This will be my last tender mercy for 2016. My parents, Elzo and Renee' White, came up, from Blackfoot, the day after Christmas and stayed overnight! This was a real treat; it doesn't happen very often.
They came up, we enjoyed a good couple of meals together, played some games, watched a movie, spent lots of time together. I think they made the effort, because I had all of my children home, plus our two new bonus children - Brandon Pilcher and Breanna Marcum Ripplinger.
It was such a precious time. I was so glad my parents came. Their influence upon my life is more than I can ever know or express, but I love them dearly and honor them. It is a tender mercy to have two good, kind, loving parents who have been great examples to me and my children.
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Christmas to New Year's - One of Two Best Tender Mercies for 2016, December 30, 2016
Christmas is my very favorite time of the entire year! We had and are enjoying so many tender mercies, but I want to mention all those who suffer at Christmas Time.
My friend at work is not a member of our church. She lives with her boyfriend. Her parents are divorced. She was kind of quiet all month, as the other three in our office played Christmas music on our iphones, and talked excitedly about Christmas plans, and gave each other gifts. At first, she just said she wasn't into Christmas very much. When I asked why, she said that it's a lot of work. I felt sad, because I love it so much.
Later, I found out why she doesn't like it. She softly told me, when we were alone, that she doesn't like Christmas because it's always such a hard time. She said that she and her boyfriend are expected to go to her mom's house on Christmas Eve. There is a grumpy sister that gives her a hard time about how her family spoils her, or how she gets the best presents - these women are 40 plus years old. Then they are expected to go to her boyfriend's parents and in the morning, they go to her Dad's. She said it is just too much. People are mean to each other, it's not fun.
Others suffer because they feel alone, when everyone else appears to be having a wonderful time. Some miss their deceased loved ones. Some feel they have no family who care.
It's our duty to reach out and try to help all of them.
Mine was a wonderful Christmas Season.
Blaine and I had planned, saved money, organized and prepared for the arrival of Brandon and Heather, flying in from Kentucky, and for Derek and Breanna, and Nikole to come to our house, during thier Christmas Break from BYU-Idaho. We had Carl and Elizabeth at home with us. Nikole came first, as soon as BYU-I was out. Derek and Breanna came two days before Christmas. Breanna and Derek had spent the week before Christmas at her parents home in Layton, Utah.
This was Breanna's first Christmas away from her family, besides her mission, so I will always appreciate her willingness to sacrifice and let her and Derek be here when Brandon and Heather could be here. I'm sure it was hard on her, but she remamained cheerful and optimistic.
Brandon and Heather were scheduled to fly in on Christmas Eve morning, but the weather was not predicted to be good, so their airline called a couple of days before thier scheduled flight and told them they needed them to fly in to Jackson the day before Christmas Eve! So, that was a nice surprise for all of us.
So, by Dec. 23 night, all of us were together, at our home! Blaine and I had considered this to be a special Christmas, because all of our children are mostly grown - Carl at almost 13 and Elizabeth at 16 1/2 and Nikole at 18 makes for a mostly grown family. We figured it would be unique in that our married couples don't have a baby yet, so we are all able to do things that adults can do, as far as not having to worry about little ones.
We took a quick picture by the elk antler arch when we picked up Brandon and Heather in Jackson. Derek and Breanna did not go to the airport with us, because they had just driven from Layton. We stopped and got hot chocolate for everyone, at Bradnon's suggestion.
We kept our tradition each night, of selecting one family member for the rest of us to give compliments to. That really builds love and unity. That was special each night.
We had planned special Christmas treats and meals that we knew certain family members like. I made or had made carmel, blonde fudge, crepes, the big Christmas Day lunch meal with turkey and all the trimmings, then the New Year's Eve meal - we tried to make some things Breanna would have at her parent's home - red frozen pizza, we had the Italian flavored sodas Aunt Tammie taught us to make years ago, chicken wings, layered bean dip and on and on. For New Year's Day, we had ham and the trimmings. The food was really good.
On Christmas Eve, Blaine led the family with the Christmas Story, that we have read for years and years. A few years back, we bought a book that has the whole story and songs in it, so we used that. On Christmas Eve, I told the story of the Gift of the Magi, one of our favorites. We had been reading a Christmas story a day, before our extra people arrived.
Both Christmas Day and New Year's Day were on Sundays, which is fairly unusual. We had been asked to sing a family musical number for Christmas sacrament meeting. Carl played the violin and the rest of us all sang. Well, Elizabeth accompanied us on the piano. We sang a renditon of The First Noel. It was beautiful and we got a lot of compiment.s It's rare to have children that all can harmonize. Especially Carl, Elizabeth, Nikole and Heather are really good at harmonizing. They can sing the melody, alto, soprano. It's one of my greatest treasures - their beautiful voices. And all three daughters can play the piano.
