Family Reunion at Bear Lake - Kayak and ATV Day (Monday) (add photos)

 It's another beautiful day at Bear Lake - the sun is shining, there is a gentle breeze, and the lake looks amazing! 

Breakfast this morning was prepared by Marissa and Michael.  The are so sweet to make breakfast for us!  Everything was delicious.

Devon has to do online school from 10 AM - 12 PM so the rest of us left the house around 9:50 AM to allow him so peace and quiet while taking his class.  We walked over to the marina and rented kayaks and a paddle board.  Oh my gosh!  What a blast we had.  Mark and I started out in a two-person kayak, Jessica and Robert were also in a two person kayak, Tate was with Cayson in a one-person kayak, and Marissa and Michael were on the paddle board.  We had so much fun and got so many photos!  We rented the equipment for two hours.  After a while, everyone traded around so that everyone got a turn on the different equipment.  Mark and I had a ball on the paddle board too!  He sat or knelt down in the back while I stood in the front.  (It was too hard for both of us to stand).  I had done a paddle board before in the ocean with Marissa - but wow that was hard to find my balance - the lake was so much easier!  Mark and I had a great time.  We then let Tate and Robert have a go on the board.  Watching everyone have a great time in the water was all I needed to make my day!

Devon and Sierra were a little late coming down to rent the ATVs but luckily no one had rented them after us so the rental company let me move my rental from 12-2 to 1-3!  YAY!  We rented two ATVs.  Mark, Jessica, Tate, Cayson, Marissa and Michael took one ATV, while Devon, Sierra, Robert and I took the other one.  We each went in different directions.  Robert drove our ATV to Fish Haven where we found some wicked trails to ride.  He did an awesome job!!!  The Devon drove - YAHOO!  We had such a great time.  Sierra drove us down the mountain back towards Fish Haven and then I drove us back towards the rental.  We had some extra time so we found more trails and WOW, these trails were even more steep and treacherous than the first ones.  I loved that I was the driver for those.  I traded with Robert for the last drive!  We filled up with gas and took the ATV back - all in one piece without rolling it (or popping a tire - like Landon did a few years ago).  

Mark and his crew drove the trails that we found in the end FIRST!  They said it was crazy!  Dad drove the whole time.  At some point Jessica, Tate and Cayson got off because it was just a little too bumpy for a pregnant woman and for Cayson!  We met up with Mark at the gas station!  Our crew was looking for them the whole two hours we were out - so crazy that we eventually ran into them but just at the very end.  It sounded like they had a great time too! 

After ATV riding, Marissa and Michael made sliders for lunch for everyone - wow - those things are delicious!  We ate them all up!!!

The rest of the day was at the pool, tennis and basketball.  

Today has a sad ending, because - two families are leaving!  For dinner we were supposed to have pizza, but I decided to take everyone out to the Raspberry Shake place (which is a diner).  We got hamburgers, cheeseburgers and chicken nuggets along with delicious shakes for dinner.  This is where we had to say good bye to Jessica, Tate, Cayson and Robert.  Devon and Sierra left just an hour later!  It's so sad to see them go but we had a great time with everyone. 

Before they left, I asked, "What could we have done better?"  Everyone said it was GREAT!  They loved it!  That made me so happy!  I'm so glad everyone had a great time!!! 

Christmas Church

It was so wonderful to have everyone together to attend Christmas Church with us.  We took up half a pew.  Cayson went out a few times - with Tate, with me, ... but it was still wonderful.

The talks and the music was amazing.  I was touched by the spirit of the Lord and the knowledge of his sacrifice in sending his beloved Son to Earth for us.

Merry Christmas - the true meaning of Christmas.

After Church Cayson was so tired he went down for a nap before we got home.  Sweet dreams dear Cayson.

We cut, baked and decorated cookies the rest of the day and into the evening. Even Mark joined in the festivities.  Somehow the conversation drifted to a movie we saw (a while ago) with Kevin Costner and a waterfall symbol.  Somehow Mark's cookies started to be symbols of waterfalls and dragonflies... strange...

