A Day to Remember and Celebrate

I can almost taste and smell the spices, cumin, garlic and the corn tamales of this table spread. They are smells of home cooking, like when I was growing up.


I don't expect too many of you out there in reader land to remember that today is the anniversary of my sealing to my parents five years ago, October 30, 2004. It is a date written on the pages of my heart. It is a special day in my life too that I celebrate each day!

This week I was able to do some sealing work as a reminder of my own. I am always blessed to be able to perform these ordinances for those who have gone before. I have a testimony of the work that we do for our kindred dead blesses us on both sides of the veil. It binds the family as well as our hearts!

I remember the first anniversary of this date. It was a grand re-celebration for me, and my children who live close by in Utah. I planned fresh homemade tamales and it was a Sunday. I had labored all day on Saturday to prepared my meat and tamales. I did and had them frozen and then cooked them on Sunday for our family dinner. I went to church and put them in the cooker. I thought of my sons, who lives in Ohio and Washington and realized they were in church at the time and would call them later.

Well, the day came and went so I called them on Monday before their Family night. Each one was unaware that we had a family celebration of sorts the day before. I mentioned it to Michael first and told him I had made tamales and I had everyone over for the anniversary. He said, he had the strangest craving on Sunday for my tamales! Now how is that for turning the hearts of the children to the fathers and the hearts of the fathers to the children? I was overjoyed.

I made arrangement to send Michael some of the ingredients that he was unable to find in Ohio where he lives. They had their own feast after the fact. I still think this is quite an amazing incident. Now, that had to be a hidden treasure to say the least. There was always something delicious to eat that my mother made.

Then, I called Matt and Beth, after talking to Michael. They also reported they had the same strange cravings for my homemade tamales too! How can that be, without having something like the power of the sealing to effect them both so profoundly and at the same time, without even knowing we were gathered for our family heritage feast?

That had never happened in the past, and I marvel at the wonderful feeling of connection unbeknown to each of them. This one is definitely a binding experience with our family. My last few entries have to do with my ancestors and it could very well be that they were also celebrating on the other side too. The veil is thin, a I bear witness of this to be true.

Tender Mercies Envisoned Noted Today

This is close to what I saw, except for the diamond shape with two pear shaped, teardrops on the top and bottom of the diamond. It is amazingly close, with the circled oval like Saturn. This is an image I found online. I will still attempt to draw it myself, later.

Tender Mercies,

Today was not a typical day as it was almost time to leave my shift at the temple.

My assignment was in the alcove, where the sisters file out to go into the Celestial room from a session. One of the temple workers walked in after she finished her assignment. I followed suit and stood there admiring the peaceful atmosphere.

She came up to me and pointed out a reflection on the wall where the Sun had shined through the glass and onto the Celestial Room north wall.

This reflection just glowed and seemed to be brighter and brighter the longer I stood and gazed at it. It had an oval shape to it with the look like the planet Saturn, but there was also an overlay of a large diamond shape with a tear drop shape on the top of the diamond and at the bottom of it also. It also looked like one of those children’s spinning tops.

At closer glance, the worker whispered to me that it looked very much like the “Liahona” and reminded her of it, from the Book of Mormon. I agreed and gasped at the resemblance and beauty of this amazing reflection. I decided to sit down and try to sketch it. I had a pencil in my pocket coin holder and proceeded to make a drawing as I sat there in that room.

I went over to the attendant and showed her what I saw. She agreed at the beauty and resemblance to the Liahona as well. I will make a drawing of it and post it as soon as I can recreate it. It is breath taking and may not do it justice to what reflection I witnessed there this morning. It was a unique experience and look forward to make the drawing as close to what I saw and can portray its beauty.

This is what is called the "Eye of God." I like it. I've seen it before. It reminds me of the phenomena I saw today, earlier.



From the red giant stage, a low mass star (less than 8 times the mass of the Sun) will continue to convert helium into carbon and oxygen, inside its core, until the helium runs out. For the second time in its life the nuclear reactions stop and gravity once again takes the upper hand.

Preserving History of Guanajuato

Etymology--Where the name and word came from to name this City, State

The word Guanajuato comes from the Tarascan "Quanashuato," which means "Mountainous place of frogs." Over time, the indigenous word was altered, changing first into "Cuanaxuato," later into "Guanaxuato," and finally "Guanajuato."

Guanajuato-- During the 15th century, the area of the city was thickly forested and not particularly accessible, having only limited contact with the Toltecs and the Aztecs as they passed through on their pilgrimages, and with the Chichimecas on their brief visits as they searched for a home.

In the 16th century, the Chichimecas fixed their eyes upon a mountain with outcroppings in the shape of a frog, an animal that was one of the numens they worshipped, a divine spirit they felt watched over them. In spite of being nomads, they settled in the area of the outcroppings.

