Provo River Falls

How could we live in Utah for over 14 years and NEVER know about Provo River Falls? I only happened to find out about it because a friend at Ballerina Farm, posted about it!

So the very next day we went on a little explore up through Heber Valley to find it. The falls DID NOT disappoint! The winter snow run-off is wonderful! Such a rich blessing to this parched desert land!

I grew up in a little valley in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California so getting *back to nature* always feeds my soul!

We hiked around a little from the top of the falls (above) all the way down to this log *barracade* (you shouldn't go around that!)

But it is easy to see from down here (notice that the city mouse is still at the top) that there is also a *hand rail* one may use to get down to the bottom... although that is not how I went. I used nature's natural stairs down the face of the rocks AWAY from the water (raging river of death! sharp rocks at the bottom? bring it on!)

The minute I got down to the bottom and past this monolith, a distant relation to Stonehenge (see side view above)...

Instead of being this...

I was instantly this...

ANN, JOANIE, ELSIE, SUE

BURNEY FALLS CALIFORNIA

1957

The mist coming off the falls brought tears to my eyes, and joy and thankfulness to my heart. I was instantly revitalized and this darling little 5-year old ballerina again.

Gordon is always so patient with me when I am getting my nature (or photographic or potty or whatever) fix.  I so appreciate that about him!

I took my shoes off and put my toesies in the freezing water that instantly is TOO COLD!

And after a respectable (and respectful) amount of time, I bid farewell to this new *best friend*!

And, we will be back...

Happy Birthday Miss Fiona!

Somehow I've ended up with the wonderful job of Chief-birthday-cake-baker for some of my grandchildren. I love this job! The Mamas and, now with input from the birthday child herself, find a cake they want Grammie to duplicate.

For some wonderful, unknown reason I have been blessed with being a pretty good copy artist. I am so grateful for the many talents the Lord has blessed me with.

Camille and Fiona found the wonderful PURPLE party cake. The original had multicolored sprinkles that we couldn't find locally, but Camille and the Bitties went out Friday night and found a good substitute at Zonkos (aka Zurchers)! Sixlets.

Behold Miss Fiona's special PURPLE birthday cake.

This Bitty-girl was so thrilled when she found her wonderful cake, hiding under Grammie's make-shift cake carrier! (This is my great-aunt Esther's cake pedestal and it doesn't fit in my regular cake carrier so I yoinked a big plastic bucket I keep my Victorio strainer in. It is just right for a Miss Fiona to fit in, too!!)

We gathered in their backyard on this delightful late summer afternoon! Precious Sophie (and Jessica) brought Fiona this ballet costume. It was the PERFECT party dress for this wonderful girl.

Singing...

Inhale...

Blow...

Cut...

Dig in...

And the special ombre layers inside. (this is the same recipe that Bekah made for me on my birthday- Whipped Cream Cake)

This, THIS is a very happy and blessed Grammie...

Park Day

I LOVE taking *my* Bitties to the park! When their Mama was their age I took her and her sibs to the park so I've done lots of parks over the years.

Orem has a brand new park that is OVER THE TOP!  It is the All-Together Playground. It is 1.5 miles from their house so an easy walk for this Grammie and the Bitties in their trolley (stroller). Today was DE-lightful! One of those rare 65º days that come around one-in-a-while in March. We made a quick stop at Target for bagels and Bunny milk and arrived mid afternoon.

I've never seen a nicer park! Let's start with the fact that it is completely fenced in... only one way in or out! Always happy news for this Grammie! There is this wonderful composite soft cushion under every thing.

The kids found so many things that I couldn't keep up with photos of all of them... plus trying to keep an eye on this busy girl! She climbed up, around and exited all by herself.

She is absolutely fearless! She took off her shoes and socks to get down with some serious climbing!

My favorite was when three boys, all older than her watched her climb, successfully to the top of this beehive, ALL BY HERSELF and said to one another that they didn't dare try.

This little pixie-princess has me absolutely smitten!

On our way home, at the corner by Target, Fiona looked at me and nicely asked for a shake! Well, how could I refuse? We trekked across the parking lot to the Wendy's and got baby-shakes and a small order of fries. Were they ever happy little children.

