Hyde Park Highlights

What a great week of church service. Dad had meetings and/or interviews every night except last night. He spoke in a married student stake date night, which was very fun. Just minutes before the meeting was to start, there were only a handful of people there. The leaders were a bit nervous because there was a lot of food prepared and many, many tables set with hundreds of places. But, as predicted, they arrived at the last minute, filled the chapel and the tables afterward, and ate all the food! It was delightful to see many who had been members of the YSA stake before graduating to the married stake. We really enjoyed that date night.

We just returned tonight from a wonderful experience at the Spectrum where Elder and Sister Renlund spoke to the YSA about receiving, understanding and following the guidance of the Holy Ghost. The interesting thing is that Dad had just spoken at a Ward Conference moments before and had addressed that very same question - how do I recognize the influence of the Spirit? What do I do if my prayers are not being answered? Dad listened to Elder Renlund intently and was comforted to realize that he had not taught any false doctrine at the ward conference. It was lovely to visit with the Renlunds before the devotional began. Here is something for Garrett to remember: Elder Renlund told the story of meeting President Faust, who punched him in the arm and said, "We have something in common! When our wives are not with us, we are both ruthless (Ruth-less)!" Their wives are both named Ruth - and so is the wife of our new temple president, thus the story :)

We have had so many incredible, beautiful opportunities because of Dad's calling. We have been in meetings with, and spoken with/shaken hands with several apostles in the last couple of years, including Elder Cook, Elder Andersen, Elder Stevensen, Elder Renlund, President Uchtdorf, President Ballard, and President Nelson. You have to know how very humbling it is for us to be in those circles. We are very, VERY common folks, as you all well know, and often feel quite uncomfortable in those gatherings. However, the experiences are not easily ignored or forgotten for me. They continue to shape and deepen my testimony and my gratitude to the Lord for so many, even if undeserved, blessings. What an amazing experience it is to be with and observe close up these servants of the Lord. Their goodness is nearly tangible. The light and spirit emanate from them and their wisdom and counsel are priceless. I am so grateful that Dad is worthy to be called to serve and that I can tag along and have these precious opportunities with him.

I thoroughly enjoyed a quick trip to Idaho and spending time learning about comets, meteors, asteroids, etc. We have very intelligent grandchildren! It was fascinating. Dad and I also had a wonderful time visiting Lauren, Nick and Wesley yesterday. Things are well wherever we go and we are grateful for any time we get to spend with our children and grandchildren.

No one is more anxious for Emma's mission call to come than we are - unless it's Emma! She has stopped calling Dad every day, but sends me a text each morning to see if there has been a phone call from the post office or a big envelope delivered to the mailbox. I'm pretty sure it will show up one of these days, but we are a little baffled at why it has taken "so long!" You will all definitely get a phone call when it comes - but you may not need it since it is likely that you will hear the screaming and shouting clear from Logan when it arrives!! Waiting with baited breath, on pins and needles.....

Hart Happenings

It was a good week! They tend to be living here in Idaho.....
  Mom came up for a quick visit and we enjoyed talking with her and having her participate in our science class on Wednesday.  Our solar system is an incredible place.
  They called me to be the new Primary President in our ward so we are trying to figure that out.  With it being a new ward, there are some extra challenges, but it'll settle eventually.  We are so glad that our new church building is now within walking distance and also that one of us finally has a key again!  We spent Saturday afternoon at the gym playing frisbee and soccer.  So fun!
  Speaking of soccer, Jack is doing so well at his indoor season!  He scored 4 goals at his last game and made 2 killer assists!  I really like watching his team.
  I just finished reading The Boys in the Boat, a book given to me by Dr. Malouf.  It was so interesting!  About the American rowing crew that beat the Germans in the 1936 Olympics, held in Berlin.  I learned a lot about a sport I was unfamiliar with and it is always inspiring to read about people that overcome incredible obstacles and achieve some truly remarkable things.
  On Saturday we noticed a bunch of trumpeter swans hanging out in a nearby field.  We stopped to watch them until they started getting a little nervous.  Apparently, at one point there were only 46 trumpeter swans in America because of over-hunting, but the population has rebounded like crazy and they happen to pass through Idaho on their annual migration.  So it is fun to look for them around town.
  Our bathroom remodel project is done.  Hooray!  It was more like an update actually, not an actual remodel.  But it is nice to have that looking a little nicer.
  A big shout out to Ruthie for helping me pull together the chair covers for our Primary.  It was really nice to have her help.  And then we got to bash some more of her fireplace which was exhilarating.
  We are on tenterhooks up here, waiting for the word that Emma's call has arrived.  There was a rumor out there that she planned to get it out of the mailbox and take it down to her room and open it all on her own.  I just want to put it out there that such a move would be unadvisable.
  Anyway, sure love you all!  Can't wait for another reason to get together!

