Grandma Moments Bonding with the Hallows children

I had the opportunity to be with Tana's little ones for a couple of days. I went down on Wednesday morning. I saw the older ones off to school. They had most everything all ready and were able to walk out the door on time. Austin had pre-school on his schedule, which was in the afternoon. I read a story about Alice the Temporary Fairy. It was a cute story and I enjoyed the humor of it, and I wouldn't mind having the book for my own library for children's reading.

I was able to take Jackson with me to get my hair cut in Orem. He was as good as gold. He sat on a chair and didn't move off of it the whole time we were there. Then we got back in time for the kids to get back from school and to get Lindsay to her soccer game. It as a bit chilly so we sat in the car and watched her play. She made a goal herself and made one of the two points and tied with the other team.

Lindsay practiced her violin and Kaitlyn practiced her piano. Both are quite adept at reading the music, which I had a hard time learning due to poor hand and eye coordination. I was about eleven by the time I started piano lessons, besides. My two sisters started lessons earlier than I did and they were able to pick it up and retain what they learned. I admire anyone who can master a musical instrument at any age.
Strawberry smoothies, chicken enchiladas, soccer and violin/piano practice and the list goes on.

We had chicken enchilada casserole for dinner, which Tana had prepared the day before. It was delicious and the kids liked it. I made some strawberry/banana smoothies for the kids; I put a pint and a half of Dreyer's Vanilla ice cream. They all had smoothie mustaches and so I took their picture. I may have started a tradition for them to have smoothies more often. They loved them. I didn't even have to add any extra sugar. The bananas made them sweet enough.

The three younger ones were ready to go to bed on time. Lindsay needed some help with her homework. We had pages and pages to do since she needed to turn in her homework for the week on Thursday instead of Friday. She and Kaitlyn were going to miss Friday and go down to Aurora to their Grandma & Grandpa Hallows'.


Life gets hectic sometimes and there is always a long list of to do's no matter where you go. I was almost feeling overwhelmed, but chose to not be. I woke up and thought to myself, "Self, I have so much to do, I don't know what to do !! Actually it was, what do I do FIRST?"

I appreciated the one-on-one time with Lindsay. I observed how she works so diligently to write legibly and is a great speller. Her grades reflect that. I was telling her how fortunate she is to have her Mommy be a stay-at-home Mom. I told her a couple of stories about her Mom and Dad's courtship, and of when she was in college, served her mission and that she always wanted to be a mother and be home with her children.

It felt good to be close to my grandchildren in a meaningful way these last few days. I know that they love their "Grandma Mattie." There is something about being able to serve them, and love them as well as bonding with them. They go hand in hand.

What joy I feel to know that is how the Lord intended for me to be here at this time and that my children (and grandchildren) would be some of my greatest joys in life. My cup is full and runneth to overflowing.

I took a few pictures of the strawberry smoothie mustaches, but after I downloaded them I couldn't find where they ended up in my files. Check back later...OK?

Personal History File

This is the notorious car in the background (a 1938 Studebaker) that I fell out of at age two and four years old. There were stories of me having been left behind once when I was two years old. Beebe told my mother I fell out of the car back in downtown San Antonio. She asked where I was when they got home at the Portland Road house in a rural area of San Antonio. Mama was mortified and the wheels barely touched the ground as she drove back to downtown at College and Broadway Avenues.

My mother's friend, Ruby Elizondo told me that version when I reconnected with her about six years ago. She was actually there in the car when this incident happened. She was Mama's next door neighbor and good friend. It sounded more to me that I was pushed out of the car and Mama wasn't aware of it until Beebe said he was afraid to tell her at the time. Ruby said when they got back to where he said I "fell out" of the car, there I was sitting on the side of the street sitting on the curb crying. I was safe, and that is what mattered to Mama.

The other story about my falling out of the car was the only one I remembered. Mama was driving after we visited Tia Amparo and Tio Reynaldo Canchola across the street from Buelito's house at the cement plant. Martha was lying in the back seat bundled in blankets. I was sitting in the front seat on the passenger side. She told me to hold on and I held onto the door handle. It opened as we rounded the turn in the middle of the street to head home, my hand pulled on the door handle and it opened with me hanging onto it. I let go and fell to the graveled road. I rolled out, my felt hat tied under my chin and my brown heavy cape probably protected me from skinning my knees or bumping my head on the ground. Someone carried me back into the Canchola's house.

Tia Amparo gave me a cube of sugar to suck on and distract me from the trauma. It did the trick as we got back in the car and rode home to pick up the boys from school. Thank goodness Mama had recycled that brown cape from a larger sized coat. The coat and hat protected me from physical harm; I was just stunned by the jolt of dropping out of the car so abruptly. And this is the only story I ever known that my mother had told me. She never told me about the other one when I was two.

I seem to have had other traumatic incidents where my life was spared, once at eleven months old when I was bitten by the German Shepherd, the other was when a large rock fell through the roof on the sofa where I had been sleeping during a summer rain storm at the house on Portland Road. I awoke crying and went to get in bed with my mother and later that night the heavy rock came through the roof where I would have been asleep. My life was spared both of the those times and I had not even reached three years old yet.

I am the little baby in the middle of the darker (Chelo's) people-- my cousins, Bessie and Gracie with my brothers on both ends. Charlie is on the right and Beebe is on the left.

This photo was taken in 1944. I wasn't quite walking yet, my mother is on the left and Aunt Helen on the right. It is another one of me as a cute, (almost) toddler. I wasn't walking yet. My mother said I didn't walk until I was fifteen months old, after my dog bite accident at eleven months old.



It sounds to me from these stories I have written that there is a familiar thread in this tapestry of life. The hand of God has always taken care of me even as a 'wee babe'.

I am thankful for his tender mercies and loving care as He cares for each one of us and I am aware at how much He loves me. I know how important it was for me to survive these incidents, and I have eight children who can attest to this. Right?

Love, Mom

Tender Mercies and small acts of service

Today had indeed given me many opportunities to see the tender mercies as I went about my day. I had a long list of "to do's." I didn't know how I was going to get them all in.

The key was to be patient with self. Sometimes we have a tendency to drive ourselves beyond reasonable ability to handle the everyday expectations. I took in stride some setbacks, as they appeared.

I was determined to make myself heard, and essentially stand up for myself. Communication and clarity is so important. I knew that if I let the issue ride it would just get to where I needed to make a decision on the issue. Do I look the other way and act as "if" or take care of it grudgingly? I really didn't want to do either.