The promise of fame and riches encouraged the growth of the mining industry and led to the first settlement of Spanish colonists on these lands. They settled in what is today known as Santa Ana, later giving rise to the town of Real de Minas, Guanajuato.

Silver Mines in Guanajuato, My Ancestors worked in them

Article written about Guanajuato and photos found online. Great treasure find.




Mines



Guanajuato had its beginnings in the discovery of prodigious silver mines, which at the end of the eighteenth century converted the city into the largest silver producer ever known up to that time. The first discoveries are shrouded in legend, making it difficult to distinguish reality from fiction. However, there seems to be no doubt that it was in the year 1558 that work began on the first mineshafts of the Rayas and Mellado mines, and it was in that same year that the famous mother lode of Guanajuato was discovered from those very mineshafts. This generous vein runs through the hills that border the city to the north and northeast, and it has left on the surface a constellation of mines and mineshafts channeling downward to catch the vein in its sinuous trajectory.

On the tops of these hills, there are quite a few impressive ruins which signal the presence of mining work. Sure enough, nestled in the spaces between these hills one finds the mines of Calderones, El Cedro, and El Cubo, at the south end of the city; and in the hills at the north end, Peregrina, Villalpando, Peñafiel, San Nicolás, Sirena, La Garrapata, Rayas-Mellado, La Cata, Tepeyac, Valenciana, Santa Ana, La Luz, and many more.

Bolded pueblecitos where my Grandfather knew and Great Grandmother was born in La Luz and actually showed me and my sister Linda, where these cities were located.

El Cubilete Cristo Rey

This is an actual place where my grandfather, Ricardo, Linda and I visited on our way to the City of Guanajuato.
Cristo Rey / El Cubilete--article I found online guanajuatocapitolcity.com

This shrine crowns the mountain Cerro del Cubilete, 2,579 meters (8,460 feet) above sea level. One of Mexico's most important religious monuments, it marks the geographical center of our country.

Cristo Rey The site was originally home to a Christ the King statue of lesser size, which was destroyed in an air raid during the height of what is known as the "Cristero War", the last stage of armed conflict in the Mexican Revolution.

The current building which serves as a base for the gigantic statue was built by Nicolas Mariscal in 1944. Mariscal had previously built another chapel dedicated to Christ the King which adjoins the Cathedral of León. The entire building, and the image of Christ as well, are art deco in design. This is evident in the floor plan, the façade, and in the construction materials used.

Inside, the altar table rests upon a circular platform of three steps. Above this table hangs a grand metallic crown, symbol of royalty, accenting the circular ceiling vault of rings and arches. Thin Cali marble plaques adorn the vault's hollows, allowing natural light to filter in.

Seen from the outside, the building is the base for the statue of Christ the King holding His arms open in sovereignty over the entire country. Two angels kneel at the statue's feet, presenting Him with a crown of thorns and a royal crown. From the plaza at the foot of the shrine, one can enjoy wide-open vistas of the Guanajuato plains. The air is pure and one feels a certain mystical comfort.

Linda, Buelito and I also visited a place called Sta Cecelia, a Catholic convent close to Guanajuato. It had been converted into a hotel, I believe. At least that is what I recall. Maybe Linda can clarify my facts here. I have a picture of a Guanajuato casita, but need to scan it with some other photos. As I get those done, I can post them later.

Turning the Hearts of the Children to the Fathers...

This photo is my grandfather, Ricardo with his mother, Maria Elena Eduiges Ulloa-Rodriguez and his siblings in 1920. This photo was taken in Guanajuato when Jesus Maria Rodriguez, his father passed away.




This day brought some very tender memories and promptings I want to make note of today, before these thoughts fade away.

While I was serving today, I had some names come up from the same area in Mexico as one of my 3rd great-grandmothers. Encarnacion, Jalisco, Mexico. One of the sisters I worked with was impressed how I could pronounce the names as places so clearly.

Most of my co-workers try very diligently to say the places and names correctly. I am amazed at how well they know how to say them. I call it the "gift of tongues," when that happens.

Well, while these names came up, I started to explain how I came to know this information about his second great grandmother, who name is Maxima Munoz. She was from Encarnacion, Jalisco, Mexico. She was married to Clemente Ulloa, my paternal 3rd great grandfather. I consider him the Patriarch of our famiy on the other side, since he is the end of line ancestor and don't know much about his parents. I just know that he is listed on the birth record of Ricardo Rodriguez, my paternal grandfather.

I have pictures of these 3rd great-grandparents as well. Only they are not downloaded on a cd or disc as yet. When I get them done, soon I hope, I will post them.

They thing that stands out in my mind to share here, today, is their story of how I came to know about them, and who they are.

