A Year Well Spent

So..... as this year comes to a close, I need to express my gratitude for a good one.

It began with Randy and I celebrating our 3oth anniversary January 8. We celebrated by going on a Medditerrainean cruise in May/June. It was a wonderful trip with my best friend.



Big milestones for each of my kids.....



Tony graduated from BYU in April. He and Erika moved back to paradise, where he began working for Randy before starting graduate school at the New School of Architecture in S.D. in the fall. It's GREAT to have them close by!!!!



Jessica and Clint were blessed with a beautiful baby boy, Owen, on Sept. 25. He is a special addition to our family!!!! They also live close by, in Carmel Valley. We love seeing them often!!!



Mique turned 30 Nov. 3. (I can't believe I'm old enough to have a child that age!) She celebrated many ways, one being the surprise party that Josh and I planned with the help of other family. I think she liked her b'day.



We had a wonderful Christmas. It began in late Nov. as my bf's and I went to dinner for our annual gift exchange. Good food, great friends. I'm one lucky lady!!! The fun continued as I put on our ward Christmas breakfast. (My last activity as chairman of the committee. Yippee!!!) It was very stressful (just ask anyone around me including Randy Lang!!!) But with some help, a good time was had by all. My Randy was my right hand man, my biggest support, and even dressed as "Elf" to ensure a good party. That night was his annual office party at Donovan's. We left stuffed! I also spent time with my card playing/ temple going great friends, exchanging gifts and wonderful friendship! We went to brunch at the Nuckols the Saturday before Christmas and sang in their annual carrol sing along. That night we went to the Platts for a potluck and visited with more dear friends.



It was our turn to host the annual Alder family Christmas eve dinner. I made more trips to Costco in the 2 weeks leading up to the dinner than I had all year! Lisa and Greg and kids arrived Sunday night, and others started coming the next morning. With a T time of noon, we got the boys (and Cindy)off, and began preparations in earnest for dinner. We had a very nice Christmas eve, except that Scott and Teresa and boys were unable to join us as Teresa's dad was ill and needed their attention. We missed them and all the others who couldn't join us.

Here is a cute picture of 3 handsome cousins!!!

The next day Mique, Josh , and kids drove down. It took Julia bout 5 minutes to find the 2 new cars we had gotten to keep here to play with when they visit. They were a big hit!! A mini golf cart and a push peddle Benz. (When I saw the Benz in a catalogue I had to have it!!!) We opened presents and had a good time. The presents were all awesome this year. Very thoughtful. Many homemade. Mique found a set of Hall mixing bowls that match the other things I have collected. She made Randy a beautiful family tree that's on canvas. Tony and Erika gave me a beautiful shell votive holder, and Randy a movie he'd asked for. Jessica and fam had come over Friday night before they left to spend christmas with the Ericksons and we exchanged gifts then. They gave me some adorable blocks with the pictures of the grandkids, and Randy a different family tree. It was a special Christmas.

Kids having fun driving.......................................

Randy and I have been able to spend some time together. He works so hard that it's a treat to be home relaxing. We had planned to join Janet as she retired, but got to the airport and our flight was delayed because the flight crew didn't show up. (I have never heard of such a thing!!!) So we just went home to another quiet day.

Tonight we plan on spending time with former neighbors that we don't see often enough. We are so blessed to have a great family and have the best friends. We appreciate each person so much! I am so grateful to a Heavenly Father who has showered gifts on my and those I love. I'm grateful to an Older Brother who's birth we just celebrated. His gift of the gospel and especially the atonement can never be repaid. I hope this year I can be more like Him.

May the coming year be as good as the last!!!

If she's 30, that makes me.......

