Pretty Flower, Beautiful Color

A camilla, is a flower that I've always admired when I was growing up. I think these almost look like roses, but without the thorns. Their leaves almost look waxy or plastic. This color is also a color I wear a lot. Hot pink, or orange-pink coral. This is definitely a creation of Mother Nature, as well as one of God's creations. What else can be said?

More Family Reunion Pictures To Share

Family dinner, at the Fryers, with Family Pictures,Michael the Photographer. To be shown later.

Grandkids having their dinner sitting spread out on blankets in Fryer's back yard.



Bud & Kay joined us for dinner at Mi Ranchito.



Grandma with Don Cavender and his son, Sam as we visit with them while waiting for our food order. Eating at Mi Ranchito is a lot like having Heritage at home.

Tara, Aaron, Candice and the rest of the gang waiting for food order to come.


MI Ranchito dinner photos


Please pass the salsa, tortilla chips and Guacamole!!

Family Reunion Pictures, Activities

Song, "Gentle Healer," sung by Kris, Hank, Lori and Kaari A Capella. Beautifully sung.



Pause for Memorial for Uncle David, conducted by Hank who did a tribute in his honor.

Tanise with Grandpa Hank with Baby K11



Matt, Tara, & Hank in kitchen pause for picture.Thanks, Tara for hosting. Everything was organized and well planned for activity.


Grand kids gathered on the backyard lawn for dinner at the Fryer's, hosting dinner.

But & Kay Cavender's, with son, Don and gdson, Sam, came to join us for Heritage Food at Mi Ranchito


Family Get-together at Mi Ranchito


Matt, Cole and Ethan just arrive from Seattle for Fam Reunion
Aislyn & Ella, Happy, Smiley Faces!!

Oquirrh Temple Tour, Open House--Family Activity

Family activity this morning took us to the open house for the new Oquirrh Mountain Temple. We arrived there just before our appointment time, which was 10:00 am. It was a beautiful morning, sun shining and a nice breeze. We gathered and waited for everyone to arrive. The grounds were so nicely cared for and the water falls near the entrance was breathtaking.


We waited a time for our last family members to arrive. It just did not see right to just go ahead without them. It somehow just didn't feel right to not wait so we could all experience it together. It made me think how we just can't be without anyone in our family circle and waiting for them was the right thing to do.

While we were inside the temple, the grandchildren all well behaved. Luke and Parker held hands as they walked hand in hand up and down the stairs and observed the large paintings on the walls of Jesus and his Apostles. The boys were in awe of them and were very reverent. I held Parker's hand and watched them interact as we walked the tour.

I was very pleased to see so many of my grandchildren in the temple. I showed the little boys the baptismal font and told them that when they were twelve years old, they could come to the temple and do baptisms. I also told them Drew and Konner had been able to go since they were now twelve years old. The kids enjoyed themselves seeing the mirrors and sealing rooms. There was a special spirit there and was felt by the children.

Afterward, there was cookies and water provided in one of the tents. That was a treat for Cole and Ethan as they asked for a few more.

Matt's Birthday Surprise for the Big Three-O

Beth and I talked about doing something for Matt for his milestone birthday, (30) when I was there in Seattle a few months ago, in May. Since they live out of state, the opportunity to have a birthday celebration for him here was minimized due to the distance or logistics.

Planning such an event takes a lot of work behind the scenes to pull it off. Well, Beth claims this a victory since she states, she had NEVER been able to surprise Matt with anything that he doesn't somehow find out before hand for it to occur.

She has tried to buy surprises for him for the holidays, or for no reason at all and he is like a magnet to find it "out of the blue!" Well, this time something magical occurred. Beth brought some scrapbook pictures for me to scan and also emailed me some to include with his other pictures. I had put them on a disc and Aaron and Michael helped do the rest, that I didn't even recognize the final project. It turned out so good, I was amazed at what they had come up with and made it into a DVD!

At the spur of the moment I sat down to write a tribute to Matt. It started out and flowed that I was even surprised myself. I asked Aaron for a few insights of what he recalled about Matt and himself growing up. He told me several things that I had not known during the time he said they occurred.

The end of our Family get-together yesterday was a perfect time to make an additional feature to our celebration, pictures and brother David's memorial.

