SOS Sunshine & Rain

So much to be thankful for

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:33:00 +0000

“For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food,

for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends.”-

Ralph Waldo Emerson

We spent a lovely Thanksgiving Day up in Logan with Megan's parents, Steve and Janet. Our meal was one of bounteous goodness . . . they are both excellent cooks and we so enjoyed visiting with them and playing games. After dinner, everyone deliberated and discussed the volumes of ads for Black Friday, but there wasn't anything that really was worth getting up early for . . .

This day I am so grateful for wonderful parents who are good, salt of the earth people and have taught me so much in generosity, integrity and goodness. I am thankful for a dear husband and companion who I so enjoy being with, talking with, playing with and just sharing life with - Thank you for being the amazing person that you are. I am so grateful for six incredible children and their equally incredible spouses - we love you all and are so grateful that you are a part of our family . . . and those ten beautiful grandchildren that make each day just so much brighter!

I am so thankful for the restored gospel and knowing that God lives and that he loves everyone one of us, His children. I am grateful for this beautiful country that we live in, the freedoms that we enjoy and those who have sacrificied so much on our behalf.

Friday morning, we had the opportunity to help Ethan and Megan move into their lovely new townhome. This is the view out of their living room and bedroom windows on the East side and the top two photos are of their new home. Megan said, "It feels like we're staying in a time share or a condo . . ." but it will soon feel like home sweet home.

Saturday we were back at Brittany and Cory's home. Ray, Cory and Ashton and later on, Will worked hard at getting some more electrical, cabling, sheetrock and a door installed.

Ashton is loading the screws onto the gun for his Daddy and he had to clip a tape measure on his pocket just like Grandpa . . .

Enjoying a bit of Toy Story 2 while waiting for Ray's birthday dinner - his request?

A Taco fest. ~ what else?

Brittany and Ashton lighting Grandpa Ray's birthday candles on his Grasshoppper Ice Cream Pie

Ashton blows out all the candles for Grandpa Ray

Ethan and Megan , playing Ray's latest favorite game, "Ticket to Ride."

Ashton, Ray, Cory and Hunter ~ Grandpa Ray gets all 49 candles out all by himself this time!

Our Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:35:00 +0000

"There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One is roots; the other, wings." ~Hodding Carter

Shere Khan, the mighty tiger visits us ~ Ashton didn't only just model his Halloween costume, he knew exactly what his character should do . . . frighten everyone out of his jungle!

Grandma Sandy sewed Halloween Trick or Treat Bags for all the grandchildren

as well as Halloween pillowcases

Ashton and Brett get an early start at their creations.

Sandy, Ethan, Megan, Cory & Ashton supposedly all hard at work . . . get busy all of you!

Ethan had major knee surgery, replacing his missing ACL and rebuilidng the miniscus.

He couldn't really do much, but gave us lots of sound advice . . .

Our creative contestants: Arianne, James, Brittany, Cory, Ashton, Brett, Tiffany, Charlie, Ethan, Megan, Ray

It is always fun to see the amazing creations that develop from what was once a simple pumpkin!

All participants get a certificate and prizes

I Like Best of All, Autumn

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:42:00 +0000

"I like spring, but it is too young.

I like summer but it is too proud

So I like best of all autumn, because it's tone is mellower, its colours are richer, and it is tinged with a little sorrow.

. Its golden richness speaks not of the innocence of spring, nor the power of summer, but of the mellowness and kindly wisdom of approaching age. It knows the limitations of life and is content." ~ Lin Yutang

A glorious Sunday afternoon on the Nebo Loop, September 27, 2009

Fresh Artichokes Anyone?

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:01:00 +0000

Okay, so we were in the garden center this spring and saw some artichokes in four inch containers and decided to give one of them a try . . . and we have been pleasantly surprised - this lovely plant with large leaves was growing mightly all summer . . . but it wasn't until August that little artichokes showed up. We have enjoyed several now - their were a total of seven artichokes on the plant, so if they survive this upcoming cold spell . . . we will still have a few more to enjoy this fall and with Hollandaise sauce on the side.

