Blog Break

While everyone's been having Spring Break, I've been having "Blog Break." I can't believe it's been a whole week since I last posted something. I guess I've just been kind of busy doing whatever.

Last Friday (April 11) I took off for St. George by myself. The weather was good and it was a nice day, so I was able to cruise along quite well. I wanted to stop in Fillmore at our favorite little place for lunch; but, unfortunately, it was closed and it looked like there was some remodeling going on. I hope it was remodeling and not just tearing up. Hopefully, it will reopen before the next trip down. So, since I couldn't have a Phillmore Philly, I drove through town and had a rest stop and got snacks at the convenience store at the other end of town. That left me ready for an ice cream cone (Snickers flavor, yum) when I got to Beaver. From there I just cruised on down to St. George. I got there about 4:00. I didn't know what to expect, really, once I got there; but, actually, everything went quite well. At 5:00 I went to visit Auntie Reah at her new assisted living place. She has been there about three weeks and has a very nice setup. She was glad to see me and seemed to be doing quite well, although her short-term memory is gone and she kept repeating everything. But she seems happy. When I got back to the condo, Dick had made some tasty potato salad and a neighbor had brought over some delicious fresh-baked rolls, so that's what I had for dinner. Dick seemed okay with me just eating what I wanted, so that was a relief. That evening, Dick's friends from Sandy, Clark and Ellen Wallace, came by on their way to California. They arrived about 10 p.m. to stay over night and then be on their way by 4:00 a.m. Dick enjoyed visiting with Clark while Mom and I visited with Ellen. They're really very nice people. I don't know if their visit had something to do with it, but Dick seemed to be in a pretty good mood the whole time I was there. It was quite different without all that angry tension in the air.

I spent Saturday helping Mom with her clothes. She tried on the new things I brought down for her to see what would work and what wouldn't. Then I made several trips back and forth to the mall to find a few other things, have her try them on, take some things back, bring back some other things, etc. That took up a good part of the day. At 3:00 we went to Red Lobster for a late lunch and to use the gift card Kevin and Wendy had sent for Mom's Bday. It was a $25 card, and our lunch (w/out the tax and tip) came to $24.99. Mom had broiled trout, I had stuffed flounder and Dick had shrimp linguini (or fetucinni, I can't remember). It was all very delicious. Especially with the cheese biscuits. Yum! Mom seemed to get around quite well with her walker. It just takes her longer to go places and do things. After that, I made a couple more trips to the mall .The last trip was to take back some store slips that got into my bag by mistake, so the sales clerk gave me 15% of what I had bought earlier because I brought the slips back. I had already gotten an extra 15% off with the sale that was going on, so I got a pretty good deal. When I got back, I laundered Mom's tops and got them all freshened up. I thought Dick might be mad at me for doing so, but he wasn't. I was trying to figure out his change of attitude towards me. I decided that maybe he knew how relieved and happy I was to get them back down to St. George last December and I had said something about never bothering them again about coming up North. So maybe he no longer feels threatened by me or worried that I'm going to try to get them to move up North. Whatever the reason, he was actually quite pleasant the whole time I was there. On Saturday morning, I even made some oatmeal, which Mom wanted, while Dick was asleep, and I didn't even get in trouble for it later.

On Sunday I went to their sacrament meeting with them at 10:50. While there I saw two friends who used to come to club but don't come any more, Margie Mortenson and Lisa Day. They were both down there vacationing. After church we came back and had a little lunch (baked potatoes a la Dick) and then I took off for home. It was a nice day so it was a good trip back. I passed two accidents on the way home, however. One was a large pickup rollover and another involved several vehicles--a large pickup, a couple of cars and a motor home that was obliterated. Kind of strange to see on a good-weather day.

Soon after I arrived home, Lindy and Nate and the girls arrived bringing Sunday dinner. Lindy had prepared a delicious veggie lasagna and salad. She brought some whole wheat french bread to go along with it and lime rickey floats for dessert. It was all very tasty and we had a lot of fun. Sidney was happy and chowing down on her dinner, just like old times.

On Tuesday, Steven and I went to the devotional at the MTC where Bishop Richard C. Edgley and his wife spoke. Bishop Edgley gave the missionaries Six Principles of Success: (1) Remember who you are. You have been empowered and have a calling. Heavenly Father is with you. (2) Keep the message simple. Jesus is the Christ and His Gospel has been restored to the earth. (3) Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of the Lord. (4) Let the Spirit testify. (5) Keep yourself worthy. You cannot be disobedient and have the Spirit with you. (6) Remember work is the engine. He then told of an article he had recently read by Mitt Romney titled, "Swim in the Deep Water." In it Mitt told how as a young boy out on the lake with his family he would never go in the deep water because he was afraid. One day his brother took him waterskiing out into the deep water. Mitt was mad at first, but then realized it was better out in the deep water. He said, "Since then I've never done anything but swim in the 'deep water.' " Bishop Edgley said that is a good example for the missionaries to follow: "Stay in the deep water. Let that be your motto."

We enjoyed the devotional and our meeting with District B afterward--six elders and three sisters going to Chile, Chicago North, New York, Spain and Canada. They're going all over. The sisters are very sweet and nice. Sis. Leau is from New Caledonia and doesn't speak much English. She did well in the meeting with her English and Spanish. Her companion, Sis. Wiesner, is from Switzerland so the communicate in French. The other sister, Sis. Sellers, is from Arizona. They all seem to get along well.

Other than my trip and the MTC I've just kept busy going to Curves and getting things ready around here for Sarah and Joel to come. I got new bedspreads for Sarah's room and our room. They give the rooms a new an different look.

This morning I went and reserved the White Willow Reception Center for Tiffany and Greg's wedding luncheon on Saturday, October 18. It should be a nice, beautiful place for the family and friends to gather after the wedding. Tiffany likes the historical aspect of it all--"adaptive re-use" as she would say. If you're wondering how many days until the wedding, just go to Tiff's blog and the "wedding countdown" will tell you.

Dinnertime at the Barretts

This evening after dropping Richard off in AF and making a Wal-Mart run, I stopped by the Barretts to see how they were doing. Something sure smelled good in there! Lindy was cooking up some tortellini soup and she was nice enough to invite me to stay. (I always happen to time my visits around dinnertime. Hmmmmm.) Steven is at the MTC tonight greeting the new missionaries who just arrived today, so I was happy for a dinner invitation. While Lindy finished the soup, I went downstairs where Camden and Riley were playing Barbies. They were playing so nicely together. Sidney joined us after she had greeted Daddy Nate who had just come home. She started bringing me lots of food which is her favorite thing to do for me. Camden and Riley had quite the harmonica concert going, and Sidney wanted to join in. So it was pretty musical there for awhile. Then Nate called us up to dinner, and it was very tasty! Lindy has posted the recipe for the soup on her veggie blog, so I think I'll try it sometime. It was soooooooo good. They girls made their way through it, slowly but surely. Sidney would have none of it. Lindy said she keeps forgetting to get her some spaghettios. Nate ate his dinner quickly because he had to go off on a Church assignment. Camden said, "We wanted to play with you." And Riley said, "We'll miss you, Daddy." He assured them he'd be back in time to tuck them in to bed. After dinner the girls wanted me to see some "Dancing with the Stars" which they had TVOd (?) from the night before. They thought it was all quite wonderful, especially the little kids who dance like they were grownups. I had lots of fun there, and then I came home to get some stuff done around here. I'm making progress with my clearing out so we'll be ready for Sarah and Joel and Eliza to come in a few weeks!

