Temple Week #24, 18 - 24 November 2014

It was a busy week in the temple and Saturday seemed to top it off.  There was a large group in from Ireland and then patrons from other European countries as well as from here in England.  Dad and I were in a couple of sessions together as he was the officiator and I was the follower.  I also assisted a sister from Sweden with a language card and one from Portugal.

We took Sister Hale to the 3 store to purchase a phone with Internet so she can do her family history in her flat.  Later, we were to her flat to set it up and get her going.  We ran into a snag here and there but Dad was the computer man and figured them out.  The next evening she called with a dilemma which he solved and she was pretty happy with having the Internet so readily accessible.

I am the pianist for a special number for our Christmas program and so have been going to the accommodation centre to work on the piece at the piano.  One evening I had been practicing for more than a half hour when some sisters on my shift came in at the other end of the room and set up to play games.  We all greeted one another.  I finished up and went over to see what they were playing.  Well, they informed me they play every evening and I was more than welcome to come join them.  I sat down and we played a game of Five Crowns.  Those playing were Sister Clark, Sister Docherty, Sister Dyer, and Sister Powell.  It was a lot of fun and I was so glad I stopped to play.  I went another evening and enjoyed the time there.  The sister that heads it up is a periodic worker and said whenever she is there, they play games.  I will watch for her return!

Grandbabies are growing!

Collins and cousin, Eliza.  She will soon teach him the ropes!

Collins just after a bath and only a pink towel around!  Taking life easy.

The Masih's grandson, Ammon, had a birthday and is preparing for a mission and we met him when we went to their house in September.  They went home one weekend for his party and we sent a card with money towards his mission.  This is his reply.

When the Masih's returned, Ammon had sent a piece of his birthday cake to us.

The weather this week was rain, rain, and more rain.  We hardly saw the sun, in fact there were days there was no sun at all.  We got up in the dark, got out of the temple in the dark, and went to bed in the dark.  By 5 p.m. it is fully dark.  I have had a hard time staying awake.  My body is ready for bed and some nights I just give in and veg on the couch and then go to bed.  Towards the end of the week I did better at staying awake as I decided I didn't want to sleep all the time.

Sister Powell was in charge of family home evening on Wednesday.  She gave an excellent lesson on prayer and how it is a communication with Heavenly Father.  Are we doing our part?  We played a couple of games and enjoyed refreshments and visiting.

Thursday, Dad celebrated his 70th birthday.  There were appreciated calls and emails from family.  Isabel surprised him with a face time call from her during lunch at school.  Some her friends joined in in wishing him a happy birthday and he enjoyed her happy smile and wish for a great day.

For his birthday, we went to Smith & Western Restuarant for a steak dinner.  The place is a Texas Roadhouse wanna be.  The atmosphere was authentic, complete with country music.  We even got up and danced some.  The place was not very busy so all the servers watched us.  Dad got a Mesa Temple tie bar for his gift.

We were sad to hear this week that Irval, Hal's father, was in the hospital in Argentina in critical condition with a heart condition.  He had undergone surgery but his recovery was a day by day situation.  By the end of the week it began to look promising for him.  Hal is there for two weeks to be support for his mother as well as Irval.  Irval and Joann have been there over a year as missionaries for the church.

Sunday, it was the Primary Sacrament Program and we were well fed.  The theme was "Families are Forever."  The children did an outstanding job with their parts and singing the songs.  I was especially touched for the young boy that said:  "I have not seen Heavenly Father, but I know He lives.  He answers my prayers and guides me.  He has given me the gospel to show me the way back to Him."  The song, "The Family Is Of God," is wonderful.  The words teach a tremendous lesson about Heavenly Father and families.

1.  Our Father has a family, It's Me! It's you, all others too: we are his children.

     He sent each one of us to earth, through birth, To live and learn here in fam'lies.

2.  A father's place is to preside, provide, To love and teach the gospel to his children

     A father leads in family prayer to share Their love for Father in Heaven.

3.  A mother's purpose is to care, prepare, To nurture and to strengthen all her children.

     She teaches children to obey, to pray, To love, and serve in the fam'ly.

