December 21, 2010

Dear Family,

What a mixture of feelings it has been this past week with everyone starting to come home to be together to celebrate Christmas and also the passing of baby Jack. We are looking forward to flying to Utah for the graveside service this Thursday at 1:00 at the Provo Cemetery. Thanks to Katie’s benefits and Morty and Katie’s sleuthing for some flights that might have a couple of extra seats right before Christmas, Dad and I are so happy to be able to be with Heidi and Bill for this special time; scared time.

On Friday, Heidi went into her regular doctor check up but because the doctor could not hear a heartbeat, she was sent to the hospital for further tests. She learned there that her baby was no longer living. He had just been moving the very night before when Blake and Adrianne were visiting. She of course was devastated; we all are. Being a month from his delivery date, she needed to be prepared to deliver him. The hospital told her that she and Bill could go home to explain to the girls what was going on and then come back to the hospital for the delivery in the afternoon, warning her that the delivery could take a long time since her body was not ready yet. Before leaving the hospital, they gave her a drug to start the process.

On their way to pick up Rebekah at school Heidi started hemorrhaging so they rushed her back to the hospital where she received a blessing and the hemorrhaging miraculously stopped so that she did not need an emergency Caesarean. They kept her there and started another drug to start contractions so she would deliver Jack. He was finally delivered at 2:25 am Saturday morning. The hospital allowed them to keep him for many hours so they could say goodbye to him. Heidi told us that he has a perfect body and just looks like he is ready to wake up. He was 18 inches long and 5 pounds 2 ounces (not much smaller than Rebekah).

There is a service in the Salt Lake Area, “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep”, that comes to the hospital to take pictures of families with still born children and make plaster casts of his feet and hands. The family that was babysitting the girls woke the girls up at 3:00am so that they could go to the hospital to see Jack. The girls were quiet and loving; the nurses were amazed at their behavior. Heidi said it was a very sacred and spiritual experience. After the girls went back to the friend’s home, Bill said that they could feel Jack’s spirit and knew he was a mature spirit. Bill held his little boy until the mortician came in the early afternoon to take him.

As we look back, there were many miracles associated with this tragedy. They found out that Baby Jack bled to death when his umbilical cord ruptured from the membrane. Actually, the connection was very weak since his cord was uniquely attached to the membrane and not the placenta. In most cases like this, after the baby bleeds out, the mother starts bleeding unknowingly. We feel very lucky that Heidi’s regular appointment was right when this was happening, although it was not diagnosed before she left the hospital. But it sounds like the drug they gave her before leaving the hospital caused enough pressure that it forced that internal hemorrhaging out of her body so they knew to go back to save Heidi. We feel very blessed.

Sacred is the word that I keep associating with all these feelings. When the Primary children sang the words from the song, Picture A Christmas, “Picture a stable in Judea. Picture a sacred, silent night.” my mind was picturing the sacred, silent night that Heidi and Bill had just experienced in the hours after John Robert’s delivery. I know the veil was thin and his spirit was close as he wanted to comfort his dear mother and gentle father in their pain. What a meaning this gives to our Christmas as we realize if not for the Savior’s birth and subsequent mission fulfilled in the Atonement, our little baby Jack would be gone forever instead of ours forever. How grateful I am to know without a doubt that these things are true and I have a loving Heavenly Father who with His Son, created a wonderful Plan of Happiness so my family can be together forever. What comfort this gives to me.

Another tender mercy of this past weekend was the fact that Shawn, Aubrey and the boys were driving from California at just the right moment that they could stop and send Shawn in to visit with Scott for a few minutes so he could be told of the news in person. Family news such as this is so hard for him to bear all alone.

On a light note, on their trip up here, Shawn’s family stopped overnight in Medford and went to the Harry and David store there before leaving town. They noticed a Santa and real reindeer there and went over only to be filmed on camera and broadcast that night on Medford’s local news as the one child interviewed about the Santa. When Greg was asked what he wanted Santa to bring him he replied matter of factly, “bubble gum and candy”. Here is the link if you would like to watch it (click on Pictures with Santa; it was a broadcast about the local softball team fundraiser):

http://www.ktvl.com/

Morty has gone to three Trailblazer games while here already taking various family members with him. One night he invited Grandma Maldonado and was able to sit in seats down much lower than his ticketed seats!

On Saturday, Dad, Grandma, Blake, Adrianne and I went to Vancouver for the Portland Mormon Choir and Orchestra concert. It was beautiful again. As I sat in listened to the beautiful music I couldn’t help but feel sadness that I was there enjoying beautiful music as our daughter was sitting to talk with a mortician at the same time but then, gladness that the music tells the story of the power of the event and joy for that message that is so personal to us all. After the concert we looked for a bite to eat before heading to the waterfront to watch the Christmas ships. Adrianne came up with the idea to go home and make a batch of cioppino so we crazily stopped at the store to buy what was needed and did just that; a late night cioppino dinner.

We had a wonderful Christmas program at church; it was nice to have so many family members with us. Shawn and Aubrey asked to have a night away as a Christmas present this year so they left shortly after church. I was a little worried as to how Bryson would do since they haven’t left him before but luckily, Morty was a huge help. Morty has traveled up to the Bay Area enough that he and the boys are close buddies. At 5:30 in the morning when none one else could console Bryson, Morty could do the trick. He is so kind to those boys.

We tried something crazy after our Sunday turkey dinner. Katie had invited us all to come out to the airport and have our picture taken with Santa. Besides a free picture at the Southwest gate, Southwest gives you, in the picture packet, a $20.00 coupon for a future flight. She arranged to meet us at security with passes for all of us and take us through quickly. Even running through the airport didn’t get us to Santa in time; just missed him by minutes! But, it was kind of a fun adventure even so.

