WE LOVE YA'LL

FEBRUARY

We started this month out by going to Jonny’s basketball game.  We love when the families tell us about what is happening so we can enjoy.

 The next day was fast Sunday and so good.  The restored gospel is so true and we all need to hear from others. (Not talks; but testimonies)  Some people get really carried away and we lose the idea, but many are so good.  Joseph Smith did see God, our Heavenly Father and His son. Jesus Christ.  Joseph was given the golden plates to translate, under the Spirit, and we now have the Book of Mormon, which is the word of God, given to us as a testimony of Jesus Christ.  We love this true book.  Russell M., Nelson is our prophet today and receives revelation for the church.  We can also have this great gift for our lives if we follow the promptings of the Spirit.  What a blessing in this day and age.
We also watched the Super Bowl game and were excited that the Kansas City Chiefs won.  Yeah!  Their coach is a Mormon.

I spent Tuesday in the temple doing 5 initiatory names and an endowment session.  I love being there.  I especially love the time I spend in the Celestial room.  It was a very cold day but a good one.  When I got home we got ready to go to Molly’s first game since her broken heel. 

 guarding

She did very well.

Wednesday, we went to Lily’s basketball game. 

  Lily  #10

We are great spectators.  They won in overtime.

Thursday Dad had therapy and did very well.  While I waited for him I decided to work on some crocheting.  When I reached into my bag I could not ind my hook that was my grandmothers.  I hunted and even turned my bag upside down but no hook.  I immediately called Pleasant Grove Junior High and talked to a secretary.  She said she wold go to the gym and search for it.  Twenty minutes later she called to let me know it was not there.  I was devastated.  The crochet hook was bent at the top because Grandma Jones worked so tightly.  It is kind of hard to use but I just love it.  I was so sad.  When I drove us back home I decided to look to see if I had lost it there but when I stepped out of the car I almost stepped on the hook.  What a tender mercy that was for me.  The Lord is forever mindful of us and I am so grateful for that tiny miracle.

 It snowed all day and I did not even worry driving with the roads not good.  I am now so comfortable driving my Vizzy.

Friday the 7th we went to Molly's games.  She played mostly in the JV game and a little in the varsity.  Both games were winners.

Molly

with teammates

(Clark) Grandpa (Boys call him Gronky) with our 2 great grandsons

Saturday we cleaned 2 bathrooms at the church and 2 drinking fountains.  It was hard for Dad but he did it.  We like that we can help in this way.  We had dinner at JCW's because Dad had a gift card because they missed up a order when he took some kids another time.  

Sunday was a very good meeting, especially when Sylvia Jarman spoke.  She gave a masterful talk about ministering and used the example of when they were in the Dominican Republic as Mission President and wife.  She became very ill  with a flu and was a few weeks months pregnant.  Her family and the members there helped her a lot but her baby died.  The doctors sent her home to the USA to deliver the baby.  She felt so alone but some Nuns on the flight helped her.  When she got home her parents helped her but she had to stay home for a long time.  It was so hard for her to be without her children when they were so young.  The oldest one was 13 and the little be was 5.  She spoke of other things also and never used a note.  She was filled with the Spirit and we felt such a strong testimony in everything she said.  

The next speaker is living in our ward taking care of his wife's parents.  She and their daughter live there also.  He talked about ministering in England.  We don't know if it was his wonderful accent or the message but we certainly listened.  It was just a good meeting.

In Relief Society it was just as wonderful.  Sister America Simler was the teacher and she shared a personal story about an experience she had.  She is from Ica Peru and had a shirt on with a picture of her town on it walking across the BYU campus.  A man in his 70's stopped her and asked if she was from Ica.  He told her he was one of the first missionaries to serve there and he worked so hard but not one person was baptized.  He loved the people and was so worried about them.  She told him it was where she was from.  He asked if there was a ward there and she replied that there were 10 wards and 1 stake and that they were planning on a second stake.  He was so excited to know that the people he loved had accepted the gospel. She told him that her family, Chumpitaz, was one of the first ones baptized. The whole lesson was so beautiful. That was not a coincidence that they ran into each other.  The Lord knows us and our needs.  He loves each one of us and wants us to come home.

