Week of August 20 - 26, 2017

Highlights:

Spiritual
Sunday was a good day. I started indexing and then did some genealogy. I get emailed hints from Family Search all the time, and today I decided to act on a hint. I ended up finding a cousin, wife and children and I have a new name to take to the temple to do work for. Choir practice was great and we sang in Sacrament meeting, which was lovely since it was also a missionary farewell and the song went perfectly with the missionary work theme. I ended up getting called at the last minute to be chorister in Sacrament Meeting, and it was okay except for the closing song, which I had never seen before.

I had pack meeting on Tuesday night. I shopped during the day for way too many popsicles for the pack meeting treat. Our den did a great job on the flag ceremony.

Dad attended a temple session on Wednesday evening.

I am in Alma 9 in the Book of Mormon.

I have indexed 26373 records so far this year. I am trying to find a new record to settle into. When you are indexing, if you stay on the same record type from the same location, it is easier to figure out poor handwriting and you get a sort of rhythm going.

Family

The Wilkins Family
The Wilkins Family is doing great! Adam survived going from a very small elementary school to his first week at a 1700+ student high school! He has already done well in piano, and is also taking honors English, algebra, P.E. and required courses, plus an elective of ceramics, which will be quite a new thing to learn. Grace spoke with us on Sunday and she is so excited for school to begin! Josh wasn't feeling well on Sunday, but it was perhaps back to school jitters for him. Sam has been quite the comedic actor around the house. His new thing is to go to someone's closet, dress up in their clothing, and then proceed to walk around, acting like the person he is dressed like. It sounded so funny, and I bet his interpretations of how others behave is really eye opening! Work is going well for both Mike and Allison. This family is doing well!!
First day of school for Grace and Josh


Traditional shaved ice for the end of the first day of school


The Ethan Rice Family
Little Wade started walking this week! Huge milestone for an 8 month old! I was so happy Kaylee called me on Wednesday afternoon and we got to talk about school, read a book of hers, and start a card game. I am so thankful for FaceTime!!

The Doran Rice Family
I missed the family on tv for the dog rescue on Saturday morning but Amber got these...

They did well in placing dogs in new homes, but it was hard work. They had to be up very early on Saturday and stay at the car dealership till noon. Amber is glad it's all done. We had a last swim get together with Amber and Doran and kiddos on Saturday: ribs, salad, French fries, mac and cheese and popsicles.

The Morgan Rice Family
Morgan tried to return to his job but they won't need him for three more weeks, so he is still searching for work. Had an interview on Thursday.

Kayty
Kayty had a good week at work, and spent her days off and evenings watching Law and Order Reruns.

Health good this week.

The Nathan Rice Family
Nathan and Jessica were in a location that saw the Eclipse of 2017 in totality. That is the only way to notice any sort of difference during an eclipse.

Anna called to chat on Thursday when I was on the way home from Nano's. She also called on Saturday while she was heading to the park. Jessica's parents started their trip to Idaho to help when Elisabeth chooses to come.

Dad's Garden
Dates are coming in now and Dad is loving it.

Year of the House Part 2
We got the pipes selected and a drain chosen that seems very sturdy. Dad needs some advise from Wade Wallin but can't reach him by phone. The stone purchase was delayed since Mark Kuhlwein had a sick horse that went to the equine hospital late Tuesday night.

Other highlights
Total eclipse of the Sun  Monday August 21, 2017
What a bust! People had warned to put away animals, cage your chickens, beware of animal predators in the dim light. Phooey! We did check and see the first inklings, beginning at 9:15 am. Then, when it neared totality here (67%) at 10:33 am, the clouds had poured in earlier, and we saw only bits and pieces of it. No darkness. No predators. In fact, I lay down on the back lawn to try and get a picture, and the hens came begging sunflower seeds off me. It is not the first time clouds have marred a celestial event. Years ago, Hailey's Comet was about to pass... and the day it did...boom: cloudy!

This is the best I could get and it was through welding glass on my cell phone. The above pics were with my regular camera and it didn't get anything. 

We have had the best monsoon in years this year. I just wanted one more rain before it ended, and boy did I get rain on Wednesday night. We got an inch in our gage by the pool filter. It was wonderful, and it made for a cool, but humid, Thursday morning jog.

