LaRon and jNae

I Don't Think These 2 are Temple Riders!

2009-10-30T17:23:00.000-07:00

Lindon has GROWN!

2009-09-29T05:46:00.001-07:00

Canada 2009

2009-08-09T07:28:00.000-07:00

Orvilla Allred Stevens, 1926 - 2009

2009-07-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great, great grandmother, Orvilla Allred Stevens, age 82, of Provo, Utah passed away peacefully at home, on July 28, 2009, among family members who loved her. Orvilla was born in Cardston, Alberta, Canada on December 6, 1926 to Golden and Josephine Allred, the first of six children. She grew up in Hillspring, Alberta, Canada and loved reading and music. Her talent for music was recognized early in her life and she sang on local radio programs as a teen. She graduated from Hillspring High School and continued her studies at a secretarial school in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.

She married Blayne Franklin Stevens in the Cardston Alberta Temple, July 19, 1945. Five children were born to this union. Orvilla’s family and the gospel of Jesus Christ were the center of her life. This valiant and virtuous daughter of God has a long history of serving the Lord in the auxiliaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

An enriching, fulfilling, and beautiful part of Orvilla’s life was her gift of music and one that she graciously shared with others. Orvilla will be remembered for her powerful voice that touched the hearts of those listening. As an endeared member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for 21 years, she has been a featured soloist, sung at 42 General Conferences, 6 presidential inaugurations, sung for the Queen of Thailand, sung in 16 languages around the world, performed in local operas, theatre productions, and as a soloist in community productions of Handel’s Messiah. We have all shared in the blessings of her angelic voice in praise to the Lord; it was her way to say, “I love you.”

Through her years in the choir and three temple missions she has seen much of the world. Orvilla and Blayne were companions in three temple missions: Seoul Korea, Denver Colorado, and St. Louis Missouri.

Orvilla leaves a legacy of 20 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She is survived by her husband, Blayne Stevens and her five children; Mont (PJ) Stevens of Costa Mesa, California; LaRon (Jeannee) Stevens of Lindon, Utah; Gae Robinson of Provo, Utah; Mona Stevens of Salt Lake City, Utah; and Wendy (Jim) Selmos of Provo, Utah. She is enjoying a spiritual reunion with her father and mother, Golden and Josephine Allred, her sister Velora Smith, her grandson Shawn Robinson, and her daughter-in-law Trish Stevens.

Her life will be celebrated at funeral services to be held Monday, August 3, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Grandview South Stake Center, 1122 North Grand Avenue, Provo, Utah. A viewing will be held at the Grandview South Stake Center Sunday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Monday morning preceding the funeral from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to info@bergmortuary.com.

Sometimes, I call her "Angel"

2009-07-26T15:53:00.001-07:00

I like to call her "Mom" because she is so kind and loving. I like to call her "Grandma" because her hair is white and her skin is soft. But, mostly, I like to call her "Angel" because of her sweet personality, her kind character, and her angelic voice.

I love and admire her courage, her faith, and her testimony. She is loved and admired by many. I have watched family and dear friends come into her home and express their love to her and for her.

I love you Mom, Grandma, ANGEL!

Red Rock Rendezvous

2009-06-22T09:57:00.000-07:00

LR had a great time on the new motorcycle this weekend. It was his first time at the Grand Canyon - he loved it and wants to take me there next time. I can't wait! I already have the T-shirt!

So Long, Old Friend

2009-06-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

I'm not an animal lover, but I did love this horse. He was a good boy who took good care of my children, my grandchildren and was a special friend for my daughter.

He won enough ribbons, saddles, trophies to fill a trailer, but it was the hearts he won that will make him a champion forever.

Good Bye, Ghostbuster.
Sad Day
Jena's Ghostbuster Pages

Katie's Tribute to Trish

2009-06-09T15:47:00.000-07:00

Katie said it so well.....

Nebo Loop Ride 2009

2009-06-07T20:26:00.000-07:00

Old friends, new friends, brother and nephew - 11 motorcycles in all rode the Nebo Loop and enjoyed a beautiful day and a fun ride. See for yourself....

