Saydee’s 18th Birthday

Our Saydee Bug turned 18 years old today.  We stopped by to visit her today while Craig worked on an application for one of our annuities.  I can’t believe she is 18.  The years have all gone by too fast.  Her boyfriend Conner is driving up from St. George to see her on her special day this afternoon.  We had a family gathering this evening to Celebrate.  Craig had a hard day.  His knee is hurting badly and swelling has set in.   It is going to be some rough days ahead.   

She likes pepa pig- as a joke I found her  a cute pepa pig toy celebrating their birthday.  She had a good laugh.  Her cake is so darling.  Saydee is a smart young women.  She is graduating with Honors this year.  She is planning on going to college and studying to be a pediatric doctor.  She is really good with young children.  We are so proud of her as grandparents.  

Tuesday/ At Our Draper Home

Craig’s Knee surgery a great success so far.  We stayed at the LDS hospital till 6pm.  His recovery came along well enough that we were able to come home last night.  Craig is doing well for now he hasn’t had much pain yet.  They gave him a pain block in his knee that will last several days.  Dr Momburger said the 3-5 days should be the worse - once the block wears off.  This allows him to be up and moving sooner is what they want - to get his new knee replacement moving and adjusting to his body.  They literally cut his leg in half, cut out the knee joint and replace with a metal one.  Ugh... does not sound fun.  He is up moving around on his crutches this morning.  I’m waiting at the Pharmacy to pick up a prescription for him and a pick up a few groceries at the Walmart neighborhood market.  It feels good to back in our familiar surroundings.  I have loved living in Draper over the years.  I like the small home town feeling yet have the new stores and shopping built up around us.  We have lived in this area since we were first married and moved to Sandy in 1980.  Draper was a farming community then- since about 2000 it has grown into a nice community and is still growing all around us.  It’s 2am the pain is sitting in now- he is miserable.  We’re packing his knee with ice to keep the swelling down.  I’m sure he has over done it.  We had to go to Trisha’s home so he could complete applications to move some of our investments around.  He was starting to hurt there he shouldn’t be out.  Natasha and Bridger brought us dinner, yummy chili , bread sticks with salad and a cookie.  It was nice to visit with them.  Baby Cora is so close to walking.  She is standing up on her own- she has really strong legs.  She is walking around furniture so it won’t be long.  

Our Ward Conference

Sunday Jan 24th was our Ward conference.  The Bishop cancelled the second hour due to many contagious with the virus right now and in quarantine.  I did enjoy our Bishop’s talk and our Stake president brother Robert’s.   Bishop England talked about living and doing those things that are the most important in our lives.  If we put the Savior first in our lives everything will fall in place.  He asked us to think about what is most important to me ?  The first thought that came to my mind is my dear husband Craig.  I’m so thankful for him and the life we have shared for 43 years of marriage.  He has blessed my life in so many ways.  He does take care of me and is concern about me.  He has been especially concern lately worrying about his health and if he was to pass on making sure I’m taking care of.  I love him with all my heart.  I know at times I take him for granted.  I’m so grateful knowing we are sealed in the temple for all time and eternity.  This life is our time to work on our relationship in building unity -working to become one.   Pray his recovery goes well and smooth for him.  I always love when President Robert’s speak-he has such great words of wisdom.  He makes me feel happy that I’m a member of this great church- the Lords needs us to carry on and he gives me the encouragement  I need to feel the spirit of the gospel message in my heart.  

After sacrament I had a nice visit with President Robert’s-  I told him when he has time we need to sign on the family search app for find relatives around me - Craig’s grandfather on his mother’s side is a Robert’s and I’m sure they are cousins somewhere along the line-  I’m curious to find out.  Jackie Meads -I minister to is having surgery today for breast cancer removal.  I asked that she could receive a blessing after sacrament.   She is very nervous.  I took her to the grocery store afterward she had to get cat food for her kitty’s.  Dropped her off and told her I would bring her some dinner.  I had to hurry home and get cooking.  Sister Finlyson just had a kidney surgery on Saturday.  I told them I would bring them dinner for their 6 children also.   She is our Stacy’s age and such a beautiful young women.  I cooked enough for us, their family and Jackie.  After being on my feet three hours my feet were hurting- I had to sit down to rest- not for long,  we packed up and headed to Draper.  

While cooking I zoomed online our Relief society lesson with the sister's in the ward- since the 2nd hour of relief society was cancelled.  We discussed the conference talk - By Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

”Faith means trusting God in good times and bad, even if that includes some suffering until we see His arm revealed in our behalf.”  Life is not meant to be easy it is the trials and challenges where we grow. Having Faith brings us the directions to follow-gives us the courage and patience that is needed to endure.  I pray for the patience I need to press forward.  Our lives are every blessed-  we just need to hold on to the Iron rod and press forward to the eternal Tree of Life.   

Craig’s Knee Replacement

We drove to Draper last night after our Sunday activities.  Craig is scheduled to have his right knee replacement surgery at 9am this morning.  He didn’t sleep well last night. I’m sure it was due to being nervous about his surgery. We got here early and everything was right on schedule. It’s 1:00 PM and I’m waiting in his room now waiting for him to return from recovery. His nurse called to tell me that everything went well. I had three hours to wait on him returning to his room-so I went and got some breakfast and shopping at my favorite TJ Maxx Home Goods.  It felt good to get out for a little bit -I found some new casual shoes that I needed, a white shirt and a purple sweater that I like at Ross. I needed a nice white shirt to wear under my nice suit jackets for Sunday. I also found a pretty purple sweater - I don’t have anything that color- a pretty soft pastel color.  Fun to lighten things up in the cold winter months. Didn’t try them on- the dressing rooms are closed so hopefully they fit. I’m just waiting for him to come back now. The work begins for me in caring for him the next few weeks it is not an easy surgery to recover from.   