I took the high road and made myself clear and just faced reality. I felt a tender mercy, and hearts softened. I was willing to work it out for the sake of the relationship. As it turned out, I didn't have to do that either. I didn't have to compromise, although I would have willingly. I left it in the Lord's hands. I was grateful to come to an agreement without having to push the envelope as they say. It was a trial of my faith and a tender mercy.

Then as I had more errands to run and people to see who were also depending on me to do my part, I was at peace at how I was directed by an unseen hand to show me the way that would get me to where I needed to be and when I needed to be there.
I had to go to the pharmacy and waited in a line that wasn't moving for ten minutes. I thought out loud that someone should help the situation and open up another line. It was done as I stood there in utter amazement.

That incident made it possible to meet Tara who is always on a tight schedule. I met her on time and was onto the next stop. The road I was traveling on was Geneva Road, started out in Lindon, stopped in Orem at Russ' work where I met Tara. Then I went on to Provo by way of the same road, and came out better to be on time for that next appointment.

It as as if I stood back and watched someone else do those things as they unfolded so neatly and nicely. I wasn't sure if I was dreaming or what. But, I wasn't and I was very grateful for the tender mercies that allowed me to get everything accomplished and feel good about myself at the same time.

I was again guided and felt like I must have been in a time tunnel to have had everything go in my favor. It just didn't seem like normal. Doors opened wide and the windows of heaven seemed to be open and the sunshine was poured out upon me to bless me immeasurably.
Sister Linda

My sister Linda was on my mind a little later as I was waiting for someone in the car for a few minutes to catch my breath. I called her; it was nice to touch base with her and catch up a little. She was home and working in her office. I usually find her on the road that time of day, late afternoon, but today she was at home,and we had a chance to talk. She sounded well, and busy at what she always does--hard work.

I am most appreciative of my sister, who is my youngest sister. When we talk, our conversations seem to flow, thank heaven. I hoped she had the time to read my blog, to keep up with me and my family. It is no easy task, I know! I should try to slow down some and embrace the tender mercies given to me so freely.

I hope this makes sense, since I am about to fall asleep at my keyboard. I will review it tomorrow and in the meantime beg forgiveness if this is gibberish.
Hasta Manana. Mom aka Anna

Family Time and Beautiful Sabbath--A time to reflect

Today I was reflecting upon some insights I had several years ago about Joseph Smith.

I don't think I have ever told anyone about it and found myself sharing it with my home teacher's wife who sat next to me in Sunday School with her adult daughter. I had a few book marks left over from my last week's lesson and wanted to make sure everyone who wasn't there could get one this week. (See above photo of Joseph)

As I showed them the picture of Joseph Smith, I recognized the face of a man (Scott K) in one of my former wards who was the live model for Liz Lemon Swindle's painting portraying Joseph. I then shared with the the two ladies this short story.

One Sunday morning as I was walking into the Cascade II Ward chapel for sacrament meeting, a member of the bishopric (Scott K.) stood there as I walked by. My eyes met his, and all of a sudden I had a manifestation as if there stood the persona and presence of Joseph Smith. The feeling was electrifying to describe actually was how it felt as just for a moment, there he stood! It was a feeling that perhaps others may have experienced in having seen Joseph in real life. It caught me off guard, since I hadn't had that happen to me before, nor since. I believe that it was giving me a witness that Joseph was the Prophet of the restoration and it came in the electrifying feeling as if he was there in person.

I never stopped to analyze it nor question it; I was in awe that it effected me that way. It is something perhaps that has no explanation in words, but only by the Spirit. I shall never forget that feeling, it was so strong and comforting at the same time.

Another time that I had a similar physical response was when I saw Joseph Fielding Smith for the first time in the Smith Fieldhouse in 1970. It was in July, so it was the first few weeks after we moved to Provo, UT. I had gone there to hear and see the prophet, and his wife speak. I don't remember if Hank and Tanise went with me. I just recall going with them, maybe Hank, Tanise and Tara.

"The prophet entered the auditorium, and I saw him from a distance as we stood to sing "We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet." I began to cry as I saw and felt him enter. There was a warmth that came over me. I didn't understand at the time that it was the spirit bearing witness to me that Joseph Fielding Smith was the living prophet of the Lord in our dispensation.

I later came to know and understand the workings of the Spirit in my life in these kinds of manifestations, if you will. It was powerful and I am pleased to share it here with my family and close friends this day. "

I know we learn line upon line, here a little and there a little, and know these kinds of things are gifts. Gifts of the Spirit. They seem to be cumulative and I appreciate the Lord's grace in my life and how He makes up all the difference when I am lacking. This I know to be true, absolutely and unequivocally.

I know without doubt that we are lead by Prophets of God in these, the latter-days, even President Thomas S. Monson. I am grateful for the knowledge I have of these truths.

I invite others to come to know our Savior and His great love, grace in our behalf and stand firm in your own testimony that the Church is true and of our living Prophet, Seer and Revelator.

I see the hand of God in my life often. It happens more and more as I stop to consciously take mental notes throughout my day when I feel his blessings pour out upon me. I appreciate the counsel from President Henry B. Eyring for us to write daily of our thoughts for posterity.

I am also grateful for a fine son's example and his daily blog expression that influenced me to take on my own blog experience. Hank is a very busy person, so why couldn't I at least try it too? Thanks, Hank--I love you.

I was able to go to the Ks for dinner this evening. We had a great meal and spent quality time. It was good to have time with Hank and his family after his long absence in Virginia. It made my day complete. Family is important to me. I love spending time with all of you. I look forward to those times. It fills a spot in my heart that is irreplaceable.

May you all be blessed to feel of His great love for you and God's hands in your life too.

Love, Mom, aka Anna

Prayer and how important it is in my life--and yours

The experience I am having in studying the gospel lessons for Relief Society has been an incredible journey. How I love Joseph and his humility how he sought guidance in the work he performed as prophet of the restoration. Honestly, it can be said that his example of perfect faith kindled within me early on as an investigator and new member of this Church to pray over many things.

Reading the lesson materials also reminded me of how his simple prayers to get the answers he needed in all things helps me (us) in my (our) daily life. The new convert in me would see those areas I wanted to improve, whether it was a sewing project, or having a better attitude about my housewife duties and chores. I prayed (learned) to be happy, grateful with what I already had, and not what I didn't have or wanted.

Our home was considered an older home and we bought it at the stage that perhaps needed a little cosmetic face lift. The walls were bare, needing painting, or the yard needed landscaping. I made improvements a room at a time, whether it was making new curtains, painting it, or wallpapering the bare walls. I was able to make my home a paradise that I had a part of doing myself and loving what I had through my pleas and prayers to the Lord. We eventually sold our home so we could go to Utah to BYU for Hank to get his education.

