Blessed to Serve as Substitute~Pay Back Time

This represents the purity in dressing in white in the Temple


It isn't asked very often for me to fill in for someone else that has extended their time for me when I needed to be away. Today was one of those times I returned the favor to one of the Temple Sisters I work with who needed me to fill in for her.

Those assignments are somewhat abbreviated, but a wonderful experience. I am getting to know more sisters that way. It feels good, even though I am not a regular they were so kind to me and expressed their appreciation for being there today. How can I refuse that? The patrons were very kind and sweet. I loved doing this work.

I learn something new each time. One sister told of someone seeing her husband briefly in the temple who knew him. She was in the temple to do some family sealings but did not see him herself. She had been a widow nineteen years, she said. So it was an outstanding experience to know someone saw him and told her.

I know the veil is thinner at some times more than others. This was one of them. I was excused early so stayed to do initiatory as a patron. I was there from noon to five thirty. I took a light lunch from home.

I had an unexpected tender mercy. I had the privilege of saying the veil in Spanish! I had done it before for a Spanish session a few months ago and learned how to say it . I was able to help a sister, and it felt amazing hear myself in Spanish. It was beautiful in the language of my ancestors. Unique.

I spent some time in the Celestial room praying. . . and always seem to find the same favored spot to go sit. I rarely find anyone in that spot when I am there. It is something that amazes me to find that place available each time. It is quiet and feels good. I love the feel of that special room. The patrons come and go and seem to leave that special spot for me especially. It is a tender mercy that only He knows between him and me of the intent of my heart, and fills me and embraces me in the arms of his LOVE.

Rainy Days & Monday--Family Night with the Ks

Today took me to Tracie's to watch Mady and Lukie while Tracie worked at a new MRI job in Orem. Everything went smoothly and I even helped make a chicken vegetable soup per her instructions. It felt good to help her out so her little ones could be in their own home while mama went to work. Jared came home from his work and helped take over until Tracie finished her work.

I think the medical profession is in such demand with Tracie's MRI training that it helps her and Jared to be able to work together to take care of their family's needs. Part time is better than full time, and not an easy chore. They are both hard workers and do well working side by side in whatever they tackled. I am glad to be a support when I can and it gives me an opportunity to influence my grandchildren. Oh, the joys of 'grandma-hood.'

I shifted gears and went home; I got ready to go to a family activity with Hank & Lori. K2 was performing with his Ballroom Dance class at Mt. View High this evening. It was very entertaining and it felt good to go and watch the variety of dance numbers. K2 was in two of them. He looks to be a great dancer, confident in his dance steps. He is also talented and blessed with a good singing voice. He has participated in Acapella too. His mother and dad have excellent voices and blend very well when they sing together. It comes naturally from K1 to K6.

K2 in his dad's camouflage shirt


I noticed a lot of the young men at different abilities to dance confidently or with two left feet. I observed that the some of the shorter young men were the best dancers. They, in the future should have no problem finding a companion to dance with that likes it as much as they do and be confident in their ability to dance around the dance floor.

There was a young fellow dancing who reminded me of Gene Kelly with his white hat and "dancing in the rain" kind of number, umbrella and all! He did get the girl in the end too. There was another number that went back to the Vietnam War. K2 danced in that number to "Hey, Jude." It had a military theme and was wearing Hank's discontinued camouflage military uniform shirt. I shed a tear of sorrow as I felt those old memories creep back about memorializing those soldiers who gave their lives in the cause of the Vietnam War back then.

I remember so many young classmates who didn't come back from that war and I had not mourned for them like I did last night. I hope they know they did not die in vain, as those who have given of their lives in the current Iraq/Afghanistan wars have not died in vain either. It made me appreciate the fact that I had a husband who was not called into the war and I had my children during the time of that war when so many did not have that blessing. It was an astounding revelation of gratitude for God's tender mercies to grant me that in my life. I never realized it in that way. But then, I am a child of the Second Great War, born in the interim of that world conflict. My father was not in the war effort until the very last months of it and by then I was almost two years old. He had a medical deferment but was inducted to help out to serve in the United States instead of the actual war overseas.

Now, what a tender mercy to be most grateful about in my life now that I have a third generation great-grandson in my posterity. I am not old. . . . am I?


K2 and Hank at the Dance Concert tonight.

Over all the program was lively, and uplifting. I am glad I went. The best part was just being there with some of my children and grandchildren. I had a long day, but was none the worse for the wear yet enjoyed the day with my grandchildren.

