The Boys Are Back!!

Kristy, Chase, Morgan and Nick

Branson, Nick, Keifer and Alvin
TTiffany and Branson and Alvin and Jessica

Monday for FHE, we had the boys from Central Ward over with their families.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LAUREN!!!!

Bob, Lauren and Grandpa Dana

This cute picture was found when my grandparents home was robbed. The robbers had thrown it out of my Grandpa's drawer. My uncles found it on the floor when they were cleaning up and gave it to me. So touching that my grandpa loved it so much, he kept it in his drawer. I know Lauren misses him as much as I do!

Happy Birthday, Lauren!!! The big 25! You've made in 1/4 of the way!! Love you, Sis!!

When I thought Prop 102 was over.........

I thought things were simmering down and I received a letter in the mail. It was addressed to "Proposition 102 Supporters". I almost threw it away but something told me to open it. It read as follows:
Dear Prop 102 Supporter:
It was interesting to see that while you were trying to make rules for other people, you chose to ignore the rules and law regarding displaying your signs. Surely you are aware that there are laws and city ordinances against using public property (the wall which is city property adjqcent to your property)for campaign signs. Perhaps you feel you are granted special status and don't have to follow the la3w while you spread your message of hate, fear, intolerance and ignorance. The God I am familiar with loves all everyone, tolerates everyone, and forgives us for our poor choices. Perhaps you a different God, or a warped view of the same God. Fortunately, God also gives us the ability to think of ourselves...it is a good thing to do. Try it.
Oh, by the way, this from a heterosexual who is happily married. Gays and lesbians, even Mormons and zealots, don't threaten my marriage. Too bad your isn't as sound.
A Neighbor

Wow---just when you think they have all gone away, another one surfaces! It's interesting to see that their "God" only forgives those people they want forgiven! Everyone but those Mormons!!!

Sunday Dinner

What a crazy day and thankfully Kirk and Sue brought over some green chile for dinner and all I had to do was some dessert and beans and rice. This music calling is getting a little crazy-and most of it is my fault-because I asked the bishop if we could have a missionary fireside showcasing the musical talent from our ward. A Christmas Celebration of Music with very polished numbers and fabulous Christmas treats to follow, along with socializing and getting to know the neighbors! We got the OK for the building about 30 minutes after church so now I must get it together. I'll keep you posted on how things go!

It Happened!!

We have a 33 foot motorhome in our driveway that Keifer call the "Lone Star" (from Spaceballs). Pictures to follow!

Are we gonna have a Winni?

Yesterday, Keifer found a Winnebego for a steal. He and I went over to check it out and I think we've got ourselves a Winni (as Keifer calls it!)! It just needs some TLC which I will be offering. Keifer and I are going to buy it together. He'll pay half and I'll pay half. He'll handle the outside and I will handle the inside. Keifer has been looking for a motorhome for atleast a year. He needs to park it down at the Dunes where he can run his mobile weding business in the months from October to May. He gave the business a shot last year but didn't have a shower and he said he couldn't do it! Once it comes back from the Dunes it May, I will take it up to the mountains and maybe park it on some land my mom has up there! It's only a hour and half away and it would be a fun escape in the hotttt summer! We'll keep you posted! CRAZY!

