Busy Day--Family outing Wallaby Style

I worked at my office for most of the day and had time to see the Ks for a few moments before going to dinner in Lindon--
Mary Beth and Tracie joined us after their day at the Stampin' Up convention. They had some amusing stories to share while we ate dinner. Jan & Craig Alder joined us as well. We all had a good time and took a few pictures.

You know, getting everyone in one place at the same time is no small task. We were missing Tana & Nathan at Wallaby's tonight for dinner as well as Russ & Tara who was involved with Girls camp. It was nice to have Tanise join us too; Hank Sr. made an appearance too.

Just catching up on one another's lives and enjoying the precious moments of family togetherness.
James & Austin stayed at the Ks while we all went to dinner. They had a great time with the Ks cousins, which is an event in itself. It was later tonight that Austin, Michael & Joanna's youngest son had not felt well for a couple of days was in need of a priesthood blessing. He apparently was running a fever and quite sleepy.


We assembled in the living room just after Hank drove Michael & Joanna back home tonight and Austin needed a blessing so the boys administered to him. Michael gave a sweet blessing to his little one. I looked at all three of my sons in gratitude as Hank and Aaron assisted Michael and placed their hands on his head. I heard Hank anoint, then Michael blessed little Austin so that the fever would go away and he would be well. He gave a firm promise of that to this angelic grandson. I have still that visual in my mind seeing Michael put both hands on his head with Hank and Aaron placing one hand on his head. There they were, Joanna holding Austin on her lap on the sofa, with the three of them all in a row behind them.

It made my heart filled with gratitude for the power of the priesthood once again.
How blessed I am to have seen Austin receive a priesthood blessing when he needed it. Simply and sweetly.

They Way We Once Were

Today I am going to take some of us down memory lane. I thought this morning that it would be appreciated since it brings the past and present together--Not a lot of words needed.

Carpe Diem, Latin for Sieze the Day--

Lessons We Learn

As much as I don't want this to sound editorialized, it probably will. Our sacrament meeting was a high point speaker given by our Bishop Jim Payne. He has averaged speaking about once a month, sometimes twice. No matter. He gets to the point and the content of his talked really gave me food for thought.

So I ask forgiveness up front if I apply it to myself and my family.

Life is to be lived in the moment. Life is too short to carry grudges or to let incidents fester into our minds to cancor (sic) the soul over what we believe are someone else's faults. I know I have heard that analogy before so insert it here for what it is worth. I know I fall short sometimes and I know the Savior's love for me helps me get through the forgiving part toward others.

We cannot forgive others alone nor do it on our own. It is a gift of the atonement from the Savior and I know the Savior suffered the pains of our illnesses (infirmities) and our sins which caused Him to bleed from every pore. He was sinless, yet he was the sacrifice to redeem us all. I am thankful for his great love for each of us.

I am reminded of the Doctrine & Covenants, section 121. The tribulation in our lives are but a moment, and gives us experience. Nevertheless, the way we learn to overcome ourselves is to have the pure love of Christ when we feel the need to judge others. I have found that judging someone else opens me up for that same trial. Believe me. It is not worth the stress to experience someone else's pain for having been judgmental. I look back at some of my trials and know the source. The older I am, the wiser I become, although I have not reached perfection yet.

I pray that each of us can have compassion for others in their struggles instead of being quick to judge. We never know the entire story inside out. Only God does, and I leave the judgment to Him. The more I forgive, the more I am forgiven. It is a beautiful concept and want to be on the Lord's side when it comes to judging.

July 7, 1988 after Anita's funeral. A rare picture and last time we were altogether alive as family. I know we will be together again some day, and be reunited with my younger brother, Albert.

I want to only have love in my heart for everyone and be understanding without judgment. I learned from the example of my parents and pray my children will learn from me.

Hints of Family Reunion

Nathan & Tana


If this coming week has some similarities of a family reunion let me know.

