A New Thought

There is a good message here, believe me. Just sharing a thought someone sent me.

The Law of the Garbage Truck...

"One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean he was really friendly.

So I asked, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!" This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck."

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.
The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so...Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!"

Have a blessed, garbage-free day!

Leonardo da Vinci Inventions in Replica at Mall

Family Home Evening Activity with the Ks. Fillerups also showed up as we were leaving to get a look at the exhibit too.





This is a page from his notebook, one of many. Only about a fourth of his writings, notebooks have been preserved. He was always keeping his thoughts recorded in his journals. He was pure genius to have made so many contributions to aerodynamics. He studied bats and birds to see how they actually were able to fly. He even made a parachute shaped like a pyramid, and was used to eventually make one when airplanes were invented centuries later. Incredible--in a word.



I was astounded at how much this man used his brain and intellect to be so creative. He was a master of the art, and even wrote backwards to keep his peers at a distance and never revealed his complete plans by leaving out information that only he would know how to make it work. Self preservation, protection maybe?.



He was Inventor, Mathematician, amazing artist, self-portrait born in 1452 in Vinci Italy near Florence.



The Mona Lisa


Ingenious invention of the bicecletta, aka Bicycle or two-wheeler

I was in awe of Leonardo Da Vinci's work--He had such a great mind. Museums were something I really learned to love when I lived in Chicago in elementary school. My class went to the Chicago Museum of Natural History. It was when I first learned about dinosaurs and saw their skeletons and saw the pre-historic Mastedon exhibit aka elephants.

I appreciate being included to go with Hank, Lori and Family for Family Home Evening.
Thank you. It was fun and the kids had a great time with the hands on exhibits with gears, mirrored walls, portable wooden bridges, and even the closest thing I could describe it as a "car" made out of wood, like a wagon/or carriage. This was all before motors were invented!

Baby Blessing-Family Get-together

Today Baby Joel was given his name and blessing in sacrament meeting by his Daddy, Aaron. I scribed and it was such a sweet blessing for such a sweet baby blue-eyed boy! He was happy all day too. There were about eleven priesthood holders in the circle besides the bishop.. I was pleased to see Mary Ann and Ben with baby William!
He is such a cutie too.



We had a delicious meal of baked ham, cheesy potatoes, fruit salad, Oriental Chicken salad, potato salad, green salad, wheat and dinner rolls, and brownies.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the meal and time together. It was great to visit with everyone and have the two families, Dalley's and McIntire's. There must have been over sixty people here. Just guessing, but it must be close to that number.

Testimony meeting was wonderful. We had two babies blessed and had only about twenty five minutes for testimonies. I love our ward and feel at home and a part of it.

Our Gifts of the Spirit Come from Within--

This morning Hank called me to help with a lesson he would give to the Young Men in his ward priesthood lesson today. He said the subject was "Gifts of the Spirit." He asked each of the boys/men leaders to have their mothers or wife tell them what theirs were.

So being true to himself and them, he asked me for my perception of what his are. I was very willing to tell him what I saw in him. I pointed out his gifts: of discernment, his wisdom, his sense of humor, his ability to articulate and communicate with others. He also has the gift of kindness, and great love for the Gospel and a strong testimony of it.

While we talked I mentioned that we have just to observe our characteristics and traits to know what some of our gifts might be. I know God sees us and knows our abilities and capabilities. We don't always know those from the beginning. Right?

I also observed that when we come to know God, and find Him, we in return get to know and find ourselves and who we ARE! That is the lowest common denominator. The more we love God and his Son, Jesus Christ, the more we come to love ourselves. It almost sounds too simple. But it IS!

I also had it occur to me:

1)perhaps we all received a "patriarchal blessing" from Heavenly Father before we left Him to come down here to earth.

2) We are given our mission calls to earth so to speak.

3) We had to have had some kind of direction from him to have the opportunity to be agents for ourselves in making making our path to connect with our bodies from the spirit world to mortality.

