MERRY CHRISTMAS 2020

Dad's Village

                                                               My tatted snowflake tree

The first of December we ate the last tomatoes from our garden.  Now we have to buy those plastic tasting ones.  Oh well!  We started our 2 mile walks and did surprising well.  Granddad continues to lose weight.

We lost 2 of our wonderful brethren this weekend.  Brother Simons was 100 years old but Brother Ludlow was younger that we are.

Wednesday Parker returned to Japan. 

He is in Tokyo for 2 weeks in quarantine and then to Kobe.  He will serve there again.  We are so proud of his willingness to serve wherever he is asked to go. He is in a hotel room , very tiny, all by himself.  He goes to the cafeteria 3 times a day for the same food, every day.  He has experienced such variety his entire mission and has been so positive.  He just loves people and wants to serve the Lord.  What an example.

We delivered gifts to our ministering people who are such a joy to visit.  We do not go into their homes but say a short message at the door.  They're wonderful.

Because of the Covid 19, we do very little.  We are walking between 2 and 3 miles a day and that is about it.  We love Molly playing basketball on TV but we don't get to go.  She's doing great.  I have been trying to tat again and love doing it.

We have been able to do some family history and that was wonderful.  We love the stories we have found.  Our financial representative sends us something from Jerusalem every Christmas.  This year it was the creche that last years figures go in.  It is beautiful.  The star winds and plays Silent Night.

Monday the 14th was an exciting day because we got ready to go to the Cedar City Temple to be with my brother Del and his wife while she receives her own endowment.  We spent a lovely night with them in their home and had such a great visit.  She told us of her family's escape from Hitler in WWII.  She is writing her life history so we hope she finishes soon.  She was only 3 years old when the horrible journey started.

       Del and Brigita are in the center.   Dad and I are the 2 with the white heads.  Dad isn't far behind.

Tuesday was more than we had hoped for.  We were so blessed to be in a temple again and especially get some names done.  George has worked many days through this Covid 19 doing family history.  He has over 100 baptisms ready.  Del and Brigita had some friends who were also there.  This time in the temple was so private and filled with the Spirit.  Brigita was so humble and acceptive of everything.  She just glowed.  It was an unforgettable morning.  After the session we all went out for lunch and we then headed home.  It was a beautiful day filled with happy tears and many blessings.

The next few days after our walks, we just stayed in our home and did things around the house.  We worked on a very hard puzzle and are still not finished.  We found that Clark and Erik's families are ill so we could not even see them.  Dianne sent a picture.

Friday, the 18th, Elder Parker Bayles finally got out of quarantine and back to Kobe.  He is now serving in a place called Nara, and the best thing is; his district leader is a cousin, Kai Brown.  His grandma is my Uncle Mart's daughter.  Uncle Mart is my dad's brother.  Kai's home is in Tokyo and is serving in the Kobe mission.  What a small world.

We woke up Sunday morning with such a wonderful message.  Erik's wife, Shanelle, had orchestrated a video of all 18 grandchildren +one in-law grandson, and 2 great grandsons, recording one at a time, the story of the birth of Jesus Christ from the Bible.  It was so emotional for us.  We played it over and over.  Every child participated, even Parker in Japan.  We still play in at least once a day, usually more.  I'm trying very hard not to cry every time.  We LOVE it.  That evening we watched Tiffani's Ward's Christmas program where Clara played her violin in the hymns and special numbers with a group of Strings. We had already watched our ward's wonderful program so that entire day was filled with the story of our Savior's birth.  It just doesn't get better than that.  I couldn't make it go in the blog.  I think it's too long.

Monday Scott rented a theater and we gathered to watch "The Grinch".  It was a private very limited, small group and we enjoyed being reminded of what Christmas is really about.

Tuesday, the 22nd, we went out to Clint's work and gave him our Christmas present.  He lives closer but we just wanted the drive and be away for a short time.  We love Clint Washburn and he has been in our hearts and special family for many years.  We also put out treats for our sanitation helpers.  BYU won their bowl game.  We love that.

Christmas Eve we spent with Scott's family and had a wonderful dinner. 

It is fun to be in their home.  Never a dull moment.  I made banana cream pie for dessert but when I put the vanilla in it smelled a little funny.  I guess we had a very good banana pie.  The vanilla, 1 tsp., was alcohol.  Oh well, good memories.  They always open one gift, pajamas, before they go to bed.  It's so fun. 

