Thursday, December 3, 2015

WE THANK THEE OH GOD FOR A PROPHET


Bethany found that Nixon had taken over 200 pictures at Ava's Halloween parade.  This is my favorite
We love November because it reminds us of all the many blessings we continually receive from our loving Father in Heaven.  We are so grateful for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation that allows us to live in families for all eternity.  We love our family and so desire to live with them forever.  How blessed we are.  We are also blessed to live in a wonderful place.
We started this month with a great stake conference.  The best part was that Patriarch Jarman gave a talk that was filled with the Spirit.  He was magnificent.  He reminded me of Elder Packer sitting in his wheelchair to deliver the talk and was not even on the stand.  He said it was the first time in 35 years that he had spoken from that pulpit.  We love him so much.  He was very influential in us deciding to go for a doctorate.
Tuesday Scott surprised us by tilling our garden.  It is something we can no longer do so we were very relieved. (Yes I Can!)  We are so grateful for what our children do for us. That evening we went to Kolton and Parker’s choir concerts.  They were so entertaining.  It was so wonderful.
November 4th was my sister, Karen’s birthday.  There is no way there could be a better sister. 
 me in elementary, Karen high school


 both pregnant


We are going to Boise, Idaho to see her after the viewing of George’s great, great cousin, Helen Redd.  She was 97 years old. 
On our way we were the next car in a horrible accident.  I don't know how we were missed.  A car went over 4 lanes of traffic and headed going the wrong way, never slowing down, and hit a car head on.  We just knew all the flying pieces were going to hit our new car. Large pieces  landed about 10 feet from it.  Needless to say we were very upset.  A few seconds sooner and we would have been smack in the middle.  Both drivers got out of their cars,.  We don't know how because neither one had air bags and the cars were so smashed.  So nervous we didn't even think to take a picture.
 We bought a new car Saturday and were excited to drive a distance with her.  She is a 2015 Buick Lacrosse with only 17,000 miles on her. 

She was a jewel and got between 28 and 29 MPH.  We were too tired to go all the way so we got a motel in Mountain Home and spent the night. 
We spent a wonderful next day with Karen and Bert. 
He is doing as well as possible and has a great attitude about his physical condition.  They live in a 4,000 sq. ft home on one level.  It is surrounded by water on three sides and is a dream place for anyone.  They deserve such a great place.  These next pictures are their property looking from a huge patio.






Our favorite room in the house is the 4th bathroom.  We called it the Cistine bathroom.  At you sit this is the painting that is painted right on the wall.  The previous owner painted many amusing things throughout the home.

After going to Bert’s doctor’s appointment we had a fun fajita dinner at Chili’s.  We just had such a fun, fun day. 




We left Karen’s at 9:30 the next morning to go to Logan, Utah to watch Erik coach PG in the quarterfinals.  They lost and it was very cold.  We were lucky to save a seat for Coach Pella and enjoyed the game with him.  The good thing was that Erik’s family
met Gary, Debi, Justin, Jordy, Bayley and boys, and Christiana for dinner at a very good restaurant in an old train station.   We invited the cousins.  It was so good to be with a small part of our family. 


 It was very late but we headed home (10:30) only to get a call from Clark saying that his family would pick us up at 7 AM to go to Cedar City for Riley’s semi-final state game.  We were so tired but excited to go.  Aimee Cochran met us there.  Again we were with a  cousin.  They won their game by many points and are now going for the state title. 
Their game was at 11:00 so we were home by 6.  We were so tired but had listened to the BYU game and had recorded it on Direct TV.  It was half time when we got home so we watched (Dad watched.  I fell asleep and went to bed.)  So glad they won.
It was very hard to get up for church Sunday but we had a very good day.  We went to Andy Horton’s mother in laws viewing.  She had been ill for a long time.
Uncle Milt gave me the idea to frame my Dad's slippers that he wore while we lived in Alaska in 1944-47.

