Dinner and Games

 I had Tucker, Lyndsy and Maren's family over for dinner last Sunday.  After dinner we play the game Fruit Salad.  Lots of fun and lots of laughter.  Such a good time.  Desmond was here for a visit.

Greg playing his own game.  He isn't big on table games.  But he very patiently waits while the rest of uf play hours of games.  He is a great sport.  We love you Greg!!

Andrew's 21st Birthday Wish

Andrew just turned 21 and has been counting down the days for his birthday so he could go to Wendover with family and gamble.  I was invited to come along.  I've never gambled or sat at a casino table with chips in hand.  But, I wanted to add to Andrews birthday wish.  Jeff, Maria (Jeff's sister) and Andrew left in the morning to head to Wendover.  I drove out to Annie's and we left her house about 11:30 and headed to the Casino.  I had $50.00 to gamble with and when it was gone I would be done.  Our first stop was the roulette table.  I cased in my $50.00 for $5.00 chips.  I basically bet very conservative on either red or black and sometimes numbers.  I was pretty lucky and actually came out about $30.00 ahead.  From there we went to the Black Jack Table.  Jeff was on the end, then Lynda, me and Andrew.  I had no idea what I was doing but with Jeff's help Annie and I had a good time and actually came out ahead again.  I can easily see how people get the adrenalin rush when you win and you keep wanting to have that feeling.  But, Annie and I decided we would quit while we were ahead.  We gave our winnings to Andrew and we headed home.  It was a fun day and I was glad to be out there with Andrew.  What a great young man he is.  Love this boy so much.

Annie also invited us out to their home for a birthday dinner for Andrew.  Food was delicious and the games were, as always, very fun.

The cookie pizza birthday treat that Andrew requested.

Happy 21st birthday, Andrew Man!!!

Tucker

 I really think Tucker is the only one in this whole family who has the patience to work with Neal on any computer or phone problem.  When I found out Neal was going to Xfinity to talk about our bill, I quickly called Tucker and said, "help".  He came on Friday morning and spent literally, the whole day going back and forth between our home and Xfinity trying to solve a problem.  Apparently we had an old box that needed to be replaced.  After many attempted tries and getting no positive results, I suggested we stop and go to lunch.  Tucker set the TV up on streaming and made an appointment with Xfinity to come to the house and figure things out.  Tucker had heard about a taco place that had just opened so we went there for lunch.  Because we had never been there before we decided to order two of every kind of street taco.  We had fun sampling all of them and picking out our most favorite.

The Xfinity service guy came and was able to fix things.  Apparently when it was originally set up the wires weren't spliced the way they should have been causing us losing many channels that we should have had and been paying for.  I can't thank Tucker enough for helping and for his patient in working with his dad.  Believe me, he is the only one who can make it go smoothly and with little frustration (that I can see)

Valentine's Day

As I've said in almost all my past journal writing that I just love Valentine's Day.  Every year I almost think there might be the ring of the doorbell and a chocolate heart left on my porch.  Interesting how childhood memories are so meaningful and clear and make us feel good all over.

This year I sent out the Valentine card with the $2.00 bill in each one.  A tradition started long ago and something my grandchildren still seem to look forward to and get a kick out of.  Mallory sent me this picture letting me know she had received her card and her two dollars.  

Neal and I celebrated by getting pedicures and then off to Market Street for a delicious lunch.  It was such a fun day.

Love this man and appreciate so much all he does for me.

Stake Conference

 I love Stake Conference.  It seems the messages prepared and given are always so poignant and touches my heart every time along with increasing my testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ and his remarkable gospel.  

Our stake president gave a talk about the Desert of Doubt and that we can find ourselves in that desert.  He then gave 6 points for us to ponder and consider.  I was taking notes as fast as I could and I'm sure these are totally complete but the message is there.

1.  Often times doubt can turn to fear and when fear takes over we don't think clearly.  We need to avoid doubting our beliefs and conquering our fears with our testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Doubt and fear lead of to more doubts and we soon find ourselves overcome.

2.  When in the desert of doubt it is important to remember your experiences.  We need to reserve and respect the experiences we have had and they will sustain you and help you.

3.  Don't play with domino's of doubt.  Don't let one issue or doubt crash into another causing the domino effect.  Gospel truth's stand independent.  Powerful truths stand independent.

4.  Don't jump to conclusions.  Don't get lost in public opinions or internet opinions.  Know what your foundation of truth comes from and stay with that foundation - being the Savior.  

5.  Call for help.  Stay humble and teachable.

6.  Find the water.  We cannot survive without water.  Find the living waters of Jesus Christ and turn to the Savior.

Such an amazing talk.  I love the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I'm so incredibly grateful to my mother who joined the church on faith and brought her children up to be independent and filled with love for the Savior.  She was a remarkable person and mother.  I love her and miss her.

Christmas Lights

It was time to take down the outside tree lights.  We were waiting for a warm day and a Saturday gave us the perfect weather for climbing the tree and putting away the last of the Christmas decor.  I talked to Maren to see if Boston would be willing to come in and help Neal and I take down the lights.  Because of Neal's back surgery, his job was to wrap the lights as we unwound them from the three.  Maren and Boston did most of the work.  They were both up in the tree numerous times as well as climbing to the top of the ladder to get all the lights down.  

