FEBRUARY; LOVE IS IN THE AIR

                                                    FEBRUARY; LOVE IS IN THE AIR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                             Asher is soon going to be taller than Granddad.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                        us with Molly

                                                                           parents

                                                             Erik . Shanelle, Bailie

                                                                  Parker and friends

                                                                  Scott's family

                                                                       sisters

                                                           Whole Family

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

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

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

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JANUARY AND NEW HAPPENINGS

JANUARY AND NEW HAPPENINGS

How wonderful 2021 was.  We received so many blessings and opportunities.  We look forward to 2022 and the many adventures and blessings for this year.  Knowing the gospel of Jesus Christ is so true, how can we not be happy?

The twins had a very boring New Year with us old folks but they endured beautifully. The bedroom not so much.

They left when they had rested and we were feeling empty.  We were so blessed that the roads were now dry.  The Buckeyes won the Bowl Game, in that I’m from Ohio that was good but in that I am now in Utah it’s not so good.  Oh well; can’t lose.

January 4th, we did a session with Max and  Ruth in the Payson Temple.  One of these times I will take a picture.

The 6th we did a session and then Dad was interviewed for an assignment every Friday morning from 5:30 to 11.  He is so excited.  He had to buy a new temple suit because he is so skinny.

I had a doctor’s appointment to find out I now have osteoporosis, but I am blessed to be as healthy as I am and will do everything Doctor Noonan tells me.  It is not curable but if I am careful all will be fine.

Friday, the 7th, we went to my cousin, Gail Jones' funeral.  He is Aunt Mariah’s boy.  It was a lovely service and very positive talks by his children.  They will bury him tomorrow in Malad.  I sent flowers from the Delbert Hanks family.

Tuesday, the 10th, Scott picked us up at 5:45 AM and drove us to the SLC Airport for us to fly to South Carolina and Kristin's  It’s always a two plane flight and very long but the end result is well worth it.  Kristin had wheelchairs at each gate which I could not do without them.  She’s my little mother. She was so happy to see us.  We were just there last month but we are here for Granddad to ordain Jaylen a Deacon.  It’s always fun to be in her home.  We took one child to school and picked up another child.  Can’t remember what order.

The ordination was filled with the Spirit and Jalen looked so handsome in his new suit.  They are in a wonderful ward.

Friday the 14, was a very special day because Beatrice turned one.  What a little jewel.  She brightens up every place she enters..  She is a happy baby who loves everything way earlier than most little girls.  She is a running durvish.  She loves her daddy and the brothers think she is the icing on the cake.  She is just a bundle of joy.  After 2 boys her mother is so delighted.  We just wonder what she’s up to next.

We were supposed to drive to North Carolina Saturday to see our wonderful friends who live in Murphy,  Jeff and Cori Frady, but they got the Covid so we were really bummed.  Kristin piped up with an idea that we should all go somewhere else.  I said that I loved Charleston and she immediately looked up places to discover.  She is amazing that way.  She got us a rental car, booked an Air B&B for two nights, and printed a walking tour of that historic city.  The next thing we knew we were on our way.  David was our chauffeur.  Charleston is absolutely filled with history of the South and the Civil War.  The homes and buildings are amazing and so beautiful.  It was a very cold day but our hearts were warm.  The kids pushed me all over that town in a wheelchair David had borrowed.  The roads were cobblestone and slate.  I had a great massage the entire time.  I would send you pages of history and pictures that Kristin had compiled but that takes too much ink.  It was a cold but incredible day.

                                                                      cobblestone streets

The Custom's House was where public slave auctions were held.

                                                               custom house

In 1670 English settled into the port on the Ashley River and names it Charles Town in honor of King Charles 11 of England, renamed Charleston in 1783.  Plantation life made it one of the busiest ports in the East Coast.  It was an important port during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

                                         
                                       beautiful yards, homes and woven baskets  (very expensive)

 More baskets.  Some were over $200

                                                                    

                                                                 Rainbow Row  built in 1740

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon.  By the 1700's Charleston's population was around 12,000 people, half of whom were slaves. 