4) We had to have had some kind of plan to know what direction we should go.

5)We just are not aware of them with the veil drawn when we come to earth

It is all a mystery I know, but I can imagine being close to that concept.

I also bear testimony that we have all the gifts given to us and promised to us before mortality.

Years ago in Chicago when I was about five or six years old, I went to the movies with my two older brothers. We went to see the "Wizard of Oz." We lived behind a busy street like State Street in Salt Lake City. So it was busy, busy, busier than State Street in Orem. You get the idea.

Tin Man, a gift from Jacob to Grandma.


Well, the part of the movie where Dorothy and the Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Lion are visiting with the Wizard, which was the whole objective of the movie. They wanted to ask the Wizard for the things they thought they lacked. Anyway, I saw the large image of the Wizard on that movie screen when he is really behind a curtain and his face is like a monster talking to them. I ran home in terror of it and never saw the end of that movie for several decades later, as an adult!

The point is of all this is that each one of US, like Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion already have everything we need inside of us. We don't have to look outside of ourselves for knowing that there is no place like home, have a brain, a heart, and to have courage. They were all seeking something that they didn't know was already there. We don't always have to go Kansas to find God, nor to know who we are.

We just need to go within ourselves to find ourselves and there we are, and so is our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ.

Thank you Hank for asking and allowing me to ponder these thoughts today.

Hurray! I Finally found out (Lori helped me) how to download a picture of the Wizard of Oz cast to post here.

Dining out & Women's General Relief Society Meeting

The girls and I, along with Lori and her mom, Linda attended the Women's Conference today.



We ate before the conference at Dodo's in the Gateway. We walked from there to the Center. I took a few snap shots as we walked.



The First Presidency was there. The Relief Society General Presidency spoke first, then President Uchtdorf spoke.



The Women's Chorus and music was beautiful. Tracie's Highland Stake and the Alpine Stake participated. They sounded great, almost angelic.

This was inside the center. The stage was behind the speaker's podium. I will highlight the talks later.

It is late. Goodnight.

Spending time with the Fryers & The Political Debate

Erin took this picture and if I didn't know better that it was ME, it looks like my sister Linda. Anyone else agree besides me?

Tara busy working in her kitchen.



Erin, took a self portrait

Grandma with Jacob and Allie on the trampoline

The time spent with Tara and her family. I balanced all of them with my I-Health system. Russ was even most agreeable and had a turn too. All is good. Jacob liked it best when I jumped with him and Allie.

The political debate came on CNN and I watched it with them for over an hour and I had to leave. I listened to it in the car on KSL Radio on the way home. I thought the Republican candidate was most well prepared and had a handle of what he was talking about. The other one was a little fuzzy with his knowledge of foreign policy/history. Enough said. My patriotism comes shining through....no doubt.

Parker, My Buddy

Parker shows up downstairs in my room. He comes down and greets me with a smile. He is talking more and more now. He is a character. One second he is begging for a piece of candy and the next he is propped up on my bed enjoying that piece of candy he found on my desk.

He delights to jump on the mini-trampoline in my room too. He jumps with me when I am trying to exercise. He likes for me to hold his hand while we jump. The top picture is him on the tramp. He also likes to play with soap bubbles on the deck out back. He is fascinated with them in flight. It is a joy to see the wonder in a child's eyes and see through them for a few minutes at a time. It is heaven on earth.

Life is never dull with Parker around. I am blessed to be able to see him grow up like Joel, Aislyn and Ella day to day. I can understand how grandmothers get attached to their grand-babies seeing them on a daily basis. I love it!

How I miss not seeing my only great-grandson, William.

Serving the One

The time spent in service to my dear friend, Donaire is time well spent. She never ceases to tell me how much she appreciates what I do for her, and how much she loves me. I am the one who is blessed and go away spiritually fed. How can I help but to be blessed with a friend like her?

