As of last Thursday-October 21st, 2010-I am officially retired.  the company that I have worked at for 29 years (Green Giant/Seneca Foods) is downsizing.  They will no longer can corn in our area.  They will freeze corn and peas.  Half of the regulars were informed on Oct. 1st that their jobs were eliminated at the end of this year.    Since my job dealt with  "canned corn", my job is one the the eliminated.   I'm a seasonal worker instead of a year-round worker.  That means there is no severance pay-just a big Thank You for all of my years of service.  Yes, I probably could get hired for next year.  If I did, it would be dirtier and harder.  I'm too old for that.  Since Heavenly Father allowed a miracle to happen over a course of many years, (our house will be paid for very soon), I choose not to go back to work.
We now have a car ! !  Heavenly Father directed us to a car that we can afford and like.  We found a 2003 Buick Century.  It has 100,000 miles less than our old car and is 6 years newer.  The payments are affordable and it will be paid for in 3 years.  However, you won't recognize us when you see us.  It is not red.  It's listed as bronze.  Rick calls it our chameleon.  It changes colors with different lighting on it.  Sometimes it looks bronze, grey, or silver all with tints of green, purple, and brown added.  Thank Heavens for personalized license plates.  It looks smaller on the outside, but almost the same size inside.  It still has 6 seat-belts, and even has a larger trunk.  Thanks Heavenly Father for always blessing us with what is right for us ! ! !

IT NEVER FAILS.
Just when it starts to look like "things" are getting better, than something else happens. Our car pretty well died lastnight. The transmisssion went out. Thankfully, we have roadside assistance on our insurance. that paid for a wrecker to take the car home. (I was at the Temple when it died.) Also thankfully a family member is spending at least the next 9 months in Switzerland. We can use their car for awhile- until we decide what to do. Our car has 198,000 miles on. We don't know if it's worth getting a new transmission or if we try to get a different car. We don't know how long the engine will last-although, the engine was pretty well reworked 2 years ago when it died. I know Heavenly Father will watch over us. He always does.

This last month in Primary-(church-for those of you who don't know), we learned that Jesus is a God of Miracles and the miracles continue to happen in our time because of our faith.  I want to share with you a miracle in my life.  For about 10-15 years, I've heard that many jobs-mine included-will be eliminated.  I've been asking Heavenly Father to not let that happen until we could afford for me not to work.  Well, the miracle happened this year.  Just about a month ago, I found out that this year will be my last year because the jobs are being eliminated for sure.  In fact, usually I've been working about 4-6 weeks by this time of year.  I've only worked 1 day so far this year.  The Miracle is this:  Our house will be paid for this year.  We owe less than $3,000 on our house.  Heavenly Father allowed my job to continue as long as we needed it. Thanks Heavenly Father for always watching over us and blessing us according to our needs!  It definitely is a Faith Builder when we can see that you are taking care of us.
I probably won't be posting much for awhile.  It is time that I'm working most of the time-as soon as the corn gets ready.  After work, I'll try to get caught up.  I need to post other pictures when I get caught up.

We went 4-wheeling last week in the South Hills, (in Idaho-for those of you that don't know where the South Hills are.)  It is very rare to see these animals up there.  I'm grateful that I had a camera.  I wish that I had my better camera because they are not great pictures.  In fact, when I took the color out of them-they turned out better.  We saw 2 bull moose and 1 cow moose near Porcupine Springs Campground.  I just had to post the pictures.  Hope you can see them since the pictures didn't turn out great.  8-26-2010

 I really liked this picture the best.

Self explanatory -I wish it was better quality.

The cow was running up hill. 
Other riders in the area, said that they saw the cow
and calf walk thru their campground earlier in the morning.
We did not see the calf.

I inherited the responsibility of being the high council companion speaker in Sacrament Meeting when I became Primary President. I want to thank Stephanie and her husband, Mike, for making the effort to come to our church that day to support me. Rick's mom came also. I'm going to post the talk-most of it-just because I want it for posterity. I like the idea of most of my talks being written done for others to have the opportunity to read.  --- I gave the talk on the 15th of August.  I'm just getting around to posting it.