4.  I'll love and serve my family and be A good example to each fam'ly member.

    And when I am a mom or dad, so glad, I'll help my family remember:

CHORUS:  God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be--

               This is how He share His love, for the fam'ly is of God.

Then, in Relief Society, we learned and discussed our roles as mothers and grandmothers in teaching our children the gospel from a talk by Elder Richard G. Scott, in April 2014 conference.  One thing he said that impressed me was:  "You can help in ways that are founded in principle and doctrine.  Encourage those you love to seek to understand what the Lord would have them do.  One way to do this is to ask them questions that make them think and then allow them sufficient time-whether hours, days, months, or more-to ponder and seek to work out the answers for themselves.  You may need to help them know how to pray and how to recognize answers to their prayers.  Help them to know that the scriptures are a vital source of receiving and recognizing answers.  In that way you will help them prepare for future opportunities and challenges."

Katie reminded us that we missed the balloon festival on Saturday!

Thor, Katie, Lorili, Gabe, Henry, Caleb, & Eliza.

We had a Hi & Bye Sunday evening.  I made two batches of chocolate chip cookies and a pan of rice krispies treats and I came home with empty pans.  We said "hi" to the Garrett's and "bye" to the Strong's, the Masih's, and Littlefield's.

Steve & Sandi Garrett are from Colorado and have been here a month and are on our shift.  The Littlefield's and Strong's will both be going home to Utah on December 9th.  The Masih's leave November 30th, going to their home in Coventry.  We warmly welcome the Garrett's and will miss those that are leaving.  We have grown to love and appreciate them and will treasure all they have taught us.  The Littlefield's were our shift coordinators and the Strong's were the Assistant Coordinators.  Brother and Sister Davis are the new Coordinators and Brother and Sister Key are the Assistants.

The evening was filled with wonderful experiences shared, music sung, and memories renewed.  We hope the Garrett's settle in well and wish the others joyful returns to their families.

Monday, we celebrated Thanksgiving with a delicious turkey dinner at 1 p.m. in the accommodations centre.  There were 65 missionaries in attendance and a good time was had by many.  I had begun in the morning baking a pumpkin pie and getting a turkey ready for baking in the oven.  Sister Davis and Sister Parkinson also prepared turkeys and we met together to put them in the ovens at the centre.  I made a few trips back and forth to centre in food preparation.  The tables had been beautifully set and decorated.  Everyone brought assigned dishes and the spread was tremendous.  There was plenty for all and we ate like it really was Thanksgiving!

1.  Me, Sister Davis, and Brother & Sister Parkinson boning the turkeys.
2.  Sister Garrett, Sister Orton, and Sister Smith putting touches on the serving tables.
3.  Sister Hale organizing the dishes and making sure her delicious deviled eggs fit.
4.  The dessert table laden with yummy homemade sweets of all kinds.

The meal began with an introduction by Brother Davis and him presenting a log he had prepared with the names of all the missionaries wood burned into it that had served and are now serving in the temple in 2014, to the temple presidency.  President Johnson accepted it graciously and declared that now when we mess up in the temple, he has a new way of correction!  He then wielded the log!

The English then surprised us with singing "The Star Spangled Banner,"  and we joined in.  They had worked hard to learn the words without us knowing, and it was truly a tribute to us Americans.  We then joined them in singing, "God Save The King,"

Last photo is Brother Davis presenting the log.  Middle bottom is Sister & Brother Mulholland.

During the meal, we each had three kernels of dried corn at our plate and were to place them one at a time in the center of the table as we said something we were grateful for.  I was grateful there was another deviled egg when I went back for seconds.  Dad was grateful for everything President Johnson had said in the prayer and blessing on the food - the gospel, Jesus Christ, and temples.  We enjoyed our meal with the Parkinson's and Mulholland's.

We had prepared another flash mob item, but this time it was in recognition of Brother and Sister Littlefield, as they have been our choir director and shift coordinators and this is their fourth mission and they are ready to go home for awhile.  Brother Rogers wrote new words that reflect the Littlefield's to the same tune we sang last time.  Our cue was during the meal Brother Rogers would give a signal to the first group to start it off.  Wow, it was amazing how it went with us all scattered throughout the room and not even sitting with our groups, and we had such a fun time singing.  When we got to the last part, we gathered round the table they were sitting at and sang our hearts out with the last phrase:  "Singing, singing all the way, off back home to the USA.  Singing, singing all the way, . . . . .GOING HOME TO PLAY!"

