Wednesday, November 22, 2017 

Happy Birthday to my mom, Lola Shirley Cook, yesterday.  She was a great lady, founded in the Gospel and dedicated to righteous living.  She provided an array of wonderful opportunities for her children’s development and taught us to be independent—to not follow the crowd but follow the Prophets.  She had high standards and expected us to always do our best, work hard, take care of everything in our stewardship, to be humble by not flaunting accomplishments or successes, to be honest and willing to serve the Lord.  I hope and pray that the good she taught me has been passed on in some way to my children.

We spent eight and a half hours in the temple today and aside from the security team, were the very last ones out of the temple after helping close it down for the holiday tomorrow.  We’re very tired tonight, but grateful for so many blessings and are so happy to be here serving.

A young sister missionary and her companions came for the last session today.  In the dressing room, she looked at my name tag and asked if I were from Rigby.  She is Natalie Groom’s daughter—Harry and Barbara Groom’s granddaughter!  Barbara had written to her and told her we were serving in the temple here and to look for us.  What a coincidence that we would see each other today!  The chances were pretty slim. 

Three times in the last month different people have commented to Glade and me that we look so great together and make such a handsome couple!  We were entertained by their comments and it made us happy.  We can’t always tell how we come across to other people.  That was fun!  Maybe it’s because we’re both short and we try to smile a lot!  Who knows.  😊

We've seem glimpses of the lights on the temple  grounds and they are going to be spectacular.  I can't wait to get pictures and share them with you.

It feels a bit like Christmas is coming in our little apartment and it still has the warm glow of having family here.  We’re just so happy you were all here and will continue to bask in the wonderful feelings of love, support, and connection that we share!  Thank you all again for being here.

   

I guess we’ll go out and get us another puzzle. It was so fun to have help with this one.  I’m going to save and frame it!!  Thanks, Justin and Kim!  We love it!