Sweet Saturday evening...

Mark borrowed Gramps truck to get some sod and left his car overnight. I felt inspired to detail it for Father's Day. He said it was the perfect gift.

Mark and Tiff went to dinner and a show with friends last Saturday, and would be getting home late so I went to check on the Grands. We took the doggies for a walk and then we watched a movie. Grahm had his treat all ready. It was watermelon spray candy, yummy.  

Grey told Grizz and Ruby to be free and they ran around as fast as they could.

When the movie was over I told the boys to let the dogs out and then put them to bed. I was turning off the lights and we couldn't find Grizz and Ruby. They had already went to their room and were laying on their beds. They know the routine. Grizz likes the pouf I made, you can see his tail wagging. Such sweet doggies. 

Reading books with the grands and tucking them in will always be among my favorite most treasured memories.

Colby was on a campout and Cash was at the park hanging out with friends. I love them all so much.

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Organ recital...

What a fun experience to take Colby, Grey, and Grahm to our chapel so they could play the organ. 

All things work together for good...

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (KJV)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)

Reno progress...

I've stop a few times on the way back from Dad's grave to see the progress on the renovation of the Salt Lake Temple. It's been so amazing to see all the changes. I pulled off the interstate just as the Pride parade was concluding. There were police officers directing traffic and many street were blocked. I decided to go for it and I managed to maneuver around all that. I found a parking place and enjoyed walking around Temple Square. The renovation is expected to be complete sometime next year with an open house beginning in April 2027. 

There are several arbors with benches. The landscaping is all different. There appears to be mostly shrubs and perennial flowers. In the past there were a lot of annuals planted in all the flowers beds. But it looks so beautiful. There are also many new bronze statues. The temple itself has a new entrance and there is also a new visitors center. Of course the finest material have been used and it looks stunning. I can't wait to see it when it's completed!  

The Salt Lake Temple is currently undergoing a major renovation, with an anticipated completion date of 2026. The renovation includes seismic upgrades, enhancements to the interior, and the addition of a new underground addition. A special public open house and tour of the temple will be held from April to October 2027.

Here's a more detailed look at the renovation:
Seismic Upgrades:
The temple is undergoing a significant seismic upgrade, including the installation of a base isolation system to protect it from earthquakes.
Reinforced concrete beams are being installed under the foundation using the "jack and bore" process.
The temple's spires are also being reinforced with steel, and steel cabling is being added to the interior of the towers.
Interior Enhancements:
The interior is being renovated to enhance the aesthetic appeal while respecting the temple's original design.
Workers are hand-painting ceilings and restoring gilded moldings.
Ornate wood paneling, beams, and stenciling are being restored and replicated.
A new underground addition to the temple will add 100,000 square feet.
There will be two baptistries instead of one, with the original cast-iron oxen being restored and placed in one of them.
The number of sealing rooms will increase to 22, and there will be five instruction rooms with increased seating space.

Other Changes:
A new access tunnel under North Temple Street will connect the Conference Center parking area to the temple's entrance.
Plazas around Temple Square have been renovated, including the removal of the North Visitors' Center.
New elevators and accessibility features are being added throughout the building.

Open House and Public Access:
A special public open house and tour of the Salt Lake Temple will be held from April to October 2027, according to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Admission will be free, and tickets will be available as 2027 approaches.

The strongest person I ever knew...

I almost didn't go to Dad's grave this year but it was just a fleeting moment and I knew I wanted to make the drive. I haven't missed for many years now. I could go to his grave anytime but I choose his birthday to spend the day remembering him. For me going to the Beaver Dam cemetery is a spiritual experience. I think of my Dad almost everyday and I really do miss him. It's been close to 32 years since he passed. That's a long time. 

I had bought some beautiful yellow Calla Lilies to put on Dad's grave but I forgot to put them in the car. I always trim the grass and clean up Dad's grave. I bring flags because he served in the Marines. I was feeling sad about the flowers when I had an idea. I used some water bottles that I had in the trunk and trimmed some branches off a nearby tree. I didn't think anyone would mind. I was happy with the way they turned out, simple but pretty.

Dad was a brick mason and rancher, both required great effort from sunup to sundown. He was caring, steady, dependable, and righteous. By that I mean he always tried to do the right thing.

I always thought my Dad was the strongest person I ever knew, that nothing could get him down. But there were times when he was disheartened and discouraged. That never lasted for very long and he never gave up.

He had a firm and unshakable testimony. He wanted to follow the Savior in all he did. He honored his parents and loved his family. It wasn't just his physical strength but also his spiritual strength that makes him the strongest person I ever knew.

On this his 98th birthday, I give thanks this day and always for a strong and Godly father.

Blooms...

PC to Christopher

There is literally nothing

in nature that blooms all

year long, so do not

expect yourself to do so.

Just a reminder that it's okay to experience periods of rest, reflection, or lower energy, as these are natural parts of life's cycles.

Family Festival...

Cedar Hills has a week long festival and the Grands always enjoy all the activities. Tiffani shared a few pictures from their summer so far.

 

I love this picture of Grey and Grahm. They are the most wonderful and handsome boys! 

Grandpa likes to walk around the park during the festival with Grahm. They usually end up at Costa for a bite to eat.

In between all the fun last week I snuck in lunch with Colby, Grey, and Grahm. It's always so difficult for me not to see the Grands at least once a week!

Grahm dug through slime, rock, and sand to find dinosaur bones. He was so excited the dinosaur lite up! 

Punch balloon contests are always fun. The Grands are really good at it!

I wanted to get a picture of Colby with his WWJD band. He's been wearing it for several months now and I think that's real special. It's always a good idea to think "What would Jesus do?" Colby wants to follow the Savior's example and I'm proud of him. 

He's almost a teenager I'm not totally okay with that. I like hanging out with Colbs and I hope he will still want to still come around once in awhile. I love him so much.