Relief Society today

We talked about worshipping through the hymns and how they give us strength.  We each shared a hymn that was meaningful to us and why and then we all sang a verse from that hymn.  It was a beautiful lesson.  Thank you @christmasparty.  And props to @sarahaeastman for accompanying us.  I chose There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today because after my brother died the words "and Jesus listening can hear the songs I cannot sing" were very powerful for me.  #arlingtonwardreliefsociety #arlingtonwardfriendsareforever And on an unrelated note, yesterday was 35 degrees warmer than today.  #bostonweatherisacrapshoot

Ivy's baptism day

She's wearing the dress her mom was baptized in.  #arlingtonwardfriendsareforever #arlingtonwardkidsarethebest

The Joneses

Everyone loves the Joneses.  #ivysbaptismday #arlingtonwardfriendsareforever

Out my window

#bostonspring2017

#ridingtherails

I got the car all to myself. #redline #mbta #fridaynightrails

Creme Brulee

Free lunch.  Free dessert.  Don't worry, I'm going to finish it.  #workperk #cremebrulee #flourbakery

Nice bake

Last night I finished Season 3 of The Great British Baking Show.  I absolutely loved it.  My favorite thing Tamal said in the final episode was "Baking with a group of people you get on with so well and that you really feel proud of them when they do well, it's just, yeah, it's amazing."  So I made chocolate chip cookie bars last night.  Who wants to bake with me?  Recipe from Modern Honey.  #bakethelove #nicebake

Visiting Teaching at Kimballs

I tried a new flavor -- Malted Moo Crunch.  Um...yum.  Now @bbgranger knows what all the fuss is about.  #theicecreamwasthelesson

Dinner: (White Trash) creamed tuna on toast

#pattonfamilyfavorite #whereisthejello #novegetables #comfortfood #lookslikeslop #nofilterneeded

Target

I got what I came for.  OK...plus a candy bar, deodorant and lip balm.  The point is I only spent $33 on basically necessities (envelopes are a necessity to me).  I had a doctor's appointment and now I'm trying to get stuff done (if I make it to the Temple and vacuum my car it will be a total win).  And isn't it better to have a wart on the inside of your nose than the outside?  #nannymcpatton

I wish this tent was for The Great British Baking Show

#mylatestbinge #nicesponge

BIG tent

I wish this tent was for The Great British Baking Show instead of a MIT event.  #mylatestbinge #nicespunge

Meet Miles

Any friend of my nephew Ian's is a friend of mine.  I loved meeting Miles and taking him to Kimballs.

Lunch buddies

#dayoff #picnicatspypond @marydstaples

No what???

Boston Cream Pie

After all these years in Boston I finally made a Boston Cream Pie!  Paul Hollywood would have something to say about how it looks (I've been watching The Great British Baking Show) but I'm pretty sure it will taste good.  #confidentbaker #starbakerhahaha #partofitwasmadeatmidnight #ilovetobake Recipe here.

I gave up soda...

...but not sparkling water with fake sugar.  #marketbasket

One day in Maine

Holy Donut

This place in Portland has really interesting flavors.  I bought a half dozen and probably won't be sharing.  #holydonutmaine #portlandME #epramblesaroundnewengland2017

It's cold and rainy and gray today

#bostonspring2017 #citgosign

They've got scooters!

TBT: my first Aunt Camp

When my nephew Ian was 5 (almost 6, but he was 5!) I flew him from Florida to Boston for ten days.  The day he flew in I was waiting at the gate for him. The last person to deplane was a flight attendant who called out "Mrs. Patton?" I told her I wasn't 'Mrs. Patton' but I was the person she was looking for.  Ian had fallen asleep with his head on the tray table.  I had to shake him awake and the adventure began.  We went to Plymouth, the beach, my work, the Ward campout, hung out with friends and had a lot of fun together.  #pattonmemories #EPauntcamp #pepsi

Emma the gem

Happy Birthday to my sweet niece.

