AMAZING FRIDAY THE 13TH... (February 15, 2015)

Thought for the week:

"It only takes seconds to hurt someone.  But sometimes it takes years to repair the damage. Cherish the hearts that love you."

"My love is not a LOTTERY.  You can't win it, you have to EARN it."

"You don't have to be good at everything.  Choose the CRAFT you are most PASSIONATE about and MASTER it."

This past Friday the 13th was so special and something to write about:

The Depperman's from the Canton Branch are the first couple in our temple prep class to make it to the temple.  They are sweet people fresh in the gospel.  They were baptized a year ago last December.  They asked Rudi to be their guide and I was Sister Depperman's escort.  We were with them from the moment they stepped into the temple until the left to go home.  They were so nervous but very grateful to us for all the help they could get.  Rudi and I were excused from our normal duties in the temple to be with them.

It was so exciting to see fifteen people from the Canton Branch attend the endowment ceremony and sealing.  They really support each other and fellowship the newly baptized members.

During the process of initiatory, dressing, and getting from one point to the next was so tender.  Bro. Depperman got to stay in his jazzy throughout the whole ordinance.  He did a great job and moved throughout the temple very comfortably. Rudi and I were privileged to assist them.

Shortly after the endowment we preceded to the sealing room.  They didn't think they could be married the same day because the temple closes at 1:00 p.m. just as the session was ending.  We pulled some strings and arranged for them to go straight up to the sealing room.  Pres. McArthur came to the temple specially to seal them.  He did a wonderful job and all our hearts were touched, especially the Depperman's.  They couldn't stop commenting on what a warm feeling they felt.  So happy for them and know they will be eternally grateful for this big step in their lives.

Today in our temple prep class we asked the Depperman's to express their feelings about their temple experience.  It was so tender and I think the other members felt their love  for this special time.  If nothing else they reassured them that everything at the temple is handled with love and that there was no reason to be nervous.  They were very complementary to us for our help.  We look forward to the other couples going to the temple.  We're just sorry we won't be here to witness their happiness in being sealed in the temple.  So glad the Dallings will be here to continue what we started many months ago.  Now I know what young elders must feel like when they get transferred before they get to see them baptized.  We are being transferred to Orem within the next few weeks.  We're excited but have heavy hearts leaving unfinished business in Canton.  We know The Lord will continue to bless them and help them make it to the temple.

Today after we got home we had three missionary couples over for dinner.  It was so fun!  I made Hawaiian Haystacks and made a special heart shaped cake for dessert.  They seemed to love the food and we enjoyed their company.

After our dinner we went to a missionary fireside to learn more about working on our family history's.   Pres. McArthur challenged us to get our pictures and short histories about us and our ancestors on family search.  Always something to do and work on.  I guess I love challenges!

Well it's late and I'm really tired from a busy day.  As always it's been a wonderful day with many experiences.  We love and appreciate your support.  Have a great week!  All you Utah people enjoy your great, warm weather.  It got to a high of 13 today.  So cold but thankful that we didn't get snow like poor Boston.  The east coast is getting pounded!  We just get freezing cold wind.

Love you all,

Rudi and Kathy

 Happy Birthday to Dan, Tami's husband, on February 17th.  You have a beautiful family!  Hope your move to Gillette will be successful and beneficial to your sweet family.

 Celebrating the Ford's wedding anniversary at Gator's on Thursday.  They are the ones in the middle.  Terry's are next to them on the right.

 More temple missionaries helping to celebrate and enjoy time together.  From left to right Atkin's, Houghton's, Wilson's.

 More missionaries.  On the left Hightchew's, Jacobson's, and Marriott's.

 Bro. and Sis. Depperman after being sealed in the Nauvoo Temple.  Amazing Friday the 13th!  So many people came from the Canton Branch to support the Depperman's.

 Pres. McArthur sealed them.  What a special day and couple.

 Celebrating at Witch's BBQ on the way home for them.  L to R Depperman's, Bro. Gerrard, Bro. Weimer, Bro. and Sis. Crosno, and yours truly.  Rudi behind the camera.

 Sunday dinner today with a few friends.  Dawlings, Jacobons, me, and the Terry's.  Such a fun dinner with great friends.

 Rudi in the picture holding the heart shaped cake I made for dinner.  We had Hawaiian Haystacks.  Yummy!

