12/9/2012 Look to Christ and Live

Talk given by Shelly Griffin in Sacrament Meeting 12/9/2012

The topic of my talk today is entitled, Look to Christ and Live.

A wise man, when asked to list three cardinal points that exemplified the lives of the great teachers of all times and that would be a guide to new teachers said “First, teach by example. Second teach by example. Third, teach by example.”

Our savior Jesus Christ, is the greatest example the world has ever known. His teachings endure through the ages because the precepts he taught were emphasized by the example of his own life.

The worlds of the savior apply today also. “Let your light so shine before man that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in heaven.” Matt 5:16

President Brigham Young counseled parents to teach their children by example. “if Parents will continually set before their children examples worthy of imitation and the approval of our father in heaven, they will turn the current, and the tide of feeling of their children and they will eventually desire righteousness more than evil.

We should never permit ourselves to do anything that we are not willing to see our children do. We should set the example we wish them to imitate.

Sister Ardeth Kapp said, “When you keep the commandments and follow the saviors example, it's like holding up a light. Your good example helps others to find their way in a a darkening world.”

In order to know more about the Savior and to follow his great example, we must read the scriptures.

As I prepared my lesson this week for Sunday school and was thinking about this talk, a thought came to my mind...

We have it so easy.

The book of Mormon prophets had to work really hard to put these words into print. I imagine their living conditions weren't comfortable. Food and drink was probably difficult to come by. The had to write on stone tablets. That could not have been easy. And they had to carry those heavy plates around as they tried to keep themselves safe from dangers of both animal and people.

Joseph Smith spent many hours trying to translate the words on those plates. I am sure that was not exciting or comfortable. He was ridiculed and eventually killed for his efforts and beliefs.

We have been given the words in an easy to read format with pictures and the edition I read even tells me what all the difficult words mean.

In our day the task before us is to simply read and study the scriptures, gain and testimony, live it's teachings and share our testimony with others. And we can do it in our comfortable temperature controlled homes with plenty of food and water in relative safety.

That seems like we were the fortunate ones in history.

In 2005, President Hinckley challenged all church members to read the Book of Mormon from start to finish before years end. I took the challenge seriously and perhaps for the first time in my life really established a good habit of reading and studying the scriptures.

I have felt a change in my disposition. I have felt the calm peace enter my life. I have felt the power to do many things I would not have thought possible.

Ezra Taft Benson stated in 1986, “There is a power in the book which will flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the straight and narrow path.

I truly believe that if we humble ourselves and do the things we have been asked, if we follow the savior and his example, we will be blessed in our lives beyond anything we can imagine.

I want to share a very personal story that is close to my heart that exemplifies Christ like love, the great example of others and pouring out of blessings.

It has been awhile since I've shared this story but I felt it was appropriate for the season and the topic today.

This story happened in 2004, the year breast cancer claimed my mother. I call it “Grandma's Quilts.”

A quilt is a piecing together of fabrics to form a beautiful design. This is a story of how some quilts stitched together the lives of all who were associated with them.

Moving into her new home in the Riverton 15^th ward was a bitter-sweet experience. My mom finally had what she had waited her whole life for. A beautiful, brand new home made just the way she wanted. She had designed it herself. And everything was perfect to her. That is the sweet part.

The bitter part came all too quickly. Within a week or two of moving into her new home she was informed that her breast cancer had returned after many years of remission.

  Perhaps the bitter brought out the sweet in the ward. The bishop was informed that things were amiss and he went to visit them the same day. As did the Relief Society Presidency. They brought with them comfort and friendship.

As she became sicker the ladies in the ward were asked to give her physical therapy several times a week. This brought a long list of sisters’ right to moms bedside as they spent 30 minutes each session rubbing her arm as she directed them. Many of them grew to love her through their act of service. She was so good at talking and laughing and listening. She made people relax and open up. The sisters came several times a week for months. I think many of them received mental therapy as they gave mom physical therapy.

She loved the company and she loved to show off her handiwork as the ladies came to help her. I don’t know the names of any of the ladies that came to visit but she fondly referred to them as the gingerbread lighthouse lady, the lunch ladies, the quilt ladies, the young moms with kids who came to swim, the Wednesday night therapeutic-aerobic ladies, the visiting teachers, the list goes on.

I know that as the ladies came over, my mom spoke of her love of her family-- her children and grandchildren--and the quilts. She knew her time was short but before she went she wanted to make a unique quilt for each of her 11 grandchildren to remember her.

The quilts kept her alive and going. They gave her a reason to get up each morning. First she feverishly purchased material for 11 twin size quilts. Then she spent hours designing them on paper. They were all different and all intricate. Each one was to have hundreds of pieces.

