This week was kind of long but we survived. On Tuesday we had our first Relief Society activity/quarterly meeting. It was Soup with Sisters. We had a little soup pot luck and each of the ladies brought something that represented her. We set them all up and played a guessing game to figure out who went with which item. It was really fun to get to know a little more about the ladies in our ward.
The other day we went outside and the sun was shining. We could see to the bottom of the horse tank where the fish are and they are all still alive. Underneath the fish was a huge pile of sludge so we cleaned that out. OH MAN!!! Who knew that it would stick so bad? It was nasty! But now the fish have clean(er) water to swim in!
Hope that you all have a great week and feel better. Can't wait to see Mom & Dad's new house. We are planning to get there sometime the weekend before Christmas. We'll keep you all in the loop as our plans firm up!
Sunday, December 9, 2018
Smithfield Scoop
At this point in time, I think I should title our post "Smithfield Suspicions." As I have been scheduling January appointments, I feel suspicious that someone has sped up the clock! Who did it?? What do you mean, the year is almost over? How on earth did that happen??
We have had snow this week. We have had lovely sunshine this week. We had some rain earlier this week. But through it all, we have had VERY cold temperatures. It is rather chilly here. More precisely, it is plain cold - freezing, actually. But that's okay, because it's December and it's winter and it's Christmas, so it's supposed to be cold. If it wasn't cold, I would be suspicious...
Our utmost gratitude to Elise, Alex, Joe, Jack, Peter, Joy and Jake who came to help finish painting the basement. They arrived Thursday morning and attacked the job with incredible energy! I had great plans to help, but ended up running to a birth and left them and Dad to do the work, as well as make lunch and dinner. I arrived home in time to eat and see the job beautifully done. After dinner, Dad and I left to take the Bennetts to a concert at USU, while Harts stayed and put the last coat on the bedroom walls. We couldn't possibly be more grateful to you all! It looks amazing. We are overwhelmed at the kindness and generosity of our family. Dad continues to work in the basement cleaning up, touching up baseboards and door frames. All should be ready by the time the carpet arrives to be installed. Again, thanks to everyone for your kindness and help.
We were very happy to have Peter and Joy and Jake grab paintbrushes and help downstairs, but I was especially grateful that they were willing to decorate the Christmas tree that we had only managed to get the lights put on. The ornaments are all hung on the bottom half of the tree, because that's as high as the decorators could reach, but it is lovely.
Other happenings this week include getting all of the locks in our house re-keyed. We have some extra sets and will put one set outside somewhere so any of you can come and stay even if we are not here! We also had the piano tuned (by a piano major friend of Lauren's and former member of Dad's stake), so you can play the piano while you are here. It sounds much better! We got a couple of packages off to Emma, then remembered some other things I was going to send. Maybe she'll get three packages this year! Additionally, I was on the committee for the North Logan 7th Ward Christmas party. My assignment was table decorations. I filled 120 canning jars of various sizes (thanks to Ruth for lending me some of her extras!) with sand and tea lights. We helped set up on Friday and refilled food trays and directed traffic. The sister missionaries sought me out to give them a ride to an appointment, so I missed the whole program at the party. Oh, well. We helped clean up and said goodbye to that ward. There are great people there and we made some sweet friendships that we treasure in that short time.
We look forward to your updates - about the health status of those who have been sick, the outcomes of Garrett's latest Spartan activities in California, about your ward Christmas parties, the travels of Thomas and Victoria in the big city, and any other news you care to report! We love you all and can't wait to see you in the coming couple of weeks!!
Monday, December 3, 2018
Smithfield... Something
Still trying to decide on our post title...
I wrote to Emma last week and listed all that had happened in the past 25 days: Braden got married; Grandpa passed away; we planned, prepared and held his visitations and funeral; We offered and counteroffered to buy a home, which was accepted after the second time; we applied for, gathered information for and were approved for a mortgage in 21 days (which often takes up to 6 weeks here); I taught a baptism lesson to a less active family’s little 8 year old boy (which was a big deal for me!); Dad and I both spoke at his YSA Stake Conference – Dad spoke 3 different times and I spoke at the Saturday evening session; we told Brother Zook we were moving and took everything out of the townhouse and cleaned it top to bottom; we delivered poinsettias to the ladies I’ve been ministering to, as well as a few others; written countless thank you notes; and moved all of our stuff to a new home; had Thanksgiving dinner in our new home; ripped the basement carpet out; painted a purple bedroom (well, it was actually a lavender color) and met a couple of new neighbors. We did all this while trying to maintain a semblance of “normalcy” in our lives – writing to and shopping for our missionary, paying bills, doing prenatal visits, preparing meals, doing church work, etc. There are some months that are record landmark months, I guess. It really was a whirlwind and we are ready to have calmer days for a while.
