The best kind of day for a junky

I have to admit something - I'm a junky. When it comes to my family, friends, sewing and Twilight, I'm an obsessed junky. To quote Edward (heavy breathing right now), they are my own brand of heroine. I talked to Bryan last night and booked a flight home from Phoenix. I'm taking a road trip with Mimi to see her daughter in Sierra Vista, AZ. She'll 'drop' me in Phoenix to spend a couple of days with Bryan, Lisa and Bryson (who said I could bring him pretzels). Then my wonderful friend, Mardel, called this morning. We talked for over an hour and a half. Sometimes it's months and months before we talk but we always pick up right where we left off. The Mills used to live in Hacienda Heights and we were the very best of friends. Mardel had 5 children, I had 4. They were all fairly close in age and were really good friends. We would spend summers at their home in their pool all day. The kids had great times doing dances and flipping off of the diving board. Mardel and I would sit on her front porch and rock our babies (Ryan and Becky). When they moved we were so sad. We really need to plan a girl's weekend with Mimi and Pam Faubus. We wouldn't have to do anything but book a room and talk, laugh and cry for days. I know it would be terrific. After a great morning talking to my friend, I put on my Twilight movie (Gene got it for me - I think he likes it because I can hardly wait for him to come home when I'm reading the book - if you know what I mean), and sewed. I talked to my Becky, Mom and Carolyn. If Mimi weren't out of town, I would have talked to her, too.

Sewing: I'm working on Easter dresses for my 5 little girlies and Kelci's blessing dress. I have her bedding ready to sew and a few other things going on.

Now for Twilight: Gene says that the girls at his school are reading the series. He's told them that I've read it (they think I'm young) and that he took me to see the movie (they think he's cool). I have read the series 4 times - twice in order, then once backwards. I saw the movie twice in the theatre and now I'm watching it yet again today. Gene asks why I like it so much. I've thought about it and I know why - every female (doesn't matter how old we get) wants to be loved and talked to the way Edward does to Bella. I wonder if men knew the affect that it would have on us and the effect that would result, if they might be more inclined to be 'Edwardish." I will always be a hopeful romantic. Does that make me (what Marc would call) a Dumb Squat?

Well, whatever else I am, I'm happy!!! And I love my family and friends! Enjoy a really great week!

And I think to myself, "What a beautiful world."

I'm not sure if there is anything much better than family, wonderful friends, and this beautiful world. We've spent the last 9 weeks with all 3. We were blessed with our family for almost 7 weeks (we got to be with all of our children and all of our grandchildren), then we spent 2 weeks with our best friends enjoying this beautiful world. If you ever doubt the existence of a higher power or creator, be with your family, think of your best friends, and look at this world. There are no doubts in this household that there IS a loving Father, giving us everything we need to exist.

No Room in the Inn

For those who read blogs, you know that I don't update too often. I could rattle on about everyday things that only interest me, but that wouldn't be fun for you, the reader. With that said, I obviously have something to write about this morning.

Gene and I will celebrate our 37th anniversary on Thursday. While it hasn't been the easiest 37 years of my life, it has been great. I have learned too much to even begin to write about. Those of you who know my Geno, know that the man is a recluse, a hermit, a homebody. The man would be content to never leave home. I like to think that it's because I'm here, and while that may be a part of it, I know better. BUT - within the last couple of years, he has become more outgoing. Last night, I understood.

Let me get to my story. Last night was the Hacienda Heights Community Christmas Concert at Saint John Vianny's church. Our Stake Choir always participates. Gene had already had a long day with another ahead of him so I 'excused' him from going to the concert (which he was going to do to support ME). Our choir was the first to perform. We returned to our seats and I see Gene, about 8 rows ahead of us, get up and walk out, only to return a few minutes later to usher a couple of men to seats with our choir. When we got home, I was still pumped up about the evening and Gene was quiet - not unusual for either of us. Then he wanted to talk. He said, "I was sitting in the seats your choir would occupy, and a man approached two homeless men, who were 2 rows in front of me (in the man's choir's seats). The man told these two men they couldn't sit there so they got up and went to stand in the back corner. One of the men had a crippled arm." Then he proceeded to tell me how it made him feel for this choir man to remove these two men - in church, at Christmas, when the Christmas spirit of giving and loving was so strong. It bothered him so much, he got up (it was only a few seconds later) , found these men and escorted them to our choir seats. One of them asked Gene if he thought it would be ok if he used the bathroom. Gene told him of course it would be. He returned to sit next to Gene, in the warmth of the sanctuary and the Christmas Spirit to fill his soul.

