A Great Weekend

We started our weekend on Friday with a trip the temple (2 blocks away), then a drive to Mesa Falls to enjoy the beautiful changing colors, a stop at Chiz, a restaurant in St. Anthony that you'd never believe. It's the old fashioned "U" counter restaurant where everybody sits on a stool and visits with the other customers. They have fantastic hugh deepfriend shrimp with salad, baked potato, texas toast and on Fridays and Saturdays ...Prime Rib. Dad thought he'd died and gone to heaven. We'd been there before but never on a Prime Rib night. He talked about it all the next day. Good Prime Rib makes that man happy! Three different neighbor couples from Rexburg arrived while we were eating. I wanted to take a picture, even had my camera, but somehow I couldn't do it. Saturday we loved every minute of General Conference then had a couple over for a sandwich and visit. The men picked up Bob's brother, Sam, and headed for Priesthood and Fran and I visited on the couch the whole time! It was wonderful! How I love that girl. She and her husband, Art, served with us in the student ward and we've become good friends - quite the lifesaver when you are away from family. Sam's wife, Nancy, joined us when the men returned and we had peach pie together.

Yes, I have a great fresh peach pie recipe from a dear Mesa friend and we've put it to good use. We continued to visit and just had such a great time.

FRESH PEACH PIE

Bake any basic pie crust; cool. Cut up enough fruit to generously fill the pie shell. Set aside. In a saucepan, put 1/2 C. sugar, 3 T. cornstarch (stir together). Add 1 C. water/ bring to a boil (stir constantly). Remove from heat and add 3 T. peach jello. Stir well. Mix with fruit and put in pie crust. Refrigerate until set. Slice and top with whip cream or ice cream...Yum. Glaze can be used with strawberry jello and fresh strawberries instead.

Today was conference again and a true spiritual feast. We had recorded "Other Side of Heaven" so watched it this evening and enjoyed it so much. Bob is headed for Alaska tomorrow to meet with economic leaders from several states - He's not too excited about the cold and I'm not excited about 5 days alone but hope to get some projects done.

A Visit to School

While we were in Utah we decided to surprise Carol Lynn with a visit to her classroom. What a joy it was to see her in her "element" and meet the darling little first graders in her care. Carol Lynn teaches 1st grade at Springfield Creek Elementary School, in a new school building that replaced the old Maeser School ini Provo. We let each of the children introduce themselves, answered questions and took pictures. It was a quick visit but so fun. The question of our age arose and Carol Lynn used this as a teaching moment, getting out her 100 chart and showing where we were. They decided we weren't so old after all since we still had a ways to go to the top. They also enjoyed finding on the map where we live and how long it took us to drive to their area. Carol Lynn is so happy with her class. They are learning so much and progressing well. She's surely a teacher at heart!

A Terrible Injustice

Last week we traveled to Salt Lake to testify in a sentencing and witnessed first hand a terrible injustice. A plea deal between two men in exchange for their testimony against another has resulted in a very distorted picture and an inapproprate sentence. We had no arguement with the judge. He was as lenient as the law allowed which makes us suspect he could see through it all and perseive where truth lay. However, poor representation has lead a modest, humble loving and service-oriented man into a major trap.

It makes me realize what we may have to experience in these "Last Days" when Satan rages in the hearts of men, truths are distorted and good is made to appear bad and visa versa. I am now more aware of just what it will mean to cling to our "faith" and to trust the Lord to see us through.

It's not over and I look forward to the eventual resolve. Though it may be years or another life, I have no doubt that the Lord will direct, bless and sustain all the victims involved until it is one day made right. How that will happen is the question.

Hunter Stephen Pothier Has Arrived!

In the wee hours of the morning on Sept. 26th a new grandson entered our lives!

Stephen and Kara greeted their second child and first son, Hunter Stephen Pothier who arrived weighing 7 lbs 14 oz and measured 21 inches long. He's basically bald but has some blond hair and is reported to look long and skinny. His pictures, on the other hand, look pretty filled out. We are so very grateful to have this new baby in our family and to know that all went well with the delivery.

