APRIL 2022 AND THE JOY THAT SPRING BRINGS

Friday, April 1st. 2022

After Dad worked his 5:30 shift at the temple he came home and napped for a few hours and then drove us to Cedar City for Shelby Nebeker receiving her endowment in the Cedar City Temple.  It was the 8:00 session and we were there just in time.  Dave and Tiffani were coming from Vegas and were stopped for an accident and didn’t get there in time.  So many friends, grandparents and ward members filled the room.  It was amazing.  The Spirit was so strong and everyone was so thrilled to be there.  The blessing was that the temple workers let Dave and Tiffani  get their white clothes on and meet Shelby and her family and friends in the Celestial room.  That was the best thing ever.

Tiffany got us a room and we checked in and went across the street for dinner.  We were so hungry.

When we woke up, we ate breakfast and both headed to our homes while listening to General Conference.  What a way to help the time go by.  The conference filled our hearts with such wonderful messages, especially the words of our Prophet, Russell M. Nelson.

                                                           and The First Presidency

Sunday was not a disappointment. Every speaker was right on with messages

 we needed and loved.  It was just a very special weekend filled with the Spirit.  Our prophet let us know that 17 new temples were on the list to be built.  That was so amazing and wonderful.

Again I will not go into detail about how many times we were able to do ordinances in the temples in our area. It is  so wonderful.  We go every Tuesday and Thursday and do one or two ordinances each time in whichever temple Dad can find.

                                                                        Provo

                                                                          Provo City Center

                                                                              Payson

                                                                           Timpanogos

Monday we worked in the yard and that evening Scott brought Leah for us to tend for 8 days.  Oh my!  She had a hard time the first day because she didn’t know our home and we were at the temple the next morning.  After she got to know us better it was nice.  She is a good dog. 

We didn’t have to move anything that she might chew.  Scott and family were in Cancun for the week.

They picked her up 8 days later.

Tuesday the 4th, Clark and family finished the pruning an then we took them to Chubbys.

Thursday, the 7th, Max and Ruth Seamons along with Dad, brought 2 ton and a half loads in Mater, of compost for our garden.  It saves us hours of hard work to do all this by hand.  Afterwards we took them to dinner at Chubbys.  They have incredible fry bread.  They are so good to us.

The next day Dad and I loaded many wheelbarrows of compost and hauled them over the garden.  I rested after every 2 barrels and Dad spread the compost over the entire garden.  It looks so beautiful.  I also took loads to the raspberries , weeded them and did the same to the new tangerine tree.

Some where in here Lily made PG student body secretary and Camden made student body President.

                                                            No picture of Camden.

Sunday, we were saddened because Kristin and the kids could not make a flight to come home.  We will have to wait until July.

April 14th Elder Kolton Bayles turned 19.

  He is such an amazing young man with so many abilities. He loves people and life.  He is a good missionary and loves the people in Kumasi Ghana.  The pictures he sends home are filled with love for the people.  He has always been a friend to everyone and will help everyone in need. We are so proud of him.

The next day I saw Dr. Bergeson’s assistant.  I liked him even better than Bergeson.  He was very

 thorough and concerned.  Along with osteoporosis I have osteoarthritis.  I am doing vey well.

The 16th we did baptisms with some of the grands.  I was even baptized   We were able to do 35 names.

Just a note to put in here is Lauryn and Clara were in NYC with their parents and did baptisms in the NYC Temple.

Easter Sunday is always filled with blessings of our Savior.  He came to this earth because he loves His Father and us and paid the incredible price so we can be forgiven and made whole through His atonement.  How beautiful and such a sacrifice for mankind.  Everyone!!!  He made it possible for us to be as families for eternity.  That is so calming when the death of loved ones is near.  He is always there for me even when I mess up. 

Cameron came from Utah State to be with us at this time.  Clark and Dianne invited us for Easter dinner.  She always knows what to prepare and is so giving. Hailey, Riley, Lily, Jonny and her parents were also there. Eleven people served; and she did it beautifully and tasty. We brought rolls, pies, ice cream and little goodie sacks.  After the meal she led in a discussion of our feelings about our Savior, Jesus Christ.  It was just what we needed and beautifully done.  After dessert, Cameron headed back to Utah State and finals.  We enjoyed him so much.  He has his own car now.  We went home stuffed.

dinner

                                                                   cousins

                                                                     family

Monday, the 18th, Dad worked in the yard and I did a deep cleaning (sort of) in our home.

