November Narrative

 With the temples back open for all ordinances I've been busy serving in the Youth Center, which is fine by me, because I love serving there. I was able to help twice for two different sealings. One family had all boys and their parents, though members, had never been through the temple to receive their own endowments, so they each did that and then they had their five children sealed to them. The second to the oldest son was very touched by this. Later I learned that it was because of the example of this son that his family became active in the religion again.  The other family had a similar story, but it was their ward family that touched them to become active again. They had five younger children. Both families had a lot of family support.  As I was walking out of the temple after this sealing I ran into a friend of Garrett and Zandra's, Bret Nielsen, who was in the waiting area with his parents. He was going to be sealed to his parents! His wife, Kait and Garrett & Zandra were coming to see this sealing. Pretty cool.  We had the kids at our house, Dale was tending them, and I only knew that they were going to a friend's sealing. Families can be eternal if covenants are made and kept. 

Dad and I also attended the temple a couple of times this month. Once to do initiatory work and once to do endowment work for some of our ancestors who have passed away, so that they may accept this work for them if they choose to do so. The temple is the doorway to eternal life, if we choose to make and keep sacred covenants. I love serving in the temple and feeling the peace and joy it brings to my soul. 

Utah State started their pre-season basketball games. Last year we had purchased season tickets, but due to COVID we were unable to use them, so they carried over to this year. We lost a few seniors, and some other players, as well as the head coach from last year, but it's looking like the new coach, Ryan Odam, and his assistants have done a good job recruiting. So far, they're looking pretty good, and fun to watch! They played the University of Texas, Arlington and University of California, Davis, and Carol College, Montana. They only lost to Davis, but it was a great game. Can't wait to see what they do in regular play with this new coach.

Andrew and Garrett invited us to go on a Razor ride with them up to Willard Peak. It was a bit chilly because we ran into some snow in the shade, but it was still pretty. I rode with Andrew, Luke, Jorie, and Nora. Dale had Titan with him, and Garrett and Zandra were in their ATV. On top it was sunny and bright, and you could see all over the area. So pretty!! Thanks, guys, for letting us tag along. It was a nice outing.

Andrew and Amie got us to go fishing with them as well. Titan and Langston wanted to get out and see if they could catch some fish. So, we packed a lunch and loaded up the truck and headed to the Wellsville Pond and boy did we catch fish! Titan didn't have his line in very long before he had caught a fish!! He was catching them really good for a while and then the others started catching on. All the younger kids that is, Jaxson and Kennlyn never caught any. However, I think they had fun, so that's what mattered most. Dale's pretty tickled to see his grandsons enjoying fishing. Now that he's retired, he'll have buddies to join him when he goes.

I ushered at the Eccles for the show "Georgia on My Mind": Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles.

Ray Charles, a Georgia native son was an American treasure who won every major honor from the Georgia Music Hall of Fame to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, from the Kennedy Honors to a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. He transcended racism and cultural upheavals, and spread his music based on Gospel, Blues, Jazz and Country around the world...he was the genius! Boasting iconic tunes from the catalogue of the genius himself, these award-winning artists make each song a winning part of the tapestry that is Ray Charles music.

Andrew and Lindsay invited Dale and I to go to Downata Hot Springs to soak in the Hot Springs there. We hadn't been there for some time and weren't sure what it would be like, but it was way nice, and the water was perfect even if it was cold outside and started snowing about the time we got out. Those jets on the side wall were great for my back in loosening me up. I think we'll have to do it again sometime.

The week before Thanksgiving, Dale and I joined up with United Way and helped with a Community Service project to help prepare a Thanksgiving meal for families in need. We helped put together sacks of fruit, and cut up onions for the meal, as well as helped fill containers with food. It was amazing to see how well organized and how many people show up to help in many different ways. We are blessed to live in a great area that jumps in to help when help is needed. With the economy the way it is now, so many are in need of a little extra help during these hard times. We were glad we could help out in a small way.

Dale and I helped Langston celebrate his birthday a little early by taking him on his birthday date before his birthday. He wanted to go eat at Mo Betta's, a yummy Hawaiian Grill, that recently opened close to their house, and then go to the Fun Park and play the games that they have. I'm not sure who had more fun--Dale or Langston! It was a fun evening, and he got enough tickets to get a play light up sword, a small toy, and some treats. He was so cute and thanked us with a big hug before we were out the door to head home. Happy Birthday Langston!!

I helped get some of the Christmas trees decorated at the Eccles theater where I volunteer to usher. I feel blessed having the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people from around the valley because of this service. 

Dale and I took on another service opportunity and served at our Church's Welfare Cannery in Harrisville. We helped with the process of canning black beans. Dale made sure the cans were sealed by doing pressure testing on them and I made sure the cans had the right amount of weight in them before they had the lids put on them. As I was serving, I visited with one of the service missionaries and was in awe at how much our church does for ALL people around the world. Pretty awesome to think that we helped with this big service in a small way.

