JACOB PUCKETT AND SARAH MARSHALL PUCKETT
Jacob and Sarah (or Sally, as she was known) were the parents of Ephraim Puckett, my 2nd great grandfather whose wife died in childbirth with her child undelivered, and who frantically blew on the bull horn for help. Jacob Puckett was born either in Surry County, NC, or Carroll County, VA, or Montgomery County, VA, or Stokes County, NC, depending on which source is correct. They all agree that he was born in 1794. His parents were John Matthew Pucket (1768-1860) and Martha Patsy Spence (1771-1850). Jacob was one of 11 children. Jacob and Sarah were married on March 11, 1825 in Aarat, Patrick County, VA, and lived in Dan River, a community in Patrick County. They were the parents of 15 children, 12 of whom lived to adulthood, a major accomplishment in those days. I found some Civil War records of a Jacob Puckett, but it probably wasn't our ancestor because he was 67 years old at the start of the war.
Sarah or Sally Marshall was born in 1807 or 1808 in Montgomery County, VA. Her parents were Robert Marshall (1782-1855) and Susannah Poteet Dodd (1785-1859). Sarah was the 3rd of 11 children. She died on July 22, 1899 in Patrick VA and Jacob died on August 22, 1887. They are both buried in the Jacob Puckett Cemetery in Carroll County, VA.
Jacob and Sarah Puckett
Last Will of Jacob Puckett
Headstone in Jacob Puckett cemetery in Carroll County VA
SHADRACH FORD DRIGGS AND ELIZA WHITE DRIGGS
I learned some things while I was researching these ancestors...actually I learned that I don't know anything for sure. All the things I thought I knew about the Driggs family have been called into question. One source on the internet says the Driggs family came to America from Holland, another says we came from England and a third says we came from Portugal. They all agree that the first ancestor to come to America in the 1700's was eventually named Joseph Driggs, but whether his original name was Joseph DeRaet, Joseph Dratz, Joseph Drigges or Jose Rodrigues is up for debate. I realize that anything we read online has to be taken with a grain of salt as we only know what someone else has thought was correct and it may not be. However, the facts about Shadrach Ford Driggs are well known, unlike those of his ancestors, and somewhat documented, so I will be content with that. Shadrach Ford Driggs was born on August 28, 1813, in Ashtabula, OH. His parents were Urial Driggs (1780-1846) and Hannah Ford (1780-1848). He was the father of Benjamin Woodbury Driggs, or Ben the Wagon Boy, our grandfather who married Olivia Pratt, Parley's oldest daughter. Shadrach married Eliza or Elizabeth White in June, 1836 in Fredonia, OH, and then again in Provo when they reached Utah. They were the parents of 11 children, of whom Ben was the first. At his death, his son recorded a humorous incident from his childhood.
Eliza or Elizabeth White was born July 14, 1812 in Chester VT. She was "tall, lanky and of laconic [concise, using a minimum of words] speech." She met Shadrach in Fredonia OH and they were married there. Both the Driggs and White families joined the Church in Ohio and moved to Nauvoo where Shadrach became a foreman in a wagon factory, where he built many of the wagons for the Saints to emigrate West. When it was time for them to go, he had used up all the seasoned timber for others' wagons, so he cut up the great cart that he had made to move rock in the Temple yard, and made two wagons out of it for himself and his family to emigrate. He was 38 and Eliza was 39 when they left Nauvoo. They had two children by that time. So, she had 9 more children after she was 39 years old!
They went to Kanesville, (Council Bluffs) where they set up shop to repair wagons in Big Pidgeon Creek. They also did some farming while they were there . They built a log house and wagon shop. Soon about 30 families made this area their home until in the fall of 1851 the call came, "On to the Valleys." So they left for Utah, leaving the grave site of their daughter baby Ruth. When they got to Utah, they moved to Pleasant Grove where he set up a wagon shop, also making plows and coffins. He grew maple trees and made the first maple sugar in Utah.
Shadrach took a second wife, a widow, Celia Harvey Taylor, in 1855. They had one child. Celia and her mother and child lived with Shadrach and Eliza. Eliza died on February 10, 1896, and Shadrach died on October 26, 1898, both in Pleasant Grove.
