All Creations testify of His love for Us

May 29, 2016 Craig and I were asked to speak in our new ward here in Utah.  We felt blessed that we have so much family and friends that came to support us.  It was beautiful to see the faces of love.  We can't thank everyone enough for all their love. 

I am sharing here my thoughts and words from today.  I had a few moments of heartfelt remarks that were not written done but for the most part this are my words.

So tomorrow is Craig and my 35 anniversary and we decided to go to Rome, Italy for it.  But not as a 2nd honeymoon but as missionaries for our Heavenly Father and we will be serving there for 18 months.  What a great way to celebrate 35 years.

My Heavenly Father Loves Me

Whenever I heard the song of a bird

or look at the blue blue sky

Whenever I feel the rain on my face

or the wind as it rushes by

Whenever I touch a velvet rose

or walk by our lilac tree

I'm glad that I live in this beautiful world

Heavenly Father created for me

He gave me my eyes that I might see

The color of butterfly wings

He gave me my ears that I might hear

The magical sound of things

He gave me my life, my mind, my heart

I thank him reverently

For all his creations, of which I'm a part

Yes, I know Heavenly Father love me.

Craig and I feel so blessed to live in this amazing world, especially in this beautiful area. Since moving here we have climbed a few hills and mountains overlooking this valley, wondered at the numerous spring flowers, listened to the rushing streams, and gazed at the blue, blue sky. We have opened our ears to the chirp, chirp, chirp of the birds and felt their happiness to be alive. We have watched the grasses dancing with the wind. And we have tasted the sweetness of His fruits and herbs. With each of these experiences I am reminded of His glorious love for you and me. And sometimes I am just overwhelmed with the feeling of that love. All his creations testify of Him.

“And God saw everything that He made, and, behold it was very good.”

I''m glad that I live in this beautiful world Heavenly Father created for me.

Heavenly Father had His son Jesus Christ create this world for us to come to, to live in, and grow in because He loves us. He loves us enough to send us from our heavenly home with him so we can become like Him and receive all He has intended for us.

“For behold this is my work and my glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of men.”

I have learned for myself through numerous experiences how precious life is. And how precious each life is. My Heavenly Father blessed our family with 2 beautiful children, Anthony and Aimee. He gave me parents who taught me about Him and the beauty of this earth through hard work pulling weeds, planting gardens, and gathering fruit. My father died when Anthony was young. But I had the blessed time to care for my mother when she was 84 years old and during that last 9 months of her life as she struggled with leukemia. When it was time to realize she just had a few days left He taught me through prayer that He had a place of glory for her and he taught me as I held her weaken body how to love and serve.

“He gave me my life”

President Howard W. Hunter has said.” There comes a time when we understand the principles of our creation and who we are. Suddenly these things are illuminated to us and the cords of our hearts do vibrate. This is the time when testimony enters into our very souls and we know beyond a question of a doubt that God is our father – that he lives, that he is a reality, that we are literally his children.”

As a youth I sought to know who I was, did God love me, and can He forgive me. I would wander my hometown of Shelley, Idaho in the evening with a heart full of prayer, pleading for His love, forgiveness, and to know His plan for me. He sent His message to me through His words in the scriptures. I loved reading the words and stories of my brother, His son, our Savior Jesus Christ. I felt my heart leap with joy as I read his visitation to Joseph Smith the boy, “This is my beloved Son, hear him.” This message of truth has been with me ever since.

“For all His creations of which I'm a part”

Craig and I are leaving in 3 weeks to serve a mission in the Rome Italy Mission. We have been called for 18 months and will be serving a member leader support mission. In preparation my heart is filling with of a love for people I haven't not even met. Of this I am so grateful because otherwise it would be so extremely difficult to leave. It is already difficult to know that Zoe will probably grow another 4 inches and Jude and Colby will be kicking balls, talking up a storm, and hopefully not forget who we are. As I was talking this over with my Heavenly Father in prayer one morning, He reminded me that He misses us and wants you and I to not forget Him. As much as I desire phone calls and video conferences with my family back here and as couple commissionaires we will be able to regularly be in contact with family, not even having to wait only for Christmas and Mother's Day. I was reminded that Heavenly Father wants to hear from us regularly not just on Holidays or when we desperately want or need something. But always. He wants to know how we are, what we are grateful for, and how He can help us.