Christmas Day we had fun opening gifts. Some of the highlights were Derek and Breanna got long boards from her parents. Their family long boards together, around town. I got a new cranberry colored really warm coat with fur around the hood. I've wanted one for a long time. I usually buy coats at Deseret Industries or a thrift store, so this was quite thrilling to me. It's the kind that goes down below my hips, and it's quilted and really warm. Blaine got a trip to see Brandon and Heather, from me. We will have to decide when to go. Nikole got some nice clothes. Elizabeth got a Fit Bit - thing that looks like a watch, keeps health data on it, and a guitar. She is going to take a guitar class this new semester. Carl got a light that shows different colors to the beat of the music he hooks up to it, and a massager that sits in a chair. We had sent tools to Brandon before Christmas, from Lowe's, that he opened at home, right before they left. We gave Heather two beautiful dresses she had told me she liked.
We took our family over to Jackson to have a sleigh ride on the Elk Refuge. It was extremely cold, but fun. We swam at the Jackson Rec Center that night and ate at Wendy's.
The other bigger thing we did was rent Cross Country skis for all of us, and we went skiing up Teton Canyon. That was beautiful.
We spent about 10 days together. It was a lot of work, and cost a fair amount, but we were thrilled to have our family here. We felt like we grew closer together, showed mostly love and support to each other, had fun playing a lot of games at our table, watching some type of movie almost every night, and spending time together.
This winter has been rather challenging. It hasn't been this cold of weather or as "nasty" of weather for many years. It was pretty cold during parts of our family's stay, like -25 degrees. Other parts of the time they were here, and before and after, have been what I call "snow storms". The poor weather has had a part in making all of us, even valley residents, fell rather down and out about the not much sunshine, sheer ice roads, over cast, bad weather.
Despite all the weather, we did have a very wonderful Christmas with our 9 family members all home. Blaine and I gave our whole hearts, souls, talents and resources to our children, we love so dearly. We were tired, afterward, but it was well worth the effort. I was very grateful to my parents, for all they have done for me during my lifetime, for all the times they let Blaine and I and our children come and stay with them for holidays.
We had Blaine's mother, Helen, come for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, for New Year's Day. 2016 was a good year. I've always loved Christmas - such a wonderful time to remember Jesus's birth, His life, His example, His sacrifice, His crucifixion, His raisiing from the Dead, His Eternal Life.
We took homemade carmel to many friends at the hospital, and to many of our neighbors.
My friend at work is not a member of our church. She lives with her boyfriend. Her parents are divorced. She was kind of quiet all month, as the other three in our office played Christmas music on our iphones, and talked excitedly about Christmas plans, and gave each other gifts. At first, she just said she wasn't into Christmas very much. When I asked why, she said that it's a lot of work. I felt sad, because I love it so much.
Later, I found out why she doesn't like it. She softly told me, when we were alone, that she doesn't like Christmas because it's always such a hard time. She said that she and her boyfriend are expected to go to her mom's house on Christmas Eve. There is a grumpy sister that gives her a hard time about how her family spoils her, or how she gets the best presents - these women are 40 plus years old. Then they are expected to go to her boyfriend's parents and in the morning, they go to her Dad's. She said it is just too much. People are mean to each other, it's not fun.
Others suffer because they feel alone, when everyone else appears to be having a wonderful time. Some miss their deceased loved ones. Some feel they have no family who care.
It's our duty to reach out and try to help all of them.
Mine was a wonderful Christmas Season.
Blaine and I had planned, saved money, organized and prepared for the arrival of Brandon and Heather, flying in from Kentucky, and for Derek and Breanna, and Nikole to come to our house, during thier Christmas Break from BYU-Idaho. We had Carl and Elizabeth at home with us. Nikole came first, as soon as BYU-I was out. Derek and Breanna came two days before Christmas. Breanna and Derek had spent the week before Christmas at her parents home in Layton, Utah.
This was Breanna's first Christmas away from her family, besides her mission, so I will always appreciate her willingness to sacrifice and let her and Derek be here when Brandon and Heather could be here. I'm sure it was hard on her, but she remamained cheerful and optimistic.
Brandon and Heather were scheduled to fly in on Christmas Eve morning, but the weather was not predicted to be good, so their airline called a couple of days before thier scheduled flight and told them they needed them to fly in to Jackson the day before Christmas Eve! So, that was a nice surprise for all of us.
So, by Dec. 23 night, all of us were together, at our home! Blaine and I had considered this to be a special Christmas, because all of our children are mostly grown - Carl at almost 13 and Elizabeth at 16 1/2 and Nikole at 18 makes for a mostly grown family. We figured it would be unique in that our married couples don't have a baby yet, so we are all able to do things that adults can do, as far as not having to worry about little ones.
We took a quick picture by the elk antler arch when we picked up Brandon and Heather in Jackson. Derek and Breanna did not go to the airport with us, because they had just driven from Layton. We stopped and got hot chocolate for everyone, at Bradnon's suggestion.
We kept our tradition each night, of selecting one family member for the rest of us to give compliments to. That really builds love and unity. That was special each night.
We had planned special Christmas treats and meals that we knew certain family members like. I made or had made carmel, blonde fudge, crepes, the big Christmas Day lunch meal with turkey and all the trimmings, then the New Year's Eve meal - we tried to make some things Breanna would have at her parent's home - red frozen pizza, we had the Italian flavored sodas Aunt Tammie taught us to make years ago, chicken wings, layered bean dip and on and on. For New Year's Day, we had ham and the trimmings. The food was really good.
