Conference Oct 2025

Dave and I were driving a few weeks ago and talking about how he is feeling a little burnt out.  I said it is to bad that we can't just fly to conference since it was a great trip last year.  Dave said why not?  So we found the guy in our stake that was in charge of tickets and asked if he had any left for Saturday afternoon.  He did.  Then on the way to pick up Cora I started checking if the hotel we liked was still available and if there were affordable flights.  Everything just lined up and we were set to go. Later we got an email saying that not many people had asked for tickets, again we asked if there was Saturday evening this time.  There was.  Dave did make sure to say we didn't want to take tickets away from anyone since we already had some, but if no one was taking them we would take them. 

We got up before 4 on Friday and went to the airport.  I had told Dave that the plane left at 7, he heard they boarded at 7.  And for some reason this time he was sure it only took an hour to the airport.  It does not.  We compromised and left our house at 4:15.  I was a little stressed.   We turned in our car and the shuttle was full, so we got on the next one.  The driver took forever coming, we eventually got to the airport and into the security line.  Line was not to bad.  We soon discovered that they were moving VeRy SlooOooW.  I really think it was training day.  Dave kept telling me he was not worried, we would make it.  I thought there was no way and was already thinking how we get on the next flight. As we got closer I told Dave and Blake to run to the terminal, as my bag was last, so they would know we were coming.  They took my bag to check three times.  At one point the guy said he knew what was in my bag and the lady said it never hurt to look again for practice.  I was like are you kidding! I let them know my flight was leaving.  They did not care.  Finally I grabbed it and ran.  I see a lady in uniform standing in the lane asking what I was wearing.  I kicked it up and they opened plane doors and let us on.  Not happily.  Good thing our gate was the first one after security. After we had taken off and our hearts had settled I asked Dave when he really had been worried.  He said as soon as he saw the security line.  :)  I knew it! He also said that they had asked him if he and Blake were prepared to leave withouth me.  He didn't dare answer.  He thought if he said no they would kick us all off.  The rest of the trip we were very early for our flights. We took the round robin route but finally made it to Salt Lake.  Got an Uber straight to Texas Roadhouse and enjoyed a great meal.  Grabbed a few things for breakfast the next morning as we were leaving before the complimentary breakfast opened, then Ubered to the hotel.  Very ready for sleep. 

Saturday we were up again very early. We got ready and walked the 1/2 hr to the Tabernacle. We wanted to be in line by 6:30 at the latest to see if we could use the stand by line to get into the Conference Center. A block away it started to rain.  It continued to pour the entire day.  We had umbrellas but it didn't help a lot.  Blake said the rain was nothing as he could still see if front of him.  He was freezing all day.  Joked he was having a little PTSD from the rain. Luckily we could stand in a little alcove at the Tabernacle as we waited till they opened.  When we arrived we were about 30th in line.  

We had some lovely people that we chatted with the 2 hrs we waited.  They asked lots about Blake's  mission and we found out they have a grandson in our mission.  There was also a young man there that was waiting for his wife. We learned about how they met and an upcoming trip they are going on.  When his wife arrived just before they opened the doors we all cheered.  We had been very invested in her making it on time. It was just fun. We did make it into the Conference Center for Saturday morning session. 

A bunch of the elders Blake served with and his MP and wife had all gone to the temple Thursday night.  He found out about it to late and as much as I tried I could not change his ticket.  He still wanted to meet up with his MP.  As he is a seventy now he was at all the sessions and we met them after the first one.  It was so fun to see the love they had for my son, and the love he had for them.  They were all so excited to see each other and talk.  It was beautiful and meant so much to me. Wonderful couple!

