New glasses

Love to all!

Dad

Tuesday, May 11, 2021
9:41 pm

Good day. First full day working from the basement. I'm getting better organized to use my time well. Need a couple more days to get there. Started the day at the optometrist. One eye got a little worse, the other got a little better. Dr. Hawkins said that doesn't happen often, he's not convinced the new glasses I got are going to work. We'll see.

Tonight I had several Bishop visits. They all went well. In each case, I felt like I received an idea or prompting of what to say or ask, and I tried very hard to act on that prompting promptly. (Now there's a phrase that should come from General Conference! Follow promptings promptly! 😊)

Bro. Pike suggested calling a couple to a Sunday School calling. My first reaction was that they are dealing with so many struggles now that a calling was not a good idea. But I couldn't stop thinking about the suggestion, so Ied them in to discuss whether a calling now would be appropriate. I didn't get much past the suggestion when they accepted, saying that a Sunday School calling is their favorite.

I visited with another young couple that isn't active, but have testimony of the gospel. I asked him about his missionary service, and he spoke very positively of it. Another person responded positively to counsel regarding what they need to do to renew their temple recommend. It was a good night.

Sleep last night was hard to come by due to Nathaniel not feeling well and Hazel having receiving immunizations. Julie the saint finally took both of the babies downstairs to sleep. I think we al slept better that way. Mom the saint came in the morning and took the middle kids to school so Julie could sleep a little more. I think we're all going to make it.

Thankful and Ministering: See above.

Bedtime snack, then going to bed. More later…

Trying on new glasses. I (think) I ended up with the one in the big photo.

A new office

Dear family,

It was wonderful talking to both Jessie and Mark today. It's also wonderful talking with the rest of my family that still lives under my roof! :)

Have a super day!

Love,

Dad

Monday, May 10, 2021
9:26 pm

Last week, David and Eliza, two of my part-time employees, both graduated from UVU. Today they started full-time at the credit union. To make room for them I moved my office downstairs to our conference room today. I expect to be there for about the next nine months until our Springville office is done, although I might move upstairs if we do some remodeling and make room for another workstation.

I had a great talk with Mark this afternoon. He's learning so much. It's terrific. Jessie was home this afternoon and helped make Pasta e Fagioli for dinner. It was amazing. FHE tonight was a little late but well done. Kids in bed. Nathaniel seems to be coming down with a cold, and Hazel got shots today so she is not a happy camper. Camilla and Neil also had visits; Camilla got her kindergarten shots and was so brave – not even a whimper, although she asked for a hot pack for her arm while she falls asleep.

Thankful: I'm thankful I am getting more organized at work. As I've been looking over my responsibilities, I remember some counsel Elder Gong gave when we visited with him a couple weeks ago. Basically it was to remember the miracle of the loaves and the fishes. Bring everything I have to God and it will be enough. I think I can be more effective by intentionally improving my focus on different areas. Of course I will never be done in any area. But rather than letting that overwhelm my efforts in another area, I can choose to work one something for a specific amount of time, then end that and move on to the next. I want to try this.

Ministering: I received an email this morning from a ward member asking for counsel regarding a matter that is a struggle. Responding to that email is next on my list.

More later…

The view of my new desk. I've upgraded from two monitors to three! 😎

Happy Mothers' Day!

Dear family,

It was nice to spend time with you today (Mark, nice to hear your voice while you chatted with others in the family). I love you all!

Love,

Dad

Sunday, May 9, 2021
8:58 pm

Ouch, it's been a few days since I last wrote. Here are some highlights:

Thursday was a busy day. I had a meeting to discuss an option for our 401k program. Our current provider is really frustrating me. I spent an hour helping Doug Huntsman at Utah Federal CU learn how to build queries to get data he wants from our system. I felt good spending time helping him learn how to do this. It's something I use often and appreciate it. It was good to help share that knowledge with someone else. Neil and Isaac had a primary activity that evening.

Friday was a busy day at work. Suzanne and I identified several areas that we need to focus on improving. There are some uncomfortable conversations in our future, but I think we are at the point that the pain of not changing exceeds the pain of change.

Julie's favorite mission companion, Madison Jolley, arrived on Friday and spent a few days visiting so she and Jessie could attend the homecoming of the DL from the area she served during the COVID lockdown. She said they became like family as they were isolated so long. Madison was bright and happy, and it was fun to see her and Jessie together.

Friday evening we had dinner with Stephen and Dani Jones. Stephen is the Bishop of the 7^th ward and Spencer's seminary teacher. His wife suffered a miscarriage at 12 weeks last month. Having been through something similar, I wanted to just spend time with them and let them know that we are thinking of them. We got take out from the Bombay House and ate at the Mapleton city park. Dinner was delicious, then the wind got nasty. We relocated to the stake center (because we have keys! 😊) and played games and visited until about 9:00 pm. It was a pleasant evening.

