Visiting Kathi & Meeting the Doutre's

Crismon and I drove through a terrible rainstorm to Puyallup, WA on Friday to visit my sister, Kathi, in her new home where she and Christiana are sharing together. They have a darling home with a huge backyard, just perfect for their needs.

Cute Chloe is nearly one-year old and it was a treat to see her as well. They have a good garden, grind their wheat by hand, juice every morning, and are reaping the benefits of taking good care of themselves. Kathi fed us a delicious lunch. We couldn't visit fast enough trying to get caught up with each other and our children and grandchildren. That's what we love to talk about!

 Kathi is an attentive Grandma to Chloe, tending her four days a week. She is loving being a full-time Grandma now that she has retired as an Attorney.

"Sisters, sisters, There were never such devoted sisters."

Just a fifteen minute drive from Kathi's we met the Dennis & Angela Doutre family, also in Puyallup. Their son, Austin, and Julia are developing a sweet relationship. We thought since he was home from BYU-I for the summer and just 3 hours north of us, it would be nice to meet him and get acquainted with his family. We definitely approve of this relationship. There are so many wonderful people in this world. The Church makes us instant friends. They had a scrumptious grilled salmon and chicken dinner ready for us to enjoy with their family. We arrived home safely by 11 p.m., thankful for a very nice day, and for new friendships made.

The Doutre's (l-r) Cami, Grandma May, Briana, Austin, Angela & Dennis

Crismon & Vivienne with Austin Doutre, returned missionary of one year from Kiev, Ukraine.

Dallin & Janelle & family come to Gresham!

We're so thrilled! Dallin & Janelle arrived on Friday from Indiana! It's a welcome relief for them to have a break after a very intense year building up to Dallin taking his Written and Oral Exams for his Doctorate Program. They are here for about 10 days and then they travel with us to Utah for our CS Lewis Family Reunion at Bear Lake from June 21-25th. We're staying at Roger & Andrea's Lodge. Can't wait!

Friday they spent the day with the Hansen's and then Saturday afternoon the fun began at our house.

Norah trying on her Mom's sandals

Dallin pulled out his boxes from the garage to discover what he had packed up years ago to see what it was he had held on to.

Norah and Ruby checking out the LONG knited scarf their Dad made years ago.

Dorothy happy to find the doll house to play with.

Grandpa playing with the girls.

Super Mom Janelle always had her arms full! 

Norah exploring a new house.

The Vance's and the Caudle's joined us for visiting and games. There were kids everywhere. Dad and I loved it!

Games at the adult table

Ruby & Norah having so much fun!

I couldn't stand the thoughts of Dallin & Janelle being here and not being with them at Church today, so I visited the Damascus Ward where the Hansen's attend and enjoyed every minute I had holding those twins and sitting next to Dorothy. It was delightful, especially because I have no family around to sit by on Sundays. I was surprised how easily they came to me. It didn't last long, but made my day that they let me hold them.

More May Happenings

 The Sandy River Scouts were selling bark dust one Sat. in May. We took them up on their offer to delivery it. Crismon ordered 5 yards of bark dust and we had our hands full, but somehow managed to get it spread.

Saturday yard work is more enjoyable while listening to Conference Talks.

Sunday evening we invited Brian & Teresa Merrell and their son, Noah, to come to dinner. They are not members, but Crismon had become friends with Brian in the Gresham Chamber of Commerce. In one of their meetings Crismon announced to the Chamber that they ought to know where their closest Mormon neighbor lived because in a time of an emergency the Mormons have a year of food storage and they could help them out. Brian teased that he use to "mooch" off of Mormon neighbors he had growing up, so Crismon said he could come eat with us, too. They are a young couple, but they seemed to enjoy visiting with us old folks.

I loved attending Sydney's Musical Program at the school with the Vance's. I couldn't believe the incredible music program they have for these children. Each one played a marimba as part of the program. The singing was beautiful, with wonderful, inspiring messages. Of course, Sydney was the most beautiful one there!

My first school event attending as "Grandma."

We ended the evening with treats at McDonald's. Isn't this a cute family!

Dad is very involved in the Gresham Chamber of Commerce and in the East Portland Chamber of Commerce where he serves on the Board in charge of Marketing. He has made many friends and has enjoyed his association with these good people.

