BOO!

 How could I have ever forgotten this in last month's blog?

Moe Elowonibi, Jason Buck, Ty Detmer (Moe gave it too Grandad)

Just as a beginning note.  We are putting far too much on our blog so very little will be said about birthdays and some events that just don't need to be on the blog.  Hopefully you will enjoy the brevity

Monday Oct. 1st, with the Seamons, we headed to St George for another temple trip.  We love traveling with them, especially to the temples. 

 Of course we stopped in Beaver for Cache Valley Cheese and ice cream.  While in the bathroom, we ran into 2 ladies who had just finished a trip to the Rome Temple.  They were delightful and we enjoyed a conversation.  When we got out of the line for ice cream I asked them their names.  When one said her last name was Hunt, I asked if they had relatives in Blanding.  She said "No".  When she asked my name and I answered Bayles, she got all excited so I called Dad over.  It was so exciting.  They found out that Dad's mother had served a mission in California when the Hunt's lived there and they invited the missionaries often for dinner.  Brother Hunt had been taught the gospel with so many missionaries and was never interested or baptized.  It broke Sylvias's heart but she never gave up.  Well when Granny came along and taught him and he connected with her message and felt a kinship to her.  She was able to reach him as no other had.  He said that she was "his kind of woman".  On Feb. 16, 1985,  Granny gave a talk at his baptism.  She talked on and on about how much they loved George's mother. (Granny)  It was not an accident that Ruth and I were in the bathroom at the same time as Sister Hunt.  Who would ever imagine meeting someone in a bathroom? (It could only happen to Granny!)  It was a tender mercy planned for us.  After we left Beaver, Nancy said, "Why didn't we get a picture of her?"  Dad mentioned that she had given him her phone number.  They live in Hurricane, where we were headed.  I called and she got so excited.  They live in a huge home, with 5 garages and were so humble and kind.

 Sylvia, Lynn, us

Lynn Hunt and Dad

We visited for a short time and then went on our way.  Max Seamons was so excited because Lynn Hunt liked cars and had several in a garage that they could talk about.  Old ones.  Nothing like that is a coincidence.  Our Father in Heaven knows us as and is aware of our needs.  Just for information:  They have 2 sons.  One is a doctor and one is a bishop.  Maybe that is the same one but they both served missions and a granddaughter is on a mission now.  Granny was 72 when she went on this mission all alone and never felt like she did enough.  She certainly changed this family.
We went back to St George and had dinner and then dressed for the 7:20 session.  It is the temple we got married in and I have loved pictures of it even back in high school.  Dixie is where George went to college and was captain of the only undefeated team there.  The session brought many memories.
We spent the night at the Clarion Hotel.
Oct. 2nd we headed for Cedar City and the temple there.

We love all temples, and especially the ones we have been able to go to.  We did a bit of antiquing and headed home by way of Beaver of course.

I bought these skates because they are exactly like the one I used in elementary school.  Can's wait for the kids to try them.

Sunday, Oct. 5th was such a wonderful General Conference.  Those reading this blog know all about it.  We could never put it in words.  Between sessions Erik, Camden and Asher came to mow our lawns.  Asher is mowing now and doing a great job.  He had great parents to show him how to do it.
Womens' session was so good and again you know that.  We especially loved our Prophet's words.  We were glued even better than at a football game.

We wish EVERYONE had this to read every day.

The Sunday sessions were also amazing.  We are really getting ready for the final days.  We love the advice we have been given and pray that we can do our part for the coming of our Savior.

Dianne, her mother and the 4 daughters right on the 2nd row in front of the Prophet.

 Dianne and the fabulous 4 after conference.

After the last session we were invited to Scott's for a celebration of Bethany's birthday.  We think she turned 27, or that is what she said but the kids let us know the truth.  We love being in their home, even with the dogs, and especially the kids.