Built around 1712, The Pink House is believed to be the second oldest remaining structure in Charleston.  It was a tavern and believed to be used for other things.

This small brick and stone cluster was built around 1710 and is believed to be the oldest building in 

Charleston.  We can only imagine life at this time in history.  It is filled with stories.

                                                                         our air B&B

                                                             

                                                                  ceramic stairs to upstairs

                                                                      living room

                                                                      balcony

The next day, Sunday, we watched their Stake Conference, which was wonderful, and then headed out for the next Kristin printed tour.  She is amazing.  First, we went to the Prince William Parish built in 1745-1755.  The British army burned it down in 1779  and the Federal  Army rebuilt it in 1826.  Sherman burned it again during the Civil War.  The oak trees are something to amaze anyone.  They are beautiful and full of long strings of Spanish moss. 

Then we went to Folly Beach which was just down the road.  The wind was very strong and so cold but the surfers were ready.  The small road along the beach was so crowded but we found a place to park.  There were many surfers who loved the huge waves and said it wasn’t even cold.  That tells you a lot about surfers.  We went on down the beach and Kristin said there  was a lighthouse out in the ocean.  We drove to the end of the road and found a small place to park.  We got out and walked a bit when the sign said 1 mile to the lighthouse.  No way for a wheelchair.  David said he would go back to the car and get it. I said I was tough and could walk it.  What a woman I am. 

This is a mile long road to the beach with fun graffiti.  I walked both ways.

It was so worth the walk.  There were maybe 5 people on this beach with not one scrap of trash.  It was like something you hear about but can’t believe.  The lighthouse was so beautiful and way out in the water.  At one time it was on the sand.  The waves slapped against it and was indeed a photo moment.  There were these many washed up trees in the sand.  Suddenly we saw a dolphin jumping in the waves. It just doesn’t get better than that.  We didn’t want to leave.  What a day.  The kids insisted we go back to town and buy souvenirs.  They’re a kick.

We got up the next morning and followed another one of Kristin's adventures.  We had gone this way by mistake when Kristin, Tiffani and I went on our Batchelorette trip.  It was amazing.  This little Cider Shop was so fun.

Needless we did eat and drink and took some with us.  We got a kick out of this sign.

Somewhere in here we had hamburgers.

We then went a short drive to the  Middleton  Plantation.  It was very cold but worth the walking.  They had a wheelchair there that had fat wheels and could do the paths easily.  Baylie pushed.

We just walked around acres of beautiful gardens, ponds, trees, animals and a few buildings.  Much had been ruined during the Civil War.  We went in a Slave Chapel and listened to a lecture about the slaves at that time.. We then went to the places where they lived.  They were treated better at this place than many.  The ice house was where they kept milk, butter and things cold. Very creative.  

We went where the animals were and where the slaves made  buckets, wheels, chains, pots and things needed on  a plantation.  It was very interesting.  People gave demonstrations.  There were demonstrations with people showing how things were made but I don't know how to add movies. I can't remember how many acres this was but we could have walked it all day were it warmer and had the time. 

 The main crop was not cotton, but rice.  Rice was more profitable and the slaves knew how to grow it.   They were treated well here.  Kristin insisted we visit the camellia gardens.  They went forever and a river flowed  along some of the paths.  Yes, there were alligators.  Kristin and David stayed and took a million pictures while the rest of us  went back to the car only to find David had the keys.  This was just one or 25 plantations this man owned.  We were so tired but filled with so much history and beauty.

We were very close to Columbia and were happy to get back..  The next day was Jalen’s birthday but we celebrated it right after “Come Follow Me”  Jalen was so excited and happy about all the attention and the gifts.  His favorite was his Scriptures with the gold edges and his name printed in gold on the cover.  His Aunt Tiffani gave him a huge bag of Swedish fish.  Ugh. We gave him a Spiderman hoodie which he did not take off even to go to bed.

