Burns in Nauvoo: A blessed week! There was much rejoicing!

This week has been a blessed, but hard week! My granddaughter, Alex, was married and another granddaughter, Tessa, was blessed. It was hard not being there in person for these special occasions and I may or may not have cried a few tears for not being able to be there. As I was texting with my family before the wedding, I was told, "We are proud of you! And we are very grateful for your sacrifices and example to us and especially our children!" That meant a lot to me. Even though it was hard not being there, I do know beyond any doubt that we are where we are supposed to be!

Another big blessing this week - we no longer have to wear masks!!! Nauvoo is mask free and it was so wonderful to see everyone's faces! There are some of the YSMs that I didn't know what their faces looked like. It was so nice to see their bright, beautiful, smiling faces! Maybe now I can put names to faces!

Another big thing happened - we were given the go-ahead to open Pioneer Pastimes and the Family Living Center! I have volunteered to work at these sites. I think it will be a lot of fun! We've also been able to increase the number of people on the tours from 8 to 12. Just a reminder, if you are coming to Nauvoo this summer, make your reservations now!

Wednesday we had training. My takeaway from the meeting is that service is a good thing and makes you happy and to record those events, however large or small, into your journal. These letters and my blog have been my "journal", but I really want to do better at keeping a daily journal. I've struggled with that my whole life. What tips do you have for doing daily journal entries?

A funny thing happened this week. I was working at the VC and a gentleman came up to me and started talking. He's a regular to Nauvoo, along with his neighbor. A little background first - in the past, the Sr. Missionaries have performed in "Sunset by the Mississippi", along with the YPMs. For those who don't know, "Sunset" is an hour-long show with dancing, singing and melodrama! It's a fun show to watch! This year the Seniors have not been allowed to be in it. So, this man came up and asked me - "Why aren't you old geezers doing the plays this year? You old geezers really need to be doing it to give the young performers a chance to have a break!" I about laughed out loud but I contained myself! I told him that I know of several old geezers that would love to be on that stage performing also. Haha! It made my day!

As usual, I spent many hours at Lyon Drug weeding, cutting chives and laying wood chips down this week. I can say that I am so thankful for the garden crew and for their help with the wood chips or barking, as we call it! What would have taken me several days only took a few hours with their help.

Another great blessing - my two boys, Bryson and Austin and Austin's wife Sydney are here for a visit! This mom's a happy mom! They arrived last night and we've already been to Annie's for her famous frozen custard. We then went to show them the Lyon Drug gardens and I couldn't believe how much things had grown since Friday morning, including the weeds! I know what I'll be doing Monday. Haha We walked around the flats for a while and saw a lot of fireflies. That was fun! I love my family and I love Nauvoo!

I love my Savior and I'm so blessed to be able to serve Him here in beautiful Nauvoo!