Ward Hopping, Attended meetings, Dinner with the Ks

Three different meetings, three different wards all in one day! This was a very rewarding day for me. It was kind of like my whole last week was, a real "high," spirit-wise and emotionally. Each day was a gift that was opened and enjoyed.

It was really one of my happiest weeks as well. All I can attribute that to is the increased attendance to the temple and the flow of events. I as enlightened so much with the prompting of the Spirit and the wonderful things I learned line upon line.

I attended my own home ward sacrament meeting which was Fast and Testimony Sunday with Conference next week. I bore my testimony and shared how I felt an extra measure of an outpouring of the spirit. I knew it was with many blessings of obedience to the challenge our stake president and bishop gave us to attend the temple as many times as possible this week.

I went later in the afternoon to Tanise's Gospel Doctrine class she teaches in her Orem ward. Her lesson was about missionary work. She had called me to ask me some questions about my missionary story so went unannounced and it well well, of course.
There a couple of sisters in her ward that I knew from my temple shift and got reacquainted with them since they didn't know I was Tanise's Mom. They have known Tanise for many years, so it was nice from me to get to know them too. They think so highly of her already, so it made my day to be called "Tanise's Mom."

Moving on from her ward I sent to my old Cascade Second ward that I had been for twenty years I decided to go to their Relief Society instead of heading to Hank's for dinner just yet. I had a couple of hours before their meal so it was a great fill in time to visit. It was also great to be visiting and seeing them under favorable circumstances. I was just there a month ago for a funeral so was delighted this was a happy occasion. It made MY week too. It was about reconnecting with old friends who remember me and still love me!! It was like a mini-reunion.

I made one more stop to visit Donaire, my friend who cuts my hair, the Jewish lady who is eighty-five and loves to have me come visit her any day any time. Then I was on my way again to Hank and Lori's for dinner. We had London Broil, her dad barbequed it for everyone. Hank came home from his ward meetings with dinner on the table. His new calling as bishop keeps hi busy and he is fortunate to have the dinner hour on Sundays with his family. I catch up on all the family stuff when I am there too. It is all good. I am blessed beyond my ability to comprehend them all.


Today was also a milestone for me, that forty years ago today I received my temple endowments in the Los Angeles Temple and my children were also sealed to me the same day. Families Can BE Together Forever.

Blessed Day Drawing upon the powers of Heaven--in the Temple

I am just going to make a short entry here today. I was blessed to spend another great evening in the best place on earth that is closest to heaven! The Mount Timpanogos Temple.

I had tried all day to get some family history work done, only to find that the center I went to was closed on Saturdays. Then, I went to the one by the temple to discover it closed earlier than it does during the week. Well, my logic was to go do that first, then go to the temple on Saturday afternoon to get to see all of my friends that I used to work with on Saturday third shift. I really miss the camaraderie and association with the ones I worked with week to week. Even one of the brethren I saw told me he missed seeing me since I have not been there since the end of February when I changed my day to work at the temple on Saturday evenings to Thursday mornings.



I was able to get in another endowment session after doing initiatory work. I have more names to do than I had originally counted. I had eighteen females names to do instead of twelve. I was able to get six of those completed. So I still have quite a few more to do. I am going on Wednesday next week with a friend of mine, (Jan) to the Provo Temple. She and I get together every couple of months and go to Mt. Timpanogos Temple or Provo Temple. She lives in Payson, so it is our turn to go to the one nearest her. We usually go to lunch as well. It will be nice to have that time together.

We have been friends for over twenty years. I used to visit teach her in my old Cascade Ward when she first moved from California. We have remained friends, almost like sisters. She became a widow when she lost the husband she was married to when I first met her. She had since remarried several years later and lives in Payson.
All of my children know her and her husband and are almost like family. I have none of my own siblings in Utah, so she fills that gap in my life.

What a blessing it is to live so close to a temple and attend it as often as I want to go. I like this habit to go everyday it is open so I can make sure the work is completed. It has been a couple of years that I have had them, so it is time to get them finished. I don't know why I waited so long to do them. It just took a little motivation from my stake presidency. It is a good habit and I want to keep doing the work too. It feels good and like the peace it gives me each day.

Our bishop tells us . . "when we go into the temple often, the temple will be in US." I bear testimony of this to be true.

Another Wonderful Day Remembering Traditions of the Fathers

The Charro, An Elegante Mexican Cowboy

These two photographs bring back vague recollections of my early childhood when we lived in San Antonio. Our family moved to Chicago when I was four and a half. I remember the parades we would go to in downtown San Antonio in October. The Charros would dress in their costumes much like the Mariachis. The music reminds me of my childhood and has familiar tunes that bring tears to my eyes because I know that my ancestors dressed in these familiar suits. They played trumpets, guitars, and played violins as part of their entertainment to the crowds.

