Long Day, compassionate service, Grandma blessings

Stayed at Tana's overnight with the kids at their house while Tana and Nathan were in Myrtle Beach for a few days together. I was blessed to be able to be with the kids and fixed dinner. They were all very cooperative. I noticed how hard they worked and helped do their chores done. Kaitlyn emptied the dishwasher, and she will turn 8 in May. Lindsay loaded the dishwasher and she turns 10 in April. She even practiced her violin right after she came home from school. She said she gets a reward fro practicing everyday for two weeks. I'm pleased and was very impressed at how they know and did their chores; Tana has consistently taught them well. I believe it takes follow through to get results. Right on, Tana!

The boys were good to make sure they had their clothes ready to go and packed to go to Grandma's. We went to Tara's later today to support her while she is recuperating from surgery. Austin and Jackson played with Alli and Jacob and kept busy while I made lunch and helped Tara get showered. It was a day of service for me, and yet the children all helped cooperate. Tara's helped with the younger ones and gave them individual time and picked up the house and made things in order.

When Lindsay and Kaitlyn came home from school they helped straighten the house and finished their chores before we left to go to Grandma's. They enjoyed an evening with their cousins, Aislyn, Ella and Parker. I watched all seven of them while Aaron and Candice had a date night out. We watched a movie and it was like a sleep over for them and I think they forgot to go to bed quietly.

I managed and barely got them all down before Aaron and Candice came home. I noticed that kids will push their limits and try to get by with little effort. It doesn't work for very long and they go back to the stricter rules and know when I say it is bedtime I mean business, and they obeyed. My own kids I'm sure did the same to me, and was known as the "warden" now and then, just like my mother.

Things My Mother (and Dad) Taught Me--

It dawned on me today something that I just took for granted. The influence of my mother in my everyday life. I seem to be a natural nurturer, right? I try to not be hovering type, but sometimes I cannot help myself and the obsession if you will.


Last photo of Grandpa----> Rodriguez I took when I visited him at his Assisted Living in Boise, Idaho August 2003

Let me give an example: A somewhat surprised awakening came to pass when Grandpa Rodriguez first came to live with me. I attended to him and his every need, feeding him, going with him places he was unfamiliar, those kinds of things. I dedicated every waking moment to him, and he seemed to appreciate that in me. Well, I remember him sitting at the bottom of the stairs in the hallway to tie his shoe laces and I said, "So, do you feel like a new man being here with me?." He smiled a toothy grin and said, "I don't know about that Mija, but I feel like I have a NEW mother." I just leaned toward him and planted a big kiss on his cheek. I cherish that memory of him and "the time I had with him was very precious. Each day more precious that the day before." I know I did all I possibly could to carry out his wishes. I have no doubt that we were very blessed with that time together. He set a standard for me also in looking for his qualities in an eternal companion. So I patiently wait for that to come, since I have asked that he find him and bring him to me. Time will bear this out. Lo veras.

<---Setting the Standard

No Dummies here!

Grandma Rodriguez used to say, "I didn't raise any dummies." So that makes us, her posterity very intelligent! She had a lot of wisdom in her counsel and approach to life. I always had conversations with her but what she would encourage and express her optimism that everything would work or be just fine. It has influenced my thinking to be positive.

<--This was taken in 1955 about the time we moved to Fullerton. This was Easter Sunday 1955

She was a people watcher and a good one at that. She was a good judge of character. And I never found her to be incorrect in that area. We observed many as we sat in the car at Sav-On's drug store in Norwalk. Daddy would go into the store to buy something and we'd watch the shoppers walk by the front of the store. We had a front row seat. Mama would analyze their comings and goings. She said once of a man that appeared unkempt, and say in Spanish, "Mira no mas, se pieno' y vino." It meant literally that he combed his hair and went when actually he didn't comb his hair and looked like he had just gotten out of bed. You know, with bed-hair sticking up in the back of his head where he'd slept on it. It is too funny now to think about it.
I must have been all of nine years old at the time. We had just moved from Chicago to California.

Mama was very decisive, knew what she wanted and had no qualms of speaking her mind. The trip from Chicago to California is just one example of this quality. We arrived in Barstow, California in mid-February. Daddy had a job transfer if he chose to take it with the railroad in that desert town. The temperature was already in the 80s. She sized up the town, which was not very large and perceived that if it was that hot in February what would it be in the middle of summer? She didn't like the feel of the town either. There were a lot of braceros there picking fruit, oranges, lemons.

It was the best decision that could have been made for the good of us all. We managed to find a place to stay in the meantime Daddy found another job in the outskirts of Los Angeles. He found a job as a machinist which he was qualified and trained to do. He had done refrigeration in Chicago on the railroad job with Union Pacific Railroad. He also schooled himself in the electrical field to become an electrician by going to night school as it was called. Before my father's 90 day leave of absence was up I overhead Daddy and Mama talking that if we didn't find a house to live in and buy we would go back to Chicago.

Well, I prayed and asked Heavenly Father to please help us find a house to be able to stay. I loved the warm weather and didn't want to go back to the cold weather. My mother had instilled in me to pray and I know my prayer was answered. It was a simple prayer, and I prayed every night on my own before I went to sleep. I knew at that age of nine how powerful prayers can be and answered. It was the beginning of my faith in God and Jesus Christ. I was deeply rooted and am very thankful for a mother that taught me to pray, have faith and believe.I was blessed by her example.

There were times I would come into her room where my sister Linda lie in her bed with a fever. My mother was praying over her quietly with brushing her hands over my sisters head--so I would just watch her and know her prayers were heard and my sister became well. I was twelve at the time and we had moved to Fullerton by then.

