I don't know about your neck of the woods, but it has been so windy here this week!  Yesterday, Dad and I went to Denver for a meeting, and coming home, we realized the car was low on gas.  By that time, our only option was to take the Briargate Parkway exit, and we prayed ourselves to the Maverick on Research, where we literally drove in on fumes. 😳 Driving all the way home into a super strong headwind on the freeway really made a difference in our gas usage. Lesson learned. 😁  AND that wasn't the only exciting thing that happened yesterday . . . I decided to take Sendai for a walk before we left for Denver, so I got her leash, she was waiting by the door so excited to go, we walked outside together, down the steps, when we both realized at the same time that I still had her harness and leash in my hand, so of course, she took one look back at me and then trotted off down the street.  

Just as I was yelling for her, our mailman drove up and saw her down on the corner, so he continued to drive down to where she was (he usually does a U turn in front of our house to put the mail in the boxes), and got out of his van and enticed her over until she was close enough he could hold onto her collar.  Sendai LOVES our mailman, and every time we are out walking, and she sees a white van, she always has to pull me over just in case it might be him.  Yay, for the mailman!  He saved the day!

DO YOU KNOW WHAT A COO IS?  

Well, I didn't until this past Wednesday, when Emma picked up Ben and brought him over after school.  Angella had to go to Longmont for work, and Hollie had to go to work after school, so we got to have Ben for a couple of hours.  He played with the trains downstairs for a while, and then came upstairs and wanted some paper and a pencil so he could draw a coo.  He tried to explain it to me, but I wasn't getting it, so we finally looked it up on my phone and found that a coo is a Scottish cow

 He spent over an hour focused on copying this picture of a coo, and his finished product was amazing. I think we have a budding artist in the family. Oh, and also, he brought me some flowers ❤

 

Thanks, Ben! 😘

IT WAS A FASHION SHOW!

  Monday afternoon, Paul and Samantha stopped by. They had been shopping, actually, I think Sammi had been shoping and Paul was the Fashion Advisor. He is such a good sport and an amazing brother.  Sammi found some really cute things to take on their cruise over Spring Break - 

She found this outfit at Target, and some really nice shorts (not too short), and a couple of dresses from Altered States.  

SPEAKING OF PAUL  . . .  

He defied all of MY logic and took himself on a camping trip to Zion's National Park, leaving last Thursday. It was a long drive, and I worried that he was going alone, but he sent some photos back and reported to his Mom and Dad that he was having a great time.

 I am so happy he had fun, climbed, and hiked some trails that were new to him,  and visited a national park he had never been to before.  (I'm not too sure about the camping part, because I did hear rumors that there was Panda Express for dinner one night😁) 

IT'S THE FLU BUG. . .

We really hit the jackpot this week because we got to see so many of the grandchildren. Thursday and Friday, we got to have Jake with us because he had a case of the flu with a pretty persistent cough.  He was miserable on Thursday, but on Friday, he had perked up a little and thought that maybe some ice cream would feel good on his throat.  

ABSOLUTELY!  Because Ice Cream Cures Everything!!!

OFF TO PROVO TO MEET THE PARENTS . . .

Kim and Chris traveled to Provo this weekend to meet Amelia's parents.  Ameila works at Great Harvest Bread Company and Chris sent me this photo of their lunch one day - 

  If you look closely, you can see that their sandwiches are made with green bread - a little nod to St Patrick's Day.😃🍀

 It was a short trip for them, I think they were getting home today-

IT WAS A SPA WEEKEND . . .  for Kate 

For the last couple of years, Kate and her friend, Amanda, have spent a long weekend in a spa on Lake Genevea  (Wisconsin) to celebrate Amanda's birthday.  

 Kate looks so stress-free - I'm wondering how that might feel???

She is home for just a couple of days and then off to Atlanta for a conference. I'll be anxious to hear her tales of TSA and the government shutdown, and how that affected her travel.  Sure hope it won't be too bad!❤

AND, thank you for the Sunday Selfie!

FOLLOW HIM -

During the week or over the weekends, Dad and I really enjoy the Follow Him podcast, because they always have the best guests.  This week it was our friend, Brad Wilcox, and I love how he gets so passionate (sometimes dramatic) when trying to make a point. 

We listened to this yesterday on the way to Denver and I wanted to share a few thoughts from his talk about Joseph who was sold into slavery by his brothers, and cast into prison, but regardless of his circumstances, he always tried to what he knew would be right in the sight of the Lord. 