Liam is not one whit behind his sister. He took his first taste of his requested (yes, just 2 and requested!) vanilla shake, smacked his lips appreciatively and said, "Yummy!" with a smile guaranteed to melt any Grammie's heart.

And even though this Grammie walks EVERY DAY I, stupidly, wore the wrong shoes and had barking piggies by the time we got back to their house. I drew up a basin of warm Epsom salts foot bath and IMMEDIATELY had two little foot sore companions, who, incidentally, rode in the trolley the whole time!

Let's just say there is now a damp spot on the carpet right about there!

When Mommy got home from work I showed her the photos and commented that Fiona is fearless. Her response was, YES! You'd never see Liam riding on the canopy of the trolley!

Wait? What??

Well, 10 days ago on Tuesday-last, when the Bitties were at Grammie's house we went for a walk (we usually do) but Grammie's trolley has oddly gotten too small for these two Bitties. We tried several different configurations but nothing was working. Finally Grammie had a bright idea. Fiona could ride on the canopy. It was great sport riding the trolley horse. We made it safely all the way down the steep hill, got this photo and then...

YEAH, IT'S ALL FUN AND GAMES UNTIL 

SOMEONE GETS HURT! 

I changed speed too quickly and that DANG trolley horse bucked her right off, straight forward and onto her beautiful little face. Everything went into slow-mo as I watched her skid and somersault on the frozen asphalt! I quickly scooped her up, called 911-Grampy, and we both, Fiona and Grammie cried! 

This poor little lamb! I was just sick! We got her home, got an ice pack, called Mama and put Healer-Harley on the job! (Fiona says, I love Harley! He helps me feel better!)

This was that brave little face on day 3. We've both agreed that we will never do that again!

Fortunately, we know about Vitamin E and her little face looks almost better today. Only one small scab left on her forehead and new pink skin on her precious little nose. (see photos above)

I'm so grateful that these precious babies are so close and I get to be with them frequently. I'm so grateful that this little precious girl was not hurt badly!!

Scripture Power

This is one of those times when I know that I just have to sit down and write while it is fresh in my mind... now that the dust has settled.

Today was our Primary Sacrament meeting presentation. We worked for the first 8 1/2 months of the year towards this goal. As the 1st counselor in the Primary presidency it is my responsibility to *write* the script... but actually I just organize it... the children all write their own parts. We have monthly themes and during the year, as they give their talks in sharing time, I save their talks and that becomes their part in the Sacrament meeting presentation.

But the *meat and potatoes* of the presentation is ALWAYS the music. These wonderful songs will stay in their hearts for the rest of their lives, recalling the wonderful words of testimony.

The theme this year is *I Know the Scriptures are True*. We are given an outline from the General Primary, with a topic and song each month, but we are also given some discretion in adding songs. I knew that we needed to add *Scripture Power*. I love that song, mostly because it describes how the scriptures have blessed MY life.

I love the symbols of the *Sword of Truth* and the *Shield of Faith*. As I walked and sang last January I knew I NEEDED to get a *for real* sword of truth and shield of faith to use each time we sang the song. (they just so happen to sell them at Walmart! OK... I did add the lettering!)

A couple of weeks ago Brother Paul Bartholomew came and took photos of the children for our program cover. I then took the PDF file that I used to make the bulletin boards at the beginning of the year and cut and pasted all of the individual letters onto a digital ribbon to make tiny banners like we have in the primary room. (I spent one whole Sunday afternoon doing this)

The Junior Primary

The Senior Primary

Because I know the limitations of my little-girl-brain I always start early and have everything written and organized so that at the last minute I can just go on auto-pilot. I'm so grateful that I've learned how to deal with my learning/processing handicaps. I always make sure the children know that Primary is a safe place. We don't want anyone to feel stressed, anxious or uncomfortable. Each year we have children who struggle, just like little-Joanie used to, and I want them to know that I have their backs.