After that we needed to quickly get something to eat before the next session. We ran in the rain to Seven Brothers since we had enjoyed it last time, but the line was to long for us to make it back.  Finally Subway was the shortest and they were moving fast.  We downed our food, back in the rain and in line for afternoon session. Again wonderful messages and great to be there.  This time we had planned to jump on Trax and eat our left overs at the hotel. We knew that Justin and Emma were in the same session as us, so I texted him to see where he was sitting to see if we could met up.  He was down close at the bottom beyond barriers that we were not allowed to cross.  Luckily he saw us and came to us.  Then took us down.  He kept needing to tell people that he had been down there and had just gone up to see family and that he was down in that area with family.  He had to show his ticket many times.  They really wanted to kick us out.  Eventually we made it to Emma and got to say a quick hi to some of her family.  Again lovely people. Back out in the rain.  We didn't have time to head back to the hotel, so we tried to find a place out of the rain as we waited for last session. We found one building but it was so full.  We decided just to go to the mall. On the way we found a small ledge that while outside was blocked from the rain.  We just sat and chatted until it was time. Walking around we saw a few sister missionaries walking around and around.  At one point I jokingly asked them if they were trying to stay warm.  Two of them broke off and started talking to us.  One was from England and as we talked to her we found out that her friend was in Blake's mission currently. I guess there is was only one British missionary in his mission and he happened to be this sisters friend. Only Canadian meets friend of only British. Such a small world in the church.  Blake got a picture of them together so he could send to the elder. 

Then it was time to get in line for the evening session. Still pouring rain. We found our seats and found we were sitting next to a couple that are in Cora and Ammon's stake, the lady knew Dave in YSA and they are related to Emily so kind of knew Leah. We had so many fun stories like that.  It was a great experience to be in the Conference Center all three sessions on Saturday. 

Sunday was another super early morning.  We had to be to Trax by 5:30 to get to the airport to catch our flight.  We were to be home by 2 and planned to watch both Sunday sessions that night. As we were walking through the airport Blake realized that he had flown out of that exact spot exactly 2 years ago, almost to the hour.  Again kind of cool. 

We got to the airport in good time, got through security, found out gate and then after an hour there was an announcement that our plane had mechanical issues and they were looking for a different plane, anyone that had a connecting flight to please see the lady at the counter. We got in line.  By the time it was our turn what was left with our final destination was either a flight to Denver and home that left Monday at 1 or a flight that was Denver, San Fran, home that left early Monday morning and we would be home by noon.  A very round about way to get home but we took that one since we would be home sooner.  We then waited and waited to see if another plane would be coming. Watched Sunday morning session in the airport. Dave sent some text to his work explaining he wouldn't be there and we continued to wait.  Just after noon we finally got word that another plane had been found and was ready.  It was a tiny thing and Blake was a little confused where his tray table was. 

I was not excited about staying over one more day.  We had things that really needed to be done on Monday.  Once we landed in Denver I got to work. We used our vouchers and ate at Smash Burger.  One of Blake's comps had said it was good.  Did not disappoint. We found a quiet corner and I started making calls to United as they said we would have a hotel voucher as well. .  They gave us a hotel and another meal voucher each, which I thought was good of them.  As I was making calls there was a free leave a book take a book stand.  Dave had just finished his and so he left his and started looking at other on the stand.  He picked up one about building the railway across the US and found his relative in the book.  How neat is that. After that I wanted to find the check in desk and just have them try again to see if there was an earlier flight.  I said a prayer, found the desk and they had 3 tickets on a flight leaving at 7.  It was 4:30.  I said bless your soul, yes please.  Blake was hungry again and wanted to try Cantina.  We got in line.  After a bit we saw a bunch of people had budged and got right in.  Thought that was kind of rude.  Then we realized we were not in line,  hahaha, we were waiting with all the people that were watching the football game on TVs in the restaurant.  Felt kind of dumb.  Got in the proper line and had some great Mexican food. Finally on the plane,  Dave and Blake got exit rows so the had to say yes they would help in an emergency and, bonus, got extra leg room.  At last we made it home by midnight.  Tired and so thankful that we were not in a hotel in Denver, waiting to continue on. 

It was so much fun.  To sum up I would say it was a great experience.  We got up super early every day to wait in long lines.  Have stories we will talk about with each other for years.  Had great chats one on one with Blake.  Listened to wonderful messages from our apostles.  Met some great people.  Memories were made. 10/10 would recommend.

September

September has been a fun month.  We spent the first part of the month getting a few more chores crossed off our list.  Planning food, mowing, getting railings built and stained, had a date lunch, etc. I went with Dave to work one day and went for a walk and got some groceries.  We were surprised when Dave was called to be a councilor in the stake YM's presidency.  He said he feels like an old grandpa compared to the YM.  We had stake conference. Again I drove down with Dave and waited during his meetings until the adult session started. 

