Bursting into song

I have been privileged to live with people who love to burst out singing!

We were playing a game at Brenda's the other night and something in the conversation reminded her of some lyrics to a song which she began to sing. I've heard her sing to her children to cheer them up, or to calm them down. She sings for our family. She sang in church recently. She auditioned to sing in the Portland Music Festival--an original song based on the scripture, "I give unto men weakness that they may be strong." I hope she's chosen for it.

Eldon likes to sing in the shower or when he's getting dressed.  His favorites are "I'm Forever Chasing Bubbles" or "She Wore Blue Velvet" and he doesn't know the whole song, just a fragment. But it's so cheerful to hear him. I know he's happy.

I remember Daddy liked to sing when he was on the riding lawn mower. Possibly he thought he couldn't be heard over the noise of the motor. We never told him we could hear him well because we didn't want him to quit! I loved to hear Daddy sing.

One last memory burned into my heart. One night we were all sitting out on the bench in the rose garden watching a full moon rise over Mount Timpanogos. Daddy started singing "When  the Moon Comes Over the Mountain" made famous by Kate Smith. Mom started harmonizing with him and I thought it was the most beautiful thing I'd ever heard.

It's not so much a question of Can you sing? But rather, Will you sing?

A day working at the temple

There are no typical days working at the temple because each one is unique depending on the assignments we get and the people who are there. So I thought I'd describe one day (today). 

Our day started off with an eggnog french toast breakfast at Brenda's. Then she headed off to an audition and we did the dishes and watched the kids until it was time to drive to the temple.

My first assignment was to be the attendant to a girl taking out her endowments. Her name was Leanne Petersen. Chatting to her and mostly to her mom while she was dressing, I found out she is 26 and works in the admissions office at Willamette University. I told her I had a grandson-in-law going there--that sounds weird. Her parents and two brothers were there and then at the last minute her sister from Seattle came tearing in and surprised them. They were so happy to see her. 

After getting them settled in the endowment room my next assignment was in the celestial room and there was Sheryl!  She'd come over with her ward. I got to talk with her for a few minutes.

I had a lunch break and then spent a half hour in the foyer. There I chatted with the Baumgartners as they were leaving. 

Then I picked up Leann as she finished her session and took her to the celestial room where her family was waiting. She hugged each one and then they all six had a group hug! That brought tears to my eyes. There's just nothing more valuable in this life than family.

After seeing her off with a hug, I joined Eldon as he officiated on the 3:30 endowment session. He looks so very handsome in a white suit. We had five brothers and five sisters so the prayer circle was perfect!

We ended our day in the temple by sharing a prime rib dinner in the cafeteria. 

Ken's 43rd Birthday Party

It was fun to host Ken's birthday party. It had a train theme since that's Ken's interest of the moment. 

Rachel made a scrumptious cake that looked like a train. And they brought mudslide ice cream to go with it! 

Seeking the sun

We left the oppressive cloud cover in the valley and headed to the coast where it was bright sunshine! First we went to Yaquina Head and did some whale watching. None came by. 

We camped at Devil's Lake where a lot of sites were under water. We watched a beautiful sunset and saw a heron up close down at the lake. How come you never have your camera when you need it.

The next morning we walked along the beach quite a ways and  then headed home, back to the cloud cover.

A pleasant new car purchasing experience

In the past purchasing a new car has been very stressful for me because of the haggling and Eldon getting hot under the collar over it.  This time it was a dream.

For many many months now we've been doing research and saving up for it. We read reports and reviews and narrowed it down to two models which we test drove. Then came the hard part--deciding on a color we both liked! 

When all our ducks were in a row, I filled out a form on the Costco site and the next day the manager of the closest participating dealership, which turned out to be in Albany, called me. I asked what was in stock and the very one we wanted was on the lot! 

So we made an appointment for 2 o'clock. After an hour and a half of chit chatting, filling out the paper work and a driving lesson out on the road, we were the proud new owners of a Camry Hybrid. 

Here are the things I like about this car:

* Reasonable price and good gas mileage.

* Keyless entry. You just carry a fob on your person that unlocks the door when you get near it.

* A push button to start it.

* Controls for heat and sound built into the steering wheel.

* Takes up less space in the garage.