My mother would often come to see us when we lived in Garden Grove. There would be dirty dishes in my sink that needed to be washed. She would simply go look for the dish soap and start a sink of water and wash the dishes for me. Or she would help fold laundry that was out to fold on the sofa. She just went about her business as we visited and I loved that about her. I felt no judgment, only her love for me and her willingness to help to whatever she could for the time we spent together that day.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

She was a shopper and liked the bargains. There were no Dollar stores then, but there was the Five and Dime, almost similar to it. She was always looking for trinkets for the grandkids. She'd buy Sippy cups, or bibs, or Easter candies, and those marshmallow orange peanut shaped candy, Valentine's and send them to us during Valentine time. Now, some days when I go into Family Dollar I see myself doing that same kind of shopping for the bargains for treats for my grandkids. I say, "Oh my goodness, I am turning into my Mother." My grandchildren love it. And so do I!

I noticed in my grandchildren the things their mothers have taught them as well. And so the cycle continues.

I will continue this subject for tomorrow's blog--Love, Mom aka Anna

Compassionate Service--When You are in the Service of your fellow beings. . .

Lately it seems my time is spent assisting others and serving them. My day started out yesterday with a call to help make dinner for someone who needed my attention. It felt good, and a dejavue of sorts of when I was Relief Society President. I spent the afternoon on Monday shopping for dinner, a nice Stouffer's Lasagne casserole style, fixings for salad and a loaf of fresh French bread. I managed to get Tuesday's and Wednesday's dinners taken care of too. It takes time to plan and organized and I said a prayer of gratitude for the ability to have had everything go together so smoothly. I made several calls and had a lot of cooperation.

Tomorrow I get to go down to Tana's and stay with the grandkids overnight, then bring them over on Friday after school to stay until Sunday. We will probably go to a movie Saturday, since there is a movie they want to see, "August Rush." That movie really speaks to me and how people are very connected and don't realize it until it is almost too late. It has music, and a great story which is what I like about it. It has Spirit and goes beyond the norm you see in so many blah, blah, blah kind of films.

Family History Sharing Time--

This one could very well been from some of my past "talk times" with my children. We had talk times often before family prayer. These times turned out to be like extended Family Home Evenings. I am pleased that many if not all of my children do talk time with their own now.

My grandmother spent many hours if not days in giving her time and service to me and my brothers and sisters. She was always there when my mother had a new baby. She would take my older brother Charlie when he was just a toddler with her down to Brownsville from San Antonio and spend time with her when my mother was expecting child number two. She even came to California when Linda Ruth was born, she came for Charlie's, mine and Marty's graduations from Chicago by train and spent two weeks with us.

I have fond memories of my grandmother and recall her vivacious personality. She loved to sing loudly and dance and laughed a lot. She was about having a good time.

Photo of Anita and husband, Mr. Wallace, we called him Pompa Wallace, they lived in Corpus Christi, Texas, near the the Gulf of Mexico. Taken in 1947 or 1948. I just noticed the larger version of this picture and see "Gypsy" their Toy Manchester just to the right of my grandmother. You can only see part of her body except the head of that little black dog. She was trained to do tricks by my grandmother.

My maternal grandmother, Anita aka Goma used to take us three older children to the movies at the Chicago Theater. She didn't have a car, but we took the "EL" to downtown Chicago. It is much like a subway but above the ground, elevated, thus it is called the "EL."

We went to the movies and saw double features, which back then we paid only a quarter to get in. We also went when my Dad would drop us off there while he went to do a cookware demonstration. He would stop at "White Castle" a fast food of its day, and order a few dozen 3" hamburgers and take them to the movies to eat while we waited for Daddy to come for us. We would sometimes see the movies twice. I liked it and still like to see movies over and over.


Charlie, Robert, Anna Maria and Goma 1947
Photo with Goma in San Antonio at Breckenridge Park when Marty was born. My mother was in the hospital when this picture was taken. I was almost four years old when Martha was born a few weeks before my birthday that year.

For unto us a child is born. . . called Wonderful, Counselor--

Born of Goodly Parents . . . .


I dearly love the scriptures where it speaks of Christ in the Book of Mormon compared to Isaiah 8 in II Nephi 19:6. I am reading in II Nephi and appreciate the comments Hank made last week about the the Lord's vineyard and the Isaiah connection. During the time I was taking classes at the Orem Institute, Bro. Ed Pinegar lectured on those chapters and made it sound so clear and easy to understand. It has been a while and I have forgotten what he taught about it now. Back to the chapter and verse reference--

"For unto us a child is born unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace".

The words are in the "Messiah," years ago I had a cassette of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing that and used to play it a lot. I remember Matt when he was little used to sing along with it. He liked the words even as a 3 year old. He was about the same age as Cole is now. He would repeat the "Hallelujahs." I thought that quite amazing for him to do that at his young age. Something must have struck a familiar chord.

Matt just a babe in arms when he remembered the Savior and sang, "Hallelujah."

I know the Savior lives, and He is the son of God. My testimony as a member of the Church grew much as I gained knowledge about HIM. I related to the baby Jesus as a four year old through church attendance in Chicago, and know those impressions of him have stayed with me.

My faith in Christ is what motivated me throughout the years to keep the faith and serve with all my heart, mind and strength. The best part was teaching my children about him. I loved the Bible stories I learned in those primary years and in Sunday school on through high school. I gained a testimony of Christ and the prophets of old.

I am most grateful for goodly parents. I know they loved me and encouraged me through their going to church all those years. We went to many different churches but I never knew the difference. Church was church, in retrospect it freed me from "shopping" around for a church as an adult to go to in finding the truth. The truth actually came to me, one morning in January 1968 when the missionaries knocked on my front door.

