DECEMBER 2022 and MEMORIES

                                                      DECEMBER AND MEMORIES

We started out with the Payson Temple and Max and Ruth Seamons.  We do this every Thursday and love being with these wonderful fun people.  

When I stepped outside one evening, this is the beautiful scene I was pleased to view.

Saturday, the 3rd we attended Bonnie Freeman’s funeral.  She was and is a strong and talented lady. Her husband is a great friend of our and our Hanks family. He grew up in Piqua, Ohio and worked as a leader in a Boy Scout Camp where we spent the summers. He loved our family and wanted to be a Scouter like my dad. Our family  was instrumental in Dave joining the church years ago. He met Bonnie and later baptized her. Both boys served missions. Dave served a mission and he and Bonnie served 2 missions.  Just a great family. He told the group at the funeral that because of our family over 600 people have been baptized.  WOW!  We didn’t know that.

Sunday the 4th,  after Sacrament meeting  I went to Sunday School for the first time since my stroke.  I was very tired after the meeting but it felt so good to be there. Sister Dennis gave a great lesson. Tuesday, the 6th, we did two sessions for the first time.  I made it through both and was so thrilled.  When we got home Pete Giles was at our door. He lived in our ward several years ago.  It was such a fun visit.  He told us about his wonderful family and all that has happened since they left. Many miracles. We love that family.

Dad raked leaves the next day and shoveled snow the day after.  The next day he served in the Provo Temple at 5 AM for his shift.  He loves it.  That evening we went to Kinsey Rife’s wedding reception.   It was a beautiful evening filled with many friends and people.

This is Scott's refinished door of our home.  We love it.  Bert, from Tiffani's mission sends us a beautiful wreath from Main every Christmas.  They are always so beautiful.

Saturday, the 10th, saw us at a wonderful and crowded ward Christmas dinner.  It was Hispanic food and everyone seemed so happy and full of fun.  Santa was even there.

                                                                I gave Santa a big kiss.

\Sunday I went to Relief Society after Sunday School.  Sister Gregory was the teacher and she always gives such a well planned lesson.  Again, it felt so good to be there.

That evening we went to the Provo Temple Ordinance Workers’ fireside.  The temple Presidency were the speakers and a choir of many sang beautifully.  Jean Jones was in the choir.  She is a cousin by marriage. )Aunt Gwen's son)   It was a very long day but I enjoyed every minute.

The next evening brought us an evening filled with snow.  Prayers answered.

Dad finally got the right snow blower.  He loves it.  Thank goodness we have had so much snow this winter.

We again did 2 sessions in the Provo Temple the next day.  I purposely sat next to a very sad looking sister.  I had seen her several times.  She always looks so unhappy.  We sat in the second row.  I said a greeting to her and when I did she jumped.  It was very uncomfortable and I felt bad.  She then told me that she had been bullied as a child for her whole life.  The kids at school made fun of her, tripped her, knocked books out of her arms etc. Her parents were not even kind to her.  I decided to be her friend.  I will look for her every time we go.  When we got to the Celestial Room, I gave her a big hug.  She smiled and hugged me back.  I will look for her from now on.

Wednesday, I had an appointment with our dermatologist.  I got a nurse practitioner and was very impressed.  He found cancer on my wrist and scraped and burned it.  He then said that I had a very bad cancer on my nose and  would have to be looked at by a specialist, Dr. Tristani. The soonest she could see me was February 20.  It was so sore so when I got home I called and said that I could not wait that long.  The receptionist said she would call if an earlier appointment was canceled.  A few days later she said an opening was available on January 20th.  Well that was better but I was really worried.  She called back and let me know that Thursday was open.  Blessings!

The 15th,Tiffani flew in so she could be at the wedding for Parker Bayles, a grandson.  He will be sealed to Janessa on December 16th in the Logan Temple.

 It was a very sacred and beautiful time. Clark and family came, of course Erik and Shanelle, Gary and Deb, Christiana (Bayles) and husband, Gary Ryan and wife, Justin and wife (pregnant) Shanelle’s mom and dad and many friends, plus Janessa’s family and friends.  It was a beautiful room full of friends and families.  The officiator was so personal and wonderful.  It just could not have been better.  When the couple came out of the temple everyone yelled “Dip her”  Boy did he ever dip.  Everyone cheered.

                                                      These cousins are such good friends.

                                                                     Bride and Groom

After family pictures, we took Tiffani for lunch.  It was the best old fashioned hamburger joint.  The food was so good and the decor reminded us of when we were young.

We then headed for the SLC Airport to drop Tiff off so she could catch a flight home so she could go to church and hear Lauryn on the piano accompanying Clara on the violin.  We got out of Sardine Canyon to find the traffic was extremely slow.  Tiffany had changed her flight to a flight that was sooner.  We started worrying.  It was bumper to bumper.  We finally made it with time to spare.  Luckily I had to go to the bathroom because after we left the traffic was even slower.  It was at a crawl.  We finally made it through SLC and exited at the PG exit.  It was just a highway but when we saw the freeway was still so slow we were grateful we had left and made it home after a very long drive. All the ups and downs were so worth it to be at such an important event.

The luncheon was the next day at the Red Barn Reception Center.  Shanelle had everything under control and ready at 3:30.  We were assigned to bring 6 bags of COSTCO Caesar Salad.  It was a very cold afternoon and it was very crowded and everyone was so happy.  Later the reception was at the same place and again it was just perfect.

Sorry but I do not have a picture of the bride and groom at the reception.

Monday, Dec. 19, George had a doctor appointment with his cardiologist, Dr. Luni said “Tomorrow you will have a new pacemaker battery put in.  He doesn’t mess around.  He also doubled my Eliquis pills. Ugh!  That afternoon George had his first physical therapy appointment with Dr. Seager.

The next day we did 2 sessions in the Provo Temple. Amazing.  

Thursday I had my appointment with Dr. Darley because of the grinding noise in my ears.  They found I have very good hearing but don’t know what is causing the grinding.  It is so annoying.  Dad drove into the garage and knocked down the fishing poles.  He fixed it and it is better than ever.

Dec. 22 we went to the Payson Temple and that night we were invited to an evening in Bethlehem at Clark’s home.  We were to bring grapes and a variety of olives. They set the dinner on the floor like of old and Clark gave some feelings he had and reminded us of the season.  It set a very good mood for the reminder of our Savior. 

  

                                                                       after dinner

Friday Dec. 23 we decided to have leftover Enchilada Soup while watching a football game.  I was carrying my soup downstairs when I lost my footing.  I took a header like a flying bird and hit the wooden chair in the family room.  Soup went everywhere.  I was confused for a minute and then saw soup on the ceiling, the carpet, Dad’s recliner, up the walls and stairs and just everywhere.  I was very scared and a mental mess.  We left a message on our carpet man.  We hurried up and started cleaning everywhere.  Dad did an excellent job on the ceiling and walls but the carpet is now a soft orange.  I was in a great deal of pain but it only lasted a week.

                                                                              floor    

                                                                             ceiling

                                                                     Dad cleaning

Christmas Eve Scott invited us for dinner.  Beth and Scott do quite a feast and Beth sets a beautiful table.  Scott did the ham, Beth did the salad (the Jello one with pretzels in it) and Nixon did the macaroni and cheese.  Christmas Eve is always a special time when you can share it with family.

                                                     
                             I don't know when Lily and I were together but I love this picture. 

                                                       Dad pulled one carrot for me.

                               Christmas Eve we finally finished our huge 1000 piece puzzle.

Christmas day did not disappoint.  How could it be with the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ?  The best part was Christmas was on the Sabbath.  Beginning with the Sacrament and the wonderful messages it was absolutely perfect.  The messages were filled with Christmas stories and the  music was our ward choir, a solo and especially the Primary children.  It was just filled with the Spirit.

                                                                           Scott

We heard from all of our children which doesn’t get any better.  After church we visited with Scott’s family and all their excitement along with breakfast treats, then Erik’s family, and ending with Clark's family. What a blessed day.  

                                                                               Erik

                                                                          Clark

                                                                    Riley and Bailey

Tiffani and Kristin called so we could talk with them.  To hear from every child is so rewarding.  They are such special people and so involved with their children.

Kristin

                                                                        Tiffani

Tuesday the 27th, the carpet man came to try and get rid of some of the enchilada soup.  He did the entire basement and it looks brand new, all except where the soup was.  It’s orangy but we are not going to replace the carpet.  It’s a reminder for me to be more careful. 

