Sam's Blessing Day

It is obvious to everyone that I really don't get this "blogging thing". I had to post 2 different times to get 9 of the pictures in that I took while on my trip. Nothing is ever in the order I plan it to be but I just do the best I can and hope the few people who visit my blog once in a while will understand that I am "technologically challenged". This family picture was taken on our way to church on Sam's special blessing day. Paul gave him a beautiful blessing and I felt so blessed to be there. I was glad that Gary insisted I make the trip in spite of his serious health issues. Zachary, Rachel and even Emily sang all the verses to the new primary song they have learned this year for the Primary program coming up. The entire congregation was amazed that they were able to memorize every word and sing so clearly and beautifully! It was a real treat for nana! Aunt Renie and Uncle Randy made it for the blessing then hurried off to fulfill responsibilities in their own ward. Uncle Kent was able to attend the meeting and the nice luncheon afterward although Aleta was unable to get away from her ward duties. Of course Grandma and Grandpa Sumner drove down from Logan to add their love and support.

Paul had the day off Thurs. so he drove us all to temple square where I was able to meet up with the Mohlmans and then to the Salt Lake City Cemetary where they drove right to Pres. Hinckley's gravesite. We had a good time walking through the old pioneer graves too.

The Boltons are related to the pioneer who built and lived in this cabin which now sits between the Family History Library and the Museum right across the street from Temple Square.

I thoroughly enjoyed the dry air, the time with family including: A barbeque at Renie and Randy's home with their children (delicious food! great company!) ; a visit with Gary's folks in Jerome because my parents were willing to drive me to Boise to see Ariann and family; time to visit with my parents while we traveled and time to help Aubrey with a few projects around the house, allowing her time to get a bit caught up on her photography business. She has her hands so full I don't know how she does it but she does! It was good to be able to see where the Wheelers have landed in Idaho so that I can now picture their surroundings when we talk on the phone. Poor Ariann is absolutely miserable with a case of the hives that I didn't know was possible. Every bit of her body is covered---including the bottoms of her feet! Please keep her in your prayers as doctors are finally realizing how serious her condition is and running tests to find out what is going on! Gary is going back to the Mayo Clinic on the 2nd of September for another surgical procedure----another broncoscopy and then another surgery after that to remove a gland that they say is larger than it should be. We are prayerful and hopeful that the broncoscopy will not turn up any more problems. They are going to scrub down his lungs again to make sure nothing has been missed. Life continues to be "interesting" and we continue to ask for your prayers and positive thoughts. Love you all!

My Too Short Trip to Utah/Idaho

These pictures are not in chronological order so I will type captions then tell about my trip at the end. This is a picture of our dear friends from Mesa, John and Jeanette Mohlman who are serving a mission on temple square. It was such a thrill to see them after 5 years. As we shared memories and a short visit together it was as if 5 years had not come and gone since I was able to enjoy their loving and kind spirits.

Ariann's adorable living room in their Idaho home. Her "stuff" works beautifully in the house.

Not a good picture of the kitchen but it is very nice.

Another view of the living room. Travis won the big screen tv in a raffle at work right after they got to Idaho.

Just before grandma and grandpa Sumner and I headed back to Utah we had the kids show us one of their favorite swimming holes. It looked like a blast. Even has a rope swing over the water!

Here's the Latest

Just a couple of shots from our ward Pioneer Day celebration. It was very laid back this year. We invited families to bring a picnic dinner and the ward supplied the drinks. While they ate I shared a few pioneer stories then everyone went outside to play softball with the old rag ball's I made. This year I let them use a real bat instead of a tree branch. They appreciated that. All seemed to have a lot of fun. The adults were very good to include children who wanted to play and all 4 missionaries really got into it as well. After the game we went inside to have popcorn and to watch "Legacy". We had planned to watch the new movie, "Emma" but Bishop pointed out that it said on the cover for home use only and he wasn't comfortable with our showing it at the church so the only other option was that oldie but goodie "Legacy".

Last week we spent 4 days at the Mayo clinic in Jacksonville Florida trying to find out what's wrong with Gary. He now has 4 doctors working on his mysterious case. They did another CT scan, blood tests/ urine tests and pulmonology tests. We should have some results some time this week. I'm getting ready to leave for Salt Lake in the morning. I want to postpone my trip until Gary is doing better but because he has had 5 pretty good days in a row, he's insisting I go as planned. I am anxious to hold that new baby and to see all of the kids and family but it will be difficult worrying about Gary from so far away. I am supposed to fly home on the 21st but I will just take it one day at a time. Bryce has agreed to spend the nights here and a number of neighbors are on stand by during the day if Gary has any trouble. This will truly be a test of my faith. Gary booked this flight for me before he started having his serious attacks that cause him to pass out. I will have to nag him via cell phone to take his medicine and to use his c-pap machine at night. I think he is looking forward to having me gone but little does he know I can nag from afar! I'll take pictures in Salt Lake.