Apricot Picking

My least favorite thing in the whole world is picking up gross apricots off the ground. We have an apricot tree in our backyard. I have hated it since I was a child. Why, you ask? Because we have to pick up the bad ones that have fallen from the tree. Some are rotting, some are so soft they squish when you pick them up, some have bugs in them, some have been stepped on, all of them are disgusting. Well, it's that time again. This year our tree was very full. I was putting it off till the last minute which makes the apricots even worse on the ground. We were able to get a ton off the tree though before they dropped. I gathered up the neighborhood kids to help me. Our neighborhood kids are AWESOME. They are so willing to help with whatever needs to be done in the neighborhood, with no pay but usually a cookie! So we went to work. We covered a lot of ground in about an hour and a half. We picked a huge box of apricots and picked up all the nasty ones on the ground.

FAMILY

Jazzy, Skye, Diana, Paje, Me, Aunt Donna, Mom, Tessa, Shane, Aunt Cindy, John, Dad

Most of my dad's family lives out East. We don't get to see them very often. The day I got home from MAT camp my Dad's family came into town! I was so excited to see them since it has been 20 or some years since I last saw some of them. There were nine people that came: my Aunt Cindy and her three daughters (Paje, Jazzy, and Skye), my Aunt Donna and her daughter Diana and her husband John, and their two children Tessa and Shane were all on vacation and stopped in Utah. Our house was full and it was wonderful. We had so much fun! I love them and hope to get to see them again soon!
The first thing we did was have a family BBQ with all of them, Ryan, Sam and Marley, and Deedra and Hunter. The food was so good. We laughed so hard as a family. Diana, John, Tessa and I then went to Spanish Fork Fiesta Days and walked around the craft fair. We bought flower headbands for the girls. The next day we went up into the canyon and had watermelon. I think we went through 3 watermelons in the three days that they were here. On Monday we went to a parade and the carnival. We then went back up the canyon to have dinner. It was so sad to see them leave the next day. What a lovely weekend it was!

Jazzy with her new headband that we bought at Fiesta Days!

Skye with her new headband

Paje with her new headband

My cousin Diana and her husband John

Sam made this amazing dessert for our bbq

My Dad and Aunt Cindy

Deedra's arm, Shane, Aunt Donna, and Diana eating at the family bbq

Tessa and Paje

Marley with dessert on her face

Jazzy helping Marley eat

Jazzy eating watermelon
Cindy and Skye

Me, Jazzy, Paje, Tessa, Skye

Paje up the canyon playing in the water

Skye enjoying the ride!

Skye, Jazzy, and I rode the swings at the carnival!

Skye and her pouty face

Watching the parade

Paje LOVES watermelon!

MAT Camp

Two days after I got home from Florida, I left for Music, Art and Technology Camp in Wyoming. My aunt is the executive director of this camp. When I was a young girl and teenager I went to this camp but it was called Music Camp back then. I taught 6 craft classes a day from Kindergarten to 5th grade. It was awesome! I loved every minute of it. There is seriously not one minute that I look back on that I didn't enjoy.
The Saturday before I left my family was great to help me gather all my supplies. My mom and Deedra went to one store and ran errands in Payson. Hunter and I went to Provo and did the errands there. Scott helped gather everything that was at home. Their were supplies all over our front lawn as I organized everything into bins and into the car! I am so grateful for my family and for their help!
I really have to give thanks to my neighbors the Barnum's. They were at camp with me. I took two of their kids with me up to camp and then back home because I didn't want to drive by myself. They helped me unload my car and entertained me for the drive. Norma helped me in my classroom and acted as my surrogate mother all week! I know I could not have down it without them. They have always been so good to me and I feel that they are more family than friends!



My first class of the day was called Ocean Commotion. We made all sorts of Ocean Crafts. My favorite was the Socktopus. We took a sock, filled it partly with rice and then cut the rest of the sock for the legs. I didn't get any pictures because I was busy doing the craft but trust me they were cute!