This week when Michael was here I followed him around as his assistant for the photo shoot I had occasion to use prayer. The meter where we parked needed to be replenished. Michael continued with his work and told me to go ahead and call him on my cell phone, which was in the car. He handed me the spare key he had. I said I had my own keys, or thought I did in my purse. I put the change in the meter realizing I had left my set of keys in my other bag in the car! I thought,

"Great, now what am I going to do to find Michael without my phone?" I no sooner thought that when I had the impression to give a short prayer to ask to be led to where they were since I had no other means to find them except on my own.

I said my prayer thankful for the opportunity to be there with Michael and asking to know where to find the rest of the group. I was instantly told where to go and to walk onto the Church office grounds next to the Joseph Smith building.

I listened and obeyed. I could have talked myself out of it, and played mind games with what my head knew that Michael was inside the building when I left him. He had taken the couple to the top of the building and shot some photos with the Salt Lake Temple in the background while I did the errand. He was finished and I didn't know that except to follow where I was guided to go.

Then again, when I did find them where I was told to go was no surprise. I recall how those in the pioneer times did much like that when asking where her stray cows went, Mary Fielding Smith had the faith her prayers would be answered, since God knows everything and imparts to us as we ask in faith, he gives the answers. She became a role model for me when faced with finding lost children in a store, or keys!!!

We have lost "kitty" numerous times for Ella to only find it after being led by the spirit to where it was left last. Or Parker's pacifier. Candice said she was thinking that Parker's pacifier had to be inside some place to not be visible anywhere in the house.




I remember saying to Candice that if you think in your mind, "If I was that pacifier, where would I be?" She said she did, and that she was taught that by the best, and found it! Whew Whoooo! Way to go Candice!!

A few weeks ago, I was asked to give the family prayer/blessing on the food on a Saturday morning. I included in our prayer to please bless the family who is supposed to buy Tracie and Jared's home to come and find it. To bless and lead that family to enjoy and be a part of that ward. Well, a few days later, Aaron had a solid offer and it is under contract for sale. I know there had been dozens of people going through their home in tours and private showings.

I know our prayer was sincere and it was the right time and right family. We sometimes take for granted what we need or ask, being more specific makes it work.

I am so pleased when I hear the children pray and ask Heavenly Father simple things, and their prayers are heard and answered so quickly. Are we not all children to ask in faith and receive answers to our prayers?

"Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall take thee by the hand, and give thee answers to thy prayers. I know thy heart, and have heard thy prayers. . . "
Doctrine and Covenants 112:10-11

Hearts Bound Together

Rodriguez-Canchola Family with Maria Refugio Canchola Rodriguez age, 67 yrs, Carlos 45 yrs Dec 1964

Teachings of President Henry B. Eyring. This passage is from “Hearts Bound Together” (Ensign, May 2005, 77–80).

Many of your deceased ancestors will have received a testimony that the message of the missionaries is true. When you received that testimony you could ask the missionaries for baptism. But those who are in the spirit world cannot. The ordinances you so cherish are offered only in this world. Someone in this world must go to a holy temple and accept the covenants on behalf of the person in the spirit world. That is why we are under obligation to find the names of our ancestors and ensure that they are offered by us what they cannot receive there without our help.

For me, knowing that turns my heart not only to my ancestors who wait but to the missionaries who teach them. I will see those missionaries in the spirit world, and so will you. Think of a faithful missionary standing there with those he has loved and taught who are your ancestors. Picture as I do the smile on the face of that missionary as you walk up to him and your ancestors whom he converted but could not baptize or have sealed to family until you came to the rescue. I do not know what the protocol will be in such a place, but I imagine arms thrown around your neck and tears of gratitude.

If you can imagine the smile of the missionary and your ancestor, think of the Savior when you meet Him. You will have that interview. He paid the price of the sins of you and all of Heavenly Father’s spirit children. He is Jehovah. He sent Elijah. He conferred the powers of the priesthood to seal and to bless out of perfect love. And He has trusted you by letting you hear the gospel in your lifetime, giving you the chance to accept the obligation to offer it to those of your ancestors who did not have your priceless opportunity. Think of the gratitude He has for those who pay the price in work and faith to find the names of their ancestors and who love them and Him enough to offer them eternal life in families, the greatest of all the gifts of God. He offered them an infinite sacrifice. He will love and appreciate those who paid whatever price they could to allow their ancestors to choose His offer of eternal life.

Garcia-Recio Family Reunion circa 1914 with Margarita Barrientes

Because your heart has already been turned, the price may not seem high. You begin by doing simple things. Write down what you already know about your family. You will need to write down the names of parents and their parents with the dates of birth or death or marriage. When you can, you will want to record the places. Some of that you will know from memory. But you can also ask relatives. They may even have some certificates of births, marriages, or deaths. Make copies and organize them. If you learn stories about their lives, write them down and keep them. You are not just gathering names. Those you never met in life will become friends you love. Your heart will be bound to theirs forever (pp. 78–79).

A day with Michael as his assistant

Michael's pictures were by far outstanding. These on today's blog are ones I took at the Tulip Festival, and are just an imitation of what we saw today.

However, today was time well spent. It was my privilege to witness his work up close and professionally. He had a photographer's shoot to do for a wedding couple, Jay and Taylor Kirk. We parked just opposite the Conference center next to Temple Square. We started out with meeting them at the Joseph Smith Memorial building across from Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

The groom was there waiting and dressed in his tuxedo, looking like the young returned missionary that he was; handsome and starry eyed waiting for his bride to arrive. She was actually in a dressing room getting ready so Michael could begin his work. I carried his reflector, and tripod. He told me up front, now I may not use it, but you carry it and we will go from there. The inside of the building was beautifully and ornately designed of the late nineteenth or early twentieth century.



I watched Michael begin his photo session. He sized up the area and began creating a beautiful work of art. He knew exactly the effect he wanted and showed the couple how to stand; or how to look or facial expressions most beneficial. He fussed over the brides hair that was wavy, curly as he took a close up pose of the bride. He paid attention to detail to make sure every hair was in place,the wind blowing as we walked outdoors. He knew just how to have the bride's train of her flowing gown and made sure it looked perfect for the bride's pose wherever we were.



I was very impressed with the 150 photos he shot in those two hours plus. He used the architecture as a back drop of the outside photos of each of them as well as together. The bride and groom will definitely have a treasured memory from the looks of what I witnessed.