OUR DAYS ARE NUMBERED....HAPPY VALENTINES! (February 8, 2015)

O.K. I've lost it!!!  I hit the wrong key and my thoughts and pictures were sent without any text.  My Days Really Are Numbered....  I'll try again so it can be all together to make it easier for Tiffini to put it in our blog.


Thought for the week:

"Life is a continuous battle.  It doesn't matter how many battles you've won or lost.  What matters is that you fought, learned, and survived."

"Change of attitude starts with a change of perspective."

"Some wounds mend better alone.  You don't need people who keep pinching the bruises."

This week has found us battling cold weather and then enjoying 52 degrees on Saturday.  Can't decide wether to put away my winter boots and gloves or wearing a sweater instead of a coat.  I'll take the warmer weather to the freezing cold.

Last Monday we went to dinner with the Dallings in Burlington at a wonderful Italian restaurant.  I know we eat out way to much but love getting out of Dodge (Nauvoo) for a change of pace.

Our numbers are still low at the temple, but we always have someone come so we don't cancel sessions.  I've really learned to love working in initiatory since I serve there a lot lately.  When you really listen to the words you realize what special blessings we have in store if we keep our covenants and stay faithful.

Yesterday was the annual Pioneer Exodus from Nauvoo.  It was a beautiful day with warm temperatures and a lot of supporters.  Rudi and I had to work the early shift at the temple because we got to go last year and many missionaries haven't been involved before.  This year was nothing like last year with sub zero temperatures.  Last year was a lot like when the Saints left back in 1846.  We felt grateful that we did get to take part in last years reenactment.
Special weekend in Nauvoo with a lot of visitors here for seminars, dinners and of course the actual exodus.

Today was another special experience in Canton.  Our first couple,the Deppermans, will be coming to the temple on Friday to take out their endowments and be sealed.  Sister Depperman has asked me to be her escort and Rudi will be Bro. Deppermans guide.  He's asked the missionary who taught them the gospel and baptized them to be his escort.  We feel so privileged and so excited for them to mark this big step.  Bro. Depperman is in a jazzy and his health is constantly compromised.  They are so excited to finally take this big step, especially since he's about passed away many times.  This is a crowning experience in our missionary opportunities.  We have some very tender feelings for these special saints in Canton.  Hopefully the other five couples will follow shortly behind them.  We also found out that Kendra Hohvath is getting baptized on February 28th.  This little branch is really starting to catch the vision and the gospel is rolling forth at an increased speed.  It's really going to be hard to leave them and hope and pray they continue with their goals to get to the temple.  So glad the Dallings will continue to watch over this wonderful flock of people.  Pres. McArthur was really inspired when he asked the temple missionaries to lengthen our stride and go to the small branches throughout the temple district.  We have personally been blessed and hope the people we've served have felt our love for them.

Today in our lesson we discussed the reason why we want to go to the temple.  Elder Boyd K. Packer said:

"When we come to the temple and receive your endowment, and kneel at the alter and be sealed, you can live an ordinary life and be an ordinary soul--struggling against temptation, failing and repenting, and failing again and repenting, but always determined to keep your covenants.... Then the day will come when you will receive the benediction: 'Well done , thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter into  the joy of thy lord'. (Matthew 25:21)

This is what it's all about.  These words really touched me and made me love my mission even more.

We hope and pray that our children and grandchildren will follow in our trembling footsteps and enter the mission field.  There are special blessings awaiting you.  Our temple service has been wonderful and the cherry on the top is our service in Canton.

Our days may be numbered but we intend to work our hardest right to the last day and not leave with any regrets.

May The Lord keep you safe and continue to bless each one of you with a desire to be better each day.

Have a wonderful love filled Valentines.  We continue to love and miss you but know all is well.

Rudi and Kathy

This week brought snow and low temperatures.  We're so jealous of the Utah weather.

 Ellie and Ethan in Park City.  Sixteen and fourteen look good on you two kids.

Our kids and grandkids sent us Valentines this week.  They made these cute streamers to bring the Valentine Spirit to grandpa and grandma.  We love it and feel your love.  Thanks bunches!

Our replacements the Dallings, in Canton today.  They're temple missionaries and dear friends of ours.  Canton will be blessed to have them, and they'll love the branch.

SNOWED IN AGAIN... (February 1, 2015)

Thought for the week:

"Children are the Rainbow of Life
Grandchildren are the Pot of Gold."

"In dark times, good friends show you the light, but true friends take your hand and walk by your side."

