First day out on my kayak

All last week I wanted to take my kayak out on Georgetown lake but every day I just got sucked in to sewing my project. So it’s Monday and it’s 82° and beautiful outside there isn’t a cloud in the sky, well maybe one. So around 3 o’clock I decided to take my kayak out to Georgetown lake. Mark helped me load the heavy thing into my car and as I drove here I wondered how I would manage by myself. As I drove down to Russell Park and crazy down the boat dock I realize I can do this. I Put the car in park at the bottom of the boat ramp and unloaded my brand new blue kayak. I left it there with a paddle and drove the car up to park. In my anticipations to ride my kayak I ran down the boat ramp. This was a beautiful day it was so easy. One pedal to cuddle and away I went paddling  repeatedly into the open vastness of the lake. The water was beautiful and there was only one other boat on the lake that I could see. How perfect is this – it was a lovely beautiful day and the serenity and tranquility of the lake is just Amazing to my mind. I’m enjoying and thinking of every savory moment of this wonderful experience. I don’t have a care in the world. I set my timer for 30 minutes so then I have time to turn around and come back. On my way out I am handling against the wind there are ways set timer for me a little bit here in a little bit there but it does not deter mine determination to paddle on and get to the other side of the lake. I’m not in any time rush but I do want to get to the other side and explore this lagoon. With each petal I get a little closer to Michael and about 20 minutes later I am on the other side of the lake exploring this beautiful lagoon and plotting ways that I can enjoy it on future trips to the lake. After exploring and resting for a bit, I start to head back towards the boat ramp. There’s no sense in being out too late on my first run. Even though the windows at my back is pushing me sideways so there’s still a bit of a struggle to paddle. I get back to the boat ramp in plenty of time. 

This is where the struggle begins!  Obviously the boat ramp as it as an angle. As I try to load the kayaks I realize that the gravity of the kayak keeps pulling it out towards the back of my car so that I can’t close the hatch. Luckily and ingeniously I wrap my keychain around the front candle son and pull it forward in the door to hold the path you please send with a little bit of brush hi hurry to the back of my Clark to close a hatch.  SLAM!!!  Done what a great feeling that is! Next time I will park my car horizontally on the boat ramps so that I don’t have this trouble again.  

All in all a perfect first outing for my kayak and a wonderful lesson to learn on how to get it back in my car!  

Plans change

This has been the craziest time of all with Covid. It’s hard to believe that I used to not travel very much but this year I have traveled in June, July, August, September, October, and now November again for my daughter’s  wedding. I was planning on traveling out to Utah with Mark on November 18 for the wedding however, I was pleasantly surprised when Jessica moved her baby shower to the week before the wedding in Provo. I am now flying out to Utah on November 13, so that I can attend Jessica’s baby shower. I will stay with Ali and Chris Collard, my niece and her husband, while I am in Provo.  

I will drive up to SLC to pick up Mark on November 18, we will babysit Cayson together for a bit before driving up to Rexburg for the wedding.

While in Provo I will do some last minute wedding preparations.  

It’s so crazy - since I am going out there I planned on taking some things that are the kids, but I now require two full suitcases plus my carry-on and I haven’t even finished packing - yikes.  

The plan is that Devon, Sierra and Robert will stay with us at the condo while Jessica and Tate will stay at the hotel using his discount.  My father, grandfather and Grannie are not attending after all.  

Friday is the bridal shower and getting our nails done! Saturday is the big day!  

Sewing every day

Since I decided to start my business and really accelerate it’s gross I have been sewing for customers every day. I sold everything from T-shirt quilts to Footy pajamas and missionary aprons and stockings. Lately I have sown a few baby blessing outfits Footy pajamas and of course a T-shirt quilt.

In addition to sewing for other people I’ve been trying to sew a few projects of my own. I have been working on a baby blessing gown, pink baby outfits, and baby blankets for Jessica and Tate’s expected baby girl.  

I also have been sewing several projects for the wedding. I showed a navy blue suit for Cayson to wear and a few bowties for the little boys that will be at the wedding. In addition to this I sewed navy facemasks for all the groomsmen and the groom and blush face mask for all the bridesmaids.  

Needless to say I have been sewing a lot!!!!

