July

...the month of family get-togethers,  homecomings, celebrations, preparations, and so much more!

On the 3rd, 

 Elder Christian McClellan returned home from his mission.
(Canada Toronto Portuguese Speaking)

 His mama got the first hug!

...which made the 4th of July a little anti-climactic.
But we celebrated, none-the-less, with parades, family, food, and fun. A good time was had by all.

Shelley, Emma, Erin, and her friend Kacey filled the following week. They were in and out and all about, but we sure enjoyed their visit. 

We also enjoyed our "Shift 3" Summer Social with our temple friends. We are going to miss these good brothers and sisters when we have to leave them in a couple of months. 

Emily and Geoff celebrated 23 years of marriage on June 18.
Wa-Hoo to you two!!!

This year instead of doing a Pioneer Trek, the youth of our stake went on a Hope of Israel Trek. They had the 12 tribes of Israel and, believe it or not, the Tabernacle of Moses. 

Finn and Esplan and cousins Lily and Belle were a part of this unique experience. 

A couple of weeks later, they reassembled the Tabernacle for the rest of the rest of us in the field next to the Stake Center. I wonder what people thought as they drove by on the freeway?!
It was an amazing replica, to be sure!

The tabernacle of ancient Israel was full of symbolism.
 As with our temples today, its purpose was to prepare the people to "see the face of God" - from the gate of the tabernacle which represented Christ - this is where the animals were evaluated and judged worthy - where they left the profane and entered the sacred - much like the recommend desk in our temples of today - to the veil that divided the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies - which represented Christ - who is the mediator between God and us.
The temple was about sacrifice. (Today, what are we willing to let go of? Time? Pride? Doubt? in order to come into God's presence?
In our temples, everything points to Christ.
The people in the time of Moses were literally touched by the blood of the lamb - but - as we partake of the sacrament each week we, too, can be touched by the blood of the lamb so that we can be cleansed of our sins, and healed of our wounds and strengthened through Christ. 
Well, I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea. Wish you all could have been here to experience it. 


Amber and Dave's quick trip to Rexburg (via Morgan) resulted in their not being homeless when they move north next month. 
A tender mercy for sure.

And sweet little Dexter had a fine time with Grandma and Grandpa, Kimba and the cousins!

Pioneer Day 2019 was rather low key. 👇

And then...a few days later...the relatives came...

And then...the next day...Dad and I went to the relatives...
the Harold and Juanita Smith Family Reunion in Mountain Green. (This is your Grandpa Smith's mom and dad.)

They had six kids. Grandpa (Jimmie) was the oldest - followed by Peggy, Paul, Roger, Stephen, and Dennis. 
Uncle Steve is the only sibling still alive. Paul and Roger's families are all in Missouri. They sent letters. Jimmie, Peggy Steve, and Dennis had posterity present at the reunion. It was nice "catching up" with cousins I haven't seen in years. 

 

Back when there were only three little McClellans, the extended family made a quilt for Grandma and Grandpa Smith. A fun walk down memory lane. 

This month's birthday boy turned 20 on the 30th.
Happy Birthday to you, Elder Gillespie!

And...
the month ended...
 much as it began.
Elder Seth McClellan returned home from his mission.
(Mexico Monterrey West Mission)

Oh happy day!


Puzzle update - Bill and Sandy gave us one that proved to be beyond our ability to complete.😞

However, puzzle #2 was a completion success.

WaHoo!

And there you have it. Another 31 days in the books. 
Looking forward to August - or bust.