ACT IN DILIGENCE
My assignment was to talk about President Eyring’s talk from the 2010 April Conference to the Priesthood Session. The title is: ACT IN DILIGENCE. President Eyring was inspired to talk about this subject because of the new booklets prepared by the church for the My Duty to God program. In reading these booklets, he realized they were describing what President Brigham Young had promised many years ago. President Young said, “to those that are diligent over a lifetime, and continues faithful to his or her calling, who delights in doing the things God requires, will secure for their selves not only the privilege of receiving, but the knowledge of how to receive the things of God”.---I looked up the word diligence in the dictionary. It is: hard working, putting care and effort into what one does. That goes right along with the information that President Eyring got out of the Duty to God booklet. President Eyring said that we are to learn what the Lord expects of us, make a plan to do it, then, act on that plan with all diligence. DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS SECTION 75 : 29 Let every man be diligent in all things. And the idler shall not have place in the church, except he repent and mend his ways.
I decided to go directly to the Duty to God booklet for information. The very first page has a message from the 1st Presidency of the church. They said that we live in a world of great challenges and opportunities. Heavenly Father has great confidence & trust in us & has important missions or responsibilities for us to fulfill. They said that as we turn to Him in prayer, listen for the promptings of the spirit, obey the commandments, and keep the covenants that we have made; Heavenly Father will bless us. In D&C 84:33-38, the Lord promises that if we fulfill our duties, we will be sanctified by the Spirit.
President Eyring mentioned that all of us know people that serve with diligence. He too, knows people that have served diligently. Because of their example, he has learned and wants us to know what he has learned. He has come to an understanding that we must learn who we are truly serving. In all truthfulness, we are serving Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ. When that is embedded in our hearts, that’s when we will begin to serve with diligence. President Eyring said we are to learn our duty from the Lord, and then we are to act in all diligence, never being lazy or slothful. Yes, there will be times when we will be tempted to rest from our labors. Sometimes when we come home tired, it may be easier to set down and watch T.V. instead of going to Mutual or the Primary activity or making the appointments that we were supposed to do. Sometime it may be easier to stay home instead of going to the Ward Activity that you’re in charge of. When we are tempted to rest from our labors, we need to remember what the Savior experienced on our behalf. Out of love for His Father and for us, He allowed Himself to suffer on the cross. None of us truly know the agony that He experienced there, but can imagine how bad it was for Him. The Savior’s example gives us courage to press on. He knew we would have trials. He knows our weaknesses and yet, He still trusts us. By our faithful service and through His Atonement, we can come to want what He wants and to become the person that we must be -to bless other people. The Savior taught His disciples, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it” (Luke 9:24). President Monson believes the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others, grow and flourish—and in effect, save their lives." As we serve the Savior long enough and with diligence, our hearts will be changed. As we remember Him, we will be determined to perform our duties to the best of our abilities. That can become a pattern in our life that will increase our power to be diligent in every duty given to us.
For some time now, Rick’s mom has had the responsibility or calling to be the greeter at church. She enjoys her calling. She shakes their hands, asks how they are and sometimes even gives hugs. She makes them feel welcome. I know she makes every effort to be the best greeter she can be. She goes out of her way to do the very best she can.
Some of us have larger responsibilities than others. Does that mean that the rest of us do not have to act with diligence? No, it doesn’t. We can be diligent in obeying the commandments. We can be diligent in being a good example to our friends. We can be diligent in being reverent in Sacrament meeting so others may feel the Spirit. We can be diligent in studying the scriptures. Whatever we’ve been asked to do, we can and should be diligent. All of us should put forth our best efforts in the work assigned to us. No assignment is too small in the eyes of the Lord, for each has eternal consequences. DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS SECTION 75:3 Behold, I say unto you that it is my will that you should go forth and not tarry, neither be idle but labor with your might— President John Taylor warned us, “If you do not magnify your callings, God will hold you responsible for those whom you might have saved if had you done your duty”.--(D&C 58:6.) -- Behold, verily I say unto you, for this cause I have sent you—that you might be obedient,…I believe there should be consistent daily effort by every one of us. We should lengthen our stride and quicken our pace and try harder to do our duty diligently. We should make a renewed effort in doing our very best.
In 1989, President Hinckley was speaking to another Priesthood Session of Conference. He repeated the Scout oath: “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout law, to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.” Then, he slightly changed it for the purpose of that meeting. I too, will slightly change it. “On my honor I will do my best to magnify whatever calling or duty I receive and serve diligently.” President Hinckley said that he understood the word magnify to mean enlarge and to strengthen. ----All of us have the responsibility of magnifying our duties. We are responsible for the welfare and the growth and development of other people. As we serve or fulfill our duties with diligence, we lift and strengthen and build convictions of righteousness in those whose lives we touch. To give less than our best effort to our duties, takes away from what God wants for us. Duty does not require perfection, but it does require diligence. Fulfilling our duties with diligence is a test of our faith.
I’ll finish with a scripture that President Eyring included in his talk.
D&C 107:99-100 says: Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved-shall not be counted worthy to stand.

PRIMARY PRESIDENT!

Yesterday, I was sustained as the new Primary President in my Ward. I know it will work out, but it's really bad timing for my life right now. This is the time of year that very soon I will be working 6 days a week, 10-12 hours a day. My Bishop said they told the Lord that I can't do this right now. Basically, the Lord said, "So". So, the Bishop reminded the Lord that I can't do this. Again, the Lord basically said, "SO". So, the Bishop asked me 3 weeks ago. I asked what to do. He said just get good counselors that can help me. I submitted 2 names. One accepted-1st Counselor. The other turned the opportunity down. Then, I had to pray for more guideance. I Submitted 2 more names. The Bishop turned down one name and then told me to pray about someone else. I did and still got the same impression of the first sister. All of us were set apart as the new Primary Presidnecy yesterday.
The 15th of August is probably the last day that I will be able to go to church until after work in October. I need to get all my "ducks" in a row before then. To add to the stress, I also got assigned to give a talk in Sacrament Meeting on the 15th-as Primary President.
THANKS HEAVENLY FATHER FOR YOUR CONFIDENCE IN ME! I WILL DO MY BEST EFFORT.

Copied from L.D.S. Young Single Adult Gems:  Posted: 14 Jul 2010 12:00 AM PDT
“Everyone needs good friends. Your circle of friends will greatly influence your thinking and behavior, just as you will theirs. When you share common values with your friends, you can strengthen and encourage each other.”
Thomas S. Monson, “Preparation Brings Blessings,” Ensign, May 2010, 65

This last Wednesday, I officially had the opportunity to perform all of the ordinances in the Temple-speaking the Spanish language. Heavenly Father has blessed me to learn this work in a different language than what I speak, so that I can help others. I'm grateful for that. I have to sub on the Spanish night, because I don't get the oppotunity on my shift.
This last Saturday, we had the honor to attend the Boise Temple with my brother's family. (Gary's family) His youngest son-Kevin, got his Endowment - preparing to go on his mission. All of Gary & Debbie's kids and most of their kids' spouses were able to attend. The Prayer Circle was great. It was all family with the exception of one couple. (I'm not sure if Gary & Debbie knew them or not.) Rick & I were in the Prayer Circle with them. The look on Gary & Debbie's faces were wonderful. You coudn't pay them to look more proud and happy. It was a great moment to be a part of.
I had to give Sharing Time this last Sunday. Sharing Times are difficult for me. I honestly didn't feel prepared. I just did what was suggested in the Sharing Time phamplet that the church provides. This morning, I got an e-mail from one of my teachers-telling me that I did a good job. The following is copied from her letter to me: By the way, the sharing time activity you did today really involved the kids. They liked stapling the links together to make the chain. Good Job!
I'm so thankful that Heavenly Father continues to bless us -daily. Life is good, even when you have trials.

