MARCH 2026 - TEMPLE, HOSPITALS, WEDDINGS AND FAMILY

 

LINDON UTAH TEMPLE

Spring came early this year and we have enjoyed the beautiful days and stunning night skies - especially around the Lindon Temple.  We have worked in our yard and love the signs of Spring.

Japanese Cherry

Daffodils 

These flowers have a very short life span and I delight in their beauty and resilience as the first signs of Spring.  It makes me want to plant and do more but Winter is still playing tricks with us and it is too early for much more.  The lilies will be next and they are beginning to show above the ground.  

The "Popcorn" is so beautiful in the trees and some days it is like snow falling.

We started the month a little different than we had planned.  Russ continues to deal with Dupuytren's Contracture in his hands.  During the past eleven years he has had three surgeries and three injections between his two hands.  His last surgery did not go very well and he has had some lingering problems with that finger.  We found a new Orthopedic Hand Doctor and he was able to do the Enzyme Injection in his hand.  A week after the injection we returned to his office and he then massages the area and breaks up the mass in his fingers and straightens them - yes, it is painful.  The best part is no surgery and a quicker recovery.  Russ is so glad to have  straighter fingers so he can hold a glass and other things.  

As part of the process of getting a new hand Doctor, he had to visit his Primary Care Doctor for the referral and while he was there they did his 6 month check-up and blood work.  His Total Cholesterol had jumped significantly and our plans quickly changed.  They scheduled a CAT Scan the following day.  We went to the Hospital and had the scan and his numbers came back  way too high.  The Doctor called and said don't exercise, work, keep a low profile and you have an appointment with a Cardiologist in Salt Lake City on Monday.  He had been rowing 4,000 meters every day at this point.  We went to the Cardiologist and he scheduled a Stress Test.  Russ failed the test and was in surgery the next day.  We had a trip planned to Wichita Kansas to see two of our grandchildren perform in Theatre Wichitas production of The Little Mermaid.  

I asked the Doctor if we could wait until the next Tuesday to have the procedure and he asked how important was it that we get on an airplane and we said we were flexible and he said, "I will see you tomorrow. "

So he had  two stints placed in his left ventricle artery and will have a third procedure the end of April.  He had not told me he was having chest pains for the past 6 months and they are now gone.  He goes to the Cardio Rehab at the Hospital two days a week and continues to exercise at home as well.  He is feeling greet and we feel so blessed that  we were able to have the procedure before he had a Heart Attack or other problems.  We are especially grateful for the very capable Doctors and staff that have taken care of Russ.  

We have kept Heaven busy this month with all of the prayers for healing and blessings for family and friends. 

 Our daughter Jaime has been dealing with a problem they thought was in her ears for the past two years.  She has been to several Doctors and they told her it was pulsatile tinnitus and she just needed to live with it.  It has affected her sleep, her focus and even how she could function on a daily basis.  They have tried several things and finally her Doctor referred her to an ENT who then  referred her to a Neurologist when it appeared that what she was hearing was her heartbeat in her ear. Imagine hearing your pulse like an ocean in your ear 24/7.   After specialized tests from MRI to MRA to MRV they found that she had the same very small artery in her neck like what Russ had that caused his stroke 6 years ago this month.  Her body compensated for the small vessel and a new one formed but it formed a very large bulbous area that was causing the problem.  They went in through her femoral artery to run imaging, test pressure in the vein and temporarily block it with a balloon to see if it stops the whooshing.  They placed a mesh implant in the bulbous area.  Everything seemed to go well and she was in great spirits - until it was not OK.  They did a CT Scan that revealed the implant had migrated from its intended position.  An additional CT scan of the head and neck was performed to locate the device, which was found to have moved into the vein leading to the lungs.  

She was then taken to emergency procedure to retrieve the device and then place a metal stent in the vein near the ear with a mesh implant as well to keep it in place.  The procedure was successful but took a toll on Jaime.  She was in ICU for two days for recovery and then was able to go home.  She is still recovering and we are hopeful that the procedure will do what it is meant to do and stop the whooshing in her ear.  The Doctor says it will take time for the body to process the changes that were made and to function properly.  

