October Orchids

October...one of my favorite months...not because of Halloween, but because of the weather.  I love October weather.  The flowers are still blooming (in fact, they're blooming better), the grass is still green, it's warm instead of hot, and we even have rain once in a while.  In other parts of the country, the leaves are turning gold, but they are still lush and green here in Arizona.

I chose orchids as the addition to our October monthly bouquet (because it begins with "O") and because I have fond memories of orchids from my youth.  In those days, corsages were usually either carnations or orchids...with an occasional gardenia.  Carnations were the utility, all-purpose corsage flower.  They stayed fresh looking and were sturdy enough to withstand getting mashed between dancers at proms.  But if you received an orchid, it meant that your date really thought a lot of you and considered you too special for carnations.  I received an orchid corsage a couple of times.  Actually, I really liked carnations better. ;-)

This gorgeous tree is in Nathan's back yard.

We had a lovely, long, slow rain one day this month.

Brynlie and Camille, enjoying the drizzly rain.

October, along with other months, of course, means gorgeous sunsets.  

I got this picture of a mini tornado in Pima from the Courier.

My flowers are still bright and pretty, but the picture is actually of a huge locust that has been living in our back yard...I'm sure he's not alone.

We are almost finished with our landscaping project.  Bob Kempton did the work and it looks very nice.  We are eventually going to put a tree in front to shade the front porch.

Our October birthdays are another reason I love October.  They just happened to pick the perfect month to be born.

Shannyn turned 13 and entered the dreaded teenage years on the 9th.

Mary's birthday is the 11th.

Rylie turned 17 on the 15th.

Joel's birthday is the 19th.

October conference is another reason I love October.  I remember when we used to go to SLC twice a year to General Conferences and I loved it when it was in October because it was always so beautiful with the flowers planted especially for that occasion all around the Temple grounds.  April Conference was usually rainy (sometimes snowy) and cold.  But when we get to watch conference from the comfort of our own homes, surrounded by loved ones and in our comfy chairs, there's nothing like it.  However, maybe we lose something, too.  Dad, at least, got to go to the Tabernacle to watch conference and be in the presence of our leaders.  As for me, I usually had to stay in the room with whichever baby we brought along and watch it on TV, so this is definitely an improvement for me!

Joel and Stephanie and their boys visited for the occasion of Stephanie's grandmother's 100th birthday.  What a woman! She's amazing.  See her picture in their section.  We ate lunch with them and Stephanie's mom, Paula, at the El Charro.

After lunch they came by our house and relaxed and visited a little...and picked tomatoes.

On the 10th, we went to Mesa because it was our turn to take care of Grandpa and Grandma for the weekend.  We were able to eat lunch with Esther, at Kneaders, on our way to their house.

When we got there, Jan was there to show us the ropes and train us in how to help Grandpa.  She and Kent have moved to Mesa.  What a blessing to have her close by.  She is really an expert in this kind of care...more than anyone else in the family.  Nancy, too, of course, as she has been doing it for over a year.

When we got Grandpa up and got him cleaned and brushed and dressed, we took him into the family room where he insisted on his morning kiss from his sweetheart.  Even though he forgets almost everything else, he always remembers this.

We wheeled him over to sit by her for a little while instead of putting him right into his chair.  We figured he had been lying down all night and might enjoy sitting up for a while.

Daddy ate so well while we were there.  I was very relieved.  I had been told that sometimes he refused to eat.  But I think that he really liked the food they left for him...frozen lasagna.  It broke my heart to be feeding my daddy.  But you know, he had to feed me when I was a baby and now it is my turn to take care of him.  I was thankful that I got the opportunity to participate in his care, even just a little bit.  My Mesa siblings have been really stepping up and helping a lot more than I can.  And I was especially thankful for a husband who not only helped me, but who cared for them as if they were his own parents.  In fact, I think they think he is their son and I am his wife.

When we were ready to go home on Sunday afternoon, Shad came by to stay with them for a little while, then Jeremy and Daynen came later to relieve Shad.  They stayed until Lisa came to spend the night and help put Grandpa to bed.  I think it was a good experience for them.  I know we appreciated their willingness to serve, and I'm sure Grandma did too.

When we got home to Safford, we had a late birthday lunch for Mary.  She didn't want restaurant food; she wanted homemade soup and bread.  You know that made Dad happy.  Jenn had sick kids that day so she wasn't able to come.  We missed her.

While we were visiting, after lunch, Dad and Jared went outside to pick veggies for the girls to take home.  

