Missionary Training Center

January 8, 2012

Today was our last Sunday at the MTC. This is the last district that we worked with in Branch 23. They are leaving on Tuesday and Wednesday. Most of them are going to the California Fresno Mission, except for the hermana on the left who is going to Phoenix. We have loved our 7-8 months there working the Shumways, Wilkins, and Warrens and the numerous missionaries-in-training. It was a nice transition from the mission field but now we are back in the mission field here in Provo. We had a chance to bear our testimonies which was nice and also welcome the McDonalds who will be serving there now.

Brad also gave his first talk as a counselor in the Provo Mission Presidency in our own stake. We felt like that was a nice beginning as well. It's only through change that we grow!

Stake Conference

January 7, 2012

This is a picture of Brad with his dad, William D. Farnsworth. Brad's dad is 90 years old and is doing great. His mom, Glenona Robison Farnsworth passed away in October 2010. We all miss her, of course, but we also are so happy to be seeing more of Grandpa Farnsworth.

We live in the same stake, the Provo Utah Edgemont South Stake, so we often sit together at stake conference. Today was our Saturday evening session of stake conference. We had Brad's dad over for toasted cheese sandwiches and tomato soup before we went to the meeting.

Future Quilt!

January 6, 2012No, this is NOT my quilt, unfortunately! This is a sample of a dresden plate quilt made by my mother's hairdresser and friend, MaryLou Fryer. It's it great?! When we came back from Spain, I brought a tie from each of our missionaries. I want to make a quilt using them and this is one of the ideas I might use to put it together. Don't the little spokes of the wheel look like ties? One of these days I will be posting a picture of MY quilt.

By the way, taking my mother to get her hair done on Thursdays is one of my favorite things to do. It is so fun to spend time with my 88-year-old mother. She gets her hair done as we enjoy the company of the ladies there, then we usually go and get lunch. She's never eaten so many french fries in all her life!

More Visits!

January 5, 2012

We were blessed by another visit from Olivia today! She is learning so much and growing so fast! She loves these jungle animals and will line them up on the bench and then one-by-one take them over to the couch and line them up. She growls fiercely when she looks them in the eye. (Somehow we need to teach her that a cat doesn't growl!)

Livy also brought her beautiful mommy over and we were able to hear some beautiful piano music. That's one thing I definitely miss without kids at home!

First day of school!

January 4, 2012BYU started today. After we had prayer and Brad was on his way out, I yelled, "Wait!" Of course I needed a picture of his first day of school. You have to remember this was about 7 am and he was already smiling! Brad is teaching 2 Missionary Preparation classes and 4 Book of Mormon classes. He's a busy boy!

Visit from Livy!

January 3, 2012

We are so blessed to have some of our children living close by with their cute little ones. Olivia Jackson came to visit today and had a little Grandpa time. It doesn't get much better than this!

New Calling!!

January 2, 2012

Brad got a new calling today! He was set apart as a counselor in the Utah Provo Mission Presidency by President Pitts, Utah Provo Mission President. Three of our children and their families were able to attend, along with Brad's dad. All the Priesthood leaders were able to stand in the circle. We are so grateful for our wonderful family. Afterwards we went to IHOP to celebrate and had a fun brunch. We are sorry to leave our assignment at the Provo MTC but we are excited to still be involved in missionary work. His first assignment was to speak in our own stake conference on January 8. We felt like that was a little tender mercy. We look forward to the adventures this new calling will bring.