Merry Christmas Grandma By Lindsay E.

Christmas Surprises are the BEST

I've posted this before, but for those of you who need a refresher course...I don't post what I'm working on if it's a gift...until the gift is given. Then I like to post because it's a bit of a log on some of my projects. The funnest ones are secrets. Everyone's gotta love surprise secrets. And I'm a great secret keeper. ;)

It started in July when I saw an ad boasting a 'Christmas in July' special. Christmas wasn't even on my radar. But, that bee was placed in my bonnet. Then I came across a lovely pattern for a Christmas table runner using a braided effect. I could picture this sitting on my loved one's tables. I had to get cracking if I was going to mail them the day after Thanksgiving. (That was my goal). I've never been able to do things small. I always seem to make things complicated. I lovingly made six of these puppies. No TV for me! Oh, except for Big Bang Theory, of course.

Here are some pictures of my process...and then...the reveals. Try as I might...I try to take pictures of all of my projects before I send them. But I literally finished these table runners the day I mailed them. So...in my efforts to get them in the mail...I forgot to snap pictures of some of them. (Yes, I forgot which I had snapped pics of and which I had not.) So I texted everyone and asked if they'd please text me a picture of the runner sitting on their tables. That was so FUN for me. I got to see them actually sitting on the tables. I had pictured their tables in my mind as I made them. When they forwarded those snap-shots I got teary.

Learning how to begin the 'braid'.

Notice my stacks of pieces top left.

I'm so thankful for my little Rowenta ironing

station to the left of my machine. I just swivel

my chair to press a seam. Awesome!

I'm a very fussy and slow quilter. But...

check out my matching points. Wa-BAM!

That's what I'M talkin' about!

The first top assembled. OK- It took

me for-EVER...but hopefully the next

ones would be easier. Learning curve, right?

Fun times! I'm running out of room on the guest bed

in my sewing room. I keep calling in my family for inspections.

This one's for me.

Nearly finished with all six tops. 1st week of Nov.

Then off to Connie Keller my quilting

friend at Quilt Country in Lewisville, TX.

Connie supports her family by quilting,

and teaching classes. She's so nice.

Thanks Connie!

This is how they looked when they came back

from Connie. The black is 80/20 batting.

GREAT stuff. Now to get back to work!

Each runner had to be meticulously cut

out. You can see the red backing fabric

peeking out from the bottom.

The 'points' are trimmed off the sides. SCARY!

I used the 'JOY' designer fabric line by- Moda.

Quality fabric is a...wait for it....JOY to work with.

PS- My middle name is...Joy. See how that works?

Connie even quilted the word 'JOY' into some of the

center squares. This one is for Dad and Marilyn.

I made, and double bound all of the

table runners with bias binding for durability.

I attach the binding by machine on the front.

But I stitch the bindings by hand to the backs to fit precisely.

My little sister Shannon received hers first.

Here it is on her table. :) So CUTE Shannon!

Next, my best friend Lynn sent me this

picture. She has been my dearest friend since

college. Some 30+ years. She's my 'person'.

Next- My sister Cindy got hers. That's so

pretty Cindy. What a cute center piece.

There's the best BIL ever relaxing on the left.

Hi Dennis!

Then my angel of a SIL, Julie, got hers.

We almost lost her in Oct when she was

hit on her bike by a truck. So thankful she's still with us.

Love you JuJu!

I know, I know there is one missing. The one I sent to Dad & Marilyn. I sent it to their home in S. UT where they winter. But they had gone N to their other home for some medical reasons and also to spend Christmas. So their box is MIA at the moment. I did how-ever want to get this posted to my blog before Christmas. I'm guessing the table runners are no longer a surprise to Dad anyways since he's probably seen all the one's at my sisters. :) I'm sure we'll track it down. Not to worry Dad! Love y'all!

I cannot be with my family for Christmas. But I hope that by having a little piece of me in their homes will unite us in spirit. Each table runner is unique and special just like the people I made them for. They were stitched and made with love. I only wish I had the time to make many more...as I have so many in my life that I adore and appreciate so much. May my days on this earth be prolonged so I can make each of you something fun, from me to you. Just know...I love y'all! Merry Christmas.

