posts from people I don't really care about that much. I decided I would much rather read people's blogs and then only the ones that belong to family and close friends. I don't think I spend a huge amount of time online but maybe more than I should.

July was a crazy month for us. We had the family reunion, then the next Friday and Saturday we went rafting with the YSA branch for two days. Even though it was lots of fun, it is also a lot of work and Stan and I were so tired by the time we got home we could hardly move. But we were up again Sunday, a day of church, a fireside that night and on to Monday and FHE, then Tuesday night interviews for Stan, a boating activity the following Saturday..and on and on. We have never been busier in our lives. It is a fun calling and very rewarding but sometimes I am sooooo tired. Somehow I wake up in the morning with the energy to go on another day. Everyone says it helps keep us young. We will see. We do love the 9th Branch and the wonderful young adults who attend. The joy does outweigh the tiredness.

2010-06-23T12:24:00.000-07:00

One more Music Man picture.

The Music Man

2010-05-11T10:56:00.001-07:00

After 3 intense months, the Music Man production at Jerome High School is over. It actually went really well even though as short as a week ago we were not too sure how it was going to turn out. Somehow everything comes together and the show was wonderful! I like working on the costumes and I think I say every year that this is the last year I am going to do it, but then I do it again. It is rewarding and exciting to see it all finished. I liked the concept that we used this year. We started out all the costumes in tan and brown tones and didn't add color until Harold Hill came to introduce the boy's band to River City. Then we started adding color to certain costumes until by the end everyone was wearing bright colors. Even the scenery went from drab to bright. It was really cool. I also liked that many of the minor characters had interesting costumes. I always think it adds to the show if every character feel like they are needed and important. Kudos to Mr Brown and Mrs. Palmer and others who have made the music and theater departments at Jerome High School so wonderful.

Oct and Nov

2009-11-11T15:57:00.000-08:00

Everyone was together for Carson's blessing!

It was also Halloween weekend and Enzo and Kobe were cute as Max from "Where The Wild Things Are".

It was a fun and busy weekend. We took family pictures Saturday morning, went to the trunk or treat in the evening then got up Sunday, went to Kimberly for the baby blessing and then had dinner here afterward for the families.

It was great having the family here together although I always miss my mom and dad more at times

like these.

Carson was adorable and well behaved for his blessing.

Another Grandson

2009-10-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

I haven't written on my blog since February. I think Facebook has taken the place of blogging for me. Maybe I will only have to post when a new baby arrives. Carson Adelbert Lott was born Sept 29, 2009. He was 8 lbs and 20 inches. I am thrilled with another grandson. He is beautiful.

I think I look the same in every picture where I am holding a new grandchild.

More is Better

2009-03-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

We are happy to welcome Kobe Thomas to the world. He was born Feb 19th. I was happy to be in Florida for his birth. He is a beautiful addition to Tamio and Anna's little family. Enzo loves him and wants to kiss him all the time. It was sad to leave them all to come home but hopefully it won't be long before we see them again!

Idaho Hosts Special Olympics

2009-02-07T16:09:00.001-08:00

We had the opportunity to be a host family for some of the Special Olympic athletes who were here for the World Special Olympic games. Our group was from Panama and they were the Floor Hockey team. They don't have ice in many countries so they play hockey indoors. Our athletes were Moises, Cesar, and Marcos. They were really fun. We took them sightseeing, to the planetarium and the museum. Thank goodness Eric was here to translate for us because they did not speak any English. It was a great experience and we grew so fond of them. Hopefully we can make it to Boise to see one of their games this week.

They enjoyed watching some base jumpers at the Perrine Bridge.
The whole team went out for Pizza and then to

a basketball game at CSI. There were other

teams there and they introduced them at

half time and they got to walk around the floor

and wave. They had a great time doing that

and loved the game and the cheerleaders!

Frosty Morning

2009-01-17T10:08:00.000-08:00

Mother Nature spent the night frosting the landscape!

More Christmas Photos

2009-01-06T09:24:00.001-08:00

Here are a few more pictures from our Christmas vacation. The polar bear club below rolled in the snow before jumping in the hot tub.

All bundled up

Cute Eric and Enzo

Tamio and Enzo enjoying the horses

Heather and Jordan

Christmas

2008-12-30T15:51:00.000-08:00

We had a snowy Christmas vacation at Snow Basin, Utah. One report said that 62 inches of snow had fallen in Liberty, which is close to where we were. The guys went skiing on Christmas Day in a blizzard. They said they were skiing blind but Stan said it was 'awesome'! Those of us who are fair weather skiers stayed warm and dry in our cabin. It was fun having Enzo around even though he was sick and not feeling his best. He enjoyed the sleigh ride because of the horses. It was pretty cold.
Heather and I up to our waist in snow....ok, we were on our knees, but it was deep.
My beautiful snow bunnies
What a view
Christmas Eve at Snow Basin. They had a ski torch parade down the mountain with Santa leading the way and then fireworks.

