What an Honor to Finally Meet You, Lexi Elise

Isn't she just the cutest thing? These great people moved to Sacramento, CA from Augusta, GA 2 years ago. That meant I couldn't just drive 3 hours to visit. I'm happy they're by their CA family, but I've been missing out on a lot of beautiful faces. This new little Stoker, Lexi, is sweet, sweet. She has a ready smile that is so rewarding. The word on the street is that she doesn't sleep, but that means more time to enjoy her company.  (Says the Grandma who doesn't get up with her in the night.)

Her brothers and sister are also very fun to be with. You know when there are costumes worn, it's going to be a great time.

Especially when riding a bike. This little 2 year old reminds me of his Daddy when he was little. I could not resist the cuteness.

My first day in CA we went to the park. I was very impressed by the tenacity shown by the littles. There was bike riding, scootering, climbing, a couple falls, but a lot of bravery, strength, and trying again. And when 2 year old was done playing, he picked up his bike and sat in his stroller to wait.

I took a short trip to Dos Palos to see my brother and go to my old house. It was pomegranate season and I loved seeing all the pomegranates growing all over the central valley. (Goals)

The next day we got up to go to YOSEMITE!  I hadn't been in decades and it was thrilling. First off, adventuring with these guys was a treat. When they say they're leaving at 6:00 am, they're leaving at 6:00 am. Kids in the car, lunch packed, muffins in the cup holders. Let's roll. It was spectacular. There had been a rare rainstorm the weekend before and the waterfalls were definitely showing off. So much beauty and so much impressive hiking demonstrated by my family. My son and daughter-in-law each packed a child. The 4 and 6 year old walked by themselves and didn't whine at all. They were good examples to me. I tried to keep my whining to myself, but mostly I was just excited to be in that special place with these special people.

The next day we went to the pumpkin patch. It was very Halloweeny and we had a blast.

Sweet 2 yr. old gave me 3 gifts: a dandelion, a rose hip and lichen. I just might keep them forever.

How lucky is this Grandson to have a piano lesson with his Dad every morning?

 I'm very proud of this wonderful family. I hope I get to be with them again soon. Thanks for being lovely.

Happy Birthday Dad.

 

Welp. a lot has happened since you left us. I brought Mom home to live with me. She misses you a lot. You must have been good to her because she adores you. She's always happy if she dreams about you and can't wait to see you again. I'm trying to take good care of her. Sometimes I get tired, but I know you treated her like a princess, so I keep that in mind. She's suffering from arthritis pain and sciatica, but her heart and lungs are going strong so she may be with me for a while. I'm learning about gratitude and love and speaking kindly from her. 

I'm trying to "Keep farming" like you always said. I planted your zucchini seeds that you had slipped into your scripture case. They started strong, but then something got them. Predators are a problem in the south. I'll try again next year. That's what farmers do, right? I would like to report that I did have black raspberries, thornless blackberries, and some canary melons. I also have figs on my tree for the first time. I'll think of you when I eat them. 

Some more good news: I had no cavities when I went to the dentist this year. We had a family reunion in Idaho Falls. Mary and Megan planned it. It was a blast. You have some lovely posterity. Did you know you have 43 great grandchildren with 5 on the way? Of course you do. You have 2 missionaries serving right now. Matthew is in the same mission you and mom served in. Isn't that cool? Annalisa is getting married in October. You're invited.

2020 has been crazy with the Covid-19 pandemic. We thought it was behind us, but there have been some variants stirring up trouble. Our family has gotten through it okay so far, knock on wood. 

I'm trying to be good. Sometimes it's hard, but it turns out serving others is fun. You used to tell me that, and you were right. I still have a lot of weaknesses that I'm working on. That's all I'm going to say about that. Oh, guess what? I'm learning to water color. Remember you used to send letters on cards with pheasants you had painted? I'm more of a flower girl than a bird girl. I'm definitely a beginner. I'm practicing mixing color and working on my strokes. Shading and scale are elusive, but there is always hope. I remember you never just watched TV. You were drawing the actors on the show or painting or carving. Such a great idea.