Stephen and Kara deserve a good baby since their first one was a "nightmare". She basically screamed for months until the doctors finally agreed to tests which indicated a part of her bowels was not working properly. Surgery and special intervention has changed that picture and they couldn't be more delighted with their beautiful little daughter, Hallie. However, the thoughts of a new baby were not exactly sweet.

So far Hunter seems to be a very peaceful little guy and they are delighted. I think its all the prayers of every family member and friend that may have made this possible. Hunter shows no signs of any bowel problems - everything coming through just fine!

Now we just have to do our best to wait until Thanksgiving to give him the hugs cuddles and necky kisses that we love so much with newborns. I'm so very grateful for all the technology which will help us enjoy this little grandson from a distance. He lives in Wisconsin where Bob and Virginia have taken up the role of favorite aunt and uncle and take such good care of them all in every way. Thanks, Bob and Gin for filling in. Hallie now says she would prefer to be with them than at home. There will be some adjustments to be made!

A Leader Who Made a Difference

http://www.legacy.com/DeseretNews/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=117597674

Sometimes people come into your life and leave a mark that forever changes you. Gloria Poulton was one of those people in my life. She was my Mutual Teacher over 45 years ago and I still feel like some of my self image comes from her unconditional love and willingness to share her time with me. She was "My Mutual Teacher" not just during my teens but throughout my life.

Gloria Poulton passed away last week. She had been a widow for many years, on dialysis for 14 years and fought cancer the last two years. This is a happy time for Gloria. I can only imagine what a joy it is to her to join her darling husband, Daryl, once again. They were a young couple in the 31st Ward with 4 little children, a wonderfully loving relationship and a home on Princeton Avenue. That home though small was always open to young people and often filled. Their open door policy gave me a place to go when I needed someone to talk to, share with or just feel some love.

Gloria loved all the young people in her care and kept in touch with many of them through the years. When I visited her, she could catch me up on what was happening in the lives of the others. She was the one who would always say, “There never will be another Bishop like Bishop Poelman (my Dad).

I remember visiting her after I became engaged to Bob. She made the comment: “It’s fun to see you think with your heart instead of your head for a change.” She knew me pretty well! A few months ago I went through the Bountiful Temple with a student from BYU-Idaho, just a few blocks from where Gloria lived in later years. Though I had been there before, I couldn’t remember just where she lived and had not planned ahead. I wish so that I had made arrangements to see her again that day. I know, however, that Gloria would understand and love me anyway. That’s the gift she always gave.

Andrew Robert Ruden - August 17, 2008

You may have heard from Annie that Andrew is here and a very healthy and robust 8 lb 10 ounce boy! He’s darling! Dan and Anne were overjoyed to see their new son for the first time. I was able to be with them throughout the delivery and it was a sweet mix of excitement and prayerful humility as Anne faced the fact that she might have to have him cesarean but determined to do her best to see it through naturally. With much time, effort and sacrifice she was able to get him here naturally and safely. How thankful we all were for the medication that made it so manageable. All that physical fitness paid off as she pushed for about an hour and a half to make the delivery happen. She was such a trouper. The doctor was wonderful.. Andrew was posterior and her labor just wasn’t progressing, so they began preparations for a C Section. Anne really wanted to deliver normally and the doctor was willing to work with her. Through resting positions, extra time and prayer and the doctor’s assistance Andrew rotated and eventually made it through safely. There were many strenuous pushes with each contraction but then he was out and what a joy. The miracle of it all overcame everyone involved. A dramatic but rewarding delivery!

You can believe anything Dan and Anne say about how cute he is. What a darling little guy. He looks so healthy and robust, has fat cheeks, a double chin and rolls on his limbs. He has some hair – more than the doctor -and a bit of a cleft chin. The delivery was hard on his head. The long process took it’s toll on the shape but that doesn’t detract one bit from his beauty. It was such a blessing to me to be able to experience this with Dan and Anne. It was the only time I have every witnessed a birth liveexcept for my own children. It is humbling to be the mother but I knew all along that Dan and Annie had it in them and they each handled their roles like pros. The birth of a baby continues to be the highlight of life in my book. How grateful I am for each one of you children and grandchildren. They are my jewels – not easily won!

See danannieruden@blogspot.com for pictures.

