From Mom July 31, 2016 All Memories

Getting there, Saturday.

Silver Lake Camp.  I'm so glad I happened upon this place!

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Dear Riley,

We’re home from a great family trip. We sang, laughed, complained, ventured, swam, constructed, ate, fought, watched, marveled. That's the long and short of it.

Monday highlights: Yosemite. While our campsite was just 30 minutes from the entrance of Yosemite, the heart of the sights were 90 minutes away. It was a hot day. Elise got dehydrated (no cold milk to drink in camp ;) and we took a break down in the valley by the river where the kids played. She was able to hydrate enough to enjoy the rest of the time. Our favorite sight was actually the last place we stopped up by glacier point, Washburn point. I find myself feeling quite small when I spend time gazing at the wonders of the earth.

We ate dinner in Lee Vining, a tiny little town campside of Yosemite. It was pretty good. As we walked out of the restaurant, Dad said, “Hey guys, look at the snake. Wo! That’s a rattlesnake!” And so most of us were absorbed. But I was engrossed with your letter by then and hardly noticed the scene play out. The snake started for an area where people were out enjoying their dinners. So the property owner had to take it out.

The regret of the day was that our campsite sharers had offered us a true fish-fry that night. But we missed it. Really, we had to go out because I’d bought some backpacking food thinking it would make camping life so much simpler, but the stuff I bought was positively inedible.

Dad and I tried to take photos of the Milky Way, but they didn’t turn out.


Tuesday highlights: We broke camp. First we went to June lake beach to play in the water and picniced on the beach. It was a cold mountain lake, quite a beautiful spot. Then we started north. We stopped at the Mono Basin visitor center. It’s a beautiful large salt lake with an island in it. There are fresh springs under the lake, so it’s a rather unique place.

We were supposed to go to Bodie, a ghost town I’d visited on occasion while I lived in Nevada. But we were just going to stop for a minute and it would have cost $55 for the group. I opted out of that. We headed up to Gardnerville to shop to stock the condo in South Lake Tahoe. The town has grown significantly over the 30 years since I’ve been away. It is a nice place.

By this time I had a sinus infection and could hardly think in the store which felt like a meatlocker to me with tortuous, grating music blaring in my ears. The store layout was about as ordered as marbles dropped on a hard floor. Dad and I took so long just getting a few meals together.

The condo was up on the ridge and we could see Carson Valley (where I used to live) on one side and the front room, master bedroom and their balconies had a marvelous view of Lake Tahoe. The view alone was restorative.

We went out for ice cream cones right down by the lake. Then we shopped again for all the things I’d missed the day before. We bought three ½ gallon ice cream containers which disappeared PDQ.

Wednesday highlights: This was the chill day of the trip. I didn’t plan anything. The kids swam at the complex pool, played board games, watch a ton of Food Network TV. It actually felt really good. There was a comfortable breeze the entire day and the condo had to be open to it since there was no AC. It was a great day and a favorite for many. Dad and I went out, armed with more knowledge, in a quest to capture the Milky Way. It was a late night, but we got closer to our vision. It’s strange to me that we had such a unpolluted view from my front porch when I lived there. Since there is much more development now, we had to travel much further than I would have had to back then.

Thursday highlight: Lake Tahoe was beautiful. We traipsed around the lake stopping where we pleased, swimming at two different beaches. The lake is always cold, but it’s so clear and inviting. I didn’t actually swim, just waded. We got off late and had to run back to the condo part way through, so the kids were done by the time we got to my favorite place and weren’t interested in more. Darn hunger. We stopped for more supplies and went home.


Friday highlights: I gave the kids the choice of playing more up at Tahoe or heading home. The vote was to head home early enough that we wouldn’t have to stay in a casino hotel. So after checking out, rather than riding the Gondola or the zipline at Heavenly ski resort, we packed back down to the valley. I shared a cute little museum I used to attend of Mormon Station in Genoa, the first settlement in all of Nevada. Then we went to my old house and visited our dear friends down the street. It’s so good to see them faithful and strong after all these years.