"Silence is not always a sign of weakness, it's also a sign of strong self control."

"What comes easy won't last.  What lasts won't come easy."

Our email is early this week because of the weather.  Pres. McArthur once again advised us not to travel to Canton.  We went to the site missionary ward this morning at 8:00 a.m. The other wards in Nauvoo and cities around Nauvoo have all been cancelled.  Our Sunday will be very different today without so much travel time.  We will miss our friends in Canton but they realize our travel is restricted on these hazardous roads.
So glad we got to attend sacrament meeting before they called off all the other meetings.

Rudi just got called out to four apartments who alarm systems are going off.  Everyone thinks Rudi has the answer to all mechanical problems.  Maybe they're right!
Our power keeps going off and on but no alarm system is set off yet.

We kept thinking that maybe winter was going to miss us since it's the end of January.  But no!  This is the worst storm so far this year.  Nothing compares to last year.  The snow is slowly letting up now, so maybe it will be O.K. for our Break the Fast dinners this afternoon.  Somehow I think the missionaries will find a way to get to dinner.  We all love food as I'm sure you know from all the food pictures I send.  We will be going to the Smith's for dinner and I have been asked to bring the dessert.  Somehow I've been linked to being a dessert maker.  Yes, I love to cook, but I can make other things other than desserts.  I've made a cherry cream dessert.  Hope they like it and won't be disappointed.

This week has gone by really fast.  Our numbers are still low but the spirit is high.  Last night Rudi and I loaded the last session, and to our surprise it was the largest session since the noon session.  We had six sisters and seven brothers.  I know, really small for most temples, but for Nauvoo in the winter and on a cold snowy night at seven o'clock, it was great!  We get excited about small things here.  "Every soul is precious in the sight of God."

We continue to love serving here in the Nauvoo Temple and rubbing shoulders with so many good people.  This week has been really busy for Rudi since Bro. Prince left to go home, and Bro. Bassett has been gone all week on an emergency back home.  That leaves Rudi as the only missionary engineer.  He's been working longer hours to fill in the gaps with no engineer.  Of course, Rudi loves being busy so no stress for him.

Everyone keeps asking if we're ready to go home?  We both have mixed emotions but overall we look forward to being with our family and friends back home.  Eighteen months is a long time to be away from home.  We'll have a lot to do when we get there, but so grateful to our great kids for all they have done to keep the home fires burning.  I keep kidding Tiffini about letting her continue to be the matriarch (or the glue) of the family.  She says she's not interested in the job.  I guess I still have a job waiting for me when I get home.  All of the kids have to-do-lists for Rudi, so he'll be busy for a while.  Actually saying goodbye will be very hard, and I'll probably cry for many miles after we leave just like when I left Orem.  Just call be a cry baby, because I am.

We hope Kristin has a wonderful birthday in New York with Troy.  She got to accompany Troy on a business trip to do some work for Glen Beck.  Lucky girl, two times to one of my favorite cities in a short two months.
Hope the weather cooperates for you.

By the weather report Utah is still warm and wonderful.  Not fair!  Save some of that beautiful weather for us when we get home.

May you all have a super week full of love for everyone.  We sure love and appreciate all of you.

Rudi and Kathy

P.S.  I forgot to mention last week in my email about the vandalism that occurred on the temple grounds.  Some of you might have read about it in the paper.  It happened a week ago last Friday.  A man drove his van through the main gates on the north side of the temple.  He broke the gate and continued around the temple doing donuts on the lawn and went to the south side and knocked down and completely destroyed the life sized nativity.  From there he drove back and broke the other main gate.  About fifty thousand dollars worth of damage to the gates, nativity and lawns.  Luckily no damage to the temple itself.  The cameras got it all and the night security guard phoned the police immediately.  Thank goodness he was caught that day and arrested.  His car was damaged badly.  They say he has some extreme mental issues.  Sorry I'm late with the most excitement Nauvoo has had in a long time.  Too bad it isn't something positive!

Saying goodbye to the Prince's.  We had dinner at the Bassett's for the three engineers before the Prince's left for New Mexico.  Great people and an asset to the temple.

 Our Wednesday group that works both morning and afternoon shifts.  We ate at Chuang Garden in Fort Madison.  From left to right:  Ford's, Diederich's, Collyer's, Wilson's, and Houghton's.  Great food and great people!

Eagle season again.  Beautiful birds that swam near Keokuk at the dam to catch fish.