I don't know how they celebrate birthdays in heaven. Mom and I sang "Happy Birthday" to you. If you didn't hear us, just know that you are still loved and remembered, and I hope your day was awesome like you.

oxoxox,

Laurie 

Well Hello, Raegan Kristine. You're cute.

 I was a very lucky Grandma 2 weeks ago, when I flew to UT to meet oh so adorable Raegan.  Traveling is a bit of a trick these days. My mom has been living with me for the past couple of year. It's a privilege to care for her, but I need a lot of help to travel. My awesome sister, Megan, came to be with Mom while I was gone. I left early. Brandon brought Chick-Fil-A and checked in at lunch. Mallory drove to the airport to get Megan who hit the ground running with only the instructions taped to the cupboard to guide her. She took great care and Mom had a blast. Who wouldn't? Megan is one of the best people around. 

In the meantime, I got on my flight without a hitch, wiped down my tray table and chair with the sanitizing wipe provided and thought, "we should have been doing this all along." That's not the important part of the story, but I'm convinced it's one of our new habits that should not go away. I got off the plane and was picked up by the new father, Andrew. We drove to their new apartment which was nicely decorated and perfectly organized. They're the ones with the new baby, why is their house more organized than mine? 

I was very pleased to meet Andrew's beautiful favorite girls, Mallory and Raegan. Mallory is kind, beautiful, smart and a wonderful mom. Raegan is perfect, lovely and well-cared for. I was proud of Andrew. Fatherhood fits him. He feeds, rocks, changes and loves his little girl like a champ. He even takes good care of Ivy, the dog. Anyone who knows me knows I'm not really a pet person. I like plants and children.  But I have to admit, Ivy is pretty good company. She looks at you with knowing eyes. When she perceived something shady approaching she stood in front of me in a protective stance. That melted my heart a little. Basically, they have a great family.

We had fun rocking Raegan, taking Ivy for walks, eating at Chili's, (can't beat those southwest eggrolls) and watching "Mighty Ducks: gamechangers."It was an awesome show. I got to spend time with cute Rebecca too, so that was a bonus.

Then it was time for Megan to go home. (She has 5 kids who need her) so it was time for me to go home. All was well and i am so grateful for the chance to slip off to Sweet Baby Rae's house for a little bit. I miss that yummy little girl.

Happy Anniversary, Covid-19

 Well, it's been a year since the world went into pandemic mode. It started with the quarantine and the shut down of many businesses and cancellation of events. Basically, we were not allowed to gather in hopes that we could "flatten the curve" and keep the number of cases within a manageable range. The virus came and went in our family with full recovery all around. The vaccine is now here to save the day and many aspects of life have returned. Others have not, but I don't mind so much. I have adapted in many ways. This is my life now. 

I believe in masks. It shows we care about each other. I wear masks. I hate masks. I can't breathe. I find myself yawning constantly trying to get more oxygen. I can't hear what people say, because apparently I don't hear as well as I think I do. I read lips. If I can't see your lips, I can't hear your words. I don't like smelling my own breath. My face gets hot. I get a headache. But...they allow me to go to the store, and the doctor, and church. I love church. I keep masks in my car and in my purse. Sometimes I take the wrong car or leave my mask on the counter instead of my purse. I've bummed a mask from the customer service desk, the store next door, and my relatives. Once I just kept shopping. I felt like a rebel. I don't like that feeling. I'm a rule follower...even if I complain.

On Sundays I go to church. We used to use all the rows in the chapel, then we couldn't use any rows. We had home church. We also joined with my son and his family on zoom. That was wonderful. I'm very thankful for the times I listened to my son testify of Christ and his wife share her inspired thoughts and their children sing the songs of Zion. Thank you Covid. Now we go to church again and sit every other row with our masks on. I miss hugging my friends and seeing faces, but it's better than nothing. I know that now.

