Christmas 2015

 There is no snow and very mild temperatures.  There are coughing people all around in my family, with me probably the biggest offender, yet Christmas is here.  We had planned to go as an extended family to Birch Hill Health Care Facility to sing to the residents.  With all of the illness we've had, I decided it was probably not a good idea to possible infect those elderly people.

Instead we stayed home and ate delicious food and watched The Nativity Story on DVD.  We sang a little and the children acted out the Nativity while Papa read the story from Luke 2.  Our children did their gift exchange.  I believe they were all happy with what they found for one another. I had the grandchildren open their books from Pat and I.  I know they were all happy with those!

Jeff had to work on Christmas day so we had him open his gifts on Christmas Eve.  He typically comes home from work exhausted and goes to bed shortly thereafter.

Christmas morning brought gifts for all of us.  Everyone seemed pleased with the things we picked out for them.  Dinner was being prepared when Elder Pleshek phoned to say he would be calling via Skype at noon.  We called all the girls and told them he was calling.  Sammi and Erin had gone to Shawano to pick up Bonny.

The children got a sibling photo.  I love it!  I think I will blow it up and have it framed.  We had a wonderful time visiting with our missionary!  It is absolutely the BEST part of Christmas!

Not to take anything away from our other children, but being able to speak to our missionary is the best feeling in the world for me.  I recall Sammi's call home.  We were on Skype forever, it seemed. It was wonderful to see her beautiful face and hear her voice.

Two phone calls per year makes a mother's heart yearn for her child no matter what his age.  He is loving the missionary life which makes it all the better.  

My sweetheart again went way overboard in buying gifts for me.  More jewelry, which I love, as well as a new robe.  Wow, is that thing heavy!  It's white so I know it will be laundered often.  I paid for my sweetie to buy himself a new recliner.  The kids got us a wood carved raccoon.  I love that as well.  He's so cute.  

On Wednesday we had some picture texts of Andrew sent to us.  Those make me emotional.  People send them and tell us of the love they have for our son.  They compliment us on raising such a fine individual.  There is no way to explain how much I appreciate those random text messages.  My heart is filled each time we receive one.  

Christmas 2015 is now in the past, but the spirit of love that I feel continues.  Erin will go back to Provo on Monday and that makes me sad.  I wish she lived closer.  Life continues.  I am so very blessed to have these wonderful people as my family!  I am blessed to know that my Savior was born and lived a perfect life so He could atone for me.   Once again, My cup runneth over.

Winter?

What a strange weather we have.  It should be somewhere around freezing and there should be snow on the ground.  Over the past week we have had record breaking warm temperatures in the 50's.  It began raining on Saturday night and it rained steady through all of Sunday and it finally has slowed/stopped today (Monday). 

Lake Pleshek has once again reared its head.  The lower lawn is flooded which always means there is water in my basement.  I've never had water in the basement in December.  There is a blessing in all of this.  If the ground was frozen, all this water would be just sitting rather than soaking in.  But, I do need the ground to freeze so the truckers can get into the woods and bring some wood into the mill. 

It's strange now that I think about the weather and how it affects the truckers that bring wood into the mill.  I still don't know how I feel about being a business owner. 

There are cooler temps forecast for later this week.  Hopefully the lake will be gone by then.  At any rate, as much as I love this warm weather, I'm ready for winter to get here.  It can stay long enough to kill off all the germs and viruses in the air.  I wonder, with these mild temperatures, are the bears hibernating?

Manna Part 2

As I was thinking about the miracle of manna I discovered that the symbolism can go even deeper. As I study and ponder the scriptures, a miracle can occur within me.  Perhaps that miracle will be a mighty change of heart or perhaps an increase in charity.  Whatever it is, the miracle that happened each week on the Sabbath for the children of Israel can happen for each of us too.  I believe that the focus on Sabbath day activities and our observance of it, can be the miracle in our lives.  We have recently been instructed by the Quorum of the Twelve through our local leaders that observance of the Sabbath will bring us closer to the Savior.  What a miracle to feel His love more deeply and understand His atonement better!  Apparently, our miracles aren't so different from those of ancient Israel.  Each Sabbath can be a miracle!

Manna

This week I taught a lesson about the Lord providing Manna to the children of Israel.  I learned some very interesting things as I prepared to teach this lesson.  As with most things, the Lord gives us principles through symbolism.  Manna was to physically feed the people each day.  He could easily have given it once or twice a week but instead gave it every day except the Sabbath.

I learned several things.  First of all, the Lord provided manna every day because he wanted the children of Israel to remember Him every single day.  He wanted them to see His hand in their daily lives by providing for the physical needs.

Secondly, He gave an example of just how important the Sabbath is by providing a miracle each seventh day.  They couldn't gather more than they would use in a day or it would become wormy and stinky.  But, on the sixth day, they were instructed to gather and prepare enough to be used for two days.  How many people didn't listen?  I wonder.  But, I'll bet it only took one time going hungry before they followed the counsel of their prophet, Moses.  The manna never went bad on the Sabbath.

