Several items

Dear family,

I love nice days.  It has been a nice week off from work to help here at home.  I'm glad I have a good job and don't dread going back.  I love you all!

Love,

Dad

Wednesday, March 10, 2021
9:27 pm

Good day today.  After the big kids went to school, Julie and I went with Camilla, Nathaniel and Hazel to Thanksgiving Point to see the butterfly exhibit.  It was fun and similar to the exhibit at the Smithsonian in DC, but has the advantage of being only 30 minutes away and included in the price of our annual membership.

I made some strawberry jam this afternoon.  Spencer and I attended a priest quorum activity watching the Face to Face event with Elder Gong introducing the Children and Youth program.  It was really good; I made lots of notes for ideas to help this be effective in our ward.

As I have been pondering what I am supposed to do as Bishop, a couple ideas came to me.  One thought is to create a "vision" for our ward.  I don't necessarily want to make a big production out of this; I'm afraid that would be counterproductive and turn people off from the effort.  Instead, I'm thinking of creating a personal aspiration statement that describes my service as Bishop, then using that to guide a similar idea with the Ward Council that is almost created organically.  I think this effort, or something like it, is going to be essential to me serving in a way that makes a difference.  I anticipate it will also make my service much more a purposeful labor of love.  I want my service as Bishop to be about serving and loving, with almost no thought for the duration of that service.

Hazel got her foot poked again to check her bilirubin.  The number is almost identical to where it was 48 hours ago, but that's a good thing because she is older.  Since we have started supplementing her nursing with a bottle, we are hopeful that will help her grow better.  I also got a stinky diaper for the first time since she came home from the hospital.  That also helps get the bilirubin out.  Grateful she is doing well.

I had an online meeting this afternoon with the credit union Quantum group.  Partway through I turned my camera on and showed off Hazel.  That brought the meeting to a sudden stop as I got to introduce her to my colleagues.  It was nice.

Ministering: I went to the Chun's home to help give a blessing to Andelyn.  She has not been feeling well.  They aren't sure the extent of the medical problems she has, but they are sure faithful and loving to her.

Thankful: I'm really grateful that the Priest Quorum activity tonight went well.  I'm also thankful for personal revelation to guide my decisions and actions.

More later…

Two views of our visit today to Thanksgiving Point.

Training wheels are awesome!

Dear family,

Dad, Abbie found the mower blade to power rake the lawn that I asked you about.  The goats were borrowing it, I'm sure to keep the barnyard looking nice.

Love to all!

Dad

Tuesday, March 9, 2021
9:44 pm

Last week I gave Nathaniel a blessing.  He slept through the night the next two nights when Julie was in the hospital.  Then she got home, and he's been waking up again.  Still figuring this out.

Julie took Hazel to the doctor to get weighed today because she's been worried about her not eating well.  She has lost six ounces.  We got her some formula to supplement nursing, and she's been downing an additional ounce at each feeding.  I'm glad we can do that for her, and hope the additional food will help her in every way.

I put training wheels on a bike for Camilla today, and she loves it.  Power-raked part of the lawn this afternoon.  Tonight we had a bit of a meltdown at bedtime, but made it through with love and kindness (as much as possible when someone gets a swat).  Chatted with my counselors by phone for ten minutes or so.  Calling it a day.

Thankful: I am thankful that because of the atonement of Jesus Christ, the person I want to be tomorrow is not prisoner to the person I was yesterday.

Ministering: I sent a text to our renters to check on how they're doing.  They're both struggling with some significant health challenges, and I wanted them to know we are worried about them.

More later…

Isaac is all ready for Halloween.

Camilla (in Isaac's old coat - totally confusing) learning how to ride with training wheels.

Groceries!

Dear family,

Mark, it was so nice to visit with you this afternoon.  Sorry I didn't get to join more of the conversation - I was playing "dad" for the younger kids outside.  I am proud of your efforts and insights.  You are a wonderful missionary.

Jessie, thank you for working with Emma to make tonight's FHE treats.  I love it when the little kids get to do things with you to make memories.  And when you make yummy food in the process, it's even better!

I love you all!

Dad

Monday, March 8, 2021
10:15 pm

Sunday morning Nathaniel woke up at 5:30 I was getting out of the shower and Julie was feeding Hazel.  He never went back to sleep.  I ended up missing bishopric meeting and joining Ward Council by Zoom.  Not 100% effective, but it was the best I could do in the circumstances.

Yesterday we visited with three families in our home.  The Swenson's came by to hold Hazel.  I hope that was helpful for them as they continue to grieve the death of their daughter Mia.  Later in the afternoon Laura Parkin came over with her daughters to share some homemade rolls.  They were here as we were preparing to partake of the sacrament, so we invited them to stay with us.  Then after dinner we invited our neighbors the Bates to come share a cupcake with us.  We had a nice visit with them, until they had to leave suddenly because they got a text that their autistic son had cut his head.  (He ended up needing three staples, but nothing that will cause lasting damage.)  I hope we were able to minister to these friends because that's about all the worshipping that we did.  Yesterday didn't feel terribly organized or worshipful.  Lack of sleep probably played a part of that.

Today Julie slept until after 10, which is a great thing.  Hazel needed her bilirubin checked again.  She's still in the low/moderate category and needs to get it checked again in a day or two.  Fortunately it's not a high risk issue. 

