Holidays are for Projects, Right?

We had actually planned to stop at two cemeteries on our trip to Idaho Friday and Saturday. However, on our way up we were rushing to beat the stormy weather that was supposed to worsen. We needed to paint some trim so we were hoping for a few hours of dry weather without wind. When we arrived it was cloudy, chilly and windy but we went right to work. The next day as we worked in the yard, it was very cold and windy in the morning, but the afternoon turned out to be surprisingly nice. The wind turned to a breeze and the sun shone for a few hours. It was a welcome respite. We worked extremely hard in the yard--weeding, edging, picking up and planting. Steve and I took over 600 lbs to the dump and hauled a lot of outdoor furniture and toys over to Heather and Aaron's. Some of the grandkids really pitched in to help. Then they were lucky as a neighbor took them to a movie and we bought ice cream to reward them too. Thanks for the help, kids.

We decided that our hard work made things look better than ever. Someday soon, a family will fall in love with our beloved home and buy it. We love this home and know that it will be a wonderful place for a family to live in and enjoy.

Elsie, Anna, Brinley and Jantzen head to the movie after some hard work.

Brinley and Jantzen will take turns watering our newly planted bushes and flowers. Tanner will mow, edge and tackle the weeds. It's a lot of work on two acres so we really appreciate their efforts to keep our home looking its best.

We had a little bubbled paint on the bottom board of this wall next to the deck where the snow had piled up all winter. One of the prospects who was looking at out house pulled off the paint on the upper board to assess any damage to the board. Since it is made of cement composite, there was no damage other than Steve had to sand and repaint it. This event didn't make us too happy. Since when do prospective buyers have the right to cause additional damage to someone's home? Wow! We were appalled that buyers would disrespect a home like this. It's all fixed up now.We were so late finishing up our work, that we didn't take time to stop at the cemeteries on the way home either. We are, however, very appreciative of our family members and the heritage they have given us. And we especially honor our fathers who served our country in World War II. We arrived home at 10:30 on Sat. night--tired and sore. We felt our labors in our muscles and bones but at least our property is well taken care of and maintained.

Posting Frustration!

I tried to correct the spacing on my last post and never did get it to be like I wanted. In the process of trying to adjust it, I accidentally deleted this cute photo of us at the outlets. I like pictures with my children and grandchildren so you'll just have to endure my blog mistakes.

My May Birthday Girls!

Since I thought that May was absolutely the best month to have a baby, I was fortunate to do it twice. Tiffany celebrated her 40th this year! Liberty celebrated her 30th! Am I really old enough to celebrate these momentous occasions with my daughters? I have to face the fact that I am.

Tiffany planned for over a year that she was going to turn 40 in style and so she worked all the details for her event in advance. We knew well ahead of time about her Safari party and she did a great job carrying it out. Her friends, Jodi, Greg and Courtney pitched in to host and help. And of course, Steve, Heather, Hilary and I flew in for the big celebration. Shawn grilled fabulous kabobs and Tiffany had cute little Safari gift packages for all of the kids. It was terrific.

Fortunately I have been with Libbie for three separate events this spring. Because we weren't with her on her birthday today, we setttled for a phone visit. And we are sorry our present didn't arrive in time.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BOTH OF MY MAY GIRLS!!! YOU ARE BOTH AWESOME AND BEAUTIFUL TO ME!

Hilary's husband, Adam, and Heather's husband, Aaron ,happily (so they say) sent their wives off to Texas to spend birthday time with their oldest sister. We appreciate all of the efforts of the Mr. Moms for the week.

Prior to the party on Sat., we happily played Texas style. Here we are enjoyed lunch at Rudy's, the Worst (but really the best) Barbeque in Texas. It was an experience I think we will want to repeat.

We also hit the zoo and a movie and just relaxed a little.

When the girls arrived, we headed for the huge outlet mall at San Marcos. We were there only a few hours, but we managed to scope out a few bargains. We even got Hilary involved in shopping and she did it with a smile. Hope you liked your birthday present, Adam. Steve found some good bargains too. He loves those outlets.

We had a birthday lunch at Johnny Rocket's. We purposely told the staff that it was Tiffany's birthday. So they sang and presented her with a sundae which we all pitched in to finish off.But first we shared a milkshake, onion rings and burgers. Oh so decadent but we're on vacation!

That night we went to an open house and program at Abigail's school. It was fun to watch her perform. Tiffany was installed as a member of the board of directors for next year but the room was too crowded with parents so we stayed outside during the meeting. Tiffany has dedicated a huge amount of time to assisting at the school. Congratulations, Tiffany. You are a super mom whether you believe it or not.

Here's one last planning session with the group. Abigail figured out how to endure the doldrums of that event. Our Texas trip and birthday celebration was a lot of fun! Thanks, Tif, for being the #1 kid and all of the work that has entailed. You were a great planner years ago and you haven't lost the touch. Good job!