Eliza White Driggs Shadrach Ford Driggs
Interesting sidenote: Brother Loren Moore, who works in the temple with us, is related to us through the Driggs and Biggs families. His Driggs ancestor is the brother of Shadrach Ford Driggs, whose descendant married a descendant of Thomas Biggs. So Dad and I are not the first Biggs and Driggs to marry!
October is one of my favorite months of the year in Arizona. It is usually calm, cooler, glorious...just what brings people to Arizona. Our October birthdays are just as glorious as the weather.
Shannyn turned 18 on the 9th
Mary's birthday was the 11th
Joel's birthday was the 19th
Rylie turned 22 on the 15th
OUR OCTOBER
I asked Rachel to put my Fall decorations around and make my home look Fall-Festive. I love walking through the rooms and seeing everything so pretty.
What a month! We started October in Manti, Utah going to a session in the Manti Temple with Thomas. It was so memorable to me and Manti has become my favorite temple, as far as beauty is concerned, not family tradition, of course. The Mesa Temple and the Gila Valley Temple will always be at the top of my sentimental list. But Manti was so amazing. I've been in the Salt Lake Temple and it's beautiful too, but for some reason Manti took my breath away. The murals in the ordinance rooms were spectacular and the celestial room was also gorgeous.
For example, one of the sealing rooms, which I hesitate to put on because it doesn't begin to show how beautiful it is, how rich and extensive. There's another dome in that same room.
On the 3rd, we went to the funeral of our dear friend, Gerald Montierth. He was in the Bishopric when we moved to Safford and made us feel welcome, and he and his wife, Doris befriended us. I worked with her in Primary before I was called to the stake Young Women, and we have been dear friends ever since. Gerald passed away unexpectedly in his home while he was taking a nap...that's how I want to go. I had recently been called to be the compassionate service leader in our ward, so his funeral luncheon was my responsibility. I had no clue. I have never been a ward Relief Society president, only a stake one, so I had never taken the responsibility for a funeral luncheon. I had helped before and brought food, but never worried about the details. And I wouldn't have known enough to worry about them this time either if it hadn't been for Rebecca. I called her and asked her to train me. As president in her ward, she dealt with many funerals. She was appalled at what I didn't know and what I hadn't done and didn't even know I had to do. She led me through it step by step, staying by my side the whole time. She even came and helped me set up the night before and worked with me all morning as we prepared and served the meal. Then Rachel came to help clean up, so she and Rebecca made sure the kitchen and cultural hall were spic and span. Tyson and Jenn even offered to help as well, but we had it in hand.
We went to Walmart to buy some things we needed for the luncheon and parked next to this handpainted car. I thought it was interesting, so I took a picture.
On the 5th and 6th we watched a beautiful, inspiring General Conference from SLC. As always, I felt as if the messages were tailored just for me and my family.
I loved the new YW theme and have been working to memorize it.
On Monday, we took Jared to Walmart to size his finger so that we could order a CTR ring for him, then we went by Dairy Queen to get him a treat. We said he could order anything he wanted, a sundae, a blizzard, a milkshake, anything. He just wanted a cherry on ice.
On Wednesday, the 9th, we went to Brianna's choir concert. It was 2 whole hours long! It's a good thing it was worth it to see and hear Brianna. She had a little solo part and did a great job.
Friday the 11th, was Mary's birthday, but she had things planned by family and friends all day. We saw her when she came by to get her birthday card, though. The next day was Jared's baptism, so she was also very busy with preparing for that event.
Jared was baptized on October 12th by his dad and then confirmed by his dad as well.
Standing in the circle to confirm him were Tyson, Dad, Russ Richins, Thomas, Scott, DeWitt, Corey Richins, Trevor Richins, Drew Norton, Brother Phillips of the Bishopric.
They had an ice cream bar at their house after the baptism. Logan came out to help Dad and me down the steps so we wouldn't fall to our death on the way in.
On Sunday, we had Thomas' family to dinner.
After which, Mary's family joined us for a Sunday visit.
On the 16th, we went to Gilbert in preparation for our trip to North Carolina. We ate dinner with Joel and his family, including Levi who came after Stetson and Lindsay left and isn't in this picture.