Thirdly, we each need spiritual sustenance each and every day.  Wasn't the miracle of the manna appearing every day a way for the Lord to show us that we need Him every day as well?  We need to immerse ourselves in the scriptures and give thanks through prayer each day.  One day a week is not enough! Going to church on Sunday is wonderful and uplifting and I enjoy it very much.  But I've learned over the years that it is not enough.  I told the youth that this concept reminds me very much of the 10 virgins parable.  Drops are added to our supply each time we pray, read or ponder the scriptures.  I would be in tough shape if the only drops I added were on Sundays.

The following is a quote by Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the quorum of the twelve apostles.

“By providing a daily sustenance, one day at a time, Jehovah was trying to teach faith to a nation that over a period of some 400 years had lost much of the faith of their fathers. He was teaching them to trust Him, to ‘look unto [Him] in every thought; doubt not, fear not’ (D&C 6:36). He was providing enough for one day at a time. Except for the sixth day, they could not store manna for use in any succeeding day or days. In essence, the children of Israel had to walk with Him today and trust that He would grant a sufficient amount of food for the next day on the next day, and so on. In that way He could never be too far from their minds and hearts.” 

I love the insights I received as I studied these things on Tuesday night. Seminary has indeed blessed my life more than I could ever imagined.  If people only knew just how blessed they would be and how much they would learn by fulfilling this calling, they would line up outside the bishop's door to volunteer.  Yes, it is held early in the morning.  I was never a morning person.  It took me a couple of years to become a morning person.  Yes, it requires significant study.  But, shouldn't we be studying every day anyway?  I don't spend hours in preparing a lesson.  Yes, sometimes the teenagers ask questions that I may not be able to answer.  I will miss being with the youth each day once I am released.  But, I will cherish the many years I have had the privilege of doing this.  I don't know how much I bless the lives of my students, but they bless mine and I love them!

Freeze it Here...For Now...Or Maybe Not

I remember being a young mother and thinking at different times, "I'd like to freeze my family right where they are."  It was times when things weren't necessarily smoother, but my children were all at ages that I could enjoy.  I love a newborn.  For a short time.  Then I want them to be older so they smile or coo but still snuggle.  I love the age where the child is in discovery mode.  I loved having children who were a bit older and could assist with the younger ones.  I loved the age when we could talk about important things or just have fun together.  I adored the teenage years.  Most people dread them, but I loved them most of all.  My teenagers were people who talked to me about choices and decisions.  There were several times that I felt I just wanted to freeze them in time so they wouldn't grow up.

Now all my children are adults.  I don't want to freeze them in time anymore.  In fact, they've become more than just my children.  They've become my friends and the people I want to spend time with.  I do love my life at this point with being a mother and a Nana.  I still am Mom to Tom, Erin and Andrew.  They still want me around and ask my advice.  Clare and Sammi are mothers to their own children but they still ask advice as well. I love being a missionary mom.  Although, in just eight short months that will end.  I love that we can talk about both temporal and spiritual things.

I'm Nana to my precious grandchildren.  I'm loving the ages they are.  Cami is old enough to talk to. She's growing up way too fast.  Adam loves to tell me things and show me things that are of interest to him.  Brock just loves to hang out with me and be my buddy.  Evie, well, she's in a league of her own.  She's so imaginative.  I love that some days she is a "chick" and other days a "honey."  Butchy is such a smiley little nugget.  Each has their own distinctive personality and I love them all so, so much!

I love my life with my sweetheart.  We can take time to go out on dates or plan a weekend away.  I love serving at his side while he is the stake president.  I don't go with him very often, but I love to be the silent support system for him.  I've seen the growth but more important, I've seen the love that he has for people.  I love that we are able to attend the temple each month together.

My years teaching seminary are so precious to me.  I love the youth that I've been able to serve.  I've found that I love the scriptures in ways that I never would have known if I hadn't had this sacred opportunity. 

Do I really want to freeze my life in time anymore?  Nope.  I look forward to whatever the good Lord has in store for me.  I look forward to opportunities that may come my/our way.  Life is grand and I love it!

My Pumpkin

 What do these two pictures have in common?

They are both "Punkins."

About a week or so ago, I called Evie, "Punkin."  She has not forgotten that.  She tells people that she is Nana's Punkin.  In fact, she has self proclaimed herself, "Nana's favorite punkin."

Prior to that I called her "Chickadoo" out of the blue and she told everyone that she was a chickadoo.  She has been so fun to have in our home.  

Noah's Ark

Seminary has begun and we are now in our 5th week.  Last week we studied Noah's story about the Ark and the animals and the wickedness of the people who were killed in the flood.  As I drove to church that Thursday morning, I noticed the sky.  It was so beautiful!  I was glad I had my camera to capture the beauty I was witnessing.

After we read a bit about how big the Ark measured, we did the math.  450' long x 75' wide and 45' tall.  That makes it as high as our church building, as wide as the parking lot plus the sidewalk and as long as two parking lots.