Then she spent hours cutting out and piecing her first quilt. It was not an easy task because the more she worked, the more her arm would swell. Her special therapists kept coming and mom carried on. It wasn’t long before she had her first quilt-top completely done and she was so pleased.

Everyone who came to visit or took the time to talk with her knew of her new-found passion for quilting.

Mom was always so sure she could complete this project. She had us convinced she wouldn’t die until it was done. And with so much more to do – we felt sure she had much time left with us.

The first time I heard her admit she might not be able to do it was just two short weeks before she died. I think the sisters saw her defeat and wanted to make things right for mom.

One sister offered to bind the quilt after it had been pieced together; another set up a quilt frame so we could tie the quilt in her living room, next to her sick bed. As they started the work of tying the quilt, mom continued piecing the other quilts together. It seems with every piece she stitched, she became weaker. However, the quilting project had become more than a passing fancy, and she had to finish them all.

Mom was able to piece together quilts for all 6 grandsons, but she was only able to design and purchase fabric for the girls quilts when she finally realized she could do no more. She became discouraged, but help was on the way.

Seeing her weakened condition, one sister removed the quilt from the quilting frame in mom’s living room and took it home to finish. Another took 5 quilts to her quilting group. They put aside their own endeavors to finish what my mother could not. Still another sister gathered mom’s fabric and quilt designs for her granddaughters quilts and told mom they would be finished.

What a relief. I remember mom calling to say how pleased she was that each grandchild would have a quilt and how much she appreciated the love of the sisters in her ward. She could hardly utter a sentence in her last week. Speaking took a lot of effort. But she never stopped singing the praises of the women who came to her aid.

When mom was sure that her project would be completed she finally rested her weary body.

Mom died on Sunday, November 14, 2004 at 5:15 p.m. as one special sister sang primary songs to her.

To my knowledge the quilts were far from done at that time. I can only imagine the love and time and effort that went into completing mom’s project.

That Tuesday evening (or was it all day?) about 50 sisters held a special Relief Society meeting and sat and lovingly tied and bound all the quilts. They had quilt frames set up all over the gym. They tied and bound some friendships that day too.

Keep in mind that all this is happening the week before Thanksgiving. All these sweet sisters had families to care for and their own homes to prepare. But they sacrificed of themselves for another.

By Saturday morning, November 21st- the day of the funeral- they were all done and they were all beautiful. Each one had the grandchild’s name embroidered on it. Each one was different. Each one was made with love.

Those same sisters who had served my mother in a Christ like manner unheard of these days sang as a choir at her funeral and presented the 11 quilts to her grandchildren. She had only been in their ward a little over a year and most of them had never met any of her children or grandchildren.

It would have been so easy be “too busy.”

I’m sure the story of the quilts will live on for generations as will many of the friendships that were surely developed through this amazing act of Christ-like service and love.

As Mom started this enormous undertaking, she thought she was just stitching fabric pieces together to make quilts for her grandchildren. But in the end the women of her ward stitched together their lives.

Her grandchildren were left with more than a quilt to remember their Grandma. They were left with the Christ-like example of love, service and compassion provided by the sisters of the Riverton 15th ward.

“In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these, ye have done it unto me.”

Mom continued living every day so that she could accomplish her task. And when she could no longer do it, there was a ward full of sisters’ right there to help her. What an amazing example these women are to me.

I hope that as we go throughout this Christmas season we will be an example to others. That we will serve others. That we will read and study the scriptures provided for us and remember Christ's example and choose to live a life worthy of him and his teachings.

I know that the gospel has blessed m life and I am so thankful for the guidance and direction and protection it blesses me with.

I am thankful for a worthy husband who loves me unconditionally and tells me so often. He has blessed my life in so many ways.

I am thankful that we were blessed with 5 healthy happy beautiful children who are striving to follow Christ and make good choices in their lives. I have enjoyed being a mom for over 21 years now and time goes so quickly.

I am thankful for the scriptures in my life and the calm peace they bring into my hectic life.

I would like to challenge each of you to read your scriptures daily, experiment on the word and to look to Christ and live. I know that you will find greater peace and happiness in your life as you do.

10/28/12 AJ's coming home!!!!!

10/28/12

Holy Smokes! It's the last email on you mission from your momma! I can hardly believe that we get you back THIS WEEK!!!!  It just doesn't even seem real!

I hope you are enjoying the last little bit of your mission.  Pretty soon it will all be a memory.  (I hope you are writing in your journal...cause you really won't be able to remember a lot of things before long!)  Life is funny that way.

