COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS... (March 15, 2015)

Thoughts for the week:

"Not wishing to brag, but I finished my 14 day diet in 3 hours and 29 minutes."

"Spring is here, I'm so excited I wet my plants."

"No it's not water retention.  You seem to be retaining food."

"I want my children to have all the things I couldn't afford; Then I'll move in with them."

Pretty crazy thoughts, but I couldn't resist.  I love all kind of thoughts and quotes.  I seem to be tearing up a lot lately and needed to find things to make me smile and laugh.

We really are counting down the days till we head West.  Little things and memories are making me very emotional.  It seems like everything is possibly the last time.  Yes, we're excited to come home but truly saying goodbye is going to be a tear jerker.

On Tuesday we met with Rudi's surgeon and got the good news that the biopsy came back negative.  Another Nauvoo Miracle for the Diederich's.  The doctor said he is healing faster than he expected for a 70 year old.  He needs to understand that Rudi maybe is 70 but acts like a 40 year old.  We feel so blessed to get the good results.  We know all your prayers and fasting in his behalf helped so much.  We see the doctor one more time the week we leave to come home.  Rudi says he feels better than he has in 20 years.  Just what I need a younger acting husband with more energy than ever!

Friday night we went to Burlington to eat crab at the casino.  Rudi out did himself.  I didn't think he would ever get filled up.  He kept saying it's our last time to eat all the crab we want.
So much fun!  We didn't take a picture because I think we have enough eating pictures.

Saturday was another very busy day for us.  Our shift started at 6:00 a.m. until 2:00.  It was very long but enjoyable.  We honestly love being at the temple.  I worked in clothing six of the hours.  Love helping people from all over the country.  The Nauvoo Temple is definitely a destination temple.  I get to visit with so many wonderful people so excited to finally go through this temple.  Many couples choose the Nauvoo Temple to be sealed in.  Many come from all over the Midwest.

Later that afternoon before we went back for our night shift, we went to the Methodist Turkey Pot Pie Dinner.  We went last year and decided it was the best fund raising dinner we went to.  Those Methodist's really know how to cook.  Yummy homemade turkey pot pie with mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh green beans, tossed salad, and homemade pies.  There must have been 20 different kinds of pies.  Yummy, homemade food.  Wouldn't you know most of those there were temple and site missionaries.  The community of Nauvoo must know how much L.D.S. people like good food.  They are very accepting of us and we always support their activities and fund raisers.  I don't think we ever went to any other churches activities at home.  We have a new respect and love for people not of our faith.

After dinner we served another 4 hours at the temple.  By 9:30 we were really tired but happy about all we got to do.

That night on the 6:00 p.m. endowment session we had 50 people from the Nauvoo 1st Ward attend the temple.  Rudi and I are the endowment coordinators  that night and really had a work out.  So great to have to bring extra chairs into the session.

Today was another wonderful day in Canton.  We had such a great trip together with the McArthur's, and Dalling's laughing and visiting all the way out and back.  Pres. and Sister McArthur gave great talks about the temple in sacrament meeting and then came to our temple prep class and answered many questions concerning the temple.  They also told about their service and callings in the church.  Pres. McArthur has been a mission president, president of the Japan M.T.C., and now temple president.  Pretty outstanding people who are very down to earth and warm and welcoming to all.

After that we had a great Linger Longer.  Lots of food and time to get to know the branch members better.  The Dallings and us took meat and cheese platters, homemade rolls, rice crispy treats, and apple cider.  Everyone was so nice and excited to meet the temple president and his wife.  So glad they finally found time to visit our special little branch.

I was just looking over our calendar for next week and am overwhelmed with all the dinners and get togethers that are planned before we leave.  Yes, more food but tons of hugs and well wishes.

Our front room and kitchen are full of boxes and things ready to be packed.  Hopefully we'll be able to get it all in the car.  If it doesn't fit we'll give it to the good people of Canton who need extra help.  I have extra clothes, kitchen things that I don't need at home, and extra towels etc.

As you can see we're really busy with extracurricular activities besides serving about 35 hours a week in the temple.  Very full life but loving every minute.  We have to count the days left so we don't miss a thing.  Next week in the email I'll recount the many special events that are  scheduled for this week.  I think we might need a vacation of rest and relaxation when we get home.  We aren't young anymore!