                                                

The next day was Rowan Noel’s 6th birthday.  She is a living fireball and so fun to be with.  Again we had dinner with the family and the Cooks, who might as well be part of their family.  They are true friends and do many things together.  Scott had ordered dinner at Chick fil A.  Rowan is such a fun little girl who loves everyone. It was a fun evening.

The next day was Shanelle’s birthday.  Erik hit the Jackpot when he found her.  She is a great mother for 4 boys and teaches  them  how to be good boys and men.  She is so talented and keeps her home so friendly and fun.  She  loves finding fun things to do as a family and her boys know how to treat a girl.  

Friday, George, Scott and Nixon went ice fishing at Strawberry Reservoir.  Scott and Nixon caught fish.  They had a blast.  I bought George an ice fishing tent so they were warm.  They also had the ice drill and an ice sled.  Nixon went walking around and ended up with his leg in an ice hole.  He got warmed up in the tent and had so much fun. They plan to go again. 

Nixon pulling the supply sled

                                                               setting up the tent

                                                                 setting the bait

                                                                       Success

                                                         Nixon slipped in a hole in the ice.  

New Year's Eve we watched football all day.  We loved it. I finished a new tatted snowflake while watching.  It was a year full of many blessings and now we are studying the New Testament together   LIFE IS GOOD.                                       

                                                          Elder Kolton Bayles and companion

                                                               Sister Molly Bayles

NOVEMBER AND SO MANY BLESSINGS

                                

Today we are thankful for a new month and new beginnings.  We started this month with an Endowment and then Initiatories in the Provo Temple.  What a great way to begin a new month. When we got home Scott was almost finished renewing our front door.  It is so beautiful. It was showing much wear and now it is brand new.  We are so thankful for children who help us in so many ways. We thank you all.

Thank goodness Granddad had cleared the garden.

The next day, Wednesday, we received a beautiful snow storm.  It was a very heavy one and broke many branches from our trees.  Good way to prune.  We are always thankful for moisture in any form.

Our furnace man, Jacob, came to see if we needed anything.  This furnace is the only one we have had and is 33 years old.  He put in an $18.00 compressor and nothing else.  He could have easily said we needed a new one but Dan Williams referred us to him and he is so honest. We are so grateful we don't need to buy a new one yet.

We are so thankful we can go to the Payson Temple every Thursday and spend that time with our friends the Seamons.  We love that time together and love that we go to I HOP after.

November 4th is my sister Karen’s birthday.   I think she is 82 and has been such a loving sister  all my life. She lives in Boise, Idaho so we don’t see her very often.

Saturday, Dad volunteered his truck to move some sisters, the Atkinsons, to Payson.  They are elderly and one is in a wheelchair.   They lived on the 3rd floor and now are on ground level.  Many helpers came from our ward to help them move everything from the third floor.  I am so grateful that Dad shared in this way.

Sunday, the 6th was Fast Sunday.  We are thankful for those who shared with us.. It lightens our hearts.  Cameron came for dinner and then stayed until we went to bed.  We  love that he feels comfortable here.

The 8th was a special Relief Society adventure.  We started with donuts and hot chocolate and then all got in cars for a STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT,  CHRISTMAS SHOW at the BYU Planetarium.  It was amazing.  They have instruments that show the night sky anywhere in the world.  It showed right where our homes are and then  took us back to the birth of our Savior and what the sky looked like then. I am so grateful for instruments that can show this and make it possible to know why the Wise Men knew where to find Him.  We were on our backs in soft chairs the entire time so it was easy to see.  It was such an amazing evening.  I had someone drive several of us so we could park in the handicapped and not have to walk so far.

Wednesday Dad finally saw Dr. Larsen.  His shoulder has caused him pain for about 3 months now.  They took X Rays and saw that one of the bones was clearly broken and then sent him to imagery for a CT scan for a better look.  They think that they can grow the bones together with electro stimulation for 3 months.  If that doesn’t work he will have the surgery over again.

November 11th Dad turned 78.  I am so grateful for such a good man in every way.  He is my salvation and helps me when I am down. He never tires of doing EVERYTHING for me.  I haven’t cooked an entire meal in almost a year and a half.  He can make anything and it taste so good.  It doesn’t matter what I ask him to do, he does it.  I can’t imagine life without him.  The Lord put him right in front of me and I have been blessed ever since. He knew how much I needed such a good priesthood holder and good man.  He is my only.  He loves the Lord and tells it by how he lives and serves.  I love him with all my heart.

