Lovell's in Heber Valley

Life in Southern Chile . . .

2010-02-02T06:27:00.003-07:00

Susie and I at Fuerte Bulnes an Spanish Fort from 1843 outside of Punta Arenas.

Susie and I on a recent visit to Puerto Cisnes. Some members took us out on their boat to "Las Maquinas" a beautiful waterfalls on the island of Magdalena. Interestingly, the island is a national park, but somehow a wealthy American talked the government into selling him the land around the waterfalls. Go figure.

I´m posting this mainly to keep the blog active. You can follow our current activity on the mission blog at: chileosornomission.blogspot.com

We have been on the mission for 18 months now. It has been a wonderful blessing and we are looking forward to the remaining months. We love the mission and we love our missionaries. And we are so grateful to our family and friends for their love and support. We love and miss you all.

We´ve moved . . .

2008-08-01T13:04:00.003-06:00

As most of you know, we´re currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile.

For now, information will be updated at our mission blog at: chileosornomission.blogspot.com

We will be back in Heber in July, 2011. Meanwhile, you can check for updates on us at the mission blog.

Busy time before mission departure . . .

2008-06-11T10:02:00.004-06:00

We've been busy this past week getting ready for our mission departure. We were blessed to have family here for the weekend and enjoyed it very much. On Friday, we were set apart as missionaries by Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was assisted by Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge a member of the First Quorum of Seventy and a new member of the Chile Area Presidency. We were so grateful that our children and grandchildren were able to be there with us.

After the setting apart we enjoyed strolling through temple square and the beautiful weather. (Its snowing in Heber as I write this). What a great way to spend the day with family.

On Saturday morning we met with a photographer to get one last picture of the family as it is today. Obviously, this photo will be out of date soon with two new granchildren due in July to Darin and November to Karen. When we get back, we'll need to take a new one.

That evening our wonderful neighbors surprised us with a farewell neighborhood barbecue. It was so nice of them and we truly enjoyed the evening. My Dad was also able to come up from St. George to spend the weekend with us.

Susie and I spoke in church on Sunday and we were so grateful that many friends and family made the effort to be there. It was great to see everyone. We will truly miss you all.

Be sure and note the link to our mission blog where more information will be posted as we move on to our mission: www.chileosornomission.blogspot.com

Mother's Day Weekend . . .

2008-05-20T14:08:00.005-06:00

Mother's Day weekend was a fun event for the entire family. Susie had several family members that came to Utah and we spent the afternoon at the park in Lehi with Susie's Mom and Dad. It was a great evening and a wonderful opportunity to spend time together.

On the following Sunday, the girls were able to show off their matching dresses after we got home from church. It was a wonderful weekend of family and fun.

California Trip . . .

2008-05-06T14:28:00.005-06:00

We spent the week in California to visit Mike's family and take Katie to Disneyland. We did all this prior to getting on a cruise to the Mexican Rivier. Pictures of the cruise to follow.

Mike in line, obviously very anxious to see Tigger.

Darin, Mike & Katie with Tigger.

Susie & Katie with Minnie Mouse.

Katie with Pluto

Darin & Katie having lunch near Tom Sawyer's Island

Mike & Katie reviewing the map of Disneyland

Papa & Katie on the Dumbo ride

Susie, Darin, Katie, Mike & his Mother at Laguna Beach, CA

Katie chasing down some rabbits at Laguna Beach

Mike & his Mother with Katie at Laguna Beach

Darin playing in the sand at Laguna Beach with Katie

Papa walking the beach with Katie

Katie's Birthday - 2 years old

2008-04-14T17:07:00.006-06:00

We celebrated Katie's birthday this past Friday and were fortunate to have good weather. Aaron, Annika, Emmy & Alison joined us for a day at the Salt Lake City Hogle Zoo. It was a lot of fun and the girls all loved the animals.

After spending the day at the zoo, we had dinner out together and then came back home so Katie could open her presents and blow out candles on her birthday cake. Darin made a "train" themed cake as Katie is really into trains these days.

Swimming with the Family

2008-04-01T15:34:00.005-06:00

We had Aaron, Annika, Emmy and Alison up a few weekends ago and the whole family went to the Recreation Center in Kamas, UT. They have a very nice indoor pool and everyone had a great time.

Its great the Emmy and Katie both like the water so much, and Alison seemed just fine.

Called to Serve . . .

2008-03-25T16:28:00.003-06:00

As many of you know, Susie and I have been called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We have been called to preside over the Chile Osorno Mission beginning July 1, 2008. We will serve for three years.

