THOMPSON TIDBITS: November 2011

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Giving Thanks in Nauvoo…

This year since we truly were empty nesters we decided to spend Thanksgiving with my parents! The sun was shining on the 24th so something to be thankful for- we found out later!

My mom invited some friends over to have dinner with us. These ladies are really helpful to my parents- especially when my mom needs help in driving long distances…

Nauvoo is a place we never tire of…. the morning sunlight is perfect as you walk around the temple grounds!

Then as the sun sets you can almost hear those sounds of long ago…

We always learn something new- this was a piece of the original Nauvoo temple. As it was no longer in use- this was taken and placed as part of this building on the main street in town.

Steve celebrated his birthday on the 27th- started the day with a favorite breakfast (still in Nauvoo)

Thanks for the cards, gifts and phone calls- your Dad really enjoyed them and got teary eyed. You have lovely singing voices :)

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Always Home…

Dedication of the Key West Chapel- Nov. 13, 2011

It all began on Saturday with Joy Rowe and I driving to Key West for the Open house of the chapel. Our husbands met us later! This giant Lobster is a landmark on the keys (you gotta stop).

Sunday was a most glorious day- getting to see old friends who had gathered for this occasion! The closing song was ‘The Spirit of God’ and as Sondra was playing the piano (same one her mom played) and Sis. Kelly led the music- I truly knew the spirit was there in abundance….

Joy, Donna, Sondra & Janice

This couple is very special to us- Bruce & Janice Gordon. Altho’ I still have to say Pres. Gordon. He was my branch pres. shortly after I joined the church (gave Steve & I lots of advice) and Sis. Gordon was my Seminary teacher and the choir director. I also worked in Pres. Gordon’s electronic shop to earn alittle extra money :)

Special quilt made in remembrance of this day!

closer look- our family (inc. my parents)

Also got to visit our good friend Norman Williams grave site in the Key West cemetery!

End to a perfect wk.end- eating a Cuban mix & bollos!

This was unbelievable- we spotted this Key Deer on the way home- had to turn the car back around to get this picture (very rare to see one – for me anyway)

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Reflection…..

38 years ago today I was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Key West branch at the age of 16. Many events have happened since then, my parents joined 10 months later, we were sealed together as a family in the Washington D.C. temple, I went to ‘Ricks College’ in Idaho, waited for Steve to return from his mission, we married in the Salt Lake temple, 6 children and now 6 grandchildren later. This wk.end our Key West branch is finally getting a new chapel dedicated after all these years. It’s bittersweet for me as I knew the ‘ole’ building had to come down. I would always say ‘if only those walls could talk’ and so I look forward to attending the open house on Sat. and being there for the dedication on Sunday. What remains the same is my faith and love of the gospel that started so many years ago on that special day- November 10, 1973.

Here I am with my ‘missionaries’ that taught me the gospel- Elders Porter & Sanders!