Friday, January 30, 2009: A very strange yet special day! 50 years ago today (on a Friday) I married and was sealed to Calvin Douglas Stewart in the Logan Temple. I attended the Mt. Timpanogos Temple this morning just to feel and think. Life is interesting - and good!

Let it snow, Let it snow, Make it stop!! (belated)

OK here are some of our snow photos. I kept hearing on the news about Orem's 3" - ya, right. Try shoveling that much or more 3 times a day. This is the most snow we've had since I've lived here (13 years.) But the last two weeks of sunsine have made it just a pleasant memory.

BINGO! And SNOW! And CHRISTMAS!

Sunday Dec. 21: I started in baking and preparing for bingo. I had choir practice at 11:30 and church at noon. I sang in a double mixed quartet and the choir did 2 numbers, one of which I directed the congregation on. I think everything went over pretty well. We decided to go home after Sacrament and get ready for bingo, and I really took most of the time to finish preparing. I thought I was ready, but I kept thinking of "things." We had chili, cornbread, veggie platter and drinks. Then I had made 2 kinds of cookies and cinnamon rolls. Everyone didn’t come at once, but everyone CAME! It was wonderful to see everyone and so good to be together. Some still have some sad feelings, but I hope each one has some special memory of the occasion. We played bingo and each one was so appreciative of the silly little gifts I had for them. After "THE" Christmas story and some sweet thoughts from Dar, I sent them all off with jerky and shalalie roll and little gifts. Congratulations on Lexi for getting a great job, to Zac for his winning spirit in wrestling, and to Curtis for the wonderful Christmas spirit he showed. I really love my family and wish I could see them every day! Dec. 22: We hurried out early in the morning to go to Savers and get our car inspected, but it started snowing right at 9 am and we really got dumped! We just came back home and enjoyed the day watching the snow fall. It was a beautiful snow with big flakes falling thick and piling quickly up in the yard. It let up about 2 pm so we both went out and shoveled for a while. It was a very wet snow – a good one for snow men and snow forts, but there was no one around to build them. One neighbor cleared the sidewalks with their 4-wheeler snow plow and another one came by and helped with his snow blower. We must have had 10”, so we really have big drifts now from the shoveling. Right now I am really enjoying snow!

DEC. 24: After some packing and errend-running, we took off for Jon’s. The roads were good and we arrived in good time. Jon had gotten home before Lisa and had the house all in order, he had added some rammed earth decorations, candles lit, and Christmas music playing. He also had set up the baby room - even to hanging up baby clothes in the closet. I love that boy!! Ty and Lisa soon came along with Christopher, Brittia, Jordyn, and Lisa’s 2 sisters and their husbands/partners and Cailyn. Lisa brought home a huge lot of food from her work, so we all ate until we were stuffed. Then we each opened a present and had some Christmas stories – including THE story. It was good! All our family stayed over night, so it was good to be together. It started raining, so we knew it was snowy up north.

CHRISTMAS: We all slept in late, then Harold and I made a huge breakfast casserole. We opened presents while it was baking and then ate until we were stuffed again. We just relaxed, watched some basketball on TV, and ate some more. It rained much of the day, and as we talked with family, we found out that it was really snowing other places in Utah and Idaho. And there was jerky and shalalie rolls all around! Good Christmas! I surely love my family!!

Dec. 26: We slept in again, washed bedding and then loaded up and headed for home. The snow had left the roads icy and snowy a lot of the time, so we just went slow. We met Tyson on the way and brought up a game for Josh from him. We arrived home to find that we had only gotten about 2” of snow here, and were happy for that. Other places around really got dumped on. Jon came up also, but Lisa stayed behind. Her back is still giving her some grief. Harold & I opened our gifts after we got home, and I think he was really pleased with his gifts. And I got a wonderful gift from Lola – the book, The Life and Adventures of Santa Clause, which is the book mother read and got my name from. It is published in 1902, has the family names in it, and I will treasure it always.

This image is of some of Jon's decorations - candle holders he made from rammed earth - I want some!

Wed., Nov. 26: We packed up and headed for St George and the sunshine. The first problem was that there wasn’t any sunshine that day or the day after – only lots of rain! I wished Lexi was with us, but it didn’t work out for her.

Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27: We slept in a little, but were soon busy with preparing dinner. Lisa had been down with back problems, so that left me with most of the fixing to do. I did my best, but I know it probably wasn’t my best effort. We did enjoy each other’s company, though. Besides Harold, Stan & I and Tyson, Lisa’s two sisters, a husband, a male friend, and cute little Caylin were there. It was a good crowd and we had a relaxing time. We even got to watch 2 movies while we were there.

Nov. 28: More sun today, and Harold & I did a little shopping. Mostly too crowded to enjoy it, though. Jon & Lisa had a shock – they got their credit card bill and someone had stolen their identity and charged some ridiculous stuff on it - $7500 worth! They had bought a bunch of games and taken all the gang to dinner several times – big tippers like $200 or $150 each time! So they spent the day on the phone and the internet and being interviewed by the police. It seems that everything is going to be OK and they won’t have to pay. The charges were all in California; some on the same dates that Jon was charging here in Utah. It surely makes a hassle, though!

