Northern Lights

Last night Leah sent us pictures of the Northern Lights that she had taken.  I had seen several posted by so many people over the last week, but kept missing them.  We paused our movie and went right out.  They were really neat. We had a bit of cloud cover, but could see a little red and some greens.  It was a little chilly. Dave was sure they would be better later so we finished our movie and got all bundled up, grabbed our lawn chairs and headed back out.

They were truly awe inspiring.  I have never seen them like that before.  We stayed out for over an hour.  We were surrounded.  No matter what way you looked was a show.  Lights dancing and colors.  Really one of the neatest things I have ever seen.

My phone wouldn't take pictures so all these are from what Leah, Ammon, and Dave sent.  As I sat there all bundled up, watching this amazing show from God, in this beautiful word, I was sure I was witnessing one of the signs of the last day.  

Conference 2024

A couple of months ago they announced in church that conference tickets were available if anyone wanted them.  I thought to myself, 'we should go again sometime'. Just as Dave turned to me and said, "we should go."  We both kinda laughed and went on with church.  That afternoon he had meetings and I started browsing, just out of curiosity, how much it would be to fly rather than drive and hotels.  It really wasn't to bad.  After his meeting I told Dave what I had found out.  He got tickets from the stake and just like that we were going to conference.  We left on the Friday and my only stipulation was that we had to be back across the border by the time Blake might call.  It was a beautiful short flight.  Dave decided that we are never driving to Utah again, this was so fast, even with the drive to the airport.

Taylor picked us up and took us to our hotel.  We had free shuttle, but it was the only time we were going to be able to see him that weekend.  I had got a place that was only a 20 min walk from the conference center.  And later found out that we were in the free Trax zone also.  The Trax was only 2 blocks from our hotel.  We checked in and then walked to Nacho Daddy, which Cora had recommended.  It was really good.  

Then continued on to temple square.  We walked around for a few hours looking at the buildings and some museums.  We went and sat in the Tabernacle to get out of the heat.  Years ago when we took the kids we had discovered that at the Tabernacle there was a standby line to get into the conference center with overflow seats.  Last time we missed getting in by 2 rows.  But when we asked a senior sister missionary working in the Tabernacle told us that they were not doing that and that we also needed a ticket for the Tabernacle and that they no longer had speakers outside to listen.  We were disappointed because we had planned to spend the whole weekend on temple square, but that wasn't going to work if we couldn't even listen to it.  Next we hopped on the Trax to the Delta Center to watch the Jazz play.  It was a fun game.  So much going on and things to watch.  People watch, fun half time shows with these little 3-4 yr old kids etc.   We got a hotdog there from Dawg, which Tay recommended.  He told me the secret order ;), for hotdogs it was pretty good. 

 Our seats were on the side behind the basket.  When the opposing team was shooting they passed out bangers for us all.  That made the game even more fun.  

After the game we took  Trax back to the hotel.  Saturday we had breakfast and got ready, but were in no hurry.  We had afternoon tickets.  Decided to walk to the bakery that Kita has told us about and get a few things for our conference snack.  It was a good long walk.  Through some sketchy areas and a few beautiful buildings. 

Back at the hotel we watched the first session, had a snack for lunch then got on the Trax.  We still were not totally convinced with the info we had been given and wanted to check it our for ourselves.  Good thing we did.  You can totally do standby in Tabernacle for Conference Center.  So we made a plan to get up early Sunday and get in line. Then went to our session.  The kids choir was so good.  And it was fun to watch all the behind the scenes going on with them and all the speakers. All the session were great.  That is almost all Blake wanted to talk about when he called Monday. After the afternoon session we went to the Church History Museum and then to Seven Brothers.  Another recommendation from Kita.  We had great food ideas given to us for the weekend and we were thankful. This was a really good burger place.  I would have like to go again and try a salad they had. Looked really good.

Back on Trax and to the hotel to watch evening session.  Then a soak in the hot tub, watched a Forensic Files and sleep.  We wanted to be in line very early for the Tabernacle.  We were at breakfast right when it opened at 7 and walked to the Trax.  In hindsight we should have just walked to temple square.  All weekend the Trax had been coming 7 mins apart, Sunday was apparently 20 mins.  We saw the train pull away as we were crossing the street but were not concerned thinking another was coming right away.  We finally got on train, rode to temple square and got in an already long line.  Again we missed conference center by 2 rows.  Dave has made a list of conference hacks that we will remember for next time. It was fun all weekend to have strangers walk up to you and just assume you were going to conference.  Any white shirt and dress, they would talk to you and ask what session you were going to or say see you up there with out even asking where you were going.  I loved it. 