All 88 AZ Stakes have Conference

Justin and I just returned home from an awesome conference where Elder Bruce Hafen, Elder Jay Jensen, a sister from the General Primary Presidency and Elder Boyd K Packer spoke.
I normally don't enjoy the satellite too much but today it was awesome. One of my favorite parts happened while we were singing the rest hymn. As we were singing, the words came into my mind that all members of the church in AZ we standing at the same time, singing together as one united body, as one united force for good! A tear began to fall as I felt the strength and power of all 88 stakes united together. The royal army was assembled today.
All talks were good. Elder Hafen talked about consecration. He said we have 3 types in the church: the inactive, the active and the consecrated. He said that the church would drastically change if only 3 or 4 families per ward would consecrate themselves to the gospel. Wow! He also talked about the honor we have in AZ of being blessed with 3 more temples. He said we need to take this time to prepare those members of our families and our friends to be able to attend the temple dedication and the temple after that. Some referred to Prop 102 and Prop 8 and why we should vote for marriage. Elder Packer did a great job talking simply about why marriage is important. As he closed he said that things were going to change and change drastically as we know them. He instructed that we stay close to family and not fear.
Coincidentally, I received a call yesterday from our Stake PR person asking if I would stay after the adult meeting and talk to a new member that was having problems with the marriage prop. I was happy to do so and after the meeting, the McClures were standing with us when asked to begin the discussion. It was so awesome to do missionary work again! The spirit was so strong as Bishop McClure started related stories from his life that perfectly aligned with hers. It was just a coincidence that he was standing there. He was the bishop of the ward that she is in and he invited her to come to him anytime. I just bore testimony to her that God is real and that he knows her and that she just needs to pour her heart out to him. I told her she must strengthen her testimony and her relationship with God so as times get tough, she will be solid. She began to cry and we all began to cry and it was a beautiful special moment. I am grateful that I was invited to help.

Stolen signs have Happy Ending!

Keifer and Justin putting the signs back up. Keifer had a great idea of using bags full of sand to hold the bags over the wall. Better than bricks because the vandals could use the bricks to throw into our windows!

Keifer and Justin hanging the sign back on the wall

Justin and the sign--it's a big one!
Because the signs were stolen, I wrote a letter to the editor to our 2 major papers. I was informed on Friday at the Halloween party that one of the papers published my comments! Awesome, I didn't even know!
Also, I called the City of Mesa in response to an ordinance violation notice--someone complained about the giant banner we put on the wall on side of our house--explaining that someone had pulled it down before I could remove it. The inspector told me he would come out and take a picture of the banner down(because they pulled it down!) and close the case. He then told me I could put a banner back up the following day and even if someone complained, the election would be over and the banner would be down before he could come back! Awesome!

Halloween

Nuts at work

Rita and I swapped hair!

This isn't a wanted poster---It's Keifer!

another picture coming of Kirk and Bob!!

More signs---ours gone again!

Monday night Bob and I went out replacing peoples Prop 102 signs. We put a minimum of 2 signs per yard. I got some emails today letting me know I missed a couple of houses so Keifer and I went out tonight. We placed some new ones and found signs were stolen again!! When we pulled in, we found our yard was once again empty!! Keifer placed a couple in some new strategic places......let's see if they can last a week!

New Calling--s!!

Welp, it's official! 2 new callings. I was once again called to be YW ward camp director (3 times for the ward and 1 for stake camp director)! I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong but maybe this time I'll get it right! After the counselor in the bishopric finished with that, he said he had another calling for me. Ward Music Chairman. what??huh??me??are you kidding?! apparently not....this one is way out of my comfort zone.....wow! So off I go trying to line up the fabulous musical numbers for the Ridge Ward. Oddly enough my mind has had many thoughts of what needs to be done. I will rely on inspiration to get this accomplished; I've already had feelings to change some things around. Crazy--if anyone knows of any rockin' numbers (spiritual of course), let me know!!

Halloween Dinner

Tonight we had a pre-Halloween dinner with Josh and Mer, Keifer, Bob and I. Bob is a little under the weather but managed to socialize and eat. Mer made chicken enchilada, I made tostadas and Keifer made his famous sauce. Good dinner for all. For dessert we had brownie delights-a brownie muffin topped with ice cream and hot fudge, carmel, banana, almonds, whatever you like! Yum yum!

The signs are gone!

Last night, when we returned from Cody's football game-we noticed the "Yes for Prop 102" signs were missing from our yard and a huge banner we had hanging on the wall on Gilbert road had been pulled down and damaged. We thought we were the only ones who had been hit, but this morning we started receiving phone calls from people in the ward telling us their signs were stolen too! It's unbelieveable to me that some "Liberal" would waste their time to take all those signs down....they took every sign in our ward! I've ordered more and we'll keep putting them up and they can keep stealing them! I don't think they know who they are messing with!!

