RI Convention in Atlanta

In a convention center large enough to fit four big airplanes – one on each floor – a near record number of 42,713 Rotarians from 130 countries gathered in Atlanta, GA during the week of June 10-14 for the 108th Annual Rotary International Convention. Enthusiastic Rotarians – of every nation, kindred, tongue and people - came from near and far, some in native costume but all proudly wearing the Rotary brand.

We were all in Atlanta to garner great ideas from a variety of Rotary leaders, world dignitaries and in a variety of exceptional breakout sessions; fun, fellowship and the chance to discuss all the good we are doing in the world. During the convention we were in the same room (although it was a very big room) with such famous names and faces as Bill Gates, Co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (who have to date given Rotary International $750,000,000 - or 3/4 of a billion dollars - to finish to fight to eradicate polio from the earth); Ashton Kutcher, actor and founder of THORN - an organization dedicated to eradicating human trafficking; John Cenu, the voice of WWE; and, Jack Nicklaus, a polio survivor now serving as a Rotary ambassador helping to raise funds for Rotary's end game in the fight against polio.

I signed up in mid-March and at the time, Ed was adament he would be golfing for the entire time I was in meetings. By the time we were actually on the ground in Atlanta, his plans had changed but by then we could not afford the nearly $500 late registration fee for him to attend with me. We compromised by him “kicking around” Atlanta in the mornings and me giving up almost all of the breakout sessions each afternoon.

On Sunday, we took a ride over to see the Atlanta Temple, then drove to Augusta, GA, home of what Ed claimed to be the “ultra-fabulous, amazing, gotta-go-see-it-or-die” Augusta National Golf Course. Interesting … because when we got there - 157 miles later - this multi-million dollar 100-year-old course was completely sequestered from the prying eyes of those of us who are not multi-million dollar golf professionals while the surrounding community was – in a word – pretty non-descript … and some areas were downright blighted. A sad commentary on the “haves” and “have-nots” and a 6-hour round trip we both agree we should have skipped all together.

But during the next couple of days, we did enjoy the Atlanta Aquarium, lunch in the food court of the CNN Headquarters building, a tour of the World of Coca-cola Corporate Headquarters and a ride on the ferris wheel – complete with the Rotary symbol in full view - overlooking the city. Not sure if Atlanta was so good to us because of the sheer number of Rotarians in town at one time or because its just a really nice city. Either way, it was an enjoyable few days! We hope to go to the Toronto, Canada convention next year, but we’ll see (Hawaii is the one after that!)

Four Grandparents and a Graduate

We recently traveled to Denver to attend Kaler’s graduation from Prairie View High School. On Friday, May 26, 2017 our 18-year-old grandson – David and Jan’L’s firstborn - donned cap and gown and joined his 375 classmates for ceremonies at the Coors Event Center on the campus of the University of Colorado at Boulder.

According to statistics relating to this Class of 2017:

*  48% plan to continue their education at a college or university
*  37% plan to study at a community college or trade school
*  11% are going to work
*  4% plan to or have already enlisted in a branch of the US military (the largest group of military in the school’s history)
*  $3.6 million total scholarships awarded

After the festivities, mothers of 4 ward member graduates from Kaler’s class organized a party at the church. Kaler wanted his own party, but a surprising number of his friends and ward members showed up for the evening … and Jan’L, in her usual amazing way, had helped organize an impressive celebration.

And then there are the other three Denver Sappington boys:

Fifteen-year-old Kole didn’t graduate from anything, but he is moving up from a freshman to a sophomore at Prairie View High School, making him next-in-line for graduation at the Sappington house. He plays percussion in the PVHS marching band and concert band – including during his brother’s high school graduation - and next year he will be a member of the symphonic band.

Eleven-year-old Kyle is on track to becoming an academic all-star, as well. A recent graduate of Henderson Elementary School, he and two other students were selected from among 84 students in his class to present his “Influential Teacher Speech.” He was also recognized with the “Math Excellence Award” (he was up for Reading Excellence as well, but was told he couldn’t get them both … so he had to chose); for “All A’s and B’s All Year” and as the “Most Valuable Computer Nerd” awards.

In addition to graduation, G-Ma Linda enjoyed spending time with the boys (all 4 of them). We shot baskets at the nearby – and nearly finished – park, just a half-block from their home; playing Phase Ten and/or Uno on the front porch and just catching up! It was a really lovely weekend and – except for the 22-hour / 1300 mile roudtrip drive – I’m really glad we went!

On another note: I had been suffering (should be capital “S”) for about three weeks with sciatica before we left for Denver. My right knee has been killing me … but the rest of the story is David’s left knee has been causing him pain for about the same amount of time. He thinks it is a torn meniscus which might require surgery … so both of us limped around for the entire weekend. But he has also been – in general – feeling lousy with intermittant fever, back pain and nausea.On the day we left, he finally felt bad enough to go to a doctor who diagnosed a urinary tract infection and a “massive” kidney stone (1.1 centimeter) which will require the care of a specialist, including lithotripsy!!! His medical team is going to try to smash the stone into small enough pieces so he will not suffer too much while passing them, but he’s been told to expect more before this is over!