The flowers on the church office grounds were a back drop and like a work of art painted in brilliant colors of spring, the yellow daffodils, tulips of all colors, and the purple faces of the varieties of pansies and other flowers of similar colors. I will say that these flowers put to shame the ones I saw last week end at Thanksgiving Point's Tulip Festival!!




My camera battery was low and needed recharging so I was unable to use it or get snapshots of Michael taking pictures. Had my camera worked I would have had pictures of the top of the Conference center, the skyline view and the flood of flower colors on the grounds. The trees on Temple Square were all in bloom and looked very spring-like. There was an air of peace and tranquility throughout the area.

Michael and I were able to take the Conference center tour. He really had never been inside since he moved and hadn't had a chance to be there for any events. We took the tour to the top on the roof and saw the gardens. Our guide was pleasant we were were the only ones on her tour. I loved the view from the top and the skyline of Salt Lake City. The Salt Lake Temple was directly across as well as the Church Office building twenty plus stories high. The weather was great and the sun came out after Michael's photo shoot which made them perfect for it.

Michael Comes to Visit

We welcomed Michael and went out to eat at Mi Ranchito. This time we went to the American Fork one. It was no small task to get all of us here at the same time, same place. It is easier working around everyone's schedule. I was pleased to have a group photo of us at the restaurant. Tara & Sydney came at the last since Syd had a softball game and joined us later.

Just a short story about the food at this favored place. The owners hail from Guanajuato Mexico. The food tastes (to me) like my mother's and grandmother's used to fix at home. My grandmother, aka Nane was born in the city of Guanajuato. She was an excellent cook. My mother on the other hand was born in Brownsville Texas, right at the southern most border of the tip of Texas and Mexico.

My mother told me the story many times of how my grandmother used to criticize her about her "border Spanish." Kind of like Spanglish maybe? But as habit has it, how is one to know otherwise if your speaking "pure" Spanish not unless someone brings it to your attention? Well, due to those comments from Nane, my mother, Elena chose to not teach us kids how to speak Spanish (like her). It backfired on my grandmother, since none of the Rodriguez' in our immediate family conversed with her in Spanish.

My mother was only defending herself from any more criticism. The best thing would have been to teach us, and let my grandmother correct our Spanglish. However, my mother always told me if I wanted to learn to speak Spanish then to just take it in school. I took four years of it in high school and it came quite easily. I had no "gringo" accent, other than I was unable to roll my "r's." I also took the Spanish classes return missionaries take when I went to UVSC. It was my second language so I was permitted to take it even though it was spoken in our home, somewhat. I listened to it and understood most of what was said, but wasn't expected to answer or speak it to any degree at home. Interesting.

Now, back to the delicious food at Mi Ranchito. I had an experience where one of my Aunts, (Celia) got on my case about Grandpa coming to live with me. She considered it in a negative way, and it really hurt my feelings. He had been visiting me and was back in California after a short visit. I had gone back and forth to see him several times each month and was very concerned about him being alone anymore in California. I had actually called her with the intent to ask her if she would consider having him live there with them in San Antonio. She didn't even given me chance or break in the conversation to ask. I was devastated since she had said some pretty cruel things to me.

I didn't know what to do. I couldn't call Daddy and tell him because I felt it wasn't something to discuss at the time. He needed someone there for him and so later he ended up coming of his own free will and choice to live me. I never felt so misunderstood than during that time.

However I was feeling so low. I thought to myself, "what can I do to feel better and have the comfort I needed(?.)" I wanted to go "home., as if I could find my Mom there and just talk to her like old times when I was growing up. The thought then came to go to Mi Ranchito and order take out and go home to eat it at my house. I did. I ordered my take out, took it home and was soothed just as if I was eating at mama's kitchen table. She wasn't there but her memory was of her great tasting meals and it was the best Rx I could have found. I know we shouldn't eat for comfort, but this filled the need for me, and continues just going and enjoy my family as if eating at "Mama's kitchen table".

I know the hand of God is there for me as I feel his great love and comfort in my life each day. I also know my mom is there around me and still feel her love for me.
I often feel Daddy's energy around me too; I guess that is how I am able to cope with my yearning to visit with them and the loss of their company. We all (must) go through that kind of thing at some time or another.

Love, Mom

Great story to Share--about the Brethren

President Henry B. Eyring.....Angels among us

(This is a story I found and read about Elder Eyring)

"Last night (Saturday, April 5) in the Priesthood Session of the LDS Conference, President Henry B. Eyring was speaking (among other things) about how the Lord will strengthen you and uphold you as you serve Him. He talked about how when you do the Lords work you qualify for the Lords blessings. Then he specifically mentioned that as you serve, angels will support you. During this time he got a little choked up, and you could tell there was context behind those words.

A few weeks ago when President Eyring was at home, he suddenly found himself waking up on the floor, with his leg twisted under him. He went to work, but soon realized he needed to have his leg checked. When he did, he found out his ankle was broken (which is why he's currently using a cane, in case you wondered).

But then as the days went by, he continued to have times where he'd sud denly lose consciousness and he felt very weak. He was frustrated because he felt helpless. Newly appointed as the First Counselor to President Monson, he just wanted to serve. He got in to see the doctor, and had some tests done, and went back to work. Soon the results came in, and the doctor told him he had to come back to the hospital immediately.

Come to find out, his heart would periodically just stop. So last Tuesday, he had a pacemaker put in. Last Tuesday. I don't know if you've known anyone who's had that happen, but it's a serious surgery, with an extended recovery time.

He got a blessing from President Monson, wherein he was told that angels would support him. The next day, Wednesday, he attended the meeting with the General Authorities in the temple. Thursday, he participated in the General Authority training. Then today (Saturday), he stood up, looking as magnified and healthy as ever, and delivered a powerful address on trusting in God as you serve with all your heart.
He's living testimony of his own words (as he so testified). Nephi said it well, when he said (1 Nephi 1:20): 'I Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.' How marvelous it is to be led by men of such faith, of such commitment, and of such stature!"

Home Sweet Home

I hadn't taken a picture of Aaron & Candice's house. I was able to get a good shot of it today. Hope you like it. The landscaping is in the works soon. The house is beautiful and will look even better with the grass and shrubs, flowers etc. Come visit anytime. They have not had a family social activity as yet. Now that the weather is getting better, we can have something going on the get together. My bedroom is on the lower right, with the blinds open. Parker's room is above mine.

