Fabulous February

We started February with our beautiful Rowan Noel Bayles being baptized by her father, Scott. It was a beautiful time and had many relatives and friends in attendance. It was a beautiful day.

It was also Ashley’s birthday. At this time we do not tell years. She is an amazing mother.

Monday George had a Dr. appointment with Dr Luni. George has a pacemaker under his side of the bed that monitors his heart. He was at risk for a stroke and the doctor gave him a prescription for Eliquis. It is the best medicine for strokes which I have taken for over three years. It’s very expensive but we get ours out of Canada and it is much cheaper.

Tuesday Scott came over and redid the front bedroom windows because they were so awful and ugly from when they had been done wrong when someone put in new windows. We certainly appreciate what he does for us.

Wednesday the fifth we paid our bills for last month. Crazy time because it was the first time we had done it together and boy was it a challenge. We finally finished.

We discovered that my credit card had been used for over $7,000 in fraudulent charges. Thank goodness we have Capital One right with us. They refunded all of the bills that had occurred. We don’t know how the crooks did it, but they used our card and then used the new card before we even received it. It is so hard to believe people can be so heartless. We have been very tired and worn out over all of this, but thank goodness we didn't have to pay any of it. It was just so hard to handle with all of the crooked things people can do today.

Friday the 7th Dad got to return to serving in the Orem Temple. He is doing so well with his Bell's Palsy, but the Shingles are not forgotten. They still hurt at times. The news is that they never go completely away.

Feb. 9th was Dave’s Birthday. He is such a great husband and dad. We are blessed that Tiffani found him. He loves his family.

The next day Dad got the joy of having his back bottom teeth removed so that in two weeks he can have better ones.

Wednesday the 12th Dad had an MRI. We finally had some snow that day. Hallelujah!

Valentine’s Day is the best because so much love is poured out to others. We ran some errands and could not decide where to go for dinner. All the restaurants were so busy and then we remembered the phone call we got from our great-grandson, William. He informed us that the best place to eat is J Dogs. It is a little hole in the wall where hot dogs are the only menu. It was so good and brought back so many memories. It was just perfect. 

Sunday Dad was sick so we stayed home. It took him three days to feel better. He is never ill so this was hard for him.

The 19th was Asher’s 17th birthday. WOW! How the time flies. He is a fun boy who loves to tease his Granddad. He plays lacrosse and loves his family. He also loves his dog.

This was the same day I had dental work with a new set of molars.

We found that by going with AT&T we can have our internet things, computers etc. fixed for $25. Good deal since Dad’s monitor is not working. I guess that is worth the new network.

On the 21st Dad was able to return to the temple at 5:00 a.m. He was so excited and loves this time every week.

Dad had a CAT scan and the results were very good. This getting old is not easy, but we are having so much fun we can handle it. He also makes amazing zucchini bread.

Our missionaries continue to make us proud with their service to Jesus Christ.

Camden in Poland

Cameron in Las Vegas

Lily in Birmingham Alabama

Welcome to 2025

What a beautiful way to start a new year and month. How blessed we are to have such a wonderful family. We are filled with joy knowing the Plan of Salvation and what we need to do to follow our Savior. We brought in the new year by going to bed. The families did fun things.

Dad was taking down the outside lights when our neighbor Brother Piggott hurried across the street and joined right in. He is an incredible neighbor.

On the 17th, we had our carpets cleaned by the company EcoCarpets. He does a great job and does it every few years. We also took veggies to our ministering families, potatoes and carrots from our garden. We cover them in the winter and dig as needed. 

January is a big month for birthdays in our family. First was Jayden Spencer, the newest member of our family and the perfect addition. Next, on the 15th, was Beatrice’s 6th birthday. She is an amazing little girl and loves to do projects with paint, crayons, or anything she can find. She is very smart and loves books. It’s very hard to keep up with her.

Jayden and Bea

The 19th Jalen turned 15. That’s crazy. He can drive. Look out for anyone on the road. He’s a great young man and fills our hearts with joy. He is so much fun to have around when they visit. We love him. He and Granddad have so much fun teasing one another. We wish they lived closer, but they love their home and friends. It’s a perfect place for the family.

The next day was Dianne’s Birthday. She is amazing with all her talents and abilities. It seems every time we go to their home there are family members enjoying their home. What a great thing to cherish. She loves everyone, especially her family.

Dianne and me at Molly's wedding.

The 21st was my birthday. My sister, Karen sent me a huge bouquet of beautiful flowers. She never forgets me. I love her so much, but we don’t see each other very often

That morning Erik, Shanelle, and the family invited us to go to Magleby’s with them for breakfast. It was a holiday so everyone was there. When I sat down to rest and wait for our table, Erik surprised me with our grandson, Elder Bayles, wishing me a Happy Birthday from Poland. It was like he was right there in front of me. Yes, I cried. It was so wonderful to be so close with him. He is a dedicated missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is serving so diligently. We all love him.

I’m not afraid to say I am 81 and hang out my own laundry.

