A Season of Thanks

This week we had the opportunity to spend a great deal of time with my family. After work, on Tuesday, we met Kaneesha for dinner (she had flown in from Virginia). We then drove to Blackfoot, Idaho. It was so nice to see Kaneesha again. 
On Wednesday morning we drove to the Rexburg Temple for my niece, Kylee's wedding to Dax Tomlinson. The wedding was well attended and the ceremony was special. It was especially nice to see Kayla and Brent enter the sealing room. Kayla was married outside of the temple to her first husband (Josh Padilla) and has had a long difficult return into a position where she could be married in the temple to Brent. This was the first temple wedding in the family that Kayla was able to attend. She said it was very special for her to be there.

We enjoyed a wedding luncheon where I visited with my brother-in-law Jason Arnold most of the time. Jason and I have so much in common, that I really enjoy visiting with him.

At the reception I enjoyed seeing some of my friends. We saw Dax's father's uncle (Leland and Kathy Tomlinson) who were on Woodbadge staff when I went through Woodbadge. Kathy was my coach counselor and we enjoyed a visit with them.

We also saw our good friends from our ward in Ammon (Jamie Merrill). Darin had other commitments and was unable to attend. Jamie came with two of their daughters Candice and Sarah (both in college). It was so good to see them again. I can't believe how much they've grown since we'd seen them.

I also enjoyed the brief visit I had with Cherilynn's brother Arlin Bradshaw. He lives in Salt Lake, works for the Dean of Students office at the University of Utah. He also serves as a county commissioner. 

Thursday morning we relaxed around the house and set up for Thanksgiving dinner. It was so nice to spend Thanksgiving dinner with my parents, my two sisters, and six of my brothers and several other friends (Clark and Kari had Kari's sister at their home and were unable to be there).

We also went out shooting guns and cracking whips after dinner. It was fun to shoot and visit with Kaneesha, Adonnis, and Justin Lucario (who lived with Greg and Sherilynn). Kaneesha, Myranda, and Adonnis went shopping on Thursday night to get a gift we wanted to give our children for Christmas. Greg came home with three 50 inch televisions (one for Mom & Dad and two for his home).

Friday we relaxed around the house and then the women enjoyed a baby shower for Whitney. Greg and I went for a ride around the fields and lava flows with Dad. It is fun to see Dad's love of nature and hear him talk about the area where he walks. As a boy, Dad contracted Polio. After a long stay in the hospital and much work, he recovered. His doctor told him that his best chance for a good life was to keep exercising. Dad continues to walk in the hills, in the lava flows, and the fields near his home. That is one of the things that he most loves.
We then drove to North Salt Lake to stay with Tyson and Laura (they're living in their parents' home while Jim & Beth are on the their mission in Adelaide Australia). On Saturday morning we went to Adonnis' baptism. 

Tanner gave the opening prayer and Kaneesha gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. I stood in as a witness. It was the first baptism I've seen where the Bishop, the Stake President, and even the Mission President were in attendance and spoke. It was a very special occasion. I wish I had been able to capture every part of the meeting in my memory. I was especially touched by the mission president's talk. He explained that Adonnis is now embarking on a journey in the gospel. The journey includes confirmation, Aaronic Priesthood, church attendance, callings (serving in the church), the Melchizedek Priesthood, the decision to serve as a missionary, temple marriage, and continuing faithful in the Church throughout his life. I was impressed that it was a journey that each of us embarks on.

I woke up that morning with a terrible stomach ache (I believe it was from food poisoning from a fast food restaurant on the way to Utah. I was the only one to have a chicken sandwich). After the baptism, I had Noell drive us to Tyson's. I immediately went down to bed and tried to get the rest I needed. My body ached terribly and I could not get warm. I finally texted Noell and asked for her to have Tyson give me a blessing. Tyson and Laura had some missionaries they met in Oklahoma over for breakfast. Tyson and Elder Ortiz gave me a blessing. As they pronounced the blessing, I immediately felt a warmth spread over my body. I was then able to rest warmly and begin to heal.
By evening, I was feeling quite improved, but didn't dare eat until late in the evening. I'd arranged to take Myranda to the play Brigadoon at the Hale Center Theater (her theater teacher is the lead). Because I was so sick, I sent Noell with Myranda). By 8:30 pm I was able to eat a little bit and took some ibuprofen to relieve the pain. I was so glad that the pain subsided. Kaneesha and Adonnis took Tanner ice skating while Tyson and Laura went shopping and to temple square.

Today we went to see Adonnis confirmed a member of the Church and receive the Holy Ghost. The spirit was strong in the fast and testimony meeting at the singles ward. 

I'm hoping this stomach ache will soon pass...

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