The last couple of weeks have been pretty uneventful for the most part. After 2 weird little snow storms we are now experiencing beautiful fall weather. We planted some winter rye as a cover crop for our garden and it is doing very well. Somehow our tomatoes are holding on so we get a handful or two each week for snacking on.
We had our first fall social in our new ward and it was lots of fun. We are surrounded by good, fun-loving people.
Anyway, that is about all that we have to report! Hope everyone is enjoying beautiful fall weather.
Monday, October 29, 2018
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
North Logan Notes
The past three weeks have been busy and delightful. We thoroughly enjoyed being with the family for Chet's baby blessing. All that fuss and fun for a sweet little baby who was totally oblivious to being the center of such attention!! Wesley was a bit overwhelmed at first with all the cousins vying for his attention, but after getting used to it, he was quite thrilled to have people to play with. It was so nice to visit for a while after things quieted down some. Dad took Elise and Joe and Ruth for a short visit to Grandpa's. He was glad to see them, but wasn't up to much in the way of visiting. His situation causes him some embarrassment as well as consternation, but he is always pleased to know his family loves and cares about him.
We returned to American Fork the Thursday after Chet's blessing to help out a little while Nick was gone to Las Vegas for another shooting class. We enjoyed playing with Wesley and holding Chet, working to get things "winterized" in the garden and doing basic stuff like bathing boys and grocery shopping that gets tricky with only one parent. We had commitments that took us home Friday night, but wish we could have stayed until Nick returned late on Saturday. We are still waiting to hear about his adventures (hopefully without flat tires or robbery this time), though we're sure he had a great adventure!
Our favorite thing from the past few weeks was helping at the "Loaves and Fishes" community dinner. I think some of you helped provide music for one of those dinners at one time. The program started out as an effort to provide meals for homeless and/or needy folks during the holidays. Then it progressed to a meal once a month for anyone in need. Now they serve a mid-day meal every first and third Saturdays to anyone in the community who wants to attend. This week we served chili and cornbread, salad and fruit and dessert to over 200 people. Most of them are needy people and they came back to get more food to take home or to take to sick or needy neighbors or friends or folks at the senior citizen center. They are always grateful and are glad to have a good meal and people to visit with. It was heart warming to see some younger people there helping carry plates for the shaky older folks. It is a wonderful project and very satisfying to participate. I would like to go on the Saturday before Thanksgiving to help with that meal. They typically serve over 400 people that day! But, that happens to be the weekend of Dad's YSA stake conference, so I'm quite sure we won't be helping out on that day.
We had a YSA group for FHE last night. The roads to our place were closed due to the pumpkin walk, so only 4 people made it. But we had a great visit with them and learned a lot of things about growing up with convert parents in New York and Florida. The church is sometimes run a little differently in those areas.
All of our efforts at finding a home have been interesting, but unproductive as yet. We did see a nice, brand new house today and spoke with the builder. It is still a ways out of our price range, but we may talk with him about building a different house for us - if we can find a lot... We know there is a right time and a right place - or maybe several "right" places, or possibilities. Still trying to understand patience.
We are hoping to see all of you in the near future! We love you and are grateful you are involved in so many wonderful things. Our prayers continue for Jennifer. We are getting quite excited for her! Grant had a fall at the neighbor's and ended up with some stitches in his cheek :( We hear it is beginning to heal nicely now. Emma is enjoying her new companion, but could still use some solid missionary opportunities, so we are praying for her, too. Thomas and Victoria moved last weekend to a new apartment - and signed a 14 month lease, so I guess they'll be in Houston for a little longer! We are praying for them to make some good friends and have some more wonderful opportunities. In fact, we constantly pray for all of you because we know how hard you are working to do all you can that is good and worthwhile! We love all of you and are so glad we are a family.
We returned to American Fork the Thursday after Chet's blessing to help out a little while Nick was gone to Las Vegas for another shooting class. We enjoyed playing with Wesley and holding Chet, working to get things "winterized" in the garden and doing basic stuff like bathing boys and grocery shopping that gets tricky with only one parent. We had commitments that took us home Friday night, but wish we could have stayed until Nick returned late on Saturday. We are still waiting to hear about his adventures (hopefully without flat tires or robbery this time), though we're sure he had a great adventure!
Our favorite thing from the past few weeks was helping at the "Loaves and Fishes" community dinner. I think some of you helped provide music for one of those dinners at one time. The program started out as an effort to provide meals for homeless and/or needy folks during the holidays. Then it progressed to a meal once a month for anyone in need. Now they serve a mid-day meal every first and third Saturdays to anyone in the community who wants to attend. This week we served chili and cornbread, salad and fruit and dessert to over 200 people. Most of them are needy people and they came back to get more food to take home or to take to sick or needy neighbors or friends or folks at the senior citizen center. They are always grateful and are glad to have a good meal and people to visit with. It was heart warming to see some younger people there helping carry plates for the shaky older folks. It is a wonderful project and very satisfying to participate. I would like to go on the Saturday before Thanksgiving to help with that meal. They typically serve over 400 people that day! But, that happens to be the weekend of Dad's YSA stake conference, so I'm quite sure we won't be helping out on that day.
