.

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.