What an amazing man. Words cannot express how great he truly was. He will be greatly missed!!
-Lawrence, Gwen & Family
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=2560294
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Happy 4th Birthday B!!
Hey Brenden, you're getting sooooo BIG. Can't believe you are 4 years old. WOW!! We love you buddy.
- The Gundie Gang
- The Gundie Gang
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Below Freezing....
So this morning, we woke up to a beautiful sunshiney day until we looked at the weather thermometer and it read a while whopping -17 degrees!!! It is absolutley freezing and beyond. Of course all of the schools around Rexburg have been canceled today except for the lovely BYU-Idaho. Yeah for that.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Lets all share our calendars.
Hey all, I just finished setting up my Google calendar and I shared it with the quigclan calendar. If you’d like to share your calendar with me or the family site just follow these simple steps. Also let me know the account you keep your calendar under and I’ll share ours with you.
1. Just log in to your calendar main page.
2. Click on “Settings” in the upper right corner.
3. Under “Calendar Settings” click on “Calendars”.
4. Under “SHARING” click where it says “Shared” or “Share Calendar” or something similar to that.
5. For your security and so that you don’t share your calendar with the world make sure that “Do not share with everyone” is selected. (The other options will allow all or part of your calendar to be searched on public calendar searches I think.)
6. Under “ADD A NEW PERSON” type our gmail account. (bepnbob@gmail.com) and click “Add Person” on the right side of the screen. Make sure you click “Save” at the bottom or all your effort will have been for nothing.
7. If you’d like to share with others in the family, you can add multiple people before clicking “Save”. (fyi. The families calendar is quigclan@gmail.com)
Remember that this only adds your calendar to my list. It won’t make any changes to yours until I in turn add you to my list.
Also an fyi when you add me to your list you can set my permissions as far as what I can or can’t see. Another way to keep your personal events personal is to select the “This event is: Private” box on the right side of the screen when creating an event and nobody you share with will be able to see that specific event or its details. (for example, Bethany and I will make things like her work schedule and my exam schedule private, not because they are private but because I don’t want to clog your calendar with dates that don’t apply to you.)
Call if you have any questions or if my directions are totally wrong or confusing. Thanks Greg and Melinda for setting up this new system I look forward to figuring out how to use its resources.
Morgan
(702) 423-2659
1. Just log in to your calendar main page.
2. Click on “Settings” in the upper right corner.
3. Under “Calendar Settings” click on “Calendars”.
4. Under “SHARING” click where it says “Shared” or “Share Calendar” or something similar to that.
5. For your security and so that you don’t share your calendar with the world make sure that “Do not share with everyone” is selected. (The other options will allow all or part of your calendar to be searched on public calendar searches I think.)
6. Under “ADD A NEW PERSON” type our gmail account. (bepnbob@gmail.com) and click “Add Person” on the right side of the screen. Make sure you click “Save” at the bottom or all your effort will have been for nothing.
7. If you’d like to share with others in the family, you can add multiple people before clicking “Save”. (fyi. The families calendar is quigclan@gmail.com)
Remember that this only adds your calendar to my list. It won’t make any changes to yours until I in turn add you to my list.
Also an fyi when you add me to your list you can set my permissions as far as what I can or can’t see. Another way to keep your personal events personal is to select the “This event is: Private” box on the right side of the screen when creating an event and nobody you share with will be able to see that specific event or its details. (for example, Bethany and I will make things like her work schedule and my exam schedule private, not because they are private but because I don’t want to clog your calendar with dates that don’t apply to you.)
Call if you have any questions or if my directions are totally wrong or confusing. Thanks Greg and Melinda for setting up this new system I look forward to figuring out how to use its resources.
Morgan
(702) 423-2659
CLEANING WITH THE KIDS
Quigley Family Toilet Cleaner
1. Mother Gwen (wearing her tutu) calls a meeting, then puts both lids of the toilet up and adds 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl.
2. Garth picks up the cat and soothes her while Lee carries Mitzie towards the bathroom.
3. In one smooth movement, Mig puts the cat in the toilet and closes both lids. Bry stands on the lids.
4. Mitzie self agitates and makes ample suds. Never mind the noises that came from the toilet, the cat was actually enjoying this.
5. Mels flushes the toilet three or four times. This provides a 'power-wash and rinse'.
6. Mork opens the front door of our Lakewood home. Reese is sure that there are no people between the bathroom and the front door.
