Stake Conference Weekend & Dallin's visit

My heart is full after a most inspiring and enriching stake conference. It was also a historical one for us as the Lord has chosen two new counselors for Crismon to serve with in the Mt. Hood Stake Presidency. As he told the members, these men were called of God. Paul Hansen is the 1^st counselor and Steven C. Christiansen (who was serving as Bishop of the Powell Valley Ward) was called as the 2^nd counselor. When their names were announced, the spirit confirmed to my heart that they were called of God, and it seemed just perfect. They will be a great blessing to Crismon as they bring their talents and a strong spirit of faith to bless our stake.

Saturday, before the adult session there was a new member and reactivated member meeting where some were asked to bear their testimonies. The theme for the adult session at 7 p.m. was on attending the temple. We were grateful to have Pres. & Sis. Gillespie from the temple presidency there to speak to us, three Mormon Messages were shown and Crismon had Erica Smith, (who was a friend of Ondalynn’s in high school), come up and speak and share how she joined the church. She and her husband were sealed in the temple that very afternoon. Crismon and Ondalynn were there for their temple session and sealing. Crismon then gave a very powerful talk, not the talk that he had prepared to give, but he was greatly blessed to speak with power and with the spirit.

Our Sunday session this morning was on “Missionary Work,” along with testimonies from Pres. Charles Allen, and Pres. Dennis Baird who were released. Then, Martha Allen spoke. She and Chuck are leaving in a month on a mission to Norway. This prompted the need to change counselors.

Just a side note....we had earned a trip to Costa Rico this weekend. But because of stake conference we couldn't go, of course. But it was also a blessing to be home as Dallin came this week for a conference. I would much rather have time with our children than traveling the world.

It has been a special week having Dallin here. He flew in late Wed. night from Notre Dame. He was attending a Modern Literacy Conference at the Hilton in Vancouver. We were so happy he could come and spend some time with us. We loved having him here. Friday evening we had a family get together where the Vance’s and Caudle’s came for a family dinner and celebration of Daisy’s 5^th birthday.

Saturday morning I drove to Vancouver with Dallin to attend Bryson’s flag football game. Despite the Oregon drizzling rain, it was so fun to see how excited Bryson was playing football, and how much fun his Dad, Gary, was having as his coach. Bryson scored two touchdowns!

I enjoyed going to Dallin’s conference to hear him give his presentation on the “Domestic Tragedy of Slavery in Thomas Southerne’s Oroonoko.” He gave a sliver of his dissertation that he is working on. He presented along with 3 others, discussing a variety of works from 18^th Century Literature. Of course, Dallin was by far, the best of the group in his presentation. It gave me a chance to have a peek into Dallin’s world and what he is involved in. On my way home, I dropped him off at Powell’s Bookstore in Portland and then Ondalynn was going to pick him up and take him to their home for the BYU game (BYU won beat Georgia Tech), and a get together with the Caudle’s. Dallin stayed with the Vance’s last night as we had stake conference and he caught an early flight home today. It was delightful to have him here with us.

Special Happy Birthday wishes to darling Daisy Caudle on the 9^th, and super creative, Spencer Johns tomorrow, Oct. 14^th. We love these sweet grandchildren.

Daisy turning 5, Bryson, & Clark.

We loved having Dallin with us. 

Bryson's two touchdown game.

Pres. Paul Hanson, Pres. Crismon Lewis, & Pres. Steven Christianson

Three deer visiting us this week.

Faith-Based Community Food Drive

After a record setting day a few days ago at 96 degrees, we have flip flopped to 69. But we are grateful for the mild weather we experience here in the Northwest compared to the flooding in CO, and the fires in CA. School has started, and it’s exciting to be in a new season of the year. Spencer Johns, Dorothy Lewis, and Bryson Vance have all started kindergarten this year. We pray for protection both spiritually and physically over our dear grandchildren.

Spencer Johns, West Jordan, UT

Dorothy Lewis, South Bend, IN

Bryson Vance, Vancouver, WA

 Birthday wishes to cute Julia Vance tomorrow who is turning 8 and will be baptized next month. Then Happy Birthday to Kaeley who will turn 2 next Sunday, along with Dallin’s birthday that day, too. Brett’s birthday is the 25th and Grandma Lewis’ the 27th. My family will be gathering on the 28th in honor of my Dad’s birthday. We send our love and best wishes to all. We went to the Vance’s today to celebrate Julia’s, Kaeley’s & Brett’s birthdays. This next weekend I will be in AZ for the Lewis Sister’s Retreat to honor and celebrate Grandma Lewis’ 93rd birthday.

Yesterday was the World-Wide Church day of Service. Our ward was cleaning a trail not far from our other home here in Gresham. Crismon was busy overseeing some of the needs of our stake day of service and I didn’t think I should physically participate in it.

