9 April 2023
VOLUME 11 – NUMBER 498
Ashton, Dad, Luis, and Emma at reception
Congratulations! On Tuesday, April 4, Emma and Luis were married by Emma’s Dad. They had a wonderful ceremony with close friends and family, and an enjoyable reception afterwards. It was also fun to catch up a little with our adult children who were there.
This week we also had one more big snowstorm, the same day as Luis and Emma’s wedding. I was grateful that I didn’t have to commute up through Parley’s Canyon today, since had decided to work from home so I could attend the wedding!
We are now breaking all-time records for snowfall this year, which is a great blessing because of the serious drought we have been experiencing in Utah. It’s interesting to me, because a little over a year ago, our governor, Governor Cox, asked us to pray for moisture.
At the time, many people in the media mocked him, and even some of my co-workers made fun of a governor that would ask people to pray as a solution for drought.
But I’m grateful for two things. First of all, I’m grateful to Heavenly Father for sending us needed moisture, and second, I’m grateful we have a governor that would suggest that we pray to Him for help!
April snowstorm
The weather has been bad for us because it has been snowing a lot, and then it would go to nice weather with no snow, and then it would snow big again!
On Sunday me, Isaac, Monte and Kai all played Aquire. It was my first time playing the game because I had always watched them play
After church, we all stayed in our suits and acted like business men, and it was fun! At the end of the game, Kai got fourth, I got third, Monte got second, and Isaac got first. It was really fun.
Boys dressed up to play Acquire
This Sunday, Monte, Troy, Kai, and I, all played Acquire. We all came up with names, and mine was Logan Price. It was a lot of fun, with all the merging, starting hotels, losing money, and buying stocks.
I ended up winning in the end, I think for the first time ever! I was supper excited. I can't remember how much money I got, but Monte only lost by like a couple thousand, and he was pretty ticked!
Overall it was a really fun game, and I hope we can do it again. PS—Kai said he was sick and that's the reason he didn't win. I think it's just a cover up for not going into the big hotels. Ha ha!
Boys dressed up to play Acquire
Palm Sunday was this week. For Sunday, we played Acquire. The players were Monte, Isaac, Me, and Troy. It was fun because we all acted like we were business men during the game.
Halfway through the game, I started feeling a little drowsy and itchy. I was getting sick! I couldn't pull through with the game, and ended up in third. I tried to eat a pop tart, but only took a few bites. I slumped on the couch and had a merry good nap!
I woke up and went upstairs to help plan out Isaac and Dad's trip to DC. I didn't feel too sick anymore. I had a little headache nagging at me, but other than that I was A-okay.
Us boys decided that we were going to make lunch. It was my choice, and I chose to make grilled cheese and tomato soup. After lunch, we all cleaned up, and guess what... I was feeling sick again!
It was really rough. I was catching lots of symptoms of a fever, so I laid on the surprisingly comfortable dog couch in Mom and Dad's room, and went to sleep while they were watching the Chosen TV show, which was also in Mom and Dad's room.
Caleb and Elder Miranda visiting a woman
Our friend Casandra went to a YSA camp and had an awesome experience. On Sunday we went over to her house with her mom and a member. Casandra's progressing towards baptism and it so amazing!
We're also helping a family of four to get ready for baptism! The mom’s name is Vanesa, and she has three children. They're always really busy, so we usually teach them on phone calls or quick visits! They're all progressing little by little!
And this week another lady named Nery had surgery. Afterwards, she said that when she gets better she'll accept a baptismal date!
After that visit that I mentioned with Casandra and Mirta, me and Elder Miranda were flipping out with excitement and joy, and we passed a couple walking down the side walk at night.
We said "buenas noches," and the lady responded "buenas noches! Como están?" Then we just started telling them about how amazing our day was, and the amazing visits we had had!
They seemed really astonished to see how genuinly happy we were! We ended writing down their phone number and took a picture with them to send them it.
That's the tip of the iceberg for this week, but I love you guys!