It was still neat to watch in the Tabernacle.  I needed to use the bathroom as the first session was ending, so I told Dave I would slip out during closing song and go get in line for afternoon session.  We decided to try one more time.  But when I got out there it was way longer than the morning, so we just walked back to the hotel.  We got an Uber and went to Texas Roadhouse, one of Dave's favorites.  We thought lunch would be better than dinner since we knew I would have left overs we could eat for dinner.  Uber back and final session watched at hotel.  Monday was up very early and caught the Trax to the airport.  Apparently the free shuttle was not available, which was fine, the Trax was easy and cheap. We made it back through the border half hour before Blake called.  So we just pulled over and had a great chat with him. It was so fun to see how much our kids enjoyed conference and to discuss the different talks and what they got out of it.  Another quick trip.  Very nice to get away.  We walked for miles, spent time away from phones, heard inspiring uplifting messages and had a wonderful time.  

Farthest North Ever

We finally got all the bales hauled.  Months after we are usually done.  There were so many equipment break downs this year and as lovely as it was the rain just kept coming, making it hard to get in the field.  Our grass is greener in October than it has been for years.  It is great.  But we got it done.  And we have more bales than we have in a long time.  Also a miracle of fasting for rain.  We have definitely been blessed this year. 

We would spend every spare minute hauling, sometimes only getting one load in a night.  Usually hauling bales is my least favorite thing.  To me it feels like walking down stairs picking up one toy, going up stairs to put away, then all the way back down again to get one more.  Really we load the truck as much as we can, so I don't know why it feels this way.  This year I almost enjoyed it.  Maybe because we were later it wasn't so hot, or we didn't have activities to run to, whatever it was, this year was almost fun. 

We took a trip up to visit Hatch's.  It was the farthest north I have ever been. We always enjoy seeing the projects they are working on.  It was supposed to be a 6ish hour trip.  Dave was a very law abiding citizen and it took us 7. We did drive a little faster on the way home until we started seeing a lot of deer on the side of the road and my car lights suck.  Back to being good citizens. It was fun to see where they live and attend their ward.  Interesting how many people Dave knew in their ward.  Even some cousins and people he grew up with. 

We went on a little hike.  More of a big hill and went right to the Saskatchewan border.  Ammon drove to the dump and parked.  At first I thought he was kidding.  We walked along a fence and through this ward members field that had told them about where to go.  Through the cows, it was an interesting way to start a hike.  Ammon even called the guy before we left to make sure no bears had been spotted in the area recently.  On the way Ammon was telling everyone which mushrooms were safe and how to spot them.  Nobody died after so I guess he was right.  They all enjoyed quite a few.  I don't like mushrooms so wasn't eating them, and was glad I didn't have to haul all the sick people out. :) 

It really is a beautiful place.  So many trees and everything was green.

There is a bear that was in their back yard.  It comes up and eats the crabapples.  We never saw it close and it always ran away when we tried to get a good picture.  But it was fun to watch Cora.  She is just living in her best element there.  They have a ward member that they get raw milk from, she had all this space, lots of trees, husband is home in the evening again, and a cute little girl.  Hanging her laundry to dry and the landlord has a huge garden that he asked them to help eat.  Sunday for dinner she just walked out with a big pan and gathered fresh things to eat. 

The project is coming along nicely and we really enjoyed being with them.  Cora made her pizza for us and Ammon did a seafood boil.  We had to head home right after we ate on Sunday, but have more to see next time we venture up. 

 

Airport Doors

You step through the airport doors,

my young son

Going to a country we had never heard of,

until God called you there.

Sierra Leone the paper said, 

as you paused in shock and bewilderment.

We jumped right into visas and vaccines, 

gathering the things we thought you would need

hoping it was enough.

All to quickly the day arrived. 

We gathered at the airport to say good-bye.

You, my young son, were nervous and scared

but trying not to show it.

But I knew, I could see it in you stance and in your eyes.

And because I know you, only as a mother can know their son.

My young son who has never liked change or the unknown.

I also saw the almost imperceptible 

straightening of the shoulders

the resolve and determination in your eyes

as you trusted God's plan.

We gave you one last hug and you stepped through those airport doors

into His hands.

A whirlwind few weeks of classes and learning

study and pray. 

Another airport, and a day and a half later 

you stepped into a world so foreign to all you had known.

Dirt floors and poverty

Unreliable water and electricity

Learning a language or three

Bartering for food, brooking clothes

Keke rides and walking for miles.

Sometimes they laughed at you 

and called you 'white boy'

These humble and happy people

Every day you give it your all,

working sun up to sun down.

Military coop, killing rats, gunshots and lockdowns.

Hot hot days and unrelenting rain and mud.

You continue to search for the souls God sent you there to find.

Some companions you have to learn to love

others it comes easily.

