Taylor gives Enzo an amazing blessing in their Wilsonville OR ward today.

 

August 20, 2023

Dear Family:

We extend Happy birthday wishes to Jake Packam August 22, in two days.  Emery and India have started kindergarten already and Cooper will be starting in a couple weeks.  Amazing!!

This has been a week!!! Aunt Amy suffered a bad fall Friday August 11 in Layton, UT. She ended up with 2 fractured ribs and two fractured vertebrae. She spent Friday, Saturday & Sunday in the Layton Hospital.  She and Mike flew home (the trip was for Mike’s Niece’s wedding) Sunday night and Monday night she was back in the hospital (St Vincent) with added pulmonary contusions and the bottom third of her lungs collapsed – resulting in shortness of breath.  Monday night and Tuesday were really tough.  But with good care, medications, physical therapy assistance, pulmonary therapy assistance and prayers, she was able to go home Friday evening.  I spent about 5-6 hours with her on Tuesday-Friday.  She had lots of friends and family sending love and good wishes.  Now she is resting and recovering at home.  She can now breathe without oxygen assistance and she can walk around, but very slowly.  This will be about a 3 month recovery before she is back to normal.  She says she can field her business phone calls, but Glennda and I remember our mother saying “Don’t do too much or you’ll make yourself sick.”  So we hope she doesn’t do too much too soon.  This was a very scary time for sure.

·        “The greatest wealth is health.” ...

·        “Take care of your body, it's the only place you have
to live” ...

·        “He who has health has hope and he who has hope has everything.”

 

It can be very easy to take our health for granted.  Any time, any day things can change.  We see that with our Amy and I think about it every day with my sister Judy.  Anyone who has had a health scare, or been treated for disease or illness will likely agree. 

President David O McKay said, “The healthy man, who takes care of his physical being, has strength and vitality; his temple is a fit place for the spirit to reside… Bodily ailments deprive us of the full exercise of our faculties and privileges and sometimes of life itself.”    

Today, Enzo was blessed in the Wilsonville ward where Taylor, Kelsy and family live.  Great Grandpa Rich, Grandpa Brian (Kelsy’s dad), Grandpa Brad & Grandma Sheri and I were there. 

Taylor gave Enzo a sweet blessing and we all remembered our baby blessings today.  

3 months old

3

 I’ll always remember when Brian was blessed by Bishop Lew Smith.  Rich didn’t bless the baby, but when he walked back with Brian in his arms, he held Brian up to his face in gratitude and to hide his tears.  Baby Brian had given us a scare, and we were grateful that he was going to be okay. That was 1968! It was interesting to listen to Kelsy’s dad Brian, talk about their family and their health challenges with her youngest brother today.  We all have such gratitude in our hearts for our babies and our health today. It warms my heart when I see how much Cooper and McKay shower Enzo with their affection and attention.  Enzo is 3 months old and he watches those two big brothers constantly.

I really enjoyed having Brad and Sheri stay at my home this weekend.  They are the best house guests ever.  I’m also looking forward to cooler weather.  It’s been very hot for a long time here.  I’m worried about Riley and family in Nevada with the hurricane due to dump rain on them today or tomorrow.  I hope she will keep us updated about their status.

I had a gig yesterday at Edgewood Downs (a retirement home in Beaverton).  It was supposed to be an outdoor concert associated with a car show at the other end of the parking lot.  I worked up a playlist that would appeal to retired folks, assisted living folks, and car owners.  BUT! – the retirement folks never got up and walked to see the cars, the car owners never came over to hear the band and my music wasn’t quite right.  Live and learn.  But in the last week I’ve got 4 new gigs and we have bookings up to December 14.  It’s just enough!  Not too much – 3 or 4 gigs a month is about right for now.

Well, I want to extend my love to you all.  Have a wonderful week and I’ll check in next week.

Love Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Sister and Aunt Suzanne

 

 

My sister Glennda and her Gallery show

 

August 13, 2023

Dear Family:

Today is Taylor’s Birthday.  Happy Birthday Taylor!  My brother, Jay’s birthday is Wednesday.

I’m going to brag about my sister Glennda today.  She had a special showing at Red Trillium Gallery yesterday with 2 other artists.  I was blown away at how professional the gallery is.  It is a beautiful little shop in Historic Troutdale.  Troutdale has developed into a cute little tourist destination since I lived there in the 90’s.

But I was more blown away when I walked in the door and saw her and all her art.  She looked stunning.  

My artistic pretty sister dressed in white with silver and jade jewelry.

