I POSTED THE FOLLOWING ON MY MONEY SAVING BLOG AND THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE IT ON MY PERSONAL BLOG AS WELL.
People have been asking me why I am doing this blog and why I am so adamant about saving money. Last night as I was watching Alvin and the Chipmunks (checked out from the library-of course) and clipping a couple hundred coupons, I thought to myself- "Why am I doing this?"
How many other New York Times Best Selling authors are clipping coupons and always looking for the next possible way to save their family money? What most people don't realize is that 1 million books sold does not translate into dollars in my pocket. I make much less than a school teacher, but I am blessed to be able to stay at home with my kids. You have to be Martha Stewart or Rachel Ray to really make money. And if I went that direction, I wouldn't be able to stay at home and be mom.
My husband and I have lived very frugally over the years to get to where we are today. We scrimped and saved while he was in graduate school to stay debt free. How often do you hear of a New York Times Best Selling author living in married student housing? After tithing and taxes, my book royalties went into a savings fund for a house after graduation. Miraculously, Ivan and I were able to finish his PhD with three children under the age of 6, a $50,000 house fund, and no student loans (thanks to a working fellowship which paid for tuition and paid him $9-10 per hour to do research part time).
We went to Idaho hoping a one year visiting faculty position would turn into a full time position in Ivan's home town. We bought our dream home, continued to live extra frugally with the goal of paying off the home in 3 years. The University came down hard that year on their policy of visiting faculty not being able to apply for a permanent position. They had previously been lax on this. To me, it confirmed to me what I had been feeling in my heart that Heavenly Father didn't need us in Rexburg, Idaho. He needed us somewhere else. So, we prayed that God would get us where he needed us to be.
Miracles happened, and it worked out perfectly to get us to Tucson, Arizona. We were able to sell our home in Idaho without even listing it or putting up a for sale sign. There is no doubt that this is where we needed to be.
Unfortunately, we arrived at the height of the housing boom in Arizona. We bought at the high. Our 2 year plan to be completely out of debt including the house turned into a 10 year plan. We took out a 30 year mortgage with the hope of paying it off in 10 years. We've been in the house for 3 years and have already taken 10 years off our home by paying extra to the principle each month.
Some days I feel like we are running a financial marathon. It's hard. Some months I am more disciplined than others. Lately, I have been feeling the urgency of removing the debt of our house from around our necks. Thus, I am back to coupon clipping as I was when we were in college. I took a hiatus for a few years. So, here I sit with the scissors clipping my coupons and searching for ways I can cut expenses so we can pay off our home even faster!
If I can also inspire and help you along your journey, it makes it even more rewarding. So, happy clipping!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
A White August
You don't see very much white in Tucson. Everywhere you turn there is brown-brown dirt, brown shrubs, brown rock, brown dust. This August we have seen a beautiful amount of white. This Saturday will be the 9th baptism that I have witnessed this month. "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18) This is what happens each time someone enters the waters of baptism. They become as white inside as their white jumpsuit they wear on the outside. It's wonderful!
It also amazes me that each person being baptized has an individual conversion story. We don't tell people to trust us and to just believe what we say. We tell them to ask God if what they are learning and reading from the Book of Mormon is true. The Holy Ghost is the one who whispers to their hearts that it is true. Each person gets that witness in a different way. Some describe it as an inexplicable joy that they feel as they learn and go to church. Others explain it as a calm peaceful feeling. Some feel a burning in their heart while others just feel a desire to do good and a desire to be baptized. I call it a miracle of Heavenly Father's love for each of his children that he communicates with them in such a way that they can recognize it individually.
On Tuesday, I attended the baptism for three members of the Oesterling family. Heather dated our bishop's son before he left on his mission. She started coming to church before he left over a year ago. Several months ago, her mother, Sheree, and her sister, Hailey, started coming to church with her. They came almost every week. They felt the Spirit. They started studying with the missionaries. They gained their own testimonies. At a beautiful baptism service, our bishop was able to baptize all three amazing ladies. Heather's brother is now coming to church and studying with the missionaries as well. We'll be excited to attend his baptism as well a little down the road.
I love this quote by Joseph Smith. “Our missionaries are going forth to different nations, and in Germany, Palestine, New Holland [Australia], the East Indies, and other places, the Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done." This was prophetically published on March 1, 1842 in what latter became known as the Wentworth letter. Look at where we are today! Here are the statistics from December 31st, 2007
And then there are wards like ours that look like stake conference. We have 128 children ages 3-11 attending primary. By the end of the year, we will have 70 in nursery. We are starting our 4th nursery in two weeks.
