Monday, October 27, 2014

Mason Officer Initiation - October 25, 2014

 Jeff took me to this Mason ceremony.  It was my first time going to one of their events as most meetings are closed to members only.  It was really interesting.
This was during the closing prayer where the person praying kneels at the altar.  All the Masons cross their arms as shown in this picture.

Nate's Birthday Celebration - October 24, 2014

 The drive down was rainy and the fog was just beautiful.
 Nate volunteered at a free dental clinic on his birthday.
 We went out to dinner for his birthday - Ma Mosa's in downtown Grants Pass.  Misty and I had delicious Tinga tacos (chicken).
 Opening presents - socks, etc.
 I got him some casual clothes - shirts, jeans, socks, etc. - and a gift card to Sears so he can buy some tools.
 Misty made chocolate chip zucchini bread for his birthday cake.  It was really good.
 On the drive home, there was a beautiful double rainbow as we left Grants Pass.
This was a beautiful view near Eugene.
It was so fun to be there for Nate's birthday!

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Visit with Bryce - Milwaukee, Oregon - October 22, 2014

I had lunch with Bryce last week so I could meet his new companion.  We met at a sandwich shop named "Shut Up and Eat" in Portland.  We both had Philly cheese steaks as we were missing them but they weren't as good as the ones in Philly.  We enjoyed them though.  It was so fun to get together and catch up on the family news and meet his new companion.

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Emme Belle's Blessing - Folsom, California - October 12, 2014

 When the blessing was planned, they didn't realize it was Stake Conference so the Bishop gave approval for the blessing to be at Jason and Ashley's house.  Jason gave Emme her blessing.
 Emme was just like a little angel.
 Charity
 Ashley holding Audrey
 A picture of Jason, Ashley, Paisley, Spencer, Audrey and Emme
 A second picture of their family
 My four wonderful children - Jason, Nate, Casey, and Charity
 I joined them in this picture.
 Another picture of the family
 A final picture
 Nate, Misty, Adalei, Brielle, Elijah and Isaiah
 We had a quick photo shoot for Emme in her beautiful dress.
She is so adorable.
 At stake conference, the kids migrated to the aisle and had a good time coloring together with their cousins.
The Sacramento temple which is next to Jason and Ashley's church.  (Adalei is on the left of the picture.)  After Stake Conference, we had sandwiches, salad, pumpkin bars, and marshmallow brownies for lunch.  The food was great.

Sunday night Charity and I had dinner at Casey's and Jenna's house.  Jenna made delicious pancakes for dinner.  
On Monday, Jenna and I went to a couple of stores to run errands, had lunch at her house, and then she dropped me off at the airport.  Jenna makes me feel so welcome.  I greatly love and appreciate her for that.  I had a wonderful weekend seeing all my family, celebrating the birthdays, and attending Emme's blessing.  I can't wait to go back again.

Birthday Party for Spencer and Elijah - Folsom, California - October 9-11, 2014

Charity picked me up at the airport Thursday night and then we had dinner at Applebee's.  I spent the night with her and she made me this delicious smoothie for breakfast.  I spent Friday morning at her place doing laundry and cleaning.  Then Jenna picked me up and we went to Chick-fil-A for lunch.
Friday evening Charity, Jason, Ashley, Casey, Jenna, Emme and I went to a Moroccan restaurant in Sacramento.  The food was great and we had a lot of fun!  I think we all enjoyed it very much.  Thanks to Jenna for planning it and making the reservation.  
I spent Friday through Sunday nights staying with Casey and Jenna.
 Saturday morning Casey and Jenna had family pictures scheduled so I got to go on the photo shoot and take some pictures.  Here's Weston.
 Allison
 The family pictures were so good I decided to post more than one.
 After ten years, they have a lovely family.
 They look so happy.
 The kids are adorable.
 Allison is especially cute.
  Dalton had started to walk.  He's so handsome in this picture.  After pictures, we cleaned the van inside and outside.  Then we picked up lunch at In and Out Burger.
 Allison went to Target with us to go shopping.  She was so cute.  She had to go get her purse and baby so she could go with us.
 Ashley planned an early family birthday party for Spencer and also celebrated Elijah's birthday.  I was so happy that Nate and Misty were able to come so we could all be together.
 Spencer and Elijah blew out the candles together.
 The cupcakes were cream filled and delicious.
 We had Papa Murphy's pizza for dinner and then cupcakes and some ice cream for dessert.
 Spencer was so excited to open his birthday gifts.
 Jason helped me pick out his gifts.
 Spencer was happy.
 Elijah was having fun opening his gifts also.
 He likes planes and basketball so his gifts centered around those two things.
 Elijah had asked me for workbooks with stickers so I got him a couple of those, some toys, and some clothes.

Celebrating My Birthday - Roseville, California - September 28-29, 2014

 Jenna is amazing.  She got back from Tahoe and made a fabulous birthday dinner for me - barbecued chicken and roasted vegetables.  Then she made this fabulous cake that tasted as great as it looks!  It was such a nice surprise and I enjoyed her great dinner and dessert.
 Blowing out my birthday candles - I should have made a wish!
 The next morning Jenna and went shopping while Benson and Weston were in school.
 This is a picture of Benson when we picked him up from pre-school.  He was so happy.  He had studied the letter "D."
 Then we went to Chick-fil-A for lunch.
 The kids love the playground at Chick-fil-A in Roseville.
Even Dalton was having a great time with all the kids.

I had a fabulous visit.  I was gone 10 days but it still didn't feel long enough.  I sure love my kids, daughters-in-law, and grand-kids.  There's no where I'd rather be than with them.  I am so blessed.