.

MORE PICTURES FROM OUR TRIP.  THEY ARE OUT OF ORDER.  I TRIED PUTTING THEM ON THE LAST POST.  FOR SOME REASON, I COULDN'T GET THEM WHERE I WANTED-NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES I TRIED.  SO, YOU ARE LOOKING AT OUR VACATION BACKWARDS -SORT OF.  THIS IS PART 2

SOME OF THE WAGONS GOING AROUND
THE CORNER.

INDIANS POSING FOR PICTURES
(OR WAITING TO ATTACK.)

BART-T-5 MOUNTAIN MAN
(CHECK OUT THE BOOK:  THE WHITE INDIAN BOY
BY WILSON AND DRIGGS.  THE TOWN OF
WILSON NEAR JACKSON IS NAMED AFTER HIM.
HE IS A RELATIVE OF THE FAMILY THAT
OWNS BAR-T-5 CHUCKWAGON DINNERS.)

THERE WERE 3 OF THES IN YELLOWSTONE.
THIS WAS THE BIGGEST ONE.  THE OTHERS
WERE HUGE, BUT NOT AS HUGE AS THIS ONE.
THEY WERE RIGHT BESIDE THE RODE.

THIS BEAR WAS RUNNING ALONG THE ROAD
TRYING TO GET AWAY FROM TRAFFIC.
RICK LET ME OUT OF THE CAR.  I WAS TRYING TO KEEP
UP WITH IT-ALWAYS AWARE THAT IT IS A WILD
ANIMAL-AND THINKING I WOULD JUMP IN THE
FIRST CAR AVAILABLE IF IT GOT TOO CLOSE.
(THIS PICTURE IS A STILL PICTURE TAKEN FROM
MY VIDEO OF THE BEAR RUNNING IN FRONT
OF THE CAR.  WE WERE IN THE CAR WHEN
IT WAS TAKEN.)

WE SAW THIS BEAR EARLIER IN THE MORNING.  I WAS HAVING
TROUBLE GETTING MY ZOOM TO WORK.  I WAS
PLEASANTLY SURPRISED TO SEE THAT THE PICTURE WAS SO GOOD.

THIS PICTURE IS FUZZY-TAKEN OFF OF MY VIDEO.
IT WAS SORT OF STANDING UP ON IT'S HIND
FEET.  I HAD TO POST THIS PICTURE
JUST BECAUSE !

DRIVING OUT OF YELLOWSTONE, A PATH THAT
WE DON'T NORMALLY TRAVEL, WE SAW THIS.
IT WAS RAINING "CATS & DOGS" AT THE TIME.
I MADE RICK TURN AROUND, SO I COULD GET
A PICTURE OF THIS WATERFALLS.

                                                              

A MOMMY MOOSE AND HER CALF. 
I WASN'T ABLE TO GET A TERRIFIC PICTURE
OF HER CALF, BUT YOU CAN SEE BOTH.

WE FINISHED OFF OUR VACATION BY DRIVING A LITTLE OUT OF OUR WAY TO GO TO REXBURG.  WE HADN'T SEEN THE TEMPLE AND THOUGHT THIS MIGHT BE OUR ONLY OPPOTUNITY FOR SOME TIME.  (I ACTUALLY WANTED TO DO A SESSION, BUT I KNEW THAT RICK WOULD NOT BE HAPPY ABOUT THAT, SO I DIDN'T EVEN PACK CHURCH CLOTHES.)

WHENEVER WE ACTUALLY GO INSIDE A TEMPLE,
WE HAVE SOMEONE TAKE A PICTURE OF US BY
THIS SIGN.  YOU NOTICE, WE ARE NOT IN
THE PICTURE.
(WE HAVEN'T GOTTEN OUR PICTURE FROM
THE TWIN FALLS TEMPLE YET.)

THIS TEMPLE IS SO MUCH BIGGER THAN OURS-
THE TWIN FALLS , IDAHO TEMPLE-
THAT WE HAD TO GET A LONG WAYS
AWAY FOR THE WHOLE TEMPLE TO BE IN PICTURE.

A DIFFERENT VIEW OF THE TEMPLE.
IT WAS AN OVERCAST DAY-SO
THE PICTURES AREN'T AS BRIGHT
AS I WOULD HAVE HOPED FOR.

WE WERE DRIVING IN GRAND TETON PARK.
WE SAW 4 DEER TOGETHER RIGHT HERE, BUT ONLY
GOT 3 OF THEM IN THIS PICTURE.
WE DIDN'T THINK THIS PARK WAS VERY PRETTY.
HOWEVER, IT IS WHERE WE SAW
MOST OF THE ANIMALS.

WE RODE A CHAIR LIFT UP THE MOUNTAIN.
(I WAS A LITTLE NERVOUS.  I HAD NEVER RODE ONE BEFORE.)
WE RODE THE LUGE PRACTICE SLIDE DOWN THE MOUNTAIN.  THAT WAS FUN.
RICK KEPT TRYING TO GO FASTER. 
I DIDN'T GO AS FAST AS HIM,BECAUSE
THERE SIGNS ON EVERY CORNER THAT SAID
CAUTION-SLOW DOWN.

WE SAW THIS FOX AS WE WERE RIDING THE CHAIR LIFT.
THE PEOPLE AT THE TOP OF THE CHAIR LIFT SAID
THERE WAS A FAMILY OF FOXES  ON THE MT.

BART-T-5 CHUCKWAGON DINNER PROGRAM.
IT WAS FANTASTIC!  WE'D DO IT AGAIN IF GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY.

