Week of March 22 - 29, 2020

Highlights:

Spiritual

Sunday was another one spent at home. Dad and I both got dressed for church. He went out and took his weekly Smartie treats to a couple of homes and the kids were thrilled. When he returned, Dad blessed and passed the Sacrament to Kayty and I. He bore testimony afterward. It was not as spiritual with us sitting at the island counter, so I think next week we will try the living room. We studied, and I indexed and then we decided to watch the video on YouTube about Joseph Smith and the restoration. It was so inspiring and really applicable during this time of our "discomfort" while being away from others. We spoke to kids and grandkids, and Dad called to check on a few old friends.

No temple attendance this week with all temples closed.

I continue to study Come Follow Me each morning after my jog, to read the Book of Mormon, and to listen to a General Conference talk every morning.

I have indexed 5935 records and reviewed 31844 records so far this year.

Family

The Wilkins Family

The benefit of the Corona Virus Situation is that we have been able to establish a sort of routine in talking with Allison and family. We contact each other via Marco Polo and it has been wonderful to catch up. The other good thing is that all the Covid 19 situations have made it possible for Mike to work full-time hours at increased pay while getting into a very exclusive training program paid for by the State of Nevada and still work since it is now via jump drive. Mike is doing well and is nearly finished with his Six Sigma Classes. I saw him briefly in a picture, and it was not the first time I saw him and he looks more relaxed and calm and content than I have seen him in years. Allison is doing well. She felt impressed to quit her Caption Call job at the end of January, and it has truly benefited the family in so many ways and she has been able to replace that income by increasing her writing jobs. She is staying healthy, though the pollen is difficult with her asthma. With the Governor of Nevada's order to close all non-essential businesses, Allison's work at the temple is no more, but the church has found things she will be able to do for Family Search during this. Adam's school started online instruction this week and he performed piano pieces online on Tuesday. Grace is well and keeping up with her school work. Josh is doing well and loves getting a chance to get out and walk, which Allison encourages each day. Sam truly does miss school and his friends and the routine, but he is adjusting about as well as any other kindergartner would adjust to losing their beloved teacher over a weekend.

They received notice that there were books available at school so they went down to school to select one.

The Ethan Rice Family

This was Virtual Spirit Week for Kaylee. Here is what they shared...

Virtual Spirit Week at TRE. Today’s challenge was to create a meme that expresses how 
your first week of remote learning went. (This was K last Thursday while doing schoolwork)

I played cars with Wadey Monday night via FaceTime. They are settling into a routine and the good days are great!

The sweetest thing I saw was when Kaylee got to speak with her teacher. She absolutely lit up when she got to share her newly lost tooth!

We spoke via FaceTime on Friday. Ethan has been working hard in their basement and has all the walls up and taped. Wade shared his creek wading skills with us, and even turned into The Hulk as he threw large rocks in. Kaylee was just a happy kid!

The Doran Rice Family

Kooper spent Monday morning at Phoenix Children's Hospital getting his cast put on.

I tried to con him into getting a green one, but you see I had little influence over that.

It was a busy week with school and work at home, but Amber made a good schedule and things are working out well.

Since we have seen Doran and Amber regularly we went out to the desert near Lake Pleasant to target shoot. The air was cool and breezy and it was lovely, except for the horrible trash others had left. I hadn't been shooting in years. We did some clean up at the end and took trash with us to pile on our trailer. It was nice to feel a bit "normal" and not have everyone stay away from you.

Morgan

We spoke with Morgan early Saturday morning. He is still employed and is working to pay off debt so he can get his driver's license.

Kayty

Kayty worked on cakes on Sunday. She suddenly came up to us to tell us she was taking one to Doran! She had made one especially for him!

Work from home continues.

She went to her endocrinologist for the first time on Thursday morning. She is on good meds, they are monitoring her enlarged thyroid and she got a new test meter and strips. She had to work late that night due to missing the start of her workday. She is now being much more mindful of carbs, and got a new supply of insulin. With new insulin comes new adjustments, and she hit a severe low on Friday morning that took me over an hour to get her back.