We stopped at the country store I used to ride my bike to in order to purchase the jolly rancher sticks for $.10. Stuff costs considerably more these days. We got stuff to restock the snackpacks for the trip home and were off. It’s a long drive back, about 9 hours without stops. We got home just after midnight. 

(My old house is yucky now. We drove right past it. Only the street made me realize this was the place.

I was Leesie's age when I left Nevada and most things were familiar, but with the passage of time and having never driven these roads, it was a little of an adventure everywhere we went. I was almost always right and we were never delayed getting places.)

 
Saturday we went to the temple with the Cam’s and then out to lunch with them. We picked up and put away and tried to get ready for Sunday. My van is making a funny noise which I think entails the brakes and I have to take it in this week. The Hyundai is rattling where it shouldn’t, so I have to take that in as well. Back to the grind.

We’ve had a good week. I’m tired. But I’m also so glad things just worked out.

I hope you’re doing well. You have a work to do in Thailand. I’m certain God will direct your path, even to the last day. I don’t think Dad and I will come to pick you up. I want you to focus on the work every day and not be pulled off planning a tour for us. I would really like to go back with you later, though. :)

Have a good week, Riley. We love you. We pray for you. I know God answers my prayers.

Love you,
Mom

PS While we were in the condo, I snapped a photo of Josie. Immediately after, she struck a different pose, which I snapped. She repeated. I repeated. Dad, who is in all the pictures as he was holding her, couldn't figure out why I was laughing so hard.

From Mom June 5, 2016

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Dear Riley,

We have had one very perfect day and your sister is married and she and Cameron are off on their honeymoon in Monterey Bay, California. The house looks like a wedding bomb detonated inside it. ;)

H asked me Sunday night last week what she could help with. I asked her how much time she wanted to spend. She asked me to list the stuff out for her so I she could see what fit in her week. I sent that list out to all the family and those who had asked how they could help. That was likely one of the best things I ever could have done coming down the homestretch.

Everyone responded with the ways they could help and it was marvelous. We had Memorial Day and I finished my baking after the ward breakfast. Monday afternoon Grandma and L were here dropping off Grandma’s crystal for serving food at the reception. We took our family picture and had FHE, but it was a little crazy, truly.

Tuesday Dad and I got up early and took the tandem out to ride to the house we’d reserved for our Indian family coming in for the wedding. H showed up just as we were finishing breakfast and she and I took on 10 gallons of spinach artichoke dip. That is an impressive undertaking, be assured.

Wednesday I had a lovely and relaxing day finishing my dress and sewing sashes on the girls’ dresses. I went to work and picked up stuff to stock the Indian’s house. (I’m so tired of running errands) and the Indians began arriving that night. They had set up their itineraries to coordinate their arrival. But unfortunately the M’s were delayed and missed their connecting flight from Dallas. T had offered to pick up the Indians and he was there with a sign for A. Since the M’s were going to be over an hour more, he brought her home where we visited with her for a minute before taking her to the house we’d rented for them. T went back to the airport and brought the M’s home and the entire process was completed at 2 am. It made for a rough night’s sleep.

Thursday I had only the punch concentrate to finish and set up at the venue. H did my final Costco run. I’d asked people to come help, but it was really quite done and I was ahead of schedule with a clean house. (Don’t count on that happening again! But it was awesome.) Set up went quickly and the place looked beautiful. I had to take one last run to the store that night and then we headed out to dinner with our Indian family, besides S and P whose plane was delayed, Cambry and Cameron, and Cameron’s mother. I was so tired I could hardly eat. And I was feeling a little anxious that maybe I’d not planned well enough and things were going to flop.

Friday morning I was up at 5 after about five hours sleep. I felt so beautiful in my dress and jacket. Cameron’s sister C came and did Cambry’s make-up and ST came and did her hair. Dad made pancakes and took care of everything else. I rode up to the Salt Lake Temple with the Cam’s and everything was peaceful and easy. When we got to the temple, the sister asked about their witnesses. Oops! They had only told me to come with them, but had not asked Dad and Bro H to come that early. So I called and had Dad leave (thankfully he was ready!) and verified that Bro H was on the way.

