HERE IT IS THURSDAY ALREADY !!

WOW!! Sunday's come & gone and time has been flying by!!  I gave my lesson on Sunday in Relief Society and I must say, I'm glad it's over for a few months. I'm seriously not the best teacher and it doesn't matter how long I study, it just doesn't go as good as I wish it did. BUT, not to worry. I'll get another chance in 2 months to practice again! lol Monday, I chose to stay home from the gym so I could start taking down Christmas. I got everything done except for the tree and the Christmas village.  Tuesday, I went to the gym and then Tony and I stopped at the church on the way home & set up tables and chairs for Relief Society that night. Then we came home, cleaned up and I had a doctor appointment with Dr. Keller, my kidney doctor. I've lost a little weight so I thought they'd notice.....

But, nothing was said. lol   I saw this joke earlier on FB and thought this is what was said without being said! lol

On Wednesday, Tony went to the gym. I stayed home and cleaned, did laundry and made Funeral Potatoes for Bonnie's funeral. It was at 12:30. As I was getting them ready, Lynn called and said her car wouldn't start and she had a chiropractor appointment to get to. I was just getting ready to go out the door and take her in the truck when she called back and said she called them and they said she could come at 11:40. I called Tony at the gym and he cut his workout short and went to his mother's and put her battery on fast charge. Then he went back to the church and finished setting up more tables and chairs for the funeral. He came home, changed and off we went to the funeral. I helped Jenni & Carrie in the kitchen until the service started and then went into the chapel. It was a sweet service. Afterwards, they went to Cloverdale cemetery in Boise. I went home and tony and I worked on taking more ornaments off the tree and getting the tubs in the garage. At 2:20, we went back to the church and helped feed the family. After they all left, we put away the tables & chairs and cleaned up the kitchen and put tableware away. I took home the table clothes that needed to be washed. Got the white ones in as soon as I got home and rested briefly and then went to Jenni's for a Relief Society Presidency meeting.

Jenni at the service with one of the table flower vases. Carrie had put it together and we thought it looked nice. 

Tony and I both slept crappy on Wednesday night. I had to sub at the temple on Thursday am shift so we got up at 5am and were there by 6:30. Tony did work for us while I served. 

After getting out, I went around back and took a couple of pictures. It was a cold brisk beautiful day!

we came home, changed our clothes and then ran to mail a letter and pick up a new garbage calendar at PUBLIC WORKS. Then we took some things to Deseret Industries and then to ARBY'S for lunch. Came home and I fell asleep while trying to read a book for book club in the evening. When I woke up, Tony and I watched a little TV till it was time to pick up Lynn and Joyce and go to Book Club.  Now it's time for bed. Gonna be another busy day tomorrow at the temple. Leaving at 9am and Tony won't be done till 4PM. It's been such a busy week and I am looking forward to Sunday!

SATURDAY ? NOT WHAT I'D EXPECTED!~

Tony and I were asked to be veil coordinators today so we had to be up at 4am and leave by 4:45.  Lubov showed up about 4:30 so we were able to get away on time. We had a great day at the Temple. We have a lot of new ordinance workers being trained so it was a busy day. Rewarding though. On our last two sessions, we had two new couples who were 1st time Officiators. In both sessions, the  couples had daughters in the room. Both asked if they could be presented at the veil by their mothers. It was so sweet to see them together  and the tenderness expressed as the girls finished. It made me tear up. When we finished our shift, we drove immediately to the Deer Flat Building in Nampa. Kody's funeral started at 11 and we didn't get there till 11:40. We got there just as Kody's three little girls were singing "GETHSAME" . Talk about a tear jerker. We were amazed at the turnout of people. There were so many there, the parking lot was packed and there were vehicles parked up and down the road in front of the church. There were so many 1st responder there, it was impressive! EVERYBODY loved Kody!

We had to stand against the wall and the entire chapel was full as well as the cultural hall! After we heard the girls sing, Kody's younger brother spoke. It was such an emotional service.

There were people back to the stage and some were standing in the hall. We left while they sang the closing song, otherwise we would have been stuck in the parking lot for at least an hour while the procession made it's way to Melba for the burial. Since we weren't going to the cemetery, we chose to get away before we couldn't.