 While some of the youth did the measuring, others were creating the animals that would come along on the journey.  Syd drawing flamingos, I think.

 The entire group, minus Neal.

 A flurry of activity in creating animals.

 Crista's butterfly.

 Emma's pair of giraffes.

 Mackenzie and Tiana with Alyssa at the unseen end measuring "around the corner" so we could get a visual of just how long this vessel was.

Savana's pig.  Not certain what Meckenzie drew.  I think a pair of bears.

At any rate, it was so much fun having them outside and doing something practical and enjoying the experience.  A classroom is a great way to learn things but at times it is more practical to get off the chair and actually do it.  I think this is a lesson that they will not forget!

Amazing youth whom I am blessed to spend my mornings with.

Time

I've found that time stand still for no one.  My dad has been gone for over a year already.  Where has the time gone?  Wasn't it just yesterday that we were dealing with doctor appointments and wondering what was going on?  Didn't we just get that horrible diagnosis?

Andrew will be home in about nine months from serving a two year mission.  Where has that time gone?  Didn't he just finish high school?  Didn't we just drop him off at the Missionary Training Center? 

Little Butchy is already 6 months old.  Wasn't he just born last month?  How about Cami?  She is in 3rd grade.  THIRD GRADE!!!  Am I old enough to have an eight year old granddaughter? 

I see a few leaves beginning to change their colors.  I see gardens winding down and the bounteous harvests.  Wasn't it just yesterday that we were wishing the snow would melt?

I began teaching my eighth year of seminary.  Eight years!  How can that be?  I am not a morning person!  I can't do that!  It has been a joy and an absolute privilege to be with these marvelous youth in the mornings.  But eight years?

My husband has been the stake president for 8 1/2 years.  What?  Wasn't he just called? 

Time is a precious commodity that there never seems to be enough of.  And yet, for those people who while away the hours because they can't do for themselves any longer, it seems that time is all they have.  Too much time. 

As I think about my loved ones who have passed, there is never enough time.  There's always the wish for one more day or one more hug or one more "I love you." 

With that thought, I am absolutely grateful for the knowledge of eternity.  The knowledge that families can be together forever.  That marriage is not just until death do us part.  God is in control.  Of that I am certain. 

I understand more than ever that LOVE is spelled T-I-M-E.  What greater gift can we give those whom we love than to spend time with them?

Just What We Do

Sammi and Jeff lived in Provo when they first got married.  Following his graduation from BYU, they moved to Muscatine, Iowa so he could attend nursing school.  He graduated last Friday.  He has a job in Oshkosh beginning in a few weeks.  In order to pay down some student loans as well as save money for his next phase of schooling, they have moved in with us.

We've done this before with the Gourleys.  That probably was a little tougher since we had so many people still living at home.  This time, it is just Pat, Tom and I.  It will all work out and we are glad that we can help.

When the day comes that they move into their own place, my husband will say, "I miss my baby."  He loves having the grandkids here.  He has Evelyn here to snuggle and spoil every single day.

People ask about the changing dynamic in a home when adult children move in with their children.  I always say, "Its just what we do."  I'm thankful we can.

Jinny

When I was a young woman, aged 14-17, I made some wonderful friends because of Girl's Camp.  As with most people, we graduated from high school and lose touch with one another. 

Last year, Dave Robertson called me and asked me if I knew a woman named Jinny.  I told him I knew her from my youth.  He was in contact with her as he was the Branch President in Sturgeon Bay and she was living in the area.

In July, Jinny's son came home from his mission.  I really wanted to go along to Wausau when he was being released so I could see her.  She was invited to come back to church and accepted that invitation.  I went to Wausau that Sunday so I could go to church with her.  She felt at home with the saints there. 

Today I attended her baptism.  It was glorious!

Below is a picture of some of those beautiful women whom I knew from my youth.

Happy rebirth Jinny!

Traditions

I love traditions.  When I think about my own, I don't feel like I have very many.  I love having my family around on Christmas but understand that there are other sides of the family that feel the same way.

When my children were young, we lived next door to my aunt and uncle.  She had all her grandchildren over once a year for a camp out.  They would set up the tent and all sleep together. I had the same thought this week.  I love camping and want to share this with my grandchildren.  So, yesterday we set  up our new tent that has never been used and camped out.  I was a bit chilly and Evie doesn't like to stay in her sleeping bag, so I was up a few times in the night to make sure she was covered.  Somewhere before it was light, Brock was stirring.  I checked on him and found him completely outside his bag and huddles under his "blank."  I inserted him back into his sleeping bag and wrapped him in his blankie.

Adam surely didn't get cold.  He is the green blob.  He wraps himself tight even when it's too warm to do so.  Cami and her friend Grace had warm bags and never stirred.  I did hear some sort of howling in the night.  It sounded like a pack of wild critters.  There were dogs barking as well so I know whatever it was, it woke the neighbor's dogs.  That always makes me a little nervous.