Remembering

2009-06-05T11:29:00.001-07:00

Celebrating Mom, Trish, Grandma, Sweetheart....

It's always nice to be with family....

2009-06-04T15:12:00.000-07:00

and some days it is especially nice!

Dance Recital in Riverton

2009-06-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

There were tutus and tap shoes, make-up and flower bouquets! It was fun to see the girls dance and to play with Brailee and Trysten shout. See what makes me smile.....

Oh NO! I didn't get any pictures with Bri or Trysten, but I did get lots of hugs, smiles and kisses.

Baby Trish

2009-05-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

Look how she's grown! She's walking now and you should hear the stories she tells!

not OreOs - ORIOLES!

2009-05-22T11:19:00.000-07:00

come have a snowcone, play dingle balls and watch the beautiful birds in the backyard!

we have blue jays, robins, hummingbirds, and we won't talk about the starlings.

Sew Cool!

2009-04-28T16:34:00.000-07:00

Jessie and Hannah came over for a visit and sewing lessons. I think Hannah gets the hang of it and Jessie is doing all right too ;-)

Lesson #1 - a cute flirty apron

What Makes Me Smile

2009-04-28T16:27:00.000-07:00

Family, babies, snuggling with grandchildren, making suncatchers, and of course Bunny Wars! Well, actually the bunny wars made me laugh so hard I couldn't breathe!

Christopher Takes The Cake!

2009-04-20T14:08:00.000-07:00

Kathy and I had so much fun - oh, and LR too ;-) making Wedding Cake Cookies. Won't they look beautiful in a pretty celophane bag? They will be the place cards for the wedding luncheon on Friday. It's a good thing they are too pretty to eat because I don't like the taste of royal icing :-P

Ro's Shelves

2009-04-17T16:31:00.000-07:00

Since we've had a snowy spring break and LaRon wasn't able to golf - he spent some time in the woodshop with his Dad making some shelves for Ronal. I like the ones he built for me in January and I hope Ro's shelves find a happy home too!

Calligraphy Project

2009-04-17T16:15:00.000-07:00

My pens and ink have been boxed up for a long time! So I was a little nervous when Bethany asked me to write in her wedding guest book. SHE MADE THE BOOK and it is BEAUTIFUL! I've taken a mini class on book binding - but she learned the "real" way - even the braid at the top of the book was hand sewn.

Just in case anyone who knows notices that my practice/ink blot page has the wrong date - not to worry - I figured that out before the ink touched the book! PHWEW!!!

I found the perfect color green ink and washed up the nibs - and after clearing the bar and a spot of uninterrupted time so I could focus, I finally got it done. I hope she is happy with how it turned out. I'm looking forward to their wedding in a week!

Spring Break!

2009-04-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

The pictures say it all.......

April 16 - this is what we woke up to! My poor little peach tree.

Conference Weekend

2009-04-16T18:59:00.000-07:00

I always look forward to General Conference weekends. I was especially looking forward to this one! We had plans to leave very early Saturday morning to be in Riverton, WY for Trysten's baby blessing. At 2am when I checked the weather/road report I was soooo sad to discover that the roads were closed. CLOSED!

I froze the cupcakes and put away the treasures I had ready to take for the rest of the grandchildren. I'm saving them for next weekend when they make their way here - hopefully the weather and the roads will make this trip possible!

Bethany Takes a Shower

2009-04-16T18:49:00.001-07:00

We had a great time meeting some of Bethany's aunts, cousin and her grandmother. It was also fun to see some of our cousins and our aunt again!

Gauge Sweater

2009-03-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Some people knit a gauge swatch to ensure an accurate fit - I do an entire sweater instead!

I wanted to make a baby gift and found a fun pattern online. Using the suggested yarn and needle size I quickly whipped up a sweater that would fit a healthy 2-year old. Finding a pair of needles 2 sizes smaller, same yarn, makes a sweater for a 1-year old. A dolly will have a new sweater when I reduced the number of stitches by 1/4. I don't know what I adjusted for sweater #4, but I think it will fit perfectly!

Elise Michelle Day

2009-03-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

This blessing dress is for sweet little Elise. I always looked forward to baby blessings - they are a very special day indeed. I love the important part that the priesthood plays in that day and I am grateful to have my handwork be a special part in the celebration as well. If you check through some previous posts, you will see that this is blessing outfit #4!

