Back In Draper

We had a nice weekend for the WinterFest at the lake- Craig and I drove back and 

up to the lake last Thursday afternoon - we spent 4 days in the polar zone- we have so much snow up north - it snowed for three days and the snow is piling even higher.  It is really pretty but very cold! Karlee and 8 of her friends arrived Friday evening for the weekend.  They were all so good at cleaning up after themselves. Karlee took charge and did the cooking with her girlfriends.  They just hung out at the cabin all weekend.  It snowed and snowed. Craig had to snow plow the driveway again Monday morning just so we could get out of the driveway.  I spent the morning washing towels and tidying things up- we were able to get on the road by 1:30 am- when we left it was 9 below zero - the high was supposed to be 10 degrees.  The clouds had cleared out and the is sun shining with blue skies, which feel so good- we are both ready to move south hoping for warmer weather.  It is only 20 degrees in Draper- it is going to be a very cold week, no snow in the Salt Lake valley- which is nice to be able to enjoy- able to get a break from the really cold weather up north this year.  We do have a lot of snow at our townhouse- which is located up in the benches of the mountains- we get more snow than down the road a few miles- the snow is slowly melting from the weekend storm. We have off and on snow flurries- It’s not going to melt much this week with such low temperatures in the 20’s.  At least we can go to the gym and play pickleball at the enclosed gym with the locals.  Fun to see our old friends when we are in town- Gary McDougal plays pickleball at the Dimple Dell gym- they play every morning there so, we plan to go several times this week.  When we arrived to our Draper home it was cold inside with the heat down to 50 degrees - we went to the gym to get a workout in while the house heats up. It felt good to be at the gym.  I enjoyed just walking around the track inside.  At Bear Lake there is no- where to go in the winter. We are just snowed in this year.  I haven’t ever seen the snow this deep- it was nice to attend our church meetings Sunday. The Hagen’s - Becky and Harold were visiting this week for their winter escape- fun to visit with them.  They live in the area we raised our kids in Sandy and have been such great friends over the years. So fun to see friends that know our kids and we were able to visit about how our adult children have gown and are doing great things- I meet with brother Zack McKee to be released from my callings- it was funny he forget why I was there- he started out and gave me a temple interview asking me all the temple questions - I then proceeded to tell him I had an active recommend- I thought I was here to discuss my callings?  It gave us a good laugh- I really like Zach being new in the bishopric I totally understand.  He is a fine young man only 32 years old and serving in this leadership calling. You can see what a quality person he is and will do a great job - I have been working on my Dickey family history- I came across some new entries on family search who made some changes and added to our Dickey line- I sent her a message to give me a call so we could work together- she asked me if I was LDS and I told her yes a convert at 11 yrs. old-  she told me she was a convert in 2020- an11 yr. old girl gave her a Book of Mormon at a karate class while she was waiting for her kids- this introduced her to gospel message and she was baptized- such a sweet story-  she lives in Alabama- we have Dickey ancestors that migrated from this state in the 1870’s as I have been learning this past week.  I told her I would love to correspond over our discoveries - I found her family connection on family search- we are 4th cousins- her great-great grandmother was a Dickey thru her mother’s side- Our Robert M. Dickey born in 1808 had a son John Dickey her line and my line son George Washington Dickey they were brothers and were born in Alabama in 1850- 1852-  it was fun to find the distant cousin relationship-  I wanted her to send me her conversion story-

I need to go back to bed, I woke up in the wee morning hours again and have taken the time to share a few events going on.  I’m so very blessed !  

Monday -Released from my Ward Callings-

I woke up in the wee morning hours and wanted to take the time to record my life story- Hard to believe a week has gone by since our Ward conference.  The Ward clerk last week mentioned to me that they wanted to meet with me to discuss my callings.  I have four callings in the Ward now which has kept me busy- I know I caught the new Bishop off guard when I told him I did not want to be released from my church callings.  They have all been very fulfilling and keep me busy.  Despite not wanting to be released the Bishop said he wanted the ward members to have only one calling.   I was released from being on the family history committee, teaching the adult gospel doctrine class, and soon the Relief society activity chairman- I just need to finish up with the Relief Society birthday activity in March- sister Batt spoke up and said she needed me they couldn’t take me away yet.  I’m sad to be released from gospel doctrine.  I have taught going on 4 years.  I have loved learning and teaching the lessons from our Come follow me program.  Teaching has helped to keep on task and put more effort in my learning.  It has been a blessing in my life.  Family history I haven’t done much of anything lately.  I will always work on family history.  I have spent the last week researching my Dicky family line.  This is my Irish ☘️ ancestor line on my birth father side -his mother Rachel Dickey.  With plans to visit in the May has given me the family history bug to dig in and get back to work on my own ancestral family lines, there is always so much to work on.  Craig and I were called to be the Ward Activity Chairman, to plan activities for the ward about every two to three months.  So, we will be down to one calling serving in the ward now.         

Tuesday - Come & See / Cora Rose belated Birthday Party

. I have taken the time to read in my scriptures John1, Luke 3,4 in reviewing our come follow me material from last week and now moving into new chapters this week.  I loved reviewing chapter 1 of the book of John there is so much in there.  I really like this section in our lesson material - Have you ever wondered whether you would have recognized Jesus of Nazareth as the Son of God if you had been alive during His mortal ministry?  For years, faithful Israelites, including Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael, had waited and prayed for the coming of the promised Messiah. When they met Him, how did they know that He was the One they had been seeking? The same way all of us come to know the Savior—by accepting the invitation to “come and see” for ourselves (John 1:39). We read about Him in the scriptures. We hear His doctrine. We observe His way of living. We feel His Spirit. Along the way, we discover, as Nathanael did, that the Savior knows us and loves us and wants to prepare us to receive “greater things” (John 1:50). With the Thomas family back in town from their family cruise, Grandmother Mindy Thomas planned a lovely family birthday celebration for Cora.  She makes a cake for each of them on their birthdays, she is so talented in this area.  Cora's birthday got slighted this year with her family out of town on her special day and with little Cora being sick.  She is such a darling granddaughter in our family, our youngest and last one to enjoy.

love all these pictures that Natasha posted of our little Cora, fun to see her little personality blossom over this past year.  She has grown so very much-

Monday/ Celebrating Aubrey's 19th Birthday

Each time you bear vocal witness or demonstrate through your actions your commitment to follow Jesus Christ, you invite others to “come unto Christ.”

