Family! Family! Family!

The last couple of days have been family oriented for me. I have enjoyed the time I have had with my family. Dad's sister Helyne's funeral on Friday. What a great loving compassionate woman. I have enjoyed thinking about her and celebrating her life with others. The funeral also gave me opportunity to be with cousins I seldom get to be with.
Grandma Jayne's 94th birthday. We headed to dinner. What a great lady! Was fun to be with all the gang again.
McKay will soon leave for Canada. I will miss him. Went to the Salt Lake Temple with him on Saturday. He is excited to go and serve the Lord.

Temple Square

Tonight I went to Temple Square in Salt Lake with some of the young women. I enjoy the young perspective of life. They are incredible kids. It makes me happy to be with them. We headed over to Crown Burger after and really enjoyed just hanging out with each other. Love you guys!!

Had a great weekend with family! Thanksgiving, bowling, making candy, Temple square and McKay's farewell. Whew! I made it through the weekend and I loved it! I wish I could of sat and talked with everyone of my family at length. So many of us and not lots of time to say and do what I wanted. I enjoyed my family.
McKay is getting ready to leave for the Canada Edmonton Alberta Mission. He spoke today in church and he did an incredible job. He was very nervous and had a hard time looking at the audience. But his words were humble and from the heart. He spoke of the car crash he was in last year and how his life was spared. I think a turning point in the young mans life. I love you McKay.
My Dad's sister Helene passed away today! She was an incredible lady. I am happy she is in another place. She will be greatly missed. She used to watch me when I was a child. I took her home many a time from the bakery the last few years. I loved her love of others and her giving heart. I will miss you aunt Helene!

Thanksgiving 2008

Deb's was the place for dinner. All of my siblings and their family members made some sort of an appearance. OK maybe not all of them but most of them. Lauren and I produced an incredible slide show that everyone enjoyed. Lauren had stayed at my place the night before and had worked until 3:30 am to get it done. The show was after dinner.  We had a delicious dinner and them played a game called Po keno. Patti introduced us to it.  We loved playing it. Lots of yummy desserts and lots of visiting. It is always nice to be with family on this day of thanksgiving. A few things I am grateful for: Family, friends, and a wonderful peaceful life. 

Family!

Spent sometime with my family last night. It was really quite nice. All of my siblings but two were there. We went to a wedding open house of a cousin. Dinner at Mom and Dads. Was nice to visit and catch up on life. I am always amazed by the love and support I feel with my family. I love the picture of Dad and his sister Norma. I have been enjoying Sunday's as of late. Just taking it easy and enjoying a mellow day with family and freinds. I seem to get lost at times on the importance of family. I always remember the saying that your friends will come and go but your family will always be there. Steph, Rich, Tyler, and Travis. Deb, Carol, Steph, Richard, cousin Julie and her Mom my aunt Norma.

Region Champs!

Two years in a row! The Young Women of my ward took first place in region volleyball again this year. The Laurels played a big part in that. Most of them will be gone next year so it might be a bit hard to repeat. I enjoyed going to their games. They are a great group of young women. There sportsmanship is extraordinary. I am always complimented by everyone on how great they are. They motivate me so much in my life. Way to go girls!!!!

25th Missionary Reunion

Wow! I have been home for 25 years. This is the first time the Taylor's have had a reunion. Travis and Denice helped me make a few dozen eclairs for the event and off I went. Was fun to see all the signs along the road that led you to the building. Seeing the Canadian flag in front of the building brought lots of feelings of good memories to me. We had a gathering in the chapel and the Taylor’s shared with us their love of life, the gospel and us. President Taylor spoke of love and how much the Lord loves each of us. I was touched by his words. Sister Taylor spoke of her love of us, family and the church. I put an old picture above of me, Heiner, Olds and Pace. Above also a picture of Heiner and me and a few other sisters I served with. And then the Taylor’s and me. Elder Vanleuwen joined in. He was one of my zone leaders. This was the first time the Taylor's had a reunion.

Disneyland!

I got to go to Disneyland for my birthday. I could not of asked for anything finer than walk around Disneyland with a good friend enjoying all that was surrounding me. Denice and I went and we enjoyed every minute of it. It was a bit crowded but the weather was grand and the happiest place on earth was still an adventure. We also enjoyed having dinner at Mama Cusso's the Walkenhorst favorite Italian place down the street. Highlight of the trip: Frozen banana's and churro's. Love that place!!!

McKay's Mission Call

McKay received his mission call to the Calgary Edmonton Mission. He leaves on the 10 of December 2008. As he read where he was going I was excited because that bit of country fits his personality and lifestyle perfectly. It is layed back. Not real big or busy. And somewhere a hunter would love to go. It is right next door to British Columbia where I served my mission. I am so proud of him for making this choice.

Lauren's in High School Musical

Went to see Lauren perform in High School Musical tonight. She plays the part of a reporter. Here and two other girls introduce what his going to happen in the scene to come. Lauren does a great job. She is a great little actress. I loved watching her perform. 

Mom, Dad, Grandma Jayne, Deb, Stewart, Sue, Syd and I all attended. We had dinner at my place and then all headed to Rogers Playhouse for the play. I love spending time with family. 

I am always amazed on young kids and the abilities they have to perform. I am so proud of Lauren and her efforts in following all that she wants to be and do in life. She ran for a sophomore class officer this past week and she did not make it. I was so proud of her for at least making the effort.

My life so far . . .

Girls Camp 2008

Went to camp Piuta this year. A beautiful setting for camp. 14 cabins and one lodge and about 250 people. Our group had 2 cabins that had 14 bunks in each. We had rain every day. We were there for 3 days. It was not long enough. We had 20 young women and 6 leaders stay the week and 2 leaders wander in for a day or so. We had a great time! The young women in our area are incredible. They are loving and kind to each other. No upset kids just love and consideration for one another. We had lots of together time. Had lots of group discussions on gospel topics and just life experiences.