We went to her old shop and I had the pleasure of cutting her hair there. She is the professional extraordinaire, and I am the one privileged to trim her hair! I learn something from her every time. She even offered to teach me how to cut hair like she does. Her lessons are how the Europeans cut hair, not like the Americans--as she says. She has written a razor haircutting text book.

I just appreciate her so much and know she fills a need for me as well as I do for her as her friend. I am honored.

Training Reveiw and Listening to Promptings--

Today was uneventful for the most part. There was another all day training up in Farmington for i-health. I drove up this morning by myself. The traffic was congested when I got just past the point of the mountain between Alpine and Draper. The cause ended up being a really messy accident with three vehicles. One was a dump truck that happened to rear-end the guy in the middle! The delay was about half an hour.

I was very thankful to have gotten to my destination in Farmington safely. I learned more by going to the class again and glad I went. The way home was typical rush hour traffic.

My evening activity was to attend traffic school in Orem. Yes, but since I had my druthers by choosing that over a ticket and fine. The class and fees cost more than a fine, but keeps my driving record clear, which is a good thing. I learned that if you drive five miles over the speed limit in a school zone, you are ticketed no matter what. I think that is the reason that two tickets I have had were for that offense. I never believed the officers at the time that told me I had been going nine miles over the limit. It just hikes up the cost of the ticket by telling the drivers that, in my opinion of course. But neither one said that rule about five miles and you can be ticketed for speeding in a school zone. Never mind that the last one I received I was doing a good deed by taking my older friend, Donaire to a dental appointment. I had the impression to go a different way than I did, but ignored it by talking to her and was distracted to follow the instinct because I turned the opposite way onto 400 East in Orem. When I got the ticket the impression came back and I learned my lesson--a costly one at that.

A valuable lesson learned here. I need to follow through with a prompting and know how much less stress it would have made the difference of having to pay out the fees and cost of the class versus none at all. What a dear price to pay for not listening! Hmmmmmmmm. Hindsight is 20-20!!!

New Background

Anna, Eighth Grade, about thirteen years old with my grandmother, Anita Recio, at age fifty-seven. This was taken in June, 1957 at Knott's Berry Farm when admission was free!


I figured out how to download this new look. Rich in Reds, & Black. Only thing I haven't figured out is how to change the background for my title bar. Any suggestions welcomed.

Mom

Delicious Fruit Like Eating from the Tree of Life

This last month I have been immersed in studying for my Relief Society JOSEPH SMITH lesson. It has been a month of pure knowledge and intelligence flowing a steady stream of living water. It dawned on me today in sacrament meeting how the things that I heard and were taught from the speakers were like pearls of wisdom and knowledge. Treasures of knowledge from the Holy Ghost. My cup ranneth over.

A scripture was quoted from I Nephi of the vision he had when he asked to be able to see what his father saw when he saw the Tree of Life. I understood for that exact moment that what I was learning all month was like "tasting of the fruit that is delicious above all other fruit."

The principles taught in the lesson also piqued my interest regarding the Three Degrees of Glory. It was about fifty years ago, yes, fifty that I was first aware of their being three heavens in the New Testament.

I must have put those memories away that long ago, that when I was preparing myself and praying for understanding in how to present the lesson-- it came to my mind about when the missionary Elders were teaching my parents at our dining room table. They drew sketches to represent the three heavens. I remember a sketch that one of them drew to teach us the plan of salvation lesson.

Unfortunately the missionaries were unsuccessful in their attempt to bring our family the gospel of Jesus Christ at that crossroad in our lives. My younger brother, Albert, had recently died at birth and I often wondered years later if someone (LDS neighbors?) in the neighborhood had given the Elders our names to investigate the church. It would have been timely anyway. The rest is history.

My day was filled to overflowing with the knowledge and assurance of the plan of salvation that we will be reunited with our loved ones who have passed on. We sang a song in sacrament meeting as a rest song, hymn number 286. The (third)verse about seeing and embracing our loved ones on the other side really touched my heart. I know that is how it will be when I see my parents again. My apology that I don't have the name of the hymn. It has in the title, "dear in my heart" or something to that effect. I don't have a hymn book either in the house to look it up exactly. I quoted that verse as part of my lesson presentation.

