Joyce Bell

This past week has been a hard one for me. On Monday, Aug. 22nd one of my dearest friends, Joyce Bell passed away. Dick and Joyce were in our ward here, but moved away around 2009. Dick retired and they sold their home and served a mission in the Marshall Islands. After their mission they moved to Victor, Idaho. A few years later they built a home in St. George, Utah. They also served a mission in Tallahassee, Florida & returned home a little over a year ago. 

When Joyce served as our RS President I was one of her counselors. When she moved, she was one of the few friends I've stayed in touch with. We would call each other quite often and catch up on what each of our children were doing. She was one who would always get excited for me over small or big things. She gave both of my daughters bridal showers, attended Lindsey's wedding and reception in Idaho. When Jacob served his mission in St. George she had him over to eat and baked him food to put in the freezer. She was beautiful inside and out and I NEVER remember having one negative thought about her! She was a TRUE friend and it breaks my heart to think I won't be able to talk to her anymore. 

She had a heart valve replaced about two weeks ago. She called me the day she got home from the hospital and was doing great. I was watching Lindsey's boys when she called so we didn't talk long, but told her I'd call her the next week. Her husband texted me Monday evening and said to pray for Joyce as she was in the ER and had blood clots in her lungs. That was at 4:30. She passed away between 5:00-6:00. 

I have to say something about her husband Dick. They just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. I don't think I've ever met a husband who adored his wife more than Dick. He absolutely thought she was the BEST thing ever!! I know he is going to have a really hard time. 

She was born and raised in Rexburg, Idaho and wanted to be buried next to her parents.

Her funeral was in Rexburg on Saturday and Russ and I were able to attend. I'm so glad I went! I'm still having a really hard time, but know in time it will get better. I loved her like one of my own sisters and will miss her greatly!! She was such an example to all who knew her. 

When she turned 60 I threw her a surprise birthday party at the lake house.

Lindsey's reception holding Matsen.

When we went to Orlando a year ago November they were on their mission and we were able to go out to breakfast with them.

We just saw them again in June when they were up in Seattle watching their grandkids for 2 weeks. So glad we made the trip up to see them:) Life is precious. 

Park City, Utah

Since July 1st we've either been gone or had company so I'm about 3 posts behind. I'm hoping I can get caught up in the next week or so. 

The Friday after the 4th of July, Jared, Jacob, Janette, Russ and I drove to Utah for a family reunion with all of our kids and grandkids. We rented a VRBO between Park City and Heber City. It was so fun to have all of us together. We did miss Tyrel as he had to work and had just come up to Washington for the 4th. 

On our drive to Utah the kids enjoyed watching "Harry Potter" movies.

Here's the house we rented. It was such a good deal. Winter is their busy time with skiing so in the summer you can get great deals. It had 4 bedrooms, 41/2 baths, hot tub, full basement (with pool table) and lots of room to run around, it was only $149 a night!! Where can you get a hotel that sleeps 14 people a night for that???

This was the view off the deck.

We attended church in Park City.

Everyone had a night to cook. All the meals were great! Jacob and Janette fixed some fabulous Mexican food, Lindsey fixed barbecue chicken sandwiches & Kristy lasagna. We have some talented cooks in our family:)

Matsen, Kelston, Tytyn & Jazlyn
 We played lots of games.

Lindsey, Jazlyn & Kristy

Watched "home movies." Can you see who the grandsons like??

 Went for walks.

Jacob & Janette

 Went to Cascade Springs in Heber City.

Jacob & Halter

Jared just started a new job with Wayfair so he couldn't be with us during the day. He came up each night to have dinner and spend time with us though. We're so glad we were close enough that he could.

 Great to have us all together!! Love these guys!!!!
I have a plaque that hangs in my kitchen that says,
My Kids are super AWESOME and I'm the lucky one because I get to be their mom.

 One night my parents and two sisters came up and had dinner with us. So fun:)

Delina, Christine & Me

One day we went into Salt Lake to the Church History Museum. All of us really enjoyed it and there were lots of "hands on" activities for the kids.

The kids got to each sew two quilt blocks together that they're going to make a quilt out of someday for the museum. 

We went on the Alpine slide at Park City and walked around town for a while.
We haven't been there in years!

Russ & Tytyn

We celebrated Kelston's birthday:)

I wanted to drive by my old house I was raised in and was disappointed to see it run down. Its hard to believe its been 35 years since I've lived there!

On our way home from Utah we decided to go through Logan, as we haven't been there for years. Our first stop was the first apartment we lived in after we got married. It was a 2 bedroom for $165.00 a month. I know it sounds cheap, but it was a lot for us. 

We spent the night in a hotel and then went for a 8 mile hike to White Pine Lake. I could not believe all the wild flowers. They were in full bloom the whole way and were so beautiful.!! What amazed me were all the wild roses in bloom.

My favorite hiking partner:)

We've never been to Gosners Cheese Factory, but decided to give it a try. Oh my word, you have to try the smoked cheese curds...they are super tasty!!  Russ also fell in love with the root beer float milk.

We walked around Utah State Campus for old time sake and I couldn't believe it, but I didn't remember anything!! I'm not sure if it's because I just got married & went to my classes and then to work and home or what?  Russ didn't remember much either. I do remember our apartment and all the good times we had there:)

To top off our trip we attended the Logan temple and did sealings for about 20 family names on my moms line. It was a last minute decision to go to Logan & I'm so glad we did. A lot has changed there  but we have great memories of our first two years together there. 

Life is good:) I feel so blessed.

July 4th Surprise

This has been a busy summer and I need to catch up on all that's been going on.
I'll probably have to do a few different posts.

 We love having our kids come home and its been over 2 years since our girls have been here. We were surprised on July 1st when Jared, Russ and I were in the front yard and Lindsey and her family came driving up the driveway honking!! I was SOOO excited! For me there's no better surprise! Jared had come home a few days before and Jacob and Janette flew in that night. (We missed Kristy's family) We got to spend a few days at the lake relaxing and having fun. It was so great to have all of them here & we appreciate so much them making the effort to come:)

Fishing with Papa

Tytyn

Shortcake with fresh Spooner strawberries:) They're local and so yummy!!

Lindsey, Halter, Tyrel & Jared

Janette & Jacob Canoeing

 Boating

Halter & Lindsey

 This picture cracks me up! Can you spot the "unhappy" face?

Hot Tubbing

 Tubing

 While we were in our Sunday best I grabbed some pictures. Unfortunately Russ was already gone to meetings. Cute Bingham family!

Jacob & Janette

Jared & me

 On July 4th we always have a big party. We had 50 people there this year. Everyone pitched in and helped with the food. One of our friends son brought this blow up water slide and it was really fun. He said they charge $500 to rent it for 5 hours so we felt pretty fortunate to have it. It was kind of a cold day so didn't get used as much as I thought. Lindsey, Janette and I were brave and went down it together.

Friends I've grown to love...Miriam, Jonette & Tracey

Getting ready for the boat parade and water fight. They filled up over 700 water balloons.

Our good friends brought their Sea doos for our family to ride before everyone else got there. They're really powerful and didn't want anyone getting hurt. The boys loved them...young & old:)

 My nephew Lee came down with his family from Fife and spent the day with us.

Getting ready to let off fireworks.

 I'm so grateful for this amazing country we live in!!

 Even though it has its share of problems, its still the greatest country there is to live in.

John Adams said,

"Now posterity, you will never know how much it cost us to preserve your freedom. I hope that you will make good of it. If you do not, I shall repent in heaven that I ever took half the pains to preserve it."