Catch up not Ketsup

The days just keep rolling into the next. I am back tracking a little here. Monday's kind of are catch up from the busy week-end. I had to take my lap top to download my programs that were not working properly. Aaron helped me get the basics done and transferred information to his old lap top, I sure needed one that moved a little faster. It labors under pressure, so it seems.

One of my visiting teaching ladies died this afternoon. The funeral will be on Saturday. I last visited with her a week before. She was unable to communicate with me, and had declined a lot over the months that I had visited with her. Her husband was such an example of charity and the pure love of Christ the way he attended her. He took care of her himself the last five years, and had hospice aids come bathe her several times a week.

As it turned out, the CNA, Certified Nurses Assistant knew me from my oldest son's ward. She was the nicest person and gave her such good care. The ironic thing is that neither of us knew that the other knew this family. We didn't discover it until her funeral. I am writing this after the fact, so give more details after the fact.

The funeral was a lovely tribute to the husband, and the stories told that Joyce had written herself. Her autobiography was read by her daughter. Gaylon, Joyce's husband spoke as well. It was a nice funeral and I had the chance to get to know her better and differently than what I did since she had been ill the whole time I was assigned to her with my companion.

Blessed to Serve wherever I am--

I really look forward each week when I go serve in the temple. It is the highlight of my week. Many times when I leave I have the thoughts in my mind and heart 'does it get any better than this?' Well it does!

My assignment comes faster each week and before I know it, it is Saturday, again. It is interesting how many times creeping thoughts will come into my mind and suggest why not just NOT go this week? Well, guess who must be telling me those creepy thoughts!? But, I ignore them. However I could have had a good reason not to go since I was more or less recovering from slipping on the snow-covered driveway at (my son) Hank's house as I was leaving. Luckily there was nothing major and just jolted me as I tumbled when my feet went out from under me with the slickness of my shoes actually.

The snow was packed and not necessarily slippery. My neck was a little stiff when I turned it to the left. I also had a dull head ache from the jolt and force of the fall. I just took aspirin for the pain relief and that seemed to help me through for the next several days.

I recalled a prompting to look for my boots as I left to go, but thought I was just hurried and didn't do it. Now I know why. Those boots could have given me more traction and not been a problem, but now I will never know. I learned something though. Never be too busy or in a hurry to not heed the quiet voice of warning. I am usually very responsive and obedient to those promptings, but seems like I let that one go this time.

I was very pleased that once I was there in the temple the pain and stiffness miraculously went away. It was great, and I didn't have to take aspirin, since they were at home anyway. The first three hours I was there were non-stop, without a break. I went from one assignment to another it seemed and prayed so that I could enjoy each assignment without complaint or worry about my pain. It worked. Immediately as the pain left, I noticed that each thing I did became magnified with joy!

Each sister that I helped at the veil was so loving and gracious. The words said touched me so much I was feeling the emotions swell up in my heart with joy and peace of being there and enjoyed each moment. The initiatory ordinances were especially meaningful to me personally for the same reason. . . . as an answer to my prayer.

I know I am blessed for the service that I can give by working in the temple. I joke that it is like "my Jesus date" night. Now, can it get any better than that?

I can see and feel the hand of God in the temple and his blessings in my life....

Traditions Bring Families Closer

Tanise, Tara, Nathan around table for our Family Home Evening--

I just want to say a few words about how I am pleased and touched by the effort put in to making and continuing traditions in the (our)family over the years.

Aaron asked me on the way to Tana's tonight as I sat in the front seat of the van about what were my Christmas' like that I remember about as I was growing up. I nver really thought about it before he asked. But, it brought some sadness and I searched in my mind to recall some pleasant, happy times. I do not fault my parents, they did the best they could.

My parents did not know any different. They were both raised Catholic and had chosen to NOT teach their children those beliefs. Perhaps that was a good thing. We went to Protestant churches as I was growing up. I longed for that spiritual connection linking me to God more in my life. I know and observe the past that now more than anything with my whole being. Then when I found the truth it has made all the difference in MY world!! The road less traveled, perhaps?

The understanding of what I had growing up gave me the motivation to make memories for my own children as they grew up. I pray that has been some stabilizing force in their lives and those of their own children. I won't fill any space here about some of those not so spiritual memories from my childhood. I think some of the reason I feel about CHRIST-mas now is by my closeness to my Savior as a convert and member.