The rest is history I guess it could be said of my conversion story. Jesus was always real to me. I never doubted his divinity; I was born with that knowledge. The same was true when I first heard the Joseph Smith story. I already believed in angels, so it was easy for me to grasp the truth of Joseph Smith's First Vision and Moroni's visit. It is said of those that know and believe nothing waivring are from the tribe of Ephraim and have "believing blood." The blood of Israel must course through my veins. It is also the Abrahamic Covenant, which is all encompassing.

My membership in the Church is precious to me. My testimony grows and I continue to nurture it. I am not perfect though, and have human frailties. I love my Savior and know he suffered all pain and endured it all in my behalf. I weep during the sacrament songs and feel the great love He has for me personally, the Spirit bears witness to me that it is true. I Stand All Amazed.

I want all my posterity to know how much you are loved as well by the Savior. Never lose sight of that, and ask for his forgiveness in your shortcomings and he will make up with his grace and make you whole. I love you all and you're all precious to me. We are precious to Him too. Life is so precious and I KNOW the greatest blessing we can enjoy as a family is eternal life and live together forever.

God Works in Mysterious Ways

My new ward building--Sunset Hills First, American Fork West Stake

I have been pondering my calling to serve in my new ward. I had the opportunity to be interviewed by the bishop a week ago in his office. He was very kind and shared some of his insights about what helps him be a better person and bishop. He observed when he was a counselor to the former bishop (who is in the stake presidency now) made it a goal to attend the temple weekly.

He said he himself started going every week 3 1/2 years ago when he became the bishop. He said that it helped him in his own life to make wise decisions in his work as well as bishop of our ward. It was a delight to have him tell me that. It was what I needed to hear to follow his example. I have recently contemplated going back to be an ordinance worker, but I can go every week on my own in the meantime, since I live so close. I love the influence of the temple in my life and it really does make things go smoother and a closeness to the Spirit as I serve there as patron or ordinance worker.

A few days ago I received the invitation to meet with one of the bishopric to be called to a new calling. I can say the new calling was a righteous desire of my heart and know the Lord is mindful of me to have the blessing to teach the sisters of my ward.

I get to study more about the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I look forward to this new opportunity for my own spiritual growth and development. There are so many other women who could probably teach this lesson with more experience than I but I know being the teacher I will learn more in my preparation and study. I have found that to be true in the past.

I want to do the best job I can do and get to labor among the sisters in the ward besides get to know them better at the same time. It will open the doors of understanding and gain knowledge of the Prophet Joseph Smith and bear testimony of our living Prophet, Thomas S. Monson.

The Dews of Heaven Distill Upon Us

Today started out earlier for me than my usual Sunday late meeting schedule. I received a call last night from the first counselor in the bishopric, Brother Boss. He wanted me to come in so he could extend a call for the bishop. We visited around 10:00 am, so I was able to be ready for church when I went to the appointment. I accepted the call. I am so excited, and am looking forward to my new calling. We were going to attend another sacrament meeting and then go to our ward for Sunday school and Relief Society. I will be sustained next week. I will talk more about my new calling another time.

We went to the confirmation of Sean Fuery, Aaron's nephew (by marriage) who is older than he is by at least ten years. It is hard to guess his age, since he is prematurely gray. It was a beautiful confirmation and blessing he received. I scribed and will make sure he gets a copy soon.

It is so sweet to see the light of the gospel in his eyes and he can now embrace it in his life and progress through the next year and go to the temple. He thinks he feels so good now, but he will hardly be able to contain the joy he will feel by going to be sealed in the temple to his wife, Christy.

He was given a beautiful, long blessing. One that will sustain him and refer to often as his pleasure. I got most of it and need to transcribe it (after I transcribe another setting apart for my son-in-law first).

Sean has so many things to look forward to and progress his first year as a convert. I told him afterward that I would be a resource for him if he wants it to help him get started on his genealogy. He said he would like to do that.Then when he was confirmed he was blessed to go to the temple right away with his wife to do baptisms for the dead. He may as well experience doing his own family from the beginning, and be touched by the Spirit of Elijah to begin his genealogical journey.

I had a distinct impression when I spoke to him the night before just before he was baptized that there would be a lot of people there that he could not see (from the other side of the veil). I also said, "They want you to remember them, and who they are."

I will post pictures of this happy day as soon as I can download them. I have other photos I have downloaded from the internet but have not quite figured how to find where they went when I did it. I know they must be somewhere besides cyberspace!

Families are Forever--By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them

I attended a convert baptism this evening. We all went. Candice's niece Christy's husband, Sean was baptized. Aaron is friends with him from his BNI group. I know through Aaron's example and unconditional love since Sean joined the family was instrumental in Sean's conversion. He is a very fine person and one of great character. He is so likable and genuine.

Just some background to the story. Aaron was asked by Sean to join him while the missionaries taught him in his home. His decision to become a member of the Church came over several years of the association he had with many fine individuals and examples. It is not unusual for friends of the church to observe how they interacted with one another in business as well as at home. He got an inside view of it through Aaron & Candice,her parents, siblings and their spouses.


A bond of friendship formed with Aaron, Sean and Mark Day, another business associate. Aaron had the privilege of being asked to baptize Sean and Mark gave a talk on the Holy Ghost in the baptismal service. Mark commented in his talk how one day at lunch they both bore their personal testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sean was touched and knew for a long time he wanted to be baptized. He even called the missionaries himself.

The baptism went very well. Sean was the only one baptized but the chapel had to be used because there were so many well-wishers there for him from his ward and BNI friends. The chapel was almost full.

Wes Dalley, Candice's dad gave a talk about baptism. He did a great job. He announced that Families can be together forever through the ordinances of the priesthood. I heard him and felt a strong witness as he spoke that the ordinance of baptism is one of the greatest events in our lives of this Restoration and dispensation. Baptism by immersion by one in authority was set by the example of our Savior at his own baptism.

