Monday, February 1, 2016
From Mom January 31, 2016 Birthdays
Friday, January 29, 2016
Dad is up at Aspen Grove for a youth conference with Elise and Parker. It’s quiet and I have back-to-back birthdays that will make it hard for me to focus on a letter Sunday.
Funniest moment of the week: FHE Monday night, I was trying to squeeze a lesson in after the picture took all the creativity and focus we had. I had the family help me set up dominoes in the shape of a heart and talked about how the Book of Mormon is a foundational element of our testimonies. After a few restarts I called Josie over to knock the dominoes down. I asked, “Do you want to knock these dominoes over?” She answered “Yeah!” while she simultaneously threw her arms across the heart, splattering dominoes all at once. Haha…
Parker insisted on taking this photo in commemoration of you.
Funniest moment of the week: FHE Monday night, I was trying to squeeze a lesson in after the picture took all the creativity and focus we had. I had the family help me set up dominoes in the shape of a heart and talked about how the Book of Mormon is a foundational element of our testimonies. After a few restarts I called Josie over to knock the dominoes down. I asked, “Do you want to knock these dominoes over?” She answered “Yeah!” while she simultaneously threw her arms across the heart, splattering dominoes all at once. Haha…
Sweetest moment of the week: Driving to donuts after the attending the 7am Provo City Temple open house Friday morning. I just love the feeling we share after the open houses. This temple is very impressive and I thought about how much work and expense was invested to honor the efforts of our predecessors.
Most accomplished moment of the week: I finally got the license plates on the new van and all the previous owner’s stuff collected. The van has a 6 CD changer and I kept popping out disks on the way to Cascade’s family skate night. Aleah had to go alone because Dad, Parker, and Elise had a Stake Fireside and I had to shop for the ingredients for her birthday breakfast that night. Since half the family would be a YC on her birthday, and we had the open house today, and Cambry’s birthday follows hers, we had Swedish pancakes Thursday morning.
Walking back to the car after the open house, these three string beans locked shoulders and marched their silly synchronized interlocking legs march.
Most accomplished moment of the week: I finally got the license plates on the new van and all the previous owner’s stuff collected. The van has a 6 CD changer and I kept popping out disks on the way to Cascade’s family skate night. Aleah had to go alone because Dad, Parker, and Elise had a Stake Fireside and I had to shop for the ingredients for her birthday breakfast that night. Since half the family would be a YC on her birthday, and we had the open house today, and Cambry’s birthday follows hers, we had Swedish pancakes Thursday morning.
Most unexpected moment: Josie was the only girl who came to her dance class Wednesday. She was in heaven - she got to boss the teacher around a little, “Now you do your turn…” I think she might have worn herself out a little because she was yawning when I took her with me to drop the girls off for their class later.
Most unwise moment: Parker came into our room late Monday night explaining that he’d forgotten that Brandon Sanderson was having and book event and he wanted to go. It wasn’t really ‘can I go’ but more like ‘I’m going, just so you know where I am.’ I didn’t protest, he was out till all hours of the early morning, and then missed school Wednesday and Thursday because he was sick. Unwise.
Most anticipated moment: Aleah is going to Color Me Mine, a pottery place down in the Riverwoods tomorrow on her birthday. She requested this gift for Christmas.
Most dreaded moment: Aleah began speech pathology this week. They began by working on her Ss sounds. She was told to pull her tongue back in her mouth and use her teeth to make the sound. Now why didn’t I think of that? Oh wait, I did. Anyway a light went on for her and she’s working to speak more clearly. That is good. She’s got to work at it so that she can still do it even when she’s excited. :)
Most vacant moment: Well really Dad’s just been gone the whole week, even Monday night after FHE. He’s feeling it. But I’ll bet he comes home a little refreshed after YC.
Saddest moment: Glenn Martin passed Thursday at about noon. Oh how we love him. He stopped eating and taking meds Sunday. They had been up in Salt Lake taking care of Carol’s mother who is also passing soon. So Carol brought him home and the kids gathered. They have many nurses in the family and they say they have never seen a more peaceful, sweet passing. He was able to talk to the family until just about five minutes before he passed. The children all gathered for a sleepover in the family room where his hospital bed was. Occasionally in the night he would start a conversation with some of them. He is safely dead, having been granted great mercies over the past couple years.