Sandi

I Am A Child of God- Primary Theme 2013

I LOVE the new Primary Theme for 2013, 'I Am A Child of God'. It's actually perfect and brilliant. I know we have been singing this song since we were kids but the doctrine is true, we ARE God's children. And never before in the history of this world has it been more imperative that we all know this, understand it, internalize it, and live like it has meaning in our lives. Listen & FEEL:

Yes- You really ARE His child, and He loves you.



This is sound doctrine; Deut 14:1, Psalms 82:6, Malachi 2:10, Acts 17:29, Romans 8:16, Hebrews 12:9, Alma 40:11, Doctrine & Covenants 76:24, Moses 3:5...etc.

So in light of my calling (2nd Counselor in the Primary Presidency) we have been contemplating, and planning for the upcoming year. One of the things I love about the gospel of Jesus Christ is that we can learn, grow, and change with the help of the atonement. Even in small details. Example:

This year our theme has been Choose The Right. It's been a marvelous year teaching the children how they have been given agency (by God), and with that agency always comes consequences for good, or for bad. We have heard as the children are given speaking assigments in Primary how their choices have blessed their lives and the lives of their families. So, as a reminder on their Birthday Sunday we have those children come up and we sing a fun Birthday song to them and give them a book-mark for their scriptures that bares the CTR emblem & a ribbon. OK...in hind-sight it was kinda lame. (the book marks). Because by the time Primary was over...most of the bookmarks were torn, or mangled scraps of paper that found their way into the garbage. Time to learn from those experiences, lick our wounds, and try to find something new to give the children on their 2013 Birthday Sunday, something that would remind them of who they are. So my assignment....let's try to find something new, meaningful and yes...fun. I went searching, and found these:

This is the exact image I found on the internet.

I was soooooo excited. This would last longer

than 2 hours, and I knew the children would love them.

Of course we would change the logo to next years 'I Am A Child of God' theme. After the okay in Presidency Mtg. from our wonderful, and ahhhmazing President S. Watson...(which I got not just an ok...but an excited "GREAT!") I started pricing, and collecting information, and shopping for parts. Also, I have been busy learning about jewelry making.

Here are the images I found on etsy @

Danandwinnie.etsy.com. I

paid for the right to print these.

Aren't they awesome?

There was a learning curve. Hahaha.

See the jump rings sitting on the left side

of the white paper? They are kinda hard to see.

I put those single jump rings in the bottle caps by pinching them open/closed with my fingers. Ummm...not a good idea for children. So I went back to Hobby Lobby to try to find something more sturdy. Score! I found these tiny TRIPLE-jump rings (shown in the baggie and next to the zipper pull) they are like miniature key-rings that you have to make your key travel around and around to get it onto. Yes pain. Yes STURDY. So last night I stayed up till 2am switching the single jump rings to the triples. It was a task. Good thing I have great finger nails.

I bought the flattened bottle caps. (Less dangerous)

Not so menacing looking, or ninja. Haha.

The zipper-pulls are for the boys. They can put

them on their coats, or scripture bags, or back-packs.

There is an epoxy dome over the print. Nice, eh?

The girls get a bracelet. I went to the famous

Cartier website to learn the size of childrens

bracelets. They are 12-18cm. I made them all 18cm.

They can easily be shortened.

I'm so thankful! Thankful that we found something a little more sturdy, and a tangible reminder of who they are. More importantly, WHO's they are. Now I am contemplating how to package them. :) God IS in the details of our lives. I had an uncomfortable feeling about the single jump rings. Some would find that silly, and say that Heavenly Father has better things to do than care about our jump-rings. Ahhh, not so Grasshopper. Heavenly Father is not limitable. He can, and does care...even about the smallest details of our lives. If He has His eye on the sparrow...Then how much more does He care about the cares and concerns, and lives of us...His children? I know this is true. I had such a great feeling after I'd replaced the single-rings. Even after a late-night-closing-time run to Hobby Lobby. It was fun to show the 35+ I have finished at Presidency Mtg. today. Yes, I have 65+ more to make. I do feel sorry for the kids who have to wait until next November or December to get theirs. :(

I love being engaged in the Lord's work here. Caring for, teaching, and helping minister to the children of our Ward family. Teaching them, or re-affirming (principles taught at home by loving parents) important precious truths about their divine natures. So happy.

No my tree's not up. Hahahaha

Sandi

Porter born Oct 22nd, 2012

Shantay & baby Porter. This is one of the strongest

of women. The day after giving birth she keeps vigil

at precious Porter's side.

Porter and his Momma, Shantay, sharing a smile.