BAR-T-5 HAD INDIANS RIDING AROUND &
WHOOPING.  THE JAPANESE GROUP IN OUR
WAGON WAS REALLY IMPRESSED .

.

Went on my trip (that I won in December). Had a great time! We went to Jackson, Wyoming.
First, we rode chair lifts up the mountain. I had never rode one before. I was a little nervous-but realized it wasn't bad once I got on it. As we were riding the chair lift up, we saw a fox walking the trail. I got a picture of it. Just as we were getting to the top of the chair lift, they took our picture-as a souvenir. We bought it. We rode the Alpine Slide down the mountain. (That's a luge practicing ride.) That was fun. We went to Ripleys' believe it or not museum. That was part of the trip that I won. It wasn't worth any money. We were glad it was free. Later, we went to a History Museum that cost $3.00 each. That was well worth the money and time. I love museums and could have spent a lot longer time there. We were on a schedule. That afternoon-early evening-we went on the Bar-T-5 Chuck Wagon ride and dinner and western program. That was terrific! We'd do it again. After that we went to a rodeo. (Sort of--We didn't want to pay $14.00 each for being a little late. We just watched and heard everything outside the chain link fence.) WE SAW A MAN GET KILLED. HE WAS RIDING A BRONC-WITH SADDLE. THE HORSE STOOD UP ON HIS HIND FEET AND LANDED ON THE MAN'S HEAD. The next day, the news said that he had passed away. The next day, we went to the parks. The entrance fee was paid for with the trip that I won. (Also, our hotel room for 3 nights.) There weren't very many animals in Yellowstone park. We did see some elk with fantastic antlers. We got some great pictures. In Grand Tetons park, we were lucky enough to see a Grizzly -twice and a cow moose with her calf.

Look to the Holy Ghost
If we are wise, we will encourage, praise, and exemplify everything which invites the companionship of the Holy Ghost.”
Henry B. Eyring, “Help Them on Their Way Home,” Ensign, May 2010, 25

4 GREAT YEARS!

4 years ago yesterday, Rick & I traveled to Boise on a Sunday afternoon. ( I had just given a terrific Relief Society lesson-which didn't happen often.) We had packed a lunch to eat in the car. We had to be at a Orientation/welcome meeting at the Boise Temple. We were starting as Temple Officiators. This was our trainging meeting. We were the first ones there. At first, we thought maybe we got the information wrong. We didn't really think there would be anything happening at the Temple on Sundays, because the Temples are closed on Sundays. When we saw another couple from our stake drive up, we were glad. They were becoming Temple Ordinance Workers also. It was a wonderful afternoon. We were able to watch all of the trainging films and met the Presidency of the Temple.
Both of us worked at the Temple together for 6 months. Then, Rick's health got worse. He wasn't able to go with me the next 6 months. He was officially released after a year. I continued serving in the Boise Temple by myself until April 25th, 2008. That's the day I was released from the Boise Temple, to prepare to be set apart as an Ordinance Worker in the Twin Falls, Temple.
Thankfully, after I started working/serving in the Twin Falls Temple, Rick got the opportunity to check recommends on the work/cleaning/service day at the Temple--Mondays. It's not the same as checking recommends on days that the Temple is open, but it's still giving Rick the opportunity to be where he can feel the Spirit.
In Boise, just after 3 months of serving, I was given the opportunity to be the Initiatory Coordinator. I did that until I was released. I worked at the Twin Falls Temple for a year, before I was made the Initiatory Coordinator. I love doing that. I love serving in the Temple. It is my favorite thing to do all week. I love feeling the Spirit that I feel at the Lord's House on a weekly basis.
I HOPE I AM NEVER RELEASED FROM SERVING IN THE TEMPLE!!
Thought for the day:
“When you were confirmed a member of the Church, you received the right to the companionship of the Holy Ghost. He can help you make good choices. When challenged or tempted, you do not need to feel alone. Remember that prayer is the passport to spiritual power.”
President Thomas S. Monson, “Preparation Brings Blessings,” Ensign, May 2010, 66

CATCHING UP AND SOME PICTURES

Well, it's been quite awhile since my last post.
Heather & Stephanie's brother was in Idaho for a week during the week of Mother's Day. I didn't get a chance to visit with him, but Rick did. I asked the girls if they would get a family picutre of the 3 of them. I told them to act like they liked each other. By the time they got finished posing for pictures, I think they were tired. I think they could have smiled a little more. However, I'm grateful to have the picture anyhow.
Stephanie, Heather & Andy

Mady had a spring concert not too long ago. She plays the viola. She was setting behing a music stand. Because of that, I couldn't get a picture of her while she was actually playing. I had her pose for a picture.
"Mady" Rodriguez
Rick is doing much better than what he was. He seems to have some desire and actually is enjoying parts of life again. We're grateful for the improvements that we have.

For Memorial Day, Rick & I took Mom/Grandma out to eat. She really enjoyed getting out of the Nursing Home. I physically can't take her by myself anymore. I'm not tough enough anymore. So I have to wait for a time that Rick is willing to help me. Sadly, I've only been able to take her out of the home twice-now and during the holidays. (She would have gone one other time, except she got sick.) Anyhow, Mom thought it was a great day. I'm going to try and take her out more often. Rick & I went to a movie afterwards.

During the month of June, Heather's kids all play baseball. This year, they are on 3 different teams, different times, different days. Our month will be busy - trying to go to most of them. Last Thursday night, Tyler's team was losing. Tyler's team had last up. We caught up and the the game was tied. They played 2 extra innings. Tyler's team had 2 outs, and Tyler had 2 strikes at the bottom of the second extra inning. Tyler pulled thru and got a home run at the very last chance. They won. Today is "Bekha's" first game. The first two were cancelled. One of Jacob's games was cancelled also. We've had a lot of rain lately.
Well, that's all for now.