If you know what I mean!  We drove home, took Lubov home and then I was going to work on my lesson for tomorrow. HOWEVER, we got a call from Shelle Lamb and she said she was being released from the hospital at 3 o'clock and needed a ride home. SO, Tony and I decided we'd use a gift card we got for Christmas and go eat at CUP BOP........

We had eaten there once before when it 1st opened and we didn't like it. BUT, when ya have a gift card to use up, we decided to try it again. Tony got a chicken cup and I got a beef cup! I told him to order one soda so we could use up the entire $25 dollars.

WELL, we still don't like it.  LOL Mine was so hot and I put the #2 sauce on it.  That was supposed to be very mild as the sauces went up to a #10! Tony said his wasn't hot but mine was a BBQ beef and that was pretty spicey! Honestly, the soda was the best part of this meal. I couldn't finish mine.

After we ate, we drove to HOBBY LOBBY and looked for a calender and some yarn. Decided we didn't need either, as they didn't have what I wanted and Tony decided to go to his Insurance company on Monday rather than spend $10 dollars on one, lol We then drove to the hospital as it was about 2:40 and Shelly was supposed to be released at 3. I tried calling her to let her know we were outside. She didn't answer her phone. We sat there for a while and watched a man who they tried loading into a van. MAN, it was sad!! They could not get him in! He was BIG and dead weight. There were at least 5 men who were trying to get him in. We watched for a long time and finally decided to go in to see if Shelly was ready because she was not getting wheeled out. When we got back to telemetry and to her room, she was playing games. The nurse said she would get her ready to be taken out. We went back to the car and the man they were trying to get loaded was back in a wheel chair and back in the hospital lobby. I'm not sure what they were going to do with him. The transport man finally comes out with Shelly. We got her in and headed to her house. When we got there, she asked me to tell her son to get her some shoes. He gave me some boots and I could hardly get them on her. I had a serious workout trying to push them on. FINALLY, I did and walked her up to her front door. Got her in and we came home. NOW, I will work on my lesson! lol It's only 4:30 and we have been gone since $:40 this morning. 

NEW PACKET FOR MY TEMPLE CLOTHES

Got up and went to the gym early this morning. It was still dark when we left. I walked 4 laps before my friend Pat arrived and she said she was only going to walk 10 laps today. She had a cancer removed from her head and she was told to take it easy. HOWEVER, once she hit 10, she said I'm OK and will walk further. lol so we continued. Rena came up and started walking with us. She does 5 laps because she is awaiting hip surgery and it's painful for her. ANYWAY, I ended up walking 25 laps today. 5 MILES! 

MY FEET HURT NOW! lol  

We came home and I started working on my Temple Packet again.

I got it done, and sewed up the sides. I now wished I'd made it about 5 stitches longer, BUT I think it will be fine. It's kinda heavy but I like it. I probably won't use it ALL the time but we'll see. 

Yesterday, I sent a text to my friend in Texas. When I 1st got divorced, Julie and Randy Mumm met me and the kids in Vegas and we drove down to California to go to Disneyland. We stayed at Julie's sister's home in Pacific Palisades. I got to thinking about them and so sent a text to Julie to see if they still lived there. She said they did and they were abruptly evacuated and they lost their home of 30 years. It is such a devastating fire and billion's of dollars worth of  homes are lost.  Probably business as well.

My brother Rick sent me this picture of the Los Angeles Temple with the fire in the distance. Not far enough away unfortunately. 

PRAYER'S FOR THOSE IN HARM'S WAY!

GOODBYE HAWKINS TILL SPRING BREAK

Another busy day. Tony and I picked up Joyce and Lynn. We did so in Joyce's car because ours was left at Bruneel yesterday and it is too hard for the women to get into the truck. We went to the gym and did our walking. Afterwards, we drove by Nate & Melissa's new house. It's all framed in and is going to be HUGE!  It's gonna be a very beautiful home. Joe & Ellie are going to move in with them and finish school here. Ellie is pregnant and will be doing it on line. 

I'M GONNA BE A GREAT GRAMMA AGAIN!!

After dropping off the ladies,  we went home, cleaned up and then went to City Buffet for the electrician Luncheon.  After eating, we went to Costco and got my prescription and a few other items. While we were there, Scott called and asked if we were home. He and Hawkins were at the Music store and Hawk is going back to school tomorrow and wanted to say goodbye.  I told Scott we had to go pick our car up after we finished at Costco. He said they would come by later in the evening. We got our car, went home and dropped off the truck and then we ran to Walmart so I could get some more yarn for the temple bag I was making. Then home to rest up a bit.