Katie and Holly did the story-telling festival this week.  They were in two different rooms (thank goodness...don't have to worry about one beating the other).  Katie took 3rd place in her room and Holly took 1st place in her room.  Holly goes on to district.  Probably sometime after you get home so you might get to see her story.  She tells the story of the three pigs (um, so did like 5 other kids in her room?!) but it has some interesting twists AND she totally shakes her booty and has some great actions as she tells the story.  She is pretty dang funny.  

Katie and Holly had their first volleyball game yesterday (with their mom as coach...my first time coaching anything ever) and they won against one team and lost against the other.  And the ones they lost were pretty close.  It was good.  I am just a coach in name only...they actually have people that run practices and I just help the kids rotate in and out and make sure they have treats after the game.  Katie was kind of the star in one of the games we won.  She got like 8 serves in a row.  Go Katie!  Holly is pretty good at volleyball too.  

Dallas worked a lot this week at Fiesta Fun.  His shifts there are long (6-8 hours) so I think he is feeling it this week.  He doesn't have any shifts next week (was scheduled to work Friday night but got off so he could see his bro come in!)

Bryce started at the city but has only worked one weekend getting trained.  

Dad has been keeping super busy with the website stgnews.com and the mag.  Unfortunately things are not looking good right now for the mag...they didn't get the Utah Co version printed (again) ... that is 2X on the same edition and dad doesn't think he can salvage the stories ... they are getting outdated.  Sigh.  That has been an unneeded stress in his life.  Everybody keeps calling asking when they will get paid and when the mag will be out etc and he just doesn't know.  It would be really nice if they could figure out finances because as you've seen the magazine is pretty awesome...but I'm afraid money management isn't the owner's best thing...so it may kill off the mag.

Things have gotten pretty out of control busy at my work too.  Seems that we are getting more and more tickets filed and I'm struggling to keep up with the work load.  The severity of the tickets has also increased and DUI, retail theft, domestic violence...all those type of cases take much longer to handle than a simple speeding or seatbelt ticket so I guess you'd say job security is high right now!

Well I think you will find everything different and everything the same when you get back.  We are in a different house but we are the same people...just older and most of us are bigger and taller!  It is exciting to have you back.  We looked at the weather report in Hong Kong and Manilla and California and it looks like it is going to be sunny and warm everywhere you go including here!  So that is good.  You shouldn't run into any trouble with the weather. The east coast is bracing for what they are calling the frankenstorm...they are saying it is the 100 year storm.  A hurricane and another storm and on track to collide and do some major damage to NJ area if the predictions are right.  They expect all air travel on the east coast to be shut down or delayed tonight and for a day or two.  We shall see if the predictions are right or if it fizzles and goes away.  

We are so excited to get you home and can't wait to see you!  Feel free to leave anything there that is worn out or could be used by another missionary.  We know we will have to do some shopping when you get home!  Probably not worth paying extra baggage fees if it's used up anyway!  I hope your credit card works...have you tried it?

Enjoy the last few days of your once in a life time experience and come home to us safely!  I am so grateful for the amazing example you've been.  You have no idea how many people you have touched on both sides of the world! Love you lots! Mom.

10/20/12 AJ accepted to BYU!!!!

10/20/12

Well this week has been super good and lots of great things are happening for you!

I guess by now you've got word that you were accepted to BYU.  Did the pres tell you?  I wrote to your mission mama and she said she was seeing you the next day.  So how did that go?

We have been working to get you a room put together and it finally came together this weekend.  We were going to get a bed and desk from Grandma but we just didn't feel right about it.  Then we talked to Diane and she said 2 of her kids and families were coming down for your homecoming and would be staying at G'mas.  Then we really didn't feel good about it.  We shopped around and beds (no end tables, just a bed) was running $370 to $550 for the cheap stuff.  We have been really sticker shocked as we look for furniture.  Anyway, we were like...wow, that is too much.  So we came home and got on craigslist and there was a bed for $90.  So we called the guy and he was like, we just put that up and have had several calls already, you better come quick.  

So we headed over there and the bed was a queen in like perfect condition.  It is really nice.  A sealy posturpedic.  I think it's the nicest mattress in the house now!  

The guy lived in Stonegate -- a REALLY nice gated community over by the summit club in a 5000 sq ft home.  He was moving to CA to a 2000 sq ft furnished home so they were basically selling everything they own.  

So we got the bed and a night stand and lamp and some plants.

We did a service project this morning.  There is an old man (83 and his wife) we painted their house.  They wanted lavender and glowing green.  It is...interesting.  The house really needed help.  It looks better although not so sure about the color scheme.  I thought it was just gonna be an hour or two but ended up staying 4 hours.  

