Monday, April 26, 2010

Adventure to Utah!!

Made the long trek to Utah via Orange Cove, Las Vegas, Nephi then Provo. It was a long ride but we finally made it. It started Wednesday when I drove to Orange Cove to meet up with Kristine's parents, Julie & Kevin. They were so nice to let me squeeze into the pickup truck. Poor Julie with her long legs up against the dashboard and her rear in the uncomfortable middle seat. I never would have been able to go if it hadn't been for them. We drove most of the way in the rain until we got to the Tehachipi Mountains where there was a snow storm. Is it really the end of April?? Next stop Vegas where I was able to spend the day with my my 3 favorite little boys. We left Vegas at 6:30, stopped in St George for a Blizzard at Dairy Queen (YUM) and arrived in the beautiful city of Nephi at 1:00 am where we stayed at the lovely Motel 6.

The front desk was closed so I had to ring for help and out shuffled Uday Shah, toussled hair, bare feet & all. We unloaded the van in 36 degree weather and called it a night - and a short one it was! Coleman had a hard time getting to sleep so it was a rough few hours. We drug outselves out of bed at 5:30, showered and washed our hair only to discover Megan had forgot the hair dryer! We made the best of it and after packing up the van once again, locking outselves out of the with Coleman asleep inside, we were off to Provo. By this time it was raining pretty hard so our hairstyles really didn't matter at this point. We met up with Jordan and took our seats waiting for the graduation. It was a nice ceremony and of course the best part was hearing Kristine Gildea Lewis announced and watching her walk across the stage to get her diploma. We were so proud! Megan and I took turns chasing Coleman up and down the stairs. We just love our little Coleman!





Next stop was lunch/breakfast at Kneaders with the Gildea clan. Since we were so exhausted we pretty much relaxed in the afternoon, took a short trip to the mall and had dinner at Cafe Rio. Saturday was a beautiful day so we went to the mall again, had lunch, went to the Distribution Center and then packed up the van and headed out. It sure was nice to see the skyline of Las Vegas and we actually made it home before Megan wet her pants!! I left Vegas on Sunday morning with the Gildea's and arrived home at 9:30. My bed never felt so GOOD...
It was a tiring trip but we would do it all again, and we will - this time next year when Jordan graduates!!







Sunday, April 4, 2010

Mothers

As I was watching General Conference, I was impressed, as always, with the wonderful messages that were given. One message that I seemed to hear in several talks, was about Mothers - Honoring and loving our mothers. I felt very touched by these talks and prompted to think about my own mother and my feelings about her. I have not always had the best relationship with my Mom which has always bothered me. I always wanted her to be a certain way and like the mothers of my friends. I now realize that my Mom did the best she could and she was a loving mother in her own way. She may not have been affectionate or good at expressing her feelings, but I do know that she loves me and that she appreciates me and as I watch her fail in her last years, I know that I need to cherish my time that is left with her on this earth. I will never again take for granted the love of a mother for her child.

This picture was taken in about 1945 and is of my Mom and sister Karen.

There is no greater joy in my life than being a Mom. I cherish that calling and loved every minute of the years my children were growing up. The years go by so fast and I can never get those precious years back. I am grateful that my children are leading happy, productive lives and I hope they know how special they are to me and how much I love them and miss them. I pray for them and think about them everyday. I am so excited to have us all together in a few weeks!!

Friday, April 2, 2010

I Love to See the Temple....




Shauna painted the Los Angeles Temple and the Salt Lake Temple. I really love them. They are so unique and have such character. I am anxious for her to paint the Sacramento Temple. She is so talented.