Nov.9th was a very busy day.  I hung up 5 loads of laundry in between times that dad and I got ready for the carpet shampooer to come.  We had to move everything from the basement big room and even decided to clean the guest room.  Things were quite heavy but we're tough.  We also rolled up the carpet under the dining room table, living room and Navajo rug and took them outside for the cleaner to work on.  The table and those chairs are so darn heavy.   Good thing we have lots of muscles.  I decided as long as things were out I would clean all the base boards in the house while Dad cleaned out the wood stove and wood place.  What were we thinking?  Everything looks so good now.  Later I pruned the roses and when getting dark, Dad decided to mow the lawn really short so he could fertilize.  We fell into bed that night with a smile on our faces that we had done so much.

Tuesday was a hard day in that we were so tired.  I had a really rough time in the   temple and was very dizzy.  What a good place to be.   Later, after a nap, we put all the furniture back in place.  Funny that we should find a huge root beer stain that didn't come completely out, under the love seat.  We had to chuckle.  I suddenly remembered that I had a presidency meeting in our home.  Again we fell into our bed and slept well.
Wednesday was Dad's birthday.
 sitting on the calf, his brother Eric's bday also born on the date when George was 1
 principal or man of principle
man of hobbies
 What a great man he is.  He spent the morning in the temple serving others.  I love how dedicated he is to the gospel of Jesus Christ ad how strong his faith and testimony are.  He never wavers.  I don't know how I got such a good man but I thank our Father every day for him.  I always pray that we will have 25 more years together, but lately I have moved that to 23.  I feel so blessed that we have had 49 and are so healthy.  The plan of salvation and eternal families is so calming for us.  All we have to do is follow the Doctrine of Christ and keep our temple covenants and we can have this great blessing.  We are so happy when we think about being in the arms of our earthly parents one day.  We each have a sibling we never knew and want to have the opportunity of seeing them.  Living with this man I know it will happen because he guides me when I will listen.  I love him so much.  Took him to Outback for dinner, had their dessert and then came home to an apple pie and ice cream.  Good day.  His present was that I paid off his truck.  Now he thinks he can have a new one.  Again, what was I thinking?
Kristin gave Dad some pop corn seeds this spring so he planted them.  They grew right along with the other corn.  He finally decided to pop some.  They were so good, better than any from the store.


We didn't get all the bumps out when we tried to put the carpet back under the table so we hung it on the swing set and hoped it would straighten.  It didn't so we ordered a new one.

Nov.14th we took Ashley with us to Ogden to watch Riley in the state finals.
 They had a rough time and did not win but Riley is still our favorite.  We love being together and listening to Clark and Dad out coach the coaches.
We left at 9:00 and after the game returned home at 4 in time to change clothes and meet Erik at his home for a tasty birthday dinner at Firehouse Pizza for Dad.  After a yummy dinner with a huge ice cream dessert, we all came home to watch the pitiful BYU game.  No matter the outcome it's always fun to be with family.  



Sunday is always good.  Instead of going to our ward we went to Erik's for the boys. primary program.  What a reward for trying to be good parents.  Erik is first counselor and conducted the meeting.  Parker and Kolton passed the sacrament and Asher and Camden did awesome with their parts.  It was a teary meeting, we were so proud of that little family.  It was a special time for us.
When their meeting was over we headed back to our ward in that Dad was teaching the High Priests and I was conduction in RS.  As soon as it was over we hurried to Kamas for Riley's 16th birthday.  We missed his ordination as a priest because of our duties in our own ward.
Riley is a special young man who follows the counsel of his parents and does his best to follow the teachings of our Savior.  He is liked by everyone and so looked up to.  He is excited to drive and finally date.  He has a long list of possibilities.  He is always ready to help others.  He is greatly loved by his famiy and us.


