Remembering the Prophet...

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.

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.

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.

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.

Every Week Is a Learning Experience...

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.

The Young Ambassadors have been in Nauvoo for

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.

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!

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.

The Things We Get To Do...

Oh the things we get to do! The other day we had to take AJ 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 Korbin, but I would not let them put it in the car. I know I am a real party pooper, 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!

Anyway, after two really tough days and a lot of homesickness, I had a great day yesterday.

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 alsobook 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 Nauvoo House. Of course we jumped at the opportunity. We took Logan with us and the four of us headed to the house. It was so neat!

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

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,

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.

This is a picture of Logan with a wall mural of Lewis Bidiman 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.

Hard Times Too...

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

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.

(Logan, Spencer and Sheri)

This morning it is a little bit rainy. Today is a hard day. I am not going

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.

Another Week...

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)

We had some guest's staying with us this week. Their name's are the Clark's. I was telling them 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 humble experience. I am grateful for those pioneers who took such good care of each other and for Brother Clark's grandfather who built a home for my grandmother. Thank-you! (Brother Clark and me)

One of my boys needed a blessing this week. TheYoung 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

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.

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.

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.

Let the Journey Begin

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.