Magna Cum Laude

I had a 12-day vacation in Utah to enjoy the college graduation of my youngest son Paul who had a 3.84 gpa. There were many events including the commencement, convocation, multi-cultural breakfast, first-generation reception where President Matthew Holland spoke with the graduate and me. There was another meet and greet with him before the convocation that we did not arrive in time for. Pictures were taken after on the lawn and Rick went down before his name was read to get a picture too. A buffet was available for us after as well and we were the last to leave. We met up at Paul's new condo which is fabulous. It was a whirlwind two days. We ate at Tsunami, and a place at the college between events, after the commencement an excellent Indian cuisine, and topped it off at Texas Roadhouse with everyone who attended the convocation. Congratulations to my son. I attended the temple with my friend Carolyn and was thrilled to see the painting Beaux had told me about where he modeled for the Savior with the two Lamanite children. I arrived early on a Thursday to watch my daughter's children while she had a reunion with college roommates until Sunday. Two of my five grandboys are born one day apart and the celebration Sunday for them after she arrived was wonderful with three grandparents attending. We got the news she's expecting and I'm very happy about that. The moms, their boys and I went to the dinosaur museum which was a great time and we ate an inside picnic together there first. I attended church twice and neighbors had parties we were invited to including a Cinco de Mayo patio party and on Sunday a buffet after a baby blessing. Those were so enjoyable. Neighbors were aware of Freeplay and had signed up. While at the college between events we all played in the game area: ping pong, air hockey, pool, bowling. I didn't bowl. At home the children enjoyed a day in the jumpy house and played inside and out. Stephanie prepared many delicious meals. She made a breakfast oatmeal for us and I made my uncooked oatmeal for the five grandboys and me other times. I read to the boys, changed diapers and assisted with training and washing hands after. I enlisted help to unload the dishwasher which the boys enjoyed too. We played bat and ball and I attended two of Adam's baseball games, and after the first one the boys had a great time playing at a wonderful playground. I only smelled smoke once the entire stay in Utah. We had a pro photo shoot outdoors. My five grandboys are five and under. Life is good.

Happy 70th Birthday to Scrabble!

Who knows how many hours of enjoyable Scrabble games I've enjoyed over the years. I know I've played since 1976 back in the 20th century. I enjoy playing online when I have time too and currently am playing Julia, Brenda and Donna. Michael and I played often and he usually beat me. I have every size of Scrabble. On our flight to and in Hawaii we played. On our camping trips we played at the campsite and with a tiny version on hikes. On a trip for my 60th birthday we played. And of course at home. I love seeing Scrabble in movies and TV shows. It's the best of games.

Brilliant Mind, Gentle Heart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKiYPK_rEPk

Scrabble personal record

I just scored 461 points on Facebook online Scrabble, a record score for me. My friend and opponent usually beats me nine out of ten games but I was smokin' lucky this whole game. I love the online Dictionary. Missing however are the in-person friends after a lovely pot luck dinner. Five of us have enjoyed getting together for five years.

Flashback to 1964

Jenny Oaks Baker and Family Four

The first night I was with Kathy in the front row. The second night I was Angelita in the last row. I enjoyed it just as much the second time. What a wonderful evening of joy and entertainment with the Bakers and the Temple Hill Symphony. Sunday there was a capacity crowd and cookies were served both evenings. Kathy bought two CDs and I talked with all Jenny's family except the violinist daughter. I asked the son, "What do you think of your mother?" His reply: "I think she's great." Temple Hill is amazing.

Oakland Temple is Closed for Renovation

When I left the temple after the last session February 17 there was a moon sliver over the city. I won't be back inside for maybe a year. The closest temple is four times the distance and a real time commitment for Saturdays. In five years completed temple ordinances number some 2,260 for my family lines with help from the youth, brethren and my children and their spouses. When a temple reopens the public is invited to walk through before the dedication. Oakland Temple was dedicated in November 1964 by President David O. McKay. I was there, weeping through closed eyes during the prayer he gave. The public will once again be allowed to tour this sacred edifice, a little bit of heaven on earth. I have found so much joy on Temple Hill in my lifetime. I had just turned 18 when I first set foot on this wonderful place, Temple Hill.