Monday's Hero

Today's heroine is Erin Spencer. This sweet young sister has been in our ward about a year. She and her husband Peter have a one year old son, Sam. Peter is attending law school at Roger Williams. Erin went on her mission to Holland, Peter went to South Africa. They adopted Sam because they cannot have children of their own. They just applied through Church Social Services for their next one. This couple is kind and giving. They will do anything for anyone. They truly understand Christlike love. They know their Church responsibilities and they follow through, every time. They are the kind of young people that every parent hopes their children grows up to be. This was an easy choice for today.

Tuesday Book Review

I haven't done a book review in weeks. While I have been here at Carianne's I read "Before Midnight", a book Pamela left. It was wonderful. I loved this re-telling of the Cinderella story. I highly recommend it. It did take me a while to get into it but once I was in, I was sold.

I won't be blogging for a while. See you July 1.

Monday's Hero

Dottie White is my heroine today. She is an amazing woman for those of us that know her. Her husband, Ted, passed away about a year ago. For almost the year before Dottie was not at Church and had asked to be released from all of her callings because Ted needed her. He was dying of cancer and Dottie felt she should be there. She promised she would be back to Church as soon as Ted passed on. I must admit that I have heard that said by older sisters in the Church before but once they get out of the habit of going to Church, they somehow never come back. As much as I loved Dottie, I was afraid we were not going to see much of her again. I am glad to say I was WRONG! The week Ted died, Dottie was back and except for really bad snow storms and illnesses she has been to church every week. She teaches in Relief Societ and gives amazing lessons. She is such a kind, caring and loving woman. She is truly more concerned about others than she is herself. If there was someone that epitomized the Relief Society sister, Dottie White would be it. She is my heroine for today.

Today at Church in Kerrville

We attended Church at our old Ward in Kerrville. 23 1/2 years ago we moved here. It has been a wonderful home and we still feel at home here. We got a big hug from Rodger and Lucille Bonnet, Vicki Barron, Mike Symms, The Moore family and Sibyl Sutherland (she is 95 and knows Jesus loves her). What was really fun today was that Ty, Lauren and Katie were all visiting Chuck and Mary Lynn Hopkins. We were able to see their sweet children and visit with them. That was a fun treat.

The special point to the day was visiting Lucille and Harold Mueller. Harold is bad. Dialysis is the only thing that is keeping him alive. Even to use the facilities, he needs help. Lucille had a stroke a year ago and broke her hip. Her right side is paralyzed. They both cried when we left. More than ever I think this is where we will eventually retire. Utah would be nice but this is where we would be needed. The temple is an hour away and the ward needs us to help them along. On Friday the Kerrville Ward is having a Crock pot Potluck with a talent show. They were hoping that Clyde and I were going to be here for it. It would have been fun.

Clyde has spent the afternoon playing WII with the grandsons. They are very impressed. I am very impressed with Noah's wild style and great results. I can see why when he actually bowled it wasn't very successful.

The Rockbox

Today we had another fun filled day. We went and bought Father's Day presents and birthday presents for Nathanael (more about those tomorrow). This evening we went to the Rockbox in Fredericksburg, Texas. It was a show very similar to what we used to watch at Fiesta Texas when it was all about the variety shows. There was CCR music, a tribute to Bette Midler (she sang 'The Rose' and it almost brought you to tears). They did ZZTop, some old Hank Williams music and so much more. My Favorites were, Paul McCartney's 'Blackbird', Better Middler's 'Rose' and at the end they did a tribute to our Veterans, First Responders and those that are currently serving in the military, especially in the war zones. Everyone that had a family member in the Armed Services was to get a candle for this. I bawled like a baby because of the way they did it and because of Brandon. It made you proud. To make it even better (or worse) they sang 'I'm Proud to Be An American' which is one of the songs we always ended our VOCAL EXCHANGE programs with during the summer. That made it a double whammy. Needless to say it made for an enjoyable evening and very proud to be a Texan at heart.

As I was driving around Kerrvilled today, I realized how comfortable I feel here. This still feels like home. I ran into Chuck and MaryLynn Hopkins at Walmart and it was like we ran into each other every other weekend. I know where things are, it is still pretty much the same. It is really kind of fun to be that at home somewhere. Yes, I am at home in Ephraim, but Ephraim is so much smaller than Kerrville. To be this at home in a place this size it quite interesting. After today, I am wondering if this is where we should retire. Since that is years and years from now, I am not even sure why I am fretting about it. But the ward would need us, the temple could us and the climate is pleasant. What more could you want. Plus I would at least be by my Pfiester family.

