WEEK TWO OF APRIL

Still reveling in the past weekend and the wonderful spirit we felt as we listened to General Conference.

It was awesome to have President Nelson there at the last session. He is 100 and feeble but it was great to have seen him in the 4th session and to hear him speak. He announced 15 more temples to be built and one will be in Caldwell Idaho. We are thrilled!

My favorite talk was by Sister  Tamara Runia of the Young 

WOMEN PRESIDENCY! It was so beautiful and one I will listen to over and over. Its easy to get down on ones self and she  made us all realize that our worth never diminishes to God!

Went to the gym this morning and walked with Pat. After several laps, Tina came in and gave me a big hug! She has been gone for three weeks (because of a surgery) and got to come back today BUT only to walk. She is so sweet. She works at Costco and comes to the gym so we get to see her at both places. She still can't work at Costco for 3 more weeks and when she walks, she has to be slow. so she walked with us today!  lol Believe me, we're slow!! She came to the US in 2002 from Africa. She speaks Arabic and her English is really good. So glad she's healing and back to the gym. 

When leaving the gym, my sweet friend, Rena (91) was sitting on the bench waiting for her husband and daughter. She is waiting for hip surgery and is in a lot of pain. She use to walk with me but her doctor said all she can do right now is arm exercises in the weight room. Then there are only two machines she does there. I was so happy to see her because I don't get to very often anymore.  Can't wait till she gets her surgery because I hate to see her in pain.  We left, went home and showered and then we went to the Optometrist to get my glasses fixed. They are heavier than my last pair and hurt my nose. They put new pads on them so I hope they work. Then Tony dropped me off at St Luke's for my labs and he went to the cancer center and did labs as well. We both got done about the same time. Came home, ate, and did 3 loads of laundry. Started with stripping the bed and washing our sheets. Got all that done and then got cleaned up and ready for our date tonight with the ladies & Poulsons. 

I went out and checked on my garden. The peas are all up and looking good. No sign of the carrots and beets yet but I'm sure they will be showing their heads soon!

We picked up Joyce & Lynn and headed to the theater for the next three episodes of THE CHOSEN!!

We got settled with our soda and popcorn! We were going to wait for the Poulson's but they called and said they were running late, so we went in and got our seats.

They showed up just as the show was starting. Otherwise, I would have got a picture with them in it!  Next Tuesday maybe! We all plan to see the last 3 episodes of Season 5! It is done so well! We can't wait till next week! But, wait, we must!! 

When we got home from the theater, I got  my test results back from the labs I did this morning. Out of 5 tests, 4 were abnormal. I'm curious to know if Dr. Keller will tell me I have to increase the drip dosage from 500cc to 1000cc's again.  Guess we'll see. 

We had a FABULOUS day at the temple today! We each did an endowment. Then I took Lynn to the laundry to find her apron. Evidently, she left it there last Friday. Thankfully, it was in the laundry. Then we went up to the 3rd floor and we got 82 sealing ordinances done. We had 2 different sealers and they were great!

The day was gorgeous and the grounds are blooming like crazy!

GORGEOUS!

Tony was in the mood for a salad from 

CHICK FIL A!  Of course!!

 He'd eat there every week if he could! I personally love it but could use a change now & again.  lol

But Lynn and Joyce love their milkshakes so there's that!  I asked if the ladies wanted to go to Relief Society tonight but they both opted out. Guess I'm on my own! Tony went to his mom's to help her figure out why her computer wasn't working and I stayed home and scheduled our Ministering visits for next Monday. Peggy has recuperated from surgery and is able to go with me. Then I worked on my lesson till Relief Society in the evening

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Relief Society was FANTASTIC!!  So glad I was there. It was on spring cleaning but it was more about cleaning up how we think about ourselves and things to do to help our self esteem. Three sisters spoke. One on journaling, one on Cognitive Distortions, and one on helping others because that helps us. It's hard to explain but it was seriously SO SO good.

Wednesday morning, we went to the gym. We walked and did weights today and left. I needed to get lunch ready for the Sisters and Yeti, We had a discussion and lunch planed for noon. I had mixed up sour dough batter Tuesday night after RS, so I made waffles, scrambled eggs and bacon. Who doesn't like breakfast for lunch or dinner. THEY DID!!  We had a great discussion about conference and service. I got a picture of them before they all left! After they were gone, I decided to to do some yard work. I quickly cleaned up the kitchen and went out to mow. While I was mowing Tony edged. When I got to the back yard, Lubov came over and needed help with some bills that had gone to collections. She thought they had been paid but evidently not. It's hard for her to communicate with her limited English. Tony called and got everything cleared up. He wrote a check and got it the mail and Lubov gave him cash. Then she tried to give him $100 dollars for helping her.  We told her NO WAY!!  so she went and bought a big box of chocolates for  us!!  JUST WHAT WE NEED!  lol  not!! 

Anyway, we got back to yard work when she left.  I cleaned out the flower beds and trimmed bushes.

Things are coming up really well!

Tony and I are getting old. Once we were done, we were both  beat! We didn't get done and I've got to start getting things ready to go into the garden. Not looking forward to weekly yard work. lol

BUT, the bed's are looking a little better.

Still got a lot to do but at least I have a start.

