Making Apricot jam

Karianne had an apricot tree in their yard - they brought me over some Monday night - so today I have got to tackle this job of making jam our favorite.  I made some many years back and it has been so yummy. Craig loves it.  We have missed not having any.  My sister lived in a Mobil home park in Bountiful in 2009 the year our Natasha was married and my brother John lived with us for the summer. He then moved in with my sister that fall.  She had this apricot tree loaded with apricots. I picked boxes of them and made so much jam. It has lasted us this long.. so excited to make some more jam today!  Karianne and I canned several bottles of apricots, I like the jam the best.  I now have a freezer supply of yummy Jam! 

Our bottled apricots-

I Watered Skied !

It has been serval years since I have gotten up on my water ski.  I haven’t been able to hold on long enough to get myself up and out of the water.  I figured the extra weight was a problem - I just couldn’t hang on -the rope handel would pull right out of my hands. Karianne and Jason our Bear lake neighbors who live up here for the summer months teach people how to surf, wake board and ski- invited us to go boating with them yesterday afternoon.  It was a lovely day. I had just played Pickelball in the morning with our Bear lake community group for two hours  so I was already feeling fatigued.  I went to brunch with Cindy Caldwell and a three other ladies in our group - Cindy is in town for a few months - they are now living in Palm Springs California.  She has been a dear friend since we moved to the lake 7 years ago -so fun to have her back in town.  We went and visited them two winters ago at their lovely home in Palm Springs.  They raised their family here in the Bear lake valley.  So this is coming home to them. So just as I was leaving Craig pulled up beside me tracking me down -  I had left my phone at home. He told me that they had invited us to go boating with them.  I hurried home and put my swim suit on.  We  had a lovley time.  The weather was prefect couldn't ask for a better day.  Craig skied and showed off his skills- still water skiing at 68 years old.  Then it was my turn - I didn’t think I could get up, but with the great boating condition I might as well try.   Karianne had me wear her gloves that she said helps her to hang on to the rope.  We’ll I tried one and two times-  I was leaning forward to far and fell.  The third try I tried lean back and stay behind my ski- hanging on and I popped right up out of the water.  I was so excited !! I was up on one water ski! It felt so good and fun to be skiing again.  I loved it ! Yeah I can still get up at 66 years old!  

I'm UP!!

Wednesday Our First YSA Activity/ building unity

Today is our first YSA activity to attend this evening at 7pm.  It is being hosted by sister Pay Argyle in our home ward.  She is a very committed sister and know she will do a great job.  We have several couples in the stake that are called as YSA advisors to plan and organize the activities that are hosted weekly.  Wednesday night is the time scheduled for these activities.  We will be few in numbers tonight - so be intersting to see who attends.  Most have gone back to schools to attend college and work else where for the fall and winter months since we live in a resort town.  Craig meet with brother Lamb the past YSA president yesterday morning and he is meeting with him again this morning to get up to speed on what he needs to know- what they have been doing- and who is still in the area.  That is the challenge we have many not coming to sacrament- on the current YSA member list there are 52 recorded in the branch - the challenge will be figuring out where they are and invite them to attend with us.  Some are not on our Branch list -still attend church in their family ward,

yet will attend activities which is great.  Craig and I will be learning ther names and more about each YSA member age in our Stake-  I remember when I was this age - I just graduated from high school - moved to Texas and starting over in an unfamiliar area-  I felt lost and unsure about myself- it would have been so comforting to have a member from the church reach out to me having a loving and inviting hand extended to me to attend church.  This is what our YSA members need - a loving invitation and making contact with them- the opening message in our come follow me lesson this week - so applies to where Craig and I are at in learning about the membership in the YSA branch -  

