The Holidays

It has been a few weeks since I have published anything in this blog. It has been a wonderful few weeks capped off by the holidays.

On December 11, the ward celebrated Christmas. It was a wonderful event. Instead of doing it in the evening, we did it in the morning with breakfast. After breakfast, the various ward organizations decorated Christmas trees to take to the elderly. It was a really neat way to celebrate Christmas.

The next evening, we went to the Madrigal Choir Concert. It was very good. They did a tribute to both Kim Thomas and Jeanine Davis. Both were such important parts of the choir for years.

On the next evening, we went to the Marsh Valley Performing Arts Center for the annual Christmas music program. Angie performed with the MarVals. It was a really good concert that featured bands and choirs from both the middle school and high school.

Inkom Elementary did their Christmas Program at the Marsh Valley Performing Arts Center on December 16. The kindergarteners did really cute songs. Deb was pretty proud of her students.

Deb and I went to the temple to do endowment proxy work. We were asked to be the witness couple. It is so wonderful to go to the temple.

Christmas week started very eventfully. Deb, while taking the garbage out Monday morning, slipped and fell. She hit her head on the window well. I took her to the emergency room in Preston. It turned out that she had a "non-displaced rib fracture." The huge bump next to her eye turned out to be only a large hematoma. Eventually, her eye turned black, but she has not been moving very fast. There is nothing that can be done other than relaxing. They do not brace it anymore because they had found out that people do not deep breathe enough and get pneumonia. It will take about six weeks or so before she will not feel it anymore.

On December 22, I went with the ward to clean the Pocatello Temple. It was an awesome experience. It was as joyful as doing proxy work. Deb was supposed to go with me, but her broken rib kept her home. I was assigned to work with one of the temple custodial employees. We cleaned the workers' break room, then cleaned the rest rooms downstairs near the laundry. We then went to the Bride's room and cleaned the dressing tables and rest room there. I then wiped down the water and oil container in the initiatory rooms. Finally, I went with Lorraine Wheatley, Melissa Wakley, and Robin Nielsen to dust the oxen under the baptismal font. We started and ended the assignment with prayer. It was really neat.

The next day, I was offered the position of financial tech for the department. I am really excited to get the job. It will mean a little more pay and a lot more freedom. Susan Fuger, who is the tech now, is retiring on January 31. I will move into her position sometime before then as I get trained from her on what I will need to do. With Susan's retirement, I am the second longest serving employee in the department. The women's basketball head coach, Seton Sobolewski, is the longest serving employee.

Christmas Eve we did our traditional meal. Mom and Todd came to be with us. It was a wonderful evening. Christmas Day was very laid back. It was a great way to celebrate the birth of the Savior.

Lilli turned 15 on December 27. Her birth mother and grandmother came to visit her. Lilli was very excited to see them. Unfortunately, it was storming so they did not stay as long as they wanted to (Lilli wanted them to stay longer too).

Deb and I went back to the temple twice more. The first time was to be with Deb's friend, Connie Walter, as she was sealed to her deceased husband and daughter who died as an infant. Bill was proxy for her husband, and Connie was proxy for her deceased daughter. It was a beautiful ceremony. Afterwards, we went with her and Connie and Bill to Sizzler for dinner. Then the next day we went back to the temple to do sealings for some names that Dick had sent to us. Lynn was working at the front desk when we got there. It, too, was a wonderful time although it really hurt Deb to kneel and get up from the alter.

We spent the New Year celebrating with family. Sid, Tracy, and Jaydon came so we went to see them. They left then Shauna and Scott came. We also went to see them. We rang in the new year with them at Mom's. On New Years Day, we went with the Anderson family for their Christmas party--first swimming at Lava then dinner at the Arimo church. Later, we went to Mom's to be with family.

We started our new schedule for church today. Sacrament Meeting starts at 11:30 am this year.

After BYU's wonderful November, they struggled a bit in December. The women's soccer team lost to Florida State in the national championship game. The women's volleyball team blew a lead in the fifth set to get beat out of the tournament. The men's basketball team lost to three teams they should have beaten, and the football team really stunk it up at the bowl game and lost to a much inferior UAB team in the Independence Bowl. Here's to repeating November in January.

