BOO! BOO! BOO!

OUR NEW MISSIONARY  - SISTER HAILEY BAYLES

What a great way to start a new month –General Conference.  How blessed we are to be able to watch it at home on our big TV.  It’s like being right there.  Not really, but close.  We are so grateful for modern technology that permits us to watch our General Authorities and Sisters give us thoughts to pattern our daily walk for the next 6 months until we get renewed again.  What a blessing. The good thing is, if we record it we can watch it again and again.

Kristin always gives a review of each speaker; we just assume all have listened.  Saturday’s session was so good.  I think that’s the one where Elder Uchtdorf spoke.  It really touched our hearts, as did they all.
President Thomas S. Monson spoke in his powerful way even at his age.  We love just hearing his voice.  He always has something that if we do, will make us better.  What a prophet of God.  Elder Holland was also powerful.  I guess they’re all our favorites.

We had to tivo part of the second session so we could watch Kolton’s football game.  Another reason to love technology.  They lost but near the end they let Kolton quarterback.  First time since his break.  He did well.  Erik took the brace off and taped it so he could feel his passes better.  We played the session when we got home so we could see our missionary grandaughter, Hailey, sing in the choir.

After the game the priesthood holders went to the Priesthood Session and I bottled 26 quarts of concentrated grape juice which will make around 13 gallons of juice.

I think we need to start drinking more grape juice!

 I love that Granddad gets to go with them.  He loves any time he can be with his boys.

We love the Sunday sessions because the kids in Utah Valley come between sessions for waffles with fresh berries and whipped cream.  This year they also got fresh apple cider.  Sausage is always a favorite.

  They have such a good time together. Some were not paying attention

 The kids take time out during the break.

Asher, (won't name the girl in the Ute shirt), Nixon

Sunday sessions were also filled with the Spirit.  Our prophet spoke again for a short time.  It doesn’t take him long to give a powerful message of love and comfort; just what we need.  We are so blessed to know for a surety that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is upon the earth today and that we have a prophet of God to lead us just as the good people of long ago. It’s true, it’s true.  It seems every conference answers questions we have and assures us of the truth.

Monday instead of freezing cider, we bottled it.  It is still so good.

  We like the frozen better but there is absolutely no more room in our freezer for anything.

After the temple we hurried home, changed our clothes, picked up some sandwiches and headed to SLC for the Jones #%!#* Hurst.  Aunt Gwen’s children get together once a month to tell stories and chat.  What a riot.  There’s never a time when someone is not talking.  They bring treasures they have found from the past and files they have discovered.  Gordon even had old birthday invitations that he didn’t even remember who they were from.  It was just an enjoyable time, especially for Dad.

 Norma Dee, Gordon, Kumen's wife, Paul, Gordon's wife, Dad, Marilyn

When we got home we went to Asher and Camden’s cold football games.

Wednesday afternoon we pulled vines, weeds and bean plants out of the garden.  It is sad yet good when the garden is ending.

Today, Oct. 6^th is Bethany’s birthday.  What a gift she is to our family.  She makes Scott so happy and is such a great mother to those two grands.  We are especially thrilled that number 18 will be here in just a few months.  Bethany is a very tender, yet tuff gal.

That afternoon we went to Riverside, Utah, to watch Parker play football only to find that Erik had given us the wrong place so we had to go back to Pleasant Grove for the game.  We at least got half of it.

Scott joined us at the game.

Thursday we went to Kamas for dinner and to watch Riley play ball.  It was a bit chilly but worth it because Riley had a pick 6 which was so exciting.  They won 61-7.  Great game.  Because the doctor's cut his jersey off Dianne had to sew the back and the front.  By the end of the game the jersey was almost back in two pieces.

We missed Erik's game because we try to see the boy's games first.  We didn't know that Parker would get to play varsity and even snap the ball for a series.  We are so proud of both boys.  We went to Riley's game.

Scott and family came over Saturday morning to put another coat of finish on our beautiful front door.  It is so much smoother now and I can dust it easily. 

When they left we watched the BYU football game.  They won. Yeah!

That evening we watched the kids while Scott took Bethany for her birthday dinner.  We watched Winnie the Pooh, one of my favorites.