Aunt Mary Beth is in town and the buzz is focused on renewing family ties. Michael, Joanna, James & Austin. (coming in on Monday late) and Beth is here with Cole & Ethan are here to join us in the festivities. This is a time that I really look forward to all year, almost like Christmas. No joke.

Saturday evening found us at "Texas Road House" in Sandy. The food was delicious and did tasted just like we were dining in Texas. The Onion Bud, a batter-fried onion appetizer was yummy. Yes, yummy. The atmosphere was also bubbling over with time standing still while we enjoyed one another's company and conversation. Those who were unable to be there missed out on a great meal and family bonding. You were missed also by the way.

I don't think things get any better than this just being together and being in the moment. I am blessed with many moments such as this evening and know there are plenty more ahead, God willing.

Ethan after Texas Road House

More photos coming.

Smiley Tracie :)

Before




After (1)


These are some pictures of Tracie that I am working on a protocol to enhance her natural beauty. Can you see the difference after only three treatments? I know she doesn't mind that I posted them and gave her consent.

After (#2)

I can see the softening of the "character lines" already. Her skin looks beautiful too.

Comments welcomed.

Pioneros, Tamales & Grilled Hamburgers

Pioneer Day, a state holiday is celebrated today. I feel like one too. I made tamales in commemoration of my pioneer ancestors, Ricardo Rodriguez and Maria Canchola. Actually I am getting ready for next week and hoping to lighten the load with food preparation and last minute details.

Beth and the boys came over to visit with Aaron, Candice and the kids. We could smell the tamales cooking and it became confusing just what we were having for dinner. Grilled hamburgers or tamales? Or maybe a little of both! I made homemade lemonade which no one refused.

I like to freeze the freshly made tamales and then cook them the day of the family dinner for our reunion. Heritage food at its finest, and then everyone brings potluck and we are up to have a grand time just eating together.

I really look forward to these times as if it was Christmas. I prepare all year for the festivities and activities. I love my family and this is my language of love in case you hadn't noticed.

God bless you all and we miss Matt not being here too. Michael and Joanna will come in on Monday. We are looking forward to a great get-together.

Pictures to follow.

See you soon, see you there...

Keeping up with the times

I found on line the history of hot air balloons. Parker is so fascinated by them, that I was curious of their beginnings. I will review the information and tell about it when I get the time to share it.

I also ask for your prayers for a job that I applied for yesterday and had an interview. It is a state job as a rehab counselor. It is a good job and the interview felt very good.

By the way, the last several days I had a hard time keeping tabs on the blog before midnight. This morning I thought I would save the day, literally maybe, before the day got away from me. As usual I have a gazillion things to do and want to make sure I seize the day!
Today is somewhat of a milestone. This is my 222nd entry! Bravo.
Later, Mom ;)

Check back tomorrow

This photo is practically number one on my "bucket list."
If you aren't familiar with what that means. I will explain later.

I just finished Sunday's blog message. I will recharge my (own) batteries and get back to my blog soon.

Love, Mom

Sunday, Relief Society, Sacrament Mtg

Today was another wonderful Sabbath day. I went to the temple yesterday afternoon and took a few pictures of the grounds. The spring reconstruction is now completed for both entrances for the brides and grooms to be able to take their wedding party pictures with the least amount of distraction for temple patrons.

Sacrament meeting today was high lighted with Aaron speaking about pioneers and testimony. He gave a great talk, and I am not prejudging either. Several people in the ward complimented his talk and told me it was very well presented. So there, I wasn't being biased.

I also taught Relief Society today; one of the sisters told me it was "McIntire" day. I smiled knowing she meant the ward had a double whammie with Aaron and me teaching or speaking on the same day. It was fine, since I, nor Candice were asked to speak at the same time in sacrament meeting. It appears that this ward only asks one of the spouses at a time to speak instead of both.

The choir also sang "Faith in Every Footstep," and "Come, Come Ye Saints." Somehow we ( the choir) pulled it off even though there were people missing who frequently sing in the choir. I felt a sweet spirit as we sang, and we sounded much better than at practice. We must have had unseen help with singing voices to augment our group.