GOOD ADVICE FOR ALL

This is copied from:  L.D.S. Young Single Adult Gems
The Virture Of Heavenly Patience                                                                                                                           “Life is full of difficulties, some minor and others of a more serious nature. There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required.”
President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints-Thomas S. Monson, “Patience, a Heavenly Virtue,” Ensign, Sept. 2002

MOTHERS'S DAY 2010

This post is more for Mom than myself. She had a good Mother's Day weekend. She got to see visit with all of her kids. It started on Saturday. Gary stopped by and visited for about and hour. After he left, she called and told me that he had stopped on his way home for a visit.
Diane & Helen (daughter & Mom)

On Sunday, Grant and the twins were at the Care Center early enough that they could go to Sacrament Meeting with Mom. They had lunch with her. They left shortly after I got there around 2:00. The Care Center had cake and punch for residents and visitors. They also provided flowers for the Mothers. (You can't see mine in the picture-because I'm on the wrong side and it's covered up.)

Mom /Helen

Mom's Sister had sent Mom a DVD - (an interview with Mom's Dad-Ether Allen and Mom's Sister-Carol McEntire) for her Birthday back in February. She had not seen it yet, because Mom didn't have a DVD player until recently. We decided that would be a fun thing to do for Mother's Day. The interview of Grandpa was only about 12 minutes. I wish it had been much longer. He was such a "cute" man-great personality. The interview with Aunt Carol was about 70 minutes long.

Mom's days started before 5:00 a.m. She wanted to get a perm -so that she'd look good for today. By the time I left-about 5:00 p.m., she was very tired. She'd been up all day. Over all, she had a very good weekend. I'm glad for her.

Rick gave me a card. I could tell that he actually made an effort in getting one that had a good verse on. Coming from him-that's a good effort. Today was also Heather's Birthday. I stopped at her house to give her a B-day card. She wasn't home. She had called me earlier and wished me Happy Mother's Day. I wasn't home. She left a message. I later called her to wish her Happy Mother's Day. She wasn't home. I left her a message. Stephanie called me while I was at the Care Center visiting Mom. She asked me to stop at her house on my way home. They gave me a potted orchid and a card. It was a pleasant day.

KARI'S LATE B-DAY PICTURES and other pics.

Good thought for the day:
Reputation for Excellence

'Work is an antidote for anxiety, and ointment for sorrow, and a doorway to possibility. Whatever our circumstances in life, my dear brethren, let us do the best we can and cultivate a reputation for excellence in all that we do. Let us set our minds and bodies to the glorious opportunity for work that each new day presents.'
Dieter F. Uchtdorf"

Kari celebrating her 17th Birthday.

 

Mike & Stephanie bringing in Kari's cake.

Traci and other relatives in picture.

Kari turned 17 on the 12th of April.  She's a Junior in High School.  She's improved her grades and is planning on going to CSI when she graduates next year.

A few weeks ago, Rick & I and Rick's brother went 4-wheeling.  (Rick really was too dizzy to drive.  After the first drive up a steep hill, he had one of Danny's girlfriend's boys drive his 4 wheeler.)  Danny drove faster than we like to drive.  We weren't familiar with the area and we sort of got lost.  We ended up at the Little City of Rocks-which is where we wanted to go earlier anyhow.  Earlier in the day, the road had too much snow.  We went a different direction.  I've always wanted to go up close.  It's really kind of neat.
I took 2 pictures.  Maybe sometime when Rick isn't so dizzy, we can go back and truly enjoy the area.

Little City of Rocks near Gooding, Idaho

Little City of Rocks near Gooding, Idaho.

PICTURES - LAURIE'S BABY SHOWER and other stuff.

Well, I was pleasantly surprised that Laurie had one of the babies home from the hospital.  Mason Edward Criss was home.  He's a pretty cute baby.  He weighs over 6 -lbs. now.  He looks a lot like Alisha.
Chantz Alan is supposed to look more like Austin.  He weighs over 5 -lbs now and is eating up to 30-40% of what he's should be doing - to get to come home. 

Laurie holding Mason- not a great picture-Baby Shower

Mason Edward Criss-Alan's grandson

 I gave Laurie 2 preemie suits, 2 Levi shorts and 2 shirts-these outfits

were for 12 month old kids.  I also crocheted 4 or 5 pair of booties for each boy.

Laurie opening shorts and shirt present and Alisha.

I was pleased to see that Laurie had both of the plaques (that Alan had received for being a Good Samaritan)  on her front room wall.  That pleased me.

UPDATE ON RICK:

 He is not dizzy anymore.  We have adjusted the meds. to get control on that.  We're grateful for that blessing.  His moods are not terrible, but not great improvements-small improvements. 

LAURIE'S BABY SHOWER and other

Baby Shower for Laurie this Saturday -the 24th of April at 2:00 at her house. 642 Maurice in Twin Falls, Idaho. Go to corner of Elizabeth & Locust. Turn East-when you get to Maurice, turn North. Red brick apartments - back of drive. The twins are not out of the hospital yet. Mason will be soon.  A few days ago, he weighed 6-lbs. and was off of oxygen for 3 days.  He's eating on his own now.   Chantz is a little slower.  He only weighed 4.6 -lbs. on Saturday.  Both boys have good color.  I have not seen them yet.  They are still in the preemie unit of the Hospital.  This information is from Robyn.
Rick's attitude is improved.  He's been home from University of Utah for about a week.  He's still over-medicated.  He's pretty dizzy.  We've started cutting down on it.  The doctor called yesterday and told us to cut down just a wee bit more.  He's mowing the yard right now.  (It's a driving mower, so he doesn't have to stand up and walk with dizziness.)

UPDATE ON RICK AND MANY THANKS!

