Lizzy decided on her own, that she wanted to volunteer at Lakeview Hospital. She works at the front desk taking phone calls, directing people to patients rooms, delivering flowers, and basically anything else they ask her to do. Her friend Baylee joined the ranks. On Thursday afternoons they work the front desk together. They are the cutest little volunteers I've ever seen!
Salsa Saturday is a day I look forward to every year. Scott and Jen are so kind to let us participate in their salsa making party. We spend the entire day cooking and canning salsa in their garage. If you have seen the TV series Breaking Bad, it's kind of like that but in a good way. No drugs, just very yummy salsa.
With Scott's mom Barb in charge, we always have the best tasting salsa around!
The Utah State Fair captures my interest with unusual foods, watching the little ones on rides, people watching, and unique animals. The last day of the fair, Brent and I went with Meagan, Quinn, and Mason. The fair is more enjoyable with a little one around. We caught up with Quinn's brother and sister-in-law, so Mason had a friend to ride the rides with. I love watching these little nuggets.
Labor Day began watching one of my favorite little soccer players. Madi played an awesome game, and I was so honored to be there. They won the tournament which was fabulous!
After the soccer game we decided to go to the zoo with the Cottle's. Zoo on Labor Day? Who would have thought that it was one of the busiest days of the year. I was so impressed with our little old Hogle Zoo. I haven't been for awhile, and was amazed with the changes.
Hopefully, we can go back soon, so we can get up close and personal with these beautiful animals.
Labor Day weekend marks the transition from Summer into Fall. The leaves begin to change to vibrant red, yellow, and orange, and the temperature begins to drop. The mountains are beautifully draped in the colors of fall. We were excited to be invited to spend Saturday with the Carling family at the Silotti Cabin in the gorgeous Uintah's. Wherever you go in the Uintah mountains it is beautiful!
Our first adventure of the day was visiting the Fish Ponds at Bear River Lodge. At this location, catching fish is supposed to be a sure thing. With most of our group fishing, we were a little surprised that only three fish were caught. Lizzy caught the first fish, and was startled as her line began to tug and she saw a fish attached to it. It took several kids helping her, to reel it in. She was ecstatic as she saw the big fish she had caught. Brad told her that every person has to kiss the first fish that they catch. It caused quite a commotion as she went to kiss the fish, it squirmed and flung blood all over her.
Many years ago, Steve and I visited the Silotti Cabin (Angie's parent's cabin), with our friends Brent and Angie Carling. They brought their new baby Brad with us to the Wyoming Downs Horse Races, and a fun weekend at the cabin. I took a picture of us then, and had a family member take a similar picture 25 years later, in the same spot, with those remaining.
It's sobering to think of the many changes that have happened in that time. Brent and I are now widowed, and Steve and Angie are our angels. We miss them so much, and pray that we will always feel their spirits.
Over a half a million people toured the remodeled Ogden temple. We were some of the lucky ones to tour this magnificent edifice. Friday, August 29th, our family and the Trip's, were able to view the interior of this temple.
Reverence, and appreciation were expressed by many for the House of the Lord. Understanding, and having attended dedicated temples in the past, made it especially significant and tender as I walked through this beautiful temple. Every detail was attended to, showing respect of the ordinances performed in this Holy House.
I am grateful to be sealed in the temple to my family for time and all eternity. Families are forever!
Are you ready for some football? Even with sweltering evening temperatures, you can still feel fall in the air with the beginning of College Football. From Rice Eccles Stadium you can see the colors changing on the mountainside, as autumn is on the doorstep.
August 28th, was the Ute's home opener against Idaho State University. Dressed in Red, ready to stripe the stadium, we came ready to show our loyalty to our Ute's, and to party!
Utah dominated the game with an ending score of 56 to 14. Although, the fans lost interest in the "blow-out", they quickly became entertained with games of their own. Keep-the-beach-ball-away-from -the-ushers, was a crowd favorite.
We love our Ute's and are so excited for the football season to begin!
With the events of August 25th, only one child went to school on the first day. The other followed on the second day of school. Whatever day ended up being their "first day of school", they are really brave and I am so proud of them.
Six years ago today, August 25, on the first day of school, a Monday night, Steve suddenly, and unexpectedly passed away. This is the first time since he passed that dates and events have lined up. I had no idea how hard today was going to be.
Our hearts are completely broken as we mourn this incredible man. He is/was the best husband, and Father. My children, especially my missionaries, feel his presence often. I love the picture of the missionaries walking with a heavenly angel, a loved one from the other side, beside them. I know he is there with them strengthening them during difficult times, and hopefully enjoying good times with them as well.
I am grateful for the kindness of those around us. I never fully understood the scripture, Matthew 5:4, until recently, "Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted." We feel comfort as friends and family express their condolences, and love and support us.
We are grateful for the great Plan of Salvation, whereby we can live together as an eternal family.
Thank you for your kindness. We love our friends and family!
There's a new Deacon in town. Quite a dapper looking Deacon if I don't say so myself. Ben was ordained a Deacon by his Grandpa Brown. He was so excited to move on from Primary. They just get to that age where they need and want to be with older kids. He is such a good kid, and sincerely wants to do what is right.
He was ordained August 25th, the day before "D-Day". Emotions were running a little high for me. They usually are anyway having a son being ordained to a priesthood office without his Father here to perform the ordnance. Fortunately, with lots of prayer, I made it through this great day for Ben with a smile on my face.
I am so proud of him!
Sunshine Cafe was the perfect place for Ben's birthday breakfast. He enjoyed feasting on their HUGE oatmeal pancakes. What a great way to start your day.
His main gift was a teen golf set. Now he is prepared and ready to start his debut as a golfer, with all his buddies.
I love this kid, and enjoy (most of the time) his energy, and spunky personality. He is wise beyond his years, very social, and keeps me young. Happy Birthday Ben!
Ben's idea of a birthday party was to take several of his friends boating at Pineview Reservoir. The weather was a little uncertain, but we were able to tube until about two or three in the afternoon. Unfortunately, it wasn't a great day for water skiing, and wake boarding.
After a delightful lunch, we wrapped up our boating activities and headed home. We left just as a storm came through. I was so glad that Brent had the day off and was able to help with the boat. It gets tricky getting the boat off the ruff water.
Ben said it was the best birthday party ever! He says that every year, but I'll take the compliment.
It has been tradition that Ella comes to our house for a slumber party every July 23rd. Each year we go to the Bountiful Pioneer Parade. This year, Lizzy was on Trek, and Ben was at the Westminster Basketball Camp, so the party had to be postponed. I missed the Pioneer festivities with these three.
We finally found a time in August to have a cousin sleepover. The kids love having Ella, and enjoy taking her to the club for tennis and swimming. Cousins are the best!
