back to our Disney marathon

Well, we've gotten weeks behind in our Disney marathon and are now playing catch up.  Since The Little Mermaid we have watched:

Rescuers Down Under - one of my least favorite Disney movies.  I'm not sure why.  I think the villian seemed more real to me than others.  There was nothing supernatural or out there about him.  He just seemed like a scary kidnapper to me.

Beauty and the Beast - can't say enough about how much we have always liked that one.  I wonder if Walt Disney ever imagined that one of their movies would become a success on Broadway.  Beauty and the Beast brings back memories of Samantha, who said Reggie was her "Gaston partner" and got him to sing and act out Gaston's big number.  It also makes me think of one year old Luke.  Beauty and the Beast was the first song he ever tried to sing.

Aladdin - have always loved that one as well.  I think the Genie made it as fun for adults to watch as kids.  When Mariah was a toddler she loved her Genie doll.  And little Hillary always got Reggie to sing the "Whole New World" duet with her. 

Lion King - a heart wrenching movie at times, but we love it anyway.  Thank goodness for the comic relief.  I will always remember cute little Julia in her colorful Lion King dress.  We went to see that Broadway play when it came to San Francisco years ago.  Absolutely amazing.

If we watch Pocahontas, Hunchback and Hercules this weekend we will be caught up and ready for Mulan.  We'll see!

Feels like Autumn

After about a year of recovering from a serious illness, Rachel Lynde had a fresh outlook on life.  She entered a floral display in a contest at the harvest fair.  When Ulele Bugle questioned why she would put sunflowers in her display ("big old homey things") Rachael explained thats why she liked them.  Sunflowers were honest and hopeful.  Turned out Rachael won first prize for her display.

When Thomas Moore wrote a song for his wife, telling her he would love her through every stage of life, he said "Oh the heart that has truly loved never forgets, but as truly loves on to the close: As the sunflower turns on her God when he sets the same look that she gave when he rose."

Safeway was selling sunflowers the other day which made my grocery cart, and now house, look happy and hopeful. It reminded me of the above stories. And even though the reason  I made pumpkin bread today was for us to eat, I have to admit it is almost worth making it just for the smell that is filling up the house.  And lastly, Luke noticed the basket of apples in the kitchen and mentioned how tastey they look.  Hopefully he will give them a try.

HAPPY AUTUMN EVERYBODY!

For Julia and Lester

We'll miss you!

Grandma time

My Mom has been having some especially hard physical problems since my Dad's funeral.  During the last week of his life she had super-human stregnth, and I was tired long before she was each night.  But now it is all hitting her, and it's her turn for some extra care and attention.  The doctor's are confident that she will be doing better in a few weeks or months.  In the meantime we get extra time with her.  I love that Samantha can't wait for her to wake up from her naps and that she wants to do her homework in the room with Grandma.  I love that Luke, without prompting, gives her a big hug and kiss everynight.  I love that we all get to watch MONK with her each day.  I know that she is anxious to get back to all the projects she has planned, but until then we are enjoying the blessings of each day.

Life goes on

This summer has been all about différent stages of life:  Watching my dad pass on to thé next Life, helping my mom carry on in her everyday life, and préparing for thé néw life that Julia And Lester are bringing into our family.  It has been à blessing to be part of it all.

Soon after Julia got home I was able to go to one of her prenatal appointments and see à sonagram of that little baby girl.  She is an active little thing and thé dr. said she has à big (strong) heart.  À good friend threw Julia à baby shower today (thank you so much!) and thé lové and enthusiasm we felt from so many people has been very envigorating. 

Sometimes life gets hard and scary, but moments like this remind me that its all worth it.

GOODBYE MARIAH!

Mariah came for a summer visit - earlier than she had planned, but it still was not long enough.  I didn't get as much time with her as I thought, but she really helped hold down the fort and host all of our family visitors while she was here.  It made my life easier and more stress free.  This summer we are all just winging it/taking things day by day.  I'm so proud of my family for being flexible and helpful and happy.

We wish Mariah the best in her next semester of school!

George

Well, it took my dad/Grandpa Chandler to bring Rocio and the kids here for a visit this summer.  Rocio mentioned that he always reminded her how happy he was that she is in our family.  I know it took some sacrifice for her to come to the funeral, and I'm really happy she did.