Savoring the last of summer

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:30:00 +0000

The family is both the fundamental unit of society as well as the root of culture. It ... is a perpetual source of encouragement, advocacy, assurance, and emotional refueling that empowers a child to venture with confidence into the greater world and to become all that he can be.~ Marianne E.Neifert

So we decided to grab the last of summer by its tail and head to the mountains. Normally we go camping several times during the summer, but this whirlwind summer found it hard to catch a free week-end to go, so we decided, no matter the weather, we were going! Ethan & Megan arrived Thursday night late and we stayed up talking until the new day had arrived. Megan & I shopped for groceries while Ethan got the canoes ready to go. We packed up the trailer and as soon as Ray got home from work, we headed south up to Payson Lakes, hoping to find a camp site in time . . . we were pleasantly surprised to find many campsites available and had our pick of some nice pull throughs. The weather was pleasant, a couple of storms came through, but it was soon shining again and we enjoyed the cooler weather, the peace and beauty of the mountains.

Ethan reading The Numerati, by Stephen BakerRay & Megan took Jacob & Charlie out in the canoe fishing and the little boys pulled in quite a few . . . Jacob caught three and Charlie caught two! They were pretty excited about their adventure . . .

Megan, who is a great cook is putting together some really great chipotle chili.

Arianne, Charlie and James arrived late Friday . . . they were the front runners in a three car pile-up on the free-way. The car that collided into the car that then collided into the back of Arianne's van, left the scene of the accident. Fortunately, no was seriously injured and after ascertaining that the people and vehicles were okay, which took a couple of hours, they were on their way again. We are so grateful that it was not more serious than it was and they were able to come up.

We took the older grandchildren fishing one day and Sydni pulled in a nice one, with a little assistance from

big brother Jacob.

Damien and Danielle, Jacob, Sydni, Kourtni and Allyson came up on Saturday. Ally didn't feel well, so

she was not a happy camper that night . . .

Ethan and Damien kept us well supplied with plenty of hot coals for the Dutch Ovens and we had some nice meals . . . Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup, Apple Dumplings, Chipotle Chili, Frank's Dutch Oven Potatoes, Breakfast Burritos . . . yummmmmmm.

Zachary & Ashlee's wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:42:00 +0000

Zach & Ashlee's wedding ~ it was a beautiful day in Rexburg and there was such joy in their faces!

And it was a joy for me to see this side of the family again.

The Rexburg temple has beautiful wheat motifs throughout in the stained glass, carpet, etc and outside on the east side of the temple was a golden field of ripe wheat moving gently in the breeze - just lovely!

Ray & Sandy, Ashton, Brittany, Cory & Hunter

Ashton practicing his photography on the temple with Cory, Hunter, Brittany, Kjiersten, Jeremy and Ray

Hallelujah!

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 23:02:00 +0000

Historical fiction, I really enjoyed reading Featherstone's account of Handel writing the Messiah. I had to turn the music on and listen to it while I was reading and I am still singing!

Family Fourth of July Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:57:00 +0000

I'm trying to catch up on all of the summer fun . . .here are some shots from the week surrounding the Fourth of JulyEthan and Megan playing at Willard Bay with the kids (James, Ashton & Charlie)
Hunter catching a few winks under the shade at Willard Bay Beach

Building sandcastles while waiting our turn on the Jet skis

Arianne, Ethan, Ashton, Grace, James, Brittany, Charlie

Showing my true colors - I love this country we live in and

I am so grateful for the freedoms we enjoy

"Freedom isn't free

You've got to pay the price

You've got to sacrifice for your liberty . . ."
from Let Freedom Ring, by Paul & Ralph ColwellWe all took turns cooking . . . Jesse & Cori served these colorful Patriotic Parfaits for breakfast on the 4th.

We were all really impressed by the well organized and fun events planned by Westpoint City . . . for several days there were lots of fun activities in the park for children and adults alike, a parade, fabulous fireworks, team competitions, races, lots of food, and educational displays.
Our cheerleaders at the Westpoint Independance Day Parade
Charlie, Jacob, Grace, Sydni & Grant

Jesse, Grant, Cori & Grace

Charlie, Arianne & James

I've always said our children have a healthy competitive spirit . . . and they were all gung ho to join the pie eating contest. Brittany, Damien and Ethan joined about twenty others to see who could gobble a strawberry, banana cream or chocolate pie the fastest . . . Damien tied for first place with another young man! Goooooo Demo!!! And can you believe they were all still hungry for pizza after this????