Coming To The End and Still Going Strong

Yes, it's been 2 years since we started our mission at BYU-Idaho in the Business Dept. Wide-eyed and bushy tailed, we met all the people in the Business Department, Administration and other faculty and employees wondering what in the world we would be doing the next 2 years.
Well, just this past week we hit that 2 year mark and can hardly believe that much time has passed. What's scary is that we probably don't have that many "2 years" left in our lives so before we know it, not only our mission but our lives will be over - sobering thought! However, we are looking forward to some great new experiences as we extend our mission time at least another 18 months.
Bob has been working harder than I ever remember seeing him work - and it's all volunteer. I think there is a message there somewhere. He's also never been any happier so why spoil a good thing? He's still needed and these are our "mission years" so we just as well stay put. We are so comfortable in our home and this lovely valley and feeling more at home all the time.
When we came to Rexburg I said all I needed was a fireplace and a garage and I could be happy here. Well, I have both plus much more.

Here are some of the perks of living in Rexburg:

• Everything we really need is within 5 minutes of our home.
• We can run a whole list of errands in half an hour
• It is rarely too hot
• We attend lots of plays, concerts, opera's etc. that we never would attend in Mesa
• After an event we can be home, say our prayers and be in bed within 20 minutes.
• A traffic jam is when there are two cars in front of you at a stop light.
• I only have to dust once a week - but still don't do it.
• The fields out our window and over the whole valley are green as far as you can see - or golden - or white.
• We don't have to mow or trim our lawn.
• We wouldn't have to shovel our driveway except that right after it gets shoveled, the wind blows all the snow right back onto it.
• We can come home for lunch but rarely even take lunch.
• I don't enjoy shopping so rarely have to do it - too much trouble to go to Idaho Falls.
• Layering clothes is tons of fun and makes for a great look.
• I have my first boot shoes and love wearing them - both a brown and a black pair.
• Major perk! Now Sam and Nancy live right through the field and we see them almost daily
• Bob has a ski, golf and fishing partner - not me, fortunate for him.
• Our social life has definitely improved. We now belong to a dinner group and go out with friends.
• We get lots of guests (especially in the summer) which makes for the development of stronger relationships with family and friends.
• We are able to visit family during school breaks and for special occasions
• When we are with family, we are able to give our full attention and visa verse.
• The surrounding areas are gorgeous and very accessible - Yellowstone, Island Park, Grand Targee & Jackson Hole.
• Rivers are everywhere.
• The wind blows like crazy but not ALL the time, just occasionally.
• It's just so fun being with my honey, sharing so much together.

Perks and challenges of working at BYU-Idaho

• Working with people who are amazingly kind, generous, thoughtful and humble.
• Feeling valued and needed
• Receiving challenging assignments with full license and responsibility which truly challenges our every talent and requires us to stretch further than we thought possible but also develops our faith and gives us a great sense of satisfaction.
• Attending classes and discussions on how to become more effective educators
• Meeting and hosting great men and women from the business world whose values are in tact and want to give back.
• Helping foreign students understand and accomplish necessary tasks.
• Feeling and experiencing the spirit of revelation that permeates this campus
• Enjoying unity and mutual support void of the competition and pride of the world.
• Being surrounded by dedicated, exemplary young people who demonstrate such courage, commitment and faith.
• Watching and sharing as young people go through all the stages of this time of life - arriving as freshmen, dating, courting, marrying and having their babies.
• Helping with graduation - such a time of celebration as they finally complete their goal, pack up their "junk" and head out for a real job.
• Having our opinions matter to those who seek our council in business, dating or life
• Knowing we can fill in the gap occasionally where family is not available.
• Enjoying the enthusiasm and spontaneity of young people.
• Sharing visits and activities with others in our age range who have no family close.
• Listening to and building testimonies and spiritual insights into life's purpose
• Seeing how effectively gospel principles when lived, bless lives and bear fruit
• Watching leaders who have real vision, practice faith in those they lead.

It's a rich life and we are most grateful for the opportunity to serve the Lord. I will be leaving the daily assignments and take on projects for the administration which I can do out of my home along with more regular homemaking tasks. I've been surprised at how much I have missed the blessing of being a homemaker, wife and mother. I hope to be able to take on some family history, home organization and supportive tasks as I continue to serve and support Bob's service.