And the Budge’s were getting ready to walk out the door with a beautifully framed painting of Glennda’s Multnomah Falls. I got there about 10 minutes after opening and Brother Budge said I wanted to get there first so I could have first pick.  He had evidently missed out on one of her previous “Multnomah Falls” paintings.  I remembered Rozzie’s name but couldn’t remember his name.  I lived in Troutdale for a few years in the 90’s when we were all much younger.  Her paintings were all displayed beautifully in the front room and several were sold right off the displays.  I also chatted with some of her other dear friends from the area and enjoyed watching my sister talk about her art. 

I want to reassure those of my grandchildren who are working to provide for their families and have set aside their creative god given talents for a while.  Glennda took a few lessons and dabbled in art early in her life, then she raised her children and worked to help support her family and after she retired she has been prolific with her art. 

Similarly, I didn’t start playing in a band until I was in my late 50’s. I didn’t start quilting until I was in 60. I didn’t start teaching piano until I was in my late 60’s.  Now Glennda and I are magnifying the gifts that Heavenly Father bestowed on us.  It’s something that gives us fulfillment, enjoyment, and a sense of accomplishment.  Besides we like to tell people that it keeps us out of trouble.

Yesterday one of Glennda’s friends said, “Now which sister are you?” I tell them that I’m the oldest and that Glennda is 7 years younger than me. Glennda tells them that Judy and I were quilters and she (Glennda) is an artist.  Then my heart twangs and I remember Judy.  Her photos are in my office and my piano studio area.  I treasure all the memories that we three made over our lives.

I don’t have much to update you on in my week.  I’m still helping my 90 year old friend Norma.  I spent a few hours at her Assisted Living facility Friday helping her sort through papers and shred and recycle them.  I also hung a few pictures on walls.  She has really bad arthritis in her hands.  When I was getting ready to leave she asked me to cut her fingernails.  She didn’t have clippers, so I used scissors.  Yikes.  I’m going to go over tonight and file her nails so she doesn’t scratch herself.  I’m so glad that I’m still able to be of service and help her. 

10 days ago when I was in Spokane, I watched Kenlee, Riley and Taylor.  They helped each other, picked up and consoled each other’s children, and removed them from harm or danger.  There seemed to be an unspoken bond of love, caring and loyalty that touched my soul.  I also watched Emery and Addie interact.  It reminded me of watching my little sisters when they were so young.  Addie was so cute; she followed Emery around just like my Amy & Brian followed Brad around.  Every time I turned around sweet little memories popped into my mind just from watching my grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

• “You are blood. You are sisters. No man can break that bond.”—Kim Boykin
• “A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.”—Isadora James
•  “When sisters stand shoulder to shoulder, who stands a chance against us?”—Pam Brown
•  “Sisters are friends we have for a lifetime.”—Catherine Pulsifer

I look forward to next weekend when Enzo will be blessed in church.  Nothing can take the place of family. 

Through all this, I want to send my love to Elder Carter Schnell and wish him all success in his work.

Have a wonderful week everyone.

If you want to comment, update us on happenings in your life, feel free to click “reply to all” and share.

Love

Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Sister and Aunt Suzanne

2 days vacation in Spokane with the Brad/Sheri Schnell clan

 

August 6, 2023

Dear Family:

Don’s birthday is Monday, Tomorrow!! Don’t forget!!  He will be really old now - 79 - because he has caught up with me.

Brad, Me, Sheri on their top floor deck

What a week.  I am totally aware that I am extremely blessed!  I have had two wonderful trips in the last two weeks.  One July 21-July 28 to see the Schnell’s in Mapleton; then Two - August 1 to 3 to see the Schnell clan in Spokane.  They were vastly different and extremely fun, fulfilling, and full of memories that I will always cherish.  I am still sharing with anyone that will listen about the Pioneer Days parade, fireworks and Fiesta Days Rodeo in Mapleton. Photo below taken just as Megan and Marissa arrived home from Portland at 10pm, just prior to fireworks display!

I loved having special time to visit with Brian and Megan and Hayden.  (I understand Marissa is back in Michigan with Clarke for a week or two yet.  I wish them much success is their goals for the next year(s)). Besides the last two weeks of fun, I have an amazing family.  It is so heartwarming to be around all of them and watch them.  I could just watch for hours. 

Spokane was remarkable.  First; I flew Alaska and had NO DELAYS!  Second; I don’t like traveling alone, but I’ve figured out (with the help of my children) how to fly now with wheelchair assistance.  My gray hair helps, and now that I’m over 75, I don’t have to remove my shoes to go through TSA.  Nice!  The long concourses are conquered now – even the short ones.

The two days I spent in Spokane were perfect.  We shared meals, hugs and I became the designated holder/watcher of babies (Jude and Enzo) while parents were busy or when to swim/paddle board with the toddlers. (I can’t walk around with a baby anymore, but I sure can hold them.)

