Air Force Air Traffic Control Graduate

I had so much fun spending a couple of days with Ian and Shayna in Biloxi Mississippi. Ian studied air traffic control at Kessler Air Force Base.  I have a little photo diary to share with you.

Before the grad ceremony, Shayna and I stopped by a tourist trap by the gulf coast.

Shayna got a pix of me right before I was eaten by a hungry gator.

Waiting to graduate.

Congrats grad!

Proud Shayna and her Airman

Proud Air Force Mom

Ian's trainers invited us to watch Ian at the tower simulator. It was awesome!

Celebratory dinner. Crawfish with a Cajun kick

Gotta have the boiled shrimp!

Homemade bread puddin' with 'prawleen' sauce.  Best bread pudding ever!

Ian and Shayna ready to leave Mississippi with their car packed to the gills. They left a little space for me to get take me to the airport. There wasn't any room left in the trunk for me!

 Thank you two for a wonderful time! I'll be seeing you right after Christmas as you head through Pittsburgh on your way to McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey! Safe travels!!

We Are Moving to St. George, Utah!

When my dear father-in-law passed away in July, Doug and I made a couple of trips out west. We reminisced about the time that we lived in the west in the 80's. Closer to family. Warm. Beautiful. We thought about how long it might take us to be able to get back out there. 

On our way home from our second trip to St. George, we decided to stop by a car dealership to see what opportunities might be available. They were thrilled to see someone with Doug's qualifications walk into their shop! It was pretty amazing. Of course that got us to start talking about the possibilities more intently. We decided it would probably not be as easy for me to find a position that met my skill set, passion, and financial requirements. But, once we found out that Doug and I would be lone parents in Pittsburgh... our wheels kept turning.

So, periodically I would peruse Careerbuilder. com, the employment site linked to St. George's local newspaper. At the end of September, I found an advertisement for this nine county organization:

When I read the job description, my heart started racing! I met almost every requirement that they were seeking!! Of course I applied... knowing how difficult is is to get a job during this time... I tried with everything that I had to NOT get my hopes up too high. I stayed focused at my current position. I love my job. It's not like I was unhappy there!

Somewhere around November 9th, I received a phone call from the lovely LuWenn Jones, the board president of the Red Rock Center for Independence, in St. George. I was invited to interview on November 15th. Doug and I decided that it was important for me to interview in person instead of via telephone or computer. There were some amazing things that happened that helped us feel like this was the right thing to do. Number one: we had a free airline voucher! Number two: I was able to walk into Macy's and find a nice conservative suit that fit my size 8 top and size 12 bottom! (It took every clerk in the store, but we did it!)

The day before in the interview, I hardly thought about it. I had a great day with my mom-in-law and felt calm and collected. As I prayed that I night, I remembered the scripture, "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." I was prepared. The interview went well. Have you every had a meeting like that and thought, "Man, I wish I would have (or wouldn't have) said, blah, blah, blah"? I didn't think that for a second! I know Heavenly Father was with me... guiding me. I let the interview committee know that I wouldn't be flying out until the morning, so if they had any additional questions for me, I would be available for the rest of the day. I went to the temple.

I was just getting ready to take mom on some errands when my phone rang at 3:00. LuWenn said that they should be finished interviewing the final candidates by 5:00 and they wanted me to come back at 5:00! I didn't have to wear my suit, either! So, I hurried and called Doug to let him know. I said that all I had to wear was my suit and my traveling jeans. He insisted that I find something 'business casual' to wear for the second interview. So, I ran to the mall, ran into Penney's and again found a cute outfit for my odd shape! I ran back to mom's, ironed, got dressed, freshened up the makeup, and made it to the center in time... where I was offered the position to serve as Executive Director! I start on January 17th.

I'm totally blessed! We are so exited. When I arrived home on Wednesday evening, Doug informed me that our realtor would be over in 3 hours! 

Now to get the house ready to sell... gotta run!