Marissa and Mom

Betsy and Marissa

Mark and Tate

Dad decorating cookies

 After Cayson's nap, he was in the best mood.  He even let me put his Santa hat on for a while.  We played trucks, legos and all sorts of fun things with Cayson.  He is 17 months and so fun.  He has about 30-40 words which makes his so adorably chatty.  His favorite activity was looking for Jasper, or to Cayson "Meow"  We would often find Jasper "Meow" hiding in the back farthest corner of Mark's closet (but that never stopped Cayson from looking for him.  haha

Cayson - 17 months

New Year Resolutions for 2019

First, I can't believe it is already 2019!  I know it's a retorical question, but how the heck did we it get to be 2019.  First off ...

1) . we moved here in 2002 - I have never lived anywhere longer than three (3) years, which makes this the place (my home) where I have lived the longest in my entire life (52 years).  I have watched my kids grow up here.  Robert was only 3, and Jessica was only 9 when we moved to Kentucky.  All of my kids were in elementary school, and Jessica was the only one of the age of accountability.  Marissa and Robert wouldn't have any previous memories of other places they lived ... this is all they remember as HOME!  Nearly 17 years later we are still in the same home (but not for much longer, as we know we are moving this year with Mark's job).

2) It seems like just a few days ago that I started working at Four Points by Sheraton - that was January 17 - one year ago.  A whole year has gone by since then - wow!  Since graduating with my bachelor, I have had two jobs, both of which anyone with a high school diploma could have done, and the pay was equally disappointing.  How did it come to this?

3)  We listed the house in September, and we still haven't sold it - and it's January.  Honestly, I didn't want it to sell until after December 30th, so I am not complaining even .01%, but in retrospect, I quit my job to get the house ready - painting all the bedrooms, kitchen and two basement rooms, new carpet, new garage doors, painting the deck (grey and white), cleaning the patio, fixing odd things ... etc.  And three long months later, the house is still on the market.  How can that be, it's a beautiful home?  To answer that question is easy, as soon as we put the house on the market, the market dried up - it was sooo slow.  We only had showings every 3-4 weeks.  There just were not that many people looking to buy a home in our price range.  So here we are - still trying to sell our home in 2019.

4) All my kids are grown - this year Robert will turn 20 - WHAT!!!!  Jessica will be 26, married, and a mother; Devon will be 24 and married to sweet Sierra!  Marissa will be 22 pursuing her dreams of becoming a nurse while she continues her nursing program at BYUI.  (PS:  She is dating McKay George).  Robert will turn 20 while serving his mission in Thailand.  It's 20 something for sure this year (and for a few more to come).

Counting my blessings:  Mark and I have been happily married for 27+ years.  We raised our family in the same place (answer to prayers when we moved to KY).  All four kids participated and excelled in various sports (basketball, cross country, tennis, track).  All four kids graduate with honors from HS. Jessica married the man of her dreams.  Devon married the girl of his dreams.  Jessica and Tate graduate from BYU in their perspective fields of study. Jessica will graduate this year from BYU with her Masters in Speech Pathology Disorders.  Devon continues in his studies of Computer Engineering, and Marissa made the dean's list and continues her studies of Nursing.  All four kids went on missions (Robert is still on his).  All four children have received their endowment from God.