We had a YSA group for FHE last night. The roads to our place were closed due to the pumpkin walk, so only 4 people made it. But we had a great visit with them and learned a lot of things about growing up with convert parents in New York and Florida. The church is sometimes run a little differently in those areas.
All of our efforts at finding a home have been interesting, but unproductive as yet. We did see a nice, brand new house today and spoke with the builder. It is still a ways out of our price range, but we may talk with him about building a different house for us - if we can find a lot... We know there is a right time and a right place - or maybe several "right" places, or possibilities. Still trying to understand patience.
We are hoping to see all of you in the near future! We love you and are grateful you are involved in so many wonderful things. Our prayers continue for Jennifer. We are getting quite excited for her! Grant had a fall at the neighbor's and ended up with some stitches in his cheek :( We hear it is beginning to heal nicely now. Emma is enjoying her new companion, but could still use some solid missionary opportunities, so we are praying for her, too. Thomas and Victoria moved last weekend to a new apartment - and signed a 14 month lease, so I guess they'll be in Houston for a little longer! We are praying for them to make some good friends and have some more wonderful opportunities. In fact, we constantly pray for all of you because we know how hard you are working to do all you can that is good and worthwhile! We love all of you and are so glad we are a family.
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Hart Happenings
In contrast to the snow they got in Snowflake (but what do you expect living in Snowflake?) we have been having a glorious Indian summer. Not sure what that term means actually, but it has been sunshiny and warm and we have been trying to take advantage of what I am sure will be a short-lived scenario. Bike rides, playing outside, yard projects, and hikes with Ruth and her kids. It has been great!
Jack wrapped up his fall soccer season this week. They won their last game which was fun to watch. He has been part of a really great team and we have made some really good friends with the other parents and families of his team mates. And his coaches are fantastic! Always so nice to come into contact with extra great people who are so willing to give of their time to help our boys develop skills and learn important lessons.
We enjoyed a trip to the museum this week. It was so interesting to see the Steam Punk exhibit they have on display now. Very futuristic and mechanical.
Ian is enjoying his band and has been excited to learn a few more positions on the trombone. It is nice to hear him actually playing notes. He has auditions for Newsies coming up next Tuesday and has been getting ready for that.
Peter has been focusing on reading and playing with friends. He loves to be around people and would like to have friends over at all times!
Alex and I have been reading a lot about rituals and rhythms and have been working on creating some new ones in our family and strengthening some of the already existing ones.
It was lovely to see some of you at Chet's blessing! What a cute baby! What great parents he has! We are always so grateful for any occasion that brings us into contact with our family. We sure love all of you!
Jack wrapped up his fall soccer season this week. They won their last game which was fun to watch. He has been part of a really great team and we have made some really good friends with the other parents and families of his team mates. And his coaches are fantastic! Always so nice to come into contact with extra great people who are so willing to give of their time to help our boys develop skills and learn important lessons.
We enjoyed a trip to the museum this week. It was so interesting to see the Steam Punk exhibit they have on display now. Very futuristic and mechanical.
Ian is enjoying his band and has been excited to learn a few more positions on the trombone. It is nice to hear him actually playing notes. He has auditions for Newsies coming up next Tuesday and has been getting ready for that.
Peter has been focusing on reading and playing with friends. He loves to be around people and would like to have friends over at all times!
Alex and I have been reading a lot about rituals and rhythms and have been working on creating some new ones in our family and strengthening some of the already existing ones.
It was lovely to see some of you at Chet's blessing! What a cute baby! What great parents he has! We are always so grateful for any occasion that brings us into contact with our family. We sure love all of you!
Monday, October 15, 2018
Flake Fun
It was a pretty good week in Snowflake. It was snowing lightly today on the way to work which was a little strange but oh well.
This weekend we attended the Pinetop-Lakeside Balloon Festival. It was the first year that they had done it and it was fun to be there. There were only a handful of balloons but we actually got to get up close and talk to the pilots.
We also completed our planter island! There is only one section left and we are trying to decide if we want to plumb it for a small pond or fill it in and just plant stuff there. More on that once we decide.
The other day we saw an incredible rainbow on the way to work. The sun was just coming up and the higher the sun got, the more vivid the rainbow colors. It was incredible.
