Jocelyn William's Arrives

What a blessing to welcome grandchild number 23, Jocelyn Williams, into our family. I was so happy to be able to go to Arizona and help Meredith for 10 days. She is a very good, calm, content baby. Meredith was recovering really well. She felt the Reliv products really helped her to be not so tired and have more energy. I'm grateful that she could enjoy those benefits. She has a busy household with four children under the age of six, but she is a very patient, loving, wonderful mother and handles it all so well.

Christian and I played games together while Evelyn was at school. It's so fun to be there and enjoy these cute grandchildren. Although just two years older, Hudson is enjoying and loving his new little sister. Of course, he wants his hands all over her face and sometimes does it too hard, but he is a loving older brother. It was such a contrast being in Arizona for this baby, compared to being in Indiana last month for Dallin and Janelle's baby. One morning there was a -20° chill factor in South Bend. It was approaching 90 degrees in Arizona while I was there. We were pretty homebound in Indiana, but in Arizona we were outside a good deal of the time. Little Jocelyn put up with hanging out by the pool and being so good.

We went to the park as often as we could. Christian and Hudson loved doing that. Evelyn is loving her baby sister, and can be found singing to her many times throughout the day. She also picks her up and brings her to Meredith, like she knows just what to do. One time Christian picked up the baby because she was crying in the other room. Just a little scary when that happens.

Evelyn and Christian were good helpers to make banana muffins. 

My sister, Meredith, is serving with her husband in the Mesa temple Visitors Center. It was fun to have her come one morning and we went to lunch. 

Meredith is such a good mommy. I'm so glad I was able to be with her. Bryan is a terrific dad. He is so good to take the kids to the park, or wherever he can include them, and they, of course, love being with him. I took this picture one morning at the breakfast table as they were being so loving and cute with each other. Hudson was giving both of them big hugs.  I wanted a picture with all the kids, but it was not an easy trick to do. We enjoyed some nice walks around there beautiful apartment complex. Jocelyn managed her first outing to Costco just fine. Good thing Bryan was there to help with all the kids, too.

Evelyn has been taking piano lessons, from Clyde Pease's niece. It was fun to hear her progressing well on the piano. Meredith is good to sit with her each night and help her along.

Just two nights before returning home, Meredith, Jocelyn, Evelyn and I went to Mesa for the Easter pageant dress rehearsal. Meredith Ashton was able to get us special seats. We were just 10 rows from the front, right in the middle. They were super! We had fun enjoying the production with Meredith, too. Even though it was a dress rehearsal you never would've known it. It was outstanding! Such a beautiful Easter production and a great missionary tool for that area.

Meredith introduced as to some of the sisters she's working with in the visitor center. Then we went over to their apartment just across the street. They have a very nice place to stay in.

My last night in Arizona. We went for one more evening walk. Oh how miss these cute kids! A man was walking his dog around the complex and the children enjoyed petting this huge dog, although he was about twice their size! I love being a grandma. I just wish I could enjoy all of my grandchildren more often. But I love every minute I get to have with them.

Stake Conference Weekend

One of the highlights of February, was having Elder David Baxter come for our Stake Conference. Because he had had brain surgery about five years ago for a tumor, he needed lots of rest, and would prefer being in a place by himself.

Gratefully, Perry and DanaLee Stevenson were so generous to offer their home for the weekend to Elder Baxter, as they were going to be out of town . They have a very lovely home, recently built, just three minutes from the stake center. Elder Baxter said "when Stake Conference is over I don't think I'm going to leave. If only I could have my wife join me here, though." 

Crismon was a little concerned about the agenda for Stake Conference, as Elder Baxter left it wide open. The only assignments were for Crismon to speak at the Priesthood leadership meeting and the Saturday night meeting. Elder Baxter's approach is to look out into the audience about 10 minutes before the meeting starts and whoever he feels impressed to call on, is who is asked to come up and bear their testimony. Within 10 minutes before the Sunday morning session started, Elder Baxter had whispered to members of the State Presidency asking who that person over there was, or that man wearing a pink tie, etc. It was interesting to see how he was inspired to call on people that have been going through some very difficult experiences or a young man that was being ordained to be an Elder or the mother of the man being called to the High Council, or an adult son (visiting our stake) of a newly called High Councilman. Of course, he didn't know who any of these people were, but he seemed to call on the right ones. The very first one that bore her testimony in the Sunday morning session immediately bore witness of Jesus Christ. In the luncheon later that day he said, "That is why she was chosen to go first." So not only was he inspired of who to call on but the order in which they were called.