After dinner we took some beef stick to Erik's family.  They are still sick.  We didn't get a picture from them.  That evening Clint and his 2 kids, Taylor and Spencer, came for a visit.  It was so good to have them in our home and we had such a fun visit.  They brought us gifts which they certainly didn't have to.  Their visit was enough.

Tiffani's family spent Christmas in their cabin in the mountains East of Cedar City.  It is a beautiful cabin and they bought 2 snowmobiles so they really had a great time.  Even Titan loved it.

Kristin did a face time call which was almost like being there.  They had a great Christmas.

We finished our Christmas puzzle.  It was really hard.

The Isoms gave us this tiny puzzle in a small tube.  It has 150 pieces and is the same size as a post card.  It was hard to keep the pieces in place but we made it during a football game. Provo Tabernacle

December 28th Scott and family came over so Scott could put 2 new bulbs in our living room ceiling light.  The best thing was that Rowan Noelle turned 4.  She is such a delight to all.  We visited for awhile and just had a good time.  I forgot to take pictures of her.  This is her Christmas dance recital.

The very next day was Shanelle Paige Hammer Bayles' birthday.  She is such a great addition to our family.  We are so blessed that Erik found her and snatched her up.  She is a loving mother for 4 wonderful boys who have grown into such good young men.  She and Erik have taught them how to work hard and to love their Savior, Jesus Christ.  You can't ask for more than that.  She is always busy helping others and serving in her many callings.  She loves anything she can do with her family of boys and they enjoy being with her.  We love her so much.  I couldn't find a picture of her alone because she is always doing something with her men.

This has been a very different year due to the pandemic.  It has been hard and yet so wonderful in that our Prophet, Russell M. Nelson, kept us on the straight path encouraging us to be kind, humble and willing to help out where needed.  We are so blessed with all the things we have in this day and age.  The Prophet Joseph Smith was so diligent in following the Lord and building up Zion wherever he was.  We are so grateful for the pioneers who led the way for us.  They were so persecuted and had so many hardships to overcome that we have all we need today to come unto Christ.  We just need to have faith and full obedience in the doctrine of Christ.  We are so grateful for temples that cover the earth today; even though many are closed.  They will open when the Lord opens them.  We must have faith, and follow our Prophet.  The Lord will never leave us if we but try our best and do our best.  We love our family and the Lord.  We will win because we have the winning coach, our Savior.  May the new year be filled with blessings, love and wonderful memories as we learn together.

BLESSINGS IN TROUBLED TIMES

BLESSED IN TROUBLED TIMES 

Cascade Springs

We are so blessed to know that our Father in Heaven is in control of our lives and loves us so much.  It is a hard time with this pandemic but we are blessed to have the Plan of Salvation and the knowledge that we will live after death as families.  We are not pushing handcarts in the freezing snow or watching our children be so hungry.  What a blessing.  We are so grateful for the heritage we have of the hardships our early grandparents went through to serve so that the restored gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ could be established again.  We must fight against Satan because we know that our Savior will win in the end.  We are so grateful for a prophet of God on this earth today and pray that our grandchildren will work hard to stay in tune with Him.  We are on the winning team and must do all we can to serve others and our families.  We must be prepared.  Youth, we are depending on you to be strong in these latter days.

The wonderful thing about this month is that it started with fast Sunday.  We love that it is filmed so that we can be there too.  We learned that our Stake Patriarch's wife had died, who was in  our ward and such a remarkable sister and friend.  He bore a powerful testimony filled with faith.  

Wednesday, my sister, Karen Colleen turned 80.  She has always been a great example for me and a perfect sister in every way.

Karen and me in Nampa, Idaho 1948 or 49

Because of all the football games we were able to do a puzzle in the evenings.

The next day we went to Heber for another chiropractor visit. On the way home we decided to go through the mountains and see Cascade Springs, which is always so beautiful.  We ended up having to turn around after the springs because of a road closure.  It was still a beautiful ride.

the water's pretty

                                                                Deer Creek Reservoir

When we got home dad tilled the garden for winter. Notice the baggy pants.  

That evening, I think, was Nixon's last football game.  He caught the ball for a 2 point conversion and they won the game.

