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