2008-12-08T20:15:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed Thanksgiving weekend. Kerry and Dave and their family came; Nick, Linda and Mercedeez; Tom, Rhonda, and Ava; Jocelyn, Luke and Anika, McKenzie, Lilli, and Zack;

Janell and Bryce and their family came from Utah. Clint, Caroline, Jacque and Kate came with them. We had Jordan and Heather, Eric and Beth. Tamio and Anna and Enzo were in Florida so we missed them. I really missed my parents. They say the firsts are hard and they were right. It just didn't seem the same. Getting used to change is difficult.

I can't believe that the only pictures we took the whole weekend were of the annual Turkey Bowl. They had fun as they do every year.

2008-11-11T15:12:00.000-08:00

Cute Darth Vader and his Jedi dad.

Fun with Enzo

2008-11-05T12:54:00.000-08:00

It was great to have a little trick or treater here. Even though Enzo didn't have a clue about getting candy, he loved walking along in his costume, seeing the other kids and picking up leaves. He is such a delightful little guy. It made Halloween fun for us.

We had fun playing in the leaves, too.

Fun Fall Events

2008-11-03T10:52:00.000-08:00

It was great to have my sisters here for a fun day. Janell came from Utah and Sharyn came from Boise and Marcy and I and they went to the Twin Falls temple together. Kerry was not able to go to the temple because she had an accident while riding horses
Hence, the cast on her foot. She had surgery and is laid up for a while. She hobbled in to meet us for dinner, though.

It was fun being with my sisters and celebrating our mother's birthday which is in October.Janell stayed until Saturday and everyone came for Root beer floats. It is another family tradition we want to keep in force now that mom and dad are gone.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-24T15:54:00.001-07:00

Our Maple tree has been especially colorful this fall. I almost waited too long to get a picture of it. Most of the leaves are on the ground now and we have some work to do. Last night Stan loaded up most of the patio furniture and stored it away. I felt kind of sad to be putting things away, but I know winter is on its way.
It has been beautiful the last few days and quite warm in the afternoon. These are special days. I don't know why I have some dread for winter to come. I usually like winter but this year I am hoping it stays away a little longer. I am trying to enjoy everything about the Autumn.

Happy Birthday Enzo

2008-10-13T11:01:00.000-07:00

Stan and I took Enzo and his parents

and Uncle Eric on a birthday outing to the aviary in Liberty Park. Enzo loved the birds, although he called them all "duck". He also likes to mimic the sounds they make. It is so fun to see his curious mind at work. He is quite the little explorer!

Anna waited until we returned from San Diego to have a birthday party for Enzo's first birthday.

Almost all children are a little confused at their first birthday, but they catch on quick. He seemed to have fun. The rest of us had fun, too.

Beth and Jordan and Heather and Eric were there too so it was a fun family get together. I hope the 12th grandchild will get this same attention! Did you all hear that? 12!!!

It was also General Conference weekend and Stan and I attended the Saturday morning session in the conference center. It was our first time to attend conference there so it was exciting. We had a good laugh because when we were going in we heard a man say, "Oh, I thought it would be bigger." He was being sarcastic but it was funny. It really is a huge building! I kind of get claustrophobic..or something like it. It happens to me when I am with a lot of people in big spaces as well as in small spaces. I kind of got that while we were waiting for conference to start. I sort of hyperventilate . I can usually calm myself and I was able to do that, but I get the feeling that I have to bolt for the door any second. It went away after conference started and I started to think of something else. It is just a weird phobia I have and isn't usually too serious. Anyway, conference was just wonderful. I always learn so much and feel so uplifted and ready to improve my life. They really focused on finding peace in troubled times which is what we all need.
Saturday afternoon

Anna made dinner, a great chicken recipe, homemade rolls, and an adorable Nemo birthday cake. She went all out which probably did her in! But it was delicious and great to have everyone together.

Here are the adult men in my life, Stan, Eric, Jordan and Tamio; ready for the Priesthood session on Saturday night. The girls just stayed home and relaxed while they were gone.

October

2008-10-07T16:43:00.000-07:00

This is our new friend that we met at the Wild Animal Park in San Diego. It was a nice trip and Stan humored me by attending ALL the animal parks in San Diego. I especially enjoyed feeding the animals! If I lived here I would want to work at this park. They do a lot of research and education and conservation. This was definitely a highlight. I also loved the beach of course, and we had fun at some tide pools, and visited a few historical sites. We also had a fun visit with cousins, Carma, Pat and Hadley and family.

These Rhinos come right up to the truck for apples. They are impressive!

September was full of events. We watched Cooper play football. He looks pretty tough!
We celebrated Heather's Birthday this month and also attended Brook Thurston's wedding. She was a beautiful bride. It was nice to see all of Sharyn's family and to be part of a happy event.
Beth, Heather and Jordan at the wedding brunch.