Susie is busy studying Spanish and is making great progress. We have classes twice a week at the MTC in Provo, UT and Susie has an additional Spanish class on the phone each week. We enter the MTC for the Mission Presidents Seminar on June 21 and expect to leave for Chile on June 28th.

The Osorno Mission covers the bottom third of Chile and is approximately 1,200 miles long and 40-75 miles wide. They currently have 161 missionaries serving in the mission. We are excited for this opportunity and look forward to meeting the people and missionaries of our mission. We will desperately miss our family, but are grateful for the opportunity to serve. We know that the Lord will bless our family as we serve faithfully.

More details to follow.

Quick trip to California . . .

2008-02-07T14:27:00.000-07:00

With the hope of escaping our record snowfall for a few days, Susie and I drove to California to visit relatives and friends. Unfortunately, we ran into some record rainfalls for Southern California and even snow in some areas. Nevertheless, we had several beautiful days, and truly enjoyed seeing our family and friends. The rain made for some beautiful views, free of the typical smog and pollution.

The trip included stops in St. George to visit with my parents, Las Vegas to attend the LDS Temple and see Phantom of the Opera and Mama Mia, Santa Barbara to visit with Susie's sister Lisa and Newport Beach, CA. We traded our timeshare into Marriott's Newport Coast Villas and then enjoyed the area, including Disneyland and Laguna Beach and the new LDS Newport Beach Temple.

Unfortunately, we had to cut the trip short when Susie's Mother took ill, so we didn't get to see everyone we had planned on. Sorry.

Winter in Wasatch Valley

2008-01-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

Plenty of snow here the past several weeks. In fact, we've had snow on the ground since back in November. The past two weeks it has snowed almost every day, which gives me the chance to break in my new Toro Snow Commander. The good news is we had a beautiful White Christmas and the new snow keeps things looking so nice.

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2007-12-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

And a picture of the winter sunset from our living room. We love the view.

Last Friday we all went to Salt Lake to see Temple Square and the Christmas lights. After a so-so dinner at Macaroni Grill, it was out into the cold night and beautiful lights.

Home for the Holidays

2007-12-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

After spending 30 days in the Mediterranean, we were grateful to get home to our family. We were especially grateful to have most of them in our home for Thanksgiving. Aaron, Annika, Emmy and Alison joined Mike, Darin and Katie with us to celebrate the holiday. We missed having Karen and Cameron with us but will see them soon.

A new granddaughter . . .

2007-11-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

Our newest granddaughter, Alison, was born on November 15, 2007 in Tooele, UT to Aaron and Annika. We are delighted to have her in the family and feel greatly blessed to have 3 beautiful and healthy granddaughters.

Landscaping almost Completed

2007-08-27T12:00:00.001-06:00

We've been in our new house just over two months now and have just about completed the outside landscaping. We put the grass in last week and are very pleased at how things are coming together. We still have to plant shrubs and plants around the house. Here are some recent pictures:

Tornado in Utah???

2007-07-12T15:24:00.000-06:00

Apparently, it wasn't only the hot weather that followed us from Oklahoma to Utah. Imagine our surprise when we saw this tornado on the mountains to the East of our house. It didn't last long, but was certainly beautiful. Crazy!

They're baaaaack . . .

2007-07-09T15:40:00.000-06:00

Mike, Darin and Katie are back in Utah!!!! And best of all they'll be staying with us while Mike gets settled in his new job. We're excited to have them here, especially as our "basement dwellers". Having both Emmy and Katie closer to us is the best.

Construction Update

2007-06-12T09:57:00.000-06:00

Things are really starting to come together. We passed our inspection on Monday, so we'll be moving in on June 14th. There is still some carpet work to be done in the basement and some of the fixtures still need to be installed, but all of that will be done by Wednesday. In the meantime, we're cleaning the house and getting ready to move from our Midway Condo.

Construction Update

2007-06-07T13:56:00.000-06:00

Weather has turned cool this week. We went from the 80's on Monday to the 40's yesterday and today (even some snow in the mountains). There's a lot going on this week, all pushing towards final inspection next week. Our target for move-in is still June 14th, but it will be close.

Inside, the carpet is being laid while the plumbers install sinks and fixtures. The electricians are installing appliances, setting the light fixtures and finalizing the wiring. Our tile guy, Miguel, is back to put in the back-splash in the kitchen and our mason, Luiz, finished off the fireplaces. He will build our mail box on Friday.

Outiside, they've installed the rails on our deck and handrails for the entrys. You'll also note the've installed the rails on the stair banisters inside. The A/C condensor units are being set today. Still lots to finish.

Construction Update

2007-06-02T09:52:00.000-06:00

A lot is happening on the house this week. The counter-tops are being installed, as well as the appliances and plumbing fixtures. Lighting and carpeting will be finished next week.