I am so blessed to have the family we have and especially such a wonderful husband. I am so blessed for everything he constantly does for me. Our favorite places are with the family and the temples. It doesn’t get any better than that. I love the family I was born in. They taught me the Gospel of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and to live and share with others. The next day, January 21st, was my birthday, and Granddad took me to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. It was amazing! Way too much food and especially the dessert. We had to take it home along with half of our dinners because there was so much food. The kids had given us a gift certificate years ago, but we never went because it was in SLC, but now there's one here. They didn’t say a thing about how old it was. What a deal. 

Kristin and Tiffani sent me a huge vase of beautiful flowers.

Wednesday Dianne brought me what I wanted, a bib because I spill often. Instead of making one, she made me two. They are very well made and I love them. She is so special.

The last birthday of the month was Will. He is such a good big brother and a hard worker. He is our first great-grandson and we love him very much.

Thursday Cameron was supposed to fly in for the weekend so he could go to a BYU basketball game. He was supposed to arrive at 2:30, but the plane was delayed. Shocker! He finally arrived at 7:30. We enjoyed his visit. The twins are at home and their parents flew to Australia. WOW! A paid working trip. We are certain they had fun. BYU won the basketball game by a bunch Saturday night and Cameron was crazy to be able to be there.

Sunday was a great meeting. We got ready to take Cameron to the airport at 3:30, but again it was delayed. He finally boarded at 8:00 p.m. It was a fun time for us. We love when he comes.

Tuesday we went to the Orem Temple and did initiatories and an endowment. What a wonderful morning. We love being able to do this for our families.

Wednesday the 29th we both got haircuts, which were very much needed. The next morning Ruth called to let us know that Max had a bad fall and couldn’t go to the temple, so we stayed home and enjoyed an easy day. 

The last day of the month Tiffani called from the cruise ship to let us know they were headed to New Zealand. What a rough time. She called home because she was watching the girls play volleyball and let them know she missed Titan, the dog. What a rough time!!! 

The missionaries are doing well and loving the service they are giving. We love them and are so proud of the work they are engaged in. 

Camden on left

Lily on left

Cameron

Christmas and A Fabulous Family Reunion

I have decided to not write so much in that we do the same things each month. Boring! Just know we will do a shorter blog from now on.

December was a fun month with happy doings except for the funeral of Glade Mercer, who grew up in our ward and died in November at the young age of 44. We love his family. The chapel was filled with people to show the family how much he was loved.

Dec. 4th Dad had an appointment with Dr. Gardnier to see how his Bell’s Palsy was doing. He had him get an eye goop to help close his eye at night. He uses my drops three times a day. He is improving, but sad that he cannot serve in the temple yet.

Dec. 6th was an amazing ward Christmas dinner. It was catered and there were over 200 members in attendance. The meal was delicious and one of the Osmond’s sons was the entertainer. He was so in the spirit. He sang songs he had written about the prophet Joseph and had all the people who had served for our country stand up while we sang a patriotic song. Tears were shed by everyone. He was so engaged and we felt his love. He then called all the Primary children up on the stage to sing “Gethsemane.” Again many tears. When all was ,Santa (Brother Hill) came up so each child could get a treat from him. It was a grand night.

We started the Christmas puzzle that Dad spilled last year. We worked on it after Thanksgiving and were not finished when Baylie came to visit after Christmas. It was very hard and we spent every night on it while watching football

Bailey Bayles turned 30 on the 19th. (I hope this is right.) She is such a wonderful addition to our family. We love that Riley found her. They are a perfect match.

Bailey and Riley

At some point this month we had a visit from our great nephew Mark Cochran and his cute family. They have lots of little children and we were so happy they stopped by to visit.

Mark, Malissa, and children

Sunday the 22nd we went to Bethlehem (Clark’s Home) for a dinner, eating as they did long ago. It is a tradition and everyone tells how they feel at this important time. It is a great way to celebrate His birth.

Will, Clark, Tyler, Ashley, Bea, Simon, Molly, Jayden, Jonny, Hailey, Rosie, and Riley

Christmas Eve we were invited for dinner at Scott’s home. It was a royal feast. It is always busy and loud and fun. They are so excited for the morning.

Nixon, Rowan, and Ava

We always get up late Christmas morning. We have a hard time getting something for each other so we make a list and Kristin, Tiffani, and Scott do the hard part. We give them the money and they choose the presents. What a copout, but we just can’t do it any more. They do a very good job. We then go to the home of each of our boys’ families and see their presents. It is so much fun and everyone is so happy. We ate cinnamon rolls and orange juice at Scott’s, then we headed to Clark’s and Erik’s. It is just so much fun to see how they are so happy and filled with the Spirit of our Savior and Heavenly Father. Parents cannot ask for more. By the time we are through, we take a very long needed nap. 

Scott's Family

Erik's Family Christmas Day

We then called the girls to see the very same. They also had a beautiful Christmas. I think Kristin and David feed so many people who pour into their home and find peace and good food. 