~OUR NORTH CAROLINA FAMILY REUNION~
We left the next day, with Jeremy, who agreed to be our chauffeur and all-around servant, for a family reunion in North Carolina. I hadn't been looking forward to the trip but felt that I needed to go because my siblings had been trying to arrange a reunion in Mt. Airy for a couple of years. Because of our temple assignment we were not able to go until this year so they scheduled it for when we were free. As soon as I knew Jeremy would be accompanying us, I felt so much better about it and was excited to be with him, but still a little nervous about seeing cousins I don't really know. I was so wrong. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed every minute. I felt reconnected to my extended Hiatt family and heritage, and not just my Hiatt siblings.
Jeremy always took all three bags. Because we were flying first class American, we got to wait in the Admiral's room where they had snacks, comfy chairs, outlets for devices, all the comforts of home.
We ate the first night at Chile's right by the Holiday Inn Express where we stayed.
In the morning of the 18th, we all met at Rhonda and Bobby Bradley's house. Rhonda is Paul's daughter. He is Grandpa Hiatt's younger brother. Cyndi Poole, the artist who painted the beautiful watercolors that we all have, is her sister. Anyway, Rhonda and Bobby have a lovely home in Mt. Airy, on 6 acres of forest land. They cleared some to build their house, and then cut logs to build their adventureland park down by the creek. It was there that we had all the big family meals. We ate there once each day.
We drove up the Blue Ridge Parkway into the foothills of the Blueridge mountains, looking for some fall color, but didn't see much. It has just been too warm, they told us. The weather was so nice the whole time we were there...warm and sunny during the day, showers at night while we were asleep and cool evenings requiring a cozy fire at Rhonda's. We ate breakfast at the Maybry Cafe, over the border in VA. I wondered if that is where Andy Griffith got the idea for the name of Mayberry. I saw the name Maybry in several places while we were there. Jeremy took these pictures. In fact, he took the beautiful one of the mill that was right by the cafe. I wish I were a good enough artist that I could paint that scene. Maybe Reygan can.
On the way back down into Mt. Airy, we stopped at the Puckett cabin, in Virginia, just shy of the border between NC and VA. It is a historical landmark and several people stopped to see it while we were there. I asked each of them if they were Pucketts and none of them were, just interested. And it is very interesting. It is the cabin of Aunt Orlene Puckett, the wife John Puckett, Ephraim's brother, so the daughter-in-law of Jacob and Sarah, whose biography opens the blog this month. She is my 3rd great aunt. Aunt Orlene was a midwife for 75 years, delivering over 1000 babies, never losing even one baby or mother. The ironic, sad thing is, however, that she had 24 babies of her own, none of whom lived past infancy. So she has no posterity. I looked her up on Family Search and found a long list of children (they list 14, though the sign at the cabin says 24) each having died the same year they were born, and none of whom were even given a name. I wondered if she had a problem carrying her babies to term, similar to the one Mary has had, but without the modern technology that allowed Mary's babies to grow and thrive in spite of their early start. The cabin was boarded up, but I took a photo through the window.
Before we got back to town we stopped at a roadside market and bought fruit and candy and nuts.
When we got back, Dad and Jeremy walked around downtown and saw Opie's candy shop, Floyd's barber shop, Wally's filling station and the "Mayberry Courthouse and jail."
They really capitalize on the Mayberry connection. And I have to admit I was surprised at how many people there were, not all old, either, who came to see the Andy Griffith sights.
The little house was Andy's parents' home where he lived as a child before he became famous.
We took a squad car tour of Mt. Airy and enjoyed learning about the show and about the town too. Our driver was so cute, calling out "Citizen's Arrest" to some people who were jaywalking.
That evening we ate at Rhonda and Bobby's adventure land. That's what I call it. I think they called it the creek house. It is a huge pavilion, similar to Rebecca's with a running creek instead of a pool and much more rustic. They have a kitchen, bathroom, shower and a lovely sitting/sleeping room made from a reconstructed tobacco barn. The posts were all trees in their woods that they stripped and used for building material. I don't know if you can see the really cool tree house.
Rhonda, Lisa, Karen; getting reacquainted with cousins
Aunt Ara Jean, the wife of Grandpa Hiatt's brother Wib (Wilbur). He is still alive but in a care facility. She is in an assisted living home, but is still so bright and aware. She totally remembered me even though I don't look anything like I did when she knew me. The look on my face is when I saw Uncle Ephie (Ephraim), Grandpa's brother. He is only about 10 years older than I and so we were friends. Dad got to be friends with him too, when we visited years ago.
