Cowboys, Cowgirls, Wind, Beautiful Skies...

The Homestead ~ 2009

Click on people's faces in the photo to tag them.

Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Brothers, Sisters and Good Food = one heck of a celebration to honor my Grandma and Grandpa Federer.
We finally had the reunion to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Grandpa filling his homestead claim. It was a celebration of their lives and that of their children. It was a celebration of hard-work and sacrifice and of the wonderful legacy they left all of us.

The out-of-towners arrived and we are ready to party.

Aunt Bernice, Aunt Kay with her daughters and grand-daughters.

Aunt Kay will come to Provo next week for a few days of training. She will serve a year long mission in Chicago. She is so excited and will be a great missionary.

I thought our guests of honor should have corsages and boutonnieres. Uncle Dale is 81 and facing a possible heart valve replacement. I was so happy he could be with us.

Aunt Kay and Aunt Bernice ~ I love my Aunts. They are so much like Grandma... wise, witting and fun!!

My cousin Cherie helped me do the pinning!

Cherie pinning on Uncle Carl's boutonniere. We always called him Bub, however I found out a few months ago that he doesn't like that nickname!! Carl has esophageal cancer and has lost a lot of weight. He starts treatments soon, so we're sending lots of good thoughts and prayers his way!

Aunt Kay ~ Aunt Bernice

Uncle Dale ~ Aunt Kay ~ Uncle Carl ~ Aunt Bernice

I told them to look at me and say chesse!!

Uncle Dale was our master of ceremonies. He told jokes, stories, and did a great job. He loves public speaking, after all he was a college professor for many years!

Uncle Dale telling everyone about the Federer Book I compiled. I took about 30 more orders for the book.

Uncle Dale thanking me for helping organize the reunion. It was a team effort and I thank Aunt Bernice, Aunt Kay, Uncle Dale and my cousins, Debbie and Brenda for all their help.

Aunt Bernice gave this pin to me as a thank you gift. It was Grandma's and I love it. I put it on a chain and wear it everyday. Aunt Bernice said when Grandma's appendix ruptured someone gave it to her as a get well gift. What a treasure!

Then I got this watch from my cousins Teri and Cherie. I couldn't believe it was Skagen. It is made in Denmark and I have wanted one since we went to Denmark to pick up Mark from his mission. It is so sleek and elegant! I also got a beautiful scarf that my Aunt Judy made. It was so kind of them to say thank you in such a big way!

Aunt Judy also made this darling little hat for Cash. Mark and Tiff are such a great looking pair.

Aunt Bernice and Kay Ballard

I love Aunt Bernice. We talk on the phone often.

Everyone enjoyed the good food and catching up.


Aunt Sharon brought this beautiful cake!

Uncle Dale asked each of Grandma and Grandpa's children to come up and introduced their families. Randy Wagner was the only one representing Uncle Clarence's family. Randy drove all the way from Texas to be at the reunion. We were so glad he did and really enjoyed visiting with him.

Randy held a button that my cousin Brenda made for all of us. It has a picture of Grandma and Grandpa on it. He said how much he loved Grandma and Grandpa and thanked them for their influence. He also paid tribute to his Mom, Cathy and said that she was a wonderful Mother. It was a tender moment.

Randy Wagner

Uncle Clarence's grandson and my cousin Cathy's son.

Oh how we wish Dad could have been with us. But Lloyd, Kenny and I did our best to represent him. We really missed having Marion, Ernie and Roseanne at the reunion.

I said Dad died when he was only 66 and that we miss him. I also gave thanks for our great heritage and the opportunity to gather as a family and celebrate. You can see Kenny is tearing up. Even tough cowboys have tender hearts!

Kenny's turn and he also gave a sweet tribute to Dad and then for Grandma and Grandpa.

I asked Lloyd if wanted to say something, he hesitated but then said how we are all better people for having a wonderful Dad and Grandparents who worked hard.

I sure love Lloyd. He is always helping his neighbors or Uncle Carl. I love seeing him with his grandson Paden!

My parents have been divorced for a long time so my Mom was a little hesitant to come the reunion. We were glad she did. She was a Federer for many years and Kenny thanked her for all she does for us!

Dad has the most posterity cause he has the most children!!

Jimmy, Casey, Shaylynn, Mom, Kenny, Theo, Britney, Teagan, Bobby, Lloyd, Tim, Eileen, Heidi, Troy, Holley, Enoch, David, Izzy, Joseph, Jake, Nevaeh, Declan, Mandy, Paden, Carl, and Gabriel. I hope I got that all correct. Whew! (I wish Chris, Mark, Tiff and Cash could have come!)

Uncle Dale introducing his family.