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our favorite daughter-in-law, Kristin.  Her Birthday is February 5th.  Incase you can't tell which one is the mother and daughter.  Kristin is the one in the yellow sweater and her gorgeous 18 year old daughter, who looks like a younger Kristin, is next to her.

A WEEK OF CELEBRATING... (January 25, 2015)

Thought for the week:

"What is missing in ch--ch."
A statement on a marque on our way to Canton.

"The same boiling water that softens potatoes hardens eggs.  It's all about what you are made of , not your circumstances."

"Mom does not mean "Made of Money."

"Seniors:  I'm speeding because I have to get to where I'm going before I forget where I'm going."

"When God pushes you to the edge, trust Him fully, because only two things can happen.  Either He will catch you when you fall or He will teach you how to fly."

Another wonderful week full of many memories and experiences.  I'll begin with our Monday afternoon lunch with all the temple missionaries to celebrate three couples wedding anniversaries.  Little did we know that all of us were celebrating our 47th anniversary. It was so fun and the Mexican food was delicious.  So fun to get together on our P-day with our friends.  We seldom all get together because of our different shifts.  Even Pres. McArthur and his wife were there celebrating their 47th year.

On Wednesday Rudi and I work together since that's his day on line.  We got to officiate an endowment  session and there was a man with special needs on our session.  It was interesting to see how he compensated for his losses.  Everything went O.K. but we stopped for 10 minutes when he had to use the restroom.  I've learned so much patience for others while here in Nauvoo.  When you love the patrons it's easier to be patient with them and their needs.  Whatever it takes we make the patrons comfortable and feel the spirit.  Time just doesn't matter in the temple.  Last night we had one couple on our last session.  They became the witness couple since they were the only ones there.  Rudi and I are the endowment coordinators on Saturday night so we had to find 8 people to stand in the prayer circle.  It all comes together and works.  One couple is as important as many couples.

Thursday after our morning shift Rudi and I travelled to Peoria to meet our friends Gary and Robin Melton for dinner for  Rudi's birthday and our anniversary.  We ate at Alexanders Steak House. We had the best steak ever.  We love Gary and Robin and had a great time seeing Peoria for the first time.  It's a long way to go for dinner but well worth it.  It's over two hours away.  Crazy I know but it fits our personalities.

Today was busy as usual.  Early start to Canton because it was raining and the temperatures were dropping and snow was on its way.  Luckily we arrived safely much to the surprise of the Canton members.  We once again had all our temple prep people in our class.  Rudi stresses so much about the lessons but does a great job.  Every week we come away feeling like we might be making a difference in their lives.  We enjoy being with these special people and hope and pray that the weather will permit us to finish our 8 week course before we go home.  Next week our friends the Dallings, a missionary couple, will be going with us to meet the branch.  They will probably be taking over when we leave.  We're so glad that the branch will have another couple to take our place so we don't lose the people who are trying so hard to get to the temple.  We plan to travel together so the trip will go even faster.

On Friday, two sisters from the Canton branch came to do an endowment session and meet with Pres. McArthur to be called and set apart as temple ordinance workers.  I was fortunate to be on the session with them because we were slow in main office and I wasn't needed that bad.  They are so excited to serve in the House of The Lord.  They'll be coming twice a month on Thursday and serving that night and staying in the missionary apartments overnight and serving on the Friday morning shift.  Right now there are many empty apartments that will be filled in April with all the new missionaries coming.  Until then a lot of district people are staying over night so they don't have to travel at night.  I have no idea where they'll stay after April.  Pres. McArthur said we have 96 new district people serving in the temple in the last four months.  Maybe someday the Nauvoo Temple will be able to function without temple missionaries.  So glad we got to serve here before that happens.

Tonight we were invited to help with a dinner for the Prince's who are engineers in the temple.  They will be going home next Sunday.  Great people who have served 23 months.  They will be returning to New Mexico.
It's hard to say goodbye but that's part of a missionaries life.  All three engineers will be leaving in the next two months.  New ones will be coming, hopefully early enough to be trained by the old ones.  I'll include pictures of them in next weeks email.

Hope your week was full of memorable things and this new one will be special also.  We love and appreciate you all.  Thanks for your support for all these months.  We will be seeing you soon.

Rudi and Kathy(Happy and loving this wonderful experience).

These three couples celebrating 47 years of marital bliss.  Atkin's, Diederich's, and McArthur's.

