Why did the Stake Presidency Want to Talk to Us?

St. George Tabernacle

On my last blog I mentioned that we had a call from the Stake Presidents office. I thought that I should let you know that it didn't have anything to do with the shake up of the ward boundaries in our stake.



They had received a letter from the Salt Lake headquarters of our mission concerning an extention of our mission. November 7th we will finish 30 months or 2 1/2 years in the Member Location Mission here serving in the basement of the St. George Tabernacle.



Salt Lake said that if we desired, we could extend for another 30 months. We had been talking about extending, so when this came we had already decided. We don't have to extend for 30 months but we can if we want or if something comes up that we need to be released, that option is open.



When we mentioned to our missionaries on Thursday afternoon about the extention they all seemed to be extremely happy.



We have some of our missionaries that have been serving as long as 15 years. At our age, I don't think we will serve that long. But wow what a goal that would be.



We have found that serving with these wonderful missionaries has been a great privilege. They all seem concerned about one another. As the spirit spreads through the group they seem to bond together as a family. To some it is the only family they have living or in the area.

Thought for Today

I find joy in knowing that no one can

take joy away from me. But the more

I share it, the more it multiplies.

CHANGES +

I've been so busy this summer that I haven't gotten to my blog since July. Sorry about that! Much has happened and I'll slowly catch up.

First Changes - - - - - -

Last Sunday 13 September 2009 - Our Stake Presidency called a special meeting for all stake members for 7:30 p.m. Through the years 11 different ward boundary ideas for our stake had been sent to the general authorities. The 12th one was accepted. We have an aging, land locked stake and needed changes. We had some wards that only had 200 hundred people and were struggling. The closing hymn for the meeting was "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go, Dear Lord." When was announced there was laughter thru all those attending.

There was a complete realignment of all wards in our stake -- two wards the 19th and 26th were disbanded - The two wards were combined with the other wards of the stakes. Most of the wards lost some members and gained some. Luckily our ward only gained. The block where East Elementary is between 4th and 5th South and 6th & 7th East and the block North of the school and a line going East of Dixie State college and going to the freeway was added (which gave us more apartments near the freeway. (I guess that's clear as mud.) But it added some wonderful people, such as Barkers who were our first Mission Coordinators, Alders, who lived in our ward when he was president of Dixie College (Also I went to Elementary School with him) and the Coburns who were in our ward when we lived in Upland, California just before we moved to St. George and many others I had been associated with in music and other activities.

Our High Priest Quorum had planned an Dutch Oven Dinner and Social for Thursday evening when this all happened, so an invitation was extended to the newly added High Priests, spouces and single sisters. It was wonderful how everyone mingled and got acquainted.

Our ward is planning a New 9th Ward Social a week from Tuesday for everyone from infants to 99 years old and 100 years old if there are any according to our Bishop's councelor that conducted our Sacrament Meeting today. Also a member of the Stake Presidency that lives in our Ward announced that next Sunday they would be changing our Bishopric. Neither Curt or I thought it would be changed this fast. They've been in for about 4 years.

Our High Priest Quoum has been asking for over a year for a change since one of the assistants had a massive stroke over a year ago and never will be able to function normally. This probably will be taken care of soon.

Shortly after we returned from our meetings today, the Stake Executive Secretary called and asked to meet with Curt & I. At first we thought maybe it was to let Curt know that the change in the High Priest Group was going to be made and that he would be released. (He's served in 7 High Priest Group Leadership, but never the Leader.) But then we thought that they wouldn't nessessarily ask for me to be thereif that was the case. So now we are wondering.

It will probably take more than one week to make all the changes in the wards. During our married life we have gone through Stake and Ward divisions but never a complete realignment of the wards in a stake. There is much growth through change and new friends to be made.

Thought for Today

Give thanks for unknown blessings on their way.

Native American Proverb

4th of July +

We'll be heading out of town on the 4th of July to Park Plaza in Park City. We've had this Timeshare for many years. We're interested in selling it and using the money to pay on our debts, but in the meantime we will enjoy it with our family. We've enjoy using it since I was given it after my father died. It's really a nice facility and fun. Anyway we're hoping that they have some fireworks or something to enjoy after we get up there. Mike and Cathy and family are following us up and having dinner with us. I was sent the following article for the 4th of July. I found it very interesting and touching.

