Week of June 11 - June 17, 2023

Spiritual

We had a very special Sunday at church. Twin brothers gave their mission farewell talks. Their talks were very good and inspiring and then these two young men, a friend, and another young man going on his mission next month sang a lovely quartet. Very spiritual meeting. Primary went well. Sunday was the usual quiet at home. 

Dad was able to attend the temple this week on Thursday evening. 

My daily morning foundation of General Conference talk(s), prayer, scripture study and Come Follow Me study continues each day. 

I have indexed 9899 records and reviewed 14,628 records so far this year.

Family

The Wilkins Family

No news from the Wilkins Family this week. 

The Ethan Rice Family

Ethan, Cameo, Kaylee and Wade are doing well. They surprised Daddy with an early Father's Day breakfast. Kaylee baked the biscuits from scratch and made yummy sausage gravy. They had a fun last weekend fishing and added to the fish count wall. 

The Doran Rice Family

This family had a good week. Doran traveled as usual, and as far as Yuma for work. They are doing well. 

Morgan

No news from Morgan this week. 

Kayty

Kayty had a pretty good week at work and found a new rock shop to get beads to create jewelry. 

The Nathan Rice Family

No news from this family this week. 

Dad's Garden

I picked a ton of basil on Thursday and made six batches of pesto, which equals 12 meals using pesto. 

Lots of yard work continues as we trim and bag and haul to the bulk trash pile.

 

Week of June 4 - June 10, 2023

Spiritual

It was a challenging Sunday. We arrived early as usual. I was sitting in my seat and then received a text from the sister who co-teaches with me. She was unable to come. So I quickly ran home, grabbed my lesson bag, printed the lesson, got my iPad, got a few things for the class, and got to church as it started. I prepared as well as I could and hoped for the best. Our singing time for primary ended up moving to the empty chapel to let the kids practice for Fathers Day. Well, that kind of got my three to five-year-olds riled up. We got to class and started. I completed the object lesson and went to play the video on my iPad and the internet at the church was down. We tried to get it to play through my phone but to no avail. Then all the girls in the class had to go to the bathroom so Dad and Christophers dad kept the boys busy till we returned. I finally sat on the floor with a picture of the Last Supper and tried to explain the Sacrament to the kids. Then it was time to go. I was exhausted!

We were able to attend the temple this week. I attended on Tuesday. morning and Dad attended on Wednesday evening. 

My daily morning foundation of General Conference talk(s), prayer, scripture study and Come Follow Me study continues each day. 

I have indexed 9470 records and reviewed 14,012 records so far this year.

Family

The Wilkins Family

Happy Birthday, Adam on Friday! The Wilkins are enjoying a great family summer. Games, pickleball, and lots of fun!

Here are some pics from Grace and Josh's trek

The Ethan Rice Family

Work and summer fun fill the days of this family. Ethan and Wade did some fishing last weekend. Ethan began working in his new position at work. 

The Doran Rice Family

Amber traveled to Los Angeles this week on a trip for her job. 

Doran had a busy work week. The kids are enjoying their break from school. They came by on Saturday to help celebrate Grandma's birthday. 

Morgan

Morgan called on Saturday. He is very busy at work. They are no longer reimbursing for gas, which is a problem right now, but he seems to enjoy the work and is now getting weekends off. 

Kayty

Kayty had a good week at work. One major save this week. 

The Nathan Rice Family

Happy Birthday to Emma on Tuesday. I got to talk to the newest four-year-old in the family via FaceTime but she had a tummy ache so it wasn't the best day. She showed me one of her birthday gifts. Daddy is out of town in California on a business trip. Annie was sure he was on a beach but I said business trips rarely have any time for fun. The girls have been allotted one wall in the office and they are creating a lovely art museum full of drawings and coloring pages. Annie had a great time at her friend's birthday party last week and had fun doing gymnastics. Ellie showed me the neat finds she got at a yard sale. She is quite the shopper. She also showed Papa and I her cartwheel skills she has been practicing. She is getting better and better. She is trying out some new curl cream for her hair and really likes it. Oh, and the pillowcases shared last week: sewed by the girls!!! well, except for Eve's.

