This week was pretty fun! I finally finished the "Sniderville" playmat for my nephews for their Christmas gift. I would have to say that it was definitely worth every hour that I put into it, so much so that I am looking forward to making another one someday for my future grandsons. :) Everything is made from felt, except for the blue parking garage on the lower left, and the tunnel. For those, I incorporated a nice craft foam with felt to cover them.   The craft foam for the tunnel and parking garage works wonderfully to hold its shape, but collapses easily when rolled up for storage. Also this week, I had my niece, Ana, color my hair. Since she colors hers all the time, I figured she'd be a good replacement for my husband's skilled hands. She did not disappoint.  Before - During - and After: Here in Ukiah, they had a special performance at the local theater for a new church movie, "Out of Liberty.&quo

This is Scott's new address until further notice: Kenneth S. Harmon Unit 38 ID, KSA APO, AE 09803

Some miracles are taking place with my Grandma's caregiver, Jennifer. She is an amazing person - she's about 38 years old, is a single and very devoted mom, is very curious and very thoughtful and sincere. We were so lucky to find her to begin with, since it is rare to find a caregiver out here without a criminal past. I took a liking to her on the first day (mid-September) and have often thought to myself that I would love to have her as my personal friend. *She certainly has become that over the past few months.* On occasion, she has asked a religious question of me, to where it leads to many additional questions about the Gospel. She has a very intelligent and curious mind, which is being passed on to her children as she takes them to the library multiple afternoons a week after school. In a nutshell, her questions have led me to explain the origins of the Book of Mormon, the Plan of Salvation, Joseph Smith and the First Vision, what missionaries do throughout the world, w

This past week wasn't the most exciting week on record, but there were some fun field trips that took place. Monday: I took Grandma Doris over to Boonville (about 25 minutes over the mountain from my mom's house) so we could get some favorite apples at Gowan's Oak Tree. This place has been there for 3 generations and is just so charming. My Grandma Zoe's favorite apple was always their Sierra Beauty that became available in the late fall. Apparently she would always order a full box to be sent over to Ukiah each year so she didn't have to make the drive over the mountain. Incidentally, Grandma Zoe (my dad's mother) was also born in Boonville, so maybe she knew about the special apple her whole life. Not sure! That's my box of Sierra Beauties on the lower right . . . I bought 20 lbs of the Sierra Beauties and 10 lbs of a new kind I've never heard of before - called Newtown Pippen. It is amazing! Sierra Beauties are mostly red, with a l