This is actually Jose Angel--> Lopez, Jr. Son of Jose Angel Lopez, Sr. and Nestora Garcia Who just may be the mystery man in the group Mariachi Band.

Below you can see a picture of a group of Mariachis. One of my great-grand fathers performed in a Mariachi band. Quite a treasure to capture the band in this group. That base Sax is held by him. No wonder I like Kenny G!

I always believed this photo was of Felicano Recio, Sr. But, then again it could be Jose Angel Lopez, Sr, instead who was the second spouse to my great-grandmother, Nestora Garcia. This is a mystery that one of my second cousins mentioned once that she did not recognize the musician as "our" great-grandfather, Feliciano Recio. This is what my mother had always recounted. But I found a (head shot)picture of Nestora's second husband and the back of the photo said, J"oe's" dad, or father. It had a striking resemblance to the latter than the former great-grandfather. Astounding, is all I can comment about this.

Nestora Garcia--my mother's grandmother, wife of Feliciano Recio


This is the great-grandfather I always thought was Feliciano Recio, Nestora's first husband and father to Anita Recio, he was my mother's maternal grandfather.


Photos of Dia De Los Muertos



Mexican Mariachi Bands today.


Eduiges Ulloa Rodriguez, widow about 1920 with her family.
This is a family picture of my paternal grandfather, Ricardo Rodriguez. It is the only picture I have in my computer. I have others of him but somehow have not put them on disc yet, same as those of my own father's pictures that I have in a box to copy. Today, was his 111th birthday, he was born March 28, 1888. He died at age 95, on November 9, 1983. His wife, my grandmother, Maria, died four years later that same month with a week of his passing, November 14, 1987.

Another Awesome Day to Match Yesterday's Tender Mercies and Recollections

I focused today on learning what the meaning of the ordinances are that we do in the temple. I am amazed of the concepts that I had never considered and learned. It is true, that we are literally taught from on high when we are within the walls of the holy temples. It is my witness that all that is needed is to ask, whether it is in prayer or thought. I know God is omnipotent and hears our prayers and thoughts. Incredible.

I saw so many people that I knew and even had a sister, Syd C., from son, Hank's ward who agreed to do one of the temple names I had. Two more down for today. One of the most rewarding things I felt was seeing my bishop there as we both got there at the same time. He was in the same session as I was and several other ward members as well. I felt so much love for them and the feeling of unity being there with them.

As I was leaving I picked up another temple schedule for my bag. Then I saw a former ward member when my Dad, Carlos was in the ward with me. Brother Verl Doman stood at the front recommend desk. He was so cheerful and so glad to see me, he gave me a hug as he walked to meet me. He glowed as usual, he has such a spiritual light about him, really. He actually taught Grandpa Rodriguez as he was our ward mission leader. He spoke so kindly of my dad, and we reminisced about those memories. It felt so good to see him and Susan and recall my gratitude for all that he did for my dad when he was so teachable while living with me, but then moved to Idaho.

To continue the saga about Grandpa's Temple work:

Verl and Susan had returned from their mission in England with Public Affairs several months after my dad had passed away. I ended up asking him if he wanted to baptized Carlos and he answered in the affirmative, anytime. I told him he would have to wait for the anniversary of a year from Daddy's death.

This was in late June 2004, so we would have to wait until September to perform his baptism. Verl gave me his phone number, and I wrote it in my scriptures facing the title page to be sure not to lose the number to call when it came time. Well, the time came so Aaron was proxy and Bro Doman performed the baptism at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple one day after the anniversary of his passing.

The rest of the temple work would have to wait per son, Hank's request until came back from Cuba on leave the following month. It was a great time for me, and all of us to finally have my sealing to my parents and my deceased brothers'; and grandparents and for my own parents to be sealed to each other as husband and wife forever. I have a family tradition to enjoy a feast party each year to give recognition of that marvelous day. I try to have tamales and traditional Mexican food in their memory. The anniversary is two days before, El Dia de Los Muertos. Or All Souls Day and the day before Hallowed Eve aka Halloween.

I am so grateful for the blessing it is to have these ordinances as a welding link to connect our families forever.

Tender Mercies~~Long , But A Must Read

Life is good, beautiful, amazing and incredible. This week has unfolded and borders magnificent! I find such in doing this work.