Monday Night Salmon Dinner and FHE

Tonight we went over to the Barrett house for dinner--self invited, I might add. When I saw Lindy's blog about the salmon and asparagus she was going to fix, it sounded so delicious! On Sunday when the Barretts came for dinner, Camden said something about Mom fixing salmon tomorrow night. I said I read about it on the blog and I wanted to have some. Camden then said to Lindy, "Gramma wants to come to dinner tomorrow for salmon." What could Lindy do but invite us to dinner? So Steven, Rich and I went over to join the Barretts for dinner tonight. And, yes, it was delicious! Roasted asparagus, baked salmon with Asian glaze and wild rice. For dessert we had zucchini wheat germ cookies with a lemon glaze. They were very tasty, as well. Richard said he liked the cookies but they would have been better without the raisins and with more lemon glaze. He and Nate must think alike. (Nate said he would have liked 2 inches of lemon glaze on top.) We slicked up that 2.8 lbs. of salmon in nothing flat! Yum! Since it still wasn't a good day for grilling outside, Lindy did the salmon and asparagus in the oven; and, I must say, everything was perfect. Thanks, Barretts, for letting us come! When we arrived Nate and the girls were wearing various "dress up" attire. Nate, Camden and Riley went for the Western look, while Sidney was in her Cinderella outfit--high heels and all. She did great walking in the heels--even some running. Very tricky. After dinner, we stayed for FHE, which was very fun. We had an opening song (Riley wanted "Silent Night," but we decided to sing "I'm So Glad When Daddy Comes Home") and prayer, Nate read a story from The Friend. After the closing song and prayer, we had an activity. Grampa suggested "Name that Tune Charades," which the girls thought sounded fun. We had to guess which song was being acted out. I said to Steven and Richard later that there is no way to describe in words how Riley acted out her songs. It was tooooooooooo funny. She made up her own songs, which made it kind of hard to guess the song. She would say, "It's a new song." Camden and Grampa acted out their songs as a team. It was all very fun--and funny.

"Crossing The River"

Yesterday (Sunday) was a big day at the MTC. We started at 8:00 a.m. with fast and testimony meeting in the new branch--Branch 50. Pres. Boone was there to conduct the branch business of releasing Pres. Donaldson and sustaining Pres. Taylor as the new branch president. Pres. Boone asked Steven and me to bear our testimonies, followed by time for a few missionaries to bear their testimonies. Then the Donaldsons were asked to give a parting message to the branch. Sis. Donaldson said she felt like the Lord was showing them a tender mercy by having Pres. and Sis. Taylor replace them because they had served with us previously and it would be easier for them to leave the branch with us there. That was nice of her to say. Pres. Donaldson said that he had been in Nauvoo earlier this week and had stood at the end of Parley Street looking across the Mississippi River. He concluded that CTR doesn't just mean "Choose the Right," it also means, "Cross the River." He told of a friend of his whose ancestors had been in Nauvoo. Half of them chose to cross the river and go west with the saints. The other half chose not to go. Those who crossed the river and went to Utah remained active in the Church. Those who stayed behind fell away from the Church. He said how important it is in our lives to "cross the river,'' to make the choice to follow and serve the Lord. I really liked that analogy of "crossing the river," especially as you picture in your mind that big Mississippi River from the end of Parley Street. Tiffany can really relate to how cold it was the day the pioneers left Nauvoo and crossed the river because she was there on February 4 and participated in a reenactment. What a hard thing that must have been for the pioneers to do. And how greatful we are that they did it. I think in our lives, when we're faced with a hard challenge, we can think about the pioneers and do as they did, "Cross the River."

Something I remembered just now is a sign we saw the other night in the reception area of Pres. Boone's office as we were waiting to see him. It read: "I'm too blessed to be stressed." That's something worth remembering.

After sacrament meeting we went to the Mission Conference which they have at the MTC every fast Sunday. Pres. Hansen, who was released as a district president, and his wife spoke. They were followed by Sis. Madsen and Pres. Madsen. Sis. Madsen told how they had seen the Atonement work in the life of their son, David, who had two brain tumors and many challenges during his 31 years of life before he passed away three years ago. It was touching to hear Sis. Madsen relate how he had overcome the many challenges of his life through the Atonement. She said, "I hope you can liken David's experiences to your own life." David was able to let go of the anger he had felt towards those who had been unkind to him. (Cast your burdens on the Lord.) He accepted his life and his limitations. (Don't compare yourself to others.) He was able to experience joy through service in the temple and being a faithful home teacher. (Find joy in giving service.) He maintained his sense of humor. (Be happy.) He felt and expressed gratitude for his many blessings. (Recognize the Lord's tender mercies in your life.) And he learned to rely on the Lord and focus on spiritual things. Pres. Madsen spoke about the importance of "fervent prayer" in our lives. To pray fervently requires effort on our part. Sis. Boone talked about the importance of keeping a history and recording your experiences so that you can have a record of God's dealings with you. Pres. Boone talked about good music and how it plays such an important part in our lives and in our worship services. That was quite a mission conference. I told Steven it was actually the first one I've attended because I have usually made it a point to attend fast and testimony meeting each month in the 8th ward to keep a connection going with our home ward. But now that we're on this new 8:00 a.m. schedule I'll be able to go to mission conference more.

After mission conference, we had a little study and preparation time before going to fast and testimony meeting in Branch 4. When Pres. Boone got up to conduct the branch business, he said that Pres. Taylor is currently presiding over two branches, so he needs to be released as branch president in this branch. We got to hear from the new branch president, Pres. Lindsey, and his wife, and then there was some time for the missionaries to bear their testimonies before Steven and I gave our parting message. I reminded the missionaries to be obedient, because if they are, then the other things will fall into place. Being obedient is the key for everything else to work. Steven told the story of Elder Aliaga, and how they as missionaries will be able to experience that joy with the fruits of their labors if they will work diligently, teach by the Spirit, and obey with exactness. District B (which leaves this week) and District E (which leaves the week after General Conference) sang their departure number together. That was a big group: 17 elders all singing together. So we said goodbye to the elders in District B who will be leaving this week (Elders Baker, Clements, Trappett, McAllister, Price, Burley, Eakins and Sorensen) and all the other elders in the branch at this time: Elders Brewer, McAllister, Hansen, Norton, Carey, Howard, Thatcher (ZL), Rowley (ZL), Urrutia (ZL), Boyle, McElvain, Barlow, McNinch, Brown, Francis, Kregger, Moore, Campbell, McBride, Smith, Danielson, Hansen, Carter, Morrison, Petersen, Remer, and the new elders this last week, Elders Baxter, Engh, Slade Twitchell, Carter, Warren, Christensen, and Wight. We'll miss seeing them leave but know they'll be great missionaries.

After coming home from the MTC, we enjoyed a fun evening with the Barretts. We had hamburger and rice casserole and corn for dinner. Riley gobbled her corn but had a hard time with the rice casserole. Camden gobbled her rice casserole but had a hard time with her corn. Quite the opposites. Sidney enjoyed eating both things as long as she could feed herself! Everyone loved the tasty sugar cookies from Allen's and the mint Dibs. Sidney tried Dibs for the first time and had quite the funny expressions on her face like "this is good, but painful."

I Must Have Been Worn Out!

Those 200 workouts must have worn me out--I haven't been back to my blog for a week! Actually, it does take time to get over there to Curves every day, so maybe I've been working out instead of blogging! Or something! I've still been going to Curves every day and I really enjoy it. I feel a lot better after I've been. Not that I don't feel well before I go, but I just feel better afterward.

Today is Eliza's #1 Birthday! Happy Birthday Eliza! Those are such cute pictures that Sarah posted today. That was a pretty--and messy--cake! It looks like you all had a fun and exciting day there.

This evening on my way home from AF I stopped by the Barretts and played with the girls in the playroom for a few minutes. Sidney is getting to be such a good walker! She walked and walked bringing me lots of delicious food. She's learned how to do it from the girls. I think she wore herself out going back and forth, back and forth. The Barretts were nice enough to share their real dinner with me--some of Lindy's delicious bean and wild rice soup followed by those mysterious black bean brownies. Very tasty! (See ourveggietales.blogspot.com. Riley told me very excitedly, "My mom has a food blog.")

Steven is at the MTC tonight greeting eight new elders. Last night the MTC Presidency informed us that they will be moving Steven from Branch 4 to Branch 50, where he will serve as branch president there. Ironically, he will be taking the place of Pres. Donaldson who was recently called to be a mission president in San Diego. Pres. Donaldson was Steven's counselor for awhile before he was called to be the branch president in Branch 50. Now Steven will be taking his place. We'll miss serving with the Ahlanders and the Jackmans, and we'll miss the missionaries in Branch 4 that we won't get to see leave. Our new sacrament meeting time will be 8:00 a.m., so that will get me up and going. Steven is already up and long gone by that time anyway, so it won't be too different for him. Maybe he'll be home a little earlier on this new schedule.