On the 16th, we went back to Mesa for a full weekend of activities.  Dad got his precious car serviced, and then on Friday, Mary had a Dr. appt., and was planning to go shopping to find things with which to decorate Tyson's office.  She had asked Rachel to help in that project, so she decided to accompany Mary.  Then Rebecca jumped on the bandwagon too, and since I was already down there, we took that opportunity to get everyone together for a sisters' lunch at Olive Garden.  We missed Jenn, who had "Mommy responsibilities" she couldn't avoid or delegate.  We all enjoyed being together for a really nice lunch.

That evening was the baptism of Earl Hurrey, an associate of Joel's in his business.  Earl has been with Joel and Jeremy, and even Dad, at the D-day and Pearl Harbor memorial celebrations, and has had a favorable impression of the Church through his association with them.  He flew to Mesa to have some Gospel discussions with them and they got him in touch with the missionaries in Virginia.  He has a strong testimony and a desire to keep the Gospel principles, so he got permission to be baptized in Gilbert, where Joel could do it.  He asked Dad to confirm him.  Jeremy spoke about the Gift of the Holy Ghost and Chris Meeker, another employee, spoke about baptism.  Bert and Cherish, also employees, gave the prayers.  His daughter and her husband came from Colorado.  They have, since, begun taking lessons from the missionaries.  Earl is a former Marine and played in the Marine band, often in the White House, and met many celebrities while he was there.  He is full of very interesting stories.

We sat by him at dinner after the baptism, and were able to hear some of his stories.

At the dinner after the baptism.

The next morning, we met at the Hen House for breakfast, where Mary put Ellie's hair into a "ballet bun," because she was going to ballet after breakfast.  However, the restaurant took so long to seat us that Jeremy's family had to leave before we got into the restaurant.

I am looking, and laughing at Daynen's "Mr. Toilet paper Man" movie.

At the Hen House

Later, at the condo, getting ready to go shopping for Tyson's office.

Jeremy brought over this pot so that Dad could fill it up with beans for the luncheon after Daynen's farewell talk the next morning.

While he was there, he instructed me on how to electrocute my aching knee with his torture device.  I think it actually helped.

Saturday night, Joel invited us to Black Angus to join him and Stephanie in a birthday dinner. They gave him a birthday cookie, complete with candle.

The next morning, we all went to Daynen's ward to hear him preach.  Oh my goodness, he was so good.  He was confident and comfortable at the microphone (at least he seemed so to those of us who couldn't see his knees knocking together behind the pulpit).  He talked about the importance of having the Spirit of the Lord to guide our lives and how as we get older and have more learning experiences, we are closer to the Spirit.  He used his dad and Grandpa as an example of getting better and better as we get older.  I was sitting there thinking that I am so glad he didn't go for the female side of his parentage because I am always doing and saying things that I thought for sure I would be smart enough not to do or say by the time I reached the advanced age of 69.  I can't say I am any better now than I was when I was Daynen's age.  In some ways, maybe worse:-/

Erika made some delicious green chili to put on Superior tortillas, and her famous guacamole dip. We also had Dad's beans, as well as other yummy stuff.

As for pictures, I  apologize.  I was not allowed to take posed pictures to commemorate this occasion.  I did sneak some candid photos, but in general I didn't get what I wanted.  I wanted some of Daynen with his parents, grandparents (Grandma Kay even came) and siblings.  

Poor Hayden hurt his arm the day before and was laid up a little bit.  That is his Grandma Kay talking to him,

That evening, Joel's birthday, we went to his house to have meatballs with the family.  He had a German Chocolate cake.

After we got back, it was the Safford High School Powderpuff game.  Rylie, Polly and Isabel played.  Polly's team of Sophomores won the whole thing.

Rebecca and Rachel have been working on their 7-stake youth conference all year long.  Safford was in charge, so they felt all the stress of wanting it to be successful.  Dad went over one afternoon to help them stuff lanyards.  They had over 900 kids register, so there were a lot of lanyards to prepare.

Later in the month, Isabel's choir had a fall concert.  We seem so seldom to be in town, so I was glad to actually be here to see it.

Halloween at our house is all about getting ready for the big event.  Using Grandma's makeup, finding things in the costume box, eating hot dogs and of course, taking pictures.

Lane even came by to see Maya.  See her trying not to smile?  We've missed him.

Trick or treat!