Yesterday morning Bryson and Gregory helped me make wonderful loaves of bread while Blake and Adrianne made our chili (Bill’s chili). The boys love helping and they made our visits to all the widows and widowers in the ward a lot more fun especially when Gregory was so cute to hand them their bread and say Merry Christmas.

We leave this morning to go to the coast to try our hand at crabbing. A couple of years ago when Dad and I were in Newport, we noticed all the crabbing going on off the pier there. That Christmas Grandma Maldonado gave dad a crabbing basket and we have never had the chance to break it in. We will do that this time since December is a great month for catching crabs.

I love you all and am so glad that we will be seeing most of you by the week’s end. Love, Mom

December 14, 2010

Dear Family,

It feels very quiet. We had Sunhee and Meeja for the long weekend (They had no school Thursday and Friday) and on the way back to Sweet Home, we stopped at Kyre’s home to have an early Christmas dinner and celebration. We brought the dinner and fruit ice cream that their family loves and Alina made a special treat that she learned at a Young Women’s activity. They were vey cute; a pretzel covered with a melted Hershey Kiss and M&M. I didn’t know that Hershey Kisses came in candy cane flavor! The children really love to play and laugh together. They had such a great time.

Kyre had stockings for the girls and between Alina’s, Adam’s, Kyre’s and Kyre’s gifts to Sunhee and Meeja; the girls traveled home with a huge bag each of toys and treats. It was heart warming to watch Adam and Alina so excited to have Sunhee and Meeja open their gifts; they had earned their own money to buy the gifts. Alina was so pleased as she was in charge of all the wrapping and had wrapped even every candy item in the stockings! We thought we would have time to play games in the three hours but eating and opening gifts took almost the entire time.

Sunhee and Meeja’s visit to our home was so much fun. Plus, they were such a big help with our weekend projects. Dad ground flour and the girls helped me make 20 loaves of our wheat bread with seed and nuts. We put them in cute Christmas baskets with some of our jam and delivered them to our neighbors and friends. I don’t know which they were more excited to see, the treat we were bringing them or Sunhee and Meeja. Everyone is always so delighted to see the grandchildren.

The girls helped me make two batches of sugar cookie dough, and eat a little also, for the holidays which needed to be made that first day they were here since I had an appointment with one of the boys in Primary about to be baptized (and baking cookies during my visits is part of my tradition).

We spent all Saturday morning making several bathes of Aubrey’s famous caramel corn and packaged that up in bags for all 30 of our Primary. We attached the “Parable of the Popcorn” with a note thanking each one of the teachers and leaders. The girls were so excited to help with gathering supplies and all the many times we had to stir the caramel. I had to make an extra batch after they went to bed and it was so much more work without them.

I would have to say that this was Sunhee and Meeja’s “spaghetti” weekend. I made a big batch of spaghetti on the second night (the first night we went to Zoolights) and the girls tried to eat it every chance they got. They even convinced Halboji to have it for breakfast; which they did! But one morning Meeja had oatmeal with Dad. He was so thrilled to tell me how much Meeja loved his oatmeal filled with raisins and Chia. He said, “A grandchild of my own blood!”

When Adrianne was in her senior year of high school I questioned what I would do without any children at home during the holidays to help with all our traditions and she said to invite Scott and Kyre’s children to come over which sounded like a great solution. But then, that summer is when they moved so our plans were foiled.

The girls also sat in on Dad’s Webelos meeting and helped the Cub Scouts stuff Christmas Tree Recycle flyer hangers. Plus, Dad was teaching Citizenship while they were working on the flyers and I think Sunhee knew more of the answers than most of the boys.

But we didn’t work all the time. We played SO many games!!! We played each morning and each night and any chance in the middle of the day that we could. Given the choice between watching a Christmas movie or playing games, the games won out every time. We taught them Sequence and Meeja won the first time through. When I went to Grandma Maldonado’s to clean her place, they played games with her the entire time. Plus there was even a short break in the weather and they were able to play a little outside; Meeja even rode her bike. Plus, they had a great time on the piano. Dad taught Sunhee a couple of songs and Meeja watched intently. Then, when it was her time on the bench, she plucked out those same songs with not much help. They both have incredible memories and a great ear for the piano!

The weekend before Morty and Adrianne were here. Morty’s visit was a last minute surprise as he was able to obtain Civil War tickets at the last minute. When he called to tell me about it, he said his heart was just pounding since he was so excited. I suggested that he feel that for a girl instead of a football game! He also took Katie to a Duck basketball game on the Thursday night that he arrived. They play Missouri so Katie procured Missouri Nike wear from Brock so they could show their true colors! Adrianne was here to do some wedding planning and go to a beach overnighter with her horse friends. We squeezed in all we could. Two of the nights we closed down Macy’s as she worked on her wedding registry. That was so much fun to see what and why she chose some of her dreams and requests. Grandma Maldonado went with us the first night.

Our ward Christmas dinner was the Saturday that Morty and Adrianne were in town. I had asked Katie if she would make some cupcakes for my dessert that I was supposed to take. She had friends over that morning helping her and they, with Morty’s encouragement made the most darling green and gold Oregon cupcakes since it was the day of the Civil War game. They made the batter swirl and that created some “O” designs on the top! After Morty left we called and said that he had done some figuring and he has been in Portland 33 days this past fall!

Katie has a double round of good news. She is going full time this week with the airlines and she has found a studio apartment to lease downtown by PGE Park. It is right by a MAX line so that will be a real help during the winter months of commuting to the airport. She now needs a couch and kitchen table.

