Sunday, 30 November 2025 by Sagacity

Burley Idaho Temple Open House

The Burley Idaho Temple Open House ran 3 November 2025 to 22 November 2025. It was an amazing opportunity to invite the local and broader community to walk through a pinnacle of our worship. I attended 5 of the much more individual and personal tours on the 3rd through 5th with public leaders and distinguished guests. I wish everyone could attend these tours, which would often take 45 minutes to 60 minutes for the full tour. Some of these were guided by General Authorities, including Elders Steven R. Bangerter, Karl D. Hirst, and K. Brett Nattress.

On Thursday, the general public was welcome to attend open tours. Our first tour tried to do a small introduction in each room, but about half-way through that was abandoned to keep the lines moving. Every tour I attended afterward did not have any attempted presentations, other than to remind individuals to not take photos and to speak softly.

Amanda sneaked over and caught a personal tour on the 6th.

6 November 2025 – Amanda Ross attended individually

Amanda and I took our family on Friday 7 November 2025.

Saturday morning we attended with some friends. This was my 7th tour that first week!

8 November 2025 – Bud and Karen Marie Whiting, Amanda Ross, James Ross, Aliza Hales, Lea Pierucci Izama, Audra Hales, Aleah Hales, Anson Hales, Brad Hales, Paul Ross

The next weekend, Amanda had a bunch of family come to town and also attend. This Friday night was my 4th tour of the second week.

14 November 2025 – Hiram Ross, Amanda Ross, Lillian Ross, Rowan Hemsley, Margo Hemsley, Bryan Hemsley, Olivia Hemsley, Jill Hemsley, Jack Hemsley, James Ross, Paul Ross, Aliza Ross, Jordan Hemsley, Derek Hemsley

I also got to attend some more times the third week. But my 4th tour in the third week was with my sister and brother-in-law.

22 November 2025 – Paul Ross, Andra and Wes Herbst

That makes 15 trips through the temple for the open house. I was also privileged to do temple security on 5 different occasions, all for the 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM shift. Here are some photos from that opportunity.

5 November 2025 – Paul Ross and Kevin Mower for the graveyard shift

10 November 2025 – Paul Ross and Tyson Smith for the graveyard shift

Amanda also got to do a security shift, parking shift, and foot covering (booty) shift.

12 November 2025 – Amanda Ross Parking Shift

12 November 2025 – Amanda Ross Security Shift

Some of the late night security shifts were great opportunities to reflect on the blessings we are now achieving with the ease and access of a temple so close.

When I received my first temple recommend for my own endowment, Paul Idaho Stake President, M. Gene Hansen, invited me to make a commitment to attend the temple every month at a minimum. I took that commitment. I agreed.

In Hazelton, Idaho, it took me roughly 2 1/4 hours to get to the Boise Idaho Temple (speed limits have increased since then); Idaho Falls Idaho Temple was just under 2 hours; Logan Utah Temple was about 2 1/2 hours, and Ogden Utah Temple was 2 1/2 hours. I was endowed in Logan in September 1998 with my Dad. I attended Logan and Boise before going on the mission. But it was at least half a day planning to attend the temple before the mission.

Within the Manchester England Mission is found the Preston England Temple. Attending the temple in the mission required coordination with members as the temple isn’t near public transportation and we relied on members to take us. We could only go on Preparation Day, which was Tuesday. That took some work, but I was able to attend every month of the mission (except for some months where some missionaries had abused the privilege and all missionaries lost temple attendance options for three months). Getting to the temple was within 1 hour for every area in which I served.

I lived in Branson Missouri for a couple of years. Our closest temple for Branson was the St. Louis Missouri Temple. That drive was at least 4 hours one way, often 4 1/2 hours. That required an entire day to be set aside and planned to drive, attend, and return home. Never missed a month in Branson. I sealed my Jonas grandparents together in St. Louis Missouri Temple. The Bentonville Arkansas Temple has been constructed much closer at about 2 hours. The Springfield Missouri Temple will be less than an hour away from Branson.

Amanda and I lived in Richmond Virginia for a couple of years. Our closest temple for Richmond was the Washington D.C. Temple. That drive was between 4 and 5 hours away, depending on beltway traffic. We would often go up and spend Friday night with family, attend the temple that night or in the morning, and then make our way back home. Washington D.C. Temple was closed for a bit, so to make the monthly trip, we had to go to the Raleigh North Carolina Temple. That was almost a 4 hour drive one direction. The new Richmond Virginia Temple is just outside the first neighborhood we lived in and within 10 minutes of the second neighborhood we lived.