“Few things in life are as important as communing with Deity in prayer. ….Prayer is the avenue of communication which he has provided for us to commune with him again. Thus, one of the chief purposes of our mortal probation is to see if we can learn with the spirit of prayer always in our hearts so that when the Lord chooses to speak, we shall hear his voice in our souls.” - Joseph Fielding Smith

I have had Him answer so many of my prayers. He gave Craig and I comfort and peace that I will be well when I had surgery a couple of years ago. He has directed our path in timing and preparation for this mission. Allowing for the sale of our home in Fallbrook , California quickly and easily. He has testified to me that He loves me along with each of his children and all of his children need the opportunity to learn of that love. He watches over us, he has given me answers of comfort through the words of his prophet and apostles. He answers simple prayers of worries over lost cats or worries over lost in direction. I feel His peace. He has directed me how to help and chasten me when I need to see His hand in all things.

“The Everlasting and Almighty God, the Creator of this vast universe, will speak to those who approach Him with a sincere heart and real intent.

“He will speak to them in dreams, visions, thoughts, and feelings.

“He will speak in a way that is unmistakable and that transcends human experience. He will give them divine direction and answers for their personal lives.

“...God cares about you. He will listen, and He will answer your personal questions. The answers to your prayers will come in His own way and in His own time, and therefore, you need to learn to listen to His voice. God wants you to find your way back to Him, and the Savior is the way. God wants you to learn of His Son, Jesus Christ, and experience the profound peace and joy that come from following the path of divine discipleship.” Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf – October 2014

He give my mind, my heart, I thank Him reverently

Yes I know Heavenly Father loves me.

Walls to Climb

On May 22, 2016  Craig and I were back in our beautiful Fallbrook ward.  We were able to share a few thoughts about serving our upcoming mission.  My heart was so full with all the love and support from so many friends and family.

Watching so many friends come into the chapel, I felt so blessed.  I especially loved hugging each of them.  And letting them know how much I love them and how grateful that Craig and I lived in Fallbrook for those past almost 14 years because it truly showed me more about family and love.  The Fallbrook 2nd Ward was my family and will always be.

I am posting here the thoughts that I mostly shared.  There were a few things I said from the moment of a full heart but this is what I prepared.

The Spirit of Prophecy

16 I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
 17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!
Joseph Smith History 1: 16-17

Hearing and reading the Prophet Joseph Smith's account of the First Vision touched my heart as a freshman seminary student some 40 years ago. Then I knew it to be true and I know these words are still true. Each time I hear these words my heart beats faster and I am reminded of the witness I was given to know this is true. God, our Father, and Jesus Christ, our Redeemer appeared to Joseph Smith and ushered in the dispensation of the gospel to be shared to the whole world. Of which then and now I wanted to be a part of. Because I knew that God lives and loves you and I , because I knew that Jesus Christ was my Savior I wanted to shout it from the rooftops as Alma did.

“ 1 O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people! Alma 29: 1

But the time was not right at 14 for me, I have waited for the time to be right, trusting God to know when that would be.

Prophecy consists of divinely inspired words or writings, which a person receives through revelation from the Holy Ghost. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Rev. 19:10). A prophecy may pertain to the past, present, or future. When a person prophesies, he speaks or writes that which God wants him to know, for his own good or the good of others. Individuals may receive prophecy or revelation for their own lives.

I did not know at 14 that my testimony and desire was a prophecy for my life but I recognize it now.

