A New Year - 2024

 As with all new years, I approach it with some goals in mind and expecting changes to occur in both our life and the lives of our family.  I'm writing this post knowing that significant changes will occur this year.  Having said that, some things will remain the same.

We again left for our three month stay in Yuma, Arizona.  We enjoy our friends and time there.  We were not disappointed this year.

As always, there were times of fun, shopping, travel, and just relaxation.  I didn't get sick this year - yeah! We enjoyed the many rides on the RZR and the beautiful flowers in the desert this year because of the many rainstorms.

We also had a great trip to San Diego with Brett and Lori, Rich and Wendy, and Glen and Christie.

These are from the San Diego Zoo - lions, tigers, bears, and elephants.

We saw a Cheetah race up close and personal.

The Kangaroos were just sleepy, but they can jump.

We also visited Sea World and the Mormon Battalion Museum.  The last pictures of the giraffes and kangaroos were from Safari Land just outside of San Diego.

A special treat was for Craig and Judy and Collin and Kathy to come visit for a week.  It was travel to Mexico, the wall, shop, and play games.

Again, we left the last week in March and returned to wonderful St. George.  Another year in the book.

Happy Birthday to Marc --- Number 44 - What? When did that happen?

 Christmas isn't Christmas at our house until we celebrate the birth of our baby boy, Marc.  This year he turned 44, and still has his youth enthusiasm for life.

With all our love, Marc.  Happy Birthday!!!!

And to all a good night.  What a wonderful end to 2023.

Christmas 2023

 This December was a back and forth drive for plays, baptisms, Cameron's homecoming, Marc's birthday and Christmas.  That is what the month of December is all about -- Family and Christ.  We celebrated it all this year.  These are times I wouldn't give up for anything.

I love the lights of Christmas; I love the spirit of love the prevails; I love our family times; and I love Christ.  I am so grateful for his birth, his atonement, his resurrection, his life, his example.

This year was especially fun because Theron and I got to take the younger grandchildren to the Aquarium and hang out for a day together.  I have to think of ways to be together because we don't have a home up north anymore to come to, to bake cookies or make gingerbread houses - guess we've been there and done that.

It was also special to have Cameron home.  Together at last, all of us.

Everyone got plenty of presents and good cheer.

and Christ was celebrated!!!

Lauren, Brookelyn, and Jesse Schaefermeyer - 8 years old - October 13, 2023

The last of our grandchildren, Lauren, Brookelyn and Jesse, turned 8 years old on October 13, 2023.  These are three very special children in our family and we are eternally grateful for their decision to be baptized.  This means that all of Theron and my children and grandchildren have been baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is the first step onto the Covenant Path.  Continue firm in the faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

They were baptized on December 2, 2023, by their father, Curt.  I think this jump for joy says it all.

Cameron's Mission Homecoming - December 16, 2023

 To return home honorably and to have served the Lord for two years is a great accomplishment for anyone; even more for our first grandson and first grandchild missionary - Cameron Paschal.  He served a Spanish speaking mission in the state of Georgia (Georgia Atlanta North).  The first person with the hug was his mother, Adrian, she deserves that hug.

The dad, Todd, was next.  Then the brother, Taylor.  What great brothers

Here are some snapshots of his homecoming reunion at the airport and his first night home.  We were so grateful that we could see this wonderful young man who was glowing with the light of the gospel.  His homecoming talk the next day made all of us burst with pride -- the good pride.

Cameron overcame some difficulties to get to this point, but when he puts his mind, heart, and soul into something, something wonderful happens and this was the culmination of all that effort.

Cameron's former mission president was there to meet him and gave the family a full report on how effective and full of the spirit Cameron was as a missionary.

Then, life begins.  As Cameron tells us of some mission experiences, brother Taylor, has listened for long enough.  You know, the suitcase remains packed because he and Taylor are on their way to Rexburg, Idaho, to attend BYU Idaho.

Welcome home Cameron.

The Grandchildren Perform (November and December 2024)

Our Ali, what a wonderful young lady and a terrific performer!  This was the last play we attended this year - Shriek.  Ali played Fiona.  She can sing, she can dance, she can act, she is the total package when it comes to the stage.  Thank you for your enthusiasm and performances this year.

Tyce performed and is learning to jump rope.  These are important big muscle skills and we are so proud of Tyce for his ability to stick with hard things.  Brittney works with him on these muscle development skills.

Kacy, is our princess.

Jesse was acting crazy one day with Adrian's costume container.  Just clowning around.

Lala the hippie queen can pose and make the greatest impressions.

Brookie gave a wonderful dance review.  A little orphan and some cabaret.

We love how these grandchildren are learning new skills, how to perform in front of an audience, and joyfully participating in life.