After church, we watched the Book of Mormon video about 2Nephi 5.  We love these videos.

The next day we walked our 2 miles for the first time since Dad's surgery.  He did extremely well.  We bought the cords that let us watch The Book of Mormon videos from my computer to the TV.  WOW!  They are so good.
Tuesday, Feb. 11th, we walked our 2 miles in the morning.  We missed Molly's game because I had to cook a lasagna dinner for Relief Society evening dinner.  The dinner was for sisters to get to know each other better.  It was very helpful for me in that I don't know so many that moved in since we came home from our mission.  It was very well organized and the dinner was yummy.

Valentine’s Day was spent just doing the normal things. 

That afternoon and evening we went to Molly’s games.  Clark and Dianne were in St. George for the weekend so we were her family.

  She played most of the JV game and a little of the Varsity.  She improves every game.

It was late when we got home so surprise, we had popcorn for dinner.  When Dad opened the little fridge in the garage he found to his surprise, 3 cans of soda had exploded and many were ready to do the same.  Two of the can were split down the whole side.  What a mess.  We didn’t know it was that cold in the garage but it has been very cold here.  He brought all the cans in the house and washed them and found some we could use for dinner.  When I helped bring some in a can started shooting soda all over the cupboards and walls.  Scrubbing was required.  It’s a good thing we like popcorn.

Saturday we did our 2 miles and then since the frozen stuff in the fridge had melted we cleaned out the mess.  409 is wonderful.  We were so involved that I forgot to take pictures of the swollen cans and the fridge.  We left the fridge door open but it was still hard and frozen.  It took me all day to get it finished.  While I was cleaning I decided to make a few loaves of bread.  What was I thinking?  Thank goodness it was good.

Sunday morning found Dad putting the cans of pop back in the fridge.  Church was good.  The choir sang and I probably shouldn’t mention that we don’t like the songs the leader chooses.  Not sure the choir does either.  Our Sunday dinner was pancakes.  I always make 4 little ones for either Bob Martin or Clark’s chickens.

Monday was Aunt Julie’s birthday.  She is such an amazing lady.  We still remember when she came to California and stayed with us for a few weeks.  She was so sweet and still is.  We love her so much.  She is extremely talented but so quiet about it.

I went to visit with Vanita Law for a couple hours.  She is not doing very well.  I think she has some dementia.  I stayed too long but we laughed and had a great visit.  Vernon was there also.

I bought new pillows we had seen at Tai Pan when we walk.  They are so cute.  They remind us of helping Clark make honey.
Tuesday we went to Molly's state playoff game.  They did very well and won, which is always good.

Lily Camden and Sarah (a great family friend)

Wednesday the 19th, Asher William Bayles turned 12. 

He is such a good young man and wants to do everything he can to fulfill his assignments.  The day he was ordained he did Fast Offerings.  He loves his family and doing things with them.  He is a master Lego man.

The next day I went to the temple.  It is not as fun without Dad but I feel so good while I am there.  I love it.  After the temple and a doctor appointment, we met the Seamons at Charlies for lunch and to plan our next trip to a temple. 

We are going to Monticello Thursday. When we got to our cars, Max had a surprise for dad.  They had been planning on making a cane stand out of horse shoes. Max got bored one day and just did it.

When we got home he immediately set it up in the living room.  It is so beautiful, especially since Max made it.  We haven't been with them for 6 weeks because of Dad's surgery.
We went to Molly's game that evening at Bingham High.  She didn't get much playing time and they lost so they are through for this year.  We still love going and being with the family.

It's fuzzy but you get the idea of her dribbling with both hands.  She's a kick. 

Friday we went to Texas Road House for dinner celebrating my birthday in January.  Sometimes we just don't get things done on time and Dad doesn't want to eat steak without his right hand.

The 22nd, was a special day in that we went to the baptism of a wonderful man, Don Himenez, whose wife is a member but never thought he would be.  Don't know how old he is but late 60s or early 70s.  He listened to the missionaries and came to church and realized it was the truth.  It was such a spiritual time.  We had to move out of where the font is and into the chapel because the members of our ward and her family filled the chapel.  After the baptism, the ward had a great luncheon for everyone.  It was just a happy day.