Bobby is sitting with Mike; Dad talking to my favorite Aunt, Ep (Ethel); and me with Tamela my close cousin who had been burned in a school fire when she was in 1st or 2nd grade.
This is me with Tamela and Carolyn Gentry who is the Hiatt family genealogist. Tamela is the daughter of Tam (Talmedge) who you all thought looked just like Grandpa when we visited in 1985. You can just barely tell that Tamela was terribly scarred in the fire. She looks so much better now than she used to. The color is more evened out and normal looking, and she doesn't have any wrinkles! Carolyn is the daughter of Wib (Wilbur), another of Grandpa's younger brothers.
Each family introduced themselves. Some live right in Mt. Airy, some came from Winston Salem, one from Florida, one from Utah and one from Las Vegas. I was surprised that so many made such a long trip. I really thought it was just going to be my siblings and the ones who lived in Mt. Airy.
Rudger's family. They all called him Rudger.
All the cousins who were there the first night, including Ep, Ara Jean and Ephie from Grandpa's generation. Different cousins came on succeeding evenings. I'm going to try to either name the person or at least tell whose kids they are: L-R front: Tamela Hiatt Midriff, Susan, Sylvia (Wib), Anne's daughter, Ep, Ara Jean. L-R second row: Bill's daughter, Cyndi Poole (Paul), ?, Bill's daughter, Gail (Wib), Jan, Nancy, Karl, Rhonda (Paul) Karen, Craig (Tam's). L-R back row: Lisa, Petey (Paul) Wib's son, Bill's daughter, Laura (Tam), Kenny (Tam) David (Tam) Zane (Ep) Karl
The next morning, we met at the Snappy Lunch for breakfast. Dad got biscuits and gravy, which he still raves about, and Jeremy and I got a pork chop sandwich, which is the signature dish of the Snappy Lunch. It was Joel's birthday, so we all sang Happy Birthday to him.
We went to the Andy Griffith museum next. It was all about Andy, not just Mayberry. It included Matlock and his movies.
We are standing in front of my Grandpa David Hiatt's law office, the one I remember visiting when I was a child. The other one is the one he and Uncle Tam built in the 60's. Tam's son, David is practicing law there now. We didn't know where to find the old building, so we asked Rhonda who sent us on a wild goose chase all over town. I opted to wait in the car while Dad and Jeremy searched. You can see the tail light of our rental next to me in the picture. They took a long time, doing a little shopping when they couldn't find the building. Rhonda said it was over "Bear Country" but they just couldn't find it. They finally came back to the car and as they approached it they saw that it was parked, with me in it, right in front of "Bear Country!"
We had an early supper at the creek house because we were going to see the Bellamy Brothers perform that night. Craig Hiatt's wife and John Hiatt's wife; Craig in the distance with Karl; Phil and his close cousin Kenny Hiatt; Melody with her boyfriend. Melody lived with Grandma and Grandpa for a while, as did Rhonda.
Rhonda and Bobby's adventure land park; Bobby making a fire; Karen and Mike and Dale; Jeremy
At the Bellamy Brothers' concert
On Sunday, we went to the Mt. Airy Ward and then had dinner at Rhonda and Bobby's afterward. Cyndi brought a few of her signed, numbered prints to share so I got one that Mother had hanging in her foyer that Karl got on choosing day. I also got one for Mary and Thomas because they didn't get one and Jeremy got one for Erika. That is Cyndi sitting by me at church.
At church and going back to the hotel before lunch.
On Sunday we had our final meal together and a family devotional at which each family told of memories of Grandpa and Grandma Hiatt.
My sisters sang "He Cares For Me" by Wanda Palmer. It was one of Daddy's favorite songs.
Rudger's siblings Ara Jean (Wib's wife), Ephie, Ep; Nancy and Ep; Dad, Phil and Karl; me telling about Mother's introduction to Mt. Airy Hillbillies.
After lunch we drove to Sheltontown, a community outside of Mt. Airy, to see the home place. It is in such bad shape. It broke my heart. Someone had been living there fairly recently and left the inside a shambles. I think it was even a family member...the son of a cousin or someone. We went through the house and I took some books...ten. Cyndi said I could as they were just rotting away.
Karen is walking down the back steps of Paul's house. It has been sold to someone outside the family; going through the woods and kudzu to find the fallen-down barn.
