Missing Book?

Somehow we ended up with two copies of the book from Aunt Marvelle this Christmas. Anyone missing theirs?? I'd be happy to mail it to you.

Dawn

NOBLE REPORT - MARVELLE Reporter

hi! Thank you Colleen and Dave for the use of your house. It was a very nice party. We had a wonderful time.

Thanks for the gifts. I hope Dustyn got his car out of in front of your place. I hope you survive the boys being there Colleen. We had a real rough time driving home after from Gayle and Lester Ann's place. It was a real blizzard out past the airport but it was then fine and we got home easy by 10:00pm.

We love you all and hope and wish you the best Christmas Ever and the Happiest New Year ever!

love

Marvelle

Hyde Christmas Dinner

I've posted some pictures from the family dinner on my blog.

Enjoy!

Dawn

The Dudley's!

I was perusing Lauren's facebook page and found this picture of the Dudley's - so I thought I'd steal it and post it here. Aren't they just the best lookin' family?!
Dawn

Hey!

You should come on over to the Ackroyd House blog. My mom has posted some great pictures of me and some of the other Hyde grandchildren!

One Amazing Apple

Okay, I've always figured my mom was amazing and could do anything. Well, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, baby!! Check out what I've done: ackroydhouse.blogspot.com!!!

Dawn

New Blog

There's a new blog in town....it's http://jillswim.blogspot.com/

I got up this morning and Jill was so proud to show me that she'd made her own email address and set up her own blog.

I thought that was pretty funny considering all you guys that can't figure out how to post on this blog. :0)

Dawn

Noble News Reporter - Marvelle

hi everyone - We went out to Jeannie's and Don's new home in Casa Grande on Sunday. Is it ever nice! We had dinner with them. They had Chinese Food in and it was good.

We'll see you on the 7th of December everyone.

Bye for now.
Marvelle

Noble News Reporter - Marvelle

hi - We have been busy busy. We go to exercise at LA Fitness Monday and Tuesday. And Thurs. & Friday. We go to the temple on Wednesday. But the temple is closed for cleaning this week and next. We go swimming every afternoon including Wednesday.

We are going home (flying to Great Falls on the 7th of December) 2007. Then we have to move our home into a semi-trailer belonging to Fernie Carthage & Storage. We are moving our stuff from our Lethbridge home into the trailer and then they will store it until we are ready for it.

We have sold our Lethbridge Home and LA & Gayle and picking us up from the plane in Great Falls. We have to be out of our home by Dec 14th. We are very happy. We are going to stay with Meryl and Art Hough for three weeks. All is well with us. I hope that you are too. I hope Allen and Dawn are getting along okay.

We are so thankful for our family. Brad and Lester Ann went to the funeral, Dustyn's homecoming at the airport and then at the sacrament meeting. We are so thankful for them.

We went to San Diego for thanksgiving and then we are planning on going to Jeannie's and Don's at their home in Casa Grande tomorrow. We bought them a rug for their front door for Christmas. The only thing about flying home is that we can't take very much extra.

Will scoot.

love Marvelle

#55. NOBLE NEWS - Reporter: Marvelle

hi - I'm so glad some of you went to Dustyn's homehoming. Thank you. Very much!

We went to San Diego for Thanksgiving with Nickee. She said she was glad we made it. (We are too.) We went to Thanksgiving at Mi Mi's Cafe. Was it ever good! Then we went to Lauren's soccer games. It was nice. She lost the first game and then won the last two. Nickee and Cam went home Saturday night and we did too.

We have been getting ready to go home and as we sold our house we have you move. You guessed it. Before Christmas! Oh well anything worth having, etc. etc. We are flying home and staying with Art & Meryl Hough for the last three weeks. LA is coming to pick us up in GF and then we are going to use her car. Good thing we have family there. Brad said we could use the truck if we wanted to. We are going to make another payment on the house in Cardston.

Well we will see you all, I hope at Christmas,

love Marvelle

Storybook Theatre

We went to Calgary's Storybook Theatre tonight. I posted pictures on our family's blog. Check it out at:
http://ackroydhouse.blogspot.com/

Dawn

#54. NOBLE NEWS - Marvelle Noble Reporter

Dear Family,

Well it's Sunday afternoon and Nickee and Cameron and Preston have gone home. We are especially thankful for our family today. We received a thankyou from Shirley earlier this week (which by the way was very much appreciated).

Then I received the pictures and so on for the funeral and Dustyn's homeocming. We are so thankful for our family who attend these functions when we cannot. Brad for the funeral (he said he wouldn't have missed it for the world) and LA for the pictures she took at the airport when Dustyn came home. And we were so thankful to be mentioned in Dawns' letter, etc.

The pictures were so precious. He is a wonderful boy (or I should say man). He looked and sounded great. Thanks for all of you being there. Thanks for all you do on our behalf.

It was so nice. We are now looking to go home for Christmas. Lester Ann and Gayle are going to come and get us on the 7th of December at Great Falls. Yes, we are going to fly. Clifford (after much coaching from me) decided to fly instead of drive. We hope the roads are good to Great Falls for LA and Gayle. Once again the family rally around and LA says I can use her car while there. We are going to the graveyard to see Kelly and Scott on the 24th of December. Let us know if you want to go.

Once again I count my many blessings for such a great family. Shirley, Lester Ann, Colleen. Thanks again for being there. We have had Nickee and her family for the week-end. We went to Ikea's furniture store on Saturday. What a place! We got tired to just looking. We 'll have to go to the Calgary store. We are going next week for Thanksgiving to San Diego for Lauren to play in a soccer tournament. Then we get ready to go home - what a time we have had!

Much love is sent to Dawn and Allen, Jill and Peirce. It will take time but it does get better.

All our love
Marvelle & Clifford

Dustyn's Home!

Waiting for Dustyn to appear.










He brought the Star of Texas home with him!

Destiny Dawn Ackroyd Born Silently November 6, 2007

Jill holding Destiny



Peirce holding Destiny





This is a picture the nurse took of Destiny's little hand holding a teddy bear. The teddy bear was about 2 inches high.