There were a lot of Branch activities this month. We did baptisms and it was wonderful to be able to go to Twin Falls. We also attended the sealing of a great couple in the branch, Kyle and Jessica Okelberry. The other fun event was the Etiquitte dinner which was held at our home. We had chicken couredon blue with lemon sauce, salad,rolls, baked potatoes, green beans and this amazing dessert creation. Jenny Bingham and I were in charge and it all turned out really good. We enjoy serving in the Young Single Adult Branch and they keep us busy with lots of activities.

Linda Clark, Jenny Bingham and Stan, serving up some calories!

September is here

2008-09-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

I decided it was about time I caught up on some of the activities of our family. Where did the summer go? Oh...when I think about all we were doing I think I know. We had three trips to Utah. One for the Freedom Run, which is a charity event for car enthusiasts, sponsored by Luxe. Basically you just go for a drive in a very nice car. It was fun and great to hang out with Eric, Anna and Tamio and Enzo and their friends.

Here are some of the cars travelling down Immigration Canyon

Then we made another trip to Logan. My nephew and niece, Tom and Rhonda, had their little girl, Ava, sealed to them. They waited a long time for the adoption to be final so it was a joyous occasion.

On a sad note, my niece Jocelyn and her husband Luke, lost their little baby, Zander, shortly after birth. She asked me to speak at the service so it was quite a responsibility. I spend many hours praying and thinking of what to say. It was very difficult but it went OK. It is a sad time for them and we all pray for comfort for them.

Our garden is screaming for attention. I always plant too much. I canned beans and we have had potatoes, corn, cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, onions and lots of tomatoes. Tim thrashed the wheat behind our house and it is a sure sign that summer is ending. This is my favorite time of year. I am hoping for a long Autumn.

Dueling tractors...wait, they are facing away from each other.

Last week we made another trip to Utah to take Beth to BYU. I really hated to send her back only because I will miss her so much. We had a great summer with her here although she was ready to return to the college life. We also got to spend some time with Anna and Tamio and Eric and my cute grandson who loves me!

Not only do we miss her, but her friends will be gone as well.

Fun Shot of Beth, Amber and Stephanie, making cupcakes.

This is really our first experience at empty nesting because last year Heather moved in with us. I am going to try to find things to do so that I don't get lonely.

Labor Day we went on our Annual outing with the Hopes. This time we went to Albion and then to Lake Cleveland. It was so cold that we didn't do much hiking but had a fun time as we always do when we go with them.

2008-07-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend. Anna and Tamio and Enzo, and Eric were here from Utah. Eric and I went to the temple open house on Friday and then we went with Anna, Tamio and Enzo, Beth, Heather and Heather's parents, Paul and Linda, on Saturday. We had a little longer wait on Saturday. Everyone enjoyed seeing the temple. It was a joy to have them here. Jordan and Heather had a barbeque on Saturday evening for a house warming. Everyone loved their new home. I took my camera and then did not remember to take a single picture of us all together. I don't know what I was thinking. We did take a couple of pictures at the temple.

Below: Tamio, Enzo and Anna

2008-07-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

We had a nice weekend celebrating the 4th of July. Friday we invited some people over for a BBQ and then watched fireworks.Those who came: Jordan and Heather, Heather's brother Brett and his wife Michelle and baby Austin, Blain and Sarah and crew; Jana, Jenny and Will, Alena and George from work, and Vaughn Hixson ( Alison and Drew went to Utah), Stan and I and Beth, of course. It was a cool evening with a little breeze and we had a nice evening.

Saturday we went on an outing to Lost River. The hike we took was to Iron Bog. The name is misleading. It was a gorgeous place. The trail was pretty difficult but we all made it. The wild flowers were still spectacular and the scenery worth the 2 1/2 hour climb...well... ok, it was worth it. This was the easy part.

Idaho is so beautiful.

Stan and I resting at the top. This pine tree is growing out of a rock. There has to be a metaphor here.The snow at the top felt pretty good. Beth, Stan and I cooling off.

Geocaching

2008-06-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

We went on a fun geocache outing with our friends, Blain and Sarah, their son Will, Jordan and Heather and Beth and her friend, Jase. The guys get to use their GPS units and it is always a fun way to get outdoors and enjoy nature. This time we went to Balanced Rock. This was a two clue cache with a story about a miner who found a huge gold nugget. We started out driving to balanced rock and then followed the coordinates to the first clue. It took us a few miles back down the road so we drove back to the park and made our way on foot, following the clues and enjoying the walk. Will was the sharp eye who found the cache and sure enough it contained a HUGE gold nugget. Well, a rock painted gold, but whatever, it's a game. It was fun this time because in the cache was a disposable camera to take our picture and leave. I don't know who will post it but the pictures may show up on geocache.com sometime. There are hundreds of caches around this area. We just wish we had more time for outings, but manage to get out now and then.