In Paul’s time, Corinth was a wealthy trade center with residents from all over the Roman Empire. With so many different cultures and religions in the city, Church members in Corinth struggled to maintain unity, so Paul sought to help them find unity in their belief in Christ. This unity was to be more than just peaceful coexistence; Paul wasn’t asking them merely to tolerate each other’s differences. Rather, he taught that when you join the Church of Jesus Christ, you are “baptized into one body,” and every body part is needed (1 Corinthians 12:13). When one member is lost, it’s like losing a limb, and the body is weaker as a result. When one member suffers, we should all feel it and do our part to relieve it. In this kind of unity, differences are not just acknowledged but cherished, because without members of diverse gifts and abilities, the body would be limited. So whether you feel like you’ve always been at home in the Church or find yourself wondering if you truly belong?  Paul’s message to you is that unity is not sameness. You need your fellow Saints, and your fellow Saints need you.❤️  Looking forward to our Activity tonight ! 

We had a fun time playing the blindfold game gathering what money you gathered blindfold you get to keep.  Everyone that played thought they had lots of money and ended up with none.  We all had a great laugh.  We only had 4 YSA young men attend with all 8 YSA activity leaders and the Branch Presidency.  We all had a great time.  One young man Cody looks a lot like the movie star Ashytn Kutchner.  I told him he looks like him and even sounds like him.  We had Corey Stocks, Kyle,  and Kyler Rassmensen, who is the son of Corey Rassmensen, who died last fall in a car accident.  Kyler has not been active but is coming to our activites, he needs lots of fellowshiping.  It's a start.  We are learning who is still here for the fall and winter season.  We are few in numbers but hope to build it with who is still in the area.  Reaching out to them will be our challenge. 

President Symes gave us all some good laughs!