I'll close with this thought that I heard in sacrament meeting today:  "Is prayer your steering wheel or a spare tire?"  I know we depend on your prayers and appreciate all of your love and support of us for the last 18 months.  We continue to pray for your health and happiness.

See you all so, so, so soon. With love to all.

Rudi and Kathy (the count down is on)

P.S.  This week Rudi and I had the opportunity to officiate two endowment sessions on Wednesday. Rudi really looks great in his white suit.  He cleans up nice! Sure hope we can continue to serve together in whatever temple we are assigned to in Utah.  Not sure where the new Provo City Temple boundary lines will be.  Possibly we will be in that new temple boundaries.

Dinner in Quincey with the Terry's at Texas Roadhouse.  Great friends and temple missionaries from St. George.  I know eating again!  One of our favorite pass times.

 Linger Longer dinner after the block in Canton.  The Elders are in the front, Pres. Depperman, Sis. Crosno and others.

 More wonderful members.  Bro. and Sister Huffcutt.

 The youth in the branch enjoying the meal together.

 Two couples from our temple prep. class.  The Curtis's in the front and Jesse and Jessica and their kids in back.

 Pres. and Sister McArthur, Gary Melton, Robin Melton, me, and Susan Dalling.  Great meal and fun to spend time with the branch.

 From L. to R. Peggy Ault, Sister Crosno, and Robin Melton.  Super ladies in the branch.

 Sarah and I getting in some of our last hugs.  Really going to miss her and her warm and loving spirit.

 Margaret Bradley and DeeAnn Huffcutt.  DeeAnn will be attending B.Y.U. in the fall.  Margaret is in the R.S. presidency, fun lady to be around.

 The six of us traveled to Canton together for all the meetings.  Pres. and Sister McArthur spoke in sacrament and our temple prep class.

 Diederich's and the McArthur's after church.  So glad they could meet the wonderful people in Canton.

A WEEK OF TRIALS AND BLESSINGS!!! (March 8, 2015)

Thoughts for the week:

"If you spend time praying for people instead of talking about them, you'll get better results."

"Husbands are the best people to share secrets with.  They'll never tell anyone, because they aren't even listening."

"Instead of a sign that says:
'Do Not Disturb'  I need one that says:  'Already disturbed, proceed with caution."

This week has truly been a week of trials.  Last Thursday after a Cat scan, we found out that Rudi had a mass in his bladder.  His urologist quickly schedule surgery Monday morning.  Of course we had a lot of concerns and cancer was at the top of the list.  We decided to call our kids and ask for their fasting and prayers in Rudi's behalf.  Our grandchildren joined in the fast on Sunday.  Even our young grandchildren who have never fasted before wanted to be included.  Our hearts were so touched by their heartfelt prayers and desire to fast for such a worthy cause, their grandpa. Troy, told us what a blessing it was for his kids to truly fast and pray for something so important.  He felt like they learned and understand so much better the power of fasting.

Rudi came through the surgery very well.  He spent three days in the hospital because he was catheterized and they needed to make sure the bleeding had stopped.  They removed two bladder stones and did a TURP (removing of the mass).  We won't get the biopsy results back until this Tuesday.  We feel strongly that all will be fine.  Rudi was given a beautiful blessing and many prayers were said in his behalf.  He got home on Wednesday and he was back in the temple on Thursday morning.  That's Rudi, 70 years old but acting like a 20 year old.  He says he feels great and things are working better than they have in 20 years.  Onward and upward.

Another trial this week came when I tried to go see him in the hospital Tuesday morning.  Monday night we had an ice storm here in Nauvoo.  As I stepped out the front door I hit a sheet of ice and went down hard on my back and hit my head on the cement step.  Luckily our neighbor across the street, Bro. Drosey, was putting down ice melt and saw me fall.  Our sidewalk was solid ice and he and Bro. Ford, another neighbor had a hard time helping me up.  They got me inside and tried to calm me down.  They were so sweet and understanding.  They gave me a blessing and called our mission doctor to see what to do.  We had other people fall that morning so I'm not the only causality.  Pres. McAuther called all the temple missionaries and told them not to come to the temple that morning.  I had no idea the sidewalks and streets were so icy.  I feel so blessed that I didn't break anything just my pride.  I must admit I'm really sore and the headache I got was the worst I've ever had.  Rudi thinks I just couldn't stand having Rudi down and out so I tried to upstage him.  Yea right!!

