LA Adams View

What a great guy!

2011-11-24T09:14:00.001-08:00

Jeffrey knows I love lights and he took the time to put them up early this year. I really appreciate all my family and their thoughtfullness and care.

It's here!

2011-11-24T09:08:00.001-08:00

I was afraid the leaves would all fall of the trees in drab brown or withered, faded green. But no! Fall in all it's colorful, glorious, majesty has come to Concord to give us all delight in the season!

I'm not sure why it was so late, just thankful it came!

Food for the soul.

"The best room in the house..."

2011-11-09T21:26:00.001-08:00

Anthony Durst did an outstandingly wonderful job on our bathroom renovations! We could not be happier and of course everyone wants to use it.

Here is when the bathroom was just about done. The shower is deeper and and has this great bench and a deep soap dish. You can't see but the shower actually showers on your head instead of splashing into your face - even Michael over 6 foot is covered.

Comparing this photo when Anthony and his friend were ripping out the walls and floors - you can see the 4 inch wall that covered a vent from the water heater (right hand side at the back), Anthony was able to vent it out the side of the house. So this freed up space. The whole bathroom feels much bigger - we can fit two people comfortably in it at the same time. (If we wanted....) That wasn't really possible before.

You can't see the most important work that was done. I'd ask Anthony to take care of some problems and he tore out all the walls and floors and addressed the drainage problems and found out about some electrical ones and re-plumbed the pipes and wired the whole thing along with the water heater in the garage and brought it up to code too. He also moved the toliet over a few inches. Now everything inside and outside the walls are neat, tidy and functional.

Isn't this lovely? I love the colors (helps that I picked them out!) and the high lines -- it feels good!

This feels so good to have such a nice room in our house.

So now I just need to move into Rachel's room.........and then onto...........the next bedroom.....and you know there are two bathrooms downstairs.........and the kitchen.........

The Tale of Two Cats

2011-11-04T23:52:00.000-07:00

Going to the vet is always.....fun.
Tuesday was really.....fun.

Just look how calm Sarabi ususally is...too bad she's so canny....

When the cats came in for chow on Monday night, we pretended we didn't know why they were meowing and ignored their requests to go back outside. Hey it was Halloween and who knows what could have happened. Jeffrey got up early to work on his computer and got to listen to them for a few hours around 3 am.

Odysseus - pretty bold when he knows Sheila is tethered.

In the morning I picked up Odysseus, covered his eyes and put him in a cardboard carrier quickly shutting it up. It was an old carrier and had been left out in the garage so it was a little weathered. Sarabi had been at the front door but peeking around the corner she knew what was up and took off for parts unknown in the back of the house. I asked Rachel and Michael to help me corner her in whichever room we could find her. Rachel found her and we all ran into that room and shut the door. Trapping her in a corner I scooped her up and came back into the kitchen to find Odysseus had busted his head through the soft box, so I pushed his head down back into the box while juggling a scrambling Sarabi. Quickly hiding her eyes and putting her in the other cardboard box and then pushing the other cats head down so he wouldn't rip out. Rachel tryed to put strapping tape over the hole but now he was on a roll and ripped that box up and slipped through another slit he tore in the box to go running back through the house. Luckily most of the doors were shut. I picked him up by the scruff and closepinned him in a towel with just his head showing. Then Michael drove to school and when he got out, I slipped over to the drivers seat and set Odysseus on the seat. Of course he slipped out of the towel and explored the car. He was calm when he could see where we were going. In fact both cats were well behaved and nothing untoward happened at the vet's office. Still....
I like to have .... fun only once a year.

3rd Annual Witches luncheon - 1st I've ever been to

2011-10-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

These mice were up and down the stairs, over pictures, and down the hall. They are kind of cute, but out of the corner of your eye they are very creepy.

This is the hostess Susan Eames - organizer and queen of the good time!

This is Marie Lore my sister-in-law as the kitchen witch

My niece Krista Hanks, "You said I could be any witch I wanted!"

We all met and gathered at Susy's table and enjoyed the company, crafts, and coversation.

Donna Estes came from Texas with her baby and Diana Godwin (with the gloves) made jewelry

Diana, Shaunna Ludlow, Donna, Jessica Ringler, Krystal Bise with Krista in front

This is my sister-in-law Polly Lore - now this lady had ALL the bling. The trim on her dress was bats, her purse was purple and even her capstick had a spider.

Two sister Donna and Laura Tesch

We had a such a fun time, talking, laughing and eating

Everybody brought something yummy! Then we made Christmas crafts after the dinner.

This is Marie with Krystal's 3 day old baby

This is Krista with Donna's 3 month old baby

Laura gives the best haircare and Donna is learning how.

My mom with the newest grandbaby Peter

I loved the jewelry Diana made, the haircut Laura gave me, and enjoyed the talents of all the sisters, nieces, in-laws and my mom. Life is really sweet.

Listening to Conference - at least I'm doing one thing right -

2011-10-02T16:26:00.000-07:00

I listened to Elder Bednar yesterday and felt like I was doing at least one thing right - I'm doing something about my genealogy yen. Last Spring I went down to Arizona to visit with my Aunt Mary and help her go through all the stuff left over from Grandmother and Grandfather's belongings. Aunt Shirley couldn't store the boxes in her garage or attic anymore and Aunt Mary needed to downsize because her son Michael and family was moving into the back apartment. So we sorted through lots of paper and after I got overwhelmed and couldn't figure out what was valuable and what wasn't I bought the biggest suitcase I could find and stuffed it with anything that might be remotely usable and brought it home. It did sit for a bit while I decided -procrastinated- about what to do with it all. Bonnie Mattson keeps writing on her legacy blog, which spurred me to do something. I love the article "PhD in Genealogy" as I certainly have papers that are piled high and deeper! And you know what? It's my job to preserve it but someone else's job to use it. So I have a new blog titled "What's in the Suitcase?" - I pick up a piece of paper then scan it and publish it so my relatives can see, look and maybe use it as needed. It gave me great joy to listen to the messages in General Conference about the youth doing Genealogy work and I feel if I do my part someone somewhere may benefit later - hopefully. Speed reading through some of the heart-wrenching stories as I scan, has made me appreciate the good life I have. I would hate to have these stories forgotten or never heard. There are testimonies that have been given and need to be heard by children today. Life is sweet.

We're going to turn the water off......

2011-09-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

So over here at Adams' Central construction (and destruction) are going full force as years of neglect are being ripped away from the old upstairs bathroom. I'd had it with leaky pipes and crumbling Sheetrock and fortunately Anthony Durst was available to do something about it.

This is what has caused concern every time I go out to wash the clothes. Something bad is happening in the wall.

Anthony and his good friend (I'm really going to have to find out his name again - he's a great plumber) have stripped out the walls and floors to get to the root of all the problems.

If you notice you can see the water heater down below my bathroom.

There must be something negative in my psyche that responds to the words, "We're going to turn the water off for a little while." I say OK and decide to finish up my sewing project - hey no water problems. Of course I have to go to the bathroom immediately but hey I have one flush. My project isn't doable yet because I still need the batt for the baby quilt. Do I get in the car and go to Joann's. No. I vacuum the floor and spread out the material and fold it up for tonight.

It will be a hot day starting this afternoon and no one will want to be in the kitchen so grilling the salmon now and using it later will be good. Of course the salmon slips a little out of the package and I catch hold of it, ease it over the rack and put spices etc. on it. No water for the hands. That's OK I use one of my wipes.

Cleaning up is.......well I have been a cub scout leader for years, I do have a 5 gallon bottle of water........ pouring bottled water (not hot) over the utensils and roasting pan and wire and leaving it for later when the water and water heater are restored. I need a drink and notice my hands are still fishy. Boiling the potatoes with bottled water is an expensive way to go. But it will beat the heat later.

This is ridiculous why do I even start things when I could be doing something that doesn't require water?
Actually that's why I'll be washing off my computer keys later. I'm just consoling myself that I didn't start dicing the onions......

Off Early

2011-09-05T16:36:00.000-07:00

You can't tell it is a beautiful morning because the fog over the mountain made this side of the mountain a little gray. But as we left home around 6:30 am the sunrise was gorgeous! I could only imagine what it looked like on top of the cloud covering us.
President Hunter has really made my children feel free to use and come to the Temple. Rachel was looking through the ward bulletin yesterday and saw that the Temple would be open and the youth were encouraged to bring their limited use recommends without an appointment. She wanted to go so we all went and then had Breakfast afterward at Buttercup - Michael's idea. Rebekah said her contribution was being cheerful on a day she didn't have to work and could have slept in!

I love Cub Scouts!

2011-08-24T19:51:00.000-07:00

I really had fun at the Day Camp this Year!

All the babies are getting married!

2011-08-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

When I Moved Into CV 1 Ward....

Shortly after we moved to Concord and attended the CV 1 Ward, I was called to the Primary Presidency with Stephanie Lambertson. In fact her husband was one of our home teachers who invited us to a ward round-up the first week we moved in. They had four small children three girls and a baby boy. Dale died of cancer before his boy even made it to a year and a half. So as you may have guessed we all have watched this family closely for years.

