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 This is the new little life that was born to Chris and Rosie just a few days ago.  Today we had a Zoom meeting with Chris, Rosie and Wendy to meet this darling little boy. His name is Rowan Peter Wendell Rawlings. Born August 18, 2021 and weighing a grand 7 lbs. & 5 oz. Sleeping was his main interest today.  Only when we were about to sign off did he wake up, and that was because Chris changed his diaper and we learned that he has a very strong way of saying "Thank you," to the brave "changer."   He is darling when he wakes up and expresses himself quite loudly.  It made me want to pick him up and give him big hugging loves to let him know he was all right. Today Rowan wanted only to sleep - so that is just what he did pretty quickly; but not until he had smiled and smiled and smiled.  Maybe that was to make sure we saw him smiling and knew he could really do it.  Truly he is so darling that I can hardly wait to hold him in my arms and tell h...

 MY SACRED GROVE.  By Rosalie Swenson Christensen This is my Mother, Vida Fugal Swenson.  She taught me to pray when to Heavenly Father when I was a little girl.  On the  day of my story I did that several times.  Truly my prayers were answered. Today, September, 1st 2021, my mind and heart remember clearly that special day, I can almost hear the little voice saying, "Keep walking, keep walking," and feel those feelings of wonder where Heavenly Father was leading me."  I seem to find talking about my experience too emotional."  "As my steps took me to the bottom of the hill where I loved to run I wondered if someone would be there to run with me.  But as I looked around not a sole was in sight." My curiosity was so great that I decided to kneel by the nearest tree and ask Heavenly Father why I was there.   That is the story that helps us move on with our lives now.  The complete story follows as originally written: I took a pic...

PEACH DAYS FOR GRANDMA "Peaches, peaches, here come the peaches. Usually they are great and small; but this year look over all, and you will see just only small!" Here is Grandma showing how big the peaches are this year. They are closer to the size of a plum. This tray shows our whole harvest this year. That is pretty sparse, that is clear. But don't you fret or don't you frown, they taste the same when going down. Here in these seven bags we see,  The total of our labors,  Which have been bagged and frozen,  To best preserve the flavors. Aren't they gorgeous? The truth is this: That those two gals, Have been the happiest of  Peach Day Pals. And they will tell you truthfully That with these fruits, we will live youthfully. Eli and Great Grandma "Rosie." Which represents the Redheads in the family; even though Grandma's is no longer red.  So we still claim the "Redhead" status. Here is Chanelle and her "Mott-lee Crew" with Great G...

" Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not to thy own understanding.  In all thy  ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path."  This Quotation has stood on my dresser in my bedroom for many years.  It has helped me through many hard decisions. The other quote that has influenced my life is: "Let not  your heart be troubled, Neither let it be afraid; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path." As we drive by the temple to feel the spirit that comes from it we also feel the strength it gives us to carry on in doing The Lord's work, be it ever so much less than it used to be.  Still we will be ready to go more often when it is opened 100%.    Brigham City Utah Temple We love to drive in the evening to park in the parking lot of this beautiful temple to feel the Spirit there.  Also to watch and wave to those people coming out of the temple or going in.  They always have such sweet expressions on their face...