First Visit

 We had a very normal week with school and work.

On Saturday, Deb and I went to the Pocatello Temple to do initiatory work. It had been years--probably before we were married--since I had done initiatory. It has changed dramatically. It is much easier and quicker. The church has streamlined temple work. We have an appointment to do an endowment session in a couple of weeks.

After the temple visit, we went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. It was delicious. We had a wonderful date.

BYU sports is really doing well. The women's soccer team plays for the national championship on Monday; women's volleyball beat Utah to advance to the Sweet Sixteen in the national tournament; women's basketball is undefeated after beating Utah; after a loss to Utah Valley the men's basketball team defeated a good Missouri State team in Missouri.

Thanksgiving

On Monday, November 22, a new member of the Gambles family arrived. Jordan and Casmin Wisner welcomed Samuel Roscoe Wisner into the world. (Yeah Roscoe!)

Amanda Wisner came up from BYU on Wednesday to be with Mom for the weekend. She came to our house with Mom when they brought Lilli home. Lilli had gone to Grandma's to help her clean the house for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving day was family, food, and football. It was a wonderful day. We had us, of course, at the dinner along with Mom, Todd, Amanda, Jackie, Brad and Lorie, Brayden and Shantae and family, Nate and Abby and Nixon, Scott and Shauna. Dinner was so delicious. I sure wish I could put away more food like I could when I was younger. About three hours after dinner, I was still stuffed to the gills!

On Friday, we again went to Mom's. Games were played and movies watched. It was a fun day.

Saturday, some of the gang went to Preston to see the Festival of Lights. It started out with a fireworks display followed by a parade. It was fun. The weather was VERY mild for late November. Jessie showed on Saturday to join our gang.

BYU had a great sports day on Saturday. First off, the women's soccer team defeated South Carolina to move into the final four. Two more wins, and BYU is national champions. The men's basketball team whipped Utah in Salt Lake City, 75-64. Then to top off the day, the football team defeated USC 35-31. It was a good November for BYU--no team lost a game during the month. That includes women's volleyball, women's basketball, football, men's and women's basketball.

Today, we attended church here in Downey then went to Mom's for dinner. It was a nice way to wind up such a special weekend.

Chugging Along

Not much exciting happened this past week. We are just chugging along until we get to Thanksgiving!

Veterans Day

We had a normal week. On Thursday, we honored the Veterans. At Deb's school, she posted a picture of her dad who served in the Army Air Corps during World War II.

Angie had a Sadie Hawkins date. She went with a boy from McCammon, Kaden Bullock. Part of the date, with another couple, was spent here watching a movie. Lilli, Deb, and I hid in our bedrooms during the date.

The House of the Lord

These last two weeks culminated in the dedication of the Pocatello Idaho Temple. It was a wonderful experience to watch the dedication in the stake center. Elder M. Russell Ballard dedicated the temple. Elder Gary Anderson, Elder Gifford Nielsen, and Elder Gary Sabin were the general authorities in attendance.

Last night, Deb and I helped take the youth to the devotional featuring the general authorities. It was a very good devotional. I am glad the bishop asked us to help transport the kids.

We celebrated Halloween on October 30 rather than October 31 since that was a Sunday. We started the day (this is Deb and I) with the ISU-Weber State football game. ISU looked awful and was whipped 40-17. Then Deb and I took Lilli and her friend to the park for the trunk-or-treat in Downey. We then went to Mom's then to Connie and Bill's. After dropping off Teresa at Hawkins Road, we came home and watched BYU beat Virginia 66-49. It was an old-fashioned shootout. Virginia is now coached by Bronco Mendenhall. It was good to beat the old coach even though he did wonderful things at BYU.

Angie performed at two choir concerts last week. She did a great job. She also cheered at the state playoff game between Marsh Valley and Sugar-Salem. Unfortunately, the Eagles lost 22-16 to end their season.

Recovering

Deb spent most of the week in bed sick. She started to get sick on Tuesday. In fact, she spent two days in bed. She is doing so much better.

Since Deb was sick, I had to go to Marianne Howe's viewing by myself. The legacy she has left is one unparalleled. She will be deeply missed.