We had a very nice dinner on Friday night in the Relief Society room at the stake center. Alisha Christansen, the second counselor's wife is an excellent cook. She prepared a very delicious meal. Then Nancy Hanson, the first counselor's wife, decorated the Relief Society room in such an elegant way.

The temple president and his wife, Pres. Steven & Diane Pond, also attended and were seated at our table. They knew Elder Baxter when he was the area president serving when they were the Mission Presidents in Paris, France.

Although Elder Baxter did not stay with us, we took lunch to him on Saturday and Sunday. It was a real treat to be able to sit down and visit with him at length. He is over the temple department for the church. He had many interesting stories to share, and many new insights into the Brethren and their lives, and their health. 

It was a real privilege to host him. Crismon took him to the airport Monday morning. There is always so much to do to make a Stake Conference come together. It was such a spiritual, uplifting weekend.

Gwendolyn's birth

I am so thankful I could spend 8 days with Dallin and Janelle's family to assist them after the birth of precious Gwendolyn. She made her grand appearance on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015 at 2:30 a.m. Eastern Time in South Bend, Indiana, St. Joseph County, weighing 7 lbs. 5 oz. . She is absolutely beautiful. She is our 22nd grandchild. The count is 12 boys and 10 girls. On our Lewis side she is 185th great-grandchild. I arrived on Tues., Feb. 10th. and appreciated Dallin picking me up at the airport, finding everything at home quiet as we came in late. It was a busy day with Janelle coming home that day, too.

It didn't take long for Dorothy to adapt to her role as "Mom's best helper." She loves holding Gwendolyn and now she has her "twin" as they look so much alike. 

Each night the family gathers for scriptures and prayer after dinner. Then the twins to bed, and Dorothy has one-on-one time with Mom or Dad where they enjoy a chapter book together.

I love this picture of Dallin and Janelle. Newborns are such a fascination. A sweet moment when things settled down and they could enjoy this precious beauty together.

One thing I loved about being with this cute family was having time to bond with these cute girls. Ruby is in front, Norah Vivienne behind. I say "Vivienne" as Norah is in this stage when she wants to be called "Vivienne." Of course, I  don't mind. She started this before I came and she would correct you if you said, "Norah." Not always, but it is kind of fun to share my name with this cutie! At first I had to focus on how the twins hair was parted, Ruby to the right, Norah to the left to tell them apart. But it didn't take long to identify their different personalities and looks. I soon could just tell without focusing on it so much. They are so much fun!

We didn't get out too much as it was so very, very cold! But one day we did make it to the library. They quickly found their spot to sit and enjoy their books. Have I mentioned how much I love being with these adorable girls? I remember when we took them to the library a year ago. This was certainly much easier now they are 4. This is Norah in pink. Then Ruby was sitting in the ideal spot to catch the sunshine just right on her blonde hair.

While waiting for Dorothy to come home on the bus the girls enjoyed climbing on the piles of snow around the apartment. Notice the tutu that Norah was wearing. I think about 99% of all the pictures I have seen of these girls, they are always in a dress. They are all girl!

Dorothy turned 7 in December and is reading at least on a 3rd-4th grade level. As you might guess, she's excelling in school and loves being good. She is truly a delight! Usually she has on her snow pants as you goes and comes from school and during recess, if the temperature is not below 20 degrees. Then they stay inside. What fun it was to greet this sweet girl as she got off the bus each day.

Dallin has to stand in line to hold this very good baby. He is definitely the hero to all the girls in their household. I'm so impressed how he can do so many things to lift Janelle's load. Since he's been married, he has learned to be at ease in the kitchen from making the most delicious Artisan Bread to preparing breakfast for the girls each morning and getting Dorothy off to school. I love to see his close relationship with each of his girls. They adore him, and are all over him when he comes home. He also braves the cold early in the morning to shovel the sidewalks around the large play area in the center of their complex. When I say cold, take that to a new negative level. I'm referring to like -20 windchill on Sunday morning when Church was cancelled due to extreme cold and hazardous road conditions. Gratefully, Dallin, Norah and I were able to attend an afternoon Sacrament meeting when the traffic restriction was lifted in time for the meeting held at 1 p.m. Janelle works on the grounds crew for the apartment, planting flowers, weeding, etc. throughout the year. Then in the winter for the sidewalks to be shoveled. Dallin has stepped in, of course, to help during the latter part of her pregnancy and in the winter.

I wanted to feel a true winter blast...meaning the -20 windchill on Sunday morning. It was actually refreshing to be outside for a few minutes. The sky was a beautiful blue and it was a winter wonderland. But I didn't last long. 