Cole Transferred

Cole was transferred to a new location On his mission.  He was in in his first location for 5 months.  He is excited to be transferred to a new area in Alaska.  His mission is challenging with the virus effecting us world wide.  They have strict rules on the mission for their protection. They are not able to get out and visit much right now.  This outing was a welcome event sponsored by some ward members- allowing the Elders to get out.  This is a fun cave to see with a frozen river.

Yael’s 8th Birthday

Our Yael Boy is turning 8 years old today.  We love this grandson so very much.  Stacy sent us some pictures today.  And a cute note- 

Happy Birthday to our Yaya! He is growing up too fast. And just like that over night he is acting like a teenager already! Love him. 

He is so smart and witty.  A very special boy in our lives.  

Lincoln Blessing The Sacrament

Lincoln blessed the sacrament for the first time today.  Bridger sent me pictures today.  So very special - so proud of him ! 

Studying Come Follow Me - Joseph Smith History 1:27-65

Joseph Smith—History 1:27–33

God has a work for me to do.

As I read Joseph Smith—History 1:27–33, consider the message that God has a work for me to do, as He did for Joseph Smith. Pondering this invitation from President Russell M. Nelson: “Ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, how He feels about you and your mission here on earth. If you ask with real intent, over time the Spirit will whisper the life-changing truth to you. … I promise you that when you begin to catch even a glimpse of how your Heavenly Father sees you and what He is counting on you to do for Him, your life will never be the same!” (“Becoming True Millennials” [worldwide devotional for young adults, Jan. 10, 2016],
I love this quote from our Prophet President Nelson-  it seems this month the spirit is promoting me to evaluate my life at this season to make sure I’m on the course Gods wants me to be.  I do feel I am but left feeling like I can do more? I feel a void right now- and I’m sure it is because of all the down time.  I need to be patience and enjoy where I am at this season.  I loved reading the talks attached to this quote. It is an amazing talk given to our young Adult 5 years ago in 2016.  A True Millennial is a man or woman whom God trusted enough to send to earth during the most compelling dispensation in the history of this world. A True Millennial is a man or woman who lives now to help prepare the people of this world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and His millennial reign. Make no mistake about it—you were born to be a True Millennial....this is definitely our children and grandchildren.  We as Grandparents are seeing the miracles of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ being carried on by our valiant family members.  President Nelson gave some counsel I thought is very important and applies to me too.  
#1Learn Who You Really Are..My first recommendation: Learn who you really are.
Take time to think prayerfully about these facts:  You are an elect son or daughter of God.  You are created in His image. You were taught in the spirit world to prepare you for anything and everything you would encounter during this latter part of these latter days. That teaching endures within you! You are living in the “eleventh hour.” The Lord has declared that this is the last time that He will call laborers into His vineyard to gather the elect from the four quarters of the earth. And you were sent to participate in this gathering. Again and again I have seen firsthand the powerful influence of True Millennials as they bring others to a knowledge of the truth. This is part of your identity and your purpose as the seed of Abraham!   This is a very powerful quote!   
#2 just our last General Conference oct 2020 president Nelson asked us to look forward the impossible - God will prepare the way-  he also quotes in 2016 -Expect and Prepare to Accomplish the Impossible -My second recommendation: Expect and prepare to accomplish the impossible God has always asked His covenant children to do difficult things. Because you are covenant-keeping sons and daughters of God, living in the latter part of these latter days, the Lord will ask you to do difficult things. You can count on it—Abrahamic tests did not stop with Abraham. I know how unnerving it can be to be asked to do something that seems far beyond your capacity. I had been a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for only 19 months when President Spencer W. Kimball passed away. In the first meeting of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles following President Ezra Taft Benson’s ordination he gave specific assignments to the Twelve. His instructions to me included, “Elder Nelson, you are to open the countries of Eastern Europe for the preaching of the gospel. That was 1985. During those politically frigid years that we refer to as the Cold War, not only did a literal wall divide the city of Berlin, but all of Eastern Europe was under the oppressive yoke of communism. Churches were closed, and religious worship was strictly limited... 
I remember those days of uncertainty in the world stage and how would the gospel be preached to all the world. When it was closed off.  Miraculous- over night the Berlin Wall came down.  It was amazing to see this happen.  November 9th 1989 the Berlin Wall fell.  It was an exciting event for me to watch on the News.  God has the foresight in knowing what lies ahead and has promised that all the would will able to hear the gospel message proclaimed at some point in time....  the Lord is able to do His own work, and I was privileged to watch the unfolding of one miracle after another—always, and only, after I had brought my best thinking, my most courageous efforts, and my most fervent prayers to the task.(We need to pray for the guidance In our lives) I remember when this conference talk was given it had a great impact on my life to listen to a prophets voice.   A Prophet does see into the future and can help us prepare for what lies ahead.   

WinterFeast

Winter is back!! We woke up to about 5 inches of snow here at this lake this morning 

I’m Feeling restless and pinned in with the cold weather here at the lake.  Asking myself how have I made it thru 4 winters living here fulltime?  Craig s said let's get ready and go to the Bear Lake winter feast hosted at the Marina this weekend. Fun to just get out in the new fallen snow and mingle with the locals we know.  It was a good crowd that turned out.  We watched those who made their boats out of cardboard race.  Several floated and some didn’t.  They had to get in their boats and race around a bowie and back.  Fun to see how creative people get.  Afterwards we went to Coopers for lunch.   We both had a yummy steak dinner.  I’m trying to eat healthy.  Eat more vegetables and protein.  I have got to loose weight.  Trying to drink more water 64 Oz a day.  Winter can be hard at times just trying to stay busy.

