Nauvoo-Day 4

We got to town early because we wanted to get tickets to the wagon ride. We did. We all went to see the movie Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration. Two thumbs way up!

We broke up into two groups again. My group went to a lot of the houses on the flats. We were to meet again at 12:30 for the wagon ride at 1:00. We got a text from the other group that the wagon ride had been cancelled because the heat index was too high. Whatever, we're from Florida. We'll drive the wagon. JK. I know it's for the animals just as much as it is for the humans. We don't want anyone keeling over on our watch. We were sitting in the tiny, little Pendleton School house when the torrential downpour started. We had to wait a little while. The other group came and looked in the window. We wouldn't let them in. Seriously, there was no room. Plus, it was funny. About ten minutes later, we all met at the Family Living Center and spent quite a bit of time waiting out the rain.

After the rain, we went to Brigham Young's house. On the way out, we saw a crab apple tree and the kids gave them a taste. They said they were sour but tasty.

We then took our walk down Parley Street.

On 30 June 2002, during the final dedicatory service of the rebuilt Nauvoo temple, President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke of Parley Street, which leads to the site of the old Nauvoo Ferry, from which the early Nauvoo Saints began their trek to the Salt Lake Valley. Then he extended a heartfelt request that those present in the temple take time open leaving the service to walk down Parley Street. He asked that as they did so, they think of a young pioneer family and imagine the difficulty of leaving a comfortable home and departing for an unknown destination. A Walk Down Parley Street, Petty, James W. Ensign August, 2003

A few of us stopped in the Seventies Hall so Melena could look up one of her relatives. That was nifty.

Some of us went shopping in the Red Brick Store and then we all walked over to the graves of Joseph, Emma and Hyrum. We sat on the bench and Sister Ingalls explained about the Community of Christ.

We decided that we needed to get as much done as possible in Nauvoo because the next day was Sunday. Some wanted to go shopping for souvenirs. Sister Ingalls said we would go to Keokuk that night for dinner. Several groups went different ways. Me, I got to do the fun part. I got to do a load of laundry. Most of it was mine and Jensen's anyway. She had worn her church shirt on the wrong day even after writing down her outfits on a card. The kids had actually listened to what I said about packing and had packed enough outfits, amazing.

Some of the kids were starving so decided to go ahead and eat. The restaurant they went to was right across from the laundry mat so I went and sat with them. The food looked disgusting so I decided to wait for Keokuk.

One group got finished early. They saw me putting the laundry in the van so they decided to sit in the van and wait. I walked around the back of the van to go to town and the rest of the groups. I noticed that the bumper on the back of the van was pushed in and punctured. I had not noticed this before. When Roxanne got to the van she looked at it. She didn't remember it being that way either. She had walked around the van when she rented it and pointed out every little ding and scratch so that she would not get charged for it. I could tell she was really upset and worried. We figured that someone had backed into us and then fled. And in the temple parking lot!

We carried on with our plans for dinner in Keokuk. Most of the restaurants that were on the GPS were no longer in business or just looked rather skank. We decide on a cute little Mexican restaurant which can be rather dicey. It had all of the signs of authenticity when we walked in. The dinner was rather tasty and worth the wait. Not the best I have ever had but tasty.

Back at the motel we were able to get in another night of swimming and jacuzzi-ing. Sans boys. Yea! (They're just so loud and splashy)

Nauvoo-Day 3

We slept in a little then got to Nauvoo about 11am. We went to the visitor’s center and picked up tickets for the High Hopes and Riverboats show at 5:00pm. My good friend Chris Daly and reserved tickets for us. She also arranged for us to a baptismal session at the temple. She’s awesome like that.

After looking around the visitor’s center we headed up to the temple. We had to be there by noon for a 12:30 session. We walked up right as Chris and Janet were going in the temple. Chris was a big help in pointing us in the right direction and Janet was able to do baptisms with us. Also, because of Chris’ connections the youth were able to see the spiral staircase, the assembly hall and Joseph Smith’s sword.

After the baptisms, I was going to stay and do an endowment session. I rented my clothes but forgot to rent shoes!!!! So I was too late. They were going to hold the elevator but i said no that was ok. I don’t like to be stressed. The lady suggested I do initiatories or sealings. I did initiatories. I’m glad I did because I needed to hear those things again.