I cannot find a picture of Beth without Scott

The 8th we got to tend Nixon and Rowan for a few hours.  We took Nixon to his soccer game, which they won and Rowan slept through it all.  Nixon is getting to be quite the athlete.
Wednesday, again we went to a temple with the Seamons.  This time it was the Payson Temple which we love so much.  Brother Chris Wilcox was there planting pansies.  He works for the church now that he is retired.  We were the witness couple and enjoyed the session.  We ate at Charlie's, which we love in the University Mall and then went to our homes.  We hurried and finished digging potatoes, brought in all the tomatoes and covered the rest, and picked all the apples because the temperature will be 21 tonight.

We then went to Kolton's JV game at West Lake which we won.  Kolton played so well.
Oct. 10th, we got up and headed to the Provo Temple to do baptisms.  I don't know why but I cried the whole time.  The confirmations were tear jerking.  I love what happens for others when we do ordinances. We love the temples.
Friday, we went to the Provo Temple and did the initiatories for those baptized yesterday. We cannot describe how these temple experiences make us feel.
After a luncheon at Lions Park, in 25 degrees, we went home and put up salsa and raspberry jam from our garden.

Oct. 12th, we went to the Draper Temple for Jayden's Endowments.  He is Ruth and Max Seamons' grandson who we met when he and his mother came to visit in Palmyra.  We immediately bonded.  It was a large session and filled with the Spirit.  After, we all ate at Golden Corral for lunch.  It was a special morning.  We then went to Clark's home to help with making apple cider in our press and finishing with the honey from Clark's hives.

  It was amazing to be a small part of it.  We got there late so the 20 gallons of cider was finished and we helped with the last of the 5 gallons of honey.  It is quite a process which all day and cleanup the next day.  What a great harvest.
Sunday was Stake Conference and as always very good.  Personal stories were shared by the speakers.  We especially enjoyed Maxine Cameron's talk.  She is such a special lady filled with the Spirit at 97 years old.
Tuesday, Oct.15th, I did what I wanted while Dad went truck hunting.  He found one he liked.  At 3:30, we went to Kolton's JV game.  He played both ways and did a great job.  We then went to see the truck Dad had liked.  It is a beauty.  It is a Ram 1500 Laramie, 2020.  We hurried to Discovery Park in Pleasant Grove at 6:00, to watch Nixon play flag football.  He was the tallest one and was very fast. 

They won and we enjoyed Rowan while he played.

We stopped at J Dawgs for dinner.
The next day I saw Dr. Tristani to have my eye brow surgery checked.  She injected the bump with something and next month she will do some laser work on it.  No problem.  That evening we went to PG for Kolton's last Varsity football game.
Oct. 17th, we met the Seamons at Doug Smith's and bought the truck.

We were limited in time because we wanted to do the 11:00 session at the Brigham City Temple.  When we finished, we knew we could not meet the time and would have to go to the next session at 1:00.  Max stepped on the gas and we made it with 30 minutes to spare.   What a beautiful temple.  The bride's room looked like a small celestial room.  Everything was so beautiful and serene.  We love going to temples.

After the session we ate at Maddox and headed back to the dealership.  After waiting awhile, we told the Seamons to go home and we would wait for all the papers to be signed.  It was 4:30.  It looked like it was going to take longer than planned.  We finally signed at 8:30.  As we got ready to leave we realized we had no idea if it would fit in our garage.  We had signed the papers so it was our truck.  When we got home we were so worried.  It fit but only about 5 inches left.
The next day we figured the rest of the financing and while they filled the gas tank and washed it, we went to Olive Garden for soup and bread sticks and headed home with a beautiful new Ram.  We got home at 6:00.  The best thing was Dad made Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip cookies.

Saturday, Oct. 19th, was a cold day.  We ran errands and at 8:00 Dad(without me, thank goodness) left for the Boise St. football game.  It was 42 degrees and raining so hard.

  I curled up in a warm blanket and watched on our big screen, the same game.  It was an exciting game and the only game Boise has lost.  It was exciting to the very last whistle.  Dad got home very cold but so happy.