Most unbelievable moment: My ENT is treating my sinus infections with soap. Yup. I put a drop of Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo in my irrigation bottle with my saline rinse morning and night. It doesn’t taste good, but it’s working. It breaks up the mucus and makes my sinuses not so friendly to the bugs. I feel like this could be it. After thirty days of irrigated antibiotic solution, I almost immediately had another sinus infection and I was discouraged. Using Cambry’s essential oils on my cheeks and forehead gave me some relief. But this soap stuff holds promise.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Hey! I got a sweet email from the Ps in Vernal this week. They were so complimentary of you. That was so sweet!
Aleah said her birthday this year was the best ever. Score!
Today has been really wonderful with Cambry as well. I’ve got to go as the entire H clan is coming for cheesecake. Dad gave a wonderful address today for ward conference. I’ll send you a copy with the next picture. It’ involved the sheath knife he gave you years ago.
Love you sooo much!
Love,
Mom
From Dad February 1, 2016
January 24, 2016
Re: Letter 59 of 3
Dear Riley:
Today marked the end of perhaps the busiest week I can recall. There was not a single day I wasn’t required as Bishop. Your mother stated that it had been particularly hard and expressed gratitude that this seldom occurs. I share her sentiments and look forward to a little lighter load in coming days, though we do have a funeral on Saturday.
My heart aches as I face the reality of GM’s passing. There are few men finer and it’s rare to find a family as extraordinary. We were in his home on Tuesday evening where we visited, said our goodbyes, and blessed both him and his dear wife C. The Spirit was strong and their home felt like sacred ground. I didn’t expect him to last the week, but was surprised by how he passed and how quickly he went. Throughout his progression, the doctors fully expected him to advance to a vegetative state. This, however, never happened. He passed peacefully last Thursday at 12:01 PM. He was in the comfort of his home, pain free, surrounded by his family, and able to express his love just hours before his passing. He fought a valiant fight for years beyond the expectations of doctors and was able to enjoy precious time with loved ones. Faith and prayers brought a multitude of blessings and tender mercies which he and his family consider miraculous and allowed him to witness and participate in important crossroads. We will sorely miss our devoted former Bishop, faithful friend, diligent Home Teacher, and brother in the Lord. The closing hymn in Sacrament was sung in his honor and many were unable to maintain composure as we sang Each Life That Touches Ours for Good.
Today was Ward Conference and I think it went well. I was charged with the responsibility of introducing the theme which was “feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” (2 Nephi 32:3). I don’t know whether you have the ability to print out letters or if you simply need to read them while you’re on the computer. At any rate, I’ll send the outline of my remarks which may prove useful via paper post mid week.
I indicated last week that I had a sweet experience I would share with you this week. It seems society has gone tattoo crazy. Businesses have popped up all over and I see a lot more ink walking around than I ever did in years past. Tattoos are increasingly elaborate, extensive, and conspicuous. The body painting wave has spilled into the Church more than I would have expected and I wonder how the message regarding the sacred nature of our bodies failed to discourage some individuals within the church from adorning their bodies in this fashion. The reasons and justifications are varied, and occasionally the question comes up of whether getting one would preclude someone from worthily holding a temple recommend. When I tell them it won’t, little I say afterwards can dissuade some from going out and getting one. I met with one such individual recently and came home troubled by the resistance to the counsel against tattoos. This individual placed great significance on the fact that a particular tattoo was commemorative in nature and only partially finished. I woke up the following morning with what I considered an inspired perspective. I contacted the individual and asked that nothing be done regarding the partially finished tattoo until we spoke again. I unexpectedly had the opportunity to share this perspective with the individual last Sunday. I read the statement of the First Presidency on wearing the temple garment with emphasis on how we wear the garment is an outward manifestation of an inward commitment to follow the Savior Jesus Christ. I explained the garment itself was commemorative and outward manifestation of the time we turn our heart more fully to God by taking upon ourselves additional sacred covenants and saving ordinances. It occurred to me that the unfinished tattoo also becomes a commemoration of a changed heart which was more fully given to God as evidenced by leaving the tattoo unfinished. It would thereby become an additional outward manifestation of an inward commitment to follow the Savior Jesus Christ. When I shared this insight, the Spirit rushed in; the individual got a little emotional and commented on the beauty of this perspective. We were both uplifted and edified as the Spirit testified to the truthfulness of the doctrine being taught. I told this individual that the choice was theirs, but I believed I knew what the final decision would be. The response to this was an indication that indeed a heart had been softened and a course of action altered. I was grateful for the inspiration and for a small indication that perhaps I was making a difference, however small, in the lives of some of the members after all.
