Going to the Temple

A happier time I can't remember. Summer and Jamie were able to go to the Arizona Temple on September 10th to be sealed together, and then have Taylor, Jordyn and Rylee sealed to them for eternity. I can't even write about it without tears of joy running down my face. Such a special day for our family. All our family that could come did, and they had a lot of support from their ward family as well. Grumpy and I went about a week early so we could spend some time in AZ, and I was able to make Summer's temple dress as well as her after the temple dress. Both turned out well, and it made me happy to see the smile on her face. I hope they can always remember the feelings they had in that sealing room, surrounded by people who love them. I've heard the saying "No empty chairs" speaking from an eternal perspective. We are a few chairs closer to that in our family now.





Jade was on hand to beautify. She did a great job on Summer's hair (complete with feathers) for the occasion.




And the kiss for Dad. I love these kind of pics. Precious memories.



Such a wonderful event to go home for.

Ten Days at the Goodwins

I spent some time at the Goodwins while Taya and Kevin took advantage of a free cruise Kevin won from his company. Well, there were some good times, and then some not so good times. I went shopping in Arizona before the trip to buy some Halloween fabrics to make pillowcases for the kids beds. I found some really cute stuff and even some ribbons to doll (dude) them up a little. I figured I would start them on a Tuesday, so all the kids would be in school. Emmy's is only 3 hrs. long, but hey, I'll take 3 hrs of kid free time anytime! Taya and Kevin left about noon on Saturday and all was well until Monday afternoon. Emmy doesn't go to school on Monday and Daron, Madison and Lauren are all home by about 1:30. We were all just doin' our things when I hear a commotion on the stairs. Did not sound good. After all the months and months of two story house stair climbing, Emmy mis-stepped (or something) and came tumbling down about 12 stairs. At first all seemed okay after the initial tears were over. Then I noticed she was sort of holding her right arm funny. After watching her for a while, I decided she needed to have it looked at, so I get out the medical info Taya left me and Madison and I took off with Emmy. The first place was an Urgent Care, but they couldn't X_Ray (they never can), so we ended up at the E.R. Small town, small ER. That was good. They weren't busy, so it only took 3 hours instead of 6. After all the drama there, it was determined she had fractured a small bone in her hand, just below her little finger. They put a splint on it, and a sling (that lasted about until we got to the car), and we went home. Not exactly the best photo to be sending to the parental units via text messaging. The caption Daron sent with the photo said "please check your email". We got an email the next day responding to the one I sent with the diagnosis and treatment info. I really hate it when kids get hurt.



On a happier note, the kids pillowcases turned out great. I went online for a tutorial on a tricky way to put them together so all the seams on the cuff, or hem of the case are inside. It was fun to get them done and on their beds.





I saw a cute table runner while shopping with Taya the day before they left, so decided to try and get one done for her dining room table. I haven't done anything very craftsy for a long time, so it was fun. Kaitlin and Maddie helped out with some yo-yo's (they are supposed to look like grapes) that we added. It was lots of fun to do something seasonal. I so love the holidays.



Now the pressure in on to get pillowcases done for the rest of the grands.

I even had time to get Taya and Kevin's China Hutch loaded for them while I was there. Grumpy and I got our Christmas shopping done in July this year, so I was able to take Taya's to her when Papa and I took her and Maddie home from AZ in August. Yep, craigslist was my store of choice for the kid's presents this year. I tried to pick things they would not buy for themsleves, so Taya and Kevin ended up with a china hutch to put her pretty things in. I wish I had bought one long ago.



It's on the small side, but I figure someday they can buy a big, really nice one and this one can be used more like a curio. Fun times in California. Wheee Haaaaw! I'm still recovering as I write this. I'm old.