Last Hurrah

After the volleyball camp wrapped up, we decided to make one last trip to Salt Lake. We went and saw the Jospeh Smith movie with the girls and walked around Temple Square some more. We popped into the Family History Center while the girls walked around City Creek Mall to take some pictures of the pedigree screens. They were supposed to be emailed, but never came. It was such good information that I wanted to make sure I had copies. We met the girls back at City Creek Mall to grab dinner and ride the Trax. It was a fun way to spend our last night in Utah.

Birthdays, Sickness and The Priesthood

On Saturday we hung out at the house and attended Brittany's oldest daughter's 3rd birthday party. I got to hold Hannah's new baby, and later in the evening we watched a cool lightening storm. Jenna wasn't feeling well so, she hung out inside. Somewhere around midnight, she started throwing up and that went on for six hours. It was horrid. She hates throwing up.  We missed church on Sunday and stayed home so both of us could sleep after being up all night. Unfortunately by the evening, Jenna still wasn't feeling better. She threw up a couple more times after trying to eat. This was apparently a nasty stomach virus going around. As word got out we learned that Hannah's husband had it as well as some other friends they knew. We were so worried about volleyball camp the next day that I asked Jenna if Sarah's grandpa could give her a blessing.  I don't know if the blessing comforted Jenna more or me, but it was beautiful. Grandpa and a couple of uncles stood in, and it was amazing for Jenna to see that the Lord works through the priesthood. This man who knew very little about Jenna blessed her with health and let her know the Lord has plenty in store for her. He mentioned that she was blessed with talents and abilities and that through these talents and abilities she will help that will further the church.  I understood those to be volleyball talents he was mentioning, but they may be different talents. Or volleyball may help her help others if she plays and represents the church well. Or there may be other talents.  All I know is that I knew all was well. Jenna was told what an amazing young woman she was, and I'm glad that she heard that. After the blessing, Jenna shook Wilf's hand and he said, "Boy, I don't know who you are, but your are someone special." He was a little in awe of the impressions he had received. What a gift for Jenna to hear how special she is. We're hoping some good rest tonight along with this blessing will help speed her recovery.

Temple Square

Today we drove to Salt Lake City and toured Temple Square. We've done this before, but Jenna was a lot younger. It was so nice to see the temple, and we spent time touring the Joseph Smith Memorial Building where we had lunch and the Lion House where Brigham Young Lived. We saw the Tabernacle and the new Conference Center. Later in the day Shelly and I drove the girls out to Lagoon, an amusement park north of Salt Lake, and we went back to spend some time in the Family History Center. That place is amazing! Shelly and I found out that we are related somewhere about seven generations back. Probably why we found each other all those years ago. I never get tired of seeing this temple, and I kept photographing it from all angles before we went to pick up the girls. What an amazing day!

Easter Eggs and Easter Sunday

Saturday we decorated Easter Eggs. From personal experience, I can say that this may never get old for the girls. When I married Kelly, his mom and I decorated eggs. I love doing this and will probably continue. Favorite eggs are the egg egg, the dragon scales and the marble eggs. The girls are so creative. They looked so beautiful on Easter Sunday. We had an egg hunt and a lovely dinner with Grandpa Ron. Our Savior's Atonement is the single most important event that has ever happened on this earth, and we are so grateful to celebrate this each Easter Sunday. We know where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going, and we know that we can only return Home because of His Atonement.

Youth Fireside with Madilyn Page

Tonight's Youth Fireside was AMAZING! I tagged along with my family to hear Season 6 "The Voice" contestant, Madilyn Paige, speak to our youth about being true to themselves, not comparing themselves to others, and maintaining high standards. Hearing her sing several songs was a huge treat. Thank you Madilyn for sharing your light!

Mormon Formal 007 Style

Heather and Tanner attended the LDS formal tonight. It was 007 themed, and they looked the part. After not being sure if the dress Heather chose would be okay for this dance (it was long, form fitting, and had lace sleeves), Lucy Corey offered to let us rent this beaded stunner. It fit Heather like a glove, covered everything, and was perfect for the theme. The sparkles were so beautiful, and Sister Hansen did an amazing job on Heather's hair. Heather was thrilled to have a date she felt comfortable with and who she could talk to. Lizzy was in this group too which added to the comfort. So fun to see her get all dressed up for this formal where old fashioned values (boy asks the girl) were experienced. Definitely not the norm in our society today, and we're glad our youth get these experiences.

New Beginnings

Tonight was New Beginnings. Both girls spoke and did a lovely job. Kelly was the bishopric member who spoke. I was so proud of my people.

New Year's Eve 2016

First New Year's Eve Dance for Jenna and her friends, and the annual game night for Heather and her friends.

As I reflect on the year 2016, my heart is full. We've had an activity-filled year and although we've been busy, we have tried to balance with fun, relaxation, celebrations and lots and lots of love. This year included my callings with the Jubilee and the Camp food committee which took many hours of planning and practice, Jenna graduating from middle school, starting high school and growing in her volleyball skills, Heather having success in track and building deeper friendships as she ended her junior year and began her senior year, and a lot of fun activities and family time. We have been blessed beyond measure. Here's to a healthy and happy 2017!

Christmas Day

Christmas Day was busy, yet quiet this year. As the Ward Music Chairman with the 11:00 a.m. Sacrament Meeting time, I had the responsibility to organize the program for a multi-ward choir that would comprise the entire Sacrament Meeting program after the Sacrament was served for Christmas Day. We had just Sacrament meeting, met with the Mile Square and Single Adult wards, and we had an incredibly spiritual Sacrament Meeting program.  I didn't know if I could pick all the music and assemble the program, but with the help of the Spirit, I chose music which turned out to be easily learned yet beautiful in harmonies and messages of the Savior. It was, by far, my favorite part of my calling to date.  Kevin and Beth chose not to come this Christmas so, it was just the Peterson family and Grandpa. The girls requested turkey enchiladas, and they were delicious. Thanks to Judy, we had a beautiful Christmas card this year. Christmas Day was especially spiritual, and it felt like the perfect thing to do to go church in the morning and spend the day with family.  Our Savior is the reason for this season, and we feel blessed and grateful.

Light The World

The church had a campaign going this month called, "Light The World." I did well on the first day making cookies for Jenna's coach gift, and as well on day two posting about a family member or ancestor who has left a legacy.  Here is what I said about my dad...

This is my dad on his wedding day. He was working at Autonetics in Anaheim and within two years would begin his career at Hughes Aircraft as an engineer. He worked there until retiring (never met Howard Hughes), and he worked on the Apollo project as well as many other top-level security projects. My dad was an Auburn University graduate who put himself through college. He was and is a southern gentleman and taught me a lot about hard work, manners and loyalty. He went to work every day and sacrificed a lot for his family. He was a track star, played baseball, football and loved playing cards and games. I learned in my adult years that I get my sentimental side from him, and he makes the most of every moment by being with family for special occasions. Now that he's closer in proximity, he comes to church with us each week just to be with us. My children don't know the man he was, but I remember, and I try to share his story so that they know their grandpa better.