He was too sick for her to hold him. :(

This is our newest little sweetheart Porter who was born on the 22nd of Oct, 2012. He is the son of our nephew Mark, and his beautiful courageous wife Shantay. Porter was born with some serious health challenges so within hours of his birth he got a ride to the NICU at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah in a helicopter with his Daddy, Mark. This is one of my favorite pictures of Porter as it was one of his first smiles. He has had to endure a few surgeries, tubes, tests, prodding, pokes, needles, and the need to lay very still. His wonderful parents have been so brave and courageous through all these trials. Staying at the Ronald McDonald house across the street. (Thank heaven for RMH). But, none as brave as Porter himself.

Porter, our inspiration.

Unfortunately, I live far away in Texas. That is a very helpless feeling to live so far away and not be able to be present. But I have prayed day and night for this little family. I felt like I needed to do something. I wanted so much to serve them in some way. So...I felt to make him a little blanket. Since he could only wear a diaper for weeks (recently able to wear his first outfit though, yay!) I knew a blanket would have to be comfy and very soft.

Daddy changing his very first diaper.

I called Misti my other neice (who has been instrumental in keeping me in the loop of Porter's updates, and progress) to ask her the school colors of the High School where Mark is the football coach. She told me their colors are purple, black, and white. So I went with that as a start to the brainstorming. To make a long story short. Here are some pictures of Porter's special blanket being made.

I chose these adorable snowmen for one side.

Hey- they live in Idaho...so he can be stylin' most of the year.

Check out the purple, black, and white awesomeness.

I decided to applique Porter's name on it.

I chose purple Minky. SO SOFT!

But I had never worked with it before.

Cousin Cassi helping add painter's tape

as guides for my quilting.

We somehow got a little OFF there.

But I caught it and all is well. :)

Quilting it was...well...interesting. Very stretchy! 

I'm so thankful for my friend Barb.

Quilting with Barbara is a delight! (Barbara Bernina)

Here I am adding the binding.

Check out those straight lines! (Z-snap)

100% cotton on one side, and oh-so-soft minky on the other.

We've been so inspired by Porter's incredible tenacity

and strong spirit. We love this little guy very much.

Getting a meal with loving pats from Daddy.

Porter, wide awake. Working so hard to get well.

Porter is such a sweet boy. He is so loved.

We are so thankful to be able to share Porter with you in a small way. We are so thankful for all the prayers that have been offered on his behalf and for his amazingly wonderful parents. He has touched so many, not only in our big family, but also in their incredibly supportive community. There has been so many acts of kindness, service, and generosity shown and believe me they are all felt, and so appreciated by this little family. My blog isn't meant to be a 'lookie-what-I-did'...but more of an introduction to little Porter. Also, a way to share my love of this little guy, and one of my recent projects. He could use your continued prayers, and so could his parents. We are praying that he can go home possibly by Christmas. Wouldn't that be a wonderful present for all of them? If you feel so inclined would you also keep Porter in your prayers? Thank you. And...Merry Christmas y'all!

Great Aunt Sandi

Sew finally...

It's been a very busy week. A lot of 'have-to' stuff pulling at my time (I know, like everyone) but not much 'get-to' time. I think I finally exhausted myself into being sick. So, since I am in my jammies I ventured into my sewing room to see if that would at least lift my saggy spirits. It did. Even running my hands across pretty fabric makes me smile. Too bad I'm moving at a snails pace.

I put away my Dresden Plate quilt because Christmas is coming and it's time to make hay while the sun shines. I am ten times happier if I can give a gift I have planned, purchased the ingredients (cooking metaphor), and worked on with my thoughts, talents, and heart. I could actually use the whole 'blood, sweat, and tears'-thing here too because I've been known to draw blood from time to time. Like the time when DH and I were newlyweds and he leaned over to kiss me goodbye and put his hand on the arm of the couch where I was sewing and got a needle stuck in his palm almost all the way in. OUCH! Anyway- putting my dresden away was brutal. But...sacrifices have to be made. :) Here is a sneak-peek at the dresden plate progress:

This is the 'Ruby' fabric line by Moda. Isn't it fab?

I have twelve dresdens made thus far. I'm half way there.

Oh, the pieces I cut...480 seperate blades. NBD.

Yes...480.