The best thing about the next day is that BYU beat Boise State soundly.  After the game Boise team players invited the BYU players for a prayer.  How wonderful!

We got news Saturday morning  that David's dad had died yesterday.  That is a blessing because he was in pain and not cohesive for some time.  We are so glad that David was able to come here and visit him for a day.  We loved having him.

Sunday was on line church and a mandate from our governor about a tighter close down because of the pandemic19.   The best thing was it finally snowed.

Monday, Shanelle had invited us to join with making fleece blankets for refugees  We went shopping for fabric and bought enough for 10 child blankets and 5 adults.  The fabric is so cute.  The fabric was on sale for 50% off so we only paid $120.  We are so excited to begin.

Tuesday we raked more leaves and put them in the garden for mulch and then started on the blankets.  It is so much fun doing it together.

Wednesday, the 11th is special because it is not only Veteran's Day but George (dad) turned 76.  He is such a wonderful husband and everything I ever wanted in a husband.  The time together has really flown by and I am so blessed having a man who honors his priesthood as he does.  He was tutored by a great father who loved the Lord.  I am so grateful we are sealed under the covenant and will be together forever.  He is definitely a keeper.  So many people have called to wish him a happy day.

Today, Thursday, was a fun day because after chiropractor 

we went shopping.  Dad bought a size 34 Levi jeans.  He has gone from a 38 to that small size. 

He looks and feels so good and is full of energy.  We made Enchilada soup for dinner with an Optavia recipe and it was so good we are going to have it often this winter.

Friday, the 13th, dad saw Dr. Hwong, his cardiologist.  He told him he shouldn't lose any more weight which made dad feel so good. 

 He and Scott went to buy dad a pistol and all the trimmings.  We have a case that you must use your fingerprint to open.  I may even be able to use it.  While they were shopping, Rowan and I had a fun time.  

That evening Shanelle and Erik came and picked up our 11 children's and 5 adult blankets we had made for some refugees.  We had so much fun doing it and are so excited that some people will have a little more warmth now.  They are really beautiful and cute.  Scott gave dad a new pair of classy pants.  He loves them.

Sunday was Elder Riley Bayles's 21st. birthday.  He has been such a remarkable missionary and loves the Hispanic people so much.  He will be home on the 25th and will have a hard time leaving these people.  He has worked hard and we have been lifted by his letters.  

                                                                      The tall one is Riley

Monday we looked for fabric to finish a quilt I finally began.  We then bought some new garments and an Instapot.  The girls said we need one.  When we got home we got mail from Shanelle saying that Parker is going back to Japan Dec. 10th.  We are so excited for him and yet it will be hard because he loves the people in Oregon.  He is a great missionary.  Latest news is that he is leaving Dec. 3.

This week we started on another Christmas puzzle.  It is of the Christ Child in the manger and is very hard.

Friday the 20th, out Prophet, Russell M. Nelson, gave a beautiful message on being thankful even through this Coved-19.  He talked about being kind to people of other races and having love world wide.  He invited us to post on internet what we are thankful for every day for a week.  What an inspired and humble man of God.  I am so thankful for him.  

Saturday, Ashley was given  an on line shower for their little girl coming in January.  It was actually a very fun time and we could see everyone.  Kristin won most of the games. 

                                         This is a pair of tatted booties I made for her first child.
Our thankful was for our incredible family with such wonderful children, their partners and children and great grand children.  George put up our tree.  Scott thankfully got it down for us as it is very heavy and high up in storage. 

Rowan's blessing  Not all here and she'll be 4 next month.  Couldn't find a newer one.

Sunday Church was very good.   Karla Mercer talked about how thankful she was for all the people who were thoughtful of her when she had a heart attack this past spring.  My thankful was for my great husband, George.  He is everything one could want in a companion and I love him with no words to describe. 

Monday, we worked on putting up Christmas decorations in that we are not going anywhere for Thanksgiving because of the covid19. 

 Today I was thankful for my perfect mother who was there for me no matter what I needed and always thought of someone who needed help.  She made all of my beautiful clothes and I bought my first dress when I was in 6th grade.  It was not near as pretty as the ones she had made for me. I never heard her raise her voice or gossip about someone.  (She did discipline) She was also my seminary teacher for one year.  She would bring me breakfast in bed at 4:00 AM and then head out to pick up the 3 students who lived out of our area.  We lived in Dayton Ohio.  I would get up and get ready for school and pick up the other 3 students who lived near.  Class was at 6:00.  After class she would give them money to ride the city bus to their schools. She was a great teacher and example for me.