Dad's Legacy....

This photo was taken 10-10-2010 in Salt Lake with Ann, Abigail, Tiffany and Dad.

My four sisters and I gave the life sketch at my father's funeral. Each told a portion of his life starting with Jacqueline, Catherine, Michelle, Deanne and myself. I was slated to wrap things up and tell about his legacy and the lessons we learn from him. Here is the major portion of my closing remarks.

"On April 7, 1914, Annie Spori Kerr brought forth her first born child, a son, Robert Marion and laid him at the altar of the Lord to become His faithful servant. This woman of Swiss heritage, orphaned as a child, had herself sacrificed a full measure of earthly pleasures for the gospel of Jesus Christ which her parents, Magdalena and Jacob Spori had embraced and cherished. And thus Annie molded her oldest son with the hands of integrity, hard work, personal responsibility, obedience, self-reliance, dedication to duty, service & compassion, faith in God and our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the love of learning. To understand Annie is to understand her son. He told me that she was the most influential person in his life. He absorbed the stories of dedicated service and sacrifice of those stalwart ancestors taught at his mother's knee and he became the vessel who embodied those ideals and pledged to carry them forth to future generations. His devoted service blessed the lives of thousands of people on both sides of the heavenly veil.

What is his wish for us-his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren? Even a brief examination of his life shows us. Throughout his 97 years of life, he "did the work of 10 men" as quoted by Gareth Ogden, the stake president who succeeded him. In his final months, each day when I would call him, he would lament that he hadn't been able to accomplish much. He was so eager to be productively working and serving. I rejoice with him now that he is free from his physical constraints and infirmities and is now happy again to be working and serving.

Every day he sought knowledge and pondered the way to implement it in his life. He designed gadgets to make a task easier, quicker or to solve a problem. He rarely met a book, magazine, pamphlet, letter or advertisement he didn't have a desire to read--often setting them aside and saving them until he had more time to read them for they might contain pearls of wisdom he didn't want to miss. When his sight dimmed, he struggled so, but found some comfort in his 'talking books.' I celebrate that now he can see--more and better than ever before.

He asks us, his progeny, to carry on the legacy of our devoted ancestors--to work hard, serve others, be self-disciplined and obedient to God's commandments. His plea was that we would follow God's prophet, do what we can, help each other and avoid temptation. He wanted us to repent when we fall and to be 'true to the faith that our parents have cherished, true to the truth for which martyrs have perished, to God's command, soul, heart and hand, faithful and true we will ever stand.'

The temple of God is the symbol of all that he treasured. He considered it to be the Lord's university and his deepest desire was that each of his family members would desire it, cherish it, take advantage of its eternal blessings and become linked forever to beloved family members through its ordinances. It is my prayer that we will embrace the true principles he loved and demonstrated and incorporate all that was good from his life into ours. Thus we will honor him and carry forth his legacy."

Best of All!

As I tried to clean up my previous post and tighten up the photos, I accidentally deleted this most important picture. Here are our family members gathered around Ann after the funeral luncheon. Thanks to all of you, and a special thanks to your spouses and children, for their sacrifices and efforts so you could all gather together at this memorable time. Families are forever and Steve and I truly loved having you with us at this time. We know it wasn't easy which made it all the more special. We look forward always to such blessed reunions. Left to right, back to front-Tanner, Steve, Abigail, Tiffany, Aaron, Quinn, Will, Taylor, McKay, Adam. Next row Kristen, Heather, Jen, Liberty, Hilary. Next row Jantzen, Britton, Jenna, Brinley, Anna, Elsie.
Korinne, Grandma Ann. I love you all. Thanks for being there.

The Silver Lining - Miracles Galore!

There were many tender moments and sweet miracles in the moments and days following my Dad's passing from this mortal life. By noon that day most of my siblings gathered with Ann for lunch, sharing memories and beginning the process of planning the funeral, viewings, obituary, etc. Jackie equated it to planning a wedding in two days. Those hours we spent together were comforting and special--each person added thoughtful and appropriate suggestions. We easily reached agreement and moved forward in consensus. It was marvelous.
My personal miracles came quickly as well. Libbie was the first of my children to arrive on the evening of the very next day. It was a shock to all of us when we got up Sat., April 30 to 5 inches of snow.
By Saturday evening both of our sons, Taylor from China and McKay from Pennsylvania had arrived also. I had just met with my siblings and Ann for the very spiritual experience of dressing our father in his temple robes and seeing him placed in his casket. We felt he looked natural and quite good. It helped us feel close to him and bring some closure. As we all parted, I headed to meet Steve, Libbie, Jen, Taylor, Will, and McKay for Chinese take out. Our family reunion was beginning.

