Valium……………………………

So the last two days have been a little hard on me.  I think I am feeling the effects of so much stress, but I am still trying to press forward.
First of all, we went out with Jill and Kyle Franklin, a college roommate that works here in the temple.  They are taking us under their wing and showing us around.  We drove all the way to Burlington to find a decent place to eat, laughing and talking all the way.  I had forgotten my badge and that is a big no-no.  So Jill happened to have an extra one in the car and I put it on.  We just died laughing because that meant Kyle had TWO wives and we had to celebrate the fact.


Pretty Funny!
Then this morning I worked in the Lucy Mack Smith home and I had never worked their before.  My favorite companion was there, Sister Meier.  She is so wonderful and we are just so comfortable with each other.  So open the door for our first tour and lo and behold, it is a group from Colorado, a youth conference.  I look at the brother that was a sponsor and I immediately knew who he was.  He didn’t recognize me right away until someone said my name……He was Jacqui’s ex-brother-in-law.  …………What in the world are the chances at this place, in this time, that would happen.  So in they came for the tour and I did my very best to be nice to him and to make him feel comfortable.  He asked how long we had been here….then I asked if he didn’t just love Delaney.  He said she was darling, too bad about her situation.  I held it together until they left and then I fell apart.  I guess I just needed to cry.  My companion was so wonderful and sooooooI I CAN DO HARD THINGS.  I guess I was crying about many things but you know me, it’s how I cope.
Then I worked with a sister who is 82 years old and has a very short term memory problem.  She is darling, has had a hard life, and so when she gave the tours, I just supported her, misinformation and all.  So maybe that was a little hard for me as well, but I have learned a few things here.  Each one of us was called by God to be here at this time and we all have different reasons for being here.  It is not my place to question, but to love and support, encourage and just do the best that I can.  So many people to learn from, soak in their spirit and the knowledge that they have gained through their faith in overcoming the obstacles in their own lives.

Then on to Keokuk in the two hour period we have to shop for my Sonshine and his family, who will be arriving tomorrow.  Some of our groceries are in the laundry room but things are working just fine.  On to do two shows at Rendezvous tonight and then come home and fall in bed.  Maybe I am just a little tired. 
These are the pictures from the Lucy Mack Smith home who we know was the mother of the Prophet Joseph and Hyrum.  What a valiant woman who was faithful until the end of her life.  She lost three sons in the month of June!  She had 8 sons and 3 daughters and only had one son left by the time the Nauvoo era was over.  SHE DID HARD THINGS. She stayed in Nauvoo and didn’t go into Salt Lake.  She was in her 70’s and very Arthritic.  She lived with Emma Smith until she died.  The whole church referred to her as Mother Smith.  They bought her this house and gave her a carriage when they left.


Her room was a little alcove off the kitchen.

Upstairs parlor.

Chelsea china that was a wedding gift to Lucy’s sister-in-law, given to them in 1796.  There is only one piece missing.

The people had to be smaller, the stairs and so tiny, ceilings low, rooms so small.

Straight up and so narrow.

Tiny little children’s room.


Door that closes over the stairs, maybe so that the children won’t fall, but also to keep the heat in or out.

So I come home from Keokuk a little stressed, a little weepy and what do I find?  A package from my wonderful daughter and my wonderful grandchildren!!!  What a treat and just when I needed it.  I am so grateful for everyone’s support and encouragement and I am trying my hardest to have you be pleased with me and my service!  I love you Jerianne, Taryn, Shea, Brogan, and Gibson, of course, Kelly as well.  Thank you so much for being a tender mercy in my day.
A package for the Greenies!!!




I plan on covering my whole wall.  Love to you all, on to Rendezvous.
And an edit from the old man – today is our one month mark!!!