tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45335346201124009962024-02-18T18:39:44.756-08:00Coming What May and Loving ItUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533534620112400996.post-44481514653205259092010-09-12T19:30:00.000-07:002010-09-12T19:52:01.025-07:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Family Time.....<br /><br />This past week was Labor Day. What is Labor Day anyway? I thought it was a day that parents were able to utilize their children's time and talents and have them dedicate themselves to one full day of labor around the house. I guess I have been wrong all these years because my children think it is the last vacation of the year. Hmmmm? We went for a hike up to Stewart Falls in the morning. It was really nice. I was happy to be with all of my kids, well all except AJ. He decided to stay home. We hiked and talked and when we got to the falls</span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4C9isbRss7s8pupR4EGGF3UmXGgINe1mI9v0XBLn-Td8S9cuGMcsZMzrxvZJ6YU0gIdmwoRX_JIY2O9uRWtWQvOd9DfqVqrQuUdigAbQzdCR92G1jDSRBuWW33Dfmbl8t2-GwJC9lOVQ/s1600/Melissa+in+the+water.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4C9isbRss7s8pupR4EGGF3UmXGgINe1mI9v0XBLn-Td8S9cuGMcsZMzrxvZJ6YU0gIdmwoRX_JIY2O9uRWtWQvOd9DfqVqrQuUdigAbQzdCR92G1jDSRBuWW33Dfmbl8t2-GwJC9lOVQ/s320/Melissa+in+the+water.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516224466382828258" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">, Lissa was the on</span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEARmKtY_5qwt-4s_AV7m0yZGVeD6pYjTDrb7nupCXJG4Y9EQZUWMz9nrYHPDEh87EapWxsBKcL4uhTvXe_vOEtdebAGBymHVjJmNduCkHIhf8veejVS7qlGM0310JjdF17z5TMlCWiKg/s1600/Field.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEARmKtY_5qwt-4s_AV7m0yZGVeD6pYjTDrb7nupCXJG4Y9EQZUWMz9nrYHPDEh87EapWxsBKcL4uhTvXe_vOEtdebAGBymHVjJmNduCkHIhf8veejVS7qlGM0310JjdF17z5TMlCWiKg/s320/Field.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516224774604901298" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">ly one who actually went behind the waterfall. Way to go Lissa! I knew if I got wet I would be miserable for th</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">e rest of the day.<br /><br />The plan was to go on the hike in the morni</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">ng and then we were going to go to Park City and meet my brothers and their families and my parents out lunch. We would then hang out in Park City for the rest of the day.<br /><br />Well, l</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">ets say that things didn't goes exactly the way they were supposed to. Jon parked close to a bush </span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">and when we</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"> backed out of the parking lot the very strong wicked bush yanked and pulled and actually tore the whole front bumper right off of his car. We were shocked and stood them with the most dumbfounded looks on our faces. How on earth c</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">ould this happen? We decided it would not be safe to drive to Park City, so we headed home. All in all it was still a fun day since we spent it with family.</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">My birthday was a few weeks ago and for my birthday Jon gave me a massage table. I know that may seem lik</span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslekas8wOyBIPfDQGv3wRUofxquq3IiBFa47fPUiESye4RLb76tY52jHifLXv7HxCWuK4KtNxokZD_ljWyvN6yW0KA1ykX7MdVM27w0xvncsaML_-HWqoUksFIzc1yc2YTZdjPmlOzjo/s1600/Massaging+Tyler.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslekas8wOyBIPfDQGv3wRUofxquq3IiBFa47fPUiESye4RLb76tY52jHifLXv7HxCWuK4KtNxokZD_ljWyvN6yW0KA1ykX7MdVM27w0xvncsaML_-HWqoUksFIzc1yc2YTZdjPmlOzjo/s320/Massaging+Tyler.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516223925591491698" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">e an odd gift, but the family has had a great time taking turns giving and receiving massages. It really came in han</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">dy when Tyler returned from running the Red Rock Relay, which by the way his teal placed 19 out of 185 teams, anyway, his legs were hurting so bag so Lissa, Jon and I took turns working him over on the table. It was fun to hear his groans of agony as we barely touched those aching muscles. </span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />Things for us are good right now. We have some really tough challenges, but are facing them he</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">ad on and getting through as a family. We just finished a wonderful area conference and were fed some great spiritual thoughts. they give us courage to face the trials and be able to come out of them okay. Life is hard, I know that, but I have hope that each of us will be okay if we are surrounded by family. They are the ones who cheer us on. They are the ones who weep with us. They are the ones who stand by our side and lift us when we can't lift ourselves when we can't stand alone anymore. Thanks family for continuing to stand by me when I am week. I love you.</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533534620112400996.post-59187592519379908972010-09-02T18:22:00.000-07:002010-09-02T18:42:07.459-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Call me a slacker!</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I know...since I have been home I have not been very faithful in keeping up with my blog. I keep saying that it is because I have not taken any pictures. That is such a lame excuse. I should take pictures of daily normal life. I am going to get better at that. It has been quite the transition since I have been home. I t was difficult to get back into the groove of things. The kids have all started school now and we seem to be on a schedule. I love routines and schedules, wait I only love my schedules. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Jon and I celebrated our 25<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> wedding anniversary this month. Wow...I can't believe we have been married for twenty-five years. As I look back over time there are a lot of things I wish we could change, but know that those are the things that have made us grow closer and stronger. It is wonderful having someone to travel through life with. It has been such a roller coaster ride and I feel we have learned a lot from raising our family. We celebrated our anniversary by having all the kids back home together. We have been separated all summer. We had a great dinner and enjoyed talking about our experiences we each had. I love my kids. Being the mom is not easy. I have to remind myself of that every day.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> I also celebrated my birthday this month. It was not too eventful since I received a migraine for my birthday. My boys were very sweet. Each one got me a gift. Tyler and Lissa bought pizza for everyone and gave me some beautiful roses. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">AJ</span> gave me the most wonderful bouquet of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Gerber</span> daisies and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kelton</span> gave me a scented oil warmer for the house. Logan ordered a gift for me from the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">inter net</span>, but it has not come yet. I feel so loved. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We have had a few challenges the past week and once again our faith is being tested. I am trying to be strong, but feel so weak at times. I know that when we have some wonderful spiritual experience and can't help but share it with everyone, that makes Satan furious. He will do anything he can to stop us from sharing the gospel and the light with others. Oh how I hate him. I also know that there are many people on both sides of the veil that are helping us fight this battle. Sometimes it is just so hard to keep fighting. I wish I could raise my family in an isolation booth on a lovely beach in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Caribbean</span>. (Wishful thinking?) To everyone out there that may be battling the forces of evil, hang on, band together and be strong. We will win. We have to win. I love this gospel it gives me hope in a world where everything seems so wicked. It gives me peace when there is turmoil all around and it gives me courage to take one more step forward each day. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533534620112400996.post-69232894998217728102010-08-18T15:28:00.000-07:002010-08-18T15:44:20.970-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">A NEW KITCHEN...<img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcnQa-1gbKxI-jwUbWgV8-GDksIo3hyphenhyphen5TQXSkT6Rum-1PTpTaBuSvpWPpF5KIP07ivwu01Yhyphenhyphen6PpBl89N58vevIPM9pls41pF_pBsFHUtrn-79SlttIU36XePXBNEutWIK_JcaRWOhgo/s320/IMG_0904.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506880540901487538" /></span></span><div>This is what the boys and I came home to from Nauvoo. It is amazing. Jon had our kitchen remodeled while we were in Nauvoo. I am so happy with the way things turned out. I had some great friends who picked out tile and things for me. Jon was great having to live in the mess that was created by the whole things. Thanks Jon. I am so happy that my husband did this for me. I just love my new kitchen. Now what should I start cooking?</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmapdvhYlxUGBmDPQpKsp65Qi2u5OypiGsPAdPkpwkBcKgHXcmm3nw-UgRgq3LwbrcSfx4POzyopeP1TvR6zTcIiC-4BEpAcDX4BUsPLbX6vdWRG5LpOqX89ZKq-KiEM-NDNE0ThoFUU/s320/IMG_0905.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506880662988492050" /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcnQa-1gbKxI-jwUbWgV8-GDksIo3hyphenhyphen5TQXSkT6Rum-1PTpTaBuSvpWPpF5KIP07ivwu01Yhyphenhyphen6PpBl89N58vevIPM9pls41pF_pBsFHUtrn-79SlttIU36XePXBNEutWIK_JcaRWOhgo/s1600/IMG_0904.JPG"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBytUCoHZLdA38q6seARaZO771elRypbIENKO0LDCMsVC3fVj5Myypm4cwyfMQ_AiNNukt7SDbwVSV1WOY0TVHVUdnmh8xNXeglkgqfqhlm-TSViEMmaxcev70-yRDfYwBC3etMXWVRk/s320/IMG_0908.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506880976714726818" /></div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CMxlxWbO8ezu0xzhDy6aRkMdV2eIrEDNgsHLzY2pCtGHBaTuJfO90ce7RngG5utkjlAhu2vnOGtPCmjHOUWdepnI3Hol0cAxpkB1WVqufNbi70RoZ6HamuMrx0tvOoFMRd8gVx7nFpA/s320/IMG_0906.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506884209237131330" /></div><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533534620112400996.post-90823781125701868962010-08-18T15:25:00.000-07:002010-08-18T15:28:07.831-07:00Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533534620112400996.post-35579293579043872302010-08-09T13:37:00.000-07:002010-08-09T14:08:28.052-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mU1U2Nm9Mdnccyv_fIc9KZ3REDp4nvJXPVjATkQrl8dMqiFnru6QOlzQDMhfP4xUf62m2gXjBLVdtZ0FztDfMUhj38ZFjUiXxv48ClClG_rs_AjlkkriX1rRCfokcwYIW5KuoIMpLok/s1600/The+Apron+Sisters.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mU1U2Nm9Mdnccyv_fIc9KZ3REDp4nvJXPVjATkQrl8dMqiFnru6QOlzQDMhfP4xUf62m2gXjBLVdtZ0FztDfMUhj38ZFjUiXxv48ClClG_rs_AjlkkriX1rRCfokcwYIW5KuoIMpLok/s320/The+Apron+Sisters.