Week of March 19 - 25, 2023

Spiritual

Sunday was good. Church was enjoyable and my primary lesson went well. We spent the day reading and resting. 

Dee was able to attend the temple this week on Tuesday evening.  

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

I have indexed 5340 records and reviewed 6868 records so far this year.

Family

The Wilkins Family

Allison and Joshua Marco Polo-ed me on Sunday and caught me up on the family. They have had a strange illness running through the ranks, taking on various forms of body aches, pink eye, nausea, etc. but it seems Adam might be the final victim and all are on the mend. Spring Break was wonderful and included hikes, trips to serve in the temple on two occasions, bike rides, homework and paper writing for Allison, car repairs for Mike, and resting. Now for the next hard ride of nine weeks of school. Grace returned from Hawaii on Monday and she shared that the airport was alright and she had a great flight that included breakfast and she played solitaire with friends the entire six-hour flight. Her first impression of Hawaii: so GREEN! They attended a music clinic at the University of Hawaii. They visited and toured Pearl Harbor. (Did YOU know, it is not legal to sing at Pearl Harbor??) She went to Puna Ho High School, a 78-acre private school with huge tuition, and taught her choir a couple of Hawaiian songs. They did get to see the beach in Hawaii, where they saw a jellyfish and enjoyed a beautiful sunset. They attended the Alamowana Center and performed there, then did some shopping. They attended a wonderful and very fun luau. It was held on a small beach. Lots of pictures. She wanted a picture of a roasted pig, but no one would go with her to take the pic. And when she actually saw it, it was that great a deal! Happens to all of us, Grace. They got to see dancers, a fire eater, and other great entertainment. They visited the Polynesian Cultural Center, learned about the islands, and participated in hands-on activities, and tours. She even got to go to BYU Hawaii and see the Laii Hawaiian Temple. That was the highlight of her trip. They attended a dramatic performance showing the life of Hawaii. They also toured the Dole Plantation.  Good foods she enjoyed included sushi, shaved ice, and the luau foods. She also brought home some swimwear and three bites from a Hawaiian spider. 0Josh starts varsity soccer this week at school and Sam with begin meeting with the student council.

The Ethan Rice Family

Ethan traveled to Indiana on Monday morning to give more of his employees reviews. The rest of the family had a busy week and weekend. 

The Doran Rice Family

Happy Birthday, Doran on Tuesday! The family is busy and doing pretty well. 

Morgan

Morgan dropped by on his way to donate plasma with Cassie. They searched at a used tire place for newer tires for Dad's project truck but found none. 

Kayty

Kayty had a good work week and ended up purchasing a new room refrigerator for her insulin. 

The Nathan Rice Family

I visited with the girls via FaceTime on Sunday and Monday. Their weather was cold on my phone but they dont seem to notice at all. Annie is looking forward to a playdate with a friend this week on Wednesday. Both Annie and Ellie have completed another math workbook in homeschool and are doing very well. Annie shared that for co-op last week, they talked about seeds and had some good activities. She is wanting to plant flowers. 

Dad's Garden

We continue to eat carrots and dad dehydrated a ton of chard this week. It's still blessedly very cool outdoors and the basil is very confused and the tomatoes don't know what is going on. 

Other highlights

Rain came again. We are so enjoying it and the cooler weather.

Bulk Trash Pile was picked up early this week. Dad was gone and one more heavy sack of leaves and needles needed to be gotten out so I struggled it into the wheelbarrow and got it there.

Week of March 12 - 18, 2023

Spiritual

We had a wonderful Sunday. Sacrament Meeting was great and we enjoyed hearing from two of our youth as well as Laurie and Geary Roberts. 

There were no appointments available for me to attend the temple this week and Dad enjoyed a session 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 4853 records and reviewed 6063 records so far this year.

Family

The Wilkins Family

Spring Break for the Wilkins Family and they enjoyed their time off. Grace returned from a wonderful trip to Hawaii with her school choir. 

The Ethan Rice Family

Ethan was in town to do reviews for the leadership at the Home Depot Distribution Center here in Phoenix so he had dinner with us on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Cameo kept things going at home

and that ol leprechaun played some tricks on Friday.

The Doran Rice Family

This family is doing well. Spring Break this week. A couple of new temporary additions to the family have their hearts. 