The past 2 weeks were milestone weeks for me. They started with Mique's surprise b'day party. My # 1 likes to do whatever she does in a big way, with lots of gusto. So we knew- Randy, Josh, my other kids, and I- that we had to plan a big event for her big day- turning 30. We started planning a couple of months ago. Somewhere along the way Mique decided to start planning her own "big 30" party. Not wanting to be outdone, and having started planning a surprise party we enlisted the help of her college friend, Taryn, to make plans to visit Mique before her upcoming move to China. There were a couple of close calls (fires and evacuations), and the logistics were a little complicated. But we managed to pull it off on Oct. 27, just 6 days after the fires broke out. (Talk about an exciting, busy week!!!) I kinda blew the surprise by forgetting the album of letters that I'd asked all invited to write. I had to call Taryn and ask her to bring the album, and Mique answered the phone. A story I won't get in to. But when Mique and Taryn finally arrived at the party that night, I think Mique was genuinely touched by all who'd made the effort to attend.... Uncle Aaron flying in from Utah, Aunt Lisa and family driving from Arizona, Joel who's 25th b'day it was, Taryn, BF Chrissy from SD, Aunt Cindy, Uncle Scott, Aunt Teresa, cousins Matt, & Cheryl from Glendora, Gabe and Rosie, + many friends from Santa Clarita and the Provost family. I don't know how many people came, but about 50 I think. Good food, good fun, great people! I think she felt the love. I hope she did!!!!

The next day was the primary program for Mique's ward. Julia and Jonathan were participating. Chrissy and I spent the night in Santa Clarita then went to church in the morning. J was a little hyper, probably from the crazy party the night before. But Julia, was in the front row, singing all the songs and looking adorable. But then the time came for them to say their parts. Of course it took me only a nanosecond to burst in to tears as soon as J went to the microphone. He did a great job!!!! And Julia did her part without a hitch. There was never a more proud Grammy!!!!! (I just wish I could keep a tighter reigns on the tear flow!!!) Great job, kids!!!

Monday was recovery day for me. After a crazy week of fires, house guests, & the party I was really tired!!! By Thursday, I felt better and spent the day with Jessica- her 28th b'day. We went shopping with the baby, and just had a nice day getting out. I love my Lupdy and am proud to be her mom!!!

Friday was our ward talent show- "Fall Follies." Being in charge, I was back in party mode. With help from Daryl, Kris Whitehead, and Afton Sleight, we had a fun night. We spent the morning decorating, and the evening mostly laughing at cute acts between making popcorn, and keeping all the participants organized. It all came together, although I wondered earlier in the week if it would. I think this will ba an annual event from now on, since this was our 2nd in 2 years. As usual, after it was all over I cheered that it was over. Now on to the ward Christmas party in Dec. 8. I think that when that's over I will be partied out for awhile!!!!!

Gratitude.....

It's ..... Wed. night, after a long couple of days. (Yes, I did just stop to think about what day it really is.)

Sunday was a beautiful, clear day. It started with an early morning correlation meeting, ended at dinner with good friends followed by Extreme Home Makeover. A really nice Sunday.

On the way to dinner we noticed a big cloud of smoke to the east. Santa Anas had been predicted, so a fire was not a huge surprise. But it was far away. So we went to bed not really giving it a 2nd thought. Monday morning I was doing my usual routine... hot chocolate in the microwave, out front to get the paper when I notice that the huge cloud of smoke was all across the southern sky. And not just a cloud! It was a BIG, BLACK cloud!!!! A little while later the phone rang and it was Tony. They had to evacuate. Of course I said "come over here." A few minutes later the phone rang again and Jessica said they were to evacuate also. So the invitation was given to them, too. About an hour later Mique call to say that they were being evacuated. San Diego is too far for them, but they were on their way to Punks house. Mique had told me the day before that fires in Santa Clarita were pretty bad.) 3 kids 3 evacuations. A little while later we got a call from our ward compassionate service leader asking if we could house some evacuated elders. "Welcome to the Hotel Mendioroz!!!" So we had 1 Grammy, 1
new mom, 1 son, 1 daughter in law, 1 son-in-law, 2 dogs, 4 elders, 1 friend of the elders (and
daughter-in-laws evacuated parents and dogs for a little while.) Pretty crazy! Randy worked until 5 or so.

Tony and Erika were the first to be able to go home on Tuesday. Jessica and gang were here 'til this morning, and the elders are still here (sans friend). They will leave in the morning. Lots of cooking and tv news watching.

