church callings

I don't know the exact date I was put in as cub scout den leader, and sometimes I just don't think about it because it is a simple calling that I enjoy. But this upcoming week is our cub scout day camp and I realize that this is the 3rd one I have been involved in, so I guess I have been in about 3 years. Actually, I was Cameron's wolf leader for 1/2 his year and he is about to move on to 11 year old scouts. Wow, when you have a comfortable calling you don't seem to care.
But, how well I remember being RS president and I could've sworn I was in for 4 years when it was only close to 3. That was a tough time. And even activity committee chairman was one that seemed to last forever (even though I had secretly coveted that position when I got called). So, now that I have come to this knowledge and I admit that I am totally comfortable here, I will probably get a new calling!

Some wedding information

The flower girls couldn't wait to try on their dresses and practice throwing flowers.

This is where we are having Cami's wedding, at the golf course. This gap in the fence is where the archway will go (yes, Linda, Teri said she has it in her shed and we can use it). My problems are the back wall, especially the part with the big gate in the wall. But I suppose that lots of tulle will help cover up. I am hoping to get a piece of carpeting to put down first and then white down for the center aisle. The plan is for a twilight wedding with the sun setting behind us. The guests will be facing the fence/ archway so you can see the nice view. Any suggestions are welcomed.

The plan is then to have the reception in the restaurant except it is not a restaurant at this time. The city owns the restaurant and a guy named Dale is leasing it and not opened it yet and says he is not sure when he will, but he will let us use it and cater if necessary

The date is SUNDAY 10/10/10, so save the date if you think you can come.

"I love to see (and attend) the Temple"

I just love spending the day at the temple. I have to admit I hate the thought of giving up a whole day to go, but it is so worth it once I get there. There were about 12 members of our ward together and we had family names from 2 members. We did initiatory work and an endowment session, so it was a real blessing. I didn't have to drive, was in good company all day and made a quick visit to the bookstore also. I am hoping to someday live closer to a temple, but for now, I will try to remember the wonderful feelings I felt today and continue to attend at least once a month with the ward. For those who live close to a temple, I hope you appreciate it.

On the down side, I had planned to call Lindsey while in Mesa and she was going to meet us at the temple so I could meet Mayan. When I first got down to the church this morning, I called Ray to let him know I would not be driving and the car would be in the parking lot. I then, hurriedly, gathered my belongings and jumped in another car. It wasn't til I got to the temple that I realized my phone was not with me (apparently never made it back in the purse, but on the floor of my car) . But I will go visit the Morris family sometime next week when Di is in Phoenix visiting her kids/grandkids, she and I will go see Lindsey.

So, now that I am refreshed and uplifted, I look forward to the week to come. Ray and I just completed the family history/temple class in Sunday School and have begun the family search for his family. I am looking forward to seeing what information we can gather and begin the important work to be done for his ancestors. It is such a blessing.

Science Fair winners again!

Cameron (5th grade) is moving on to district level - he will be judged again Tuesday.

And Faith (grade 3) is a little disappointed because for the first time this year, grades K-3 can do a project for the school, but do not move on to district level. But at school level Faith got a 1st place ribbon.

Cameron's was titled "2 Blind Mice- running through a maze" and that was exactly what it was. He tested his mice, Jack and Zack, going through a cardboard maze to see if they did it any quicker for a certain reward. He had fun with this.

Faith did a taste survey (in front of Albertson's) to see if people pick a jelly bean by color or taste. This was just up her alley (talking with people /eating).

They both impressed the judges with their ability to explain their project and not be shy about it.

Science fair projects are my "responsibility". Amy doesn't have time. Grandpa doesn't have time. So, it has been me for the last 4 years and I really enjoy it (if we find something they are interested in doing). And, they have each won every year!

So if anyone needs to do a science fair project and just needs an idea or help, this grandma may have some helpful hints.

UPDATE: Cam won a 1st place at district level and was 1 of 6 top scores (out of 101 projects) who gets to move on to county level

What 4-day weekend? / Happy Anniversary?