AND THE CHILDREN BLOOM AND SHINE

I'm so grateful to be with these wonderful children in Primary! They were wonderful, not only today, during the presentation, but during the two practices we had this last week. I'm blessed to work with wonderful sisters (and brothers) who love and teach these sweet spirits.

Traditionally Primary presidencies are call to serve for 3 years. Sadly, it was three years ago this week that we were called. Of course, nothing is set in stone but I am sad at the thought that I might not be with the children and that, likely, this was my last program.

I've set the bar high. I expect them to be reverent, to do their best and sing their hearts out... and you know what? They always do!

But here's the other thing... I will love to serve where ever the Lord needs me... because He's always right there with me.

The Best Move I've Ever Made!

For a girl who was born and raised in the same little house in Greenville, CA, I've sure moved around a lot; so I know a thing or two about moving! The sad part is that 17 of the 25 moves happened between 1970-80! (That pretty much sums up that decade of my life!)

Other than the first 17 years and 10 months I spent in my first home the longest I've lived at any address was 8 years and 10 months...

Until now!

We've lived here, on our little quarter acre of heaven for 10 years. As Gordon and I were driving to the Temple yesterday I mentioned to him something that has been rolling around in my little head but finally found its way out-

THIS IS THE BEST MOVE I'VE EVER MADE!

(PHOTO TAKEN MAY 2014)

Gordon asked why so I started counting off the blessings (name them one by one!)

• We are close to many of our children and grandchildren and get to interact with them on a frequent basis.
• We have a paid for home.
• We are able to serve in the Temple often.
• We have the privilege of being ordinance workers- which has brought greater meaning to the wonderful blessings administered there.
• We live in a wonderful neighborhood and community.
• We are surrounded by good people trying to do the right thing.
• We live in the mountains (a plus for this mountain-born girl).
• We live in an area with a lower cost of living.
• We have four seasons!

The list could go on and on. But I just wanted to share here, publicly, my great gratitude to my Heavenly Father who truly has "opened the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing that there is not room enough to receive."

THIS- This is What I'm Thankful For...

Our family tradition is to have our Thanksgiving Feast on the 3rd Sunday in November. This year it makes our Thanksgiving *very* early... but there was no complaining! In fact, there were groans of stuffed-satisfaction and compliments on this feast.

For me these types about of holidays are ALL ABOUT FAMILY! I would rather have all of my local family on ANY DAY rather than half of them or families that are stressed out about seeing everyone and eating numerous Thanksgiving dinners on the same day.

Camille and family came down early to help make our signature Orange Rolls! Oh my! These are so yummy- and my family has grown up eating them.

I told Camille, "Don't let me forget to get a family photo before everyone leaves!!

The only sad part about this photo is that some of our family is too far away to join us... maybe someday.

Big Girl

One of the perks of having Fiona near by is that I get to see her frequently! That makes a Grammie happy! Miss Fi turned 2 months lasterday; which means it was time to do a photo shoot. I'm grateful to be her personal photographer!

Camille and Fiona came over after church so I could take her photos. Even though I see her frequently I'm always amazed at how much she's grown.

Fiona had her 2 month check-up today. She's gained 3 pounds 11.5 ounces and grown 3 inches!

After photos we three girls went out and did some wonderful deck sitting in the mild November sunshine. Oh, I do love these warm November days! Every on is a gift!

Oh... and just for good measure- a photo of Miss Fiona and her Grammie last Friday.

Delicious Colors

I want to lick them!

While up in Provo/Orem today I noticed the beautiful colors on Squaw Peak so when I got home I asked Gordon if he'd like to go on a drive around the Alpine Loop via a side trip to Squaw Peak trail head. The colors were beautiful in spite of the Idaho wildfire's smoke!

TIMPANOGOS SEEN FROM THE SQUAW PEAK ROAD

I LOVE FALL!

It has become my favorite time of year. Not to mention the riot of color- the days are normally consistently warm with cool nights. It seems to be a very predictable season... none of the out-of-control-mood-swings that come with spring!

Gordon and I reveled in this beautiful, perfect, September day! We talked about the luscious colors and how we'd like to capture them... so he did!

We are toying with the idea of painting our front door (which badly needs it) in a wonderful Wasatch Front fall color.