Alan Ludlow came home from his mission in the past couple of weeks so he spoke on Sunday. He has changed a lot. Encore also sang for the ward that day; they sounded wonderful. It was great to have the girls at church with us. I was conducting in Primary and they blend so well in with the children that they already know that I forgot to introduce them as guests!

We had a great visit with Scott this past week. He has moved to the new level of the A Block to a new level of honor housing. We are thrilled for him. Dad will be emailing you a copy of his 3 year running log where, in his mind, he ran the miles to “visit” each of you! He planned it so he would be in your cities on many of your birthdays or special events! He keeps his mind thinking!!!

Dad and I went downtown Monday night specially to see the gingerbread display at the Benson Hotel. It was only one village; well, it was incredible but we are used to seeing all the variety in past years at Pioneer Square. So, we decided to go walk and look at the Macy’s windows. We even did a little shopping and bought something for Jack for Heidi’s shower in January. Heidi is having a bridal shower for Adrianne the first week of January and I will have a “blue shower” for Heidi while I am there. Thank you Southwest airlines (and Katie of course)!

I hope that you are enjoying some fun holiday traditions this week. I love you! Love, Mom

November 28, 2010

Dear Children,

Today has been a fairly relaxing birthday. I did ALL the things that I wanted to on my birthday: most especially talk with my children and finish decorating for Christmas! Perfect! Thanks for all the birthday well wishes. Dad made a great salmon dinner; it had a nice smoky taste since he had mesquite chips on the grill. Katie surprised us this morning as we walked in from church. She had made pumpkin French toast made with real French bread and crushed cinnamon crunch on the top. It was very creative. She had the Christmas plates set and balloons in the dining area. We ate and then she rushed to church. It will be a very busy night at the airport for her tonight. Since she can’t get Sundays off regularly, I am glad that she has a schedule that allows her to get to her ward. She also made her divine pumpkin cheesecake cupcakes. She will have to make them for everyone over Christmas.

Yesterday was the day we planned to cut down our Christmas tree. Rain was in the forecast for the morning so we put it off until the afternoon. I got involved in placing some Christmas gifts orders online and gave us a late start. I was so mad at myself since I took too much time all afternoon trying to save a few dollars! As we drove towards the tree farm, knowing we were going to barely get there in time with enough light, the clouds darker, lowered and dumped their rain. I burst into tears since I was so frustrated with myself since the most important thing for the day for me was getting the tree so I could get it decorated today. When we turned the van around knowing it was not going to work to go to the farm, we noticed that Al’s nursery had trees. Last year we bought a tree from a lot and it wasn’t too bad so we decided to try again since our plans were foiled. We laughed at most of the trees and gave up.

Luckily, we had planned to grab some produce at the grocery store on the way home and lo and behold, Haggen had trees! We found one that was suitable and as I bought the groceries, Dad put the tree in the car. How easy! Maybe we have found a new method of getting a tree (as long as none of you are here to go to the farm with us). I did wonder if our grocery store tree would measure up to Adrianne’s expectations of her “last” Christmas tree as a child in our home! Well, I guess you all are still children in this home still.

Dad and I finally went on the trip to Las Vegas about which we have been talking for months. We were there from Friday evening to Tuesday evening. We spent the first two nights at Aaron’s and then took advantage of a Hilton deal we had and stayed on the strip the last two nights. We had SendOutCards meetings Friday night and part of Saturday. They all were very beneficial; I am continually impressed with the company.

Morty was in Portland (we passed him there the day before we left!) for the weekend and Aaron was trying to finish the last details on their TV shop so Dad and Aaron worked together on Saturday to complete a bunch of tasks.

We had a blast in Las Vegas. It was great to be around the boys, help at the TV shop (Dad and I love to be able to assist any of our adult children when we can) and go exploring on the strip. We also enjoyed the singles ward and meeting Heidi, Nate’s friend, again. It is obvious that Nate is a favorite guy in the ward. He was planning the FHE pie eating contest and trying to put a creative “Nate” twist on it to slow the eating down so he wouldn’t have to buy so many pies. I also was able meet Melissa, who knows my high school friend, Joy Burleson. It was interesting to speak with her about Joy’s family. My friend Joy was not a member of the church but she married a non-active church member. His family, being in Las Vegas, took their three girls to church when they were young and the girls are all members. Melissa is a best friend to Joy’s oldest daughter, Joni.

Aaron does Bountiful Baskets, like Heidi, so he had a bunch of new produce that he used to grill on the barbeque after church. After a relaxing afternoon, both the boys headed to ward friends’ homes to play games and we headed to the Hilton. We took a walk after checking it. Las Vegas was fairly cold that weekend but it is just fun to explore, see the architecture and watch the people. Plus, lots of places had their Christmas decorations up, which was fun to see. Morty came into the airport later that night; we had his car so we picked him up and he dropped us off planning to meet up the next day at the their store.

I loved to see how the boys had worked to organize the store and make do with what they had. It looks great. We did a little more work with them on Monday and then went back to the hotel and did our big excursion of the strip. We had been given some money towards meals so we went to a nice steak house and then started walking! We walked all the way down to Bellagio to see the fountains but it was after midnight when we got there so they were not working. We went inside to see if they had Christmas decorations up but they still had their harvest displays, which were BEAUTIFUL. I love that place. We did a ton of walking and had lots of fun.

We made time the next morning for soaking our sore muscles in the hot tub and visiting the new city center until Morty picked us up for the airport. The boys wished we could go on a later flight but I had a Primary meeting at our home. Just as we were about to walk into security I got a text message that our meeting might be canceled due to the snow. Yahoo! We asked the desk if there was room on later flights and Morty cam back for us. THANK YOU Katie!!!

