MAY 13-19TH Tornado Warning and such.

As I write this we have lighting and thunder. And it rolls. It is very close as I was only able to count a few
 seconds. I think I will close this down till the storm stops. We even had a tornado warning. Some of the community went down into their basements but we were oblivious to the whole experience as we were waiting for the siren to go off. It got pretty dark around 5 PM but it was a hard rain that went south and did a lot of destruction in Iowa.
We finally have had some heat like it has not been below 60/16 and even got up to 90/30. The weeds have grown so fast that we are cutting the lawn but mowing mostly weeds. The Trees and lawns look beautiful.
My assignment changes this week as I helped out at the Facilities Management area called Conservation as we cleaned out an old attic in the Heber C.Kimball home - like I know how to vacuum up mouse droppings.We also delivered some clean mops to the different sites and some equipment to the missionaries homes. So it was a great change in my schedule. Even got home early to work on my lawn and weeds.
We are also outside rehearsing with the Young Performing Missionaries and doing some of our songs and dance the polka with them....That is FUN.  but I am still working on trying to heal that toe of mine.So I have been driving everywhere in hopes that it will heal. quicker if I stay off of it.
I did end up taking a nap today so perhaps I need some catch up time before the really busy season starts.

MAY 6-12 & 4 MONTHS TO GO

MONDAY -This was a good day as I was at the Masonic/Cultural Hall . A couple came in from  Montreal,Quebec and not able to speak  English but it was fun to visit with them and take them on a tour. I connected them with an Elder that could speak French  so they went to the Visitors' Center. So many people come to Nauvoo and really don't know why they are here and also nothing about the Church.
 It has been a beautiful sunny day today and when I wasn't busy I was learning some lines for a narration for an introduction for the song Grandmother's Apron. It was such a beautiful day that we even practiced outside tonight and was reminded that we have only 5 more rehearsals before the real show....
TUES. - It got up to 80 degrees today.I really felt that it has been such a long winter. Mail Room Day and then to the Family Living Center and worked on the shawl. Got home to help prepare supper for the Young Single Missionaries who were coming. We had Taco Salad - imagine that. Made a cake and they got to take that home with them. Today the  May Ensign Magazine came in so I am glad that I can study Conference.
WED. - was another hot day. After out 8 AM training I was in the Garden. Glad to have had a hat today. We were working at Brigham Young Home, I pulled weeds all the time We finished at 1PM When I got home I started to work on my flower beds in front of our house.When S/Higham got home we went to Keokuk to shop at Walmart.The Mississippi is really high still and I even saw a Heron fishing and the turtle were out on the logs sunning them selves/ After supper I went to the show Rendezvous and as there were two bus tours in town, we had two shows. So I am tired tonight.
THUR. - Can you believe that I broke my fourth toe AGAIN! As I explained this to another Sister today she said "Oh, you mean your ring finger toe?" YES! I hit a box in the bedroom this AM and I have been in pain and it is a beautiful black and blue color and is swelling magnificently. I still did the Mail today and went to the FLC but I am home now to keep it up and hopefully the swelling will go down. The other news is that my Face book Acct. has been hacked so I am about to try to get that mess straighten out.
FRI. The toe is better as I tried to stay off of it and got some ice packs on it but I still did my "job" on the wagon narration.. Some folks from Norway today. After I finished I got Elder W. to help with my computer problem so I believe I am OK for awhile.I sure appreciate his kindness. Sent out a message so that I hope everyone else is not compromised.so now I wait and see.I also went to the temple and interesting enough I did some Norwegian names. Curfew...
SAT./SUN I was very busy with the mail on Sat. as we had lots of parcels and mail for Mothers Day. When I went home for lunch the foot was swollen so I stayed home to get the swelling down as I had the Rendezvous show that night. Sunday the foot was much better and I found a decent pair of shoes to go to Church in. We received some photo's and poems on the Women's Garden from the Mission. When I got home there was a message from Spencer in New Zealand and he phoned me later on , so that was wonderful to connect for a few minutes. Talked to Dan  and Ellen and they are getting ready for the last leg of this campaign for the Conservatives and the Election is Tuesday. Also had a great moment with Dallin and Sariah and kids o Skype. As I speak I am waiting to connect with Nathan and Megan our first time MOM and Kari and family too. As far as the Facebook saga it ain't over yet and ML is working on it. I have finished the day with the Senior Sisters getting together and the food was wonderful and getting to know the
new Sisters there are 19 of us now.  So it has been a great day.

Sunday in Nauvoo

Sunday May 5th, Sacrament Meeting starts at 8 AM  and we had to sit in the back even though we were there at 7:45. There were over 300 people because of the \Temple Missionaries as well. As it was Fast and Testimony meeting  the Testimonies were brief and very touching especially the Young Performing Missionaries who have just arrived as well.
Today was a heart flutter experience as I was asked to teach the Sunday School Lesson .It was on the Sabbath Day D&C 59. The reason I was overwhelmed was that there were over 200 people in the class which is held in the Theater in the Visitors' Center. We each get an opportunity to do so but with the influx of new missionaries it will take a while for this to happen and it is not alphabetical. Anyway, I am glad to have had the experience and I learned much.. I have been greatly blessed for my desire to keep the Sabbath Day Holy and to take the Sacrament. When I have had moments when I thought I was not able to get to meetings the way has been made open to me to do so, and I have been blessed for this. My thoughts take me back to Hill Spring when Fred was sick and also when I was taking care of my Mother before they passed on.
One of the things I felt - that I was the messenger and how important it is to prepare for the Sabbath Day not only physically but to prepare yourself spiritually. To find the moments to de-clutter and think of the Savior and the Atonement.  I made reference to the Nov. Ensign talk of Elder Don Clarke on the Blessings of the Sacrament as well as Pres. Eyrings April First Presidency message. Next, our Relief Society Lesson was on Obedience from the Joseph Smith Manual . Then to end the day we had a Zone Conference and President Gilliland talked about the Atonement. So it has been quite the day to be edified by all these experiences.

RAIN

It has rained all night and all day and it is raining still as I do this. We have needed the moisture for sure, so I believe the drought they have had in this area is over.
 I was to do wagon narration today but only had one tour. It was very cold and the wind was blowing as well. The geese have had their babies so that was fun to see 6 of them scurry around mom. I came home to a hot drink and made some soup for supper. I am getting over my cold and have been taking my nana naps today. I hope to be feeling good enough tomorrow to go to the temple.
Talked to Dan tonight and he is on the campaign trail for the Conservatives in their up and coming election on the 14th so stay turned for the adventures of the Brooks Clan.