I am so grateful to have been able to raise my kids in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  An opportunity that I was not wholly given as a child.  I am grateful for the love of my Savior Jesus Christ.  I love his patience, love, and endurance with me... as I try to be a better person.  I am grateful for the chance to wake up everyday with a pure heart and a clean slate - ready to go forth and attempt to be an example of Jesus Christ.  I am grateful for good friends (I don't know that I really have many, I don't know that I really worked hard to make many).  I have long time friends that I consider as dear as my family (Stephanie Cannon, Shirley Gillum, Stacy Jespersen, Kathy Thorne, Katie St. John, Elane Teasdale, Sandra Orr, Maureen Green, Paula Heagy and of course more) but I regret that I never really got really close to anyone of them.  I feel like I have a million friends, and yet not one that I could confide my inner heart, or would really miss me when I am gone.  I am grateful for my education and for the opportunity I have to continue to learn.  Knowledge is power.  Knowledge gives us opportunities that otherwise would not be there.  I am grateful for the financial security we have because of my husband's hard work and diligence as he looks out for our families short and long term financial needs.  I am grateful for my safety and my freedom.  I live in an area of the world where (for the most part) I do not worry about my safety - I do not worry about being shot, theft, or vandalism, or crime. I am also eternally grateful for the opportunity to have the freedoms I take for granted.  I can go anywhere, become anything, etc.   I am grateful to have a shelter - but even more - a loving home.  Something I worked hard to cultivate and maintain; food - not just any food, but food we enjoy, food at home and in restaurants; clothing & footware - not just any clothing, but what I like (and too much of it), good hygiene, and all the basic necessities of life.  I have been richly blessed - and I have been at a point in my life where these things were not available to me, so I know that I have been given much; I know that there are others that lack basic needs and so I must express my deep gratitude for what I have.  I am grateful to realize all the wonderful blessings (these and so many more - see below) in my life!



5) Well that's good enough for now ... on to my resolutions.

1.  To be more generous with my time and resources to help those in need
2.  To study the scriptures and conference talks, not just read them.
3.  To say my prayers every MORNING and NIGHT (and in between)
4.  Find a meaningful job when we finally move
5.  Have more adventure in my life - hike, rock climb, travel, ski, etc.
6.  Attend the temple at least twice a month
7.  Stay in touch with all my children (and children-in-law) at least once a week
8.  Refrain from my insecurities and reminders of my shortcomings - stay positive
9.  Improve who I am
10.  Live more simple - keep expenses down - appreciate what I have / want less
11.  Spend time in a garden every day - enjoy the outdoors
12.  Remember to Love my God and Savior every day!!!
13.  Be kind to others even in difficult situations
14.  Be less emotional
15.  Serve your calling with your whole heart
16.  Clean up after myself, and Clean the house each week
17.  Sew more - be more creative
18.  Stay organized and purge unneeded items
19.  Stay active - exercise regularly (daily)
20.  Keep up with scrapbooks
23.  Be a good grandma
24.  Be a good mom to adult children

Other more specific ones:

Learn Piano
Finish Mission scrapbook for Marissa
Start mission scrapbook for Robert

Walking bridge before they go

We finally got to go to the Big 4 Walking bridge.  We all went... Devon and Sierra, Betsy and Mark, Jessica and Tate, and Cayson, and Marissa.

Despite the coldness of the day (although it is the warmest day of Christmas vacation), Cayson is all grins. 

 We were very happy to be there for our family tradition.  Left to right:  Tate and Jessica, Devon and Sierra, Marissa, Mark and his grandson Cayson. 

On our way up ... everyone was super happy to make it while the rain had stopped.  We got there at the perfect time.  Smiles all the way around.

 As usual Devon is avoiding the camera but Sierra is grinning ear to ear.  She's happy not to be sick today.

Mom with Jessica and Tate!!!

Marissa loves crossing the bridge just as much as we do. It's a family tradition!

  The cute little family

 The great Aunt Marissa!



We were trying to get across the bridge and back before the rain started, but ... we didn't make it that far.  As soon as we got to the top of the walkway, the rain started to drizzle, by the time we were about to cross the rain started to down pour.  Jessica and Tate decided to go back down because of the rain; Marissa and I went with them, while Mark carried on with Devon and Sierra.  Devon was determined to take Sierra all the way. 

Everyone is coming home for Christmas except Robert (and he's on his mission)

We are so excited that everyone will be able to come to Kentucky one last time before we move to Memphis.

Marissa is coming home on December 20 - YAY!!!  Her last final is December 19.  She will be the first to arrive home.

Devon and Sierra are coming home on December 22, Saturday - after taking lots of final exams.