Christina, Jennifer, David, Stephanie and Sherry

As of last Saturday, Stephanie now has three girls married in 3 years, a new granddaughter and a son on a mission. (Christina and Stephanie both served missions)

Christina and Daniel married August 20, 2011

Stephanie carries on beautifully every year

I watch in awe the trials and triumphs of this beautiful friend and her tenacity and spirit. She has traveled with infants and small children all over the United States and later travelled to far countries with her children and friends. She works hard and is very fun to be around. Can do - is how I think of her.

So Many Blessings in One Year!!!

2011-07-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

On July 2, we got the news! Andrew is engaged to Jessica Fisher! Wow, go on a little vacation and everything happens. I asked about her and she is petite, burnette, loves to dance, is an opera singer, and plays the piano beautifully. My heart is really full.

Andrew is way cuter!!!

Jessica Fisher

I found 2 pictures on facebook, but it isn't as nice as the ones of their engagment that her parents took but they are on a protected site and I don't have any downloads. So this is it for now!
She is from Sandy, Utah and has two sisters and a brother. Her parents are very accomplished and talented. Her mom Katherine has homeschooled her children for 13 years! Katherine was in a triatholon in June. I hope to meet everyone soon........well after cub day camp, Adams reunion, girls camp, my nephew's wedding....... maybe in August.......

Blessings amonst the Crisis

2011-06-09T23:40:00.000-07:00

Our neighbors house was half destroyed this evening by fire. Rebekah came home from work and said the neighbors house was on fire and she could see flames leaping out.

Five fire engines, 2 fire chief suv's, more than 4 police cars and many, many spectators. Irreplaceable memories are gone. And looking at these photos you may wonder where the blessing are ---

The entire family got out safely, it happened in the daylight so it was noticed quickly, the firemen were able to save half of the house, and the contractor came just as the firemen left.

Belated Thanks

2011-06-03T17:17:00.000-07:00

Back around 27 years ago, Jeffrey and I got married and then that night had a delightful reception in a restaurant and reception center in Provo - it no longer exists today. I worked at the restaurant, learned a whole lot and fell in love with the family who owned it, Helen and Tom Powell. Their son Chris was a chef and he sure hated it when patrons would send back their steak to be well done - or turned to shoe leather as he put it. Helen was very patient and helped me in quite a few different ways in dress, manners, confidence, and watching her be a lady while managing business. When it came time to get married, I naturally wanted to have it there. When she realized I didn't have any money except what I earned for the wedding, she gave me a reception. Now that is kindness. It is only now as I watch the time, effort and money being spent that I realize how generous and kind she really was. I wonder where she is now. Tom died and she remarried and moved to St. Louis with her two youngest boys. I'll always have a place in my heart for her, but wish I'd thanked her more earlier. I guess it's just one of those 'pass it on' things.

Surrounded by friends

2011-05-30T20:01:00.000-07:00

With the rain gently falling outside, we were toasty and warm inside the Nausin's home, with the chatter of friends and good smells.

Nate introduced Kelsi to many friends and neighbors

relatives who had traveled down

and even a missionary companion of Nate's showed up with his wife.

The Goodwins found out the Bettridges were from Alaska and mentioned their son was serving in Alaska

just to find out the Bettridges had just moved in to the ward he is currently serving in and had had the missionaries over for dinner in the last town he had served in. It's a small world when you know others in the church.

My Heart is too full for words

2011-05-27T00:06:00.000-07:00

May 21, 2011 Mr and Mrs Nathaniel Adams

St. George, Ut

I'm glad she did

2011-04-23T22:59:00.000-07:00

Carol Nielson told us about a wonderful deal on plastic drums for water storage and gave us a way to get them and the pump that goes with it. I'm glad she did. Then they sat in the backyard for awhile.

Rebekah said we needed water in them and made a point to fill them up. I'm glad she did. A pipe broke in the front yard and we had to turn off all water from the street main until we could get it repaired.
Because these two ladies thought ahead, we had water to flush toliets, wash dishes and bottled water to drink and brush our teeth. Luckily we didn't need to wash clothes and we just waited to shower till after the repairs.
We need to find a way to rig a shower for emergencies................

Thinking about generations....

2011-03-12T08:26:00.000-08:00

My future daughter-in-law's mother - what does that make? - out-laws? Anyway she got me thinking about genealogy in a new light. Dani Bettridge my in-law in-law sent pictures of her family, her greater family and her husband's family and what do you know there are names that match up with some in my family. Are we all cousins of some sort?
My genealogy is buried at the moment because I'm changing stuff in the rooms again. I really need to find a way to be organized and stay organized. Anyway back to the generations, I now have a suitcase full of stuff - old letters, some pictures, records, newspaper articles - just stuff from my grandmother's life and I'd really like to do a blog or some website to share it with all the cousins. Judging by the numbers of kids in some of my families there will be thousands of cousins. I'm curious to know if we touch with some more cousins in this new definition of family. Are the Bettridges and Adams connected in more than one way?
We may be related in various ways. Circles within circles.

Nate and Kelsi posted this picture on Facebook so I'm assuming they don't care if it's in a public forum:

Looking at the Memorial Weekend to be married

March 5 makes today a really good day

2011-03-06T21:40:00.000-08:00

Nate called about 15 minutes before Church this morning with great news. He proposed to Kelsi last night and they are planning to be married soon.
Actually he said April was too soon and July was too far away. I laughed and I'm happy.
I found Facebook is an exceptionally fast way to get the word around. Many friends and relatives knew what was going on when they jumped on the internet today!

For those of us grappling with our sisters diagnosis, here's the graphics

2011-02-25T10:45:00.000-08:00

The outside of the cervix and the vagina are covered by a layer of flat cells called squamous or skin-like cells. There are many of these cell layers before the first flattened layer of cells with a nuclei or center. Normally at the bottom of the cell layers are the round, younger cells. As the cells mature, they rise to the surface and become flat. The skin-like covering is separated from the underlying structures by a basement membrane. This is an extremely important concept to remember as well as the Transition Zone area discussed on the Pap Smear Page.

In mild dysplasia (CIN phase I) only a few cells are abnormal. Mild cervical dysplasia sometimes goes away without treatment. However many doctors will treat it at this early stage to prevent it from progressing

In moderate dysplasia (CIN phase II) the abnormal cells involve about one-half of the thickness of the surface lining of the cervix.

In severe dysplasia (CIN phase III), also called carcinoma-in-situ, the entire thickness of cells is abnormal, but the abnormal cells have not yet spread below the surface or basement membrane. Carcinoma-in-situ literally means "CANCER in place".   This severity of dysplasia MUST BE TREATED because it will most often develop into invasive cancer. (This is the stage she is at)

With invasive cancer, the cells are not only abnormal throughout the entire thickness from the top to the basement membrane, but they invade the basement membrane. Invasive cancer is treated entirely differently than dysplasia and usually involves extensive surgery. The depth of invasion past the basement membrane is an important piece of information that will help make the decision on the proper treatment needed. Micro - invasive cancer, invasion less than 3 mm, may be treated differently and more conservatively than invasive cancer that goes deeper.
The following may increase an individual's risk for developing cervical dysplasia:
·       Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
·       Having a partner whose former partner had cervical cancer
·       Having suppressed immune function
·       **Being born to a mother who took diethylstilbestrol (DES) to become pregnant or to sustain pregnancy (this drug was used many years ago to promote pregnancy and prevent miscarriages but it is no longer used for these purposes)
·       Low levels of folate (vitamin B9) in red blood cells
·       Dietary deficiencies in vitamin A, beta-carotene, selenium, vitamin E, and vitamin C (scientific data is not entirely conclusive at this time; see section on Nutrition and Dietary Supplements)

(Sorry I can't give the author credit as this was paste and cut to help me understand, but when I get the author, I'll print it here)

It's a RED LETTER Day!!!!!!!!

2011-02-25T10:35:00.000-08:00

I did it! I'm merely overweight instead of obese!

It's been over 20 years since I was this weight. Feels good. I ran in this morning and jumped on Jeffrey, pinned him in the sheets and told him how happy I was.

Life is really sweet!

Having a full Heart

2011-02-09T21:11:00.000-08:00

Rachel came home from school, so excited in anticipation of the Valentines Dance tonight. We had gone to the store to buy her a red shirt yesterday and got some red fingernail polish. I don't think she had time to put it on as she had homework and piano to finish. So as she comes tearing into the house after her piano lesson, Rebekah is on the porch in the sun and finds out Rachel is getting ready to go. Next thing I know Rebekah is getting all her stuff out to help out. Now is there anything more apt to warm a mother's heart?

Rebekah helps Rachel curl her hair and put on make-up

Taking out the curlers

Beautiful girl in curls

Ready to go in under an hour

Rachel, Amanda, Alyssa, and Kayla all rode to the dance together

We left foggy Concord and found The Sunny Beach!

