Smithfield Scoop

Oh my goodness, seeing photos and reading your update, Jenn, caused me to start packing - to move to Snowflake! Such darling babies! All of us in Smithfield are very happy that things have kicked in and are going so well :) Those babies will be chubby before you know it!!

I didn't know why at the time, but am supposing the reason I felt like I should leave Snowflake and head home sooner than I planned on, was to be here for Dad. I guess I really didn't do a good job of that, since I had two very full days of visits with clients when I got back. But last Wednesday we finally got Dad to the Urgent Care to see if they could figure out what was wrong with his back. He's had severe pain in his back, hip and leg (right side) for a couple of weeks. The worst part is that it is so much worse at night. He can't lie down at all without pains shooting through that area. He is only comfortable (moderately so) when standing or walking. Lying or sitting is not at all helpful. But one can only walk for 24 hours a day for so long! So, the doctor said he thought it was an inflamed iliosacral joint/area, which is usually caused by an injury. The only injurious activity Dad can think of was when he drove straight for 12 hours from Arizona to home! But that can certainly have deleterious affects. So, Dad had a shot (no fun!) and they gave him some steroid pills. It was like a miracle! That night, though he could still feel the discomfort somewhat, he was able to lie in bed and sleep a little. The next night was also good. However, now that the medication is gone, things are back with a vengeance. The bishop had asked us to come in and visit with him this afternoon (new callings!) and gave Dad a blessing while we were in his office. We have faith in his faith and blessing. But we were advised to pursue medical help and will make an appointment tomorrow to see if we can get to the bottom of what's going on. Any prayers you can spare would be most appreciated!

Our garden is growing wonderfully! We, like most of you, have been enjoying peas, tomatoes, beans, and cucumbers and look forward soon to pulling up carrots, onions, and beets and digging up potatoes! I'm grateful to be the recipient of all of Dad's hard work.

We spoke in church today about obedience. Thanks to all of you who realize that obedience is not a bondage, but is actually liberating! We are most grateful for obedient, happy children and grandchildren! A couple of thoughts for you:
"When we love the Lord, obedience ceases to be a burden. Obedience becomes a delight!" (Joseph B. Wirthlin)
"When obedience ceases to become an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power." (Ezra Taft Benson)

Love you all and can't wait to see you soon! Any time!