Today I was set apart as second counselor (Education) in the home ward Relief Society. This opens up a whole life that I have missed lately,as I get to know the people around me in my neighborhood and ward, building peer friendships and enjoying families again. How I will enjoy the "task" of developing a relationship with every sister in the ward. The sisters I will serve with are each people I feel overwhelmingly blessed to be able to associate with - what fun it will be!

As this New Year began the scripture came to my mind so strong, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of man the things that God hath prepared for them that love him". 1 Cor 2:9. I can surely attest to that fact. How I do love the Lord and am daily grateful for the full, rich and satisfying life he has given to me.

What a 4th of July!

How exciting it was to have David and Shawni, Seth and Julie and 10 beautiful, delightful grandchildren with us for the holiday. It was such a fun weekend with lots of things to do, great visits and a pile of hugs and kisses. It's hard to send them off again without tears, but there's also a real sense of satisfaction. The two families love each other dearly. They pair up and have a best friend the whole time. We spent most of the week in Utah visiting my brothers and going to meetings for the school, attended a play with the Layton families.
Then we met up with the crew coming to Rexburg. Thursday night we took a walk in this beautiful, peaceful farmland, ending up with a visit to Sam and Nancy's new home. The 4th was filled with a fun parade (even found a shady spot), park time, spray feature and carousel, BBQ, rodeo and fireworks. Micah was recounting all the things we had done that day with a grateful heart on the way home and declared it "the best 4th of July in his whole life." - all six years. It was fun to hear.

The next day we took Shawni and the 6 oldest kids to Mesa Falls for more experience with nature while the others watched Wimpleton women's finals. Then the parents took the 8 oldest to lunch and a movie while we enjoyed the two
babies. What little dolls they are. We then had a perfect evening at a park behind the rodeo grounds.
There's a lake with ducks and lots of grass, just right for a rousing game of wuffle ball. We even saw a nest of eggs and baby ducklings. After roasting hot dogs we made s'mores until every last bit of chocoate was gone - two full packages. After baths that evening with littlest ones in bed, we set off a bunch of fireworks of our own on the car port. The marks will most likely remind us of that evening forever. The bottle rockets and some surprising multiplying fireworks were the greatest hit. The wind made it difficult if not impossible to get them lighted but the men managed and everyone was quite delighted.

How fun it was this morning to have 4 of our children and 10 grandchildren along with my darling husband accompany me to church. What a delight! I usually go alone. I was sustained in my new calling as 2nd Counselor in a newly formed Relief Society Presidency - More fun things to anticipate. After dinner the children had ice cream sundaes while some of the adults enjoyed a pineapple sherbet with fresh berries and bananas - yum! We visited around the table for some time and again in the basement (after seeing the very finals of Whimpleton again).


What a delightful time together. We are truly overwhelmed with how very blessed we are to have such great people in our families. Truly life could not be sweeter than with the blessings brought to us this past week. We experienced wonderful evenings with my brothers, either out to dinner or visiting in homes, then had our children and grandchildren in our home to make memories and liven it up a while, and now the anticipation of new people to come to know, love and serve in the ward. There is always much to anticipate and even more to bring an overwhelming feeling of gratitude.

My Dad

I've been thinking a lot about fathers and the part they play in our lives. Of course, with Father's Day celebrations transpiring, it's probably most natural. It's a great thing to stop and think sometimes about fathers. It helps to take time to remember, appreciate, admire and be grateful.

My own father suffered a heart attack at age 55 when I was just 15 years old. Within a week I went from a normal life in a full family to living with my widowed mother and grown brothers. It was definitely a turning point. Though already fairly mature for my age, I was thrust abruptly into adulthood where I felt not only responsible for myself but also somewhat responsible for the welfare of my mom.

In those 15 years my dad had a most definite character-forming, life-directing, effect on my life. I will be eternally grateful for the choices he made and the example he demonstrated of Christlike living. I knew that he loved me, loved my mom and our family and was totally devoted to the Lord.