Sunday was the best ever because we were able to take Lucille to church.  She hasn’t been for such a long time because she is 95 years old and just hurts too much.  Her brain is incredible but she suffers so.  We take her to a doctor every week.  She is so grateful and easy to help.  She appreciates every little thing we do for her.  She stayed for all 3 meetings.  The children lined up to give her hugs, they love her so much.  We are so grateful to be able to go to church each Sunday and worship as we please.  We are grateful for the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the path we know to follow to be with Him again.  We love that we can all be together forever as families.

Monday was our usual get everything done day.  I was able to deliver 2 dinners to sisters in the ward,  one with surgery and one with a new baby.

We had Nixon who helped Granddad press gallons of cider. 

He loves to do anything with Granddad.

That evening the boys came to mow the lawns.  They did it in the dark but did such a good job.  We love that they come and that we get to see them every Monday.  We had the whole family.  What a bonus.
Tuesday was more apple cider and Asher and Camden's flag football.

 Have no idea about Erik.

After the games

Wednesday we went to PGHS for Parker's Halloween choir concert.  It was amazing.  To begin with the decorations were like something from Disney's haunted mansion.  The director was amazing in that we never had to wait between choirs.  They entered and left in such a unique manner.  The program was on the side walls by the ceiling, all lit up for each performance in Halloween fashion.  The music was so well done and each choir was perfection.  Parker had a part in one song where he spoke in a mike that sounded haunted.  He was great.  The whole program amazed us.  It lasted exactly 1 hour and numerous numbers were performed.  I have never seen a high school with that many performers do so much and so well.

After we went for our traditional cones at Maceys.

Asher missing

Asher there

We spent Thursday getting ready for our flight to Seattle.  We are getting so excited.  At 3:00 we went to West Lake for Parker's game.  He played very well and they won. 16-14.

At 8:15 that evening we werre at the BYU-Mississippi State game.

 Kolton, Shanelle and Erik

 Scott, Nixon, Bethany and Ava

us

Oct. 15^th we left for the airport at 5:30AM. We flew to Vegas and then on to Seattle.  The NW was having a terrible storm but was not as bad as expected, but the ride was still bumpy.  We met Kristin’s family at the Residence Inn in Lynwood.  We had a beautiful family suite.  It was perfect.  We ate at a pizza place where all was the same price and you just went in a line and had them put whatever you wanted on your pizza and they put it in a stone oven.  It was so good.  The drink was Marion berry, which was a new thing for us and also very good.

 The next day we went to church with the Steve Bennett family.  His wife Chari, is one of Kristin’s very best friends.  It was a wonderful ward and Ward Conference where the Stake President taught our SS lesson.  We enjoyed all the meetings.  The funniest thing was that when we parked and got to the door there was a sign that said something like,”Warning! Please do not leave valuables in your car.  High theft area.”  The church is in a beautifuol spot.  

 

 

It is about 30 minutes north of Seattle.  After church we went to the Bennet’s for a delicious dinner and then off to Everett for a ferry ride with the Bennets and their youngest Sarah. 

We ferried to Whidbey Island to visit a military fort they used in the 1890’s. There were huge guns and battlements.  They built it to protect the Puget Sound in case of war time danger.

 

Steve and Dad

stairs to under the ground

deer along the battlements

Jalen on the path

There was a beautiful light house there but we were too late to get in, Admiralty Head.  

We were so taken by all we saw and the fun time we were having that we almost missed the ferry back to Everett.  It was almost dark.  David paid for both cars on the first ferry so we figured he paid again.  Not so.  We drove on by because the lady had her head turned and over this very loud speaker we heard “Will the car that just drove by please come back and pay the fee.  How embarrassing.  We had another fun trip back to the mainland. 

A light house just as we got off the ferry.  It was very dark.

We were very tired and stopped at our motel with the kids while David and Kristin took the Bennet’s to their home.  We put the kids to bed with ice cream and popcorn.  Isn’t that what grandparents are for?

Monday Chari and Sarah gave us a most wonderful tour of Seattle.  We started at 10:00 with the Troll under the Aurora Bridge.  This was a huge cement figure. 

 It is an amazing structure. (The troll is the one in back)

We then went to the Theo Chocolate Factory.  They use their own cocoa beans to make the chocolate.  We needed some sugar.

Next was the Gas Works Park built in 1906 to provide power for Seattle.  They have kept it as good as possible and it is used for weddings at a place close to the water. 

 The geese were plentiful.

