Hamblin Happenings

Curious...

2010-11-17T10:24:00.000-08:00

So this post is just to let you all know that this blog would not even exist if it weren't for our lovely daughter Kristi. She is just about the greatest person ever...except for all her flaws! But she likes to hack into her mother's blog and write all sorts of outrageous things, and then sit back and wait to see how long it takes for anyone even to notice...since this blog goes unattended for months on end. The thing is, it obviously takes a computer genius, (or Kristi) to figure out just how to upload pictures to the computer, then on to the blog. Ha ha! (Donna has done it over and over and done just a great job, but all of a sudden she thinks it is too complicated!) So...we will just sit back and keep all those pictures on our camera, and refuse to share them or any aspects of our lives with you, until Kristi can get to it. Sorry for the inconvenience, but please remember how much we love our delightful, but mischevious daughter!!

A little update...by Kristi

2010-06-08T07:48:00.000-07:00

Well...I will just start by saying...this post is done entirely by our AMAZING daughter, Kristi, so...keep that in mind as you read!

In March, we celebrated Dad's 80th Birthday!! It was fun to go to the church and have lots of friends and family come to celebrate with us. Ray was the hit of the party...and he doesn't look a day over 79!!

Happy Birthday, Dad!!

In April we took a little trip down to Arizona, with Linda, Gary, and Karyl Lee...to visit our sister, Marie and her family. It was a great get-together and a nice reunion of sisters.

Karyl Lee, Donna, Karel, Marie and Linda

Then we were supposed to go to the airport the first part of April to pick Kristi up from her visit to Jaron's house, but what we thought was just a little jaunt turned into a WINTERY journey!! It was snowing SO HARD! This is what we ended up with by the next morning!

Yes, that's a yardstick...buried half way!!

Then the end of April...we left on a cruise with once again, our AMAZING daughter, Kristi and her husband, Brent

for the Southern Carribean.

We visited lots of islands...

It was great to be back in Barbados and get to see the old sites again!

We had the best time with Kristi and Brent...seeing the country.

Kristi didn't know she was in the wrong bathroom!!

We were also able to stop in Orlando on our way home, to see Tanessa and Jake and the little girls. Addi posing in her new little Carribean Outfit!!

While we were gone...Clint and Katie had their baby, and we were able to run up to Pocatello to see the new little guy! Linkoln Paul Simonson.

And of course, Corgin...in his new little suit...so cute!

Besides all of the family things...we have gone on a few little side trips...to St. George to a Mission Reunion and down to Provo for Deaun's 80th Birthday Bash...we keep pretty busy between working at the Bountiful Temple, getting our yard back in shape, and doing family things!

This picture was taken with Deaun's family after she went to the Temple in December.

We attended the baby blessing of Clint's new little son, Linkoln just this last Sunday and were able to go down and spend some time with them, Kristi and Brent, and Kristin.

Then had to rush back home for other responsibilities!

Kristin was able to drive down from Rexburg to see the new baby.

So, this is just a few of the things we have been up to.

(And the only ones our AMAZING daughter, Kristi had some pictures for!)

(So...here you go Mom...it only took me 10 minutes or so...and if you don't like it, you can erase it and start over!! haha....I love you!)

Homecoming Surprises

2010-01-24T19:32:00.000-08:00

When we arrived home from our mission in New York we discovered the surprises that our daughter & son-in-law, Kristi & Brent had been planning and working on during the summer. We knew they had been doing some remodeling work on our home, but since it was suppose to be a surprise we had no idea just what all they had been doing.

WHAT A SURPRISE!!

The dining room area.

The Kitchen
(new cupboards and wood floor)

In the kitchen
(new countertop - Brent & Clint made this)

Living room w/fireplace
(Grandpa is enjoying)

Living room
(looking into hallway & entrance)

Beautiful new entry door

And new tiled entryway
(Clint did this area - thanks, Clint!)

Guest bedroom

Master bedroom area
(Amish hand quilted bedspread,
an Anniversary gift from Grandpa)

This gives you a little glimpse of some of the new things in our home.
They really did a GREAT job and it is beautiful
(AND MUCH APPRECIATED!!)
There is new carpet throughout, new doors and closet doors, new woodwork and crown molding, new dishwasher & microwave, new living room furniture. Then to have everything newly painted and nice and clean, it is wonderful!
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

HOme AGaiN in UtaH

2009-12-23T21:23:00.000-08:00

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!

BeaUtiFul WEsTeRn NY

2009-11-01T18:04:00.000-08:00

These are the beautiful mini mums at the Welcome Center
at the Joseph Smith Sr. farm -- touched with overnight frost!

Looking across the Smith farm to beautiful autumn trees.

In Palmyra, NY some of the last of the beautiful yellow leaves in the yard of this lovely old house.

Welcome to the Peter Whitmer Farm, Fayette, NY.

A first view of the Whitmer farm: sign & flowers, flag, colorful trees, and the beautiful Chapel. This Chapel (one of a kind) was built in 1980 for the 150th Anniversary of the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

At the Whitmer Farm, the lovely flowers and trees beginning to change colors and make for a BEAUTIFUL autumn.

Finally, the same trees at the Whitmer Farm on Oct 22nd. By the next week the leaves were all gone.

FAREWELL TO ELDER & SISTER BENNETT

2009-09-29T11:03:00.000-07:00

I know you're "trunky," but this is ridiculous!!
"She can't ride in the trunk, Gary!"
Preparations, preparations -- of course it will all fit.

"We've got all the stuff from our house, but what about the stuff at Hamblins? "
Let's go see!

"We're rearranging, AGAIN?"
"These suction bags are growing!!"

"Did you make enough room for the TV?"
"Do you think it will fit?"

"Hurry, shut the doors before the load shifts!!"
The last "Farewell" and "Good-byes."

Last Sister hug!! "We won't be far behind you."

OUR FONDEST FAREWELL!!

To the Bennetts (aka; Linda and Gary):
You have fought a good fight, you have finished the work you were sent here to do. What an asset you have been to this mission -- the GREAT tour givers, the Office guru and "car-czar", the all around computer genius, the other half of the crazy party gals, and all around good friends to everyone who serves here in the Rochester NY Mission. What else could we expect from two WONDERFUL people like you two.

It's been our blessing and our privilege to serve here with you. The togetherness has been great as we're shared work and family together. Being able to share adventures here at these Sacred Church History Sites, where the roots of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints first had their beginning will long be remembered. We've made some wonderful memories here that will be cherished forever!!

The FIRST is LAST -- Kevin's Family Visits

2009-08-26T13:24:00.001-07:00

The Kevin Hamblin Family
Kelley, Kristin, Edith Ann, Kevin, Justin, Kyle

They arrived in NY on July 15, 2009 - this is at our apartment.

Visiting the Peter Whitmer Farm in Fayette, NY
Kyle, Kristin & Justin enjoying the grass, flowers, & sign!

The Hamblin Family inside the Whitmer Log Home where the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
was organized on 6 April 1830

The Angel Moroni Monument
atop the Hill Cumorah.

We went on a boat ride
on the Erie Canal aboard the
"Colonial Bell."
It was a beautiful day &
a wonderful trip.

We had our "rained out"
picnic inside the garage.
It was fun any way!

It's Pageant time:

Hill Cumorah Pageant, the
largest outdoor theater in
the Nation. Seating for
9,000 people -- cast of
hundreds! Excitement!

The cast members mingle with the guests. Great opportunities for picture taking and gathering referral cards -- and making friends.

We visited Niagara Falls and went on the "Maid of the Mist" boat ride up into the Horseshoe Falls. It was a wet ride, but it was fun!

Here we are up on the scenic deck that overlooks the river and both the Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls. The American Falls can be seen directly behind us.