Caleb and Elder Miranda giving service
My freshman roommates decided that it would be fun if we had a sleepover. We've been talking about planning a small trip together, but it is crazy trying to work around everyone's schedules.
We decided to just have a fun girls’ night at Danielle's house, and it ended up being so much fun! We brought mattresses into the living room and all slept in there together. We stayed up late talking and watching a movie. I sometimes forget that we can still do things like that as adults, so I really enjoyed just having fun and feeling like kids again.
General Conference was also just what I needed this weekend. I loved being able to watch the different sessions, and I even got to go to two of them at the Conference Center.
I've felt a lot of peace listening to all the words that were shared. It's like I'm able to re-focus on what's important. I've always struggled sitting down and having a deep study in the scriptures, but listening to conference talks helps me to focus on Christ, so I'm super grateful to have more words to listen to regularly.
London, Luis, Emma at reception
Congrats to Luis and Emma! I still can't believe that they are actually married. It was so cool to see it end up here from when they liked each other so long ago.
Easter was also a really special day this week. I felt more attentive at church than I had in a while, and I really tried to prepare for it. That made a big difference.
On Thursday, I went home, and Isaac and I went to go see the new Mario Brothers movie. I tried making it a surprise for Isaac and made him think we were going to an "Airborne" type place down in Jordan Landing. I was able to “keep him in the dark” until we were handing our tickets in at the theater to go in.
It was a lot of fun, and the movie was really entertaining. It's surprising there isn't like 1000 remakes of a movie like that since Mario Brothers is so popular.
Endia’s painting for a girl at New Haven
Congratulations Emma and Luis! It was a beautiful ceremony and celebration, and I am so excited for both of you! It was amazing to be able to go see Luis and Emma be married.
I really loved it when Cougar was able to speak Spanish with Luis’s mom and get to know her better. While they were talking, Aunt Wendy came over and we got to speak a little German together too! I love languages and the connections they help form.
On a sadder note, I had to say goodbye to all the students at New Haven this week. It was very difficult to say goodbye. I painted a small painting for each of the students and gave it to them the last time I saw them.
They also gave me a t-shirt that they all signed thanking me for everything. I am going to miss New Haven, but I’m excited for the next chapter.
Endia’s painting for a girl at New Haven
I bear my testimony that Jesus created space and the stars and the planets. And I know that Noah built a boat for all the people. And the people were safe and so were the animals. I like to here the story's of old!
Breakfast for eight children and five dogs
We’re so happy for Luis and Emma! Congratulations to both of you! We were so grateful to be able to attend their wedding and reception with so many friends and family.
I guess I should also give a little update on our dog training business. Arkin is busier than ever scheduling trainings, and I think I’ve gotten things down to a somewhat predictable routine.
We’re so grateful for the chance to earn an extra income for the family. I just don’t know how Arkin puts up with so many dogs in the house all the time!
Children and dogs watching TV
Happy Easter everyone! I know that Jesus Christ died for our sins, and suffered for us, but most importantly he made it so that we could live with him and Heavenly Father again.
He was resurrected that Sunday morning, and paved the path for us to be resurrected one day as well. I love you all, and hope that you have had an amazing Easter.
Joanna in her new tent bed
I know Jesus is good to me. I also know that Jesus loves us and I feel the Holy Ghost when I pray. He blesses us with the Holy Ghost. When we pray, we can always get answers. When Jesus was a baby, he slept in a manger. And I know that Jesus made the planets for us.
This week, Mommy got me and Quinn our new tent beds. Now when I take a nap and sleep at night, she closes it up so I can sleep quicker! Veidi wishes she had a tent bed too!
Brooke and Braden on their anniversary
This week Braden and I celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary! My sister watched the girls while we went out to dinner. It was fun to reminisce on our dating days (the limited dating that we had with our quick engagement, ha ha!) and talk about what we remembered from our wedding day.
These past four years have been full of change and growth, and I’m so grateful for them. It’s so fun to talk about memories, but also fun to talk about our future and where we see ourselves in a few more years.
Luis and Emma’s reception sendoff