I worked a while in my craft room but didn't get anywhere near finished. I'm going through things and reorganizing. It's gonna take a while. I'll start on my Christmas decor next week. It will take me some time but I'm OK with that! After a bit, Tony and I went downstairs and I crocheted and Tony worked on our new Insurance and checked to see if all our doctors are covered. It looks good so far. We watched JAG and then at 6PM, the bell rang!

It was Scott and Hawkins. We had a good visit and then I wanted pictures. Hawkins is so thin &  tall! 

Scott got a new phone so he took a picture of us all together. It was on the end table so we had to look down. 

And tomorrow he is back to Pocatello for school. He is getting straight A's and doing very well.  Won't see him again until Spring Break.  He's a great kid. Lome him.

MORE SAD NEWS

Got this from Heather. She found it in tree when she was taking down Christmas. It was written by Mara.

So sweet!  I miss my Momma too!

My Amaryllis is about at the end of it's life. I still have two flower blooms but the rest are gone.

Heather Hanchett brought me down a start from one of her Christmas cactus's. I've got to get a pot and some soil and get it planted. Hope I can keep it alive. She said they are easy to grow.  lol 

We went to the gym this morning but didn't get there till late. Tony had a rough night and so I let him sleep in.....till 9:30!!  Unusual for him. After we walked, we had to get home to eat a quick breakfast and then take our car to Bruneel. We had the oil changed and asked them to look at the defrost system because our windows keep fogging up.....it's gonna cost us $12 hundred bucks!!  YIKES!  When we got home from leaving our car, Jenni called me and told me that Sister Hook in our ward went back into the hospital and was on life support. She had fluid around her heart a week ago and I thought she was getting better. Evidently, she was put back in and today was taken off life support around 2 this afternoon. I feel so bad for Brother Hook. His 1st wife died and now his 2nd has as well.  Jenni asked if I could go visit Shelle Lamb who was also in the hospital. She has lung cancer and evidently her port got infected. Tony and I went to see her and we had to dress down completely....gown, mask and rubber gloves. She said she has Covid too (which I suspect is not true. The hospital always says a patient has Covid so they get more money from the government)  While there, she asked if I would go to her house and pick up some underwear and some shorts for her. Then she said tell Ren (her son) to get her MILK as well.  I questioned her about milk. I said "I'll have to ask the nurse.  Aren't they giving you milk?"  She said MILK was a stuffed white cat!!!  Oh brother!!   I decided to call her son Ren and ask him to bag the underwear and shorts up so I didn't have to go in her home.  He met me at the door and handed me a plastic bag and the cat....

It was rather disgusting.

 When we were headed back to the hospital, I get a call from Robin. She said her car was still in the shop and she didn't have any food. She wanted me to pick her up some food at McDonalds. I told her I would. Then I asked Tony if he's stop at the house and get a bigger bag so I didn't have to carry the cat into the hospital seen. lol  I also asked the nurse is she would give her the things so I didn't have to dress down again.   Then we went to McDonalds and we ate a quick bite before ordering Robin's food. Finally, got her's and dropped it off at her house. Then we came home. WOW, we've been gone all day. It was almost 5 when we got home. We are now relaxing and watching TV. Can't believe the loss we are having in our Ward this week. Kody's viewing will be Friday night and his funeral on Saturday. We will go to the viewing but will miss his funeral. 

Not sure yet, when Sister Hooks funeral will be. It's been a sad week.

SAD NEWS

We were on our way to church on Sunday and Tony was telling us about a Para Medic that was killed on Saturday morning. It was sad, and even sadder when we got to choir practice and found out it was our friend, Cody Hansen. He and his wife and 3 little girls used to be in our ward  and then 2 years ago, they moved to the Parma Nissa area.  Shantel and Tom Bugby are in our ward. Tom is in the Bishopric. Shantel, (Tom's wife and Chelsea, Cody's wife) are sisters. 2 years ago when I was so sick and not able to go anywhere, The two couples, the 3 little girls and the sister's parents came and sang Christmas carols to me. Then this year, the 2 sister's their husbands and the 3 little girls came and sang again. 