I have my grandfather, Ricardo to thank for that. He was instrumental in making it possible, along with my father for me and my younger sister, Linda Ruth to go to San Antonio, Texas in June of 1970 to travel with our grandfather to his birthplace, in Guanajuato, Gto, Mexico.

We, my sister and I flew to Texas to go with Buelito, aka Ricardo to Guanajuato. We traveled by car, and went down through Brownsville, Texas on down to Monterrey, Mexico and onto to Guadalajara, then to a place where a shrine of Christ at El Cubilete in some mountains. Buelito wanted for Linda and I to experience seeing this special place that legend had about Christ visiting the people at one time. I believe that is why there was a shrine because of the account in the Book of Mormon and the great number of healings that took placae at the time of his visit and since.

People would travel for miles and miles to this place in crutches or make shift wheel chairs and leave healed through their faith in Christ. The Catholic Church had so many who had come for this purpose, the healings.

Nevertheless it was a testimony to us, that Jesus did visit the Americas to the people there and passed down the stories and accounts of the miraculous healings tha took place.

While we went to Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico Buelito took us to visit his cousin, Angel Ulloa. He was an educated man, who attended university in the U.S. in New York. I think my grandfather helped his cousin through school and he became an engineeer in Mexico. His son, became a plastic surgeon years later. I would meet him thirty years later when I traveled to work with students in the institute with the Perpetual Education Fund announced by President Gordon B Hinckley for young returned missionaries to get their education and become better leaders and providers for their families in this newly announced program.

The night we stayed with Angel Ulloa, we went to Horsetail Falls, in the mountains by Monterrey. We slept in an upstairs room in their hacienda. It was a very Spanish style, Moorish type home. This room we stayed in had on the table, a scrapbook of Angel's family history. It had all the names of the ancestors I a related to from my grandfather's parents and grandparents. That is how I came to get the family names and geneaogy of my ancestors.

Buelito, made sure he took pictures of the pages and I still have those photos. I will post them soon. I have since been able to record all this information and do the temple ordinances for my ancestral lines. It is a joy to know how I link to them, and have found many good records that verify the birthdates and vital statistics of our family.

El Cubilete in Guanjuato




I have been very blessed to have come by the photos and stories of our family's historical record. This work, I have worked on for over forty years. Several generations will know about our ancestors for the diligence of those who have gone before and passed down through me.

I know we are all blessed by my ancestors. The hearts of the children are turned to the Fathers, and the Fathers to the children in this great monumental work. I praise my Father in heaven for his great love for me to allow me the privileged of finding all of the records that have been discovered and preserved for me and my family.

This work would not be as complete as it is, had they not been made available on this trip in 1970, as I sought out the genealogy for my family.

I am reminded right now, of the scripture, I Nephi 3:7

7 "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I awill go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no bcommandments unto the children of men, save he shall cprepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."

I bear testimony of this, in the name of Jesus, Christ, our Master. Amen.

What would Happen IF . . . .

Wonder what would happen if we treated
Our Book of Mormon the way we treat our cell phones?

What if we carried it in our purses or pockets?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

What if we flipped through it several times a day?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we gave it to kids as gifts?

What is we used it as we traveled?

What if we used it in case of an emergency?



This is something to make you go

“Hmmm. . . . where is my Book of Mormon?”

Oh, and a few more things. . . unlike our cell phones:

-one plan fits all;

-we have unlimited usage;

-there are no roaming charges;

-we always have reception;

-there are no weak signals; AND

-we don’t ever have to worry about our Book of Mormon

being disconnected, because our Savior has already

paid the bill.

This was a hand out in Relief Society yesterday. It was given as a book plate to paste in a Book of Mormon, the military edition. Pocket size. I thought it would be a great way to share it with others. I am glad to post it here and show my grandchildren, family and friends. Be creative with it. You are welcome to cut and paste it for your own files.

Making Choices Between Good, Better and Best

Tree of Life. I chose this for a symbol of the choices we make each day and how it effects everyone around us...Family.

Making choices between, good, better and best.

I really agonized over a choosing to attend a devotional for temple workers this last week. It was scheduled for Sunday at 5:00 and 7:00 at a stake center about a mile from the temple in American Fork.

I had late church, then dinner at Hank & Lori’s. A couple in our ward had a farewell open house at their neighbor’s since they were moving this week. I had already attended a funeral on Saturday.

I was in guilt mode for perhaps choosing to miss the devotional while I had the thought come to my mind. It was to not stress over the scheduled day and the conflict I was having about it. It felt good to stay and have dinner with Hank’s family, then just go to the open house.

It was clear that I would have gotten just as much “lift” from the devotional as I would have at the funeral. There was beautiful music shared and the talks brought tears, wrenching my heart. We laughed and cried at the service I attended to on Saturday.
One of my friends from the temple informed me when I asked how it went, she said it was just lovely. There was music on the program and the temple president spoke.
The speaker was a former Seventy and now an emeritus, President Brown.