We are both doing fine and know we've been blessed to still be able to serve in the temple and complete our mission in Nauvoo.  My daughter Tiffini wants to know if it hurts more to fall face first or on my back?  My answer is, they both hurt and I wouldn't suggest trying either.  I started my mission with a bad fall and I guess I'll end my mission with another one.  Let's hope my falling days are over!

Today we had another wonderful day in Canton.  We gave our last Temple Prep lesson.  Next week Pres. and Sis. McAuther are going with us to Canton to speak in sacrament meeting and share temple experiences in our class.  We're so excited to have them get to know the special people in this small branch.  They have planned a Linger Longer after the block to get to know them better.  Everyone is excited to meet them and share a meal with them.

I was once again amazed in R.S. with the involvement in the lesson.  We usually have about 8 to 10 sisters in class.  They all participate and share in the lesson.  Sis. Kelly was the teacher and does an outstanding job.  These sister have strong testimonies and love to share their feelings.  I've felt so welcomed and have learned so much from them.  Living in the mission field and attending a branch has really opened my eyes to what it's like outside of Utah.  The gospel is true everywhere but accepted differently throughout the world.  I've learned to be more compassionate and understanding of people with so much less monetarily.  Their testimonies are so strong and grounded in what really matters.  A clean pair of Levi's and only one Sunday dress is seen often, but overlooked because they concentrate on so much more.  They know the gospel and live it to the best of their ability.  I'll truly miss them and all they have taught me.

Rudi and I feel so blessed for this week of tests.  I kept thinking about a popular song that Kelly Clarkson made famous.  It says, 'whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger.  Life is just a test and it's how we handle the test that determines who we are.  We feel like things could have been worse but know that The Lord is in control of our lives and has watched over us once again and always.  We are so grateful to be able to finish our mission and continue to serve in the temple for three more weeks.

We are so excited to see our family and friends again but will have a very hard time leaving Nauvoo.  Eighteen months is a long time to be away and we have made a new life here.  If all of you could just move to Nauvoo everything would be perfect.  I guess that's asking too much.  We will always have fond memories of Joseph's City and hopefully will be able to return and visit.

We love and appreciate your prayers in our behalf.  We continue to have faith that all will be well with each of you.  With love always,

Rudi and Kathy (standing strong)

Dinner with Bruce and Marie Bassett the night before they left to return home from their mission.  Bruce was an engineer at the temple with Rudi.  They'll be missed but we'll see them again since they live in Orem.

One of my favorite young women in Canton.  Sarah Thomas is in the middle along with her young women leaders. On the left is the president Sis. Melton and her adorable daughter and Sis. Jensen on the right.  Sis. Jensen is 78 years young!

They wanted a crazy picture also.

Rudi and I after dinner with the Melton's.  Their whole house is made up of antiques.  So beautiful and charming.

Gary and Robin Melton.  Love these Canton people. Gary fixed his famous tacos for us.  They were so yummy and filling.

Brad and Susan Dawling, our replacements for Canton.  They're temple missionaries from Rexburg.  We love them and enjoy our Sunday drives with them.

WELCOME MARCH!!! (March 1, 2015)

Thought for the week:

"Sometimes you have to burn a few bridges to keep the crazies from following you."

"If I've learned anything in life it's that you should tell people how important they are to you.  Not because they could leave at any moment, but because they're here now, and it's worth saying something."

I can't believe that March is here!  Wow, the time is really flying by fast now.  March 27th, our release date, will be here before we know it.  Still having mixed emotions about leaving Nauvoo.  So excited to see our family and friends again but some of our heart will be left in Nauvoo.

We woke up to six new inches of snow and still snowing.  We made the decision to not go to Canton and attend one of the Nauvoo Wards.  We went to the Nauvoo 3rd Ward where half the congregation is temple workers.  It felt like we were in a temple preparation meeting.  So many dear friends.  The fast and testimony meeting was great.  The theme was mainly on getting our family histories and genealogy going. I'm so proud of my grandkids who are taking names to the temple and doing their work.  Ellie told me I have a lot to do when I get home.  Her and Ethan have been doing the baptisms and confirmations and Traci has been doing a lot of  the initiatory work and they want grandpa and grandma to do the endowments and sealings.  My family really sets the bar high for us.  Thanks for your great example!

