Special Lewis Sister Retreat

What a joy it is to be here in St. George to honor our wonderful mother, Myreel Lewis, who turned 94 on September 27th. She is a woman of faith, virtue, courage, integrity, love, and so much more. I am so grateful to be blessed to be a part of this wonderful Lewis family.

Dantzelle is generous to let us in stay in her beautiful home for the weekend. It is like a resort here just absolutely spectacular!

It's been a wonderful few days sharing stories, good ideas, inspirational thoughts, and rejoicing together over the blessings of family and posterity. 

Saturday morning started off by presenting to grandma over 120 cards from family wishing her Happy Birthday. The goal was 94 cards for her 94th birthday. With such a large posterity, we did it! There were many handmade cards from grandchildren that were so special and wonderful. She is greatly loved by everyone. We marvel at her wit, humor, devotion, and her bright, quick mind.

While the sisters toured St. George Saturday afternoon, I went to visit my Aunt Beth Foxley who is 95 1/2 years old. She is truly amazing walking around her home without a can, and still active and bright! I loved that time with her where we could share memories, updates on family, and see pictures of her family and hear about their good lives. 

One of the highlights of their tour was the art studio of Michael Bedard next door to Brigham Young's winter home. It was so fascinating, they spent a couple of hours there as Bro. Bedard told many inspirational stories and history of the area. On his website it has his slogan: "Painting the Restoration of the Gospel and all things that are good." One of his famous paints is called "A Miraculous Request." It represents Wilford Woodruff's vision of the eminent men and women who appeared to him in the St. George temple requesting their temple work to be done. I'm looking forward to going back there someday to visit this art gallery. That evening we listened to the General Women's Conference. I thought of all of my wonderful daughters, daughters-in-law and granddaughters, 8 and up attending the meeting at their various stake centers enjoying the inspirational talks and music, along with me, although miles apart.

All five of Mom Lewis' daughters (living) were there, Myreel Linton, Dantzelle Allen, Delon Pease, Duraye Lewis and Durelle Gimenez. All of the daughter-in-laws, Lynette Lewis, Dori Ann Synder, Sally Lewis, (and her mother, Beverly) and unable to attend was Lynn Lewis. We missed having her cute personality and humor.

We toured Dori Ann's lovely home in St. George before attending our Sunday meetings. Dori Ann has fixed it up so elegantly with drapes she has made and we also got a glimpse of some of her excellent art work! Such a talented lady!

I love my wonderful mother-in-law like a mother. How blessed my life has been because of her. She raised an amazing family, but I'm especially thankful for Crismon. He is the joy of my life. His mother taught him well how to work hard, show love, have a Christlike character and give service, along with being a true gentleman and a good father to our children.

It was a special treat to have Sally's mother, Beverly Nelson with us, too. She is always so happy and delightful to be around. After our time in Phoenix, we grew to love her and her good husband, Frank Nelson. We have spent many times in their home for gatherings, or an occasional night stay.

Dori Ann's mother, Phylis Tonks came Sunday evening to visit. It was wonderful to catch up on her life and service in the community and the church with her endless service as an organist wherever she has lived. In her 80's she is still serving as the accompanist for the LDS choir in St. George.

Thank you dear sisters for a special weekend with you, for inspiring me by your good lives, and teachings. Families are forever.

Magical Trip to Quebec City Canada

We earned a trip to Quebec City, Canada with about 40 other Reliv Distributors. We loved this adventure, the accommodations, the friends we made, the scenic and historic sites, and the wonderful time we had together. We stayed at the famous Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. It was incredible! This hotel is the world's most photographed hotel. The design of this hotel and the other buildings is a unique centuries-old architecture. The atmosphere was a European charmed city, with horse-drawn carriages, street entertainers, singers, and artists, particularly at Old Quebec City by the Lawrence River. The man in this picture below is a distributor from France.

The pictures are in random order, but each scene was spectacular. After a long day traveling on Thursday, September 11th, we arrived at the hotel in time to quickly change our clothes for the Reliv dinner with everyone. We were surprised to be recognized as 2nd in the nation in volume of sales for August. We were handed a $4000 check. That was a great way to start our trip!

The Grand Prix Cycliste de Quebec, a one-day professional bicycle road race was happening that weekend in Quebec. It was very exciting to see the bikers race by us. 

Saturday was a Urban Rally where the distributors were divided up into groups and they searched for clues, and had to perform or do other activities along the way. I knew it would be too hard on me physically, so I opted not to attend, but it was a great event for the other distributors to bond with each other. Crismon had a lot of fun participating.

We really enjoyed the Farewell Dinner held at a restaurant where we were all given parts of a play and the actors would perform right by our tables. 

Sunday we made arrangements for a taxi to take us to church, about 25 minutes away. We had asked Reliv for a later flight so we could attend our meetings. How grateful we could spend Sunday morning among the faithful saints in Quebec. Our trip went by so quickly. We loved this unique city. It truly is magically. We hope to go back someday.

The Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Quebec was walking distance from our hotel. It is the oldest parish church in North American north of Mexico.

Quebec is the only fortified city in North America north of Mexico with close to 3 miles of walls and gates around the city. The St. Lawrence River is a massive presence cutting clean across the Quebec area, the gateway to America.

Friday we joined most of the other Reliv group to visit "Montmorency Park Falls," a majestic falls, 83 meters, (30 meters higher than Niagara Falls), or 262 feel high. We enjoyed riding the bus and visiting with Ryan Montgomery, the President of Reliv. He shared many personal things about his parents, and the struggle it is for their family as his Mom has Alzheimer's. Very sad. We have traveled with Ryan and Scott Montgomery and we've become close to them. From the bus, we walked the rest of the way to the Park visiting with Ryan. This was a special time to connect with him.

This is a historic room where the hotel became the action center of the Quebec Conference of World War II, which involved U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchhill and Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King.