Turning 60!

In some ways I've dreaded turning over a decade in years and entering the 60's! Oh my, how is the possible? Where has the time gone? But suddenly 60 doesn't seem very old. It's a joy to have family to make growing old so wonderful. The celebration started at Alice-Anne and Gary's home on Sunday evening after General Conf.

Kenna was definitely ready to party!

Spencer & Kenna carefully added and counted 60 candles!

Gary took on the challenge of lighting all those candles - with a few burns!

Alice-Anne made such a delicious carrot carrot, along with Gary's help. My favorite!  I felt spoiled!

I needed Kenna's help to blow out ALL those candles!

That bonfire melted all the candles very quickly!

April General Conf. with family

We delight every 6 months to hearing the words of our Prophet and Apostles. Despite the confusion in the world, what a joy it is to turn our focus to the word of the Lord spoken by His chosen servants.
We couldn't pass up the opportunity to be at the Conference Center for General Conf in Salt Lake City. Since Crismon now had access to tickets we were able to attend. What a treat to have Julia there from BYU-I, Emily and Crismon & Danielle from BYU-Provo. Sat. morning, Mar. 31 was an absolutely gorgeous spring day, in fact I think it was even up to 81 degrees! We had seven tickets, so it was nice to have Alice-Anne join us for the Sat. morning session. We surely appreciate the Johns' letting us descend on them whenever we have these gatherings.

I can't tell you the feeling that over came me when our sweet daughter, Emily, came running to me outside the Conference Center and nearly knocking me off my feet with excitement to see us and the thrill it was for her to be at Conference. Pinch me! I love being a Mom and I love seeing our children delight in General Conference just like I do. It has been a joy of mine since I was a little girl.

I couldn't believe I could be here with my precious children! We had good seats in the Terrace Section. We enjoyed seeing other members of our stake there, too.

The weather couldn't have been better. Alice-Anne and I headed back to West Jordan while Dad, the girls and Crismon & Danielle stayed on Temple Square. They grabbed a lunch at the new City Creek Center and then hurried back to sing in a choir with cousin Jessica Smith located on one of the intersections. Young Single Adults were asked to sing on the sidewalks to take up space so protestors couldn't take over. They were all then able to get seats back in the Conf. Center for that afternoon.

"I Love To See The Temple" Julia, Alice-Anne, Dad, Emily, Mom, Danielle & Crismon Jr.

Beautiful daughters, Emily, Alice-Anne & Julia

My heart went out to Pres. Packer to see him struggle as we both have Post Polio. He can no longer use his legs. I loved his talk on Children, a heritage of the Lord. I've listened again and again since to Pres. Eyring's talk on "Mountains to Climb." The Lord has promised, "I will not...forsake thee." I loved the thought on faith that it doesn't come all at once, but a "twig" at a time.

I loved being with my Sweetheart. We don't often get to sit together, so this was a special treat. There is such a wonderful feeling to be in the Conf. Center. Crismon and I turned to each other as it began and said, "It was worth the trip!" The long 12+ hour drive wasn't easy as we didn't get away under noon on Thurs. and we have been so busy, we left tired. Apostles and other leaders.

The children were having such much fun outside enjoying the warm sunshine when we returned Sat. afternoon. Little Elliot was everywhere! But when he saw his Mommy, he only wanted to be in her arms.

 Sunday morning was cold, windy, rainy and miserable! What a big difference - 40 degree change from the day before. We watched the Sun. morning session in the theater at the Visitors Center.

Elder Scott's insights and understanding of revelation and inspiration warmed my heart. Listening to the Priesthood session has been a joy as well. Elder Bednar's talk on the privilege and power of the Priesthood was wonderful. I loved Pres. Uchtdorf's talk in the Priesthood session on the "Why" of our service. Elder Hallstrom's talk on the question, "Are we just converted to the Church, or do our actions show we are truly converted to the Gospel was thought provoking. 

So many great talks. Crismon and I enjoyed reading and discussion Elder Scotts talk last Monday night for our FHE. We share how we each receive revelation in our lives. I love the companionship of the Holy Ghost in my life.