Thursday is my regular temple day, and my day starts practically in the middle of the night, so it seems. I set my alarm for 4:15 a.m. I woke up and 3:30. I set the alarm for five minutes later; @ 4:20 and I went back to bed. But, I only slept a few winks. Then I noticed it was 4:15. So I got up and turned off the alarm and took my shower anyway. I like to shower in the morning to wash my hair and dry it fresh for the temple. Otherwise if I shower before going to bed, my hair will not look freshly done. Sometimes I shower before going to bed especially if I go to bed really late. Then I wash my hair in the morning which takes less time than showering in the morning so I can sleep a little longer...that is my logic. Ok?

I had a great assignment schedule for the whole time today. My first one was initiatory. I really enjoyed that and felt a very sweet overwhelming Spirit as I worked with the other sisters. I could hardly speak, I felt the Holy Ghost give me many pearls of knowledge and thought of them as "nuggets of gold" as well.

Before leaving home this morning I had decided I would just stay after my regular shift and do an endowment before going home. I had my packet of (12) names and was ready to do one. Then, imagine my surprise as it turned out, that one of my assignments was to be a patron for an endowment session! I could hardly contain my satisfaction.

I later thanked the shift coordinator who makes all assignments the day ahead. She told me another inspirational story about a tender mercy she and the assistant coordinator had happen that was clearly a witness of how much God is in charge and watches over us in our daily tasks to the smalled detail.

I thought yesterday was amazing, but today was marvelous!! I come away each day I go to the temple wondering if life gets any better than this. It fills my soul and comforts me, sustaining me for another of my daily sustenance of the Spirit.

The Spirit was so sweet, I felt so close to the veil while I served that I had a fleeting thought, "is it possible to be too close to the veil without being taken to the other side of it?" I received so many mini-revelations that I have to write them somewhere else besides here, they are so dear to my heart and very sacred.

I know I am blessed along with my children, as are their families and those I care about for the temple being in ME and me in the temple. I can hardly contain all the blessings when I think about the richness of those tender mercies that are showered upon me, et al.

The frosting on the cake? I greeted my stake president, shook his hand and thanked him for his inspiration and challenge our stake members to attend the temple this week as many times as we possibly could. I saw several members of my ward there too in the same session I attended. I even sat next to a sister in our ward who nudged we when she came in to sit next to me.

I felt such a close bond to the Savior and wept for joy to be able to do this work in His name and in the holy temple. My understanding is increased of his magnificence, His glory and abounding love for me and all of us. I felt his love radiate through me as I served at each post. I know that is the greatest feeling I can describe to anyone who might read this to understand only a particle of how I feel right now. Words seems inadequate, yet it is very sacred to me.

I am grateful to be writing these kinds of things to acknowledge His daily goodness and hand in my life personally and for my posterity. I am embraced in the arms of His LOVE!!! This is my testimony, in His holy name, even Jesus Christ. Amen.

Marathoning Temple Attendance this week

This week is stake temple week for American Fork West Stake. Our Stake President asked us to go to the temple as much as we can this week in honor of the Draper Temple dedication this last week. Tuesday the temple was full almost for the six a. m. session. I went this morning, later to the 10:00 am session and it was even more so, there were over sixty sisters and about thirty-five brethren.

I did an endowment for a family file name of my Mexico ancestors, dated 1565. I did some initiatory for someone who had put names in the A.F. West Stake family file after the session.

The blessing of going to the temple often is that it is much like tithing your time. I always get more done the day or week I go and I LIKE IT! It is not so much a sacrifice of sleep as much as it is making a commitment and just going and doing it.

I notice that when I decide the night before, nothing is going to let me sleep in and I wake up at the time I wanted to get up to go. I already know that there is no sense in fighting to go back to sleep, since it doesn't help. So I dress and I am there on my way. The temple is only two miles away and I enjoy spending time in the temple.

I feel such a peace and understanding of things I pray about and feel a closeness to my family as I pray for them and others in the Celestial Room.

It is my prayer that the blessings of the work for these my kindred will multiply and be a blessing to me and my posterity. I bear my witness that this work is so important and helps bring our families together both here and on the other side of the veil.

How Sweet Is The Work! I look forward to going each week to serve as a worker. My joy is increased and my heart is full of joy. I encourage all who read this to take the time to go to the temple and gain your own witness of the blessings the temple is in your own lives. God bless you all.

Sharpening the Proverbial Saw

I attended the six o'clock a.m. endowment session this morning before reporting to Tracie & Jared's to take care of Mady and Luke today. I had planned to go when Tracie called me in a panic to find a sitter for her two little ones.