PRIMARY PROGRAMS

Because we have been so seldom in town this month, we have missed Primary programs.  We were glad for the ones we could attend, however.  We even got to see Esther's kids' program after Daynen's farewell.  We split up to see Mary's and Rachel's.  We missed Jenn's and Erika's, and Connie's, but we know they were good too.  I love the Primary programs.  I love seeing kids share what they have learned throughout the year and hearing them sing...especially when it's my grandchildren. I obviously don't have pictures of everyone.

HALLOWEEN

Connie's kids

Rachel's kids

Isabel and Emma Hancock

Jenn's kids

Mary's kids

Erika's kids + Harrison (It looks as if Tayte and Harrison are really in the spirit of Halloween. Ha!)

Esther's kids...see above

Devynne and Brock dressed as fishermen because they were in charge of the fish pond at the ward party.

Dallin and Sara...Snow White and Prince Charming

Bethany's spooky owl

Hannah won a costume contest at school, dressed, I think, as one of her professors.

Thing 1 and Thing 2

The Evans root beer floats

NEWS FROM AROUND THE FAMILY

NATHAN & SHAUNA

I have been following "Josh the Preservationist" on Instagram and have loved seeing all the historic buildings in Omaha that he is trying to save, including one built by Mormon pioneers.

He posted this one of the Sirrine House in Mesa...his other hometown.

Josh also posted some of the Mormon sites in the Omaha area.  I have been impressed, whenever I visited there, with the affection and pride the city seems to have with their part in Mormon history. 

 I think these pictures are of Bethany and Palmer's anniversary.  Beautiful, aren't they?

They put in some quality time making gorgeous jack-o-lanterns.  I think they are all gorgeous, anyway.  The only one Bethany sent a picture of was the owl one I put on the Halloween section.  But knowing Palmer, I'm sure his was amazing too.  Hint, hint, Bethany.  Send a picture of Palmer's pumpkin.

Hannah is really living the "college life" at BYU I.  She is making friends of both genders, even a canine friend, apparently, and seems to really love her roommates.  She will be home soon and return to school in the spring.

Her choir had a concert this month.

Autumn time in Idaho

This fabulous pumpkin sculpture is in Nathan's next door neighbor's yard. Happy Halloween!

JOEL & STEPHANIE

Stephanie's grandmother, Bessie Layton, had her 100th birthday and her family celebrated it with a huge El Charro dinner.  Doesn't she look fabulous?

Joel and his boys on their way to the Priesthood session of General Conference.  Since it is now on TV, I got to listen to it.  It was really good.  Some of the best talks of the whole conference were at the Priesthood session.

Well, Stetson sold his goat.  Let's just say that his mother is glad.  I remember exactly how much fun it is to have goats...

As the Bishop, Joel conducted Earl's baptism.  Also attending were Elder Greer, the Area Authority, and President Nuttal of the Stake Presidency.

Stetson is also obviously enjoying the "college life."  

The Biggs family at the Phoenix Temple open house.  Joel and his crew were called upon to help.

I received a wonderful video of Crew pitching in a baseball game.  I have to say that I was really impressed, even though I don't know much about baseball.  To me, he looked, long and lanky and very coordinated, like Randy Johnson.  Are you impressed that I even know who Randy Johnson is?

DANIEL & CONNIE

The Glenwood town paper's post about the new school board.  Daniel is the new president of the School board.

Devynne and Brock at a Bennion family photo shoot.  Aren't they beautiful?

This is Devynne with her mother-in-law, sister-in-law and niece.

Devynne and Brock, pumpkin picking

Hiking in Eastern Washington.  She thinks it looks like Arizona. Maybe Northern Arizona, around St. Johns.

Albert and friends at a football game.

Shannyn with her amazing Connie cake.  She is playing volleyball at school, so she got a volleyball cake and even volleyball cupcakes.

Analynn and Emma both got a new hairstyle...bangs.

REBECCA & SCOTT

Rebecca and Scott love to hike.  This is a hike they took up by Morenci.

Allison and Taylor, always kidding around...no kidding.  Look at their anniversary pictures below!

Allison played in a tennis tournament in Oregon and had a lot of fun.  The other girl was her partner.

Look what Allison and Taylor found in Oregon!

Dallin has the great opportunity to take a class from Orson Scott Card at SVU.  He has a waiting list, so Dallin got on it when he first got there, and his name came up this semester.  He is taking a class on Lord of the Rings!  How fun is that!

Dallin and Sara at home

The Evans family at the Phoenix Temple open house.