Here's the handsome little guy

2009-02-26T07:41:00.001-08:00

After having 3 beautiful little girls, my daughter Jena and her husband David were blessed with Trysten! HOORAY!!!

Knitting for Trysten

2009-02-20T13:42:00.001-08:00

I've had the JOY of knitting Trysten's baby blessing outfit. It was a fun challenge and I can't wait to see him again!

Meet Trysten!

2009-02-15T07:45:00.000-08:00

Meet our handsome new grandson - I call him Trysten Shout;-)

Who Needs Mistletoe?

2009-02-15T07:44:00.000-08:00

More Christmas Pics

2009-02-15T07:35:00.000-08:00

All the traditions - Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, sourdough waffles, scotch eggs, misteltoe, Santa Claus, music, and best of all just being together and being happy!

Christmas Eve

2009-02-15T07:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas Amaryllis

2009-02-15T07:29:00.000-08:00

Give a 2-yr old a camera.....

2009-02-15T07:25:00.000-08:00

FINALLY - Thanksgiving Pics!

2009-02-15T07:16:00.000-08:00

I'm Thankful For....

2008-12-05T09:06:00.001-08:00

We had a great Thanksgiving with our family and we missed the ones who weren't able to join us. I'll get some of my pics up later - for now you can see Jena's photographic documentation of the weekend on her blogspot.

Go to: http://livelovelaughscrapbook.blogspot.com/ for the truth about the family gathering!

Family, Jesus Christ, Atonement, Temples, Love, Gospel, Clothes were some of the kernels of corn that day.

Another Blessing Dress

2008-11-05T11:58:00.000-08:00

This one is for Hannah Elizabeth. I look forward to meeting little Hannah - I've been thinking about her with each stitch. This dress will be worn when she is blessed, but each loving stitch comes with a blessing and a prayer from me that she will remember she is a daughter of her Heavenly Father who loves her.

http://jayandjessie.blogspot.com/

Little Red visits Gma and Gpa

2008-11-05T11:40:00.000-08:00

Red Riding Hood made a special visit on Halloween.

Fun Day with Deana

2008-10-27T13:02:00.002-07:00

Treasure hunting and lunch on Saturday was a blast! Here's what we found - - -

pumpkin plates, plate rack, fun fall colored plates to go on the rack....

She also brought me some fun canisters to hold my yummy pumpkin butter and apple butter, a darling tray and cute serving knifes. What a treat!

We made some apple pie filling and apple butter for her to take home and enjoy with her family.

The Last Cookie

2008-10-24T13:36:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I went to our Relief Society weekend retreat. I left a batch of cookies on the bar for LR to enjoy while I was away. When I returned, I noticed that he had left one cookie on the plate. There were more in the freezer, so I refilled the plate. Again, he left a cookie on the plate.

I started thinking back to the cake I made a few weeks before and how the last piece of cake sat under the glass dome until I finally threw it away. THEN it dawned on me - he was saving the last cookie for me!

It may seem like a silly thing to mention this kindness as though it is a big deal - but it is a big deal to me. I realize every day the good things my dear husband does for me that to him seem like no big deal, but they mean the world to me. He means the world to me.

Whether it is fixing dinner, doing dishes, or washing windows, he is always beside me. He not only works hard to get the job done, he makes the job more fun.

I admire his strength, his thoughtfulness, his integrity, his selflessness, and the way he leaves the last cookie for me. But, I also know that when it comes to the last Diet Coke in the fridge - ALL BETS ARE OFF! ;-)

Blessing Day

2008-10-08T19:58:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day - everything was perfect - UNTIL - the priesthood holder giving the blessing got lost and was late - BUT the bishop stalled and nobody missed the precious moment!

Uncle Casey gave Trish a blessing with Uncle Josh, gPa LaRon, gPa Owens, Cody, Brandon, and Alan all standing in the circle.

Trish's name is selected from her grandmothers' names. Patricia after her mother's mother and Ann after her father's mother. Both are beautiful women who love this baby and always will.