On Christmas Eve, Blaine led the family with the Christmas Story, that we have read for years and years. A few years back, we bought a book that has the whole story and songs in it, so we used that. On Christmas Eve, I told the story of the Gift of the Magi, one of our favorites. We had been reading a Christmas story a day, before our extra people arrived.
Both Christmas Day and New Year's Day were on Sundays, which is fairly unusual. We had been asked to sing a family musical number for Christmas sacrament meeting. Carl played the violin and the rest of us all sang. Well, Elizabeth accompanied us on the piano. We sang a renditon of The First Noel. It was beautiful and we got a lot of compiment.s It's rare to have children that all can harmonize. Especially Carl, Elizabeth, Nikole and Heather are really good at harmonizing. They can sing the melody, alto, soprano. It's one of my greatest treasures - their beautiful voices. And all three daughters can play the piano.
Christmas Day we had fun opening gifts. Some of the highlights were Derek and Breanna got long boards from her parents. Their family long boards together, around town. I got a new cranberry colored really warm coat with fur around the hood. I've wanted one for a long time. I usually buy coats at Deseret Industries or a thrift store, so this was quite thrilling to me. It's the kind that goes down below my hips, and it's quilted and really warm. Blaine got a trip to see Brandon and Heather, from me. We will have to decide when to go. Nikole got some nice clothes. Elizabeth got a Fit Bit - thing that looks like a watch, keeps health data on it, and a guitar. She is going to take a guitar class this new semester. Carl got a light that shows different colors to the beat of the music he hooks up to it, and a massager that sits in a chair. We had sent tools to Brandon before Christmas, from Lowe's, that he opened at home, right before they left. We gave Heather two beautiful dresses she had told me she liked.
We took our family over to Jackson to have a sleigh ride on the Elk Refuge. It was extremely cold, but fun. We swam at the Jackson Rec Center that night and ate at Wendy's.
The other bigger thing we did was rent Cross Country skis for all of us, and we went skiing up Teton Canyon. That was beautiful.
We spent about 10 days together. It was a lot of work, and cost a fair amount, but we were thrilled to have our family here. We felt like we grew closer together, showed mostly love and support to each other, had fun playing a lot of games at our table, watching some type of movie almost every night, and spending time together.
This winter has been rather challenging. It hasn't been this cold of weather or as "nasty" of weather for many years. It was pretty cold during parts of our family's stay, like -25 degrees. Other parts of the time they were here, and before and after, have been what I call "snow storms". The poor weather has had a part in making all of us, even valley residents, fell rather down and out about the not much sunshine, sheer ice roads, over cast, bad weather.
Despite all the weather, we did have a very wonderful Christmas with our 9 family members all home. Blaine and I gave our whole hearts, souls, talents and resources to our children, we love so dearly. We were tired, afterward, but it was well worth the effort. I was very grateful to my parents, for all they have done for me during my lifetime, for all the times they let Blaine and I and our children come and stay with them for holidays.
We had Blaine's mother, Helen, come for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, for New Year's Day. 2016 was a good year. I've always loved Christmas - such a wonderful time to remember Jesus's birth, His life, His example, His sacrifice, His crucifixion, His raisiing from the Dead, His Eternal Life.
We took homemade carmel to many friends at the hospital, and to many of our neighbors.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Long Time since I wrote, Christmas is almost Here, December 18,2016
It's been too long since I wrote, lots of tender mercies not documented.
Our most recent tender mercy was on Friday evening. I had been invited to Dr. Maurice and his wife Tammy Brown's Christmas party. This was no ordinary party. Dr. Brown had invited all his OR crew and their spouse to a nice dinner at Spring Creek Ranch in Jackson, AND to spend the night in our own rooms at their hotel!! I had been excited for weeks. This was a high end hotel up in the top of a mountain before you get to Jackson.
We've had a mild winter, up until the last week. But on Friday, it snowed here all day. There was so much snow and lots of wind, that the roads were really bad. I needed to run some errands, but didn't dare go until around 3 pm. Then the road from our house to the river was terrible - I had to wear my sunglasses just to be able to see the edge of the road. Then even after the river, the road in to Driggs was snow covered, slick and low visibility.
Teton Pass had been closed Thursday night and was still closed when we woke up Friday morning, so that was a worry about getting to Jackson for our party. We hated to miss it, because you just don't get an offer for free dinner and motel very often.
I drove to Driggs around 3pm, called and told Blaine we better not let Elizabeth drive home alone with Carl - either he or I should lead the way - it was that bad.
Elizabeth and Carl did follow Blaine home. I finished my errands and then had to drive home myself. When I got home, we unpacked the groceries I had bought. We had been getting texts from my OR friends - some had already made it to the hotel, some were wondering about going at all. The pass was open, we invited Mary Lou and Doyle Allen to ride over with us, and we left our youngest 3 in Nikole's charge, and headed out.