Preslee was at a Cheerleading workshop preparing for tryouts and was in the Base position when the Flyer came down and Preslee turned a little too soon and it broke her nose.  She was scheduled for surgery at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City late in the afternoon.  After a two hour delay she was finally in surgery at 7:00 pm.  The Doctor called Emily and said her adenoids were very large and inflamed and needed to come out and he needed her authorization .  She said, "give me two minutes."  She called me and just needed the assurance she was doing the right thing.  So Preslee had her nose put in place and had her adenoids out and they returned home about midnight.  One more person to pray for and help recover.  

Needless to say, my calendar changed drastically in March and filled up quickly with many Doctor appointments.  

GRANDKIDS

We enjoy supporting and seeing our Grandchildren perform in their different activities.  Spring is filled with lots of concerts, plays, dance, etc.

Preslee at her Spring Choir Concert.  Delightful evening.

Preslee loves Chocolate Chip cookies and she asked if she could come down and bake cookies with me.  We made her favorite Chocolate Chip and then she took them to school to share with her friends.

She enjoyed many for herself!

SPRING BALLROOM DANCE COMPETITION AT BYU

What an amazing day as we watched dancers from all over Utah and Idaho at the BYU National Amateur Dance Championships.  It is a real cultural experience watching the many dancers perform from elegant Ballroom to Country Line Dancing.  

Preslee and partner received 1st in Bronze category for her Division.  We are really proud of her.  She danced with her Broken nose and then had surgery the next week.  

THE LITTLE MERMAID

William and Nora performed in with Music Theatre Wichita's Academy production of THE LITTLE MERMAID.  Nora was a little fish and Will had a great time cooking little fishes up as Chef Louis.  

This is the performance that we missed but they were able to send us a video and it was FANTASTIC.  I wish I could share it.  Will was a natural as Chef Louis and is an up and coming star.  He has an amazing voice and the cutest personality to match.  

Mom Beth is also awesome in the make-up department.  

Theatre Update:  William called this week and announced to us that he auditioned and got the part of Mike in ELF with Music Theatre Wichita's Broadway Summer Show.  We are looking forward to watching this performance.  

BYU MUSEUM OF ART

While we were at BYU for the Ballroom Competition we went over to the BYU Museum of Art to see the. new GILDED PARADISE.

Lorenzo Ghiberti's GATES OF PARADISE (1425-1452) are a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance, depicting Old Testament scenes with breathtaking depth and detail.  Created over 27 years for the Florence Baptistery, the doors were so admired that Michelangelo - according to historian  Vasari- declared them worthy of paradise itself.  

Acquired in Florence in 1984 by BYU-Hawaii - this plaster cast of the original doors was brought to BYU's Museum of Art in provo in 2016.  It was recently restored at BYU and is currently on display.  

There are 10 panels on the door and I am highlighting some of my favorites.  

Panel 1

God created Adam and Eve.  They are tempted by the Serpent and expelled from the Garden of Eden.  Genesis 1-3

Panel 3

Noah, his family, and animals emerge from the ark.  They offer sacrifices to God.  Noah's sons cover his nakedness.  Genesis 8-9

Panel 4

Three angels visit Abraham to announce the birth of Isaac.  He prepares to sacrifice Isaac as an angel intercedes.  Genesis 18, 21-22

Panel 6

Joseph is sold into captivity.  He tests his brothers and reveals himself to them.  They receive grain for their families.  Genesis 37, 42, 44-45

Panel 7

The Israelites gather at Mount Sinai.  Moses receives the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments.  Exodus 19, 24

THE LAST SUPPER - Emil Janel (Swedish-American 1897-1981)

Alder wood, 20th Century

The expressive faces and movements of these alder wood figures - accentuated using aniline dyes - are particularly emotive as they each ask, "Lord, is it I?" (Matthew 26:22)

This three dimensional grouping of unattached figures emphasizes the diversity of Jesus' followers individual differences exist with the group, het they are each called "disciple."