All the messages were wonderful as usual.  After Sunday Stake conference we drove up to get Cora and Jane.  Ammon met us half way and we did a quick (9 hour) up, turn around, and back down.  Monday Cora had an appt and then we hung out.  Tuesday I worked and Dave went with Cora to the dentist to watch Jane.  She then had to do a 2 hour gestational diabetes test.  Had tried to do it Monday while I was off so I could watch Jane, but was told she had to be fasting.  I tried to bip over and see how they were doing when I could and then took Jane for a long walk on my lunch break as Cora couldn't leave at all.  Jane did so good.  Wednesday we went to town to get all the needed food for our Nacho Bar. We had a picnic lunch at the park with Leah and Dave.  It was a hot day.  That night Dave scrubbed all the cobwebs off the house.  And I got the queso made for Sunday.  Jane was a big help. Thursday Blake got home.  Yay! 

It was so fun to have the whole family together again for the weekend.  After the temple Friday we went out to Cannon and Nicole's to help chop fruit and prepare for Levi's wedding the next day. We got back late.  Cora and Ammon stayed with Leah and Braydon Friday night.  It was good to not have Jane travel so much as we were going right back on Saturday for the wedding.  They stayed up late playing 5 Crowns.  The next morning off to the wedding we went.  It was a beautiful day.  They look very happy together, and the family dinner was delicious and well done. We left after the dinner, skipping the reception to get back and get ready for Blake's report and all the people that were coming the next day. 

Sunday was lovely.  So  many people to love and support Blake.

We got to spend an extra day with Cora and Jane as Ammon had meetings in SoAb. It was a sunny day.  We colored with chalk and Blake got working on his truck.  He made us an African dish as best he could with ingredients in here.  It was surprisingly good. He has been staying busy.  Making plans, researching school and programs, fixing his truck, scripture study, seeing the girl, hauling water, and the co-op. 

 He is anxious to get to work, but needs to wait until November and get a few things sorted. 

Dave took him waterskiing.  He didn't even hesitate.  Like riding a bike. Also did some wakeboarding and got some good jumps. He has been very cold.  I gave in and turned the heat on earlier than normal.  He keeps saying that the plan was to go on a mission and come home, so now what, and everyone keeps asking him.  

Leah and I had a free day off at the same time.  We usually work opposite days.  She had wanted to do some thrifting.  Blake and I went with her and hit 3 different thrift stores.  Found some good stuff and had great fun together.  Lots happened this month, it was a great one. 

When missionaries complete their missions in Sierra Leone the get what is called a muffler.  Blake said it is an African thing and he things maybe all African mission get it.  It has his mission, name, years he served all woven and country pins put on as well.  It is pretty sic. 

He's Home!!

Blake is home!!  We rented a van so we could all travel together. Ammon had a meeting and was not able to come.  The Thursday everyone else got here about 1.  The girls made signs to welcome him back.  We did one last quick spiff and were off.   I had been tracking his flights.  The last one said he was 1/2 hour early.  Once we got to where he would come out we walked around.  Jane loved these horses and just hung out. 

My app said he had landed, but the monitors still didn't say he had.  We just kept kind of in the area and waited to be told his plane had landed.  I took Jane over to look at the waterfall.  Then was going back to the rest of them, but Jane really like the water and didn't want to leave.  So we stayed and then there was a familiar face.  It took me a second because it didn't say he hand landed yet.  Blake said he recognized Jane's "wow" first, then saw me.  I quickly waved everyone over.  We didn't even get our signs out.  Apparently we are not good at picking up our missionaries.

He was ragged, tired, dirty, and hungry.  But happy to be done flying. Even in the airport is was strange how not weird it was.  Like he had driven to the airport with us and now we were going home. 

Jane got to meet Uncle Blake for the first time.  It didn't take her long to warm up to him. 

All he had wanted for months was to eat at Jerusalem Shawarma and go to the temple.  We fed him right away and drove straight to Stake Pres house to get him released. 

I love how dirty and worn his Book Of Mormon is.  His shoes, pants and ties, were worn and sad.  He kept saying it was a testament.

