Sad Winter- Happy Spring!

 It has been a rough few months for my family. In December, Micah called to say that Rebecca, his very sweet wife was losing her battle with cancer. This information was kept from everyone until after the holidays. I traveled to Utah in January and stayed two weeks to be with Micah, Rebecca and children for Eden's 13th birthday, and to say goodbye to Micah's darling companion of nearly 15 years.

Here they are at their reception in 2006

September 2020

Micah 36, Rebecca 35, Eden 13, Cosette, 9, Caleb 7

Loved this obituary written by Rebecca's older sister:

Rebecca was born on May 29, 1985 in Pullman, Washington, to Daniel and Shelly Nelson. She spent her formative growing up years in Moses Lake, Washington, with her parents and three sisters. She attended college at BYUI in Rexburg, Idaho, and received her nursing degree in 2005. Rebecca was able to use her degree throughout her life working in various nursing positions. She married Micah, a dear friend from high school, in August 2006, in the Columbia River Temple. They have three children whom Rebecca cherished and loved with all her might.

Rebecca had a true nurturer’s heart. She exemplified the Savior in her desire to serve and seek out the one. Whether she was taking care of patients, meeting a new neighbor, or reaching out to the lonely or downtrodden, she had room in her heart for all. She most often put the needs and wants of others before her own. Rebecca especially loved children, and this love was manifest tenfold in her love and care for her three angels. She saw the magic and wonder of the world through their eyes and loved teaching, snuggling, laughing, and going on adventures with her children. Rebecca loved nature and animals; sharing that love with her family brought her much joy. Rebecca was a seeker of truth and learning and was such an example of studying it out in her heart and mind. She was firm in her testimony of Christ, and even at the end, when communication was difficult, looked for ways to teach her children the gospel of Jesus Christ. Rebecca was a selfless woman who gave her all, always with a smile on her face.

January and February were somewhat of a blur as I spent two weeks in Utah each month. One to bid farewell to a wonderful daughter-in-law, and the next to see her buried and do what I could to comfort the family.

On January 13th we were able to celebrate Eden's 13th birthday. A much needed bright spot for everyone.

I sure do love this little family!

Rebecca, who always had a kind word and a smile for everyone!

Many beautiful flowers, gifts and condolences were forthcoming.

It will take some time before these beautiful children adjust to their mother's absence.

The service was perfect but oh so sad.

Rest in peace dearest Rebecca!

March found me doing my best to carry on with the daily tasks of life The missionaries came over one day to help me prepare my yard for spring. Gardening season is a balm to my soul!

Oh the joy when winter yields to the splendor of Spring!

Since school is still partly remote, I had to laugh at 7 year old Liora getting comfortable while concentrating on her schoolwork!

The end of March brought a happy event. Deanna, one of my best friends, turned 70 and her children planned a surprise birthday party for her, so Carol and I flew to Idaho Falls. The look on her face when we walked in was priceless!!

The next weekend was Spring break and Easter. My sister, June and her husband, Rodney came up from Logan, UT,  Ariel and Nathan and the kids were here as well as Noble who drove his new Tesla from Draper, accompanied by my grandson, Julian. Haven and Tiburcio and their four children were here also.  It was a wild week as we celebrated birthdays, Easter and enjoyed visiting and playing games!

June and Rodney

"Mima" and Julian at the Japanese Koi Park

Sunday I did my best to dress up like an Easter Egg! 

A kind friend put together this "resurrection garden", complete with a tiny tomb and stone.

 Words cannot begin to express my gratitude for He who has made ALL things possible!

Happy Easter, Happy Spring and may your joys be abundant!

Merry Thanksgiving and Happy Christmas to All!

Yes, it is a little strange hearing from me again so soon, but I did not want to miss the chance to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! We are all hoping that 2021 will be a better year, but I for one have fastened my seat belt, bracing for what is to transpire. Thankfully the Lord is in charge!!!

Haven and family always stop by on Halloween for our yearly "scary" photo. As always, everyone was dressed up in the costume of their choice. These kids are so creative!!

The other excitement in October was the groundbreaking for the Moses Lake Temple...yes, this photo was taken from my upstairs bedroom. A year from now I will be able to walk across the street to attend the House of the Lord!! What a phenomenal blessing!

This is what I will see when it is done!!!

Restrictions aside, I hosted a Thanksgiving dinner with Haven's family. Ariel and Nathan joined in the "leftover" feast on Friday. 

How I love having this family here in town with me. I love them so much!

On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Ariel and Nathan (and of course Gus) helped set up my tree for Christmas. I decided to put up all my decorations since I will be home for the holidays this year!

Of course the Charlie Brown tree is up and full of beautiful snowflakes!

I counted 22 nativities- so up they all went! The quilted wall hanging is the expert work of Haven!

Some of these nativities I have had for 40 years, while others more recently have come to me through gifts and travel.

