Life at the Institute in 2014

We have had a fabulous year at the Tucson Institute of Religion.  We cook, clean, decorate, teach, shop, sing, laugh, uplift and love every minute!

Broken Ankle

We revisited the spot in Sabino Canyon National Park where the paramedics finally loaded me into the ambulance. Lucinda and I had been hiking the Phoneline trail and had just started down the switchbacks when I slipped, stepping off a large boulder. Unfortunately my left ankle broke in 3 places. But the real ordeal was the 2 hours it took getting down the .7 mile switchbacks. Luckily some inspired and seasoned hikers helped me hop about half way until the paramedics arrived and carried me the rest of the way.  By the time we arrived at the bottom,  an ambulance, fire engine, sheriff, and search and rescue all had been called in to assist.

December

December was eventful with surgery on my broken ankle, but the show must go on.  A highlight of the month was our Christmas Concert at the Institute.  The choir members were outstanding. We also had fabulous instrumentalists that added so much to the performance.  During the month we enjoyed visiting two retirement homes and performing.  There was a wonderful spirit at all performances.  I feel so blessed to be able to work with such wonderful students.

Ahlstrom visit

We had a fabulous week with the Ahlstrom's.  They arrived on Christmas Day.  We enjoyed seeing lights at Winter Haven, visiting Austin and the Mesa Temple, Trail Dust Town, Mission San Xavier, Painting at Ben's Bells, Institute, feeding the missionaries, movie, playing at the park,Sabino Canyon Tucson Tamales, Pei Wei, Cafe Rio. It was a whirlwind week.  The kids were fabulous.  Bracken was great at Zinko and Avery loved her American Girl Doll.  I was amazed how well I got around on my scooter with my broken ankle. They made our Christmas holiday memorable!!

November

Fun visits from family and friends!! The Smith's arrived via Amtrak and we had a fun 4 days. Tombstone, Old Tucson Studios, Why I Believe Fireside, Waffle Tuesday, just to name a few.  A highlight of the Dove Girls visit was a trip to Kartchner Caverns, and Gila Valley where we found the home where Mom was born.

Visit to the Ranch

We were so excited to get to see Austin at the Welcome Home Ranch.  He looked so good.  We got a tour and were able to meet about 14 of the Young Men and even stayed for dinner.  Right now Austin's reponsibilities are to take care of the chickens and cook the meals.  He seems very happy and recognizes the Lord's hand in his life.  We are so blessed.  

October 2014

What a great birthday week at the Institute.  I have been so lucky to teach classes and also present the devotional on Friday.  I chose the topic " Seeking Goodness"  and had 2 musical numbers Shantell Petty and Elder Petrungaro and role playing.  Then I was surprised as they opened the back doors for everyone to go to Dollar Lunch and saw it was all decorated to celebrate my birthday.  Sister Nymeyer made brownies and the tables were all arranged to spell out Stout.  I felt loved.  We also had a great opportunity at the end of the month to visit the Lewis Family in Scotsdale for the annual Father /Son Baseball tournament.  Scottie was pretty excited about Halloween and dressed up as LaBron James.