The sky.....

 .......never disappoints. It's awesome to catch one of these sunsets as I did driving home on Thursday. Yes, I did stop the car and get out. I can't resist when I see one of these. I consider it a privilege whenever I get to see one......

I don't get up early enough but every once in a while I get the leftovers of a beautiful sunrise through my bedroom window. It comes through in bright coral and blue stripes and once again, I feel so gifted when it happens. 

We've had snow all day today....didn't take pics but we are grateful for that gift as well. It made for a beautiful day to be in church and give thanks for this moisture that we pray so fervently for. This was Friday morning, Feb. 7. My goodness, we are at the middle of the month already. So what's happening in this month of February. I got to spend some time with my kids this past week......when I was surprised by Kyle's family, they came to watch the Super Bowl with us. It isn't really that important but we all wanted KC to win.....I like Mahomes and we all like Andy Reid. Fun to see him get his first win but mostly fun to have a visit with my family. The children are growing and getting too busy any more to come to Pine Valley but I'm so proud of all that they are doing and I'm especially proud of George and the great missionary he is.

I put Matty in charge of the relish tray.....um, talk about creativity. Very impressive.

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 This week I've enjoyed spending time with the littles and made them hand-warmers (fingerless mittens) and hats. Lauri's pom-poms just scream for a hat. I especially love having a hobby to do on these long, sit-by-the-fire days.  Today I continued listening to "Little Women" on audible. I saw the movie a few weeks back and it was really good but nothing is quite as good as the book and I have especially loved having it read to me. One of today's chapters was number 8.....especially a good one for a lesson on anger. If you have a minute you might want to read that one and there are so many lessons to be learned. This is the chapter when Amy burns Jo's manuscript that she has been working so hard on, justifying the act as revenge for not getting to go to the ball. Jo finds out.....as Amy confessed...."Yes, I did it. I told you I'd make you pay for being so cross yesterday and I have, so....." Amy got no further as Jo's hot temper mastered her, and she shook Amy till her teeth chattered in her head, crying, in a passion of grief and anger."  Jo's book was the pride of her heart......"I could never write it again." She says.  The storm cleared before Marmy came home.  The house wasn't very cheery that night but Mrs. March whispered to Jo as she said good night......" MY DEAR, DON'T LET THE SUN GO DOWN UPON YOUR ANGER; FORGIVE EACH OTHER, HELP EACH OTHER, AND BEGIN AGAIN TOMORROW....and then she goes on to counsel her daughter how she conquered her anger. Oh, that we all could do that.....but we can work on it and no one needs it more than me. In our Relief Society lesson one of the sisters said....."We pray for God's arms to be around us and his hand to be over our mouth." I loved that. Mrs. March admitted that she wasn't patient by nature but her husband helped her because of his calm, peaceful demeanor.....it was always an example to her. I feel like I can say the same. I don't get far here in my Pine Valley home as my temper flares....Randy is always so patient that I try (along with my medication daily) to pray for peace and self control. It's a parents' sincerest prayer that her children come to her as Jo did.......Jo held her mother tight......"and in the silence which followed the sincerest prayer she had ever prayed left her heart without words; for in that sad yet happy hour, she had learned not only the bitterness of remorse and despair, but the sweetness of self-denial and self-control; and led by her mother's hand, she had drawn nearer to Him, our Friend who welcomes every child with a love stronger than that of any father, tenderer than that of any mother."

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This is Randy and I love the look on his face 'cause it says just what I would be thinking if I were him and had to face shoulder surgery in 4 days from now.....here we go......and he is excited to finally get this problem fixed and move on to more pleasant things.......like cruising with the top down pain free. Pray for him......and me. We will be recuperating in Joyce's basement. Would love visits and treats.

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GEORGE HAS MOXIE.....

I looked it up in Webster's Dictionary and this is what it is.....it takes … moxie to pull up roots and go to a land where the culture and probably the language are totally foreign. 

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May we all have Moxie throughout the week...( ENERGY, PEP

woke up full of  Moxie ) and peace in knowing we all have a Friend who wants to help us on this journey.

Sunshine, yarn and mountain air.....

