"Sisters, Sisters"...Smith Sister's Retreat

Heavenly father has blessed me to be born into a wonderful family. I have the best sisters! We had a very special weekend being together, from Friday evening, Oct. 17-Oct. 20th. Meredith flew in from Utah, and Kathi drove down from Puyallup, Washington, despite a terrible rain storm and bumper-to-bumper traffic. 

We had nonstop visiting, laughing, and shedding a few tears, as we shared fun times and choice spiritual experiences. It was so fun getting caught up on each family member, and renewing those bonds that tie us together.

We went to Truffle Hunter Restaurant across from West Gresham Elementary School for lunch, and enjoyed just sitting by the window and relishing a lazy autumn afternoon where it seemed time just stood still.  We were blessed with gorgeous sunshine, blue skies, and crisp fall leaves. It was terrific!

Vivi brought her three little children to visit on Saturday evening. It was so fun for me to show off my cute daughter and grandchildren. They bring us so much joy. Her children warmed up to my sisters right away, Kathi got them started on a game on the computer, and Kaeley snuggled with Kathi.

Kathi is so good with family search and ancestry.com. She gave us some one-on-one instruction on how to search our ancestors, and verify the work that has been done, finding documents, etc. It was fascinating!

Of course, what's a sisters retreat, without dressing up in new pajamas that were the same style, and eating some chocolate! We had so much fun!

It was a treat to have Ondalynn and Gary's family come by after church on Sunday. Again, it was a joy for me to share them with my sisters. Being with family is the best!

Kathi needed to head home that evening, as she taught early morning seminary on Monday. Then Meredith flew out the next morning. It all came and went so quickly, but just the right amount of time to be together and enjoy our friendship with each other. I'm grateful for such special sisters who inspire me to be better and who remind me of the blessings of growing up in such a good family.

General Conference October Weekend

We love going to General Conference twice a year now that we have access to tickets each time. But the biggest drive, is a chance to see our darling grandchildren, the John's family, and our college kids. This time there was an added bonus to have the William's family there, too. We loved this opportunity to be with them. 

The weather couldn't have been more beautiful! It was just perfect! Another treat was meeting Bronson Gardner, Emily's boyfriend. He is a fine young man, from Astoria, Oregon. We also had the fun of seeing Wick and his sons, Ben, and Lorenzo outside the Family History Center. Then we ran into cousin Becca, who recently returned from her mission, and Pres. and Sis. Morby, who had just been released as our Mission Presidents in this area. We had become particularly close to them, and it was a delight to reconnect on Temple Square. Alice-Anne had packed us a great lunch with enough food to share with Becca and the Morby's, too. This was a sweet tender mercy to be with them.

We were so glad to have Julia and Austin there, too. They had come down from Rexburg for the weekend to be with us. We know they were coming down a few weeks later for the Doutre's gathering, and so we especially appreciated their sacrifice.

The conference messages were so inspiring. I loved sitting in the conference center and seeing the prophet come in. What an amazing experience to be there to feel the spirit of that great meeting, and hear the Tabernacle choir, as it they were a heavenly host, singing and praising God. As always, the talks were inspiring, and filled with important counsel and messages for our day. We are truly lead by a prophet of God. May we never forget that. We loved have Kenna join us on Saturday morning. She was patience as we stayed for the afternoon session and watched it at the Visitor's Center.

I have enjoyed listening to the messages again on the Mormon Channel. Such good counsel and reminders to stay in the boat given by Elder M Russell Ballard. We can have questions, but we need to stay with the church, and their leaders. That is the source of our strength and protection, in a world that's whirling with untruths.

I enjoyed the opportunity of taking Alice-Anne and Meredith out to lunch on Friday. This is a rare treat to be with my sweet daughters without children. Nice to have some quiet time together. We really appreciate the wonderful meals that the Johns' provided while we're there, and for their great hospitality. They take such good care of us.

Grandpa had fun playing basketball with the little children, I went on walks with the Johns' children while the girls were gone shopping. Emily and Bronson came for dinner on Sunday afternoon, and it was nice to get better acquainted with him.

Friday we were able to play at the park with the Johns and the William's family,  On Monday we went to Gardner Village, a fun area for the children to see lots of Halloween decorations and quaint shops.

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.