We are delighted with Jenn's news and are keeping it hush-hush, as requested, but can't help thinking about it many times each day. Such a blessing. Such a miracle.
We were beyond grateful to the Nilssons and Harts for coming to help us get moved and begin the improvements in the basement. Surely wouldn't have happened without all of you! Our deepest thanks to all!
Sickness has been prevalent and we have been very glad to not have participated in it. We do hope the Mannings and Nilssons and Harts and little Joy are all feeling better now.
That's about all to report. We are just trying each day to get a little more settled. I met the bishop yesterday at church. He's nice. We've met a couple of neighbors. They seem nice too. It will be a nice place to live. Oh, we did go cut our Christmas tree today. We didn't have to worry so much about the height because our ceilings are taller than before. There was deep snow on the mountain, so it was fun.
Maybe all of you could pray for Emma. She is struggling a little. She was told by one of the Sister Training Leaders that the president said, "If anyone can help Sister Koerner (Emma's companion), Sister Belliston can." I think you know what that means. It's a really, really rough time for her right now. Lots of responsibility and a difficult assignment. She could use some extra prayers.
We love reading the updates and are glad when you all contribute! Can't wait to see most of you over the holidays!
I wrote to Emma last week and listed all that had happened in the past 25 days: Braden got married; Grandpa passed away; we planned, prepared and held his visitations and funeral; We offered and counteroffered to buy a home, which was accepted after the second time; we applied for, gathered information for and were approved for a mortgage in 21 days (which often takes up to 6 weeks here); I taught a baptism lesson to a less active family’s little 8 year old boy (which was a big deal for me!); Dad and I both spoke at his YSA Stake Conference – Dad spoke 3 different times and I spoke at the Saturday evening session; we told Brother Zook we were moving and took everything out of the townhouse and cleaned it top to bottom; we delivered poinsettias to the ladies I’ve been ministering to, as well as a few others; written countless thank you notes; and moved all of our stuff to a new home; had Thanksgiving dinner in our new home; ripped the basement carpet out; painted a purple bedroom (well, it was actually a lavender color) and met a couple of new neighbors. We did all this while trying to maintain a semblance of “normalcy” in our lives – writing to and shopping for our missionary, paying bills, doing prenatal visits, preparing meals, doing church work, etc. There are some months that are record landmark months, I guess. It really was a whirlwind and we are ready to have calmer days for a while.
We are delighted with Jenn's news and are keeping it hush-hush, as requested, but can't help thinking about it many times each day. Such a blessing. Such a miracle.
We were beyond grateful to the Nilssons and Harts for coming to help us get moved and begin the improvements in the basement. Surely wouldn't have happened without all of you! Our deepest thanks to all!
Sickness has been prevalent and we have been very glad to not have participated in it. We do hope the Mannings and Nilssons and Harts and little Joy are all feeling better now.
That's about all to report. We are just trying each day to get a little more settled. I met the bishop yesterday at church. He's nice. We've met a couple of neighbors. They seem nice too. It will be a nice place to live. Oh, we did go cut our Christmas tree today. We didn't have to worry so much about the height because our ceilings are taller than before. There was deep snow on the mountain, so it was fun.
Maybe all of you could pray for Emma. She is struggling a little. She was told by one of the Sister Training Leaders that the president said, "If anyone can help Sister Koerner (Emma's companion), Sister Belliston can." I think you know what that means. It's a really, really rough time for her right now. Lots of responsibility and a difficult assignment. She could use some extra prayers.
We love reading the updates and are glad when you all contribute! Can't wait to see most of you over the holidays!