 It is a pretty fast process to take the lights down.  Putting them up takes three times as long.  Neal gave Boston a little spending money for helping us and then the four of us went to lunch together.  It was such a fun morning to be with Boston and Maren.  Thanks to you both for being so willing to come and help.  We love you both so much.

Memory Lane

 There is a sister that I work with at the temple on Tuesday mornings.  We knew each other when I lived in the old 8th ward - my other life time.  Susan Kormylo brought a picture that she found of camp.  It must have been about 45 or 50 years ago.  So much fun to look at.

Annie is on the front right and I am in the middle with the "required" long hair.  Annie will understand that comment.  So much fun to see this old picture which brings back so many fun memories of being the camp director so many times.  

Surgery

Neal has been having serious pain in his back and down his right side for the past 4 months.  He has tried everything from therapy, steroid shots to acupuncture to try and relieve the pain but nothing has worked.  He has been avoiding surgery, but I kind of knew it was inevitable.  But Neal had to figure that out for himself.  We finally went to a neurosurgeon who said that he had arthritis in his back between his L3 and L4.  I think that is right.  His lower back.  So he finally gave in and went in for surgery Tuesday the 3rd of February.  He was thrilled when he was able to get up and walk around with no pain in his leg and back.  He has a back brace that he will wear for the next few weeks to help the healing take place.  Glad it is done and overwith.

 

A Thank You

I found out that I'm leading the choir for Ward Conference.  Our choir leader is out of town and so she asked me if I would step in.  I have to laugh because a choir leader I am not but I'm always happy to help and serve where I can.  Besides, I think the ward choir members kind of enjoy a change and I do things very different.  Let's just say I'm not conventional!!  Anyway, I made some phone calls and have some people participating as a favor to me.  We ended up with about 25 people at our last practice.  I told Annie I would like to do something kind of special to thank all of them for helping me out.  So Annie got busy and made me 30 thank you notes.  OMGOSH!  Cutest things ever and I know my choir people will love them.

Is that not the best thing ever!  Thanks Annie for taking the time in your busy schedule of working, taking care of your own family and your ward calling and making numerous trips to Wyoming getting your dad's home ready to sell.  You are amazing!  
 

Prayer

This is a quote that I LOVE from President Oaks:

"You have no idea what's shifting because you pray.  You think you're just whispering words in your car.  Just crying out in your closet.  Just mumbling through tears you can't explain.  But in the spirit. Angels are moving.  Chains are breaking.  Destinies are being realigned.

Demons are losing legal ground.  Heaven is leaning in.  You're not just talking.  You're warring.  You're building altars that will outlive you.  You're interceding for bloodlines that don't even know they're being covered.  Prayer is not a soft option.  It's a supernatural strategy.

That's why the enemy fights it so hard.  That's why your phone buzzes when you kneel.  That's why your mind races when you try to focus.

Because prayer is the place of power.  James 5:16 says, "The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous believer can accomplish much when put into action and made effective by God, it is dynamic and has tremendous power."

So pray tired. Pray empty.  Pray unsure.  Just don't stop.  Because every time you pray, Heaven moves.  Hell shakes. And history changes."

Experiences in my own life have given me the testimony that this is absolutely true!  From the time I was a little girl until now.  So many miracles that cannot be explained.  

A.S.A.P.  Always say a prayer!! 

Puppy Feet

 The first of this month we got our first little (and I emphasize little) bit of snow.  It was cute to have Sprout go out in the morning and experience the first snow on the ground.  He is certainly my dog because he doesn't love the snow and doesn't seem to have any desire to 'romp' in it.  He just goes out and does his business and right back in.  He doesn't love the cold and I totally get it.

Here are some other cute pictures I've taken of Sprout.  We do love this boy and spoil him rotten.

Getting into a little bit of mischief.  If he were in our bedroom he would go under the bed!  But in the front room he just waits for me to see him and trade his find for a treat.  

We are also tending Hurley.  He is Vern and Nanette's dog who is about 90 years old in Human years.  We've had him all last week and will have him all of this week.  They will pick him up on Monday night.  I have enjoyed having him but will be happy to be back to just one dog in the house.  Two dogs on the bed at night can get just a bit crowded.  You will notice that he only has one eye.

Waiting to come back inside.

Sleeping on the couch with me after my temple assignment.  Apparently they were tired as well!

Waiting to go in after our daily walk.

Sprout telling Hurley to wake up and play.

Watching the football games.

On our daily walk.

Temple Day

 Every Tuesday morning for the past 15 months I have been an ordinance worker for the Jordan River Temple.  I get up at 3:15 and head out at 3:50.  My assignments vary every two months.  They keep us busy through the whole 5 hour shift.  I leave the temple at 10:00 a.m. and head home.  On the cold mornings I usually stop at Beans & Brews and get me and Neal a hot chocolate.  Love their hot chocolate.

