12/10/17 North Stake Conference

This morning I went to the Inter-Stake Center. The cameras were still, mostly, flicker free. I said more than one prayer to myself as we got the overflow rooms and other things set up. About 40 minutes before the conference started the switcher computer started acting up. We restarted only to realize that it wanted to install Windows 10. Thank goodness we had a backup computer. Three hours later the update was still nowhere close to being done.

During the conference, we used the reverse camera angle to get shots of the crowd during the sustaining of officers and congregational hymns. During the closing speaker's talk, I noticed that the camera was pointed off in the corner. I felt like I should bring it back and frame a nice shot of the congregation. Just as I did so the speaker asked those with Pioneer ancestors to stand. Because I listened, we were ready to show people standing up. It was a very small thing but it made me feel that Heavenly Father was aware of us and that we were doing what He wanted us to be doing.

We got cleaned up in time for me to meet the kids and Heidi as they arrived at church. It always makes me feel great, as a dad, when my kids come running to greet me.

12/9/17 The Star and Matt's Birthday

This morning I went over to the Inter-Stake Center to get set up for the North Stake's Stake Conference. We are still having some weird technical issues that cause the cameras to flicker. After a lot of trial and error, we got the problem down to a level where it was hardly noticeable. It is less than ideal but we've done the best we know how for now.

Next, most of the family went to see the movie The Star. While we watched Heidi worked on fixing the linoleum at the entrance to Gram and Papa's bathroom.

The movie was fun, silly enough to make the kids laugh while also telling an almost spiritual account of the birth of the Savior.

This evening Heidi's brother Matt invited us over to celebrate his birthday. We played kickball in their nice yard and then roasted hot dogs.

TJ had fun with Alex.

Here Rebecca, Lucy, and TJ keep warm by the fire.

12/8/17 Sarah's Suzuki Concert

This morning Heidi and I went to the Temple together. We did Initiatory work for some of the family names that we recently did Baptisms for.

This evening Sarah had her concert. She has been practicing hard with her violin.

Here she is in the second row. She did a great job!

Gram, Papa and Becca B were able to join us. The venue was practically standing room only. Rebecca took care of Peter while TJ tried to get comfortable on the concrete floor.

12/7/17 Cub Leader Hall of Fame

This morning TJ found a way to help Peter keep warm.

This evening was the annual Scout Awards Banquet.

Heidi has been a hard-working scouter for many years. Tonight Heidi was recognized by being added to the Cub Leader Hall of Fame.

She was given a plaque, suitable for hanging. We are proud of her for her selfless service. Way to go Heidi!

12/3/17 Busy Sunday

     Today we were blessed with many opportunities to feel the Spirit. First, at 6:30 am, I enjoyed the Stake High Priest meeting. I was able to help out with the tech for the Spanish translation.
     After our regular church meetings, Papa and I were able to home teach the Ruddells and the LeSueurs. Next, our home teachers came by to visit us. Finally, I was able to go back to the Stake Center to help with the tech for the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. Setting up the Spanish translation was particularly difficult. We were grateful for Heavenly Father's blessing and our persistence in fixing it because several Spanish speaking folks ended up coming and enjoying the message.

12/2/17 Lawn Care and Frosties

Today it was time, once again, to care for Grammie and Grandpa Mangum's lawn. The winter grass is coming in nicely. It was heavily over watered leaving the ground soaked. Since it was still short we decided to weed whack but wait on mowing. Heidi and the girls also pruned several of the bushes. David helped me rethread the weed whacker multiple times.

As a reward for all our hard work, and a gift from Kelly, we decided to get some Frosties. Kelly sent us the coupons a little while back and we've been looking for a good time to use them. Thanks to Kelly for providing the means for this special treat.

12/1/17 Ward Christmas Party

This morning Heidi and I went on a date to the Temple. We did the endowments for a couple. Now they are ready to be sealed when we go to do a sealing session.

This evening was the ward Christmas Party. It was a Feliz Navidad theme. Here is Joseph trying on one of the decorative sombreros.

Heidi's pretty smile lights up the room as do the lights and decorations.

TJ took a turn with one of the giant hats.

Becca B was all in for this festive event.

There was a talented, and loud, mariachi band. I enjoyed the sound, if not the volume. I must be getting old.

The primary kids took a turn performing Christmas songs. All in all, it was a fun event.