The view of the Seattle sky line is amazing.  We could see the Space Needle. The remains are of the sole remaining coal plant in the US.  The sad part is that the new part is where many homeless live in plastic tarps for protection from the weather.  It scared us when a rat ran right by. 

Lunch was at a place called Ivar’s Salmon.  I hate fish, but either I was very hungry or this cod was incredible.  I finished my whole plate and was so full. 

We sat right on the water and watched a huge barge go under the draw bridge.  It was fascinating. 

Everything was so fun and interesting.  We could see where Tom Hanks lived in Sleepless in Seattle.  It is on the left below the dark space.

We ate right on the water and the kids enjoyed it even though it was cold and raining.

 Chari on the right.

Sarah on the right.

Chari and Sarah left us then to get ready for the concert and we went to Pikes Place Fish Market.  We got to see the fishermen throw the fish and just enjoy our short time there. 

fish thrower

There were huge bouquets of flowers for $10.00 everywhere.  It was like a huge flea market only very expensive.

We left to go to our Fairfield at the airport to get ready for the concert.  We passed the Seahaawks field.

 We had adjoining rooms which was fun.  David left at 6 for Benaroya Hall where he would perform that evening.  The hall is so beautiful.  Way beyond what we expected. 

It was filled with structures like these by the artist Chihuly

 balcony

The orchestra was outstanding and the choir, which Chari was a member, sang beautifully.  We were so nervous for David.  Jalen and Baylie were so quiet and not nervous at all. 

before the concert

When it was David’s turn he walked on stage in his tuxedo looking so calm and relaxed.  The orchestra started playing his composition, I Nephi, and all was right.  The orchestra was powerful and it was David’s music.  He is an incredible composer.  When it came to the part he was to sing, he just belted out the most beautiful music of our Savior and his death.  He hit his high note with such feeling and power and then at the death he was so low and still.  I was in chills.  The lady next to me said "I got goose bumps and tears" so I whispered, “That’s my son-in-law.  I was also with tears.  (We were supposed to be in one of the boxes but someone goofed and we were about 8 rows back in the middle and could see the faces so easily.) That sacred ending was so filled with the Spirit and left such a sad and empty feeling.  The audience was in awe.  At the end of the performance they got such a standing applause and the choir sang another number.  We waited and waited for David but he was signing programs in the foyer.  When we finally got back to the motel it was midnight and David and Granddad had to return the cars to the airport.  Kristin and I got the kids to bed and packed because we had to get up so early for the  shuttle to the airport.  We were exhausted.

The next morning we had to be at the hotel shuttle at 3:50.  At 3:30 Kristin realized she didn't have her little purse with her driver's license or credit cards.  We searched their room thoroughly and didn't find them.  Suddenly David called the rental car place and the lady looked in their car and found it.  Well by then we had missed the shuttle and barely made it to the next one.  Kristin had to get another shuttle to the rental place, which was not close, get her purse and then a shuttle back to the airport.  We knew she couldn't make it so David checked their baggage and got their boarding passes.  He would take the kids and Kristin would go later.  They go stand by so this was the best solution.  
Little Jalen came up to me and said, "Don't worry Grammy, I said a prayer and asked Heavenly Father to get Mommy here on time."  I didn't want him to not believe in prayer so I explained that Heavenly Father always answers our prayers but sometimes he says "No".  Just as I said that Kristin appeared.  What a lesson for me.  His faith and our Father's tender mercies were so evident.  We are never alone.  How I love the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  It's true.

We made sure they were headed for their gate and we headed to ours.  We got home just in time to go to Parker’s game against American Fork.  PG won with 49 seconds left in the game and making a field goal.

The next day we pressed cider and that evening went to Erik’s game against American Fork.  They also won with a field goal in the last seconds of the game.

The next day, the 20^th, we headed for Lewiston, Idaho and the funeral of George’s niece, Christiana’s baby girl.  Christiana was due in 2 weeks when the baby died.  What a sad event and how grateful we are for the plan of salvation.  Mother and Father were grieving but they were so strong in their testimony of our Savior and his love for them.  They are strong but it is so hard.  There was a great peace felt by all.

We came home and watched the BYU-Boise State game.  We lost by 1 point.
Wednesday we pressed more cider.  Gosh but we love that stuff.

