Gwyn is 4 today!

I had to post a birthday wish for Miss Gwyn. She has brought joy to all those around her for the past 4 years.

When my niece Robyn asked me to crochet a blessing dress for her, I panicked because I had never done anything like that before. I really wanted to honor Robyn's request, well ... because I love her! So I let her look through my pattern books and prayed I could pull it off.

I used all the best materials I could find. The thread was imported from Germany and I made the slip out of Irish linen. I wasn't kidding when I said I prayed. I started over about 5 times and when I got to the bottom part called pineapples, that's when I really started to get worried.


But for my first attempt, it looks pretty darn good! I was so happy to make the dress for Robyn. I have many happy memories as I have watched Robyn grow up into an incredible woman. I went to many of her ballet recitals and one of my favorite memories will always be the week that Robyn, Kennan and Brooke stayed with us in Wyoming. Since I didn't have daughters of my own, it was so fun to be a little part of their lives. Thanks for sharing your sweet daughters, Pam (and granddaughters)!

Gwyn's Blessing Day ~ Summer 2005

A few weeks ago when we went to see Robyn, she told Gwyn that I made her blessing dress. Gwyn said, Where is it? Robyn said, In your closet, do you want to see it? I enjoyed a sweet moment with them as Robyn took the dress out of the closet. It was fun to see it again.

Happy, Happy Birthday Gwyn!

Memorial Day Tradition

Sweet, loving Glenn ~ for 18 years we have missed him. It is a tradition to visit and decorate the graves. We have been going to the cemetery every year since we have lived in Utah.

And for 16 years we have missed being entertained by Jeff and spending time with him.

Lee ~ Grandma Johnnie Belle ~ Tim and Holley!

Thanks to Lee for sharing an essay Jeff wrote while he was at Boys State and for the scrapbook Johnnie Belle brought with remembrances of Glenn. Sentimental Holley shared a great story about Jeff, a ring and a McDonald's Big Mac! We enjoyed reminiscing and being with family.

We walked over to see this grave with the large flag. An 18 year old young man and his uncle were buried there. Both served in the military. A woman asked if we knew them. We said no and that we saw the flag so we wanted to see who was buried there. She looked at me and said, it is my son. So many lives and so many stories. This sweet mom told us she comes to his grave nearly everyday in the summer.

I love all the American flags.

Doesn't this message say it all? ...

I thought probably some cute grandchildren made this smiley face out of rocks.

The East Lawn Cemetery in Provo is so beautiful with amazing views. Tim and I own some property there!

Quote for the week of 5-25-2009

The strait and narrow path, though clearly marked, is a path,

not a freeway nor an escalator. Indeed, there are times when the only
way the strait and narrow path can be followed is on one's knees!
And we are to help each other along the path.
~ Neal A. Maxwell, May 1982

Memorial Day 2009

This is a picture of my Uncle Marion. He was a Staff Sergeant in the Army. He was killed while serving his country in Rodgen, Germany during World War II. He entered the service in August of 1942. He received his training at Camp Roberts, California and was sent to England in May of 1943. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, served in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He was awarded the Purple Heart. Uncle Marion was killed when a fellow soldier offered his gun to hold onto as he was climbing out of a tank. The gun accidentally discharged. Amazingly enough, Tim's Uncle Earl was killed the same year also by friendly fire.

I always think of him on Memorial Day, a day that it is set aside to reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to their country. As far back as I can remember my family, along with Grandma Federer would go to his grave to decorate it with flowers and of course, an American flag.

One does not die until one is forgotten ...

And I'm proud to be an American
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
~ Lee Greenwood

The unofficial start of summer, a three-day weekend for government employees, and an excuse for car markdowns and furniture sales ~ this day in May is recognized in many ways in the United States. But really, above all it should be a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to our country.

Our Dads ... Ivan and Glenn

Ivan Lester Federer

My Dad served his country with a stint in the Army and the Marines. He is so handsome. Dad was stationed in Newfoundland in 1944 (if the date on the back of the picture is correct).

Glenn Arthur Williams

Tim's Dad is also so handsome in his uniform. Glenn served his country in the Army from 1942 to 1946 and was stationed in France. We honor them this Memorial Day for helping preserve our freedom.

Unique Blessing

Another beautiful temple in Utah ~ Just weeks after the March 20 dedication of the Draper Temple, a fourth temple in the valley is almost finished. The Oquirrh Mountain Temple will be open for public tours beginning June 1.

Fun facts ~ The Oquirrh (O'ker) Mountain Temple is 60,000 square feet and the exterior finish is light beige granite from China. It faces east toward the Wasatch Mountains. It will be dedicated August 21-23, in 9 sessions. The temple will be open for ordinance work on August 25, 2009. South Jordan will hold the distinction of being the only city in the world with two LDS temples, the other being Jordan River, located approximately 3 1/2 miles to the northeast.

Draper and Oquirrh Mountain Temples

Elder William R. Walker who serves as the executive director of the Temple Department said that, "Although there are 129 temples in operation around the world, he admits that the simultaneous construction of two temples in such close proximity marks an unusual effort that might never be repeated."

The Oquirrh Mountain Temple is the thirteenth temple built in Utah and the fourth built in the Salt Lake Valley, following the Salt Lake Temple (1893), the Jordan River Utah Temple (1981), and the Draper Utah Temple.

Quote for the week of 5-18-2009

Always do right ~

This will gratify some people and astonish the rest. ~ Mark Twain

Mother's Day 2009

My greatest blessings call me Mother ...

Shalayla, Wynonna, Jessica and Faleen!

Thanks for making everyday "mother's day."

Quote for the week of 4-11-2009

' ... on the Sabbath we must say farewell to manual work and learn to understand that the world has already been created and will survive without the help of man. Six days a week we wrestle with the world, wringing profit from the earth, on the Sabbath we especially care for the seed of eternity planted in the soul. The world has our hands, but our soul belongs to Someone Else. Six days a week we seek to dominate the world, on the seventh day we try to dominate the self." ~ Abraham Joshua Herschel

Remembering Big George

Last Mother's Day we were planning to celebrate with George and Marie. They were going to join us at the Grand America for brunch. We got a call from George that something had come up and they wouldn't be able to make it. We thought maybe Kawika was sick and didn't think too much of it. Later that day, Chris got a call from George telling him that Big George had passed away suddenly. George did not want to spoil Mother's Day for us so he waited until he was sure we were home ~ how kind.

He was just 53 years old. Chris has missed Big George so much this past year. The cherished memories remain for Chris and I am sure they will not fade.

"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone
monuments but what is woven into the lives of others." ~ Pericles