The Nitty Gritty

This year for Thanksgiving, we decided to make the 12 hour drive down to Louisiana to see Abbey and Michael. The elementary schools were invited to the first UCM Jennies Girls basketball game so we did that and then got on the road. We spent the night in Graceland in this funny Elvis Presley hotel. Here's the swimming pool: The next day we drove down the boulevard and quickly looked at Graceland from the car. Elvis Presley's jet named Lisa Marie His Home We signed the stone wall out front Isaac mentioned visiting the Lorraine motel where MLK Jr. was shot and killed. We decided that we definitely needed to make time for it because how often do we come to Memphis?  Standing on the grounds of where MLK Jr. was shot, hearing his recorded voice through the loudspeakers, brought me to tears. I had no idea it would be that overwhelming emotionally. It was a very reverent place. I noticed the other visitors were solemn. We were all quiet, listening to h...

We began our stay with a swamp tour on Pearl River. These pictures do not do the actual views justice. There is some serious charm to the swamp. I loved the different plants and the peace that was there. Of course doing it with Abbey made it 100 times better! Thanksgiving Day 2018 Michael's parents and grandparents joined us! It was a lovely time. Michael deep fried the turkey. It was a true Southern Thanksgiving meal! Van grabbed a HUGE turkey leg and I immediately thought "What a waste Van! There's no way he'll eat all of that." Oh boy, he DEVOURED it. We were cracking up. This boy is a deprived carnivore so when he gets to eat meat he goes crazy.  We had fun baking together. I made homemade rolls, pumpkin pie, and sweet potatoes. Isaac made a berry pie.  YUMMMMMMMM! We had such a good time! Michael fixed us Gumbo the first night we arrived. On the night...

“Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the  Holy Ghost .  And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate” ( 2 Nephi 31:17–18 ). The day after Van was baptized and "entered in by the gate", our grandfather, John Bickmore, Steve's dad, entered the gates of paradise. When Steve got off the plane after flying back to Las Vegas from Kansas City, his brother informed him that their father had passed away that morning. It was such a memorable weekend together and we were so sad to hear this news. Grandpa Bickmore was the one that introduced Isaac to the ukulele. He gave Isaac his first ukulele and taught him the chords...