The Mallory's were gracious and invited those that could from the family to their house for Thanksgiving. We ended up having Andrew's family, Jason & Danica, and Dale & I join them. It was good food, great company, and fun times. After eating, Andrew's family left to go visit Lindsay's family and we went up Providence Canyon and did our version of a Turkey Shoot and shot at clay pigeons and tried our skills with the bow and arrow. Amie's kids tried hitting a pumpkin with the BB gun (Yes, we taught gun safety to all). We played games and visited. We talked to Garretts family and Nate as well. Our family is indeed something to be thankful for. I am also thankful for a loving Father in heaven that loves me in spite of my weaknesses and for this beautiful world we live on. For my good health and for the many great people that I associate with in many ways. Life is good.

Jason was deemed the sharpshooter of the group because he hit two clay pigeons on one launch.

It was a nice day and we saved money by deciding not to hit any Black Friday deals because all of us pretty much had what we needed for Christmas, and we stayed up way too late playing games. A win in my eyes. Jason and Danica slept over at our house and the next day Dale and I went to the church that the Mallory's attend and played pickleball with the Mallory's and Jason and Danica. We had the crew over to our house to eat and play more games and again stayed up late. The next day, Jason and Danica slept in, and Dale and I went to Langston's basketball game. They won and he scored for us.

Then we all met at our house and had pizza and cupcakes and ice cream to celebrate Nora and Andrew's birthday. The Mallory's left for Burley to spend some time with Matt's family and we met Andrew's family and Jason & Danica at the theater to watch the Disney movie "Encanto" which was released on Thanksgiving. It was a cute movie with a strong family theme. The kids were loving the popcorn and the show and so were we. Jason & Danica left after the movie and Andrew's family came to our house after to visit for a bit. It was a busy weekend, but a great one.

Dale and I went to Jaxson's first basketball game with the Ridgeline's Riverhawks Boys' Basketball team with Amie at Freemont High School. They won and it was good seeing Jaxson on the court again. We got back to Amie's and helped with Langston's birthday party. Amie did up a sports related mystery party. The boys loved following the clues as well as the pizza and cake. Matt was a sport and got the party going until we got home to help. Turning 9 was mighty fine for this guy, Happy Birthday Langston!!

The weather in Washington got pretty rainy and so Nate made the most of it and hit the indoor climbing gym to get in his exercise as best as he could to help relax him after some busy workdays.

Because of a statewide mandate due to COVID, anyone working in the medical field are required to be vaccinated. Well, when Dr. Hansen put that out to his staff, two of his employees refused to get the shot. Nate had no choice, but to let them go from the job because he couldn't risk being written up and possibly losing his license due to not complying with state orders. It was hard to see this happen because he was left with one part-time employee because she shared her time with Dr. Hall, the other Dr. in his office. Well, his girlfriend, Diana, stepped in and between the three of them they were able to keep things running in Nate's office until Nate could find suitable work. Here's what Diana posted on her Instagram account--Yes y'all we're still alive! Our most recent adventure: getting down to business!! @n8hansen lost all his employees at his podiatry practice when the WA vaccine mandate went into effect one month ago. We've been working countless hours together to keep his business alive and to keep taking care of patients. It's been tough but we've learned so much and have grown so much stronger from all of this. We miss climbing, mountains, and adventure. But we know we'll get out there again. In the meantime, if you have foot or ankle issues, call us! We'll take good care of you :) :)!

For Thanksgiving they went on a long weekend trip to Potrero Chico, Mexico and did some climbing and enjoyed some sunshine and some well-deserved down time to relax.

They had a full office staffed and running pretty smooth by the first of December. Hard work does pay off.

The Mallory kids finished up their outdoor soccer season and started basketball and indoor soccer. It's a good way to keep them out of trouble. Amie and Matt are both helping with coaching. 

We had some pretty sunsets, here's one during one of Jaxson's games.

They had my niece (Amie's cousin), Halle Hansen Findley, take some family photos while the weather was still nice. I'd say they turned out pretty nice. We sure love these guys.

Langston celebrated his birthday with the family on Thanksgiving with Andrew and Nora and then he had a friend party. They did a mystery scavenger hunt that tied in with sports. All had a good time. 

With November being National Adoption Awareness month, Lindsay posted this on Facebook about Nora. We sure feel blessed to have her in our family because of adoption. She's such a sweet girl. 

The progress on Andrew & Lindsay's house is coming along. The framers were hard at work by the middle of the month. It's looking like they're taking this new house thing pretty serious! We're excited for them.