This week we were informed that my cousin Paul and Linda Bingham's son Ryan passed away.  Our hearts and prayers go out to them and their sweet family.  After talking to them on Saturday I felt so much better knowing how strong their testimonies are of the Atonement and that Families are Forever.  They are wonderful people who set such a wonderful example to people like us. We look forward to spending time with them when we get home.

This week I had the fortunate opportunity to go on five endowment sessions.  Rudi and I officiated some and were patrons in the others.  This week the newest film was playing.  When I first say it many months ago I didn't like it as well as the others, but now I've grown to love it and look forward to seeing it often.  In the Nauvoo Temple they rotate the four films weekly.  I can't believe how much shorter the first film is compared to the other three.  It tends to throw off our schedule but we are very flexible and rise to all situations in the temple.  I love going everyday and seeing where I'll be serving.  I've been doing a lot of initiatory lately and have really learned to love it.  Maybe I'm being prepared for work in the Mount Timpanoges Temple when we get home.  We assume that will still be our temple but no  boundary lines for the new Provo Temple have been announced yet.  Ward members let me know if and when they announce the temple area.

Today we are going to the Dawling's for the Break the Fast Dinner.  We all bring something and Sis. Dawling asked me to bring the dessert and specifically requested cherry pie.  One of my favorites and I guess theirs.  We love spending time and meals with our missionary friends.

We keep hoping the weather will allow us to stop in Gillette Wyoming to see Tami and her family on the way home.  It looks like winter is getting a late start in Utah and surrounding states.  We may be going way south to miss all the snow and terrible roads.  Time will tell.  Nauvoo has had plenty of winter but nothing like last year.  It's cold but we're use to being cold.  Our cottage is toasty warm and the temple is always warm and welcoming.  It's just getting from our cottage to the temple and home again that's trying.

Since we are home early from church this email will get finished before I'm dead tried.  Hopefully you are all well and finally enjoying winter.  Please have it over by April.  I'm excited to warm my inner core again!

We love you all and pray for your health and happiness.

Rudi and Kathy

P.S.  A special thanks to our family for their fasting and prayers in our behalf.

The cardinals are back in all their glory.  Love seeing them at the bird feeders and in the bushes.

 Lunch with Rocky and Virg Jordon.  They stopped in Nauvoo on their way home from their daughter's in Oklahoma.  So glad we got to spend some time with them.  We went on a session with them in the temple.  Such wonderful people who are loved by all.

 Rudi and Bro. Marshall at the Nauvoo orchestra dinner fundraiser.  Very good and clever table decorations.  We try and support as many local projects as possible.

 Pres. and Sister McArthur at the fundraiser.

FUN TOGETHER AS MISSIONARIES... (February 22, 2015)

Thought for the week is taken from Pres. Nelson's prayer meeting message:

"When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echo's of gunfire or the shaping of lullabies?  The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods?  Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses?  When the surf of centuries has made the great pyramids so much sand, the everlasting family will still be standing because it is a celestial institution formed outside  telestial time."
               Neal A Maxwell

I loved that quote and knew you'd appreciate why I had to use it as my thought for the week.  I love my family and love being a mother and grandmother.  I believe in families and how important they are in our lives.  I love our prayer meetings.  They are so uplifting and start my service at the temple each day with such a positive feeling.  Each morning before prayer meeting I try to spend a few minutes in the celestial room in thought and prayer and going over all the parts we memorize to make sure I'm ready for the day.  What a way to begin each day.  Love it and will miss being able to do that each morning when I come home.  I just might have to go to the temple each day to try and get that special feeling again.

This week was so special.  On Tuesday the DesMoines Iowa missionaries that are going home came to the temple to do a session.  The endowment room was filled to capacity (unusual for this time of year).  I keep looking for Sue and Gary Gygi's daughter Taylor who is in that mission.  I've asked a lot of the missionaries if they know her and everyone does but say she hasn't been assigned to a place close enough to come.  Hopefully I'll see her before we come home.  I talked to her mission mom and she said she's doing great and loved by everyone.  She said she's serving in Iowa City right now and training two new sisters. It's about an hour away from Nauvoo.  Wilf and Claudia you need to come visit us and maybe see your granddaughter.