7. All kids stand behind the toilet or as far out of the way as possible and Gwennie quickly lifts both lids.
8. Mitzie rockets out of the toilet, streaks through the bathroom, down the stairs and runs outside where she will dry herself off, cursing the “little angels” in cat language.
9. Both the commode and the cat are sparkling clean.
10. All "innocent" Quigley kids all claim accomplishment and responsibility for cleaning the bathroom and grooming the cat so nicely. They all deny any knowledge of where the water throughout the house came from, and then ask the Supreme Mother for treats as she pulls into the driveway after grocery shopping!
that's my story and I'm sticking to it! luv...pops
1. Mother Gwen (wearing her tutu) calls a meeting, then puts both lids of the toilet up and adds 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl.
2. Garth picks up the cat and soothes her while Lee carries Mitzie towards the bathroom.
3. In one smooth movement, Mig puts the cat in the toilet and closes both lids. Bry stands on the lids.
4. Mitzie self agitates and makes ample suds. Never mind the noises that came from the toilet, the cat was actually enjoying this.
5. Mels flushes the toilet three or four times. This provides a 'power-wash and rinse'.
6. Mork opens the front door of our Lakewood home. Reese is sure that there are no people between the bathroom and the front door.
7. All kids stand behind the toilet or as far out of the way as possible and Gwennie quickly lifts both lids.
8. Mitzie rockets out of the toilet, streaks through the bathroom, down the stairs and runs outside where she will dry herself off, cursing the “little angels” in cat language.
9. Both the commode and the cat are sparkling clean.
10. All "innocent" Quigley kids all claim accomplishment and responsibility for cleaning the bathroom and grooming the cat so nicely. They all deny any knowledge of where the water throughout the house came from, and then ask the Supreme Mother for treats as she pulls into the driveway after grocery shopping!
that's my story and I'm sticking to it! luv...pops
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Good times
Mignon and I went to a food storage class together tonight. I'm not gunna lie, more than half of it went over my head, but I still loved it. Learning new things is always fun for me. Hopefully I can translate some of the many good ideas into my life. I'm definately excited to attend future classes. Maybe someday I'll get comfortable in the food storage world. In the meantime, I thought I'd share an easy-shmeasy food storage recipe that I made the other day. Prepare yourself for something amazing. :) Greg and I love beans and rice so this a cheap, easy, yummy, and fast way to get there. (Our family is small, so obviously adjust for yours.)
- Prepare 1 to 1 1/2 cups rice.
- While your rice cooks, combine 1 can undrained black beans with 1 can stewed tomatoes in a small pot.
- Let it simmer together until your rice is done, and bam you're done.
It's something yummy you can eat alone in an emergency, but I'll usually grill chicken, and make a salad to go with it.
WISE WORDS
Yo Fam...your Angel Mother continues her specialness. I'm ever amazed at her productivity and insights, and treasure her suggestions.
What follows is, in my opinion, a remarkable compliation written by Sweet Betty Jo, and is equally applicable to us boys as well as you girls. All please take time to read this in its entirity. The pixs are from our Milwaukee trip last July. Luv...pops
President Faust also said, “One of your unique, precious, and sublime gifts is your femininity, with its natural grace, goodness, and divinity. Femininity is …the divine adornment of humanity. It finds expression in your qualities, your capacity to love, your spirituality, delicacy, radiance, sensitivity, creativity, charm, graciousness, gentleness, dignity, and quiet strength. It is manifest differently in each girl or woman, but each of you possesses it.”
What wonderful qualities President Faust attributed to women of all ages! Attributes that we All possess! Yes, some of us are great artists, amazing quilters, fantastic cooks, accomplished musicians, play writers, song writers etc. If we each had all of the qualities of every other sister, we would not need each other nor could we learn and grow as is expected while here on the earth. Earthly skills and talents should not be confused with or take precedence over those universal God-given characteristics of womanhood.
Elder Russell M. Nelson stated in a General Conference, “There are times when a woman’s ability to endure is taxed to the limit. A teacher may have had enough of childish pranks, or a mother might be heard to say she’s ‘ready to resign.’ She could become discouraged, especially if comparing herself unrealistically to others or focusing on what she is to do instead of on what she is to be.”