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503517225518860578" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#FF6666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Well...it has been one week since I have been home from Nauvoo. I never thought it would be an adjustment, but it has. It is hard being home. There is a part of me that still wants to be in Nauvoo. I have a yearning that calls me back. It is a yearning to be close to those who have gone before and left such a heritage. I will remember them always. I will also remember those we left behind in Nauvoo. We met some great people there and it was hard to say goodbye to them. Each one touched our lives in a very special way, but there is one person that is extra special to us. Karen is the most amazing women. She is extra special. She put up with us for 8 weeks. She loved us unconditionally. She listened, laughed, shared, cried and loved with us. Each morning she and I would put on her aprons...I say her because she shared them with me...and serve the guests at the inn. I called them our uniforms. She would share anything. She is what I would call an angel on earth. She taught us so many important lessons. Lessons that changed lives. Lessons we all needed to learn. She is a saint. I can't help but compare her to Emma. Dear, sweet Emma was faced with trial and tribulation after trial and tribulation. She continued to give and sacrifice all that she had. This is Karen. She gives and gives and then gives some more. There is a story told about Emma standing at her second story window waving a red table cloth to her children as they crossed the Mississippi to the Montrose side. Emma would never cross the river. They knew her love as she waved good bye with her red table cloth. When they would come to visit her, she would once again wave the red table cloth so that they could see her waiting for them. She welcomed them with open arms. She also had to wave good bye to her friends and loved ones as they pointed their wagons west and began their journey. Karen has had to say good bye to many loved ones as they too point their vehicles of transportation west and head home. It was so difficult when AJ and I had to leave and head west. We have a work to do here in the west and it broke our hearts to leave Dear Karen in the East. Like Emma, Karen remains faithful and strong, doing what she can to build the kingdom in beautiful Nauvoo. It is not easy and often lonely. If anyone knows Karen she doesn't have a red table cloth to wave, but is always willing to welcome you back with open arms. The scriptures say that Emma was an elect lady. I revere Karen with the same title. We love you my friend. You will always have a place in our hearts. I will stand in the west waving my tablecloth for you as I anxiously await your arrival. God Bless You!!!</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#FF6666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#FF6666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9Z4a9fBDaWd_fV-bJuVIKChlGg9JQpceYJBKJ8q8h5z5li4fxkvPXqEj0VIG0swpYHoCGRtwzy6Y5KiSArGr7KPkviWqGwOKJBDnhtnEbwGzARHLBf-OIfV400x96IvZwmqSn1D0P6Q/s320/AJ+Sheri+Covered+Wagon.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503517408456015266" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#FF6666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#FF6666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#FF6666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#FF6666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533534620112400996.post-42960114117770437832010-08-04T22:22:00.000-07:002010-08-04T22:52:57.378-07:00A Few Lasts...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YZJTbp7YaizC8dBWGQI4ErMJOJZhacSHuFdUQtawz_3PYdpVRzeBMQqdEbo7jWVps5BY-K5AkX8CUXTKe7ZvxBDZwZQ-j894kX80uEugVrcLlN-RuVr0kPWzeyFvIes2WK0old7Hhgg/s1600/Jones+and+the+Tree.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YZJTbp7YaizC8dBWGQI4ErMJOJZhacSHuFdUQtawz_3PYdpVRzeBMQqdEbo7jWVps5BY-K5AkX8CUXTKe7ZvxBDZwZQ-j894kX80uEugVrcLlN-RuVr0kPWzeyFvIes2WK0old7Hhgg/s320/Jones+and+the+Tree.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501792817115792082" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The last week in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nauvoo</span> was really quite emotional. It was hard <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">toknow</span> that I was continually doing the last of something. It was the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">last night</span> of pageant, the last vanilla cookie, the last load of laundry, the last walk to the temple, the last time to see favorite missionaries etc. It broke my heart. There were a few things we did the last week that were pretty fun. We had dinner <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">with the</span> Jones' and they drove us out to a tree in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nauvoo</span> that is 300 years old. It was amazing. It looks like something right out of The Lion King! <div>This picture doesn't even begin to do it justice, but I love that the Jones' are in the picture with us. Oh how we love them. </div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrAz9a2P3AtYV7C0RyNu4gEyHKNnFj8CW6pKOaTDBMzcPH8rJIMGu_Ay6zYHeQIvQ-6b4dRub8ACKMZaEXYeRzQQRrQ_dHIKzFfSXgE_yq9oEEAbGn1OyrmFlej3-Hg1IqlaTJK65hH0I/s320/AJ+and+Melvin.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501793642713059314" /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We walked to the Ashby's and the Snow's to say our farewells to Melvin. Melvin does not like me, but he likes <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">AJ</span> and Karen. It is cute to watch him, but I really don't like touching him. He is so prickly. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">AJ</span> things Melvin rocks and</div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ehJW9sfYdxtxbB9sJ3BMnAwgOElWoiwN5eUwDVZZ5D35I02WE2knE3L-s4CiaUMjFMyDH-ABd0gPT-jY1sicTguIm3SRxVC0g8TTojChmChimirBEqvyiHRux2L9GcjnjGH65iJ2CJQ/s320/Karen+and+Melvin.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501793942107136050" />would love to take him home. Can you imagine just what the neighbors would say when they saw him walking a raccoon on a leash through the neighborhood? Good ole Melvin! He loves to eat cookies and will climb right up your leg to get them. He is not climbing up my leg! In fact he is not climbing anywhere near me. I held him once and that was enough for me. I will enjoy him from a distance.<div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>We also had to say good-bye to Emma's Willow. Emma is a wonderful example of strength and courage. Many people are too quick to judge her, but I have come to appreciate and love dear, sweet Emma. I am sure that just as Kim said, "Many tears were shed at this willow." Emma had to do hard things and I have learned that each one of us are required to do hard things. Will we face the challenges with courage and faith or will we falter?</div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGhT4RawN5J_DNPGi-SFio6mZ8jtfTWvoOF1HknetnfRU5tsOygxhl6pfMfvsN0fWXBMzrrTidYrh4wVOzvMVJJnzXpQYVRpiWB3lY1i5KJYm146Zo5ff5gHPU_LK3PBVQRAfdaVgIOg/s320/Sheri+and+Aunt+Emma%27s+Willow.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501795691722767090" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>One of the sweetest people in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Nauvoo</span> is Alma. Alma did our laundry for the Inn. The boys would always tell me, "Nobody makes clothes or sheets smell as good as Alma." Everyday she would write cute sweet notes for '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Superboy</span>' <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">AJ</span> on strips of toilet paper. Each note ended with a scripture for him to look up and read. We came to love Alma. We called her our Sunshine. When we would come home from work there was our sunshine to greet us. She is such an amazing lady. The morning that we left, Alma got dressed up and rode her bike to the house. She played her guitar and sang, "Each Life That Touches Ours." That morning we witnesses a true Christlike gift. It was a pure gift from the heart and each of us wept. Thank you Sunshine for such a touching gift. We will never, ever forget you! She also gave <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">AJ</span> and I a gift she had purchased, but the gift we loved the most was the song she sang and the hugs she left with us.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1aDkSvhMjsjh1ENK5s6qqslzUqX2mpusTPU70yhbt4lKnhFRVueL3O8snlZay9gDJDssMImXetV9G68AHbLEiNHrB23Z3UrYuW9hVBv1YZRAFjyQSDfT9Dkm7J7CNNSiMXlKnTuaIIA/s320/Alma's+Gift.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501797385005329042" /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBYgLniKSirwzF_MnIXdyKj9qO5Bk_Pc9LBfksDh7mDsozH9JdCa5anBgbNLWwou2S4m_iYXmKp-gOZq7YMdwQQSFSsIoOGtIbsPy0svg4J-ro60Pdgeqni7B3xezD8-easl61x4-qow/s320/Our+Sunshine+Alma.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501798105109827570" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533534620112400996.post-82566672569321853052010-08-03T22:03:00.000-07:002010-08-18T15:24:28.556-07:00<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim30fE4zHU1JpTfGW_nclVqXcWS9wPUvCRA_CUoNecMWkBLJs9G-XHsKvEyFreUZ6RGY2ex0AShCWR-g4oLVOwSgmoGWuLh6C79UPW3TXL6Kn8EDwmYyUDp0FGFB4pJ_GBkORvcFzZRaE/s320/Mansion+House+Sunset.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501418997411682930" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Kokonor; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-size: 48px; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim30fE4zHU1JpTfGW_nclVqXcWS9wPUvCRA_CUoNecMWkBLJs9G-XHsKvEyFreUZ6RGY2ex0AShCWR-g4oLVOwSgmoGWuLh6C79UPW3TXL6Kn8EDwmYyUDp0FGFB4pJ_GBkORvcFzZRaE/s1600/Mansion+House+Sunset.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">Nauvoo 2010</span></a></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-family: Kokonor; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-size: 48px; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim30fE4zHU1JpTfGW_nclVqXcWS9wPUvCRA_CUoNecMWkBLJs9G-XHsKvEyFreUZ6RGY2ex0AShCWR-g4oLVOwSgmoGWuLh6C79UPW3TXL6Kn8EDwmYyUDp0FGFB4pJ_GBkORvcFzZRaE/s1600/Mansion+House+Sunset.JPG"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Snell Roundhand'; font-size: 24px; color: rgb(102, 51, 255); ">Lessons Learned</span> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 8.