Back At The Lake/ COVID Testing

I was really tired- yesterday after our long day of driving the loop. I spent time studying my Come Follow Me lesson material about church history.  I love learning about it.  I started working on finishing my church history tour digital scrapbook I started from our trip in the fall of 2018.  I stopped working on and need to work on completing it. It is fun to review our trip.  Our study material this year has much more meaning to me now that we have been to see the sights where the restoration began. I wanted to stay at our Draper Home a little longer but we needed to come back to the lake it’s our ward conference this weekend and Craig felt he needed to be here. Plus I told Jackie Meads my older sister that I minister to I would take her to get a Covid test today in Logan she’s having surgery on Monday for her breast cancer and Craig needed the Covid test today also for his knee surgery on Monday. We got up early this morning and out the door by 8:30 am to make the hour drive to Logan it was quick getting the test and an hour drive back. We were back home by 11am-I have been working on my blog downloading and getting it ready for printing I needed to finish proofreading years 2018, 19 and 20 so that will be an ongoing project for the next few weeks. I got a little restless today with the cold winter weather it seems cold, dreary and lonely here at the lake- I wonder how we’ve gotten through four winters already. I should appreciate the time that I have to work on editing and updating my scrapbooks when it is winter outside. We went to the Bear Trapper for lunch just to get out for a little bit.  The hospital called today to get Craig all registered for his surgery on Monday morning at 9:30 AM at the LDS hospital- so we will be heading down Sunday afternoon after church- let the fun begin for me in caring for my hubby it’s going to be a rough couple of weeks for us this is not a fun surgery and I pray that everything go well for him we have spent so much time at the doctors the past month and a half.  

Presidential Inauguration

Wednesday, January 20 Joe Biden was inaugurated our new president. It was a crazy inauguration with 25,000 national guards called in to guard the capital- it was overkill. It has been a very heated presidential election when over half the country 79 million feels that President Trump was cheated out of votes-when he actually won the presidential nominee- there is corruption everywhere we turn, in our judicial system now-it has become more and more corrupt. I felt a sense of sadness seeing how disrespectful many of the newscasters on TV have treated President Trump they can say nothing good about him-  now we have a new president so we’ll see how things go. Craig and I weren’t able to watch much of the news media on TV that day we were driving to Salt Lake for his doctors appointment and then going to Aubrey‘s birthday party. We had three hours to rest after his doctors appointment at our Draper home  and then drove to Kaysville for the evening to celebrate Aubrey‘s birthday with her family. We drove the 360 mile roundabout- we left the cabin early in the morning drove to Salt Lake then to Kaysville and back to the lake by late evening in one day.  

We do live in turbulent times there is a lot of political unrest in our country and I can literally see how the Constitution of the United States of America is literally hanging by a thread.  Pray for righteousness in our county to some how turn around.  Pray that the evil tide may be held back.  

Michael & Aubrey’s Birthday

January it is a busy month for birthdays. We celebrated Michael’s on January 5th.  We were in town baby sitting the Thomas grandkids. Michael was still in town from the Christmas holidays. He is now living in Saint George working a construction job with his friend’s dad. He is rooming with a couple other roommates. His car that he bought when he was 16 years old has finally died. Shannon and Ryan had their other car that they bought from Stacy just sitting, so they were able to get it started so he could use that car. Craig helped him work on it and then we met for lunch. The Burbidge family went with us too.  Saydee got out of school early so she was able to come to lunch with us.

Our Birthday lunch-Trisha, Michael, Debbie, Craig, Saydee hold baby Cora.  

Cant believe Michael is now 22 years-  

We celebrated our Aubrey Girl’s 17th birthday this Wednesday January 20th. She is such a beautiful young woman. She works at Marshal’s department store and likes her job.  She is a junior in high school and loves playing softball- she is on the high school softball team and is really good, we enjoyed watching her play this past summer.  We had a low key family dinner at the Noriega Family and sang

 Happy Birthday! 

Heading Back To The Lake

We were able to spend a few days at our Draper home. Wednesday afternoon after Craig’s Doctor appointment with Dr Romeny we headed down to St George to see Craig’s mother.  She was in a car accident a couple of weeks ago.  Found out while there she does have a fracture in the middle of her back and is going to need surgery, they can go in and cement the fracture vertebrae.  She says it is very painful right now.  Frustrating for her to have to deal with all this - her car is all wrecked on the front end - the insurance might total it -so she will have to look for a new car or be without a car until it is repaired.  Plus dealing with a back surgery.  The man that hit her does not have insurance.  It is very upsetting for her to have to deal with all the heads aches of getting her car fixed. We felt bad for her. She enjoyed having us come visit with her.  While there we were going to go to Dinner with Michael but his roommates have had the virus.  Craig didn’t want to risk possibly being infected with his knees surgery coming up.  The doctor offices called and said they had a cancellation and could move his knee surgery date up from March 9th to the 25th of this month.  It is a week from Monday.  So now I’ve got to gear up for taking care of my Hubby for several weeks.  We had a fun visit.  We also met up with friend's from Craig’s missionary days.  A couple he meet on his mission that we have kept in touch with over the years.  Steve and Karen Young- They are a few years older than us.  We had actually lost contact the past 10 years.  Craig tracked them down and found they live in St George.  We had a really fun lunch visiting and getting caught up on the growth of both our families over the years.  We went and visited Craig’s Sister Chris and Terry.  They moved into their new home they built a few Months ago. Fun to see their new home.  I like the floor plan.  It was a quick trip for us.  We spent one night over at Scott and Jan's home they have in St George and back to our Draper home by Friday night.  Saturday afternoon we went to see Lincoln play in a basketball game.  He likes to play.  Their team won their game.  I enjoyed visiting with Tasha and Bridger.  We came back to our place to rest and relax.  We had to stay till Sunday, Lincoln is being ordained a Deacon in the Aaronic priesthood.  We are so proud of our Lincoln Boy.  He is a very special young man. We are going to spend a couple of days at the Lake and then back to Salt Lake for another doctor's appointment.  We are meeting with a Neurologist trying to figure out what is going on with Craig.  We have had so many doctor appointments!  It did feel good to come back to the Lake with a clean home.  I worked hard cleaning last week putting christmas decorations away and cleaning up the clutter.  It has been nice to hang out for a few days.  Organized my winter clothes seeing what fits me. With extra weight gain I'm limited what I can wear.  I have got to stick to my task in losing weight.  I wanted to lose ten pounds by the middle of Feb. but the weight is not coming off very fast.  Just trying to get below the 170 mark for now and keep going steadily. 