2011-01-20T20:16:00.000-08:00

On Monday we decided to go somewhere for the holiday and not just stay home. The girls wanted to go to the beach. So we did. Only a few people there, warmth from the sky, what could be better?

Hello Santa Cruz

Sand and Shadow Art

Beautiful peaceful day - the tide was way out

The Girls took a spin on the Big Dipper coaster

Everyone else wore wet suits - these girls stayed out an hour in their swimsuits

Good bye to a really terrific day

Is this Year Colder than Previous Years?!!!

2011-01-10T20:35:00.000-08:00

Waking up to fog and ice encrusted cars, grass, sidewalk and fence is unreal. I live in California, I put away all the shoveling, scrapping, and bundling up when we moved here. What is going on?!

I can't really complain because by 10 am all trace of the ice had disappeared, the fog lifted and even if it wasn't a warm day it was very nice. We have turned our furnace more on this year than I can remember in the past. Am I just getting old? Do I feel for Rebekah as she hates the cold? Or is it really colder than it was?

Black Friday on Alcatraz!

2010-12-26T21:44:00.000-08:00

Hey look what I found in the drafts! Fun day back in November! Everyone should do the Alcatraz tourist thing. Trouble is you have to get tickets about 2 weeks or so in advance. Andrew and Michael couldn't make it, so Jeffrey made two women who came for the tour and found them sold out very happy .

Gingerbread - Going for houses someday

2010-12-26T21:39:00.000-08:00

Gingerbread Recipe

I had to label this so in the event I ever want to make gingerbread houses again, I'll know where to find the recipe when I hit search.

The reality is gingerbread men, cookies, etc. is time consuming and lots of work for not enough utiles. "Utiles" being a measurement of the unmeasurable such as happiness, contentment, or worth versus the cost of doing something.

Chocolate Chip cookies are far easier, taste better, and don't take up even half or a quarter of the time and effort it takes to make a batch of gingerbread dough, cut it out, bake it and then decide whether or not to take the time to ice/decorate it. Chocolate Chip cookies disappear faster. Chocolate Chip cookies are fatal to weight loss. Soooo.....

I made these gingerbread cookies to give out for Christmas and limited myself to two which is doable (not so with chocolate chip) and found not all recipes are even (unlike chocolate chip which varies a little and all of them work out and taste just fine - too fine). If you happen to want a soft, little more healthy recipe that puffs up, tastes great - but doesn't always look straight try this one. If you want a flat gingerbread man try this one off the web. (OK forget it I can't find it again, but there are PLENTY out there) Now this is the one I'll maybe, someday, not in the foreseeable future make - and of course it comes from Laura Nausin. She is famous for making houses and having parties with little kids all decorating the cute houses.

Sift together:

5 to 5 1/2 cups of flour

1 tsp Baking Soda

1 tsp salt

3 tsp cinnnamon

2 tsp ground ginger

2 tsp. ground cloves

2 tsp ground nutmeg

Beat until fluffy:

1 cup Solid Crisco

1 cup Sugar

Add to creamed mixture

1 cup molasses

1 egg (I added 2- maybe mine were too little)

Stir in sifted flour mixture. Chill Overnight. Roll dought to 1/8" to 1/4" thickness. Dough should be no ticker than a graham cracker. Cut out patterns. Bake on ungreased baking sheet in 350* oven 7 minutes for cookies, 8-10 for houses.

Do you think it's shopping - or giving a talk?

2010-12-21T10:17:00.000-08:00

So this story or "event" started out on Sunday when I had the 'privilige' of giving a talk at church. I'm fortunate that this privilege comes about every 8 years - maybe next time we could move it to ten. So I must have knocked on fates door asking for an invitation when I quoted
Richard G. Scott:

"Sadness, disappointment, and severe challenge are events in life, not life itself. I do not minimize how hard some of these events are. They can extend over a long period of time, but they should not be allowed to become the confining center of everything you do. . The Lord inspired Lehi to declare the fundamental truth, “Men are, that they might have joy.” That is a conditional statement: “they might have joy.” It is not conditional for the Lord. His intent is that each of us finds joy. It will not be conditional for you as you obey the commandments, have faith in the Master, and do the things that are necessary to have joy here on earth.

Your joy in life depends upon your trust in Heavenly Father and His holy Son, your conviction that their plan of happiness truly can bring you joy." (May 96 Ensign, 24)

I basically testified about how happy I find life.

Tuesday I went shopping. Shopping and I have a love hate relationship and I know it is a necessary thing to do to get "stuff". I like "stuff" just the effort involved is never ending. I found this really neat trick is to go with friends! They always know where to go and we actually have fun! So on Tuesday we headed up to the Outlet Malls (Roseanne Nieto drove - I didn't even have to do that!) and everybody mentioned what they wanted and then we split up and wove together to look for "stuff". Fun, fun, fun! Lots of laughing and checking out, some trying on, it was just fun. Having four women trying on and looking at pea coats for Rebekah my daughter was hilarious as we decided who was closest in size and what she might look like in it.

But I blew it at the glassware store - sorry I've already forgotten the name - Pyrex? anyway I stood holding a bag of glass bowls for a little too long and cut off circulation in a few fingers and over strained my left hand. I finished up the day buying some really hilarious gifts at the cooking store for my boys and watching the ladies at other stores and just enjoying the camaraderie.

When I woke up on Wednesday morning, pain was radiating from my left wrist and I ended up going to the Doctors on Thursday where he told me the over straining of the tendons, etc. had resulted in a rare condition of cellulitis (or something like that) a fast acting infection, so he treated it with antibiotics and a wrist splint. On Friday I was really praying to my Heavenly Father and 'wallah"! on Saturday morning the pain started to dissipate. My thanks to Heaven, doctors who go to school, and the invention of modern antibiotic! It is now Tuesday morning and I can function well. Life is good again!

Jennie arrived and we celebrated her birthday

2010-11-28T12:33:00.000-08:00

I love having Jennie around she is a outgoing wonderful girl and makes everyone around her happy.

We celebrated her birthday (OK so it was over a week ago - she wasn't here yet!)

with brownies, ice-cream and candles and

presents

and then we had a hilarious version of Uno (college kids come up with really original stuff)!

I will never get enough of the ocean!

2010-11-13T16:39:00.000-08:00

Fabulous day, good friends, good food, soothing rhythm of waves, lots to explore - life is good!

Just Two Verses

2010-11-03T21:58:00.000-07:00

It's the day after and inevitably I'm getting the question, "How does Jeffrey feel?" He feels just fine. He gave it his best shot and now he'll look at something else to volunteer his time for. The last time he tried this, he didn't really know what should go when or where, this time he had tremendous help from every quarter, he did the right things at the right time and it just didn't work out. We took a gamble and it didn't pay off, no problem, move on.
But when the comment comes, "He'll win next time", my instinctive reaction is, "no, not again". He actually has replied, "Now isn't the time to make that decision maybe in a little while." But this half of the equation is saying, Nope, we did our fair share of time, effort, and sacrifice in this quarter and now it's my time. I'll enjoy the extra time he won't be working for others (until he finds a new project) and less stress, and the money that won't be going out. There are many other fields he can shine in and do his duty to country and God. Meanwhile I'm taking some time - and looking at dishwashers.

Hypnotic green numbers

2010-10-21T18:29:00.000-07:00

Anxiously watching the green blinking numbers as the graph shoots up and down, willing the numbers to change lower. I tell myself to look away and be a support to my friend but inivetably I'm staring at the little box that supposedly tells us what is happening in her body. She is shaky, pale, breathing heavily and in distress. After a day in the hospital sitting, talking, assisting sometimes, I'm exhuasted. I've really done nothing but sit and talk all day. And worry. And look at that box with the green screen and numbers. Please go down, please change. Stop looking at the box. What can I do to help? Just sit and wait with her. I'm so out of anything else to talk about. Stop looking at the box. What is that alarm about? Are the nurses coming in? I don't see any numbers in that box that are different, why is the alarm sounding? Talk about her life, talk about my life. Worry some more. Of course we only talk about the everyday details, never about the white elephant in the room. Willing the numbers to go down. Stop looking at the box. Will power alone won't change anything. Green blinking numbers dancing in my head.........

I can talk about coming out of the hospital to a dark night, tired out of my mind. When I travel down the street I expect to hit Alhambra (It was in front of the hospital for two day in a row) but when I finally finde the emergency room today and park near there I come out at night and drive down the street till it dead ends. Great, I'm wandering around tiny streets in Martinez until I happen on Alhambra again. So I pull out into the street and wonder where the heck the yellow line went, and of course there are two sets of headlights coming toward me, so I try to drive over into their left hand turn lane to get out of the way and of course one of the sets of headlights is a policeman. He tells me to turn "over there" as he's going to pull me over. After a sobriety check, flash light in my car, and my explanation of visiting a sick friend, tiny streets, and confusion, he tells me to drive better - A very nice man - I'm totally awake and aware as I jump on the freeway and go home.