My dad was a very intelligent, capable and talented man who was given the opportunity to go to high school through considerable adversity. College was never an option for him; though my Mom always thought he would have made a good doctor. He supported our family in very humble occupations which were most often bookkeeping or management responsibilities with small companies. His health was not good and he suffered from problems that made it necessary eventually for him to take very low stress positions. He would never have considered his life and contributions to be very meaningful in a worldly sense, but they were most meaningful in his love, example and service to those around him.

My dad was called on a mission when my parents were planning to marry. They made the decision at that time that they would always put the Lord first in their lives. He filled his mission in Holland and 3 years later they were married. That decision held true throughout his life. He first looked to the Lord and followed his directions, loved and cared for his family and served his fellowman. Those were his priorities.

All people were the same to my Dad. He was a warm man, loved people and had many friends. He loved bus drivers and senators alike and saw no distinction between them. Friends and associates were always welcome in our home along with relatives and those with special needs. People frequently dropped by to visit and we often spent our Sunday afternoons visiting in the homes of others.

Dad and Mom made it a priority to look out for the needs of those who were alone, new in the country, or living without the comforts of life. I'm sure the meals and means they shared were not easy to come by as our own family had little of the extras in life and sometimes missed the necessities, but they never viewed it as a sacrifice. They gave from their hearts just as naturally as a pond that flows into a stream.

My dad was a sensitive man. He was refined and had a very peaceful manner, yet had a wonderful sense of humor and made life fun. In later years he struggled terribly with health issues but did his best to handle them discretely without imposing emotional stress on the family or others. He suffered far greater than any of us children knew and my mom was right by his side dealing with his problems and needs in silence.

Dad was loved by the people he served in the Princeton Ward in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was a poor ward with lots of emigrants, widows and other challenges. He loved them and served them in all walks of life. One ward member said, "We love all our bishops but there will never be a bishop like Bishop Poelman". At least to her and the other ward members his life was most meaningful and it surely was to me.

As a true transition person in his family my dad blazed a trail that made it possible for me and my siblings to have many many blessings and opportunities. He valued education and set the stage for his children to pursue higher educational goals by instilling in them a thirst for learning and improving. He served diligently in his Church responsibilities giving us a model to follow, resulting in more joy than I could have imagined. He loved the Lord and trusted Him, qualifying himself for countless blessings, many of which he did not live to realize, but which continue to bless my life.

My sweet husband and children don't know my Dad. He passed away before they came onto the scene, but their lives have been blessed by his love and example as the threads of his choices have weaved through my life and created a culture filled with opportunities and blessings for all of us. I pray that my life might reflect positively on the character of my father. He lived a truly meaningful life. I hope he knows.

Thank Goodness for Technology

I'm so grateful to live in a time of such advanced technology. Yes, I know it has it's ups and downs but having come from a world without it, I think I appreciate it more than many. Often when I am reworking a document, save it, attach things... I'm once again flooded with the wonder of it all and how much we can do that would have been a mammoth task just a few years ago.

For those of you who are in school, it's the difference between night and day. When I think about what it took just to create a type written document, especially when it required duplication, the thoughts of carbon paper, white out, and agony comes quickly to mind. There is nothing like experiencing challenges to appreciate blessings and technology is usually a blessing to me.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Today is my birthday and I'm spending it reading your blogs and writing my own. I attended church this morning but Bob has church at the university ward on a completely different schedule so we don't see each other during the day on Sundays. I'll look forward to tonight when we will have dinner together and then go to Sam and Nancy's for birthday cake. What a delight to have them near - having family close makes all the difference! They should be able to move into their home this week so I'll take pictures and post them soon.



We celebrated our 44th anniversary and my 64th birthday by taking a trip to Jackson Lake Lodge and the beautiful Teton National Forest. We enjoyed staying at the lodge, hiking around some new areas, and viewing some great documentaries on bears and how the mountains and valley were formed. Our adventure included a boat tour of Jackson Lake, exploring further the grandeur and beauty of the area.



Unfortunately, spring has not arrived in Jackson quite yet so the foilage was not at its peak which means we look forward to visiting again later in the summer. Actually, it snowed on Saturday, mainly just whisps of snow lightly falling, creating a great cloud cover off and on that manages to completely hide the mountains - wouldn't even know they were there. However, just like life, the clouds passed through, listing to revealed the glory they were concealing and created a view more spectacular than ever.