So, we were able to head back to the TV Store, help some more and then arrive home in Beaverton after 1:00 in the morning. We caught our breath and then picked up Kyre, Alina, Adam and Klaire at the train station later in the morning. They had fun riding the train. I want to ride the train one day! I have great memories of train rides to visit Grandma Helen in Colorado when I was young. We played lots of games during their visit, visited the zoo and had Thanksgiving dinner with them before driving them back to Albany late Thursday evening. Luckily while they were here, it was a preview night for zoo members for the Zoolights. Even though it was VERY cold, we bundled up and went early so we could see the animals first before dark. I don’t recall ever enjoying the Zoolights without a huge crowd. It was wonderful. We wore ourselves out and came home to warm soup and Halboji bread, plus, more games!

My favorite time during their visit was when Alina tried on her dress for the wedding and it fit her beautifully except one minor thing (I had to clip the neckline so she could get it over her head!) and she looked gorgeous in it! Yes, success! I also LOVED sitting at the table late Thursday night (when we should have been driving to Albany already!) and just hearing Alina and Adam talk and laugh together. Since it was later, Klaire was asleep. It was quiet and relaxed. It was hard to want to get in the car and take them back. We should have left earlier; we may have avoided a one and a half hour 5 mile crawl past the exit to the Woodburn Outlet Mall since Black Friday started Thursday night there! Consequently, we got back to Albany VERY late.

I had planned to entice Dad in stopping at the Woodburn Walmart if we were passing it after midnight but instead, we stopped at the closet Walmart in Salem in hopes to get in on some of the good deals. We missed some important ones so we hit the Wilsonville Target right at its opening at 3:00am thinking it wouldn’t be so crowed since it is more rural than Beaverton; not so! I couldn’t believe that we were rolling into our driveway at 5:00 am. We had just stayed up all night for Black Friday: CRAZY!

Dad dropped into bed (that was his first experience with Black Friday sale and what an experience it was!) but I knew that I couldn’t go to sleep and wake up before the sock sale ended at Fred Meyer. No, most of you don’t have socks since you didn’t tell me what kind you might need! So I headed to some other stores and retuned after noon: exhausted but energized that I had accomplished some of my list!

On Thanksgiving morning Shawn and Aubrey ran in a 5K race and Shawn came in third in his age bracket. Aubrey ran with her mom so she wasn’t competing.

Our Sunday sacrament meeting was about gratitude. Cal and Cathy Crandall spoke. They had some interesting ideas about gratitude having lived in Beijing for the last year.

I love you. Have a good week. Love, Mom

November 14, 2010

Dear Children,

I have had a ton of fun in the last few weeks. Dad and I traveled to California to be with Shawn and Aubrey and the boys over Halloween weekend and then I went to Utah to help Heidi and Bill and the girls and see Adrianne and Grandma Bitter. Plus, Morty was here in Beaverton last week as he came for a couple of Blazer games during this visit. This week, Dad and I go to Las Vegas and then return home just in time to pick up Kyre, Alina, Adam and Klaire for a Thanksgiving visits. We plan to go to the zoo the day before Thanksgiving and the preview of Zoolights that evening! I was excited to see that it was going to be while they were with us in Beaverton.

We have a fun filled weekend with Shawn and Aubrey and the boys of course. They pack a lot of fun into their time! We picked up our car and headed to Greg’s preschool. When we walked in Greg ran up, jumped into Dad’s arms and gave him the biggest hug. He showed us all around his preschool. Aubrey and Bryson met us there and then we picked up Shawn to head for the Jelly Belly factory close to Vacaville. They have a great tour; I am amazed at the engineering minds that think of every little detail to make the process of using machines more efficient. Plus, we had fun tasting a lot of candy of course! Each night we would drive to Aunt Denise’s to sleep at her home. She fixed up a room with a fireplace for us. It was very nice. It felt like we were staying at a resort spa with her candles and the way she decorates. Staying with Aunt Denise gave us the opportunity to visit both Shawn’s family and her! We would get there VERY late each night though so we had some late night-early morning fun.

We spent every minute we could on Saturday at Apple Hill, north of Placerville. I would love to do that trip again; it was a beautiful drive. I would say we ATE ourselves through Apple Hill visiting all the little farms and boutiques, each having their own special apple cider and bakery of course! I would go back for the fresh, hot apple doughnuts in a heartbeat! We rushed home to catch their ward dinner and Trunk-or-Treat. Bryson was a sailor and Greg was Woody from Toy Story; both darling!

On Monday morning we left Denise’s by 4:00am for Dad’s early flight back to Portland and mine to Utah. Everything worked slick; thank you Katie! Heidi and I started working on her basement as soon as I got there. It felt like we worked non0stop; it was great! I don’t know that we really got rid of much but we organized and rearranged things so now they can methodically go through their things to throw out what they don’t need to save (when they have time) . . . Ha! I told Heidi that would be a great Christmas present to each other; Bill and Heidi sitting down in the basement and going through a few boxes together; laughing through memory lane and discarding what they can. Sounds like a fun date night; Dad and I could do that!

I was amazed at how well Jenna plays on her own while Heidi is working. They have the basement set up very cute with a table right in the middle for Jenna and Rebekah to do craft projects. They love working with their hands and creating.

I irritated Bill each evening as I felt the crunch to keep working while they ate their dinner (not eating with them) since I had so little time and I drove to Orem each night and back in the morning. One night, on the way home, I stopped at the Bradford’s home. That was great! It has been 15 years since I have seen Martha. You would have thought it was yesterday; we just picked off where we left off when she drove out of the cul-de-sac 15 years ago and I wanted to strangle David for taking her away! She looks wonderful. Dave seems happy with his new job. He is the Vita Mix guy in the Los Angeles area and sells quite a few, you can imagine how he would make it fun. I would love to see him demonstrating in person. One night I finished Grandma Bitter’s Christmas present, a Christmas tree quilt with lights, (I also worked on it at Heidi’s during lunch each day) and had her open it before I left. One night, Adrianne and I went looking for a temple dress but came home a bit disappointed. In fact we just laughed since everything we tried to accomplish that night failed! My camera broke in California so this is the only picture I have of my visit in Utah; Adrianne took this one.