Manning Moments
Well, the last two weeks have been eventful. A week after Grandpa's funeral I came down with some yucky flu that I hear went around the family. Ear ache, nasty sore throat and swollen glands the whole thing. I was fortunate though and felt much improved by Wednesday and then Nick wanted a turn. His lasted a lot longer and was pretty miserable. So we were unable to visit anyone for Thanksgiving which was sad but we still had a good day and a nice weekend. The greatest blessing was that the boys didn't get sick! It was a tender mercy and we had lots to be grateful for!
This last week we had some great times including getting a Christmas tree. Wesley was pretty excited about that. We also had Nick's faculty Christmas party and what a riot. I think I laughed the whole time. What great people Nick gets to work with. The most down to earth people you'll meet. The next night we met up with Mom and Dad and Nick's parents and went to dinner and then saw the lights on temple square. Nick and I went to a Tommy Emmanuel concert while the grandparents watched the little guys. He is quite a performer and a great guitar player. Thanks so much to amazing parents who make those rare dates a possibility!
I have been very grateful for people in our ward lately. It has been an adjustment to try and be an elder's quorum president's wife and have two little boys, even two angel boys. Sunday's just aren't very restful and I can't seem to serve like I want to. But there have been so many people who notice my frantic self and step in to help and I want to be more like them!
You are all an inspiration! I hope to see you mucho during the holiday season!
Elise, I want to know what books you loved reading this year!
This last week we had some great times including getting a Christmas tree. Wesley was pretty excited about that. We also had Nick's faculty Christmas party and what a riot. I think I laughed the whole time. What great people Nick gets to work with. The most down to earth people you'll meet. The next night we met up with Mom and Dad and Nick's parents and went to dinner and then saw the lights on temple square. Nick and I went to a Tommy Emmanuel concert while the grandparents watched the little guys. He is quite a performer and a great guitar player. Thanks so much to amazing parents who make those rare dates a possibility!
I have been very grateful for people in our ward lately. It has been an adjustment to try and be an elder's quorum president's wife and have two little boys, even two angel boys. Sunday's just aren't very restful and I can't seem to serve like I want to. But there have been so many people who notice my frantic self and step in to help and I want to be more like them!
You are all an inspiration! I hope to see you mucho during the holiday season!
Elise, I want to know what books you loved reading this year!
Flake Fun
The excitement of this week was that we got snow...well, a heavy frost...well, frost. The weather has been pretty temperamental this week with consistent wind and inconsistent temperatures and moisture. We did get a little bit of hail yesterday but it only lasted for a few minutes. There really was some snow on the roofs yesterday but it was gone pretty quickly.
Things are good in the Flake household. We are having a hard time believing that it is already December. It has been a year since Scott moved over to working for the Town of Pinetop Lakeside. It has been a good move for him and for us. He is working with great people and learning a lot.
On Saturday we spent a good chunk of time splitting and stacking wood. I think we only have 2-3 more days of splitting and stacking before our big logs are all taken care of. I noticed that the patches of grass that I planted several months ago are still growing strong which was quite exciting. I now have confidence that I'll be able to get grass in the backyard next year!
Well, that is about all that we have to report! We haven't been sick, despite Jenn having sick co-workers. Hope that you all have a good week!
Things are good in the Flake household. We are having a hard time believing that it is already December. It has been a year since Scott moved over to working for the Town of Pinetop Lakeside. It has been a good move for him and for us. He is working with great people and learning a lot.
On Saturday we spent a good chunk of time splitting and stacking wood. I think we only have 2-3 more days of splitting and stacking before our big logs are all taken care of. I noticed that the patches of grass that I planted several months ago are still growing strong which was quite exciting. I now have confidence that I'll be able to get grass in the backyard next year!
Well, that is about all that we have to report! We haven't been sick, despite Jenn having sick co-workers. Hope that you all have a good week!
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Hart Happenings
Well, I'm not sure what happened to the majority of our post last week. The first half (the part that is missing) was a huge excited outburst about the Flake's news. It was the highlight of our year and still the most talked about event in our family. The boys and Alex and I are absolutely delighted! Congratulations to Jenn and Scott!
Ian was sick pretty much this whole week. He got left home alone today while the rest of us went to church and thought he was going to die of boredom. Luckily, so far, the germs haven't spread and the rest of us have felt fine.