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays I work at the garden center. This happy surprise opportunity allows me to learn more about plants and landscaping, earn money and get more plants which is only the best treat in the world. 

On Tuesday and Thursday morning I have Grandma school with my grandson. This came about because of my son's company's childcare allowance and my daughter-in-law needing to homeschool and online school help her older children. Another Covid perk.

Tuesday afternoons I give facetime piano lessons to a California grandson. We have a great time. He's smart and funny and has a cute smile.  This time together reminds him that he has another Grandma who loves him.

On Saturdays I go to the thrift store with my mom. Because of our awesome thrift store we feel rich. I buy a dress or shoes or teacup and feel the thrill of a pretty new thing. Every once in a while I'll find furniture and sell it online to finance my habit. My mom looks for trinkets to put in her surprise basket. When kids come to visit they get to choose something from her thrift store finds. Mom has made friends with the cashier. Ashley expects us and wonders what's wrong if plans change.

Every day except Sunday I work in my garden. Paul built me beautiful raised beds that are surrounded by mulch and enclosed with netting wrapped around stakes to prevent the deer from eating the plants. I have tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, berries, pomegranates, and flowers. I started them from seeds in the winter. Now they are planted in the garden, and I am advertising my new business. People can order a garden bouquet, and I deliver it within 6 miles. I still get to take flowers to my friends, but I have a dream of a little flower side hustle. Also, gardening is such a joyful activity. I love seeing the plants grow. I'm a big fan of creation.

My life is lovely and especially so now that there is a little more travel and I get to see my grandchildren. Not being with family was definitely one of the worst parts of the pandemic, but I'm thankful that I have clarity on my priorities. All I need now is for the temple to open and my life would be perfect. I'm confident that will come soon. 

I'm sorry that many families have lost loved ones and some are still struggling with long term effects of illness, but it's nice to remember that relationships are a treasure and a simple life can be a joyful life. 

Reaching for the Divine

I was watching a program on BYUTV called "Artful." Brian Kershisnik was one of the artists featured. He made many thoughtful comments that intrigued me, but one that I've been thinking about ever since was, "A significant part of being a human is reaching for the Divine."

 https://www.byutv.org/player/b5a3af8f-cb9f-4e8e-85eb-2a2de8761c84/artful-brian-kershisnik-and-paige-anderson

She Will Find What is Lost by Brian Kershisnik

Of this painting Brian wrote, "...many unseen forces are interested in you, love you, and work to influence matters for your profound benefit.  Most of what we all do is resist it, misinterpret it, or mess it up, but my experience indicates that these unseen efforts persist impossibly.  I thank God for that." 

Reaching for God- I love the word reaching. It is an action word that involves stretching in an intentional way that may cause us to become off balance. We may shift our weight and step forward. We reach for a hand for comfort or to show affection or to gain strength. We reach for a desired object on the top shelf. We aren't sure we can do it, but we hope we can, so we try. God is always there, loving us, planning for us, ready to give us aid, to help us be like Him, our Father. So if I'm reaching for God, I'm not just reading my scriptures, I'm looking for him, what I can do to be closer, how he thinks, how he blesses, how he teaches, what gifts he has that he would love me to have. And I stretch, intentionally leaning towards him with all my might.

Reaching for the Divine in self- We know we are God's children, his very creations, heirs to all he has. Usually I don't feel that divine. But within me and you are qualities that are beautiful, eternal, amazing. As I was watching Brian Kershisnik create, he spoke of liking to draw as a boy. "No one would have said, 'This young man shows a lot of promise." In his twenties he decided to give art a try. He painted and painted, thousands of paintings, some of which weren't all that good by his own description, but some of which were very, very good.

