Friday, December 12, 2008
Well, of Course It's Santa!
Thanksgiving
The older I get the more I appreciate it for what it really is.
(Pictures will follow when I get them from Jaime.)
Saturday, November 15, 2008
I Voted
Angel Mutual has Begun!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Our Trip to Virginia, Part 2 - The Vacation
On our way around Washington, DC we dropped Brandon off at the subway to hook up with his friend, Blaine, who worked at the Capitol as an intern for Representative Jim Matheson. It felt really strange dropping our "innocent young son" off in such a foreboding place where he knew nothing and no one. Jaime and Lisa politely reminded us that we probably would not have done that for them so willingly. They're right in that we would have hesitated a little more. Shame on us. It's hard to remember that our children are adults now and fully capable of taking care of themselves . . .
We hooked up with Brandon the following day, spent a little time with him and then sent him back to Salt Lake on a plane. His short weekend went very quickly, too quickly for my way of thinking.Mom and Pop flew home mid-week.
We spent a few days that week touring some of the sites in and around Washington, DC: the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center where we saw the Enola Gay (dropped the bomb on Hiroshima); the National Archives where the original Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are well protected; the National Museum of Natural History where the live butterfly exhibit was so fun to walk through; some needed to visit the National Gallery of Art looking for art for their homes; a personal tour of the Capitol building courtesy of Brandon's friend, Blaine.
Mid-week we made a road trip to Newark, NJ where we stayed overnight and then took a train into New York City to see the site of the World Trade Center. Along the way we found ourselves off-track and driving through a very quaint little town known as Pilesgrove, NJ. When I think of small town America, this is what comes to mind. The restaurant we ate at had real home cooking. It was Halloween time and all the lamp posts along the main streets were decorated with scarecrows, witches, etc.
The site of the World Trade Center is really only a construction site at this point, but we visited St. Paul's Church across the street. There was a lot of memorabilia and pictures of many of the victims. It was at this little church with the cemetery all around it that many of the rescuers took refuge from the difficult task of trying to help in the aftermath of 911. It is also in this church that President George Washington worshipped immediately following his inauguration as our first president on April 30, 1789.
While in New York, we also checked out a vantage point where we could see directly into the open construction site. Great plans are in the works.
We went through the WTC Visitor Center which was a tremendous help in bringing the experience of 911 home to me. There was a wall of pictures of every one of the victims along with a few personal items. I think the thing that struck me the hardest was a piece of a plane where an entire window had been. I kept wondering who had been sitting in the seat next to that window and what they must have seen and felt. Very sobering.
That day was not an easy day for Jaime and me. Neither one of us felt very well and New York City with all it's smells and noise is not the place to be when you're nauseated and have a bad headache.
We all quite enjoyed the lunch we had. I think Duane will remember that more than anything.
The last few days were just quiet and relaxing. Lisa flew home on Saturday, the 11th. Duane and BJ spent that day out hiking and enjoying themselves. Tanya, Jaime and I spent our time trying to feel better. Angie was content to watch movies since she hadn't seen any all week.
The flight home was uneventful. Angie got on the plane without any problems. We arrived in Las Vegas early enough that we drove all the way home to St. George.
It was a wonderful vacation. Tanya and BJ are very easy to spend time with and they make you feel very welcome. And they don't fuss over their company. I'm sure they breathed a sigh of relief when all their visitors were finally gone.
Now all we have are memories . . . but they're happy ones. And lots of pictures.
(More pictures to be added when I get them from Jaime.)Our Trip to Virginia, Part 1 - The Wedding
That afternoon we went over to Cape Charles for family pictures. The wedding rehearsal dinner was that evening, so those of us not involved did our own thing. We explored the tiny town of Cape Charles and went to dinner at a Mexican restaurant. I believe we were the lucky ones. Our evening was quite relaxing.On Saturday, the 4th of October in the middle of the afternoon we gathered at the end of the pier where the wedding was to take place. It was a beautiful, serene setting, one I think we all enjoyed. I'm not sure the bride and her mother were feeling what we were feeling, but that's to be expected. Marissa was an absolutely gorgeous bride. Brock is an incredible man. We were so happy to meet him and look forward to getting to know him.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Catch Up!
I'll catch up soon -- after we get back from doing ten schools and 30 assemblies in Salt Lake with our ARTS program.
Ciao . . .