Mother's Day in Idaho Falls

On Mother’s Day weekend (May 11-13, 2017) we met Kaytee and her three darling daughters in Idaho Falls – not quite halfway between our two hometowns – primarily to attend the Open House of the newly renovated Idaho Falls LDS Temple before it is re-dedicated on Sunday,June 4. In addition to spending time with Kaytee, Adyn (almost 9 years old), Skylar (an emphatic 6) and our adorable Thoryn (who is two) our other reason for the trip is because this temple is the one where Ed and I were married. In the tradition of this remarkable church, it is another of 155 breathtakingly beautiful and currently operating temples.

During our time together, we also visited the Idaho Falls Zoo, a nearby Funland park,the nicely done Museum of Idaho, drove to Heise Hotsprings for lunch and “walked down Memory Lane” with Grandpa Ed as he relived his youth in Ririe – a time he considers, to this day, the best of his life. We also enjoyed spending some time with Michael on his birthday (May 10); the hospitality of friends Tom and Merna Summers who provided us with a bed and a hot shower for a couple of nights as our “base camp” and with whom we will vacation in Branson in early November.

The only downside of this mini-vacation was my terrible bout with hay fever. Where our St. George community saw spring a couple of months ago, Idaho Falls was just beginning to leaf out … and it was deadly – at least for me – made worse because of a lot of wind. Thankfully, rain fell on Friday evening and part of Saturday giving me a little respite from my misery, including running nose; itchy, watery eyes; a loud barking cough and losing my voice.

This was the first trip of our very busy summer. Watch for lots more to come before Labor Day!

The Party's Over ... Simeon Moves to Provo

Well, here it is … the end of an era! The party is over after almost four years of having Simeon and Selwin Lovell in our home, two fine young men from Guyana, South America who joined our family on October 30, 2013! Both went on to serve missions – Selwin to Jackson, Mississippi and Simeon who served in Atlanta, Georgia before returning to St. George to attend Dixie State University while also working part time at Wild Coyote Foods.

Soon after his mission, Selwin married Brianna Teddie Bair on November 26, 2016 and since she is a hometown girl, I have high hopes they will remain in St. George at least for a few years.

But, Simeon has now relocated to Utah County where he will be working during the summer months before he and Stephanie Shipley of Springville are married on August 5. He will also attend Utah Valley University toward a degree in Information Technology.

I will miss our late night runs to “Wally World” for milk or to CostCo for whatever. I will miss his look of total delight at finding both jello and a full can of whipped cream in the fridge at the same time; and, his calling me “mom” even though I know I’m not his mom and knowing he and his identical twin brother call all “mature” women mom (with a lower case “m”). I will miss him asking, “what’s for dinner” even though its only been 2 hours since we last ate! I will miss our discussions about essay topics and the gospel; his devotion to his Heavenly Father as demonstrated by his insistence on wearing his white shirt and tie all day on the Sabbath; his amazing prayers, talks and Family Home Evening lessons.

I have been so pleased with how easily my six kids have embraced these two exceptional young men as family members; and, how easily most of my neighbors and ward members have befriended them, as well. And, loving them both has been very easy for me, too.

Like my own children, I knew when they first arrived, they would leave one day to make their way in the world. I just didn’t think it would get here so quickly.

I have been in charge of my ward's Empty Nesters group for the past couple of years during which time several ward members have "questioned" how I could be in charge, but not be an Empty Nester. Seems I am now official!!!

Stop By Anytime!

We appreciate our location on the I-15 freeway, midway between family and friends in both California and northern Utah. Were it not for a comfortable bed and a hot shower, we might never have company. Just kidding! Last month, we had Dave and Janene Bills overnight on their way to some of our beautiful national parks … last night we had Tiffany and her son Ben, recently returned from his mission in Uraguay, now on his way to BYU. Stacy came over after work at the hospital. The cousins enjoyed girl talk until about midnight, after which Tiff – a mother of 7 – had a good night’s sleep (“I hardly ever get to sleep all night,” she said).

We tell people “our door is always open” and we mean it. So fun to see those who have made an indelible impression on our lives.

Losing Michelle Garrett

On Friday, April 21, we had the sad experience of attending the funeral of Michelle Garrett-Shrader, oldest daughter of our dear friends John and Deanna Garrett. This beautiful 49-year-old wife and mother of three succumbed on April 18 after a courageous 7-year battle with cancer, including 30 surgeries, extensive chemotherapy and numerous rounds of radiation.  The funeral was beautiful, the loving tributes heartfelt and the opportunity to see friends we only see at weddings and funerals made the day memorable despite the reason for the gathering.

Her father noted in comments before those in attendance, "Michelle did not want us to mourn, but I never thought I would ever have to say goodbye to one of my children.  Michelle was beautiful and something really, really special.  She was strong-willed, stubborn, resolute, a fighter, tenacious, spunky, bull-headed, strong, determined and faithful to the end.  She touched many lives in many ways and accepted trials with courage and grace."

