Halloween

Halloween was overshadowed this year with the primary program led by our ward's handsome and adorable chorister, Bro Tony Lundberg.  Wilson came on his lunch break to support his Dad and was so cute.  I love seeing Tony teach and lead the kids.  He even gave up the BYU game in Provo so he would be at his best.

Max spent the weekend at Tyler and Chelsea's (building trust and getting spoiled).  Tony watched the BYU game alone on TV and Sam went to a party.  I fielded trick or treaters and was in bed by 10:30.  It truly is a Halloween made fun by children, and we are pretty much done with that.   Thank goodness I could go into school for the Halloween parade and wear my new witch hat.  

PS our Wild Wednesday was a trip to Vegas to do sealings at the temple.   It was so good.  

Powell 2021-adults only!

 Nothing evidences our life of privilege more than a week at Lake Powell on the houseboat surrounded by friends and family, a big ass surf boat, and great food.  Plus no kids.  

Jason and Andrea flew in on Sunday and we were packed and ready to roll as soon as church was done.  Our first bump occurred when Tony and Jason picked up the boat and broke the jack trying to get the trailer on.  We spent the evening launching the boat and snuggling into the houseboat.  Tyler and Chelsea got there around midnight and the fun began.  

We started with a little dangerous exploration down Labarynth canyon where we had to push off the sides of the canyon walls it was so tight.  Inside the canyon it was impossible to tell that a storm was brewing, but as soon as we got to the main channel, there was no question.  We drove with swells and waves crashing against us until we found a little island where we could hide behind.  The island was beautiful and we waited out the storm as long as we could before heading back through the rain, wind and cold.  Our second bump occurred when we lost an anchor due to a faulty knot.  This bump was hilarious, and easily solved with a new anchor!  We were so glad to get home and have hot showers before tucking into Tony's honey lime Enchiladas.  We spent the evening playing Codenames and Swipe with only minor competitive bursts from Tony :)

On Tuesday we spent the day surfing at Wawheap bay.  Even I have to admit how fun it was to surf behind this fancy boat.  We found a lovely calm cove and sat enjoying the sun while a little duck family entertained us.  Chelsea got to enjoy an afternoon of solitude alone on the houseboat recovering from the previous day.  Tyler cooked our maple glazed pork loin and rosemary potatoes to perfection and after a good Come Follow Me discussion, we were back to more games.

On Wednesday, the guys surfed once more and then Jason and Andrea rushed to the airport and caught their flight out of St George with only 2 minutes to spare!  The four of us went back to Wahweap bay for more surfing and enjoying the sun.  Tyler and Chelsea headed home that night and Tony and I tucked in for a movie and popcorn and other activities best done on an empty houseboat.  

Bump number 3 was the bad news that the Russ Lundberg family had COVID  and we were so sorry to miss them,  On Thursday Mom and Dad Lundberg and Lori and Blake came.  We had lunch and then spent the afternoon exploring the dam and enjoying the comforts of the boat.  We were excited to teach Mom and Dad "Swipe" and after a few games and a quick dinner of cheese toast and tomato soup, Mom and Dad got on the road.  It was an absolute joy to have Lori and Blake all to ourselves.  They are so easy to be around and always up for adventure.  Thank goodness we had them because Friday proved to have another big bump.

Friday we went to explore Antelope Canyon and loved the gorgeous views and perfect day.  Just as we got a little ways from the mouth of the canyon, the boat overheated.  We limped to the main channel and called the boat club.  I am a little disappointed to discover that our expensive boat club does not provide any emergency services.  They said to get towed in, because sending one of their people was "hassle."Thankfully we found a lovely couple on a pontoon boat who hauled us to the houseboat.  Later that night Blake suggested we load up the trailer and this time we were hauled by a boat full of teenage surfers who swung us into shore in the pitch dark.  We all slept better knowing that the broken boat was on its trailer and we could leave without anymore drama.  HAHA.  We should have known better.  On the way home about 30 minutes from Kanab the truck started shaking so badly we thought we had blown a tire.  We checked, found nothing and got back on the road.  When the shaking got worse we jumped out to check the lugnuts.  Sure enough, the wheel was barely on and the lugnuts were almost all off, including one bolt totally sheared off.  It was terrifying.  And it was the second time.  We have an interesting conversation with the tire guys tomorrow.  

Overall we had a great week and were pleased that the boys handled themselves well.  We are rebuilding trust with them, we hope.  