Grandma could not say no, so I put my schedule to include my commitment to do a session beside keep intentions. I worked it out to go early before going to Tracie's. It felt good to be out and about and felt like I had a good day with the kids. They were very well behaved and felt like I had a tender mercy with the kids.

Mady stayed home from school and had a good long nap; Luke did the same, at different times than his sister. But, I got a short nap besides with making my day start so early I needed it. We even took a ride down to Provo to run an errand and they loved it too.




I noticed how smoothly my day went. The only thing I did different was put the Lord first, and He took care of the rest of my day. What a tender mercy/blessing. It was as if I was sharpening an invisible saw, that made my day go perfectly well.

I noticed that promptings of the Spirit would come unrestrained, which gave me uplifting moments in my conversations today.

Milestone Anniversary Day March 23, 1968

Photo taken the day after baptism, forty-one years ago. How the styles have changed.
Hank, Sr, Anna, Hank (son) & Tanise March 24, 1968
Garden Grove VI ward, Garden Grove, California




Family Picture taken in April 1968--Hank, Anna, Hank (son), Tanise

One Year Later, March 1969 @ Los Angeles Temple, Randy, one of our missionaries,& Dan from bishopric. Tara new addition to family,7 wks old.

Draper Temple Dedication~Family Visit

The temple dedication was this afternoon. What a blessing to be able to attend the service via satellite in our own stake center. All the stakes in Utah had access to the broadcast. Our lives are enriched and brings us the message of blessing those who are on the other side of the veil.

I am looking forward to attending the temple this week several times for our stake "Temple Week." I have about a dozen female names and hope to get some of the work complete. There was a comment made that as we go to the temple often, the temple will be in us, in our lives. I know this to be true.
Aaron, Aislyn and I were able to attend, Candice stayed with the other children at home. Parker was sick too and on the mend.

We went to Hank and Lori's later to get together with Joanna, who is visiting from Cincinnati with her sister, Lindsay and her little daughter, Lauren. We had a chance to chat with Michael on the Mac webcam. It was great to get to visit with him as well. Hank's house was the meeting place, Tanise, and Aaron and family were able to visit as well as their dad, Hank, Sr.

High On A Mountain Top "written on the pages of my heart."

I turned my TV to the BYU Broadcasting cable channel and saw a familiar program which reminded me of a page that has been "written on the pages of my heart." I
This morning that same song sung at the closing of "The Spoken Word brought memories of an underlying meaning to my heart. Years ago, in fact Aaron was just a babe in arms, (he is now 31 yrs old) when I had an impression about "High on a mountain top--a banner is unfurled." It happened as the congregation was singing this song as the opening hymn. I sat there in the meeting, baby in my arms and had a panorama when I saw in my mind's eye of [seeing] Captain Moroni raise the title of liberty.

Ever since then from time to time it brings that peace and assurance of our country for which it stands is freedom and all the blessings and rights that allow us to worship according to the dictates of our own conscience.

My country, along with our precious freedoms has always meant a lot to me. My heart strings are so tied to the freedoms that it represents and the many lives that were given to make our country free.




From the scriptures"

1.
Alma 46: 13, 36
13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land—
• • •
36 And it came to pass also, that he caused the title of liberty to be hoisted upon every tower which was in all the land, which was possessed by the Nephites; and thus Moroni planted the standard of liberty among the Nephites.
2.
Alma 51: 20
20 And the remainder of those dissenters, rather than be smitten down to the earth by the sword, yielded to the standard of liberty, and were compelled to hoist the title of liberty upon their towers, and in their cities, and to take up arms in defense of their country.


I appreciate the opportunity to recall that tender sight if only in my mind of Captain Moroni and his courageous effort to raise the title of liberty for the freedom to embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ. I also find strength in my testimony of the Book of Mormon and the scriptures that bring the peace and comfort to my soul.

Today, I pray that throughout the day, all of us who read this can give an extra prayer of gratitude for the many sacrifices that were made in our behalf, not only of our beloved Savior, but of the brave and dedicated servants of the Lord who died or give of their time and service to preserve our freedoms for our title of liberty. God bless them all.

Angels in our midst--

2 Ne. 31: 20
20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

2 Ne. 32: 3
3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.



What a blessing it is to read the scriptures daily. It has become my Urim and Thummim, for many times after reading them FIRST, the clarity of mind is helpful in the things I choose to do or find the inspiration to move forward or give service to those around me. My heart is full of gratitude to stand steadfast in this goal and the blessing it is in my life as if manna from heaven.


