February and March Highs and Lows 2011

I wanted to write about the busy months of February and March. Heidi gave her piano recital on February 10th, 2011 at BYU. It was absolutely fantastic and I was so proud of her. Her artistry, technique and performance were so amazing to me. I was watching her thinking "she is STUNNING!!". Amy leaned over to me during the recital and asked "Did I ever play that well?". (yes she did by the way:) I have to add that Heidi was a super athlete in High School and played all four years on the girls basketball team. Ken and I loved watching her play basketball. We never missed a game and were her biggest fans. However, we did not see her play in too many piano recitals in high school. So to see her so beautifully dressed, hair and make-up so dazzling and playing so impressively was just a little bit of a switch! Heidi has always kept us surpised at her many talents and activities she has dived into. She has an amazing work ethic and drive that makes me tired. :) I have to say I think all of my children have that drive and work ethic!

I flew back on the morning of the recital. I wanted to get things organized for the reception following the recital. Sarah and Jeremy were so thoughtful and helpful and had purchased most of the food and supplies the night before. Ken's mom and dad picked me up at the airport and brought some table clothes and serving trays. I started worrying I didn't have enough food so I went out and purchased more goodies, supplies and flowers for Heidi. Ken was supposed to fly in that evening and arrive just in time for the recital. He had left work early and rushed to the airport only to find out his flight had been canceled. There were no other flights departing to allow him to arrive in time. Needless to say we were all disappointed. We had flown Heidi home the month before to perform the same recital in Roseville for our friends in California. So at least he was able to hear the recital at that concert. Heidi is quite a performer and dazzled the very LARGE crowd that evening. When I walked in the recital hall I was worried I did not have enough food but we had just enough! Sarah, Jeremy, Amy, Lynn and Lance were all so helpful with all the work of the food preparation and presentation.

On Tuesday February 22nd Ken's brother Alan called us and informed us that their dad was in intensive care with a blood clot in his lungs. Alan told us he was very concerned and wanted to let us know. Ken is extemely busy this time of year with tax season. He felt an impression that we needed to go and see his dad. We hurriedly packed and drove straight to the hospital in Utah that evening. We fasted and prayed with the family on Wednesday and stayed by his dad's bedside the entire day. We spoke with the doctor's and decided that he was getting good care. The doctors had said they thought it would take some time but that he would recover. We decided to leave Wednesday evening because of a large storm coming over the mountains. We arrived home Thursday and were caught in the storm but made it home after a very slow and snowy drive over Donner pass. That evening Alan called and said Ron had passed away. We were so shocked and so sad. Ronald Astle was the kindest and gentlest man. He loved his family and was a wonderful example to all of us. We arranged flights and flew out Saturday to be with the family. It was very comforting to be with all the family at this stessful time. It made me appreciate the plan of salvation and the love our Heavenly Father has for all of us.

We were able to stay with Ken's mother and that was a special time for us. The funeral was Tuesday March 1st and was a wonderful service. Amy, Wendy, and Stephen were able to fly in and Sarah and Heidi were there as well. Amy, Wendy, Sarah, Heidi and I all sang an arrangement of "Where can I turn for Peace". It was so fun to sing with them but emotional as well. The entire family sang a medley of songs about the temple and families. All of the children spoke and Lynn gave a beautiful eulogy. It was so nice to be there with all of the family. We felt a peace and comfort being together.

On March 21st I flew back to Utah to help Sarah with the birth of their new baby boy Conner Dean Nowland. He was born on Tuesday March 22nd. I was able to help with Eli while Sarah was in the hospital. I really enjoyed being with Sarah and Jeremy and their two adorable boys. They have a sweet spirit in their home and are so much fun to be around. I enjoyed some time with Heidi as well. We had fun going to dinner, shopping and girl bonding time. Amy and her children usually come to California and visit during spring break. Amy decided to come to Utah and visit with all of us and I had so much being with her family too. It was such a joy to spend time with three of my daughters and six of my grandchildren! However, I was excited to come home to my good husband after being gone for so long! I am happy after almost 34 years of marriage I am still so thrilled to come home to him! He is such a wonderful husband and so supportive of me helping out the children and grandchildren. I feel guilty having all of this fun while he is working so hard here at home.

I went to Modesto today and spent the day with my mom and sister. I love my mom and am sorry to see her health failing and her body becoming so weak. We went out to lunch and had fun laughing and talking. I brought my laptop and showed her pictures of all the girls and their families and pictures of Heidi's recital. She got so excited to see all the family in the pictures.

In less than two weeks I am off to New Jersey to help Wendy with her new baby boy and family. It is after tax season so Ken is able to come along for a few days too. We are looking forward to spending some time with Wendy and her family. Amy is due the end of May so that will make our 11th grandchild.

I feel very blessed to have such a glorious family. I am so thankful for the knowlege that God lives and loves each and every one of us. We are so blessed to know why we are here and the purpose of this life. I enjoyed conference last week-end and got emotional on almost every talk. I know these posts are boring without pictures so I will have to add some later. I love my family!!