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Friday, January 30, 2009

Words of advise from the voice of experience

Here are a couple of things that I learned this week that I thought were worth passing along:
1. Never roller skate when you are a klutz!
2. Ice is slick!
3. People with bad knees should always remember number 1 and number 2 or they'll end up in extreme pain!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Monday, January 26, 2009

Another Missionary Moment from Elder Pearson

Greetings from Paradise!

Lately I've been talking to a lot of Returned Missionaries in the ward that I'm serving in and I've noticed an unusual trend among the stories of there missions. Whenever they tell a story about an unusual experience involving an investigator they always end with the same few words. No, it's not their testimony, or even "In the name of Jesus Christ Amen". They always say "and they were baptized three weeks later".

I've thought a lot about those stories. They're always good and involve wonderful heights of spiritual manifestations, which is good. I'll be the first to admit, I haven't had an experience like that before. All of those that I've had the privilege of teaching have been long, tedious opportunities. Sometimes I feel like I could be doing more. I could work a little harder, be a little more Christ-like, and strengthen my testimony a little more. However, even with all of that things wouldn't change. I would still have trials, I would still be teaching the same 5 people for months. Nothing that I can do will open their hearts. It's a choice they need to make for themselves. I can however have the assurance that my work has been acceptable to the Lord. Nephi, the son of Helaman, had an experience in which, although he did not see success in conversions, he was assured that his work was accepted.

Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments. (Helaman 10:4)

I know at times all of us can feel inadequate when matched up against our responsibilities, desires, and what is "expected" of us. When we consider that even the Savior felt overwhelmed with the work that he had to accomplish we can see that being overwhelmed is a part of mortality (See Mark 14:32-36). However, as we rely on the arm of the Lord then "[our] burdens will be light through the joy of His son." (Alma 33:23)

I know that the Savior Jesus Christ lives. I know that The Book of Mormon is true scripture and that we can be closer to God by reading and following it's counsel than by any other means. I love you for the support that you give the missionaries all of the world and the joy that you bring into our lives. Thank you again for all of the support.

Much love
Elder Pearson

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

WOW BROOKE!

The new look is GREAT! I'm learning to pay more attention to websites, and gaining a greater appreciation for the work behind them. I compare studying web design to driving a car. I may know how to drive, but if something goes wrong, I'm in trouble! I may know how to use the internet, but what it takes to run it is a whole new ballgame for me. I hope I'm not in over my head!!! I'm gaining a greater appreciation for the internet!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY TO ROB! (Becky Prete Doig's husband) May all your wishes come true! We're glad you're a part of our family!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Aunt Iola

Iola Allred Carpenter Born in Logan, Utah on Feb. 15, 1923Departed on Jan. 16, 2009 and resided in North Ogden, UT.
Myers Mortuary - Ogden845 Washington Blvd. Ogden, UT US 84404801-399-5613Visitation to be held on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm A viewing will also be held at the church prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Service to be held on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009 11:00 am
Burial Ceremony to be held on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009 in Liberty Cemetery, Liberty, UT US
NORTH OGDEN – Iola Allred Carpenter passed away peacefully at her home on January 16, 2009. Iola was born February 15, 1923 in Logan, Utah to Juston Peter Allred and Isabelle Robinson.Iola graduated from Ammon High School in 1940.Iola was married to Wayne Loren Carpenter in the Salt Lake Temple on December 15, 1941. Iola and Wayne spent sixty seven years together. This union brought six children.Iola was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many positions in the Primary and Relief Society.Iola loved to dance, loved ceramics, flowers, sports, and spending time with her family that she loved so much. Iola was devoted to her family and led a life of service.Iola is survived by her husband Wayne; her children Gailene (Max) Creager, Roy, UT; Wayne LaVon (Joan) Carpenter, Blossom, UT; Terry (Leslie) Carpenter, Pleasant View, UT; Rob (Carol) Carpenter, Ogden, UT; Kim Carpenter, Ogden, UT; twenty grandchildren and forty great-grandchildren.Iola was preceded in death by her parents; one sister; one daughter and two grandchildren.Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 22, 2009 at the Rock Cliff 2nd Ward, 1000 Suncrest Drive at 11:00 a.m. Friends may call at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd., Ogden on Wednesday, January 21st from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Aunt Iola

HI
Aunt Mary Anna emailed today, and Aunt Iola passed away last night. The funeral is in Ogden, on Thurs. afternoon. If anyone wants more detail, let me know. We're sad to see her go, but she went peacefully, and was ready... anyone know how old she was? She must have been near 90.

