Fun evening

I took about 200 pictures of Tim and Queenie on Saturday night at Albion Basin with a backdrop of wildflowers, mountain peaks, and a beautiful sunset. Wildflower season brings crowds, and Richard circled in the truck, waiting for a parking spot while we began taking photos. Somehow, among all the brides and grooms and families, we were able to take photos without people in the background. I told them to pretend they were the only ones there and not worry about onlookers. Other times, we had the path to ourselves. I felt pretty lucky to have this time with them.

The Friday before Sunday School

I’m teaching Sunday School in a couple of days, and this is the state of my mind and my kitchen table. I have learned the best preparation is to read the scripture assignment as many times as I can and look for treasures. The Come Follow Me manual is the best study guide.

A small amount of time goes into other research (that stack of books). I don’t listen to podcasts because my class members are already doing that.

I keep notes and ideas on post-it notes to add or toss from the lesson plan, and most weeks the discussion travels beyond this map. In the end, I can’t claim credit for the things people learn from the discussion, but this is my process.

Ældste Ross’s Monkeys in Aalborg

The original monkeys that inspired it all, purchased from a vending machine in 2008.

Mark sent me a voice message he received this week from Emily in Denmark. In the message, she tells Mark that she keeps one of his tiny monkeys in her kitchen as a reminder of his kindness. Six months ago, Mark hid monkeys for her children throughout their home.

I’ve written before that Mark likes to hide monkeys and yes, they are pretty silly. But this small and completely authentic habit endeared Mark to Emily’s family.

The Lord translates into love whatever earnest offerings His young authorized servants have to give. To be clear, Mark did more than hide monkeys, and Emily and her family were super kind to the missionaries. This voice message reminded me that the Lord is really good at multiplying love and helping people feel seen. He can use any small thing, even tiny plastic monkeys, to accomplish his purpose to lift us.

10 years ago…

In church, July 13, 2025

Ten years ago this month, we began serving in a Relief Society presidency together. I didn’t know Charlene and Cindy well, but I knew they should be my counselors. They were the right women for the challenges that came and they taught me so much. We are forever friends.

A lot has happened during the last ten years of our lives: the passing of a husband, health troubles, marriages, missions… But when I walk into church and find them in their usual places, they lift me every single time. Our secretary Kristy has moved away, but she’s remembered and loved, too.

February 2017

An important quote guiding my current study of D&C 76

While one portion of the human race is judging and condemning the other without mercy, the Great Parent of the universe looks upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care and parental regard…He is a wise Lawgiver, and will judge all men, not according to the narrow, contracted notions of men…

-Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 218.

Backyard buddy

Paige’s little boy loves to be outdoors. During their visit, we spent evenings in the backyard catching bugs, studying the I-spy quilt, and holding his hand as he walked around. When the crew arrived to take down our old fence, he and Richard spent some time watching the process. Later, when telling us all about it, he imitated the sounds of the fence crashing down. Who needs a lot of words when you can imitate the sounds of tools and workers so well?

Those tiny moments together this week amount to more than most events of my life.

Getting ready

We’re getting ready to entertain two young families with babies. Paige and her family are coming, and Celina and her young family are coming to stay with us. Celina and Paige became friends 19 years ago in Arizona and have remained close. It’s time for their little boys to meet. I am populating shelves with toys and books in anticipation. Hooray!