We began another tradition this summer and that was taking them all to Bay Beach in the evening. We went out for dinner and then spent $40 on tickets.  We weren't there that long, but we never had to wait in line for any rides either.  It was fun watching the kids enjoy themselves.

I will probably come up with some others in the coming years as the grandchildren get older, but I don't want Cami to miss out so I have to start things now.  Family is Everything!!!

U.P. Tour 2015

 For several years, I have been going with my husband in August to the U.P. as he does some work there.  We spend the night and I help with whatever I am able to do.  We didn't get to go last year due to my father's illness and need for care.  We got to go again this year.  We didn't go to all the buildings like usual though.  There was a lot of work to be accomplished in both Houghton and Iron Mountain so that's where we spent our time.

We try to do some fun things while there and this year we did some new things not done before.  The pictures are not in chronological order.  On Friday night we stayed just outside of Iron Mountain where they have a ski jump.  There are 500 stairs if a person wants to climb to the top of the mountain.  We climbed them all.  Each step is sponsored by someone or dedicated to someone.

The Steve Mariucci Family sponsored this step.  There was another plaque on the other side of this stair with Steve's parents included.

 This is Dave's Falls county park here in Wisconsin.  It is a beautiful park!

 This is a view of the stairs on our way down.  It appears in two separate places that the stairs just fall off into nothingness.  Of course on the way up, it appears that the stairs just end when in all actuality, when you get closer, you can see there are a lot more to go.

 Back to Dave Falls.  This park is dedicated to Dave Frechette who died trying to clear a log jam back in the 1800's.

 On Thursday night we stayed on the shores of Lake Superior at Sunset Bay campground.  At night you can see the ships coming across the lake as they are lit up.  This is really how well you can see them.  I was sitting in my camp chair as I snapped this photo.

 A view of the ski jump from the road.  On the right side are the stairs.  A jumper can get going as fast as 50-60 mph by the time they hit the end of the jump.  I cannot imagine landing on the snow further down that hill going that fast.

I took this photo to show the vastness of Lake Superior.  I believe Pat said he could touch the bottom.  He is just plain nuts to even want to try going into that frigid water.  I recall doing it as a kid, but then I can blame the fact that I was a kid.

 In Iron Mountain there was work to be done.  One of my jobs was to organize and plant some shrubs outside the building as there were two General Authorities coming on Saturday to do some training with the bishops and high councilors of the Green Bay Stake.  I picked out the tall yellow flowers.  Other than that, my husband picked the plants.  I just busted my behind to get them planted and spaced.

While we were standing on the actual ski jump about a quarter of the way up, we took a selfie.  We took one in the opposite direction as well, but we look not so great.  I had a great time and even though my calves are sore today from that climb yesterday, it was fun.  It was also exhausting!  We had to stop a couple of times in order to catch our breath.  My heart was pounding pretty hard.  What a cardio workout!  We met several people on their way down as we were headed up.  Steep, steep stairs for most of the way.  Another fun few days with my sweetheart!

Random Thoughts

I cannot express how much I enjoyed NOT coaching the track team this year.  I was able to go to see them compete and even work at several meets.  I didn't have to endure the cold and wind and whining.

At times I miss my dad.  Mostly his tender touch.  But, I'm happy he isn't trapped in that body that didn't work anymore.

I LOVE my seminary class!  I look forward to another year teaching but wonder how much longer this calling with last.  Old Testament, here we come!

Sometimes I would rather do my own thing.  But I'm obedient.  I guess that's a good thing!

I'm excited for three nieces to get married this fall!

Little Butchy's smile and giggles melts my heart.

I love being Nana.  I still love being Mom too.

I still love playing volleyball.  It was fun to be able to play a few times over the summer.

I've got myself certified to officiate volleyball once again.  Lots of Jr. High games the fall.

I love a clean house!

Girl's camp was so relaxed this year.  I loved the feeling that was there.

Seeing an old friend come back to church after 30+ years warms my heart.

Being the mom of a missionary is so great!  I love Monday emails.  Andrew is really maturing in his testimony.  Perhaps not so much as a person.  He's still the same goofy guy according to the pictures he sends.

I LOVE what we did in our livingroom.  The stairwell and hallway are brightened and I love that too. Our bedroom is absolutely gorgeous as well.  It is amazing what paint can do.

Getting away with my husband it a welcome treat.

I have loved attending the temple monthly for all these years.

Getting the opportunity to meet general authorities has been my pleasure over the past 8+ years.  I will miss it.  They bring such a great spirit with them.

Being able to sustain my bishop, stake president, prophet and apostles is a privilege.

I've come to LOVE the Sabbath Day.  I need to make it even more of a special day in which there is much delight.

Sammi and Jeff and Evie moving here makes my heart happy.

I love paying tithing!

Escorting Erin through the temple was a highlight of my year!  It is an honor to be her mother.

I enjoy sharing the Bat Cave with Cheryl.  I'm blessed to have her as my friend.  I will miss those times if they never happen again.

