Ok, so I thought this would be a great start to the forever long post. This is John at Hobart and William Smith College. This was part of the office/workplace where he was for 10 or so weeks. We had to take a picture with the toilet paper because every time I called or texted him, his response of why he couldn't talk to me then was because he was in a meeting about toilet paper. I didn't know you could spend 100 hours talking about toilet paper! But as a facility major, you can!
Good friends and co-workers Ross Storey, John, and Chad
This is tha landscaper, excuse me, GROUNDS ( john told me that landscaping was wrong) manager that John became good friends with, Dave. He's the one who let John ride his dream machine...a lawn mower (seen in upcoming pics)
Friend "Spike." He's in charge of the stockroom. John got to fill in for Spike for a week and learned a lot!!!! And everyone tells me he did a good job!
The team that John worked with.
John's mistress. A long named lawnmower that is the coolest thing since....well...ever.
This is a door obviously, but this is significant because this was a project that John handled. There were things that needed fixing at a local theater and he was the one who headed this project. We went to see the production Greese while I was there and, hey! He did a good job! There was no breeze or light sneaking in from outside like the problem originally was. YAY!
John's boss told him he had no choice on afternoon and John was to take me out to see the sights. We went and did lots of things and saw the beautiful country side, but this was one of my favorites. We saw where the Book of Mormon was published. I was amazed at the whole long process to put together one book. And I loved that the publisher that Joseph went through only really did this one big project, then died not too later. Amazing that he came to Earth for a short amount of time and did such a big wonderful thing in history. What a fabulous life's work. Some people think he did nothing in life and lived a short, uneventful life. But I'd say not.
This is the sight from Hill Cumorah where Joseph obtained the Book of Mormon. We were the only ones there. It was so peaceful, muggy and buggy, and beautiful.
We were able to go through a session at the Palmyra Temple. It was a gorgeous temple and from the celestial room you look out the window to see the sacred grove. It's the only temple that you can see out of the windows (instead of stained glass, etc). The windows were stained in the plans, but President Hinckley said that he wanted to see into the Sacred Grove and reflect on the life changing events that occured there. I agree with him and am glad you can see out of them. It is a beautiful sight and made me think and reflect as well.
This is in Kirtland, Ohio at the Newel K. Whitney store. This was an important place for me because Joseph Smith and many other important people in Church History walked those streets, went through the same store doors, etc. (The door and handle were original...exciting). And I love the story of Newel and Joseph's first meeting. Joseph pulled up to the front of the store (where we are) and said "Newel K. Whitney thou art the man" "I'm afraid you have the better of me, for I do not know who you are." "I'm the Prophet. You have prayed me here, now what would you have me do?" I love that story and think it shows a lot of Joseph's character and of revelation of course.
This is also very important because this is where I first remember feeling the Spirit and knowing that the Church was true. I was 11 and we were on a family vacation to go back East to visit family. We had stopped at A LOT of places and I remember being bored at a lot of them ( I was 11). As we went into the store, my brother (Kade was 2) was crying and being a typical 2 year old. The missionaries brought us up into the School of the Prophets and bore their testimonies. We all sang I Am a Child of God and Kade immediately fell asleep (a blessing!). As we sang, I felt a tingling, warm feeling and recognized it as the Spirit. I knew then after visiting a lot of Church History sites that the Church was true. I had a firm testimony of Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Gospel. I know that if we live the Gospel and follow Christ's teachings, we can live with our families forever. I know I have a lot of work to do in order to get there, but I'm thankful for all of the resources we have to help us. Heavenly Father loves us and wouldn't leave us to complete this mission alone. I love Him and am glad I have him in my life.
This was in the Kirtland cemetary. The Smith twins story is a sad one, but shows the dedication, faith, and unwavering testimony that Jospeh and EMMA had. I know I would have broken down plenty of times and questioned if my husband was continually taken away from me, I lost multiple children, and had to move constantly. This grave is a testiment of the Gospel for me.
We traveled to Nauvoo. This was in the FIRST place we went...the post office. We're sittin there listening about the mail system then, and John keeps looking at this women (in the green). I was like, "what do you keep looking at?" "Oh, nothing." then we go to get up and John looks right at her and says, "You look like a guy I know." Oh my gosh, I almost died!!!!! LUCKILY, she WAS the sister of someone John worked with for a long time at the MTC. WHEW!!!!!!!!!!! LOL anyway, we talked to them for a while, they showed us pictures, etc. They all gave us hugs when we parted....good thing cuz I would have been offended if some stranger said I looked like a GUY!