Jase, Beth, Will, Heather, Jordan Cathy, Stan, Sarah.....Blain is taking the picture.

Stan...doing his Atlas impression...holding up the universe

I decided not to leave Blain out...now Stan is taking the picture.

Jase and Beth

Wedding Pictures

2008-06-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

We had a wondeful weekend celebrating with Jordan and Heather at their wedding. Thanks to everyone who made the effort to be with us. It meant a lot to us and also to Heather and Jordan.

The whole Lott of us!
. The wedding party....at Jordan's favorite place...the golf course. We took the golf carts on a little journey to get some photos. It turned into a mini version of the amazing race.

The bridesmaids. Heather's sisters' in law. Tiffany, Michelle and Alise, Heather, Beth and AnnaThe boys.

Brian Williams

Eric

Jordan

Tamio

The wedding party in Twin Falls.
And they lived happily ever after....

Pictures

2008-05-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

I got some pictures from the show. This was a fun project. I think the costumes turned out pretty good! The performance was outstanding. I am really proud of Jerome High School and their theater department. It was fun to be involved again in High School productions. Just like the old days.

Amber (Annie) (left) with her medals which we made from craft foam and paper and jewels! She has an amazing voice and did a wonderful job! Ali, (below) dancing an Indian dance.

Ben is sitting bull. Brandon and Joe below. Joe was Frank Butler. He was also amazing!

Brian as Buffalo Bill.

Dancers and cowboys and cowgirls.

Musical

2008-05-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

I have been working for a month or so with the Jerome High School theater department on their production of "Annie Get Your Gun". Mr. Brown, the drama teacher, asked me to help with costumes. The lead girl, Amber, told me I wouldn't have to sew or anything, just help them find what to wear. Well...... I know what goes into a good costumed show and I knew it would be more than that. But it sounded fun and it is something that I enjoy, so I took on the task. It turned out to be quite a project, including quite a lot of sewing, but I enjoyed being involved with High School theater again. My friend, Sarah, helped me and a crew of other mothers and if I do say so myself, they turned out quite good. The whole production was very well done! Anna asked about pictures and I will post some as soon as I get them. They made a disk with lots of pictures of the show and Mr Brown is getting a copy for me. But, right now I don't have any.

Heather and Jordan are finalizing wedding plans and it is exciting. It is also wonderful to have Beth here. She helped with make up for the musical! She is working hard and making money, even if it is a little dull here in Jerome. I love having her here.

April showers.....

2008-04-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

This is the view outside the back yard today. We woke up to a couple of inches of snow. So..I guess I won't be working out in the yard today. We shouldn't complain because we need all the water we can get, but I am longing for spring. The daffodils and tulips are really confused!

In February we were here.

Hmmmm...warm sandy beaches or wet, windy, snowy Idaho? Right now there isn't any question. However, I do love Idaho climate most of the time.

We went to Utah for Beth's 19th birthday. It was fun to get together. She chose PF Chang for dinner and we had a loooong wait to get seated. Enzo was not feeling his best so it was long for him, but he was his usual good natured self and it was fun to be with him and Anna and Tamio and Eric. Tamio's neice, Tabitha was visiting so she was there also.

Jordan and Heather were not able to make it this trip. Their wedding plans are coming along. May 30th seemed far away when they got engaged and now it is almost here! I'm excited for them and looking forward to the events ahead.

We have began cleaning out Grandpa and Grandma's house. It's not easy to go through their things. I still want to call Mom every day and tell her something. I guess I am in denial stage of grief because I think they should just come home now....like they have just been away on vacation and will be home any day. It is hard to accept they really are gone. Our dear friends, the Williams lost their grandpa recently, too. He was a great man. He was the first bishop I ever remember really talking to about my life. He constantly built people up and it was the same for me. He always had a positive thing to say to me. He will be missed as well. His dear wife, Fae, was my mutual leader for many years and is a wonderful mentor and friend. Hr daughter, Nancy, and I have laughed well and often together.

Stan and I were alone for conference weekend. Heather and Jordan had tickets so they went to Salt Lake. It was quiet here but nice. I loved conference! It is good to feel renewed.

We almost have our basement back together now. I still have things to put away, but the carpet is in and the furniture back in place. Stan has guaranteed....No More Floods!!

Spring Will Come

2008-02-28T13:32:00.000-08:00

After a long winter I am looking forward to Spring. We have had some difficult months dealing with the death of my father, and the care and death of my mother. As one of my friends expressed, "I feel like an orphan". Several times a day I think of something I would like to tell my mom, and I think my dad is out in his yard getting his fruit trees pruned. It is just so hard to think of them gone. Yet, I know they are having a glorious time together and rejoicing with their families. It is just so difficult to be here without them.

Both funeral services were so wonderful. It was great to have our family together again. Next time it will be for Jordan's wedding in May and that will be a happier time. I love my family.

