Family Night with the Hallows'

Monday Family Home Evening activity--
It was Austin Hallows' fifth birthday today. He looks so big and ready for Kindergarten in the fall. He was thrilled to have some of his cousins visit him and celebrate with him and his siblings.

Cole, Ethan and Beth were able to be there and enjoy that time with us too. Cole was fascinated with a set of full armor Austin got for his birthday. He especially liked to wear the mask. It looked like a knight in shining armor, and brandish the sword in it casing. Beth took his picture. I didn't have my digital camera with me to take his picture. Sorry!

Nathan made a cinnamon swirl cake for the birthday cake of choice and served it with vanilla ice cream, Austin favorite. Parker loved it too, since he didn't eat much dinner, he loved the cake. I hope we can put the recipe in our family recipe book this year as well.

We had a great time and hope Austin had a pleasant birthday with his cousins.

Sunday-Fast & Testimony Meeting

Our ward held Fast Meeting today, since next week is General Conference. The testimonies were very uplifting. I took some notes. There was a young man about 7 years old that gave his testimony of prayer and service.

One would think he was giving a talk on prayer. He was very detailed in his presentation and delivery of his testimony. He even asked a question of the audience, (congregation) how many prayed morning and evening. We considered it a rhetorical question, but he took it and said we should all have raised our hands!

He was quite sincere and seemed much older than his only seven years. He essentially called us to repentance. Needless to say he was an outstanding young man and has a lot going for him already. I told his mother afterwards how impressed I was with his testimony. She seemed a little embarrassed, but she needn't have been so.

She said he had not born his testimony for three years because he was afraid to get up. He did not seem fearful at all and stood firm in his faith in Heavenly Father. His testimony had depth to what he expressed. He was such a fine young man too. His younger sister, who is four years old gave her testimony first. Hers was extraordinary too, yet short. The two children are our back neighbors and play with Aislyn and Ella. Ella told her mommy she wanted to get up and say hers too, but didn't this time. Maybe next time.

My visiting teacher came to visit. They had tried to get in touch several times in the month and I was busy with grandchildren some of those days that they tried. But,they didn't give up, so one of the sisters came alone since her companion was out of town on Sunday.

I appreciated her coming at all, so it wasn't a problem for me to have her come alone. We had a nice visit and I enjoyed her message from Elder Boyd K. Packer's article in this month's Ensign. She is the Primary President and a very busy person besides working and serving in the ward. It is nice to get to know the sisters in the ward.

It was the fifth Sunday so the Bishop had a panel of our ward auxiliaries leaders and gave us a synopsis of the Leadership Conference given last month. The youth were also in attendance. The bishop moderated the discussion and it was very helpful. I was impressed with how he made two lists on a chalk board about Marriage and Family.

The theme was the Proclamation on the Family, so everything tied in and many of the speakers comments were discussed in the open forum. I felt a unity in the effort of each of the leaders who gave an overview of the talks in the Leadership Conference.

The words of the leaders were brought to our attention while reviewing the speaker's comments. The Youth Leaders were well prepared, and involved some of the youth with comments about Family Home Evening while the Bishop asked what they liked most about their family home evenings in their homes.

There is a planned combined activity for the youth to go up to the Tabernacle the Sunday after Conference to see the broadcast of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Spoken Word. It sounded like fun and hope to have many of the youth involved.

The Everlasting Priesthood of God

It is the Everlasting Priesthood of God which makes all blessings binding on earth and in heaven.



TODAY the anniversary for my children too, who were sealed to me 39 years ago on March 29, 1969 in the Los Angeles Temple. How time flies. Randy Nieffeneggar on the left and Dan Olson on the right from our ward bishopric in Garden Grove Sixth Ward.

I am very blessed to have my children and grandchildren. The Lord's counsel to me about raising and teaching my children was very specific. I am so grateful for my patriarchal blessing that gave me instructions about how to manage as a mother of my children to guide them in the way they should go.

I had an experience yesterday that reminded me of how much the Lord is aware of us each moment to bless and guide us through times of need. I had an encounter that I needed to be bold and was given the words to say to get the desired results. It was a matter of life or possible death of an individual if I did not succeed in making my "mission" completed.

I was given the prompting to be an advocate and speak out at the appropriate time. I read my patriarchal blessing today and was reminded of the words that "He shall bring to your memory important truths when you shall greatly appreciate this blessing". It made perfect sense after the fact and I was very humbled at the trust the Lord has in me to give me utterance. I knew it was not me saying the words, but I was given what to say without even thinking about the results. Well, I got results and the situation cleared itself and know it was from God. His hand touched my mind and the Savior's love attended me and I cannot give myself the credit for what occurred. I was just the messenger.

After I thought about it, it felt like I was perhaps influenced by my mother and could very likely see her take a stand. She could move someone with great skill and authority take note and be heard with boldness. Remarkable. Hearts were softened and made a difference for someone to have the faith to submit to the help they needed to be healed.

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I know the Savior is our Advocate with the Father. He stands between us and God as the Mediator and Redeemer. He give us the love and support we need to carry on, and be united in our faith in him to serve one another with the pure love of Christ.

He knows our feelings, thoughts, sorrows, infirmities and was willing to give himself as a sacrifice in our behalf. I am so indebted to him to bleed at every pore for me and my sins. I pray to be worthy of his grace, love and atonement. The Lord told me he "needed me to come forth as a faithful servant to oppose the evil influence of the Adversary in this day when the Gospel is here in its fullness; He guided me to His Church."

I have learned so much over the four decades in the Church. I have gained a strong testimony of this Gospel and know it is true. We have a living prophet, Thomas S. Monson, who will be sustained next week.

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The blessing of hearing our Prophets, Seers and Revelators for conference renews the Spirit and reaffirms my testimony of our latter-day apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. I stand firm and immovable to be obedient and steadfast. I have no greater joy than to see my children "walk in truth."

The longing for home--How and Why

Ever have that feeling of longing to be somewhere and know it was a place of refuge and comfort? Today, the intent was to go down to Spanish Fork and help make Tamales with Tara. We asked Beth and the boys if they would come visit the Fryer cousins while we worked to make the hot tamales. The boys loved the visit and so did Beth and her Mom.

The recipe for the meat filling turned out really well. Tara insisted she follow the recipe herself and used one like my mother used to make. The meat was superb. It cooked up well with added cumin and garlic--which is so delicious.


After all was prepared and ready to cook, the house had the aroma of cooking Mexican food in a restaurant. Really! The cumin and garlic blended with the corn masa as they cooked in the juicer/canner.