I was able to finish in about an hour. I knew the rest of the group was going to the Nauvoo Bakery for lunch so I started walking that way. I thought, if I meet up with them fine, if I don’t, that’s fine too. I figured I would either walk to the Daly’s or walk down to the flats and find them. I walked up to the Bakery and there they were! Roxanne, again, was gracious enough to wait while I ordered my food.

We went down to the flats and went our separate ways to visit some of the houses. I sat on a bench and ate my sandwich. While I was there I met a woman form the American Colonies in Mexico. She told me a little about her life there. There are things that I hear in church history that are mentioned in one sentence and I never think much more about it. Brigham Young sent saints to colonize Mexico. It’s weird to think that the colonies still exist. I shared this with Roxanne and she told me that that is where her daughter-in-law Jess is from. Small world.

At 5:00 we went to see High Hopes and Riverboats. for some reason when I get in dark, air-conditioned room and sit down to watch a show, I fall asleep. Today was no exception. I still don’t know what it is about. I think it is about a young lady that has to choose between two men.

Next, on the agenda was Sunset on the Mississippi. It was sooo hot that the show was moved inside. The first theatre was full so they were projecting it in the second theater. Some of us went in there and some went on to the pageant. I was disappointed with the projection but we sat through it anyway.

My group then went to the pageant. The first group had saved us front row seats. Before the pageant they have a State fair where kids can play pioneer games or dance or other stuff. We had hot dogs and nachos and snow cones.

The pageant was outstanding, of course. This was about the third time I had seen it and I noticed and learned new things. The message was great. My group and I had to use the restroom. We were gong to wait because we thought the lines would be really long, but we knew it was a long ride back to Quincy. On our hike over a nice gentleman came and offered us a ride on the golf cart. About 7 of us piled on. Some of the girls decided they didn’t have to potty so they got the driver to take them to the van. Ugh! When we were finished we had to walk all the way to the van!

We got lost on the way back to Quincy. All of the intersections look the same when it is dark and you are in the countryside of Illinois. We eventually found our way back thanks to Ramona’s GPS and Roxanne’s gut instinct. Some of the kids didn’t understand that they were supposed to eat dinner at the fair. None of the fast food restaurants looked inviting so we stopped at the local grocery store and all who were hungry found something to eat. Luckily, they had a good deli.

Nauvoo-Day 2

Today we drove, and drove, and drove, and drove.

The only highlights we had were stopping to eat. We started out with a yummy breakfast at the motel. I love Belgian waffles. I think I had them everyday. I was impressed with the kids. They all got up and got ready in a timely manner.

We made it to Cadiz, Kentucky for lunch at Subway. There were a lot of restaurants together so some of the kids walked over to Wendy's. I thought the town was pronounced Cuh-diz so I asked the girl at the counter. She said it was Kay-dees. Who knew?

I guess the other highlight that did not involve food was getting stuck in rush hour traffic in St. Louis. Ugh! I remember St. Louis being so ugly before. It hasn't changed in two years. I just think it is the armpit of America. Brandon said the St. Louis temple was the deodorant. :)

Originally we thought we might make it in time to see the pageant tonight but this jam up put us behind.

We made it to the motel about 8:00. The boys were anxious to swim. We left them with their chaperone and the girls went across the street and found a Panera Bread. Sister Ingalls was excited because it was not there the last time she was there. I didn't care. I just wanted food. It was tasty.

When we got back to the hotel, some of us joined the boys in the pool. It was not fun until they left. Then we relaxed and enjoyed the pool and the Jacuzzi.

Nauvoo-Day 1

I lost my driver's license a while back. I knew it was my year for renewal so I didn't replace it, instead I sent off for my new one.

The Nauvoo trip came up quick and unexpected. I thought for sure I would have my new license by then. Today came and I still didn't have it. I thought well, Roxanne can just rent the van in her name and I can still drive. I have a valid license. I just didn't have it on me. When we got down to Orlando to rent the van they needed a copy of my license. I thought, "No big deal. I have one at home in my files from where I refinanced my house a couple of years ago." I got home and went through my files. No license! I call Sister Ingalls and tell her to go ahead without me. She says she will wait and she makes me promise I will go, even if I can't drive.