Yesterday we worked hard I on chores. Spencer and I tried to help with a service project, but we were so late getting out of the house that it was nearly over by the time we got there. Julie planted flowers, I mowed part of the lawn and cleaned the stove. We brought summer clothes out of storage. I made a late night run to the grocery store to get potatoes for dinner today. That was frustrating. Smith's closes at 11:00 pm; I got there at 10:45 but they turned me away because "they were already closed." Super inconvenient. So I had to drive another mile or so down the road to Walmart which also closes at 11:00. But, I was able to get in, get what I needed, and be back in my car at 11:00 pm. I probably won't shop at Smith's again except in emergencies.

Today was Mother's Day. I made banana nut muffins for breakfast. Church was nice. We had a picnic lunch of tuna noodle salad on the front lawn because it was "so warm" today. Sixty degrees isn't terribly warm to me, but I wore a jacket and did just fine. I put Nathaniel down for a nap then fell asleep myself.

Tonight, Dad, Mom and Randy joined us for Mothers' Day dinner. As usual, it was amazing. Then we sang a few hymns and tried to do some Come, Follow Me study. It was hard to wrangle the kids' attention, but we managed well enough. After a double dessert of chocolate mousse cake and something deliciously frozen made with raspberries, whipped cream and marshmallow cream, I read a couple chapters of The Wild Robot Escapes.

Thankful: During Church today, Bro. Diede talked about faith and seeds. He described the miracle of planting a zucchini seed and having it turn into many zucchini fruit to leave on people's vehicles. It was lighthearted and humorous, but gave the Spirit an opportunity to bring a new insight into my mind. I've always associated the faith/seed analogy to the seed growing into a living plant. And it is true that it becomes a plant, but it also bears fruit with seeds of its own. Our faith doesn't just become a living thing testifying of the truth of the principle we are exercising faith in. It also bears more fruit with more seeds of faith, helping us build more faith in new and wonderful ways.

I realized that I want to have a "garden of faith." I want some zucchini – fast growing, prolific, and with an abundance to share.  I also need some walnut trees of faith – slow growing but steady, resilient, and long lasting. These are anchors to my conversion and last through seasons of plenty and adversity. There is place for flowers of faith to bring beauty. It was a nice insight.

Ministering: I issued a temple recommend and patriarchal blessing recommend today and texted a few people to let them know I'm thinking of them. I feel like I didn't do as well as I could have today. I'm glad I can improve day by day.

More later…

This week we planted the climbing roses I got for mom for Christmas. Fingers crossed that they FLOURISH!

Got to get dinner home safely!

Frisbee!

Dear family,

Nathaniel was less diligent in his sleeping last night. I'm going to give Hazel a bath and hope to find myself in bed shortly thereafter. I am grateful to be in your family!

Love,

Dad

Wednesday, May 5, 2021
9:26 pm

Mutual tonight was enjoyable. We met at Big Hollow Park and played a couple get-to-know you games. The first one wasn't as effective, but the second was fun. There were a series of questions that the Bishopric had answered. Reid, Andy and I spread out on the field, then Abbie and Spencer read a simple question that each of us had answered, and read one of the answers. The kids then lined up behind the Bishopric member they thought it applied to. Of all the people there, only Nellie Watkins guessed that my favorite TV show was Star Trek. Funny.

After that part of the activity we ate nachos and played ultimate frisbee. I shouldn't have dived (dove?) for one throw that was clearly out of my reach. I didn't notice at the time, but my right knee is a little tender now. Abbie bent a finger nail and it really hurt her. She came to the sideline so I could use my pocket knife to trim off the broken part of the nail, but she sprinted back on the field to try to catch a throw before I could finish trimming. And Spencer was competitive the entire time. Ah, we love giving 100%.

As Abbie, Spencer and I left, Julie had her hands full with the younger kids. I called Mom and am so grateful that she was able to come help out.

Work was pretty good today. It was busy and I think I made good progress on several projects. At lunch I finally started working on Mark's taxes. They aren't due this year until May 17 due to COVID. I want to finish this week.

Ministering: I tried to be involved with the youth tonight during mutual. I also talked to Chris Chamberlain today. Her husband Kent had back surgery not too long ago. He is coming home tomorrow, and I was able to help identify some ways we can help during his recovery.

Thankful: I am thankful for ideas that come when I study the scriptures, and especially when those ideas are helpful in my calling as Bishop.

More later…

Another way I ministered today - I saw this for sale sign on my way to work, so I pulled over and sent a photo to the family that sent me a text on Sunday looking for a home.  Who knows, maybe they'll get it!

 

Delayed note

Dear family,

Sorry I haven't written in a few days.

Mark, I saw Boyce Simons at Church yesterday and he asked about you. He mentioned that he hasn't gotten a letter from you in a while. Want me to print your emails and deliver them to him?

Love to all,

Dad

Monday, May 3, 2021
10:18 pm

My evening schedule has been all messed up. Quick recap of the last several days:

Friday we went to Thanksgiving Point with the Albertsons. Abbie stayed with Julie while Julie fed Hazel. Trevor and I took the rest of the kids through the gardens. They were more interested in rolling down hills and splashing in fountains than looking at the flowers, but we all had a very nice time. We got back to their house in time for a late dinner.

Saturday was my turn to work at the credit union. I got a lot of catch-up and admin work done, which was nice. In the afternoon we went back to the Albertson's to finish activities that we didn't get to on Friday. Dinner there again was yummy, especially the fresh fruit.