The best part of all was being with my sweetheart! I am grateful beyond words that we have had these 44 years together and I only pray that our time together will never end. As I see people lose their companions it deepens my gratitude. I don't take it for granted, never have.

Life Is Moving Right Along!

Our oldest daughter, Christy had a birthday recently and celebrated it to the hilt with two of her brothers, their wives and another great couple who are dear friends. They all spent the weekend at their cabin, swimming, golfing, playing games, eating and visiting. That's my Christy! She loves family and friends and makes things happen. I can't think of a better way to celebrate a birthday - especially a big one!

It's amazing all the thoughts and memories that play through your mind on such an occasion. Mainly the old cliche, "Where did the time go?" Where is that little baby girl that delighted us all so when she was born, making our family so complete (for then) as she followed her two brothers. Life couldn't have been sweeter. I used to say that she was never a moments trouble to me because any work she required was so much more than compensated for by the great joy she brought every day. (I wish my scanner worked so I could display a baby picture - What a doll!)

Now she's not only a mom herself (six children) but her own babies are growing up very quickly! Two will be in high school this next year and her youngest is no longer a baby but a very perky little 4 year old who has her life quite under control! One day even she will be grown just like my Christy.

How could there be any greater joy than family. I'm so very grateful for each one in our clan. We will total 51 when the two expected grandchildren are born. People sometimes ask if I know all their names and that question is so far from reasonable that I can't believe they ask. Each one is so embedded in my heart! I guess they'll never understand until they have been there.

A Weekend of Ordinances & Parties

What a glorious time we had on the weekend of May 10, 11! It was a weekend packed snugly but managably with wonderful events.

Saturday

We attended an endowment temple session with Carolina Acosta, a young Peruvian girl who was married yesterday. We stayed with her parents in Peru and rejoiced in sharing this experience with her and seeing her parents once again.

Our family gathered for the baptism of our darling twin grandsons, Kimball and Cole Driggs. I can't believe they are 8 years old! I'll never forget seeing those two lying together in the hospital when they were born. How grateful we are for these two beautiful boys and their sweetness. They were so excited about everything and anxious to take this important step in their lives.

In the evening we celebrated my brother, Ron's 80th birthday at his home. All of my siblings and companions were there for a special Indonesian dish that his wife, Anne prepares for us occasionally when we gather. Anne had it almost ready which made it easy for the rest of us to finish after she broke her tibia in two places that same afternoon. What a sport! She just propped her big boot on a chair, took some pain pills and we went on with the celebration. She couldn't have been enjoying it as much as we were but she didn't let on. It's always fun for us to stay with them. Their lower level is our favorite 5 star hotel!

Sunday:

We returned for an early morning blessing of our new baby granddaughter, Lyla Driggs. It was beautiful to see her daddy, Ryan, hold her in his hands and give her a beautiful blessing. It was a big weekend for Ryan as he baptised two of his four children and gave a name and a blessing to another. We celebrated with a magnificent brunch at the Driggs, joined by Seth & Julie's family, Carol Lynn and the Driggs grandparents and family members. It's fun to share not only our grandchildren but our mission with Ken and Kerry Driggs. We traveled to and from together and enjoyed the visit.

Glorious Spring!

After a long and weary winter, spring is finally here and I love it! Yesterday we took a long drive to the Palisades Reservoir. It was a rainy day but the drive was breathtaking. We traveled through country that was so overwhelmingly beautiful that my heart about jumped out of my chest. Some may say, that's just because I'm used to Arizona! I do love Arizona, but I also dearly love "green" and we have so much of it here.

Two years ago on June 3rd we made the trip to our new home in Rexburg. I'll never forget driving through that gorgeous Cashe Valley and all the way up with green as far as the eye can see. Often during the long white winter, I would look out the window and picture it in my mind, knowing that one day we would have that sweet blessing again and here it is! I forgot to take a camera so for now you'll just have to picture it in your own mind. Maybe I can add some later.

Great News!

