YUM!  I made my first peach cobbler of the Summer this week for our Family Home Evening dinner group.  Good peaches really don't happen until July, and I got a couple of boxes that were delightful.  

 This time of year always brings back fond memories of the Peach Festival in Marysville.  They close off the main street downtown and have vendors selling peaches, peach pies, cobblers, and drinks. There are bands and dancing, as well as an area for children.  

The festival reminds me of happy times in "small town America", and how times have changed.  I think next summer we need to make a trip to Marysville!

 This week, Adam tried to compete with Dad to see who could do the most damage to their hand.  Sadly, his left hand got caught in a winch, and he had a difficult time freeing it.  Cory took him to the ER, where they cleaned the wound thoroughly and put in some stitches.  It is still swollen and sore, with very little sensation.  Hopefully, once the swelling subsides, the feeling will return.  Not a fun way to start a new school year 😟.

 The Monument clan has been busy trying to make the most of their Summer vacation.  A visit to the Rock House in Palmer Lake, where they have the best ice cream!  (I think Cory worked there when she was in High School).  I am wondering if Milo got a "pup cup"?😋

They have also been on some bike rides, and I know Adam was looking forward to swimming at Jellystone this week, but probably won't be able to because of his injury. 

 

PIZZA ANYONE?

You will have to find your way to Iowa for one of these treats.  Jonathan has become a connoisseur and master chef when it comes to delicious homemade pizza.  Yes, he has a pizza oven, and yes, it turns out amazing every time😁.

 Saturday morning, Dad and I went to the Temple for the sealing of these newly adopted little boys and their parents.  Jeremiah and Apollo are just 6 months apart in age, and both have special needs but are loved by the Rieck family like no one else.  

After the sealing, we went to an endowment session and then headed home, only to find ourselves stuck in traffic from Denver to Castle Rock.  Thank you, Eilis, for stopping by and giving Sendai some attention!  It was stop-and-go the whole way, so we got off the freeway in Castle Rock and made our way to some Gelato.  I totally get why my Dad had to have a bowl of ice cream every night before bed.  (Sometimes he even asked for "seconds" and asked me not to tell Mom 😊)

  This week in my Book of Mormon class, we discussed pride and how easily it is to fall into the habit of judging others and comparing ourselves to them.  I think it was in the video by Elder Stevenson that I posted last week, where he said that when we compare ourselves to others, we either end up discouraged or prideful, neither of which is good.  As I was doing a little more studying this afternoon, I found this quote from a talk given by Julie Beck several years ago. 

 "Through the blessings of the priesthood, the Lord shows us that He is "no respecter of persons." In my travels, I usually have the chance to visit members in their homes.  Some of those homes are very basic dwellings. At first, I would say to myself, "Why am I blessed with a house that has electricity and plumbing when this family does not even have a water source near their home? Does the Lord love them less than He loves me?"

"Then one day I sat in a temple next to a sister who lives in a humble house. I spent two hours at her side. I often looked into her beautiful eyes and saw the love of the Lord in them.  As we finished our work in the temple, I had a powerful realization. In all of the eternal blessings, in all of our most important privileges and opportunities, we were equals. I had been baptized, and so had she. I had spiritual gifts, and so did she. I had the opportunity to repent, and so did she. I had received the Holy Ghost, and so had she. I had received temple ordinances, and so had she. If both of us had left this world together at that moment, we would have arrived equal before the Lord."

 
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS!

Kate will celebrate her birthday next Sunday, August 3rd 

Owen Leister is getting married on August 8th

Josh's birthday is August 14th

Lily will be 14 on August 19th (I don't know how that can be 😳)

Dad celebrates his birthday on August 21st

It is a busy month for our family - lots of birthdays, kids going back to school, and work resumes for Kate, Jonathan, Kim, Cory, and Adam.  We love you all so much and pray for you every day.  If there is anything we could do for you, please, please let us know. ❤

 HAPPY SUMMER!  The days are still warm, school and work (for some) have taken a vacation, so I say let's make the most of what we have left.  I walked into Walmart the other day, and they already have trick-or-treat baskets out 😳.  I love summer and would be more than happy if it stuck around for a while.  

It was so much fun to have Kate and Sayre here this week! We didn't have nearly enough time to do all the things on our list (manicures will have to wait till next time). We kept super busy, and as Kate said this afternoon, she needs a vacation from her vacation.  

 Ben and Sayre hadn't seen each other for a couple of years, so they had a happy reunion.  One afternoon, we took them to Dairy Queen for lunch, and they discovered that French fries dipped in chocolate sauce are really tasty 😬.  

 Hollie watched them for us on the day we went to the Temple, and they had the best time.  She helped them build a fort, and I think they spent the day playing on their iPads inside of it.  