2 major major lows and 1 minor.

The Nathan Rice Family

Nathan stopped by Thursday to pick up his pipe cutter that Dad had used and misplaced. I located it when I was cleaning out toolboxes in the garage. 

Dad's Garden

Our garden is doing well. Snowpeas are almost done. We get lettuce and spinach off plants for Dad's salad. We ventured to the Lowe's Garden Dept on Tuesday (I even went in when I saw Vivian and Abbey Belliston there. I did make sure to yell "unclean, unclean" as I walked. Dad got fertilizer and applied it to our producing tomato plants. 

Other highlights

I decided that this week was going to be positive. I was only going to focus on what I could do and not what I could not do. Monday included a nice but shorter jog (Kayty didn't look well) and I enjoyed cool weather, beautiful smells of orange blossoms and a safe jog out and back. 

Monday, I made homemade dutch oven bread, cooked 40-year-old beans in the Instapot, and made an Italian sausage soup for dinner. I am starting to keep a list of things that can be made with few resources and still be healthy and tasty.

I headed to Sam's Club on Thursday and was glad to get my salad romaine and some vegetables. It is always a concern and I was so thankful for that blessing.

Since I cannot visit Nano, I am sending her a copy of the weekly blog with enlarged print. It must be so lonely for those three ladies living there. I hope this ends before Mom totally forgets Scott and me.

Throughout the week, we continue to clean out and organize tools and toolboxes. I move things from one spot to the correct spot and try to keep things in place.

The Chinese Covid 19 Virus Quarantine continues. This has been difficult. We didn't go that many places before but now it's only out to get groceries and then back home. It has been a challenge with keeping "social distance". Dad last week delivered his Smarties Candy to his regular recipients, but this week, parents asked that Dad just drop it on the porch and leave. I have thought about isolation vs. quality of life. There have also been many inspiring but sad images as the church has chartered airplanes to bring all the non native missionaries home to the United States. Each airplane is full from front to back in every seat with missionaries: from Brazil, from Kenya. Last weekend five airplanes picked up missionaries in the Phillipines. All temples on the earth are closed totally. The world has been invited by President Nelson to fast for those who are suffering due to this virus. I have great faith in Heavenly Father and His plan, and I know that through these sad, frightening and disappointing circumstances, we can learn much...especially to Trust in Him. 

Not so highlights

Work for Dad has been busy but interesting. Last week, the raise he was given was canceled before it could hit his paycheck in April. This week on Tuesday, furloughs were announced. No work and no pay. Financially we are fine but this, along with the stock market falling drastically has been tough. Plus, the reason he got his teaching certificate was so he could have employment during a possible furlough. However, since there is no school, there is no work for that.

Week of March 15 - 21, 2020

Highlights:

Spiritual

Sunday was very different as we remained home and could not attend church. We both got dressed as though it was Sunday

 and basically went through our same studies of Come Follow Me lessons, journal writing, indexing, etc. Our bishop is working out some way for our young men to deliver the Sacrament to each home. We will need to provide the bread and water and have the bread already torn up. They will come in gloves, will bless it and then will use hand sanitizer as they leave. To be honest, it will be a real challenge to partake of the emblems of the Savior's death while the Aaronic Priesthood is fearful to come near us. We shall see what happens.

We enjoyed a lovely visit with Grandma on Sunday morning and she is doing very well, and since the quarantine affects any visits to her brother, Loyd, she is using the time to clean kitchen cupboards and have some lunches out with Jenny, Kayty and me.

No temple this week with all temples closed.

I so enjoyed my Come Follow Me studies of Jacob 5-7 in the Book of Mormon every day after returning from my jog. I continue to listen to at least one General Conference talk per day.

I have indexed 5214 records and reviewed 29198 records so far this year.

