JANUARY AND NEW BEGINNINGS  2023

 This new year has been filled with many wonderful blessings in that we have had so much snow, which we so badly needed.  It’s more than we have had in the past few years and we are hoping to have enough to help with filling the lakes and reservoirs.  We hope the same happens next year.

The best thing was that the new year started with the Sabbath.  What a day to help us make new promises and be with families more often.  We can look back at the past year and remember the many blessings we received.  We look forward to many blessings this year and are working very hard at doing our best.  We still make mistakes but we are grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ,  who has given us the opportunity to repent each and every day.

Monday we started very slowly on putting some of the decorations away.  We are very slow but by the end of the month it will all be done.  I don’t know if this is a picture of Clara taking down ornaments or putting them up.  Either way it was helpful.

We continue to go to the temple every Tuesday and do 2 endowments or 1 endowment and 1 sealing or 1 initiatory. Thursday we do an endowment at Payson with the Seamons and then go to I-Hop. We love that we can go with our friends and that we are so close to many temples.  Just know that I will not put all of them in here. (You just know it)

The 4th, Scott started taking apart our bedroom bathroom.  He decided we needed a bath that we didn’t have to lift our legs to get in.  He is making a beautiful walk-in shower.  (No more chair in the tub and a great place to put our shampoos and stuff in. It took him the entire month but what a miracle of beauty it is.  I will enter pictures of his progress all month.  It’s amazing.

                                                   Dad is making sure he does it right.

The next day I had surgery on my nose.  It was a Mohls process named after the man who developed this procedure.  I had already had a scrape and burn done on my left forehand.  This was very intense.  Dr. Tristani did my eyebrow a few years ago and she is amazing.  I was in her office for 51/2 hours with all the waiting and staying in a waiting room for the results.  She had to do it 2 times to get it all and then more waiting.  She put in 23 stitches.  The bandage looked like a golf ball on my nose.  It was so uncomfortable.  Tiffany  flew in from Vegas.

The 6th Tiff and Dad went to Traverse Mountain to return some things.  Tiff loved the snow.  That evening she and Cameron flew to Vegas for the Vegas Raiders and the Kansas City  Chiefs game.  They used their Christmas money so the entire family could go.  Great way to spend the money.  They had a blast. Tiff helped Dad take down the Christmas lights,  helped with a few things for me and then took hold of my pantry and completely reorganized it.  After a few days I knew where everything was and didn’t miss a thing she threw away. Amazing!!!

putting in the bench
January, Sunday the 8th we picked up Cameron at the Provo Airport.  We love that it is so close and only takes a 56 hour flight, not to mention it's only $45.

Monday we both saw Dr. Bell and it was a good report. 

Thursday the 12th I got my stitches out.  Wonderful day.  I now have many layers of steri strip and will see the doctor in 6 weeks.  I cannot shower facing the shower head until the strips fall off.  It feels so good not to have those big bandages on.

Dad took Cliff Bush to the dentist.  They enjoy being together.

Scott has worked very hard on our shower and it looks so good.  Friday the 13th, Beth and Rowan came to help.  The dogs are such good help? 

On the 14th, Beatrice had her 2nd birthday.  She is so enjoyable to be around.  She is in charge and loves everything.  She thinks she is in charge of Rosemary and just loves being around her.  She loves her brothers and just enjoys life.  She’s a little spitting image of her mother.

Saturday we shopped for accessories for Dad’s bathroom.  It is getting so beautiful.   We have purchased towels and rugs and now Scott is going to paint his vanity. 

This is a very hard working helper.

We continue to have Cameron for dinner every Sunday.  We love that he feels comfortable here and we enjoy his company.  Elder Darley is home and gave a great talk.  He was in Baltimore and did much speaking in Spanish.

Monday was Martin Luther King Holiday.  He was a great fighter for racial equality.

Thursday, the 19th was Jalen’s 13th birthday.  How can he already be a teenager?   He is learning so much more by being a stay at home student.  Kristin is amazing with the things he is learning.  He loves his family and doing things together.

The next day was Dianne’s birthday.  She is so excited because she is schooling at the birth center and getting paid.  She has missed being there and will soon be a midwife.   She is a hands-on mother and loves her family.  She and Clark are a perfect match.  They are always ready to help others.  She is a perfect Mimi. (grandmother)

Well it’s my birthday today,21st,and 79  I'm just getting younger every day.  It’s so fun.  I love this man I am married to more that I could ever explain.  He just gets better every day.  I can’t even imagine a day without him.  I am so grateful the Lord set him in front of me and said he’s yours.  Best decision I’ve ever made.  There is no way to describe his go

Scott finished the shower and Dad helped.

                                                                         BEAUTIFUL

Scott finished the shower, Kristin and Tiffani gave me a Delft Nativity, Erik and Shanelle gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers,(still beautiful) Clark and Dianne  shared a birthday.

William Johns is now 7.  He is so full of information.  He loves school and is really learning to use Chinese. He loves books and loves his Mimi to read to him.  He loves his brother and sisters.  We love that  he is such a good boy and happy most of the time. The entire family dressed in Chinese clothing for Chinese New Year. 

 

The 23rd Dad took me to Outback for a very yummy dinner.  We even had a Chocolate Thunder down Under.

Tuesday we couldn’t get the furnace to come on.  We called Wrights Furnace Company and they told us what to do but nothing happened.  Scott came over to see if he could help but no luck.  The company told us they could come Monday because they were so filled with work. The next week was cold but bearable.  Dan Williams built us such a good home that we just put on sweatshirts and hunkered down.   Dad built a fire in the woodburning stove downstairs for the evenings and then we had a little heater in our bedroom for the night.  It really wasn’t too bad.

Wednesday Dad had an appointment with Dr. Hunter about his CPap  Everything is good.

Carma Bush and Karen Rhodes took Annette Nordgren and me to lunch at Leatherby's.  They are such caring sisters. I had never been there and it was so good.  We laughed and laughed.  It was great fun.  There were 4 missionaries eating next to our table so we all went together and paid for their meal and dessert.  That is such a fun thing to do.

Friday, the 27th Scott finished the bathroom by painting the entire room.

The next day was Aunt Mikki’s birthday.  She is amazing and knows everything about the families dead or alive.  She loves her people and cares for them.  She is an amazing woman with a tender heart.

I finally pealed my strips off and was very surprised and how good they looked.

Yea!  Monday we got our new furnace.  The men did such a clean and wonderful job. They worked so hard getting the old furnace out and the new one in.  We do not have an entrance in the basement so it was a tight squeeze.  They left everything clean.  The new furnace is very loud but it is because it is more powerful than our last one and it pushes the air out through littler vents which causes the noise.  We could have new vents made, but no way.

                                                                    a day later

Tuesday was the last day of the month.   Of course we were at the temple.  When we left home the temperature was 10 degrees.  It was so cold.  Every chair was filled in the session.  We love the missionaries that come to the sessions.  They are so refreshing and just have a glow about them.  When we got back home I realized I had left the gloves Tiffani gave me from Scotland.  They are wool and so warm and so special.  Dad hurried back to the temple and I actually got out almost running.  There they were in the dressing room on the counter.  We are so grateful for honest people.

January was a very cold month but hearts were warm and people were so thoughtful and kind.  We live in such a beautiful place where we can often feel the Spirit. I know I shouldn't share this note from Kristin but it really helped my heart to know I affected this precious girl in Blanding.

Speaking of Blanding this page was sent to Dad from Jess Cornwell

Our missionaries help us so much in feeling the love of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

                                                                             Molly

                                             I can't remember if I used this foto before. Kolton

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