I would love to say that I missed getting the blog done last week because I was sunning, reading a favorite book, and drinking virgin pina coladas with Kevin in Hawaii - but I wasn't. 😞.   Instead, I was being a registrar at Timberview MS, going with Dad to a doctor's appointment, finishing school work, taking our first big exam, playing Bingo with Ben, completing some additional school assignments, hosting our monthly FHE dinner, and back to TMS on Tuesday and Thursday.  

It is hard to believe, but I have been writing this blog for just over a year, so missing - I think it is twice now - isn't too bad.  I love our family so much - you all are a light in my life!  You are what keeps me going on cold and snowy days, and all the days in-between.  If I had a choice between being in Hawaii or spending time with family - I would always choose family. (I might have to think twice if the choice was Italy 😊) 

We had a great time with Jonathan, Kate, and Sayre.  Dad came down with a bad chest cold (I think on the plane there) and spent a lot of time resting, napping, and just not feeling very well.  I talked he and Sayre into a Gatorade one day and he was finally able to muster up a smile for me -

Kate and I ran to JoAnns one afternoon and had the best time looking at Fabrics.  We went there for some elastic, but couldn't resist taking inventory of so many cute prints for quilts.

It made me want to get busy and quilt or actually just sit at my sewing machine for a few minutes.  I think another trip to JoAnns is in the near future.  Anyone want to join me?

KID NEWS

In her culinary class recently, Hollie learned to cut up a whole chicken.  Back in the "old days" grocery stores only had whole chickens and there was a certain technique you had to know to cut them up just the right way.  I can remember my Mom teaching me how to do this and for years after Kevin and I were married, if we wanted chicken this was just the way to do it.  I can't remember when frozen, boneless, skinless chicken first became available, but it sure is easier.

Way to go Hollie!  I am so happy to see you learning this skill that most people today wouldn't know how to do.

Jake has a new best friend, Sister Weston. She is an older sister in their ward who lives nearby.  After school, Jake likes to ride his bike over to her house and they will visit for an hour or so.  Jake told Cory the other day that he didn't know why older people seemed to like him. 😀  It may be his irresistable charm along with his great smile  (just shy of a couple of teeth!)

And speaking of smiles . . . .

Look who just got their braces off!

Before

After

Also, last week Paul was able to bless the sacrament for the first, and Adam was able to be there with him.  I think this counts as their Sunday Selfie last week.

Eilis and her cat, Juno.

Who has the largest eyes????   👀

SUNDAY SELFIES

Last week from Kim and Blythe - It was a girl's day 

This week Chris joined them and Max was in town for the weekend. 

AND can't let this one go by - It's a tiktok video featuring the Elsworth family and Taylor Swift 

I came upon some real "gems" this week that I had forgotten about.  LOVE them so much!

I know it's like movie night but these WILL make you smile - I promise! 😁

Last thoughts - Dad had his doctor appointment last week, got some medication he will be taking long term but it is working and he seems to feel much better and has some energy back.  He has been great to run errands for me this week, laundry, and cleaning up the kitchen.  Yay!  It is so good to see him feeling better and can't imagine how miserable he has been for over a year.  Blessings come but sometimes we just have to wait.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK!

 Just something you might enjoy... These are pictures of Grammie from her Mission...😃

 WELCOME TO IOWA!

Dad and I got here Wednesday evening and have enjoyed, so much, our time with Kate, Jonathan, Sayre, and Clementine.  Thursday evening, Jonathan had his trombone recital which was amazing.  It was also so nice that his Dad could be here for that.  Sayre had a swim party with two of his friends yesterday to celebrate his birthday.  I can't believe he is already six! and so tall!!

Kate took us on a tour of the Art building where she works.  This is a photo of Dad with their huge 3-D printer.  Friday evening we took Sayre to the mall and Chick-fil-a, while Kate and Jonathan spent some time with Jonathan's Dad.  When we were through eating, we went to Scheels and found some legos, and then took a turn on the carousel before we left.

It has been sunny in Iowa this week, with both warm and chilly days, BUT so happy we missed the snow in Colorado.  Thankfully, Josh and our two good neighbors were able to dig out a path for Cathy.

IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY

Blythe and Cora received 1st place for their fashion merchandise project and are going to the state competition in April.  Way to go Blythe and Cora!  Thank you Lululemon!! 😁

Hollie is in a Culinary program at her school in which she excels, and which is evident whenever she comes over to visit.  She always makes the best meals and if she lived closer I would make her my personal chef 💕

YUM! She made grilled chicken with mango salsa 🍴

Ben got some new socks this week that Angella said he absolutely loved. So much that when he realized no one could see his socks if he wore boots to school, he ditched the boots for shoes.  And then when he was ready to leave the house, he came out with his socks pulled over his pants - just to make sure everyone could see them. 😂

LOVE OUR FURRY FRIENDS THIS WEEK 💗

CELMENTINE

JUNO

AMOS

MILO

GRACIE

SENDA

STEVIE

We have missed Sendai this week, but Clementine is so sweet.  She has been great company, and a good reason to get out and take a walk.

SUNDAY SELFIES

Good job on sending me Sunday Selfies!  I know not everyone was able to do this, but there is always next week!  

Kate, Jonathan, & Sayre

Us

Kim, Chris, & Blythe

LAST THOUGHTS

I haven't been to Relief Society in ages because of my Primary calling.  Today was a nice change to hear a lesson taken from Elder Anderson's conference talk, Tithing: Opening the Windows of Heaven.  I have always loved the promise we read in Malachi, ". . . as we are honest in our tithes, He will open the windows of heaven, and pour out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it".  The windows of heaven open in many ways. Some are temporal, but many are spiritual. Some are subtle and easy to overlook.  Trust in the Lord's timing; the blessings always come.

Elder Anderson shared a story of a time he was with President Eyring and they were in a large Church meeting in the Utah area known as Silicon Slopes (area around Lehi) , a community of great innovation in technology. It was a time of growing prosperity, and President Eyring cautioned the Saints about comparing what they had with others and wanting more.  Elder Anderson said, "I will always remember his promise that as they paid an honest tithe, their desire for more material possessions would diminish.  Within two years, the technology bubble burst.  Many lost their jobs, and companies struggled during this time of financial adjustment.  Those who followed the counsel of Elder Eyring were blessed.

I like to think that when we pay our tithing, we are showing Heavenly Father that we have faith in his promises, and are trusting in his love and care for us.  He will never abandon us, but will always be there to help us find our way.  We are so blessed!

Hope you all have a great week with lots of sun! 😎