Monday we had a Rhino covering put in the truck and George cleared the garden and tilled.  Scott and Beth came by to see the truck but since it was gone we showed it to them after we picked it up.  It's so beautiful.
Tuesday we bought the movie "The Fighting Preacher" which we will share with the family.  It is so special for us because it is about Willard Bean who, with his wife served and was the reason we have the Hill Cumorah in Palmyra.  We got ready for our trip to South Carolina and bought Cinnamon rolls for Parker and his district.  We are excited to go visit Kristin and the kids.
October 23rd, we packed and headed for SLC at 2:15.  We got a room at the Airport Comfort Suites because our flight is tomorrow at 6:00.  We leave tomorrow and leave our car at the motel until we get back.  A motel shuttle takes us to the airport and picks us up at baggage claim when we return, then takes us to our car and we drive home.  It is a free thing they do.  We never have to wait in the cold or find our car in the cold.
We flew from SLC to Dallas Fort Worth the first leg and then had 20 minutes to get to another terminal and our flight to Columbia.  Made it!  It was so good to be with the Batchelors.  We took the kids to Texas Road House for dinner as David was at a concert and Kristin doesn't eat that kind of food.  She eats healthy stuff every 2 hours and has lost 25 pounds.

We are so proud of her.  She didn't even have 1 kernel of popcorn that evening.  We ordered a take-out meal for David.  We spent the evening watching football.
Oct 25,David didn't have fall break so I took Kristin to have a colonoscopy.What fun!  She did great and we went home to get the kids and granddad to go to Wall-Mart and Costco.  Kristin was supposed to rest the rest of the day but she needed some things.  We ate hot dogs at Costco but not Kristin; she is amazing.  When we got home we realized that we had left 3 containers on the check-out place at Wall-Mart.  Dad and I went back to get it.  That evening we watched football.  Shocker!
Saturday, after breakfast, we went down town to a place called, Soda City where they block off 4 streets  every Saturday for a street market.  They have all kinds of fun things.

They have bouquets of beautiful flowers for only $10.00.  We walked the whole place, bought a few things and had lunch.  On the way home Kristin took us to a cotton field.

The cotton was bigger and prettier than in North Carolina.  The kids had fun touching it and getting a little to take home.
At 2:00 Kristin, Jalen and I went to a park for a birthday party.  One of the 8 year old students was having a party but her mother told Kristin that only 2 children had responded that they would come.  The invite said they didn't need to bring presents.  Kristin sent a memo to other teachers at her school so more would attend.  She is a sweet little girl who has heart problems and other health issues so she misses a lot of school.  Someone put the information on face book.  It is a huge beautiful park with lots places to play.  When we pulled into the road to get to the park there were cars parked everywhere and we couldn't find a place.  There were many policemen and Kristin asked what was going on.  A policeman told her there was a little girl who was turning 8 and needed a party.  He said there were over 500 people who showed up for the party.  Kristin and I started crying we were so happy.  There were people everywhere.

The little girl

Jalen

so many presents

small part of huge crowd

                                               

A store fed the entire crowd hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks etc.  Everyone was so happy to be a part of such a good thing.  It made me so happy so see people working together to make one little girl happy.  This world is full of wonderful people but we mainly hear about the others.  When we got home we watched more football.

Church is always good in the Ermo Ward.  They are such friendly and happy people and have such a strong spirit about them.  Church was at 9:00 so we had a good time together in the afternoon.
David led us in a good Family Home Evening and then some played Nerts.

We also watched the video "The Fighting Preacher".  If you don't have it or have not seen it, it is a must.  Of course, more football.

Sunday was also Hailey's birthday.  She turned 23 and is so beautiful and special.  She has a way of making people feel better and brings smiles from those around her.

Our last day we decided to go to the zoo before going to the airport.  David had to teach so he couldn't go.  We had a blast.

That is an amazing zoo. We first went to the Howler Monkeys, and then to the bird feeding cage where you go in and feed the birds.  I loved it until a bird pooped right on my head.  Kristin washed the goo several times.

I cannot remember what order we did things but we had so much fun.

 lions with cubs

climbing wall

Kristin and I asked Dad to take pictures of us and we smiled but then as Dad had to lean back, we laughed our heads off.  He was so funny.  He is trying to give Kristin her camera.

We then went to feed the giraffes

notice the tongues 

We loved the baby gorillas

                                   

After all this fun we headed to the airport.  We had a very hard time saying good-by.  We left at 2:30 and with the layover in Dallas got to SLC at 9.  The shuttle picked us up and took us to our car and we drove home in the cold after such a warm stay in SC.  We have many good memories.