And then the phone went off. I told Dad later in the day that I consciously decided that morning that I had been buckled into my seat on the ride and whatever ups and downs and twists and turns it took me on, I was going to enjoy the ride. So I wasn’t stressed. When the workers came and asked me if everyone was there, I twice said I hadn’t yet seen my husband. But I knew we wouldn’t start without him, so I wasn’t stressed.

Just a few minutes before the session was to start, I stepped out into the hall to get my mom a tissue and saw Dad as he recognized the Cam’s sitting on a bench in the hall waiting to be escorted into the sealing room. He was smiling and I knew I’d hear a good story later. Once Dad was in the room, I had a few minutes to pray. I asked Heavenly Father to help us know that Eric was with us and immediately, I knew that he was. I looked up from my prayer and caught L’s eye and we both knew that in the same moment we had sense that Eric was there. Witnesses confirming faith is a mercy from God.

President S sealed the sweet couple. The counsel he shared was quite short and very appropriate and then he proceeded to seal them. As he began the familiar words of the ordinance, I felt a power descend upon us. I don’t know how to say it better. I just clearly knew that there was authority behind the words. It was sweet and soon accomplished. Sadly, as he was instructing the couple on how he wanted things to proceed after, K and JH were shown into the room. It was their 13th wedding anniversary and she has felt so connected to them and was very determined to be there for the sealing. But Grandma P suggested that we couldn’t know for sure she would make it, so if she hadn’t shown up when everyone else who was expected to be there, we shouldn’t wait. K, like Dad and Grandma B, got lost inside the temple and didn’t get help soon enough. She was so sad. But I was so happy that she was there and could feel it and I could share the counsel and experience with her.

After the sealing and all the reverent congratulations were pressed upon the couple, Cambry and I were shown back into the bride’s room to get into her gown and get ready for pictures. She looked just beautiful. I asked her if she felt different and she said she didn’t. I felt so much the same. Really? After just a couple minutes, everything is different? It all kind of grows on you, really.

Cambry was the first bride that morning and so we had ample time and were not crowded or rushed taking the photos at the temple which is pretty good because we had an enormous group.

After pictures, I helped her back into her street dress and we were off to the luncheon in the Skyroom at BYU. It was just wonderful, a sweet and calm respite at the end of a hectic storm.

They had asked CB to play the piano and the guitar there and it was beautiful background. When he took a break to eat, Aleah went and played and it was quite beautiful. Then Cambry asked Elise to play Heroes. She resisted a little and then did it. The song starts out sweetly enough and then it abruptly becomes dramatic. The room grew quiet as everyone noticed the music for a minute. Cambry, Dad and I dropped a tear. She plays so expressively.

At the end of the luncheon, Dad shared some words before presenting his slide show. It was just perfect and we all loved it so much.

Things were perfectly timed, really. We had time to lay down for 20 minutes before going down to set up the reception.

Oh, I had wanted to have a picture of you to insert in the group pictures at the temple. But you got left in M’s car and couldn’t make it. So I took you down to the reception and set you on a table with a decorative bottle of M&M’s and some candles. But it kind of looked like a shrine to you, like maybe you’d died. So T added some dollar-store tall Jesus candles and he’s so happy to have caused plenty of people to wonder the significance.

The reception was a smashing success. We started just a few minutes early as smart guests began arriving. Within 20 minutes there was a line through the room which wound out to the other room and extended out the doors. I felt bad to see our guests waiting so long, but what is to be done? It was so good to see our old friends and dear loved ones.

We had brought 40 cakes together for a cake buffet and people loved all the choices and loved the cakes. They loved the dip and the bruchetta. It was perfect, well except that we had about twice as much food as we needed. That’s not really a problem, right?

As the event wore on, it was time to have the couple cut the cake, but the line had just barely come to the point of ending in the room we were in, so I didn’t want to diss those friends. But it kept consistent, so we walked down the line greeting our guests on the way over to the cake-cutting. They were sweet to each other with the cake, no face-smashing.

Cambry and Dad danced and made us all cry as they cried quietly together. Halfway through Cameron danced with his mom. Then C sang and AB played while Cambry and Cameron danced their first dance as husband and wife.