Last night (Tuesday) at the MTC Elder W. Douglas Shumway of the Seventy and his wife, Kathy, were the speakers. Elder Shumway used to be president of the Bolivia Santa Cruz Mission. In fact, when Steven was in Bolivia several years ago on Benson Institute business, he was invited by the Shumways to have dinner with them in the mission home and then they took him on a tour of Santa Cruz where Steven had served his mission. He saw firsthand the amazing growth that had taken place in Santa Cruz in the 30 years since he had served there. Back in the day, Steven had served as president of the one branch in Santa Cruz that met in a rented building. Now there are many stakes, wards, branches and church buildings there.

Sis. Shumway told the missionaries five attributes that could make them strong, powerful missionaries. (These are attributes that, as the wife of a mission president, she hoped missionaries would have when they arrive in the mission field.) First, Be happy. Smile and show that you are happy to serve the Lord. Second, Be humble and teachable. Third, Be obedient. Fourth, Know the doctrine, having felt the Spirit, and be ready to testify. Fifth, Be ready to work. I thought that was a good list of attributes for the missionaries to remember and strive to develop, so that when they arrive in the mission field they are ready for the work.

Elder Shumway gave the missionaries a lot of good counsel and advice on how to be good missionaries. "If you almost do what you are supposed to, then the Lord will almost bless you. . . Satan cannot lock you up. You have the key. The key is repentance. The only power Satan has over you is the power you give him. . .Self control is the road to heaven and self justification is the road to hell. . .The Atonement is the Gospel. . .Don't let the doctrine get too difficult in what you teach. . .Peace will be found only through the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is the soul hope of the world." He told a story of their daughter Stacey who served in Canada. While there, she bore her testimony to a young man who said he wasn't interested in the Church. A few years later, when she was teaching at the MTC, a missionary approached her and told her that he was the young man in Canada to whom she had born testimony and he had told her he wasn't interested. He said her testimony had actually made an impression on him, and that later he asked the missionaries teach him and he was baptized and called on a mission. So you never know what impression you leave with someone when you bear testimony, even if they say they're not interested. Elder Shumway concluded by telling the missionaries, "You are Israelites, children of the covenant, may you serve Him well."

Steven met with the elders in District A after the devotional. I took care of some scheduling arrangements with Richard so that Steven and I could meet with the MTC presidency after the district meeting. I met with the district long enough to bear my testimony to them and to feel the spirit of what they had learned from the meeting. It was later when we met with the MTC presidency that Steven received his new assignment.

Earlier in the week we had fun Easter activities with the Barretts. On Saturday we stayed with the girls from about 3:00 to 5:00 while Nate and Lindy attended a play. We played outside with the girls for awhile. Sidney had fun walking and walking out on the grass. When Lindy and Nate returned, they brought Mexican food home for dinner which we all enjoyed. On Sunday, they came for our Easter dinner of ham, sour cream potatoes and peas followed by BE-Naa-Na Cake! (as Riley used to sing; we can't get her to sing it any more). After dinner the girls had fun hunting for eggs out in the backyard. Instead of candy in the eggs, we had put in "clues" of things they could do to be happy (i.e. Obey Mom and Dad, Be nice to sisters, Go to bed on time, etc.). They liked the clues.

On Easter Sunday, I went to R.S. at the MTC and enjoyed Sis. Lant's most excellent talk about ways we can try to be like the Savior every day by applying Christ-like attributes in our lives. (See Preach My Gospel, pp. 115-123.) She asked, "Is Jesus Christ the center of your life? Is that how you're living your life? I know that as we place Him at the center of our lives, we can find guidance and strength and pece. This becomes the key."

After R.S. I went with Steven to district meeting with the departing district, District C--eight elders and four sisters going to the Carlsbad California Mission, except Sis. Crabbe who is going to Salt Lake City South. They've been a good district. Steven gave them his departure message taken from Jacob 5, quoting Zenos' three things to do to be great missionaries: (1) work diligently, (2) teach by the Spirit, and (3) obey with exactness. Then they can experience joy with the fruits of their labors. He told them the story of Elder Aliaga, from Bolivia, whom we met at the MTC prior to his going to the California Carlsbad Mission. He thought Steven might be the Elder Taylor who baptized his grandmother in Bolivia in 1968. Steven didn't know for sure. After coming home and checking his missionary journal and a 25-year mission reunion list, he found for sure he wasn't the Elder Taylor, but he did find an Elder Mark Taylor whom he thought might have been the one that baptized Elder Aliaga's grandmother. He called Mark Taylor; and, sure enough, he was the one who had taught and baptized Elder Aliaga's grandmother. Steven told him about Elder Aliaga and that all his grandmother's children and grandchildren were active in the Church. Mark Taylor was happy and excited to hear that news. The most amazing thing, however, was that Mark Taylor lived in Carlsbad California where Elder Aliaga was going! He told Steven to give Elder Aliaga his name and phone number so that Elder Aliaga could contact him. A few months later, we got a card from Elder Aliaga with a picture showing him and his companion having dinner with Mark Taylor and his family. He thanked Steven for getting them together. The missionaries liked hearing that story about experiencing joy with the fruits of your labors.

Then in Sacrament Meeting we were visited by our friends Pres. Mark Rowe, of the district presidency, and his wife, Paula. They both spoke and gave wonderful Easter messages about the Atonement. It was nice to have them there. District C sang their departure musical number, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives," and "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again." They did a good job, acapella even. Afterwards, we said goodbye to Elders Carlson, McAllister, Poulsen, Stevens, Murray, Stanley, Gagon, and Walton; and Sisters Stepp, Crabbe, Jensen. Sis. Menke is being delayed for two weeks with her injured ankle that needs to heal more, so she is moving to a different branch to be with another delayed sister, and then she'll go to Carlsbad when her ankle is better.

Lots of things happened this week!

St. Patty's Day Dinner (A Day Early)

Tonight for dinner with the Barretts (minus Nate) we had corned beef, cabbage and potatoes in celebration of St. Patty's Day tomorrow. I was amazed at how the girls seemed to LOVE it. Riley ate her dinner so fast, in fact, that her tummy hurt and she had to lie down for awhile after dinner. Lindy said Riley's tummy isn't used to getting food so fast. For dessert we had yummy peach cream pie which the Barretts had purchased from the LaCrosse team boys who were doing a fundraiser. Surprisingly, it was very good. I say surprisingly because the boys had supposedly made the pies themselves. It actually was very good. Riley and Camden asked for seconds. After dinner we talked to Tiff, now back in Illinois, on the phone. When Riley first arrived this evening, she asked, "Where's Tiff?" We had to remind her that Tiffany had gone back to Illinois. When we tried to get Sidney to talk to Tiff on the phone, Sid just looked at the phone like "why is she in there?" Later, however, when Lindy brought up Tiff's blog page, Sidney (who was sitting on Lindy's lap), raised her hand and smiled and said a big "HI" when she saw Tiffany's picture on the blog. She was happy to see Tiff. The girls are already planning their next sleepover to be held in May.

Earlier today I went to Springville to Cousin Jacob Rawle's mission farewell. He's entering the MTC on Wednesday bound for Nicaragua. Steven took care of his branch president responsibilities at the MTC (including giving a talk on "Follow the Prophet") and I had a day with the extended family. (Too bad I wasn't able to speak at the MTC, but I'll have another chance in a few weeks.) It was a very nice meeting, and Jacob did a good job on his talk about the Apostasy and Restoration. He did such a good job, in fact, that Grandpa T. told him he hadn't heard a better talk from a missionary leaving for his mission. Speaking of Grandpa, he got along very well today. He enjoyed the meeting (with the help of a hearing device) and stayed a couple of hours over at Pat and Jim's visiting with everyone. There was a lot of good food there at Pat and Jim's plus lots of family to visit with. It really was a very nice day. Steven and I will be looking for Jacob at the MTC. Unfortunately, he won't be in our branch; but we'll get to see him, I'm sure.

Richard attended church at the 8th ward and reported that we now have a new counselor in the bishopric to replace Bro. Loveless. The new counselor is Bro. Runnells, just back from a trip to Morroco. Richard had guessed that it might be Bro. Runnells. He's a very good guesser. He guessed two members of the new Stake Presidency and he guessed Bishop Knell when he was made bishop awhile ago.

A Whirlwind Week!

Boy! That week went by fast while Tiffany was home. Now she's back in Charleston already! We had A LOT of fun while she was here and got lots of good things accomplished.

