Ultrasound News

For Labor Day Weekend, Doug and I went for a ride to Montana to visit Daren and Marlene for a day.  They had invited us to the ultrasound to see what the next little Rockwood will be.  It was a great experience and so interesting to see what technology can do.  We were impressed with the clarity of the picture and the tech was so good and showing and explaining to us all about everything from the heart and  kidneys to the arms and legs.  Of course we saw that it was a little girl after a little They didn’t realize that so it was a nice coincidence.    Now we will anxiously await her arrival in January.

Maya’s Blessing Day

Our sweet little Maya was given a name and a blessing on August 19, 2012 by her dad, Rod Rockwood.  Stephanie’s brother and sister-in-law (Rod and Molly) had just had their baby girl 5 days earlier and had her blessed at the same time before they moved to Arizona.  Because she was so little and new they had the blessing done at the Pettingill Home.  Brad Pettingill and Jeff Long from our ward presided. 

Maya was the cutest little doll in her blessing dress.  It was the same dress her mother had worn and had been made by Stephanie’s Grandma Johnson.  I was happy to see three of my sons, my husband, and my father all participate in the blessing.  The priesthood is a wonderful gift and I am so blessed to have worthy priesthood holders.  Of course, we missed Scott who is on his mission.

Another wonderful part of the day was having all 8 sets of great grandparents there.  We were able to have a picture with a complete four generations taken.  That doesn’t happen very often. We are so grateful for family!

Back row:  Brad & Sherisse Pettingill, Rod & Stephanie Rockwood with Maya, Doug & Ann Rockwood

Front row:   Dean & Lanae Pettingill, Tebbin & Mary Lou Johnson, Harold & Mary Schwieder, Larry & Venna Rockwood

Youth Conference

A twenty-stake youth conference was held for youth of the LDS church ages 14-18 on the campus of BYU-Idaho this weekend.  Much planning and preparation went into the event.  I helped with the registration of the youth from the Iona Stake.  We had almost 200 youth and leaders attend.

The conference began on Friday night with a message from Sister Elaine Dalton, General YW President.  She is so and has a love of youth.  Her message to the youth has been for a “Return to Virtue”.  This time was no different as she encouraged them to not follow the crowd.  Following Sister Dalton’s address, a box lunch dinner was enjoyed and then there was a dance. There was a wonderful group of youth who laughed and enjoyed the evening. 

Saturday began with a fireside from Dale Murphy, former Atlanta Braves baseball great and missionary president.   Of course most of the leaders remember who he is, but the youth were too young to know.  He kept there interest however, and he spoke of the joy the Gospel brings.

Then we were treated to several mini sessions to choose to attend.  From a impromptu choir to a 4 star general and theater.  The ones that I attended were wonderful.  Then everyone took a short trek to the Rexburg Temple on the hill.  The youth surrounded the Temple and a helicopter flew overhead and took some pictures.  (We used one of these pictures to give our youth with the 2013 Theme of “Stand Ye In Holy Places”)

Lunch was served and then the concluding fireside was with Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve.  He did something different and had a question and answer session.  As leaders we were uncertain how this would go, but amazingly the youth lined up at 4 different microphones to ask questions.  For two hours he responded with scripture and challenges and stories.  He has an incredible knowledge of the scriptures and the Gospel.  The youth were still lined up to ask questions, but we had to conclude. 

The conference was a huge success and a memory that these youth will not forget.

Our Newest Missionary

Another tearful good-bye is behind me.  I am so proud of my boys for following the Prophets council and serving a mission, but at the same time it is SO HARD.  We took Scott to the MTC on August 8, 2012.  We stopped and picked Reed up in Ogden on the way down.  I was so glad that Reed came along.  He is always good at making us smile and lightening the mood.  We had lunch, took some pictures, and then it was time for the “drop-off” at the curb.  I’m glad that it doesn’t last longer than a few minutes.  I struggle with my emotions and with Scott being the youngest it was very difficult.  He definitely will be missed over the next two years, but I know the people of the Florida Jacksonville Mission will fall in love with him. 

Redfish 2012

We had another fun year of sun and fun at Redfish.  This year was a little different since only Scott was able to go with us.  Reed was working in Ogden, Rod and Steph stayed home with a new baby, and Daren and Marlene were in Montana.  We missed having all of them join us. However, it was great to spend a week with Scott before he leaves on his mission.

Art and Joyce Knowles went with us and we are always entertained and enjoy the company of the Black family.  The little kids are the best and give us so much to smile about.  It was a relaxing time to play on the beach, ride bikes and cook out. 

We love Redfish!

Yankee Fork Dredge and Old Custer City