 

Nilsson News

We are being hit for the third time this season by the obnoxious respiratory wog.  Addy and Henry seem to to be the ring leaders with Millie joining the recruits and Eliza and Emerson close behind.  I'm blaming it on this weather.  It has been the most spring feeling January I have ever experienced and the germs are loving the balmy weather as well.  We are lucky I guess that the kids are getting sick now, before we head on our big vacation south to Arizona.  We are super excited!  Our weather is balmy for Idaho Falls (highs in the mid 30's-40) but looking at Mesa, the highs are mid 70's-80.  Lovely!
The demo has begun!  It has been my project so far.  Garrett is supportive but likes his position as an onlooker/baby holder.  I tore out the desk and shelf that were on the side of the fireplace and finished hammering the protruding head smashers rock ledges.  Now I'm ready to start attaching the 2x2 grid that will go underneath the planking.  I went out to our scrap wood pile and measured our potential wood beam mantle and it fit exactly with about 1/2 inch to spare on either end.  I was super excited!  It is fun to think that we almost have one room in our house completed and looking nice!  Our master bedroom is almost done, if I could ever get motivated to paint and caulk all the trim...
Love you all and hope all is well!  We keep waiting to hear from Emma...!

Mission Predictions for Emma

Here is the latest, updated Mission Prediction List. I left Scott off before (and he is usually right about things, so we had to know his predictions)...


Lauren:  Taiwan, Michigan
Nick:  Guatemala, Oklahoma
Addy:  Paris, Washington State
Ruth: Argentina, Virginia
Garrett: Canada, California
Jim:  Peru, Boston
Robin: New Zealand, Pennsylvania
Thomas: Australia, Texas
Victoria: Scandinavia - Norway
Jennifer: Spain, Maine
Scott: Ghana, Montana
Alex: Montreal, Canada, Houston, Texas
Elise: Chile, New York
Ian: Japan, Washington State
Jack: China, New York
Peter: Russia, Texas
Joe: Africa, Alaska
Lori: France/Italy, D.C. Visitor Center
Grace: France
Joy: Temple Square
Jake: "where there are cars" - California

...AND REALLY LOVING IT

HEY FAMILY!!! Guess what?? My papers have been assigned.  In case y'all didn't hear me MY PAPERS ARE ASSIGNED!!!!! Yep. That's right.  Now I realize that most of the time, in the past, the call comes on a Wednesday, but I've heard of quite a few people that their papers come on a Weekend or Monday.  So, get packin' family if you wanna be here for the big reveal ;) LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!! Y'all are the greatest!!!  That's all :)

Manning moments

It has been a long time since I posted! There has been a lot going on I suppose but I have been mostly focused on keeping food down when I can. It has been a very long couple months but I have much to be grateful for. Things are much better this time around. I only had to get one IV and don’t throw up every day! Wesley and nick have been superstars.
So nick started a new semester and things seem to be going well. He learns a lot and each semester he seems to have more success as he refines his lesson skills. We had our guitar and piano student’s recital this last week and it went well. We had it in our home because we can’t find venues open on Friday at 7. It was squishy but it worked out great.
Wesley is talking like crazy and loves to catch words that he knows when I’m listening to conference talks or reading to him. Nursery has been going well until today. It was just Wesley and another girl and she was bound and determined to be his mother. She fed him fishy crackers, tried to tuck him in with a blanket and wanted all the toys he had. It was hilarious to watch but he was sure tired and traumatized when it was all over.
I started reading the autobiography of Helen Keller this week and it has been inspiring! If you want a mind blower try to figure out how a deaf and blind person learns to talk!
Well I have to go eat something...