Mark knee surgery

Mark has been having trouble with his knee since July. He thought he heard it running on a treadmill and I thought he heard it playing basketball with Roberts but in any case somehow it was hurt during the summer. He continued to play tennis and run and do elliptical and bike on it but it would still continue to hurt. Finally mid October Mark decided to have an MRI image done on it. The MRI showed results of a torn meniscus in his right knee. 

 His doctor was able to schedule him for knee surgery fairly quickly. Marc had knee surgery down at Saint David’s hospital in Georgetown Texas. The surgery took about an hour.  The best part about this surgery was that he did not come out of it all groggy. We warn the staff about his nauseous reaction after anesthesia and they were able to give him a patch behind his ear before surgery which really reduce any nauseous feeling after surgery. This is the best I’ve ever seen Mark after surgery. And it was such a wonderful feeling. We were able to go home from the hospital within an hour after his surgery. I took care of him to make sure he had ice on his knees every hour for 20 minutes and that it was raised up while he recovered.  

Wedding preparations trip to Rexburg

I feel so blessed that I got to spend a week with Marisa in Rexburg planning and shopping for her wedding. We did so much together and really had a wonderful time together.  

Shoes, 

jewelry 

honeymoon stuff 

mattress 

getting our nails done together 

eating Texas roadhouse 

having lunch together with Michael 

shopping for a new apartment 

Wedding woes

I’m so mad - everything I wanted to do for my daughter has been robbed by the Rhoton family.  What is the point of the reception if not to celebrate the bride and groom - but no - at the LUNCHEON  which they are hosting they are having the toasts, and talks and video.  Then I find out that they are shortening the reception because they are having the photographer at the luncheon cutting the time she is available at the reception.  Meaning once again I get shortchanged!!!  I’m paying $1000 for a venue only to have a 2 hour reception- heck no!!! 

What are they thinking!  It was supposed to be 3-4 hours with dinner and dancing and a joyous time but everything I had planned is out the window so people can come and go (in jeans ) as they want.  What is the point of a reception if it’s going to be nothing!   I’m so sad!!  

My daughter is getting married and I can’t even host a decent reception for her!  My heart is broken - the Rhoton’s took every single thing I wanted to do for her away so they could do it at the luncheon!  Why am I hosting a reception then?? 

Alex and Chris’s wedding

My niece, Alex Hodge is so darling. She and Chris have been dating for nine and a half years.  That’s a long time.  A few months ago Chris proposed to Alex (Ali).  Since then we have been so excited for them.  I bought my tickets as soon as I knew they were engaged.  

I also got my sister, Sandy, the mother of the bride her ticket as a gift.  Sandy has struggled financially since she moved away from Washington (that’s a few years now).  

Anyway,  I was always going to the wedding but about 10 days before the wedding Mark decided he could use points to come as well.  

To me - I was looking forward to time with my sister, she’s been struggling so much!  Of course I’m thrilled Mark is coming but I was looking forward to sharing a room with Sandy and having good conversation at night before falling asleep!  All that changed when Mark decided to come.  Sandy went to stay with Alex.  

Mark arrived on Wednesday- he was going to stay that first night with his mission friend, Eric, but Eric’s dad got extremely ill with Covid-19 that day.  Luckily, I was able to get Mark into the hotel a day early.  

Wednesday night all heck breaks out.  Alex and Chris’s wedding is being held at his brother Grant’s house.  Grant came down with COVID-19 too!! 

I arrived Thursday!  I am so excited to get there and everything was going well until I reached Budget car rental.  There were only two people in front of me so I thought “this is great!”  I get up to the counter and the guy says it will be 45 minutes until a car will be ready. WHAT!!! No way - I have Ali’s bridal shower to get to, plus I want to see Cayson too!  

Long story short - one hour and twenty minutes later I am given a monster truck to drive.  Luckily I was able to transfer the monster truck to a regular (still big) truck.  One hour later I arrive at the hotel.  

I quickly change my clothes and rush over to the shower.  Everything is so sweet and decorated way better than I imagined for having all the changes Ali has gone through,  

Picking the Venue for Marissa and Michael's wedding

 It's been so fun planning another wedding.