Our fairly new Honda CRV got shocked back into winter roads. The worst was from home to the river, then not quite as bad into Driggs, then about the same after we picked Allens up in Victor, and over the pass. Then going down the Jackson side, the road was actually bare - wierdest thing. We arrived at Spring Creek Ranch in time to check in and get to dinner. So, that was the first string of tender mercies - safe travels on yucky, winter roads.
Then the dinner was lovely. We had tri-tip steak, hordeurves, a yummy salad, dinner rolls, creme brulay - however you spell it, for dinner. We then went to Dr. Brown's condo and did a white elephant gift exchange. It was really fun. We were with a group of alcohol drinkers and then those that don't drink.
We all went to our own rooms and then got up Saturday morning and ate breakfast. I haven't eaten so much in a long time. The dinner the night before was huge, and the breakfast was huge, too -- I had two eggs, sausage, English muffin with jam and hot chocolate. It was so good.
So, all that was given to us, paid by Dr. Mo and Tammy Brown! That was a wonderful gift. We had never heard Dr. Mo say such nice things about his staff. He bragged and bragged about us, and stood up at dinner and bascily said "I would be nothing without you." Wow!
That was the second tender mercy of the weekend - wonderful, free dinner, motel room and breakfast from Dr. Brown. Yay!
Back to Thanksgiving, we had Blaine's sister Debbie here - including Shaun, Melissa and Todd and their families. Derek was at Breanna's, because they want to be here for Christmas when Heather is going to be here. We had a great day together. Blaine's mom came, too.
We are so excited this week. Nikole came home, from her first semester at BYU-I on Thursday morning - it's so fun to have her home. Breanna and Derek will come here Thursday or Friday. Brandon and Heather fly into Jackson on Saturday at noon, which is Christmas Eve.
We've been delivering home made caramel to our co-workers and our neighbors for the last couple of weeks.
We sent out our annual Christmas letter. and have decorated our house. I love Christmas. It's my favorite time of year. I love the Christmas story of dear Joseph and Mary and Baby Jesus - how much faith and devotion and courage they had to follow the promptings and will of the Lord.
Our most recent tender mercy was on Friday evening. I had been invited to Dr. Maurice and his wife Tammy Brown's Christmas party. This was no ordinary party. Dr. Brown had invited all his OR crew and their spouse to a nice dinner at Spring Creek Ranch in Jackson, AND to spend the night in our own rooms at their hotel!! I had been excited for weeks. This was a high end hotel up in the top of a mountain before you get to Jackson.
We've had a mild winter, up until the last week. But on Friday, it snowed here all day. There was so much snow and lots of wind, that the roads were really bad. I needed to run some errands, but didn't dare go until around 3 pm. Then the road from our house to the river was terrible - I had to wear my sunglasses just to be able to see the edge of the road. Then even after the river, the road in to Driggs was snow covered, slick and low visibility.
Teton Pass had been closed Thursday night and was still closed when we woke up Friday morning, so that was a worry about getting to Jackson for our party. We hated to miss it, because you just don't get an offer for free dinner and motel very often.
I drove to Driggs around 3pm, called and told Blaine we better not let Elizabeth drive home alone with Carl - either he or I should lead the way - it was that bad.
Elizabeth and Carl did follow Blaine home. I finished my errands and then had to drive home myself. When I got home, we unpacked the groceries I had bought. We had been getting texts from my OR friends - some had already made it to the hotel, some were wondering about going at all. The pass was open, we invited Mary Lou and Doyle Allen to ride over with us, and we left our youngest 3 in Nikole's charge, and headed out.
Our fairly new Honda CRV got shocked back into winter roads. The worst was from home to the river, then not quite as bad into Driggs, then about the same after we picked Allens up in Victor, and over the pass. Then going down the Jackson side, the road was actually bare - wierdest thing. We arrived at Spring Creek Ranch in time to check in and get to dinner. So, that was the first string of tender mercies - safe travels on yucky, winter roads.
Then the dinner was lovely. We had tri-tip steak, hordeurves, a yummy salad, dinner rolls, creme brulay - however you spell it, for dinner. We then went to Dr. Brown's condo and did a white elephant gift exchange. It was really fun. We were with a group of alcohol drinkers and then those that don't drink.
We all went to our own rooms and then got up Saturday morning and ate breakfast. I haven't eaten so much in a long time. The dinner the night before was huge, and the breakfast was huge, too -- I had two eggs, sausage, English muffin with jam and hot chocolate. It was so good.
So, all that was given to us, paid by Dr. Mo and Tammy Brown! That was a wonderful gift. We had never heard Dr. Mo say such nice things about his staff. He bragged and bragged about us, and stood up at dinner and bascily said "I would be nothing without you." Wow!
That was the second tender mercy of the weekend - wonderful, free dinner, motel room and breakfast from Dr. Brown. Yay!
Back to Thanksgiving, we had Blaine's sister Debbie here - including Shaun, Melissa and Todd and their families. Derek was at Breanna's, because they want to be here for Christmas when Heather is going to be here. We had a great day together. Blaine's mom came, too.
We are so excited this week. Nikole came home, from her first semester at BYU-I on Thursday morning - it's so fun to have her home. Breanna and Derek will come here Thursday or Friday. Brandon and Heather fly into Jackson on Saturday at noon, which is Christmas Eve.
