Monday, June 18, 2012
Grandma Stephens and my sister Marilyn
Heidi's Wedding 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Astle Family reunion 2011
We had a fun family reunion at our home this year. Sarah, Wendy and Amy all had new babies five weeks apart. So we thought it would be nice to stay close to home and allow all the new moms time to relax. This year has brought lots of exciting new changes in everyone's lives. Jeremy and Sarah decided to leave Utah for Jeremy to go back to school for an MBA. Jeremy was accepted to Carnegie Melon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Jeremy, Sarah, Eli and Connor flew back from the reunion in CA to Utah and then left for Pittsburgh that same night. 30 hours later they arrived at their new destination and life. Jeremy will start classes in August. It is a two year program and we are going to miss them so much!
Heidi had some exciting news to tell us on July 3rd, 2011. She called us from San Carlos, Mexico where she was staying with Sam's family. Sam had proposed to her and they are getting married next spring. Sam is starting Medical school in Iowa this August and Heidi will graduate in Piano Performance in April from BYU.
Steve is in the Air Force and left for Germany for two weeks of training a week after the reunion. He is also going to Paris for a two day sight-seeing trip. Great Grandma Astle was able to come to our reunion as well and we had a great time visiting with her. Here are some pictures from our time together. We had lots of fun in the pool, playing games, water basketball, ping-pong, a giant water slide "the BIG KAHUNA" and singing fun. We love our family and know that they bring the greatest joys in life! Ken and I are visiting Amy and Rob this week-end for Brenna's baptism.
Heidi had some exciting news to tell us on July 3rd, 2011. She called us from San Carlos, Mexico where she was staying with Sam's family. Sam had proposed to her and they are getting married next spring. Sam is starting Medical school in Iowa this August and Heidi will graduate in Piano Performance in April from BYU.
Steve is in the Air Force and left for Germany for two weeks of training a week after the reunion. He is also going to Paris for a two day sight-seeing trip. Great Grandma Astle was able to come to our reunion as well and we had a great time visiting with her. Here are some pictures from our time together. We had lots of fun in the pool, playing games, water basketball, ping-pong, a giant water slide "the BIG KAHUNA" and singing fun. We love our family and know that they bring the greatest joys in life! Ken and I are visiting Amy and Rob this week-end for Brenna's baptism.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
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!!
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!!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Catchin up
I have decided I need to blog more often. I have wanted to add lots of pictures and make it look so fun but I decided to just write for now. I last blogged about Thanksgiving. I am going to recount some of our December. Ken and I were able to go visit Wendy, Mike, Kenneth, Shannon and Vanessa the first week-end of December. It was so much fun because I was able to see their wonderful family and their house all decorated for Christmas! The children were wonderful and we went to their Stake Conference and even sang in the choir that Wendy directed. She is a wonderful director and it was nice to sing with all of their Stake choir members.
On Deceber 16th Ken and I flew into SLC for Katie's wedding. It was a very fun week-end and we were able to go see the Mormon Tabernacle Christmas Concert! It was a very cold night but the music warmed our hearts! The next night we drove to Orem to listen to Sarah sing the Messiah with the Deseret Chamber Singers directed by Tim Workman. I love the Messiah and we enjoyed listening to the beautiful voices. Heidi came also and afterwards we went out with everyone for ice cream on that snowy night. Saturday we attended the temple and it was a beautiful ceremony. The Sealer spoke about this life and the importance of families and how the sealing power that binds us all together is why this earth was created! It was so nice to be reminded of that eternal truth. That night we attended Katie's beautiful reception. Weddings are a giant family reunion! We love all of our Utah family and miss them. The next day Sarah and I sang "Oh Holy Night" in her ward and Heidi accompanied us. I love to sing with Sarah and any or all of my lovely daughters. It is delightful to make music with such great musicians. Ken, Heidi and I all flew home that evening to California.
A few days later Sarah, Jeremy, and Eli arrived and we celebrated Christmas. One day I picked my mom up and brought her to our home. We had invited some people over from the ward and our good friends the Conover's for dinner and singing. It was a fun evening of friendship, food and music. Music is what makes me feel the spirit of Christmas the most. My niece Trace was so sweet to take my Mom home for me. She has been so kind to my mom and helpful with her. Steve was able to come up for the evening as well. It was nice to have three of our children home for the Christmas season.
The day after Christmas Sarah, Heidi and I sang "I wonder as I wander" in church. It was a nice arrangement that we had to modify it for SSA. Again I have to say how much I enjoy singing with my daughters. Everone commented on how mature and beautiful Heidi's voice has become. I totally agree! We were so sad to see Sarah and Jeremy go home. Little Eli brought a sparkle to our home. We enjoyed out short visit from them and were grateful they could come.
I have to say at the end of this post how much I love my family. I get so sad sometimes thinking of all four daughters so far away and I miss the grandchildren. I am thankful for Steve being close and enjoyed going out to lunch with him a few weeks ago. We had a nice talk afterwards. When I am sad about everyone being far away I remind myself of all of our blessings. We are so blessed to live in a time when communication is so available. I love to talk with everyone on the phone, read your blogs, receive your emails and texts. The world is getting "smaller" and it makes the distances easier to bear.
