BIRTHDAYS

My sister Marti at 18

Today is my sister Marti's birthday. I have only been able to leave a message on her cell phone as she is away on a trip. She has turned into one of the best people I know. She is smart, caring, organized, and fun. She is one of my best friends though we see each other rarely. I wish I could say more, but it is late and this blog promises to be long. She is still in the process of raising the last of their five children who are each wonderful unique people themselves. She has brought out the best in each of them. She owns a scrapbook store in Mesa, AZ that sets the standard for the rest of the country. Marti has also helped her husband establish a cardstock business that is unparalleled in its field.

With two of my sisters, Rosemary and Marti

One of the best compliments I could give my daughter, Lindsey, is that she has always reminded me of Marti. It is interesting that they, too, have developed a close relationship. I think they also see the similarities in their personalities.

Marti and Lindsey

I was 12 years older than Marti and loved her from the beginning. This is a scan of a scan--the best I could do.

I am 12 with baby Marti

Here is Marti as a junior bridesmaid at my wedding. What a dress!

I love the way Ashley's mother-in-law, Ann Harris, pays tribute to each of her family members in her blog on their birthdays. I would like to do that as well. Too bad it isn't the first of the year. Too bad that I have 8 birthdays in April alone. Oh well, it will use up lots of days on this blog. Here are a few of the birthdays I have missed blogging about in the last four months. I am only putting in the ones I have taken pictures of the event because they were with me. There are many that won't show up until their next birthday.

Kayla (5) with her cake at our house. Birthday March 11th.

An unhappy moment at this butterfly's party. When you are five you can cry at your party if you need to. For some reason she didn't want anyone to sing to her. Smiles returned with a little understanding from Dad. She is normally the happiest little darling!

How can you be unhappy with a cake like this!

And a clown that makes you laugh and lets you be her assistant!

Bailey got to go to Salt Lake and then Hawaii for birthday.

We gave her her presents a day ahead.

Birthday February 26th.

She got a Happy Birthday pie! Her favorite.

The Young Women decorated her bedroom to welcome her into the Young Women's
Program as she turned 12 years old.


Isabella turned one at our house. She wasn't sure she wanted anything to do with it.
Birthday February 21st.

She is also not sure she wants this present.  So cute!

Casey had her birthday in January. It was a low key one this year, I think.

Birthday January 16th
But we honored it with a cake on Sunday...

..and met them for breakfast the morning of at Cocoas.
She celebrated with family and friends that evening.


Just before the Harris family went back to Boston after Christmas we all got together with many of the Harris extended family and all of ours that were in town for a beach birthday party for Toby (6) at Capo Beach. Toby's cake was definitely unique. Of course, he had another party later when he was at home. Birthday January 6th (which is also Max's birthday).

 

Had a great time!

I couldn't resist doing a traditional cake on Sunday!

Jessica has a birthday just three days after Christmas. Since both the Wrights and the Toblers joined with us, including the Harris family who were here for a long visit, following Christmas, we were able to celebrate it with her as well. She had lots of cousins to help blow out the candles.
Birthday December 28th

Our camera was acting up and this was the only picture that was clear enough to print. At Jessie's request we went to Ruby's in Laguna Beach for lunch so she could have a butterfinger shake on her birthday. They have a special place on the roof where we could all be together and be noisy and normal without disturbing anyone. It was very fun! Too bad our camera only got poor pictures. Other people got good ones but haven't shared with me yet.

We were lucky to have Jade visiting when her 20th birthday came around. We gave her this cake and also a birthday blueberry banana pie with candles (like the one for Bailey). She always requests that pie when she comes to visit.

Birthday November 27th

I am going to have to be on my toes to get everyone in on their birthdays. I have so many I love.

THE TEMPLE TOP TEN

One of the best things we have done for almost seven years now is work in the temple as Ordinance Workers. We were first called to work in the San Diego temple. Since I was also teaching early morning Seminary, we worked the Saturday morning shift every other week.

Then when the Newport Beach Temple was built, we changed to the Tuesday evening shift every week. This temple is so small and intimate, we really feel like we are a family each week--both the workers and the patrons.

Ten (and then some) of the things I love about the temple (in no particular order):

1. The spirit I always, always feel when I am there.

2. The wonderful people I get to work with weekly when I am there. They have made the gospel of Jesus Christ the center of their lives for many years and are willing to do all that is asked of them.

3. The patrons who regularly come to serve there. We have a few dear ones who come almost every week no matter what. They come if it is Halloween, Valentines or the first week of school. They come to serve, to learn, to grow, to keep the Spirit in their lives.

4. The brothers and sisters who only come once in a while and are still learning. They have faith and hope that they will more fully understand some day. They desire to do what's right. They seek the Spirit and find it there.

5. I love stepping out of the world and leaving the distractions and noise outside. I love that I can forget my cares and immerse myself in helping others also have a good experience.

6. I love seeing the youth come to the temple to do baptisms. I love that they feel the spirit, maybe for the first time and leave with stronger testimonies.

7. I love seeing my husband as we go about our separate duties. There is something so special about coming around a corner and seeing him anxiously engaged in this sacred work. He shines for me there.

8. I love the inspiration I receive when I am there and the desire to continue to strive to be better.

9. I love the opportunity to learn and begin to understand the words and symbols and deeper levels of meaning that exist in that sacred place.

10. I love the sweet peaceful Spirit the lingers with me after I have been in the temple.

10a. I love the promise of eternity and eternal families I receive there.

10b. I love being in the House of the Lord. It is His house and He is there.

We took our older grandchildren to see the LA temple, just from the outside, last year and it turned out to be one of the favorite things they did all weekend. Their young spirits respond to the spirit so readily. I hope I will get to see each one of them inside as they are endowed some day. It is one of my greatest desires for them!

