Tuesday, May 27, 2008

More on Memorial Day

I was glad that we went to the cemetery on Saturday because the weather was very rainy here most of Monday. When I went for my walk this Tuesday morning the cemetery was beautiful with the addition of the flowers that brave souls put on the graves on a rainy Monday. Additionally, the City had put flags along the veteran's row so I had to get a few more pictures to share.

When I was previewing the pictures that we took on Saturday, I noticed the play of light on some of the photos and teasingly told the kids that Verlin was in some of the pictures. They were curious so I showed them the photos that had captured the light rays. Interestingly enough, this morning when I took these additional photos, again light played a part in a couple of the pictures. I personally like the idea that Verlin may be hovering near.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Memorial Day Weekend 2008

While Alex and Laura and Kyle and Katrina's family were visiting us this weekend, we went, along with Ammon and Abby's family, to the cemetery to put flowers on Verlin's grave. I wanted to do something special this year so I searched the internet to see what the birth flowers were for each month. There is a little variation according to which web site I visited, but I found a site that had a couple alternate flowers for some months in case I couldn't find a particular flower. I went to the craft store and bought silk flowers that were representative of each child and grandchild. I made two bouquets, one that was representative of the children and their spouses (and Verlin and I) and one for all of the grandchildren. I thought they turned out pretty well. The colors are not particularly what I would choose if I were doing a bouquet but knowing that they represent our family, I think they are as diverse and special as our children and grandchildren. Katrina's girls were especially curious to know which flower represented them. Included here is a list of the birth flowers that I used. Perhaps you can pick out your flower. To me they are just as beautiful as each of you are!

P.S. The grandkids decided that Grandpa would like their flowers closest to him so they are the ones on the right, and the grownups are on the left side.




Month--Flower--Meaning




January--Carnation or Snowdrop--Affection, Deep Love, Distinction, Happiness,Fascination, andLasting Fidelity



February--Violet or Iris--Faithfulness, Purity, and Modesty





March--Daffodil or Jonquil--Affection, Cheerfulness, Desire, Grants Wishes, New Beginnings, Respect, Sympathy





April--Daisy or Sweet Pea--Blissful, Curious, Delicate, Departure, Lasting Pleasures, Playful, and Tenacious





May--Lily of the Valley--Complete Life, Humility, Return of Happiness, and Sweetness





June--Rose or Honeysuckle--Happy, Friendship, Love, Strong, and Beautiful




July--Larkspur or Tulip--Good Luck, Laughter, Levity, Lightness, and Open Heart





August--Gladiolus or Poppy--Beauty, Strength of Character, Love, Marriage, and Family




September--Aster or Morning Glory--Devotion, Daintiness,Filled with Light, Life and Joy, and Symbol of Love




October--Marigold or Cosmos--Contentment, Excellence, Loveliness, Good Luck, Grace, Gratitude, Joy,Love of Nature, Comfort, and True Love




November--Chrysanthemum--Compassion, Cheerfulness, Friendship, Sensitivity, and Secret Love




December--Holly orPoinsettia or Orchid--Reassurance, Celebration, Success and Wealth



















Tuesday, May 20, 2008

I traded an Israel tour for Wood Badge!?!

When I was invited to go to Israel for two weeks in May of 2008, it sounded like a once in a lifetime opportunity. But I had "kind of made a goal" to attend Wood Badge, which overlapped the same timeframe. Maple Dell was nearly in my backyard, but Israel was half a world away. It wouldn't be hard to get to Maple Dell another year, but I really may never get another chance to go to Israel. I made the decision and said I wouldn't be going to Israel, but a couple weeks before Wood Badge I had second thoughts and almost asked if there was still room on the tour and any way to get a last chance ticket. In looking back, though, I think I made the right decision for me. I don't think I could have felt any closer to the Savior if I had walked the roads that Jesus walked in mortality. I felt that close to the Savior during my time at Wood Badge. It was an amazing opportunity and I will never regret my decision. I believe it has changed me forever. I hope I can share some of my feelings and some pictures with you in the near future.

Grandma

Grandma
Now...

Colleen (Teeny)

Colleen (Teeny)
Then...