I don’t remember what day but Kristin took Baylie and me to get pedicures for my birthday.  I love being spoiled that way.  How thoughtful.  It was fun to be just girls for a while.

Wednesday morning was Jalen’s birthday.  What a great kid.  He loves candy, friends, his family, school and his dog, Tashi.  He loves to play his violin and treats.  We are so grateful that he is part of our eternal family.  He especially loves his Granddad.

Granddad was very tired.

It was very hard to leave
We flew out at 5:30 and Scott and Bethany met us at the airport at 10:30PM.

January 20th was Dianne’s birthday.  What a special woman she is.  Above all she loves her Savior and her family.  She loves doing anything with them.  She lives by the Spirit and is always doing something for someone else.  Her talents are endless and her smile is contagious.  We are so glad Clark found her.

My birthday is next and it was wonderful.  Granddad brought me flowers to start the day. Others sent flowers and our home is now so beautiful.  Everywhere I look there are flowers. George is my everything.  I am so grateful for the tender care he gives me and for all the things he now has to do for me without a complaint.  He has given me 5 perfect children, 18 grandchildren, 3 great grands, with spouses included.  The Lord has blessed me more than I ever imagined. 

                           Kristin's family gave me this pillow.  Every grandchild cam sing this ditty.

The next day was William John's birthday.  He is now 6 years old and knows everything.  He loves his family and especially Simon and Bea. He is learning Chinese in kindergarten which makes Gronky very happy.  We love that he is part of our eternal family.  We love him so much.

Last week we went to every store available to buy a new ipad as mine died.  We finally went to Best Buy and the salesman,  said it could maybe be fixed but we would have to make an appointment for next week. Lame!.  He was not helpful.

Monday we were at Best Buy again just to check on prices..  Another helper was there and he asked to see my ipad.  He had it for 3 seconds and handed it back.  Amazing!  He knew his stuff. This young man was very knowledgeable and so kind and helpful.  Because I didn’t have to buy a new one, Dad bought a new computer with a huge monitor that has  an unattached keyboard so he could see better to do genealogy. (excuse)  He now will have 2 large screens and one small one.  Spoiled!

January 25, we did initiatories in the Provo Temple and then did a session. I was able to see Linda Westover and Sister Wakefield. (taught her kids) It was wonderful,  As we were walking out we ran into Colleen Densley and Sue Park. What a thrill.  The temple is such a wonderful place.  When we got home, Scott had left a loaf of cinnamon bread he had made and Dianne had left some carrot curry on the porch.  We are so blessed to live where we have family who are so helpful and kind. 

Thursday we went to Melvin Stanford’s funeral, went home to rest for a short time and then did a sealing session and initiatories.  When we came out of the temple Dad’s key fob would not open the Buick door. I can’t drive any more so I didn't have a key. Much to Dad’s embarrassment, I waved a man from Heber down and he gave us a ride home.  What a nice man.  We then went back to the temple in the truck and I drove the Buick home. When reading the instructions, we learned that there is a key inside of the fob that you can open the car and unbeknown to us you can then put the fob in the cupholder and the car will start.  Crazy!

Jan 28, Friday, Dad’s day to serve in the temple at 5:30 AM.  He loves it.  I sleep.  Today was also Aunt Mikki’s birthday.  What a great example of trust in the Lord.

29th Dad went to Coach Henry’s funeral.  He was a wrestling coach when Dad was a Vice Principal at PG.  Three funerals in one week.

What a wonderful month this has been.  We love all that we can do and that we do not need help and can live in our own home.  This is a great blessing.  We also love that our children take such good care of us in many loving ways.  The highlight of every week is that we are in the temple at lease twice.  The gospel of Jesus Christ is so beautiful and filled with so many blessings.  Our children and their children are our constant joy.  We are so blessed.  Their homes are filled wit love and peace.  We don't understand it but our love for each other just grows every day.  Life is good.