At the end of August, Erik's family had to say goodbye to their sweet dog Coco. They think he had a tumor. He's been such a good dog and it was sad for all of them.
September 1 was Parker's wife, Jessa's, birthday. She is such a sweet addition to our family. We miss them now that they live in Oregon.
As we mentioned last month, Tiffani and family came up for the BYU game against Portland State on August 30. Since it was Labor Day weekend, they stayed through Sunday.
 |
| "Quality time" with Titan. |
Everyone was so tired. We watched some football and took some naps.
 |
| Grandad, Dave, Tiff, and Titan (who thinks he's a human) |
 |
| Lauryn |
On the 1st, Grandad, Erik, Asher, and Kolton went fishing. Sadly, there is no photographical evidence of this adventure.
On the 4th, Clark came with his dog, Watts, and left with a load from our garden. That’s why we have one. It was also his birthday. We don't understand why our children are getting to be so old when we are still so young. Clark is living a good life and we are proud of the man he is.
 |
| At SDSU for FSY |
The twins were born on Clark's birthday. This year they turned 18! How is that even possible? I still remember taking care of them when they were little preemies.
 |
| Clara and Lauryn |
 |
| Clara and Lauryn - Go, Fight, Win (please take special note of those awesome booties) |
Grandad bought me a fun hummingbird feeder where the birds drink right at the window. It's so cheery.
 |
| Say hello to my little friend. |
We have a family in our stake who puts out BYU flags every game day. It gives them money for their missions.
It was rough getting ready for church, but we all made it. It was on Fast Sunday and we filled a row. It's wonderful to have a pew filled with family. Way better than us just sitting with the old folks in the back 0.
After church, we went home for Dad to cook a delicious smoked hamburger and corn on the cob dinner. The Jennings rested a bit and then headed home with their favorite child, Titan the dog. They were loaded with peaches, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.
Monday we worked in the garden and gave away five flats flats of peaches to our neighbors and ministering families. We love doing this, but this year it was mainly Dad because I just can’t do it any more.
 |
| Picking peaches |
Dad continues to impress me with his culinary skills. We're thinking about starting a cooking podcast. I hear there's good money in that. 0
Dad took another welding class on September 8 and this time made an adorable pumpkin. Etsy shop opening soon.
He also works regularly in the garden and is apparently a bee whisperer as they don't even bother him.
 |
| Juicy tomato from the garden |
On Wednesday, September 10, there was an assassination at Utah Valley University. This is so near our home and our grandson, Cameron, was on campus at the time. He had been headed to the rally when the Spirit told him he should leave. We are so grateful that he wasn't at the scene of this tragedy. It is heartbreaking to have something like this happen, especially here in our community. On Friday when Grandad was working in the temple, another worker told him that on that day, many students crossed the street and crowded in the temple, dressed in their shorts and sweats. They just really wanted to feel the peace of the temple after witnessing such a horrific event. What a blessing that the temple was right across the street within walking distance. And how wonderful that they knew they could find peace there. 
Sunday the 14th, there was a knock at the door. I made sure I was dressed before going to answer and find our neighbor, Brother Piggott. However, I neglected to glance in the mirror. Whoops!
On Friday the 19th, Dad was able to train Petey Tuipulotu whose father, Peter Tuipulotu, Dad had coached at BYU. It was a fun, full-circle moment.
The next day, Monday the 22nd, Elder Jonny Bayles started at home MTC.
Sadly, the celebration ended quickly because we received news that our beloved prophet, Russel M. Nelson had passed away. He was 101 years old and lived a beautiful, full life, but it is still sad.
That news was followed up by even sadder news when on Sunday, September 28, a man drove his truck into a meeting house of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He opened fire and killed two people, injuring more, and then setting the church on fire. It is hard to understand or even wrap our mind around.
Saturday the 13th, Erik’s family came and mowed the lawn. I don’t know what we’d do without them. We’re so grateful they do this. Plus, it means we get to see them often.
There was no BYU game so we just sat in the basement and looked at each other for four hours.0
 |
| Grammy's Gone Wild (her hair anyway) |
Cameron joined us for dinner that evening. We love having him nearby again for these Sunday drop-ins.
Dad painted his pumpkin and cowboy on the 15th. (See photos above and below in this post.)
Seagull Books is closing so on the 17th, Grandad did his best to send them off in style. He continues to spend our children's' inheritance on books. (Sorry kids. I tried to stop him!)
On September 18, we went to the new Syracuse Temple for the first time. It is beautiful - as are all the temples.
September 21 Jonny was officially set apart as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is so ready and eager to start his mission.
It was also our son-in-law David's birthday. We know he is a brilliant man because he married Kristin. He is so musically gifted. Recently he and Jalen made a rap about taking their ADHD medicine. It's a hoot. View it HERE.
Scott's family has a tradition of spending time in the mountains most Sundays. It's beautiful this time of the year.
Also that day, Dad continued working on his doctorate in welding. Afterwards we ate at Chubby's. (In addition to books, we are also diligently spending the inheritance on eating out.)
On the 23rd we received the sad news that Brother Edmunds of our ward had passed away. He was such a good man and took such care of his wife, Gerda.
On Thursday, the 25th, we went to the Manti Temple. This is a special temple for our family for many reasons. Kristin and David were married here and later had their children sealed here. Scott and Bethany were also married here. When we lived in Blanding, it was our closest temple and we would come with youth groups to do baptisms.
On the 26th Clark came to check on his bees. It's such a fascinating endeavor.
Tiffani's family flew to Colorado on Friday the 26th for the BYU-Colorado game. The game was the next day. It was a nail biter and the Colorado fans were less than welcoming, but BYU pulled out the win. They got to visit her husband Dave's family while they were there.
It will be a blessing to unite as Saints next weekend for General Conference.
Our garden is a lot of work, but the bounty is so worth it. We love being able to share with our family and friends.
On Monday the 29th we went to the Seamons for more welding and to dine out at Chick-fil-A. Nothing but the finest for us! We also enjoyed watching the twins play volleyball. Thank goodness for modern technology.
We ended the month on the 30th with another visit to the Orem Temple - or the Walmart Temple as I like to call it. (Dad does not like that I call it that.) We did the first session, but I fell down to the hard floor on the second session. I was still able to serve and finish the session. If I'm going to fall, I might as well fall for the Lord!
This has been a month with a lot of sadness, but it is also a month of great hope as Jonny heads to the mission field to help bring peace to the people of Seattle. We are looking forward to feeling united with Saints across the world as we listen to General Conference.
Missionary Updates
Camden is in his final countdown: "I'm excited to see where all things will go and I love this new area. It's raw, fresh, and exciting. Exactly the type of area I would like to spend my last couple of months. Hopefully that comes to pass."
Lily is now training a new missionary. "...the Lord is hastening His work and we ALL need to be a part of it! Just like our beloved, amazing prophet said in October 2024, The Lord Jesus Christ will come again. My dear brothers and sisters, do you see what is happening right before our eyes? I pray that we will not miss the majesty of this moment! The Lord is indeed hastening His work." DONT MISS THESE MOMENTS! Help gather Israel because us 18-21 year old kids can't do it by ourselves!