Well, I’m exhausted and we just wrapped up a birthday celebration for Cambry with the H family over. It was enjoyable and memorable. I’m ready to get some sleep.
We sure love you and so enjoy hearing from you and about you. We received word from the P family who apparently had some interaction with you not long ago. They were very impressed by your character, obvious diligence in the gospel, and positive outlook. We love you and miss you especially when celebrating family events like birthdays. Keep working hard and following the Spirit.
Love,
Dad
Re: Letter 59 of 3
Dear Riley:
Today marked the end of perhaps the busiest week I can recall. There was not a single day I wasn’t required as Bishop. Your mother stated that it had been particularly hard and expressed gratitude that this seldom occurs. I share her sentiments and look forward to a little lighter load in coming days, though we do have a funeral on Saturday.
My heart aches as I face the reality of GM’s passing. There are few men finer and it’s rare to find a family as extraordinary. We were in his home on Tuesday evening where we visited, said our goodbyes, and blessed both him and his dear wife C. The Spirit was strong and their home felt like sacred ground. I didn’t expect him to last the week, but was surprised by how he passed and how quickly he went. Throughout his progression, the doctors fully expected him to advance to a vegetative state. This, however, never happened. He passed peacefully last Thursday at 12:01 PM. He was in the comfort of his home, pain free, surrounded by his family, and able to express his love just hours before his passing. He fought a valiant fight for years beyond the expectations of doctors and was able to enjoy precious time with loved ones. Faith and prayers brought a multitude of blessings and tender mercies which he and his family consider miraculous and allowed him to witness and participate in important crossroads. We will sorely miss our devoted former Bishop, faithful friend, diligent Home Teacher, and brother in the Lord. The closing hymn in Sacrament was sung in his honor and many were unable to maintain composure as we sang Each Life That Touches Ours for Good.
Today was Ward Conference and I think it went well. I was charged with the responsibility of introducing the theme which was “feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” (2 Nephi 32:3). I don’t know whether you have the ability to print out letters or if you simply need to read them while you’re on the computer. At any rate, I’ll send the outline of my remarks which may prove useful via paper post mid week.
I indicated last week that I had a sweet experience I would share with you this week. It seems society has gone tattoo crazy. Businesses have popped up all over and I see a lot more ink walking around than I ever did in years past. Tattoos are increasingly elaborate, extensive, and conspicuous. The body painting wave has spilled into the Church more than I would have expected and I wonder how the message regarding the sacred nature of our bodies failed to discourage some individuals within the church from adorning their bodies in this fashion. The reasons and justifications are varied, and occasionally the question comes up of whether getting one would preclude someone from worthily holding a temple recommend. When I tell them it won’t, little I say afterwards can dissuade some from going out and getting one. I met with one such individual recently and came home troubled by the resistance to the counsel against tattoos. This individual placed great significance on the fact that a particular tattoo was commemorative in nature and only partially finished. I woke up the following morning with what I considered an inspired perspective. I contacted the individual and asked that nothing be done regarding the partially finished tattoo until we spoke again. I unexpectedly had the opportunity to share this perspective with the individual last Sunday. I read the statement of the First Presidency on wearing the temple garment with emphasis on how we wear the garment is an outward manifestation of an inward commitment to follow the Savior Jesus Christ. I explained the garment itself was commemorative and outward manifestation of the time we turn our heart more fully to God by taking upon ourselves additional sacred covenants and saving ordinances. It occurred to me that the unfinished tattoo also becomes a commemoration of a changed heart which was more fully given to God as evidenced by leaving the tattoo unfinished. It would thereby become an additional outward manifestation of an inward commitment to follow the Savior Jesus Christ. When I shared this insight, the Spirit rushed in; the individual got a little emotional and commented on the beauty of this perspective. We were both uplifted and edified as the Spirit testified to the truthfulness of the doctrine being taught. I told this individual that the choice was theirs, but I believed I knew what the final decision would be. The response to this was an indication that indeed a heart had been softened and a course of action altered. I was grateful for the inspiration and for a small indication that perhaps I was making a difference, however small, in the lives of some of the members after all.
Well, I’m exhausted and we just wrapped up a birthday celebration for Cambry with the H family over. It was enjoyable and memorable. I’m ready to get some sleep.
We sure love you and so enjoy hearing from you and about you. We received word from the P family who apparently had some interaction with you not long ago. They were very impressed by your character, obvious diligence in the gospel, and positive outlook. We love you and miss you especially when celebrating family events like birthdays. Keep working hard and following the Spirit.
Love,
Dad
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Sourdough Bread
David made this demonstration video as part of a Christmas gift for his brother's family. Many people ask him to teach them how to make this bread.
Parish Fun
(A friend emailed David asking for the plans for the ear plug guns his son had played with at our house.)
Back of gun – 5”
Handle of gun – 4”
Barrel of gun – 13”
Tee
Coupler
Cap – Not essential, but gives a nice finished look on the bottom of the handle.
Nickel or plastic disk with same diameter as ½” inch PVC sch 40 pipe OD
Lots of ear plugs.
Given your current location I trust you’ll take the necessary steps to prevent these from falling into the wrong hands…
All the best,
Dave
Monday, January 25, 2016
Since you've been gone...
...we're sticking together.
This was Cambry's choice.
Can you tell who's whose?
From Dad January 24, 2016
January 17, 2016
Re: Letter 58 of 3
Dear Riley:
I never got seriously involved in track and field so I’m not exactly sure what I was observing thirty years ago, or if this training methodology is still employed today. After all, it did seem to dance on the fringes of better judgment and safety. I remember watching as a vehicle drove around the track with bars sticking out from either side 6 to 8 feet. Individuals would hold on to the bars and use them to stay upright while the vehicle moved at speeds which pushed the limits of human endurance and ability. I remember wondering what happened when an individual reached the limit, or momentarily got tripped up. Did they plunge headlong into the cinder covered surface or hang on for dear life with their legs dragging uselessly behind until the vehicle came to a stop??
I can sort of relate to those runners in training right now. I’m fairly flying; moving at a speed impossible to maintain indefinitely, my stride is enormous and my legs pumping furiously. I’m weary; my heart is pounding in my head; I keep reminding myself to breathe properly, but If I let go… I’ll fall. This is at the end of a relatively low stress week. I guess what I’m seeing are several substantial hurdles just around the corner approaching at a furious pace, then another and another….Ironically, I’m also feeling invigorated and supremely satisfied; almost like the runner’s high I’ve heard athletes speak of, almost like living and moving in a dream.
It’s hard to believe January is nearly over. I find my thoughts turned increasingly to pruning, dormant oil spray, garden prep, yard maintenance, bees etc. The birthday onslaught is upon us. This weekend is also Youth Conference and Ward Conference. Throw in work, family, a few domestic projects, Bishopric home visits, conference home visits, temple attendance, Bishopric training, youth fireside, and it’s a packed week. Our theme for Ward Conference is found in 2nd Nephi 32:3.
Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you,feastupon thewordsof Christ; for behold, the words of Christ willtellyou all things what ye should do.