In the meantime....life goes on. The temperature got warm and the melting snow turned into a pond which found its way to our window well; actually broke the window and poured into the basement. The Young Single Adult branch came over in full force and helped us move things upstairs.( a perk for serving in the branch) Servicemaster came to pump out the water and get things cleaned up. I am dealing with it better than I thought I would. Now I guess it is a good opportunity to clean out the basement. I was sad that some of Eric's papers from college and his mission got wet. I am trying to get everything dried out.

Everything gross from outside came in with the water...including a dead mouse. I do not like mice.........

I just keep singing " Ob-la-di ob-la-da life goes on......."

I am determined to get in shape for summer, which includes losing some weight and becoming more fit. Now I am declaring this to the world so I have to be accountable. I am taking a Pilates class which is challenging and I am walking, but I have been eating (emotionally) and not thinking at all about what I eat. So I am challenging myself. I feel like I will have more control over my life now.

One other funny thing. We were reading scriptures the other morning and Heather (Jordan's fiance) was reading, and she read about 'tempests, whirwinds, earthquakes,' etc. About 30 seconds later my chair started moving. Heather said, "Did you feel that?" Stan said, "I think that was an earthquake." Sure enough...it was. I am trying to remember if the scripture said anything about floods!

Fun With Enzo

2007-11-12T16:10:00.000-08:00

We had a great weekend at Tamio and Anna's. Enzo received his blessing and it was a special event. It was also great to have everyone together and we got a family photo. Well, Heather is not officially a family member yet, but we count her.

We also helped Eric move into his new house and get a few things settled there. He has a few empty rooms but will be able to get some furniture in the future. We are all happy that he is settled. It was a busy weekend.

On another note: A former student of mine came to Twin Falls to do some work on the temple and he and his friend stayed with us a couple of days. It was so fun to remember fun times and catch up on other students and their lives. We enjoyed it so much. Charlie played the part of Oliver when I directed "Oliver" and then he was Will Parker in "Oklahoma". He was a great talent and now has actress daughters! It was such fun having him and his co-worker, Frank, here for a while.

Charlie and Frank

2007-10-09T11:51:00.000-07:00

Proud Grandpa Stan is showing off our new grandson, Enzo. It was fun to have the whole family there to say hello to him. He is so beautiful and we are excited to have him as part of our family. Anna and Tamio are going to be wonderful parents.

This is one of my favorite pictures of him with his fist in his mouth.

I am back home now catching up on the things I left undone. It is definitely not as much fun as holding a baby. I missed my Pilates class for two weeks and I hurt all over today. I just started the class and it is very difficult for me. I am hoping to gain some core strength but so far I have not had much proof of that. I am going to stick with it for a while at least and hope I start to see some results after a few weeks. My shoulders hurt, my hips hurt, my legs....is this supposed to be good for me??? I will let you know.

Cookin' at the BYU Game

2007-09-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

I took Beth to Provo on Aug 29th. She had Freshman orientation for two days. We got her moved in (with the help of Anna and Tamio) and she seems to have good roommates and is enjoying the adventure of college life. Stan and Jordan were in Alaska, fishing. They got home Friday and then came to Provo (with Heather and Cooper). Eric met us Saturday and we went to the football game. Anna was debating about coming but I was so glad she decided not to. It was sooooooo hot. We felt like we were in an oven. It was fun to be there, but I would choose cooler temps if I had anything to say about it.

It's quiet without Beth. I am working on some projects and I have been called to be in charge of our Stake Youth extravaganza for the temple dedication in March or April, so that will keep me busy. We are excited for our new grandson to arrive. Anna's friend Marisa had a shower for her while I was there. This is Anna and her friend from High School, Sunny. They are due the same week. Cute!

Reunion

2007-07-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder. I want to include a picture of every descendent of Grandpa and Grandma. So far I only have Kerry's family. Send them to my e-mail address or to your parent and they can send them on to me. Thanks

Friends from Boston

2007-06-21T15:09:00.000-07:00

Last year a friend of mine who had been on a mission to Boston introduced me via e-mail to a man who was looking for someone to edit his book. She volunteered me and I set out on an interesting adventure with a man and his memoirs. His name is Jean Francois and he is originally from Haiti. He joined the LDS church many years later and wanted to document his journey from Voodoo to Mormonism. He sent me chapters and I helped arrange them and suggest sentence structure, etc. It was quite an undertaking because his first language is French and he wrote with French words and a lot of French grammar. It was the first time I really appreciated the hours of French I took at BYU. It took me months of work but I also got to follow his very interesting life. His father was a Voodoo priest and they worshiped loas, which were spirits. They had dwellings for the spirits and brought them food and items all the time. His long journey to Mormonism was amazing. His main purpose for the book was to share his life with his family. He would like to publish it, also, but it is still quite disjointed in places. I had a difficult time because I did not want to lose the flavor of his personality so some of what I left in really wasn't all that correct but I think I did a pretty good job and he was so appreciative and thankful.