Ammon got there Thursday night late.  We put his suitcases in the shop so we could deal with the possible bed bugs or cinch as Blake says.  Friday morning we got to see all the cool things he brought home and check for bugs.  Then we returned the van and did a temple session.  It was fun to have all my kids there together. 

Sunday Blake gave his report.  It was HC week and Dave was assigned to our ward. The girls, Ammon and Dave sang I Will Be What I Believe.  It was beautiful.  I had fell in love with the song months ago and Lalainia wrote in parts for everyone and made it possible.  Many thanks to her for making my dream a reality.  Blake did give his testimony in Krio :) we had been asking him for weeks.  He warned everyone that is sounds strange but he was doing it for me.  It was awesome. 

The orange was not really discussed.  Leah kind of decided and then had Braydon bring an orange tie. Cora's dress happened to be orange and so she had Ammon bring matching tie.  Sadly I dropped the ball in letting Dave know.  Oops! 

We served a nacho bar to family and people Blake asked to come after dinner.  I wish I had a picture.  We covered the tables in white paper and wrote little facts about Sierra Leone on them.  Then did the white paper on the counter and warmers.  Leah wrote all the instructions and directions.  I was worried about running our of food.  It turned out all ok. It was a beautiful day and we are so excited to have Blake home safe and sound again.

August

I was thinking that our August had not been very eventful, until I started looking back on all the pictures.  Most of our garden has been amazing.  We got raspberries like crazy.  I made a few jars of jam.  It ended up being more sauce because it didn't set up.  I couldn't find the low sugar pectin I usually use and just could not bring myself to put all the sugar ask in.  But it is great sauce.  Still lots of rain, our grass is still mostly green and needed to be mowed at least once a week.  Not normal for us in August last few years.  Beets are out of control huge and peas are coming along great.  Carrots are slowly coming along, sadly potatoes are lacking.  It is been a beautiful month.

Some mushrooms we found when cutting. 

Leah and I attended a shower for Jayden.  Met my mom and Nicole there.  Leah participated in the games and won the game were we all had to design the dress we thought Jayden had chosen. 

Temple picture cause why not. :)

Dave and I got a section of bales all raked, bales and hauled one week.  

The next week we did some cutting.  Dave had gone after work to spell Jared off.  I was off the next day and was going to do some during the day.  I went down to the field for a quick refresher on how to run cutter.  We haven't had enough to cut last couple year, so it had been a bit. Dave said he thought I had about 3 hours left.  I went early the next morning to get all done before it got to hot.  Jokes on me, it took 6 and a half hours.  I was grateful for my snacks and all the water I took.  It was very hot.  But I got it all done. 

The Puzey girls in the SoAb went to The Importance of Being Ernest.  It was fun. Leah and I got to travel down with them all this year which was way more fun.  Myrna packed us all a picnic lunch that we ate in the car.  I have always loved this show and if was nice to be together.

Another weekend Leah and I drove up to go to Cat's bridal shower.  It was a lovely afternoon.  I won the guess how many game, which is shocking.  I never win anything. Cat was so fun to watch open all her gifts.  So genuinely thankful and loved everything.  And I always have a great time with Leah.

Beautiful Alberta skies.

While Leah and I were at the shower, Dave  had been home doing some welding and grinding.  The welding helmet didn't work and needed the batteries changed.  He did so.  But later his eye was hurting.  He assumed it was arch flash.  Sunday afternoon it was till hurting.  Usually it goes away within 24 hrs.  He was starting to wonder if maybe he got some metal in his eye while grinding.  I had tried to get him to go to the ER for a while and finally said, "you know your daughter would want you to go."  That is what convinced him.  Sure enough he had a metal piece the Dr got out and said he had a rust ring.  I had never heard of that.  He needed to see and ophthalmologist right away.  She was going to call on call in Calgary and we said we would call Leah.  Leah got Dave in Monday afternoon.  They grinded out the rust and apparently lots of other tiny shards.  He was in immense pain Monday night, with blurred vision.  He was a little worried.  Tuesday afternoon he was significantly better and kept improving from there.  Very thankful that Leah was able to get us in and the help she gave us.  Dave now has a face mask and better welding helmet, and was told next time not to go to a Dr, just call Leah and they would fix him up, even if it was a weekend.  What great people. 