Family

The Wilkins Family

We talked to Allison and Adam on Sunday night. They are hanging in there and are healthy and happy. Mike's workload has most certainly increased as he continues at Amazon. With the closing of the temples, her work hours there have been greatly decreased, though they will try to give her some hours. She is already setting up a schedule for the kids so they have time for helping out, for reading, for school work, and for recreation. Adam is not sad about school being out, though he will miss his history class. He quickly completed a packet that should have taken much longer. Grace is terribly disappointed in the situation since she was supposed to receive her Young Womanhood Recognition Award at church as well as participate in musical presentations. Josh and Sam are always trying to be happy kids, though their soccer practices are also put on hold. We got to text Grace a bit on Monday afternoon. On Tuesday, the Nevada governor closed all non essential businesses, so no more temple work unless called. On Wednesday, we MarcoPolod with Grace and Josh. They took a long walk and ended up at a convenience store in their neighborhood. Though their coupon had expired, the clerk gave them each a soda to drink. Allison got a few work hours at the temple this week. Grace is excited about life though not terribly happy about missing a Saturday night dance. The youngers got schoolwork and contact online this week and enjoyed that.

It was just wonderful to be able to Marco Polo on a few occasions this week!!

The Ethan Rice Family

Ethan and Cameo are both working from home now and the kids are doing their best to stay busy. We FaceTimed on Wednesday and got to talk to the kids. Kaylee was practicing her karate and gymnastics. Their garden is doing well and seeds are coming up. When the weather is good, they get to play outdoors and ride on their scooters and motorcycles. They are adjusting to long work hours for both mom and dad and staying home and away from school. It was so nice to FaceTime with them a few times!

The Doran Rice Family
Here are some wonderful pics of Amber's visit with her dad last week.

On Sunday evening, Kooper fell off a neighbor's trampoline and broke both his ulna and radius right above the wrist. The lower hand/wrist was actually bent due to the complete fractures so Kooper had to be put to sleep for them to be able to reset the bones and put them in a temporary cast. After swelling had gone down they put on the permanent cast. Doran stayed at the hospital with him while the hospital made Amber and Kelsie go home due to the Corona Virus quarantine.

On Monday, Kooper received lots of calls, treats and a special visit from Uncle Nathan, Aunt Jessica and his cousins. However, Tuesday brought the pain of an injury, leaving Doran and Amber with sleepless nights and work days. We visited on Thursday night and Dad visited on Friday to drop off some of Doran's things that were in a box in the attic.

Happy Birthday in quarantine (referred to as Social Distancing) on Saturday to Doran. Quite a unique birthday to remember!

Morgan

Morgan is doing well and still working.

Kayty

Kayty's work moved home on Wednesday. She set up her "office" as best she could. She likes the casual dress she gets to wear but misses the travel away and her usual routine. She and Grandma attempted lunch this week. They ordered Cafe Rio, picked it up and then brought it home to eat. 

The Nathan Rice Family

We got to FaceTime with Anna and Ellie on Monday night as they were visiting Kooper. It was just wonderful to be able to see and talk to them!

Dad's Garden

I picked carrots this week, along with chard and spinach for Dad's salads. We have tomatoes growing now. Dad harvested a lot of cilantro that volunteered and is drying it. 

Other highlights

Dad and I did LOTS of cleaning this week. The attic was our next task, and it is nearly all emptied out except for Nathan's transformers and one box of his, a few boxes of Kayty and some truck parts.

Explaining to Nano the situation we are in was terribly difficult. I did get a copy of the blog printed up after enlarging the printing, and I told her that would come to her every week until I could visit. Also, Grandma was on the local news, in a whole story about a special phone set up so she can visit Loyd through the window. She was the entire story!!!