It was no afterthought believe me. It just took precedent at the end of everything else. I think it took Matt by surprise too. I was pleased the way it turned out.

I will add it here at the end for your review. It was fun doing it and even more fun making the surprise part a grand success. It may not have been the full focus for the evening's activity but it made an impression on Matt and that is how it went.

For Matt’s Birthday~ August 29, 2009

These pictures tell somewhat of your story, Matt be that as it may,

Yet, doing a project such as this was no small task to celebrate your 30th Birthday.

We tried to work it in as best we could but such obstacles kept arising with the best of intentions,

Your mother is no magician but thanks to technology and modern inventions,

We have a short CD brought together from several sources and many directions.

Tracie had a stack of photos she had that we will view,
All those funny cute little antics as a child you used to do.

Aaron told me when I asked for some insight of what he remembered about you.

I found that he used to pay money to you just to clean up his room!

Now that is very enterprising as well as entrepreneurial if one would ask--

Earning small change for doing his chores was very creative for such small tasks.

He also said when he threw a big basket ball at your bike he was such a merciless tease--

And you flew over the end of your bike as if you were on a flying trapeze.

Brothers, just growing up together having fun and near misses, it’s a wonder you survived.

But we are so glad you did and have the memories of your childhood years,

Which have made you a better man that helped you overcome all your little boy fears.

The little girls in our neighborhood used to come and beg at the doors
If you would just pucker up and give them a kiss for just two quarters.

Our sidewalk would be chalked in many different pastel colors from all the little ladies who . . .

Wanted to express their affection and would write “Matt , “I LOVE YOU!”

Matt, even though you are the youngest in the family, you liked to helped out with the babies--

No one ever says that you were spoiled but always willing to take responsibilities.

Your character is highlighted by the service you give and are incredibly giving,

Your good attitude, says sister, Tana and that you’re always there to give a hand ,

So willing to help and were such a good “little” brother, son, father and husband.

Matt, there is something that really stands out in my mind is when Sister Michelle Broadbent once said,

“Anna, What did you do to teach your son, Matt how to do the wash, clean the house and make a bed?”

She was so impressed at how you helped out Beth so much of the times,

What did it most was even when you were already in school full time and working besides.

Now, Matt you know that your parents-in-law have always endeared you from the start,

They saw in you a good match for their daughter and you had definitely captured her heart.

We are all so proud of you and how you have turned out,

And know as you pursue and commence your master’s degree --success is yours, without a doubt.

We congratulate you today for a Happy “30th” Birthday

And wish you the best not only today, or now. . . but always!

We love you….Your Mom & Family.

Sunday Worship, Family Time, & Tribute

Today I attended sacrament meeting. Then, later in the evening, we had a family get together and planned to have dinner at Tara's for Family pictures after we ate. I had a lot to do and was up very late just to get things ready for tonight.

The day unfolded well and I was very pleased with all the participation. The kids had a good time and it is always nice to have Russ & Tara host. It makes it nice for them and Tana's families since they always have to come out our direction for family parties, etc. or what activities we have going.

There was such a nice warm family spirit present at Tara's. It made my day to see all of my children and their families who could be there. I think there were 32 of my 36 grandchildren present. After dinner, we had family pictures of all of us. Michael did such a great service for us to bring us all together and do what he does professionally.

I stood and watched as he went about placing everyone. Everyone was so cooperative and made sure to stay where he put them. It gave me such a feeling of great love for all of my children and their contribution to my joy as mother, and grandmother.

My heart was full as my eyes teared up just seeing them unified for our Family Picture. I silently counted my blessings one by one. It was a "mother moment." It was the kind of feelings a mother has she peaks into her child's room and see them sound asleep and looks so angelic.

I appreciate Michael talent and his willingness to take the family pictures. Thank you Michael. I look forward to seeing the digital version of our photo shoot.

After the pictures we gathered in the house for a memorial and tribute to my brother, David. Hank conducted and asked if we could sing a hymn together, "Teach me to Walk in the Light." He shared his comments with us, and before concluded he asked if anyone had anything they wanted to share about Uncle David, then there with a song, The Gentle Healer. Lori, K2, and K4, sang with Hank A Capella.

