AUGUST 2020 AT A GLANCE
August 2: Seth Archer Wilkins was born! Katie had planned and hoped for the family’s first July birthday, but Seth had other plans. He arrived safe and sound at 7 lbs. 12 oz. and 20 inches long. I was grateful to have the whole ordeal behind them. Katie has really struggled the past few weeks. Today was also Brenda’s 42nd birthday. We drove up this evening to deliver a gift and visit, but she was napping and we missed that opportunity. We left the gift with the kids. Andrea and Hyrum flew to Florida this morning for her film experience.
August 4-5: Darrel was in Cedar City with Billy Baum, working to get the trailer ready for Maggie and Rusty to move into. Andrea had her head and eye-brows shaved on camera today for the filming company. Both Darrel and Andrea were home by bedtime on the 5th.
August 7: Sweet Jessica flew into Mesa today to help Katie with whatever needs she has. Jessica paid her own way! She is a remarkable 17 year old.
August 8: Today was Leia’s 7th birthday. We had Lionel and Linda down for dinner and a movie this evening.
August 9: We had Sunday Dinner here at home with Chippings today and then went to their home for a movie. It was Sunday worthy and inspiring. It was the life story of the first man to have an iron lung and still live in the real worth. It was called, Breathe!
August 11: Scott and Janna received their official offer for Scott’s position to be moved to Utah. We were all pretty ecstatic! There’s much to fall into place for that move to happen, but have full faith the Lord will guide that effort and help them.
August 12: Today was our official 8-hour bus training. It was well planned and actually quite enjoyable.
August 14: We had a picnic lunch with Andrea, Jordan and Hyrum on our way to Idaho to spend some time with Bethany and family. We visited briefly with Art and Terri on our way through Burley. We have learned to love them both so much.
August 15-16: We were at Bethany’s home near Moore ID. Their home has lots of potential, but currently represents a lot of work. It was good to see them with plenty of ground for their animals and their kids. We went on a drive to a near-by reservoir. It is a beautiful, lush area that is surrounded with mountains and blessed with lots of water. We actually saw a Momma Moose and her calf. Our Sunday service with them was sweet. The family video chat that followed was one of our best. Shirleys were on holiday in Germany, but were able to join us. Only Smiths missed out entirely. I’m so grateful for technology! We took the kids to check out two nearby parks that afternoon.
August 17: Payson Temple opened in phase two today. That means all living ordinances can be scheduled by appointment. Ben and Sariah will soon be able to be sealed! We visited the Crater of the Moon monument first thing and then drove to Moses Lake for the drive through reception at Sariah’s grandparents. Ben was an hour late due to traffic congestion. Laura and the rest of the gang arrived just in time to say “good-night.” We stayed in a motel that evening.
August 18: Ben and Sariah were married civilly today under a shade in the very spot he proposed to her. It was lovely. The Bishop’s counsel was as good as any I remember hearing in the temple, but nothing can really compare with a temple wedding. It was sad that a young couple so worthy was denied that opportunity because of the pandemic. Gratefully, several Utah temples are in phase two now, so they should be able to schedule their sealing soon! The luncheon following was so nice. Ben married into a close knit, good, solid family. That is a blessing he will come to appreciate more and more. We drove as far as LeGrande, Oregon today and spent the night in a rather low budget place. Darrel lost his hearing aid somewhere in the process.
August 19: Today was Janna’s 43rd birthday. School started today in Juab County and we drove home from LeGrande, Oregon. Eliza Harward and family had taken care of our yard and animals. Everything looked great! Laura and Jason traveled to Provo today to begin a flooring upgrade project.
August 20: Brenda had surgery on her hand today. It seems to have gone well. I drove a Mona route this afternoon. Darrel went to Provo early to help Laura take up flooring and begin putting new flooring in. They needed him and his tools! Hyrum’s first birthday party was in Vineyard that evening. We all migrated there. It was a fun park, a fun group, a yummy dinner, and lovely weather.
August 21: It was our privilege to feed a missionary trio this evening. Darrel spent the day helping Laura, but was home in time to enjoy the missionaries. Today was Bradley’s 15th birthday!
August 22: Today was Kaylee’s 13th birthday. Laura had some flooding today that made it’s way to the two apartments below them. Gratefully, the damage was minimal and do to some complex insurance, she will not be held liable for any damage, but that in her own apartment. Late this evening three young men from Levan had a car accident. Tracen HOSS Jackman was killed, Jace Petitt was the driver and was injured quite badly. (Major road rash and a badly broke sacrum.) The other young man essentially walked away. There had been some drinking. Jace is 18 and the others were minors. I’m not sure who I feel the most concern and sorrow for at this point.
August 23, 2020: We had the Mitchells down today. Our sacrament service was so gratifying and wonderful. Each member of their family had an assignment and the depth of their children’s gospel understanding and their ability to verbalize their testimony and feelings brought great joy to my heart. One pandemic blessing is the number of priceless Sunday services we have had in our home, with various family members.
August 24: Laura had several lose ends to tie up in Provo today, so they were on the road early. Darrel hauled a couch and big chair up to Ben and Sariah. They returned late Saturday evening from their honeymoon. I spent the day getting ready for an FHE burrito party. I also had an afternoon bus run. Kieth, Annette, and Grandpa Marvin came down. It was a nearly perfect evening and we enjoyed being together a great deal.
August 25: Today was our play day with the Mitchells. We spent the middle part of the day boating and fishing at Yuba. After a late lunch, Mitchells gathered up and headed north. They wanted to break up their return trip home.
August 28: Jake finished up his
schooling this week and traveled home.
It was a day I have long waited for.
August 29: Today was Hoss Jackman’s funeral at the Levan Park. There was excellent support and the remarks were heart felt. Sadly, the richness often at a funeral was not there. Hoss was very likeable and a natural leader. But in some ways---wrong was presented as common and laughable. Hoss was portrayed as truly living life when he was faithless, wreck less, proud, uncontrollable, foul -mouthed and already had a drinking problem at age 14. It seemed the majority of the crowd had no idea how rich and good life can be within the bounds of the gospel and with the guidance of the Spirit.