This Morning's Ponderings from Lester Ann

It is 5:00 a.m. but sleep escapes me. My mind is racing and at times like this it has become my habit to go to my computer and write. Usually when this happens, what I write is for my journal and is strictly personal and private. This morning I need to share what is in my heart with family members and friends who over the past few days and weeks I have grown to love and appreciate even more.
We have experienced what most would describe as a tragedy in our family. Over the past six months we have been joyfully looking forward to welcoming our sixth grandchild into the loving circle of our family. We have assumed that welcome would include sharing her life here on earth but Heavenly Father had other plans. Little Destiny Dawn silently tiptoed into our lives and left again before we had the chance to know her. At a time like this many would rebel against such experiences, ask “Why me?” even express anger against a God who would allow something like this to happen. I must admit in the recent past, I have experienced some of these feelings but this morning I feel an overwhelming need to acknowledge my blessings.
Yes, we have experienced a tragedy but Heavenly Father has put in place circumstances and administering angels who have softened the blow.
Shortly before this happened He sent two angels in the form of Allen’s cousins who came to the rescue while Dawn was in the hospital. On Monday morning when she was admitted, these two angels sprang into action applying the skills they had obviously been taught as daughters in a home where homemaking skills and compassionate service were important. They not only took care of Jill and Peirce but they prepared food for the meals of the day even freezing several for future use. This provided a base and freed up time for the rest of us to concentrate on supporting and helping Dawn and Allen.
Several angels in the form of doctors and nurses carefully and sensitively cared for Dawn in the hospital. Allen was at her side through it all providing love and support and taking care of all the practical things that must be done but are so hard at a time like this. It must have been very difficult for him too.
Gayle, the backbone and strength in my life, took me to Calgary first thing Monday morning so we could be with Dawn, then returned to work and spent the week home alone while I did my thing. I am sure it was not a good time to be alone. I love and appreciate him for always making it possible for me to do the things I need to do. Our long private and personal hours together as we cry, plan, discuss, and carry on are precious and definitely a blessing in my life.
Gaylene has a friend who recently lost a baby late in her pregnancy. As she did what she could to comfort her friend she learned much about what an expectant mother feels and experiences when this happens. I watched and was grateful as one daughter put the compassion and more importantly the empathy she had learned into action as she stepped in and helped her sister in ways many of us never even thought about. She was and remains to be a tower of strength for Dawn, for Allen and for all the rest of us. It was gratifying and it is a huge blessing to witness our daughters develop an even greater love and appreciation for one another. What a blessing it is to realize that we have three most remarkable children.
Another Angel in the form of Kara Lee, stepped in and did her part. As a counselor in the Relief Society in Dawn and Allen’s ward, she took over the responsibility of providing the lunch after the funeral. I was overwhelmed as I stepped into the hall where she had carefully set the tables with white tablecloths and pink centerpieces topped with vases of pink roses and where the wonderful aroma of a perfectly prepared meal filled the air. I know how much work it takes to perform this miracle. I also know there were other angels who helped her. Relief Society sisters provided salads and dessert and helped with the work. One particular angel whom I know and love helped financially. We appreciate that so much. These miracles also cost money.
Michael Pierson from Pierson’s Funeral Service is a friend and was a great help to Allen and Dawn as he walked them through the process of planning a funeral. To quote Dawn: “It was wonderful to be able to share this experience with a friend.”
All my angel sisters helped. Even before we knew we would need it, Marvelle and Clifford demonstrated their love and support. I spent a week with them in Phoenix while they drove me not once but three times to a clinic three hours away for much needed dental work, prepared liquid meals for me when I couldn’t eat solid food, took care of me, and delivered me to and from the airport even during the wee small hours of the morning. Shirley took me to lunch, served as a sounding board, had a special gift for me, and was there when I needed her. Colleen opened her clean, comfortable, and welcoming home to us (that includes, me, Gayle, Gaylene, Duane, and their children and many others) while we were in Calgary. Not only did she take care of us, but also Kara’s children while she was away performing her miracles.
Dawn said: “When I was in the hospital, my heart ached. I wondered and asked Heavenly Father if I couldn’t just go to the other side of the veil for a moment to get to know Destiny more and make sure she was going to be okay all alone. It was made clear to me that she isn’t all alone. She was met by Nana Hyde and Grandma Ackroyd and all her other grandparents that have gone on before. I felt strongly that my cousin Kelly who died at age 5 would hold her hand and walk with her and tell her of her mommy and daddy’s love. I also knew my cousin, Scott who died recently would play with her and help her to have fun, because he was always the king of fun.”
What a blessing and a comfort it is to know these things.
When we got home we were met with a house full of flowers and cards, messages on our voice mail, and an inbox full of expressions of love and sympathy.
I gained a new love and appreciation for Allen’s family as I watched them rally around and give their support to Dawn and Allen. Jim Ackroyd gave one of the most comforting funeral talks I have ever heard. Among other good thoughts, he said: “The tender mercies of the Lord are at work here.” It reminded me of Elder Bednar’s talk in April Conference of 2005.
I quote: “We should not underestimate or overlook the power of the Lord’s tender mercies. The simpleness, the sweetness, and the constancy of the tender mercies of the Lord will do much to fortify and protect us in the troubled times in which we do now and will yet live. When words cannot provide the solace we need or express the joy we feel, when it is simply futile to attempt to explain that which is unexplainable, when logic and reason cannot yield adequate understanding about the injustices and inequities of life, when mortal experience and evaluation are insufficient to produce a desired outcome, and when it seems that perhaps we are so totally alone, truly we are blessed by the tender mercies of the Lord and made mighty even unto the power of deliverance (see 1 Ne. 1:20).”
Then yesterday, we went to Calgary to welcome Dustyn home from his mission. Once again I was reminded of how families rally around during sad and happy occasions. Because I rode up with Brad I was privileged to sit in on the meeting with Dusty, Brad, Jessey, Shelbi, Lani and the counselor to the Stake President as he released Dusty from his missionary duties. He asked him to tell us a about some of his experiences and to bear his testimony. As he bore a powerful testimony I felt so blessed to be able to witness that first hand. It solidified my own testimony and once again made me aware of the fact that Heavenly Father knows each and every one of us personally, he loves us, and gives us life’s experiences for a definite and wonderful purpose. I am so grateful for that knowledge and for the daily reminders that help to build and maintain that knowledge.
Precious and loved family members and friends are among the greatest blessings the Lord provides. They are what get us through times like these. To seldom we take the time to build on these relationships and to acknowledge how vital they are to our very lives.
Even though I mourn the loss of our beautiful little granddaughter for this lifetime I cannot ask “Why ME???” Instead, I declare, lucky me! I acknowledge the great love that our Father in Heaven has for each and every one of us. I am so thankful for the tender mercies he extends daily to me and to those I love. Indeed, after much pondering and prayer, I echo Elder Bednar’s statement:
“May our hearts always be filled with gratitude for His abundant and tender mercies.”

#53. NOBLE NEWS - Marvelle - Reporter

Subject: See y'all at home....
From: "Dustyn Noble" View Contact Details Add Mobile Alert
To: stephaniespackman@yahoo.com, elderkromm@myldsmail.net, brad.alert@shawcable.com, gerrylaing@shaw.ca, marcliff59@yahoo.com, hkromm@gmail.com, hojpoj2@hotmail.com, elderjbizzle@myldsmail.net, laninoble@gmail.com, leeoler@myldsmail.net, evilcarebears3@hotmail.com
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:35:11 +0000
Hey everyone,

wow it is over soo soon, what to do what to do. All i've done lately is
reflected on what the Lord has done for me that he has heard my
prayers. (Alma 29:10 read it) My joy will be so full to see everyone again.
We'll all just wait on the Lord...

1st is of the gospel principles class and all my fav people

2nd is of Elder Pilling my dawg and me standing in front of the Cowboys
facility down the street from where i live.

Keep it real and stay to true ya selves, yeah don't give in....
See y'all soon,

I'm Out for the last time ELDER NOBLE




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#53. NOBLE NEWS - Marvelle - Reporter

We should let everyone know what we are planning. That just in case you all come down to see us. We are driving home for the month of December. We plan on returning shortly after the New Year.

We found an airline in which we could fly home for about $500.00 but that includes the $20. they charge for each suitcase you are taking plus the fee they charge for you to select your seat in the airplane.

Anyhow we have lots of time and then we have a car when we get home. LA and Gayle said they would pick us up and we could use LA's car but we have lots of time and so Clifford says we are going to drive. Even if the weather is bad we can always stop for awhile.

Then we are going home again come March for Shirley's wedding. Clifford has been asked to give her away. So plan your times around those dates.

Bye for now - see you soon.

love Marvelle

Noble News #51

A lot has happened in the past few weeks. Dustyn is coming home, Lester Ann came down to see us and we had a ball. Then she went home and Dawn had her baby early. So it didn't survive. They are having a funeral in Calgary. Boy oh boy it doesn't rain but it pours.

