Celebrating MLK

 

The week started with Martin Luther King Day. I had the day off, but Deb and the girls had school. I spent the day relaxing. First off, I put some things away in the kitchen then I spent the rest of the day watching Last Chance U on Netflix.

The country got a new president on Wednesday. I am fearful of what this administration may do to our freedoms, but I will pray and work to make sure our freedoms remain. My faith that it will happen, though, is very weak.

Angie's cheer team performed at halftime of the girls basketball game on Thursday. We were unable to go due to COVID-19 restrictions although Governor Little that day did change them. The next time she performs we will be able to go.

BYU went 2-0 this past week defeating Portland and Pepperdine. The Cougars struggled in the first half of the Portland game and then struggled in the second half of the Pepperdine game. At least they are in second place in the conference standings now.

Nothing New

 

It was a very boring week. We did not do much as a family, and we just trudged along with life.

The one really bright spot was BYU winning both games in California. The first win was against BYU's nemesis of St. Mary's. It was a really good win. Then they defeated San Francisco.

Back to the Grind

We went back to our normal stuff. Girls and Deb went to school; I went to work. The Christmas break was way too short!

It was nice to be able to see Kristi and Mike. Mom had a farewell party for them on Friday. It was a lot of fun being with them. While she was here, we celebrated Kristi's birthday which is January 9. She is 52 years old.

On Thursday, we got a devastating call. Connie called Deb to tell her that Paige's cancer has returned. Since they had to stop the last cancer treatment because it was so harmful to her, she will not be able to receive any treatment. The doctors told Brad and Kim that she has one to three months left. It is at times like these that I wonder about the pain that we sometimes have to endure. She is such an angel, apparently heaven needs her more than we do.

The "party of unity" is trying to shove the wedge in deeper. The modern-day Gadianton robbers in Washington, DC, are completely unhinged and are pushing this country further and further away from Christ. We are headed down a path of destruction that will bring a lot of misery and heartache for everyone. Unfortunately, it was prophesied so I am pretty pessimistic that it will get better. We will need to focus more and more on Christ and keep his commandments to be happy in such tumultuous times.

Happy New Year!

The week started with a visit to the dermatologist. I had developed a painful lump in my right armpit. I had had one before, and the last time I had MRSA. So, off to the doctor we went. Later in the week if I have read the lab results right, this too is MRSA. I suspect the dermatologist will call Monday to get me a new prescription for the infection.

We went to Connie and Bill's to have some fun playing games. David and Laura with their children were there. They had asked to specifically have Lilli come to be with the kids since they have enjoyed being with Lilli. While they played, we played--games that is. We played Phase 10 with David, Laura, and Connie. Bill was doing his bishop duties. Connie then went with Bill to visit a family in Arimo who had just lost their husband and father. I did not know the family, but Bill said that the gentleman had struggled with serious health issues over the last few months (not COVID). While they were away, Deb and I played against David and Laura a game of Pinochle. On the last hand, I drew a round of aces and double pinochle. It helped us win the game. When Connie and Bill got back, we then all played Cover Your Aces. David won that game.

Kristi, Mike, and Amanda arrived from Georgia on the 30th. On New Year's Eve we went to Mom's to bring in the new year and visit with the Wisners. It was a fun time. On New Year's Day, we returned to Mom's for some fun and games.

On Saturday January 2, we went to the Anderson Christmas Party. We went to Lava Hot Springs to swim then to Arimo for dinner--about a dozen different soups. It was really good. The afternoon, we spent napping and relaxing.

We started the new year with a new schedule for church. We now go to Sacrament Meeting at 9 am. Deb bore her testimony in Fast and Testimony Meeting. After church, we went to Mom's to have dinner and more visiting. While there we celebrated Kristi's and Shauna's upcoming birthdays. It was a lot of fun.

Christmas

The week started busy as we prepared for Christmas. Deb and the girls were out of school so they helped get the house ready for Christmas. We also did some shopping with Deb doing a lot on Monday to get us ready.

On Wednesday, Lilli had a doctor's appointment so the family met me in Pocatello. Lilli went to her doctor's appointment afterwards we went to Coldstone Creamery to get Lilli's birthday ice cream. Then it was home for me until after the new year.

Christmas Eve was wonderful. We had Mom and Todd for dinner. We served prime rib, shrimp, baked potatoes, green salad, corn, and chocolate dessert. Even though I cooked most of it, I must say that it was really good.

Christmas was wonderful. We opened presents, had our usual Eggs Benedict breakfast, snacked all day, and had ham and Funeral Potatoes for supper. Brayden had some fireworks he was going to set off in Swan Lake so we went there. Afterwards, we went to Mom's and visited with her and Todd.

We celebrated Lilli's 14th birthday. We had mashed potatoes and shrimp for dinner.

BYU literally destroyed Central Florida in the Boca Raton Bowl, 49-23. It was not even that close. It was so great watching BYU cruise to a bowl win. It does not happen often. The football team finished with an 11-1 record. It felt like BYU of old!

BYU basketball also beat Texas Southern, 87-71, and Weber State, 87-79. BYU's record is 9-2 and will now begin play in the West Coast Conference.

Christmas is Coming

As far as anything eventful happening this week, you can look elsewhere. Other than the girls and Deb finishing their school for this calendar year, it was very uneventful.

However, it has been an incredible week as we have received so many gifts--mostly anonymous--from so many wonderful people. How in the world are we ever going to pay forward the kindness that has been given to us.

As a family, we are struggling a little bit in being united to the purpose that God has put us on the earth for. We are correcting that. Hopefully, we will as a family become closer together and become that united and eternal family.

December Rolls Along

 It was a pretty normal week for the family. We went to work/school. The week came with highs and lows. BYU lost to Boise State in basketball 78-74. It was an extremely frustrating loss as it took nine minutes for BYU to even score a point. Then, when BYU made their comeback, the empty arena did not give the boost of energy to the team that would have been rocking.

The week ended on a nice Saturday. After cleaning the church as our assignment and getting Christmas things up (most of it anyway), BYU whipped Utah in basketball (82-64) then beat San Diego State in football, 28-14.