She changed out of her gown and into her street dress (the same dress as her bridesmaids) and they ran through our sparklers to their car and were off.

We cleaned up and dealt out the food and loaded up massive amounts of gifts and I was home by 10:41.

But don’t worry, I didn’t sleep. I couldn’t, exhausted though I was. I gave up at 2 in the morning and got out of bed and started straightening up, putting things away. I went back to bed after an hour and was finally able to sleep.

We had our Indian family over and we toured the yard. Then we went over to see Grandpa’s garden just as Grandma was setting out lunch, I know, perfect! And we visited with our family. Then the process of filling their bags for the return trip began.

And all too soon, S and P were off. I made tomato soup and cheese and crackers for dinner and then we drove up to Squaw Peak. I thought for sure we’d taken Mr. M up there, but he says no. Then Dad took them to the airport and I returned home.

Dad pulled in about midnight.

I want to get some sleep tonight. I was too weak to fast today, I would have been sick had I. But I did testify. It’s a tender time, marrying a daughter. But it has caused me to reflect and consider all the people who have helped me bring her along to this point. It’s overwhelming and I am beyond grateful for the goodness and mercy we’ve been granted through the community we’ve been blessed with.

I love you, son. I missed you, but more leading up to the day than I did on the day. When Parker goes to school in the fall, we will have only three kids at home. !?!

I hope you’ve had a good week (we prayed you’d be given compensatory blessings for having missed this important family event). Can’t wait to hear how those prayers were answered.

Love,
Mom

On the way into the temple.

This is one the photographer sent me yesterday

At the Luncheon

Josie just loves carrying around SJA's baby.

It's a done deal

Didn't she choose a pretty mix?

Hopefully I was better for the professional photographer!

At the reception

The cake

The part we all cried

Leftovers:  I gave most of the cakes away after the reception.  But I saved this one and put it together for us tonight.  It was delicious.

From Mom May 29, 2016 School's out!

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Dear Riley,

When you asked me to send recipes, you didn’t tell me she wanted to cook my food for YOU! Oh, it made me cry when she said she was going to try bread for you. I sent her Grandma’s cookbook as M helped her put it online. I don’t know how the food tastes, but the tender heart that desired to produce it is a sister for sure!

We have just days left to prepare for the wedding. I have to cook a couple things still and there are things I still want to do if there is time. But it feels like I’m not moving fast enough though I hardly stop moving. But I also have so much help, people just offering to do for me and taking things from me. It’s touching, really.

I’ve sent some things with the pictures and that will mostly be what I share from the week at home.

This week wasn't our best. But one thing is certain: living in families is the best way to recognize the power of the atonement. We forgive, we heal, and we love anyway.

Josie has used some great words lately like vicious and revenge. :D And she uses them correctly. I registered her for kindergarten this week after the dance festival. How can my baby be this big? Dad overheard a sweet interchange between Josie and ZD’s cousin in the back yard. Josie: How old are you? Neighbor: 4. Josie: Four? Why, that’s exactly how old I was before I turned five!

Aleah made it through school too. Elise didn’t go to the last couple days of JH and asked if she could walk to pick Aleah up the last morning. I had stuff rolling around in my head and I just wanted to dig in and get things done. But I stopped to say my prayers and while I was saying them I heard Elise telling Josie that she had to wait for Mom to come with them, because Mom ALWAYS walks them home the last day of school. I guess I do. So I did.

Cambry’s doing well. She’s setting up house in their apartment. I’m happy, I really am. But I’m also a little sad to lose her company in the house. She’s hardly here anyway these days. Or actually she may be, and I’m not? I’m just kind of missing her, I guess. I love my kids and love spending time with them. But she is the best Cambry she’s ever been so what more could I ask?

I love you, son. I hope you found yourself led this week. Enjoy your companion and your members. Work hard -- one chance to do it, a lifetime to reflect upon it!

Love,
Mom

Aleah's class danced to "I've Got a Dream" from Tangled. She's a cute dancer.

I didn't take any pictures at the carnival the night before. Aleah had a wonderful time there. We weren't sure it would even happen because there was wind and rain and even a couple lightning strikes. But at the last minute the weather lifted and we had a really nice couple hours out with the school community.