This is the old white church that I remember going to when I was a little girl. It was right across the street from Grandpa's house and next to the Hiatt cemetery. Of course the old church is gone now and they attend a modern brick building in Mt. Airy, but the cemetery is still there.
We found some friendly relatives who didn't mind if we rested ourselves on their gravestones; Grandma Susan is the one I was named for (along with a Susan on Mother's side). It was she who rescued Grandpa's oldest brother when he was born at 7 months. Of course in those days, they couldn't save a 7 month baby, so they gave him a name and a blessing (just Junior because they thought he was going to die), set him aside to work on his mother. Grandma Susan wrapped him up and put him in the warming oven and saved his life. He lived to be in his 90's and was a respected teacher.
These are the headstones of David Lafayette and Ethel Mene Puckett Hiatt, my grandparents.
The Hiatt cemetery; Nancy standing by the headstone of Nancy Ann Inman, for whom she was named. She is Grandpa David's mother.
That night, we and Jeremy had popcorn and Andy Griffith episodes.
In the morning, before we caught our plane, we went back to Sheltontown and and ate lunch at the Derby. Grandpa Hiatt used to love going to the Derby. We had an amazing meal of homemade comfort food. I got meatloaf, potatoes, applesauce, fried okra, rolls, and it even came with 2 shrimps and hush puppies. I could only eat about half of it. It was $6.78 or something like that. Dad got all-you-can-eat-fried flounder, homemade vegetable soup, fried okra, cabbage, and hush puppies for the same price! Jeremy got the same thing Dad got, more or less.
All around town, in front of businesses, schools, homes, there were little autumn vignettes and all the storefronts were decorated for fall. So pretty; Jeremy saw this old mustang and had to stop and take a picture for Hayden.
I was so awed by kudzu. It was everywhere, climbing up and covering trees, bushes, abandoned cars, houses. I looked it up online and found the school bus picture. They called it "the vine that ate the South." The other pictures are ones we saw as we drove around.
We got back to Gilbert late Monday night and crashed. We were all so tired. Dad and I stayed for a couple of days so we could see the kids.
We ate lunch with Joel and Stephanie and Levi, and believe it or not, I didn't take a picture. I was having major food coma and forgot to take a picture.
We ate dinner with the Browns at Chic-fil-A and I was so amazed at how we were all sitting at a table in the restaurant and ordering our food on our phones! Then right away, sure enough, someone would bring the food right to us. They ordered individually, then some more to take home for
Bridger and then again for ice cream. The 21st Century! Amazing!
We got home on Wednesday afternoon and Thomas and Jenn invited us over for chicken noodle soup and cheese biscuits. I have to say, that was the best chicken noodle soup I have ever had!
Jenn came in from her job at the karate studio. She and Henry take karate lessons and Jenn works as an assistant and receptionist there.
On Saturday and Sunday the 26th and 27th, we had stake conference. Thomas was officially released from his calling as stake YM president, although he had formerly been released by a prophet in General Conference. After conference, his family and Mary's family came over for a spaghetti supper.
On Monday, the 28th, we went to see Cinderella, a community youth play in which Maya had a very good roll as a narrator. In fact, she said the most important words in the whole play, "And they lived happily ever after."
Dad and Tyson went to Wilcox to take his tractor to a tractor-expert/friend of Tyson to put on a trailer hitch so he can pull a trailer full of grandkids to go caroling.
Mary invited us over for delicious pumpkin stew. Jared had his own pumpkin.
~HALLOWEEN~
Mary said that it seemed to her that we have been working in the temple for the last several Halloweens. That's true. Before we were called to serve full time, our shift was on Wednesdays and Halloween was on a Wednesday. Then we started working every day and missed Halloween for three more years. This year, Halloween is on a Thursday and our shift is Thursdays. Go figure.
Bethany, Palmer and Jovie
Getting together with Glendale friends for their last Arizona Halloween
Hannah and Seth in Omaha by a jack-o-lantern pyramid.
Stetson, Lindsay and Junie. It's a hard job, but somebody's got to do it.
Porter, Alta and Aila were unicorns
Shannyn with dinosaur friends
Emma and friend
Syrina camel, Spiderman Raymond and Captain Alonzo
Devynne, Theo and Rosena were bugs and Brock was a bug catcher!
Rebecca, Scott and Polly got into the spirit of Halloween
Spiderman Parley
Parley also got to go trick or treating at an old prison.