Manna from Heaven--

Seasons of Our Lives--Perfect Cup of Tea

Enrichment Night--Tonight Candice and I went to our ward Relief Society. We had a delicious Cafe' Rio catered dinner. Their salads are amazing and the Cilantro-Lime dressing is heavenly.

The Enrichment committee does a great job and had chosen several sisters to share their testimonies how they draw closer to the Savior in their various stages in life. It was very uplifting and they had Emily A. sing "I Feel My Savior's Love." Great job. Her brother accompanied her and did a wonderful job. He played with the spirit and both were successful in delivering a beautiful musical number.

My cup was filled to overflowing.

Does Tomorrow Ever Come?

"How fragile life, how certain death. We do not know when we will be required to leave this mortal existence. And so I ask, “What are we doing with today?” If we live only for tomorrow, we’ll eventually have a lot of empty yesterdays. Have we been guilty of declaring, “I’ve been thinking about making some course corrections in my life. I plan to take the first step—tomorrow”? With such thinking, tomorrow is forever. Such tomorrows rarely come unless we do something about them today."


President Thomas S. Monson

Poem by R.L. Sharpe

Isn't it strange how princes and kings,
and clowns that caper in sawdust rings,
and common people, like you and me,
are builders for eternity?

Each is given a list of rules;
a shapeless mass; a bag of tools.
And each must fashion, ere life is flown,
A stumbling block, or a Stepping-Stone.




Each of us comes to earth and endures the trials of life. We see others go through various situations with illness, death, divorce, or the untimely loss of loved ones.

I attended a viewing this evening for a precious little baby girl who lived fourteen months. Her parents knew she would be their child for as long as Heavenly Father allowed their daughter to linger. She was their first child too, her health problems eventually took her from them.

My compassion for them and the love I have for them and their little girl seemed to help them know how (us), their friends and family are there for them and bear their grief with them. We are to bear one another's burdens. I came away grateful for my own trials. A person feels so helpless at times like this on how to comfort those going through the most difficult time they have ever had to endure. It is part of life.

Tis Sweet His Matchless Love--

Tribute--

Mercydez Haws' Obit--written by her parents, Nic & Ashley~~See their blog site: nicandashleyhawsfamily.blogspot.com/


"Our Miracle"

"Our sweet, beautiful and perfect Mercydez passed away in the sacred early morning hours on Sunday, March 15th, 2009 due to complications of Complex Congenital Heart Disease.

Mercydez brought a great deal of joy and light when she entered the world on January 3rd, 2008. She blessed her parents, Nic and Ashley Haws, each and every day. She fought and endured a great deal. Mercydez, our Mercy, is a true testimony that our Father in Heaven loves us and grants miracles every day.

Mercydez, our sweet, silly little girl, we love you with all our hearts! We will miss your beautiful personality! We will miss the precious time we had with you! We desperately miss you! We can't wait to be with you again! Thank you for enduring so much! Thank you for touching and changing the lives of so many!

Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 18th, 2009 at 11:00am at the Sundberg-Olpin Chapel located at 495 South State Street in Orem, Utah. There will be a viewing Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00pm at the same location and from 9:45-10:45am prior to services. Interment: Provo City Cemetery Angel's Garden.

Oh, our little Snuggle Bug! How we love you! We can't wait to hold you in our arms again!"

Valiant in the Cause of Christ

My Relief Society lesson was today and I made mental and actual notes of the talks presented in Sacrament meeting. There were so many ways that stand out of how to become VALIANT in the cause of Christ, which was the title of my lesson.

This lesson impacted me personally to make note of what I can do to be more valiant in my life. Temple attendance and dedication to the Lord are what has helped me be aware as the most important factor. Multiply that by obedience to the commandments, service to my family, paying tithes and offerings, as it all blesses me in my life beyond words. My heart is full of gratitude of the blessings I receive in return. I am in awe of the goodness and tender mercies. My membership in this Church mean everything, and brings me closer to my Savior.

Now, I am by no means perfected yet. I have miles to go for that. I am just so grateful for the love Jesus has for me and I stand ALL amazed at that love which sustains me. Everyday I am blessed by the atonement and the promises made of eternal life and the hope to see my parents again and be with them in the presence of God and Jesus Christ. It goes without saying it includes the promise of being with my children and all my posterity and the hope of an eternal companion. I know that II Nephi 9: tells us that the infinite atonement was made possible through Him and he is at the gate when we go from this life to the next.

Joseph and Hyrum Smith's statue at Carthage Jail in Illinois. I acknowledge the martyrdom of Joseph and his brother at Carthage Jail in Illinois, not far from Nauvoo. The lesson powerfully portrayed their Valiance in the Cause of Christ.