Brianna Carter was at our house hanging out before time to meet at the Ingalls. I
told her and Jensen that I wasn't going to be able to go. Brianna said, "Just go get a new license. My mom did it and it was sooo fast. No big deal." I thought to myself, "yeah what does she know about the DMV? She's just a teenager. She doesn't know all of the horror stories." I decided to take her advice anyway. I had no other option. I called first to see what I needed to bring:

A certified birth certificate. Where's mine? Oh, in my family history stuff.

Certified marriage license. Got it! It was in my "Important Papers" file.

Social Security Card. Got it.

Two pieces of mail with my name on it. I grabbed the Ensign and a piece of junk mail. I get to the DMV and the junk mail is not valid. It has to be a bill or something more important than junk mail.

Me: What!?! That's not what the lady on the phone said.

DMV: I'm sorry I was at lunch.

Me:(in my mind)I know that I have to be nice to this lady because her son is going to be one of my students next year. I tell her that thinking maybe I could butter her up. No go.

DMV: I'm sorry. It's because of all of the Privacy Acts.

Me: (in my mind. Stupid terrorists) I know. It's ok.

DMV: How about a Voter's Registration?

Me: yes! I have that.

DMV: Ok, one more thing. Vehicle Registration?

Me: Ugh! Mine is at home on the table! Our car is in the shop and I have my mom's car.

DMV: check stub?

Me: Ugh! (the ugh's are always silent) I cleaned out my purse because I'm going on vacation.

DMV: I'm so sorry. Maybe the school board could fax one over.

Me: yeah, no. I could get home and get back faster thatn that could happen. (In my mind. Duh! It's another government agency) It's ok. I'll be right back.

DMV: Ok, I'll make you an appointment in case it's busy when you get back.

Me: Ok, thank you so much. (In my mind, "See the DMV can be a happy, helpful place")

My prayer on the way home. "Please God don't let me lose my cool. Let me remain calm. Let me not kill anyone. After all, this is my fault. Don't let everyone hate me for being late. I'm already 45 minutes late.)

Race home. Grab Vehicle Registration. Two pieces of mail. One from the IRS (if they know where I live then everyone does). Grab the whole bill basket. That should do it.

Go back and get my licesnse. Done! I chit-chat with the lady about her son and give her some tips about his education. Hopefully, when we meet at meetings she won't cower in the corner and scream "There's that crazy lady!" I really did a good job at containing myself.

I stop by my mother's to fax it to the rental company. I get to the Ingalls and we leave. (An hour and a half late)

After all of that, I feel that the rest of the day was uneventful.

We stopped in Cordele, Georgia for dinner. We drive to Cartersville, Georgia for the night. The motel was new and beautiful. Some of the kids wanted to stay there the whole time. We were disappointed because we didn't make it further. I feel like an idiot because it was my fault.

Guess what arrives in the mail the next day? That's right! My driver's license. Ugh! (not silent)

Free Food

For the second year in a row we have humiliated ourselves by dressing in cow costumes and schlepping to Chic-fil-A for free food. We always have a good time and everyone participates. This year Lew was miserable because he is going on his third week of fighting a kidney stone. He was a trooper though because he wanted to eat. We recruited the Garretts and they met us there. Free food is always tastier.

 

 

Katie Ghersi

Jensen met Katie Ghersi at the birthday party of a mutual friend. They were talking about their respective summer camps. Katie said, "We do this at my camp". Jensen said, "We do that at my camp". Katie said, "We do this at my camp." Jensen said, "Me too!" It wasn't long before they figured out that they were both Mormon. Katie's family had moved to the area and hadn't been able to make it to church yet. Jensen invited her to ride with us and they have been great friends since. We, I say me, because I was in the Young Women's program at the time, had great times traveling to the church in Apopka every Wednesday.

Jensen wanted to have one last hurrah with Katie before she moves to Oviedo so she spent the night. I found out a secret about Katie. That girl has got a set of pipes. She and Jensen were in her room and having a sing-a-long and wow! I told her mom and her mom said that she doesn't like to sing in public. Well she should! I hope they have a chorus program at the high school where she is going. She needs to develop that talent.

The next day we went to Rock Springs. I forget how much I love Rock Springs. We went frequently when I was a young'un. I went there for Senior Skip Day. My best friend's friend had an old beater car and we all piled in and went. It was a lot of fun.

