Hearing our progeny give talks

We LOVE the opportunity to hear our descendants give talks.

Last Sunday we went to Ken's ward to hear him speak. He was the main speaker and spoke on retaining a change of heart. He likened it to entropy where things tend to become disorganized or disordered without constant care. Our testimony needs constant nourishing through prayer and scripture study to stay strong. He said when you're feeling down to remember how you felt when your testimony was at it's strongest and it will lift you up. His talk was well prepared and delivered in an engaging manner.

Today we went the student ward to hear Em speak. She spoke on what members should know. Baptism is the beginning. She recalled hers on July 4th, 1998. It's like "toeing" for the race. But you must finish the race and not stop in the middle. She talked about the Holy Ghost who is like a cheer leader helping you along the way. She talked about the ward family, no matter where you go that will help you. She talked about enjoying the journey and enduring to the end. She was cheerful, friendly, and also engaging.

Looking for a good book?

You know how when you find an author you like, you want to read every book they've ever written? That's happening to me. Sheryl and Eldon also like this author--Lynn Austin. Fortunately she's written many books! Her books are historical in nature so you learn about the time period she writes about while you're enjoying a good story.

1. A Proper Pursuit. This was a Book Club book so it was my introduction to Lynn Austin. It was set in Chicago at the time of the World's Fair. The heroine goes to Chicago to stay with her grandmother and three great aunts. They each have a different viewpoint towards marriage. And she meets four possible choices (each very different) for marriage. It was interesting to see what a marriageable young maiden of that era did to find a husband, versus today! I loved it.

2. Until We Reach Home. This is about three sisters from Sweden who immigrate after their parents die. They have some struggles getting through Ellis Island and finding out their uncle had arranged marriages for them (to pay their fare). But they manage to come out on top. It makes you appreciate what our ancestors went through.

3. A Woman's Place. Four very different women become friends when they go to work at a factory during wartime. Each one overcomes trials and has adventures.

4. All She Ever Wanted. To help her rebellious teenage daughter, a woman visits her past.

5. Eve's Daughters. The stories of four generations of women in a family and how their decisions affect the generations on down.

6. Hidden Places. About a widow trying to run an orchard during the depression. It was made into a Hallmark movie that wasn't nearly as good as the book.

7. Though Waters Roar. Flashbacks to prohibition days to Grandma Bebe. Lots of action!

8. Wings of Refuge. I haven't read this yet as Eldon has appropriated it. He says it's about an archeologist in Israel and it flashes back to the time period they're digging up!

She also wrote a series about King Hezekiah in the Old Testament. Sheryl really liked it. I've just started it and I'm not so sure.

She also wrote a trilogy about the Civil War which I think Eldon will love--Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, and A Light to My Path.

Happy reading!

Scripture Mastery

We were so proud of Rachel. They had 2 rounds of memorization where students recited scriptures from memory. The first round they got to choose their own. Rachel was first. She chose a long hard one about procrastination. Most of the other kids chose "Adam fell that men might be and men are that they might have joy." For the second round the leader chose the scripture at random. There were two winners--Rachel Olsen and Rachel Egan!

Rachel's class took 2nd place I think in the chasing. It was fun to watch.

Our first ever stay in a beach house

Brenda has some friends who loaned her the use of their beach house in Lincoln City for the weekend. It's a cute A-frame perched on the side of a hill with a magnificent view of the ocean and a short (but steep) walk down to the beach. It's a peaceful setting and we enjoyed our time there.
















We drove over after our shift at the temple on Friday in time for a colorful sunset. On Saturday there was the obligatory long walk on the beach, followed by a trip to the mall and Mo's.

Mac Forest Run

Neil and all of his kids except Zachary came up for the Mac Forest 50K Run. It was fun to have them visit.

After running the race 5 times, Neil finally came in first place! He earned a mug and $50. The pictures show him coming in to the finish and then crossing the line. There were almost 240 people entered in the race. We were mighty proud.

 

The finish was at the forestry cabin. Erik had fun climbing on the big wheel.

Some after race pictures with the family:

 

 

Emily made up a song and the girls sang it to him at the finish:

Visit to the Dodge Ranch

We spent a few days in Bend. The teens (Jessica, Jason, and their cousin Meryl) were preparing for the Prom. We made a vest for Jason to wear. He'll have a red shirt and a black bow tie and his date, Savannah will wear red.

Jessica bought her own dress. She's going with a friend named Justin who seems very nice. He's a senior and wants to study mechanical engineering. We also made corsages and boutonnieres.

Dad worked in the yard. I cleaned the fridge and stove. Curtis did lots of cleaning because he was earning money for another singing fish for his astonishing collection!

Nancy Johnson's final recital

A lot of Nancy's former students and their parents came to bid her farewell. Julie Tucker put together some wonderful memory books for her. She was a good mentor to our children, mainly because she loved them. She was genuinely interested in them and would take time to chat with them. She was enthusiastic and flamboyant. And she taught them to love playing the piano.

She looked beautiful today. We will all miss her.