Sharing Time, Treats & Tours

We took Grandma Crane to lunch at Archibald's Restaurant, with it's Birthday offer of buy one get one free meal, this week. They seated us in the grain bin area with Archibald Gardiner's eleven wives portraits, families and lives showcased in each booth. A lazy summer afternoon of small talk, photo taking and laughter was enjoyed. Death by Chocolate, a free yummy treat we shared, topped off the meal.

Afterward a visit to Katie & Troy's spacious new home, with a personal tour by baby Parker was given. His happy smile let us know his favorite room is the one his mom is in. Katie's is the laundry room with floor to ceiling cabinets. There's lots of room to grow in this lovely & well deserved home.

Since we celebrated Mom's 80th birthday last month, it was just a 'we didn't forget the real thing' outing. Join us next year for another episode of 'Birthdays with Grandma Crane'.

Octogenarian in the Family

Grandma Crane is officially 80 years old today. We celebrated last month with all the hoopla, but we need to call & wish her well today, also. Julie took Mom to the Tabernacle Choir broadcast yesterday held in the Conference Center, which was a first for both. It's the Choir's 80th birthday for broadcasting this week.

Another great event I remember that happened on Mom's birthday was the first space shuttle landing on the moon in 1968. It was a big event & an exciting one to share your birthday with. It's hard to believe Mom was half her current age.

Thanks Mom for being the great, friendly, helping adventurous person that you are. Have a wonderful day & eightieth year.

Blessings @the Mount Timpanogos Temple

Wednesday, June 24th, was the day Sarah Sargent Schmidt, took out her endowments in the Mt Timpanogos Temple. Jory's sisters, Jenn, Mauri & Alicia along with spouses, Allan & I went. Jennifer & family arrived from Washington a few hours before the session with many a family file name in hand to take with us.

Everyone got to the temple at a different time, with Alicia getting lost along the route. When the early ones walked into the chapel it was filling up fast & our husbands were stuck in initiatory with names from Jennifer to do. The spots we saved quickly filled in and Alicia was no where in sight. I was worried they wouldn't make the session thinking they would take the first in line until full.

The officiator walked five rows back from the front, stopped by Jennifer & Mike, and too my surprise, asked if they would like to be the witness couple. How exciting for Jory's oldest sister to do this, especially since they had never done it before. Alicia & Dave were the witness couple for Breann's endowment.

When it was time to go, all those who were with the four getting endowed were asked to stand in the congregation & allowed to join the group. Allan & Aaron had arrived & squished in with us. Alicia came from the overflow rooms that got the same announcement; but Dave was no where to be seen. He'd had trouble with his recommend. What does a bishop do when that happens to him? A temple worker found him in the dressing room as our group waited. We were so glad for this gift.

I complimented a sister temple worker I met later at the reception for treating us so kindly instead of first come first served only. It was a a time of joy as we worshipped together with the Lord in the temple.

Join Grandma Crane on Her 80th Birthday Bash

We're celebrating Grandma Crane's 80th birthday this weekend and want you all to join us. She's pretty excited about it after a photo session, buying a new dress, getting her picture in the paper, sending out 200 invites, preparing strawberry shortcake for all and much more.

It's a time to say 'Hello' to her friends, family & long lost school chums. She is looking forward to the party. Better than a professional, Dave W. will be here from Nebraska entertaining us with his beautiful music. Displays showing stages of her life, journals, service projects and more will be set up.

Many of you have sent in your own experiences and memories, that will be presented to her. Thanks for your help, support and attendance this Saturday from 4-6pm.

Congrats to the High School Grads

They made it!!! Emily the youngest of the group, beat by graduating on Saturday, May 30th. Camille & Alison graduate from high school today one a few hours ahead of the other.

Thirteen long years finished some friends & unknowns alike never to be seen again as you end the event, with a cap toss in the air. You did great, ladies! The future is even better now that you're officially an adult, making decisions that will affect the rest of your life. Only you can hold yourself back by not reaching for the most achievable opportunities. Don't say, "I can't do that!" Say, "I won't know, unless I try!"

Best wishes as you move on to college, careers and catching a man. Take your time please. No rush.

Graduates Galore

Collegiate Congrats are in order for three amazing family members that graduated from college this spring.
Jim Crane earned his Masters in Engineering and has recently moved to New Mexico, where he's stationed with the Air Force. Jim is married to Jenn, has five angelic daughters and is going it alone until the girls finish school in June then join him.

Troy Rueckert has a Bachelors in Engineering from the U of U. Troy's a new father & husband to Katie. See their blog ktrueckert.blogspot.com to view his senior project & new son. Troy has been interning this year at L3 Communications & now is a full-time employee.

Jory Schmidt with Bachelor's in Elementary Education at UVU is getting married in June to Sarah Sargent. He's been hired as a fourth grade teacher at Saratoga Springs Elementary. They will make their home in Orem. Go to shakydance.blogspot.com to see their engagement unfold.

You are great examples of 'sticking it out' as you've accomplished your goals. May the course be with you.

Mothers Day Wishes

The ‘What a Woman Wants’ show just packed up & left town recently. I didn’t go because I’m waiting for the ‘What a Mom Needs’ show. It’s probably not coming, because they don’t care about what we need. It’s impossible to fill that gap since it changes daily or even hourly.
Young Moms need: Sleep, peace & quiet, uninterrupted showers and an entourage of cooks, maids & baby sitters, all free of course. Kisses & hugs, too.
Toddler Moms need: Sleep, 5 minutes peace, helpful & obedient children, down time, things to stay clean, parks w/cool playgrounds, hair to stay combed and lots of Mac & cheese. Forgiving hugs.

Moms w/school age kids need: Tutors to keep up on homework requirements, referees to solve fights, caring teachers, free taxi service and kids that do their chores without being asked. Lots of Kisses.
Moms w/teens need: Cute clothes, beauty skills, patience when your things are used without permission, abilities to be pleasant 24/7 and able to keep your mouth shut at the right times. Unconditional hugs.
Mom w/grown kids need: Calls asking how to make their fave dish, thank you notes, good memories and offers to help with dinner when kids come home to eat. Hugs & thanks.

Grandmoms need: Grand children to visit, not to be taken for granted and lots of hugs & kisses.
The Mom in all of us needs to know: You’re a mentor for many as they look to you for guidance and an example whether you become a mother or not. Thanks for making a difference in a child’s life.