Sewing for Sophee

Sophee age 4

I love sewing for Sophee! She is always so gracious... and the perfect little model. This year, for her fourth birthday, I took her to the fabric store. As we poured over the patterns, she saw this one and fell in love. We looked at a few more designs, but this was the dress of her dreams. Pattern in hand, we proceeded to look at fabric where Sophee announced, "I'm going to go to the temple some day, so I need it to be white!" Her mom and I suggested that she wait until she does go to the temple to get the white one... so purple it is! I was a little concerned that there wouldn't be enough fabric for the overlay. Sophee was pretty stressed out about the thought and continued to explain to the lady at the cutting table that her Grammie just had to have enough fabric for her birthday dress.

The photo was taken at the first fitting. When I brought the dress in to show her, it took her breath away. I took a quick photo with the pins in the back. She stood there, not quite sure what to do with her hands. Then she purposefully posed for the shot.

A Little Get Together with her Peeps

Celebrate!

After the party, Sophee came up to me, in all seriousness and asked, "Grammie, is it OK if I take my beautiful dress home?" When I assured her she could keep it forever, she threw her arms around my neck and exclaimed, "I love you so, so much, Grammie! Thank you so much for my beautiful dress!"

Did I mention that I love sewing for Sophee?!

A 30 Year Endeavor Becomes an Achievement

When Jay left on his mission a couple of years ago, Doug was the one who encouraged me to stop dabbling and just go for the degree. Perhaps is was self defense... we were empty nested and he wanted to make sure I stayed busy so he wouldn't have to be my entertainment committee. Regardless of his motives, I couldn't have done it without his support. I want to thank Doug and my children for their encouragement. I also want to thank a host of help when it came time for college algebra... my only B. As graduation day is upon me, I can't help but count my blessings... too many to list here.

I'm wondering if anyone ever googles me and comes across the fact that I didn't graduate from college until I was a grandma would find me rather inexperienced in my chosen field. Something like, "Hmmm... she graduated from college in 2011... she must be some sort of a novice..." I am not a novice. My college education has been an ongoing project since my children were little. A class here and there as we could afford it. Let it be said that my entire education did not come from college classes. My education came from a commitment to learning life's lessons along the way, sprinkled with coursework. I'm glad the coursework has ended. I'm looking forward to the ongoing education that life naturally brings.

Happy Anniversary Doug!

Thirty-three years ago Doug and I began our adventure together. September 9, 1978 in the living room of our Bishop we were married. One year less one day later we were sealed for time and all eternity. We have been blessed with four amazing children, and graced with two beautiful daughters-in-law (and one on the way), and two of the most darling granddaughters we could have ever dreamed of. So, 33 years later, we are embracing our empty nest. Life has presented a few bumps in the road for the Lefler's. And with the grace of God we have used our experience to grow and our faith to be strengthened. I love you Doug. You are my best friend. You have my whole heart... always.

We made reservations at Lidia's. This is an Italian restaurant in Pittsburgh's Strip District. A real 'foodie' place. Lidia has been on the food network and has cookbooks filled with handmade pasta's and such. This is how our dessert was served.  A lovely evening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Biker Babes

Enjoying a Rare Dance Together

A Beautiful Day at the Temple with our Kids

Hawaii on our 25th Anniversary

Congratualtions Airman Lefler

Airman Ian Lazarus Lefler

The Happy Graduate and his Beautiful Wife

It's hard to believe that Air Force Boot Camp for Ian is over. Words cannot express my pride in my son, my daughter-in-law Shayna, and my country. I've been so emotional about various patriotic things... I cried during the National Anthem yesterday at the Pirates baseball game! Even when he told me that he received his ORDERS to go to Mississippi tomorrow to start his training for air traffic control... it's not an assignment... it's not school... it's ORDERS! Wow! For some reason this makes it really final... he is owned by the Air Force for the next six year.

The Icing on the Cake or the Tree on the House... whatever...