Morgan

Morgan and Cassie stopped in for a visit on Wednesday. They are doing well and are so glad their car is now working. He changed the oil here and gave us some fresh spring water. They are hoping a job pans out in Munds Park for Morgan. They would have an actual space rather than the forest. 

They spent time with us and with her brother in Mesa and then returned home to flooding from rain and melting snow. Morgan ended up having a few seconds on some newscasts. 

Kayty

Kayty had a good week at work. Including some pics from last weekend's ball game. 

The Nathan Rice Family

The girls called me via FaceTime on Tuesday to tell me of their exciting night for Pi Day. Individual pizzas for them and then Daddy was going to make chocolate pie! Annie read me a Fancy Nancy Book about a spa that included recipes and Annie had plans for pedicures, facials and manicures for the family. We also read Emma's book called "Babysitting Grandma". Quite a darling book. All the girls sat and chatted and snacked on yummy apples. 

Dad's Garden

We ate chard, collards, carrots and snow peas from the garden this week. Even though our weather is not terribly warm, some of our plants are going to seed. The tomatoes are hanging in there. 

 

Other highlights

Dad took three days off and they were used to trim trees, haul branches, rake leaves and bag them, and get stuff done that doesn't get done during the regular work week. 

Lovely rain on Wednesday. 

Week of March 5 - 11, 2023

Spiritual

We had a wonderful Fast and Testimony Meeting. Testimonies of missionary growth and service were abundantly shared. Primary went okay. With these little ones, it's week to week. 

Dad was able to attend the temple this week. There were no appointments available for me to attend. 

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

I have indexed 4370 records and reviewed 4757 records so far this year.

Family

The Wilkins Family

Grace headed to her long-awaited and hard-earned Choir Trip to Hawaii on Wednesday morning. 

The Ethan Rice Family

The kids are sure enjoying their sports. Wade had his first LaCrosse game this week. 

Kaylee continues to love playing softball! Ethan worked in Georgia this week, nearer to their old home, so he spent a night away. Wade had a great split squad game on Saturday and Kaylee spent some time at the batting cage. 

The Doran Rice Family

No news from Doran and Amber this week. 

Morgan

No news from Morgan this week. 

Kayty

Kayty had a good week. She attended a Spring Training baseball game on Friday. Had a great time and got autographs. 

The Nathan Rice Family

I spoke with the girls via FaceTime on Saturday. I didn't get to talk to Emma but I did chat with Annie, Ellie and even Eve. They had been to a wonderful estate sale the day earlier and had gotten some very nice treasures in great condition! Annie made the decision to cut her own hair last week, and with Aunt CeCee's help, Jessica was able to adjust the cut with some nice scissors. Annie has new glasses and they really help her when she is reading. For Home School co-op they were able to see chickens and baby chicks. 

Dad's Garden

We picked a TON of carrots since the weather is getting warmer and the garden is realizing its gonna be hot soon. Dad also enjoyed collard green meals. Tomato and basil are enjoying the weather change. 

 

Other highlights

Dad traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio to a supplier. Monday was all flying, with a trip to Seattle, a lunch layover and then a flight to Ohio. He had a good Tuesday with his team as they worked to help the supplier. Then up very early on Wednesday, a flight to Minneapolis and then home. It was good he was with two team members because they all went out to eat and he didn't need to decide. 

From the Cincinnati Airport

We started hauling tree stuff out to the bulk trash pile. Dad trimmed the date palm and the carob tree and I hauled and hauled branches. He is taking three days off work next week so we can work on the big mesquite tree and the rest of the yard. 

Week of February 26 - March 4, 2023

Spiritual

We had a good Sunday. Dad attended a ward conference in another ward in the stake. Primary went well and we actually had all the girls sitting in their chairs for a moment or two. 

We were unable to attend the temple this week. 

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

I have indexed 3839 records and reviewed 3952 records so far this year.

Family

The Wilkins Family

The Wilkins Family had a wonderful week with snow last week! What a great surprise.  They are doing well. Mike and Adam continue in their job searches. Allison is looking forward to Spring Break in a week or so. Grace was able to attend a Western/Sadie Hawkins Dance at school on Friday. She has been so busy doing so many things and has her choir trip to Hawaii coming up. Josh had soccer tryouts. Sam ran in an election for fourth-grade representative...and won! So very proud of him for trying this. It was wonderful for me to actually see all four of my Vegas grandkids in one Marco Polo conversation. 

