Day 4 - Wednesday - More Golf, Hank's Visit &Blog Makeover

Eric and Jason went golfing at Hobble Creek this morning. My neice, Amy came out to visit with her two boys, Seth and Spencer. Madison is holding happy Spencer below. My neice Janna came out today as well and spent some time trying to teach my how to use Photoshop Essentials -- an unopened Christmas gift of mine at home. She gave my blog a makeover -- I love it! Gotta love the name my sister Diane came up with -- Schauers' Forecast! Get it???

Day 3 - Tuesday - Harrison's Hideaway

Eric got up early and played golf at Thanksgiving Point with his cousins Mike Maughan. He got home around noon and we then loaded up and headed out to their property which is 45 minutes away. The kids got to ride ATVs and had a ball. I got to relax, visit and read which was wonderful. Talmage got to come along to Grandma & Grandpa's property and loved it. We roasted hot dogs for dinner and had yummy smores. It has been really hot and today was supposed to be the coolest day of the week and it was wonderful! The weather was perfect and everyone enjoyed the Harrison's Hideaway!

Jason and Talmage loved being able to keep the fire going --- what 11 year old boy doesn't? Jason was in heaven!

Utah Trip Day 2 - EFY & Seven Peaks

Eric got up early and played golf at Hobble Creek which is just up the canyon from the Harrison's house. I got to take Brandon and Caden to EFY which by the way -- is about a two hour process. Caden discovered he had forgotten to pack shirts, so we quickly washed the only one he brought, new he would be getting an EFY shirt to wear and ran to Kohls to grab him another. His Dad would be coming up on Wednesday for business and would bring him more. Thankfully, Ruth Ann came along as she was needing to drop off a girl who had stayed the night with them at Diving Camp which turned out to be at the same area for check in.

EFY check in didn't start until 11am and we arrived early at 10:30am to be in line just in time to still be under a shade awning. We were grateful! They were taking everyone's temperatures to make sure everyone was healthy as they didn't want to have swine flu issues. Once 11AM came around, we were all processed and headed to drop off Emily at her dorm in Heleman Halls. Brandon and Caden were up at Heritage Halls. We were feeling sorry for the kids who flew in or were just dropped off as they were hauling their luggage 4-6 blocks depending on their housing assignments. Once at heritage, we had to find where they were issuing keys and left the boys to get settled.

On the way home we stopped and bought discount tickets for Seven Peaks Water park and Eric took the kids for the afternoon. Dennis took along Jodi's kids as they were staying with them and the kids had a blast! Ruth Ann and I relaxed and visiting for the afternoon.

Utah Trip - Day 1 - Road Trip

Sunday - July 12th we left at 7AM and headed up to Springville, Utah. We took along Caden Morgan, Brandon's friend, who are both attending EFY together this week. We stopped at Cove Fort to stretch our legs and to learn a little Church History. It was so beautiful! We loved our little tour. We ended up arriving at the Harrison's around 6pm where Ruth Ann had a yummy dinner waiting for us.

Graduation Day for Megan!!!

Megan has been counting down the days til today! Finally . . . a graduate from Murrieta High School! We had lots of family in town (because of my brother's burial) which was very special to have so many loved ones together! It will be a day we will never forget!!!

Here's her offical Cap and Gown picture!

Mom looks a little tired, but still very proud of her graduate!

Megan had over 730 in her graduation class. The ceremony lasted about two hours. Our friends the Laker's were kind enough to save us seats on the field so we had actual chairs to sit in! (THANK YOU PAM & PAUL!) Daddy and his little girl! ("Quick . . . take a picture and let's get out of here!!")
Megan picking up and signing for her offical diploma.

When we got home, we were treated with an amazing Taco feast that my friend Julie Dransfield coordinated with other friends (Pam, Marleen, Janet, Debbie, Jackie, Gina, & Kimbur). What would I do without amazing friends who have helped carried me these past couple days. Every meal on Friday and Saturday was provided by wards or friends. Amazing!! This meal gave me the energy boost I sorely needed to go onto Phase 3 of the day --- Meg's graduation party!