THURSDAY:

We got up early (well 7am is early to me) so we could be at the gym by 7:30. I got started walking and Pat caught up to me on the 1st lap. We walked our 4 miles together and Carol joined us when we were half way through. We came home around 9:15 and Tony had to go to his mom's to help her with computer problems AGAIN! He gets so frustrated because she opens up so many windows and then gets her computer all plugged up. He was gone over two hours, got her up and running and then called me when he was ready to go to his doctor appointment. Wanted to know if I wanted to go with him and head to Boise once he was done. I asked if he would come get me when he finished because I was working on some things. He agreed.

I made a purse and card for Rena as it is her 91st birthday tomorrow and she will be at the gym. I filled the purse with Utah chocolate mints and then put the card in an envelope. It's all ready to go! I was working on a BIG purse too but I'm still getting it together.  Tony's appointment went well and his cancer is still in remission. I think the radiation got it good.He picked me up and he wanted to stop at the new CHICK FIL A in Meridian for a bite. 

(like I said....he's eat there every time.....lol) 

Then we headed to Boise to see Traci. I had a couple of items I thought she might be able to use but not so. She did make us a loaf of sourdough bread and gave me a starter.

We had a couple of slices when we got home and WOW, is it ever good!! This one had pineapple and coconut in it! I'm a believer.

Gonna have to start making it. The bag she put it in was so cool so Tony ordered me some when we got home. Gift breads, here I come!!

Got a picture together. She is so pretty and I'm getting short!

So good to see her. She said she'd go to Claires wedding with me. It's on a Friday night and Tony doesn't want to stay out late. It will be hard to get up early the next day, BUT I can do it!

FRIDAY:

We went to the gym later today. Pat wasn't coming so I didn't feel the urge to get there by 7:30. We slept in till 8 and then got up and headed out. I rode the elliptical this morning to make sure I saw Rena, when she came in. I went to the front to see her and walked her back to the weight room. She held my hand as we walked and then Chuck came in behind us. He lets her off at the front and then goes to park. I got a picture of the two of them and she was so grateful for my card and purse of candy. Happy 91st birthday Rena!! They are both so sweet. I will be so happy when she's able to get her hip surgery so she can walk with me again.

   After leaving the gym, we ran to Costco for eggs and bacon. I was out completely. Then we went to Winco and got all the items for the ice-cream social that will be held tomorrow night at 6. It is the Elder's Quorum's Easter activity and the Bishop will be giving an Easter  message along with an Easter video.  We got 15 gallons of ice-cream, toppings, cookies and brownie mixes. When we got home I baked the brownies and chopped the nuts. I made us a sandwich for lunch with Traci's sour dough bread. At 3, Yeti and Brother Vlasschaert and his girl friend are coming over to watch THE LAMB OF GOD with us. 

Yeti got here 1st and Brother V (as Yeti calls him) and his girlfriend, showed up a little after 3. We watched the production on DVD and Yeti said it was very emotional. Brother V said how music can sure bring the Spirit.  Yeti said he was going to take a few hours of work off Sunday night and go to the production of it in Boise. I looked it up on the phone and unfortunately,  both Saturday & Sunday nights were sold out. He said how glad he was that he got to see it on our TV. Maybe next year it will be here again.

They were really grateful to have been invited over to watch it. I was just happy to meet them. A really nice couple!

Once Yeti can get his drivers licence again, he is going to buy Brother V's motorcycle. He is paying for it right now so it will be his, free & clear when he is able to drive again. For now, all he is able to drive, is a small scooter because of his drunk driving felony.  It at least gets him to work for now.  He is doing really well and trying so hard to do what's right.  Well, its time to get ready to hit the sack.

SATURDAY

Scott and the Bishop brought their Ward Youth to do baptisms early this morning.  Tony got to see them but I was in Initiatory when he came in. Unfortunately, I missed them. So happy they were there. I had a bride to escort. Her name was Makayla, and she was so pretty. She married Joshua Horton. His parents are in 12th ward and it was fun because I know his parents. Scott sent me this picture after they got out. Scotlyn & her friend Gracie, front row!  Cute girls!!

It was windy and cool when we got out. I took the bride & her new hubby out the back door for pictures and brrrrr. It was weird because 2 days ago, it was in the 80's. It was still a happy day  for the new couple. They and their family were excited!!

PRIESTHOOD EASTER ICE-CREAM SOCIAL

We went early to help decorate tables. The Day's were in charge of that and Lynn, Joyce and I helped Sister Day put the table clothes on and then Tony and I got the serving table set up with the brownies, cookies, toppings and nuts for the ice-cream.

It wasn't a great turn out but sufficient.

More people came as the evening went on. The Bishop gave an Easter message and then we listened to a short video by the 1st Presidency. It was a nice evening. After things were cleaned up and the crowd gone, we met in the Relief Society room with Yeti and the sister missionaries for another discussion. Tony was locking up the building and getting the last things cleaned up so Lynn, Joyce and I sat in on the discussion. It was great!  

Sunday,  (Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week) was also Fast and Testimony meeting. I was assigned to lead the discussion for Relief Society and it went well. We had dinner with Joyce and Lynn at Joyce's home and then we played a game of GOLF. It was my night to win. lol We then came over to our house and watched Come Follow Up. It was a beautiful Easter message. Tony had a leadership meeting at 4 so it was just the 3 of us ladies. When Tony  got home, Tammy & Chris came by. They are having so many difficulties with Anna. I feel so bad for the kids. Tony and Chris gave Tammy a blessing and then Tony gave  a blessing to Chris. I am so grateful for the Priesthood. We are blessed!