Thurs,May 2nd

Gray Skies and cool temperatures today and it finally started to rain around 5 PM.I had a full day and was not feeling 100 %. Mail Delivery etc. 9-noon and then I did the narration on the wagon from 12-1 and then back to the mail room to finish up and then to the Family Living Center to get the shawl finished. So it will probably be taken off tomorrow. I also had rehearsal  for Sunset by the Mississippi. We are anticipating the new missionaries joining us next week so more changes. Well, I just caught myself closing my eyes so I had best end this moment in time. S. Higham made muffins today that were delicious.She's a keeper.
Be of Good Cheer.

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS

So I am going to try again to do this blog thing.Welcome to MAY.The weather has been great Two days of 70-80 degree temperatures. The only problem I have  is that I have either a head cold or I have a terrible allergy to the pollen/ grass that they have been cutting around here. This is the First time I have been under the weather since I came to Nauvoo.Knock on Wood!So the 24 antihistamine  didn't work so I tried some other stuff and it seems to have helped for a little while. I even worked in the garden for a couple of hours and went to Rendezvous tonight.We had a show that needs some help but the Director thought if was a good show. so what ever.... we will have lots of shows to practice to get it perfect.
I enjoyed having a visit with Leila and family last night. Good to have a visit with someone from Home. They were here for Tyson's  missionary companions wedding. We had a good visit and something to eat at Webbers and then frozen custard at Annie"s.
So I bid you all adieu.

17th of MARCH

What a special day. After work we met at the Visitors Center dressed in our Pioneer dresses and coats as we took a wagon ride to the  Red Brick Store. We were supplied with quilts to wrap around us as it was a very cool and almost rainy day. Our wagon was drawn by a team of four black horses on their first time together trip. Elder Dahl was teamster and E/ Rogers gave us the story of Joseph Smith and the Red Brick Store and what would be happening in Nauvoo in 1842. The drive took us down Partridge Street to Main  and to the Red Brick Store owned by the Community of Christ Church. They had consented for us to go upstairs in the Store to do this re-enactment of the Organization of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo. The only ones not in period clothing was our Mission President and Sister Gilliland. So I will send pictures and maybe even a video as it appears that I could insert a video....not sure how to do this at this time. This program was first put together for one of the Sisters for her ward in Florida and it is taken from the Minutes of the First Relief Society meeting in Nauvoo.  I was not able to take any pictures in the Red Brick Store but I hope to get this video in a week or two and attach it. In the meantime I hope you are enjoying Springtime in.......

MARCHING RIGHT ALONG

SUNDAY MARCH 10th
Time change so went to bed early and the body is already to wake up at 5AM. RAIN,RAIN RAIN. So the snow is melting very fast. I could see the grass finally and the temperature is 40 ( 7 ) Even a tulip is trying to show that it is spring. I even saw a robin . As I think back on the meetings today, I learned that my faith has taken hold in my heart and I have locked my heart to the Savior. I need to trust in the Lord more...everything will work out I need to be patient and in due time I will turn the corner. Pres. Monson said "The future is as bright as your faith." I have had a few hard moments today as I have wanted to be with family and "home" but tonight we had a musical fireside and the songs seemed to help take away the longing. Visited with Nathan, Megan and baby David tonight and got caught up with their news.David will be a year old when I see him for the first time.
MONDAY 11th
Heavy fog/mist this morning so the sun had trouble getting out today I was at the Heber C. Kimball/Willford Wood ruff home today and withe a new missionary so we had  time to learn the tour together. We had a family as well as two fellow go through today so that was wonderful and then tonight we had 50 people at Rendezvous tonight.
TUESDAY MARCH 12 ONE YEAR MARK
Yes it is one year today that I went into the MTC. I had stayed the night before at the Stocks and Dallin and family and then left that morning early as I met with Valerie for breakfast in Provo and then checked in at the MTC.Today my schedule got changed to go to the Visitors Center after I finished the mail.After work we 11 Single Sisters got together for a Pizza Party and homemade pie and icecream. It was great to welcome 2 new sisters and get acquainted. Then off to a practise.
THURSDAY
I lost two days as last night we had two shows so it was a very long day Meetings at 8AM.. on sites till 4 and then practices and two shows so home at 9:30. We have finally had the melt so almost all the snow is gone and the temperature was 57 today....We had over 150 teenagers in Nauvoo for the Spring school break so we have gone from famine to feast. It has been wonderful.
FRIDAY
The wait is over.....We have a new director for the Rendzvous show and I am NOT the one.I have wondered ever since I have gotten here if I would be chosen for that assignment because of my experience but not so...so we move on.  I saw a robin today and the eagles are returning but the weather is still very cool so Spring is very late I am looking forward to tomorrow as we will be doing the reenactment of the Relief Society of Nauvoo.

MORE SNOW !!!

FEB.26th Tues,
It started around 5 this morning and didn't stop till about 4 PM. Heavy wet snow. School was cancelled and some business were closed  as well.  I was on the mail run today so things got  interesting with so much snow. The fellows were out early with the plows and I got the walk in front of the house cleaned off before I left for the mail. The streets were cleaned off for an hour and then it built up again. The mail truck was late so I went down to the Family Living Center to work on a shawl and then got the mail picked up and sorted and delivered. I don't believe anyone was around the sites today. The power was off in the Workshops so life was very quiet around Nauvoo.
MARCH 10,Sunday
Sorry I have been negligent in keeping up with this blog. We were struggling with snow and more snow for the past two weeks. The temperatures have been hovering around freezing as well. I have been busy with the usual routine and we are now putting in extra practices for the summer show "Sunset By The Mississippi". I have opted out on taking a preparation day because we are so short of missionaries, so Sunday is my only day to get caught up. We also had an assignment of a paper on the Atonement to be given to President Gilliland.  How do you like all my excuses? One of the reasons I have difficulty writing is when I get so emotionally drained that I don't seem to have the energy and I am not able to put down on paper my feelings. I know that I need to get over it but will try. The reason for the emotion is the leaving of some of the Missionaries. If I thought I had difficulties saying good bye to family....who I will see again I have developed friendships here that will last forever. Even now the tears come as feel the love for them. It was different for those who were on the Westward Exodus. they took most of the family and friends with them. These Sisters especially will probably not be connecting with again and things will not be the same....sweet memories shared. I think of the words of Lucy Mack Smith " We must cherish one another, comfort one another, watch over one another,....that we may all sit down in heaven together." Just as I cherish my association with you all, it is in my heart that we will all sit down in heaven together too.