Thanks to all of our caring friends that have asked about Rick's situation. (He has been taking shock treatments for depression in University of Utah for about 6 weeks-with a few days off.) THEY HAVE NOT WORKED AS WELL AS WE HAD HOPED! He's finished with the treatments and now the dr. is trying to regulate the medication before Rick comes home. I believe he will come home at the end of this week-possibly mid week.
Again, thanks for all of your prayers and loving concern.

CONGRATS TO "MADY"

CONGRATULATIONS to our granddaughter-"Mady" for getting good enough grades to be on the National Honor Roll List. She had to get above 3.75 grade point average. She was one of 2 or 3 kids accepted-I guess that means from her school. I'm not sure.
Her name and information will be printed in a book that will be on display at the white house for a year. Way to go Mady! We're proud of her.

EASTER MESSAGE

SALT LAKE CITY - April 2010 -The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following Easter message this weekend:

DIANE'S FAVORITE EASTER PICTURE

"At this Easter season as we contemplate our own mortality and remember loved ones who have passed from this life, our hearts turn to Him who promised: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
"Jesus Christ is the literal Savior of the world, the Son of God, the Prince of Peace, the Holy One of Israel, even the risen Lord, who declared: “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world…I am the light and the life of the world.” “I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.
"This Easter season, as His witnesses, we testify that He lives and that through Him, we too shall live."

A GOOD THOUGHT and CATCHING UP.

“The Lord does not expect that we do what we cannot achieve. The command to become perfect, as He is, encourages us to achieve the best of ourselves, to discover and develop the talents and attributes with which we are blessed by a loving Eternal Father, who invites us to realize our potential as children of God. He knows us; He knows of our capacities and our limitations. The invitation and challenge to become perfect, to achieve eternal life is for all mankind.”
Jorge F. Zeballos, “Attempting the Impossible,” Ensign magazine Nov. 2009, 33 .

Well, I took Rick down to the University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute on the the of March-for shock treatments to help with depression. I brought him home on the 23rd of March. That was a Tuesday. He did lousy. I took him back there on the following Sunday. Finally, this last Saturday, I felt some improvement. That's when the dr. noticed some improvement. Rick is tentativly scheduled to come home on the 14th of April.
Rick is scared that he won't wake up from the treatments. The dr. has changed the procedure so Rick is not under as much medication as he was.
It will have been 5 weeks-for the most part-that he's been down there. THANK HEAVENES FOR MEDICARE AND PRIVATE INSURANCE! THE BILL FOR THE FIRST TIME AROUND WAS OVER $36,000. I ASSUME THIS TIME AROUND WILL BE CLOSE TO THE SAME AMOUNT.
The dr. is going to adjust the medications before Rick gets released. I'm grateful for that

About the time that I took Rick down to Utah, someone in the ward gave us some coal. The scouts delivered it as a service project. We figure we got close to 2 tons. At the time, we thought it was a blessing. For several days, I tried to get the coal to burn. It would only burn for a little while. Finally, I gave up on it. I've been using our baseboard heaters-that's only in 2 rooms. Later, we called the guy that we get coal from. He said that coal does go bad. (Rick's brother says it won't.He says we just need to mix it with good coal. That's a good plan is all of the good coal wan't buried with the bad coal.) We got a little extra back from taxes this year-not much. It's still under $900.00, but close. Rick's brother is going to help us get a new used furnace that we won't have to use coal anymore. That will be a blessing because it's blown up on us several times. HOW GRATEFUL WE ARE THAT HEAVENLY FATHER ALWAYS BLESSES US TO BE SAFE AND PROVIDES ENOUGH FOR US TO MEET OUR NEEDS.
Andy called Stephanie yesterday. He felt the earthquake that California had. His was at his in-laws place. Everyone is safe. THANKS HEAVENLY FATHER FOR WATCHING OVER THEM.
I spent the weekend watching and listening to Conference. I really needed the Spiritual Nourishment. I stayed home on Saturday and watched the conference by my self. Yesterday-Easter-I spent the day with mom. We watched conference together. I didn't get quite as much from Sunday's conference - because she wanted to visit a lot. It was still a good day.

THANKFUL FOR THE GOSPEL.

This last Sunday, I had to take Rick back down to the University of Utah-Neuropsychiatric Hospital. I was feeling overwhelmed with anxiety and stress. Of course, I have to be strong for Rick's sake. However, I was really missing getting spiritually fed by attending church. On the way down to the hospital, I mentioned to Rick that I thought he should get a blessing if possible. He reminded me that the hospital has a Sacrament Meeting every week at 2:00 p.m. He said that if we got there in time, there would be someone that could give him a blessing.
That brought some hope for me. We got there a little late. We had missed the sacrament and the first talk was just about over. The brothers offered the Sacrament to us after his talk. I was feeling a little embarrassed because we weren't dressed for church. It felt good that they accepted us no matter how we were dressed. (The patients don't dress up for church, but it still bothered me.)
After the meeting, they willingly gave Rick a blessing-no questions asked. I was so grateful that they would do this for him-in our time of need.
IT'S WONDERFUL TO KNOW THAT THE GOSPEL AND ALL OF IT'S BLESSINGS ARE AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE-AND WHEREVER YOU GO-NO MATTER WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE.----THANKS HEAVENLY FATHER, I NEEDED THAT.

RICK'S UPDATE & QUOTE FROM BARBARA BUSH

I thought I'd get caught up.  This picture was taken the day before Mom's birthday in February.  It took this long before I could get a copy of it into the computer. 
The gal at the Nursing Home that actually owns Mom's dog now, had it taken so she could give the picture to her for her birthday.  That was a nice gesture on her part.  (This picture is not as good as quality as the original, but it's a good picture of Mom.)