We've been delivering home made caramel to our co-workers and our neighbors for the last couple of weeks.
We sent out our annual Christmas letter. and have decorated our house. I love Christmas. It's my favorite time of year. I love the Christmas story of dear Joseph and Mary and Baby Jesus - how much faith and devotion and courage they had to follow the promptings and will of the Lord.
Sunday, November 13, 2016
November 13, Elizabeth runs at Nike Cross at Eagle Island State Park, Personal Record, First Deer for Brandon
There are so many tender mercies the last few weeks.
Today Nikole got excited about family history. I'll have to find out if she had a lesson about it at church, or how she got going on it. I know Sam Galbraith helped her find some hints. I've long loved working on family history, especially on my father's line, which has hardly any work done. I've been the main one, so far, that has a deep desire to work on it, in my family. I love the old family history books and stories of my ancestors, too. Nikole said she's found 200 names!!! I can't wait to talk to her about it! That is a big tender mercy.
Brandon Pilcher got his first two deer on Saturday! He had never hunted deer. His friend from the ward's father has property. It's a big story, but Heather and Brandon were up in their tree stand (blind) at 5 am. It was freezing. By 7, Heather had to climb down to use the bathroom. She did, and then as she was about to climb back up the ladder to the tree stand. She saw a doe! She whispered to Brandon and he shot it! His first deer! A couple of hours later, they were down talking to the owner of the land. A buck showed up by the road they were on! Brandon shot it, first try! So, before noon, they had two deer, his very first time hunting deer! I think they will have to share some meat with their neighbors.
I love young women's! Our presidency spoke in sacrament today. I spoke on the value of Virtue. I spoke about the price of rubies, and how the scripture in Proverbs says that a virtuous woman is worth more than rubies. I love the young women and our presidency - such an honor to serve with them.
Last week, they mixed up the stake leaders - all the presidencies were released, except Primary - I was the only one. Mary Lou Allen is taking my place. I met with her last Monday, and gave her my things, and she is wiling to present at the Stake Leadership Training on Thursday. So I was released a week ago, which was a pleasant surprise, because I had been told I would be doing both callings until the end of the year.
Today, they changed our Primary Presidency. Changes are fun and challenging.
I had a fun, fabulous and hard trip I made with the Cross Country Team to the Nike Cross race near Boise. I volunteered to go with Coach Gleichman and Dana Wilson - we each drove a vehicle. We left Friday at noon and got home Saturday night at 10:30. I had fun being with Elizabeth, getting to know CJ Clifford John Baum, Jack Hobbs and Riley Raz. They rode in our car. I loved the Eagle Island State Park and the beautiful late for this time of year November weather. It was fun to get to know Dana Wilson better and Coach Gleichman and the youth. Our teachers and coaches give so much to our children.
It was a sacrifice to give up two full week-end days, and it was difficult for all of us to travel the 6 hours one way there and back in 2 days, but I know I will be blessed for helping. No one else would help.
I feel it is a tender mercy to have such a sweet, stalwart, true partner spouse. Blaine is so wonderful. He helps me in everything I do. We are a team of horses, both in the harness together, pulling with all our might. We love our family. We love our children. We feel the Spirit guiding us. We are certainly blessed for our efforts. We have power and purity from keeping the Commandments and keeping our covenants.
We went to the Rexburg temple on Wednesday for our date night. It was wonderful.
Today Nikole got excited about family history. I'll have to find out if she had a lesson about it at church, or how she got going on it. I know Sam Galbraith helped her find some hints. I've long loved working on family history, especially on my father's line, which has hardly any work done. I've been the main one, so far, that has a deep desire to work on it, in my family. I love the old family history books and stories of my ancestors, too. Nikole said she's found 200 names!!! I can't wait to talk to her about it! That is a big tender mercy.
Brandon Pilcher got his first two deer on Saturday! He had never hunted deer. His friend from the ward's father has property. It's a big story, but Heather and Brandon were up in their tree stand (blind) at 5 am. It was freezing. By 7, Heather had to climb down to use the bathroom. She did, and then as she was about to climb back up the ladder to the tree stand. She saw a doe! She whispered to Brandon and he shot it! His first deer! A couple of hours later, they were down talking to the owner of the land. A buck showed up by the road they were on! Brandon shot it, first try! So, before noon, they had two deer, his very first time hunting deer! I think they will have to share some meat with their neighbors.
I love young women's! Our presidency spoke in sacrament today. I spoke on the value of Virtue. I spoke about the price of rubies, and how the scripture in Proverbs says that a virtuous woman is worth more than rubies. I love the young women and our presidency - such an honor to serve with them.
Last week, they mixed up the stake leaders - all the presidencies were released, except Primary - I was the only one. Mary Lou Allen is taking my place. I met with her last Monday, and gave her my things, and she is wiling to present at the Stake Leadership Training on Thursday. So I was released a week ago, which was a pleasant surprise, because I had been told I would be doing both callings until the end of the year.
Today, they changed our Primary Presidency. Changes are fun and challenging.