 We invited all these people to our celebration dinner.  Our second family of missionaries all went to Hamilton to eat at our favorite Mexican restaurant.  Great food and fun group!

 Celebrating Rudi's birthday and our anniversary in Peoria at Alexanders Steak House.  Best steak we've had in a long time thanks to our super chef cooking on an open grill.

 Gary and Robin Melton joined us for dinner in Peoria.  They live about half hour away from the restaurant and attend the Canton Branch. They've been begging us to go with them to try out these fabulous steaks.  They were not wrong, so good!

 In front of Alexander's.  Wow, that red coat really sticks out!

 Skyline view of Peoria.  Glad we got to visit this city before we come home.

 Passed this gas station on our way to Peoria.  How much lower can it get?

 Three of my beautiful granddaughters enjoying Ellie's surprise birthday party.  Left to right Ainsley, Ellie, and Addie.

 Ellie's birthday group at the theater before seeing 'Paddington'. Check Ethan out on the right, what a good looking guy.  Traci, you have two great kids with birthdays one day apart.  Relax, it over for another year!

 Pictures of our temple prep class members, Bro. and Sister Depperman.  Going to the temple in a few weeks.

Jesse and Jessica.  They have two very active boys and expecting their third child in a few months.

 Richard Horvath and Bro. Kelly.  Richard wants to go to the temple but his wife still isn't baptized. I guess he'll take our his own endowments and hope his wife comes around soon. Bro. Kelly comes into our class to help out.  He has great remarks and we enjoy his personality.

 Bro. and Sister Curtis.  She's been through the temple and is attending with her husband who is working on going soon.

 Todd and Lori Young.  Just baptized and looking forward to being sealed in the temple.  She was made counselor in Y.W. today and he is Y.M. secretary.  Cute couple.

I'M MARRIED TO AN OLD MAN...RUDI TURNS 70! (January 18, 2015)

Thought for the week:

An update to last weeks flooding diaster.  It was an email to the temple missionaries.

Elder Diederich's quest to know what caused the pipes to break was ignored last year, but now there is a small investigation hole in the ceiling of sealing room 6.  And they found??? All the blown in insulation had been "Blown away" from the pipes....by the wind?  A high standard repair is in progress.  Too bad it didn't happen last year when Elder Diederich said let's cut a hole in the ceiling and figure our this problem..."

What a spiritual feast we've enjoyed today in Canton.  To our surprise the Peoria Stake President was in sacrament meeting.  Also on the stand sat the Chicago West Mission President and his wife.  Wow!  It felt like stake or regional conference.  Thankfully the chapel was full.  Pres. Fenn the mission president spoke along with his wife, who is a sister of Joseph McConkie.  Spiritual giants and great talks on the importance of missionary work and attending the temple.

If that wasn't enough Pres. Fenn and his wife attended our temple prep class.  Talk about feeling inadequate!  Our branch president also attended by our invitation to explain the temple recommend.  We also had another new couple attend the class.  We are now up to six couples preparing to go to the temple.  We are totally overwhelmed and elated to be a part of the true missionary spirit.  Our branch president did an outstanding job and Rudi and I filled in with comments.  Pres. Fenn also added such a spirit to our lesson and made some wonderful comments.  Our small classroom was packed, but the spirit was out of control.  Our class members asked such timely questions.  One man was so bold to say, but I'm not sure I want to be sealed to this wife.  Then he explained that this wife is his second wife.  Nothing like being blown away! We really don't know the complete background on all these people, but their hearts and questions are sincere.  It sure makes you appreciate  how lucky we are to have been born in the covenant.  Love this experience and look forward to seeing these beautiful people find their way to the temple.

Tonight we have our monthly president meeting with all the temple missionaries.  Pres. McArthur has asked Rudi and I to talk about our weekly email to our family and friends.  He wants all of the missionaries to write down their experiences and share it with their families.  I guess we're the genie pigs.  I'm proud to share some of my thoughts and experiences with my missionary family.  Hopefully it will go over as planned.

Now that I have two hands back I feel a lot better.  It's so nice to be able to shower, put make-up on, comb my hair properly, not have to wear the handicap temple dress to get over my cast, and best of all type again.  Oh how I appreciate having both hands.  But, I'm always being tested!  The very next day right before we left to go to the temple one of my crowns broke off.  Luckily I have a root cannel on that tooth, so there was no pain.  After $100.00 of ex rays and consultation they decided I needed an implant.  No way!  They are costly and timely.  So I've decided to wait until I get home. The dentist said it would be O.K. since we go home in two months.