Lincoln Ordained A Deacon

We gathered as grandparents today at Bridger and Natasha’s home for the conferring of the Aaronic priesthood as a Deacon for our Lincoln.  He is 11 years old. As of January 1st any young man turning 12 years old in the calendar year is old enough to receive the priesthood.  Lincoln will not be 12 until December 13th 2021.   He will be the youngest young man in his quorum.  It caught us all off guard to realize he would be receiving the priesthood ordination this young. He will now be passing the sacrament in sacrament meetings.  Lincoln is a very special young man.  The Lord is preparing a group of young men to hold the priesthood- to help in preparing the world for his second coming.  We are so proud of him and his desire to do good in the world. After the ordination we had a yummy Sunday dinner with Bridger’s parents and their little family.  This has been a nice Sabbath day.  

Lincoln 11 years old with His grandparent's Craig and Debbie Symes.

January 17th, 2021- yes my hair is really light now.    

Craig’s Doctor Appt.

We drove to Salt Lake today for another follow up appointment with Dr. Romany.  Everything is good -just getting his blood pressure meds figured out.  Today his blood pressure readings looked much better. We stopped by the to see Scott and Jan at the funeral home for the viewing of Jan's father passing.  We have met all Jan’s siblings over the years and Craig wanted to show our support.  Stan Walker was 90 years old-  he lived a good life and has returned home.   Doctor Monburger’s office called to say they have a cancellations- he can do the  knee replacement surgery on the 25th this month.  We were hoping he could move his surgery date up from March 9th-this will be a big change to our schedule this month- Today has been a sad day in American history.  The house impeached President Trump the 2nd time with no court hearing.  Our county is in such a divide and there are so many angry people fighting over politics.  It was prophesied our United States constitution would hang by a thread due to the growing corruptions in our national government.  We are literally watching the events unfold before our very eyes. It feels like Moroni in the book of Mormon watching a nation destroy itself due to evil running rampant.  It greatly saddens me.  The positive outlook is that God is in-charge and righteousness will win in time.  We need to buckle up it is going to be a rough ride before that happens. 

Setting Goals For 2021

We have been busy since the beginning of the year babysitting and doctor appointments.  I haven’t take the time to set new goals for the up coming year.  

Number one goal for us and a must to get more healthy so we can be of services in building Zion!! 

I had my yearly physical on Thursday - my blood sugar levels are high and my cholesterol.  This means a diet change.  I have got to cut out the sugar and get 29 lbs off.  I peaked out at my all time high again of 175lbs.  It all goes to my stomach area which is not good.   I have got to get the weight off.  

So for now my main focus is eating better and getting more exercise in daily. I have got to lose weight.  I would like to lose 10 pounds by mid February and keep going for another 10.   

# 2 I want to get organized and back working on my family history again

#3 Finish my mothers life history/ proof read my blog books 2019-2020 and print them 

#4 faithful in my come follow me study and preparing to teach gospel doctrine - 

#5 praying more fervently for daily inspiration

#6 Finish working on digital scrapbooks in getting caught up, vol 2 for 2016, 2019 and 2020/ keep up on 2021 as I go each month so it is not as hard. 

Theresa’s Mission Call

Craig got the mail today and there was a card from Theresa- they have been called to Bentonville Arkansas as mission presidents.  Wow! another couple that we know called to served in Arkansas-  the Cahoon’s were called to Little Rock Arkansas as mission president last year starting July 2020 and now Theresa and Rick -the other mission in Arkansas.  They begin their service July 1st, 2021.  I greatly feel lead to help serve there from my family research of my birth father ancestors homesteading in Arkansas- they are actually lived in the Bentonville mission zone area.  I’m so envious I want to serve a mission too.  And would love to work with my best friend.  Lord let our path be directed.  I’m so ready to serve.  It is calling to me- why would two mission presidents we personally know be called to serve in Arkansas ?  We have got to get Craig feeling better- get his knee replacement done in March and work toward serving a mission by mid summer.  I would so love serving with the Collins.  

  

This is the card they just sent out announcing their mission call to Arkansas- so excited for them and their mission ahead leaving July 1st 2021.  

I’m meeting with her this Thursday to show her how to set up a Blog for their mission.  So excited to visit with her and hear more about their mission call.  

