HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND 80TH ANNIVERSARY

HI EVERYONE. It is Sunday afternnon and I am just getting to my computer to blog about our wonderful week. As you all know we have been celebrating since June 8th our 60th wedding anniversary and it will continue until July 18th my 80th birthday. Merrill's actual date of birth is July 16th. What a wonderful time. It was all celebrated Thursday July 2nd at a dinner at Thanksgiving Point. We had a room full of BEAUTIFUL & WONDERFUL PEOPLE. There were 42 of us and then Brett and Erika, his friend, came as we were finishing up. Those missing were Scott, Laurie and Josh Lundberg, Billy and Jordan Hymas. My two sisters were there with their husbands, Marilyn and Roy Nelson and Judy and Gary Carter. Also Brandon and Cristina Boey, Mike Burgeson, Andrea's friend, and Allie Langston, Alex's friend, and Erin, Ryan's friend were there. Also Brynlee, Penelope, Parley and Annaka, our newest arrivals. This party was hosted by our children and spouses, Rick and Marilyn, Scott and Laurie, Rob and Kathy, and Scott and Alison.

We had a deliciious meal. Especially the pork chops. There was a slide show of days gone by which Justin Banks had put together. It was running while everyone was arriving. Thanks Justin.

Then we had a guest performance by Carnac, alias Rob Hymas. He was also the emcee. Then all of the children and their spouses and Cristina paid a tribute (roast) to us. Many more tributes than roasts. Kirsti read a letter from Laurie and Derek read one from his Dad, Scott. We appreciated all of the many nice things that were said and had a good laugh at some of the others. Laurie's paragraph about the ventroliquist was a hoot. Not many of the family were aware of her secrest desire. Ryan also got a few good laughts as did everyone else.

Chad, Jill's husband was in rare form. We all were worried about Andrea's friend Mike, but he seemed to take it in stride.(Actually Chad seemed to be sitting at Mike table more than at his own. We found out later that Chad had changed the place cards so he could be close to them.

It was truly a night to remember. Thanks so much to all of you for making arrangements for baby sitters, travel plans and taking time from your busy schedules to make it so nice. We hope those that were not there will know how much they were missed and are loved and appreciated for the missionary work they are doing. And Billy we are glad you are working so hard to keep the people of Wisconsin safe. We just hope they appreciate your endeavors.

Rob and Kathy stayed at the Calls, but were back and forth. It is nice our houses are so close.
Friday night Rick & Marilyn, Merrill & I, and Rob & Kathy and Family went to Scott and Alisons for hamburgers etc. Saturdaynight we went to traditional dinner and fire works at Oakridgel
Saturday night Rob Hymas family went with the Calls to Stadium of Fire. They said it was good.
There was a lot of traffic on the way home, both ways red lights and white lights.

Dad and I both commented that we had felt quite well during all of the activities. When we sit down we feel good. I t was great. Thanks again to all of you. I don't know how to do pictures. I need a quick lesson.

Counting My Many Blessings

Today I have been reading all of your blogs and suddenly tears fill my eyes as I realize how blessed I am. I am blessed to have all of you in my life. And as these new babies, Penelope, Parley and Annaka Joy have joined our family I am overwhelmed with the love we all feel for each of them. These little spirits just bring love with them. I am also grateful that they are so wanted by their parents. In todays world that is not always the case.

Last week we went to Rexburg, Yellowstone and Jackson Hole. The Kings drove. We had a nice time, but Merrill didn't feel too good. I think he had a little bug. Everything was so green and beautiful. In Rexburg I was overcome with how beautiful that temple is. It was just dusk and the temple was lit up on the outside. It was really lovely.

Lars dropped by yesterday about 1:00. He had an appointment at 2:00 for an internship at a place at the bottom of our street. He was excited about it. We really had a good visit. For you that may not know, he and Kelli have moved to Salt Lake. They live just across the street from Ken Price Park. They will commute to Provo the rest of this semester and then Kelli will be able to finish school in Salt Lake. Lars will continue to commute to school and to do postings. Good luck to them.

Scott Hymas family are going to Hawii for a vacatiion on the 19th. I'm sure they will all have a good time. Andrea did a great job at her homecoming. It is good to have her home.

Our book group read an interesting book, Gilead. We had a good discussion on it. Next month we are reading a much lighter one, but I can't remember the name of it.

Well, I need to get busy. I did get the ironing done before I came to the computer. I was afraid if I came to computer first I wouldn't do the ironing at all.

We did have out 60th anniversary this week. It was very quite as you all know we are celebrating on the 2nd of July. We are really looking forward to it. Hope you all are. Again I realized how blessed I am to still share my life with Grandpa. He has been and is such a good husband. Love him much.

Love, Grandma

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

Dear Family and Friends, I just noticed that I have not blogged since December 26th. What kind of blogger am I? (Don't comment on that!)

My problem is that my life is kind of boring right now. I have been doing some reading. I read "Massacer" and am now reading a book called "Left behind to tell."I pulled out a counted cross stitch that I have been working on for about ten years. (that is an estimated guess. ) I have done so much on it, I hate to just leave it, but when I spend about three hours on it and have only about an inch square done. l What is your opinion? We've watchaed about every football game and basketball game possible. We went to BYU/San Digo game. It was good and we were glad we went. JSMB still takes our Wednesday evenings and Church takes care of Sundayl.


Rob is coming to visit on Saturday. He will be here just until Tuesday morning, but it will be good to see him.

We went to dinner Friday night with the Scott Hymas family. Alex didn't go as he had other "plans". Preston also didn't go as he had a winter camp out. Bless those Scout Masters. It was fun, but we decided that Friday night in Provo should be done before 5:00.

Grandpa and I are both feeling pretty good. We love our family and appreciate all they do for us.
Love, Mom