Sunday, April 18, 2010

Gloriously beautiful Salt Lake City!

It was a perfect 72 degrees as I walked to Salt Lake Central Stake Conference (the oldest stake in the church).  We met in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square.  Cory rode south from Ogden on his motorcycle to attend with me.
The flowers on Temple Square are soooooooooooooo beautiful with the planning and the ultimate care from numerous Master Gardeners, but pictures cannot do them justice.

The congregation were blessed to hear from 2 general authorities: Elder Donald L. Hallstrom of the Presidency of the Seventy and Elder Samuel W. Clark, also a Seventy. Our stake President Sorenson has been called to be Mission president of the Russia, Moscow mission starting in July.  Thus we sustained a new stake presidency.
Elder Hallstrom talked of the miracles that occur all over the world daily.  Think of the large committee each company has in the Human Resources Department.  The many people scan the many resumes that come to them and a few stand out as having possible qualifications in education and experiences.  The next step is to discuss the few in depth as to whether he/she woud be an asset to the company.
Discussions on salary and benefits, several interviews with possible flights involved, offers, counter offers, and date decided upon as to when the new employee would be able to start working for the company!
But the miracle that we see from time to time is that when a person is needed to fill a position such as a new stake president is that through personal revelation names of possible people are given to the person responsible for  making the calling . . . interviews . . .inspiration given to the committee -where the spirit is sooooooooooooo strong . . . a calling made and graciously and humbly accepted and the person starts the NEXT DAY!  The Lord had prepared the person and molded him for many years to be ready for the new calling! 
Sister Sasine and Sister Pilz have been working together on various activities committee for about 5 years now.  I am the quiet one.  Little Sister Sasine is always in the forefront with messages from the zone leader and is "grandma" to all the young elders.  She is a bundle of energy.
On the right is the central walkway of Temple Square leading to the new "flagship" Deseret Bookstore.  So many tempting items to purchase.  On the left is the garden facing President Monson's Office in the Administration Building.

Our next big event is the National Genealogical Convention held at the end of the month.  Many missionaries have been selected to help in the general booths, but especailly the New Family Search -world family tree!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Where does time fly?

I had a wonderful trip to California to celebrate the birthday's of both my sisters in 2009 and thought I would share the pictures.  I flew to California Friday afternoon and stayed overnight with Mike and Lexy in North Hollywood.  Breakfast was on the patio with perfect weather to enjoy it.
We had a delicious luncheon at Lexy's home.  Soon two more arrived.  Scott Meadows is on call and was working as photographer for channel 4  this Saturday morning.

Then his sister, Allison, joined us for lunch as well.







That afternoon The sisters, Adrienne, Laurie and Lexy went to a play at the Glendale Theatre, a long standing tradition for the birthday celebrations and then traveled to Laurie and Blaine's home for dinner and overnight. 
 My guest room was like staying in an Italian Villa and I loved it! 
After church with Laurie and Blaine we took a tour of the ultimate in backyard play houses which were a fundraiser for humanitarian causes.  They were each AMAZING!

They were each fully furnished  and each had a different theme: the farm house, a Mediterranian home, a beach house, an Oriental theme, etc.  Most were for little children fully equiped with toys, games, snacks on miniature tables.  One was a teen music room where one could play to his heart's content & not disturb others.
Lunch was delightful in a Mexican atmosphere including wonderful singers accompanied by their guitars.  Best of all was the company when cousins David and Dana Murton and their wives, Jean and Dorothy joined us.

All this in one weekend and then I flew back to reality.  I can hardly wait to do it again!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

What a fabulous weekend with the Johanson's. I picked up Debi after she had finished her student teaching at Payson High School. (She loves the chorus classes, teaches guitar classes and coaches for the track team!) The drive to Colorado was beautiful with a full moon reflecting on the snowy mountains and fields.

Of course we had the challenge of 1 1/2 hours of thick fog and Debi drove with great caution. We had a close call as a fully loaded car carrier truck decided to exit at the very last minute and with SMOKING BRAKES crossed over from the left lane and barely missed us.

The special occasion was the baptism of the Johanson's youngest child, Spencer. 16 year old brother, Devin had the priviledge of baptizing Spencer.  He used his new white towel which had embroidered on it: 
CTR 
Spencer Johanson
January 30, 2010
Father, Bryan confirmed Spencer a member of the church and  blessed him with the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Wonderful Bishop Hill welcomed him into the Castle Rock Canyon Ward.  AJ and Devin sang together.  Christian gave an awesome self created talk on baptism and mother gave the talk on the Holy Ghost.  Grandma Pilz and Aimee gave the prayers.  It was followed by a soup buffet for all who attended.
 
Debi's most favorite dessert is ICE CREAM and good sisters- Cami and Aimee- went shopping for it and delightful joke gifts for 23 year old Debi who is smitten with love!  It was filled with little Debis (Hostess cakes), delicious Valentine candy,  red foiled big chocolate lips (with a note to save for Eric!) and cool lines to say to a love: "DO You give CPR? I'm breathless over you!!!"
Eric Hales is the name.  Keep posted for further news!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Four Seasons





The four seasons are a joy to behold as I walk to work in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, serving as a genealogy research trainer, one on one.


It is the crossroads of my family as they bring their college students to BYU or Utah State University in Logan or Utah Valley University in Orem or perhaps for a wedding or to attend a conference or maybe just to see Grandma/Mom or for for Natasha, working in the Church Office Building next door.  Are there any of your blond brownies.  "Those are my favorites", she says.



Master Gardeners lovingly tend the spring, summer and fall flowers for our enjoyment.  I have taken a couple of tours to learn the names of the many plants.  On occasion friends and missionaries eat at the Garden Restaurant and  look down upon the gardens , the temple and the beautiful reflection pond.

Friends-Nancy, Byrdie, Marg- often get together to celebrate a birthday, have a pot-luck dinner or snacks and a wholesome movie, go to a concert, a play such as The Christmas Carol or we have even traveled together to Peru and the the Canadian Maritime Islands of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward's Island and New Brunswick.

A favorite highlight of the year is the spectacular Christmas Production where 350 angels-The Mormon Tabernacle Choir- accompanied by the orchestra and bells can be heard.  The decorations and the dancers, costumes and the special well known guests to sing and narrate all make a night to long remember.

It was dawn as I walked across Temple Square.
I glanced back and the trees were full of fireflies!!
Seconds later the light shifted-
The fireflies became unlit Christmas lights waining to be removed.
I will miss those Christmas lights
But I know the tulips will soon be here again.
by Lisa South

But best of Grandma likes being with her grandchildren.
These are Joseph, Ryen, Andie, and Ethan Hughes.
To see the excitement they had on Christmas was delightful!!!





Baby Ryen came just in time for Halloween and Mother had her little lamb costume all ready.  Her sister Andie was little Bo Peep.  Here is Grandma with newborn Ryen.