Tie Dye

Sarah decided it was her turn to plan Family Home Evening. She purchased the supplies and we all made these fabulous tie dye shirts.

A Year Older

The difficult days just keep coming. The 20th was our anniversary, the 21st Father's Day, and the 23rd is my birthday. The day was filled with warm birthday wishes, and lovely gifts. I really got spoiled by so many wonderful people. My kids decorated my room with a sweet poster, streamers and candy. They bought me great gifts. Even little Lizzy's friends made me a birthday cake. How sweet! I went to lunch with a dear friend, and spent the day at my leisure as the kids took care of everything.

In the evening I went up Millcreek Canyon with my parents and siblings. We celebrated the June birthdays. When I was growing up my family would always go up Millcreek canyon for a barbecue on my birthday. It was like old times, but better.

Everyone spoiled me, and made a not-so-good day bearable.

Anniversary

June 20th would have been mine and Steve's 23rd wedding anniversary. I decided to spend the morning at the place where our family began, the Salt Lake Temple. I haven't been to that particular temple for quite some time. I went with my sister and her husband, and met my other siblings there to also watch my dad perform his role in the Temple for one of the last times. So, I guess I had a duel purpose for being there. I had an unusual calm feeling throughout the session. I had some very distinct feelings there that I am not able to share. I was happy I was able to make that a part of my day.

In the evening a friend and her husband took me to dinner. I am really missing Steve today. I know how hard everyone is trying to make it bearable, but some days it's just not.

Claudine Cox brought over quilts that she had made for each of my kids. She wanted them to have the quilts for Father's Day which is tomorrow. They were absolutely beautiful. The fabric was perfectly chosen for each child, and every detail was attended to. They even smelled wonderful. I can't imagine the time Claudine put into them. There were many women in our area that helped her with them. I am so thankful for such amazing people that try to make our burden lighter. There is a poem sown on each quilt that is written by Eileen Moore. It states:

The Magic Blanket

This blanket's very special

Like no other you have seen.

It appears to be just fabric

But there's magic in between.

Wrap this quilt around you

You'll feel the magic start

The touch will feel familiar

A warmth will fill your heart.

You'll feel your Dad close by you

Like arms are hugging tight

For you're his precious child

And you're always in his sight.

His spirit is close around us

And you can feel his love

You will make him happy

As he watches from above.

Be brave and strong and loving

Serve each other every day

Your Dad's Preparing a mansion

Where together you will stay.

Covenants are still binding

No doubt that you will be

Together as a family

Through all eternity.

So curl up in this blanket
And remember happy days

Your family is forever

Christ prepared the way.

By Eileen Moore

The tears flow every time I read that poem. I hope my kids will always appreciate the amazing people in their life, and what their Dad is doing for them on the other side.

Father's Day

Monday morning I received a call from the Stake President of the Single's Ward that Steve served in. He told me they were releasing the bishopric that Steve served in when he passed away and asked if me and my family would attend. He also asked if I would speak for a few minutes. I obliged him, but was wondering if I could really pull it off. I knew it was Father's Day, and that it was going to be a difficult day for both me and my children. I decided to put my feelings aside, and to represent Steve in some small way. Steve loved the young adults in his Single's Ward and they loved him. The Single's Ward has done so much service for our family. I had to find the courage to speak.

Bishop Jacobsen had saved a seat on the stand for Steve. He saved the spot where Steve used to sit. I think I cried through the entire meeting. It was a very tender time. I hope I was able to express some of the feelings Steve may have had. We love and appreciate the Single's Ward . We will miss them.

On the way home from the University Ward, we stopped at the cemetery. I had bought balloons for the kids to write messages on. We all wrote messages and let them go.

Contamination at Cancun

Poor Katelyn got bit by a bug in Tulum. The bite started to spread to make other legions on her face while we were still in Mexico. When we got home, she went to the dermatologist to get medication for her "bug bite". He told her that she had a topical staph infection and gave her some ointment. Katelyn left for girl's camp the next day.

When she arrived home on Friday, she was covered with legions. One in particular on her foot was very deep. The legions had spread to her legs and feet. I took her to the pediatrician and got an antibiotic to treat her staph. The dermatologist had informed us that she did have internal staph.

The next week, the legions that had cleared on her face had broke out again. I took her back to the doctors. To make a long story short, she had MRSA staph. That is a staph infection that is resistant to many antibiotics. The last determatologist she saw would not let her go to EFY. He wanted her within 10 minutes of a hosptial, and somewhere where he trusted the doctors. Seven doctor/dermatologist appointments , and one and a half months later Katelyn was cured until she got it again in August. We currently working on completely ridding poor Katelyn of this terrible stuff for the second time.

Cancun Mexico

The day after school was out for summer our family left for Cancun Mexico. It seemed strange to leave the newly weds behind, but they had just returned from a fabulous honeymoon and couldn't take any more time off. It seemed even stranger traveling out of the country as a single parent.