Hyde Park Highlights

Hi All!! I love the guesses about where Sister Belliston may be called to serve a mission. Here is the run down:

Lauren:  Taiwan, Michigan
Nick:  Guatemala, Oklahoma
Addy:  Paris, Washington State
Ruth: Argentina, Virginia
Garrett: Canada, California
Jim:  Peru, Boston
Robin: New Zealand, Pennsylvania
Thomas: Australia, Texas
Victoria: Scandinavia - Norway
Jennifer: Spain, Maine
Alex: Montreal, Canada, Houston, Texas
Elise: Chile, New York
Ian: Japan, Washington State
Jack: China, New York
Peter: Russia, Texas
Joe: Africa, Alaska
Lori: France/Italy, D.C. Visitor Center
Grace: France
Joy: Temple Square
Jake: "where there are cars" - California

Speaking of mission calls, this little clip is great, if you haven't seen it. Perhaps you have, but it may be fun to watch again.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGghyImzfi0    (this guy reminds me a little of Thomas - something about the way he expresses himself, maybe that's why I like it!)

We had a good week and are looking forward to a week of church work! Starting with a baptism yesterday and a ward conference today, there are church events for us every night this coming week - FHE with YSA, meetings, more meetings, Dad speaking at a Young Marrieds Stake Date Night, evening with Elder Renlund at the Spectrum, etc., etc.  It's really great to have so many opportunities that build our testimonies and keep us headed in the right direction.

Dad gave a fabulous talk at ward conference today about "If you love me, keep my commandments." He reminded us that the Lord expects us to love Him with all our heart, might mind and strength. Dad asked if we do - or if we love Him with only some of our heart or some of our mind. It's worth asking ourselves and see what we are holding back from Him and how well we are doing in following Him and loving Him.

Well, after 2 births today and not much sleep, I'm off to bed! Have a wonderful week! And congratulations to Millie on getting a tooth and learning to crawl - she's growing up!!

Nilsson News

It has been a big week for Millie!  She has graduated from adorable bottom scooting to crawling!  She has also finally cut her first tooth.  It has taken her a long time, but hopefully the rest will follow quickly behind.  We heard it just means the teeth are extra strong when they come in slow.  We hope that's true!  Because of the new mobility of Millie, I constructed a baby gate.  The cheap store bought ones were not wide enough to span the distance of our extra wide stairs, so it came down to my creativity to solve the problem.  We had an extra piece of a crib.  One side of the crib was used as a headboard for Emma's room and now the other side I repurposed into a baby gate.  If I can ever figure out how to post pictures, I will post one of our gate.  It's kinda cute.
I also began demo on our fireplace.  It is slow work and it makes a really big mess.  It is fun and empowering to use tools and my favorite lately is the nail gun.  Hopefully, the project will continue to move forward.  Garrett isn't super enthused about it, so it is kind of in my hands to do and that is a little scary to think about.  But I'm determined to make it a success!
I can't think of much else to write about and it sounds like the house is falling apart with the kiddos, so I should probably end.  Tah tah!

Flake Fun

20 Jan 2017 - Sorry that it has been a while since we posted.  Life has been...life.  We got snow this evening which was fun, except that we were driving in it and nearly got in an accident when we came around a bend and found someone completely stopped in our lane! And there was a semi and another vehicle in the other lane.  Dad Flake was driving (we were taking Katelyn back down to her parents) and the timing was perfect that he was able to swerve into the oncoming lane with inches to spare between oncoming traffic and the stalled car.  It was enough to scare us all and so we called and told Nathan and Katie that we weren't coming and they would have to wait another day to see their kiddo.

We got a plecko fish and we named him Bob.

It has been a long couple of weeks but I guess we all have those types of weeks, right?  So excited for the Mannings!

Hope that you all have a great week!

Hart Happenings

Hello all,
  I write this from my sickbed.  Wo is me.  But I plan on being fully recovered tomorrow.
  The boys and I wanted to post our predictions about where Emma might serve her mission:
  Alex: Montreal, Canada or Houston, Texas
  Elise:  Chile or New York
  Ian:  Japan or Washington state
  Jack:  China or New York
  Peter:  Russia or Texas