They went to visit Grandpa and Grandma while they were in Mesa.  Grandpa was a little more alert than usual and he even sang with them.  He commented, of course, on the pretty girls.

The Temple District Youth Conference was a huge success!  Thanks to all the hard work, stress and creative juices of the YW presidency and their helpers.  The kids had a great time and learned a lot.  We heard good comments about it the next day from the kids in our Sunday School class.

Young Women Presidency with President Peck, the counselor over the YW,

America Day at school

Lillian was a homecoming princess and rode in the homecoming parade.

Her cousins and sister and friends were all so proud of her.

We were treated to Rebecca's annual, yummier-than-any-bakery Halloween cookies.  Rachel and kids went over to help her frost them.

Even though these are Jenn's kids, it's all about Rebecca's cookies! So that is why this picture is in Rebecca's section.

JEREMY & ERIKA

At the Phoenix Temple open house

Their new puppy, Gus Gus, having his first bath.  He got attacked by some ants, so Erika was washing them off.

Erika helped at the Special Olympics in her medical capacity.

Here is the famous "Mr. Toilet paper man."  Daynen's movie about him was so funny and cute. You need to look it up on youtube (or is it u tube?) I went in to use the bathroom when we were there after Daynen's farewell and was confronted with Mr. Toilet paper man. I laughed so hard that it's a good thing I was already in the bathroom!

Daynen is making one more movie before he leaves the middle of November.  He is on location at  Joel and Steph's house.

For some reason, Reygan, who never posts pictures of herself, had some pictures of lunches this month so I just had to save them.

She got to have the great opportunity to go on an American History tour which included her best friend.  They had a lot of fun and Reygan says she learned so much about the founding of our country.  She also loved the beautiful autumn scenery back east.

Mt. Vernon and Monticello

Independence Hall and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

I'm not sure where these cabins are...Jamestown?

And finally, Reagan and Reygan...Love them!

Mismatch day at school.

Ellie's ballet school had a spooky ballet for October.  She almost looks too cute to be spooky!

The time finally came when it was necessary to move Grandpa and Grandma out of their house so that they could have 24-hour care.  We put them in a home...Nancy's home.  She will give them the loving care and attention they need.  Jeremy and his boys went over there to help them move.  I really appreciate their being willing to help and to represent our family.  We need to go to Nancy's to see them as often as possible.  Grandma is so afraid no one will come to visit her now that she's not in her own home.  So let's all try to make some time for them.  They need us.

Traditional decorating for their annual spooky movie party.

Ellie's costume wouldn't be complete with the PA name tag!

RACHEL & TONY

Along with Rebecca, Rachel worked so hard on the youth conference for our entire Temple district.  Over 900 youth!

Rachel and kids cashing in their saved-up coins to go toward their dream vacation to Branson next month

Flu shot Friday!

Nerd day at school.  I think Lillian and Polly helped them get "nerded up."

Their ward had a hay-ride/pumpkin patch party a week before Halloween instead of a trunk-or-treat.

Pumpkin carving

Family Home Evening with Book of Mormon stories.

Rylie, always trying to eat healthy food, asked for a fruit stack instead of a birthday cake.  It looks as if Rachel provided both...for those who don't care about healthy, and just want chocolate!

Rylie, teaching the twins the secrets to perfect chocolate chip cookies.

Luke is learning how to play the violin.  He started with the viola but changed to the violin when he realized that the violin got better parts to play than the viola!  He is really loving it and practices all the time.  He wants to be really good at it.  Here, he is playing for the sister missionaries. I have a video of him playing Amazing Grace, after only a week on the violin.  Amazing!

The Graham County Fair is usually a big event for the Alder family because Isabel participates in the solo competition.  She always does well, usually coming in 2nd.  This time, she also came in 2nd, but the boy in the picture with her (Marja Hansen's grandson) is the one who was 1st.  She was ok with that because this time, Isabel beat the girl who came in first last year!  So she was happy.  I have a video of her song, but I wasn't able to put it on.  She sang X's and O's and sounded better than the recorded singer...whoever that is.  I wish I could put on all these videos, but blogger doesn't think I have enough room and I don't know how to override it.  But I have them and one day I need to make a DVD of all of them.

She is loving playing on the soccer team.  She may be the smallest player but she's a little dynamo.

At her choir concert.

Luke's Arrow of Light ceremony.

Getting ready for Halloween

ESTHER & SHAD

Watching (listening to) conference and taking notes (?)