SNOW !!!
Yes we finally got our Canadian winter/spring snow storm. School was cancelled and people sent home early so that they didn't get caught in the mess. The plows couldn't keep up to it.But guess what .... we still had the show Rendezvous. I was busy all night trying to keep the stairs cleaned off as the tracking in of snow / our long dresses as well as the ice was starting to build up were people were walking. When I got home I cleaned off our walks because it was to continue to snow all night. This morning the plows were out and cleaned off our drive and low and behold who should be out there and shoveling the walks but President and Sister Gilliland. They were doing it for exercise.
 SUNDAY
Sorry that I didn't get this posted today but I have been busy all day getting an assignment finished.We have new missionaries here, two single sisters and three couples. Had a fun visit on Skype with Dallin and family and then we had a meeting at our house tonight so the folks have just left... so that's all there is on this end this week.

VALENTINES DAY IN OLD NAUVOO

It is my scheduled day to be at the Mail Room so when I arrive, all the boxes are full of goodies Chocolates, baked goods, cards and even Valentines. When I go to pick up the mail at the office we have fresh donuts. What a way to start the day with a freshly made Long John with a creme center. When I get to the Post Office I find that one of the letters going our is going to Mountain View and the Murray's. So I am excited that they are coming. They are having to wait to get visa's. When I gave the Mail Lady a Valentine she said that I needed to come back as she had a treat for me. I was able to do a couple of good deeds for the Sewing Room Ladies and give a young Lady a lift to work and when I went back to the Post Office Marian had given me 4 huge chocolate covered Strawberries.Yum....I did share them..Then down to the Family Living Center to work on the shawl.I was home for a few minutes then walked to the Jennings place for a Valentines Dinner of Spaghetti, Salad and Garlic Bread...They served over 50 people! Terrific. Then off to the Stage Show of Rendezvous.Talked to my Sister Donna to wish her a Happy Birthday and Valentines and she was off to celebrate with friends...87 years young. So it was a happy day.

FEBRUARY

FRIDAY the 1st  Brrrrr minus 1 this AM
I had a real good sleep last night so I am hoping to do the same tonight. I don't know if a bowl of cereal made the difference, so stay tuned.  I was to be a Wagon Narrator today but with the weather so cold there were no tours. I was home all day and phoned about 15 minutes before I was to go, to check if I was needed. I worked on tying a table runner that I had brought home from the Family Living Center. Dan phoned so we got caught up with his news. Nothing has changed with his leg as it still swells and is very painful.
I made two dozen cinnamon rolls for our breakfast tomorrow... We are doing a reenactment of the Exodus that took place in February 1846, so we meet for a quick breakfast and then walk down Parley Street to the Mississippi River.  I will tell you more about this tomorrow. So I ventured out into the cold to take our baked goods to the FLC and then stopped at the Temple for an hour.Back to the house to finish the runner had some supper and then finished off the blog and started this one.
SATURDAY the 2nd
No I didn't sleep the night through.Up and at it early. It had snowed during the night but that means that the temperatures had warmed up.to 27 degrees. Still piled the layers on. Went to the Family Living Center for the first part of the program.We had a Continental Breakfast  then I read a brief one page history of the Saint and why they left in Feb and some of their experiences.We then lined up with the Nauvoo Legion first in line holding handmade rifles and then followed the Flag bearers ( I had a huge Canadian Flag) representing the pioneers who came from Canada. Next were the folks representing the Saints who had left Nauvoo. Research had been done on the "ancestors" and others that they were wearing the names tags for. I requested and wore the name of Zina Huntington Young who was the mother of Zina Card, the part that I had played in the Temple Pageant in Cardston in 1897  Bringing up the rear was the carriage with the Christensens dressed in costumes and representing Brigham and Mary Young, covered wagons and the wagons that we use on the tours. As we turned from Main Street to Parley Street, the cold wind blowing off the Mississippi River let us feel its strength I had to stop and adjust my scarf and couldn't help but wonder what the Saints must have endures in weather such as this. As we reached the river and the  Pioneer Memorial Site, (which has the names of over 2000 Saint that died on their way to the Salt Lake Valley), we had the flag raising,  Pledge of Allegiance, another talk and sang Come, Come Ye Saints.After a moment of silence we heard "Taps" which was a fitting tribute to those valiant Saints. What faith they had in God and to move West because they had to. I feel very honored to be here and to have this experience and to learn of these dedicated saints who made the ultimat sacrifice.
SUNDAY the 3rd
It has been a 6 kleenex day. Really felt love today for all who spoke in Church today, for their inspired heart felt testimonies as well as the lesson in SS and RS. Then tonight it was the Fireside or as they used to call it in the 1840's "Sociables"on those Saint that were here in Nauvoo and left for the West. The stories were so touching of their ancestors. What amazing stories as well as some modern day pioneers.
MONDAY
I am not writing tonight as I am too tired as I woke at 4 AM and couldn't get back to sleep. A new song that we are leaning for Sunset By the Mississippi  called Grandma Apron was going on in my head and I couldn't shake it so I won't be writing tonight.
TUESDAY THE 5th
I had a good sleep so I am even awake tonight.It has been a beautiful day 40 Degrees or 4 Celsius. Today on my mail run I spied an eagle so I headed down to the river and sure enough there were 3 of them standing on the edge of the ice by a large water hole hoping to catch a fish. I got a Christmas/Valentines card from Donna today so that was great to hear from her and she included my favorite comic The Family Circle. I also got the Hill Spring Ward notes to me. It was wonderful to get their encouraging words and know that I am missed and that I am remembered in their prayers.It was a nice enough day for me to ride my bike to the FLC. I worked on a new shawl and as ever the tying of knots in the fringe of the runners that have come off the loom. They had baked bread today in the bustle oven and even shared some...it was excellent. We had the Rendezvous show tonight and some new folks debuted in their new part so that was very exciting as it was word perfect.We have some great actors that didn't know they were actors till they came to Nauvoo.
WEDNESDAY the 6th
The final farewell to the Christensen's so sad to see them go. I really have a hard time with these good byes.These feelings go very deep and I am wiped for the rest of the day.Yet we all know that the time had come because of his condition.(ALS) I know only to well when your loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness.She has some hard days ahead, After training meeting I had my 3 month interview with the President. He asked me what my goals were. So I have a few. Listen more, memorize and keep in remembrance certain scriptures
Went to the temple, it truly is a place to feel peace on earth.As I walked into the chapel the organ was playing Be Still My Soul  which has been a great comfort to me over the years.
THURSDAY thru SAT.