Our Heavenly Father has been preparing me through the guidance of the Holy Spirit for this moment and time. As He has been preparing so many more for their moment and time whether it is to share the gospel as a missionary or to stand strong in the face of adversity.

Elder Russell M. Nelson shared in October 2015 General Conference these words:

“Thirty -six years ago, in 1979 President Spencer W. Kimball made a profound prophecy about the impact that covenant-keeping women would have on the future of the Lord's Church. He prophesied: “Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world...will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different – in happy ways – from the women of the world.” “

I have seen this prophecy of President Kimball come true through so many of my young women and their choices in their lives. When we moved to Fallbrook 14 years ago, I was blessed to be called to teach seminary. Another one of the desires of my heart from the age of 18 and 19. I taught for 8 years and had the privilege of spending morning after morning with amazing young women as we studied and learned from the scriptures together. Then I watched as these young women chose the path of temple marriages and missions. At one point I could name 10 or so of my girls serving a mission along with a great number of young men. I felt their power as they served and one by one as they came home I felt their love of service and God, my heart was fueled again with a desire to serve a mission along with my eternal companion, Craig.

Not to say that this has been an easy path here. There are “walls” - as stated in Teaching of the Presidents of the Church Howard W. Hunter lesson 8. “need to take stock to determine whether “walls” that we have built in our own minds need to come down.

For example, how about the “comfort wall” that seems to prevent many couples and singles from going on a mission? How about the “financial wall” of debt that interferes with some members’ ability to go, or the “grandchildren wall,” or the “health wall,” or the “lack of self-confidence wall,” or the “self-satisfied wall,” or the “transgression wall,” or the walls of fear, doubt, or complacency? Does anyone really doubt for a minute that with the help of the Lord he or she could bring those walls crashing down?
A recent outing we took with Anthony and Jana's family in was to Arches National Park. We choose a few hikes to go on, one was to Delicate Arch. The trail to see Delicate Arch up close and personal is 3 miles roundtrip and climbs 480 feet. My six year old granddaughter Zoe to hike this whole way. She kept going because her parents reminded her, she was a Garrett and Garrett's do hard things.
Serving a mission to Italy is a hard thing for me. I have that grandchildren wall to climb over – but I keep reminding myself that I can call and video conference regularly even weekly with my family back home. I don't have to wait for Christmas or Mother's Day like the young people do.
I also have the wall of “lack of self-confidence” to climb over. It seemed each time I came to that wall I would pull out a General Conference talk and that wall would have another brick or two shattered and knocked over. Most recently reading Elder Gary E. Stevenson's words from October 2015, he said “ As I agonized over my inadequacies this week, I received a distinct impression which both chastened and comforted me: to focus not on what I can't do but rather to focus on what I can do. I an testify of the plain and precious truths of the gospel.”
Well, I can give great hugs and I am quite sure in Italy they like to hug as much as the next person. I can feel love and compassion for others. I can bake a pretty good chocolate chip cookie and I have been told by good authority that Italians love chocolate chip cookies. I can listen well and be sympathetic. And I can bear testimony of the simple truths of the gospel of Christ on earth today.
And I can follow the example of Ammon who was willing to work and serve King Lamoni all his days. I can serve to exactness, I am a great follower. I can teach the words of Christ because I love the words of Christ.

“And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.” 2 Nephi 25:26

I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. I feel His love and guidance in my life, I recognize He has prepared me and gifted me with many things to bring these prophecies of serving a mission and serving strong true in my life.

I have another wall that needs to be climbed. This is the language barrier wall, I don't know Italian. I am studying Italian a bit here and there. I am praying to know enough to share love and a simple testimony. My tongue twists and stumbles over the words. My brain freezes and shoves words back to the deep dark crevices. But I am trying. Craig jokingly refers to us as Moses and Aaron. Somehow I have the role of Moses but I definitely know he will most often have the role of Aaron. But again I am not to focus on what I can't do but focus on what I can do. I know “ti amo” , I know a smile and a touch is universal language. And I know kind hearts in Italy will want to help me. But mostly I know my Heavenly Father wants to and will help me in all manners of things that I need.