It was an absolutely wonderful celebration in recognition of the bounteous blessings the Lord has given us.  And, we had sunshine the whole day!  It was marvelous to walk back and forth from flat to centre in it and soak up its rays.  It was indeed a thankful day.

In closing this post I want to share an experience.   We know that the Celestial Room symbolizes the exalted and peaceful state that all may achieve through living the gospel of Jesus Christ.  This room represents the contentment, inner harmony, and peace available to eternal families in the presence of Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ. I had an assignment one day to be in that very room as we are there to assist patrons with any needs they may have.  I had not been there for that purpose for awhile and when I walked into the room, I felt the sacredness of it.  I sat down and looked around, feeling the warmth and comfort it provided; the peace and joy.  The sun's rays peaked through the curtains for a brief moment enhanceing the beauty of the furnishings and the brilliance of the gold colored carpet.  I felt at home and thought of my family and how we will be "home" together one day in the eternities.  I am grateful for the gospel, for the plan of salvation, for my Savior, and for temples that provide knowledge and those things necessary for us to return to Heavenly Father.  I will continue to follow the commandments, be obedient, employ repentance in my life, and extend forgiveness to others.  Thank you, Heavenly Father, for temples.

Leeds Castle, 17 November 2014

Today we visited Leeds Castle in Kent.  It was built in the 12th Century and then Edward I expanded it over three islands, creating a moat all the way around it in the 13th Century.  King Henry VIII refurbished the Castle for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon and it became her main residence.  The Castle has been changed through the centuries and one time a fire gutted the keep, which was the main residence.  The Hon. Olive, Lady Baillie purchased the castle in 1926 and it became her home until 1976.  During her residency she re-docrated in fashion of the time.  The rooms are painted in light pastels of blue, yellow, and green, making them appear light and spacious.  This view is from the Maiden's Tower towards the castle in the back.

We began our tour at #1 on the map, walking along one of the paths through the 5,000 acres of grounds, gardens, and woods.  We walked along autumn colored trees, shrubs, and bushes and ponds and streams adorned with water fowl.

Some posed for pictures and the colors were rich in hue and depth.

The tree is a Cedar of Lebanon.

Another view of the Cedar of Lebanon

The Barbican, a fortified outpost or gateway led to the entrance.  Myself and Sister Hale.

The bridge to the castle.  The Barbican is to the left before you cross the bridge.  The suit of armor was on display in the  entrance at the gatehouse.

Walking to the gatehouse.  After going through the gatehouse, we turned right and walked down the side of the island, on the backside of the Maiden Tower, to the cellar of the castle itself.  One of the halls inside, the organ in the chapel, and the outer door we exited through.

The chapel, the circular stairway in the main residence.  One of the interior doors.

LEEDS CASTLE

The maze is made up of 2,400 yew trees and was opened in 1988.  It is built in a square with a circle in the middle.  In the middle you come to a rock formation that when you get on top of it, you can see out over the maze as depicted in the photos above.  Dad & I, Sister Hale, and the Callaghan's went in together and got lost trying to find the center.  We kept back tracking and then I took off ahead of everyone and found it.  Standing on top, I could see where to direct them.  Dad had taken off on his own and eventually was separated from the others.  By this time another couple had entered the maze and they, like Dad, were lost.  Brother Callaghan could see where to send them and they eventually got to the top.  It was quite the adventure.  At the base of the rock we entered the grotto that led to steps going out, which is the bottom picture.

Before we left, we got a picture of us with Adellae's traveling lizard in front of the castle.

Birthdays, Patriots, A Baby, A package, And Baptisms: 11 - 16 November 2014

The 11th was Jack's birthday!  We are happy he is serving a mission in Peru and continue to enjoy his letters Jeanna shares with us.  Happy Birthday, Jack!

Jack is on the right.