We realized that while we were gone it had been 14 degrees and we had not weather proofed our trailer or boat.  We were so worried.  As soon as Dad got up he went to the trailer storage and found everything just fine.  He drained all the water and added the antifreeze.  What tender mercies our Father gives us daily.  He took the boat with his new truck to the place where they do our work and they winterized it.  I made homemade bread because it was so cold and the warmth and smell warms everything.

Wednesday we had our homemade bread for breakfast.  Toast and eggs in milk is Dad's favorite when it is homemade bread.  Clint had ordered side boards for the truck so I can get in without pole vaulting and Scott and Dad put them on.  I stayed in the house while I played with Rowan.  They did it at her house.  It was 35 degrees and Scott was under the truck the whole time. This is also my brother, Delbert Hanks birthday.  I think he is 81 and I love him to bits. Tonight the temperature is supposed to be 9.   THE NATIONALS WON THE WORLD SERIES  YAHOO1

Halloween started with Ashley bringing the boys over to trick- or- treat.  They were so cute and to make it better Scott and Bethany brought Rowan over as Snow White.  Those 3 had so much fun checking out all the decorations we had.  They are cute little cousins.  

While they were leaving, an ambulance, a special ambulance, a fire engine and 6 SUV police cars and one city police car came screaming by and turned at the corner.  When all was clear and our families were gone, we drove over to see what was up in that it was our old ward and we were worried for some of the older members.  We found it was the house of a man who had been in and out of prison.  They carried him out on a huge bed thing and when all the fire and ambulance vehicles and 4 of the police cars had left the police in the other 3 cars went into the house.  We do not know any more but were relieved to hear it was not a family we were close to.

That early evening, 32 degrees, Scott and his family came to trick-or-treat.  Scott wanted to improve his costume with a few things from Granddad.  They are so much fun and dressed so cute.  Again Rowan put all the little Halloween figures in different places.  She loves to do that and I move them just so she can put them the way she wants.

Because it was so cold and we had a ward trunk-or-treat, we only had 2 more come to our home.  That was fine with us as we watch football wrapped in comfort in the basement.  What a way to end a good month.

We so love all of our children and grands.  We live for the letters from our 2 missionaries and eat up every word.  They are so in tune with the Spirit and share such strong testimonies.  Their parents have done a great job in teaching them the truth.  Today was Riley's 1 year mark.  It has gone so fast.  We love you all and pray daily for your families.  You are a joy to us and we love you so much.  Eternity is going to be grand if we can keep up with you.  Our Prophet is such an inspired man to lead us in the path of holiness and truth.

FALL IS IN THE AIR

Beauty during a ballgame

Just something that happened the other day.  Dad was driving his truck on a road from Lehi to American Fork when I got this firm impression that a car was coming up in the right lane.  I saw dad barely miss it when he decided to go to the right lane.  Nothing happened so I just forgot it.  The next block suddenly a red car was passing us in their right lane when dad decided to go into that lane.  I screamed and the car honked so that dad barely missed him.  That really shook me up because I had seen the same thing just a minute before.  No vision or anything just a tender mercy.  We are so grateful for avoiding that accident.

How wonderful to have the first day of the month be a Fast Sunday.  Jim and Nancy Campbell, a long time member of our ward, stood in the congregation and both bore their testimony.  They are moving to Jamestown Care Center because it is too difficult to take care of their home and their health is failing.  When it came time for Brother Campbell to talk  he said a few things and then just started bawling and sat down.  I believe the entire congregation was in tears.  They are such wonderful and blessed people.  We will miss them so much but are grateful they will be close.

We went to Clark's for his 50th birthday dinner. 

It was all Chinese and so good.  Of course the dessert was rich chocolate cake with heavy chocolate topping.  He was in heaven.  I had the yummy, fresh peach cheese cake.  William and Simon entertained us for the evening.  Their energy level makes us tired but we love every minute of it.