Adrianne has a new address. With her need to get rid of her car at the end of the summer she has realized that going back and forth to Orem late at night on her little scooter is not going to work as the weather changes in Utah. Because some apartment managers are desperate to fill their remaining open spots this late in the term, she was able to find one close to campus that allowed her to not write a contract. It is a very small room that she shares with a roommate but campus and work are a lot closer. Her new address is: 130 E 700 N #15 Provo 84606. She will miss many conveniences of living with Grandma though.

Shawn and Aubrey celebrated an anniversary this month. They were going to go indoor sky diving. In fact, they were going to see if Gregory wanted to do it also! They didn’t end up going on the day that they planned; I think it is something for the future.

Morty was here for an Oregon Duck game and some Blazer games last weekend. In fact, he came into the Portland airport just about an hour after I did from my Utah trip so Katie picked us both up at the same time. I told him he should just leave some clothes here since he will be back this weekend for another set of games. I don’t have a picture from that visit but I do from his trip to Los Angeles in the meantime for a USC-Oregon game. He and Nate are with Shawn and Aubrey this weekend for another Oregon game against Cal Berkeley.

To prepare for Thanksgiving, Dad barbequed a turkey and made bread today. We haven’t done that for awhile but will probably have barbequed turkey for our real Thanksgiving. I am going to simplify the meal since we will just be getting home from Las Vegas. That will mean more game playing time with the grandchildren that day!

I have been enjoying my institute class each week; that is something that I am not giving up. I had to admit to myself that I had to delete my family history class on Tuesday nights. I loved it but this is just not a good time to put that into my brain. I do not have the time to get it out and work on it so I would just forget what I am learning. It is hard to get a free class with this particular teacher so that is why I tried to take it on right now.

One week we discussed President Packer’s conference address. It helped me to realize the importance of his remarks as we discussed potential and power of making and keeping sacred covenants. Another week we discussed Elder Nelson’s message about being an example of believers of Christ. My teacher quoted Chip Kelly’s motto, “WIN THE DAY; Do the very best today”. Since we can’t redo the past, we need to concentrate on doing our best today. In institute it was said, “If Satan keeps reminding you of your past, you remind him of his future!” Brother Stark challenged us to read a session of this past general conference each week, carefully notating each talk and we will be done by Christmas!

We had a fantastic stake conference broadcast from Salt Lake last Sunday. Sister Dalton reminded us to be faithful in the small things and promised us that “he who honors God, God will honor.” Elder Hales reminded us of the importance of individual, companion and family prayer and to use prayer as an expression of gratitude. President Uchtdorf’s talk was incredible reminding us that tough times never last but tough people do!

I love you and hope you are looking forward to having some wonderful holiday times ahead. Grandma and I have been busy working on dresses for the wedding. We are very focused on that project since we both leave town this week. I sure could use some Christmas gift ideas from many of you!

Be resourceful, committed and determined as you find ways to resolve or improve your situations. Never give up on a bad day. I love you. Have a great week! Love, Mom

October 25, 2010

Dear Children,

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! My first childhood memories of Christmas weather was the sound of wipers blades on the windshield when we went Christmas shopping. Last night, we drove through a driving rain storm to take Morty to the airport. The fall weather is finally here; we have been very lucky up until now.

Morty was here for the weekend. I saw more TV than I have in many months. It was kind of nice just to relax when I chose to sit with him and watch a game instead of scrapbooking while the TV was on (everything is still out on the ping pong table until I get Grandma’s books done: two more years left!). Morty loves his sports! He was patient enough to stay at our home to watch his games even though he could only watch one game at a time and on blurry TV compared to his. He did have his iPad and lap top showing some games at times.

He was also very kind and patient to go with me to help me make a decision on Adrianne’s reception spot. Last week we learned that the place we hoped to use had been booked for our day so I have spent much time and worry searching for something in our budget allowance. Friday, both Grandma and Morty traveled with me to Rock Creek Country Club and learned it was not going to work out so we decided we better get our deposit in for Hayden’s Restaurant in Tualatin. They have been very accommodating and best of all, they will do all the work! So we should have a fairly relaxing day; won’t that be nice? The manager even suggested that he would set up a side room with a video for the young children if they get bored.

Morty met up with Seth Feinauer and went to a Winterhawks game. Seth’s company gets box seating. Morty’s friend, Nicole, came down from Moses Lake to see him and go to the hockey game. Morty also showed me all the new features introduced from Apple this week. He got the new software and was organizing all his photos in iPhoto. It was very convenient to have Morty’s organized (by event and date) photo files here since I had a couple of questioned as I worked on Grandma’s books.

I am excited to spend this next weekend with Shawn and Aubrey’s family; it will be fun to see them over Halloween. After that I will head be in Utah for a few days to help Heidi organize her basement. They are supposed to have sunny weather that week. That will be good so it won’t be so cold.

Aubrey did another Nike half marathon. I forgot if she said she beat her last time. Just the fact that she did it was wonderful! She was able to go to Time Out for Women and sent me her notes. This year the theme is hope. In Ardeth Kapp’s message, she said we should hope for the Holy Ghost companionship more than anything else. That goes along with several of this last general conference messages. Last week my class discussed President Eyring’s conference address about trusting God when he taught us to listen to the prophets’ words by which we may live to find the security and peace that God wants for us. He said as we find out what God wants us to do and do it, our power to trust Him increases. He said: listen, learn, repent, go and do.