Dianne had a wonderful stir fry dinner for Riley, the grandparents and the family.  Hailey was there with her boy friend.  We have a hard time with these grands and having boy friends.  We just think of them still so young.  Again is was so much fun to be with family.
 Grammy and Molly


The 18th I spent 8 hours doing things with Milt and enjoying the ride to and from.  We really do have a great time together.  He is doing so much better and painting like crazy.  

At noon Saturday, we left for the BYU/Fresno St. game.  It was so bitter cold so we dressed or it and had a great time.


Erik, Shanelle and Parker had tickets and we gave the other 6 to Dennis Stoutsenberger's nephew's family.  They have 4 little children and had always wanted to go to a game and were so exited and fun.  A family with 2 boys sat in front of us from Florida.  They had wanted to go to a game for 7 years and were also fun to be with.  It never got above 38 degrees but we had a ball.  BYU won 52-10.
After the game we went to the Riverside Country Club for Dr. McKell's daughter, Jordan's wedding reception.  It was a very long line.  They served a full dinner to all the people, ham, turkey, prime rib etc.  They had salad, fruits, and many full cakes.  It was unbelievable.  They are such good people and friends and even our dentist.
Monday we had a new carpet put in our bedroom.
 It is so soft and nice.
Tuesday after our temple session we did some Thanksgiving shopping and then had Nixon for the day.  He is always so fun and was so incredibly good.  It was a delight to have him.


The 25th was Ava's 7th birthday.

 She is growing so fast and loving everything she is able to do.  She has become a good reader and loves school.  She lives for dance and can never stand still.  She dances while walking.  She loves her family, especially her best friend, Nixon.  Some of her favorite times are when she is with her cousins.  We are so glad she is part of our eternal family.  

Thanksgiving brought Tiffani and her family.
 It is so fun to have family around.  Clark and Dianne offered their home for our family dinner.  We'll never say no to that.  Kristin and family were so missed but flying during a holiday is not good.



Tiffani's girls immediately found horses and everyone gathered in on the fun.
The food was yummy and Erik cooked his famous brined and cooked with citrus fruit turkey.  It is always so juicy and full of flavor.  He also did the potatoes for me.  I love his pecan pie and Shanelle made a pumpkin roll.  They also did yams and the dressing.  Tiff made her light and flufy rolls but my flour was too old so it was not good and Dave saved the day by buying rolls.  Tiffani made her rolls the next day with new flour and it was heaven.  Dianne made a chocolate pie that everyone loved.  She also made a huge mile high  blueberry pie.  She cooked a yummy turkey so we could all have leftovers to take home.  I made a banana pie but used the same flour so it was a heavy as lead.  Oh well!  Of course I didn't take a picture of Dianne's beautifully set tables and all of us eating that good food.  It was a great day and we visited until dark.
Shanelle and Erik cooking
Don't know what Clark's doing
great wisdom
We talked all the way home about how wonderful the time was.  We are so grateful for our family and the joy they each bring to us.  The restored gospel is so true and we are blessed to know that if we keep the covenants we made at baptism and in the temple, we can be a forever family with all of our loved ones who have gone before us and even those after.


Friday, Shanelle, got tickets to The Friendly Dinosaur for them, us, Tiff's and Scott's families.  It was a cute movie and again the cousins just love to be together.
The girls went to Scott's after for Ava's birthday party and a sleep over.
                                                       4 wheelin'

                                                         getting warm

Saturday we just enjoyed the day being relaxed and together.  That night we watched the BYU-Utah State game.  We won soundly.  

This is what kids do if they want to watch the game.
After the game Ava and Nixon spent the night.  They love being with the twins.