I am truly blessed in so many ways.  I find joy in the fact that I can love life.  There are many people who are more apt to complain.  My glass is never half full, it is overflowing constantly.  Even with the events of the past year, most especially the death of both of our fathers, we have more than we could ever express gratitude for.  Find joy in the journey of this life!

Nauvoo 2015

Shortly after school was out we had our Youth Conference in Nauvoo.  Pat and I took Tom and drove in our own vehicle so we could get everything ready for the youth to arrive.  We cleaned the lodge and unpacked food with the help of the Jaquiths.  We had some very humid, hot weather which was unusual for us during the second week of June.

On Wednesday night we saw the Young Ambassadors after we watched the Sunset show.  It was cut short due to a lightning storm.  They do two shows.  We saw the Tuesday night show and it was far superior to what our kids saw.

Thursday morning brought the handcart trek.  I think most of the youth had a great time.  We had a young woman in our group who just wanted to race through the trek.  She left such a bad taste in my mouth.  She's normally such a fun, happy, upbeat person, but not on this day.  I was ready to hog tie her and leave her for some other group to rescue.  We did our typical vignette about having the baby die.  That touched many hearts in each of the groups.  The kids then had the rest of the afternoon to go see whatever sites they wanted.  We met at the visitor's center at 4 to watch The Promise performed by the young performing missionaries.  That was so much fun!  It's the first time I have sat through that show and had the audience respond with cheers and "aww".  Many of the youth went back to see the Young Ambassadors in the evening.  They agreed that the show was eons better.

Friday was our spiritual day.  Half of the group went to the temple in the morning while the other half went to Carthage.  After meeting up for lunch, we switched places.  In the end, we all met back at the campground lodge for testimony meeting.  A very good meeting.  Hearts were touched because of this place.  Exactly what we hoped for.  A dance with the Rockford stake in the evening.  The Wagners took the five 13-year-olds down the Trail of Hope.  There were several vignettes performed there.  It was awesome.  The Spirit was strong.

Saturday was simply pack up and go home.  A wonderful time was had by all I'm sure.  Except maybe Ivan.  He was part of the cooking crew and wasn't any too happy about it.  He missed his bed.

Part 2
Two days following Pete's passing, we had planned to go to Nauvoo to see the Bradys in the pageants.  Lolly said it was alright to take Tom and go so we did.  Again it was extremely hot and humid.  It also rained quite a bit.  It was great to see the Bradys.  Even more fun to see them on stage.

We were able to go to the temple a couple of times which I always love.  The Nauvoo temple is a special place for me.  All temples are for the same ordinances, but this one just feels different. Perhaps it is because over the years we put our labor into helping to clean it.  I've had some wonderful experiences doing that.  Anyway, it was good to get away and get recharged and ready for Pete's funeral.

Pete Talkin'

 Clare's four generation picture with Butchy.

 Sammi's four generation picture.

 The month of July brought a fast downhill slide for my father-in-law.  He was doing a lot more sleeping and was confused a lot.  As we met with the hospice nurse she confirmed what I already knew.  The end was coming.  On Tuesday, July 14th, I was working at the mill.  Patrick called and said he was headed over to his Dad's as his breathing had changed.  He was too late.  The change in breathing signaled the end of his life in short order.

We spent some time together as a family at Lolly's.  On Saturday evening we met with Father Mac to plan the funeral service.  Patrick had asked Lolly if he could say a few things on behalf of the family. She agreed.  By the time we were done planning, Patrick was the last to speak before we left the church.  It was awesome!  He talked about things he learned from his dad.  Both spoken and unspoken.  He talked about how Lolly was the Samaritan Pete needed as he neared the end of his mortal life.  When he finished speaking, Father Mac began to clap and the entire church erupted in applause.

Many, many people told Patrick what a wonderful eulogy he gave.  It was very tender and dear.  I think people could relate to everything he talked about.  We gathered at the house following the meal and visited for a few hours.  It was a good day.

 Cami's baptism day.  I love how Pete is so tender patting Cami's hand.  This was something I noticed as he got sicker.  He was more tender.

\Evie loved her Granpa Pete.  She played with him and he responded.  Again is was something I had never seen in all the years I knew him.  What a tender moment!

A Deep Thought

I LOVE my Ipad!  I use it for email, scripture study, games, photos, checking the weather forecast and other various things.  I also very much appreciate my cell phone.  I take it when I go out but I leave it at home when I go to church.  My cell is simply just a phone.  I don't have the internet on it.  I don't feel I need the internet to go with me.  It really is okay to be unplugged.

Yesterday I received a letter from our missionary son and he had a great thought.  He was appalled at the number of people using their devices during the Sacrament meeting.  He was even more disgusted at the number of people using their phones during the actual administration and passing of the emblems of the Sacrament.  In their defense, could they have been using their device to read or study the scriptures during that time?  I do at times.