This week we discussed President Uchtdorf’s address on self worth. It was great as he used the example of a pilot reducing speed to safely navigate through turbulence, he reminded us to slow down. I loved his story about ball point pens in space and his quote from daVinci, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” My institute teacher says that B.U.S.Y. can sometimes mean “being under Satan’s yoke” when we neglect the things that matter most. President Uchtdorf reminded us the importance of relationships, that they don’t just happen, and that love in families is often spelled TIME.

Not to completely ignore President Uchtdorf’s message, but I did not slow to an optimum speed through my circumstances of last week when I had a holiday card party here to show the neighbors how fun and EASY my service was for getting out holiday cards and then the next morning being prepared to teach a whole wheat bread making class for Super Saturday! I couldn’t have done those without Dad’s help. He was right there cleaning up behind me all the way. After my class, I drove home, turned off the engine and immediately fell asleep sitting in the car in the garage!

Both events went very well and I am re-excited to start baking with wheat; I am on the quest for baking a loaf that is similar to Killer Dave’s bread with lots of seeds and nuts at Costco! I made a pretty good attempt on Sunday afternoon. I wanted to send a loaf home for the boys with Morty but he wouldn’t take it on the plane!

Anyway, I caught Dad’s cold from running faster than I had strength. I think I am almost over it. Last night, I kept falling asleep as I tried to write this so I headed to bed at 8:30! I stopped long enough to vote and then fell asleep. It felt SO good; why don’t I do that more often!!! I was going to get up early and make bread to send to Las Vegas with Katie but she isn’t flying there today.

I got to the temple a couple of times in the last couple of weeks. Kimberly Williams, Adrianne’s’ friend, is leaving for a mission in January. She came home and went through the temple so I went with her. Dad and I went to the ward temple night and were able to be the witness couple last week.

Very good news for Aaron: he got the job at UNLV working with their web design for the distance learning department. He will be excellent at that and be able to learn a lot to improve his skills. He starts class there in January but they let him start his work right now. He and Morty are busy setting up a retail business selling TV as they hope to have it going in November for Christmas and then Super Bowl sales. Aaron is setting up the store front right next to campus.

My Auntie Katherine passed away on Sunday (Johnny’s mom). I was going to try and fly down and back for the day for her funeral but they are not going to have a service. It is hard to realize that Grandma is the only one left in the Maldonado family of that generation! As I was thinking about my memories of my Auntie Katherine and Uncle Tony, I remember how I used to take my tricycle to the side yard of our Joanne Street home where there was gravel. I would ride my tricycle on the gravel to pretend that I was going to Uncle Tony’s house (they had a gravel driveway when they lived in Niles). I loved going there; we would play with the animals or play games all evening.

Have a good week ahead and “never suppress a generous thought! (Camilla Kimball)” I love you! Love, Mom

October 10, 2010

Dear Children,

I am glad that I am not the one driving to Sweet Home tonight. It sat in the car, started guessing some words for the Catch Phrase game Sunhee started and promptly fell asleep until almost Salem! I guess that allowed me to be able to stay awake for Dad all the home. We have had a weekend full of board games, bike riding, backyard fun, basketball and hide ‘n seek. Alina, Adam Sunhee and Meeja are full of non-stop energy and fun as they played all weekend together plus, they can hide in amazingly small spaces so they are great at hide ‘n seek!

There was no school on Friday so Dad and I drove to watch Sunhee’s soccer game Thursday evening. Friday afternoon was spent at the zoo. Dad left very early in the morning to check on a job so he could join us. The weather was just barely damp so the animals were all out and entertaining. We saw several feeding times which is always fun. I was surprised how much the older children loved the zoo; they have been a lot so I thought it wouldn’t be as exciting, but they all love learning. Alina was especially excited for her zoo trip since her entrance ticket said she was an adult!

This was the weekend for bread. Dad made lots of Halboji bread: cinnamon, wheat and white. On Sunday the children and I made a batch of whole wheat in my new mixer (well, it is over a year old but I just don’t use it much). They helped me form the loaves. It tasted great but didn’t rise like normal. I have to keep practicing since I have to teach it this Saturday and I have to be used to a new recipe and mixer (I can’t find my old K-Tec recipe).

We celebrated Adam’s birthday on Friday evening. He, with Alina’s promoting, chose shrimp pasta. Alina was a great helper in the kitchen and learned how easy it is to make. She took home some basil from the yard so she could make it at home. She also made our cupcake frosting on Sunday (We took dinner to the Andrew and Brittany Westhora family Sunday afternoon since they had their baby this week) so she has two more recipes in her repertoire.

More than anything, the grandchildren just loved playing in the yard and being together to just think of nothing but having fun with each other. It was a great weekend; it would be nice to do many more weekends like that and also be able to have weekends to have alone visits with the grandchildren but we have Bryson and Gregory who we haven’t visited in their home since Bryson was born! We are trying to make our Christmas plans with the Oregon grandchildren earlier this year so we don’t interfere with their own family Christmas celebrations. We might combine it with Kyre’s birthday celebration at the beginning of December.

I started another term of my institute class. Among other gospel principles, we will be studying a conference talk each week. That will be wonderful. We discussed President Monson’s great talk on gratitude this week.

I also started a Family History class this week on Tuesday evenings. It should be interesting. I hope I can just get information without getting too involved. I know that sounds horrible but I have other projects to finish before I can allow myself to start doing family research again. I love it and have a hard time just doing a little at a time! Getting back into it seems overwhelming to me. Sister Call talked to me at the class and signed me up to be an Indexer or Extractor. I don’t know if they are interchangeable; I don’t know that much about it yet. All I know is my email quit working the day the site was downloaded on my computer. I will have to figure that out this week when I have time. Aunt Denise just received a calling to work in the Oakland Family History Center so she is going to become an expert. Yes!

