Busily packing move on Saturday...

So much to do, so little time. I think I spaced today and made a token journal entry. Counting my blessings for good health and a roof over my head. I am very blessed. What more can I ask?

The Large Brass Plates must have been about everyday life--

"I have several stacks of photos and documents on a table here in my room which need to be organized. I will commit to do them in the next two weeks before moving to American Fork with Aaron and Candice. It just takes time, persistence and focus. Right?

God Bless me in the goal, I pray."

I remember making this statement in one of my blog entries not too long ago. Sure enough, I tackled that monumental project to at least get it started to make some order out of it. I went last Friday afternoon around 3:30 p. m. I dragged myself home after 10:00 p m. It was a long ordeal, but I persisted and didn't allow the opposition to discourage me, so pushed forward with faith that all would turn out.

The last set of photos I did was an impression I had to share a lot of the ancestors from Rodriguez-Sanchez' collection of photos with m y siblings. I ended up with the bulk of the family pictures and am so thankful and realize it was for a purpose. The purpose to preserve the family history and write about their individual lives.

I spoke with my youngest sister yesterday, and we caught up from our last conversation from a few weeks ago. It is always a wonderful opportunity to connect with my dear sister, who is flesh and blood and makes me feel so good to have that renewed connection each time.

It has been a struggle for me to accept my other siblings estrangement; I find solace with the support of my sister, and loving parents who continue to love me and who have an ongoing influence on my life for good. My heart is full.



Those experiences that I have had growing up and seeing the photos again binds me to them even more as the years go by. My love for them increases as I sense my paretns' presence/closeness to me, and know I am not the only one they watch over and influence ALL their posterity both here on earth and in the Spirit world. It is part of the eternal plan of happiness and I bear my witness of its validity.

I still remember vividly sitting on the couch in our home paging through my mother's photo albums. I have fond memories of the stories she would tell us. I know she shared those with my other siblings as well. I hope you will share those and send them to me, Linda, so I can add them to our "brass plates."

I still have my work cut out for me to put stories along with the photos for the family pictorial history. It can be an ongoing project as I find more or preserve other photos still to gather from other boxes. I have another project to complete a disc file on Carlos, my father to organize and scan. If any of you who read this want a copy of that hard disc, I can have more copies made when I do his, and am glad to send you at your request. Please let me know and leave a comment. Thanks.

A New Day, A New Thought--not my own

I had to really think about what I would say today. I really had not done anything spectacular and wanted to find something meaningful to share. I browsed my emails and found what I cut and pasted below. Please take a moment to read it.

I also found a beautiful message and direct anyone who would like to be uplifted and access at a time in your day... I sent an email to many of you who may be reading this. I also found a source for positive thoughts with the blog you can also check out.

Be sure to see www.blog.simpletruths.com--
They are both well worth the few minutes of your time. Honestly.

Here is the site, Http://www.blessyoumovie.com

I cut and pasted from the www.blog.simpletruths.com I could not cut them all, but you can see for yourselves. God bless, and have a beautiful day experiencing the wonders of life.

Love, Anna aka Mom :)--



"Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "One of the greatest compensations in life is that no person can help another without helping themselves." How true it is!

Mary Kay Ash was the inspirational founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics. Many years ago I heard her speak to a group of executives, and she told of her first sales job when she was in her early 20’s. She had been excited because she was attending her first convention, and was going to get to meet the top sales person of the company. At a reception, she made her way through the crowd, introduced herself, and asked th man to please share some of his secrets to success. And, do you know what he said…nothing. Absolutely nothing! He just walked away.

Mary Kay said it was a defining moment in her life, and she promised herself that if she ever enjoyed any success in her life, she would share it with others. Once she started her own company, she said, when she walked into a room she would pretend that everyone had a sign around their neck that said…MAKE ME FEEL IMPORTANT.

We all want to feel important, and one of the simplest acts of kindness, one of the simplest ways to make anyone feel important is to sincerely listen to what they have to say.

In my opinion, there is no real success, in any life, until they can discover the beauty of simple, random acts of kindness."

Goodbye is never easy to friends and dear Prophet

I attended my meetings yesterday at my ward for the last time as a member of the ward. We start our move on Saturday and will go to the new one from now on. I have loved the welcome I received upon coming into it, and so many people gave me an "abrazo" i.e. hug knowing I was leaving. Aaron and Candice attended another ward where she sang with her family on the program. So I was the only one to "hold down the fort". Aaron came later for priesthood and the girls for Primary.

Brother Todd Austin, the member of the bishopric in his remarks had some very kind things to say about the McIntire's and the influence we've had on the ward. Aaron was first counselor in the Elder's Quorum, and Candice YW's Laurel leader. Bro Austin is Gaylia Smoot's nephew, from our old ward in Orem. He is about Hank's age, and filled in as my home teacher when I didn't have one for about six months. I got to know him and Bishop Lawrence Packer well. Then Bp Packer was released, he moved and now there is Bishop Cox. I was Family History Consultant and liked serving any way I could. I taught the Family History Sunday school class for 8 weeks last summer. So I enjoyed anything that encouraged them to do temple work!

Other sisters in the ward came up to me after Relief Society and gave me a hug and they expressed their love and sadness to have me leaving. I know they all wished we'd stay, they need us so badly. It is a very humble ward with lots of great leadership. One of the stake patriarchs is in the ward and made wonderful comments in Sunday school. There is a lot of spiritual depth in the ward. One is a former BYU religion professor and his testimony was alway so powerful and knowledgeable with a sweet spirit about him. I will miss their testimonies like they say they will miss mine.

I could often feel the spirit during the sacrament time with the reverence and sweetness of the priests who would bless the sacrament. It is much like in Hank's ward where K2 blesses the sacrament in their ward. Our Relief Society President is exceptional and I remember her greeting me when I first came to R. S., she welcomed me even before I sat down in the row in front of her. She wasn't the president then either, but I know she was called by inspiration a few months ago, just over Thanksgiving I think. I was gone when the new presidency was sustained as I recall.

Today I am still feeling the aftershocks of President Hinckley's death. It is as if he was related in some way for the loss I feel knowing he will not be leading us anymore as the prophet. He has been released from his earthly calling and now we must move forward, but that doesn't make it any easier to not feel like I do.

I have seen many tributes about him today on KBYU and KSL, and know he has done so much for all the membership during his time of service to the Lord throughout his life. It seems like he always had his finger on the pulse of the Church as he worked so closely with the brethren in the missionary dept, he influence the temple ceremony back in 1958 and had great prophets, apostle's as teachers to tutor him for his calling as President of the Church. He indeed was a Man For ALL Seasons, and never faltered and was so active up until the end, and then he took one day off from his duties and died two days later! I know the Lord sustained his life for a purpose and now he's completed that mission here so he is with his beloved Marjorie, the bride of his youth.

I loved President Hinckley and he will always have a special place in my heart. I mourn with the rest of you for us, not for him since he was ready, and God Bless him. I look forward to watching his funeral whenever that may be. I look forward to the new presidency to sustain and honor them come next Conference time in April.

We Thank Thee Oh God, For A Prophet. . .

President Hinckley's Passing--
Today marked the day our beloved prophet Gordon B Hinckley died this evening, Sunday January 27, 2008. His life was a legacy and an example to me. I am so thankful to have lived during this time in his tenure as prophet, seer and revelator.

President Hinckley is irreplaceable. I know his successor, Thomas S. Monson, will carry on as the new prophet and be his own kind of leader. I wrote some comments in the Deseret News and added mine along with the 667 others just ahead of mine. I wanted to put them here so I cut and pasted what I wrote so I wouldn't have to reconstruct what I was impressed to say.

I am truly blessed by the strength he showed in all circumstances and by his great example. I too am a better person for having taken heed the counsel of a living prophet. He gave me courage to carry on in the face of uncertainty while I went back to school and be a light and a standard for my posterity.
Clip from Deseret News:

Anna McIntire | 11:44 p.m. Jan. 27, 2008
President Hinckley personally touched my life with great impact. I read his bio and gleaned the courage to move forward in Faith, no matter what. He also reminded us with the 9 "Bs", and to Stand A little Taller and Stand for Something. He was so well read and knew so much that he could speak to anyone from a common everyday person, to celebrity and presidents, kings and princess'. He was a Man for All Seasons, and leaves a legacy of so much. I knew when the Perpetual Education Fund was announced I would be a part of it, I am thankful to have served a mini-mission with the young Saints in Monterrey Mexico. The leadership that may come as a result of this world wide program will raise up many leaders of countries for future generations. I am sure he has already been told, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter into my rest." and reported to the Savior of his accomplishments with deep humility-- so characteristic of Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley. I will miss your influence and reminders, our prophet dear. Lindon, UT
Later, Mom ;)

Work is Child's Play--Grandma's stories a bonus, K7s birthday

Two for the price of one to catch up on Saturday's missing blog entry.

My day started out with some goals to finish up my photo family history project. I spend many hours on the project on Friday and ended up having to redo the work. It was my ignorance and lack of knowing how to save the files scanned to put on CDs. It really doesn't matter now, I did get the problem corrected and have more photos to share and more stories!!

I think I am getting the hang of this. Sharing my stories that is. Yesterday, Saturday--Aaron announced someone wanted to come see the house who is interested in a home such as this one. I can say that Candice and I were less than excited since we also knew we needed to go over to the new house to clean it too! So it looked like double duty for us, the girls too. Aislyn and Ella help do their part, their room and scour the sinks kind of thing. But Candice had them help in the kitchen today. Ella got in and started washing the dishes to put in the dishwasher. I helped her and called in Aislyn to also load it with me. She was more interested in playing her hand held game, which I don't know the name at the moment. Anyway I drew her in by starting to rehearse stories about her daddy when he was a little boy.

That was the magic formula by the way. She came in and I taught her how to load the silverware like I do, making sure each set, forks, knives and spoons were in the same slot, and all facing the same way. I explained how it is much easier to put them away all together when organized to begin. She listened too and got it right. She was a little tentative grabbing the forks and spoons by the top end to make sure they where upright in the silverware rack. Ella had already rinsed them off so I didn't say anything with her hesitancy to touch "dirty silverware."

The girls were delighted as I shared with them the story about their dad who at age eight, along with Matt who was six and Michael was only ten when they learned how and started to wash their own laundry. The kids at home all did their own wash, and had a day assigned and no one else washed on their day. There were six at home at the time. I shared how each day of the week one cooked dinner; since I worked Sunday was my day to cook for everyone. I appreciate so much the love and support of each of my children as we had to work together to make things run smoothly while I worked outside the house.

I never had to worry about the house being a "mess" when I came home. They each had jobs assigned, so when the next one came behind the other to do their jobs it wasn't to pick up after someone else for not doing their job. I realize how important that was in their learning to be dependable in the workplace in their later lives. I also know Tracie and Tara were home and mothered the boys to help things run smoothly also. They were older enough and very responsible that I see how now their own children know how to work as well. It makes this mother pleased to see how they learned it as children before responsibility of their own families took hold.

Michael told me more than once how he saw his fellow missionaries in the MTC, and new companions having to learn how to do their own laundry, where he had been doing his for nine years. None of the kids ever wore dirty, wrinkled clothes either. I think they took pride in their appearance and I am grateful they learned so young, and it saved me not having to work and do wash for everyone. It really lightened my burdens.

I will say here that their role model of big brother Hank and his work ethic rubbed off too. He was my best dishwasher by the way, and set the standard too as child caregiver. Look at him now! I think that all of my children learned from our circumstances and rolled with the punches, literally sometimes I am sure, doing their best!

Back to the stories. I told the girls about the time Hank--when only four years old released the emergency brake while I was in the store and he and Tanise were in our new 1969 Ford truck. The truck rolled out of the parking lot and into the street facing oncoming traffic in the left turn lane. I "ran" in to get a gallon of milk and left them in the car to behave. I was at the check out and a clerk asked< "Who owned a Ford truck which was rolled out into the street?" I was 8 1/2 pregnant with Tara and I did run out to see what happened. I got to the truck, Hank and Tanise were crying for me to come help. I got in, then we said a prayer of thanks for them being safe. We never left the house after that without having a prayer in the car.

The girls were delighted with all my stories and we got the dishes done with their help. They were enthralled and forgot about playing the game--so we went on and folded clothes. Oh, I almost forgot to say how I played an ABBA tape to get us moving and dancing while we worked. Ella loved it and spun around and danced while I helped fold clothes with her. Aislyn scoured all the sinks and did a great job too. Parker was loving the music and was dancing his little jig and laughing while we worked. He thought it was great to see us all moving and shaking it UP!!!

Years ago I had an on-the-job training in a preschool day care center as a Montessouri teacher. I learned so much and loved their method of teaching children to self manage and learn through play. The concept was that play for children is their work. Each activity was geared to teach them to work on one thing at a time, and put it away when finished before starting another work. They learned about music, the musicians like Mozart, Beethoven, Vivaldi as preschoolers and up through 8th grade. I guess Baby Einstein caught on from that kind of mentality too. The infants and toddlers in Montessouri were also exposed to the same music with their own level of learning. Parker loves music and especially Baby Einstein.

We did get to go work at the new house. They girls helped dust, and wipe down the counters. Ella was really focused and loved it more than Aislyn. Candice and I vacuumed and oh, yes, I took the CD player and we blasted ABBA and got a lot done.


I had to leave the cleaning project to go to K7s birthday bash, with Aislyn, Ella and Maddie, who was playing with the girls at the new house. She wanted to go too. So we all went and had fun with Pizza and green salad chosen by the birthday boy. I took a picture of K7 with his Cookie Monster cake, but flatly refused to wear the birthday crown. He was very pleased being King for Day without the crown; he didn't need it to know he was KING!

After the birthday celebration the cousins gave a dance performance. The girls went wearing their dance outfits. Maddie dances with K10 and happy as a lark. K6, K7, K8 all joined in with Aislyn, Ella, and Maddie. It was 9:00 p m when we left to go home, they were all tired, but had a great time at Aunt Lori's. The girls get so excited when I go over and they want to go too and say they have so much FUN going places with Grandma! How sweet. It makes MY day!

Photos to Share

Grandma & Grandpa McIntire 1968

Family Photo, Dec 1968 Mom expecting Tara 2/69

Back of photo with Grandpa's handwriting see top/lower left for his name--

Grandpa Earl McIntire in Mitchell, Indiana, going to school about 12 years old
Second from top right

Feed the Birds. . . tupins.

This morning I woke up and went about my morning as usual. There was the chattering of my two parakeets perched on the side of their cage closest to where I was sitting at my desk. They chirped so loudly that it got my attention. I turned to look at them and there was Carlos & Elena, the parakeets talking to me.

It reminded me of the Mary Poppins song, "Feed the Birds,"

I asked them if they had eaten all of their food or did they need water? I checked the water and it was okay. Then I pulled their feeder out and sure enough they had eaten every last kernel. I smiled and went over to the bag with the bird seed, filled it and went back to what I was doing.

It is interesting that once before I was awakened by the sound of the water dish up and down on the side of the cage. Carlos was trying to get my attention, and was making such a ruckus that he woke me up. The cage cover was over them and I knew something was up. The water dish was dry!



I filled it with Kangen water, which they love and went about to check their food dish as well. They are a hoot and I love it when they talk to me, which is not hard to figure out what they are saying. They are kind of like children and find way to communicate the best way they know how.



Carlos is the green bird, and he posed for me by the water dish. Now that takes genius, don't you think? I couldn't get them to pose for me like they did to get me to listen to them. But I had a "portrait" of them to show at the top of today's blog.

Some of you may not know how my birdies came to be named. Two years ago, one of my hospice patients had four birds one day when I went to visit. They had a couple of dogs too. One was theirs and the other was their daughter's who had them babysit the dog that day while she was at work. Well, she got a cat as well and decided that the birds and cats don't mix. So they needed to find homes for the birds. I volunteered to take the two that were not spoken for. The male hospice nurse took the other two . I had my own home and it got kind of lonesome all by myself. So, I decided to give them a try. I didn't know at first quite yet what I should name them. Just as that thought crossed my mind, I no sooner heard the names, "Carlos & Elena." No kidding!! Ironically they are the same names as my parents. I thought for a moment and agreed that would be good names for them. So that is how I named them Carlos and Elena, and it fits them.

Today marks my 50th entry, wow, that is seven weeks worth, and work. I give my self a pat on the back. Thanks for visiting. Comments welcomed. :)

Fruits of labor

There must be nothing greater than to see the work you put forth come to fruition. Converts and missionary baptisms are among those few that you get to see now and then resurface in your lives. I know how I myself kept in touch over the years with those missionaries who were instrumental in my accepting the gospel.

It is also a thrill to see those few who were "converted" by one of my own missionaries, my children's converts. This evening Aaron, Candice, the kids and I had dinner with one of Aaron's friends who was from his mission. She is Jenny (Mack) from Oregon and had quite a story. I will let Aaron make his own comments and fill in the blanks. She lives in Idaho now with her husband and two sons.

Aaron and Candice went to the sealing for Jenny and Russ (her husband) in Portland Temple several years back. She actually joined the church after Aaron left her area, but still pursued even so and found a good man to marry. She travels down from Idaho several times a year and came by her self to do some training with her home based job. She works for a company that she can do her job on the computer at home and is very happy doing that and is a stay at home mom. She lives in Shelley,Idaho close to Idaho Falls.

Way to go Aislyn!!



I took some photos on the digital camera and hope they are good enough to at least see Jenny with Aaron and Candice at China Lily. I took another pic of the group but I was too far away and it was too dark to see to insert here. Oh well, I am learning! Aislyn even gave chop sticks a try and was a natural the first time she tried. She is fearless to try new things.

We had a great meal and fun visit with Jenny. She is a strong member and reminds me of myself and her willingness to go the extra mile and the distance on her own. She is fearless. She has her in-laws nearby where they live and help take care of the grandchildren when she goes out of town. She was here last time with her husband while his parents took care of the two boys, now about 3yrs old and 18 months old.

It was nice to spend that time anyway with us tonight. She keeps in touch with Aaron and a couple of his former companions from the mission. Aaron & Candice are good friends with her and she has a lot of admiration for him, like I do for my missionaries who baptized me forty years ago.

You never forget your missionaries, for the labor that they put forth to listen to the Spirit and find me and likely fulfill a promise to bring and share the gospel with me here on the earth. All my blessings that I have I owe to those missionaries who were willing to sacrifice two years of their lives to bring me the message of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation. So many have others joined since through my own conversion, and I am very appreciative. I counted up once how many people total have joined the church from missionary work done by my children or myself. It is over 230, at the least, maybe more like 250+? I don't know for sure, but no one was reporting them at the time. How great shall be your joy in the kingdom of our Father, even if only one was converted.

Standing in Holy places--

Tuesday's blog-- 

I went to my sacrament meeting this last week and one of the messages was how the opposition puts obstacles in our paths to prevent our temple attendance. I recognized it for what it was, since I had not been going regularly as in the past since. I reasoned that I was doing a lot more by doing those 10,000+ names for FamilySearchindexing.com.

Well, nothing compares to physically being there and feeling the Spirit. I made the effort since I had no good reason to keep away. It felt so good, and I made a commitment to go more often than last year. So having said that I see how I can best serve the Lord, myself and my family.

The greatest blessings of the temple are not material. Yes, we are blessed in our material lives, but that is not the point. The assistance of the holy ghost in my life is precious and priceless. I feel it more on a constant level as obedience prevails in keeping my covenants and attending the temple. I have missed serving as an ordinance worker. That however, is about to change. I visited with my bishop on Sunday and he gave me a form to fill out for temple service at Mt. Timpanogos temple. Soon we will be living in American Fork, so will be closer to go and be a temple worker.

I did initiatory, got dressed in white, and then I went up to the Celestial room to pray. Patrons are allowed to go in there if they have performed other ordinances besides endowments. I was there in the Celestial room for quite a while, since two groups of patrons came and went while I stayed. I pondered many concerns I had. I felt the comfort of the holy ghost and expressed my gratitude for having been there.

I know my Heavenly Father is aware of me, and is waiting to bless me. He knows who I am and the righteous desires of my heart. I appreciate the time I have with my children and grandchildren. I have been promised a long healthy life. I feel very blessed. I have a lot of work to do still here on the earth and am willing to be about it as the Lord sees fit.

Remembering Sarah Elizabeth Hunt

Today marks the 89th birthday of Grandma Betty McIntire. I want to say a little about her and tell what I remember about her that would be beneficial for my children and posterity.

Kind, loving and generous--

She was a perfectionist and did whatever she did with much detail and precision. She kept her home in order in an immaculate way. Her energy and drive always amazed me. I knew her in the years that I was a young mother, but somewhat weighted down with much responsibility and I had much less physical stamina than she generated.

Her garden was beautiful. She kept the flower beds clear of weeds, she fertilized her roses and kept them well trimmed. She had the most breath taking roses, which she gave to others with bouquets of brilliant colors. The ones that I loved the most were those bright coral orange/pink color combinations. The petals looked like velvet. Another beautiful color was yellow with red on the edges.

The lawn in her yard was dichondra, which looked like tiny green leaves like clover. It was a lawn that needed a lot of attention and upkeep, which she gave daily. She would wake up around five in the morning. She left for work about 7:00 am. She normally would read the newspaper in the family room, where Grandpa’s chair and ottoman were and she’d sip a cup of tea as she read the paper. She showered and got ready for work. She worked full time and managed her time wisely.



Betty had a wisdom about her that she shared with me in helping understand whether it was how to discipline my children or to help them learn how to work together and help me keep the house in order. She also taught me how to cook. She taught me how to make her remarkable gravy as I have taught my children and daughters-in-laws. She made the first turkey in a paper bag herself, and I was there to witness and taste the tender, juicy white and dark turkey meat firsthand. The tradition lives on.

She dressed with style and wore matching suits with nylons and high heels. She was only 5’ tall. She wore the heels which made her taller. Her hair always looked well groomed. She let me cut and style her hair regularly since I was hair dresser by profession. She would color her hair with Loving Care, whether it was to cover the gray or to enhance it with a color that would make her gray hair look nicer and prettier and used Silk N’ Silver.

Tara said she remembers her lovely hands with painted finger nails with bright colored nail polish. She sewed a lot too when Mary Beth was growing up, making her clothes and clothes for her dolls. She once helped me make a seat cover for an old couch she and grandpa had given us when we had our first home, which they helped us financially get into. They were both very generous to us over the years.

One thing that was unique about her was that when she bought something new, like a new suit or dress, she would wait to wear it until she had a new slip, bra and underwear “to wear something new from the skin out.” When she passed away, there was a new pantsuit in her closet. Mary Beth, Grandpa and I went shopping for her to have everything new from the skin out, complete with socks for her feet! She certainly did not need any shoes, but was buried in that new pant suit, which I have seen her wearing when she came to visit me in one of the first dreams I had of her.

She loved her grandchildren dearly and left a legacy of the genealogy, which she did for many years as her hobby and interest. She saved the papers, records and many pictures compiled for posterity. A blessing surely was hers for the many hours and trips,letters written for acquiring the extent of the genealogy she gathered over the years. I have made sure to preserve these records that she left and imparted them to her grandchildren, my children. She also had a gift of storytelling, recording a dozen or more cassettes. She had a cute laugh that you hear on the tapes she recorded for posterity. Listen to them...Michael has twelve more tapes to put on disc of her personal history.

An Angel Watching over US--

I know she is watching over us and still cares about me after all these years. She is as close as a thought, prayer or dream, depending on my faith and yours!

Helicopters and Airplanes--Being an Example

Today is Sunday. K4 was speaking in church and invited me to come hear her speak. On my way over, I go down 800 West in Orem past the Timpanogos Hospital. I was driving along and spotted a helicopter overhead. I knew it was going to the hospital. Just as I drove by, the helicopter touched down. It was the rescue unit to bring someone in for medical care. No one came out of the emergency room doors, like you see on TV.

I kept driving and wondered if anyone came. I had a thought come to me that the helicopter was like the Savior, the rescue unit. But those on the rescue team inside the hospital had to attend to the helicopter passenger, and nothing could be done unless the workers came out, as the doors had to be opened from the outside. I also had a thought to thank Heavenly Father for modern inventions such as helicopters to give aid and help others saving lives at critical times. I am so thankful to live in the time that I live, and how advanced everything thing is from say one hundred years ago.

I went on to the Ks ward and arrived just in time. I sat next to Lori and K9. He is so cute; he made a paper airplane while he sat quietly. His cute chubby hands folded the paper just right and he knew exactly how to make it fly! I wish I could have taken his picture for today's photo. Maybe some other time.

K10 was at home with a fever and Shauna tending her while Lori attended sacrament meeting. K1 came in just before the sacrament was blessed. K2 was at the sacrament table. He looked so grown up and did a great job to bless the bread. He is such a fine boy. I watched the deacons and teachers perform their Aaronic priesthood duties. There on the row was a young man in a wheelchair passing the bread and water. I remember him, being about K3's age. He would come to my row as I sat on the end; he would look me in the eye, since we were both at eye level. Tears would come to my eyes as I had a feeling as if the Savior was passing the sacrament to me with this young man and his purity of heart.

I watched him today as he attended to the duties of the Aaronic priesthood, and how smoothly he does what he does, and so did everyone of the young men as they each had their assigned area. I felt very blessed to be there today with Hank's family.

K4 stood up to speak first. She spoke on example and used examples of her grandparents. She asked each one of us and had something very meaningful to share about how being an example or were influenced by someone in our lives to share the gospel.

She spoke of her own mother too. She described her mother in a loving way and how she never complains, even though she let her Dad go for four months to school in the military. She asked K2 what he thought about Lori, and she quoted him as saying "Super Mom." And I wholehearted agree. Hank is very fortunate to have such an help meet at his side. They truly complement one another and are One in purpose, and an example of charity, the pure love of Christ.

Another thing that stands out about Lori, is her beautiful singing voice that I have always loved. I heard it as we sang the opening and sacrament hymns. I know heaven is here on earth as I hear her sing from her heart. She brings much joy and reverence to their home with her musical influence for many generations as her children learn to play the piano and other instruments. K2, K3, K4, K5, and K6 all take piano. That is amazing. Good Job!

High points of my Ward meeting--

My ward had a soon to leave missionary speaking with the High councilor, and a musical number by the grandfather of the missionary sing, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives." The spirit was so sweet and I was touched by the words of the song, I love the music part of the program. The chapel was filled to overflowing, I sat in the Choir seat section.

Aaron and Candice sat in the front row side pew since they didn't want to go up to the front to sit. I don't blame them. You kind of feel on display up there. It was a great meeting. We only have one more Sunday to be in this ward. There are so many great people in it. I visited with the bishop today and asked to be a temple ordinance worker again. I would like to work in the baptistry as well. I look forward to it I hope there are some openings during the week so I can serve there again. We will be living closer to the temple when we move, so that will be nice too to be a few minutes away.

I did double sacrament duty today and stayed for all my meetings. I didn't mind it at all. I came home and rested for a little while and company came to celebrate with Aislyn for her birthday. Her Aunts, Uncles and cousins mostly came and wished her well. She had two kinds of cakes and whipped cream on top of chocolate bundt cake. I skipped the cake, since I do better to stay away from sugar by choice. It will probably to a lot of good for me to do it willingly.

Bless you all, Love, Mom--

Birthday Princess-AISLYN

Today was Aislyn's birthday. She is seven years old now. She is in first grade and just lost her top left incisor about two weeks ago. She loves to sing, dance and a creative choreographer. We all went out to dinner at Tepanyaki in Lehi and had Japanese food. The chef made our dinner at our table and made an onion birthday cake sculpture. The photo with the fire reaching almost to the ceiling is the raw onion stacked up and made into a flaming fire. We went there last year I think for Candice's birthday. It was the first time I had ever been there to eat.

We had a good time at dinner with her Dalley grandparents, Aaron, Candice, Ella, Parker, Aislyn and me. It was fun to take time out to celebrate Aislyn's birthday. Monday is a holiday, and there is a friends' birthday party for her here. It is always fun to have a birthday week. That way you can stretch out the festivities and milk it for all it is worth...right?


It is a joy to be present daily in their lives. Kids learn so much and if I am not there to see them doing the everyday stuff, I would miss out on a lot. Parker is growing so fast, and getting smarter everyday. He doesn't miss much. He knows where something is and doesn't forget it. He loves to come downstairs to my room. He brushes his hand on the door and calls "Grandma" He stands there looking up at me smiling and sucking his pacifier, walks in a takes over! So he thinks. I have to keep my bathroom door shut, because if he finds it opened he doesn't waste any time to dig out the squeegie and walks around with it. OR he opens the drawer and pulls out the vitamins. His favorite thing to do is to turn on the computer in my room, or turn off the computer in his room. The ON and OFF are so easy to do so he gets there faster than you can keep up with him.


Tara says he looks like Anderson Cooper, with those striking blue eyes. I think he looks like Great-Grandpa McIntire with those light eyes and mischievous look and speed in his step. He sure keeps Candice busy when she is trying to dress him, or cook dinner. He is a hand full that is for sure.

I consider it a blessing to be here with Aaron and family to witness up close and Thank them with all my heart for being with them at this time in my life. You are the best!!!

Who would have ever thought. . . . ?

Today marks the forty second birthday for Tanise! I am amazed and had no idea that many years ago what I would be doing this many years later. I know I was a young mom with two children and wondering what I could do to teach my children about God.

I wanted to be able to have God be first in our lives. I knew within myself even at that tender age of twenty-two, how important a relationship with God was and is. There were not a lot of answers for my adult mind either, much less the questions one has in seeking truth. The responsibility for me to teach my children as a parent weighed on my mind. My heart was searching for something to believe and pass onto my children. I grew up knowing a lot about the Old Testament prophets. I listen to Bible stories and retained what I learned as a child. It was very natural for me to take my family with me to church from birth.

I loved my family, my parents and others unconditionally. I know I was lead gently by the hand to find the truth. The idea that I had a firm foundation and belief in God manifested when I was expecting Tanise. Would it be justified to say that she could have been influential even as an unborn child to help me have those yearnings to know truth, God's truth. I always wondered what I did to deserve the caliber of children that I am blessed to have.

The truth was important to me to know about who I was, and my role in the universal plan of something I knew not about just then. Then, as I learned line upon line, and precept upon precept my understanding increased at just the right pace for my education in the Gospel. We had talk times early on with bedtime stories that started reading with Hank. Then as each one was added, I read to Tanise and Tara too.

One day I was lying on the bottom bunk bed with Tara for reading. All I had closeby was the scriptures. I turned to the Pearl of Great Price and read to Hank, Tanise and Tara. Tara was just two going on three. Tara was most interested in what I was reading about the creation. She would ask me to tell her "about the Earth" and I read out of the book of Moses and the account of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. She loved it.Now, how many 7, 5 and 3 year olds sit still to listen to the scriptures in the Pearl of Great Price for nap time? See what I mean about the caliber of my children?

I think you each came that way prepared, ready, willing, nurtured in the principles of the gospel as we had Family Home Evenings and had fun making our treats that one day a week. You shared your musical talents, we sang a lot in those times, and each gave the lessons too. We had testimonies on Fast Sunday after we got home and before we ate a prepared meal while we were at church. Then we had prayers, had a short Family Home Evening for testimony bearing and then broke our fast as a family.

We sang and memorized songs, played the piano and each shared their talents in our Family Home Evenings. I had a full time job being a wife and mother that is for sure. I took that job very seriously and cherish those years I was home and out of the world, as you were all growing up.

I count my blessings to be a mother and grandmother. It means so much to me to have the time I have had the last several years to be MOM and Grandma. The time in giving of myself too gave me back the years I was in school and felt out of touch with my grand babies. So, time is precious to me more than ever.

Now I have opportunities to be involved in your lives to benefit my posterity. Our family circle is growing and now going into a new generation in the blink of an eye.
We will be having our Family Reunion some time in July for all of you to know ahead. It should be more or less around the 24th of July holiday and will keep you posted.

Bippity, Boppity, Boo--Put them together and what have you got?

There is a song in the Disney full length fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty. The three fairy godmothers are Flora, Fauna, & Merriweather. The song sung about their magical powers refrains, "Put them all together, and what have you got? A Bippity, Boppity, Boo!!!"

I get a lot of teasing sometimes about the types of methods I do for balancing the quadrants of the brain. And you can put the Eye Patch in that category too I guess. But it is not unusual to get phone calls to check quadrants from friends and family.

One friend calls and asks me if I can find where her brain is, we laugh and like the bippity bobbity, boo, she is "in" (quadrants) and good until next time. She is the one that coined the phrase about the three fairy godmothers, Flora, Fauna and Merriweather. We have a good laugh and then she goes and takes on the day.

My "magic" (as Hank calls it) is another label which is much nicer way to put it than my voo doo! ( Aaron calls it) Hank, the diplomat. We are all so connected to one another and the energy is really quantum physics and can be felt across the globe if needs be. Just yesterday I was thinking about a gal I worked with in Oceanside whom I've kept in touch over the months. When I called, she said "I was just thinking of you last night and was going to call you today!"

Now that is quantum physics for real. Just how thought was transmitted from me to her, or her to me we connected telepathically without realizing it. It tells me how "on" we are and that it is not a coincidence how we manage to transmit thought and then realize one was thinking of the other at the same time.

So, I listen to promptings and follow through and know what a gift it is to have that sixth sense. It goes without saying how we can "read" others thoughts at the same time...Grandpa Rodriguez used to do that all the time with me. I would be thinking of something and he would start to talk to me about what I was just thinking. Either I read his thoughts or he read mine. It was an ongoing thing and it happened often on a daily basis.

I think when we are attuned, whether it is to a spouse, children or friends this kind of thing just flows unrestrained, like pure virtue. It is definitely on a higher level of vibes and can be developed by just listening a little closer and hearing beyond mortal hearing, and seeing without mortal vision. Now that sounds like the Holy Ghost. It's like being in the Twilight Zone--I love it whatever it is.

I saw Donaire again today. She told me I needed my hair cut yesterday when I visited. I went to her house to pick her up to go to her shop so I could wash her hair, cut hers and she mine. We got to her shop and the water wouldn't go on. It was shut down. A while ago before Christmas there was a frozen pipe that broke, so I think the landlord/owner decided to shut it down altogether since there was no heat on in the building. We turned around and went back to her house, where she cut my hair.

She told some stories on the way to Provo when I picked her up. She was a little reluctant to have me record it but then she smiled and said OK. She recorded the story about her grandmother coming over the ocean to Brazil from France. I am delighted to have that on tape. It is a neat story and I have this also for her children and will give them copies someday in the future.

I went to my office for a few hours today then went visiting teaching. This was my last time to go with my companion since we are moving the first of February. I gave the lesson and bore my testimony since the message was on the plan of salvation. I have always been so blessed as a mother and count my blessings in raising my children in truth, who honor me and love me. My cup runneth over.

A Strong Welding Link for good--Keep the Chain Unbroken

This is a photo of my mother--at sixteen--

"An unbroken chain back to father Adam." This is a line from my patriarchal blessing. I was admonished to seek out my kindred dead. Then I heard Pres. Hinckley's rebroadcast talk today. I was reminded of the BYU Devotional given by President Gordon B. Hinckley in November 1999. I taught the Family History class in our ward this past year. I used this same talk as a reference for all of us to be an example and a strong link in our families and do our family temple work.

President Hinckley spoke of his realization of how he was in the middle of seven generations, three before him and three after. He said,"I thought of an experience I had long, long ago. In the summer we lived on a farm. We had a little old tractor. There was a dead tree I wished to pull. I fastened one end of a chain to the tractor and the other end to the tree. As the tractor began to move, the tree shook a little, and then the chain broke.

I looked at the broken link and wondered how it could have given way. I went to the hardware store and bought a repair link. I put it together again, but it was an awkward and ugly connection The chain was never, never the same.

As I sat in the celestial room of the temple to ponder those things, I said to myself, "Never permit yourself to become a weak link in the chain of your generations." It is so important that we pass on without a blemish to our inheritance of body, brain and if you please, faith and virtue untarnished to the generations who will come after us."

I wonder sometimes and have NO idea whatsoever what my life would have been like had I not welcomed the missionaries into my home forty years ago. But, I know there is no doubt that I had the support of my unborn children and felt an influence for good drawing me to make choices that would guide me to His Church. My patriarchal blessing also told me that I was guided to His Church. I believe this with all my heart.

My testimony was formed even before I came here--and never forgot it and looked to the Savior and his great love for each of us and brought us into the fold. I am so grateful that I was willing to hear the gospel message. My faith has sustained me.

I know I made promises to my ancestors to do their work before I came here, and was reminded by the holy ghost on many occasions. There is still much work to do that I have promised, which reminds me to have the sealings of children to parents for my Aunt Alice and Aunt Mary. These ordinances will complete their family circle as it stands. I cannot do it all myself and will think of a way to get this completed.

I appreciate the willingness of my children and grandchildren in doing the baptisms, endowments and sealing work for our family. This kind of work is rarely ever completed, but ongoing. I testify of the outpouring of blessings in doing this work for our kindred dead.

One of my goals for this year besides completing those unfinished ordinances is to compile the photos I have and put them on disc of my own ancestors. I have done most of mine on CD and most of the family photos, but I know there is much more yet to do.

I have several stacks of photos and documents on paper on a table here in my room which need to be organized. I will commit to do them in the next two weeks before moving to American Fork with Aaron and Candice. It just takes time and focus. Right?

God Bless me in the goal, I pray.

Afternoon Tea on Tuesday's with Donaire

Some of you may have heard about a book by the author, Mitch Alban. He writes about one of his former teachers from high school. I believe Mr. Alban was a journalist by profession. His teacher's name was Morrie, and was Jewish. One day Mitch was giving an interview as an established author on a national network when his former teacher saw him on TV. He immediately contacted the station to reconnect with his former student, Mitch.

They rekindled an old friendship in the winter of Morrie's life, who was dying. He was a natural born storyteller and shared many of his cultural experiences about life in general. They would meet once a week which eventually his visits became a book of stories titled "Tuesday's with Morrie."

I have met Morrie's female counterpart.

I have had the privilege and pleasure to acquaint myself with a dear woman who is so much like everyone's Jewish grandmother. Her name is Donaire Miller. She also reminds me so much of my mother, Elena and grandmother, Anita. She is Jewish ands know her lineage to be from Levi of Old , and she is a true Levite by blood. She can trace her genealogy through her mother's side back to Moses, who she calls her "uncle" and is a direct descendant of Aaron, Moses' brother.

Visits with Donaire have been very enlightening. She has a rich history of her life and has shared many hours of stories of her ancestry and their migration from Europe to South America. Her grandfather was a billionaire, a coffee plantation owner who became wealthy at a young age by marrying Donaire's grandmother back in the mid 1800s. Donaire's great-grandfather believed he was dying and had a young laborer working for him in his plantation. The billionaire wanted his daughter to marry him but she was in France at the time. He wanted his daughter to marry before he died, so he sent the young man to France, he married her and then brought her to South America. He married the billionaire's daughter, inherited the estate and ran the plantations in Costa Rica, Brazil and Guatemala. Donaire's father eventually inherited the estate before she was born.

The grandmother was very wise and old by the time Donaire was born. Her own mother was ill with tuberculosis. It was customary for Jewish grandmothers teach the children from birth all about their religion , traditions and how to live as Jews, besides all the social graces.

I have over six hours of cassette tapes of her accounts of her life and that of her grandmother's life. Donaire adored her father and she being an only child herself, as well as her father. She spent most of her growing up years learning many lessons of how to run a plantation. She shared something in our visit today that I wanted to share here.

I thought it taped on my recorder, but for some reason, all that recorded was the "testing 1-2-3" I recorded before she spoke. Nevertheless, the topic we talked about today was about being grateful for what we have and how to overcome depression.

Depression to Donaire is non-existent. Her grandmother, who was also named Donaire, taught her that it offended God to be depressed. She was taught that it meant that one was ungrateful or did not appreciate what God gives everyone, like the the beauty of a sunset, flowers, or the blue sky, or the SUN! One only has to count their blessings and never have any reason to be sad according to her. Ever.

Her grandmother taught her to give to the poor and the needy. She had seven servants she told me today that every week they baked bread all week then gave out loaves of bread, sacks of flour, grains, beans and rice for the peasants who worked on the plantations. They gave out food only on Mondays. No one could come to the door any other day.

Even though she was such a young child she understood about charity and often shared her bounty with her little, poor friends. She learned to speak Spanish too; and loved to eat beans when they were right out of the hot boiling pot just like her friends did. Her grandma would tell her to not eat the beans because it was the "poor people's" food. She told me that the servants always saved her a bowl of beans and made sure the grandma didn't see them feed Donaire like what the poor people ate. She preferred rice with beans, and still does to this day.

Sunday Tea with Donaire

I have so many other interesting stories too numerous to tell here. I have her permission and plan to transcribe these tapes and publish it. We usually have herb tea and have spent many Sundays taping; So may call the book, Sunday Tea with Donaire.

She is a world renown hairdresser and had clients such as Mrs. Barbara and Laura Bush, Elizabeth Taylor, to name just a few. She once owned 17 beauty salons in Panama. She still cuts hair on a limited scale and I am one of her clients and she is 83 years old. That is amazing.

By the way, oddly, when Donaire came from Guatemala where she had her plantations; the government took them over and the estate was lost. She said she did not look back and was the same person she was before she lost the money as after. She loves God and praises him everyday for what she has been given. She said today that her grandmother taught her everything and blesses her grandma for teaching her and remembers it as if it was yesterday.

I have been blessed knowing Donaire at this time in my life. She depends on me to visit her and tells me I am like a daughter to her. I love her dearly and enjoy the time I am able to spent with her. She is a true friend and I am grateful for that and she fills a place in my heart like my mother.

Stripling Warriors' Mom Message

Today's message had to wait a day so I decided to just go with the flow of how my day went yesterday. I posted a short note, like under construction for a later entry, I was too tired to write it last night.

At first I didn't think I had that much to share, but it is often the case for me to just "sleep" on a subject. The words seems to flow now and I DO have something to share and crow (or cackle) about.

I was talking to Tanise this morning(Tues. Jan 15). It seems that we don't have enough hours in a day to see or talk to all of you very often. It isn't unusual for me to have talked to at least half of you in a day! But, it comes in spurts--the talking and time to chat. I really get joy from conversing with each of you for the insight you each emanate and feel added upon. It is reality that I don't know everything and having such brilliant children as I do whom I can glean from each of you in our conversations. Enough said.

I wanted to get some information about a talk I heard yesterday by Sheri Dew. Tanise was my info/411 operator. She knew exactly how I could track the talk. I had several things I wanted to do yesterday and had KBYU cable on and couldn't pull myself away. The talks kept coming and I didn't want to miss any of the messages. I saw the women's conference talk by Sister Dew, then heard a talk by a speaker, Ronald Bartholomew, who addressed the youth. I was very interested in what he had to say, since it was all about youth missionary experiences and about standards of the youth of today--in and outside of the Church. He had some very touching stories and shared his testimony. His mother was the recipient as a teenager of someone that invited her every week (52 times)for a year before she consented to go to church with her neighbor and best friend. By the time I did pull away it was almost four in the afternoon. Oh well.

Sister Dew's talk was given a while ago (1999) at the Women's Conference. She really gives a great pep talk, almost like a coach would give his team before a game or at half time. That is how it felt. She motivated me, reminded me of who I am, and gave me a new insight of charging forward, not just mooooooooooving forward, but going for the gold!

Here are some of her comments:

"I am technologically impaired. I can't even make my VCR stop blinking. But I've used a computer for twenty years, and I can't imagine life without it—though frankly I only know how to do a few things well. Compared to my brother, who works in the software industry, I'm illiterate. He knows how to do much more using the same computer and the same programs than I do. At least a hundred times he has offered to show me how to work better and faster. But he always offers when I'm right in the middle of a huge deadline, and I don't have time to learn how to do things better and faster. I continue to just get by, doing what I know how to do well but leaving a tremendous source of power untapped.

"How many of us are just getting by spiritually rather than learning how to access the divine power available to those who seek for it? Brigham Young declared that "we should learn how to take into our possession every blessing and every privilege that God has put within our reach" (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1954], 53).

She went on and compared us to Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty and invited us all who would maintain it to "come forth in the strength of the Lord" (Alma 46:20) President Hinckley has done likewise, "We have a work to do...so very much of it. Let us roll up our sleeves and get at it, with a new commitment, putting our trust in the Lord. . . We can do better than we have ever done before." (May Ensign, 1995)

My testimony

I know President Hinckley is our living prophet of our day, and cheers us on to be who we are (sons and daughters of God) and put our trust in the Lord, and stand a little taller as witnesses of him in all times and in all places. I appreciate the blessing it is to do this daily log and share my thoughts, heart and testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all of you, my posterity and friends.

God bless you always, Love, Mom

Another Wonderful Day

Our meetings were uplifting and the messages were terrific. The theme for sacrament was “What do we really know about God, our Father?” The choir sang a special number, “O My Father,” after the youth speakers. It was fitting, given the theme. I was holding Parker when the choir went to the front to sing. Of course he was a little Angel on my lap and reverent during the song that I got teary eyed as I felt the meaning of the words to the hymn.

Aislyn noticed the tears who then turned to me in her not so soft voice looked at me, and said, “Grandma, why are you crying?” I just whispered quietly in her ear, that the song was beautiful and I was touched by the Spirit and felt happy too.

Our lesson in Relief Society was about Joseph Smith’s first vision. Our teacher was a young married returned sister missionary, newly called to teach. She demonstrated how creatively she and her companion had to be at times; she did a door approach for us. She then asked how many were converts and how many born in the Church. She had some of us contribute with answering how we came to have our testimonies of the gospel. Then she had those who were born in the Church give their comments as well.

I recalled how I had been searching for religious answers two years prior to the missionaries coming to our home tracting in our neighborhood. I had already gained a testimony that God was our Father and knew without question his role in the Creation. So when I saw the Joseph Smith First Vision story in the Salt Lake Visitor’s Center five months earlier-- I knew for a surety and never doubted what Joseph saw was true!

There were several opportunities as I look back on my youth for my parents to grasp truth as it was presented at our dining room table when my little brother had just passed away. I often wondered if our LDS neighbors sent the missionaries after that incident. I heard about families and the belief that they could stay together forever. I didn't know much about it then, but recall their visits for several times in that time frame.

It makes sense that ten years later when the missionaries came knocking on my door that I was prepared and believed from the start and was ready to listen.

A Time for Celebration/Party Time

I tried to insert the photo here on this part of the day's entry. But I also had to get my photos to cooperate. I sent Hank some photos not posted here but then couldn't figure out how to find the file and not duplicate the download of the first file on my memory card. It is strange how if I let the day go by and not worry about it, later things just go into place without me doing anything different to correct some error. I won't belabor such a triviality.

Nevertheless, I went to K9's birthday bash at the K's. You can see Aislyn and Ella in the background with K9, K3, & K4 next to him and Grandpa Hank. K9 posed and was happier for this shot than earlier he didn't even want to smile! He chose to have Lori make a grand piano shaped cake with white/brown chocolate keys made of Hersey bars. I think he just wanted the chocolate, since he didn't eat any of his own chocolate cake! You will note that K9 has the traditional honored red crystal plate and goblet birthday place setting. He chose to have his favorite dish, chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn. Lori said he wanted Chicken and corn with miracle whip. So she talked him into having mashed potatoes/gravy too. He had a great time and loved all of his dinosaur pj's and tee shirts etc. The cousins, Aislyn & Ella said they had a great time too, and loved going places with Grandma.

The Benefit of Modern Technology--

Now, if I can just figure out how to make this post publishable I will have mastered technology for today. My patriarchal blessing admonished me to "stay abreast of this modern and fast changing world. . ." I take it seriously every time I come to a challenging circumstance as figuring out how to use my new digital camera along with transferring photos from it to download to my computer files.

I was able to "walk myself through" the profile side of this blog page just fine and followed the template. But I called Hank in Virginia to help me post the one on this side of the page. Thanks Hank. It was great to get to talk to you and have a private lesson on the workings of inserting photos.

I will continue to add these photos as I can include with my messages of the day. It makes a blog a lot more interesting I admit as I have enjoyed being able to be at the places of the pictures Hank takes on his travels. I was able to go to Germany last month and see the sites of Nuremburg, and also those historical places in Washington D.C. at the Arlington National Cemetery, The Lincoln Memorial, and the Pentagon-- vicariously of course from Hank's photos.

I plan to go see those sites for myself someday and experience the nation's capitol for real--

By the way, the photo below was taken by Tracie at her house on Christmas day. It was the first photo on my camera. You can see their tree in the background. I should have taken off that coat that I was wearing over my purple velvet skirt and matching jacket. The coat is the one someone thought was outdated and I took exception to after their comment. Oh, well. I will let bygones be gone!

I look forward to posting more pictures to compliment my comments and should be worth a thousand words that won't have to fill in blank space.

I will keep this message short and am pleased to have spoken with Hank today--
I also had a conversation with my sister, Linda earlier today too. She returned my call to her from the other day when I was trying to find out information about my brother Albert. We had a great talk for over half an hour. She gave me her new email address and she wanted to hear all about Hank so I gave him her email address so they can keep in touch--

Please be sure to scroll to the very bottom of the blog page so you can see what I added.

Cool, if I say so myself! :)

Feedback and Comments Welcomed--

Today, I received an email from Michael. He told me he had no way to leave comments on my blog. My apologies for just figuring out how to allow the comments come through as you contribute them.

I appreciate feedback and find it noteworthy. It is so good to know I am being heard and validated as I pour out my thoughts and heart on this daily journal format. It becomes in essence a legacy--I encourage all of you who read this to do the best you can to make note of your day's occurrences for posterity if for nothing else.

Here is a contribution Michael made regarding some comments I took note of on my Sabbath activities and how I felt about keep such a sacred day. All Sundays are not the same, so you never know what I might say. . . right? There just may be some kind of commonality or familiar thread in the tapestry of life.

Mom,

I have been reading your blog and I have been very impressed by your thoughts and feelings. I read a post today and it brought something to mind that has crossed my mind often since we moved to Ohio. You were talking about attending your meetings and how important they are to you. You mentioned that they recharge your batteries. I feel the same way. Since moving here and being involved in missionary work on an almost daily basis I have come to see and know how important just going every Sunday is. I remember growing up that we almost never missed church. In fact I don't remember missing. As the people we find, fellowship, and baptize progress or not attendance is one of the biggest factors. People come up with all kinds of excuses for not going. Most of them are lame. I guess I just take for granted the blessing it is to attend every week. I even get to spend more time at church on Sunday in Bishopric and PEC (mtgs).

Thank you for your example and training you gave me to be able to feel and recognize in my own life the blessings that come from observing the Sabbath. Also, as I have started my business I have turned down many Sunday jobs. It is a little hard at times but I know and expect the Lord to bless me for observing His laws.

Love, Michael

And the Graves shall be opened at the resurrection of the just. . . .

Just as a post script from day before yesterday's entry referring to my younger brother Albert's grave site dedication. Aaron returned home from a week in California this morning and had been able to go dedicate his Uncle's grave. He said he spoke with the care taker who was very helpful. Aaron snapped a few photos of the cemetery showing the palm trees and green lawn surrounding the area. He also showed the faded plaque that was placed some time ago. My mother had agonized over not having had a decent remembrance for her infant son for many years.

One Mother's day Daddy surprised her and had a head stone made for my brother's grave. It was on light gray granite--ALBERT R RODRIGUEZ-- JANUARY 1958. It had a cut out cross with flower carved on the design. Aaron took the picture of the cemetery but he said that with it being an overcast day, the lettering was not visible. He did manage to get a rubbing of the entire surface and I could see the name cut out of stone with the above information written across it. I will see if Aaron can help me transfer it via an email to post the photo and the stone rubbing. I am sure the dedication was the standard wording, but I know it meant a lot to my little brother. I am pleased now to have had that taken care of and to have a worthy son, priesthood holder that never faltered nor was he too busy to fulfill such a not so simple task but perhaps a little time consuming at his mother's bidding.

God bless you my son, for your faithfulness and appeasing me. My heart is full of gratitude and it blesses me each day by your fine example of charity towards me, your mother. You are all such fine sons, father's, & husbands. My daughters are fine mothers and wives as well. I love you all.

Always, Mom

Another P.S. on the dedication of a grave. Tana called me yesterday morning and remembered my blog comments about my dream about her Grandma McIntire and that Grandpa McIntire's grave that had not been dedicated yet. She said Nathan was in Fayetteville, Arkansas yesterday and wondered about him going to do that for him. Not too long ago Michael and I had talked about that and he said he will be visiting there sometime later this year and wanted to dedicate his Grandpa McIntire's grave site. I know Grandpa would appreciate him doing it next time Michael is there. Thank you Tana and Nathan for offering your time while he was in Fayetteville.

Everything I needed to know about life--hold hands and stick together

We learned about life and how to live it in kindergarten. But, Robert Fulghum wrote about that and it seems like it was very revealing with much truth to it. I came across another saying that one of my hospice patients gave me with a similarity. This patient had been a rancher all his life. His wife posted this poem framed on display at his funeral. I had someone copy it for me and will share it here:

Everything I Learned About Life I Learned From A Cow

Nothing is better than milk and cookies.

Life is a moo-ving experience--milk it for all its worth.

Make hay while the sun shines.

Don't put up with any bull.

When searching for greener pastures, watch out for the electric fence.

Never give anyone a bum steer.

Some days you step in it, some days you don't

If you're always full of bull, it can get you in a stew.

Eat more chicken.

Apple pies always taste better than cow pies.

Manure happens. Author Unknown

I found Robert Fulghum's interpretation to include here too.

All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sand pile at school.

These are the things I learned:

• Share everything.
• Play fair.
• Don't hit people.
• Put things back where you found them.
• Clean up your own mess.
• Don't take things that aren't yours.
• Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
• Wash your hands before you eat.
• Flush.
• Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
• Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
• Take a nap every afternoon.
• When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
• Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
• Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.
• And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK.

Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.

Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if we all - the whole world - had cookies and milk at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess.

And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.

[Source: "ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN" by Robert Fulghum.