For months Crismon has been preparing for our Faith-Based Community Food Drive. Crismon has reached out to many pastors and leaders of other congregations in our area and invited them to be a part of a faith-based community food drive to collect food for community charities. Sacks were printed with the information and home teachers delivered the sacks to the members with the charge to take sacks to their neighbors in an effort for all of us to get better acquainted with our neighbors and invite them to join with us in this endeavor.There was nearly 24,000 pounds of food (12 tons) that was distributed to 15 local food panties. Members were to deliver the sacks of food to the churches that were participating in their area. This was an historic effort with nine other churches, not of our faith, join with us in this worthy cause to help those less fortunate in our community.

This past week Seth has been in Sweden, Wales, and Paris for his work. He has shared some spectacular pictures of his busy week and we appreciate Tiffany carrying the load while he is away. He had the fun of spending a day in Paris with Gens & Annie.

Seth & Gens, Paris France

Each week I’m grateful for the opportunity to work in the temple. It is a joy to serve in the sacred House of the Lord.

We have been blessed in our business as we learned yesterday that we placed first in the nation in volume of sales for the month of August. We feel our Heavenly Father’s constant blessings that flow from having a faithful daughter serving in Argentina.

Meredith texted me yesterday saying she was playing the organ in her Stake Conf. that evening. My heart rejoices in opportunities our children have to use their talents and bless others. Receiving messages throughout the week, and pictures or videos of the grandchildren brighten my day and I love and miss them all the more. Often our meals are spent reading our children's blogs together and loving the updates on their families and cute pictures their share.

Family Service Project for Mom and Dad

Each year Crismon and I fight the weeds and over growth of grass in our garden area. It is such a big job that it seems we can never get around to getting it all cleared out in time to plant. We had worked on it for some time late this spring. I didn't get a "before" picture, but just imagine the entire area covered in tall grass and endless weeds. 

With Seth & Tiffany's family coming for the summer they asked what they could do to help us. Immediately I thought, "the garden area!" One of the first mornings here, Tiffany and the boys went out and began the overwhelming task. This picture is after hours of work.

We ordered river rock to be delivered the Sat. we were in Orlando. The Vance's and Caudle's joined Seth & Tiffany's family that Sat. morning. Since Ondalynn, and Vivi were training for a half marathon, they arrived early to run together with Tiffany on the Springwater Trail. Then they set to work. Tiffany organized the family in this huge undertaking as she had the vision of what needed to be done. They cleared piles of grass and weeds along the side of the house, pulled weeds out of the brick walk way, hauled rocks, put down plastic sheeting in between the garden beds before they put rock down, trimmed bushes, and transformed it into a beautiful area all prepared for a garden. We hope to get raised boxes to make the gardening easier. 

We couldn't thank them enough for all of their hard work. All of the children worked hard, too, doing their part. We were glad to hear that it was a fun and bonding time for them, too, as they worked together on this project. This is the best Mother's Day, Father's Day, Birthday, and Christmas gifts for years to come. Thank you so much all of you!

Asher with Mommy Tiffany

Daisy, Bryson & Sydney

Preston, Daisy, Sydney, Bryson & Clark

Jackson, Daisy, Clark & Isaac

Daisy with Ondalynn & Paxton in the carrier.

Brett hauled all the rock.

Gary & Seth dug out the rows and prepared it for rock.

Finally finished!

They did a terrific job!

Preston's Baptism Week

I felt so grateful and privileged to fly to Minneapolis to be with Seth and Tiffany's family for nearly a week for Preston's baptism on Aug. 24th. Thanks to the generosity of a kind soul, who made the trip possible, I enjoyed a very wonderful week with this great family. I arrived Monday evening, Aug. 19th, as the boys were settling for bed. Tiffany had been working hard all day painting the main bathroom. Everything looked so lovely. 

Tues. I enjoyed taking Asher to the park and the older boys biked and met us later. It was a hot and humid week in Minnesota that week, but I still relished each moment I had with them. In the afternoon, Asher and I had fun playing games together and reading stories before leaving for a friend's home to swim. We had a terrific time in their beautiful pool.

Seth called ahead to make arrangements for us to attend the temple that evening. As one of the smaller temples you have to reserve a time. To my surprise, before we left I realized that I hadn't brought my recommend, as I hadn't transferred it to my traveling wallet. I quickly called Crismon and asked him to call the temple. When we arrived he hadn't been able to get through to the temple. Pres. Hugh happened to be standing by the front desk. Seth introduced me to him. The temple president is also in their ward and he and his wife LOVE Seth & Tiffany. When he knew we were related, he immediately gave me permission to come in. He said, "Tiffany is my favorite authoress." Crismon said "You didn't need me, you had Seth & Tiffany's word." It was Seth's first time to see the new film and my second time. The temple was very busy that day as it was closing soon and, of course, many were anxious to see the new film. I loved attending with my wonderful son, Seth, and visiting with him in the celestial room. How grateful I am for his faithfulness and his love for the temple. We missed Tiffany who had appointments to see the Bishop and Stake President to renew her recommend that week.