The 11th is also Veteran's Day in America and Armistice Day in Europe.  England has been out in fashion paying tribute to all soldiers who fought and died in any war in remembrance of this being the 100 year anniversary of World War I.

Our family in Yuma, has been apart of these celebrations in America by participating in or attending the Veteran's Day Parade in Yuma.  It has become a tradition to gather as family and pay tribute to those who have served from our country.  We have family members that served in wars and none were lost through death during that period of time.  Their service was invaluable to the cause of freedom.  As I have read stories of such patriots and that of my own father's service, I am touched with their zeal to fight, to fight for freedom, and to sustain our country.  They went without thought of their own selves but that of the greater cause.  These patriots are as the Sons of Helaman; men/women of faith and conviction.

Family members who served:  Thank you for your service!

Robert Dale Brown served in the United States Army during World War II.

Clyde Jackson Farar served in the United States Marine Corpe during World War II.

Robert Edward Brown served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Johnny Alford Croslin served in the United States Navy during World War II.

Herbert Eugene Farar served in the United States Navy during World War II.

Parade 2014:  Lorili, Adellae, Kylee, Dan, Cheryl, Dallin, Dean, Bailee, Lauren, Linsey, Henry, Gabe, Juliann, & Caleb.

Little baby Collins was trying to decide if he wanted to join in on the excitement of the 11th, and then realized he needed his own special day, arriving safely to this earth on Wednesday, 12 Nov 2014, weighing in at 9'4".  We are so happy he is here safe.  He has enlarged our posterity to 35 grandchildren.

We had a great surprise when the package from the Umphress family arrived.  We were excited in opening it up and finding pictures from the family as well as Brynlyn and Adellae.

The box also contained a "Traveling Lizard" Adellae made.  We have decided to take it with us when we go places and take pictures of it with us.  Kind of like a Flat Stanley.  It should be fun for us and for Adellae when she gets the photos of where all the lizard travels.

We were baptistry coordinators for the week.  There were small sessions here and there and we found ourselves in other assignments most of the time.  Friday evening and Saturday proved different with sessions that were well managed and plenty of proxies for the work.  Those were wonderful times and we enjoyed the leaders who came and those who helped from our shift.  After washing, drying, folding, and putting away several loads of laundry, we came home very tired on Saturday.  We had been home about 5 minutes when Sister Mulholland knocked on our door and invited us for dinner.  What a nice surprise that was.  We enjoyed the meal, the visiting, and then played a couple of games before coming home at 8 p.m.  The weather for the week was rain, rain, rain, and then some blue skies and sunshine on occasion.

In church on Sunday, Daniel, who is leaving on a mission on Thursday, spoke on the importance of living the gospel each day and not being afraid to share it through example and through word.  He was very impressive in spite of his short time being a member.  He will serve his mission longer than he has been a member.  The other two speakers focused their remarks on how to influence the youth to prepare for missions, whether we are parents, grandparents, family, friends, or church leaders.  Brother Hunt shared moments in his life when priesthood leaders had been fantastic examples to him in how to live, how to prepare, and then how to do in living the gospel.  Help was needed in the nursery so I went in during Relief Society to help out.  These little children are so precious and a delight to be with it.  They give me a taste of home and I love it.

Sunday marked our six month date of being in London.

Windsor Castle, 10 November 2014

Sunday night we sat around and thought about what we wanted to do on Sunday.  We came up with several ideas and then decided on Windsor Castle.  We began searching the Internet for their schedule and the best way to get there.  Dad wanted to drive there and so on Monday morning, we were in the car and on the road before 8 a.m.  The traffic got a little thick on the motorway, but with all considered the trip was safe and took about 1 and 1/2 hours.  We arrived at Runnymede where we thought we could park for free and catch a bus on to the castle.  Not so on both accounts.  We got back in the car and continued down the road.  We came to the town of Old Windsor and pulled into a parking area for shopping.  There was no fee to park.  When we got out, we saw that we were right near a bus stop.  We walked over and waited for it to come.  A local woman came along and we had a very nice visit with her as we waited.  When the bus came, we discovered we could use our bus passes and we were happy about that.  It dropped us off half a block from the castle.

