Wednesday, December 23, 2009

HOme AGaiN in UtaH

We left our loved Palmyra, NY mission on Nov. 13th -- finishing our fourth mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was one of those bitter-sweet times -- anxious to go home and see our family and friends there, but sad to leave those sacred Church History Sites and all our wonderful friends and missionaries there in Palmyra and the Rochester, NY Mission.

We went to Catawissa, PA and spent a couple of days with our grandson's cute little family, Jaron & Heather, Emmy, Carter, Ashton & Lilly. Oh, how we love these dear grandchildren and great grandchildren -- and ALL of our other children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

We arrived home the 18th of Nov. and were met by our daughter, Kristi and our son, Glenn and grandson, Jacob. Also, my sister & her husband (Elder & Sister Bennett) came to welcome us home. What a fun WELCOME HOME!!

As many of you know, Kristi and Brent were doing a remodeling job on our home during this past summer, so it was such a pleasant treat to come home to a practically new home -- new kitchen & cupboards, new wood floor in the kitchen, freshly painted rooms and all new carpet, and a beautiful new front door ensemble. It is beautiful and we LOVE it! The kids have done a wonderful job, we thank them abundantly and will be in their debt for a long, long time. Our grandchildren, Clint & Katie also helped with the remodel job, thanks to you too. We are so grateful for the talents of all of these and their love and willingness to help with this project. It certainly was a "labor of love" and we appreciate it so very much. (I'll try to attach some pictures and stuff later.)

On Sunday (the 22nd of Nov.) we were asked to report our mission in Sacrament mtg. -- it seemed so sudden, but we were happy to have the opportunity and get it done so soon. All of our children were here -- Glenn & Susan, Brooke, Jacob came up from Highland, UT and our son, Kevin & Edith Ann and family (Kristin, Justin, Kyle, & Kelley) came from Calif. on Sat. and were here to spend the whole Thanksgiving week with us. We went to Inkom, ID to Kristi & Brent's house for Thanksgiving dinner and a wonderful day -- their children, Trisha & Danny and kids, Ali & Grant came from Clarkston, WA and Clint & Katie and Corgin were there too. What a wonderful THANKSGIVING we had -- and so very much to be thankful for.

We have felt the joy and blessings from our Heavenly Father so greatly in the past 18 months and we feel to offer our gratitude and thanks to Him for the wonderful experience of serving at the "Birthplace of the Restoration." It certainly has been a privilege and an honor to serve at these sacred Sites where the Prophet Joseph Smith lived, where that glorious vision took place, where the Book of Mormon plates were found and translated and published, and where the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was organized and brought forth the truths and authority needed for this last dispensation of time. We pray that we and all of our family will ALWAYS serve our Heavenly Father and follow the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As we celebrate the Savior's birth this Christmas season -- we wish all of our wonderful family and friends a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

4 comments:

Bob and Susan said...

You are lucky to have Christmas at home. We were a little home sick this year, Elder Bird had a bad head ache and couldn't enjoy the mission party.
Thanks for being such a good example to us, we look up to you as our example.

Kristi said...

Yes...I tweaked it a little!! Glad you're home, and glad for a new blog! We were wondering if you had forgotten about it!

Life's New Adventures at home said...

We are glad you are home and look forward to getting together. We are excited to share part of your mission this summer at the pagent.
We look forward to your new adventure in life, whatever that might be.

Jana said...

It was fun to see you at the Christmas party. I am looking forward to pictures of your home. Love you!