I hope to rejoice as Ammon:

 35 Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name.
 36 Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of this people,... yea, I say, blessed be the name of my God, who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land.
 37 Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen.

• Alma26:35-37
  

I am a Garrett, I can do hard things. I am a daughter of God, He is mindful of me and will be with me as He always has been.

Sono grato per il Vangelo de Gesu Cristo.

I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ

Io so Joseph Smith era un profeta di Dio

I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God

Io so noi abbiamo un profeta sulla terra oggi

I know we have a prophet on earth today

Io so che Gesu Cristo 'e il nostro Salvatore

I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior

Amo Gesu Cristo

I love Jesus Christ

Amo mio Padre Celeste

I love my Heavenly Father

Il libro di Mormon 'e la parola di Dio

The Book of Mormon is the word of God

So che il Padre Ceslete risponde all mie pregheire

I know Heavenly Father answers my prayers

Nel noe di Gesu Cristo, Amen.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

When you go home you might cry

15 Maggio 2016

I could call this blog post numerous names: sentimental journey, family is everything, my big brother, a road trip to Idaho but I decided on "When you go home you might cry."

And I did. I am one big sap, crying, sometimes I can't hold myself together or see beyond my glasses or even be understood because of my tears.  I always apologize and sometimes I think I don't need to because; well being a crier is who I am.  Most of the times the tears are ones of joy, because I am so overwhelmed with the happiness I feel. Often they are tears of mixed emotions - somethings strike me with happiness, sadness, and a closeness to the spirit that I can't hold the tears in.  Maybe it is more of an introspective feeling.  And sometimes the tears are true sadness.

Saturday's tears were all of the above. Craig and I traveled back to Shelley, Idaho for an unveiling of a plaque dedicated to my big brother, Curtis Brinkman.  The park kitty-corner to my childhood home had been named after him.  Curtis was a big deal in the 1980's and 1990's; Boston Marathon record holder, Paralympics Medalist, Provo City Grand Marshall, motivational speaker, etc. Shelley was proud to call him their hometown hero but over years other events take place and somethings become forgotten.

Greg and Lorian

But not by all. In Idaho or at least at Shelley High School to graduate every senior needs a Senior Project and Kallie Brown was trying to figure out what to do for her Senior Project when her dad suggested she put a permanent plaque at the Curt Brinkman Park in honor of him.  Kallie didn't even know who Curt Brinkman was thinking the park across from the high school was just the skate park, like most of the young people in town.  After doing a little probing, reading Curtis' book "The Will to Win", she was motivated and went full force on the project.

I don't even know all the steps Kallie needed to take but she got approval from the Shelley City Council, rounded up sponsors like Idaho Steel - who donated and engraved the sign, others provided welding such as her dad, and so much more.

Kallie Brown

Kallie originally contacted me and asked about my big brother Curtis and I put her and my niece, Lorian in touch.  Lorian and Callie kept in contact. And finally it came time to put the finishing touches on everything.  I believe the last week was a bit crazy; the first engraving the words did not fit, the second engraving there wasn't room for the Curtis' picture. And somehow all this had to be done and finished by May 14, 2016.  An unveiling event was planned, family and friends were invited.

