Parkers Drive In...Part Of A Wonderful Day

My Favorite Place To Eat In Utah!

Parkers Drive In, American Fork, Utah

5th East and State Street

I say it often, it is easy to eat my way through Utah.

The food is sooooo darn good in every corner of Utah.

Parkers is at the top of my places to stop for....

Burgers, Fries, Fry Sauce (the best) Fresh Limes,

Real Cherry Cokes, Brown Toppers....No, I did not eat

one of everything in one stop!

There was no question as to where my cousin, Darlene, and I

would meet for lunch.....PARKERS!

Lunch at Parkers Drive In with Darlene was part

of one of the most wonderful days I have had in a long time.

I loved every minute I spent with my dear cousin.

We had a slumber party in Salt Lake.....No one had to tell
us to be quiet, turn out the lights, or go to sleep!
Dinner was from another favorite spot....Cafe Rio. Mmmm
We visited her dad, my Uncle Lawrence. It did my heart
a world of good to spend time with Uncle Lawrence. Recently,
I have feared I would not see him before he left this earth.
Welaughed and cried and laughed and cried.
His body is failing yet his mind is sharp as ever.
He shared some stories with us from years gone by
and talked to us about his dear wife,
my Aunt Marilyn. He misses her terribly and so do I.
Seeing Dear Family, Laughing and Crying all Day,
Eating at a lifetime favorite spot,
Being in Utah, Seeing Andrew settled and happy at College.
It just all made for a great trip....even if I had to cut it short due to
the possible threat of Hurricane Ike.
This trip, I was very aware of how important it is to make an effort to
stay in touch with extended family. In my case, geography is
a challenge. Most of my relatives live in Utah. It takes a
concentrated effort to remain in contact. I am so thankful that,
as a child, once we moved away from Utah,
my parents made sure we visited our family there each
summer. The connections to my extended family will
bless my life forever.

Grandpa David

Andrew and Grandpa David

We met Grandpa David and Grandma Eleanor in downtown

Salt Lake City at

The LDS Church Office Building for lunch. What a Cafeteria...

I mean WHAT a Cafeteria. I could eat there every day!

The food, the prices, the atmosphere....Sign Me Up!

Thank goodness for a low to no windy day. Water from the

fountains was not blowing all over us... and more importantly,

not blowing all over the beautiful Brides who were

posing for photos all over the place.

There is nothing like visiting The Salt Lake

LDS Temple Grounds and surrounding Church Office

Building Plaza to watch the Brides (and grooms) during

their photo sessions.

Andrew lives close enough to walk here every day. I am still trying not to covet his location and the opportunities he has at his finger tips. As soon as the first snow arrives, I will come to my senses and remember why I live in paradise!

REAL Lawn

Utah's Most Beautiful Yard...

My Uncle Bill and Aunt Mary get the award!

Front and Back, Their Yard is breathtaking.

Visiting my Uncle Bill and Aunt Mary in Utah is something I

always look forward to. We catch up on all the latest, we solve

the problems of the world and we LAUGH until there are tears

streaming from our eyes.

In addition to the enjoyable visit, I am always delighted to

tour their yard...the front and back. Every inch is manicured

and well tended. Living in Florida, I appreciate the REAL

lawn in Utah. I have to take off my shoes and let my bare feet

enjoy the velvet green summer grass. Ohhhhhh it feels so

nice on bare feet. I forget how beautiful the lawns and yards

are in Utah at their peak. Their perfect lawn and flower beds

are amazing to me. Their hard work shows in every inch.

I Love you, Uncle Bill and Aunt Mary!

Thank you for spending the afternoon with Andrew and me

and sharing your yard with us!

Bonus Visit

An Added Delight To My Trip Last Week..

Curt and Carmen were in town from Michigan

for her little brother's Baptism.

We stopped by to visit and then attended the Baptism

the following day while Andrew was attending a wedding at

The LDS Salt Lake Temple.

With Andrew around..there is a complete guarantee of

constant FUN!
Me with Melynda (Carmen's sister) Cute Cute Hair, Melynda!

Me With Curt

It was so great to listen to him play the piano. I miss the

days of hearing him play for hours at a time. I miss

hearing him play the organ at Church..OK, I just miss him

living near by!