I also attended a birthday dinner at Hank & Lori's for K8. Hank and Kris are in Germany, Hank is on an assignment and writing a news article for the National Guard soldiers who are deployed and stationed in Germany on a base near Munich. The two are having a great time so far as I have heard. K8 chose Hawaiian Haystacks for his birthday dinner. Bestamor & Bestafar were there as were Lynn and Linda with Mike and Meghan, Lori's cousin's who is going to BYU.

I finished off the evening and attended a single adult's fireside. Jack Christiansen spoke and gave "a great talk about Coming unto Christ."

I am now too tired to write anymore.
so until next time. Hasta Manana, Love Mom aka Anna

Addendum: I added this on Monday to complete this blog entry:

He, Bro. Jack Christiansen, likened the scripture references about Captain Moroni [to the Savior]. He stated that Mormon, who abridged the plates was so impressed with him and his leadership that he named his own son, Moroni after him. He also said that the brethren, i.e., Alma the younger, the son of Alma and the sons of Mosiah, Aaron, Ammon, etc. all became men of God, and even had the goodness of Jesus Christ. That Christ was the role model and the men were just like HIM! So really it is the Savior that Captain Moroni was emulating. I found this to be a wonderful mystery added to my memory bank.

He also related a journal account from Elder Dan Jones who loved the Prophet, Joseph Smith and followed him as knowing that even with what appeared to be human frailties, he would die with or even for Joseph. He didn't have to, and passed the test that Joseph put him through as the Prophet needed to know for himself whom he could trust.
He spoke for 45 minutes. Again, my day ended to overflowing with the testimony of the Savior and his love and sacrifice for every one of us. I am so indebted to him for my own salvation and those of my posterity. I also know Joseph Smith was the chosen Prophet of the Lord in the last dispensation to bring the restoration of the gospel for mankind. Doctrine and Covenants 135:3 states.

Doctrine & Covenants 135:3—written by Elder John Taylor of the Council of the Twelve, who was a witness of the events

"Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fullness of the everlasting gospel, (missionary work) which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth.; had brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instruction [Temple Endowment, sealing power] for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of Latter-day Saints [like Moses], founded a great city [Nauvoo], and left a fame and name that cannot be slain [was martyred]. He lived great, and died great in the eyes of God and his people’ and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated."

Some Days are like this!!! God Bless Yours.

Three Degrees of Glory

I am working on teaching on Sunday and am looking forward to sharing the things I learned at Education Week.

Mormon Times: Deseret News item

This article I cut out of the Deseret News looked like a fun family activity to go see before October 4. It is at the University Mall in Orem. It is The Leonardo de Vinci Experience
It lists over 60 of his inventions that will ignite your child's imagination with Leonardo's Genius!!


It looks like a very nice Family Field trip!! Check it out, family ticket is most economical!! It says it is in the South East corner of the mall.

Sermons We See

A nostaglic recollection of my Dad, Carlos. He would recite this poem below anytime anywhere when it came to mind. Even if he was driving along the highway, like here. We were going to California from Utah when this was taken. I like the profile of him and always wanted to learn how to paint this exact photo of him, and one of many.



The message is insightful. I hope you enjoy it...

Anna Maria, Robert & Charlie

This picture was taken in 1945 when my dad was in the service. I was about two here. I know my Dad actually carried this particular photo in his wallet of the three of us all these years. It was well worn and he cherished it. It is the only copy.


This is an archival photo, a rare one of my brothers and me in San Antonio near my paternal grandmother's home. I was just learning to walk, which I didn't do until I was sixteen months my mother said. My brothers had overcoats on and hats, they look like G-men or aka FBI agents. This was also after I had recovered from the dog bite on my head. That is why I didn't walk until five months after the accident, in the jaws of a German Shepard dog. My brothers, Bob and Carlos, Jr. look like they are holding me to stand steady.