Members of the Church stand as witnesses of God at all times, in all things, and in all places. Opportunities to do this in the digital universe using inspiring content of our own or sharing uplifting content prepared by others are endless. We testify when we love, share, and invite, even online. Your tweets, direct messages, and posts will take on a higher, holier purpose when you also use social media to show how the gospel of Jesus Christ shapes your life.  I love this quote for the Day - we drove down Sunday after church to the Noriega home for a birthday dinner for our Aubrey girl.  She turned 19 years old and is leaving for her mission in three weeks now. The time is going by so quickly.  It was fun to visit with the family.  We had yummy taco salad for dinner and a yummy cake Sharlena had made- a family favorite.  While there Barbara Noriega and I enjoyed visiting with our Aubrey.  Barabra shared the story of her own mother and sister when they were murdered at their family Cabin in 1989- it has been a burden to carry these past 33 years still trying to have the young men who did these horrible crimes pay for their injustices.  She is still battling with the court system, I was shocked she has had to deal with this all these years- one sentenced for life and another death row, our state is trying to do away with death row, they both are still alive and in prison costing tax payer’s money for this entire time.  Barbara feels they should pay the death penalty for murder. Which I agree- it was a heinous crime what they did- shooting her mother, sister, her husband, and putting him on fire and kidnapping her two teenager nieces, amazingly her brother in-law survived and was able to get help and call for rescue for them and his two daughters that had been taken. The police responded very quickly, in a car chase were able to save her two nieces.  I can’t image the trauma that this had left in these two girls losing their mother and grandmother and almost their own lives.  Barbara shared how her sister and her family had come to be receive their temple blessing that week and be sealed as a family the same week this terrible event took place.  She called president Monson’s office directly requesting her sister receive her temple endowments that week before she was buried.  She had to get permission from the first presidency to move forward- normally when a person dies it is a year before the endowment process can take place- is the policy.  President Monson was so kind and made things happen- he personally attended the sealing and sealed their family together and spoke at the funeral. It was in the headline news for the entire state.  I vaguely remember the incident on the news. She shared what a spiritual experience it was attending the temple -and since then how trying it has been to go thru the trial process of these two men and the fight it has been for her family to deal with.  I’m so saddened she is still fighting this battle.  I have very little faith in the justice process it is falling apart today before our very eyes,  criminals are not held accountable for their actions- murder and mayhem is taking over cities all over our county- the love of man is turning cold- evil actions taking over.  It was prophesied this evil will take place in the last days - which we are witnesses now.  My heart aches for her.  We both had a bonding time visiting with one another and celebrating the wonderful granddaughter Aubrey is to us as grandmother’s we both love her so very much.  Aubrey brings great joy into our lives. 

Ward Conference /Becky Haugen

Today Craig and I are well enough to attend church.  It has been a month for me since Christmas that I have been able to attend Sacrament due to illness- we have been blessed to watch on Zoom internet viewing of the sacrament talks given, but we have missed the partaking of the sacrament which I have missed the most and the fellowship of the members.  I need to get ready, our meeting is now at 11:30 am this year, so nice to sleep in.  Which we did till 9am- I took the time to read our conference talk assigned for our discussion in relief society today.  I love this Conference talk -By Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles- To be a follower of Jesus Christ, one must sometimes carry a burden and go where sacrifice is required and suffering is inevitable.  This quotes, gives me insight and courage in knowing there is a cross to bear- in being a follow of Christ.  The road may not be easy and can be very challenging at seasons in our lives.  I need to get ready- It was so nice to attend our meetings today.  So fun to see old friends.  The Haugen's- Becky and Harold were in attendance today.  We knew them raising our children together in the Mountain Oaks Ward in Sandy.  They were having a winter trip getaway.  It is a lovely winter this year.  We have lots of snow at the lake.  It was so fun to visit and catch up on our families.  Their daughter, Ericka and Stacy were good friends growing up.  She has started an amazing growing company like our Natasha.   One of the young sister's in the Ward asked me in Relief Society how I knew such famous people?  I laughed, they are my girls and have become successful. This is a cute picture of Me and Becky, I'm wearing my Ivy City Dress-

Winter at Bear Lake

Debbie & Becky - I look so tall next to her.

Working Out

Craig and I went to the gym Thursday morning.  We had a good work out lifting weights- he is slowly able to lift some weights from the recovery process from his shoulder surgery.  It has been 12 weeks out and he is doing good. Feels good to get back to the gym and doing something.  We are both out of shape with us being sick the month of December and a relapse this month. I’m really sore in my arms from our work out. We have to get a three day work out in order to see any progress.  We went shopping Friday morning to get a birthday present for Aubrey girl.  Sharlena said she would like a journal to use on her mission so we were able to get her a cute pink one that has some markers to mark scriptures, we are gathering as a family Sunday evening for dinner at the Noriega home.  We packed up and drove back up to the lake Friday afternoon. There is so much snow up here. Today has been a beautiful sunny winter day.  It has felt nice to have some sunshine I haven’t seen it shine like this for over two weeks.  I have kept busy tidying up and doing a little bit of laundry. dusting and still putting some Christmas decorations away.  It will be nice to attend church tomorrow, I haven’t been to our ward since the middle of December.  We have watched sacrament on zoom - I missed the fellowship with the Saints.  Excited to wear my new Ivy city dress- it is a fun winter dress. I had to get a substitute for teaching this month.  Brother Hauber has been great to fill in for me.  I miss teaching, it motivated me to keep studying my scriptures when I have a lesson to prepare for. 