Cody's Football days

Tiffany, Sue, Cody, Tyren and Kirk

Last night we joined Kirk and his family at Cody's football game. His team in Corona del Sol. They were playing Chandler and it was a big game. They won and now their record is 7-0. Last week Cody made 2 touchdowns!! He's doing well. He hasn't played since his freshman year and he's now a senior. He's had to prove he's willing to do what is takes and so far he's doing it!

Halloween Mantle

oK!! I'm a little nuts but I really like how my mantle came out this Halloween!

Prop 102 RS Lesson

Yesterday I was asked to give a lesson in Relief Society on Prop 102, the AZ Marriage amendment. Everyone said it went well and I don't mention it for that reason. I mention it because I studied and studied and Sunday morning I had no idea what I was going to say. I said a prayer Sunday morning and then came home Sunday during Sunday school to get myself together and still my mind was blank. The only thing that came to my mind was "when ye are prepared ye shall not fear." I stepped up to podium and began speaking still not knowing what I was going to say. I made a comment about the proclamation and the ball began to roll. There were so many comments and it flowed. We had so much more we could have talked about-we could have gone on another hour. I was grateful my pray was answered, I just needed faith!

Keifer and Ben back together on jet skiis!

Friday night we went to the lake with Ben and Keifer, Bob and I. This might be the last trip of the season; we are actually cooling off here. It was great fun to have them together again since Ben's mission to Hungary. The water was beautiful; smooth as glass!

Saturday night with Rich and Lisa

Saturday night after priesthood meeting, we met up with Rich and Lisa Davis, our favorite 2nd cousins! (but we love them like we were 1st cousins!!) Our paths have crossed many times, starting with my early days at BYU where I met Rich and his sister Diane. My Grandma Dana would talk of how she loved their mother, Barbara Jean. She would always tell me that she and her sister Maude (Rich and Diane's grandma) wanted us to meet; that they knew we would be wonderful friends. We did meet and became great friends. For some reason in the later part of my BYU career my path began to cross more with Rich than Diane. Rich and I even ended up in the same ward the year before we both got married. Rich married Lisa in August of 1982 and I married Bob in November of 1982. Then as the children began coming, Lauren came first in November and Kirsty in January and the pattern continued with Keifer and Barbie and Justin and Michelle. I think we calculated that the 3 kids are all born within 6 weeks apart. When Lisa would find out she was pregnant, she would call me and ask if I was! We lived in the same town for the 1st part of our marriages and got together often and the kids grew to love their "cousins".
Although Rich and Lisa moved away, we still keep contact and try to get together whenever we can....................enough of the background....last night as we were visiting, laughing and picking up where we left off, (as if we had not been apart) we were catching up on the kids and jobs and everything. We talked about family and our great ancestry that had brought us together. Rich, who has been an avid genealogist following his mission, began telling us another story that had happened many years ago as he felt prompted to work on more genealogy. He said they were preparing to move from Mesa to Italy. They had about 3 weeks to get everything ready and he had a prompting to work on genealogy on the Macdonald line. He followed the prompting and called a few relatives to see if he could gather more research on a line where he had come to a stand still. He was referred to a relative named Lyal Millet who also shared his love of family history. Rich called the man and they conversed and then agreed to meet at the genealogy library across from the Mesa temple on Friday night where he would give Rich some information he had gathered. They had talked about their frustration in this particular spot and how to their best efforts the pieces weren't coming together. They met at the genealogy library, had a pleasant meeting where Lyal Millet shared with Rich his recent heartache due to the passing of his wife and they talked about the research they shared. Lyal gave Rich a box of information that he had been gathering for some time in hopes Rich would have more luck in putting the pieces together than he had been having. Their meeting ended and they both went on their way. The following Monday, as Rich and Lisa were exiting the temple some one posted a eulogy of Lyal Millet (who was a temple worker) at the exit door of the temple. He died a couple of days after his meeting with Rich.
This story has deeply touched me. It reminds me of stories from the Book of Mormon where the records were passed from one to another. It reconfirms to me that the heavens are open and this work is real. I'm grateful that Rich is so dedicated to genealogy and finds such love and passion for it. What a blessing he is to our family and I'm so grateful my Grandma wanted me to meet him! We love him and Lisa and the kids and grand kids and look forward to many fun memories with them!

