Memories of Florence, Arizona

Well sunday was an interesting day. My presidency and I were released as the Florence 2nd ward Relief Society Presidency. No new presidency was put in. There was a snag as the Bishop put it. He asked us to carry on for the day. I have now left and any problems will be handled by the Bishop and my exiting counselors. Hopefully the snag will be fixed shortly and a new presidency can carry on.

We will miss the Forence 2nd ward and especially my friends in the presidency.

Brandi (1st on the left) inspired me to be a better missionary, to invite others into my home and share what I have, even if we are out of work or experiencing trials. She gave me the courage to work on my education. She is currently applying to a nursing program (Go Brandi). She has a no nonsense view of living the gospel and is always a good example to those around her.

Amy (2nd from left) taught me about courage and being strong. Her husband was recently deployed leaving her and her two small children to take care of things at home. She cans, decorates her home, is a wonderful mom, and was a great secretary. She may not always feel courageous, but she continues to live the gospel to the fullest and do her best even in times of loneliness. My prayers go out to her and her husband for a safe return.

Sarah (1st on right) taught me how to move - no seriously she moved 4 times within the ward in the last 2 years. She befriended me and included me in her circle. She is very talented and shares all that she has with others. She is one amazing women who balances life with the skill of an expert juggler. She always has a smile and works through every trial.

I have worked with many other sisters through my calling and they all inspired me to be better. Thank you Joy, Lorraine, Holly, and many others. I will miss all of you and am grateful for technology to help us keep in touch.

Good Memories of Florence:
My best friend Pam
Scrapbooking till 1:00 am (or talking)
Bookclub
Twilight Movie Excursion
Ward Halloween Parties
Wonderful winters where only a jacket was required
Bishopric who truly loved and served the members
Swimming at the community center and seeing friends there
Dennings down the street (till they moved)
Good visiting teachers
Having Selina close by and watching Richie grow
Christmas in Florence with all my kids
Alex leaving on a mission
Ken being scoutmaster and taking over alot of the scouting duties
Trevor getting his Eagle project finished
Going to the Diamondback games
Walmart only 15 minutes away
Shopping, Shopping, Shopping
Trip to the Grand Canyon
Our Exchange Student Tiago

I guess there is too many to list, I could go on and on. I love the people of Florence and will miss my sisters there.

Grand Canyon Adventures

Yeah we finally made it to the Grand Canyon! We have been trying to get there for 2 years and we finally found a day to adventure up there. It is a five hour drive from where we live. It was breathtaking and we enjoyed walking around some of the South Rim. The 3 boys even hiked down a little bit.

Ken has a new job!

Well it's official, we are heading back to ELY. Yes, we can't believe it either. The boys are excited and ready to go now. We have to get Trevor's Eagle Project finished before we can go, and we are waiting on the supplies right now. Ken starts on Sep 21 and we hope to go a few weeks later if all goes well. We are grateful to have a job again and hope we can find suitable housing. We will miss our home and friends here in Arizona as well as the wonderful winters. How is it we endured summer and are now moving just in time to endure winter in Ely, we are missing the best parts this year.

Alex enters MTC August 26 1:00 pm

Elder Jones is official! A few pictures from our time in Utah.


In front of MTC


Museum at Thanksgiving Point

Here's the link for his mission website which includes, letters, pictures, and addresses.
http://www.missionsite.net/elderjones

Busy Month

Well it has been a very busy month of July. Visitors, Visitors and more visitors. Alex went through the Mesa temple on July 14th for the first time. All the girls were able to be there as well and Grandma Reid came too. It was a nice evening.

Then we headed off to Big Bear Lake in California for the Reid Family Reunion. We had a great 3 days hanging out, playing volleyball, going tubing, tobagonning, and just having a great time. We missed the few who were not there and hope in 2 years they will get to join in the fun.

School is now started and we also decided to have an exchange student come and live with us. Our house was getting a little too open. Tiago (pronouned Chee-ah-go) is from Brazil. He is having a tough week adjusting, but is a real trooper. We love having him here and believe he will fit well into our family. Welcome to America!

Father's Day

Today is Father's Day and it is amazingly relaxing compared to Mothers day - ie; no expectations! We had pancakes for breakfast and an easy barbeque for lunch. Ken volunteered to take the missionaries and some investigators to a fireside in Casa Grande so he is gone for the evening. I wanted to take this opportunity to say thanks to the wonderful fathers in my life.

First of all my wonderful husband Ken. He is always there for us. He is a good provider and a great father and priesthood holder. He tries hard to fulfill his role and to be a great example. We are fortunate to have him in our lives. I see way too much as Relief Society President and am extremely grateful for the wonderful husband and father in our home. Thank you for all you do and for all the great times together and the wonderful memories we have made together.

Second is my dear father, who passed on almost 30 years ago. I still miss him and think of him almost every day. He was a great example to me. He was compasssionate and kind. He could see others needs and know how to help them. He taught me about dedication to the Lord. He taught by example the importance of doing your calling all the way, even if that meant digging in up to your elbows. My fondest memories are moments when I had him all to myself; daddy-daughter parties, rides in the car with just us. He was always in the middle of things and loved by the youth of the church. Sometimes when I hear President Monson talk he reminds me of my father. I wish he were hear to teach me to build things and share in the joys of children and grandchildren (probably not in that order). He seemed to me that he could do everything! If he couldn't he tried anyway! Thanks Dad for being there! Thanks for giving your life so our family could be strong and hold to the truths of the gospel. I love you and miss you.

Third, and definitely not least is my Father-in-Law. He has stepped in and taken the place of Dad and Grandpa. He is always there to support us and help us. He is a great Patriarch. He has shared his love of life with all of us. He does not let things get him down. He works at the temple each week and has served two full-time missions. He values the gospel and wants whats best for all of us. Dad I love you and appreciate your wisdom and advice you have given over the years, even the ones we haven't always heeded.

Happy Fathers Day! Life is good with Fathers in our lives! My greatest hope is my boys will grow up to be the kind of fathers who emulate their Father in Heaven as the fathers in my life have.

My Garden

I have tried many times to have a garden and have had very little success. Other people talk about the loads of zucchini they get and I get a few tomatoes and that's it. We have a very small plot of ground in our subdivision - ie: small backyard - but I was determined to give it another shot. Mind you I tried in Ely where the ground is fairly fertile, but the growing season is very small and my plants did almost nothing where my neighbor Cammie's would be 5 feet tall. Well my garden has not grown to great heights, but we have received some produce and have also enjoyed others produce. We have gotten quite a few tomatoes, summer squash, zucchini, and a pepper or two. We also have a lemon tree that has a lot of lemons on it (great for only the 2nd year) - Thanks to all the bees we have had in our yard. Just had to share my last zucchini pick - the biggest I have ever gotten!!