We have been busy with taking care of Grandpa and Grandma Kern . Grandpa is in the hospital again and Grandma is staying with us. His stomache cancer has spread to other parts of his body so now it is mostly a waiting game. The doctor said 6 months was his best prognosis. Grandpa can't have any more chemotherapy or radiation. He is well into his 80's and everyone has to get out of this world some way. No matter how much you think you are prepared, it is still hard. Everyone is most worriied about Grandma living alone now. It is kind of a day by day situation now.
We enjoyed watching the LDS General Conference this weekend on TV. As usual, all the talks were so timely. It was fun to hear our son, Ben call last night. It was interesting to hear him and his Dad have a good conversation about their favorite talks.
We are hoping to go to the cabin in Island Park at least one more time before winter sets in, peobably for Emily's birthday at the end of October. It is already getting cold in Rexburg though fall leaves are still in their splendor.
I have just about finished recording all the journal entries from past calenders. It has been an enjoyable journey into the past. I bought a new saying to put on my wall. Reading all your blogs reminds me of it. So here's the saying for the day:
"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It is about learning to dance in the rain." Happy dancing!

I have been going through my box of personal history the last few days and I have remembered many things. A couple of interesting items: I found some flyers that I had made up when I was running for student body office at Ricks College. The simple picture was drawn by either Del or Leon Parson, whichever one is about my age. He most recently did the artwork for the murals in the Rexburg and Twin Falls Temples. He didn't sign my picture so you will just have to take my word for it. As I remember, he was not a close acquaintance of mine and just jotted something out quickly while standing in the Manwaring Center (student union building).

The other interesting thing I noted were the kinds of things I had in my journal. (Really just a Calendar on which I wrote short daily happenings as well as my daily schedule.) I noticed that I was busy with the same kinds of things that my childen are involved in now - church callings in Primary, planting a garden, family vacations and activities, running with friends early in the morning or late at night when the kids were in bed, assignments from my husband. I even wrote down menus for supper. Life really is a series of stages. I just haven't given much thought to this stage of my life.

Ralph is finished with his first draft of his "Homes of the Prophets' project. He has it turned in to the Dean of his department (as required by the conditions of the sabbatical he took last semester). He has also sent a copy to Deseret Book so we will see what comes of that. Whatever happens, he has personally benefitted greatly from the study and research he has done. Now we're back to the "usual" and preparing for snow and winter-time.

Save your calendars - you'll be glad you did!

I guess it is time to post again. I enjoyed reading everybody's BLOG. Reading about the Utah/Utah State game made me remember that first game too. We were such "football neophytes" that we went to the game wearing regular clothes (probably brown). It crossed my mind that we should wear something red to show which team we supported but then I thought no, that is so "high school." We felt very uncomfortable sitting in our brown clothes in the red section. For the next game I bought a red Utah vest to wear to the game. It just goes to show you what "football illiterates" we are. We have been learning ever since. Thanks Jay, for patiently tolerating our ignorance. We enjoy being Utah fans!
Next weekend I think all the girls are coming (Blake might come too) and going on a hike into the southwest corner of Yellowstone Park. When they make their goal, Denanda Falls, there will be a natural hot tub to soak in. All the kids are staying at the cabin with me and Ralph's niece, a BYUI student, is coming to help babysit. I have been thinking of some "grandma projects" to keep them busy. I think it will be a fun time if they can avoid the mosquitos and the rutting elk. I'll give a report in the next post.

I was reading the Church News this week and saw that William K Mendenhall, Declo Stake President, from the Twin Falls area had recentky died of cancer. He was featured because he was in charge of the Cultural celebration connected to the dedication of the Twin Falls, ID temple. He was the same age as I was nd from the picture shown, looked like a Bill Mendenhalll I had served with as Student Body Officer of Ricks College about 30 years ago. It brought back many memories and made me think I am getting to the age that I might find my friends in the obituaries. I have come to appreciate the Plan of Salvation recently and have an assurance that this life is only act II of III acts.

I just had a wonderful visit with my sister, Stephanie. She came to visit for a few days and did wonderful things like fix dinner and take me to my hair appointment. She also took me to the BYUI, Thomas E. Ricks Gardens where we enjoyed talking and looking at the many features. I always come away inspired by the beauty and variety of plants there. I think. "You CAN grow something beautiful and useful in Rexburg!" Most of the rest of the time we talked while she worked on a quilt for her first expected grandchild.
Stephanie walked to the BYUI bookstore and bought some music. there. I enjoyed listening to her play the piano while she tried the pieces out. Ralph does a great job of seeing to my physical needs but I enjoy my sister because she lifts my psyche as well.
She left a few hours ago to drive home to Caldwell, Idaho. I am looking forward to her next visit, possibly in September. She might convince another sister, Priscilla, to come with her.

Every time I try to put a title I get something funny so I am just going to post unntitled. I spent last week at Sara's in Utah while Ralph took a trip to Guatemala with members of his family. He had a wonderful time and learned much. They saw ruins at Tikal and the place where archeologists agree that it was probably the place of "the waters of Mormon" called Atitlan. He brought home souvenirs, choocolate, and a good case of "Montezuma's Revenge".

I had a wonderful time at Sara's and enjoyed my grandchildren. Sara did many things to make the stay comfortable and enjoyable. I especially enjoyed conversations with my grandaughters, Ashtyn and Alayna. We took an excursion to IKEA Monday and all in all had a great time.

Now we are home in Rexburg, it feels like fall and Ralph is busy finishing up his research on his "Homes of the Prophets" project and getting ready for the fall semester at BYUI. He says this feels too much like his doctoral dissertation. I guess its the old school teacher in me but I am ready for fall to be here too.

A SHORT VACATION