Carmen, Curt, Me, Melynda

Steve (Carmen's dad), Carmen, Curt, Melynda

It was great to see everyone!

Attending Shane's Baptism was the beginning of what would

prove to be one of the best days I have had in years. I spent

the rest of the day and evening with my cousin, Darlene.

Photos and details in next post.

Another Word For Friends...

Some May Call Them Friends...

I Call Them Blessings...

Friday Night at Brick Oven Pizza In Provo, UT

(I am old enough to remember when it was named

Heaps Brick Oven Pizza and one of the coolest places in town

to see and be seen! Not that I was ever much of a Provo girl, mind you!)

We enjoyed an evening with Dear Florida Transplant Friends

Had time allowed, we could have filled this room several times

over with Florida to Utah Transplants. This is an exciting

part of visiting Utah... seeing dear friends from Florida.

A blessing I am constantly aware of is that The Lord has put me

in the path of amazing people my entire life. Living in South

Florida for 28 years, my life has been blessed through my

associations with so many dear people.

There is not a person I don't consider a friend and a treasure.

So many people have left a permanent mark on my heart.

I have experienced hundreds of people move in to this area

and eventually, many move away.

Regardless of where they are now or how long they lived near me,

I have learned much and been richly blessed by the people in my life.

Whether I am blessed to associate up close and personal

on a regular basis or just get to catch up with someone once in a while,
I love the people in every corner of my life.

I am surrounded by wonderful people.

If you are reading this....YOU are included. Yes, YOU...

YOU are wonderful!

The people in these photos are dear to me....

How could anyone not absolutely be in love with Cindy J?

Ryan and Carolann, Me, Cindy J, Becky, Robby, Meaghan

Standing:

Cristina and Andrew

PS- If you are headed to Brick Oven Pizza In Provo, Utah...

order the Spinach Artichoke Pizza. Order the personal 9"

size so you don't have to share!

Loved It!!!

Eating my way through Utah one of the activities I enjoy the most!

My two favorite things in one post...

PEOPLE and FOOD!

Ron Is Melting!!!!

Ron's 90-Day Challenge

Ron weighed in this morning....He is down 30 pounds!!!!

When I weighed in last week, I said, the only thing that would make me happier than winning the

90-Day Challenge is to have my husband win it!!!!!

In Ron's words...."I am half way to my goal"

Winning is not just the weight loss numbers, it is the fat loss percentage and the essay we had to write and submit at weigh in. Next Wednesday, we will hear who the winners are.

Photo taken from on top of the LDS Conference Center after Saturday Morning General Conference Session. As far as Salt Lake City goes...this was a sunny day!

Now, this is not the greatest photo of us as our bodies are melting.

I look pregnant (Im not) and you cannot tell that Ron's clothes are hanging on him. He has NO REAR-END, a much smaller tummy, and his legs are looking like shaply bird legs.

When you ask a stranger to take a photo...you get what you get.

Charging....

I'm Off To RE-CHARGE....

And not a moment too soon!!!

I was packed, but now I read that I am packing for snow and 30 degree weather... so much for the white skirts and open-toed cute shoes!

**Time to Take Care of Myself=Time To Be Unselfish!!!

Next week, I will return with lots to write about.

When I return, my girls will be on spring break.... another time I am looking forward to!!!

I hope to hit the beach more than once and get some serious fun in with Katherine and Megan...Andrew, too! The sunscreen is re-stocked and ready to go with us to the beach!

I am headed to Utah early tomorrow and Ron will meet me on Thursday!!!!

We will attend his Mission Reunion and LDS General Conference on Saturday and Sunday.

LDS General Conference in April and October are my two favorite weekends of the year..hands down.

Sunday, April 6, we celebrate the date that Ron asked me to be his wife 28 years ago. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I can't wait to spend some much needed time with just Ron, my best friend!!!!

TIME TO RECHARGE....HOORAY!!!!

My spirit, body, mind, and marriage!!!

I am always amazed at how I feel when I charge my batteries. Usually, I don't realize how badly I needed it until I look back and see where I came from. As I wrote in my 90 Day Body Challenge Essay this morning..... **I am of no use to others if I do not take care of myself daily. If I want to live a life of serving others, I must first make time to serve myself.