Since Amy had surgery on Jan. 29 and then took off 10 days for recovery, she was scheduled to work all this week and everyday of the weekend. Too bad this happened to be our anniversary weekend also. But, seriously, we weren't really planning to do too much about the anniversary since we decided to take a trip to British Columbia in April. So, the weekend starts with Friday and Ray has 2 doctor appointments scheduled in Palm Springs area. I decided to go with him and at least we made a day of it- lunch, dinner and shopping. But reality back in Blythe- Faith had a 8:00 am soccer game on Saturday, followed by Cameron's at 10:30. And it is the last weekend before science fair, so we had projects to finish. Then it happens to be our stake conference which meant a Saturday evening adult meeting and then a Sunday 9:00 meeting for everyone. Busy, busy weekend and no rest for the weary!

But Happy Anniversary to my sweet husband of 35 years! I love him and appreciate his love and support. I am looking forward to a slowed-down version of life with him in the near future.

Blog vs. Facebook

I hate to admit it, but it is so much simpler to just make a comment on FB than to type a post for the blog. But, I miss hearing details about everyone's families. I get on here now and just go directly to Ashley's and Katie's blogs because they are most likely to have new posts. Danielle is good too, Christie and Audra are so-so, Jessica is okay, but, the rest of us, are just lousy at updating blogs. Everyone is busy, some computers are SLOWER than others, and some people just don't think they have any NEW news to share, but we really should try to post more often (think of it as the PARKINS PRESS made easy) if nothing more than writing our history. I will often print the latest posts out to take to Grandma and Grandpa when I am going to visit. I know they appreciate the news and the pictures.

So get back on here and post something! Everyone try to post at least once a month if you can. Thanks

Another catching up post

I am so used to writing remarks on Facebook, and I forget to blog. So here's what has happened since Thanksgiving:

We enjoyed a quiet Christmas Eve and Christmas morning since this was the first Christmas in years that we didn't have kids/grandkids living in the house with us and spending Christmas morning here. So after we all got up and showered, Ray, Ryan and I went downstairs and opened gifts. We got a Wii this year and Ryan bowls everyday, he loves it. Amy & kids came over a while later and then Ray & Brandie with family came later. We had a nice turkey and ham dinner with the missionaries and another single guy from the ward. It was nice.

Ray, Brandie and Josh went home on Sunday but Anthony (16), Robert (7) and Alisa (4) stayed for the week. Amy moved from "just across the alley" to "2 blocks west of us" and Anthony was Amy's biggest help with the move. They now have a cute house with 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, dining room and a bonus room between 2 bedrooms which is the overflow toy room. And it is $300 a month less than the apt. The kids are both happy too.

New Year's Eve was a fun night also. We had the Dean family (m,d, and 4 boys) over for dinner and games. We just played games and ate snacks all night and we all managed to stay awake until midnight. We went out and made lots of noise and then we crashed. It was fun!

The new year started out well. We have beautiful weather in Blythe. Ray (with the help of a cabinet maker friend) made the grandkids a clubhouse for our backyard. It is a real nice house and I think they will have lots of fun in it. If I ever figure out the camera/computer thing, I will send a picture along.

I hurt my back (during Amy's move but not that I was moving anything, just unpacking a box) and was in bad shape for about 2 weeks. It was an old injury re-injured and usually heals on it's own after a few days, but this time it got worse daily. I finally gave up and went to the chiropractor and felt better in 3 days. In the meantime, I was useless around the house. I wanted to sit with heat/ice all the time. I read 2 books in five days and all my magazines. Going up and down the stairs was almost impossible. But all well now.

This last weekend, Di and Rich, Kathy and my mom and dad came for a visit. D & R slept at Amy's and the others stayed here. We had a nice visit with lots of talking and storytelling. We went to Quartzsite to look for a lady who was selling watch faces and Di was teaching us how to make the beaded bands that you interchange with the watch face but we couldn't find the booth. Mom had a hard time walking with her walker on the gravel/dirt, so we didn't stay too long. But once at home, we sat down and did some beading and enjoyed the sister time (yes, we missed you Linda and Rhonda). Thanks Di for your help. I ended up going back the next day with Ryan and kids to find that booth and buy my watch because I was excited to wear my new jewelry. We spent the entire day there, eating good stuff and visiting all the vendors. It sprinkled off and on all day and I thought it would keep the crowds away, but no such luck. But we had a good day and bought some silly stuff. My front door now has a sign that says "This house owned and operated solely for the comfort and convenience of the GRANDKIDS" It was between that and one that said "what happens at Grandma's, stays at Grandma's"

Anyway, that is the latest updates around here (even though it is all old news!) and I will try to be better at blogging on a regular basis.