Another Quick Road Trip

2010-10-15T12:45:00.000-07:00

It was a Tuesday morning while I was out walking with Laura that I got a phone call from my sister Donna who said she "might" get married on Saturday - she wanted to know what I thought about her eloping to the Salt Lake Temple. After I assured her I would do whatever was necessary to be there she was happy. Plans immediately went into play and many phone calls were delivered between all the sisters and my mom. We all planned on the event even though it was still a maybe. I made plans to travel with Rebekah and Rachel early Friday morning as it was the most cost efficient in getting the most of us there. (But driving again?!!)

Does this look familiar to anyone?

This structure is slowly falling into deterioration each time we see it somewhere in Nevada

We drove up on Friday morning and left for home on Sunday morning. Sure enough this time she got married! There is something really special having the whole family seating in a sealing room watching the last sibling get married. I couldn't help thinking of my grandmothers and the efforts and love they put into all their children and how legacies are passed along.

Donna and Parley Estes October 9, 2010

We couldn't resist putting on a reception for this elopement and since plans had already been made months ago and cancelled it wasn't hard to pick them all up again and go for it. On Wednesday my sisters Laura and Sharon made and put out announcement invitations and we actually had quite a few friends and my mom's neighbors show up at the reception! Of course with our large family and Parley's large family we had a crowd anyway.

Donna greeting a friend

Relatives gathering

The kids couldn't resist giving them a few more traditions

Actually it could have been worse

Now all of my mom's children are married, the first girl and the last being married in the Salt Lake Temple. She has over 50 grandchildren with more expected this year. It sure is nice when the children are something to be proud of and when they are contributing to society. Life isn't quite so nice when they are ugly and not living up to their potential. Here's hoping I'll get all of my children to be service oriented, happy, and productive citizens of the world. It would be REALLY nice to see some of them get married..... in the temple.......to adorable wonderful spouses....... and let me play with some GRAND BABIES. No pressure or anything...........

Nothing Like a Road Trip

2010-09-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

Road, more road, and more road - about 29 hours of road!

Rebekah and I started out in Texas at Donna and Sophia's home in Dallas. Had a lovely visit that night and left at 4 something in the morning darkness.

My beautiful sister Donna

Sophie Whitten dramatic and darling

Daring too-

Texas was beautiful especially the sky that day

I think I watched it almost as much as the horizon

Oil wells and fields

New Mexico was filled with color!


Red, blues, greens, yellows, and purples!

We left New Mexico at about 3 something in the morning and arrived in Arizona before dawn.

Arizona through bug filled window pre-dawn

Watched the sun rise over the mountains and valley

I was surprised to be traveling through the mountains


But it flattened out and was almost dead looking In California

Ahh, there is nothing like home and California with it's rolling golden hills is really where it is at! I knew we were blessed and protected while traveling and just as we got off on Mountain House Road it happened.

A silver SUV decided to jump into our lane just as we were passing him and he ran us off the road between two rod poles into some gravel. Nice of him to slow down as we decided to drive on and see if we could just go on. Protected in a warm embrace is how it felt, prayers answered and revealed. Life is good.

Golden Hills of home

Leaning telephone poles let us know we were almost there!

Home Sweet Home after a long journey. Will it feel like that when we die and greet loved ones?

Rebekah and I listened to Harry Potter, music, and talked and talked. She is wonderful!

It's all In The Timing

2010-09-07T14:32:00.000-07:00

Nate left early this morning - very early. So that meant on Saturday he sorted and was packing up his life into his little truck. I asked how to help and offered to do his laundry. I got all the laundry from everyone done until the last batch of sheets and pillowcases, when the washer gave that ominous blinking message that says the front loader isn't draining.

It has been years since I had a speck of trouble and since we just revamped the garage, I don't know where the special screwdriver is that takes it apart. And it was late in the day so I put it off till Monday morning - which was a holiday. Jeffrey said why don't we just call someone in. So I called my favorite appliance mechanic Elizabeth who works at Dunn-Wright and found she was in Europe for 5 weeks and went with another mechanic named Mark. He called me later in the day and said he couldn't get to my house until 6:30 or 7 p.m. I thought what a total bummer to work so late on a holiday and asked him if he wouldn't rather come on Tuesday morning to which he agreed.

Since I was hiring someone to fix the washer I'd decided why not get the dryer serviced too since Elizabeth had always been adamant that dryers need to be cleaned out once a year.
Mark arrived earlier than expected but that was nice and 45 minutes later was done with everything! He showed me what was clogging up the line - yuk. But the real problem had been the scorched lint that he said was as close as I'd come to a house fire. In cub scouts we learned how to make fire starters from lint. I've seen how quickly they ignite.

I'm thinking tender mercies of the Lord.

I'm thinking I'm sure glad I have a missionary out right now.

I'm thinking how blessed we are.

I'm dead tired, I'm bleary eyed, I'm content......I think

2010-08-23T21:54:00.000-07:00

So my goal for the last two summers was to be organized and have my garage cleaned out - find the books that we shoved in there when we did reconstruction on the living room - just plain know what was in there and where it is.
My friends, my boys, my special blessings. It all came together after getting back from the reunions in Utah and just before school starts on Wednesday. Laura Nausin got her husband to make shelves (gifted carpenter Dana Nausin), the Jones agreed to let me use a storage unit AND a free moving truck (Justin Jones - such a sweetheart!- drove the truck over to our house, then drove it back to the storage shed - and then a few days later did it all over again!) Nate came unexpectedly home to loan his muscles and strategy to the project and Andrew faithfully hauled everything in and out. They will leave for universities this week and next. Michael, Rachel and I would have taken much longer as Michael would have been the only muscle in the crew.
Years of stuff. Do we really want this? The continual question. There are still more boxes to be sorted but I have a beautiful laundry shelf, a place for cleaners, vacuum parts and pieces and LOVELY shelves lining one whole side of the garage!
I didn't expect the 100 degree weather today so I'm too tired to feel anything except gratitude. I think the spell check doesn't have any more errors but I may just be seeing double.
Thanks Lord

I am so lucky

2010-08-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

I grew up in a fun adventurous family, we went camping a lot, had family home evenings at the park and canyon, and traveled to Idaho and Arizona - from Utah - for reunions with relatives. So playing in the reservoir this year was just part of the fun.

We have a strong pioneer and Latter-Day-Saint heritage and started the reunion off by remembering those who have already left this life.

The little lad in red is about to post his rocket on the air compressor post, while the rest of the gang is watching the rocket that just flew. Lots of fun for every age.

Flag from last years reunion which is applicable this year too

Work project - shower house that all worked on.

Six girls with mom

Six Boys

Then we went to visit the other side of the family and spent a little time with the Adams families

Nate and Rachel with Grandmama Adams

After living in California for more than 20 years.......

2010-08-08T22:40:00.000-07:00

Lets do something we haven't done before- play California tourist and walk the bridge!

We walked down the stairs under the bridge- they were worn in the middle by countless others who have walked these stairs before.... and went to the other side and walked back up more to the other side of the bridge because one side is shut down for repairs - I heard the bridge is constantly in repair because of wind, salt water, and fear of earthquakes.

It was fun to look, watch and dodge the bikers and talk to friends as we walked one way and then back again-

Group of friends having fun! Then we went to the Marin Headlands ate lunch and watched the waves.

Yahoooo!!

2010-08-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

I not only have a new niece, I have 2 nieces, one nephew on the way and another cousin expecting next year! Way cool! David my brother will have 4 grandchildren by February of next year - Awesome. There is nothing quite like family.

I HAVE A NEW NIECE!!!!!

2010-07-31T14:34:00.000-07:00

I have a new niece and my brother's phone doesn't work, my mother doesn't know her name and my sister hasn't seen her yet..........What is wrong with this picture? I wasn't even on the contact list -- was she born in June or July!? I've got to tell you California is not the Yukon in the wilds of the wilderness - we have electricity, PHONES, email, even telegraph. I am a non-threatening person and promise to send a gift if you let me know!!!!!!

Why do I feel like the bad fairy?

Girls Camp!!!!! What a blessing to be included this year!

2010-07-27T13:10:00.000-07:00

The girls got to run through two columns of flags waving and received a root-beer float when they got back from their hike.

The hikes were just a long, hard and tough as usual and we had some great cooperation from the Big Sisters and girls. Some men who had just gone on the scout hike from last week, said the difference between the boys and girls was like night and day. They were awed by the helpfulness and team spirit of the girls.

All the team working together was the motto in this years' "Amazing Race" and the point was to get your whole team working together and arriving at the same place. Either carrying eggs or.....

Swimming the polar bear swim at 6 in the morning and later that afternoon, swimming to the rock (or rowing a canoe if they couldn't swim.

There needs to be just a little anxiety to keep everyone on their toes. We had a curious black bear wondering around the camp at night. He took this package off the table but didn't rip it open for some reason

We really had a wonderful amazing year!

What do You do in the Summertime?