WELL.... they came to visit us! They made a trip our West and stopped to see the Farnsworths and us.

Jean and his wife, Jocelyn with me

Jean and Jocelyn

It was very fun to finally meet him in person. They brought us mangos which they have delivered from Haiti. It is difficult to find mango trees in Boston. They loved the West and wish they could move here.

Busy April and May

2007-05-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

The last few months have been "all about Beth". We travelled to Coeur d'Alene for the State speech competition. Beth and team members rode the bus for the 12 hour trip and Stan and I drove up on Thusday and stayed until Sunday. It is beautiful there and the weather was great until Saturday afternoon and Sunday when it rained a lot! We had rain all the way home and it took us longer to get home because Stan likes to take the roads less travelled. It was a nice drive but a long time in the car.

Beth got two second places at State. I really thought she had nailed first place in her Oratorical analysis speech and she thought so too, so it was a little disappointing. In Expository speaking, the guy who got first was as good as Beth, so it was a toss up. You never know in these events what a judge is going to like. In the final round there are three judges and Beth got two first places and a 4th! I don't know where that judge was, but it was weird. There was one other speaker that we thought was really good, and Beth was miles above the others. The other one got first but could only have had one first place ballot to win it. It is subjective...not like a race where you cross the finish line to win. Still, second place at State is impressive, even if I am her mother.

She had prom this month also. Their group went to Niagra Springs during the day and then to dinner that night and then they stayed at the dance the whole evening and actually danced the night away. She said it was so much fun!
We found her dress in Provo when we were there visiting Anna and Tamio
She is in the school music, "Kiss Me Kate", and has her senior project to finish
an various other things. It is a busy, but fun time.

I Started planting my flowers. It is one of my favorite things to do. We seem to have a nice day and then a windy day so it is a little slow.
As I was looking at the pictures of the babies, I couldn't help but think about when all of my nieces and nephews were little and how much I loved you all. ( well, I still love you all, but you know what I mean....little babies' love) I have a precious picture of Kelsey, Kara, and Amber at my wedding and can hardly believe you have children of your own. Time does move on.

Beth's graduation is May 26th. Somehow we didn't order enough announcements so although it is tacky we are letting you know via blog. Anyone who can is also invited for lunch that day from 2:00 to 4:00 at our house. This would not sit well with Emily Post, but so be it.

BIrthdays

2007-03-07T16:18:00.000-08:00

Cooper turned 9 on Feb 16th. Jordan, Stan and I went to his basketball game on Saturday and then he came over on Sunday for dinner. He stayed for rootbeer floats at great grandma and grandpa's and of course, had to fix them because he was the youngest. He is a fun boy and we love having him around.

Eric also had a birthday and we had a birthday dinner for him and a Coldstone ice cream cake...ummm.... my favorite.

Beth will be 18 this month and it looks like she is going to go to BYU in the fall. It is going to be really different for us with her gone. My life will not longer be programed to school time. It will be time to re-examine myself and see what I want to do next. I am never bored, but sometimes I think I am not progressing like I could or should. My experience is that something usually comes along, but it is something I have been thinking about.

The laurels modeled prom dresses for a New Beginnings fashion show. This was Beth's dress from last year. It was a nice program.

The rest of the school year is going to be busy for her.

Happy belated birthday to other Feb birthdays. Zak Morrison turned one. Tom Randall.. anyone else?

Happy birthday to Rachel and Luke in March and all others if I don't know. I wish I were better about remembering everyone's special day.

Happy Valentines Day

2007-02-14T18:35:00.000-08:00

I read an editorial today about Valentines Day. It was cynical but funny. I suppose this day is a contrivance of commercialism and puts pressure on people to do something that somehow demonstrates some aspect of their feelings. But I still like to think that sometimes tangible things can be used to put a voice to an intangible thing...like love. It is better if the expression is spontaneous and not forced upon us. But guess what? I got a beautiful bouquet of roses. And I love them!

Christmas

2006-12-27T08:29:00.000-08:00

As most of you know Grandpa (Dad) has had a difficult three weeks.He was coughing, feeling generally ill and he had pain in his legs that was so miserable that it kept him from sleeping. Consequently, he was getting weaker and weaker and the last few days before Christmas we all wondered if he would make it another day. After Tim took him to the Doctor last Friday they decided, with some suggestion from Tim, that he needed oxygen. Since then he has felt so much better. We were all at their home for Christmas eve and he told us how grateful he was that the pain was gone. He wept as he told us that he had almost given up and had asked to be taken because he couldn't stand it, and how he felt like he had been blessed with this relief. It was so tender and moving.I wish you all could have been there. The problems are still there but we are all so happy that he has relief from the symptoms.
I appreciate so much that I have had wonderful parents. They have lived good lives and been such great examples to their children and grandchildren. Dad will be 89 on his birthday, Jan 13. He has had a long life...still, it is hard to think of being without him. I am so glad that I understand eternal families.
Happy New Year to you all