Steve was the planner and organizer of every vacation we took. He was meticulous in preparing and planning all the details. I am quite the opposite. I always wait to the last minute to plan. Thanks to Swine Flu my last minute reservations on our Marriott Vacation Weeks , and Delta frequent flyer miles worked out. A free trip! After Steve passed away Ben said, "Who is going to take us on vacation? You can't." I guess I saw going on vacation a quest to prove Ben wrong.

We stayed at the Royal Islander in a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, condominium. It was located right on the ocean front. We had 3 sliding glass doors that exited onto porches where we could watch the tides come in and out. It was so beautiful!

Each day was a new adventure. The hotel provided a shuttle that would take us to the different hotels that they were associated with. The kids and I love the ocean. We spent many days at different ocean fronts swimming and playing in the gorgeous blue water. We loved swimming, boogie boarding, body surfing, and looking for sea shells in the sand. The water is like bath water. It is so warm that when you come out, you don't even need a towel to dry off.

In the evening we would take the public transportation system (the bus) down town. We would eat dinner, walk through the mall, or bargain at the flea market. I think my kids like the challenge of bargaining at the flea market. There was a lot of pressure on me as the kids depended on me to get them the very best price.

The kids wanted to spend every day at the beach, but I insisted that we take one day for tours. On Tuesday, we went to Tulum, and Xel-Ha. Tulum is a most interesting ruin site to visit because it is the only Mayan ruin site that has the surrounding walls of the main village still left intact. It is also on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Tulum is a small site, which makes it easy to traverse but by no means is it not any less fascinating than say Chichen Itza or Coba. There are many smaller structures here that can be explored and the beach is considered by many as one of the most beautiful in all the Caribbean.

Xel-Ha is one of the most beautiful natural aquariums in the world. There are so many things to do, you could easily spend the entire day here. You can ride bicycles, explore underwater caves, run the river, cliff jumping, rope swinging, and snorkel, just to name a few. There are several restaurants that you can choose from, and everything is all inclusive.

Since we only had a half a day to experience this magnificent wonder, we had to prioritize our excursions. The older kids ran the river, and spent most of their time snorkeling. There was a beautiful natural reef in the middle of the lagoon, where you could see some amazing fish and sea life. I think our favorite activity was snorkeling. Michael thought it was especially funny when we were snorkeling under a bridge and visitors crossing the bridge above us threw fish food on top of us so the HUGE fish would attack us. Yikes!

Some of the funny moments were:

Riding the public transportation. On our way back to our hotel I realized after the bus had passed our hotel that there is a button you push to get off at our stop. After a long ride down the peninsula, the bus driver finally asked where we were going and took us back to our stop. Oops!

Watching Sarah come within inches of stepping on a very LARGE iguana in front of our hotel as she lead the troops off to an adventure.

Encountering a VERY large snake at the mall. I really don't think people should be allowed to have those creatures loose in public places.

Making fun of the uninhibited, older, intoxicated, crowd at Happy Hour. We liked the free sodas, they obviously liked other things.

Trying to communicate with people that only understood Spanish.

I loved not being able to use our cell phones the entire trip. It made us bond with each other, and make fond memories together. I noticed something about Steve in each of my kids. Sarah, wanted to be in charge and was pretty good at it. Katelyn, worried about the safety of everyone and had her first aid kit ready. Mike quietly watched out for everyone. Lizzy liked making good deals, and Ben entertained us the entire trip.

I hope I passed my test and proved to Ben that I am capable of taking them on vacation, and a mighty fine one I might add.

Repercussions of waking up at 4:30 a.m. to catch our 7:00 a.m. flight.
Aww! Rest and relaxation.

The iguana Sarah almost stepped on.

My favorite.

Katelyn at work.
View out our condo window.
The beach bunch.
Tulum
The Flea Market
Walking the beaches.
Not excited to go home.



Tulum

Xel-Ha

The Wedding Luncheon

Quinn and Meagan's wedding luncheon was held at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, in the Wasatch room. It was lovely, and perfect in ever way. The views from the ninth floor windows over-looked historic buildings, and the spectacular grounds. The room was gorgeous! Every detail was attended to. The flowers, the table settings, the ambiance, was all fabulous.

The luncheon guests were kept waiting as the photographer photographed Quinn and Meagan on the beautiful temple grounds. We had a tasty meal, and shared sweet stories of Quinn and Meagan. Quinn's father spoke, and I got to represent our family. Steve always had such a better way with words than I, we missed him. What a great opportunity it was for me to share stories of Meagan.

I loved the spirit that was there. You could feel the spirit from the sealing continue throughout the day. What a blessing it is for Meagan to marry the right person, at the right time, in the right place.

Quinn & Meagan's Wedding~ May 16, 2009

What a blessing and privilege it is to see your daughter sealed in the temple. I am so proud of Meagan for making good choices that enabled her to be marry a wonderful young man in this sacred place.

President Henry B. Eyring married Quinn and Meagan. There were many tender mercies that surrounded her temple marriage, and preparing for it. Most are too personal or sacred for me to discuss, but every person that was in the temple sealing for Meagan and Quinn were blessed to have been there. I know that Steve was there. You could feel his presence. I was so happy for her, but sad to not have Steve physically there with us. We especially miss him today.