2010-07-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

Michael just got back from AFY camp in Rexsburg, Idaho and hasn't stopped talking about his adventures. What a great program! Teemaree really had an epiphany this year and took seven boys to camp. They turned out to be really great friends. Traveling in a car for 12 hours helped break the ice and once they got there they jumped into the activities without the usual break-in period. Michael keeps talking about Landon this and Landon that and I'm still trying to figure out when it's a Blodgett or a Hunt. He and Tanner evidently had a great time on a blindfolded walk. He played pranks and luckily Merit forgave him and described the whole week as fantastic sleep-over.

The interesting part was the awareness of who they were and why they are here. Having so many like-minded people in the same place was awesome. Ahhh Teemaree you are the greatest and I owe you so much for the fantastic influence you've had in my son's life.

Andrew got a card

2010-06-11T10:42:00.000-07:00

Andrew hasn't been home long but is in contact with people in Delaware and other parts of his mission. He got a card yesterday which he shared -

On the inside it said, "Good luck in the real world!"
"Brother Adams, I showed this card to Elder Larsen and Elder Lelham. They thought I was trying to say you are out of prison. NO. You found a "Pioneer" when you knocked on my door and now many of my ancestors will be freed through temple work......."

Andrew told us she had shared a story about her grandmother with he and his companion while they were teaching her. Her grandmother had come to her years ago and told her she was the 'chosen one'. She asked her grandmother what she was chosen for and it was to keep the records for all of her family. Her grandmother wasn't sure why, just that she needed to keep the records.

Many promises given are being fulfilled in these latter-days.

While catching up on some blog reading I found this.....

2010-06-03T17:18:00.000-07:00

Until We Meet Again

You'll want to listen.

Picked up our missionary

2010-05-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

What can make a heart more full than picking up a son from his mission?

Going to see his friends he loved and taught while he was there.

When it all comes together - Awesome

2010-05-18T15:53:00.001-07:00

Auraley Jessica (AJ) Moore and Michael Adams had a really fun time at the POPs concert at the High School. It has been great as a mom to watch my boys dance with the Moore sisters.

Michael and AJ nailed every lift

They were smooth....

they were in sync.....

they were fun to watch!

Stephanie Nielson

2010-05-05T17:47:00.000-07:00

If you haven't read NieNie Dialogues lately, you have to check out this one entry on May 5, 2010 about "My New Life Video" it is powerful and inspiring.

Generations

2010-05-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

Rachel and I are coming to the latter part of the Book of Mormon, but something we read a little while ago is sticking in my head. I've been thinking about why we were given the stories that Mormon felt was appropriate for our day and how they are applicable to my children and I. I've also been pondering on the "greatest rising generation" the opportunities, risks, accomplishments, and expectations of them. Jeffrey happened to be in the room when we were reading the latter part of Alma and for some reason the story about courageous Antipus and the determination he and his men had struck us as parents (leaders).
Alma 56

"I found Antipus and his men toiling with their might to fortify the city. Yea, and they were depressed in body as well as in spirit............they were determined to conquer in this place or die........."

These men were strong, experienced and had been doing their job well for a long time. They were holding a line - sometimes winning, sometimes losing against a greater force. So when an fresh bunch of young men came it must have made them smile and feel hopeful for the rising generation. I'm sure they felt the numbers were helpful but I'll bet they didn't consider them the same way they would seasoned men like themselves. They certainly saw them as a helpful decoy in a stratagem - but not as the solution. I wouldn't put my children out on the front line either.

"....we were desirous to bring a stratagem into effect upon them; therefore Antipus ordered that I should march forth with my little sons to a neighboring city, as if we were carrying provisions to a neighboring city......"

So they have sent the young men out and then crept up to the back of an enemy to do their job; and realized the boys may be in trouble, so they redouble their efforts.

"....now Antipus, beholding our danger, did speed the march of his army......"

We send our very young children to school and work and then find their life and souls may be in peril. So with a greater degree of effort, parents and teachers warn and teach - maybe make more rules.

So the next morning the enemy is still following them and - then they aren't. The adult in the group immediately thinks trap and asks what the boys think.
Now this is where it gets really interesting. They explain to their captain exactly why they are there doing what they are doing and why they will win. And with great courage they turn around - are the ones who win the day - they find Antipus and others who have given their lives in the effort. In fact since the leaders have fallen the boys are the ones who pick up the slack and actually win the day and cause the other adults to come back to the fight.

For the first part, I cry about Antipus and the fact that he gave his all for his country, friends, and the boys. He deserves to be remembered.
Considering the second part, I've had my children (usually after the fact) tell me about experiences where they have stood up for a principle or overcome peer pressure or have deflected the slings of slander for a friend. I am always amazed when I've never had a solution in the first place, and my children and friends children stand up and take the better part.
I may have been the Saturday's Warrior generation, but this rising generation is faster, more powerful, and we are only the ones raising the infants - they'll take over before they are adults. Do I have the courage Antipus showed in uneven odds?

There is the testimony of an apostle in our day to remind me again about the truthfulness of this great book. Watch the link here on Youtube.

It was a Nathaniel morning

2010-04-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Stake Conference and the meeting was awesome. Brother Johnson from the Seventies of the Church came to speak and visit our Stake on Saturday. I had the privilege of singing in a choir with Virgina Walker and feeling my heart lift with many others in a song about Christ. OK so if that wasn't great enough I'm in the choir seats on Sunday morning having just sung "Be Still my Soul" (Nate missionary farewell song) I'm thinking about him when Brother Bevan announces that Fabiola Lopez will be speaking! I couldn't help but think of Nathaniel as a junior high student without close friends and a teacher who calls up and asks if he can be in her choir - where he meets some really great guys and future friends and develops a talent that he uses for years. And I've just sung with her. In high school I remember him going to different churches to be with his friends and also meeting with friends and the missionaries. He had a determination to find and be with his friends after his mission. Faby gave a wonderful talk about her wonderful family and conversion and I heard her perspective - which was fantastic except I'm in the middle of the choir crying with no place to hide. I'm thinking about the tender mercies of the Lord and how really wonderful it is to be singing these fantastic hymns and listening to Faby talking about Nate and her good friend in high school who joined the church (and by the way she is sealed in the temple of the Lord with 2 children) and really life can't be any greater at that moment.

The learning process

2010-04-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

Reading the Book of Mormon to Rachel has enhanced my life as I think about the stories and concepts I've been pondering as I read. As her Young Women's president (Pam Hosking) was meeting with her last night she asked Rachel to read the Book of Mormon on her own when we were finished. Today Jeffrey and I were talking about the fact that many missionaries don't know how to teach when they first get out to the field and it takes awhile for them to get used to meeting and sharing ideas in an acceptable fashion with others.
So today as Rachel was finishing the dishes, I read her two chapters in Helaman, I was far away in a Nephite place when I looked up and realized Rachel was in an entirely different place in her mind. So I'm gaining something from our time together and she is mentally somewhere else. Whatever our children learn is what they experience and learn on their own. We can provide a circumstance and references but they will gain, reject, experience, and learn what they decide. So if Rachel is going to learn and grow from the stories, concepts, and principals taught in this wonderful book she'll need to read it herself - or maybe to someone else.

Good things

2010-03-06T22:13:00.000-08:00

I LOVE FEBRUARY IN CALIFORNIA!!! Ok, I know how Spring comes right after fall here and even though I have lived here many more years than growing up in Utah - it still seems unreal.
The color, texture, and smell is fantastic. Good things happen in February.

Our Blue and Gold was very fun.

The boys were creative....

and Jessica had fun dancing at her wedding.

Just wait till you see Girls Camp, it is going to be so fun this year....

OK, yeah I know it's March, but still it's SPRING!!!!

Ahh - February Wedding!

2010-02-24T17:38:00.001-08:00

I'm hoping the Elders Adams can see these pictures of their friend Jessica on a very special day for her. I rode up with the Hoskings and we met up with the Paneks, Lambertsons, and Petersons for Jessica's wedding and reception. She'll have an open house here in Concord next week.
The Portland Temple in clear blue skies on a very beautiful day in February.....

Just exiting the Portland Temple as the new Mr. and Mrs. Blaine Gardner

She greets her dad first

And then her brother

I found her new mother in law Robyn to be very supportive, helpful, and fun

Way to go, they are married!

Jessica and her bridesmaids - the blond is Blaines sister the rest are friends and a roommate.

The new Mrs. Gardner!

Mark wasn't actually in the ceremony but his love was certainly felt.

It was great watching her family and the support they showed

Jessica has married into a very funny family with their own traditions - she fits right in!

Surprise Birthday Party Number 71

2010-01-30T21:32:00.000-08:00

OK this wasn't the surprise only because it's hard to load pictures correctly - This was mom's birthday breakfast with the girls. Waffles, berries and whipped cream - yummy and a really nice morning.

Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries!!!

Sophia from Texas couldn't get enough of the cold stuff --

Sooooo.... here is the birthday party surprise! I was sitting next to mom and when they started singing she turned around to see who they were singing too and I could see she was genuinely surpirsed - I think because her birthday was the next day, anyway - way to go guys!!

