Distinguished VIPs

After the 4th of July Roland and I flew to San Diego as guests of the 

Navy's Distinguished Visitor Program.

We flew out to the John C Stennis Air Craft Carrier while it was at sea someplace off the coast of Mexico, we experienced an arrested landing (the kind where the plane grabs a cable and you suddenly stop) toured the carrier, spent the night (in separate staterooms - no fraternization even if you've been married 28 years), toured more of the carrier, it is a pretty big place, and finally departed the carrier by a catapult launch off the ship.

It

was

24 hours of 

awesome.

And it looked something like this:

We are at the Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI - lots of acronyms in 24 hours) in San Diego. See those planes behind us? We got on one of those, a C-2 Greyhound, boarding from the back side. Their wings fold up once they are on the carrier. 

That's me in the pink.
Yes, I was the only person in pink. 5000 people on the aircraft carrier and I was the only person in pink. I didn't plan my wardrobe very well.
Roland is behind me in blue. 

All these men, and one other woman besides me, are the VIPs. 

The C-2 is not a fancy plane. We had earplugs under those earmuffs and couldn't hear a thing. We had to communicate with gestures. Those attractive green collars? They are life vests with supplies to keep you alive in the water for about 12 hours. They told us if we see liquid dripping from the plane cables it is a good thing.
Very reassuring. 

Don't we look calm and happy? 

I was freaking out. 

Before we boarded this plane they basically scared the heck out of us by explaining how dangerous this is, and then shoving us into this windowless, loud, shaking, vomit rocket. I popped a little Xanax to fend off the
claustrophobia and terror. 

I am proud to say that I didn't vomit, pass out, or cry, 

and I actually slept a little on the 1.5 hour flight to the carrier. There was nothing else to do. The 5 point harness and PDF limited most movement, the ear protection prevented communication. 

No peanuts, no soda pop, no bathrooms. 

Time to man up.

We landed without much warning.
One moment you are flying and then you "slam into the deck", that's navy lingo there,
and then you stop, suddenly, you stop because a hook on the plane has grabbed a cable that immediately stops the plane. 

That night I got to see an F-18 that accidentally missed the hook and just shot right off the deck -
lots of smoke and sparks! 

As soon as we landed they opened the back hatch, we were facing the back of the plane, and this was our view as we taxied across the landing deck.

See how the wings are folded against the planes? Also, notice how the sailors have different color shirts and vests - that shows what type of crew they are and what groups they are in.

Very quickly we were escorted off the flight deck. This is a working carrier, not for tourists, so we weaved around piles of cable, stacks of ammunition and fuel tanks, stepped over coils of rope and ducked under wings and propellers.

Very quickly they led us into the reception room, complete with a stunning, slightly swaying, crystal chandelier. 

We had a light lunch and met the Petty Officers who would be our guides for 24 hours.

We toured and toured. We went into every part of the ship where civilians are allowed, and sometimes got a quick peek into places where we aren't allowed. They are a pretty serious group, those sailors. They had just returned from Afghanistan and were preparing for a sudden and unexpected redeployment. Morale was a little low. People were stressed. I was impressed by the leadership on the boat (they call it a boat - I call it a floating city). Their top concern was the welfare of the sailors. I was very impressed by the sailors. Every sailor I met was hard working, professional, and devoted to their cause, proud to share with me why they were there and the ambition and hope they had for the future. But I am getting ahead of myself. Let's talk about the tour.

Captain's Chair. Roland in Charge of flight operations.

Sorry -- can't tell you exactly where we were -- that would make me a sucker.

 Helicopters were coming and going all day. They bring supplies and people and also are certifying for the new deployment. There are 9 ships in the fleet and occasionally we could see them on the horizon.

 From the Admiral's lookout we watched as F 18s (Hornets and Super Hornets) took off one after another:

 And then landed.
It is amazing how they land on an angle on a deck that is moving forward and pitching and rolling. We couldn't take our eyes off the flight deck. There was constant activity. It was mesmerizing.
The sailors work extremely hard in a very dangerous environment.

Finally they took us down to the flight deck to watch launches and landings.