Quick Update

Last night we had a birthday party for Jodi Carpenter. My sister, Marianne Dittmar and her daughter Julianna came to spend the night on their way back to Utah. It was a really fun evening. Jodi's birthday party was fun (her family and friends are really fun) and my sister and niece and I had a great time catching up. Noah was smitten with Julianna. No one had been served any strawberry shortcake but Noah comes with a huge piece of angel food cake, with whipped cream and strawberries for Julianna. Out of the blue he brought her glasses of water and lime sherbet/Sprite Ice cream sodas. He catered to her every whim, even bringing her things she didn't know she wanted and would occasionally come and sit on her lap and just cuddle. It was so much fun to watch. We had a wonderful evening and fun visit this morning before they finally took off.

This afternoon we went for a swim at Carl's mother's home and went to have Mexican food at Acapulco (I am so full still I am uncomfortable but IT WAS SO GOOD!). We are having a wonderful time and so glad to be here.

My Grandson Noah

My grandson Noah does not walk. He leaps, he runs, he jumps - he flys, but I have yet to see him walk. Where there are steps, he has to see how many he can jump down. His parents just put a staircase to the next level. We brought the boys 'parachute men' to drop from the balcony. Every time Noah goes up those stairs he wants to jump from a higher one to the floor. His father stops him EVERY time and tells him not more than three. I hadn't really thought about it until yesterday when Noah said, "Wouldn't it be cool to jump from here to the couch!" to their friend Sam. I am not sure their parents heard but last night Carl said to Carianne, "I dread the day one of them decides to jump (or accidentally fall) from that balcony 14 feet to the Living Room." Let's hope it doesn't happen.

The other thing about Noah is that he does not get impatient or flustered. For a 4-year-old that is an amazing quality. He was playing Star Wars Lego WII yesterday and people were walking, sitting amd standing in front of his sight range. He would just move and keep on going. Most little guys would get frustrated and even throw a fit. Not Noah, you didn't even know he was still playing , except the TV was on - by the way he was acting and for the intense look on his face. I find that amazing. But then we have pretty amazing grandchildren

Last night after the kids were supposed to be in bed, Noah came bouncing out announcing that he had to kiss everyone. He already had but his mother said he could again. I am not sure he is 100% human. But I know there are not any kangaroos around here. Maybe he is part jack rabbit. No wonder people and peers enjoy being around him when he 'bounces' through life not only physically but mentally too.

Travel Update

I forgot to mention that when we were flying from Providence to Philadelphia, we had the mayor of Philadelphia on the plane with us. We knew this because the girl that was sitting in the row with just gushed over the fact. Then she had to call all of her friends and tell them. Her conversation went something like this, "Yes, he stood in line buying coffee and a sandwich just like a normal person!" Now what or how she expected the mayor to act, I do not know. Maybe she thought he was some alient that had swept in from outerspace and taken over or something. Clyde and I were baffled. I do have to say that I was impressed that the mayor was flying Southwest. That in my book was pretty cool. (There had been a mayors conference in Providence).

Yesterday we had breakfast at Cracker Barrel with the Pfiester's, went and saw UP with the grandkids and Carl and spent the evenig with the Carpenter's. It was a great day.

My Day at the Airport

Today I am deviating a bit because I keep reading the same books. I have however sold my eight year old granddaughter on the Kindle. This is not a good thing. Her parents are not happy.

Hair styles in the airport: As I was sitting in the terminals (in Providence and Philadelphia) I saw a rather large young woman (couldn't have been out of her teens though she was married) wearing a very large beehive. Are they back in style? Her mother and grandmother were wearing very well taken care of mullets so the family just may have not moved beyond the 20th century.

Cellphone rings. Becky Workman will like this one. I heard "Mom, Mom, pick up, I need to talk!" It startled the poor mother so badly she didn't know what to do. Apparently her son had changed her ring without her knowing it to his yelling at her and then had set it very loudly. She was very embarrassed. Another cellphone went off and sounded like a siren on an emergency vehicle. That mother quickly reached down and flipped her phone open and closed and then looked to see who it was, smiled and then called back. That was a Mother (I am assuming) used to practical jokes.

When we landed in San Antonio, I was thinking how sad it was that there would be no Dittmar's waiting for us at the bottom of the escalator. I was actually blinking back tears when I looked and saw Marianne and Julianna standing there! I was speechless! Marianne, Julianna and Christina had come to San Antonio to visit Christina's friends that are graduating. Obviously you get what you wish for!

On a sad note. Just a little while after we arrived, one of Carianne's friends was taken off of life support after a motorcycle accident the day before. She was declared dead, so Carianne and Carl had to deal with that. It is quite a blow to their church community. I am very grateful we are here to help.