 In the fort 😁

  

WE LOVE THE TEMPLE

 
 We had the nicest time at the Temple on Thursday.  We attended the sealing of a couple in our Ward who were baptized along with their 5 children just a year ago.  

 We saw a lot of good friends from our days in the Monument Ward years ago.  Kate was able to chat with Lisa Davis, who is the mom of one of Kate's good friends at that time.  She also got a hug from Sister Killpack, one of the assistants to the Temple president's wife, and the mother of her current best friend, Kim, who lives in her Ward in Iowa.  It is so fun to be in the Temple and make those connections that you know will be forever.

 AND of course, we made it to the Outlets in Castle Rock.  We had a fun afternoon wandering through the stores, enjoying the weather, and pondering, "Do I really need it, or do I just really want it?".  😁
 We couldn't let our short week go by without playing a card game.  Kate taught me how to play Skyjo and it was so fun.  Thanks, Kate!

 We took them to the airport Saturday afternoon, but before they left, we were able to meet Josh for breakfast at the Urban Egg.  We were able to get a table outside and just enjoyed some time visiting.  Also, I had the best Greek omelet - spinach, onions, olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese. YUM!!!  

EXCITING FAMILY NEWS!

Samantha and Paul have appointments to get their Patriarchal Blessings.  I am so excited for them.  

Paul has begun the process of working on his Mission paperwork.  He will be such a fantastic missionary❤  (He will hopefully be leaving sometime next summer)

 

 (not -so-exciting-news) Dad was able to see a doctor this week, and it looks like he has a torn rotator cuff - no wonder he has been hurting.  He will probably need surgery to repair it, and I am hoping sooner rather than later.  I caught he and Sendai on the bed last night, both sound asleep 💤

Ralphie was finally released from Prison (Camp Inch Training Facility) this week.  I am so glad we can laugh together, and we really did while in Phoenix, mostly at Chris' expense.  If you know Chris, you know that he has a super soft heart for animals, especially if he thinks they might be suffering. (Remember Daffodil? 😃). So, he was not happy that Ralphie would be at the dog training center for THREE weeks.  We might have teased him just a little when he talked about dropping Ralphie off with his pumpkin blanket, pineapple bed, and D.W. (from Arthur).  HOWEVER, it seems that Ralphie picked up a staff infection while there, and when Kim picked him up to take him to the vet, she found they had put a pinch collar on him. That was all it took to earn him an early release!

 Max started his new job at the MTC this week!  Yay, Max, we are so happy for you!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MIKE on Thursday!   He and Barbie have been exploring Sedona this past week and were able to go to the Gilbert, AZ, temple with friends.

 Wish we could have coordinated our times for our Arizona vacations.
 I don't have a story from Mike this week, but he did send me an experience of B.F. Johnson - 

B.F. Johnson account

Before the temple was completed, Joseph Smith called on all of those who assisted in the work of the temple to assemble together. On Mar 7, 1835, Smith blessed all who had “assisted in building, by their labor and other means, the House of the Lord in this place.” Although Benjamin felt that he did not deserve a blessing, he described his experience with the Prophet, in these words:

When on the last day of blessings, I was standing by the door in the crowded congregation, and oh! how I did yearn for a blessing! And as the last blessing, apparently, was given, the Prophet earnestly looked towards the door where I was standing, and said to his brother Hyrum, “Go and see if there is not one more yet to be blessed.” Brother Hyrum came to the door, and seeing me, put his hand upon my shoulder and asked me if I had not worked upon the Temple. I said, “No sir,” but it seemed like passing a sentence upon my fondest hopes. He then asked if I had done nothing towards it. I then thought of a new gun I had earned and given as a donation, and of the brick I had helped to make. I said, “I did give often.” “I thought,” he said, “there was a blessing for you,” and he almost carried me to the stand. The Prophet blessed me, with a confirmation of all his father had sealed upon me, and many more also. I felt then that the Lord had respect for my great desire. Even to be the youngest and last to be blessed seemed to me a high privilege. When the Prophet had looked towards the door, I felt as though he would call for me, though I could not see how I had merited so high a privilege. But so it was, and my joy was full.  

  Benjamin Franklin Johnson was my great, great, grandfather.