Last Monday night we went to FHE with all the temple missionaries.  We played a game involving the November Ensign.  It was like a scripture search but with the October General Conference talks.  It was fun but kind of hard.  Try to remember what all the general authorities said and what session.  I know check the front of the Ensign.  We did, but the questions were very detailed.  Of course, we had treats and fun together.

Pres. Hansen, our new 2nd counselor in the temple presidency from Cedar Rapids, has encouraged a lot of people from the Cedar Rapids area to become temple ordinance workers.  In the past three months about 96 people have become temple workers.  The temple missionaries are really feeling in the minority.  What a great feeling.  Maybe someday the Nauvoo Temple will be able to supply enough ordinance workers from its temple district to run the temple.  That would be awesome, even though we've been so fortunate to enjoy this Nauvoo experience.

We finally found a car carrier for the top of our car in Burlington.  Yes, we're bringing home more than we brought, much to Rudi's displeasure.

This week has been busier at the temple.  Four times out of my seven shifts I was on a endowment session either as a patron or a ordinance worker.  What a wonderful week!  Rudi and I officiated one session and went as patrons on another.  I know you temple workers in Utah probably never get to be patrons while you're working but here in Nauvoo we get that opportunity a lot.

So grateful for our week of rewarding experiences and growth.  We pray for our family and friends a lot.  The prayer roll has become a constant help to me.  I feel like its the best way I can help my family and friends when I'm so far from home.

Have a wonderful week.  Be healthy and happy and enjoy all the birthday celebrations.

With love always,

Rudi and Kathy ( old but still kickin')

This good looking gray haired man will be 70 on January 22, on our 47th Wedding Anniversary.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY!

 Still together after almost 50 years.  What an accomplishment!  Still having fun and looking forward to many more years together.

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO TROY our fabulous son.  It's hard to find a picture of him alone.  He definitely is a family man.  What a joy he's been in our lives.  A great son, husband, father, brother and uncle.  We love you tons!

 HAPPY SWEET SIXTEEN BIRTHDAY to the sweetest girl around.  Ellie turns 16 on January 24th.  What a delightful, talented, smart and spiritual young lady she is.  We adore her and her warm loving personality.

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ETHAN on January 25th. He'll be 14 years old.  What a good looking young man.  Ethan you amaze us with your creativity and zest for life.  Such a gift to our family.  We love you.

 Thought you might enjoy our gas prices in Illinois.  That's right 1.75!  Too good to be true.  Hope the gas prices are that low when we decide to return home.

 Check out this nativity scene by a church on our way to Canton.  Rudi loved it so much he made me get in the picture along with the animals.

 Rudi and I at church today in Canton.  We look color coordinated!  That doesn't happen very often!

 

THE NAUVOO TEMPLE FLOODED...AGAIN! (January 11, 2015)

Thought for the week:

This message was sent to all the missionaries this week:

Who remembers what happened at the Nauvoo Temple last January 27th?  Well, it happened again this evening.  And in case you need a memory jog or weren't here, the sprinkler pipe in the sealing room 6 broke, flooding that room and the marriage waiting room.  Tonight it was just before the 6 p.m. session was to begin when the fire alarms went off.  There were more people to help than just Elder Diederich who discovered the problem last year on a Monday night when the temple was closed.  The mess is just as messy but the amount of water wasn't as much.  And the work of the temple went on through the 8 p.m. session as we listened to the sound of vacuums and fans and voices carrying down the staircase.  However, in the endowment rooms, it was just the sound of the Lord's work going forward.  The walls, furniture, carpets, chairs, upholster, etc. are the worldly things that facilitate the Lord's work.  The damage stayed away from the important things.  And the newly retired engineer who was treated to an open house earlier in the afternoon, was there to assist in the work.  Pres. Church has retired early to care for his mother and his stake duties.  Matt Jones is now in charge and will see to the repairs of the temple.

Yes, if happened again!  Rudi was called immediately back to the temple to assist.  We didn't work that night but they needed Rudi to help.  Hopefully, they'll figure out how to keep the pipes from freezing and take care of it for good.  We want the temple to stand for years to come.

This will be my last week typing with one and half hands.  The cast comes off Wednesday and then it's just a matter of time till the stitch marks will disappear.