We had a fun weekend getting together with the Puzey side.  Wonderful food as always and Myrna had some fun games for everyone. 

The month was Blake's birthday.  Another elder in his apartment made him a chocolate cake.  He said it was really good and they had a nice day. 

We have hardly seen a dry picture of Blake in months.  Rainy season in Salone is no joke.

August was also the All Africa Service Project.  In his area they had a huge group that helped clean up the streets.

He has had record number of investigators at church the last few weeks.  Said that when he talks to us and sees pictures of the family he is excited to come home.  When he is out proselyting and meeting people, he never wants to leave. 

July

Dave's plant always shuts down the first week of July.  The last couple of years he has just done so much around the house and farm that he doesn't feel like he has had a break at all even though he loves that work.  We made sure to plan a few things this time.  On the first we had a few things to do and then went into the local Show and Shine.  Not worth it sadly.  As Dave said most of the cars there were newer than what we drive.  The next day we went on a hike.  We looked for a new one that neither of us had done before and found a cool one that ended at a ghost town.  It was a beautiful hike.  I definitely wore the wrong shoes.  I had gotten some knock off barefoot shoes and they have thinner soles.  Which for every other hike we have ever done would have been fantastic, but this one had tons of sharp jagged rocks covering most of the trail and I could feel every step.  I was very sore at the end and my calves hurt from stepping oddly over them.  It was a neat spot.  Sadly most of the buildings had been moved out in 1920's.  Dave took the drone and we flew it at the top around the mostly empty town site to see where things were.  The old fire hydrant was cool.

There was remnants of the hotel and lots of the coal mines and ovens.  We had a picnic lunch and walked all around. 

On the way home we stopped at Blairmore and had ice cream.  I have heard for years that their ice cream is amazing.  Not sure what the hype was.  But ice cream is always a nice treat. Next we stopped at Lunbrek Falls and soaked our aching feet.  Wow did that feel good.  When Dave stopped I thought we were just going to look around.  I didn't know you could climb down to them.  And to put our feet in that water after walking all day, heaven! 

Most of July I was filling in for other at the clinic.  Worked almost full time. We keep having rain, a few nice day and then more rain.  It is still green.  It is never green this time of year. We have been taking care of the garden, mowing lots and working.  

Blake is doing great.  He is really enjoying his companion right now and how they work together.  Still has the bed bugs even after 4 times being fumigated.  I have started planning how to take care of his suitcases so we don't get them in the house when he gets home.  He has had a few things thefted.  His favorite plastic chair and his tan pants to name a few.  

He says that is just life in Sierra Leone. Blake has had a lot of times that the branch president will tell him that he is speaking in 5 min, he plans a talk quick, then the speaker will show up. It's funny.  They are still finding lots.  It is the middle of rainy season.  He is soaked through most days.  Videos he sends us the water is just running down the street.  They roll up their pants and away they go.

One day I went out at lunch to find my tire a bit low.  I drove to UFA and filled it up.  When I got back to the clinic it was lower than when I started and by the time my lunch break was over it was flat flat.  I know how to change a tire, but did not know where to put the jack on this car and how to get the spare from underneath when usually they are in the trunk.  I called Dave and he said he would come rescue me.  He was able to leave early and was waiting for me when I got off.  I wanted to do it so I would learn how.  He said he felt like a bad husband just watching me.  We did it together.  It was a good thing he came because even with the instruction sheet I never would have figures out that spare underneath.  What a weird set up.  Then we went for Chinese after, because I did it. :)

At the end of the month the girls came and it was a blast. 

Jane is walking all over and starting to say a few words.  Being a grandparent just gets more and more fun.  Dave is often saying he doesn't want to put pressure on anyone, but he would like at least 10 or 15 of these little souls running around. 

All in all it was a great month.  Sunny and rainy and green, and busy, and blissful. 