I had a fun, fabulous and hard trip I made with the Cross Country Team to the Nike Cross race near Boise. I volunteered to go with Coach Gleichman and Dana Wilson - we each drove a vehicle. We left Friday at noon and got home Saturday night at 10:30. I had fun being with Elizabeth, getting to know CJ Clifford John Baum, Jack Hobbs and Riley Raz. They rode in our car. I loved the Eagle Island State Park and the beautiful late for this time of year November weather. It was fun to get to know Dana Wilson better and Coach Gleichman and the youth. Our teachers and coaches give so much to our children.
It was a sacrifice to give up two full week-end days, and it was difficult for all of us to travel the 6 hours one way there and back in 2 days, but I know I will be blessed for helping. No one else would help.
I feel it is a tender mercy to have such a sweet, stalwart, true partner spouse. Blaine is so wonderful. He helps me in everything I do. We are a team of horses, both in the harness together, pulling with all our might. We love our family. We love our children. We feel the Spirit guiding us. We are certainly blessed for our efforts. We have power and purity from keeping the Commandments and keeping our covenants.
We went to the Rexburg temple on Wednesday for our date night. It was wonderful.
October 23, Other Miracle - Sister Lou Vrabec Home Teaching
The second tender mercy of that Sunday was an experience we had with Blaine's family he visit teaches - Sister Lou Vrabec.
Blaine likes me to go home teaching with him. At church I felt prompted to ask him about visiting her that day, but when we rode home, he had also been thinking about her. She is a widow in her 70s who has lived alone, up until a couple of months ago.
So, we set up a time to go that evening. After we visited for a while, Lou brought up a question. She told us she was going in for surgery on her eye a week from that Monday, and wondered if Blaine would come back and give her a blessing the next Sunday, before her surgery.
I felt the Spirit surge. It was sweet and peaceful. That is why we were both prompted to go that night! She needed and wanted a Priesthood blessing before her surgery. We also found out her adult daughter is living with her. She is not active.
We were grateful we followed the Spirit's prompting.
Blaine likes me to go home teaching with him. At church I felt prompted to ask him about visiting her that day, but when we rode home, he had also been thinking about her. She is a widow in her 70s who has lived alone, up until a couple of months ago.
So, we set up a time to go that evening. After we visited for a while, Lou brought up a question. She told us she was going in for surgery on her eye a week from that Monday, and wondered if Blaine would come back and give her a blessing the next Sunday, before her surgery.
I felt the Spirit surge. It was sweet and peaceful. That is why we were both prompted to go that night! She needed and wanted a Priesthood blessing before her surgery. We also found out her adult daughter is living with her. She is not active.
We were grateful we followed the Spirit's prompting.
Monday, October 24, 2016
Two Tender Mercies in One Sabbath Day, October 23, 2016
I have to quickly write the feelings of pure joy and adoration for my Father in Heaven over something that happened today.
Probably only my family will read this in my life, but I won't write too much of the background, but suffice it to say that I have enjoyed my Stake Primary Presidency calling as First Counsellor. I have enjoyed getting to know the Stake leaders, the leaders in each ward of our stake. I have enjoyed doing sharing times at each ward conference, feeling the children's spirits, the teacher's love and dedication.
But I have truly and deeply missed being in a ward. We are away from our ward for all the 10 ward's primary programs, and for each ward's ward conferences. I have felt like I don't really fit in anywhere. Of course, I love my presidency - Julie, Susan and Lisa, but I've still missed my ward.
I have also felt a deep desire to be with our Elizabeth in Young Women's. I was able to serve in Young Women's when Heather was in it, and I missed being in it with Nikole. It's probably my favorite place to serve. I love teenagers.
Soooo, privately, for the last six months, or with Blaine only, I have prayed fervently that Heavenly Father would not forget me, that if it were possible, I would love to be back in my ward, and especially love to serve with my Elizabeth in Young Women's. (Our Stake Primary presidency has served for 3 years). I would always say, "If it be Thy will". I would also ask that my ward leaders would be prompted to think of me.
I knew it was a long shot, because stake leaders aren't usually released until the Stake Presidency says it' time.
When fall approached and my president began to call for a couple of stake primary presidency meetings, I thought that this was my answer. I needed to put my whole heart in, and we were going to do another year. So, I did. But I kept praying.
Well, Sunday, Lisa Foster and I asked to attend our own ward primary sacrament program. Julie and Susan went to Victor to ward that had theirs at 9 am, also.
As I was sitting in our chapel, waiting for the sacrament meeting to start, Brother Peter McKellar, who is in our Bishopric, came to me, and asked if I could meet with the Bishop at 10:15, after sacrament meeting! My heart started beating faster : ) I thought, "Could this really be?" But then I told myself that the Bishopric probably wanted to ask some primary question from a Stake leader. Or maybe they had some kind of question. I knew that Jill, our current primary president, was moving to Idaho Falls, so it could be a primary president calling. I knew that Becky, my long, dear friend who served in my RS Presidency, and has been the YW President for a long time, maybe four years, is due for a release, so it could be a young women calling of any sort . . . but I just was having trouble, believing that it could be either, I told myself it must be a question.