I went to a fireside in Orem in the evening and enjoyed the speaker, Andy Ehat. He spoke about the Book of Mormon. He had spent many years doing research on the writings of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. He used to live in our ward years ago in our North Orem ward. He remembered me when I went up to shake his hand and greet him afterward. He wanted to know all about my children and what you are all doing. That was very kind of him to be interested enough to ask me to write it down, so when he shared with his wife about seeing me, he would have something to draw from to tell her.

It was a great day, but I didn't get a nap at all and kept on the go ALL day. I went to visit my friend Donaire. I was impressed to share with her D & C 121 and D & C 138. Her comments were, "that is just beautiful," when I read 121, then about President Joseph F. Smith's vision of the redemption of the dead. She loved it.

I was pleased to share that with her and her willingness to listen. She used to visit with the Prophet, Ezra Taft Benson, so she was used to being in the presence of these great leaders. They know who she is, and that she is a true Levite with all its rights and privileges. Each day I spend with her is a treasure and gift from God. I learn something from her every time.

Up, Up and Away!! The Wood Badger

Image waking up in your own room and hearing the familiar sound of a hot air balloon in close proximity. I could hear it but couldn't see it.


I went upstairs to find Parker, since he loves balloons! I opened the front door and there bigger than life was a big red, white and blue hot air balloon. Parker was in heaven. He was so excited to see it. I took a couple of pictures of the girls, Aislyn and Ella. It was a great start to the new day. I even drove them to see where it went close by and landed. The balloon had descended and the balloonist had his people there to help him fold it and put it away. It was the Bank of American Fork balloon trio. That is probably why it was close since it wasn't a formal balloon event etc. Parker loved it and kept repeating, "balloon, balloon." Oh to see things through the eyes of a child.



I went to see Hank receive his Wood Badge award. It is a scouting leadership award that he earned over the last year. Grandpa McIntire would have had his 50th anniversary of getting his Wood Badge which it was told he had received in August 1958, in Indiana. I am sure it feels good to Hank to have received his Wood Badge beads and the certificate along with Grandpa McIntire's neckerchief and slide. It means a lot to Hank to follow in the footsteps of his Grandfather. Congratulations, Hank. It is a great accomplishment. Remember that.

Family History spot

My grandfather, Ricardo is holding Carlos, my dad. Chelo or Richard is the child standing next to him. This is in San Antonio at the cement plant, taken in 1920. Carlos looks about five months old. He was very light skinned compared to Chelo & Richard. My grandmother, their mother was fair skinned. Ricardo was more brown skinned.

Mortality, what is it?

I know I have a full day ahead today, people to see and work to do!

Sunday is my turn to teach the Relief Society lesson and itis on my mind as well. This month's message is about hope and consolation at the Time of Death. This could be a depressing subject depending on the attitude about what we feel and have as an anchor to get us through the death of those we are close to and love.

I can't help but to recall the time when I was 12 years old and the reality of mortality struck me when my great-grandmother Eduiges died. We went to her funeral in Texas. It was my first flight on a plane, with my parents and my younger sisters.
I even remember the dresses we wore on the plane!

What is mortality? I looked it up and found it defined as the condition of being subject to death. Then there is the definition of death. Death is defined as the cessation of all vital functions of the body including the heartbeat, brain activity (including the brain stem), and breathing. Somehow I find NO comfort in these words. Just words on a page.

II Nephi 9:11-12 in contrast talks about, "O how great the goodness of God, who prepares a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster; yea that monster, death, which is the death of the body. . ." etc.

I look to the next verse, II Nephi 9:13--"O how great the plan of our God! For on the other hand, the paradise of God must deliver up the spirits of the righteous; and the spirit and the body is restored to itself again, and all men become incorruptible and immortal, and they are living souls, having a perfect knowledge like unto us in the flesh, save it be that our knowledge is perfect."

