New Calling

Sue was sustained today as the Moraga Ward Relief Society President.

Mallory Peirce (secretary), Sue Severson (president), Heather Callister (1st counselor) & Diane Hoopes (2nd counselor)

Our new Bishop of two weeks, Mike DeLange came by on Wednesday evening with his counselors (Chris Severson and Mike Linney) to extend this call to me. I can understand why he was anxious to find new RS president to replace his wife serving as the current one. I was totally overwhelmed by the prospect as it did not seem possible, given the many other responsibilities I have in the church (Northern CA Area Family History Advisor, ward family history consultant and part time Oakland FHL consultant as needed), not to mention community volunteer as Orinda City Council member, Orinda Community Foundation trustee, co-chairing citywide Orinda in Action community service day, plus responsibility for three major OCF fundraising events, etc. Oh and lest I forget to mention adoring all my wonderful 16 grandchildren, Cozy Earth venture, Kellyn's April BYU graduation and May wedding, etc. It seemed an impossibility to accept another job on top of everything else. That was the logical response. Surely God could not expect more of me. There are so many other capable ladies in our ward.

Bishop DeLange was kind in his approach encouraging me to take time to think and pray about it. Thursday was a day of sincere prayer and fasting. In response to my pleading to Heavenly Father, if this was the right calling for me, and the right timing for this call, I received the most dramatic outpouring of the spirit. I cannot fully comprehend why this calling now, but I do know the gospel is true beyond any doubt. In my testimony today in Sacrament meeting after being confirmed, I related that the initial thought came to me that I would have to proceed as the saying goes, "on a wing and a prayer." Then I came to realize, that as Nephi learned having the faith to do the seemingly impossible things the Lord has asked, a way will be provided for you to accomplish the heavenly task. I now understood that on the wings of angels and with the prayers of saints, I too could be successful in doing what seemed impossible and that it will bless the lives of many in some unique way only I can provide. I am truly grateful for this blessing and pleased all my immediate family have chosen the path of righteousness.

Provo Sunday Dinner and Joshua Severson Baptism

We visited Utah last weekend for last BYU home basketball game. Our scholarship athlete Charles Abouo was honored as senior. His parents were both in attendance. It was very emotional for him as they are divorced, had not been together in several years, and never attended one of his college games. The next day on Sunday we had some BYU athletes and usual family members join us for dinner gathering.

Sunday dinner at Severson Provo house: Anson Winder, Taysom Hill, Hayley Shuklaus, Riley Nelson, Lindsay Bigelow, Rachel Grant, Kane Friel, Charles Abouo, Matt Carlino, Karissa & Jackson Bell (sitting behind), (standing) - Ralph Severson, Glen Gagon & Kellyn Severson, Blair Tushaus, Sue Severson,

This past weekend was special celebrating Josh's 8th birthday and baptism same day on Sunday. In town were his Richard and Sue Glenn grandparents from Calgary, great grandparents Frances and Floyd Severson from Oregon and other aunts, uncles, cousins from Bay Area. Cousin buddies Bradley Sutton and Jared Wood flew in for the occasion to surprise him. They had a grand time playing outdoors and video games. Coincidentally, our Moraga Ward bishopric was released same day. New bishop is Mike DeLange with first counselor Chris Severson and Mike Linney as second counselor. The spirit bore strong witness they are the right men to lead Moraga Ward. Bishop DeLange first assignment was to conduct Josh's baptism service. About 100 people were in attendance, including two non-member neighbor families.

Chris, Josh and Pam Severson at Josh baptism, age 8, Walnut Creek, CA chapel

Joshua Clark Severson Baptism Day and 8th Birthday

Josh Severson with dad Christopher.

Floyd & Frances Severson with Mailyn & Kai Severson

Bradley & Josh - special gift from Great Grandma Severson

Best Cousin Buddies - Jared Wood, Josh Severson & Bradley Sutton

BYU Basketball 2012

The last couple weeks have been a lot of BYU basketball games. The team was in town playing USF and USC. Jeff and Andrew Logan joined us in San Francisco; Balaine and Jackson Wightman in Santa Clara. We stayed after games to say hello to our scholarship players Charles Abouo, Matt Carlino and teammates.

Sue, Charles Abouo & Ralph

Ralph, Anson Winder & Sue

Jeff Logan, Andrew Logan, Anson Winder & Charles Abouo

Matt Carlino & Andrew Logan

Andrew & Brandon Davies

Hawaii February 2012

Hawaiian paradise at Kailua, Oahu was enjoyed by Ralph and Sue Severson family first week of February 2012. It was near idyllic weather in mid-70's degree temperature and no rain until sprinkled showers morning of last day before sadly departing for four hour flight home. All five children, spouses, and sixteen grandchildren spent the week mostly relaxing in pool or sunning on sandy beaches. We visited a few historic sights and enjoyed Pearl Harbor, USS Missouri, Polynesian Cultural Center, Hawaii Temple and BYU Hawaii campus. See photos and videos below for full story:

Polynesian Cultural Center

Hanama Bay

Pearl Harbor with USS Missouri & Pearl Harbor Memorial in background

USS Missouri Tour, Pearl Harbor

Happy New Year 2012

     The holiday frenzy inevitably leads to January illness, at least frequently for me. I've had ongoing cold/congestion/sore throat for a couple months that turned into sinus infection. Poor Kellyn has had the worst of it with her cold turning for the worse going into New Years weekend. She ended up with a Painful ear infection. She barely managed through the holiday weekend with Dr. Chris' help but by Tuesday morning obviously needed some specialized care. Fortunately, I knew of an ENT Dr. Carrigg in Orinda who was willing to fit her into his schedule. He confirmed a nasty middle ear infection with burst eardrum. He prescribed stronger antibiotics and pain pills, suctioned out the ear, and reassured us it was okay for her to fly back to Utah. The following week brought more misery as the ear infection seemed to improve but dizziness and nausea kept her in bed. My poor baby with no longer any mom for TLC. Glen stepped up to fill in. She managed to get to BYU health clinic where they supplied some relief with IV, and finally figured out she was allergic to the antibiotic.

