How cool is it that my son-in-law David gets to travel all around our beautiful state for work and can report back on one of those trips with a stunning picture. He took this shot at midnight. Barrow which is now Utquiagvik is extreme. It is extremely small, and extremely north, above the Arctic Circle and the northernmost town in the U.S. There is a lot of Alaska native culture and you can try out your toes in the icy Arctic Ocean too.
My heart is heavy learning of the news that my dear dear friend Claudia Wilde passed away. She was my Alaskan mother, my confidante, my mentor and the best of the best. We had many laughs over the years and a few tears. Many times I would sink into her comfy couch and with Manny on my lap purring we would talk for hours. She inspired me in so many ways by her creativity and her drive to get things done. I will never ever regret those few moments I took to call her on Mother’s Day. With her frail sweet voice we spoke for the last time. Such a tender memory.
“We are sad to announce that on May 30, 2024 we had to say goodbye to Claudia Wilde in Snohomish, Washington. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Claudia Wilde to show support. She was predeceased by : her parents, Roland Marl Gourley and Jennie Tuttle Gourley; her sisters, Janet Gourley Herbert (Don Herbert) and Marion Marl Gourley Christensen (Chris Christensen); and her husband Lawrence D. Wilde Jr. She is survived by : her children, Lindsey Jensen, Marc Munns, Jon Munns (Stacey) and Jessica Munns (Robert); her grandchildren, Steven, Travis, Kyle, Laryssa Jensen, Clayton and Eli Blaylock; and also, Ron and Alan Wilde (Ann). She is also survived by eight great grandchildren.”
Each year our Stake puts on the most amazing Activity Days Camp. For the past two years my grandchildren have been a part of this event at Camp LaDaSa. They had a blast as is well seen in the photos below. I appreciate so much all the work the leaders put into these activites that bond and teach young children about adventure, fun, endurance, the Gospel and bonding.
I’m so grateful to Britta for capturing these photos. “Cousins may not be siblings, but they are family just the same.” “Cousins are connected heart to heart, distance and time can’t break them apart.” “A cousin is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost.” “Cousins are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer.” These kids play so well together and love every moment they can be with one another.
And she is off soaring the Alaskan skies in a dark green and black Super Cub. Piloting the bird is Bret and Kelcy’s little wing girl is Gwendolyn who zonked out within the first ten minutes of the flight. The weather was good and the Alaskan skies were clear. Kelcy surveyed all the beauty of the land and it looked gorgeous. Gwendolyn reminded me of “me” when I was a little girl and wanted to ride on Grandpa Allan’s bus as he did his route through the streets of Victoria. On the bus I went and slept the entire route.
Oh them ribs. I think I could take pictures of great food all the time. Mike’s ribs were so tender and juicy and fell right off the bones. Great job Traeger man. I read some guy’s post about ribs and I loved it. “They’re gooey and sticky and it brings out the carnevour in all of us. You have to be polite when eating shoulder. With ribs you can get it all over your face and fingers and smack your lips and fingers.. Throw manners out the window and then throw the bone to the dog! ” Yup that is all true. We smacked and wiped our faces all through dinner but sadly no dog to catch the bones.
Our farm girls Kelcy and Gwendolyn have welcomed many visitors to their farm this week. The cousins came and loved on the pigs (Mike Jr is the most loving of the two) and snuggled with the little chicks. Those cute little pig bums are the cutest. Gwendolyn is the best little farm hand and is so proud to show off her animals. She was a wonderful tour guide of the farm. Remember “look like a lady, work like a farm girl.”
Pedicure time. Mayvie’s birthday treat. All the girls. Giggles. The beginning of a pedicure tradition. How about ten years? Cute little toes. Pinks, blues, sparkles and more. Cousin fun. Show them girls how pedicures are the BEST! Memories. Smiles. Total relaxation.
“These are the tiny footprints so perfect and small
These tiny footprints never touched the ground at all.
Not one tiny footprint, for now I have wings
These tiny footprints were meant for other things.
You will hear my tiny footprints in the patter of the rain.
Gentle drops like angel tears of joy and not from pain.
You will see my tiny footprints in each butterfly’s lazy dance
I’ll let you know I’m with you if you give me just a chance.
You will see my tiny footprints in the rustle of the leaves.
I will whisper names into the wing and call each one that grieves.
Most of all, these tiny footprints are found
In Mommy and Daddy’s heart
Because even though I’m gone we’ll never truly part.”
There was a knock at Kyla’s door. She got off the couch from resting to find a florist delivery guy holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Surprised and touched she was anxious to see who they were from. She opened the card and saw her doctor’s names which was so unexpected and so very kind. “For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from thee” (3 Nephi 22:10); see also Isaiah 54:10). This promise from the Lord not only offers us comfort but also reminds us of the importance of the attribute of kindness.
Tara Truly 