When we got home, the weather still held so Dad took me on a bike.

It's good that I had reasons to stop and enjoy my children this week, because it's kind of intense. :)

He made it!

Relief!  It was a squeaker.  But I can't tell you how many mom's told me the same.  Poor Parker, he follows two really directed and disciplined siblings so we start to worry when we get closer to average :D.  But he made it (and it didn't really seem to take so much effort even).  So on to new chapters and experiences.

Wait, is this and orthadontic advertisement?  No, it's just down-to-the-soul happiness.

Cameron's Mom and her sisters organized a bridal shower for Cambry.  I can't tell you how pleased I am that she is in close association with those good women.  I see how much Grandma P has enriched and blessed my life and I am happy Cambry will have that too.

 

Since you've been gone... May 23, 2016

...we've lost track of time.

This was my week and is picture form of leftovers.  :)   Now you feel a part of the family in wedding times, haha.

From Mom May 22, 2016

Sunday, May 22, 2016

It’s been a week and I’m in a rush again. I’m sick with a cold and have a horrible voice. But hopefully I won’t be sick now at the wedding (and even more hopefully I won’t have given it to anyone else to be sick at the temple.) But I can’t say I didn’t deserve it. I had several late nights last week and then I would wake up like a light bulb switches on really early in the morning. But I think we’re going to make it. I hope we’re going to make it.

I’m starting on food for the reception. My part of the decorating is done. The clothes are almost all done. The slideshow isn’t done, but I have great faith in Dad to work miracles (he just got the pictures last night).

We lost a ward member this week, CE, though I don’t think you’ll remember her. This was the first funeral that Dad didn’t conduct since being bishop because he had a conflicting memorial service in Blanding for his former mentor at Parish Chemical, MK. And I couldn’t go because it was the clean up of Grandma K’s yard.

We just had the H over for cream puffs and wedding prep. It was quite enjoyable, but I’m afraid it will make what was already about to be a short letter, shorter.

The girls had their piano recital this week. They played really well and overall the recital was a smashing success. Sis M really pulls beautiful music out of those kids. Elise played William Joseph’s Heroes memorized. It’s a super long song. Aleah played Once Upon a Dream and a little classical piece. They didn’t prepare super well this last week because I’m distracted. But it came off well enough.

Parker most likely WILL graduate, but it won’t be pretty. And there is still a chance of not completing the work and graduating. This is new territory for me. Graduation IS Thursday.

The absolute highlight of the week was Cambry going through the temple. It occurred to me that blessings I expected to be fulfilled eventually are actually happening right now. She is so sweet and receptive to good and truth. I love being with family in the temple. I haven’t been with so many of my loved ones together in a really long time. I don’t even remember how many came when you went through. There simply is no comparison to this joy though I hear that the sealing will top it.

It’s late here. I’m sorry. At least I put some commentary in the pictures again. :)

I love you so much. I hope you’re doing well and are able to be productive and hear the whisperings of the Spirit to make you more so. Trust God to work circumstances to your good and the good of those you’re called to serve.

Sis H really encouraged me to go pick you up at book group this week. No decisions yet. Do you have thoughts after a week’s ponderance?

Have a good week.

Love you,
Mom

PS Uncle B is coming to Cambry's wedding, Aunt D too. We just gotta get S and/or J. The invite is sweet and melted hearts all over. Then we'll have all our siblings here. Plus M and S, S, P, and A (who you've not met). I can already feel the love!

We're filling up the freezer for the reception.  Grandma P came over and spent the day assisting me while I baked four three-layer cakes.  She is such an angel.  She made a Costco run for me to get more cream, eggs, and all those other things a baker needs.  It was so good to have her help.

Josie put a snack together while I finished the invites: kettle corn and corn chips.  She was content.  I felt guilty.  Poor little wedding orphan.

Just a minute later, CH offered to take me to lunch and discuss how she could help me with the wedding.  She is so sweet and I'm thankful for Cambry to have a warm, nurturing mother-in-law.

