Brad's blessing day

While we were in Utah for the reunion we all were able to participate in the baby blessing of sweet Brad Barlow. He was blessed by his father, McKay with his grandfathers and uncles standing in the circle. It was so much fun to be able to have everyone there. We all attended church in Ogden in the Thompsen's ward. Janice & Dale hosted all of us for a yummy lunch following the blessing.

After lunch Brock drove Corrine and I around Ogden so we could see where he works and where he lives. He also drove us around Weber State's campus so we could see where he would be going to school. It was a lot of fun! Now when he talks about the area I can visualize it.

Jex Family Reunion - Day 2

Today we gathered - 98 strong - to celebrate grandma's 90th birthday! We had so much fun together! Marilyn and mom arranged for us to use one of the LDS buildings by grandma's house. We had pizza, salads and desserts and everyone just visited, laughed and played. Corrine took pictures of each of the families and then we had one large group picture.

Grandma with all of her granddaughters


Grandma and me

Grandma and her grandsons

Grandma and her 24 grandchildren!

Jex Family Reunion - Day 1

Corrine, Zack and I flew to Utah today to meet up with our family and the rest of the Jex family for a family reunion. Dad picked us up from the airport and took us straight to a park in West Jordan where we had today's festivities. Each family brought their own lunch and we were able to sit and visit. They had several different games for the kids - pinatas, races, contests, etc. Also they had a very large softball game. Uncle Keith was the pitcher (slow pitch) the entire time. Everyone seemed to have a great time.

The rain game just as we were cleaning everything up. We managed to get everything in everyone's cars before getting soaked. My family all went to the hotel and visited for a bit. We practiced our song for tomorrow and then called it a night.

I look forward to visiting with everyone tomorrow!

Good-bye sweet Lydia

Last October I received a phone call from the bishop about the Manley family. Lydia recently moved in with her daughter, Elizabeth. As the Relief Society president I was asked to go and meet this family. What I didn't realize was what an important part of my life they would become. Elizabeth and I hit it off from the beginning. I felt like I found another sister. Soon I met her sister Melissa and the feeling was once again like I had found a sister. When I met Lydia we had a special bond. What a sweet person she was. She was in Panama working when she was diagnosed with cancer. She was an extremely healthy person her entire life. When the cancer was found it was already stage 4 colon cancer. She showed none of the normal signs and so it was not found earlier.

Today we lost our sweet Lydia. She passed away surrounded by her daughters, Melissa and Elizabeth. Last Friday I received a phone call from Elizabeth. Her mom was not doing well and they felt the end was near. I cancelled the rest of my appointments and headed over to their home. Every day for this last week we all sat around Lydia's bed. She has been in a coma most of this time. For whatever reason she held on for the entire week. I was with her family each night until about 2-3:00 am taking shifts while others slept. I enjoyed the peaceful feeling of sitting by Lydia's bed and hearing her daughters reminiscence about her life. They say hearing is the last sense you lose and I am sure she enjoyed hearing the many great stories and memories.

Today I left early for the airport to the Jex family reunion. I was quite confident I would not be around when she did pass. As I stood in the security line I received a text message from Melissa letting me know Lydia had passed and was finally at peace. I stood in LAX and shed a few tears. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had to get to know Lydia and the Manley family!

A Wonderful Day at the Temple

Tonight I had the wonderful opportunity to be with Lydia Manley as she returned to the temple for the first time in about 20 years! Wow! What a cherished event this was. Lydia moved to my ward in October. She was diagnosed with terminal cancer. In May she expressed a strong desire to return to the temple and have the opportunity to be sealed to her parents before she passed away. It took a little coordination to get her there, but it was well worth all the planning, etc. The spirit was so strong and it was a blessed occasion!