"Seek after goodness and always be a source of happiness to your family."

I'm My Dad Too?

2008-09-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

Nana Mouskouri is playing in the background and I'm creating projects in my workroom - it isn't leather work, but reminds me of it. Why is it that the things I find myself doing remind me that I am like my mother - and then - some things, particular projects and certain sounds tell me I'm my dad too?

Driving with my knees.
Daily card games - not cheating, but playing to win!
Watching my Victor Borge DVD and laughing so hard that no sound comes out.
Taking a really QUICK shower.
Reading and reading - and including the Book of Mormon in that book list.
Praying with specifics and having faith that my prayers are heard and will be answered.
Going to the temple and loving it.

OH! that reminds me - I need more ketchup!

I love you dad and I know you love me too!!!

Steven's Bakery

2008-09-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

LaRon just loves apple pie. Me Oh My!

That's his happy face. He does that when he sees Cool Whip!

I Am My Mother!

2008-08-26T09:09:00.001-07:00

Zucchini bread, Zucchini cake, Z-omelettes, Z-smoothies - but it was when LR taste tested the dried zucchini that took me back to when I was a young girl tasting my mother's dried zucchini. The look on his face brought back my feelings of - "yes, I could eat this if I was walking across the plains and starving."

Then I realized I am becoming my mother! Pickling beets, simmering chili sauce, peeling peaches, and humming the harmony to the songs you hear are some of the things my mother did that I now enjoy. She also taught through her example the bliss of being a wife, the joy of motherhood, and the delight of "Grandma."

"Don't make two jobs out of one."
"You always find what you need when you're looking for something else."
"Do what you said you'd do. It's easier than coming up with an excuse why you didn't!"
"Make do, or do without."

She is a beautiful example of work and service and loving it. My mother loves her family and her Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Our family continues to be blessed by her love and her service.

I love my mother and am happy to see some of her traits in myself because then I know that I am also following my Savior when I see myself following my dear mother. I love you too dad, and thank you for choosing a wonderful wife to be my mom.

Life Sketch of Seymour Brunson

2008-08-20T06:47:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad made a special trip to Nauvoo last week. Go to the Sager Family blog for pictures and the life sketch of Seymour Brunson.

http://rksagerfamily1.blogspot.com/

It's HUGE!

2008-08-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

This cherry tomato bush is taller than LR! And the fruit is delicious.

OOH! Looks like I'll be making bread today for a mater samm tonight :-)

Baby on its way

2008-08-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

Another Grandbaby coming in February, so we put on our thimbles and threaded our needles and quilted while watching the Olympics!

LR loves motorcycles!

2008-08-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

Oh Beautiful for Spacious Skies!

This temple rider trip took us to Ephraim, Ut, the Manti Temple, Bryce Canyon, Price, Helper, Torrey, Boulder....in all we travelled nearly 1,000 miles.

From Harleys to Hondas we saw a lot of beautiful bikes and met some wonderful people.

It's a Picnic at the Park

2008-08-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

July 24 Breakfast at Reed & Laurie's

2008-07-27T17:24:00.000-07:00

Ribbit....

2008-07-27T17:20:00.000-07:00

When I'm not camping or crocheting I like to play with frogs!

Baby Trish's Blessing Dress

2008-07-27T17:05:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Robyn, for allowing me the joy of thinking about you and your sweet daughter with each stitch. It took me back to the day when my daughter was born, and I thought of my mother as well and the special bond that mothers and daughters share. Thank you for letting me love you.
I just need to finish the slip, add ribbon to the sleeves and a bow to the front! Pattern found online: http://www.jacqscrochet.com/christeningdress.htm

Camping is fun to do!

2008-07-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

Gpa's Birthday visitor!

2008-07-16T12:18:00.001-07:00

Really - he's 60?!?

2008-07-14T15:12:00.000-07:00

Four generations of family gathered and had a great evening celebrating LaRon's birthday!

Guess Who?

2008-07-09T16:58:00.000-07:00

for a clue - go to the Sager Family blogspot - http://rksagerfamily1.blogspot.com/

Be the Ball

2008-06-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

Mont: You know, you should play with LaRon and myself. I mean, he's been club champion and I'm no slouch myself.