The Ethan Rice Family

Ethan and Cameo are back to work. Ethan flew out to Allentown Pennsylvania on Monday and the kids were back in school. Wade had lacrosse practice at the same time Kaylee had her softball practice...in separate towns. Cameo was also busy working. They had such a wonderful relaxing time in the Bahamas. 

One bucket list item for Cameo was swimming with the dolphins. It was great...except Wade was not thrilled about a dolphin this close to his face. He said he did shake his fin when they face timed on Friday. They loved the ice cream cones. They loved the beach. The whole trip was absolutely fantastic. 

The Doran Rice Family

Doran and Amber and the kids had a good work week. Many decisions are in the works for a big move, perhaps to Kentucky for a job promotion for Amber. We saw them on Saturday morning as they came to borrow the trailer.  Kooper got to have his best friends over to play on Saturday. 

Morgan

Morgan finally was able to get all the repairs done on his car, in time to get stuck in a snow storm. He ended up helping others get unstuck and did well. Now he can return to working. 

Kayty

Kayty had a good work week. Her favorite hockey player was traded to another team so now she is a New York Rangers fan. Blackhawks are gone. 

The Nathan Rice Family

No news from Nathan and family this week. 

Dad's Garden

The cold weather has hurt our basil but the lettuce, cabbage, collards and carrots are loving it. We continue to eat those winter vegetables. Tomatoes are still small and alive. Sun should return soon. 

 

Other highlights

Amazing rain storm, frigid weather and snowy mountains nearby in north Scottsdale brought a lot of joy this week. It is unusual to have such cold weather in early March and I do believe I can take heat over cold. I finally also saw snow on Four Peaks on Saturday...they were covered in snow!

We worked Saturday to get some firewood from our neighbor, Jerry who is selling his home soon, into our back yard. Dad went over and loaded logs into his trailer while I trimmed and cleaned up bushes in the way of the back gate. Its our quarterly pick-up here in a couple of weeks so the front yard is about to get loaded up with stuff to haul off. 

Week of February 19 - 25, 2023

Spiritual

Sunday was very nice. Church went well. All the kids in my primary class attended and it was a bit crazy but I did get the lesson given. I enjoyed choir practice while Grandma came out for Dad to fix one of her broken village pieces and look at the garden. 

We were able to attend the temple this week. I performed Initiatory Ordinances on Tuesday morning and Dad did an endowment session 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 3204 records and reviewed 3324 records so far this year.

Family

The Wilkins Family

The Wilkins Family has been very very busy. Allison and I spoke via Marco Polo and she shared the things going on with them. Mike has progressed in interviews and has a very positive lead for a job. So excited for him! Allison continues to work as well as complete her classes toward her master's degree. She has been offered a contract to teach next year as well. Adam is currently looking for a new job. Things didn't work out at Valvoline. Grace is so looking forward to her Choir Trip to Hawaii. She has worked hard and saved money. School is hectic as always and she is doing great. This past weekend, she spent time with her dear friend Katelyn. Joshua is looking forward to soccer tryouts this week. He enjoys video games with friends when not in school. Sam is as sweet as ever. He has been struggling with a cold and pink eye that has kept him out of many activities including his school Valentine's party. Sam is always happy and I love getting to see him when Mom talks. On Monday, President's Day, the family took a fun bike ride adventure.

The Ethan Rice Family

Sunday, the whole family set out on a fun family vacation: a cruise! The left Sunday and headed to Florida. Long trip and the kids were glad to get to their hotel, eat some Italian food and play with their pokemon cards. 

I texted Kaylee a bit on Saturday. She said she enjoyed her time and her favorite foods were peach soup, a seafood pasta dish, and baked Alaska. 

The Doran Rice Family

Doran, Amber, Kelsie and Kooper are doing well, though Doran spent his Saturday feeling poorly and Kooper had a minor mini-motorcycle accident. They have been offered jobs out of state and are pondering a move...to Kentucky. 

Morgan

Morgan had a very challenging week while trying to repair the throwout bearing on his car. Snow inhibits working on the car and we have had cold weather and lots of snow this year. He did finally get the transmission installed and is waiting for another paycheck this week to get new hoses ordered. 