 One of our favorite holidays with the family is Halloween.  I do not like to dress up but the rest of the family is crazy about it.  We go to Scott and Bethany’s and just eat, have fun, eat, visit and then eat some more. 

 pumpkin bread bowls

We should have taken pictures of the bread bowls that looked like pumpkins, the homemade soups, the many appetizers, desserts, and pressed cider. The children have so much fun just playing together.  They play downstairs while the adults visit upstairs.  Usually we play outside games but it was raining this year so that didn’t happen but the visiting was great.  We love being with our children and enjoying the whole atmosphere of families together.  We sorely missed Kristin and Tiffani’s families, and of course our missionary, Sister Hailey Bayles.  She is doing great in Battle Creek Michigan.   

 Paul Bunyon and Babe the Blue Ox

 jungle animals

 different ones  Erik and Shanelle are from UP

 Scott,s

The Grim Reaper and Mrs. Santa

 You will have to search for the Grim Reaper.  He's between Shanelle and me.

We are so shy.

Tuesday while Dad worked in the garden, I canned plum jelly and applesauce.

Thursday Dad went to the optometrist while I went to Nixon’s pre-school party.  They sang 30 minutes of songs of which he knew every action and words and Beth and I just  laughed and smiled the whole time.

Oct. 28^th found us at Riley’s play-off game. 

Riley is the team captain on the right

He scored a touchdown which is always fun. 

They were so far ahead at half that we headed to Plain City, (NW of Ogden) to watch PG play in a final.  Erik’s team lost but played well.  Erik’s family took us to Cracker Barrel in Ogden after.  I don’t know if I have mentioned but we go to 10 ball games a week.  Sometimes we hit the first half of one and the second half of another.  We love watching these grandchildren participate in sports.  It keeps us hopping.

Kolton’s Super Bowl for 8^th grade was Saturday.  We loved it when Clark’s and Scott’s families showed up to support Kolton.  It was so much fun to be together again.  What a fun family we have. 

After the game we took some pictures.

Two of the Reynolds brothers (Lance-played for Seattle Seahawks and Dallas-played for Eagles and the Giants.)  I can still take them both together or one on one!

the crew

They lost but we survived by going to Erik’s after for lots of pizza and more fun.  The kids never get tired of playing and we never get tired of visiting.

Our Stake Conference was Sunday which is always so good,  They emphasized scripture study, going to the temple, church attendance, especially taking of the sacrament and doing service for others.  It helped us  think of things we can do better.

That evening Ava came selling cookies she had made for the Shriner’s Hospital.  The cookies were very good.

Last Day of the month already here.  I went to Ava’s school parade and Dad went to the boys’.  They were at the same time.  When Ava was finished I called Dad to see where the boys’ parade was.  They hadn’t even started so I got to hurry over and see both.  How fun!

 Camden  Froto

Teacher's aide

Asher

The evening started with Scott and family coming over.  As they were leaving, Jake Jarman and Lisa’s families came. 

It was fun to see Scott and Jake together again.  We didn’t have many kids and it ended at 8.  We had witches fingers and a big candy bar for Scott’s.   Erik’s kids are getting busy with their friends but we had them the day before so no problem.  It was all just so fun.  We gave them their treats later.

We are grateful for a month with few problems and lots of joy and happiness.  Life is good.

SEPTEMBER AND FOOTBALL

 We have had to prop up our fruit trees because the limbs are breaking.  Plenty of fruit.

September is always nice with the temperature cooler, football and family gatherings.  We love it all.  It all started with a win for Parker’s team.

We have been worried because we are losing branches from our fruit trees.  Dad pruned but we have so much fruit on the branches they are breaking, even the big ones.  We have picked some of the apples and pressed them into 2 gallons of cider.  The good peaches and nectarines are now frozen and ready for smoothies.  The fruit has been so plentiful.

The next day was dinner at Clark’s and a win for Riley’s team.  The game ended in a downpour but was still fun.  We were so wet.

Sept. 4^th was such a special day  for 3 reasons: Clark, Lauryn and Clara.

Clark turned 47. 

He is such a good man who does everything possible to keep his family focused on our Savior.  He and Dianne are a great team.  He loves his family and enjoys every minute he can be with them.  He enjoys doing things to keep his body in top condition.  Doing tris is his fun thing, especially when he’s with his brothers.  We are so proud to be his parents.

Lauryn is a special gift from our Heavenly Father. 