Now, that somehow is much more comfort to me and from a chapter in the Book of Mormon that has the plan of salvation in its entirety. I appreciate the knowledge I now have that there IS life after this one in the spirit world. That to me was the most comforting realization when I investigated the Church twelve years later. That twelve year old part of me was so frightened about death and I could not sleep for three months after my great-grandmother's funeral that summer in 1956.


This is me in Jr High at about age 12--

My tender age of twelve was when death became a reality and I had no answers to bring me any peace from my anxiety as I pondered on my own at that time. The only solace I received was when I finally prayed and asked God to help me get through that grief and unsettling feeling about death. I must have had a hard time even then to express my emotions to anyone. My mother told me later I should have gone to her to talk about it, but I didn't out of fear. She was right, and I can't fault her for not knowing what I was feeling without telling her.

I am so grateful to have the gospel in my life where I can turn to the scriptures for the peace and comfort I need at any given time with any given problem to get through.
It is a blessing in our lives to embrace the plan of salvation and the atonement of Jesus Christ. It filled and continues to fill a greater part in my life.

I know that when the truth came into my life it was literally the answer to my prayers given by me, as that innocent twelve year old girl.

Worthy Goals

Just by way of explanation, I came across these goals written into an obituary for a young man who recently lost his life in drowning at Utah Lake. He was the young man who had only one hand. His hand was missing from a firecracker that by accident exploded in his hand. He was an incredible person from what I read. Here were some of what was included in his tribute and left behind his list for success. We can all learn something from another human being.

His written personal goals were:

1. People are always more important.
2. Do what you need to do when you need to do it whether you want to or not.
3. I am not a victim, ever.
4. Purity is power.
5. Leave it better than when you found it.
6. Life is a joy, a journey in becoming like my Heavenly Father.
7. Live with purpose.

Isn't it interesting how we can learn about life from death? Amazing.

Holy Cow !

It's only Tuesday and I am already behind to start the week. I have had some very late nights the last two days, that my night sleep was an elongated nap! It is all good. I get so involved the time just flies by when giving of my time and service to others.

Last night's (Monday)blog would have written about FHE at the Ks. K1 is leaving to be a nanny for a while and it was like a farewell. She has grown up and been on her own for two years! I wasn't that adventurous at her age, but was already married a year.
Candice with Bestamor


A parents' hope for her would be that she has a good experience being so far away from her family, roots. This could be a refining and her learning who and what matters most in life. The main thing I could tell her, is to stay close to Heavenly Father, who is always there for us. No matter what!! The next thing would be advised is to stay close to the family (parents). Your brothers and sisters will miss you K1, likewise I am sure. It is a given her parents will miss her most. I wish you well. If you ever need me to do something for you or check on your quadrants, call me!

Hank and Lori, you are not by any means empty nester's yet, but having three of yours temporarily absent for a short time can feel like that. It is the preparation for when K2 has his extended leave of absence and two year sabbatical serving the Lord in "who knows where." We can cherish the times we have being together in the present. Right?

The empty nest comes all too quickly.It reminds me of saying Tana has in her family room on a plaque and shows how it comes home all too soon.

"It happens before you know it. The hand prints get higher and higher and then they disappear"

I will add a few pictures sooner or later.

Tuesday was a catch up day of sorts. I went back over to the Ks to work on Sarah. Yes, Sarah. I'm experimenting with my I-health system to help her with her hearing and sight, being ninety-one in animal years. So far there are some results where Lori said today that she noticed when she calls to Sarah she turns to listen!! She had practically gone deaf altogether. I had only done one treatment on her. This system has a sound (vibrational) frequency that puts the balance back in the body that it lacks. Once the balance is created the body heals itself. Sarah has also had more energy and was now able to go up the stairs which she had been doing less and less. I am pleased and hope to hear even more improvements with Sarah's over all wellness and progress.