Kayty

Kayty's week ended better than it began. She had made a casual friend on the internet...no big deal just some texts back and forth. Well, it quickly turned from fun conversation to needing money on a credit card. She is good and she recognized the red flags but I was sad her heart was a bit hurt by someone she thought was a friend. Spring Training for baseball has begun and she enjoyed a game on Saturday. 

The Nathan Rice Family

The girls called me on Sunday and we had a good Sunday visit. Annie said the day was her best day ever! We also got to visit on Tuesday. They are doing well and loving home school. 

Dad's Garden

Dad;s tomatoes and basil are struggling with our continuing cooler weather. We are enjoying lettuce and he ate collard greens on a couple of occasions. We hope the garden survives the next week with near freezing temperatures. 

 

Other highlights

I went to visit Nano on Thursday. Had a good visit with Elizabeth. Fun thing: on the way there, I was right next to the Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile

Mom doesn't know me and is in good health but declining. I keep her meds ordered and her fees paid and I hope Elizabeth can keep up for as long as mom lives. 

Dad had a very busy week at work and will travel to Ohio the week after next. 

Week of February 12 - 18, 2023

Spiritual

We had a good Sunday. After picking up Alice, someone approached me and asked me to sing with the choir. It was so enjoyable and I ended up attending choir practice that afternoon. Primary went well and the kids are growing accustomed to the people and the routine. 

I was able to attend the temple this week. I attended an endowment session on Tuesday morning. Dee's regular session was too full for him to attend. 

My daily morning foundation of General Conference talk(s), prayer, scripture study and Come Follow Me study continues each day. I completed the Book of Mormon and began again. I also completed another round of General Conference and began again. 

I have indexed 2454 records and reviewed 2327 records so far this year.

Family

The Wilkins Family

No news from the Wilkins this week. 

The Ethan Rice Family

Ethan spent the week at a retreat for work in South Carolina. Cameo did a great job holding down the fort, celebrating Valentine's Day with the kids, and getting Wade to LaCrosse practices and Kaylee to softball practices. They have a fun adventure coming up. 

The Doran Rice Family

Doran and Amber attended a ward couples activity last weekend and had a great time. 

Morgan

Morgan's car parts arrived and he spent time fixing his car, between snow storms. 

Kayty

Kayty had an interesting week. She had prepared treats for all her coworkers on Monday (candy this time. The cookies were so time-consuming at Christmas that she just chose this option). After work, she came out to a flat tire. Dad and I went to her work and pumped it up, followed her to Discount Tire where she purchased four new tires and spent a couple of hours there. 

The Nathan Rice Family

The girls called via FaceTime on Monday and Tuesday. They read me some books they had checked out at the library. Annie is getting to be quite a good reader! They were so excited to tell me about their Valentine's Day. They awoke to chocolate hearts and then had Dominoes Pizza for dinner. 

I got another call on Saturday afternoon. The girls had enjoyed a fun family day. They went to a hardware store where they saw baby chicks and ducks. They also went to WalMart where Annie spent some money she saved on a doll stroller. She read me another two Valentine books. 

Dad's Garden

With all the rain and cool weather we have had this Winter, the lettuce continues to stay nice and not bitter. I harvested three heads of romaine this week. We get lots of snow peas and carrots, collard greens and chard. Dad's new garden bed is finished and he is filling it with compost, mulch, horse manure and other minerals. He plans on planting more tomatoes and basil. We made it through last weeks freezing weather and only have one temp in the 30s coming this week. 

Family History: Nano Slides

The woman on the right is my grandmother, Etta Lucille Taylor Kew. Not certain who the woman on the left is. 

Unknown woman, my mom, Grandmother Etta Lucille Taylor Kew, Aunt Muriel Lucille Kew

Mom, Dad and Grandmother Etta Lucille Taylor Kew

Mom and Dad on their first wedding anniversary wearing just what they wore then. June 14, 1958.

End of Kew family slides. Thank you again, Sharynn, for all the work you put in scanning them in. 

 

Other highlights

Dad had a very busy week at work. Lots of meetings. Hours inspecting discrepant parts. He will need to travel to Ohio to work with the company making the discrepant parts. 

Tons of rain, sleet on Tuesday evening.