I read something this morning that reminded us to document this experience. I tried to share some last week, but sometimes the situation we are now experiencing comes so close to my heart that I must stop and breath...and just not think too much about what is happening. It has been a daily massive change, and every time you feel like you adjust and say, "Ok, I can deal with this", another massive change happens the next day. It was as I studied my "Come Follow Me" lesson on Tuesday morning while I exercised that I received answers to my prayers for help. I listen to a presentation on YouTube by two gentlemen who teach at BYU called Book of Mormon Central, and as they went through the Allegory of the Olive Tree, I began to see that, instead of this being a situation where church members are being saddened, inconvenience, upended, etc, it instead is a time that the Master of the Vineyard is pruning us, digging about us, dunging us, grafting us. It is an opportunity for church members to grow stronger and more nourished roots. It is a chance for us to build our relationship with Jesus even stronger, so that, when this does end, we will be able to better assist in the gathering of Israel and in bringing forth good fruit. When I saw on the internet that retail stores were now closing their doors, I was not as troubled. I also decided to take things one day at a time. Tuesday, I asked to help me find romaine lettuce and other fresh vegetables. As each day is full of news...mostly negative...I had to decide to keep off social media so much and to not pursue stories that included that type of information. It was so helpful to remember that fear and faith cannot go together.

Week of March 8 - 14, 2020

Highlights:

Spiritual

We had another wonderful Sunday. We drove Alice Hacking to church, and since her former ride cannot take her as early to church as she wants to, she asked us to take her every week. Alice is a few years younger than me and cannot drive, and lives with family, so we are blessed to help her out. A missionary returned from South Korea and reported on his experiences. Our new Relief Society Presidency was set apart during our meeting and we had a wonderful lesson based on D. Todd Christofferson's talk in General Conference.

I enjoyed choir practice in the afternoon and Dad had a stake Sunday School presidency meeting late Sunday night.

I had planned on attending the temple on Tuesday, but rain came, Dad was gone all day in Gilbert, and my car must be covered in rain or the battery will short out and water leaks in. Dad attended Wednesday night and I attended Thursday morning using his car.

There has been a medical situation developing over the last couple of months, beginning in China and a Corona Virus has been spreading leading to very unusual circumstances, including missionaries reassignments and returning home early, missionary training from home rather than at the MTC, temples closing (as of Friday, ours remains open), and General Conference being online only, as in no one attending. We received this letter on Friday...

Brothers and Sisters,
You have likely received recent communications from the Church regarding changes and responses to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).  An update was provided by the First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve Apostles this afternoon and can be read at: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/gatherings-worldwide-temporarily-suspended

We would like to summarize what this means in the Phoenix Thunderbird Park Stake effective immediately:

·        Ward Sunday meetings, including sacrament, will be temporarily suspended until further notice
·        Ward and stake activities should be suspended unless they can be done via technology
·        Essential leadership meetings should be conducted via phone or other form of technology
·        Specific questions may be referred to local priesthood leaders (the Stake Presidency will communicate routinely with Bishops via teleconference)

Coordinating with each Bishop, we will find a way to make the sacrament available at least once a month to the members.

We encourage the following:

·        Study the “Come Follow Me” lessons with the scriptures as individuals and families
·        Consider the needs of others as we seek to bless and lift
·        Take time to ponder what this situation may be preparing us for

Individual responsibility reminder:

·        Wash hands frequently >20 seconds
·        Stop shaking hands
·        Maintain social distancing of >6 feet
·        Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
·        Practice respiratory hygiene: covering mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, then washing hands immediately
·        Stay home if you are in an at-risk group or feel unwell

May the Lord bless, guide, and comfort you as we strive to be true followers of Christ in any circumstance presented.

With our love,

Phoenix Thunderbird Park Stake Presidency

Then later Friday afternoon, temples were closed for all ordinances for the dead, and will only will be open for living ordinances for awhile.

I continue to read the Book of Mormon, study Come Follow Me lessons and youtube presentations, and listen to a General Conference talk each day.

I have indexed 4702 records and reviewed 26145 records so far this year.