....and it doesn't get much better than that. Such a warm, nice day today, I had to stay outside as long as the sun would let me and one of my favorite hobbies, is yarn either knitting or crocheting....I love them both but crochet is easier and goes lots faster and I'm starting to like how things turn out. I'm practicing different stitches now as I work on hats. Hats are always needed up here (let me know if you need one) and I have enjoyed making them.  This hobby has helped me get through a lot of tough times and keep me out of the mental institution. I learned it from my grandma. I used to crochet hats in school (actually in class, I sat on the back row). School caused me a lot of anxiety. I crocheted an afghan when I lost my baby in 1980. It really did sooth my soul and when Scott was sick and I spent a lot of time in the hospital, I would crochet hot-pot holders and give them to the nurses. Everyone needs a hobby. Someone taught Mason to knit.....I'm sure it got him through a lot of anxiety in dental school. Impressive, right?.......................

I told Randy he needed a hobby. He'll have shoulder surgery soon and the days will get pretty long.  I offered to teach him to knit.....he refused but....he started a puzzle.....

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....and you won't see me assisting. This drives me craaaaaazy. I prefer sewing the same stitch over and over again, hours on end and seeing my finished product way faster than a puzzle but it's just what his family does.....and I'm sure many families do it but not mine and not my mother's family. Nope, no puzzles in our house, E V E R but if it helps him kill some time, I'm grateful. As we are thinking about this upcoming surgery, I actually had a panic attack yesterday thinking of all the things Randy does for us that he won't be able to do any more, that I will have to do.....like VACUUMING.....I'll have to figure out how to run the vacuum.....or maybe he can do it left handed. Hauling wood....cooking, organizing......at least he did get my taxes done. We will be fine but he sure does a lot around here and I really appreciate him. It will be my honor to help him get better. He sure does need that right arm (without pain) so he can get back to his most important task...making money. Good chance for us to face reality for a few months and have to cut back......like not buying stuff like sports cars.

Low mileage, decent price and a whole lot of fun not to mention, it's on my bucket list....I love convertibles. A hobby? You might say, yes but it sparks joy. 

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I can't leave this post and this day without remembering my dear mother who left us 2 years ago today. She had hobbies.....mostly cleaning house and staying organized and serving others.

She would start and end her day in service.  She loved to bake and give wonderful cakes, cookies, pies, and bread to her neighbors.  When we were little we would run her delectible goodies around the neighborhood or take fresh milk and cream from dad's cows to neighbors and friends in need. I baked today.......in her honor......and took some cookies to a few friends.I couldn't get this picture to turn the right way but I'll work on it.  I don't do much service up here in Pine Valley but I do like to give away the things I make and hope it sparks joy in someone's day......and speaking of sparking joy in someone's day....I felt joy today as I love to just "be" here. Everything is looking drab but that just tells us spring is on it's way and I've said this before and I'll say it again.....I LOVE 4 SEASONS. Here is my home today, February 1, 2020.

The first daffodil will be blooming soon in St. George.....weird, huh? Only 30 miles difference and I do love to drive to the warm once in a while but I prefer living in the cold......and getting warm.....

right here. Looks like it needs a dusting....but that's the way it always is. Here's a shot as we drove

home yesterday from town to show the contrast of just 30 miles. Those clouds love to settle on our mountains.  And never forget that........

"BEAUTIFUL SUNSETS NEED CLOUDY SKIES"

May your soul be bright......even when the day is not.

January.....

....already almost done with it but it's been delightful so far. Randy and I just got back from a little adventure in our ATV and I'm glad he gets me out of the house once in a while because I wouldn't get myself out of the house but it's good to enjoy my surroundings. We went on the Pinto road for a while until I told him it's time to go back. I always figure we should only go as far as I figure we could walk back and there was no traffic that could have helped us out if we got stuck but it was a good drive and the sun was shining....I loved it. No pics of that one but just know it was beautiful.....and, I haven't talked about our trip to Florida which was wonderful. We left on the 4th and came back on the 11th and all went well. We are getting older and can't do as much but what we did was amazing. We enjoyed Joslyn's family very much.

We enjoyed Bok Tower Gardens very much. Lots to look at and it was so very beautiful and I loved the quotes that were all over the place by Edward Bok. here is a little bit about him that I found on the internet.  "Known also by their official name Bok Mountain Lake Sanctuary and Singing Tower, Bok Tower Gardens are considered a National Historical Landmark in Florida. Since they opened to the public in 1929, over 23 million visitors have passed through the gardens to enjoy their historic landscape, the superb 1930s Mediterranean-style mansion and the unique Singing Tower carillon.  The Bok Tower Gardens were founded by Edward W. Bok who emigrated from the Netherlands and went on to become a Pulitzer Prize winning author and advocate of the environment.  Bok was awed by the beauty and dramatic views offered by the area and chose it create a bird sanctuary and place for meditation.  Bok commissioned the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead Jr. to build sub-tropical gardens which would entice wildlife and gifted the park to the public.