A Visit From the Wright Littles

Last month while Sunny's four oldest, along with Adam's Bailey, went to Hawaii with their dad, Sunny and Steve brought their "littles" for a quick visit.

Their Disneyland passes were about to expire and they wanted to get one more excursion in on them. Most people think Disneyland with the "under 3" crowd is torture, but Sunny and Steve thoroughly enjoy the chance to do this. They drove to California late Sunday and most of Monday, went to Disneyland Tuesday and Wednesday, did Sea World on Thursday and drove back home to Utah on Friday. They had a wonderful time. That will tell you why they can be such great parents to eight children!

Riley doesn't need any more decoration to be so cute!

I could not get Sam to look at me. He was fascinated by the Shooting Gallery and did not want to do anything else. Maybe he will be his Papa's boy.

Riley had a blast! She definitely outshot me.

The boys loved having their own guns and shooting!

Even Gracie goes right for the toys. They always route you through the toys and souvenirs when you get off the rides.

Entering California Adventure. This age doesn't need rides to have a good time!

Pushing empty strollers. Halfway through the second day and still smiling!

Papa plays with Charlie and Sam. Sam is slower to warm up than Charlie. We are glad to have this opportunity to be with these little kids. They are so fun.

Papa helps the girls out of bed. Riley is a very good big sister to Grace.

Jen made a better "Nana" than I did (well really aunt.) She read to the boys, played with Riley and spent some real quality time with them. She was really cute with the little kids. Sometimes I am too much Martha when I should be a little more Nana with my grandchildren. It is so hard to achieve the right balance. Everyone has to eat and the messes need to be cleaned. I don't remember my grandmothers, that I really loved, spending any time with me at my level and I don't want to be that way with my grandchildren, but that is where I am headed. I should take a lesson from Jen.

Adam has always loved this handful! It won't be long before they will only be able to be held one at a time.

Sunny and Gracie just out of the shower, getting ready to leave. Sunny is amazing the way she gets everyone dressed and ready and keeps their area organized and then packed when it is time to go. Again, she is made to be a mother of a large family!

Come again soon. We love you and miss you! I don't know when we will be in Utah again. These kids change so quickly, a few months makes a difference.

A LITTLE EASTER AT THE DICKSONS

We don't have a big backyard, but it is big enough for an Easter Egg Hunt for four kids, ages 12 to 21 months. First the dads hide tons of plastic eggs and chocolate rabbits.

Then it is into the hunt--the big kids making sure the younger ones get their fair share.

Bailey treads the narrow path for the prize.

Mackenzie heads off on her own as Adam approves.

Kayla looks through the bushes.

Mom is there to hold the treasure.

Always time for a smile from Bailey.

Ethan really gets into it!

Dad holds the find and encourages him on.

Bailey has a height advantage and bright eyes.

Papa gives a hint...

...and Mackenzie beams at the outcome.

Kayla finds a hard one.

Bailey evens up the take. She is so generous.

Ethan is happy to eat it now. This is his "smile."

Time to enjoy and compare.

Another taste.

Easter is such a nice time for family!

What a nice day! We loved Conference. We had our family for a nice Sunday dinner. We got to enjoy the children having fun looking for candy. We laughed and talked and had a little carrot cake to end the day.

I think that Easter should be the holiday we do the most celebrating, but our ages-old tradition focuses on the birth more than the amazing atonement and resurrection. I don't comprehend all that has been done for us, but I am so grateful to our Savior for his love and sacrifice and that I am privileged in this life to be able to apply it in mine. I am grateful for His life and example. I can't think of a better way to celebrate His application of the Plan than to be with those I want to be with forever. Maybe next year there will be more of us together.

EASTER MESSAGE: STRENGTHEN THE FAMILY

(We definitely felt that earthquake today. We haven't felt one so strongly since the Northridge Earthquake that did so much damage almost 20 years ago. It lasted about a minute which is long, but was very rolling--motion sickness sort of thing, not jerky. We knew it was strong somewhere.)

Kayla, Mackenzie & Ethan in their new Easter clothes.

What an amazing Conference this weekend! I never remember a Conference having such a distinct and timely theme. Elder Neil Andersen, as the last speaker besides President Monson's closing remarks, made reference to this by reminding us that they are not assigned topics nor do they talk amongst themselves about what they plan to speak on. Yet so many talked about how to teach, train and strengthen the family. Elder Andersen himself ended the Conference talking about one way to strengthen this rising generation who live in such troubled times is making sure we teaching them from the stories and messages of Christ's life. I mentioned to Lindsey yesterday that I wish I could now have a "do over" and she reminded me that someone said that these things apply to us no matter our age or circumstances. Start now. I will. There was so much practical advice on how to help our families handle the pressures of this day and withstand the adversary. I can't wait to read and study these talks more deeply. I also loved the spirit of this morning's session. Since it is Easter, the talks were mostly centered on Christ and how to draw close to him. I am writing an action list of the things I was impressed while listening that I should work to accomplish.

Sometimes we do use the time while listening to Conference to also accomplish almost mindless but necessary jobs--like filling Easter eggs with candy for the annual Easter egg hunt later on.

But it is great to have Conference in our home and listen to it in comfort while millions around the world are listening and watching at the same time. Alan felt impressed during Priesthood to tell the Young Adults in our ward what an extra blessing it is to watch live while the Conference is being broadcast. So many people united together, praying for the brethren and seeking the spirit gives an added measure of spiritual reception. I am so grateful for these men who are so inspired with the messages that we need today. I hope we all take advantage of the promptings and direction we received. What was your favorite talk? What did you learn?