Moving Day for James and Ali K

This past Friday, Allan and I took off after work, driving an hour away to go to Draper temple. When we got there it was closed for cleaning. Thank goodness there are many temples south of SLC so we just drove to the Oquirrh temple. We spent a nice morning in the temple. We had dinner at Olive Garden together before continuing our drive south. We checked in to a hotel, we put on work clothes and we met our son at his apartment when he got home from school. My son and his wife had to move to a new home because the landlord sold their duplex. In the middle of a semester it was hard for them to find another apartment. James and Alicia are both going to school and working so moving now is not convenient. They decided to rent a home with the other couple in the duplex. James and Alicia had most everything packed. Allan and I helped do the last of the packing. We took a load over to their new home. It is a big home and in a nice neighborhood about 2 miles from BYU. After unloading the pickup, we had dinner at the BrickOven Pizza and called it a night. The next day we met Chantelle and Jeremy with their sweet girls. Jeremy brought his big enclosed trailer. At ten oclock we had the trailer and both pickups loaded, when Alicia's family came with a trailer and two trucks. There were eleven adults helping, so the work was done in a timely manner. I spent lots of the time playing with my very sweet granddaughters. By the afternoon, both couples were moved into their new home. It is great when families can work together and get it done! It was a good weekend.

Shaking the hand of an Apostle

On Sunday, January 26, we went to a large auditorium for Stake Conference. Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was speaking. We went in a big car, all nine of us. We went early and parked in one of the last parking places in a nearby parking lot. We found a long row of seats and I sat on the end with Ruby. I was obliviously playing with Ruby and when a hand was offered with a greeting, "Welcome to Conference." I was so surprised to grasp the hand of Elder Oaks. All nine of us got to shake his hand. It was a tender mercy and I was so touched with the spirit even before the meeting started. Elder Oaks talked about how the Adversary tried to undermine the Kingdom of God. One way is to confuse us about who God is and what his mission is. He talked about the First Vision and the many things that we learn about God in just those few minutes. Elder Oaks talked about ways the Adversary tries to tear down the family and ways to overcome adversity. It was a powerful, spiritual feast. Even though I watched Ruby the whole three hours we were there, I didn't miss a word. She was such a good baby.

My Brother's Wedding

My brother, Rodney, was married in the Salt Lake Temple. I got to sit next to him in the temple. I had the honor because my mother was not well enough to be there. Aunt Jackie sat in the Grandmother's chair next to me. The ceremony was beautiful. Afterwards we got to meet Susan and her family. She had tons of friends that helped her with a beautiful reception. The reception was so much fun. I enjoyed seeing my nephews again. I haven't seen them since Alexander's wedding.

Thank you Katie

I sure thought your blog was very complimentary and over the top. I do love children and doing things with children. Thank you for the nice blog. I read your blog every week. I wish I could figure out how to comment on everybody's blogs.

Amber, did Branden plant his garden. I have more ideas if he is interested. Just give me a call or text. I got my new phone so I am back to texting!

Rick and Abby, you are expert bloggers. I am tempted to try making those Chinese Dumplings. Thanks for the recipe. I am impressed by your computer nerdiness-backing up your own files and saving over $50. You are exploring and enjoying the wildlife-how lucky you are. Have a great time with Ben. We will be watching your blog for the report and pictures of your visit.

Thanks for the Updates on Your Blogs

Just read all those new posts on your blogs. Glad to see the update on Stacy's blog. Sometimes it has been a long time between my updates.

Thank you for the pictures of the children, Bekkie. I can not believe how big Trevor has grown. He is definitely taller than Christina. Look how tall Gavin is in that picture. He looks close to five feet tall. Amazing children.

I was happy to hear the update on Thor. Glad he is doing better and that he will stay well for a while with John taking care of him. I found those test results interesting. It is amazing how the doctors have a test for everything. I got so many guesses when I took sick kids to the doctors. Now they can know what is wrong at least part of the time.

Amazing Hawaii pictures!!! Are you sure those are not postcards!! What fun you are having!!! When I moved to a new state I loved exploring that state every weekend. We saw some wonderful places. I am determined to spend some time in Hawaii next winter. What great exploring! Even the trip to get the car fixed involves an adventure in beauty. Wow.

I enjoyed Amber's blog. I hope she updates it with pictures when Branden plants his garden on their deck. It is already warm enough in St. Louis for planting gardens.

Katie, I am glad you had a spring break. You do work so hard. I enjoy hearing about the adventures of Josh. He is a great superhero in my book.

There isn't anything interesting in my life. I love to hear about all of yours. Thank you for the updates. Chantelle hasn't done a blog so I must tell you that Olivia got her two bottom teeth. She is crawling all over and pulling herself up on everthing. We must be vigilent to keep her safe. Elder James Price Ronnow is on his last couple months. He will finish his mission in the city where he was hoping to go, LaPlata. He is still district leader. He is working hard and having a wonderful time. He has been accepted into BYU/Provo and plans to go in the fall. Christina got a note of congratulations for the improvement on her grades this semester. She has been working hard. The school year is almost ended. Time flys.

You Are Incredible!

I just got done looking at the blogs of my sweet children. How I love seeing what you are doing in your lives!!

Rick and Abby are having some awesome experiences. Looking at the pictures and reading your blog made me want to move there myself. I love snorkeling and I have been snorkeling at Hananma Bay. (Can't remember how to spell it.) It is like swimming in an aquarium full of brightly colored fish. How do you feel trading snowboards and snowboots for Barefeet and snorkles!!

I love to see all the pictures of Thor. Thor has learned so much just since you were here a few weeks ago. We are so worried about him right now. He has just been sick for so long. I am sorry about Zoey. February is not a good month for you. God bless you all.

We are so in love with Josh. Thank you for the pictures and the updates. You are very busy right now so we appreciate the effort that it takes when you are so busy in school. Hang in there. Those stressful times do not last forever it just seems like it. Be kind to yourself. You can only do so much and we all will survive, even Josh.

Bekkie, pictures of spiders do not exactly thrill me as much as pictures of those sweet grandsons. That Gavin is a so sweet. I remember at one of your schools they did a gift store at school. I loved the idea because people could donate to it and you children got some nice things for each other for pennies.

I talk to Amber on the phone often so even though her blog is not updated I feel like I know what is going on. Lots of love and support goes to Branden!!! Keep up the good work.

Chantelle and I got to be with Kysa, Wyatt and Paxton while Stacy and Allan celebrated their 10th anniversary. They are amazing children. They are so good to each other. Chantelle taught us how to play BS. Paxton is very good at it.

Jeremy and Chantelle put up with us every day. We love having Olivia here. Such a happy baby! She is really growing up. Happy Birthday today!