Turn down your volume a bit to watch this:

This was just about as thrilling as it gets.
Teeth chattering, heart pounding, eyes tearing up, amazing.
I kept trying to hug Roland and tell him how lucky we are, but he was worried about the no fraternization rule and kept stiff arming me. 

We saw where sailors bunk, where they eat, where they go to the bathroom (I got to use both the men and women's facilities!) where they work, where they work out, where they relax. We got to know the fighter pilots and the helicopter pilots, the shooters, shipping agents, mechanics, ordinance (things that go boom!) officers, the radar folks, the ammo people, the chefs, the chaplain, the Captain, the Admiral, the chief petty officer, the list goes on and on and on. I wanted to see the brig but they wouldn't let me no matter how sweetly I asked. 

We ate a fancy dinner in the officer's dining room and then around 22:00, they took us back to the flight deck where we watched jets take off and land in the dark, no lights on the flight deck, hardly any lights on the aircraft.
You heard them before you saw them. 

We were bone tired. As we walked to our very nice and clean staterooms the entire ship listened to the evening prayers via intercom.
The ship chaplain shared a reassuring story and then prayed on the intercom.
I thought it a peaceful and calm ending to a dangerous, hectic, and slightly overwhelming day.

We retired to our staterooms.
My roommate and I were ready to sleep until the jets started landing over our heads.
We were right under the flight deck.

I am not kidding when I say that we couldn't even carry on a conversation when the aircraft landed. 

It was so LOUD! 

The cable that catches the plane would recoil, apparently right over our bed. It happened about every 5 minutes until midnight. All we could do was laugh about it.

Day 2: 

Suddenly, it was 5:30 and time for breakfast. 

Since our first step on the Navy Station we had been encouraged to visit with the sailors. Everyone told us to talk to them, get to know them. But we were constantly being addressed by important people and it seemed disrespectful to visit with the sailors when captains and admirals are telling you exciting stories. 

I finally decided to sneak off and talk to them. Visiting with the sailors was the best part of the VIP experience.
They were so happy to talk to me, it made me feel like a celebrity when they were actually the people I was so anxious to get to know!

I had breakfast with these 2 Seamen and fell in love with them immediately. 

They are the same age as Gabe and Noah and I found myself going right into mom mode with them. I tried to shake hands when we left but they insisted on hugs, telling me they don't get many mom hugs, and I actually got kinda teary eyed about Seaman Kershaw.
I am still feeling parental and hoping all is well with them.

 Hangar Deck. Watch your head and your step! Lots of activity and action on this deck.

 The only thing that I didn't get to see was the elevator moving planes and helicopters up to the flight deck. 

I sweetly asked all kinds of official looking sailors and they got on their radios and tried to make it happen but apparently the Navy doesn't change plans to accommodate a lady in a flowered shirt from Colorado.

 Did I mention that I was the only person wearing a flowered shirt on the entire ship?
5000 people looking all kinds of bad ass and me in my flowered shirt. 

 That's my man. Trying to look like this happens everyday.

This was a reverent moment for most of the VIP's. 

They were giddy and giggly and there were lots of seriously mean posed pictures taken.

 From the moment we were invited to be VIP's Roland couldn't wait to meet the Shooters. 

The Shooters stand in front of the jets until it is safe for the jet to take off.
It is very dangerous, if that launch accidentally activates the shooter is dead.
 Roland talks about Shooters when he trains so having a lunch with them, interviewing them, and being invited to sit in on their training was a full circle moment for Roland.

 Suited up and ready to board the C-2 for our catapult launch off the carrier.
The catapult launch is probably the highlight for most VIPs. 

 The launch propels the plane from 0 to 165 MPH in 2 seconds. I couldn't video it because there is no way to hang onto your camera when you go that fast. 

This is how it went down:

We load the C-2 facing the rear of the plane and harness ourselves in. They close the door and taxi to take off. The plane starts to rumble and shake, very hard shaking! I feel so happy I took the Xanax. The guys in the front (back of the plane) start circling their arms over their heads - that means HANG ON HERE WE GO! and suddenly I am out of my seat, pressed up against the 5 point harness, arms and legs straight out in front of me, my tongue is even pulled out of my mouth. Honest. This lasts 2 seconds, just long enough for me to realise what is going on and then suddenly it stops and we are airborne. 