We learned that Steve and Kara are having a baby in October and they have kept it a secret until just recently. That's possible when you live far away. Kara is doing well, still tackling every project she can get her hands on and Hallie is very excited about the "baby" We couldn't be more excited. It's the greatest blessing there is in this life - just never gets old.

Baby Lyla Driggs

Lyla Driggs joined our family on March 31st. It was such a joy to be able to spend a week in Layton with Laurie, Ryan, Kimball (8) Cole (8) Ava (4) and new born Lyla. We get a peek every once in a while as we pass through Layton on our way to and from the Airport. On Mother's day weekend Kimball and Cole will be baptized and Lyla will be blessed. What a joyful time!

Kimball and Cole are now cub scouts. They were off to their first den meeting when this picture was taken - new uniforms!

Visit to Mesa

We had a great trip to Mesa to see family and friends. Each trip to AZ allows us to see our family in Layton which is an added bonus. We spent at least one afternoon and evening with each of the 3 families in the area and surely enjoyed the grandkids as well as our children. How grateful we are for family and the fortification that comes from time spent with them. We were grateful to return to bare countryside with little remains of snow. It's so refreshing to have spring finally here. There were even some green fields in the countryside as we traveled north.









Activities included:

• Meals at Tia Rosa, Paradise Bakery, Crackers & Co., and Charltons besides an extended family dinner at Jarvis' and meals with Paul & David's families.



• Pedicure and manicure




• Celebration of Jacob's 15th Birthday
  



• Goofy Golfing, Chucky Cheese games & pizza, ball game, track meet, and Beauty & the Beast performed by Mt. View High School with 2 daughters and 10 grandchildren.

• Some shopping and best of all. - just being with and visiting with family & friends.

We didn't get around to everyone we would like to visit but had them in our hearts and saw some briefly. What a blessing to have so many to love. It was fun to spent time in our old home with Paul's family and have a sleepover at Dave's. A special thanks for all the love and hospitality.

Now the work begins to put together a new semester at the school and the church. Now that I've been released as an R.S. advisor, I will be attending the local ward and Bob will continue as second counselor in the student ward. It's fun to see the students returning, playing on the fields once again and anticipate what summer will hold.

Papa's Birthday

We celebrated Papa's birthday this week and it makes me think so hard about how grateful I am for this man. He blesses my life in so many ways and has been such an anchor for me for the past 43 years. We are kind of simple folks and don't do extravagant things to celebrate birthdays but just enjoy being together. In addition to working at the school and E-Center, we had both lunch and dinner out and spent time just visiting. I wanted to get him a picture of the Rexburg temple. I was actually looking for one painted by Leon Parsons. He's a local artist who painted the murals in the creation rooms and they are truly amazing! Hopefully, he'll paint one of the outside of the temple soon. I found a picture of the temple in the background wtih some of the BYU-I buildings and a wheat field included. I thought it would be a good keepsake to remember our time spent here, so we went to look. Dad decided he would rather take some pictures this summer and make a collage of some special memory spots. I surely hope he does. Bob surprised him with a new golf club. He was thrilled. Gifts are not the focus for either of us on holidays but its always a treat to hear from family members and feel their love. Each one is so dear.

It has been a month of birthdays and now we are awaiting the birth of Lyla Driggs. I'll be headed south to Layton to do one of my very favorite things in the whole world! How I love to go visit the families of newly born grandchildren and have a whole week just to enjoy that family and share that tiny infant. I don't have a lot of time for blogging yet, but can see that it might be a great way to eventually write our family history in pieces. I'll try to post pictures while I'm away from school.

Easter Weekend

Dan and Annie are here to celebrate Easter with us. They had some great news! Their little baby, due in August is a BOY! His name will be Andrew and we are so excited to meet him! We can give him hugs but can't hold him yet. So far we have had lunch at a new Tai restaurant in town, toured Sam and Nan's new home, under construction and now I'm learning how to blog! Tonight we will BBQ steaks and fish and go to Extravadance at the school.

Tomorrow is Easter and we are cooking a turkey. Sam and Nancy, Sofie, Scott & Hilary and their four children will all come to celebrate with us. The sun is shining but its cold outside. However, the snow has finally melted off the patio and our BBQ has thawed out so we can BBQ. Summer is ahead, however, and we're excited!