I have been debating about the background color and the color of the back of this quilt. There is a very light gray that is made by Kona Bay Fabrics that is yummy. It makes the colors POP and there is actually gray in the plates themselves so it really does work. But I also like my solid white Kona, called 'Snow'. It would be lovely but my Moms practicality comes out in me and I know I'd never put it on a bed that was to be used (ie. pooped on by a baby, Hah) if I did it with white. It would be a show quilt only. I'm ok with that since I am keeping this one. It is so labor intensive I don't know if I'll ever get around to making a Dresden Plate quilt of it's size again. Maybe a pillow, or a table runnner, but a queen size quilt with 24 plates... Nuh'uh. But it reminds me of my Grandmother Rosina Nelson Mertz so much. I cannot even sit down at the sewing machine to work on this quilt without memories of her flooding into my mind. She was (is) precious to me and I loved (love) her very much. With my KD moving out soon, and Cassi preparing to leave on a Mission for our church for 18 months I think I am going to dedicate one of our bedrooms to it...and decorate around it. My favorite color is red...but that turquoise is a close second. Together they scream, "Look at me! I'm YUMMY!" LOL

I wish I could show you what I am working on now. But you know my rule (and if you don't here it is)...I don't blog about gifts until they are given. Then...I can blog away. And I will. I am taking pictures as I progress. Kinda spoils the surprise if I do, don't you agree? I may throw y'all a bone once or twice because I am just THAT excited...maybe. Hah!

Hint 1: It is for Christmas.

Hint 2: It is made with a designer line of fabric. Gorg.

Hint 3: My goal is to ship it the day after Thanksgiving.

Hint 4: It is for someone I love VERY much.

OK...that is enough for today.

Sew Sandi





General Conference is the 6th, 7th October 2012

General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is some of my favorite times of the year. This will be the 182nd semi-annual conference for the whole entire church all over the world. A time when we get to gather as families and friends and hear the Apostles and Prophets of the Lord.

You can listen to it several ways. You can find out if your TV dish, cable company, internet provider, etc. Has a BYU Channel. There are Aps for your iphone, ipad, etc that are free that allow you to watch. There are four main sessions. Two on Saturday, and two on Sunday. You'll have to again check your carrier to find what times you may listen or watch. You can also stream it from lds.org. Just follow the Conference links.

If you have children here is a link for a wonderful 'Conference Packet' put together by sugardoodle.net. It is fun and a great way to involve your children in participating in conference not just listening. Here is the link:

http://0e2adbce82be14fd6bcb-5584cc5742c63ca82c29a0709ec0b026.r46.cf2.rackcdn.com/Oct2011SeniorPri_bw.pdf

Conference is usually always scheduled for the first weekend in April, and October. It is fun to anticipate the wonderful spiritual feast that is presented to us by our loving leaders.

Enjoy your conference weekend.

Sandi

Primary Love

I'm the 1st Counselor in our Children's Organization at Church (called- Primary), this calling came after serving in the Women's organization for about 26 years out of me and DH's (dear husband's) nearly 33 years of marriage. It has been such a learning experience for me, but in a good way. I have always loved children. And for some odd reason they love and gravitate towards me too. ;) I think they can sense who will treat them nice, care for them, see to their needs, and who they can trust. Example: I often watch a small child give a toy to a grown up (or another child), and after a few short seconds (a year in child-time) they turn around and come back to retrieve said toy. This is sometimes met with the adult or other child playing a game of keep-away, or cat and mouse. But I have noticed that if I keep the toy still, in my open palm, and when the child comes back for it, smile and let them grab it back from me without game, and with a sincere 'you can trust me' smile...I earn the precious trust of these little people, and most of all the 'like' of them too. Which is important to me. The same when I meet someone new to Primary, or children who come every week, if you get all up in the face of children they get scared...like- who is this lady? But if I smile and give the child time to aclimate to me and the situation...soon they are seeking me out because they know I'll not cross their comfort zone or boundaries. I will even tell them, "If you need anything at all, you can ask me, I will always help you. I am Sister Dodge."

Last Sunday was our annual Primary Program with all the children ages 3-11. As soon as they turn 12 they advance to the Young Men & Young Women's youth program. We actually work with children ages 18 months-11 years,  it's a big job. At first I thought I would really miss my friends in Relief Society (the Women's Organization) and part of me does. But one day as I was helping one of the children I realized that the best way to love and minister to my friends in R/S is to bless, minister to, protect, teach, and love their children. This little epiphany has made me smile several times as I have reflected on the fact that so many of my friends have indeed done the same for me with my children over the years, and I am so grateful.

