We Lost a Good One

Our neighbor Don Pratt died on Saturday. 

It was a sad day. He was 85 and in pretty good health. His wife, Gloria, is a good friend of mine. She's my yogurt buddy. We, along with Cathy Voorhees and Jenn Coxson, go out to yogurt every month. We've been doing this for 2 or 3 years.

Anyway, on Saturday morning, Don was walking up the basement stairs, carrying some shelves that were in his workshop down there. I guess he lost his footing. He fell backwards, down the stairs and fractured his skull. He never regained consciousness and died 3 hours later. I went to visit with Gloria after the Saturday evening session of stake conference. She is doing as well as can be expected. The funeral was yesterday and it was beautiful.

President Livingston said something that really stuck with me. "The veil is just a veil; it's not a wall." He said that a couple of times. What comfort. I will visit with Gloria again tomorrow or Saturday to see how she's doing. 

She and Don had been married for 25 years. This was a 2nd marriage for both. Gloria had been widowed young. She was only 27 when her husband drowned in a motel pool as they were going across country for a job. There she was, in the middle of nowhere, with 3 little kids. She came back to Salt Lake and raised her family there. Don's wife died of cancer, I believe. He was recently widowed when he met Gloria. They were in the same stake. Gloria had known Don's first wife through stake callings. Anyway, Don was on the high council and Gloria was a secretary to the stake. That's how they met. Together they served a mission in the Korea temple. They served in the SLC and Timp temples. They have travelled quite a bit, most recently taking a spur of the moment trip to California to see the Rose Bowl Parade. Gloria's so glad they did. What a great couple. A great life lived.

Don always smiled. My dad liked to tease him and speak Swedish to him. Don served in Stockholm at the same time as my uncle Deck. Don would remind dad that he didn't speak it anymore. He was a sweet, sweet man. He will be missed. 

How can you not just love these two? This picture is SO Don and Gloria!

130 Manila Missionaries

We had Stake Conference this past weekend and it was really good. We learned that there are 130 full-time missionaries serving from the Pleasant Grove Manila Stake. Pretty cool. We have 1 of them!

President Livingston, who lives in our ward, spoke on missionary work. He said that we don't hasten the work; the Lord does. Will we keep up? He wants us to be missionary families. He wants us to:
1. Ask "how would we change if our family got a mission call?"
2. Pray specifically for those we know who need the Gospel.
3. Use our time wisely
4. Have FHE
5. Use Preach my Gospel
6. Have personal and family scripture study.
7. Attend the temple.
8. Watch "I will go where you want me to go" (a church video)
9. Memorize the purpose of missionary work from Preach my Gospel
10. Counsel as a family on how to do this.

Elder Keetch of the Quorum of the Seventy was our visiting authority. He told great stories. He said that the #1 way to do member missionary work is to...wait for it...serve others. Hey, I can do that! Imagine Christ's ministry without all the service He did. Without the service, Christ would have been a great guy who studied the Gospel and taught some people. With the service, He's everything. We need to reach out and help. In John 13, we see what Christ did as His last act with his apostles. He served them by washing their feet.  He also said "a new commandment I give unto you. That ye love one another as I have loved you." (John 13:34) We need to be a friend.

Sister Keetch reference the song "We Are All Enlisted." This song is my favorite hymn in Spanish. I LOVE IT. Well, it says "happy are we." She mentioned that the Gospel truly does make us happy. She also quoted sister Hinckley as saying "If you don't like your lot in life, build a service station on it." I have tried to look up the quote and find the source. I can't. It's a great quote, whoever said it.

It was great. The meeting even ended 15 minutes early.

Strong Men/Women

"Strong men give up what they want now for what they want most."

I'm still thinking about this quote many times a day since I heard it earlier this week. And, of all the weird places to hear it - youth leader training videos. Yep, I was diligently watching the church's videos on teaching methods for the youth curriculum. In one of the 3-minute clips, a young woman mentions that quote, saying she heard it somewhere. The applications are endless:

Food choices
Sleep vs. scripture study/prayer at night
Temple attendance
Addiction
Moral cleanliness
Health and wellness
Relationships
Attitude

I love it. It may become my motto for the year.

Another quote I have been thinking about is:

"If I look back it's just to see how far I've come."
- nieniedialogues on instagram (nieniedialogues.blogspot.com)

That goes with a goal I have for 2015: to let yesterday go. Don't hold onto anger, misunderstandings, frustrations from the past.