Saturday morning found Craig and I driving to Idaho, our first trip back in 3 years.  And the sentimental journey starting to flow in my mind.  I love my Idaho.  From the potato fields to the small towns. Shelley is small, I would tease about how small it was with it's one stop light, one grocery store and a population the size of Aimee's high school.  Traveling into Idaho I saw each of Idaho's beauties. The hills and mountains were green, the sky a blue that sent you dreaming.  There was a peace driving on that I-15, not much had changed.  Lots of open space, Devils Creek Reservoir was filled to capacity. There was Malad City spread out over the valley and memories of patty melts, shakes, and a tiny bathroom at the Malad Drive In. At the Lava Hot Springs exit I recalled jumps off the diving platforms in the Olympic sized pool, camping near the river, and soaks in waters so hot you could barely put your toe in. Lava beds after lava beds framed the freeway until Inkom with one giant lava wall on the east, my favorite little valley. As we drew closer to Shelley, the potato fields were dug and planted with the sprinkler pipes sending out gallons and gallons of water. Sprinkler pipes like the ones that started this whole journey.

Welcome to Idaho - my birth state

Blue skies, green fields, snow capped mountains

Yellow flowers for Curtis

Sprinkler pipes on wheels now

Exit 108

We arrived in Shelley around 11:30, the unveiling wasn't until 1:00.  As we passed the park, I took a quick glance over at the home I spent 20 years of life, exclaiming that the the lilac bushes were in full bloom.  I had to hold myself back from stopping the car to snatch a few blooms. Every Memorial Day, the lilac flowers along with mom's red peonies were taken to decorate the gravesites and remember family members in Shelley, Idaho Falls, Annis, and Ririe. And I pondered about doing something similar for my parents.

Instead a bouquet of red roses and yellow daises were purchased from that one grocery store along with doughnuts and diet coke. Mom loved roses, Dad loved gardening - it gave him peace, Curtis enjoyed a Diet Coke along with a doughnut regularly and yellow was his favorite color. These would be an ideal remembrance for my family.  Craig and I had the Shelley Cemetery to ourselves, a few moments here, a few pictures to remember, and a few tears.  No matter how much I know we will be reunited as a family it still doesn't mean I don't miss the experiences with them here at this moment.

Mom and Dad

Greg

Curtis

At the Curt Brinkman Park, slowly everyone started to gather.  Kallie and family were there first with the sign wrapped, yellow balloons and yellow ribbon around it, and doughnuts - she knew all the details. Greg and Lydia greeted Craig and I and chatted with us while others came. Uncle Jerry and Connie, Carolyn, John and Diane along with their son Gary and family, Steven and Darla, and finally Lorian and boys with a family friend Zac. From the community was Bubba Ricker, Mayor Stacy Pascoe and Councilman Jeff Kelley, a Shelley Pioneer Community Reporter along with Keith Barney BYU-I Faculty member - friend of Curtis. I didn't know who or what to expect, and felt overwhelmed with love and gratitude. 

Craig and Lydia

A good part of the group

Zac, Moe, and John

Shelley Pioneer Reporter and Mayor Stacy Pascoe

Councilman Jeff Kelley and boys

Bubba Ricker, others, and Kallie's dad

The Doughnuts!

The day was wonderful. Perfect weather, family, community, and sweet memories. I couldn't thank Kallie enough.  I think this is one of the best things that had ever happened for our family.

Lorian sharing her memories and thanks

 

John recalling carrying Curtis on his back over rough terrain

Keith Barney, Curtis was a mentor to him

Uncle Jerry recalling the accident

 

Moe

Curtis was my big brother and sometimes I didn't see what all the fuss was about him.  I mean when he came home from the hospital I felt kicked out of my room for him.  But my brother loved me.  He protected me from bees, bad dreams, and even moments today where I feel lost or scared.  I was always be his little sister. And he will always be my big brother and hero.

The unveiling - whoa

We are so grateful

My brother

Festa Della Mamma

 May 8, 2016

Today all missionary moms are rejoicing because they are talking/skyping with their missionary. I remember the anticipation and absolute joy of that phone call.  How good it was to hear my son's voice across the ocean and continents.  It has been truly delightful to see posted all around my social media sites pictures reflecting those special moments and joyful missionary' faces. 