Now that Cody has passed, it means all that much more to me. 

Cody was on his way home from work and was a mile from his house.  A young man (22) was passing a semi and hit Cody head on. The boy was in a pickup but Cody was in a Prius. Cody was killed instantly and the boy in the pickup is in the hospital.

Cody was only 33 years old. He and Chelsea were high school sweethearts. He was a father of 3 adorable little girls. They moved away right after their 3rd child was born. 

They were the sweetest family. Chelsea used to teach Relief Society and she was an excellent teacher. Cody always made such great comments in Sunday School class. They were such a Power Couple. He will be greatly missed. Our hearts were broken when we heard the news.  So tragic.

WEEKEND IN KENNEWICK

We got Temple subs for Saturday  so we could go to Kennewick for Alice's baptism. We had been keeping an eye on the road report just in case things got dicey. It looked as thought things would be OK so we took off Friday morning.

It was pretty foggy in spots and the rain was off and on. 

I was worried about THE BLUES but as it was, they were wet but clear and the temp didn't get down to freezing, so we made it safe and sound. We arrived around noon. We were the 1st to get there. Steve and Gaya showed up about an hour after us.

The girls were excited to show me their Christmas presents. Charlotte got a gymnastic bar and they were both showing me their tricks. 

It was fun to watch them and sure brought back memories of when I was a kid. I'd do these same things on the side bar of my swing set. Awhhhh, to be a kid again. 

Tony and I left around 3PM to go and check into our Hotel and unpack our things. Stillman and Michelle and family were checking in as we were leaving to go back to Curtis & Deedra's. 

Gaya and Steve and I helped Deedra prepare dinner. I made a Taco Soup and Steve and Gaya made Zuppa Toscano soup and Deedra made homemade rolls. We had a nice dinner together and then a lot of us played GOLF and SECRET HITLER.  Tony and I prefer GOLF. lol  Thinking games are not our forte and Tony really didn't like the concept behind the other game. However, it was a fun evening and we enjoyed ourselves. We headed back to the hotel around 10 and  got ready for bed.  

We met at the church today at 10AM. We were able to get some pictures before the program started. Alice was so adorable. 

I got a BIG KICK out of Charlotte who was taking pictures of her Mom and Dad and Alice. She is quite the little photographer. She was telling Alice to open her eyes more, and her dad to smile bigger and she'd go up and tell them to stand a little to the left etc..  she's so funny!  Just love them both so much!!

We took our turn getting our picture before the program started. 

We got one of the entire family (minus Nicki who was at school in Tacoma)  Such a GOOD family!

Steve and Gaya took their turn and then we all went in and got seated. Stillman and Michelle and boys came in and we got started. Their Bishop conducted, Charlotte gave the opening prayer, Jack gave a talk on baptism and the kids did a great job. We then went to the font and Gaya and I were asked to be witnesses. (Such an honor) Her dad baptized her and while Alice was dressing, we all went back to the Primary room. When she came in, Garrett gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. It was great family participation.  I was impressed with Garrett and Jack and Charlotte.  Deedra gave the closing prayer. After the baptism was over with, we were privileged to sit in while Jack was ordained a Priest. It was a special day for us all!

Then we got pictures while Alice was in her pretty white dress. She's the 3rd to use it. 1st Niki, then Charlotte & now Alice.

Mom and Dad, Jack, Charlotte, Alice & Garrett

Grandpa and Grandma Butterfield  with Alice

Then we got a group picture of all who attended her baptism. So glad we were there to support Alice in her decision to be baptized and to follow our Savior, Jesus Christ. She was so excited to get baptized that when her parents suggested she could wait a while because of the weather, and so everyone could make the trip, she opted to go ahead with her special day. I'm just so grateful we were able to make the trip and that the weather cooperated.  We  decided to change our clothes and hit the road so we could get home before dark. We took off and the weather and roads were even better than on Friday. We got home around 5, went to Chick Fil A for a quick bite, got home, unpacked and I showered and now were just relaxing before bed. We listened to THE LINCOLN HYPOTHESIS going and coming home ,and finished it just as we got home. Love that book!! It's the 4th time I've listened to it and I read the book once before getting it on disc. I highly recommend it.