When we moved back to Idaho, the Twin Falls Idaho Temple had been dedicated. That dropped the 2 to 2 1/2 hour drive time for all those temples to less than an hour, usually between 50-60 minutes. But it still takes time and planning to ensure I get there every month. This is double now that we also have a commitment to see that Aliza and Hiram are able to attend at least monthly.

Now, with the dedication of the Burley Idaho Temple in January, the temple will be between 5 to 6 minutes away.

Now I have to reevaluate. It seems the once a month commitment is not enough. I think that will remain the absolute minimum going forward for the rest of my life. It also seems I have no reason to not attend to at least one ordinance in the temple at least every week.

To show my gratitude to our Father and our Savior, I intend to attend the Burley Idaho Temple at least daily for the first 30 days it is open after dedication. Which isn’t as much as it seems if you consider it is not open on Sunday, Monday, or Thursday. Still working out what happens after the first 30 days.

For the last three weeks I have found myself regularly humming The Spirit of God and also muttering the Hosanna Shout under my breath. I am looking forward to the dedication of the Burley Idaho Temple on 11 January 2026!

Sunday, 23 November 2025 by Sagacity

School Days – Ogden, Utah

David Donaldson is on the back row, fourth from the left. Beatrice Carol Payne is in the middle row, sixth from the left.

This photo has “David school third grade” written on it. Since David William Donaldson was born in 1928, I am guessing this photo was probably taken in 1937. I think that would have been the end of his third grade year.

I tried to see if the columns looked familiar for some of the old Ogden, Utah, schools. I couldn’t find one that seemed to match. It is a fun picture to see the kids mostly in overalls.

In discussions on an Ogden Facebook page, some people shared photos of the old Lincoln Elementary School. It was east of Washington Avenue and north of 3rd Street. I have not found any great pictures of the building to really confirm or deny this was that old Lincoln Elementary School. The current Lincoln Elementary in Ogden is a much newer building at a different location.

Nothing else is known about this photo.

Dave would have turned 97 this year on 25 November.

Sunday, 12 October 2025 by Sagacity

General Conference October 2025

Ross and Hemsley families at October 2025 General Conference

As each child has joined the church at the age of 8 years old, we have made it a goal to take them to General Conference. We took Aliza in 2018, and Hiram in 2022. There is something about literally sitting in the same room as the prophets that is different than listening later, watching from afar, or reading in a magazine. You cannot duplicate the spirit that fills the room when 21,000 people sing We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet! The Tabernacle Choir cannot be duplicated. Period.

It took months of planning, but with the help of family, eight tickets were obtained. We left early Sunday morning to drive down and listen to Sunday morning’s session in Kaysville (Aliza got some road hours for her driving permit too). Before that session was over, we changed into church clothes and drove to Salt Lake City.

Salt Lake Temple under renovation, 5 October 2025

We found our seats as soon as the ushers would let us in. We had a pretty sweet section.

Shortly before the Sunday Afternoon Session began, 5 October 2025

After getting our seats, we took the kids to see some of the sights in the Conference Center.

Jill Hemsley, Paul, Lillian, James, and Aliza Ross

Aliza, James, and Lillian Ross with President Russell M Nelson’s bust

We were surprised to find out President Nelson passed away the weekend before Conference. I found it very interesting to attend a General Conference during an Apostolic Interregnum. I reminded the kids they may never have that chance again.

President Dallin H Oaks and Elders Jeffrey R Holland, Henry B Eyring, and Dieter F Uchtdorf leaving after the Session

We were also fortunate to attend the only session President Oaks spoke. I am very thankful to hear the keys of the Priesthood speak in person. It was a very personal talk, more than I remember him speaking in the past. In the past 125+ years, the Apostolic Interregnum has been very short lived. The opportunity to hear the President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles also speak as the President of the Church in General Conference has not occurred in 74 years. Tradition always has the most senior Apostle being called, sustained, and set apart as the President of the First Presidency/High Priesthood with two counselors called to the same. That may happen today, 12 October 2025, if past precedent holds true.

Amanda, Aliza, and Lillian Ross with Jill Hemsley

I received my first testimony of a Prophet at Utah State University in 1997. I had joined the Logan Institute Choir. President Gordon B Hinckley was coming to speak at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. We had practiced multiple songs. One of which intrigued me, We Ever Pray for Thee. It was while singing that song that President Hinckley entered the arena. Wow. The Spirit overcome me. I have shared that experience many times, especially in the mission. My first testimony of a living prophet. It was as if every cell in my body jumped for joy and vibrated with excitement.

Bryan Hemsley and Hiram Ross at General Conference

My next prophetic testimony was related to Thomas S Monson. I have to admit, I always struggled a bit with President Monson. The story-telling and poems was too mushy for me, or something. I am not sure what gave me a bit of a burr, probably just personality. President Hinckley passed away and within the next week I was attending an endowment session in the Twin Falls Idaho Temple. I was in the prayer circle. It was then that the officiator included President Thomas S Monson in our prayer. As I repeated the words in the circle I felt the confirmation. The Spirit in that moment testified that President Monson was the Prophet upon the earth. I went away rejoicing and all my qualms with personality were lost.

Aliza and Hiram Ross excited to be in the Conference Center

President Monson also fell asleep in time. The next transition was to Russell M Nelson. After my experiences with Presidents Hinckley and Monson, I expected nothing less than another witness as to whether Russell M Nelson was the Prophet on earth. I prayed for the experience. In fact, Brigham Young taught us to expect to obtain a testimony of the Prophet. Well, in our own home watching General Conference in April 2018, we also participated in the Solemn Assembly. It was during that procedure that I again obtained a witness. No questions. In fact, President Nelson in his administration resolved some of my frustrations with church government and organization.

View of the rostrum from the farthest seats of the Conference Center before Sunday afternoon Session

Who will formally be set apart as the next President of the First Presidency? Tradition certainly would indicate Dallin H Oaks, and I expect the same. I also expect to obtain a witness that he is the Lord’s Prophet and Mouthpiece for the whole earth.

Paul Ross enjoying some light refreshments after Sunday afternoon’s General Conference

Since I really only began attending church regularly in 1997, President Hinckley was the only church president I knew for years. However, I will mention, my Grandma regularly spoke of my Great Grandmother’s connection to Ezra Taft Benson in Whitney, Idaho. Interestingly enough, when President Benson died in 1994, I spent the weekend of his funeral at Dustin McClellan’s home. I remember on Saturday, Dustin’s Mom, Bonnie, watching a funeral. I sat down and watched it for a little while. I remember the Tabernacle Choir. I asked her what it was and remember her telling me it was President Benson’s funeral. I felt something at that moment that made me more curious about the man. I still remember that occasion because the Spirit whispered to me. I have since also received a witness of President Benson. I have received one of every President since Joseph Smith.

Bryan Hemsley and James Ross enjoying Conference

Aliza recently attended a fireside in Rupert where President Emily Belle Freeman attended. I hope my children are gaining the golden strands in their testimony tapestry regarding the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We were fortunate enough to rub shoulders with President Freeman again and Sister Amy A Wright on Sunday.

Emily Belle Freeman and Aliza Ross in Rupert, Idaho, 21 September 2025

Saturday, 11 October 2025 by Sagacity

Deseret Peak Temple

A year ago we attended the open house for the Deseret Peak Utah Temple in Tooele, Utah. I thought I would share some pictures from that open house.

Aliza Ross, Jill Hemsley, Lillie Ross, Shanna Thompson, James Ross, Bryan Hemsley, and Hiram Ross

Deseret Peak is the same design as the Orem Utah Temple and Pocatello Idaho Temple, just different finishing work. I understand that similar designs reduce costs and expenses in the engineering and design, plus it works out the kinks of prior construction.

Amanda Ross, Paul Ross, Aliza Ross, Jill Hemsley, Lillie Ross, James Ross, Shanna Thompson, Bryan Hemsley, and Hiram Ross

Paul Ross, James Ross, Amanda Ross, Hiram Ross, Aliza Ross, Jill Hemsley, Lillie Ross, Bryan Hemsley, and Shanna Thompson

Sunday, 5 October 2025 by Sagacity

Navy Air Show – 1945

Back (l-r): Bob Reading, Smo Smolinsky, Dick West, Jack Seabolt, Norm Reid, Bill Plunkett, Skull Nelson, Wes Harper, Junior Locher; Front: Jack Simmerman, Bob Johnson, Mike Michaelson, Al Thorngren, Norm Schram, Hoot Nejdl, Ted Wallover.

I continue to scan photos that belonged to my Great Uncle and Aunt, Dave and Betty Donaldson. This one had names typed on the back. Chauncey “Mike” Michaelson married my Grandma’s sister, Dena Donaldson on 7 December 1943 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.

