Bettye Joyce Drake

My sweet Grams departed from this life on Saturday, July 9, 2011. My grandma was a real classy lady. She had a gift of creating beauty and it permeated from her into everything and everyone around her. She also took time to appreciate beautiful things. Grams always had pictures to show me on her camera of sunsets and other stunning scenes of nature.

My grandma was her grand children's biggest advocate. She made us all feel that we were her favorite, although I know she really like me best:) She was always there to listen and talk when we needed her. I usually only got to see her a couple times a year yet our relationship never sensed the distance.

Perhaps the greatest legacy she leaves is her faith in the Lord and love or her Savior. Grams personifies faith. The older I get the more I appreciate and admire the faith and courage she had to have to make it through life. Most things were not easy, some were beyond tough, but she never complained and always drew closer to the Lord.

I still can't believe she is gone but I know she is back with my grandpa and still making things beautiful. I have a testimony of the plan of salvation and eternal families. I know we will be together again. I love you Grams!

32487 Bergamo Court- Temecula

We have been here almost three weeks and are really starting to feel more at home. The walls are still bare (hopefully not for too much longer) but we are no longer surrounded by boxes. We love our neighborhood and have felt so welcomed by our neighbors and ward. Here are a few pictures from our first week or so here. Pulling in...
Moving day was definitely rough on this kid!

The boys were such troopers the first couple days of getting through boxes. Thank goodness for Popsicles and yards!

Matt started work the Wednesday after we moved and is really enjoying it. However, it did put a significant slow down on the unpacking. My poor kids have been to Walmart, Target and Home Goods way too much so one morning I took the boys to the duck pond for a break from all errands and boxes. It was a nice morning. We of course went to Target afterwards though:)

Last week we needed a bigger and better break so we drove back to Pasadena for the free day at the Arboretum. This day was perfect! I love these women and adore their children! My kids and I really needed a day like this!

Seriously? Jenny how do you do it?

See what I mean, these boys are in heaven!

Thank you Pasadena friends for a much needed day of play! I will post pictures of our house soon as well as some of our other activities.

Still Waiting...

Sorry, updating the blog is getting closer to the top of the "to-do" list. But we LOVE Temecula and look forward to showing you our new place once we get a little more settled!

While you are waiting....

Since my last post, Crew graduated from Preschool (at least year one), we've been to the local aquarium, spent a wonderful Memorial Day with Matt's parents and grand parents, and so much more. However, you will have to wait to see all those events since most of my free time is spent preparing for our move this weekend. Till then, enjoy Crew's first official school picture. I know I'm bias, but I'm not sure he can get any cuter;)
Also, Matt takes his boards tomorrow! Big week!

Graduation Part I

I really don't know what was more exciting: Matt graduating or going back to South Pasadena! Well, maybe Matt graduating but we were all so very excited to go back to South Pas. We left early Wednesday morning and stopped in Temecula on our way out. We found a rental house in a great neighborhood so that was an exciting pit-stop! Then it was over to South Pasadena. What a happy reunion! We had to go visit the Olson twins. Graham loved holding them.

And had a great time eating a Popsicle with Jake
My good friend Jordan planned a picnic at the park that evening with a lot of our old ward members. It was a perfect start to the trip and so much fun! Look at these kids! Crew was in heaven seeing all his buddies again!

Thursday we had ceremonies at the medical campus (that was Matt's campus). My boys were looking good.

Matt received a medal and the honor of being inducted into The Order of the Golden Cane. I know it sounds a little Harry Potterish, but it is a pretty prestigious award. Way to go Matt!

Friday morning, Matt and I left early to the main campus for commencement. It was crazy but awesome to be there!

My parents and Matt's parents brought the boys on the metro and met me in time for Matt's School graduation.

It was really cool to be on USC's main campus. Matt was always on the medical campus so we didn't really ever go there. It was so beautiful and felt really grand on graduation day. Matt's graduation was in the Bovard Auditorium.

Graham, thankfully, fell asleep about half way through the ceremony. The kid was out!

Great day!!!

Graduation Part II

Completely exhausted from graduation, we had a pretty mellow rest of our trip. A quick trip to the Americana and a wonderful afternoon at the Arboretum with the Ericksons made a great end to an exciting weekend.

We did have to play in the roots of the tree by the library too.

The peacocks at the Arboretum are amazing and their babies were such a hit with the kids too. Graham loved this place.

Graham and his buddy Tom looking at the peacocks

It was so wonderful to go back to South Pasadena. We love and miss you all and that wonderful place! Also, another big thanks again to the Ericksons for letting us stay with you part of the trip. We are so lucky to have such great friends!