The most selfish thing I (or anyone else) can do is to NOT take care of myself physically.

Florida-Utah Gathering

Friday Night Fun

Regardless of where I am or what exciting sites there are to see... there is one thing I am certain of... People are more important than any place or thing. I absolutely LOVE people and have been blessed to be surrounded by the best people on earth. My life is so rich and full as a result of those who I have crossed paths with or continue to walk with daily. I thank the Lord daily for the influence of wonderful people! The impact on me and my family is eternal.

We enjoyed a Warm and Friendly Gathering on a Cold and Rainy Friday Night. The incredible Curt and Carmen graciously opened their home for this very enjoyable evening!

Warning.... This is the longest of the Utah Trip posts. Each photo is fun to look at and be reminded of many years of great memories. We baked Papa Murphy's Take and Bake Pizzas and enjoyed visiting. Jeffrey and Alison had to leave for his Mission Reunion, yet were able to visit a few minutes at the beginning and end of this Gathering.

For more details of our trip last weekend, check Curt and Carmen's Blog

Ian B and Micheal W.

Shauna, Ron, Dana D, Emily L, Carolann C, Ryan J, Becky J

Kendra
Dana D, Ian B, and Emily W
When I asked Ian if he was enjoying the BYU experience, he got a huge grin and said....
"You don't eeeeeeeven know!" He is such a great person, he deserves to have the time of his life, as do Dana and Emily. Rock strong young adults!
The Double Engagement Photo
Jeffrey, Alison, Stacia, and Keith
I can only imagine the conversation between Kendra and Jeffrey as Ron looks on.
Now let me say... it was WONDERFUL to see Cindy J and Ryan and Becky!!!!
It makes me realize how much I miss seeing them. I am so happy they are finding happiness in their new life and adventure in Utah. This is a first.... Cindy and me in a photo wearing WINTER clothes!!!
Michael W and Curt
Michael was visiting for General Conference from Florida with his dad, Bishop Watson, Brent, Melvin, Maverick, and Michelle's husband, Brett.
Emily W, Michael, and Dana were very happy to see each other. Emily's father is our Stake President, Dana and her family moved from our area to Jacksonville about 4-5 years ago. It was so good to catch up with Dana. I have always loved watching her grow.
Chris A and Ron

One of many group shots...

Becky,, Cindy,

Kendra, Carolann, Ryan, Chris, Tiffany (Chris' girlfriend)

Shane (Carmen's little brother)

Carmen before her kitchen was over taken by Pizzas, Sodas, and People!

Shane was loving the pizza and all the visitors.

Chris A and his girlfriend, Tiffany, from Seattle

Group Lovin' Shot

Carmen, Curt, Michael, Alison, Jeffrey

Kendra

Two Wellington Transplants in Utah..

Carolann C and Ryan J

Melynda (Carmen's sister) and Jeffrey enjoying fun time together! I absolutely love Melynda. I can relate to her on so many levels!

Ron, Carmen, Curt, And Kristina (my niece who is at BYU from New Jersey)

Bigger Group Photo

Ian, Dana, Michael

Shauna, Ron Curt, Kendra, Emily, Chris, Carolann, Ryan,Becky, Cindy

A very fun evening, indeed. Thank you to all who braved to cold, rainy weather and the crazy Utah Traffic to join us.

Twenty Seven Years Later.....

The Salt Lake LDS Temple

Ron and Shauna....Then.....And....Now

Twenty Seven Years Ago, I Stood on these stairs with Ron, my husband of just a few minutes. We were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Then...I loved him with all my heart..I had no idea how that love would continue to grow...

Here we are 27 years later (I know, we look so thin and young). I am still in love with this incredible man. The love grows and grows each day. I could not have seen some of the roads we would travel, yet I am so thankful we have traveled them together.
Below...Then...here we are after climbing in to the little cubby at the top of the stairs outside the Salt Lake LDS Temple. This is one of those famous poses for a bride and groom who marry in this temple. It is not easy make the steep step up in to this area. After watching brides in full dresses with trains and high heels take the giant step up for this photo, I must say, I hold my breath. As of yet, I have not seen one trip or fall.