FHE

When Shad came over to help with Grandpa, he drove his new car.  We got a shot of it as we were leaving. Very nice, Shad.  I also have to thank him for coming to my rescue the day before Halloween.  Dad was in Mesa, so I splurged and ordered tacos from El Charro for lunch.  When I drove by to pick them up, there was absolutely no place to park, anywhere near the restaurant.  I would have had to walk half a mile to get there, and my knee was still hurting.  I was at the stoplight on the corner, trying to figure out what to do, when I saw Shad going into EC.  I called to him and asked him to go in and get my tacos.  I sat at the light, even after it turned green, so I could get my card for him, and then drove around the block a couple of times.  He was truly in the right place and the right time for me that day!

Eating kimchee (a Korean favorite)...Esther's face says it all

Esther is such a good preschool teacher and she has the perfect place for it.

Rachel was down there one day this month and helped at preschool and fixed dinner for the Brown family.  

I appreciate getting the school pictures of Esther's kids.

Soren and Brody are playing soccer.

Esther had the opportunity to shadow Marlie at school for the day.  How fun! I have often thought I would like to be a fly on the wall at my kids' schools, just for a day.

Harrison was asked to accompany someone who sang a solo in church, and then he is going to play a special number in Sacrament meeting some time in November. He's way better on the piano than I am...although I know that's not saying much :-|

At the Phoenix Temple open house.

Preschool Halloween party.

School Halloween parties

THOMAS & JENN

He came home from work one day and found this rattler in his driveway, so he ran over it a couple of times...he's been well taught, I'd say.  No mercy for poisonous serpents near our children.

At the Phoenix Temple open house

Thomas' Cub Scout pack went to the fire station and had a tour and received hats.  They even had a fire alarm while the kids were there, so they got to see them dash off to save someone.

Thomas and Mary's kids went to a dinosaur day at the Safford library.

Henry fell asleep during time out! Smart kid, I think.

Rebecca and Rachel really appreciate Thomas' artistic talent on the computer.  They had him make this poster for their youth conference.  He has done other posters, invitations and t-shirts. They're lucky to have him.

pumpkin carving

Thomas' school Halloween program

Thomas and Jenn hosted their second annual scary movie party and Maya passed out candy.

MARY & TYSON

At the Phoenix Temple open house.

Mary's birthday lunch three days after her birthday because they were out of town.

Amazing Jake's on Mary's birthday.  I'm sure it is exactly where she wanted to go for her birthday.

Tyson did remember how important a rainbow cake was, however.  A chocolate muffin and a skittles rainbow served the purpose.

Mary is rearranging her house to fit in a new baby.  She remodeled her office, with the help of her sisters, into a room for Brianna.  Jenn also came to help Mary organize her toy cupboard, but they didn't take before and after pictures...go figure.  

Jared helped Mary prepare dinner by putting a red plastic plate in the oven and melting it all over.

They all love to read themselves to sleep.

At the dinosaur day at the Library.

Crazy hair day.

OUR MISSIONARIES

DEWITT 

He will be home the day after Christmas.  The Evanses are waiting Christmas for him.

LEVI

He comes home in January.

The dog's name is Oso.  I think he belongs to the Elders, maybe to their apartment?

PARKER

Notice the Angel Moroni carved into the pumpkin.  Good job Parker!

PORTER

He is in Bolivia and says that the streets of his little village remind him of the road leading to the city dump, with garbage embedded in the dirt.  But he's loving it anyway. Notice the Porter-grin in the 1st picture.

DAYNEN

He leaves just before Thanksgiving, so his family will celebrate early just for him.

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE

...or cry...

This is Levi's washing machine.  Enough said :-/

When we were at Grandma and Grandpa's this month, Jan brought over this letter I had written to her while she was away at college.  I think it was in 1971 when Rebecca was the baby.  If you can decipher my handwriting, it's a hoot!

Don't forget the Biggs reunion at Carrie's on the 15th at 2:00.  Bring your own meat, and our family is in charge of dessert.  Kim and Michelle are holding a "steak fry plate" that Grandmother gave everyone for our family steak fries.  We have two up in the cupboard.  Brings back good memories.

October has been a great month for the Biggs family.  We have loved seeing your pictures and sharing in the fun.  As long as you're willing to send us your pictures, we feel as if we really are sharing in the fun.

Thank you for your happy families.  Happy families take planning and sacrifice and constant effort, as well as constant communication with Heavenly Father.   Happy families are not a given, by any means.  We know how much you strive for that goal and we see how the Lord is blessing you.   We love you all so much and thank you for loving us.