This afternoon I went grocery shopping with Bro. Crandall, Berkley Clements and Ian Swenson to get food for the Sister missionaries.  We can't have them over for in-person meals, so this is the preferred way to feed the missionaries now.  I planned a good menu for them and hope they enjoy it.

I missed most of FHE tonight because Nathaniel was exhausted and ready for bed.

Ministering: I hope my efforts yesterday and today will make a difference for others.

Thankful: I am thankful that Hazel is healthy.  She's still sleeping almost all the time and is getting a little better at eating.

More later…

Back from grocery shopping for the missionaries.  It was a beautiful day today.

Sunday photos

No journal entry tonight. Nathaniel up at 5:30. I missed bishopric and joined ward council by Zoom. Enjoyed several visitors today: Swenson's, Laura Parkin, and the Bates. 

Love,

Dad

Singing happy birthday to Rachel

Loves from an older brother. 

Who needs a nap when they're this cute?

Ken

Sent from my mobile device

Please forgive any strange auto-corrections! 

Welcome Hazel!

Dear family,

What a wonderful day today has been!   I am so tired, the words are swimming on my screen as I try to type them.  I hope the laptop doesn't seip off my lap while I finish typing.  Love to all,

Dad

Thursday, March 4, 2021
9:47 pm

Welcome to wonderful Hazel!  She was born today at 1:25 pm, 6 pounds 12 ounces, 20 inches long.  Today truly felt like a miracle.  Labor felt like it was going slowly all morning.  At 12:15 our nurse let us know she was going to lunch because we were in a lull and things were moving slowly.  Ten minutes later things got hopping.  Contractions went from mild to intense in a matter of minutes.  Fortunately, Julie was able to get an epidural still which greatly helped.  The doctor arrived in plenty of time.  When he was sure the epidural was working he broke the water.  Just a few minutes of pushing later, Hazel was here.  She is perfect, had a very healthy cry, and needed no interventions.  She latched on to nurse within the first hour and again later in the evening.  None of our other kids took to nursing so naturally.  I am overwhelmed with love for this little girl and with gratitude to God for this wonderful miracle for our family.

Another tender experience happened last night.  Andy Hjorth came over to help me give Julie a blessing before today's delivery.  Nathaniel sat with Abbie during the blessing.  When we finished blessing Julie, Nathaniel walked over to me and got my attention.  He put his hand on his head, then tried to climb into the chair Julie had been sitting in.  When I boosted him in, he folded his arms and waited.  So, I blessed him too!  It was so sweet.  I blessed him that he would be good today for Grandma and other who watched him while we were at the hospital.  I blessed him to eat.  I blessed him to sleep.  All of those blessings were realized today.  The blessing for Julie was also nice.  One phrase that I have felt more than once while blessing Julie through ths pregnancy is, "You will be blessed forever."  Our family is ours eternally, and we will be a blessing to each o9ther eternally.

Young Men's on Wednesday felt challenging on many different levels.  Also Wednesday Mark got a new companion, new area, and new responsibility as district leader.  I couldn't be more proud of him.

Tuesday I met in the evening with several people.  They are each dealing with challenging situations in their lives.  I am grateful for ideas that come to me through revelation and hope that I am able to act on them appropriately.

Ministering and Grateful: I am grateful for so many things, many of which are listed above.  More later…

No journal tonight

Hi all, no journal entry tonight. Too tired. 

Jessie, thanks for making cookies. They will be enjoyed!

Mark, you were on my mind all day. Praying for you in your new area with new Comp and responsibilities. 

Abbie, I'm glad you had a good day and are so responsible. 

Spencer, thank you for helping with the dishwasher this morning. 

Love,

Dad

I took this photo the other day at the graveside service for Mike's dad. 

Ken

Sent from my mobile device

Please forgive any strange auto-corrections! 

Perfect ultrasound

Dear family,

Mark, it was wonderful to talk to you today.  I am excited for you to go to a new area and begin working with another new missionary.  You'll be a great district leader.  Remember, patience and love are keys to effective leadership, especially in the Church.

Jessie, you're a great worker.  Thanks for putting in the time to accomplish so much on your mission.  Sometime soon we'll have to visit so you can tell about your trip to Idaho!

Love to all,

Dad

Monday, March 1, 2021
9:57 pm

Today went so incredibly fast.  First day of the month always has a lot going on, and today was no exception.  Suzanne and Sue started in their new roles today.  I spent some time working with them.  It is going to take some time to figure out how to delegate, train them on what I want them to do, etc. I also spent time working on a couple of loans, but that was not on purpose.

Best news of the day was going to the ultrasound at Maternal Fetal Medicine at the hospital.  The ultrasound was perfect.  Baby is estimated at 7 pounds 2 ounces today.  Scheduled to induce on Thursday.

Nathaniel has discovered a new personality.  He is gaining more control over his ability to throw things, which can be hazardous if you aren't expecting something to come at you.  He likes standing on the table and takes it personally if you don't want him to do that.

Chicken noodle soup for dinner tonight was tasty.  FHE was late but very good.  I didn't get enough sleep last night, so I'm going to head to bed.  More later…

Tonight's FHE activity. Sort of like "pin the tail on the donkey."  It was really fun.