Jan 5 -31

 spiritual impressions:

    I taught seminary, first lesson of the new year - introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants - we looked at Section 19:23-24 Looking for the Savior's invitations and promises. He says "Learn of Me, Listen to My words, Walk in the meekness of my Spirit and you shall have peace in Me"

Russ and I went on a night ride that night and as I was thinking about this scripture - I realized that I have been experiencing so much more peace in my life. As I have put effort into studying the scriptures the last several years - I have learned more about the Savior - His role as my Redeemer, what He has done for me and how I can access the power of His Atonement in my daily life - I've listened to His words - as I have studied and taught the scriptures insights, impressions, inspiration and spiritual experiences have occurred. I've tried to be more meek - I'm learning how to put off my own insecurities and rely on His power - stop worrying about myself and look at how I can minister to those around me - be confident in the abilities I have been given to do the things that I need to do - but also recognizing that I need to continue to grow and learn. I've given myself grace and have recognized the grace from Christ because I'm not tearing myself down all the time. The peace that has come from slowly learning how to do these things - I do have more confidence in myself and my abilities - I don't compare myself to others - I don't worry about what others aren't doing or are doing that I think they should be doing differently - I am able to love more - care more - and just be present in the moment and hopefully radiate the Light of Christ to others. I've been able to have better relationships with people by asking genuine questions and then being a good listener.

Birthday - I turned 56 this month. Can't believe it! Had a normal day - taught seminary in the morning - took care of the dog and taught piano lessons in the afternoon. Russ and I went out to dinner the following evening to Nonna in Westlake.

So Cal Fires - this month has been super windy and many fires have started - Pacific Palisades and Alta Dena have been burned so badly and so many thousands of homes are gone. It is terrible!

Politics - Trump was sworn in as President

Lots of bike rides this month with the Bramwells!

January 1-4

 We spent the week in Utah. 

We visited with Caroline and Jim

    Spent New Year's Eve eating Thai take out in Caroline's beautiful home with her beautiful Christmas tablescape and impeccable hospitality. Watched TV, played a game and basically relaxed. New Year's day we picked them up and drove up Ogden Canyon to see some snow, drove through Huntville, which Dorothy had never seen. Drove Trapper's loop over to Weber Canyon and ate lunch at Taggart's Grill. Went back to Caroline's and relaxed - watched football - played games - took a nap.

We visited with Aunt Marilyn Olds and Suzi 

    Met them for lunch at their favorite Mexican Restaurant. Great conversation. Marilyn looks good and is managing her many aches and pains with a cheerful attitude. We then drove to West Jordan to drop off packages to Salt Lake South mission office. Dorothy had brought 2 packages for Natalie Jacobson who is serving her mission there. The Taylorsville temple was just a mile away so we went over there to take picture. We then drove back up to Syracuse to take a picture of that temple, which is not quite finished yet. We then headed to the airport to pick up Cassidy/Alex and baby Elena from their flight back from Minnesota visiting Alex's family for the holiday break. We drove them back to their apartment and checked into our hotel. 

Jake's graduation celebration dinner

Dorothy caught a cold, so the next day she stayed in the hotel while Russ and Heather went over to their apartment and took Elena for a walk around the neighborhood. We met Jim and Saucha Bramwell, Jake and Hannah for lunch, then went back and took a nap at their apartment. Did some food shopping at Costco later in the afternoon, then met up for Jake's graduation celebration dinner at Tepanyaki in Provo. We had a grand time, although Will was the only Hunter family member that could come since Kristy had surgery just a few hours before and needed help getting home from the hospital from her husband DR and the twins. We took Dorothy back to the hotel then went back over to Cassidy's to visit with them for just a little bit longer before we left for home the next morning.