Conference weekend in Utah

Here we are once again in Utah for conference weekend. Yesterday it was raining all day long; not a heavy rain just a drizzle but it lasted all day long. I thought the first session was awesome!! It rocked, the talks were just fantastic. Bob, Justin and Miles went off to priesthood session at 6. After priesthood, we met up with Rich and Lisa Davis. It was great to see them. We had a great time (as always). Once again, JR Price came up and Rich told me that his uncle Bob Driggs was named after JR Price. Maybe I knew this but I didn't remember.....I can't believe it..another story and connection. Rich didn't know why he was named after him but we do know that JR and Rich's grandpa, Golden Driggs were friends.....I'm going to find out the story and get back...............crazy

Justin's Court of Honor

The Eagles taking their oath.
Reece and Mark Scurr, me and Bob and Justin, Jared, Jean and Thane Smith

The Eagles: Jake Collins, Ben Kilpack, Reece Scurr, Justin Evans and Jared Smith

Sunday was Justin's eagle court of honor. We had dinner before; the family favorite of bean burritos and enchilada sauce. Lisa brought spanish rice. Lisa, Craig, Ward, Sigie, Josh and Meredith Duffy, Janae Newell, Kirk, Sue, Tiffany, Cody, Branson and Tiffany Pease, Jamon and Kirsten and baby Smith, Bob, Keifer, Justin and I all squeezed in the dining room together. After the feast, we went to church for the ceremony. Justin along with Jake Collins, Ben Kilpack, Reece Scurr and Jared Smith shared the spot light. It was a nice ceremony followed by Brownie trifle galore! It was a great night......I'll post the pictures soon.

San Diego Weekend

We went to San Diego this weekend for some rest and relaxation. Kirk and Bob drove over and I flew in on Friday. We wanted to take Kirk because he is still recovering from Valley fever. He is still a bit weak but he's coming along. We had a great time on Saturday at Phil and Mindy Wing's watching the BYU game! Once again a shut out! Some fellas from the ward came over and made it just a great event. It was almost better than being at the game! Phil had just installed DirectTV so it was the inagural showing and Phil was in Provo at an alumni meeting and was at the game. We had fun without him! After the game, Mindy got a wild hair and decided we needed to go buy new couches. Her and I hopped in the truck and bought a loveseat and cound for their family room and it looks great. Everyone was a little nervous about what Phil would say, but she told me he liked them.

We went to church and saw all the friends we've made over the 20 years we've been going to Pacific Beach. Sunday school was again taught by Brother Wallace (who married Mike and Adrienne is Jan!)(he was a seventy and I think he also served as temple president for the San Diego temple) and once again what a great teacher. We were talking about Samuel the Lamanite and he said something that has stuck with me. He said "inspiration" is an idea that comes into your mind but when you receive "revelation" the words will come to you. All the words or the sentence will come into your mind. It struck me because Lauren and I had just been talking about an experience I had in the temple where the words I was to speak came to my mind and to this day I remember them exactly. WOW!! It's amazing how we learn-line upon line!

Saguaro Lake pictures

(I forgot to post these pictures) off for a wild ride! Keifer and Megan on the left and Josh and Meredith on the right!
Meredith and Keifer--she wanted the crazy driver!
Megan getting brave and showing off that she is still alive!

What a Sunday!!