Tiff's Kids

Kristin's Husband and Kids

Thursday the 26th the Batchelors flew to Salt Lake for the family reunion. Dad and I were still far from finishing the puzzle. We were so weary. Well, Baylie came downstairs and in a very short time had it finished. She is a puzzle wizard. We don’t know how, but 30 pieces were under the couch. That helped a lot. They finished it in five minutes.

Late that same night, Dave, Tiffani, and their kids came. It was a loud, happy, and crazy time. Our home was filled with goodness. Our basement was filled to the brim with grandkids. They slept wherever they could find a space. The parents got the bedrooms.

Our granddaughter Ashley planned the reunion with days filled with activities of service and fun. Friday the 27th the reunion began with swimming at the Provo Rec Center. We did not go, but the kids did and they said it was amazing. They had a lazy river, slides, climbing things, etc. 

Clara, Baylie, and Lauryn

While the kids were swimming, Kristin started helping us undecorate. She and Dad got all the nativities put away. (We have a lot of them!) She also ordered an ornament box so we could put all the ornaments in one place. She organized all the decorations as we undecorated so it will be easier to decorate next year. Everyone helped undecorate while they were here so that by the time they left, all we had to do was fill the garbage cans with empty boxes. We are so grateful and excited for next year.

After the swimming, everyone hurried to their homes to get dressed for baptisms at the Mt Timpanogos Temple. The kids did the work and when it was over, they had 40 relatives baptized. What a blessing. 

Erik, Shanelle, Asher, Clara, Baylie, Jalen, Lauryn, Jonny, Grandad, Riley,
Me, David, Kristin, Kolton, Jessa, Parker, Cameron, Tiffani

Afterwards we had dinner at Clark and Di’s catered by Olive Garden. Delicious! We ended the night with ice skating at the Peaks Ice Arena. What a full and happy day with family!

Jessa, Parker, and Asher

The Skaters

The Observers

Cameron, Clara, Baylie, Jalen, Jonny, Lauryn, Me, Riley, Asher, Grandad

The 28th Rowan turned 8, and the next day Shanelle had a birthday and we all sang to her. They are both so special and important parts of this great family.

The 28th was a wild scavenger hunt at University Mall. This cemented our thoughts about the fact that we are a crazy family (and a little competitive). Ashley, Hailey and Dianne I think were in charge of this. I was afraid some blood would be spilled. People who were shopping just stared at us running all over the place. It was a timed event so we had to hurry. We had a list for each team. We laughed and didn’t even stop to tell the people what we were doing. We had several teams and our team (the senior citizens: Tiff and Dave, me and Grandad, and Kristin and David) won - of course! Everyone tried to prove us wrong, but pictures were taken at each stop to prove our win. Boy did we brag and show off. SWEET!

We then went to a church in Pleasant Grove and had Mo'Bettahs catered for lunch. Yummy. Then family pictures were taken. 

Back Row: David, Kolton, Shanelle, Parker, Jessa, Dave, Cameron, Bailey, Riley, Molly, Jayden, Tyler, Rosie, Hailey
Middle Row: Kristin, Erik, Tiffani, Grandad, Me, Clark, Di, Ashley (with Simon and Bea), Will
Front Row: Jalen, Asher, Baylie, Clara, Lauryn, Jonny

The Grands and Great-Grands

Ashley and Hailey had numerous games to play. They were so fun and prizes were given. Yes, we are competitive. The games were fun and crazy and we were all out of control. Fun, fun, fun. We stayed and played forever.

Gator ball is a combination of rugby, soccer, and who knows what else. It's truly crazy.

Simon as goalie

Cheerleaders

More Cheerleaders

Me and Will

Card Games

We also watched the BYU Alamo Bowl where they defeated Colorado in a big win. That night the teenagers had a sleepover at Hailey’s house. The rest of us enjoyed a little quiet.

Sunday we all went to our own wards and then went to Clark and Dianne's for tacos. We sure do eat a lot  After lunch, we put together cancer bags for Tiffani to take back to Vegas where she has been receiving cancer treatments for over a year and a half. We are so grateful she is now cancer free. It was a great thing to do for our service project because Tiffani used to receive these bags when she went for visits. Tiffani took some to her plastic surgeon’s office. They were so excited, they took all of them because they had just emptied their bin of bags that morning. What a wonderful thing to do for our last thing together. 

After the bags were assembled, the Jennings headed back to Vegas. Monday morning the Batchelors flew  home. They were so blessed to make all their flights to Utah and back at this busy travel time. 

Tuesday was New Year’s Eve and we were worn out and went to bed in the silence.

We love this family of ours and are so blessed to do things together always with our Savior and Father in Heaven as our focal point. Everyone is so important to us and we love the joy our family gives us. The Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ is what holds this family together. We are so blessed.

We love our missionaries.

Camden baptizing a 90-year-old man in a freezing river in Poland.

Tiff and Cameron.

Lily waiting for mail.