Now.... It was easier is pants and these shoes to take the giant step up to this area, however, I am definitely not the agile 20 year old I was that day.

Yes, I will say it for you.... We look so good...so young and thin without a care in the world...not!

Twenty Seven Years FULL of joy and wonderful memories.

Keith and Stacia

Anxiously Engaged...

We got to meet Stacia, Keith's fiance. As far as I know, we did not scare her away or make her have second thoughts about marrying in to a family that is in every way, our own family. They are in love and anxious to begin life as husband and wife.

Shauna, Kendra, Stacia, Keith, and Ron

Kendra, Stacia, Keith

Jeffrey, Alison, Stacia, and Keith..

The Double Engagement Photo!

Who would have ever thought these two little Cub Scouts would grow up to be such fine Young Men and find such incredible Young Ladies to marry. I am so proud of all of them.

Accomodations

Our Host and Hostess... Curt and Carmen

Carmen has been working hard on their Guest Room We were delighted to be the first guests to try out the new bed from **IKEA and to enjoy the benefit of her talents. She MADE the comforter, and these awesome, and I mean awesome pillows. The brown and blue combo on the bed are a perfect compliment. Thanks Carmen and Curt for hosting us!

**Dear IKEA,

Please, please tell me why Draper, Utah got an IKEA store long before the entire state of Florida???? Yes, I know, next week we finally get an IKEA in Sunrise (Ft Lauderdale) and soon after, one in Orlando. All I can say is.... it is about time!!!! Every Swedish part of me is excited! Now, will you please note the demographics of Palm Beach County? The buying power here would send your stock prices through the roof!

A Visit With Grandpa David

The Ripple Missionary Effect...

The following photos represent an amazing miracle, some may view as ordinary. I know there is no such thing as an ordinary miracle.

When Ron's mother was a widow raising two young sons, she was voted "Florida Teacher of The Year". Her College Alumni Newspaper, Kent State, in Ohio, made note of this accomplishment in it's quarterly newsletter mailed to all Alumni. One person, in particular took note of the detail that she was a widow. He, being newly single and a newly baptized member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, traveled to Florida, looked her up.. and the rest... is a wonderful history. David Brainard (known affectionately as Grandpa Dave) brought the gospel of Jesus Christ to Ron, his mother, and his brother.

Since the passing of Ron's mother, Cid, David remarried a woman named Eleanor. They have a home in Arizona and a condo in Salt Lake City. Recently, they have served as missionaries in Salt Lake City. David had knee surgery a few weeks ago and is now in a Rehabilitation Facility in Salt Lake for healing. We had a nice visit with him. Some very tender moments. He misses Ron's mother, Grandma Cid very much.

We recognize that we enjoy the family relationships we do because David brought the gospel to Ron. Ron and I would have never met had he not been a member of The Church and served as a missionary in Salt Lake (We met after his mission when he returned to Salt Lake with the intention of marrying someone else! I am so happy that did not work out!!!)

David and Ron
Curt, Jeffrey, David, and Ron

Note all the Orange Ties... It was game day... the Gators needed more than Orange Ties to pull off a win that night. Scroll down for the Gators Report.

Curt, Carmen, Alison, David, Ron, Shauna
Eleanor (This was the first time David, Eleanor, and Alison met)
Alison's sister, Amanda was with and took this photo. Thank you, Amanda!
Jeffrey and David. Jeffrey made sure Grandpa David marked his calendar to be in Florida for his June 13 wedding.
Oh----Jeffrey, I think Grandpa David has forgiven you for loosening the lid on top of the pepper and salt shakers in the Swiss Hat Restaurant in Sugar Creek, Ohio. Or was that Andrew. Regardless of who did it, when David turned the shakers upside down to sprinkle a small amount of pepper and salt on his food.. he got more than he bargained for... his food was completely covered with salt and pepper... AND all of the sudden, Jeffrey and Andrew were no where to be seen. They silently got out of the restaurant while the getting was safe....

Jeffrey, Grandpa David, and Alison

One never knows the far reaching influence of sharing the Gospel with just "one" person. I am so thankful for the person who was bold enough to share The Gospel of Jesus Christ with David. My life is rich and full of joy as a result of that one decision to share.