This photo says “Navy Air Show” at “NAS Santa Rosa, Calif.” on 31 March 1945. Dena and Mike had a son born 29 October 1944 in Brigham City, Utah.

The back of the card has the names written on it. I assume it is accurate as it was likely from the time, but the handwriting gives further definition. I can also tell there are a number of nicknames, so I wasn’t able to find most of the people listed in the photo. Either the name was too common or the name given is not sufficient.

Wes Harper – could be Wesley Raymon Harper (1922 – 1982) of Larned, Kansas.

Bob Johnson – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Junior Locher – could be Junior Lewis Locher (1919 – 2003) of Glasgow, Virginia.

Chauncey De Orr “Mike” Michaelson (1922 – 2006) of Montpelier, Idaho.

Hoot Nejdl – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Skull Nelson – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Bill Plunkett – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Bob Reading – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Norm Reid – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Norm Schram – could be Norman Hayner Schram (1922 – 2011) of Pontiac, Michigan.

Jack Seabolt – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Jack Simmerman – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Smo Smolinsky – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Al Thorngren – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Ted Wallover – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Dick West – could not find anyone that seemed to fit.

Sunday, 21 September 2025 by Sagacity

Even more 8th Street in Ogden

I first wrote of the Donaldson house at 629 8th Street in Ogden, Utah in 2017, and followed up with another post in 2021. I continue to work through photos from Dave and Betty Donaldson and found some new ones I wanted to share.

This first one is fun as not only does it have a car parked beside the home, but you can see a woman through the passenger window. I am not sure who the face belongs, but it could be my Grandmother Gladys Maxine Donaldson Ross. You can also see some snow on the ground behind and no homes visible across the street.

This one, is really one of many photos, in front of the home includes the beautiful Wasatch Mountains in the background.

And this one is in the front yard and also clips the north facing northeast corner of the house with David Delos Donaldson holding a child. Not sure who the child is, but it adds another glimpse of the neighborhood. In the 2017 post, I didn’t really get a street photo. Maybe I need to stop and get a fresh photo from that angle.

Is it Dena, Dora, Gladys, or Maxine? I don’t think it is Dave, but sometimes the boys dressed like girls too.

This next one is fun as it shows how deep the snow got in December 1933. The whole family his bundled up, but some also appear in dresses.

This next photo is definitely an earlier time based on the car. I don’t know who is on the porch, I think it might be Dave.

This last one doesn’t add much, but a fun photo of the front of the car with the twins.

Another photo.

And this photo that I appear is from the back.

Sunday, 14 September 2025 by Sagacity

Drops of Water

Little drops of water,

Little grains of sand,

Make the mighty ocean

And the pleasant land.

Thus the little minutes,

Humble though they be,

Make the mighty ages

Of eternity.

Julia A Fletcher

That poem seemed to fit as I work through more photos that belonged to my Great Grandparents. These photos found their way to my (Great) Uncle Dave and (Great) Aunt Betty. I scanned and worked through these photos, in some cases over 100 years later. I wonder what thoughts or emotions my own family’s photos might evoke in 100 years. The little minutes add up.

David Donaldson was born in 1894. If this photo were taken at 18 years old, then it would be 1912.

These are the two same women from the separate photos above, probably the same day. No clue if related or some other occasion.

David certainly appears older in this photo than the prior one. His 20s or 30s?

I can recognize Dena and David on the left, along with David’s mother Mary. I would have been guessing on Alvin, but his age and size appear to match. Who is Ms. Berry? There are so many Berry/Barry/Beery ladies in Ogden in 1920, even within a mile and half of the house, that I cannot make any identification. The Donaldson family in 1920 were living at 2270 Ogden Ave, Ogden, Utah. I have written a biography about my Great Grandparents, David Delos Donaldson and Berendena Van Leeuwen.

David Delos Donaldson holding little girl

This photo has a couple of interesting pieces. I don’t immediately recognize the little girl as one of David’s children. The family lived in Ogden. The mountains seem to line up. But I generally think it is early 1920s. Interesting note, I appreciate that the baby clothing between boys and girls were somewhat interchangeable. Perhaps this is actually David William Donaldson and the same day as this photo:

Berendena Van Leeuwen Donaldson holding child

This photo is interesting to me as I don’t see Dena as quite as young as when her first kids were born in 1920. I cannot tell if it is a boy or girl she is holding, but if it is David/Dave, then this could be around 1929-1930. Dena was born in 1898, so 1930 would put her at 32 years old.