I felt at peace at what I had to choose to do and preserve my self to have no guilt in what I chose to do, ultimately. Some days, it is a hard choice between several good things. My cup was filled by attending Heather Christensen’s funeral. It was a loving tribute to her and her family sang songs and gave her a grand farewell. The band stood on each side of the steps and down into the parking lot playing some very mellow. No one wanted to leave the parking lot for the music, it sounded so wonderful. It was an amazing experience and I am glad I chose to go and pay my respects to the young (thirty-three year old) woman.

10-23-09 Anna McIntire

History of the Past tells the Future

Before Stock Market Crash

Stock Market Crash



1929 - The stock market crash ushered in the Great Depression.

What made the stock market crash? Here's a brief summary.

Capital is the tools needed to produce things of value out of raw materials. Buildings and machines are common examples of capital. A factory is a building with machines for making valued goods. Throughout the twentieth century, most of the capital in the United States was represented by stocks. A corporation owned capital. Ownership of the corporation in turn took the form of shares of stock. Each share of stock represented a proportionate share of the corporation. The stocks were bought and sold on stock exchanges, of which the most important was the New York Stock Exchange located on Wall Street in Manhattan.

Throughout the 1920s a long boom took stock prices to peaks never before seen. From 1920 to 1929 stocks more than quadrupled in value. Many investors became convinced that stocks were a sure thing and borrowed heavily to invest more money in the market.

But in 1929, the bubble burst and stocks started down an even more precipitous cliff. In 1932 and 1933, they hit bottom, down about 80% from their highs in the late 1920s. This had sharp effects on the economy. Demand for goods declined because people felt poor because of their losses in the stock market. New investment could not be financed through the sale of stock, because no one would buy the new stock.

But perhaps the most important effect was chaos in the banking system as banks tried to collect on loans made to stock market investors whose holdings were now worth little or nothing at all. Worse, many banks had themselves invested depositors' money in the stock market. When word spread that banks' assets contained huge uncollectible loans and almost worthless stock certificates, depositors rushed to withdraw their savings. Unable to raise fresh funds from the Federal Reserve System, banks began failing by the hundreds in 1932 and 1933.

By the inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt as president in March 1933, the banking system of the United States had largely ceased to function. Depositors had seen $140 billion disappear when their banks failed. Businesses could not get credit for inventory. Checks could not be used for payments because no one knew which checks were worthless and which were sound.


Roosevelt closed all the banks in the United States for three days - a "bank holiday." Some banks were then cautiously re-opened with strict limits on withdrawals. Eventually, confidence returned to the system and banks were able to perform their economic function again. To prevent similar disasters, the federal government set up the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which eliminated the rationale for bank "runs" - to get one's money before the bank "runs out." Backed by the FDIC, the bank could fail and go out of business, but then the government would reimburse depositors. Another crucial mechanism insulated commercial banks from stock market panics by banning banks from investing depositors' money in stocks.

Stock Market empty

Stock Market Crash of 1929 Revisited in 2009?

Yesterday I was talking to some friends who shared some of their woes of the last years. Each said they had lost a home due to the falling economy that they did not see coming. Their businesses dropped drastically as a result and had some hard times and are in recovery at this time.

I remember that twenty years ago, it was told from the pulpit that a "depression, worst than the one of 1929 would fall upon the world." Yes, the world. But hearing it and preparing for it even as it was warned didn't quite sink in to many of us, even though it was given to be prepared for this time. I see now in actuality, and perhaps some hard lesson learned through it I have learned myself.

This is an historical event of the past, being recycled into our day. How ironic!

80th anniversary: Wall Street 1929 crash (VIDEO) - "We lost our house. Had to move in with our grandparents," repeated retired physicist Tom Howe when asked about his recollection of the 1929 Stock Market Crash and the ensuing Great Depression. One month ago, a ten year old boy from Sacramento, CA (whose family wishes to remain anonymous), repeated the same words.

High unemployment rates, unprecedented government bail-outs and this year's deep recession make the 80th anniversary of the 1929 Stock Market Crash all the more poignant. Many now can relate to the first hand experiences of those who lived during that tumultuous time.

Historical activist and author Margaret Chai Maloney, is launching a site (www.1929anupperclassaffair.com) asking readers to share their own or their families' stories, experiences and photos relating to this time period. The website also contains pertinent information like a dictionary of popular era words, a bibliography of related works, videos, period music and photos. Chai Maloney's recently released novel 1929 AN UPPER CLASS AFFAIR, poignantly recreates the last decadent days of the roaring twenties, stock market crash & depression.

To Chai Maloney, the oral histories from this period provide a fascinating understanding not only of the time period, but also provide coping mechanisms that worked for those who had difficulties. In working on her novel, Chai Maloney encountered so many accounts from the Great Crash period that echoed those of today that she felt it was important for the resonating voices to be shared.