It was soooooo FUN having our children and grandchildren
here with us. THANKS FOR COMING!!!!
It was LOTS of FUN

FUN TIMES -- FAMILY ADVENTURES

2009-08-03T09:05:00.001-07:00

Glenn and Susan Hamblin Family
Jacob, Susan, Glenn and Brooke

"Welcome to our little home in Palmyra, NY"
They arrived on July 7th, a few days before the
Hill Cumorah Pageant.
We went to the Pageant dress rehearsal on Thurs. night, July 9th.
It's a good thing we did because when we went again on Sat. night
it was rained out mid-way during the performance.
This was only the third time in twenty years that the
Pageant has been rained out, and it poured!
Boy, did we get wet!

This was their tour at the Joseph Smith frame home
on the Smith Farm.

Jake at the Peter Whitmer Farm where the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
was organized on April 6, 1830.
He is standing next to the sculpture of the
Restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood
which is displayed in the Visitor's Center there.

We attended a session at the Palmyra Temple.
It overlooks the beautiful Sacred Grove,
what a peaceful and lovely place!

Elder Hamblin (Dad), Susan, and Sister Hamblin (Mom)
on the Temple grounds after our session there.

Our Erie Canal Adventure on the Colonial Belle.
Glenn, Brook, Jake and Susan.

Before we boarded the boat at the Erie Canal.
Mom, Brooke, Jake, and Dad.

Aboard the Colonial Belle -- enjoying beautiful sunshine and
a cool breeze on the upper deck.
(Glenn on the phone razzing Kristi about their rainy ride in June).

This is a video of Jake dancing and entertaining all
the guests on the boat during our Erie Canal cruise.
They all loved it!!

Susan, Jake, Brooke and Glenn

ready to say, "Goodbye" to their vacation in NY.
We hated to see them go, the weather had been GREAT and our
times together had been FUN.
We hope testimonies have been strengthened and a wonderful
re-awakening of the restoration of
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has been enjoyed.
HERE WHERE IT ALL HAPPENED

We LOVE all of you. THANK YOU for coming!!

SPECIAL PEOPLE - SPECIAL PLACES

2009-07-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

Our daughter and son-in-law, Kristi and Brent
visited us in mid June.
We were so glad they came to see these wonderful Church History Sites. And, of course we were happy to have them visit us too.

Here are the four of us with the Christus at the Hill Cumorah Visitor's Center.

Brent and Kristi at the Book of Mormon exhibit at the bottom of the Hill Cumorah.

We also visited and took a tour of the Church Girl's Camp on Seneca Lake. I think Kristi was adequately impressed with the facilities there, though she thought these NY girls must be pretty spoiled. Especially with having lake front property and swimming in this beautiful lake.

This is sunset on Seneca Lake -- note the fishing boat in the shine pattern of the sun.
Kristi took this picture and I thought she did a GREAT job.

Jaron and Heather and the 4 kids came up from Pennsylvania for a day to see their parents and us. We went to Niagara Falls and did the Maid of the Mist boat ride. It was pretty cold and VERY wet and rainy. Emmy and Ashton really didn't like all the WET,
but Lilly didn't complain nor did Carter.

Actually Carter gave it "Two Thumbs Up"
and he really LOVED it.

Catch Up Blog

2009-06-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

It's Lilac Time

Early in May each year Rochester, NY has a Lilac Festival.
People from all over the world come to see the lilacs here. It is REALLY beautiful.
Lilacs of all different colors, and sizes cover a whole hillside.

This is us by some beautiful lilac bushes.

Elder Hamblin amidst the lilacs.

Some really pretty novelty hybrid.

A variety of bushes, different sizes and colors.

More lovely and different lilacs.

GReaT GranDKidS

2009-06-11T07:24:00.000-07:00

WELCOME, WELCOME to the Simonson family!!
Shortly after Jaron & Heather moved to Pennsylvania, Heather and the great grandkids came to Palmyra for a quick overnight visit with us. It was so fun to see our precious little ones again.

This is Emmy, Carter, Ashton and Lilly standing in front of the Christus at the Hill Cumorah Visitor's Center.

And Heather and Lilly in the Resource Room at the Visitor's Center.

Ashton looking at one of the Book of Mormon story videos.

And Emmy and Carter discovering it was raining when we came out of the Visitor's Center. You'd think these were kids from the West who had never seen rain. HA! HA!

Earlier that morning we went to the top of the Hill Cumorah and saw the Angel Moroni Statue and the kids loved the lush green hill and all the things to see.
They also went to the Smith Family Farm while we were gone on our Site assignment, but it started to rain so they didn't get to go to the Sacred Grove.
That will leave us something special to do when they come next time. We hope Jaron will be able to come with them then.
Thank You for coming! We have missed all of you so very much
and we loved having you here.

Visit to NY -- Church History Sites - 2009

2009-05-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

A BIG WELCOME to Clint, Katie and Corgin!
April 29, 2009
A visit to the Church History Sites in Palmyra, NY
and a fun visit with Grandpa & Grandma Hamblin.

The first morning here brought a walk in the Sacred Grove at the

Smith farm. It's early spring and the leaves are just beginning to appear.

A fun time on the golf carts at the Girl's Camp on Seneca Lake.
A nice visit with Elder and Sister Taylor from Pocatello, ID too.

Their visit to the Peter Whitmer farm in Fayette, NY

OUR VISIT TO NIAGARA FALLS:

Everyone loved the boat ride on the The Maid of the Mist,

But we did get WET, really WET!!

Grandpa and Grandma loved the
Falls, both the American Falls (right) and the Horsehoe Falls (left).

Corgin loved the tulips, too.

After our trip into the Falls on the Maid of the Mist, we went

over to the Hard Rock Cafe

for lunch, it was lots of fun.

THE HILL CUMORAH

Atop the Hill Cumorah is the

Angel Moroni monument,

it is a beautiful marker and

has scenes from the Restoration period on each side.

Corgin loved the

steps down to the monument.
"Look Mom, I can do it myself."

Corgin wanted to run down the hill so off they went -- it was pretty steep, but FUN.

At the bottom of the Hill Cumorah is the large stone monument of the Book of Mormon. A favorite picture spot.

Inside the Visitor's Center is a

large Christus statue in a

setting of the Sacred Grove.

A special picture spot.

What a treat for Corgin, to sit at the feet of the Savior!

And he is aptly awed and reverent.

Along the trail at Watkins Glen.
Beautiful waterfalls and pools along the steep narrow canyon.

The long walk back from the Watkins Glen waterfalls.

A free ride and jump along the Watkins Glen trail!

Corgin loved the big dry leaves, they tickled!!!

Corgin tried every morning to eat the glass fruit on Grandma's table.

And he proved he could run away from Grandpa.

We loved the visit and seeing our cute grandchildren and our great grand Corgin.
WE WISH YOU A SAFE JOURNEY HOME
WITH OUR LOVE.

SPrinG in the SAcReD GRoVE

2009-04-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

Spring

Warmth has FINALLY decided to come to Western New York.

The Sacred Grove is beginning to show signs of Spring.

Early spring flowers blooming,

buds are popping, geese are
honking, birds are singing,
ducks are swimming.

"Bees were humming, sweet birds singing
Music ringing through the Grove."

"When within the shady wood land
Joseph sought the God of love."

"Joseph's humble prayer was answered
For he saw the living God."

INTERNATIONAL DAY

2009-04-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

A few days ago we were at the Peter Whitmer Farm in Fayette, NY and we had quite a day. I think we had about 36 visitors, but the remarkable thing about it was that in those visitors we had people from 9 nations!! There was a family from Sweden, a young couple from France, some from Australia, England, Ireland, Wales, So. Africa, Zambia and of course, the United States. And one of those from the U.S. was a native of Tonga. We could hardly believe what a host of different nationalities were represented in just that one day. Elder Hamblin (Dad, Grandpa -- whoever that guy is - HA!) said it was surely fulfillment of prophecy:

"And ye shall go forth in the power of my Spirit, preaching my gospel, two by two, in my name, lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, declaring my word like unto angels of God. . . . .
And I give unto you a commandment that then ye shall teach them unto all men; for they shall be taught unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people."

