Dear Family,
Wow! We have had so many wonderful blessings so far this year. On January 14, Amy and Joseph added a new beautiful little girl to their family. They named her Jane Anne DeGraw (the “Anne” is after Joseph’s sister that died a few years ago) She was 7 lbs. 10 oz. She still has the full head of hair she was born with. It is kind of unique because it is light brown with streaks of blond….it looks like she had expensive highlighting done. Curt and I were able to drive down to Arizona and “help” for seven days. Soon after we arrived Lydia had made a list of things we could do each day and we did our best to accommodate. Isaac is an especially early riser. We would awaken when we heard a note slid under the door. Here’s one of them: Dear, Grandma & Grandpa, “Come in my room because I made a lego, please come and see. Isaac D. p.s. PLESE!!!!!!!”
We were able to take them to school, watch a soccer game, go shopping, the park, attend their great ward and the Phoenix Zoo. We had private dance recitals, piano concerts and it was a welcomed retreat from responsibilities at home. When it was time to drive home I twisted Curt’s arm into stopping at a U-Pick citrus orchard. The orchard turned out to be a gorgeous Frisian horse farm. The glorious sun along with white fenced fields filled with large black horses was our canvas as we picked and walked along just a small portion of the old citrus orchard. We picked just over 100 pounds of grapefruit, navel oranges, lemons and a small amount of kumquats. It was a great trip.
On Saturday, February 2, Marie and April hosted a bridal shower for Abby. We had lots of support from both sides of our family as well as Travis’ side. She received many lovely and helpful gifts and we enjoyed being able to visit with everyone. The following Saturday, February 9, Willow’s best friend in Highland hosted a baby shower. The weather was horrible. In fact the whole month of January and February have been filled with snow storm after snow storm. Craziest winter since we moved to Utah (8 yrs). It was a lovely shower with a small group of us. Willow is such a gracious person.
On February 16, Saturday, Abby received her endowments in the Brigham City Temple. Marie, Matt, Alex, Ashley, Andrew, Willow, Sis. Harvey, their daughter Chelsie, and, of course, Travis were there. Abby had a wonderful experience. It is a beautiful temple and the decorating mimics 1930 styles. We enjoyed dinner together at a Mexican restaurant afterward. Six days later, on February 22 Abby and Travis were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. They were sealed by President Alldredge, the SL Temple President. It seemed to me that when he walked in, the Lord walked in with him. He shared some personal insights about the temple ordinances. Abby just beamed. I know she was truly happy and she knew she had made the right decision. Travis was trying to control his emotions but it was so sweet to see how thrilled he was as well. President Alldredge testified to them that their meeting was not an accident. They were together because the Lord wanted them together and they have serious responsibilities in building the Lord’s kingdom. When they came out of the temple for pictures we all stood in the cold wind and intermittent snow on the steps of the east doors. Those steps have such deep memories for me. They have seen a legacy of family members full of faith and dedication. April and Ruth Felsted took on the responsibility of caring for Marie and Amy’s children at the temple. They were invaluable. Eliza was not too happy to be away from Marie. April was almost ecstatic that this would be her last time with this assignment.
The luncheon was held at the Canterbury Place on 5th South in Bountiful. Curt and I really appreciated Flora, Ruth(ie), Chris, David & Megumi, Carole, Bruce and Jean being there. It was a little difficult to hear them laughing and enjoying each other while we were sitting up front! Sweet Megumi hadn’t felt very well but came for the most important events before Dave took her back up to Heber.
Curt had painted a tree at Abby’s request that she had seen on “Pintrest”. Abby & Travis put their thumbprints in blue on a limb and Curt added eyes, beaks and wings to turn them into birds. All the guests at the luncheon added their thumbprints in two shades of green as leaves on the tree. It turned out pretty cute.
The reception was held at the church across the street from our house. I had hired a decorator for most of the work. It turned out quite elegant with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling between bolts of soft champagne fabric and small lights. The largest chandelier hung over the center round table of refreshments. Abby wanted it elegant but not overdone. We served a variety of cupcakes, with large silver bowls of purple grapes and white yogurt pretzels. Carole, Chris and Jean were perfect, of course. They made everything look beautiful, set out fresh food when needed, refilled the beverage containers and removed empty plates and cups from the tables. Besides keeping an eye on the refreshments they were their usual excellent selves as they went from guest to guest visiting and making sure everyone was taken care of. Jean Gardner, Erika and Paulette drove up from Provo. We were so thrilled to see them.
Travis’ family wanted to do a program at the end of the reception. We stopped the reception line and sat Abby and Travis down in the front so they could watch. We had talked Curt’s mom into playing the piano for us. Actually she transposed it into a range that they could sing and she can really ham things up. The men (Curt, Andrew, Alex, Matt, Joseph and Grandpa Jon) sang to the rock song “If you want to be happy for the rest of your life, make an ugly women your “.We changed the words to be “If you want to make him happy for the rest of your life, and make sure he’s glad he made you his wife, it’s our personal point of view, there’s some things you ought to do.” And then the guys would step up to the mic and take turns telling her what they think makes the perfect wife. It was all in fun. Travis’ mother had coerced me into singing a silly duet which no one in my family knew about just in case I needed to get out of it. But it turned out okay. Travis family had a skit about how Travis and Abby met and then they did a dance number. Travis is a huge Michael Jackson fan. He surprised everyone by joining his family dance. His family faded off while he put on a glittery hat and did all the famous Jackson moves. Travis continued to dance as he brought Abby up to the front and danced with her. He was REALLY GOOD! I thought for sure he was going to rip his new suit with his legs going this way and his arms going that way.
Anyway, the evening went well and those ward members who happened to stay had a lot to talk about the Curtis’ on Sunday. Abby & Travis walked through a canopy of well-wishers holding large sparklers as they went to their cellophane sealed car. It was a long but great day, weeks, months, etc. Not too many regrets.
The last wonderful event was on March 1st! Andrew and Willow had a gorgeous baby girl. At this very moment they are still at the Orem Community Hospital. She weighed 5 lb. 10 oz. and is 19” long. Willow had a long and somewhat difficult delivery. This sweet little girl (no official name as of yet) had the cord around her neck and had not been receiving nutrients for a while and had to be delivered using a vacuum. Willow pushed for 1.5 hrs. When the doctor decided they could wait no longer he used the vacuum and she ripped quite a lot. The baby was gray and it took the respiratory specialist a few minutes to get her breathing. Despite all this, Willow just beamed. She was so thrilled to be mother. The baby is expected to be just fine and healthy. They are keeping her for a little longer just to make sure. She is a gorgeous, gorgeous little girl. Willow’s mother has extended her stay for another week or so.
So what more could I ask the Lord for??!!!! All my most fervent prayers have been answered. I am so grateful that the Lord’s plan matched my greatest desires.
Love to you all,
Aunt Susan & Uncle Curt
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