Pure exhilaration.

Everyone is whooping and yelling, you can't hear it because of the ear protection and the loud plane, 

but you can tell that we are all very happy to still be alive. 

We safely landed at the NASNI and hurried off to the airport to catch our flight back home to the cabin. We marveled at how luxurious, comfortable, safe, and quiet commercial flights are.
The entire way home I kept telling Roland how amazing it all was.
AMAZING.
He kept telling me how amazing it all was.
AMAZING!
"Can You Believe It!?" we said over and over.

John C Stennis CVN 74

Facts:

Powered by 2 nuclear reactors (we didn't get to see them)

Flight deck area: 4.5 acres

Height: 244 ft (24 stories)

Number of Aircraft: 70 tactical aircraft

Aircraft Elevators: 4

2 anchors that weigh 30 tons each

Accommodations: 6,200 souls

Meals served daily: 18,600

Eggs eaten at breakfast: 12,000

Mattresses: if lined up end to end they would stretch more than nine miles

Average age of sailors: 26

Average age of flight deck sailors: 21

Fresh water per day: 400,000 gallons

What I took away besides the totally cool ship hat and lapel pin:

 I was filled with appreciation for the men and women on this ship. I felt gratitude for the work they do and sacrifices they make. I met Dads and Moms who miss their children but do their job without complaint. I was impressed by the quality of people on this ship. I know that they are on best behavior when VIPs are around, and we could hear our approach/presence being announced, but you can't fake that level of professionalism. I felt mostly patriotism, and a desire to hug each young sailor, tell them how wonderful they are, and thank them. It certainly did change my notions on what it is like to be in the Navy. I will forever view sailors with great respect. 

And, now when I hear about an aircraft carrier in world events I am glued to the news. I feel ownership. 

You should too.

Be My Guest

OH! It has been so fun.

My darling cousin Kelsy stayed with us for the weekend. She was here for a wedding but we got the benefit of hanging out with her. She is truly delightful. She is the same age as Hannah so the boys (who miss Hannah) loved having her around and she was sweet and kind as a big sister should be.  We dragged her around town. Kelsy is petite and Noah is very tall. It makes for awesome pictures.

Love love love her.

Chapel at the Air Force Academy

We look like a happy family hu? Well, we are.

Soaking up the Colorado Sun at Garden of the Gods.

I have been wondering why I hate house work so much. It seems like for the last year or so I have a hard time enjoying meal prep, housework, and all the menial tasks one must do to stay on top of things. Noah is home for 2 weeks before school starts up again. Suddenly I realise that I used to save all my housework stuff for when he practiced. For hours on end I would do my boring jobs while he worked through beautiful music and I hummed along. Now that he is home I am enjoying my chores much more! I've tried listening to beautiful music on CD and that is nice, but just not the same thing as having a live pianist in the house. Not only am I serandaded all day long, I now have this amazing music stuck in my head. Noah constantly has music playing through his head. He dreams of music. Oh, so nice to have him home.

NoahNoahNoahNoah

This week has been Mother Son week for me and Noah.

Noah's birthday was fun. I made him a cheesecake.

We dropped Ike off for Scout camp and then dropped Roland off at the airport and then went to FHE with the Barnes, Hopkins, and Munsons. We all have kids the same age and it was so fun to see them together and hang out with grownups. These grownups are particularly nice and so good looking! I wish I had taken a picture so you could see how beautiful my BFFs are.

Childhood friends Jaron, Noah, and Jared. And Jilyn.

Noah and Mrs. Corron his Boise piano teacher. She's awesome.

Thursday we went back to Boise for a piano lesson and Harry Potter.

All the HP movies are running into one movie for me. I annoyed Noah by asking him questions like, "Why is Dumbledor's hand creepy looking?" I read all the books but, like I said, they are all running together in my head.

