the importance of finding the right coat

Growing up in Pennsylvania, getting a new coat each year was a necessity. Yes, we lived near Valley Forge, the same place that George Washington and his troops camped during that cold winter protecting the newly formed new nation. 

One fun memory during elementary school, we missed many days of school because of a winter storm. We had 10 feet snow drifts , no electricity, but much fun camping out like pioneers and building ice castles, sledding, ice skating, and trying to figure out how to cook meals and keep warm. I loved every minute especially because I had a warm coat.

When I became more interested in style I remember getting my camels hair coast with fur on the collar. One year I got a white coat with green trim, it was the latest craze, My senior year  I got my first ski parka, a baby blue white stag. When I went to college in Provo, again it was necessary to have the perfect coat, As anyone remembers, most of the time our friends only saw us walking across campus in our coat. Mine was a soft green coat with soft leather capizio  shoes, I soon learned that I needed something warmer. Next I got my Dr, Zhivago, a long black coat with a thick belt and wide collar. Yes, I can remember all my coats. But, then I moved to California and really didnt need a warm coat. 

 Since serving missions  in Switzerland and Philadelphia, I again need to find the perfect coat. Now, living in Utah, I have found that coats are again an important part of my wardrobe. It is most fun searching in consignment stores in better off communities. Last week we went to Aspen Colorado and had a fun time looking for hidden treasures. Jim found a London Fog to replace the one that was stolen at church in Philadelphia. I found many treasures. Now I need to get clean up and give away things I dont want.

When we returned from Aspen, I went down to the food storage room to clean out some of my old winter coats and discovered a leak. Lucky for us ! We had a pipe burst while we were  travelling and had to remove and cleanup all of our stored food. Luck for us that I had  stored coats in there and felt the need to give the extras away.

Too cold 

Faithful Fall Colors

School starts and I am working in the classroom, learning and growing with them. Most important at this time is seeing Peter grow in the gospel and get baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Here we are celebrating Peters baptism.

 Blake is getting ready to leave for his Spanish speaking mission to New Mexico. head for  Albuquerque  

This is the Draper temple, very close to Dereks home. We tried to take a selfie there but finally ended up with this.

The new kitten is loved by,, almost all! He has not won over everyone yet. Nattie is cheering for Orem High now so we get to enjoy more local events.

Here are Karina and her girls, and look, they are almost all the same height! 

We loved being at Peters baptism, mostly because we have seen him grow and see what a great boy he is.  In a few days Blake will be off to the Mission Training Center to prepare for his Spanish speaking mission to Albuquerque.

Spending time with these two buddies of mine brings me great joy, They are loving bringing in the fruits of our labors, swimming in the hot tub, sharing toys,  and hugs. I am so glad that we get to share the fruits of  our life with so many of the grandkids. I love them and hope that they feel my love for them and for the sacrifice of our Savior.   

Mercado's and me in Michigan

Getting all the kids together smiling is  tricky, but we caught all the kids and got the smile and i

here are some of talents that I got to see during my visit.. violins and viola

cheering

dancing

triathlon

yoga/strength

cooking

EATING

Jason is one lucky guy with this red hot mama!

too bad, boys sleeping on the job!

Me and my pal Val, THANKS for sharing your love and time, I love you ALL!

Victoria's teenage trip to see us

Victoria arrived eager t see family, mountains, water, music and always dance. Here we are in our hot tub enjoying breakfast before all the other cousins woke up.

The hammock is a big hit with everyone

We had to line up to have Victoria do our hair

We played lots of games,

Cooled after hiking in the mountains

Water skiing, tubing and sunning

Trying to look ten years younger...well, at least I am trying

Getting ready for school, Nattie had her first football game and Victoria, of course did her hair.

I made all the kids do chores before I paid them off so I could rest

We made lots of gifts

Make over? Not, already beautiful

After my triathlon they are all tired!!!!

Family feast

Visiting the Provo Temple

BYU campus

We loved sharing time with Victoria, This morning we were hoping to be together with others but with school starting and Education Week, we had to cut our visit short, this time! We are hoping for more teen trips for the next group of teenyboppers