"One of the trials of this life is that we do not usually receive immediately the full blessing for righteousness or the full cursing for wickedness. That it will come, it is certain. But ofttimes, there is a waiting period that occurs, as was the case with Job and with Joseph. He said, He’s doing the right thing knowing that eventually he’ll be blessed, but it wasn’t right away. I think that too, he had to rely on, I know who I am. I know what I’m supposed to be. I’m in prison unjustly, but maybe knowing his identity helped him through that.

Notice that when Joseph is in prison, he interprets dreams for those who are there. I mean, nobody comes to him and says, “Hey, the Pharaoh wants to see you. ” He’s just serving the people around him, trying to do what he can to help them. Sometimes all of us are waiting for some, like we said at the beginning of this program, some calling, some assignment so that we can stand up and do something. Remember, I said since I’ve been released, I found out that callings end, but covenants don’t end. And he’s there in the prison keeping his covenants. Of course, God is guiding him. Of course, God is inspiring him. Not just when he’s talking to Pharaoh, but when he’s talking to a butler, when he’s talking to a baker, when he’s talking to men who are there with hope or without hope. He is serving where he is, keeping his covenants, even when it’s not in a very visual and important way."

"I love that both Moses and Enoch had this objection to being called, but I’m slow of speech, whatever that means. And the Lord doesn’t say, “You’re the best, you’re awesome.” He just says, “I’ll be with you.” Here we are again, the same promise. I will be right there. Then there we are at the sacrament table getting that same promise. We can always have him to be with us."

"When Debbie and I had the chance to be mission leaders 20 years ago, it was when Elder Holland was overseeing the work in Chile. We got to spend part of our mission working directly with him, and it was amazing to watch how he dealt with some really serious problems, some real serious issues and a lot of real serious pain. He was able to do that so well and with so much love and with so much compassion. One time he came and he spoke to our mission, he did a little Q&A. I’ll never forget when one of the missionaries who was going through some hard times, I knew about the hard times because I was his mission president. I knew about the hurt that he was feeling because family members were making choices that were breaking his heart. I knew about some of the personal challenges that he was facing."

" I knew about some of the rejection he’d faced and some of the things that people had said about him behind his back that weren’t true. I knew all of the pain that he was expressing in his question to Elder Holland, and he said, Why does it have to be so hard? I can’t even get one foot in front of the other. I can’t even deal with one issue before another one knocks me down. I can’t even share the gospel with one person before he rejects it. Why does it have to be so hard? Elder Holland said to him something that he said later when he spoke to missionaries in the MTC, but I heard him say it to my missionary. He said, How can we expect it to be easy for us when it was never easy for Christ?"

"Talk about undeserved suffering. How can we expect to be his disciples? How can we expect to claim to represent him if we haven’t taken a few steps toward Gethsemane. If we haven’t taken a few steps toward Calvary, if we haven’t wept at a tomb, how can we expect it to be easy for us when it was never easy for him? Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Yeah, sometimes he’s not gonna lead us through the green pastures. Sometimes he’s not gonna take us to still waters because green pastures and still waters are not always going to be the thing that can teach us and help us the most, but he will be with us. And if he can do what was so hard and so unfair, then he can help us do it too. Where he leads us, we can safely go."

LOVE YOU! ❤

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRANT 

What an amazing grandson! I have so many fond memories of Grant from when he was just little and climbing trees in Virginia, Grammie Camp, driver's training in the LHS parking lot, the Colosseum in Italy, painting my hallway ceiling, taking down the dusty stars on my bedroom ceiling, sweet text messages, and great hugs.  He is kind and thoughtful, and we couldn't love him more! Have a wonderful day ❤

WAY TO GO LILY!

 
   Lily scored a hat trick (3 goals), and had 3 assists in her soccer game last week.  Not only is she so talented, but she has the best coach ever . . .😁

Lily is the cute one 👉

HU HOT ANYONE???

  

 Last week, while Max and Amelia were here, we all went to Hu Hot for dinner. We haven't been there for ages, but it was really good!

  AND speaking of Max and Amelia, it looks like they spent some time this week with Levi and his fiancée in Provo.  I asked Levi if we could do anything for him last week, and he asked if his girlfriend could stay with us in April when she comes for a visit. 

Of Course!  The carpet should be all in, and (hopefully) the bathroom will be done.

SOCCER, SWIMMING, AND COLD STONE 

This past week, Sayre had his last indoor soccer game (he scored 2 goals), and is now taking swim lessons (my kind of guy- getting ready for summer), and got to celebrate it all at Cold Stone!