We were in Nauvoo in the early morning the next day. It was stormy and quiet. I loved it. We walked down before anywhere opened and visited The Smith Family Cemetary. Here are Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy's graves. I wonder if they knew the emmense change they helped create when they died. I think they did know. I think they knew how important this work was and how important they were in the process of it. Well, no I think they would be humble about it and say they just did what they were supposed to do. But, I so enjoy the stories of faith, love, endurance, patience, etc. I'd love to meet little Lucy with her spunk :)
This is the gravesite of Hyrum (left), Joseph (center), and Emma (right). I actually really appreciated the way this was set up. Joseph in the center...he had a huge part in the restoration of the gospel. He was the first Prophet of this dispensation. Hyrum (who doesn't get enough credit sometimes) was by his side supporting him in everything, his entire life. What humilty for Hyrum...Joseph was the younger brother and Hyrum never questioned what Joseph said...or why it wasn't him. Nothing. That's true love. And Emma, who also doesn't get enough credit sometimes, was also a symbol of love in more ways than one. As I mentioned before, I don't know how she did it, but I'm glad she did. I don't think Joseph could have done it without her.
This was in the Wilford Woodruff house. It's an original toy from his son. When they had to leave suddenly to go West, Wilford's son cried for a long time. Wilford asked what was wrong and the boy said that he missed his toy horse. That night, Wilford risked his life to return to Nauvoo and got the horse. The horse traveled to Salt Lake and now is back in Nauvoo. But I love this story because it showed the human side of the apostle and future prophet. He loved his son enough to risk his life and sacrifice sleep! to go get this toy. I would think I would say "oh hush! it's a toy! you'll live!" But love can do amazing things. Just like our Heavenly Father for us, Wilford cared about the happiness and little things in his son's life. I can't wait until I can feel that kind of love for my children.
Of course one of my favorite parts!!!! We got to go on a wagon ride. My favorite part was petting and loving on the horses! Magnificent animals. I decided I want to go on a mission with John to Nauvoo and be in charge of the wagon rides :). I'd get to be with the horses, tell awesomely amazing inspiring stories of different people in Nauvoo, and be with horses! :)
This is the beautiful Nauvoo temple from the wagon ride. So beautiful on the hilltop.
We also went to Carthage Jail where Jospeh and Hyrum died. It was inspiring and uplifting as well as a qiet time of contemplation. We didn't really know whether to smile or be sad...but this is the door with the shots where fired through. The hole in the door was the one that killed Hyrum. Hyrum tried to protect Joseph to the end and died in the sacred name of the gospel.
This is a cool shot. It's the hole through the door to the window where Joseph was shot and then fell out of to his death. Here in this small room....the brothers were not seperated, even in death.
This is the memorial to Joseph and Hyrum in front of the Nauvoo temple. I am the pink blob in between the horses.
We also got to go through a session at the Nauvoo Temple. VERY awesome temple in construction, furniture, theme, and symbolism. It's beauitful, historic, and peaceful. Can't ask for anything more and a better place to spend time with my hubby.
We ran into John's friend who served in the same mission as him, Ariel Johnson. He was a member of Vocal Point from BYU. They sing accapella hits. Amazing job. We had fun at the concert and had fun catching up. I had lots of fun yelling his name at the concert lol brought me back to my teenage days and concerts. lol
This is at the riverside in Nauvoo. It's a new memorial for those who went on the journey and died before arriving in Salt Lake. I just thought of the song Come, Come Ye Saints and sang the last verse in my head "And should we die before our journey's through. Happy day, all is well."
Here are some Hadlocks (John's side)
And here are the Horrocks' (my side.) Elizabeth is one of my heroines and I love reading some of her journal. She was strong and inspiring. We're planning on honoring her and many other of our ancestors by using the name in the future.
The Kitchen!
(notice....the DISHWASHER! ahhh love it)
I LOVE the cabinets and the color. It makes it so homey and comfy.
Our little table and "nook"
I like the green color with my "country crafties"
The table is mostly for my crafts or other random things, but we do eat here sometimes too :)
I recently made a gumball machine decoration! (thanks Kristy for the pattern!)
This is John's favorite as it will soon have real gumballs in it...
And for now, that is all of the pictures I have. BUT! Tune in soon for other pictures of the house...who knows...once Saturday cleaning is done you may see more. Or just come visit me for a complete tour :)