Outside, the concrete work has been completed. Every day we get a little bit closer.

Construction Update

2007-05-29T20:09:00.000-06:00

The paint work inside has been completed and appliances and lights were delivered today. Outside the work continues on the concrete. Most of it has been poured around the house and this week they'll finish up with the circle drive.

Cascade Springs with Emmy & Aaron

2007-05-19T08:54:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday, Aaron & Emmy came up for a visit while Annika attended her sister's baby shower. We had a wonderful day up at Cascade Springs, which is a natural spring that is up in the mountains above Heber Valley. The weather was wonderful and we were very fortunate to come upon a moose and her calf up at the top of the spring. It was a beautiful hike.

These last pictures are of the view back to Heber Valley from the road up to Cascade Springs.

Construction Update

2007-05-08T09:24:00.000-06:00

A lot has happend this past week while we were gone to Las Vegas and Zion National Park. The tile work continues and you can see below they've almost completed the bath and shower tile work in the master bath. The cabinets were also installed. Pictures here show the kitchen, Susie's craft room and the bookcases in my office.

The trim carpenters are also hanging the doors and installing the crown molding and window casements. This work should be completed this week and then the counter-tops should come in and the paint work starts.

Outside, the concrete work was delayed, so we expect to pour the driveways next week. We will also start this week on the deck in the back. They've agreed to let me help, so don't expect perfection.

Construction Update

2007-04-29T20:43:00.000-06:00

Lots was accomplished this past week. The floor tile was installed in most of the house. The garage doors were set and the ground was prepared for the concrete drives.

Next week we'll see a lot of changes. Tile work will continue, including the showers and master bath, the cabinets should be installed and we will pour the concrete drives.

The weather has been wonderful, and we're hoping for more this next week.

Darin & Katie Visit

2007-04-23T16:28:00.000-06:00

This past week we were fortunate to have Darin and Katie visit with us here in Heber Valley. Mike has already begun is work at Countrywide, so he wasn't able to join them on the trip. After their move to California, we've missed them. So having them here was quite a treat.

Activities included several trips to the park, walks with Katie and dinner at our friend's cabin in Woodland, UT.

Construction Update

2007-04-23T16:16:00.000-06:00

This past week, most work was completed on the outside of the house. The facia and soffit were installed, as well as the rain guttering. Today we laid out the driveways and concrete pads. That work should start in a week or two.

Inside, all of the sheetrock texturing is complete and they've begun preparation for laying tile. Actual tile work began today and will continue for two weeks. Hopefully, next week we'll see the cabinets installed and the trim carpentry work should begin.

Construction Update

2007-04-07T20:15:00.000-06:00

We've had beautiful spring weather this past couple of weeks and the masons were able to complete the external brick work on the home.

On Friday, they applied the color coat to the stucco on the house and begin installing the soffit and facia trim to the outside. It is really starting to look like our home.

Inside the second coat of mud is being applied. Texturing will start next week. Two more weeks and we should be ready for cabinets, tile work and trim work.

Lots of fun, here.

Construction Update

2007-03-31T21:36:00.000-06:00

Inside the house, the sheetrock is all installed and the mud and tape work starts next week. They've cleaned up the inside and installed the corner edging throughout, so it should take about a week and a half to finish things off.

Brick work continues on the outside of the house. The crew was pulled off to another project, so work has gone slower than I would hope. Today the first coat of the stucco was applied around the house. It should take 3 days to dry and then they apply the color coat. The brick work should be completed next week.

Escalante Trip

2007-03-23T08:48:00.000-06:00

This past week we spent a few days in Escalante, Utah to visit family and friends. While there we enjoyed a couple of hikes. Day-1, we hiked the Lower Calf Creek Falls trail with Aaron, Annika and Emmy. The hour and a half hike ends at one of the most beautiful falls. Aaron and Emmy enjoyed getting in the water to cool off after the long hike.

Day-2, we hiked with friends Dennis & Dana Waggoner who moved from Tulsa, OK to Escalante to become part owners of Escalante Outfitters. This was an all day hike through an unnamed slot canyon in the Grand Staircase National Monument.

After entering the slot canyon, you descend deeper and deeper. The walls quickly become higher and more narrow, seemingly with every turn. Towards the end of the canyon you rapel approximately 90' to drop down even further. It was certainly an unforgettable experience!

Construction Update

2007-03-23T08:37:00.000-06:00

Brick work began last week on our house and continues this week. They've completed the wainscoting around the sides and back of the house and are now working on the front, which will be entirely brick. Yesterday, they put up the scaffolding around the back and sides for the stucco application, which should start soon.