Christmas pictures


Sorry it took so long to get these pictures up, we couldn't get them off our camera. Here is the pajamas that Grandma made for Bradley and Olivia for Christmas.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Water Storage

HI
I tried to post a comment on Brooke's post about water storage, but couldn't. Anyway.... lds.org has a LOT of information on food and water storage. Just a quick thing about storing bottled water. It is convenient, and that's a plus, BUT remember, they take out the stuff that keeps bacteria from growing, and it doesn't keep forever. I think 6 months is the recommended time, so just remember to rotate! The following is from LDS.org, if you're interested. And if anyone is brave, ask Delrey about it, but be prepared to be there for awhile!
TTYL
Aunt Betty


Three-Month Supply
Drinking Water
Financial Reserve
Longer-Term Supply
Water Storage Guidelines
Commercially bottled water in PETE (or PET) plastic containers may be purchased. Follow the container’s “best if used by” dates as a rotation guideline. Avoid plastic containers that are not PETE plastic.
If you choose to package water yourself, consider the following guidelines:
Containers
Use only food-grade containers. Smaller containers made of PETE plastic or heavier plastic buckets or drums work well.
Clean, sanitize, and thoroughly rinse all containers prior to use. A sanitizing solution can be prepared by adding 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) to one quart (1 liter) of water. Only household bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives should be used.
Do not use plastic milk jugs, because they do not seal well and tend to become brittle over time.
Do not use containers previously used to store non-food products.
Water Pretreatment
Water from a chlorinated municipal water supply does not need further treatment when stored in clean, food-grade containers.
Non-chlorinated water should be treated with bleach. Add 1/8 of a teaspoon (8 drops) of liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium hypochlorite) for every gallon (4 liters) of water. Only household bleach without thickeners, scents, or additives should be used.
Storage
Containers should be emptied and refilled regularly.
Store water only where potential leakage would not damage your home or apartment.
Protect stored water from light and heat. Some containers may also require protection from freezing.
The taste of stored water can be improved by pouring it back and forth between two containers before use.
Additional Information
Note: The following links are not to official Church publications but are provided as additional resource material: www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/water www.redcross.org/services/prepare

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Car emergency kit

Thanks Brooke for the awesome food storage reminder!
Just a thought for those of us who live where it can snow a lot (actually, this is good for everyone!)- make an emergency kit for your car that has food, (i.e. granola bars, fruit snacks, etc.) water, blankets, and (if you have kids) something to keep the kids busy. (i.e. books, games, car DVD players and DVDs, etc.) Also, make sure you always have at least a half a tank of gas at all times! I had a friend last year that got caught in a bad storm (only a few miles from her house!) and stuck on the freeway for 5 hours with her kids!!!!!!!!!
Our boys' school had them bring gallon sized Ziploc bags to school with a granola bar, fruit snack, crackers, bottle of water, family picture and letter from home (to calm them down) in it to keep at the school in case of an emergency. The same storm that my friend was stuck in made it so that most of the buses weren't able to get to the school until after 8 p.m.! Some students and teachers were stuck at the school overnight! If your school doesn't have something like this, you could suggest it to them or just make a kit that your child can keep in their backpack. Matt has one at work also. You never know what might happen! It's always better to be prepared!

Food Storage Tips

I just saw this on a friend's blog and it reminded me that I need to stock up. Since we have be counseled by the prophet(s) to build our food storage, and today's economic perspective leaves much to be desired, I offer the following list to build food storage for 2 people on $5/week.

Food Storage on $5 a week

week 1: 6 lbs. salt
week 2: 5 cans cream of chicken soup
week 3: 20 lbs. of sugar
week 4: 8 cans of tuna
week 5: 6 lbs. macaroni
week 6: 20 lbs. of sugar
week 7: 8 cans of tuna
week 8: 6 lbs. yeast
week 9: 50 lbs. wheat
week 10: 8 cans tomato soup
week 11: 20 lbs. of sugar
week 12: 10 lbs. powdered milk
week 13: 7 boxes macaroni and cheese
week 14: 50 lbs of wheat
week 15: 5 cans cream mushroom soup
week 16: 50 lbs. wheat
week 17: 8 cans of tomato soup
week 18: 20 lbs. of sugar
week 19: 8 cans of tuna
week 20: 6 lbs. shortening
week 21: 50 lbs. wheat
week 22: 5 lbs. honey
week 23: 8 cans of tuna
week 24: 6 lbs. shortening
week 25: 50 lbs. wheat
week 26: 5 lbs. honey
week 27: 10 lbs. powdered milk
week 28: 20 lbs. sugar
week 29: 5 lbs. peanut butter
week 30: 50 lbs. wheat
week 31: 7 boxes of macaroni and cheese
week 32: 10 lbs. powdered milk
week 33: 1 bottle 500 aspirin
week 34: 5 cans cream of chicken soup
week 35: 50 lbs. wheat
week 36: 7 boxes macaroni and cheese
week 37: 6 lbs. salt
week 38: 20 lbs. sugar
week 39: 8 cans tomato soup
week 40: 50 lbs. wheat
week 41: 5 cans cream of chicken soup
week 42: 20 lbs. sugar
week 43: 1 bottle 500 multi-vitamins
week 44: 8 cans tuna
week 45: 50 lbs. wheat
week 46: 6 lbs. macaroni
week 47: 6 lbs. sugar
week 48: 5 cans cream of mushroom soup
week 49: 5 lbs. honey
week 50: 20 lbs. sugar
week 51: 8 cans tomato soup
week 52: 50 lbs. wheat