Sean had a real glow about him and he was smiling a lot from the joy he felt of becoming a member of the Church. It brought back memories of my own baptism as an adult. It is not the same as one that is only eight years old, at the age of accountability. I truly felt a physical lightness of my body when I woke up the next morning after my Saturday evening baptism. I remember the song sung, "Count Your
Many Blessings." The songs chosen to sing tonight were unfamiliar to me, but had to do with Baptism.

The missionaries who taught Sean were asked to bear their testimonies afterward in the chapel before Sean and Aaron finished dressing. Both of them bore their testimony of having a living prophet. One quoted Gordon B. Hinckley and told of his own conversion a fews years ago and now serving his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I took pictures of Aaron and Sean before the baptism, and with Christy, his wife. The missionaries also had their picture taken with Sean. I will download them later, since I don't know where the connector cord is for my digital since the move.

It was a well spent evening with family and friends and I am especially grateful for my own sets of missionaries who taught me and bore their testimonies to me in the discussions where I knew without a doubt what they said was true! It changed my life for good, much good and blessed me to raise such a fine posterity.

I see the hand of God in my life in the eyes of my children and grandchildren. How fortunate can one be? Today, I saw the hand of God touch the life of a humble servant who made the choice to be baptized and take the first step toward his eternal life.

You heard it here first--from anna- (the "anna" network news annoucement)

Didn't Michael do a great job in photographing so many of us and have our picture turn out so well. He is an Artist and Master of his craft! Thank you Michael.

I spoke with Michael and he informed me that he is going to be coming to visit us here in Utah very soon. April that is. He told me that he has his reservation already and is coming out to be photographer for a temple wedding in Salt Lake City. It is a former missionary who served in his ward in Cincinnati. He is from Salt Lake City, the couple paid for his airfare.

How great is that? I am pleased that he can come and spend some time with us and look forward to his coming. Way to go Michael, good job in creating an opportunity to come visit with your family that misses you soooooo much.

One of my close friends saw our family photo with ALL of us in it. Her comments were how precious you all are and are (look)so happy. "Not an ugly one the the bunch", as Grandma Betty McIntire used to say.

Of course, it made me very please that someone else saw that in you besides me being the mother of this whole crew and could be construed as prejudiced. My friend, also stated that it was amazing that I, being a part of this grand network of posterity am so blessed. She stood in awe. I also agree that you are all precious in my sight and nigh unto perfection and I stand in awe of you.

My prayer and Blessings of heaven poured out upon me--

I pray the Lord will continue to bless me for many more decades to enjoy with all of you. My life is touched everyday by each of you at some time or another. I either have personal contact, by phone or email, or your blog. I also am grateful to finally have the extra time to be the "Grandmaw." It is a blessing and I honor that.

Blessings, Love, Mom aka Anna

In case you are wondering. . . . .

I am still here, a breathing, living being. I have put my energy into a huge project lately. The weather is getting less bothersome and I AM actively involved in many things. One thing that is taking some of my spare, quiet time is a family history project that is no small task.


My Father's maternal grandfather, Eufemio Canchola, a picture given to me more recently from one of my cousins in San Antonio.

I wanted to make a short outline of each of the eighty-four photos and I only have about 15% of those so far. The photos are mostly of my ancestors on my pedigree chart and the collection that my siblings would especially enjoy. That is my goal to have my neices and nephews become more aware of our family ties and share the photos for their own families. So yes, it is a monumental task and I take it quite seriously.

Today I decided to follow up on the finishing of the move from Lindon to American Fork. I had three closets of clothes, and had not brought the rest of them over. I had a helper from my office who was so helpful with a truck that I got the majority of those things over to the new house. He was an angel of mercy and had offered to help anyway he could. He is a young fellow who runs the business where I have my office. I consider that a great blessing too and am most grateful for his help.

I will see if I can reconstruct the other days I missed and fill in the blanks.

Writng is an expression of Self---the rest of the story. . . .

You know, my dear ones writing in journals is not new to me. I took very seriously many years ago, the counsel of our living prophet, Spencer W. Kimball to write and keep a journal. I have about a dozen journals from the 70s, that sometime I will review and perhaps piece together the "rest of the story."

This is a picture I had taken in 1980, a few years into my journal writing. Mattie was just a little one, but at the time I was determined to lose the "post baby fat" and looked quite slim at the time.




I wrote from the beginning of my membership in the church significant events and or experiences. It seems like I was a scribe of some kind that I would keep notes during meetings I attended at church. That is how I got started to keep notes about these things. I wanted to be obedient and I am so grateful now that I have some kind of personal history record of my life as a young wife and mother for my posterity.

Writing became a self-confidence builder

Just in case anyone would like to know, I have not always felt I have had the ability to write something worthy for posterity to treasure. I had the privilege of the inspiration of Brother Don Norton, a BYU professor of English as a ward Sunday School teacher. He taught a series about personal and family history. He planted a very lasting seed in my heart to preserve my many life experiences. I learned from him to just write it like I think it and let it flow without worry of content.

Grammar was always something I was aware of in expressing my self in the written word and well as the spoken word. Brother Norton was very generous with his praise and had us write short stories and he would read them in his class, then make suggestions that were very helpful. He would tell us how to edit them but kept the integrity of the content. I felt validated by his non-critical approach of my writings. It made me more confident to continue. Writing and or journaling is very therapeutic by the way.

It was also Don Norton that encouraged our Sunday school class to record our parents and grandparents before the time was gone and couldn't be called back. I treasure those recorded conversations I had with my mother and father more so now. I have both their voices and a permanent recording that I did over the years after Don's class.