                                    Ava is under the pink quilt somewhere
Sunday found us, Tif's and Scott's at church together. It was fun to look down the row and see that everyone was family.  We love having family at church with us. Erik's came over before to say good by to the Vegans.   Tiff's family left right after church.  We came home to say good by and then went back for RS and Priesthood.  At 5:15 we left for a fireside with the Provo Temple workers.  There were over 1,000 people there.  It was amazing.  The prelude music was the congregation singing Christmas hymns led by a great director.  The choir was the single temple workers.  The temple presidency were the speakers and each one was so good.  We could have stayed much longer.  The Spirit was so evident and comforting as we listened to such powerful talks.  It was a great way to bring in the Christmas season.
The last day of November saw Granddad making cider with Nixon and Ava.
 We love this season of thanksgiving and remembering the many things we have to be grateful for.  The top on the list is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ because all of our blessings are directly from our Father in Heaven and His Son, our Savior and Redeemer.  The plan of salvation and eternal families gives us much peace and comfort.  It's true!









Sunday, November 1, 2015

THE MONTH OF HAUNTING

Our security system made by us.
Of course we stated out the month with football.  We went to Draper to watch Riley’s team beat the Summit Academy 54-12.  Hailey was there so we got a bonus in seeing her. 
Hailey is on the UVU rugby team and loves it.  Ashley also came and Clark’s family.  It was a fun day.
The next day was the BYU-UCONN game.  We had a mission reunion that same night so we drove up to Clearfield to be with President Craven and his sweet wife.  We saw so many of those missionaries we grew to love while in North Carolina. As soon as the main group had arrived we left to go to the game.  The traffic was thick but we made it in the second quarter.  Scott, Beth  and Erik, Shanelle, Camden, Dave, Tiff and the kids were also there.  
Erik joined Shanelle after his ballgame
Even the American dolls enjoyed the game.

It was a great time to be together in that BYU won.   Clara didn’t feel well and had a terrible headache the whole game but she still cheered.  We didn’t get home until 11:30.  Poor little Clara had such a headache she vomited as she went to bed.  She’s a real trooper and got up the next morning like nothing had happened.
We watched conference.  Tiffani does an amazing thing while the kids watch conference.  We watched all of conference with a conference store.  They get a conference dollar for being quiet and one for answering questions Tiffani asks them at the end of each talk.  We paused the TV and she asked them questions about the talk; if they can answer them they get another conference dollar.  With 9 grandchildren there it was so quiet and everyone could hear and the children could answer the questions.  With their 2 dollars after each talk they could buy many things from the conference store which she provided. (candy, toys, games etc.)  Thank goodness for the dollar store. 
 Conference bingo; they put a Starburst on a word they hear in a talk.


The conference store
This happened both days.
After the first session we went to watch Kolton play his football game.  They won.  We hurried home so the men could get ready for Priesthood session and headed to Parker’s football game.  They won. 
Dave, Erik's Kolton, Erik, Dave's Cameron, Erik's Parker Granddad
We hurried to Erik’s home for pizza and the priesthood holders went to the session while Shanelle had tons of apples, caramel and all kinds of toppings ready for caramel apple slices.

yum

It was quite the treat.  We were so tired that at 10:00 we headed home.  Ava and Nixon spent the night.
Sunday we watched the first session and as always after had waffles with whipped cream and strawberries.  This year we also had raspberries from our patch.  We always have tons of sausage.  
Oct. 6th was Bethany’s birthday.  We love that she is in our eternal family.  She makes Scott so happy. 
 Paula Bunyon
Can't find a picture without Scott
They are perfect for each other.  She is a wonderful mother and works very hard at the Dance Club, which she loves because it keeps her close to the kids and a lot of time home.  She supports Scott and the kids in all that they do.  We love her.
That day Dad picked the grapes and I made juice.  I worked until after midnight but got 25 quart of concentrated juice which makes more than 70 quarts. 

The house certainly smelled good.  Hailey came that day to get veggies from the garden.  We loved seeing her.  She is such a refreshing soul.