Craig feeling Better/ Bridger In the Hospital

Bridger is not feeling well he has kidney stone and has been in the hospital twice in the past two weeks. Our family is struggling with sickness- Craig called his primary doctor and they were able to get him in at 4:20 pm so we packed up and out the door again- less than 24 hours at the lake- just long enough to feed the cat, snow blowing the driveway and fill the hot tub- Craig was able to get his rehab appointment in.  He said they worked him over.  Out the door and on the road by 1:30pm.  The roads were clear which was nice driving and not so stressful between all these snow storms rolling in several times the last few weeks. Craig visited with Dr Romney and was able to get a prescription- he started taking it last night and this morning we are seeing a huge difference already - which is great! He had not felt well since the end of November when we both came down sick right after the baptism family gathering for Annie and Farrah.  We have both struggled with cold symptoms, body aches and lingering congestion. A week ago. after babysitting our sick little Cora for a week we both had a relapse. Craig has been sicker than me this go around. It has been a long week.  He has struggled with inflamed bronchial tube- wheezing and having a hard time breathing.  Finally, we can see some relief - his prescription prescribed for 12 days and an inhaler for three months.  The doctor said his tubes were very inflamed.  So, this is good news in the recovery process that he is responding to his new medication.  Craig couldn’t sleep much he was up at 3:30am - he texted Bridger to see how he was doing?  He texted back asking Craig to take him the hospital he was in a lot of pain- I stayed in bed and slept in.  I’m feeling better but still have congestion- it felt so good to have some sunshine this morning I laid in bed soaking it up from our bedroom window as it was shining thru.  We haven’t had much sunshine this month.  We had another snow storm last night and woke up to several inches of snow in the Salt Lake valley.  Craig said there were several accidents on the roads when he took Bridger to hospital at 5:30 am.  I don’t have anything on my agenda, other than caring for my hubby.  Sleeping in for me- the morning flew by- I took the time to walk around the block and get some fresh air.  Craig and I had lunch at Kneader’s.  We like their Turkey, bacon, avocado sandwich and broccoli cheese soup.  Felt good to get out for a bit.  We went to the car wash, to clean all the highway salt and mud from this last storm.  We have been having a snow storm roll in every two or three days and very little sunshine.  I yearn for sunshine and warmer days. We have got to get us both feeling better and then we could take off and go somewhere warmer. We went to the Neighborhood Walmart grocery store to get a few groceries.  Making a yummy crockpot macaroni & Cheese.  Saydee and Aubrey are stopping by at 5pm- it will be nice to visit with them. Aubrey’s birthday is Friday and Saydee’s is next week the 27th. and Yael is the 24th, Our older granddaughters are growing up all too fast.  Aubrey leaves for her mission the 13th of Feb. she is busy getting ready.  Saydee had her test results come back and they didn’t find anything wrong that is causing her stomach pain- she meets with the doctor on Feb. 3rd to discuss what she can’t do to manage her symptoms.  So frustrating for her and hoping she could return on her mission.  Not looking like it at this point.  I know she is not happy about having to come home for health reasons. Praying for both of our special granddaughters.  Look forward to their visit.

A Cute note Winston gave to his Dad while in the hosital  

Let It Snow !

Wow! we have so much snow at the lake and it is still snowing this morning.  We drove back to the lake yesterday afternoon - Craig came back for his rehab appointment- He went to his rehab appointment at 8:am this morning - we didn’t know if he was going to get out of the driveway with all the snow.  I had to stand out on the road to watch for cars - so he could drive out fast - no stopping or he would be stuck. We stayed all week at our Draper home recovering from this nasty flu bug.  It has been a long week of not doing much- watching lots of TV and helping my hubby recovery.  I worked hard Saturday and Sunday putting my Christmas decorations away in the basement to give me something to do- we didn’t venture out all weekend.  It was cold and raining all day Saturday and snowing on Sunday.  We were able to listen to church on Zoom.  It was a crowed sacrament meeting with Aly Wallentine returning from her mission.   There were lots of people in attendance.  Aly is the girl and her parents that have given me so much grief- it has taken many years of healing for me.   It has just been since Christmas this year that they would even talk to me after three years. I don’t understand their terrible behavior toward me as members of the church it has been deeply hurtful.  I have just had to toughen up and remember that our Savior was also wounded in the house of friends.  I know the Savior knows my honest efforts and that there was no intent on my part to hurt Aly or her parents - they chose to be offended and not trying to know there is another side of the story- they were being unkind and judgmental- and felt they were justified in their actions.  It has really shaken me for many years and hurt my heart to the very center- I have just tried to be brave, put on a happy face when in contact with their family and wish them the best.  I knew Aly would make an awesome sister missionary- she has great protentional- it was all just a huge misunderstanding- demanding I be released as young women president was the shock to me - and threatening to have me arrested for cyber bullying was beyond reasoning- for a church member - when there was nothing to justify their threats of behavior - the greatest hurt was the way they treated me with such hatred.   All I can say is it has taken many years for the pain to soften.  I know I will never get an apology which would have gone a long way-time does heal and soften the wounds.  We manage to get the upper driveway snow blown, there so much snow - there was several feet to plow.  It is a winter wonderland at the lake.

Our Austin Wrestling Tournament

Another exciting wrestling tournament for Austin! This weekend he was the Hunter Duals CHAMPION!🤼 (132lb weight class)-  He placed 1st in his division.  Wish we could have been there - Craig and I stayed home all day.  Craig is doing a little better but still not well enough to be out and about- I woke up early 6am and have been cleaning and the downstairs after Towner’s stayed a week. I have been working all day slowly putting Christmas decorations away.  By 1:30pm I had to lay down and take a long nap.  I slept till 5:30pm so guess I needed the rest.  I’ve tinkered putting things away till 10pm - my back is killing me and I’ve got to rest- It feels good to put things away and de-clutter all the Christmas decorations- I’ve got to tackle the upstairs now.  It will clear out fast.  This will be my project for tomorrow and Monday. Bridger ended up at the hospital this afternoon from extreme pain - he has kidney stones- we haven’t heard back what they are doing for him.  

