Family is where its at

Even though is was February and we had just seen the college kids in the end of December, we thought to invite them for President's day weekend. We have been having wonderful weather and wanted to share that time with them in the sun. I planned a picnic by the Feather River with not much public access. It was so beautiful and calm. I am glad Brian gets to enjoy that area almost everyday. We also had a picnic with both sets of grandparents that weekend. It was a lot of chacuterie, but so fun and yummy. It feels good to come together and problem solve, spend time and just enjoy each other's company. Right after that, I was able to go and visit my sister and her husband in Honolulu with my folks. It was a great time. I attribute most of the fun and peace to Christian. He was a great host. I loved staying at Tanya's and going for a convertible ride to see the lights at night. The boat ride by Hanama Bay was so beautiful I had never seen such deep blue color in the ocean. it was so clear, I even jumped in the ocean and swam a little where it was teal colored and I could see the bottom of the ocean. We saw a turtle coming up for air and looking at us. Restful sleep, the warm weather, great food and company made for a real respite for me. I'm always happy to come back to Roseville and my peeps, but It was so nice to be in the constant warm without all the worries and responsiblities of late, mostly. I'm always a phone call away so I put out a few fires and tried to support the best I could from far away. I was about having a good time and making the most of it. I loved shopping at the Farmer's market and by North shore. The constant beach, and rain on and off makes for beautiful nature. A great place to visit, but I'm happy where I am in California. Life is full of ups and downs and oppostion, but I am choosing to live in faith and do what I can to bring peace and love to all those around me as much as I can. It starts with Loving God, my spouse, then my children, then my parents on both sides and my extended family. I feel very grateful for the wonderful relationships we have.

Then and Now

I remember the past when I look at family history or watch a shoe or read the scriptures. I can see that my backyard of nearly ten years has changed dramatically and has been filled in. Three of my children sleep elsewhere at night and I remember when they were here and needing me often. Now is a good time as well, just different. I feel very fornunate to have Celia at home still, to have started the Master Gardner Trainee program and to be teaching Sunday School. I'm glad I have the chance to teach the next generation even younger than my youngest about covenants and obedience and the pure love of Christ. I feel so happy it is February, on the brink of Spring for this area. I love to walk and feel the warmth of the sun on my back as I stop to smell the roses so to speak. I had a white scratch on my Audi from the carwash and I was able to watch a youtube video and remove it. It prepared me for new of more scratches to the black car. It'll be fine and it can be removed. Busy times and quiet times are to be appreciated since things change. Ive had fun going out to eat with my folks and helping them through the QR menu at the famous Nixtacos. Brian and I had a wonderful Saturday date to Zinfadel Grille that we had gone to ten years before. Brian and I went to Anastasia in Downtown Sacramento. It was a treat to go and see a play. They did a great job and I enjoyed the ballet part and acapella singing homeland, very much. There is much to be grateful for and I'm so excited to what htis year brings, especially the moments that can be turned to fond memories.

It's Been a New Year

It was quite the adventure with the kids home from college with their plus ones for New Year's. I got creative on where to house everyone in the house and how to entertain everyone. I loved it. We visited Old Town Sacramento and passed by the Capitol. We saw Palladio and Folsom stores that are our favorites. Grocery Outlet, A1 comics and the Cave. Time passed by quickly as we gathered to the temple and dinner after.I love that celia came in the temple.~ We visited the Silicon Valley, the Oakland Temple, and the Redwoods of Santa Cruz. I cooked Posole and my folks brought over Jambalaya for New Years Eve. Brian and a few from the crew made it to Rah Rahs house for puzzle doing. Anytime playing games and sharing a meal with this group was a lot of fun. I was energized by it. I especially enjoyed playing Love Letter and Coup. There were many a magic card game and I'm glad for all the hustle and bustle. Om the Sunday after New Year's I sent away four and we were left with a quiet three at home. I didn't last long as we prepped for a new school for Celia and a new seminary. It was a little nerve racking to start, but she is acclimatizing well. I love the independence I see in her especially as I've started my Master Gardener classes. I am intrigued and so happy with all the new things I am learning. I've had an extentsive Intro to Horticulture and next will be a whole unit on soils. Im bringing in some of my native soil to check out this week and I can't wait to learn to prune fruit trees next! Its been a quite but lovely month going on dates with Brian and hanging out with my mom and boot shopping. Also, heading to class with Heather. The house is quiet and more clean and its a nice reprieve from the hustle and bustle, but I know it will be busy again with visitors and we wil all have a grand time.