The aroma was so familiar that I told Tara it made it so I didn't want to leave because of the nostalgic reminder it was sending to my mind and heart. It almost felt like "the comfort of home." It was like when I was growing up and in my own home.


At family gathering at Nane's in San Antonio, Cousin Bess, Robert, Anna Maria 1947


The "longing for home" feeling was stronger than I could have imagined. Let me try to reconstruct that image. It goes back to my early childhood actually. Gathering with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. The tamales and feasting on tradition!



It also reminded me of the Mole' we used to have at wedding dinners. That was traditional too. Also while I am at it, I will paint in this memory picture--the "pan dulce" and Mexican hot cocoa!! Yummm, which is among my favorites for morning/evening snack. It brings to my mind the feeling of togetherness for the generations past, present and future. The tradition of family get-togethers is priceless.

I see that unbroken chain binding us all through the 'Everlasting Priesthood' as much as the tradition seals that bond and creates that sense of belonging. How about that? It doesn't take heritage by blood to enjoy or like the tamales, mole' or all the other favorites our family embraces when we get together.

The Guacamole must taste just right, in my opinion of course. The tortilla chips unite with the taste buds to make them most delicious, (delicioso)with that touch of lime--the secret ingredient in the "guac".

When I was in Monterrey, I was blessed to have avocados every day if I wanted. It is known as the "food of the Gods." They are full of rich ingredients and good EFAs, that counter cholesterol! I was pleased to know they are good fatty acid fats.

No wonder Mexican food is such a favorite, not only with Mexicans, but many others.

I still remember the first anniversary party I had on the year mark of my sealing to my parents. I recreated the tamale Sunday dinner and had everyone come for that family celebration. Michael and Matt were not in attendance, living in Cincinnati and Redmond. I went about the day thinking of them as I prepared and cooked the tamales.

A Strange Phenomenon

I called Michael the day after and told him about our family get-together.
He said he had the strangest craving for Tamales that same day we had them. I also called Matt and told him about our family party, and he said he and Beth had cravings for tamales too at the same time we had them at home.

Now that is remarkable. Tell me the hearts of the children and the hearts of the Fathers are not binding us here and well as heavenward. Believe it or Not, it does, and did bind us that special day of celebration.

We all must innately posses that "longing for home" and unaware that we are sometimes. I believe with all my heart we were all bound as one, and Michael, Joanna, Beth and Matt were sensitive to it and had the "longing for home" i.e., tamales the same time we had our dinner. No coincidence; don't you agree?

Track and Soft ball Field--Fast Pitch

One would have thought we were still in winter season. Never mind the daffodils in bloom. The wind blew with blustery winds which went right through me. Burrrr, it was cold outside and glad I was bundled up in my lined coat and hoodie to match.



The snow was still on the mountains to the East. I went to Lone Peak High School Track for the Jr High level age kids. K4 was in several events that she and her classmates were participating. I managed to get a snap shot of her bundled up in her sweats.



There was another event at a different school that one of my other granddaughters was playing. I found the American Fork High baseball field and she happened to be at bat when I got there. I was able to sit and watch the plays and the wind just kept blowing. It is a wonder there were so many parents there to support their children like I was as a grandparent. Their team won, and had a final score of 15-0.


They were playing a fast pitch game and a couple of batters were struck by the fast ball. Oooooo, that hurt! Watch out for those low baseballs. They can be killers.

Tara and I went to the Provo Temple today

This week is going by so quickly; maybe that is because I am SO busy and going about life, one day at a time. I had a full day and had a few hours to spare and went to the temple with daughter, Tara this morning.

It is always a treat for me to be asked by one of my children to attend the temple together, which I jump at the chance to do that. There is something about the setting of all being dressed in white and feeling the unity of purpose in having that sacred time within the walls of the holy temples.

There was a peace I felt as we went through for some family names that I had extracted about a year and a half ago. I had recently found some of the slips of about a dozen left to complete the endowments and or sealings. I set a goal to go often to finish the last batch of names. It is gratifying to focus on the goal and be about it and how time works its way toward completion of my goal.

I consider the blessing it is to have children worthy to be in holy places with me, and no coincidence that I recognized the hand of God in my life each day.

Joys of "Grandmahood"

I was blessed to help out at Tracie's today. She worked today, so I babysat for Maddie and Luke. Maddie was so sweet. She dressed up in her play white lace dress. She looked like a miniature "bride." I took her picture , and she looked lovely and even posed without me asking her to.



She is a natural beauty. Luquito is so sweet and calm. He doesn't seem to have a care or worry in the world. He is a "goes with the flow" kind of baby. He sits in his high chair and studies what is going on around him. He smiles and brightens up when he is given a treat. He likes crackers, animal cookies, pretzels, scrambled eggs and some fruit. He is smart too. He smiles at me when he sees me, like he recognizes who I am in his life.

Some of his favorites are pineapple and honey dew melon. He slept and took a long nap. He was a happy camper when he woke up and played. What a sweetheart. He and Parker have a lot in common, as does little Ethan, Matt & Beth's newest little one.

I believe that those children being born are very gifted and outstanding. Maybe I am just getting old, but I see so much depth in their tender young Spirit's.



K10 has a uniqueness about her as well, and it appears to me that children coming into the world now are coming more prepared and stronger.



God is watching over them all and sending them to parents who welcome them, love them and will teach them what they need to know to know HIM better as they grow up.

I have no doubt that they already know him having just come in the last several years. God Bless Us Everyone--

Zumba Anyone?

I tried a new exercise dance class called Zumba that Joanna told me about last week. I went online and found it is offered at the American Fork Rec Center. It is Latin dances like Samba, Salsa and Meringue'. It was such a cardio work-out too! The instructor never stopped once to catch her breath. The next class is on Wednesday; it was so much fun! I really liked it.

Joanna said she really likes going too and goes twice a week. I saw the hand of God as I saw myself in the mirror able to have the mobility I needed to undertake this kind of exercise! It felt exhilarating and energized me. My face gets so red and warm when I exert so much energy at one time. Wow!! I can see that doing this will give my heart a boost and add strength to my muscles at the same time. I will take my camera next time and post it.

I am consciously working on trimming down. It has motivated me to get my body moving and the Zumba work out is fun at the same time. Dancing is great exercise. I have even considered going to some singles dances sooner or down the road; which I have not been to in years.

Anniversary Thoughts About My Baptism

Be sure to click on this photo to get the closer view of this. Somehow when I downloaded this photo it had too much white space and took over the picture. I didn't know how to crop it, and you will have to make up the difference to see it better...

