Half way mark anniversary!!

Roughlock Falls

Happy Anniversary to US!   Today is our half way mark of our mission!!  It’s really hard to believe.  In some ways, it has gone by really fast.  In other ways - not.  It’s a milestone either way.   Here is how this past week has gone -  

We ended up driving home on Monday right after our missionary meeting in Sheridan.  The weather forecast will change 5 times in one day - at least.  By Monday afternoon, 3-5 inches of snow was predicted for Tuesday in Sheridan, starting in the wee hours of the morning.  We can drive in snow, but would rather not if possible.  So we headed on home, keeping our eyes peeled for wild life along the road.  We got home about 11:30 pm; which really wasn’t too bad.  Of course, they only got rain in Sheridan, but it’s all good.  

We did go out and visit the Smith’s on Tuesday.  We picked up some groceries for them at Costco.  It’s always good to visit with them.  Renee is still recuperating from her side effects of her shots.  We were able to help them out on Friday this week as well.  Richard wanted to be able to take Haley hunting - her first year.  Since it was during the day, someone needed to be with Renee.  We were available on Friday; which turned out to be a beautiful day.  Their school has a 4 day week, so little Richard and Nick were home.  I really only spent an hour with Renee.  She had home health care come at 10 am for her shower and then she was pretty much exhausted and napped.  The boys helped get some laundry done, cleaned their rooms, had lunch, played games, and watched a fun movie.  Richard (dad) was able to get a buck - great for the freezer.

We served lunch on Wednesday and it was roast beef day.  One of the most popular menus.  The estimated number was in the 70’s.  Evidently, they had a lot of call in for pick up meals and they don’t have a cut off time.  Poor Keisha (head cook), they ran out of roast beef, and had to cook up some chicken fried steak for the last 10 people.  We ate at home when we were done.  It’s hard to know how much to cook.  They ended up with 92 people that ate at the center.  I think that’s a record.    Our lesson appointment cancelled on us due to a medical emergency, so we had plenty of time to work on Seminary lessons.

Thursday, we had some decent weather - sunny and in the high 50’s.  We decided to go on an adventure.  I finished my lesson prep for Friday and then we headed to Spearfish Canyon.  When Walt was getting his haircut in Gillette last week, the hairdresser told him how pretty the fall foliage would be in Spearfish Canyon.  It’s only about an hour away - pretty close for this area.    It took us quite a bit longer to get there, because we kept stopping along the way to check out one place or another.  It was all so beautiful!.  Fall is one of my favorite times of year!  We only have yellow leaves from the quaking aspens here, but when mixed in with the evergreens, and mountains of steep rocks, it’s just breathtaking.  Sometimes, we feel like one of the reasons Heavenly Father sent us to Newcastle, Wyoming, is because it is right beside the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota.  We found Spearfish creek, and some good hiking trails.  Toward the end of the day, a guy to whom we were asking questions, told us about two beautiful waterfalls that were just around the corner. 

Hike at Iron River on Thursday

 We had to get back in time for Bingo at the Manor, so we decided we would come back on Friday.  We were able to get to BIngo just barely in time.  Made me glad I had sent a quick text earlier in the day to confirm we would be there that night.  Walt was good luck for the lady he was helping with her card.  She won twice!  Walt sometimes has a difficult time with all the social things we do, and sometimes Bingo is one of them.  He never shows it there.  I thrive on it!  We cover everything between the two of us.  

Friday, once I got home from the Smiths, we made a bee-line for Spearfish.  Couldn’t wait to hike up to the falls.  The weather was even nicer than the day before.  It was 68 degrees.  There were a lot people there enjoying the same adventure and nice weather that we were.  It’s been very difficult to select which pictures to put in our blog/email this week.  We took tons.   After walking to see Spearfish Falls …

Spearfish Falls

 We hiked up to Roughlock falls.  Afterwards we were pretty worn out.  Hiking to the falls, of course requires lots of walking up hill.  Good cardio workout. 

Roughlock Falls

Spearfish River

 We did drive up to see Bridal Veil Falls, which you can see from the side of the road. It was nice but not super impressive.  When there’s a lot rain I’m sure it looks spectacular.  We found out one of the water falls only freezes from the bottom and only partially,  We’d like to go back and see that for our selves.  

Selfie in front of Bridal Veil Falls

We were both getting pretty hungry and decided to check out the restaurant near the falls.  It was on old log cabin inn.  They had some yummy things on the menu.  Two that caught our eye were trout with cream sauce and Walleye with lemon pepper seasoning.  It was a bit pricey, so we thought about sharing a meal.   As we drove to Bridal Veil Falls, we kept trying to decide which dish to choose - very hard decision.  Neither of us have tasted walleye - which is a popular fish here.  We were quite close to Spearfish by then and realized we would need gas before going home.  So we just decided to eat in Spearfish.  We chose a Chinese place since they are pretty scarce in this area.  It was fine and only half the price of the other place.  Maybe another time.  

It was just a great day.  It was so warm and beautiful!!  I hadn’t realized how familiar the smell of fallen leaves would be.  I guess I’ve not noticed before, that there is such a smell.  I kind of felt like we were home - made me a little homesick.  But what a tender blessing, to have that familiarity and make me smile.

Saturday and Sunday were all about General Conference.  The semi-annual time to hear from our prophet and the Lord’s apostles, and other general authorities.  We always feel so spiritually filled and renewed.  I always feel ready to try to be better and to work harder at following the Savior; trying more to be like Him.  There was a lot of emphasis on trying to be more holy, working on our relationship with Jesus Christ, keeping our covenants, and letting Christ help us through our trials; letting our trials strengthen us.  There was a lot of references to things and scriptures we are studying in seminary.  In fact, this morning, one of our students commented on that very thing.  

We watched General Conference with one family on Saturday, and another on Sunday.  They used to set up the broadcast at church, but only a couple of people would come.  Most can watch it at home through cable or internet.  It was kind of these families to allow us to watch with them.  They both fed us lunch.  Another wonderful blessing.  It gives an opportunity to visit with these families in between the sessions, as well.  There are two sessions each of the days, and a third session on Saturday for either the priesthood or the sisters.  They alternate.  This time was for the sisters (8 years old and up).  It was one of my favorite this time.

There were quite a few adjustments/changes.  This is not surprising at all since President Nelson has become our prophet.  He is preparing us for the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ.  He has emphasized our need to step up our game and be self reliant in strengthening our testimonies.  Much of the focus has been on Home centered gospel learning.  I think it’s wonderful and really commend the families that are taking on this challenge.  I think of Abe and Anya and what a good job they do in this.  They study together as a family nearly every night.  (it might even be every night).  What a blessing for them as parents and for those dear children.   I also commend Beth and Matt for teaching Emma about Jesus Christ and all He has done for us.  I feel like Emma understands the love Jesus has for her. I always felt like teaching my children to rely on the Savior and God was the very most important thing I could teach them.  I feel all three understand that well; and now pass that on to their children.

I challenge each of you reading this email/blog to think of your own relationship with the Savior.  What can you do to improve to bring Him into your life more?  What can you change to be more like Him?  He is such an extreme part of our lives, and we love helping others to come unto HIm.  “He is the way, the truth, and the light.”   We love you all and always keep your safety and well being in our prayers.

Walt saw this bug, and found an app where you can take a picture of the bug and it will identify it for you. This is a Pine seed bug They seem to like coming inside and saying - Hi.  :(