The stunning gardens offer acres of ferns, palms, pines and other trees, which create a backdrop to seasonal flowers. The gardens are home to 126 different species of birds, as well as a number of endangered reptiles such as the gopher tortoise and the eastern indigo snake.  There are many pathways that make up the Bok Tower Gardens, including two which lead to the Singing Tower.  This 205-foot neo-Gothic and art deco 60-bell carillon is a stunning piece of work crafted by the stone sculptor Lee Lawrie. The tower is surrounded by a moat which doubles as a koi pond. Daily recitals are given from the carillon set."

We spent a day at Disney World's Animal Kingdom which was amazing. I remember going there with Spencer and Shana's family quite a few years back and I loved it again this time. I got to go on a couple of rides.....I've never seen Avatar so I'm sure I didn't get the full appreciation for the ride. Here is what I learned about it after experiencing it:

"Can you believe that it’s been nearly a decade since the film Avatar came out in theaters and broke nearly every box office record imaginable? Since the debut of the film, the world of Pandora has stayed alive thanks to Disney World. When you experience Avatar Flight of Passage, you’ll be whisked away to a world like no other.

The Incredible World of Pandora

Anyone who has seen the film knows how gorgeous Pandora truly is. This exquisite jungle-like environment consisting of a wide variety of flora and fauna has been recreated so that when you experience Avatar Flight of Passage, you’ll be immersed in its beauty and splendor. But don’t forget that this virtual Garden of Eden also comes with wildlife at every turn.

Captures the Exhilarating Avatar Film

To experience Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney World is to be as close as you can possibly get to actually being in the Avatar film. You’ll truly feel as if you’re riding on the back of a real winged banshee as you soar through the gorgeous setting of Pandora. Every detail helps to capture the exhilarating feeling that you had while sitting in the theater and watching the world and story unfold before your very eyes. "

We also enjoyed the jungle excursion and I hadn't been on the Matterhorn forever and it was a blast as well. At one point it goes backward.....that was a huge shock but added a big WOW factor.

Randy and I took a day and kayaked with the Manatees at Crystal River.

It was a most enjoyable afternoon and fun to see we could still do it after a few years. It was ok getting in but the guy had to almost pick me up to get me out.

And as true to most of our trips to Florida, we find a lot of really good eating places, some our favorites from the past and some new ones.......

The worst of all, I must confess is that there was a Krispy Kreme on our way back to the hotel that we passed (but we didn't) several times a day. I lined the 3 boxes that we devoured in the week we were there and I'm not proud of it but it was so fun to not deprive ourselves of such an indulgence but I'm paying for it now in that I have to shed those pounds. I don't mind being fat, but the excess poundage that I put on my body last week just has to go as I'm at my "all-time" high. It's hard enough knocking on the door of  age 70 but I hate even being near the door of 190 if you know what I mean. I'll let you know how it goes. 

I gained a new appreciation for these wonderful goodies that were hot off the machine every time but you could nuke them for 10 seconds the next day and they were just as good. Oh, I want one now.

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It's always good to get home but we had left this little number in Joyce's garage and I hadn't had a chance to drive it so I was anxious......to say the least. Why?.....you may ask as I do but I don't question Randy when he wants to do something crazy (well most of the time I don't) but I guess this is our mid-life.....I mean end-of-life crisis.

It sure will be fun in the spring. Want a ride?

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It was time for Dixie's Got Talent and Scott made the finals for his second time and we all enjoyed his performance last Thursday.

He is amazing and did a great job. Traci said there was a technical difficulty in the middle of the performance but I didn't notice and if there really was, he sure covered up well. He seems to love performing and I can tell you for sure.....when he's up there, he owns that stage. 

....and when he's done, I sure do own him.....proud to call him my grand son. This kid has a bright future as he is just as good on the piano. Well, that's it for January so far. Another two weeks....time sure flies when you're having fun and I AM HAVING FUN. Let me leave you with an Irish Blessing for this new year......

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Out with the old.....

....and now it's 2020 here on out but before I start the new year, let me finish off a bit of 2019 which ended with a bang. I'll start with the last thing we did as it is one of my favorites....(I think this was the 5th year) and I always breath a sigh of relief when it's over and no one is hurt. Spencer told his co-workers yesterday that he was headed up to the Veyo Roller Rink after work and one of them asked if he was up to date with his Tetanus shot.......funny but a bit true. It's pretty run down and I'm sure the floor hasn't been re-done in the five years and.....we decided they need to provide some new shoelaces.......plenty of skates but no laces.  Maybe we can do that as  service project this year....I'll think about it but I think because it is so laid back, no one watching over us that we love it so much.