I have witnessed a mighty change come about right in front of my eyes during the last 37 years. I married a good man - now I'm married to a great and kind man, who had evolved into a compassionate follower of Christ, loving not only those in his station, but all mankind. My heart was truly touched by the Spirit of Christmas last night, right in my own home by the person I love the most in the world.

I need no gifts under the tree to make Christmas this year. I received the greatest gift last night, when Gene found 'room in the Inn' for two men, searching for warmth, love and the Spirit of Christmas.

May your Christmas be filled with the love and compassion I witnessed last night.

Just an update

We went to Utah this weekend for the funeral of a very beautiful and gentle woman. and the Mother of my best friend. Joyce was 87. She lived a great life, loving and touching lives where ever she went. She paid special attention to those who needed it most, but never made those of us who didn't feel we were anything less. She was what Heavenly Father wants all of us to be. There were so many people who traveled long distance to be there for her and her daughters, Mimi and Bonnie. There were many people there who used to be in the Hacienda Heights 2nd ward who moved out, but came to the funeral. The chapel was packed. She planned her services before she died, knowing it was soon to come. Bonnie's oldest and Mimi's oldest talked as well as Marc, Mimi's husband. The music was sung by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren - the great great grandchildren being too young to sing yet. The closing song was "Who Am I?" from the Oakland Temple pageant. Joyce was known as the "Mother" at the pageant, which I know is just like her. Bronson and Heidi sang it for her. She was buried in a beautiful 'pine box,' fitting for a beautiful woman who considered herself to be just like the rest of us. Flowers filled the chapel. The family gave away so many beautiful bouquets so those who were there. We received a white rose and carnation piece. The floral arrangement on the casket was filled with fall colors. It was at least 4 feet long and drapped over each side.

It was an honor to know Joyce. My last visit with her was wonderful. She gave me a long hug that I will always remember. Her husband Bill once called her an angel. She was definitely that while she was with us. Now she is so literally, and I'm convinced that she is in the Celestial Kingdom, talking with Jesus.

Sunday News

Tylie had her surgery Thursday. I know that doctors who work at Primary Children's hospital are used to miracles, but I wonder if they ever grow immune to them. I don't. Tylie is still a baby - with tubes in her ears and an adenoidectomy around noon Thursday afternoon, we fully expected her to have an overnight stay on the hospital. I'm not saying I don't have faith, but when Gus and Becky were home WITH Ty before 5:00 that evening, it refreshed my faith in miracles. If I hadn't been there, I would have suspected Becky of gross exaggeration. Ty never missed a meal or even whimpered in pain. She doesn't get than from her Nani, the whimp.

Steve is home. I hope to 'hear' a reenactment of the homecoming. I talked briefly to Jodie to update her on Tylie.

Lisa has a doctor's appointment this week. I hope for an update - she went to the doctor last week and we never heard anything. By Friday evening I had to call to hear the news. Bryan, Lisa and Bryce were all sick in bed.

No news from the K Kerr family. All is well!

My Primary Children's Sacrament Meeting program was today. And as always, they were great. So many people remark that the children know so many verses to so many songs. I can attribute that to the children loving to sing, and to the inspiration of Father in Heaven who helps me teach them. This is now the fun time of year when I get to teach them songs not recommended. And yes, we'll start Christmas music soon!!

Mimi and I had a bridal shower for Kamila Kasparian yesterday (her fiance has a Patrick Dempsey look - it's his eyes). There were about 35 people there. It was a blast. Her friends put together a 'honeymoon' bag. Elizabeth may have to explain some of the goodies!!

That's it for the Gene Kerr household. We look forward to a wonderful week and an even better weekend - General Conference. I love it!!!

This week in the news...

Gene was home by 6pm every day last week!!!!!!! Mason's surgery was a great success. When I talked to him he said, "I love you, Nani." Bryan, Lisa and Bryce will be here on Wednesday. Kora had to have blood drawn and she didn't even cry. Gene's best friend and my best friend's husband, Marc Lauper, was called to serve in the Bishopric. I'm the president of his fan club. Carter Woodward died of cancer. His memorial service Friday evening was quite a tribute to him, but especially to Sandi, his wife. Bill Bartak will begin his cancer treatment at the City of Hope within the next 2 weeks. I got to hold Blake Matthew Hope Forge (my good friend, Stephanie's grandson). It's time to start working on Primary music for 2009. That's it for the Gene Kerr family. Have a really great week!!!