Family

The Wilkins Family

The change in phones for Allison delayed our catching up for the week. I did get to Marco Polo at least twice and we were able to share our goings-on. Mike is doing well and completing as much training as he can before the end of the month. Allison continues working and she volunteers in Sam's class on Mondays. Adam completed his ACT testing. Since his school allots a snow day, and it was not needed this year, he was off on a Monday, so he was able to go to school with Allison and share lunch with Sam. Sadly, Grace was not selected for entrance into Las Vegas Academy, but she is looking forward to riding the bus and attending Las Vegas High School where the children of Allison's best friend attend. Grace still is as happy as ever. Joshua and Sam started soccer practice and are loving it. Sam said he is learning to dribble a soccer ball, which is different from dribbling a basketball. A couple weeks ago, Sam was scheduled to have a field trip, but he "barfed" (his words) right before, so they sent him home. He was very sad! However, the next week, they celebrated Read Across America and Nevada Reads week. They had crazy hair day and pajama day, and mismatch day and Sam's class was visited by a police officer. He was able to see a police car and everything inside it. They fed the missionaries some yummy pot roast on Sunday. All is going well and they are hanging in there even with the news that the temple will be reducing hours.

The Ethan Rice Family

Kaylee sent Papa and Grammy some cards she made in the envelope Ethan sent fuel filters for Dad's chainsaw.

 We spoke via Facetime on Friday night. Kaylee had a half-day of school that day and is now off for at least two weeks for the Corona Virus. Her teacher sent her home with "twenty hundred papers" of schoolwork. The kids were having fun with their neighbors riding bikes and toys in the lovely evening. Food shopping is crazy there too and even the Asian Market Ethan went to was crazy. 

The Doran Rice Family

Doran and Amber had an interesting week. Amber's Dad drove from Ohio for a visit, but due to extreme measures being taken back in Ohio, he arrived on Tuesday and returned home on Friday (they drove). They did have such a great time with them and with the kids off on Spring Break they had great fun. We visited with them as they came by on Friday. Doran got some of our millions of drywall screws to have for himself. They found milk at Target on their way home and that was a blessing since every store they went to was empty. They also spent a long time in line on Saturday after finding a bit more milk, so now with five gallons in their fridge they feel safer.

Morgan

Dad talked for a while with Morgan on the phone on Sunday. Morgan is still working and has a goal to pay off fines from many years ago within the next few months.

Kayty

Kayty had a good week at work though changes are being made as of Friday to keep germs from spreading. Those who work part-time from home will now be full time at home, and she again must move her desk so there is a desk between her and her next coworker. Hockey games were canceled due to the virus as well so it has been quiet here. She has turned into a cake baking queen with lots of time spent baking and icing. 

The Nathan Rice Family

No news from Nathan and Jessica this week.

Dad's Garden

Peas are nearing their end. I picked carrots this week for use in dinner and for a salad for Dad. Cilantro that volunteered in the garden was picked to dry. Tomato plants all look good. 

Other highlights

Monday was power clean up day due to rain forecast for the week. I got bare wood painted on the storage boxes in the tent trailer, got blankets and sleeping bags wrapped in plastic and loaded and Dad helped me put the top down and then he made a cover to keep any rain from coming in. I rolled tarps, moved boxes, organized and even labeled and we got more in its permanent spot, and another load for DI and added more bags to the trailer. 

Rain for the four days during the week totaled 3 1/2 inches!

We built more shelves and finished a lot of shed cleaning on Saturday. Just need to purchase a tub or two (and with this Corona Virus shopping frenzy, it's impossible to even get into a Walmart!) and get some final things organized. We should have it nearly complete next week. 

After five days of covering up my car with plastic, when I removed it on Friday, NO WATER inside and it started right up!!! Hooray!!!

It has been an interesting week to see what happens when the media whips people into a frenzy. While I have only been to one store this week, I saw meat cabinets empty and people filling their carts with breakfast cereal. Some stores are closing early and opening later, some have wisely limited items purchased.