I want all of you to know how important that is to worship, honor and love HIM, as the tiny baby in the manger, the Christ child, to the Master and teacher that he was, and IS, and as our advocate, the mighty God and Prince of peace, all inclusive as our Savior too. His example dominates my feelings about him. It is something that I learned and appreciated more and more as a convert to the Church. It makes my life so much more meaningful. The roots of my knowledge of Christ was as a child when we were taken to the Methodist church in Chicago when I was four years old. I learned the Christmas songs, Away in the Manger, Joy to the World, and We Three Kings, Oh Little Town of Bethlehem.

Back to the traditions formed with my own children: We read in Luke, about baby Jesus and his birth in a lowly stable, we had Christmas Stockings, baked cookies, made chocolate fudge, and did an annual family photo and put them on our Christmas cards. I love that my children all do that annual family picture each year now too. Along with the stocking stuffers and the baking! I like the tradition of getting together the Monday before Christmas for FHE now as a family and I do my own planned get-together with all of the family.

I hope these are the things that bonds us and brings us closer as family and continue too. The ones that are missing are the ones who live farther away. I think that is why when we have our reunions I make them like a Christmas celebration. I like that tradition of reunions too when we have our family photos of ALL of us.

I encourage all of you to ponder what you do and what you can do to add to your own memories with your own families.

I just wanted to share some of my observations which came from Aaron's question of what I remember of my own Christmas' as I was growing up. Thank you, Aaron.

Family Night Annual pre-Christmas Get-Together

Tracie, Jared and their family at the table for dinner. Soup's on. We had our Family Home Evening meal at Aaron's.

We watched a movie, "Giant Among Men," about the life of Gordon B Hinckley.

Baking, shopping, getting ready for Family Home Eve

Grandma made a cookie activity at the Ks this afternoon. I wanted to have some time with the grands at their house so set it up. Aislyn and I made the cookie dough, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip recipe beforehand and baked them with the Ks. I made another kind of cookie, the Wedding Cake Cookie and left some for the family. It is a favorite for Hank, so he especially appreciated them too.

I went shopping to the grocery store to make some Christmas Fudge with the Fryer's. I will make it and we can have it for treats.

I spent time wrapping gifts for the Family Home Evening on Monday night. It is the highlight of my holiday celebration to have all the family over. I look forward to that each year.

Busy Full Day--Violin Recital

Allie in front in the red velvet dress plays her violin/xylophone. Lindsay on right in white sweater with black skirt. See Courtney play in the group back row far left.



Snow was coming down ever so gently and consistently this morning. I drove to Provo to meet Tana and her boys to take them back to Salem. We took a detour to Dollar $tore in Provo by Shopko. The boys had fun choosing what they wanted. They must have changed their minds at least four times until they decided on the ones they got.

We picked out some gum they liked and for their sisters. I got a few Christmas wrappings for my gifts yet to wrap for Monday's Family Home Evening coming up. We then went over to my doctor's office to finish some lab work as follow up from a general physical two weeks ago. I actually didn't know where the lab work was to be, only that the order was done. I got a call later from his office telling me to come back anytime and finish up the blood work. This morning seemed like a good time since I would be in that area first thing.

Fryer's and Hallows' were in a violin recital at the Salem Community Center. I had to just follow the lights around the pond and in the dark of night by the time I got there. The children playing were very talented. The adults who participated were also very experienced and the music was beautiful.

The teacher did a duet with one of the adults besides a pianist and played O, My Father. Then Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief was accompanied with the piano. These songs added to the Spirit of Christmas.

I appreciate the time and effort put into the development of my grand children's individual talents. I know the sacrifice of time and resources for them to embrace as they grow up. "Be not weary in well doing for ye are laying the foundation of a great work." Doctrine & Covenants 64:33.

Children's Choir, & Egg Nog Shake

Madison on the right second row sings. She is wearing white socks with black shoes.

Maddie sang in the Highland Children's Choir this evening. She looked so angelic in her white choir robe. She had a lovely hairdo pulled up on her head. Her mommy had done her hair so cute!

The songs they sang were about Christ and baby Jesus. The director is very talented and loves the children she directs. They all seem to have had a good time.





After the concert we went to Artic Circle and had a treat. I got an Egg Nog Shake. It was my first Egg Nog taste of the season. It was delicious. It reminded me of Michael and when he worked at Winder Dairy. They had the best Egg Nog!! Yummmm.

It's a Charlie Brown Christmas

The Charlie Brown Christmas cartoon came on earlier this evening. I heard the theme song this afternoon. It reminded me of Hank, so I called him. He was just leaving work from an episode of precaution at his workplace. All in a day's work it seems for him anyway.