Well, I haven't given an update on Rick for awhile.  I took him down to Salt Lake for Shock Treatments for his depression on the 7th of March.  In the beginning, it appeared that things were improving slightly.  He came home on the 23rd-a week ago tomorrow.  That day wasn't great, but still looked like possibly things may improve.  The next day, he fell apart after talking to his mom (that happens often).  I spent all day and all day on Thursday trying to get him a bed back at the hospital.  They didn't have one.  I took him back down to Salt Lake yesterday.  Rick was on a waiting list for a bed.  We were just going hoping he would get one because he was scheduled for another treatment this morning.  The hospital called us as we were traveling.  They had a bed available for Rick.  We got there in time for most of Sacrament Meeting that is provided at the hospital.  Afterwards, they gave Rick another blessing.  I readmitted him into the hospital.  I came back home.  I got home about 8:00 p.m.  I saw MANY DEER AND 2 GROUPS OF ELK on the way home.
As far as Rick is concerned, time will tell.  Right now, things don't look great.
I'D BETTER CLOSE WITH A GOOD THOUGHT.
Barbara Bush, wife of former United States president George Bush, spoke wisely when in Wellesley, Massachusetts, in 1990 she addressed the Wellesley College graduating class and said, 'Your success as a family, our success as society, depends not on what happens at the White House, but on what happens inside your house.' "   This quote was taken from a talk given by President Gordon B. Hinckley in the Ensign magazine -"Four Simple Things to Help Our Families and Our Nations," Sept. 1996




 

I REALLY LIKED THIS ARTICLE.

From a devotional address given at Brigham Young University—Idaho on October 30, 2007.
(I'M ONLY SHARING BITS AND PIECES OF IT. IF YOU WANT TO READ ALL OF IT-SCROLL DOWN THE SIDE OF BLOG UNTIL YOU FIND MY FAVORITE SITES. CLICK ON THE CHURCH SITE. THEN GO TO: GOSPEL LIBRARY, MAGAZINES, ENSIGN-2010 MARCH-LEARNING THRU LIFE'S TRIALS)
The trials of this life will ultimately lead to joy if we patiently trust in God’s plan and discover how to use adversity to grow stronger. ......
I’ve learned that the way I respond to trials can have a great effect on whether they become roadblocks in my life or expressways to learning and growth. When I anguish over difficulties, the experiences only serve to weigh me down. But remembering that these trials are part of the great plan of happiness helps me to see them as opportunities to grow and learn.
The Purposes of Adversity
Apostle Orson F. Whitney (1855–1931) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, explained: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God …
Trials give us opportunities to show the Lord and ourselves that we will be faithful. We can choose to feel sorry for ourselves and ask, “Why me?” or we can grow from our trials, increase our faith in the Lord, and ask, “How can I be faithful in the midst of this trial?”..... We can let adversity break us down and make us bitter, or we can let it refine us and make us stronger. We can allow adversity to lead us to drift away from the things that matter most, or we can use it as a stepping-stone to grow closer to things of eternal worth......
Benefiting from Adversity
Since adversity will come to us all, consider the following ideas to help face trials and benefit from them.
•Rely on Christ
One of the purposes of trials is to help us come to know Christ, understand His teachings in our minds, feel them in our hearts, and live them in our lives. Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explains that God loves us perfectly and “would not require [us] to experience a moment more of difficulty than is absolutely needed for [our] personal benefit or for that of those [we] love.”

FRIDAY MARCH 12 -BIG DAY FOR OUR FAMILIES

Well, I had another opportunity to perform the Temple Initiatory work in Spanish.  I only got to do 2 of the booths, but it was great practice.  The Spanish Sister was just leaving and one of my regular English speaking sisters came.  She heard me speaking Spanish.  When she realized who I was, she said she speaks Spanish fluently. She said she didn't care if I practiced with her also.  I had one English Speaking patron also.  I would do Spanish with one, then do English with the next one.  I was able to practicve my Spanish for the whole hour that I was there.  They said they could understand me.  I didn't have to use my card (for help) hardly at all.  That was a pretty great way to finish the day.  I'd started out with a terrible headache.  In the evening, a friend asked if I still had my headace.  I didn't.  I had forgotten about that.  I was in too good of mood to dwell on my headace. 
I stopped by mom's place after my Temple shift.  I just missed seeing Gary & Debbie by about 15 minutes.  I ate supper with her.  I was pleased to hear that Jeremy asked Gary to baptize him tomorrow.

Laurie had her twins in the morning.  One was born at 10:00 a.m. and the other one was born at 10:01.  All 3 are doing well.  However one of the boys is not as good as the other.  Laurie is supposed to get to go home on Monday.  The boys are premature and will have to stay in the baby unit at the hospital for awhile.

Most of you probably know that Allison had her baby on Friday afternoon.  I'm not sure of the time.  She had a little girl.  Last I heard, they hadn't decided on a name yet.  It wasn't even a year ago, and Gary & Debbie had less grandkids than us.  Then, they got 2 new ones just before the end of the year.  They caught up with us then.  Well, with Alllison's new baby, Gary & Debbie have surpassed us now.  How wonderful!

ANOTHER UPDATE ON LAURIE

Steve just called me. He wasn't aware that Robyn had called me. The babies are over 4-lbs. each, their hearts are beating good. The Dr. doesn't think they will last the 2 weeks that they hope for. Probably, Laurie will have to have the surgery sooner.
Steve & Laurie have already named the twins. Mason Edward and Chance Alan. (Chance is spelled odd, but I don't remember how he said. It has a "Z" in it.) They will be known as Mason and Chance.

CATCHING UP--PICTURES, LIFE, ---LAURIE'S UPDATE

I told you that I had made a new Temple Garment bag during the holidays. I finally got around to adding a picture of it. Of course, it's red in color. My old one was also-because red is my favorite color. (You should see my closet-many versions of red.)