By the way, Michael will be in town Tuesday, to Friday. We are planning to go to Mi Ranchito in A.F. for dinner at 6:00. As a reminder, let me know how many of you are coming so I can reserve plenty of tables for all of us. See you all then.

Here is a Spiced Apple Butter Muffin Recipe. It is healthy and has all the nutritional information.

These muffins are dense, grainy, fruity and delicious. A double dose of apple—diced fresh apple and dark, spiced apple butter (Smucker's brand is good)—makes them extra moist and flavorful.

Makes 1 dozen muffins

ACTIVE TIME: 20 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 40 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

1/2 cup raisins
3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup unprocessed wheat bran or oat bran
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup low-fat milk
1/2 cup spiced apple butter
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar or 1/4 cup Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking
1/4 cup Canola oil
3 tablespoons molasses
1 cup finely diced peeled apple

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat 12 standard 2 1/2-inch muffin cups with cooking spray. Place raisins in a small bowl and cover with hot water. Set aside.
2. Whisk whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl. Stir in bran.
3. Whisk egg, milk, apple butter, brown sugar (or Splenda), oil and molasses in a large bowl until blended. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Drain the raisins; add them and the diced apple to the bowl. Stir until just combined. Scoop the batter into the prepared pan (the cups will be very full).
4. Bake the muffins until the tops spring back when touched lightly, 18 to 22 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Loosen the edges and turn the muffins out onto a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per muffin: 197 calories; 6 g fat (1 g sat, 3 g mono); 18 mg cholesterol; 35 g carbohydrate; 4 g protein; 4 g fiber; 144 mg sodium; 221 mg potassium.

Nutrition bonus: Fiber (16% daily value).

2 Carbohydrate Servings

Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat


Per muffin with Splenda: 2 Carbohydrate Servings; 187 calories, 31 g carbohydrate

TIP: Wrap leftover muffins individually in plastic wrap, place in a plastic storage container or ziplock bag and freeze for up to 1 month. To thaw, remove plastic wrap, wrap in a paper towel and microwave on Defrost for about 2 minutes.

Everlasting Priesthood

I taught my Relief Society Lesson today and was inspired to write some thoughts before I went to church this afternoon. It turns out that it became my testimony of the power of the priesthood on a smaller scale, that pertained to the lesson.

My testimony of the Everlasting Priesthood is what became the result of my thoughts. There was a sweetness of the spirit that flowed from my hands to write the following:

Over view of my lesson: April 20, 2008

What I want most today my dearly beloved sisters is to bear testimony of this lesson and the witness I have of the power and beauty of the EVERLASTING PRIESTHOOD.

I did not grow up with the priesthood in my home.
I know what life is like without this precious gift from Heavenly Father on a daily course.

I know that this priesthood is everlasting without beginning or end of days, as we have been educated in this lesson.
This is not new—many years ago, at least twenty I wrote some thoughts about what I felt inside about the gratitude I have for the priesthood.

I know it is the power that was instrumental in the literal creation of this earth, that God appointed Jesus Christ and Michael to form the earth and it was under the direction of Elohim, our Father. It has the power to heal us and make whole at God’s will.

Our own fathers, sons, husbands have this same priesthood, that created the Earth! And I realized as I was raising my three youngest sons when they were about 10, 8 and 6 years old, that I was preparing my sons for there own families to be the head of their households, and the priesthood which they bear now as adults is the priesthood power that will have the power to perform the ordinances in the resurrection to call their wives, children and posterity as patriarchs of their own family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know all priesthood holders have this same potential.

I know this power is so sacred , and is the authority to act in GOD’s name and must be honored and used righteously. Sisters, it is our duty and privilege to lovingly guide and support our priesthood brethren to be equal to the tasks that God expects of them to lead, and walk with us into the eternities. I bear this with every fiber of my being to you this day…in the sacred name of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

Blessings to all of you this day, as I ponder the wonders and power of it all.

Love, Mom

P.S. I was invited to go to Tracie's for dinner for Luke's birthday the other day. I was really looking forward to going, since they were going to have steak fajitas, which I can eat just fine. But, at the last Tracie was called into to work at UVRMC so she canceled dinner. Aaron and Candice were invited to friends for dinner; I went home and fixed some left over roast and a fresh veggie since it was after 6:00. I decided to stay home to catch up on my blogs.

Saturday--Half Marathon and Tulip Festival

The girls had planned for some time to run a half marathon that finished at the Gatefway. The weather was good and I happened to be in the vicinity when I took one of Aaron and Candice's friend and her two little boys to the airport. They had me go since they were out of town. Jenny, the guest, came down from Idaho and needed to catch a flight to New Mexico for a week or so.


Tracie and Tana after Half Marathon--I went to see them at the end of the race at Gateway


The Ks called to invite me to meet them at Thanksgiving Point for the Tulip Festival. I cannot believe I had never been there or known much about it. It was all so beautiful and I took lots of pictures. Even though it was a little windy, we saw the grounds and would love to go again and again.




There were a fair amount of tulips of all colors. There were pansies, and lots of varieties of daffodils, hyacinths, jonquils, and shrubbery. One of the most fascinating place was the carousel with live flowers growing on them. I took a picture. I imagine that when the flowers are in full bloom come summer they will be breathtaking. I took a lot of pictures of daffodils, my favorite.



Another attraction that caught my attention was a young adult playing the bagpipes. I was surprised, and had never before seen a female bagpiper. She was playing the familiar tune, Scotland's National Anthem. It is also the music known as "Praise to the Man," words written by Eliza R. Snow put to the Scottish tune.



The tulips originated back in Persia in the 1600s according to the brochure from the festival. European explorers brought them from Persia to the Netherlands. The tulips were grown later in The Netherlands, and made them famous from then on.

Provo Temple--invited by a friend

I must have dreamed about this entry. I thought I had already written it and just needed to post some pictures.



Jan my friend from Payson asked me to meet her at the temple. I was all ready to go and off I went. It turned out that I looked for my wallet with my recommend in it. It was not in my car or purse. I thought Oh, great! But things went smoothly since my recommend had a barcode on it when it is scanned at entry. The brethren at the desk called for one of the temple presidency and I was able to talk to him briefly. He found my information in the system, so no one had to make any calls to approve me to go inside.

After our session, we went downstairs to have lunch in the cafeteria. I had a steak and some broccoli, and a green salad. We had a pleasant lunch and went our separate ways. The grounds were so beautiful with purple and white with yellow pansies as we were walking out. I had Jan take a picture of me, and I took one of her. A couple of missionaries came up from the MTC. One of them asked if we would like a picture together, and offered to take it for us. We said yes, and thought that was such a nice thing for them to do that, for us, as strangers.