Kellyn, Ralph & Glen push load of furniture from Costco

     I'm happy to report all was well last weekend when Ralph and I visited Utah for BYU basketball game, etc. Another objective was to clean out the basement apartment. Matt and Madison Stevens moved out in December. Jackson Bell called me over Christmas reporting his engagement to Carissa Gardner and inquiring if the basement apartment was available after their April wedding. In contrast to prior tenants, they do not have their own furniture. I've been wanting to furnish the apartment so it is usable for family and Women's Conference stays, etc. This was a good timing, so I arranged for painter, carpet cleaner, and new dishwasher. Kellyn and I also had fun picking out new sectional sofa, lamps, queen mattress and kitchen table.
      Kellyn & Glen are excited that everything working out to purchase the Helen Lane house in Lafayette. Escrow closes next week. Kellyn plans to use the old leather sofa from Provo house in her new home. It's been battered over the years and has several tears in the leather, but a nice slipcover will dress it up nicely.

      Latest new crusade is trying to get funding for local road repairs. I'm helping lead grassroots citizens group to educate public about need before professional survey done over next couple weeks to test voter level for potential revenue measure on June ballot.
       Yesterday, I gave genealogy presentation to the Contra Costa chapter of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. It was nice to see ward members Pam Gardiner and Mary Eggertsen. Other ward news, David Fuhriman and Madison Carver waiting on mission calls.

Kellyn & Dad Christmas Concert 2012, Oakland Temple Visitor Center

Ralph Piano from Sue Severson on Vimeo.

Kellyn & Abbie from Sue Severson on Vimeo.

2011 End of Year Family Fun

Severson Cousin Party plus New Years Celebration 2011

Photo Christmas Card Display

Glen, Ralph, Aimee and Kellyn puzzle challenge.

Larry giving clues for Family Trivia Game.

Christmas and New Year's celebrations have been very fun 2011. Most of the family have gathered at in Orinda for food, games, gifts and family time. Interspersed have been some exciting BYU ball games, puzzles and movies. We attended the BYU mens basketball game at St. Mary's College in Moraga and watched the BYU Football ball game plus two more basketball games.

Kellyn & accompanist dad Ralph at Oakland Temple performance.

Ralph & Sue with Charles Abouo after BYU vs St. Mary basketball game.

Kellyn again performed solo at the Oakland Temple Visitor Center day after Christmas to standing room only crowd. All enjoyed the beautiful lights and manger display.

Aimee and Kellyn set up a puzzle challenge with Kellyn ably defending her first place title from last year. Larry and Cheryl's family who were in town over the holidays joined us for combined Cousin Party and New Year's Day family dinner. All were delighted with Uncle Larry's annual family trivia game, puzzle gifts from Aunt Sue and wonderful pork roast dinner with much visiting throughout the day.

Orinda City Council

Every first meeting in December, the Orinda City Council reorganizes and selects new officers. Steve Glazer is new mayor 2012 and Amy Worth vice mayor. Other council members are Dean Orr, Victoria Smith and myself.

Orinda City Council 2012 - Amy Worth, Dean Orr, Victoria Smith, Steve Glazer, Sue Severson

Amy Worth and Sue Severson at Sacramento CA State Capitol

Sue Clark Severson, Orinda City Council

An area of focus for the new year is to hopefully have support of citizens to pass road measure on the June ballot. I've been coordinating with graphic designer to create logo and yard sign. Orinda has dubious distinction as having the worst roads in the Bay Area. There are so many potholes and rough roads that your dad refuses to take his new car on back streets, going the long way around on Glorietta Blvd and Moraga Way that have been repaired.

Family Holiday Gatherings 2011

Charlotte, Chris, Eric, Aimee, Talyn play games

Ainsley, Shelley, Lindsay, Delaney, Greg, Brittany, Grandpa

After traveling nonstop all fall, it is great to be home for the holidays. The trips were all good fun, but after realizing in November I had only been home one weekend since mid-August, the phrase "There's no place like home" is better appreciated.

We had a fairly large group for Thanksgiving, including Oregonians Grandma and Grandpa Severson, Aimee family, Charlotte family and Shelley family. Give thanks for bounteous food, healthy family, and good fun.

Looking forward to even larger family gathering for Christmas.

Moraga Ward Progressive Dinner

Michael Severson entertains us

Olive wood Nativity from Jerusalem

Meg, Abby, Blake, Kate, Josh

Ralph accompanies grandkids in Christmas carol

Bradley Baptism and Liam Blessing

Bradley Sutton Baptism Day

Last weekend was spent in Redmond with Melissa and John David's family. Bradley was baptized on Saturday and Liam blessed on Sunday. All the Suttons were in attendance. Grandma Frances and Grandpa Floyd drove up from Portland. Aimee and Allen's family joined us after stopping along the way for water park adventure. The big shopping trip was for new piano for Melissa. Jack is particularly excelling in his musical skills.

Best Buddies Joshua Severson and Bradley Sutton

Liam Sutton Blessing Day. Quilt made by Grandma Sutton.

Liam Sutton 1st Halloween