First of all Dustyn will be flying home from Texas and arriving in Calgary on the 15th of November at 2:30pm. Be there or be square, he says. He is supposed to be talking in Calgary and Brad will let you all know when and where.

LA came down on Thursday the 25 of Oct 2007. We went to Mexico the next day and had her teeth filed. Then on Saturday we went to Mexico again. This time to have a metal test. She got her permanent teeth on Tuesday. We really went at it and it was all over in just a few days. She got 27 teeth capped. Then she just stayed around our place for the rest of the time, as her mouth was abit sore. Her and I went shopping on Friday and she flew out on Saturday AM. We had to have her at the airport at 6:00am. She was there before then. We drove home and went back to bed. She went home on Saturday and found that Dawn wasn't doing too well. We went to the Bernina Shop (of course) and then to the Mesa Swap Meet. She got home on Saturday night. She flew straight to Lethbridge.

On Sunday Dawn was in the bedroom lying down as she didn't feel so well. She had not felt movement of the baby for a couple of days and then Jill said that she felt that her mother was going to be sad. Dawn decided to go to the Foothills Emergency and found after many tests that she would have to be induced and have her baby as it was not alive anymore. She had the baby early on Tuesday morning. They named the baby Destiny Dawn. It just gives you goose bumps to hear these sad times that our children have to go through. You keep thinking that all is going so well and then you get a double whammy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to this little family and we hope all will go well with them in their hour of need.

Brad had some news to tell you all. Helen's Mom had a lump in her lower bowel and was operated on Friday last week. She is doing well and will be okay - we think. We hope anyway. Good luck Brad and Helen on this turn in your life.

Clifford and I are well. We are in Arizona and hope that all is well with you. We go to our exercises everyday and hope we will keep enjoying good health. I am doing alot better. I think it is from the pills I've been taking. They are called StemEnhance pills. They make your stem cells (that everyone has in your body) go to the place that will do you the most good. I am a dealer as that is the only way I can affordto take the pills. They are expensive. $60.00 a bottle for 60 pills. If any of you think you need them let me know.

We can't forget that Cam was made Bishop of his ward a couple of Sundays ago. He will be very busy for the next few years. We would have loved to go as his Mom and Dad are in CAmbodia on a mission but thought that it might be too obvious if we all showed up in his ward that day.

Well I will go for now.

love the Reporter for Noble News.
Granny Belle, Auntie Bell and Marvelle

Ackroyd Family Adventure

I've finally updated our blog with pictures and info on our trip to California. I hope you enjoy it!

http://ackroydhouse.blogspot.com/

Dawn

#53. NOBLE NEWS - Marvelle - Reporter

Hi - hope you are all well. I am fine and ready to go south. We have been packing packing but I have a little time just now. I see that I hit the wrong key and so there will be two #52s, Jessey no longer sells vaccum cleaners. I guess he decided to work regular hours and so now works for Telus selling cell phones. We have two! We have been very lucky I guess. Don Smith phoned last nite and said his oldest son had a heart attack. He is just older that Scott. It happened at work and he was able to get to hospital right away. He has to have a defibrilator and a pace maker inserted. Boy of boy, you hear more and more every day. I keep feeling better and better. I wonder when the next shoe will drop.

We are now selling "StemEnchance" pills. Everyone has stem cells. Evidently they die up to about age 30. After that you need something to prod them into use. I think they make me feel alot better. They have wonderful stories about people near death and then coming back after taking these pills. I'll take them for awhile and tell you how they affect me.

My question today is: "Talk about an Easter tradition you have in your family or about any holiday tradition you have."

Well we always made boiled eggs and coloured them at Easter and we always went to church as usual. It was never anything special but I can remember going on an Easter Egg hunt one time in Rosemary, Alberta. It must have been a church activity.

As Thanksgiving (Canadaian) is coming up I'll talk about it. We always had a turkey and family over for Thanksgiving. We would all take a turn and tell what we were thankful about. Then I had two kids in the States. They have Thanksgiving the las thursday in November. Ours (Canadian) is usually around the second Monday in October. After the kids moved down south we always had two. One in Canada and then one in the States.

Our last big Thanksgiving was at Scott's place. It was really nice. Scott cooked a turkey and then we all said what we were thankful for. It was great. The following day is a Friday and it is known as the biggest shopping day of the States. The stores all have sales and everyone shops till they drop.

We can hardly wait for Dusty to come home. He will be a man. He comes home Nov 15th. That's the latest anyway. I'll let you know more as the time draws near.

love Marvelle Noble, Auntie Belle, or Granny Belle

Noble News Reporter - Marvelle #52

Hi everyone - Dustyn has moved. He is training again for the last little part of his mission. His address is:

My new address is
528 Santa Fe Tr #142
Irving, TX
75063


He will be home on the l5th of November. Be at the airport when he comes in. I'll let you know more as the days go by.

We are leaving for the States of October 4th - Colleen's birthday. We have our missionary reunion on the 5th in West Jordan. We will go to conference, then go to Vegas and then to Arizona. Happy birthday Colleen.

love Marvelle

NOBLE NEWS - September 15/2007

Hi - I am well - hope you are too.

I have been trying to post photos and haven't been able to so they will have to be saved for another time.

When Clifford went to inspect our house and how it is coming along in Cardston.

A couple of weeks ago when we took Brad and Shelbi to Great Falls. Jessey has a job now and so couldnt come with us. Shelbi and I shopped until we dropped and then shopped some more.

Then Clifford and I went to Waterton to golf. We had been given a pass and a coupson for 18 holes of golf with a cart. We played only 9 and so got a rain check for the rest. It was a good time. We went in the MH and stayed in the campgrounds there. We stopped and visited with the Hickens and Turners staying at the Dahl cabin when we went uptown for an ice cream. It was fun.

Then Lester Ann and I went to TIME OUT FOR WOMEN and had our picture taken with Chicko Hosako (spelling). Saw lots of people we knew. The speakers were good.

Today we had a picnic at Indian Battle Park. Those that came were Brad and Helen, Cathy and Tom, Ken and Linda and then of course, us. We had a great time, visiting. We also invited Brad's staff and wifes and/or girlfriends, LA and Gayle and Glenn and Leslie. Lester Ann had phoned to say they were going to Sparwood to hear a talk by Taylor as she is now a youth. Kim had phoned to say her Mother had fallen and so they were going out there to visit her. We heard from Nina at Brad's office.

We had a nice visit. Pappy didnt come. Brad said they left him home. Poor baby. We had Kentucky Fried Chicken and then everyone brought something - salad or a dessert. It was good.

We are going to the Missionary Reunion before conference on Oct 5th, 2007 and then onto Nickee's where we will stay a couple of days and then onto Apache Junction until November 30th. When we will come home.

Well it is Sunday night and I'm out (as Dustyn says). We had stake conference this AM and last night. It was really good. We had our picnic at l:30pm. Cathy and Tom had stayed at Waterton last night at
the Wales Hotel. They got a deal thru the town for $l00.00 and so went. David Sazuki was there. Cathy said it was good.

love Marvelle (reporter for Noble News)

Auntie Shirley

Jill and Peirce and I went to visit Aunt Shirley in the Rocky View hospital. She looks like she's doing quite well. She offered to show us her incision. I wasn't too interested but Jill thought it would be cool. She saw the first few staples and then changed her mind. :0)

Aunt Shirley has been up and walking - so that's a good thing. She seems to be in good spirits and feels well. Hopefully all the mending goes well!