This rare photo is the picture taken the Sunday after my baptism the night before. Hank and Tanise were only 3/12 and two years old at the time in March 1968. Hank Sr. had a beard and hadn't shaved it off yet. Elder Randy Neiffenneggar thought that was the neatest thing to have baptized someone with a beard no less.

I remember Hank & Tanise were inseparable. They did everything together. She even went to Sunday School and Primary with Hank even though she wasn't three yet. They loved Primary. Tanise carried her own weight and kept up with him. When Tara was born, that broke up the diad, so Tara felt excluded from their little circle. Rightly so.

I have fond memories of the three of them when we were sealed in the temple March 29, 1969. Tara was just seven weeks old when we went to the Los Angeles Temple.

I believe Hank(son) still remembers at age, 4 1/2 about that day in the temple when he said he had to wear "white trousers." He was about the same age as K8 is now. Tara, a newborn was nursing at the time and hadn't eaten anything for over five hours and didn't make a sound of discomfort or hunger during that whole time.


I wore a size twelve in this picture, not bad for just having had a seven week old. I made my temple dress, and Tanise's dress she is wearing. I had my hair done at the salon by a friend where I used to work. I have always been blessed to have a good hairdresser to keep my hair well groomed. Many compliments have been given to me about my hair, and I attribute that to my ancestors and am thankful for it.

Beautiful day in the Temple--

I decided to go to the temple this morning and do an endowment. I was very pleased and felt such a peace for having been. I stayed a while and lingered to pray and can still feel the wonder of the temple with me. Mt. Timpanogos Temple has such a special feeling to me than some of the others. Nauvoo Temple is one that is small but has a similar feel of serenity in the Celestial Room. All of them have it, I just feel it more in some than others that I am not familiar with and the amount of time I spend there after a session. Temples are not where one is rushed. I like to stay, ponder and meditate while I am there and see the beauty of the decor. It was heavenly.

I saw a woman that resembled my mother so much (who was a worker in the temple), even down to her accent, height and hair color. I was so taken by it my eyes teared and I said a prayer of thanksgiving for having it like a gift given to me. If my mother was a temple worker, she would have looked just like this woman. She gave me such a nice welcome. I asked here in Spanish where she was from, and she said she was born in California to parents who were from Mexico. She said her mother was from Chihuahua, and her father from Jalisco.

She asked me where I was born and I told her, San Antonio, Texas. By then we were talking totally in Spanish quite fluently. She said, "Ana de San Antonio, . . . con canchas". I had never heard that expression before. She said it meant "through and through." She may have said something in between my name and S.A., but I don't know. She had an unusual surname, that looked like Berteaux. Her first name was Clemencia. It reminded me that I have a second-great grandfather, Clemente Ulloa. The word "Clemente" I think means merciful, like the word clemency means--lenient or merciful.

It was a great day and I wanted to spend that time pondering, praying and contemplating. Tomorrow is my second Birth-day. I turn forty on Easter Sunday this year. It marks the fortieth anniversary of my baptism and membership in the Church. And I feel forty, and fit!

I just want to mention to everyone to be sure and read this month's Ensign. It is lovely and focused on the Savior. There is also a Memoriam about President Hinckley. I especially enjoyed his last testimony of Christ in the message from the First Presidency was his. The layout, artwork and overall appearance, with the Savior's face on the cover, but no writing on it, and the parchment over the front and back covers. I love the Easter Lily on the back too. That was a bonus! I could almost smell the fragrance of the flower.

I enjoyed the testimonies of the latter-day prophets too. Elder Holland's talk was especially meaningful, with the quotes by Orson F. Whitney. I read a portion of that for my visiting teaching message, since there was no formal message and read the suggestions to read the Ensign and choose an article to share with my visiting teaching sisters. I did and was pleased with each message.

I wish I knew how to download pictures to my files so I could have one of the temple. I have a picture of the temple in my room, so I guess I will have to take my own and download. Oh, well. I need to figure that one out and used them like Hank does for his blog. Let me know Hank, how you do that and have in your files so many varied subjects to show.

Clearing the Clutter--A Good Feeling

I had a major break through today. I used all my energy to finish going through the boxes in my room and closet, hung the clothes that needed to be done. I can actually see the floor in the closet now. I did several loads of wash too. I had two hampers full of clothes to sort through too. I filled up a bagful of trash as I sorted through some boxes with papers etc. It feels good too. I admit it isn't very interesting reading but it pays off in dividends later when I know where everything is.

There were some new sheets I hadn't put on my bed yet either. They look good and add color. Now I just need to hang some pictures I have to decorate. I still have a couple of more loads of wash, but what I did wash is put away, folded or hanging up in the closet. It makes sense now that I can enjoy the blessings that comes from "organizing myself and preparing every needful thing."

Could it be possible that when I recently wrote about the RED ROLY it subconsciously motivated me to clear (my) clutter? Whatever it was, I am pleased to have gotten so much done and just focused on that for the day.

My grandmother (Anita aka Goma) had a phrase that she used whenever she came to visit from Chicago. It was "A place for everything and everything in its place." Little did I know at the time that she was quoting verbatim, Brigham Young. He was a cabinet maker by trade/carpenter. He originated the concept of cupboards in kitchens. I think that is an historical point in the Beehive House in Salt Lake City, which he built and lived there after the pioneer trek west until his death in 1877.

I definitely see the hand of God in my life today, as I set to put my literal house in order. Now I can concentrate on the rest of Doctrine and Covenants 88:110. I found several white dresses for the temple in my closet organizing. I spent about an hour this evening trying on some of them and decided to just go with the one I used to wear when I was an ordinance worker. I plan to go again tomorrow and start on the dozen female names that need the endowment work completed. A worthy goal to work toward. I hope to go often--more than once a week and get up earlier to start my day.
I will tell you and everyone when I post as to how my progress is going. Pray for me.

I will post some pictures that I haven't yet found what I want to post. Hasta Manana.
It is actually almost 11:15 p.m. and I want to get up early. So I will say, "Good night, Gracie." It is off to bed for me.

Love, Mom aka Anna

Blessings Ever Present * The Emmas Awards

I took this photo and wasn't able to have it unobstructed by the light poles. The sky was really beautiful and I felt peaceful with the way the clouds and sun shined through. God, is the Artist, only his handiwork gives a sunset in progress of clouds with a silver lining. How symbolic.