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Virginia or Bust
It didn't start out that way. Originally we thought only I would be able to attend. Then Angie was going, then Jaime thought she would like to go. When I was making reservations for three of us, Duane decided he wanted to be included. Lisa didn't want to be left out and she needed a break, besides weddings are her specialty so why wouldn't she want to be there? Finally Brandon called and asked if there was any chance he could come despite the fact that he would have to miss a few days of school. We assumed he wouldn't be able to go, so I'm glad he spoke up.
So on October 2 we will all fly to Virginia. I'm sure our haphazard plans caused much consternation for the bride with seating arrangements, but we are thrilled to be able to support her and her family in this all-important once in a lifetime event.
Virginia, here we come!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
A 48-Hour Whirlwind
After the dance, we still had another 100 miles to drive to Santa Clarita where we were so graciously hosted by Roy and Jean Woodard. Bed never felt so wonderful.
Meeting the "New" McCracken Family
In the afternoon Juan P (Wompy) & Ezzie came by with their dad to visit Jaime & Rob. Jaime and Angie were in the process of making chocolate chip cookies to take to the McCrackens later in the evening. Wompy and Ezzie thought it was great fun to help.
We came bearing gifts for the children. It was so fun to watch them. They are pretty good at sharing and taking turns.Their anticipation as they waited for the pieces to pop up was delightful.
My heart leaped as I remembered how one of the dreams Daniel had was to have a dad who would play with him.
It was amazing to watch the gift of tongues in action in their home. Both the children and their parents seem to be able to make their wants and needs known. However, there are times when a little extra help is necessary. Uncle Rob took the time to explain the chore chart, the purpose of clothes hampers, how to rinse the dishes and make sure they get in the dishwasher BEFORE they get in the cupboards. Hands on lessons were included.
There is a wonderful spirit of love and gratitude in the McCracken household. What an example they set for all of us!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Violin Lessons for a Little Sweetheart
These are pictures of Rachel listening intently to her teacher, Suzie, as she demonstrates the how-to's. What a special opportunity for me to be with her on this particular day! Thanks, Rachel Ree for letting Grandma join you!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Riverside, California, Here We Come!
We will continue on to Riverside Friday afternoon.
Duane has been asked to call square dancing for two clubs, one in Riverside and the other in Northridge, California. We had some visitors at the Sunshine Dancers earlier in the summer. It was a very good night and they were impressed with Duane's calling, so they set up this weekend for him to visit their clubs. Bruce & Sandy Iveson, who live here and used to dance at these clubs, are caravaning with us.
Duane is a little nervous, but it's only because he hasn't traveled to a new area to call for a long time. I think he's just lost some of his confidence. He tends to do his best when he is a little out of his comfort zone. He is very capable and will do a wonderful job. He always comes across with enthusiasm.
We're looking forward to a fun experience and making lots of new friends.
My Life Is About to Change!
As of last evening (2008.09.16), I find that I will be an integral part of Special Needs Mutual. I have been called to be the Young Women's President. The work begins!
At this point, I think the most daunting task is calling a board. I have been given some names and have names of some who have volunteered, but I only know two of them. The rest I have never met nor do I know anything about them. This is where inspiration will come in. I only hope I'm worthy of receiving it.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Fellow Temple Workers
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Simply Wicked
I woke up this morning craving these little gems. It was early and no one was up, sooooo . . .
Many years ago my mother introduced me to Whoopsie Pies, a homemade delectable with plenty of chocolate and sugar and gooey cream cheese frosting in the middle. (But she had the self-control to only make them occasionally.) I still love them and probably prefer them, but they are a huge project to make.
When one of my daughters was in homemaking class in junior high school she shared a recipe for mock Oreo cookies, and they make a pretty satisfactory subsitute for Whoopsie Pies. They're a lot easier to make, too.
It was a pretty nice Saturday morning.Friday, September 12, 2008
Forever Friends
We have a tradition of going to Island Park, Idaho (just West of West Yellowstone, Montana) every Labor Day Weekend. We used to go for the Knothead Jamboree Square Dance but time has taken its toll on some of us, so now we go more to be with forever friends.
I always marvel that we all have such different personalities and yet we get along so well. I know that some of us would never have been drawn together were it not for the fun and friendship of square dancing. What a neat activity! It has provided us so many friends and opportunities over the years. I can't imagine my life without it!
