Life's Little Pleasures

Finding out the gender of new addition to the family can be very exciting! Several weeks ago I spent the morning tending Bryson and Isaac while Ondalynn went to her ultrasound appointment checkup. They decided to go ahead and find out the gender because their girls were so set on having a girl, and felt like if they were going to be disappointed, they better find out now. Just one of the nice advantages in today's world. It wasn't until we were expecting Julia in 1990 and Emily in 1992 that we knew ahead the gender of our baby. Isaac has no idea that he's going to soon be bumped from that cherished role as the baby in the family. 

Ondalynn bought balloons to make the big announcement. She placed the filled ballons in the bag and sealed it up. Then attached an ultrasound picture of the baby to the front with the words "I Am A....". When Gary returned home that night they opened the bag and found the blue balloons. They are excited to have 3 boys in a row! I think the thought of 3 boys makes Ondalynn a bit tired, but imagine all the fun those boys will have together!

I helped Sydney sew another Christmas stocking

Friday, early afternoon we attended the sealing of Megan Allen and Caleb Hunter. Megan has been one of Meredith's best friends since they were 2 years old. He is a fine young man and looks so much like her brother Charlie. However, at the Bridal Shower Megan strongly challenged that statement.

Caleb & Megan Hunter - Portland OR temple

Chuck and Martha Allen have been dear friends since we moved to Oregon the summer of 1989. We lived just the next cul-de-sac up the hill from them for 7 years. Martha (Fleming) grew up in Ajo and the Fleming were best friends with the Lewis'.  Irvan Fleming and Dad Lewis were missionary companions. Bro. Allen is Crismon's first counselor in the stake presidency.

Chuck & Martha Allen

 We did Initiatories after the wedding. Then we took a few minutes to peek in the new Visitor's Center by the temple. It's beautiful! What a blessing to have one in our area.

We hurried home to attend the Emergency Preparedness Expo in our stake center. It was a big two-day event. After turning on our cell phones after being in the temple, Crismon immediately was getting messages from the Expo saying they were overwhelmed with people. The classrooms were standing room only and they needed somewhere for about 60 people to go. Crismon OK'd the chapel. There were over a 1,000 that attended the Expo and about half were nonmembers. It was a great missionary opportunity to have so many visit our church house. It was a tremendous success!

Elysee Turney, Emily Judd & Kyle Swartz from the YSA Ward

Vivi was given 2 tickets to "Wicked" for Christmas from a friend. Brett was unable to go with her as it was during the day. I surprised Crismon for his birthday with a ticket and Ondalynn came too. What a fun afternoon together. The Broadway production was incredible!

It was with many mixed emotions that Crismon was released as the Bishop of the Mt Hood YSA Singles Ward last Sun., Mar. 18th. We both dearly loved those young people and it was ripping our hearts out to leave them. Crismon especially has had many sweet experiences working with the YSA's helping them to change their lives and getting them heading back on the right path again. We have seen the miracle of the Gospel change their lives. What a transformation living the Gospel can make as we live the principles and teachings of our Savior. It truly is a divine plan of happiness. Crismon served for about 2 1/2 years. I was grateful for the opportunity to bear my testimony. Greg Brown was called as the new Bishop. His wife Stacy is a sister to Pres. Hansen. The young people will love him.

Stacy & Greg Brown