If it was not for Joseph Smith and his calling as Prophet of the restoration, where would we be now? I also especially know our beloved prophet, Thomas S. Monson is God's chosen prophet to lead us and guide us through these troubled times today.

President Monson and his counselors, President Henry B. Eyring, Deiter F. Uchtdorf

Munch with the Lunch Bunch

This afternoon I met my children for lunch with their dad. It isn't very often we all get to have a weekend lunch time together. We went to the Paradise Bakery Cafe. Anything on the menu is delicious.

They make the best sandwiches, salads and soups there! I went before with my girls just after the first of the year when we went to visit Tracie in the hospital at St. Mark's. I am thankful for the times we get together and share one another's company. Besides the pleasure of that and great food.

These Boots--

<--Anna Maria One year old



Anita Recio--maternal grandmother 1940--

My grandmother was a Cowgirl. These boots reminded me of her.



These Boots Are Made for Walkin'song by Nancy Sinatra, 1966

"You keep saying you've got something for me.
something you call love, but confess.
You've been a messin' where you shouldn't have been a messin'
and now someone else is gettin' all your best.

These boots are made for walking, and that's just what they'll do
one of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you.


~Cecil Cavender & Anita Recio ca. 1939--Brownsville, Texas with BIG BOY~


You keep lying, when you oughta be truthin'
and you keep losin' when you oughta not bet.
You keep samin' when you oughta be a changin'.
Now what's right is right, but you ain't been right yet.

These boots are made for walking, and that's just what they'll do
one of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you.

You keep playin' where you shouldn't be a playin
and you keep thinkin' that you´ll never get burnt.
Ha!

I just found me a brand new box of matches yeah
and what he knows you ain't HAD time to learn.

These boots are made for walking, and that's just what they'll do
one of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you.

Are you ready boots? Start walkin'!"

Note:
My grandmother at this time in her life was similar to the words in the song. Glad my own life has better circumstances than hers in that respect. She kept a steady course and things seemed to go in her favor in the long term. God bless her in trials that beset her for which she overcame. I treasure the pictures that tell her story in that form. I admire her also.

Observation--

I noticed something that makes sense since our server was down recently for four days. The internet was inaccessible, so thought it was a minor problem. The technician came out on Monday. Imagine the number of times the loss of use of the internet impacted our (long) weekend.

It seemed like forever to me. I have a routine that I read my scriptures online and like to listen to them also. I am preparing a R.S. lesson and like to also listen to it several times, over and over at a time to get a feel for it and process the it to see what I receive to present when given. The absence of my routine made a difference so I had to read my scriptures directly. Now it was a good thing, just made me appreciate what I was used to doing. Not a big deal, really, even if I couldn't check my emails or send any!!!




It would be the last thing I would want to make a big dent in my routine to bother me. It is important as I discovered to be flexible and not get stuck or obsess over it. It is almost like when the power goes out. Things have to be considered and worked around. That is what life is about. Change is good, and we get to deal with it every day. Right?

I count my blessings to have the ability to make lemonade out of the lemons of life. In the full scheme of things, what did it really matter. It turns out that the internet problem next time could be remedied within a few minutes. It happened again this morning and knowing how to fix it made my morning go a lot better.

Hallelujah!!!

Meals for a Month Madness

Our ward has an Enrichment group that makes meals and trade them for a month's worth of meals. It is a creative way to prepare meals for twelve recipes and share them. The great thing is that all they have to do is thaw these freezer meals and bake them and eat delicious food.

I help with the production line and it is a nice way to give of my time and help Candice with the assignment. It saves her time and is a great budget stretcher.

I remember when Tracie and Tara would get together many years ago, at least five, and do that together and have meals that saved them time and effort to have to come up with "what to make for dinner" syndrome.


Chicken Divan--you practically have to be a mathematician and chemist to figure how how many quarts and cups of ingredients the recipe translates to for twelve meal trays. The "club" supplies the disposable pans and that way everyone has the same amount to fix for the meals. A most creative way to save and eat nutritiously at the same time.

My Heavenly Father Knows Me and Cares

I cannot really explain here a tenth of what I feel and know of a surety. I am so grateful and recognize His hand in my life, and know He is in charge. My blessings are so numerous.

I went this morning to a new shift at the temple for the early morning shift. I felt I needed to sacrifice a little sleep at the beginning of my day, instead of at the end. I like the freshness of my mind and the closeness of the spirit at the early hours of my day. I set the alarm for 4:15 a.m.