4th of July, What is it all about?

· Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

· Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.

· Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

· Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.

· Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

· They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?
· Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

· Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

· Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

· Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

· At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

· Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

· John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

Remember: freedom is never free!

The 6th of July is a Special Day!

I get to share my brother's birthday with him. I was born on his 6th birthday and he didn't appreciate having me on his birthday and especially that I was a girl. He had two older sisters. He stated years later that he would have rather had a train. It was hard but he eventually learned later to love me. A while back Leslie and her family came through on the way to Las Vegas. Our granddaughter Crystal noticed pictures of my brother and I in our hallway on the Wall of Fame. She said that she wanted copies so I scanned them for her. Now I'm sharing the pictures with you of a brother and the bratty little sister that is pouting because she doesn't have as many candles as he had on his cake.

The pictures were take July 6, 1934.

Thought for the Day

Long may our land be bright . . . With freedom's holy light.

Protect us by they might . . . Great God, our King.

(My Country, 'Tis of Thee - last two lines)

Memorial Day Museum Pictures - 25 May 2009

(No this wasn't taken at the Museum)

Here are the pictures Mike & Curt took at the Dinosaur Museum here in St George. We've been visiting the site ever since the first prints were put on display, but this is the first that we had visited the Museum since it was finished a few years ago. It's definitely a place to visit in St George. Really interesting with the displays and films that they show.

Our Granddaughter Rebecca and our Great grandson Max near the entrance of the Museum.

This is an overview of the museum. The crowd was large being a Holiday.

Inside the building along one of the walkways among the displays.

This is the largest one piece block of foot prints in the world. It was discovered close by when they were building the Middle School north of the museum. It has a trail of small footprints clear across the surface.

Ourside the building - Denece, Mike, Rebecca, Max & Cathy. (This is a 4 generation picture).

Another picture in front of "Dinosaur Discovery Museum. Denece, Curt, Rebecca, Max and Cathy. Below an overview of the front of the museum with same family.

Wooden boxes of left over Dinosaur discoveries. There have been many specimens sent to other museums all over.

Thought for Today

What we learn of the Past can help us understand the Present and Future! Unknown

Big Mud Puddles and Sunny Yellow Dandelions

I found this is my document file - It's one of my favorites!

Big Mud Puddles and Sunny Yellow Dandelions
Author Unknown

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take - but by the moments that take our breath away."

When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard. My kids see flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff you can wish on.

When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money and I look away. My kids see someone smiling at them and they smile back.

When I hear music I love, I know I can't carry a tune and don't have much rhythm so I sit self-consciously and listen. My kids feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words. If they don't know them, they make up their own.

When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk. My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing.

When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that. My kids say, "Hi God! Thanks for my toys and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight. Sorry, I don't want to go to Heaven yet. I would miss my Mommy and Daddy."

When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets. My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross, and worms to play with.

I wonder if we are given kids to teach or to learn from?

No wonder God loves the little children!

Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

I wish you Big Mud Puddles and Sunny Yellow Dandelions!!!

Thought for Today

Every Soul comes to earth with Gifts!

Memorial Day 2009

We've had a great weekend spending part of it with Mike, Cathy, Rebecca & Max. Two of Cathy's brothers and their families were here. It's a tradition for them all to come and spend Memorial Weekend here.

We finished their weekend by going to the Dinasaur Museum on the Johnson Farm where Dinasaur tracks were found several years ago. It is really a great facility and very interesting. A no miss attraction here in St. George and well worth the time and money. The building is built over the original area where the first tracks were found. We've been there several times through the years, but this is our first visit since the museum has been built.

I want to share the pictures and poem that I had on our Ward Bulletin yesterday in honor of our veterans.

I have been the banner of hope and freedom for
generation after generation of Americans.
Born amid the first flames of America's fight
for freedom . . . Planted firmly on the high pinnacle
of American Faith my fluttering folds
have proved an inspiration to untold millions.
Men have followed me into battle with
Unwavering courage . . . They have prayed that
They and fellow citizens might continue to
enjoy life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.
M/Sgt. Percy Webb 1879-1945

LEST WE FORGET,
FREEDOM IS
NEVER FREE

VIGILANCE - HONOR - SERVICE - SACRIFICE

The above is part of the Tonaquint Veteran's Monument
in the Tonaquint Cemetery, St. George, Utah
Dedicated 26 May 2003

Vandalism in St George

We loaned my Hyundai to a friend to use on this past Wednesday. Curt had taken it to him on Tuesday afternoon and it was parked on the street in the shade of the trees to keep it cool rather than in hot driveway.