We have enjoyed this week alone together. We went to Kirkham hot springs - such a cool place! I made Noah drive and the hairpin turns kinda freaked him out but he did great. Yesterday I was sitting on the front deck reading a book when Noah came out and said:

'Mom, you need to listen to this. I am learning it next.' He handed me his ipod and I listened to Rachmaninoff's 2nd concerto for 40 minutes. It was so beautiful i couldn't do anything but listen and look at the river, mountains and trees. So amazing. I would love to hear him play that with a full orchestra.

Today we ran down to Boise so Noah could play piano at my mom's church. Tomorrow he leaves for piano camp at Utah State.

Tomorrow Ike and Mom week starts.

Perfection Personified

We got married on Roland's birthday, May 23. It was his idea. I fought against it but it had to be done due to our urgent desire to get married and the temple schedule. Every year on Roland's birthday he insists that we celebrate our anniversary instead. This year he refused any sort of birthday celebration because it is our 25th year anniverary. So, I moved his birthday.

"Today" is Roland's Birthday!
I used red because that is his personality color code.

I want to tell you how wonderful and amazing he is. But everything I write just sounds so sappy and sentimental. So I will put it as simply as I can: He really is perfect.

Tea Party Part II

In the post below I talked about the Tea Party I attended. I asked JD to leave a comment and he sent me an email instead. He has a lot to say about this topic and I like the way he says it. He is easy to understand, even though English is his 3rd language, and he looks at our country through a world view that is refreshing.

I am impressed by JD. He is a serious competitor. He likes to win and isn't afraid to work hard to win, on the track, on a bike, and in business. The man is married to an amazing woman and they have beautiful, smart children. He is an excellent public speaker, generous with everyone he meets, and is constantly hosting parties and dinners. I am proud to have him post his guest opinion on my blog.JD and some of his smart beautiful children.

JD - I turn it over to you (its a little long, but worth your time):
.............................

I came here in 1992 as a young man. I felt that even though I could not speak the language and with very little money, I was more likely to succeed here compared to Socialist France. After 15 years of hard work I am now a VP over the country in my business line in one of the biggest bank in the country. I know I would have never had this opportunity back in France in my own language and culture. My wife and I had hard times getting there, we had good times, but if I had to do it again, I would do it all over again; the good and the bad.

I applied for citizenship after 911. That is when I realized I shared more common values with America than any other country. I lived and worked before in France, Switzerland, Spain, England (very short) and The US, I did not choose where I was born. My only choice was to apply for citizenship here. I feel this is the place I enjoy the most, I want my kids to grow up here, and believe they are most likely to succeed too.

Now my biggest frustration has been this horrible "deja vu" feeling with what is going on in the country. I feel I know where we are going and it is not good. I already went through that many years ago. Back in 1981 the socialist (Mitterand) won the French election by promising something for everyone. Could not get elected on popularity, so he had a giveaway for everyone. Originally not very popular, he barely won the election by giving away something to everyone.

• Older workers could retire earlier.
• Dramatic expansion of the welfare system.
• A minimum income for everyone even if they are not working.
• For workers, more vacations, less work for the same pay; Employers forced to keep employees they don't need
• Huge increase in government program which would offer lots of jobs to everyone.
• For retirees, higher retirement benefits.
• His campaign motto at the time (1981)... and I am not kidding... Hope and... "Change!..." He got elected!.

Soon after the elections a lot of big companies got nationalized. This was a way to support companies in trouble, but also bring some revenues to the state from good companies. As a result, major international investment went away from the country and a lot of companies closed. Unemployment went from 8% to 10-12%.

They supported an open door policy for immigration. Most of this immigration came from Muslim country (North Africa) who never wanted to integrate to the Judeo Christian traditional French culture. They obviously wanted to maintain their cultural and religious difference. Most would come unable to work because of language differences, living in their own community on government subsidies and bringing more family members every years. Those minorities now represent close to 20% of the population and growing fast... obviously they will never vote against the hand that is feeding them and they are a huge support for the socialists. They have impacted France’s international involvement in modern conflicts, as they refused any involvement with countries fighting Muslim brothers... No Iraq, very limited Afghanistan. They require government funded mosques all over the country.

