January Jive

This year maybe we'll use the advice from Diana's dog, Lili, and take more naps, eat more good snacks, run and play daily, give big hugs, and love unconditionally.  Sounds good to me!!

Our Utah State Aggies Men's Basketball team hasn't been napping though. They've been making a name for themselves. After beating nationally ranked #13, Colorado State, in basketball at home by five points in a great game, USU got ranked #20 after the win. Now, with 19 wins and 2 losses it puts us in 1st place in the Mountain West and ranked 17th in the nation. They had the record for the longest winning streak in the Nation until they lost to New Mexico on their court. Not bad for our Aggies. They've won some close games against Las Vegas, and Bosie, they have been fun to watch. They've shown a lot of grit and passion for the game.

Coach Sprinkle has worked well with the boys. As a first year coach at USU we may lose him to bigger schools in a couple of years. I sure hope not though.

As I said earlier, the weather can change and change it did. We finally warmed up enough to get snow and wind, a snow squall and more cold and wind. 

We even had an avalanche close down Logan Canyon for 1 1/2 days. Luckily no one was injured in it, but it did push a car to the side rail. It was located in the "dugway" area of the canyon. 

We ended the month with the highest snowpack in the state at 115% in our area, the Bear River Range.

When the storms stopped it sure was pretty though. Dale has enjoyed the snow blower we bought last April, it helps get those hard to get places that the plow couldn't and does great on the sidewalks.

I guess we'll have enough water to go boating this summer!

The city is short on workers and so we haven't gotten our roads plowed as good as we have in past years and one day after waking up to around 7 in. of snow we had to plow through the snow to get to church. On our way there we had a guy on his 4-wheeler with a plow on the front making a path for cars on the road. There are good people in our area that go the extra mile.

Andrew even had Arwyn, who'll be 7 years in 3 months gripped the handles of their snow blower to get in a few swipes. Pretty impressive. I just hope she doesn't try doing that alone when he's gone.

Dale got asked to serve on the Cache Valley Humanitarian Centers Board of Directors. They voted on it among those already on the board and it was unanimous, so now it's official. I guess they know a good guy when they see one.

We've been busy helping at the center once or twice a week, making sleeping mats out of plastic grocery sacks for those in our area that need one to help them stay warm, We have also collected coats, hats, gloves, and other necessary items to give to those in need. It's been a rewarding experience serving at the center. There are so many wonderful giving people in our area, that not only give of their time, but donate goods or money out of their pockets to help out those in need.

Where the CVHC is affiliated with the Logan Rotary Club, we also get monetary donations from businesses to help out. A well used service for the Cache Valley area.

Another way of serving our community and area is by serving in the Logan Temple. Dale serves as temple ordinance worker, and I serve in the temple's Youth Center. We also do our part to help those who have passed on to have the opportunity to receive the blessings of the temple by doing work for the dead. 

Our grandson, Langston, turned eleven years old last Nov. and is now able to attend the temple and do baptisms for the dead. Dale and I met up with Matt and Amie and did this ordinance with them for Langston's first time. He was beaming when he got done, saying that was a neat experience for him. It was for us as well. Thanks Langston for letting us join you, even it it was at 6:30am on a Tues. morning so you could get home and go to school.

You know how to let your light shine.

I had the opportunity to watch three children in the Youth Center ages 10, 8, & 5 yrs. while their parents were sealed together in the temple and then had their kids sealed to them. It was a touching experience for this cute family. The kids were so excited to have this happen and know that they can be a family together forever if they live worthily, The spirit was strongly felt in the sealing room as those dear kids were around the altar, all wearing white.

Dale got in some ice fishing at Bear Lake with his friend, Marlo Stevens, and got in some snow skiing at Beaver Mountain as well as at Cherry Peak. He helped Amie teach some lessons when they had a school come. He also went skiing with his friend, Lynn Stevens, after the first big snowfall and got his money's worth. He said it was a "perfect day on the slopes". 

I'm glad he found a ski buddy to go with so he doesn't go alone. He'll make good use of his season pass this season if the snow continues, I'm sure.

Speaking of skiing, Nate got out on the trails and got in some running with Lili, and Diana got out on the ice and they both got on the slopes. Diana's ribs were still a little soar, but she took it all in stride.