While here, the kids really took to Luke's "Curious George" stuffed animal (as you can see in the above picture).  They took him everywhere - including church.  In fact, here is a cute story:  On Sunday I threw a coloring book and crayons into a bag and told Tzuri (6) and Evani (4) "let's go", as in time to go to church.  They cooperated but were insistent on adding some things to the bag: Curious George, several napkins, a roll of tape, and a ruler.  I was about to tell them no, but then thought "whatever, let's go".  During Sacrament meeting they sat by me and were VERY well behaved.  They implemented their plan.  They wrapped George up in the napkins,  applied pieces of tape (that I kindly ripped for them), colored some designs on the napkin, and put the ruler through the bottom.  They proudly announced that it was an airplane - and it looked like it!  After a few minutes, Evani unwrapped it which made Tzuri mad.  Tzuri punched Evani, but then decided the pile of napkins made a good hat, and wore it out of the chapel once the meeting was over.  What a bunch of creative kids.

reconnecting with family

About 100 relatives attended my father's graveside dedication in Idaho.  The last time I saw some of my cousins was when we were at Rick's College together in the '80s.  Now they are grandparents.  Out of the 12 children in my father's family, 2 are left.  They were both there.  It was especially nice to have Uncle Homer there, as he resembles my Dad.  I just kept looking at him.

Uncle Homer did the dedication prayer and it was beautiful.  My Dad was laid to rest near his parent's grave and those of his sister - who died in 1933 and his baby brother who died in 1934. 

The night before my Dad passed I was reading some letters his siblings had written about him for a birthday party in 1963.  My Mom suggested that I read them outloud, to my Dad, as he was sleeping.  Even though he wasn't responding to anything at that point, she had read that people in that state might still be able to hear you.  It was wonderful to go back in time and get a glimpse of my Dad's childhood.

Now that I don't have any kids at BYU Idaho I'm not sure when I am going to get back there.  But Idaho has always been a place that I have loved, and it is my father's home once again. 

One more picture of my siblings and Mom - a little brighter, little happier.  It's been wonderful to spend so much time together.

time with Hillary

Sunday night Hillary, Andrew, cousin Melissa and I headed off to Utah.  It was a pleasure for me to take that trip with the 3 of them.  I especially got to know Andrew better and I am even more proud of he and Hillary for the life they are making for themselves.  I got to see their apartment in Utah, and then head up to Idaho with Hillary.

Last summer Samantha Luke and I had a trip to Utah, but Hillary was in Alaska at the time.  It was nice to have this time with her.  We stayed at my Aunt Helen's house, with my Mom, in Idaho falls.  Hillary loved being there.  Aunt Helen and her husband were Mission Presidents in Alaska so she and Hillary found alot to talk about.  Aunt Helen is also a painter and Hillary loved talking art with her too.  At the family luncheon we saw relatives that I haven't seen for years.  I introduced Hillary and some remembered her as the cute little toddler that liked to sing and dance (remember the post about her birthday?  I wasn't exaggerating).  Hillary has been stealing people's hearts for years. 

I am so happy to have had those few days with her.  I miss her so much, and am so happy to be her mom. 

off to Idaho

Yesterday was my father's funeral. The outpouring of love was so appreciated from friends, family, etc. It was a sweet and rare experience to have all of my brothers and sisters and I at church together, and we each had a turn to express our thoughts at the pulpit. For the past 2 weeks we have been working together - in person and on the phone - to prepare for this and support my Mom.  This week we are off to Idaho for my father's buriel.  I anticipate many more tears and many more sweet moments.

I'm not thrilled about leaving my family behind, but I know they are in good hands. Julia and Lester and Mariah are home and have some fun adventures planned for Samantha and Luke, and Reggie will do a good job holding down the fort at night.  What I am thrilled about is catching a ride from Hillary and Andrew.  I love a road trip, and I am excited to have this extra time with them.

pouring in

The family is pouring in.  All of our kids are home, and more family members arrive each day.  It is quite the reunion. My Dad always loved parties and reunions.   My days are full of emotions, as I have been able to help my mom with plans for the funeral.  It feels like we are planning another birthday party for my Dad - and then I remember that he won't be here this time.  I'm okay if I just focus on what I have learned all my life, and what I truly believe - that he still exists, in Heaven, and we'll see each other again someday.  That he is enjoying being with his family that has passed on.

One thing my Dad often said he enjoyed was the fact that so many generations have enjoyed this house.  He built the downstairs rooms before I was born - when their family was already filling it up.  He wasn't a carpenter, but he got the job done, which has lasted for more than 50 years.

The love has also been pouring in from so many people.  I have been reading the facebook and blog comments to my Mom, and it really makes her smile. Thanks to everyone for such support. Love you Dad.