With 18 extended family and friends gathered around, Megan was asked by each of them a question about her life . . . which she answered. There were certain questions that had a present linked to it for her to open. After the questions, we would ring a bell and she then got to open the gift that was related to the question. The gift questions were:

1. What is your summertime job? Scanning pictures . . . and she opened a graduation picture frame.
2. What were you born without? Hair! and she opened a new blowdryer . . . (her's died months ago and we've been sharing!)
3. Where were you born? Wildomar - Inland Hospital. She then opened a sapphire birthstone ring.
4. How many times have your flown in an airplane? She answered 3. Then she opened up her lugguage. She had to open up each piece and in the third piece a helium ballon popped up tied to a sign that said . . . "One more time! Pack your bags . . . you're going to Utah with the Crook's and flying home!"

Megan was so surprised because she thought she was spending the next week babysitting the kids while I was at Girls Camp and then in Las Vegas. Instead, she gets to leave on Sunday and get out of town and spend some time with her Utah family.

This picture is hilarious! It toally dipicts her reaction. Keep in mind, Megan doesn't show very much emotion or excitement -- so this was precious! She was speechless and so excited! We totally surprised her!!! (Which believe me . . .is hard to do!)
Her official sign!

Cousin Debra says, "Yes, Meg . . . it's true . . . you get to come play with me in Utah!!"

(Thanks Crooks for letting her come get away!)

Well, the fun didn't end there! Once she caught her breath, I told everyone we weren't done yet and we needed to load up in cars and go for a little drive. We headed up to La Cresta to our friends, the Morgan's home to view a surprise 17 minute DVD of Megan's life in their home theater. It was amazing!

It had 9 different songs to keep it moving:

1. Sweet Child of Mine
2. Life Is A Highway
3. Sweet Thing
4. All I Wanna Do
5. She's A Beauty
6. You're Gonna Miss This
7. Stay Beautiful
8. My Wish
9. This Is My Time To Shine

Happy Graduation Megan!

We love you and are excited for you to enter the next stage of your life . . . . College at Eastern Arizona in Thatcher (only 7 hours away). School starts August 24th!!

Don's Graveside Service - Wildomar, CA

We had Don's burial at the Wildomar Cemetery where my Dad, and his son Aaron is buried. We used their pavillion for the graveside service. We were able to not involve a mortuary out here as Don's casket was delivered direct to the cemetery Friday before the graveside and the grave was closed before the services began at 11am.

Only a few chairs were set up but we are able to sit all around on the block wall that surrounds the pavillion. We counted over 60 in attendance. Dennis conducted, Kim re-read the eulogy, Della sang and then a few stood up for comments about Don inculding Don's boss for NUMEROUS years, Diane and Mom. It was wonderful. We ended this portion by singing Families Can Be Together Forever before going over to Dedicate the grave (which Dennis did).

Mom is consoling Allen "Daddy" Ahlman as his wife Slyvia isn't expected to live much longer. (In fact she passed away three days later). The Ahlman's have been long time family friends -- hense the nickname "Daddy Alhman" which Don, Ruth Ann, Diane, Della and Mary Alice often referred to him as.

Kiley and Tabitha (two on Don's seven grandchildren) get flowers from Papa's grave.

Mom is pictured here with her good friends, Doris Proffitt and Margarit Kuhn-Merrifield. "Aunt" Margarit has been a dear family friend for over 50 years.

Don's family - on the left, his wife Carol, daughter Kim with husband Chris (their four children are in Alaska and unable to make it down for the service), daughter Kristy and husband Travis with their two children Kiley and Tabitha, and Patrick. (Pat's wife Cassandra and son Mathew were unable to attend).

Once again, a family photo in front of the Cemetery Olive Tree. We are so appreciate to all the family who was able to attend. It sure makes it easier to say goodbye when loved ones are gathered together to lean on.

Mom and her girls. Back row left to right: Ruth Ann, Diane, Mom, Donna, Carolyn. Bottom row: Della and Mary Alice.

Mom with the Grosdidiers: Larry, Mary Alice, Mom, Jonathon and Shelby.

The is a closeup of Don's retirement plaque (without the mounted plane below) that Don was able to see and appreciate just in time before he had to leave us. This plaque was sent all over the world to get over 86 signatures from co-workers. What a wonderful momento for 40+ years of service at Flying Tigers/Fed Ex. He sure loved his job!

His two sided plane -- A 747. This side shows his 20 years with FedEx.

The other shows his 20 years with Flying Tigers. Don was an Engineer in the Maintenance Department and worked the last several years in Singapore commuting home. Carol will enjoy using his miles for a trip up to Alaska to see Kim's family.