Doctrine & Covenants 42:6 and 58

It's fulfillment of prophecy, except we didn't need to go anywhere else because the Lord was bringing them to us.

HOORAY FOR THE GOSPEL!!

6 April 1830 -- 6 April 2009

2009-04-06T19:54:00.001-07:00

The Peter Whitmer Farm -- Fayette, NY

Today was the 179th Anniversary of the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Fayette, NY. We were there today holding a Zone Conf. and reviewed all the things pertaining to the organization of the Church, it was pretty neat!

(Sisters: Harris and Porter; Baez and Catalludi)

This is a picture of four of our young Sister missionaries -- this was taken last summer and some of them have already finished their missions and gone home. This is the sign at the Whitmer Farm which is the visitor's first introduction to this Historical Site.

Today -- 6 April 2009

It still looks like winter time at the Peter Whitmer log home -- rainy and cold. But we were there!

Cozy and warm inside the log home. We stood where the Prophet Joseph Smith stood as he organized the Church 179 years ago. What a wonderful blessing in our lives to be able to serve here at these Sacred Places! It is great to see how the Church has grown, from the foundation of 6 members and is now at 13 and a half million. This is the TRUE Church, Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration, and the Book of Mormon is true and going forth to the whole world by the work of the missionaries and members.

"For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fulness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language" Doctrine & Covenants 90:11

It all started HERE in Palmyra and Fayette, NY. What a great blessing to the World!!

On This Day in History -- 9 March 1930

2009-03-09T13:50:00.001-07:00

My Ray was born ---

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Ray! (DAD, GRANDPA, UNCLE, BROTHER, ELDER, etc)
Today is Ray's 79th Birthday -- and he's still going strong!

What a delight for him to be able to continue serving the Lord, even at this advanced stage of his life. Hoooorah!!

We continually look back on our lives in wonder and awe at all the wonderful things we've been able to do -- it is certainly a treasure book of memories!

From our early struggles with getting Ray's schooling finished and starting our family, to all the years in the Church Educational System (Arizona, Montana and Utah) and the joys of missionary service (Barbados, West Indies; Roanoke, VA; St. George, UT; and Palmyra, NY) we have enjoyed the choice blessings of our Heavenly Father.

We have three WONDERFUL children -- Kevin, Kristi, and Glenn and they have blessed our lives continually. And then they have given us eleven ADORABLE grandchildren -- (4) Kristin, Justin, Kyle, Kelley; (5) Jaron, Trisha, Clinton, Tanessa, Jacob; (2) Brooke, Jacob. And in turn some of those grandchildren have married and have given us eight simply DARLING little great grandchildren -- Emmy, Carter, Ashton, Lilly; Ali, Grant; Corgin; Addi. (P.S. I want to add that we also have some GREAT in-laws in our family: son-in-law Brent Simonson; daughters-in-law Edith Ann Hamblin and Susan Hamblin. And several grandchildren in-laws: Heather Simonson; Katie Simonson; Daniel Evans; Jacob Larsen.) What else could we ever want?? All of you have blessed our lives tremendously!! THANK YOU!

Ray has had a wonderful life -- from his carefree days in Eagar, AZ where he enjoyed the small town atmosphere of knowing everybody in town and sharing his life with lots of relatives and many great friends. Enjoying his life as a "cowboy" and small town "dude."

We met in Provo, UT when he came to go to college at BYU. Here he found another fun family to be a part of his life, he loved them and they loved him! It was a school year romance for 2 years, with Ray returning home each summer to work for the US Forest Service. Then in June 1950 he accepted a mission call and served in the West Central States Mission for 2 years. We became engaged in Nov. 1951 with a "mail order" ring sent from the missionfield. Ha! He returned from his mission in June and we were married August 15, 1952 -- six weeks after his return. It has been a wonderful life together!!

The purpose of this little bit of history is to let all of our family (children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren) know what a GREAT man this Grandpa is. He honors his Priesthood and loves the Lord, he has a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He loves serving the Lord and also serving all those around him; he loves all of his family with honorable devotion and sacrifices many times so others can be comfortable and enjoy life.

He has always made my life enjoyable and happy and I THINK I WILL KEEP HIM!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HONEY!!!

Winter Blah

2009-02-08T05:25:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted for awhile, so thought I'd better do a little blogging. This is the slow wintertime here in western NY and we'd like to hibernate like everyone else does, but we keep going to the Sites and we still go teaching with the Sister missionaries -- even if it's a slow & stormy day.

The weather has warmed up some from the zero temperatures we had for a few weeks, now it's rainy and windy. With all the snow we have it could make things pretty soggy.

We have transfers this week and Zone Conf. next week, so we will be doubly busy. We worked at the Visitor's Center at the Hill Cumorah today and had about 35 visitors, so it was fun to see some people coming again. There were lots of the Sister missionaries who were hanging around too, so that's always interesting and full of fun. Last week we had a cute couple from Brazil visit at the Grandin Bldg. Elder Hamblin and I took them on the tour and they really loved it. During the tour they confided in us that they had not been active in the Church for several years, but that he had just taken a new job and had been sent to Geneva, NY for some training. When they saw that it was only about 15 miles to Palmyra, they decided to come and see the Church History Sites -- the Grandin bldg. was their first stop. He was quite emotional and really sincere when he told me he thought this must have been the reason he was sent here for training and she was in tears by the time we had shared our testimonies. They could hardly wait to get to the Smith Farm and the Sacred Grove. She hugged and hugged me when they were ready to leave and I'm sure the Spirit had touched their hearts. It felt so good to have someone respond so tenderly like that!!

There's not much new going on here. Oh, we do have a new piece of furniture -- this sweet companion I live with bought me a new rocker/recliner. The old chair here in the apt. was killing my back, so we splurged and bought an inexpensive (but nice) one that we can leave for someone else to enjoy when we go home. It's a great improvement!

A WinTer DaY at the SMitH FaRm!!

2009-01-18T05:03:00.000-08:00

A quick follow-up on our Saturday:

We worked our shift at the Temple in the morning, then had the afternoon shift at the Joseph Smith Farm. We had 31 visitors from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. I think nearly all of them also visited the Sacred Grove after their tour of the Welcome Center and the Log Home and the Frame Home (our 1/2 mi. walking tour). The Sacred Grove walk meant "breaking trail" thru the snow -- and they'd come back nearly frozen. Then they'd thaw out a little and say how they loved the tour and the Grove.

It was the beginning of the 3-day holiday weekend I guess that brought more people than usual. Some of them were Dental students from Buffalo and their little families, and some were from Utah and around that were taking advantage of Southwest Airlines half-price special "if you fly to or thru Buffalo, NY."

All is well, we too "thawed out" after our busy afternoon!!!

SNOWY and COLD!

January -- New York Winter

2009-01-16T18:28:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed the beautiful Christmas decorations at the Visitor's Center. This was about the last day before they came down.

It's time to begin a New Year and this one seems to be a COLD one!! The HIGH temperature today (Jan. 16) was 10 degrees -- breaking a record of 11 degrees that has stood since 1893 (according to news reports). The wind chill makes it much colder, but (from inside) the brief sunshine made it appear much warmer! We are grateful for a warm, cozy apartment where the furnace works well.

Tours at the Sites have slowed down quite a bit with the COLD weather and storms, but we still "man the posts" and greet those who do come. Some of our missionary couples are completing their missions soon and will be returning home. One couple left this week and we have two more couples leaving in March. We will have a new couple arriving the end of this month, then one more the end of Feb. and another one coming the end of March (these last ones are the Hamblin's from Ivins, UT). We may find some distant cousins serving with us, we are excited to discover just who they are.