I had a goal to seal my counters this week. I did get a couple of them done.

You have to clear everything off, clean them really well, apply the sealer, and then leave them alone, no water, no contact for at least 12 hours. Still have to get the areas around the sink...hopefully this week.

Nano shopping went well this week and we got her sewing machine running so she could get a project finished. She went to her neurologist and is on a new medication to improve her memory.

Scott and Jenny celebrated Nano's 82nd birthday early on Saturday. Looks like she had a fun time!

Not so highlights
I attended a high school friend's funeral on Saturday, Cindy Rudolph. It was held at the LDS Chapel on 39th Avenue North of Camelback...the building I first attended Mutual with a friend, the building I attended seminary in for four years. I hadn't been back since then (I think Dad did play a dance once or twice there, but not sure). Cindy was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 2 1/2 and epilepsy a month later. She joined the church in high school and, to be honest, I just thought she was always a member. Cindy was always smiling, always happy, always positive. I did know about her diabetes, not the epilepsy, and thus she could never drive. I did take her home from school quite a lot our senior year. We did fall out of touch over the years, but by what was said at the funeral, that smile, that attitude was who she was, not just something to remember. She loved her nephews and would travel around town on a bus with them. Her ward adored her and she would spend hours making cookies, cakes and other treats to give to them. She was a dedicated visiting teacher and her bishop said that he would have not become active in the church years ago without her friendly, dedicated phone calls every month to his wife or him. While it is sad she is gone at 57, she was one of the longest living kidney transplant recipients, and she lived a wonderful life of love of her Heavenly Father and service to others. The pain and struggles her body gave her are gone now. I am so thankful I could gather with some of my old high school friends (Loann Gardner Sirrine, Laura Hodges _____, Kathy Beck Ganem, Gerrie Harmon Miller, Charlene Harmon ___, and Terri Carroll)

Week of August 13-19, 2017

Highlights

Spiritual
We had the special opportunity to attend the Tucson Arizona Temple dedication at Glendale North Stake Center on Sunday. We had originally planned to attend the early session, but Kayty took her insulin later than expected, so it was either Dad go alone or we go later, and we chose later. It was a lovely session. The music was beautiful and there were many great messages given. Youth were especially encouraged to participate in proxy baptisms often. Elder Gary Stephenson gave a wonderful talk on temple work. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf spoke and then gave the dedicatory prayer. It was such a blessing to be able to be in attendance, and remember our own Phoenix Temple dedication. I won't forget how blessed I felt to be the last two people selected to enter the temple itself to witness the dedication. Every time I am in the Terrestrial Room in the temple, I look at that place they set a chair at the end of a row. I remember just sitting there with tears in my eyes, expressing such gratitude for being able to be in the room right next to a prophet of the Lord...to be in the temple that we had worked so long and hard for as it was dedicated. I won't forget that feeling.

I attended a session at the temple on Tuesday morning. It was very full! Dad attended the Wednesday evening session. We went on Thursday to perform sealing ordinances.

My cub scouts practiced their flag ceremony for pack meeting next week. We didn't hit the ceiling with the poles, though my co-leader did get bopped in the head.

I am in Mosiah 23 in the Book of Mormon.

I have indexed 25747 records so far this year.


Family

The Wilkins Family
Adam's first day of high school was Monday.

Sam created yet another look

Grace achieved quite an accomplishment this week. Allison challenged all the kids to two hours per week working a certain Math program, and if they did this, a treat was in store. Grace received her reward for completing the assignment: manicure and frozen yogurt...plus time with Mom all by herself.

And since this guy hasn't been on the blog for awhile, and yet I love him so much...

The Ethan Rice Family
Family is doing well. They are anticipating Liz coming out at the end of August to visit. Wade got himself in a bit of a situation Monday evening, and was not happy about it.

Wade has been exploring the house...

Cameo and the kids spent one afternoon with Katie Adair and her kids.

On Saturday night, they had some friends over for a movie night



The Doran Rice Family
Doran and Amber purchased a new car on Saturday. It is much more economical on gas and the upkeep will be much easier. With Amber commuting now to downtown Phoenix, it makes much more sense. They both enjoy their jobs and the kids are doing very well. Doran did some fishing on Saturday night and just missed out on some catfish. The car spent its week in the shop with Check Engine Light issues. This is a real strain on a family. Amber was at a dog event on Saturday morning.