Marissa and I have been searching for wedding and event centers to host their wonderful reception.  We found three in the area to consider:

Three Peaks Lodge - it's in St. Anthony (10 minutes North of Rexburg)
La Bella Lake Lodge - it's in Rigby (10 minutes South of Rexburg)
The Avenue Rexburg - it's in Rexburg

We agreed to have her and Michael - if he can 

Marissa and Michael are Engaged (need photos)

 Okay so the story goes like this ... Michael asked Marissa to go to Texas Roadhouse before going to Joshua's endowment session (leaving on a mission) because Betsy gave them a gift card.  So they drove to Idaho Falls, all dressed up for the endowment session (also Michael had just picked up the ring at 5 PM the same day, and had his mom tell him something so he could get me away from me for a little bit - haha).  

Marissa and Michael arrive at Texas Roadhouse, Marissa waits patiently while Michael comes back and says they are backed up and the order didn't go through, so they both (Marissa) were sad they weren't getting any food. 

Not being able to eat at that time (which was part of the plan), they had an hour to kill before the temple endowment so we walked at the park across the river from the temple.  As they were walking Marissa felt like everyone was staring at her, and then there was also this one lady winked at her like 10 times (she thought she was having a seizure haha).  Michael was coy about it and said, "She must have something in her eye." 

So then they walked up and she sees a huge sign that says, "M A R R Y   M E"  

In Marissa's words, "I see the sign and I'm like awe how cute, someone's proposing today!  And then I looked at Michael and was like, 'wait, no, wait for real, really'  We walked over to the sign together and then he got down on one knee and said, "Marissa Cassity Lowe, will you marry me?"

Of course, she said "Yes, yes, yes" and she pretty much tackled him, haha.  He placed the ring on her finger and they had a very special milestone moment.  

Michael had arranged for a photographer to be there, so he took a bunch of candids of the whole thing.

That wasn't it - after he proposed, he planned a candle-lit dinner for the two of them.  His sisters Sariah and Sophia picked up the food Michael had ordered and delivered it to them at the gazebo!

Michael is such a romantic - in her words, "Michael is a romantic for sure"  

Marissa was completely surprised - she said it was the best day!!!!

------------              ---------------              ---------------             --------------            -------------- 

Mark and I are so very happy for both Marissa and Michael.  We think he is a wonderful young man and we are thrilled to welcome him into our family.  He is such an honorable and considerate person!  They are perfect for each other.

On a side note - he likes tennis (obviously), and he's going to graduate with an accounting degree - he fits right in with our bunch of number crunchers.

Marissa and Michael set a date of November 21 - it's just over 2 months away.  

Marissa and I are excited to start planning the wedding!  She has to finish studying for the NCLUX which she takes Tuesday - once that is done - she can focus on the wedding!  

Working round the Clock

 It's not a good time to start a full time (temporary) job at the same time you received orders for 18 different items.  YIKES!!!

I received an order for 12 quilts, then I received another, and then another - all within a matter of days of each other.  One had a RUSH put on it.  While those orders are coming in, I also receive an order for a baby blessing outfit and I have to finish Cayson's Halloween Harry Potter Cape ... and finish 100 ties for Robert and his buddy!  

Add on top of that that we are kicking off the Self Reliance adult classes on September 13th - so I'm responsible for the marketing, advertising and communication for that, AND we are kicking off the Life Skills Courses  (Youth Self Reliance courses) on September 27 - and I'm responsible for the marketing, advertising and communication for that, too!  On top of that my committee meeting is September 20th. - SO - three Sunday's in  a row I am swamped with SR functions!

Every day I get up at 7:00 AM - go to work by 8:00 AM
work all day (using my lunch hour to shop at Joann's for fabric, or go to the PO to mail orders)
get off at 5:00 PM - call the kids on the way home 
get home at 5:30 PM
hang out with Mark, relax, or answer phone calls 
work on sewing projects from 6 PM to 12 AM (sometimes 12:30 AM)
go to sleep by 1:00 AM

Start over - Pause - Push play - repeat

I need to get some sleep!!!!

Anniversary Trip to South Padre Island - 29 years

 As soon as I returned from our wonderful family reunion my mind kept thinking about our Anniversary, and although it wasn't a BIG one (25), (50) it's still very special to me.

I decided to take Mark to the beach as my present to him.  We decided to go the weekend before our Anniversary to avoid Labor Day rates and crowding.