Watching the parade

Funny faces galore . . .

Jacob, Sydni, Ashton & Kourtni

Cori & Cory, Ethan & Ray formed teams for the Horseshoe contest - they didn't win, but came close and had a great time competing. Playing in the park one evening~ Kourtni, Grace, Sydni, Grant and Ethan

Cori & Jesse hiked Mt. Loafer trail and spent the night near the summit. Grace, Grant & I went up to drop them off at the trailhead in Payson Canyon.

Summer fun in Grandma & Grandpa's backyard.

Sydni, Allyson, Grace & Kourtni - our little sunshine girls.

Doesn't that look like pure joy? Kourtni & Gracie - catching a few rays . . .

We made several batches of playdough ~ Grant & Jacob created some interesting monsters. . .

Sydni and Grace cooking up something good to eat.

One of our favorite places to camp

Ashton, Grace & Grant at Payson Lakes

That's one lucky Papa Ray getting a backrub from Grace while Cori mans the grill.

Out the Window

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 02:34:00 +0000

I was walking by our living room window the other day and I saw these large ears sticking up above the Myrtle Vines in the front yard . . . I went out to discover this lovely fawn - he was only a few days old and was not afraid of me at all.

For Mother's Day, Ray gave me this new bird bath, which we have placed on our back deck, just outside the dining room window. We have enjoyed watching the birds come and play~ they will flick the water all over and splash like children in a pool.

Our hummingbird feeder is like an international airport - they zoom in and out so quickly, it is hard to get a good photo of them, but we have counted thirteen out on holding patterns while they wait their turn to come in and sip. Filling our two feeders is a daily task!

Shakespeare and Beyond

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 01:15:00 +0000

"A friend is aperson with whom I may be sincere. Before him, I may think aloud." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Paula, Ann & Carolyn - outside our condo in St George

A few friends from book club got together and we spent a couple of fun days at the Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City. We had a great time! The plays were wonderful and the company delightful ~ it was a great summer getaway!
RaeLee, Suzanne, Paula, Haru, Carolyn, Ann & Caitlyn in front of a display from the play, "Private Lives." The actors do a great job, the sets were amazing - the time just whizzes by and soon the play is over!

Here we all are outside the replica of the Globe Theater. The Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City has been going for 48 years . . . I've just been a couple of times in the last few years - but it is always well worth the time and money to go! They also have a Neil Simon Festival going in Cedar City and we went to see "Harvey" - it was delightfully funny. The Hertiage Center is a beautiful theater, but instead of sitting in the normal seats in the auditorium, they had placed the seating right on the stage - so we were only a few feet from the actors - it was terrific to have such a close view of what was going on, their facial expressions, etc . . .we really enjoyed that new experience and will go again!

We topped off our two days with a dinner at the Garden House Restaurant in Cedar City, and it is highly recommended! The food was delicious~!

Ann, RaeLee, Sandy, Haru, Carolyn, Caitlin, Paula & Suzanne outside the Garden House Restaurant.

Out for a Drive

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 01:07:00 +0000

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever; its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness." ~ John Keats About a month ago, we checked this book out of the library, "Utah Byways," and liked it so much that we purchased a copy online~ it is a great resource for finding beautiful backroads and exploration. Our first drive was the Skyline Drive that goes from Spanish Fork Canyon over to Fairview and I highly recommend it! We took the Suburban, but you could do it in a 2-wheel drive vehicle.
Some of the spectacular views

We came upon some patches of larkspur . . . then around the corner were fields and fields of it!

It was so breath taking~ I wanted to go sit in the middle of it and just breathe purple!

The wildflowers were so varied and lovely

We came across a field full of sheep and a shepherd on horseback. He (or someone) had written "God Bless America! "

across the field in rocks ~ we hardily echo that prayer. We are so blessed to live in this amazing, beautiful country~ and we know where those blessing originate from! I don't know how anyone could see such amazing beauty and not know that their is a Divine Source of all this goodness, the good Shepherd is our Savior, He lives and He loves us!