Winter has returned to the Midwest with a vengeance.  This week the schools throughout the state were closed for two and three days depending where you live.  The temple schedule never missed a beat.

Today on the way back from Canton it stated to rain and quickly turned to ice and slick roads.  The missionaries who came for dinner at our cottage were slipping and sliding all over the place.  We don't get a lot of snow just ice!  Got to love it!

Last Monday night we had dinner at the Terry's.  We were suppose to go to Quincy but the weather was too bad to travel that far so Marie Terry invited the Atkins over along with us to celebrate my birthday.  We had a nice dinner and played games after.  They taught us a new game called Canadian Salad.  So fun.  I'll teach my family how to play when we get home.  Bunco Babes it might be fun to try it out!  Mindless like Bunco!

Each morning as we go to the temple I tell Rudi I'm never going to be warm again.  How quick I forget how warm the summers get. What I wouldn't give to see the temperature about freezing.  I should be use to these temperatures but every year older I get the harder the cold weather affects me.  Tami, we are usually colder than Gillette Wyoming.  Oh, and we get the wind also too!

Due to the flood this weekend Rudi has spent lots of time cleaning up and trying to convince the higher ups how to avoid this happening again.  He gets so frustrated that the temple has to get so many approvals before anything can get done.  I keep telling him he doesn't need to stress so much he will be leaving real soon.  You know Rudi, he takes a personal interest.  The temple is lucky to have him!

It really is amazing how the ordinance work doesn't miss a beat due to the structural damage to the temple.  The Lord is truly in charge of His house and the work that goes on in it.

Rudi and I serve as endowment coordinators on Saturday night.  Rudi is doing great and things are running very smooth.  So glad he can serve as much as he does.  Hopefully, he'll be ready to serve in our temple at home.  I really love the temple and want to start working again when we get home.  Hope they can use us.

Today we started the temple prep. class in the Canton Branch.  We had five couples ready to start the seven week course.  We were so excited to see so many in the class.  All of them are working toward a temple marriage.  This is what a mission is all about.  Seeing people prepare themselves to enter the temple and then being there as temple missionaries ready to assist them and make their experience wonderful.  Full circle, from teaching Gospel Principals class to Temple Preparation class to the temple.  We feel so blessed to be a part of the process from start to finish.  Wow, this is what it's all about.  Love this mission!

Tonight Rudi went with Pres. McArthur to the visitors center for the first practice for the Nauvoo Legion.  They choose Rudi to carry the American Flag in the annual Exodus of the Saints that is recreated each February.  He's all excited and ready to go.  I sure hope it is warmer this year and not freezing like last year.  So many things going on in Nauvoo all the time.  We don't want to miss a thing.  We may only go around once!

We hope our sweet granddaughter, Addison Taggart, has had a wonderful birthday today.  I'm so glad we will be home for her 8 year birthday next year.  Can't believe she is that old all ready.

Once again this week has been busy but well worth our time.  We feel so blessed to be able to continue serving in the temple and helping anyway we can.

We love you all and hope you have a wonderful week.

Rudi and Kathy (Busy but happy missionaries)

Dinner with these dear friends.  Bro. and Sis. Atkin and Bro. and Sis. Terry.

 Two of our favorite past missionaries who got together this past week in Utah.  They sent this picture to us.  Virg Jordan and Brenda Lindholm.  Can't wait to see them again when we get home.

 Rudi and I hosted a dinner at our place today with Pres. Mc Arthur (Sis. McArthur was sick and couldn't make it) Bro. and Sis. Houghton and Bro. and Sis. Rich.  Bro. Rich took the picture.

 Same group with both Rich's.

 Rudi posing this time.

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our little pioneer princess.  Addison Taggart, Tiffini  and Jeff's daughter is 7 years old today January 11th.  What  a sweetheart and joyful child she is.  She loves to dance, sing, play the piano and most of all just be a delight to all those around her.  Love ya Sweetheart!

ANOTHER YEAR OLDER, AND HOPEFULLY WISER TOO! (January 4, 2015)

Thoughts for the week:

"Friends are angels who lift our feet when our own wings have trouble remembering how to fly."

"Today I choose to live by choice not by chance.  To be motivated, not manipulated.  To be useful not used.  To excel, not compete.  I choose self-esteem, not pity.  To choose to listen to the inner voice, not the random opinion of others."

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything."