East Portland Chamber of Commerce Board Members (l-r) Joe Zambrano, Karla Signs, Skip Morley, Amy Williamson, Judy Leach (President), Sarah Garrison, Deborah Higa, Crismon Lewis, Richard Sorem

The Month of May

A few highlights of events in May included hosting a Reliv Luncheon, a "Lunch & Learn," as an informative gathering about Reliv and enjoying time with friends.

Reliv Luncheon with Suzette Guerrero, Donna Brady, and Vivi's friend, Sarah Dover. 

Julia and Sydney with Grandma. I love being a Grandma!

 Crismon had a stake Father & Sons (11 yrs. and up) camp out on Friday, May 4th. He spoke on Scouting and is trying to emphasize that important program in other meetings. Since it was a Friday night alone for me, I planned a sleep over with Sydney and Julia. After the luncheon, I drove to the Vance's home to pick up the girls. We had a fun time, dinner at Wendy's, watching, "Little Women," scripture study together, exercising in the morning while the Pop-Up Pancakes were baking. Sydney did a terrific job making it herself, planting flowers the girls had given me for my birthday and sharing special moments together. We returned in time around noon for Julia to attend her Daisy Scouts. I love living close to grandchildren!

Girls Night Together!

Cute granddaughters, Julia & Sydney Vance

Cute Vance children!

We have 7 or our 19 grandchildren in the Portland area. We miss the others, terribly!

More cute grandchildren having fun! Seth & Tiffany's boys.

Spencer & Kenna Johns

Elliot Johns

Christian Williams

I can't believe how these two (Elliot & Christian) have grown! They were just babies a year ago. We're thinking of Meredith today as Bryan left this morning for Boot Camp in Texas. We hope these 6 long weeks for her will go quickly with family reunions along the way.

Cute Evelyn!

Church Callings

I'm grateful for the calling to teach the 4th Sunday Relief Society lessons. As I prepared for last Sunday's lesson  on Pres. Uchtdorf's Sunday morning General Conference talk from the April Conference, "The Merciful Obtain Mercy" I felt a greater desire to stop those times when I criticize myself and others. I always benefit the most from my lessons as the preparation, study, and seeking for the spirit to guide me enriches my soul and I grow from the challenge.

I loved serving in the Mt. Hood Ward with Sister Nancy Jones and Gail Waddell. Their husbands were Crismon's counselors. I miss this good sisters, but my heart is being wrapped around the good sisters in our Walters Hill Ward. Heavenly Father helps you grow in your love and concern for those you serve.

Gail Waddell, Vivienne Lewis, Nancy Jones our last Sunday together back in March 2012

I've also love listening to "Conversations" on the Mormon Channel. I thought of Tiffany as I listened to Heidi Swinton, mother of 4 boys, who wrote the biography of Pres. Monson. I thought about my daughters as I listened to Sister Beck and her daughters, and I enjoyed Virginia Pearce, and Elder & Sister Holland, and so many, many more! They are inspiring insights into the lives of General Authorities as they are interviewed for about an hour. I hope my children get the chance to listen to them, too.

As a young teenager I wished that there were more examples of exemplary women in the church that we could learn from and what shaped their lives. These broadcasts help give some of those insights that I longed for years ago as I was trying to prepare for my future.

I love listening to the lives of these great men.

I've started a blog for Dad's history as the Stake President of the Mt. Hood Oregon Stake. It will be some of the missionaries he sets apart, callings, spiritual experiences, etc. I'm so grateful for his dedicated service.

Seth's visit to Phoenix

Seth was in Phoenix on business and stayed an extra day to spend with Meredith & Bryan and family. He wanted to go to Ajo for memory sake, but since Malin & Sally weren't there on Memorial Day, they were able to see them at Colleen & Seth's home in Tempe. Seth shares some thoughts about his visit. Glad he was able to tour the house!

Here's "the rest of the story" about the house on Portland Street that I was able to visit on Monday with Meredith & Bryan— who were awesome enough to pick me up from the hotel and chauffeur me around a bit so that I could also see cousins at a gathering at Colleen's house in Tempe (super fun!). Anyway, we dropped by 721 W. Portland St. I managed to connect with the owners, and they were so gracious and friendly — and truly excited to meet someone who used to live in the house. They're a young couple — artsy types with two kids — who moved in 6 months ago, but they know a bit of the history of the house (the gristmill stones, the newspaper in the basement, etc.) from neighbors. But quite literally, they have really, really wanted to connect with the Lewis clan that knows the house's history — both for sentimental reasons, and because they need practical tips (like, does the basement have plumbing for a bathroom?). I can't help but think there was a reason why I felt so strongly that I needed to visit that house while I was in town, that some kind of history connection needed to be made.