Inside, they've completed the sheetrock work and now move on to mud and tape. The rooms have really started to take shape, and we've been blessed with early spring weather so it has been very nice.

Family Update

2007-03-14T15:36:00.000-06:00

Mike, Darin and Katie are moving this week to California where Mike will start his new job. His former employer closed their offices in SLC and we are grateful he found another opportunity. Unfortunately for us, it requires they relocate to San Clemente, CA. Much of this week was spent getting packed and Susie and I were glad we could help. As I write this, they are on the road and Susie went with them to help with Katie. She will meet up with me later in St. George for a visit to my Father. I expect we'll be visiting California a little more often now.

We are going to miss them something terrible, especially that little Katie. At least Emmy is still close.

Susie and I got to keep Emmy last week. She is such a fun little girl. We always look forward to her visits.

Construction Update

2007-03-14T15:17:00.000-06:00

The insulation process began last week and they finished applying the Tyvek exterior wrap. We had a lot of snow and cold weather, so we were glad that most of the work was taking place inside.

As soon as they finished installing the insulation, the sheet rock was delivered. At the weekend we had a break in the weather, so everything got set up and the installation of sheet rock began over the weekend. It will continue through this week. The brick masons will start Thursday of this week and we are grateful for the sunshine. Temperatures this week have been in the 60's. Its great.

Construction Update

2007-03-02T09:45:00.000-07:00

Regardless of the snow we've been having, work continues on the home. I'm most impressed with the roofer who seems to work no matter how cold or bad the weather gets. He just adds a snow shovel and broom to his tool belt.

Below is a picture from the kitchen area looking into the living room. Susie is gathering remnants of copper wire to use for a craft project at girls camp this summer. The other picture is down in the basement looking from the family room into the game room.

The front door was delivered and installed last week.

The electrical and cabling has been completed. And the heat and air guys have finished their work. Below is a view of the network, phone, satellite and theater cabling in the basement storage room. Also a view in the equipment room of the electrical cabling. You should have seen it before they looped everything into the boxes. It looked like a chaos of wires and cables. I'm hopeful they got everything into the right place.

As you'll note on the first picture, they've started to wrap the house this week. We have an inspection today for all the inside electrical, heat and air. Next week we start insulation inside

and masonry work outside. After insulation, the sheet rock work should start on the inside.

Construction Update

2007-02-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

Work continues to move forward on our home. Outside, the windows are in, they've started putting on the roof shingles and the bricks have been delivered. The brick and stucco work will get under way after the home is wrapped. The front door should be delivered and installed this week, also. Weather will continue to be a big consideration and the forecast is for significant snowfall in the coming week.

Inside, all the plumbing, electrical and heat & air work is close to completion. This week we expect it to be done along with cabling for network, television and phone. Next will come insulation and then sheetrocking. We are really looking forward to having the sheetrock done so the rooms can really start to take shape.

Obviously, we are very anxious to get into the home, but in the meantime, we're enjoying our condo rental in Midway. This is really a beautiful community and being close, we're able to attend church in the ward we will live in once we're in our house. Susie has been called as the Girl's Camp Director and a Primary Sharing Time worker. I am the Asst. Advisor to the Priest's Quorum and substitute gospel doctrine teacher.

The Family Update . . .

2007-02-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

Aaron, Annika and Emmy are living with Annika's parents while they save money for a home. Aaron is working as a "scientist" at Dugway, while Annika is teaching 5th grade. Little Emmy continues to grow and is such a fun little girl.

Karen and Cameron are living in Lincoln, Nebraska where Cameron is attending law school at the University of Nebraska. Karen has a great job as a property manager for a mall management company. We wish they were closer, but are happy that they are happy. Cameron just learned that he was awarded a clerkship for a local district judge. This will be great work experience.

Darin, Mike and Katie live in West Jordan, Utah, but that could change now that Mike's employer has closed their Utah office. They are currently looking and interviewing, and we're hoping they find something in Utah. Katie continues to grow and grow and Darin is such a wonderful mother.

We had all the kids home for Christmas this year, although Karen and Cameron couldn't make it over until New Years due to a work conflict. It is so wonderful to ahve everyone together. We miss those opportunities, but are grateful when they come.

Moving to Utah

2007-02-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

After leaving ONEOK to be president of TXOK Energy Resources Company in Tulsa, OK, Susie and I decided to move to Utah to be closer to our children and grandchildren. We began building on our lot in Heber and work has progressed through the winter. In the meantime, we're living close by in beautiful Midway. We still hope to be in our house by late April or early May.

Its hard to consider us as retired, but that's what we are for the time being. Susie works one day a week at Eddie Bauer and I'm focusing on the construction. Time will tell what's next, but we'll be ready when it comes.