RAIN BEAUTIFUL RAIN! We got a good soak Thurs. and Sat. The area has been struggling with drought (does this sound familiar) so the rain is welcome. I served in the Brigham Young home today and we actually had a tour.We know the place will be start to get busy in March and we are expecting 25 new couple in March all on the same day so that should be an interesting day for sure.So as I end this epistle I think I will feature one of the home or sites each week so that you can get to know Nauvoo too.I just need to get the pictures to match.

Wrapping up January

SUNDAY
Phone call this morning at 7:30 that Church has been cancelled as we have FREEZING RAIN.I stepped outside to see and indeed it was raining but the sidewalk was ice.I got caught up on an assignment for next months meeting and S/Christiansen made a delicious lunch of  lemon chicken. So we had a quiet day till 3:00 when we got a call that we would have our Zone Conference as well as Sacrament service at 4:00 at the theatre in the Visitors Center. I am so very grateful for the weather to change for that time to be able to take the sacrament.I got a hold of Sariah to wish her Happy Birthday but she and the kids except Mark were sick with the flu. Not good news. I also had a good visit with Nola and got caught up with the family news.
MONDAY
The temperature was 50 degrees and the humidity 100%....you couldn't see the Temple this morning. I rode my bike to the Tin Shop were I served today and even though it wasn't raining I got wet from the "mist". It was a very emotional day as I was serving with a sister who's husband has ALS or Lou Gehrig's and they are getting ready to go home as his condition is getting worse. So she had a lot to talk about and I was able to share some thoughts about the next steps in her life as she deals with her grieving.Her family are coming to visit Nauvoo and help her pack and drive home to Utah. Sister Gilliland, the Mission Presidents wife, also visited us to ask us what our favorite Book of Mormon scripture was and I shared 3 Nephi 5:13 with her.We had no guests today.This evening I took the time to get rid of some paper in my files and got caught up with some mission e-mails.
TUESDAY
Never two days the same.Today was mail day. The temperatures were 60 plus and then it started to rain and it hasn't stopped. I had to find the umbrella instead of the ice cleats. I walked from the Mail Room to my home to get my van to head off to the Family Living Center and low and behold my van wouldn't start. So I walked to the FLC. I had only been there an hour when I received a call that one of the Sister's was sick so I needed to go and replace her. I said yes and then after I got off the phone realised that I didn't have a vehicle. As luck would have it one of the Sisters was heading out to do service at the kindergarten so she drove me to the Sarah Granger home. In the meantime I had got a hold of one of the mechanics so I got a ride to the house and then he came and started it with jumper cables, and I then drove to the Sarah Granger home and finished the afternoon there. The Van started just fine as well as when I had to go out tonight to the Rendezvous show.  Still raining. Phoned and wished Danae a Happy Birthday.  She is seven now and had just opened her presents and was so very happy. Dan was not there as he was just getting back from a sport show. The leg is still not as it should be and swelling and pain are an every day occurrence.
WEDNESDAY
I have given up on my sleep patterns, I think my brain is on daylight saving so I am awake at 4 instead of 5. The rain turned into snow for awhile and then the wind and the temperatures went back down to 23 so we are getting ready for a cold spell and putting on the winter coat again. Very interesting as I had just spotted some tulips poking their nose out of the flower bed.We had 8AM training meeting and went over Scripture study,perhaps my study journal has been the best thing for me to have added since I have been on missions.Later on I was back at the Visitor's Center to serve there. I actually brought my "Homework" with me the tying of rugs We had a total of 9 people today and that was probably because of the snow, wind and cold..After work I went up town to shop for groceries and then went to the Temple. Early to bed tonight.
THURSDAY
Cold again only 14 or -10 Celsius but the wind was bad So this damp cold is really different and penetrates into your bones..I spied an Bald Eagle as I was out doing the mail today. Just sitting in the tree top waiting for.......lunch I guess. I think it was odd to see it so far from the river yet I am not sure of their habitat in the area. It was so cold that I actually drove my van to the Family Living Center. I almost finished the shawl and am working on the fringe. I will probably complete it on Sat. if someone else doesn't do it before then.
We had Rendezvous tonight. I thought they might cancel it as a storm moved through with snow and strong winds but the show must go on and we did end up with about15 people. Had a fun moment when one of the main characters in the scene didn't come on stage so another Sister and myself filled in..turned out that she was looking for her hat and just didn't time it right.Well, I guess this is it for the month...I just reread this before I post it and you sure can tell that I should be writing this when I am more awake.