My next class was Comte's Corner. We would read a book and then make a craft. I loved all of the crafts we made. My favorite though was paper bag hats and pirate hats. I only had 6 kids in this class so it was easy to keep it under control.

After lunch I taught four classes in a row. My first was flower clips, then making musical instruments, my food class, and then a science class. They were all pretty successful. I loved seeing the kids faces light up! I think the most successful projects out of these classes were volcanoes, geyser, and fake sushi.

All in all it was grand. I can't wait till next year. If you read this blog and are interested in maybe bringing your kids or yourself next year, you can find more information here: http://youngmusicians.net/. The camp is for ages 4- 99. They have a wide range of classes and they are all great. I highly recommend this camp if you want something really fun to do in the summer!

Second Stop: Florida!

Florida was awesome! As we landed I cried. I felt as though I was flying home. We had a great time in Florida. The people were awesome. There were many that fed us, many that let us stay at their house, and many that open their doors for us to visit with them. It was great to see how the areas I had served in had grown. It was also sad to see how some areas had died. But for the most part it was really a happy time for me. I want to thank those that were so sweet to me and my mother. I really appreciate my Florida family. They give me inspiration everyday! I love you all so much! We didn't get to see everyone that we were planning on or that we wanted too. But that just means that we have to go back! Here are a few pics from the trip. The last couple of pictures are of when Mom and I got stuck in Denver for about 24 hours. Our plane was damaged in a hail storm. We slept the night on the floor and barely got home the next day! What an adventure!