It's time I added the rest of today's message about Emma and Relief Society. A tribute to Emma was read at the beginning of the program. Then another sister in the ward came out on a "red carpet". There was a mock of one with lights on each side of the red paper laid out like a carpet. The madam of ceremonies was dressed in an elegant ivory satin damask evening gown, (dress) and had a tribute written by the husbands and or family of each of the sisters in the ward. We each got to walk the "red carpet" while the M.C. read about us. She read each one and each of the sisters when their name was called, was honored and given a chocolate rose and the written tribute to keep.

It was a great mixer and easier way for me to get to know the names of the sisters and something about each one present. It was like introductions and I loved it. Candice and I went, so Aaron had written a few lines about us. Some of the brethren wrote on both sides of the index cards and some had a scant few words. Our's was somewhere in between short and sweet! Thank you, Aaron. It was everyone's night to shine. One lad y was really surprised that her husband had written something so sweet and tender about her.

It was a fun evening, and I looked forward to going and was glad I went. I took pictures afterward of the the portraits of Liz Lemon Swindle, local artist and well known photographs published of her work in the Ensign. The Activities Chair person is a personal friend of the artist and had several of her art work for display just for our activity. It was very nicely presented. A lot of time and effort was put into the whole evening with tracking down all the brethren, calling them and reminding them via phone calls and emails. That was no small undertaking and I can appreciate the time each one put into the success of it. My thanks to all those who made it all possible on the committee.

Reminiscing about Red Roly-- A house of Order

"Organize yourselves, prepare every needful thing and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God." D & C 88:119



Reminiscing Red Roly

I was telling Aaron about an incentive and a reward from a game we were given to participate in by Grandma Betty McIntire, before he was born. Or, maybe it was even before Michael was born. We lived in the Arizona house on Erie Avenue. Some of you older children may remember the "Red Roly" game Grandma made up for us to learn to get more organized and have things in order during the time we did this project. I know Grandma made it fun, so the kids would help and participate.

A few years earlier when Tara was just turning four, Grandpa and Grandma McIntire came to see us in Chandler. Tara had decided to stuff the things in her and Tanise's room under the bed. She chose to do that instead of putting things away where they went in the closet, or laundry basket, it went under their bed. When Grandma saw what she did, she turned to her and said, "Tara, that is trashy." Tara was very adamant with her reply, and said, "Grandma, I am not trashy, I AM A MORMON!" She thought it was so humorous she came out to tell me what Tara had said.

So, having said that, Grandma wanted to give us all love and encouragement to keep things in order. She spent a lot of time on her week ends cleaning, dusting and gardening at their home in Fullerton, besides working full time. She was a good example. Her idea was to give me a Vita-Mixer like theirs for me to have as my own for following through with her original "Red Roly" project.

She would send us riddles in the mail and if Hank or Tanise could refresh my memory on just what their involvement was I would welcome it. I know my part came with cassette tapes as she would talk me through how to clean out a closed, or linen closets and keep things folded and easier to find in an orderly way in my kitchen, etc. It was very helpful to me and I appreciated her willingness to guide me through.

She was like Martha Stewart of her time and had a lot of good helps and I learned so much from that experience and from her. I had just not gotten used to such organization growing up,so I welcomed her suggestions. Now it may take a lot for some people to listen to their mother-in-law on such a sensitive issue. But, I was not offended nor did it ever occur for me to be anything but cooperative. I don't recall now if we figured out the meaning of Red Roly on our own, but. . .

Red Roly was an anagram for Orderly. And that is how the leopard got its spots!

--Good News Minute--

Aaron and Candice bought a new blender, since their other was was almost ten years old, and got a VITA-MIXER. That blender is what reminded of the Red Roly story and I really had never written it down from the past.

Beth, Cole and Ethan here to visit for a few weeks with Wilson's. I was able to be Grandma to go pick them up at the Salt Lake City Airport yesterday afternoon. Cole still remembers me from going to visit last Thanksgiving and our Family Reunion last summer. Beth told me she worried a little about traveling alone with the two boys; she asked Matt to call me before they left Seattle and be sure to send them Quantum Love. I call it that to describe the "energy" work, as it is called that I do with the brain quadrants and healing energy is really just pure love. It is quantum physics.

Matt told Cole he would give a candy bar if he would make sure he went potty before he left them at the gate when they boarded the plane. Cole complied and I say that is a reward not a bribe, especially for doing something good or positive. He is getting to be such a big handsome boy and behaved during the plane ride, which made Beth very glad.

I will keep this short and tell about my ward Relief Society on tomorrow's blog entry. I have several pictures to share of Emma and Joseph I took at the dinner.

Hasta Manana!! Love, Mom aka Anna

One Would Think I was Irish--

Jarom Xochimitl--born in Provo, of Mexican-English Irish heritage





David Tomer--Violinist, also talented Irish dancer

I cannot think of anything else I have been so enthusiastic about, nor enjoyed so much as I did last night at the Celtic Harp concert!! A date with myself and I had a lovely time--

The only way it can be described was pure JOY! Something in the music stirred my soul and I knew why I love it so much. It uplifts and carried its resonance into every cell of my being.

Many CDs in my personal library of music contain some of the songs that were played.
I just need to enjoy them all over again. There was also an Irish dance student that came out and twirled a jig in several of the numbers. The music was lively and contagious. I took pictures on my digital camera and even got the last two dancers up in the air!



The harpist was Cynthia Douglass. She had Irish roots and seemed to really enjoy entertaining us as she told us background of her songs she wrote or played other artists music.

There were other musicians on stage who complemented her music. A violinist who had an electric violin, wore his dancing shoes and did a jig while he played some Irish pieces. It was music like Tana had recorded in some of her comings and goings in Ireland. The performer said many of the songs originated in Pubs, and had several names to the same melodies.

I took many pictures and figured out on the spot how to take them without the flash, since I happened to get a front row seat! I had called ahead the number on the article I printed. The fellow that answered said I needed to hurry since the tickets were going fast. Before he got off the phone he said he would put my name on some tickets, but I only needed one. He sure enough had the ticket and was kind enough to tell me they were not set up to take credit/debit cards, but could write a check.

I arrived at Westminster College with fifteen minutes to spare. I stopped at a gas station a block away from the auditorium and got some cash from the ATM machine. I didn't even have to buy anything and just got the cash out to purchase my ticket.
I was able to go in and at first got a seat midway down on the end of the aisle. Then the master of ceremonies said there were 10 seats available on the front row. So I sacheted down to the front an almost center. No one was in front of me except the stage with the musicians. How fun was that? Amazing.