After church Sunday morning, we headed to Mapleton for a family dinner prior to the viewing at the chapel. John Pace's children prepared a fantastic dinner which was served in Kelley's barn. It was truly delicious and good to visit with some family members who had come a great distance.

Our great friends, the Vicchrilli's, drove over an hour to be the first to greet us at the chapel. We felt and appreciated their love and support.

We were thrilled that Karlin, Trevor, Brady, Baylee and Griffin came to honor their grandfather. I haven't seen them for several years. I was so grateful they came. It was glorious to me and a wonderful blessing to all of our family. I know my Dad was happy they came.

Many long time friends came to give us support - Sharon & L Jay Benson-childhood and college friends.

Steve K's family gives Ann their love and hugs.

Libbie and Cathy with Marilyn and Bob. Marilyn is my cousin.

Greg, Cousin Liz, Uncle Bill, me, Cousin Bill, Cousin Marilyn. It was so good to see them all. Uncle Bill is the only living spouse on my mother's side now.Here are Liz, Bill Jr., and Bill with my kids, McKay, Libbie, Taylor and me.

Libbie and I share hugs with Aunt Coral, my dad's sister, and her daughter, Diane.

More pictures with my mother's family--this one includes some of my siblings and my cousin Vickie, Aunt Wanda's daughter.

Taylor, living in China; McKay in Pennsylvania; and Jon, Steve K's oldest son, living in New York. It's been a long time since they were together.

My dear friend and college roomie, Judy came to honor Dad and his "Lady in Red, Ann." She is battling cancer and this was an amazing effort on her part. Thanks, Judy.

Here the siblings and spouses gather around Ann to give her support after Sunday night's viewing. It was a joyful gathering of family and friends and we felt their sincere love and support. There were no lines so Dad would have been happy about that. There was a lot of laughter. It was not a somber occasion although there were tears. It was mostly a celebration of his life well lived.

McKay points out one of my dad's many gadgets. This one harnessed the garbage cans so they wouldn't blow over or away in the wind. Monday morning started out with an early donut run to Banbury Cross by the brothers. It was awesome to have some fun interjected into our gathering. In fact it was perfect. We started loading ourselves and our stuff into cars for the trip to Idaho. One car started earlier as we went the longer route up through Logan and included some important stops along the way-- including lunch at the Bluebird Restaurant, one of my mother, Aloha's favorites, and a stop at Pepperidge Farms outlet for some Tim Tams.

Steve drove up as soon as Tiffany and Abigail arrived from Texas.

When we all arrived in Idaho, the cousins had a grand time playing together.

I loved every minute of our few hours together with all of our children gathered around. We missed their spouses and kids, but it was truly a miracle to have all six of our children here for the funeral. I was humbled by this incredible blessing. I felt surrounded by love. Jenna, Elsie, Anna and Abigail all help lead our family home evening song. Jantzen and Quinn look on. These were such precious moments.

We had a lot of laughs as we reminisced and joked about our foibles. We are good at laughing and and good at eating. It's the family way.

Kathy, Steve's sister, and her husband Brent brought goodies, flowers and their camera. They took some nice pictures of our family and added to the laughs for the evening. More blessings and support. Thanks!

Taylor, Liberty, Hilary, Kristen, Steve, McKay, Heather & Tiffany. We were weary from traveling but our smiles are genuine.

We added in the available spouses, Adam, Jen and Aaron for one more photo. No opportunity to get fixed up or color-coordinated so you see us just as we were at 10 p.m. after a long day of traveling.

We are felt good about the funeral and the opportunity to visit with so many Idaho friends. We were especially touched by the military tribute at the gravesight. Thanks to our military members for their continued service. You are the best!

Jackie's Relief Society sisters did a fabulous job of serving our large family group a delicious luncheon after the dedication of the grave.

Later that evening we enjoyed pizza provided by Heather's neighbors. That was awesome!

Steve left early the next morning before 6 a.m. to take Taylor back to Utah to catch his flight to China. Jen and Will went with them so they could spend those few more hours together. We left later that morning. Here the siblings go for a "brisk" walk. It was quite cold so they dressed warmly. Libbie said it reminded her of the Vermont shuffle she left behind when she moved to the sunny South.

We stopped to tour the new conference center on the BYU-Idaho campus. It is an amazing building designed as a smaller verson of the Conference Center in Salt Lake. We may have started a new family tradition with our stop off in Chubbuck at the Tastee Treet. At McKay's suggestion, we stopped at an "out of this world" space burger drive through because this family owned business peels it's potatoes fresh every morning for their French fries.

You may notice the construction behind Hilary. The dining area was closed since a young, unlicensed driver actually drove a car clear into the dining area just last week. We were limited to the drive through until the indoor dining can be replaced. It was well worth the experience. The space burgers were interesting, my regular burger was great, but the shakes were FABULOUS! And we all liked the fries--nothing like home made. We are usually up for a new family adventure especially if it includes good food.