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! 😎