Ned is Dead Again

Our "Ned is Dead" group met again this past weekend. This is a group of 6 couples that met in Everett, Washington in 1978. We lived in the same ward, served together and served each other, had children together and helped each other raise each others kids. We have kept in touch for all these years and get together every two years. We all take turns hosting and planning the event. Events in the past have included a weekend in Aspen, a trip to Lake Powell, and Estes Park in Colorado. John and Connie Woodward (seated) are leaving for a mission to Ghana next Monday. So this was a reunion and a farewell. We laughed, updated each other on our families, enjoyed very delicious food, and cried together. Most importantly, we bore testimony to each other of faith and tender mercies that are part of our lives everyday.

I have always wondered about the name of our group and even have thought it a bit morbid. However, I finally heard the origin of this title. Many (and I mean many) years ago in an old Mutual manual there was a list of ideas for Halloween activities and one was titled Ned is Dead. The group grabbed the name and started meeting on Halloween every year. As time passed, many of us moved and then we started meeting every two years.

I would have liked to have posted photos of us in the early days, but did not have any. It doesn't really matter because as we discussed what we would like to do in two years, it became very apparent that in our minds we are still the same young adventurous group we ever were. We threw out ideas such as build a house for a humanitarian project or float the river and sleep on shore in the Grand Canyon. The photos wouldn't really do any good. In two more years we will probably settle for a cruise to somewhere warm and sunny. But for now the "Ned is Dead" group is alive and kicking and feeling young again.

Groundhog Day

I usually am not interested in Groundhog Day. However, after yet another snow storm this morning and another one on the way in a couple of days, my interest was peaked. I found out that on February 2, Phil, the groundhog, comes out of his burrow on Gobbler's Knob - in front of thousands of followers from all over the world - to predict the weather for the rest of winter. According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring. I am voting for an early spring. I am tired of having cold hands and feet day after day. A friend of mine gently suggested to me that I should probably wear boots. Okay, I won't complain any more at least not to her.

This past week has been one of mixed emotions. I loved President Hinckley. He was a wonderful prophet and leader. I am thankful for the testimony that I have of the doctrine of eternal life. I am also thankful for revelation that will rest upon the twelve and the whole church to know and sustain our new Prophet. It will be a bitter sweet funeral.

This month we celebrate Valentines Day and because of this, February is a month that we think of ones that we love. I love many people, especially my children and their families. I have great affection for my brothers and sisters and their families. And, of course, I have a deep abiding love for David and the life that we have made together over the past almost 38 years. Ground Hog Day, the movie, happens to be on our Top Ten list of favorite movies. It may seem like I am living the same day over and over this winter. But as the saying goes: I have my love to keep me warm. Hope everyone is well and will enjoy all the people that you love.

P.S. Just an added note. Brace yourself for more wintry weather. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Saturday, leading the groundhog to forecast six more weeks of winter.

January in Utah

January in Utah is very grey. At times the ground, sky, and air are all the same color, grey. We have been having very cold weather. So cold in fact, that yesterday it was in the mid 30's and we thought it felt warm. This is a good month to just stay in and get caught up on a few things. I have been catching up on scrapping. I have posted some of my pages that I have completed. I love keeping up with everyone through your posts. I am excited for Audrey's new floors, Bree's advancement in her contest, Kelly's progress in her triathlon training, and Jessica's beginning of her last semester and her beginning digital scrapping. Happy birthday to all of our January birthdays: Sean, Jacob, Maddie, Jessica, and Zack. Wishing everyone a good January and sending my love to all.

We were all together again

It doesn't happen very often - by it I mean our family being all together at one time. It happened this New Year. Jessica, Sean and Brandon arrived for family time and snowboarding. Audrey and her kids returned home with us from California. So it was celebration time and it didn't hurt that it was Sean's birthday. As I look closely at this picture, I notice that it not in focus and not a very clear photo. I tried to fix it with photoshop, but to no avail. But it is perfectly clear in this photo that our family loves to be together, and it is perfectly clear that we love each other, and it is perfectly clear that we are one great family. I love how my New Year began. I wish everyone a Happy New Year.

A California Christmas

After a most rewarding and wonderful family get together on the Saturday before Christmas (see previous post), Dad and I quickly cleaned the house, packed our bags and grabbed about four hours of sleep. We left early Sunday morning to surprise the Wilson family (minus Kevin) for Christmas. It turned out that it was indeed a huge surprise. (Thanks Kevin for everything.) We loved and enjoyed a week of games, great food, and not to be forgotten, a trip to the pool on Christmas Eve day. Christmas just wouldn't be the same without viewing the gifts and excitement through the eyes of little children. Christmas morning was very reminiscent of when our children were little--early hours, Santa's arrival and gifts, and calling each child one by one down the stairs. I love giving gifts all times of the year, however, this season was most enjoyable to choose gifts for each of my children and my grandchildren and to watch them open them. I hope everyone had a perfect Christmas season as I did.

Merry Christmas to All

The reading of the Nativity Story at Christmas time is a long standing family tradition. We make it a part of our family party/family home evening. This year Paul and Bree brought costumes for everyone. It was so much fun to watch the kids pick and choose costumes and then change their minds and pick and choose another costume. As William read the story, each actor entered and did a terrific job. From angels to Wisemen, and from Mary to Joseph, we had it all covered. There is a wonderful spirit that attends the scriptural reading of the Nativity. We felt that spirit and felt the importance and significance of this most sacred event.

I hope all of my friends and family are enjoying the spirit of the Nativity this season. This is a very special time of the year. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Our first Winter Wonderland

Please enjoy these photos taken today of our beautiful scenery. Hope this will assure the Arizonians that there will be plenty of snow for their snowboard trip in January. Hope this will help the Californians get in the mood to decorate with lights and snowmen. . Everyone else -- hope you have enjoyed this beautiful snow today as we have. You will notice, however, that all photos are taken from my front porch and I did not have to venture out in it. That is how I enjoy a beautiful Winter Wonderland.