Service and lessons, filling fonts by bucket, malaria, and cooking food over a fire

You continue to teach of God's love.

Most weeks we get to talk to you

by email or video chat. We laugh and discuss.

Pray and marvel at every experience and opportunity you are given.

And every week we see you, my young son, 

as your testimony grows.

I anxiously await the day you walk back through those airport doors.

When we can give you a hug and see you face to face.

For the day that God releases you back to me.

 

Yet knowing He will not return you as my young son

but as a man, a bit of a stranger.

One that who, as he walked through the fire, 

took one step closer to becoming the person God wants you to become.

 

 

General Update

Blake is doing well.  He has had some really cool experience's.  We look forward to when he has enough data and time to call us.  He does most weeks.  He is currently training, his comp is from the DRC, he is zone leader and his a councilor in the branch presidency.  A while back he had fun finding his own ride to Freetown.  It is about a 3 hour drive.  He goes every few weeks for MLC. The MP was in Makeni visiting and asked if he wanted to have the mission bus sent for him.  Blake thought it would be fun to travel Salone style.  They got to a road crossroads and there are lots of people and cars shouting out where they are going.  Then you pack into a car, way over what we would be allowed to have here. and off they go.  Once he got to Freetown, the got a keke and make it to the mission home.  He said it was a blast.  On the way home they paid extra to have back seat to themselves.  He has done this a few times now and thinks it is great.  He really gets along with the other zone leader.  I think they will be good friends for life.  It is rainy season and it is flooding most of the time. He got malaria, but is recovered now.  Had horrible headaches but it didn't stop him from working.  He said he was there to work and not stay inside.  He put on sunglasses and a big hat and went to work. They have a rat kill count going in the apartment.  Up to 22 now.  They just beat them with a stick until they are dead.  It is the same stick that they prepare food with.  Just labeled it rat bat on one side and pepe pounder on the other. Oh my!  His zone had the highest find rate in the mission last transfer, he was pretty proud of that.  We love to hear his experiences.  It is a different world and he is just taking it all in.

I love this picture, so much about it.  The inviting hand held out, the elders under umbrella in the rain, the font outside, so much in this picture.

All African service project.  He was excited to get to work with a machete.

Surviving malaria.

Cute kid holding hand.

These next are all out of order.  

As I was helping Cora pack we found Sunpuppy, her childhood toy, and Black Bear, Ammon's childhood toy.  Cute picture with her parents toys. 

  Dave, Cora, Jane and I hiked Wall lake end of July.  It was a hot day.  With all the trees burnt down there was no shade and hotter than I remembered.  But it was fun and glad we got one hike in this summer. 

Shakespeare in the park was fun as always.  We meet the girls and Natalia there.  This year they did Twelfth Night. 

Canada day we spent with Leah.  Everyone else was gone, we met in town and went to a car show, food truck, had lunch, walked around the lake, watched a movie and then had some treats.  It was a different Canada Day but still fun. 

End of July was Magrath Day.  We went and spent it with the girls and Ammon.  Parade, Pancake breakfast, Wally's beach, some cool BMX tricks and dinner and ice cream I finally got to try at Blue Goose.  Was worth the hype. 

 Baling has been slow this year.  Lots of equipment break downs.  It was been nice having fewer cows as we haul water.  Don't have to do it as often.  I have got to be MOA a lot this summer.  Even a couple days all on my own.  I like doing MOA.  It has been a fun fast summer.  Fit in what we could and just enjoyed being with the kids.  

 

