My 65th Birthday

Early Monday morning we drove back to Boise with the Thomas'. We stopped in Bountiful for their daughter and her family to follow us. We arrived home that evening. We had stopped off to see Michael & Vicki Lee outside of Pendleton on the way. They live way out in the country so it was quite the drive. We were so happy to be in our own beds, safely home that night. I was grateful to wake up on my birthday at home. As we drove home, I read the tribute book I received.

Our children gave me this beautiful picture of the Portland Temple. I love it! It's a joy for me to serve in the temple each week and having this picture is a reminder of the blessings the temple brings in my live.

That afternoon I invited Vivi and her children to meet me at Frenzi's Yogurt and use a gift certificate that I had. It was fun to celebrate with Clark, Daisy, and Kaeley. One last picture of my carrot cake. I usually don't like cake, but homemade carrot cake is my absolute favorite dessert. The Johns usually make it for me each time, this year Emily made me an incredibly delicious carrot cake, and I had to add one more picture as a reminder.

I am so happy to finally have health insurance, after being without it for 8 years when Crismon was laid off work. Gratefully I was blessed and stayed amazingly well during those years.

Mission Reunion, General Conf, and the Johns'

On Thursday, March 30th, we drove to the Boise area to connect with Richard & Jenny Thomas. He served with Crismon in the Peru Ecuador Mission. They have stayed good friends. After an overnight stay we traveled together to the Salt Lake area. That evening Crismon reunited with many Elders and Sisters from his mission as well as his Mission Pres. and his wife, Allen & Janice Litster, who was only 29 when called as mission president, so they are about the same age as their missionaries.

We loved the conference weekend being with Alice-Anne & Gary’s family and attending the Saturday afternoon session in the Conference Center with Emily & Bronson. We had many from the YSA’s branch in our stake come to conference, so most of the tickets were shared with them. We returned home renewed and strengthened in our testimonies and our desire to serve our Savior, Jesus Christ.

While we were in Utah, we celebrated my 65th birthday coming up in a few days. Emily made a delicious carrot cake that I loved. She surprised me with a collection of tributes from family and friends that she and Dad had worked to put together. It is a treasure, and I was greatly touched by the kindness of so many dear ones. Emily had recently won a Kitchen Aid Mixer and she gave it to me as Bronson said she couldn't have a Bosch and a Kitchen Aid.

We are always hosted so well by the Johns. They let us borrow their car, they feed us so well, Kenna gives up her room for us, and we love seeing their darling children. It's always a hurried, but joyous time.

March with family

We traveled to West Jordan the first part of March for the baby blessing of our latest grandchild, Claire Myreel Johns. We enjoyed a wonderful weekend with them. During the month we gathered as a family for, piano recitals, performances, birthdays, and other special time together. We planned a fun outing as women to see "Beauty & the Beast" at the movie theater in Vancouver. The highlight of the month was to have Julia come to surprise me for my upcoming birthday. We had so much fun for the few days she was there. Ondalynn and her daughters, Vivi, and Julia were all with me for the Women's Broadcast, and I loved being surrounded by them for this spiritual time together. Also, we had a fun breakfast together. I love my daughters! Julia's surprise was the biggest surprise of my life!

Our son Dallin was recently called as a High Councilor in the YSA stake in Lexington, VA. I love running in to Gary Johns' Mom, Linda, nearly every Sunday as she and her husband, Paul, serve as Medical Missionaries in our NW area, located in Lake Oswego. We hosted Seth's family one night and then they flew to Austin the next morning for their spring break.

Visiting the Johns for Claire's Blessing

We were so happy we could fly to Utah for several days to be with the Johns family for Claire's baby blessing. It was a very special Sabbath day as we gathered in the Johns ward for our meetings and for Claire's blessing. Daddy Gary gave a beautiful blessing to Claire Myreel Johns. Her middle name is after Crismon's mother, Myreel Smith Lewis. Claire's great-grandmother. Grandpa has a special way with children. They adore him, even little babies.

The weather was beautiful for us to take some pictures before their meetings. They have a big family! What a difference just one more makes.

Alice-Anne is a beautiful, wonderful mother. We are so very thankful for this gift of another baby to their family. Because of some health struggles Alice-Anne was having, we weren't sure she would be able to have more children. So, the announcement and arrival of sweet Claire is a joyous blessing beyond measure.

I was grateful my sisters, Meredith & Kathi were able to come and then Randy, Norene, and Corbin arrived later for lunch and visiting. It was wonderful! Alice-Anne and Gary prepared a delicious meal for everyone to enjoy. Gary's siblings and nieces and nephews were there, Nathan & Stephanie, Keith & Emily, Ryan & Molly, and Sarah & Daniel were so supportive. Paul & Linda Johns are serving on their mission as Area Medical Advisors and are located in our mission. Emily & Bronson joined us as well and Emily takes such great pictures of all of our occasions. It was a very special day. One that we cherish very much.