Nov. 29: It was a beautiful day, but we had to pack up and head for home again. I hated to leave Lisa and Jon with their problems, but there really isn’t anything I could do anyway. We stopped in Cedar to see our cousin, Marilyn and drove through Kingston to see where Dallas’ grandparents live. It was a nice change, and we still arrived home in time for Stan to watch USC win their game.

Sunday, Nov. 30: We started off the day with a good breakfast. I had choir at 11:30 and then our meetings starting at 1. In the evening we taught our temple class again. It is so good to do that. I love getting to know people and giving the lessons!

Dec. 1: Well, here we are to December! I don’t feel ready for Christmas at all, but I am determined that I am going to enjoy it and feel the spirit – I’ve been missing it for a few years. I already have all my snowmen out and some other decorations and am anxious to finish. Then I have to work on some shopping. We actually got up early and went to Wal-Mart and the grocery store. Then later in the day we went to the mall and found Stan a U of U T-shirt that he wanted. He was so pleased. We then went looking for furniture again. In the evening, we had a wonderful lesson (our last) with 2 of our couples. It was so sweet and spiritual and I feel so privileged to have this calling!

I'm not a very good blogger, but will keep trying. In the meantime, YOU GO, YOU BLOGGERS & I'LL KEEP READING!!!

Thankful Thanksgiving

Nov. 21: Had a great day and the opportunity to go with Dar & Brad to see Paul’s team win the state football tournament. It was so fun! We rode Trax up to the Rice-Eccles Stadium and back. It was so-o-o crowded and took forever, but it was still fun. The weather was cold, but we were bundled up and so kept reasonably warm. The game caused some fretting in the beginning because it seemed like Alta just couldn’t get their act together, but in the last quarter they came alive and ended up playing like their old selves, winning the game in the last 33 seconds. Everyone was on their feet cheering at the top of their lungs. We couldn’t help but feel a little bad for Bingham because they played their hearts out too, but were so happy that Paul was again on a state championship team. It was 11:30 before I got home. Stan and Harold were both still waiting up for me – with a surprise. Stan said my “two boyfriends” had gone out shopping while I was away. I couldn’t figure out what they had bought and looked all over. Finally Harold said, “feel this!” and rubbed the bed. Then I knew. They had bought me a heated mattress pad. It was totally unexpected, but I couldn’t wait to get ready and crawl into bed. It was heaven!! Thank you!!!
Sunday, November 23, 2008: Another eventful (or uneventful) week. We have enjoyed having Stan here and have been able to do a few things like going out for breakfast and grocery shopping. Today I sang in a quartet in church and Stan came to hear me. We sang “Thanksgiving Medley,” and everyone said it sounded really good. I think Stan was proud of his little sister. I’m so thankful that I can still sing! I brought Stan home after church and we ate a little together; then I returned to Relief Society.

I Just have to send out a little Thanksgiving greeting to all our family, and tell everyone how very thankful I am for each one. What a blessing our family is to me. May we always appreciate and love and lift each other. Each one has strengths and weaknesses – that’s what makes us a family - we just love each other anyway! And remember the story of the 5 kernals of corn:

In early New England, it was customary to place 5 kernals of corn beside each plate during the Thanksgiving meal. This was a reminder of earlier and rougher times for the New England Pilgrims; times in which food was so scarce that 5 kernals of corn was the ration given each person from the common food stores. Each kernal carried a reminder:

1. Our total dependence upon God

2. Every blessing we receive carries with it an equal responsibility

3. We are not blessed just for our own comfort, but so we can be of service to others

4. Many of the greatest blessings come as a result of moments of deepest despair

5. The greatest of all our gifts is our Lord Jesus Christ. God reveals himself to us through Jesus Christ

Travel - and food!

Sunday, November 17, 2008: OK, it’s been a long week since I’ve written, but I have a good excuse!!!

We took off early Monday morning, Nov. 10^th for Portland. Harold likes to go early – and we did! It’s a long boring road between Orem, Utah and Grants Pass, Oregon. We took turns driving and were grateful for the dry roads with only a few sprinkles here and there. When we neared Medford, I phoned Trina, she reached Dane and we all met at a Mexican restaurant in Rogue River for dinner. They brought Brett along, but the girls were both working, so we didn’t get to see them. We had a good visit, and were so glad to see them even if it was for just a short while. We stayed at Yolonda’s in Grants Pass Monday night, and it was so good to lay our heads down on a bed!

Tuesday we drove over to Cave Junction. It poured most of the day, and I remembered that November usually has lots of dreary rain. That little town holds both fond and fearsome memories for me! We went first to Justin & Heather’s and by some miracle found Justin at home and Heather soon came. They are doing well in many ways - Heather is working and Justin is happy. He has the parasites back, and I gave him some suggestions for curing them. Justin is always going about doing good and not getting paid for anything. Bless them both! We then went to see Doug & Florence. I feel so sorry for Doug. He is trying to cure his cancer, but it is really painful. It seems to be all gone on the left side and the huge crusty mass on the right side seems to be lifting a little. Say a prayer for him. We ate at Taylor’s Sausage and bought some jerky and linguisa. Very good as usual!