Dawn

Comments on Dawn's last post

I hope everyone went into Dawn's blog and read her post about the wedding and the stair sledding.

The kids really make good looking cowboys and cowgirls don't they! Looks like that wedding was a ball. I saw Marilyn Krammer on Monday and she wanted to know if you had told me about the wedding. I said, you bet and that the kids had a ball. The pictures verify that.

Tell Peirce and Jill that I know that stair sledding is fun because I have done it. Only you would probably call it rug riding as we used a rug instead of cardboard, but I bet the cardboard slides better and is faster. I remember doing it in Cardston at the Glen and Elva Atwood home. I must have been about 5 years old and believe me it was fun.
Love
Mom, LA, etc

Ackroyd Blog updated

I've just updated our blog with 3 new posts for you to check out. there's the Tolman Wedding (thus the cowboy Peirce pix), the first day of school, and stair sledding!! Enjoy!
http://ackroydhouse.blogspot.com/
Dawn

Pictures from the Anniversary Party

Gayle presenting them with our gifts. A hoodie for Pat and a Coconut Cream Pie for Ray.

This week at the Jensens

It has been a nice quiet week at our house this week. No Grandma Week, no funerals, no exciting happenings, mostly just getting on with life. I spent some time in the sewing room and Gayle managed to get a few jobs done that needed doing around the house. We still have a couple more, but we are getting there.

Last night we went out to Pat and Ray's farm east of Vulcan to celebrate their 35th. Anniversary. Sure doesn't seem like 35 years ago when they got married on the opening night of Canada Russia Hockey series. Gayle was the MC and had a terrible time getting his job done while watching TV behind the scenes on the stage in the Stake House in Taber. Canada got beat 5-2 but the marriage was way more successful. (By the way Canada did win the series courtesy of Paul Henderson's goal in the final game.)

Last night they had a roast beef dinner with all the trimmings cooked on the campfire and lots of fun visiting with all the people who were there. I will include some pictures taken there.

Noble News Reporter

Hi all - hope all is well.

I have been reading the family blog and find it very interesting. Hope some of the younger people let us know what is going on in their lives. We always send the blogs to our missionaries, Dustyn in Texas and Adam in Argentina.

We are building a house in Cardston. This what it looks like now. You can see Clifford making sure all is well. We took this photo the other day when we were there.

Then we went to Art & Meryl's who live just a few blocks (two) away.

We are playing golf eveyday. Clifford says 'we play golf' 'we ARE NOT golfers'.

Good luck with your operation Shirley. It is a real pain I am sure but if the pain stops if will be all worth it. Ask Colleen who just had her gall bladder out. She says she didn't even stay overnight in hospital and only has three little scars.

We are going to Great Falls this week-end with Brad, Jessey and Shelbi to buy school clothes. Helen is taking her sister to college in Toronto. Driving across Canada!! Some people sure like to punish themselves. She wants to see what Canada is like. She has never gone across Canada. Gideon will be going to school in Calgary this year.

It will be soon and our Dustyn will be home soon. He called Brad the other night. I think he's getting kinda trunky.

Well will go. It's that time of night.

love Marvelle

Also Known As: Flip!!

We have a new name for Peirce: Flip!

Peirce has been going to a gymnastics camp this week. Loads of fun!! Jill has plans to be an olympic swimmer. Peirce has decided he's going to the Olympics too - as a gymnast. Each day he comes homes absolutely worn out. The other interesting thing is he sure can eat a good supper after an afternoon of gymnastics!! And bedtime, oh bedtime!! He's happy to hit his pillow...and he's out like a light.

Here are some of his tricks:



This is a back bridge. Chico thinks it's the perfect time to lick Peirce's face.



I don't know what this is - but it's very impressive. :) You spread your legs and put your hands back as far as you can on the ground. Peirce says it is not meant for beginners.

He is most proud to tell me each day that he's the champion of his class. I inquired as to how he knows he's the champion - and he said it's because he hasn't had a time out yet like the other kids. I told thim that's absolutely the beginning of gymnast greatness!!

Marvelle, Reporter for the Family Called Noble

Hi everyone - hope all of you are well. We are. I went to the doctor in Calgary and they have diagnosed me with PSP (Progressive
Supernuclear Palsy). It is supposed to be under the umbrella of Parkinson's. Brother! What else could I have? Anyway I feel much better about it all because they've finally told me what I have. I began to wonder if I was crazy. It is supposed to be very slow and because I do my exercises all the time I will be better. I have also gone back to swimming Mon, Wed and Fridays because it makes my legs stronger.

My question today is: "As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?"

I never gave it much thought although my father said I could be anything I wanted to be. I kinda drifted along until I began Insurance Adjusting. I loved my work and to be paid for it too was a real bonus. I hope that everyone loves what they do as it will make all the difference in the world as to how you live and what you really are. I hope you all do exactly what you want to do.

love Marvelle (Reporter for the Nobles)

Jill's Birthday

Today is Jill's birthday party. Here is the cake we made:



My favorite part is his hair!

More pictures on our Ackroyd family blog http://ackroydhouse.blogspot.com/

Noble Family Update

Hi - I hope this works. I am adding what the Family Called NOBLE has been doing for the past few weeks. We went to Baha, Mexico with Nickee and the kids. It was sure fun. We stayed in a gated community. Nickee and Cam rented a Beach House right on the beach. We drove down on a Thursday and stayed till the following Thurs. It was really nice. Clifford and I just sat out on the front of the house in the mornings as it was warmer there and on the back during the afternoon and evening. The sunsets there were gorgeous. We went to a small Mexican town on about Saturday and went to a Costco. The town also had a Walmart but we didn't go to that. Then on Sunday we went to a Flea Market where a guy said You bought things you didn't need!
which was true. We drove from the beach house on Thursday evening and got home (to Las Vegas about) 3:00am. We were very tired. We then drove to Arizona to see how Floyd Smith was doing. He was doing fine. Then we drove back to Vegas and drove home. When we first went to Vegas we went to a Hough Family Reunion which was very good.

We got home on Saturday night. It was a long old drive. This past week we were going to go to Cardston (as we have to pick out things for our new house). We were going to drive the Motorhome but something was wrong with it. So we drove up in our car. We had a Highschool Reunion for Clifford. Fifty years! We rode in the parade and then drove home to accept an offer on our house.

We then took the MH to Cardston on Wednesday and stayed with Art and Meryl Hough in their driveway. It was wonderful.

We got to talk to our cupboard man and picked out our floors (for the hew house). When we got home on Saturday afternoon we were pooped and went to sleep for a couple of hours. Then we went to church the following day.

Monday I went to the Doctor and she told me my diagnosis. They think I have Parkinson's but I don't know. Time will tell I guess.

When we were down in Vegas we got the autopsy report on Scott. It said he died from a heart attack with complications due to chain smoking, alcohlism, high blood pressure and hyper-tension. Let that be a lesson for all of us. Don't worry about things - (it will all come out in the wash).

I love my family more than I can tell you all. I hope that all is well with you and that this blog will go.

Love Marvelle, Granny Belle, and Auntie Belle. (Choose whichever suits you).

Colleen's Summer Update

Well....I know it's long past due for me to jump on this wagon. So here goes!


It's been a busy summer, but I'm home now for 2 weeks after my surgery. It is heaven! I love the time to rest, relax and catch up on some of my projects.

We arrived home from Florida on the 1st of July. It was fun to see Ryan, Beth and the girls. Jacksonville was beautiful. We relaxed in the pool most of the time, went shopping, and just had a good time with the girls. Ryan was always gone working, so Beth was our tour guide. Hailey is swimming like a little fish. Ava is getting big....she's so chubby! It's pretty cute. I'll post some of the pictures.