Through it all I feel so blessed. The kids keep telling me that I've been very patient. especially with the elders and friend. I am actually so glad that we have a home big enough to provide shelter when needed, and even just for fun. Monday night Jessica was kind of urging us to evacuate. an option but not manditory. I kept saying " and go where? The Beach?" I would have packed up if I thought we were in the slightest danger. I just felt so at peace. I feel so fortunate to have been spared the disaster that so many endured. Soooooo many lost their homes. More than any other fire in San Diego history. It's always wonderful, too, to see the goodness in people come out at a time like this. The donations of time, goods, and shelter has been enormous. The state and national disaster people have been very impressed by the outpouring from San Diegans.

I love living here, even if there is an occassional disaster. I love the weather, the beach, the people, my home.

But today I am most grateful that those I care about most are all well and safe. Reality check....you bet! and I think we all passed a kind of test. In the toughest circumstances, we can find the blessings, the tender mercies.

I love you all, both near and far. I am grateful!

Grammy's ode to O.D.

So the big day fiinally arrived!!! Owen David was born on Sept. 25, 2007 weighing 7 lbs 14 ozs. (almost the same as his mommy!)

After a long induced labor, Owen was born by C section. But he was worth it all! My first look at him brought me to tears. (I know... big surprise!!!) But he looked so much like Jessica did as a newborn. I was taken back almost 28 years to the day she was born. Gorgeous baby! Yes, I know, I'm a prejudice grammy. But I'm 4 for 4 beautiful grandkids.

Miq and Julia were there for the long haul. They drove down as soon as they heard that Jessica was being induced. We went to the hospital Monday night, left when contractions were pretty uncomfortable for Jess, around 10:00 pm. Got to the hospital the next morning about 9:00. It wwas decided around 5:00 pm that after pushing for an hour, the baby was making no progress and mom-to-be was exhausted, that a c section was needed, (much to my dismay.) And after waiting in a room for 1 1/2 hours, I finally went to the nurses station and asked if my daughter and her baby were OK, since I knew it should only take about 1/2 hr. The nurse was embarrassed that she hadn't let us know any details, and took us right back. Yes, all was well!!

Julia and Mique said hello to Owen, then got in the car to drive back home that night. Tony and Erika arrived just as Miq and Jules were leaving. One big happy family!

Jessica is recovering well, and Owen is growing like a champ. At his dr.'s visit yesterday he weighed 8 lbs 6 ozs. That's about a 1 lb gain since losing after the birth. We spent the day toegether, Grammy and her daughters and grandkids. We ate Rico's, played in the yard, spent a perfect 2 hours at the beach. I asked Julia what her favorite part of the beach is. She thought about it for a few minutes, then replied, "I don't have a favorite part. I love it all." That's my granddaughter!!!!!

Yes, we're so happy O.D. is here. We look forward to many fun times together!!!

I guess I'm it....

My blogging daughter, Mique, tagged her sister, Jessica, the other day, to complete this..... I'm pretty sure they know most of my answers, and remember more than I do about my life in the recent past (one of the symptoms of being menopausal is lack of memory, which sometimes is a good thing.) So here goes.

1. What was I doing 10 years ago? I had just finished being the chairman for La Costa Canyon grad nite. It took all summer to recover. I had only Tony living at home. The house was very quiet! But I was just starting my new calling... seminary teacher... Old Testament. The hardest church calling I ever did!!!!!

2. 5 years ago? We had just picked Jessica up from Argentina. Tony was still in Spain. We sold our home on Green Orchard Place for an fortune, but had to move out before the new house was finished. We lived in Dee and Dad's condo for 3 months. So I was trying to get things ready for the new house on Cypress Hills.

3. 1 year ago? Can I remember back that far? I know I was enjoying having Lup and Clint close by. Oh, I know!!! I was just getting ready to go with 3 friends to Paris and Burgundy, France. amazing trip!!!! 2 weeks of great fun!!!

4. Yesterday? I met up with Jessica and went shopping for some essentials for the upcoming delivery of Owen. And lunch of my favorite In-n-Out!!! Yummo!!!!!

5. 5 snacks I enjoy? anything baked, chocolate covered nuts, chips and guacamole or corn salsa, popcorn, fruit.

6. What 5 things would I do with a million dollars? Give lots of it to charity (Autism Speaks, CF foundation, Lds Humanitarian charities) travel, buy a vacation home, help my kids

7. What 5 locations would I like to run away to? Hawaii, Positano, Italy, anywhere in europe, anywhere on a beach where the water is warm and blue....