                                            

They also took a quick trip to Alaska and visited some friends and got in some skiing. Then back home they got in some skiing at Crystal Mountain in Washington where they got caught in a real wet snow storm. They came home soaked to the bone, but said it was fun. True troopers those two are.

Don't think they don't put in any hours at the office, they definitely do, but their weekends are what keep them going. Hard work means play hard and then relax to them. 

Sounds like their off to a good start in taking Lili's advice for some great new year resolutions.

Nate and Diana couldn't let the "Greatest Snow on Earth" in Utah get by without having them get on it, so they hopped on a flight and flew to Utah for some skiing. They stayed at Garrett &  Zandra's and met up with those that could get together for a day of skiing at Snow Basin, and for a dinner at Garrett & Zandra's with the family that could come, and got in some more skiing before going home. They also introduced themselves to Uncle Nate and Aunt Diana to Brooks Jason Hassell, and were able to visit with June, Jason, and Danica for a bit. We were all glad we got to spend some time with them while they were here.

The Mallory's had a big day for Mazin this month. He turned 8 last month and was baptized by his brother, Jaxson, and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints by his dad. Langston gave a talk on baptism, Kennlyn gave a talk on the Holy Ghost, and Garrett's family sang, I lead the singing while Langston's aunt played the piano, Grandpa Dale, and Grandpa Russ were witnesses for the baptism, and Titan gave the closing prayer. 

We went to the Church that Matt & Amie go to for a dinner after the baptism & confirmation, where we ate and visited. It was a nice sunny day too. Perfect for our Mazin Ray of sunshine!

Amie celebrated her 39th birthday by teaching ski lessons at Cherry Peak and then we met up with them at El Sol for dinner. Happy Birthday Amie!!

                                                                  

Their oldest son, Jaxson, is playing basketball on a Rec League team, Kennlyn's playing basketball for the Ridgeline Girls Freshman team, Langston & Mazin are both playing soccer and basketball. 

It makes me tired just thinking about all of that happening in a week, but they know how to juggle time and rides to get everyone where they need to be.

We've tried to get some of their games and it's been fun seeing the improvement they're all making. 

Jaxson went to Ridgeline's Jr. Prom dance with some of his buddies and a cute gal. With this being his Senior year he's starting to experience some of his last events in high school. Crazy to think he's that old already.

Lindsay celebrated her birthday this month as well. I'd say she's aging quite well. Happy Birthday Lindsay!!

Andrew got in a little fun when he was at work. Ariel Solutions, the company he works for, held their annual work meeting where they pull the whole crew together. They treat him pretty well.

Zandra has been teaching beginning ski lessons at Snow Basin and the kids have been taking advantage of the good snow. Garrett's also been getting in some skiing time and keeping an eye on the interest rates. 

The kids are also playing basketball and as a family they were able to attend a Jazz game.

Jorie and Luke are taking piano lessons. When we were visiting them Jorie showed us how much she's improved. She may end up loving to play piano like her dad. She also takes gymnastics and loves that as well.

Danica and Jason got in their last Jazz game as a family of three. Life changes are happening for them.

They got June out on the ski slopes and gave her the feel of what lies ahead for her. She loved it! They put the skis on her at home first to get her used to wearing the boots and then she was ready to go. 

The Hassell's became a family of four by adding Brooks Jason Hassell, a 9 lb. 6.3 oz. bundle of joy, to their clan. He's definitely going to be spoiled and a daddy's boy. 

Dale and I were able to go spend some time with June when Danica was in the hospital. We took her to her dance movement class as well as to her Uncle Garrett and Aunt Zandra's house so she could play in the snow and get in some sledding one of the days we were watching her. All had a good time and June loved being with her cousins as much as they loved being with her.

We also took June to see her new brother. It was fun to see her face light up when she saw mom and her new brother. I'm pretty sure June's going to be a good big sister, she's so excited to help out and give him kisses and hugs.

I was able to get in some more time with the kids when Nate and Diana came to go skiing with those that could. I stayed and helped Danica with June and Brooks. One of the blessings of being a grandma. I sure love those baby snuggles. We are a blessed family. 

Garrett and Zandra's clan said it---Happy New Year!! It's going to be full of fun, love, and adventure I'm sure.