There is good that comes from being committed to be a temple ordinance worker.  Every ordinance that I participate in reminds me of the promises that I have and also the promise that I have made with my Father In Heaven.  I always, always feel at peace when I leave the temple.  I love that Mallory arranges temple attendance and she and I go (or try to) at least once a month.  We've visited lots of the temples in the valley.  And what a special treat to be in the temple with Annie, Mallory, and Emmi when we were in Hawaii visiting Emmi.  A blessing to give a short two hours from a week of events to the Lord.

This last week, Mallory arranged for Annie and I, along with Mallory, to go to the Draper Temple.  It is such a special time to be in the temple with my daughter and granddaughter.  Annie had her biological great grandmother's name and I had a couple family names as well.  Nice to feel their spirit and know that we are helping them move forward in their endowment.  After, we stopped and got a bite to eat and then we all headed home.  I cherish those mornings and love the feelings and memories those times create.

Thanks Mallory for arranging these times together and keeping me firmly on the straight and narrow path!

Happy New Year 2026

This is my goal for 2026.  I want to concentrate on trying to be happier, look for the everyday tiny miracles, acknowledge those  tender mercies that touch my life constantly.  It was interesting that after I had thought about that goal and decided on it, I went to sacrament meeting and heard this story.  It made me laugh out loud and I'm still smiling when I think about it.  Just fit right in with what I want to concentrate on.  The story goes like this:

A little old lady woke up one morning and went to the mirror.  She looked and saw she only had three hairs on her head.  So she decided to braid her hair and had a happy day.  The next morning she woke up, went to the mirror and saw that she only had two hairs on her head.  So she decided to part her hair down the middle and had a happy day.  The third morning she woke up, went to the mirror and saw that she only had one hair on her head.  So she said, "I'll wear a pony tail today."  And had a happy day.  The fourth morning she went to the mirror and saw that she had no hairs on her head.  She smiled and said, "Yeah, I don't have to fix my hair!"  And she had a happy day.  

Is that not the best story ever!  It's all about being happy and looking for what we can be thankful for instead of what we wish we could have.  Positive thinking always gets us further ahead than being negative.  I like to think that basically I'm a happy person but I do let one person in my life bring out the not so nice side of me.  I recognize it and need to work on that.

I LOVE the gospel.  I LOVE what I learn every week as I attend my meetings.  I LOVE serving in the temple.  I LOVE going to the temple with my daughter and granddaughters.  These are some of the most important things in my life.  I pray that 2026 will only increase my testimony and commitment to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  

Closing 2025

Neal and I ended the year of 2025 by going to a movie with Jeff, Annie, and Mallory.  We went to see Song Sung Blue.  Such a good movie.  After the movie we all headed home and Neal and I spent the rest of the evening finishing up a puzzle and watching the New Year come in.  

I have to say that I love Christmas with its celebrations with the family, good food, the merriment and the sounds of the Christmas music sounding through my house.  But, and I feel, that without the knowledge and remembrance of what Christmas is really about then the celebration is bare.  Faith, hope and love is what Christ's birth is really all about.  Faith, hope and love, which cannot be bought or sold, but only given away.  These gifts are without price and only discovered within oneself and therefore unique.  They are not always easy to come by; but they are in unlimited supply to all of us.

So maybe as we move from Christmas into the new year we could think about these priceless gifts and make use of them in 2026.  Maybe mend a quarrel or seek out a forgotten friend, write a special letter to a loved one, share some treasure, give a soft answer, etc.  So many possibilities.  Keep a promise, find the time, forgive an enemy, listen, apologize if you were wrong, try to understand.  Express gratitude, go to church, take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of this beautiful earth we live on.  

Let's all try and carry the true gifts of Christmas through 2026.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Jordyn Lyn, Lexi and Peyton

 Our three darling granddaughters from California came in to Salt Lake last Thursday evening.  I don't know all the events they were involved in but I do know that Tucker had things planned for every day they were here.  I did get a picture of them enjoying Luminary out at Thanksgiving Point.  I've never been there but they said it was beautiful and they loved it.

The funnest time for us was when they came in on Sunday to have dinner with us and then make candy and play games.  What a fun and totally amazing day spent with them.  Loved every moment.  I gave each one of them a Lladro figurine of a dancer.  I was so happy that I didn't have to mail them.  It will be up to them to get them home safely.  

And the other surprise was a book for Peyton from her grandfather.  Years ago she accidentally dropped a Christmas ornament and Neal over reacted in not a kind a loving way.  He has apologized many times for the way he reacted.  This year, while shopping, I spotted this book and just had to buy it for Neal to sign and give to Peyton.  

After dinner came the candy making event.  Lots of fun pictures as they made, cashew turtles, peanut clusters almond clusters and almond turtles and Caramels.  

Neals recipe that no one could read or figure out!

Getting clever with the caramel.  I think Jordyn Lyn shapped these.

Finished candy.

Goodbyes were said and a wave goodbye as they drove out of the driveway.  It just never fails.  I always shed a tear or many when my grandchildren leave because I know it will be a rather long time before I see my out of town grand children.  Emmi in Hawaii, Abby in California, Jordyn Lyn, Lexi and Peyton, in Fresno, and Brock back East.