November Blessings: Friends

It was such an enjoyable night Wednesday, when 8 of us high school friends (and Amies Toujours club members) went up Snowbird for an overnight stay.  It was filled with fun and lots of eating and talking.

Here was the view at sunset.



Here is the view from our selfie.

I'm feeling

a loss tonight.  My friend, Lynne, passed away this evening.

Just a little over a month ago she was diagnosed with Leukemia.  She was immediately admitted to LDS Hospital and started treatment.  Early testing showed that her leukemia was slow moving and treatable, so we were all so optimistic.

She was supposed to come home earlier this week and continue chemo here in Provo, but she was having a lot of pain and so they didn't release her.  I talked with her on the phone on Tuesday, and she was still optimistic but sad she wasn't able to come home yet.   Then last night she took a turn for the worse, and she passed away tonight.

I've been her visiting teacher for about 10 years, and I always left our visits feeling nurtured and loved .  She took the responsibility of sending a weekly email with the notes from Sacrament Meeting and Relief Society and was a true believer in the importance of supporting and loving each other.

She always wrote notes of love, appreciation, and encouragement to everyone she knew.  And they were always personal and meaningful. I've tried to emulate her in that regard, but have failed miserably.  In her honor, I will do my best to follow her example.   

To Burn

at our Provo High School 45th Reunion tomorrow night.  Explanations later . . .

It was nice

to come home last night.

When we pulled in, Natalie and Trent were here and had just returned from putting flowers on the family graves for Memorial Day.  The garden I was worried about surviving looked great, thanks to extra watering by Natalie and Trent.   Sharilyn brought over some enchilada's (yummy).   And everything looked so green.

I got the call from Britt at about 10 pm on Wednesday night, while sitting in the motel, that Gary had passed away.   I was glad he didn't have to linger on too long, and Lynn and the kids were all there with him.  I had been so conflicted about when to come home, but I felt like everything turned out as it should have.

Still lots of tears, but also a sense of peace.



 

Went to the Tulip Festival

Until tornado strength winds made us scramble.

Thursday I went

with my friend Dianne to celebrate her birthday (which was in September).   We went to See's candy, Tai Pan Trading, and Jamba Juice.   We always have lots to catch up on and have lots of fun.

At Tai Pan we were looking at a 75% off discounted Christmas votive holder.  I was only slightly considering it until Dianne mentioned that it would be great for cupcakes.  That was the clincher for me.  Here it is with strawberry cupcakes (the ones made with baking powder).   It fits right into my decor.

And here are some adorable cupcake chocolates that Dianne gave me.   Chocolate doesn't usually last too long around me, but these are almost too cute to eat.     

 

Note that I said "Almost" too cute to eat.

I am

feeling, very deeply, the loss of a very loyal and caring friend.   My friend, Jean, passed away Sunday morning.  It was very sudden, unexpected, and unexplained.   My heart is hurting for her family and for all of us who love her.  She was only 62,  She adored her children and grandchildren.  They were literally the light of her life.

Jean and I have been "partners in crime," so to speak, on countless projects, parties, and crafting classes through the years. In fact, I was last with her just two weeks ago when we went to a card making class.  I try to think back to all we talked about that night, and what I remember is very sweet.  It makes me realize how important it is to cherish each moment.   I have been so very blessed to have her as a part of my life for 40 years, and I will really miss her.

Jean was married to my brother, Tom.  Though they later divorced, we have all remained close.  We have shared the common bonds of love for my parents, of watching our children grow, and for the special relationships of the Anderson cousins.

Some people have expressed surprise when I have explained our relationship and the friendship and family ties that we have continued.  Truly, a great credit is due to Tom and his wife, Lynn (who is another very cherished friend), and to Jean and her husband, Ross.  They have been very gracious in wanting their children to feel the love that extended family ties bring.  They have done that in situations when, no doubt, it was not always comfortable.  I remember the love that was felt three years ago when we planned a family baby shower for their daughter, Stephanie.  Jean wanted to have it when Tom and Lynn were in town, so they could share in that time with Stephanie and Bryce.  Lynn and I had fun together as we decorated and made desserts, and then Jean brought in all the rest of the meal.        