Ray - at a small hut that is used in the winter to warm the toes and fingers of the snowmobilers. I am sure it is a welcome resource in the winter.

Road Trip #7 - Adam-ondi-Ahman, Far West and Liberty Jail

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 02:42:00 +0000

"And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. " Phillipians 4:7

The best way I can describe this beautiful area called Spring Hill is a place of peace, like the temple, there is a lovely, calming, quiet, peaceful reverence here. We wanted to stay!
According to the prophet Joseph, ancient Americans called Nephites lived in this beautiful valley and Adam met here with his posterity three years prior to his death - it is prophecied that he will again one day visit his people here.
The peace and beauty here invite quiet contemplation and fill the heart with gratitude for all the many blessings we have been given.

Sandy, Ray, Arianne ~ at Adam-ondi-Ahman

This is one of the temple cornerstones laid at Far West, Missouri. The Saints were driven out before they could get their temple built. But the four cornerstones of the temple remain.

An interesting bit of history about Far West. In 1838, Joseph Smith received a revelation that some of the apostles would be leaving for a mission to the British Isles the following year from the temple site in Far West. A year later, this seemed impossible, because the Saints had been driven out of Missouri by angry mobs and lives were threatened if they ever returned. The Saints were then living in Quincy, Illinois, but the apostles, faithful, and obedient, went back to Missouri to the temple site in Far West. Even though it was very dangerous for them to do so and Missouri was in the opposite direction from where they needed to go, Brigham Young, Heber C Kimball, Orson Pratt, John E Page, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and George A Smith along with others faithfully went back to the temple site, prayed, sang and ordained new apostles and left for their missions. It is said, as they came into the area, not a dog barked, nor did a cow moo . . . they arrived and left peacefully and unnoticed.

Liberty Jail, near Independence, Missouri is another place that invites serious contemplation about faith, courage and endurance. It was here that Joseph and five companions were incarcerated for nearly five months during one of the coldest winters on record. The ceiling in the lower area of the jail where the prisoners were kept was so low that the men could not stand up straight, the food was so bad that it made them very ill and they were constantly cold. A bit of history that I didn't know was that the men were pleading with the Lord to be delivered from this awful prison. The Lord revealed to Joseph that he would provide the way for them to escape if all six men agreed and were in accord to attempt it. They all agreed but one and that night the guard left the hatch door wide open, along with the front door and he was absorbed in reading a book in the corner. But the men did not try to escape because they were not all in unison to attempt it! The prison became a place that tried them severely physically, but strengthened them spiritually and brought them close to the Lord.
Elder Neal A Maxwell said, "It wasn't until the prophet was physically confined that his mind was fully liberated . . . the double walls, fourfeet thick kept Joseph and his companions in, but they could not keep the spirit and revelations out."

Our lovely guide had a beautiful voice and she sang to us as we left Liberty Jail ~ I was singing the song for days after we got back home.

"Lead kindly light amid the encircling gloom

Lead thou me on

The night is dark and I am far from home

Lead thou me on.

Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see

The distant scene—one step enough for me."

Our Road Trip #6 - Ray's cousin Richard

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:42:00 +0000

One of the highlights of the trip was meeting Ray's second cousin, Richard. He kindly spent his whole day with us - and we found he is a great man with a remarkable memory. Richard and Arianne at Keith's Diner. . . a great place to eat in Memphis. The restaurant was packed, the food was good, but it was noisy and hard to hear. Richard told us about his courtship and marriage to his sweetheart, Anna Mae - a true love story!

We drove by the home where Ray's grandparents lived. Ray remembers visiting them there and Irene has lots of fun stories growing up there. Richard also took us to three cemetaries: Memphis City, Prairie View and Mt Moriah, where he told us a lot about Ray's family history.

We ended up at Richard's lovely farm, where he showed us around, then treated us to a view of his photo albums. Richard is 92 and has an amazing memory - he told us a lot about serving in Burma, China and India during World War II, as an airplane mechanic. And he showed us tons of family photos. Our one regret was not having a good tape recorder to get all this important family history down for posterity! Thank you Richard, for spending your whole day showing us around and teaching us about our family.