I am loving family history and learning more about our ancestors.  It makes me realize how important it is that each of us assemble our own personal histories in whatever form it takes.  It will be a pricelss gift to your children and grandchildren ~ 

What matters most is what lasts forever, and our families are for eternity. (M. Russell Ballard) 

Love you all so very much - have a really great week! ❤

  This week, we have had a wonderful time in Arizona.  Adam did an amazing job of finding the perfect Airbnb for us to stay in, the food was delicious, and I especially enjoyed the time we had to visit.  During the past few days, I have thought a lot about the many families in Texas who have suffered such great losses over the last couple of weeks.  I know Heavenly Father is mindful of their heartache and sadness and will be a source of strength and comfort to them.  Our family has been so blessed through the years, but I hope each of us will remember that life's circumstances can change in an instant, and it will be our Savior who will stay by our side, He will bless us with His love, and help us to know peace.  Always be grateful to Heavenly Father, and remember to let Him know how thankful you are. ❤

 The sun was plentiful in Phoenix this week!  And it was HOT!!!  But we had fun - did a lot of pool time, reading our books, watching movies, and just relaxing.  For some reason, my body clock didn't love the change in time, so I was awake every morning around 6 a.m. (a couple of days it was earlier 😕.  However, I found that the best time for a morning swim. The pool water was warm - it felt like the therapy pool at Villa Sport - and afterwards I could read my scriptures or catch up on the news.  Later in the morning, when the kids crawled out of bed, they were in and out of the pool until bedtime.  

 One day, we went to the Arizona Mills - a huge outlet mall in Tempe, where we got in lots of "steps".  Kevin and I didn't do much shopping, but we did get a massage that felt so good, and Dad made a new best friend 😁.                                                                                                          

 

 Friday, we went back to the Arizona Mills -  some people (the guys)  just didn't get enough shopping done.  Kim and I went with Jake to a pet store where he found a miniature chocolate labradoodle that he fell in love with, though I don't know if the puppy loved us that much 😁 Puppy looks just a little bit scared ~

Then we drove to the Mesa Temple and toured the new visitors center.  We have family history in Mesa - my grandfather was born there, and my great, great grandfather was Benjamin Franklin Johnson, a friend of the prophet, Joseph Smith, who is buried in the city cemetery there.  

 Thanks to Grant and his long arms, we were able to fit everyone in the photo (except for Sammi and Lily, who stayed behind in the air-conditioned visitor's center ⛄. 

  

 We talked a little about trying to do another family get-together next summer before Paul leaves on his mission.  Chris suggested possibly going to San Diego (which I would vote for), but it is something to think about anyway, and maybe we could all start saving our pennies.  Let me know what other ideas you may have 

SOMEBODY GOT A NEW JOB!

 Angella sent me this photo of Ben, who, she says, is her new office assistant 😁.  She said he loves to come downstairs when she is working and "help take care of business".  

  ALSO - 

 Max starts his new job at the MTC on Tuesday, AND Eilis just has one class left to take, and then she will be a real-life shift manager at Canes.   

  You go guys!!!

 

 

And thanks to Eilis, once again, who came by the house, picked up our mail, and watered my plants while we were gone.  Kim, just so you know, my gardenia plant is still alive! (I know it's a miracle 😊)

KATE, JONATHAN, and SAYRE have been busy this week preparing for travel - Jonathan to Canada for the International Tombone Festival, and Kate and Sayre are heading to Colorado.  I am looking forward to a trip to the zoo, and of course, some shopping.  Kate sent me this great video of Sayre walking Clementine.  I can't believe how tall he is getting 

And as always, thanks so much for the Sunday Selfie!  I am loving it ❤.    

Chris flew into Phoenix Thursday evening, and he may or may not have been the focus of a few laughs😂 before he got there because he was so sad about leaving Ralphie with the dog trainer.  Someone (Adam) even had the temerity to create a photo of Ralphie dressed in prison garb, locked in a prison cell.

 To be honest, I felt the same way when we left Sendai with the vet.  It is so hard to leave them behind!

WELCOME TO MIKE AND BARBI ❤

 We love Mike and Barbi, and just in case you didn't know it, Mike always shares the best stories he has had from past experiences.  We were talking a couple of weeks ago, and I told him he should write a book.  He nixed that idea, but said he would send me one once a week.  So, I told him if he sent me a story once a week, I would put it in our blog and send them a link so they could join us.  

 Here is this week's story - 

 

Luella Finley Story - 

Luella was the Primary teacher for these children who drowned (see article below) and were members of the Linda Hmong branch.  Luella passed away a little more than 1 year after this drowning.  The following was related by Sister Polly Kempton, wife of Branch President Al Kempton.

The parents of Angie, Bee, and Svingdy were Nhao and Ka Yang.  Tou Lo, who also drowned, was Ka Yang's Brother and died attempting to save the children.  After Luella died, Polly went to visit Ka Yang to let her know about Luella, who had been close to the family.  Before she could inform Ka of Luella's passing, Ka related that the night before, she had had a dream.  In that dream, her children came to her and told her not to worry anymore; they told her, "Mommy, we are ok, Luella is with us now.”

