That Day When Calder Got Ordained

My absolute favorite picture from that day.  I still don't know how Justin did it, but this isn't photo shopped in any way.  He just caught it at the time when Calder was in the air! 

Sunday, January 18, 2025 in Provo, Utah.

I LOVE these Book Club Ladies!

 Simply - the Best of the BEST!

Tamy Oliver - her lovely home

Katrina Householder, Peggy Hrabar, Rachel Webb, Rachel Bills, Heather Smith, Loretta Allam.

And, yes, we actually did discuss the book, but we had a great time sharing some fun stories. 

 I feel so blessed to have these women in my life!  Thank you Heavenly Father.

Blessings All Around!

 Doris and I went to see Allison for her birthday yesterday.  Allison has been such a great blessing in my life, as has Doris.  After we visited with Allison, Doris asked me to come in and visit.  Which we did for quite awhile.

Then, this morning, I was set apart as a service missionary for the Family Search Virtual Records Operation Center.  

President swells gave me a beautiful blessing which I wish I could have written down.  

In the blessing he Said I should keep a record of the miracles and what is happening on my mission.  He blessed me that I would have temple experiences that were enhanced by this mission.  He said that I should SHARE my experiences with others.  He blessed me with good health and issues I have will not interfere with the mission.  I wish I could remember it all, it was very inspiring.

I FEEL BLESSED!   Thank you, Heavenly Father!

Sunday Night Craft Time with Jenni

 First she gave Allen a haircut, which absolutely looks professional.   

But then the good times roll in:

She's knitting, I'm crocheting.  And, boy, did she help me with my easy project.  Man, I'm hopeless and helpless.

Sunday nights are always a treat when Jenni shows up!  What a blessing to have her so close!  I'm grateful.

FUN Times Continue....

Sunday dinner at teh Ericsson home....great fun, good times, and delicious food.

Dozens of nativity sets were on display at the LDS Visitor's center.  But, the astounding thing is, they were from ONE LADY!  And, these were only 1/3 of them.  Oh, it was so delightful to go thru and peruse these amazing sets from all over the world.

One of the teeny tiny ones.  

The sister missionary's favorite one.  With Joseph tending the baby while Mary sleeps.  

Also on display were copies of stain-glassed panels from the Rome Temple.  There are dozens and dozens of significant details from the New Testament and the life of the Saviour.  It is marvelous.  It took the husband and wife three years to complete it.

Gigi and I were both inspired to see these remarkable and inspiring displays of people's talents.

The FUN Continues

Well, this is certainly true for ME! 

Jenni's incredible table setting for Allen's 85th birthday dinner; the Menu was amazing and I can't believe I didn't get a picture of the 7 layer salad, incredible meat, VERTS, potatoes, lemon curd dessert, and rolls that practically flew off the plate they were so light.  With Jenni's signature raspberry butter.

Here are both Bri and Daniel sampling the rolls.  One of the kids had FIVE rolls!  Man, they are so good.  Daniel was a big help getting ready for the dinner!  As was Janessa, of course.

These were the aperitifs.  I forgot to get one of the deviled eggs, but my goodness, this was a delectable table and holy cow drink!  Running on the television was a video of some highlights of Allen's 85 years.

Mike and Kristi Anderton wanted to meet up with us for dinner one night.  It was great fun!  We loved hearing more of Mike's stories.  He's such a great story teller.  Kristi shared with me some tender stories of her mother and family.  It was a GREAT memorable evening.

The Provo clan in Rexburg, Idaho.  Man, I love these folks.  They bring me great joy!

Merry Christmas to ALL!

 Quite an eventful holiday we are having.  And, it's not quite over yet; here are a few glimpses from the joyous times together.  Starting with a picture from the home front!

Thanks to Jessica and Charlie or Matt for putting this together.

Look at little 2 years Jaxon and 3 year old Bri.  So adorable for Christmas!

Is that a hug or something else?  HAHAH

Proud Stockton with his two adorable kids.

Look at that happy, proud mother?  She's the BEST!

Wonderful picture of Sean and his beautiful family.  They look so good.

Nathaniel and Garnder and families came for a visit; three cousins got the exact same dress from Santa Claus!

This is from a year ago.  I have no idea why Jeremy happened to be here around Christmas, but I'll take him anytime.

I love my family..

And one last look at what the holiday brought to us:

2 turtles from Gigi, homemade caramels from Kristi, healthy chocolate bars from Kristi, Ethel M Chcolates - each one of us a box from Daniel and Janessa, Home-made toffee from Jordan, See's chocolates - hand picked for Loni and Allen, Gerhart chocolates from Virginia from Jordan, 2 truffles from Tom and Susie, chocolates from Stephanie Gee, chocolate covered cherries form Gav & Libby, Ferrero chocolate from Gigi.

Please note: this does NOT include any of the many cookies, cakes, sweet breads, cinnamon rolls, more cookies that we got from friends and neighbors.  

So, here you see WHY we can NEVER lose any weight.