JANUARY 13th to 19th

SUNDAY I think that this has been the busiest Sunday since summer. Awake at 4:30.SNOW ! About 2 inches; Reading, studies,got ready for Church then out to clean the walks then walked to church which starts at 8AM The wind was blowing just enough to make the walk "invigorating". I sat up on the front row for the first time as I was to give the closing prayer. The four talks were on the Creation and one of the speakers quoted the song "My Heavenly Father Loves Me" which is my favorite Primary song.We ended up over time and sang all the verses to "If I could Hie to Kolob" so my prayer was very short. We then move from the Stake Center to the Visitor's Center for the rest of our meetings. We sang"Love One Another" which brought tears to my eyes as it was my Mother's favorite. So after all the meeting and Choir Practice I rushed home, changed into my pioneer dress, ate breakfast and rushed off to the George Riser Boot Shop to serve today. We only had one couple and a sweet baby to come our way. I was reading most of the day but ended up having a nap because it was so quiet. After we closed at 5PM all the nine single sisters were invited to the Ritchie`s for dinner. It was so kind of them to do this and we appreciated it so much. Then off to the Visitor's Center for a Fireside on Emma Smith presented by Shantel Gardner. this was excellent. So the evening was topped off with a call to Benjamin for his 7th Birthday and then Skyped with Megan, Nathan and baby David who is so growing so fast. Quite the day. MONDAY The most interesting turn of events today after work. Seven of us single sisters went out to eat and a show,`Les Miserable. I really enjoyed it and was glad I had been invited along. The reason we had a free night was that they are working on the floor and painting in the Cultural Hall were we do the show Rendezvous.So we will will have the week off. WEDNESDAY At our 8AM training meeting the Mission Doctor tells us that we need to get Flu Shots if we don`t have them already as there is an epidemic here in Illinois so that will be on my agenda.After the meeting and as it was our Preparation Day... We headed to Montrose, Iowa which is directly across the Mississippi River from Nauvoo. It was a beautiful sunny day and even though there was ice on the River, the birds were hanging about. geese of course but the EAGLES, the BALD and GOLDEN ones were gathering. Saturday is actually the 29th Annual Bald Eagle Appreciation Days in Keokuk, Iowa and there will be seminars and live eagle and Raptor presentations....but I will not be able to attend as I will be working.We found the Pioneer Memorial where the Saints landed after leaving Nauvoo. After some shopping went to an all you can eat Chinese Buffet....it was great.Then the Cast for the Show went to the Temple so that was the busy day in my life here, I really am so grateful to be here and busy and able to serve. THURSDAY A crazy day for changes. I was dressed to do the mail when I got a call to go to the Wagon at 10 so I changed and got over there and S/Nunn who was to be there late got there on time so I started my day all over again. Mail etc. stopped and got my Flu Shot and then changed again to go to the Family Living Center. The snow is almost gone so I was able to ride my bike.Then after all the Sisters met at the Visitors Center Theater and practiced a new song called Grandmother`s Apron for the summer shop `Sunset By the Mississippi`. Home to change to go over to our Mission Presidents home for Dinner. There were the Nine of us Senior Sisters, and we had Hay Stacks and ice cream. So this was three times this week to eat out. FRIDAY Went for a walk down by the Mississippi this AM. There is quite a bit of ice on the river and then to go up by the horses and see them waiting to be fed. It was a slow and quiet day. I was the Wagon Narrator but there was no tour at 10AM so I headed for home to get caught up on my piles of paper. I had a young couple with their 2 boys for the noon wagon and despite the wind and cold the boys fell a sleep. No one for the 2PM.Tried to get a hold of Kalissa for her Birthday. SATURDAY 8AM we were at the Stake Center for cleaning the building and I spent all my time vacuuming.Then walked to the Visitors center to pick up the mail. then home to change and then walk to the Mail Room to pick up mail and the Van. Go to the post office but the truck was late so they hadn't sorted the mail yet so I went home to get my breakfast,next time I will take a book.After I got the mail sorted I headed home again and this time I managed to burn my lunch and discovered that our smoke alarms are not working,so I aired out the house and went on the the Family Living Center to serve. We were a bit busier than the other 2 days when I was there and actually need to stay till after. Got home to find my companion had the doors open an trying to get the smell out of the house. we finally get some lemon and spices boiling in a pot to act as potpouri.S/C wanted pizza so we enjoyed the tread. Later that night I did get a hold of Kalissa to wish her a happy Birthday. She had some friends over. Had a long talk with Dan which was very upsetting as his leg is not healing.

JANUARY 6th to 12th

SUNDAY
Up at my normal time of 5AM. Woke with a thankful heart today. It wasn't as cold so I was able to walk to Church which starts at 8AM. We have choir practice after our other meetings and we are learning O My Father from the Stephen Foster Tune of Gentle Annie that was sung this way back in the 1840's Tonight we had Zone Conference and heard the talk by E/Bednar titled Becoming a Preach My Gospel Missionary.
MONDAY
A happy day but emotional too as I heard from Spencer.I was so wonderful to hear his voice. He is somewhere in E. Africa so he is on a Great Adventure for sure. I was actually at the John Taylor Home when he called. What an amazing life we have that he could call me from Africa and here I am in the tiny town of Nauvoo, in a pioneer dress telling folks about John Taylor who was born in England 1808. Rendezvous only 4 people there tonight but the show must go on.
TUESDAY
I was on the Mail Room assignment which went OK. The weather has warmed up so I rode my bike to the Family Living Center. Today I was working on tying a small quilt. Gave a demonstration on bread making and candle making.Only 6 people here today.
WEDNESDAY
8 AM Training Meeting. The discussion was on our new Site manuals and doing tours with your companion.Then I was at the Sarah Granger Kimball Home with S/Call. We were so excited as we had one tour, so we practised what we were taught today. It was not perfect but we are getting better. Our Director for Rendezvous was not well and has taken an extended leave of absence so the new Cast Manager has taken over. It made me think that I am really being tested as I am not longer in a position to help and I have more experience but so it is, to leave it alone and step back and see if I can help without helping.
THURSDAY
 Had a good nights rest 6 hours yeah! Glad to be the Mail Lady today. It really is great to be outside and moving around rather than sitting all day in the Historic Sites. There wasn't much mail today so I was at the Family Living Center early and worked on the Shawl and tying knots on runners that had come off of the loom. They had no one come today as did many of the other sites. I was home by 3:30 and washed my hair which is getting so long that I has better cut it.....Maybe I will do it on March 12 the 1 year mark. Then tonight was special as we got invited to a couples home for dinner. They are missionaries from Alaska who will be here for 2years and work on the Temple Pageant. RAIN,RAIN and more rain..... we need it so bad that it wonderful to have such a good soak.
FRIDAY A grey day today and the humidity high couldn't even see the Temple because of the fog. Went to the Stoddard Tin Shop today with Sister Munhoz who can speak a bit of English and most comfortable with Portuguese.We had a quiet day except for a very noisy huge flock of geese that is moving through. and only gave one tour to her son and his girlfriend who are visiting. At Rendezvous tonight.  Finished off the last of the Almond Roca that the Vanderhoof Gang made at Christmas time Thanks Ellen,Sariah and Grandest Kids
SATURDAY
I was going to the temple this morning but ended up having Companion Study instead..Very little mail  today so I was finished by 11: 30 had a quick lunch of soup then rode my bike to the Family Living Center (FLC) it rained a bit so I was glad that it was clear when I came out.  I decided to walk to the temple which is just up the hill but took my umbrella just in case. The temperature did a big dip in between so I was glad that I had my long dress on. Oh yes I forgot to tell you that we are able to wear out "Site" or pioneer dresses to the Temple.Came home to have the Sat. Night Bath as we have to up so early.