Sept 2^nd we worked in the yard.  At 10:00 we went to Costco to buy a new mattress but they were closed for Labor Day. We called and the recording said they were open.  We didn't keep listening. Had we gone Saturday it would have saved us $160.00.  We went to Clark's and got some eggs and left some scraps for the chickens.  They love watermelon.  Dad an I then drove to Eureka to hunt for cedar sticks.  He got some good ones.  By the time we got home we were so tired Dad decided to pop old fashioned corn in our popper.  All of a sudden I looked and he was trying to catch the kernels with his hands because they were flying out of the popper.  We couldn't stop laughing until I said  "Did you put the lid on?  "He had forgotten there was a lid.  We laughed even harder. 

The next day we worked in the yard and then went to Costco and bought the mattress.  

 We think our old mattress was more than 20 years old.  I washed the dust ruffle that had never been washed.  I hung it up so it would get the sun and ironed it just as Scott came to help move the old one out and the new one in. 

What a great night’s sleep.  When we sit down our feet do not touch the floor.  We feel like little kids.

Sept 4th we had just taken our showers when the doorbell rang and there stood the Seamons read to go to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. 

                                                    
We had completely forgotten and hurried and got ready; only took 30 minutes.  It was a beautiful, simple temple and we loved the session.  Of course we went to eat.  We chose Cubbys.  We got home just in time to change and go to Camden’s game.  They won 34-13.  The team left the field and went in the locker room so we didn’t get a picture.

The next morning I got my stitches out.  Hallelujah!  It looks good and didn’t even hurt.

  After that we went to Susie Cherry for haircuts.

 At 4:30 we went to Outback for Dad’s Father’s Day dinner; just a little late.  It was sooo good.

Sept. 6^th  Our Prophet is 95 years old and his daily schedule is so full and requires much action and he is amazing.  He just finished a tour of South America.  We love and honor him so much.  If we follow his council we cannot stray.  What a great man of God.

That evening we went to Viewmont for Kolton’s game.  Shanelle’s parents had come from Washington to be here for Parker’s farewell.  They come to all of the important events.  PG won 34-14.  Kolton played very well.

 The 3  Parker, Kolton and Erik

 Kolton and the Grandparents

brothers

Saturday, Parker and Camden came to mow.  It will be the last time for Parker for 2 years. That fact is starting to hit hard.  They did a great job.  We love that we see the boys every week.

Dad drove me to Milton’s youngest (Becca) baby shower.  So many of the siblings were there and we had such a good time.  They made me sit at their table and just fussed over me. 

That evening we watched the BYU vs Tennessee football game on TV.  Tiff and her family flew and Kristin and her family drove up.  It was a wild game and so fun to see all the pictures the girls sent.  BYU won in a double over time. 26-29  It was wild.  We think Tiff and Kristin were the last ones to leave.  They loved every second.

Sunday was Parker’s farewell meeting.  Dad put up the mission flags in Parker's honor.  We are getting quite a few now. 

So many were there to support him that it was filled to the very back of the cultural hall. All three of our son’s families were there. There were so many and the time went by so fast that he only had 10 minutes to speak.  He covered his subject so well in that short time.  It was amazing.  He gave a powerful, wonderful talk and preached the gospel of Jesus Christ.  After the meeting I think everyone went to the Bayles home for lunch.  They just kept coming and coming.  Shanelle had everything under control and the best thing was Shanelle’s potato salad.  We were so thrilled that so many of the Mark Bayles family were there.

  They are just so special to us and we definitely feel their love for us.  Clark and his family were there to support Parker also.  Our family and Mark’s family are very close and love to be together.  We didn’t leave until 3:00 and people were still coming.  I kinda cried all day, the Spirit was so strong.  It was a great day.

Monday, the 9^th we cleaned and hung some pictures.  Dad and I made a terrific peach crisp.  Clark and his family came to pick the garden which is so helpful. 

 Dianne cans everything she can get her hands on.  Jonny spent the time throwing a lasso while riding on a saddle that was on a frame.  Clark also roped and did an amazing job.  When they were finished we served the peach cobbler and to our surprise it was really good.  We added ice cream or whipped cream.  Dianne shared her feelings about going to midwifery school.  With following the Spirit, she has decided to not go that direction but to be with her family, which is most important to her.  We support her fully in that decision.  She is a Doula in SLC and loves every minute.  She is so good with the mothers in helping them relax and deliver those precious babies.  She is perfect in that position.

