GROCERY SHOPPING WITH GRANDDAD

Sunday at church, Elder Bayles discovered he had forgotten to shave.  He didn't know what to do so decided it could wait for 3 hours.  Church would have been over had he gone home to shave.  I didn't notice 'till Monday when he started P-Day so burly.  We are quite the pair.
We went to the food bank twice this week.  We love handing out food to those who are in need.  They are so grateful and kind.  We work until 3:00 two days a month.  It gives us chance to do something for the community.

Tuesday was District Meeting.  Granddad does such a good job.  The Silkers brought donuts and we brought chocolate milk and cider.  I also made two batches of peanut clusters.  They were gone in a heartbeat.  After the meeting we went to Rib Country for a Christmas dinner.  The elders were thrilled.

We had an appointment with Hyrum but they called and cancelled because they think she has shingles.  It's always something.  We are worried that he is dropping out.  We will continue to go there.
That evening we went Christmas caroling again with the branch.  We had them stop at our neighbors.  They were so excited.  They had never been sung to before.  We love doing things like that.
Thursday we had a big Christmas dinner for our two families. We went shopping for groceries at our huge Wal-Mart.It is really nice.This is Granddad's list: meulk, choklut, orngs, buket, puzul, and pollyurathang.
 Elder Bayles let me off at the door because the rain was so fierce.  After about an hour of deciding what to buy we separated.  Dad went to pay and I went to see if I could get something for him.  A few minutes later I heard on the loud speaker, "There is a white car with a Utah license plate in the parking lot that has its trunk open."   Dad forgot to shut the trunk when he got the umbrella out.
 We made Granny's haystacks for the dinner.  Those boys ate most of an entire kettle of beans.  We had homemade brownies and ice cream for dessert.

 Before dinner we dressed the kids up for the Nativity play.  They were so cute and loved the acting.  Granddad read from the scriptures.  It was more reverent than our last one in Utah

. We passed out some presents (on of them being the Family Home Evening manual. They loved being in our home and hated to leave when it was over.  Hyrum didn't come.  He didn't feel well.  His family is doing the 12 days of Christmas for us.
Well we don't know why we were worried because we went to preach a hard sermon Saturday and they surprised us by giving us our 12th present---wedding date on January 19th.  Hyrum also said he would quit smoking.  What a great day.  That is such a special family and they are trying so hard.
Sunday was a great day.  It was the branch Christmas Program.  It was very nice.  When the priesthood got up to sing, Hyrum walked right up to the choir seats without even being coaxed and sang,  his 6'4 frame right on the front row.  I got quite teary.  His boy was right next to him and Elder Bayles.  How does it get better than that?  After meeting his boy was ordained a Deacon.  He was so thrilled.  He'll pass the sacrament next Sunday.
We took the two sweet ladies home that we had given a ride to church, and then went out to give a lesson to a new investigator. She was wonderful.  Please pray for her with us.
We came home and lit the candles on our mantle and took a little rest.  When we woke up I noticed two of the candles were out.  When I went to light them  I noticed they had burned out and the wax was hanging over 12 inches.  The right one had dropped off but I took a picture just the same.  We were lucky nothing got on the carpet.  We definitely make a great pair.

We are waiting for the Blairsville elders to come some we can go to Cherokee for a mission Christmas meeting.  President Craven will be there. They just called and are lost, shocker.  They followed their GPS.
Our dinner/meeting was so good.  We played Mormon Jeopardy.  There were 4 elders on a team and 5 teams.  The categories were from the Preach my Gospel, the Book of Mormon and Misc.  Our team killed.  We had 3600 pts and the next team had 1600.  The rest were way lower.  Elder Bayles and one of the zone leaders did most of the work.  It was wild and fun.

 We ate a great chili soup and lots of treats.  I brought 160 pieces of candy I had made.  They loved it.  President Craven has such a wonderful way of teaching the doctrine of Christ.  He taught the birth of our Savior using the Bible and the Book of Mormon.  It was inspiring.  He is a great man and his wife is so supporting and powerful in her tiny frame. As we were leaving the chapel the mission assistants and Sis Craven had on elf hats with the President as Santa, and gave the elders a DVD of 600 pictures of the mission.