Linda and Leland Richins are such gracious hosts. Over the years the men have taken on several projects as a thank you for their hospitality. Some of those projects include building a removable railing around the decks, building an over-sized garage and loft which sleeps 14 people comfortably, installing a washer and dryer, building a pretty classy outhouse and gathering firewood. This has been particularly helpful for the Richins since Leland has been plagued with Parkinsons Disease for the past ten years.
There are no rules, no expectations other than good food, good fun and lots of laughs. We read when we want to, nap when we want to, sit and chat when we want to, take walks or hikes when we want to.
There is four wheeling, bicycling, horse shoes, sightseeing and shopping. There are plenty of movies to watch and lots of games to play. I learn a new one or two every time I go. Too bad I can't remember them when I get home . . .
We always eat very well. Each couple is pre-assigned to be responsible for at least one meal. We plan it, do the shopping and prepare it. Everyone else pitches in to help. Imagine feeding 20 people and then having it cleaned up within 20 minutes! Amazing! There is always a table piled high with goodies for munching purposes. As I said, we eat very well.
Each year there are boutiques, antique and otherwise, in the area. Tradition is that we go to West Yellowstone for dinner and the Playmill Theatre. This year we saw "Oklahoma." It was great fun. We went for ice cream afterward.These friends are amazing. Each one has a special and unique gift to offer. We have been through a lot over the past 30 years -- happy times, sad times, good health, poor health. We have watched each other's children grow and watched them wrestle with challenges. We have celebrated graduations and weddings and births (children and grandchildren) together. We have mourned the loss of loved ones together. We have traveled together. We have spent many, many hours dancing together and enjoying the camaraderie of after-parties telling "true" stories and laughing at each other's jokes. We have celebrated birthdays together -- and, boy, do we know how to celebrate!
Friends provide a safe haven for us when we need it. They buoy us up, they tell us like it is. They make us laugh and they cry with us. They are honest with us, but they pick the time and choose their words carefully. True friends give us the benefit of the doubt in all things. There are some things that are easier shared with friends than with family. And that's okay, because their life experiences are different from ours and they can offer a new perspective.
Duane and I moved away from all our friends when we left Draper; and we do feel the distance physically, but our hearts are just as close to them as ever because we love them and we know they love us. And they'll be there for us if we ever need them.
Friends . . . what would life be without them . . . I shudder to think of it.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
International Adoption by the McCrackens
Retirement - What to Do, What to Do?
We were sooo busy when we lived in Draper. He worked full time. He was square dance calling at least once week, sometimes more. We did assemblies in the schools (ARTS, Inc.) at various times. He loved his huge garden and spent a lot of time in it. He had a gigantic lawn to mow and weeds to keep down. He was getting very tired of all the "have to's" -- or so he thought.
He really misses his garden. He LOVED the harvest, but truth be told, he loved being out there digging in the dirt, planting those tiny little seeds, irrigating (especially when it was flood irrigation), watching it grow, stalking those pesky little birds who tried to raid his grapes, and eradicating the weeds. Even when there wasn't anything in particular to do, he would wander around and investigate every little thing. I think he talked to it a lot, too.
He went from too busy to not busy at all. He has said, "I went from a pumpkin patch to a pomegranate bush." Yep, that about sums it up.
If we were to do it all over again, I don't think we would have retired AND moved all at the same time. We would have done it in steps. But, alas, that is not how it happened.
So here we are in sunny St. George, Utah's Dixie, and Duane has been climbing the walls. He has attempted to be happy at home, but he has an incredible amount of nervous energy. Earlier this year he got his real estate license, but the market isn't good right now. Then he decided to become a school bus driver. He thought it would be perfect because he could be a substitute and drive only when he wanted to. I thought it would be perfect, too. And it is, except now he seems "driven" to be doing it more and more.
First day 2008.04.23
Special Ed Bus
Duane & his Aid
Behind the Wheel
Away he goes!
Don't get me wrong. Duane truly loves being here in St. George. He loves being close to our daughters and grandchildren. He's just desperate to find some outlets for his energy. I must say, he has NEVER missed the 7:30 - 4:00 rat race he endured at ATK for 25 years. I think it's just going to take time . . . and lots of patience . . .
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Innocence in It's Purest Form
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
It's a Reality!
We moved to St. George in December of 2005 and quickly learned there is no Angel Mutual here and, in fact, no one had even heard of it!
