Old Friends

While I was in AZ, I was able to meet high school friends for lunch. It was so fun. I only get to see Kara, Kerie, and Charity every 2-3 years, but I love being with them. And Kaylee is in AZ right now, so she came along. And this time, we had a couple of extra friends (Jenny and Kitty) join us that I haven't seen since shortly after high school ended, nearly 20 years ago. (Ack! How can high school have been nearly 20 years ago?! I feel about 25-30...not rapidly approaching 40.)

We met for lunch at a place downtown called Taco Guild. It used to be a church and they have kept the old stained glass windows, the decorations and even the sign that announced that week's hymn (it now announces the day's special). The food was great, but the company was even better. We talked and laughed and told stories about our jobs, our families, and our lives. It was great to catch up. I felt grateful for Facebook that has helped us keep in contact over these past few years, and grateful that I made the long drive to see these dear friends.

I was also so impressed when near the end of the visit, Kaylee, (who is also a member), invited them all to go to the temple open house for the Gilbert Temple with her. I don't know if they will but she explained the purpose of the open house and briefly why temples are important and said that she would get tickets for anyone who wanted to go. Such a great missionary opportunity, and I was touched that she took that opportunity. I know I can do better at being a missionary.

Trip to AZ

My posts are a bit out of order chronologically...but oh well.

My children and I were able to spend a week in AZ during Christmas break. We drove down (well, I did the driving! by myself! I hate to drive so this was an accomplishment for me!) on December 27th and returned on January 2nd. My sister Rebecca and her family were also in AZ visiting my mom and stepdad. It was a wonderful chance to visit and spend time together. It was worth the long drive.

The weather was GORGEOUS. During the day it was in the 60's and 70's. I really think I live in the wrong state! :) My kids spent much of the time playing outside with cousins.

We went to the park. In fact, we went to three different parks on 4 different days. Along with swinging, slides, monkey bars and other regular park activities, we played Kick the Can, and we played Superhero Tag. Superhero Tag is quite fun. You pick a superhero ability (for instance, you may freeze people or turn them into a duck where they have to flap their arms and quack. You may have the power to get them trapped in oatmeal. You may have the power to make them begin spinning in a circle like a tornado. You may have the power to use their power against them (reflective power). After each person picks a power and announces it to the other players and demonstrates what it does, one person is "IT". The person who is it then chases others, trying to tag them. However, any person can use their superpower anytime another person gets within a few feet of them. If they use their power on you, you must suddenly do whatever the power requires (such as drop to all fours and bark like a dog OR shake like you've been hit by lightning bolts) for 3-4 seconds. Then you can continue running. If the person who is it tags you, you are now it. It is hilarious, and much of the fun comes from thinking up new and creative superhero powers.


We had a huge silly string war in grandma and grandpa's back yard.


We painted.


We snuggled with grandpa. Hugged and danced with grandma. (A tradition started by MY grandpa back when my sisters, cousins and I were all little.)



And the real kicker. Something that I am POSITIVE none of my neighbors can say about how they spent their New Year's Day. My kids ran through the sprinkler...and then picked sweet peas from grandma's garden and ate them. Sprinklers on New Year's Day...that is the life!!

Are you jealous? I would be. :)

Graveside Service

There was a very nice graveside service for Phil. He really wanted his nephew to play the bagpipes, and his nephew was able to do that. (It was quite cold, which didn't agree with the bagpipes so much, but he did a wonderful job.)



Because Phil served in the Coast Guard, he was able to have a military burial. Taps was played, and two soldiers folded the flag and presented it to my aunt. Then each of the pallbearers placed their boutinniere on the casket. Then my stepdad dedicated the grave.



I was touched by how many people came to the viewing, funeral and graveside service. I was touched by how one life touches so many others. I was also so very thankful for the outpouring of love that I personally felt. Alfredo's aunt and cousin, who have met my uncle a few times but don't know him well, came to the viewing to show their love for me. That meant so much. So many kind words were spoken to me by family, friends, and neighbors. My dear, dear Relief Society presidency brought me dinner on Monday night. They also brought a card and a Willow Tree figurine. I can't express in words very well how blessed I have been. As I serve, my heart is touched and my life is blessed so much more than I deserve and so much more than I possibly give. I am so thankful for a presidency that loves and sustains me and does so much to serve the sisters in my ward. I am so thankful for a Savior that makes it possible for families to be together forever, for loved ones to be reunited. I am thankful for the Holy Ghost's role as a comforter. I am thankful to be surrounded by so many that love me and bless my life and bless my family.

Here are photos of some of the people that were at the graveside. Many of them are family. Most of them are people that have had an influence on my life. All of them are important in my aunt and uncle's life.

After the graveside service, we returned to the church where the Relief Society served a very nice luncheon for the family. I am so thankful for their service. So thankful for all who helped the day to go smoothly and made it a little easier for my aunt.