First Stop: NEW YORK

I don't know where to start! New York was a dream come true. I never thought that I would really make it there and then it just happened. My mom and I flew out on June 28th. My cousin Michele, met us at the airport and our adventure began. We loved every part of New York and we cannot wait to go back! I don't know how to fit all of our trip in (hence why it has taken me awhile to post about it). So I will just put up the highlights or what you might call a run down of our trip because all of it was a highlight! And a slide show.
On the first night we went for a nice little walk with Michele. We got to see the George Washington park and Bridge. This bridge connects New York to New Jersey. It was really beautiful! We also gave Michele some baby presents that had been sent with us. It was a really nice evening to sit and chat.
The next morning we went to the Natural History Museum. This is where Night at the Museum was filmed. We went to an IMAX movie and a really cool exhibit about the brain. Their was one part of the museum that was a quiet gallery. My mom really wanted to see it but Michele and I just wanted to sit down. Michele and I were just gabbing away and laughing when I guard stepped into our view and told us to be quiet. We had to leave at that point because we were having too much fun for the silent gallery. I also learned that why I am so picky with my food could be because I have an overactive nose! The three of us took a movie of us flying in a hot air balloon over an African desert and got to send it home. I think my highlight of the museum was being with Michele. I haven't laughed that hard for a long time. John also got to be with us after lunch. After the museum we walked a little in Central Park. We then went and had scones at Alice's Tea Cup. It was a cute little restaurant and the scones were good! That evening we went to Trader Joe's or, as some call, it Traper John's for some more groceries. The stores in New York are really small so they are usually more than one floor. To get your shopping cart from one floor to another, you simply put it on a special escalator. It is so cool. I was really enamored by it. After groceries, we went to see the temple. We then walked all over New York just taking it all in.
First thing on Thursday we went to get onto the Staten Island Ferry. This is the cheapest way to see the Statue of Liberty and to get a really good view of it. It was beautiful! I think both mom and I cried as we passed. We are so grateful for our freedom and for those that fight for us. We meet this really cute kids on the way back and I held the one up so he could see over the edge of the ferry! After the ferry ride we walked around the shoreline and looked at a few things that were around there. We then meet John for lunch at La Mela. La Mela was my favorite eating out place. It was Italian and I had Gnocci with Ham. It was delicious. After lunch it was time for a walk. (Actually, come think of it, most of what we did in NY was walk.) We then walked the Brooklyn Bridge. It was really fun to look out and see the view of NY from the bridge. Cars were driving right under us which was also really cool. Lovers will bring a lock with them onto the bridge. They put up the lock on the side of the bridge and throw the key into the water. This way their love will be forever. I thought it was a cute idea! We then walked to Chinatown after the bridge. We went to the lest touristy side first. It was fun to sit and listen to the people in the park make music. It was the most relaxing time of the day. We could have set there forever. But we of course had too many other things to see. We walked around for awhile just taking in the wonderful cultural experience that was going on around us. I thought that the fruit and veggie stands were awesome. It was fun to look at all the different food that I had never even seen before.
From Chinatown we went to a museum commemorating 9/11. This year they are opening the real memorial for those that died that horrible day. Just walking downtown brought tears to our eyes. We were reminded once again of the freedoms we have and the love we feel for those that fight for it. It was really neat to see what sacrifices people made in a split second that day. The stories touched us deeply. There was a really neat spirit in the building. This was defiantly a highlight for my mom. She loved it and could have stayed longer. We then walked over to where the towers use to stand. At this point you can't really see anything because Ground Zero is a construction site. But we did get to see a model of what they plan on doing. On Friday we got to go into a high building and look down into the construction site. They have built fountains where the Twin Towers use to stand. The fountains are done now but don't official open until 9/11 of this year. The one fountain was working and the other one was being cleaned. It was a really awe inspiring thing to see.
Friday morning we woke up and got ready to go to the temple. I don't know why we didn't take a picture of us going to the temple. This was for sure my mom's favorite part. We were some of the only people in the temple that day, so we got the full tour. It was beautiful and magnificent. The temple is in a very busy part of town. But once you step into the temple, peace and tranquility transcend. This is accomplished because the temple is double walled. Nothing can be heard from inside the temple. I remember thinking when we walked out that the people on the streets and in the cabs on the road, didn't know the truth. I had the strongest desire to share it with them.
Also on Friday Morning we went to see my friend Marisa and her baby. She just moved to New York about a week or so before we visited. It was so fun to see her. Her baby is so cute. We chatted for awhile, I wish it could have been longer. Marisa will always be one of my dearest friends. She is a really awesome example to me. I was so happy to see her.
That afternoon we went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I don't remember much of this museum because for the most part I was sleeping. I just found a bench and crashed. But my mom and Michele loved it. It was fun to see some of Van Gogh's paintings and others that I had studied in school. But I was just so tired at this point.
We then went to F.A.O Schwartz. This is a HUGE toy store. It was wild. Anything you would ever want was there. Michele and I played on the BIG piano and made stickers. You can only guess where my mom was; the bookstore part. I love that no matter where we are my mom is thinking about her kids at school!
The last part of the night we walked down 5th Ave. It was interesting to see so much money. We went into a few stores and didn't touch anything! We then went to Rockefeller center. All the stores were closed inside Rockefeller so we got back on the subway and had NY pizza for dinner.
Saturday we went to WICKED!!!! I was so excited. WICKED was every everything I thought it would be and more. John and Michele wanted to go to WICKED with us. So they put into the WICKED lottery which means you can get tickets for cheaper if they pull out your name in the drawing. We didn't know if they would win but we were hopeful. John was the first name called. We were all so excited. Their tickets were on the front row. So, for the first half of the musical we sat in our seats in the back and then we sat up front. Thank you John again for letting us take your tickets. You are awesome! I felt like we were part of the show we were so close. I defiantly cried of happiness and because some parts really touched my heart. I loved it so much and hope to be able to go again! I was so in awe of it all, I didn't sing one word of any of the songs! I can't describe how great it was!
Times Square was so much to take in. Our favorite part was the huge "I am a Mormon sign." I yelled out "I am a Mormon too!" It was cool to see a good representation of us in the middle of the world. We also ate the most delicious sandwiches that afternoon. The whole day was amazing! We ended the night with a walk through Central Park again and eating Soul Food at a famous restaurant. It was great!
It was then time to fly to Florida. It was so sad to leave. But we are really praying to get back soon! It was so great I can't explain it. Thank you so much to John and Michele. They made our trip what it was. I know we wouldn't have enjoyed it as much without you. We loved being with you and think you are the greatest for letting us come! Thanks!
Onto Stop#2!