Our Road Trip #5 - To Carthage Jail

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:10:00 +0000

I enjoyed our visit to Carthage. It seemed a quiet, small, peaceful town. Here at Carthage Jail where Joseph and his brother Hyrum were both martyred for what they believed, I couldn't help but reflect on these great men~ their faith, their obedience and their unwavering testimonies of the restoration of the gospel.

This photo of two of my sons, standing with Joseph and Hyrum was a poignant reminder not only of the great loss that the Saints felt at their death, but also the sorrow their mother experienced when she lost them both at once. . . I can't even imagine how difficult that would be for her and their wives and children. I stand in awe of these early Latter-Day Saints and what they faithfully endured.

Grant checks out the dark, gloomy jail cell in the upper story at Carthage Jail. Something that I didn't know before and learned on the tour was how kind the jailer and his family were to the prophet Joseph Smith, his brother Hyrum, Willard Richards and John Taylor as they were incarcerated there. The jailer and his family lived downstairs and were kind to the prophet and his companions; they were able to eat with them, and socialize with them. Because it was so hot in the jail cell, they were allowed to move into the jailer's bedroom, where there were windows for ventilation and the jailer and his family slept downstairs.

The bullet that went through this door killed Hyrum instantly, then
Joseph was shot four times as he leaped through this upper story window.

Brittany, Hunter, Jesse, Cori & Ray - at Carthage.

"Hey, guys, I think it's time to wake-up!" Gracie was kind to be the center pillow for Megan & Ethan. We went to a park so the kids could play and have a picnic of some "New York style" pizza after our visit to the jail, but found it just another cardboard pizza, expensive and tasteless . . . we'll stick with our good pizza here in the West! We all drove to Keokuk and spend the night . . . then it was hard, as always, to say good-bye to our Illinois family, but we had to part ways here . . . we drove west and they drove north.

Road Trip 4 - To Nauvoo

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 22:03:00 +0000

Going back to Nauvoo has been on my wish list since 1972 . . .

there is such a lovely, peaceful, joyful feeling there. The Saints left their beautiful Nauvoo back in 1845 . . . what joy they must feel now as the temple as been rebuilt and Nauvoo has been restored as a historic monument to their hope, hard work, dedication, dreams, and their sacrifice. We have many ancestors that lived in Nauvoo and helped build the temple there. . . the Rockwoods, Giffords, Clements, Elders, Stoddards, Hardy, Teeples, Rushtons, Hales and
Roundy were all there, contributing, raising their families, building a community from the swampy land near the Mississippi. I am so grateful for their faith, obedience, and courage.

The carriage and wagon rides were lots of fun for all of us. Grace, Ashton and Arianne are getting to know the horse that will be taking us out into the country to Inspiration Point. The whole area is so beautiful, lush and green ~ how the Saints must have loved it here!

Ethan and Megan ~ Joseph and Emma

The gardens are beautiful and well cared for.

This wonderful Women's Monument is a tribute to the important role women have in the world, influencing home, family and society.

Gracie . . . on her way to becoming . . .

The Family Living Center was one of our favorite places. Here, the Senior missionaries demonstrate how the pioneers made bread, spun wool, wove their cloth, made pottery, ropes, rugs and other necessities.

The Smith family cemetery - gave us time to contemplate and give thanks for a living prophet, for his loving family and all they sacrificed in the restoration of the gospel.

The Trail of Hope - - - I imagined this as a place where many tears were shed as the Saints looked back at their beloved city, yet they went forward with faith and hope across the icy river and on westward. The trail down Parleys Street to the Mississippi River, is marked with plaques containing journal and letter entries from the Saints as they left. They were insightful and poignant. "My last act in that precious spot was to tidy the rooms, sweep up the floor, and set the broom in its accustomed place behind the door. Then with emotions in my heart . . . I gently closed the door and faced an unknown future, faced it with faith in God . . ." Bathsheba Smith

Ethan, Megan, Ashton, Jessie, Grace, Cory & Hunter on the Trail of Hope

Ashton, Cory, Brittany & Hunter

Grace, Jessie, Cori and Grant

Arianne

Sandy & Ray ~ on the banks of the Mississippi

Another favorite place was Pioneer Pastimes, especially created for children~

well, yes, children of all ages! Grace & Cori

Grace, Hunter and Ashton trying out a wooden cradle

Grace and Ashton ~galloping away

Megan ~ demonstrating the Hoop Roll

A pioneer family ~ Brittany, Hunter, Ashton & Cory

Touring the restored homes and shops, we learned much about how things

were made and how skilled the artisans were. This was a tinsmith shop.