Isn't it exciting? And why? Because It's True!
It also amazes me that each person being baptized has an individual conversion story. We don't tell people to trust us and to just believe what we say. We tell them to ask God if what they are learning and reading from the Book of Mormon is true. The Holy Ghost is the one who whispers to their hearts that it is true. Each person gets that witness in a different way. Some describe it as an inexplicable joy that they feel as they learn and go to church. Others explain it as a calm peaceful feeling. Some feel a burning in their heart while others just feel a desire to do good and a desire to be baptized. I call it a miracle of Heavenly Father's love for each of his children that he communicates with them in such a way that they can recognize it individually.
On Tuesday, I attended the baptism for three members of the Oesterling family. Heather dated our bishop's son before he left on his mission. She started coming to church before he left over a year ago. Several months ago, her mother, Sheree, and her sister, Hailey, started coming to church with her. They came almost every week. They felt the Spirit. They started studying with the missionaries. They gained their own testimonies. At a beautiful baptism service, our bishop was able to baptize all three amazing ladies. Heather's brother is now coming to church and studying with the missionaries as well. We'll be excited to attend his baptism as well a little down the road.
I love this quote by Joseph Smith. “Our missionaries are going forth to different nations, and in Germany, Palestine, New Holland [Australia], the East Indies, and other places, the Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done." This was prophetically published on March 1, 1842 in what latter became known as the Wentworth letter. Look at where we are today! Here are the statistics from December 31st, 2007
Church Units
| Stakes | 2,790 |
| Missions | 348 |
| Districts | 618 |
| Wards and Branches | 27,827 |
Church Membership
| Total Church Membership | 13,193,999 |
| Increase in Children of Record for 2007 | 93,698 |
| Converts Baptized for 2007 | 279,218 |
Missionaries
| Full-Time Missionaries | 52,686 |
Temples
| Temples Rededicated (Nuku‘alofa Tonga) | 1 |
| Number of Temples Currently in Operation | 124 |
And then there are wards like ours that look like stake conference. We have 128 children ages 3-11 attending primary. By the end of the year, we will have 70 in nursery. We are starting our 4th nursery in two weeks.
Isn't it exciting? And why? Because It's True!
We Believe In Christ!
There is no heartache or hunger that he cannot heal. He is more necessary to us than our daily bread. This video clip from Youtube is entitled The Bread of Life. The clip includes one of my favorite songs, Come Unto Him. Enjoy!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Savvy Savings Tucson
Make sure to check out my new blog that I launched this week. You can click on my money saving picture (top right) to get directly to the site.
Or
you can click here.
Or
you can click here.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Tim and Jenn Get Baptized!
At the beginning of July, we sent out an email to many of our friends and family asking them to fast for Tim and Jenn Nelson. Tim and Jenn are an amazing couple who have been investigating the church over the last several months. They have two little boys-one in Primary and one in Nursery. We were praying that they would receive their own witness of the Book of Mormon and the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. We want to thank so many of you for fasting with us.
To our delight, Tim and Jenn were baptized on August 9th at 4 p.m. at the Avra Valley Ward chapel. Your praying and fasting paid off. Their baptism was amazing! We are so excited for their family.
Jenn and Tim and boys
Two and a half years ago, we were working with a young man who was wanting to get baptized. He moved away from the area right before he could get baptized. He recently moved back and started coming to church all by himself. He still wanted to be baptized. He was baptized at the same service as the Nelsons. We are so happy for Aaron as well!
Rob, our home teacher, baptized Aaron.
To our delight, Tim and Jenn were baptized on August 9th at 4 p.m. at the Avra Valley Ward chapel. Your praying and fasting paid off. Their baptism was amazing! We are so excited for their family.
Jenn and Tim and boysTwo and a half years ago, we were working with a young man who was wanting to get baptized. He moved away from the area right before he could get baptized. He recently moved back and started coming to church all by himself. He still wanted to be baptized. He was baptized at the same service as the Nelsons. We are so happy for Aaron as well!
Rob, our home teacher, baptized Aaron.Spencer's Birthday Party
We had Spencer's Birthday Party on August 9th. He wanted a batman party. Some kids came in costume. Spencer was excited that his good friend Garrett was able to come.