Week of March 1 - 7, 2020

Highlights:

Spiritual

Today was the first Fast and Testimony Meeting with brethren and sisters of all ages pre selected prayerfully by the bishopric and asked to bear testimony. It was such a spiritual meeting. We heard from children, youth, a new father, parents of a newly baptized daughter recently sealed in the temple, and other members that we rarely hear from. What a spiritual meeting it was, and when time ran out, the four remaining will be the first ones at our next testimony meeting. Sunday School was a great lesson. I was also able to sit by and visit with one sister I minister to, and help another sister I minister to set up her primary room before church. Choir practice was great as we have so many who have moved into the ward with amazing singing voices. Choir is full and fun.

I attended a temple session Tuesday morning and Dad attended on Wednesday night.

I completed listening to General Conference talks in the morning for the sixth time and began my seventh. I did my Come Follow Me studies as well as other Book of Mormon reading after my jogs every day this week.

I have indexed 4070 records and reviewed 24713 records so far this year.

Family

The Wilkins Family

On Facebook, Allison shared

"Because I am so super on top of things lately, we are (finally) organizing LAST school year's stuff. I keep everything in a box in my closet. At the end of the year, we file the stuff they want to keep in their own file box and throw away the rest. They only get one file box each, so they have to really only keep what they want. Big projects can have a pic taken of them.

It is so fun to look over it all and reminisce (without the clutter). And I keep a box, too, for the cuteness they give me."

No other news from this family this week.

The Ethan Rice Family

Ethan, Cameo, Kaylee and Wade completed the wonderful new beds for the kids. Wade had already slept in his and Kaylee was looking forward to comfy nights in her room. 

Kaylee's school celebrated Read Across America Week with some special dress up days.

Their regular first Saturday activity at Home Depot was canceled due to the Corona Virus scare, but they could pick up the kit. They ended up working hard and planting their garden. We had a great FaceTime call Saturday evening.

The Doran Rice Family

Monday was a new school first day for Kelsie and Kooper. Amber and Doran had concerns it would go well. Amber texted Kelsie and received this news.

They came by for a visit and to eat some spaghetti on Friday night.

School went so well. Kelsie eats lunch with friends from the ward and even enjoyed a field trip. Kooper's week was good and he seemed to like riding the bus. Amber has already been contacted about his IEP so he is ready to make some progress. Doran did a ton of driving for work this week, including drives to Safford and Flagstaff. They spent Saturday getting more landscaping done for their house, including planting a lilac tree.

Morgan

No news from Morgan this week.

Kayty

Kayty had a good week at work and got a good annual review. She also enjoyed watching hockey games and baked a cake.

Two saves this week. 

The Nathan Rice Family

No news from Nathan and Jessica this week. 

Dad's Garden

Tomato plants are getting bigger. I picked a ton of snow peas. Dad got a few carrots and lots of citrus.

We need to harvest and dry the cilantro that volunteered in the garden.

Other highlights

We continue spending at least an hour every evening cleaning out Dad's shed. It is dirty work but it is looking so much better in there. Saturday was a big haul off to Deseret Industries as well as getting stuff up for sale on Craigslist. We also cleaned out some shelves in the garage, cleaned out the tent trailer, and worked for hours getting more things tossed, sorted and put on the correct shelves.

We had a bit of rain on Monday, which was nice, though rain means more weeds. Dad and I spend so much time weeding!

Tuesday we went out to New River and get another barrel cactus. This time I had a charged phone with me. Dad planted it on Wednesday. We got another one on Thursday. Dad is creating a more desert landscaped area on the West side yard now that the car parts are gone.

Nano has been having some really rough times the past few weeks. She is hallucinating and calls me full of anger that Scott did not come (no arrangements were ever even discussed) or that someone stole money (all is safe in the bank). The doctor was able to come on Wednesday and I went down Thursday to visit, to take her to pick up her new meds and to visit with her and the other ladies there. It was so difficult to try to explain to her. It was a very very difficult week. Scott was a superhero and visited her as well, and Sharynn helped me with her medical and mental issues.