 

Little Mermaid Play

Natasha bought tickets for the musical play Little Mermaid at the Hale theater in Sandy for my Birthday gift this year and we went out to lunch before to a new place I have never been -right by the theater - I looked forward to it all week and prayed I would be well enough to attend. I was excited for the day to arrive! Luckily, I felt much better and well enough to attend.  I loved the new theater - it is so pretty inside. The play was amazing!  It was very bright and colorful.  The costumes were stunning to see.  It was a nice event to be out with my youngest daughter.  So thoughtful of her to get us tickets.  It was nice to visit with her and spend time with her.  It was such a nice birthday treat for me - since I felt slighted on my actual day this year.  Just hard to do much babysitting and have a sick little granddaughter - plus my back was really hurting and I just didn’t feel the best either this year.   Craig has had a rough week with this new round of illness- I haven’t been as sick as he has this go around.  He has had so much congestion.  He had to go back to the insta care on Thursday having a hard time breathing. They have him on an inhaler and said it is going to be about a two- week recovery.  We have just been hit with the flu twice in a 6- week time period.  There is just so much of it going around - hard not to be infected. We both have got to get our immune systems built back up to stay healthy.  We are both tired of being sick. Craig did sleep better last night than the night before and his breathing is improving.  It is just a slow process of recovery this go around.  I felt better on Thursday and needed to get out of the house.  I went to Natasha's store and bought me two new Ivy City dresses- the Black Holly Berry Maxi long dress and the gold velvet dress- La La Lady.  I love them both- I’ve wanted to get a dress just hoping I would lose some weight - which hasn’t happened- so I just had to buy a bigger size to look good on me.   I do need to lose weight- I’m much heavier than I would like, 20 lbs. heavier- this is my challenge this year to get the weight off.  I’ve did it 6 years ago - I can do it- just need to buckle down and commit to a plan.  It's been hard being sick and all the sugar treats around at this time of year.  Going to do better - I woke up early this morning and cleaned the downstairs bathroom- after having the Towner family staying a week.  I need to put my Christmas decorations away- but I just love my Christmas decorations- I worked hard putting it all out for just a short time.  I love my fall decorations and I leave them out for 3 months - Sept, Oct and November- then I decorated for Christmas only for three weeks and it is all over.  I like leaving it up in the month of Jan and into Feb- So, I’m just slowly going to put things away. I haven’t felt like doing much being sick.  Trisha put most of it away at the lake the week after Christmas when they went up for several days. Once Christmas is over, she is putting all her things away.  The week before New Years- I just love leaving it all out much longer- it’s just me and Craig here at our Draper home so I’m just fine leaving it out longer.  I went to the At Home store on Thursday after stopping buy Ivy city- they had all their Christmas decor marked down 75 % off- I just couldn’t resist I bought a new Christmas tree for our upstairs family room area next year and things to decorate it with- I wanted to do more of white and gold- I got lots to work with and excited to do a new tree for next year.  I will love working with the things I bought and creating a new look.  I think I might just create some new garland sprigs and save for next year.   It's nice to have it made and done when the season rolls around.  I saw a really fun idea on Pintrest and would love to give my creative juices a try- see how I feel today. It is just cold and dreary weather- so nice to have a project to work on inside.  I’m excited to get my desk area completed that we started in the fall- since Craig's shoulder surgery in October we had to quit. Maybe in a few more weeks when he is feeling better. we can work on it.  He is doing good with his shoulder recovery- he did go to a rehab appointment yesterday while I was at the play.  He was very disappointed with their care.  So, he wants to finish up his rehab at the lake. He has liked the physical therapy much better there.  It is so much more personal and not just a number. He said they do by far a much better job in working with him.  So, we will be heading back soon for him to get his final sessions in this next month at the lake.  I was hoping to spend more time here at our Draper home - I have enjoyed the time we have spent here - not looking forward to going back to the cold polar zone up north, especially after our scary drive down Logan canyon in the wee morning hours.

Scary Drive To The ER

We didn’t stay long at the lake- we arrived Saturday evening Jan. 7th and back to Draper Tuesday morning 9:30am - I wasn’t feeling well when we arrived - by Monday afternoon - Craig was really sick - body aches, fever and started throwing up. I was feeling better- just lingering congestion, cold symptoms, I manage to get dress and attend our planned dinner game night out with the Hislop’s, Batts and Lynhardt’s, Craig stayed home- he was too sick.  It came on fast for him. He had cleaned the hot tub and got in.  I was sleeping - shortly after he got out, he was sick- he thought maybe he had Bromine poison from treating the hot tub and then getting in too soon- with symptoms coming on only about 10 minutes after being in the hot tub - I went to our friend dinner without him- it has snowed all day so the roads were really snowy - in my return 2 hours later the snow had starting falling even more steady several inches in the short time period I was gone.  Craig was still feeling so sick when I got home- I fell asleep watching The Chosen- I had spent most of the day reading and starting to prepare for my lesson coming up this Sunday - just not sure I’m going to be able to teach now with us both sick.  By 3am Craig woke me up and said he wanted to go to the hospital - I was not wanting to drive in a snow storm- the roads are snow packed with snow still coming down.  Well, we drove thru Logan canyon in a snow storm - the roads were terrible. I was a nervous wreck the entire hour-plus driving through a very snowy canyon.  I was praying we would make it safely thru the canyon.  We arrived in Logan with light snowing just starting. Three hours at the ER - they got Craig feeling better with some pain medicine.  He had a terrible head ache with a fever of 103- a fever always makes you feel bad.  He tested positive for the influenza A.   The doctor said it is going around like a wildfire.  He gave us a prescription for the cough and something called Thamaflu to treat the flu symptoms- he said it is a week or more recovery.  When leaving the snow had come down fast with about 5 inches already on the roads the short time we were in the ER.  We just drove south to our Draper home.  It was raining in the Salt Lake Valley and rained all day- by morning it turned to snow and we have serval inches of snow again. That is the weather pattern- rain for few days and then another snow storm- twice in a week.  We are getting so much snow at the lake- another foot yesterday - I heard it snowed all day.  Craig and I are both feeling rough today- I'm pushing myself to go to the store - we need some more Tynol for the body aches. So much for getting the recommended flu shot that Craig took in the fall.  It has not given us any protection to prevent getting sick.  