"No amount of alls will really undo us if we keep on picking ourselves up each time. We all shall of course be very muddy and tattered children by the time we reach home.  Bt the bathrooms are all ready, the towels put out, and the clean clothes are in the airing cupboard.  The only fatal thing is to lose one's temper and give it up.  It is when we notice the dirt that God is most present in us; it is the very sign of His presence."

-C.S. Lewis (1898-1963)

JENNA AND NATE  - Wedding Reception

Nate, Jenna and my Sister Brooke

Emily and I catered the wedding reception for my Nephew's daughter, Jenna.

The reception was held at Bridle Up Hope in Mapleton, Utah.  It was a beautiful setting on the Horse Ranch with a private lake and beautiful grounds.  

We served a Dessert Buffet for about 200 people.  I baked for the week leading up to the reception.  We served Fruit Tarts, Oreo Truffles, Cherry Cheesecake bites, Lemon Raspberry cookie towers, Ginger chocolate cookie towers, Granola bars, three varieties of Spritz cookies, Lemon Bars, Brownies, Mini cupcakes filled with cream cheese, coconut, pecan, chocolate filling and white and dark chocolate covered pretzels.  

Emily takes the food that I bake and make and displays it so beautifully.  She works magic - and makes it so festive and inviting.  We had a great evening and were exhausted when we got home.  Russ and Joe (Emily's friend) were a great support and help as well as my Sisters.  

YOUTH MISSIONARY DINNER

March was Youth Missionary Month in our local Ward (Church) and we hosted a dinner for two young men - Carson and Creed.

We had a delightful night dressed in our German/Austrian clothes and sharing our experiences from our Mission and eating authentic food.  I served a traditional Austrian meal of Schnitzel with lemon sauce,  Spaetzle (noodles), red cabbage, rolls, mineral water with flavored syrups and a nice assortment of desserts (left over from reception the night before).  

The young men prepared a short lesson to teach us.

Creed shared his feelings about the 10 Commandments and his favorite of "Love Thy Neighbor".  He bore his testimony of his desire to Love everyone. 

Carson shared teachings on Baptism and shared his testimony of Jesus Christ and his desire to serve a mission after he graduates from High School.  

LINDON TEMPLE OPEN HOUSE

We have so enjoyed this month as we have hosted two different shifts as Tour Guides for the Open House.  We have also started our training to be Temple Workers once the Temple is Dedicated and opens in May.  

We also loved taking family and friends through the Open House these past few weeks.  

We started with my two sisters, Brooke and Pam.  They came for the wedding reception and we took time to take them earlier in the day.  It was a special morning being with them and sharing our thoughts and feelings about the Temple.  

John & Denise Sivo

Mike & Sharon Lloyd

We spent a morning with John and Denise at the Temple Open House and then went back to our home for Lunch.  We are so grateful for their friendship and to have the opportunity to spend some time together.

We said good-bye to the Sivo's and 15 minutes later welcomed Mike and Sharon Lloyd from Ogden, Utah.  We are so glad they called and arranged to go to the Open House with us.  It was much busier in the afternoon but was a beautiful day to be outside waiting in line for a few minutes.  We then had them for dinner and a little visiting before they were off to a Wedding Reception .

We have One Week left of the Open House - through April 11 and would love to host anyone who would still like to Come and See.  

Stain glass Window

Main Staircase

Baptistry

Front Doors

Celestial Room

This is a room for Prayer, pondering, quiet peace and reflection.

PALM SUNDAY

We had the opportunity to attend a Palm Sunday fireside with the Gentlemen Trio - GENTRI for a preview of their Easter Concert King of Kings.  It was held at the historic American Fork Tabernacle.   The picture on the left is the inside showing some of the beauty of the building.  

The music and testimonies born by the musicians was so filled with the Spirit and was a celebration of Jesus Christ.  It was a beautiful way to begin Holy Week and prepare our hearts and minds for the week leading up to Easter.  I am so grateful for the many opportunities we are given in this area.  