Seeing the cartoon of Charlie Brown brought back memories of the past when Grandma McIntire was alive. She liked 'Snoopy,' and Charles Schulz' cartoon characters. Lucy used to be my favorite. She was always so direct and to the point. No matter what! One always knew where they stood with her...hmmmmm.

Recital for six grandchildren, dinner with Fillerup's

This evening there was a piano recital for six of my grandchildren. What a joy to see them all perform at the same place and the same time! Four (of our) families were involved since all have the same traveling piano teacher, Aimee Allman.

She is the sweetest and talented young woman. She is a student at BYU, and I believe getting a master degree in music pedagogy. How nice that she comes to them. The K's are starting in January for their four middle ones. It means I will have ten of my grands in music with the same teacher. It is a dream situation and great to have them developing their talents at the same time.

The children are all at different playing skill levels. They range from age ten down to five years old. Austin is the youngest and looked so cute moving his fingers so deliberately and playing a duet with his teacher. Aislyn did a good job and played two songs with a duet with her also, "Away in the Manger." Adam, Drew, Erin, Jacob, with Lindsay and Kaitlyn also doing a duet with Aimee. Our clan practically filled the living room along with the grand piano in it. Candice said she wants to start Ella in piano also, soon.

I would have a couple of pictures to post, but I will need to ask Tara to email me some that she took with her digital. My camera battery charge must have run down since I charged it. I hadn't used it since but it ran down anyway.

Next time I will need to remember to charge the camera the DAY I plan to use it. I will do that for the next time.

Snow, snow, and more snow!

Sunday morning brought lots of snow to at least make it look like winter has come. The ground was covered with a couple of inches. Last night when I came home from the temple the snow was falling every so lightly. It was the kind of snow that fell for hours that by morning it was everywhere!

There are always lots of things to remember to do and not to do while serving on my shift. A while ago when I was a worker before 2005-2007 the workers were told to ask the patrons when they came in to turn off their cell phones. I had a hard time with that since it was like 'being commanded in all things.'

It also occurred to me that with the recommend desk signs that state to turn them off would be be sufficient. So I seldom said it so as to NOT offend the sisters. Some workers would put sticky notes on lockers if someone forgot to turn them off and they rang while they were in a session. I just couldn't by the spirit of the law and kept it to myself.

This week in our prayer meeting they told the sisters to please do not say anything about the cell phones being on and not leave notes on lockers about them either.
I mentioned and admitted to one of my co-workers that I never liked to do that to the patrons for that same reason to not offend. It always seemed to break the spirit of reverence to say anything at all about cell phones.

The worker said a quote by President Monson that applied to this. "Better to break a rule, than to break a heart." I rested my case and felt relieved and needless to say, exonerated.

Looks like I have had writer's cramp-itis . . ?

This has been a week of not much going on to make note, but not that I don't see the good that happens in my life. I have...

Anyway, I was listening to my songs this morning and I think you'd enjoy if you have a few minutes listen to them. I just did all the way through. I asked Beth to help me to put the Christmas songs on. Thanks, Beth! I have had a good morning listening to my own and it kind of put me in the mood of the holiday Spirit. About time!!

I went to look to see what I could do for our family party last night. I found some good ideas so will get them ready and send invitations for our family party on Monday, December 22. FAMILY NIGHT!!!

I am working on the invitation to get it out today, so stay tuned!! We will MISS YOU, Michael, Joanna & Boys, as we will Matt, Beth & boys too. : ( Not complete without you.

Again this week has been different...so I will catch up on my other blog entries.

Parker loves to have me show him a whole slide show of "Curious George." There is only one picture of him like the Macy's Thanksgiving parade caricature of 'monkey George', as he says sometimes; but he likes the Hot Air Balloons too from 4th of July!!!

I was attempting to post some of the picture from those he likes but couldn't. That's why I went into the explanation, then couldn't make them work...oh well. Technical difficulties, you know how that is sometimes. See the blog entry before this one. I added some this morning...12-14-08 just by themselves.

Clips of the Hot Air Balloons and Curious Geo etc--

Under Dog at Provo Freedom Festival Parade 2008



Curious George flys again!!! Provo Freedom 08 Parade--




Hot Air Balloons--Fun, Fun!!






Spider Man visits Provo Parade 2008




Cosmo greets parade goers with the BYU team Semi-truck

This is a good place. . . to share ideas

I was thinking about some remedies that my mother used when I was growing up. Earaches seem to be the topic for today. She used to warm olive oil on a table teaspoon and put drops of the warm oil in my ears.