I am also thankful for my father who was always there for me and fed me for a week when I had a reaction from my polio shot.  He also helped me when I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I was very involved in music and did state competitions which he was my trainer.  He was very strict but it paid off when I competed.  My parents drove all over Ohio to be there.  In the summer we lived an hour from the church and he always made sure we were on time.  We had to get up early because priesthood at that time was before church and we only had one car.  I am so grateful for their love.

(This is Granddad speaking)            Although I didn’t say so during the #givethanks 

activity this past week, one of the things I am most thankful for are my wonderful Mother and Father.  I owe so much to them for all they did for me.  I have often said that “Mom taught me what to live and Dad taught me how to Live”. I was nurtured in a home filled with love and my mother always made me feel like I could accomplish anything I wanted to. She always expressed high expectations for me.  She taught me about life and how to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ as I sat at her kitchen table.  I didn’t realize until later the impact those visits had on my life.

                                                      My dad always treated me as if I was just expected to be able to perform the work of a man.  He never made me feel like I was inadequate or too young.  He taught me how to irrigate a newly planted field, how to haul hay and what to look for in a herd of cows or sheep.  I learned that you didn’t stop work until the work was done no matter the hours.

                                          

The most important thing he taught me was How to live the way my mother had taught me What to live.  He was a man of integrity.  He was an example to me of honesty and faith.  He was kind and gentle, but also a man of courage and principle. I have tried to be the same. He was always a perfect example for me to follow. 

Tuesday, the 24th, we still worked on our puzzle,  It is one of the hardest ones we've done. 1000 pieces. (which they all are thanks to Dad)  We always will be thankful for our children.  They are so far ahead of where we were at their age.  They never cease to amaze us with their ability to do all that they can to rear their children and follow the doctrine of Christ.  They keep us focused in the right direction.

Wednesday the 25, Ava turned 12.  What a blessing she is to our family.  She is an amazing dancer and can't walk across the room without grace.  She is so loving and kind to her siblings and is a very good student.  Her talents are many but dancing is where she really shines.  She sparkles on stage.  Today she got her first pair of toe shoes.  She is so excited.                

 

     

That evening, Elder Riley Clark Bayles returned home from an honorable mission.  He loved the people he served with and loved the people in the Washington D C South Spanish Speaking Mission.  His letters kept us focused every week and we love the young man he now is.  His family has been counting weeks and days for some time now and the entire house is alive with excitement.  Because of the Covid 19, his family couldn't even go in the airport but waited for him at passenger pickup.  What an exciting time.  From the pictures, he looks great.

Scott came today and hooked up a doorbell that takes pictures of anyone who comes on our property.  We love it.  We tended Rowan and Nixon while the family went shopping.  They were so much fun and we enjoyed our time with them.

Due to the Covid19 Dad and I went no where for dinner.  We had a lovely time working on a puzzle at home.  We did give thanks for all our many blessings.  We were reared in such good homes with good parents and siblings and have children who bless us every day.  We are so blessed to know that families are forever and will be be with all our families for eternity. We missed going to SC to see Kristin's family but we, through inspiration, decided to stay home.  We are not even gong to Vegas to be with the kids next month.  We pray this will be over soon.  We finally finished our puzzle.  

Saturday morning Dad decided to put on his temple suits to see how they fit in case the temples open soon and he can return to serving there.

GUESS NOT1

That evening, the 28th we finally got to see and hug Elder Riley Bayles.  You can tell by his countenance that he was a hard working, faithful, obedient missionary.  It was so good to hug him and feel of his spirt.

    

After the visit, Molly took pictures of us.

It was also a dear friend's birthday. Vanita Law turned 90.  She is a wonderful example to us in everything.  

This has been a very different November because of the Covid19 but we have been so blessed in every way that we cannot complain. Our Farther in Heaven has given us everything we need to return to Him.  We know what we need to do and are striving very hard to follow Jesus Christ.  We pray that people will turn to God and be kind to all people.  We live in a blessed land.  We love our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ.  We pray that the day will come when we can all live together in love and peace.