There you have it!  Wherever you end up, we're super excited for you Em!
The Harts have decided that we really like to vacation and have lived it up since Christmas.  We spent some good, quality time down in Utah with Joe and fam for Gracie's baptism.  The kids made an awesome bottle flipping video while we were there.  We enjoyed the Museum of Natural Curiosity with Lauren and Wesley and spent time with Alex's sister and her kids while we stayed at their house.   Ian and I enjoyed the show Aida at the new Hale theater in Sandy (it is truly an amazing place) and we haven't stopped listening to the soundtrack from The Greatest Showman that we went to with Joe and Grace while we were down there.  Such a good movie!
When we got home we started some spring cleaning which somehow morphed into a bathroom redo. So we are now in the middle of that.  It's going to look gorgeous!
As Ruth alluded to, the weather has been spectacular of late.  Temps in the 40's which seems quite balmy this time of year in Idaho.
Jack started indoor soccer this week.  So fun to be going to his games again.
Things are great up here.  Life is good and 2018 has all the signs of being a year for the record books!

Nilsson News

Yesterday, we took a quick trip to Hyde Park to play with Lauren, Nick and Wesley.  It was fun for us and we hope we weren't too overwhelming.  We also got to see Emma briefly and visit with Mom and Dad.  We always like to visit with family and feel a little deprived of it since we were sick for so long! 
The weather is playing tricks on us and making us believe that it is spring.  We know that we have at least two more months of winter weather, unless of course we are really experiencing global warming, and if so, what is all the fuss about?  It's quite enjoyable!  Well, minus all the nasty muck and slush in the barnyard.
I happened upon a very tasty recipe that I think you all should try.  Garrett and ALL my kids ate it and that is saying something!  I changed only two things, I added peppers and used cilantro rather than spinach.  This is my adapted version:
Creamy Parmesan Mushroom Sauce (over pasta)
4 chicken breasts chopped
2 Tb. butter
garlic salt & pepper
1 1/2 c. chopped mushrooms
chopped peppers (optional)
*Cook the chicken in the butter, sprinkled with seasonings.  Remove the chicken and place in separate bowl.  Add mushrooms and peppers to pan and saute.  Remove and add to the bowl of chicken.
Sauce:
6 Tb. butter
3 cloves garlic, pressed
2 Tb. flour
3/4 chicken broth
1 1/2 c. heavy cream
3/4 c. parmesan cheese
3/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. pepper
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chopped cilantro (or spinach if your prefer)
*Melt butter in pan and briefly saute the garlic.  Add the flour and then mix in remaining ingredients and thicken.  Once thickened, mix in the chicken and mushrooms.  Serve over pasta and enjoy!

I hope you like this tasty sauce!  Have a wonderful week you lovely people you!

Hyde Park Highlights

A lovely week it was. So great to have family come and visit. We were delighted that Nick and Lauren and Wesley came on Friday. Wesley is very entertaining these days and talks up a storm. He has become quite a tease and gives Lauren a run for her money sometimes. Thanks to the Nilssons for joining in the fun on Saturday. It was a lovely day and we had a great time visiting about gospel questions, websites, gardening, etc. I was thinking how fun it is to have family to bounce ideas around with, regardless of personal interest. Everyone seems willing to talk about and express opinions about any topic of discussion. It's very enlightening!

Dad and I are off to the Conference Center soon to attend Pres. and Sister Uchtdorf's World Wide Devotional for the YSAs. It is sure to be a great experience - from 3:00 - 10:00 p.m. at Temple Square, with refreshments for what they hope will be about 20,000 young single adults!! Have you ever heard of such a thing??!!  Rumors are flying that President Uchtdorf plans to mill around temple square visiting and shaking hands. Unheard of! Delightful! We will report on whether that really happens or not. It's part of a great effort to connect with the members of the church in this age group. They are up against some tough things and the brethren are really reaching out to them.

 It looks as though Dad may be facing yet another change in his retirement scheme. We will keep you posted on that one. It was supposed to happen in about 6 weeks from now, but appears that it may be pushed back until the end of August. There are some positive and some negative things about that. We do feel blessed and that the Lord's hand in is this, so we are waiting to see what happens.

There are four babies due, and overdue, right now in Logan, so I'm on pins and needles most days - wondering if I'm going to be home or not each day. Guess I'll just run off to Salt Lake! That's sure to bring a baby or two :/

Have a lovely week. We hope to see and/or hear from all of you soon....

Hyde Park Highlights

So glad to hear things are going better at the Nilssons! If I were Garrett, I might think about hiding the hammer and chisel :)  Just kidding, Ruth! I'm excited to see what your efforts produce. Thanks for sharing the information about de-owning. I am excited to make some progress in that direction, too!