Hopefully I will blog consistently but we will see what this trip brings.

Monday's Hero

Carol Berriochoa is my heroine today. I wish everyone could know this amazing woman. She is currently helping to raise two of her great-grandsons. Her granddaughter lives with her. Carol has wanted to be a part of our Church for over 30 years - even though she as only been a member less than 5. She didn't know how to become a member. But because she always had such nice things to say about 'Mormon's' her son joined. He lives in Texas.

Carol has many health problems and has had quite a few set backs the last few years. Because of her health, she has had to make some hard decisions but she looks at life and death with joy and optimism. She is an amazing example. I love her dearly.

Monday

Monday

Things that Make Me Happy #8

My husband has made me happy for over 38 years. We met in December of 1971 and have been together as an engaged couple or married ever since. He has been a good husband, father and now a wonderful grandfather. He is a wonderful priesthood holder and I marvel as he leads and guides the ward members as bishop how well he does. I admire how he can speak with and love so many people. He is showing me more and more Christlike attributes daily and for that I am grateful.

Picture #1 is Clyde holding Dutch on his shoulders in March of 2009.

Picture #2 is Clyde holding Dutch Davis in March of 2009.

Things that make me happy #7

Sunny Days make me happy. Out of the last 41 days - 30 of them have been cloudy and below normal in temperature here. I am a Texas girl and love warm sunny days. I look forward to basking in the warmth soon!

Book Review Tuesday and Happy Day #6

What makes me happy today is books and my Kindle. I love to read! Give me something to read and I am usually quite content. Give me a mystery and I will not put it down until I have found out the end. I even dream about my books so happy day #6 is Books and reading for me.

My book review today is a book that I downloaded for free. I was looking for books from the turn of the century on Gutenberg (one of my 'free' websites) and this popped up when I typed in children's fantasy. I assumed that we were talking about the turn of the 20th century not the turn of the 21st century. It reads somewhat like an early 20th century book but I got into very quickly - my first clue it was a modern book. I went to download the next book in Naomi Novik's series and suddenly we were paying more than full price! So I went to the library for the next two books. I highly recommend "His Majesty's Dragon" It is beautifully written about a very intelligent dragon that is flown and taken care of by a former naval captain. This all takes place during the Napoleonic Wars in Europe. It was a fun break for me from my 'Cat Who.." mysteries that I am still reading and "The Scarlet Pimpernel" books that I am still reading. (when authors have 15-25 books to their credit - it takes a while to get through the books, especially when you read things in between. You have to break up these books because the plots are starting to run together).

Another thing that makes me ecstatic today is that I am 14 1/2 inches smaller than one month ago and 3 1/2 pounds lighter than last week. I am astonished about the weight loss because we had a breakfast for the Faith in God for Girls (Thank you for the Yummy Crockpot Breakfast Casserole 'Davis/Morgan Family!); a Barbecue for the Seminary Students (with Bubba's Texas shaped hamburgers - delicious!) and a huge luncheon for the military students Sunday - with lots of leftovers of the wrong type. I was able to get rid of most of them. I had made Blondies and Wheaten Road Cake for the Seminary Dinner and they kept coming home (for those of you that don't know what Wheaten Road Caket is - it is brownies, with marshmallows melted onto the brownies and lightly toasted under the broiler and then frosted with very chocolate frosting. YUMMY!) How I dodged not eating my most favorite desserts, doughnuts or a dozen other things this weekend is a miracle. Thank Heaven other things needed my attention more than hovering around the food table.

Monday's Heroes

This is also day #5 of what makes me happy. This family makes me happy as well as being my heroes. They are the Bremers. I have pictures of Hans and Hero but none of Celeste and Caleb! Oh well. This family is very special to me. Their children are some of my 'surrogate' grandchildren at church. We are close to Hans and Celeste and have been since they arrived. We love them very much. We are now praying that Hans finds a job as an international lawyer. We are sure the Lord has something for him - we are just waiting to see what it is. They are a very optimistic and upbeat family. No matter what the circumstances - there is always a silver lining. The Bremer's have taught me to look at the bright side no matter what. This is why they are my heroes.

Picture #1 - Hero Bremer - age1

Picture #2 - father and daughter - Hans and Hero

Happiness #4

I am happy to be a member of the Newport ward. I am NOT grateful for the summer exodus that happens every year - especially when families I am especially close to have to leave a year early.

Picture #1 - Trisha Freel, the back of Kaitlin Freel (our miracle baby!) and Erin Spencer

Picture #2 - Rich Brownell in the foreground, Clyde right behind him - to the far left is Cody Mello - one of the youth we are very close too (who fortunately will be here until he either goes to college or leaves on his mission!).