We went to gma and pa's today because Bryce is the new YCL leader and has a meeting tomorrow.  Sunday's are getting tough with mission prep 2 weeks and YCL meetings the third.  Doesn't leave many Sundays.  I guess it's good because there are lots of projects to be done up at the house and we can help on Saturday.  I guess next weekend they are having a work party and doing rocks and stuff.  Not sure.  Today we got a desk for you and did a wee bit of putting stuff away.  Not much work really.  I told gma I would paint or whatever but she said she was tired and didn't want to do that.

Dallas got a job this week and started today working at Fiesta fun.  He worked an 8 hour shift and I guess he still has stuff to do because it's 9 now and he's still not home.  I think he told dad he had to do some paperwork or something.  Bryce finally got on with the City and started today.  Dallas trained him.  (Dallas should be really tired!!!)

The girls start volleyball next week and Dad agreed that I should be coach when they called...(thanks?!?)  So they said they actually handle practices and I just have to help the kids rotate in and out and assign treats.  So shouldn't be a big deal.  Their first 2 practices are this week and then a game on Saturday.  They are so excited you'll be home in time to see a couple of games!!!

Do you remember all the names you gave me before you left for you mission?  Well a week or two ago I got the last of them all done with endowments and now I need to go with Dad and get them all sealed and then they are done!  And you can do whatever comes next when you get back!  My goal is to have them done before you get here...time is quickly running out!

Well we are getting pretty anxious to have you back now.  It's starting to seem like a reality.  And now that we have your room all done up and ready it's getting kind of exciting!  We went and got you new sheets and bed spread.  Your room looks really nice. I hope you like it.  

Enjoy your last little while there.  Make sure and take lots of pictures and buy whatever things you think you might miss when you get back.  Leave whatever is worn out and not worth carting 1/2 way round the world!  I'm sure your comps will enjoy your leftovers!  

Have your tried your credit card yet...did you GET your credit card yet?!  I just put a little more money in the acct this week (grandpa L just sent you $50 for your birthday...I guess since we moved the week of your birthday he's been holding on to it so it didn't get lost in the mail.)  Anyway, I think there is $400 or $500 in there.  For sure at least $300.  So you can go shopping for some clothes and things when you get back.  

Love you lots! Mom.

10/14/12 Moulton Cake and Q4U

10/14/12

Sunday has quickly come upon me yet again!  And life is a blur.  I'm trying to remember what went on this week to make it go so quickly!

Let's see....Sunday Grama and pa were gone on their 10 day trip so we stayed home and made chocolate moulton cake (kind of pudding in the middle that comes out when you eat it.  Totally delicious) and we played games.  Monday was Columbus day so everyone went to work and school and I had the day off.  Dad worked some and then we had some time together.  We went to Chili's ... kind of an extension of our anniversary last week (24 years).  So that was nice.  In years past we have gone overnight somewhere but this year we got a house so we figured that was nicer than a night out, right?!  And next year we are going to Hawaii at some point during the year for our 25th Anniversary!!!  Don't know when or which island but we are going to really try to get there!

We had our biggest night ever on Tuesday handling 80 cases between 3-8 p.m.  (And we don't do anything from 4-5 so, yeah, really busy).  There was just one case after another all night long and no trials so I felt like a truck ran me over by the time we finished.  Good thing the computer cooperated and kept up with the Judge and me!

Wednesday I can't remember.  Huh.

Thursday the missionaries needed a ride to the temple so Bryce got dressed up and took them.  They had 2 baptisms on Saturday morning and were doing interviews or something.  While he was there our ward had a temple fireside with pies.  I had signed up to bring one so I made an extra for the kids here so the missionaries and the kids had pie at 9 p.m. when they came back.  Dad had a game in Hurricane that had 2 lightning delays so he was at a ball game from about 5:30 to midnight.  Crazy.  Got soaked and ooogy and stuff.  Then had to work until 3:30 a.m. to get all the stories up and posted.  Long day for him.  Next week he has to do games on Wednesday night cause it's the deer hunt days off for the kids.  Fall break.

Friday we got to go on a real date in the evening since Dad wasn't working.  We went to what used to be Q4U over by Ben and Laura's.  New name, same stuff.  Then we went and visited B&L for awhile.  Taylor looks great.  They have been in park city for a week so he hasn't found a job yet but he plans to hit it hard this week.  They didn't want him to get a job and then have to take a week off first thing so they weren't really trying hard before now.  The kids had 5 friends over with another TV and played 7 player halo or something.  They seemed pretty happy.  The girls had the Riley's over and did the girl thing.  So nobody missed us as we were gone all evening!

Yesterday we went to Gma and pas and had potato bar and then did some work for them.  Sweeping the porch, a little painting, moving some cushions in for the cooler weather. Planting.  Nothing too difficult or long.  The Riley twins got baptized yesterday so me and the girls went to that.  Got to see Nikki Stevens and Sis. Warby and Sis. Lang and the Bakers and Rhaldo Turner, etc.  Everyone was really nice and said they missed us.  Dad and I went for a late stroll about 9 p.m. and that was really nice too.  

It's nice that the kids are growing up and can be left alone for small periods of time and take care of themselves!  

Today we are staying home because there is mission prep tonight.  It is fast Sunday. Again.  (Oops...last Sunday I thought it was fast Sunday and made everybody fast and then it wasn't.  Uh oh.  So I don't know if they will fast again or not!!!)  I am working on making lime chicken and rice and stuff for dinner which I'll probably serve right after church.  

So I better go get everyone up and out of bed and get the meal done and my hair done asap!  Running out of time.  

Hope you really enjoy your last couple of weeks.  It seems like it's really coming at us quickly!  Did you get your package yet?  I think it should arrive this week...???  

No word from BYU.  (although I bet there will be a bunch of spots open up now!!! Ha ha!  Course your future wife was one of them...jk)

XOXO mom.

10/06/12 Mission age lowered

10/6/12

Holy Smokes.  President Monson just lowered the age of missionaries to go out to 18 effective immediately.  And YW can now go at 19.  That means Dallas could leave as early as the end of May (after he graduates) and Bryce would be just 1 year behind him.  That's pretty big news!  Dallas says he's scared.  Bryce seems kind of excited.  The girls couldn't be happier (they get their own room when they get rid of their next brother).  I'm gonna start saving my money cause that's gonna mean no time for the boys to save money for their missions.  And if they go out as planned we'd have 1 year of $800 per month.  Ouchy.  Oh well, not too worried...if you are willing to serve the Lord finds a way to make it possible, right?!

Conference has been really good.  Lots of talk about missionary work and "I'm a Mormon, live it, love it!" and other positive messages.  Look forward to tomorrow.

The weather here has been perfect today. The sun was shining and it wasn't too hot.  If I could order a day up it would be today (weather wise!)

Things have been super busy -- the cops seem to have a quota thing going or something.  They wrote over 300 tickets last month.  (I think 220 - 240 is usual, sometimes less).  My phone rings incessantly at work.  I took off Thursday for our Anniversary and Friday for a conference and Kathy stayed and kept the office in order.  It feels good to remove myself from the madness!!!!  Monday is Columbus Day so ... YEAH!!! Another day away.   I really feel like I could use a LONG break but this is really great too!

Dad's been working a way lot lately.  St George news.com is keeping him super busy and then of course the Mag.  The next couple of weeks I don't think I'll see much of him.  

Dallas went out with Elder Campbell last Monday night all evening.  Elder Campbell's comp was sick and I guess stayed in (they live with members so I guess that's ok???)  Anyway, they had a nice experience.  I hope to keep the Elder's close and working with Dallas.  The new Elder doesn't seem to click as well with everyone so hopefully Elder C sticks around awhile!

Well I'm writing at night instead of in the morning and I'm struggling!  Too tired to put thoughts together good.  Take care and love you lots! mom.

10/03/12 Letter to Grandpa Laurito

Our new home

10/03/2012 LETTER TO DAD (RAYMOND LAURITO)

Yes, un-packing is done.  Been busy helping the Griffin's with their burned property and canning apples and salsa and such.

Our new address is 587 S Ali Lane, Washington UT 84780.  We don't have a home # any more.

Andy's # 435-467-5842

Shelly's # 435-467-5843  Work 435-656-6350

Dallas's # 435-619-0390

House looks really good.  Have lots of stuff to do but nothing that's urgent.  For example...5 rooms didn't have ceiling fans.  We got one in, 4 to go.  None of the bathrooms have toilet paper/towel holders...a couple still need those installed.  AJ's room is empty...gotta buy him a bed and dresser and desk.

He'll be home in 31 days, WOW, huh?!  He'll appreciate the $ when he gets home...he has no clothes here. None.  The boys took it all!  I have to go get him some things but I'll probably wait and let him do most of the shopping when he gets back!

Things have been really busy here.  Like beyond crazy.

Pantry

Katie & Holly's room

Kitchen

Master bath (before we moved in)

stairway (before we moved in)

09/30/12 Dad is the new Executive Secretary

PVHS Band (Dallas & Bryce both on board)

9/30/12

Can you believe it's the end of September already?  Today's Aunt Ruthie's birthday (I'll have to remember to call her when I'm done here!!!)

This morning started with a meeting with the Stake Presidency.  Dad was asked to be the executive secretary in the bishopric today.  And then after he said yes before church he was sustained during sacrament mtg (along with 2nd counselor) and set apart right after church today.  FAST!  WOW, huh?!  They sure did things fast!  The 2nd counselor was also asked this a.m. before church too.

Today was my 2nd time teaching Holly's class and there were only 2 kids.  Holly and a different girl than was here last time I taught.  I can't believe how wiggly the whole senior primary is.  It is kinda crazy.  We'll have to work on figuring out how to help them be more reverent!

This past week has been about the same as most weeks.  We have stayed super busy at work.  Dad's magazine came out and Bryce ran 2000 magazines around and placed them in gas stations, at school, rec center, stores.  

Both the girls and the boys missed their church meetings this week since they aren't used to Tuesday night having things...!!!  We'll have to work on that!

Went to Justin (I'm pretty sure that's the right one...???) Turner's wedding reception (married to Hettie, a girl he's been dating forever) last night.  Got to see the Bowles.  Little Josh is a senior in H.S. I think they said and he's giant tall but skinny.  And they have 2 out on a mission.  One is serving in Mexico City for about 1 year now and the 2nd is serving in Pittsburgh PA for about 45 days I think they said.  The third was there and had gotten into some trouble and I don't think he'll be going.  Not sure.  Sorry I still can't keep track which one is which for sure.  I think it's the oldest (Kyle) in M.C. and the 2nd oldest Koby got in trouble and Keith is  in PA . They looked really good...same as always 'cept the kids are bigger.  Sis. Bowles said she's been Primary President for a couple of years now and they really like it up in Manti.

We went to Grandma and pa's house yesterday (Bryce and me and the girls) and moved a whole bunch of rock onto paper yesterday.  Basically restoring the yard to the way it was before the fire.  Kinda sad.  We did all that work and it just looks like it used to.  Nothing new.  It's like buying a new vacuum.  Like Dang, I already had one of those, ya know?!  Their yard is kind of overwhelming right now as they have so much yard work to do everywhere.  They got insurance $ to replace stuff and get a new white picket fence and rebuild the gazebo and they have a company that is supposed to be doing all the work but they are working slowly and not really getting the job done so it makes them want to jump in and move the project along.  The people doing it keep getting other jobs and putting mom and dad on the back burner.   And taking short cuts like they are supposed to remove all the debris from the project and they loaded it all onto Dad's trailer (so much so that they bout flatted the tire) and they are calling that good.  So now Dad has to haul it to the dump.  Even though the bid included hauling off the debris.  Well hopefully they will get a move on it and finish up.  

Grandma and pa are leaving tomorrow on another 10 day trip so we'll go see them tonight and then not again for 2 weeks.

The missionaries came over for Monday night pizza this week and invited Dallas to come teach but he didn't feel like it.  Bummer.  I hope they don't give up and keep trying with him.  I feel like he is walking a fine line and can't decide which side of the path he will land on.  He does so many great things but I am so concerned about his relationship.  I guess that's a mama's job.  I hope you can come home and have a positive influence without driving him away.  I'd feel more comfortable if we could get her coming to church and discussions again but her Aunt kinda squashed all that about 6 weeks ago and doesn't let her do anything.  I guess, that's what they are telling me anyway.

Everybody everywhere I go is asking about you and when you'll be back.  Pretty exciting to think about.  We are still trying to decide how we will furnish your room and gotta get that done soon.  I'm so glad to hear you are still immersed in the work and enjoying it there.  Stay that way as long as you can and time will go more quickly.

Well take good care of yourself.  Your package should arrive in 3 weeks I think -- hopefully in time for you to actually use your whitener before you come home!  Make sure and keep your teeth trays because I am pretty sure you can use those again and just purchase the cleaner in the future.  Plus they are little so it won't be any big deal to keep them.

Well better run.  Getting stuff ready to take up the road.  Love you lots!  Mom.

09/23/12 Ceiling fan blues

9/23/12

Andy and Katie installing the wall hangings in the hallyway

Well after 7 hours we have a ceiling fan installed in our office downstairs.  Holy Smokes was that a difficult project. I will give you a BRIEF explanation.  Our new house has 9 foot ceilings so to start off with the light was VERY high in the sky, ya know?!  And of course we didn't own a ladder.  So Dad got 3 kitchen chairs and could reach the light but not quite see what he was doing up there.  Plus it scared me to have him up there on teetering chairs.  So he gets up there and pulls out the old light to find out that it was installed with a plastic small piece that won't hold a ceiling fan.  It takes quite a bit of effort to remove the buggar.  We go over to Home Depot and buy an extender that should be a piece of cake to install.  Come home and it is WAY too big for the spot it goes in...like 2X too big.  So Dad has to improvise and take parts of it and make it work.  All but impossible.  AND it requires cutting up the ceiling.  Not cool.  And he can't quite see what he is doing.  At about 20 minutes to 10 p.m. (when Home Depot closes) we decide we need a ladder.  Go buy one and come home and finally it comes together at about 12:30 or 1 a.m.  Even after all that the fan has a little bobble to it.  Who knew that would be such a challenge?

And there are 4 more rooms that could need them.

We really hope the contractor didn't do the same thing in every room.  But we are really worried he did.  

Bryce

Dad was amazing and just kept plowing through it.  I am proud of him.  First of all there is no way I could have done the project at all.  But then when we had all those problems he just kept going.  

Today is the Brigham City temple dedication instead of regular church.  You must have a recommend to get in and it is at the stake center.  So I gotta get the kids up and going because you are supposed to be there by 8:30 in your seat for the 9 a.m. start.

Before our little ceiling fan project we had a pretty fun day.  Dallas went to homecoming and so he wanted to wash his car.  So at 9 a.m. he washed his car and I washed mine and then we both washed the mustang.  We made pancakes before that.  Afterward I made another batch of salsa (3rd batch this week...) and jalapeno jelly (never had it but I had a LOT of jalapenos so I'll let you know how it is ... I haven't tried it yet.  Kinda scared!  I had tons of onions so we tried to make onion rings and since the deep fry was out the girls wanted donuts.  Yup all kinds of goodies going on!  I like our new kitchen.  Plenty big for the girls to "help" but not be in the way!

Dallas said he really enjoyed homecoming.  They played volleyball and swam and went to Olive Garden and the dance with one other couple. He says he would get a bigger group next time.  (He had 2 other couples that flaked out on him).

Bryce asked Maddy to her homecoming (in a couple weeks) and she said yes but she recently gave him the whole...we aren't "Bryce and Maddy" anymore so he's been walking around in a funk.  I feel bad for the kid.  Last night Sara and Ciara (girls from school) were texting and flirting with him and he was pretty funny about it but right before bed he was bummed about Maddy again.  Ugh.  

Well I may write some more later but I really need to get everybody up and moving so I better run.  

I hope you had a great week.  I really enjoy reading your letters and hearing your success.  It makes me so happy!  

Love you lots! Mom.

09/16/12 Taylor's homecoming

Andy & Elder Squires

9/16/12

Maddy & Abby with Aaron & Mason

Taylor is home and spoken in church!  Bam.  Just like that.  He's trying to figure out how to fit into the "real" world again!  He seems like he's still adjusting.  English works but he talks a little funny and can't remember some words.  His talk today was good but short.  I was disappointed.  He only talked maybe 10 minutes at most.  And it was all doctrine with only one story from his mission.  After the meeting was winding down the bishop got up and said, Taylor, Elder Squires, I mean, you didn't bear your testimony in Spanish for us.  Come back up and do that before we close.  So he had to get up and who knows what he said!!! (not me!)  So he kinda got to speak 2x!We had a nice luncheon afterward with ham sandwiches that were broiled in the oven.  Yummy.  Chips, fruit, veggies, cookies, soda.  The usual.  All the squire kids and family were there but no grandparent squires.  Gma and pa griffin were there.  No SLC Griffin's.  Us of course.  Some friends and ward members we don't know. It was nice.  The weather was perfect.  

Next week is the Brigham City temple dedication so there is no church.  In fact, in order to get into church you have to have a temple recommend.  (are they doing this there? Kinda doubt it.  They did this in the past with other temple dedications.).  So after church today we went and got the girls and Dallas recommends.  Me and Dad and Bryce already had one.  Should be nice.  

So did you get to keep your current companion?  Was that who the teeth whitener was for?  I was waiting to hear if he was still with you before I go get some.  If he's transferred than I'm just sending yours!  The mag should be out very very soon so your package will be sent by Wednesday this week I hope.  So any last requests?  This is it!!!  Course you can pretty much get whatever you want in 6 weeks!!!!  

Grandpa and Grandma Griffin

Bryce's Maddy told him she doesn't want to hold hands and be "Bryce and Maddy" and he's been in a funk.  Poor guy.  I think they are still going to prom (he asked her last night) and they'll still go out sometimes but she says she doesn't want to feel like she's cheating on him every time she goes out with someone else.  I'm like, yeah Bryce...that's what we have been telling you all along that we want you to do!!!  He's still not happy!  Now if only Dallas' girl would get the same idea...!!!

We have been busy getting situated here in the new place.  We are getting closer and closer to settled.  The girls room is done...they have a desk, bookshelf, bed and cupboard for their clothes.  Bryce is done...desk, nightstand, dresser and bed.  Dallas, same. The kids stuff is all the old stuff they had and then some used pieces that I have stained dark to match the dark colors of the house.  We bought us new bedroom furniture and just got our bed last week.  Dad's so happy to not have the mattress on the floor anymore.  We are still waiting for our dresser. We also got a new sectional for the family room.  It is SO comfy and nice!  We realized that none of the rooms had ceiling fans upstairs or the office.  So that will be on our list for a little while.  Unexpected surprise.  They aren't cheap or easy to install either!

We will start working on your room soon.  Right now you have a big overstuffed, over-sized comfy chair.  I plan to get a king or queen bed so that your room will become the "guest" room when people come to stay.  I figured you wouldn't mind since we don't have company often and you'll probably be away at college anyway.  I need to get you a nightstand and dresser too.  

What size clothes are you wearing?  I would like to make sure and get you a little something.  The boys pretty much took all your clothes so be sure to bring back at least an out fit or two so we have time to shop!

Switch in plans on the sacrament meetings.  Turns out the 3rd ward had the primary program on November 11 when they told us you would speak.  So we talked to 8th ward and they want you that Sunday.  So you'll speak on the 11th in your ward you left from and the following Sunday, November 18 in our new 3rd ward.   I told the new bishop today and he was like, o, I already switched the primary program to another week.  And I was like, ooops, I already told 8th ward.  So he said...k, leave it alone!  We'll have AJ on the 18th!  You'll like him.  He seems very very nice.

Laura and Elder Taylor Squires

Well anyway things are staying busy and happy and the kids are growing like weeds and we can't wait for you to join us!  We found the airport so now we know where to find you when you come home!! It is WAY out there past Bloomington.  Very nice facility.  We went to see Tay come in and were just a few minutes late and missed the actual off the plane part.  But we got to hug him and see everyone.  He looked like he was kind of in shock and overwhelmed!  I imagine after all those hours on a plane you would be pretty messed up!  Who knows what day/time it felt like for him!  

I hope you enjoy your last days there.  You are almost  "on the ark"...40 days and 40 nights!  Can you believe it!?  Keep up the good works!  We love you so much!  Love Mom.

09/09/12 Settling in to the new house

9/9/12

I guess transfers are happening this week, right?  

Bryce, Dallas and Andy enjoying the new furniture

Taylor will be home on Wednesday and Elder Campos is shipping out of here too.  WOW!!!  

Been keeping busy this week with work and the house.  Seems there is always lots to do everywhere I go!

We got our living room furniture this week so there is somewhere to sit downstairs.  I must say...it is REALLY comfy!!!  Still waiting for our bed but delivery is scheduled for Monday at 1 p.m.  Yeah!!!

Now we got to get busy getting your room ready!!!    So far you have a big oversized, overstuffed chair.  I want to get a queen bed so that when company comes they will use your room (you'll probably be off to college a lot anyway!)

Dave approached me and said you can come back to work as soon as you are ready!  I told him you'd probably be ready the week after you get home...is that true?  I just think you will go crazy if you don't have something to do after being so busy as you've been for so long! I want to take off a couple of days and hang with you but then after that everybody is pretty much gone all day every day around here.  Anyway it is exciting to think about and I hope it isn't too premature and going to make you homesick and trunky.  Don't worry about stuff here...we'll get it all figured out for you!

I got your whitening kit yesterday at walmart and I have your cc and the access #.  Just waiting for dad's magazine to print and then we'll send off your final package.  Was there any other requests?  I can't remember.  

I start my new calling today...teaching Holly's class on Sunday (and achievement days during the week).  She is pretty excited to have me as her teacher.  

Went to CeCe Stevens 1st b-day party yesterday.  They had a huge crowd of people.  And great food!  

Dallas is still too serious with his gfriend.  Doesn't listen to me.  Need you to come talk some sense into him!  He needs his big bro guidance.

Bryce is doing great in school and might get to start at the city soon.  He had an interview Friday and has to finish his application and stuff.  He applied to a bunch of other places and he is hoping to get offered something somewhere else.  We shall see.

Well gotta get the kids ready for church and head out!  Love you lots! MOM