Crystals Are Not Just Rocks--They ROCK!

This is a beautiful photo of color and rock formation in Grand Canyon.

It reminds me of some of the crystals I collect. Love them and the good vibes/energy I get from having them in my space.

Love of the Scriptures

I found this photo image and felt it applied to this message today.


This is from a public blog entry I browsed and wanted to share it here:

WALKING WITH ONE ANOTHER
By Gail Rodgers

Where your feet walk today, be reminded of how God asks you to treat those around you.

“Greet one another.” Romans 16:16

“Be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2

“Be kind and compassionate to one another.” Ephesians 4:32

“Accept one another.” Romans 15:7

“Serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13

“Encourage one another.” 1 Thessalonians 4:18

“Build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Don’t slander one another.” James 4:11

“Don’t grumble against each other.” James 5:9

“Forgive each other.” Ephesians 4:32

“Confess your sins to each other.” James 5:16

“Stop passing judgment on one another.” Romans 14:13

“Be at peace with each other.” Mark 9:50

“Be devoted to one another.” Romans 12:10

“Carry each others' burdens.” Galatians 6:2

“Teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.” Colossians 3:16

“Pray for each other.” James 5:16

“Spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24

“Love one another.” John 13:34

Feasting on the Word--Thoughts for Today. . .

As a side note, I consider my scriptures my urim and thummim, that give spiritual light to my mind & soul.

I drink of it often...it is like the air that I breathe and the water I thirst for, and the Sunshine on my face.

And maybe "poetry" to my soul as well? I have been know lately to burst out writing in rhyme.

It is as I have been zapped with the Pure Love of My Savior. It blesses me to love all people and takes away my fears, like a child in the arms of his Father, or mother, comforted by their heart beat and being held close.

Making a Choice Between, Good, Better, Best

I really agonized over a devotional for temple workers this last week. It was scheduled for Sunday at 5:00 and 7:00 at a stake center about a mile from the temple in American Fork.

I had late church, then dinner at Hank & Lori’s. A couple in our ward had a farewell open house at their neighbor’s since they were moving this week. I had already attended a funeral on Saturday.

I was in guilt mode for perhaps choosing to miss the devotional while I had the thought come to my mind. It was to not stress over the scheduled day and the conflict I was having about it. It felt good to stay and have dinner with Hank’s family, then just go to the open house.

It was clear that I would have gotten just as much “lift” from the devotional as I would have at the funeral. There was beautiful music shared and the talks brought tears, wrenching my heart. We laughed and cried at the service I attended to on Saturday.
One of my friends from the temple informed me when I asked how it went, she said it was just lovely. There was music on the program and the temple president spoke.
The speaker was a former Seventy and now an emeritus, President Brown.

Making choices between, good, better and best.


I felt at peace at what I had to choose to do and preserve my self to have no guilt in what I chose to do, ultimately. Some days, it is a hard choice between several good things. My cup was filled by attending Heather Christensen’s funeral. It was a loving tribute to her and her family sang songs and gave her a grand farewell. The band stood on each side of the steps and down into the parking lot playing some very mellow. No one wanted to leave the parking lot for the music, it sounded so wonderful. It was an amazing experience and I am glad I chose to go and pay my last respects to the young (thirty-three year old) woman.

Are we not commanded to bear one an others' burdens?

Tender Mercies, I wonder sometimes does it get any better?

Today, I had some quiet time in the Celestial Room in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple.

It was about 10:30 am. I had the assignment there for the last half hour. Time in there gives me time to meditate, pray and ponder. The worker from the next shift came a few minutes early to take my place for me to go.

I still wanted to stay and offered to let her sit quietly while I would finish out the last ten minutes. She refused, so I started to leave and walked out half way to the stairs and had the impression to go back and just spend a few more minutes in the quiet heavenly setting.

There was a comfortable soft chair I picked to sit. I noticed the sun was coming in one of the three round windows up high on the South wall of the room. I could see the sun so brightly, that I was temporarily blinded by the bright light. I started to leave but then I could not see very well, for the beautiful colors in my eyes of all the colors of the rainbow from looking at the sun though the etched glass up above.

I saw bright golden, white light--the shape and image of Christ standing in silhouette. I could not focus on specific objects in the room. I only saw the bright image even with my eyes shut. I sat there for a good ten minutes, as the spots went from bright light to subdued. It went from golden white fiery light to fluorescent green and blues, then to shades of magenta or hot pink the faded into the light reduced to a yellow spot on the wall, sofa, window, or wherever I looked until it was completely gone.