I’m still gathering my thoughts for my conference address to the Ward, and think I have things pretty well down in my mind. I’m feeling a little perplexed by good members who profess a desire to believe and know. For the most part they are good individuals trying to live the gospel standards, but just can’t seem to find a burning testimony or conviction. Invariably not one is truly feasting on the Word, but most seem content to nibble at the sample plates. I feel there is so much more I myself could and should be doing, but the small and simple things I manage to do, still build my faith and testimony and help me feel complete in the gospel. So far, I don’t feel I’ve been very effective at moving anyone from their state of apathy and disbelief and wish I could have a stroke of inspiration which would break people out of this mindset. I know you deal with this every day, and as you say, it’s all part of the game.
We really enjoyed your last letter and recent wave of pictures. Your area is breathtakingly beautiful and it’s good to hear that your efforts and slight change of focus in the work seems to be paying off. Keep up the effort and positive outlook. Like you said, 10 months doesn’t seem very long.
This has been a winter with considerable more precipitation and snow than in recent years. It was raining when we went to bed last night, but I woke up to a few new inches of very heavy snow on the walks and driveway. I’m just working up the gumption to go out and shovel before heading over to church. There was an enormous blizzard forecast back east which was supposed to drop upwards of three feet in DC and NY this weekend. All this, of course, is concrete evidence of global warming. Ignore the fact that the predictions of so called “Experts” have been all wrong, their reasoning and theorizing change as frequently as the weather, they stretch this way and that; they fabricate data, go back and change historical data, get caught and then do it again. The one constant is the claim that we are somehow responsible and need to pay someone for it. (It’s enough to drive a clear headed individual a little crazy.) I’m just grateful for the moisture which replenishes our reservoirs and restores our snow packs and as long as I’m warm and dry, I’ll even tolerate a little shoveling.
I’m not sure what you hear about US politics in Thailand, but on my mission nearly everyone had an opinion. It appears that both parties are in upheaval. The two front runners of the Republican Party favored to win the nomination are absolutely despised by the party establishment. The democrats are losing their front runner in a process that looks more like death by a thousand cuts. There’s speculation that Hillary Clinton may be indicted in coming weeks. Her leading opponent is an unabashed communist. One thing seems apparent; people are sick and tired of the status quo. I’m not terribly enthused by any of the prospects, though the Utah primary is enough behind other key states so as to be nearly meaningless in the entire process. Whatever the outcome, it promises to be memorable and very likely historic. I guess we pay heed to those these things we truly can affect and leave the rest alone since worrying about it won’t change the outcome anyway.
Well, I’m just about heading out the door so I need to wrap up. Sometimes I start to wonder if I’m doing any good at all and then I get a small sign that something I did, some inspiration I acted on, was instrumental in someone’s course correction even if only by few degrees; a few degrees which in the long run will lead to an entirely different destination. I have one such instance I’d like to share with you but time doesn’t allow me to do it justice. I’ll try to share it next week. At any rate, don’t get discouraged by apparent lack of progress in the work. God is at the helm and He sees everything from beginning to end. I’m confident that at some future point, we’ll understand and wonder at his simple approach to what we consider complex issues. Love you! Miss you. Till next week…
Love,
Dad
Re: Letter 58 of 3
Dear Riley:
I never got seriously involved in track and field so I’m not exactly sure what I was observing thirty years ago, or if this training methodology is still employed today. After all, it did seem to dance on the fringes of better judgment and safety. I remember watching as a vehicle drove around the track with bars sticking out from either side 6 to 8 feet. Individuals would hold on to the bars and use them to stay upright while the vehicle moved at speeds which pushed the limits of human endurance and ability. I remember wondering what happened when an individual reached the limit, or momentarily got tripped up. Did they plunge headlong into the cinder covered surface or hang on for dear life with their legs dragging uselessly behind until the vehicle came to a stop??
