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

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 -

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......

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

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!

I really had fun at the Day Camp this Year!

All the babies are getting married!

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!!!

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.......