Back to school?

Charlotte and Philip graciously hosted a sibling dinner this past Monday evening.  All of my Utah siblings and their spouses were there.  We had a great time reminiscing about our parents.  Like Nephi, we were born of goodly parents who taught us the gospel and left us with a sure foundation upon which to build our lives.  We heard a little bit more about Nan and Bruce's mission, but not much as we were so busy talking about everything else.  Phil re-shared the story of Natalie having cousin Melissa (Cook White) over to spend the night when they were about 17 years old.  In the middle of the night, Melissa walked in her sleep--right into Phil and Charlotte's bedroom.  She walked in and stood over Charlotte.  "Are you okay?" Charlotte asked.  Melissa nodded and proceeded to the other side of the bed where she climbed in--right by Uncle Phil.  Phil and Char looked at each other and mouthed, "What do we do?"  Soon, Melissa woke up and wondered, "Why is Uncle Phil in my bed?" She didn't wonder long, as the bedroom in Phil and Char's house at the time had floral wallpaper all over it.  She quickly realized it was the other way around.  She was so embarrassed.  She has told them since that it is her most embarrassing experience. 

Dave and Becky also shared a story.  He had shared it in his letter for the week, but I hadn't read it yet, so they re-shared it.  In Becky's words: "A fourth-year hike for Girls camp was planned up Hobble Creek Canyon, close enough for it to be said, “It is like going for a walk in our own backyard.” Our hikes usually took us far from home, into the mountains. After dinner, at campfire, some of the young women were a bit boisterous. Someone said,” It would be so funny if cops showed up and said we were being too noisy.” Five minutes later, a police car turned on flashing lights, and we heard over the loudspeaker, “Dave and Becky Cook, if you are here, make yourselves visible.” It got quiet. Our daughter, barely three years old, had bitten into a glass ammonia vial from the first aid kit. Burned and cut she was rushed to the hospital. Our older daughter was watching our kids, so the police were dispatched, found us, and drove us home.

We believe the Lord had a hand in planning the hike that year. Being within the boundaries of the city of Springville, we were exactly where we were supposed to be. There are no coincidences when it comes to the Lord. This was one of those “Spiritually Defining Memories” Elder Neil L. Anderson spoke of in April 2020 General Conference. “...God knows and loves each of us... He eagerly desires to reveal Himself to us. These experiences may come at pivotal times in our lives or in what may at first seem as uneventful happenings, but they are always accompanied by an exceptionally strong spiritual confirmation of the love of God.” After a long night in the hospital, a Priesthood blessing, a trip to Primary Children’s Hospital, and a long nap, our daughter joyfully announced she was all better and going home." Becky had written all of this up as a spiritually defining memory. and encouraged her readers to write down their spiritually defining memories.  Becky also added a postscript: 

"The next year, we did the same hike, and it happened again. This time, after turning on lights and siren, and beckoning me to make myself visible, the officer held out a beautiful bouquet of roses and wished me Happy Anniversary from my loving companion."  I imagine she felt panicked as the police car drove up in exactly the same way it had the year before.  Needless to say, we laughed a lot during the evening.  It was so nice to see everyone--it's been so long since we've socialized with each other.  

I have to mention the delicious food we ate.  Phil had cooked pork and salmon outside--both were delicious.  Char had roasted potatoes, both sweet and regular and they were perfectly done.  Nan brought fruit and Christine had made a wonderful salad with fresh mozzarella balls and baby tomatoes.  We brought fresh beets from our garden.  To top all of this off, Char had made some gluten free chocolate cookies.  Both Dave and Charlotte are Celiac.  

Catharine, Christine, Steve, Dave, Becky, Nan, Bruce, Phil and Char.

Most of my grandchildren started school this week (Ruby and Max had already started, and Finn's, Beverly's, Effie's and Mav's preschool hasn't started yet).  I think it was a little bit hard because it was 1/2 day school, every other day.  Next week will be all day, but only two days a week, with online learning the other three days.  The kids were excited to return; but it's sad we're still not back to normal school days yet (especially for moms)  I've heard a little concern from my children that their kids may not learn much this year unless they step in with supplemental material. 

Gunnar and Oli 

Greta got to go to preschool, but she cried because she couldn't take the bus

Ori

It's really sad to cover up all their beautiful faces!

Hyeji, Doyeon, and Yuna set for school with
Facemasks

We went back to church today for the first time since March.  It was very different with only the L-Z portion of our ward.  Every other bench was blocked off and we had to wait to be seated.  The sacrament was passed by three men and one priest.  Each  piece of bread was in a separate water cup, placed every other one in the water tray.  Each passer had two trays, one for returning the empty cups.  I felt the spirit strongly, as it's been so long since participating in this setting, but I have to admit, I hated wearing a mask.  I definitely feel for the school kids that are being required to wear them all day.  We also got a new bishopric today.  Our bishop that was released was very emotional.  He has served almost, but not quite 5 years.  He lost his wife 2 or 3 years ago to cancer and being a bishop has kept him involved and busy.  

The rest  of my week has been fairly uneventful--you can tell that when I have to use other peoples letters to supplement mine.  😀 My siblings write great letters, though, so I'm always glad to share some of their thoughts with all of you.