Wed. we prepared early for an outing to Lake Elmo Park. It is a beautiful man made lake and nice beach area. The water was refreshing and we all had a wonderful time!

A tender mercy that afternoon. The van broke down, but everything fell into place. We weren't stranded at the beach, and a colleague from the university came to their rescue and even provided a very nice car that fit 6 for them to use that weekend for Seth's family. While they were working on the cars, I enjoyed a game with the boys. Notice those nice smiles. They were anticipating the m&m's that were coming if they smiled!

In the evening we attended the Eagle Court of Honor for 3 new Eagle Scouts. Jackson also received 5 merit badges that he had earned from summer camp.

Thursday morning was making preparations for the Gee's to arrive. I made 4 loaves of zucchini bread. It was wonderful to welcome them here for the special weekend together. A ward picnic was held at the pavilion by their church house. The theme was "dinner on a stick," similar to the theme of the state fair. This was Tiffany's lovely fruit shish kabobs that she brought. They have many wonderful people in their ward and it was nice to get acquainted with them.

Friday morning the Gee's treated us to breakfast and then we went swimming in the hotel pool.

I'm so blessed to be a Grandma. I love these wonderful boys. They held still long enough for a picture before we headed to a new McDonald's so I could treat them to lunch and some time alone with them. They love cars and they kept busy telling me all about the cars that were passing us, or about some expensive, cool cars. They all are full of curiosity and fun!

Saturday morning, Aug. 24th was the baptism for Preston at their church house. I had been asked to speak on "Baptism." I was grateful I could participate and share a sweet story about Preston that Tiffany had shared with me. 

Last year at the beginning of the school year, Preston's teacher asked him to help these twin brothers who were new to the school to find their way to the right bus at the end of the school day. She thought he would do it for a week, but instead, on his own, he continued to make sure those two boys got on the right bus each day. Preston was switching to a new school in Jan. When Tiffany arrived to pick him up on the last day his teacher told her of the sweet experience she witnessed that day. She said, that Preston took the boys to the bus as usual and said, "Now, you're on your own." She said it was so sweet and tender she burst into tears to see the kindness of Preston to care for these boys for those 4 months. Preston is a very kind, gentle, loving boy.

During the week I loved listening to the boys do their piano and violin practicing. They are all talented and have become quite accomplished on the piano. Addison accompanied everyone for the opening song, "When I Am Baptized." Then Jackson accompanied for the special number while his brothers sang "When Jesus Christ Was Baptized," with Preston singing a solo for the 2nd verse. A young girl in their neighborhood that they often play with came to the baptism as well as Seth's colleague from the University and many other friends. It was nice to share that time with nonmembers.

Jackson

The temple is right next to their church house. Every time they go to church, as they are nearing it they sing, "I Love to See the Temple."

Preston was excited to receive a child's size kayak from his Gee Grandparents.

With all the lakes in Minnesota, you just have to go down the street to find one in your neighborhood. This was the trail of those heading to the lake, just minutes from their home.

Preston trying out his new kayak.

It was fun watching the children try out the kayak and the rubber boat. Jackson and Addison paddled across the lake and back. Oh, what freedom!

Asher and Jackson

Even Tiffany took a turn.

My last evening I enjoyed sitting by Asher for another delicious meal thanks to the Gee's at a favorite restaurant.

Jackson 11,  Addison 9, Preston 8, & Asher 4 line up for attention before prayers and loading in the car to go to church.

I was grateful for a direct flight home, arriving late that afternoon to my good husband. Martha Allen happened to be at the airport as she was sending off her family back to UT after Marjorie's wedding that weekend. Her siblings, Linda, Sandy, Karl & Andie had stayed in our home for several days during the events of the wedding. I was sorry to miss them. I was able to ride home with her and catch up on the wonderful events of the wedding.

I wish we didn't live so far from this great family. They are such a delight to be with. Thank you everyone for making my stay so wonderful.

More fun times with Seth and Tiffany's family

This has been such a delightful summer! The weather in Oregon has been perfect! We have had many gorgeous, sunny days with bright blue skies, and the temperature being warm, but not unbearably hot. Along with that great weather we were able to spend it with family from across the country, and we have loved every minute of that.