Anyway, he sat behind a man who was on his phone not reading the scriptures.  Andrew wasn't sure what he was doing, but it wasn't something that needed to be done during the Sacrament.  He thought about Christ in cleansing the temple of the money changers.  He felt that if our Savior would have walked into that meeting, He would have cleansed the chapel.  I hadn't thought about that before.  I just think it is rude for anyone to be checking Facebook or playing a game during that sacred time.  Andrew opened my eyes.  He is a deep thinker and I was grateful for this simple, yet profound thought.

I do not know if this is a problem in our ward.  I sit in the front so I can't see who is behind me and what they are doing.  Those months when I play the organ and sit on the stand, I don't believe we have this issue.

I wish to honor my Savior and especially try to ponder on his Atonement or at least his life during the Sacrament.

Sunday with The Wards

These wonderful people are Jack and Sharmon Ward.  They are individuals that we would never have met except for my husband's calling.  He served as an area authority 70 and was released in April. We had the privilege of attending his Sunday School class where he serves as the teacher.

They invited us to have lunch with them which was absolutely delicious.  We spent several hours in their home talking about our families, callings and the gospel in general.

There is a lot of time when I spend time without my husband due to his calling as Stake President. This is one of the perks of having him serve in that capacity.  I get the honor of meeting new people whom I would never cross paths with otherwise.  What a blessing!

Temple with Erin

 Earlier this month Pat and I boarded a plane and headed for Utah.  Earlier in the week, we sent our car with Alex and Megan Bohl to Utah for Erin to purchase from us.  We arrived on a Wednesday night and spent the night with Evan and Luana Byington.  They are wonderful people and I miss them in Wisconsin.  Thursday brought us to Provo with Erin's new car.  She didn't know we were bringing it to her so she was pleasantly surprised.  Thursday also brought us to the Barrett home with dear, dear friends.

Friday morning took us to the Oquirrh Mountain temple.  It is a "smaller" temple and it wasn't overly busy.  Erin had very specific and personal instruction.  She was a sister of promise and is now a sister of the covenant!  We had such a wonderful time with her.

There was a difference going to the temple with her as compared to the experience of our other children as well as my own experience of the first time.  Clare and I received our endowment because we were getting married.  Sammi and Andrew received theirs because they were serving a mission.  Both wonderful reasons but the next step in getting where we want to be.  Erin received her endowment because she wanted to and was ready to.

 We went to eat lunch at Which Wich.  It was a great place to eat.  Then off to Sweet Tooth Fairy for cupcakes.  After changing clothes we headed to Evanston to spend the evening with Brian and Kellie Welling.  On our way, both Erin and I were getting restless so we stopped at a rest area.

Here we found these prairie dogs which were very bold.  We had no food so I dumped our crumbs from the cupcakes on the concrete.  Before I could scrape more off of the papers, the critters took off with the papers.  It was quite entertaining.

Saturday was filled with selling Erin's Sable.  She posted it on Craig's list on Friday night and we had it sold by early afternoon.  God does answer prayers for sure.  We also bought and brought some things for a care package for Andrew.  A gentleman that Pat works with but has never met, volunteered to take the package to him.  So, we put the things together and dropped them off at his home.  I am filled with amazement that a total stranger would do something for us that we are unable to do for ourselves.  Gratitude is the only thing that I can express.

It was a quick trip but filled with only good things.  I loved being able to spend time with just our baby girl.

When They Get It

I got a letter from my missionary son, Andrew yesterday.  Within the text he wrote something that he realized.  He was preparing for a talk and said this.  "If Ammon wouldn't have gone on his mission we wouldn't have the 2000 Stripling Warriors.  And if there were no stripling warriors, the strongest army of the Lamanites would not have been destroyed.  And if they were not destroyed, it would have possibly changed the outcome of the Book of Mormon.  So, because Ammon went on his mission he saved a lot of people from destruction.  It makes me wonder how my mission will affect generations to come." 

It is the recognizing and internalizing the Book of Mormon that thrills me as a mother.  I don't know whose life he will change.  I do know that his mission is changing his life and his future family's life.  His sons will be able to look at him and know that he did what was asked of him in serving the Lord.  They will know they have a responsibility as well.

Erin gets it.  I think she's always gotten it.  Next week we will have the opportunity to be in the temple together.  That thrills me as well.  I wish we could all go together as a family, but that day will come.  It just isn't yet.

My husband attended a CCM (coordinated council meeting) on Sunday in Neenah with the other Wisconsin stake presidents and the area authority, Elder Scott.  He came home with some information that he needs to teach his unit leaders and have them in turn teach in their council meetings.  From there it should trickle down to the family.  The subject is the Sabbath Day.  I love the Sabbath day!  I have come to appreciate it more and more as I work harder to try to indeed make it different than the other days of the week.  One of the brethren said in the video he brought home, "It is time to give the Sabbath back to Christ."  Wow!  What a statement!  It is His day and we as a people had no right to take it from him.  I ache as I see the blatant disregard for this special day.  I think I'm getting it.  I pray for my children to get it as well.  They have a good start.  They've been taught well.