THE END OF GARDENING

WANTED  

We love October with the cooler temperatures and the ending of our wonderful garden.

The best thing is that the month starts with The October General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  We wait 6 months for this to happen and it never disappoints.  Our prophet is a man of god an gives us blessings and ideas for the coming 6 months.  this time he spoke on how we must love all people and treat them with kindness and love.  All the speakers were so inspiring and gave such warm and encouraging messages for this time of struggle with the pandemic all over the world.  He announced 6 more temples to be built.  What a wonderful thing for the gathering of Israel and the coming of our Savior.  It was uplifting and inspiring.  He receives direct revelation form God, our Heavenly Father so that we can be prepared for what the future holds.  We love him and those who serve so closely with him.  The thing we remember most is not every detail of the talks but the feelings we felt as each one spoke, and pray we may remember this Spirit of truth.  The restored gospel of Jesus Christ will never lead us in the wrong direction.  It is truth that we can depend on for eternity.  We taped the sessions so that we can play them often and fear not, and keep the positive feelings alive.  Because we taped them we were able to go to Nixon's soccer game and see Titan also. (the twins' puppy)

                                                                 He was so tired after the game.

Sunday's sessions were no different.  President Nelson is 96 years old and never wavers.  He reassured us that we need not fear and to just follow the doctrine of Christ with love and service to others.  It was so powerful as were all the talks especially in this difficult time.  We are so blessed to have this pure knowledge and truth so that we can strive choose the right.

Monday, Bethany could not take Titan back to Beaver to meet Tiffani and the twins, so we did.  Scott's kids were so sad to lose him.  He cried a bit but then slept all the way, 2 hours.  When the girls got out of their car and called him, it took a second to know who they were , but then he knocked them over with excitement.  It was so fun to watch.     

 

Tuesday, the 6th was Bethany's birthday. What a wonderful addition she is to our family.  She is the perfect match for our Scott and such a loving mother for those 3 children.  Together Scott and Bethany plan such fun things to do or go.  Their main object in life is to be a happy and loving family. 

                      

Beth is always thinking of ways to change things in their home and they just go for it and change rooms and the yard all the time.  They make us tired.

Wednesday and Thursday the boys had games.  They won. 

Camden coming down the stairs.  (left back)

Wednesday we took Cinnabons to our ministering birthday people  We love doing things for them.

Thursday we made plans to go to Cortez and Monticello to see Dad's brothers and sister.  We had heard that Lyman was in a very sad health situation and Mark and Kay were not real healthy.  We wanted to see Mikki too.  We knew the tomatoes were ready so we hurried and canned 10 quarts of soup starter which we will really love this winter.

We left the next morning for our trip.  We stopped first in Monticello to see Mikki.  We had a very pleasant couple of hours and enjoyed every minute.  She is an amazing person and her home is such a comfortable place with so much history and stories in her decor.  We love hearing her stories.  I went with the intension of taking pictures and never took even one. This is from last summer.

                                                      

We stayed at the Hampton Hotel for the night and ate at Shiloh Steak House, which was nice.  We got a phone call from our neighbors, the Piggotts, that our garage door was open and because it was dark they were worried.  Thank goodness for good neighbors.  Bryan just went right over and shut it.  

The next morning we left for the ranch and a visit with the brothers.  We called Blanding so we could visit Eric, but never got an answer or text.  We went to Lyman's first and had such a great visit.  We expected to se him on his death bed but he was so good.  He is on medication and doing much better.  He and Jean are taking care of each other and doing well.  We had another couple of hours for a great visit.  We're sure we wore them right out.

Mark an Kay were also doing so well.  We are all getting older but we are grateful that we are doing as well as we are.  It was another pleasant visit and just so good to be with them.  Shawn came while we were there to put up a huge gate so Justine, his wife, could have some cows.  It is always wonderful to be at the ranch and enjoy the peaceful spirit that is always there.  We love these siblings and enjoy any

time we can be together.

We had planned on staying in Moab and return home the next day but again, the traffic was crazy and there were no hotels available.  Dad is a good driver and we listened to football all the way home.  We

got there at 9:00 PM to learn BYU and won the game with UTSA.  Great trip except I lost my most      favorite turquoise earrings because I put them in a bad place.  They are over 40 years old.                     