Upstairs in Joseph and Emma's Red Brick store, the Relief Society was first organized.

Arianne, Sandy and Brittany

The lovely Baywater home, where we stayed in Nauvoo.

Walk a Mile in My Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:46:00 +0000

"If I could be you, if you could be me

For just one hour, if we could find a way

To get inside each other's mind

If you could see you through my eyes

Instead your own ego

I believe you'd be

I believe you'd be surprised to see

That you've been blind

Walk a mile in my shoes

just walk a mile in my shoes

Before you abuse, criticize and accuse

Then walk a mile in my shoes. . ."

(words & music by Joe South, sung by Elvis Presley)

Here is a photo of some of the beautiful children in Kersa Ilalla, Ethiopia for whom we are collecting flip flops and t-shirts. So far, we have collected over 150 pairs of flip flops and more are coming in . . .

Road Trip 3 - Freeport, Illinois

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 22:54:00 +0000

We finally arrived at Cori & Jesse's beautiful home where grilled barbecue pizza and chocolate chip cookies were waiting for us . . . what could be better after a long road trip?

We went to the parade in downtown Freeport on Memorial Day and it was delightful. There were lots of farm implements, a few bands, and lots of veterans in the parade, and they received lots of cheers from us - Grace is cheering loudly here on the right . . .

The kids amassed tons of candy and even some large stuffed animals were given out. It was a great parade!

We spent some time reflecting here at Debate Sqare, where Lincoln and Douglas held their second debate.

The Walker family gave us a special treat - they let us join them at Rock River where we had a great rainy day picnic - and rode on the jet skis - it was a really fun day!

We had just set up the table and picnic, when it started to rain - it took quite a while and a whole team of scouts to get the charcoals going. . . but it was worth the wait!

Cory & Brittany at Ulysses S and Julia Grant's home in Galena, Illinois.
Sandy & Brittany overlooking Galena, a beautiful town with steeples rising nearly on every block

Cory, Hunter & Ashton, Grace and Papa Ray - Missississip River in Dubuque Iowa.

Ashton - watching the turtles at the Mississippi River Museum in Dubuque Iowa. A lovely museum and aquarium that we all enjoyed. They have a lot of hands on things for the children to do.

How would you like to reel that one in

sometime? Grace checking out a mighty big catfish

Grace & Ashton man the controls of the dredge boat on the Mississippi

Playtime - - - Grant, Ashton & Grace

And, aaaah, a stop at Culver's

Road Trip 2 - To Omaha & Beyond

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:56:00 +0000

We planned to stop in North Platte,
Nebraska for a quick lunch and move on, but Ray discovered that the largest switching railroad yard in North America was in this little town, so we had to go see it. Our only wish was that Jacob and Charlie could have been there with us - there were hundreds of engines and thousands of train cars - and the cars are pushed up a small incline and let go, and they are routed and switched by a computer to join the right group of cars.

Arianne, Ray, Ethan and Megan at The Golden Spike Tower in North Platte - this five story tower gives a very nice view of the whole train yard

And several hours later . . . we finally get some lunch! A & W is the place!

When it rains in Nebraska - it really rains. As we were driving down the freeway, things started to get very dark and we were soon deluged with rain. So many cars had pulled over to the side of the freeway and so we did too, we waited for a while for the storm to pass over, then went on.

We stayed at the Marriott right next door to this Cabela's store in Omaha - and it is - well, huge! I believe it is the largest Cabela's store.