Last week, a former member of my track team took his own life.  As I pondered over why he would do this, I wondered what was so horrible in his 22 years of life that he thought he would be better off dead.  He didn't get it.  I ache for his family and friends.  I spoke with the funeral director as I left the visitation this morning.  I said, "Babies and this circumstance have to be the hardest for you as a funeral director to deal with the families."  He agreed and said unfortunately there are too many of these.

Each time I observe one of my children do something positive that shows they understand the Lord's plan for them, I secretly do the happy dance.  They get it!  They get it.  One day, all will have the opportunity to "get it."  That gives me great hope!

Mother's Day 2015

 Anyone who has spent any amount of time with me knows that I'm not a huge fan of made up holidays such as Valentine's Day, Grandparent's Day, Mother's and Father's Days.  That being said, since having a daughter and now a son on a mission, Mother's Day is pretty special.  I get to talk to my missionary!!!!  Totally worth the made up holiday.  Here's a screen shot that Erin took of us on FaceTime with Andrew.

He is doing so great.  I cannot express my gratitude for his desire to be a missionary and for sacrificing his time to do this worthy thing.  He's learned so much and will continue to learn as he has another 14 months to go.

 All my grandchildren were here over the weekend and so it seemed like a good time to take a new grandchild photo.  Sammi and Clare did their best to get them to sit nice and look at the camera.  Believe it or not, this was the very first picture.  The rest are not nearly so good.  Love these little people!

 Sammi took this picture of us while we talked to Andrew.  I love this photo more than I can express.  Thanks Sammi!  I looked at a bunch of "incredible missionary" photos today and I think this one fits with those that I looked at.

 My children surprised me by getting me this necklace.  I love it!  Thanks girls for picking it out!

Once again, look at that smile.  He's radiating!  I received an email on Tuesday in which he said, "I am so glad I chose to come on a mission it has opened my eyes to things I never thought of before. I understand the bigger picture in life and I now feel like I have more purpose and direction. I wouldn't trade the experiences I've had and the things that I've learned for anything."  
 

What more could I as a mother want than to be able to talk to all of my children in one day when they are spread across the country?  I look forward to the day when we will all be together in one place.  That's just going to have to wait for a bit longer though.  At least 14 more months.

Difficult Things

I had a seminary lesson this week and it was about plural marriage (polygamy).  Last time I taught Church History I don't believe we studied this concept.  I spent quite a lot of time studying over the weekend so I could understand this concept better.

I thought about how I would respond to this if I lived at that time and was asked to allow my husband to take an additional wife/wives.  I certainly responded as any woman would, with absolute repulsion. As I talked about this concept with my students, I came to understand that the Lord never makes things easy for us.  He expects us to make decisions that are difficult.  I am very thankful for the Spirit that bore witness to me of this concept of doing hard things.

Each of us will be asked of the Lord to do hard things.  I thought about Andrew going on a mission. He was very nervous and homesick in the beginning and it was very hard for him.  It was a hard thing!  When I knew I was going to be called as the Relief Society president, I cried.  I did NOT want to serve in that capacity.  It was only because the Spirit prepared me that I was able to accept.  I did NOT want to serve as a stake missionary.  It took me a whole week to accept that call.  I did NOT want to teach seminary.  I didn't think I could do it but then again, the Spirit spoke to me four years before I was called to let me know that one day it would be my opportunity.  What was the result of those callings?  I LOVED being a stake missionary.  I learned to LOVE the sisters in my ward.  I LOVE teaching seminary and being in the scriptures every day more than just reading.

The Lord does ask us to do hard things.  Perhaps not to be in a plural marriage, but still there are things that may not be hard for me that are very difficult for you and vice versa.  I am grateful that I have gotten through the hard things.  I am thankful for the opportunity and responsibility to get on my knees and find out the Lord's will for me.

What's your hard thing?

A Pleasant Surprise

Andrew was transferred a week ago.  Before he left his area this photo was taken and sent to us by this wonderful bishop.  I can't say how much I love these random text messages/photos that people have sent to us.

Today Pat was talking with a man from who lives in the Salt Lake area and also works for the church.  At some point in the conversation he asked if we have a son serving a mission in Utah.  Pat responded in the affirmative and this man told him that he had Elders Pleshek and Craig in his home only a few days ago for a meal.  How small is the world???

He reported that Andrew and his companion are doing well.  He also said he has a great spirit about him.  Of course he gave us praise for raising such a great son.  He said they are doing some new cutting edge things in their area and they should have plenty of teaching opportunities in the very near future.

There are not words to express what these reports mean to parents. Whenever I email the mission office I get a return email that always says something like, "We love your son and he's doing great!" I always take that with a grain of salt as it is coming from someone who loves our son and has a biased opinion.  What are they going to say?  "You raised a lousy kid.  Wish he didn't have to be in our misson."?  I think not.  My heart swells to hear a perfect stranger tell us how impressed they are with our son.

I love that he is serving and serving well.  Can't wait for Mother's Day when we get to hear his voice and see his handsome face!

Spring 2015

 It has been a long winter and it is time for Spring!  I love the newness of the spring season.  I can see the snow is melted.  Even that which fell overnight is already gone.  I see the green grass peeking through and the spring flowers are coming through the ground.  

Here are a few highlights of the past month.  Brock remains my "little buddy."  I didn't think I would get another once Andrew grew up, but this little guy loves me.  I had to spank his fingers a while back and I think it hurt his feelings more than his fingers.  It also hurt me.  I felt so bad for days.  

 Sammi and Jeff were able to come for a visit over Jeff's spring break.  We loved having them here for 10 days.  Unfortunately, a deer decided to commit suicide on their way here via their car.  The car can be driven but is not worth fixing.  The absolute miracle in all of that was that we had fixed their other car and never even made an attempt to sell it.  So, the Lord works through us even when we don't have a clue.  I so love having them here!

 Little Robert Butch was blessed on March 22nd.  Grandpa and Grandma Pleshek came for the event and I was able to take a four generation photo for the girls.  I'm in love with that little man.

 Pete is still battling lymphoma.  He doesn't have any pain with it other than the tumor on the side of his head is tender.  Hospice comes and sees him every Monday.  Back in the end of October they gave him six months to live if he didn't treat the cancer.  We are in month six and he is doing alright considering.

 I have noticed something about Pete that I never saw before.  He is quite tender with the children.  I love this picture of him patting Cami's hand.  Clare said he volunteered to hold a crying Butchy last week.  That had to be a first.  Any time he was holding a baby and it began to even squeak he was looking to have someone else take the child from him.

 Evie loves her great grandpa Pleshek.  She had a lot of hugs for him and shared her toys with him.  I'm so glad I have these few precious photos.

 Cami was baptized by her daddy on the 22nd.  It was a wonderful time for us as a family.  She is a good girl.  Clint's Mom and step Dad were able to come for a long weekend.  That was very special for them.  She held baby a lot but I told her to get all the holding in she could because I can do it pretty much anytime I want.

The Gourley family on Cami and Butchy's special day.  

My brother Brett had some pretty intense surgery on his neck.  He is recovering nicely.  My sister, Bonny had her divorce hearing in Texas and is now completely separated from that man that used to be her husband.  I'm so glad she has that peace in her life now.  Andrew is doing so well on his mission.  He is loving this opportunity and the time is flying by for him.  Erin has spoken with her bishop about the possibility of receiving her endowment.  Another special occasion for us to look forward to.

I worked full time for three weeks while Rosy was off with her maple syrup production.  I am so glad I don't have to work outside the home on a regular basis.  I will have to work two more week when she goes to visit her daughter in Alaska later in the month but there's an end date and that makes it a lot easier to do.

I am not coaching!  The track season has begun and I cannot wipe the smile off of my face when I think about the fact that I do not have to go to practice every day.  I love the sport and will in fact, work a few meets this season.  That being said, I love to support the kids but I'm so thankful that I hung it up when I did.  Todd and Chad are doing a great job!  I knew they would.  I take my sister to a lot of appointments and I just wouldn't have been able to take care of everything if I had still been coaching. 

There are only seven weeks left of seminary.  Wow!  That went really fast.  I love these kids and I'm really enjoying the new manuals.  This one dealing with the D&C is so much better than the one I had four years ago.  I did not enjoy teaching it four years ago but have loved it this year.

My life is incredibly blessed.  I love the opportunities I have to teach and testify.  I also am looking forward to a weekend away somewhere with my sweetie.  

Personal Revelation

Last Saturday and Sunday we had Stake Conference.  I really enjoy those conferences.  On Saturday night I was kind of wishing I could be at the boy's regional basketball game but knew I was where I needed to be.  If I had chosen otherwise, I would have missed out on a piece of personal revelation.

On Saturday evening, President Munk was speaking about some of the trials people have to go through.  He said he suspected that even our stake president probably feels overwhelmed at times.  I smiled to myself and then the revelation came.    Not everyone knows but over the past several years, my sweetheart has applied for a few jobs.  He has been asked to apply for some while others he applied on his own.  He has been offered some but has turned them down for specific reasons that I don't need to share.

I have never felt settled about the possibility of moving but really wanted to support my husband in his vocational pursuits.  Thus, I felt torn each time he would apply.  On Saturday, I had this overwhelming feeling that he is to be the stake president in this place at this time.  No wonder I felt unsettled.  He was not to accept any of the jobs as the Lord had more important things for him to do.

I am so grateful for those feelings of comfort and the warm spiritual confirmation of my husband's calling.  I never doubted that he should hold this calling.  I did doubt whether he should leave it because of a job opportunity in another place.  If those jobs are to happen, they will be made available once he is released.  What a blessing to know that God is mindful of each and every one of us.

A New Grandson

Meet my new grandson, 

Robert Butch Gourley

He was born on Saturday, February 21st @ 1:05pm.

Named for two of his great-grandfathers.

Robert Gourley &

Sanford "Butch" Hoffman

He's an absolute doll and I'm in love again.