GRANDMA DORTHY

The Crane family has lost our beloved Mother, Grandma, Great-Grandma. Grandma Dorthy is my fathers mother.! She was 85yrs old and the sweetest little lady, she is only 5" tall, and maybe 90lbs. You can tell I didnt get my stature from her. But I did get her wonderful Italian/Indian skin. Grandmas shared her heart and her love with me and also my kids. Grandmas also over the last 5yrs share alot of story's and wrote them down so we can share them with our kids. Grandma slipped away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, March 28th. I am so greatful that we just spent Christmas with her and got these cute pictures of her with our kids. We will take her to Prescott, to be layed to rest with her family. I am reassure of the happy meeting with her loved ones and our Savior welcoming her home! We love you Grandma, and will miss you dearly.

OUT DOOR ED

6th grade Outdoor Ed at Lake Pleasant!!! This week Alexa had outdoor ed. I volunteered to Shaperone the trip. It was so much fun. The center we stayed at was really nice. They had a Outdoor center were the kids rotated through classes on Solar Energy, Map/Compass reading, Hiking, Water conditions. Then we also spent the night in beutiful dorm style housing one for the girls and one for the boys. We had a sunset hike, and bomb fire singing time. It was a really fun trip, the kids were great the staff was fun, all in all it was very educational and a great time.

PIONEER TREK

Our Stake had a Pioneer Trek for our youth. Zachary and Joshua were both old enough to go. I have to admit both of them were a little hesitent to go, as most of the youth were. But after wards they could not quit talking about what a great time they had and how many great experiences they had. I had the opportunity of going up one day with the Ym & Yw presidency to be in charge of the Log Sawing game. We also had to dress in authentic Pioneer clothing. What a powerful experience it was to see the handcart come off the mountain and into the valley where we were waiting for them. I got so choked up, they were all smiling and so excited that they had made it and proud of the huge task they had just completed. The first day, started out at 4am meeting at the stake center to drive to Heber, AZ. When they arrived in Heber, they broke the kids up into families gave them a handcart and they push the carts 16 miles to their first camp. During that time they also had a womens pull where the men were taken away to the Batalon and the women push the cart alone!! The testimony my boys gained by watching the women due this alone was so powerful. The next few days were games and family/team building tasks. They grew to love their ma's and pa's and family. Saturday at the end of the trek all the parents drove to Heber and waited to see the handcart come over the horizon to cheering parents!!! Lots of tears that moment that they were safe and happy, and strengthened!!

Our Missionary!

The first missionary in the Andrus family left for the MTC. Derek was called to the Pittsburg, Philadelphia Mission. John & Marcy drove to Utah with Derek and spent a few days sight seeing before he reported. We are all so proud and really excited for Derek. We love you DEEK!!

Happy Birthday Mom

I would be so ungreatful if I didnt tell my mom Happy Birthday!!! On Sunday was my mom's birthday, we had a family party and got together at our house to have dinner. It is so fun to have my whole family over to eat dinner and talk, Laugh, and celebrate our mother. She is truly the greatest mom, we have the best relationship. I dont usually go a day with out talking to her, sharing my day, or something cute that has happened to the kids. We can talk about anything!! (and we do) She issuch an example to me of a righteous women, I love you so much mom. Happy Birthday.