Carrying in the decorated table at the last minute was perfect

I think she enjoyed everything

She loved the presents and the congrates

And knew her family loved her

Some had to help her open her gifts so they could see what was inside!

Some of my favorite pictures

2010-01-29T19:37:00.000-08:00

Mr. and Mrs. Justin Hanks

Guess what Krista and Justin received!

2010-01-29T19:25:00.000-08:00

This was near the end while they are trying to reconcile names, packages, and cards -

We had a really fun time watching Krista and Justin open their gifts - this one was especially fun!
(Thanks to Shaunna and Zack)

The funniest card they read was:
"Now you won't have anyone asking that question -"When are you getting married?"!!! -turn to the inside page -
So when are you going to have a baby?

Family at the Carnival

2010-01-29T14:55:00.000-08:00

Brenda faithfully at her award post all night long

Those balloons came in handy for David and Shany's sword fight!

The real barkers - Brendon (who didn't know his picture was being taken), Auston, and Bron

Diann at the fishpond with Polly's kids - note the great eyes on Noah or Joey

The tickets are being given and taken!

Having family is where it all starts

Anna, DJ, Sharon and Samuel family with a baby and fever but still come through

What would we do without Jim and his computer savvy

Mom, Jackie, her dad and Allen

Cotton Candy and Popcorn!

Isn't it great to have family!!!

Ben ready to go - after driving through snow for hours with his family and then they just got to turn around after the reception and go back.

Taste testers and really nice fun kids!

Stumming the balloon guitars

They really were a hit and everyone wanted Don's creations!

Carnival Barkers

2010-01-29T14:45:00.000-08:00

So now everyone is being put to work for a really great time

Candy shop

This is the shot I got all night from Brendon

Claire and Company

Bountiful Temple Steps

2010-01-29T14:29:00.000-08:00

This is the family on our side who were there -- good luck seeing yourself (click on the picture for a larger view, scroll around till you find your family members)

Here's a closer shot but children on the edges go missing

And here is a all group view - what a delightful day!

Hello Family!

2010-01-29T14:20:00.000-08:00

If you're here, you've accessed this site to view some pictures of Krista and Justin's wedding. I'll just put up a few of the family pictures - if you want to view the friends, Susy has ALL the pictures (just a few thousand or so) ask her. If you click on LA Adams view (the name) it will give you the whole site not just this article and you will see all the new pictures as I put them on. So this link was to get you here and click on the name will let you see it all - Good luck, if you have problems give me a jingle or email! If the pictures are too small just click on them and they will get bigger - scroll around to see details!

Daniel Joseph Tesch - January 23, 2010

2010-01-29T13:53:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful young man

It was a delight to enjoy the day with 'Joey'

Watching the video of his short eventful life made me cry - though I'm not sure exactly why. Daniel Joseph Tesch is really a wonderful boy and has so much potential for a great life. Good luck Joey, we all love you!

Joey at his post after the wedding....

Cousins are the best!!

On top of his game and lookin good!

The Eames Family Fun

2010-01-27T19:04:00.000-08:00

"Hey Linda Ann, they are going to dance get your camera ready". OK I think to myself, there will be the traditional daddy/daughter dance and I want to get in front to get a really good shot of her face and his, maybe a romantic one of the two newlyweds.

But really what was I thinking!!!!? This is the EAMES FAMILY

Tweaking tradition is an art form

I realized I needed a video camera

because they were putting on a SHOW!!!!

Here's most of the rest of the show (sometimes it's hard to know where to put the camera)

Matthew and Milestone

2010-01-19T21:55:00.000-08:00

A new milestone in our lives, Matthew gave his missionary speech in church and will leave soon for the MTC or Missionary Training Center and then will go to another in the Dominican Republic - you know the country next to Haiti.
Friends drove from Utah to hear him and then came to dinner so we got to meet and get to know them too.

I couldn't be more proud of my son right now.

Life is really good.

He is Driving!!!

2010-01-19T21:45:00.000-08:00

We traveled over the hills (checked out Bailey Road for Laura's camel - there were buffalo)

and an hour later found ourselves in Tracy

and a half hour after that Matthew drove home as a new licensed driver in the state of California.

My Fourth Child - DRIVING

2010-01-11T20:31:00.000-08:00

There is such an adrenaline rush to teaching another person to drive. It starts with gripping the seat and flinching when cars are just a little close your window. Then as the wheels just go off the pavement on winding Marsh Creek road alongside a 20 foot drop you know your heart is working just fine. Wearing out the carpet under your right foot and watching semi's in the rear view mirror on the freeway - yup I am alive!

It's the last official day of the Holidays......sigh......

2010-01-03T10:15:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow school begins again and a new year is waiting to be planned and new experiences are in store. It is also the coldest part of the year and not too many holidays on the immediate horizon. This latest holiday season was really terrific and having my family twice in 2 months gathered around laughing, playing, and just being has been soul fulfilling. I almost finished all my plans and for family home evening we'll try to get to the neighbors and friends we missed during the last months. Going to my friend Jennifer's wedding yesterday was a delightful finish to the Holiday Season. So back to carpools, early morning lunch and pack-ups, homework review, and schedule reminders. Also a chance to do things better.......ahh we have today.

I love the Holiday Season - Thanksgiving is the begining!

2009-11-30T21:04:00.000-08:00

I loved this Thanksgiving. Holidays can be warm and happy or sad and lonely. This was a really good week for me.
We have a tradition that everyone helps out with the meal so mom isn't stuck in the kitchen while the rest of the family is out having fun. This is Jeff laughing because five pies he ordered and bought are on the sideboard and he can do whatever he wants!
Nathan made Amanda's mom's rolls, Rachel made her traditional cranberry sauce, she learned how in school and then has made it every year since! Rebekah presided over the potatoes, Matthew made some yummy yams (no idea where he got that recipe) and Michael decided on the drinks and then got to clean up. So that left me with just the turkey (which got done 2 hours earlier than expected) and some vegetables.

The family all together!
I never did find out what the joke was, but it was so nice to have everyone back again sharing new life stories,playing games, watching movies, and showing new dance moves.

Thanksgiving Football - Sheila played both teams defense and even caught and carried away the football on one memorable play. It was a great day.

On Saturday the girls went to Boardwalk on a sunny, warm day and really enjoyed the beach!

Ahh life is grand!

Susy's here again!

2009-11-15T22:15:00.001-08:00

Two visits in two months! I go for a wedding and she comes here for work, lucky, lucky me!

And work was the name of the game. After picking her up from the airport we hit a few stores to pick up supplies then dropped off her luggage and headed over to the Nausin's to finish up some Christmas gifts. The Nausin's had been working hard and had them practically all sawed and drilled when we got there.

Dana cut lots and lots of wood into smaller piles of wood and drilled holes too -

So then it was painting and painting. We put the Princess Bride on the computer, pulled the table over and went to work. Laughing, quoting our favorite parts and painting,

Lots and lots of painting,

Till it was all done.

And Susy did "Last Years Snowmen" too! I came home from a date with Jeffrey to find that project all done! It sure is great to have Susy in town. Too bad she actually goes to work tomorrow, we could have fun playing now.

Sunday Picnic

2009-11-10T21:14:00.000-08:00

We were invited to a picnic -but the hosts didn't show up! So following another family to this nice wooded spot we made some new friends with others that we knew.

The boys showed us a fort under a tree they found.

The girls were so welcoming!

And everyone was very friendly

So next time we'll plan ahead to

eat lunch after stake conference with our new friends!

Lifting Burdens

2009-11-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

Lifting Burdens

Remembering Kevin Glen Farnsworth

2009-11-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

A Good friend of Jeffrey's

Jeffrey's friend growing up (and only 6 months younger) died last Tuesday night after battling a brain tumor and was buried yesterday. Contemplation of our allotted time in life has been on my mind and just what am I doing with the blessings and privileges in the time that I've been given.

Watching his sons

doing their part

and his daughters mourn was really difficult.

He leaves a beautiful, young widow.
.

Give your spouse a hug today.

Enjoy the antics of your children.

Life is good.

It is nice to have this sister

2009-10-26T21:55:00.000-07:00

She was born only a year and two weeks after I was, and my mother prayed that her daughter would have a close sister because she had always wanted one.
So my life was immeasurably blessed by this gift from the Lord to me.

She is smart, beautiful, creative and energetic. Very loving, a problem solver, someone who will think of others and their needs before they are sometime even aware they might need something.

She loves with all of her heart and many of us have been the recipients of this gift, she is going on 25 years of marriage to her sweetheart.

This of course is when she doesn't help with the food -

The last wedding for Ramona, and of course Susy is there.

Love you lots,

thanks.

David is married!!

2009-10-20T16:42:00.000-07:00

On October 17, 2009 in Syracuse Utah

David Edward Lore junior got married to Shany!