My joy today - Craig, my children, their spouses, and children gathered for a family dinner.  I cooked it.  I felt happy being able to do something for them, I don't get to very often anymore.  Z bug helped with the biscuits and Craig with the roast beef, Aimee made a moist chocolate bundt cake and Anth and Jana provided gelato - the sea salt caramel was amazing.  I may have eaten way too much.  Anthony hit it on the nose when he said "I think the best Mother's Day present for mom is this." And true to form I teared up. 

They may or may not forgive me for posting this but this is my gang and I love them

Sunday's lessons taught me the purpose of missionary work and why I truly want to serve a mission.  The lesson was taken from Howard W Hunter's words - "Taking the Gospel to all the World".  Just knowing that we are all brothers and sisters - literal children of our Heavenly Father - I am not going to teach the Italian people, I am going to get to know my brothers and sisters in Italy and share my love for Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father, and my gratefulness of the atonement of Jesus Christ that covers all of us.  Incidentally, Craig was asked to teach this lesson to the men and the time taken by them to express their thoughts afterwards indicates to me the words were well received.

More joys this week.  Just playing in the backyard with J baby and Z bug.  If Craig brings out a tool or two, J wants to be right beside him helping and checking out the tool.  Babysitting J and Z on Wednesday while their parents attended a class and Craig attending the SLC Temple with our ward.  The report was about 100 hundred members attended and all were with ward family names.  That is so cool. 

The measuring tape is an especially fun tool

We also had a great dinner breakfast at Aimee and Nate's Friday, then played with Colby while his parents went to a movie.  A great evening of movie watching, ball playing, and popcorn popping.  You know I hold dear to my heart the kisses from each of them.

Wednesday was another Frontrunner ride down to Lehi and experiencing the Thanksgiving Gardens Tulip Festival with Aimee and Colby.  It was beautiful, I couldn't believe how many tulips and so many different colors, shading, and shapes and sizes.  Colby wanted his mom to hold and carry him almost the whole time, except when he was photo bombing other people's kid portraits.  He has picked up saying "yuck" when smelling anything so when he said "mmmm" sniffing the lilacs Aimee and I were both laughing because we love lilacs too. 

Italian Gardens at Thanksgiving Point

My cuties among the  Japanese lanterns

  I used my time traveling on the Frontrunner to study for the Utah Driver's License test and whew! I passed Thursday morning.  So I guess I have made the official transition to Utah.  I had to dig out my birth certificate and marriage certificate for proof of who I was.

I really have been enjoying my Frontrunner rides

 Other adventures: Craig and I hiked up to the top of Ensign Peak to see the valley.  It was about a 2 mile walk from our home and 1/2 mile steep up hill.  Windy but beautiful. Eating sushi for the first time and realizing I have been missing out. Continued hikes/walks up City Creek Canyon. And a fun 5 km neighborhood run, where Craig came in 9th over all and I finished under an hour. I was walking while pushing baby J most of the way with the occasional downhill run. 

Just a bit on the windy side

Looking south to the Salt Lake Valley from Ensign Peak

Sushi rolls from Sapa

City Creek Canyon in the spring

And five more things were checked off my "to do missionary preparation list": driver's license, international driving permit, nice suit jacket and skirt for me and white shirts for Craig.  Plus a simple wedding band for me to wear.  I had my dad's wedding band resized for me to wear in Italy because apparently a simple band is more common and safer than my diamond ring.  I love that I will be still wearing a ring that is sentimental to me.

Each day I work to learn a new Italian word, I actually try to learn more than one but if one sticks I am grato.  This week - oggi:today, burro:butter, che:that, chi:who, grato:grateful.  I know that isn't going to get me very far but it is better than zero.

Siamo tutte figli di Dio. Ricorda che.

Ti Amo,
Ellen

Gelato, Templi, e Divertimento

You gotta have ice cream if you drive by Nielsons Frozen Custard on the way to the Bountiful Temple.