On SUNDAY, March 9, Tiff, Rich and I went to church in the 8th ward. I left after Sacrament Meeting to go up to the MTC. Tiff and Rich went to Sunday School and then to Priesthood and Relief Society. I shouldn't have left Tiff to fend for herself in RS, but she got along all right. She said the ladies were a little concerned that she had postponed her wedding until December and that she wouldn't be getting married in Nauvoo, afterall; but it's okay. They'll get used to it. I had a nice time at the MTC where we said goodbye to District D: Elders Lamb, Wilson, McCollum, Calcara and Collins; and Hermanas Leach and Park. They've been a good district and are headed to Salt Lake City and San Fernando. For their musical number, they sang, "How Great Thou Art," accompanied by Sis. Leach on the flute and Elder Price on the violin. They did a good job. The missionary speakers were Elder Eakins and Hermana Crabbe. Bro. and Sis. Jackman were the other speakers and they spoke about prayer. Sis. Jackman said that we should pray and ask for help in even the little things. The Lord will help us. Bro. Jackman said that the Lord will help us in every aspect of our lives if we are obedient and ask for His help.

The Barretts came for Sunday dinner and we had bean soup. The girls LOVE beans and rice--especially Sidney. When Lindy said, "We're going to say the prayer," Sidney put her hand over her heart because she thought Lindy had said "We're going to say the pledge." The girls had lots of fun playing with Tiffany after dinner.

On MONDAY, March 10, Tiff went with me to my Club lunch at Chef's Table. She's never eaten there before, so I thought she'd enjoy it. I had a tasty steak wrap and she had a yummy steak salad which were both very good. She said my friends are funny (in a good way, I hope). After lunch we went by Goldsmith's Jewelers to drop Tiff's ring off to be sized to a 4.5. Who would have thought Tiff had such little fingers? Then we went to the White Willow Reception Center in Provo to check out the possibilities for a wedding luncheon there. It's a fun place--a neat old home in the historic part of Provo. The prices are reasonable, too. It seems like it would be a great place for Tiff & Greg to have their wedding lunch. After the White Willow, we went by the Distribution Center to pick up a few things. Then we went by a couple of white dress places just to see what was out there. We weren't really thinking that we would find THE dress; but at White Elegance, we found the perfect dress. It's meant to be a temple dress, but it is so lovely it can be a temple/wedding dress. If we were to have one made, it would look exactly like this dress. So we got it. It just needs to be altered a little to fit perfectly (sleeves and hem adjusted). With a burgandy sash, it should be just perfect.

After dinner we went over to the T's in Springville for FHE. Tiffany showed us her presentation she did for the RS birthday party in Charleston. It was very good. I think Grandpa T. was quite impressed with Tiff's sweet historical and audio/visual skills. Grandma Cathy had baked a delicious cherry pie for dessert, which we all enjoyed.

On TUESDAY, Mar 11, we went to Excel Eye Center for Tiff's yearly exam. While there we somehow fell into a black hole. Glenn Beck would say a "worm" hole. Anyway, at 9:30, when we checked in, they had to redo all of Tiff's personal information because of a new computer system. That took until 10:00. Once that was done, we sat down and waited, and waited and waited to be called back to see the doctor. All these people who had come in after us were going back, but no one called for Tiffany. We wondered what was up. Plus there were all these people in there trying to get their records updated and waiting to see the doctors. There was such a crush at the reception area it was impossible to talk to anyone. When Tiff was able to ask someone why we hadn't been called back, the lady just said, "Oh, Dr. Parsons is backed up today." Finally, 11:15, when we'd been there almost two hours, I went to the one head lady and told her that we better reschedule our appointment for May because we couldn't wait any longer. That made her go in search of Tiffany's chart, which no one could seem to locate. Finally, it was found somewhere where it shouldn't have been and they called Tiff back to see the doctor. Once we were back there it didn't take long at all. The doctor said her eyes look fine and she doesn't even need new glasses. So that was good news. After the checkup, we sped away from there to make our 12:00 appointment with our friend Yevon Romney for a belated birthday lunch with her at Brick Oven. That was fun. We shared a 14" barbecue chicken pizza. Very tasty!

Tuesday evening Steven came home for dinner so we could eat with Tiff before we went to the MTC for the devotional. While we were gone, she was able to get some miscellaneous things done around here. The speaker at the devotional was Elder Spencer V. Jones, of the Seventy, whom we have never heard before. His talk was about the plan of salvation, with emphasis on the missionaries' objective of putting people on the path that will eventually lead them to the celestial kingdom and life with our Father in Heaven. Afterward, we met with District E, which had just had one of their district members leave to go home that morning. They were feeling emotional about that, so it was good that Steven could be there with them that evening to help them feel better about everything. The three new zone leaders are in this district: Elders Thatcher, Rowley, and Urrutia. (They replaced Elders Lamb and Wilson who were leaving for the mission field Wednesday morning.)

On WEDNESDAY, March 12, I went with Tiff out to Camp Floyd so she could check with Mark Trotter about her upcoming internship there. We left here at 9:15 a.m. and it took us about 45 minutes to get out there, just in time for her 10:00 appointment. When she met with Mark, it was a little disappointing because he told her he would only be able to pay her for four months instead of the six months which he had told her earlier. He said she could volunteer for the final two months, but that didn't sound too good because she would have to drive all the way out there for two months and not get paid, even for gas. Bummer. So we were kind of down in the mouth about that, until Tiffany decided that maybe it could work if she did her internship there at Camp Floyd from June to October, then get married in October instead of December, and then go with Greg to Illinois where she could finish her internship for the last two months. I had a similar idea, so it turned out we were thinking along the same lines. Tiff called Greg to see what he thought about the plan, and he thought it sounded good. So we felt better about things after that.

On our way home from Camp Floyd, we stopped at Thanksgiving Point to check out the wedding luncheon possibilities there, since we were in the neighborhood. The facility fee is not bad ($100 for two hours including linens, servers, etc.) but the food is waaaaaaaay expensive. It made White Willow look all that much better.

That evening, while Steven was at the MTC greeting 8 new elders, Tiff and I met Greg's mom at Bajio in PG. She treated us to dinner, so that was nice. We had a good visit with her and enjoyed our shrimp tacos. She about had a heart attack when Tiff said there was a change in the wedding plans and she noticed that Tiff was not wearing her ring. When Tiff saw her panicked expression, Tiff assurred her that everything was fine, the ring was at the jewelers getting sized but there had just been a change in the date. Pam was much relieved. She thought the new plans sounded good. She told us her new plan was to leave here on Saturday to join her husband in Arizona and start a new job there. Good luck to her!

On THURSDAY, March 13, Tiff went with Steven in to BYU so she could spend some time at the library. I met her at 1:00 at the Wilkenson Center. While there we decided to go to BYU Catering to check on the possibilites of a wedding luncheon there in the Skyroom. We thought we might as well while we were there. The girl that helped us seemed a little spacey and couldn't really give us definite answers to our questions. I think they're in the midst of changing some of their prices and policies. All in all it sounded pretty good, but I thought White Willow still sounded better. We wouldn't want to have it there in the Skyroom if Oct. 18 is homecoming weekend; and the date of homecoming hasn't been set yet, so the Skyroom is a question. My vote is for White Willow.

After meeting with catering, we went down off campus and enjoyed an authentic J Dog and all the taste and ambience that goes with that. Eat your hearts out, Sarah and Joel! (j/k) The reason we went there is because they love J Dogs so much, and rightfully so.

That afternoon, after dropping Rich off in AF, Tiff and I drove around AF and PG taking pictures of old homes for her Mormon architecture paper, then we went to the Holy Cow boutique, which was a lot of fun. We saw the lady who checked us in at Excel Eye Center and she was embarrassed when she saw us, but we told her no hard feelings. She didn't know what happened to Tiff's papers after they left her hands, so it wasn't her fault.

Just when we thought our day couldn't get any better, we went over to the Barretts for dinner where Steven joined us. What fun we had, and what delicious food! Lindy fixed some of her tasty squash and potatoes on spinach with buckwheat crepes. Yum! Yum! For dessert, she had fixed a wonderful coconut cream pie, which had a layer of chocolate pudding, and was topped with coconut marshmellows. Talk about delicious! The little girls enjoyed fixing food down in the playroom. Sidney can even join in on the preparation and serving of such food now that she can walk and bring the food over from the stove to the "customer."