The original castle was built in the 11th century after the Norman invasion by William the Conqueror.  Since the time of Henry I, it has been used by succeeding monarchs and is the longest-occupied palace in Europe.  More than 500 people live and work in Windsor Castle.

Entering the castle walls.

Part of the moat that once was filled with water.  The Military Knights of Windsor live in the apartments.  St. George slaying the dragon.

The College of St. George was founded by Edward III as a self-governing community of priests and laymen dedicated to daily prayer for the Sovereign and all the faithful, and so remains.  The present building was finished in the 1500's.

The chapel is amazing with all the intricate detail in construction.  Many people are buried beneath its floor, including King Henry VIII, whose tomb we stood by.

King Henry VI, founder of Eton College is also entombed in the floor of the chapel.

We arrived in time to get a good position for the changing of the guards.  It was quite the fanfare but not as dramatic as the same event at Buckingham Palace.

The guard and band enter through King Henry VIII's Gate

There were many quiet moments while waiting.  We were not sure what was to be next but just watched.  It appears the head of the old guard and the head of the new guard had some words to exchange.  The band played several numbers in between the silence.  The locked gate is on the wall of the guard room.

Notice the symmetry of the castle wall.  The architecture is beautiful and the upkeep of the walls make the castle shine above all the other ones we have toured.  Each musician was sharp and focused in his duty.

The new guard going in.  "No, you can't come out like that.  Get your uniform on!"

The old guard leaving and a guard we found on the North Terrace.

Cornwall Tower on the North Terrace.  Note the "old" with the "new."  (airplane)  Men's toilet located on the North Terrace.

The North Terrace walls and the Quadrangle.  While on the North Terrace, we toured Queen Mary's Dolls' House, Drawings Gallery, and the State Apartments.  The State Apartments are used by the Queen and Royal Family to entertain guests in some of the finest rooms decorated with outstanding gifts and artifacts that mark the events of history.  One room has a table that seats 48.

We exited the North Terrace via the Norman Gate.  Note the crown atop the light fixture.

We rode the bus back to the car and then realized we could see the castle from where we parked.  Market Cross House was built in 1718 and yes, it is crooked and is known as "The Crooked House of Windsor."

After we finished at the castle, we stopped at a corner cafe and had a sandwich with chips and drink.  I had hot chocolate that warmed me up nicely and Dad had a coke.  It was raining by now and being inside felt great.  Dad stayed there while I went to a shop to see what souvenirs I could find.  I was successful and when Dad showed up I was checking out.

Temple Week #22 And Being Sick, 4- 9 November 2014

We started the week with me being sick.  We were scheduled to be baptistry coordinators, but were changed.  The doctor said to stay home until I felt better.  My days consist of getting up late, eating, watching a lot of Netflix, blogging, reading, resting, etc.  The meds are working well and I am feeling better each day.  I do not want to go back until I have had a good night's sleep and the cough is gone.  If I were to cough in the temple everyone would think I was a giant frog.

As I began to feel better, I did some cleaning and sorting through the rooms.  It is amazing how much we keep.   I also went for a haircut and Bob was busy with getting the car fixed.   He found a local mechanic that works on Peugeots and knew what to do.  I also helped Sister Hale get back on Facebook after not being on it for a year.  I also helped sister Basten with her family history.

By Thursday, I was doing much better and decided Friday was the day to return to the temple.  Being back went well.  I had a light rota that helped a lot.

We had nasty weather the end of the week and the temperature dropped to 0º one morning.  That was a bit nippy and wind and rain joined in the misery.  We decided it was time to turn the heat on in the flat.  Dad asked one of the engineers and we talked with Sister Davis and got it going.  It was a trial and error but Dad figured it out.  We had to rearrange the furniture in the living room in order to get to the thermostat.

We have gotten nice emails from some of the children and this nice picture of Nelson's family:

At the Phoenix Temple Open House:  Pearson, Julie, Jack, Isabel, Nelson.

i am glad you are on a mission so we can come and visit you and be able to see places in London. I am was amazed at bodium castle and the battle abby. I was glad that you guys could come to it made it alot funner. thanks for being on a mission in england. 

                                                              Love Bridger

Grandma and Grandpa,

 It was cool going to the castles, going to London and staying on the temple grounds.