Cynthia came out in a green velvet dress with a red plaid taffeta under skirt that you could see from her waist down as she sat and played the Celtic harp. She had long beautiful red/auburn hair with beautiful blue eyes. Afterwards I met her in the lobby with the other musicians and got their autographs. She reminded me a little of my sister-in-law, Shirley with her light complexion, blue eyes with her long, red hair.



You can see by the photos that they had a lot of fun playing, singing and dancing.




During the intermission they had some CDs and I got one to enjoy. Harps, flutes, cello and violins sounded so peaceful and yet again, so energizing. They are high vibe entertainment, which can make the doldrums go away. Good Rx for depression--


The second man to the left is playing the hammered dulcimer.






It looks like a harpsichord. He also played the Irish black flutes. He made beautiful sounds/music. He is one of the performers that was very charming as the flutist and dulcimer player. He looked very distinguished in his white hair and white beard. His talent was amazing, and he learned to play them just twenty years ago and he looked like he could be late sixties or even early seventies. I think the music keeps a person young with the influence resonating a vibrancy on a constant level. Just an observation.


The cast taking a bow before their Encore--l to r, David Tomer, Paul Mitchell, Meghan Kuan-Smith, Jarom Xochimitl, Cynthia Lynn Douglass.

As a personal comment about this whole evening--I am amazed and thankful for the feeling of enthusiasm this event gave not just to me but all those who were spectators, but those who performed. The hand of God continues to bless our lives collectively. The many thousands of hours in total that it took for me to enjoy that moment in time. It boggles the mind just to consider the calculation.

I just think of their mothers encouragement that it must have taken for each one to succeed in their own lives to become the gifted musicians that they are. It takes a lot of courage as well to learn a new musical instrument and it was so awe-inspiring to me. It even makes me feel and think I could learn to play that Celtic harp if I put my mind to it. It is never too late to learn!

Heritage Day--Both Sides

McIntire's eating Green Eggs & HAM!! Plus a green smoothie--







Heritage Food-

I thought to include my recipe for Tamales for part of today's blog. I got a call from Joanna this morning. She and Michael are making tamales for a family in the ward, so they needed the ingredients. Tara is also in the mood for Tamales, so I will get over there maybe this week and do that with her since she asked to make them a few weeks ago. Easter is a good time anyway!

Tamales--this will make at least 8 dozen tamales depending on how thick you make the tamales.
You can thin out the masa or make a thin layer on the husk. You don't need a thick heavy layer.
The dough gets thicker when cooked.

3-4 lb chuck or round bone roast-cook in a crock for at least 4 hours on high.

Meat is done when it pulls apart easily, otherwise cook it longer. Use the drippings for flavor. I usually thicken((with cornstarch) the meat sauce after adding the enchilada sauce. It makes the meat filling easier to put on the husk and the sauce doesn't drip out when handled to put in the stack to freeze if you do them ahead of time.

1 can of enchilada sauce, a mild size can that has at least 20 ounce or close to it. Buy the size you get canned peaches in.

Cumin, 1 T, add Salt to season taste when added to the shredded beef to make the meat filling

Fresh garlic, use about 4 cloves of garlic to cook in crock.


Bag of Masa Harina corn flour for the tamales. Follow the instructions and you can make about 8 to ten dozen from a batch. I would start with mixing up a half a bag and then make more as you think you will need.

Sometimes the Masa gets dry if you have lot and it goes thick on you before you finish. I just add water if that happens.
I would use Crisco for the manteca or if you can find the lard,(manteca) in the red and white 1lb boxes, great! I wouldn't use more than half a cup for half the bag, or a cup for a whole bag.

Cook the tamales in a canner or steamer about 45 minutes. If you make 2 1/2 or three dozen at a time, they cook faster. or have TWO pots going at same time so they cook simultaneously. These reheat best as steamed. I don't the microwave much to reheat.
They stay soft and are better tasting!!

Visiting Teaching--

I went visiting teaching today and got acquainted with my companion, Jo Powell. She is the neatest lady and very spry for her 83years young, a widow. She was drueling when I told her I was going to make tamales. She said she loves Tamales! Wow, she just made a lot of points with me. Besides she also loves Mexican Food. She speaks Spanish as well, she and her husband served a mission in Spain, but he passed away just after they finished the mission in 2000. We had a great visit besides.

We visited one of our sisters, a well known former BYU speaker, lecturer, administrator extraordinaire-- who is now retired. "Yeah, right I say". She is amazing and reminds me of the 'Sheri Dew' type a person. Single, never married yet a dynamic personality, you know what I mean!

She goes often to give talks at Women's Conferences all over the U.S. That is why I say, Yeah right she is retired! We had a very pleasant visit and I also saw a plaque she had to put up on her wall.




I took my camera on the chance of getting her picture, but she said I could next month since she felt under the weather with her travels this last week. That's okay, I'll catch it next time.

I will cover more on the Celtic Harp Concert later . . . I was going for FHE-- I will tell about it and post some pictures on tomorrow's message. It was a great activity, very uplifting, and I want to learn more about the Celtic Harp.

Somewhat Random Thoughts to Share

I found several cassette tapes yesterday in my storage . . in the car! I had set them aside in a case with a few tapes of my Mother and I of a conversation we had 23 years ago. Time may allow me today after church to listen to them.

I teach my Relief Society lesson today, and will have a short report later. My home teachers are coming also so I need to get ready and gather my lesson materials. I also want to take a beautiful crocheted tablecloth for the table. It reminds me of my mother. Her legacy, among several was her handiwork she created for others to enjoy at her hands. She had small hands, but they were always so busy.

I had a dream about her--I observed her as she was so busy stacking and organized an area in her home. She hardly had time to visit in this dream. She just kept on so involved in her work, and it was no small task either as I watched. The message I got from this little vignette of her was that she is busily preparing for all of her family in the work she was about on the other side of the veil. This description really does not do justice to the amount of work she was about. It was as if there was not enough time to do it all even if she never stopped to rest! Now, that is busy!

It just reinforces my love for her and the many things she taught me by her example. My father was also a very honorable and a hard worker. God bless them both as they continue to prepare the way for their posterity now and always.

The Relief Society lesson went well. I felt the Spirit guiding me to say the things in my heart and touched that of the sisters. They were all very gracious and helped answer questions that pertained to the lesson. I really appreciated their love and support. Now I can start on next month's lesson on the Everlasting Priesthood.

Wow! I will see where that will take me in my studying, footnotes and all. Now I can maybe take a nap but it is already 5:00 p.m. It almost seems like such a waste of precious time on the Sabbath even so, I would rather read my new Ensign for March and read the last message by President Hinckley. My home teachers came today and gave that message. It is about his last testimony of the Savior. I look forward to reading it and also to hear President Monson bear his testimony as our newly called Prophet, Seer and Revelator.