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Apple Chancery'"><span style="font: 11.0px 'Hoefler Text'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">There are many things I learned while living in Nauvoo this summer. Some things were easy to learn and others took a little longer. I will cherish the friends and memories that were made this summer and I will never forget the experiences that took place. It was an amazing summer. I hope that when my boys remember Nauvoo, they will remember the summer they shared an attic with their mother and learned about their ancestors and heritage. I hope that they will know their mother loves them and loved sharing Nauvoo with them. </span></p><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: right; font: 16.0px 'Hoefler Text'; min-height: 19.0pxcolor:#e1682a;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i> </i></span></p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal"> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Apple Chancery'; color:#232323;"><span style="font: 14.0px 'Corsiva Hebrew'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Mississippi Mud Cake doesn’t really come from the bottom of the Mississippi River. </span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Apple Chancery'; color:#232323;"><span style="font: 14.0px 'Corsiva Hebrew'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Frogs, turtles, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, geese, deer, fox, snakes, rabbits and bats do not hurt us. </span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Apple Chancery'; color:#232323;"><span style="font: 14.0px 'Corsiva Hebrew'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Chiggers are not our friends. </span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Apple Chancery'; color:#232323;"><span style="font: 14.0px 'Corsiva Hebrew'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Miracles happen daily. </span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Apple Chancery'; color:#232323;">It all begins and ends with family.<span style="font: 14.0px 'Corsiva Hebrew'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Apple Chancery'; color:#232323;"><span style="font: 14.0px 'Corsiva Hebrew'; letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Sacrifice builds character.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Corsiva Hebrew'; color:#232323;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"> A mother will do anything for her children’s well <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(225, 104, 42); font-family:'Hoefler Text';font-size:16px;"><i><br /></i></span><span><span></span></span>.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 8.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Apple Chancery'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">True friendship is a gift to be cherished. </span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 8.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Apple Chancery'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Grandmother’s house is only a short walk away.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 8.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Apple Chancery'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"> two friends joined at the heart really do become one. </span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 8.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Apple Chancery'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"> Vanilla Bread Pudding makes every meal taste better.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 8.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Apple Chancery'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"> Raccoons don’t like me. </span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 8.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Apple Chancery'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"> Sunsets are breathtaking. </span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 8.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Apple Chancery'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"> Thunder and Lighting storms are extremely loud and truly amazing.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(225, 104, 42); font-family:'Hoefler Text';font-size:16px;"><i> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); "> </span></li><li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 8.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Apple Chancery'"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); ">Angels sing in cellars.</span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Apple Chancery'; color:#444444;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Nauvoo changes people and heals hearts, even if you don’t try. </span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 8.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Apple Chancery'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"> Guardian angels attend your side in the form of yellow butterflies. </span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 8.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Apple Chancery'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">We all can do hard things. </span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 8.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Apple Chancery'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">We know them and they know us. </span></li> <li style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 8.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Apple Chancery'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">No matter what happens during the day, fireflies always come out at night.....no matter what. </span></li> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 8.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px 'Apple Chancery'; min-height: 21.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 8.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px 'Apple Chancery'; color:#ec6d9d;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">Yes, I love the lessons learned and adore the memories created the summer of 2010 in Nauvoo. </span></span></p></ol></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533534620112400996.post-48608142332583738822010-08-03T07:10:00.000-07:002010-08-03T08:35:54.919-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHhrDWWAZ3A_dHGfvis7rZGBPMcBct7JscIjkUx5LOGSEAy-qTk4rG3bcocHR-e17YQJ0bHaxP1bV36KHlPG_ID2OGUYMGJoX1lvwQxJN8tYvrEPRk3KnL1dGqobcSLyLafk7FDUF7_Y/s1600/Emma+and+Lucy.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHhrDWWAZ3A_dHGfvis7rZGBPMcBct7JscIjkUx5LOGSEAy-qTk4rG3bcocHR-e17YQJ0bHaxP1bV36KHlPG_ID2OGUYMGJoX1lvwQxJN8tYvrEPRk3KnL1dGqobcSLyLafk7FDUF7_Y/s320/Emma+and+Lucy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501190792185981266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFSnEkmdyOHScYpp6cfqoC4eB0XS-2L0tnnIy_NL9bIxkR8isq-PgtCGEspnk9nFMR0fuhIJ-k4XQB2PqQMXE36QI5Hq1NTMZCGeNQx8pEAaxmCWXklMiUY5UlApYfGW48zLHAXsmBKw/s1600/The+Finale.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFSnEkmdyOHScYpp6cfqoC4eB0XS-2L0tnnIy_NL9bIxkR8isq-PgtCGEspnk9nFMR0fuhIJ-k4XQB2PqQMXE36QI5Hq1NTMZCGeNQx8pEAaxmCWXklMiUY5UlApYfGW48zLHAXsmBKw/s320/The+Finale.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501190523287352786" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1xL0p5Ys6UKwmkM_ddyZj6XfHjQx04ehQslHKdr6Wru0hscIqngSEmvfVGGLkbJTML_GxnJi2hLcblvQxOolrZEK_CnSmTBOYUImcFJF853F8T3SVk9iqoOPzUDS8OwP11VPXuB21Yo/s1600/Healing.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1xL0p5Ys6UKwmkM_ddyZj6XfHjQx04ehQslHKdr6Wru0hscIqngSEmvfVGGLkbJTML_GxnJi2hLcblvQxOolrZEK_CnSmTBOYUImcFJF853F8T3SVk9iqoOPzUDS8OwP11VPXuB21Yo/s320/Healing.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501190122833320018" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6633FF;">Favorite Pageant Moments!</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#6633FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">There are always some moments of the pageant that you love and adore. I know that to many of you these will mean nothing</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; ">but to a few it will stir some fond memories of</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; "> the times</span></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_ctgxJLrvnV3Co7CuLTZ8nBTYx0jmtlOiABuovOucDaftvdk-bCiG7dy1QbeqacqQlH7htnwoZygvxx29ZMImUwSc4JJlJgFo0dqakdDkjUxq9p6BBqnQ9wOG7gvZM49Lun15D-9SX8/s320/Me+Sins.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501190312996087698" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; "> we shared in</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; ">the summer of</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; ">2010.</span></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRiRnYWTD15JaMJGWmmP5ru3CPh6lqWLr3jc60tdgYED76WwICRHELI1dg6toQG56oHbKebgczW1OUlZIN3Ka57GKCxuOc2NDGrY5HtVbRs_AqjBW5Ua0HfdaLbM2R1HmKxZbqzn6mL_g/s320/The+Dance.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501190420084793074" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533534620112400996.post-26350518237281330432010-08-03T07:04:00.001-07:002010-08-03T07:09:53.997-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvgQDILAlea_AkXGtMQoiv4QXXeZ4Ne8lBiLRIAVs7ZLNwy17y5QQeVZ0etNmd5i3fcwraSJ-5Lmtk9X-wsDP7Ri6yqylyQifDmD4i2sF7JxpZV8rss2klXSR2JU8VldxFaAcnzTwXDc/s1600/The+Crew.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvgQDILAlea_AkXGtMQoiv4QXXeZ4Ne8lBiLRIAVs7ZLNwy17y5QQeVZ0etNmd5i3fcwraSJ-5Lmtk9X-wsDP7Ri6yqylyQifDmD4i2sF7JxpZV8rss2klXSR2JU8VldxFaAcnzTwXDc/s320/The+Crew.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501184425905613490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEhegbFqZtv2C4VHkD2DHfm_MFozWo6FaOUD6F9X3yg-u-CGKMtZLz5xRemNkztUpiKai97imC0JBJ1ZcvDlnfJupe4trdzBe-hFmgE3wyILpTcl7SLkDbtbfpuZ9WnXFaFYPgwuqqpk/s1600/Favorite+Boys+from+San+Diego.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEhegbFqZtv2C4VHkD2DHfm_MFozWo6FaOUD6F9X3yg-u-CGKMtZLz5xRemNkztUpiKai97imC0JBJ1ZcvDlnfJupe4trdzBe-hFmgE3wyILpTcl7SLkDbtbfpuZ9WnXFaFYPgwuqqpk/s320/Favorite+Boys+from+San+Diego.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501184286195155874" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 48.0px 'Hoefler Text'; color: #e1682a"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Nauvoo 2010</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 16.0px 0.0px; text-align: right; font: 16.0px 'Hoefler Text'; color: #537729"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Nicest Family in the Whole World! </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: right; font: 16.0px 'Hoefler Text'; color: #e1682a"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><i>Saturday, July 24 - Pageant</i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Hoefler Text'; color: #537729; min-height: 13.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 8.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Hoefler Text'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Tonight we had to say good bye to the nicest family in the whole world. It was so hard because we have come to love this amazing family. Each one of them has worked so hard and at the end of each day they were hot, tired and sweaty, yet nobody ever quit smiling. It was such a delight to have them stop by the house for cold water bottles or slip the boys a chocolate milk now and then. We absolutely loved making them breakfast. We all enjoyed sitting around the kitchen table talking, laughing and mostly eating. The biggest treat of all was watching them perform in the Nauvoo Pageant. After each performance the boys would run off the stage and jump into my arms. That truly was one of the highlights of my day. Thanks boys! I will cherish those hugs always. What a wonderful example you have been here in Nauvoo. We will all miss you, but we will never forget you. </span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 8.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Hoefler Text'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 8.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Hoefler Text'"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px 'Hoefler Text'; color: #537729; min-height: 13.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b> </b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Kokonor; color: #550d29"><br /></p></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533534620112400996.post-70175069773860606802010-07-19T08:26:00.000-07:002010-07-19T08:32:58.579-07:00Visitors at Church...<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This is just a quick note without any pictures because we don't take out camera to church. (Wish I had though.) We were sitting on the next to the last bench in the chapel. We have to get there about 40 minutes early to get a bench since every week we have close to 2,000 visitors attend the ward. We actually have 3 sacrament tables. Anyway, the row behind us had a few of the core cast members sitting there. Jeff, who plays Joseph was sitting behind us. In walks the Catholic priest dressed in his full robes and he sat down by Jeff. We were all talking because we have met him before. He said, " I stick out like a blond in China." I said, "No, we are all Chinese and you don't stand out. It is Jeff that stands out." Just then some little children ran up to Jeff calling, "Joseph." He is so cute. He bends down and takes them into his arms and hugs each one. It was exactly what the prophet would have done if he were here. It was awesome!!! I thought it was the cutest thing. It was also so neat to have the father with us that day. Later that afternoon, we were able to have Virginia Pierce and her daughter Heidi and children to dinner. We talked and laughed and ended our Sabbath on a great note. Thanks for joining us Virginia and family. What a treat! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533534620112400996.post-48277402053222846672010-07-19T08:00:00.000-07:002010-07-19T08:25:28.954-07:00Chicago Here We Come....<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Last week AJ and I took a day trip to the windy city. We rode the train into Chicago and spent the day seeing as many sights and doing as much shopping as we could. It was so much fun to spend the day together. We ate prime rib for lunch and had deep dish Chicago pizza for dinner. We saw some beautiful parks and cathedrals and walked till our feet felt as if they would fall off. After working so hard for so many weeks and having an aching body, it was nice to have some retail therapy. There is nothing a good shopping trip can't cure....right Jon?</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> AJ said that his favorite part of the day was the taxi rides. We had one pretty wild and wacky driver. He did get us to Union Station on time, but almost took out a couple of pedestrians along the way. We saw some really fun and interesting things. We also saw a few wacko's in that city. I think my favorite part of the trip was just being able to have some one on one time with my son. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>On the train ride home I fell asleep and AJ noticed that I had goose bumps on my arms. He took his brand new jacket out of the bag and placed it over my cold body. When I woke up I noticed the jacket on me. He said, "Mom, you looked so cold. I just had to cover your goose bumps." That was truly the highlight of my day. I would pay any amount of money for those tender moments. Thanks for remembering your old mother AJ. I love you!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2wMrRk3aA7221_KMC0156vIgjpQ0zZQYC_tg-zWOQLZif3mbiwCdD48oSC3pHepk-ADtVOaq9XyLlqiisd-LxOmzOX3rxLPrESB9q04Us39b4xTvuPCIGN3VJzPkVjtg4OKpUp8fzys/s1600/Sheri+Chicago.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif2wMrRk3aA7221_KMC0156vIgjpQ0zZQYC_tg-zWOQLZif3mbiwCdD48oSC3pHepk-ADtVOaq9XyLlqiisd-LxOmzOX3rxLPrESB9q04Us39b4xTvuPCIGN3VJzPkVjtg4OKpUp8fzys/s320/Sheri+Chicago.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495635091944227618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTqHprmnYbFYvzypXUqDaaJRo53bnMAD8WF9SuSQgPhwfMH16_RfRQUWeVbE8SOqs73IMPjVyRULur_gMHgANJMDEVg-sIpjx4Cr090pc3cQTrzzjEzD-ORzCLofurvZr8pDu1Ehrjto/s1600/AJ+Chicago.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTqHprmnYbFYvzypXUqDaaJRo53bnMAD8WF9SuSQgPhwfMH16_RfRQUWeVbE8SOqs73IMPjVyRULur_gMHgANJMDEVg-sIpjx4Cr090pc3cQTrzzjEzD-ORzCLofurvZr8pDu1Ehrjto/s320/AJ+Chicago.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495634687041601474" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVz0dnI-IW-B9MQXOZzeWzg-NtU0IKWZ4ylHaYqCxI2n9kkrICdQKCpZ20djqFcuBVycq8njizOuSxy0aC4eO_SdsgPoZ-wp46v5qsE00pXfUQ2EWwyxPqPJoPxUE8PM8Wma_76hQD-s/s1600/Windy+City.JPG"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7MMY6UXE_gv_bZqHW7HV6Kkv27ajaabn-720BbB1kziPkXqGNA9HSdLco_gqLzT2mqF0dHDJSPrKpEJtiR3UaJekxy7zb9LTkW1fvQbTqGdaxjO3dH3vJEv6kuGIA5SRgkXCPq-jJOY/s320/AJ+Pizzeria.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495635489072670242" /><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBO1R8SodtniRGggEDRod9-WtfQ0sxLGjePyXfk9a5qvskR2NWyoZ3XwEJihkGobCJJWeI76ICNjvy7czm7aGUaXvrMPi0EAn07HUpykeQwlf5t8cHxIMGFMsiYPxqVzpjWRQO18G3Cg/s320/A+good+day+shopping.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495635750370687586" /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVz0dnI-IW-B9MQXOZzeWzg-NtU0IKWZ4ylHaYqCxI2n9kkrICdQKCpZ20djqFcuBVycq8njizOuSxy0aC4eO_SdsgPoZ-wp46v5qsE00pXfUQ2EWwyxPqPJoPxUE8PM8Wma_76hQD-s/s1600/Windy+City.JPG"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVz0dnI-IW-B9MQXOZzeWzg-NtU0IKWZ4ylHaYqCxI2n9kkrICdQKCpZ20djqFcuBVycq8njizOuSxy0aC4eO_SdsgPoZ-wp46v5qsE00pXfUQ2EWwyxPqPJoPxUE8PM8Wma_76hQD-s/s1600/Windy+City.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVz0dnI-IW-B9MQXOZzeWzg-NtU0IKWZ4ylHaYqCxI2n9kkrICdQKCpZ20djqFcuBVycq8njizOuSxy0aC4eO_SdsgPoZ-wp46v5qsE00pXfUQ2EWwyxPqPJoPxUE8PM8Wma_76hQD-s/s320/Windy+City.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495634382191994210" /></a><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533534620112400996.post-48912608160686805892010-07-19T07:41:00.000-07:002010-07-19T08:00:09.525-07:00Our New Friend...Milton<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Well, this is our new friend. The boys have been trying to catch a coon for several months. They didn't actually catch this one, but someone else did. They have been bottle feeding it and have it as a pet herein Nauvoo. We took AJ over to their home and surprised him. It was so funny to see the look on his face. He was a little shocked when we first opened the cellar door. He actually jumped and started to run away. Yes, I did hold the coon and NO I did not enjoy it. I do not want one for a pet nor do I ever care to hold one again. I don't even have a desire for a coon skin cap, well...unless it had some bling on it. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UTNfYNscW-M3f3OgKXVNICb7nDr2oLR69NUcJJW2SA9UZPwCoK0O8nbjpGhmWkZ2CBlLnEnRU8aNoksQHbDySGh5noPLnN6CRcKksusgyTyjXk4pg1AVAZdH7oQ9-TrMtJcPo6-5T2s/s1600/AJ+and+the+Coon.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UTNfYNscW-M3f3OgKXVNICb7nDr2oLR69NUcJJW2SA9UZPwCoK0O8nbjpGhmWkZ2CBlLnEnRU8aNoksQHbDySGh5noPLnN6CRcKksusgyTyjXk4pg1AVAZdH7oQ9-TrMtJcPo6-5T2s/s320/AJ+and+the+Coon.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495628575770710610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJsxFU5zwNSF1uK8X8bdtTAToxoHpszxJgmo6ecTUC1ODK4QNvkLBOJbK2Exb11OICc4CGF3TFUp9q8RkikhyJRNpjJ4KEJwXMCYCZ1in-2Ywtk0uO-mNlOTVKeTxOjs9PYCQklm6VS4/s1600/The+3+of+us+and+the+Coon.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJsxFU5zwNSF1uK8X8bdtTAToxoHpszxJgmo6ecTUC1ODK4QNvkLBOJbK2Exb11OICc4CGF3TFUp9q8RkikhyJRNpjJ4KEJwXMCYCZ1in-2Ywtk0uO-mNlOTVKeTxOjs9PYCQklm6VS4/s320/The+3+of+us+and+the+Coon.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495627995673207778" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I just love AJ's face in this picture. The coon started scratching in his thick hair. He was happy he wore his hat. The coon's name is Milton. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PxbX1OiKVCHtCVtFdCy_tEnFEFw9G3MtO4o8dSVw4tjuoAUcdvAzoaQKa12f8wPgwYimNfTUvMmI4M33a7kN52g9YCp2TFmZG7rmpTRIPUdlE8iBXl4s_bAZ5Qxzu8km4gGKG3mFwUs/s320/Sheri+and+the+Coon.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495629872807115282" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For anyone who knows me....you have to admit that this was one of the bravest things I have done. Did you notice that I even did it with a smile on my face? The things we do for our kids!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533534620112400996.post-24820095547822254082010-07-17T21:54:00.000-07:002010-07-19T07:41:33.796-07:00Pageant.....<div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWk_GKiY1e0WXEROBNNfh-g1Gpt1D6VV-LKR8ZF2XKOC2wYY1QryxKXByEvDkT44gbCyiDC6NVSl1ayUCChTvgBMGvE60CWVdCbP413ISBH521zozEQ_IPHr7aZWtLlgln6-quMtHHmE/s320/Family+with+Joseph.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495107234125416594" /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>It is so much fun living right across the street from where they perform pageant. The cast members come over and we get to spend some time with them here at the house. They are truly amazing people. I love them all dearly. It was exciting to see pageant for the first time. After we had our picture taken with some of the cast members. See if you can guess who they portray in the show. I know that they are only portraying the saints that lived in this great city, but they become so real to us. They are so personal. The other day I was able to go to the grove and watch Jeff portray Joseph Smith in t<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XjIOfWv0zSJ_ReRdf6Xl6PbD-nXHcCQYmJbjKOvmS6WDleHmSWC12gLxjnafT6pJMovhVg_nBX29ujuAI1VVR9MHaOdKB-yeNXIMVDhNR4trXHetqvtGUhJ1H19rZ0t8WV-qRh5ajII/s320/IMG_0518.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495116700509061874" />he King <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Follett</span> discourse. It was amazing. I felt as if I was right there when he actually gave thissermon. I have been touched many times by the spirit here. I love those early saints more and more each and every day. In the pageant they say, "When you are here, we are here." That is a true statement. I feel their presence everyday. If you come to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nauvoo</span> just to see the sights, you are missing the whole spirit of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nauvoo</span>. I have gained such a great love and greater understanding for those saints who sacrificed everything and truly walked by faith each and every day. I love them! Ilove this city. The other night Joseph(Jeff) wasover to the house. He carved this picture in the watermelon. Do you who it is? Everyday is so much fun when you are with Joseph! The day I went to hear <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">the</span> discourse of King <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Follett</span>, there was a man who walked up to Joseph (Jeff) when he had finished and told him that he had been practicing for six months and pulled out a big stick. Joseph sat down on the ground in the grove and they had a stick pull competition. Joseph won in a matter of seconds. They did best two out of three and Joseph won all three of them. A couple of other people challenged him and he won every time, except for the time he let the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">seven</span> year old boy beat him and then he told him he was so excited for him to turn eight so that he could then be baptized. It was so neat. The entire time he was laughing and talking with the people in the grove. I honestlyfelt as if I was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">right</span> there with the prophet. I know he had a deep love for the saints of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Nauvoo</span> and considered each one of them his dear, dear friend. He loved the people, the gospel and the Lord.<div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAhg_yehZ275a4b7JB4FmIff2mABL6NuMllvZXjZYavwnX54EsYtbviOAQQxGs90yEtbjiYBXUzzp-GqNajJIciD7Oyhx3pc8cJsDO2hDnsCr4faq5FF1DQ9f8Izaa2oMYMcw3EXUqj8/s320/IMG_0469.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495115354919453522" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJ23ly83bQmQLS0XJTXHERKM-KshRV45hq_w9tENDIpU1-PZkV9cOvKczivOWxP02WfqfvhetHcym5zSwBzQPLHnU4B74OHMw5KcDdL9iMt6nPXI-ixLdkhHbKU3uflbHDE7u17ibH8E/s320/Jane+Manning.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495115754541074162" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhESrE_5SGKYoYD1psy-5_IE_XvxNPtxwimJu3ykijcG6Uz2k-AK6kiI3z6GgUGBZHFOYyrh9MENsb2u0FCZYAB9deQfI2Oc_rED_xjhoYa5I6MgxprNTC_O5vb-WlHbhslOn1nim_5H1A/s320/IMG_0529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495114509348694482" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533534620112400996.post-21408058463074979362010-07-16T06:20:00.000-07:002010-07-17T21:54:31.137-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNS_hyphenhyphenbtR1srNo9w46SqbDOvksgZjYAaYsqGppvaZY5Mg7h5IEaF3Zl3KgYbYi9R721C9RMXaFVUDLxG8tsCyONyGZlANWq5kzJXcyHxdlIHrNqCrdl160nJ4ffhUUlOv44Df2uofIaUo/s1600/Family+infront+of+Temple.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNS_hyphenhyphenbtR1srNo9w46SqbDOvksgZjYAaYsqGppvaZY5Mg7h5IEaF3Zl3KgYbYi9R721C9RMXaFVUDLxG8tsCyONyGZlANWq5kzJXcyHxdlIHrNqCrdl160nJ4ffhUUlOv44Df2uofIaUo/s320/Family+infront+of+Temple.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495101900250528306" /></a><br />Nauvoo Temple...<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Here are some pictures we took of us around the Nauvoo Temple. It was so beautiful and the flowers on the grounds are absolutely amazing right now. We had a lovely time taking pictures. There I go again, saying lovely. There are several cast members that are from Britain and I love their accent. When you hang with them long enough you start speaking like them and they say lovely..a lot. They are adorable. It is so neat to meet all the different people from all around the world. One of the things we have learned to do here is at the end of each day when it is time to say prayers, we each tell about the tender mercies that we recognized that day. When we know that at the end of the day we will have the opportunity to share our experiences, it makes you more aware of each and every moment in your day. I have found that I feel much closer to my Heavenly Father when I recognize His hand in my daily life. I love the little things that </div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEKqfeQKjrQyubidKunFX6i7gapIEalryZA8es6RzzSzcf_ZcVDBoJjIbaHbseoAI3u_oQmwzjArdACyagXFzT68lTJTDMvNb_HDpdDKXaPJa8l-o6NikMPg8fTMpyCwiaLsusSSKZ6g/s320/Boys++infront+of+temple.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495102212689891506" /> I am aware of these days. It makes life so much more meaningful.<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-kZwDTZhaFekxYDvnSbONtFCTAJciofy_PJPVZC8FqMqBbgvNsH6cp0MK2CpKRu-U8xNYsMfvpXrLGbDXrK4RlBq7-SU5nc1SXSgu50-15ffCby8dYWgRY_57wuApn9eVigM6xgQlq0/s320/Jon+Sheri+Nauvoo+Temple.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495104474508620674" /><div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBS7XkO3Rt0mblnGT_bpkaqsiVqayALHb9bWu-X3cBeznqx8tx3ADxOhpb94tVMucjiL1Yq6aherNcIGdCI34nTB6MWgPnIiRqB9MDQWbfk8kI63QqHBUZW1kLYrjOqT6CeUckraBUV4/s320/Jon+Sheri+infront+of+Temple.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495103962771932610" /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLhMHHJLjixesR2y41gjOPzrd6ZZXMDIrrglSOfp2PbblxhWtSDzfN6i4-thOLb3Tg6r20-NE-C1MEzd8c15H-KF6JhdU_y9_89xZp3qcI0J9Fdhn9k22hX0yZwLgYZyzB23zo-voVDc/s320/Join+Sheri+Close+up.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495103417971098786" /></div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533534620112400996.post-76397299201814449092010-07-14T07:01:00.000-07:002010-07-14T21:23:48.278-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dXmS4kjPY6PmAKGGyjpYilM00i6BQFFiYh1SzBHkzOEG0s_hYpDCz4naMIb1wrItl1o9eWzJkSUqEAb2SLt6E6lov3Ynn7jOQv0TOlAz5i3qjhKG3-vNML5qSvIVZ9p6duTSyuCopfg/s1600/Jon's+Arrival.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dXmS4kjPY6PmAKGGyjpYilM00i6BQFFiYh1SzBHkzOEG0s_hYpDCz4naMIb1wrItl1o9eWzJkSUqEAb2SLt6E6lov3Ynn7jOQv0TOlAz5i3qjhKG3-vNML5qSvIVZ9p6duTSyuCopfg/s320/Jon's+Arrival.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493976471481191970" /></a>Jon's Arrival in Nauvoo....<div><br /></div><div>I was so excited for this week because Jon was flying out to spend the 4th of July with us. The boys and I could hardly wait for him to get here. He arrived Saturday about 6:00 pm. It was crazy that night at the store, so when Jon got here I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to help guest check in and fix a few minor situations that arose. I was thrilled to see him. That evening we walked around Nauvoo a bit and attended Rendezvous with Karen and the boys. I just love those senior missionaries that perform that play every night. The boys had a great time showing Jon some ofthe special places in Nauvoo. It was fun for me to see them share the things that they have learned the past few weeks.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwnOH9D3U2jKZEJ98Xw9Al_QVupDLXfNT0fTLbEdQcLwmecYu_2MTrBlGOsUqrltYvEmwOa9Ztjx9mZSeqHmM8DYgSA6IwvySJSG3jTkvsCKwdVLTrw0SrZAT7U6-zCAPKwQIrHUZ6i4/s320/Our+Story+Goes+On.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493976868402226882" />The next day was Sunday, July 4th</div><div>.We all went to church together and I loved that. Jon thought it was fun to meet some of the members of the core cast that attend the ward with us. I had a good time introducing him to Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, etc. After church we went to Carthage so that Jon could visit that wonderful sight. We invited Joseph and Hyrum to dinner and had a totally enjoyable time with them. I had to really focus and tell myself it was really Jeff and John and not Joseph and Hyrum. That evening we went to the fireside that the core cast from the Nauvoo Pageant puts on. It is entitled 'Our Story Goes On'. It was a tender story of life, family and the changes we all face as we journey here on earth.I loved it. The show was incredible and it was great having Jon there with us.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Monday morning Jon and I were able to attend a session at the Nauvoo Temple. I can only encourage everyone that has a chance to visit Nauvoo, to attend the temple. What an experience. I have developed such a love for this amazing temple. I love the people that built it, the people that serve there and everything about it. When we were finished with our session, the boys bet us in the baptistery to do some baptisms. That was a mother's dream come true. There is nothing better than being in the temple with your children. We ended up spending about 4 hours in the temple that day. It truly was a blessing and an unforgettable experience. I will cherish that memory for a long, long time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVk2y5pbLyLvsyYRPusv7EI4jSmP0BJIzOORCLhyphenhyphenjPMQtqK2pomwMJqwnDJns97nR1Y5TnTdNYnv67VN1ChSgt5tKZi4NwMLxI7Mf_BrLANzQlZfKHnv5QHlvDQ7FRzG3Sbc7xwzqEA4/s320/Sheri+and+Kim+stick+pull.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493977498173909266" /></div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2zvQ065F3rdHAwVoq56igvbNpZxbAQWVu0BQJGMGCtSlWda80Te84NvzKcFEvzclotSsj4wxd8sFfphOrAJ9PLTN4SUACnpJc0h2-8YzDIRy7tJs_SkgT9GPrpnwxJXF_49FZc19zjs/s320/Brian+and+AJ+stick+pull.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493983157321212706" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>That afternoon we had Brian and Kim over for a bar-b-que. We decided that since Joseph was the champion stick puller, we would have our own little competition. So, the granddaughter of Joesph Smith and the granddaughter of Hyrum Smith challenged each other to the ultimate stick pull. Well, Joseph definitely passed the stick pulling gene down through his posterity...I lost! I hate loosing! Next up was Brian and AJ. AJ won that one, so it was now even. One win for Joseph and one win for Hyrum. We thought it would be good to end the competition on a tie. It was a lot of fun.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> When we had finished the skies started to turn gray and you could hear the thunder rolling in. We have amazing storms out here. It rained all night long. The boys actually went swimming in a field that had flooded because of the huge amount of rain that fell. They had a grand time until they found out that they were swimming about four feet away from a skunk...once again the adventures we have. I was okay with all the rain that fell except for the fact that my boys had signed us up to do a pioneer trek the next morning. The rain was so heavy and I just knew that they would cancel the event, but alas, I was wrong. So, I walked and walked and walked through mud and streams; up hills and down ledges, through manure and herds of cows. I walked and fell and walked and slid and walked and cried. I was covered in mud. My heart ached for the pioneers who did this day after day, week after week and could not go home each night and have a nice, warm shower. When we finished the trek I sat in the middle of the stream and cried. What and Adventure!</div><div> </div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfR8J9rhDobCXP2b89Rhfht2hyphenhyphenTHHCw6sXc0eFPlpO7T0w_5PLrXb2cNqTFS_acXI-nwnqfIC0GTCzkhxrm4YssNDpU5PaCkiDQvOy9L6q0oWAgXWmzmAcjvLnblZoMrglVPokgymeQ0/s320/Handcart+Experience.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493982556103024530" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533534620112400996.post-628192250512462192010-06-28T07:56:00.000-07:002010-06-28T08:47:39.630-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcU-P6RCUy-ZQPJu4usLyEmM8NRqha_wIETMjYLISUezw8ytp4pvLuZ1A_b74TdMtWky4Hn8POmaPtDv4Cz2sCnhpY0ifqHhWIaDeDllFHW0HgMZJyUP2DGj0gTp8lyiAlh3iFPknWXzI/s1600/Logan+at+Lucy+Mack+Smith+home.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcU-P6RCUy-ZQPJu4usLyEmM8NRqha_wIETMjYLISUezw8ytp4pvLuZ1A_b74TdMtWky4Hn8POmaPtDv4Cz2sCnhpY0ifqHhWIaDeDllFHW0HgMZJyUP2DGj0gTp8lyiAlh3iFPknWXzI/s320/Logan+at+Lucy+Mack+Smith+home.