BYU got back onto the winning way beating Washington State in Pullman, Washington on Saturday. The final score was 21-19.

First Snow

On Monday, we woke up to about six inches of snow on the ground. I really thought that school would be called off, but as we drove further north, the snow was not as bad.

The rest of the week was pretty normal.

Today, at Sacrament Meeting, we got some shocking news. Marianne Howe died. Last week, I found out that she had cancer. That is the way to go if you have cancer. Cancer can be so painful and long at times.

Up and Down (Mostly Up) Week

We had some downs this week: Angie is getting sick when she eats; Lilli still faces breakdowns that she needs to get control of. I will leave the biggest downer for later.

The week was a big upper, though. On Saturday, our family went to the Pocatello Temple to help with the Open House. Deb and I led tours and Angie and Lilli helped with booties. It was a wonderful time at the temple. Deb and I did the very first tour and the day, and we did the very last tour for our shift. We did a total of seven tours. We saw Mom coming to the temple to do her part of the open house. I found out today that she was stationed in the endowment room. She came to the temple with Brad and Lorie, but we did not see them.

After the open house, we went to Sonic as a family to get some food.

Another upper for the week was Marsh Valley dominating Snake River in football. MV won 26-7. It rained most of the game, and Angie cheered. Lucky for her, they had a raincoat for her to wear, otherwise she would have been soaked.

The big downer was BYU getting beat by Boise State, 27-16. BYU played the exact opposite of how they have been playing--turning the ball over and getting drive killing penalties. Lucky for me I was still on such a high for working in the temple, I did not feel as bad as would normally have done.

Today was a good Sabbath Day. With General Conference last week, we had Fast and Testimony Meeting. 

Catching Up

I did not realize that I had not posted here for so long! I need to make sure I keep up to date. A lot has happened over the last few weeks.

Angie participated in Powder Puff game on Monday, September 13. Unfortunately, her team (the juniors and sophomores) lost. On our way home, Lilli called from the hospital.

On the 14th, Deb and I spoke with Lilli's therapist via phone. Lilli was also there. After the meeting, we then went to the school to discuss Lilli's schooling.

Angie got sick during the week of homecoming so she stayed home for a couple of days. She felt well enough to cheer at the game, which Marsh Valley lost, 28-14.

We had stake conference on the weekend of September 18 and 19. The stake Relief Society president, Sister Barbara Johnson, brought Sister Kim Ames to our home. It was a wonderful visit. She brought such a sweet spirit into our home. Her husband, Elder Rodney Ames, presented a wonderful conference. It was such a joy to attend the meetings.

On September 21, we brought Lilli home. It seems to me that she is allowing herself to get better. She has been in a dark place, and it was my feeling that she did not want to get out of the dark place. It seems to me she is working to get out now. In any event, it is wonderful to have her home.

Uncle Harry passed away on September 10. The funeral was on September 25. It was a beautiful service. Uncle Harry was such a great man. He will be dearly missed. He was buried in Swan Lake so after the graveside service, we had a meal at the Swan Lake church with relatives and friends of Uncle Harry.

Our family went to the Pocatello Temple House. It is a beautiful temple. We went to the open house on Wednesday, September 29. Then we worked as temple ushers on Friday, October 1, except Angie who had to go cheer at the Marsh Valley and South Fremont game in St. Anthony. Deb and I were tour guides, and Lilli took booties off at the end of the tour. She had her friend, Sarah, go with her.

When I woke up on Friday morning, my back was killing me. As I got ready to go to work, it did not get better. I realized that I may not be able to usher in the temple. I went to work but did not get much better. I still got ready to go. While walking into the stake center to receive instructions on what has to do, I felt a twinge in my back. After getting to our area (we were assigned to be tour guides), when I did the first tour, my back did not bother me at all. When I returned to the area to sit and wait for the next tour, my back hurt a little. At each tour, my back did not bother me. I was truly blessed!

BYU is 5-0 having defeated Arizona State, South Florida, and Utah State. They are ranked tenth in the nation. Next up is Boise State in Provo.