Preparing To Teach Gospel Doctrine

This week’s lesson - January 9–15 Matthew 2; Luke 2- We Have Come to Worship HimBefore you read the ideas in this outline, study Matthew 2 and Luke 2, and record your spiritual impressions. This will help you receive revelation on how to best meet the needs of your class.  I have read these chapters many times over the years and have heard the reading of the Christmas story each year of my life time which is 66 years - what does the spirit want me to hear this year as I review and study these two chapters. Look for insights with new and searching eyes & heart to feel the story told with more details - eyes to see more clearly is my prayer.  With the scant records of this miraculous events announcing the birth of Jesus Christ what is the spirit teaching me not just a repetition of the same story over and over?  Luke 2 - who is Luke - he is an apostle Called by Jesus Christ personally to Come Follow Me - he wrote this brief account to testify of Jesus Christ- I turned to the Bible dictionary to learn more about Luke - 

 

Concerned For Natasha & Bridger

They just arrived home from their cruise late Thursday night January 5th -The next day I heard that Tasha and Bridger were vaccinated, I was so totally surprised.  Because they have held out for over two years and have not wanted to participate.  And as time has gone by -we have found out that the vaccine is not stopping the Covid virus but it’s actually the one spreading the virus to others- the vaccine is shedding the virus to one another and many other complications.  Jason Towner was the only brother in the Towner family that received the vaccine out of the six boys and he has been diagnosed for heart inflammation at age 35- he is being treated like a cancer patient- to not be exposed to any other illnesses or it could be harmful to his heart, the whole family is very concerned. The family members have each taking turns watching their kids so that Jason can be in isolation.  Stacy and Chad even took two days to help watch the kids while they were in town and then surprise little Enzo has chickenpox- so they had to stay away from their family even more.  When Anita Towner heard that Bridger and Natasha were vaccinated on Friday, she asked Stacy not to be around them because of the shedding process that she did not want to take the possible risk of being passed on to Eric Towner Sr. her husband that is 73 years old. It all happened so fast and sudden for everyone. The motivating factor is Bridger wants to go to Easter Island where he served on his mission for a visit. You can only enter the country if you are vaccinated.  He had been talking about going but not this soon.  I even told him at Christmas I would love to go with them. We need to make a plan. While they were on their cruise, he suddenly decided that they were going no matter what- he canceled their trip that they had scheduled in late January to go to Chili- it is only two weeks away now. So, I guess they got their shot- that’s a one-time dose which is a lot stronger. Tasha was not happy and in tears and she felt the pressure from Bridger.  I haven’t talked to her-this all happened so fast- I just heard all the news from Stacy and the drama brewing- I heard that Natasha wasn’t feeling well after her shot-which they say is normal- the body fighting against the vaccine-let’s just say it’s really not a vaccine it’s an experimental shot that has been forced on the entire world. The people that have created this shot know that there are terrible side effects that can be harmful to many people in different ways -yet they have not stopped giving it but making it mandatory. The governments and those in charge have buckle down and enforcing this terrible shot on the entire world. It is not stopping the disease but coming to find out is perpetuating the disease. It is weakening our immune system and killing off natural immunity so that we will be more susceptible to other various illnesses. The health profession is recommending to get vaccinated every six months which is crazy.  Everyone that I know that has been vaccinated already had a case of the virus and now multiple times. Let alone there are so many side effects that are so harmful. So, all we can do is pray for them at this point- they made the decision on their own -which I think was done in haste. Time will tell the health risks that are involved. But as the story un-folds we have been lied to and manipulated- the entire world- by those that we were trusting in the health industry.  All for the all mighty $.  This shot is not really for our health but to control the populations and take our freedoms away.  When it was being mandated, I realized this was not for our good.  Pray for our family that have received it and that we can find our way out of this safely.  We are living in a world of deception with so many voices and it is so difficult to know the real truth.  Satan's greatest tactic to make evil good and good evil- and he is doing a great job to lead many away in many diverted paths.  Reminds me of the prophecy in the book of Mormon of the tree of Life and how a mist of darkness arose to blind us and lead in a false direction. 

The Shepard’s

Learning more about the story of the Shepard’s at the time of the Saviors birth - trying to visualize this experience - we have so little details described in the scriptures about this historical event and as miraculous as it was the birth of the Savior- Jesus Christ upon the earth- born to a mortal mother named Mary and his father our Heavenly Father- how does this happen? I do believe it is possible and the Holy Spirit bares witness to me this is true, the Christmas story told to me every year of my life.  I have understood the basic story told over and over in the scriptures. Yet in my study time yesterday and today I’m starting to see and feel the story deeper in my heart and so appreciative for the scant records we do have of this glorious event.  I wanted to share what I have learned about the shepherds that I had not known or understood which brings even more meaning to their brief story written in the Scriptures- footnote in my scriptures Luke 2: 10- 20 - Shepard’s watching their flocks - these weren’t just any shepherds - they were watching over the temple flocks - see Bruce R. McConkie- book - mortal messiah pg. 225.   n the old world the message from Heaven announcing the birth of the Savior of the world came unto Shepard’s in the fields of Bethlehem, not far from Jerusalem and the Temple of Jehovah - there were Shepard’s watching their flocks - these were not ordinary Shepard’s nor ordinary flocks- the sheep they were watched over, care for with love and devotion - they were destined for sacrifice on the great altar in the Lord’s House- in similitude of the eternal sacrifice of him who on that wondrous night lay in a stable, among sheep of a lesser destiny - These Shepard’s for whom the veil was then rent -(opened ) they were of the spiritual stature coming to know, that the Lord Christ was now on the earth. There were many Shepard’s in Palestine, but only to those who watched over the temple flocks did the herald angels come, only these Shepard’s heard the Heavenly Choir- as Luke -the apostle of Jesus Christ idyllic says - “And lo the angels of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shine around them, and they were sore afraid.” And the angel said onto them fear not -for behold- I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people- For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior - which is Christ the Lord- And this shall be a sign unto you- ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  The heavens were opened unto them - there was not just one angel, but many -the whole heavens resound the music written by celestial souls for a celestial choir and sung with celestial voices with celestial fervor - rings from one end of heaven to the other- they praise the Lord - they sing of his goodness and grace- they tell of what his arm (power) hath done ; they sing of the tree upon which he shall hang , they exult at the open door of the empty tomb, they sing of the prisons doors opened and of the ransomed souls rising to eternal glory-  then the crescendo of climax comes as they sing the glorious benediction- “ Glory to God in the highest and on earth -peace -Goodwill towards men. 