Brothers-nestled together in brotherly love, kindness-right?

I found some pictures of my three youngest boys together and thought I would include them. It is interesting to look at these photos of when they were growing up. I treasure those memories. I got the last few minutes of the Spoken Word. The main message was to have a legacy and keep a record of our lives.



This was a memory made when we hiked up to Stewart Falls beyond Aspen Grove in Provo Canyon in 1989. It is good to see how well these young sons, my boys, have turned out to be such great MEN!


The Spoken Word message was about the present, it was said, becomes the past for those who have it to learn from later. I like that. I AM making a legacy here and DO treasure even my present. "Today is the tomorrow I worried about yesterday," my father used to say. Great observation.

Busy Grandma day--Friday rolls into Saturday--

Luquito as I call him--


Friday:

It may sound like I had double duty with staying over at Fryers last night and tonight. I had Jacob and Alli all day at Tracie's taking care of Maddie and Luke, too. Things went fairly smoothly while the girls played and mauled little Luke in his waking moments.. . Both girls just packed him whether he wanted to be "packed" or not.

The only thing that kept them going was the opportunity to snack every other hour. I popped popcorn, baked chicken (dinosaur) nuggets, and tater tots. Luke had his share and was a good little eater. Alli liked the Chicken Nuggets and downed about 8! She was not shy about how much she wanted. She loved the ketchup on them. Maddie was a little more selective and knew what she wanted. She wanted both the nuggets and the taters. She requested mayo, ketchup and oh yes, mustard. That was a new one on me.

Jacob was about even with Maddie, wanting both nuggets and tater tots. He had ketchup though only with mayo on the side. He decided to mix them and then changed his mind after he saw how gross they looked. He managed to eat everything on his plate.

They were all three back and the counter and asked for some cereal with milk! Tara warned me that Ali and Jacob had hollow legs. I think Maddie did to come to think of it. All were great to play nicely and I didn't have to worry how to keep them occupied. We watched a couple of movies and so I sat with them watching in between taking care of Alli'e and Maddie's every request.

I must have done the same thing with my own children as they were growing up. The time flew by so fast though and now I am running and "doing" with the grandkids.

We went to a movie after I left Tracie's with The Fryer's kiddles. We went to see "Enchantment" and they seemed to be enthralled with it. I enjoyed seeing it again, since I sent with Tana's kids first and took Aislyn and Ella that time too.

I just remember how much fun it was to go to the movies with my grandmother and am kind of a kid myself when it come to popcorn at the movies! I really think the grandkids love it as much as I do. I got the bottomless bucket of popcorn. It keeps them occupied and they love the munchies during the movie. I told them to eat as much as they wanted and they had almost two buckets of popcorn when I took the Hallows when we went last time.


Alli sitting still! But the look in her eyes says, "Not for long."

The Fryers had just eaten so we stopped at Macey' and they picked out some candy bars to have later. It was late when we got home and really too late for chocolate bars. Meggie was a good little helper and I appreciated how she and Erin helped with the younger two. It gives them responsibility when the older ones take charge of helping the younger ones. It bonds kids to as they grow up.

I can remember when the four younger ones were little. The four older ones helped the m get dressed on Sundays and that really lighten my load in getting them fed and ready for early church! That is the only was a mother of so many small ones can keep things afloat with the help of the older ones. My heart is full of gratitude for their help and how well they have all turned out as parents of their own children.

Saturday--

Saturday morning by the way was a fun time too. We went to the Timpanogos Gem Show in Spanish Fork. It was full of rocks to look at and or buy if the so desired. They were giving everyone that came through a choice of a colored rock. They also had sea shells to pick from. I chose some nautilus shells and some that were like a cornucopia with points on the ends. They all seem to enjoy it and had a lot of freedom to walk where they wanted to as a close knit group,again, Erin and Meggie took the younger ones around and they just really loved that.



Jacob waiting patiently in a chair watching the fish in an aquarium--

I needed to get home after about 3:00 so let Meggie take over until Tara and Russ got home later that evening. I hope it was fun for them to get away together and have some time alone. Syndey's softball team played in tournaments and was the reason they went down for those few days.

I decided with the intense week and having to teach on Sunday afternoon, I needed to recharge my spiritual batteries. I went to the temple and did initiatory and loved the Spirit there. One of the ordinance workers told me that is helps to go to the temple the night before you teach like I was in Relief Society. I believe it. It was so peaceful and reverent in there. I was drawn to go and am so glad to have gone. It made my day and I was not stressed about what to do with my lesson. Everything just came together for me and what more could I have asked, other than giving thanks in my prayers.

Today's entry is about close the 100th blog entry and I am so pleased to have had the blessing to share it. So, God bless you all. I am going to rest and catch up on Monday...Good night, y'all.

Love, MOM, aka Anna

Taking time to help a friend--

The day was mostly spent with a friend who needed to go to the ER. Her health issues had mounted to become a potential threat to her survival. I found it quite frustrating to see doctors ignore what to me was obvious.

My experience with former patients in the hospice setting came to bear. It was clear when I had a patient drop weight so close to the end of their life that their time was short. My friend was diagnosed as diabetic about four years ago. Her only problem was that her body is not absorbing the medication and her sugar levels were swinging high and low in a short amount of time. If she ate anything, her sugar level spiked to over 300. Then if she threw up what she ate her levels went as low as 8o. Not good.

Again the symptom of a dramatic weight loss ordinarily would appear positive, but not in her case. Her body was burning up the excess fat too rapidly and it was her diabetic condition that caused it. The doctor that sent her to ER told her to go to get another opinion. Then her regular doctor denied he had even suggested it. Besides, he later questioned if she even had diabetes in the first place. It just didn't make a lot of sense to me.

She went away with a referral to see another doctor, an internist to monitor her diabetes who was highly recommended as the best in the area. She had some other issues with another condition that requires her to have surgery. So that will likely happen when she can get in to the the referral doctor. The ER doctor was helpful and had to deal with the situation the best he knew.

My friend thanked me for being there. It was the least I could do. I would do it for my children anytime; a friend is no different. I pray God may bless her in her journey to get her health back along with some concrete answers.

Pondering the blessings it is to be where I am--

Perhaps this was a Recio Family Reunion and those cousins mingled too. Margarita Barrientes, my second great-grandmother, is next to Felix Jr, standing with his bicycle circa 1914--

You know, each day I wake up and go about my day. Sometimes I am doing an errand for myself and it turns into a service for someone else, family or friend.