Labor Day and Beyond

It has been an eventful two weeks. First off, it seemed that something was happening at school with the girls. Lilli was not doing her schoolwork. Angie was pushing the boundaries of modest dress at school. I am incredibly busy at work. It was finally nice to have the Labor Day weekend roll around.

The Browers had their campout up Webb Canyon. We did not campout but went up everyday. It was nice to relax, visit, and play games.

Football season started in earnest as ISU hosted North Dakota and BYU played Arizona in Las Vegas. Deb and I went to the ISU game. It was a little frustrating as ISU would get close but could not score. They eventually lost 35-14. BYU played a pretty good game and defeated Arizona 24-16. There were some opening game jitters, and the Cougars should have beaten the Wildcats by a bigger margin. A win is a win, though.

This past weekend, ISU played Nevada in Reno losing 49-10. BYU ended the long nightmare of 12 years and whipped Utah, 26-17. It was so good to finally get that monkey off of the back. And what irritated me more than anything, was Utah was so lucky in several of the games that could have been BYU victories. Unfortunately, the Utes and Cougars do not play again until 2024, but at least the Utes will stew in the loss for two years!

This last week was no less eventful. On our way home from the Browers campout, we returned Kristi's phone call. She said that Jacob has come out gay and has left the church. It was sad. I could her the sadness in Kristi's voice.

Tuesday, the youth went to the Temple Open House. Angie chose to go to her work party over going to the Open House. Deb brought in Lilli, and we took her there. She was mad to go, but when she came out of the temple, she seemed happy. I cannot wait until we can go through the temple as a family.

Thursday was another bout with Lilli. She was marked absent in her second hour class so Deb called to see where she was. Some time later, the school called to tell us they had found Lilli, and she had cut herself. I left work to go get her. When I got to the school, Lilli was leaving with the school resource officer to go to the Portneuf Medical Center. I went and got Deb then we went to PMC to see what needed to be done for Lilli. Although the cuts on her arms did draw blood, they were superficial and nothing serious. However, we talked with the social worker at the hospital to see what we should do. He recommended getting her admitted into a behavioral hospital, but we did not want her to go to Idaho Falls. I had heard about Provo Canyon so we asked to send her there. They accepted and we took her down that night.

We spoke with the doctor treating Lilli, and he suggested that we not talk with her over the weekend. He felt it would be good for her to see what she is missing. She tried calling today, but we told them that the doctor asked us not to talk with her. It was hard to not talk with Lilli. I miss her.

Work - Not Much Else

For me, it has been a busy week. I have not done much but work--even at home.

I still have issues with my back. I am sleeping in the recliner. I miss being in my bed--especially since I am not near Deb. Saturday, a new pain started under my ribs on the right side of my body. Will it ever end? Will I ever get back into my bed?

Deb's cousin, Mark Bennett, passed away from COVID. He is younger than Deb. It is sad.

Back to School

The week was a busy week as school started for the girls and Deb. School actually started on Wednesday except Deb had to be to work on Monday and Tuesday. For me, it was a busy week getting ready for the fall sports to start.

On Saturday, we went to Inkom with Mom to attend the Gilbert reunion. The DeMar and Harriet Gilbert family always hold a reunion. This year, the two sons of Earl Gilbert, DeMar's brother, said they would be in town for the reunion so Dee invited Mom and our family. It was nice to see cousins. In fact, I saw two cousins that I had never seen before--Earl's sons. It was really great to be with family.

On our way home, we stopped at the church in Downey. An open house was being held for Nola Fallows. She turned 100 years old this week. What  a life she has experienced.

Bannock County Fair

The week started off with the fair. It is such a great time in Downey when the fair comes around. I have memories of the fair from my early childhood to now.

On Monday, Layne Benson performed. It was really good. He has worked with several renowned musicians. He came back home to perform as he grew up in Downey. Also, the county commissioners put on a free potato bar. It was a nice supper.

Wednesday was parade day. Mom, Todd, and Jackie came and sat with us at the parade. It was a really nice parade. The parade is synonymous with the fair as far as memories go. After the parade, Mom treated us to supper. I had a cheese burger and fries, while Deb got a Philly steak sandwich. Deb stayed with Jackie for the entertainment while I came home. I have a hard time getting around with my back.