Here's our cute little girl....pretty chubby!

We took a weekend trip down to Carmangay and then to Cardston. I took some pictures down at the ranch. I'm sure glad Dad can't see it now. It was terrible. Weeds as high as the house, nothing painted and everything in disarray.

The house looks like no one lives in it.


There are 2 big trailers with people living in them. One in the bottom right corner and the other trailer is south west of the house on the hill. Nothing looked very prosperous. There was no one around except a great big dog. I didn't get out of the truck!

On the long weekend in August we went down to the Tolman Reunion on Dave's mother's side. It is always lots of fun. We usually go out to their property down by Old Chief, but the fire ban pushed it into town this year. We spent Saturday at the Lion's Park in downtown Cardston, then we spent Sunday in Waterton with the Boyer side. Rocky came up from Utah with his son, Aaron and his wife, Marissa. We had lots of fun with them all.

This deer wouldn't leave our food alone!

These are Crystal's twins. Aren't they cute!

It's always so beautiful up there! The day was perfect.

Heidi and Tanner came with us (Nevaeh & Brandon too). They had alot of fun.

Dave has lost 30 lbs now. He has 50 to go.

Rocky, Dave, Barb & Lucky

Blackie and Debra were in Scotland.

Beth came home August 7th with the girls. Ryan will be home after the end of August. He has bought an Escalade down there, so he's driving it home.

Here's our latest picture of our cutie patootie!

I had my gall bladder surgery on August 16th, so I'm home and doing fine now. I get 2 blissful weeks at home, so I'm enjoying every minute of it. Dave has even been waiting on me hand and foot.....it's kinda nice!

Dave is planning another trip to Buenos Aires September 7th - 22nd. Here's our latest picture of Cindy....isn't she cute!

David and Gaby's baby, Cindy Angelina.

I hope everyone has had a great summer. It's nearly over already! The air today definitely feels like fall.

Love to all,

Colleen

Ackroyd Update

We've been busy this last while. Allen and I went on a trip to Atlanta while our kids were at Grandma Camp. We drove down to SLC and spent a little time there, then flew from SLC to Atlanta. The convention was terrific. We learned lots and had a great time getting reacquainted with old friends. We had a little hiccup on our trip back. We flew into SLC at 9 am and planned to get in our van and drive straight home - but our van was overheating so we stopped by a fix-it place. 5 hours later we had a new radiator and were back on the road. We didn't get to Lethbridge until 6 am the next day. We were SOOOO tired!! We went to dad's hotel and went to sleep. I went in the room and left the door open for Allen as he was bringing in the suitcase. I laid down on the bed and don't even remember him coming in....I was out immediately!

Our kids had a great time at Grandma Camp. We tried to lobby for a Papa Camp in December...but it appears that that wasn't the best time to bring that up. LOL Jill and Peirce were happy to be going home and talked all the way home about the things they did. We actually keep getting stories as the days go by....they really built up a lot of memories!!

Since we got home life has been a whirlwind.

On Friday I went for an ultra-sound. Jill came with me and it was fun to have her there. You could really see the baby swim around. It's a VERY active little baby!! We couldn't tell if it's a boy or girl yet - but it was nice to see that there are two arms and two legs and a heart and such and things appear to be developing as they should. I'm feeling pretty good. I didn't reach my goal of not throwing up all summer...but I certainly haven't thrown up as much as I did in the previous two pregnancies....so I can't complain too much (although I do!)

Allen's brother moved here from Illinois. They arrived Friday. Their container with all their furniture was already supposed to be here...but alas, it didn't arrive on time. So we got them a bunch of blankets, foamies, lawn chairs, a card table, towels, etc., so they could get by until their furniture does arrive. We're excited to have them here. They have a boy just younger than Peirce - and Peirce and he get along famously.

Saturday we had an open house for Allen's youngest brother David. They invited people from High River and Calgary that weren't able to make it here for the wedding. We had TONS of food and lots of people here...and lots of fun. That night David and Crystal stayed over as did Allen's other sister, Virginia and her husband, Andy, and little boy, Jeremy.

Now we're getting ready for Jill's birthday party. She wants to have a swimming party at Inglewood pool. Should be fun! We can invite up to 50 people! LOL I think she just might be able to fill the quota. :0)

President Faust Passes Away

This is from: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695199591,00.html

