This week has been filled with running from our warm and cozy cottage, to our warm car, to the warmth of the temple. In between was fridge cold and icy. Inside the temple the atmosphere is not just warm and inviting but full of the spirit that we've learned to love and enjoy. It's been so slow this week because of the cold and wind that the patrons are really low in number. Yesterday I followed a session with one sister and two brethren. The witness couple were temple workers and only one brother was a patron. We always have a session even if only one person shows up. It was really different but the spirit was so strong. I know Heavenly Father is there whether one person is present or every seat is filled.
Last Monday Rudi and I spent most of the afternoon at the Family Search Center, located right across the street from the temple. We really felt the spirit of Elijah when we found six names each that needed some or all of their temple ordinances performed. I was really exciting and humbled to be able to personally represent one of my ancestors in an endowment session. We sent home four names for our grandchildren to do baptisms and confirmations for their ancestors also. I can't believe what a slacker I've been in getting involved in helping my ancestors in their eternal progression. Rudi found quit a few names of German ancestors who were baptized and confirmed but no other ordinances were performed. It makes us wonder why their work wasn't finished. It may have been finished but not recorded.
Tuesday and Thursday night we attend a class given by Susan Easton Black Durrant at the stake center. Its about Joseph Smith's life. What a special treat to be taught by probably one of the most knowledgeable people on his life. Susan has a home here in Nauvoo because BYU had her here so often doing research for her 140 books that she wrote. George Durrant also gives little tidbits about his life as a boy at Christmas time in American Fark (Fork for those outside of Utah County). What a delight he is and so funny. Whenever you ask him how he is doing, he always says, This is the best day of my life. What a great example he is to us missionaries. Sister Durrant tells the best stories about Joseph and his life experiences. We are so lucky to have them here in Nauvoo serving as temple missionaries.
Wednesday morning Kathy had a candy making demonstration in our cottage. It was a huge success with many sisters attending. Next Friday the sisters will bring candy to the Temple lunch room that they learned to make from the demonstration. This was not Kathy's idea but some of the sisters decided to have a sugar high Friday.
I know some of you think we just party all the time, but remember we work eight hours in the temple five days a week and then go out again at night to enjoy the activities of Nauvoo. Friday night we got to go to the production of the Messiah at the Catholic Church here in Nauvoo. It was an interfaith event that even included some of our missionaries. It was really well done and the acoustics in that building were wonderful. Rudi and I enjoyed the true feeling of the Christmas spirit from the music. This little town of Nauvoo really has some great voices and an entire orchestra to go along with the production.
Today being Sunday was spent at church and at choir practice for me. I've tried to get Rudi to come but his voice box won't cooperate. We sang in sacrament meeting today and Rudi said we sounded really good for a bunch of old farts. He should talk! We sing again on Christmas Day at our dinner with all the site and temple missionaries. They've asked me to sing in a double quartet in January. I guess they're really hard up for someone to say Yes. I didn't know you could say No. So I guess I'm going to do it. I haven't sang in the choir for years. Breath control isn't so good anymore. I think everyone feels that way. I think the last time I sang in a choir was when Anne Hawkins begged me to sing when she was the choir director. Wish I had her voice!
The best thing happened today when I got home from choir practice. I walked into our cottage and something smelled so good. I hadn't fixed anything for lunch because we needed to go shopping, but my sweet husband had found some chicken and teriyaki noodles and fixed them as a surprise. I couldn't believe my eyes, Rudi cooked!
Old age is really mellowing him. Miracles still happen in Old Nauvoo!
Well my fingers are tired of working so hard and I'm still in a daze from the miracle. Until next week, enjoy the holidays and the snow, NOT.
We love you all and miss being with you during this time of the year but we are staying busy with all the wonderful people here in Nauvoo.
Elder and Sister Diederich
Rudi and Kathy
Grandpa and Grandma
P.S. Tiffini, make sure that you get that part about the sweet husband into our blog. Never heard that kind of stuff come from your mother. I check the weather difference between Nauvoo and Orem and find it to be very close. Right now it is 22 degrees in Orem and 22 degrees in Nauvoo. We are enjoying being here very much.
Love
the sweet husband
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIELER! Hope your 17th birthday is as special as Sweet 16. How can we be old enough to have a 17 year old granddaughter! What a beauty she is inside and out.
This is what winter looks like at our cottage. Not much snow but so cold!
Christmas tree at the Visitors Center.
Live nativity at the Cultural Hall in old Nauvoo.
One of many lite attractions in Fort Madison, Iowa.
Sister missionaries who came to my candy making class. Our cottage was bulging with happy, sweet sisters. It felt like a Relief Society get together.
Male cardinal, check out his bright red color.
Sorry females, we aren't as pretty as the males!
Tufted Titmouse enjoying the bird feeder.
Memories of warmer days! Loved the fall colors and warmth.
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