Nativity by Brian Kershisnik

 I'll admit, I'm a little envious of the masters, those who have worked and dedicated their life to becoming an expert in their field. But that's not the only way to reach for the divine in self. As I work each day to develop ideas, create beautiful spaces, solve problems, connect with the people I encounter, learn, grow, stretch in intentional ways, good things happen. I change. I'm not a master gardener or even a good gardener. I'm a girl who loves to partner with God in creating and helping plants grow to nourish and beautify. I work hard. I fail, a lot. My garden is becoming more productive. Good things are happening.

Reaching for the Divine in Others- This idea has been very enlightening and helpful. I'm always working on being a more loving, patient, kind person. I'm always working on this because, more than I care to admit, I find myself in a snit. People around me are not living up to my expectations, and I'm not happy about it. I'm not proud of this, but it's how I feel. I will not address how I'm not living up to others expectations. That's another topic completely. Reaching for the divine in others completely removes the performance aspect. I am not judging choices, I am looking for and finding the best. I am seeing the cheerful countenance, best intentions, special gifts-developed and undeveloped, heart's desire, and divine potential. I am not distracted by hair, clothes, untidy rooms, human frailties, or my unmet expectations. How freeing is this?

Thank you, Mrs. Kershisnik for teaching me about reaching for the Divine, the pure, the beautiful, the light, the edifying, the love in life.

Merry Christmas 2020

 

Merry Christmas! I’m definitely not going to start by saying life this year was just like life last year. My family started 2020 with a wonderful gathering of siblings and friends brought together by the tragic event of my brother, Pete’s, passing. Our hearts were broken, but having these sweet loved ones together remembering the life of my brother was a cherished memory.

And then there we were, minding our business, living life, making plans, when out of the blue you-know-what. No church. No temple. No travel. No sports. No concerts. No visits. No fun. We all felt it. Just fear and uncertainty and the question, “How long is this going to last?”

So we adjusted. We wore masks. We stood 6 feet apart. We learned to zoom. We baked. We gardened. We called our family. We worshipped at home. We discovered what was important and found some silver lining along the way.

I had the opportunity to work some hours at my favorite local nursery. For someone who loves flowers as much as I do, it was a dream come true. I’ve learned the names of shrubs, what flowers grow best in the south, how to keep geraniums looking nice, and the answer to the most common question in Georgia. What grows in the shade, is evergreen, deer resistant, and flowering? My answer? Camellias.

I’ve also gotten to spend more time with my youngest local grandson. Luke comes to “Grandma school” on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The curriculum is student led so although we read books sometimes, we are more likely to race cars, play “Marble works” jump on the trampoline or make cookies.

Paul was home during the planting season and was great help. He probably dug 100 holes for the new plants I brought home. He worked a consulting gig in San Diego which was challenging as CA is very much on lockdown. Now he’s working in Lincoln, NE. It’s a much better time zone for communicating, although not a better zone for winter weather.

Gabe is living at home working at Chick-fil-a trying to build his money pile. In January he’ll start classes at Southern Crescent. He helps in the yard, fixes things, and put the lights on the Christmas tree so beautifully. It is just glorious.

We almost made it to the end of the year Covid free. Almost. Somehow Mom contracted it. Her first test was negative which was dangerous because we didn’t quarantine. 6 days, a Dr’s visit, and 5 hour emergency room wait later she was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and covid. A few days later I began to have symptoms. She’s home from the hospital and we are getting better, but not fast enough as far as I’m concerned. I’m a little on the cranky side with Covid messing with my Christmas cheer. I’m sure I’ll be writing about how it was the best Christmas ever someday. But not today.

I have to hand it to 2020. It forced us to reflect on what is important in life. We cleaned out the clutter in our closets. Hopefully we cleaned out the clutter in our mind and heart also. It was a great opportunity to make the changes we’ve been meaning to make for a while. We’re getting very good at problem solving and being flexible. We can take all these great new skills into 2021 because I’m sure there’s a lot more excitement to come.

Stay safe.

 

Love, The Stokers