I am pleased at the results on Sarah, a Border Collie. Just think what it can do on humans! I have learned that it can remove the cataracts without surgery. I have noticed a great change in my own healing with sound and light frequencies. I look forward to working on more of you. Aaron has noticed that after the first treatment, the neuropathy on his feet had improved, and I did another a week apart. So the results will continue. I see the hand of God, blessing me and my children, and the Ks family dog.

Grandma with Hallows'

Update soon. Time to write later...Mom

Curuious George and the little People

This page is dedicated to my little people. Without them, where would I be?

I see through their eyes sometimes and cherish them even more. Cole really likes Curious George. I know his mom and dad read to him about Geo all the time. This huge balloon was in the parade last week. I remember seeing similar ones when I was their age. I used to have photos of me sitting in the front of one of them when I lived in San Antonio as a child. They were from the "Macy's Parade". I didn't know that until a few years ago. The pictures of me must be stashed away somewhere. I need to check on the whereabouts of those to share.

Two for One Special

Whatever I did on Tuesday will roll into Wednesday's blog, Ok? I got home after midnight so I will have to share the blog with both in same entry.

I just checked Hank's blog. Did I miss something? K1 is leaving next week? Does that mean she got that nanny job in Maryland? I extracted that from what Hank said. So someone enlighten me ok? I am pleased that she may have been chosen for that job.

I worked on a client Tuesday night and will again I am sure. I will continue with Wednesday's message later...have a wonderful day, family. Love, Mom ;)

Tuesday Special

I started to review, transcribe and print one of six 90+ minute cassettes of my Sunday visits with Donaire. It is time I did that and with her help complete in book form her stories, life experiences of her interesting life. Remember that she is the grand dame of Israel, and I compare her "Queen Esther." I started to record her on tape in May of 2007. It felt right to start working on their transcription now.

I went for another morning walk today. I listened to one side of the tape, then work on it an hour or so to transcribe it. It feels good. My goal is to continue and get some fresh air into my lungs and cells and accomplish great things aka miracles in the meantime.


By the way, congratulations to K1; Tracie called me this morning to "enlighten" me on getting her new job in Kansas (of all places) as a nanny. Way to go!! Just remember though, K1, "there is no place like home" If I knew how to find a picture Dorothy's red sparkly shoes on the web, I would. I will see what I can do!!

A snail is a slow moving miracle, look at its shell and the shape, it's sacred geometry!


Scripture of the day:

"Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea behold many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever." Alma 26:12

Reflections of Miracles Everyday--

This float from the parade caught my attention. It says a lot...we just have to look for the miracles that happen everyday. A sunrise, sunset, the beautiful spacious skies and puffy clouds. A smile from a child, just being able to see all of this is a miracle in itself.
Commemorating the founding fathers and the Revolutionary soldiers, the pioneers of freedom for America!! Long my the banner wave, the land of the free and the home of the brave

Family time at the 4th of July parade. A Dad with his son.

Snuggly in the arms of love with Mom...

Sunday--Blessings of Life & Liberty *

I bore my testimony today in sacrament meeting. So many testimonies were given until I had that feeling go all though me, the burning in my bosom kind. The time was almost to close the meeting. I was second to last. My thoughts were the gratitude I feel from my ancestors, and grandfather, Ricardo Rodriguez and his decision to come from Mexico to the United States--to San Antonio, Texas.
1951--Carlos dressed for $ucce$$ in his profession in Chicago. He was in sales and paid cash for his car. It took him a year he said to save the money to buy it. Amazing.

My family and of all Ricardo's descendants have a better life than we could have ever had in Mexico. I know his choice changed the lives of all his posterity. Thank goodness for a young man, husband and father who had the vision to go north for the greater good. My father was born three years after that and was the third child born after settling in San Antonio. The rest is history.

Please go to the mcintire-clan.net site to review again the amazing stories and photos Hank has compiled for the family. I appreciate the interest he has in preserving the family history. Y.S.A.F.M. love, Mom....