The Only Logical Way to End a Stressful Couple of Months... is it over, yet?

Kaycee's Going to School!!

Congratulations to Kaycee. She is starting her first day of college on Monday! She's done it before and has more than 15 credits. Now she is going to finish it up! Woohoo!! Another graduation in the family next year. Sooo looking forward to it! One class at a time. One assignment at a time. Stay balanced. If I can do it (and I did) you can do it! Just glad you didn't wait as long as I did!!

Kaycee has done some amazing things this year. Now she's going back to school!

OK, Charter College... here comes Kaycee!!

Jay is Flying High in Wyoming!

Jay Enjoying Beautiful Wyoming

My guy Jay is going to diesel mechanic school in Wyoming. Wyotech has an honors program. They select a few high performing students from each class and set them apart. These Eagle Tech's wear gray shirts, go to special meetings, and have additional duties. When recruiters come to the school each quarter, these guys really stand out because they have the highest grades in the class, outstanding attendance, and... well... gray shirts. Please note, Jay is wearing a gray shirt... don't let that look on his face fool you... he really is brilliant... and adorable!! Of course you knew that!!

Jay the Eagle Tech

Baby You're a Firework!!

Kamber and Sophee

Sophee and Kamber

When Kaycee was little, I had so much fun sewing frilly things for her. Now that I'm done with school, I thought that I would sew for my little grandgirls: Sophee age 3 and Kamber age 2. Well, I'm feeling a little patriotic lately, with Ian in the Air Force, and all. So, I decided to make little red, white, and blue dresses for my little ladies. How can I go wrong when sewing for these beauties!! They are so adorable!

Farewell to My Dad of 33 Years

You were not the father of my childhood. You were the Dad that was there through all of the exquisite joy and pain of my life. When I was 18 years old, you threw your arms around me like I was your long lost child... and you never let go. You loved me unconditionally. And, I loved you. I will miss you... until we meet again. Love, your daughter, Barb

The Priesthood Picture: Jay was a Deacon, Ian was a Teacher, Neal was a Priest, Doug was an Elder, and Dad was a High Priest. One of my all time favorite photos.

Kaycee, Kamber, Dad, and Mom

A first time great grandpa and Sophee

Jay, Grandpa, and Ian

A Family Near and Far

A Flower for Shayna

I was missing my little grandgirls yesterday. I was grateful to their sweet mother for meeting me at a park that was fairly inconvenient for both of us. The girls were adorable as usual and were especially excited about their little platform sandals. Somewhere between swinging, sliding, and chasing butterflies, Sophee picked a little white 'flower' from the ground. She proudly held it up and exclaimed, "This is for Shayna." I thought that my darling new daughter-in-law would appreciate the thought as she keeps herself busy waiting for Ian's return from boot camp. No matter where we are, or how far apart we may seem, we are always together in our hearts.

Jonesin' for a Cream Puff

Doug and I have a Saturday morning tradition. A date at Denny's... best breakfast in town! This morning, I felt like an adventure. So, we got out the Urban Spoon and locked in Breakfast and French and gave it a shake (Urban Spoon is a mobile ap... love it!). Out of 300 people weighing in, the bakery was rated perfect by 95%!! Very strong.

So,we hopped on the motorcycle and road about 45 minutes to Lawerenceville... down Route 28. Little did we know that La Gourmandine Bakery didn't open until 9:30. It was 8:45. We sat in a little World War I memorial park across the street and watched at least 20 cars, pedestrians, and cyclists turn away in disappointment... they weren't willing to hang out for 45 minutes until the little shop opened. About 9:15, some other dedicated patrons began waiting. That's when this photo was snapped. The doors were unlocked precisely as 9:30 chimed on the church steeple down the street. By the time we walked across the street, the line was out the door... and stayed that way until we finished our delectable breakfast and beyond. We ate: Flan Patissier, Cream Puff, Parfait chocolat, and Kugelhof. Didn't eat much the rest of the day!