Happy Day #3

Going to see the movie "UP" with my husband. Great movie, great company, great time!

Things that make me Happy #2

Today my grandchildren make me happy! I have 9 of the most beautiful grandchildren in the world. I am very blessed.

Picture #1 - Nordells - Brandon, Heather - Bella 6 and Evie 22 months

Picture 2 {most recent picture} Carlye 8, Dutch 11 months, Nathanael 7 and Noah 4 {Dutch usually laughs like that}

Picture 3 Bahlmann Family - Andy and Heidi, Marcus 7, Anneke 4, Luke 1

Picture 4 Marcus 7, Anneke 4, Luke 1

Things that make me happy #1

Heidi tagged me to write 8 days of happy things. I am not going to tag anyone because I think happy things should be voluntary (besides she tagged everyone I would have!).

Ever since I was a little girl - I couldn't wait to be a mother. When people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would reply, a mother. I soon realized however that this was not a response that people thought was proper. I was always chided and told, "Oh, you want to be something besides that!" But no, I never did. I wanted to have babies and take care of them. When I married my husband, I told him I wanted 7 children, 4 sons and 3 daughters. Why that number or that equation I will never know but that is what I said and what I wanted. I insisted that I wanted a son first. Heavenly Father had other ideas (and a funny sense of humor!). We ended up with 4 beautiful daughters that sent us through every emotion we could possibly imagine but who I would not trade for all the world. What do I want to want to be when I grow up? Now I want to be a grandmother to the children of our 4 beautiful daughters.

[The pictures above are: The preview picture (which Heidi hates but I love because it is all of our daughters together 2 1/2 years ago in Las Vegas; More recent pictures: #1 - Pam and Carianne, #2 Heather's 'pin-up shot for her husband in Afghanistan #3 - Heidi's Mother's Day picture (I have a better one of her tomorrow) and #4 the picture of the 4 girls that is one of my favorites from when they were little. Cariannne was 6, Heather was 4, Heidi was 3 and Pam was 10 1/2 months.]

Tuesday's Book Review

I went back to old standbys this week: Maggie Sefton and Joanne Fluke. I started with book 1 that they wrote and have been working to their more current works. I am still reading Lilian Jackson Braun's "Cat who..." books and Baroness Orczy's "Scarlet Pimpernel" books so I have been reading non-stop.

I love Joanne Fluke's mysteries. First of all she writes a delightful mystery and secondly she always includes a group of recipes within her books. There are several in this group that I have written down to try.

Maggie Sefton writes books centered around a knitting store. Her books always include a knitting pattern and a recipe. That is a bonus as well as a fun mystery. These are both what I call 'fluffy mysteries' because they are not intense dramas like "Pelican Brief'" but just fun reads. I love Carolyn Hart mysteries and she is the one that started me reading these mysteries in the first place. I was sad to read that she is not embracing the 'eletronic book' genre and refuses to have her books published on Kindle or the the other electronic books. Probably because her books center around a 'bookstore' and it is true - a Kindle is not good for a bookstores business.

I never know from week to week what I will read. I did try to read "Roots" by Alex Haley again. I had read it before (it took me forever when it first came out). We are supposed to be reading it for out bookgroup. I must admit I am glad I won't be here for bookgroup this month because I just could not get into again. I guess because there were so many lawsuits against Haley after he wrote it and then it was proven that he made up most of the early part - so what is to say he didn't fabricate all of the book? It is in the biographical section and has always been represented as a history of his family but he has never been able to document any of it. Genealogists are much more sticky about that now than they were 30 years ago. Some say it can't be documented but one group did do a family group sheet on Alex Haley - this was not his family. I have a hard time reading a lie. Reprint it as a fictitious novel (which I thought it had been) and maybe I will handle it better. Reading it as a biography - I cannot do.

Monday's Heroines

I am lucky to have 4 of the greatest nieces in the world. They are like my daughters. Annemarie, Julianna, Sara and Christina have been an extension of my family from the day they were born. We were very lucky to live within an hour of them for most of their growing up years and they will always be my heroes.

Annemarie and Julianna served faithful and honorable missions for the our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Annemarie is currently working in the laundry of the Salt Lake Temple and Julianna just last week got home from her mission. We will let her rest a minute before she jumps into the fray. Sara is married to a wonderful man (so I have heard from everyone who has met him though I have not had the pleasure yet) and is working in a daycare. Sara and Dallin are a great couple and someday will be great parents - I am sure of it. Christina is out of High School and last I heard thinking of going to Snow College. All of my nieces are gifted musicians, wonderful with children and very personable. Their parents have done a beautiful job in raising them. I am proud to claim these young women as mine!