President James E. Faust dies at age 87
Deseret Morning News
Published: August 10, 2007
President James E. Faust, 87, Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a general authority for nearly 35 years, died early today.
A news release from the LDS Church said he died at his home of "causes incident to age," surrounded by his family. The time of death was reported as 12:20 a.m.
Bruce Olsen, managing director of Church Public Affairs, said this morning that President Faust's "gentle manner and depth of knowledge, which was an important part of his ministry for nearly 35 years, will be missed."
"He was a true Christian who spoke and wrote with wit and wisdom," Olsen said. "Many members of the church loved his unique way of teaching the restored gospel of Jesus Christ at General Conference."
Olsen said church members around the world are calling to extend to President Faust's family their heartfelt condolences.
· · · · ·
President Faust was set apart as Second Counselor to President Gordon B. Hinckley on March 12, 1995, and served there for nearly 12 1/2 years. He was ordained an apostle on Oct. 1, 1978, at the age of 58, and served in the Quorum of the Twelve for 16 years.
One of his last notable public appearances was on June 23, 2007, the occasion of President Gordon B. Hinckley's 97th birthday and also the dedication of the new Gordon B. Hinckley Alumni and Visitors Center at Provo's Brigham Young University.
"These past 12 years have been a tremendous blessing to serve with him and Thomas S. Monson and see quite literally the Lord working through a prophet," President Faust said during the dedication.
In his final General Conference address on April 1, 2007, President Faust extolled the healing power of forgiveness.
"Let us remember that we need to forgive to be forgiven," he said. "In the words of one of my favorite hymns, 'Oh, forgive as thou wouldst be/E'en forgiven now by me.' With all my heart and soul, I believe in the healing power that can come to us as we follow the counsel of the Savior 'to forgive all men.'"
His physical mobility had been limited the past several years and he delivered remarks from a seated position.
During his years as a general authority, he was president of the church's international mission, general authority adviser for South America, executive director of the Church Curriculum Department, director of Welfare Services and editor of the church's three monthly magazines — Friend, Ensign and New Era. He had also served as managing director for the Melchizedek Priesthood MIA.
President Faust was sustained as an Assistant to the Twelve on Oct. 6, 1972. He was called to the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy in 1976. He had also served as stake president of the Cottonwood Stake (1956-68), on the high council in the Big Cottonwood Stake (1947-48) and as bishop in the Big Cottonwood Ward (1949-55) and as counselor in the bishopric of that ward. He was called as a regional representative for the church in 1968.
He was also chairman of the Jordan Valley Bishops Council and a second counselor in the Cottonwood Stake Presidency, 1955-56.
President Faust served a mission to Brazil from 1939-42, where he was a district president. In 1998, he received a Brazilian national citizenship award — an honor given to only a few world leaders — and was awarded honorary citizenship of the city of Sao Paulo.
A 1937 graduate of Granite High School, he lettered in football and track and was also a prosecuting attorney in student court. He was later inducted into the Granite High Hall of Fame.
He was also a 1948 graduate of the University of Utah School of Law, where he received a bachelor of arts and a juris doctorate degree. He ran the quarter-mile and was a member for the mile relay team for the U. in 1938.
His college education was interrupted by service during World War II in the U.S. Air Force, from which he was discharged as a first lieutenant.
He practiced law in Salt Lake City from 1948 until his call to be a general authority in 1972. He had served as president of the Utah Bar Association from 1962-63 and as a member of the Utah Legislature on the Democratic ticket from 1949-51. While a legislator, he also served as chairman of the House liquor investigation committee.
President John F. Kennedy also appointed him to the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Racial Unrest. He had also been a member of the Constitutional Revision Committee for the State of Utah. and had been an adviser to the American Bar Journal. Former Utah Gov. Scott Matheson had appointed him state director of the Friendshipping Force.
President Faust also served on the board of the Deseret News Publishing Co. from 1970 to 1996. That service included being vice president and chairman of the executive committee. He had also been a trustee of Ballet West and had been in the board of directors for Commercial Security Bank.
In 1997, he was given an honorary degree of Christian service by Brigham Young University. The University of Utah awarded him an honorary degree in 2002.
He was characterized as a high school football letterman, a husband, father, church leader and the "family Google" by the Brigham Young University Management Society when he was honored with its "Distinguished Utahn" award in 2006.
His daughter, Janna F. Coombs, called him "a great family patriarch," who teaches his children and grandchildren from the experiences of his "rich and righteous life," after he received that award.
President Faust's own humility and humor was also evident when he received that award:
"I'm sure that I don't deserve this honor," President Faust said in accepting the award. "But as Jack Benny once said, 'I don't deserve this honor. But then I have arthritis, and I don't deserve that, either.'"
In 2003, President Faust became the first recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the J. Reuben Clark Law Society.
He told society members that lawyers, sometimes accused of being greedy, should always put the interest of clients first. He recalled that, after covering his expenses, he earned a mere $3 from his first client, but never wanted for material things.
He also told society members that the laws of men are hardly enough for a civilized society to survive on. Those who keep the laws of God have no need to break the laws of men, he said.
· · · · ·
President Faust was born July 31, 1920, in Delta, one of five sons to George A. Faust and Amy Finlinson Faust. He learned early in life the value of honest work, both at home and at the farms of his grandparents in central Utah. When he was 3 years old, his family moved to a house on Norris Place in Salt Lake City and attended the 11th Ward.
During his formative years, he was influenced by many church leaders and teachers. One bishop, President Faust said, was T.C. Stayner who had two themes: Be honest and keep your word.
"He repeated those over and over and over. It got to the point where it was completely predictable, and a little bit tiresome, but the message stuck. I am grateful for a man of integrity who had that kind of influence on me."
Hunting and fishing were among his favorite leisure activities in his young adult days.
He met his wife, Ruth Wright, while attending Granite High. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on April 21, 1943.
The gospel was always an important part in President Faust's life, as well as that of his wife. "The church is our life. We have always honored the calls that have come to us because we know this is the Lord's church."
"I can't even remember when I didn't have a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel. I think this has been an inherent spiritual gift."
His church callings before becoming a general authority of the church included bishop, stake high councilor, stake president and regional representative. He was called as a counselor in his ward Sunday School superintendency at age 17.
When called as an assistant to the Twelve in 1972, President Faust said, "I'm not only humbled, I'm scared. I will need help, especially from the Lord, or I will be inadequate."
After being called to the Twelve, then-Elder Faust said, "I understand that a chief requirement for the holy apostleship is to be a personal witness of Jesus as the Christ and the Divine Redeemer. Perhaps on that basis alone, I can qualify. This truth has been made known to me by the unspeakable peace and power of the Spirit of God."
Later on in his address he pledged to God and the prophet "my life, and whatever energy and little ability I may have, fully and completely and without reservation."
· · · · ·
President Faust often mentioned the warm, close relationship he had with his family. "When children get older and settled, your relationship with them is different," he said. "They are not only children but good friends."
Family and loved ones always came first for President Faust, his wife, Ruth, said.
She once mentioned two examples that were highlighted in a profile of President Faust that appeared in an article by Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve in the August 1995 Ensign, five months after President Faust was sustained as second counselor to President Gordon B. Hinckley in the First Presidency.
The first example concerned his initial call as an assistant to the Twelve in October 1972.
"We had a special family home evening, including the only grandchild back then," Sister Faust recalled. "Jim went around the circle and told the children what was unique about them and how they were special individually. Then he told them about his call, stressing that if he were not a good father, he could not succeed as a general authority, adding, 'I am never going to be released from my calling as a father or grandfather.'"
In the second example, when he was called to the First Presidency in March 1995, President Faust did the very same thing.
In 1995 the teaching involved 22 grandchildren and ended with President Faust saying again how very important they all were to him and that he couldn't succeed as a member of the First Presidency if he wasn't a good father.
Sister Faust further observed, "This is the kind of person he has been all of his life. Family and loved ones have come first."
One example of his deep devotion to Sister Faust might be gauged by the fact that while they were separated as newlyweds during World War II, he wrote a letter every day to her. The letters arrived irregularly, and one day Sister Faust received 90 letters.
Her employer gave her the afternoon off to go home and read them.
In this same magazine article, daughter Lisa observed that, "My dad has always made it very clear how much he loves my mother and respects womanhood. He has always treated her with a sweet tenderness."
When President Faust was called to the Quorum of the Twelve and while he was receiving congratulations from the brethren on the stand, his chief concern was: "Where's my wife?" Even later on, when he gave conference addresses, he was quick to look over to receive Sister Faust's smiling approval.
"What would you have been without your wife, Ruth?" President Boyd K. Packer, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve, once asked President Faust.
"It shocked me a little even to think about what life would be and would have been without her," he said 24 hours later.
He and Sister Faust had five children, 23 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services are pending.

Peirce making his famous Spagetti with Tomato Sauce and Peas

The Snowbirds







Jill making her "Moose Poop" or in other words, Chocolate Drop Cookies









Taylor helping with the Moose Poop


Sydney making Banana Bread

Photos from Days 6,7 & 8

Jordan admiring the gold jet.

Day 6, 7 & 8 of Grandma Camp

Day 6 was Sunday so we all went to church together. It was quite a chore for a grandma who is used to just getting herself ready for church on Sunday to get all the clothes ironed, hair done, find the right shoes to go with the right kid, and get all faces scrubbed til they were bright and sunny and presentable. It was Fast Sunday so we all fasted. Even Peirce and Sydney participated. They ate a very abreviated breakfast as it pretty hard for someone so young to go without food. We discussed what is done with the fast offerings and how we are encouraged to be generous with our offerings. We all made it through the morning but were all very ready for lunch when we got home. It was a wonderful Sunday morning.

In the afternoon, we wrote letters to missionaries who are serving in the family, one for Adam and one for Dusty. The grandkids from Sparwood also wrote to missionaries that are serving from their ward.

Late in the afternoon, we went out to the airport and saw some of the Airshow. We sat on the grass beside the airport terminal and they proved to be pretty good seats. Both Jordan and Peirce decided they want to be pilots when they grow up. Jordan was especially taken with a big beautiful gold colored jet. He watched with great interest as the pilot warmed it up and took off to do some aerobatics in the sky. He was most impressive. We also saw the Snow Birds perform. They are amazing.

When we got home, we did some baking. The kids had brought their favorite recipes and we made some of them. Now that is an interesting experience for a compulsive grandmother who worries that her kitchen is getting messed up but we all made it through with little or no complications.

Everyone slept well that night too.

Day Seven

On Monday we went to the Heritage Festival at the Enmax Centre.