Enzo

Jude (little Jake)

  It was perfect.  I had time to listen to Emery, Addie, Cooper and McKay.  Emery still remembered a few things from 2 ½ years ago before they moved. 

Emery Packam & G-Grandma

Addie warmed right up and even though she is hard to understand, we managed some communication.  Cole is quiet, curious, adventurous and a thinker.  He almost warmed up to me, but he is just over one and I'm a stranger still.  Cooper and McKay are used to me so we just continued on with our normal relationship together.

Cooper and McKay watching a video of them in a "tent"

Cole Giles

Addie Packam

Thursday Brad made us French Breakfast Puffs for breakfast (he reminded me that I did the same for our little family).  It’s heartwarming to see these things return.  Then everyone worked hard to get the kiddos ready for my big request – photos with the grands and great grands.  

L-R; McKay, Cooper Cole, G Grandma, Enzo, Addie, Jake, Emery at the front door steps

Taylor, Riley & Kenlee added to the group

Then Kenlee and Jake organized fabulous games for the kids and even Cole participated after watching the older kids.  The hit of the game day was Jake’s “hiding M & M’s” under the moving cups.  We all cheered and the kids loved it. Cole figured out what to do by just watching – amazing!!   Swimming was enjoyed in the afternoon.

Brad and Sheri’s home is perfectly lovely.  The landscaping is done (if the moles leave the plants alone), the pool and pool house are done, the bunk room is done and there are 4 bedrooms, a bunk room, a great room, a laundry room, 3 bathrooms and a toy room (full of legos now) on the lower floor.  The great room opens to a patio with a big porch swing (double sized) and a path to the pool.  There is even a pickle ball court. The top floor great room opens to a huge deck with outdoor kitchen complete with a fireplace, fridge, griddle, BBQ, sink and table/chairs.  It even has an outdoor TV and couches. It is a grandparents dream – all set to attract children, grandchildren and great grandma.  What could be better?

I have just finished reading a book recommended to me by Megan.  “The Four Winds” a novel by Kristin Hannah.  It is about the great depression and the accompanying horrible “Dust Bowl”.  It’s a historical novel and mentions all the hardships that farmers faced in the 1930’s.  A few weeks ago I finished a 5 book series about one family and their experiences through WWII. 

I am so blessed to be the beneficiary of all the hard times, struggles, sacrifices that our predecessors went through. My life has not been without struggles, disappointment, loss and failures.  But my life is so easy.  I’m not rich or wealthy.  But I can support my home/car/myself.  I have a home and car that are paid for; I have A/C & heat; I have plenty of food and clothing; I have lights, warm water, refrigeration, floors, showers, modern day conveniences and technology. I don’t live in fear.  I feel safe.   I have faith in my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  I have faith that I will be with my loved ones again (my parents, Judy, grandparents).  But most of all right now I have an amazing Family.  I don’t know how people face today or tomorrow without family. I know that if something happened and I lost everything, that I wouldn’t be alone.

I give thanks every day for each of you. I have 3 wonderful children and their spouses with whom I feel totally accepted and loved.  I have 13 grandchildren.  I have 9 great grandchildren. I have my siblings – Jay and Glennda.  I have Haley and Rob and their families.   My cup is overflowing with blessings.  Thank you all!

I know how I feel about family, but sometimes I like to read other people’s words that can eloquently put into words my thoughts.

Taken from  https://real-life.tc3.church/felt-needs/considering-children/

“Each of us has distinct strengths, passions and experiences that guide what we do in life. Marriage and parenting are a general calling that applies to most people of faith.

And while having children isn’t the only purpose for marriage, it is a foundational part of God’s call to couples who are able to conceive or willing to adopt. “Be fruitful and multiply” was the first charge God gave His creation in the garden.

When we bear and raise children, we cooperate with God’s desire for a “Godly seed” (Malachi 2:15). Parenting is also the primary way most of us fulfill the call to lay our lives down for others (Philippians 2:4-8).

Producing and guiding the next generation is a mission that stretches us and pushes us to depend on God like few other things in life, all the while revealing and shaping our larger purpose within God’s plan for humanity.”

 

We have so much at our fingertips these days.  It is nice to find inspiration.  It is nice to have Heavenly Father to pray to for help. It’s nice to get advice from someone with wisdom….. But when it all comes down to it, we have to get up and do it.  My dad used to say, “God helps those who help themselves.”  For some reason that came to mind every time in my life when I thought that   “IT IS ALL TOO HARD.”

 

Brad and Sheri needed a little nap before getting up to DO IT!

May you be blessed in your everyday lives.  I love each of you so much!

 

Love Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Sister and Aunt Suzanne