A third of the country is now working in a government position... so obviously, those people when voting, will never vote against big government either... Makes it hard to change a government when you have half the country that will vote for you, no matter what. It is the addiction of socialism, just like cocaine... you might not like it much after a while, but you just can't get away from it. Your existence depends on it.

Finally, after many scandals and corruption, a few years ago a true conservative was elected (Sarkozi), but even if his intentions are right, you can't just take away benefits that have been there for 20 years... You can't say... "You retired 15 years ago... sorry, now you have to go back to work!" "You had free healthcare? ... Sorry now you are going to have to pay for it!", because this has become an entitlement in everyone's mind. He would get lynched if he would even try.

Anytime he tries to change anything from the public sector the country goes on massive strike from the millions trying to protect their turf! So now the conservative government is forced into a pseudo socialism because a socialist was in power.

With the socialist promoting "open mindedness" to everything BUT traditional values, Europe has become a kingdom of immorality and "laissez faire" Where the ones to be shun are the ones promoting traditional values and family values.

Here in the US, I am neither a republican nor a democrat. I just consider myself a conservative (in values). I blame both the republicans and the democrats for the bailouts that started 6 months ago under Paulson (a rep!). I am amazed to read in the European socialist press, the EU socialist economist think the bailout will not work! I get scared when I hear socialists from Europe telling me OUR bailouts are too big!

I have seen because of my job, the government coming to my bank, last fall, and forcing us to take a bailout we did not need. Now my company has to pay 400 million every 3 months just in dividends, back to the government for money we didn’t need. It is like if the government was coming to you and giving you money you don't need and asking for a monthly payment... Thanks for the help... but no thanks...!!

At one point we felt that by being one of the few survivors due to our conservative banking practices, we would reap the benefit of the unwise banks dying. But instead the government wants to artificially maintain the bad companies at the detriment of everyone else. In a world where no one looses, no one wins either... except the government!

Under the threat of nationalization (which means your stock is worth "0"), our stock has lost 75% of its value when we should have been rewarded for being one of the few standing strong. Many of my friends have lost, in a few months, 3/4 of their retirement. Then because of this bailout, the government is telling us what to do, forcing us to lend or not to lend, changing our compensation, threatening to fire our management if we don't comply. We are trying to give them the bailout money back to free ourselves from this insanity. But so far the government is refusing to take anything back from us and other big banks. Their foot is still on our throat and they use the bailout to control the banks.

I love this country, this is the only one I have ever chosen. But I see people falling in the same trap the Europeans fell into by wanting to taste the socialism "Cocaine".

Sometimes I feel we get the government we deserve, and I should not complain; but sometimes I feel people are lied to until they believe their life will be better if they only "embrace Change". So I am not sure who is to blame here... I am amazed to see many believe we will be smarter than the Canadians, the Europeans and will not fall into the same traps... just like those trying cocaine and saying... I am smarter and won't ever get addicted.

Change, is not always good.

Check in again to see the picture he is going to send me.

Celebrities In My Life - Kory

Head on over to Bossy! to see the latest Celebrity In My Life!

My super awesome cousin, Kory and her man.

Celebrities In My Life

I am starting a new feature on my blog. I will be interviewing people I know who I always feel like bragging about. These will be people who are doing things that I wish I was doing, people who make me feel lucky that I know them, people who make me want to try harder.

So, today I would like to introduce you to Michelle Egbert.
Michelle grew up in Westchester County New York and New Canaan, Connecticut. She went to BYU and met her husband on a study abroad in Jerusalem. They have 4 beautiful children and are working hard to build their dental practice. Some how, Michelle finds time to run. Fast. She even wins races. She has a twin who looks just like her and that has caused confusion a few times – especially when her twin was 8 months pregnant and we saw her at the swimming pool. Michelle and I are about as different as 2 people can be - she does math problems in her head to distract herself from pain (math = pain for me). I like her.

How did you get into running?