Pre-cursor to the First Book of Anna--

Later on, I had the blessing of taking a couple of classes when I was taking post graduate classes from Brother Norton. His assignments were to write my own personal history. He was in essence my mentor when I was in Mexico for one of my distant learning class credits. I got a full "A" grade too. I let it flow and through those assignments which later became the bulk of the content of that First Book of Anna--now you have the rest of that story. This whole blog goes to show how the hand of God blessed me to listen and act upon the promptings to just write! Agree?

Family Tree

McIntire Family Reunion, Lindon, UT July, 2007



Be sure to click on the picture to get a better close up. Love, Mom

Significant comments/ moments from Sabbath worship

Sunday's are a day that I love going to my meetings and feel the Spirit, drinking in the richness of the holy ghost as instruction from our speakers impart over the pulpit. It is typical to take notes and glean from them the messages from the youth and adults.

I took a photo of the new ward building with my new digital camera but in the move, I have temporarily misplaced the cord to download from the camera to my CPU. I also tried to download a few spring flowers to post here but have no clue where they went. I could not find them anywhere. Hank said he could help me figure it out, but we ran out of time to do that.

I enjoyed my meetings, but went alone since the rest of the family was feeling sick today. Several people at church called me by name and remembered who I am. That felt good too. I sat next to the same lady I sat by in Relief Society, but couldn't remember her name. We had a nice conversations and I recognized her from the temple.

I had dinner with Hank, Lori and their Ks. All ten were there along with her parents. It was as if Hank had never left with the natural flow of the family. I will say it was a lot less chaotic too! Everyone was calm and at peace with having Hank home. We had a pleasant dinner, Hank barbequed steaks. Ymmmm. That is always great, he knows just how to do them right even if rare or medium rare.


A Little Bit of Heaven

They had family night and the Spirit was so sweet. I observed that this must be what Lehi meant when he spoke of "eating of the fruit of the tree of life, that is precious above any other." We had tender moments as Hank shared his testimony and witness of all the latter-day prophets he recalls since President McKay through President Thomas S. Monson. I am very impressed how he has watched and loved President Monson from the first time as a young boy of six or seven years old, our prophet was sustained as an apostle early on in our tenure as members of the Church.

I believe Hank, you have always been a young man who has a gift like Mormon, who was "quick to observe" and "sober at an early age. "

Friendly Ward Visitor

I must have a touch of SAD aka seasonal affect disorder. Not a big deal, nevertheless it is real to be so affected by the sun that shines or the cold winter weather. This year's has been the winter of all winters. I get out my LED lights and find I can cope with the SAD.



I can hardly wait for the spring crocus to bloom along with the daffodils and tulips! It has been too long of a winter and the days seems so short. I noticed the days are getting longer though. That is a good sign.

I believe that when I worked last year during this time, I just got up and went to work and went with the flow. Being a couch potato is not my idea of fun either. I hope none of you who read this ever have that to look forward to because it is no fun to feel no better than the weather! I plan now to go to my office more often and keep busier and find things to do outside the house.

I got out today and went to a fun activity in Pleasant Grove. I was among some friends, made some new acquaintences and have some planned activities to look forward to. I think that is the key here. I need to just keep busy and don't give in to the doldrums of the day. I noticed to that when I apply my lavender oil or put on the spicy one that is called "Prosperity", I feel better and the weather doesn't affect me. Oh, and drinking lots of alkaline water helps too.

A visitor from the neighborhood dropped by late this afternoon. It was my (our)new bishop, Bishop Payne. I was pleased to see he lives just a few doors away and was quite friendly. He is young, about Hank's age I think. I call that young, so remember you are still young, Hank and Tanise and Tara!!

Happy Valentine's Day

You know I realized how loved I am and cared about both by family here and on the other side. It struck me as I was driving home from Tracie’s today. But first I want to give some background to the story--

It ended up that I had Valentine’s Dinner with the Fillerup’s. I went out earlier to deliver the kids’ Valentine remembrance for each of them. I still have yet to deliver the other Valentine goodies to the K's, Hallows' and Fryer's.

Tracie was preparing dinner. I had a few other errands to run. I dropped off the three older kids to go play in the “hollow” in their neighborhood. I drove by it and it looked like soooo much fun and should be playing in the snow and enjoy the daylight and fun in the snow at the same time. The kids were delighted at my suggestion and were tickled to be relieved of homework and Tracie from being the “bad guy” with the drudgery of everyday homework.

Anyway I went on to run my errands to pick up two gallons of alkaline H20 in Pleasant Grove. Tracie’s car was best to drive to take the kids to the park, since my car was still loaded with clothes from the old house closet to be carried into my new closet space. I noticed the car was in need of a bath and car wash. I had a prepaid card for my own car so decided to run the car through the car wash just close to the place I get my water, and surprise her. The car really looked like brand new. I know with the salt on the roads, it oxidizes (rusts out) the car if not attended to on a regular (minimum 2xs a month) routine during the winter, snowy months. I felt a prompting to wash the car, following through to do it and thought about that later when I was on the way back to Highland.

We sat down to a lovely candlelight dinner with rose petals on the table and wrapped napkins with a red bow. Tracie had prepared a scrumptious meal and we sat down to eat when Jared came home. Aaron and Candice were going out to a Sweetheart Ball at Thanksgiving Point for the evening, and had her niece come to babysit the kids.

Before we finished dinner, Aaron called and asked when I would be home. I figured a half hour. Well, Parker was having a hard time and had cried for an hour since they left. I heard that and shorten my visit and was back home in fifteen minutes. Parker wanted a familiar face I supposed and Grandma was the closest he could get. He settled down but I felt bad for Megan, not knowing what to do to calm him. He fell asleep on my lap while he and I watched TV. He has been sick this week and I think he missed his Mommy even more. He always looks like such an angel when he is asleep, like most toddlers.