A favorite part of the party was the Pinata. The kids also enjoyed playing Water In The Thimble and Don't Eat Super Pete!
A favorite part of the party was the Pinata. The kids also enjoyed playing Water In The Thimble and Don't Eat Super Pete!
Spencer wants to marry Hallie after his mission.One day he came to me all excited.
He said, "When Hallie and I get married, we will get to live together
and I will be able to see her every day!"
Bowling With Raytheon Friends
On August 5th, we went bowling with some of our friends from Raytheon.
It was so much fun.
It was so much fun.
Yeah!!! Spencer hit some pins!!!!
Emma had fun playing with the other Ivan from Dad's work!Our kids love Ivan R.
Ivan A., Alex, Don, and LisaDon and Lisa were some of the first people to welcome us when we moved to Tucson.
We really love their family!
Does Your Bag Have Holes In It?
We were blessed to receive a visit from one of my best friends growing up. Paula and I grew up going to church together in Indiana. We have remained friends since we were 10. She and her husband, Cameron Taylor, came with their children to visit us.
Her husband has written an amazing book, Does your Bag Have Holes In It? His book has been endorsed by Stephen Covey, John Huntsman, and many other successful business leaders. He's a phenomenal speaker. When I heard they would be at our home on a Sunday, I asked if he'd be willing to do a fireside. Our bishop was excited about it and had us invite the Picture Rocks Ward as well.
The fireside was great and I would love to sit in on his 3 day seminar someday. One thing that hit me while he was speaking was how important it is to write down your goals and dreams.
I would like to write mine down.
1. To pay off our house to be completely debt free.
2. To be on the Oprah Show talking about my books.
3. To finish writing my 14th book by January.
4. To pray and read the scriptures daily.
5. To lose some weight.
What am I doing to accomplish this? I'm couponing, budgeting, and being wise with money, so we have extra money to put towards our home. I'm trying new recipes. I'm walking with Margie to lose weight. Now I just need to focus on the other goals as well.
Thanks, Paula and Cameron!
Her husband has written an amazing book, Does your Bag Have Holes In It? His book has been endorsed by Stephen Covey, John Huntsman, and many other successful business leaders. He's a phenomenal speaker. When I heard they would be at our home on a Sunday, I asked if he'd be willing to do a fireside. Our bishop was excited about it and had us invite the Picture Rocks Ward as well.
The fireside was great and I would love to sit in on his 3 day seminar someday. One thing that hit me while he was speaking was how important it is to write down your goals and dreams.
I would like to write mine down.
1. To pay off our house to be completely debt free.
2. To be on the Oprah Show talking about my books.
3. To finish writing my 14th book by January.
4. To pray and read the scriptures daily.
5. To lose some weight.
What am I doing to accomplish this? I'm couponing, budgeting, and being wise with money, so we have extra money to put towards our home. I'm trying new recipes. I'm walking with Margie to lose weight. Now I just need to focus on the other goals as well.
Thanks, Paula and Cameron!
Back To School
Here We Go Again!
Spencer started Kindergarten. I can't believe my little boy is old enough to go to Kindergarten! He was so excited. He is in Mrs. Baker's class. She was Liz's teacher, and we just adore her. Spencer is so happy to be in her class.
Liz started 2nd grade this year.She is in Mrs. Marinelle's class.
We've heard great things about her teacher
and are so excited that Liz is in her class.
We've heard great things about her teacher
and are so excited that Liz is in her class.
Devan started 4th grade this year. He was assigned to Mrs. Lewindowsky-King's class. His teacher adopted a brand new baby two days after school started and was able to take a 3 month maternity leave. Mrs. Cooper (left) was Devan's 3rd grade teacher. She is an amazing teacher. Her family is moving to Texas in December, so they have her teaching Devan's 4th grade class until his teacher gets back from Maternity leave. We were very excited for both his teacher and her new baby and for more time with Mrs. Cooper!It's My Birthday!
My wonderful mother-in-law made me a beautiful birthday cake!
Rexburg Splash ParkI had a wonderful birthday- even though I'm not too excited about getting older! I was thrilled to see my daughter get baptized on my birthday. It made my day.
I was also able to spend part of the day at the hospital with my sister Kami who was having major stomach problems. Not fun, but Mom, Dad, Katie, Chad, and I had a good visit in the waiting room.
This horse bites!
Beka loved the Merry-Go-Round!