Quote For The Day

The Church is a gathering place for imperfect individuals who love God and who are willing to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. That willingness is rooted in the reality that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. This divine truth can be known only by the power of the Holy Ghost. Therefore, our willingness is directly proportionate to the amount of time we commit to be in holy places where the influence of the Holy Ghost is present- this is a powerful thought that I have read several times this morning - my love for the Savior shows -by my actions to stand in Holy places where the Holy Ghost can also stand with me -to lead and guide my actions- out of love for my savior. The more appropriate places I choose to be where the Holy Ghost can strive to be with me show my love for the Savior- I choose to be guided by the Holy Ghost in my life - and I need to be in holy places to have this influence of the Holy Ghost to lead and guide my path.  This is why the saying - stand in Holy Places is so important!  Craig woke up in the wee morning hours throwing up - Oh no - he is not feeling well at all.  I felt bad all day yesterday and laid around in bed.  Hope he gets to feeling better today - I really dislike the throw up bug and pray I don’t come down with it.  I have spent time this morning reading about Matthew chapter 2 and Luke 2 in preparation for my lesson coming up on Sunday- I’m enjoying learning new things about the announcing of the Saviors birth and those that witness this marvelous event.  The book I’m reading “The Mortal Messiah” has given me new insights into the Christmas Story of the Savior’s birth- 

Our Austin

It was an eventful weekend. Austin also wrestled in the Richardson Memorial Tournament at Box Elder High School. He Placed 2nd🥈after wrestling his close friend Dawson for the Championship.

Craig enjoys supporting Austin - he loveded wrestling when he was his age, we enjoyed watching the video clips Shar sent to us last night going to bed.  Austin is an amazing young man and will do great things in his life journey.  

Sharlena’s Post / Barbara Noriega and Craig are 2nd Cousin's!

So excited for our cute girl! In preparation for her mission, we were able to go through the Provo City Center Temple with her last night!  So Cool!

our oldest daughter with her oldest and only daughter. 

We all had a very special evening togerther.  We all enjoyed our time visiting together.  After the  temple we went to dinner afterwards.  Barbara Noriega, Dave's mother also attended with us.  She is ten years older than Craig.  In visiting Craig was talking about family search and went onto the app on his phone to go to memories to show some pictures of his Symes ancestors that also lived in Moroni area, Barbara had ancestors in the same area.  As Craig was showing her his grandmother Affie Christenson Symes, who was a twin- a picture of her with her sisters in the memory section of family search, Barabra looked at the picture and said that is my grandmother in the same picture.  We were all so surprised!  Come to find out Craig and Barabra have the same grandparent family line and are 2nd cousins.  Shar and Dave have been married for 21 years and  and we had no idea they would be 3rd cousins married.  The miracle of family history. 

Jane Bailey is the oldest daughter of our family line she married Richard Syme, Barabra's grandmother is the third daughter in this picture.- picture order of  -Daughters of David William Bailey and Elizabeth Blackham Bailey Picture taken 1914 Jane, Susannah, Calista, Audrey.  Calista married Cyrus Tidwell who was Barbara's grandfather growing up. Her father was their son, she was raised a Tidwell.  When Craig and Barbara talked about their anestors for Sanpete County, Utah, I figured they had to be related somehow. The Bailey's family line is our ancestors that survived in the Martin Handcart Pioneer company 1856 migrating to Utah. We had know idea how close we were all really related.  Going to the find relatives around me on family search we were able to quickly see how they were related.  I inherited a quilt that Jane Bailey made- oldest daughter of the family.  Dave jokes now that we know they are 3rd cousins to the same family line they are in line to inherit the family heirloom quilt that Jane Bailey made.  Barbara inherited her love for quilting from the Bailey sisters.  Such a fun story for us all to share at our dinner table conversation.    

Craig & I with Aubrey standing next to Barabra Noriega

 

Sabbath Fast Day/ Church Wide Fast For The Gathering of Israel

The point of walking the covenant path is to approach the Savior. He is the point, not our perfect progress. It is not a race, and we must not compare our journey to others’- Even when we stumble, He is there.  I like this quote- in coming to Christ- making him the focus in my journey of life.  We each have a different journey - he is there to help us along the way. Today is fast and testimony for the entire church fasting for the gathering of Israel.  We need more missionaries to share the gospel message through the world and in preparing the world for the second coming of Jesus Christ.  I want to look for ways I can do my part to help share the gospel message with others.  I know that Craig has been released from serving in the Garden City Ward Bishopric- we look forward to serving a mission.  We have got to get to feeling better.   I’m fighting a cold again with a head ache so hope I can get myself ready for church today.  I might have to stay home.  We have the 11:30 am schedule this year.  Felt so good to sleep in my softer bed at the lake. My back feels much better since I went to the Chiropractor on Wednesday. He gave me an ozone shot in my lowers back and it has greatly helped the pain that has been nagging me on my right side.  Glad to have some relief. I wasn't feeling well enough to attend church, so I stayed home today.  I have slept alot, which I guess I needed.  I have spent time reading and working on my blog.  I started reading the book The Mortal Messiah, by Bruce R. McConkie. one of the greatest scholar apostles in our time period- originally written in 1882 and printed in 2008.  It is a beautiful hard copy given to me by Trisha and Buck 6 years ago.  I'm finally sitting down to take the time to read.  I had started in 2019 but didn't get very far into.  This year we are studying the New Testament  volume 2 book goes right along with my learning and teaching of the New Testament this year for 2023-  We  have been ask to fast for our Mission the Paris Idaho mission for the less active in our area and the introducing of the Gospel to new converts.  The gathering of Israel is one of the most important things we can do in this time period, Our Prophet President Nelson has called us to do as members, to help gather Israel thru out the world.  This is the last gathering before the second coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.  The time is drawing nearer by the day,  As we see the world around us grow more evil.  I pray for the day to come of love and peace to fill the earth as our Savior reigns sometime in the near future.  Pray for the faith and strength to endure the darks days foretold preceding the second coming.  I can see the pace is picking up as evil in the world grows stronger, also as promised the gospel message to the world will grow too to prepare a people to live on the earth during a period of a 1000 years of peace.  