I started running longer distances when I had my first baby. I decided running was the best way to stay in shape in a short amount of time and I could do it right out my front door. I'm all about multi-tasking and keeping things short. So that was my initial running goal. Losing baby weight and staying in shape by running 2-3 times a week for 30 minutes. My long term running goals are to run because I love it. With no time limits, pacing, and distance in mind. I just want to run outside for pleasure. And because I love feeling my body pound on the gound and feeling the stress leaving my body. That's the goal.

Lots of my readers (me especially) hate to sweat! Why is it important to you to run? What does it do for you?

Running is really important to me. It keeps me sane during the chaos of my life with 4 children spaced way too close. I am all alone while I run. A lot of runs I don't listen to music. I just enjoy being alone and seeing the scenery. If I'm on a treadmill I like to listen to music and watch 3 different tv screens at once. The treadmill is a pain. But running outside is a stress reliever. The pounding on my body helps me work out frustrations and come home happier. And nicer. My husband urges me on runs sometimes. The sweatier and more disgusting I look when I get home the better I feel. It's directly related. If I don't feel like I'm going to puke I haven't pushed it hard enough. Sounds crazy, doesn't it?

How many hours a week do you spend training?

I vary the distances and amount of time training. Right now I'm running at least 30 miles a week, but only over 3 days. In the summer and when I run outside I run fewer miles, but I run 5-6 times a week because It's so nice to be outside. I guess it's about 4-5 hours a week just running. Then probably 3 hours a week doing yoga to stretch out the sore muscles.

Jen, Paula, Kim, Debbie, and Michelle - these darling girls go to church with me and Debbie keeps inviting me to start running so I can do a race with them. Its an exciting and somewhat scary idea.
Look how cute they are!

What do you think about while you run?

I think about a lot of different things while I run. When I start on the treadmill I'm usually thinking how much I hate it. Especially if I'm running more then 10 miles. Once I settle in after the first 3-4 miles I really start enjoying myself. I think about my running goals, the marathon, pacing, my day, what I'm bugged at, and at some point during the run I almost always feel repentant about something I've done relating to my children during the day. I can work through lots of problems in my head. It's therapeutic. Usually for the last 4-5 miles of a really long run I start feeling miserable again. At that point I'm usually thinking how much I hate it again. But not for long. I eventually start doing math problems in my head. Lame I know, but I used to be on the math team in high school. Keeps my mind off the tired body. I've also counted my steps. I'm not sure how high I've counted. Lots of time I listen to LDS conference talks and feel like I've multi-tasked my spiritual uplifting with my physical exercise. Towards the very end of the run I feel strong. Capable. Like I'm awesome. It's a great feeling.

Tell us about your favorite race and why it is your favorite.

This is a tough one. I feel like I should say Maui because it was in Maui. But that wasn't the greatest. Probably the 5 mile run in Moab. I trained so hard for that run starting at my 6 weeks postpartum. I felt extremely proud of myself finishing as well as I did. The scenery was incredible, it was solitary, and it felt like I'd really accomplished something. I was on a high for weeks.

Have you ever cried during a race? Why? How did you deal with it and finish the race?

Never cried. I've wanted to. But I'm not one to let my emotions show. Ever. What I have done is nearly passed out, hit a wall, and had serious tummy distress. I just pushed through knowing my husband would be at the end waiting for me and cheering me on. And he's been known to tear up at the end of my races. That always keeps me motivated. It's nice to know I have a fan.

Do you follow a special diet?

No. Yes. Well I don't know I guess. I watch what I eat, for sure. I try to be careful about what I put into my body. I eat specific foods at specific times or I get a bellyache from the stress of running. I do get disgusted at myself when I polish off my 10th cookie. That happens to me too. But I don't really eat like an athlete. I should. I always mean to. I'm just too cheap and busy with the kids. I drink protein shakes before my long runs and after. I replace calories burned in a really long run as well as I can. I've downed an entire bag of cheddar chex mix while driving carpool. And I don't feel sick afterwards. My body craves food. All the time. I'm always hungry. But just writing this makes me want to do better eating protein and not crap. I'll think about that on my run tomorrow, I'm sure.

