Family rocks!

I am so enjoying my time in Washington helping Diona and kids move into their new house on base. They are moving from a very crowded 3 bd. apt with "kid gates" lining the living room/ kitchen to keep Seven out of things (like the "pantry" under the computer desk). There just isn't even space for an infant/toddler to get around and explore properly. And since they moved from a 4 bedroom house in Virginia to this 3bd apt, they have not unpacked lots of boxes which have lined the perimeter of several rooms (and closets and garage is top to bottom loaded with boxes). It will be so nice to have a house again with a backyard for the girls and a sidewalk to chalk with their art and all those good things. I love being here but I always feel guilty because I get to be here and Ray doesn't. But this time he does. He will be here tomorrow and I am so excited. I hate trying to tell him details of what is going on here and what the kids are doing and saying. I am so glad to share this experience with him this time. The kids are excited too. They get Grandpa all to themselves. And, it feels good to be able to help Ric and Diona. With Ric being underway, this move will be just one more nice surprise to come home to (not really a surprise, of course he knows they are moving, but it will be done for him!) But, believe me when I say, Diona could have done this herself (we may be helping to make it easier, but she is one self sufficient woman) She does so much on a daily basis for her family. She is so dependable at work, always taking on the extra tasks and committees no one else wants, and yet she is an awesome mom who spends every minute of the day with the kids in mind. I am in awe when I see how much she accomplishes in one day (up and going at 4:00 AM everyday). Somehow she manages to keep up with household, the kids, herself and all others in need. She has been taking the missionary discussions and attending church and is faithful in reading with the kids each night from the book of mormon stories. She is one of the strongest women I know and I am so happy to have her in our family. I know Ric hates being away from the family but I know he knows that Diona is capable of running things smoothly while he is away. Thanks Diona for being a special part of his and our lives. We love you.

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