8. What 5 bad habits do I have? Procrastination, pessimism (which I'm working on) laziness, picking my eyelashes, watching too much tv.

9. What 5 things do I like to do? Watch reality tv, shop, spend time with family, go to the temple, read, travel, go to the beach, spend time with friends (I know that's 8!!!)

10. What 5 tv shows do I like? Oprah, Dr. Phil/ Ellen, Cooking with Paula Dean, Survivor, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, most reality tv (I told you I watch too much tv!!!)

11. What 5 things do I hate doing? Laundry isn't my favorite, grocery shopping is a chore! I don't like to exercise, I'm stumped on the other 2

12. What are my 5 biggest joys at the moment? Grandkids, kids, husband, friends, siblings.

Now that I'm finished, it's my turn to tag. So I tag:
Lisa
Heidi
& Tony
(I don't know too many bloggers!!!)

The end of and era

A few days ago I did something that I'd been anticipating for awhile. I sold my '67 Mercedes 250 SL. I decided about 3 years ago that I needed to drive a car that I could put car seat into for the grandkids. At that time, after looking at several cars, and with the recommendation of Tony who'd parked cars at the Four Seasons that summer, I leased a Lexus 300 ES. It was a fun new car with air conditioning and four seats. I thought at the time that I'd drive the Mercedes on occassion. But I never seemed to want to take the time to get it out of it's comfy spot in the garage. I only drove it a few times in 3 years.

I loved driving that car. It was fun, and wherever I went people asked me about it. It was old with the pains that happen with old age. But with the help of a couple of good mechanics, it ran OK. With the exception of the electrical problem..... It stopped dead in the middle of the street one too many times. That's when I found a new mechanic that FINALLY fixed the problem. But by then, I was ready for a reliable car. And I left the lights or the radio on so many times, leaving me with a dead battery, that AAA was getting to know me very well!
So it got parked in the garage.

I finally decided around April, knowing that my lease would be up the end of July, that I'd better start looking for a new car. This time I wanted to buy, not lease, and knew that I should sell the Mercedes to help pay for a new car. I looked on several car sale web sites, decided on a price, and had it checked over by the mechanic. He had 2 customers that were also having work done on their cars that were interested in buying it. It didn't work out with them, so Randy posted it on Craig's list. I had a couple on inquiries, but noone dying to buy it. Then I was contacted by a company that lists cars on a national site that was sure they could find me a buyer. After researching the company, we decided to list it with them. I didn't hear anything for about 4 weeks. Then last Saturday I got a call from someone in Beverly Hills. I won't get into it, but this guy was a jurk so I eventually hung up on him. 2 days later another man called. He was in Santa Barbara, and after telling him about the car, he agreed to ride the train down later in the week.

So on Friday, after driving down 101 along the beach one last time, I met him at the train station in Solana Beach. A very nice young man, about Tony's age, who's dad used to have "one". We drove around the block, he liked what he saw, and we made a bargain. We went to John Fahrnkopf car (he agreed to help me with this transaction) where the money, pink slip, and keys were exchanged. We shook hands; I told him to take good care of it and call if he had any problems. Then we drove away. I got a little teary!

And I cried a few times later this weekend. I LOVED that car!!!! I had wanted it from the first time I layed eyes on one when my next door neighbors came home from Germany with a brand new one when I was 12 years old. At age 41 Randy induldged me. I enjoyed driving it, and loved that others enjoyed looking at this beautiful little machine for many years. Please love it and spend lots of time cruising in Santa Barbara, Barrett Reed. I'll always have fond memories!!!!

Do's and Don'ts

I have a group of friends that I go to the temple with almost every Wednesday. Lately a cute older gentleman has been the officiator. He looks kinda stern. But every once in awhile you see a little sparkle in his eye and you know he's kind hearted. He has led the prayer circle for the last 3 sessions I've attended. First he "cordially invites" the gentlemen to join the circle. Then he says the sweetest prayers! One of the things he says that has stayed with me is "may we do the do's and don't the don'ts". This morning as I was praying, that phrase came to me strongly. I hope I can remember the do's and then do them. And realize before I get into trouble that the don'ts will only make me unhappy and regretful. One of the big don't for me is opening my big mouth inappropriately. Been a problem for me as long as I've been talking- about 51 years. My goal today is to say only the things that will make me, and especially everyone around me, happy. Lewt's see if I can do that do for just 1 day. I'll let you know how I did.