Teri, Cherie, Debbie, Dale and Alene. They all live in California.

Aunt Bernice introducing her family.

Cindy, Robert, Doug, Brenda, Dave, Bernice and David.

They live in Oklahoma.

Uncle Carl had to be coaxed to come up and said Hi and Good-bye!

He did introduce his family and talked about how he loved living on the ranch.

Click on people's faces in the photo to tag them.

Carl's son Chad, wife Tracy and boys Reece and Kaden.

Reece, Tracy, Kaden, Chad, Carlene, FarmGiant (for the life of me I can't remember his name, Carlene calls him the FarmGiant), Carl and Sharon.

Last but certainly not least is Aunt Kay's family.

Brittney, Melissa, Elisa, Aunt Kay, Sierra, Cami and Ava.

Grandma's nephew, George introducing the Parker's.

We were so happy to have so many Parker's at the reunion.

Sharon Willford, Mary Johnston, Kay and Kenny Ballard, Donna Ballard, Linda Bourret, Ted and Doris Walton, Pat and Rita Parker, George and Jan Parker.

Taking book orders!

I was excited to see Jim Federer. His Dad John was Grandpa's brother. John was thrown from a wagon and dragged by the four horse team. He left behind his wife and twelve children. He was just 55 years old.

I have so many happy memories of Jim leading the music in Sunday School. He cried when he saw me. Jim is obviously getting older and has a difficult time walking. So glad he could come!!

This is a picture of Jim and his eleven brothers and sisters. Jim was so handsome, he is in the back row, third from the left. That's how I remember him.

My sister-in-law Bobby and Theo's fiancé, Britney.

Gathering for a group picture.

Grandpa had a brother named Louie and his daughter Margaret Larsen is standing next to me and her daughter Pasty next to her. I played with Patsy and her sister Susie a lot. Margaret is the most happy, positive person I know. I haven't seen them for years.

We had almost 100 attend the reunion. Some had already left when this picture was taken.

Love my big brother Kenny! He calls me Sis and gives great hugs!

Teagan!!

Lloyd, Carl Jimmy, David, Theo and Robert

Mandy, Jake and Ashley

Mandy has Dad's dimples and teaches at a country school in Nebraska.

Mom, Jimmy and Declan

Paden!!

The boys

And the girls!

Cousins, Vicki and Greg with Carl, cousin Carlene and FarmGiant.

It was so fun to see everyone visiting and renewing family bonds.

A big, heartfelt thanks to Mary Kay for taking pictures. You are a real sweetheart!!

This was a once in a lifetime celebration and we probably will not have a gathering like this again. I will remember this day always.

God be with all of you... until we meet again!

Quote for the Week -Thick of thin things

“We become so caught up in the busyness of our lives. Were we to step back, however, and take a good look at what we’re doing, we may find that we have immersed ourselves in the ‘thick of thin things.’ In other words, too often we spend most of our time taking care of the things which do not really matter much at all in the grand scheme of things, neglecting those more important causes.” ~Thomas S. Monson

Calling-Release

One of things that love about our church is that we have lay ministry (people who serve without pay). I have had many callings since I was baptized in 1980. My very first calling was to play the piano in Primary (organization for children).

With every calling there is a release. A few weeks ago I was released from serving as stake Relief Society president. Being called to serve, in whatever capacity, has brought blessings and greater meaning into my life. For almost 10 years I have served the Relief Society (organization for the women of our church). I first served as ward president for 4 years, then as a counselor in the stake Relief Society presidency for a year and a half then as stake Relief Society president for four and half years. It really has been a joyful part of my life. I have learned to love the sisters I served with. I do feel sad and will miss the association and blessings that were part of my life for so many years. I simply loved the calling I had. But I gracefully accepted the release. I know the call came from Heavenly Father as well as the release.

President J. Reuben Clark said, "In the service of the Lord, it is not where you serve but how." I know others where more capable than I was but the Lord gave me the responsibility for a reason. I learned so much and have had so many sacred experiences that I will treasure always.

Serving as a church service missionary at the Relief Society Building.

Singing in the choir at the general Relief Society meeting. I got to sit in the same chairs where the Mormon Tabernacle Choir members sit!!

With Merrilee Webb our amazing director and my sweet friend Lorie.

Women's Conference with Mariama Kallon

This was an amazing conference. We couldn't believe the things Mariama went through living in Africa. She told her story and it was inspiring. We also had a chance to do several service project after she spoke.