The tribute to David gave me some closure and peace to have recognize my brother's contribution during life. I look forward to the blessings of the gospel in his behalf when the proper time arises.

Family Time and Heritage Dinner

Matt and Beth arrive Saturday afternoon from Burley, where Beth did her Spudman, an Olympic event. They drove from Seattle on Friday for the event on Saturday. Best wishes Beth on a race well done. It always amazes me how you can be so disciplined to run fa 5K, ride the bike 25 miles and swim a mile for the Olympic event. It would sure be a motivation to look as good as Beth does with all her training she's done.




Our Family Reunion began more or less with dinner at Mi Ranchito in Orem. All of us met there for our traditional Mexican food fix. Bud, Kay Cavender and their youngest son, Don with his young twelve year old son, Sam joined us. Don is here from Virginia and works in Washington, D.C. He went to high school with Hank at Orem High. Don was pleased to be able to reconnect with him after about twenty years since they last saw one another.

We all had a nice dinner and were able to spend time visiting for quite a while with the Cavenders, i.e., Hank, Lori and baby K11, Tanise and Jordyn, Tara and Russ, Tracie, Tana & Nathan, Michael, Aaron & Candice and Joel, Matt, Beth and their two sons, Grandpa Hank, and I.

How I Love The Scriptures--Words of Christ

15 Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name.
16 I came unto my own, and my own received me not. And the scriptures bconcerning my coming are fulfilled.
17 And as many as have received me, to them have I given to become the sons of God; and even so will I to as many as shall believe on my name, for behold, by me redemption cometh, and in me is the law of Moses fulfilled.
18 I am the light and the life of the world. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
19 And ye shall offer up unto me ano more the shedding of blood; yea, your sacrifices and your burnt offerings shall be done away, for I will accept none of your sacrifices and your burnt offerings.
20 And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not.
21 Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin.
22 Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved.

In My Element~

Today I went to Sunflower Market,one of my favorite errands to go grocery shopping. What I really like is why I am there! I was there to get ready for Michael's visit with us.

This store is like an organic paradise, like the quality of the produce from the food chain, Trader Joe's. I found cantaloupe 3 for $1.00, seedless watermelon for 4 lbs for $1.00! There was London Broil, and a roast for a specialty I make for family heritage food. Imagine what I will do with that and druel just thinking about it.



I bought a couple of packages of fresh chicken tenders, which I love to prepare all different ways like chicken salad, fried chicken in coconut oil, Chicken Mole. Not everyone likes that like I do, but that is ok. More for me....! One thing that is unique about this store is that the meat is not treated with hormones and has a wonderful taste. Michael barbequed the London Broil for dinner. It almost melted in your mouth, it was so tender, rare and out of this world. He is the cook extraordinaire with his experience in the meat dept from his management days with Kroeger in Cincinnati. Way to be, Michael!

Did I mention that the reason I like to go there so much is because I think one of my "love languages" is cooking for someone special, like family, etc. You get the idea. Cooking all day in the kitchen is heaven for me. Some people stay out of the kitchen . . . but, not me! Whether it is baking or making a new dish, I am like a fish in water, swimming in my element.

Chocolate chip oatmeal cookies are MY favorite. Next is chocolate chip cookies and brownies with extra whipped, light, meaning fluffy to the max chocolate frosting over those yummy HOT brownies. Shear joy. My family was always around me when I baked and I think that is why I liked it so much, because they could not wait for me to bake the cookies or brownies to be done. We sometimes at the cookie dough raw and never mind the baking once in a while. :).

Ahhh, those were the happier times for me as a mother. It still is as a grandma with Snickerdoodle cookies rolled in cinnamon sugar. Mind you I don't bake a lot now, but if and when I do, it is an occasion!

I have been blessed with the talent to cook well. I am so pleased Tracie helped put together our family's favorite recipes last year for the Reunion.

This year we are doing a group family photo with Michael as photographer. Not all the members in their family's will be here, so a few will be missing this year around. We will miss those of you who were not here. Please come next year, ok?

We already have some plans of what we will do and will talk about it on Sunday at dinner at Tara's house in Spanish Fork. I look forward to it all.

