Summer 2015

Here we are in July - oh my!  It's been an interesting few months and busy!  Marianne and Lance sold their home in April (1st day on the market) and moved in with Honey!  With Olivia, Tyson and baby Ava 'on route', the house was once again filled with action, noise and love!  I've heard that you get used to the 'solitude' and that's what seems to have happened to Honey!  Sooooo, the 'new noise' was both welcome and surprising!  As always, our revolving door at base camp is welcome to any who pass by and it's been wonderful to have Marianne and Lance here  - with all that accompanies the confusion!
Two weeks ago Marianne gave birth to her third child and second daughter, Ava Scarlett!  She's a beauty and seems like a sweet baby.  Marianne had a bout with an infection and was back in the hospital for IV antibiotics for a couple of days but is doing well now.  She and Lance are fast trying to locate a new home before Oliva starts kindergarten the end of August!  Hard to believe!
Coby and Tif are expecting their first 'daughter' (after four boys) within the week.  Yeah and Halleluiah!!!!!  Coby is particularly excited since he's always known he'd have a girl!  Tif is just ready to be 'done' with having children!  They are both the same age that Jim and I were (after our four boys) when Marianne was born!  This is a little miracle from HEAVEN and JIM!
Ben continues to be busy with his four children.  They've recently found out that Mason is on the 'Autism' grid!  A handsome, bright boy that will truly benefit from great parents and family.  This has been a real challenge and test of their patience but luckily the other children are all doing well and are supportive!  I think our grandchildren are exemplary! 
Pat and Anna are in 'holding' pattern with their two pretty daughters, Amelia and Daphne and doing well.  At this writing they are hosting the Osmond family (Anna's) at Bear Lake.  I'm so grateful for this place to go and to share!
Bob and Sara came from Boise with Duncan and Charlie for the 4th.  They just announced that they'll be having a DAUGHTER in November!  This is the year of our GIRLS!

As for me: 
In January I began working in the Draper Temple baptistery!  It was thrilling to see so many young people come in, having completed finding large numbers of family names and so dedicated to getting them baptized.  It has been a bit of a 'time' commitment on Saturdays, but fortunately they let me just be a substitute this summer so I can spend time at the lake!  Jim always wanted us to be temple workers and this helps me feel like I'm doing what he'd want.
Speaking of that, several years ago Jim and I discussed adding another building on the lot at the lake for...posterity.  So, this project is now underway and we'll be breaking ground, hopefully, this fall.
It will give us more bedrooms so that when the grands are a few years older, they can take over sleeping (and playing) at the cabin and the adults (and I) will have a place to 'retreat' at night!
I've been working with Anna-Lisa's cousin Thom Lane on plans that are almost complete and I think Jim would be pleased that I've taken this on - before I get to old and crazy!

Then, sometime in February I decided to push the send button on the computer and have my first try at 'online' dating!  What an EXPERIENCE!  WEIRD to have 'strange' men trying to connect!  I feel badly that I've deleted so many of them, but having had a man like Jim, it's pretty hard to compare!  I did have several dates and a nice man who wanted to get 'friendlier' but hand holding was just plain 'paralyzing'!  So, I've taken a little time off to re-evaluate if this is when and 'how' I want to meet someone who might begin to fill the big VOID! 
I don't know how I can be lonesome with so many darling grandchildren, family and friends around... but a spouse fills a place (at least half of you) that no one else can.  I still miss Jim terribly and often refer to my 'hot tub' as my 'tub of tears'!  It's a great place to go and just ... let it all go!  I'm beginning to realize that I truly would like to find a man who I'd be comfortable with; someone to share those things that you don't bother your children or others with.  I miss a strong arm, one around me and one to help with all that I feel so responsible for!  So, I am going to do what the scriptures recommend...to go into that dark (or new) place and put my hand in the Lords!  This is supposed to be a much better idea that going around blindly in the 'light' and I'm going to trust that it is!  As the song goes...."Wishin' and Hopin' and Thinkin' and (mostly) Prayin'! 

This summer I volunteered to help out at stake girls camp and was put in charge of the music!  What a great time I had with wonderful, dedicated women and darling 'young' women.  I am always amazed at the great sense of service there is in this church and the commitment to callings.  I would do this again in a heartbeat.  Love the mountains, love the girls!

Coming up.....get the new building done at Bear Lake - maybe a trip or two!   I've been thinking about a Canadian cruise in the fall and have plans to do a FFLess British Isles trip next spring and another cruise down the Mississippi on the American River Queen in the fall of 2016.  It will be here before you know it!  I discovering that travel is a healing way to find a new path and I've become more adventurous with age. Now I know why Mom took off on her 'broom' so much after Dad died.  You just have to keep going and discovering and LIVING!  Hoping to do just that!