Wednesday, the 20th, we were ready to leave for the Payson Temple when Ruth called to tell us her mother needed help with a flooded basement, so we went alone.  We love going with them.  They came over later and we visited and went to Charlie’s Philly Cheesesteak. This is our favorite place. 

Thursday, the 21st, Dad had a little accident when he went to take the boat out of storage and hit the trailer (which was very much on our side) and was so frustrated.  The storage place contacted the owner of the trailer and he called dad.  Dad said he would pay half and the next day when he went to the temple to serve, he just didn’t feel right so he called the man and said he would pay it all.  That is the kind of dad you have.  I am so grateful to have him for eternity because he feels the Spirit so often and does the right thing.  He said he didn’t have to pull the boat out that day but could have waited for the owner to move his trailer and it would have been fine. The quote the man gave was $3000 so dad contacted our insurance and we are waiting for their answer. He hasn’t said what it did to our boat or trailer.  What an amazing man I married and he still loves me with all my weirdness. 

Friday, after work, Scott came over to check out the boat and help Dad unhitch the truck. Nixon and Rowan came with him and we had a great time for a short time.  They are so much fun.

The next day was filled with volleyball and the twins.  Tiffany hooked us up so we could watch on the big TV downstairs.  They were great.  I never thought of taking pictures because they were always moving. Dad left for the funeral of DeLynn Decker who taught for him for a short time.

Sunday, April 23, we have decided on a new routine.  At 9:30 we watch and listen to the Spoken Word.   At 10:00 we watch Come Follow Me, and next Come Follow Up and finally The Chosen.  What an entire morning of such good visuals and information.  We tape everything.  It is a great way to prepare for the Sabbath. If we miss something we can watch later.  It is all so well done on KBYU.

Monday, dad spent the day cleaning the boat so we can get it ready to sell.  I spent the day doing laundry and pulling weeds on the Richards’ side of the lilacs.  We were so tired but it was a very productive day.

The 26th, we met the Seamons at the Payson Temple and did a session and then I-Hop.  Always have to eat at I-HOP

Wednesday the 27th was Kristin’s birthday.  I guess we shouldn’t mention that she turned  54.  She is so happy and loves being a stay at home Mom.  She's such a bright light in our lives and is always helping someone who is in need and we are amazed at how much she does for others.

  

                                                She has always had a bit of the Hispanic in her.

                                                         She has always been a joy.

Again I don’t know what order things came in but late that night Tiffani came .   She left the next morning for Logan to help Cameron pack up his apartment.  They loaded it and she headed back here because Cameron has one more final.  When she got here Cameron called to say he left the keys to his car in her car.  REALLY?  So the next morning we went to his new apartment in Provo, so we could get an idea of where he would be living this summer.  It is amazing and so clean and bright. The 4 boys have their own bedroom.  It has a full basketball  court, huge pool and a jacuzzi. We then headed for Logan.  He headed down after his final.  We had used my car because Tiff’s truck was full of Cameron's  apartment stuff.  We loaded the last things in my car.

 We all left at the same time the next morning.  We had 2 appointments at the temple;  Tiff and Cameron left for Vegas and the NFL  Draft.  Cameron was so excited because his dad and other Jennings were going.  We went to Camden and Jonny's lacrosse game. What a busy few days.

                                                        

                                                             We love our missionaries.

The last day of the month Dad worked on the boat we are trying to sell and then helped Brother Cliff Bush plant his garden.  Clark came over and set up our bee hives.  We love the sound of busy bees.  We  know Spring is coming. I made a mistake and took all pictures as movies and can't print them.

We then watched Stake Conference at home, which is always good.  Brad Wilcox gave an amazing talk which was just what we needed.  Everything was perfect.

What a beautiful way to end this month.  We continue to be blessed by the many blessings we receive daily.  We love this family we have been given and pray for them always.  They give us such joy.  The restored gospel of our Savior, Jesus Christ, keeps us focused and is so true and brings such joy and happiness.  We love this life as we learn and serve together.

WINDY MARCH AND LEPRECHAUNS

 

                              WINDY MARCH AND LEPRECHAUNS

Friday, March 1, 2022 started with us at the Provo Temple for Initiatory and Sealings.  Shocker!  We are going to have to pay rent soon.  We love the temples and Grandad has us going at least twice a week. It’s wonderful.  After the temple we went for my MRI stuff.  The machine was so loud.