These young men are going to speak Tongan, but in New Zealand and Tonga. They were MTC companions from Salt Lake City area, Elder Zamani, and Elder Thompson. They looked so young! The pictures came out well too.

I came home and continued to study for my Relief Society Lesson on Sunday. I have learned so much in my studies. I am the one that was blessed with learning as I prepared.

Lindsay "Lou" Turns Ten Today--

Lindsay had her tenth birthday today. She is Tana & Nathan's oldest of four and is a great little mother to her siblings. She is very responsible and is a very active ten year old. I took her picture practicing her violin. We went to Brick Oven for dinner with some of her cousins, aunts and uncles tonight. I took a picture of Lindsay and her soccer theme birthday cake. Her dad had someone make it special for Lindsay.


She really likes her music and has been playing since she was six years old. She is in the honors recital group and will perform on Thursday next week. She says she likes the "fiddle" music and would like to get into that as she progresses with her music. Her two other cousins play violin too and I was kidding her one day that they should get a group of their own and play country music, since that is what 'fiddle' is about. They could call themselves, the Kountry Kousins!!

I am pleased to see my children and grandchildren developing their talents as they grow up. It helps with self confidence AND self-discipline. When music is part of your life their is a great influence that adds to the spirit and spiritual development at the same time.

I love music and it is a part of my daily life, it is so therapeutic and lifts my soul. The instrumental hymns on piano, or harp are my favorites, next to Celtic music. I still have a love for the Celtic harp and hope to someday develop that talent in myself or one of my grandchildren. Who knows? The sky is the limit and we take our gifts with us, the spiritual ones that is. Right?

Grandma Moments today with Fillerup's

I took the Fillerup kids to the Dinosaur Museum grasping the fact that the Earth has been around millions of years! We looked at all the fossils, dinosaur skeletons, and I was so amazed at the size and age of each specimen. The dinosaur that was 110 ft long was like it was pictured with a long neck, gray with a long tail as the symbol of Sinclair Oil Co. I used to see those green and white metal signs along the railroad as we traveled by train to Chicago when I was four years old.



I believe that was my first sight of a prehistoric animal, the dinosaur and grew up only thinking that was the only kind of species. There were hundreds, as I learned at the museum today! One thing I did see is that "Grandma Rocks." I saw so many different items there at the exhibits that I have in my collection of rocks, crystals and fossils etc.


Someday I will have them all on display to show my own "museum" to my grandchildren. They will all be labeled too. I recognized many of them by the shape of them, i. e., the nautilus, orthosauras, ammonites and crystals just to name a few! The kids seemed to like it too; Luke was so good and stayed awake the whole time we were there. He fell asleep in the car on the way home. We were there almost three hours.

This is a sea shell I got and just imagine how old it really is. Ancient probably.
Just a post script here. I took a lot of pictures of the dinosaurs and exhibits and of Drew, Adam, Madie and Luquito. My camera needed to be recharged, so I virtually had no pictures at all to download. I recharged my camera and winged it with the fossils, shells and crystals I had just lying around my room. Really. :)

Family Re-Union dates, times etc--

Just one of the projects we will be making at the Fabulous '08 Family Reunion--

News Flash!! I have been of the phone making contact with family to come up with some concrete dates for our Family Reunion this July--So, PLEASE make note of this on your calendars.

OK, the last two weeks in July look like the best times for getting Matt & Beth here at the same time together, and overlap for Aunt Mary Beth's Stampin' Up Convention. Those of you who live close by have a two week window to join us and connect for several events/activities to make it a great reunion. I have been getting projects to do and getting ready for the activity part of it, that you will absolutely love!

Matt and Beth will be here those last two weeks of July. Mary Beth is coming in on Sunday, July 26th, she said so she can have Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with US!!
Matt said they would book their flights right away to get the best rates for those times. One more time on those dates-- July 27, 28th and 29th for M.B. and Matt & Beth here at same times.

I talked to Michael also, he said there is a good possibility Joanna and the boys will be able to be here about the same time too, and now we just need getting Michael here also for those same three days Aunt Mary Beth is here ...he's missed seeing her each time. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Making "Grandma" Memories"

I took the girls to church with me and leave about twenty minutes earlier than the meeting begins. We like to sit in the chapel and on the soft seats. So. . .it is imperative to plan ahead.

We got settled in our spot and then Aaron, Candice and Parker could come later. Well, as we were waiting for the meeting to start, Ella turned to me and asked if I had any gum. I didn't, but I had a roll of mints I had just bought at the temple yesterday. I gladly pulled them out and the lady behind me heard Ella ask me and I heard her say to me that I was "creating a Grandma memory." The girls know I sometimes have something to share during sacrament meetings.

It struck me deeply and I immediately remembered my own grandmother, Anita. I recalled that I didn't get to grow up around her, but she visited only a few weeks out of the year or every other year. Even when she moved to California after she retired in Chicago, I got to see her at family get-togethers at my mother's.


My grandmother was quite the flamboyant character. She was a happy person, laughing often and spoke loudly at times. She dressed in bright colors, and loved colorful, matching jewelry and dangling earrings! Does that sound like anyone you know? Just wondering. Her birthday was April 17, 1900.

I am appreciative of living with Aaron and his little family and know the kids on a day to day level. I feel much a part of the family, and they feel likewise. Parker is so used to Grandma that he doesn't do well with babysitters anymore, at all. Aaron said he wants his children to cherish the memories with grandma, and I am pleased to be able to do that as well.

Sacrament meeting went great, I took notes and felt very uplifted. One of the speakers gave a talk on "a broken heart and contrite spirit" and what it means. It means we are touched by the spirit a lot and our hearts are filled with the spirit of the holy ghost. We also had another talk about the Book of Mormon and what an influence it can be in our lives. The speakers were very well prepared and I made note of how each talk applied to all of us, and I felt a blessing of gratitude to live in my new ward and the influence of a great bishop as leader, who encourages the ward members to be diligent. He is a good example and is very attuned to the ward's needs. He is an inspiration to me; I know he is a man of God and was called by the spirit of prophecy, the Lord's representative, spiritual adviser and leader of his flock.

Here is a quote from the last speaker who talked about the Book of Mormon.

"It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though indeed it does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the straight and narrow path. The scriptures are called the words of life. and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance."
Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign November,1986

The hand of God continues to bless me and everyday of my life. Love, Mom aka Anna

Temple- A Blessing in Close Proximity

I went to the temple this evening and really had a wonderful experience. I was able to take some extra time and lingered inside the quiet of the beauty of Mt. Timpanogos' shadow.