The weather caused snow on Mt. Timpanogos

Tues. Sept 10^th we went to the Bountiful Temple with the Seamons. 

It rained all the way there and back.  We had lunch at the temple which is so fun and yummy.  When we got home Dad went to Camden’s game and I worked on this blog.  It must have still been raining and I’m a fair weather cheer person.  That evening we went to Alan and Julie Ashton's daughter’s reception in Spanish Fork.  Alan was one of Dad’s Vice Principals at Timpview.  We love this family.

Wednesday I went to the church to see Bishop Hunter for my temple recommend.  He is such a good man and we love his family.  It was a very good visit.
Parker entered the MTC this day.  He was well prepared but it is still a nervous time.  His best friend, George, met him and we're sure put him at ease.  He will be a valiant soldier in teaching the restored gospel to the people of Kobe Japan.  Our prayers are with him and his cousin, Riley Bayles, along with all missionaries.

It rained all day the next day.  We went to Deseret Book Store to look for Nixon a CTR ring.  We  found a fun one but didn’t know his size so we’ll get it later.  That evening we went to Timpanogos Park for Dennis and Valerie Stoutsenberger’s granddaughter’s reception. They have been our neighbors for 30 years.  It was such a beautiful setting.

Friday the 13^th, Clark and Di stopped by on their way to their 24^th, we think, wedding anniversary.  They left us with a yummy loaf of pear fruit bread.  It was Heavenly. Dad said it was good enough to "knock your hat in the creek".  At 3:30, we sat on the top row of the bleachers to watch Camden’s game behind the bleachers                               #54

and Kolton’s JV game on the field.  At 7 we watched Kolton’s varsity game on the field.

He is always surrounded by girls

I think the one on his left is his Home Coming date.

What a great day to see these boys.  Tiff and her family came at midnight so they could see the BYU-USC.  How fun our family is and how we love to be with them.

Saturday was the big game.  We started by meeting Scott’s family at Magelby’s for breakfast.  Of course Rowan entertained us.  By the time we left it was time to get ready for the game.  We went to PG to pick up Jonny.  When we got home Erik's boys were just finishing mowing,  They got in a little football.

Lauryn and Erik  guess you're never too old

Tiff and Dave went to the BYU Bookstore.  They said they would meet us at the game.  Tiff has 5 tickets and we have 6 so we have plenty of room.

We all happened to meet at our parking place at the same time.  The game was so good and the crowd so loud.  It was electrifying.

The game was at 1:30 and was so hot but we played so well that we didn’t even care.

Cosmo

The best part was when the final whistle blew, we were ahead 30-27 in double overtime.  The crowd filled the field including our kids.  We had never seen this happen in such gustso.  We finally got home, Tiff ordered pizza, and the 3 kids played football.  How can 3 people play?  We must say those twins gave Jonny a hard go.  Cameron was too excited to do anything.

sleepover at Scott's

Tiff took some veggies from our garden and the Vegas group left at 8:00 PM for home. (a five and a half hour drive)  We then took Jonny home and he said it was the best day ever.  What a day!!!  We had people from 4 of our families.  It was just a great day. (Sort of out of order)
Sunday morning, the 15th, at 2:00 AM, I needed to go to the bathroom.  I thought I was doing as usual but the next thing I knew I was falling from the toilet to the shower and holding on to the curtain.  I was so embarrassed but grateful that the curtain rod made such a loud noise that Dad heard and came and lifted me out.  I was very sore but happy to lie back down in bed.  I was worried about taking a shower the next morning but grateful that Scott had put a long rod in the wall of the tub so I could hold on tightly.  I did go to church but Dad took me home after Sacrament meeting.  I was very nervous and a bit mixed up.  I rested for a few minutes and Dad took me to the Stake Center for a temple recommend interview.  I was with President Moore and the Spirit was so strong and present.  I was so tired after that we had Bethany's peach pie for dessert.  So yummy.