*Having technical difficulties on this site

Hey, fellow bloggers. I need some insight from experts. My blog has switched my editing ability. I don't know what I did different. Does it have anything to do with "cookies?" That is the only thing that comes to mind.

I cannot figure out where ever it went to . . . cyberspace maybe? There is no option to edit or add pictures or preview before "publish post." That entire upper bar to bold, italicize, spell check, pictures etc is GONE!! Any suggestions? Also, my fourth of July entries are weird too. The several candids above the hot air balloons are gone, but the balloons show just fine. The others are in a narrow box and blank that if I click on it (the box)I get the enlarged version of the pictures.

I know I am computer challenged but this is ridiculous when I don't know who to call or ask to correct this confusion. So, Hank, what do you think?

However, when I log onto my lap top there is no problem, I can read it fine, pictures and all. So it looks like it is indicative to my desk top. But, my pictures are all on my desk top, so my preference is that versus the laptop.

Update:

Looks like now the old format has returned. I didn't do anything different to fix it. It just worked itself out. It must have been the intent. See, now I can use italic or download a picture. I need to go download a cd with some of Ricardo's history. Stay tuned!!

Somebody else's Fam Reunion--Fam Fireworks

My friends, Jan and Craig invited me to her family's family reunion today. It was at a park in Sugarhouse, just above Salt Lake City. They had a nice pavilion shaded in the hot sun. They had hot dogs and hamburgers. Everyone was very pleasant and welcomed me as part of the family! I was touched. Jan's family are very down to earth and have no "aires" about them. I observed several things and came from there with the realization of how fortunate I am to have my own family close by.

Jan comes from a rather large family. Both parents have long since passed, yet they gather in their memories. That was good to see the siblings connecting and enjoying each other's company.
There was a talent show among themselves which I enjoyed and then they had an awards ceremony. Jan had written on 3 x 5 index cards something for everyone there of a quality that they each had and recognized achievements. There were categories like best artist, quilter, Olympic athlete. One of the grand nieces participates in Special Olympics and received an award. There were lots of smiles and happy faces. Jan gave me one for "best Friend."



Darwin, one of Jan's brother's played three different harmonicas. He also favored us with the bagpipes as we finished our lunch. He played "Scotland the Brave," and "Amazing Grace." He also played the fife, which is a small black wooden flute.



After returning from the reunion in Salt Lake, Aaron & Candice had family over for fireworks. Aislyn begged to have something like that and she planned it by calling some of her cousins to come over, and her grandparents. It was fun and they enjoyed sparklers and fireworks.

Fireworks after dusk.

Friday, July 4th. . . Celebration

Can't forget the fun it was to see Glenn Beck IN the parade. He is for real! Nice couple. Oh, say can you see? Click on this top photo and look at the blue canopy. Is that Nu-Nu in the white and red shirt, with her shades? I just noticed it. Cool, huh?




Tracie took this picture, my hair got messed up when I took my cap off for the photo.
Oh well, so what.



This is the activity that just happened. Grandma (me, myself and I) woke up at 5:30 am and decided to go save the familiar space off University Avenue. The Ks had said they were going to go to the parade. I went down to the Ballon Fest which no one else seemed interested in going on Friday, so I just wanted to take a few pictures then headed over to the parade route. So if you missed it, it was unintentional on my part. We all had a great time, brought some goodies to share and voila it was a party!

And I got the camera to work, with some help from Ohio. Michael talked me through what I needed to do to correct the recent problems with it. Thanks, Michael!


It must have been about three years or so since I have been to the Provo parade. I forgot about the thing I look forward to is the planes that fly over at the beginning of the parade. Somehow I liken that feeling to when we all stand up, put our hands over our hearts and watch the flag go by. I got a chill seeing and hearing them fly overhead. I loved it. Tracie and Hank were standing by me, and we each felt the same "thrill" with chills and all. Now that is amazing! Must be those patriotic heart strings, no doubt.



There was an enormous crowd to see the balloon Fest this year, but I got some great shots.