It was a pretty amazing show. There were booths representing several different cultures evident in Lethbridge. (Hugarian, Polish, Japanese, Phillipino, African, Vietnamese, Chinese, etc.) There were also food booths where we purchased our lunch, sampling different cultures. Then the program with dancing and presentations from many different cultures were amazing. We had a discussion as to why the people from these many different countries came to Canada and we came to the conclusion that most of them came in their search for freedom. The kids were most impressed with a display at the Vietnamese booth. There was a picture of a man who had spent 15 years in prison for peacefully criticizing the government policies on religion and advocating for greater respect for human rights. In November of 2000 he gained global and official attention when members of the Committee for Religious Freedom visited Nguyen Van Ly in his billages during President Clinton's visit to Vietnam but he was sentenced again in October 2001 to 15 years in prison for activities linked to the defence for free speech. The court appearance was televised in Vietnam with foreign reporters allowed to attend. During the trial he tried to shout an unauthorized, dissident remark. He was held silent by the security officer behind him.

After the Heritage Festival, we came home and worked on family trees for each grandchild. We also did some more baking at that time.

On Day 8, we made cookie dough to take to the residents at Extendicare. Grandma's Auxiliary often makes cookies for them but the workers there have asked that we don't bake the dough and bring it to them so they can bake them in the centre. The smell of the baking cookies is good therapy for the residents. They love the smell and come out of their rooms more willingly to interact with everyone else there. The kids were quite amazed to see all the people who are in wheel chairs and incapacitated to every degree imaginable. It was a good experience for them and the residents love to see children. It makes their day.

By the time we got home from Extendicare, parents started arriving to pick up their kids. It was a great time. Grandma is amazed that she made it through it all but we plan another one for next year. Gaylene and Duane suggested that we also have a winter Grandma's Camp. They suggested that it could work kind of like the winter and summer olympics. I think for now we will just have summer events.

It was a wonderful experience for Gayle and me. We love our grandchildren so much and it was a good time for sharing and caring, and learning about each other. We hope to be making memories for our grandchildren and that their hearts will be turned to their parents, grandparents, and other ancestors. We also hope that we were successful in solidifying the good teachings that they receive every day from their parents.

I will post photos of the hightlights of these days.

Grandma Camp, Day five and photos

Here is one of the photos we had taken on Friday. The kids are the chefs during this Grandma Camp so we made aprons for them and had this photo taken.
Day five of Grandma Camp was a service day. We all went to the church early in the morning and cleaned it for the next week's meetings. Everyone was very helpful and we dusted and vacuumed the chapel, the halways, the classrooms, Papa cleaned all the bathrooms, Jordan cleaned all the blackboards, Taylor vacuumed, Jill ran errands for everyone and emptied garbages, and Sydney and Peirce moved the cords for all the vacuumers and dusted with the big feather dusters. It was all done in a short time and then we had time to play for the rest of the day. The little pool in the front yard is very tempting and the playground across the street was well used today. In the evening we all went to the movie mill to see a show. Then we shampooed hair and had showers to get ready for Sunday.

How we do photographs

It's easy!

My blog of August 4th, 2007

Hi - everyone. I'm back in the saddle and will write again now as often as I can.
Question today: "NAME YOUR BEST SCHOOL CHUMS"
Because we moved alot until I was in grade five at Taber Elementary I had various friends. In Taber though I had a very best friend called Maurine Tufts. Maurine lived in town and so I stayed at her place alot. Her Mother and Father couldn't hear very well and so we did alot of things that were questionable. They would always tell us when we had to be home. We never did keep a curfew with them because they never heard you when you came home and so we always stayed later than we should have.
We found out in later life that Maurine and I were in the same nursery in Lethbridge in the old Galt Hospital. She and I were born in the same year = she on the 5th of May and me on the 9th of May. The Galt was later made into a museum. We used to laugh and say that we had be born in a museum.
Her mother is now 99 years old. She is quite an old gal and Maurine and Gwen her two daughters come to Canada about two times a year to see her. Maurine always comes to see me. She now lives in Mesa just out of Phoenix. We see her often now when we go to Phoenix for the winter.
Maurine married a man from Texas and so went to live in the States. We went away to business college together and have kept in touch all these years. She had red hair. Her husband has red hair and she has 5 kids all with varying degrees of red hair. She came to see me one time when our kids were small. Brad couldn't get over that her children had red hair. I have a picture of them (Brad and Greg) with Brad looking at Gregs' red hair) It is really cute. Brad kept feeling the kid's hair and so each time he felt Greg's hair, Greg would cry and cry. Those were the good old days.
love Marvelle

Marvelle

Hi = I will put the blog I have on my other blog here. Okay?

#45. August 2nd, 2007 (Jordan's Birthday)

Dear All;

First we must say Happy Birthday to Jordan. Happy birthday - hope you have a wonderful 16th birthday! Jordan!!!

Then we must thank your family for the great time we had at the Beach House. Was it ever fun! We went on Thursday and stayed until the next Thursday. Cam had to fly home on Tuesday but the rest of us stayed until Thursday. We got home at 2:00am on Friday morning. It was a long drive. Cliff and I stayed at Nickee's Friday and then drove to Arizona on Saturday to see Floyd and Colleen. We drove back to Las Vegas on Monday after we had had our pedicure. It was a fun time.

We left home on Sunday the 15th of July. We drove out to Magrath, AB and went with the Gibbs and Houghs as we were going to the Hough Reunion at Bryan's place in Kaysville, UT (about 18 miles north of SLC). We stayed in Pocatello overnight and then on Monday we drove to Bryans in Kaysville. We had a wonderful time at Bryans (supper and visiting). Most of the family were there. Bryan's kids and Jeanne's and Sharon's and their mates. On Tuesday we drove to Las Vegas, and then on Thursday we left for the Beach House in Mexico. On Wednesday night we had supper with David. He brought four rings that Scott had in his stuff. Two were Scott's and two were Grandma Noble's rings. Then on Wednesday we went to the Coroner's office and got his report on Scott's death. Scott died of heart failure, chronic smoking, chronic hypertion, high blood pressure and chronic alcholism. I don't know what we'll do without him to worry about us all. It also said he was depressed but I must say I don't think he was depressed. Scott was too happy a person. The offical cause of death was listed as "coronary atherosclerosis" or in layman's language 'heart attack'. He was such a good person - we will all miss him very much. Then on Friday we rested and drove to Arizona on Saturday after going to Mexico on Thursday and driving back getting home on the Friday following (July 27th) at 2:00am. We saw Floyd who seems to be very tired but well. We drove home back to Las Vegas on Monday and then home to Lethbridge on Tuesday arriving back home on Wednesday afternoon. We had supper with Brad and gave him Dusty's stuff that he had sent home to Nickee. Nickee won't be coming to Canada this year and so she sent it home with us. I guess Dustyn just doesn't have room in his suitcase. We are glad to be home.

We went golfing this morning and got groceries and my presciptions this afternoon. I have to work for Brad next week while his girl takes holidays. We are glad to be home now and working for moving to Cardston hopefully in the spring so that we can go to Arizona in the winter.I won't answer any questions tonight as I'm tired at it's already 10:17pm.Be good everyone,

love Marvelle

Correction on Day Number four

I said the ice cream cost under $7.00. I guess I must of been thinking of the #7 as in seven people. It actually cost under $10.00.