Emma loved the Splash park.That night we went to dinner with Debra and Cameron at Wingers in Rexburg, then we headed to the Opening Ceremonies of the International Dance Festival at BYU-Idaho. This is an annual tradition for people in South Eastern Idaho.
Team China Marches Into the BYU-Idaho Stadium.
We met up with Dale (Ivan's brother) and Tammi and their kids along with Jennifer and her roommate to watch the show. Jill and Elizabeth enjoyed spending time together.At the end of the show, they had incredible fireworks. How often do you get to see fireworks on your birthday? It was a great birthday!
Elizabeth's Baptism
Elizabeth turned 8 on July 7th.
Eight years old is a significant milestone.
Especially in our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
At 8 years of age, one can become an official member of the church. At eight years old the children of our church enter the waters of baptism. This age is significant because it is the age of accountability, a time when children are able to understand how to choose right from wrong and be accountable for their actions.
Eight years old is a significant milestone.
Especially in our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
At 8 years of age, one can become an official member of the church. At eight years old the children of our church enter the waters of baptism. This age is significant because it is the age of accountability, a time when children are able to understand how to choose right from wrong and be accountable for their actions.
Lizzie has looked forward to this day for a long time. She was able to receive her baptism interview by Bishop Chance Eckman, one of her favorite uncles.
Lizzie with her Dad
Elizabeth was baptized on Saturday, July 26th (my birthday) at Grandma and Grandpa Ashcraft's church in Sugar City, Idaho. She was surrounded by lots of family. Most of Ivan's family lives in that area, and many of my family members were there for the wedding of my brother the day before.
Elizabeth was blessed to be baptized by her dad. Grandpa Ashcraft and Grandma Dircks gave the talks at her baptism.
Elizabeth was so happy that one of her favorite cousins, Chanamy, was able to come to her baptism. She only wished her best friend, Abby, could have been there to see it.
An Amazing Summer-Derek's Reception
Derek's wedding reception was held at the Gray Church in Sugar City, Idaho on the night of July 25th. They had a huge turn out. It was a lot of fun for me because I knew so many of the people from Sugar City going through the line. Some people hadn't realized that Valerie married my brother until they got there. Sugar City is about the same size as Kirklin, Indiana. So, everyone knows everyone there.
Derek and Valerie cut the cake!
What A Beautiful Bride!
My mom, Uncle Bob, Aunt Katie, and Ivan's Dad (Grant)
visit at the reception. Grant left the farm so he could attend
the reception and Elizabeth's baptism the next day.
My beautiful sisters, Katrina and Kami,
with Beka
Grandma Woertz and Aunt Kathy check out the Artwork on Derek's car!
Derek and Valerie cut the cake!
What A Beautiful Bride!
My mom, Uncle Bob, Aunt Katie, and Ivan's Dad (Grant)visit at the reception. Grant left the farm so he could attend
the reception and Elizabeth's baptism the next day.
My beautiful sisters, Katrina and Kami,with Beka
Grandma Woertz and Aunt Kathy check out the Artwork on Derek's car!An Amazing Summer- Derek's wedding
My brother Derek was married in the Rexburg Temple on Friday, July 25th to Valerie Griggs, from Sugar City, Idaho. Valerie actually grew up in Ivan's home ward. Dorothy, Ivan's mom, was her 2nd grade teacher. Derek and Valerie met at BYU in Provo.
Valerie and Derek
The kids love Valerie. Elizabeth informed her that she will be her favorite aunt until Uncle Chad, who came from Miami, gets married. She informed us that Uncle Chad is her favorite uncle (at least for that 10 minutes), so who ever he marries will be her favorite aunt.
Emma also loves Uncle Chad.
After the pictures were taken, we all headed to Craigo's for lunch. Craigo's is a pizza, pasta, and salad buffet restaurant. Great food!
My silly Dad, skinny Mom, and sister Kami
Beka, my only neice on my side, enjoys the pizza. She came all the way from Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, with my amazing sister Katrina!
My aunt Kathy and uncle Bob came all the way from Illinois!
I got a good laugh from the sign on the bathroom door!
Beka and Emma- best cousins!
Lizzie loved having Aunt Kami do her hair!
Valerie and DerekThe kids love Valerie. Elizabeth informed her that she will be her favorite aunt until Uncle Chad, who came from Miami, gets married. She informed us that Uncle Chad is her favorite uncle (at least for that 10 minutes), so who ever he marries will be her favorite aunt.