Jessica, Tate and Cayson will be spending Christmas with Tate's family in Idaho (vacation) but then will be coming to Kentucky for a late Christmas with us ... and in time to be here for Devon's wedding reception.

We are so excited to have everyone home one last time before the house sells and we move to Memphis.

Devon and Sierra’s Wedding

The most happiest day of my life took place on November 10, 2018.

Devon and Sierra married for all time and eternity in the Payson, UTAH temple.

They are so happy!  

They are so perfect for each other.

These are their bridal shots that were taken before the wedding.  They are beautiful.

Mark and Betsy picked up Devon at drove him through McDonalds to get his last bachelor breakfast before driving down to the Payson Temple.  Devon and Sierra were scheduled to be sealed at 10 AM, but it was more like 10:20 when they took us back to the sealing room.

In the mean time, oh my gosh, we had so much fun catching up and talking with family and dear friends in the waiting room.

Devon's best friend - Josh Teasdale was there, and his mission trainer, Kevin Bodine.
Mark's brother Jordan came, along with his other brother Kevin and his wife Shauna.  Two of their daughters also came, Kathy and Brenda.  Mark's cousin Steve and his wife came.  What a glorious reunion.

Eric and Jenn were there along with Sierra's grandparents and other dear people to them.

It was the best day ever!!!! 

We were all so happy when they came out of the temple as husband and wife.

They are a beautiful couple - deeply in love with each other.

Devon's family was so happy to share this moment with them.

Marissa, Mark, Sierra, Devon, Betsy, Jessica, and Cayson with Tate 

Sibling bonds last forever

Everyone from Devon's side that came:  Brenda Hatch (cousin), Uncle Jordan, Makayla and Kayloni (cousins) with Uncle Alan and Susan Lowe, Marissa Lowe, Mark, Devon and Sierra, Betsy, Grannie and Grandfather Lingel (Alison and Garry), Kevin and Shauna Lowe, Kathy Twitchell (cousin), Jessica Cayson and Tate Murphey

Our family is so happy for Devon to find his true love

All the grandparents that came.

Devon with Grannie Alison Lingel and Grandfather Garry Lingel

Jessica with her brother!

Mark and Betsy with the Bride and Groom

A mother's love for her son - eternal

A father's pride in his son - tremendous

Eric and Jenn Gibbs, Sierra and Devon, Betsy and Mark Lowe
The Parents

Extended family and Friends that were so nice to come celebrate with us

The Lowe women:  Shauna, Brenda, Kathy, Betsy, Marissa, Kayloni, Jessica, Makayla, Susan

Devon with his cousins

The brothers reunited:  Joran, Alan, Mark and Kevin

So sweet:  Kathy, Makayla, Kayloni, and Marissa

Betsy and Mark are so happy Kathy could come

 Wedding Party shinanigans

The Wedding Party:
Left:  Tate, Shawn, Josh, Ethan, Zach, and the best man Norman
Right:  friends of Sierra's, Marissa, Jessica and Maid of honor Halie.

Jessica, Sierra, and Marissa:  The Lowe women

The Studs:  Zach, Shawn Hall, Ethan Hansen, Devon, Norman Stumler, Josh Teasdale, and Tate Murphey

Devon's best friends from Kentucky came all the way out to be part of his wedding:

Ethan Hanson and Devon were great friends since we moved to Kentucky (2002)

Norman Stumler and Devon have been best friends since they were seven (2002)

Shawn Hall was a stand in for Robert Lowe - too funny!

Sierra's brother

Such a beautiful day for a wedding

The power of the force - no - it's the power of a girl!!!

After the wedding, we held a private family luncheon at the Skyroom on BYU's campus.  It is the favorite restaurant of Ruth Lowe, Devon's grandma (she passed away in 2002).

Officially married

Enjoying time with our grandson, Cayson

Momma and baby Cayson - he did so well!

There was a break between the luncheon and the ring exchange ceremony/reception that started at 6:00 PM.  (see next post)