For My Ears Only

We had been to the temple to do baptisms.  We had done it for one year the year before.  But, now we didn't get to do it because I was not part of THAT group.  SO, I suggested that we go....the two sisters and me.  And, of course, that meant a trip to FIZZ afterwards. 

She was getting out of the car.  She didn't say thank you.  She didn't say let's do it again.  She simply said quickly before she slammed the door, "Loni, you are my favorite person in the world."

Well, of course that isn't true, by any means.  She has a great mother, marvelous father, a sister that she is so close to, friends, other family.

But, what I think it means is that: I LISTEN to her chatter.  I ASK her questions about her life.  I COMPLIMENT her and BUILD her up.

I'm the only one who will ever know she said this, and I realize it's a 13 year old girl who is impressionable, and silly, and talkative, and a delightful chatterer, but  it was good for my soul.  

And so I say, "Thank you Heavenly Father, for that calling in the YW which allowed me to get to meet and be with these young girls for a year out of my life.  It meant everything to me."

And, thank you, Kenzie, for that brief moment in my life.

The Latest Happenings

Kristi with her poker friends enjoying BIG HAT time.  Look how cute she looks.
 

I've always wanted a picture of me in the RED chair, but not much of the chair is showing. 

 I'll try again another time.

It was so fun to go watch Calder play ball.  He's a good base stealer and he's also about the littlest kid on the team.  And, also the CUTEST!

Look at this lovely real estate PERSON.  It's Janessa and she's got a great resume!  Good luck to her!

Death of a Friend.....

 Estella Wilkes was an incredible lady; a Saint.  A lover of beauty and fun and her family and HER Saviour..  I was so inspired by her in every way and at every turn.  

I'm so very grateful that she is in the arms of her dear husband, Robert Wilkes, who was as good as a man can possibly get.  I loved living by them.  What a great blessing.  

I'm not sure when this picture was taken, BUT, Kristi was taking piano lessons from Alison - back row, and this was probably her first recital.  Four of the Wilkes kids are there, 3 Hackworth kids, and Jan Peterson.  I love this look at the past.

 

I will always be grateful for the influence of Estella in my life.  Thank you Heavenly Father.

Oh, the IRONY of TERMINATION!

 Allen and I have both been terminated from AMAZON...

Me, for a review saying Adolph Hitler was an evil dictator.  (Several years ago!)

Allen for having a specific car logo on his word search travel books on Saturday, June 13, 2026.  It has been a cut to the heart.

But, that's the way of big business.  

I tried unsuccessfully to fight over a period of months.  Allen has fought it over a couple of days.

Neither has had success. So be it.

END of our Amazon reviews, and word search books.  Great while it lasted, but as they say,

ALL good things must come to an end.

A Weekend of Events that Were Eventful.

 Just had a shirt made up honoring Hack's Grocery.  LOVE it!

On Saturday, we went thru the St George Temple with Aspen, who is headed to North Carolina on her mission at the end of October.

Then on Sunday, Jenni hosted us for an incredible meal - as usual.  WOW!  It was so delicious and lovely.  Afterwards, we sat around and talked and shared a favorite memory from last year.  It was joyful!

I feel so richly blessed with wonderful families.  Such joy in living.

FIFTY YEARS AGO! The Teton Dam Bursts!

 

The people were so resilient and filled with faith.  They just dug in and WORKED.  They did not exploit or cheat when asked to fill out the paperwork for compensation.

It was an amazing testimony to me of the goodness of people.....and the church.

There is Beauty All Around....

 ..our yard.....