I am just now writing this blog so I am kind of fuzzy.  It will be a short one for sure.  I am not saying all the times we are at the temple and just know that Dad goes every Friday.  He leaves at 4:45 AM to pick up this 92 year old brother who has been paying an Uber to take him there and back.  Now dad does that.  They have a prayer meeting at 5:30 AM, and finish around 10:00.

Thursday we were at Dr. McKell’s at 8:00, Jason at 10:00 to do our taxes, and Susie Cherry at 3:30 for hair cuts.  We are now so good looking and have great teeth. We are missing money because of taxes but that is life.

Friday evening Cameron flew to the Salt Lake Airport and took an Uber here. 

The next morning Dad drove us to Vegas and the Jennings home. We hit a horrible snowstorm between Beaver and the other side of Cedar City. Dad could not see the cars in front of us.  

Dave’s mother and Larry were already there.  We Love our visits. We love visiting and Dave’s mother  has a definite relationship with Titan.  They were inseparable.

Sunday we all went to church and Sunday School which was so informative, interesting and well taught.  That afternoon the women went to see another wonderful Zion’s Youth Concert at the Smith Concert Center.  Dave’s mother and Larry were also there.  We love it when they come.  The concert was amazing. Even Lauryn performed her 3 measures on the bass drum.  She had to sit there the entire program. Clara was again on the violin. Both girls had a great time and were wonderful.

                                                       Clara is the violinist next to the harp.

                                                            Great performance              

The director wrote all the music and told the story of the settling of Utah’s Dixie and the building of the St. George Temple and of the Saints who settled in Las Vegas and the building of that temple.  It was a continuous feeling of joy, hard work, faith, and the endurance felt for those early Saints.  The ladies went to both performances and the men joined us for the last one.  Tiff and Dave had us in box seats both times.  It was unforgettable and so enjoyable. We so enjoy our times together.  

The next morning both parents went their way and headed home.  Of course we stopped in Beaver both ways.

I will add that we went to the Payson Temple with the Seamons' again.  They are great friends.  Bad snowy day but good to be in the temple.

Friday, March, 11th until March 18th Dad and I shared a horrible few days very ill.  He's doing better and I am close behind.  Dianne and Molly brought us a love quilt and a jar of homemade spaghetti soup.  Never had that before and it was so delicious.  It’s a quilt that we pass along to someone who needs it.  They always think of such wonderful things to do for others.  Molly is entering the MTC in a few days 

 Saturday, March 19th, Miss Baylie Batchelor turned 14. She is so beautiful, talented, a friend to all, a good student, and so many other traits. She is her mother’s joy.  They flew to NYC to see Phantom on Broadway, and had so much fun together.  They are quite a team.  

Baylie loves her family and loves to do things with her brother, Jalen.  She loves her Savior and follows His teachings.

                                                 Simon loves to make honey with Gronky

Our Great Grandson, Simon, also had a birthday and turned 4.  He is such a fun and bubbly boy.  He loves to play monsters and dress up as one.  He loves his family, especially his sister, Beatrice.

Sometime in here Jalen got an ambulance ride the hospital.  All is well.  

Sunday, Wesley Gregory came to visit.  We missed his homecoming because of the girls program.  That was so sweet of him to visit and see if we needed anything.  He was a good missionary.

Monday, the 22nd, Judy Sandstrom came for a visit.  She comes often and we love her.  She is an amazing person and does so much for other people.

Tuesday, the Lord told me not to wear one of my favorite turquoise rings but I figured it was just fine, only a little loose.  I have been wearing it for over 25 years and I love it.  Well when I got home from JoAnne’s Fabric Store, it was gone.  I called the store and went right back and went again the next day.  No luck.  When am I going to learn to heed the inspiration from the Lord.  An important lesson learned, I hope.

                                               

The 24th was Cameron David Jennings' birthday.  He is 19 and the time has gone by so fast.  He is studying at Utah State and loves it.  He is in a bad situation for roommates and I just can’t even go into that. He is handling it the best he can.  School will be over in 6 weeks.   He is such a good person and follows the Lord.  We love it when he comes to our house and we have even been able to drive him to Vegas.  He is an amazing young man and we love him.