Sabbath Day

We came back to the lake Saturday afternoon.  It is over whelming.  I have lots of cleaning from all the family here from  the New Year's weekend and baby sitting grandkids, plus putting Christmas decor away. We had to leave in a hurry last Sunday in order to get down for Austin’s ordination.  So I wasn’t able to leave things clean.  I’m going to be cleaning for the next few days.   This has been a long week feels like a lot has happened in a week from baby sitting to doctor appointments.  We were able to meet with a Cardio doctor on Friday.  We felt it was an answer to prayer.  Craig called earlier in the day on Tuesday to try to get an appointment- this doctor was referred to us, He was not taking any more cases. He happens to be one of the best in the state-people come from all over the country to see him.  He lives in Bridger’s ward growing up and knows his parents really well.  They highly recommended him.   The nurse put Craig’s records on his desk to review and later that day his secretary called back to says she could schedule an appointment on Friday- he would take our case.  Craig called me full of emotion telling me the good news.  We are very grateful we were able to meet with him on Friday.  Getting another doctor to look at his symptoms that specialize in the Heart is reassuring.  Fun to visit with him about the Thomas family.  They love our daughter which is a good reflection on us as parents.  They hooked Craig up on a heart monitor for the next few weeks to see if they can figure out what is going on.  Craig had a rough night Friday.  His blood pressure just seem to sky rocket at night.  He has been on blood pressure medicine for two weeks now and it is still not under control.  Pray in time we will figure things out and pray my dear husband may be strengthen in this health challenge.  I didn’t feel well enough to head back up to the lake until Saturday my arm hurting badly from the Shingle shot still.  I had to take a nap when we arrived at the lake.  I'm over whelming with all that needs to be done.  I will get to it at my pace.  It felt good to be in Sacrament today.   I had to push myself to get ready and out the door today.   Brother and Sister Menlove spoke in Sacrament.  They both gave such a great message and report on their mission in the Middle East.  They had to come home early in March due the virus.  They were officially released just this week. So glad to have them back in our ward.   I enjoyed our relief society lesson today and all the comments by the sisters in the ward. We discussed the conference talk by By Elder Ronald A. Rasband Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles-  Recommended By The Lord October 2020 

”Begin the process now to become “recommended to the Lord” so that His Spirit will be with you in abundance...Comments made by the sisters in the ward brought new knowledge to my mind about the parable of the ten virgins as we read in the New Testament.  I have reflected over this parable many times in my life-  as it has been taught to me by others, trying to understand the true meaning- out of the 10 virgins only 5 were prepared and ready to enter the marriage feast of the groom.   The hour was unknown when he would arrive- so they must keep oil in their lamps ready to go at any moment.  The bridge groom did arrive around midnight and 5 of the virgins there waiting had ran out of oil and would not be able to enter the wedding feast without more oil- they asked for the 5 other virgins to share their oil -but if they shared their oil there would not be enough for either of them.  They could not share the oil that keeps their lamps lite. The 5 that were prepared were able to enter the marriage feast when the other 5 had to leave to buy more oil for their lamps.   This symbolizes the second coming of Jesus Christ -we know not the hour- but must prepare and be ready to enter the great reunion feast when he does come.  Only those that have prepared and waited faithfully for his second coming will be allowed to enter.  The light in our lamps symbolizes the gift of the Holy Ghost- we each have to work and prepare and acquire in our lives- this special gift which we cannot give to someone’s else.  Living our lives in such a way as for the Light of the Holy Ghost to be able to dwell within us and lead us in the path of righteousness.  In this conference talk brother Rasband he is asking us to have a temple recommend at all times- living a pure and worth life, even if we do not have access to a temple.  It is our way of staying righteous - prepared and ready to be recommended to the Lord even at the time of our death which is unknown-  we do not know when we are going to die and don’t want to be caught unprepared to enter the next life not recommended to the Lord by our lack of being unprepared without the covenants needed for eternal life . We must not procrastinate our time here on earth.  The temple recommend is our entrance to the Celestrial kingdom of God and to the wedding feast as symbolized. This is why temples are so important for us to receive our endowment the covenants needed.   It became very clear to me -having our temple recommend is what keeps us prepared for the return of Jesus Christ. Here are a few quotes from his talk that stood out to me.  I do remember this talk as one of my favorites given.  So nice to have time to read and reflect about his message.  He started his talk with this quote: This has been a most unusual year. For me it began with an assignment from the First Presidency to dedicate a holy temple to the Lord in Durban, South Africa. I will never forget the grandeur of the building. But more than the setting, I will always treasure the dignity of the people who were so well prepared to enter that sacred edifice. They came ready to partake of one of the crowning blessings of the Restoration: the dedication of a house of the Lord. They came with hearts filled with love for Him and His Atonement. They came filled with thanks to our Father in Heaven for providing sacred ordinances that would lead to exaltation. They came worthy....(they were prepared and ready to enter the temple) Whether for youth or adults, your temple recommend interview is not about do’s and don’ts. A recommend is not a checklist, a hall pass, or a ticket for special seating. It has a much higher and holier purpose. To qualify for the honor of a temple recommend, you must live in harmony with the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.-   Having a temple recommend keeps us in check that we are striving to live worthily the teaching of Jesus). “ In your interview you have the opportunity to search your soul about your personal faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement. You have the blessing to express your testimony of the restored gospel; your willingness to sustain those whom the Lord has called to lead His Church; your faith in the doctrine of the gospel; your fulfillment of family responsibilities; and your qualities of honesty, chastity, fidelity, obedience, and observance of the Word of Wisdom, the law of tithing, and the sanctity of the Sabbath day. Those are bedrock principles of a life devoted to Jesus Christ and His work. Your temple recommend reflects a deep, spiritual intent that you are striving to live the laws of the Lord and love what He loves: humility, meekness, steadfastness, charity, courage, compassion, forgiveness, and obedience. And you commit yourself to those standards when you sign your name to that sacred document. Your temple recommend opens the gates of heaven for you and others with rites and ordinances of eternal significance, including baptisms, endowments, marriages, and sealings....To be “recommended to the Lord” is to be reminded of what is expected of a covenant-keeping Latter-day Saint. My father-in-law, Blaine, saw it as invaluable preparation for the day when he would humbly stand before the Lord....  I love this profound thought of being recommended to the Lord- at the time of our death... President Howard W. Hunter in his first general conference address as the 14th President of the Church. He said: “It is the deepest desire of my heart to have every member of the Church worthy to enter the temple. It would please the Lord if every adult member would be worthy of—and carry—a current temple recommend.” I would add that a limited-use recommend will set a clear path for our precious youth.