Words of Appreciation! Gratitude

The last several weeks have been very busy besides not the easiest to have to cope with the reality of my brother, David's passing. I have tried to keep focused but there were times I needed to grieve and embrace the love of the Savior for me in my life.

I made note of the expressions of concern and sympathy from each of my children. I was very touched and want each of you to know how much that means to me, as your mother.

Hank, thank you for the phone calls and contact you made to me and with my sister at that time and shortly after. Your love and condolences were helpful to me get through those first few days. I know how busy you are and your concern for me to see how I was doing was so sweet. Thank you too from my heart for the beautiful blessing you and Aaron gave me the Sunday after he passed. It was just what was needed at that moment.

Tanise, thank you for the phone calls and the time we spent visiting, and I want to express my gratitude for the praise and support. What a blessing it was for you to share some stories that I gleaned from you about Elder Richard G. Scott and how sometimes there is no veil.

Tara, I appreciate your time and support besides the contemplation and insight you had to share with me as we visited. You need to know how much that helped fill my cup spiritually. Your observations are so protective of and I love you for that quality in you. Thank you for your continued concern and expressions of condolences at this time.

Tracie, you have been so kind and there to listen to me and be a sounding board. I feel your love and concern for me as always and especially now; and I thank you again for it all. You having lost one of your own little ones, who knows the sorrow one feels when losing someone so close. I am grateful for the plan of salvation for all of us.

Tana, I learned how kind and caring my children are when I need your love and be sustained through all this. I appreciate the time we could talk about it and the encouragement you gave me. I love you.

Michael, you are a dear boy. Thank you for taking the time at the end of your long busy day to call me with your concerns for me and my well being and making sure I was okay. Thank you for your words of comfort and condolences. I am pleased you will get to be here for our family reunion this week and for David's Memorial with the rest of your siblings.

Aaron, I thank you and Candice again for being here for me as it made such a difference that first evening after I was told about David. I apologize for waking you up when I broke down so late that night. Thank you for holding me like one of the children and the comfort it gave to me as I let the tears flow. I needed that and was so glad someone was there for me when I needed it most. It becomes a greater burden as I walk through this almost all alone by knowing my parents are around me and as are the angels. The physical contact meant so much in the moment. Thank you for letting me cry it out. It was so healing too.

Matt, thank you for your several phone calls and words of comfort as we spoke. I could feel your love for me and interest in what was happening and about your Uncle David. Some of this is a blur now, but as I remember it I am so grateful for you and your siblings for the genuine concern for me. I love you and miss you and Beth and the boys. I look forward to you all coming from Seattle this week for our REUNION, and short tribute for David.

All of you have blessed my life in so many ways. You have all helped me be the best I can be and set an example to all of you and my posterity to draw closer to the Savior.

I have learned much this last thirty days and feel the refinement and closeness of the veil to my spiritual eyes. It is too bad we have to go through so much for that price to be paid for the Spirit to touch our lives. Ironically, I can say it is worth it, even though it hurts so bad at times to become closer to God.

I am reminded of Helaman 5:12:

12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

Those That Influence Us for Good

Ever wonder about your own heroes in life? Some are bigger than life. It depends on how you perceive what is important to you and the models to look to in admiration.

I love the prophets from the Book of Mormon. I look up to so many of them for the things they teach me in the pages they have written. There are also women who inspire me with their example and the few lines or words written about them in the scriptures.

Children have their heroes too, their role models. Most kids look up to their parents first and foremost. I do, always have and always will. Those early formative years so many patterns are set before us without even thinking about it.

I learned so much from my own parents and continue to appreciate all they did for me. They didn't just try, they DID! My parents instilled in me a love for family, my brothers and sisters, my grandparents. Even though I didn't live close to their parents, I was still influenced for good by them. I pray I have had that kind of influence on my own grandchildren over the years.

Those heroes I look up growing up to in the scriptures were, Baby Moses, the adult Moses and his ability to command the powers of God to obey him. David, the young boy who fought the Giant fearlessly. Job. Yes, Job. His life and experiences were brought to my knowledge in my early teen years through Job's Daughter's. I memorized a few stories of his life as a "messenger" who told the initiates his story as a young woman. Those stories made such an impression on my life even so still today. When I see myself and others pass through incredible circumstances I think of Job.