Harvey and Lucy got to do double Halloween as Batman and Catwoman...
And as Marshall and a llama
Polly and her boyfriend Aric Peterson
Daynen and Jori were pretty scary (zombies?) but Victoria was sweet/
Little angel Victoria
Jeremy and Tayte celebrated Halloween at a Cardinals' game
Brynlie and Camille were Alice and Marsha from the Brady Bunch. Luke was Luke
Harrison was O Bi Wan Kenobi, Bridger was silly, Marlie and Zack were farmers, Brody was a Dallas Cowboys player and Soren was enjoying their block party. Kirtlyn tells me Soren was a character from the spooky series Stranger Things.
They had their traditional Halloween block party in front of their house.
Talk about 80's shows...Kirtlyn was from Back to the Future.
Hyrum, Henry, Maya and Thomas
Kirtlyn learned how to make incredibly realistic, scary wounds.
And they went trick or treating to Rebecca's among other places.
Jared dinosaur, Brianna cute animal of some kind, Alex Flash
Angel Lindsay, Marshall Ethan, and kidnapped-by-a-zombie Carson
Trick or treating at Rebecca's and Thomas' house. Ethan slept through it.
~NATHAN AND SHAUNA~
Joshua seems to be adjusting to Indiana. He's finding friends and loving the historic buildings in his adopted city. I've even heard people say that Indianapolis is a city dedicated to preserving their heritage. Joshua will fit right in.
Jovie in Arizona
Jovie in Omaha
Those apples are from Nathan and Shauna's own tree. Don't they look delicious!
This returning missionary left for his mission while Nathan was his Bishop in the singles ward. Now, his younger brothers are in Nathan's Young Men's group.
Seth 2 D2 and Hannah Wan Kenobi
~JOEL AND STEPHANIE~
Joel and Stephanie, Levi and Crew spent some time at the first of the month at the Del in San Diego. It's been one of their favorite places to go to relax and rejuvenate.
Junie's smile
Junie enjoying her grandparents' back yard. It looks like it must have been a Sunday visit.
They are rebuilding their pool
Stetson passed the bar...on the first try. I love what he wrote on his post: "Call me Dad, Esq."
Lindsay posted praise for her husband for not only passing but scoring among the top 15% in the nation.
Eating out with Grandpa Tom and Grandma Susan
Joel's birthday on the 19th. He turned 52. A mere child.
In Pine. That apple is from one of their many apple trees. I wish we had time to go up and pick some. Actually, I expressed that wish to Joel, and he brought me a whole bag full!
~DANIEL AND CONNIE~
Rosena reaching out to comfort her big brother; watching President Oakes
Syrina, Raymond and Alonzo enjoying the balmy early October weather in their stream.
But the balmy weather didn't last long...they've already had snow!
Shannyn's 18th birthday was the 9th, and Connie made her a Spiderman cake. He is perched on the side of the Empire State Building. Aila thinks it is pretty cool too.
Shannyn and her friends on a shopping trip
Homecoming week
Homecoming dance with friends
Daniel sent this picture of President Theodore Roosevelt along with an explanation. We all know that Roosevelt was an avid hunter, and that Colorado was one of his favorite hunting destinations. Daniel found that at one time he hunted just above Daniel's house on Divide Creek which flows through Daniel's property, although Daniel thinks he just rode through his property to get where he was going. Still, interesting to be a part of history.
Theo and Rosena
Emma by a beautiful fall scene.
~REBECCA AND SCOTT~
Lillian videoed the sheep parade through Cedar City. It is traditionally the time when the sheep ranchers move their herds (flocks?) from the high country to the St. George area for the winter. They drive them right through town, so every year they have a sheep parade.
Lillian videoed the sheep parade through Cedar City. It is traditionally the time when the sheep ranchers move their herds (flocks?) from the high country to the St. George area for the winter. They drive them right through town, so every year they have a sheep parade.
Lillian and friends
Harvey and Lucy with pumpkins their dad grew himself.
They also enjoyed time at the pumpkin farm.
The Evanses at Jared's baptism.
We saw Polly and Aric coming out of church one Sunday morning and they kindly agreed to pose for me.
DeWitt is busy finishing his apartment complex. This was at the first of the month. It's much farther along now. He is beginning his round of interviews for med schools.
How nice to live with your best friend.
