Surprise Layover

On my way home from Stake conference, I got a call from Todd asking me if I had time to meet him at LAX...Heck yea!!!  He had a 3 hour layover on his way back to Winnipeg.  I went home, picked up mom (still in her pj's) and off we went.  We met Todd in front of the terminal, found a jack in the box for some tacos, had a short visit (and a picture), and then deposited him back off in front of the terminal.  I love that guy, and I loved getting that surprise hug.

Stake Conference Visitor--Elder Christofferson

Today I got to shake hands with an apostle!!!  Elder D Todd Christofferson was our visiting authority from Salt Lake for our Stake Conference.  And because I am the Stake Music Chairman, I lead the music both last night and this morning as well as the stake choir this morning.  I was within 6 feet of him for both meetings!  I got a wave from him as he walked in this morning, acknowledging me from last night.  I got a thumbs up from him after the choir sang during the meeting.  And I got a hand shake  and a positive comment about the choir after the meeting was over.  All in all..a once in a lifetime experience.

Etiwanda Fun Run

Several weeks ago, Amy called and asked if I wanted to join them in the school 5K fun run.  I told her I hadn't trained in months and I doubted that I could even do it.  She alleviated my fears by telling me that they would all be walking and I should be just fine. So, of course, I said yes.
All walking, my foot!!!  As soon as I got there, she told me she was going to run the entire thing with Carson and Wyatt, Todd would lag behind with Owen, and Emma was all mine.

As it turned out, Carson was earning a "free mile pass" for his PE class by participating and a milk shake from his mom and dad if he finished in under 30 minutes.  He finished in 32, running almost the entire time, and earned a well deserved shake.  I've never been prouder of him.














Wyatt did a great job.  He spread his "cheer" around, spending
some time with all of us.  He finished right behind Carson, also
earning a shake.  Way to go, buddy!

Owen was a real trooper, being drug along by Todd!

And Emma and I did a whole lot more running than I had expected.  As we rounded the corner, and saw the finish line, I
actually thought I was having a heart attack.  And then I found out it wasn't the REAL finish line, but we still had more to go!  I couldn't go another foot, so I gave up!

Until Amy came over and encouraged me to finish.  So, off we went, to finish this ENDLESS race.

















There was a final up and back, and we saw Todd and Emma on the other side, so Amy ran over to give a little encouragement.  It seemed to work because Emma really seemed to find new energy.

And the finish line!!!

It's a good thing we wore our bright green Mortensen t-shirts.  There were a couple of photographers documenting the event and then posted them all on line for us to download.  It was pretty easy to find the ones we were in! Thank you!

Monday's Memory--Grandpa Busby's Pocket Watch

While cleaning out my jewelry box the other day, I came across this...a very old pocket watch belonging to Grandpa Busby.  I really don't have any memories of him using this watch, but coming across it sure brought back some wonder memories of grandpa and the times we shared together.  

One of the things I miss about him was his fun loving attitude.  I can't remember a time that he didn't have a positive attitude and a smile on his face.  I love you, grandpa.  (I don't know what he said or did in this picture,, but it sure made mom laugh!

Eclipse--Bucket List #10

Tonight was a lunar eclipse, and because it was on my bucket list, and I'm all about checking things off of lists, I watched it.  Not only did I watch, but I tried to document it with my camera.  I did't get very good shots until it got dark, so I only have the second half, when it was starting to get whole again.  I wish you could have seen me.  I don't have a tripod, so I set up my own version of one in the back yard...a chair with a box on top, with books on top of that.  I kept adjusting how many book until I got the right angle.  But, it worked!  I think the pictures came out pretty well for a non professional.

Happy Birthday, Kathy

Grandma Board

I just love my new grandma board