I can sort of relate to those runners in training right now. I’m fairly flying; moving at a speed impossible to maintain indefinitely, my stride is enormous and my legs pumping furiously. I’m weary; my heart is pounding in my head; I keep reminding myself to breathe properly, but If I let go… I’ll fall. This is at the end of a relatively low stress week. I guess what I’m seeing are several substantial hurdles just around the corner approaching at a furious pace, then another and another….Ironically, I’m also feeling invigorated and supremely satisfied; almost like the runner’s high I’ve heard athletes speak of, almost like living and moving in a dream.
It’s hard to believe January is nearly over. I find my thoughts turned increasingly to pruning, dormant oil spray, garden prep, yard maintenance, bees etc. The birthday onslaught is upon us. This weekend is also Youth Conference and Ward Conference. Throw in work, family, a few domestic projects, Bishopric home visits, conference home visits, temple attendance, Bishopric training, youth fireside, and it’s a packed week. Our theme for Ward Conference is found in 2nd Nephi 32:3.
Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you,feastupon thewordsof Christ; for behold, the words of Christ willtellyou all things what ye should do.
I’m still gathering my thoughts for my conference address to the Ward, and think I have things pretty well down in my mind. I’m feeling a little perplexed by good members who profess a desire to believe and know. For the most part they are good individuals trying to live the gospel standards, but just can’t seem to find a burning testimony or conviction. Invariably not one is truly feasting on the Word, but most seem content to nibble at the sample plates. I feel there is so much more I myself could and should be doing, but the small and simple things I manage to do, still build my faith and testimony and help me feel complete in the gospel. So far, I don’t feel I’ve been very effective at moving anyone from their state of apathy and disbelief and wish I could have a stroke of inspiration which would break people out of this mindset. I know you deal with this every day, and as you say, it’s all part of the game.
We really enjoyed your last letter and recent wave of pictures. Your area is breathtakingly beautiful and it’s good to hear that your efforts and slight change of focus in the work seems to be paying off. Keep up the effort and positive outlook. Like you said, 10 months doesn’t seem very long.
This has been a winter with considerable more precipitation and snow than in recent years. It was raining when we went to bed last night, but I woke up to a few new inches of very heavy snow on the walks and driveway. I’m just working up the gumption to go out and shovel before heading over to church. There was an enormous blizzard forecast back east which was supposed to drop upwards of three feet in DC and NY this weekend. All this, of course, is concrete evidence of global warming. Ignore the fact that the predictions of so called “Experts” have been all wrong, their reasoning and theorizing change as frequently as the weather, they stretch this way and that; they fabricate data, go back and change historical data, get caught and then do it again. The one constant is the claim that we are somehow responsible and need to pay someone for it. (It’s enough to drive a clear headed individual a little crazy.) I’m just grateful for the moisture which replenishes our reservoirs and restores our snow packs and as long as I’m warm and dry, I’ll even tolerate a little shoveling.
I’m not sure what you hear about US politics in Thailand, but on my mission nearly everyone had an opinion. It appears that both parties are in upheaval. The two front runners of the Republican Party favored to win the nomination are absolutely despised by the party establishment. The democrats are losing their front runner in a process that looks more like death by a thousand cuts. There’s speculation that Hillary Clinton may be indicted in coming weeks. Her leading opponent is an unabashed communist. One thing seems apparent; people are sick and tired of the status quo. I’m not terribly enthused by any of the prospects, though the Utah primary is enough behind other key states so as to be nearly meaningless in the entire process. Whatever the outcome, it promises to be memorable and very likely historic. I guess we pay heed to those these things we truly can affect and leave the rest alone since worrying about it won’t change the outcome anyway.
Well, I’m just about heading out the door so I need to wrap up. Sometimes I start to wonder if I’m doing any good at all and then I get a small sign that something I did, some inspiration I acted on, was instrumental in someone’s course correction even if only by few degrees; a few degrees which in the long run will lead to an entirely different destination. I have one such instance I’d like to share with you but time doesn’t allow me to do it justice. I’ll try to share it next week. At any rate, don’t get discouraged by apparent lack of progress in the work. God is at the helm and He sees everything from beginning to end. I’m confident that at some future point, we’ll understand and wonder at his simple approach to what we consider complex issues. Love you! Miss you. Till next week…
Love,
Dad