We've Been Called to Serve

We received our long-awaited mission call letter last week.  Ed was out-of-town when the letter came.  I offered to wait until he was back home before I opened it, but neither of us could wait, considering it had already been six weeks since we hit “submit” on the online application.

We were soooooo excited when we read we had been called to serve as PEF missionaries in Jamaica!   I cried when reading the letter to my soon-to-be missionary companion.  We began telling everyone …. we’re going to Jamaica, but I wasn’t feeling the confirmation of the Spirit it was exactly where the Lord wanted us to serve.

THEN, today - four days later - Ed called me at work, asking, “so, are you sitting down?”  A thousand things went through my mind in a matter of seconds, trying to understand what he was going to say.  His news, it turns out, was that, after all, we weren’t going to Jamaica, but will serve in PEF in Guyana, South America.  Seems someone in the Missionary Department made a mistake.  We’ve never heard of Guyana (other than the whole Jim Jones thing), so the first order of business is to get on the internet and do some research.  Whew!  So exciting.  We report to the MTC on December 27.  Lots to do in 93 days but I can’t wait!

September 16 . . . a Red Letter Day

After 35 years as a member of the Exchange Club, Ed made the decision to step down a couple of months ago, so I had no reason to question his invitation to attend the meeting of the St. George Exchange Club on Thursday, September 16 when, he told me, they were going to honor him for his years of service. Turns out, I was the one being honored as the recipient of the Book of Golden Deeds, the most prestigious award given by the Exchange Club to a special person - member or non-member - for dedicating time and efforts to strengthening the community. Needless to say, I was left absolutely speechless with the award - and was quite concerned Ed was not being treated fairly! I was honored for my efforts to build the Volunteer Center network in Southwest Utah and for other programs in which I have been involved over the past 25 years. It was very nice - and completely unexpected - but felt like a funeral.

Also on September 16, my replacement started at our office. Her name is Carol Hollowell (see more about her and her family on my ward blog at http://bloomington7thword.blogspot.com/). She is darling, energetic and excited about this opportunity. As for me, it seems a little strange to have someone else doing what I have been doing for the past 16 years.

And, finally on September 16, I received an e-mail from our bishop indicating he had been notified our mission papers are ready to mail. We should have them in our hands by the middle of next week. All-in-all . . . it was quite a day!!!

Retirement Party Planned

I am promised in all the Utah state paperwork I have filled out. . ."Retirement is the beginning of a new stage of life. Work is only part of what you do as a person. When you retire from working, whether fully or partially, you'll have more time for the other interests in your life." I hope this rosy definition is accurate, because today was a bit surreal as I interviewed the short list of candidates for my position and my staff designed, printed and addressed about 1,000 invitations to a retirement party in my honor. The cards are being mailed to volunteers and those with whom I have worked for more than 15 years inviting them to an open house on September 27.

Those who already know, say nice things, like, "no one will ever be able to take your place," "you are irreplaceable," "whoever takes your place will certainly have big shoes to fill," "this community will never be the same without you." Of course, I learned a long time ago (back in my hospital days) no one is indispensible!!! There will be a day when volunteers in Washington County will say, "Linda who?"

I am looking forward to the years ahead in which I plan to complete everything on my "bucket list." I accept the fact that it is time to move on, but I will miss the day-to-day interaction of volunteers I have come to love . . . and my wonderful staff who make everyday I spend in the office a joy.

And speaking of surreal, the official day I fly away on my broomstick is now Halloween!

Fathers and Sons for Mikey, Dad and Lilly

Michael invited Dad to join him for his ward's Fathers and Sons campout held this weekend at the Blackhawk campground in Payson Canyon. Somewhat reluctant at first, because of the distance and his still healing foot, Dad made the decision to go since it is likely one of the last few times he will get to spend with his youngest son until we return from our mission. Michael barbequed pork chops and fixed his world-famous Dutch oven potatoes for dinner . . . the High Priests in his ward fixed hotcakes, sausage and eggs for breakfast. The evening included a short program and a list of 21 questions for fathers and sons to discuss together.

Lilly went along, too . . . and although she cried in the night for her mommy, this beautiful and precocious little 3-year-old enjoyed the perfect weather, the good food, and the chance to make happy memories with her Daddy and Grandpa Ed in the great outdoors.

It's Natl. Sneak Zucchini onto Your Neighbors Front Porch Night

Today is National Sneak Zucchini Onto Your Neighbors Front Porch Night! It is also the day I spent five hours working in my backyard garden. In its second year, my garden is still “a work in progress,” but I had more success than last year when it was an “experiment.” The lessons I learned are these . . . it’s too hot here in St. George to grow some things, like green beans, artichoke and peppers (red or yellow). But what grows really well here in our triple digit summers are tomatoes, pumpkins, and zucchini (strawberries also do well before it gets hot . . . and hopefully, after it cools down!)