A search on the net also told of similar practices. One had to do with an onion cut in half and wrapped in a dish cloth the white muslin kind and putting it on the ear at night and the earache would be gone in the morning.

A less odoriferous remedy would be to by Hyland homeopathic tablets at the health food store for earaches. You get the same result faster and the tablets can dissolve under the tongue quickly without a lot of opposition from the child.

There is also an oil the is called 3-E oil. It may be just as effective as warmed olive oil, but comes with an eye dropper. it runs from $7.00 to almost $14.00. I bought some at Good Earth for myself.

Onions are also good sliced and sauteed in butter, then eaten to get rid of a sore throat. Try it. It works.

There has been a flu-like sickness that runs through the families often. I hear the same kind of symptoms through our own families' grandchildren. I have some essential oils that is called Tummy Rub that works very well for diarrhea. Just rub is on the stomach area above the waist and it stops the runs and upset tummies.

I can get it through my essential oils distributor and have it delivered by UPS to one location if anyone would like to get some. It is a must for your year supply and much less expensive than going to a dr who tells you it is a virus and there is nothing he can recommend to get better. These oils knock out the viruses, bacterial infections and fungus. It works, is all I know.

Out of the mouths of babes

When Parker broke his arm. His cast is on his right arm. This is him at Tana'a, November 3.



You never know what kids are thinking or what they will say. Parker is no exception. He is increasing his vocabulary and puts his sentences together nicely. He is even praying at meals and in family prayer now! He loves to volunteer to say the prayer on the food. He is getting better at repeating everything said.

Candice was fixing dinner last week. Aaron was holding baby Joel. He was talking with someone on the phone. I came in and offered to hold the baby while he finished his call. Parker came up to me while I sat on the couch to quiet Joel. He looked at me and then at Joel and said to me, "Grandma, you feed baby Joel, feed my brother!"

I was surprised that he would think of that all on his own. He said it again yesterday while I helped hold Joel for a few minutes. Parker seems to know what Joel needs and thinks I can feed him, like his Mommy does.

Parker just graduated to a big boy twin size bed. He sleeps in it and gave up his crib from brother, Joel.



I am making note of some of the things he does, as well as Aislyn and Ella for Candice. She is so busy and I know sometimes it is all a young mom can do to keep up with the basics. Beth said a while ago, that the only pictures she's seen of Joel were on my blog. Aaron has since posted some on his drop shots. Good Job!!

Fast Sunday, Sabbath worship, Aaron's Birthday

Today was Fast Sunday. My home teachers and visiting teachers both decided they wanted to get their visits in early in the month and chose to both come today. I had a nice visit with both. I am always amazed at how closely the brethren give and follow the lesson and seem to have it memorized (almost)word for word. The familiarity they have with the content is incredible. I know when I go visiting teaching I cannot give the lesson like they do. They give the message in such a way that makes it personal and pleasing to fit my situation. They are both dedicated men and honor their priesthood duties.

The sisters came and we had a good visit. They are always prepared and share a sweet spirit when they come. They come regularly and I am blessed to have such dedicated home and visiting teachers. Last month the brethren brought me a booklet with a holiday story about serving others and giving of oneself for the good of others who are less fortunate. I enjoyed the story. This month my visiting teachers brought me a gift and know it was a very thoughtful gesture and kind of them. I appreciate their diligence in coming to see me and make it so it is convenient both for me and them.

Sacrament meeting was great. Aaron and Aislyn were well enough to attend. Candice stayed home with Parker and Ella who were sick and unable to go to church today. Yesterday was Aaron's birthday and they had planned to go as a family to "Jump on it." But Parker got sick on their way to it and turned around and came back home. He fell asleep on the sofa in the living room and was asleep for several hours while Aaron, Aislyn and Ella went to the game place.

There was also our ward Christmas Party dinner last night and so Aaron stayed home with Parker during the party. Candice and the girls went to it. I was at the temple so was unable to attend the ward dinner. I heard it had a good turn out.

We had Sunday dinner by ourselves and celebrated Aaron's birthday. I helped make the cake and baked it for Candice while she went to choir practice. She had dinner about ready when we got home from church. I helped a little, Candice's parents came over for cake and ice cream and wished Aaron a happy birthday.

Aaron was able to get together with his siblings and dad on Friday for lunch at Mi Ranchito, and visit them. Miraculously they were all able to be in attendance. I would have liked to have been there too, but did not know about it in time. To say that I was disappointed not to be there is an understatement, nevertheless.

