Monthly Archive for July, 2009

Celia Turley Memorial Blood Drive

Published on July 22, 2009 in family. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

apple01As many of you know, my sister Celia passed away May 16 from complications related to Acute Promyelotic Leukemia (M3). During her short stay in the hospital, Celia received numerous transfusions of blood products. In Celia’s memory and in gratitude to the people who gave blood that was used in her treatment, my sister Maria has organized a blood drive in Joseph City, Arizona, on Aug. 10. If you can make it to the blood drive, sign up at www.BloodHero.com. We are planning on organizing blood drives in other cities as well, and information will be posted on CeliasCircle.org and on the Celia’s Circle Facebook group.

My family has a goal of having 500 blood donations made in Celia’s memory in 2009, so even if you can’t make it to one of the memorial blood drives, please donate at a blood center or blood drive near you and e-mail info@celiascircle.org to let us know about it. I’m planning on donating three pints this year, so that leaves just 497 to go. Let’s make it happen!

Campin’ my style

Published on July 15, 2009 in family. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

I’ve had a couple of camping trips this summer, although neither was what I would call “real” camping. No tents were involved. My mom was the Girls Camp music director this year, and she recruited me to play the guitar for singing around the campfire. I have to admit, it was a lot more fun than I thought it would be — mostly because the stake leaders were a fun bunch. I made some new friendships and strengthened some old ones.

This past weekend my mom had her annual Cousins Camp for the grandkids deemed old enough to participate (and an old maid aunt). This year we went to Virden, New Mexico, to help clean up my grandparents’ place for them. We got a bit of work done, and we had time for lots of fun, too. We had a weenie roast, rode the John Deere lawn mower, climbed trees, swung in the hammock, shot off fireworks (spooking the neighbor’s horse), and lots of other stuff. On Friday, the older kids hiked to the peak of Caneaster to check out the petroglyphs while the younger kids made treats with Grandma Payne. Basically, we had a good ol’ time in the country. I’m thankful my mom felt well enough to enjoy it all.

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Happy Independence Day!

Published on July 4, 2009 in family and music. 5 Comments Tags: , , , , .

My mom and I have been practicing a patriotic piano duet to play in church tomorrow. Here’s a preview.

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