On FRIDAY, March 14, we ran over to Target to check things out there. Tiffany had been wanting to go over there since she misses Target so much in Illinois. She's lucky to live almost next door to Wal-Mart, but it's just not the same as Target. She did stuff around home while I ran Rich over to AF. Then we went in to BYU to pick up some papers from the library; then to Goldsmith's to pick up the ring (which fit perfectly); then to Shirley's to pick up w/w rolls for dinner, but they were out of the w/w rolls, so we picked up w/w bread instead. We made it home just in time to get the spaghetti cooking before the Barretts arrived for dinner. We wanted to have one more dinner with them before Tiffany left, plus the girls wanted to see Tiff's ring (without the sizer on the back) and the wedding dress. They liked both the ring and the dress. Camden said the dress just needs a sash that's burgandy with pink polka dots. She also said in a tired voice, "We're sure talking a lot about weddings." (When Camden grows tired of wedding talk, then you know it's time to stop.)

On SATURDAY, March 15, we got up bright and early to get Tiff to the airport to catch her 8:45 a.m. flight to Chicago. We got up to the airport without incident and got her checked in and moving through Security. Then we headed home. By noon (our time) she was already in Chicago, catching the train to Union Station where she met up with Aly for lunch and the train ride to Mattoon where Greg met them and took them to Charleston. We're glad she made it back safely and that we could have such a fun time while she was here. I can't believe how fast the week went by, though. Two months from today, I'll fly to St. Louis where she and Greg will pick me up (after the Cardinals game), and then I'll drive home with her to Utah. Sounds like another fun adventure is in store.

Sunday Salmon Loaf

Tonight for dinner we had salmon loaf (Grandma Adair's recipe) with cheesey potatoes and Uncle Kevin Beans. It must have been pretty good because everyone sat right up and ate it. Riley kept us posted on who was winning the different contests: "I win the green bean contest!" "Camden wins the whole dinner gone contest!" etc. Even Sidney thought it was pretty good. She sat up and ate her dinner with a fork! After dinner we read books and had fun. Sidney was brave and even walked around a little bit. We had a fun evening.

Earlier today I went to fast meeting in the 8th ward with Richard. We thought we might get a new bishopric counselor today because Bro. Loveless was sustained to the Stake High Council last week.But no new counselor today. I left after that meeting and went to fast meeting at the MTC. I didn't play the piano today because Elder Collins did, and he did a pretty good job. I'm glad he did so that he can build up his confidence in playing. At the MTC is where he needs to get his practice. I hope he keeps playing after he leaves for the mission field next week. In testimony meeting all three Elder McAllisters bore their testimonies. I just think that's kind of interesting to have three Elder McAllisters at the same time plus Elders McCollum and McNinch. There's Elder McElvain, too, but he says his name Mackelvain.

Last evening Steven and I went in to BYU for the College Basketball Night with the donors to the college. We had dinner at the Bean Museum and it was very good: Smoked turkey, Baron of Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Carrots, Salad, Rolls and Pie for dessert. Steven and I had the multi-berry pie that had big strawberries in it. It was very tasty! After dinner we went to the game: BYU vs. Air Force. We left shortly after halftime when BYU was over 30 points ahead. The final score ended up being BYU 76 and Air Force 57.

Going for an Actual Walk

Steven didn't feel well during the night last night and still felt crummy when he woke up this morning, so he didn't go to work. He stayed home and rested and felt pretty well by afternoon. So this afternoon we went for an actual walk because it was actually pretty nice outside--not too cold or stormy or anything like that. We decided to walk down to the old neighborhood. It made us glad we don't live down that way anymore. Coming back up 4th South we stopped by Carolyn Mock's to see if she was home and she was. We visited with her for a few minutes before she had to go visiting teaching. It was nice to see her. She seems happy. She's dating Sid James who used to be in Dad's college before he retired. He was also married to Grandma F's first cousin, Dawn, who died a few years ago. So we've known him for a long time. Carolyn said to tell Tiffany that she has the rock Tiff painted there at the cabin along with that cool picture of the distant storm which Tiff took from the front porch of the cabin.

Earlier today I went for my annual eye exam from Dr. Parsons. Everything checked out A-OK! At my exam a year ago he was a little worried about glaucoma, so I had the glaucoma test today and I passed! He said everything looks normal. That was good to hear. After the eye exam, I went to the Art Museum at BYU to meet up with the club friends. We had a tour of the Minerva Tiechart exhibit and then ate lunch in the cafe. I had the turkey harvest croissant sandwich (a regular on the menu) which has cinnamon cream cheese and apple slices on it. It was quite delicious.

Steven gave the lesson tonight for FHE. He talked about Pres. Monson and his life leading up to becoming President of the Church. He is such an amazing man! He never served a mission because he joined the Navy during the ward. Then after the war he went to school. At age 22 he was called to be a bishop. (He once said he was the youngest bishop of this dispensation; but when Uncle Russell heard that, he corrected Elder Monson, telling him that Leo Sanford Taylor [Dad's grandpa] had been called as a bishop at age 19 in Red Mesa, Colorado. So that is no longer said about Pres. Monson.) He was called into a stake presidency at age 27, as a mission president at age 32, and as an apostle at age 36. What makes him so amazing is that with the heavy responsibility he's had all these years, he has still found time to personally minister to people in so many ways.

Last evening the Barretts came for Sunday dinner (minus Nate who was home teaching, or "visiting teaching" as Riley said). We had chili and cornbread. Lindy brought a delicious salad that had mandarin oranges in it with lost of tasty greens. The girls sure love their salad! They were good chili and cornbread eaters, too. For dessert we had cherry pie and ice cream since we missed having it last week and we were only two days past George Washington's birthday anyway. We'll take any excuse for cherry pie. The girls liked hearing the story about George and the cherry tree and never telling a lie. Riley seemed to be recovered from her tearful trauma in sacrament meeting. We had her tell Grampa what her idea was for her mom's talk--that she could get help from Gramma if she got nervous. We told her that was a great idea and she was smart for thinking of it. Cute little thing. Really, who knew that she was hearing what Lindy said? Anyway, we had a fun evening. The girls watched Star Wars with Rich for a little while while Sidney played with Grampa. Camden talked to Tiff on the phone when she called. Riley chose not to because she was busy with her pie; but later, when we were singing "Happy Family," she sang out really loud, "WE LOVE TIFFY YESSIREE." She and Camden can't wait for Tiff to come home on March 7 so that they can have another sleepover.

Sitting with the Barretts

I just got back from sacrament meeting with the Barretts. Now that was quite the active experience! Sidney was perpetual motion for the whole meeting. Lindy had asked me earlier in the week to come and sit on the bench with the girls while she gave her talk this Sunday. Since Nate is in the bishopric and already on the stand, that would have left the girls fending for themselves while Lindy was speaking if I hadn't been there. I don't know if I was much help or not. Camden and Riley are able to keep themselves busy and quiet. Not so much for Sidney. She is missing her morning nap. But she was good as long as she was eating Princess snacks and playing with Gramma's phone. Lindy gave a great talk about the Book of Mormon. It's quite remarkable to me how she can go from wrestling Sidney one minute and then standing up there and giving a talk the next minute. At the beginning of her talk she mentioned that I was there to help with the girls. She said that as they were leaving the house this morning Riley said, "That's good that Gramma will be there because if you get nervous giving your talk, she can come up and help you." The congregation laughed at that. Next thing I knew, Riley was wailing (silently). I asked, "What's wrong?" She said, "Everyone was laughing at me." (Who knew she was listening?) I said, "Oh they're not laughing at you. They're just laughing because the things you say are so cute." We opened another bag of Princess snacks and then everything was okay.

Last night, Steven, Rich and I went through a session at the Mt. Timpanogo temple. We met Rich there at 5:15 after he finished his Saturday work shift. We ate dinner in the cafeteria and then made it on the 6:00 session (just barely). There were a few technical glitches during the session, but all in all, we had a very nice time. We're glad we were able to work out a plan to do a session together since we spend a lot of time over that way every day.