Right now all is quiet in the house. It is 7:37 a.m. and the kids are all still asleep.
LA

Day Number four of Grandma Camp

Well, we had a much less stressful and quiet day today. We went to have our photos taken at 10:40 a.m. We got some really good ones and as we had them taken at Super Store, we will be able to pick them up tomorrow so I will post some of them for everyone to see. As we left Super Store and were on our way out to the van, a lady came up to me and gave the grandkids one of the nicest compliments. She said, "You have the most polite kids. Why, one of them just said "excuse me" to me. I have never heard a child that young say "Excuse me." before." I was really pleased and made sure that the kids all heard what she had said and praised them. (Not that they don't deserve it.)

From SS we went to the Dollar store and let them all shop. I told them they could each buy one thing and I would buy them each one thing. They spent a long time deciding and had a great time in the process. Then it was home for lunch and we had an UNBirthday Party for Sydney, Jordan and Peirce as we had had a Birthday party for Jill and Taylor the first night they were here. We just gave them each some silly little gifts and they were pleased as punch. Then in the afternoon we painted t-shirts. I must admit that took a lot of nerve on my part but we made it through. The clean up took longer than the process but we really had fun. Peirce's shirt was probably the best one. Funny how good they turn out when you just turn the kids loose. Sorry Moms, (Dawn and Gaylene) but it wasn't just the shirts that got painted. We had the kids little swimming pool set up on the front driveway and they decided to wash their brushes etc in there so we had to change the water and the water hose in the hands of kids is dangerous. After dinner we went out to supposedly clean up the mess and they had a good water fight. Colleen and Dave arrived about that time and I told them it was an "Enter at your own risk" situation. We did manage to get it all cleaned up though and then we decided to go to Stirling for ice cream. I don't know how many are aware that Stirling is Lethbridge's answer to Cochrane for ice cream. They are much cheaper though. The kids each had a bowl full of ice cream. There must of been two cups of ice cream in each and they cost $1.41. Ice cream cones the same size were 93 cents. Seven of us had more ice cream than we could eat and it cost just under $7.

So now they are all settled down and asleep and it is also time for Grandma to hit the hay. I will post some of the photos we had taken today when we get them back tomorrow.

SLC - ATL

Well, Allen and I are having a great time while our kids are having a great time at Grandma Camp. They were VERY excited to get going with Grandma Camp. We kept hearing, "Grandma, when does Grandma Camp start?" The word was that as soon as the parents left it would start - so they gave us the boot. It was good to see them so anxious for the fun to begin.

Allen and I drove down to SLC that day. We were only going to drive part of the way and took our time stopping here and there. I fell asleep and just like Allen's style - he just kept going. We got to SLC at 4 am. Ugh! What a terrible time to arrive somewhere. We were getting a little worried because every hotel we went to was full. Finally though we pulled into The Dream Inn. They had a room!! Yea!! It was probably the nastiest hotel room I've ever seen though! I had to take a picture of it just for memory's sake. I was a little afraid to take my shoes off. The carpet was probably from 1942 - but the bed was good!! They had a really nice soaker tub - but the stop wouldn't work so we couldn't use it. The shower had so much water pressure it actually hurt to shower! It was unbelievable. There was a bar of soap in there from a Howard Johnson hotel (do hotels steal soap from each other?) We had a good laugh over that place.

We spent the day on Wednesday hanging around in Salt Lake. We walked around downtown and around temple square. Allen enjoyed thinking up dumb questions to ask people. We had lunch in the Joseph Smith Memorial building. This picture is taken from a window in the waiting area at the restaurant up on one of the top floors. To the right of the temple you can see the new Conference Center. I'd never seen it before so that was fun. We also did a little shopping and generally just had a lazy day there. My goal was to see a General Authority that day. As we were leaving temple square Sherri Dew passed us. I figured she was close enough to a General Authority. :0) LOL

Wednesday night we flew from SLC to Atlanta for Primerica company convention. We're having a great time here. Our hotel is beautiful (quite a change from our SLC hotel!) and we're having a great time running into old friends. Today we went to some workshops and learned a lot. Tonight there's a big general session in the Georgia Dome. They figure there will be about 60,000 people there. As you can imagine it gets a little crazy!! They gave all the canadian agents and partners whitles - so whenever anyone from Canada speaks or gets mentinoed or is in a video or gets an award all the Canadians blow their whistles. Let me tell you, it's a little loud!! Not sure if we'll make that much of an impact in a crowd of 60,000 people though. There are about 8000 people from Canada. Should be interesting!!

Day Number Three

We went down to Warner today to the Dinosaur dig. It was HOT!!! HOT!!! HOT!!! They warned us that it would be 10 - 15 degrees hotter at the bottom of the ravine as it was 45 degrees in Warner. It was a little too hot for my liking and I was very happy to be finished when we were. It was very exciting though and the kids loved it. They got to make impressions of dinosaur feet in the museum and they saw all kinds of rocks and things that are remnants of dinosaur bones. They say dino eggs and a replica of a baby dinosaur in an egg. They even learned that a certain type of dirt that was in there is used in soft ice cream to make it smooth. I asked them if they wanted a soft ice cream cone when we got back to town and they all said, no way.

We stopped in Stirling and they had hard ice cream with the money that Great Grandpa Jensen gave them this morning. He came to pick up some photos from me and gave them some money for them to buy ice cream after the dino dig.

Tonight Nelson's van started just fine. GRRRRrrrrrrr. The silly thing. We think the battery was just run down but it really didn't sound like that when it wouldn't start yesterday. So we will use the rental van for another day and take it back on Saturday. Gayle will take the Nelson's van to work to see how it works. I wouldn't want to be stranded miles from home with five kids and a vehicle that won't work.

Tonight Jordan was the dinner helper. We made tacas and nachos. He did a really good job. Then we all went to the hotel for a dip in the pool. Once again I am pooped. The kids all seem to be going strong. Poor old Grandma needs her rest.

Sorry Guys

I think I KINDA goofed on this post. I am in a rush as we are off to Warner today to see the Dinosaur Dig. Pictures are posted wonky and I'm not even sure my last post made it. I will re post it so if it is duplicated, just chalk it up to my inexperience with this new blog.
LA

Well we made it through another day of Grandma's Camp. To start things off Gaylene and Duane's van died. We rented another van and went off to do our thing so we don't know what is wrong yet but we think it is the starter. Gayle will have it towed in and see what is wrong. We haven't told Gaylene and Duane yet. We don't think it is necessary for them to worry yet. We went to Waterton, saw the Prince of Wales again, took lots of pictures, wandered around and saw lots of people we know, had a picnic, let the kids get soaked in the lake, the we moved on to Mountain View where we bought the kids ice cream cones, and on to Cardston, where we visited the cemetery and the kids saw Grandpa Great and Nana Hyde's graves, Scott's grave, Karen Akroyd's grave, and anyone else they thought they might know. We thought this might not be too interesting or fun for them, but they all thought it quite unique to go and see. Then we wandered around Cardston a bit, went out to see Nana and Grandpa Great's house, the Fay Ray Fountain, and a few other spots. We were early to go to the theatre but not early enough to seethe Remington Carriage Museum or the Miniature Museum. We spent too much time in the morning messing around deciding and getting another van. Seussical the Musical was everything it was hyped up to be. The kids sat mesmerized. After the show the characters all lined up out in front of the theatre. The kids got autographs and we took their picture with The Cat in the Hat. Jill and Sydney liked Gertrude, Peirce and Taylor liked JoJo, and Jordan liked General Schmitz. It was great! We came got home at about 10:30. Everyone settled down and went to bed faster tonight. They were all pooped.Onward and upwards to more fun tomorrow.LA