President Symes

It is official ! Craig Thomas Symes sustained as the Paris Idaho Stake Branch President for the young single adults in our stake on Sunday August 27th, 2023.   We are off to an exciting new journey in this season of our lives.  Our new sacrament time is 6pm on Sunday evenings.   It was a small sacrament meeting, with only about 30 in attendance this Sunday with all the young singles going back to school and the summer closing for work.  When they are all in town the list is up to about 300 in the flock to look after.  The fall and winter months will be few in numbers.  Craig gave a big sigh when his name was called out announcing he had been called as the New Branch President asking to sustain him in this calling along with his counselors Brother Mark Smoot and Derk Rassmensen.  They were then called up by President Asay to come sit up on the stand along with the stake presidency - President Jenson, President Clark and President Asay and the branch presidency that had been just released.  They were asked to share their testimonies.  President Lamb is a short humble man who has served the past 1 and a half.   Previous to this calling he was serving as the institute leader for the young singles in our stake. He is very knowledgeable and well versed in the gospel.  He is articulate in expressing his thoughts and a powerful testimony.  I saw the weight and mantle of this calling pass from President Lamb to my dear husband now serving as President Symes-  which gives me a chuckle!  Brother Passey his 1st counselor shared his testimony with tears expressing this has been the best calling at this point in his life.  He has loved serving the young singles and will miss the association they have created.  The 2nd couselor a young single adult  Cory Stock shared how he has enjoy serving and sharing his testimony and will continue to do so in the branch - will a laugh- with the numbers of singles dropped to so few for the next few months he will have the opportunity to share his testimony more often.  I could see Craig’s face a bit sheepish in color as it was his turn to share his testimony and introduce himself.  He looked so handsome to me standing at the podium with his now white hair at 68 years old.  We did not see this calling coming in our older years.  Yet so grateful- craig is still a kid at heart and has alot to give!  He started out his message telling about an apostle -Paul  H Dunn when he was in his deacon class at 12 years an older brother was called to be their quormn advisor - he complained they had called Moses of old.  Craig told the young singles that it may appear that this has happened again as they look up and see him with white hair and his two older counselors as well.  He assured them that they all are still full of life.  It gave us all a good laugh.  Craig shared a powerful testimony and I knew we were where the Lords has called us to be.  I had told the stake presidency that we were going on a mission and ready to get the process going.  They flet inspired to call us to this position in our stake.   So looks like this is our mission for the next three years serving in the young single adult branch.  We have the time to devote all our efforts in this new calling.  President Asay said they took the wives into consideration as they prayed for direction as to who to call.  I’m so honored that my Heavenly Father has blessed me to serve with my wonderful husband.  Serving in the mission field we would be working with the same ages of young women and men.  We can stay home and still be serving.  President Jensen our stake president counseled at the end of setting Craig apart and blessing him that we move the work of the Lord forward as these young singles are the future of the church striving to build their testimony in the gospel and strengthen their commitment.  He gave Craig a powerful blessing - bestowing upon him all the priesthood keys in fulfilling this calling, the power of discernment, love, and knowledge in leading this flock of young saints in the  gospel.  I was very moved by the Holy Spirit in knowing we are in the right place at this season in our lives.  I was also touch by the Holy Spirit confirming that each new couselor Brother Smoot and Brother Rassmensen as they shared their testimonies and in setting them each apart in their blessing- they too have been called at this season in time for their growth and what they have to offer to the young singles in this area of Zion.  They are all working together going to be a powerful branch presidency.  I look forward to severing with sister Chris Smoot and Sister Rasmenssen.  Her and brother Rassmensen just moved into our stake in May.  They are retired and moved full time to the Bear lake valley living in St Charles, Idaho.  They hardly know anyone in the stake so this will be a good for them to feel welcomed as they get to know the saints that live in this beautiful valley. President Asay just heard them speak last Sunday in sacrament and the inspiration came to him this would be a great couselor to Craig.  They were so surprised when the calling was extended to them. They are from Kaysville and he shared that he has worked the past 21 years serving with young single adults so they are both well seasoned to serve.  Going to enjoy getting to know them better as we serve together.  I look forward to the relationships we will share.    Now the work begins for us all!  We met in the new ward building that had been built for visitors in the summer.   The stake presidency was showing us how the lights turn off in the building - one switch and we were all in the dark.  I wanted to take a picture of us all but missed my moment as we were all walking out in the dark.  I will have to take a picture this up coming Sunday as Craig will be conducting.   He is incharge now !  We have an activity this wednsday.   Craig is meeting with brother Lamb to get up dates on all the information he needs to know in going forward and picking up where he left- getting Craig up to speed.  I’m having the sister missionaries for dinner tonight already planned before this calling was extended,  which is great timming -they will be working closely with us, so we can discuss where we can help and serve with them.  I’m really excited for this new adventure!  

on the left brother Derk Rassumsen, Craig in the middle, brother Mark Smoot on the right.

Our Sabbath Day

I gave Suni Smoot and her two daughters -Ivy City dresses and they wore them to church today- she sent me a sweet note - Thanks for making our day! We are so excited about these beautiful dresses.  

Our Stacy and Her Beautiful Family

Yeal Sailing Away

Boating at Bear Lake

                                                    Our sweet boy Enzo, Love his smile

                                                             Jude Boy surfing at Bear Lake 

They have had family fun sailing on their sail boat at Danna point this summer 

Chad at Bear lake this summer with our little Enzo who just turned 7 years old on August 11th -  Farrah and Enzo enjoying the beach and learning to surf - they have been living in a beach apartment for the summer while their home is being remodeled. 

At the Beach.

 Rocky is recovering from his accident at the lake - it is a miracle ! 