 Sunday we did church on line with our ward.  It was fast Sunday so we were able to hear from several members whom we haven't seen for such a long time and their testimonies were beautiful.  When we got home, dad gave us the Sacrament.  I love this sacred time with just the two of us.    When we were through Dad could watch priesthood meeting on Zoom.  It was just a great Sabbath day.  This is a difficult time but if we follow the teachings of our Savior we will be just fine. 

 Tuesday we picked the garden and took some to Clark's house where the great grands were playing.  It's always good to see them.  That evening we went to Camden's last game.  They lost but we love watching him play.  Shanell, Erik, Asher, Molly, Lily and their friend, Sarah were there also.  It was good to be with family.

Wednesday we made 21 quarts of salsa from the food we had gathered.  Everything was from our garden.  We love doing this together and it is so much easier.

                                     

 Thursday the 15th, (half the month is over and we feel it just started.) we voted in the National Election 

and hope this country will be united.  We watched Suzanne Blakesley's funeral on Zoom.  She was a    wonderful friend who we just love.  She worked with George when he was the principal at Timpview   HS.  Because it is supposed to freeze tonight, Dad dug the potatoes and we will cover the tomatoes         tonight.  Tiffani is supposed to come at midnight for a few days.  Yeah!                                                    Friday, the kids did their virtual classes with vigor.

I would have hated this as a student but they are valiant.  I was impressed.  While they studied I did laundry and Titan entertained us.  That afternoon after classes we went to Gardner Village and just bummed around. 

They have the very best caramel apples.  When we got home we watched the BYU football game against Houston.  BYU won and much yelling and cheering could be heard.

The next day granddad helped the girls make apple cider.  They were so excited to do this and loved the process. 

They ended up making 3 gallons but drank one before they left to go home.  Erik's boys came to mow the lawn at the same time which we loved.  They are so good and do such a nice job.                                                                   

Sunday, the 18th we went to our ward meeting which was very good.  The speakers spoke to our hearts.  The girls went to my closet and chose what they wanted to wear, even on Lauryn's feet.  Cameron wore granddad's pants.

I love that they do this.  We love tht we can go to church with family.  The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is so true and filled with everlasting joy.  We love the teachings of our Savior and the truths that He taught with His perfect example.

That night the house was filled with yells of joy because the Dodgers won.

Monday the kids did their lessons on line again, Tiffani went for a run, George had a doctor's appointment and I did the laundry.  After their lessons the kids met up with the cousins and went to Gardner Village.  Tiff, Shanelle and Beth drove.  The cousins were so excited because they could be together and they were going to do the Great Escape Room. 

They made it through the clues with just one minute left.  They had so much fun.  The adults walked around looking at all the Halloween witches and stores.  Tiffani brought me home a huge caramel apple which I ate immediately.  The Dodgers won so their was much yelling.

Tuesday was a sad day because after their school work they left for Vegas and home.  The girls were through at 4:00 but Cameron had a paper due that took until 6:00.  We were glad they could stay that long.  This home school on line is indeed hard and not very thrilling, but they are troopers and do it.  After they left the house was so lonely.  We even missed Titan and the bird (Flappy).

Wednesday found us with our financial advisor getting ready for our taxes and checking on our stocks.  We have such confidence in Jason and he really is a great help.  That afternoon Dad had an appointment with his throat doctor, Dr. Stevenson, who put a camera down his nose and a needle in his throat and now he can talk in his normal voice.  He may need to do it again but we hope not.

When he got home he was determined to find my turquoise earrings that he had given me over 45 years ago.  I have only worn them a few times for fear I might lose one.  They go very well with the squash Granny gave me.  I lost them when we went to Cortez.  We had torn the truck apart but could not find it.  We had prayed and prayed but I was finally certain that we would never find it and that I should take better care of such valuable things.  When he walked in the house he asked, "If you could wish for anything is this world, what would it be?"  I could think of nothing and finally said, "That all our children and grandchildren would be in our family for eternity."  He then held out the earrings. 

I cried a bit.  What a miracle!  The most amazing thing is where he found them.  When he told me I said that it could not be.  They were way in the back seat of the truck, under the seat if you lift it up, and under a blanket and a jacket.  Well, I never was in the back seat and we never put the seat up because there were just the two of us.  It was an unbelievable miracle.  I know that our Heavenly Father is aware of every thing and is always ready to answer our prayers, but this was impossible.  What a physical acknowledgement of this fact.  He knows us and loves each and every one of us. 