Sister Andrus (office) asst to Pres me, Sister Silker and the other 2 assist 

 We didn't get home until 10:30 and the Blairsville elders had another 30 min. to get home.  What a great day.  It was wonderful.  MERRY CHRISTMAS I love Elder Bayles

Sept. 19th I stayed in Provo until about 3:00 in the afternoon then took the train (in company with Will R. Adams) for Salt Lake arriving there about 6 o'clock P.M.
Sept. 20th I went to Bro. Spencer's office & seen about my tickets & was set apart for my misssion.  I went & saw cousin Dola & her cousin who were attending school there.
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A NIGHT OUT

view of the smokies from the hotel

Elder Bayles needed to give another interview in Ashville at 8:00 Tuesday night.  We figured we would get back to Murphy at 11:30 and then have a meeting in Waynesville at 9:30 Wed. morning. so we decided to stay overnight in Waynesville.  It is 30 minutes south of Asheville.  Have you any idea how good it felt to sleep in a king bed again?  This resort was unbelieveable.  It was not even $100.00 because of the off season.  It included an incredible breakfast so we felt we really hit the jack pot.  When we checked in at 9:30  we were very glad we didn't go back to Murphy.

The Zone Conference was so good.  We love being trained by these young men who have so much enthusiasm and leadership ability.  They really help us in our roll plays and working with investigators and less active members.  We love these meetings.  This one was 4 hours long and it seemed like no time at all.  After the meeting our district went out to dinner.  We love our district.

Santa hides out in our district to rest

Wednesday we put on a program for the blind at Pastor Tim's church.  We sang carols together and then Elder Bayles told the story "Beat it finds his star"  It went over very well and all had a very good time.  They had a Christmas dinner after.

newspaper aticle

Friday was our Branch Christmas dinner and party.  95 people came.  That's incredible in that we only have around 60 at church.  It was wonderful.  We had 15 less active and 3 non members there.  We have no cultural hall so we have to eat in the RS room.  They set up the food in the primary room.

We love driving by old homes and just hope the people don't mind me taking pictures.

old home and car

                          

 Sept 15th 1904 I left Monticello & went to Cane Springs  a distance of forty five miles & camped with Mr. Morgan Barton.   Sept 16th  I went from Cane Springs to Moab &  stayed with Brother William Nix.  Sept. 17th  I took stage to Thompson Springs arriving there at 2:30 PM.  About 3:30 PM I took the train for Provo & arrived there about mid-night.  I stayed the rest of the night with Sister Broadbent.

                           

OH COME ALL YE FAITH....NO... LOOKIN' FOR THE FAITHFUL

every woman's dream house,

We always love fast Sunday.  Our new convert brought one of her little friends.  What a great missionary.  They have not missed a meeting since we started teaching our little one.  No longer a less active.

The First Presidency's Christmas message was, as usual, powerful.  I love that message almost as much as general conference.  Their talks leave us with such comfort and a desire to serve Him more.  What a great season of the year is Christmas.  It gives us such a lift to remember the great gift our Savior has given us.  We love Him so much.

This week we got 3 packages from home.  They all came on the same day so we felt like Christmas had arrived.  Fun.

front door

Tuesday was our Zone Conference.  WE LOVE ZONE COFERENCE!  We were 14 hours in a meeting or driving in the car.  It takes us over 2 hours to get to Asheville where it is held.  I'm trying to report on it but it is a feeling more that what happened.  We love each of them so much.

Wednesday was our turn to clean the church.  Brother Miller and Sister Tuell helped us.  It was fun.  Maybe that's because we got to wear levis.

We had a great experience helping two people offer maybe their first oral prayers.  Each was so nervous and didn't want to do it, but  did and were so pleased when they finished.  We can't describe the feeling when we see people change so much in such a short time.  They are growing every visit.  We constantly pray for them.

We were able to teach new lessons Thursday but they just can't see the truth.  It is so disappointing when they don't feel the truth.  We don't give up.  We'll go back and see what they say.

The Murray's are going to Utah next Sunday.  We hope they feel the Spirit there.  They said they would go to church with their son.