We read in Alma 32 this morning about angels attending us, where Alma testifies that angels minister to men, women, and children. I felt my two children who are on the other side of the veil as I turned on the CD player. The song, "Oh, Danny Boy" played and my eyes teared at the reminder of my two children and always feel a comfort of the holy ghost and a peace when I hear the song. It was a sweet reminder that they are close by and near me often, and it descended as the dews from heaven.

Post Script--

I need to mention here that I was pleasantly surprised with a lovely bouquet of flowers from Aaron. He wrote the sweetest card and had a sensitivity to do the flowers for me since I had NO other Valentine in my life. I appreciate so much the gesture and I will say it made my day complete. I am so thankful he took the time and wrote on the card thoughts from the heart...I feel very blessed as well as touched.

Fun Quiz-Identify the Generations

How many generations can you SEE represented here and or Identify?
Comments welcome.

Aprons- I found this "filler" worthy of reading

Some of us will remember this.

I don't think our kids know what an apron is.

The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears and wiping runny noses.

From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks,and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.

And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms.

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.

Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron,and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.

Send this to those who would know, and love the story about Grandma's aprons.

REMEMBER.........

Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool.

Her granddaughters set theirs on the kitchen counter to thaw.

Testimony of Faith in the Savior, and Latter-day Prophet

I attended my new ward today and learned you have to be there at least fifteen minutes early to get the "soft" seats. I got there ten minutes early and we sat on the first row of the folding chairs. I was pleased to see so many families, and younger children the ages of Aislyn, Ella and Parker.

Since last week's sacrament meeting was canceled because of a snowstorm, we had Fast and Testimony meeting. It felt good to start my new ward with testimonies. There were so many who went up, starting with our new Bishop Payne. He attended President Hinckley's funeral and shared his testimony of our beloved departed prophet. He also bore his witness of President Monson as our new prophet, seer and revelator.

I knew I needed to bear my own testimony and fought it, but I remembered a line from my patriarchal blessing to "bear my testimony often among my associates and those who are not members the Church." I had that familiar feeling come over me that I had to get up.

I added my testimony of President Hinckley and how he impacted my life, and told of a few related instances, as my participation in the Perpetual Education Fund in Monterrey, Mexico in 2002. I recognized how the mantel of authority of a living prophet had descended upon Gordon B. Hinkley as he lead and managed the Church in the place of the Savior and how he would have himself. I have no doubt of that. I also know that President Monson has had that same mantel bestowed upon him as our new Prophet, Seer and Revelator.

In closing I mentioned that "I have a testimony of Joseph, the prophet of the Restoration of the Gospel. How when I first saw and heard the account of Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove in a diorama in the North Visitor's Center on Temple Square, I never doubted that it was true. I know I came with that testimony and had a recollection of it being true when I heard it. Then less than six months later the missionaries knocked on my door and those seeds of faith that had been planted in my heart (in Salt Lake City)I knew for myself that this was right and true to follow the Savior having found his true Church".

I believe it can be said that I went on the Road Less Traveled, and it has made all the difference in the world!

Sunday school was amazing. There were two classes offered and chose the one in the Relief Society room. Sister Mary Ellen Edmunds is our Gospel Doctrine instructor. She was so informative and a fun teacher. I don't think anyone could fall asleep in her class. She had several quotes that awakened and stirred our souls. She reaffirmed how we should write down significant thoughts we receive while attending our meetings. She reference Elder Henry B Eyring's suggestion as well; at the end of our class she gave out small spiral notebooks pocket sized to write down the thoughts. i wrote down a lot of her comments and will share them here.

Relief Society was wonderful. It was Visiting Teacher's Conference, so all the women in ward callings were in attendance as well. I sat next to Ella's new primary teacher. Aaron taught Aislyn's class to help out so all the sisters could go to R.S.

The ward was very warm and many came up to introduce themselves after sacrament meeting. Interesting as I was sitting in the meeting the first sister got up to bear her testimony after a couple of brethren. I heard the still small voice tell me she was the Relief Society president. I thought, OK? Then after she finished the lady next to me whispered to me that she was our Relief Society president. How cool was that? It confirmed what I was told previously and I didn't doubt it when I was first told. It was a witness to me to be sure to listen carefully and BELIEVE what I heard.

I count my many blessings and feel very loved by my Heavenly Father and his goodness.


His Influence Lingers On, A Legacy For Good


'Landmark' LDS leader was always predictable
By Jerry Johnston
Deseret Morning News
Published: February 2, 2008

He stood for something.

As a man he wasn't the irresistible force.

He was the immovable object.

As John Steinbeck said of Ma Joad, he was a citadel, the strong place that could not be taken.

We met in Bolivia 1969 when I was a missionary.

We met there again in 2000 for the temple dedication.

I was amazed at how little he had changed, and how much I had.

He had more resonance about him in 2000, more experience, more understanding. But he was the same man from 30 years before.

I had been all over the map — in the church, out, back in again. I'd had two marriages and a dozen false starts. Dead ends had been my specialty. And I usually found them by going the wrong way on one-way streets.

I was like Christian in John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress" — getting sidetracked by the Vanity Fair, slipping into the Sloughs of Despair, always looking for the Delectable Mountains. He was Evangelist, the calm and understanding preacher who showed up from time to time to offer direction and a word of encouragement.

And like Evangelist, he was always the same — in the best sense of the phrase.

He was, I remember thinking at the temple dedication, like the very temple he was dedicating. Temples are landmarks, set on hills and illuminated so lost souls can set a course.