Dad's Garden

Picked more basil this week. Dad has been finishing up eating the oranges on the trees. While Doran and Dad were picking some grapefruit, Doran found two rather large tomatoes on a vine under the lemon tree. Our tomato harvest for 2023!

 

Other highlights

Mom was put on hospice this week. She is already getting better care and the people working with her have been so communicative. We went down to get more things out of her room so there would be room for a hospital bed when it is ordered. Mom seemed very happy. Sharynn came down for a few days to visit with her too. 

Quarterly pickup trimming and hauling has begun. Dad trimmed the mesquite in the lower courtyard. We are probably going to cut it down since it was nearly blown over last year and it seems to be stealing water from our citrus trees. I trimmed a couple trees out in front and we got the cut-up couch of dads out. We still have a week to get more trimming done. It is harder for the two of us to get stuff trimmed but hiring folks is far too costly. 

Week of May 28 - June 3, 2023

Spiritual

We had a very nice Sacrament meeting even though many people were out of town. Our elders quorum president conducted the meeting. Our entire primary presidency was out of town, but the chorister and her husband ran primary. I only had one of my six kids. Christopher sure enjoyed being the only one in class and I could really gear it to him. The rest of our Sunday was very good and quiet.

Dad was able to attend the temple this week on Wednesday evening. My session on Tuesday was already full before I could make my reservation. 

My daily morning foundation of General Conference talk(s), prayer, scripture study and Come Follow Me study continues each day. I completed my   time through General Conference and began my 

I have indexed 9189 records and reviewed 13,605 records so far this year.

Family

The Wilkins Family

Happy Birthday to Mike on Wednesday. The Wilkins had a great week last week and are enjoying their first week of Summer vacation. 

Josh and Grace went on Trek this week. More details to come I am sure. 

The Ethan Rice Family

Last weekend was fun for the family as they went camping and fishing and had a wonderful time. Ethan and Wade caught many fish. 

The Doran Rice Family

Busy work week for Doran and Amber. Doran traveled a lot last week and showed me a picture of quite a complicated installation. They are doing well and we enjoyed a visit with them on Saturday. 

Morgan

Morgan is busy working six days a week in Munds Park. 

Kayty

Kayty had one of her best weeks at work in a long time. She decided it was time to sell her wedding reception Disney decor and has it up for sale. 

The Nathan Rice Family

The girls surprised me with a late call Monday. They had a wonderful day with Nathan and Jessica! They went out for breakfast burritos and then went fishing. Annie caught a fish and Ellie almost got one. They then went to the splash pad in their town and had such a fun time. Lunch was corn dogs and they had a quiet afternoon and made homemade lemonade and onion rings for dinner. It was going to be a picnic but the weather was too hot. The girls had taken their showers and were ready for the end of a wonderful holiday.

Dad's Garden

Basil is thriving and Dad and Doran are still getting citrus. 

Week of May 21 - 27, 2023

Spiritual

We had a good Sunday...as good as High Counsel Sunday can be. Dad attended the ward conference in another ward in our stake. Sunday was the same as usual: quiet. 

We were unable to attend the temple this week due to cleaning shutdown.  

My daily morning foundation of General Conference talk(s), prayer, scripture study, and Come Follow Me study continues daily. 

I have indexed 8967 records and reviewed 13,260 records so far this year.

Family

The Wilkins Family

The Wilkins Family is doing well as the school year comes to a close. Mike has continued substitute teaching in a few classes. Adam is seeking a retail job. Grace had a great week and completed her time at LVHS. Joshua continues to enjoy school and is anticipating the Trek he and Grace will attend right after school is out. Pioneer wardrobe is being sought out now. Sam is the happiest person and has done so well in school this year! 

Happy Anniversary Mike and Allison on Thursday!

And Allison completed her first year of school teaching on Friday

Her class excelled at all their annual testing and made great improvements, even the greatest improvement in the entire school in Math. She is now a co lead teacher next year and is looking forward to preparing the new teachers better than she was prepared. We are so doggone proud of her. This was HARD especially with kids who were so affected by lack of classroom experience in Covid. 

The Ethan Rice Family

Last week of school for Kaylee and Wade. They were very excited. 

They spent the holiday fishing and camping. 