Towner Family Going Home

Today was a full day for us.  We had to get up fairly early and out the door by 9:30 am for the Memorial service for Scott Asay the son of Don & Jean Asay.  He was only 55 years old.  We have known the Asay family since 1980- our Bishop when we moved to Player Rd as a young family with our little Sharlena and Shannon as a newborn -  we have loved the  Asay family and have kept in touch all these years.  Scott was a challenge his entire life.  He lived a hard life.  He brought his parents many heart aches.  Pray he is at some peace now.   It was so good to see his family at the services and visit with them.   We headed back to our Draper home to tidy up a little and pack up to come back to the lake.  We have been gone for two weeks.  Stacy and her family are flying out tonight.  The time always goes by too fast for me. I didn't get to spend as much time as I would have liked - it seems the Towner family dominates.  I do cherish the time I did get to visit and enjoy their company.  We hope to be able to go for a winter visit in California soon and have more one on one time - where we don’t have to compete with all the extended family.  We headed back to the lake at about 3pm.  We wanted to get back up before it was dark.  There are just to many deer out at night and it’s a risk in hitting one.  We have been blessed with all our trips back and forth we have not hit one.  We have had some really close calls. When we got back at the lake all our smoke alarms were going off-  we changed the batteries for all the ones we could reach -after working on changing out batteries we still couldn’t get them to turn off.  The noise was so Loud and piercing to our ears.  We had one more we couldn’t reach in our upper family room we needed someone taller and a taller latter.  We called bishop England and he came over to help us. We have never had this happen before.  We ended up have to just disconnect all the smoke alarms to get the annoying sound to shut off.  Finally we had some quite.  This was quite the ordeal. Clinton was so nice to help out. He said he would come and snowplowing our driveway tomorrow.  It has snowed about a foot since we were here last.  So it was hard getting into the garage - Craig had to drive fast to plow thru luckily we did make it in the garage - but don’t know if we will get out for church in the morning.  Craig was missing being at lake. Guess we will hang out here for the week.  I teach next Sunday.  So I need to start studying and preparing to teach in a week. Glad Trisha put some of the Christmas decorations away.  It felt nice and clean when we arrived.  They came up for a few days to go snowskiing.  Time to go bed.  I’m fighting a cold again.  Taking extra vitamin C to try to build my immunity to fight off the symptoms.  I don’t want to get sick again.  Little Cora didn’t feel well all week long as we babysat her and little Enzo was sick all week with the chicken pox’s.  Stacy had to stay at our home today while Chad went to the twin's baptism in the Towner family.  Sad they had to miss out. Pray they have a safe trip home.  Tomorrow is Fast and testimony.  They moved it back a week - we are fasting for the gathering of Israel this Sunday.  

Towner Family - wearing matchng Ivy city Dresses

Our Towner grandkids, Jude 11 yrs old, Yael, 9yrs old, Farrah 8yrs old and little Enzo 6 years old.

they all had a fun winter trip.

Aubrey’s Received Her Temple Endowments-

Craig and I attended the temple tonight with our Aubrey Girl.  She chose to attend the Prove City Temple for her first time to attend the temple for her own endowment.  It is such a beautiful temple in the heart of downtown Provo.  It was built and decorated to reflect the old time period of the late 1800’s.  I love the old timeless décor.  It was so special to be in the temple.  We haven’t been since June sad to say 7 months.  The months have gone by all too fast.  It felt so good to be back in the temple.  I chose a family name to complete today and act as proxy for Josephine Holt who married Alexander George Washington Bailes. Who was the son of George Washington Bailes my great-great father.   Alexander has been lost from the family tree for many years, his father died when he was a baby and His mother remarried -being raised as a stepson to the William Booker home.  They relocated to Ohio.   Alexander married Josie Holt her nick name - full name Josephine Holt Bailes- I acted as proxy for her in the endowment session.  Her death date 6th January 1950- not realizing it was actually Jan. 6th 2023 today she left this earth life 73 ago.  What an honor to serve time for Josie this day as proxy in the endowment session on the anniversary date of her passing.  I need to seal her and Alexandar as a couple.

Craig and I with our beautiful granddaughter Aubrey at the Provo City Temple, I loved the temple.  It is so pretty inside. Built and decorated for the late 1800 time period.  It has a beautiful large fountain outside the temple. It reminded me of the beautiful fountian we saw in Rome, Italy when we visited in 2007.  This is a blessed day in our lives to attend the temple with this very special granddaughter, we are so very proud of her and that she has chose to serve a mission.  

  

Printing 2022 blogg book/Grandkids Game Night

I finished editing my blog for 2022.  Now I'm trying to get it ready for print.  It is having sever problems. Frustrating every year it seems to be challenging to get it to download, but I finally got it loaded.  Sure hope it uploads so I can take advantage of the 50% discount   Craig invited as many grandkids as could to come play games tonight and have banana splits.  It is Michael's 24th birthday today.  Hard to believe he is this age now.   Michael, Landon, Sharlena, Jacob, Saydee, Boston, Aubrey and the Towner grandkids all came so we had a house full. We had fun playing Uno and Farkle.  Fun to have them all here since we didn't get together on my birthday this year.  I was feeling sad my birthday got slighted this year.  So I enjoyed having sometime with the grandkids tonight.

Michael and Grammy January 5th, 2023

Come Follow Me Lesson

We are starting the study of the New Testament this year- while I’m waiting for my Chiro appointment- it gives me time to review the material and start preparing for my lesson the third week of January- my turn to teach gospel doctrine- I like this quote - “Do you love the Lord?” His counsel to those of us who would answer yes was simple and profound: “Spend time with Him. Meditate on His words. Take His yoke upon you. Seek to understand and obey.” Elder Wirthlin then promised transformative blessings to those willing to give time and place to Jesus Christ.

Dentist Appointment

We had to get up early this morning to be out the door by 8am for our dentist appointments.  We had to stop by Natasha’s home to unlock the house so they could get in for a photo shoot for their new spring launch of the newest dresses and styles.  I can’t believe how much snow is piled everywhere.  It is a heavy snow and tree branches are breaking -laying around on the ground- Craig is the first appointment - I’m waiting in the waiting room for my appointment and watching little Cora - keeping her entertained between our appointments- I then have a chiro appointment after our dentist appointments- my back is giving me trouble.  It just hurts all the time in my right hip and lower back area- I'm starting to wonder if I have a cyst in the area pinching a nerve.  I need to schedule a back doctor appointment and find out what I’m really dealing with.  Stacy and her family are going snow skiing today.  It should be a lovely day for them to ski- hope little Enzo can hold up to their day out as a family.  The Thomas family come home tomorrow night.  Our week has gone by fast for us. Cora is a sweet little three year old. She was really good at the dentist office coloring and eating her treats we were there for 2 hours.  She is now home playing away with her toys.  I'm heading to my Chiro appt this afternoon- I really need some relief for my back.  