Wednesday we knew that Kristin was in Vegas with Tiffani due to the flooding in Columbia.  They could not use the tap water and had to sterilize all water.  They were fortunate to have a supply of drinking water but she just wanted to get the kids out of there.  David was staying at a professor’s home in Rock Hill because it was so hard for him to get to the university to work.  It was a good plan.  At 5:00 we decided to go to Vegas to see the kids. That’s much easier that going to South Carolina. We got as far as Cedar City when we decided to stop and spend the night.  We were just too tired.
We got to Vegas just in time to pick up the girls from school.  The Jennings and Batchelor children swam until dark. 
They love playing with each other. The adults just visited and had a great time.  It was good to be with family.
The next day, at 1:00, we headed home.  It was a very short trip but worth it to see the families.  On the way home we stopped in Fillmore to see Riley’s varsity football game.  They won.  We finally got home at 12:30 and dropped into bed.
The next day we went to Kolton’s football game.  He played well but they lost in the last 2 minutes and are through for the season.  That evening we went to the BYU-Eastern Carolina Game.  Erik and Shanelle went to the Utah game so we had some extra tickets.  Scott and Beth used their tickets and took Ava and Nixon.  They were so much fun and cheered the entire game. The Jennings couldn't come so we gave their tickets to Clark, Riley and Jonny.  They didn't know it but when they got there Hailey was there.  She had just returned from Logan beating their rugby team soundly, 26-5.  
They always take crazy pictures.
Hailey and Riley are so very close.  We had one more ticket and outside George saw a grandma who was looking for a ticket for her little grandson so Dad gave her our last ticket.  It felt so good to do that.  It was just a fun time with some of our family.  Being with our family is  our favorite thing to do.
Sunday is always a great day.  We love the true restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the chance to repent and do better.  Our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ love their children so much.
Monday is always a busy day.  When the kids came they decided to help Granddad dig the potatoes.  They dug over 250 pounds this year.




Don't know if he's digging for potatoes or worms.

Kristin left to go home Sunday evening.  Monday morning she and the kids were still in the Vegas airport having spent the night.  They finally got a flight to New York only to spend the entire day trying to find a flight to NC.  They fly stand by and every flight they tried had room for only 2 more.  That evening they finally found a flight to Charleston SC, which is only an hour and a half from their home.  David picked them up.

After coming home from the temple Tuesday, we planted 17 dozen tulips from Thanksgiving Point.  Hope they grow.
Got Nixon at 8:45 Wednesday and played and played with him.  Since he was the only one here we did everything he wanted. What an imagination.  He is so easy.  After he left we headed to Kamas for Riley's game at 4.  They won, a usual.  We left with 6 minutes left in the game but they were way ahead.  We headed for Pleasant Grove and Erik's PG game.  They also won.  He is a great coach.  We finally got home at 10:30 with a very good day.  We love any time we can be with family.  We sit on the grass in the end zone with Shanelle and the kids at Erik's games.
Friday was the BYU-Cincinnati game.  Aimee Cochran and her boy friend came with Adam.  It was fun to again be with family.  Erik and Shanelle used Tiffani's tickets.  BYU won but in the 4th quarter.  It was exciting at the win.  
Saturday the boys came to mow the lawn in that it was fall break.  They do such a good job.  Dad and I were so tired that we watched football the rest of the day.
After church on Sunday we went to the Salt Palace in SLC for the Parliament of World Religions.  Milt was in charge of the art display.
I think he looks like Daddy here. 
 The other man is Don, his neighbor.
 It was very well done.  I was amazed at how well he did getting around.  He used his wheel hair but not always. He showed his Cusco from the 1500's painting and even had an original Rubens.  We went to another place where they had glass art displays from the bombed cathedrals during WWll.  It was very touching.
Thursday we went to Camden's piano recital.  He did vey well.  We were so proud of him.  We all left early to go to Erik's game against American Fork.  They won by 3 points.
 Camden
On Oct. 23rd I went to the SLC airport to get Cameron.  George was serving in the temple so I had to go by myself.  I left home at 4 for his flight at 7:40.  I was so excited and nervous and afraid I might not get there when he got off the plane.  Crazy!  He flew in from Vegas to go to the BYU-Wagner game.  He was so excited.  The first thing he asked me was, “Where’s Granddad?”  He loves his Granddad.

