meanderings of my mind... (it's kind of long.....)

Yes, it's been a while (but only three weeks)..........yet it's one of those times when I feel I've lived years. Let me see if I can express the feelings I've had. I don't know that I can...... An ancient prophet once wrote "and our lives passed away as it were in a dream". I think I finally get it! And this isn't the first time I've felt this way. October was filled with new and sometimes turbulent emotions. Spending a few precious hours with Mother were just that: precious. And then to have all the family together, and to know that we will be together forever.....that even when emotions are unruly and feelings are raw we care deeply about one another and love deeply. It's still a little incomprehensible that she is gone. And I've had my moments of struggle..........even with as happy and excited as I am for her.........and I couldn't wish her back. I couldn't remove her name from my Christmas gift list for this year. But I figure that's okay. And I think a little of my delinquency in writing here is because somehow it makes it more permanent and real if you write about it. And I'm still really happy for her!!!! I hope this makes sense..............

So with all of that.....here's a really quick run down..........we worked on Daniel's Eagle project. He was cutting tree roots to level sidewalks and cutting down curbs to make them wheelchair accessible. H.a.r.d. w.o.r.k!!!! We are so thankful for friends who loaned tools, equipment and time. There is no way to thank family members who gave their all............

We had a dinner party for Daniel and his friends.......it was Homecoming, so we served a formal dinner to sixteen very nice young people. Thanks to Michael and Michelle who acted as servers and photographer............and to Audrey and Michelle for the table decorations (I love doing this! It's easier for a smaller group, but this was fun!)

We also got to play and snuggle with baby Ros............a "bundle of love"..............Suzanne does a great job!

Roger and I took the "scenic route" to Provo one day. We went to see the leaves, knew there would be some snow, but not this much!! It was magical.............we live in such a marvelous, glorious world..........I don't know big enough words to express what I feel............

And another band competition............this one in Pleasant Grove.........

Then on to Salt Lake for the All-State Choir concert. I didn't get any decent pictures inside the Tabernacle, but I loved the way the setting sun shone on the temple as we waited in line...........

I baked cookies in our sun oven!!!! They were wonderful!! I can see though that I'm going to have a challenge cooking in the winter time..........I might have to go out in the street to have direct sunshine for long enough. There are too many trees in the neighborhood!!.......well, for solar cooking.........

While I was outside I talked to our beautiful mums..........they were especially brilliant this year.....

 And we finally finished the Eagle project.............I took these pictures for Dan to submit with his application. It was in three days before his birthday! He had his board of review last Sunday. The papers are on their way to Dallas.............seven Eagles..............I have anticipated this for twenty-something years.......... There are times when we do things and we have no idea how far-reaching they might be. This is one of those times. I'm so glad we pushed as we did. Now he knows he can finish hard things.........I hadn't thought how valuable that would be until after it was all in......another time when I "lucked out".