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487839505870248690" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">Remembering the Prophet...</span></a><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This was another amazing week. Logan and I had a few hours before we needed to go to work so, we went to a few homes here in Nauvoo. One of the homes was the home of Lucy Mack Smith. I wanted Logan to visit his grandmother's home and feel of the sweet spirit that exists there. The missionaries were so cute and so excited to have descendants in the home. They spent quite a bit of time with us. The yard was filled with beautiful flowers and I could just imagine Lucy sitting at the window waiting for her grandchildren to come visit. I loved it. The core cast for pageant arrived Saturday. The cast came to church on Sunday and Karen and I were guessing who each person played. We thought that this one man might play the Savior, but when we saw this other man walk in we KNEW he played the Savior. His eyes were the most tender, loving eyes I have ever seen. He held his daughter on his lap and gently moves a wisp of hair from her cheek. As he gazed into her eyes, smiled and then kissed her on the forehead, I wept. It was the perfect picture of what the Savior would do with each of us. It was the perfect tender mercy that day.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEhY4SXh3KWC8Z5HheGBCTaT5lhhlkKpJxJ2ULbK_mepxFP3a4CNVTFF2v8GbPsUeTf8yK9pT7V33RgpV5NRfWhEH9317yJeWTcdtfTPcf7npqQXhAppjXe3aCN1pK8PBfyh5TZxmR7k/s320/Pres.+Peterson+at+Carthage.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487839915831344706" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday, June 27, was the 166 commemoration for the Martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum. We were privileged enough to attend two ceremonies that day. The first one was held at the Community of Christ church. It was a nice ceremony, but felt empty. There was no spirit there. All the site missionaries were there and many members of the church, but overall the atmosphere was just plain empty. When it was over we quickly ran home, ate a sandwich and started our drive to Carthage. We were some of the first people there. The program was to begin at 5:17 pm, the time of the actual martyrdom. We arrived at 3:00 pm. The crowds grew quickly. As more and more people arrived, it was hard not to picture all the mobs that were gathering those 165 years ago. It was quit surreal. President Peterson, Nauvoo Temple President, gave a beautiful speech. His remarks were some of the most tender and touching that I have ever heard. He spoke a lot about Hyrum. This was very moving for me and the boys. This is our grandfather. As President Peterson spoke I was moved to tears. Carthage has always been a place of grief and mourning for me. I have never enjoyed going there and when I have gone, I just try to get through the experience. This time it was different. I had a feeling of peace come throughout my entire body. I heard the words, "This is not a place of death, but a place where eternal salvation was gained." At that moment I was okay with Carthage. I knew that Joseph and Hyrum were not alone when they went through the horrific experience. I am sure our Savior was right there with His arms extended to carry them home. It was really sweet. My cousin Kim was there and it was awesome to have her wrap her arms around me when it was over. There standing at the place that both of us lost our grandfathers. I will cherish that day. I learned many new things and an grateful that Heavenly Father gave me so many tender mercies in one day.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_HSbRV_h69Upc6dJvUZp3rIAcWOLyZNa0nYgthHxyychcwzyNpB-EY9H0kjc-LucG1l8DH_ieQHSeapEdtVcZQwPT6UGZIETf4Bq65RmQy_WaWGStEUk_Mmb9fxboqtqrIYCY4q7OkY/s320/Graves+of+Hyrum,+Joseph+and+Emma.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487841318055818162" /></div><div>When we were finished with the ceremonies, Karen, the boys and I all walked over to the Smith cemetery. We placed some beautiful flowers on the graves of Hyrum, Joseph and Emma. It was a beautiful, calm Sunday.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSySW2o1KlGyZQeqenxmUdCL6fWjVxC581yNbpru53L57RxLl5pJ-NjNQfw3t9hAiXMRaaifEcSXjuO_r_gAbQaMxm5TYkwuqY29yCt28JgeXOsc3qjFQdeJ89vk-WnDtSiTJ6jVLOqCE/s320/Boys+carrying+their+mom.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487847735030642690" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We enjoyed walking through the streets of Nauvoo. At one point the boys decided that they should carry their old mother. The problem with that was they really made me just hang from their shoulders and carry my own weight with my arms. I discovered that I would rather walk! At one point the boys found an old out house. They went to have a look and found that there was a moon carved out of the door. Logan said, "Look mom, it is just like Shrek's" I guess everything in Nauvoo does not pertain to church history. We all had a good laugh. The day ended with the perfect sunset on the Mississippi. It was a beautiful ending to a beautiful day.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFa1eOaC39ZrXlpPTBX7jYyTuZ8sis-uA64UZjJCiinxEWhdccD8hO9sVWfQdRqsXBk3UfVFTCNMK9H4XUI_x-2J3mwMCmImg0K_ZfQP3m5lDqcRVtWKZ2H3ik3sSSn1piINzMJ3ddPU8/s320/Sunset.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487848533667114002" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533534620112400996.post-3326568605706854912010-06-22T18:52:00.000-07:002010-06-22T19:51:58.174-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs3S283iyIeUCkAKprUGQDdQDGH7BJ2ldiqGSpByoQTHrcU1_5jxd8HR2eRFzV-fjk_3lgRfvnHCwUe1-0CuXsluaY5yw0pEV7orVlAq7ec-iyuzQeVRByxGWzNeQ6x5brv2vI_fK4QF4/s320/Night+Temple.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485789823802160786" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs3S283iyIeUCkAKprUGQDdQDGH7BJ2ldiqGSpByoQTHrcU1_5jxd8HR2eRFzV-fjk_3lgRfvnHCwUe1-0CuXsluaY5yw0pEV7orVlAq7ec-iyuzQeVRByxGWzNeQ6x5brv2vI_fK4QF4/s1600/Night+Temple.JPG">Every Week Is a Learning Experience...</a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs3S283iyIeUCkAKprUGQDdQDGH7BJ2ldiqGSpByoQTHrcU1_5jxd8HR2eRFzV-fjk_3lgRfvnHCwUe1-0CuXsluaY5yw0pEV7orVlAq7ec-iyuzQeVRByxGWzNeQ6x5brv2vI_fK4QF4/s1600/Night+Temple.JPG"></a><br /><div><div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This has been a really wild week. There have been many ups and downs. Sometimes it is so hard here that I want to cry and just when I think I am going to loose total control, I receive a tender mercy. This week we had a crazy day at the mercantile. There was a cute little family that came into the merc. The kids had saved there money to purchase their own souvenirs. It was such a difficult decision for them since it was their hard earned money they were spending. After much turmoil, they all decided on their trinkets. One of the little boys asked, "When is Father's Day?" The mother answered, "Oh my goodness, it is tomorrow. I think weshould get dad a tie tack so that he has a gift here in Nauvoo." Everyone pitched in to purchase the gift. About 30 minutes later, one of the little boys came back into the store. We have two sizes of post cards, small ones for .55 and large ones for 2.25. I asked him if he forgot something. He said, " I want to buy a post card for my dad for Father's Day." He had a big grin on his face and I could tell he was so proud to use his own money to buy the treasured gift. He chose a big post card. I rang it up and the total was 2.32. I said, "That will be $2.32." As I went to take his money, I noticed that he had carefully placed 5 dimes and a nickel on the counter. His countenance dropped and this big green eyes looked as if they would overflow with tears at any moment. I just couldn't let this little boy leave with a broken heart. I knew this was his very own money and he must have loved his father so much to come back to purchase the gift. I quickly said, "Wait a minute, that can't be right. I think that this machine rang that up wrong." I quietly changed the price in the computer to .55 and took 4 pennies from the counter to complete the sale. I had a hard time holding back the tears as I bagged the gift and watched this freckled face little boy, proudly walk out clenching his father's gift. Oh, if his father only knew how much this little boy loved him. It was one of the best moments of my week.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Young Ambassadors have been in Nauvoo for</div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eJfIE_o_mvwzZbR2DTf9fPgRSQjk5LdZdDwdB0yO0GTYEgdUDZntSU9E9aMlLi5j9kZp3DDXLt_rFiCBIUSv4k6IQEzdvfxGFRxTKXkxgonWMBI10VWd0TQYkH1MpEtW8j6yJCDbAyQ/s320/Kate+and+Mom.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485793019566971330" />the past two weeks. It has been so much fun getting to know them and having them bring their families into town. From the first time we heard them sing we were all impressed with a darling blonde girl, with perfect pitch, Kate. What a doll. Kate's mom, aunt and grandmother were all in town and we loved serving them at the hotel. We were able to attend their last performance and quickly snapped a shot with Kate and her cute mom. We will miss them here in Nauvoo. They brought us great joy while they were here.</div><div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCi03Bzl7NDm-S2B8ZbVmIcer8XMYTBGPndByzy6KOOZrKlY3O20X0HnCak05eD9-bTePIZVEIiZao4M5NOuhvDMC8ejLJD80xF0YMHQVWXV3MxdQVRtmkJ58soY0F9ffVJoi8jsGa-s/s320/Sheri+and+Karen+after+the+storm.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485795913423510610" /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Last night we were under a tornado watch. We had horrible rains and floods. We had to quickly close the store and restaurant and race home. We only had to run about 10 feet to get in the car, but by the time we did that, both Karen and I looked like river rats. We did not know whether to laugh or cry. We were wet, cold and alittle bit scarred. The thunder and lightning continued all night. When it lightnings here the entire room lights up. It is pretty amazing, but also pretty scary. Gotta love the mid west!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_XZJssz44f1dU2a4cv6U1R-0HdVirSqGKqiSd2LeUbNBtnbYr0R4luU6IJ4Kj4PwBwAoAkHbmUwInbhI8457No1j-ZJquW8SHUzZ7F04Le2b-Mhyphenhyphenvh40sQG5Rr10XMX57uqeJyq7O1c/s320/Wind+tunnel.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485790992225269810" /><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>Today, the boys and I went to Burlington, Iowa for our day off. It was fun to spend time away from the store. The boys found a tornado tunnel. You pay $2.00 and step inside this tunnel and experience 95 mile per hour winds. It was pretty funny to watch. They had fun. While in Burlington, we were at the store which is located right off the freeway. We looked up on the freeway and there were about 30 tractors just driving in a line on the freeway. Some had ladies holding umbrellas and all were shiny and looked new. Well, we came to find out that it was Tractor Days in Burlington...once again...gotta love the mid-west.