I also recommend purchasing one gallon of water each week for storage when you do your grocery shopping. Since, most of us have more than 2 people in our home, collect in multiples of 2. If anyone else has tips, recipes for using so much wheat, etc, please post! We can all use the reminders at the beginning of the year when we are making resolutions.

Friday, January 9, 2009

A trip to Disneyland







Stephanie and I took a trip to Disneyland and we had a lot of fun. We acted like kids the entire time, except for when the kids get grumpy and stuff like that. We went on all of the fun rides and took a lot of pictures. I put together a powerpoint presentation thinking that I could display that on the blog page, but I guess I don't know how. Well maybe someone else could tell me how it is done. Have a good day.

I Have an Idea

I know that I am not in charge of the Taylor family reunion until 2012. However I have an idea that will need some prior notice so we can do it. The Albion Normal School, where Mom, (Grandma Taylor) went to school, (It is south of Burley, Idaho) has been sold to some people who are restoring it to use for reunions and group gatherings. It is called Campus Grove at Albion. Right now they have a hall (Miller Hall) that is being used. At this point it is booked up through most of 2010! The campus is a historical site. The building has a large kitchen, dining area, 15 bedrooms and bathrooms. Some rooms are connecting. Showers. There are 12 queen beds, 12 twin bed sets, 5 twin/full bed sets, 2 futons, 10 foam pads There is a large game, media area with ping pong, air hockey, Foosball and large TV. there is volleyball, badminton, horseshoes, an above the ground swimming pool, hot tub, basketball area, a fire pit, picnic tables, an outdoor stage, a large grassy area and MORE! There is an area for tents and RVs. There is a museum next door. I know I haven't mentioned everything! In 2012 they hope to have more things. There are also MANY places near this area that are great outdoor recreation. Plus the Twin Falls temple isn't too far away.
This would be a wonderful way to honor Grandma Taylor and get better acquainted with her as well as each other.
I need to know if you would be interested. there would be some expense with this, but if we got started early to save up for it, it wouldn't be very much per family per month! If a person figured in the cost of a motel, compared to this, it is a savings! Plus all the extra activities available. I was thinking of doing it from a Thursday (check in is 4 pm) until Sunday (check out time is noon). You could go to the Albion ward church. How would the end of June or first part of July be? Or later in July?
PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR FEELINGS! I KNOW WE COULD DO THIS AND HAVE A GREAT TIME! I just need your support and commitment. Our family is worth it!
I have a brochure that I could scan and send out if you would like to know more. You can get on line and look it up albioncampusgrove.com
Randy, Dad and I went there today and took a tour. I was VERY impressed!
I am looking forward to hearing from you!

Reflecting 5 years!!!



I can't believe how fast time flies! I wouldn't have immagined five years ago that we would be living in Rexburg with our three beautiful girls. This is where it all started for us.






Thursday, January 8, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to

DELREY, ROCHELLE AND JASON!!!


But, how can I be married to a old man?????? Delrey is the big 50 today! AHH!!!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

My Little Chef


Chan is the new Little Chef.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Answers

Here are the answers to the trivia questions I posted!
1. Our family has 13 Birthday's in March making it the month with the most Birthdays. February, June, August, October, and December all have 10! July has the fewest with 3.
2. All of the Prete boys were born in December.
3. Uncle Brian and Aunt Janet's family have Birthdays in every month except November.
4. Ben is the only Pearson boy not born in March. He was born in June.
5. Happy Birthday TODAY to Sarah Prete, our New Year's girl! Other Holiday Birthdays include, Randy Edie and Kim Coates on Groundhog's Day, Esther Taylor and Austin Doig sometimes on Easter, Cassy Pearson and Ethan Airoldi on St. Patrick's Day, Andrew Airoldi on the Mexican Holiday of Cinco de Mayo, Edward Airoldi and Grandma (Jean) Taylor sometimes on Thanksgiving, (USA) Joe Prete on Christmas Day, and Mary Murdock on Boxing Day. (British) I think there are a couple that fall on Father's Day sometimes, but I'm not 100% sure on that one. Can anyone think of any that I left out? Aunt Betty pointed out that Uncle Delrey, Jason Haroldsen, and I all have the same Birthday as Elvis! Some people would consider that a major holiday!
I hope everyone enjoyed getting to know some fun facts about our family's Birthdays!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!