Berendena Van Leeuwen Donaldson with the three Ross grandchildren, Milo, Caroline, and Judy

Milo was born in 1943, Judy in 1946, and Caroline in 1948. This photo seems it could have taken place in 1950 to 1951.

I don’t know whose car it is, or the make and model. The plate says 1949. I don’t know if plates had to be replaced every year, or if they were longer time increments. If they are only one year, then this would appear to place the photo and the one above in 1949 or 1950.

This photo is interesting. It had 1940 written on it, so my Grandma turned 19 that year. She married in 1942. Doing an AI search, it showed one of the locations near Grotto Geyser. The small piece of the sign to the right appears to begin with the letter G. Here is a modern shot from Google Maps from 2013. It really does not look like the Grotto Geyser features have changed much in 85 years.

This photo was a fun photo of Grandma. Her teeth in the picture are different than I remember. Going back through all the photos I have of her and Grandpa, I don’t have many pictures of her full-toothed smile. Having her tongue in her teeth distorts how her teeth look.

This photo is interesting in that the back says it was taken 28 June 1939 in Napa, California. The only explanation for the photo must be while they were in California for the 1939 World Fair. Here is a photo from that occasion.

Here is another fun photo. Berendena Van Leeuwen Donaldson and Catharina Johanna Van Leeuwen Collins are sisters. Dena was born in 1898, Kate in 1902. Dena passed away in 1959 and spent the last 4 years of her life in a wheelchair, so this is before that. You can see she is standing on the right and holding on to the side of the image. Guessing, this is probably early to middle 1950s.

Sunday, 31 August 2025 by Sagacity

Milo P Ross Elementary Class Pictures

In honor of Dad’s 82nd birthday, I am sharing these photos.

After Dad’s first wife, Vicki, passed away, most of her photos and other documents were scanned. Found in those documents were these two class pictures for Dad. These are for his 1952 and 1953 class years. Since he graduated in 1961, these are likely his 3rd and 4th grade pictures. He attended Plain City Elementary in Plain City, Utah.

Back (l-r): Gary Butler, Frances Rochell, (unknown teacher behind Frances), Linda Knight, unknown, unknown, unknown, unknown, Kenneth Clark, unknown, Kenneth Wayment; Middle: unknown, Kent Hodson, Elaine Rogers, Connie Poulsen, Kay East, Carole Carver, May Endow, unknown; Front: Dean Allred, Fred Coy, unknown, Ernest Hansen, Leon Taylor, Milo Ross, unknown, unknown.

Back (l-r): Carol Wheatley, Connie Poulsen, Austin McWilliams, Mr. Leslie Gerald Bundy, Kenneth Wayment, Kenneth Clark, unknown, Cleora Meyerhoffer, unknown, Gary Butler, Donna Mae Jensen; Middle: Elgie Post, Elayne Rogers, May Endow, unknown, Frances Rochell, Linda Knight, Carole Carver, Kay East, Deanna Slater; Front: Kent Hodson, Larry, Dean Allred, Fred Coy, Leon Taylor, Milo Ross, unknown, Jeff East, Ernest Hansen

Mr. Leslie Gerald “Jerry” Bundy (1929 – 1999)

Ms. Emma Walker Munson (1918 – 1992)

Dean Allred (1943 – alive)

Ilene Bingham (1943 – alive)

Gary Butler (1943 – alive)

Carole Carver (1943 – alive)

Kenneth Clark (1943 – alive)

Fred Coy (1943 – alive)

Jeff East (1943 – alive)

Kay East (1943 – alive)

Maye Endow (1943 – alive) married Bothwell

Ernest Walter Hansen (1943 – 2010)

John Kent Hodson (1943 – 2022)

Donna Mae Jensen (1943 – alive)

Linda Knight (1943 – alive) married Charlton

Austin McWilliams (1943 – alive)

Cleora Mae Meyerhoffer (1943 – 2013) married Oliver

Connie Poulsen (1943 – alive) married Esplin

Frances Rochell (1943 – alive)

Elayne Rogers (1943 – alive) married Cliften

Milo Paul Ross (1943 – alive)

Deanna Kay Slater (1943 – 2006) married Hart

Leon Everett Taylor (1943 – 2000)

Linda “Cookie” Thompson (1943 – alive)

Kenneth Wayment (1943 – alive)

Carol Wheatley (1943 – alive)

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