Just look at the palette we have to choose from.

Apples... Must Be Fall

I realize that the calendar still thinks it's summer but in Springville fall is here! AND I love it. Elio told me it was 44 degrees this morning!

One sure indicators that fall REALLY is here are apples. I love apples... they are such a wonderful fruit. They are the hardy fruit... they store well and they don't spoil too quickly. The other thing is that the are easily redeemed.

What do I mean by that? If an apricot hits the ground, well, there's only one place for it to go and that is the trash. A peach? Maybe if you do it RIGHT NOW... but even a couple of hours and your windfall peach is a bruised mess ready for the trash. But apples... even if they have been birdy-pecked, dropped in the dirt, bounced on the lawn, invaded by insects or just generally deformed it is still useable and edible with a little bit of skillful trimming with a sharp paring knife.

BEHOLD THE BYU BUCKET!

I figured I've yammered on so many times about my *favorite BYU buckets* that they needed some press time. I love these handy plastic buckets with tight fitting lids...

BUT I digress...

I had a bucketful of windfall, birdy-pecked, dropped in the dirt, bounced on the lawn, invaded by insects or just generally deformed apples today (and 3 buckets of OK apples) that needed my attention. These are the little apples that just beg to be made into applesauce.

Applesauce and I go way back... 40 years ago this month I made my first foray into applesauce land.

First you trim out any bad spots (quite a few in today's batch), throw them in a big pot and cook until tender...

I used to use a Foley Food Mill but now I depend on my Vitorio Juicer/Strainer. I picked it up at a garage sale almost 30 years ago and it has served me well. It really is the simplest thing to use.

Pour the cooked apples into the hopper...

Crank the handle and the applesauce comes out the shoot...

And the core, peelings, seeds, etc. go out the end...

Six quarts of redeemed apples!

I couldn't help but reflect on the analogy of how we are redeemed. We are windfall, birdy-pecked, dropped in the dirt, bounced on the lawn, invaded by insects or just generally deformed *little-apples* but the Savior skillfully helps us trim out all of the bad spots and makes us useful in His kingdom.

Happy thought!

Spider Wars

Yesterday dawned with the smell of rain in the air! Ahh... I love that smell. I was so pleased, and GRATEFUL, when it started raining just a little while later! I threw open all the windows that I'd closed at 5:30 am and let in that wonderful, damp, cool air. Have I mentioned I love the rain? Especially in the summer?

Early afternoon we needed to take Ashton to her piano lessons up in American Fork so I started closing the ground floor window to a safe/locked position. That was when I spied this...

OK... I'm not a scaredy-cat where spiders or insects are concerned so I find this kind of stuff very interesting! I had no idea this kind of thing could happen in the spider kingdom...



Wouldn't all spiders be impervious to sticky webs? Or is it kind of like germs and antibodies, you are only good with your own germs?

The funny/interesting part is...

THE LITTLE SPIDER IS WHOOPIN' ON THE BIG SPIDER. I could see her/him wrapping up that big dude.



It's the kind of thing I would have stayed and watched if I hadn't just been walking out of the house.

So?? How did it end? I have to admit that I just stopped typing this post and went outside to see if I could determine the outcome!

Yep, that big dude is all curled up and desiccated in the corner of the web AND there are random spider leg in the web... kind of like a warning to any other marauding spiders-

PRIVATE PROPERTY-

Violators will be eaten!

MY Kind of Fireworks

Lasterday evening Harley and I took a little walk-a-bout. I have several favorite route that we take... and THIS-night I chose the right one!

This is what I was rewarded with after my fairly steep climb (it's good for me!)...



Isn't this just one of the most wonderful things you can see? AND to show just how wonderful this was... it was taken with my MPC aka iPhone! You know it's an awesome sight when even a low-end camera can capture this beauty!

My favorite part is the *God's light* coming through the clouds. Truly He has created a beautiful world for us to live in.

100,019

A little over five years ago my sister, Sue, infected me with the indexing virus! What is the indexing virus you may ask?