I am so thankful that my life was spared, one of several times as I grew up. I know I have a great mission in this life.

Parker's Second Birthday

Today was Parker's second birthday. He is talking a lot these days. Yesterday at church in nursery, he received a packet of bubbles and play dough for his birthday. The nursery Daddies told him it was for his "Birthday." He had not said "birthday" before yesterday, since no one had told him it was coming. He learned it and was excited about his presents.

Today for his birthday, he had 2 cupcakes before he ate his dinner.
He had vanilla frosting all over his face.
He loved the Jello and peaches on his plate before he ate any meat or potatoes.

It was his BIRTHDAY! Aaron took some video shots and stills of his special day. He had awakened from a nap and seemed a little cross. Grandma made sure his quadrants were in place and he was good the rest of the meal. He opened his presents and was excited to get a plastic boat with a sail and rudders, he also was given a DVD of MICKEY MOUSE. Parker was in heaven.

You can take me out of Social Work, but not Social Work out of me

"When in the service of your fellow beings, ye are in the service of your God."










I received a desperate phone call this morning that took me to UVRMC. One of my former patient's niece needed some assistance to put things in order. I complied and was down there in record time. Forty-five minutes later I was on the seventh floor to find my friend's aunt.

She became a friend after we talked over her aunt's situation several years ago when I worked in hospice as a social worker. A lot had occurred since we last talked. Char would call me on occasion to ask for some advice of what to do next about her aunt.

She expressed her appreciation for my response to come to her aid. She was able to get the proper medical and legal power of attorney to make sure her aunt's care was not interrupted. It took most of the morning. I was grateful I had the time available to help her in short notice. I felt the guidance of the Holy Ghost with some of the suggestions I gave her. I knew it wasn't me, but help beyond myself.

I also had the impression there was a purpose in the timing of this good sister's illness and the need to have her niece take charge of her aunt's affairs. She had a urinary tract infection that brought her to the hospital and could have died had they not taken the measure to give her antibiotics. The doctor confirmed this while he visited with the patient and my friend while I was there.

The aunt is 91 years old. She is tired and feels it is her time to go on. Now that the basics are taken care of she can be assured that all is in order for her to rest in peace when she is ready. Her work is almost done, and had experienced a might change of heart since my friend had reconnected with her aunt. She wondered if her aunt had repented of the things she had made her go through that were most unpleasant during that trial. I reminded her that now that she had been back to church and her heart had softened, that by taking the sacrament her slate was made clear and clean.

She hadn't thought of it that way and was comforted to know since her aunt had had the mighty change and welcomed her back into her life. They had been like mother and daughter before. She was the daughter her aunt never had, and she the mother that she needed as she grew up. It was a happy reunion for them. I think it will all work out in the end.

Char said there is a lot she can do for her aunt when the time comes for her to go to the other side. I pointed out to her that in a year after her aunt passes away she will have the gospel re-taught to her and meet with her loved ones. She can do her aunt's temple work besides have her uncle's work completed and have them sealed. Then she can do the rest of her father's siblings temple work. She agreed.

I felt blessed to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord by serving someone in need of my abilities. I had prodded, and cajoled the staff at the hospital, and herded them to where this good sister could have the assistance she needed without being left on her own to fend for herself and be even more frustrated. She said she couldn't thank me enough.

I went away feeling good about it without worrying about my own time that was taken up by being there with her. I think I had an extra measure of patience and was blessed to be aware of this good friend's need and mine to serve.

When I came home, I had a few minutes to help look after Aislyn & Ella home from early day at school. Candice had just finished canning peaches at Alexa's and was on her way home. My visiting teaching companion arrived just as Candice arrived home, ready to go visit our three sisters.