Europe in a Nutshell

I don't have an excuse to put this off any longer. We had a great time in Europe. We started off flying to Toronto (and wish we could have seen Jordan Rozsa - that's where he's serving his mission). After a 4 hour lay over we left for Italy. The tower in Pisa really leans. There's a fence on the top floor balcony so those brave enough to venture out there don't fall off.

Then it was off to France. We took the train to Monocco to see the Monte Carlo Casino. Gene and Marc liked that part, even though they couldn't enter. You have to have on a tux and pay a $200.00 cover charge to walk through the door. Mimi and I preferred the Prada store.

Our next stop was Portugal. That was very emotional for Gene and me as Kelly served his mission there. (We have now been to each place our boys served their mission - New York, Texas, and Portugal.)We toured for a few hours, not taking enough money with us to purchase the beautiful handmade tablecloths we would have purchased for each family. The handwork (handmade lace, beautiful cross stitching) was the most intricate hand work I've ever seen. By the time we got back to the ship, there wasn't time to go back to shore to shop. We enjoyed the pastries that were highly recommended by Kelly and Gus. As we left, I got a glimpse of how Kelly felt when he left the beautiful country.

Next stop, France again, but this time we spent 5 hours walking around the beautiful city of Paris. I've seen pictures - experiencing it was another thing. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre- we got a picture of the Mona Lisa just to say we were there - the Arch of Triumph are amazing. I found it captivating that they actually exist! We walked both side of Champs-Elysees. The sidewalk cafes are as popular as our fast food. We enjoyed a crepe and a diet coke. (When you cruise you never really get hungry.)

Then we were off to England, specifically the White Cliffs of Dover, which actually start in France. We enjoyed a great walk around the old town and had some fish and chips, just to say we had them in England. (I think Marc and I enjoyed this more than Gene and Mimi.) At this point in the trip, we realized that each place we visited had beautiful weather - not what we had heard. No gloomy, wet, rainy days. Sunshine, blue skies, a few white clouds. We also realized that souveniers were not something that would be easy to find. We didn't want to purchase something just to do it. Mimi and I could just imagine Becky calling Jodie. "Did you get a package from Mom? What are you going to do with it?" Then Jodie and Heidi going through the same conversation. Needless to say, Gene and Marc were very proud of us.

The next stop was Holland - the land of tulips and windmills. The only tulips we saw were wood (not the tulip season) and the only windmills were the ones that look like the Mercedes Benz insignia. We did see, however, tons of wooden shoes. All I could think of was Shirley Temple.

The next day we spent traveling down the Kiel Canal in Germany. An oom-pah band was there to great us. They boarded the ship to entertain us during the trip. There were people all along the way, just to wave. Germany was beautiful. Green and lush.

The next trip off the boat was in Finland. Another beautiful country. We again were reminded of beautiful weather and how clean everything was. The fruits and vegetables were beautiful and huge. The cherries were close to the size of an apricot. At this point, I should let you know that the sites of all of the places we visited were awesome. Cathedrals, museums, landmarks, people.

The next place we went was Russia and I have to say that I have no desire to return. It's very controlled. The only way we cold leave the ship was to be on a 'controlled' tour. The passport agents didn't smile or welcome us. Marc suggested that there is a Russian conspiracy and I agree. We joked about writing a book, but it would never be allowed to be published. The best thing about Russia was a young man asking me if I was a Mormon. He said he could just tell. He knew the past Mission President and was studying with a few Mormon missionaries. I don't know if he was taking the lessons, helping them with the language, or what. The next best thing about it was leaving!!

It was then on to Estonia. It was a very old but quaint little country, only their own country for 40 years. They had been owned by Germany, Finland, and Russia. There is no love lost between them and the Russians. They are in the process of removing Russian monuments. This was the only day we had rain, but it didn't stop us from walking to the center of Tallinn.

Our last stop was Sweden. This is also a beautiful country, much like Germany. The women are as pretty as the pictures I've seen. They are also tall and shapely. We had a great time with Marc and Mimi and each other. Dad liked that we traveled so many bodies of water - the Mediterranean Ocean, Ligurian Sea, the Dover Strait, the Gibraltar Strait, the Bay of Biscay, the English Channel, the IJ-GEUL Channel, the Kiel Canal, the Baltic Sea, and the Gulf of Finland.

There is so much more to this trip that what I wrote. We took almost 400 pictures. We're glad to be home - and we're ready for another adventure!!!