I even rolled out of bed as the alarm went off; and put the "snooze" button on and got up after just five minutes. I was there on time at 5:00 to be in prayer meeting at 5:15. I even sang two songs with the other sisters before it started. I like the singing time and felt a strong sweet spirit there among these fine sisters. They welcomed me with open arms. It felt good.

Even though I didn't know too many of them, I was welcomed as if they knew me already. I recognized Sister Workman from son, Hank's Orem ward. The shift was a lot quieter than the Saturday evening but, I was busy anyway. I also had a half hour to go help fold ladies' slips in the laundry. They asked us to go volunteer during our meal break, so I gave up breakfast and worked right through. I figured fasting for one meal would be a blessing, and I know it was.

I also read several chapters of Mosiah in the waiting area before going to veil calls, so I had a chance to get those read in the process. My joy is full and the beginning of a great day.

How Beautiful Upon The Mountians are THEY that publish Peace

I was reading in Mosiah 14, 15, and 16 this morning. It brought to my memory a sweet reminder of missionary work and their love of the gospel along with dedication:

14 And these are they who have published peace, who have brought good tidings of good, who have published salvation; and said unto Zion: Thy God reigneth!
15 And O how beautiful upon the mountains were their feet!
16 And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that are still publishing peace!
17 And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever!



There is no better picture imprinted in my mind and heart as the one of a pair of wing-tipped shoes that my oldest son Hank wore on his mission. He brought them back from Venezuela that he wore holes in the soles walking the streets on his mission. To me it was a symbol of his love of God and his dedication to Jesus Christ and the cause of bringing many souls unto Him.



These are not necessarily Hank's but you get the idea--


A few weeks ago as we were driving to K2s Eagle Court of honor, Aaron shared with us his feelings about missionary work after we sang "Call to Serve" on the way to Orem. It was a tender account how he is so deeply touched having served the Lord with all his heart, might and strength. He told us that for about five years after his mission he would have tears come to his eyes when he sang it in church meetings because it brought back memories of his mission and the experiences he had as a missionary. I was touched by his feelings and it was a wonderful teaching moment for Aislyn, who was with us.

I was blessed twelve years ago to have the opportunity to go to Guatemala City and see Michael finish his mission. We traveled to Tikal to experience the ancient Mayan ruins. It meant so much to me to have my feet on the soil of that country. It felt like I was in a holy land as we drove to Lake Atitlan, a place that was known by President Harold Be Lee to be where Christ visited the Nephites.

When Tana was on her mission in Ireland, she was protected and watched over as she assisted many souls that she taught and helped come into the Church. I know she was protected and watched over even when she was riding her bike and a dog came up and snapped at her and she fell off the bike! Her experiences, I know have blessed her to know how to communicate with others and matured in her life as a wife and mother.

I continue to be impressed that as Matt served in Paraguay he learned a dialect, Guarani, and Portuguese beside refining his Spanish on his mission. The dialect he learned reminded me of some of the Book of Mormon names and writings. I am so thankful that each of my sons and a daughter were able to serve the Lord on a mission.

The last four missionaries all served in a six year time frame. So many blessings were poured out upon me and all my family for the sacrifices that were made during their mission service. I truly know how much Father in Heaven loves us as he watched over us all and still does.

Sunday Sacrament Meeting Home Ward

At Tracie & Jared's

I have spent the last few days at Tracie and Jared's with their children since Thursday. I got to be Grandma and attend to them between coming and going to Relief Society on Thursday evening, a funeral yesterday and my temple shift on Saturday.

It was fast day, but I forgot it was not being at home. I fixed the kids German Pancakes and bacon for breakfast. So I fault no one else for the same thing.

The baby was coughing and decided to just go to my own 9:00 am sacrament meeting and leave him with Drew who is almost twelve while I went to my ward a few miles away. It gave me the added lift to go to my own ward so I wouldn't miss taking the sacrament. I took Mady with me to my ward, and she liked going with grandma.

I took the boys to their primary meetings at 2:00 pm and made Sunday dinner. I invited Aaron, Candice and the kids to come over for dinner. We enjoyed a nice visit and it made it nice for Candice to not have to make a full dinner as well. We had a roast and mashed potatoes, green salad, cornm mixed vegetables and raspberry sherbet.


The kids watched "Willow," an old video movie but new to them. They all enjoyed seeing a movie with a lot of little people, dwarfs really. It was in a medieval setting and the main character was very short. After a while don't all these kinds of movies seem alike otherwise? What with monsters, evil sorcerers etc., like "Lord of the Rings" and "Harry Potter"-types?