Grace's baptism yesterday was an especially sweet way to begin the new year. There was a warm, vibrant spirit there that kept reminding me of the reason we are invited, or instructed, or commanded to become as little children. It was wonderful to be with Grace and her family, Lori's family, the Mannings, Harts and Grandpa and Christi. I wish you could all have heard Lori and Grace sing "A Child's Prayer," accompanied by Lauren. It was very precious and filled with the spirit. Such a beautiful experience. Grace is a remarkable example of goodness and love and I hope to be like her, and our other grandchildren, one day.

We were in the temple early on Wednesday morning when we heard that President Monson had passed away. It's the end of an era - all the prophets our children were raised with are now gone, well, at least the presidents of the church you were raised with are now gone. I thought I remembered that President Nelson and Elder Oaks were sustained the year Ruth was born, but I was wrong. They were both sustained the year before, in 1984, which still makes them seem like newbies in church leadership after President Monson had been there for so long! I'm grateful for the Plan of Salvation and to know that our dear President Monson is now with his wife and parents. What a well-lived life. Truly a noble prophet of God.

Perhaps you've seen this video that President Nelson recorded for his 90th birthday. If not, it's worth watching. I was amazed by some of the assignments he's had and things he's done. It will be a privilege to sustain him and another new apostle.
https://www.lds.org/church/news/elder-russell-m-nelson-celebrates-90th-birthday?lang=eng

More changes this year: Most of you know by now that the little green Honda did not pass inspection. That's not a terrible thing - we actually expected it to not pass. The terrible thing was the cost to get it to pass - $1800, which is probably about 6 times its value. It has been a good, reliable, little car - for 310,000+ miles! We decided not to fix it or keep it. It went to the kidney foundation and we are mourning our loss. Emma is especially mourning. Actually, she is just angry. But it will be okay.

As for today... Dad and Emma had a very long interview. The longest interview he has given to date (over 2 hours!). But it was good and she was deemed ready to serve a mission..... Sorry these photos  are blurry - she kept moving! I took a video, but can't get it to post, so if you're interested, I can text it to you or show you on my phone next time I see you.

"Come on Dad, just submit the thing!"

"Did you really send it? Is it there?" 

"Woo Hoo!!"

One very happy girl!

Maybe now she'll forgive us (at least forgive Dad) for giving away the Honda :) We are not sure how long it will take to make the assignment and receive her call with the changes happening at church headquarters, but rest assured that she will certainly let you know when she gets a package in the mail!!

Have a great week, all!!!

correction

The book I referred to is actually called "Uncluttered With Kids"  not decluttered.  Sorry about that!

Nilsson News

I'm glad to see that we posted at least one time in December.  Addy is sitting next to me and I asked her what we should write about and she said, "We were sick, sick, sick and we did nothing."  That is actually not too far from the truth.  The same nasty bug we had at Thanksgiving, infested our lives over Christmas and New Years.  All of the kids caught it and had it about ten days.  We are on the uphill climb though and all that seems to be lingering now are those obnoxious coughs.  Aside from being sick, we did enjoy some time together over the holidays.  We are gearing up to start a regular routine and get back into some school and inside projects. 
I don't think Garrett is as excited about the projects as I am, but I am learning to be a little more independent in my abilities with the power tools.  I think the fireplace makeover is the next on the list.  I just need to locate the big hammer and chisel and I'll be well under way!
I love a new year and feeling like there is a clean slate in front of me.  Something that has really been intriguing  and appealing to Garrett and I has been this idea of minimalism.  I read a wonderful book called "Declutter with Kids" by Joshua Becker.  I thought it would have all these great organizational ideas and step by step how to's, but instead he wrote about rather than decluttering and getting a bunch of containers and boxes to put things in, to actually de-own.  I loved his perspective that the less we own the more we can live and focus on things that are truly meaningful and important in our life.  It is really a fabulous read and his website also has some great articles that I recommend reading (becomingminimalist.com).  So, "de-owning" is one of my resolutions for this year and clearing out a lot of the unnecessary junk in my life.
Many of the testimonies in church today focused on President Monson.  What a remarkable man he was!  I'm so grateful that we belong to a church led by living prophets.  I'm glad that there is an order of leadership and that we don't have to worry about an election process or anything.  The church is true!