Flora Memoirs: 2009

Monday, October 19, 2009

Fall Foilage Cruise

Fall Foilage Cruise

Every once in a while Scott earns a trip through work and every once in a while I will say "Yes" I would like to take that trip. Since 9-11, I have not said yes very often. The conditions were right however and I decided since I needed a break and, it was still in the United States, that I would love to go. I'm so glad I did. This was one of the most relaxing, fun trips I have been on. I would recommend this to anyone. The places we visited were Boston Massachuttes, Bar Harbor Maine, Portland Maine, and Novia Scotia.

Novia Scotia

I loved Novia Scotia. The people were friendly and the scenery breathtaking. We hired a taxi that took us on a tour of the city and then drove us out to the quaint fishing village, Peggy's Cove. The most enjoyable part about the trip was finding an Island that we want to buy and live on.

Titanic Cemetary

Peggy's Cove-Lighthouse

The Island we want to buy and live on

Breathtaking Scenery

Bar Harbor

What we loved about Bar Harbor was the quaint houses and quaint town. We walked through town and found beautiful houses on the outskirts. We had great lobster at a place called Galen's. Our favorite find was a store called Fiore. They sold olive oils and balsamic vinegars. They had the store set up like a tasting table. I tasted every oil and vinegar in the store. We purchased over 8 bottles and had them shipped home. Our favorite combination was Blood Orange olive oil and Strawberry balsamic vinegar.

Cute, quaint town

Scott eating lobster at Galen's

Our favorite Store: Fiore

Portland Maine

While in Portland, Maine we spent most of our time on a little Island called House Island. It was privately owned by a family that had roots going back over 100 years. On the Island were a few houses and an old military fort called Fort Schemmel. We toured the fort, walked the beaches, at lobster and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. I could have spent a few days just on this small Island. Very peaceful.

The "Sand" on House Island

Our Lobster Bake

Entrance to courtyard of the Fort

One small side of the Fort

Lobster Bouys

Boston

Our cruise left out of Boston. We had a day to tour the city. Scott and I decided to walk along the Freedom Trail. We didn't realize it would take the most part of the day but we sure did enjoy the history and scenery. These are just a few pictures we took while in Boston.

North Church

In the Boston Cememtary

I think this is John Hancock's headstone?

Me in the cemetary. We saw Paul Revere's headstone and

Mother Goose's Headstone

Scott and I LOVE old cemetaries. Besides Ireland, this

one was one of our favorites. Headstones going back to

the early 1700's

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Chase in the Mission Field

Here are a few pictures Chase sent from the mission field. He was in a threesome companionship for a while. He is currently serving in Petersburg, VA. We laugh because he has already given a talk and played the piano in sacrament meeting. He said that he played so bad that all the members said it would be one of the most memorable sacrament meeting. He started the opening song and goofed up so bad he stopped and said he needed to start over. I'm sure the chorister loved him for that one. I had to tell him "I told you so" because we have been telling him since he was 8 years old that he would have to play the piano on his mission.

Wakefield District

Chase's two companions - Elder Gaunt and Elder Smith

First night in the Mission Home 10/07/09

Monday, September 28, 2009

Chase in the MTC

Chase recently sent a few pictures he took while in the MTC. He loved his experience there and from the looks of things, had a great time. He was met by a former ward member, Elder Ian Cassaro. Ian was heading to Montana to serve his mission. Chase also met Elder Josh Vega there. Josh and Chase were long time friends and had gone to preschool together. It was fun to see them "all grown up". I think Josh was heading to Texas. Chase's companion got swine flu. Chase and his district had to take Tamaflu. All went well for Chase and he didn't get sick. His companion had to stay behind a week to recover.

Chase and his MTC teacher trading "ugly" ties.

Chase with all his district's badges on

Chase with friend - Elder Josh Vega

Matrix Elders

Chase's MTC Zone in front of the Provo Temple

I made him take a picture pointing to Virginia

Chase with companion - Elder Kimball

Chase with other Elders in front of Provo Temple

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Chase's Mission-Leaving

The end of June, Chase received his mission call to serve in the Richmond, Virginia Mission. He was slightly disappointed that it wasn't a foreign mission but, after studying about it, he felt like he just might be going "foreign" after all.

It was a bittersweet day for me as we dropped him off (curbside) at the MTC. I knew he was doing the best possible thing for himself, for his family and for those he would bring into the gospel. Yet, I thought to myself, "What am I doing"? "I need to bring him home with me". I was proud of myself as I only cried for a short time. I pulled myself together and have never looked back. I look forward. Forward to his letters, his pictures and his phone calls. His letters have shown great maturing and spiritual growth. I know that a fun-loving son is still in there as we get snippetts of humor in his letters. I asked him during our Christmas phone call what the best part about his mission has been thus far and he said, "Feeling the Spirit every day". I want to go on a mission now! If you want to read some of his letters, I have set up a website for him at www.missionsite.net/elderflora

Saying Goodbye for two years

Getting ready for the curbside drop off

Chase in front of Provo Temple

Mom, Chase, Dad in front of the MTC

Chase in front of the MTC

Mom and Chase at Long Beach airport leaving to take him to the MTC

Reading his mission call

Getting ready to open his mission call

Thursday, August 20, 2009

My BYU Graduation - Finally!

Well it has been a long and winding road to get me to this point. My quest for a bachelor's degree started back in 1982. After many ups and downs I found the Bachelor's of General Studies program. I laughed when they said I had up to 8 years to complete it. I only had 15 classes. How hard could that be? I made my 8 year deadline by 6 months. It took me 7 1/2 years to complete those 15 classes (It ended up being a handful more). I graduated almost one month to the day before my son Chase entered the MTC.

Why did I do it? I wanted my kids to see that a college degree was worth the sacrifice. I want to thank my whole family (especially my husband) for the sacrifice they made on my behalf.

What do I want to do now? Be the best SAHM I can be!

Me and My Family

Me and My Darling Hubby

The "Walk"

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Vacation to Park City

Since Chase was leaving on his mission to Virginia in September, we decided to turn my graduation into a vacation as well. We chose Park City for a variety of reasons and we weren't disappointed.

We stayed in the Marriott Mountainside Condos and literally walked out our back door to do whatever we wanted. Our first adventure was the Alpine slide and an adventure it was! Chase decided to roll off the slide. He emerged with burns up and down his arms. He was sent to first-aid and bandaged up only to go back and almost pass out in line. I looked back to see if he was coming to get on the chair lift and he said, "Mom, I can't see anything". His face was pure white and he looked like he was a blind man. We sat him down and they ended up taking him back to first-aid in a wheelchair. I told him I wouldn't tell anyone about the incident and have been true to my word, until now.

The next day we went horseback riding. Now I love horseback riding but have had a few scary instances where the horse has wanted to be somewhere else and has taken me with him. The nice young man taking us on our tour assured me that "his" horses wouldn't do that. I can safely report he was right. We had spectacular views as we wound our way up the side of the mountain. Yes, we were sore for a few days but the views and the serenity were worth it.

Scott and Chase took a day and went fishing. Us girls lounged by the pool. I started reading books again. A luxury I couldn't afford while going to school. Very peaceful. We ended with zip-lining and the roller coaster thingy. I loved every minute of this trip with my wonderful family!