We have one sister who is bed bound. Her husband takes good care of her, brings her to church every Sunday in a wheelchair, she has Alzheimer's and is only able to make eye contact, but unable to speak. We go each month and give her the message as if she can hear us, since we think she can. We talk to her just like we would the others and share with her the thoughts and our testimonies. There is such hope we leave for her. Today, our message was about being daughter's of God. I also mentioned that when she is released from her earthly body, she will have the joy of communicating with her loved ones at that time who are there on the other side. I know that her condition now will no longer be there as she goes into her next stage of life. She stared at me and I felt she understood. Some would not feel as inclined or comfortable speaking to someone who has no ability to answer.

I know that from my hospice experience and seeing others who are close to the veil, I discount no one from hearing or understanding when spoken to. It is a privilege to have this experience and share the gospel with this dear sister. Her husband is a saint as he cares for her himself each day without complaint.

The other two sisters we visit are a joy as well. I appreciate my companion, Jo Powell, who is 83 years young. She is a delight herself, and there are no barriers to our ability to communicate as equals. I learn a lot from her, and is a delightful visiting teaching companion. She is a widow, very active; she still teaches voice lessons, and is an accomplished, trained pianist in her own right. She is our ward organist and accompanist for the ward choir. I am in awe of her wisdom, boundless talent and energy.

Her testimony gives me a sweet feeling of her character and joy in living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is the center of her life and she bears all her burdens well. She never ceases to share her testimony of the Savior, his atonement and mission.

One of the Relief Society presidency sisters said once about Jo, that "she wanted to be like Jo when she grew up." Me too.

Familiar Story--Different Ending

I found this article online in the Daily Herald this morning. I thought many of you would recognize the thought that underlies it. The great thing about this is that WE can write our own stories and that includes the endings. It is a matter of choice.

Open Door To Hidden Talents

The player said he didn't sing. But the customer was persistent. He told the bartender, "I'm tired of listening to the piano. I want that guy to sing!"
The bartender told the piano player that if he wanted to get paid, he'll sing a song for the patron.

So he did. The piano player who had never sung in public did so for the very first time. And no one had ever heard the song "Sweet Lorraine" sung the way it was sung that night by none other than Nat King Cole.

He had talent he was sitting on. He may have lived the rest of his life as a no-name piano player in a no-name bar, but because he had to sing, he went on to become one of the best-known entertainers in America.

There's a lesson here for all of us. We all have hidden talents. Good companies understand this and give their employees opportunities to try different jobs and learn new skills. They never know when they might discover another Nat King Cole. As proof, I offer you the array of reality TV shows that invite contestants to sing, dance or perform their professed "talents" (that some actually possess) for a panel of judges and viewers. I give the contestants credit for trying.

I have a friend who is constantly asking me, "When is the last time you did something for the first time?" He wants me to stretch myself and to experience as many new adventures as I can.

I often advise people to learn and try as many skills as they can handle to make themselves indispensable to their companies. There's another benefit: You just might find a talent you didn't know you had, or discover a new job or career to pursue. Companies like 3M allow their researchers time to try their own projects, whether or not they are related to their regular jobs.

One local TV reporter has been job swapping with viewers -- she has been a firefighter, dog trainer, city manager, florist, baker and sanitation worker. She has demonstrated some hidden talents, along with a terrific sense of humor. So far, it doesn't appear that she is ready to abandon her TV gig.

I also advise people to take up hobbies or volunteer to give their brains a break from their regular routines. The hidden benefit there is that a change of scenery can stimulate your creativity, which in turn helps you discover other hidden abilities.

If you don't expand your wings, you might end up like the eagle that thought he was a prairie chicken. There once was a hiker who found an eagle's egg high on a mountain. Not knowing what kind of egg it was, he carried the egg down to the prairie and placed it in the nest of a prairie chicken.

The eaglet hatched with the brood of prairie chicks and grew up with them. All his life, the little eagle, thinking he was a prairie chicken, did what his fellow prairie chickens did. He scratched in the dirt for seeds and insects to eat. He clucked and cackled as they did. And he flew no more than a few feet off the ground. After all, he told himself, that's how prairie chickens are supposed to fly.