We left the next morning for Portland Oregon to visit Josh and Julie and their boys.  I will share our time with them next month.  

March has been a memorable month in so many ways.  We needed to go out of town just to get a little rest and gear up for all that April with bring.  We are so grateful for the blessings given to us for Russ to have his body restored to better health before it was an emergency.  We have also been blessed through the experiences at the Temple Open House.  We are so grateful for live in the Shadow of it's walls and to be able to take nightly walks along the trail and see all of the people taking the tours.  It has truly been a blessed time for us.  

HAPPY EASTER!  HE IS RISEN!

The Grimmett's

FEBRUARY 2026 - Birthday, Valentines, Wedding and BYU sports

 

Happy 70th Birthday

I begin this month with a bit of nostalgia as I welcomed in my 70th year.  For some reason it brings a new realization of aging.  My 60's were some of the most adventurous of my life.  I retired from my work with The Church Educational System, served a Mission in the Alpine German Speaking Mission giving me the opportunity to meet some of the most wonderful people of my life and survived Covid-19 with the rest of the world.  We sold our home of 28 years and after 42 years in Arlington, Texas we moved to Lindon, UT.  We moved to The Czech Republic for three months and served at Cumorah Academy as the Advisory Couple.  We celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary and enjoyed many gatherings with friends and family at our new home.  We have traveled and were able to attend many BYU sporting events, music performance, Religious Symposiums, and checked off many bucket list places.  

Many of you have followed these past years as I shared most of these adventures.  It has been a project dear to my heart and has become a part of my personal history.  I am not sure what the next decade will bring - I don't think it will be filled with as many adventures that will be so life altering, but I look forward to new experiences with friends and family and continuing to serve in our Church.  

70TH BIRTHDAY

Having a Birthday the same week as Valentine's Day has some advantages for several days of celebrations.  I planned the day and told Russ he could not ask any questions - he just needed to come along for the ride and enjoy it.  I was afraid he would not go if he knew what I planned:).  

We started the afternoon at the movie SOLO MIO.  As it turned out we both really enjoyed it - love stories filmed in Italy are usually a win!

We then went to our favorite, Texas Roadhouse for an early dinner.  It turned out to be a wonderful day that we both enjoyed.  Who doesn't like a Steak Dinner.

My Sister, Pam has her Birthday on February 12 - the day after mine and it is so nice to live close to her so that we can celebrate together.  She was not happy when I was born.  For many years growing up I heard the story of how I almost ruined her birthday party when she turned 9 years old.  He party was planned on the day I was born.  She was so unhappy that our Mother was heading to the hospital when her friends would be coming for a party.  A kind neighbor came to the rescue and took care of the party for her.  I always had cherry pie for my birthday instead of cake and she had the Birthday Cake.  I still prefer the Cherry Pie or Cheesecake.  

This year Pam and I celebrated at Tucanos Brazilian Grill with Russ, Emily and her friend, Joe.  Great food and company to enjoy the afternoon.  

VALENTINES DAY

The week of fun continued as we celebrated Valentines Day.  Emily gave me my favorite flower - Tulips!  They are so beautiful and the first sign that Spring is coming.  

I made a Chocolate cream pie topped with cherries with a drizzle of chocolate - these are Russ's two favorite flavors combined together.  Fifty-One years ago on Valentine's Day Russ gave me flowers, we went to a BYU Basketball game and he told me that he loved me for the first time.  I have been making him chocolate and/or cherry pies for a very long time!

This year we celebrated at a BYU Men's Volleyball Match.  It was filled with so much energy and BYU won the match - always makes for a good night with a win.  We even got to say hello to longtime Texas friends, David and Susan Von Bose.  They were one of the first couples we met when we moved to Texas.  They moved to Utah about 8 years ago and enjoy BYU sports just like we do.  

We ended the night at Culver's for an Ice Cream treat - Chocolate covered strawberries in frozen Custard with Hot Fudge.  It was a great way to end a wonderful week!

