NEAL Blessing Blanket, October Update, and More

Precious Sunday, October 4, 2009--Bryson Kealoha Pierce was blessed and wrapped in the Neal Blessing Blanket. This white, puffy blanket, edged in lace with a strip of blue and pink ribbon as a border, has been with each Neal daughter and each grandchild for their naming and blessings since Lindsey's birth/blessing in 1980. The blanket was made for us by Sister Leah Holmstead of Logan 19th Ward. This inspired Relief Society President knew just what I needed as I was preparing for our first baby to arrive. She taught me how to make these, and made the blessing blanket, 5 nightgowns, and Lindsey's favorite blanket that she still has and uses with her children! She taught ME how--and I am grateful to have shared that skill by making blankets for others through the years. I always think of Leah and her true compassion whenever I'm sewing those...and whenever it's time to bless a Neal baby. She was without a doubt an angel to me.

Standing in the circle was a new face in these parts, son-in-law Aaron Jensen. He, Jenny, and Kylee have now moved from Lock Haven, PA to Hawaii where Aaron is the physician's assistant for Dr. Nielson at BYUH, who has been our family physician for almost 25 years. It is a delight to have all of the Jensens here, staying with us temporarily, and we are enjoying our granddaughter, Kylee, so much. It sounds like "what goes 'round comes 'round"--Jenny's family may be living in Laie 1st Ward, near the Laie Park---that is the ward we attended 25 years ago when we first moved here. Jenny was the blonde girl in the nursery then...and got her blonde hair pulled a few times, I remember.

The Jensen move has fostered "going home" feelings for Erin and family. If it works out for them, they will also be trying to return to Hawaii at some point. PA is having a cold spell early, and some of them are not used to that! We hope and pray for the best for all of our family. Each is dear, whether close by or farther away. Avery is growing and is fun to see in online videos and photos and to talk with in cell phone calls. Technology does melt the miles some, thank heavens.

Megan has moved to a student house on Kam. Highway. She is living with 4 others in a house rented by our friend, Sherrill Erickson. Sherrill was the first beautician for the girls when we moved here that long ago...the girls used to sweep her floor while she cut the others' hair! Megan is taking some English classes, Japanese, and also some band classes. It is G R E A T to hear her play trumpet again. She works in the computer area upstairs in Snow Building for Kevin Schlag, not too far from Bill's office. She rolls around on her friend's skateboard and is involved in a few extra activities on campus and for Kahuku Debate judging. She seems to be liking college life here, and living in Laie makes that more convenient.

Lindsey's 4 boys keep her life very active. The baby blessing was followed by yummy soup in bread bowls and potlucking. But regularly, Trevor's schooling and soccer, plus Devin's mother's preschool, and Kyle the Playing Boy, and cuddly Bryson fill her days. With Trevor here at our house for 3 mornings a week of schooling, my time with the rest is more limited now. During summer it was so nice to be available almost any day for time to visit and play . . . now. with teaching two classes and volunteer work on Fridays at the Family History Center, the nanna-hours are numbered.

Fortunately, the classes this semester are moving along well. The 20/24 students in the HEC 220 and REL 261 seem more motivated, interested. That is a BIG help to me. Prepping is taking a new look--developing powerpoints for each daily outline to send myself. I'm now saving the curriculum in cyberspace as our computer grows older and since I don't want to ever lose all that I've done these past 8 semesters/terms. The family history updates online continue, so I'm always updating myself. Sometimes it's hard to keep up with all those changes. I'm very grateful to be an "early bird" in the mornings--generally, I see both 4 o"clocks in a day. Being on the computer by 3:30 each a.m. is a frequent occurrence. Wish it were not so as far as physical rest, but it is helpful for accomplishing my goals.

Bill is also enjoying his university life, especially teaching of Business Communications. He team teaches that, and also serves as the volunteer adviser for SIFE. First Counselor in the 2nd Stake presidency, he also has a full time position as the Assistant to President Wheelwright. His days, too, are busy. He has more energy at night than I do, but is patient with me as I collapse by 8:30 on the couch. Those early a.m.'s take a toll.

We love our "island retreat" home here in Hawaii. It has served as a pleasant, desirable place to get away from our work these past 6 years. We love our park and ocean view, our space, and the ease of care of this home. It is a joy to be at home and care for it. We both feel that way.

This month has brought changes, reawakened old memories, and made new memories--photographs in our hearts--that will grow in fondness in the years to come. From blankets, to cinnamon rolls for a wonderful, televised General Conference, soccer games and being with family on Saturdays. . .and beyond. . .we find blessings to be thankful for each day. This is a great time for us. We pray it may always be so.