I'm not adding a picture of my Temple skirt that I made. It's pretty, but the material is not of good quality. I wore it for the first time yesterday and it snagged in many places. (I've had the material in my closet for about 3 years, so I can't take it back.) So much for all of the time that I put into it to make it. While I was making it, my machine wasn't working very well. It has triple seams everywhere. My machine has been repaired since then. It had a metal plate that was wore out and causing the tension to not be good.


About 2 Fridays ago, Stephanie was at work. She was opening a box, and sliced the palm of her hand. She ended up having 16 stitches on it. The next day when she woke up, they had opened. She had to go to the Dr. again. This time her hand was wrapped up in ace bandage to protect the stitches. I believe she has the stitches out by now.
That afternoon, Rick & I fulfilled a Temple assignment. He prefers to do Sealings. I prefer to do Initiatory. Because of other responsibilities, we opted to do Initiatory. That was great, because the Shift Coordinator knows that I've learned the Spanish. I was able to be a patron in the Spanish Booth. That really helped me.
After the Temple, we rushed to Filer. Heather was celebrating Jacob's birthday (his birthday is the 15th of February.) We watched them bowl.

We gave him a jar of cash for his present.

Jacob gets a little embarrassed at times.

That evening, we had a Stake Relief Society dinner for our spouses also. It was a great evening. The first Counselor of out Temple and his wife had gone on a mission to India. They came and shared pictures and stories of the mission. It's neat, because many years ago, -about 25-27 years. He was our Stake president. He is the one that said, "I promise you if you pay your tithing, we will have a Temple in Twin Falls." After that, I just kept hoping people would do as he said. Look at us now, we serve in that Temple.

I took Rick down to Salt Lake this last Friday. He's at the University of Utah getting a series of shock treatments. This is sort of a last ditch try at getting a handle on his depression. We've heard good reports on this therapy. It usually has at least 80% chance of some improvement. At this point, any improvement is good. He will be there about a week and a half. Then he will go down as an outpatient to get the remaining ones in the series. He will need about 10-12 treatments. He may need more occasionally. Time will tell.

Laurie's mom called last night. This last Saturday, her water broke from one of the twins. She's not due until the 5th of May. Today, she is 32 weeks. The Dr.s are hoping they can wait 2 more weeks, before they take the babies. Her surgery is scheduled for the 24th - I believe. Robyn said that all 3 are doing well and under good care. The babies have a good weight-4 lbs. Laurie will be on antibiotics until her surgery to prevent infection-since her water broke. Laurie is in the Twin Falls hospital-room number 281. Laurie will be having some kind of treatments often. If you plan to visit, it may be better to call her before you visit. Her personal phone number is: 208-358-3989. She has her phone with her.

Well, I've spent way too much time on the computer. I need to get busy.

THANKS HEAVENLY FATHER FOR THE AHA MOMENT.

Today was fast & Testimony meeting. I am the 2nd counselor in Primary. It was so-o gratifying when some of our Primary kids got up and bore their testimonies. When I could tell that they were actually thinking about what they would say next, instead of just memorizing something, I realized that we are doing a good job in Primary. They really are listening. We need to be a good example always.

I DON'T REALLY SPEAK SPANISH.--- TUESDAY SUBBING FINISHED.

The Spanish Branch is combined into our ward.  We have joint Primary and Relief Society (translators in Relief Society).  This last Sunday, as we were getting ready to leave church.  Relief Society was just getting over.  The Spanish Sister that I had in Initiatory 2 weeks ago, that didn't speak English, saw me.  We both hugged.  I must have done o.k. a few weeks ago with my Spanish.  The reason:  she started talking to me in Spanish.  The only things that I understood was that she asked me how I was and she told me hello.  I responded back in Spanish to the 2 things that I understood.  However, I couldn't actually talk to her in Spanish.  She must have thought that I actually knew Spanish-instead of just the Temple Ordinances.  She was with a young gal that I have worked with at Green Giant.  She's investigating the church, but comes all of the time.  I imagine after I left, my friend from work told the older sister that I don't speak Spanish and the older lady was saying that I did.  Cute situation.
Well,  last week-Tuesday- was my last day for " regular" subbing at the Temple.  I've been officially subbing on Tuesdays since the second week of December for 2 different ladies.  I received a call from the Shift Coordinator yesterday, saying that the one sister thinks she's ready to go back to the Temple today.  I will miss being there.  It's been long enough, that they feel like my shift also.  However, it does seem nice to have some extra time at home.  Now, I will just sub whenever people call me-which is still often.
Oh, let me tell you a neat story that someone told me last week in the Temple break room.  It was someone eles's story being retold to me, but true.  I'm not sure when the story actually happened.  Their  story started 13 years earlier.  Their son had left the church and didn't have anything to do with them.  They had not even seen him in 13 years.  13 years later, they decided that they wanted to go on a mission.  They put their papers in and specifically stated that they didn't want a proselyting mission because they were too old.  They received their papers for a proselyting mission for a particular town in Florida.  They asked their Bishop to resubmit their papers.   He did.  They got a new call.  It was for the EXACT SAME MISSION-SAME CIRCUMSTANCES.  They went - heavy hearted.  The  first week they sat in their apartment doing nothing.   The next week, they realized that they couldn't spend the next 18 months inside their apartment.  They decided to get in their car and get a feel of the land and feel more comfortable with their surroundings.  THE VERY FIRST DOOR THEY KNOCKED ON, WAS THE DOOR OF THEIR SON THAT THEY HADN'T SEEN IN 13 YEARS.  IT WAS FATE.  IT WAS AN ANSWER TO MANY PRAYERS.   IT WASN'T LONG BEFORE HE CAME BACK TO THE CHURCH AND THE PARENTS AND SON HAD RESTORED THEIR FAMILY RELATIONS!