Sunday night we went caroling with the branch.  We went to a part member family way up the mountains and then up another mountain to the Murray's.  They were so impressed that we would go so far to sing to them.  We then went to our little families home.  It was the first time they had ever had someone sing to them.  It really made them feel good.  The last home was in another holler some distance.  The youth had a good time.  We have so few.  We fit in 3 cars.

We love the Sabbath day.  It was a wonderful meeting and the Murrays came.   Some others who promised to come didn't but we just plug on.  It is true.  Our music person will not let us sing Christmas songs until the Sunday before Christmas so the branch president got up and said the rest song would be changed to O Come all ye Faithful.  Love the man.  She didn't get the hint so we sang a regular hymn for closing. Bmmer.  I love the Christmas carols.

old farm we found interesting  1936

another favorite place

Check out these spellings:

Sept. 14th  I had to hunt me another horse on account of the one I had being crippled.  I found my horse all right & went on to Monticello & stayed there over night.

BIRTHDAYS, REPENTANCE?, BRAIN CRAMPS?, SENIOR MOMENTS?

I am asking for tons of forgiveness on this one.  I was thinking about Riley today and realized I hadn't posted on our blog about him.  Then----------I realized there are many I have neglected.  Maybe some I can use as the moving freeze or working hard neglect.  Anyway to those whom I missed I pray or hope for your forgiveness.  Hopefully I remembered to send you a note in the mail.  If I have still forgotten you after this special blog PLEASE let me know.  You are all so special to us and we love you so much.  This blog business is very hard for me and takes a lot of time.  I'm not sure I will ever get into the habit.

Erik Durham was the most pleasant baby a mother could ever have.  During canning season he went to bed at  8:00 PM and woke up at 9:00 AM.  A mother's dream. Even in high school he went to bed early, even if the game on TV wasn't over.  He was always happy and hungry.  He was a good student in school and loved by everyone.  He hated spaghetti and refused to even taste it but for some unknown reason loves Shanelle's.  Go figure.  He has always shown obedience to his Heavenly Father for which we are grateful.  We love that he loves his sweetheart and those crazy boys of his.  Love you Erik Aug. 28th

Clark Hanks was born a week later 6 years earlier.  Kristin was only 16 months old so she ruled.  He was a fun boy.  Those freckles got us every time he put on his "begging face"  He was hard to say no to.  On his own he gained a great testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and has lived without guile as a man of God.  He has had trials of his own but always trusts in the Lord.  He called us one day and when I asked why he was calling he said, "I just want you to know how much I love being a dad." Love you too Clark  Sept. 4th

Lauryn Dora was such a little, noisy thing when she came into this world.  Not much has changed. She has a smile that can melt ice.  She is a very smart little girl and keeps the family hopping.  She loves her brother and sister and loves to help her mother in the kitchen, even when her mother isn't there.  Lauryn is easy to love.  I spent her first 6 weeks sleeping with her and will cherish that time.
Love you Lauryn  Sept. 4th

Clara Camille was so easy.  She slept, ate and slept some more.  If she got uP and mom wasn't ready to feed her she would wait forever, patiently.  I don't think that's true any more.  She loves everything and loves to be with other kids.  We're so glad she's a twin and never has to be lonely.  She loves having Lauryn around all the time.  She is such a little lady and loves to pose for pictures.
We love you too Clara.  Sept. 4th  What's with all these Sept. 4th people?

David William's name cannot be said without music.  He is the music man of this family.  He has been such an influence for good in our mission.  He has sung in both areas we have served and each time has brought a strong  spirit through music.  We love him because he loves Kristin so much and makes her so happy.  He is a great dad and loves to put those little ones to bed with his made-up stories.  Glad you're in our family David.  We love you.  Sept. 21

Bethany (Bob) I'll never forget when you were moving Scott back home and helping him unload the Civic.  I had jut met you and you didn't know I was in the next room.  You asked Scott what he needed done and he answered, "I need a hug."  You immediately put your arms around him and I fell in love with you.  It was just what he needed and still needs and you provide.  We love the love of dance you have brought into our home.  Even granddad enjoys the recitals.  We love you and the mother you are to our grands. Oct. 6th