He was like that. He was a "living landmark" — grounded, bright, unwavering. He was never hard to find. He always stood where he always had. And once you found him, you could often find yourself.

He was a lighthouse — sending beams across the waves to keep sailors clear of the rocks and direct them to deeper waters.

He was the beacon at the airport, calling travelers in for a safe landing.

In an ancient Christian poem — "The Dream of the Rood" — the cross of Jesus speaks to the reader. And the cross says:

Dared I not against the Lord's word

bend or break, when I saw earth's

fields shake. All fiends

I could have felled, but I stood fast.

He not only withstood the storms, but he also stood for the sunlight.

He stood for consistency, selflessness, humility, humor, trust, loyalty, kindness and other virtues.

He stood for standing — for steadfastness.

And now, as he is laid to rest, the good news is he stands here still. Maybe not in person, but in the memories of the thousands who met him and the millions who heard and read his words. He's gone, but the message he had still brightly beams with a father's mercy.

His candle may have gone out, but his light remains. And like one of his beloved temples, he remains — in death as in life — firmly grounded, sturdy, unshakable, while pointing the rest of us upward, to the stars.

E-mail: jerjohn@desnews.com

From the Archives, never before seen Family Photos

This is a picture that was taken in 1963 at Grandma and Granpa Rodriguez'. Catch those red shoes. This must have been Mother's Day. I had a white suit that I wore for Easter that year and had those red shoes. I think there may be a slide somewhere of me in that white suit. I looked really good in both and was standing next to our black 1962 Oldsmobile Cutlass, a compact car of its day.
FYI, if you click on the pictures it will enlarge it for enhanced view.

This photo is of all of my siblings with my parents. We seldom were all in the same place at the same time in later years. I told Linda about these photos and she had never seen this one. I don't think I had seen it either come to think of it. It just appeared one day in some photos I was going through. These may even be some photos from my grandmother's picture collection.

This is a group photo with my grandmother, Anita aka Goma. She did not live in California at the time it was taken and must have been visiting for a special occasion. She would come visit us for graduations, or weddings. My older brothers, Charlie, and Robert had smaller children as noted in this group photo. Robert is holding Lisa Marie and Richard (on Charlie's lap) are in there, as is Charlie's oldest daughter, Teri Lyn, sitting on my lap. I had no children at the time or even expecting. This photo taken May, 1963. Goma has Danny (Sanchez) on her lap, Uncle Albert's son

Blessing others without thought of self--

The creeping Gumboo has struck. The family has had a malady that has gone through everyone except me, knock on wood. Ella got sick first and couldn't keep anything down. Then Parker had a bout with bad tummy. Candice was feeling queazy and so was Aaron briefly last night. Now, today Aislyn's had upset tummy too and looked "a little green around the gills" at dinner tonight.

I observed something that I let go without seeing it at the time yesterday. Breakfast was all made and ready to eat when I went up stairs. Aaron usually has a business meeting on Thursday's for breakfast with his BNI networking group. He had fixed breakfast for us instead of going to his meeting. I was impressed that he would relieve Candice and help with the morning routine to get the day going smoothly given the circumstance. I know Candice appreciated it.

But I really did see a kind, sweet companion (Aaron)caring about Candice's welfare and took the initiative to pick up and help out. He even had gone to the store to get a few things to get breakfast, he made French toast, and sausage. He put his own schedule aside and blessed the one he loves at a moment when she needed it most. Now that is love (action) speaking louder than words.

I saw it was a little bit of heaven, and I am positive that those kinds of random acts of kindness happen all the time in the homes of my children and their families. Hank's family are all pulling together while he is away and picking up where he left off and fill that gap while he is away. It does a grandmother good to see that kind of unconditional love and service one to another.

I went over to the K's today to be with the little Ks while Lori had a meeting at the school. I read the kids that book Hank told us about on his blog, Wodney Wat. I enjoyed that time with them and was glad to be there. The story was so cute and the kids loved it.

Today, the girls, Tanise, Tara, Tracie, Tana, Candice and I went to lunch at Olive Garden for the recent birthdays. I spoke with Hank on the way to Provo and he was driving to Washington D.C. to change his rental car. I knew he was still on the road so called him while we were waiting for our food to come. He had a chance to talk to each one, which was a rare treat these days. We had a good time visiting and catching up on each other. My camera battery is down and I left the recharger at the other house and need to bring it over to the new one. Otherwise I would have had a photo. Maybe Tanise took one when I didn't notice I can post. I will see.

It is hard to believe I have only one son in close proximity in Utah! I don't like that either. I miss my boys and their families as I am sure they miss US all too.

How the Lords lifts our burdens--and makes them light

I was touched by some comments made by Hank on his blog that I want to make note of and the reference made reminded me of how the Lord helped me carry past burdens.


He wrote:

"Heavenly Father continues to bless us and has made the separation sweet. I liken this to the experience of the people of Limhi who were in captivity and pleaded with the Lord for deliverance. He responded: "And I will ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them on your backs . . . and this will I do . . . that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions" (Mosiah 24:14)"


I know that during those years that I was parenting alone, with the Lord's help He helped lift my burdens, that it was not as overwhelming as it could have been otherwise. I was amazed at how much I was able to accomplish in my school assignments, work part-time and be a full time mother.

The windows of heaven were pouring out many blessings and I bear testimony of the feelings of great joy and remembrance of every good thing. The times when I had missionaries stands out particularly. It kept me closest to the Lord and gave me an awareness of HIS awareness of me and my children as each served faithfully.

I see and look at the blessing it was to get my (a good)education as promised in my patriarchal blessing. I kept waiting for school to get overwhelming. I had no assignments that I could not do, I had so much understanding given that assisted me through many past issues that seemed to melt away and gave me courage and strength to carry on. I began my educational journey in the fall of 1994.

