Looking Back at Halloween Past

Deer Hunt

Taylor drew her first deer tag this year, so we've been out scouting deer a few times. She had her eye on several big bucks near some fields outside of Pioche. Yesterday after school, she and Evan went for another practice at the gun range and then off to their area to look again. She located a herd of bucks in a hay field and picked one to harvest. She shot it with a 243 rifle at about 250-300 yards, killing it with her first and only shot. Dad is still on cloud nine!

The buck is a 4 x 4, approximately 25" wide, and weighing around 200 lbs. field-dressed. It was hay fed and should be good eating when Evan works his magic on the meat.
Home just after dark to show it off to everyone. I'm glad she's well-rounded...she was sewing a quilt over the weekend and now providing meat for the family. Way to go, Chicka!!

General Conference Weekend

I always look forward to conference weekends. In the fall, the weather is cool, autumn colors are brilliant, and I love wearing my warm pj's to listen. In the spring, flowers are blossoming, birds are chirping, and I wear my cool pj's. It's a nice break from the usual Sunday meetings to be spiritually uplifted and inspired to be better. It's the shot in the arm I need...too bad it's only twice a year. I have always loved the way Pres. Monson tells stories and recites poetry that really brings home the messages we can all benefit from.

Three weeks ago was the Panaca Stake Conference. We were honored and blessed to have President Holland here in our presence to teach us. It was a remarkable weekend. Evan had a special assignment from our Stake President to act as protective services...he got to pack "heat" to the meetings and be up close and personal with this wonderful man. One of Evan's mission companions married Pres. Holland's oldest daughter, so they chatted about that and commanalities from both being from Southern Utah. He loved every minute of it...first conference he didn't snooze through!

And who doesn't love President Bednar? One of my favorite talks by him was the "Tender Mercies" topic. I've often thought of that and have been more aware of the multiple tender mercies in my own life. They are truly men who are mouthpieces for a loving Heavenly Father! Well, I better go get my favorite seat on the couch! I hope you get to enjoy conference with your family as well!

Then there's M Russell Ballard who took the time to call my mother a few days after dad's tragic plane accident to console and assure her of God's love. It was his grandson who was the student pilot flying with dad on that fatal day in January 2005. He spoke briefly of this incident and the atonement in the April 2005 conference that year. He always speaks directly and eloquently in all matters.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Pres. Uchtdorf. Perhaps it's his German accent, the special pilot "air" about him, or just that he's so simply grounded in the gospel and sees it from the perspective of the outside world and knows how to delicately address the things we so need to "hear with our ears and feel with our hearts."

I could go on and on about different Prophets and disciples who have touched my life throughout the years, but these are some favorites at this present time. They are all men of God; I enjoy hearing them, reading their words, and trying to apply them in my life.

Hippy Day

This past week was Lincoln County High School's 100th Year Celebration. It was a huge event for our little neck of the woods. Each day all the schools dressed up to show school spirit. We enjoyed "Hippy Day" the most and since I woke up later than usual, I simply went all natural for the day. No make up, threw a headband in my hair, put on jeans and my "Hug a Tree" t-shirt. (No biggie as we went on a field trip to the Apple Orchard that day.) Taylor and Abby, however, dressed pretty much their normal selves except for the added headband accessories. P.S. For the record...Taylor wants everyone to know that she IS taller than Abby...not by much though!