This year the Primary theme is: Choose The Right. Our Presidency came up with a large bulletin board that we decorated with a cute little house, and a yard filled with (empty) flowers. Each week we would pull items out of the CTR (choose the right) Box that gave a hint about the person we would spotlight. In the spotlight we would have previously spoken with the child's parents or Primary teacher to find out a way that this child chooses the right in his/her life...a particular instance, or something the have made a habit. Then when the primary children guess who it is...we would give them a paper with their 'good-choice' on it that they could walk up to the bulletin and place in the center of one of the flowers on our Choose The Right board...while the other children sing, "Choose the right way, and be happy, we must always choose the right!"

So, for our Primary program our wonderful Primary President decided that the children had really written their own program. They each would use their own experiences, and words, to describe their 'Choose The Right' moment. Mixed with the scriptures, and songs for the year. It was personal, it was their experiences to own and share with their families...and not regurgitate a line written for them with little meaning. They could really own their good choices. The confirmation was unquestionable and our Presidency was unified with the program idea.

The Primary Program was beautiful, the spirit was there. The children sang like angels, and most of the goofy antics of practice days were missing and replaced with little ladies and gentlemen. There were prior moments when I thought that some of them had channeled Eddy Haskel, or Dennis the Menace. Yes, we even had one who tied his shoe laces together and tripped and fell all the way to the microphone. Or he would have, but he was politely asked to removed his shoes and try it again nicely. The choir seats are so fun and bouncy, and make all kinds of racket if you do it right. Oh, thank goodness that was on a 'practice' Sunday. On the actual day of the Program...I was very proud of them. They were so awesome and well behaved. It was a great day to be in our Sacrament Meeting with these children, their parents, and siblings. Heavenly Father loves these children. He says we must be like them. He says we must not offend them. They are our dear little brothers and sisters. They have strong spirits, and brilliant minds. I am so thankful to work with them, and be in their association as well as the other members of our presidency, the teachers, and members of our Bishopric who love and guide us.

After Sacrament meeting our sharing time was a little celebration for the children. We read notes written by members of our congregation to the children. We had snacks for them and watched a few really OLD Mormon messages. That was fun, and very funny at times too. We even had a few minutes to sing some more songs. Sister H. called on some children to get their song requests. The children had already shifted gears and wanted to sing Christmas songs. So you see...with children we can never stagnate, we must press forward. On to the next chapter in Primary...preparing for Christmas. How fun!

(St Mark 10:13-16)

With Primary Love,
Sister Dodge

Sweet Summertime

I think you can tell what kind of sumer it's been by the date on my last post. It has been an eventful, wonderful, busy, caotic summer and I loved it.

While I have been away...the Google rascals have been at work making changes to the blog interfacing. I think they should offer upgrades to those who want it. Just when I feel like I'm getting a good handle on how to do things...it changes. But, that may just be how things work now-a-days, you either learn how to adapt, change, move on, forge ahead, or, you get left behind. I choose to learn. ;)

I don't have time today to tell you everything that has been going on in my life this summer but I do want to share a few highlights beginning with our visit from Taylor F. Our Kristi served in her hometown of Dunn, North Carolina and Kristi & Taylor became wonderful friends. She just graduated from High School in May and asked her parents for a plane ticket to come and see us for a couple of weeks. A graduation gift that was granted.

There were lots of firsts for Taylor while she was on vacation here. There was big city traffic, and freeways that look like a bowl full of spaghetti. There was something fun going on every day but none as fun as when Kristi made plans with Mason to do a dash to Utah to attend Kristi's Mission President's homecoming in Draper Utah. Mason's couldn't leave until Thursday the 5th of July but they had to be back by the morning of Tuesday the 10th because Taylor's flight back to Raleigh left at about 2pm. 3,000 miles...sounds like a crazy, whirlwind, fun, exciting, zip-zip trip to Utah for these three. I was a little sad because they were making plans to stay with my sister, and meet up with Kristi's companions. Cassi and her boyfriend Ryan were coming down from BYUI to have dinner, and go to Temple Square with them too. There was so much fun going to happen and I never have liked to miss out on the fun. But they were driving in Mason's Honda Element and I didn't want to horn-in on their trip. The day before they were scheduled to leave Mason called and invited me to come along. He said, "Ummm, why aren't you coming with us? Your coming!" I love Mason Barlow. "Yay!" I was in a flurry of activity as I packed and prepped to leave. Could these old bones drive 1500 miles one way, straight through? I used to do it when I was younger all the time. But in the last 15 years or so we have stopped to rest along the way. Well...I was about to find out. I think I'd have driven twice that far with those young-uns to see my family, hugs their necks, and kiss their darling faces even for a day.