I also want to look people in the eye more when I talk to them. Really engage. Got that idea from nienie, too. See her blog post "Prayer and Answers" from December 4, 2014

I have a desire to have more meaningful time during the sacrament. See the Ensign 2015 article entitled "An Hour to Watch with Him."

I Earned This!

#MommyErrands #WhatDoYouDoAllDay #SolveProblems #Packages #LotsofMoney #TimeToEat #GoodThingIDidn'tGoToOgden #Subway #DietDrPepper

It was quite the day! And, it's only 2:00 pm. At the time I was finishing my walk with Sherie this morning, I was planning on coming home and taking it easy, possibly going to the temple. I had originally planned to go to Ogden and see Jen and go to the temple. I changed that plan when I got very little sleep last night between Keenan getting home from a BYU basketball game late and waking up at 4:40 am to make sure Allie didn't miss her flight back to Arkansas.

Well, got back from the walk and got an email that the apartment lease we had signed and faxed for Allie was outdated. So, I had to print out 14 pages again and sign them. I also checked Allie's room and found a few items I thought she might need, but had no to room to transport back to school. So, I packed up a box and put the signed contract in there.

Following me so far?

I also got a package finished to send to Kamiko. My justification...gas prices are so low that I can afford to send him some Valentine's candy. Gas is only $1.79/gallon instead of the usual $4.00-ish/gallon.

On the way to the post office, I decided to stop and get a little cash and buy some candy to include in Allie's package. Just a bit. As I was leaving the grocery store and closing up Allie's box, she called from LAX, where she had a layover. She said she needed the signed paperwork faxed today because their rates are going up again. Luckily the UPS store is right there. So, I got the stuff faxed and confirmed their receipt of the paperwork. $16 to fax 15 pages. Yikes! Meanwhile, Keenan said he also saw the email and had signed, scanned and emailed the papers to Allie. Well, I knew that probably wouldn't work since he's NOT listed as the guarantor. I am.

Got word from Chet, the leasing guy, that if Allie signed everything tonight, she'd get a $100 bonus. So, I let her know that. She contacted her ride, Michelle Blankenship, who said she'll gladly drop her by The Grove today to sign all papers on her way home. Whew...All that is done!

Off to the post office. $18 to send Kamiko about $5 worth of candy and $16 to send Allie 2 sweaters and 3 pairs of shoes. Hey, it's cheaper than paying for a piece of checked luggage.

Also exchanged a pair of socks at Old Navy. Then, I bought myself lunch.

Oh, side note...I also emailed Mel's soccer club and UYSA (Utah Youth Soccer Association) this morning to inquire about our refund. Mel's team no longer exists and she's decided to not play anymore, rather than play for another team. Good news. I heard from both organizations and they are working on the refunds. Only after I emailed a copy of correspondence from the coach that the team has dissolved. I guess there's no full refund unless the team doesn't exist anymore.

All right. Now I'm done reporting on my day. I will go enjoy the rest of my drink and put my feet up. I'm supermom!

My Girls Had a Good Vacation Together

The girls did fun stuff together. They mostly went out to eat. They also hung out here with friends like Kobi and Makei. They watched TV and just talked and hung out. It was fun. I know a lot of sisters who don't like each other. I'm so happy my girls get along. There's nothing better than a sister.

One day, after Christmas, Allie was trying to get a picture of her and the kitty. Mel kept jumping into the pictures. It was funny and we laughed about it.

Mel's hand

Got one

Mel's making us laugh

Get outta the picture, Mel

Laughing some more

As I write, the girls are out for their last night together. They went to Slurp to get sodas with friends. They went to Kneaders for breakfast this morning. Tomorrow begins the lonely life of Mel again. Good thing she has a kitty this time.

La Navidad

Christmas was fun, but quiet. I was still sick, so mom and dad didn't dare come up. So, I had their lonely gifts under the tree until the day after Christmas when we went down there to give them their gifts. We got dad some socks with the Provo temple on them. I also made him a batch of licorice caramels. We gave mom frozen soups and a fuzzy, cozy robe from Costco. Karen introduced me to the awful, yet amazing robe. I have one and also got one for each of the girls. Crocketts and Adcocks gave the gifts together this year. They were a hit.

Keenan and I went early in the month to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert featuring the Muppets and Santino Fontana. We went with Starlyn and Lee Hjorth. We had a blast. I wish Mel would have come, but she really didn't want to go. I didn't want to waste a ticket on someone who didn't want to be there. We had fun with the Hjorths.