That evening BYU beat Gonzaga, which was not supposed to happen.  We watched on TV and the crowd went wild.  When we went into the kitchen we noticed 6 or 7 police cars once again at the neighbors with their lights flashing. 

I hope that home gets the message.  They found all kinds of drugs last time.
Today is the 23rd and a beautiful Sabbath.  The snow on the patio is now gone and we are in the high 30 temp.  No coats or furnace on.  Brother Judd was a speaker and our Patriarch, Brother Andersen.  they both spoke on enduring to the end and obeying the commandments.  A visitor in RS was from Kistin's ward and we were so excited to meet her. 

She is the mother of the student, Avery Clark, who loved Erik so much as a teacher and coach at PG.
The 25th Dad ordered a cover for his truck. the next day he went back and ordered a better one.  While he was searching I got in my cedar chest and accidently found our Home Evening Chart from Blanding.  I can't remember how long we used it but I don't think we used it in Provo.  I didn't even remember saving it and it is a priceless treasure.  Every child chose an animal and then I made them and put them on a piece of burlap.  Each animal had a little toothpick flag that reminded them what their assignment was each week.  There was no way we were going to miss that evening.  They planned it the entire week.  We love how they were so excited about things we did as a family.  Those are our choice memories.

We did our 2 miles and got ready for our Monticello Temple trip.  Dad is very excited about his new Tonneau cover.  He also had many names ready for us, thanks to the South Carolina girls.  We had enough to share with the Seamons, Mikki and Jean and Lyman.
The 26th, George went to therapy and we headed to Mapleton to pick up the Seamons.  It was so comfy to be in that big truck.  We all had plenty of room.  The only problem was, we couldn't figure how to lock the Tonneau cover.  When we got to Monticello, we checked right in to our Grist Mill.  It was so interesting and fun.

The rooms were full of antiques and furnished so well.  Both rooms had king beds and even a TV.  The outside of our room had corrugated tin on the wall.  Who would ever think of that?

     

                                                         Next door was this repair shop.

We found that when we lock the truck it locks the tail gate and that locks the Tonneau cover.  We got changed and went to find Mikki's house.  It is the same floor plan as Granny's.  Of course she has every nook and cranny filled with antiques.  She has such a way with decor.  We went to the temple together and had such a wonderful session.  Howard Randall who worked at the Napa Auto Parts in Blanding was the officiator but I didn't even know that.  He certainly didn't look like he did when he was young.  The cutest girl was sitting next to me.  When we were ready to go to the veil she looked at my name and asked if I had family in Blanding.  She got so excited when I told her about us and she remembered the 3 older children.  Her name was Shelby Shumway Eldridge.  I think Clark had a crush on her at one time.  He was who she could remember the most.  We had a great visit after the session.  Dad said he knew who she was by her smile.  We had several comment on how they wanted Clark to take the job there.  We also ran into a past girl friend of Dad's Linda Lewis  We became friends when we lived there and she is just so cute and upbeat.   It doesn't seem to matter what temple one goes to; they are all filled with the Spirit and just beautiful. 

                                                  

We did the 5:00 session and then went to dinner at the Grist Mill.  Wonderful food.  We ate in the silo and had the best hamburgers. We took Mikki with us and she entertained us.

                                   

They were hand made and not frozen or all the same shape. The potatoes looked like Dutch oven spuds and were really good.  They called them fries.  It was just the ending of a great day.

Our room ($100, included taxes and a breakfast from the menu) was delightful and the breakfast menu had many items.  It was very good.  When we got to the temple, Lyman, Jean and Mikki were right behind us.  It is always such a treat when you can go to the temple with family.  That is our favorite.  We never seem to get together with our own family for that reason.