We also had some excitement on Thurs. and Fri.  Elder Kent Richard's from the second quorum of the seventies was at the Nauvoo Temple. He forgot to bring his temple clothes so they called Rudi to see if he was his size.  Luckily he was and his shoes fit him also.  Rudi and I got to meet him and relate how we know him.  He performed a hernia operation on Rudi, I double dated with him in high school when I was dating Steve Rippen.  They lived in the same ward on the avenues.  He also married a girl from my home ward in Bountiful, Marsha Gerr.  His father also delivered my first child Tiffini way back when!  Yes, we go way back.  He's wife Marsha was with him so we sat down together and shared hometown stories.  She was a year ahead of me in high school.  Kind of special to reminisce.

They spent two days checking everything out throughout the temple.  Everyone and everything was on high alert and best behavior.  Hope we got a high rating and passed the test, if there is a pass or fail?

Today in Canton we had another wonderful day with our special friends there.  Our three speakers in sacrament meeting were so inspiring.  Pres. Depperman along with Bro. Thomas and Sister Huffcutt shared their feelings on pure doctrine truths.  Sis. Huffcutt helped us appreciate what a gift each hour of everyday is.  She teaches early morning seminary and has a very strong testimony of the gospel.  All well done.

In our temple prep class we discussed preparing for the temple.  We showed a video that set the stage and then discussed in detail each step of preparation in their personal lives and the logistics of going to the temple.  I took some homemade cookies I made yesterday.  They loved them and we love them.  Just four Sundays until we leave.  I'm getting nervous about saying goodbye to these wonderful people.

After church we rushed home to get the dinner ready for our three missionary couples.  Fortunately I had already made the clam chowder and the Sarah salad and dessert yesterday.  We just set the table got the garlic bread in the oven and heated the soup.  I have to plan ahead or we wouldn't eat until 8:00 pm.
We enjoy sharing dinner with our friends for Sunday dinner.  I miss fixing dinner every Sunday for all my family at home.  I'm looking forward to our Sunday dinners together again.  Nothing better than sharing food and conversation with special people.

This week we started gathering up boxes to start packing soon.  This last month will fly by and before I know it I'll be back home.  It will be hard to leave this bubble of Nauvoo behind us.  We've lived in such a wonderful place so rich is history and learned so much about the temple and Joseph Smith and the early Saints.  It's a good thing our family and friends are so terrific at home or I'm afraid we could never leave.

As my subject stated we are having fun together as missionaries and enjoying serving in the best mission.  We love serving in the temple and know this work is so important.  We love seeing the saints in Canton growing and turning to the temple.  We will never forget these wonderful memories.  I'm so glad we have these emails to always remind us of our experiences.  I think we are totally converted to missions and most importantly temple work.  What a change it has made in our lives.

We love and miss you all STILL!!!  Can't wait to see you all but know we are struggling to say goodbye to Nauvoo.  Everyday we try and make mental images to always remember this special place.

Have another great week, and do something kind for someone.  It'll make you feel great!  Love to all.

Rudi and Kathy

Rudi and I at the Valentines Party.  All the couples had their pictures taken together as sweethearts!

 Rudi's picture for our personal history on our genealogy chart.  Not bad for an old man!

 Kathy trying to look her best!  Hard to do!

 Decorating Bro. Marriott as a cupid for one of the games we played.  So much fun laughing and being together.

 We all helped dress up one person from our table.  Bro. Marriott is such a good sport and really cute cupid!

 Playing a game, trying to keep the feather from touching us by blowing and waving the sheet up and down.

 Rudi and I were among the last few to go out.  Wow!  Are we winners!

 Crazy game but what a hoot!

 Another picture of Bro. Marriott.  This gorgeous cupid is a sealer at the temple.  Super good sport and a lot of fun to be around!

 Some of the other cupid entries.

 Sunday dinner today at our cottage with the  Ontiveros's, Ricks, and Marriotts.  The Ontiveros's  send their love to all our Diederich relatives who served in the S.L.C. temple with them.

 Easy dinner of clam chowder, salad, hot garlic bread and blueberry cream dessert.  Yummy and enjoyed by all.

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.