Danette and I used to take the kids there a lot when I had my daycare. It's nice because it has a graduated walk-in beach area for the little ones. They could swim without much assistance from us. There are two parts of the river, the rocky part, thus the name, and the clear part. The older, braver kids can go down the rocky part and we would take the little ones in their floats down the clear side. The older kids also like to look for sharks teeth or arrowheads.

Next to the beach, I think springs are my favorite body of water. I'd like to visit all of the springs in Florida. I should put that on my bucket list.

We had a great time with Katie and we are sure going to miss her. She's not going too far away so we will have to go kidnap her for the weekend.

Girls Night In!

Tonight at Young Women's the moms and the yw played a game similar to the Newlywed Game. This is what I found out about Jensen.

1. Her favorite food is cornbread, as in Grandma's. I guessed Chicken Alfredo.
2. Her favorite candy is Starbursts...I guessed Baby Bottle Pops.
3. If she had to cook dinner, she would make Mac N' Cheese... I guessed Pizza Rolls.
4. Her least favorite chore is doing the dishes. I got this one right! Everyone in this house hates doing dishes!
5. Her dream car is a punch buggy (VW), painted like a Bumble Bee. I got this one right!
6. He favorite place to shop is CVS...I guessed Kohl's because I was thinking clothes shopping. My favorite place is also CVS so I am glad we can enjoy that together.
7. The place she most wants to go is to sleep...I put the beach because before we answered she said that we wanted to go to the same place. I was confused. I didn't think she wanted to go to the beach because of the whole jellyfish incident. The place she guessed for me was to sleep at the beach. I guess to sleep is the place we both want to go. LOL!

I know a lot of her likes and dislikes I just don't know her favorites. I think it is hard to pin down favorites, there are so many choices. I also think favorites can change.

For the second game, we poured ourselves some M & M's out of a cup. However many we chose is how many nice things we had to say about our teammate. I chose 21 M & M's. We only got to share 3 things but here is my list of things I like/admire/love about Jensen.

1. She is funny. Oh man, she is funny. This is a requirement for living in our house, so she gets to stay. She has learned the humor skill very well.
2. She is a good friend. I've seen her interact with her friends and she loves and cares about them.
3. Jensen loves the gospel. She is always eager to learn and do what is right.
4. Jensen is smart. She does well at school. For 8th grade she earned a high school credit in science.
5. She is cute and beautiful. Sometimes I just look at her and am amazed at how beautiful she is.
6. Jensen is a mad trombone player. I am impressed that she picked the trombone to play and she does it very well.
7. Jensen sings very well. She won't sing in public but when she is at home, she belts it out.
8. Jensen has a sense of style. She puts her outfits together and they are cute and modest.
9. Jensen is a good sister. She loves her sister Madison and her brother Parker very much. She gets along well with both of them.
10. She is very loving. She still lets her snuggle with her at night and still gives us kisses good-bye.
11. She is very organized. I'll come home and the linen closet will be cleaned and organized.
12. She likes to clean, except dishes. One year for Christmas she wanted a cleaning cart. Santa didn't get it for her because there were other things to get that year and he didn't think she was serious. He thought it was just a phase. She expressed her disappointment and asked for it again the next year. Santa obliged.
13. Jensen loves all animals. If mother would let her she would bring home all of the strays. For her 7th birthday, she took her money and adopted Daisy from the Cat Protection Society. It didn't matter that Daisy had a bum eye. We turned it into something positive and said it was magical.
14. Jensen loves babies. If mother would let her she would bring home all of the strays. When I help out with Daniel Higley at church, Jensen laughs the whole time. He's so cute.
15. She is thoughtful. She knows just the right thing to say or do to make your day better.
16. She is creative. She likes all craft projects and does them well. Her specialty is the sculpy clay.
17. Jensen is a great missionary. She's not afraid of who she is. She does it quietly by her example but she also opens her mouth and invites her friends to church. All of her non-member friends know the church she belongs to and I think every single one of them hasbeen to church with her.
18. Adventurous. Jensen likes to try new things, go new places.
19. Jensen loves to read. I love that she loves to read because I love to read.
20. Laugh. You might think this is the same as #1 but it's not. Jensen loves to laugh. She does not have to be the only one who is funny. If you are funny, she will laugh at you also.
21. Obedient. Jensen always does what we ask her to do. Not perfectly but she is really agreeable and will eventually do as asked.
    

I'm glad I got to spend the evening with Jensen and get to know her better. I'm so blessed to have her as a daughter.