We love our mission and enjoy having people visit these Sacred and wonderful sites. It's a joy to bear our testimonies of the truthfulness of the gospel and of the events that happened here. We feel thankful every day for the opportunity we have to serve here. We pray always that you children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will feel of the blessings of the restoration of the gospel, and that you will each be an example to others of righteous living and service to our Father in Heaven. We pray always for these blessings for each of you.

All is well with us -- despite my "stumble bumming" fall on New Year's Eve which left me with a well "tatooed" black and blue elbow and arm, but it is getting better. I'm grateful for no broken bones and a good LDS chiropractor and his good care.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2009-01-01T16:58:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all of our family and friends!!

We can hardly believe 2009 is beginning -- seems like the time is really flying by. We are so thankful for all the wonderful blessings that has come to us as we serve here at the Birthplace of the Restoration. We truly have felt the Spirit of the Lord in our lives and we love bearing testimony to the truthfulness of the restoration and the truths of the gospel. We are also grateful for the blessings of health and strength and the ability to serve. We thank all of you who support and sustain us -- and in all you do for us. It is with grateful hearts that we acknowledge the birth of our Savior, the example He set for us, and His atoning sacrifice for all of us.

This past week has been a busy time -- lots of fun activities with all our wonderful Senior missionary friends, and many of the young Sister missionaries. We had a brunch together on both Christmas and New Year's Day, also some fun programs and talents to go along with the good food. We also attended a live Nativity program and had a Family Home Evening program to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith. This evening we went to dinner at Elder and Sister Pinegar's (an old Page Elementary School reunion, he called it) -- the Pinegar's, the Bennett's and us, we all attended that old school together in our youth (at least Linda and I and Ed Pinegar). It was fun to remember all those old teachers we had and friends we'd almost forgotten. The Pinegars will finish their mission and be leaving soon, they will be sorely missed.

This greeted us for the last day of 2008, this was following a mid-winter thaw a few days earlier. This is looking toward Linda and Gary's house and the Sacred Grove parking area.

This week was transfers for some missionaries. Elder McKee and Elder Wilson came by the Grandin bldg. to let us know Elder McKee was being transferred from Palmyra. They are both really good missionaries and they have seemed to "adopt" us.

Here they were hugging us goodbye. Note: Elder McKee's long distance hug for me. HA!!

They came for dinner with us, afterwards when they went into the bedroom to change to their missionary suits they "spied" Elder Hamblin's boots. So out they came with each of them wearing a pair of his boots. What a "hoot" these two are!!!

This is all of our Site Sister missionaries at the Hill Cumorah Visitor's Center following our Site mtg. last week. They are wonderful, dedicated young women. Hoorah! for Sister Missionaries!!!!

Christmas Festivities

2008-12-31T14:03:00.000-08:00

This is the set up for our Christmas brunch at the Stake Center. Everything was so pretty! We had the Senior missionaries, the young Sister missionaries, the Facility Management missionaries, the Temple missionaries, and a few other guests -- there was about 70 in attendance. We had a nice brunch and a FUN program afterward. A nice Christmas morning.

This was the food table.

And this was the drinks table, with Elder Hamblin, Sister Bennett, Elder Bennett, and Elder Huffaker.

This is Sister Halladay -- the "kiwi thief"!! She is the Sister they had to send home with some heart problems. They checked it out and found that it was due to an automobile accident she had shortly before she came on her mission. Some depression on her heart. They cleared her to come back, so she returned the first of Dec. She is quite a character, but she is without doubt the top missionary in getting referral cards. We were happy to have her back.

This is Sister Stanger and Sister Huff. These are the two that have been in the Pittsford Ward with us -- and we go teaching with them. They are adorable! And excellent missionaries. They were the ones to teach and baptize Kong. Sister Huff just got transferred this week -- we will miss her! Though she is one of our "training Sisters" here at the sites, so we will see her often.

Christmas Aftermath

2008-12-31T13:21:00.001-08:00

This is our little Christmas tree with our Santa gift and some pretty pink roses Ray gave me.

This is a close up of the "Face to Face" First Vision Sculpture that is a replica of the BIG one we had at the Sacred Grove in the Welcome Center. We really wanted this one as a remembrance of our mission here.

This is my very favorite Christmas Card! It's from Jacob and Brooke and contains a personal recording of a Christmas message
from each of them. It was so fun to hear their voices! Glenn said Jacob found the card -- THANKS, Jacob! Inside the card it said, "Love You Bunches" and plays "Jingle Bell Rock." What a treat!

This is our Christmas card wall. Lots of fun cards, photos, and wonderful greetings from family and friends! Thank you all for your thoughtfulness in remembering us at this holiday time. We loved the pictures and letters we received.

Thanks!

2008-12-26T18:25:00.000-08:00

Dear family,

Well, Christmas is over for another year. We just wanted to thank each of you for your phone calls and gifts -- it really brightened up our day to hear from all of you. Holidays (& especially Christmas) can be a lonely time without your family. We do love all of you and appreciate all you do for us. Thank You, Thank You!!!

It sounds like the weather has been really crazy -- actually everywhere! Kevin's family even getting some snow and hail. And Krist & Brent getting snowed and drifted in!! Snow also at Glenn's and we read in the newspaper that many roads had been closed in Utah because of the storms.

We had snow and BITTER cold about a week ago and now this morning they are predicting a high of 60 degrees tomorrow. CRAZY!!!! This morning I can even see some "green grass" showing thru the snow across the street.

All is well with us and we did have a really NICE Christmas -- activities seemed to keep us busy yesterday and now we're tired to start the weekend. HA!!

We hope all of you will post some Christmas pictures on your blogs, so we can enjoy some of your Christmas. (Glenn, remember you were going to post some pictures of you new truck???)

Love you all, Mom (& Dad, too)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2008-12-24T07:21:00.001-08:00

We wish all of our Family and Friends a Very Merry Christmas! And a Happy, Happy New Year!

These are our meager little outside decorations for Christmas -- candles in the windows and our tiny tree and presents. But at least, it greets us with some color and cheer!

This is Elder and Sister Hamblin going to work at the Grandin Bldg. on Monday (22nd). This mountain of snow was scraped from our parking lot. In the background is the Towpath Retirement Center where we do our service project with "Meals on Wheels." This mountain of snow, continued snow, 14 degree weather, and wind chill enough to freeze you to the bone greeted our Christmas week. Tho' it has tempered quite a bit and should be more pleasant for Christmas Day.

Most of the senior couples went out to Honeoye Falls (near Mendon, NY) to Brother and Sister Tuttle's place for a live animal and children Nativity Program for Family Home Evening on Monday night. It was in a big barn and it was cold, but the half mile walk to and from the barn was REALLY COLD and the wind chill was definitely sub zero. I don't think I've ever been soooooo cold in my whole life!!!!!

Just thought I'd add a picture of three of our sweet Sister missionaries -- Sister Nielsen, Sister Silva, and Sister Porter. This was Sister Porter's last Site mtg., she finished her mission and went home on Monday this week. She is from Kaysville. These Sister missionaries are really WONDERFUL, sweet girls!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like CHRISTMAS!!

2008-12-12T19:16:00.000-08:00

Winter time has come to northern New York! We don't know if the COLD, COLD weather comes from the humidity from the Great Lakes or just from the cold winds from Canada (or the North Pole!), but it is COLD. We had a really nice Interfaith Devotional program at the Fayette Ward bldg. down at the Whitmer Farm last Sunday -- the Senior Sisters sang Pres. Hinckley's special hymn, "My Redeemer Lives" to accompany a special slide presentation. It was a real special evening. The couples also mingled with the crowd and served refreshments and encouraged referral cards. We also stayed to view the First Presidency Christmas Devotional following the program. It was a nice evening.

