Sunday, April 22, 2018

It all started here

Outside Temple Hospital, about two months after I was born, on April 20, 1948, I finally got to go "home.". Since my dad was in medical school at Temple in Philadelphia and my parents were struggling financially and then just before I was born, they were robbed, there was not much to go home to. Lucky for them, my first two months were spent in the hospital because I was born 2 months early and way to under developed to leave. So, here is my mom Joyce Morrison and dad, Gordon Lund, as they finally get to leave with their first born.






Jim made my favorite childhood pink cake (add red jello) ,He also brought my favorite adult treats, red peppers, cucumbers, hummus, pineapple, grapes and strawberries. And then , what is a party without pizza!
we had a rocking party to celebrate
my 70th birthday! We played on the scooter boards, hula hoops, bean toss, floor hockey, 60;s music and the grankids even made up a show, a/la the Greatest showman, with all their special talents: tumbling, dancing, yoyos and havin fun!

Nattie is a photographer now. I had her take a glamour shot of me! But she still needs more practice, or a younger model! oh well! All and all, 70's arent so bad. I feel the love and that is what keeps me going.!

Sunday, April 15, 2018

celebrating April

We started this month with Easter and General Conference. As we usually enjoy at this time of year, we have reunions with our various missions.  We had Easter egg hunts and times of reading the story of the Resurrection.We met with the Philadelphia Mission by meeting with Elders and Sisters both young and old and sharing our memories of serving together. Here we are lunching with our Suisse Senior Missionary group by doing the traditional raquellete dish, This dish is basically all kinds of melted cheese topping veggies and meats. Most of us brought food that brought back great memories of serving in France and Switzerland.
A few days later we went to San Diego for a quick R/R Here we are at Old Town San Diego Mormon Battalion , We rode the train, used Uber and walked alot..
. .( Jim spent two days in the ICU after losing 1/4 of his blood after a botched colonoscopy and I suffer from vertigo ) So off we went to have fun in the sun. 
We really did need this trip !! It is the first trip we did without seeing, visiting, traveling or staying with family!!!

 So as I have said before, we are having smooth sailing into our 70's.,, since April is my birthday month! We recommend sun and fun to help heal what ever ails you!

Sunday, March 18, 2018

what the HEALTH

A few minutes ago we returned from the ICU where we spent two days after. Jim needed to be admitted due to much blood loss the day after his colonoscopy. So, is this the new normal?
For over a month I have been suffering from Beign Postural Vertigo. For me, it has been alot of Physical Therapy for balance and adjustments, eye exam and hearing tests, All my tests are within great to normal, so we still dont know what caused the dizziness. Jim had polyps removed from his colon, which he has had done before, with out any problems.
So, welcome to the new normal! We feel good, exercise, and eat Ok, But, in a few weeks I turn 70!

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Andrew is 21



Andrew Erik McDonald is 21 years old  today. He is my oldest grandchild from Karina and Dan, Oh, how I remember the day he was born in Iowa! I quickly learned that being a grandma was going to be one of the best times I have ever had. Since I was teaching full time and year round, I  cherished the time I could be with him. Several memories come to mind. First the Drew bop dance which all of us adults danced while trying to figure out how to comfort our first born. Born into love and joy with so many of us sharing time and talents. One time I taught yoga at his class and he sat right up in front as my model student and demonstrated most of the asanas.  He honored me by modeling proper behavior and showing love and respect.
When I finally retired and finished serving our first mission, we moved close to these grandkids and have been able to see Andrew grow up to help in the family, and mature into a responsible worker and advancing in a job he has held over a year.. He works as a scheduling coordinator at a call center.
Andrew likes the quite one on one times. His gaming skills and focus are way better than mine. He is a skilled pianist, All the cats love him.
When we all went to Costa Rica this summer, we were lucky to have Andrew stay in our villa. He stay out of the sun, but loved all the new food experiences we had.
Here is Andrew with our car Oreo. He shows his love and care and we  love AND care Andrew. We are so happy to have him in our family

Sunday, February 25, 2018

honoring families

 Visiting St.George, Utah this weekend, we honored the life of Andrew John McDonald. He is the father in law of my oldest daughter, Karina McDonald. At our temples we honor those who have passed and learn more about our life's purpose. We always love to visit temples where ever we go around the world. When we enter we feel so peaceful as we worship in a peaceful respectful atmosphere of love. This week I got to ponder the lives of two good friends who have passed from this life. The time of reflection of their lives has lead to the reflection of my life and what I can do to continue to try to do my best to honor my Savoir  Jesus Christ, my family past and present and serve those around me. I love my family and know that as I try to do my best, to repent of my mistakes and strive to follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that I can be happy . At the temple I can learn more every time I go.

Sunday, January 14, 2018

sharing the cold chill with the warm hearts in Michigan

Our traditional New Years Eve /birthday bash with the Mercado's in Michigan began with a delightful road trip to Chicago. The freeway all the way drive allowed
for a jump start to all the latest news of Val and the kids. We spent two days visiting the city by way of the Museum of Science and Industry.The building reminded me of so many of the beautiful historic sights inn Philadelphia and we all loved the displays.


It was Karissa's birthday the next day and we celebrated by a movie and our fav food. Even Erik got really into the food with his chop sticks!
Something took over my body and I was hit with a fever that took me downn for the rest of the trip. Lucky for me, I had enough yarn to make two lap blankets for the boys

There is no place I would rather be sick than feeling the love of the family and having the great food that Val prepared.
Luck for both of us, we love to try new and very different health recipes. Too bad I couldn't contribute as much cooking but I did make my quinoa bread and cookies which of  course only Really HEALTHy people like 

Sunday, December 17, 2017

Christmas 2017

Twas a month before Christmas and our tree is up,
we left early to enjoy Thanksgiving with family ,friends and sup.
For a much needed road trip,which took us far far away,
to our roots in California, cherished friends, family and ocean bay.

This summer Jim climbed the roof to install solar panels,
while I calmly knitted away his burial flannels!!
Costa Rica reunion had so many high lights;
volcanoes, monkeys,waves and awesome sights.

Our service is spent with our BYU Pathway Connect Mission.
Again helping young adults grow and find education fun.

We send our LOVE to LIGHT the WAY