My heart is with Ross, Jenni and Ryan, Jared and Sara, Stephanie and Bryce, and her adored grandchilren.  She loved you dearly.  Losing those we love, especially a parent, is so hard.  

I have no doubt that the spirit continues to live after the mortal body dies.  Frankly, I don't know how people make sense of life if they think that death ends it all.  But that knowledge doesn't stop us from feeling a great loss when our loved ones are no longer with us.   I guess that is what it is all about.   The more we feel the love, the greater we feel the loss. 

Tonight we had

our annual gingerbread house activity (though we do it with graham crackers).   We had Natalie and her friends, Trent and Kelly to dinner.   I think Misty and Tiffany will especially appreciate these pictures.  They've never seen Natalie's friend, Trent.

 Then we had them pick out candy from the candy store for the houses.

 Then the fun started.

Gary kept harping on making them structurally sound, and as much as I hate to admit it, I should have listened.  My cute little cottage collapsed and I made it into a snow covered Y mountain.

Kelly's ended up looking like an ark, so she added the very clever animals to finish it off.

 Natalie made a very innovate home with lots of cool details.

 Gary made a very unique structure with snowmen coming down a fire pole.

 Trent made a tank, complete with rotating turret.

 It was a very fun evening.    

We've been partying

a lot the last few days. On Friday, we met with my siblings (which you were here, Tom) in Salt Lake for dinner and a quick ride on trax down to temple square.

Remember in my last entry when I mentioned my feeling of happiness from my childhood?   Well, I still feel it.

On Sunday morning we had two young couples over for breakfast.  Gary worked with the men in the scout program.  They are such cute families.  I thought this would be a good test of just how child proof my house was with these 3 little boys.  I think I've done a pretty good job of simplifying.   I guess Marshall will be the ultimate test.

Last night we had two of the children of our friends, Matt and Merlyn,  I still feel such sadness that Matt is no longer with us. But when I am with his family, I think of how proud he must be of them.  They brought that beautiful floral centerpiece for us.

 As thanks, we had them fill up at the candy store.

Life is good

when it is filled with people you love.

I was without

a car for three days this week, because Gary's car was in the shop.  It's amazing how much you can accomplish if you're not tempted to go on a few errands (that turn into a whole day of activities).  It was nice for a few days, but I've been making up for it yesterday and today.

Last night we had our annual Amies Toujours party.  I remember thinking that anyone who had been out of high school for 40 years was really old.  Well, we don't feel or act old.   I've written about the group before, and we have so much fun together and appreciate each other's friendship so much.

We had the party At Mary Anne's house in Salt Lake. She has an amazing style. The food was delicious as were all the decorations. Here are a pictures of the decorations, food, and best of all, friends.

An amazing brownie sundae presented beautifully

Mary Ann made these

Beautiful place settings and beautiful friends.

Every where we looked there was unique decor



   The nut ensemble.





Our (now) teenage

grandaughter, Lydia.

We've been in Park City for the last few days with our friends, the Adairs.



I wasn't able to log on with my computer, so I missed blogging about Lydia.  Yesterday, the 22nd, Lydia turned 13 years old.  I've been looking at some pictures of Lydia, and they bring back so many loving memories.  They also make me miss her even more. 

  Here she is at 2 with her little brother Hyrum.  

Here are Lydia and me exactly 5 years ago, on her 8th birthday and day of her baptism. 



For her birthday this year, she wanted a new quilt, because the baptism one she is holding in the picture is too small to cuddle in now.  She wanted a another pink one, so this is the one I sent off to her last week.  (I really wish I had a picture of me hugging her with this one, too) 

Here is grown up Lydia, with Gary, when she visited this summer.  We talked to Lydia on our way to Park City, and she and Gary were still "arguing" about "banana whacker" rules and who won.

I love you, Lydia! 

And, I'll always side with you on "banana whackers."