Raised in war-torn Sierra Leone, Mariama Kallon saw many things as a young girl that might fill a person with fear and hatred. Soon after witnessing the violent murders of parents and siblings and spending her youth fleeing from rebels, she was introduced to the gospel of Jesus Christ and found hope in God and peace in a knowledge of eternal families. She was given a humanitarian kit by the Church, which became a treasured symbol of hope that she used to bless the lives of many as they again fled for their lives. After returning to her town, she was called on a mission to the Salt Lake City Temple Square Mission, and wept in gratitude to the Lord as she visited the place where her precious humanitarian kit was made. Today Mariama stands as an example of the divine purposes of humanitarian work and tells her story to numerous audiences, urging them to participate in this work. She currently resides and works in Salt Lake City, where she has attended LDS Business College. 

Jennifer Welch-Babidge sang at the conference. She has a beautiful voice, one the best I have ever heard. She has performed with the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera and many other stages around the world.

She sang a song called "Miracles" and it was perfect way to conclude the conference.
Amid the countless blessings the Lord has given me
The light of truth and goodness; the Holy Spirit's peace
I see the many sorrows that his children must endure
So much hurt I long to heal. How can I change the world?

There are hands I cannot hold
Hearts I cannot comfort
Tears that only miracles can stay
So let me love and serve and teach
Those who come within my reach
For miracles begin that way

The Savior walked in Galilee, unknown in many lands
Yet touching every nation by the labors of his hands
Giving light to all the world by teaching but the few
He is my example in the work that I must do

I will bear the burden of my neighbor in his need
I will share my Savior's love in every kindly deed
He will magnify my efforts, and I'll understand at last
That by these small and simple things are great things brought to pass.

Cleaning up after a meeting.

Women's Conference with Anne Pingree, former general Relief Society counselor.

Tricia served as my counselor for about year and a half. I learned so much from her.

Meeting with the angels at the Developmental Center.

One of several times we met with Sister Julie Beck, current general Relief Society president.

Yes... lunch with Sister Allred and Sister Beck!

Our wonderful stake president, Howard Bangerter. It was a joy to serve with him.

My dream team, Val Peterson, Ann Adamson and Valerie Blain. Amazing women!!

Our final Women's Conference with Sheri Dew.

The annual "Young at Heart" Christmas luncheon. We loved serving lunch to those who are 65 and older in our stake.

Leadership training... The sister standing next to me is Shauna Valentine and she is the new stake Relief Society president.

Thanks for the kinds words of appreciation through emails, cards, phone calls and flowers.

I wonder what my next calling will be!

Lunch with my boys!

My two 27 year olds and I had lunch together to celebrate Mark's birthday. Yes, you know Christopher and Mark are both 27 for about a month.

We took Mark to Fong's, a new restaurant in American Fork. I had a shrimp dish that was very similar to one I had in Taiwan. It was delicious!

We celebrated again on Sunday. Mark wanted steak, baked potatoes and fresh corn. I was happy to obliged. I also added some very yummy chicken kabobs. He wanted one of his favorites, creme brulee for dessert. We topped that with a bowl a perfect raspberries.

Mark can enjoy a nice massage and Chris made a donation in Mark's name to the Human Fund ~ Money for the People!!

It was a fun night that ended by playing our favorite game, Cranium. In a very close game Chris, Mark and Tiff beat out Ma and Pa.

Happy Birthday again, Mark ~ you're going to have a great year!

For My Aunt...

This post is for my Aunt Bernice who lives in Oklahoma. She wanted to see the blankets and things I made for Cash. So here ya go...

This is afghan is for Tiffani to snuggled up with while she is feeding Cash.

Tiff's Dad painted the nursery and I made curtains so I need to get a picture of the room all finished. It is so cute!!

I just want to be sure Cash will stay warm this winter!!

After the Shower...

I still can't believe all the clothes and wonderful gifts Tiffani and Mark got. The clothes nearly covered their living room floor! Cindi and I helped Tiff sort through the clothes and put them in piles by size. I don't think Cash will need anymore clothes for a year. However, I can't guarantee that I won't still buy him clothes! Who knows, maybe I already have.

How many men does it take to put a stroller together?

As it turns out, it takes three! Tim, Chris and Mark did manage to get the stroller assembled.

34 days... more or less until we can take Cash for a stroll!

Quote for the Week... Seasons

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to reap that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.
A time to get and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1

Mark Joseph

August 12, 2010

To my son Mark on his 27^st birthday

Dear Son,

First and most important is my love for you. I am so grateful to be your Mom.

Secondly is how proud I am of you as a man. You have proven to be the type of boy, and now man, that I am proud to have as a son. Manly, yet gentle - studious and intelligent and yet able to turn a joke or quip.

In a few weeks you will have a son of your own and will begin to understand the love a parent has for their child.

I will never forget the first time I held you in my arms. I am so glad we had you.

I love you. Happy Birthday!!