One day, the young eagle saw a magnificent bird flying high above in the cloudless prairie sky. The magnificent creature moved across the sky powered only by an occasional flap of its powerful wings.

"What a beautiful bird!" exclaimed the young eagle to one of his prairie chicken brothers. "I wonder what it is."

"That's an eagle, the king of birds," clucked his companion. "But don't get any ideas, you can never be like him." So the young eagle never gave it another thought. And so he lived out his life, close to the ground, thinking he was a prairie chicken, never daring to soar.

• Mackay's Moral: How will you know if you don't try?

• Harvey Mackay is the author of The New York Times' No. 1 best seller "Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive." He can be reached through his Web site, www.harveymackay.com, by e-mailing harvey@mackay.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by writing him at MackayMitchell Envelope Co, 2100 Elm St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.

Striking Resemblance,

Have you seen baby Joel lately up close? Well, he kind of looks like Aaron, his daddy, and his grandma!! This is a snap shot of me at about three months. Candice said it looks like maybe it was my christening day picture. Could be, I don't know. I also don't know who is holding me. It looks like it could be man's hand, but the arms are too hairless to be my DAD! The ring though looks like one he used to wear. Why they are hiding behind me is a mystery. Maybe my aunts would know who took this picture, since it looks like the street where my Nane lived on Pinto Street.




Anyway, back to the resemblance thing. I have some photos to download of Aaron as a newborn, that look just like Joel. It is dejavue! Will post more pics later....

Mom aka Anna

A day in the Life . . . . Anna's busy-ness.

Hank in uniform--


My day was all over the place it seems today. I woke up after fewer hours slept than I usually had. Read my scriptures and got breakfast (German Pancakes) ready for Tana and Nathan who just returned about 1:45 am this morning. I left Salem at Tana's, then went to pick up something from Tara's (in Spanish Fork) on my way home.

Tara and I visited briefly and asked if I was available to sleep over (not kidding either) at their house since she was going to Logan for Courtney and Jordyn's soccer game. I already had plans so suggested Sydney and Allie sleep over tonight and bring them here on her way out of town. So she did and ended up dropping them off as I was on my way to dinner with Tana & Nathan with the kids for her birthday.


Orem was on my way home from Tara's, so I stopped at Hank and Lori's for Kangen Water...I was all out of this amazing water. I filled my three gallon container. Hank was there so I visited with him briefly. Lori and I visited for a short while and I was on my way back to the house. I had actually just spoken to Hank yesterday and thanked him again for serving in the National Guard as he does and how much it meant to me. I got choked up when I talked to him then realizing the reality of what it means to have a son serve our country like he does. How can a mother not help but to be just a little proud of that?

I also managed to sandwich in all this an afternoon trip to Salt Lake City Airport to meet Matt, who had a couple of hours on his way from Seattle with a layover in SLC to connect to go to Atlanta. I had a late lunch with him and enjoyed it nevertheless given the short time slot. It is always a pleasure to me to have those one-on-ones with each of my children, no matter that they are now grown adults and parents themselves. Time is precious and I was glad I have had even an hour with Matt. It was worth it. Moms do that you know and I would go to the ends of the earth to spend time with them like I did today. I miss you a lot Matt, by the way. We ALL do.

I almost forgot to mention that I went to Tai Pan Imports on my way from the airport. Tana was going to a wedding reception early evening. She had a specific gift in mind and asked if I could stop by on my way home to find a cake server. The store was so inviting, I had never been there before. I browsed for about half an hour and couldn't get enough of it...but had to get on with the day. Traffic wasn't too bad at rush hour, since I was past 90th South and made good time.

Aaron & Candice joined Tana & Nathan with the kids and me at Mi Ranchito for dinner in Orem. It was kind of a last minute thing but it turned out. The kids were happy to spend time with their mom and dad since they'd just gotten back from Las Vegas in the wee hours of the day.