We slept at Yolonda’s again Tues. night and left early Wednesday morning for Portland. We arrived about noon, but Stan was busy with Dennis, so we stopped at a Costco to look around. Anyway, we ate dinner with Stan and then drove to Donna’s. Thursday we had a meeting with some of the Calaroga people at 11 with Stan. We walked around outside also. It was clearing a little and seemed good to get out. For lunch we drove to the Cadillac Café and met Dennis, Rebecca and Chuck. We had a good lunch, but things are a little strained and strange. It is as if Stan is trying to include us into his circle of friends rather than breaking away from them. We said good-bye and returned to Donna’s to spend the evening with them. Harold tried to fix her washer, but decided a repairman had better be called.

Friday, we left early, scooped up Stan and headed for home. The weather was mild and sunny and the drive quite pleasant. At Sherry’s, as usual, we were welcomed warmly with a delicious dinner waiting. I love that girl and her family! After a wonderful sleep, we again ate a marvelous meal with all her family. They are just so cute and sweet! The girls begged long enough that the Christmas tree was dragged out, assembled and decorated. Sherry later told me they went ahead and decorated the whole house. I wish someone would do that for me! We didn’t leave until about 10:30 because it was so hard to leave the happy scene, but we knew we needed to get going. When we reached Barbara’s, she had a wonderful little lunch prepared and we visited and visited and visited. Too long, in fact, because it put us even later. It was good, though. Then we drove on to Shirleen and Don’s where again she had made a wonderful meal of meatloaf and creamed peas and potatoes. It was so good. I can tell I am getting fatter! After a good visit there, we went on to Lola’s, visited some more, and then at her kind invitation, we each found a bed and crashed. Harold and Stan were just too tired to go on! Sunday we drove home and arrived in time to unload, take a shower and make it to Relief Society! It is good to be home!!!!

Today I got the laundry done, took Stan to the bank and bought groceries at Macey’s. Then while he napped, Harold & I went to Costco. Actually (although I know it is hard to believe that grocery shopping can be such an exciting event) it was a fun, relaxing day. Now I have caught up my journal, done up the dishes, and even played a game on the computer. I heard from Lisa that Julia’s shower was a hit and she got tons of stuff – good for her! Sorry to miss the fun!

So – there are the life and adventures of Mother, Grama ‘Cele and Nacele. Not anything earth shattering, just pressing forward with a perfect brightness of hope!

We have enjoyed getting out house together and are beginning to feel somewhat settled (except that we have no furniture yet, but it will come) We have enjoyed watching a football game or two with Dar & Brad and are so proud of the effort the boys make and what good players they are. WE also had a great weekend with some of the grandkids here, visited at Barbara's and helped in her yard, had a fun time with Sherry's family down from Idaho along with some of our Utah kids and grandkids. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren are so-o-o great!
Saturday, Nov. 9: Today was a busy and very special day for us as well as some others. First of all, we took all our “stuff” down to the commodity share. The Spanish people were there scooping up all they could carry. We also put out a box and a bag of food for the scouting food drive which was in emergency because the food bank is almost empty. Then, we were privileged to attend the endowment session and sealing for the Finch’s, to whom we have taught the temple classes. They were sealed on their 61^st wedding anniversary! They had lots of family there with them, and they all thanked us with tearful eyes for our help in getting them to the temple. (I really don’t feel like we have done much, but with the Lord’s help anything is possible.) They are the last of the siblings to get their endowments and now the whole family is sealed. It was just so cute to see them: so short, so crippled, yet so radiant. Evelyn was in a wheelchair and Jay was tottering along with the help of family. When they were sealed, they sat across the alter from each other – Jay on a chair and Evelyn in the wheelchair, with their hands so crippled that they could hardly hold hands. As the sealer talked with them, the spirit was so strong. He told them that there were ancestors present who were so joyful at their sealing. He also said that angels had been attending them and those who helped prepare them for the temple. He testified that the Lord had been waiting for them to come to His house and that His presence was among us there. I can add my testimony to that because there really was a powerful spirit in the room. What a blessing it has been for us to be able to teach these temple lessons, and I know that we have gained more than anyone else. Somehow, I just felt so powerful there in the temple. I know Heavenly Father is in charge and I really felt peaceful about our family’s problems and all the turmoil going on in our nation and the world.
THEN- today (Sunday) we were able to be present when Sawyer was blessed by his great-grandfather, Raymond Finch - and when we connected it all up - Raymond is a nephew of Jay Finch with whom we had just attended the temple. What a small world. They are wonderful people, and invited us to stop by their ranch down in Kingston (near St. George.) Sawyer looked so cute - I'm sure Julia will post photos on her blog. We leave early tomorrow on a trip to Portland to pick up Stan for a visit, and will stop in Idaho on our way back. We send lots of love and happy greetings to all!