Esther's Funeral, Blessings of Service in Temple

What a grand farewell, send off for Bestamor! I attended her funeral and was filled with fond memories her family shared of her life with them. It was precious to see each of her children pay such a tribute to a queen, wife and mother. Her example and legacy lives on in each of her posterity and those who knew her are better for it.

I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to know her, love her and see her as the center of her family circle. Pete will miss her and surely looks forward to the time when they shall be together again. Don't we all? God bless you dear Esther.

I had to come home and shift gears to get to the temple for my Saturday evening regular assignment as ordinance worker. I surely find joy in serving each day that I am there. I was given several assignments that I don't normally have and are seldom needed. One of those was to be in the prayer circle when there are too few sisters to fill it. Two other sisters and I were asked to participate as well as three brethren from our shift since we were not needed to participate at the veil. We were escorted into the room and were able to fill our assignment.

Then the next one was to do the veil in Spanish! It was kind of 'thrown' at me to study the words for the veil for a Spanish session. They said I would have about three sisters. I crammed my brain and prayed a lot for the fifteen minutes I had before to actually study it. I read it the first time or two, then two more came to the veil. I had by then been able to wing it well enough to say it without the card help. It was a tender mercy to have the Spirit help me do it without the card and not me that was so good at memorizing.

The words became easier to say and put together. I think knowing the translation's meaning helped too. There ended up being nine sisters who needed help through in Spanish. But, they had other help who knew it in Spanish besides me. It gave me the opportunity to stretch myself beyond my own ability. I know God's hand was on my shoulder helping through this experience that I really was not prepared to do but HE made it so I could do it and for that I am grateful. It must have been a small gift of tongues in the moment.

I know my prayer was answered and the Spirit helped me through.

It was an incredible experience. I felt the Spirit so strongly and was touched to hear the sisters say it in Spanish without my help besides! Somehow for the lack of better words, that is what it felt like! It was like being at home again kind of feeling.

I know I am blessed at this time in my life to enjoy these tender mercies that make up for the time I am alone. The Lord is there for me and the Holy Ghost is indeed a comforter. What more can anyone ask? My joy is full.

I Have To Look for the Good to Keep From Self-pity

Some days are just not worth worrying about it seems. My day started out fairly good by going to help out at the temple as a substitute that I offered to do to help someone three weeks ago. A sister on my shift was having cataract surgery today so knew she needed someone to fill in her Friday morning shift.

Substitutes don't usually have to make it out so early like the regulars, so I didn't have to be there until 8:13!! We have our own prayer meetings to go to on our regular shifts so that is why it isn't required to be there unless we choose to go. Everyone was so helpful and expressed their thanks for me being there. It felt good. I even saw Roseanne Gunther, Bruce Guenther's mother. She gave me a hug hello and asked how Tana was doing.

After the temple I went over to get a long over due assignment at the Family History Center. I had the information I needed and thought I had everything under control. But, when I went back to the temple to get the printed out slips for the work, the information was mixed up so I went back to the library across the street almost from the temple. It took about another hour to get that worked through.

I went again back to the temple. It was about one o'clock by then. I had been doing this for two hours already! Well, the information was exactly the same as the first disc. I don't know why the other didn't change with the extra time and effort. Luckily I remembered the dates from the changed disk. The temple worker at the counter said they could adjust the dates without me having to go back to the Family History Center. So I now have the right cards ready to be done, two male baptisms, two initiatory, and endowments, a sealing to spouse and one child to parents.

The rest that didn't go well, I won't even mention. It doesn't matter now, since I cannot go back and change that. Disappointed yes, but I decided that isn't the end of the world! Life goes on, no matter what. Right? I won't look back. Less painful that way and who wants to relive the disappointments anyway? Not me.

I did learn something in all of this though. It is attitude and all about how you perceive what happens and the way things appear.


P.S. I did finish reading the Book of Mormon today while waiting for the veil call. That is a good thing to look upon. I only had one more chapter after reading this morning at home. Then when I had a chance to sit and wait for a few minutes I read Moroni 10.

Message to Bestamor's Guest Book

December 5, 2008

Oh, Esther-- how difficult it will be to say goodbye one more time to you my dear, Bestamor. I loved you from the first moment I met you and you made me feel welcomed into the family as a distant in-law, when Hank, my son married into your family to Lori, your granddaughter. You and Pete have been rocks of solid granite. Your love for one another was beautiful.