Boston

I walked across the Mass. Ave. bridge into Boston this morning.  #chillyday

Four years

#MITSTRONG

Seen on the subway

Is this for real?  #snarkyEP

"Moderate delays due to a disabled train"

#samestorydifferentday #latetowork #TisforTardy

The Arlington Ward is always at Kimballs on Patriots Day

This is a small.

Waiting for Paul Revere

#midnightride #lexingtonMA

Ready for Patriots Day

The Lexington Library.  I saw this walking to see the re-enactment of Paul Revere's midnight ride.  #patriotsday

Arlington Ward nursery buddies

#arlingtonwardfriendsareforever #theyare13now

White shoes before Memorial Day

#fashionfauxpas #dontcare #thriftstoreshoes

Happy Birthday, Sheryl

This is my friend Kimberly's mom Sheryl.  Sheryl visited Boston 3-4 times a year to help Kimberly care for her family and do projects around the house when Kimberly's husband Mat was battling cancer.  One of the times Sheryl visited, I picked her up at the airport.  On the way home I told her if she wanted a little break while she was here that we could go to lunch or on a day trip.  She thanked me but said she was here to help Kimberly.  I said I understood but if she wanted to go to Maine for a few hours I'd be happy to take her.  She then said, "Maine is the only state I haven't been to" and I said, "WE'RE GOING!" I took her on the Ellen Patton Tour of Maine which included lunch, antiquing, walking around York Beach and seeing Nubble Light.  And on the way I made her get out of the car at the Maine border to take this photo.  Sadly Sheryl passed away a few months after Kimberly's husband Mat did.  Sheryl was so kind and was a loving mother and grandmother.  I've thought about her a lot today since it's her birthday.

The Jersey Ures are in town!

#arlingtonwardfriendsareforever

Reupholstery project

Guess which fabric I bought to cover the foot stool I found with the mid-century modern legs?  The blue 4th from the bottom.  And I used a coupon and it was only $12/yard.  #fabricplacebasementforthewin #myfriendssisterisgoingtoreupholsterit

Guests

My visitors get a few knock-off Levain Bakery oatmeal raisin cookies on their pillow instead of chocolates.

TBT: Countdown to Easter

#weallhaveourissues

When someone (not me) fills their candy jar they have to line the candy up by 7's.  Unless they are small or big like the far left.  #givemethe100grandbars #now

Eating my feelings

It's a thing.  And it's 70 degrees and beautiful in Boston.  First day in forever that I didn't wear a coat.  #greekdonutswithnutella #realspring #eatyofeelings #saloniki

National Sibling Day

#theredsareinthemiddle #pattonmemories #professionalphotoseveryyearforthepattons #matchymatchymatchy

Fear, Faith and the Refugee Crisis

Tonight I went to a fireside to hear Lisa Campbell speak about Fear, Faith and the Refugee Crisis.  Lisa is the Director of Oinofyta Refugee Camp in Greece.  She was so inspiring.  I was the O.P. (official photographer).  The bottom right shot is from the back of the gym at the Boston stake center showing the 350 attendees.  I want to figure out a way to do more for refugees.  #iammormon

The Williams are in the house!

They are back in Boston on vacation.  It was so great to see them and have them over for lunch today.  #arlingtonwardfriendsareforever

Pitchforth grandparents' anniversary

Today is my grandparents' anniversary.  My grandpa Lehi paid his friend fifty cents to be introduced to my grandma Athelia.  #findinglovebeforetheinternet #pattonmemories #pitchforthmemories #iwantherglasses #andherpearlswhilewereatit

Paper garland

I bought this paper garland at Harmony in Provo, Utah over a year and a half ago and today stapled it together and hung it up.  I'm a sucker for a cool garland.  #betterlatethannever

Becky's (big) birthday!

Becky is loved.  The hostess collected birthday wishes from friends and family.