I'm trying to type this email pretty much with one hand!  Very slow and tedious but I don't want to miss one week of reporting while on our mission.  This time the left hand is in a cast.  I thought it would be much easier to have my left hand out of commission, but I'm finding I need both.  Just two more weeks and I'll be back to normal, whatever normal is for me!

My surgery went well and I made it to our New Years Eve Party the same night of my surgery.  As Colette Thomas, my Provo High buddy and dear friend taught me, never miss work for illness, just when you have something more fun to do.  So, you all know me, I never miss a party.  I'll stay home some other day!

The temple has been closed a lot lately due to Christmas and New Years.  It's going to be hard to go five straight days in a row this coming week.  I think we got spoiled!  It has been great to have so many people at the temple during the holidays.

Today winter officially started in Nauvoo.  We woke to snow and ice under the snow.  Our temple president called early this morning to tell us not to travel out to Canton.  The wind turns the roads to ice skating rinks.  We appreciated him making the decision for us, we were thinking of going.  Thus, we attended the Nauvoo 3rd Ward.  It was so good to see a lot of our friends in the area and many temple missionaries.  We also enjoyed having a short drive to church.  We will miss our Canton Branch, but they understand our situation because they call church off frequently due to bad  weather.

Our close friends the Dallings have invited us over for dinner at five today.  They are from Rexburg Idaho and will be here until next October.  They live right behind us and are a lot of fun to be around.  She's cooking a turkey breast and trimmings and I made sweet potatoes and a cherry pie.

Our New Years Eve Party went over really well.  I was nervous that some of the missionaries might be against playing Bunco.  I quickly told them that our dear friend who has been a bishop, stake president, and mission president taught us how to play it.  Thanks, President Hawkins (Ron and Anne) for putting their minds to rest!  I bet you never thought your influence would be felt in the Nauvoo Temple Mission.  The missionaries loved it and wanted to play longer.  I guess some of these missionaries haven't let their hair down for a long time.  So glad I felt well enough to be there and witness all the good times.  Rudi and I came away from the party feeling like it was a big success, since we were in charge.

This Saturday night on our temple shift Rudi and I were the endowment coordinators.  It was the first time for Rudi and I think he did a great job.  He better, I taught him everything he knows since I did that position all summer long.  It's fun to be able to serve together since he's usually taking care of the mechanical business of the temple.

My brother mentioned to me this week that we have less than 100 days left on our mission.  I decided to count since I had no idea for sure.  We have just 83 days left!  Scary, to think it is moving really fast now.  We both have mixed emotions about our mission coming to an end.  It's one of the best things we've ever done but one of the hardest things we've ever done.  Saying goodbye to family and friends has been very hard but the joy of our service in the temple, meeting some of the best people in the world, and serving in Canton has been life changing and one in a million experience.  We will be united with family and friends again but we may never have this experience again.  We will leave with no regrets just wonderful memories and stronger testimonies.  How grateful we are for a loving Heavenly Father who knows us personally and knows of our needs and wants.  Our lives will never be the same because of this 18 month mission!

Turning 68 yesterday was just fine thanks to Rudi pampering me with a special lunch and so many friends and family sending me birthday wishes and cards.  My flower birthday cake will never be forgotten.  My kids know how much I love flowers.  Turning older makes me appreciate the fact that I need to turn up the speed on being a better person each day.  I need to love more, help more, and most important read the scriptures more. I want so badly to be able to meet my maker knowing him better.  That requires study and lots of prayer and service to my fellow beings.  Wow, my bucket list of things to do before I meet my maker has grown longer instead of shorter.  I guess that happens with every year older we get.  I'll need a lot of help from my friends and family.

Once again my left hand is starting to hurt so I best sign off until next week.

Thanks so much for two weeks of extra special love and support during the holidays.  May each one of you enjoy the year 2015 and make each day count for good!  I know I am.

With love to you all,

Rudi and Kathy (Nauvoo Missionaries)

Christmas Eve at the temple missionary party.  You can see by our smiles that it was a wonderful party.

 Our New Years Eve Party with all the missionaries.  Lots of food, fun games (Bunco) and a lot of laughing and letting our hair down, just a little!

 My birthday flower cake from all my kids and grandkids.  Love it, so original and beautiful!

 The cake close up!  Looks good enough to eat!

 From the top.

 Celebrating my birthday at the Chuong Garden restaurant in Fort Madison.  Great Chinese food and good husband company.  After we went to  Ivy's for a delicious dessert.  What more could a girl ask for on her birthday?