Merry Christmas

2006-12-14T15:38:00.000-08:00

Does this count as a Christmas Card?
I seriously thought that I would have more time as my family got older. No one ever tells you about these things. Well, maybe they do, but we just don't get it until we are actually there. I didn't understand that time seems to accelerate as you get older, either, but I now see what they mean.
I was in Winco getting a gift card for the Gold's 'giving tree'. The lady in front of me said she wanted those lig it kind of cigarettes. The clerk said, lig it? She was confused. The lady said it again. Finally the clerk said...Oh, you mean LIGHT?
This was funnier hearing it than it is reading it. She really said LIG IT several times. She didn't have a foreign accent or anything. Then she turned to me and said, "Do you just LOVE Andre Botticelli?" I said, yes I did like him. She gave me a little history of him and how he speaks 5 languages. Then she smiled and said Merry Christmas, and took her Marlboro lig its and left. I smiled all the way home.
I took advice of a friend... that every nig it before I go to bed I think of 3 happy things that have happened that day and write them down. It is kind of like a gratitude journal. So I have been doing it for a couple of weeks. Here is what it has done for me. Not only do I feel more grateful for the nice things in my day, but I am looking for them throughout the day. It really is a good way to focus on the positive. I hope it is helping me attract good things, too.
We took a day trip to Salt Lake with the single's branch. Stan is a counsellor in the Branch Presidency. My favorite part of the day was our visit to the museum to see the Willie and Martin Handcart Art exhibit. It was so impressive. Several of the paintings moved me to tears. I wanted to linger there for a long time, but we were on a schedule. The lights on temple square were beautiful as usual. Anna and Tamio and Eric and Lindsay met us there and we walked around together. Stan and I took our picture on the steps in honor of our 29th wedding anniversary.
If I don't get cards out... Merry Christmas and all our good wishes for a wonderful New Year.

Thanksgiving

2006-11-16T11:29:00.000-08:00

I just talked to Janell and then I got all excited about Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving. I think it is because it has always been about 'coming home' for me. I really like being with my family and I am looking forward to seeing those who are coming. To those of you who are away or at your own homes... Happy Thanksgiving and Love to you all wherever you are. I am thankful to be a part of this wonderful family.

2006-11-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

The Sadies was a great success.

Sadies

2006-11-03T14:00:00.000-08:00

I made a quick trip to Utah with my friend, Sarah. Her sister and brother-in-law were returning from a mission in Costa Rica. Anna and Tamio picked me up and I spent a quick day/night/day with them. It makes me wish we lived closer. We answered the door for trick or treaters and stayed up late talking. In the morning we went to the temple which was nice, even though Tamio does things to make me laugh during the session. On the way home Sarah and I stopped to say hello to some friends of hers. His name is Dan Clark and he is 'motivational speaker'. The basement of their house has two walls lined with pictures of him with famous people. It was amazing! He is hilarous...part of his appeal as a speaker, I guess... Anyway, it was really fun. Before we left he said, "Happy Birthday!" And started giving us copies of books he has written. I like meeting interesting people.
Beth is going to the 'Sadies' dance this weekend. The theme is "Back in Time". There are 4 couples in her group and they chose a World war II theme. I stopped at Smith and Edwards in Utah to see if I could find some military clothing. I got a couple of things, but they weren't really what she wanted. They wanted bomber jackets for the guys. So yesterday I left the house right after my walk and decided to go look for jackets. I said, "Heavenly Father, I don't have time to look everywhere so please help me find what I need quickly." So I went to the Youth Ranch second hand store and walked in. I see men's jackets and I walk over to the rack and start looking. There is a cool distressed leather bomber jacket. I look at the price. $12.00. I was so excited! It was perfect. Then I kept looking for a few minutes and there was another one! I was practically giddy with delight. When I went to pay for them and the lady said, "Oh yeah, we just got those in this morning. Leather never stays here long." Then I went over to Michaels to see if they had any military patches that would make them more authentic looking. The first lady I asked said they didn't have anything like that. So I just walked around a little and then another girl was standing there and I asked her. She said they used to have some and if they did they would be on aisle 8. So I walked to aisle 8. They had little packages of patches of all kinds but I didn't see any military. I moved them around a little and behind one row was a package of Air Force military patches! I actually found two packages after I looked around a little. The jackets are going to look very cool!
You know, I wonder sometimes if it is trivial to ask Heavenly Father for help in these kind of matters. Then when I do, and the help is immediate, I am again reminded that He is a Father,who loves me. He wants us to ask and why wouldn't He answer? Anyway, I am greatful for these blessings in my life. As Elder Bednar reminded us..these are the tender mercies.