Monday the road crew started removing the blacktop on our road and preparing to repave.

  It was so interesting that every now and then I just sat on the porch and took pictures.  The process was so amazing.  We now have a beautiful new road in front of our home.

The next morning we picked up the Seamons and headed to Manti and another temple experience.  Ruth grew up in Birdseye and explained all the details of the fires and floods that had occurred in the last 40 years. Some of the damage was still visible. We will never go to Manti and feel the same way about the area.  The homes, churches, people, and history was so interesting.  We loved our time in the temple.  It was so fun seeing the characters live.  I had forgotten how beautiful that temple is.  Kristin and David, Scott and Bethany were married there.  Kristin and David's children were sealed there.  Many memories flowed through our minds.  We were 5 minutes late and they held the session for us.  They were just so kind.  We ate a homemade lunch in the temple cafeteria. On the way home we stopped at Ruth's home where she grew up to see her grandmother who is 90 years old and partially blind.  She can see large things only.  We expected this little old lady but she was a whipper-snapper. She was so delightful.  The burn at Birdseye while we were on our mission missed her home be a few yards.  They had her evacuate.  The burned cedar trees were right there.  She is a fighter and a very strong sister in the church.  We loved her immediately.

Wednesday the 18th, George had a doctor's appoint with the C-Pap doctor and he does not stop breathing as much as before, which is very good.  I made 16 pints of very hot salsa.  At 4:30 till 7:30 we relieved Kaman and watched the kids for Scott and Beth while they were PLAYING at Disneyland.  George took Nixon to get his finger sized so we could get him a CTR ring for his baptism.  They also took chicken feed to Clark's.
Thursday we went to Kolton's JV game and Friday to his Varsity Game.

The clouds were beautiful.

 Kolton & Molly

Tifani and the kids came around midnight.  They came mainly because Mo Elewonibi was being honored at the BYU game.  He surprised us by coming to our home late that evening.

He left his daughter and son at the hotel.  They are 16 and 17 and very tired from the flight.  Mo lives in Canada.

Saturday was David Batchelor's birthday.  We think he is 39.  He teaches choir in a high school in South Carolina and loves it.  He is a great musician but loves being with his family.  He is a good man and a fun father.  He wears us out just watching him play with Baylie and Jalen.  We love it when he sings.  We are so glad Kristin married him.
I have no idea if these events are in order or whatever.  I just put them in where I want.

After making Mickey Mouse pancakes, we went to Cougar Canyon, which is across from the stadium, to find Mo.  He was in a booth giving autographs to the fans.  He is a large and very handsome man.

His kids were with him and I think shocked at how famous he is with the Cougar fans.  We just couldn't stop hugging and loving being with him.  There were times we thought he lived in our home.  We met Scott and he left Ava and Nixon so they could go to the game with us.  He had a bad cold and was miserable, so he didn't stay.  The kids were so fun even though we didn't win.  Cameron not so much. Mo came up to our seats during the game.

After the game we met Scott, Beth and Rowan, at Blaze Pizza.  After a fun meal, the twins went with Scott and family for another sleep-over.

Sunday, the 22nd, Tiff picked up the girls and brought them home to get ready for church.  I love that when they come they wear one of my dresses.  They choose whatever they want.  They certainly look better on them than me.  Clara even wore my shoes.  It was the Primary Program and always one of my favorites.  Of course I cried a ton.  It was very well done.  After the meeting we had dinner and the Jennings went home with a trunk full of our garden produce.  Cameron drove.  HELP!

Monday we cleaned and did laundry.  On our way home from shopping, we drove into the driveway and the garage door would not open.  We found that the company repaving our street had a huge truck take out 10 electric poles 2 blocks down our street.

Clark and family came to pick in the garden.  We love their help.

Ashley's family came too.

Clark and William playing hide-and-seek

the MAN CAVE

We thought that our power would soon come on but decided to follow Clark's advice and go to Pleasant Grove and eat at  Costs Vita because 20% of our bill would go to Molly's PG basketball team.  We learned it could be out for maybe 24 hours.  We were grateful for our storage and would be fine with a little help of dry ice for the freezer and fridge.  When we headed home and got close to our home it was so dark on our street.  We learned that 240 homes were out of power.