The 10:00 session was packed and wonderful.  After the session we changed at Mikki's and headed for lunch.  Monticello is shrinking and just closed 3 restaurants.  Mikki guided us to one Mike likes so we ate there; Dad's treat.  It took forever to get our order and when it came they had forgotten mine.  We didn't want to wait so Ruth shared her sandwich with me and Dad shared fries.  It all worked out just fine and we had a great time talking.  Ruth and Max thought the family was great.  They fit right in.  You know when we get together we are crazy and with Mikki, even more so.  It was hard saying good-by.
We headed home at 2:00, very happy.  We stopped at the Chevron where we always get gas and to get a drink but the gas gauge said we had over 160 miles left so we got our drinks and went on our way.  We dropped the Seamons off at their home and went to Costco to gas up.  We still had over a hundred miles in our tank.  The truck got 20 MPG.  I love that truck even more.  The ride was so comfy and we had so much room.  This was a great trip and the first time Dad had gone to a temple since his surgery.  His arm is recovering ahead of schedule because he does his therapy as directed.
Saturday we got more snow.  Love it in the mountains but we need to get ready to plant.

The last day of this month, Saturday, we got a notice from Erik.  It was the information they had received from the mission.  We were thrilled to hear from them because we had been so worried.  We had been praying for Parker but were not sure of his mission.  He is in quarantine and no church meetings but they can share the gospel with their contacts over media.  It will be difficult but they are in a safe place if they follow the directions given.  The family fasted for him and all missionaries and people throughout the world.  We love Parker and know he is in the hands of the Lord.

We are so grateful for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge that if we strive to live His commandments, we will be together forever.  God lives, Jesus Christ is His Son and the Redeemer of the world.  Joseph Smith was a true prophet and led in the restoration of the only true church.  We love the priesthood and the blessings we receive because of it.  We are so grateful for the Holy Ghost who helps us in so many ways if we listen and act.  This life is for us to grow and learn and love together.  We are so blessed because of this knowledge and all that we have from Him.  We love each and every one of you and pray daily for each one, individually.  May we all repent of the things we need to and strive to follow Christ in everything we do.

NEW IS GOOD

We love when the snow falls on the balls.  Looks like Santa hats.

2020 started with new energy and hope for a wonderful year.  We are so blessed with all the blessings we receive daily for our family.  We love life and the opportunity to do better in this New Year.  We are excited to go forward and onward.

Dad started the year by going to Morris Swenson’s brother’s funeral.  It was so good for him to visit with Morris and retell the good ole times in Blanding and football.  Morris has been a great example to Dad in his life.  We love that man.

We started putting Christmas décor away which is a very hard and long task.  It snowed all day which we loved so Dad could build a fire which we enjoyed while we watched TV and Hallmark.

Thursday we finished putting things away and at 4:30 we went to Lehi for an appointment with Dr. Huber, the dermatologist.  He treated more skin spots and sent for biopsies.

The next few days were just doing the daily tasks and enjoying football.  Brother Piggott from across the street came and helped Dad take down the outside lights.  He is such a good neighbor.

Dad and Brian Piggott

Sunday was, as usual, a great Fast and Testimony meeting and SS lesson.  Erik didn't even know but that morning, Asher announced that he was going to be a Deacon that day.  They got it all put together but we were at church so we couldn't go.  As soon as it was over Asher rushed out to do fast offering collections.  What a great thing.  That evening, Erik and Scott came over to give Dad a blessing before he goes in for shoulder replacement surgery on the 7^th. 

We are so blessed to have them so close and worthy.  The Spirit was evident.  Clark was in Pine Valley giving Dianne’s father a blessing. Erik and Scott carried 5 bags of salt for the water softener to the basement and salt for the icy steps.  Erik put the Christmas tree on the top shelf in the storage room, moved the Remington statue to its place, while Scott replaced a light bulb in the kitchen and moved other things we can’t do.  What would we do without our boys so close?  I had a list for them.

Monday we decided to go to the temple before Dad would not be able to.  We did sealings for 5 couples and 1 child.  That’s all we could do because the temple closes early on Mondays.  We were thrilled to know we could do a session though.  It was a wonderful morning.  We did some errands and then did our Come Follow Me.  We love the movies that go along with the scriptures.  We love that Brother Macy is Lehi in them.

January 7^th I took Dad to the hospital at 10:00 AM.  The surgery was in the new building as is amazing.  At noon they started the procedure and at 3 he was in his room.  The chart on the wall in the waiting room let me know where he was and when I could go to the 9^th floor and his room.  The doctor said the shoulder was in terrible shape, but surgery was very successful and he was doing fine.  I stayed until 10:30 and then went home.  What a lonely place that is without your dad.  I watched every Final Jeopardy I had saved and went to bed at 1:30, got up every hour until I finally went to sleep at 6:30 in the morning.   