President Russell M. Nelson recalled President Hunter’s words: “On that day, June 6, 1994, the temple recommend that we carry became a different object in my wallet. Before that, it was a means to an end. It was the means to allow me to enter a sacred house of the Lord; but after he made that declaration, that became an end in itself. It became my badge of obedience to a prophet of God.”  If it had not been for the faith and knowledge that was bestowed upon us in that temple … , our journey would have been like … taking a leap in the dark.” That is what we are missing if we are going through this life alone without the inspiration and peace promised in the temple.... We have been experiencing a time when temples have been closed or limited in use. For President Nelson and those of us who serve at his side, the inspired decision to close the temples was “painful” and “wracked with worry...
Being worthy to attend the temple, however, has not been suspended. Let me emphasize, whether you have access to a temple or not, you need a current temple recommend to stay firmly on the covenant path.... Even though they could not present them at the temple, they would be presenting themselves before the Lord pure and prepared to serve Him. Being worthy to hold a current temple recommend is both a protection from the adversary, because you have made a firm commitment to the Lord about your life, and a promise that the Spirit will be with you.
We do temple work when we search for our ancestors and submit their names for ordinances. While our temples have been closed, we have still been able to research our families. With the Spirit of God in our hearts, we are, by proxy, standing in for them to be “recommended to the Lord.”    ( this is a profound message to me why we still continue our family research and prepare our ancestors for their eternal recommendation. )   Even with the temples closed we have much that needs to be done to prepare the records for when we can proceed the temple ordinances with vigor as proxy....Our work in the temple is tied to our eternal reward. Recently we have been put to the test. The Lord has called us to work in the temples with “diligence, … perseverance, and patience.” Being “recommended to the Lord” requires those qualities. We must be diligent in living the commandments, persevere in our attention to our temple covenants, and be grateful for what the Lord continues to teach about them and be patient as we wait for temples to reopen in their fulness. When the Lord calls for us to “redouble” our efforts, He is asking that we increase in righteousness. For example, we may expand our study of the scriptures, our family history research, and our prayers of faith that we may share our love for the Lord’s house with those preparing to receive a temple recommend, our family members in particular.  I promise you as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ that as you strive to redouble your righteous efforts, you will feel renewed in your devotion to God the Father and Jesus Christ, you will feel an abundance of the Holy Ghost guiding you, you will be grateful for your sacred covenants, and you will feel peace knowing you are “recommended to the Lord.” In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.  I so enjoyed reviewing this conference talk in church.  Today -Monday morning I have taken the time to reread this conference talk and reflect on what the spirit is teaching me.  I have felt lost lately- with to much time on my hands not knowing what to do with my time when feeling limited to this pandemic that has limited what we can be doing in the world.  We’re told to stay home.  I want to be doing more with my time.  I have felt I’m wasting time my time watching way too much TV- to just be passing the time.  Yet I feel inside I need to be doing more and not wasting the precious time I have.  I haven’t been motivated to get out of bed in the mornings.  I need a purpose to get me excited about life and get myself going.  I can see this is my time to get organized and get going -get back to working on my family history-there is much that needs to be done. I’m a family history ward leader and have struggled with why ? when the temples are closed ?  Reviewing this talk has given me a refreshed view of the importance of our family history.  I have so much I can be doing I just need to get myself organized and get going again.  I pray for the continue direction in my life the course I should be following at this season in my life.  

So Frustrated

Well things never seem to change with my hubby and the money.  He drives me Crazy at times.  We sold our lovely home and it has been a tight budget ever since.  Instead of enjoying our years of saving I can’t spend any money- very little -he complains about Everything.  I felt like I was going to have a break down going into our second year at the lake.  I was looking for another home and he invested our $850.000.. cash.  I was backed in corner.  I finally find something we could maybe buy a year ago so we would have a place to stay.  Luckily he was able to cash out one of our investments to pay for it. Still a struggle- don’t spend money.   Hold off for a year -We slowly bought a few things for our new place. I’m not done just adding a little at a time.  Well today after my doctor appointment I wanted to go shopping with some of the money I got for Christmas.  Craig gave me $100 cash and the girls $200. Plus $35.00 for my birthday.  I felt I had a little to shop with. Not looking for anything real expensive just a few added touches to our new place.  Starting over is not even an option just making do with what we have and trying to update our décor a little.  It has been hard for me.  Craig complains every time I buy something he watches me like a hawk.  I end up taking it back.  Today I bought a small gold end table that I had noticed for over a year- I thought would look good where I sit quite often and need something to set things on when I sit in the chair.  I have a little marble table I got over 30 years ago that didn’t cost anything.  I enjoyed my time shopping and just getting out for a bit.  I went to the Mall to walk around and just window shopping.  I picked up some eye liner I needed. I shopped at my favorite store Home Goods where I bought the small gold table and a lamp I like- I thought I might look good.   As soon as I got in the car -Craig called and started talking to me about me not spending any money.  It is just so frustrating.  I went and got a pedicure that Craig did give me for Christmas.  It felt really good I had not had one since the beginning of the summer.  He makes me feel bad when I spend any money so I just quit asking for anything I need or would like with reason.  I treated my self to Cafe Rio for lunch with a $5gift card so it only cost $5 for my lunch today all I’ve eaten.  I usually share my salad with Craig but it felt nice today to not have to share it.   He is just so tight. I got home today and brought in the few things I bought to see if I liked them.  Well Craig got home and the first thing he says is what are you buying ? I don’t like it - looks at the price tag and rolls his eyes at me.   Making me feel like I spent to much money.  I just lost it.  The same old thing over and over I want to scream at him right now.  I gathering the items and put back in the car to take them back.  He just took the joy right out of my day.   It is so frustrating to me.  Always complaining about money!!! If it was the lack I would understand - but that is not the case.  I just don’t understand why he won’t lighten up and let us enjoy our senior years.   I’m feeling like I’m smothered to death.  I’m trying to hang on and adjust.  He needs to give me some space.  He is so controlling I just want to give up.  It leaves me feeling hopeless.  We have to live and it cost money.  I just feel backed in a corner.   I just don’t know what to do other than not spend any money.   I need something to do.  I’m so limited with what I can do right now -I feel I’m going to just freak out at him.  I’m trying to be loving, kind and supportive, but he makes it so difficult !!! I pray for the insight I need.  It just puts me in a depression and I shut down.  My yearly physical went well but I did get a shingles shot  and I don’t feel well the body aches are setting in and my arm hurts badly -can hardly lift it.  It's going to hurt for a few days- I remember how Craig felt a few months back when he got the same shot.  Just laying low to recover from the symptoms of this shot.   I was able to chipper up later in the evening- the Burbidge family stopped by to visit us.  Saydee had a school project  where she was to do a creative project expressing someone she admires in her life.  She picked her Grandpa Symes.  It was so thoughtful of her and reminded me of all the things I do love about him even when he drives me crazy mad at times.  Just have to have patience with one another.  Retirement years are challenging when we are together 24/7.  