Not having visited a Texan beach before we asked around for advise.  Everyone said to go to South Padre Island.  So that's where I booked our 4 day weekend get away.  Unfortunately, it is a 6 hour drive south, almost to the boarder of Mexico.

Another unfortunate happening - I took a job that requires her to work 8-5 PM NO MATTER WHAT!  They are so strict. Our original plan was to take off around 2:00 PM (after Mark got off work) arriving in South Padre Island around 8 PM, but with me not being able to get off early, we will not arrive until 11:00 PM.

Friday - In preparation, I packed my suitcase the night before and had everything in the car.  Mark dropped me off at work, so we didn't have to leave a car there.  He picked me up from work at 5:00 PM.  Traffic was heavy!  We enjoyed the peaceful drive down - Austin to San Antonio (2 hrs), San Antonio to Corpus Christi (2 hrs), Corpus Christi to South Padre Island (2 hrs).  

Our hotel room overlooked the pool and the beach!  IT's the best view! (like Bear Lake).  We had a wonderful night's sleep.  In the morning I had to go to the Post Office to mail an order.  Mark and I drove around a little bit to get a look at the island in daylight, and then went back to the hotel to relax at the Beach!  

 

There was plenty of sunshine to be had - you couldn't get away from it unless you brought an umbrella.  We rented an umbrella and two lounge chairs to relax and lay out on!  

The beach was wonderful - strong rolling waves (but watch-out - there's a huge undercurrent).  We laid out, walked along the beach, body surfed and played in the water.  We also enjoyed the refreshing pool!  

 

Anniversaries are a wonderful time for reflection:  We have a wonderful marriage, but as with all things it could be better.  I could be more patient and understanding when there are misunderstandings, Mark could be more compassionate and sensitive to delicate feelings.  We are who we are and we love each other for who they are, but we can always improve.  When I reflect back, it always makes me feel sad for the times I wasn't very patient or understanding.  Then I don't feel worthy, I don't feel like I belong. 

Sometimes I wonder if it would have been better if I didn't marry.  Then I wouldn't let the people I love and care for so much down.  I wouldn't unintentionally forget to do something someone is expecting that I am unaware of, or unintentionally give too much attention to one of my kids so that another feels like I am showing favorites... or unintentionally upset someone without even knowing - not trying - completely unaware!  My husband deserves a better wife and my kids deserve a better mother.  One that's perfect - because I try so hard - every day - in everything I say and do to be kind and thoughtful but all they remember are my mistakes of the past, and judge me for it.  It haunts me!  I know Christ atoned for my sins and mistakes as long as I have repented of them, and I have repented of everything I know about.  I am so sorry that I have let my kids and husband down.  I don't mean to... why would I???  Seriously  - All I have ever wanted it to be there for them, love them, support them, comfort them, be a positive influence in their lives, be a good example.  Of course my intentions do not always match my actions - and thus I make mistakes!  I repent!  I try again!  

Anyway!!!

Mark and I had a wonderful time Saturday - we ended the evening with a delicious all you can eat seafood and prime rib dinner at Louie's!  The BEST part of Louie's, and why we picked it, is the view!  Louie's is right on the water bay side.  It has the most beautiful sunsets.  We toasted (virgin drinks) our anniversary, our love, our laughs, and our trials!  

 

 

After dinner we played Mini-golf for 18 holes!  Mark had a whole in one - I did too, but he won - as always!  

 

We took a nice night time walk to see the sights.  One of the unique things about South Padre Beach is that everyone rents or owns golf carts - and not just a regular golf cart, but a souped up one with lights and fancy horns.  They drive the golf carts up and down the main strip and honk and wave at people.  

IT's such a friendly place.  Very quaint and small.  The only business on the island is apartments, condos, houses, hotels and beach supply stores.  There is one PO and a few drug stores and markets, but everything else is back on the main land. 

Sunday Mark and I slept in until 10 AM!  That's so late for Mark.  We walked along the beach and rested for a while.  Mark got too much sun on Saturday, so he laid in the shade under the umbrella while I laid out in the sun.  We body surfed some more, walked along the beach, laughing and talking along the way.  We watched the other families and reminisced about our adventures.  That night we ate at Del Mar Lobos.  It was a friendly casual atmosphere but Mark didn't like the food very much.  We chose it for the location - right on the bay hoping for another beautiful sunset.  Tonight's sunset was not as glorious as yesterdays!   One amazing tidbit about this restaurant is they have a marching bagpipe group play at sunset.  It was incredible - youth, adults together!