Many countries are represented...Fiji, Kenya, Madagascar, Cameroon, Italy and Israel. The greatest joy is reflecting on each one's depiction of the greatest story ever told!!

Got a few new things for the great outdoors this year. Made a wreath and tried to make my entrance feel of holiday cheer!

In any season, the sunsets in Moses Lake are always breathtaking!

May your holidays follow suit as you find peace, joy and comfort in knowing that the Savior of the world is nigh at hand!

Blessings to each of you as you celebrate the birth of our Lord!

Spring and Summer Under Lockdown!

 Since we have all been hearing about Covid-19, the lockdown and politics in this crazy election year, I promise to keep my comments non-Covid, non- lockdown and non-political. Wow....2020 has certainly been a unique and unusual year to navigate! I have spent a great deal of time at home, so this chapter will not be filled with much in the way of excitement!! LOL! My last post recounted the more "normal" days of winter and early spring, but now instead of travel and exciting adventures, it has been a time of evaluation and introspection....which is of course quite valuable....or maybe just downright scary!

Part 1- Spring

As always I am delighted to see spring arrive so I can begin playing in the dirt... Ariel's dogwood tree was lovely this year!

My Mother's Day flowers from the Larsens...here it is October and they still look beautiful!

The clematis, sage and lavender have taken over my little herb garden!

Although off to a slow start this clematis is quickly catching up.

Planted this box early as it has peas, lettuce, carrots and spinach.

Numerous pickings have helped to fill my freezer!

For the past two years I have not been able to grow any type of squash due to  the voracious appetite of the local squash bugs....yuk! This year I thought I would outsmart them by netting the squash until they bloomed, then I would have to let the bees have access. It worked! I have had enough zucchini for the entire neighborhood and even managed a few butternut squash..VICTORY- never saw a single squash bug!

Of course the roses, peonies and hybiscus never disappoint!

   

Nathan and the kids helped replace the plastic edging around the lawn and along the flowerbeds with very sturdy steel edging. They did a stellar job! Love my Larsens!

Part 2- Family, Feline and Friends

One of the advantages of having Haven's family in town is my getting to take one of the grandkids out for lunch and a day together each month. One of the popular stops is the Japanese park that boasts some 40 or so Koi. By the way, they really like Multi-Grain Cheerios! Even Little T (who is now 16 and 6ft tall) enjoys this activity!

Here is Dulcinea (now 14) being very Zen at the Japanese park...

Noble's son, Julian (now 12) came to Moses Lake to spend 2 weeks with Mima. Nathan and Ariel went to Utah over Labor Day weekend and he came back with them, then I flew him home...well Delta did most of the actual flying! We had a great time together. He especially enjoyed his cousins and Ariel's chickens!

My friend Naoko Kawahara Johnson whom I met while serving in Japan on a mission, now lives on the west side of Washington state. On occasion she and her husband pass through Moses Lake on their way to Idaho or Utah. It is fun when she has the time to stop so we can catch up!

Ariel opened a draw to get out some linen for the bed I would be occupying over the weekend, and of course Gus saw that as an opportunity to claim a spot among the sheets! She is one funny cat!

Part 3 - The Getaway

Deanna came to visit for awhile..such a treat to all be together. We decided to take a short trip to Harrison, Idaho, which is on the other side of Lake Coeur D' Alene. A tiny town of 300 filled with friendly people, little shops and a delightful Bed and Breakfast that we called home for three days! Our hostess was an excellent cook and we enjoyed the peace and quiet in this laid back community.

Sherry sets a charming table and the eclectic interior of this "home away from home" is very comfortable!

The building has served many uses over the many years, including being the town's hospital.

We had lunch at a pier -front eatery in Coeur d'Alene. The weather was fabulous!

It was warm enough for these two to take to the water...my job was camera-woman!

The Harrison Creamery had quite the reputation for ice cream and fudge...and we were not disappointed!

Part 4 - Fires and Frosting

The West Coast fires were not a threat to us here in Moses Lake, but the smoke was horrific. We had about a week where going outside was not a healthy option! The sun was an orange ball in the middle of the day and every surface was covered in soot...I was never so grateful for clean air and blue skies!!

Speaking of fires, Ariel and Haven decided 70 candles would be a good idea for my birthday cake! It is a wonder the smoke alarm did not hail the local fire department!

Knowing my great love of flowers, the kids all chipped in for 70 gerber daisies!! Had to use the cookie jar for a vase!! Was an enjoyable weekend with family and friends! I am so very blessed!

Well that about brings you up to date. Not too painful for a 6 month synopsis I hope!

October 5th Kelsey would have been 42! Doyle has no doubt been his companion these past four years. Each May and October I head to the cemetery to check on the boys. Haven went with me and we cleaned up the headstones and let them know that we were still missing them !

How grateful I am for the Gospel of Jesus Christ that brings me hope, peace and the expectation of seeing all of my loved ones once again.

May the Lord's richest blessings be yours until we meet again, either in this life or the next!