Bountiful Temple waters

With our current flexible schedule and missionary preparation, Craig and I have been attending a temple weekly.  Ahhhhh! What a gift.  So far we have enjoyed going to the Salt Lake Temple - with a bonus last week because our nephew Nate married his sweetheart Caitlyn there.  Loved, loved, loved being there and reminded about eternal families.

We went to the Bountiful Temple this last Friday for a wonderful date night.  It was beautiful in and out of the temple. I loved all the tulips - reds, yellows, orange, white, purple, and double tulips. Plus we enjoyed a delicious dinner of  halibut and Italian chicken in the cafeteria - I remember the joke used to be don't just go to the temple for dinner, please attend a endowment session or two. After a peaceful endowment (teaching and learning) session, we admired the most amazing chandelier in the Celestial Room - a place to mediate.

The evening sky reflecting on the temple windows

Spring tulips are so lovely

Bountiful Temple beauty

The bonus was we saved room in our bellies for some of Nielsons Frozen Custard on the way home.  I shared a bumbleberry  - strawberry and raspberry - shake with Craig and Craig shared a caramel cluster ice cream cone with me.

Bumbleberry shake with fresh strawberries and raspberries

 The family project here has been assembling a 150 step instruction play structure in the backyard.  I am not even sure how many bolts, washers, screws, beams. and other assorted pieces that included but my closest estimate is about 1 million.  Everyone pitched in right down to the littlest guy.  Z's job was finding the parts and assembling bolts with their nuts and washers ready to go.  She loves working right along side her grandpa, even the not so fun projects like regrouting showers.  I dare say Craig and Anthony did most of the work but now we have our very own park in the backyard - there is a clubhouse, climbing wall, slide - J's favorite - , and numerous swings.

Step 50, Craig and Anthony hard at work

The little guy doing his part

My fun adventure was walking to the Frontrunner and riding it down to Lehi where I connected with Aimee and Colby for a glorious morning at the Thanksgiving Point Curiosity Museum.  I say glorious because Colby actually wanted to be with me and have me play alongside him.  He was so cute - his favorite activity is throwing the little basketball into the net (it is suppose to be some sort of science experience but to him it is just a ball and a net.) If he missed he would say "almost" and if he made it we all cheered with "yay!" We played in water and sand, caused an earthquake, went pretend shopping, sliding, and I even came home with a piece of art for my Grandma wall.  After lunch at JDawgs I caught the Frontrunner home.

My view as I walk to the Front runner, City Creek Park

The Utah State Capital reflecting in the pond - this one was regrammed by them

More waterfalls, this time from the Conference Center

My little artist

You know you have Garrett blood when you stick out your tongue while concentrating

The unfun part of the adventure was studying for the Utah Driver's test I am taking this week.  Since my license will expire on our mission I need to renew it besides I am officially a Utah resident too.

My walk back up on the way home from a fun day

Yes, there is continuous Italian study, Preach My Gospel study, and scripture study.  Plus Craig and I are preparing for sacrament meeting talks.  We will be speaking in the Fallbrook 2nd Ward on May 22 at 11 am.  If you live in southern California come see us there.  And we will be speaking in the Ensign 1st Ward on May 29 at 9 am, so if you live in Utah come hear us then.

Craig reminds me we have six, 6, weeks until we enter the MTC.  My stomach flips sometimes at the thought. I mean I am leaving behind this:

He loves to finish off my morning yogurt

Sono grato per il Vangelo de Gesu Cristo. Io so Joseph Smith era un profeta di Dio. Io so noi abbiamo un profeta sulla terra oggi. Io so che Gesu Cristo 'e il Figlio di Dio e il nostro Salvatore. Amo Gesu Cristo. Amo mio Padre Celeste. Il libro di Mormon 'e la parola di Dio. So che il Padre Celeste risponde alle mie preghiere. Nel nome di Gesu Cristo, Amen.

Ti amo.
Ellen