JANUARY 1st . A great first day. Awake at 3:30 so I thought it good to read over my Patriarchal Blessing. This continues to be a great motivator and guidance in my life. After my morning routine,I was out and about as I needed to pay my rent,phone bill and get the last months report for the Sarah Granger Kimball home.  The Christmas decorations are coming down which is so sad to see. Then off to the Seventies Hall for today's assignment. I had quite the experience today as the Sister that I was working with has diabetes and had low blood sugars today.  Thanks to a call to her husband, he told me what to do. When he arrived he took her home and another Sister came to help me. Spent the rest of my day and evening trying to find my room.Talked to Donna and she still has a cold and is very miserable.
 WEDNESDAY
This is just great to begin the year with some news. I have a new assignment. I am one of the Mail Room persons. I pick up and deliver the mail Tue.Thur and Sat. I am going to enjoy this as I am out and about and then when I am finished I go to the Family Living Center. to work till 3. This month we do Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo (the stage show) on Mon.,Wed. and Fri. so we had had a break for a few days.Some nights there are only a hand full of people but the show must go on.  Talked to Kari and Skyped Nathan, Megan and David This is so fun to see the babies.
THURSDAY
My first day of my new assignment at the Mail  Room.I start at 9 AM and drive a  Dodge Caravan to pick up the mail at the Mission Office which is part of the Visitors Center and Facilities Management. Then to the Post Office to pick up the mail. Then back to the Mail Room to sort and take care of the numerous magazines and mail that has to be forwarded. I then deliver the mail to the Mission Office,FM and Land & Records, back to the Mail Room. Park the Van and then head for home, have a quick lunch and head off to the Family Living Center till 3PM.Tonight I worked on catching up on my desk.
FRIDAY
The first Friday of the month we have a Mission Breakfast at 7AM to say farewell to departing missionaries and welcome the new ones.We all sign up to bring food and it is a great way to see those we have not connected with this past month. Went to the Sarah Granger Kimball home to pack away the Christmas Decorations. Then went to the Visitor Center to serve today.11:30-5PM We had  41 people come to the center today. After supper headed to the Cultural Hall for the show Rendezvous did I mention that it is only an hour long. This has been a very long day but then they all are.
SATURDAY
Went to the temple for an hour and then to the Mail Room. I am still in learning mode but the actual Post Office is only open from 9:15-10:30 on a Sat. so I needed to collect the mail and get there before it closes. We had snow and rain today which was very interesting. Came home for lunch and then walked to the Family Living Center. On the way I passed a field that was full of Canadian Geese. I have no idea how many but it was black, I guess over 600. The noise was incredible.. What a time to not have a camera. The Mississippi River is the flyway for thousands of migrating birds and they even have the nesting boxes for the spring time so I will let you know when they leave or come back for that matter. Hunting season is over but there were some very aggressive hunters around for the season. They even have blinds and camouflage boats. We apparently are waiting for the hundreds of Bald Eagles that are the next to move through. There is even an island that is just for them. So back to my story. When I got to the Family Living Center where we do demonstrations of different Pioneer skills I was asked to work on the hand weaving of a shawl that they are making for a lady. So that was fun to do. Left at 3 ish and the noisy geese were still there but some more joined them. They seem to take turns going to get a drink from the River.

 JULY 23-29
MONDAY.Wagon Tour 6:30 - no first tour at 7 but took the 9 and 11am.The flag at the Temple was flying half mast and when I made inquires, it was in behalf of those who lost lives in Colorado. I am living in such a cloistered life that I didn't know of the tragedy until I asked someone. It was 100 by then so they closed up the wagon tours.At one point today it was 110 in the shade...that is 40degrees Celsius. I worked on my Cast manager assignment all afternoon trying to get things organised. Headed off to the Sunset Show which they held inside because of the heat.Our lawn is so brown but we are not to water it with our tap water,
TUESDAY Woke to 85 Degree weather/I walked up to the post office and it was a wonderful surprise to get mail from Hill Spring.The ward has sent a letter as well as my forwarded mail from Hill Spring.Worked with S/Young on the cast list as she is making changes and then off to the Tinshop from 12-6.We were very busy today and actually had one tour of 30 people in that small place.I was working with S/Kinikini who is from Tonga.but lives in Salt Lake now. She is preparing to go home in 2 weeks and told me that the 18 months will go fast. Indeed it has been 4 months already and I just have to get in the habit of writing every night on this blog.Tonight I have been working on getting the line up out to the cast for tomorrow and it will be interesting to see how many changes will take place before the performance.
PREPARATION DAY Awake before the robins this morning.At the 8am Training Meeting, we had a presentation on Listening Skills.E/Wise gave part of the presentation and he made reference to Steven Covey. It is interesting that I just learned the day before that he had passed away. What a great influence he had on so many lives.   Went to the Temple and visited with a Sister as I was leaving. When she saw my name tag,she asked if I was related to a Brooks who was in Samoa. Her name is Moana Carlon and her father was the Mission  President in Samoa when she was  nine years old. Isn't that amazing that she would remember that name after all these years. Elder Brooks must have left an impression on her. We hope to connect another time when we are not so busy.And yes there were many changes in shuffling people around in the show. It is amazing how the show just goes on with so many unseen problems but there are so many of us on the stage sometimes (40 Plus) that you don't catch all the fun mistakes.
THURSDAY RAIN BEAUTIFUL RAIN. We have needed the rain so bad . Everything is so dry and brown.The temperatures have been 40 and above. Today I was  in the Brigham Young Home on a split shift 9-12 and 3-6.  It is such an honor and a privilege to be in that house.In 1950 the nation honored him by placing a statue of him in the Rotunda in Washington, calling him America's Greatest Colonizer. Then at 6:30 I had the production of Sunset by the Mississippi.
FRIDAY I was at the Family Living Center today. They give demonstrations on pioneer skills on making rope,barrels,pottery, weaving and I was part of the candle, spinning and bread making. In the bread making they talk about making ash bread, where they would cook the bread on the ashes of a fire or on the bricks and put ashes on the bread dough. I had that experience with Kari,James and Grandchildren  when we went camping one summer.The Sisters actually cook bread in the Bustle Ovens here where we do the demonstrations and the guest get to have a piece. The recipe is available on historicnauvoo.net.Tonight was my OFF but I was busy getting the cast line up ready to be sent out and so I am hoping that I can get a grip on these constant changes so that I can get a break.
SAT. Had a quieter day today when I was at the Sarah Granger Kimball Home. It is a bit off the beaten path so we don't get too many visitors. I got to know one of the sisters better and found that we have a common interest in  the artist Carl Bloch. She had seen  the display of his altarpieces at BYU Museum of Art. I had seen the pictures only in an April 2011 Ensign. It really is great to get to know such noble folks such as the likes of her. Another show tonight, so I am very weary tonight.  as mother would say a 'happy tired".