 I got up at 8 on the 8^th and straightened the house and Dad called at noon for me to pick him up.  He was groggy but doing well.  We went to Costco to pick up his drugs and then home.  The home nurse came at 3 and the therapist at 4.  I took the bread I had been making out of the oven just as Clark, Dianne and Jonny came to bring dinner.  Clark immediately cut one loaf of hot bread and we devoured it with homemade honey, Amish Jam and drank homemade cider.  Clark and Jonny took some things to the basement for us and we just visited and remembered old times in Blanding etc.  Dianne had left enough different meals for several days.  She is an amazing cook and puts things together for delicious eating.  Dad slept in the TV room in the recliner because it was more comfortable on his shoulder.
The next few days were pretty much just taking care of Dad.  He now sleeps in the basement because the recliner there is so much more comfy.  He sleeps very well and takes no pain pills.  He is really doing well but very limited in his movements.  His right arm is in a brace close to his body and cannot be lifted up.  He does have some therapy but no lifting of that arm for 6 weeks.  The Hunters and the Cherrys have brought very tasty dinners.

On Saturday I went to the Provo City Center Temple to got to the sealing of a family in our ward.  She is a returned missionary from Mexico and he was a very staunch Roman Catholic.  This ward and the missionaries just welcomed him and taught him and is now a member. (baptized while we were on our mission) He is wonderful.  The gospel is so true.  It was so special because after they were sealed, they brought in their 3 year old son, clinging to his Mickey Mouse clothed in white with even a white tie.  The Spirit was so strong and everything was so perfect.  That evening they had a small reception at the church.  This ward is amazing. 

It is too hard for dad to get fully dressed so he didn't go to church.  It was Josie Price's homecoming meeting.  She gave such a good report and didn't even look at a note.  She is so beautiful in every way.
That evening Erik and family came to visit and brought one of my favorite treats, raspberry bars.  It was so good to have them here.  Camden was a mess.  He had a sliding accident in the ice and the right side of his face is raw.  It hurts to look at him but he, as usual, was all smiles.  What a great young man.
George is getting home therapy every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, which is a great help.  He also sees the home health nurse.  We are so impressed with how efficient they are.  Monday evening we watched the NCAA Football Championship game.  We didn't care who won and were cheering for Clemson, but they won last year so we didn't mind LSU winning.  It was a good game.
Tuesday, I went to the temple and had some baptisms done and then did some initiatory.  It was good to be back in the temple but felt badly that Dad couldn't go.
Wednesday, Dr. Huber scraped a pre-cancer thing off of my cheek. He takes good care of us.  I think it was this evening that I went to Lily's basketball game.  I love to watch her play and sit with the family.

Who is that guy in front?

Lily 

love her

Friday, I took George to his doctor to see how things were doing.  He is doing so well and will have the therapist for another week and then do more therapy at the clinic.  It was a successful surgery.

Jalen turned 10 on the 19th.  He is such a special boy.  He is Kristin and David's gift from the Lord and they love him so much.  He is a fun boy to be around.  He loves his family and especially the dog, Tashi.  He also loves action figures.  We are so glad he is our forever.
Dad made it to both meetings today; first time since his surgery.  He did very well.

The next day was Dianne's birthday.  What a wonderful woman who loves the Lord and her family.  She has a heart that is so full of service to others and finds ways to serve so many people.  She loves serving her family, especially with the tasty meals she serves.  She feeds us often and everything she makes so so good.

The next day Mom turned 76.  She wanted 76 trombones but didn't get them, thank goodness.  She is very healthy and is so happy that she breaths on her own.  Her greatest joy is her family and without the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, she would be lost.  How blessed we are to know where we came from, where we are going when we leave this earth, and why we are here.  We just need to keep serving, living our covenants, repenting and keeping the Lord's commandments.

My brother Del and his wife, Brigitta, sent us this towel warmer for our birthdays.  We had no idea where to put it since our bathrooms are so small.  It fit in the smallest one and now we can't imagine showering without the warm towels.  We feel so spoiled.  It came stacked in 3 boxes.