I think that is about all that I have to report. Hope that everything went well with Chet's blessing and that whoever was able to attend enjoyed good times with family and friends.
Love you all!
This weekend we attended the Pinetop-Lakeside Balloon Festival. It was the first year that they had done it and it was fun to be there. There were only a handful of balloons but we actually got to get up close and talk to the pilots.
We also completed our planter island! There is only one section left and we are trying to decide if we want to plumb it for a small pond or fill it in and just plant stuff there. More on that once we decide.
The other day we saw an incredible rainbow on the way to work. The sun was just coming up and the higher the sun got, the more vivid the rainbow colors. It was incredible.
I think that is about all that I have to report. Hope that everything went well with Chet's blessing and that whoever was able to attend enjoyed good times with family and friends.
Love you all!
Monday, October 8, 2018
Freezing Flakes
Well, it is now officially cold in our neck of the woods. It snowed. My fingers are too cold to type much but there you have it! I'll write more later!
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Hart Happenings
So, I read about everyone else's garden work and I think, yes, that's right a garden, we have a garden, I should really get out there and finish harvesting and clean things up. I just haven't made it out there much this week! I know we have sweet meat squash for days. So, if any of you want to call dibs on a few, let me know.
We pulled off our Primary Program this week, which was so spectacular. I loved absolutely everything about it. We brought all the kids in afterward for a big celebration which was a blast. We have such a good, enormous group of kids. It has been really rewarding to work with them, the teachers, and my excellent counselors to get this pulled together.
Saturday we hosted the neighborhood party. It was so nice to meet our neighbors. Only one family on our lane has kids (and they only moved in last month), so we haven't had much reason/chance to interact with them. It was absolutely delightful!
We also spent Saturday doing Fall clean-up at the gardens. It was a lot of work and we didn't manage to get everything done, so we will have to go out there again and wrap it up.
Ian has started a book club and is looking forward to their first meeting next week. He has a great group of friends and they go together this week to play night games. They are adorable. And he would hate that I wrote.
Jack is loving having soccer almost every day of the week. His team is undefeated and it has been fun watching them develop some good team strategy.
Peter stays busy trying to keep up with his brothers. His favorite thing is to let the chickens out and collect their eggs. The chickens are so funny. They are the most social little duo and love to come and hang out with us. They follow the boys around everywhere and will come running whenever they hear us.
It is shaping up to be a great week and month. Always good to start things off with General Conference. Hope you enjoy it!
We pulled off our Primary Program this week, which was so spectacular. I loved absolutely everything about it. We brought all the kids in afterward for a big celebration which was a blast. We have such a good, enormous group of kids. It has been really rewarding to work with them, the teachers, and my excellent counselors to get this pulled together.
Saturday we hosted the neighborhood party. It was so nice to meet our neighbors. Only one family on our lane has kids (and they only moved in last month), so we haven't had much reason/chance to interact with them. It was absolutely delightful!
We also spent Saturday doing Fall clean-up at the gardens. It was a lot of work and we didn't manage to get everything done, so we will have to go out there again and wrap it up.
Ian has started a book club and is looking forward to their first meeting next week. He has a great group of friends and they go together this week to play night games. They are adorable. And he would hate that I wrote.
Jack is loving having soccer almost every day of the week. His team is undefeated and it has been fun watching them develop some good team strategy.
Peter stays busy trying to keep up with his brothers. His favorite thing is to let the chickens out and collect their eggs. The chickens are so funny. They are the most social little duo and love to come and hang out with us. They follow the boys around everywhere and will come running whenever they hear us.
It is shaping up to be a great week and month. Always good to start things off with General Conference. Hope you enjoy it!
North Logan Notes
Can it really be that I haven't posted in over a month? More like 7 weeks?! Sorry about that. No excuses other than being distracted and involved in lots of things - and busy Sundays. Anyway, all is well here.
We've enjoyed some very fun experiences in the past month. Dad was absolutely thrilled with the helicopter ride provided by Elise and Alex's friend - well worth retiring for! He'd retire all over again if he could ride that helicopter again! It is taking some getting used to, this whole retirement thing. Most of it is good, so far. Dad has some projects in mind, including reading the Journal of Discourses and working on improving his photography skills. We keep thinking of places we'd like to go and folks we'd like to visit, which may begin happening before too much longer.
We have enjoyed our trips to Idaho Falls and to American Fork to see family. We had a good time tending the Nilssons while Ruth and Garret and Millie went to Washington. They are a fun and busy crew! We were reminded why we have children when we are young ;) Dad took some family photos for the Mannings that are pretty cute. Little Chet has decided to catch up quickly with Wesley. He keeps growing like crazy! What a darling smile he has! A couple of days ago, we went to Thanksgiving Point to have dinner with Grandpa and Christi to celebrate their 4th anniversary. Grandpa is getting weaker, but he perked up at having the family together. If any of you have time to give him a call or get down to see him, I know he'd really appreciate it.