Emma also loves Uncle Chad.After the pictures were taken, we all headed to Craigo's for lunch. Craigo's is a pizza, pasta, and salad buffet restaurant. Great food!
My silly Dad, skinny Mom, and sister Kami
Beka, my only neice on my side, enjoys the pizza. She came all the way from Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, with my amazing sister Katrina! 
My aunt Kathy and uncle Bob came all the way from Illinois!
I got a good laugh from the sign on the bathroom door!After the luncheon, we headed back to Dorothy's house to relax until the reception that night.
Beka and Emma- best cousins!
Lizzie loved having Aunt Kami do her hair!An Amazing Summer- July
We left for Idaho on the 2nd of July. We made it to St. George in time to see The Sound of Music at Tuacahn with Ben's family. It was amazing!
We made it to Rexburg in time to celebrate the 4th of July with Ivan's family. We enjoyed the parade, the luncheon at Ivan's sister Debra's home, and fireworks at Ivan's brother Brent's house. It was a great day!
We drove back to Utah on the 7th, Elizabeth's 8th birthday. So, Lizzie was able to celebrate her birthday with both sets of Grandparents. We had a fun swim party to celebrate all the kid's birthdays this summer at my mom's.
Ivan returned to Tucson the 8th, while the kids and I remained at my parents. I stayed busy finishing the meatball cookbook, shooting 3 television segments for Studio 5, Good Things Utah, and KUTV2 Noon News, and signing at the Grand Opening of the new Sam's Club in South Jordan. It was pretty crazy. The kids enjoyed swimming everyday with Aunt Kami, Grandma or Grandpa, or Uncle Derek and Valerie.
On the 18th, the kids and I drove back up to Rexburg. Devan, Liz, and Spencer spent a fun filled night with Aunt Amy's Family. Emma was entertained by both Grandma Ashcraft and my Grandma Woertz, while Debra and I went to see Michael White (nephew) graduate from BYU-Idaho. The next day, Ivan's mom (Dorothy) and I were able to go to the Rexburg Temple with Valerie (Derek's fiancee) for her first time.
The kids had fun playing at Grandma Ashcraft's house that next week. They loved playing with cousins, going to the Splash Park, riding the merry-go-round, and going to Egan Lakes with Amy and her kids.
We made it to Rexburg in time to celebrate the 4th of July with Ivan's family. We enjoyed the parade, the luncheon at Ivan's sister Debra's home, and fireworks at Ivan's brother Brent's house. It was a great day!
We drove back to Utah on the 7th, Elizabeth's 8th birthday. So, Lizzie was able to celebrate her birthday with both sets of Grandparents. We had a fun swim party to celebrate all the kid's birthdays this summer at my mom's.
Ivan returned to Tucson the 8th, while the kids and I remained at my parents. I stayed busy finishing the meatball cookbook, shooting 3 television segments for Studio 5, Good Things Utah, and KUTV2 Noon News, and signing at the Grand Opening of the new Sam's Club in South Jordan. It was pretty crazy. The kids enjoyed swimming everyday with Aunt Kami, Grandma or Grandpa, or Uncle Derek and Valerie.
On the 18th, the kids and I drove back up to Rexburg. Devan, Liz, and Spencer spent a fun filled night with Aunt Amy's Family. Emma was entertained by both Grandma Ashcraft and my Grandma Woertz, while Debra and I went to see Michael White (nephew) graduate from BYU-Idaho. The next day, Ivan's mom (Dorothy) and I were able to go to the Rexburg Temple with Valerie (Derek's fiancee) for her first time.
The kids had fun playing at Grandma Ashcraft's house that next week. They loved playing with cousins, going to the Splash Park, riding the merry-go-round, and going to Egan Lakes with Amy and her kids.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
The Summer of the Meatball
Most of you know I write cookbooks. Well, this summer I was approached by Rich Foods, a major frozen food company, about working on a new book entitled 101 Things To Do With Meatballs. The catch was that I only had 6 weeks to do the book. 6 weeks to perfect 101 recipes. It normally takes me a year to do a book.
Byron and the staff of Rich Foods were wonderful to provide me with over 60+ ideas that I was able to use to start me off and running. They also are reimbursing me for all the ingredients. Plus they will be launching a new website where they will give away 10,000 copies of the book. I'll post the website as soon as I get the information. Rich Foods makes Casa Di Bertacchi Frozen Fully cooked meatballs which sell at Sam's club in a 6 pound bag for @$11.
