Monday, May 9, 2016

...and life goes on...

It has been nearly three months since I last posted on this blog. My better half is not here to cheer me on, but I will do my best to apprise you of this new and different situation of mine. The children have been kind and solicitous, wanting me to come and visit. I have spent the last month traveling (with this next week taking me to Washington, DC and New York)
Everything seems strange now as I have spent the past 8 years serving missions and traveling with Doyle and now I am doing everything on my own. 
St George, UT- land of cactus and red rock and great people!!

 The third week in April was a reunion for our senior missionaries serving in New Zealand. I had mixed feelings about going alone, but I am so glad that I did. What wonderful people I am privileged to know!
 Alands, me, the Brunsons, the Brobergs, the Fugals, the Wallaces and the Becksteads all together following a session at the lovely St. George temple. We had a great time eating, touring, laughing and just catching up! The Becksteads invited me to stay with them and made me feel at home!!

While in St George I was able to visit Gary and Melody Taylor. Melody is recovering from a nearly fatal infection. She is learning to do everything all over again. She and Gary served with us in New Zealand also and we became great friends. They are engaged in an uphill battle and stand as heroes!

 After being home for just a few days, I flew to Utah again to see Micah, Rebecca and the children. Cosette was turning 5, so it was fun to be there for her birthday. Caleb is pictured helping mom play her African drum!
Cozi got a pair of cool sunglasses from her nursery school and wanted to show me how to wear them! She is such a character! She wanted me to make a Darth Vader cake for her birthday....uh...okay...we all agreed that he looked more like Darth Vader's bulldog, but she was happy.

 Eden is 8 and she is so thoughtful. She bounced out of bed early to make Cosi breakfast in bed. As you can see Cosi was not terribly enthusiastic! 
 Saturday morning, Micah, Rebecca and I were able to slip away and attend the Timpanogos temple. They are doing great. Our Becky is a true wonder!

 Just this past week I received a visit from Naoko Kawahara- Johnson and Chris Johnson. Naoko was one of the great Japanese gals we got to know while serving in Japan. She is now living in Washington. I was so excited to see her and meet her new husband!
 When I am not traveling I am spending my time in Moses Lake gardening and enjoying friends and family here. Haven and T and Ariel and Nathan have come over to help me as I sort through all of my pack-rat's "treasures".  This will be an ongoing job for many months to come.

On Sunday Ariel and Haven made dinner and a cake for Mother's Day.
Feeling blessed.

"Life is simple....it's just not easy."