Celebrating!

View from our hike.  Always like to start the blog with a good picture

This week we celebrated 3 anniversaries.  On April 1st, we celebrated 31 years of being a forever family (the day we were sealed in the temple).  Then the 2nd was our 37th wedding anniversary.  Walt is so sweet and posted a little video on FaceBook - major kudos for that.  The 6th was 40 years since our first date at McDonalds.  We usually like to go to McDonald’s to celebrate, but the closest one is 1 1/2 hours away.  We did go to Rapid City SD on the 3rd and went to Olive Garden.  We didn’t have our usual Wed District Council this week due to transfers, so we went to Rapid.  (Most people just call it Rapid, not Rapid City).  There is a thrift store we found that gives a 50% discount on Wednesdays.  We were still working on clothes for Gary (in Upton) and I was hoping to find some cute cowboy boots to go with my spring dresses.  I think that look is cute.  The day ended up being a snowy and then rainy one and  in the 30’s.  This, after days of warm and sunny days in the 50-60’s.  Then we get there at 11:15 and find it’s only half price till 11 am.  Oh - well.

Trying to get a picture with a lot of cows (for Emma).  This is beside the Smith's place

Road to the Smith's

Menu from Cajun Restaurant - Jambonz Deux

We found some more thrift stores, and a Cajun restaurant.  I was optimistic that it would be delightful.  It didn’t look anything like the Red Beans and Rice, and Jambalaya that we have had before, but it was tasty.  Something different anyway.  We ate at Olive Garden for an early dinner, because Walt needed to be at the youth activities at church.  He’s pretty much like a fourth member of the Bishopric, but he’s a membership clerk.  Our ward is sparse on people for callings and coalminers and refinery workers have crazy schedules.  The Bishop is in the middle of calving season.  We’re grateful to fill in where ever we are needed.  That’s what we are here for.

We are making progress on clothes for Gary, maybe.  Our local thrift store has amazing prices, but is only open on Tues from 10-2.  We have found it is like most yard sales.  The early bird gets the worm.  We got there at 10 till and already there were three other cars and more pulling up minutes later.  About 5 of, a few got out of their car.  I suggested we go ahead and get out and chat with people.  We got the whole group talking to one another in minutes.  Wyoming is a friendly place.  We found 3 suites in the size Gary had told us, but found out a few days after leaving them with him, that a couple don’t fit.  He is supposed to let us know by Tuesday if we need to talk another shot at it.  We were able to find three white shirts, in a couple of sizes that should work just fine.  Part of me knows that people change their mind and don’t come through.  It’s life, especially missionary life.  So far, we have not been disappointed very often.  We’re trying to stay positive on Gary coming to church.  So pray that we find him some dress pants and a jacket.

We had our monthly Family Home Evening at one of the other lady’s house on Monday.  We have found there is more reminiscing about the ways things used to be and not as much conversation about the scriptures.  It is fun to hear and getting together is more important than what we learn about the Gospel.  The ladies don’t really get to meet together outside of church much.  So it’s all good.  We all enjoy it.

We’ve seen several kinds of wildlife this week.  We went to the Bishop’s to try to feed the calf (daisy) but she wasn’t having it.  Their son felt so bad and kept apologizing.  I told him - no problem.  Animals are animals.  A few nights later, she got really sick and almost died.  But is doing fine now.  She is really tiny for a calf.  Then today, we spent the day with the Knights and they have about 50 wild turkeys that run around their property.  It’s mating season and the males are very showy!!  Walt got some nice pictures of them today.  We love it!

Trying to feel Daisy (little calf) with Bishop's son

Tom Turkeys strutting their stuff.  Notice the blue and red on their heads.  It's only like that when they are showing off and have their feathers out to attract the females

The "hens"  - female turkeys. (wild turkeys)

We did a small hike on one of our nice days on one of the many trails.  I thought we were going for a walk, but ended up more of a hike.  It was really beautiful and saw some tiny signs of spring.  We got some nice pictures.

View from our hike

Name of the trail - Flying V Trail

We had told you guys about our “side walk” made with palettes.  Since the mud is currently dried up, we decided to change things up.  We love having outdoor space and don’t really have any here, especially the sunny back area.  So we decided to make a “deck” or “Patio” from the pallets.  We even found a table Leo was throwing away and used it for a picnic.  I am sure Leo chuckles at lots of the things we do.  Those weird people from Pennsylvania.  We are just resourceful.

Our little "deck" - having a fancy picnic in the nice weather

This week-end was General Conference (twice a year we get to hear from our prophet and other church leaders).  It’s always a very spiritually filling experience.  The big topic seemed to be the new Home Centered learning.  More emphasizes has been placed on making our homes a place of refuge, learning and spiritual strength.  The church programs are our support, but the main learning needs to be in our homes.  We asked two separate people if we could come to their house to watch General Conference.  Both agreed and fed us well.  The members take such good care of us here.  So we went to the Willadsons on Saturday and the Knights today.  We have left both homes full (spiritually and physically).   Brother Willadson makes some wicked BBQ chicken.  A pellet grill is popular here and makes some great flavor for the meat. At the Knights, we had huge steaks for lunch between sessions of conference.  There was only room room for a little bit of side dishes on the plate.  We are so spoiled.

 The church did announce that a temple is going to be built in Budapest, Hungary.  That is so exciting!  The church members in Romania are only able to go to the temple once a year, due to the distance.  Budapest is only 9 hours from Bucharest.  I know Kate was cheering.  I will probably share more about awesome things from General Conference in our next few emails/blog entries.

We have our first baptism on Saturday.  The Smith daughter (10 yrs) will be baptized.  We are super excited for her and her whole family.  They are really having some amazing experiences and changes in their family.  We are so happy for them.  It’s so fulfilling to be part of such miracles in other’s lives; especially when it is bringing them closer to the Savior and Heavenly Father.  It is truly a blessing for us all.  It has been very different for the Elders to teach children.  We have the benefit of being able to look things up on the internet.  So I am always coming with some cute visual thing to help out with the lesson.  Walt is great at finding good church videos as well.  My friend, Thelma, gave me a wooden puzzle on the Plan of Salvation.  I have used it several times already.  The kids especially love it.  Thanks Thelma!!

We are loving our mission!!  So many adventures and so many people to grow to love.  Everyone is so kind here and accepting.  Everyone in town knows who the Mormons are. (We are the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints).  So far, no one has been unkind or anything.  We are really grateful that we are able to stay here the entire 18 months.  We’re making some friendships that will be eternal ones.  

We keep all of you in our prayers and hope you do the same for us.  Sis Knight even keeps our family in her prayers.  She is so grateful you all are sacrificing time with us, so we can be here.  We really appreciate that as well.    We love you all!!

Made Banana pancakes with fresh strawberries on top