Danielle's Grandmother Swain joined us for the Sunday afternoon session in the Conf. Center and then she had all of us over for dinner in her missionary apt. less than a block away. She fed us a delicious feast and it was such a treat to get to know her better. We know where Danielle gets her sweet nature. We were sorry to learn later that Dantzelle & Durelle were there, too. Wish we could have met up with them.

It was also April Fools day and there were some tricks. We had called Alice-Anne and Gary to tell them we were on our way home and to please keep the children up until we got there. We were so disappointed to arrive back at the Johns to find Kenna & Spencer had gone to bed. But soon they were running down the stairs yelling "April Fools!" We were so glad they were teasing us as we hadn't had enough time to enjoy them.

Emily enjoying something funny on IPad

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

Wedding events for McKenzie & Bradley Clawson

Friday, Mar. 9th, Alice-Anne drove me to Kaysville for the family dinner in honor of McKenzie (Randy & Norene's daughter) and Bradley Clawson the night before their wedding in the Bountiful temple. I enjoyed visiting with my wonderful Smith family, meeting Brad's family and hearing the sweet stories of McKenzie and Brad as they grew up and then found each other.

McKenzie & Bradley Clawson 

Grandma Julia and Vivienne

Norman, Meredith and Tom Ashton

Happy parents, Randy & Norene Smith

Bruce & Brecklyn (Smith) Ferrin

Geoff, Peggy & Norene

Jamie, Becca & Jessica Smith

Fun time together with family

I loved being with my beautiful daughters, Emily & Alice-Anne

Emily and I enjoyed spending the night at the Ashton's lovely home in Ogden. On that gorgeous sunny, warm Saturday, we gathered at the Bountiful temple to witness the sealing of McKenzie & Bradley. Beautiful couple, pure and clean. Many family were together at the reception that night. It was a huge event as both families were from that area. I treasure the choice experience of being with family for this important occasion. I couldn't help but think that Mom & Dad were probably there, too.

This cute couple look like brother & sister!

Emily with Aunt Andrea & Andie Smith

I love being a Mom! Emily makes me smile.

Amazingly warm, sunny and perfect for a March wedding in Utah

Meredith, Geoff, Vivienne, Roger - I love my family!

A great family! Randy & Norene Smith Family

I love being with my sister, Meredith Ashton. We missed Kathi!

Cute Cousins! Andie & Delaney Smith

Emily was so happy to be there on McKenzie's special day!

Kute Kenna Johns with McKenzie 

Spencer loved dancing with his Mommy Alice-Anne 

Crismon & Danielle came up from Provo 

Lots of cousins to enjoy. Garrett & Alisha Smith, Crismon & Danielle visiting with Uncle Geoff

Cousin Becca caught the bouquet! Lauren and Emily shared in the fun, too.

We're so blessed to have Danielle in our family!

I went home after the reception with Crismon and Danielle to Orem. I'm grateful I had this time to visit with them. They are living in Grandma Swain's lovely home while she serves a Family History Mission in SLC. They have a wonderful set up. I slipped out early Sunday morning to attend Emily's Sacrament Meeting with her. The student ward meets in a lovely building on the Wyview Apt. complex. It was nice to get better acquainted with Emily's roommates, Bishop, and friends. Then I enjoyed Crismon and Danielle block meetings that afternoon. They have a good family ward just a few blocks from their home in Orem. Danielle prepared a scrumptious meal for after our meetings that we enjoyed before heading for the airport for my return trip home. What a treat to be with this wonderful couple, going forward doing many good things in their lives.

While flying down to Utah and then back, I met two wonderful people. I really enjoyed sharing about our church with a nice lady on the first leg of my trip. She asked, "What does your church have that mine doesn't?" She had lived in SLC for 21 years and wasn't too happy about living by so many Mormons. I shared about the Apostasy and the Restoration and she asked, "Why has no one shared that with me before?" On the way home I sat by a lovely LDS lady from Astoria, OR. It seemed that we had been friends forever. We've already emailed about getting together at the temple someday. I love meeting new people and hearing the interesting stories of their lives. Life is full, rich and rewarding!