Party Animals!!!!

I'm not sure most Stake Relief Society Presidencies fit the description of "Party Animals" but that is what Justine, Liz and I feel like! At least one of our presidency and usually all of us will have gone to all ten ward Relief Society Birthday parties this month! Last week, we went to three---one Tuesday night, one Wednesday night, and one Thursday night. We have another one tomorrow night! It will be party #9! They have all been very different and fun---some have had classes and others have guest speakers. One motivational speaker took off her business suit (pants and all) to reveal a full body girdle (she was not a Barbie shape, either!) and then proceeded to pull her hair off at one point. Needless to say, Bob got an ear-full when I got home! This woman definitely made a lasting impression! Anyway, I love my calling, the women I work with, the people I get to meet, and the things I'm learning. I guess Bob and Josh can stand pizza for more night tomorrow!

Learner's Permit

Today was a monumental day for Josh and for me! Josh got his "learner's permit" so he can start driving on the road and not just in parking lots! He studied hard and passed the test and now the necessary six months of driving practice can begin. He is so excited to actually drive---and I'm excited for the day when he will be able to drive himself. I will miss our chats as we drive around, though! It seems like the car is always a place where talking with each other is easier and enhanced. I did learn something interesting while waiting for Josh to finish the test. Some strange man sat in front of me and started up a conversation. He began with complaints about having to get another license and then said something about 3.2 beer here in the state of Utah. Apparently because of our unique liquor laws, our beer isn't as strong as the rest of the country. According to him, you can get 5.0 beer other places outside of Utah. He was from Idaho and not LDS and said something about these Mormons not knowing much about alcohol. (Judging from talking with me, he was right!)

Weekly lunch

Almost every week, my mom comes down to Provo and we go to lunch, my sister, Karen, and brother, Alan, and I. Just a few weeks ago, I got the idea to ask my mom questions about her life and herself. So far, this has been the perfect solution to getting her history. It's been so fun to listen to her memories! My sister in law, Cynthia, had been given a neat Christmas gift, "Personal History in a Bottle". It was a quart canning jar filled with typed questions to get you thinking about your life. I figure if we just keep asking one or two questions each week, we will have a wonderful bunch of memories for posterity!

Sunday Dinner with Grandma Jackson

Every fifth Sunday, we have the privilege of hosting Grandma Jackson for Sunday dinner. We take turns with all of the Jackson siblings who live in Provo. Today was our turn and we had fun asking Mary Ellen details of her childhood. She was delivered at home at the little house she grew up in across from University of Utah. She told us alot about her grandmother, Julina, who was a midwife and delivered close to 1000 babies and didn't lose a single one! She also delivered her own babies, telling her sister and husband what to do! WHAT A WOMAN! I can't imagine having to give instructions while in labor to deliver your own child. I don't imagine in those days they had any anesthetic either! I'm grateful I was pregnant in the days of hospitals and epidurals etc... She also told us about her brother , Le Roy who died of polio ten days after arriving home from his mission to Australia! Can you imagine! We're grateful for these stories and the time we get to spend with Mary Ellen!

Willey Week-end

This Saturday we had a fun evening with the Willey family. We LOVE them! Todd and Jeremy picked up Josh at 8:00 a.m. that morning to go skiing at Park City. Then they brought him down to Provo with all their kids around 6:00 p.m. They had a pizza party and played the Wi (notice the concentration on those faces) while Todd, Lisa, Bob and I went to Magleby's Fresh for a bite to eat. We had such a fun time visiting and the kids didn't want to leave. Josh loves being with all their boys and of course, we all ADORE Annie. We are so grateful for these wonderful friends!

Farewell, Cardullo's

Friday night, we went to an open house to say "Good-bye" to the Cardullos. They are moving to Italy for 16 months. They are a very loved couple in our ward and we will miss them so much!
We hope their stay in Tuscany is a wonderful adventure for their whole family!

A BYU fan after all?

Saturday night, March 7, Bob and I went to the last BYU home basketball game. (I know, don't fall over with shock that I went willingly to a BYU game! I even suggested it!) They played Air Force and it was really a close game and we had such a blast! It was very entertaining! I hope we can go again next season!

Tennis Anyone?

This picture of Josh and his tennis teacher, Holly Hassler, is taken at the Ashton's indoor tennis court. Holly is the daughter of my cousins Dan and Cindy Parkinson. She just retired from coaching the BYU women's tennis team. Every Thursday, through out the winter Josh, has taken a group lesson with Holly and three other boys. Up until last month, Josh went with Benny Cardullo from our ward. He moved today to Italy! (details in another blog) Josh is a very talented tennis player and had hoped to make the Timpview Tennis team. He made a valiant effort at tryouts but wasn't one of the four boys chosen. He has plans to work hard for next year's tryouts and is going to take tennis camp this summer at BYU. Go, Josh!!!