Lunchtime at the Barretts

Today I went over the the Barretts and had lunch with Sidney and Camden while Lindy went to lunch at Thai Village with friends and Riley played at Gracie's. We had fun. Camden ate her hotdog on a piece of bread with mustard and ketchup while Sidney liked having her hotdog cut up in pieces on her highchair tray. She loves to chow down on those hotdogs. After lunch we went down to the playroom for our favorite activity: fixing food. Once again Camden made lots of delicious food for me. Sidney liked pulling all the food out of the basket, "eating" it, and then throwing it onto the big pile in front of her. She was also all over the room. It was hard for me to keep an eye on her. I took my eyes off her for a second, and the next thing I knew she was inside the jumpoline. I didn't see her get in, so I don't know how she did it. The next time I took my eyes off her, I turned around and she was standing up on one of the little chairs that are in the playroom. She's still pretty unsteady on her feet, so I don't know where she was going to go or what she was going to do once she got up there. Anyway, after all that fun, I gave her a bottle and she went down for her nap. Camden and I read stories and made a fort (full of comfy pillows) until Lindy and Riley came home. We read one more story and then it was time for Gramma to go.

Last night Steven was at the MTC welcoming 10 new elders. We have a full house in the branch again, and there isn't a district leaving for a few weeks, so we shouldn't be getting any new missionaries again for awhile. One of the elders who just arrived is a former "lost boy" from Colorado City. Fortunately, there was a good family in St. George who took him in and provided a good life for him along with the Gospel, so now he can serve a mission. Eight of the missionaries who just arrived are going to the Mexico City North Mission where Steven's cousin Janice Taylor's husband, Rick Castillo, is the mission president. We've only had two missionaries come through the branch who have gone to that mission. Now we have eight who are going. It's fun to tell them that they are going to the mission where Pres. Taylor's cousin's husband is the president. The other two elders are going to Bolivia Santa Cruz, where Steven served part of his mission.

On Tuesday night, Steven and I had dinner at the MTC in the cafeteria before going to the devotional where Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander, of the Seventy, was the speaker. He's one of our favorite speakers because he served his mission in Finland, where Richard served. We feel like we have a connection with him. When Elder Neuenschwander served in Finland he became interested in languages, so after coming home he studied Finnish and Russian, receiving his doctorate in Russian literature. He has done so much work for the Church in that area of the world. His wife died last July, so he was accompanied by his grandson (who kept nodding off to sleep during Elder Neuenschwander's talk). Elder Neuenschwander spoke about four principles that will help you teach by the spirit: (1) diligent scripture study, (2) deliver the message, (3) bear testimony of Jesus Christ, and (4) remain worthy. He said, "If you work on these principles while you're on your mission, you will teach by the spirit." I think it can work for any of us who are wanting to teach by the spirit.

After Elder Neuenschwander's talk we met with District D, which is six elders and two sisters who will be leaving on March 12. They're the oldest district right now. I had to smile when Elder Calcara was speaking because he reminded me of what Tanner Faragher (a neighbor boy) might be like in ten years. It's always fun to meet with the missionaries. I told them about reading a letter Tiffany wrote (dictacted) 19 years ago to Grandpa and Grandma T. while they were in New Zealand. She said, "I like to go to the MTC. I like to be with the missionaries. My new friend in Elder Harper." It reminded me of the good times we had there at the MTC when the kids were younger. We're now with our second generation of missionaries at the MTC.

Happy V Day!

Happy Valentines Day! It was a fun day with heart-shaped pizzas and Valentines Day wishes. I went over to the Barretts at lunch time and took two heart-shaped pizzas from Papa Murphey's to bake, one cheese and one pepperoni. The little girls were excited about the pizza, their Valentines, cookies, and other treats. I took some little boxes I had decorated that had some cute socks and a bracelet inside for Camden and Riley. Sidney looked at me like, "Where's mine?" She was happy that I had one for her too. Instead of a bracelet she got a little stuffed dog that says "I love you" when you squeeze his paw. Sidney was sitting in her chair and saying, "I love you." Camden said, "You did a great job decorating these boxes, Grandma." After lunch we decorated some delicious sugar cookies that Lindy had made. Yummy. I decorated some to take home to Richard and Grampa. I picked up a heart-shaped pizza at 5-buck pizza for Richard's Valentine lunch--he likes more things on his pizza than just pepperoni and/or cheese. Steven and I went for an early dinner to El Azetca. We thought we might need to go early to beat the Valentines Day crowds, but there was hardly anyone there. Steven said it was the fewest number of people he had ever seen at El Azetca. I told him that maybe Valentine diners were going somewhere more "romantic" for Valentines Day; but El Azteca was just fine for us. We love their cheese enchiladas. Now we're going to watch "Princess Bride." That's fun for Valentines Day. We hope everyone else has had a nice Valentines Day. When Steven heard the news about the shootings at Northern Illinois University this afternoon, he wondered if we should call Tiff and talk to her about it. But I thought it might be better to not spoil her V day activities. What a tragedy that was! We were sorry to hear about it.

Thanks everyone for your fun blog pictures and Valentines Day wishes. We love all of you, too.

First Edition Book of Mormon

Today after Sacrament Meeting at the MTC, Steven and I went out to Bro. Bankhead's car with him where he showed us his dad's first edition copy of the Book of Mormon that he had brought with him. He had been going to use it in his talk about the Book of Mormon, but had decided not to use it afterall. We enjoyed being able to see it. To handle it we put on the white cotton gloves that he had with the book. Tiffany would have been proud of us.

Bro. Bankhead was released today as Steven's counselor in the branch presidency. His wife, Jann, is still undergoing chemotherapy and Bro. Bankhead feels like he needs to be free to have more time to be with and take care of her. So he was released today. Pres. Breinholt, who did the releasing, told Steven that they hope to have a new counselor for the branch by next Sunday.

Speaking of new, we got a new stake presidency today at Stake Conference. I went there with Richard this morning. Bro. Craig Brady is the new stake president. His first counselor is Bro. Bateman (Pres. Bateman's son) and the second counselor is Bro. Burgi, our former bishop. Richard had guessed Bro. Bateman and Bro. Burgi as possibilities, so he was right about them. We had guessed that maybe Rick Romney would be the new stake president, but he wasn't. I guess he still needs to be at the MTC like Steven.

Elder Glenn Pace was our visiting General Authority and it was nice to have him there. He gave a good talk about facing new challenges and feeling the spirit in our lives. He related a visit he'd had with Pres. Uchtdorf after Elder Uchtdorf had been called into the First Presidency. Pres. Uchtdorf told him that he didn't know about his new call until he heard Pres. Monson say his name in the meeting with the Quorum of the Twelve last Sunday. He said that after Pres. Monson announced Pres. Eyring as his first counselor, he waited and listened to hear who the second counselor would be, then he heard his name. He was surprised. That would be a surprise! Elder Pace also talked about how feeling the spirit can be the same no matter where you are--whether you're in a meeting with the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve or whether you're in a meeting or class in your home ward. The spirit can be felt in many situations and it is available to all who prepare and take advantage.

Today at the MTC District A sang "Praise to the Man" for their departure number. Three of them don't leave until next week, but Elders Schow and Hatton leave this week for Mexico. I was able to greet new District E today--10 elders who came in last Wednesday. It's kind of funny, but in each of the three districts that have come in the last three weeks there is an Elder McAllister. We've had double names before, but I don't think triple names--especially in one district after another. So I told the Elders McAllister that they are #1, #2, and #3. We also have Elder McDonald and Elder McCollum to go along with the other Elder Mc's. We have two Elder Thompsons and an Elder Egan and an Elder Eakins. Sometimes is hard to keep everyone's name straight.

Tonight for Sunday dinner we had meatloaf and potatoes. Lindy and the girls came without Nate because he came home from church not feeling well. We hope he feels better soon. After dinner, Camden and Riley watched Star Wars with Richard while Sidney played with Grampa. Lindy and I cleaned up. Then we got to decorate valentine cookies. The girls did a good job and were very artistic. They even decorated a cookie to take home to daddy. We had a lot of fun.

Tiffany called and said she was having a problem with her car. She had started out to go get Alyson at school, but then her car died right there in the parking lot of her apartment. She tried to push it back into the parking place but couldn't do it by herself. Luckily, the guy parked next to her came out to get in his car and he helped her push her car back into the parking place. By this time her fingers were frozen. Steven told her to call AAA to see if they could help her out tomorrow. Hopefully it's just the battery and she can get it fixed without too much hassle. She was able to warm her fingers up with the help of the heating pad the Barretts sent her.

