Ginny takes on Paris France

Ginny and her college roommate, Emily Schreiner, took on Paris for a few days. They left 10/16 and got home 10/21.  She seemed to have a great time.  I am thankful they made it home safe and sound. 

Boston with the Boys (Jake and his brothers/dad)

Jake is in Boston with his dad and brother's for a few days.  He looks forward to these "Boys Trips" with them and enjoys so much being with them.  He flew out Wednesday morning and comes home Sunday. Rarely does he send me pictures but I was fortunate to get a few throughout the trip.They went to Salem on 10/16 and then to Hamilton in Boston later that evening. They spent time together 10/15 -10/19.  

Quick trip yo see the parents

 After Will took his ACT (for the 4th time now), the boys, Aubree, and I drove to Jackson to visit my parents some. I love that mom cooks and dad likes to take us on rides in his truck. He hooks the trailer up and puts patio furniture in there for us to sit on. I was telling Sandra as we rode around the farm on the trailer that I love those things about mom and dad. They each show love in their own way but they show love. I also enjoyed going to the old cemetery on the farm  

 

San Antonio

 October has proved to be a busy month already.  We had the youth over for the Saturday evening session of General Conference and fed them dinner.  We did it in the Spring as well and it seems to be enjoyed by them and help Jake build relationships with them.  I had a work conference in San Antonio, so Jake went with me and we enjoyed a long weekend there (Thursday-Sunday). I must admit that I enjoyed having him 100% to myself.  Walking around holding his hand looking at things was great.  

While we were there, he got word that one of the students this year committed suicide.  Rarely have I seen him be emotional but he did get a little teary (maybe this bishop stuff is making him more emotional..smiles).  He sent the kindest test to his team after it happened: "Here is what I remember about...I also know that regardless of how he lost his life, he has a loving Savior that will hold him in His arms. I cannot imagine the pain (student name) must have been going through to take his own life. I hurt that I could not be a little more for him. I hurt for his family. I hurt for my team. I hurt for our school. Those same loving arms that will hold (student name) are the same loving arms that will hold each of you. I pray you feel them."

That man, my man, could not be any better than what he is.  

There is a restaurant in the Dallas airport where Jake always wants to get a BBQ potato.

Aubree's White coat & passing of President Nelson

Aubree had her ceremony last night to receive her white coat as se begins her clinicals for the nursing program.  Jake and I were happy to be able to be there there and hope that she does not regret her decision to be back in Tennessee. We are confident that she will not only be a clinically sound nurse but a kind one and make patients/people feel seen. 

Sunday was the primary program at church and the spirit was powerfully present. The music sang by the children brought it in from the beginning but the last song when the youth walked up to join was amazing.  It proved to be more comforting to the soul than I realized it would be. We awoke that morning to the news that President Nelson, our beloved prophet, had passed away Saturday evening at the age of 101. I will remember him for the announcement of so many temples, his encouragement to gather Israel, and to think Celestial.  He has spoken so many profound words and taught forgiveness and that repentance is not something to be ashamed of but something that happens daily.   After church, word got out that a ward in Michigan as on fire and had an active shooter, my heart began to hurt for the Saints there.  No doubt the timing of the primary program was a tender mercy from Heaven for me. 

On to Alaska

The week after Ginny and I got home from Boston, Jake and I left for an Alaskan Cruise with our friends the Donalds.  We are very fortunate the Ginny was so kind enough to watch the boys while we went.  While we were gone, she also got rear-ended but was okay.  A day before we left on the cruise, there was an assassination of Charlie Kirk.  Honestly, I knew little about him before his murder but he seemed to be a man that promoted Christ, Christian beliefs, and family and was killed for it.  His death has since led to many people turning to the Lord.  His memorial felt like a religious revival in some ways and people (including politicians) were bearing witness of the Savior, it was very inspiring, especially his wife's remarks. 

Alaska was beautiful, so much of the beauty reminded me that we have a God that loves us.   I enjoyed the time with just Jake.  That man makes me better every day and shows love in ways I did not know could exist.  He is my everything. We rented a car and spent the day at Mt. Rainier after disembarking the boat.  The following day our flight home was cancelled so we spent the day exploring Seattle and caught an overnight flight home. I even convinced them to walk the temple grounds with me. We had time for a session but 1/2 didn’t have recommends or proper attire.