 We have pizza and left over treats from Christmas and......a whole lot of fun. Can't skate, ride a scooter.

Everyone heads home to celebrate the New Year. We did miss Mason's family this year but they were here the week before and Kyle called us all together for a "Cake Night" which we all love.

I take every opportunity I can to party and pic with these 20 wonders.....missing George but he's in our hearts.

Christmas Eve found me with my family enjoying another family tradition. Joyce joined us this year as Jarrett was out of town. The kids got their usual dollar bills and hats that light up. I got to watch Lauri's family open their Christmas jammies then we headed out to Joyce's where Randy and I joined her for a sleep-over and Christmas morning. So fun to be with my sister after 50 plus years,

We enjoyed opening presents to and from each other.....Joyce and I especially enjoying our reading lights and Randy his "carry and conceal" hammer set. Then we headed to Lauri's for Christmas Dinner.  It was a good celebration and so, so, so, important to be with family

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Speaking of family, Spencer and Shana and fam came to play in the snow. Spencer chalks it up as being a good dad as he sleeps by the fire and they play outside. Whatever it takes, I love having them come up. They always find something interesting. Check out the hunt for ice crystals.

 Wow, I think he broke the record.......

 Drew and Seth still trying......

Out my window a couple of days ago.....

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We slipped away to Salt Lake for a couple of days and were able to get our teeth cleaned and checked by Mason. We stayed at the Kimball one night then at Little America which is always fun.....we love both places. We were able to see Kaila, Tessa and fam, and Megan and fam. We enjoyed a very cold visit to Zoo Lights.

 One of my favorite parts of the trip was contributing to the Giving Machine. I thought we were pretty cheap.

....but someone somewhere will enjoy the chickens we sent them. What an amazing invention.

While at the JSM Building I found an old friend from our school days in Pullman. Margaret and I did the church scrapbook for a couple of years and really had a great time. I use several of her recipes to this day. Such a long time ago but it's always fun to get caught up.

....but my really favorite part of the trip was seeing Mason and his family.

 I always miss them at our Christmas Eve parties but I was able to give the kids my grandma present and visit with them for a bit.

 It's been a wonderful holiday season and a wonderful year.......

Me by a fire........here I am at Little America enjoying the memories of past times there. Our family's favor Christmas vacation spot, always good memories. Before I close out this portion of my blog book, let me add a few random pics that I'd like to post.

Pine Valley communities has really fun parties and we try to attend them when possible.  This was an especially fun one at the fire station. Always good food and good association with our neighbors and friends.

Looking forward to the new year watching Scott at Dixie's Got Talent, a fun book by Lyman Hafen and Ester West that I have enjoyed giving as gifts, Molly and Lucy in a fashion show at Jubilee of Trees, Randy enjoying the beautiful early winter weather, Spencer in my favorite shirt.....me in Texas admiring the flora....and I never give Randy enough credit for the wonderful person he is in my life. We have had a really great 7 plus years together. I've been crocheting a lot; here's a hat and my teddy bears: I made one for each of the kids on their birthdays. I'm sure I've already included some of them on other posts but it really "sparked joy" for me to make each one of them with love with the person I love in mind as I stitched them. I will close this year for now and enter 2020 with a few goals in mind that I will mention in tomorrows post. I'm so very grateful for my many, many blessings and I will continue to talk about them in future posts. Welcome with open arms......

2020

MERRY CHRISTMAS......

......from Randy and Jillyn. Our hearts are so full of gratitude that we can be here in Pine Valley together enjoying this season and thinking of all of our friends and loved ones that we would like to visit with but know we can't. I appreciate all the cards we've received and admire those that take the time and effort to do cards. I gave up a while ago but it really isn't because I don't like it, I do. It's one of my favorite parts of Christmas, staying in touch with friends past and present and family. No excuses here, I just didn't do it this year so here is our Christmas card and holiday wishes for you and your family.

"Love so easily understands, 

What you can see is the smallest part.

You don't need Christmas in your hands,

When you have Christmas in your hearts".

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One of our favorite family traditions is our Gingerbread House Contest hosted by JoEllen each year. She and her family make all the houses, sometimes up to 20 and not just graham crackers, real gingerbread and we gather and decorate. I love watching the kids' creativity and personalities come out in these works of art and I especially love the family togetherness and fun we have. JoEllen, in the words of my mother......."bless your heart". 

"May your days be merry and bright......."