I have been reading the book about President Monson. I have been so touched by the love that he has for the Lord and all people. I am reminded of something that was said to him. There are three things that really matter in this life...Love for God, love for family and love of friends. I am so thankful for our Lord, our family and our friends.
On Deceber 16th Ken and I flew into SLC for Katie's wedding. It was a very fun week-end and we were able to go see the Mormon Tabernacle Christmas Concert! It was a very cold night but the music warmed our hearts! The next night we drove to Orem to listen to Sarah sing the Messiah with the Deseret Chamber Singers directed by Tim Workman. I love the Messiah and we enjoyed listening to the beautiful voices. Heidi came also and afterwards we went out with everyone for ice cream on that snowy night. Saturday we attended the temple and it was a beautiful ceremony. The Sealer spoke about this life and the importance of families and how the sealing power that binds us all together is why this earth was created! It was so nice to be reminded of that eternal truth. That night we attended Katie's beautiful reception. Weddings are a giant family reunion! We love all of our Utah family and miss them. The next day Sarah and I sang "Oh Holy Night" in her ward and Heidi accompanied us. I love to sing with Sarah and any or all of my lovely daughters. It is delightful to make music with such great musicians. Ken, Heidi and I all flew home that evening to California.
A few days later Sarah, Jeremy, and Eli arrived and we celebrated Christmas. One day I picked my mom up and brought her to our home. We had invited some people over from the ward and our good friends the Conover's for dinner and singing. It was a fun evening of friendship, food and music. Music is what makes me feel the spirit of Christmas the most. My niece Trace was so sweet to take my Mom home for me. She has been so kind to my mom and helpful with her. Steve was able to come up for the evening as well. It was nice to have three of our children home for the Christmas season.
The day after Christmas Sarah, Heidi and I sang "I wonder as I wander" in church. It was a nice arrangement that we had to modify it for SSA. Again I have to say how much I enjoy singing with my daughters. Everone commented on how mature and beautiful Heidi's voice has become. I totally agree! We were so sad to see Sarah and Jeremy go home. Little Eli brought a sparkle to our home. We enjoyed out short visit from them and were grateful they could come.
I have to say at the end of this post how much I love my family. I get so sad sometimes thinking of all four daughters so far away and I miss the grandchildren. I am thankful for Steve being close and enjoyed going out to lunch with him a few weeks ago. We had a nice talk afterwards. When I am sad about everyone being far away I remind myself of all of our blessings. We are so blessed to live in a time when communication is so available. I love to talk with everyone on the phone, read your blogs, receive your emails and texts. The world is getting "smaller" and it makes the distances easier to bear.
I have been reading the book about President Monson. I have been so touched by the love that he has for the Lord and all people. I am reminded of something that was said to him. There are three things that really matter in this life...Love for God, love for family and love of friends. I am so thankful for our Lord, our family and our friends.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Thanksgiving 2010
I am going to write a quick blog on our wonderful thanksgiving. My niece Trace Flores brought my mom up to visit and we had such a great time with her. She looked beautiful and we enjoyed her company so much. My brother Larry and his wife Mary came as well. We also invited some friends from the ward. Gil and Debbie Chateuvert, Nyle, Melanie and Tanner Keller, their relatives John and Rose and children and we had Stephen and Heidi with us. Ken cooked the turkey with his signature dressing and gravy. We had lots of delicious food. Heidi made a pecan pie, I made a Berry/nectarine pie and Gil brought apple and pumpkin. We had many side dishes that I thought my mom would enjoy. I made her green jello salad, the broccoli salad, my sister's recipe for the fruit salad and the spinach gratin recipe we got from Wendy (after having enjoyed it at Amy's house last year and being inspired by Sarah's menu for this year). We enjoyed some beautiful music by Heidi and had fun visiting with everyone. It was a very nice day.
I want to mention that I have so many blessings to be thankful for. I love the Lord, my dear husband and my family. I am thankful for good health and a righteous posterity. I am thankful to be able to serve and help people. I am so thankful for good friends who influence my life for good and I am thankful for the talents the Lord has blessed me with. I have been very busy and involved with a production with the youth of our Rocklin CA Stake. We put on Act one of "The Savior of the World". It was a wonderful experience. We had started last spring with auditions for the main cast and started rehearsing the Angel Chorus in September. It took many hours of rehearsing and we had six performances done the week-end before Thanksgiving. I have to say it really helped me feel the Christmas spirit. The beautiful portrayal of the Savior's birth and the music was very tender. I felt the spirit every night and was grateful to be part of such a wonderful production.
I want to mention that I have so many blessings to be thankful for. I love the Lord, my dear husband and my family. I am thankful for good health and a righteous posterity. I am thankful to be able to serve and help people. I am so thankful for good friends who influence my life for good and I am thankful for the talents the Lord has blessed me with. I have been very busy and involved with a production with the youth of our Rocklin CA Stake. We put on Act one of "The Savior of the World". It was a wonderful experience. We had started last spring with auditions for the main cast and started rehearsing the Angel Chorus in September. It took many hours of rehearsing and we had six performances done the week-end before Thanksgiving. I have to say it really helped me feel the Christmas spirit. The beautiful portrayal of the Savior's birth and the music was very tender. I felt the spirit every night and was grateful to be part of such a wonderful production.
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