The NEAL way in MIDWAY

So this past weekend was my family reunion. We try to get together with everyone every other year. We are finding that as we and our kids get older the tougher it is to schedule a time when all can be there.



This year we went to Midway and had a wonderful time although many were unable to come. We had a fun scramble golf tournament that Stetson headed up, floated the Provo River in kayaks and spent time in Park City.



Some of us had more gray hair then the last time we met and we all discovered that we are definately getting older. The best part was that my mom and dad surprised us all by giving us all 2 DVD's that they had transferred all our old family movies on to. We LOVED IT!! I love my family!!!

A MIRACLE READ FOR ME!

Calling all concerned citizens and friends! If you are like me you are sick and tired of our government taking over pretty much everything. This past spring/summer as been ANOTHER total nightmare as the government continues to interfere with my job as a realtor. I can only imagine how the car dealers are feeling at this point.

A business associate and dear friend suggested that I read the book written by W. Cleon Skousen, The 5000 Year Leap: A Miracle that Changed the World. He even offered to give me a copy with this challenge: "If you agree with anything in this book, you will agree to buy 10 more books and give them out with the same challenge."

So I finished the book and met up with him over the weekend to make good on my commitment and are handing the books out gladly. Then I thought "What better way then to post it on my blog so that perhaps others who I might forget to ask can ASK ME for a FREE copy"!

I learned so much in this book about the philosphy and struggles the founding fathers went through in order to establish this country and the constituition. It was a wake up call for me as none of this was ever taught in school. I also realized how far our leaders over the past 80 years have taken us away from those founding principals.

It was a great MIRACLE for me to learn and now my quest is to share it with others. I then read last week "Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative Manifesto by Mark R. Levin" and have just purchased "Common Sense by Glenn Beck" and "The Making of America also by W. Cleon Skousen."

It is time for us to take a stand and we must be educated before we can be effective. So call me or email me if you would like this gift from me or if you have already read any of these books I would love to hear from you.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO OUR FRIENDS THE EHATS!



We enjoyed a fun ATV ride with our friends Andrew & Lori Ehat on Saturday. We drove up to the top of Fairview Canyon to a staging area near Hunington Resevoir.



Monte always looks so cute in his riding jersey!We rode a loop almost 35 miles long. The weather was perfect!



When we arrived at Potters Pond we felt like we were at the top of the world...almost at 10,500 feet!



We ate a yummy lunch and saw tons of gorgeous scenery. On the way home we stopped in at the metropolis Fairview and ate at the Cafe! Unfortunately Andrew didn't order the beef because the waitress didn't know the cut or how it was cooked. I can't believe the San Fransiscan ordered the fish and chips...frozen cod of course...tee hee!

Thanks for a fun day Ehats and letting us be a part of your celebration!

New Adventure in Salt Lake City!

So we have lived in Utah for over 23 years now and enjoyed a new adventure on Saturday as a family. Our first stop was to the Farmers Market at Pioneer Park that we have heard people raving about FOREVER!

We enjoyed breakfast of strawberries and crepes, fresh watermelon and scones. We also bought some wonderful fresh produce and salsa! Then off to our next adventure....the Salt Lake City Cemetary!


Yep! You heard me right! THE CEMETARY! I found a map online that showed where all of the prophets and apostles are buried and Stetson was the one that suggested it. President Hinckleys grave had a gorgeous view! I told Monte I would love to be buried at that cemetary as they all had great views! He kept asking me what difference does it make if I have a view or not....BIG!
Here I am in front of Neal A Maxwell's grave. I truly admired him especially after reading every book he has written. I admire him for sharing his journey of discipleship with us and teaching us the path we must trod too.
This is Orson Pratt's grave who is Parley P Pratt's brother. He and Parley were the missionaries that taught and baptized Ormus Ephraim Bates who is Monte's great great....grandpa and the first to join the church. He also married Ormus's sister.


This is President Kimball's grave. He was the "first" prophet for me that I had a real connection to. I shared with my family the special witness I had when I was a teenager that he was truly a prophet of God....during my interview for the Junior Miss Pageant...you may ask me for more details if needed.

A Celestial Visitor....

We had a wonderful visitor come and spend a week with us! Her name is Willis and she was taught and baptized by Stetson in Tacoma Washington almost 2 years ago. She is 82 years old!

She wanted to be with him when she went to the temple for the first time so she flew down here to Utah. I had the privledge of being her escort which I thought I never would be able to do as I have no daughters!

In the celestial room Stetson said "President Pearson always use to say that this is every missionaries quest is to see someone they baptized go to the temple". We all were so humbled to experience such a sacred occassion.

We were able to call Stetson's companion who is attending BYU Idaho, Elder Gilland, to join us for conference on Saturday. Not only was Willis able to go to her first General Conference, she saw her 2 favorite elders but also heard the former mission president Elder Pearson who is now a member of the Quorum of the Seventy speak.

What a treat!

"THE TALK" AKA HOMECOMING

Elder Bates, now known as Stetson again, did a wonderful job on his "talk" Sunday. We appreciate all the love and support from so many family and friends; especially those who traveled so far.

The night before, (Saturday), we had a special Family Fireside where he shared many experiences, his testimony and answered questions. We then had the family each give a piece of advice to him and share testimonies too. It was so great!

He started working at Mylar Disability Law offices the Monday he was back and is planning on going to Dixie!

Its good to have him home!

WE'RE NOT EMPTY NESTERS ANY MORE!

Elder Bates arrived yesterday at 4:04 PM! We greeted him LOUDLY at the airport and made him blush. He was honorably released by President Mitchell and we then came home to a home cooked meal.

Then he went and played Basketball until midnight up at the church and saw many friends and neighbors. He definately looked a little shell shocked and feeling a bit out of place today.

He is planning on going to school at Dixie and coninue his education in the Health Sciences and feels like Physical Therapy is the direction he wants to go!

We are so excited to have him home!