I love being needed and don't worry about or sweat the small stuff. Life is Too Short to Buy Brown Bananas too! Which is a good title for a book I've have written, yet to be published. I appreciate the blessing it is to be where I am and serving my family, and all of you.

I love it when I can call Michael or Joanna, Matt or Beth and just chit-chat with a purpose in mind, nevertheless those small acts of calling them or calling me make my days special! I was able to talk to Matt today and Beth a few days ago, as well as Michael and Joanna. I did get that small package sent off to James today. Finally. It got misplaced and I looked high and low, even attempted to go through my closet to alas have it turn up in the kitchen where I put it to remember to mail. Duh!

Well I would have if I remembered I had put it in the kitchen--right? Thank you all for your patience. I am doing the best I can, but could probably do better.

My Relief Society sisters from the ward presidency dropped by to see me this evening. They made an appointment on Sunday, so I knew they were coming. Just the idea that they took their time, which two of the three who came work all day. They brought me a bag of microwave popcorn to welcome me into the ward. They wanted to make sure I felt welcomed and to let them know if anyone was otherwise. They also thanked me for accepting to teach in Relief Society. I teach on Sunday.

Family--

They each admired my large family in the picture I just got in the mail from Michael. He did a great job managing everyone for the picture. I appreciate his professionalism. He's the MAN! I am getting it framed but haven't as yet. It turns out that the R.S. president, Marnae knows Hank from her sophomore year at Orem High, maiden name was Shaeffer. She recognized our last name and the year she graduated was the same as Hank's. She went to Mt. View for her Junior and Senior years when it was built brand new. Isn't it a small world? She was very impressed, not just with Hank's family, but ALL of you.

I had occasion to meet Tana in Orem across from UVSC later in the evening to exchange something with her for Tracie and Candice. Anyway, as we parted I waited for her to get in her car so I could make sure she was ok since she was alone. I looked out of the car and she wasn't in the front seat and I thought she went inside the convenience store where we met and parked our cars. I waited about ten minutes and decided to call her to see if she was okay. She was of course, but being the MOM myself, I told her I would wait for her to come out and make sure she was safe and then go my way. I thought about that as we were driving out and I am still the MOM no matter how old my children become.

I love you each of as I always have, and maybe more each day as the years go by!
Even though you are all adults, I still care about your safety, just like my parents always cared about me (and my siblings) no matter how old I became. I enjoy making breakfast for Aaron when he is in a hurry and make a quick egg burrito like I did this morning. Candice was in the shower and he would have just as easy made his own egg or left without and got something later at a drive-thru perhaps. But it is a blessing to me to serve each of you in different ways.

I get to be Grandma for the Fryer's tomorrow night and Friday night. I love my grandchildren and I hope they love me and look forward to having me come and stay with them on occasion. It must be what I do best, since I do a lot of it lately. It blesses my grandchildren and it gives me a sense of fulfillment and an abundance of love for them too. I am the lucky grandparent here and thank the Lord for this precious time in their lives.
Then on Friday I will be at the Fillerup's and Maddie, requested her grandma to come and spend the afternoon with her and "Luquito" aka baby Luke. The two youngest Fryers will come along too, so that will be a double fun time for the cousins.

Aislyn and Ella thoroughly enjoy being around their cousins because they are so much fun!! And they each seem to be better friends than other "friends." Parker loves it too when Luke comes over, and they jibber together like maybe old times in heaven, who knows.

Visiting my Grandma's in San Antonio at Nane's 1951

After moving to Chicago, I didn't get to be around my cousins much after I was nine years old. We would go once a year to San Antonio from Chicago fro two weeks for Easter. We then moved to California. So I don't remember having a lot of family ties after we left when I was only four years old. It is almost as if I had to start over as an adult to make those ties stronger and I believe I have and connected with my Uncle Richard's children after he died. Now as I look back and think that why did that connection take so long of time to happen.
Chelo's people with me and my siblings,

I just hope my grandchildren can keep close to siblings,one another and build strong bonds over the years. I believe it is important for them to do better in later life having one another's support. That is why I like having the reunion activities to mingle and have fun together and build those bonds of love.

Take note--

If you have time, check the posts for February 23, March 6 and Sunday, March 9. I was able to download my camera photos thanks to Lori and Hank's USB connector cord they gave me. I updated the files so that I could show the photos of the baptism for Sean Fuery, Candice's niece's husband. See all their pictures.

Aaron also was invited to ordain Sean on Sunday, (yesterday) to be a Priest. Sean requested he do the Aaronic Priesthood ordination, since he is Aaron. They came over for the Dalley family dinner Sunday afternoon. I wasn't home since I went to Lori's and K10s birthday party.

The other days, March 6 was Aaron's office open house and his office is posted. His office is the one on the left second floor office. You can see the reflection of the mountains that his front reception area has a panoramic view. It is massive and an indication of good feng shui and the kind of business prosperity to come.

There are photos for the Sunday birthdays..more later...

New Official Photo of First Presidency--

I saw this official photo of the First Presidency and had the option to download it and it appeared in my files. I was very pleased that I succeeded to find it there, and then to put it on my blog too.

I missed the February 9, 2008 General Leadership Satellite instruction with President Monson and his counselors to speak and give their addresses. I found it online on the Church's website, lds.org. It is available for anyone to see, hear or print out!! That is such an amazing media phenomenon if you think about it.

I am grateful for modern technology. It is our life line to know what is going on around us. We should take every opportunity afforded us to stay abreast of the "modern and fast changing world".

"Come Thou Font of Every Blessing--"

I play my instrumental Hymns CD each Sunday Morning. It is Lyle Hadlock, a CD that I received one Mother's Day at Hank and Lori's ward. "Come Thou Font of Every Blessing",is one of Lori's favorite choir pieces, I believe. The entire CD is so peaceful and I love it.

This morning I helped make breakfast, just put some pre-frozen cinnamon rolls, Rhodes brand of course and popped them in the oven. Aislyn wanted to have orange frosting so we scraped orange peel very finely with a cheese grater and added them to the already made frosting. I added a little orange and vanilla flavoring and "voile'" there it manifested into orange frosted cinnamon rolls. Yum. I enjoyed that time with the girls and they like when I include them in baking or preparing recipes. Candice is so patient with them and let's them make their own concoctions once in a while too.