Family Reunion

2006-10-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

We are putting out the word of a summer reunion for the family of H Thomas and Marjorie Folkman Newman. It will be August 9th, 10th, & 11th at Redfish Lake near Stanley, Idaho. We know that Tim's family is planning a get-together when Jay comes home the end of August, but we would like to start a tradition so we are starting this year.Even though not everyone will be able to come every time, it is a great way to keep in touch. As our families grow it may be harder to find times to all be together. Plus we have to reserve cabins almost a year in advance. There are camp sites also for tents, etc. Let us know if you have any fun ideas. Jordan and Eric want to have an 'Amazing race' activity for the brave. Since you know early, you can plan vacation time etc. We will keep you posted.

2006-10-19T12:02:00.000-07:00

I was just thinking that I haven't anything interesting to write about. Since many of you are writing about your children....I still have a daughter at home to brag about. Since Beth will be graduating this year and after that we will be empty nesters, I thought I should update you all on the 'silent one'. Still waters run deep and that is certainly the case with Beth. She is intelligent and thoughtful and will share her insights with you on occasion if she is in the right mood. A couple of weeks ago she received her Patriarchial blessing and it stuck me that the blessing was being given to a woman, not a girl. It hit me hard knowing she will be out on her own soon. She was my last longed-for child and I can't quite imagine my life without her here. In some ways she seems more the adult than I am. She has taught me so much. She was voted "Most Talented" at Jerome High School. Her gifts are many. I know sometimes she feels separate since she was born so far behind her siblings and cousins. Many don't really know her at all. So here's to you, Beth. You are amazing.
We are going to visit Anna and Tamio this weekend and will be quests in the "new guest room"! Looking forward to it. Eric's girlfriend, Lindsay, is student teaching in Sandy, Ut, so we will see her as well. She is a sweetheart!
I do love reading all the blogs. You young mothers are all doing great. I know you worry about things. One day the thought hit me that these children come to us already made and our job is just to give them a relatively safe environment so they can become who they already are. All we do or don't do won't keep them from it. It probably isn't that simple but partly true. Enjoy them

New York

2006-10-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time in New York city. Seeing "Wicked" was everything we thought it would be and the highlight of the trip as far as I am concerned. Of course, you have to remember that I have read every OZ book ever written, have a Wizard of Oz collection and have a standing request for "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" to be sung at my funeral." (Not soon, I hope) So it is only natural that I would love this musical. The production was incredible and the music likewise. It was an event to remember, that's for sure. The only thing that did bother me about it is that is really doesn't fit with the L Frank Baum Oz stories. The story line doesn't make sense with his, but I was able to ignore that because this story line is just cool. It didn't follow the book completely, thank goodness. I liked the musical much better than the book.
We did some other fun things, like shopping....eating....and sightseeing.
As is typical, the streets are crowded and noisy and there is always something happening. We even saw the naked cowboy, however I did not include his picture, but yes, we took one.>
Beth especially enjoyed the Museum of Modern Art.And I achieved my dream of singing at the New York City Opera!

Idaho sunsets

2006-09-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite time of year. Even though it turned cold for a week or so it is now warming up to the 70's in the afternoon. That is the perfect temperature for me. The sunsets are all so beautiful right now. I hope we have a lot of these days before it turns cold for good.
We had an enjoyable time at the wedding of Stan's mother, LaDene. She married Jim September 8th in Logan. It goes to show you can find happiness in love at any age. She is 81 and Jim is ??... we don't know. But they are cute and we are happy for them.
Stan is slowly recovering from a long and miserable bout of kidney stones. He went in a week ago and had them blasted. It was a case of the cure being worse than the cause. He was in bed for three full days, which is unusual for him. I, on the other hand would welcome three days in bed with books and Jane Austin movies. He is finally feeling better. Yesterday he received a new calling as a counsellor in the 9th Branch, which is an adult singles branch. I will stay in our ward until Beth is out on her own. We will attend family home evening together with the singles. Should be more fun for Beth. Ha.

Jack the cat

2006-09-23T12:40:00.000-07:00

A cat showed up here a few months ago. He was wild and scared of people. He also looked pretty raggedy, like Grisabella, the alley cat. I started feeding him and he started getting more and more comfortable with us.He has extra toes on each paw!! We called him 5 toed Jack. Last week I noticed that his hind leg was hurt and swollen. Well, you know I can't stand to see an animal suffer so I lured him into the cage with tuna treats and took him to the vet. The poor vet had to deal with a tasmanian devil cat and I think he had to sedate him before he could look at the leg. He took care of the abscess and I also had him fixed while he was there...sorry Jack. Well, he is back home and grateful. I have had to give him an antibiotic twice a day. We always seem to get animals with traumatic childhoods. Jack is still a little skitzo..but last night I walked down the rough road to grandpa and grandma's and he followed me all the way. Now he lets us pet him but we can't pick him up yet. He and Sonnett (our lab) get along great. Ashes, the queen of the house cat, has yet to accept him.