I finished up by visiting with Aaron & Candice in the parking lot after the others left. Just some catching up since I had been away most of the week! I left them to go to a single's dance activity in Provo. But, it was kind of a dud really so I left after about half an hour and came home to catch up on my blogging for the day...

So here you are, and good night.

9/11 Where were you on that day and time?

How I love my country and the American Flag--


I am curious where and what everyone was doing the time the Twin Towers were leveled on that fateful day, September 11, 2001. I remember I woke up and a prompting told me to turn on the TV. I did to the Today Show. I saw the first building as it was already hit. And then shortly after tuning in I saw another plane fly directly into the massive building to the left of the first tower.

It was a horrible site, to see that there were live people in that plane and crashed, caught fire and you all know the rest of that scene/history. That day, was a day of infamy, much like President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said about Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. I was stunned,frozen and didn't know what to do or who to call.

I called Lori after I got my wits about me to see if she had heard after about half an hour passed. I just sat there glued to the TV screen in disbelief that anyone could plot such an evil deed. I just remember telling Lori about it considering with Hank in the military I was surprised she hadn't heard yet. Anyway the words came to my lips, and I said, "There was likely going to be War, and our lives would never be the same again." I didn't know how fulfilling those words would become and effect us and impact the way it has ever since.

The impact of this event also reminded me of when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated November 22, 1963. It was one of those days that one remembers where they were and what they were doing at the time the news hit the news. These kinds of things affect us, tragedy and all. It seems like a nightmare and it would end the moment I woke up. Sadly, it was not so, but for real.

One-0n- One time, German Pancakes & S'berry jam

I guess we never get too old for one-on-one time with Mom...right? It is something I cherish, since all of my children have grown and left the nest. Little birds are nurtured from their mothers and are all hungrily bidding for food--

Yesterday I spent several hours with Tara visiting with Austin & Jackson playing with Allie while the girls were at school. I don't know about Tara, but I felt the time was well spent as if "talk time." I even had ten minutes jumping on the trampoline with the kids; they really thought it was a hoot to see grandma jumping with them and making them go even higher than by themselves.



I got up early again this morning and rather liked the quiet hour to myself. I read Helaman Chapter six. I am pleased to have read and see how the past warns us about our current events going on in the world. All I can say is and suggest is that I felt the need to really stay close to the spirit through reading the Book of Mormon regularly to know and discern these times we are in the midst of.

This coming election is a pivotal event. A lot depends on truth and righteousness to prevail. I pray the masses will be informed to know the left from the right so to speak, if not literally. Please I beg everyone of you who read this to do not be complacent or apathetic about the political scene. I was impressed at how informed Tara is about these things as she shared what she learned about the candidates from subscribing to Newsweek. She gave me a couple of old issues to read up on it.

I made German Pancakes for breakfast. The kids loved them. It was a choice between those or crepes. I opted for the baked fluffy eggs topped with homemade strawberry jam. Aislyn, Ella, & Parker besides Aaron & Candice love it when I whip up theirs on Sunday mornings..they like theirs with syrup and raspberry jam. I don't mind the time it takes to do things like this for my family. It serves them and blesses me.

How do you like the Playlist music selections? Beth helped me set it up. Some of the songs I wanted must be unavailable, sorry about that. I really like what were accessible. Josh Groban has the "So She Dances," on a CD, but was not playing. I have that CD and play it sometimes. It is on my iPod.

Once I get the hang of it I can update and change some of them. That Danny Boy version was not familiar to me. I picked an instrumental but maybe the MoTab Choir version will fly better...whatever. I hadn't heard Harry Connick, Jr's version. He reminds me a little of Frank Sinatra. Whoa, that dates me..age wise. Hmmmmmm.

I think I left my camera at home and my photo files are not with me, but on my computer at home. So watch for some editing later with the pictures.