LR: Don't sell yourself short Mont, you're a tremendous slouch.

I Have a Garden, a Lovely Garden!

2008-06-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

with flowers blossoming everywhere, and onions, and tomatoes, and carrots, and beets....

I was admiring all the different colors of green in the garden and then I went out to weed the garden and breathed in the smell of the carrots, the cilantro, the tomatoes and the onions - what a treat!

2008 Production List
17 pints Pork
20 qts pumpkin - think Thanksgiving Pie!
42 1/2 qts apple pie filling - OH YEAH!!!
24 1/2 pints apple butter
13 pints pumpkin butter
9 qts vegetable soup
11 peaches from the tree we planted last year!
8 qts peach pie filling
7 pints peach jam
30 quarts of peaches - from Verd's, not my garden :-(
76 pints of carrots
34 QUARTS spaghetti sauce
30 quarts of potatoes
22 pints of pickled beets
6 1/2 pints of zucchini pickles
beet pasta-delicious with green and yellow zucchini
dried cilantro, oregano, basil
21 pints raspberry jam
4 bowls of belly achers
lotsa cherry tomatoes
8 spaghetti squash dinners- YUMMM
13 pints schwweeet pickles - LR's fav!
5 1/2 pints barbecue sauce

Girl's Camp Cooks 2008

2008-06-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

Exhausting - Yes. Fun - Of Course!

These dear sisters made it so fun. It really took all 3 of us working together to pull off feeding 64 girls and leaders.

Alaskan Cruise

2008-06-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

The sights in Alaska and on the ocean are incredible. The best word to describe it all is just "WOW!"

From Sea Kayaking in Sitka to the Zipline in the Alaskan Rainforest, it was a trip we will never forget.

Welcome Patricia Ann!

2008-06-16T07:31:00.000-07:00

From her Grandma Trish's arms to her mother's arms, Baby Trish waited until we were home to arrive.

Grandpa LaRon couldn't wait to meet her and Gma Nae couldn't wait to kiss her little tiny toes.

Just Cruising!

2008-06-05T18:27:00.000-07:00

From Sea Kayaking in Sitka to the Zipline in the Alaskan Rainforest, it was a trip we will never forget.

Dance Recital in Riverton

2008-05-31T20:29:00.001-07:00

I had a fun weekend in R-ton with the girls. The dance recital was Friday night. They looked so beautiful - just like their mom.

Meet Baby Bree!

2008-05-21T13:47:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 19

Just wanted to share the great news that Casey and Katie's baby girl arrived safe & sound!

Gabrielle

7 lbs 9 oz

20 inches long

Mom & Baby are doing great and she is as sweet as can be. Older sisters and bro can't love her enough!

Farewell Photos

2008-05-20T14:38:00.000-07:00

It felt as though time slowed during the Eugene, Oregon visit allowing us to enjoy every moment. Thank you Barnes Family for allowing me to share this weekend with you!

Peter Pumps Iron with Obama

2008-05-17T22:15:00.000-07:00

Although Peter declined the running mate offer due to his 2-year commitment to serve a mission, he did take the opportunity to workout with his bud - Barack.

Eugene, Oregon

2008-05-16T17:13:00.000-07:00

I'm at the Barnes' in Oregon for Peter's mission farewell. He is going to the Baltic States Mission. I'll post pictures of the Portland Temple, the family and of course Pierre and the other Ant Jenae when I get back home. I really really miss my tiny little sweetheart.

First Spring Bike Ride Adventure

2008-05-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

Our first ride up the canyon this year. The tradition continues - Yodeling in tunnels, Diet Coke and a game of Phase 10 at Vivian Park. Score one win for jNae!

Nashville Tennessee Adventure

2008-05-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

Spring Break - April 2008

Nashville Temple

Gatlinburg

Cade's Cove

General Jackson Showboat on the Cumberland River

2008-05-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

We have planted our garden and are looking forward to preserving beets, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes and lots of raspberry jam!

2008-05-13T16:49:00.000-07:00

A new adventure begins today with this blog. We'll keep our friends and family posted so you can all share in the love;-)!