This day in the temple made a deep impression upon me and I wanted to make note of it as seeing the hand of God and Christ in my life today. I saw another co temple worker, Sister Barbara Workman, who is in son, Hank's ward. She always has pleasant comments to say about him. She loves him and said they will be praying for him while he is on his trip to Georgia (Russia) this coming week and the next. It was comforting to know how much he is loved by his ward members. My heart was touched and filled to overflowing.

"Count your blessings, not your worries"

Another great day serving in the Lord's house. I have so many blessing poured out upon me on any given day. I am in awe of how much God's love is all around me.

Today, I as assigned to be a patron for the new sisters in training. There was a very sweet abiding Spirit of love and gratitude from the sisters whom I worked with today. They thanked me profusely and were so kind. It was the very first hour, and it set the tone for the rest of the day.

As I waited for the names to be given for me to do, the worker pronounced one of the names like German, it was "Weiss." But it was spelled in OLD German. I went to read it and the worker was in awe that I knew how to say the name. There were also names of sisters in Mexico. Again I pronounced them easily. Other names kept coming up and I knew, even though not in Spanish. I felt the awareness of the gift of tongues.

At the time, I had a flash back of my freshman high school English teacher. She drummed into our heads, the origins or etymology of the word roots, be they Greek, Latin, Spanish, or whatever. The phrase, "If you can read this, thank a teacher."

I had the hardest time in my freshman English class, but not with the subject. It was the teacher. I think I rubbed her the wrong way. She piled so much word root onto me one day for probably being a little to mouthy, or challenging her. She gave me an extra assignment that I went home and learned so much more than I would have otherwise.

I learned valuable lessons in high school from my freshman English class
.
1) Respect your teacher, no matter what.

2) A little extra work or assignment as punishment didn't hurt me one bit.

3) It actually whet my appetite for learning, although forced upon me.

4) I am in charge of what happens to me in how I dealt with figures of authority.

5) I learned the most from this teacher, and

6) I ended up really liking her a lot, and the impact she had on my life was valuable in my later studies in getting to a Master's degree and above in education. My thirst for learning was always there too.

I may very well have exceeded the education my freshman high school teacher(s) had.

I am the one who benefited regardless from the hard lessons learned in her class.

Goodbye's Are Only for A Short Time

Rainbow~


Today was the last day for one of the sisters I worked with at the temple. We have had some amazing common experiences we share on our meal breaks. We listen to each others' life situations and give our love, support and empathy along with encouragement.

Sometimes things will appear to be so hopeless, but when just around the corner there is a rainbow with a pot full of gold! My friend, Tammy's husband lost his job about three months ago. He went about looking for another and found one after about a month. The job was in Oklahoma, near Oklahoma City.

She had stayed here to sell their home. Well, you know that could go on forever with the way the market is right? Well, their house sold and she is moving back to be with her husband. She is so sad to leave serving in the temple. I gave her some words of love and encouragement to let her know it is only good bye until we ALL meet again. She will make new friends in Oklahoma, and can go work at the temple there which is only thirty minutes away.

Her children are all here in Utah and she will miss her grand babies, she said. Her 82 year old mother is here also. I told her to why not take her with her? She gave it a thought and said she could have her come for a month. She felt better, even so.

She counts her many blessings that her husband has a job, they sold their home, and she can go join him soon. We know that serving in the temple is a special blessing in and of itself. So, I bid her farewell and know she will continue to be blessed in her new home away from Utah. A new beginning.

I can see so many blessings I receive each day. And we receive so many tender mercies too, without a doubt.

In Memory of Heather Christensen

‘She gave these kids a second chance to live’

Family and friends show their emotion as the casket of Heather Christensen is taken from the Alpine Tabernacle, in American Fork, as the American Fork High School Band plays outside before the funeral in Delta Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. Christensen died on October 10 in a bus accident when the marching band was returning from a competition in Idaho.MARK JOHNSTON/Daily Herald

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  Article from the Deseret News in today's newspaper. A tribute to Heather Christensen
  
  She gave these kids a second chance to live’ " name="Family and friends show their emotion as the casket of Heather Christensen is taken from the Alpine Tabernacle, in American Fork, as the American Fork High School Band plays outside before the funeral in Delta Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. Christensen died on October 10 in a bus accident when the marching band was returning from a competition in Idaho.MARK JOHNSTON/Daily Herald" class="selected" href="http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/article_0733ef88-6292-5946-9855-de5c900c3ae9.html#1" rel="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/heraldextra.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/7/ce/ab2/7ceab24f-f4a5-5f5a-9f78-8a2dd9d010be.image.jpg?_dc=1255849370">
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"Don't waste your life on trivia, vain and worldly things. Give your life every day, one day at a time, to what really matters."

That is one of the lessons taught by the life of Heather Christensen, 33, the American Fork High School woodwind teacher who died saving the lives of her students, said Elder Bruce C. Hafen of the Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaking at funeral services on Saturday at the Alpine Tabernacle in American Fork.