At 8:00 a.m. a knock came on his door and in answering it, he found a policeman. He was told that during the night a drunk had gone up 600 East with a rock, breaking the headlights in about 15 cars before someone on the street heard a crash and called the police. They responded immediately and apprehended the drunk with the rock in his hand. He is now in jail at Purgatory (good name for our prison here) on the way to Hurricane, UT from St. George.

With the age of my car (1989) it was hard to find the parts that were needed, but Curt went to Dixie Auto Salvage and he searched on the computer and found what we needed some place up north. With his computer he can search all over the country. Hurrah for modern technology! The parts will be here the first part of next week and my car won't be blind anymore.

Also in our immediate area there have been 5 vehicles torched. Who ever is doing it will drive by dowse the vehicle with gasoline, light it and leave quickly with it burning. We had one of our ward members that lost his work truck that was parked on the street and there was another car parked in the parking lot at Dixie High School that was torched.

We don't know where the other 3 cars were. This the first vandalism that we have been aware of in our area.

Thought for the Day

Each Soul comes to Earth with Gifts!

You Never Know What You'll Find on the Net When Looking for Something Else.

I was trying to find the origin of the phase "Live honestly, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly & Leave the rest to God." Can't find where or when it started, but I did find it at the end of the advise below. Interesting! It was on someone's blog. I'm wondering if I google Dixie Bears if something would show up.

An Old Farmer’s Advice:

* Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight, and bull-strong.
* Keep skunks and bankers and lawyers at a distance.
* Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
* A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.
* Words that soak into your ears are whispered…not yelled.
* Meanness don’t jes’ happen overnight.
* Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.
* Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.
* It don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge.
* You cannot unsay a cruel word.
* Every path has a few puddles.
* When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
* The best sermons are lived, not preached.
* Most of the stuff people worry about ain’t never gonna happen, anyway.
* Don’t judge folks by their relatives.
* Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
* Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll enjoy it a second time.
* Don’t interfere with somethin’ that ain’t botherin’ you none.
* Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
* If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin’.
* Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.
* The biggest troublemaker you’ll ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every mornin’.’
* Always drink upstream from the herd.
* Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.
* Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in.
* If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try orderin’ somebody else’s dog around.
* Live honestly. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly & Leave the rest to God.

Thought for Today

Live so those who know you

but don't know Him,

will want to know Him,

because they know you!

Mother's Day Tribute

I had a telephone call from one of our ward members today asking about a story that they remembered and thought that I had it in a ward bulletin at some time. As she searched for it several people told her to contact me that I probably could find it. It only took a few minutes and I found the right story. I want to share it here on my blog.

God's Promise to a Child

Once upon a time there was a child ready to be born. The child asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God replied, "Among the many angels, I chose one. Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you everyday. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"I've heard that on Earth there are bad men. Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about me and will teach you the way to come back to me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

"Her name is not important. You will simply call her "Mom."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Thought for Today

Grandchildren are God's compensation

for Gray Hair and Wrinkles.

Draper Temple Dedication Brought Back Memories

Last Sunday the Draper Temple dedication was shown in our Stake Center. It was a wonderful occasion and brought back memories of the Jordan River Temple Dedication November 1981. The session that our ward was to attend was broadcast in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. Curt, Bryce and I attend that one together and it was a choice experience.

Our stake was asked to provide a choir for the last dedication session. Another stake had dropped out and less than 5 weeks before the dedication and our stake formed a choir and started practicing, with Myron Ottley as the director. I was privileged to be a part of that special group of singers.

The men of the choir were able to sit in the Celestial Room with the altos outside the door on one side and the sopranos on the other. When we sang the sopranos and altos entered from either side. It was commented that our choir sounded like we had heavenly singers helping. It was a wonderful, glorious experience. We sang "The Morning Breaks," "The Lord's Prayer" and the Hosanna Anthem. (At our Stake Conference in January 1982 our stake temple dedication choir was asked to sing and we had special permission to sing the Hosanna Anthem. There was hardly a dry eye in the whole congregation and was hard to sing.)