I hope AND PRAY that this week is a good one for each of you. Katie thought she would be getting an apartment this week but the apartments that she is looking at are getting rented immediately. She left the grandchildren some of her cupcakes that she prepared for her Singles Ward so we had a fun dessert tonight.

I love you, Mom

October 5, 2010

Dear Children,

What a wonderful week this has been. I have been in Utah since last Friday morning. Dad and I went for a visit and to watch a BYU football game for this season. Boo hoo; they lost right in front of our eyes. That was hard to watch after these many years of usually picking a winning game to see in Provo. It was a VERY warm day and our seats were at the tip top of the student section so the sun didn’t stop beating down on us until 8 minutes until the end of the game! It felt like summer. In fact, I have been so cold since returning late Sunday evening as the weather while I was there in Utah has been BEAUTIFUL!

The first day that we were in Utah we visited with Grandma and then went to Daybreak so Bill could go to a dinner to prepare for his half marathon the next day. Heidi was at a conference for Dazzle Apparel; she is planning on taking that back again from Bill’s company. We had a fun time with the girls after dinner just playing in their driveway and looking for rocks. Jenna loves rocks! Dad was hoping the girls would see the moon come up before we went in. When Bill and Heidi came back, we forgot all about the moon until Dad and I were driving home and saw the big, beautiful moon in the sky so the girls missed it!

On game day, Dad and I headed to the school and rented ourselves bikes so we could ride to the canyon. Our goal was Bridal Veil Falls. I did my best but my bike was too large for me since all their bikes my size were checked out. I never could sit back in my seat correctly so I was quite uncomfortable. I did make it to the first park in the canyon and then Dad raced up to the falls while I rode back. I thought he would catch up to me but he stopped to chat along the way . . . of course. It was an incredibly beautiful morning.

The Brady’s came down for the game and Adrianne watched the girls while Heidi and Bill attended the game. Adrianne and Blake took the girls to the park and kept them busy with fun activities. Then Adrianne made them a fresh fish dinner! They lucked out having Adrianne in charge. After the game Adrianne and I ran to Wal-Mart to find something to make a scooter cover on Monday. Well, for me to make while Adrianne was in class.

We had a barbeque and invited Blake’s sister, Amber, and her family. They had lots of fun in Grandma’s backyard . . . all children love Grandma’s backyard!!! Heidi and Bill were able to come down also. Blake and his sister brought the dessert, strawberry pies!

After dropping Dad off at the airport, I swung by the Brady’s home. Heidi was preparing for Jenna’s Joy School that she was teaching that day so I stayed and help with some of that. It is much the same as when Nate and Katie were in Joy School! Remember . . . Oh boy, I’ve got joy! That afternoon I worked on Adrianne’s scooter cover. I made it from a vinyl tablecloth. Adrianne wanted something lightweight to throw over the scooter in bad weather so it wouldn’t be covered with snow at the end of her school day. She stays long hours on campus with class and work. Luckily, she has lots more helpers in the research lab now with Doctor Roeder requesting (no demanding) that every student in her anatomy class do “volunteer” hours in the Sun Bear lab. Adrianne has organized them in groups so she doesn’t have to do so much training.

Adrianne and I got a little time to do some wedding planning on Tuesday when we found a place to print invitations. We learned that it is the same place that that Randy and Julie Young use for much of their printing so TJ told Adrianne to mention their name for a discount next time she goes in! YES! Adrianne wanted me to see the china she choose so we hurried over to Macy’s but they don’t have a good china department. I found that so hard to believe since it is in the middle or wedding mecca. They had a sample and it looks so close to Heidi’s china I thin that is amazing. I headed to Salt Lake for my SendOutCards meetings the rest of the week. Adrianne and I hadn’t had a chance to work on her Christmas quilt so I planned to come back on Thursday when she wasn’t feeling so stressed over a couple of tests that she needed to take before that date.

Adrianne is a great seamstress. I couldn’t believe how quickly she put the quilt top together when we had the chance on Thursday evening. She is putting a lot of hours into this project. She planned to do it last Christmas for Sharon Gueck but didn’t have the time so now she “thinks” she has the time!!! I will bring it back when I come the first week of November to help Heidi clean out her basement.

My meetings in Salt Lake were wonderful. I gained a huge appreciation for this company while there. I was a little concerned at how I would feel at the meetings but I came away SO IMPRESSED. The people are such good people. I wondered, “Does the SendOutCards product attract these kind of people or does it make these kinds of people?” I think it is a little of both. As you become a distributor, you are asked to become a product of the product and it is suggested that you try and think of one person each day to whom you send a heartfelt card. I have noticed, as I try and do that, I notice things for which to show gratitude to someone or I notice other’s achievements to express a congratulations; things like that. I used to feel good that I am lifting someone else when they read the card that I have sent, but I have learned that it changes my outlook on the day; it changes how I feel also. My benefit is huge from thinking of someone’s life to celebrate; it’s magical. I heard someone suggest to someone who was feeling depressed, to think of someone to send a card of gratitude each day. I see how that can work. I love being a part of something that is not only fun and an incredible tool to stay in touch personally and for businesses but it is really doing good in the world by simple means. I also loved the many stories of the moms in the business that have been able to return home to their children instead of working outside the home.

One of my favorite parts of being in Salt Lake this past weekend was getting tickets to Sunday morning general conference. That is always such a great experience to be right there. Adrianne and Blake came from Orem to join Carol Stanger and me. The meeting was wonderful starting with the Spoken Word’s beautiful music. The arrangement for the second song, “The Lord is my Shepherd” was so beautiful that you just wanted to exclaim, “WOW” at the end. Adrianne said she especially enjoyed their last song “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” since it was the same arrangement she played for the Portland Mormon Choir and Orchestra.