We had a baptism the end of November. The Sister missionaries had been teaching Kong for quite some time and we have been going with them to teach him for a few months. He is a Laotian man who was formerly a Buddist. He still doesn't speak real good English and is still learning a lot about Christianity and about the Church. His name is Kong Onesengmani, his wife died about a year ago and he has a 13 yr. old son that lives with him and another son who is about 21 yrs. old and is going to school in Laos.

This is our small Christmas tree that is in our entryway porch. We also have a few lights outside, so it is beginning to look a little Christmasy.

We do have a little Christmas tree on our desk in our living room, it's kind of cute and we like it.

Our missionary crew, us and Elder and Sister Bennett (Linda & Gary) by the Christmas tree and Nativity at the Grandin Publishing Co. bldg. in downtown Palmyra, NY.

We bought warm wool coats for the cold New York winter!!!! And you better believe, we really need them!!!

A Time to Give Thanks

2008-11-17T16:30:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again -- when the Holidays seem to sneak up on us and we realize that another year has nearly passed us by. It has been an interesting and exciting time for us -- a time of change and opportunities that we never imagined might come our way. We are so Thankful for all the blessings we have enjoyed and do enjoy from day to day.

First, we are so Thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the blessings of the gospel that have enriched and guided us and our family these many, many years. How blessed we are to be able to serve the Lord again in the mission field and especially here at the Birthplace of the Restoration.

We are so very Thankful for all of our family : Each of our children and their spouses who have been so supportive and loving through all of our adventures and wanderings -- we do appreciate your concern and all you do for us. Our grandchildren and their kindness in remembering us and keeping in touch with us (and those of you who have provided good spouses to add joy and spice to the family -- we are thankful for them too). Then there are our sweet little great grandchildren who are always a joy and delight in our lives, such adorable children, every one!
Thank You, dear Lord!!

We are Thankful also for all of our extended family and many, many friends who bless and enrich our lives almost daily, for your thoughts and prayers in our behalf -- and for the notes and phone calls that seem to encourage us and keep us going.

We are especially Thankful for good health that allows us to serve and to go and do the things that enrich our lives and allow us to enjoy the freedom of mobility. HA!

We cherish our testimonies of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the many opportunities we have to share those testimonies with such a wide variety of people from throughout the world. We are Thankful for the many, many blessings that have come to us and paved our path through life with kindness and joy.

We are grateful to have each other and to enjoy the love, companionship and friendship of a long and happy life together.

May the good Lord bless and keep each of you, our dear ones!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Odds and Ends

2008-11-07T19:09:00.000-08:00

Our Farewell to the "Face to Face" statue at the Welcome Center. They're taking it to SLC. (Click and enlarge the picture and note the hole in Joseph's shoe and the worn heels too -- I loved this quiet reference to him being a poor farm boy.)

Our Missionary foursome (the Bennett's and us) at the Welcome Center with our beloved Statue before it leaves the Historic Site. (Oct. 27, 2008)

Looks like a farewell to autumn, our first skift of snow at our apartment. Snow on our little pumpkin. Though we have had more lovely autumn days since the snow.

Our beautiful view of the last of the autumn colors, looking across the street from our front porch. (Click on the picture to enlarge and see the beautiful colors).

This is our farewell to Tanessa, Jake and Addi as they load up for the trip to the airport and their flight back to Orlando, FL. It was such a fun visit for us and hope they can come back again soon.

Random -- Before the Grandkids left.

2008-10-26T18:59:00.001-07:00

Tanessa and Jake in our front yard by our pretty little tree. (Linda's house in the background).

Addi liked her naps on Grandpa and Grandma's bed. With blankey, binkey, and Ellie.

Jake and Tanessa trying to close the book so they can go home.

Touring the Church History Sites -- Oct 19th 2008

2008-10-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

WHITMER FARM, SMITH FARM AND THE SACRED GROVE.

On Sunday we took Tanessa, Jake and Addi to our Ward in Pittsford and then we spent the rest of the day touring the Church History Sites. They had the opportunity to visit the Whitmer Farm in Fayette where the Church was organized on April 6,1830. We also visited the Smith Farm where Joseph Smith's family lived and farmed when Joseph was young. We visited the Log Home and the Frame Home that the Smith's built. We also enjoyed walking in the beautiful Sacred Grove which is part of the original Smith Farm area.

Grandpa, Tanessa, Jake and Addi at the Welcome Center of the Smith Farm, pictured with the beautiful statue of the First Vision called "Face to Face" by Dee Jay Bawden. (Incidentally, we just learned last night [Oct. 25] that this statue is being removed from here and being shipped to Salt Lake City tomorrow) -- we are very sad to see it go! It depicts such a tender and loving Heavenly Father and Christ appearing to the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Jake, Addi and Tanessa in the downstairs of the Smith Log Home. It was from here that Joseph went into the grove to pray.

Tanessa, Jake and Grandpa in the upstairs room of the Smith's Log Home. This is where the Angel Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith on the night of Sept. 21-22, 1823.

Addi leaving the Frame Home where the Smith's lived when Joseph obtained the Plates. This home is 85% original.

Grandpa, Jake , Tanessa and Addi at the entrance to the Sacred Grove.

Tanessa and Jake at one of the OLDER trees in the Sacred Grove. (see below).

This plaque was placed at the foot of this tree in 1962. This may be one of the very oldest trees.

This is our sweet Addi -- stopping to ponder along the trail in the Sacred Grove. She loved all the leaves!!

GRANDIN PRESS AND THE HILL CUMORAH.

They had the tour at the Grandin Publishing Co. where the first 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon were published. Then we went to the Hill Cumorah and they hiked up the Hill at sunset and enjoyed seeing the Moroni Monument and looking around the hill. After which we went to the Visitor's Center resource room where everyone could just mill around and enjoy all the touch screen exhibits and videos.

All of us at the top of the Hill Cumorah.

Grandma Hamblin, Addi and Grandpa Hamblin at the Moroni monument, Hill Cumorah.

Sacred experiences in Palmyra, NY

2008-10-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

On Sat. morning Tanessa and Jake wanted to go to the Palmyra Temple and our assigned Temple shift was on that morning, so it was fun to have them in the Temple with us. Addi went to Linda's house to play with Cami's kids. Afterward we had our assignment at the Smith Farm, so the kids went with Linda's family and took the trip on the Erie Canal on the Colonial Belle. It takes the ship up through the locks on the canal and is quite an adventure. That night we went down to the Hill Cumorah Visitor's Center and had a "private showing" of the movie, "Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration."

Niagara Falls trip -- FUN, FUN, FUN!!

2008-10-20T19:45:00.001-07:00

Tanessa, Jake and Adi arrived to visit us on Thurs. night, Oct. 16th. They flew in on Jet Blue Airlines and said they had a great flight, they really liked Jet Blue. We were so happy to see them and loved having them here for a few days. We planned a trip to Niagara Falls on Friday. We went on the Maid of the Mist cruise up into the Falls, it is so fun to go right up into the middle of the horseshoe shaped falls, with the mist of the falls and the majestic sight of all that water almost completely surrounding you. The sound of all that water falling over those high cliffs is almost overwhelming. We were so glad we went when we did because we found out that the Maid of the Mist cruises were stopping the next week and closing down for the winter.

After the cruise we decided to have lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. None of us had ever been to one and it seemed to be THE place, so we had ribs and sandwiches. Jake loved his mushroom burger! Everything was really good.

This is the Hard Rock Cafe in Niagara Falls where we had lunch. It was quite an experience. Thought we'd hang out with the "Rich and Famous" or at least see how they made their fortunes.