Who wants to help me critique all of the ice cream stores in Colorado Springs this summer? 😋🍦🍨

It's a job that needs to be done 😁

UPDATE ON SHANNON ~

Yesterday afternoon, Dad and I went to see Shannon.  She was very happy - talked a lot to Dad, laughed, and smiled constantly.  You can tell that she knows what she is thinking, but the words just come out in a jumble, and so we usually just nod and say "yes" or "I didn't know that", and she is satisfied she got her point across.  Early this morning, Dad received a phone call saying that sometime during the night, apparently Shannon fell and cut her chin. They took her to the emergency room, where she had six stitches put in.  We'll be going back to see her on Friday.  

SUNDAY SELFIES!

Thank you!  

          ❤

      

                                 ❤

PRIMARY LESSON

 I love the lesson we have been teaching in Primary this year centering on the Old Testament. We have talked about being peacemakers, bridge builders, and today we discussed kindness, and Heather had made these bracelets for our kids.  
 We have so many opportunities every day to be kind - even when we are tired, or hungry - it can make such a difference in the lives of others as well as ourselves.   

So this week, please remember to be kind 😄

        LOVE YOU ALL!

    

   HAPPY MARCH!  Such a great month and so many good things and great people to celebrate ~  Blowing out the birthday candles this month are Grant, Kim, and Ben - the first day of Spring is March 20th - Spring Break - Phantom of the Opera at the Buell Theatre - and finally, week #13 of American Government (that means the last of those "dang worksheets" 😁. 

    Seriously, March has always been a month of hope for me.  Working our way through the winter months, seeing more sun, and feeling more warmth.  I know General Conference is on the horizon, and Easter, and all that it means to me.  If you are tired and weary from Winter, just know that good things are to come. 🌸

  It has been so fun to have Max and Amelia here with us this week.  Paul has kept them busy with hiking, pickleball, laser tag, and lots of board games.  They leave tomorrow morning, but we hope they will come back again soon. We love you both ❤

 Adam smoked some delicious ribs for us tonight, and afterwards the "younger ones" cleared off the table and set up some games, while the "older ones" were on their phones 😂

Max's missionary companion, Levi, who is a Senior at the Air Force Academy, also joined us.  

 

 We don't get to see him too often either, but it is always a treat when we do, 😊

Friday, Jake didn't have school, so we got to spend some time with him.  He helped me do some last-minute pick-up before Max and Amelia came, and then we went on an adventure to find a roller park where he could practice his roller hockey skills.  We found a one really close by, and while Jake skated, I basked in sunshine and 64° temps.  Jake is amazing, and really, it was the best de-stressor ever! 🏒

Grandkids are the best, and Ben outdid himself this week with this ingenious invention - tacos made with a gyoza press 😃 .  That's right!  You lay part of a taco shell on the press, fill it with carnitas (you can add cheese if you want), fold it over and press - Voila - you have a mini taco ready to pop in your mouth.  For more detailed instructions, watch the video below 😂

Something I thought you might enjoy - 

  Mike is the most wonderful brother, and I have the fondest memories of when we were young, however, what I don't remember is how mischievous he was. I am so thankful that my mother was such an amazing letter-writer. Her letters are now treasures, and Ruthis was able to consolidate some of the letters she wrote to Francie when she was in her first year at BYU. Mike was born in 1956, and Francie was in her first year of college in 1960, so these are just a sampling of what Mike did to our Mom 😂

    Oct 5, 1960 - "Mike seems to be getting a cold tonight. He helped me wash the car today, then filled is wagon with water and climbed in. He was wet from head to toe, so if he has a cold, I won't be surprised. I told him I was going to write to you and asked him what he wanted me to tell you, and he said, "Tell her I'm a good boy" 😀

Oct 13, 1960 - "Today, I cleaned house really well, and while I was sweeping the kitchen, Mike went into his room to play, and by the time I got around to his room, there was a big puddle of water on the floor. He had poured water into his toy chest, for what reason I couldn't figure out, and everything in it was just soaked. I took it outside (it dripped all the way) and dumped everything in it on the grass to dry. While I was cleaning up his room, he came out in the kitchen and got out all the measuring cups and spoons and poured water in them, so half that floor was a big puddle too. So went the day - "

Oct 13, 1960 - "Tonight, when I took Mike to the bathroom before putting him to bed, he 'wet' in every direction, including straight up! On purpose! and thought it was a big joke". 😩

So glad he's all grown up, and Mom and Dad were always so very proud of him!  Yesterday, he sent me this podcast from BYU radio.  It is so interesting and so good. When you have a minute, click on this link -

Diving into History

Thank you, Angella, for a great Sunday Selfie!