Then I made some German Pancakes, one of Aaron's favorite since he mentioned that is what they were having for breakfast. I like to see the egg and flour mixture swell up in the oven and turn into tasty egg pancakes, add maple syrup and they are out of this world delicious. I just remembered I forgot to put the butter in the baking dish and think that may be why they didn't rise up as much with a nice buttery flavor. I must have gotten distracted and didn't have the recipe card. My glasses need a new left arm and I muddle through with reading glasses.

It is interesting that when my glasses are not available that I take them for granted and I tend to forget what I don't see. Strange. See what all of you have to look forward to in your reading glasses stages of your lives!

More later. . . I am going to my meetings at 1:00 pm, then after Church, Lori and the Ks are coming for me to go to Lynn and Linda's for her birthday today. K10 turned one on Tuesday so it is their birthday dinner. It won't be the same without you Hank, but I am sure we will hear from you and you will be there in Spirit.


Party time with the Ks. K10 was so sweet and happy for her One year old birthday. She was indulged in a sugarless carrot cake, frosted which she thoroughly enjoyed and sat eating it for about forty minutes. Her taste buds really were satisfied and she was covered with frosting and cake from head to tummy! What a doll!


Lori's mom hosted dinner at their house in West Jordon.They barbequed steaks; we ate and had a great time, Bestamor and Bestafar came, as did K1,Grandpa Hank and Shauna. Linda served cheese cake for dessert with raspberries and flavored Danish Dessert the same. Lori made K10's carrot cake for the birthday girl. Lori, I want to be sure to get the recipe for our family cookbook as well as your raspberry freezer jam, carmel popcorn, and your Italian Parmesan Rhodes rolls!


It was great to be a part of the birthday celebration and share that with the Ks and be there.

****Footnote*****

This is an addition to my blog for today. It is the hand of God in my day as I was set apart for my new calling.

Setting apart for Relief Society Instructor, Sunset Hills First Ward, American Fork West Stake.

"The Lord is pleased by my willingness to serve in this calling.

He shall bless me with no time constraints to be able to fulfill my calling as teacher in the Relief Society. My life will be blessed as I serve and prepare my lessons.

He blessed me to have the gift of discernment and know the things by the Spirit to teach the sisters and know the needs of the sisters for as long as I teach in this capacity.

I will also be blessed with an abundance of the Spirit to help me to know what to study and teach to the sisters. I will be blessed to learn much as the teacher than those that I teach will learn. My understanding will increase as I prepare and study.

I will also be given the mysteries to understand and enlarge my knowledge of the gospel and the Prophet Joseph Smith and share my testimony of his mission".

I feel very humbled by the faith that the Lord has in me to share the lessons and my testimony with them.
My heart was touched by this blessing given to me from Brother Joseph Boss, first counselor in the Bishopric.

March 9, 2008

Grandma Time shared--

Luke and Parker playing together on Friday.

Blessing to be Grandmother. Holding and rocking little one, singing Primary songs and the love that comes from such a small being and radiates love like the Savior. His blue eyes sparkle and he says very little...communicates with his smile and listens while I attempt to sing him to sleep and snuggles with a squishy Grandma!

I decided to clear my closet and organize it so I could shut the door of the walk-in closet. I succeeded. It takes some doing to hang all the clothes I have into one space. Must be a grandma thing....

The adorable mischievous Parker peeking out from the dryer!!

Aaron and Candice had a night out and I took care of the kids while they had some time together. We watched the movie, "Mr. Magorium's Magic Emporium. It was a fun movie even though the reviews were not so favorable. It has been my experience that when the critics say that it is a must see. It is just their perspective and see a different view than most. It was a fun magical movie mainly for children, so how would a critic even appreciate the underlying message.

The main idea I got out of it is that we ALL have within us the power to do anything we put our minds to do. It isn't really all that complicated if you think about it. Look at the classic, "The Wizard of Oz." It has the same familiar thread in a different way that some are looking outside of themselves to get their validation and it comes from within. We have all the talents and abilities bestowed upon us from our Heavenly parents, right? And so why should we be anything less since they are magnificent, brilliant and AMAZING!

It is just believing in ourselves. Granted it helps to have parents that encourage, teach, uplift and guide us along the way as we grow up. Otherwise we have those AHAH moments where we selfactualize at some time or other. Better sooner than later.

We become what we think and what we think is important to our own self-image, which it positive or negative.

Our influence as parents is crucial on how we choose to use that influence upon our children. It molds and shapes the lives of our own children whether we actively say it or doing, whether we realize it or not--the actions speaks louder than our words.

It is amazing and rewarding work and very dear to my heart.

The title of today's blog was the last thing I wrote on yesterday's blog. Read on.

I woke up this morning with the sound of my cell phone to tell me I had a text. It was from a friend and she wrote," Great8 things to come, have a good day." I think maybe there is something good in the air.

I was thinking a lot about the couple, the Tanner's, I saw yesterday. Her heritage is from Spain; she had linked herself to the ancestor who came from there and knows her mother's family ties that far back. All I can say is "WOW!"

Now--I know there was an explorer that came with Hernan Cortez by the name of Fransisco de Ulloa. I don't have the links yet but an impression I had was to follow through this time and work from back there to my Ulloa line through my paternal great-grandmother, Maria Elena Eduiges Ulloa, whose photo I had on my blog a few days ago. That line has always fascinated me. They were very much the independent kind of thinkers, you know--out of the box, in a good way of course. They were educated, and knew how to read and write, and were refined. I can tell by the way they dressed. Not at all like "peasants" They (women) dressed in fine dresses and suits with ties for the men. A cut above the rest.

It comes back to my memory that I first met Liz Tanner when she was serving as a temple worker. I even think it was before Mt Timpanogos temple opened. I mentioned I had ancestors that were named the same as the Ulloa explorer. I know she gave me her phone number to call her but I never did. And now I ended up in her ward 10+ years later. But in the meantime I have searched many Ulloa family names in the archives already. There are are so much more to submit like an extraction project of our family names, Sanchez, Munoz, Rodgriguez, Ulloas, Recios. I still have about a dozen more female names that need the endowment work yet to do.

I noticed that one of Liz' ancestors early on in New Mexico that (upteenth) grandmother's last name was Rodriguez! You never know--I may be onto something larger than I could have ever imagined and link our roots to Spain, since that is where the names and language came. The impression I had this morning was to follow through this time and go for it. If I remember correctly one of the discoverers of California was Juan Cabrillo Rodriguez too.

Therefore, "I will go and do the things that the Lord hath commanded for I know he will give no commandment. . . save he shall prepare the way." I Nephi 3:7. Who knows, maybe they won't have to wait until the Millenium to get their work completed. And the beat goes on!





Today was my parents' 69th wedding anniversary, too