Sunday evening Clark and Dianne invited the Utah families for pie and ice cream to celebrate Granddad’s birthday. Everyone was there and we just visited and had such a good time. No cake for him, just a variety of pies and ice cream.  I didn’t even count how much he ate.  He knows, and loved every bite. It was such a good time to relax and tell stories.  We hated to leave.  We gave everyone our Christmas book for this year.  It is a small one but has such a wonderful message.  We are so thankful for this wonderful family our Father in Heaven has blessed us with.  We love everyone and those yet to come.

                                          Beatrice and William wanted me to read them a story.

                      I'm not sure if these pictures were all that evening but at least they're cute.  

                                                   This is the book we gave the families.

The next evening we went to Ava and Rowan’s Heart to Heart dance concert for Shriners Hospital.  They earned over $45,000 to help the patients.  It was a delightful evening in Salt Lake city.

The Vivint young man came this morning to check all of our doors and windows.  He was very nice and thorough.  He put a new and better camera on the outside of our home and installed a feature on the garage door that when we leave we can check on our phones to see if we shut the garage door and if not we can do it.  Many times we are not sure and have to go back to check.  So thankful for technology.

                                       

Somewhere in here we went shopping at Wal-Mart and ran into a couple we served with in the Palmyra Temple.  It was so good to be with them. He fixed so many problems with my not being able to do things on my computer.  He was mt substitute for Kristin and I still don't know how to do things.  He was very patient.  As they were visiting we ran into many other couples from Hither and Yon and visited for over an hour. It was such a fun time and so good to see people we don't see often.

Tuesday, November,15 was Riley Clark’s birthday.  He is now  23 and is such a special person.  He loves everything, especially his cute and loving wife.  He loves his family and the restored gospel of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is studying at UVU and works for Spectrum Academy, a school for students under the umbrella of autism.  He is thoughtful and kind to everyone. We are grateful for all the things he does for us, especially in the spring.

The same day George and I had an appointment with our new cardiologist, Dr. Luni.  He is from India and we are happy with him.  He looked at Dad’s pacemaker, which records  from under Dad’s bed (amazing that he can read this from our home) and said we will put in a new battery tomorrow.  He is very thorough.  It is a bit difficult to understand everything he says because of his accent but we figure it out.  He has doubled my Eliquis pills and takes good care of us.  We are thankful for good doctors.

He took care of it the next morning. We went to the temple first and did 22 initiatories. All went well at the hospital and Dad is doing fine.  My sweet ministering sister, Carma drove me to Costco to get his medication because neither of us could drive. We are so grateful for her.

Thursday found us at the Payson temple with the Seamons.  We are so thankful for their friendship and the fun we have at I-Hop afterwards.  We certainly do laugh a lot.

My loving husband got up at 4;00 to serve the morning shift at the temple.  He loves this service and I love him for doing it.  We are so blessed.  He goes every Friday morning.

Saturday the 19th was a wonderful activity for Jessa (Janessa).  She will be Janessa Bayles next month in the Logan Temple.  Shanelle arranged the entire activity and it was absolutely wonderful.  Bethany was sweet to drive me there. Shanelle had prepared crepes for the treat.  They were the best I have ever had.  I gave Jessa a handmade quilt, a tatted ornament  and pitched in on the family gift.  We are so grateful that Parker chose a young girl who loves the Lord and is faithful with a strong testimony.  She fits right into our family and is everything we could ask for. They will have a full life together. Of course I didn't take a picture.  Thank goodness Dianne did, as always.

The next day we flew to Las Vegas for the Zion’s Youth Concert.  It was a Christmas theme filled with a full orchestra and choir. Clara played the violin.  She is amazing and is just a freshman in her school.  This is an annual event and is held at the Smith Concert Hall.  It is huge and always filled for both performances, one in the afternoon and again in the evening.  The youth of today are so filled with talent and goodness.  We are so thankful for the youth in our family.  They set very good examples.                                               

                                            She is second row looking at the camera.