What a week our world has had! Between the cartels and riots in Mexico, and the bombings in the Middle East, we realize the thin thread that can hold a government together.  It is so sad to me that the hostilities and absolute lack of tolerance people have for each other continues to grow.  My team teacher in Primary this year, Heather Clonninger, is amazing! I think she is best friends with everyone, not only in our Ward, but in our community as well.  She is also very liberal and doesn't hesitate to express her views.  Today, though, she was telling our class that she wants to be a "bridge-builder".  When she meets people that she knows have different ideologies from her, she says, "let's find something we do have in common", and that is the foundation of new relationships.  I love the idea that we shouldn't limit our friendships based on differences, but instead find a common ground - It doesn't mean our beliefs are any less relevant than theirs, it just means we can learn from and respect the ideas that are important to them.  

I think we should all be bridge-builders!  The Savior was probably the greatest example of this - He loved unconditionally and formed relationships with those who completely opposed him.  

This week, be a bridge builder ❤

 HAPPY SUNDAY TO EVERYONE!  

  Hope you all have had a great week, and it is so nice to end it on a sunny day - chilly, but sunny! 🌞

CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES TO PAUL ~      He got his mission call to the Washington Vancouver Mission.  It covers a portion of northern Oregon and part of western Washington.  He is so happy, and we are so excited for him.  

His mission call came on Tuesday, but he decided to wait until Thursday to share with family and friends (except for his Mom and Dad). We went suit shopping on Wednesday, and all I can say is that he is going to be one handsome Missionary ❤ He will be leaving the first week of August for the MTC. 

 LOOK WHO KIM GOT TO HAVE DINNER WITH TONIGHT 😁.  Mark and Diana Anderson lived behind us when we were stationed at Yokota.   Kim was their Number 1 babysitter, and she and Diana even went on a shopping trip to Korea together.  Currently, their daughter Emily lives in Chicago with her husband, who is in medical school.  How fun to connect with good friends from your past! 

IS ANYONE ELSE HAVING A HARD TIME believing we are heading into the last week of February?  We have had some lovely days that make me wonder if our Winter weather is going to show up in March.  I would like to say I hope not, but I know we need the moisture. ⛈

 

ANNYEONGHASEYO - (or hello from Korea)

    Chris left for a week-long trip to Korea on Wednesday.  Traveling with him is his sister, Heather, and together they are going to visit Julia (Chris's other sister) and her husband, Clint, who teaches at the International School in Seoul.  Clint and Julia will be moving to Japan over the summer as Clint has accepted an offer to teach at an International School in Tokyo. 

 

 Have fun, Chris, but please stay away from the fabric market, and anyone trying to sell you Chanel #5 😄

 

EILIS IS TAKING A BIG STEP and moving into an apartment this week with a friend from work.  

  They found a nice place that will be closer to her work, which will be better when the roads are snowy or icy.
  I am not a big fan of moving though - especially the packing. 

 I am hoping that because she will be closer, we will get to see her more often.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BARBI this past week!  What a fun person she is, and I wish I had just a quarter of her energy. She works, she sews, she grows vegetables, she is involved in community projects, she draws and paints and can build things, she works in the Temple, and takes Mike on super fun vacations - whew!  

  I love that she is part of our family! ❤

SUNDAY SELFIE FROM IOWA ❤

  Is Sayre so excited to be going to Church, or is he so happy to be going home? 😁😂😃❤

DAD AND I have kept busy this week with PT (Dad), working on school stuff, running errands, and doing some sorting and cleaning.  I have been helping out at Liberty High School while their Registrar is on leave to be home with her 6th grader, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  I can't imagine how hard it would be to have a child so ill.  I can't go in every day because of the class I am taking this term, but I have been able to go in 2 to 3 times and work just half days.  I am so grateful to be able to help.

I hope you will remember this week, that each day is truly a gift. Remember to appreciate all that you have.  Simplify your life - there are some things that just aren't that important. 

I absolutely love this quote from President Oaks that I came across this week - 

You have no idea what's shifting because you pray.  You think you're just whispering words in your car.  Just crying out in your closet.  Just mumbling through tears you can't explain. But in the spirit?  Angels are moving.  Chains are breaking.  Destinies are being realigned. 

Demons are losing ground.  Heaven is leaning in.  You're not just talking.  You're building altars that will outlive you.  You're interceding for bloodlines that don't even know they are being covered.  Prayer is not a soft option.  It is a supernatural strategy.

That's why the enemy fights it so hard.  That's why your phone buzzes when you kneel.  That's why your mind races when you try to focus. 

Prayer is the place of power.   So pray tired. Pray empty. Pray unsure. Just don't stop.  Because every time you pray, Heaven moves and history changes.

Dad and I love you, and we pray for each of you every day!