Repair work a block from home.

What we could see when looking across the street.

The power came on at 5:00 AM.  We went to Krispy Kream, bought 2 dozen donuts and took them to be sent to the MTC for Parker to share.

The next day we went to the Ogden Temple with the Seamons to do a session and got home in time for Dad to go to Camden's game.

Sept. 26th  We went to the Provo Temple and got all the initiatory we have done.  We are are at a standstill until we can get the baptisms we have done.  We will do them this week.  Went to Kolton's game at Sky ridge.  Wrote to Elders Bayles and Bayles.

Sept. 27^th we worked in the garden picking the tasty food.  We went to Kolton’s varsity game at 7.   It was so hard because they lost 27-28.  Tiff and kids came around 10:30 for Nixon’s baptism tomorrow.  We love it when they come.

The next day was the baptism.  It was such a spiritual time.

Bethany’s family was there and some of the Cook’s.  They are so like family.  Erik, Clark and Tiffani’s families were there.  It was so good to be together.  The opening song was “I am a child of God” which I love and brought tears.  Nixon looked so handsome in his new suit.  I said the opening prayer.  Cameron played the prelude music. Bethany’s sister Skyler gave a very good talk on baptism while Nixon put up the parts of the rainbow which had such good meanings.  Scott did such a  beautiful ordinance with the actual baptizing.  Rowan went right up and said “ Hi Daddy! “  It was such a special time.  Both Granddads were the witnesses.  Cameron played music while Scott and Nixon were dressing and a lady passed out cards for the visitors to write to Nixon.  Ava, Nixon and Rowan sang “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam”  including the jumps.  Tiffani then gave a talk on Super Heros, because Nixon loves them.  She held up a picture of Moroni dressed in his armor, and talked about how he was a super hero and why.  Nixon ate it up.  It was done so well and then she gave him the framed picture.  The confirmation was next and all the Melchizedek Priesthood brothers and dads helped with the blessing.  Scott again did a wonderful blessing.  The bishop said a few words and we sang “When I am Baptized” for the closing hymn and Gentry’s husband said the closing prayer.  It was a wonderful baptism.  Dad and I gave Nixon a CTR ring that spins.  He loved it.

The families who could went to Scott’s for refreshments and a good visit.  We watched the BYU game where BYU got beat by Toledo. Ugh! Dad and Cameron went home to watch football.   Scott invited and Tiffy’s and me to go to Gardner’s Village with them.  We ate at Zuppa’s first.  The village was so much fun. We love that place.

 It was a bit cold and a little rainy but we had so much fun.  Rowan was so entertaining with loving all the witches and decorations.  The girls slept over at Ava’s and Tiff and I came home to watch football.  Go figure.

The next day Tiffani packed up her car loaded with veggies and we went to Scott’s ward for their Primary Program.  It was so good and of course I cried through the whole thing.  It was Ava’s last program.  She and a group of children sang, “Gethsemane” before the meeting started.  It was powerful.

We had dinner at Clark’s at 4:00.  Dianne made tomato basil soup from our tomatoes, which I don’t usually like, but they were so good I had 2 helpings.  She also had a yummy salad and Lily made many bread twists that were gone in no time.  It was all so good.  It is always so good to be in their home.

The last day of the month Dad did peaches for the freezer while I did laundry and hung it out.  We did grape juice from our grapes and made pear bread from the recipe Di uses.  It was just as good as hers.  Amazing!  We then went together and gave peaches to all of our ministering families.  When we got home we packed to go to St. George and Cedar City for 2 days to do temple sessions.

How we love our time in the temples and the peace we feel there.  It also helps us to keep the covenants we have made.  The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is the only way to true happiness. Sister Craven gave a talk in April's conference called "Careful Versus Casual"  She was our mission president's wife when we served in North Carolina.  We listen to it when we can.  It states things quite easily.  We love our children and the great parents they are.  We have absolutely practically perfect grandchildren in every way.  (the greats too)  We are blessed beyond measure and love this time on earth and pray we can be together forever.  It's true!!