You know your getting old.....

So, this past weekend we went to Utah for the surprise b'day party for my baby brother who turned 40 on Thursday. Yep, my youngest sibling is 40 and my oldest child will soon be 30. (Can you hear the creaks and moans as I age befor your eyes?) Randy and I left Saturday morning around 8:00 to make a 9:50 flight to SLC. Of course, we met my sisters at our favorite place on 90th So.- Taipan. Got some cute "Joy" Christmas ornaments. Then we headed south to check in to our hotel near Thanksgiving Point. We left the hotel , map and directions in hand, but didn't realize that the directions that mapquest had given were THE WORST!!! So I called Jill to get directions from her (because we were coming from the north instead of our usual, Provo.) Shw was frantically getting the party set up, and couldn't remember street names, and tried her best. Eventually we made it to their beautiful house. Aaron and Wes had gone golfing, and we waited for them to come home for awhile. And when they finally did, it was fun to see Sluv's reaction. He knew something was up, but he had no idea that Lisa and Greg and Randy and I had flown up. Janet, Raelyn, and Valjay were also there from Cache Valley, as well as Amanda from Price. That got a big reaction from Aaron- to see us all there. Heidi got some good pictures of his reation. Later that night Scott and Teresa arrived around 10:00 after deciding at noon to leave Teresa's parents house to surprise Aaron. That was a great reaction. But it was a little weird being the oldest there, (with the exception of Janet who has been Aaron's mother for the past 25 years.)

Aaron is a great brother. I can certainly take some lessons on how to be a good sibling/uncle from him. He understands that family is what matters. I try to emulate him, but I often fall short. I promise to do better, because I do love my family- from husband to children to grandchildren to siblings and spouses to neices and nephews. I vow to do better!!!!! And I love you, Sluv!!!

Here's to you, New York

So, Lisa and I went to the Big Apple last weekend. I left S.D. very early Friday morning and met Lisa at the Phoenix airport, where we waited for a couple of hours to fly to New York. It was an easy flight, and got in to JFK at 8:00 pm. Our taxi took us to our hotel, and after a small change of lodging, we were out the door to see some sights by 9:00. Time Square is a crazy place any time of day or night. We also wandered around the area for awhile, then back to the hotel.

The next morning we took the subway to Ground Zero- the point of my trip. I have felt for awhile that I just needed to pay my respects there at that site where so many lost their lives. I hope each person who died that day knows that they are not forgotten!!It was very emotional for me there.

After that we went to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It was a beautiful, if hot and humid day. That night we went to see "Hairspray" on Broadway. Very Fun!!! And we had a late night snack at a diner with singing waiters, sharing a table with a woman from Spain and another from Mexico. They were fun to visit with!

Sunday we went to church at the building where the temple is. It was amazing. With all the muscal talent the hymns were beautiful. And the musical number, "O Divine Redemer" in violin and piano was ...... Not your typical sacrament meeting. Mostly young families or students, with a few oldtimers. Then off to Central Park, brunch at Tarvern on the Green, more Central Park, shopping at FAO Swartz, window shopping at Tiffany's and Sak's 5th Avenue. The weather was perfect. We saw Chris Sly from "American Idol" walking down the street. After a rest, and dinner at Bryant Park, I dragged Lisa to the Empire State Building. I didn't know until we were on our way up 86 floors that Lisa doesn't like heights. She did great, and the city look beautiful at night.

Monday was off to the "Today Show" first thing. We saw Matt Lauer, Ann Curry, the cast of Saturday Night Live, and Giada deLaurentis. I took pictures and it was fun. After going back to the hotel to eat breakfast and check out, we were off again to try to find me an outfit. To no avail. Oh well. We did find some shoes. Finally our legs gave out, and we decided to head for JFK. The taxi took us an interesting way, through Cental Park, Harlem, and who knows where else- in rush hour traffic. But he mad pretty good time.