We got snow this week which is always a thrill and Jack and Peter have spent a good part of every day since, playing in it.
Ruth and I had fun painting some Christmas ornaments this week. It's part of an advent kit that I found. So fun!
We had our big Come Follow Me implementation meeting for Primary today. I'm getting so excited for it! We got our Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families book from the bishop when we went in for tithing settlement and can't wait to get started. It's going to be great!
Jack is loving indoor soccer and learning about outer space. He's been on a big kick about the Mars rover and is learning a lot about it. The other day he hopped on a program and had to fiddle with different entry angles, parachute deployment times, heat shield disengagements, rocket booster initiation, etc...to try to get his own rover landed. It took a lot of messing around with and adjusting, but he finally got it landed successfully. He worked on it for almost an hour before everything aligned and he didn't crash or burn up. He is a persistent little fellow!
Peter has taken a real interest in the piano these days and spends a good chunk of his days banging away trying to pick out tunes by ear. It is fun to watch that process, but sometimes I miss the electric piano and its volume control or headphones option.
Alex traveled to Boise this week and made it home safe and sound in spite of the weather. Hooray!
He went for an affiliate training and had a good time with his business partners over there.
I have been reading ALOT. This might sound normal, but it has been a real lot since I've been trying to finish up a library reading challenge along with my Old Testament that we started at the beginning of the year and then Pres. Nelson's Book of Mormon challenge. My eyeballs are shot. But I have read some really good stuff, so that's nice.
Hope all is well with you all and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at some point this month hopefully! It wouldn't be the holidays without at least a glimpse of all my favorite people!
Ian was sick pretty much this whole week. He got left home alone today while the rest of us went to church and thought he was going to die of boredom. Luckily, so far, the germs haven't spread and the rest of us have felt fine.
We got snow this week which is always a thrill and Jack and Peter have spent a good part of every day since, playing in it.
Ruth and I had fun painting some Christmas ornaments this week. It's part of an advent kit that I found. So fun!
We had our big Come Follow Me implementation meeting for Primary today. I'm getting so excited for it! We got our Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families book from the bishop when we went in for tithing settlement and can't wait to get started. It's going to be great!
Jack is loving indoor soccer and learning about outer space. He's been on a big kick about the Mars rover and is learning a lot about it. The other day he hopped on a program and had to fiddle with different entry angles, parachute deployment times, heat shield disengagements, rocket booster initiation, etc...to try to get his own rover landed. It took a lot of messing around with and adjusting, but he finally got it landed successfully. He worked on it for almost an hour before everything aligned and he didn't crash or burn up. He is a persistent little fellow!
Peter has taken a real interest in the piano these days and spends a good chunk of his days banging away trying to pick out tunes by ear. It is fun to watch that process, but sometimes I miss the electric piano and its volume control or headphones option.
Alex traveled to Boise this week and made it home safe and sound in spite of the weather. Hooray!
He went for an affiliate training and had a good time with his business partners over there.
I have been reading ALOT. This might sound normal, but it has been a real lot since I've been trying to finish up a library reading challenge along with my Old Testament that we started at the beginning of the year and then Pres. Nelson's Book of Mormon challenge. My eyeballs are shot. But I have read some really good stuff, so that's nice.
Hope all is well with you all and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at some point this month hopefully! It wouldn't be the holidays without at least a glimpse of all my favorite people!
Nilsson News
Happy December! The countdown has now begun. It's the holiday season. I don't know how it comes so quickly and I wish it would last a little longer. I'm thinking back and trying to think about what I can write about, but all we have to report is that everyone has been sick. The kids have liked to individually claim the spotlight so the sickie season has dragged on and on. Today was the third Sunday in a row that we haven't been to church as a family. Henry is the only one left so hopefully we will be through it soon.
Garrett has his final Spartan race this weekend. It is in L.A. so he is flying there Friday night, racing on Saturday morning and flying home Saturday night. Quick trip.
Sorry this was such a drab report. I think next week will be a little more eventful.
Garrett has his final Spartan race this weekend. It is in L.A. so he is flying there Friday night, racing on Saturday morning and flying home Saturday night. Quick trip.
Sorry this was such a drab report. I think next week will be a little more eventful.
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