The Doran Rice Family

Doran worked and drove a lot this week. Spent time in Kingman and in Safford. The family is doing well and trying to get pets adopted out. 

Morgan

Morgan started a new job in Munds Park near Flagstaff this week. 

Kayty

Kayty had a good work week. Saturday she finally got her nails redone. 

The Nathan Rice Family

Anna and Emma called me on Thursday via FaceTime. They are doing well. I did briefly see Ellie but she was plagued with a tummy bug. The family is doing great and Annie is so looking forward to homeschool co-op party on Friday and a birthday party for a friend on Saturday. The two girls sang many songs for me and are such happy little ladies. 

Dad's Garden

I continue to pick and use a ton of basil and dry the rest. Dee is still eating citrus. Baby chicks are getting bigger and now reside in one of our winter raised beds. 

Other highlights

Chicks are doing well and are now permanently homed in one of the very covered raised bed gardens. 

Dad's couch in our room finally died and we spent Saturday cutting it apart and hauling it out. He now sleeps in his reclining camping chair. 

Week of May 14 - 20, 2023

Spiritual

We had such a lovely Mother's Day Sacrament Meeting. We have many high school seniors this year and they all participated in the program, from playing the organ and leading the music, to the opening and closing prayers, to four talks, to three special musical numbers. While they did mention their mothers, it was all centered on Christ, and not one ounce of guilt was on us as Moms. We left right after Sacrament since last year's relief society women gathering during the last hour was nothing but me sitting alone while everyone visited with their friends. Our relief society room is very cramped and it was miserable last year so I decided that last year was the final year for me. The men ran primary and I didn't even peek in since I know they did well. 

The family made Mother's Day wonderful this year. I received a lovely bouquet of flowers delivered on Friday plus two lovely texts from Nathan and Jessica and the girls. Cameo texted me first thing and they sent a darling new addition to my Village, plus new pics of the kids. Doran called me early Sunday morning and Amber and Kelsie made the most delicious Mother's Day Breakfast on Saturday. Kayty gave me the cutest card and my favorites: chocolate chips, gum, and an Amazon gift card. Dee got me a new iPad plus he grilled me chicken for lunch. It was a great day. Morgan and Cassie Facetimed me later in the afternoon and gave me a tour of their northern Arizona campsite. Allison sent a sweet MarcoPolo overnight and I even saw the kids. Then on Monday, I FaceTimed with Ethan, Cameo and family and had a wonderful visit. 

We were unable to attend the temple this week due to cleaning shut down.  

My daily morning foundation of General Conference talk(s), prayer, scripture study and Come Follow Me study continues each day. 

I have indexed 8657 records and reviewed 12,306 records so far this year.

Family

The Wilkins Family

Final days of school fill the Wilkins life this week. 

The Ethan Rice Family

Kaylee and Wade greeted their Mom for Mother's Day with a homemade breakfast made by them!

Other than a little bug that went through the house, they are doing fine and looking forward to a weekend on the lake.

The Doran Rice Family

Another week of busy work and school for this family.

Morgan

Lots of work plus unusual May rains filled this week. Morgan and Cassie enjoyed a campfire Friday night. 

Kayty

Kayty had a busy and full work week. 

The Nathan Rice Family

Happy Anniversary to Nathan and Jessica on Wednesday. 

Dad's Garden

Citrus fruit is still being picked, plus I also got some basil for a couple of meals. 

 

Other highlights

Week of May 7 - May 13, 2023

Spiritual

We enjoyed a wonderful day at church. My lesson went as well as it could go with many active three-year-olds. I attended the final choir practice for the summer and we had a quiet day.

We were unable to attend the temple this week. 

My morning foundation of General Conference talk(s), prayer, scripture study, and Come Follow Me study continues daily. 

I have indexed 8280 records and reviewed 11,560 records so far this year.

Family

The Wilkins Family

The Wilkins Family is counting down the final days of the school year. Allison is busy both with her own schoolwork and with her classroom teaching. Mike has had a couple of substitute teaching jobs and has a few irons in the fire for employment full-time. Adam is doing well. Grace is nearly finished with all her AP exams and is enjoying the last days of school this year with her Senior friends. She continues to look for a summer job and prepare for Trek. Joshua has completed his soccer season and did very well. Sam is enjoying school but is looking forward to Summer break. 