Family Search Indexing is a program that allows volunteers to view a digital image of vital public records, for example; the US 1940 Census, and create a digital INDEX of that record. Then those who are looking for their ancestors are able to search these indexes using their home computers and find their loved ones.

I was instantly hooked! (Hey, a habit that isn't expensive, although it is VERY addictive!) For years I've felt the need to participate in Family History work. I've yearned to be able to find my loved ones and the valuable pieces of information about them, but because of my dyslexia I am research-challenged! After looking at random bits of information for five minutes I feel like my head will explode!

Ahh, but I'm quite good at reading a digital image AND recording the information! That is something my dyslexical-brain can do!

It wasn't long before the fact that I was a wiz-kid in the *new* indexing program came to the attention of the Stake leaders and I was called as an assistant FREP (Fam... mumble, mumble! Oh wait, Family Records Extraction Person!). With that calling came an additional responsibility... ARBITRATING.

In a nutshell Arbitrating is quite simple. Each batch (digital image that one indexes) is indexed by two indexers. If all of the information matches the system accepts the information as correct, but if there are differences between Indexer A and Indexer B then that information, along with the image, is sent to an arbitrator who tries to figure what is the most correct information.

All of this is a very long preface to state...

I JUST FINISHED INDEXING MY 100,019th record!

YAY LITTLE JOANIE!

I'm so grateful that I am able to be part of such a great work... that I can make a difference in someone's life when that have the thrill of finding their great-great-grandmother! What a blessing.

Fret Not Thyself

This is not the first time this image has been featured on my blog, nor the idea of Fret Not Thyself.

My original post was in the weeks before Camille's wedding when I needed to, well, Fret no MYself! I printed several of these images, with the good-parts-version of Psalms 37 (seen in this image) and have them in several rooms of my house. I seem to need that constant reminder to not worry and trust in the Lord.



I also have the text in a note on my old phone and it was one of the first things I transferred to my new iPhone!

I just shared it recently with the sisters that we visit teach. My thoughts came from Elder Richard G Scott's General Conference address about the scriptures.

Some of his words just resonate with my soul:

"Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high."


"They [the scriptures] can become stalwart friends... Learning, pondering, searching, and memorizing scriptures is like filling a filing cabinet with friends, values, and truths that can be called upon anytime, anywhere in the world."


"Scriptures can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of confidence in one’s ability to overcome the challenges of life. They have potent power to heal emotional challenges when there is faith in the Savior. They can accelerate physical healing."

So today when I wanted just that right image to rework for Texture Tuesday I knew this was the one.  I hope that these *packets of light* will lift and heal you as well.
Hugs...



TT- stats
FRAME- Hof3_OrnateFrame3_RF (on a sad note House of 3 is no longer operating. But I did find Rhonna Farrer HERE. I've been a fan of her art for years!)
TEXTURES-
kk_autumnBurst- blending mode- soft light 55%
KK_seriousmagic- used as a vignette (applied a layer mask to select only the outside edge) blending mode- soft light 100%

Gratitude

Precious Tiny *Pork-chop*

Yesterday at 8:50 AM little Chloe couldn't wait any longer to be born and came 4 weeks early. She weighs 6 lbs and is 17 inches long. She had a little trouble breathing on her own at first but after several hours in NICU she was able to join her Mommy, Suzi, in their room.

Not wanting to rush too much we waited until she was a whole 11 hours old before we went to meet our newest little darling! She is an angel straight from Heaven!



Momma and baby are doing fine...



Grammie and Grandpa are happy to have her here; and healthy, especially after the initial scare.



She sleep the whole time we were there and she squeaks! I told her she does baby-Darth-Vader breathing... just like Grandpa!



And speaking of Grandpa... whose chubby face it this? This is where the *pork-chop* part comes in! Look at those chubby little cheeks! And because she is proportioned she is a tiny pork-chop... and Grammie loves it!



I always marvel at the beauty of a tiny newborn; so perfect, so miniature, so delicate... what a miracle!



She has a beautiful head of hair and a nicely shaped head...




But this??? THIS... is one of the sweetest parts of a new baby...



These tiny feet will
Grow and learn,
Run and play,
And follow in the Savior's way.