Amazingly, the girls handle being cooped up indoors really well. The children in the neighboring apartments can come and go so easily as they don't have to go outside to play with each other. That really helps to have easy access to friends. Of course, many times the friends play in Dallin & Janelle's apartment. It is so great they they now have a bigger apartment. Although only 950 square feet or so, it makes a world of difference, allowing Janelle and Gwendolyn to rest without the noise from the other side of the apartment. Norah & Ruby are best buds, but they also have their moments. It was fun to see them hugging and laughing together. Dorothy wanted to join in, but they said, "No, we're twins." Dorothy is such a patient older sister. Some of their interests are Norah loves to draw and spends a great deal of time doing that. She is very good at it, too. Ruby told me, "Norah likes to draw and she does it good." Ruby is a graceful dancer and easily climbs up and down the ladder on the bunkbed. Always saying to Norah, "Do you want me to show you how to get down?" Which Norah doesn't like. Dorothy is learning to cook alongside her Mom or Dad. She climbs to the top bunk and plays with her dolls in a make believe world. As mentioned, she loves to read.

The twins wanted to join me in mopping the floor. Soon they were wet and their clothes came off. Dorothy captured the picture. Janelle is such a good Mommy. Gwendolyn is a very good baby and I think most likely because Janelle is so calm and patient herself. I loved learning many good cooking tips from her. She prepares delicious meals for their family, and manages keeping their lives and their surroundings very organized. We feel so blessed to have her as a daughter-in-law. It's not easy to have your mother-in-law, especially when you want your Mom after having a baby, but Janelle was so very sweet, and so appreciative. It was a joy to serve her.

There was a lot of dancing, reading stories, playing games, and, of course, Grandma's IPad was a favorite thing along with begging for chocolate Reliv. Dorothy and Norah braved the fierce cold to walk with me to the Community Center to get the mail. Again, notice the tutu. No matter how negative the degrees those girls on wearing a tutu. So cute!

I'm grateful that I had a safe trip home. I was concerned as there was a winter advisory warning for lots of snow and wind the day I was to head to Chicago to catch my flight. My prayers were answered and the roads were completely clear and no snow, but a bright beautiful drive to Chicago. Good to be home with my Sweetheart. I appreciated his patience in letting me go.

A couple of kid kwotes. One morning Norah was complaining about a belly ache. She finally said, "My belly is out of batteries." Then as I was preparing to leave on Wednesday morning, Norah seeing my suitcase, etc., said, "Are you going to where you belong?" I wish this cute family lived closer so we could help them more often.

Clark's Baptism

February 1st was Clark's baptism in Portland, Oregon, performed by his Dad, Brett. This fine grandson was so excited to be baptized and become a member of the church. He is a delightful young boy, and we're so thankful we could be with our cute Caudle family for this special event. 

Vivi shared some sweet experiences relating to Clark's baptism, that I'll include, too:

About two weeks before he was to be baptized, Clark had an interview with Bishop Russell King. Before he went in, we told him the bishop would interview him to see if he was ready to be baptized.  About five minutes later, Clark comes bouncing out of the office exclaiming, "The bishop said I could be baptized!" and threw his arms joyfully around me. A few ward members that were standing in the hall cheered for him.  I tearfully hugged him back, so happy that he was so excited to be baptized.  

The Sunday that Clark was to be baptized, was a fast Sunday.  Clark went up to bear his testimony and share how excited he was to be baptized that day.  

As we were driving to the baptism, Daisy said, "My heart is so happy.  I love this feeling that I feel.  I just can't wait for Clark to be baptized!" 

My dad gave a beautiful talk on baptism.  He spoke on how the covenant of baptism binds us to our Heavenly Father. My dad spoke directly to Clark when he shared his testimony of Jesus Christ and the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and told Clark to never forget that he has a testimony of those things.  He talked about how Clark is a sweet and tenderhearted boy.  He shared an example of how Clark exemplifies this.  At my sister, Julia's wedding reception, my mom said out loud, that there is an extra flower and asked who should get it. Clark heard my mom and asked if he could have it.  As soon as he said that, then all of a sudden all of his cousins wanted it as well including Daisy.  My mom not knowing which grandchild to give it to, gave it to Clark because he asked first.  When my mom gave the flower to Clark, he immediately turned to Daisy and gave it to her because he knew how much she wanted it.  That is how Clark is.  He loves to make others happy even if that means giving up something he wanted.

Sydney played so beautifully on the violin with her mommy Ondalynn, accompanying, while they dressed. Despite the fact that it was the Super Bowl at the same time, the room was packed and they kept having to add chairs. I can truly say it was a "perfect" baptismal service.