The Sun Was Out Today!

Today was nice because the sun was out and the snow was melting. On the way home from AF this afternoon I was behind Lindy at the stoplight, so I followed her home. She had Sidney with her and had left Riley and Camden to play with the neighborhood kids. We walked down the street and found them playing and having fun. After being cooped up inside for so long it felt good to them to be out. Lindy told them it was time to head home. Camden started to cry and said, "But I'm having fun." Lindy explained it was getting a little too cold to keep having fun outside, so we needed to go home. Camden still cried a little and said, "But I was having so much fun." She was good, though, and came along home. Once inside, I went downstairs with all three girls and they fixed me some good food. Sidney kept smacking her lips every time Camden and Riley came up with a new concoction. So we were able to have a little fun indoors. After awhile I went home to fix some dinner for Grampa.

Bajio at the Barretts

Steven had another Wednesday night at the MTC greeting 10 new elders; so after dropping Richard off, I went by Bajio to pick up some dinner to have with Lindy and the girls since Nate is out of town. I got a kids bean burritto and rice for the girls, a grilled chicken salad for Lindy, and a veggie burrito for me. It was quite tasty. Sidney got the black beans and rice smeared all over her face. After dinner, the girls and I played for a little while. Camden wondered who had put something on Riley's balloon/ball that she was playing with. Riley piped up really loud, "It wasn't me, I know that for sure. It must have been someone else." Lindy took Camden to Parent/Teacher Conference along with Camden's "100" poster. It was so cute with 100 hearts and 100 flowers. While they were gone I stayed and played some more with Riley and Sidney. They made lots of good food for me down in the playroom. Then Camden came home and made a very delicious salad for me. She put it in a bowl with potato chips all around the edge. She said, "It's a flower." Very artistic and tasty, too. It was such a fun evening!

Snowy Sunday

We woke up this morning to--you guessed it--more snow! Steven left at about 6:00 for the MTC and I could hear him out in the driveway doing some shovelling. When it came time for Richard and me to leave for church, I thought I better go make a path for us to get out of the driveway. As I started shovelling, along came Bro. Abbott with his snow blower; he proceeded to clear off the whole driveway and the sidewalk. That was nice of him. So Rich and I headed over to church for fast meeting. It's good to be in the ward on fast Sunday, then I don't feel quite so removed from everyone and everything. Lisa Arrington Radulovich bore her testimony and told about practicing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir last Thursday evening when someone came in and told them to get their things together because they had been invited by Pres. Hinckley's family to a private viewing in the conference center. So they gathered their things and went over to the conference center where they were ushered in to the Hall of the Prophets where Pres. Hinckley lay in state. She said it was very quiet and solemn and there was the most wonderful feeling and spirit in the room. She said she was standing close enough to Pres. Hinckley that she could have reached over and touched his cheek. She said the thing she felt the most as she stood there in the room was the feeling of how much impact one person can have on the lives of so many. And how one person can make such a difference in the world. She said Pres. Hinckley's son (she didn't say which one) shared some thoughts with them and told them how much Pres. Hinckley loved the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Then he invited them to sing some hymns, which they did. They sang "We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet" and "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again." I can't remember for sure what the third hymn was, but I think it was "My Redeemer Lives," the hymn with words written by Pres. Hinckley.

After ward fast meeting, I went to the MTC to attend fast meeting with Steven's branch there. Eighteen missionaries bore their testimonies, and District F sang "We'll Bring the World His Truth" for their departure song as well as the closing song. The 10 missionaries leaving are: Elders Rodee, Hodson, Richardson, Darrington, Pearson, Castilla, Silcox, Christensen, Gooch and Despain. They've been a good district. They're all leaving for Chile tomorrow except for Elder Castilla who has been detoured to Las Vegas while he waits for his passport to come through. Elders Christensen and Despain have been the zone leaders. Elders Lamb and Wilson were called to replace them.

I phoned the Barretts this morning to see how they were doing and Nate answered. He said poor little Camden had been throwing up all night and that she and Lindy were quarantined in the "sick room." He and Riley and Sidney were trying to have as little contact with them as possible so that, hopefully, they won't get the germs. When I talked to Lindy later in the day she said Camden had finally stopped throwing up and her diarreha was subsiding. Poor little thing. She said she hoped she and Camden won't get each other's germs and that Nate and the other girls can avoid their sickness. We hope for that, too.

Steven, Richard and I had our Super Bowl Snacks dinner without the Barretts. Boo hoo. Richard had been looking forward to having them come over because they usually go to Grampa and Gramma Barretts on Super Bowl Sunday for Uncle Mark's birthday. But they were planning to come here this year until all the sickness interfered. So we had our snacks without them. We had: bean dip and chips, little quiches, shrimp, li'l smokies, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and buffalo wings. Richard had ordered those special, so I picked some up at Macey's. Steven ate only one buffalo wing and he said it about made him throw up. It was everything he can't stand about chicken. Maybe we'll forgo the buffalo wings next time, although Richard thought they were pretty good. As far as the Super Bowl goes, we were happy to see the Giants pull it off with the miracle fourth quarter. (Do you think perhaps a miracle could happen with another Super Something as in Super Tuesday? We'll see.)

Pres. Hinckley's Funeral

Today was Pres. Hinckley's funeral, and it was a beautiful, sunny winter day. It was cold, but not as cold as it's been. So, I think Heavenly Father was honoring Pres. Hinckley with such a beautiful day and a welcome break from the constant cold, snowy, gray winter weather we've been having. Richard went to work at the temple today even though it was Pres. Hinckley's funeral. I guess they had to keep the temple open for all the weddings that were going on plus other things scheduled there for today. But I told Richard that if he had to be any place else today other than watching the funeral, the temple was a great place to be. I don't think Pres. Hinckley would have wanted all temple work to stop for his funeral; so, it was actually a way for Richard to honor him by being there during the funeral.

I just loved the funeral. Even without being there in person we could feel the spirit of the occasion as we watched on TV. The talks were wonderful as was all the music. The speakers were Pres. Hinckley's daughter, Virginia H. Pearce; Bishop H. David Burton; Elder Earl C. Tingey; Pres. Boyd K. Packer; Pres. Henry B. Eyring; and Pres. Thomas S. Monson. Sis. Pearce said, "My father was adorable, a marvel to watch." She also said, "These past four years (after Sis. Hinckley's death) have been the capstone years of his life." She told how he was very sad after Sis. Hinckley passed away; but, for two years, he went back to work in every sense of the word. Then, for another two years after that, he was granted a "miraculous two-year extension of his life" after being diagnosed with cancer. He kept on working until the end.

Bishop Burton said that Pres. Hinckley was considered by the young people of the Church to be "awesome," that he connected with the young people and encouraged them to "stand a little taller, do your best, and raise the bar," and he gave them (and us) the "six B's" to follow: Be Humble, Be Grateful, Be Smart, Be Clean, Be Prayerful, Be True. He told how several years ago when there were 47 temples, of which Pres. Hinckley had part in dedicating 30 of them, Pres. Hinckley said, "My, I would love to be alive when we have 100 temples." The Rexburg Temple, which was scheduled to be dedicated before he died, is #125. He told how Pres. Hinckley had wanted "Little Cottonwood Granite" to be used in the construction of the Conference Center, but that there was much outside opposition to the use of the granite. When Bishop Burton and others suggested using another material, Pres. Hinckley said, "Don't worry. A way will be provided." He will always be remembered for encouraging us to do and be the best we can and to stand a little taller.

Elder Tingey spoke of the "footprints" left in the sands of time by Pres. Hinckley: as the great communicator; his influence on missionary work--400,000 missionaries were called by him which comprise 40 percent of all the missionaries who have ever served; as a temple builder--there have been 75 new temples since he became president; his sense of humor--he once told a group of missionaries, "You all look like a bunch of penguins;" being a "renaissance man" with the building of the Conference Center, etc.;" his promotion of education with the establishment of the Perpetual Education Fund; the expansion of the quorums of the 70 under his direction; and his love of all people, to name a few. He concluded by thanking Pres. Hinckley for his valiant service; integrity; wisdom; judgement; talks; testimony of Joseph Smith, of our Heavenly Father and of Jesus Christ; and "Thanks you for letting us know that you loved us."