Hailey is our little mouse.  When we think of her we remember the little girl who had to walk like a mouse because the neighbors upstairs would complain if there was a sound.  Her smile is contagious and makes my heart sing.  She knows what she needs to do to be happy and does it whether she wants to or not.  That's a great gift.  She reminds me of me when I was growing up.  I just wish I had had hair like hers.  We love you Hailey.  Oct.27th

Granddad and Eric

How could I ever forget Granddad?  He is my light and keeps me guided in the right direction.  He never falters in his devotion to our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ.  His faith never wavers even a little.  He is obedient to the commandments and loves the restored gospel with all his heart.  I can't even imagine where I would be without him.  I love him to eternity and beyond.  Nov.11th

Riley Clark is the reason for all this I have done.  For some reason when I thought his name I couldn't remember putting him on our blog and then I thought maybe I had forgotten some others.  I hope I have remembered them all now.  Riley was such an answer to prayer for his family.  They wanted a brother and son so badly.  I am having a really hard time now when I see pictures of him because he is so his dad.  It brings back so many memories.  I so hope he will be the man his dad is and always be an example of what the Savior would have him do.  That's a lot to ask but I know Riley can do it.  We love you Ri. Nov.15th

Hope we didn't forget anyone.  We have such a special family filled with love for each other and for our Savior.  The is the Lord's plan.  FAMILIES ARE FOREVER

DECEMBER, ALREADY?

Truck included

P-Day is always great because all the little things not done during the week can be accomplished.  In the middle of the day we were asked to go to a less active to put a fuse in her fuse box.  She said she would be home all day.  We went she wasn't.
That evening we ate at a great member's home.  She had jambalaya.  I had never eaten it before.  I was nervous because it has shrimp, chicken and sausage in it. I had to eat it.  That's what we do.  It was so darn good.  I loved the Cajun spice and ate every bit of it.  Shocker!  She gave me 3 necklaces she had made.  They're beautiful.

Cherahola Skyway

Tuesday was a great day.  After studying we went to Robinsville(where grandpa served) to do some home/visiting teaching.  It is an hour and a half away, up in the mountains on the Cherokee Reservation.

 

writing is in Cherokee

Notice the Cherokee language under the English.

Chief Junaluska and his wife's graves at a park dedicated to them.

Trails that show the native plants and how they were used by the Cherokee.

  The young sister we visited is married to a Cherokee Baptist preacher.  She is amazing.  After the visit we saw a sign that said Cherahola Skyway 10 miles.  We had a few minutes so we traveled.  It was so beautiful.  It was very much like the Parkway.
  A lake was on our side all the way to Robinsville so this was just an added beauty.  It was a rainy day so the clouds were so smoky.
We hurried home to go to FHE at 3.  I had the lesson.  When that was over we headed to Robyn's and Ry.  They are doing so good. They haven't missed church since we started teaching them.  They are trying so hard to do the right.  We love them so much.
On our way to home teach a less active radiologist we got a phone call about the same family as the fuse.  They needed us to come fix the front door because it wouldn't close.  What makes people think we can fix things?  Because we had an appointment we couldn't go.  We had a great visit and are going to work on the doc getting active again.  He was very nice.
Elder Bayles does such a good job as dist. leader.  He trains us very well.  When we got home we put up some decorations .

Gosslin and Cook

This month has flown by.  We are so enjoying being missionaries.  Today I put up another calendar page on our bright wall.

 It is so cold that I bought a pair of Clarks boots.(bought them in Andrews which is also where grandpa served)  Do you believe that?  Me spending money one me.  Get used to it.  I'm having fun.
Today we went back to Robinsville to visit less actives and one referral.  He said he was an atheist and started to close the door.  Dad asked if he could leave the Savior's peace and blessing on his home and he let us right in.  After that dad just started with the need for the Savior in our lives and then taught the restoration.  We have a return apt to meet with his wife also.  They just had a baby girl 4 week ago.  We know they need what the Savior has for them.  It is so true.
Sunday is always a great day.  I love fast Sunday.  Rylynn brought a friend.  She's only been a member for 2 weeks and already a missionary.

I have used the selections that Granddad marked but want to do more.  I looked and read Grandpa's account of how he left San Juan to get to his mission.  I'll use more of his entries going back to the beginning until I run out of selections.

I left my home at Bluff on Sept. 13th. 1904, to a mission to the Southern States, the first day I got to Verdure.