JULY 15-22,2012
The time has come to get a grip on my life in the fast lane and I need to be writing here. The procrastination has gone on long enough and if I want to have you all who are interested in my life here in Nauvoo,stay connected, I had better start today. So here goes.
SUNDAY Up early (5:30) as we have to be to Church by 7:30 or we sit in the back on the hard chairs. The Nauvoo Pageant has started so over 700 people were at Sacrament today. Yes, you read it right 700. They have the Stake Centre set up right to the stage and have Sacrament tables set up along one side. They are prepared for the crowd and very organized. They hand out programs on a single sheet with the program and announcements on one side and the Hymns on the other. By the way the two other wards meet at 10am and 2pm. so it is not like there are no other choices.As I think about the talks today, I think the one Young Sister Missionary who said "Heavenly Father loves you" was just what I need to hear. At 6pm we had a District meeting with ten of us. We have cleaning assignments for the month. Sis.Purtell and I get to clean the Women's Statues next week which I volunteered to do as it is just right across the street. We had an ice cream pie for dessert. Susan Easton Black  was our special speaker tonight at our Sociable (Fireside).She is a Church History professor at BYU, wrote the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith that we used a few years ago in Priesthood and RS. and has a home here in Nauvoo.It was very detailed talk of when Joseph Smith was kidnapped in 1842. Which led up to his martyrdom.
MONDAY Up at 5am as I had to be at the Wagon Shed at 6:30 am for the first wagon tour at 7 AM. Yes I do a one hour narration as the wagon as the horses take us on a tour of Old Nauvoo. We have had to start so early because the weather has been so hot and they shut things down around noon depending on the heat index. The temperatures have been unbearable. I had to come home and change my clothes as I was soaked by 10 o'clock and I had one more wagon ride at 11. Worked on the Sarah Granger cast list for most of the afternoon and then at 6 pm we had a performance on the outside stage with our group. 100degrees in the shade.This show is called Sunset By the Mississippi and we and the Young Performing Missionaries sing and Dance. Tonight Sis. Moses and I did the Specialty number Rindercella. She reads it and I do the pantomime. Great fun. I will send pictures on of these days.
TUESDAY 8- 8:30 am my first study time with Sis. Christensen. Her companion went home and so we arranged to do this. We are studying Preach My Gospel - Christlike attributes. The first one is Faith. Indeed, my faith in the Savior has grown as I have served here. I am confident that I am were I need to be each day and feel His guiding hand as I talk to people. Today I served in the Heber C.Kimball home and even though we didn't have a tour until 12:30, I had an opportunity to talk with my companion Sis.Jardine and find out her story.  Everyone who comes here has a story.Everyone who has lived here has a story. And that is why I am here to tell the story of the people who lived here. Just one detail on the Kimballs, his Great Great Grandson, Dr. Leroy Kimball was born in Cardston, Alberta in 1901 and he was the man who started restoring Nauvoo and ended up as President of Nauvoo Restoration Incorporated for 25 years while all the changes were taking place that we enjoy today. Went to the Pageant tonight. Seats were set aside for us missionaries. It was great.They have 20 professional actors and about 150 volunteers. These are families that come for one week. They have a rehersal on Monday and then Dress rehersal on Monday night another practise on Tues. and then the show Tues.thru Sat. at 8:30.
WEDNESDAY This is my preparation day and it starts at 8am with a weekly Training Meeting,this morning we had a special speaker. Elder Gavarret who is a Seventy.who was here to open the Pageant. Then I went to the Temple, did my grocery shopping and worked on my Show Dress in the Sewing room. By the way,the reason our dresses had to be floor length and add 3 inches,was because of GROW TUCKS. They put three one 1/2 inch hems around the dress and as you wash the dress and it shrinks or if you hand this dress down to someone else, they can be let down. In old days they did this on the sleeves too especially for children for them to grow into their dresses.Tonight  we had Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo. This is the stage production in the Cultural Hall at 7 and 8:15pm. I was so busy with my cast manager responsibilities, I didn't get on to the stage in time and another sister filled in for me. I keep having these learning experiences. Her comment was "you snooze you lose".
THURSDAY Today I was at the Family Living Center which gives demonstrations of how the pioneers made rope, barrels, candles, pottery,bread, wove rugs and spun wool and flax.It was a busy day with many tour buses in town for the pageant. Another HOT day on the outdoor stage for Sunset. I enjoy doing the Polka with one of the YPM's Elder Moore. I felt the emotion come when we sing the songs of the different Armed Forces.Tonight, when we sang  the Marines my heart went to Spencer who is preparing to go to Africa with his job for a few months.
FRIDAY This morning my mind is on the problem of my home in Hill Spring, as the renter is moving out in August. I am going to have to rely on the Davis's to help out. Also I am so far behind in catching up with my other life that I am behind in my birthday greeting to family. Lots in July. So if I have missed you I am sorry and hope  all is well with you. Today, I was in the Log School House.School was held in homes and this log home was reconstructed in 1991. The teacher had to be certified and got 25cents per student per week and was also paid by the classes taught. While I was there I met Larry and Babette Jensen who had just been through Hill Spring and had visited her sister who is a good friend of Jean (Judy's sister). Small world.
SATURDAY I had a special experience at the Merryweather Store and Post Office site today. We are to give a gospel message at each site related to such. So as I am talking about  how letter were the only way that people were able to communicate and made a reference to the Scriptures containing letters such as Paul to the Ephesians, I remembered that I once heard the reference to the Scriptures being letters from Home as a way that Heavenly Father communicates with us and we communicate with Him by prayer.
Then tonight as we finished the one show of Rendezvous and the cast was talking to the guests out front and were preparing for the second show, we had some hecklers, placard carrying men come by and they were yelling and one of the guests tried to talk to them. We had been warned by our President to expect this and to ignore such. but they were calling us racist etc. Very interesting experience.
SUNDAY So now this goes to press. I have had a quiet day as I didn't have to work and Idid get caught up with my rest and this blog. Then this evening we had a beautiful program presented by the Young Performing Missionaries from the Band and Stage. It truly was exceptional and the music extraordinary well performed.
I also talked to Nola who is at home again,Kari who is expecting her baby July 31st and Spencer who leaves for Frankfurt/Africa tomorrow. So it is a great way to end this peaceful day.