got him

I checked into the bedroom to see if he was warm enough.  Evidently he wasn't. 


on the way to the game
The game was great.  WE won 70-6 so Cameron was happy the whole time.  He ate 2 hot dogs, a soft pretzel and candy.
  He also bought a number one finger.  Erik. Shanelle and Asher came,
 Kelly Bayles and his family came and even Adam Cochran had a ticket but sat with us. 
It’s always fun to be there with family.
Cameron went down to the railing to high 5 the team before the game was even over.  He was so excited.  He wouldn’t leave ‘till he had touched Tanner Mangum’s hand. 
After that game we headed to Timpview for Parker’s playoff game.  They beat TV.   Erik’s family came to our home after for pizza.  What a great way to end a day.
After church Sunday, Scott and his family came to tell Cameron  good-by.  We left for the airport when Cameron said we should and he guided us all the way telling Granddad when to exit and what speed to go.  He was so anxious about getting home. 
Granddad was there to see him off.
It couldn’t have been a better visit.
Monday the kids came and then the boys came to do the yard.  They all helped Granddad make apple cider. 
I thought you were supposed to be squeezing 
squeezing


 Camden squeezing

Kolton mowing
 They ate pizza with a tiny glass of cider to taste.  Doesn’t’ get better.  Ava and Nixon love that the boys come while they are there.
Monday Bethany invited us for home evening with a taco dinner and carving pumpkins.  Don't remember when we last did that.

Beth and Ava 
 Beth's sister Skyler and Ryan
 Scott and Nixon
 us
 the great carver
some results

Hailey turned 19 on Tuesday.  She has been a joy since the day she was born.  She loves to do so many different things such as play rugby for UVU.  Amazing.  She’s a hard worker and is always helping someone.  We surely do love her.

It seems like this was taken just a few years ago.

 The 29th we went to Nixon and Ava's Halloween programs.  They both did a very good job.  Their teachers are amazing.  It was fun to be there.



Ava's the pink hair.  She's Malificent's daughter.

The 30th was my brother Delbert's birthday.  I think he's 77.  He has always been there for me. Thank goodness families are forever.
At 9:00, I headed for Ava's parade and Dad headed for Camden and Asher's parades.  They were at the same time.  
                                                       Ava
                                                                          Asher
                                  a friend and Camden  missionaries
Shanelle is Anita Darling.  She is an aide at the school.
The boy's parade was late so I was able to get there just as Asher's class was parading.  We love the parades.  We left there and Dad went to get Clark's pig from the butcher and I went to look at a new car.  When Dad got back he came to see what I had found.  It's a 2015 Buick Lacrosse.  Hope it will be good.  Lucy had 115,600 miles on her and we felt we need a car we could count on for a long time.  I'm nervous but we needed to do it.  We left the papers to be signed later and headed to Kamas for Riley's play-off game.  They won 42-0.

The game was over at 4:00 so we headed to Herriman for Erik's PG Varsity game that started at 4.  We got there for the second half.  He is one of the coaches.  They won with 9 seconds left in the game.  It was a very cold day but we didn't feel it because of the win.

We headed back to sign some papers before they closed and realized we hadn't eaten that day.  We ended up going to In-N-Out at 10:00. 

Saturday we left at 8AM to go to Herriman for Parker's play-off game.  It was a good game but they lost in the last few seconds.   

father and son
Scott's family came too
 Hailey had invited us to her birthday party at 1:00 so we headed to Kamas again to join in the fun.  We had yummy homemade soup and pull a-parts.

 crazy family

attentive grandfathers
We got home just in time for the first trick-or-treaters.  What a busy few days.  Is this really retirement?  Scott and family came to trick us.
Erik's boys had too many things to do with friends. We love how involved they are with so many things.

The Spirit we have enjoyed this month is one of family unity and love.  We love the plan of salvation and the promise of eternal families if we but follow the doctrine of our Savior, Jesus Christ.