The Ethan Rice Family

Kaylee played in her softball tournament this week but her team lost by two points. Still quite an honor to participate. They spent their Saturday out on their boat doing some fishing. Even saw some baby geese. School is over in a couple of weeks and they will soon be enjoying Summer break. 

The Doran Rice Family

Thursday night, Doran and Kooper invited Dad to attend their ward Father Son Campout on Friday. 

They had a great time and Dad loved the cool weather. Kooper loved the archery and catching a fish. Amber's mom has been visiting all week and they enjoyed that so much. Amber made a lovely Mother's Day breakfast on Saturday for Kayty and I. We enjoyed visiting with Penny as well as Kelsie and Tamara, Amber's sister. It was yummy. 

Morgan

Morgan and Cassie came by on Thursday late afternoon. They brought gallons and gallons of spring water, some fertilizer for Dad and they picked up six baby chicks for us, since the price is double down here in Phoenix. 

Kayty

Kayty had a busy work week and is creating jewelry on her own which has been so enjoyable for her. 

The Nathan Rice Family

The girls spoke via FaceTime a few times this week, which was wonderful. They had a boring day full of rain on Thursday and were busy trying to fill their day up. Friday they enjoyed traveling to another town as a family and eating hamburgers, french fries and chicken. They shared that Nathan has been working with them to create a construction paper jeep. They showed me the grill and Ellie had worked on a beautiful yellow car seat. They have wonderful plans for Mother's Day for Jessica. Annie was challenged by her Uncle Josh to make a spare rib cake, so she is planning her creating from brownies. I received a lovely bouquet of flowers for Mothers Day delivered to my door.! Came in a cute canning jar as well. 

Dad's Garden

I harvested on ton of basil on Thursday to make Sam Chicken for us. Citrus is still doing well and being picked nearly daily. 

 

Other highlights

Dad was in a seminar in central Phoenix and Tempe all week. He took Friday off work and took his mom out to lunch for Mothers Day. I visited mom with Kayty on Saturday for Mother's day. 

Week of April 30 - May 6, 2023

Spiritual

We enjoyed a wonderful Sacrament Meeting. I helped in Primary while Dad attended the fifth Sunday lesson. He remained for a missionary homecoming talk while I went home and then to choir practice. The rest of the day was pretty quiet. 

We were able to attend the temple this week. I attended an endowment session on Tuesday. 

My daily morning foundation of General Conference talk(s), prayer, scripture study, and Come Follow Me study continues daily. I completed my second time through listening to General Conference and began my third. 

I have indexed 7912 records and reviewed 10,943 records so far this year.

Family

The Wilkins Family

Grace had a/p exams this week. 

The Ethan Rice Family

Kaylee has been really enjoying softball. She did well in her game during the week and had two games on Saturday. Her team won both games and now comes a tournament. 

The Doran Rice Family

Doran, Amber and family are busy and doing well. 

Morgan

No news from Morgan 

Kayty

Kayty had a good work week. 

The Nathan Rice Family

The girls sent me three precious letters and pictures this week. Emma's was drawn in her favorite color: yellow. Annie is so excited for their summer reading program and she already has a prize in mind. Ellie is doing well and writes so well. On Friday evening, the girls face timed me. Ellie read a book to me. Boy is she doing well on her reading. She has made such progress this year. Annie performed a musical theater song for me that included some dancing and some very good singing. Emma shared two favorite books with me and Eve even said a big smiley Hi! It was wonderful to hear from them. 

Dad's Garden

Tomato plants are dying with a few tomatoes on them. I picked the few green ones and hope they ripen. Another failed crop. Basil is doing well and Dad is ready to clean out winter gardens.

 

Other highlights

Normal week. I did get some bad news. One of my friends from my youth, a year younger than me, was diagnosed in January with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She had three chemotherapy treatments so far. On Tuesday, she fell and hit her head, causing an irreparable brain bleed and she died. Her funeral was today. I would have liked to go but it was pretty far in Mesa. Kaylene was lovely. She looked just like Farrah Faucett back in the day. (If you know past American Idol stuff, she is Brooke White's mom) It just came so quickly. Another reminder for me to make the most of each day.