Seth & Tiffany's family were here for 3 weeks from July 15-August 7th. The cousins had a super time being together. The pictures say it all. Everyone made an effort to get together every day possible while they were here.

Our kitchen table was often surrounded by grandchildren enjoying a meal or playing games. It was so nice to have Grandpa working from home as he could pop in at different times and interactive with the grandchildren who absolutely adore him.

 Many games of air hockey were played. There was lots of competition going on at that table.

Seth & Bryson give a high five as Addison and Sydney look on.

Paxton turned 1-year-old on July 23rd. He is so cute! Just look at the face! Oh, are we every glad he's close. What a good, good baby with the biggest smile you've ever seen.

Playing at the Imagination Station Park was a fun time for all. The children took a quick break from running around for a snack. The mommies had some good visiting along that bench, too.

It's fun to take pictures of Asher.

As often as they could, the children ended the day in the hot tub.

Sydney taught a FHE lesson about the Holy Ghost.

Spending the night with cousins is the best!

A day was spent at OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science & Technology). There wasn't enough hours in the day for them there. They loved the many interactive exhibits and play.

Good mommy Tiffany with Asher 

Sydney & Julia exploring

Bryson loved it all!

Clark couldn't get enough.

Sydney, Julia & Bryson making airplanes.

Lunch time on the patio. Perfect! 

Daisy and Asher were good playmates. 

Cute Sydney 

Julia was all smiles that day.

 Here we are...the Mom's and Grandma as we "watch" the little ones play. We had fun visiting and catching up on email, articles and Facebook while the kids did their thing. Technology is wonderful!

Delightful Daisy 

Norm & Judy Dickinson are so generous to opening their blueberry fields to pickers. All the family spent several hours picking berries. I stayed with Paxson. He was fun entertainment for me that day.

Paxson kept busy while others were away.

 After picking berries they enjoyed a fun afternoon at the Sandy River, and had a picnic and playtime at Dodge Park.

I love my family! My good husband is looking younger all the time!

They picked about 30 gallons of blueberries. We figured it was hundreds of dollars worth. Tiffany was instrumental in cleaning a majority of those bags of stems, etc, getting them washed and prepared to go in the freezer. My freezer is definitely full of berries, but I enjoy them everyday! Thanks so much Tiffany, and to all the family!

Isaac is so excited with all the berries!

Dinner that night out on the front lawn for the kids. 

More games together!

In the middle of all the activites I flew to Utah for Kenna Johns' baptism. Julia & Austin came down from BYU-I for the baptism on Aug. 3rd, along with Crismon & Danielle. Then on Mon. the 5th I drove with Julia & Austin back up to Oregon and they stayed with us for the rest of the week. We're glad we had a day with Seth & Tiffany's family before they left.

Since Preston was turning 8 on Aug. 9th, we decided to celebrate it on the 6th when we were all together. Mommy Tiffany made a yummy favorite waffle breakfast. Then we spent the day with cousins at Cottonwood Beach along the Columbia River, Washougal WA.

All the family at Cottonwood Beach, the Lewis & Clark memorial beach along the Columbia.

Preston celebrating his special day.

 The babies playing in the water and sand were irresistible.

Kaeley Caudle

Paxton Vance 

Isaac Vance

Asher Lewis

 We had so much fun all being together. 

The cousins were loving the chance to bury Uncle Seth in the sand.

Asher hanging out with Grandma. 

Wherever Grandpa was, you'll find Isaac.

Everyone "burying" little Julia Vance.

That night we went to the Vance's home for dinner and cake for Preston's birthday. Ondalynn & Gary's home handle a crowd so well. We love gathering there.

Preston is such a good boy! He loved celebrating his birthday with everyone.

One last picture with everyone before we split up. Seth was flying early in the morning to Wash DC for meetings. Before he left, he gave us an iPhone tutorial.

Our cup is "overflowing." What a joy to be surrounded by family.

Before going to bed that night, Seth announced to Addison that he was taking him with him to Virgina for the BYU-Virgina game, as well as sight-seeing in Wash. DC. He was one excited boy!

While I was in Utah the family had some other fun activities. They went hiking in the gorge on the Washington side and saw some beautiful falls.

A day at the zoo.

Sunday afternoon they met at the temple and to visit the new Portland Temple Visitors Center.

Families Are Forever!

Dad, Seth and the boys spent the day in McMinnville at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum. As you can imagine, the boys loved it!

Tiffany worked so hard the last day washing sheets and remaking the beds, packing, cleaning, and leaving everything spotless before she and the boys left for the airport that afternoon. We hated to say goodbye to this wonderful family. Thank you for being with us!

One last hug goodbye. We love these boys! Jackson, Addison, Preston, Grandpa, Grandma & Asher.