I feel so fortunate to live so close. I can see the temple from our upstairs living room window. Ella is so enthralled with that view and comments about it often when it is all lit up at night. I loved the flowers that are beginning to bloom too. God's handiwork is everywhere you look!!!



I see His hand in this amazing Celestial painting. Don't you?

Ladies Night Out--Baby Shower

The girls, (Tracie, Tara, Candace and I) decided to go out to dinner before a baby shower for Mary Anne, (Ben's wife) tonight. This is the first great-grandchild for me, and Tanise's first grandson!! It doesn't seem possible, but time does move forward, ready or not.

Dinner was nice; we went to Mimi's Cafe in Orem. We arrived at the shower and they were having refreshments by then. I was so full from dinner I couldn't eat another thing!

We had a good time at the baby shower. Mary Ann said she was very excited about the baby coming and looked forward to dressing him in all the cute things she was given. We gave her a group gift of SweetPea Baby items that Tana has in her line of business. Tara, Tracie, Tana and I all went in on the gift. The baby will have lots of nice things for his first two years or so. I didn't have my camera with me to add to my blog today. :(. Sorry!

More Family Photos from Sunday--Monday

Cole with Grandma at Aaron's for Family Night



Beth and Ethan at the Sunday dinner

When Things Don't Always Go Smoothly

Ever have a day when things happen beyond your own control that you end up just a little frustrated? Well, that is what it is like to submit to the will of others who may not realize their decisions affect others in the small things and sometimes the larger things.

My friend Merilee had been in the hospital for over a week. Her family was taking care of her needs but had other commitments so she needed someone to take her home from the hospital. I was glad to help out anyway I could while her father went to his own doctor appointment in Salt Lake at the same time she needed to be picked up to go home. I arrived at the hospital about 11:30 a.m.

Everything seemed to go well until we got to her dad's house in Provo, and we discovered he had locked the all the doors to get into the house. He was supposed to leave the back door unlocked. But he forgot to do that when he left earlier. He and a friend both had to see their doctors in Salt Lake City, so they went together and were not expected back home until much later in the afternoon.

We got there to the house about noon, and there was no spare key to be found. I could tell Merilee was getting tired and worn out; she needed to rest and lie down, she was in some pain from the surgery. The wife of her dad's friend had a spare key, but she wasn't home either to give us the key. We had to drive down the street and around a corner to the friend's house. All that we found was a noisy barking dog standing in the living room looking out a screen door with glass on it. The doors were locked from the inside. There was no way were we going to go in or find a key to her dad's house.

It was also evident that we couldn't get in touch with her dad, since the friend had his own cell phone, but we didn't know the number. It began to be very frustrating not knowing how to help the situation or find a way to come up with the key!! Her Dad doesn't have a cell phone; unfortunately nor does he plan to ever have one.

After about an hour and a half, which seemed more like three hours, the neighbor's wife came home who had the spare key, and we got in and opened her dad's door.

When her dad came home later, he felt very badly that he had forgotten to leave the door unlocked, which was probably a force of habit when he normally leaves the house locked up. You know how "old" people are sometimes; they do things out of habit and if they are the least bit distracted, they tend to forget important things such as leaving a key or a back door OPENED!

Merilee finally got to lie down to rest, and also realized much earlier that her spare key was in her dad's house while she was in the hospital. So when under stress a person doesn't think of everything and when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.

So, after I took it all in stride I was grateful I didn't have anything else pressing upon my schedule nor someplace else to be but where I was. I was doing a service, I forgot myself, and it seemed like I had less stress than Merilee did at the time. She was very forgiving of her dad, since she knows he forgets things and stresses over things anyway on a normal day!

High on a Mountain Top

Some how this scene caught my eye so I stopped to take this picture alongside the road. For some unknown reason, when the clouds are darkened and the Sun shines through I can't pass it up without taking out my camera to capture such a beautiful site.

If I was an artist I would attempt to paint this on a very large canvas and frame it. Grandpa McIntire once painted a canvas similar where the clouds had rays of sunshine coming through them...maybe that is why when I see these clouds, it reminds me of him and his painting....all that is lacking is the American flag waving in the breeze.

So, if I were an artist I could just paint in that flag and call it good and done!!

But God was the artist and I saw his hand in this today.

Family Time Together--

We had dinner at Tara & Russ' on Sunday after conference session. It was great timing to get together while Matt & Beth with boys visiting from Seattle. Spending time with them is always a special occasion. As I wrote about Matt surprising Beth for the short visit on Thursday, we got to see them a few times during there time here.



I appreciate the Fryer's willingness to have us All over for a family activity. We had an opportunity to talk to Hank, most of us did anyway during our visit. I know he is by himself and the time we got to talk to him was time well spent.



I think I may have a few snapshots to share of the "herd," at dinner. I hope we can do something together when Michael comes in two weeks. What a blessing as a mother to have my children come from afar for no specific event in our family circle. I feel very blessed.

For lunch today, Aaron and Matt called me to join them with Cole at the Thai Village in American Fork. I had never been there, it was my first time. The food is kind of like Chinese food, and spicy as well and I liked it!! There was one kind of dish that tasted a lot like Mole. Aaron even commented about the peanut sauce served with chicken on a skewer stick. Matt and Aaron both had some and liked the taste too.

Later in the evening, I went to my Zumba dance class at the Rec Center in American Fork. It was fun to get my body moving and made sure I stayed for the whole class. It would have been so tempting to stay for half an hour, but I persisted and stayed for the entire time. My ability to follow the teacher and only have attended a few classes is increasing. It is a different story to know the steps and do them, compared to mimicking the steps I have no idea how to do except by watching the others and the instructor. I learn as I go I suppose that can be the best way, by doing. I hope to get better and more consistent with this kind of exercise.

Matt and Cole came by for Family Night with Aaron, Candice and the kids. They were here when I got back from my exercise class. We had a good time visiting and got to say our goodbyes until they come back in a few months for our annual Family Reunion. I just have to work out the times and plan it to decide on the dates. So stay tuned in for more details later.

Sunday Conference Sessions--

Another great day of the Spirit manifesting upon us as we listened to the messages of the brethren for Conference. Each talk was amazing and uplifting. I want to see and hear the talks again, they were all so good. I used to get the cassettes of the latest conferences and listened to them so I could be familiar with what all the brethren taught us. It was not unusual to know and make comments from what they taught us in their messages the following six months. Now we can download them on our iPods or MP3 players. I know Hank does that so he can listen to them while he runs everyday. Great Idea, Hank and such an example!