President Spencer W. Kimball's health was not so he could be to all of the sessions, but he was to the last one. One of the Usher's told us sopranos that President Kimball would be come out of the door past us and for us to hold out our hands. He couldn't resist the chance to shake hands! So we were privileged to shake the hand of the Prophet. It was a once in lifetime experience for me.

These are some of the memories that came back to me at the Draper Temple Dedication. Clayne told me that he was thinking of me during their session they attended. I believe all of Utah viewed the last session at 4:30 p.m. in their Stake Centers, other than those that are in the Draper Temple District. Mike and Cathy are in that area and attended a session from a room inside the temple.

I'm writing this a week later. Bryce came to spend the weekend with us. He had been to a conference for his work in Springdale by Zion's National Park and they finished yesterday. We've really covered a lot of territory yesterday and today showing him the area and how it has changed. Curt just called me from the Temple Quary site, where they hiked this afternoon. Bryce was on his phone at the same time to a friend. I talked to Crystal today and she said that we could keep her dad here, that they have had him for years and now it is our turn. But I'm sure he won't stay past tomorrow morning so he get home for the mission homecoming of one of Skye's friends. Skye will be home from Spain in July. The past two years have really gone fast.

Thought for Today

Some former Temple Presidents were asked to describe some of the blessings that come to those who attend the temple. Here is just one quote.

"You get a perspective of your life that puts it in order for you. And the experience in the Temple is supportive of the LDS way of life. It gives you a backup, a reassurance that what you're doing is righteous.

Where Oh Where Has Our Little Storm Gone?

Even as early as this morning "rain mixed with snow" was predicted for St. George today. I don't know what happened, but all we've had is a few fluffy clouds in the north. It's a beautiful day. A little cool - 52 degrees right now with a light breeze. A typical Spring day in Utah's Dixie. The grass is beginning to get green and the Apricot and Flowering Plum trees are in bloom, and vegetable gardens are being planted. It was one of those days that you would like to go for a ride to see and experience new places. Days like this make you glad that you are alive!

Today Monica took us to lunch for free hot dog and drink at Boulevard Home Furnishings. She said she could afford to take us there to pay us back for taking her on some errands. She doesn't drive, so we help her out when she needs to go somewhere she can't get to on her bike or something done that she can't do herself. Often times she takes us to Subway to eat. She's one of Curt's hometeaching sisters, works at the mission with us and is a good little friend.

Today is such a beautiful day, I decided to start a special exercise program. Maybe you would like to try it. I was working on cleaning our office today and found this hidden in a stack of papers.

My Exercise Program........

The doctor told me "Physical exercise is good for you." I know that I should do it, since my body is so out of shape. So I have worked out this easy daily program I can do anywhere:

Monday: Beat around the bush. Jump to conclusions. Climb the walls. Wade through paperwork.

Tuesday: Drag my heels. Push my luck. Make mountains out of molehills. Hit the nail on the head.

Wednesday: Bend over backwards. Jump on the bandwagon. Balance the books. Run around in circles.

Thursday: Toot my own horn. Climb the ladder of success. Pull out the stops. Add fuel to the fire.

Friday: Open a can of worms. Put my foot in my mouth. [I do this extremely well] Start the ball rolling. Go over the edge.

Saturday: Pick up the pieces. Whew! What a workout!

Sunday: After working so hard - take Sunday off since it's supposidly the day of rest!

You are invited to use my program without charge!!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

How far you go in life depends on

your being tender with the young,

compassionate with the aged,

sympathetic with the striving,

and tolerant of the weak and the strong.

Because someday in life

you will have been all of these.

George Washington Carver

My Teddy Bear

As I was searching for something special for the ward bulletin I was typing yesterday, I came across this poem in an LDS site. It expresses some of my feelings and love for Teddy Bears. It also contains some interesting concepts of our relationship with Christ. I wanted a way to share it with all of you so here it is. Enjoy!

My Teddy Bear
Officer Charles Dale Gray
#9257, Nov. 1997 LDS www.LDSCOPS.com

When I was but a young man, no bigger than dad’s knee,
I had a friend more dear to me than anyone could be.
Teddy was his name and when I got him, he was new.
He traveled with me everywhere, I loved him through and through.
But over time, this faithful friend grew shabby, frayed and worn.
An eye was missing from his face, his arm was limp and torn.
One leg had come completely off, his stuffing white had browned,
And pieces of his ear were gone from dragging him around.

