At my firesides for the past 20 years, I have been telling people who didn’t understand why Emma stayed behind, that I felt there was a much bigger reason than just wanting to be buried beside her husband and family—though she may not have realized it at the time. If she had not stayed in […]
Kimberly Smith’s Statement on the LDS Church’s Big Announcement Read More »
This poem was written by my 5th-great grandfather Jesse Ballard (1808-1865). He writes about the biggest trials he faced in life including the deaths of his wife and his seventeen-year-old son. His poem is very religious and even though he wasn’t a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the focus of
Bridging Time Through Poetry: Words from my Fifth Great-Grandpa Read More »
One of the best parts about living in a small town is the community events. I especially love the LDS church history events. This Saturday, February 3, 2024, there’s a special annual event called the Nauvoo Exodus Commemoration. Finding A Safe Haven Living here now, when the population is around 1,000, it’s difficult for me
We Are All Refugees Read More »
I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but we are not living in a peace-filled world this Christmas. There are wars and countless conflicts happening right now across the globe. Sometimes, the conflicts are happening in our own homes, families, and communities. This Christmas I have been struggling with this question: how do we find peace
Five Ways to Find Peace in Christ this Christmas Read More »
If you were to meet Karen Blunier, owner of Nauvoo Yoga, your first impression of her would probably be that she is an incredibly calm and mellow person. In first meeting her, you would, of course, have no idea where she’s been and what she’s been through. You wouldn’t know that she’s a nurse with
Rooted in Balance at Nauvoo Yoga: How One Woman Found Peace Read More »
Participation in Petticoats Over the summer, I participated in the National Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. I was part of the “Buckskin Village,” the mountain man section of the camp, where old men dressed like mountain men. My Aunt, a capable seamstress, equipped me with wonderful regalia that was identical
My husband and I recently celebrated our wedding anniversary. With a little help from my friends, I was able to plan a fun surprise for him! Disclaimer: As of September 2023, I am a promotional partner of The Nauvoo Grand Bed & Breakfast This means I promote their business for compensation such as discounts and
Surprise: A Weekend Away at the Nauvoo Grand Read More »
It was just another typical summer morning. Make breakfast. Get dressed. Take the kids to the park. Put the baby down for a nap. Get my morning workout in. But then, the sky turned green. We hid in our basement closet and waited for the storm to stop. When it was over, we went outside
Facing Destruction with Remarkable Bravery and Faith Read More »
In honor of Pioneer Day (July 24, 1847) when the first company of pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, I’d like to take you on a “walk” through the Nauvoo Pageant. Experience the Magic Before it even begins, you’re in love. On your way to pageant, you pass the Mississippi River. Wait, look! The
Sunsets, Music, And Dancing: The Magic Of Summer In Nauvoo Read More »
I wanted to write about this revelation from Doctrine & Covenants that you can read fully here. This is a big one! Note: I’m not going to write about plural marriage (this is such a big topic. If you are interested in learning about it I recommend you read the Saints books or this essay
Everlasting Marriages Are Not Made of Magic Read More »