Arianne and Sandy - at the
tribute to the handcart Pioneers
at Winter Quarters, Nebraska

Learning more about the pioneers at Winter Quarters, Omaha, Nebraska

Our second day finally took us to Omaha, where we visited with Jan & Lucia N. It was so fun to see them and hear just a few of the great experiences they are having there in the mission. We know they are well loved, as the missionaries we met out at Winter Quarters spoke of their mission President and his wife and their family with love and gratitude.

The beautiful temple in Omaha, sits next to Winter Quarters and the cemetery where many Saints (mostly children) were buried as the waited out the winter and prepared to cross the plains in the spring.

Road Trip 1 - To Ft Collins & Beyond!

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:39:00 +0000

Friday, May 22 we headed out after Ray's work, picked Arianne up in Salt Lake City, then drove I-80 to Green River, Wyoming where we met up with Ethan & Megan and stopped for a picnic lunch.

This monument is a tribute to The Mormon Pioneers, who came this way 162 years ago. We have many pioneer ancestors and this trip gave me a greater appreciation for them, their faith, courage and obedience, than I have ever had before. I am so grateful for them and the difficult choices they made to follow a prophet, to stay faithful when the going was extremely rough, to be true to the covenants they had made. I hope I can emulate them in those ways and many others.

We drove on to Ft Collins, where Megan's brother Ryan, wife Sherri and their family kindly hosted us for the night.

Two of Our Three Graduates

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Thu, 21 May 2009 04:00:00 +0000

"Education is a companion which no future can depress, no crime can destroy, no enemy can alienate it and no nepotism can enslave."
~Ropo Oguntimehinv

Ethan, Megan and Tiffany all graduated from University with their Bachelor's degrees on May 2 . . . unfortunately, they were at opposite ends of the state and we couldn't make it to both campuses. We headed north to Utah State to celebrate with Ethan & Megan and plan to celebrate with Tiffany & Brett next year when Tiffany will receive her Master's Degree and Brett will be getting his Bachelor's.

Megan's father is a professor and was able to award their degrees to both of them.

Here is Ethan with the group of Physics grads. He called these girls the "fabulous five." They have done some pretty impressive work and research ~ and "will be going places."

We were fortunate to be able to meet a couple of Ethan's favorite professors and they had some very kind words for Ethan as well.

Favorite Toys at Our House

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Sun, 03 May 2009 22:11:00 +0000

James - riding the range on Rocky

This is now an antique rocking horse, it was a favorite of mine growing up - Grandma Ethel and Grandpa Warren had it at their home, now our grandchildren enjoy rocking on it as much as I did when I was little. Ashton - with the Disney train
This little train has been a favorite with all the little boys - I need to get a photo of the finished product. Jacob played with this for hours, now Charlie, Ashton and James all like it too. My parents have one of these at their home as well.
Jacob & Charlie with their TinkerToy creation
Another toy that is ages old, and still very popular at our house!

Cory, Hunter, Ashton and Grandpa Ray - Marble Works

I purchased this toy when our children were little from Discovery Toys and they were so creative and played with it for hours. It has remained a popular item at our house with the grandchildren, dads and grandpas.

Redecorating

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 02:28:00 +0000

Inspiration for our downstairs guestroom came from a few things - this lovely photo that Ray took of Jesse and Grace near the Point Vincente Lighthouse My mother's lovely oil painting . . .

and our trips to the California coast and the Great Lakes - where we have seen some magnificent light houses, ships, sailboats and lots and lots of water!

Anyway, here is part of the finished room - I am still looking for a ladder bookshelf to add to the North wall, but it has been a fun project to put together. . . now I need to finish the bathroom . . .

"It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all." ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

Oops!

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 02:05:00 +0000

Okay, so I learned what NOT to do when you are painting with these new acrylic paints . . . never leave the tape on between coats. (And if I had a steady hand like you do, Jesse, I wouldn't need to worry about tape!) I was so pleased that I was finished painting and started taking the tape off . . . and could not believe what was happening. I took a razor blade to the rest of the room and took the tape off ever so carefully, but this area I re-primed and re-painted! Looks much better now!