Some folks say he’s all used up, and I should toss him out.
They say a new bear’s what I need, I’m Teddy’s last holdout.
For I still love my faithful friend, he’s loyal, brave and true.
He hugs me when I need a hug, and comforts me when blue.
So with care and great affection, and a needle and a thread,
I mended Teddy’s sagging arm and put his eye back on his head.
I reattached his missing leg and washed his soiled fur.
I stitched his ear to look like new, his paws I manicured.
No, I could never leave him, He’s been with me through it all.
He may be shabby to the world, but to me he still stands tall.

In this life of troubled woes, as I ponder my mistakes,
I realize that just like my bear, I’ve pains and body aches.
I’m shabby and quite faded; I leave a lot to be desired.
To the world I have but little of what they would here require.
They’d just as soon as throw me out, no claim to fame have I.
I’m ordinary...plain throughout, I’m just a passerby.
But Christ sees value in my life, His love for me o’er flowed
He spilt His blood to mend my soul, my tattered life He sowed.
And some how in a way, I cannot really comprehend...
I love my tattered Teddy, and Christ loves me as His friend.

Thought for Today

Popsicles, Cookies, Lollipops,

Some of Life's most effective Remedies.

(Bonnie Jensen)

Proud Great-Grandparents Add Posterity

This is a collage that Papa Jeremy made of our 2nd great-grandson's first three weeks. We were in Sandy with Mike & Cathy when Kyle was born on January 17th. He was two weeks early and wanted to be born while great-grandpa & great-grandma could be there to see and hold him when he was still just hours old.

Grandma Cathy with our two Great-Grandsons Max & Kyle.

Kyle - 1 month old - Notice his grownup bib-overalls

We now have 10 grandchildren (6 grandsons and 4 granddaughters) and 2 great-grandsons.

Thought for Today

Grandparents hold our tiny hands

for just a little while

but our hearts forever.

Unknown

Smart Bees

We received a Christian newsletter in the mail and this article about smart bees was in it.

Bees Outsmart Scientists

Scientists have long recognized that bees are intelligent creatures. Many believe that this intelligence is the product of millions of years of natural selection. But the extremely fast learning ability of the bee puts in doubt the million of years and instead the hand of the Creator.

Researchers at Princeton University decided to find out whether bees were smart enough to find their food if it was moved. The researchers moved the prime food source fifty meters farther from the hive. It took the bees less than one minute to locate the moved food source. The men then moved the food source another fifty meters away. The bees still took less than a minute to find the food source. Two more moves, each a precise fifty meters, produced the same results.

However, the bees had also been studying the researchers. Before the researchers could move the food another fifty meters, they found the bees had discovered the pattern and were already waiting at the new location.

Thought for Today

The miracles of nature do not seem

miracles because they are so common.

If no one had ever seen a flower,

even a dandelion would be the most

startling event in the world.

Unknown

A Time of Changes

I haven't been in my blog since Christmas and many things have happened.

After spending a wonderful Christmas in Lindon, Cedar Hills, Salt Lake City and Sandy, we came home between Christmas and New Years. We spent New Years Eve out with a free taco dinner and a movie. Just an enjoyable quiet time with just the two of us "Seeing in 2009".

We received word that on January 9, 2009 that Curt's niece, Barbara died. She was only 46 years old and died suddenly. She was fighting the flu and having a hard time breathing so her mother, Lorena, took her to St. Marks Hospital, only a few blocks from where they live. As soon as they arrived the elders on duty at the hospital gave her a blessing. As soon as the blessing ended, she relaxed and was gone. Her whole body just shut down all at once. Her funeral was on January 15th, a beautiful and inspirational funeral by the family. Even her 12 year old son, Brandon, spoke briefly. I had the privilege of singing "This I Know", and Cathy (our daughter-in-law) accompanied me. I told them it was Barbara's testimony "There is eternal life and Jesus is the Christ". It was written by Gerald Lund and his wife, Lynn, in a musical that goes along with his books "The Work and the Glory". It affected people emotionally and made many cry. The way Barbara died so peacefully, the family was at peace with her going.