Tess and Jake just "hanging out" at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Addi just enjoyed running around and playing in the rocks along the pathway by the American Falls while we waited for our boat ride up into the Falls. Such a cutie!!! Oh, how we love her.

The American side of Niagara Falls, the water just coming over the brink of the Falls. The sunshine was just over the falls so it was hard to see the camera screen, so most of the shots were "pot luck" -- but this one turned out pretty good for a blind point and click shot.

This is also the American side of Niagara Falls -- with the majestic full falls and the autumn colored leaves and bushes. On the stairs that go up the side of the falls it's fun to feel and see the mist and spray of the Falls.

Jake, Tanessa and Addi boarding the "Maid of the Mist" with their ponchos to keep them dry. Addi loved her little blue poncho and would hardly take it off when we were done with the ride.

Jake, Addi, Tanessa and Grandpa aboard the "Maid of the Mist" for our ride up into the horseshoe falls. What an adventure!!

Autumn in NY

2008-10-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

Sunset from the top of the Hill Cumorah

Autumn leaves in forest.

Sunset from the Visitor's Center.

Flowers at sign and gate to the Palmyra Temple.

The Apple Shed where we buy apples. It's up north of Palmyra in beautiful apple country.

The full moon, pink clouds, and colorful leaves in the early morning hours on Oct. 15th, 2008. This shot is looking from our house to the west toward the Sacred Grove.

Flowers, Fall, & Funny Faces

2008-10-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

Here is our view of the fall flowers and parking lot at the Welcome Center @ the Smith Farm and Sacred Grove.

Our NY skies are ever changing, especially in the fall. Here is a beginning of the sunset after a rainy day.

This is another autumn, Halloween landscape -- Jack-O-Lanterns amidst the fall colors of the bushes.

Pumpkins have met their Waterloo!

2008-10-05T18:17:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd post a few pictures that I took on our way to the Whitmer Farm last Fri. It seems Waterloo, NY really enjoys Halloween -- pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere! The one is in town and is just a cute little display in the front yard, with lights and decorations in the windows and little "people" peering in the door. The BIG pumpkins were in front of a big dairy farm with a big white barn.

Trip to SODUS BAY on LAKE ONTARIO

2008-09-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

Last Wed. on our day off we drove up north to get some apples from the numerous orchards there, then decided to go on up to Sodus Bay on Lake Ontario. It was a beautiful drive and a pretty lake, so decided to share a couple of photos from there.

This is a boat yard in the city of Sodus Bay. I couldn't resist this one -- I wonder what the actual beginning price is???? (You can click on the picture to see enlargement). DUH!!!

Sept. 23, 2008

2008-09-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

Another report from Palmyra. Last night on the 22nd of Sept, it being the 181st year since Joseph got the plates from the Hill Cumorah, we went to the top of the Hill as a Family Home Evening group. There were 16 couples from the mission, 13 couples of Temple Missionaries, 3 couples of the Temple Presidency. Thirty two couples of Home Evening with a lesson the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the Gold Plates. It was a real spiritual feast and a real special event to celebrate.

With the fall schedule the sites are closing an hour earlier and we use fewer couples. The sister missionaries can spend more time proselyting, so it still keeps us busy. The weather has already turned quite cool and the leaves are beginning to turn fall colors. Last week we got a spin off from hurricane Ike and had a terrific wind that uprooted trees, etc. We lost 6 trees in the Sacred Grove, the biggest damage to hit the Grove in 5 years.

At the pageant this year we got over 6000 referrals as compared to 500 the year before, so we had a lot of phone calling on referral cards and lots of work sending out Books of Mormon and DVD's and sending the missionaries to visit those who agreed to have them come. I have a hard time with my hearing aids and the phone, so Sister Hamblin did double time on the phone and we used the young Sisters and even Temple Missionaries to help us get through the many cards, but we are finally caught up. We meet hundreds of people and many of them know the Hamblin name and it doesn't take them long to check up and make sure I am striving to keep that name as a great missionary name. It keeps me very humble to know that great things are expected by those who bear that name, and I for one and my wife are trying to keep that name as great missionaries so we have our work cut out for us in the next 14 months. We need all the prayers and help we can get, but it is great to know that 13 million members are praying for the missionaries. We are getting new ones every month as many who have finished are going home.

We get to bear testimony every day that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He does live and He and God the Father appeared to Joseph who is the Prophet of the restoration,also that the Book of Mormon is true. We would like to bring all of that to your remembrance and bear our testimony to all of our family and friends, we also take that message to our enemies whenever we get that chance. We are both well and loving every minute of our mission here in upstate New York. We love all of you and pray every day for you and try to stay close enough to the Lord that our prayers will be heard and answered.

We have also been called to work in the Palmyra Temple on Saturday mornings which is our preparation day, so we are trying not to be lazy in our spare time. We only have about 13 couples on our shift at the Temple. We have only 6 veils and one initiatory room so we do keep busy with many marriages on Saturday morning. We are very blessed and it seems the Lord keeps blessing us every hour and every day.

Our Love, Elder and Sister Hamblin

WATKINS GLEN -- P-Day Tour and Fun!

2008-09-20T19:09:00.000-07:00

On our preparation day this week four of the young Sister missionaries asked if we and the Cattani's would take them down to Watkins Glen. None of us had been there before, but had heard that it was a good outing. So off we went -- south to Seneca Lake, it was about a 2 hour drive. We had been over on the east side of the Lake where the Girl's Camp is located, but this was over on the west side of the Lake. The photo above shows a picture of what the landscape looked like on our way down to Watkins Glen.

Here we are at the beginning of our adventure: Elder & Sister Cattani, Sister Silva, Sister Nielsen, Sister Saxon and Sister Wells. And us: Elder & Sister Hamblin.

This is what we faced -- a long climb up, up, and up -- 800 stairs to the top of the gorge! But LOTS of beautiful waterfalls, pools, and gushing water awaited us. It was a beautiful and amazing place and we had a fun, fun time.

2008-09-20T18:06:00.000-07:00

These videos are of one of the upper falls and bridges. The trail goes right under the Rainbow Falls, then on up to the bridge.

This is of one of the big waterfalls and two of the young Sister missionaries.

2008-09-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of pictures of a long waterfall with the trail and bridge above.

Here is Dad on his way down from the top of the gorge.

And finally, Dad and I at the spiral tunnel of steps near the bottom.

Misc. Happenings

2008-09-20T10:03:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of us with the Magerotte's from Belgium at the Visitor's Center.
Last Wed. when we were at the Visitor's Center a couple from Belgium came in for a tour, they were really a great couple, their name was Magerotte. We told her we had a grandson on a mission in Belgium, French speaking. She said they go to the same bldg., but the French Branch meets after their Ward (or Branch, can't remember). They were so interesting, she spoke really good English and her husband didn't speak much. I asked if he understood what we were saying and he responded that he did, she said he didn't like to speak much English because of his strong accent. We asked how many languages she spoke and she said she couldn't even number them, she spoke many languages. I asked what brought them to the Historic Sites and she said she had given this to him for his Birthday present. They were going to go to all the sites here and across the country to Salt Lake City. She said she couldn't think of anything else he might enjoy, she didn't want to get him ANOTHER diamond because he works in diamonds.
She was so sweet and said she would be glad to take a letter to Jacob from us -- and that they would be home in about 2 weeks. We showed her Jacob's picture (the family picture) and she thought that was so wonderful. She said they would all be together for General Conf. soon so if she didn't see him before, she would find him then. They hiked up the Hill Cumorah and then came back and picked up the letter.

Palmyra had their annual "Canaltown Days" and had a couple of Parades. We missed the one in the morning, but saw the one in the afternoon. It was the "Horse Parade" and had 9 whole entries. These were 2 of them.

This is Dad returning from his misty morning walk .

Whitmer Farm -- Fayette, NY

2008-09-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

This is the circular driveway into the Whitmer Farm Historic Site, the leaves on the trees are beginning to change colors. There is a nice breeze to furl the flag.

