November highs and lows!

November was much more than I bargained for and very busy as formerly noted. As the Philpott family likes to do, we had some real highs and lows this month so that is how this blog will go. Fortunately most of them are Highs!!

The Election was a high because it's finally over and things are changing, some for the better and others for the worse but they are changing and we have to live with the results no matter if they please us or not.

One "high" was a big wedding floral contract that was a lot of work but with many gorgeous flowers. I loved the colors the bride chose (Dusty rose, burgundy, and ivory) and the romantic feeling she wanted in the arrangements. It was truly a delight making her happy and being surrounded with all those flowers for three days while I worked with them. I was afraid that I would run out of flowers at one point but it turned out to be just right with a few to spare and the bride was very happy with the results...she said they were, "perfect". I also did the flowers on the cake that was made by my neighbor and good friend, Jan Dold. Here are some pictures of them, see what you think.


The Bride's bouquet.













The large church arrangement, there were two.








Another "high" was the Single Adult T-giving dinner and movie night we had at the institute on the 22nd. The food was great and the attendance was about 32 which is extremely good for a movie night. I think we always need to serve food if we want more people to come. Everyone enjoys a meal with friends, especially if your single. We ate and then watched the movie, "August Rush". If you haven't seen it, give it a try. It was our second time seeing it and we enjoyed it twice. Be sure and have some Kleenex ready at the end. Here's a picture of our feast and friends.

Then there was a huge "LOW" that has effected all of our family. Gwen (this picture of her and Yasir was taken fall of 2007) told us about her brain tumor that was growing rapidly between her brain and her skull causing the loss of her sight in one of her eyes and the need for speedy neurosurgery. Through the stress of finding a very good surgeon and getting it covered on her insurance, she finally had the surgery two days before Thanksgiving and everything went well for the 7 and a half hour procedure. Her sight has been restored (a high) and she came through the surgery really well (a high) but her short term memory is temporarily "out of order" and that is a" big LOW" and a tremendous concern for all of us who love her so much. They expect a full recovery but we have to have patience and wait! How grateful we are for such a big family on both sides, her wonderful loving Yasir, and so many amazing friends in New York. They have all gone the extra mile to help her in her trials. Thank you to her sisters who have gone out there and helped so much and of course her mom, Daisy for all you are doing to support and help your daughter. We thank all of you for pulling together and loving her and us. Richard is able to go out there this coming week to be with her and help in any way he can thanks to the generosity of our immediate family. Words cannot adequately express our gratitude for this marvelous gift of love and joining us with all your fasting and prayers in her behalf.

Thanksgiving brought us a big "HIGH" with the addition of one more grandchild in the Philpott family... sweet Isaiah (2 and a half) and the youngest brother of the other three new grandchildren. Because of his timely arrival, they canceled their planned trip to Utah and stayed here giving us the opportunity to go out there and be the grandparents fixing the feast they provided and playing with the children. It was a wonderful day full of activity!! We colored in coloring books (aah the smell of crayons), watched movies played charades (I was a turtle and Dad was Cinderella), played outside, and the two youngest girls, Emma and Jenna, each made me a beautiful bracelet. We were happy to be there and share in this fantastic day of gratitude. Our family has so much to be grateful for.

Another "High": starting back in October and through November in with all the other activities, Richard and I were also practicing with the Stake Nativity Choir with Dan Earl. As always it has been a thrill. The exhibit is this weekend starting yesterday and going through Monday. The Choir performances are tonight, Saturday, and two tomorrow. We love it and consider it a huge part of the Christmas season. The Spirit is there so strong there. I was working in the set up all this past week and it is beautiful with many new nativities and my personal favorites as well.

My final personal "high" to begin the season and to look my best for the holidays, I got a perm and a haircut Thursday as my hair was getting really straggly and hard to make it look as good as I like because my hair is thinning out and most of the curl was gone from my perm in June. I am grateful for the money from my wedding flowers to be able to do that. It feels much better and I've gotten very nice comments from friends and people at work.

Hope you enjoy the fun "hustle and bustle" preparing for Christmas. Just remember to keep the reason for the season in your heart and mind to bring you peace and happiness as you sing those beautiful/fun songs and wrap those gifts of love.