                                            We are so grateful she was a tough little babe in NICU.  She has always been busy and into everything.  She is a wonderful pianist and loves to make up recipes to cook many fun and delicious foods for her family.  She even cleans up her messes.  She loves her family and is happy to be a twin.  She is also a good pianist. 

Clara is the other side of twin. 

 She is very competitive and hates to lose on anything.  She is a good little gymnast.  She loves to find someone who is alone and sad, and make them happy by being kind to them.  She is loved by her family and loves them and her Heavenly Father.  We love these two little girls.

Shopping is one of their favorites.  They must get it from their mother.

After church Sunday, invited our Utah Valley families over for dinner but Scott’s was the only ones who could come.  We had such a good time. 

 picture taken by Nixon

After our dinner we went outside to just visit in the cool evening.  The kids got out the jump rope and we jumped for several hours.  The kids really did well after many tries.  They are now good little jumpers.  The rest of us even got in on the fun.

Monday we went to Soldier Hollow for the sheepdog competition.  Wow!  It was amazing.  Those dogs are incredible.  We just had a fun time being together.

The next day Dad picked tomatoes and I canned 21 quarts of soup starter.

We also watched Camden play soccer.  We love watching the kids play anything.  The next day we went to Constance Lundberg’s to share some genealogy.
Thursday was a very busy day for us.  Dad started with a dental appointment and I started with RS Humanitarian time, making quilts for abused children.  We came home at the same time and went to SLC to visit Uncle Platte Bayles who was in the VA Hospital.  He was not doing well but he did know who we were.  We stayed awhile and then left for Southern Utah at 5:00, and George’s great niece’s funeral.  We decided to stay overnight in Moab because it was late and we were tired.  Every hotel was filled up but we finally found one with one room left.

We headed out early for Blanding and the viewing.   Many of George’s family were there.  Andrea was only 28 years old and had a 7 year old boy and a 2 year old girl but had suffered from severe depression since a little child.  She fought it all her life but it finally got the best of her.  We were grateful to be at the funeral because it gave us such a different feeling and much peace.  The chapel and space behind was full.  She was a beautiful girl and extremely smart.  We know where she is and that she is with loved ones and a loving Father.  While there we got a call from Uncle Platte’s family to let us know they had turned off the medication and he would not live long.  He is 90 and was not well.  We love him.  He is the only aunt or uncle George has left.  After the luncheon we headed home.  It was 3:00 and we wanted to be in SLC for Brian Oakley’s reception.  It’s a 7 hour trip but we wanted to try.  We had been in our Sunday clothes all day but we know we wouldn’t have time to change.   We felt we were doing pretty well when we headed down the canyon to Spanish Fork when a lighted sign said “A severe crash at mile post 382.  Expect delays.”  We got delays and were sometimes at a stop.  When we finally got to the accident we couldn’t believe it.  A suburban type car was a complete convertible.  The entire top clear below the window was gone.  A huge motor home was tipped over and a car on a wrecker.  There may have been another long flat bed.  It was a horrifying sight.  We were so blessed to have left a little late.  We have not heard anything on the news or in the paper about it.  Because we lost so much time we just headed to PG and Erik’s game.  We got the second half.  It was a very long and hard day but we feel so blessed to travel in safety.

Saturday we spent going to Erik’s kids’ soccer games and doing peaches. 

 first of 28 quarts

 We have 2 more gallons in the freezer. (10 gals. altogether) We spent the evening watching the BYU game.  No comment.

picked raspberries for conference Sunday waffles

 peach pit jelly

crock pot apple sauce

So nice to have dad around to help with all this canning.  

Sunday while we were sitting in sacrament meeting, Dad just wasn’t feeling well.  By the end he asked me to take him home.  I stayed with him in that he was asleep.  I left for RS and hurried home after.  He was still asleep.  I texted the boys to give him a blessing.  Scott was able to come right away so he anointed him and gave such a powerful blessing.  It really calmed me and helped dad.  He waited for Erik but Erik had Stake interviews to organize so he didn’t get here before Scott had to leave.  A few hours later Erik came and gave a powerful priesthood blessing.  We finally talked Dad into going to the hospital.  I wasn’t as worried because of those blessings.  Dad was already prepped and headed for a EKG by the time I parked the car.  They didn’t make him wait a minute and the waiting room had many people.  This made me a bit nervous.  They finally took a CATscan of his heart to see his aneurysm.  We were excited when the results came back and the cardiologist said it was a 4.5.  That was the same as when we left for our mission.  It just can’t get to a 5.  He sent us home at 11:00 and said if anything changes to come right back.  What a relief.  I know for a fact that the power of the priesthood is what made everything right.  What a blessing it is to have sons who are worthy to use that power. (and sons in law)

He isn’t 100% yet but he is doing better.  He went to Dr. Taylor the next morning for what he thought was a hernia.  Dr. Taylor didn’t think it was but ordered another CATscan to make sure.  That came back negative but showed something on his back so now he goes for a MRI.  This getting old is not always fun.
Nixon came on Monday so we made cider.