Family Time

At the beginning of the year the girls got together and decided when they were going to spend a whole week at our house.  We put it on the calendar and excitedly waited for the day.  At Christmas we had way to much food.  This time I said everyone bring ingredients for one dinner they want to share, milk, yogurt, and fruit, because we go through a lot of that when we are all together.  Then we would figure out what we felt like and how big a meal we wanted each day.  I took most of the week off, Dave took it all off, but none of us knew this till a couple weeks before, and Leah's clinic was closed.  Saturday Leah and I drove up to get Cora.  When we got there we picked saskatoons and went to the beach.  We helped her get things ready.  Sunday right after church we left to come back.  As we were saying bye to Ammon I told him I would drive extra careful as I had all his precious girls.  He said yes all 3 of them.  Then Dave sent a text saying drive careful as almost all that was precious to him was in the car.  We thought that was very sweet and we all felt very loved.  I drove there and back without George's help at all.  I was very proud of myself.  (George is what I named my maps guy as he has an English accent :)) I had made a pasta salad with chicken and vegetables to eat so we just drove.  Jane did great and only got antsy a little bit.  We talked the whole way up and down.  It was so fun. 

As soon as we arrived we got out and picked raspberries.  Just fresh to eat and let Jane run around.  Grandpa was pretty happy to see that little girl. 

It worked out that Cora had a lot of appointments this week.  We will have to plan better next year.  Monday was off to the dentist.  Leah and I took Jane to the park during her appt.  Then we just hung out at the house, picked the garden, played 4 square volleyball, and Leah made us a lovely dinner. 

Tuesday I had to work and Jane had a Dr's appt.  I knew how much she hated laying down, I would need her height and our tape measures at work were not low enough, so we measured her at home before I went. The girls just chilled with Dave, did some suntanning and Cora made dinner that night.  Braydon came and joined us. 

Wednesday Cora had a midwife appt.  We packed some snacks and went to that.  Stopped in to see Grandpa and Grandma Smith.  Went to Leah's to do some dishes and pick up a package from her post office.  Dave met us at Leah's and then we went to Wally's beach.  It was quite low but lots of nice sand.  Dave then went to high council and we went back to watch my parents as they were doing a presentation on my Candy Grandma for the historical society.  It was neat to hear all the stories again about her. 

We spent a long time after chatting with Cannon, Nicole, McKay, and Levi.  The girls had fun seeing their cousins that they haven't seen for awhile. 

Thursday they wanted to do some shopping.  We were going to Shakespeare in the Park that evening.  So we went down early.  I hung out with Jane and followed the girls from store to store.  We had a picnic dinner that Dave and Braydon met us for at Henderson.  Then we went to watch the play.  It was the oddest play I have seen.  And sadly not as well done as the past productions in my opinion.  Not a great first impression for Braydon who had never been before. 

As we were pulling in the garage that night, Ammon surprised us.  We had not expected him till Friday.  It was good timing.  He arrived just after us.  Braydon had come back to our house after the play as well.  The four of them stayed up and played Five Crowns and had a blast.  

Friday was the first full relaxing day.  More card games, volleyball, sitting in the sun, chalk and bubbles, naps (Braydon had to work), getting the boat ready for the next day.  We were supposed to feed missionaries but they back out.  We had Grandma Puzey over to eat with us.  It was a fun day.

Saturday we all got up early, packed snacks and drove to the lake.  We got cover off and boat loaded and went to grab the plug only to discover that it was not put back at the end of last year.  We searched EveRyWheRe!  Cora suggested we go to the beach since we were there.  Ammon had brought a frisbee.  It was a bit chilly that early, it did warm up.  At first we were in the water, knee deep with sweaters on. Jane loves the beach. Dave had a stake activity he needed to be at all afternoon.  We came back and had a bite to eat.  He left and we did nothing the rest of the day.  More volleyball, naps, bubbles, bugs, chalk and card games.  I loved it.  Easy, simple, fun.  Leah made another great dinner that night.  More raspberry picking. 

Sunday Cora and Ammon left after church and Leah and Braydon shortly after.  It was such a great week.  We learned things we did that were great and things we will do better next year.  Not having set plans for activities and food was good.  Much more relaxed.  We just had a bunch of things available and whatever we felt like.  We got rained on a few times playing outside, but it was all good.  I love my family and having them home together.  We hope to make this a annual thing.  Where ever they all are to come home for a week each summer.  To just be together.