I will miss your hugs and kisses. Bless you my friend, the grandest lady of them all. I know my parents have greeted you already on the other side of the veil. Thank you for your kindness and for being an example of the pure love of Christ and love for our family too. They love you so much as well. God bless you. I know you will be there with us for all the future family get-togethers.
Love, Anna & Family

Tribute to a Grand Lady--A Time to Mourn

McIntire Photography actually taken by Michael


This picture below was taken at Hank and Lori's in January of Esther, Karoline and Linda.


Esther Christiansen Burt

I was saddened to learn today that Bestamor, aka Esther Burt passed away last night. I remember her fondly and lovingly for the person that she was. The first time I met her was at a Bridal Shower for Lori, her granddaughter. She approached me with a hug and a kiss on the lips. I was a little surprised at the time but felt her great love for me even though I knew her a short time...I also knew the great love she had for my son, Hank as well. It was her signature to greet me hello or goodbye with that same embrace and kiss.

She was a dear person and always felt like she was a good friend and I was a part of her family. I cherish her memory and mourn for her as for my grandchildren whom she influenced in her tutoring to them as children of God. I know she will be missed greatly. Perhaps she will continue to bless their lives from the other side with her prayers for them.

She used to tell me stories of her mother who was a widow and the hard worker that her mother was as she was growing up to provide for her and her brothers. Her father died when she was a toddler, I believe. She must have had a happy reunion to meet him again and into the waiting arms of her beloved mother...what a sweet thought of a happy reunion for them all.

I am also convinced that Grandpa Carlos was also nearby to greet her with my mother, Elena at his side to welcome her "home." They met each other at the time when Hank & Lori married. They also got to know Bestafar.

My condolences, to Lori, Hank and all of her great-grandchildren, as well as to Bestafar and their children, Linda (Lynn), Chris, Marilyn (Leonard), Rosanne (Ray) , Bill & wife, Rhonda. God bless you all.

Moroni 7:48

48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.

I especially love this scripture from Moroni. It is about purifying our hearts and become sanctified and true followers of Jesus Christ.

Love, Mom

Do What Is Right, Let the Consequences Follow

Lehi and his family go into the desert for eight years.



Tonight I went to a fireside about Lehi and his wilderness experience with his family. It was an interesting subject and about a film that F.A.R.M.S. made of a documentary on this Book of Mormon first family.

The speaker talked about Lehi's family's struggle to be united. If you were to ask me what impressed me most I would have to say it was the issues that face many of us in family situations that were similar to Lehi and Sariah's. I went away with a greater appreciation for the history of the trek into the wilderness. We in essence have similar "wilderness" journeys in our lives.



We also have our own Liahona, the Holy Ghost to guide us as the Liahona was their guide directly from Heavenly Father. I liked that analogy. I look forward to seeing the new DVD, "Journey of Faith" soon; sponsored by F.A.R.M.S. and Brigham Young University. I look at how easy we appear to have it in lives today.

Our closing song was "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful." It seemed an appropriate song after the fireside s we go forward into the holidays. "Oh, come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord."

I am so thankful to the Savior and do adore him in my worship and reading His Word. I am almost finished with my Book of Mormon for this year. I have four more chapters in Moroni left to read. I think now I will read the October Conference November issue to finish out the year.


I read SkippyJon Jones with Parker this evening. He loves that funny story and laughs as he says, "SkippyJon Jones." I decided to take the book to visit with the Ks.


I went to Hank and Lori's for dinner tonight. Everyone was there except Bp. Hank. He had tithing settlement and was there during dinner time. Lynn and Linda were there helping Lori make dinner. It is a big job, I know. It is great that her parents live so close and can visit regularly and have influence on the grand kids. I appreciate being so close as well. I read a story book with Kimball. It was "SkippyJon Jones and the Mummy." He loved it. I did too.

Remembering Carlos' Birthday Nov 28, 1919

He is dressed here in his suit ready to go to work. He said that he worked a year in sales in the late forties to earn enough to buy a new car in Chicago. It was a 1949 Dodge, maroon color.
This is a picture of my dad with his father. He looks about three or four months old.



Eighty-nine years ago, my father, Carlos was born in San Antonio, Texas. He was born about eleven months after his mother lost a child in 1918, also named Carlos. I celebrate his being born and becoming my father. I was browsing some of the photos I have of him on disk and will share some of them that tell his story and about his life.

I continue to see so many good qualities that I see in my own sons that are characteristic of them also. Aaron comments about how Parker walks around the house and has his Great-Grandpa Carlos' walk. It is comical to me to imagine how true it is.

Thanksgiving--Family Time

Tana & Nathan showing her Peach Pie. She bottled the peach filling herself and made the pie from scratch. It looks almost perfect. Good job, Tana!

What a feast we had for Thanksgiving dinner. There was plenty of great food and we had a wonderful time visiting with each other. The kids watched Kung Fu Panda & Polar Express. We all ate turkey and baked ham.


The best part about Thanksgiving was being together as family. It meant a lot (to me) to have each of you be here and have some sense of an anchor that holds us in place, like home. There is no place like home. We talked to Michael and Matt. It isn't the same without them though. We missed you both and your families.




I count my blessings of being here and living in this point in time. I wouldn't change it for anything.



I drove down to Spanish Fork to visit with Tara for a little bit and was glad to have some time to visit with her. She and Russ had his parents over for dinner and spent Thanksgiving with them and her family.

Kaitlyn Hallows a Big Girl now, No Glasses!

Did you recognize this cutie girl? She looks so grown up without her glasses. I snapped this at the family get-together and wanted to give her a page of her own.

She is nine years old now and is in third grade at Foothills Elementary School in Salem. She likes to eat salads, and makes a very delicious green salad too with Ranch dressing of course. She jumps rope, teases her brothers, and plays the piano. She practices often and knows her music very well. I know it someimtes takes a lot of coaxing to get kids to practice. When I am there taking care of them I just remind her and she is right there playing her songs. She loves her piano teacher, Amy too. Besides playing violin, sister, Lindsay takes lessons from the same piano teacher as does brother, Austin.

Way to go kids!!!!

Aislyn Dresses up for Thanksgiving Program

Aislyn is in costume as Pochantas for her second grade class program today. She could be either a Pilgrim or Indian, so chose to be an Indian Princess, Pocahantas.


She is very creative and found some face paint and did her face and Parker's. She made her own head band and did individual feathers in many colors. They posed for the camera.


Getting ready for Thanksgiving. School out today for the holiday. Family time.

Letting go of Autumn

I found this picture of the beautiful fall colored leaves. There is something about its brilliance that these colors never cease attract my attention, year after year. The reason is beyond me, but the autumn colors are next to spring, my favorite season. The fact that fall is the beginning of the season of my birthday could be the mystery. Nevertheless, I thought this picture was worth sharing!

Tithing Settlement, Gratitude for Blessings

This morning I woke up late but was able to get some sleep after being out so late last night. I am grateful my church schedule starts at 1:00 p.m. Aaron reminded me we had signed up for Tithing settlement. I hurried and got dressed to go to my appointment for tithing settlement.

Our bishop is great. He is so present whenever I visit with him. Aaron even said he called to the house before I got there to see If I was coming. He asked if we could have a word of prayer after our brief meeting for tithing settlement and asked to give the prayer. I was so pleased and touched by his prayer. He prayed for me and asked for angels to be around me and watch over me in my life. I know he is a caring and loving bishop and watches over his flock. What a good shepherd and example he is. I feel blessed.

There were two returned missionary talks, brothers who are fraternal twins who spoke in sacrament meeting. The High Councilor spoke and gave a great talk and spoke about gratitude. He quoted President Henry B. Eyring and the message to take note each day of seeing the hand of God in our lives. I appreciated the support our leaders give to us in reminding us to recognize the blessings in our daily lives.

I bear witness that I know without a doubt when I am mindful of the blessings poured out upon me, it also keeps me in tune with the Spirit humbling me so that I may come unto Him. This must have a ripple effect wherewith we can be unified and become one with our Savior, which is a blessing in itself at these times of the world and the influences out there. God's arm is bare and never falls short to bless me, I Stand All Amazed.

Our choir sang a medley of songs of Thanksgiving. It was quite nice. I ended up not feeling well and had a terrible splitting (migraine) headache. I can't remember having such a bad one as this one.

After sacrament meeting I went home to take a nap and slept for three hours. It felt good. I stayed home the rest of the evening. I think I needed that extra rest and my headache went away. I am grateful for Sundays, the Sabbath and most of all my FAMILY! I love you all and am thankful for your love, support and prayers.

Wheeler Farms Activity Dancing with one of Seven

This evening I went to a dance in Salt Lake with a couple of friends. I had a great time last week at the local singles Church dance so gave it another try. My expectation was to have as good a time as last week.

Maybe my expectations were a little high. I stood there all by myself for a couple of hours while my friends all got asked to dance. I walked around thinking maybe the one who would ask me to dance needed to see me first.