Her husband Rick reminisced about meeting Michelle as a young college student he eventually nicknamed "Beez."  He also noted, "she loved camping, fishing, planning vacations, education, Pie Day when all her sisters would gather the day before in preparation for Thanksgiving, scrapbooking, her children and "grands"  She graduated with honors from this life ... she went through the refiner's fire and it made her more soft, more loving."

Regional representative McKay reminded us, "God has a plan and the resurrection is certain.  Michelle knew and understood these truths and was an example of enduring to the end saying, as Paul the Apostle testified, 'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith'.  Michelle defeated cancer.  It did not make her angry, discouraged and she did not lose her love for her Savior.  In the end, she skipped back to her Heavenly Father who gave her life!  She has been taken from our view but not from our presence."

We also enjoyed the chance to meet up with some of those we knew in Thousand Oaks, including the Garrett's and their remaining five offspring with whom we enjoyed summers at the beach; the Ludlow's and the Horne's.

Kaytee Home for Easter

We only get to have Kaytee and her family at our house about once a year due to the 11-hour distance between St. George and Anaconda, Montana.  As always it is a whirlwind visit with her trying to divide their little time between her family, his family and catching up with friends.  We had a delightful day with the kids on Wednesday, spending about an hour and a half at the St. George Children's Museum; a couple of hours playing in the water, having a picnic and riding the merry-go-round on Town Square; then ending our full day together at the Bloomington 7th Ward picnic. We also enjoyed a lovely warm spring day at our new All Abilities Park.

Kaytee and I enjoyed an endowment session together in the St. George Temple.  We shared Easter dinner of ham and “funeral potatoes” on Sunday afternoon before Stacy and I left to enjoy the Heritage Choir’s Easter concert together.

It was a great opportunity to spend time together with our baby daughter and with her baby daughters.    

Look What the Bunny Brought Me!

My Relief Society president likes cute little fast cars so decided to update her black 2004 Lexus hardtop convertible for a red 2013 Mercedes Benz ... and I was first in line for the sale.  I am absolutely in love with this 13-year-old little gem ... clean-as-a-whistle and she claims it gets good mileage. The only downside is it has 124,000 miles and it was a little hard writing a $9600 check!

Michael and Friends Visit St. George

The 2017 Presidents’ Day Weekend was three days of family and fun …. well, except for three days of cold and rain.  Kelly and Gary came for a sunshine break as did Michael and Lilly who brought along Michael’s darling girlfriend Jessica and her three kids, 14-year-old Kirsten, 12-year-old Joshua and 9-year-old Laura (who is also Lilly’s BFF), all who were a little disappointed in the lack of Dixie sunshine.  We didn’t do anything too exciting – a little Parade of Homes, exploring Thunder Junction (St. George’s new all-abilities park), some Phase Ten and Sequence,  some Menchi’s frozen yogurt, and breaking out the WII to dance and play sports, all while getting better acquainted and caught up.

Oh, and Simeon and Stephanie got engaged on Presidents’ Day (February 20, 2017).

The following day, I had a meeting in SLC at 1:00 p.m. so we were planning to leave at about 6:30 a.m.  When I mentioned it to Simeon, he said Steph was leaving on the shuttle to go home to Utah County at the very same time so we offered her a ride so she’d have a credit for her next trip to St. George.  Her parents met us near the freeway off ramp to take her to her car.  When they realized she had a ring on her finger, her dad said, “well, that’s no surprise.  We’ve already put money down on a reception center and a wedding dress is hanging in her closet!”

The happy couple will likely "tie the knot" in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple on Saturday, August 5 with a reception following in Springville.  An Open House will be held in St. George on Saturday, August 12 (watch for more information on times and locations).

DNA Proves Our Ancestry (but, no surprises)

I gave my brother Larry the Ancestry.com DNA kit for Christmas and he finally got his results.

Because my ancestors (on both sides with the exception of my paternal grandmother) have been in the United States for nearly 400 years, I would have expected to find a little bit of Native American – or African – blood in our make-up, but alas there aren’t any surprises.  Here’s how it shakes out:

28%	Great Britain (our Bradford grandparents and their ancestors)
26%	Western European (our Henion ancestors from Germany and The Netherlands)
18%	Irish (this one was a surprise … but Ireland is part of the UK and there are a lot of women on our family tree whose information I do not have)
9%	Scandinavian (another minor surprise but for the same reason)
9%	Eastern European (hmmmm, Estonia, Latvia, Bulgaria … who knew?)

             

Of course, I was disappointed to find out I’m not - even a little bit - Guyanese.  I was so certain!!!

Now I’d like to have one of my children’s DNA tested although I would be surprised it would come back as anything less than 50% Great Britain since their mother is now confirmed to be 28% British and their father is probably 98% British.  It’s all an educated estimation of our ethnicity anyway, so guess we’ll see!