Saturday, the Seamons came to our home and we went together to Mendon, Utah, for Merlin Lindsey’s funeral.  It was such a surprise. We found out just a few weeks ago that he was diagnosed with        Pancreatic cancer.  The doctors  gave him a few weeks to live.  He and his wife lived upstairs from our apartment in Palmyra while we served in the Palmyra Temple together for a year.  They were such an incredible couple and served with a smile.  We grew to love them and did many things together on our day off.  All the temple missionaries had a day off every other Monday and we treasured this time together.  We arrived just in time for the viewing and enjoyed seeing many of the other couples we served with.  The funeral was perfect.  They had to open the cultural hall to seat everyone.  The family took all but the last 2 rows in the chapel and the other 2 rows were missionaries.  It was a wonderful tribute for him.  His casket was made by his son and all the children wrote a note on it.  It was amazing.  Our hearts were softened when the hearse drove by.  It was an old wooden hearse driven by two draft horses. The spirit was so strong and humbling.  He is now at peace and out of pain.  We are so grateful for the knowledge of life after death in families.  We know that God lives and that Jesus Christ is our brother and Savior.  Merlin is so loved.

After the funeral we called Cameron, our grandson, and he met us for dinner.  He is a student at Utah State.  It was fun to be with him.

We stopped at an antique shop to do a little snooping and had fun.  We got home at 8:00, very tired.  The Seamons still had a short drive to their home.  It was a very special and spiritual day.

Monday was a beautiful day so Granddad tilled our garden and I pulled a few weeds.  We can't wait to plant.

I have no idea what order these things go in but I am adding anyway.

                                                         Jonny's choir concert

                                                                  Molly at the temple

                                               I think this is when Molly entered the MTC

The next 5 days were filled church, temple, rain, repaired lawn mower, watched Camden and Jonny play Lacrosse and Jonny's choir concert, got ready to go to the Cedar City Temple to meet Dave and Tiff for a friend’s,  Shelby Nebeker’s, Endowment, to be ready for her mission call.  Great end of the month.

We have had so many blessings this month. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is so true and if we just listen to the Spirit, and obey His promptings, things will be okay.  Be constant in praying and reading the scriptures.

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FEBRUARY; LOVE IS IN THE AIR

                                                    FEBRUARY; LOVE IS IN THE AIR

We started February by walking a mile.  Of course Dad walked farther but I was so happy to be walking.  I do use my walker but that will end when I get stronger.  Because I have now been found to have osteoporosis, Dr. Noonan has advised me to do so.  We love the walk in the mall before the mall opens to the public.

The next day was scary for Grandad because when he got up at 5:30,he was very dizzy and went back to bed until 11:00.  That is a first.  He continues to have low blood pressure so we called Dr. Hwang and made an appointment.  His pacemaker monitor is under his side of the bed so Dr. Hwang could follow it.

The next day we did an Endowment in the temple and then went to Best Buy to pick up Dad’s new computer.  The screen is huge and separate from the keyboard.  He now has 3 screens to do genealogy and sees them at the same time.  Amazing

The next few days we walked and in the evenings watched the Olympics.

On the 7th, we saw Dr. Whang and he is watching us and said all is well.  My hip is out of whack but so am I so all is well.

Tuesday, the 8th, we did Sealings in the Provo City Center Temple.  It is such a beautiful temple and we are so blessed that they didn’t tear it down when it burned.  

The 9th was David Jennings' birthday, who is now 52.  He is a man who loves his family and does everything to show his love.  They are blessed to have him for their dad. He is fun to be around and is a man who honors his priesthood.  He loves serving the Lord and we love him as the husband and father of this great family.  He is perfect for our Tiffani. They’re a perfect match.

Saturday, Dad woke me up at 5:15 and said “I have just found a time to do baptisms in the temple.  It is for the 6:00 AM session.   We hurried and went.  We did not have one red light the entire way to the temple which was a blessing from the Lord because we left at 6:45 and were to be at the temple and dressed in our baptism clothes at 6.  What a way to start the day.  It was wonderful and the Spirit was strong. 

Our neighbor Bishop Piggott's, daughter, London returned from her mission in California and Portugal.  Her dad served in Portugal. Her meeting was filled with the Spirit.  She was a good missionary.

Monday was Valentine's Day.  We love so many people but especially our family.  We have 5 amazing children who are so gifted, talented, and loving. They are Great parents, with the most perfect grandchildren we could ever hope for.  There is no way to fully express our love for  them.  We delivered cookies to our ministering people.  

                           I have no idea when this was taken, but it shows family love.

Valentine's Day is so special but dad shows me that love every day in all the many things he does for me and continually tells me he loves me.  It doesn't get better that that.

I'm not sure which grandson found this rock and I love it.  A perfect heart.  Maybe Nixon or Jalen?????