Blessings of the Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 02:17:00 +0000

The Draper temple was dedicated today, so the temple has been in my thoughts throughout the day. I am so grateful for the temple. I love the peace that I feel when I go there; the thoughts of insight and inspiration I get on occasion help me and guide me. I enjoy the quiet, the beauty, the strength of the spirit that is felt in the temple. I am so grateful for the answers to prayers that I have received in the temple, for comfort, peace and understanding. I feel Heavenly Father's love and caring for each one of us, his children, when I go there and know that He is near. It has been such great joy and blessings without measure to see each one of my children and their wonderful spouses there in the temple; I am so grateful for that sealing power that goes beyond this life and into eternity, binding us as an eternal family.

A friend gave a talk in church today and she mentioned a quote from Elder Vaughn J Featherstone listing twelve blessings we receive by spending a half a day a month in the temple.

If a man you will be mighty, a woman powerful.
It will serve as a great "insurance" protection for your marriage.
The blessing of the Eternal God will be called down upon you and great spiritual growth will be yours.
Unseen angels will watch over your loved ones when satanic forces tempt them.
Your families will draw close to the Lord and there will be no empty chairs in the Celestial Kingdom.
Your children will go on missions.
Your children will get married in the temple.
The veil will be thin, you will have great spiritual growth and many spiritual experiences will distill upon you. We will receive exaltation.
You will be prepared for exaltation-with a Celestial body, Celestial mind and Celestial personality.
You will be come receptive to divine guidance and you will receive spiritual perception to help you grapple with problems and cares.
You will see clearly how to make critical decisions that weigh heavily on your mind.
You will become Christ-like.

I am so grateful for the temple, and for the plan of salvation, for modern revelation, for the restoration of the gospel, for a prophet who lives and guides us, for a Savior whose amazing grace and loving mercy extend to each of us and lift, strengthen and fill our lives with light. He lives! I know He lives!

St George

noreply@blogger.com (Sunshine and Rain) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 01:12:00 +0000

We had a good time in St. George last week-end. It was delightful to have Jacob and Sydni with us - Jacob just talked and talked all the way down. He told us there were ten places he wants to live in the world when he grows up: Iceland, Rome, Egypt, Spain, New York City, Constantinople (Ray and I looked at each other - Constantinople???), Houston, Hurricane, Australia and maybe Elk Ridge. Then he proceeded to tell us how Iceland was named and why, about the pyramids of Egypt and how they were built . . . we were pretty impressed with this second grader! And Sydni was telling us about different people in mythology . . . These children are enjoying their learning and I am grateful for the good teachers and staff at C.S. Lewis Academy.

The artiste and his amazing critters! Jacob has shown artistic talent since he was very small

Friday morning we went to see the Jacob Hamblin home in Ivins and they liked that. We learned that the little poem, "Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite," orginated because the pioneers had to tighten the ropes under their mattresses and because the mattresses were filled with straw, often bugs would come out at night! J & S were quite in awe at the pioneer life, they especially liked the way they turned the plates on the table upside down to keep the flies and dust off them and turned the chairs around, facing away from the table to remind them to have family prayer. So for the rest of the week-end, that is how Jacob would set the table.

Picnic lunch at the playground - notice the cool sunglasses!
After our visit and tour , we made a visit to the Dollar Store. It was interesting to watch them choose and decide what they were going to buy with their money. Jacob considered each item carefully and took some things back; he took two dollars home with him. Sydni was like a busy little bee in the store and put things in the cart, then took them back out; she had her money all spent in minutes and then some! How delightful to see their different personalities in their choices. We so enjoyed watching them and interacting with them.
Jacob wanted a mohawk Friday, so we suggested he wait and wear it hiking on Saturday, so after Aunt Tiffany arrived, she "did hair-do's" and painted nails.

Hiking the crack at Pioneer Park - it is very narrow - some of us didn't fit!
Some of the lava flows at Johnson Canyon.

Geocaching

Tiffany and Brett came down Saturday and we went hiking at Pioneer Park and Snow Canyon, had a picnic, shopped a little, returned to the condo and had Tiffany's birthday dinner and played games and watched movies.

Mmmm . . . Jacob & Sydni gave Aunt Tiff a box of her favorite cereal and some new nail polish for her birthday!