Smithfield Scoop

Well, we have been inspired by Ruth's projects and have decided to take on some of our own. Dad has been preparing and painting the downstairs bathroom and I've been researching how to refinish a wood floor. Of course, everything seems so simple and we know it won't be. But we are getting excited to give it a try.

For some silly reason, we decided to do a walking challenge with Alex's challenge group. Why we would commit to walking every day in January is a question I really can't answer. We went this afternoon, after it stopped snowing, and nearly froze to death in the icy cold wind! It was bitter - the "take your breath away" kind of wind. However, we survived and felt revived by it.

Dad spoke in Sacrament Meeting yesterday, on the spur of the moment. I'm glad I was there to hear him talk about the sacrament. All of the talks were on that subject and it was very inspiring. They changed the schedule a little bit, having the opening song and prayer and business, then all of the talks except Dad's, then the sacrament song and sacrament, then Dad spoke. Just changing things a little created a closer concentration on the sacrament. I hope it was meaningful for all who were there.

I am very grateful to be feeling better, with more energy and getting some appetite back. Dad is grateful that I am trying to cook once again. It was a nasty bug that hung on for a long time, then left me very weak and tired for another long time. But it is gone now. All is well.

We are rejoicing with Jenn and Scott and wishing them well in their new business adventures. We are glad that Peter found his family and that he is feeling better about life now. We hope that Eliza recovers in time to enjoy her birthday. We hope that Wesley is still alive and that his mother is surviving toddler-hood. Since we haven't heard much from Joe's family or Thomas' family, we assume all is well there.

We love you all tons and hope to see some of you very soon, and others of you sooner than later! Have a great week, one and all!