I appreciate the tenderness and brotherhood of the brethren as they spoke so kindly of our prophet and one another. I noticed that they are most supportive of one another as a body of the general authorities. They are one in purpose and unified.

Closing the Conference near the end, Elder M. Russell Ballard gave a classic talk about the role of women, mothers and wives. I was uplifted by his observations that women do a lot of "twisting, bending, and lifting in raising their children." You know sometimes it takes a general authority to experience what their wife does for them to talk about it in conference!

It is nice once in a while for the women to be acknowledged by the brethren that way. President Hinckley was most sensitive to that especially since he lost his beloved wife and companion few years before he died.

It was (is) always so good to hear the praises and recognition the women received from our brethren, since I don't have that from anyone in a close relationship. It kind of gives me those strokes that the Lord sees in me when I get a priesthood blessing. It is always nice to be acknowledged and appreciated. Don't you agree?

Hank called me to tell me he loved me and was thinking about me when the talk was given by Elder Ballard. How sweet that was too! I thought of him too and thought how he would miss Lori even more for what she does for him and the children.

She was at Tara's with the rest of us finishing dinner when Hank called to talk to me. Lori said he had called her earlier and shared how he was so touched by the Spirit and weeping from the talk by Brother Ballard. I appreciate that softer side of my son, Hank and how he expresses himself so eloquently.

President Monson's comments were humorous as he closed conference and gave his personal testimony. I know he has the mantle of his call, and stands tall as our beloved prophet. He has a good sense of humor and lets us see him in that light. He is so human, which makes us feel like he is like the rest of us with all our own imperfections. I look forward to hearing more of his messages for his counsel to the Saints.

Sustaining the Brethren and New Prophet

It hardly seems like Conference has come and over already. I was able to see the first session at home and took in the second session at the hospital to watch it with friend, Merilee. I was impressed with the newly called apostle, D. Todd Christofferson. I saw the press conference with him and his wife.

Most general authorities have a statement of some kind, but he just allowed the reporters to just ask him questions about himself. He seemed comfortable with that and told a lot about his life with the questions asked.

I took notes and can say he is truly a man of God, and appreciate the comments he made about his wife and family. He is capable and prepared for the call, and deeply rooted in the Gospel. I came away feeling a sense of peace and knowing how we must stand in holy places to be aware of things of the Spirit to enrich our lives.

Just watching conference at home made my room a holy place and felt good. We are so fortunate to have the Church all around us and live among the Saints who are like minded and blessed besides.

I am glad I was able to go to the temple yesterday and wanted to be obedient to the counsel of my bishop to be prepared for conference and the messages given by the brethren. The temple was quite busy since it would be closed on Saturday for Conference.

It was a great experience to review the sustaining of a new prophet in a solemn assembly, and have the various offices of the priesthood sustain the general authorities individually and then collectively. I thought of my sons, who bear the the Holy Melchezidek Priesthood, and grandsons the Aaronic Priesthood.

Matt and Aaron were able to go together to priesthood and spend some quality time in the evening.

My Testimony of our Living Prophet Today

I read my Ensign this morning and President Monson's message. I was SO impressed and felt such a peace and filling in my heart the feelings I wanted to share with you today. I know he is our chosen and appointed prophet for us and appreciated that sweet assurance as tears flowed and still as I write this.

His message was so simple and sweet as I needed to hear with my spiritual ears and feel as my heart was both filled and touched.

His wise counsel: Learn from the past,
Prepare for the future,
Live in the present.

I look forward to raising my hand tomorrow for Conference and sustain him with all my heart, mind and strength as the mantle of authority rests on his shoulders and he leads us as our Savior would lead us and remind us of who we are and where we should be and go and serve HIM.

God bless you all as you gain your own testimony and remain firm in the faith that God lives and the Savior is our Redeemer and son of God and there to comfort us when we need him most. "I Know My Redeemer Lives, what comfort this sweet sentence gives"
Love, Mom aka Anna

Sworn to secrecy--my notes of the day

I was sworn to secrecy so Matt could surprise Beth when he made arrangements to be here the last several days of her visit to her parents in Orem.

Matt flew in from Seattle this evening and asked me earlier this week to pick him up at the airport. He wanted to surprise Beth. He did a good job of that after talking to her on the phone before he arrived at her parents. He looked for her a few minutes later and found her crying because she had had a bad day, she didn't feel good and was so glad to see him she cried!

It was a sweet moment for both of them, and Beth still could not believe he pulled it off and actually surprised her!! She was glad he came and was so relieved to not have to fly back on the plane by herself with the two boys on Tuesday. I am pleased to have been there to see the look on her face and the shear joy to see Matt!

I know there are few things that measure the joy in making your loved one feel loved and appreciated. They both showed that and I could tell they were glad to see each other and be reunited again. I can imagine what Cole will be doing when he discovers his Daddy there when he wakes up in the morning...GOOD JOB, Matt. Way to go!!

Service--Time well spent

Today is the third day I went to visit a friend, (Merilee) in the hospital, at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. A little FYI-Tracie was born there when there was only two buildings and no higher than a two story building. Tara had kidney-bladder surgery there as a two year old over 37 years ago!

I guess there is a lot of history in that place if you stop to think about it. Merilee had a serious surgery that will keep her there about a week to remedy a digestive track surgical error done eight years earlier. Now she can heal, go forward and have a normal (?) life. Do we ever have "normal" lives? It means a lot to her to have someone be there to help her get through the roughest part of her recovery.

It seems like we cannot ever give enough in serving each other. But, what we can give is appreciated, believe me. The Savior gave us his counsel to visit the sick and take care of the needy, the widows and fatherless. He commanded us too that it is ok to do that on the Sabbath.

When I did hospice visits it was so important to make regular visits for each patient. I rather enjoyed that job and what a difference it made to go the extra mile and do something significant for my patients. I made it a matter of thought and prayer to know what to do for them to bring them sunshine on a gloomy day.

I liked to go out of my way and get them fresh flowers. I stopped at the wholesale florist on my way to visit Merilee today and bought her some fresh daffodils. She loved them. She had some African Violets, and lovely fuchsia tulips to brighten her room. It made her feel loved and so appreciated the kindnesses.

As I was hurrying and walking back to my car, I gave a prayer of gratitude for my healthy body and the blessing it is to be so active and able to serve my family. I count my blessings of health often. I am fortunate and pray to be able to serve others for many more decades to come.