Over the past 2 years and 8 months we have met with three different stake presidents, spoken with several others, kept in contact with individuals at the Church headquarters, attended the first ever Special Needs Mutual Mini-Conference in October of 2007 in Salt Lake City, spoke with numerous Special Needs Mutual leaders in the process of gathering as much material and information as possible, and spent many hours on the telephone speaking with parents of special needs "youth." We wanted to be ready when we found the right priesthood leadership.
On May 6, 2008 we met with President Don Lyman of the Bloomington Hills Stake. He and his counselors were discussing which building to use before we even finished our first meeting! A few weeks later he confirmed their desire to help us.
On August 3 we met with our Area Authority, Elder Rick Wheeler, along with President Lyman and his counselors and were given permission to start our planning process. Before the end of our meeting they were talking about the very real possibility of having three mutuals in our area within the first year! I couldn't believe what I was hearing! We're just happy to have one!
I have since put together material for President Lyman to give to the area stake presidents at his meeting on August 24. He wants to inform them of the program and will be requesting information on all special needs individuals under their stewardships.
We are amazed at the enthusiasm of our priesthood leaders. It's wonderful to have others as excited as we are. The people here in Utah's Dixie have no idea what blessings are soon to come their way! I feel like I'm holding a big secret and I'm about to burst!!!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Brandon McCloud
He has been a delight. Here are a few reasons why I love him (in no particular order):
- He has a great sense of humor.
- He's very good at masking his thoughts which constantly keeps me guessing.
- He's kind to everyone, almost to a fault.
- He's a good example.
- He works hard and studies hard.
- He plays hard.
- He shows respect.
- He likes to spend time with his family.
- He makes me laugh.
- He loves the Lord.
- He is willing to serve the Lord.
- He has great knowledge of the scriptures.
- He honors his priesthood.
- He is not afraid to try new things. As a matter of fact, his intrigue with adventure has caused me some consternation at times.
- He takes me to lunch now and then.
- He is a good listener.
- He is a good friend to everyone.
- He is so sweet with Angie.
I am so proud of him.
I love you, Brandon.
Lisa Marie
- Lisa Marie is a joy.
- She was my busiest child. She really kept me hopping from the time she could walk. Actually, I don't think she ever walked; once she hit the floor vertically, it was a dead run. But she kept me young.
- She was a very happy child, very pleasant. She still is.
- She is very intelligent. School was not her favorite thing, but we got through it.
- Lisa is very talented. She loves to sing and play the piano. I'm so grateful I stuck to her practicing . . .
- She is very creative. She and Rusty started a wedding planning business in 2007. They have more business than time! It is so fun to watch her plan and create unique wedding designs for each of her brides. She not only creates the decor but also designs flower arrangements and cakes. She has a very elegant touch.
- She has a knack for interior design and it is very evident when you see what she has done with her home.
- She is a hard worker.
- Lisa is probably the most forgiving person I have ever known. And she does it more quickly than anyone I have ever met.
- Her smile lights up the room.
- She married Rusty. He is a very special young man whom I love as if he were my own flesh and blood.
- She is the mother of three beautiful children: Rachel Marie, Logan Reed and Abigail Ann; and she loves them with all her heart.
- She loves to cook and is very good at it.
- Lisa loves the Lord and is willing to serve him.
- She is teaching her children the gospel.
- Lisa loves to serve others.
- She is adventuresome.
Lisa is a beautiful person. I'm so proud to be her mother.
Jaime Lynne
- She is and always has been very responsible.
- You can count on her word.
- She has a real zest for life which makes her a "fun girl."
- She has many friends because she is one.
- She loves to read.
- She loves to take pictures and is very good at it.
- She is a very creative scrapbooker. I love that she loves to document even the littlest things in life.
- She brought Rob into our lives. I couldn't have chosen a better husband for her and I love him with all my heart.
- She is a good example.
- She is a very talented musician, who sings as well as she plays the piano.
- She is not afraid to share the gospel.
- She loves to serve the Lord and others.
- She reads her scriptures daily.
- She keeps a journal, sometimes. When she was younger, she wrote in it daily.
- She is a hard worker.
- She loves to serve others and looks for opportunities to do so.
- She is beautiful inside and out. Her beauty glows when she smiles.
It's a privilege to be her mother.
I love you, Jaime.