Time in Enid is Coming to a Close

Time flies. I've been in Enid almost two and a half weeks! Seems like a week, maybe. I'm having a wonderful time.

I caught this streak of lightening, impressive. I took at least two dozen photos but only caught it this once. I don't know whether it was my camera or my reflexes that couldn't keep up.

Aaron and Emmaline watching lightening display.

Molly and her dog, Nurshey all dressed up in head gear and nightie.

Molly found this "beautiful bouquet" at the dollar store. She was eager to pose wearing her princess dress and shoes.

Molly's Talent Show Performance

Today was the Enid Ward primary talent show. Several children performed; danced, sang, told jokes, did cheerleading, gymnastics, reset rubic cubes and a couple of very little ones 'jumped around'. Afterwards cookies and punch were served. Brenda and Emmaline stayed home. I took this video with my little camera which I'm finally figuring out. Molly's performance was her own creation. It follows and is adorable.

Emmaline Charlotte is here!

I'm in Oklahoma and we're in the pink! Baby Emmaline Charlotte is here. (In the above photo with her Mom and a new stuffed dog. Her version of Molly's dog, Nurshey.) She arrived Wednesday, June 18th at 10:15 p.m. Central Time after twelve hours of induced labor. She weighed in at 8 pounds and 20 inches long. She has dark brown hair, long slender fingers and at first glance looks like Brenda's baby pictures, but on closer observation we can see she's a mixture of her parents with significant similarities to her siblings.

Most of all she submits to being cuddled closely which is my favorite duty and as the picture demonstrates, seems to be her Dad's as well.

Wearing her brand new newborn size jumper and top, she came to her home.

Here's Brenda on the 16th . As you can see, baby was very ready. We had the pool all to ourselves and when we left it was closed due to incoming bad weather. And yes, it got bad; rain like the west has never known.

Winter in June at Snowbird

Matt and Carol took their family to temple square and so I jumped in Pam's wonderful 'Avy' (she most graciously lent me) and joined them. We enjoyed a 'pull apart' at the Lion House and dressing up and making stained glass windows in the children's area of the History Museum, and just being together walking along North Temple and through the grounds where the flowers of every hue are spectacular--and blooming is just beginning! The kids were fascinated with the mirror pool. I was fascinated with watching them, just being with them.

As the hour of heavy traffic approached, I was easily 'encouraged' to joining them at Snowbird. I had tucked my swimsuit into a bag and I always carry my thyroid meds with me, so I was easily swayed. As I neared the resort, the temperatures dropped from cool to crisp and the snow was everywhere with dirt showing through on the little mounds between the runs. The diciduous trees were still starkly bare. I enjoyed the feeling of being in a familiar place once again, but a little disappointed with the lack of any signs of spring.

We had a great time. The kids seemed oblivious to the cool air and enjoyed the big pool as well as the hot tub on the balcony, bobbing and dunking and just being in the steamy euphoria. and they did get sunburned. . .



Little Philip wanted very much to join the others and kept tapping at the door, even trying to slide it open, so he could access the fun they were having.


They also enjoyed relaxing (no chores, yeah) and spent a fair amount of time playing games.

I especially enjoyed my swim up on the top floor though it was very different to see snow rather than the bare rock of the south facing mountain. I think I spotted a dear or elk way up there skidding across a broad snowy face; anyway something moved. That morning was so glorious I stayed on another night in order to swim one more morning. Well, much to my surprise a blizzard greeted me as I opened the curtains!! Yes, blizzard, but I decided I wanted to swim in any case. When I got to the pool with the steam pouring upward and the snow blowing hard sideways, I took extra quick steps and melted into the warm water. Even so, it wasn't enough to lure me beyond one lap down and one back. And, even if the snow hadn't been in my face, I couldn't see the tiniest speck of mountain for the dense cloud that shrouded me and part of the pleasure of the place is the scenery. So, I rode a stationary bike for a few minutes, enjoyed a leasurely shower and then headed back to Provo. As I drove out of the canyon, I could see the valley way below all lit with sunshine and yet I was in a cloud so it was the appearance of looking through a glass snowball. Most intriguing. I felt as if I were going to drive through a veil and it foreshadowed feelings of doing that very thing as I leave this earth someday. Deep thoughts seeped into my soul sending a chill and a sweetness throughout me. I am constantly in a state of gratitude for the gift of faith that blesses me with such experiences.

It Comes to Pass

I have a camera! What great fun. I took this picture to try it out.
Thank you, Sarah and Anne.

While I packed to get ready for my trip to Utah, I turned my back on Philip while he pulled and pulled to get my drawer opened. I didn't think he could open it, but when I turned around. "Well, hello. . . Philip, what are you doing?"

"Aren't you a little smartie?" So pleased with himself!



Well, now I'm in Utah and I was about to return the camera because it quit working. However, I tried again and again and on Dad's computer, with Ron's help, it finally took hold. Hurrah.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

We're enjoying the wonderful cool temperatures and steady rain. Karen, Kris, Karla and I went to see some of the parade of homes in Mapleton and Springville; opulence and utility to be had in ample space. Vibrant colors are coming back. I especially liked a red/orange/yellow girl's bedroom.
We also made stops at a couple of nursuries and bought starts for flower beds. In my case, just one cupid tomato to put in the folks yard. We lunched at La Casitas, a Mexican restaurant that I remember going to w a y back.

Kurt and Becky are selling the Knudsen homestead and it's leaving a rather empty hole in me -- Interesting since I'm not one of the siblings raised there! They emptied out the freezer and sent apricot and strawberry jam home with me for my folks.

Mom Burch told me that the oft quoted passage in the Book of Mormon, "it came to pass" is, indeed, a message, not just noting a passage of time in the read. I think I'm catching on. . . .