The best moment of the week: Cambry went through the temple Friday night.  It was so sweet.  The temple matron typically comes in to instruct the sisters before they go through.  But no one ever came and they rushed us up to the session before our party came to the session.  In the celestial room while I waited for Cambry to come meet me, Sis A came and found me and waited for us in the celestial room.  Then she escorted us back down to the instruction room.  It was actually really sweet because Cambry got to have so many loved ones with her rather than just me.  The entire evening was just sweet and memorable.

Saturday we went down to help clean up Grandma's yard.  Oh how I love these people.

Group hug!

From Mom May 15, 2016

Dear Riley,

As you can see from the stack of photos I sent you, it’s been quite a week. And I’m under the gun, so the commentary on the photos will be most of your letter. :(

I got an email from Sister Grange about your coming home Nov 18 and which airport and did I plan to come pick you up. We went back and forth a couple times and she was so complimentary of you. I never tire of hearing good things about you. But then I had this idea: Dad’s been wanting to take me on a cruise for our 25th wedding anniversary this year. What if he took me to Thailand instead? About November? What do you think? I think we’d come early and be together and then pick you up and see the things you’d like to show us.

Or we can stick with the original plan to come out as a family when the temple is dedicated. Opinions?

Dad and I spent a couple hours at the high school last week helping Parker square up with the end of the year and potentially graduation-ending I’s. Parker got some medication that helps him focus and gives him get up and go. It looks like he’s going to make it! This week should tell. But there is no doubt he functions better. The first night, I caught him sitting up in bed doing homework. I felt so bad; I assured him he would be able to focus again tomorrow.

(I’ve gotten distracted hundreds of times writing this email… I’m feeling empathy for Parker.)

There is so much going on. But I had such a wonderful revelation today: I don’t have to do it all. I was planning to all the cakes. But I realized that I just don’t have to kill myself. There are bakeries everywhere. I will do what I can and order the rest and be happy to be there! Exhale.

Yesterday I woke up with more than I could do and I always pray that I’ll be led and that I won’t miss the big stuff. As I was getting off to the shower, I had the impression to not miss today. So I put my effort into the relationships I treasure. I went with Cambry to get dolled up for pictures and up to the temple. I wouldn’t have missed if for the world, or even for staying on top of my to-do list.

I love you, Riley. Your siblings, everyone, are doing really great things. Oh! Elise won the Grand Prix at the BYU language fair in vocabulary. She scored the highest of all the kids of all the participating schools. She designed a paper car in science which beat all others for speed but got destroyed in the durability test. And Elise scored the best in her history class on a review test/game. She’s just tops. As I was saying, all your siblings are doing really well. They’re a little neglected and Josie feels that most of all. But this too shall pass.

Can’t wait to hear about your week.

Love,
Mom
I was feeling oppressed and then stepped out of Costco into this. :)

It's legit!

Not here, and not here. But right here...

Serious bee sting reaction!  He looked like Quasimodo.  He conducted a funeral like that.

Elise's last Trebble Trios concert Tuesday night was really enjoyable

Ugly Bug Ball and Let it Be

Elise had a solo in this dance and it was BEAUTIFUL.  But I was shooting without a flash and didn't get good shots.  Aleah is so energetic in her dance and fun to watch.  Josie really knows her dances and does a great job.

When I Grow Up and Alive

Funny story: One of the girls in Josie's group kept running off to the edge of the stage to see her family.  She got excited at one point and wanted to share with Josie, so she came over and started telling Josie who was there.  Josie looked at her for a second, decided to return to her dance, and gently shoved the girl aside.  Laughter erupted from the audience and I'm certain I blushed.

When we got home, we played the video of the most memorable moment immediately.  Josie was concerned that we might misjudge her actions.  She explained that the girl was telling her things but she needed to focus on her dance.  So she pushed her away so she could focus.  :D  Everyone tells me her reaction was totally justified.  :)

She's got assertive down!

Finale

Josie was adorable in this number (but I don't know where she is in the final shot) and knew all the moves and executed them with pizzazz.

Bridal shower

Cambry's shower at Grandma's was just beautiful!  And wonderful.  And sweet.  I love our people.

Katie had a big hand in the decorations and they were oh so sweet!

Immediately after the shower, she got ready for portraits at the J's