A Beautiful Setting Sun

 Our friend Shawna sent us this picture of a beautiful setting sun.

I think the fires in the area and their smoke created this beautiful sight.

Pray For Utah

 

Raccoon Sighting

Ken often crosses the Virgin River on his morning walks. Recently he spotted a raccoon swimming in the river and got some great photos.

 

Bed Bugs? EEK!!!

  I have to admit that when Nathan went on his mission I didn't expect to receive a picture of him in a Hazmat suit.  But that's what we got.  

 

He and his companion helped an elderly hoarder lady clean everything out of her house as it was all infested with bed bugs.  They had to wear these suits in 85 degree weather with 100% humidity.  Here is what he wrote about the experience:

 1) We have an elderly lady in our Ward who has struggled with hoarding disorder for her whole life.  She realized she was infested with bed bugs 5 months ago. They have completely infested the house and they are everywhere. To treat the house we have to move everything out but it is really hard because she is emotionally attached to every single one of the items and we can't get in there and move everything out. We have to do it very slowly and carefully with her and control. To do this and keep all the members and us safe, we have to wear these hazmat suits and take a bunch of other precautions so we won't get bed bugs. She did not have air conditioning and it was 85° with almost 100% humidity. The whole thing was just a disaster and it was super physically uncomfortable. But throughout the whole thing we felt a deep love for this lady and support from God as we did it. It was an awesome opportunity for the lord to bless us with patience and love. It helped me to see others as Christ does and to be more patient and recognize that this life does not define these people.

I just cried when I read those words as He didn't judge her, but just loved her and served her, even though it was so difficult for him.

We are so proud of our missionary.  His email this week said that he was made a zone leader and he was so excited that he gets to stay with his awesome companion for another transfer!  Those two are setting Ohio on fire!

The Calamity Club

 

Historical Fiction Audio book I loved the first half of the book. Meg is wonderful. The second half of the book is a sorted tale, but you certainly meet some colorful characters. Take out a few of those sorted details and I would rate this book higher. The audiobook is excellent.

I Am Malala

 

I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World by Malala Yousafzai
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Non- Fiction Physical book
One of the reasons I love to read is so that I can visit other countries and immerse myself in other cultures. But I have a hard time with the south Asian countries. This story happened in Pakistan during the beginning of the reign of the evil Taliban. Malala is a young girl who seeks education in a country that looks down on women and educating them. It is sad. She is shot because she speaks out for women’s education. It is a sad story; but well told. I remember when it happened as it made national news. I am grateful to be a woman in the USA where my freedoms are protected and encouraged. May it always be so. God bless America!


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Is Dad Okay?

 From the Proclamation on the Family:

"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families."

Ken has always done all three of these "P's" for our family.  He presides in a loving way.  He calls us to family prayer which was a challenge when our house was full of teenagers.  He would call and we would come.  He was an excellent provider.  It allowed me to stay home and not work.  And he took his role as protector very seriously.  He ALWAYS checked that doors were locked at night, set the alarm and that the stove was not left on.  I rarely even check those things when we go to bed because I know he did.

When our daughters were here visiting, we were all preparing for bed.  Ken had already gone in to go to bed.  Shonna looked over at the front door and found it unlocked.  She came to me and asked, "Is Dad okay?"  "Why do you ask?"  "Because the door isn't locked."  Something must be wrong if Dad didn't lock the doors.  That's how consistent he has always been.

I am grateful for a husband who presides, provides, and protects.

And Here We Have Idaho

 

Idaho arguably has the BEST state song in the nation.  It is so memorable and singable.  At a family gathering with my siblings, we were going through some boxes of my mom's stuff and Pam found a copy of the song.  She started singing it.  Soon, all joined in except Ken and Roger who were raised in Utah.  It was such a sweet moment.  Everyone knew every word.  It really is the best.

Our Faithful Missionary Friends

Meeet the Burdicks.  We have been friends with them since about 1980 when they moved here for Dean to join the CPA firm that Ken  worked for.  That firm eventually became Hinton Burdick.  We have lived in the same ward, home taught each other at different times, Marsha and I have done choir together (she's an amazing pianist/organist and I've led) for more years than I can count.  She was also my visiting teacher for years.  We raised our families together and shared many an experience.  They just left on their 7th mission.  