At 11:35 p.m. on January 17th, our granddaughter Amanda gave birth to our 2nd Great-Grandson Kyle Trenton. He wasn't due until February 1st. I think that he wanted to be born while Great Grandpa and Grandma were in Sandy so we would be able to hold and love him before we had to head home. This is Mike and Cathy's 2nd grandson. He was early but healthy and weighed 6 lbs 8 oz and I checked and he has ten fingers and toes. It's really fun to watch Mike and Cathy as grandparents.

We were home just two weeks when we received word that on January 29th, Marlow, a very close friend of our's, had died. He had bone cancer for about 1 1/2 years so it wasn't a surprise, just didn't know when it would be. Marlow was Curt's cousin and best friend growing up in Escalante. Christa, his wife, was my best friend in high school. Curt and I introduced them and took them on a blind date to the All Church Dance Festival at the U of U. This was in 1951. They were married before we were and had twice as many children.

Marlow's funeral was on Monday, February 1st. On Sunday, we headed north again for his funeral and on Monday back home afterwards, because Curt was scheduled for outpatient foot surgery on Tuesday.

He had the big and middle toes on his left foot bone removed and straightened. He's supposed to keep it elevated and stay off from it, but its hard to keep a good man down. He was back yesterday to the doctor for a checkup and his foot was bleeding to the point of a big area of fresh blood was on the bottom of the bandage about the size of a small orange. He was chastised by the nurse and doctor and was told to stay off it and elevated. He can go to church this Sunday for one meeting but has to keep it up and straight out on the bench. He has a special shoe that he has to wear for another 2 or 3 weeks. He took his regular shoe with him yesterday in hopes that he could wear it (ha! ha! no such luck)! He's getting lots of reading done and some television watching. He's upset that he can't get on his computer and play games, but I don't know how long that will last. I mentioned to several including the doctor, if and when Curt has surgery again that I'm going to leave town and leave a BIG gorilla to sit on him and see that he follows the doctors instructions. He tries my patience and doesn't seem to understand the problems he could and did face with not following the doctors instructions. The bleeding yesterday was one result and example!

On January 23rd the Directors of our Member to Locate Mission (Elder & Sister Despain)received a call from the Church Membership Dept. in Salt Lake City with changes to be made in our mission here in St. George. They eliminated the Tuesday & Thursday a.m. shifts. The missionaries and volunteers on those two shifts were affected and were to be reassigned to other shifts. We were the Shift Leaders on Thursday a.m. We were already assigned to 3 shifts so we just kept our other 2 shifts (2 are normal for missionaries). So we now serve about 5 hours on Wednesday morning and Thursday afternoon.

They also reassigned our Assistant Directors (Elder and Sister Hayes) to another mission. They had just been with us for a short time and everyone had learned to love them. They will be greatly missed. These were the only ones that left all others stayed and were reassigned to other shifts. We have a wonderful group of people serving in our mission. We love everyone and feel like it's a close family. I've decided that the changes will be a good and just as much work or more will be done. The changes were go in effect this past week, but with Curt's surgery we weren't there and probably won't be for another week since he had the bleeding problem. We have two couples that will probably be able to fill in for us again. I hope we can soon get back, we miss it!

The Salt Lake Member Location Mission call center (located in the basement of the Relief Society Bldg.) had their one night shift cancelled and they don't have any shifts on Fridays. I'm glad we don't have to fight the parking problems here like they have there. (Here in St. George our mission is located in the basement of the St. George Tabernacle.)

On Saturday afternoons a bunch of the missionaries get together for lunch (usually hot polish dogs & drinks) at Costco. There's about 25 that meet and eat and talk. We'll miss that today also. Guess what? We had meals-on-wheels for lunch. Elder Hawkins and Sister Borrowman brought us our hot dogs and a drink from Costco. What a treat and nice thing for them to do!

Well, I think that brings me pretty much up to date! Like I said "A Time of Changes." We loved our time with family and the many friends we had a chance to visit, our plate has been too full and it is good to be home.

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Thought for Today

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

1 - To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven;

2 - A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

3 - A time to kill, and time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

4 - A time to weep, and a time to laugh; and time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5 - A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6 - A time to get, and a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

7 - A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

8 - A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.