In the spirit of the holiday, I was going to sneak zucchini onto Ralph and Pam Bingham’s front porch, but since Kaytee gifted me with a new cookbook for my birthday called “Zucchini Houdini” maybe I’ll use it to make Spicy Zucchini Potato Soup (pg. 20), Zucchini Sausage Stew (pg. 26), Zucchini Fries (pg. 44), Zucchini Enchiladas (pg. 69), Zucchini Pancakes (pg. 85) or Zucchini Coconut Carrot Muffins (pg 96).

Gardening is such fun (I think Michael and Kris will back me on this opinion) . . . and in our current economy, it is reassuring to know the 3-foot strip of dirt which runs the entire parameter of my backyard is also providing food to feed me and my family.

After about five morning hours in the garden, dark clouds began to gather. By mid-afternoon, the sky opened up and we got a real gully-washer which dropped nearly an inch of much needed rain in about an hour and produced a spectacular Noah-and-the-Ark kind of rainbow over our desert community!

Grandma Doris' Temple Trip

Utah’s Pioneer Day weekend was very busy at our house. After months of planning, my mother’s home teacher Dave Bills and his wife (Mom’s visiting teacher) Janine drove her to southern Utah to be sealed in the St. George Temple to my father, who passed away on June 17, 2008.
It was the first time in the temple for my mother and I’m certain most of it went right over her head, but she now has the certificate to show her friends. Jan’L joined us for the ceremony where David served as proxy for my dad and Michael and Ed Sappington were witnesses, making it a real family affair (what a wonderful experience to be in the temple with two of my precious children).

On Friday evening, we and the Bills’ volunteered at Tuacahn for the production of Disney’s “Tarzan” but it was much too hot for Grandma Doris . . . so we’ll have to go back to see the entire show (which was wonderful to the point we left). On Saturday, Tara took Lilly out for a photo shoot and Michael went repelling with friends down 300' cliff faces in slot canyons at Zion National Park. All-in-all, the weekend was busy and filled with noisy chatter and kids having fun together. Everyone had left by noon on Sunday, leaving behind the usual piles of towels and sheets, but as always, it was fun to have family and friends visiting in our home.

Last Will and Testament

The e-request sent last week from Mom: One of the last things we need to do before we leave for a mission is update our last will and testament . . . SOOOOOO, this is your opportunity to tell us which of our "treasures" you would like to own!

Michael (Your Most Adored Child and Pick of the Litter) responded: Dibs on the penmanship painting, the picture of the hands shaking in dads office, money from all the accounts, the house and anything else of value . . . oh, and Maxie’s ashes. Other than that I'm not particular.

Then later, Michael got serious and wrote: But really I would like the two pictures. Other than that, just your memories. Tara would like the blue 1930's formal, Gramma Doris' and my mom’s wedding gown and any other antique fabrics. I would also, as I know the list may be long now, like to add my name to the hallway hutch (glass front by the front door) and since Dave has already gotten most of the guns, any gun of dad's, if applicable.

Son-in-law Gary replied: Since you included me in this email, I assumed you wanted a reply from me as well. So I am going all out and saying I want your most prized possession, your FIRST BORN CHILD! Wait a minute, I already have that. Never mind, I guess I already have everything! But thanks anyway.

Kaytee: As everyone knows, the Christmas village is mine (except the blue ice factory promised to Dave and Jan'L). The cabinet in the front hall where mom keeps all her church materials. I would love the brass bed but I'm thinking I'll have to fight 5 siblings for it plus it's all but useless without the original springs. Gramma's diamond ring in the safe deposit box at the bank. And while we're on the subject I really, really want first dibs on Gramma Doris's jewelry. I know I'll have to fight Tara over a few pieces.

But why are we even discussing this because you and dad are going to live forever!!!

Michael: I can already see the gloves being donned. Mom, you should just divvy up the stuff as you see fit and call it good. But if that doesn't work we could go King Solomon. I have a sawzall and cutting torch?!

Kaytee: I agree they should just divvy it all up but I'm sure they want to know what we want. But I'm the favorite so I get the cabinet!

Kelly: I want the family photos, the M*A*S*H video library and the original “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”. And everything Michael and Kaytee have asked for. Ok, but if you cut the hallway hutch, I get the front half. Thanks much.

Kaytee: The MASH video library?!?!?!? HAHAHAHAHA LOLOLOLOLOLOL Oh Kel, I don't think ANYONE will fight you over that.