Here's the bride walking up the asile

Mr. and Mrs. David Lore

The Monster Upstairs

2009-10-04T12:40:00.001-07:00

Gareth, Greysen, and Christian came with their Dad Gene Layton to stay overnight for a soccer tournament the next day. At breakfast, Gareth - bright, curious, 5 year old - came up to Jeffrey and asked, " Is there a monster upstairs? Your son said there was one up there the last time I came." Jeffrey straight faced walked over to the bottom of the stairs, looked up and said, "Yes, there he is right now." Gareth starts to walk over and Jeffrey said, "Oh he just disappeared". Gareth looks him in the eye and says, "you're just tricking me" and Jeffrey says, "yes I am" and they have a conversation about monsters. Later in the morning Jeffrey is at his computer across the room and Gareth goes to the bottom of the stairs and says, "There's a monster up there!" and when Jeffrey looks up Gareth said, "Oh he just disappeared!".

Jeffrey was laughing about it 4 hours later when I came home.

We can't wait for little ones.

I Know How Ruth Feels

2009-09-27T23:00:00.000-07:00

I have really been fortunate to have the mother-in-law that I do. She is very interested in a lot of different things. Last week she asked if I'd like to go with her and we spent time at the beach and visited with friends from long ago in World War II.

She is very generous and supportive to her children, spouses of children and loves her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I've been to the Caribbean, Italy, France, Spain, Hawaii, Yellowstone, and various California beaches etc. because she takes her children (and spouses) to great ports of call and fabulous reunions. This time it was just her and I in Monterey having fun on the beach and traveling up and down California!

The love she pours out is unwavering and always encouraging.

These men have been friends since they were in their late teens and early twenties, and Beverly has the same loyalty and fidelity that she extends to her family too. Was it bred in that generation? It has been marvelous to be a part of her life and family unit.

If Duke had lived they would have had 63 great years. She holds us all in heart and we love her dearly.

Puerto Rico San Juan West Mission

2009-09-19T22:15:00.000-07:00

Matthew called and told us he was walking home from the BYU Florida game and would be back in half an hour. Nuf said on the football game. He called us back (surrounded by friends - I could only hear laughing girls) he read "Matthew Gregory Adams......... Puerto Rico San Juan West Mission Spanish speaking....." He'll be entering the MTC on Januray 27, 2010.

Interesting history : http://welcome.topuertorico.org/history.shtml

It's in the Mail!!

2009-09-17T21:36:00.001-07:00

I went to the outlet stores with my friends and from the street I saw a white envelope in the mail box. Running up I got it out and ran back to my friends.....
Matthew received his mission call today........
I had to forward it on to his home at BYU.......

So the suspense is killing us......
Stay tuned!

Speculation is rampant, I felt that package every bit as well as any Christmas package and held it up to the light. I'll even admit the thought of steaming came to mind. I called Matthew but no answer. So I hurried to the post office to avoid temptation and then sent another message that the call was on it's way. There is a booklet and a $1.58 postage stamp...any clues?

Pretend Grandma for a day!

2009-09-05T12:08:00.001-07:00

For the start of the Labor Day weekend, my niece Jessica and her family came to watch their oldest boy Christian play soccer and they stayed at our house! So we got out the beds and wondered what they would like to play, eat, or do.

This is Gene, Christian's dad and Jessica's husband (Sheila our black lab found an instant friend as he'll throw sticks and run with her)

This is Jessica swallowing ice-cream! Very organized and fun mom

This is Victoria with melting ice-cream in her mouth

This is the soccer playing Christian

This is Greysen watching his brother play

Elise is very funny and has a cute laugh

This is lovable Garath

I realized how fun it is to have some little ones come and visit and try out the beds and ask unique questions. I found out about wheat allergies and quickly re-vamped what I would offer for breakfast. This is soooo different from worrying what my kids were doing or not doing, and now I understand when my mother-in-law used to say, "don't worry about it I'll pick it up after you leave", because it really is a joy having them. I can't wait to see them again when they come for the next tournament.

... so no pasta, bread, or pancakes....

The wait.......and then the whoosh!

2009-08-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

So two days of fun in the HOT Sun and California Screamin' (which I personally never go on) was ridden at least 6 or more times by our group!

Up and down

Way down!

and around and around

to a photo finish!

I've got a few photos in a Disney Frame to remember the moment of thrills. Too bad I couldn't show everyone California Soarin' my most favorite ride in the park! A pictorial view of California from a glider's perspective - awesome!

The Silence is Deafening

2009-08-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

Matthew left for BYU, Michael went to walk the dog (ended up at a friend's house)
and Rachel disappeared into her room.

Wasn't I going to be a mom with a household of kids forever?

Those far away Sunday's I just wanted the house to be quiet for a few hours ......

now it's a Monday and I can hear the facet drip and the neighbors gate close.

He had so many amazing facts and photos to show

but he packing another bag....

and turned his papers in....

my house is serene.....

maybe a tad empty.

Ready for School and a New Year

2009-08-22T07:32:00.000-07:00

Rachel and Michael are signed up for school, sorted out classes, bought new clothes, and are looking forward to the breakfasts with the Merrills, Hopkins, and friends next week then Disneyland before they meet up with old and new friends on the 31st.

2009-08-19T22:27:00.000-07:00

Matthew got off the plane from hours and hours of flying through, around, and over countries until he got home from Jerusalem. His waking and sleeping impulses are backward but it sure is great to see him!

He traveled through 5 airports with two pieces of luggage, a backpack and a computer case - everything he owned for almost four months. Could I have lived with only the things I could put in 2 suitcases?

Jeff was in Arizona when Matthew arrived, but on Saturday they caught up at the Northgate chapel where Jeff was speaking.

We had an opportunity to hear about and see a few of the adventures and things he brought back. The Hoskings invited the family over for dinner and Matthew talked and showed his photos. We learned some really interesting things and the eternal motif from some Egyptian tombs, as well as some sites the Savior may or may not have actually been.

Now he is getting physicals, dental cleaning, and filling out paperwork to get ready for his mission before he leaves next Monday for a semester at BYU

Life is really sweet.

LA Adams View: Jeffrey Has This wonderful llittle Quirk

2009-08-10T20:49:00.000-07:00

http://www.pajarodunes.com/rentals/index.php "Pajaro Dunes!"

Jeffrey Has This wonderful llittle Quirk

2009-08-10T20:26:00.000-07:00

Enough is Enough, and then no more talking he just gets the job done. When I was a young mother of two, one evening frugal Jeffrey told me we weren't going to eat off of plastic plates anymore and we went to the store and he bought a set of stoneware with all the trimmings. Every once in awhile he gets into these modes and good things happen.

When Jeffrey has had enough and wants to get away and relax, good things happen.....

Jeffrey calls me from work on Wednesday and tells me he has reservations for Friday at Pajaro Dunes! Which is just the ticket for a summer beach trip for the family.

Michael didn't have a problem with his idea

Nor did Rachel

we just enjoyed a great weekend

While Jeffrey relaxed in the sun.....

The coast is the best!

2009-08-03T20:11:00.001-07:00

My good friend Laura took me on a trip to Monterey where her friends have a little cottage they are fixing up which is by the bay there. Actually just a few blocks from the ocean. Her son Dominic with Rachel and I and Laura went to Pacific Grove (a block from Cannery Row and the Aquarium) and enjoyed the ocean very much!

Drinking in the views and restoring the spirit - just the ticket.

Business Trips with Susy

2009-07-28T15:41:00.000-07:00

There really is nothing better than getting a call from Susy asking if you want to come on a trip when she is doing business with Whirlpool. She meets with reps and sales people and does whatever and then..........Susy and Laura pick me up at the airport to go play on the Oregon beach!

the drive is interesting and different every mile

because there is lots of water, vegetation, and views.

We stopped at a roadside market to get Marion berries! Yum!

And then we explore the little town of Seaside and go shopping in a little Mall that has all kinds of stores... like candy store, souvenirs, old fashioned photos.... and more!

people are driving around in really fun transportation and double bicycles etc.

And then we visit Canon Beach - just as beautiful as all the postcards

And look at the lighthouse that was so costly in early years

Then relax and spend the afternoon on the beach

That night we go back out to the beach to light a fire and make some som'mores.......

This picture was at night yet when I used a night setting I was trying to figure out why there was soooo much light?!

And while we had fire -see I can prove it!-

It didn't really say lit very long and kept going out...

because the fog was rolling in and damping everything.
So we enjoyed everyone else's fires who probably used a better starter and torch

The next morning was foggy and nice so we went to the beach again

and wandered out to the waves

along with everyone else looking for shells and adventure...

Everywhere you go their are baskets of flowers and lots of wild flowers growing everywhere, I don't know if it is foggy and gray all the time, but it certainly is colorful and beautiful in the summer.

If you ever find your self in Seaside, Oregon you just have to visit this shop and ask for crab cakes! The clam chowder is fantastic! We even ordered the razor clams which is a specialty of theirs, but by then we were so full they were way rich.

These two guys run the place and they are very good!

Then it was back to the crossing freeways and hustle of Portland to the airport. Did you know you can see Mt. Saint Helen's as you come up to the airport? My pictures came out like clouds instead of the mountain.