Dad and I both had birthdays this month. We did had some fun adventures on Dad's birthday - going to Porcupine to see the salmon run and driving over the hill into Huntsville and Liberty. It was bumpy, but very lovely.
The weather has been lovely as summer turns to fall. We had frost on our car one morning last week. It was strange to not have berries to pick this summer, but it is even more strange to not have apples to pick and eat and press this fall. We keep wondering if we should build a house, but then we'd have to wait a long time for apple and other fruit trees to mature....
Speaking of houses, we had a delightful time in Idaho Falls looking at lovely Parade of Homes entries with Elise and her boys and Ruth and Addy. We saw some gorgeous homes and some that were not as impressive to us. Most were much too big for us - 5,000 - 6,000 sq. ft. One or two we wouldn't mind living in. But we are still searching for the right home, the right place. We went to the Cache Valley Parade of Homes yesterday, but there were only 7 homes to look at and only 2 for sale. The best one was built by Braden Reeder, who started his contracting business about 10 years ago. he does really nice work and said he'd be glad to build us a home if we could find a lot. That's what they all say! :) So... we continue looking!
I got to teach Gospel Principles today and, although I was very nervous, it was a great experience. The lessons are about simple, basic doctrines that we all need to review now and then. Afterwards, I spoke with the sister missionaries and they invited Dad and me to go with them tomorrow night to teach a couple who are interested in being baptized just as soon as they know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that President Nelson is a prophet. So, we will go tomorrow and offer to watch their sons so they can go to conference with the sisters. I'm pretty excited about that!
We've decided there are things for us to do here in this townhouse in North Logan, and we are going to focus on doing what we can while we keep looking and waiting to know our next step to take. It's an adventure all right!
Enjoy Conference!!
We've enjoyed some very fun experiences in the past month. Dad was absolutely thrilled with the helicopter ride provided by Elise and Alex's friend - well worth retiring for! He'd retire all over again if he could ride that helicopter again! It is taking some getting used to, this whole retirement thing. Most of it is good, so far. Dad has some projects in mind, including reading the Journal of Discourses and working on improving his photography skills. We keep thinking of places we'd like to go and folks we'd like to visit, which may begin happening before too much longer.
We have enjoyed our trips to Idaho Falls and to American Fork to see family. We had a good time tending the Nilssons while Ruth and Garret and Millie went to Washington. They are a fun and busy crew! We were reminded why we have children when we are young ;) Dad took some family photos for the Mannings that are pretty cute. Little Chet has decided to catch up quickly with Wesley. He keeps growing like crazy! What a darling smile he has! A couple of days ago, we went to Thanksgiving Point to have dinner with Grandpa and Christi to celebrate their 4th anniversary. Grandpa is getting weaker, but he perked up at having the family together. If any of you have time to give him a call or get down to see him, I know he'd really appreciate it.
Dad and I both had birthdays this month. We did had some fun adventures on Dad's birthday - going to Porcupine to see the salmon run and driving over the hill into Huntsville and Liberty. It was bumpy, but very lovely.
The weather has been lovely as summer turns to fall. We had frost on our car one morning last week. It was strange to not have berries to pick this summer, but it is even more strange to not have apples to pick and eat and press this fall. We keep wondering if we should build a house, but then we'd have to wait a long time for apple and other fruit trees to mature....
Speaking of houses, we had a delightful time in Idaho Falls looking at lovely Parade of Homes entries with Elise and her boys and Ruth and Addy. We saw some gorgeous homes and some that were not as impressive to us. Most were much too big for us - 5,000 - 6,000 sq. ft. One or two we wouldn't mind living in. But we are still searching for the right home, the right place. We went to the Cache Valley Parade of Homes yesterday, but there were only 7 homes to look at and only 2 for sale. The best one was built by Braden Reeder, who started his contracting business about 10 years ago. he does really nice work and said he'd be glad to build us a home if we could find a lot. That's what they all say! :) So... we continue looking!
I got to teach Gospel Principles today and, although I was very nervous, it was a great experience. The lessons are about simple, basic doctrines that we all need to review now and then. Afterwards, I spoke with the sister missionaries and they invited Dad and me to go with them tomorrow night to teach a couple who are interested in being baptized just as soon as they know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that President Nelson is a prophet. So, we will go tomorrow and offer to watch their sons so they can go to conference with the sisters. I'm pretty excited about that!
We've decided there are things for us to do here in this townhouse in North Logan, and we are going to focus on doing what we can while we keep looking and waiting to know our next step to take. It's an adventure all right!
Enjoy Conference!!
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