President Hinckley became president in May of 1995. I listened intently as he encouraged women to get their education and that it was a good investment in ourselves. I thrived on his counsel to continue to the levels that I pursued in my education.

It gave me the will and drive to persevere. I enjoyed at the same time that I got secular learning and had so much joy attending Institute and Religion classes at UVSC/BYU. I became a sponge for the information absorbed. My fellow students were very supportive and I gained such a confidence in myself to be (finally) validated.

My inner self blossomed and allowed me many experiences that influenced my own children to follow me to do the same. I am now seeing that influence in Hank as he gains confidence in his abilities as a leader and new element rubbing shoulders with the best and upper level of his military colleagues in class. Rock on Hank!!

I express my gratitude to Heavenly Father for his goodness and mercy that allowed me to be educated. It opened so many doors of opportunity to bless me and my posterity. I saw the hand of God often daily and am so thankful for all he blessed me with. My cup runneth over.

Back in the groove of things--

Almost back to normal, with TV and internet!! Yea!

Yesterday was the Primary elections. I voted at my old precinct in Orem. I had not re-registered to vote since I moved over a year ago. I will make sure to register here in American Fork so I can vote in the November election, providing I can make a choice that I can feel right about.

It is good to be informed about what is going on in the world today. I (try to) keep on top of the news to be aware. It is important to know those kinds of things. It makes for intelligent conversation besides.

Michael called me today and said he had our family picture from the reunion. He is sending it soon. I am excited to get it and hang it up. He said there are about 55 people in it!! Wow, I guess with 34 grandkids, and their parents adds up!

I look to having our reunion this year the end of July. So keep those few days open. Please. Thank you.

Looking back Sunday was an unusual day--

We planned to attend our new ward at one o'clock, just like our old ward. There was a snowstorm last night and we had eight to twelve inches of snow overnight. The neighbor told Aaron church was canceled. I was fasting and disappointed to not be able to go to Testimony meeting today to hear some responses to President Hinckley's passing. I was glad to know that our new ward will have Fast and Testimonies next week instead.

I decided to make the best of the situation and read the Sunday school lesson and scriptures from the Book of Mormon. I also listened to Sounds of Sunday on the radio. I like to especially listen to the Manti-Richfield station because the music is the most reverent of all the stations on Sundays. I like the stations choices of devotional talks also. It is just an all around great listening channel.

I will say there was no TV, or internet to distract me either. The phone service installation will come on Tuesday, and the internet on Wednesday, so my sabbath day centered around quiet reverent activities. I couldn't get my computer to work either. Interesting that all the things that keep me occupied normally were nowhere to be found usable. Sad how dependent one can be on things that are taken for granted. I appreciated modern inventions even more when having to do without them.

I rested some after I showered and dressed intending to go over to visit Tracie and family. I ended up staying home and stayed put where it was warm and safe. Aaron and Candice went to see Super Bowl at friends.

All in all I made it a good day anyway, and things will eventually normalize and be back to "normal" soon.

It is great to be back and catching up on the blog entries. I had to reconstruct some of it, but found it not as easy as doing it daily.

Today was Tara's birthday. Tara is so talented and beautiful. I know she thinks she "old" but it would be nice to be her age again and gain from the wisdom of the ages since.

We seem to be our own worst critics when it comes to how we look or feel. I can remember old pictures of myself that I did not like at the time and now think those are just fine and wonder what it was I didn't like about myself back then. That is really what those kinds of thoughts boil down to--how I have learned over the years to accept myself and not be too harsh or critical of me. Hindsight is 20/20 vision, right?

Mooooooooooooo--ving Day

So much to do and many helpers too came and got the house cleared and boxed up ready for the move. Aaron had several priesthood holders in the ward come and they did an excellent job to help him get all the heavier items loaded and taken over to the new house in American Fork. It doesn't seem possible after all these months.

The house is finally done and ready to move into. It is spacious and quite nice but I like the one we were in and like the extra space I had. Oh well, life goes on.

I was wiped out by the time midday came and went. It was all I could to do get all my stuff packed and direct the helpers. It is amazing how much one accumulates in such a short time and in the space to put it. It just tells me how much I am blessed and can always purge what extra I have that I don't need and give it to someone who does need it.

Today was President Hinckley's funeral. I listened to it on the radio since the TV was carried out to the truck before it was over. I asked Tracie to record it for me, which I want to see later.

What I heard was about an incredible humble servant of the Lord who was honored and put to rest. How I will miss his fine counsel and encouragement. I saw the hand of God in the life of Gordon B. Hinckley. He stood for truth and goodness, setting an example like the Savior. He loved all people from all walks of life and stations. I loved him as our living prophet of God. We all did.

Turning the Hearts of the Children to the Fathers...

Hank surprised me today and called me from Virginia. I was having a late lunch with one of my colleagues. I took his call because it isn't every day that I get a call from him. He was ready to ask me a dozen questions about family history, particularly about my direct line in my pedigree chart. It was fun to give him a recapped version of the pedigree. It brought great joy in my heart...for his interest in my side of the family.

I remembered most of the generations back seven generations on one line and six for the rest . The rest was easy. When I was back home I reviewed my genealogy and was mostly right and had a few adjustments to make. We talked for another hour and put the finishing touches to the list. It is the start of a monumental project at best.

I have my work cut out for me to give a brief overview of each of the photos on disc that I did a couple of weeks ago. It is an ongoing project and labor of love, with emphasis on LOVE!

I appreciate Hank working on a family website with the ancestral history. It looks great so far. Keep it up and I will do all I can to contribute basic and any extra background on what I know of the past as it flows from my pen....