My neighbors, friends, and family were tremendous help to me during the crazy 6 weeks to follow. I could not have survived without the help from the Kimbers and Robin Morse. Raylene would bring her girls over to watch the kids while we ran to Sam's Club and Walmart to gather ingredients. Her girls would come over and help me with the kids while I cooked. When the Kimbers weren't there, Robin Morse would come and help me with the house and kids while I cooked. She even helped me assemble some of the recipes. I feel so blessed to have such great friends.
My parents, grandma, and sister helped me finish the book while I was in Utah. They would take my kids swimming every night while I cooked dinner for everyone and their neighbors. I couldn't have done it without them.
Byron and the staff of Rich Foods were wonderful to provide me with over 60+ ideas that I was able to use to start me off and running. They also are reimbursing me for all the ingredients. Plus they will be launching a new website where they will give away 10,000 copies of the book. I'll post the website as soon as I get the information. Rich Foods makes Casa Di Bertacchi Frozen Fully cooked meatballs which sell at Sam's club in a 6 pound bag for @$11.
My neighbors, friends, and family were tremendous help to me during the crazy 6 weeks to follow. I could not have survived without the help from the Kimbers and Robin Morse. Raylene would bring her girls over to watch the kids while we ran to Sam's Club and Walmart to gather ingredients. Her girls would come over and help me with the kids while I cooked. When the Kimbers weren't there, Robin Morse would come and help me with the house and kids while I cooked. She even helped me assemble some of the recipes. I feel so blessed to have such great friends.
My parents, grandma, and sister helped me finish the book while I was in Utah. They would take my kids swimming every night while I cooked dinner for everyone and their neighbors. I couldn't have done it without them.
An Amazing Summer- June
St. George Temple June 2008This summer was full of amazing events. On June 13th, we rushed up to Utah to attend Ivan's Ashcraft Family Reunion in Ogden, Utah. It was so wonderful to see so many relatives that we don't get to see near enough. We enjoyed the beautiful 85 degree weather after experiencing temperatures in the 100s in Arizona. While the family was exclaiming how hot it was, we were thinking how wonderful it felt!
Dorothy and Grant enjoy the reunion!The next day we made a surprise appearance to the church we attended for 5 years in Provo. We were so excited to see all our old friends- the Paytons, the Johnsons, the Boshards, the Lindgrens, and so many others. I felt really strongly that we are who we are today in a large part from our associations with the wonderful people in that area. We truly were blessed to have found that basement apartment so many years ago!
The next day was a whirlwind of activity. I appeared on Good Things Utah at 10 a.m.. From there we rushed across Salt Lake City to get to the Roth Concept Center to film for KUTV2's Noon News. From there, we drove to the airport getting there in plenty of time (Thanks to a delayed flight) to pick up Andrew Law at the airport. Andrew is the one who opened his mission call at our home in a previous blog. He's the whole reason we made the trip. We couldn't let him report to the Missionary Training Center by himself.
Andrew Law at Temple SquareAfter picking him up, we took him to see Temple Square. It was his first trip to Utah. We stayed the night at my friend, Paula Taylor's home, in Provo. She, bless her heart, watched all 4 of our kids the next day so we could go temple hopping with Andrew. We left at 10 a.m. and got home after 9 a.m.. We were blessed to attend the Salt Lake Temple and the American Fork Temple plus see more of Temple Square.
Ivan and Andrew at the American Fork TempleThe next day we took Andrew to the MTC. I love the Missionary Training Center! It looked just how I remembered it from my time there in 1994. What an amazing experience to be there with Andrew!
Missionary Training CenterAfter the MTC, we packed the van and headed to meet up with Ivan's brother, Ryan, and their family in Manti for the Mormon Miracle Pageant. We stayed a really neat rental home there in Manti.
Spencer and Liz loved the Manti Pageant! The next day (the 19th) we went to Bryce Canyon National Park and drove through Zions National Park with Ryan's family.
Bryce Canyon is worth the stop! We got to Ivan's brother Ben's home in time to change, leave the kids with a sitter, go out to dinner, and see Les Miserable at the Tuacahn in St. George. The Tuacahn is an outdoor musical theater nestled under a huge red rock mountain. What an amazing experience!
Les Miserable at the TuacahnWe had fun spending time with Ivan's 2 brothers and their families. More happened on the trip, but this is a good synopsis. I'm tired just thinking about it again!
Mom and Dad weren't the only exhausted ones!
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