Friday we saw some first class entertainment. Charley Jenkins provided an opening act for Sawyer Brown. It was really great. I think Downey had more people in it then they have ever had. It was awesome to see such great entertainment.

The following week was pretty normal stuff. School for Deb and the girls start next week.

I have been to the chiropractor several times over the past two weeks. I still have a lot of pain in my back. It just does not seem to be getting better. In other medical news, Deb had an abscessed tooth pulled and bridged.

Family

This week focused on family.

It started off getting ready for the Brower Family Reunion around work hours. On Tuesday, we left home for Logan Canyon and the Spring Hollow Campground. We did not get there until after dark so we had a hard time finding it. We finally got there--late--then went to sleep.

On Wednesday, we were in charge of breakfast so we put it on for the rest of the family that was there. After breakfast, I set up our trailer. Later in the day, we left for home to get ready for Paige Jons' viewing in Arimo.

It was a very bittersweet moment as we visited with Brad and Kim next to the casket of Paige. She looked so beautiful. She had such a hard life, but she fought for her life. She will forever be a hero in my eyes.

On Thursday, we attended the funeral. It was a beautiful service. I was very emotional as I thought of Kim and Brad having to deal with the death of their child. After the service, we went to the church for a meal. It was delicious as we visited with other family members. That evening, we returned to Logan Canyon.

Friday we also had breakfast so we put it on for the rest of the family. We had some help though as some of the Jons came to reunion after the funeral. For the rest of the day, we played some games. As it turned out, every game I played that day, I won.

Saturday morning, I could not move my back was hurting so bad. I had Deb get Lynn and Matt to give me a blessing. Within an hour, I was able to move and help get ready to go home. It was good to get home.

Sunday morning, I could not move again. I stayed home from church since I did not want to be in pain. The rest of the family attended services.

Pioneer Day

On Tuesday, Deb and I said good-bye to an incredible woman. Bette Lusk, Deb's father's cousin and a mainstay at every Brower reunion, passed away on July 13 and her viewing was held on Tuesday, July 20. She will always be fondly remembered by me. She was always so welcoming to me, and always greeted me by name. She was a wonderful woman.

Then, on Thursday, July 22, we got the news that has been coming since the beginning of the year, Paige Jons passed away from cancer. She was such a fighter. Her parents were told that she would not live much past February, but she kept going. Her will to live was SO strong. There were many times when Connie and Bill told us that they said good-bye to their granddaughter only to have her rally. Her courage in the face of what she had to endure is such an inspiration. She will be sorely missed. However, she is now completely free of pain. It is such a bitter-sweet emotion.

The Olympics opened in Tokyo, Japan, on Friday, July 23. No fans are allowed in the stands so the atmosphere is not there. The games were postponed from last year. I do not have much enthusiasm to watch much although I have watched some swimming and water polo.

We did not celebrate Pioneer Day in our usual way. Angie was in the Lava Founders Day parade so we went there to see her. At the same time of the parade, our ward along with the Downey 1st Ward had Breakfast in the Evening to celebrate Pioneer Day.

Today is Connie's birthday. We went to celebrate with her. It was a lot of fun.

Girls Camp

The week started off getting back to work. As I returned, I expected to be exhausted, but I was able to get back into the swing of things quite quickly.

The girls went to Girls Camp for the end of the week. Angie went up a day early as a junior leader. The reports from the girls was that they had a better time than expected. In fact, I asked Lilli what the most surprising thing was about Girls Camp. She said how much fun it was. Angie said that she was able to poop each day!

We had a visitor in our yard yesterday. While doing some yardwork, a raccoon went across our backyard. It went under the trailer. Cosmo went nuts when he saw the coon. The coon climbed up into the trailer chassis. It stayed there for a long time. I am sure it did not leave until it was dark.

Back to the Living

What a couple of weeks this has been!

It started off with our kitchen sink leaking. Come to find out that the disposal (which has not worked for years) is leaking and had to be replaced. Fortunately, when it went out we bought a replacement, but since I LOVE plumbing (sarcasm there), it was sitting in the storage shed. So, I had to get it replaced, but I needed some things from the hardware store so it took a couple of days to get it done.