It was a good trip, with no mishaps. I love that Randy gave me this awesome b'day present by organizing this trip that I have been talking about for awhile. It made me appreciate all the good that I have in my life- husband, kids, grandkids, siblings, friends, this amazing country, and San Diego. I love New York. But I LOVE Encinitas!!!!!

That's what I'm talkin' about

So, an action packed weekend it was!!! Friday was a morning at the hairdresser because I wouldn't have another spare minute until I get back from New York, a week from Tuesday. (Another blog entry next week.) So Mique, Josh and
the kids arrived at about noon. After the manditory stop at Rico's, it was off to the beach for a fun 2 hours of boogie boarding and fun in the sun. You should have seen Jules and JJ on those boogie boards. They LOVED it!!! Then, back to Grammy and Papa's ranch. Mommy and Daddy left to celebrate their
anniversary in Beautiful San Diego. Time to "swim in the swimming pool" (spa) , chill, and wait for papa to come home. Friday night Jules and grammy and papa watched "High School Musical 2" while JJ and Andre went to bed. Everyone but Grammy slept well Friday night. Too much DP. Kids were up before the sun.

Saturday was a fun day of playing and getting ready for Auntie Jess's baby shower. Only girls were invited to attend. Family and friends. It was a fun party that Sharlie and Collette gave for Jessica. She got LOTS of very nice things, including zillions of cowboy "stuff." Then back to the Mendioroz ranch for more spa "swimming time" with Auntie Jess joining them. Uncle Clint's mom and sisters spent the evening with us. Bedtime was slightly earlier than Friday night. Grammy went to bed early, too, knowing that 6:00 am would come really fast.

So, today, Sunday kids awoke at 6:10. JJ was ready for a "swim" at 6:30. We managed to hold him off until 8:30. We don't usually go in the spa on Sundays, but this was a special occassion- entertaining the grandkids before church at 11:00. We actually had a nice morning, with no real problems except Grammy losing Mique's car keys. It took me a good 10 minutes of searching until Papa finally found them in a place that I had looked around at leatss 10 times. Oh well. We walked in to chucrh as the opening hymn was being played. Not, too bad. And they were really good during church. I was proud of them. After sacrament meeting Grammy took the boys home, where Miq and Josh pulled up right behind us. Of course, J was in the "Swimming Pool" the second he could get his suit on.

We had a fun weekend. We have 3, soon to be 4, beautiful grandkids. Just look at their beautiful pictures. It doesn't get much better than that- Family! That's what I'm talking about.

Be Careful What You Ask For....

So, With a crazy first part of the week, it's been a VERY quiet 2nd half. I dropped Randy and Tony off at the airport at what Randy calls "O dark thirty" to go on their much anticipated trip to Nicaragua. Actually, we didn't leave until 6:30 and after a noneventful trip to the airport, I was back in time to get ready to go to the temple with Daryl and Susan. After saying goodby to Erika and Buster( they had spent the night) it was off to the temple. That was a very interesting session. First, I got to do the name of Randy's great aunt Dinorah Mendioroz. Fun. Then there were 2 deaf sisters in the session. So a TV moniter was brought in where the word were "signed" and printed at the bottom of the screen. For me, a visual lerarner, it was great to actually see the words. I hope I will remember much of what I saw that day. Also, because there were only 2 married couples there, they needed others to join in the prayer circle. So we 3 friends were able to join in the circle. The prayer talked of peace and joy, especially poignant since Gary, Daryl's friend, died of Sunday, leaving his wife, Susie and 3 boys behind. and knowing that I also hoped for these blessings for my own family.

Now, back to the title of my blog... ever since I got home around 2:30 in the afternoon it's been QUIET. I've hardly even spoken. I have taken care of a few things I had been putting off. I went to Babies r Us to buy Jessica's baby furniture, I finished Stephanie's shower gift, I finally got an anniversary gift for the Schewitz along with cards (put off since June). I went to 2 movies- "Becoming Jane" and "No Reservations". I liked them, "Becoming Jane" more. I've cleaned out my closet-sorta. I got the carpets cleaned- much needed!!!! But I'm looking forward to going to church to actually talk to people! I have talked to a few of my favorite people- Mique and Lisa. And I've heard from the boys in Nicaragua. They are having a good time, trying to understand "dirty" spanish, and navigating really bad roads. I'll let you know later how the next 3 days go. I look forward to cards on Tuesday, as well as book club. Stay tuned!