Taylor F and Kristi (formerly known as Sister Dodge)

Mason and Kristi took Taylor to see the Texas Stadium.

They took a little tour and even saw the inside of the locker rooms.

Playing with Harley the circus dog.

This wasn't a pic that we took...but one that was posted

on FB by some friends. This is a real pic of the Draper Temple.

There were a LOT of forest fires raging through Colorado

and Utah at the time of our trip. Luckily we didn't see any of those.

Just alot of smoke and haze.

Kristi drives and Mason works....Oh oh!

I took this pic from my vantage point in the back seat.

Yup...that's Po-Po.

This is our new friend 'Paul'....Paul the Po Po.

Wendy's with my crew. I LOVE these guys.

Mason, Kristi, and Taylor.

Oh, and my Coach purse Caty.

Cassi came down from BYUI to see Kristi, Mason & Taylor...

SURPRISE! It was a fun yet teary moment. She had

no idea I was coming. I surprised my Sis & nieces too.

We were so glad to see each other we cried. Fun times.

My DARLING niece Brinley doing her nails

with the pretty bright pink polish I brought her.

Visiting Momma's grave with my bestie Shannon.

I'm so thankful for eternal families. I miss you Mom.

My little sister Shannon. Who horses around

at a gravesite? Umm...I guess we do.

My beautiful sister Shannon.

Kristi takes Taylor to Temple Square for her very first time.

Taylor loved it there. It was a perfect day and everything was lovely.

Kristi and Mason at Temple Square in SLC.

Sister- Kristi & Cassi at Temple Square

SLC, Utah. 7th July 2012

They were companions in NC

Emily Thurston & Kristi Dodge

Friends for-ever.

The Temple Square tourists.

Chillin at the house with Sadie (the dog).

Taylor, Mason, Kristi, & my niece McKenzie.

Cooky sisters make life GRAND!

Me with my sweethearts McKenzie, Brinley & Lindsay

Lindsay had just had major surgery on her shoulder.

She was such a good sport. This is her on her bed

in the family room. Best seat in the house!

One cannot go up to 'Y' mountain without stopping

at the BYU Creamery first! It just isn't done.

Taylor loved it at Y Mount. She called her Nana

in NC and said, "I'm on top of the world!"

Love-birds at 'The Specio'. (The special place)

Y Mountain, Provo UT

My girls at our favorite spot. Since fireworks are legal from

the 4th of July thru the 24th (Pioneer Day) we saw many

firework displays happening around the valley. Beautiful.

Kristi sees Pres. & Sis. Cottrell on the way

inside the church. They were so happy to see each other.

Taylor & Kristi introduce Mason to President.

Not too many men Kristi loves more in this world

than these two. Mason, Taylor, Kristi & Pres. Cottrell.

Such a fun day for us all.

Pres. & Sister Cottrell head into the building.

Companions- Sis Gallego, Emily Thurston, & Kristi

They were 'rockin' their skirts!

Companions

Emily Thurston, Chase Butler, Kristi Dodge

Raleigh NC Mission

Visiting after the services.

Kristi and Mason Barlow, Draper Utah

July 8th, 2012

Headed back to Texas. She loves this guy.

Taylor in her 'In-N-Out' burger shirt!

What a trip!

Village Inn Pancake House- somewhere in Colorado.

Taylor getting another good laugh in. ;)

This was taken through a dirty car window

and it's still breathtaking. The sunrise that greeted

us the morning we drove through Oklahoma.

Ahhhhh...Home again, home again, tra-la-la and fidely-dee-dee.



Well...that's our flash trip to Utah and back in a very capsulated nutshell. I hope you've enjoyed the tour as much as we enjoyed taking it. Insert laughter, love, hugs, kisses, and true thankfulness to such a great and loving Heavenly Father. He blessed us so richly with such a beautiful world to enjoy, close and lasting relationships to cultivate and solidify, and experiences that bind us together for-ever. Above all..is love.

Momma D