Looking back on the year 2009

Last year our family went through some big changes. It seems like the changes that were happy, had a sad side, and the sad changes also had a happy upside: all a part of Our Wonderful, Crazy, Beautiful Life!
We were so excited when Scott received a job offer in Idaho. He had also interviewed in Tennessee and Atlanta, both great places, but 4 of our 5 children (Max has since moved) lived in the West, plus my parents and extended family. So I was thrilled.
Scott moved into an apartment in Idaho Falls and began his new job on March 1st. It was difficult to be apart for 3 months. But David needed to graduate, we needed to sell the house and the Lord blessed us. This is our home in Pennsylvania that we LOVED.



David had a very BIG few weeks. He received his Eagle Scout award, graduated from Seminary, graduated from Palmyra Area High School, and was ordained an Elder in our church.


















One of the perks was the time I had to spend with David. One happy memory was on Mother's Day. Scott and the girls had always done everything, but David rose to the challenge and made me a lovely dinner of Parmesan Chicken, potatoes and Brownies.

Scott and my parents came for the weekend of ordination and graduation. Then Scott had to leave. The night before our movers came I had my last music recital with my last 2 students. (I had had about 20 piano students over the 4 years we spent in Pennsylvania.)

Even though I was happy about where we were moving, it was difficult to leave our Pennsylvania home and friends and our Lebanon Ward. Scott, David, Courtney and I still REALLY miss everyone there.
Our movers came on June 8th and 9th.
VERY SAD TO LEAVE OUR PENNSYLVANIA HOME, WARD AND FRIENDS!!!





On the other hand, HOW VERY HAPPY we were to be closer to our children, grandchildren and extended family. Max, who was living in California, just about passed us as he was moving to Maryland. Hmmm, do you think he's trying to stay away from us???
This picture was taken in Scott's temporary apartment.








This is a picture of our new lovely home in Idaho Falls. The moving truck brought our stuff on June 16th. That is also the day we found out Scott's dad, Buddy Ray, had been killed in a tractor accident. The Relief Society in our new Sage Creek Ward brought dinner in that night and didn't know they were feeding our spirits as well.
We left a house full of boxes and somehow got everyone to Mississippi for the funeral 3 days later.




This is Buddy Ray in 2007 , laughing and probably teasing with Benjamin. He was a wonderful southern man and was notoriously stubborn. He and Lorna had just been through the temple for the first time. He went often ever afterward, going just a few days before his death. How we love him and will miss him. Bitter to have him gone. Sweet to review his life of hard work, service and humor. We're so very grateful for the Savior's atonement, that we have the hope of seeing him again.



After Buddy Ray's funeral we went straight to the Sears portrait studio as we didn't think we'd be together very soon. Max is in the military, stationed on the east coast. David was set to submit his mission papers.

But we were mistaken. Everyone came home again in August when my dear grandmother passed away at age 95. Oh, how I miss her!!!
In the 1990's our young family moved to Blackfoot, Idaho, after living in Iowa. A few years later, grandma, who had been living in Washington State, moved within a few blocks of us after being widowed for the second time. Grandma helped Stephanie and me as we started taking violin lessons. I LOVED to visit her and we'd play violin duets and talk while resting our bowing arms. We went to the temple together Her little home was like a wonderful oasis. Then our family moved, back east. But we visit as often as possible. The past couple of years she couldn't play the violin, but we'd still talk and laugh. One thing she loved was for a treat we'd get a taco salad from Melina's Mexican Restaurant and eat it at her house while watching a movie.
















This is Grandma and Emily. Then the next year a five generation picture. My son Ben, my mother Beverly, Grandma Vella, and me.
It's bitter missing her, but oh so sweet are the memories.

The day of her funeral, August 13, David's mission call arrived. It was wonderful that our extended family was together. David was called to the Brazil Fortaleza Mission.

And after a SUPER FUN Christmas......








































.....it was time to get David's suitcases packed so he could.........













Leave on his mission. David entered the MTC December 30th. Sooooooooooo grateful he chose to serve a mission. But WE MISS HIM!!!

It was such a great year, big changes. We miss our Pennsylvania friends, Buddy Ray, Grandma Vella Mecham, and now David. I'm so grateful for these wonderful, precious people in our lives.

Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deeds of those who love.

What greater gift dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christ-like friends whose gentle ways
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.

When such a friend from us departs,
We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory,
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.

For worthy friends whose lives proclaim
Devotion to the Savior's name,
Who bless our days with peace and love,
We praise thy goodness, Lord, above.