Morgan
Morgan is taking a month leave of absence from work to get some other things taken care of. He and Christy went on a camping trip last weekend. He did some legal work this week, helped his friend, Kyle work on a car, and plans to return to his regular job on Monday night.

Kayty
Kayty didn't get a recommend to attend the Tucson Temple Dedication, so she slept in later than she usually sleeps in. Monday, she did work out another month of insulin, plus she determined a way to get some remaining out of other insulin pens. Sure wish we would have kept those things now! She should make it to the time she can get insurance and see a doctor. The rest of the week was typical, other than saving her on two mornings.

Two minor save this week.

The Nathan Rice Family
We talked to Nathan and Jessica briefly on Sunday night. Annalee is still trying to adjust to the new ward time and naps, and that makes her not herself on Sunday evenings. She always asks to see the kitty, and usually, Lilly obliges. I was listening to the morning news, and an expert was speaking about the total solar eclipse to occur on August 21, 2017. Right after the broadcast, he was heading out to the best spot to see it: Rexburg Idaho! Who new that Nathan, Jessica and Annalee would be at ground zero for this special event! Lets just pray that Elisabeth stays snug and warm where she is so they don't have to even think of venturing out in the horrible crowds and traffic. Jessica had a good doctor's appointment on Wednesday and induction was scheduled for August 30th if she doesn't come sooner. That would mean three sets of cousins share the same birthday: Kooper Rice and Sam Wilkins - January 13, Joshua Wilkins and Wade Rice - December 1, and Grace Wilkins and Elisabeth Rice - August 30.

Dad's Garden
Dad and I spent Monday evening shoveling the chicken compost he had picked up last week into wheelbarrows and to the gardens. It took awhile, but shoveling that is much lighter than shoveling sand! He spread it all over the gardens, and now it will have time to leach nutrients into the soil if we are blessed with any more rain. We spent the rest of the week digging that in. It was great exercise and cheaper than a rototiller.

Year of the House Part 2
Dad made arrangements to get the piece of stone for the bathroom counter. He also cut the concrete floor to move the drain.

Other Highlights
This year, our weather has been just wonderful, for Summer. We had rain Saturday morning, Saturday night, and Sunday morning. It is indeed humid, but not blazing hot. The sun is setting sooner and once it is lower in the sky, it's nearly pleasant to work outside.

Monday morning run was great! I saw four meteors from the Perseid Meteor Shower. It was awesome. I saw only one on Tuesday, but the morning was beautiful. I enjoyed amazing runs Wednesday and Thursday with temperatures in the 70's. Friday, I was at a particularly dark part of the street, and I looked up and a star/meteor streaked across the sky. I just had to stop and thank Heavenly Father for such a beautiful world, both night and day.

Nano Shopping this week went well. She had already picked up her sewing machine so I made sure it operated. Why is every sewing machine different???

Not So Highlights
Just the normal concerns...nothing new.

Week of August 6 - 12, 2017

Highlights

Spiritual
Sacrament meeting was very inspiring. We heard testimony from Audrey who was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and begins 16 weeks of chemotherapy this week. We also heard from the mother of our Young Women's President who was diagnosed with leukemia a few months ago and is home recovering from intensive chemotherapy and a recent stem cell transplant. They both have a long way to go to return to health, but both testified of the power and strength they receive as a result of the prayers being offered by so many people. Prayer is a truly wonderful blessing for us. We had a lesson in Relief Society about "certain women". It was very uplifting.

My Sunday evening was absolutely wonderful. We visited via FaceTime with Nathan, Jess and Annalee. Grace texted me and sent me video greetings as well as a Happy Birthday song she sang and played on the piano. I spoke with Doran and Amber via FaceTime and talked to Kooper and briefly to Kelsie (busy getting ready for school the next day). I had been blessed late the night before to talk to Kaylee on the phone as she shared her camping adventures and her fish she caught. Thank you all so much for taking time to share your sweet lives with me.

Attended a Tuesday morning session at the Phoenix Temple, and dad attended in the evening. We also performed sealing ordinances on Thursday evening.