 Milt came by while we were taking Lucille to the doctor but I had Romas, onions, peppers, raspberries, squash and cucumbers for them.  Jo loves to can, especially salsa.  Milt is having open heart surgery soon.

Thursday the 15th Dad had another CAT scan to better see what was going on.  We went to Parker's game and then at half time (they were so winning) we went to the temple.

Friday we went to Riley’s game.  He played well and had some good runs.  We had dinner with the family before we headed to the game.  It’s always a treat to eat Dianne’s cooking.

                                               

Boy are they going to miss each other.

Saturday found us at Kolton’s soccer game, cast and all.  We came home and made raspberry-peach jam.  It is so good. 

I love canning with Dad.  It’s a new for us. 

 Tiffani and family got here just in time for the BYU- UCLA game.  We had tickets for Stephen and Sheri, Amie and Spencer, and Adam so it was again family fun.  Scott’s family brought pizzas for everyone and took the girls for a sleepover.  They have so much fun together.  The game didn’t start until 8:30 so it would have been so late for the girls.  No comment on the game. 

We got up and prepared for Hailey’s farewell. 

She shared it with her cousin, Logan because so many of Dianne’s family would be there for Hailey and Logan’s family just moved to Georgia so he wouldn’t be able to have a farewell with family.  What a treasure to share such an important day.  Logan’s mother is Dianne’s sister Emily.  They had families from all over the place.  The only ones in our family who could not go were Kristin’s family.  They were so missed.  It just didn’t seem right to have them absent.   The meeting was so filled with the Spirit.  Hailey did a super job on her talk and let us all know how strong her testimony is.  She will be a great boost to the Michigan, Lansing mission.  Look out investigators.  Logan was well prepared and taught us things to do to improve in striving to live the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  He doesn’t leave until December.  He is going to Mexico.  The older cousins sang a song and I did just fine until Hailey had a solo.  Her voice wad so perfect and brought such a feeling to the song.  I lost it.  It was a testimony builder just being there.

After the meeting, Dianne had everyone over for dinner.  I should have taken a picture but the home was bursting with relatives.  It was wonderful.  I don’t know how Dianne always does it but everything was delicious and wonderful.  I don’t know how many homemade cookies were constantly carried out but I do know 6 gallons of homemade ice cream was served.  There was plenty of food for everyone and even seconds.  Before the meal they took family pictures. 

 Clark's famiy

our family

As soon as we could get away Tiff’s family and Dad and I had to leave.  They went to Vegas and we headed to Uncle Platte’s funeral in Blanding.  He was a military man who loved his country.  Last year, on his 89th birthday he parachuted out of a plane.  It was nice to be with George's family again.

The playing of taps was so tender and strongly felt.

September 20^th  we made peach-pit  jam after going to the temple. 

At 5:00 we traveled to Hailey’s setting apart as a missionary and dinner.  There is always such a Spirit in their home and this occasion made it even more so.  The Stake President found we were Durhams and went on with Dad about our families.  It was so fun.  We found out some settled in Barbados, Spain.  He started the meeting and asked Haileys grandparents to bear their testimonies, then us, the Clark and Di and finally Hailey.  What strength and power was in that home.  Clark and Dianne have tried so hard to make a home heavenly.  The testimonies  centered on the Doctrine of Christ and the truth of the restoration.  Of course they all told of their love for Hailey and her choice to go on a mission.  What a humbling experience.  It was so wonderful and the love of families and our Savior was so present.  Afterwards there were more goodies.  We floated home.  The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is such a beautiful plan of peace and knowing who we are and what is expected of us to return to our Father in Heaven and live as families forever.  It doesn't get better than that.  We must share this message with everyone.  We love our family so much and strive daily to live so we can be worthy of this great blessing.
The 21st is David Batchelor's birthday.  He is a great addition to our family.  He is trying so hard to take care of his family and live as our Father would have him live.  He loves Kristin and those two precious children.  He loves having his doctorate and teaching at a university.  He is working hard to find a permanent professorship.  He keeps their home alive and active. We love him.
This was also the day Hailey entered the MTC.