Ahh, a great trip with really great sisters!!

Images of likeable, loveable Lanette and lullaby

2009-07-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

Greeting everyone

Moving from task to task

Waiting for hikers

Giving foot massages

Teaching songs with games

And more songs and games

Talking about delicate subjects

Singing with girls

Welcoming leaders and girls back from their hikes

Handing out Otter Pops to hot travelers

Lining up

Passing out candy at fireside

Then every night she would sing us this lullaby -

He made me cry this morning

2009-07-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

I had a really nice morning connecting with Jeffrey again after being gone to girls camp. When I asked him about some information about one of our children I found that he didn't have any pictures of the kids in his wallet but he does have their bank account numbers in case he needs to help them at a moments notice. Ahhh, what a great father my children have.

Lord Please forgive me When I Whine

2009-07-04T14:23:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday that I wasn't too excited about, but my mom called today happy and reminiscing about my birth. I kinda nodded to myself while she was talking but then had an epiphany when I realized that every day I live is a bonus on earth because I wasn't suppose to be here after 3 months. The Lord has allowed and let me live 50 wonderful, healthy years with a really great man and some pretty terrific kids instead of dying of some heart problem in my first year. Thank you so much Lord for my life, my wonderful husband, watching children grow up, having experiences, and the opportunity to go on a mission and live a full wonderful life. Thanks.

On the Beach with Laura and Susy!

2009-07-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

There is a great beach in Portland (so I've been told), actually I'll go to any beach once. In just 3 weeks I'll be walking with my sisters on the coast line. Bliss!

I can hear the clock in the other room

2009-06-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

My family is shrinking! Rachel runs up to read in her room - finished the Twilight series, Michael went to a camp in Rexburg and all Jeffrey and I have left is the dog at the door and a cat which comes through every once in awhile. Shocking. Where is the noise, drama, questions and constant organization?
On the other hand there sure are lots of fun things you can do with just a few people. Possibilities of adventure beckon. Ahh isn't life grand?

SCOOL IS OUT!!!!!

2009-06-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

Rachel's 5th grade party was lots of fun! Last year was so hot that a nice beach party with water and snow cones was nicely planned. Everyone had a great time with the slides, tubes with of course water, snow cones, and lots of yummy food.

Notice despite the shivering they are still eating snow cones.

The Annual Memorial Day Breakfast

2009-05-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

What a day- eat with friends, then play football, or explore, chat with friends.

Just look at Rachel's hair!

Hi Jeff, What?

We've Got a Water Dog!!

2009-05-26T14:44:00.000-07:00

Sheila and Michael have this new game of "War with the Water"

She enjoys the pool, but playing with Michael more

She even likes mud puddles on our way home from walks

Why do we have pain?

2009-05-24T18:29:00.000-07:00

Since there isn't a soul who doesn't experience pain in this mortality, I'm wondering what is the need for it? Is pain soul developing, does it advance us to a better place, or teach us something we can't learn without it? Everybody - babies, teenagers, adults, rich, poor, slave, master, Australian, Swedish, Canadian, Brazilian, everybody experiences, physical, mental, emotional pain. Is that the only way we know when we are happy or even have an appreciation for it? Why do we have to have so much of it? Ahh but life is good. I like my life even with the pain.

Traditions that are soul filling - 15 years worth

2009-05-17T17:22:00.000-07:00

The boys with strategical plan.

Always a Saturday hike

The girls rally around the flag - In capture the flag

Good friends, a fire, conversation...ahh Mother's Day camping!

It is really great to watch the children grow up into almost men, where did all the time go? I still feel the same age but they are so much bigger.

Some days are really great for mothers

2009-05-04T21:06:00.000-07:00

A few mile stones in my children's lives are big for me too. This was one of them. We both didn't realize how this ceremony would feel. Rebekah's grandmother talked her into walking as Rebekah didn't know if she wanted to or not. Then Rebekah talked her friend Jennie into walking too. So when Jennie was announced, they said, "Jennie Mariah Ellis walking with her sister...." and I just about cried. Jennie is everything I prayed for when I listened to the boys chattering at night when we put them to bed and Rebekah's room would be silent. Growing up with a sister just a year younger was a great blessing that I dreamed of for my girl. So two beautiful girls walked into a new future.

25 Good Years

2009-04-21T09:50:00.000-07:00

OK, it's official. I've now been an Adams for just as long as I've been a Lore.

A beautiful Spring day in April with our friends from BYU and family from California, Utah and Oklahoma. I didn't realize that marriage gets better with age - it changes and that love, passion, understanding, and care are flexible, growing characteristics and the infatuation and enthusiasm of early years can lead to a deep richness in later years. It's unfathomable how I could be happier on my 50th anniversary because life is really sweet right now. Watching how we have adjusted, adapted and changed shows that future trends look very good. We are not the same couple as we were fresh from university. Though I'm still more flighty than Jeffrey. I bring joy and lightness to his life and he brings meaning and purpose to mine. Marriage is really wonderful - I recommend it.

This was powerful the first time....now it's better

2009-04-15T20:26:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpFhS0dAduc

2009-04-12T21:17:00.000-07:00

I can't get out of my head the idea that we should be grateful and happy with our body and our life. Easter is a time of reflection and appreciation of what the Savior has done for us. A time to remember. Lanette said we should be grateful to have a wonderful body. She has a friend who would shout hoorays to move her fingers as she has multiple scoliosis and hasn't moved by herself in years.

I am thankful that I can see and walk and smell and taste. I have a wonderful life, a great husband, and beautiful children. To live with good health and in a nice home and I know I owe it to the Lord's guidance and direction in the commandments we have followed. It helps to be lucky and it helps to do what is necessary to have contentment in my life. I'm glad I have the luck of the draw without lots of turmoil in my life and I'm also glad I listened to my parents and teachers and don't have addictions and waited for a good husband. I'm glad I had my children and didn't worry about the worldly cares that change with the fads. I can't say I'm exactly satisfied with my body but I'm sure glad it works well, gets me where I want to go and I'm not addicted to anything - except chocolate. I'm happy to talk with my kids and watch them develop and work through their trials and choices. I am thankful for the Savior and his redeeming love for us. His sacrifice, care, and guidance. I'm glad to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I'm delighted to have responsibilities and service to render.
I'm indebted to those men who have lived their lives in such a way that I want to follow their leadership. Life is good.

Am I Old or staying Young?

2009-04-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

I really need to be a grandmother. I'm old enough, my friend's have them. I have to actively remind myself to get excited and do fun stuff with my youngest. The tooth fairy, Easter Bunny and other holidays used to be so fun. When did I get to be old? I turned around one day and didn't want to go to the park. That must have been when I wasn't looking. Wouldn't it be nice to play for the day and then send them home? Anyway Easter at the Adams turned out nice (I think) and I had baskets for everybody and eggs - plastic and real - hidden everywhere before the children (they are big children) got up. Although I had to remind myself and I was out on the last minute run to get candy, baskets, plastic eggs and stuff. Do children keep you young or are they what makes you get old? I'd really love to go on a cruise. Bake in the sun then hike around a mountain lake, scuba dive in the ocean, and play on the beach. Maybe we could get the toothfairy to just come once and not have to remember late at night to make her run. What do you think about one great big gift instead of all the quarters every few months?

Laura's Camel

2009-04-11T23:12:00.000-07:00

Laura assures me that there is a camel who lives here. She called me one night and said there was a camel sitting up on this hill, so we came to see him and well we found wild flowers and nice green grass. So another time she is with her family and calls and says the camel is out. Now I do believe there is a camel on her say so, and this is where I'm exercising faith that someday I may see him. But everytime I travel over the hill with Laura there is no camel.

2009-04-05T16:05:00.001-07:00

I keep thinking about all those migrating Monarchs and how they ride the winds. There are millions of them and they are so small and hardly noticed but they have been coming in waves heading North all last week. When our family went back to the Nauvoo Temple dedication there were thousands of visitors and I felt very small and insignificant though thankful to be there. I couldn't help thinking then of all the planning and work and effort it took to go and to realized that all those thousands of people waiting in lines and walking around all had taken time, effort and sacrifice to be there and why did we all think about it together? What makes us swarm just like the butterfly's every once in awhile? We knew of one family that has driven for 2 weeks in a rickety van to get there and others who had saved for months. They were prepared for us when we got there. Extra chairs and tables at church were already set up and different wards around the temple came to help out the visitors who had traveled to get there. Conference time brings on prepared crowds too. I remember as a young child sitting on the Temple grounds around the tabernacle listening to the talks over the speakers if we couldn't get in to the seats. Long lines then too.
The butterflys run into obsticles like cars, shifting winds, children and dogs, bird swooping, and buses driving by. But still thousands arrive at their destinations. Did you know that their children's great-grandchildren are the ones who end up going back to the same place they did? Why did I end up visiting the same place my great-great-great grandmother lived? Of course we've only done it once in a lifetime and I hope my children and their children go back to visit without waiting a few generations.