Lots of Updates!

I have so much to update about I don't even know where to start! It has been an incredible summer and is still going. I have had many wonderful opportunities and am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for making it all possible. It has been hard to be on the go constantly for the last month or so, but Heavenly Father has carried me through. Many others have greatly helped along the way as well. Most of all my family. They have been very supportive through all my adventures! Thank you to the countless others who have made my life so sweet in the last little while! I love you all!
Now, on to the retelling of this great journey!

How far is Heaven?

I have been thinking a lot about my Grandma lately. Yesterday was one year since she has been gone. I really wanted to do a post about her but haven't quite figured out how to properly do it. She was such a marvelous person and I don't quite have the words to sum her up. I wanted to post the slide show that was made for her funeral but I can't get the movie to copy to my blog.

I miss her greatly and so do all of her family. But I smile every time I think about her in heaven with her sweet husband and child. I am also very grateful for her example in my life. She will always stand as a beacon of light and truth in my life. I know that heaven is not far for I feel her spirit still in my life. Grandma, if you can read blogs in heaven, I love you. Thank you for your heritage of love, service, light, and truth. Until we meet again, I will keep your legacy going as many others will as well! I love you!!!

My Grandmother.

My Grandmother and my Great Grandmother.
Vonnie May Furniss Bowen and Sadie Ann Furniss.

My Grandmother as a teenager

My grandparents came to visit my family in
Germany when I was blessed. They also visited the Swiss temple while there.

My Uncle Deans Wedding.
From Left to Right: Nolan, Vicki, Brent, Grandma, Grandpa, Clea, Beverly, Ned.
Uncle Dean and Aunt Carolee are in front.

My Mom with her Polyester pants with her siblings.
From left to Right: Dean, Clea, Nolan, Beverly, and Brent. A wonderful
picture of my Grandpa. In almost all the pictures we have of
him, he is in bibs!

I wish I could get these pictures bigger, but I don't know how too. The top left is of my Grandmother with her oldest child, Nolan. She looks so happy in this picture. The next one I don't know about but the bottom picture is of my grandparents with their youngest child, Dean.

My Grandma was a teacher! Are you surprised?
This was her first class. I knew it ran in our blood.

My Grandma with her favorite cousin. She is the girl in the middle of the ones standing!

My Grandmother at her family reunion. This picture sums up my Grandma. Wisdom, love, devotion; this is a face of a well lived life.

My Grandparents before going on a mission to South Africa.

My Grandparents

The Grandchildren at Grandpa Bowen's Funeral.
I am in the front in the turquoise dress. I was 6 years old.

My Grandparents and their children in 1991.
From Left to Right: Dean, Nolan, Grandma, Grandpa, Brent, Beverly, and Clea

Grandma and Gavin. I LOVE this picture!

Grandma and all the great grandchildren in 2006.
There are many that are not included in this picture.

My Grandparents when my mom was a baby.
L to R: Nolan, Grandma holding Clea, Grandpa, and Brent

The whole family got together for a picture in 1984. L to R: Back Row; Jeff, Brent, Lyle, Grandpa, Nolan, Ned, Dean, Chad. Middle Row; Kerri, Vicki w/ Clayton, Clea w/ Todd, Grandma w/ Michele, Beverly w/ Heidi, Carolee w/ Devin, Krisit w/ Ryan. Front Row; Dallin, Brian, Julie, Eric, Tyler.

My Grandmother before going to serve a family history mission in Chicago.