Ruth, in the bible along with her mother-in-law, Naomi are my she-roes too. Ruth's dedication and respect for God, her conversion and her mother-in-law's example taught me much. I love Sister Abish in the Book of Mormon and her missionary spirit.

Then of course, my parents were MY heroes too. Now, there are some things I have had to overcome and overlook in them, but I love them just the same. I learned to look past their human faults and continue to appreciate who and what they stood for. The older I become the more I realize their influence too were greater than I had previously known. I know I am not perfect and understand parents do the best they can.

All the prophets of the Book of Mormon were my heroes. The more I read it, the more I appreciate the details of their journeys make me a better, me. I think the more I read the scriptures the better I am and draw even closer to my Savior.

So, I write these few paragraphs to let my posterity know, we don't all know everything at once. It takes line upon line, trial after trial to eventually become polished in the eyes of our creator, and Heavenly Father. I am thankful for what I know and learn each day to become a better me. God bless you all in that effort as well.

Looking Forward to Oquirrh Mt Temple Dedication

Doctrine & Covenants 109:24 We ask thee, Holy Father, to establish the people that shall worship, and honorably hold a name and standing in this thy house, to all generations and for eternity;




I was reading in III Nephi this morning and found this scripture. It reminds me of the upcoming announcement of the newest temple here in Utah. My extended Family will be going to the open house in the last week of July. It is a great time for the grandchildren to see a temple before they are of age to attend. This pleases me very much for this opportunity.

29 May the Lord preserve his people in righteousness and in holiness of heart, that they may cause to be felled to the earth all who shall seek to slay them because of power and secret combinations, even as this man hath been felled to the earth.
30 And they did rejoice and cry again with one voice, saying: May the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, protect this people in righteousness, so long as they shall call on the name of their God for protection.
31 And it came to pass that they did break forth, all as one, in singing, and praising their God for the great thing which he had done for them, in preserving them from falling into the hands of their enemies.
32 Yea, they did cry: Hosanna to the Most High God. And they did cry: Blessed be the name of the Lord God Almighty, the Most High God.
33 And their hearts were swollen with joy, unto the gushing out of many tears, because of the great goodness of God in delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; and they knew it was because of their repentance and their humility that they had been delivered from an everlasting destruction.


I am thankful that our prophet, Thomas S. Monson has extended the dedication for Utah members to see the dedication via satellite August 23. It is a special event.

Baby Blessing for Grand daughter, Klarissa Esther

Big brother K8 with baby sister K11. She sleeps in his arms so comfortably.



This was an eventful day for the McIntire Clan. Their youngest daughter and baby sister, Klarissa was blessed by her father, Hank. She has the greatest brothers and sisters to all rally around her and help her as she grows up. She was blessed with good health and the ability to be an example to her brother's and sisters. God bless us everyone.

Fourth of July

Ways to spend the celebration of our freedoms in our corner of the world.




Grand Parade Provo Freedom Festival


Governor elect Herbert



Ways to Celebrate Our Freedoms in our corner of the world--



This entry was a vicarious event for me today. I spent it quietly and pondered the blessings of my heritage and posterity.

Hot Air Balloons and Breakfast at Magelby's Fresh

More photos later. . .


This morning we went to the Balloon Fest in Provo. Parker wanted to go and was so excited to see them all take off and float above us. We took pictures and will post them later.

The sound of the hot air balloons kid of frightened him and buried his face in his Daddy's chest. Joel was a delight and loved it all. The girls loved it all and we went to Magelby's Fresh for French Toast. Ymmmmm.

It is always fun to go to these events in celebration of the 4th of July.


We went by Jamestown on University Avenue to see the ducks in the pond. The girls wanted to go see them, and Parker was no exception. It was a fun opportunity to put the cares of the world and see through the eyes of children if even for a few brief fleeting moments of their child-like wonder.



More of us should take moments like that to be the child in all of us. It could reduce our stresses of the everyday world/life. I recalled how I didn't take as much time when MY children were little, and am much more willing and mindful to do the fun things they enjoy and DO IT WITH THEM.

We grow old too soon and smart too late.