I thought this weekend would be the perfect time to do a winter wrap-up, but here in Utah, winter has visited us again. This Sunday morning of March 29th brought with it wind and snow. Oh well, if I finally sit down to write, perhaps winter will consider leaving.
My last entry summing up the warm weather, ended with an early fall campout at Mutual Dell. Do you remember how all the grandsons looked like the 7 dwarfs carrying their lanterns? Well, it’s time to get ready for campouts again! We have a great family reunion campout planned for Bear Lake in northern Utah this summer. I can’t wait!
Bob and I serve as our ward activities chairmen at church. So, last October 22nd we organized a chili cook-off. We played lots of old-time country music like, “Hey, Good Lookin - What Ya Got Cookin?” And we taught everyone how to do the Virginia Reel. Even Bob got in the dance! Now that is one for the record!
On Thanksgiving we had quite the feast with lots of turkey! Then on Christmas day we had turkey again. The entire family was here, so that made Christmas very special day. Thank-you! We sure love all you guys.
On Saturday, December 6th, we went to the temple and participated in the sealing of my mother to my father. There was such a feeling of happiness - so strong and real – like a great leap of joy. Everything about our experience was perfect. We were treated like royalty.
Since Gayla’s ward meets in our building, I was able to take Matthew with me as I went into the 3 nurseries to provide “singing time” for the children. But, when 2009 arrived, the schedules rotated, and our meeting times no longer overlapped. Fortunately, Gayla’s baby, Ally was a bit older, and she didn’t need my help as much – especially since Dennis is such a great father. But, oh how I missed that special time with Matthew. I heard he kept asking for “Me-ma.”
I lost my wallet in the Orem Costco parking lot on the dark night of January 7th. . I hope that never happens to you. It felt so scary. Some wonderful honest individual found it, and turned it in at the front desk. All the contents were intact. Thank-you, whoever you are! You lit up that night!
On Sunday, January 11th, Skott Briggs asked to speak to Bob. We were holding our monthly family home evening dinner. Bob gave his blessing and Holly and Skott announced their engagement. Congratulations to a fantastic and fun couple. Skott, welcome to the family!
On February 2nd, Bob and I held an Empty Nester’s family home evening called, “Evidences of Christ in America.” Brother David Handy had just returned from the Yucatan with amazing archaeological evidence gathered over the past 10 years by his brother, Keith Handy. The people of Mesoamerica understood the mission of Jesus Christ, his atonement, death, and resurrection. He personally visited them following his resurrection. We can’t wait for the book to be published.
I’ve been working on a book regarding my hospice work. I want to share some of the near-death experiences. I’m conducting interviews with fellow nurses who, likewise, have had such experiences.
As you know, some time ago I felt inspired that the best investment Bob and I could make, was to provide our children with an opportunity to attend the temple on a regular basis. So far, the temple night program has been a great success. Can you think of a greater date night? So, I’ve already dedicated monthly babysitting nights for the entire year of 2009. And, there is another benefit. We get to spend some more time with the 12 grandchildren!
Our grandson, Eric was baptized on Saturday, March 7th. Eric, we were so proud of your decision to be baptized. You looked so handsome in white! Bob helped Eric and Bobby work on Eric’s Pinewood Derby car. It is so fast! Great job, Eric!!!
On March 13th I attended Glenn Beck’s community event. There were so many great people from our area who want to preserve the freedoms inherent in the constitution. Spend, spend, spend seems to be Washington’s motto. Bob tapes Glenn Beck every afternoon and we watch it at night for therapy. Come on over about 9:30 pm and join us!
During the week of March 15th, Gayla discovered that 2-year-old Matthew was gone. When she found him down the street, he told her he was on his way to “Me-ma’s House!”
Bob and I decided that we needed some warm weather. So, we did the natural thing and took a trip to St George. It was in the 80s there! We had a blast hiking Snow Canyon. Check out some of the pictures! What a beautiful and quiet place! To all our old friends and family – come join us there sometime. You’ll love it!
Now that Ethan is in kindergarten I have begun giving him piano lessons with the other grandsons. He is doing great! He also has natural musical talent. Keep up the great work Ethan and I’ll keep putting fun things in the treasure box.
There's a variety of things to visit here at www.KinserFamily.org. On this page you'll find Candy's Corner which is all about Grandma Candy's time with the grandkids and other experiences. You'll also find links to other sites including Stephen's family photos at Kinsers.org and The Muhlesteins as well as information about past and future family events. The Photos page contains snapshots of the most recent family events. For family history buffs, there's Holly's Hutch with information about four different lines of family history. There's also Bob's Page with "Things to Think About" as well as a collection of humorous items that everyone can enjoy. All in all there's much to browse and see when you have nothing else to do.
Congratulations to Holly and Slott on tieing the knot! Holly makes a beautiful bride. We are really looking forward to having our scheduled fair weather activities this year. We've already scheduled outings in north & south Utah. We're even flying to the beach in North Carolina as well to be with Candy's brother and his family.