Rebecca sent these pictures of her primary class coloring "The Armor of God" pictures.
Rebecca and Scott, DeWitt and Polly went to Utah to visit Lillian and Kelin. These pictures are at Cedar Breaks National Monument.
They really enjoyed being together again. As much as Lillian loves Cedar City, she misses her family
DeWitt and some friends went to Hawaii.
Rebecca and Rachel took a trip back to Wheeling West Virginia to visit Dallin and Sarah and Parley. They saw some interesting sights. Beautiful buildings; a "Nephite/Jaredite mound" as Rebecca calls it. Dad looked it up and it's really called Grave Creek Mound. According to the Cincinnati Chronicle, the first recorded excavation took place in 1838 by amateurs Abelard Tomlinson and Thomas Biggs. It is now a Historic Landmark.
As well as seeing the beautiful fall sites in West Virginia, they went to Pittsburgh and enjoyed touring that city. I have no idea the correct order of these pictures, but they are all gorgeous, especially the people.
I think these are at Dallin and Sara's house.
This beautiful waterfall is near their house. I think Dallin should paint it.
Rebecca and Parley are under the waterfall.
~JEREMY AND ERIKA~
Their family took a trip to NYC at the first of the month and enjoyed it so much. It seems to be one of their favorite cities, and who can blame them. As with Rebecca and Rachel's trip I have no idea what the correct order is, so just enjoy the sights of NY.
I do know this is Coney Island. I remember visiting there when I was a little girl. It still looks about the same.
One day, Reygan took a trip on the subway by herself and went to see the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art. Brave girl.
On the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Obviously, they have to see some shows.
And eat in cool restaurants.
And enjoy the beauty of Central Park
Good Morning, happy Victoria!
She makes everyone happy
Even the dogs. This one lets her pull on his ear.
Erika has been enjoying crafting to decorate her house.
Reygan is a teacher's aid and made this Halloween door decoration. Can you imagine how lucky that teacher is to have Reygan for her aid?
She is branching out into watercolors. I would love to see some of the finished work.
Ellie and friends at school.
Jeremy went with us to North Carolina and it made our trip so much better just because he was there to help, and enjoy it with us. He, along with some of the rest of you, is a diehard Andy Griffith fan, so he enjoyed seeing the real Mayberry. We wouldn't have been able to do it at all without him, but most of all, it wouldn't have been as much fun.
And I think he also enjoyed the family...even Mike who teased him the whole time.
Daynen's latest film
~RACHEL AND TONY~
Nerd/Jock day for homecoming week. I think it is interesting to see which twin chose which personality.
Rachel had her YW over to carve pumpkins.
Isabel and Logan flew to Seattle to pick up a horse trailer which they then drove home.
Brynlie has been practicing drawing and is definitely developing her talent. I'm so glad she is doing this and I hope she keeps at it. We've had several grandchildren who have demonstrated a talent for art but have abandoned it in favor of other pursuits. It's possible to do other things and still enjoy art. Look at President Boyd K. Packer.
Watching General Conference
Rachel and the twins did some food photography for Thomas.
Enjoying the Graham County Fair.
Brynlie and Camille are each other's best friend. "Womb to tomb" to quote Westside Story. The also enjoyed the Studio C show.
Rylie's 22nd birthday
At Jared's baptism
Love birds
The Alders getting in shape
Rachel really enjoyed her trip to West Virginia with Rebecca.
~ESTHER AND SHAD~
Bridger made this himself
Esther and Shad and their family went to SLC to visit friends and family and see the sights.
At Bridal Veil Falls. She was a tiny baby when we went there in 1977.
They even toured BYU
At Chick-Fil-A, ordering on their phones
Homecoming
Marlie at her last YW in Excellence program. She's a senior, so even if they weren't changing everything, it still would be her last.
Brody's honor roll recognition
~THOMAS AND JENN~
Kirtlyn has been drawing too. She is also very talented and I hope she keeps it up. She drew this picture of President Oakes while he was speaking in Conference.
At Jared's baptism
Crazy hair/crazy hat day for homecoming week.
Kirtlyn helped me paint block snowmen for the Hospital Auxiliary Christmas House. Our Relief Society was helping with it and they asked me to do a bunch of snowmen. I called on Kirtyn to help.
Studio C came to Safford and Thomas and Jenn got seats right down in front. They were on either side of the extended stage. They also had tickets to go backstage and meet the stars of the show.