3 Drown, 4th Missing in Feather River

L.A. Times Archives

June 26, 1992 12 AM PT

Times Wire Services

MARYSVILLE, Calif. — A man and two girls drowned in the Feather River, and an 11-year-old girl was missing and presumed drowned Thursday, authorities said.

Yuba County sheriff’s deputies identified the victims as Bee Vang, 13, Svingdy Yang, 12, and Tou Lo, 23. All three were from the small community of Linda.

Divers looked for Angie Lang, 11, the sister of Svingdy Yang, for more than three hours and planned to resume the search today.

This week, Mike and Barbi are on their way to Phoenix to visit friends who were missionaries in Marysville, and spending a couple of days in Sedona on their way down.  Have fun and stay safe!

LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!  HAVE A GREAT WEEK AND LET'S GO GET SOME ICE CREAM (OR GELATO). 

  HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!  This has always been one of my favorite holidays - it's summer and warm, and we are so blessed to live in the United States of America.  It is not perfect, but it was a nation created by men inspired and led by God, and we experience freedoms that many in the world do not.  

I hope you had a great week, celebrating the holiday with your families.  Angella celebrated the week by taking care of Ben, who got his tonsils and adenoids removed on July 1st.  He was pretty droopy at the hospital but didn't take him long to bounce back. 

There were a few moments of uncertainty about whether he would have to stay in the hospital overnight, but once his oxygen levels and heart rate were able to be maintained at a certain level, they sent him on his way.  

 Jonathan, Kate, and Sayre spent the week working (Kate and Jonathan), swimming, playing card games, and yesterday, bowling.  I think they also got to see some fireworks last night.  Kate took some family photos for a friend this week, and called shortly afterwards, looking a little bedraggled - she said it was so hot and humid.  (it reminded me a little of in the Work and the Glory when so many of the saints, just getting to Nauvoo,  came down with Malaria).  

 

 Next week, Jonathan heads to Canada for the International Trombone Festival, and Kate and Sayre are coming to Colorado for a short visit.  We are looking forward so much to spending time with them. 😄

 Adam took the kids up to the mountains this week for some ATV'ing/trail bike riding, and just had a few minor mishaps 😊 Everyone survived (even the ATV's), Lily came home with a scarred elbow, and Jake's bike needs a new part.  On the 4th, they found a spot for fireworks behind the new Ford Amphitheatre, a prime viewing location to see the shows.  

  As I am writing this, Adam, Cory, and kids are on their way to Arizona for a week of "fun in the sun.  See you soon!

 Kim sent me this photo this morning, reminding me that just a year ago we were attending Mass at St. Peter's Bacillica at the Vatican in Rome.  It was such an amazing experience.  

Chris just reminded me about how hot and humid it was, and we were so thirsty that we stopped at a McDonald's just outside Vatican City, where we got the best Cokes and some delicious cheese bread.  

ALSO, Max just got a new and better job at the MTC.  He is amazing and I know he will do great things!

Dad and I spent many days this week working in the backyard, and although we're not finished, it's looking much better.  On Thursday, I stayed with Helma, who was in the hospital, while her daughter, Donna, took some time for herself and got her hair done.  At one point, a technician came in and performed an echocardiogram.  It was an amazing perspective to see how the heart works and a testimony to me of the miracle in the creation of our bodies.  

We've also celebrated this week, watching The Patriot, Gettysburg, and 1776 - 😁

 As everyone knows, I am NOT a gardener, and most everything I plant eventually dies.  However, this summer I had these plants that started to grow - at first I thought they were weeds, but they looked like pretty weeds, so I didn't pull them out.  AND then they blossomed 😁!  I vaguely remember last year, planting some lilies (and of course they died), but they must be perennials, because they reappeared 🌼.  

 One last thought I wanted to share with you . . . 

 A couple of weeks ago, Jake was here and I asked him what his favorite Primary song was.  He said it is a song called "My Own Sacred Grove".  I had not heard of it before, so he sang a couple of the lines to me.  It still wasn't familiar, but today in our Primary, they began teaching it to our kids.  I love it and hope it will be included in our Primary program in the Fall - Please listen when you have a minute ❤

My Own Sacred Grove

"I will find my own Sacred Grove, away from the noise of the world.

I will turn to prayer, for I know He's there,

I will find my own Sacred Grove."

Primary really is the best place to be!

Dad and I are taking a break this week to spend a few days in Phoenix with whoever happens to show up. I am looking forward to NOT worrying about the house and yard, and spending lots of time reading, swimming, and visiting.  

LOVE YOU ALL SO, SO MUCH!