HILLSPRING - WYOMING - UTAH

MAR.1st Thur. Running faster than I am able today. Into Cardston to get my oil changed and winter tires off and 2 old ones put on and bought 2 new ones. That ended up taking 2 hours so I was behind the rest of the day. Errands and then to see Sharyn's apartment and say my good byes and then on to Nola's to help clean out cupboards and etc. Later I went to the Church to be set apart as a missionary. A sweet feeling was there as testimonies were shared and then as I was set apart and given a blessing I was told that "the Lord has watched over you in your life since you entered the world." I have felt that I have a specific mission but was overwhelmed at the things I was promised. I  then went to pick up my dresses,tried them on.I am so impressed with the beautiful work that Marge has done. I certainly couldn't have done it.You have to leave an extra 3 inches below floor length for them to hem when you get to Nauvoo and the aprons as well. So the dresses aren't finished yet but I am going to be one of the best dressed in Nauvoo. Tired but happy.
MAR.2nd Fri. Had a great day trying to get organized by getting my stuff unpacked at the house- got the house organized- found the long white gloves of Mothers that Kari wanted to borrow. So it was a day of shuffling and sorting and resorting and trying to downsize the things that I am taking with me.
MAR.3rd Sat. Got the van packed today. This has been a great feat as I have to take multi sets of clothes with me. Spring, Summer,Hot , Humidity, Fall,Winter and Cold Damp Winter as well as my outfits for the tour sites that I will be wearing these dresses and aprons at. That was one suitcase in and of itself. I also have boxes and totes to go to Kari's. It's a good thing that the van is a 6 passenger rather than a 9 as I probably would have packed more stuff.With the mission being 18 months I felt I need to take extra things like books and I even packed a card table and some food storage that I felt I didn't want to leave behind. I just have to pack up my desk stuff, printer and computer and my suitcase with my Sunday clothes tomorrow. Oh, yes I cleaned too, as I wanted to leave the cabin as I had found it.I have been so thankful to have had the space for my preparations to leave. Another emotional day tomorrow when I say my good byes to my dear friends in Hill Spring.
MAR 4th Sun. Woke at 2:30 my mind going 100 mph. Realized that I didn't know where my temple recommend was.I even went out to the van with my flashlight  to unpack my bags to see if it was there. Still no recommend.  I am so very grateful that it is Sunday so that I could get another one.It was fast and testimony meeting and I will never forget the sweet testimony of a boy that simply said "When I was baptized, I felt I was with God again" and sat down.Then the marathon began to get the final packing done and into Cardston to get my recommend signed by the Stake President... it just happened to be the regular night to sign temple recommends.  I am here with Nola and so I was glad to have a chance to visit her one more time before I leave.I will miss her.
MAR.5th Mon. Made it to Wyoming! Up before the crack of dawn. Thank goodness that there was a 24 hour gas station in Cardston. I was the first one to cross the border at Babb/Peigan at 7 AM. I had a moment at the border when I thought they weren't going to let the van through. I went into the bathroom, said a prayer and when I came out she had OK'd it. I don't what happened except my prayer was answered. It started to snow, so by the time I was to the Duck Lake turn off I was into a blizzard. I had bad roads to Browning and then it let up a bit. and then finally good roads all the rest of the way. Listened to Book of Mormon as well as Truman Madsen tapes. Pulled over at Judith Gap for a rest and made it to Kari's by 7 PM. I just can't seem to cut it any shorter driving by myself. It is so good to see everyone.I am amazed at how the kids have grown and the dog too.So grateful to be on the first leg of my journey to Nauvoo. Aspen gave up her bed  so I look forward to a good sleep. Speaking of sleep only  seven more sleeps to the MTC.We are going to the temple in Billings tomorrow while the kids are in school. So back in travel mode again but happy to be able to spend time with Kari and James.
MAR.6-8th Visiting,shopping, sleeping,playing cards and reading with the kids.Went to help set up a Book Fair with Kari at the school and even helped in Ben's class room one morning. It has been fun to be here but the good byes weren't so hard as I will see Kari in two weeks when we drive to Nauvoo.
MAR. 9th Fri. Made it to Utah! I tried to connect with the Kennedy's but that will have to happen on our way to Nebraska.The trip was uneventful and again very glad to see family. The children are growing up so fast even though I saw them in August. Lucy is a doll and a bit cautious of me which is to be expected. She will be walking before you know it. Really weary as I had not slept on the trip down so I am thankful that Eliza gave up her bed for me. What great grand daughters I have and they will have changed so much when I see them again in 18 months.
MAR.10th Sat. It was indeed a Super Saturday,to spend it with family. We traveled up to the Alta Ski Resort to retrieve a much needed cell phone, did some shopping and then had lunch at Chuck-A-Rama. Fred loved to eat here and we came often to celebrate. Thanks Sariah for this special memory. The weather was so lovely and warm that we were outside, kids on bikes and Lucy trying out Marks' fire engine.
MAR.11th Sun. One more sleep before I start the new adventure.Chas stayed home today because he was sick.He was still sleeping when we got home from Church.I was impressed by the talks on the importance of the Sacrament. One talk was on the Last Supper which took me back to Jerusalem where I had to give a talk. The tour director had assigned me to give a talk in a room similar to where the Last Supper might have taken place. What special memories I have. How blessed I have been to travel as much as I have. Doris gave an excellent lesson on the priesthood. I still have my moments when I miss you Fred and until you don't have that connection to the priesthood do you realize the powerful influence it has in your life. It has been a beautiful Sabbath day, to be strengthened by partaking of the sacrament and renewing my covenants, to time with family.What a great way to start the next chapter of my life in the Missionary Training Center.

February 2012 Vanderhoof to Hill Spring

Linda and I stayed in Vanderhoof from Feb. 1- Feb. 20th. It was great to be with the Grandgirls and especially to be there for Brielle's Baptism. We had fun one day when we were able to get outside to play in the snow making a fort and playing Fox and Geese. The three weeks went quickly with trips to the school bus, science projects,sick kids,visits to friends and visits from family, rabbits..oops sorry Rachel''bunnies" and finishing Fred's Journals.
Feb.20/ Mon. We said our good bye's in Prince George. This was a very different  experience this time and I wasn't ready for the emotional roller coaster to say good bye to my children and grand kids.I had a tough moment when I didn't want to leave, to stay with family, and yet the momentum of going on a mission. A moment in time when I felt my heart break again. Two more Grand children expected and I won't see them until they are a year old, unless of course they come visit me in Nauvoo.
Feb.21/Tues. Home in Hill Spring and picked up the mail to find my Passport is here. Yeah! Another thing to check off my list.
Feb.23/Thurs. Dentist in Pincher Creek... I had a small chip break off my tooth while I was in B.C. so I got a quick fix, no freezing, so I was in and our of the office in 1/2 hour.\
Feb.24/Fri.  Had a dress fitting today. I love my dresses. Marge will put the tops to the skirts now.
Feb. 26/Sun. Had to talk in Church today which was a challenge as I was to talk for 15 minutes and the other two speakers  were very brief which left me with almost 30 minutes to speak. We had a short meeting today even though I did lengthen my talk.
Feb.27 Mon. I got a call from the Missionary Training Center  with regard to my stay there.Moving right along.
Feb. 28th Tues. Tina came to help me get started with this Blog - couldn't do it without her, so very grateful for her help. and friendship.
Feb. 29thWed. Couldn't hardly believe it happened again. I am falling apart... or at least my teeth are. Another broken tooth, another trip to Pincher and another quick fix. They didn't even charge me this time.