While Andrew was on his work tour, working in Georgia, he had some down time and was able to go to a Blue Angels Air Show with his crew. I'd say that he is drawn to things that fly, wouldn't you?

It was his birthday the day after Langston's. Happy Birthday Andrew!! For his birthday all he wanted to do was go on a family ATV ride up in the mountains. He invited us to go along. We bundled up and hit the hills. We went up "The German Dugway" up Cub River Canyon. It was a pretty ride, but really windy and cold on top. I'm glad we helped make his birthday wish happen.

If I look cold, it's because I am.

Lindsay's serving as the PTA President at the kid's school and for a fundraiser incentive she said that she'd be duct taped to a wall if the kids in the school raised a certain amount of money. Well, it looks like they did, because she was taped to the wall! What a good sport. Oh, the things we put ourselves up to for our kids.

Garrett's kids are keeping he and Zandra on their toes. With Jorie getting a new mountain bike for her birthday last month and the weather staying pretty good all month, Garret and Jorie have gone on a few trail rides behind their house. She's also been good to help mom with preparing dinner at times. 

Luke's pre-school class got busy and decorated a Christmas tree for the Christmas Tree Juiblee that's held in Ogden. He loves pre-school and his teacher.

They ended up getting a little snow on the mountains behind them and the kids got excited about it and pulled out their skis to see if they still fit. All's well, they'll be ready for when the lifts open.

Garrett got into the thankful mode around Thanksgiving and posted about how thankful he is for his beautiful wife and adventurous kids. We're thankful for ALL of them as well.

Danica's been honing her creative side again this year and started taking orders for her personalized wooded tree ornaments. She ended up opening up another time frame due to the demand. Way to go Danica!

The Hassell Free loan team is still going strong and love giving out prizes to followers on their Instagram account. They're also BIG Jazz fans, does it show? 

This month we observed Veteran's Day and with all that's gone on this year it made me reflect back on the impact our Veterans have on our country. The influence that our military has had and has helped with over the years has been something that warms my heart. I hope that our leaders realize how devoted these men and women are and have been.

There's been a new variant of COVID show up lately, called the Delta variant and so all citizens again have been encouraged to get vaccinated. A dose has been made available for young children 5-18 years of age as well. We received this notice from our Governor:

From Governor Cox to vaccine providers:

As of Nov. 24, 2021

• 579,376 Utahns have been diagnosed with COVID-19;
• 25,273 have been hospitalized and
• 3,398 have died from COVID-19.

Under the FDA's current emergency use authorization and CDC guidance, all people 18 years of age or older who live or work in high-risk settings and received Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna in the first series are eligible to receive a booster dose and all people 18 years of age or older who received the Johnson and Johnson Janssen vaccine are eligible to receive a dose. of reinforcement.

Nearly all Utahns currently reside in high-transmission counties and are therefore at high risk of contracting COVID-19, and vaccine partners across the state are asked not to refuse these patients when they request a booster dose.

As a result, beginning Friday, Nov. 19,all Utahns age 18 and older must determine their own risk of exposure and the state of Utah requires that all COVID-19 vaccine providers administer booster doses to everyone 18 years of age or older who request it.

Based on the date of the first series of vaccines, the following people may receive booster doses:

• People age 18 and older who received their second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine more than six months ago.
• People age 18 and older who received their first dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine more than two months 

High levels of community transmission continue to endanger the health of Utahns across the state. As colder weather causes Utahns to stay home, more people without the full protection of the vaccine will be exposed to the highly contagious Delta variant.

Utah hospitals have entered a phase of ongoing medical overload and are implementing contingency strategies. The intensive care units of Utah's referral hospitals, which treat the most severe cases, are 98.4% full, and statewide, intensive care unit occupancy is 96%.

And, although in just two weeks, Utah has vaccinated more than 44,000 children ages 5 to 11, until more of these children — as well as more unvaccinated people — receive the highly effective and safe vaccine, Utah continues to experience a significant wave of spread of the disease, placing all Utahns at high risk of contracting the disease.

In addition, due to decreased immunity, pharmacies and home health professionals must prioritize long-term care facilities to bolster the COVID-19 vaccine in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other long-term care facilities.

As the holidays approach and more time is expected to be spent with family and friends, ensuring widespread access to vaccine boosters and their administration will significantly increase levels of personal protection against COVID-19.

With Thanksgiving just a week away, vaccine providers should encourage all eligible individuals to determine if they are at risk of exposure, to schedule their booster shot as soon as possible.

Anyone who has not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine should receive their first dose immediately.

Once again, I call on Utahns to join the cause and do their part to protect ourselves and our fellow citizens in this battle against this virus. Thank you for your help in this effort.

Sincerely,
Spencer J. Cox
Governor

There you have it -- the narrative for another great month among the Hansens.