Enjoying Time With The Towner Family

Stacy and her family are staying the week till Friday.  We have gotten so much snow.  Today we took the kids sledding in our subdivision- we found a hill just steep enough for them to play on.  Little Cora has kept me very busy.  She fell asleep late afternoon and then she was up till 2am in the morning.  We have got to get her on a better sleeping schedule.  My hubby gave me massage gift cards for Christmas, I was able to schedule an appointment yesterday.  It felt so good to get a massage and get out of the house.  This morning Stacy and I took a walk around the block walking their dog, Rocky.  I can't believe how much snow we have received.  Our town house is on the upper mountain benches so we get more snow than in the valley.  It is a winter wonderland.  We have had several winter storms move in and out.  This was a big one that covered the entire state with lots of snow.  I hear there is piles of it at the lake too.  Craig and I scheduled dental appointments for tomorrow.  I haven't been in a couple of years.  We also have a dermatology appointment on Thursday, Friday evening we are attending the Temple with Aubrey she is receiving her own endowments as she prepares for her mission call- Saturday we have a funeral for Scott Assay- son of our Bishop Don and Jean Assy when we lived on Player Road in our 20's.  Their son was young in his 50's, so sad to hear of his passing.  We have a busy week.  Thomas family is coming home Thursday evening.  Little Cora does miss her mommy, she asks for her every day.  We are enjoying babysitting her.  Poor Little Enzo has chicken pox- he is covered from head to toe- and has an itching rash- sure hope Cora doesn't come down with it, but most likely she will- now that she has been exposed.  She has not felt well the entire time we have had her.  She has been running a fever off and on. So, adding this to her immune system is not going to be fun for her.  I'm really tired so I'm taking a nap.  Going to bed at 2am with little Cora, she has kept me busy.  She loves her Grammy.  Stacy took her for a walk yesterday and got the cutest pictures of her outside in the snow. 

Our little Farrah with Cora Rose

Farrah and the snowman they built. they had fun playing in the snow while they were in town

Farrah and Enzo they built a fun snow cave

Jude and Enzo

Jude with their dog Rocky

Such a fun Picture- love Jude's smile

Jude and Yael, they played for hours in the snow- the most we have had in many years in the Salt lake Valley.  They had fun at the Towner's Grandparents backyard. 

Jude, Farrah, Enzo building a snowman this year 2023

Lots of snow this year a beautiful picture of the foothills behind our Draper home.

 

January 1st 2023/ My 66th Birthday- Thomas Family Cruise

     

Stacy and Chad Bringing in the New Year 2023

Stacy and Chad Bringing in the New Year 2023

It is another year around the calendar.  I'm turned 66 years old today.  Craig and I are both starting to collect social security benefits in Feb.  Crazy we are this age now.  Hope to have a better year.  2022 was challenging for me in many ways- Losing both our mother's and recovering from health issues.  We have been very blessed in many ways too. I set this as a goal for 2022- and want to apply the same goal for this coming year 2023- Asking the question daily does this action in my daily behavior invite the Holy Spirit or drive it way?   My goal for the year 2023-Is to become a new creature, a new and growing creation of my Heavenly Father- don’t just learn the facts about the gospel but that which increases my conversion and my commitment to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ- by seeking the Holy Ghost for guidance in my daily life which will bring me closer to God and change my actions daily-I want to strive to draw near to God and hear his voice in my daily life.   I loved our Come Follow me study last year of the Old Testament.  I learned so much and have enjoyed learning.  I learned that our Savior Jesus Christ was there for the people leading and guiding them just as he is now.  He is so loving and ask us to simply Follow Him!  He will guide us and help us in our difficult times.  It's a lazy day for us.  Our new church schedule, this year is 11:30am- we are watching on zoom today, which is nice we can stay in the warmth of our home.  We are babysitting little Cora while her family is on a cruise.  She has not felt well the past fun days and is running a fever and coughing.  Stacy and her family are hanging out with the Towner cousin's.  They all had a sleep over for New Year’s Eve.  Craig and I stayed home.  We were party pooper's this year.  He is recovering from his shoulder surgery and we both are still struggling from this past illness we came down with just after Thanksgiving- the end of November.  Craig and I's back are both hurting.  Mine has really been nagging me on my lower right side, down my tailbone and into my right butt area and right leg- down entirely into my foot.  I'm starting to think I might have a cyst growing and pinching the nerve in my lower back area.  I'm going to have to schedule a back Dr. appointment and have an MRI of my back to see what is going on to cause the nagging pain.  Craig's back is not good either.  We are both struggling.  I didn't feel well today, I barely made it to midnight.  We woke up to it snowing again!   We have so much snow coming down this morning.  We are snowed in!  It is going to be a quiet and lazy day for us.  Can't do much with a sick little Cora Rose.  She didn't want her picture taken at all for her 3rd birthday yesterday.  Maybe we can get a picture taken today. This year we are studying the New Testament.  I'm really excited to dig in and learn more about our Savior Jesus Christ and the life he lived while on earth.  I started watching the series The Chosen in December.  It is so good and has brought the life of the Savior even more real and relatable as one of us who lived on the earth and he understands our challenges.  He is here to lead and guide us back to our Heavenly Home if we will just listen and Follow Him.  I'm still teaching gospel doctrine- going on 4 three years with this calling- My up-coming lesson- I'm teaching the middle of January- so, look forward to digging into the lesson material and preparing.  Brother Menlove is teaching today.  He is having back surgery on Jan. 6th so he is going to be laid up for a while. They are talking about calling another teacher which will be nice.  Happy New Year!! Look forward to the adventures of this upcoming year.  We are enjoying spending time at our Draper Home while the Towner family is in town and babysitting our little Cora.

Papa Symes baby sitting Baby Cora Rose

babysitting little Cora Rose on her third Birthday while her family is on a cruise. She is not feeling well and doesn't want to have anything to do with her birthday hat.  Craig and I both wearing it to try to get her in the birthday celebration mood. 

Our little Cora Rose born December 31st 2019 turning 3 years old.  below is a picture of the Thomas family on their cruise Celebrating the New Year 2023

Thomas Family New Year's Eve 2023

Cutest Picture of Natasha and Annie

Lincoln and Winn

They all had a great time on the cruise,  they went with their neighbors across the street from them, their children are great friends.

Happy New Year 2023!!