Levan Homestead

Monday, February 19, 2018

Kaleb Mellor's baptism- January 13, 2018

Kaleb and Tyler The Mellor Family

Grandpa Mellor, Kaleb and Grandpa Kenison

The Grandpas acted as witnesses for the baptism.

Kaleb Darrel Mellor, was baptized and confirmed on January 13, 2018. Neldon hurt his back earlier in the week and had a surgical procedure done that left him unable to perform the baptism, so Tyler did it. It was so good, that I couldn’t help but believe that is how it was meant to be. Neldon was able to confirm him and gave an inspired blessing. We stayed for the brunch and then headed home to make six apple pies for our Empty Nester's gathering. Amish Abe was there to share his story of living among the Amish for 40 years and then leaving and becoming LDS. It was so interesting to me. I loved that he was so open to questions general and personal and was delighted by his wit and sense of humor. What an amazing history. Clearly key events in his life were divinely orchestrated so he would find the church, yet this path has left him with no communication with his daughters or his siblings. That is a high price!

Our miracle baby arrives!

Gil Authur Potter arrived on February 10, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas.

Amy turned 18 that same day. Grandpa Marvin was in the hospital recovering from the stroke. Thinking back to Malea's open heart surgery in Nov. 2017, I could not have imagined the dream of them having a child of their own would be fulfilled so quickly. Gil is truly a miracle baby and his "Momma Mia" is a miracle as well. Malea’s heart did great and Gil came out protesting loudly at 6 lbs. 13 oz and 20 inches long. With an attentive, involved dad/husband like, Colton, I saw no need to fly down. Colton has ample time off and I felt I would just be in the way of them settling into a routine and truly enjoying this miracle baby. I have to admit when I saw these pictures my heart reconsidered a little.

Malea and Gil Cooper Loveless is Hagen's baby.

Note: Cooper is nearly a year old now, but Aunt Mary thought they look alike.

New Year's Day

We enjoyed welcoming the New Year with Bethany and her kids. We played games, did sparklers and watched the new “Pete’s Dragon”. It is a heart-warming story, but it will never replace the Disney’s animated version for me. Everyone was awake to bring in 2018. Sarah-Jane was fascinated how each day turns into the next while we sleep, but it never fails. New Year’s Day we all hiked into Maple Lake. There was more snow than I had anticipated. It was so good for my spirit to have a “forest in winter” experience. The stillness and beauty filled a sometimes empty spot inside.

Sarah-Jane, Bethany and Hans, Grandpa

Grandpa is talking to Jake in a sweet spot that surprised us. Uncle Jake

was working on his truck AGAIN and needed a consultation.

We were surprised by the amount of snow because of our mild winter.

Maple Lake was frozen over.

Grandpa and Me Hans

Heading back!

Grandpa and Sarah-Jane

I think the event of greatest impact the first week of 2018 was the passing for President Thomas S. Monson. He may have been the kindest, most gentle man to live in this dispensation. Some of his stories will live in my forever. I will never forgot that he reached out to Bethany at a time and in a way that was so validating and strengthening to her and to me. We will miss his leadership and the way he could teach a feeling as much as a message. I rejoice for him and have been secretly pleased that Colton and Malea’s baby was there for his arrival in heaven. I am certain it was a reception of gratitude and joy for many.