Blessed and Watched Over

 Ammon is in charge of building the new chapel up north.  Even though Toronto temple is still being worked on he came home to do this project.  As usual Cora didn't have a lot of notice to get all packed up and loaded up as she will be going with him.  We have really loved these last few months when the girls would just drop in and stay undetermined days.  It was great for the girls to be so close to each other as well as their husbands were away.  They spent days at the beach and lots of time at each others houses, movies and dinner,  and we had lots of picnic lunches.  It has been a fabulous few months.  Braydon has come home to work about the same time as Cora is moving, which I feel is also a blessing.  As much as we will miss Cora and Jane, we are so excited for them to be back with Ammon again on a regular basis.  It will be great to have him home in the evenings and weekends.  Cora got everything pretty much packed up.  Ammon flew home and then they made a few loads into a storage unit and loaded up what they were taking with them and made it to our house later Saturday.  Sunday we had dinner with everyone for the reunion then Ammon took off.  Cora was going to follow him that day, but thought Jane needed a day to just be in one spot after all the travelling the last few days.  Monday she got up and I packed her some snacks and off she took on the 6.5 hr drive, with no air conditioning on a hot day.  She had taken a spray bottle of water to spritz them both with if needed.  Four hours into the trip there was a truck that had wood come out and it was so close, Cora couldn't swerve around it.  She almost got hit, but drove over all the wood.  She immediately knew she had a flat tire.  A nice man stopped and asked if she was ok.  Cora changed the tire and got back on the road, but then realized that the other tire was flat also.  At this point she was not sure what to do.  She had already used the spare.  Ammon and Dave were both in meetings at work and she couldn't get a hold of them.  Nathan was trying to help her use AMA, but they wouldn't let her.  Some nice men stopped and overed to take her tire into the nearest town and get a new one.  Another man had her sit in his truck with air conditioning, a tow truck kept calling her and asking if she was ok.  He had a couple of assignments in front of hers.  I think in all she said that 10 people stopped to offer help.  She was on the side of the road for 3.5 hours.  Jane did so good.  The guys came back with a loaner tire that didn't exactly fit but would work and the man with a/c said he knew a good mechanic 30km away.  The car had also mot been running well after the hit and had died once already.  She put her blinkers on and the man followed her as she slowly crept along.  As she got to the town, the car was still going and at this point she had gotten ahold of Ammon.  He was lining up a trailer to come haul the car.  So she kept driving.  It started driving slower and slower and after crossing a double lane highway and almost having it stop, Cora decided that it was time to stop and wait.  At this point she should have been long home.  Another hour and Ammon got to her.  They barely got the  car loaded on the trailer and made it home.  This is a very condensed version. A 6.5 hour trip turned into 13, but there were so many blessing along the way.  They made it safe in the end.  There were so many kind people that stopped to help.  I have listened to way to much Dateline and was a little stressed, but she called us often and kept her phone charged.  The wood coming off could have hit her and been so much worse.  Kind people, Jane was good, and so much more.  Prayers were answered.  They were definitely watched over on that trip.  We are so thankful.

Reunions

August was the month of family reunions this year.   We had so much fun.  Smith reunion was first weekend in August. As usual everyone had a meal they were in charge of.  Nicole took most of the pictures, cause the rest of us didn't. :) She is always good at that.  Kita and Nicole did t-shirts for us again.  Steve did an awesome design. We packed in as much as we could in 2 days.  Thursdays started with dinner at Cannon and Nicole's.  Dave and I got there really late as we had to work and haul water for cows before we could leave.  It was nice and we stayed a bit.  We slept at Leah's each night so we didn't have to travel so far.  Friday we all met back in Cardston and traveled to Waterton.  Some hiked bears hump and other walked around the town.  We all met back for lunch and then went to HillSpring.  Levi and Cannon had blown up all our tubes and Levi met us at the canal for a float.  It was the coldest day, but we had one chance so we got in anyways. There was bridge jumping and then a trailer ride into the little store and a drive around the village.  And of course a stop at Pioneer Parlor for ice cream.  Natalie had dinner ready for us when we got back. Saturday mom and dad did breakfast and we watched the parade.  We ended up just hanging out at the Airbnb that Jones' had rented the rest of the day.  I was in charge of lunch and Kita did dinner.  Some went to the mud bogging and rodeo, but it was just relaxing and whatever you felt like.  When it was all done we wished we had another day.  I love when my family is able to all get together.  It is always just easy and low key.  Talks, laughs, serious, special, fun, and always lots of memories are made. 

Most chaotic family picture :)

Cora always has to give a tuddle when she is near water.

Cora was pleased that everyone loved Jane and just took her everywhere they went.  It was kinda funny.  I think some were surprised at how Cora just takes her along, hikes, trailer rides, mud bog.  Where Cora goes Jane goes and it isn't slowing her down.

Just hanging out. 

Games.

Trailer ride

Cool people with same great taste.

Tubing.

Nicole got lots of pictures, but I don't love the update on this site and pictures were a pain to upload.  Used to be a breeze.  So just a sneak it is. 

Puzey reunion was the next weekend.  The girls went to Cardston to see a play Thursday.  As always they did a great job.  Friday we went to Myrna's for dinner and hung out for a bit.  It was nice to see everyone that was able to make it.  Saturday afternoon we all went to the lake.  We had a fun floating on the lake and being chill enjoying the sun.  Had dinner at the lake that Jared bbqed.  We had planned on staying and chatting for a bit, but Cora's SIL was coming to stay with us on her way up north.  Leah and Braydon also came in Saturday night.  Sunday we all got to go to church together.  It is fun to have so much family back in the ward, we took up 3 benches and it was awesome.  Dave and I wanted to dinner at our house so Leah and Braydon could eat with us.   We just kept is simple, but the house stayed cool and not to hot.  I had a game that I had planned on playing, but was just enjoying talking with everyone.  It was a nice, fun weekend.  It is nice to have everyone close so we are able to get together often.   Again I took no pictures. :(