This is the Whitmer log home which has been reconstructed on the exact spot where the original home was built. This is where the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was organized on April 6, 1830. And the first three Conferences of the Church were held here. In 1980 the April General Conference of the Church originated from here to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Church, Pres. Kimball was here and dedicated the log home and the Fayette Ward bldg. at this time.

Angel Moroni Monument

2008-09-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

Elder & Sister Hamblin at the Hill Cumorah Angel Moroni Monument. September 2008

Other sites...

2008-09-13T17:24:00.000-07:00

We had Zone Conf. at the Hill Cumorah Visitor's Center on the 4th of Sept. We had a break after our morning session so everyone could hike to the top of the Hill Cumorah and enjoy the monument and ponder about the wonderful things that happened there.

They have been painting the bldg. down at Fayette and the Whitmer farm. This is the Fayette Ward chapel. The wing on the left is the Visitor's Center part. It is a beautiful bldg. and really big -- especially for a single Ward chapel. It is way out in the country amidst the farming areas and the corn fields. But it is so beautiful there and very peaceful. No wonder Joseph Smith came to this special place to finish translating the Book of Mormon from the gold plates.

The old Whitmer log home is off to the left of this bldg. and that is where the Church was organized on 6 April 1830. The Visitor's Center area and the log home are the objects of our tours there in Fayette, Seneca County, NY.

On this day they finished painting and refinishing the dome and spire on top of the chapel, it was done in gold leaf and looked so pretty, especially with the sun shining on it.

LAboR DaY CooKoUT at Seneca Lake Girls' Camp

2008-09-09T20:02:00.000-07:00

Missionaries galore -- gathered around the grills at the cookout. If you look you can see Dad and Linda & Gary.

Here's Sisters Henscheid and Wells coming back from their mighty trip around the Girls' Camp. They couldn't resist the high wave when they saw me taking pictures.

We had a GREAT time at the Labor Day cookout party. It was at the Seneca Lake Girls' Camp and it is a simply BEAUTIFUL place, it's on a little hill overlooking the lake and they have cabins all up through the trees and this BIG hall labeled, "ZION -- The Gathering Place." It has a big kitchen area and a huge gathering hall for eating or any other activity. I don't know how many other Stakes use this camp, but they're busy here all summer. They have a full time Senior missionary couple who serve there for 2 years. They also have a really nice ampitheater down by a little stream and a big campfire circle place. We rode around on 4-wheelers and investigated all the sites.

Here are some of the Sister missionaries having some animated discussions after dinner. In the background you can see the sun setting across the lake. One side of the bldg. has push-up sides (like garage doors) to open the whole hall to a view of the lake.

56th Anniversary -- August 15, 2008

2008-08-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

We had a nice dinner party for our Fifty-sixth Anniversary, there were nine couples of Senior Missionaries who came to celebrate with us. Lorie's Secret Garden restaurant in Palmyra did a really nice buffet for us in their banquet room and it was really fun. Following dinner we went outside and there was a parade (in our honor, Ray would say), but it really was for the Wayne Co. Fair. I've never seen so many fire engines in one parade before! It was about like the Round Valley parade in Arizona, only they substituted fire engines for the horses. HA

The LigHTeNinG TREE!!

2008-08-19T11:46:00.000-07:00

On the morning of July 30, 2008 we had a severe lightening storm and LOTS of rain. We were working at the Hill Cumorah Visitor's Center and Linda called and said they had had a really close lightening strike, but she didn't know where it hit. When we came home about 1:00 pm we could see the old tree directly in front of the Smith Log Home was all splintered and had yellow caution tape around the area, so we knew that must be the place the lightening had struck. We drove over to look at the damage and talked with Bob Parrott who manages the Farm area and the Sacred Grove. He told us that they would be cutting down the old tree the next morning. He said there was a rather odd circumstance about the whole thing, explaining that just about 30 minutes before the lightening struck he had been on the phone with his supervisors in the Facilities Management Dept. and they had discussed that old, dead tree. They had concluded that even though it ought to come down, they just didn't have it in the budget for this year, so they would have to wait until next year. Thirty minutes later the lightening struck the tree and just exploded the top of it. Bob smiled and said, "It's coming down in the morning -- suddenly it's in the budget whether they like it or not." After it was cut down they counted the rings in the tree stump and said the tree was between 180 and 190 years old.

The force of the lightening that day also "fried" our wireless internet connection for the 2 apartments in our house. The picture below shows our house in relation to where the old tree was. Sister Cattani, our neighbor found a piece of the tree (about 20 " long and 5-6" across) only about 5 feet from the house. It took nearly 2 weeks to get a new modem and router to fix our internet.

Our house is the white one you see in the background of this picture.

Palmyra HoMeS

2008-08-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

One of the beautiful restored
homes in Palmyra.

Another lovely home in
Palmyra, NY.

PaGeAnT TiMe

2008-08-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

Pageant performers.

Sisters together at Smith Farm Welcome Center.

Sculpture of "The First Vision"

Donna, Karyl Lee, Linda, RaNae

Glimpses of Palmyra

2008-07-31T12:32:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd better get something written about what's been going on here in the Mission. Everyone keeps asking for MORE BLOG. I'm sorry I am not really good at this stuff yet, but will try to do a little better.

The Hill Cumorah Pageant was a real success!! It ran for a full 7 days and was pretty full every night, although not all the 9,000 seats were taken each night. I'm sure the cost of gas and long vacation trips have slowed the crowds some, but it was MORE than successful when it came to sharing the gospel and referral cards from those who want to know more about the Church. We received over 6,000 referral cards from the Pageant and the Historic sites during this time. They said there were only about 500 referrals last year, so this was a BIG increase. Now there will be lots of time spent on calling people and following up on the many referrals. Also, we are doing a lot of data entry and will be mailing out promised DVD's by the truck load it seems. HA! About 500 of these referrals were within the boundary of our own mission, so our own Elders and missionary Sisters will probably get to deliver DVD's and get to teach them too.

It was so fun to have Karyl Lee and RaNae and also Roberta & Skip here as Pageant volunteers. It was like a fun family reunion!! That is, when we could find time to get together -- it was a very BUSY two weeks. Roberta and Skip worked with us down at the Peter Whitmer Farm, and that meant a 40-45 min. drive down and the same back each day, so it made for some long shifts. I think they really enjoyed it though, we rotated the volunteers at their posts and it gave each couple everyday a turn at giving pre-tour stories and information about the Whitmer Log Home as they organized people for the tours. Most of the volunteer people at the other sites just "guided people" through the scheduled tour area and got to answer questions occasionally. We had a fun time with the two of them on our rides down and back -- sometimes taking a quick trip to Sauders (a fun Menonnite store) or stopping at Jean-Jean's for ice cream. One day the Bennett's and Karyl Lee & RaNae came down and took a tour of the Whitmer Farm, then stayed until we finished our shift and we all went down to Seneca Lake and watched the sunset on the Lake.

Before they all went home, we took a cruise boat on a trip down the Erie Canal. It was so much fun! It was a real pleasant evening with a soft breeze and some fun music and songs. We had dinner aboard the boat and it was very good too. We got to go through the locks -- where they lower or raise the water level to accomodate the different levels of the Canal. Wouldn't you know, I forgot my camera on that trip. I guess that means I get to go again -- HA!

Some of you have already heard about our episode with the stolen license plates. Nearly all the cars around Linda & Gary's house (5 of them) got their plates stolen. We are pretty sure it was those hired "Anti-Mormon" protesters because the next night they stole all the Utah license plates at the Palmyra Inn motel. The one GOOD thing that happened in all of this was that Skip's special Purple Heart license plates were returned (probably by some veteran in the group that knew the value and meaning of those special plates). It was a real spiritual happening for Skip, because that night he had dreamed that his plates were returned to him, being placed on the front porch steps -- EXACTLY in the very spot where he found them the next morning. He was so emotional and touched by this that he could hardly relate the incident to all of us.

