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

A full week of everything

April 21, 2016

We have so much to catch up on; one being the Boston - but that will be its own post - for now let's do a quick review of a few things.

One, Craig and I went to the Salt Lake Temple for an endowment session for the first time.  (If you want to know a little more about temples, click here) We have been to several other temples over the last 35 years but the only times to the Salt Lake Temple have been for marriages or sealings as we call them in the LDS world.  Now the unique thing about the SLC temple is the whole thing is done kind of like a play - live action - but really it isn't action just mostly talking wherein most other temples you watch a film that does the presentation for the endowment.  The SLC Temple is one of the oldest temples built in the late 1800's and the paintings and ornateness is quick unique to itself.

Two, we were blessed to attend the afternoon session of General Conference in the Conference Center.  I felt so special being there maybe just because I was in the same room with our prophet, President Monson and all the other Apostles plus many General Authorities and Leaders from my church.  During this session several new leaders - General Authority Seventies were announced - one being the first from Italy, Elder DeFeo.  Craig and I were able to hear him speak at Craig's Italian Missionary Reunion the night before.  Listening to his words and passion for the Italian people sparked a love in my heart and desire for the best for the Italian people. 

 Three, Craig continued to run a lot in preparation for the Boston Marathon and I walked most morning.  It is a beautiful time to walk during the spring season, so many flowers and trees are in blossom.  Surrounding the Utah State Capital are cherry trees and seeing them all in blossom was delightful.  It reminded me of the Cherry Tree Festival in Washington DC. 

Four, Craig and I went to a BYU Baseball game.  It was so fun.  I love to watch baseball and have since my high school years.  During this game, there was a double play by the left fielder catching the fly ball and then throwing it all the way to 1st base to get the runner out - what an arm!  We enjoyed hot dogs and nachos plus this amazing 2 foot long maple bar called the Cougar's Tail; so fresh, sweet, and yummy.

 Five, we had a lunch date with Anthony, Aimee, and their little boys at Even Stevens here in SLC. What a cool place to eat, for every sandwich purchase they gave the equivalent in money to a charity - such as homeless shelters - to help out.  And we met their Founder, Steve Downs, he stopped by our table for a chat and gave us the best sugar cookies.

 Six, we planted 3 fruit trees. One peach, one plum with 4 different kinds of plum branches grafted in, and one apple with 5 different kinds of apples grafted in.  I love the soil here, it was dark, rich, and easy to dig into. The J boy was especially happy to help dig in the dirt.

Seven, lots of playing with the grandchildren.  That's the best.  Lots of fun playing and memory making. Sometimes though apparently we just play with their toys.

Well, that's a rap.  Next up Boston!

A Revisit to Red Butte Gardens

I enjoy so much that you can reread a story or the scriptures and you almost always come away with new and different insights, a new discovery.  That is how spring is, each week there are more blossoms or buds or green leaves.  And that is exactly how it was at Red Butte Gardens.

Craig and I took both Z and J to Red Butte Gardens - this grandparent pass is perfect - we can both get in and up to 6 grandchildren.  Although we really only have 3 to take in and the younger 2 are young enough to be free, it is still pretty awesome.

Z wanted to explore a new area and we headed to the duck pond.  J couldn't have been happier, there was no need for the stroller because running down the path was much better as far as he was concerned.

And if you forget to bring any change perhaps some really nice lady will buy the duck feed for you.

The duck pond was made for the ducks, geese, and fish but J kept wanting to join them.  Luckily Craig and I were up to catch him each time.

But just in case you wondered there are flowers growing there too.

And perhaps your little Z is as pretty and bright as the daffodils blooming.

What a fun afternoon.  If you get a little tired perhaps a friendly moose will give you a ride.

Spring has sprung, it is beautiful.  Playing with the grandkids can't get any better.  Each day is a new adventure and we love it.

Oh there is a little Italian study in there too.

"Pioche ecco, questa e' la mia opera e la mia gloria, fare avverare l'immortalita e la vita eterna dell 'uoma."
Moses 1:39

One step at a time, one new insight and discovery each week and day.

2 more weeks down

March 22, 2016

Buongiorno!

I am feeling excited and nervous all in one as we count the days down until we officially leave on our mission.  So little time!  My biggest goal is that my grandchildren sufficiently have enough fun and good experiences with us that they will remember who we are.  Z is old enough but J and C are so little still.  At least right now J lights up with the cutest smile when we walk in the room and C can point us out in a crowd when asked where is grandma and grandpa.

Utah is fickle when it comes to spring and the weather.  We have had beautiful days where I can walk anywhere or work in the yard and we have had plenty of rain and snow. Like this week, Sunday being the first day of spring - flowers were bursting out all over and we had 60+ temperatures, today only two days later - snow, snow, and more snow and definitely coat weather.

Craig and I really enjoyed the sunshine a couple of Saturday's ago.  Craig continues to prepare for his big race - THE Boston Marathon! So he ran and I rode my bike from our home to the Jordan River Parkway.  The way there is easy - all downhill - which you know that means uphill on the way back and in my case walking the bike home.  But we went about 14 miles on the parkway and it was beautiful.  We couldn't believe how easy and pleasant the way was.  The Jordan River Parkway runs all along the Jordan River, I believe it goes from the Great Salt Lake to Utah Lake and Provo River.  Obviously so much more to explore, but we enjoyed riding past The International Peace Gardens, golf courses, trees, swamps, bird refuges, and many other little parks. It is a plus with us and hopefully we can get a few more runs and rides in in the next couple of months.

 This past week, my sister Katherine flew in for a couple of days.  We realized when she was leaving that it will be 20 months until we see each other again, unless, somehow they can swing a trip to Italy!? While she was here we just wandering around close to home.  We walked to the Church History Museum and enjoyed the art exhibit about Christ plus watched a short video that depicts the First Vision.  I didn't realize that there are about 10 accounts that Joseph Smith wrote of his vision, the one we read in the Pearl of Great Price is the most descriptive.  The video combined the different accounts bringing in parts that might have not been in what is familiar. Katherine and I enjoyed lunch at the Blue Lemon and then did a little window shopping in City Creek Mall.  One bonus about my mission is I do need a few new clothes - skirts and dresses need to cover the knees at all times; sitting and standing.  I discovered I should be able to find a few things that are flattering and colorful.  But I have to leave behind my patterned and fishnet tights - ha ha.

Craig and I also had a bonus dinner out with Ugo Perego - he is the head of the CES  (Church Education System) in Rome and was at Utah Valley University presenting at a symposium. We made a connection through mutual friends.  It was great to met Ugo and also to get several heads up about life in Italy.  Like I should plan on hanging everything up to dry, no screens on windows, and get a simple wedding band to wear.  Also our computers and devices should all work with no problem in Italy but to plan on either needing an outlet adapter for hair appliances or purchase them there.   Plus everyone would be happy for me to cook for them as long as it is cookies or pancakes or very American food because any of my "Italian" cooking will be a sorry show.  I hope to have a few Italians show and teach me some of their authentic Italian cooking.

We also had the special privilege of church Sunday being the Provo Center Temple Dedication.  All I can say it was a highlight - Elder Oaks conducted and spoke in the first dedication.  There were  sessions and Craig and I went to the 9 am, came home and stayed with the grandkids while their parents went to the 12 pm session.  I just thought it was especially special taking place on Palm Sunday and the first day of Spring - those were significant to me.  That night we had a special FHE teaching Z and J about Palm Sunday and these holy week before us.

Other highlights - babysitting C and playing a little BB with him, attending the BYU basketball game Friday (Virginia Tech) and watching the Cougars win, a big FHE and Easter egg hunt with Craig's mom, siblings and their families, visiting the BYU Bean Natural History Museum with C and his mom, lots of walks pushing J in his stroller, taking Z and friend to the park, baking with Z, yard work with the whole family. Plus lots of Italian language studies - I do know how to say "Boungiorno, Io mangio i biscotti al cioccolato e la torta al cioccolato. Sono molto buoni." and start my prayers "Caro Padre Celeste"

Love you all,

Buonanotte

Craig and Ellen