MARCH MADNESS

March came and with it the beloved snow.  We had a pretty good storm but still need so much more. 

Thursday Scott and Erik came over to give Dad a blessing before his surgery.  How blessed we are to have all our sons and in-laws honor the priesthood they hold so they can use it to bless others.  We treasure that we have 2 so close so we can call on them often.  Dad’s surgery was successful but a surprise in that he ended up having 2 hernias instead of the one.  He is mending very fast and with no pain.  Erik and Scott’s familes came over to visit him on Saturday.  I never remember to take pictures.  Erik had mad a fresh Dutch apple pie that was so yummy.

Dad felt so good Sunday that we went to Adam Cochran’s homecoming.  I drove because he didn’t’ feel he could.  Adam did a wonderful job on his talk and we all went over to the Cochran’s after. 

Adam and a comp 

There must have been at least 50 relatives there.  Just to mention a few: Deb, Gary, Christiana and husband, Robert Cochran’s family. Hal and fam,

Erik and Fam, Mark and Kay, Shawn’s fam (except Justine due to more reconstruction surgery)

Kelly’s fam, Neldon Cochran,

Bruce’s fam, Cory Cochran’s fam, Kelby and wife

and I’m sure someone I missed.  It was a loud, great time. Wish I had included more families' pictures. The sacrament meeting started at 8:30 so we were very tired when we got home and took a rest  That evening Erik’s family came again and brought us a dinner of those yummy chicken rolls, fresh green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, that yummy salad of spinach and strawberries and ended with German chocolate cookies with that gooey frosting on top.  It was all so good.  It’s always fun when family is here and we just love those boys.

Tuesday I spent the day with Milt.  His house smelled of oil paints when he greeted me at the door walking and standing.  He looked so good standing up.  The smell of paints let me know he was back painting.  He is working on some paintings that will show at the US Christian convention in SLC next month.  He walked for about 2 hours and then went to the wheelchair but he did well.  He will be carved on again next Friday I think.  We are so grateful for Don Miles and the constant friend he is to drive him wherever he needs to go.

Lumber or Liquor

Here are some more pictures of my favorite things while driving to Eureka

Wednesday Molly finally turned 12.  She was so anxious.  She is such a special young woman and always has a smile for everyone.  She is loved by the little ones because she is so good with them.  She loves to do things with her family and is loved by all.  She chose to go to the temple and do baptisms with her parents for her birthday.  What a choice daughter of our Heavenly Father.  

What a great idea.  Clark forgot that we were coming but we were going to see Riley play soccer anyway.  He is playing for the first time and is doing so well.  He scored the first goal in the JV game and played much of the varsity game.  Both teams won.

Newspaper article on Riley's handspring throw-in

After the games we went to Heber and Chicks for a huge yummy dinner.
Lost my car keys at our humanitarian quilting day but after 2 hours of hunting, found them.  Direct answer to prayer.  How were we to know some ladies put chairs on the stage and my keys had fallen on the foot place?  Thank goodness Dad came to help search.
At 5:30 we went to our ward temple night.  Always love going to the temple.

Saturday the Erik Bayles family came to help us prune our trees.  We all worked very hard and got a lot done.

 I started bread while they were here and before they left had fresh scones for them to eat.  I must say they were good.  I'll have to do that again.  After we cleaned I went visiting.  I want to get to all who are over 90.  Altogether I have visited 50 sisters since I have been called but still have some over 98 to visit.  I love my calling.  Ward conference went well .  I was very nervous but I don't know why.  We finished our HT and VT after church.
Wednesday Parker had a track meet  He did the shot put.  He got first in his grade.

 Dad is really paying attention

winding up

The 19th Baylie Anne turned 7. She has been such a blessing to our family.  She absolutely loves her cousins and aunts and uncles.  She does very well in school and is doing work above her level.  She has a very tender heart about everything.  She is anxiously waiting for their July in Utah.  We love this little girl.  We are hoping David gets a job that is closer to Utah.

We spent Friday afternoon and Saturday with the Gary Bayles family watching Jordan work a horse.

  He was chosen one of 4 from 300 contestants to show his skills.  The 4 were each given a 2 year old unbroken colt for 60 days to train and then compete to show what they did.  It was amazing. We had no idea you could do so much in so little time. They also have jobs to go to. 

Friday they didn't have events between the trainers so we didn't know they would on Saturday.  Different farms showed their horses.

Gypsy horses from Ireland

After the final trainer events we went to the stables to tell the relatives good-bye.

 No room for all the names.  The one on the right is a friend and next to him is Christiana's husband and the one on the left is Addy's.

The bunch

Cody and boys walking b ack to the arena

We didn't go to the Sunday showing so we don't know the results.
Tuesday we got up and headed to Logan and Mark and Malissa's temple marriage.  It was wonderful.  The weather was sooo cold. Waiting for the bride and groom to come out was freezing.  What a great day.  There is always such a strong Spirit in the Lord's house.  We love being there.  After the wedding we went to The Blue Bird Cafe for lunch. It is always so much fun to be with family. So many were there.  It's always a good day when the temple is involved.

We love when Mark and Kay are around.

March 27th we drove to Vegas by way of Beaver, of course.  We went for Cameron's ordination to the Aaronic Priesthood. Because Flappy was flying all over the house a lady from the ward came and clipped his wings.  Flappy was not happy.  After dinner Tiff and I went to get Cameron's prescription and upon returning realized Flappy, Cameron's bird was missing.  We hunted for three hours to find him.  Cameron was devastated and really struggling.  We were very worried about him.  We had the whole neighborhood searching for the bird.  Tiffani and I had spent the time crying, her very deeply.  The next morning while we were discussing what to do we heard a soft wolf whistle.  We ran to the sound and there, upstairs was that bird hiding up under the treadle sewing machine.  He ignored our voices when we whistled and called for him. because he was pouting.  Cameroon came alive with joy.  It was great to see the change. That Flappy rules the roost.

Saturday we spent the day watching the girls in a soccer double header.  It was 79 and very warm. 

 We enjoyed the game and the heat.  That afternoon Dave's mother and Larry came.  We had a very enjoyable time with them.

Sunday was beautiful.  Cameron was so excited.  He had a new suit and looked so grown up. 

 When the priesthood removed their hands from his head he said "Your hands sure were heavy, it gave me a headache."  He beamed all day.  It was a great day.  

The entire weekend Tiffani prepared such amazing meals.  It was just a great time in every way.

time together

 It was good to be home but we miss those Vegans so much when we leave.

We love the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and know with all our hearts it is true and the only true church on the earth.  God lives.  He is our Father and loves us unconditionally and individually.  He knows what we need more than we do. His desire is that we can return to him, in families and be together for ever.  What a beautiful plan.  Jesus Christ is our brother and also loves us.  He knowingly suffered for each one of us. He is our Redeemer and our only way to the Father.  The boy Joseph did see them and testified they are personages and have bodies like ours.  The Holy Ghost is a personage also but of Spirit and is the testifier of all truth.  This we know.  Joseph Smith was paramount in bringing the Book of Mormon to us.  That book is so true.  We need to read it every day if only one verse.  We are so grateful that you are sharing this truth verbally with our grandchildren.  They are ours and we don't want to lose even one.  President Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God and is on this earth at this time to guide us in the trials that are ahead.  We need not fear.  Follow the Prophet.  Watch conference.  (or TIVO it like we do so we can watch it again one speaker at a time) How blessed we are to have this knowledge and to be able to repent and start anew each day.  No words can express how very much we love each one of you.  You are our treasures here and in heaven.  "God bless you, everyone."