</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizws5K2NWBX3jgq13qtw4o7Yy-Tgi_iR1_rQFqvcluzJ89G-YjRcqMfNQSihWeZfF8cR-HIuhl32ST93VxixLcR4jQXvfM6bI2y3OyWEL3o6BsyOMlrgRcuSTUBBB27oa8arAC1HJfbmE/s320/Burlington+Tractor+Days.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485794434464050210" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533534620112400996.post-47750199442609917392010-06-18T09:02:00.000-07:002010-06-18T09:45:10.912-07:00The Things We Get To Do...<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSZvXA9u6v5zB9fcJ6yVYvaMON_7THH9GpESlrbz56ppIljpuucxl4hyphenhyphenNFDesSSjvla6RrRtQvlaAqkuS8Zu9fJqrAor-_hK0tm-PPLx1ph8srZ4ByrybohsGKXW1VOOYNhBuG23gij0/s320/Frog.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484146305314178418" /> Oh the things we get to do! The other day we had to take <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">AJ</span> to the hospital for an ultrasound. Found out he has a small hernia. When we were leaving the Dr.'s office, the boys found this big frog. They wanted to catch it and take it home to Utah for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Korbin</span>, but I would not let them put it in the car. I know I am a real party <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pooper</span>, but what can I say. He was a cute frog, but none the less, a frog. The frog remained at the Dr.'s office. Maybe a princess will come one day and plant a big kiss on those lips...YUCK!<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Anyway, after two really tough days and a lot of homesickness, I had a great day yesterday. </div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCsv_wXyKyvTglkvkg8E_I80I94eQlNY3DCO3cnV9J21Mxa9hhJjDpp1wLogibAEBhKpShi4P9aU7vUHSh2Qqvses9_mJE7VmTF_xStV2DqTDjHahJeUGDYsh8HyscCmAzAmzTnQg8_M/s320/Brian+and+Kim.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484146308992643826" />The boys and I were able to go to a fireside that my cousin Kim Smith and her son Brian were doing. Kim is Joseph Smith's great great grand daughter. She talks about the Smith children and her conversion story. If any of you have the opportunity to attend one of her firesides i encourage you to do so. She travel all over so, you can <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">alsobook</span> her for a youth conference or area fireside. It is worth it. Anyway, later that evening Kim came by the house and asked my friend Karen and me if we wanted to go into the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nauvoo</span> House. Of course we jumped at the opportunity. We took Logan with us and the four of us headed to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">hous</span><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeUlXGDum7upKmieJIfG4EvOH3TXtICVA_TYsoMf-JkOqQe01dhGtOiiyt-8JuC2GKlDyq3hHr5Oc7wgdlVWxvTzZaW8xNwoDVCj_EbvDjN5vaBa0bWNVJ-S2Wfad5vvCNCHjdicH8QY/s320/Sheri+at+window.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484149415933613794" />e. It was so neat! <div><div><div><br /></div><div>We went upstairs and were able to take a few photos by the window in Emma's room. Emma died in that room and Kim shared some very</div><div>personal stories of the events that took place there. I was in awe about the whole experience. Emma had to have shed many tears as she watched dear friends leave to head West. What an amazing woman! We also went to the top floor that still has the original brick walls. It was really neat. We took a few pictures there too. There is a really cute picture of Logan and my friend Karen in a window. From the window you can see the Homestead. I would have posted it,</div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPJYtsiH1gtSh9FfIz_fn7Q1yZzqJ534BlmQZNkAx2lRhVNgD18N8gkYTMQ6Js2VR2Fw3X7ITJAyN4WisRL3y3kf1OG2Z4d4GN_JH_rrApKpBCB2GKrqJsYbyQ7fx9muJK6i4bPjbBu8/s320/Original+Brick.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484151619264401218" /><div> but I cut Logan's chin off in the picture. Sorry, Logan! There are some beautiful views from the window's of that home. You can see the Mississippi and just imagine what it was like to watch the Saints cross that cold, cold river. What courage it took. I have decided that I don't have much courage, but am learning to have more each and every day that I am here. </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4h7I-EcSh9FwMsAhzWdH0ZBAiP-zcE1z2EilwAO7ZV3LZySyZeYyAp4-Jgd5q5ep1BJmyVS87lPpzRspJIH7gVvpoF0wN2KZqOVif_Yo-N53oW8PCjbG_mymk3hjIOXlz_4V56CY_uas/s320/Logan+.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484146328582619922" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a picture of Logan with a wall mural of Lewis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Bidiman</span> and Emma. It was a great day! When we got home it was just getting dark and the yard wad filled with tons of fire flies. That is one of my favorite parts of being here in the summer...fireflies. They just make me happy. That is one of the little lessons I have learned here...no matter what, no matter how hard the day was, the fireflies still light up at night. They shine no matter what. I want to be like the fireflies, no matter what I want to shine. I want the Lord to be able to count on my light every day. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533534620112400996.post-16150799160690736112010-06-15T10:23:00.000-07:002010-06-15T10:46:14.704-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#330099;">Hard Times Too...</span><div><br /></div><div> </div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbKhgo7mF_RrRBik136aE5hugeyLUnUdp950Ca9o1Vz6QLcXzcVJclzupTZZBVbnBf_OWymXXDNMi1d7WZx1iBnw7hd6kqE3Oxvm1HQCz6JtPBHv-SOggEdmgsd9ySwznqUtQ3_exKLg/s320/IMG_0170.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483056033213997682" /><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Last night we were able to attend the Brigham Young, Young Ambassadors show at the outdoor theater. It was awesome. There was such a light and a glow in those young performers. It was fun to share the evening with them. I loved it. One of the performer's, Spencer Stevens, was Tyler's mission companion i</div><div>n the MTC. They also returned from their missions the same day. It was fun to see him too. They are amazing performers and have such great talent. We are lucky to have them share it with us.</div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRewcNbAX8BQeH3q_q4cAVvw86cDDXsTzfEMdYVajbW3ii2npMGb7eFzdiJXTp58KiXkiRuE4JTM542qJrTkcjXWvY61NiDw2vMdT5_j1lVFxhlnkUhbuYrd1MXb5ns7WQg2F3_TYiCfk/s320/IMG_0181.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483056445081284610" /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJVbNvklo-yQuT_RbNbdHdXVWvOAJ2g7zRrGfvO03AvBk3o6RbDbxDFs9W6Mrunwlkdv0SJdvldNbUDsxobQ2_pBOkwy3Adacha-_27SlUgD1tOmCN5CHMpG46IOtJVavOCoifZrV6mw/s320/IMG_0182.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483057663197333970" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>(Logan, Spencer and Sheri)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This morning it is a little bit rainy. Today is a hard day. I am not going </div><div>to say that I don't miss my home because today I really do. Sometimes it gets pretty lonely here. I am sure that the saints felt the same way when they were in Salt Lake City. This is not easy. We work long days and are very tired at night. I love this city. I love what took place here, but I also miss my home. I miss my husband and hearing him tell me it will be okay, I miss my mom and her daily phone calls, I miss my brother' and their cute families, I miss my friends and enjoying lunch in the Riverbottoms. All the things that are dear to my heart are the things I miss the most. People and relationships are the most important thing. I have learned that everyday matters. Everyday is important and everyone is important. For those of you reading this, make sure that today your hug the ones you love and if you have an extra minute, hug them for me too. I love you all. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533534620112400996.post-31455263513617800952010-06-13T20:01:00.000-07:002010-06-13T21:39:00.813-07:00<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YzASsZ4nsTauqtOFj_0HJsxm-8sf1CWfhVbU7avlzCPqsCdh2HOlCvjteuwa0whKjgQZpzQlaV4O0hie2s9mFssmTrR8SX70msZ6H9jM5uL_hzG_03M22SsMv0SZxcUBuTq3KFYBZSk/s320/IMG_0084.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482483825146821458" /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;">Another Week...</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Well, another week has past. I can't believe how many great experiences we have each and everyday. This week we had a lot of rain, in fact the road to Keokuk was closed due to a large mud slide. That was interesting. They boys and I were able to meet the mission President and his wife. They are wonderful people. We had some interesting people come into the store this week. There were a couple of good old country boys from Arkansas. They had the longest mullets I have ever seen! They said, "Them there guns ain't gonna kill nuttin on my properrrrrty! Them guns don't do nuttin compared to Dave's gun's" I was trying so hard not to laugh. They had their wrangler jeans on and total buck teeth. I just love the diversity out here. Isn't it great that Heavenly Father created such a variety of EVERYTHING? We were able to spend a little bit of time Saturday night with Collette (Covey) Johnston, one of my young women,and her husband. It was fun to share some of Nauvoo with her. They were only able to stay a short time, but I loved every minute of it. We also wentto the Visitor's Center and saw Sister Stephanie Sorensen. It is always fun to see people from home. (Me, Kyle, Collette) (Logan, Sis. Sorensen, AJ)</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwD7abpxVya6TXBqWy-41ZBtA1xu1SInQuG0SU03gRJKbF6UHwIZsy_oGwUf8tSbaEfUf88Yr_EHTH-QF877OoJsItlByzSuRGPRy7PWXsQi_JGIpIdvWv7R8GMWmhzJxdxtKVtwE_go/s320/Sis.+Sorensen.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482482900660049170" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhugoGU02a2W_RNZOj2TOg5myHo_omF-qvS0VC_l7-XfPwbO-bOZ3gTu3ql-sWgaw250UaqBtnZFO1lKHxH8SFOSjoHNjQHLfrFScVVvGEibxc3uvd2yNi-fb-4d4M47_e2Er-4_vlw5E/s320/Johnston's.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482482187203123026" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> We had some guest's stayi</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';">ng with us this week. Their name's are the Clark's. I was telling t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">hem how touched I was the first time I went to Lucy Mack Smith's home. He shared with me that his great-great grandfather was the man who built that home for Lucy. It was a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';">humble experience. I am grateful for those pioneers who took such g</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">ood care of each ot</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';">her and for Brother Clark's grandfath</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';">er who bui</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';">lt a home for my grandmother. Thank-you! (Brother Clark and me)</span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GSnkPICw_-30Ij3NIS6O05ogGTv062Rnw1OVItC0SvmeLl_nEWJqVBiCYfAC4zEk-piLBh1TaHPeY_V3cK1QORy_YslK63RBB54kCj9utEi5dh7ESh7gV4EOOGOg9U2QdnClGFPkqyo/s320/Brother+Clark.