The next day was our great grandson William's birthday.  He turned 4.  What a smart and active little guy he is.  He is such a treat and keeps everyone on their toes. 

yummy dessert

We love him so much.  We are grateful to Ashley, Tyler, and the Lord for this special gift.  
That afternoon Scott, Nixon and Rowan came so Scott could set up our Disney program on our TV.  They also brought a bouquet of flowers for my birthday. 

 We just don't get how to do those kind of things.  It was fun to have them here.  While they were visiting, Brother and Sister Johnson came with a cake and a song and sang for my birthday.  They are so sweet and because she is from Scotland, the kids loved her accent and so do we.
After they left, we found that Rowan had put Olaf's arm around a little snow man figure.  She does the cutest things in rearranging my decorations.

The 23rd, Ava was in a dance competition and danced incredibly well.  She is amazing. 

Because Dad can't go to everything, I have to drive and am loving it.  I was not sure I could handle the large amount of traffic, especially at night, but I am a trooper.
Saturday we did the usual but darkness found us looking out our window at the many police cars that were on both sides of our street.  There is a house that we are very nervous about in our wonderful neighborhood.  We counted 11 police cars but some neighbors said they were clear down the street and even around the corner.  We saw only one man carried out in hand cuffs so we are not real sure about what happened.

  We hope they continue to watch this house so we can feel safer.  Many people just walking in and out has been going on for 3 years and we think drugs are involved.  We hope the police can put a stop to this.  The man who owned the house died while we were on our mission.

Sunday, the 25th, I wore my Chinese clothes to church because of Chinese New Year.  I love these clothes I think because of Clark serving in Taiwan on his mission.  I also decorated the dining room table with a runner Clark and Di gave us when they went to China. 

Chinese dragon

They invited us to dinner and we had such a fun time.  Dianne told us about the past week when she worked overtime ant the birth center where she is a Doula?, and some nights didn't even get to come home because of the births.  She loves this job but was so tired she didn't think she could hold out.  She bore testimony of how the Savior guided her each day and night and how she felt His calming Spirit when she was sometimes so down and tired.  She is an amazing woman who lives with the Spirit in her heart always.  On Sunday, their ward had Stake Conference but she so wanted to have the sacrament so she went to another ward.  Our son, Erik is on the High Council in that stake and just happened to be there which was a blessing for Dianne.  How we love family.  The Lord answered every prayer Dianne offered.  We are so grateful she shared these days with us.  She was in tears the entire time.  We can always learn from others and this was a very special time.
Monday, Brother Tanner brought Dad an ice machine so he doesn't have to keep getting new ice packs.  It is electrical and he can have it for over an hour and not get wet or warm.  It really helps the swelling in his shoulder.
The 28th was George's sister, Mikki's birthday and we love her so much.  She is a great lady and loves her family.
The rest of the week we had doctor appointments and George had therapy.  It is all good.  I was able to dig carrots out of our garden and share with others along with many pounds of potatoes that were in the garage.  We love our garden and the help we get.
This week, Tiffani and her family have spent the weekend in San Francisco to see the Harry Potter Play, Scott has been making bread for his family, Kristin's family went to see Wicked, Clark gave Dianne support and you just heard her story, Erik's family is always so busy and we are exhausted by all the things they have been doing.  We couldn't have a better family and so love that they do things for each other and have so much love in their hearts.  We go to bed so tired and have not done a thing but learn of all their doings.
We again are so blessed to have the family we love so much.  They are incredible people who love the Lord and are teaching our grandchildren the restored gospel of Jesus Christ so that we can all be together for eternity.  There is no other blessing on earth as important as this.  That is why we are here.  We love that we can all read the same thing in the Book of Mormon individually and as families and watch those wonderful videos of this true book.  Dad and I love this time together and hope our families are doing the same.  I know the boys will love Nephi and the building of the ship and the storm at sea.  We love that Brother Macy plays the part of Lehi.  He is so good in this roll.  We are so blessed to have this true book to read daily and learn and study its truths.  It is true.  We know this and love it.  We know that God lives and loves us and that Jesus Christ is His son and our brother.  We know this and are blessed because of this knowledge.