                          

                                                    Dave and Tiffany's private box

                                                              after the concert

This same sweet man gives us a ride to and from the parking lot.  Usually its just the women but he was very kind.

The next day we flew home.  We now have a new Provo Airport with two airlines available.  It is very inexpensive and much cheaper than a tank of gas.  It takes us over 5 hours to drive and 96 minutes by air.  Anything is better than the SLC Airport because it is very unfriendly and hard to get to your gates, not to mention it takes an hour to get there.  It is a blessing for people in this area.

Tiffany, Dave and the girls drove to Provo and didn’t get here until midnight.

One of the greatest little blessings on the 21st was little Rosemary (Rosie).  She was born at home and the delivery was beautiful.  Mother and baby were perfect.  Her siblings love her and Bea thinks she is hers only.  They are just a very special family.

The 22nd, early in the morning, we went to serve in the Provo Temple doing 32 baptisms.  What a blessing it is to have help with this work.  Granddad loves doing genealogy findings. He performed  the conformations in that he was healing from his surgery.  

Wednesday, the 23rd,  Tiff and Dad shopped for the final things for Thanksgiving dinner.  Riley, Jonny and Clark came to fix one of the strings of outside lights on our home. We are so thankful for family so close to help us with things we can no longer do.  

Thanksgiving was a blessed day.   Granddad and Tiffani did the dinner.  They brined the turkey first and then smoked it.  It was the best ever.  Cameron joined in the festivities.  He loved that his family was here.  We had potatoes, salad, and carrots from our garden.  The rolls were yummy, made by Shirley’s Bakery.  The apple and pecan pies were huge and we still have some frozen.  We ate all day.  Again, we are so thankful for our families.  Our Father grants us such wonderful blessings daily.

                                                

                                                         Tiffani and the girls were SO tired.

The 25th was Ava June’s 14th birthday.  She is such a wonderful young girl with a great love for her family and loves her cousins.  She is very talented in dance and is amazing in the performances she performs.  She is beautiful in every way.  We are so grateful for her willingness to help us.

Saturday, Dave flew home.   Tiff and the girls had gone shopping in Park City because the girls had never been there.  The shopping was bountiful and they came home so excited with many purchases.  They found many bargains, buy one get one free.  They loved seeing snow. So blessed to have these choice girls.

The next day they called Ava to go shopping with them at Traverse Mountain.  Well Granddad was not about to lose out on another shopping spree.   He loves to shop.  I wasn’t going to go but how can you not be with those girls?  We stopped at Mo'Bettahs,where Cameron works, for lunch. He loved it.  Yummy!  We are grateful that these girls love Cameron.

 It was so cold because the stores are arranged so that you walk outside to go to each one.  We had to get hot chocolate.  They were so fun and crazy.  We are so blessed to have these girls want to be with us.  We laughed a lot.  They had saved their money and were very wise shoppers. I even bought a coat and dad bought a shirt.

Sunday, the 27th, Dad was the main speaker in church.  I can’t even describe how wonderful he was.  Tiffany and the girls stayed so they could hear him.  After the meeting he couldn’t even get down the steps because so many people gathered around him to praise him.  No kidding, he was like a general authority speaking.  It was so perfect.       When we got home people texted, called and dropped by to thank him.  He was so inspired.  He is such a good man and I am so blessed to be spending eternity with him.  People are still stopping at church to compliment him on how much they enjoyed it.  He is a very good man who tries to do things the right way.

Cameron came over to see his mom and the twins before they left and stayed for the evening.  We love that he is here every Sunday.

The next day we had a meeting with our financial advisor from First Purpose.  While we were there we visited with his receptionist, (I'm think her name is Vickey) and she gave me the new Richard Paul Evans book.  It is a true story of his youth and  very touching.  It made me hurt to read but I was thankful that it ended on a positive note.

Tuesday, the 29th George had an appointment with Dr.Adam Bergeson.  His nurse practitioner is a  very good orthopedic doctor and Granddad has had such a sore hip for such a long time.  X-Rays were taken and the doctor said it was his back that was out of whack and he needed physical therapy.  We are hoping it will help.  So far so good.  We are so grateful for the good doctors in this valley.

We ended this wonderful month with joy and happiness in our hearts for all the blessings we have received because of family, friends and the restored gospel of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  He lives.

                                We love our missionaries and pray for them in every prayer.