Just another Sunday

So, Just another Sunday... sorta. This week has been pretty busy. Randy's b'day, and a trip to Petco Park to celebrate with good friends on Mormon Night at the Padres. It was complete with a happy birthday wish to him between innings on the scoreboard. "to Randy, Dad, and Papa." Too bad the Padres lost.

Thursday afternoon I went to the temple to see one of my favorite Laurels, Kerin Porterfield, take out her endowments before her wedding the next day. Karen Brown and I met there. It was so great to be there with many of their family members to share a joyous day. I reflected on the special days when my kids were doing the same thing. So happy!!!

And Karen and I had names of 2 women from the same town in Sweden, born 2 years apart in the early 1800's. We're just sure they were friends! So neat to do this work for friends. They waited 200 years for this work to be done... by 2 dear friends. I would have loved to be there to share in their happiness on the other side.

Friday we attended our stake temple day. (Thursday was also a stake day.) Randy and I left for the temple at 6:30 am so we could make sure we got the baptisms done for his family names. So baptisms started around 7:00 am followed by confirmations. After the work had been recorded, he took the men's names and I took the women's and we were off to do inititory for each of these family members. Then, after getting that recorded, it was off to our first endowment session where Randy did the work for Papa Luciano, and I did the work for his wife, Ester Zuniga. It was very special. we were able to be in the prayer circle. We took a break, had some lunch, went to the chapel session, then off to do another session for Randy's relatives. In that session I sat with 3 dear friends- Debbie Halverson, DeAnne Borgquist, and Susan Nuckols. It's so great to be in the temple with people you love.

After that session, we raced to the Berkley in San Diego Harbor for Kerin's reception. We helped them set up, then enjoyed a great party! Kerin and Cory seem VERY happy. We stayed almost 'til the end, but knew that we had kids at home waiting for us.

We were greeted by Mique, Jess, Clint and Diego. We really are lucky parents!!! The next morning we were greeted at 6:00 am by Julia and Joathan. We enjoyed them very much before they left to go back to Santa Clarita. Pancakes, "Toy Story", a swim in the spa. It's fun to be Grammy!!!

Today is Tony and Erika's 2nd wedding anniversary. Hard to believe that 2 years have flown by.

So on this Sunday, I look back on a busy week, one that had lots of good things to celebrate... lots of people to feel blessed to have in my life!!!

Fun 4 4's

4 jobs I've held- chief pill counter for Grandpa
hamburger flipper at Jack-in-the-Box
manager of The Scooping Station (ice cream store)
mural painter

4 movies I can watch over and over again- Funny Girl
Finding Nemo
Cars
???? ( I don't like to watch movies over again!!!)

4 places I've lived- Salt Lake City
Provo, Ut
Glendora, CA
Encinitas, CA

4 TV shows I watch- American Idol
So You Think You Can Dance
Survivor
Dr. Phil/Oprah

4 places I've been on vacation- Italy and Greece, Spain, France
Hawaii
Costa Rica
Austrailia

4 favorite foods- french fries
watermelon
any kind of fruit crisp, especially peach
beef

4 websites I visit- My kids blogs
Autism Speaks
sometimes Red Envelope
airlines- Southwest Dings

Well, Mique is determined to help me join the 21st century by setting up a blog for me. So I'll make a real effort to keep it updated.

Yep, I have a great family!!! And I have treasured friends. I'm a lucky "girl". The past 2 weeks I have been celebrating my b'day. (I guess that makes it easier when I have to share it with Father's day every 6 years.) On that day, Jess, Clint, Tony, Erika, Selia, Bob, and Rick all came to share the afternoon with us. And I've had several lunch dates before and after. It was very fun, but between that, and all the food we ate on our anniversary cruise to Greece and Italy, I need to get real serious about shedding a few pounds.

So, on that note, I have been on a very strict diet for the last several days. I've lost 3 lbs. so far and only want to loose about 5 more. But I am bound and determined to do so in the next 2 weeks... AND KEEP IT OFF!!!! I'll keep you posted.