Children often copy their parents, are your children interested in running? If so, what do you do to encourage them?

My kids are really interested in running. They've done some fun runs for kids. And they love to run on my treadmill. Ashley already talks about getting her legs strong so she can run with me as she gets older. I sure hope so. That sounds incredibly fun. I encourage them by daily walks/runs on our 2 mile route. They do great. And by running on the treadmill. Ashley is up to running 1 mile on the treadmill. Just lots of praise and encouragement. They just want to be like me still. I'm nervous for that to go away.

You are mom to 4 sweet young children and you are helping your husband build his dental practice. What advice do you have for those of us who aren’t exercising, and use our kids, jobs, and busy lives as an excuse?

Don't use it as an excuse! Running and exercising can be social. It can be a stress reliever. It can be a time to listen to books on tape. It is so much more then just sweating. Just don't look at it as a time to sweat. It's a part of your life. And it doesn't have to take much time. Especially running. It's very efficient. That's why I picked it in the first place.

.................................

I'm going to follow Michelle's advice and go for a walk today. I haven't run a mile since college, so I think that is my new goal for the year! Thanks Michelle!

Grandma's 90th Birthday

On January 31, 2009 in Arcadia, California 83 people gathered to honor their mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, LoRene Hawley Steimle. It was the first time in 12 years that we were able to get as many people together. We reacquainted ourselves with those who were there and missed those who weren't. It was a wonderful night.

It was beautifully decorated by people who love and adore Grandma.

This is only half of the time-line of grandma's life.

This map showed all the many places Grandma and Grandpa had traveled. It's safe to say that they visited every content (including the south pole!), all but 2 of the United States, and nearly every country.

Aunt Kris, Uncle Paul, Grandma, Uncle Doug

When Grandma entered the party everyone burst into "Happy Birthday".
It made me tear up a little.People traveled from Washington, Idaho, Utah, Ohio, Maryland, and Colorado. My cousin David came from Boston (and left his 5 day old baby!) and Kim came all the way from Australia. It was awesome!

The young great-grandchildren made fruit-loop necklaces and flowers for Grandma. The teen great-grandchildren rewrote the Book of Mormon Stories song for Grandma.


"Grandma Steimle stories that my mommy tells to me. All about her travelling afar across the sea. And about her childhood and up to nine-ty. I am glad, to-o be, a descendant of LoRene Steimle."

My kids composed this nice little song for Grandma.

Gabe:
Now here's a little story that's really timely
It's a little something 'bout LoRene Steimle
I pass it to my sister to say whuz' up
She punches in and spits,

All together: 'Young pup!"

Hannah:
This is a dame that's built to last!
We're here now to learn 'bout her past,
It goes, "I came from my momma,
she came from her momma, she came from her momma,
That's my great grandmomma!"

Noah:
Straight from the nine-one-double-oh-six,
She's already 90, but she's still in the mix.
And here we are now to celebrate
This poppin' party's gonna be real great!

All together:
It's her birthday! What?
It's her birthday!
Everybody up & shout.
"Hooray!"

Grandma just sat back and let us all dote on her.
Grandma said her favorite part was the singing, signing autographs, and listening to everyone visit. She loves us and loved watching us catch up and reminisce.

G&G took almost all of the grand kids on a cruise to Alaska when they were in high school, in groups of 4. Everyone thinks this was her favorite group (but it was really my group - the first group).

My kids adore my cousin Quinton.

My Family - minus Sally's husband and sick children.

After the food, the songs, the videos, the crafts, the presentations, the contests, the autographs, the photo-shoots, the memories, the hugs and kisses, and cotton candy, Grandma was a tired girl. So Uncle Doug closed the party by reading a letter that Grandpa wrote to Grandma in her high school yearbook. It was tender and sweet. Then we had family prayer. Then everyone grabbed a cupcake, went outside and lit their cupcake, stood on either side of the sidewalk and sang happy birthday to Grandma as she walked to the car.

It was beautiful.

And I think we all felt beautiful just being with her.

Happy 90th Birthday Grandma!