After sacrament meeting, Lisa and I went to our Primary, representing the Stake, to tell the children and leaders what a good job they did.
Then I went to wait outside the Bishop's office.
Soon, the door opened, and Bishop Hill and Brother Bob Foster, were in the hallway, talking to someone. Then I was invited in.
I sat down, across the desk from them. Bishop Hill and I chit-chatted for a few minutes. Then he said that they had a new calling to extend to me, that he had talked to the stake already, and received their approval, and he wanted to know if I would be willing to accept a call to be our ward's Young Women's First Counsellor in the Presidency!!!!! : ) : ) : )
Oh, my! Hosannah! Hosannah! Alleulia! My prayer had been answered! I choked right up, and cried, but squeaked out my story of praying fervently for 6 months, but I didn't want to complain, and told how I had prayed that Bishop Hill or Peter or Bob Foster would be prompted to remember me, if it was the Lord's will. I told how I miss my own ward.
Bob and Bishop Hill looked very touched. I told them they listened to the Spirit! They told me the President was Ann Marie Kunz, so really it was she who listened to the Holy Ghost. Oh! Words cannot express the joy I feel over this miracle. This tender mercy! The Heaven's are still open, the Lord still hears every person's heartfelt prayers. Valiant members of the Church still listen to promptings from the Father!
Probably only my family will read this in my life, but I won't write too much of the background, but suffice it to say that I have enjoyed my Stake Primary Presidency calling as First Counsellor. I have enjoyed getting to know the Stake leaders, the leaders in each ward of our stake. I have enjoyed doing sharing times at each ward conference, feeling the children's spirits, the teacher's love and dedication.
But I have truly and deeply missed being in a ward. We are away from our ward for all the 10 ward's primary programs, and for each ward's ward conferences. I have felt like I don't really fit in anywhere. Of course, I love my presidency - Julie, Susan and Lisa, but I've still missed my ward.
I have also felt a deep desire to be with our Elizabeth in Young Women's. I was able to serve in Young Women's when Heather was in it, and I missed being in it with Nikole. It's probably my favorite place to serve. I love teenagers.
Soooo, privately, for the last six months, or with Blaine only, I have prayed fervently that Heavenly Father would not forget me, that if it were possible, I would love to be back in my ward, and especially love to serve with my Elizabeth in Young Women's. (Our Stake Primary presidency has served for 3 years). I would always say, "If it be Thy will". I would also ask that my ward leaders would be prompted to think of me.
I knew it was a long shot, because stake leaders aren't usually released until the Stake Presidency says it' time.
When fall approached and my president began to call for a couple of stake primary presidency meetings, I thought that this was my answer. I needed to put my whole heart in, and we were going to do another year. So, I did. But I kept praying.
Well, Sunday, Lisa Foster and I asked to attend our own ward primary sacrament program. Julie and Susan went to Victor to ward that had theirs at 9 am, also.
As I was sitting in our chapel, waiting for the sacrament meeting to start, Brother Peter McKellar, who is in our Bishopric, came to me, and asked if I could meet with the Bishop at 10:15, after sacrament meeting! My heart started beating faster : ) I thought, "Could this really be?" But then I told myself that the Bishopric probably wanted to ask some primary question from a Stake leader. Or maybe they had some kind of question. I knew that Jill, our current primary president, was moving to Idaho Falls, so it could be a primary president calling. I knew that Becky, my long, dear friend who served in my RS Presidency, and has been the YW President for a long time, maybe four years, is due for a release, so it could be a young women calling of any sort . . . but I just was having trouble, believing that it could be either, I told myself it must be a question.
After sacrament meeting, Lisa and I went to our Primary, representing the Stake, to tell the children and leaders what a good job they did.
Then I went to wait outside the Bishop's office.
Soon, the door opened, and Bishop Hill and Brother Bob Foster, were in the hallway, talking to someone. Then I was invited in.
I sat down, across the desk from them. Bishop Hill and I chit-chatted for a few minutes. Then he said that they had a new calling to extend to me, that he had talked to the stake already, and received their approval, and he wanted to know if I would be willing to accept a call to be our ward's Young Women's First Counsellor in the Presidency!!!!! : ) : ) : )
Oh, my! Hosannah! Hosannah! Alleulia! My prayer had been answered! I choked right up, and cried, but squeaked out my story of praying fervently for 6 months, but I didn't want to complain, and told how I had prayed that Bishop Hill or Peter or Bob Foster would be prompted to remember me, if it was the Lord's will. I told how I miss my own ward.
Bob and Bishop Hill looked very touched. I told them they listened to the Spirit! They told me the President was Ann Marie Kunz, so really it was she who listened to the Holy Ghost. Oh! Words cannot express the joy I feel over this miracle. This tender mercy! The Heaven's are still open, the Lord still hears every person's heartfelt prayers. Valiant members of the Church still listen to promptings from the Father!
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Fall and Haunted Forest Family Outing, General Conference last weekend, Star Valley Temple, October 9, 2016
We had a wonderful evening with Derek, Breanna and Nikole going to the Haunted Forest by Rexburg. Elizabeth, Carl, Blaine and I headed out to Rexburg Saturday evening. We all ate at Fong's Chinese Restaurant. Then we drove to the Forest.