"I bring you the love and deepest sympathy of President Thomas S. Monson and the other General Authorities who asked me to represent them here," said Hafen, noting he had two very personal reasons to speak. Two of his grandchildren are members of the band, and "one of them was sitting right across the aisle" from Christensen the night she attempted to take control of a charter bus carrying band students home from Idaho after the driver is believed to have suffered a medical issue. The only fatality, Christensen was thrown from the bus.

"Her actions protected many young people from injury and even death," Hafen said, noting the American Fork City Council had declared Saturday as Heather Christensen Day in honor of her actions.

"All those whose loved ones were on the bus will feel an everlasting debt of gratitude," Elder Hafen said. "It is as if she gave these kids a second chance to live."

Through her example in life and death, Christensen also taught how to navigate life's temptations, Hafen said.

"Learn from Heather to steer your bus away from the dangers that haunt us on the freeway of life," he said. And as Christensen, "find joy in the success of other people -- what a gift in this competitive society."

Family members remembered Christensen as a woman with a passion for music, movie quotes, world travel, hats, a math whiz who loved to sing and dance and loved warm weather, especially in Hawaii, and never took life too seriously. She was called "self-directed, self-motivated, and naturally driven" and an "educator in the truest sense of the word."

One of the most moving moments from Saturday's service came when the band played as the black casket covered in red roses was rolled from the tabernacle. Uniformed band members, who had occupied choir seats during the service, lined both sides of the walkway from the tabernacle about 100 feet out to the waiting hearse. As the audience stood to watch the casket be wheeled away, music from the band filtered into the tabernacle and many in attendance sobbed openly. Hundreds lined the sidewalk and gathered in the parking lot to watch the family pass between the lines of band members after the casket.

In letters read by family members at the service, Christensen's parents, Kay and Annette Christensen, said her passing left them "sad and incomplete" and said meeting with students the night of the accident was comforting and moving.

"I never had to worry about you doing wrong, even in your teenage years," Christensen's mother wrote. "I know you appreciated life in your own way, briefly yet abundantly."

Family members recalled the time, in her youth, when a curious Christensen set a towel on fire in the bathroom. When she couldn't get the fire out, she quietly exited the bathroom. The family did not learn the bathroom was on fire until the fire alarm went off.

"Let us all press forward and realize we have been in the presence of an angel," said her sister, Kara Higginson. "She will be greatly missed, but she will still be laughing, loving and helping others."

In Memory of Heather Christensen

by her nephew, Nathan Higginson, as read at her funeral:

Amazing people come and go but why must she be one?

The answer is she's needed by our Father and his Son.

She still lives on in all of us, her spirit and her fire.

To live with her eternal family was her one and only desire.

Let's help her reach her goal and live life as we should,

And begin to do as Heather did nothing but good.

She lived a life of service, so angelic, pure and strong,

Never did you find her doing anything in the wrong.

As a person, a friend and nephew, what more could I need?

To live my life as she did, I pray I can, I plead.

The love she had for everyone, so endless and so much,

She had something about her, you could feel with just a touch.

She's now somewhere better, an eternal companion she'll find,

But her friends and her family -- so much she left behind.

We'll remember her as selfless, an angel in and out.

She's walking now in heaven, with that I have no doubt.

Our care for you is endless, our hearts are full of love.

Please stay with us and guide us, and watch us from above.

Posted in Local, American-fork on Sunday, October 18, 2009 12:05 a

Fryer Family Photos of the Month

Fall is definitely in the air! Tara and Russ had their annual family pics and I happened to browse them online. Russ looks great with his "ladies" all around him. I like the full color effect too. Congratulations on a good looking family. Thanks for sharing.

I Prayed for Those Who Serve Our Country Bravely

This afternoon I was leaving to go run a few errands. There within earshot I heard the familiar sounds of helicopters over head. I paused, looked up and counted at least four, maybe five Blackhawk Army Helicopters.

I don't know why, but I was inspired to say a prayer for those men and personnel aboard those copters, just because I had the feeling they were on an important mission to be flying altogether. I want you to know I said a prayer in my heart and mind, asking God to please protect, and watch over those who were going to wherever they were assigned. And for there families to be comforted until they safely return to them.

It was a feeling of love for those who serve not just me, but our God and country so that I can worship and enjoy the blessings of this free land. Free in the sense, of freedom to worship my religion, freedom of speech in this United States of America. I felt what a blessing it is to have that gift protected by our Constitution.

Our flag represents this, our very rights. Long may it wave.


We lives in uncertain times, but the need for certainty in our freedoms reigns in our individual rights of the Constitution. It is absolute for our Commander in Chief to sustain the military to have what is needed to maintain the security of our service men and all the rest of us.