                           The black thing is a shelf that goes under the seat to hold things.

When he lifted the seat this is what he saw. blankets and jackets.  Had not been opened for weeks.

After poking around he found them way down in the bottom, under the blankets, completely covered.

I did not wear them to Nixon's game which he won, but the Dodgers lost.

Friday after we signed some papers for Jason, we went to Heber so our Chiropractor, Scott Phillips could work us over.  Dad has had a very bad neck problem for some time now.

That evening we went to Nixon's last game.  Nixon played very well and they won.

Thursday, the 22nd, Judy Sandstrom came to interview us for the ward newsletter.  We had a great time with her and who knows what she'll write?  Troy Hulse came to show dad some pictures he had developed for him to sign.  They were of 4 of the guys at Centennial Middle school where dad was the principal.  One of them, Danny Throckmorton, is very ill.  They had a great time.  He lives in Genola and gave dad 2 bales straw for the grandkids to use when they rope our fake bulls.  They had a great time.

Friday, we had appointments in Heber with our chiropractor, Scott Phillips.  Dad has had great pain in his neck lately and I have problems with my hips.  He is amazing with adjustments.

The 24th was another BYU game and they won.  Titan was an amazing fan.

#1 FAN

Hey! that was not a hold.

Tuesday, the 27th was Hailey's birthday.  She teaches music and choir at Spectrum school for autistic children and loves every minute.  She is such a good person for this position.  She lights up any room when she enters.  She enjoys everything, especially the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and her family.  Her cousins think she is the greatest and she is.

We saw Dr. McKell and no cavities.  Whew!  Dad picked up Troy Hulse and they visited with Danny Trockmorton again.  He is still not doing well.  When he got home we delivered the last picking of the garden to our 7 ministering homes.  We love these good friends and enjoy doing things for them.

The next day we went again to the chiropractor in Heber and then to Scott's to be there because they were having a new furnace put in and didn't want the grands there alone.  They have been without heat for a week now.

Friday was my brother Del's 82nd birthday.  He is such a loving brother and now that he has a home in Cedar City, we see him more often.  He is always fixing up something and is very happy now that he has Brigita.  

We spent the morning clearing the garden and doing some pruning.  

I think this was Kolton's last game but the TV did not let me get a good picture.

Simon and William came to trick-or-treat and we just loved the visit.  They are so full of energy and sun.  We gave them some glasses with their candy.

That evening David Batchelor came to visit his father.  He is not doing well and David wanted to be with him.  He stayed all day Saturday and left Sunday morning.  It was good to see him but we just wish it had been under different conditions.

Halloween we were invited to Clark's for a super party.  They had all kinds of games in the front yard and then a Navajo taco lunch.  It was such a fun time.

We ate instead of made.

That evening our only trick-or-treaters were Scott's family.  There were no people out this year because of the Covid.

                                  These cuties stayed for awhile and we loved having them.

This month has been very fulfilling; mainly because of General Conference and the hope and peace which we felt.  We are going through trials but we know what we need to do to follow Jesus Christ.  Our ancestors had such a harder time and they never gave up.  They paved the way so that we could know who and what to follow.  We must all thank the Lord for the great plan of salvation and the knowledge of what we need to do.  Yes, it is a hard time and we may never be back as we used to be.  The important thing is that we KNOW who our leader is and who to follow.  Satan is so frustrated with this and we love that.  He will NOT win.  We must strive even harder to do whatever is required of us so that we will endure to the end with blessings that we cannot even imagine.  Our little grandchildren whom we love so much, we know that schooling is so hard now and that it will last for awhile but you must be strong so that Satan cannot get you down.  Every effort you make is so important and no matter what, you must do what is expected of you.  You are our future leaders and we need you to be strong.  Know that we will always love you and know that Christ will win this battle with Satan.  He is our Savior and our Redeemer.  All our faith and hope is in Him.  Bless you.  We pray for you individually every day and are so proud of your efforts at this hard time.  Make it a great and positive adventure so that those who see you can follow in faith and hope.  Our joy is in who you are and how wonderful you have become.  Again----we love you.  Jesus Christ is the only answer to everything.  The restored gospel is  the way to eternal joy and happiness.