The next morning we left for the Timpanogos Temple to do baptisms with Dianne, Clark, Baylee, Jonny, Lily and 2 of their cousins.  I insisted we leave at 8:15 and Dad said that was way too early but he is so kind.  I was so wrong.  The appointment wasn’t until 9:30.  We made it in plenty of time.  It was a very reverent wait.  Dad baptized me and then Clark.  Clark baptized Dad and then Baylie, and Ben, a son of Rich.  Then Ben baptized Lily and his sister.  It was such a special time.  Dad then took everyone to  Kneaders to eat.  Another great day.

Wednesday, the 16th, we had our Valentine’s dinner at Ruby River because we knew it would be so crowded on the real day.  Good choice.  The next day was Dad’s baby sister, Julie Ann’s birthday.  She is one in a million and was so happy that Dad called her.

The 19th was Asher  William’s birthday and he turned 14.  That’s just not possible.  He has grown up way too fast and is such a special young man.  He honors his priesthood and loves his family.  He is a friend to everyone and loves to tease his cousins, especially the twins,. and me.  

                                             Asher is soon going to be taller than Granddad.

Sunday Brad Wilcox gave a few minutes to let the ward know how thankful he is for their support.  He has been under the gun for a few weeks because he said something and people took it the wrong way.  He is a very spiritual man and would never hurt anyone.  He is loved by all who know him.  He is a spiritual giant.

YaHoo!!!  It snowed ALL day today and we need it so much.  What an answer to many prayers.

Tuesday, I had an appointment with an orthopedic  surgeon, Dr.Bergeson.  He checked out my left hip and ordered an X-ray.  He said it was wearing on one side so he  ordered an MRI.  He said it was osteoarthritis.   Don’t know what this means but it sounds better than osteoporosis

                                    Again on Wednesday, February 23rd, it snowed all day.  What a blessing.  We started the day by meeting the Seamons at the Payson Temple to do Endowments. It doesn’t get better than that.  We always go to I-Hop for breakfast after.  

  The roads were horrible with snow and the drivers were crazy fast.  We went to Mapleton where the Seamon’s live so he could fix our butterchurn so it would be more secure.  He can do anything and is helpful whenever we need it.  We took the back roads going home because it was safer.

We bought some Crumbl Cookies and delivered them to our ministering couple for their birthdays, Bill and Carol Hoagland.  That evening Lyman and Jean came for the night.  It was so wonderful to see them.  They will move into their new home in Blanding next month, if it's finished..

The next day, Thursday the 24th, we were at the Provo Temple for an endowment.  

That afternoon Lyman and Jean came for the night.  We had such a great visit and enjoyed them so much.  They are very happy in Blanding and Alisha has a place in their new home.

Friday, Dad served in the temple again.  He loves it.  He gets up at 4:00 AM so he can pick up this 93 year old man who has been using an Uber to get to and from the temple for his shift.  They are there until 10:00.  He loves helping this man.

Lyman and Jean went to Sundance where Corby had a large cabin rented so his family could ski.  Emmie, Marcie and Grant were there also.  They stayed the night and just had a great time with family.

Saturday, we walked our mile again (Dad goes farther because I am plodding along with my walker.)  Jean and Lyman stopped by to get some temple names which we were very happy about and then headed back to Blanding.

Sunday was a beautiful day because it was Molly’s farewell meeting.  She was incredible.  She told the story of how she was answered by the Lord to serve a mission at that time.  It was powerful.  She bore such a strong testimony.  Dianne had heard over 60 yes notes that they were coming to the dinner after the meeting.  I just don’t know how she does that but it was so perfect.  Our three boys' families were there which we love.  The girls were too far and missed.  I felt badly but I couldn’t stay because it was just too hard for me with all those wonderful people. We went home and rested.

                                                                        us with Molly

                                                                           parents

                                                             Erik . Shanelle, Bailie

                                                                  Parker and friends

                                                                  Scott's family

                                                                       sisters

                                                           Whole Family

What a wonderful month.  Kristin and her family spent several days in Hawaii.  She was asked to give a presentation on travel employment. (We just put that in for fun.) 

                             You'll have to go on her pictures to see the beauty of Hawaii
                                      

Every family was involved in family doings and we love that.  They are amazing parents and have perfect children.  And we have proof of that.  We love these families and all they do to teach their children to love the Lord.   The Lord has blessed us in so many ways and we are so grateful for these blessings.  Life is beautiful.

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