This evening I saw an article in the online Deseret News about the National Guard unit leaving Utah today to go train in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. There were 45 men deployed who will go to IRAQ, to help get suppplies and provisions for the troops.
Son, Hank told me later that he was there at the departure for these soldiers. He also said he was on TV telling about their orders/mission to go train at Ft. Sill for two months, deployed for a year.
God Bless America!


This is from the article in the Deseret News--I saw later this evening.

Members of the Utah Army National Guard's 2-285 Aviation Company prepare to leave Monday from West Jordan for a 12-month deployment in Iraq. Approximately 45 soldiers left Utah in their assigned Black Hawk helicopters bound for Fort Sill, Okla., where they will receive several weeks of training for their assigned mission to transport personnel, equipment and supplies in the U.S. Central Command area of operations. (Stuart Johnson, Deseret News)

Conference Center General Conference Sunday PM

This is on the Church offices Plaza across the court there by the Church Administration Bldg.
I love this portrayal of a mother and her children at play. We cross the courtyard from Main St. on Temple Square. The flowers were lovely as usual and colorful
Inside the Conference Center with our seats next to the ground floor! They were really the best we could get with the opportunity to be first in line where we entered. Thanks, Michael for securing the tickets for us to go.


Aislyn with Grandma Mattie, and Michael with Aislyn. She was a real trooper and never complained. She sat there for 1 1/2 hours before it started and only asked once how much longer we would be there!!

We had a great day, Too.

BYU Tailgate Party game vs Utah State University

The football game was great. Aaron and I went to the tailgate party just before the game. There were so many lines and booths. We stood in two of the lines. I won a Tee Shirt, throwing a football, and the other one I threw two darts. I won a Shade's women's shirt. It was fun and everyone was so gracious and helpful.

This is a view of the stadium and some of the crowd before the game. It was news to me what goes on at "tailgate" parties before football games. I had heard about them, but since I have no one to go with, I don't know these things. I had so much fun!! Aaron was my date. He was so happy to get to go with me since he doesn't get the game on his cable TV. We had a good time.

The best part was that our seats were inside the loges and we had a nice buffet meal and a banana split brought to us by the concession. Tanise came by to say hello around half time.


We got to see the game with a panoramic view. There was a small TV in our suite, and we got to see the instant replays. We actually could see the plays better on TV than down on the field. It was all great, and I enjoyed myself, for my birthday. Thanks Tanise, for thinking of me for my birthday. I had a great time and was wowed by the inside loge seats.
It had been several years since I had been to BYU football, and I hope I get to go again. BYU won the game by the way, which made it nice.

Climb Every Mountain

This mountain represents the climb it took to be strengthen in life's trials. This is also Mt. Timpanogos, which was the view from my front room window the years spent living in Orem with fond Memories.



This morning I read an article about Utah having the highest percentage rate of stay-at-home mothers in the country. It piqued my interest. It gave me a forum to toot my horn...


Better than "therapy" | 7:20 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
I made a conscious choice to stay home with my children. I spent hours with then, relating to then and their problems. It was a time of bonding and cementing that bond for their teen age years. I was fortunate, yes to be a stay-at-home-mom for 23 years. My youngest was six years old of eight children when I had to get work outside my home as a single mother. We all survived the turmoil of the sudden shift in our lives as a family. It paid off for me to have been home all those years. My time came when the last three children were in high school. I went back to school to get my education. I was home for my children even though I was a student. We all went to college and they finished their undergraduate degrees. The youngest was never spoiled. He is now earning his MBA. I could not be more pleased. The others did similarly, two with M.S. degrees and one has her Ph.D. It can be done, even in Utah, But, some mothers NEED to work. Just do your best & love em.

The other day, Friday I was silently grateful for those years I was able to spend at home with my children while they were growing up. I felt the bond of love and closeness to each of my children as they grew up. I felt connected to them and was so grateful to be there to take them a forgotten assignment, donuts to a first hour home-ec class, cinnamon rolls to one of my missionaries' district. (Oh I was bad) I think they changed the rules after that. I laugh now about it. I had my three preschoolers in tow at the time too.

Overall, I know I am blessed for having made that choice to be there at the crossroads of their lives. I may have not always been home when each came home from school on any given day, but my presence was there nevertheless taking children on paper routes, going to their day time singing programs, their kindergarten graduations, their high school graduations.

I will say that pay back time was when I got my first diploma as a college student. All my children were lined up in the audience and gave me a whooping holler and cheered me on in MY accomplishment. It was one of the best days of my life to walk that stage and have my children, and grands rooting for ME!

I came across my college picture of me when I graduated from BYU. I looked a little worn out, and actually think I look better today than then. Anyway, I weathered the storms of life as a mom on her own, still raising the three younger boys. I am so thankful to have been there when I was needed.

We learned a lot about being self-sufficient and independent, and I am sure my children did too with me. You are ALL the best...