Mother's Day Weekend

John has made this an enjoyable weekend for me. We started Saturday morning by going to the Jordan River Temple to do sealings then Brother Don Wall, our home teacher came. John took me to the Salt Lake City Library to see the special exhibit on Anne Frank. We were blessed that Kristilyn came with us to show us where to park. This was the last weekend of the exhibit and the first nice weekend we’ve had all years. The whole square and road were filled with booths and people selling things. Unfortunately there was no one to direct us to the exhibit. We were finally able to watch an excellent video on a small TV surrounded by about 20 chairs with people walking in and out and trying to see the picture. The video was extremely well done and we were pleased to later learn that there was another place to view it—hopefully on a larger screen with better seating for the hundreds of school children who have been brought to see it. There were also large story boards and as we were leaving , we noticed a guide for those. This has been of particular interest to me because Anne Frank’s family lived in Frankfurt am Main before they had to move to Amsterdam. Also the book, The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom, is one of my favorite books.
Sunday, Mother’s Day, John took me to see the Tabernacle Choir live. What a different experience. There were many people helping guide people to their places. The semaphore at the crosswalk wasn’t working well so a man would lead people across the street. I loved the beautiful, clean orderly feeling of Temple Square. We sat in the balcony between Elder Flatland (who John had trained) and his companion and a couple from Oslo, Norway who had been in the USA four days. The performance was wonderful. What a delightful experience to see and hear it live. After the broadcast they sang God Be With You ‘Til We Meet Again a cappella. I thought of Grandma Rasband. That was her specific request for the closing song at her funeral because it was her desire that God would be with us in all things until we were together again in heaven.
I’ve been comparing my two experiences downtown this weekend. Both were excellent and well worth the time spent seeing them but the difference was the presentation. The library had so many other things cluttering the experience that the message could have been lost unless care was taken to really focus on it. This made me sad because I have had several excellent experiences at the SL Library even as a substitute teacher responsible for 100 children.
The best part about the week has been that we've been able to talk with all our children and catch up on the news for every family. You make our lives so happy. We are grateful for the careful way you live the gospel in your homes. Thank you so much for your visits, cards, and calls. Keith, Kim, and the girls came over earlier in the week. We had

great telephone visits with Mike's family, Carters, and Roberts. Eliasons and Burnminghams were with us on Sunday afternoon and we had a pleasant meal and time to visit.

Neal has been called as YM President in his ward and has two counselors. There are about 10 Young Men. Respite care has been approved for 16 hours/week. The problem now is to find a qualified nurse to come in. After more than 6 months the equipment for Anna is supposed to have come in to Buffalo. Katrina was going to try and pick it up today when she was there for a doctor appointment rather than continue to wait for it to arrive. Anna is 20 pounds now and really needs an appropriate carseat and stroller.

We are pleased with Jason's assignment to teach 3 classes of 9th grade seminary next fall in Lehi. Julie is looking for a teaching position in Alpine School District and both and working hard so they can graduate from BYU in August.

What a opportunity Melody and Bradon had of going to the ground breaking of the Kansas City Missiouri Temple. It is supposed to take two years to build so hopefully they will be there for the dedication.