Henry had to have 3 teeth extracted because they were not coming out naturally. The dentist could see why when she got them out. They had huge roots for baby teeth.
We took him a medicinal milkshake when we went over for chicken noodle soup and cheese biscuits.
Kirtlyn's choir concert. It was our temple shift night. I thought I could slip away, but because hardly anyone was at the temple (Safford's choir concert, EAC Fall Sing, Thatcher games) I had to stay and fill in the prayer circle.
Maya as the narrator for Cinderella
This site on Instagram asked Jenn to contribute.
A family/fan support group
Scary pumpkins
~MARY AND TYSON~
Mary's 36th birthday was commemorated by Rebecca and Rachel embarrassing her by singing Happy Birthday at the top of their voices when they saw her in Walmart.
Ethan celebrated by sampling her ice cream cake that Lindsay decorated with Mary's traditional rainbow.
The county fair is always on Mary's birthday. This year she bribed her kids not to go to the fair. She told them they could each have $30 to spend at the store for anything they wanted if they wouldn't go to the fair. She figured it cost $25 for a ride ticket and $5 to get in. If you add in food and wear and tear, she figured she was way ahead. They came by to get Mary's birthday card and show us what they bought with their bribery.
Alex and Ethan making silly faces when they knew I wanted to take their picture.
When Mary was making Jared's baptism video, she found these pictures of Grandma and Grandpa Hiatt.
Jared's baptism program, including his sweet testimony.
At the baptism
Jared w his parents and family
Brianna played and Lindsay led the opening song, then Lindsay played and Brianna led the closing song. They both did very well.
At their ice cream party afterwards.
Dad took a few minutes to talk to Jared about the covenants he made.
Brianna's choir concert. It was very good. She was very good.
The Richins family also went to see Studio C.
A little boy sandwich!
Mary and Tyson are taking their big kids to SLC for the Christmas Devotional and other activities. They surprised them with this itinerary on each of their beds. It looks like a fun-filled 3 days.
Mary says Alex's favorite thing to do is play in the dirt with his dump truck. He will be content to play for hours and hours, pretending who knows what. It reminds me of Daniel at that age. He also loved to play in the dirt around our house in St. Johns with his cars and trucks and would occupy himself that way for hours at a time.
Carson's contribution to his class's offrenda. He chose to honor Grandpa Hiatt.
~Missionaries~
From Docker in Boston
Lunch...you'd think he'd fatten up; Baptismal font; The district; New members
A painting from a member; gathering for Elder Ballard's visit; the trio; the trio at the stadium
From Albert in California
New members
From Harrison in Gilbert
The Service missionaries from all over the Valley; and the ones from Gilbert
~SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE~
Harrison makes me not only smile but laugh out loud!
You'll probably just skip these, but I wanted to include them so I would have them. They are so funny. If you have time and want a laugh, read them.
Isn't this so so true?
And this, as well.
I don't know if Lucy is just funny or if Allison is. But I always get a kick out of Allison's sense of humor. And it's a good thing Lucy is a baby. If she were a teenager, she wouldn't be one bit happy with her mom's choice of pictures to post.
~LAST WORDS~
Something I've been thinking about. I was so glad to hear the leaders of the Church reemphasize the need to seek and act upon personal revelation. This is something with which I wholeheartedly agree. It is the only way to receive a sure testimony of Jesus Christ and His church, and receive answers to our personal concerns and questions. However, I think this principle needs a comment or two. First of all, we don't need to ask questions that we already know the answers to. "Should I marry in the Temple?" "Should I obey the Word of Wisdom?" "Should I keep the commandments? Should I love and serve others?" And for young men, "Should I serve a mission?" The prophets have already given us the word of God on those questions. We know the answers already. Seeking personal revelation doesn't mean questioning the prophets' counsel and the Lord's commandments. Personal revelation is for our own needs and will bless us as we walk what President Nelson calls "the Covenant Path," but it should never and will never supersede or supplant what the prophets of God have revealed to us. In fact, that is one way we can know if we are receiving personal revelation or are just hearing the sound of our own desires. If it contradicts the revealed word of the Lord and what the prophets have taught, then we can pretty much know that we are not receiving revelation from God. I am thankful that He loves us enough to enlighten our hearts and minds with personal revelation and enough to send prophets to guide us with His revealed word.
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