Yearly Physical

I’m up early and out the door at 9:00am for my yearly routine physical.  I skipped last year entirely since I had my last physical in the fall of 2019-  trying to stay on task in keeping better track of my health.  January is a good month with it my birthday month.  Can't believe I’m 64 years of age.  The years are ticking by all to fast for me.  I do cherish my moral life here on earth.  Pray I can continue following the covenant path and fulfill what I need to accomplish at this season in my life.  I’m feeling a little lost right now as to what I should be doing with my time?  I want to use it the best I can and not waste the time in idle behavior- which I feel right now I have just been passing the time and looking for things to do that are of value.   I enjoyed babysitting the Thomas grandkids the past 4 days.  We went back to our Draper home yesterday morning.  Felt good to be at our own place.  We are enjoying our smaller place- it is nice to have somewhere to go that is ours here in the Valley.   It has been a hard adjustment for me giving up our Draper home on Red Tree Ct.  Moving to Bear lake has been emotionally challenging for me.  I have felt so up rooted since we moved and never dreamed we would be 4 years living at the lake fulltime.  I can see we have grown serving in our Garden City ward.  Craig would never have had the opportunity serving in a Bishopric if we had stayed.  It has been good for him and I have been willing to sacrifice for him.  I’m trying to make the best of it.  Yet I feel so torn at times. It’s hard coming back to the valley and starting over too.  The people at the lake are good people just not my people.  I can’t seem to explain how I feel inside.  I’m so done at the lake.  Just trying to be patient with Craig and let him have this opportunity to serve.  The sister's I minister to need so much help. They struggle in many ways and it drags me down.  I’m trying to be strong but I just don’t want to do this anymore.  

Well my doctor visit went ok.  My cholesterol is high I need to get my sugar levels down they are high- borderline diabetic.  I’m about 25 pounds over weight so I need to buckle down and lean myself out. I’ve got to eat better and rid my diet of the sugar.   I got a shingle shot today so my left arm is going to be sore for a few days.  Going to work on my Health this year and strive to get some weight off this will help the other areas too.  

Austin Ordained A Priest

We go up early this morning to get the five grandkids packed up and out the door.  Sharlena let us know yesterday afternoon they were setting apart John Austin this Sunday as a priest.  So we’re trying to figure out what to do.  I was suppose to teach gospel doctrine this Sunday.  We just couldn’t fit it all in. I feel  we should be at these important event in the lives of our grandkids.  So I asked sister Hansen’s to sub for me.  She was more than willing to help.  That way Craig didn’t have to drive down and back to the lake and then turned around and drive back to Salt lake that would have been 7 hours driving instead of just the three hours for us.  Craig had another episode with his blood pressure sky rocketing and this time his arms and hands tingling like they do with lack of blood flow.  We just don’t want to go to the ER again.  We have got to figure this out.  There is something going on- this is not normal for Craig- it appears to me there is blockage somewhere.  With hurrying out the door and driving down to Kaysville in a winter storm was very stressful on top of Craig not feeling well and carpooling 5 grandkids, was stressfull worrying about all our safety.  We did arrive safely.  I did forget to let my ministering Sister Meads know I would not be picking her up for Church.  I felt so bad I forgot again.   I forgot her last month one week too.  Life can be unpredictable for us at times and have to adjust.  Got to figure out what is going on with Craig this is very unsettling.  

Sharlena, Austin and Dave.  His father gave Austin a beautiful blessing.  Acknowledge him for the gift of kindness he has for others- that he will share this gift and to bring greater peace and kindness in the world.  Our Austin is a very elect young man.  He is going to do amazing things in his life.  The Lord has a very special mission for him to fulfill.  He is 15 years old 