Michael: Just cuz you said that I want the MASH library. And the seven brides is not an original. I'm not sure if you know, but you already stole that one. Kris, I believe has the second and Stacy the third. I have it memorized so I'm ok. But bless your beautiful hide anyways.

Uncle Larry: I expect this was sent to me in error, however, I do have something to add: Don't be fighting over Doris' wedding dress, or her jewelry. I have plans for all of that at the Gay Pride Parade in 2015, but feel free to fight for the square dance clothes.

From Troy: I realize I'm not really part of this but if Uncle Ed has any of the guns that once belonged to my dad that is what I would want and I would be willing to pay for them. Just my thoughts. Hope all is well with everyone. It would be nice to see my cousins sometime before we need to start worrying about a will.

Kaytee: I still don't have my own copy of 7BF7B but I still don't want the MASH collection.

In response to Uncle Larry’s e-mail, Michael responded: Can I build your float? Tara would also like to volunteer for hair and makeup. You'll look like butter!

Also in response to Uncle Larry’s e-mail, Tara wrote: Hey, I'll let you borrow it for the weekend! And you're missing a little sumpin, sumpin up top to be wearing her wedding gown.

From Whitney: People, People... I think the M*A*S*H series should go to ME, since I don't think I've seen them all yet.

Michael again: Those sumpin sumpin can be purchased. Just ask . . .um, I'll stop right there

KT again: On his skinny frame??? He'll be totally top heavy!

Michael again: Kelly doesn't want the MASH collection anyways. Not when they are video and they just released the extended directors cut on blue ray with never-before-seen bonus features


Then Tara chimes in: Sorry Larry. Much as I love you, you are MUCH too tall for the wedding gown. Also, it is completely unsuitable for a parade. You need SPARKLES!

And, Uncle Larry again: Wow. This is gonna be ugly...ROFL!

Kelly: That’s not a problem because if I get everything Michael and Kaytee asked for I can afford the Blu-Ray.

And, then Stacy: I'd like the land the house is on, the livestock and water rights . . . a moat will be constructed and you will all have to pay a toll to retrieve your treasures!

Michael: See Mom, she's just gonna hawk it all. That's it, she gets nothing, except she can have the new dog, Maxie part 2

Kris: My parents are going to live forever (just like Doris) so this is all silly...have a great day all!!


Kaytee: That's what I'm sayin... but, nobody would want Satan! That dog is evil!

Michael: I'll take the dog as long as it comes with the cabinet by the front door, the mash videos, and the accounts.

Thanks for lots of good laughs on a serious issue!!! I sent this just as I was heading for bed and when I woke up the next morning there were 34 e-mails (though none from David and Jan'L). Since our family is convinced we are going to live forever, I guess everyone will just have to wait to see who gets what!!!

California and Beyond!!!

On Memorial Day 2010, Grandma and Grandpa Sappington, Kendi and Taisley left St. George for Southern California with one goal in mind . . . to use our free Disney theme park passes. However, we accomplished a whole lot more in one week and 1500 miles. In Corona, we had expected to go to the cemetery to visit my Dad, but Grandma Doris - at nearly 2 in the afternoon - was still not ready to get dressed. Instead she wanted us to watch her square dance tapes. We accommodated her for a couple of hours - until hunger pangs overcame us and she treated us to dinner at Carrow's, her favorite restaurant.

On Tuesday, we woke early so we could be to the Magic Kingdom before the rest of the world got there. With the new park-and-shuttle system Disney has added since we were there last year, our time from car to ticket booth took less than an hour of our precious ride-the-rides time at Disneyland! After getting in free with our hard earned "Give A Day, Get a Disney Day" passes (see "I HATE THAT MOUSE" below), the four of us had a great time together - riding everything except the Mad Hatter's Tea Cups and the Matterhorn, before we called it 12 hours and headed back to Grandma Doris’ house.

On Wednesday, we headed up the California coast taking a quick detour through Thousand Oaks to see how well our first home at 1606 Fordham Avenue was holding up after 36 years. Surprising well we discovered! We also stopped along the seashore to enjoy the ocean waves and the sand in our toes before heading to Solvang, a village founded in 1911 by Danish settlers trying to escape the harsh winters of the American mid-west. We found windmills, bakeries (Danish, of course) and the world famous Andersen Split Pea Soup Restaurant much to our liking and took lots of pictures of windmills and cottages while we roamed the quaint streets.