Ivy City Fashion Show

We had a delightful night at the fashion show Thursday evening August 26th- hosted by Ivy City. It was lots of fun for us all in attendance.  Dave Noriega -our son-in-law, emcee introducing the guest playing the piano who is famous for his music known as the “Piano guys”-he dedicated the song “A Million Dreams” to Natasha and her team - we have two super stars in the family. Dave who host’s a daily radio show and Natasha’s successful business. Uncle Bob came and talked to me after the event - with tears in his eyes how proud he is of their success- saying Natasha is changing the world in her fashion dresses that are lovely and modest for women to wear worldwide.   He is a multi -millionaire and has invested in many businesses -he sees the influence they are having as a growing company.  I wore my Ivy City Dress.  Post by Natasha - If you told me 8 years ago that my little idea of starting my own company would become one of Utah’s top 10 growing companies landing at #6 fastest growing companies.  I would have never believed you! It’s so crazy!! I’m so grateful for this moment. ❤️ Jumping head first, going for dreams, working hard and never giving up even when you sometimes want too! Cheers to my incredible partners I’m so proud of us!

Ivy City /Team

                                                         Dave as our Mcee for the event

                                                         Pround Parents of our baby girl

                                                   Natasha, Madaline, Whitney -partner's 

                                           Piano Guy standing next to Bridger, Lincoln, Winn

                                                                Receiving their award

Natasha and Annie, so specail they are able to work together mother and daughter.  Annie is a darling model, they had such a great time.

Back to School

All our grandkids started back to school this week each posted some fun pictures of them on Facebook.  Austin is a senior this year turning 18                       

Jacob starting 8th grade this year, 13 yrs old.  Sharlena works at the elementary school and she really likes it there. 

Annie and win on the front porch of their new home and Lincoln is going to be a big 8th grader.

Towner grandkids in California are going to public school this year. They went to a charter school since 2020 the past 3. 

Our Jude Boy 12 years old, Yael, 11 yrs., Farrah 10 yrs old, Enzo 7 years old.  They are excited to attend their new public school.  

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Last Day Babysitting Chaudhry Family / Austin’s 18th b-day

Our Ashtyn soaking up the Sun!  She looks like a mini Shannon in this picture

Today is my last day babysitting Ashtyn and Landon-  the three older boys work so I have hardly seen them. I drove down from the lake Friday.  We all had a great week at the lake.  Landon and Lincoln had fun improving their water skiing skills and driving the waverunner.  Ashtyn loves the water and was in and out of the lake seceral times a day.  I haven’t been good at taken any pictures.  I slept over at their home Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night.  There is so much work to do here I’m overwhelmed. I spent two hours sat. Washing dishes.  The three older boys had not done a dish in a week and they were piled high.  We went and saw Winston play in his first football game for the season Saturday afternoon.  It was really hot and then went swimming at Natasha’s pool afterwards.   Sunday I spent the morning cleaning up till 2pm and then we headed to my draper home so I could  clean up- I needed a bath.  From there we went to the Noriega's home for a birthday dinner for Austin turning 18 years old.  It was a yummy dinner.  Craig drove down from the lake and back up- he has a Physical therapy appointment on Tuesday morning. He’ll be back down on Thursday so we can attend Natasha’s fashion show. The famous piano man is going to be performing at the fashion show. Landon and I cleaned some things up in the backyard from the mess of all the chickens and the bunnies- we power wash the shed out it was a stinking mess. Landon lost his phone and he’s trying to earn money for a new phone. I told him I’d help him a little -to contribute if he would help me do some chores around their house today there’s plenty to do. We both got messy and had to take a shower don’t like chicken crap and bunny crap on us. I’m picking Shannon and Ryan up at the airport tonight at 10:30pm so my shift will be ending soon. We have had a great time. I’ve enjoyed spending time with Landon and Ashton.  We enjoyed the past three mornings going to Mavirck for breakfast.  My favorite an egg and sausage buscit with a Coke Zero drink.  Landon and Ashtyn enjoyed time getting out and picking out something fun to eat each morning.  We had fun bonding time together.

Winston 11th Birthday

Natasha hosted a really fun pool party for Winn and his friends at their new home-   It was a wow party. 

Our Enzo turning 7

Enzo celebrated his 7th birthday on the 11th of August the day after grandpa Symes -  they had a fun family party at the beach .