A woman’s “self-esteem cannot be based on physical features, possession or lack of a particular talent, or comparative quantities of anything. Her self-esteem is earned by individual righteousness and a close relationship with God. Her outward glow is generated by goodness within. Feelings of worth come when a woman follows the example of the Master. Her sense of infinite worth comes from her own Christ-like yearning to reach out with love, as He does. In partnership with God, her divine mission is to help spirits live and souls be lifted. This is the measure of her creation. It is ennobling, edifying, and exalting.” 
Elder M. Russell Ballard said, “Of this you may be certain - The Lord especially loves righteous women—women who are not only faithful but filled with faith; women who are optimistic and cheerful because they know who they are and where they are going; women who are striving to live and serve as women of God.”
What follows is, in my opinion, a remarkable compliation written by Sweet Betty Jo, and is equally applicable to us boys as well as you girls. All please take time to read this in its entirity. The pixs are from our Milwaukee trip last July. Luv...pops
Dear Sisters of the Kimberly Idaho Stake:
When we met with President Allen this month, as the Stake Relief Society Presidency, he, as many times before, expressed a concern that our Sisters have a tendency to compare themselves to others and short change themselves. He said that we are all created by the same Maker with abilities unique to each of us. He also said that as Daughters of God we are created to be who we are for a purpose and we should not desire to be anyone else.
President James E. Faust years ago in a Young Women’s General Meeting taught, “The true spirit of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives to women the highest place of honor in human life. I wonder if you sisters fully understand the greatness of your gifts and talents and how all of you can achieve the ‘highest place of honor’ in the Church and in the world.”
When we met with President Allen this month, as the Stake Relief Society Presidency, he, as many times before, expressed a concern that our Sisters have a tendency to compare themselves to others and short change themselves. He said that we are all created by the same Maker with abilities unique to each of us. He also said that as Daughters of God we are created to be who we are for a purpose and we should not desire to be anyone else.
President James E. Faust years ago in a Young Women’s General Meeting taught, “The true spirit of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives to women the highest place of honor in human life. I wonder if you sisters fully understand the greatness of your gifts and talents and how all of you can achieve the ‘highest place of honor’ in the Church and in the world.”
President Faust also said, “One of your unique, precious, and sublime gifts is your femininity, with its natural grace, goodness, and divinity. Femininity is …the divine adornment of humanity. It finds expression in your qualities, your capacity to love, your spirituality, delicacy, radiance, sensitivity, creativity, charm, graciousness, gentleness, dignity, and quiet strength. It is manifest differently in each girl or woman, but each of you possesses it.”
What wonderful qualities President Faust attributed to women of all ages! Attributes that we All possess! Yes, some of us are great artists, amazing quilters, fantastic cooks, accomplished musicians, play writers, song writers etc. If we each had all of the qualities of every other sister, we would not need each other nor could we learn and grow as is expected while here on the earth. Earthly skills and talents should not be confused with or take precedence over those universal God-given characteristics of womanhood.
Elder Russell M. Nelson stated in a General Conference, “There are times when a woman’s ability to endure is taxed to the limit. A teacher may have had enough of childish pranks, or a mother might be heard to say she’s ‘ready to resign.’ She could become discouraged, especially if comparing herself unrealistically to others or focusing on what she is to do instead of on what she is to be.”
A woman’s “self-esteem cannot be based on physical features, possession or lack of a particular talent, or comparative quantities of anything. Her self-esteem is earned by individual righteousness and a close relationship with God. Her outward glow is generated by goodness within. Feelings of worth come when a woman follows the example of the Master. Her sense of infinite worth comes from her own Christ-like yearning to reach out with love, as He does. In partnership with God, her divine mission is to help spirits live and souls be lifted. This is the measure of her creation. It is ennobling, edifying, and exalting.”
Elder M. Russell Ballard said, “Of this you may be certain - The Lord especially loves righteous women—women who are not only faithful but filled with faith; women who are optimistic and cheerful because they know who they are and where they are going; women who are striving to live and serve as women of God.”
When we went to the Idaho Falls Temple as a Stake Relief Society, I had the words of “I Am a Child of God” constantly going through my mind prior to our trip. As I pondered those words while in the temple with you great sisters, I realized that the Lord’s House was truly the best place to discover that “I am a child of God”, to learn why “He has sent me here”, “to understand His words”, to know that “great blessings are in store”, and that “if I but learn to do His will I’ll live with Him once more.”
I was touched with the comments of Sister Margaret Lifferth at our recent Stake Conference when she told of a non-member sister that made the cross stitch of the words to “I am a Child of God” and memorized it. I feel very strongly that most of us really understand and believe that we are truly God’s daughters. But for some reason, we look at others and think that everyone else is measuring up more perfectly that we are. By doing this, we allow the adversary to bring great despair and hopelessness into our lives.
Turning to the words of a song, a favorite scripture, the Relief Society Declaration, or a positive affirmation of our choice can pull us out of the adversary’s grasp. Actively attending Relief Society is enriching! Participating in Home, Family and Personal Enrichment Meetings and Activities will fill our spiritual reservoirs and buoy us up to face life’s challenges. For me, during those very busy child-raising years, a periodic Priesthood Blessing performed miracles. It still does as a grandmother.
Sisters, let us not get caught up in trying to have the perfect body, driving the fanciest car, living in the most highly decorated home, having the most diversely talented children, or anything else the world deems important. Likewise, let us not compare our righteous efforts with those of our friends or with our sisters in the gospel. True happiness and contentment in one’s self comes when we are exercising faith in a loving Heavenly Father, following the promptings received from Him, and discovering our own personal ministry.
We love you, pray for you, and are enjoying walking with you through this earthly journey.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Idaho Stake Relief Society Presidency
I was touched with the comments of Sister Margaret Lifferth at our recent Stake Conference when she told of a non-member sister that made the cross stitch of the words to “I am a Child of God” and memorized it. I feel very strongly that most of us really understand and believe that we are truly God’s daughters. But for some reason, we look at others and think that everyone else is measuring up more perfectly that we are. By doing this, we allow the adversary to bring great despair and hopelessness into our lives.
Turning to the words of a song, a favorite scripture, the Relief Society Declaration, or a positive affirmation of our choice can pull us out of the adversary’s grasp. Actively attending Relief Society is enriching! Participating in Home, Family and Personal Enrichment Meetings and Activities will fill our spiritual reservoirs and buoy us up to face life’s challenges. For me, during those very busy child-raising years, a periodic Priesthood Blessing performed miracles. It still does as a grandmother.
Sisters, let us not get caught up in trying to have the perfect body, driving the fanciest car, living in the most highly decorated home, having the most diversely talented children, or anything else the world deems important. Likewise, let us not compare our righteous efforts with those of our friends or with our sisters in the gospel. True happiness and contentment in one’s self comes when we are exercising faith in a loving Heavenly Father, following the promptings received from Him, and discovering our own personal ministry.
We love you, pray for you, and are enjoying walking with you through this earthly journey.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Idaho Stake Relief Society Presidency
Friday, January 11, 2008
I Like the New Look!!
Hey Greg and Melinda, I think the new look is great. I love how you've changed it up and all things you do to make the blog so GREAT!! I can't thank you both enough for making this possible. I have been telling Lawrence that I'd really like to start a blog for the Gunderson family. I have absolutely loved this and how we can get a little more insight into each others families. Thanks again for setting this up. You guys ROCK!!!!
-Gwenny
-Gwenny
Thursday, January 10, 2008
WILL'S BLANKIES
Brit's blessing invitation for Will reminded me of the beautiful blankies that were made for him by his grammie q (quilt) and his auntie jana (green hand knit). they're beauttiful heirlooms. thought you all might like to take a peek. luv...pops
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
New Family Calendar
I'm willing to bet that if you have used the family calendar, you have probably had some frustrating moments with it. It seems to be getting worse each day. The time has come for something better & much more reliable.
We are going to switch to google calendars for the family calendar. I have already moved everything from the current calendar to the new one through December. For those of you using the "quigclan" login, everything is set up for you already. For everyone else, you will need to follow a couple of easy steps to use the family calendar. I created a mini guide with pictures for those of you with your own accounts. Click here to see the instructions.
Overall this will be a better calendar. It is very user friendly and has a lot of features that will be nice. Check it out & let me know what you think.
We are going to switch to google calendars for the family calendar. I have already moved everything from the current calendar to the new one through December. For those of you using the "quigclan" login, everything is set up for you already. For everyone else, you will need to follow a couple of easy steps to use the family calendar. I created a mini guide with pictures for those of you with your own accounts. Click here to see the instructions.
Overall this will be a better calendar. It is very user friendly and has a lot of features that will be nice. Check it out & let me know what you think.
If you want to look over the old calendar, here is the link: http://my.calendars.net/quigleyfamily/
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Happy 26th Birthday Jana!!
Hope you have a FANTASTIC day!!Love,
Lawrence, Gwen, Lindsey, Connor, Oakley, Gracie & Gunnar
Monday, January 7, 2008
Will's Blessing/ Emma's Baptism
Hey- We are going to be blessing Will on February 3rd. Our church starts at 12:30 but we have sacrament last so that makes the blessing at 2:15pm. Everyone is invited to come and there will be a luncheon afterward at about 4:00 with plenty of food for all. If you would like to spend the night on Friday or Saturday let me know and we can make arrangements for you.
As you probably know Em is turning 8 this March and her baptism will be on Saturday, March 29th. We still aren't sure of the time but as soon as I know I will tell you for anyone who may be interested in coming. Of course you are all invited and there will be plenty of food for that event too. That will only be 2 weeks from the wedding so we understand if you can't make it to all the events coming up but if you can come we would love to have you!
UPDATE ON THE QUIGLEYS-------------------
Loved our Christmas and New Years!!! We have all been blessedly germ free and have been enjoying every minute of little Will. He is a really good baby and even lets his mom sleep pretty well at night. (I didn't say through the night just on a predictable 3 hour schedule.) The doctor was a little worried about him at his 9 day appointment because he had gone from 7lb.14oz at birth to 7lb.9oz in 9 days. He sent us home without the bloodwork done and asked us to bulk up his feedings and bring him back in 4 days to check his weight. In those 4 days he went from 7lb.9oz to 8lb.2oz! Needless to say no one is worried about his weight anymore. He has the eating thing down! He is much more alert now and loves to look at faces. Eli has been a riot with him- asks to hold him and then kisses him on the head, says "YEY!!" and gives him back. No jelousy as of yet and he is very gentle. Em is a great helper and loves to carry Will around wherever she goes. She also enjoys "accidentally"puting her nose too close to his mouth so he sucks on it. YUCK! My kids are cute and so far after one day of normal schedule not vacation schedule I'm not too overwhelmed. Talk to me by the end of the week and I may have a different story but for now it's all good. I have to hand it too my Garth though. It has been sooooooo nice to have him home for the last 3 weeks. He has stepped up and taken care of the house, the meals, the kids(any and all of them), and a wife who has taken full advantage of the break. I love him and have been so spoiled by him. I am fully considering having all the rest of my kids in December so I can have this senario everytime.
Well, as usuall this update is way too long. Sorry!
Love you all,
BRIT
As you probably know Em is turning 8 this March and her baptism will be on Saturday, March 29th. We still aren't sure of the time but as soon as I know I will tell you for anyone who may be interested in coming. Of course you are all invited and there will be plenty of food for that event too. That will only be 2 weeks from the wedding so we understand if you can't make it to all the events coming up but if you can come we would love to have you!
UPDATE ON THE QUIGLEYS-------------------
Loved our Christmas and New Years!!! We have all been blessedly germ free and have been enjoying every minute of little Will. He is a really good baby and even lets his mom sleep pretty well at night. (I didn't say through the night just on a predictable 3 hour schedule.) The doctor was a little worried about him at his 9 day appointment because he had gone from 7lb.14oz at birth to 7lb.9oz in 9 days. He sent us home without the bloodwork done and asked us to bulk up his feedings and bring him back in 4 days to check his weight. In those 4 days he went from 7lb.9oz to 8lb.2oz! Needless to say no one is worried about his weight anymore. He has the eating thing down! He is much more alert now and loves to look at faces. Eli has been a riot with him- asks to hold him and then kisses him on the head, says "YEY!!" and gives him back. No jelousy as of yet and he is very gentle. Em is a great helper and loves to carry Will around wherever she goes. She also enjoys "accidentally"puting her nose too close to his mouth so he sucks on it. YUCK! My kids are cute and so far after one day of normal schedule not vacation schedule I'm not too overwhelmed. Talk to me by the end of the week and I may have a different story but for now it's all good. I have to hand it too my Garth though. It has been sooooooo nice to have him home for the last 3 weeks. He has stepped up and taken care of the house, the meals, the kids(any and all of them), and a wife who has taken full advantage of the break. I love him and have been so spoiled by him. I am fully considering having all the rest of my kids in December so I can have this senario everytime.
Well, as usuall this update is way too long. Sorry!
Love you all,
BRIT
Saturday, January 5, 2008
YOUR ANGEL MOTHER IS A TIMES-NEWS CELEB
SBJ just completed her Relief Society Room decorating project and was interviewed about it by the paper. Please enjoy the pix and the article. This room is a very special place - one that invites you in and makes you want to stay due to the scared nature and beauty of the surroundings. Your angel mother is AWESOME!!! love...pops
Rebecca Smith, right, Betty Jo Quigley, center, and Carol Morgan unwrap Simon Dewey prints Friday morning that will adorn the walls of the new Church of Latter-day Saints chapel on Hankins Road in Twin Falls. 'This Sunday is going to be very interesting,' says Morgan of the church service where she and other members will see who makes up the new ward. An open house is scheduled for Jan. 12.
Mormons invite community to open house at new chapel
By Ariel Hansen Times-News writer
To anyone who has been to a Mormon chapel, the new structure on Hankins Road in Twin Falls will look familiar - the brick facade with white trim and the subdued interior colors were chosen from a set of standard options the church offers its wards.
And to those who have been following the growth of the church, the reason the chapel was needed is also familiar - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is gaining new members so fast that it has added a new ward in Twin Falls and two new wards in Kimberly, where another new chapel is planned.
Wards serve between 350 and 700 people, said Twin Falls Stake President Kent Allen, who anticipated that a new chapel would be needed and recommended to church leadership to build it.
"That growth was certainly recognized for several years as we saw the building in town," Allen said. And while Twin Falls County population has grown 11 percent in the past seven years, Allen estimates the growth in the Twin Falls Stake to be closer to 7 percent each year.
"What I'm most excited about is the wards will be of more manageable size and more people will have the opportunity to serve," Allen said. "People need to be needed, to know they have something to offer.
"Members of the congregation are called to serve in various capacities, from leading Sunday school classes to serving as bishop or bishopric counselor. When congregations are large, there are fewer chances for each individual.
The bishop also likes to spend time with each family in the ward, Allen said, and the larger the ward the more difficult this is, as the bishops are not paid and conduct these visits on their own time.
"We're just excited because we've been growing so fast," said Betty Jo Quigley, president of the stake's relief society. "When you get so big, it's hard to involve every person.
"More than 70 women in the relief society were involved in creating a special item for the new chapel - a quilt that symbolizes what the society offers to its members and to others.
Symbols on the quilt, designed by ward member Marsha Buccambuso, include: the tree of life; a log cabin design, representing home and hearth; hearts and hands, for friendship; flying geese, representing the faith pioneer women had to follow their leaders to the West; sago lilies, for purity and patience; baskets for the hope for bountiful harvests; fans representing generations of Mormon women; hearts connected with a vine that represents Christ; and doves for peace. The quilt will hang in the relief society room at the new chapel.
"There are quite a few of us who are not genuine quilters," said ward member Carol Morgan. She enjoyed the quilting bees that brought the women together, though, and said the flaws in the piece make it more memorable. "I was impressed with the work that had gone into it.
"It's not perfectly quilted, and expert quilters would probably pick it apart, but that's part of the legacy," Quigley said.
It's a legacy of passion for faith that Allen sees manifested around him in southern Idaho.
"The people here in Twin Falls are very faithful, very dedicated, very devout," Allen said. "Religious growth is good. It's good for communities, whether it's our faith or another.
"The chapel was authorized and financed through the Salt Lake City-based church's leadership. Allen said he doesn't know how much the building cost to construct or furnish, as all expenditures were paid at the church's general level.
"The cost of the pew, I have no idea," he said. He noted that all Mormon chapels and temples are built using tithing funds that come in from across the globe, so each building has been funded by the entire membership. "In that sense, every member of the church has claim to this building.
"The structure and its parking lot and landscaping will be maintained by the church, he said, so neighbors needn't worry that it will be a detriment to the area.
Allen invites the public to come to the chapel's open house Jan. 12, to see the new building and talk to congregation members. He especially hopes that people who live in the Hankins Road neighborhood will attend.
"We really want the neighbors to come, those of our faith and not," he said. "We hope that they recognize this beautiful edifice in their backyard.
"Allen said he expects about 400 visitors during the open house, many of whom will likely be Mormons from other wards and stakes, but non-Mormons are welcome and the event is not intended for proselytization.
Although there is no date set yet to officially dedicate the chapel, the first services will be held Sunday, and new chapel officials will be installed. They have been chosen but not announced.
"It's exciting for everyone, not just the congregations that will meet here," Allen said.
Rebecca Smith, right, Betty Jo Quigley, center, and Carol Morgan unwrap Simon Dewey prints Friday morning that will adorn the walls of the new Church of Latter-day Saints chapel on Hankins Road in Twin Falls. 'This Sunday is going to be very interesting,' says Morgan of the church service where she and other members will see who makes up the new ward. An open house is scheduled for Jan. 12.
Mormons invite community to open house at new chapel
By Ariel Hansen Times-News writer
To anyone who has been to a Mormon chapel, the new structure on Hankins Road in Twin Falls will look familiar - the brick facade with white trim and the subdued interior colors were chosen from a set of standard options the church offers its wards.
And to those who have been following the growth of the church, the reason the chapel was needed is also familiar - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is gaining new members so fast that it has added a new ward in Twin Falls and two new wards in Kimberly, where another new chapel is planned.
Wards serve between 350 and 700 people, said Twin Falls Stake President Kent Allen, who anticipated that a new chapel would be needed and recommended to church leadership to build it.
"That growth was certainly recognized for several years as we saw the building in town," Allen said. And while Twin Falls County population has grown 11 percent in the past seven years, Allen estimates the growth in the Twin Falls Stake to be closer to 7 percent each year.
"What I'm most excited about is the wards will be of more manageable size and more people will have the opportunity to serve," Allen said. "People need to be needed, to know they have something to offer.
"Members of the congregation are called to serve in various capacities, from leading Sunday school classes to serving as bishop or bishopric counselor. When congregations are large, there are fewer chances for each individual.
The bishop also likes to spend time with each family in the ward, Allen said, and the larger the ward the more difficult this is, as the bishops are not paid and conduct these visits on their own time.
"We're just excited because we've been growing so fast," said Betty Jo Quigley, president of the stake's relief society. "When you get so big, it's hard to involve every person.
"More than 70 women in the relief society were involved in creating a special item for the new chapel - a quilt that symbolizes what the society offers to its members and to others.
Symbols on the quilt, designed by ward member Marsha Buccambuso, include: the tree of life; a log cabin design, representing home and hearth; hearts and hands, for friendship; flying geese, representing the faith pioneer women had to follow their leaders to the West; sago lilies, for purity and patience; baskets for the hope for bountiful harvests; fans representing generations of Mormon women; hearts connected with a vine that represents Christ; and doves for peace. The quilt will hang in the relief society room at the new chapel.
"There are quite a few of us who are not genuine quilters," said ward member Carol Morgan. She enjoyed the quilting bees that brought the women together, though, and said the flaws in the piece make it more memorable. "I was impressed with the work that had gone into it.
"It's not perfectly quilted, and expert quilters would probably pick it apart, but that's part of the legacy," Quigley said.
It's a legacy of passion for faith that Allen sees manifested around him in southern Idaho.
"The people here in Twin Falls are very faithful, very dedicated, very devout," Allen said. "Religious growth is good. It's good for communities, whether it's our faith or another.
"The chapel was authorized and financed through the Salt Lake City-based church's leadership. Allen said he doesn't know how much the building cost to construct or furnish, as all expenditures were paid at the church's general level.
"The cost of the pew, I have no idea," he said. He noted that all Mormon chapels and temples are built using tithing funds that come in from across the globe, so each building has been funded by the entire membership. "In that sense, every member of the church has claim to this building.
"The structure and its parking lot and landscaping will be maintained by the church, he said, so neighbors needn't worry that it will be a detriment to the area.
Allen invites the public to come to the chapel's open house Jan. 12, to see the new building and talk to congregation members. He especially hopes that people who live in the Hankins Road neighborhood will attend.
"We really want the neighbors to come, those of our faith and not," he said. "We hope that they recognize this beautiful edifice in their backyard.
"Allen said he expects about 400 visitors during the open house, many of whom will likely be Mormons from other wards and stakes, but non-Mormons are welcome and the event is not intended for proselytization.
Although there is no date set yet to officially dedicate the chapel, the first services will be held Sunday, and new chapel officials will be installed. They have been chosen but not announced.
"It's exciting for everyone, not just the congregations that will meet here," Allen said.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
New Year's Fun
The entertainment value of nieces and nephews is limitless! Scott put an airplane on his lap and pretended to sleep with intent of tricking the kids into taking the plane. The kids would get close and Scott would tickle them silly. It was hilarious!
I love how Brenden tries to get Miles to do the dirty work and how Gaven taps the plane in order to check if Scott will grab him.
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