At The ER Again / Sunday night/

Craig has not felt well all day.  He struggled last night with his arms feeling like they were in that asleep feeling- the numbness and tingling like not getting enough blood flow.  His blood pressure sky rocketed again this morning and has been high all day.  He feels faint like he is going to pass out.  He was worried the entire time we drove down from the lake.  We had Tasha's kids too.  Bringing them back to their home.  We had to get up early in order to attend the Noriega's ward at 11am.  We are baby sitting the 4 Thomas grandkids while Natasha and Bridger are in Cancun for the week.  We also have Boston to take home from the weekend events.  It was a rush getting myself cleaned up for the day and getting the grandkids all packed up and out the door by 8;30 am.  I had to just leave things in a mess and clean up when we get back.. Craig was having trouble all the way down.  His symptoms were not letting up which made him very anxious.  We arrived in time for the ordination of Austin.  Things subsided for the afternoon yet his hands still feeling fizzy on the finger tips and the the side of his right head.  He has had tightness in his chest. Concerning- come evening again his blood pressure is back up to 197/ by 9pm not feeling good.  He did an online doctor call to see what to do and he told him to go to the ER again his 5th time to ER.  He went to Altaview hospital since it the closest to us.  We are babysitting so he had to go by himself this time.  I’m so tired I need some sleep.  Didn’t sleep well last night.  Pray we can get someone to listen to what is going and get this figured out.  It is not normal for him to have such High blood pressure.  I called Trisha to come sit with the kids.  I had them all in bed for the night.  She was able to come and stay until we got home.  We weren't there long a couple of hours. They did do an MRI on his head and neck this time to check for blood clots- everything looked good. Which is good news.  Still no answers why his blood pressure keeps going up so high.  Craig was able to get some sleep for the night.  We got home about 1am.  Pray for the strength we need to care for the Thomas Grandkids this week and Pray we can get the doctor's help we need to find some answers?

Baby Sitting Grandkids

Tasha and Bridger left this morning to go to Cancun for a week.  We are babysitting their 4 kids. We had a nice New Year’s Eve party with the family.  We sang Happy Birthday to baby Cora and Me on our  special day.  New Year's in the wee morning hours at 2am Craig had a another episode-  he felt he should go to the hospital -we drove to the scenic outlook -he felt he wasn’t going to make it thru the canyon safely so we called an ambulance.  Still nothing found to cause his blood pressure to sky rocket- they did send us home with him hooked up to a heart monitor for 24 hours to watch the activity.  We were so tired all day on my birthday after only getting two hours of sleep.  I had to take a nap to get thru the day.  The family sang happy birthday later in the day with a yummy cake.  Noriega’s gave me a pretty a winter shirt- I love the colors-  It’s a New Year.  When I have time to sit down I will set my new goals for the year 2021-  2020 has been a wild year in the world around us.  We have been very blessed as a family despite the turbulence going on in the world around us. We are watching the kids till Wednesday morning 4 days and then Jenna their Nanny is taking a shift.  They get home on the following Sunday.  Grammy with these two darling Thomas granddaughter's at our Bear Lake home the first week of January.  Our Annie Gunn's a 6 years old and baby Cora Rose 1 years old.  

   

My 64th Birthday / Happy New Year 2021

Happy Birthday and Happy New Year 2021- Craig and I standing by the fun balloon arch Natasha and I made.  This has been a crazy year one we will all remember and looking forward to the year 2021.

I didn't think I was going to make it to midnight, I had to take a two hour nap to recharge myself for our family new year's cheer.  The grandkids were going strong with lots of energy and excitement for the evening, playing family games and watching TV.  I woke up about half hour early in order to get things ready for our family celebration.  We had fun popping our new year confetti, yelling Happy New Year and drinking sparkling cider giving a New Year toast to one another for the year 2021.  Cleaning up and crawling back in bed about 1pm.  2;30 am Craig woke up with an episode, pacing the floors.  He was really concerned and felt we needed to head to the ER again.  He felt he was going to pass out.  I had to move cars around so we could get out of the driveway and headed to Logan almost an hour drive to the closest hospital.  Craig was so concerned with his symptoms he felt we should call for an ambulance.  We stopped at the scenic outlook and waited for them to arrive.  They had to stop twice along the way to give him an IV he was dehydrated.  His blood pressure was over 224 when we arrived.  They did another EKG, blood test and everything looked good.  They finally started him on some blood pressure medication to lower.  Nothing else they could do and so sent us home.  We have been to the ER in Logan three times the past month. and Twice in Salt lake.  It was comforting to know Kathy Hislop as one of the EMT's riding in the ambulance with him.  We got home about 6am and crawled in bed.  None of the family even knew we were gone.  I had to get some sleep.  I don't do well on one hour of sleep for the night.  I felt tired all day from lack of sleep.  Trying to visit with the family and enjoy them while they were here at the lake.  Later that day the family sang Happy Birthday to me with a yummy birthday cake.  Noriega's gave me a fun sweatshirt I love it.  Craig gave me a Bear Lake sweatshirt, but it was to big so we took it back and I will wait for one I like.  Natasha and Bridger left Saturday morning early for their trip to Cancun.  Noriega family left for home on Saturday afternoon.  We are baby sitting for Natasha. We still have Boston who wanted to hang out with Lincoln and Winn, Annie and Baby Cora.  I'm enjoying my time caring for baby Cora.  She is such a good baby. The kids are all good at helping care for her too.  Lincoln is very good at looking after Cora as a big brother.  My Hair is really blonde now almost white, letting it grow out to its natural color for now.  

Happy 64th Birthday, January 1st, 2021.  Bringing in the New Year with our family at the Lake.
   

Cora’s 1st Birthday December 31st 2021

We celebrated baby Cora’s 1st Birthday at the Lake.  Thomas family and the Noriega family arrived Wednesday.  Tasha and I blew up gold, silver and white balloons and made a fun balloon arch for our birthday's and bringing in the New Year. This past year has gone by all to fast.  Baby Cora is such a good baby. She has a mild temperament. Big blue eyes like her mother.  It has been a special day. She is standing up well on her little legs and will soon be walking. We celebrated as a family singing happy birthday and enjoyed her 1st birthday cake.  It is so pretty with gold frosting.  So fun to see her eat her cake, taking timid handfuls.  We later celebrated the New Year at midnight.  Another year- glad 2020 is over.  

Happy 1st Birthday Cora Rose Thomas,  Yeah! she is standing up all on her own.  

Such a darling baby girl.  Love their matching dresses from IvyCity.co  Natasha's own

clothing business is doing so well.  She has built a renown name.