Yeah!! It's over! Bob and I had to talk in church today and then I had to teach Relief Society! Glad we made it through but I had such a headache. My talk was on Elder Christofferson's talk "Born Again". I used his quote from John 3:3-5 and talked about how many of us are born of the water in our baptism but are not always born of the spirit. I talked about leaving BYU my sophmore year to come home and figure out if I believed in this church. I called my grandparents and asked if I could come live with them. I told no one what I was doing, but felt I needed time to study the gospel and find out if it was true. Before I left, my roommate, Suzi Stone and I were invited to go to conference with her parents Ronald and Patricia Stone (Elder Christofferson's mission president he mentions in the talk). Her dad told us where to park in the church office building and as the elevators opened in the parking garage, President and Sister Kimball were standing there. They invited us in--saying "come on in, girls". We got in the elevator and rode up the 25th floor of the church office building. There the general authorities and their family were eating lunch in a beautiful setting. I still can see it in my mind. I remember thinking how normal it all was. But I also remember feeling that I didn't know like they knew and I needed to know. The spirit was strong and I felt good but I knew I needed to stand on my own feet and bear testimony as they did. I went home and found my testimony and the rest is history!
My lesson in RS was on Revelation. It was fun. I was covering for a friend that went out of town. I wouldn't recommend doing both in 1 day but I lived through it!

Bob and Josh in Heaven!!

BYU 59 UCLA 00!!

Yesterday, Bob and Josh Duffy plopped themselves on the couch and were in heaven as BYU trounced UCLA! 59-0!! Biggest loss for UCLA in 75 years! Of course they were blissful in fact they decided to carry on to another game! Their rears didn't leave the couch much for 8 hours!Meredith and I laid out by the pool and had the speakers on in the back. Awesome game!!

Keifer, Justin and Miles were at the Dew Tour in Salt Lake....they said it was awesome!

I'm looking for pictures of the BYU UCLA and look what I run across......a picture of cousin Matt Allen (Trevor's cousin) #10 from last years BYU team after the big Copper Bowl game!

Grandma Dixie's Birthday

Kirk and I went to Snowflake on Wed, Sep 10th to help celebrate Grandma Dixie's birthday. We went to Trappers, a world famous cafe specializing in homemade pie......Kirk had cherry, Grandma had coconut and I had german chocolate. It was good. On Thursday morning we went to the Snowflake Temple. It was my first time to attend that temple. The temple is beautiful and reminds me of the Newport Beach temple. Lots of dark wood accents and the ceilings are low in some areas giving it a homey feel.

Justin's get his wisdom teeth out!

Friday, Justin went in for oral surgery to have his wisdom teeth pulled and another tooth removed. Br. Brenchley (a retired dentist) told him he wanted him to take 5000 mg of vitamin C before the surgery and then drink pineapple juice after to prevent swelling. Just as the dr. ordered Justin followed his counsel and he had not a problem in the world. He never even took a nap or had down time following the surgery. The bishop and his wife came by later Friday evening and couldn't believe how good he looked. The bishop even called him a "faker" and made him open his mouth to show him the "holes"!!

Josh, Meredith and Meagan at the lake

more to come with picture

JR Price comes to life again

Today after Sacrament meeting in Pleasant View 3rd ward, Provo, UT, this women, Sister Smoot came up to me and if I was LaRita's daughter in law from AZ. I told her I was and she began to ask questions about the new temple going up in Phoenix. I told her we didn't know much and she began telling me how she had lived there years ago. She talked about our Central Ward building, how it was built and telling the same story Grandpa Dana had told me many times before.
Apparently one of the leaders, (maybe JR Price) came into their priesthood meeting and told them their were 10 lots surrounding the church and they weren't leaving the meeting until all 10 lots had been purchased. Grandpa bought one and they were all sold before everyone left. She went on to tell me that her father served as JR Price's executive secretary when he was the Phoenix Stake President. Now who is this JR Price some of you ask? He is Trevor's great grandfather. He is also a man I heard about my entire life. My grandparents loved him very much. He was mission president in the Eastern Stake Mission (Grandpa Dana, Uncle George, Uncle Joe and Uncle Doug's mission). I believe Grandpa served on his high council, then followed him a few years later as the Stake President. I had always heard his name in the highest regard.
When we found out he was Trevor's great grandfather, I was so pleased to know that Grandpa would be absolutely thrilled to have that connection in his family line.