1, Dean served in Brazil as a youth and Marsh recently served a mission at home in family search.

2. Florida

3. California

4. Nauvoo temple

5. South Africa

6. South Africa again as secretary to the area 70

7. Now BYU Hawaii campus

They come home for a while between, then head back out on another mission.  We honor them and admire them.  It is a privilege to know them.  Aloha dear friends!

 

Printed in the ward bulletin on the day they spoke in church before leaving:

As a ward family, we lovingly sustain ahd support these departing senior missionaries.  Their example reminds us that the Lord's work is carried forward by willing hearts at every stage of life.  Through years of experience, testimony, sacrifice, and devotion, they continue to answer the call: Whom the lord calls, the Lord qualifies.  From Africa to Hawaii and from the pulpit to the piano, the Burdick's willingness to serve proves that discipleship is measured not by destination, but by devotion.  We pray the Lord's choicest blessings will attend them in their service.

Amen and Amen.

Three Daily Wins

 I love this.

Donna Sanderson Memorial

I can't find a picture of her!  A dear lady recently passed away.  She lived in this ward for years and boy, did she make a splash.  About ten years ago she moved up to northern Utah to live in an assisted living center near her daughter.  They recently held a celebration of life luncheon for her here.  It was delightful to hear the stories about her.  She was loving, outgoing, spunky, and chatty.  She was so fun.  She served in the young women when she was in her 80's and the girls loved her.  It was so fun to reminisce about this dear sister and enjoy the company of others who loved her.

Some of the attendees. Helen on the left is 94 years old- the second oldest member of our ward.  How I love each of these dear people.  They mean the world to me.

 

The Collected Regrets of Clover

 

The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Modern Fiction Audiobook
The theme was death, but the lesson was all about life and living it well. If you like character driven books, this is a good one.


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This Tender Land

 

This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Historical Fiction Physical book
Thank you, Odie, for taking me on this journey with you, narrating it so openly and beautifully. I feel you and I are friends and I was cheering for you and Albert and Mose and Emmy the whole way. I didn’t always like your decisions, but I’m glad you all made it in the end.
This is a book I would like to reread. I think I would enjoy it even more a second time because I wouldn’t be so afraid of what was going to happen on the next page. I didn’t want anyone to hurt or swindle these four children and I wanted them to succeed.
If you want to go on an adventure and really enjoy some good characters, I recommend this excellent book. 5 stars.


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Prayer (Hinckley)

 A beautiful testimony from a prophet of God:

Who Helps You Feel Safe?

 At the end of the school year, William brought home from school his Thoughtful Thursday journal.  Each Thursday the children responded to prompts in their journal.  As Michelle was reading through it, she found this tender entry and shared it with us.

My grandpa because on the Lagoon lift there was an open space big enough for me to fall out.  So he put a hand on my knee and it helped me feel safe.

Have You Seen Luis Valez?

 

Have You Seen Luis Velez? by Catherine Ryan Hyde
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Modern Fiction Physical Book
I loved this sweet, feel-good novel about caring for others, community and family. This is the kind of book that I most enjoy. I loved Raymond and Mrs. G. and the relationship they developed. I also enjoyed being immersed in New York City life. I am fascinated by what living would be like in the big city. I think most would enjoy this excellent book. I will be looking for others by this author. 5 stars.





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Job Interview

 

Our 15-year-old grandson recently went for a job interview to get a summer job.  It was his first ever job interview and he was understandably nervous.  When asked when he would be available to work, he answered,"I'm a Mormon of the Church of LDS, . . . um."  The interviewer responded, "So you don't want to work on Sundays.  Got it."

Despite his befuddled response, he got the job.

Gardener Ken

 Ken does such a beautiful job of caring for our landscaping.  We are loving our new terraced front yard.  

I especially love these beautiful flowers on the east side of our house.

Said No One Ever

 

Our beautiful granddaughter Brielle is at BYU and taking Statistics.  To say she is brilliant is an understatement.  She recently said, "Stats 121 is the easiest, most intuitive class I've ever taken."

Probably the first person who has ever said that!!

It All Works Out (Hinckley)

 Didn't you love President Hinckley.  He was always so positive and encouraging.