They were super friendly, and took me all around the house: The laundry chute is still there, as is the walk-in pantry (though not cold anymore). They were amused to hear about the industrial water fountain of yore (no longer there, of course). And they liked the little stories I had to tell about different nooks and crannies of the house. And they very much would like to talk to Mom and Dad to learn more; I got their email address, so I'll put you both in touch.

What I didn't get, sadly, was a lot of pics via Meredith's camera while inside (I only had my iPad, and got a few lousy photos, sorry), but these people would welcome us in again sometime if ever we're in the area and would like to stop by. Seriously, very welcoming folks.

Oh, in case you're wondering: backyard concrete was torn up, replaced with beautiful grass and landscaped patio with gardens - but the pool is still intact and looking great.

All in all, this was definitely a highlight of the trip, and a great walk down memory lane for me. Thanks again, Meredith and Bryan!

721 W. Portland, Phoenix, AZ many memories at this place.

We lived in Grandma Esther's home from Dec. '78- Sept. '82. Clyde added on the second floor when they lived there.

Wick & Lynn lived on the other side of the big Lewis home.

Thank you Meredith and Bryan for hosting Seth and capturing these great pictures. Especially this one of Christian!

Cute Christian Williams!

Florida Friends

We have been blessed with good friends in Florida, Arizona, and now Oregon and in other places scattered around. We have deep ties with wonderful people in Florida in the Brandon Ward when Crismon was called at the young age of 28 as Bishop. Ward members honored and loved him and teased him, too, by calling him "Boy Bishop." We were grateful we could stay a few extra days in Florida after our Disney Cruise to visit some of them.

Peggy Gray adopted Ondalynn & Seth as her grandchildren

Mark Riebow was a young man while Crismon was the Bishop. He was wavering about going on a mission, but credits Bishop Lewis for helping him make that important decision. He and his wife invited us to have Sunday dinner with them and spend the night. We really enjoyed getting acquainted with his wonderful children and their families.

Mark & Salinda Riebow and family

Randy Chambers loves "Bishop Lewis" for influencing him at a critical time in his life. He said, "He taught me to love the Book of Mormon." We have stayed in touch with this good family over the years.

Randy & Janette Chambers and family, Mother Ruth, Christine, Scott, Andrew, Adam and Dennis Chambers

I love the peaceful setting of our home in Brandon. We were sac to see it kind of run down. We have many fond memories of this home. 

Our home in Brandon FL. I loved this home!

The sunshine and the beautiful surroundings in Florida warmed my heart! Seeing good friends fed my spirit. I loved our short stay in the Brandon area.

Sarah Anello Brozak & John Brozak, south of Brandon

Kent Smothers, his mother Avis, and Crismon

Stake Center in Brandon. The church has grown so much since we were there in the late 70's.

Crismon in front of the Brandon Ward building. We just were in the first phase of that building when he was called as Bishop in 1978.

Kathy & Chris Gunn. He served as a counselor to Crismon.

Chris Gunn, Earl & Marie D'Avignon & Kathy Gunn, and Crismon, Brandon, FL

Heavenly Father has blessed us with good friends over the years that have been a source of strength and encouragement to us.

New friends, Reliv Training and Daisy's Graduation

We were pleased to get acquainted with MaryBeth & Brian Wagstaff from Spokane, WA. They responded to our Mormon Times ad, and they recently made the decision to get involved with Reliv. It was a delight to get to know them over the weekend. They arrived Friday afternoon in time for dinner before leaving for the Reliv Special Event and spent the night with us.

Quarterly, Reliv has MATS (Master Affiliate Training School). Steve & Joyce Holthaus , from Chicago, IL, were the Ambassadors that did the training for us in the Portland area. We always come away renewed and determined to do better. Best of all is the association with so many wonderful people that have a heart to help others. We were blessed with another good month in May and earned a Dr. Ted Plaque Award.

Quila & Jim Buhler hosted a BBQ at their home after the training and then we made it in time for Daisy's graduation from Joy School. Those kids were so adorable! One funny moment, while Vivi was leading the children in singing, "I've Got Joy," a little 'graduate' asked, "What is joy?"

Daisy Caudle - have you ever seen a cuter graduate?

Daisy does have joy!

As we were hugging Daisy goodbye, she said, "Thanks for coming." Her Mom wasn't there to prompt her to say that, but she stopped eating her cupcake to express her thanks. She's been taught well.