Meanwhile, I got sick. Boy, did I get sick. On Friday, July 2 I woke up with a cough. It was really irritating, but I did not feel too sick other than a slightly sore throat. By the time evening came, I was feeling pretty miserable. I then spent the next two days in bed. Thus, I spent the holiday weekend in bed. Deb spent a little time with Connie and Bill, but for the most part she stayed home with me. Besides, Angie had to work every day over the weekend. Lilli stayed home with me but spent all of her time on the computer.

Since Independence Day was on Sunday, it was observed on Monday so I had the day off, but that also meant doctor offices were closed. I did feel a little better on Monday and got the new disposal installed, but it wiped me out.

Tuesday, I went to the Health West Clinic in Downey. I was told that I had onset pneumonia, given some pills to help fight it, and told to get bed rest. So, I took the rest of the week off. I am glad I did although I will have a TON of things that will need immediate attention when I get back to work.

While I was struggling with illness, Mom was really struggling with it. She had her gall bladder removed in Preston, but then the doctor got concerned about the blood readings from her liver. She was transferred to McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden where they cleaned out her liver. She eventually got home, but she is still tired. She is getting stronger each day.

Deb and I helped get the ward youth to an event in Pocatello celebrating the Pocatello temple. It was pretty good, but we sat so far back (on the grassy area) that it was hard to hear at times--especially when others around us would talk.

I went to church today. I will go back to work tomorrow. After four hours of church, I was exhausted. Hopefully, it will help me handle the eight hour day tomorrow!

Hot Water

On Tuesday, we woke up with no hot water. I checked the circuit breaker, and it was still on. That meant the heating elements in the hot water heater were out. It took five days to get the hot water heater to finally get us hot water. If it has to do with plumbing, it takes me forever to get it done since I HATE PLUMBING!

Mom is having gall bladder issues. When I called her on Wednesday, she sounded horrible. She finally got the OK to have surgery, but she will not have the surgery until next Wednesday.

Family

It has been two weeks since my last posting. Last Sunday, we were still in Oxford at the Phil Gambles Family Reunion.

First, I will review the week before going to the reunion. Then I will look at the reunion then follow up with this week.

I woke up on Tuesday, the 8th, sick. I stayed home and relaxed all day. In fact, I slept a lot. I think I may have gotten a bug. The rest of the week was busy as we prepared for the reunion.

On Friday, we went to Moose Spring Lodge at the base of Oxford Peak. All of my siblings were there. We all got settled into our rooms. Sid, Kristi, and families provided sloppy joes for supper. It was delicious.

Saturday was really fun. We had the George Gambles Family Reunion in Swan Lake. There were a lot of people there since we did not have the reunion last year. All of Dad's living siblings were there: Uncle Harry and Aunt Hazel, Aunt Barbara and Uncle Hal, and Aunt Lois and Uncle Bob. It was so good to see each of them. It was also a lot of fun to visit with my cousins.

When we returned to the lodge, we had a wienie roast then Mom had her grandchildren to a trivia test about their Grandpa Phil. It was a lot of fun reliving some wonderful memories.

On Sunday, we went to church in Swan Lake. It was the first time in a long, long time where all six of us children attended Sacrament in Swan Lake. After church, Brad and Lorie and family provided us a brunch of pancakes, French toast, eggs, and sausage and bacon. It was really good. Then, Shauna, Scott, Deb, and I got supper ready. We did the typical Sunday meal of pot roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, and green salad. It was really good, even if I do say so myself. After the meal, Mom had us each give memories of Dad. It was a fun, emotional time as we reflected on those tender moments that Dad gave to each of us.

On Monday, we packed up and cleaned up the lodge. We then went to Mom's for the rest of the day to visit and say good bye. It was a really great reunion.

The week after the reunion was filled with busy days. We had our semiannual dentist appointment the day after getting back from the reunion.

I had Friday off. President Biden signed into law a new national holiday to be celebrated every June 19. Governor Little then proclaimed Juneteenth as a state holiday. Since June 19 is on Saturday, state employees had Friday off. I got the message late Thursday so it was a nice holiday. Angie had two appointments in Pocatello so we all went into town. After her appointments we went to Perkins and had a late breakfast.