With so much family in town we received lots of help from our ward families to feed everyone. A special thanks to:

Friday Breakfast - Della made waffles and my ward, Murrieta Hills, brought in juices, milk, fresh fruit, bagels and pull apart bread for 30 along with some yummy sugar cookies.

Friday Lunch - my Mom's ward, Wildomar, brought us fried chicken, salads and desserts for 50. We decided to have the luncheon at my house since we were expecting about 30 -- but when 60 showed up for the burial we were a little concerned. It all worked out and we felt people lingered around more and visited in our home as opposed to be at the church.

Friday Dinner - Graduation night for Megan! My friend Julie Dransfield saved the day by coordinating with more friends to bring us a Taco Feast! It was amazing! Thanks to Julie, Marleen, Janet, Pam, Debbie, Jackie, Kimbur, and Gina! We fed about 25 and I think they brough twice that much. So wonderful to have friends that know how to step in and make a difference. I love you guys!

Saturday Breakfast - Yogurt, Granola, fresh fruit, egg casserole, juices, and potatoes. My friends Becky Smith and Diane Erickson stepped to the plate and took care of us again. We went off our family travelling back to Prescott with full stomachs!

Harrison's stuck around until Monday morning and they helped us eat leftovers. It was an amazing time to be together as family and because of the help of so many . . . we were able to spend quality time together as we were spoiled with so many meals. We weren't exhausted from cooking that's for sure.

My heart is full of love and true examples of Christ-like service. My siblings were all impressed with all that you did. I need to strive to service others just as well as you served me.

Thanks for being amazing women!!! I love you!!!

Funeral Services for Donald M. Moore - Prescott, AZ

My eldest brother Don, passed away on Friday, June 5th. He was 62 years old (he was 16 years older than me). He was diagnosed with ALS otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's Disease 18 months ago. He rapidily started deteriorating the end of May and asked that his son, Patrick who lives in Lancaster area and his daughter Kim who lives in Alaska join their daughter Kristy in Prescott. His continued to get worse and knew his time was short. He was able to say all the things he wanted and needed to before he left us. What a tender mercy!

My sister, Della, my Mom and I were able to do a last minute trip on May 30th-31st and was able to spend some quality time with him. He died just 5 days later. I will never forget the time we got to be at his hospital bedside - his Bishopric came to visit on Sunday just before we left to come back home. They offered to give him the sacrament which we were priviledged to be apart of. One of the most spiritual experiences of my life! What a gift!!!

A family picture taken during the younger years. Don, Carol, Kim, Aaron, Patrick and Kristy. It was great being able to reconnect with my neices and nephews through all this. They are very strong and amazing kids that I know Don is proud of!

Don retired from FedEx after 40 years of service. He retired March 1st and this retirement plaque was sent all over the world to get signatures from those he worked with. The plane is especially painted - half Flying Tigers and half FedEx. He worked for Flying Tigers from 20 years before FedEx took over. It arrived just in time for Don to see and enjoy it.

Carol's ward put on a wonderful luncheon full of comfort food (ham, funeral potaotes, green beans yum!!!) We all apprecatied it before we jumped in our cars and headed 6 hours home to California for the burial the next day.

Pictured here are Wayne, Yolanda, Patrick, Kristy, Travis, Donna

(Travis's Mom) and her husband.

Mom, Della, Carolyn, Me came with Eric and we also brought out Patrick who drove to Wildomar from Lancaster area. It was great being able to spend 6 hours in the car with Patrick and get to know our nephew better. (By the way, his mannerisms are just like his Dad's!)

Lori Roberts, Carol, Kim, Chris, a couple from Carol's ward, Sam Roberts and Mel.

(Mel lives in Prescott with his daughter Lori and husband, is married to Carol's sister, Laura who passed away in February.)

I made a DVD of Don's life to be shown in a room next to the viewing. It is 10 minutes long only to be added too for a family keepsake. We also plan to show it out in California for the family that gathers for the graveside.

Don's casket was beautiful! It seemed to change colors depending on the light of the room it was in. It said GOING HOME on the inside of the lid and below you will see the birds soaring that was engraved all around the casket. Flying Home . . . just the way Don would want it.

The pall barers are getting Don ready for his journey to Calfornia where he

will be laid to rest at the Wildomar Cemetery.