 We are so proud of her decision to serve the Lord.  She will help people change their lives.  Only Clark and Dianne went with her.  What a special time for them and how it should be.  Just the three.

Exciting and yet hard to look at.

We made 2 gallons of apple cider today.  It takes a lot of apples to make just one gallon but we love doing it together. 

Milt and Jo came and visited.  We filled them with fruit and veggies.  She loves to can so she will be busy.  Milt is waiting for open heart surgery.  The VA is so slow in getting things done.

Dad continues to not feel real well.  He has the flu today and worries me.  He did help me make crock pot apple sauce.  What an easy way to make it.

Friday we were going to go to Riley’s game but Dad just didn’t feel well enough to go and it was raining  so we stayed home.  We felt he would just get worse if he went.  Kristin told us how to get every game Riley plays on the computer and then change it to the TV so we had a great view of Riley. 

 We screamed when he scored his touchdown.  The sad thing is we also watched him go down and have to be put in an ambulance and taken to Park City.  His limbs were very numb and he had little feeling.  It was a neck injury.  We felt so at a loss not being there.  There’s nothing we could have done but it still felt empty.  The entire team kneeled in prayer as they took him away.

What great young men.  The good news is he is doing better.  He reinjured a previous neck injury.

He is cleared to play but we hope they wait a few weeks.  We are so blessed to have tender mercies from our Father in Heaven.  It could have been so much worse.  We hope Dianne doesn't mind us using her pictures.  This is an only family blog.

 At 1:30 Saturday we watched the BYU-UCLA game.  We were even ahead but lost by 3 points.  I was glad it was on TV.

At 9:00 Sunday we were at Ava and Nixon’s primary program.  These are some of our favorite meetings.  The children do so well and sing their hearts out. 

This was no exception.  Both knew their parts by heart and we were very proud.  After our meetings we went home teaching and then our home teachers visited us.  We are so blessed to have faithful home teachers.

Monday had a dentist apt. to get a crown replaced.  Nixon came and Kolton came to mow.  Dad did the front because Camden was sick.  He did good and felt good.  Yeah!  Nixon wanted to watch the men working on Columbia Lane.

Sept. 27^th was Uncle Mark’s birthday.  He is 79 years old.  We love him.  We go to the temple every Tuesday and after our session Dad had a Doctor’s apt. with Dr. Taylor.  He didn’t like what he saw on the last CAT scan.  He said the good part was that he is not in pain.  The bad part is that he has spinal stenosis which is degeneration of the spine.  We will check out what to do to help.  Dr. Taylor said he must walk 6 days a week.  Because so many vertebrae are involved surgery is not recommended.  The results are not positive.  He is doing much better with all else and does not hurt.  We are blessed.
Wednesday Dad saw Hailey in the temple.  He serves there every Wednesday and it is her district's day to go.  They were each a bit teary but it was so good to hug each other.  What a great missionary she will be.

At the MTC

The next day we walked for an hour.  We took Lucille to the doctor and afterwards went to watch Parker play football.  They didn't win but he played well.

 We decided to go out for dinner so we went to the new Joe Vera's.  The food was so good.  It's just fun to be together and healthy.

Last day of the month already.  We shopped for conference dinner and went to SLC to watch Riley play football.  They only let him play offense once and he scored a TD.

 I guess they're nervous about his neck.  They lost.  We left at half time to go to the BYU-Toledo game.  It started at 8:15 and we got there during the 2nd quarter.  Tiffani had a great family, the Drews use their tickets.  They were so fun and enjoyed the game.  We gave three of our tickets to the Gregory family.  The boys were so excited.  We finally won but we were so hungry that we didn't get home and to bed until 2:30.  We had In-N-Out.  A BYU win is a great way to end a month.
We love our family and the good friends we are able to be with.  Provo is a great place to live and our ward is so friendly and helpful.  We are excited to watch conference for the next two days.  The Women's session was so good Friday.  Conference always makes us want to live better and do more for others.  It is such a necessary uplift to our journey here on earth.  We love the great people who enhance our lives with their messages.