Pres. Boyd K. Packer told how when Pres. Hinckley was first hired by the Church to work in the newly-organized public informtion department he set up a broken desk and brought his own typewriter from home. He requested a ream of paper (500 sheets) and was asked, "What will you do with all that paper?" He responded by saying, "I'll write on it," which he did and "he never stopped writing." He also told of how, as a new apostle, Pres. Hinckley had visited the mission where his son, Richard, was serving. After visiting with his son, Pres. Hinckley watched him walk away with his companion into the cold, dark night and said that was "one of the hardest things I've ever had to do." Pres. Packer said that one of the things Pres. Hinckley understood best was the "family," and that Pres. and Sis. Hinckley's family could be described as "ideal."

Pres. Henry B. Eyring said that Pres. Hinckley's motto was: "Things will work out." He then listed things that Pres. Hinckley had accomplished: He saw the way to build temples across the earth; He saw the way for young people across the world to walk out of poverty; He conceived the Conference Center. His accomplishments always blessed individuals with opportunity. He knew that a loving Heavenly Father had prepared a way for families to be together forever. He learned from his father and encouraged each of us to "forget yourself and go to work." As a young man, he promised the Lord that he would do his best and he has been doing that ever sense. He taught that all that the Lord requires of us is that we do our best, our very best. Pres. Eyring concluded by saying, "We are better because of his influence and his example; and the best is yet to come as we take the Gospel down into our hearts."

Pres. Monson quoted a line which says, "God makes a giant among men" and Pres. Hinckley was such a giant among men. He said that Pres. Hinckley has truly been a prophet for our time. He went about doing good. He reminded us that Pres. Hinckley still lives, he's on a heavenly mission. He concluded on a personal note saying, "Gordon, God be with you 'til we meet again."

As a closing hymn the choir sang, "My Shepherd Will Supply My Needs" over a montage of scenes of Pres. Hinckley going about doing his work as prophet. He never stopped working and loving the people. I thought the whole funeral was a wonderful tribute to him.

After the funeral we got to see the cortege leaving the Conference Center and going to the cemetery. All along the way, people were waving white handkerchiefs and canes. At the cemetery, after everyone was assembled, a bagpiper came from somewhere in the cemetery playing "Danny Boy" and "Praise to the Man." I thought Tiffany would have especially loved hearing the bagpipe playing "Praise to the Man" since that is what she used for the accompaniment to her slideshow tribute to Pres. Hinckley. Everything about the funeral and the day was wonderful. I loved it! We'll miss Pres. Hinckley so much. It's hard to imagine that he has gone, but we can always be grateful for his teachings and his example which he left for us to always remember and try to follow.

Lindy called this afternoon to say they probably wouldn't be coming over for dinner tomorrow evening because her cold was getting worse and Camden had started throwing up. So things don't sound like they're going too well at their house. They've got a lot of bugs flying around: strep, superbug cold, and now the flu! We're hoping and praying that they can get better soon.

For dinner tonight we had steaks and baked potatoes from Macey's. Steven and I went to pick Richard up from the temple, and on our way we stopped by Macy's for some groceries. They were having their annual Super Bowl tailgating party, so it was pretty wild. We were there just as they were getting ready to do the drawing for the big screen TV and the winner had to be present in order to win; so as you can imagine, there were lots of people. Outside they were grilling up some New York steaks; and you could get a steak, potato and drink for $3.00. So we got three and took them home for dinner. Yum!

Happy February!

Today is the first day of February and it's a cooooold one out there! The funnest thing that happened today was that Lindy dropped Sidney and Riley off here for a little while while she ran to see Dr. Stacey. She thought she might have strep throat again because her throat hurt so bad; and, as we all know, they've had their share of strep germs floating around. So, while she went to the doctor, Richard and I got to entertain Sidney and Riley. We had a lot of fun getting all the toys out and then putting them back again. Sidney is becoming very good at putting toys back after she has gotten them all out. When Lindy returned, she said she was negative on the strep but that she has a superbug cold going on. That's all they need at their house--superbug cold germs!

Fun at the Barretts

This evening Grampa and I went over to the Barretts to stay with Riley and Sidney while Lindy took Camden to the "Family Beach Paradise Party" at her school. She was very excited to be wearing her swimsuit coverup, sunglasses and flip flops. I told her it was too cold and snowy for flip flops, but she assured me that she would run right in to the school. Grampa and I had fun with Riley and Sidney while they were gone. We had pizza and rootbeer for dinner. Sidney ate a whole piece (cut up) in no time. Riley enjoyed hers, too. During dinner Riley was telling us all about the blood and bones we have in our bodies. She said, "We even have bones in our tongue." When I laughed at that, she said, "That's what my teacher says" (only she pronounced it "saes"). We played with them for awhile, then got them in their pj's before Lindy and Camden came home. When Sidney heard the garage door go up she started saying "Ba-ba" (blanket) and making a beeline up the stairs. She was tired and knew when her mom got home she could go to bed. While Lindy was putting Sidney to bed, we read some stories then said prayers. Next stop for them: bed. They were both tired after such a busy evening. What a fun time we had!

Finding the Strep Culprit and Remembering Pres. Hinckley

Today I went over to the Barretts to stay with napping Sidney while Lindy took Camden and Riley to the doctor to see which of them was the strep culprit--the carrier of the strep bug that has been making them all sick (Lindy, Nate and Sidney). The nurse thought Lindy was crazy (I guess she's never heard of a "carrier"), but she went ahead and tested the girls; and, sure enough, Miss Camden showed positive for strep even though she's not sick. So Lindy got a prescription for her; and, hopefully, it will help her get rid of the bug that's been causing the strep throats in their family.

This evening Steven came home for dinner so that we could drive in to the MTC together in the snow and only have one car in there instead of two. (Also we could go over to AF together afterward to pick Richard up.) After dinner we headed in to the MTC for tonight's devotional. The speaker was Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Seventy. He said he had prepared a talk for tonight about "Finding;" but with the passing of Pres. Hinckley, he decided he wanted to share some of his thoughts about Pres. Hinckley instead. He said, "This is a week to reflect and honor Pres. Hinckley in every way we can."

He told several experiences he had with Pres. Hinckley as he served as a mission president in New York City. One day Pres. Hinckley called Pres. Rasband at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time (7:30 a.m. Mountain time) to discuss something with him. After their conversation, Pres. Rasband told Pres. Hinckley that he was on his way to meet with the missionaries. Pres. Hinckley said, "Tell them what time it is in Salt Lake City." Elder Rasband said he did tell the missionaries and also told them to "always remember what Pres. Hinckley was doing at 7:30 in the morning."

Then he related some things Pres. Hinckley told the missionaries at a conference which was held in Madison Square Garden. He told them: "If you're not up to 100 per cent, you get there." Also, "Don't worry about the hard work--just do it!" "Don't be a deadbeat and don't be a dropout." "This, elders and sisters, is your great opportunity." And, "May you have more tears for your departure from your mission that you did when you came from home."

He also told about the day he was called to be a General Authority and Pres. Hinckley asked him, "Does the testimony of Jesus Christ still burn in your bosom as it did when you were a young missionary?" Elder Rasband asked the missionaries, "Is the testimony of Jesus burning in your bosom?" Then he said, "Go forward on your mission with excitement and with a testimony burning in your bosom. Go forward now and do it." He closed by saying that he was thankful for being on this earth during the days of Gordon B. Hinckley.

It was a wonderful devotional with a strong spirit there. The music added to the spirit, as well. For the opening hymn we sang the hymn written by Pres. Hinckley, "My Redeemer Lives," instead of the usual "Called to Serve." For the closing hymn, we sang "We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet" with a picture of Pres. Hinckley on the big screen. I thought the singing was especially good--almost like there were other voices joining in. Of course, 2000 missionaries singing all at once sounds quite powerful. But it sounded extra powerful for some reason.

After the devotional we met with the new district that came in last Wednesday--eight elders and four sisters. They appreciated Elder Rasband's remarks about Pres. Hinckley and expressed their own thoughts and feelings about Pres. Hinckley along with their love and appreciation for him and that it was he who had called them on their missions. One of the elders in the group is Elder Warren Grant Gagon, who happens to be Aunt Kathy and Uncle Fred's nephew (John Gagon's son). It was a nice evening.