Delicious food, romantic movie, flowers, new ear buds to be able to listen to e-books, and time with friends and family - It was the BEST!

LOGAN

Logan planned for over a month that he was going to save his money and order a 6 ft. long Subway Sandwich and eat it within an hour with his friends watching him online as he ate it.  He scheduled the date and time and would only tell me that I needed to help him with a special experience he had planned and could I be available.  I did not know what I was committing to but I was in.  He was so excited the few days ahead as he anticipated putting his plan in action.  He found out Subway no longer did their large catering 6 ft. subs but could do 6 individual footlong ones.  He ordered his sandwiches and then texted me it was time for the pick-up.  He spent $70. for this experience.  I can think of a lot better food to spend that money on, but this was his dream.  So with friends watching and gaming with him, he began the quest.  Well, he did not do it in 1 hour - but by the end of the day he was able to finish them all.  He has not requested a subway for the past two weeks!

It was fun to see him organize, plan, save and put it all together even with friends.  His happiness was worth the challenge.  

WEDDING BELLS

One of the benefits of serving as Senior Missionaries is getting to know so many amazing young people that we served with.  We have enjoyed getting to be a part of their lives the past 5 years and love when we get to gather for special occasions.  

Mckenzie and Benjamin were married on February 6th.  We served with Mckenzie when we were in Freiburg Germany.  She is a ray of Sunshine and we loved P-Days and District Meetings when we were together.  

It was so nice to spend time with Spencer and Cambree (one of her companions) at the reception and also the Andreasons who we served with.  

So nice to share in their special day.

Spencer and Cambree Duce

UVU MUSEUM OF ART

MUSIC ROOM

One of my desires the past few years was to see the UVU Museum of Art that is housed in the former home of Bruce and Melanie Bastian.  I wanted to see the house as much as the museum.  Bruce and I both grew up in Twin Falls, ID and  our families knew each other well.  

Melanie Laycock Bastian was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada and spent her childhood on the family farm where she learned the virtues of hard work, humility, and gratitude - all attributes that guided the remainder of her life.  

She and Bruce were married in 1976 and had 4 sons.  They built there home in Orem and then they divorced in 1993 and she resided there the rest of her life.  She passed away August 29, 2016 from leukemia.

At her core, Melanie lived the principle of charity, and found purpose and happiness in giving of her time and resources to numerous local charities, church organizations, educational boards, and community associations.  She was a champion for several causes, including women and children in need, music and performing arts, and public education.  She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Utah Valley University.  She preferred serving behind the scenes, and felt most content in supporting the success of others.  

DINING ROOM

Melanie's four sons donated Lakemount Estate to UVU for use as an art museum in 2017.  It continues to offer free admission and free public programming.  

In the permanent collect is the Oscar Wilde room.  While he is most known for his plays he was an accomplished Poet and his poems were put to music and also Pierre-Auguste Renoir painted scenes to express the beauty found in the poetry.

"Le Jardin", by Oscar Wilde

The lily's withered chalice falls

Around its rod of dusty gold,

And from the beech trees on the wold

The last wood pigeon coos and calls.

the gaudy leonine sunflower

Hangs black and barren on its stalk,

And down the windy garden-walk

The dead leaves scatter, - hour by hour.

Pale privet-petals white as milk

Are blown into a snowy mass:

The roses lie upon the grass

Like little shreds of crimson silk.  

Also on the main floor is the artwork from the Bastian private collection.  Many showcased women working in various circumstances.

The woman hanging nets by the Sea

One of my favorites was of the women helping to harvest the wheat.  

Upstairs houses the curated collection that UVU administers.  We were not allowed to take photos of that collection.  It was a collection of art from a Czech artist, Alphonse Mucha from the 1860's  - 1930's and was fabulous.  His art was used mainly for theatre posters, biscuit and chocolate tins and commissioned works.  

We had a fabulous time and look forward to returning to see the new works of art that will be displayed.  Another nice place to take friends when they come and visit!

COVEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS

DIE SCHONE MULLERIN

The Fair Maid of the Mill

Song Cycle, Op. 25 . Franz Schubert (1823)

Poetry by Wilhelm Muller

Brian Stucki, tenor  -  Vedrana Subotic', piano

We had a delightful evening with Emily and Joe going out for a delicious dinner at the new Magleby's Pleasant Grove and then attending the musical in German with English translation of The Fair Maid of the Mill at The Covey Center in Provo.  

I felt like I was in a concert hall in Vienna Austria but with the added benefit of the English translation.  It was fun to hear the German again and to actually be able to understand some of the words!

The music was superb and so beautiful to listen to.  Brian Stucki is a music professor at Snow College and Vedrana Subotic' teaching music at the University of Utah - both very accomplished musicians.  Oh how we enjoy being surrounded by so many opportunity’s for cultural experiences.  

PRESIDENT DALLIN H. OAKS 

We had the opportunity to hear our new Prophet, Dallin H. Oaks when he gave his first public address since being sustained as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints when he spoke at BYU this month.  

I liked this quote: "We are all a work in progress . . .We need to be patient with one another, and occasionally, even with ourselves."

He left us with Four Impressions that will draw us closer to our Savior:

FRIENDS

We ended the month attending a concert in Layton, UT with the Davis County Celebration Orchestra.  Our good friend, Sharon Lloyd is a cellist in the Orchestra and we enjoy when we get to go see her perform.  The music tonight was from the Scandinavian countries and was so delightful.  One of the pieces contained the original Finish music of the hymn Be Still My Soul and was so beautiful.  

Sharon Lloyd, Cellist

A special surprise was having my dear friend Lisa Brinkerhoff living just a few miles from the concert and picking her up and taking her with us.  Just like old times in Arlington.  It was the cherry on top of the cream being with her and ending the month with enjoyable music and friends.  I am looking forward to spending more time with the Brinkerhoff's in the coming days.  

LINDON TEMPLE OPEN HOUSE

We would like to invite our friends and family who will be in Utah anytime from March 12 - April 11 to come and visit the Lindon Utah Temple while it is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC before it is dedicated on May 3, 2026.  

If you will let us know when you will be here, we would love to have you for lunch or dinner or just a snack  - whatever works with your schedules. I already have the menus ready! We live just a short walk from the Temple and would love to host anyone who would like to come and see with us.  

For the first time in our lives we have had the privilege of watching the construction of a Temple from the excavation to the foundation pour to the steel beams being erected to the stone walls and then the beautiful stain glass windows and the spires and then the landscaping to this time of completion.  We call it OUR TEMPLE - along with all of our neighbors!  Russ and I look forward to serving in the Temple starting on May 5th.  It will be a new experience for us and we know it will truly be a blessing in our lives.  COME AND SEE!

RECIPE

Just tried this new recipe and had to share - just in time for all things Green in March - they are SO Good!

FROG BALLS (Pickled Brussels Sprouts)

1 lb. Bussels sprouts

1 cup white vinegar

1 cup water

2 Tbl. sugar

1 tsp salt

2 cloves garlic, smashed

1 tsp mustard seeds

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp black peppercorns

Directions:

1.  Trim Brussels sprouts and remove any loose outer leaves.

2.  Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch Brussels sprouts for 8-10 min. until just tender.

3.  Drain and let cool slightly.

4.  Pack Brussels sprouts into a clean jar with garlic, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, and peppercorns.

5.  In a saucepan, heat vinegar, water, sugar, and salt until fully dissolved.

6.  Pour hot brine over Brussels sprouts, fully submerging them.

7.  Let cool to room temperature, then seal and refrigerate.

Tangy, crunchy, and shockingly addictive.  I add them to my salads or eat straight out of the jar.  

The Dark days of Winter are coming to an end and we look forward to Spring.  In Utah we are still praying for snow but those days are numbered.  The Taxes are filed, Russ had another hand procedure and is recovering and life is good.  February really was a special month for us and filled with many blessings.  

May Hope and Peace abide in your hearts.

Linda and Russ