Oquirrh Mountain Temple Visit

On Wednesday, July 15th (Scott Dalebout's birthday), Dick, Grandpa D., and I picked up Ruth (my sister-in-law) and went to the open house of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. As you might remember, in February we did the temple work for my brother, Bob. Billy did the initiatory. Budd (Bob's stepson) did Bob's endowment. And, Budd stood in proxy for Bob as he was sealed to my parents (Dick and I stood in proxy for my parents). I had talked to Ruth and asked her if it would be okay to seal Bob to our parents. She said it would be great!

Ruth has been very lonely and had some anxiety the past few weeks. She told me she had been baptized into the New Life Church, and that it made her feel better when she went to church. But, the past few weeks, she hasn't attended and has been a little down. I wanted her to see the temple and learn what goes on there, because Budd and his wife were sealed in the temple, and we did the sealing for Bob. So, I called her up and asked her if she would like to go. She said she would but that she didn't have a skirt or dress to wear. She said that she would go out and get one. The next morning, she called and said that she didn't think she would be able to go because she hadn't gotten a skirt. I told her she could come in slacks if she wanted. She agreed, but when we picked her up, she was dressed very nicely in a new skirt and was happy to be going.

It was a nice experience for all of us. Before you go into the temple, there is a short video that explains about the temple and what it's purpose is.

The temple itself was very beautiful, and I paid particular attention to the wonderful decorative painting and gold leafing that my nephew, Roy, had so skillfully done. I hope that Ruth felt a spirit there.

After our visit to the temple, we went out to eat lunch and had a nice visit together. Ruth was a great wife to Bob, and I know he loved her and she loved him. It would give me great pleasure if they could be sealed together.

Ruth told me before Bob died that the missionaries came to their house. Bob wouldn't let them come in, but he stood outside and talked to them for quite a while. During their visit, Bob told them how much he loved Ruth. After Bob died, the missionaries sent her a card expressing their sympathy and telling her how much Bob said he loved her. She was very touched by that kind act.

When you love someone, you want them to have the Gospel in their lives. Both Bob and Ruth were baptized when they were young but were never active in the church. Maybe, someday things will work out.

4th of July Events

Yesterday was the 4th of July. It seemed odd to have the 4th on Saturday, but it was a good day. Billy's friend, Amy, returned from Ghana Tuesday night, much to Billy's delight. I asked them if they would go to the parade and save seats for us. They agreed and went around 7:30 a.m. Usually we sit in front of Uncle Jerry's old house, but yesterday we sat one house north of Uncle Jerry's. Dick was feeling pretty good. We parked at Grandpa Miller's and then walked to the parade. Here's a picture of Dick, Ryan, Amy, Billy and Milly.

Bagpipes are always a favorite at parades for me.

Evie and Braydon Santo, who by the way, has been called to the Armenia Mission. Apparently, Armenia is fairly safe even though it is bordered by Iran, Turkey and Georgia.

Glen and Dick have a good conversation, probably about Glen's recent trip to New York, Washington D.C., etc. He and his family had a great time.

After the parade, we all came home and took a nap, everyone but Jenny's kids. They watched a movie. Then, we got ready to go to Roy's and Maralee's for a pool party.

Here is Jenny's family all dressed in their Hawaiian attire. Jenny and Ryan bought all these fun coverup Hawaiian clothes when they went to Hawaii in May.

Ryan and Reed throw Ali into the swimming pool at Roy's and Maralee's for their annual 4th of July pool party.

Ryan and Reed throw Spencer into the pool. After throwing several kids in, their arms got tired.

Roy and Ryan are in the background. Roy had a terrible accident while he was doing the decorative painting in the Boise Idaho Temple. There was an electrical fixture with some jagged edges that had not been covered. He leaned over and his right wrist was severed to the bone (on the inside). He had to have surgery for five and a half hours to try to get it put back together. Fortunately, one of the best surgeons in the country (who does that kind of surgery) was there to do it. What a blessing. We prayed and fasted for Roy that his wrist will heal. It will take around six months. Hopefully, he will be able to return to working on the temples. I'm sure the Lord will help him.

Maralee, Brian Parrott, and Ryan.

Spencer and Ali enjoying themselves in the pool.

Zack and Jenny

Milly taking a jump off the diving board.

After the Santo party, we went home and rested. Then, our neighborhood had a BBQ down at Robinsons. It was potluck and we took our own meat. We have such great neighbors. When it got dark, we had our own Stadium of Fire, which we call "Streetium of Fire." Our neighbors (the Francis')put on quite a show every 4th, so we don't even have to go to Stadium of Fire.

By the way, I am very grateful for the freedoms we enjoy in our country of America. It's always good to stop and think about all the blessings we have living in this country. God bless America.