Utah for Elizabeth's wedding

Bob and his siblings-Ann, David, Elizabeth, Bob, LaRita and Caroline

Elizabeth and David and the Bishop in the background that married them.
Jessie, Paige, Maren and Miles Spencer. It was their Mom's wedding


Grandma Betty, Ann and Grandma LaRita shivering........
Leigh Ann (Ann's daughter), Gwynn and Emily

Keifer and Grandpa Doug discussing important things!

A Bee Sting!!!

I have been told my entire life that I am allergic to bees. While we were at the lake celebrating Kirk's birthday, I suddenly felt a pinch as I leaned back in my chair. I quickly came forward and had Keifer check my back and sure enough, I had a bee stuck there. Ofcourse, Kirk and I began to panic because we were always told I was allergic. The real story is apparently when I was about 1 I got into a beehive. I was stung so many times that the doctors told my mom that they didn't know what would happen to me if I was stung again. So for 49 years I've avoided the dreaded bee sting until Saturday. We put ice on it immediately and checked for stinger-- No stinger. It hurt just a little and by later in the evening, swelling went down. The only side effect I had was I felt kinda bad. Not terrible, just not good.......and now we know I'm OK if I get stung by the dreaded bee! How wonderful!

Saguaro Lake for Kirk's birthday

Yesterday we went to Saguaro Lake with Kirk, Sue, Cody, Tiffany, Bob, Keifer, Justin and me. We found a great little place tucked away with a small beach and an area where you can drive the wave runners up, almost to the beach. It was fun to spread out and visit while we waited for a turn to ride. Kirk turned 49 on August 4th so this was first time we had to celebrate. Kirk still isn't completely recovered from valley fever and pnemonia. He looks normal but as I watched him carry things up and down the hill, it was almost too much for him. He turned white and appeared clammy. He has been taking it easy but it's amazing how much it's taken out of him and how long the ailment continues to hang on.
After all the gas ran out of the wave runners, we took our usual course to Kirk's favorite dinner-Serrano's. I think they want to close the doors and run when the see him coming. He can pack away more chips, salsa and bean dip than anyone I have ever seen!! We told them it was his birthday, so the waiter appeared with hat, camera and fried ice cream! He loved it and posed for the camera!

Natalie and Robert's Gifts

Sorry, I forgot to post the "opening presents" pictures! Natalie careful really a lovely card!

Opening a "special" gift. Nice wrapping!
Robert's turn. This gift was so original and cute. (The photographer is still waiting for her copy of the little messages!)

Yet another loved gift!
Natalie was surprised and happy with this one!
A little background by Natalie on this gift.
Natalie showing signs of exhaustion and Robert trying to figure out how he was going to get into this cage!!

The vast array of gifts!
And my favorite.....the Duffy bum-bum shot!!

Canyon Lake

We went to Canyon Lake with Natalie's new sister in laws. Justin invited Janae and Deanne to go with Bob, Keifer, Cody and myself to the lake. We had a good time-we just had to cut everything short because Justin and Janae had to get to work. It's always great to get to the lake and cool off from this crazy hot weather!

Natalie and Robert's wedding

Natalie and Robert finally married in the Newportbeach Temple on July 25, 2008. Bob noted that Natalie smiled the entire ceremony and that he had never seen a bride smiled as much as she did.

Natalie and Robert outside the temple after their ceremony. They are quite a pair and truly love each other.
They look at each other deep into their eyes--it's something to see!
Natalie and her mom, Cindy with Robert waiting in the background.
Natalie's grandma Sigie begged Natalie for one final massage before the reception.

Keifer taking a little nap on the Duffy couch between the wedding and reception.

Keifer, Megan Peterson and Shaun. The picture is out of focus but Justin noticed how Keifer has two heads. If you look close you can see his head looking down at Megan. Shaun also has an extra hand. I thought I had more pictures of the reception, but I didn't. As you can see by their faces, everyone had a good time in a beautiful setting. It was a lovely evening.