Rexburg: Land of Oxymorons

I have decided I live in a place where oxymorons abound. For example, I have been enjoying the beautiful daffodils in our yard and the hint of Spring in the air This morning we woke up to a snow storm. Other things have been very diffeent for me. There are many contrasts. A local television car ad says the best thing about coming to the "big city" of Idaho Falls is that you get to ride in an elevator. However our next door neighbor is a retired airline pilot and now drives a school bus for the local school district. My sister on the other side of the State says they should be so lucky in their school district.
I thought it odd that irrigation pipes were used in the local dance and celebration of the completion of the Rexburg LDS Temple. When we went to church in West Yellowstone near our cabin, the speaker remembered this experience:
During the forest fires of 1988, the town of West Yellowstone, MT became threatened. The speaker was fire chief at the time and considered how to save the town and lives and property for which he was responsible. Someone suggested using irrigation pipe from the farmer's in the valley (Rexburg and other communities) They saved the town of West Yellowstone by using the irrigation pipes farmers had willingly brought up from the valley.
I have learned that what may seem odd or different may have totally different signifance once the facts and history are known. For now, I will remember that Spring will come to stay and that I live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. In the meantime, I'll enjoy my bouquet of daffodils in the house.

Happy Easter

Last weekend we made a daytrip to Sara's in Utah to celebrate Easter. We enjoyed watching the grandkids dye and hunt Easter eggs on on Saturday and had a traditional "doo-dah" family dinner. The girls made familiar food that tasted very good to me. Training good cooks was not high on my priority list but every daughter sure is one.
We came home late Sat. night and when Ralph apologised for not having Easter Baskets and candy on Sunday morning, I was totally o.k. because I felt like we had already celebrated on Saturday. Besides, Sara sent home some leftovers which we had for Sunday dinner.
It was nice to see Blake and Josie and family, especially since Blake's job is ending in Twin Falls and no one knows where they'll be living next.
I have posted a picture of some of the grandkids sitting on the steps at Sara's house. Sunday was a quiet day. Our big celebration that day was to see the purple crocuses in bloom outside and the Easter Lily blooming inside, both reminders of the Resurrection and that there will be new hope even after a long winter. Hope your Easter was good too!

Grandkids

I love my grandkids! Even though this stage of life came before I felt I was ready for it, it has been one of the pleasantest surprises of my life. As I am sure all grandmothers feel, I have the best grandchildren in the whole world.
Four of my grandchildren came to stay with me last weekend. I am always pleased at how kind and respectful they are. A great deal of credit goes to their parents. Even 18 month old Jacob, who loves cars, brings me many cars. With them piled high on my lap, I can be thankful for his 18th month old compassion or frustrated about the pile of cars on my lap. I love interacting with him on this level Other grandchildren made pictures and stories for me. Soms wrote notes to me. It is a completely different way of interacting with each other but I love it.
This weekend wore me out but it also envigorated me and gave me many happy memories that I am still enjoying. Sara took a picture of Grandpa reading a story about cars to Jacob. I will post it but it may take me awhile. Ralph went to Salt Lake this weekend to sing in a choir for the LDS General pnference, spend time with his sons, and of course he had to look at a classic car which was for sale. For now, I will think of my wonderful weekend.