I am glad that you are serving a mission at the temple. So people can learn the gospel all over the place and so there are more members of the church. The stay on the London England temple grounds was really really AWESOME! I'm really glad that you went on a mission so we can visit you a lot.

                                                              Love, Sam

Dear Grandma and Grandpa Brown,

I miss you! I am glad that you are serving a mission. I wish I

could have come to visit you with my mom and dad. I hope you are

having fun at the temple. I love you.

Love, Emelia Louise Welker

Dear Grandma and Grandpa Brown,

It was fun visiting you. Tell Sister Smith "Thank you" for

babysitting us. I am glad you are serving a mission. It gave us a

reason to go to England. I liked seeing the London Temple a each day.

It is neat that you get to live so close. I love you!

Love, McKenna

Dear Grandma and Grandpa Brown,

I wish I could have come on the airplane to see you. I love you.

Love, Nick

Happy Birthday, Danny!  He had another one and Dad and I called to wish him a happy one.  We had a great conversation and he is as spry as ever and looking forward to what's coming ahead.  It was good to talk with him and know that he is well.










Saturday night found us at movie night and watching "Amazing Grace."  Neither one of us have seen.  It is the story of William Wilburforce, the man responsible for the ending of the slave trade in England in 1797.  His story and the journey he took in the cause of human rights is indeed 'amazing.'

We enjoyed Church on Sunday and then the Garrett's came for dinner at 5 p.m.  It was nice to visit with them and help them get a little more grounded in being here.  They are stark reminders of how we were just a few short five months ago.

The holiday season is fast approaching and music is starting to ring around the temple grounds.  We were off to choir rehearsal and then I practiced the piano to accompany a special number for the program next month.  It appears there will be plenty of firesides, dinners, and other events to keep us occupied while not being with family.

From Home:  

Baby Eliza is showing off again!

Temple Week #21, 28 Oct - 3 Nov 2014

The week started off with seeing Kendal's family headed back home.  The temple was busy with patrons and some days it seemed there were not enough workers.  It is always amazing how the work is accomplished no matter our numbers.

Julie celebrated her birthday this week and we forgot to call.  We had spoken with their family the day before but it didn't register to say 'happy birthday' to her.  We got a thank you note from Linda Roddy and face-timed Katie's family.

Dad and I did home teaching with taking treats to our families on Halloween.  They were pleased and we enjoyed visiting with them.

Halloween pictures from home:

Eliza the mouse.  Caleb is a pirate.  Gabe is Fireman Henry's dog.

The Umphress Clan is coming in with Cat In The Hat!

I started feeling sick on Friday and by Saturday morning I was unable to go to the temple.  I called Sister Littlefield with the not-so-good news.  I stayed home in bed or on the couch all day.  Thank goodness Kendal put Netflix on my iPad!  I really caught up on Heartland.  Then Juliann helped me out with amazon and I caught up on Castle.  Watching them really made me feel like I was home.

I started taking Airborne, pain reliever, and using throat lozenges.  I fixed a pot of chicken soup and enjoyed it.  I still was sick and had moments of feeling better here and there.

Then others started offering suggestions on what to do:
1.  Eat chicken soup.
2.  Rub Vicks on the bottom of my feet and on my throat and cover.
3.  Drink a hot lemon/honey tea.
4.  Breathe a drop of Olbas essential oil inhalant, in a pan of boiling water with a towel over my head.
5.  Put alcohol on a hankie and tie on my throat and cover it with a dry hankie.
6.  Smear Vicks all over my throat and nose and stand in a steaming shower.
7.  Swallow the following:  a glob of butter, 1 T vinegar, 2 t honey.
8.  Keep my throat warm.

I went to the doctor on Monday and he said he can hear a slight rattle in the lower right lung.  So, he gave me an antibiotic and said to stay home until I feel better.  I gave the news to Sister Littlefield.  I hope I feel better really soon.

The weather turned to rain on Sunday and continued throughout the night and during Monday.  I was feeling better by Monday and did laundry, ironing, mending, and blogging.  Dad ran errands.  Dad and I are in charge of family home evening on Wednesday, so we put that together.