On Thursday, we took Tour #1 at Hearst Castle, a magnificent mansion designed by Julia Morgan for newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst at a cost of about 9 months of his income!!! The list of the rich and famous who were wined and dined by Hearst at La Cuesta Encantada (his "Enchanted Hill") includes Winston Churchill, Cary Grant, Clark Gable, US Presidents Calvin Coolidge and FDR, James Stewart, Joan Crawford, any or all of the Marx Brothers, Irving Berlin, Charlie Chaplin, and many other of the (then) Hollywood and political elite. The house has 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 19 sitting rooms, a "modest" outdoor swimming pool, three guest houses, but the house was never finished. Kendi really enjoyed the tour and is looking forward to writing a paper about it during her first year in high school.

On Thursday afternoon we arrived at Kris’ new address in Sonoma to find my brother Larry, Adam and Tai Christensen and their two girls Kelsey and Maya. We enjoyed a raucous night of chit-chat, finally bedding down on nearly every square inch of carpet and couch - with the youngest of the family sleeping in a tent set up in the backyard.

Tylre’s graduation from Sonoma Valley High School went off without a hitch - and, to her surprise she graduated with honors. On Saturday, Tylre’s friends and family gathered at Kris’s good friend Cary Ammann’s home to eat, chit chat and celebrate her accomplishment - while enjoying Cary’s backyard swimming pool. We are so proud of our smart and beautiful granddaughter! Tylre will begin college at Santa Rosa Community College in the fall. Her career goal is to become an RN.

We also enjoyed time spent with Zachary. He is a "hoot and a half" while at the same time polite and affectionate. Erin - at almost 8 years old - is also a cutie. We are sorry we have missed so much of her growing up years. Both commented on how much they have missed Cuz’N Camp and how much they hope Grandma will do it again some day.

From Kris-e-ola’s home, we traveled to Coarsegold, California to spend the day with Charlene, Tiffany and Bob (and their three boys 14-year-old Ben, and 11-year-old twins Joshua and Phillip) and Tyson and Mandy and their three kids (5-year-old Kylie and their identical twin 3-year-old sons Bryce and Brendon). We enjoyed this opportunity to get reacquainted with Ed’s brother Bob’s kids - all who mentioned how much they missed having Kris, Kaytee and Stacy with us (the only downside of our weeklong vacation in California).

The trip from Charlene’s to home was long but pleasantly uneventful - though the temperature at home was more than 20 degrees higher than when we left!!! Kendi and Taisley were WONDERFUL travelers and we look forward to more trips with them in the future.

Taisley is Baptized

On Saturday, May 8, Taisley Ann Foote was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by her Grandpa Ed while Kendi and Grandma Linda spoke on baptism and the Holy Ghost. It was a beautiful day with Kaytee and Adyn, Allysa, Josh and Daxton, Stacy and Kendi all gathered together for this special event. We also enjoyed the company of longtime family friend Dori Wilkerson, our home teachers Ray and Ruby Robinson, Taisley's Primary president (and Utah's former Governor) Olene Walker, Billie Clinger and several of Taisley's friends from the neighborhood.
After the baptism, we returned to the house and enjoyed hamburgers, chips and (Kaytee's homemade) salsa, cake (with about 2 inches of frosting by special order of Kaytee and Stacy) and lots of conversation and pictures. As with any Sappington festivity, there were a few moments of high stress, but still it was a lovely and memorable day.

I HATE THAT MOUSE!!!

It’s true . . . Mickey Mouse and I are on "the outs"!!! "Why," he might wonder and you may ask? Because the little critter with oversized ears and red pants is responsible for more than doubling the workload at the already, very busy Volunteer Center of Washington County since the introduction of the "Give A Day, Get A Disney Day" program. Kicked off on New Year’s Day, this program - which provides a free pass to a Disney theme park for those over age 6 who give 4-8 hours of service in their community - has been responsible for some wonderful benefits. We have received an estimated 500 quilts and blankets in various sizes . . . Tuacahn and several other non-profit agencies have been the recipients of a great deal of much-needed service . . . and Habitat for Humanity told me on Friday, they had taken more than 500 pounds of aluminum cans to the recycling center. But, in our office, the program has generated at least 4000 e-mails and phone calls in the past 60 days! The phones are ringing when we come in each morning, they are still ringing when we shut the lights off at night and my staff reminds me every day that I signed up for this insanity!!! To date, we have verified the service of about 750 Washington County residents who have now received their free pass. In addition to the extra work, this program has also brought out the "ugly people" - those who feel they are entitled - or else! We have had people yell at us, send us nasty e-mail messages and bring us in dirty blankets claiming to have made them "just yesterday!" There are 1,000,000 tickets being given away by the Disney Corporation between January 1 and December 31; but, as of February 28 more than 600,000 have already been claimed . . . so the worst is nearly over . . . and, hey, what do I care, I have my pass to Disneyland!!!