It was good, clean fun. It was slightly scary. We enjoyed each other's company. It is so fun to have those three all at BYU-I!
Breanna continues to be just beautiful - inside and out. She is so pretty. She supports Derek. My favorite quote from her this week was, "His goals are my goals", after I thanked her for being so supportive while Derek was working with Brandon to apply for an inernship with Nielsen Marketing (where Brandon works). It was grueling process. Derek ended up being selected for an interview, out of about 100 applicants, he was 1 of 12 to be selected for an interview on BYU-Provo Campus. It was touch to apply - he and Brandon and Heather got his resume in tip top shape - oh, he's really accomplished so much and it looks wonderful. He had a cover letter, one let of rec from Peter McKellar, one from Brandon. Then the interview Thursday night, then the "Mix and Mingle" with the other 11 young people and the recruiters, then home to an email that invites him to take an online exam, which asked tons of interesting not usual questions - abstract.
Derek has 10 gray hairs. We think it from being stressed over Breanna's health and then this application process for Nielsen.
I had my last Sunday in my own ward today. Now we move on to ward primary program visits.
I requested a meeting this week for our stake primary presidency, so we can plan our upcoming leadership training, etc. We are shooting for Thursday.
Brandon P. found out that Nielsen is not going to do their usual "Jump Start" program for their employees that have been there one year - my understanding is that it lets you do a program that in one year's time gives you 3 years of what it would normally take. So, he's been working his tail off, way, way over-achieving with that goal in mind. Now they're going to only offer it for new graduates.
So, now they will be staying in Cincinnati, not moving to Chicago, where the "Jump Start" would have required them to move. They can start looking for a new home to move to. They would have waited. Now they can put their rental money into a home. So far, they've discovered that a 3 bedroom home with two car garage is between $110 - $160,000, based on how large or fancy you get. Their monthly payment would be about half of what they are paying for rent right now! : )
Nikole is sooooo happy at college. She came home with us last night for Isabella Wilson's farewell and Katelyn Bates' homecoming report. But back she went. She is dating 5 or 6 young men, just having so much fun in that area. Still getting good grades, still happier than she's been in a long time so thrilled with her blessings.
Loved Sister Kayleen Moulton's lesson in RS today - about families. Loved seeing Bishop Moulton and her, they are some of our favorite people.
I have to go to bed.
Hope to type again soon. So many tender mercies in our life every day.
I love the Savior and the restored gospel. Loved going to the open house for the Star Valley Temple on Friday with Carl and Lizzie. I loved General Conference last week-end! Love our leaders.
It was good, clean fun. It was slightly scary. We enjoyed each other's company. It is so fun to have those three all at BYU-I!
Breanna continues to be just beautiful - inside and out. She is so pretty. She supports Derek. My favorite quote from her this week was, "His goals are my goals", after I thanked her for being so supportive while Derek was working with Brandon to apply for an inernship with Nielsen Marketing (where Brandon works). It was grueling process. Derek ended up being selected for an interview, out of about 100 applicants, he was 1 of 12 to be selected for an interview on BYU-Provo Campus. It was touch to apply - he and Brandon and Heather got his resume in tip top shape - oh, he's really accomplished so much and it looks wonderful. He had a cover letter, one let of rec from Peter McKellar, one from Brandon. Then the interview Thursday night, then the "Mix and Mingle" with the other 11 young people and the recruiters, then home to an email that invites him to take an online exam, which asked tons of interesting not usual questions - abstract.
Derek has 10 gray hairs. We think it from being stressed over Breanna's health and then this application process for Nielsen.
I had my last Sunday in my own ward today. Now we move on to ward primary program visits.
I requested a meeting this week for our stake primary presidency, so we can plan our upcoming leadership training, etc. We are shooting for Thursday.
Brandon P. found out that Nielsen is not going to do their usual "Jump Start" program for their employees that have been there one year - my understanding is that it lets you do a program that in one year's time gives you 3 years of what it would normally take. So, he's been working his tail off, way, way over-achieving with that goal in mind. Now they're going to only offer it for new graduates.
So, now they will be staying in Cincinnati, not moving to Chicago, where the "Jump Start" would have required them to move. They can start looking for a new home to move to. They would have waited. Now they can put their rental money into a home. So far, they've discovered that a 3 bedroom home with two car garage is between $110 - $160,000, based on how large or fancy you get. Their monthly payment would be about half of what they are paying for rent right now! : )
Nikole is sooooo happy at college. She came home with us last night for Isabella Wilson's farewell and Katelyn Bates' homecoming report. But back she went. She is dating 5 or 6 young men, just having so much fun in that area. Still getting good grades, still happier than she's been in a long time so thrilled with her blessings.
Loved Sister Kayleen Moulton's lesson in RS today - about families. Loved seeing Bishop Moulton and her, they are some of our favorite people.
I have to go to bed.
Hope to type again soon. So many tender mercies in our life every day.
I love the Savior and the restored gospel. Loved going to the open house for the Star Valley Temple on Friday with Carl and Lizzie. I loved General Conference last week-end! Love our leaders.
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