The girls went up to temple square with friends. We also went up there as a Laurel class. The weird thing about this Christmas was that there was no snow until Christmas day. So, walking around temple square without a single bit of snow, even in flower beds, was very strange. I love the lack of snow in the valleys. Snow all you want in the mountains for skiing. Keep it there, out of my way, please.

On Christmas Eve, I made the ham I got from WW. We had double-baked potatoes, rice, and carrots. I wasn't up to fixing much because was not feeling great. We opened pj's and they were pretty much a bust. I had gotten pj's last year, after Christmas. When I opened the bag, it seemed that the pair I got for Allie were a VERY small large. So, I wrapped them for Mel since they had a cat on them. I then got a nightshirt for Allie since she had said she wanted another nightgown. Well, the nightshirt was too small for Allie and the cat pj's were too big for Mel. Thank goodness for Walmart. We went and found a nightshirt for Allie and I went under my bed and pulled out the size medium pj's I had bought last year and they were a perfect fit for Mel. So, I told Mel if she gets bigger this year, she'll get the kitty pj's again next year. In the meantime, they sit with the Christmas stuff, waiting to be donated next year. Sigh!

The final pajamas! Notice Mitty's Christmas collar. That belonged to Honu.

The girls got up late and we started opening presents around 10:30. While I waited for them to get up, I laid in bed and read some sweet Christmas stories Kristen had emailed. Glad I hadn't gotten aroudn to reading them yet. It was a perfect way to start the day.

Keenan got: luggage from me. Starlyn asked if it was a hint. No. I just thought it was time for nice luggage. Maybe a clue to take a trip. He got jeans, cool socks, a nice tie, cookie butter and candy.

I got: a red cardigan I really wanted, bubble bath stuff, a cute Christmas decoration made by Allie, a scarf I've worn almost everyday, a coupon for a mani/pedi with the girls.

Cute mug I got from the TA's at work. My hot chocolate tastes so good from it.

Allie got: flannel shirt, sweater, gloves, money from Mel, more clothes, a fuzzy robe, a cute fake fur vest, college tuition, another semester of housing and food.

Mel got: an ironing board, a sewing table and sewing kit, Alex and Ani bracelet, necklace from Allie, and a fuzzy robe.

Gee, what could this be?

Now that her room is painted and she has sewing gear, Mel is all ready to go crazy and create awesome things!

WE ALL GOT TO SKYPE WITH KAMIKO! Best present ever. We had a little over an hour. He and I sang my favorite song a bit..."Somos los Soldados" (We Are All Enlisted). He did bare his testimony near the end in Spanish. I'm so lucky I understood every word. It surprised me when he mentioned that he's learned the importance of the little things, like scriptures, prayer and church attendance, because he didn't do those things for a year and a half while in college. That explains a lot. Glad he gets the importance of them now. He also got to meet his little brother, Mitty. It was a surprise for him and he was floored. He was a bit confused. We had to clarify that it wasn't Honu. He was thrilled with the cat. Funny thing is, we couldn't find the darn cat for the first part of our skype. We kept looking and looking while talking to him. Finally found him in the garage.

Then Christmas night, I watched about 3 hours of "Shark Tank" on TV. What a way to end the day, huh? That's what Christmas is like when your kids are big.

My Boy Will Be Home This Year

In December, we marked the one-year mark since Kamiko left for his mission in Chile. Paperwork indicates he'll be home before Thanksgiving. He's working hard and making good friends. I'm so happy he's serving. I think he is, too. When he left, a bunch of boys his age left at the same time. He has mentioned that some have come home already and he's glad he's sticking it out. He's helping others and becoming a better person himself. I love this kid and look forward to his return to the nest. I'm sure it will be temporary, but I'll take what I can get.

The following, written home this week, illustrates why I love this kid and how he's changing:

"SET YOUR NEW YEARS GOALS AND WRITE THEM DOWN!!! hahahahah if i had a dollar for every time i've started doing something that my dad has always told me to do during my mission i swear i'd have millions of dollars...i'm starting to realize that maybe we should listen to our parents hahahaha, like i feel so dumb for never realizing that before, but our parents always know what's best for us :)."

