Touchstone Moments

I believe that we all have touchstone moments.  Those moments in our lives that change us.  I have a few that I recall and reflect on often.  I have many of them tucked away into the inner corners of my heart.  There are some touchstone moments I believe that have happened but we have yet to realize but that will come with a force in our lives that will teach us the love of our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.  This summer was a touchstone time for me.

Mike and I started to make plans to fly out to Idaho to see Brittany graduate from BYUI.  We were thrilled for her and Robby.  It is no small effort to graduate from college.  It had been way to long since we had gone out to visit them.  It is really all my fault.  I am not a fan of flying by any means so unless it is vital for me to get on a plane I will usually drive or pass on the opportunity.  But this is probably a whole other post.

As all things do they worked out and Kathy, Annalise (5 years old) and I drove out to Utah.  We live in an amazing country.  I am intrigued by how different each state is.  All's I have to say is AMERICA you ROCK!   The scenic views were amazing and the company excellent!  Kathy was an excellent travel companion.  I think we talked non stop for 3 days both ways.  I dropped off Kathy and Annalise in Utah, picked Mike up from the airport and off we went.  Mike's luggage wasn't on the plane with him but they hoped it would beat us into Idaho Falls.  Ummm nope!  They finally dropped it off  during the night sometime.

The best part of the trip to Idaho was spending time with Robby and Brittany.  We were going to do a surprise baby shower for Brittany (The kids couldn't be there so they each took on a part of the shower- Alyse made the invitations, Kristen and Kathy both made decorations.  I have such great kids and they all made or sent gifts and all the while keeping it a secret!)

The following day we were able to see Brittany graduate from BYU-Idaho.  Janel also graduated with her bachelors deg as well.  We were so happy we could share this important day with Brittany and Robby.

This trip was a needed trip for Mike and I.  Both of us are going to be very busy shortly.  So we took the time to do as much stuff together as possible.  Rob and Brittany were finishing school and we decided to drive up to the Tetons and eventually through Yellowstone.  It was a wonderful day we had.  Mike rented a motor boat that jiggled everything inside us but that was a perfect way to see the Tetons up close and personal!  The views were amazing and the company outstanding.  We had such a great time with Robby and Brittany and while driving away we vowed to never go that long again without going to see them.

Mike and I went to dinner with some good friends from Ca.  When we left Ca and moved to Florida Mike served as Executive Secretary to Glenn Hadfield.  He and his wife Sherrol were good friends of my parents.  We grew to love them dearly.  We met them at their home and drove to dinner.  What  a wonderful touchstone dinner. 

Mike had work in Ca and would be flying out on Sunday.  I dropped him off at the airport and headed to Bonnie's house where a wonderful reunion would take place.  Kathy would be flying in Monday.  I was excited to spend the week with my sisters.  We went to water aerobics and shopping and had lunch with my aunt and uncle.

Aunt Venna and Uncle Norris

 We visited with our Nephew and Nieces and their kids. We had a fantastic time together.  One of  the greatest days was when we drove up to Temple Square.  The Church Museum had a quilt display going on.  I had an instant need to do quilts after viewing these.  I know they are light years ahead of me but hey I have to start somewhere.  The three of us went to a quilt store where I wanted to buy EVERYTHNG but alas I knew it was not meant to be.   

We went over to Joel and Lisa's home and I hit Katrina up for quilting help.  She has been wonderful and a great cheerleader for me.  She gave me some short quick tips and told me LOVE what you do!  It just fueled my passion. 

I love these faces

 The time went by all to quickly.  I loved each moment spent with my sweet sisters.  Kathy left for home and I  picked Mike up from the airport.  We hung out doing our thang once again!  We drove all over and landed in Provo.  Home of his beloved BYU.  His eyes just light up when he is near campus.  We treated ourselves to a creamery lunch complete with ice cream.  

Mike flew home and I was once again left in Utah.  I drove down to see my oldest yet dearest friend.  She put the word out that I was going to be staying with her.  We had a unique group of us growing up.  We all stayed for the most part in the same ward.  We grew up going to seminary and some dating each other.  Sunday night everyone converged at Peggy's house once again.  (I must interject here that Peggy and I did throw some awesome parties when we were teens to which all these people came over and over again.)

Person after person came and the talking laughing ensued until almost midnight I think.  My body was still on Eastern time zone so it was really late for me.   But the memories and renewing of friendships happened all over again.  It was a night I shall not forget. 

Back - Kevin Mackley, Madia Berg, Peggy Hulme  Front- Craig Salmond holding a streaming Brian McCleve, Michelle Collette, Me, Julie Harvey

Of course the females have all married and have different last names.  But we all decided we were going to search out 4 more of our former friends and invited them to the next reunion.

The following day Peggy and I went to a fabric store and purchased some items.  We were going to figure out crocheting over bibs and blankets and so forth.  As we sat side by side on her couch talking about "Grandma" things and crocheting I turned to her and said  "did you ever picture you and me sitting on a couch crocheting for grandchildren?

There have been a few times in my life when the world comes together and all is right in it's place.  These 3 weeks were one of those times for me.  So many touchstone memories are tucked into my heart and soul.  I grew to understand on this trip how amazing my life is.  And it's because so many others who are in my life.  I am richly blessed with kind and loving souls from the past.   I am thankful I was able to spend so much time out West this past summer.  It brought back to me what is important in life.  Family- friends- and the gospel of Jesus Christ that runs through our souls.   I love you all!