We had a few other unusual happenings too. Like one of the volunteers having a heart attack while at the Smith Farm (next door to Linda's), they brought him to Linda's and had to call 911 and someone to administer to him. Then the argument between the Police, the Dr. and the Sheriff (as to just WHO had jurisdiction) over the incident -- and in a blinding rain, to boot. Then there was the incident of Bridger and Alesha's little 1 yr. old getting locked in the car by mistake. The police were called again, and everything turned out OK. But the joke was that you just call and say it's the "Bennett's" and they know exactly where to come! HA!

The Pageant was a wonderful, beautiful experience -- hundreds of cast members and a hillside full of stages. The costumes and lighting effects were GRAND, and the pyro-techs fantastic! (Linda posted several pictures of the pageant on her blog -- and it's linked to mine) -- if you want to go to her's and see some of the staging.

We love viewing your blogs and love reading the letters from Jacob in the MTC . We love the missionary work we're privileged to do here -- such a beautiful place and a spiritual and sacred feeling. We love the Savior and are so grateful for the gospel in our lives -- and the marvelous things that transpired here in this wonderful place. Our prayers and love are with you always,

Elder and Sister Hamblin

It's All Relative!

2008-07-25T17:19:00.000-07:00

I met my cousin's daughter at the Pittsford Ward where we go to Church. Her family moved into the Ward a couple of weeks after we got there. They are Chad and Gretchen Malone, they have a daughter and a son. We took this picture on July 20, 2008. Gretchen is Bob Robb's daughter and Aunt Mary's granddaughter.
From l. to r. -- Chad, Gretchen, Ray, Donna, Roberta and Skip.

This is one of our Sister Missionaries, Sister Smails and a young man from one of her tours at the Whitmer Farm. She is very short and he was very tall! Quite a contrast, huh?

Sunset on Seneca Lake, NY

2008-07-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

Ray and Donna at Seneca Lake Excursion.

Linda and Gary enjoying the sunset at Seneca Lake.

RaNae and Karyl Lee...At first they thought it was a real snake!

It's Pageant Time

2008-07-24T18:38:00.001-07:00

Family volunteers have arrived for the Pageant. Skip is the breakfast cook!

Linda, Donna, Roberta, Karyl Lee, and RaNae...altogether...Look out New York!

Sunday July 6, 2008

2008-07-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

We’ve been in Palmyra, NY for six weeks now – time flies when you’re having fun! It’s a real joy to work at the Historic Sites in this “Cradle of the Restoration.” The Joseph Smith Sr. Farm is where it all began, where young Joseph read that scripture in the book of James and went to the grove to pray. And in the Log house where the Angel Moroni appeared to him and told him about the hidden plates. It was here at the Hill Cumorah where Joseph was taught by Moroni and finally given the plates to translate the Book of Mormon. It was here in the city of Palmyra where Joseph went to find the Grandin Press to publish the first 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon. It was here in nearby Fayette, NY where Joseph & Oliver Cowdery finished the translation and later organized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on 6 April 1830. We are here, in the very midst of where the Restoration of Christ’s Church began – no wonder we feel great joy!!

The Hill Cumorah Pageant starts on July 11th & 12th then runs next week from July 15th to July 19th. They expect about 10,000 people a day to visit the sites (the pageant seats 9,000 per night). The Hill
Cumorah staging is all in place for the pageant and they have transformed it from a green, grassy hill to a beautiful staging area. On Fri. night there were hundreds of cast members practicing there for the pageant, it looked like an ant hill full of busy ants. They are also busy sewing costumes, they said they’d be turning out over 200 new costumes in the next few days. It’s an exciting time for this Palmyra area.

We are assigned to the Pittsford Ward for our Church attendance (about 25 miles away), and when we went today the attendance was really poor. Then they announced that they wanted to excuse all those Ward members that are associated with the Pageant for they had their own Church mtgs. today along with instructional mtgs. for pageant week. This is a BIG 2 weeks for all the Church members in the area. Excitement fills the air!

Life here is getting busier and busier or at least it will get really overwhelming in the next few days. The tour buses are scheduled one on top of the other, then a few come in without reservations, so we just manage to keep it going. We have 5 or 6 bus tours a day from Mass. , NC, VA, Las Vegas and all over UT, etc. – and the numbers grow and grow. We (senior couples) will be working 14 straight days without any P-days. These lovely young sister missionaries are working the full 14 days from 9:00 am until 7:00 pm every day. We have to be sure they get a “break” now and then and get some lunch and snacks to keep them going – the senior couples days are usually only 5 to 6 hrs. long. However we are assigned the Peter Whitmer site which is a 45 min. drive each way – every day, so it will lengthen our day quite substantially. Oh, well! That’s what we came here to do and we’re loving it. We just hope we’ve got the stamina to pull thru. HA

Ray loves his early morning walks – he walks in the Sacred Grove every morning, how cool is that? Everything here is green and beautiful. We do get lots of rain here, sometimes we get sunshine and rain in the same day. The past week or so the fireflies have been abundant – every night we can go out in our backyard about 9:30 and it’s a beautiful show of sparkling fireflies. They are also abundant and a beautiful sight down at the Sacred Grove and in the fields adjoining the grove.

This a beautiful place and gives us a spiritual renewing each day. We love the gospel of Jesus Christ and love bearing our testimonies. We send our love to all our family and friends.

Always, Elder & Sister Hamblin (Ray & Donna, Grandpa & Grandma, whichever fits.)

Elder & Sister Hamblin

2008-06-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, June 29,2003 President Uchtdorf of the First Presidency along with his wife and two grandsons visited our Historic Sites. We were able to shake hands with him and speak with him briefly. He remembered his visit with Kevin's family when he was their visiting Authority at the Eureka Stake Conference in Feb. this year. Donna was able to have her picture taken with his family outside the frame home of the Joseph Smith Sr. Farm.

Inside the Welcome Center with the First Vision Statue.

Us at the Welcome Center for the Sacred Grove.

The Christus, Hill Cumorah Visitor's Center.

Young Sister Missionaries, Historic Sites

2008-06-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

Sister Rogerson is having fun dancing & singing in the rain with her umbrella after finishing a tour at the Smith Family Farm.

Sisters: Call, Porter, Saxon, and Pendleton together at the Grandin Publishing Bldg. where the first 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon were published.

Witness Tree 220 yrs. old

2008-06-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

We took a tour with the caretaker of the Sacred Grove yesterday -- it took 3 hours! We learned a lot and had a wonderful experience. This is one of the trees that is about 220 yrs. old, so they call it a Witness Tree. The Grove is so beautiful right now and it's a cool, refreshing and spiritual experience to walk through whenever desire to do so.

Our Apartment!

2008-06-14T18:24:00.000-07:00

I still don't know how to title all the pictures, you can guess that the house pictures are of our mission apartment. We live in the left side of this house. It is the only house that is between the Palmyra Temple and the Smith Family Farm/and Sacred Grove.

We are so privileged to be here and feel all this area is very sacred ground. We love to tell people about the restoration of the Church and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.

Mission Pics

2008-06-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

Moroni Statue; and "Moroni" the cat who guards it. The Sister Missionaries feed the cat, they say he is really picky, but he stays there by the monument all the time and is friendly to everyone who comes.

NY State Park falls.

Mission sites

2008-06-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

The Moroni Monument
atop the Hill Cumorah.

Beginning

2008-06-14T17:03:00.000-07:00

The Sacred Grove

A Sacred Place

Palmyra, New York

We're trying this Blog thing and hope to be able to post some pictures and some things about our mission and our family.