At baptism of youth he had taught with Elder Porter

Christmas present...a ukulele...maybe this will get him transferred to Easter Island

An early baptism. Eli. With Elder Call in Quilicura

Meant to meet each other. BFF's. Elder Porter

Runs into Elder Tornow, friend from MTC, serving in Santiago South

First area with Elder Call and ward mission leader

With Sebastian Leal. A family that Kamiko really loved and they loved him.

Elder Ellis, in same district in Quilicura

Another run-in with Tornow

With youth of Estralla Sur ward. Fena, in front, heads on his mission to Concepcion soon.

Lovely's baptism with Elder Tibbitts

Service project with Tibbitts

Where it all began...MTC with Melander, Tornow and Richards and others

He plays soccer pretty well for a Gringo. Alas, soccer was banned by the president. Too many injuries. So, they play American football instead.

Porter, Fena and Adcock

During his fat days in Pudahuel. They called him Elder BBQ. He ate all the time and gained about 25 lbs.

Christmas Decorations

The house looked like Christmas and made me smile. Since Thanksgiving was late this year, I didn't tire of the Christmas decorations like I do when they go up earlier in November.

I love my cute tall, skinny tree. He's perfect for his little corner.

May incorporate this one next year.

See my cute Bolivian nativity set (top shelf) that Pete Nebeker bought for me last year in Bolivia? 

Since our traditional stocking-hanging spot was gone with the basement remodel, had to find a new place. I like it.

Allie Came Home!

We picked up Allie at the airport late on December 17th. She's still here and doesn't fly home until the 9th. It's been fun to have her here.

Allie and our new kitty, Mitty

Here are the highlights of what we've done:

1. Eaten at Cafe Rio

2. Painted bedrooms: First we painted Allie's room the same lovely grey as the rest of the basement. Allie is such a great assistant that we decided to do Mel's room. Her's is just white, with white bedding. It's quite lovely. I'm glad I can report when I go back to work that I accomplished something.

3. Bought crazy white elephant gifts: Saw this lovely and Mel got it to take to her yearbook party, which Allie attended. Allie came home with the same tacky nativity clock that's been going around for a few years. Look out next year's white elephant parties!

4. Made gingerbread houses: This year, I found a kit with 5 mini houses. Kobi, Makei, Allie, Mel and Keen and I decorated. We had a fun time. We also ate them right away and they were pretty darn good for a pre-fab house that was probably actually baked sometime last year. 

Allie's house

Mel, Allie, Makei and Kobi

Mine and Keenan's "chalet"

Mel's house...now there's attention to detail

5. Had a Hunter family Christmas party: On Sunday, the 28th, Hunters of all kinds came over. Deb and Mark, Kenna and Klint and girls, Jen and Scott and Emily, Andrew and Christian came. James and Haley were in town and announced a pregnancy! Marie and Eli were here from Chicago. Grandma and grandpa were here. We had soups, breads and desserts. It was a fun evening. Our kitty enjoyed sitting in the middle of the area rug, in the middle of it all. 

6. Celebrated Christmas: more on a dedicated post

7. Got haircuts: Allie needed a haircut. It's been a long time. We have appointments to go to BYU's studio. I may go there all the time, when I have a break on Wednesdays. Very convenient and only $20.

8. Got manicures/pedicures: Dad gave us girls gift certificates for mani/pedi's at the beauty school. It was relaxing and fun, but not the best looking jobs we've ever seen. Allie's fingernails were especially funny, but nothing a little bit of nail polish around the nail bed couldn't handle. It was fun.

9. Got a new kitty: Christmas Kitty Mitty is the big news of the Christmas vacation. Keenan walked into the house the Sunday before Christmas with a kitty that looked just like Honu. He had been left in the Murdoch's van in the church parking lot the previous week. They were caring for him, but looking for a home for him. How could we resist? He is seriously the cutest thing. He's really good. Even the vet and his assistant commented that he's "not like other cats." He's quite mellow most of the time. He loves to nuzzle us until we pet him. He also climbs up to where his Backyard Cookout treats are and tries to make his way into the bag. We really do love him.

Mel with a cat, just as she should be

Daddy and Mitt napping

Finding a new place to hide

10. Made batches of brownies from this lovely cookbook

Got this awesome cookbook from the Russells for Christmas. Wow, they've been delicious.
One pan that I made weighed 6 lbs. Lots of butter, brown sugar and multiple types of chocolates.

AND...11. were educated about Krampus

Eastern European tradition: Krampus comes with Father Christmas.
He beats bad children and takes them away.
I think I'd prefer just a lump of coal.