Boston Marathon Weekend

 

As a gift for my 50th birthday, my Heavenly parents,  who know me best, orchestrated a weekend of everything that brings me the greatest joy. I don’t feel like I had much to do with the planning as the weekend unfolded and went from one glorious moment to another.  Amy and I left Thursday morning from St George to catch our mid morning flight to Boston, MA. We slipped into the last seats on a full flight and arrived in Boston to a beautiful sunset over the harbor. With a little help from several helpful people with fantastic accents we caught the Charly and arrived at our hotel without incidence. The hotel was in a perfect location, near restaurants, the train, and parks. We chose Greek for dinner and indulged in zucchini fritters, gyros and Greek fries with feta.  Before bed we researched our itinerary. On Friday we awoke to perfect weather and went for a run along the water.  We opted for breakfast in the city and had  amazing shakashuka at a quaint cafe. We walked through the historic downtown area, saw the Old Townhall and were impressed with the number of beautiful churches   We visited inside the Trinity church and enjoyed the Tiffany stained glass windows that depicted several unique biblical scenes. Matthew, Mark Luke and John  were featured on the opposite side of 4 women representing 4 values. I loved the stained glass of Mary and the baby. No depiction of the garden of Eden. One of our favorite places was the Boston public library which feels like a temple.  It was a memorial from a mother to her son after he died on the Titanic and was the first building to loan a book or provide free internet.  While we were downtown we discovered that Monday is the Boston marathon!  The place was full of energy and Amy and I got pictures at the finish line!  The rest of the morning we savored the gorgeous Beacon Hill area and the stunning fall displays in the window boxes and doorways. They were so picturesque, we wanted to capture every one on camera. To give our legs a rest, we caught the train to Cambridge and grabbed a healthy lunch at sweet greens. It broke a good rule, because it’s a chain, but was so fresh and delicious it hit the spot!  We walked the Harvard campus and discovered the building where Jeff Barrow worked!  We attempted to visit the library and art museum, but immunization proof was required!  Learned that lesson the hard way. We found a Mikes bakery and bought a couple of cannoli for dinner. They were rich and delicious and best enjoyed on the commons at Harvard. We walked by one group of students intent in conversation, all in the quintessential pose of intelligence: head cocked, hand rubbing chin, brow furrowed. I’m pretty sure they were also all wearing tweed. Our legs were spent, so we returned to the hotel and Amy got me hooked on a Netflix series called love on the spectrum. It was so indulgent to binge tv until late knowing I could sleep in! On Saturday we did a little workout at the gym and headed into the city again. Today was market day and we enjoyed all the charming shops and venues. We had a delicious popover with eggs and cheese for breakfast and then explored Faniel Hall. It is called the cradle of Liberty and was where both abolitionist s and suffragists pled their cause. Today it is used for swearing in attorney’s house pass the bar and new citizens who have immigrated.  We decided to walk the freedom trail to see the significant historical sights but had a bona fide cup of Boston baked beans in the park. Pretty sweet, but the molasses was delicious. The freedom trail took us to Paul Revere Square, the church where he set the lantern, Bunker Hill and our favorite, the USS Constitution, Old Iron Sides and museum. It was especially fun to see some of the places we are discussing in our constitution class and marvel at how many close calls formed our country, seemingly almost by luck or accident.  We walked along the beautiful Boston Harbor and some locals recommended a  local chowder restaurant. I had the lobster bisque and we shared a slice of Boston Creme pie for dessert. It was a perfect last meal in Boston!  Since the night was still young, we did a bit of shopping, gifts for the boys. I found a sweatshirt I liked at Banana Republic and when I went to purchase it was .$99!  Another evidence to me that God was planning my birthday knowing how much I love a good deal. After another delicious night of tv and sleep, we were off to the airport to experience our best miracle of the trip.  No seats left on the plane so Amy sent me ahead. I turned back to look one final time and Amy had slid on by the skin of her teeth. We were headed back to Las Vegas. I love traveling. I love traveling with Amy because of our good deep talks and belly laughs. I’m so grateful for Tony to stay behind. His willingness to be at home means stress free travel for me. Tony had a horrible weekend where he tore his hamstring during a racquetball game during the World Senior Games competition AND BYU lost to Boise State in football. As expected, neither of the boys showed much compassion and were less than attentive or even aware of his plight. I feel intense gratitude to believe that I am worthy of this much fun, joy and even indulgence. I only fought guilt feelings a few times by repeating to myself, “You only turn 50 once!”  What a great way to end 50 years of life and start 50 more! ReplyForward

Level 50

 As my friend Kim has pointed out, I am now at level 50!  It feels so good.  I have always enjoyed a healthy sense of self, but there is something about being 50 that abandons all insecurities and makes me grateful to be me.  I spent the day at the temple and shopping and eating all alone.  I just enjoyed being me all day and celebrated without expectations or a focus on my flaws or shortcomings.  

My school day on Thursday began with an office full of balloons and streamers, which made for an exciting therapy adventure with the students.  The whole weekend was full of well wishers and being remembered in kind ways by my friends and family.

Tony had been gone for the week in Salt Lake for a VA training and arrived just in time on Friday to go to Mom and Dads for a delicious shrimp dinner, and pumpkin pie.

The rest of the weekend was General conference focused, with the added adventure of Max's homecoming date.