We spent the past two weekends with family. It was exciting to have a visit from Eric, Megan, Grant, and Grace the weekend of February 14-16. We really enjoyed their visit. Jake was able to spend the night with us and had a fun time playing with Grant and Grace.

We were able to return to Rexburg and stay with Stephen and Jodi this past weekend (February 19-21). It was mom’s birthday on February 21. We had a great time just hanging out with Stephen and Jodi and their children. Wow! There is still a lot of snow! We miss the weather and Rexburg but know we are doing what the Lord wants us to do. When we stopped at Broulim’s to pick up the traditional chocolate milk, we spent about a half hour standing in front of the store visiting with neighbors and friends - Diane Pierce, Peggy Stewart, and Lynn Archibald (Chief of Police). It was like we were Broulim’s greeters! It took us 45-60 minutes just to pick up some chocolate milk, but it was worth it!

The highlight of the weekend was my mom’s 94th Birthday Party! It was a surprise party. She thought she was going to dinner with Ruth and LuDell - which she did, except that the dinner was at Serena and Max’s! It was wonderful to see all the family members that were able to come - even Serena and Max were able to come home for the party (from their Family History Mission in Salt Lake City). Joan was able to come up from Las Vegas area. We returned back to Orem later that evening, arriving at 10:15 PM.

We attended our own ward this morning and then, trying to be good missionaries, we attended another ward’s Sacrament Meeting. I was intrigued by the messages. I found it quite interesting that in both meetings the same message was delivered, even though the assigned topics were different. There was a strong emphasis upon holding Family Home Evening. Speakers in both meetings read from the First Presidency’s letter dated 1915 regarding the holding of Family Home Evening and the promises that will come by following the council. One of the speakers quoted their bishop with the

Six Things to Strength Families:

·         Daily family prayer

·         Daily family scripture study

·         Daily family meal time – at least one meal

·         Hold family home evening on Monday

·         Hold weekly family councils

·         Have regular family activities

I would like to echo what was taught. We appreciate all of you for holding regular family home evening and for what you do to teach our grandchildren correct principles. May you be blessed as you continue to improve the quality time with the family.

Jodi and Stephen are in France on their way to Portugal to visit Stephen’s parents who are serving a mission. You can check their blog and view some awesome pictures, as well as read about their experiences.

The devotional came at a time when our family normally has FHE, so our FHE has been put on hold until Thanksgiving time when most all of us will be together. We are saddened by the news that Magan’s grandfather passed away this weekend. Magan, Grant, and Grace were already in Rexburg; Eric will be going to Rexburg for the funeral later on in the week. We express our deepest sympathy to Magan and her family; and, extend our love to her.

We still are actively attending the temple. The trip to Manti remains a highlight in our lives. We enjoy working at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple and are constantly learning something new each time we go. Our work at the LDS Employment Resource Services Center in Provo continues to keep us busy with much to do in our spare time. We are learning the importance of loving others and can sense the Spirit as it prompts us while working with people. We’ve talked with homeless people, a man in his 70’s, a young single mother with two children, and yet we get really excited when someone lets us know they got a job and are happy. The Lord continues to bless our lives.

A phone call at 8:15 PM from Jodi, October 22, brought us to a realization of how important our family is and the necessity of having the Priesthood and temple covenants. Lily had an accident and the family was on their way to the Primary Chilren’s Hospital in Salt Lake City! We are so grateful for the power of the Priesthood and expert medical personnel. We are very grateful for the resiliance of a young girl. She has become our hero. We enjoyed the visit from the Parker’s, but are very thankful for Lily’s quick and speedy recovery without having to go through brain surgery. You can check out more detail about Lily’s experience by viewing Stephen and Jodi’s blog. Olivia’s picture is here just because she had such a cute pose. We love al of our grandchildren.

We have been busy lately. It seems that retirement has us doing more that we thought we would be doing. The changing of seasons is beautiful. The tree in the back yard has lost all of its leave - the changing from green leaves to deep red colored leaves was awesome to observe. Now we will be raking leaves before the snow comes for the winter. While  Patricia has been doing grandmother things - organizing costume creations and gathering gifts for grand children, I have been spending leisure time with tools. Both of us are enjoying the opportunity to create something for someone else.

Just being able to go inside the Manti Temple was well-worth the trip. It was our privilege to do two endowment sessions and one Initiatory session (spending about five hours in the temple). Some new insights into the progressive nature of the endowment came. It is difficult to describe the beauty, the wall murals, wood work (carvings), and historic nature. We asked to see some of the sealing rooms and was taken on a short tour. Someone suggested we ask if we could see the spiral staircase. The workers were very accommodating and took us to the bottom of the staircase on the Northwest corner of the temple. It was very beautiful.

Another highlight of the visit was participating in the ordination of my brother, Paul, to be a High Priest. What a blessing to be able to stand in and performthe ordination! Although mom was unable to attend, I could sense that both her and dad were pleased with the proceedings. When we returned back to mom’s place, Patricia asked her if she had received a priesthood blessing since breaking her arm. She said no but would like one. We explained to mom that there were six worthy priesthood holders there (Paul, me, LuDell, Bob, Clay, and Kathryn’s husband) and either one would be happy to pronounce the blessing. She said, “Well, I’d like the new one with all the stuff to do it!” We knew she wanted Paul so be the voice. He did a wonderful, spiritual blessing. Mom ended up having a pretty good day after being a little light headed when we returned from Stake Conference and from the ordination.

We were able to visit with family and friends. We were delivering a walking stick to Bill Griffeth who was attending Wood Badge at Krupp Scout Hollow. It is hard to describe the feeling of home that came over me as we met with the Wood Badge course and presented the walking stick to Bill.

Saturday, August 23, we went to Island Park to find some walking sticks and to have a picnic with Stephen and Jodi and their kids. At our first stop, Lily got out of the car and was bitten by a wasp! I was able to get nine walking stick blanks. I plan to carve one for Lily and put a bee on the stick! Olivia’s birthday is coming up. She found a stick just her size; now all that is left is to carve it. And, Grant’s birthday is coming up on September 3, so he needs a new walking stick. Lots to do. I wonder how I got anything done while teaching school.

Speaking of school, this past week has been really hard not being at school. I suppose the focus needs to be on our mission and our service in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple.