USU Fall Semester

Today was the beginningof Fall Semester for Conner and Kelsey. Conner will be studying on campus in Logan while Kelsey will be doing on line classes in Boise. This is such a great time for them. Enjoy, your future will be better for the hard work.

Jeff I in Minnesota is also very close to finishing his degree. He is putting in great effort and pulling A's even though he is working mega hours every week. Good Luck to each of you.

The Prayer Roll

One of my assignments this last week at the temple was assigning lockers to the sisters.  There was only the eight o clock session left for the evening so I did not have many sisters come.  Maybe a dozen at the most.  As I sat there at my post the temple Prayer slips were right in front of me.  I have been thinking so much about the blessings of the Gospel in our lives and the desire of each parent that their children will be blessed with all of its glorious blessings.  I truly know that prayers are answered and can help us each day in our lives as we move forward.  At the close of my assignment I want you each to know that I placed each one of your names in the prayer roll box, so that they will be placed upon the alters of the Holy Temple and prayers will be raised to Heaven in your behalf.  Trying to make decisions and doing things on our own can be very hard but if you know that Heavenly Father is being asked to be with you and to help you can make it better.  Listen for His promptings in all that you do and say and you can not go wrong. 

Our Little Farmington Angels

This sweet little picture arrived on my phone today from Carli.  How grateful I am to know that she is watching after these beautiful little spirits.  I know that it can be very hard work but that it is so very important.  I love them all so much and I know that they are in such good hands.  I am grateful that she is able to be with Kaden as she looks after Heather and Sam,

Sam, Kaden and Heather

Temple Update

Brad and I are coming along with our training at the temple.  My second week was certainly much better than Brads.  He was so down when we met after our shift.  (This was after ten)  He just felt that he could not do it.  That he could just not remember.  My heart just ached for him.  It is so hard to not be able to just give the one you love the desires of their heart.  We returned home very tired.  As we knelt in prayer together that evening it was with very humble hearts that our pray was a plea for strength and the ability to remember.  All week Brad said that as he worked the words would go through his mind and the memory would come.  When we met this last Saturday to return home his smile was bright and his eyes were happy.  Brother Nalder told me how well he had done.  Brad expressed to me as we were driving home the things that he had been called upon that night to do and how he was able to do them.  I truly know that prayers are answered when the Lord knows that we are truly sincere and in such great need of His spirit.  The temple is hard right now and I have never before in my life appreciated the wonderful officiators that have served me over the many years that I have been blessed to go.  I know now what mother meant when she would say it is a  tiring but good feeling serving in the House of the Lord.  I pray that Brad and I will truly feel the spirit of the temple and appreciate this great blessing.

School Begins for Nate, Damon, MacKenzie

Today was the first day of school for Box Elder County.  It seems strange to think that we have only three children starting today.

Nate begins his Junior year at Bear River High School.

Damon begins his Sophomore year at Bear River High School.

MacKenzie begins seventh grade at the Alice C. Harris Intermediate School.

We wish them good in all that they do and pray that they will continue to excel and do their very best.  Futures can be determined by the work that is given at this time.  We are so proud of each one of them and look forward to share the school year with them.

My Own Harvest

I finished harvest the remaining beets in the garden.  I have enjoyed them very much along with Dan.  I made the last ones into pickled beets to be shared with those that love them.  It was also bread making day ---- I am very pleased with the bread that I am able to make with my mixer.  It is so much easier on me know that I do not have to knead it by hand and Brad does enjoy homemade bread.  A batch a week will do us.  Made scones for dinner, from some of the dough, which is one of Brad's favorites.

Three regular loaves and one small because of the scones

Field Harvest is about complete

David John has taken the straw from the grain field.  WOW! ----- didn't take much time with all of the big equipment they now have.  Soon Brad will start disking and getting the field ready for another crop of winter wheat.  So far wheat is holding at $7.25 a bushel.  The grain is in storage in Garland.  When needed it will be sold.  Hope the price will hold or even go up more. It costs a great deal more money now to raise a crop with the price of water, fertilizer and seed and harvesting going up.  But,  we are blessed that a profit should be made.

Swathing and getting the straw ready to bale

Big Bales

Just a few hours and it was swathed, baled, accumulated, loaded on the truck and hauled away

Thankful for Family

This week I have come to realize how very blessed I am with family.  As I have seen the closeness that each family has and how willing they are to share and help one another it is good.  The Woods house has been busy with the new little granddaughter and with the visits of others.  Right there to help has been perhaps the world's greatest BABY SITTER - MACKENZIE.  She certainly loves children.  When grandpa and I went over on  Thursday to help out a little she finally just collapsed.  I think she was way tired.  Thanks to one sweet little girl.

Big Brother Garrett

MacKenzie and Tyle ---- he just giggled and giggled when she played with him

These two little cousins have fun together

I can tickle him too

Garrett and his little sister Katherine ---- he loves her so

Baby Kate ---- eats, sleeps and stretches

Grandpa's Hike

Once in a while I will ride with Brad to the Honeyville Mountains to check the water pumps for Elwood Town.  He does this every other day on every other week.  They must take readings on the pump and be sure that the chlorine tanks are working properly.  They also monitor the amount of the water coming from the springs above the storage area.  The spring has been running very high this year to the point that it is over flowing more than they like.  They have been on the mountain with some engineers and were told that there should be some monies available to do some additional work at the springs.  It is a nice little drive up ----barely on the foothills---- and I was amazed at how green the mountains still were.  It is always fun to see our valley below.  It changes colors from the spring crops, to the fall crops and the harvest.  I am grateful for my valley and my home.

This little gal was training her colt to lead - my thoughts were so much about Glenda and her father and how they loved to go riding together.  Oh! sometimes it is so hard to not think of what might have been when I know how very blessed we have been.  Hopefully, someday she will again have this joy in her life.

They are going higher and the guy on the four wheeler is watching over her

Bear River Valley with the sun in the west

He gets up and down real good ----still a goer

Sunflowers on the Mountain so pretty

Skylar arrives Safely

Skylar left Minnesota this morning at 9:30 a.m.  and arrived in Utah at 1:04 p.m. Grandpa and I spent some time this morning cleaning his car.  Just a bit dirty from sitting under the shed.  It was so good to see him.

Jacob is now a Fourth Grader

Jacob began school on Tuesday.  He is now a fourth grader.  His teachers name is Mrs. Woodruff and so far it is reported that he is OK.

His favorite shirt -------from Yellowstone Trip

Ready for School Pictures

Heather starts Pre-School

Heather started Pre-School at Challenger on Monday.  Mom and Dad were able to take her the first day.  Now dad takes her at nine and Carli and the boys pick her up at 11:30. 

Weeds - Bah! Humbug

The weeds are fighting us.  We spray, we hoe and we pull --- but they are winning.  Yep, they seem to grow anywhere they so desire.  Even in the middle of an old stump.

A Bushel of Gold

Shelton came on Saturday to harvest the wheat field.  We have so enjoyed watching this field grow.  Remember the teaching that a bushel of wheat would be worth a bushel of gold.  Will this field has been such a beautiful gold and clean.  I guess only time will tell about the price.

Beauty

Tithing and Taxes

This will be missed ---- but will be back next year

A mighty dusty job

Been all around the field

Damon is driving !!!!

Damon has received his learners permit.  We knew that he was the driver the other night when we stopped by because the car was only inches away from the back door.  He said he was being sure that he did not hit the Harley.  It hardly seems possible that this many years have gone by.  Before long my children will all be in the empty nester stage.

MacKenzie's Personal Style

Tonya and MacKenzie are now in the process of doing her new bedroom.  (Used to be Kelseys)

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

We are missing this family ------- mega lots but I know that they are doing great.  They are truly enjoying one of their favorite pasttimes.    BASEBALL

Katherine Scarlett Howell

Amanda had a very exciting day. It came to a close with her holding her sweet baby daughter safe in her arms.  Once again our family was truly blessed and another miracle has been given.  How gratefull I am to a loving Heavenly Father that looks after us.  I am also so very grateful for those persons who are truly dedicated in their fields of medicine and the safe keeping of patients.

Katherine Scarlett Howell was born August 19, 2011, at the Bear River Valley Hospital. She weighed seven pounds and five ounces and was 18 inches long.  Mother and daughter are doing very well.

Grandma Teresa and new little baby Katerine

Oh My! they are such good fingers

Sporting her first bonnet

Heavenly Father sent her with HAIR ---- a rarety in our family

Great Grandma gets to love ------ she was realling going to town on her thumb ---- so cute

"I'll just lay here and enjoy my thumb"

Cute mom - cute daughter

All cute and ready to head home and see my BIG brother ---- and of course they rest of the family

Happy Birthday to Conner

Today is Conner's special day.  Conner joined the Nesbit family in 1992.  Again I wonder where the time has gone.  He is the youngest of Dan and Glenda's boys.  Conner is busy working at the Plant Peddler in Logan and preparing to start his second year at Utah State University.  He is a very handsome young man who I am sure will be able to accomplish his scholastic goals.  Love to him everyday.

DelRay

DelRay had the eye surgery this morning. We were able to see him for afew minutes this afternoon when they arrived home. His family is giving him a hard time because he is a bit loopy. They will need to retun to Salt Lake early in the morning for a follow up

DelRay

As a family tonight may we join in prayer for our DelRay. Tomorrow he will be having his eye fixed. He truly serves us all and our hearts and prayers are with him.

A Smile in my Heart

Found this in my photo stash today ---- made me smile.

Family Fun

This is one busy family-----

Brad and I took a drive to Bear Lake on Thursday to say Hi to Dennis and Sharron and their family.  They have been spending the week together.  Dennis has a time share and had reserved three nice units.  They have enjoyed playing and swimming and of course eating.  We enjoyed a delicious raspberry milkshake with them.  The lake is full and so blue and beautiful.  The canyon is green and plush.  Love driving with Brad.

Tonya, DelRay, Nate and MacKenzie spent Saturday and Sunday in Boise, Idaho, with Kelsey and Dusty.  They had a tremendous time.  Tonya's birthday was celebrated and lots of fun times were had. Tonya is loving her I Pad.  That was a wonderful gift.    Kelsey and MacKenzie also made her a beautiful cake.   Isn't it great having extended families.

Dan and Glenda had a nice motorcycle ride to Ogden  on Saturday ---- stopped in to say Hi as we were leaving for the temple.   Glad to see them doing this together.  Conner participated in a race with the Anderson family in the Jackson area.  On Sunday Justin was set apart as the executive secretary in his ward.

Lisa called today to say that she and Jeff had taken a motorcycle trip to Jackson Hole and then through the park by the south entrance and on to Rexburg where they spent their second night.  A spontaneous trip which is one of the best kind. They stopped at Uncle Larry and Aunt Bonnies home to say hi -- but no one there.  Lisa said all the doors were open but could find not one.  I think that is the Clayton Idaho thing.  Went by Uncle Harlens and Grandmas.   Carli was busy this weekend taking FABULOUS pictures of Kaden.  (check them out on her facebook page)  Brittani and Kevin were busy giving Kinley a new look.  She has her hair cut in a cute bob ----- she looks more like her mom than ever.

Paul ------- once again did work for me.  He now has the beginnings of the six drawers for my kitchen.  They are beautiful.  He is truly a craftsman. He has also been busy with his "harvest" he says.  This is a yearly ritual.  The Brewers visited for the weekend and the Howells spent some time in the emergency room -------- Garrett is sporting a nice wrap on his foot since he totally bent his toe under.  Tyler is crawling every where and pulling himself up to everything.  Won't be too long till the walking will start.  Meagan is hoping before the new baby comes.  Mandy is hanging in there ---- soon it will be time for baby Katharine to join the family. 

Mary and Todd borrowed the tent and air mattress and headed to the east side of Bear Lake for the night. BUT ---- mother nature changed those plans. At three o clock in the MORNING the wind was blowing so hard the tent was right on top of them and the air was filled with dust. Crazy kids packed it all up and headed down the canyon. Mary said they only saw one deer in the road. Sure am glad they are safe.  We are still missing Shaylee ---- I continue to place her name in the temple and she is in our prayers every minute of every day.  Love her.   Heidi and Bert have returned home and he is settled in his new rental.   Damon ----- now he just always tells me that he is Good.  Yep, he is. 

Nichole and Clayton spent Friday night entertaining each other.  Jeff was at work and Skylar, Tristin and Hunter were on an overnighter with the Young Men.  They went kayaking and canoeing on the Rum River.  It was reported that Skylar and Tristin really enjoyed it but, Hunter says it was not his thing.  Skylar arrived home later on Saturday than the other two boys.  They had gotten one of the canoes stuck in some brush at the side of the river and had to get it out.  They are enjoying their ward and have found out just how small the world is.  Justin who is in the Young Mens was roommates with Skylar Westergard at college.  His wife was a roommate with Jessica Hall, who grew up in Elwood also.  You better be careful what you do and say when out in the big world because someone is likely to know someone you know.  It has also been reported to Nichole that all the girls in the ward have a crush on Tristin.  He was the talk of Girl's Camp. 

Sid has returned home from Chicago and Heather is now five.  The Sorias are always busy.  Natalie has been feeling a bit rough but is getting on top.  I think that everyone knows that she and Sid are expecting a baby.  New little baby Soria is to arrive in February.  I have been teasing her that it just might be twins because she has felt so much worse with this one.  But miss Heather informed me that her mother could not handle two.  I think perhaps that sounds just like her mothers words.  They are preparing to leave for Lake Tahoe on Wednesday to spend time with Sid's family before Danny ships out.  Sammy was so glad to see Heather when we took her home.  He loves his sister and followed her and copied her in everything.

Amy, Danny and Jacob are busy at work ------- Jacob starts school in a week so they are trying to get on a school schedule.  Today Jacob got his new glasses.  He promises that he will wear them.  While Amy sleeps from working the night shift, Jacob reads.  This young man reads and reads.  He also has a memory like an encyclopedia.  While tripping with us and on the trip to Yellowstone he would tell us so many things about the places we were.  He loves to watch shows on TV about information.

Now ----- grandchildren I have missed some of you ------ not only in word but in seeing or talking with you.  Our door is always open and we would love to hear from you.  We love each one of you so very much.  You are ALL in our hearts and prayers.   We in turn need your love and prayers.  Especially at this time Brad and I ask that each one of you will keep us in your prayers and ask our Father in Heaven to help us.