Fishing on the Mississippi

Carthage Jail

As we talked with my sister-in-law, Ann Marie about our visit to Carthage Jail, she wondered what our ancestors who lived through the tragedy of the death of the prophet Joseph Smith
think of us visiting this place as a vacation. It really was a tragedy, but the prophet himself said it was his time. He knew the Lord would preserve him until his purpose was fulfilled. Now so many years later we can see how others have been blessed doing their part in the work. Joseph couldn't do everything. Others needed to learn what he had through their own experience. Standing on the very ground Joseph and Hyrum had on that night brought that part of history alive for Nate, me and the kids. I am certain the Saints who suffered with his death are pleased we take the time to remember and realize the gospel the Lord restored through Joseph and they fought so hard to keep alive is real!

The kids thought this missionary looked like Grandpa Allen. I agree.

Funny thing is, we realized that the Pitchforths on the Wilkey side of the family lived on this very spot. They only lived there for 5 months before they were forced to leave their home and head west to Salt Lake.

Temple

Nate and I each did some temple work while we were there.

It was lovely! There is dark woodwork all over. The murals inside are exquisite. As you enter there is an assembly hall, like the Kirtland Temple. Then you walk up a spiral staircase to the dressing rooms. I was just touched from the moment I entered and it increased as I progressed through and all the way to walking out the front door to a beautiful view of the Mississippi River. It took my breath away. It brought me to tears. I thought of all our ancestors who have passed on to a heavenly life. Some of them were a part of this place. There are moments I feel like I'm at a crossroad where the past and the future come together. This was one of them. I love my family tree. I love my roots. I love my husband and the foundation we are trying to build on. I love our children and our future family waiting to come join in on the fun! Here at the temple, the whole family tree comes together!!!

Until we reach the Valley-o

Some will push and some will pull....

Parade

The kids got to start out a pre-pageant show with a parade. The weather was warm and wonderful!

Nauvoo

Ryan was so excited to get dressed up like a Pioneer. The tree jumped out and scraped his heal, and I got no pictures of him dressed up for the few minutes he left them on. :(

The kids had a lot of fun playing these pioneer games and in the pioneer play cabin. Cara even hung laundry on the line.

Most Crooked road in the World.

Burlington Iowa.
Amazig thing is, the road is original from the 1890's and we drove down it! It is so constructed so well, it has kept up all these years.

Webelo Super Acheiver.

Yes, sir, that is 20 activity pins.

Go Shawn! Can you tell how proud these two are?

Our Huge tomato

We have been eating our harvest and loving it!

This is twin tomato.

Tubing with the Cub scouts!

Reports were that the water was like a warm bath.
Nice.

Thanks Christensens!

All Day, Unless It Rains

I have been called many names in my life. Jennifer, Jenni, Sister Allen, Jen, Sister Wilkey, Mrs Wilkey, I even had a neighbor who called me Jenna. Some less obvious ones are Chrystal, dooker, Dependable Jen, and Ferr. My favorite, though would have to be "Mom." Its funny,though, how the way its used can mean many things. There's the whining sort of "Moooooommmmm" that sometimes seems endless. The exciting "Mom!" when they can't wait to tell, show, or share something. What about "Mama" when they're sick or trying to sweeten me up to show me some kind of accident that happened.
My mom used to often answer, "That's my name, all day, unless it rains."
Well, whatever form it takes, I hope to always be grateful to be called "Mom" by these 3 not so little ones!

Abracos!

Have you ever wondered why I sign my emails and letters
Hugs,
Jen?
Well, it started about 15 years ago in this lovely place called Brazil. or Brasil as they would spell it.
I miss the love of the people there. They hug and kiss as a greeting, and a farewell. They kiss on each cheek and if you are single they give a third kiss "para casar". As a wish for marriage.
I love the culture of the Brasileiros! I often think about how my life has changed in the last 13 years since I left. July 31, to be exact.
So, today as I do 2-3 times a year, I went through my journal, pictures and memorabilia of my missionary days. The people I met there were the hands the Lord used to mold me. To change me, to open my eyes to the miracles that happen when we trust Him. They taught me how to really LOVE someone. Sometimes I get into the routine of my life here and forget to really love the people around me.
I never want to forget that. I want to EMBRACE it. So I remind myself of it in my emails with a simple word,
Abracos!
Hugs!

These were the first Sisters I worked with. I was so new to the whole experience. They broke me in. Sisters Silva, Cristini, Santos, Harrington and Allen:)

Celi

My sweet companion from Bahia! She was wonderful. She spoke pretty good English she taught herself from books. She walked the streets about a year and a half before this looking for the missionaries. She had read the Book of Mormon someone had given her uncle. She knew it was true and when the missionaries and she finally met she said, "Can you baptize me?"

She was on a mission a year later spreading this joy she had found!

Almoco

Everyday we ate lunch at this member's home.

We paid her to do our laundry and feed us lunch.

She was crazy! Here her husband, daughter, and the missionaries pose with her to show the personality of our meals there!

Sister Carruth was my only American companion. She was so fun! She helped me have fun in the midst of working hard. She owuld write me notes all the time. I read a few this week. She was so creative and cute. I would just love to see what she does with her daughters now!

Pioneer Day Celebration

This was a race through the streets of Joao Monlevade the Wednesday before I went home.

They changed the day of the activity so I could be there. I came in 3rd place for my age group! Ha.

My companion next to me, Sister De Oliveira was with me my last month for a second time. We worked so hard together. I've been in touch with her recently and wish I could sit and visit with her for hours. One day.

The guy in the middle with blue shorts and tank top, is Edmilson. He just found me on facebook this week and started this trip down memory lane for me. He is in the Branch Presidency now and has been the President. He has 3 kids and is married to a sweet girl from the branch. I was scouring my Journal for her name. I think it was Nilda, but can't find it.

Let it Rain!

This was Shawn's solution to a wet day! The boys camped out here while the girls hung out in the neighbor's playhouse.

Unfortunately it didn't keep everything dry. But it sure was fun while it lasted.

Baseball Park

A generous buisnessman built an "If you Build it they will come" type of field here.

It is a home field for a super competitive High School baseball league. Also, a Christian College tournament. It has all the features of a MLB field at a smaller scale. The best part-FREE admission and FREE bounce houses, super cheap concessions! We went the other night and got hot dogs, ring pops and bottled water for $1.10 total!!

Unusual Dress up

Cara and Emerson decided to dress up and be "macho"

Catching Bees

Shawn and Dylan decided to catch Big bumble bees as fishing bait.

Ryan found them buzzing near the ground, Dylan stepped on them and Shawn picked them up.

No bites (on boys or the hook).