My visiting teachers came and visited on Wednesday morning.

I am in Mosiah 7 in my Book of Mormon reading.

I have indexed 24747 records so far this year.

Family

The Wilkins Family
Adam attended orientation for his high school.

Grace texted me on Wednesday and told me all that was going on and all that she was doing.

Same dressed as NinJago

Grace's New Glasses

Allison posted this on FaceBook Saturday

with the notation

"For those days when you can't decide if you are a ninja, Superman, a ballerina, a Star Wars guy or Maui (the marker on his arm is a Maui tattoo"

The Ethan Rice Family
I got pics late Saturday night from this family and their weekend camping trip to    

Kaylee had a great first day of Pre K on Monday.

She called me that night and said she liked seeing all her friends again.

Wade is a very healthy eater. He likes food, which is so much better than a more picky eater.

The Doran Rice Family
Kelsie started back to school last week, mid week, so this was her first full week. She said the worst part of school is all the classes. Not good news, since that IS what school is. I am sure it will get better though. This family was very busy last week with Amber's company grand opening of their new archery range. I got to see a video of Kooper manning the phone desk handling calls. It was funny. That boy loves his trucks, especially the earth moving kind. And when you play with him, he has to select the truck you are permitted to play with. (it's usually the least real or defective one) He was given a set of yellow construction toy trucks that he loved. He did check them out thoroughly though, and discovered the bull dozer was equipped with wheels rather than treads, so that is the one he lets others play with. He's so funny! He is talking a whole lot more too! I know he will just let loose one day, and Doran and Amber will miss these quieter times.

They were on tv with the pups the foster on Saturday morning.

Morgan
Dad took Morgan to stay with Doran and Amber on Sunday. He was trying to find transportation to and from work, the last we heard. He sent us a thank you for the fishing reel he purchased with his birthday money. We have all his things stored here in the playroom: clothing, tent, fan, toiletries, jack, fishing stuff, etc.

Kayty
Kayty went to Costco with me on Monday...hauled my water and heavy stuff to the car. She is amazing! Work the rest of the week.

Two major saves with seizures this week.

The Nathan Rice Family
Nathan and Jessica had a good Sunday. Annalee enjoyed returning to her nursery and making new friends. Nathan started up working on Monday and Jessica kept Anna entertained while getting re moved into their apartment. We were glad to be able to FaceTime with them a few times. Anna decided to try to climb out of her crib and got her foot stuck...twice. So, they swiftly converted her crib to a toddler bed and she is adjusting to that and doing well. By the end of the week, they had replaced blinds hung and a microwave oven all repaired. The spent Saturday finishing up preparing for Elisabeth by hitting some yard sales.

Dad's Garden
He ate a couple dates and loved them. He also picked up a trailer full of compost from our goat milk friend.

Year of the House Part 2
Dad learned via YouTube how the shower drain should be done. He began the process of drilling concrete to make the drain in the best position. After consulting with Nathan, he may choose to saw the concrete first to make later attempts to remove more simple. I am trying to avoid concrete dust at all costs!

Other Highlights
Monday morning jog was the best! It was a cooler 82 degrees. The sky was clear...and I saw Orion's Belt for the first time in a long time!! Orion lets me know Fall will be coming soon and then I saw a shooting star. It was amazing!!

Good shopping Thursday with Nano this week. She continues to have memory struggles, but has a better and better list of things she needs. We went to WalMart and I was able to find some fabric I thought I would have to order.

Dad substitute taught on Friday. It was 7th and 8th grade math, but they were just doing pre testing for the year.

Wonderful rain on Saturday morning. I thought it was going to miss us, but we had a great downpour.

Not So Highlights
Dad had to turn in his smart phone for a flip phone. It has strangled his work. One other SDE called him on Friday from a site and needed access to their bosses phone number. Dad could not do anything since he had no access to the Global Directory without a smart phone. He is teased by all the suppliers for his flip phone, and now even the 7th and 8th graders were mocking him. Part of his "stay in school" message involves how great it is to be a professional rather than work at McDonalds as a career. Well, that phone does nothing to reinforce that, since these low income kids all have phones better than his. Nothing we can do, though.