 

 

Monday the waves were huge!  Mark and I body surfed for a bit but it was too much for me.  We hung out at the beach and the pool in the morning and then cleaned up and checked out by 11:30 AM.  All that is left is the 6 hour drive home.

 

 

 

Happy 29th Anniversary!!!

One Order for 12 Quilts

 Just before my trip to Utah I was contacted by a tender woman whom lost her husband recently.

She wanted to order 12 - twelve quilts.  Wow!  That's a lot.  We worked out all the details over the phone and she made the order.

While I was in Utah the shirts arrived - in a HUGE box.

As soon as I returned from Utah, I started working on them right away.

What a blessing!

Disagreement with Jessica - broke my heart

 Although this day was mostly fantastic - it had a very dark side too!

I was talking with Jessica about how happy I was that everyone seemed to be getting along.  I expressed my apology again that Tate did not get to go to dinner with Robert, Devon and Sierra and I on the first night - it was just an oversight, and I felt terrible.  I said I felt bad about other things that had happened in the past between Tate and me.  Because of things that I had done in the past that were insensitive or upsetting to Tate, I didn't feel he and I had as good of a relationship as I would like.  I didn't know if he would ever not see me as "that person" or "move on to greener pastures".  At first Jessica understood and told me it was all okay.  But after we got home from the water park, she expressed to me that she felt it was I that didn't like Tate.  I can't even express how absolutely false this is!  I was in shock.  I didn't even know what to say.  I always get him something when I get Jessica something (I didn't used to, but I have for quite some time now).  I always ask about him, I think about him and pray for him and his family daily.  I feel like I go out of my way to make sure Tate knows how grateful I am to have him in our family - he is so good to Jessica and Cayson!  I literally adore Tate.  He is so thoughtful and kind.  I even wrote all of that in his last Father's Day card.  I just can't believe this - so I asked her to explain.  She said I don't listen to him and that I look at my phone while he's talking.  I really don't know how I will even convince them.  This is a horrible Disagreement that has just shattered my heart.

Saturday in PROVO - Splash Summit

Today is the day I've been looking forward to all week because we are going to Splash Summit for the day.  I'm disappointed that Robert isn't here to have fun with us, but I am happy he has this chance to be with his mission buddies. 

 

 

I love water and sunshine and today is filled with both of them.  Jessica, Tate, Cayson, Marissa, Michael and Mark and I arrived at the park at the same time.  Tate got us free parking and he also got Mark and I passes.  Oh my gosh - he is so thoughtful.  Jessica stayed with Cayson (since she isn't allowed to ride the rides due to her pregnancy), while Tate lead us to the best rides to do while there were short lines.  I had a blast.  I love water and rides - I love the thrill of it all.  Mark and I did as many rides as we could together.  There were some single slide rides, and others were for two people.  We had such a good time together.  Mark and I tried to do things with the kids - with Jessica and Tate too - we did the lazy river with them, and then with Michael and Marissa we did the toilet bowl (called that by Mark).  The only sad part was that Sierra didn't want to go, so Devon only stayed with us for about an hour. However, while he was there we had a blast doing the craziest rides - and we sneaked in a group photo! 

 

 

 

 

 

Tate and Jessica treated everyone to lunch from Subway - delicious and healthy all in one.  We didn't leave the park until around 4:00 PM.  What a fantastic day!

 

 

  

I was exhausted from all the sun and walking but the family wanted to go play tennis.  Mark, Tate, and Michael ended up playing singles after the family hit the ball around for a while.  We called Sierra (Devon had to go to work at 4:00 PM) to see if she wanted to join us for dinner.

We decided to do take away from Noodle and Company and go to the park so Cayson could play.  It was fantastic.  The dinner was delicious, the park was mostly empty, and we all had a fun time.  I took Cayson to play on the playground while everyone finished up eating.  We finished on the swings - we counted over 100 swings... too fun.  Cayson loves learning and playing at the same time and I love doing it with him.  After everyone finished dinner we played a few games of Volleyball.  What a blast - just wish Devon and Robert could have joined us.