It was about fifteen minutes until midnight. Still no dance invitation. Then a young man came to ask me to dance. He had on a gray zip-up hoody sweat shirt, but didn't wear the hood. He asked if I would like to dance. I looked him in the eye and said, "Sure." His glasses were clouded and needed to be cleaned, but he was a gentleman, and DID know how to dance. He told me cute kid jokes the whole time we danced.

I was impressed that he could even remember so many. His name was was "Warren," but he pronounced it as "Wahwen." I had compassion for him. He looked a little lost. He reminded me of one of the Seven Dwarfs, he was so sweet and I thanked me after the dance. No one else came up to dance or asked me.



But later afterwards, my friends and I went to the Village Inn and had a cup of tea with the small group from the dance. It was more productive. I think next dance I will be invited by some of them. So the evening wasn't a total loss. It has promise.

I am glad that I was kind to the young fellow who asked me to dance. Maybe next time I will have better luck to dance. I hope so.

H2O, Hot Dogs and Sound of Music

Tonight I went over to Hank and Lori's to fill a couple of gallons with water. They were getting ready to eat hot dogs for dinner and then go to a play at Mt. View High School for th evening. They invited me to go with them to the musical production, Sound of Music.



The play was amazing, the music superb. The orchestra played to perfection as was the singing by the cast. There was a lot of talent on that stage and appeared to have a professional quality about it...needless to say, I was impressed.

It was a thrill to be there and I thanked Lori profusely for inviting me. I really enjoyed the evening and it made my day. I felt very fortunate to have witnessed such a fine evening and consider it a tender mercy and grateful for it.

Who would have ever thought. . . . ?

11 And thus they were driven forth, three hundred and forty and four days upon the water.
12 And they did land upon the shore of the promised land. And when they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them.


Today marked a milestone. It is the 344th entry of my blog. I was reading in Ether this morning and lo and behold it told how the Jaredites had journeyed 344 days in the water. It is hard to imagine that long of a journey without seeing land or traveling that long across the seas to the PROMISED LAND. Even though their journey took twenty-one days short of a year, they had light and the brother of Jared saw the finger of the Lord. God's hand is never too short, is it?

I am thankful for the scriptures that bless our lives to show us the way.

A Blessed Sabbath--To Remember

Sunday, a full day. Lots to do, places to go. I didn't know how this day would unfold. It was a pleasant day, and I did not feel pressured about going to Hank's ward for he was speaking in his ward.

He was also called to be the new bishop. Bishop McIntire. Wow, what a ring to that, and I am sure he is getting used to it. I remember two of my past bishops who felt so humble about their calling that when they called to talk to me they both identified themselves by their first names instead of Bishop - - - - . I had not had any others do that. Interesting though.

Well, when I was told that Hank was going to be called, all that week when I thought of him and what is ahead for him in his stead, I cried tears of joy besides some condolences and congrats. My heart was full of gratitude to see him rise to the occasion and see how normal it looks to see him preside in his ward like that. I felt a sweet and loving Spirit overall with the brethren who spoke and leaders released. All good men.




One sister in the ward leaned over my shoulder afterward and said to me, "He will make such a fine bishop." I smiled and thanked her and thought how that is pretty much the indication that so many if not all of his ward felt and expressed to him, Lori and me personally. I was also so pleased that all of the siblings that live here could be there for you, Hank. I know it means a lot to have your family there to support you and give you the love and encouragement you need at these happy occasions. Hank has two good men to assist him in his leadership and I know they were called of God and will be a team and serve the Lord with all their hearts, might minds and strength.

The Stake Presidency were so amazing and carried over the most loving Spirit too as they conducted the meeting, ordinations and settings apart for each member of the new bishopric. My heart was indeed full and such a blessed memory made today.



It was my week to teach the Relief Society lesson, and felt a great love for my sisters in the gospel and the message that was given. I learned so much and expressed my gratitude for their love and support to sustain me as their teacher. I used a quote from Hank's talk that he gave in Sacrament meeting.




"We are the glue that holds together Heavenly Father's plan" and "We are the Lord's secret weapon." quoting Sister Sheri Dew. I liked what he said and wrote it down as best I could remember, with Hank's help. I felt fed and nurtured by the spirit and felt a measure of that as the lesson unfolded and we feasted upon the word and spirit.



This was a most rewarding day. My preparation for the lesson was sufficient and I did not fear. I encouraged the sisters to bear their testimonies in December or January for the end of or beginning of a new year. I hope and pray they will follow through. I really think sometimes that these sisters may underestimate the power they have as wives and mothers in gently guiding and teaching their families, and husbands collectively. "The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world".