How the Bishop does Thanksgiving

Just in case you wondered what the Bishop does on Thanksgiving here are a few pictures.

First we begin with the pre-dinner nap. This is critical so you have plenty of energy to tackle all that turkey.

Then there is the post dinner nap. Even the dog, Pugsy, is worn out by eating dinner (he loves brussel sprouts and marshmellows).
While the rest of the family is playing games he is ever focused. Work, work, work.
Then he tackles his talk. Yes, he is scheduled to talk on Sunday along with the Jared and Marc. I will be there, hope you will also.

Happy Thanksgiving

We feel so blessed to serve in the BYU-I 67th ward. It is one of our greatest joys to be with you each Sunday. We love to hang out in the complex and watch you come and go. You are the cream of the crop. So many of you have touched us in ways you will never know. Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives.

We hope everyone has a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving.

Talent Show

An evening of fun, We met at the church for donuts and hot chocolate, conversation and a few moments of role playing. We divided into 2 groups and using props that various people brought (the bishop brought a plumbers helper) you had to figure out what they were doing.

One group used props to display emotions, such as joy, frustration etc.

The other group gave the props emotions and of course you had to guess what the emotion was.
Billy demostrate the joy of a warm hat.

Steven uses a the confidence scarf.

Although not a lot of people came we had a good time and plenty of food.

Another great social by the activities committee.

Can you eat a rack?

When the Elders Quorum parties they do it right and without a lot of fluff.

The occasion: BYU vs U of U football. The menu: Baby back ribs and trimmings

First they had to unload the grill, which Brother Broulim so kindly brought. Brother Trevino tried orchestrating the process but then realized that man power was need for this big boy grill. The bishop had been to the temple a little earlier and was still in his suit so he didn't assist.

The big question of the day was how do we light this thing?

Brother Broulim gives them some pointer on how it all works,
Then the men take over.

While some patiently waited, others discussed which team they were for and who should win and why. Putting the finishing touches on the ribs.
Will they every get done?

Others avoided the chilly fall air and took advantage of staking out a place at the tables.
Finally it's chow time. Brother Broulim filled their plates high with ribs.

(I think Jesse is excited.)

Bishop dons a chefs coat to enjoy the meal.

Another satisfied customer/Elder.

What more could he ask for that Ribs, beans and a cold Jones soda. A finger-licking delicious meal.

After they ate and cleaned up, they headed to the Rex to watch the game on a big screen. U of U won, yeah for their fans, Boo for the BYU fans. This was such a big event that the news media came and several of them made the news.

Thanks Brother Broulim for a delicious set of racks and trimmings and to the Elders Quorum Presidency for a news worthy activity.

Newest member

Welcome to the ward this last week,

Brooklyn Laine,

beautiful daughter of Cassie and Jacob.

What do think, is dad proud or what?

Another hidden talent

When the Bishop isn't being bishop, boss, husband, father, son, set designer, train engineer, uncle, and basically a jack of all trades and a master of none, he is helping the neighbors with their projects. Tonight he was a busy setting up for a wedding.

The wedding reception should be beautiful, done in orange and browns, a rustic house complete with picket fence and wishing well. Besides being our neighbor the bride is Sister Beazer's visiting teacher.

Just another side to the bishop

The Bishop and singing cowboys

another side of the bishop: SET DESIGNER

About 10 years ago our neighbor, who is a member of the city Chamber of Commerce, asked the bishop to help him with the backdrop/set for the Bar J Wranglers, which the chamber sponsors each year. After the first couple of years the neighbor just turned it over to us and the Bishop runs with it. For those of you who are not from this area or are not familiar with the Bar J, they are a group of singing cowboys. They spend 2 hours entertaining with lots of jokes and the old cowboy classics, such as "Tumbling tumbleweed" and "Ghost riders in the sky" The set we have used for the last three years.

The first week in November we go in late the night before, after the students have left and things settle down at the local high school, and hang the scrims (big white sheets), starch them and lay out the set. Then they next morning he goes in and stands up the rest of the set, working around the students and with the studio A team to get the lighting correct. Just as school gets out the cowboys show up and set up their instruments and sound system.

Show time: Donny "The Smurf" who plays the steel guitar and several other stringed instruments , Tim a champion fiddler, Scott the lead tenor and oldest of the original Bar J, Dan who sings deep, deep, deep and of course Brian who hangs on to the bass fiddle/cello and keeps everyone on their toes with his antics. A favorite of the show is Granny, who comes out and sings a mixed up song.

After the show it's time to tear down the set. We work side by side with the cowboys while they pack up their instruments and take down the set, sweep the floor (that's my special job) and turn out the lights. Despite the hard work and late nights this is something we enjoy.

Behind the scene

When it's time for tithing settlement it takes more than just the bishop to make it go smoothly. The clerk and a counselor are there behind the scene, making and reminding appointments, printing reports, entertaining casual visitors, and helping to eat whatever yummy comes through the door. Despite the long hours (thanks wives for sharing them), they don't complain too loud and even are known to have a little fun.

Tonights crew: Clerk - Bro. Jensen, Counselor - Bro. Thompson

No Thanks

To who ever shared this flu, no thanks. Bishop went to bed last night feeling a little off and it didn't take long before he was making frequent trips to the bathroom. So the tithing settlement appointments for tonight will need to be rescheduled. Sorry about that, but he doesn't want to share this flu with any more than necessary.
PS. Dr. Jared Thompson called in some orders, bed rest and Gatorade, so he is working on getting better as soon as possible.

Sunday Soup

What a better way to enjoy a sabbath than to have dinner with your neighbors. The menu was soup (corn chowder, cream of potato, cream of brocolli, chili, and hamburger/carrot definitely my favorite, maybe because we made it, HMMMM) in a bread bowl, with the neighbors bringing side dishes and desserts. It was all delicious (Mckell, I would love to have your cookie recipe). The company was excellent.

Thanks activities committee for another great job.

Charles cup tower

the kitchen crew

When you work in the kitchen you should eat first


a final inspection to see if we are ready

Andersons
more Andersons
Watsons

Poultons

Haws
Freemans
Baldwins
Weimers
The newest members in the ward (Nielson/Nelson/Nelsen, correct spelling to come when we learn it.)

Kelsey and Cole working on their budding friendship (They are way too young)

Beards
Dallings

Andersons and Baldwins

Leonardsons

Trevinos

Hyers

Jensens

Coopers

me thinks the bishop works his counselors too much