The Last Canyon Outing

With Shanna home and Sara and Sean and their kids back in town after two years, we decided we needed to do one last Dutch Oven cookout in the canyon before it got too cold (not that it’s warm at all—you can see by the pictures that it was plenty crisp!). But we planned it earlier in the day, invited a few friends and family (nieces, Sean’s sister-in-law, etc.,), and ventured up.

I’m glad we went! It was delightful watching the cousins climb on the rocks and play together. There were still a few colorful leaves left. And the potluck food (Sterling did his Dutch Oven, but everyone else brought a contribution as well) was tasty! And if you found a spot in the sun, the temperature actually wasn’t too bad either.

So that was the big event of the day, although I have to admit that I enjoyed the rest of the day equally as much!

After the canyon, I headed up to the hospital to spend the afternoon and evening with Leslie. We had hoped that her numbers would be high enough that I’d be taking her “home” (a small apartment near the hospital she and Danny have rented specifically for this purpose), but we were disappointed.

Instead, she helped me finish the napkin rings for Shanna’s Happy Halloween Homecoming party tomorrow, and we watched HGTV, one of Leslie’s favorite channels. (I’m not really sure what that stands for—I hardly ever watch TV, so I’m not familiar with it, but there were a lot of home and remodeling shows, so I’m thinking the H might stand for Home.)

I was intrigued by the shows, and we had to laugh because every once in a while I got so interested in something on one of the shows, we had to stop visiting until the commercial. It was fascinating to see people choose a designer for a remodel and then see the remodel process, or watch how people prepare to sell their houses. We had a good time guessing if they were making the right choices (in our opinions) and then see the results that followed.

Mom Pat arrived to spend the night with Leslie, and to take her for a drive today. (Woo hoo—although she doesn’t get to go home, she can at least get out, the first time in weeks!) I hated to drag myself away but finally had to leave.

We’re hoping that Monday will be the magic day, and Leslie will be able to go to the apartment then. (Cross your fingers and pray for her. . . ) But until then, Leslie is in amazing spirits! She’s upbeat and positive, and I loved spending time with her.

Several of you have asked about sending her a card—that would be wonderful! If you want to send them to Stampin’ Up!, I’ll be happy to deliver them to her. Thank you for your thoughtfulness; she (and I) appreciate it all so much!

Comments

[Roberta Smith]

HGTV stands for Home & Garden Television. Just to let you know. Glad you got to get family together and had lots of fun!

[Sarah Kirk]

Shelli,
It looks like a wonderful time was had by all at the Canyon! I love seeing the pictures of your family having fun together! That also makes for some fun times playing with the My Digital Studio program! :) Can I just say I'm loving playing with this program!

I am also going to hold your sister Leslie up in prayer. I know the Lord has her in his hands. The time you have together with her is precious! Oh, buy the way the "G" in HGTV means Garden. They have some fun gardening shows on there as well.

Take care Shelli.

Sarah

[Lola G.]

Beautiful photos! I love how you cropped them and pieced them together. Here in the Northeast we're enjoying some lovely autumn weather as well, before it's time to snuggle in for winter.

Leslie is lucky to have you there to enjoy some time together. What a difference it makes to have loved ones nearby when you're dealing with serious illness. I'm wishing you all the best.

[Fatima M.]

Hi, Shelli.... funny how you don't seem to be familiar with HGTV considering I just watched you on Tuesday on that very channel! You were on DIY's Scrapbooking with Sandy Genovese showing stamping techniques. You had two different layouts with your daughters' weddings. It was too cute.

My thoughts and prayers are with your sister and all your family. Congrats on being able to spend such a wonderful day with your family. All my best....

[shh]

Fall Fun! Isn't this just a perfect October in Utah? I'm so glad you and the fam got to go up the canyon. Especially for the ones that have been away.
It's nice you are able to spend so much time w/ Leslie. I pray she can go to the apartment soon.

[Terry Molineux]

Shelli I have to say it again, "You are an amazing woman!" There is a special place in heaven for you. I love the family photos and you touch my heart every time you tell your stories of your family. I am so glad you can schedule your day so you spend so much time with Leslie. That is so important for you and her. My thoughts and prayers are with her that she will be able to get to the apt and back into remission!!

Enjoy your special party today! Cannot wait to see those pictures. And welcome home Sara.

Inky Hugs,
Terry~~

[Chelsea]

Loved these!!! It was a great time! I have to tell you, of all channels, HGTV might be a swell one for you! Loved getting to see you this weekend! Thanks for being wonderful, and hosting such great bashes! The food was great, Ster's dutch too! And speaking of Uncle Ster, tell him a BIG thanks again, for letting Kallin see the horses! He loved them, and said, "horse" and "hee-hee" when we asked about it, with a big grin! Love you guys!

[Faye Hauge]

Shelli,

I just love reading about your family. I was at the Portland, ME Regional on Saturday, October 17th. It was the first Regional I have been to. I am sure it will not be my last. Please try to have one in the New England area each year. It is nice to learn things in a smaller setting.

It is so wonderful that you can spend all that time with Leslie, I am sure that it means so much to her and I know it means a great deal to you. You and her will be in my prayers.

Hugs,
Faye Hauge

[Maxine Conrad]

Prayers are with Leslie and all her family :)

[Staci Miserlian]

I ♥ HGTV! Glad you & Leslie were able to share some time together. I'll keep praying!
Wonderful family outing - great photos & thanks for sharing!

[digital camera accessories]

Nice photos and post. Glad to see you all together at HGTV.
You had a family outing enjoyment.

[Sherry Williams]

You are such a lovely person. I enjoy how real you are in your writing. I just had to laugh about HGTV. Watch out, it is sooo addicting. Even my children (ages 9, 11 &12) watch House Hunters and several of the design shows. We just love it, and we all have our opinions as well. Even though its tv, its created many good conversations and added to our family time. :)