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482479726679985314" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">One of my boys neede</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';">d a blessing this week. The</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';">Young Men's president came over and gave the most incredible blessing. It was so wonderful. I was touched deeply by the things he said and the spirit that filled the room. I could not help but think of those great pioneers who asked for many blessings and the prophet entering their homes and blessing them. The faith of those men</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">and women was so strong. I feel it every day as I walk the streets of Nauvoo. I am grateful for the opportunity to walk in their footsteps. This week there were some ladies that came into the art gallery. They saw a beautiful piece of artwork that depicted the first vision. They asked, "Why did that boy see two people?" I watched as my dear friend was able to explain that we believe that he saw God our Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ. This happens all the time and we are able to bear testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel. It is amazing. The spirit is alive and well here in Nauvoo. </span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';"> Tonight we went to the Young Ambassador's fireside. It was amazing. The spirit was wonderful. I loved the messages that were shared and the songs that were sung. None of the performers knew who would be speaking. They just sing and then their director whispers a name and that is who has to bear testimony. Each testimony was touching. These young people are so filled with light. I enjoyed every minute of it. We were sitting in the chapel. I was so touched to turn around and see the entire chapel and cultural hall filled with missionaries. For the first time in my life I thought, "I want to wear one of those tags too." It is fun to associate with the missionaries every day. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';">I know that this is a sacrifice for the boys. They are away from their family, friends, dog and everything that is comfortable to them. Basically they left behind everything to come here. They had no clue what they would find or the challenges they might face. They truly are living pioneers. I am in awe when I think of my own ancestors that did the very same thing when they went west. This experience is truly a test of faith. Each day we face new challenges and just keep taking steps forward. Each of us is learning day by day to trust in the Lord. I know that my faith has been strengthened. We work hard everyday. We come home tired and hungry. The weather is hot and very humid and I have really bad hair days, but I am so grateful for this opportunity. I hope that someday, probably when my children are very old, they will look back on this experience with fond memories. I hope one day they will cherish the summer that the three of us shared a bedroom and slept shoulder to shoulder in the top room of Willard Richard's home. </span></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4533534620112400996.post-41179301572732421992010-06-11T06:21:00.000-07:002010-06-11T08:13:29.215-07:00Let the Journey Begin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStuaZKrr8GzYG7Wvqr-y6HIGuTCqdPPtDenTmfCjf8TvwOMzNBXfx4bjK_ApuYa45o3lU66tZvhANCrm10RwAEaTHIOnPV1GRFFeEuqXMh8oheLNsH-583XlP4gsSWNY7NkDEgsUauiA/s1600/Logan+at+the+creek.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStuaZKrr8GzYG7Wvqr-y6HIGuTCqdPPtDenTmfCjf8TvwOMzNBXfx4bjK_ApuYa45o3lU66tZvhANCrm10RwAEaTHIOnPV1GRFFeEuqXMh8oheLNsH-583XlP4gsSWNY7NkDEgsUauiA/s320/Logan+at+the+creek.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481533723652627650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTOYH4Ni8Lmxcfw6vdJHr4hleJWShg71xxTpH-lFfmJQ1NOcLd7i3WXxEyygE4Vs8cWIr4eucEBGpI2odWIAc8-Av9MaWIRYTgKj_Xa5gkh8kP-oUiuu0Qr9MiIPeA6DfrIFwPuds2yc/s1600/Mom,+Logan,+AJ+with+sunstone.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTOYH4Ni8Lmxcfw6vdJHr4hleJWShg71xxTpH-lFfmJQ1NOcLd7i3WXxEyygE4Vs8cWIr4eucEBGpI2odWIAc8-Av9MaWIRYTgKj_Xa5gkh8kP-oUiuu0Qr9MiIPeA6DfrIFwPuds2yc/s320/Mom,+Logan,+AJ+with+sunstone.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481533716508975506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNf3bJVOw2XwTj1w_MJx0dmvDn1SMW3eh-b4dexyBRLkdO1SHt17GrzPQ454JWTneU1Bii4rK1-3pIBF7quNnq_kkxAsvBTYox7x1-_fhj4Q9xJoggF4X2qIfFSGFOlPbuN3AbEsb_E4I/s1600/Boys+chasing+geese.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNf3bJVOw2XwTj1w_MJx0dmvDn1SMW3eh-b4dexyBRLkdO1SHt17GrzPQ454JWTneU1Bii4rK1-3pIBF7quNnq_kkxAsvBTYox7x1-_fhj4Q9xJoggF4X2qIfFSGFOlPbuN3AbEsb_E4I/s320/Boys+chasing+geese.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481533707006874226" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgASpHwQV5inSW4kA_7IDPUqkNZQUBiPZj7LTcp4TuKbFCXrJtATSp0Usuy72ki5AxtA-cDhTd16ev_dk-O7wlsYo2nrNEin1h4duJsFRALIS2jqTtvd2MGoSLlVDPx8CTVuXm8IAMiY8/s1600/IMG_0066.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgASpHwQV5inSW4kA_7IDPUqkNZQUBiPZj7LTcp4TuKbFCXrJtATSp0Usuy72ki5AxtA-cDhTd16ev_dk-O7wlsYo2nrNEin1h4duJsFRALIS2jqTtvd2MGoSLlVDPx8CTVuXm8IAMiY8/s320/IMG_0066.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481533693233032690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWudNJu37q8eyPCIm-wyTizEUXOPmdJoocgQDxjkHXMVx-buiHm2VzW4ZVU5ZmPjaSdhf9utA7VQHbcKar6a2G6Q-IqRPkd7-Ns-MW49jKv-PkKTW63K8YmDrtyVsJoUUuZPm3GZZWME4/s1600/AJ+and+Allen.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWudNJu37q8eyPCIm-wyTizEUXOPmdJoocgQDxjkHXMVx-buiHm2VzW4ZVU5ZmPjaSdhf9utA7VQHbcKar6a2G6Q-IqRPkd7-Ns-MW49jKv-PkKTW63K8YmDrtyVsJoUUuZPm3GZZWME4/s320/AJ+and+Allen.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481533683123344418" /></a><br />There are a lot of people who say I am crazy, but that has never stopped me from doing what I do anyway. I packed up our things along with AJ and Logan. We drove for what seemed like forever. when we arrived at our first hotel, tears were streaming down my cheeks and I wanted so desperately to turn around and go home, but I knew in my heart that was not an option. I also knew that I would never live in Platte, Nebraska. The next morning we drove to Burlington, Iowa. We would have just driven into Nauvoo, Illinois, but the Hughes Brother's were in town and all rooms and hotels were full, thus we decided to hang out in Burlington. The hotel was clean and nice and most of all there was a Target AND a Walmart. The boys and I had a nice dinner and felt a whole lot better. Who doesn't feel better with a nice hot plate of buttermilk pancakes? We had a slow morning and then onto Nauvoo!<br /><div><br /></div><div>We are living at the Willard Richard's Inn. If none of you have been here you must come. There is so much history to the house and it is amazing what took place within these walls. Even though we are thousands of miles from home, we feel that this is home. AJ is working everyday at Zion's Mercantile. He stocks the shelves, prices items, sets up displays and most of all helps customers. Logan works at the Gallery, putting backs on pictures and wiring them. He also works at the Mercantile doing some of the same things AJ does. Every afternoon you can see Logan take his break with a vanilla soft serve cone in his hand. Oh how that boy loves ice cream. I am working at the Mercantile, yes I am pretty much Harriett Olsen, but a nice, friendly version. I also work at the Gallery and the Willard Richard's Inn. Each morning Karen and I prepare breakfast for our guests and then head in to town to fulfill our other responsibilities. AJ says that everyday is Groundhog Day, but we are loving it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday was great. We went to our new ward, which is very different from our home ward. i stand out like a sore thumb, a shiny sore thumb, but a sore thumb none the less. The people are so humble and nice. They were very welcoming. After church we drove along the river looking at the turtles all out sunbathing. We walked to the Stone Bridge and took a few photos and then to another waterfall. The boys chased the Canadian Geese and had a great time trying to catch them. They found a frog at the Old Nauvoo Cemetary and then had to chase a bat from a cellar. They have taken up a new hobby. Last week they found an old racoon trap. They are bound and determined to catch a racoon, so out in the trees on the corner of the property is a trap just waiting for some coon to step in. I have no idea what they will do if they catch one, but it is sure fun to watch them. We have deer every night on the property. They aren't like the deer at home, these are healthy and beautiful. It is amazing how peaceful the yard is and how much wild life is here. I am getting pretty brave when it comes to frogs and bats...well a little brave. </div><div><br /></div><div>One of the funnest things is meeting the people. Earlier this week we had the nicest couple from England stay at the hotel. We fell in love with them. It was fun to hear about the experiences they had each day. The boys carried their luggage to and from their room and had a great time talking with them. They were heading back to their hometown to enjoy their grandchildren. They are the nicest couple. It was hard to say good bye to them. At the Inn the most amazing woman and her daughter stayed with us, Charlene and Jeanene. Charlene has always wanted to come to Nauvoo and never been able. Her sweet daughter brought her here and they spent a week with us. I was so touched at the love they shared. Each night they would share their experiences of the day with us and Karen would share some of the very special events that took place here in the home. It was great. On Tuesday the boys and I went to the temple. They boys were scheduled to do some baptisms. When we entered the temple our bishop from home was there. It was so wonderful to see Bishop Smith and his son Dane. The boys went downstairs to do their baptisms and I was able to take the Bishop and his family on a private tour of the Willard Richard's Inn. That was a lot of fun. </div><div><br /></div><div>Everyday I am blessed to learn more and more of the significant events that transpired in this great city. The more I fall in love with Nauvoo, the more I dread the end of the summer when I will have to leave. Yes, I miss my husband, family, friends, bed and shopping, but I would give it all up again to have this remarkable experience. I will be eternally grateful to my dear friend Karen and our new friends the Kennedy's for allowing us to have this experience and most of all I thank my Heavenly Father everyday. Each morning the boys and I get to walk where the prophet walked and we feel his presence in Nauvoo. Many times the Holy Ghost has born witness to us of the Prophet Joseph. I have especially come to love my great-great-great grandfather Hyrum. I meet cousins everyday and know that Joseph and Hyrum are rejoicing that family has returned and been reunited here in Nauvoo. We are truly blessed. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2