The messages of conference were so clear; I can’t think of a better word. I have loved the opportunity to listen to them over and over again as I walk with my iTouch. Thank you for all of you who bought that for us! In the Sunday morning session I loved President Packer’s promise, when he asked us to improve our moral standards, that the angels would coach us and priesthood leaders would guide us when we tried to stop bad behaviors. I loved Sister Mary Cook’s warning that the use of too much social media was really taking us away from valuable relationship time. I can see how this happens. I also learned that I should go to bed earlier; that is a good goal for me to set. I loved the speakers in Sunday afternoon with the accents that made me have to really concentrate as they talked! I loved it and that story about the cow breaking through the fence to the dangerous wheat! I can’t wait to turn my attention to the Saturday messages. That is usually my favorite day of general conference.

I felt that I had been primed to listen to the prophet’s message all week long at my convention workshops since he spoke on cultivating an attitude of gratitude. For years I have had a quote from him in the front of my planner that reads, “Think to thank; take things with gratitude rather than for granted.” He said that in 2000 and really expounded it on it in conference this time. He promised us that while we sincerely give thanks, we unlock the door of heaven and can feel God’s love. I have felt this! He asked us to focus on our blessings instead of what we lack and to refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought. This reminds me of something I ALSO have written in my planner from your wise Grandma Bitter: “I use and enjoy what I have and don’t make myself unhappy for what I am not or don’t have.” She told me that in 1989 and I have turned to that quote many times. President Monson promised us that a prayerful life is a grateful life; to not take people for granted and don’t wait to express love and appreciation.

I have had a great week and now, after going through more than a week’s worth of mail and emails, I am ready for Alina, Adam, Sunhee and Meeja to visit. We will have a great time this weekend. I will have them help me grind some wheat and practice making bread since I am teaching a workshop next Saturday! Ha! I had to laugh when they asked me to do that. I said, “Well I guess I better practice doing that since I haven’t made bread for years!” If Dad is willing, I may drag him along as he has been our chief bread maker for the last few years.

We will be celebrating Adam’s birthday on Friday; he has requested shrimp pasta (or Alina got him to request it!). He is 11 now . . . yikes! Can you believe it!

I was in Utah while Morty came up for a Duck game last weekend. Luckily, I was able to see him in the airport. My flight came in just before his was leaving. We gathered by Katie’s desk . . . well, Southwest’s desk where Katie was working. She was at the desk that serviced both mine and Morty’s gate. It was pretty fun.

Dad has been working in Salem so he went extra early so he could have time to visit with Scott today. He is in good spirits. We were worried how he would react to Angie’s legal papers served him last week for guardianship of Alina. He seems to be coming to the realization that those of us outside working with the children may have a better understanding of their needs. He is good to be thankful for those helping his family and also fast and prayer for his children and Kyre. I love you, Mom

September 20, 2010

Dear Children,

I will try and write just a quick update for the past week so I don’t get so behind again. It is hard to break away from a huge Christmas project I am trying to finish before I leave for Utah. I want to be able to clean up my mess so Katie doesn’t have to look at for over a week while I am away! The stark reality of it being October when I return is quite a jolt. Besides all the fun preparations for the holiday, wedding planning and the visits we have planned (and are trying to plan with Shawn and Aubrey!) in the next couple of months, this can be the busiest time for our card business since it has such a wonderful system for sending Christmas cards. We are both excited for the months ahead.

It wasn’t a very newsy week for us. We are both busy with our projects and we feel very blessed that the concrete jobs have picked up in the last couple of months. Our immediate goal is to be booked up through November and create awareness with all our previous clients that we are still going strong so we might get used during the winter. New construction used to carry us through the winter but that is a thing of the past for the time being in this area. We just have been so pleased to stay as busy as we have been. We hear it is supposed to be a very cold winter this year.

This week we were able to use some Groupon coupons that we have had for quite some time. For Mother’s day, Katie had given me a manicure-pedicure coupon and bought one for herself. This week we finally got our schedules together to make it happen. I haven’t had a manicure for years. I like having my nails painted; it will be a challenge to keep it looking nice.

On Saturday Dad and I went on a Portland Bike Tour. It was another Groupon purchase; it was Dad’s Father’s Day present. We had great fun. It was a two hour tour of the Portland waterfront; up and down both sides. I want to follow the same trail again soon, so I don’t forget all the turns that kept us on good biking roads. It would be something that would be fun to do on one of your visits here. We stopped in some spots and heard a little history of the areas.

Speaking of bikes, the past few weeks, Dad has been following the Vuelta a España, a three week bike race all over Spain. He has followed where they will be to be able to also watch for the countryside that we saw. The day I enjoyed most was watching them ride up a ski resort road that was steeper than Weir Road, unbelievable! There is a bike ride coming up in October that Dad would like to try and do. It is on the second weekend in October when we have the grandchildren. He could choose one of the shorter routes that go through the country roads around Hillsboro. I think it would be kind of fun for the grandchildren to be able to watch him go by in some of the areas.

We enjoyed our visit with Scott this week. He seemed understandably down saying he has hard a hard couple of weeks with Kyre’s divorce plans and some of her other decisions about the children. It was great to hear him talk about how his roommate is someone with whom he is most comfortable. He is someone he trusted when he went to OSP in the beginning. Steve is applying for vocational training that is available in Salem so that means he may be able to stay until his release date in 4 ½ years.

Well, not much news but just an update. We love you and pray for each one of you! Love Mom