Sunday was nice. I was finished with meetings by 3:00 pm. The sister missionaries newly assigned to our area dropped by for a visit, and we all enjoyed getting to know them. They're good workers and have a bright spirit about them. After dinner we suggested singing a couple hymns before bed; someone launched into a song from Scripture Scouts, and we ended up singing several favorites. Funny.

Today I took Scott to lunch for his birthday. We went to Guru's and enjoyed our time together. I got more done at work, and it felt good. We had a special Board meeting in the afternoon to discuss our Springville building project and think we have selected a contractor. FHE tonight included launching Alka-Seltzer rockets in the driveway and a lesson on the sacrament.

More later…

Orchestra is amazing

Dear family,

Got to hit send and go to sleep. Love to all!

Dad

Wednesday, April 28, 2021
10:00 pm

During family prayer tonight, Spencer expressed appreciation for the fact that tomorrow is Friday. Sad for him, that is not the case. This week has gone really fast. Quick recap:

Monday – I met with another contractor we are considering for our Springville building. FHE ran late, as usual. Nathaniel went to sleep well.

Tuesday – Had a frustrating conversation with a vendor that isn't doing a very good job for us. I'm actively looking at changing providers. Most of the day at work felt frustrating. The boys joined the newly restarted Primary Activity program. I had several interviews and then bishopric meeting. It was uplifting.

Today – Better day at work. Joined the annual business meeting for the Utah Credit Union Association. Sam Crane, a friend and CEO in Grand County, is growing his hair for a part he has in the Book of Mormon videos.  Filming was delayed due to COVID, so he has been growing his hair and beard for over a year. He looks the part now! Met with the final contractor we are considering; I think I may have liked them the best. All three contractors are quality companies and would do a good job. The hard part is deciding which one to work with and which two to say "no" to.

Tonight Abbie had an orchestra concert at the art museum. They did a great job. The soloists were incredible. Amazing that they are high school students and that accomplished.

Nathaniel was challenging last night. He was up past midnight, shouting whenever I tried to put him down. Finally Julie brought him downstairs with her while she fed Hazel. He was awake again before 6:00 am and messed up my morning routine. He didn't want to go to sleep again tonight, but I think he was too exhausted to stay awake. But it still took until nearly 10:30 to get him down!

Snack, then bed.

More later…

From the archives because it makes me smile.

Serving with Christlike love

Dear family,

I sure love you all. Jessie, I try not to brag about you too much when people ask what you're doing now that your mission is over. It's not easy when people see the painting you gave me for Christmas. I go into full "proud dad" mode. And Mark, the same goes for you when people ask about your mission. Similarly with Abbie, Spencer, Neil, Isaac, Emma, Camilla, Nathaniel, Hazel, and my wonderful wife. You're all amazing and wonderful.

Enjoy a quick recap of the last 48 hours!

Love,

Dad

Sunday, April 25, 2021
10:19 pm

Yesterday was project day:

·        Change winter tires for regular on Bertha

·        Oil change for Bertha

·        Tried to fix leaky washer. Discovered that the problem is not what I thought. That took two hours to tear into and put back together. Fortunately the problem is a quick fix. Part is ordered, should be here Wednesday, and will only take about 15 minutes. (Assuming I can turn off the water at the inlet… that may be a problem.)

·        Mowed the lawn with Nathaniel on my back.

·        Scrubbed our shower.

·        Went on a date with Julie. That was a bummer. ☹

Today was a full Sunday. Church was nice. Meetings before Church were effective. Ward Youth Council this month was better than last, although we still had a fair amount of screen time on the part of some of the youth. My initial thought after the meeting was to ask them next time to put their phones away, but the Spirit prompted otherwise. Get to know them and let them get to know me. That's going to be much more effective than "nagging." We'll see.

Had a 2½ hour training meeting with the Stake Presidency. It was long, but I love spending time with those men. There is a brotherhood among Bishops that I had heard about but never understood. I try very hard to keep my mouth closed so I can learn from them and from the Holy Ghost.

Dinner tonight at Dad and Mom's was delicious. Typical Sunday dinner with berries and cream for dessert. I would have loved to eat more, but I was full! Read scriptures together after, then put the kids in bed. They went to sleep reasonably well. Spencer and I went on a drive, then journal and bed.

Ministering: I hope my service to our ward is effective and helps them draw closer to the Savior. I was asked to lead the discussion in YW today, and really enjoyed that. We discussed the following scriptures, with a very brief summary of what I learn:

·       Matthew 14:13–21 With Jesus' help, what we have is enough.

·       John 9:1–11 Sometimes hard things are just part of life. We can serve others without judging.

·       John 13:4–5, 12–17 No one is too good to serve another person.

·       3 Nephi 17:5–10  Jesus met people's needs one by one.

Thankful: I don't mean this to sound arrogant in any way, but I am thankful that I have been spared so much of the heartache that comes from sin. Discussing the needs of the members of our Stake, how to counsel with various problems, membership counsels, etc. made me remember how naïve I really am, and I am thankful for that.

Off to sleep. More later…

Some of my favorite people: