Variety

Last Monday Paul watched James at Amy & Bryce's house while Amy took Melody to a dentist appointment.  Shirleen stayed home with a sore throat.

On Tuesday we took a baby gift to friends in the ward for their first grandchild.  Shirleen crocheted around the blanket.

Later, Paul took Lizzie to her evening violin lesson.

On Wednesday Paul helped with security at a YW event in our ward.

On Thursday we went to the temple in Gilbert for Initiatory work for extended family members.  Shirleen was proxy for four sisters born in the 1890s.  We saw Shirleen's cousin Charles as we were leaving.  Afterward, these photographs were taken:

Later Thursday, Paul watched James & Melody while Amy took Lizzie & Maylee to the dentist.

On Saturday morning Paul participated in a tree-trimming project for some ward members.  He then watched one of the first NCAA football games of the season:  Illinois vs. Nebraska (Paul's father was born & raised in Nebraska, so was partial to that team).

On Sunday, Paul attended a morning bishopric meeting (he's the ward clerk), and we later went to our other church meetings.  As usual, Sacrament Meeting was both in person and online.  During the second hour each member of the bishopric spoke in a combined meeting.  One counselor spoke concerning conflict, but to avoid contention.  The other counselor spoke concerning how to find comfort in extremely stressful situations.  The bishop then spoke concerning the effectiveness of fasting in bringing about needed help and blessings.  He cited events in Esther and Ezra, and recommended the reading of Isaiah, chapter 58.  Fasting can loosen the bands of wickedness and undo heavy burdens (verse 6), and the Lord will be our "rearward", or rearguard (verse 8).

Sunday evening, Amy & Bryce and their 5 children, and Michael & LeAnn were at our home.  It's nice to get together as a family!