Seminary Graduation~That time of Year

The school year is winding down and Seminary graduation for K3 took place yesterday. I was invited to attend it and went since I will not be in town for his high school graduation June 3, 2011.

Back in the day, when I was in high school, this kind of celebration was called "baccalaureate" services. It had a spiritual tone to it, a minister gave an opening prayer, and talks or addresses were given usually the Sunday before commencement exercises. The graduates wore their caps and gowns. It was really more of a tradition than anything else at the end of the school year.

K12 with Lori's parents, Lynn and Linda

This kind of graduation was held for the stake that K3s family lives in in Orem. There must have been about ten wards who participated and each bishop stood to shake the hands of each graduate as they went through the line.

It was a nice gesture that each graduate was given a small compact size hymnal and a folder for their diploma from seminary.

I was able to get a photo of K3 and his parents. It was nice to get a snap shot of this eventful day, that I am certain he will not appreciate until his own son or daughter achieves that same accomplishment years from now.

It is a crossroads of sorts for all graduates this time of year to think about their own futures and where they are going and the decisions to be made that will effect the rest of their lives.


I had French dip dinner with their family earlier and had a nice visit with them. We even had ice cream cones for dessert and some of those yummy vanilla and strawberry wafers. It is not easy to pass on those so I didn't. The wafers are a favorite of Hank's as well. The apple does not fall far from da'tree.

A Fine Tribute to Mothers

"The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world."




This Mother’s Day, the talks were centered on the subject of women and the honor given to mother’s on their special day. I think of my own mother and all that she taught me, and how that influenced my life and what I taught my children.

Several youth were called upon to speak. Those who spoke had some very sweet memories and kind words about their mothers. Then, a married man gave his talk and honored his wife. We all know his wife, she is a dear, loving and kind example of womanhood. She has in the past year had some very difficult health issues and overcoming so much of her debilitating condition with faith, love and enduring patience through it all. Her husband told of how much he learned from his wife, to always give thanks and honor to God, and The Savior for their unconditional love and pure faith.

I know this sister in our ward, her heart is always full of recognition of one more day, and the appreciation she has to be a wife and mother. Her children are the jewels in her crown, no doubt. A few of them were in the audience in attendance to be with their mother and hear the words that their father spoke so lovingly about her.

There in the row where they sat, I saw two sons accompanied with young women whom they may very well be considering marriage. A thought came to mind, that mother’s in a general sense have great influence upon their children, of both her sons and daughters in whom they choose to marry. The caliber and quality of that prospective partner depends on how that mother dresses, how she cares about herself and her modesty and strength gained from her daily challenges. A mother of faith, will instill upon those children whom she’s nurtured from the cradle, the beginning of their lives and how she demonstrates her faith in God and the prayers she renders in their home by her example. Her honesty has great influence as well. Her standards of integrity also give that mother’s influence to generations. She would be one to speak the truth even if not convenient. Her children learn honesty in that home by how she carried out her callings and diligence of those responsibilities place upon her shoulders as they grew up.

A mother who is honored by her husband also has great weight upon the success of how those children see themselves seeds of promise to excel in their future companionships.

So, it is not small task to be a wife and mother. Her influence is timeless and takes those posterity with her for the eternities by the hand and is their example and guiding star.

May all mothers realize their great potential as they walk that path of influence upon their tender children, whose sons and daughters benefit by her confidence in herself and what she believes.

Glad I am Not Superstitious

Things just sometime happen and it does not matter what day it is.



I worked at my regular temple assignment today. I was not feeling my best with trying to get over this sinus cold. I had to blow my nose several times to be able to breathe or talk. I had a lot of short assignments mostly half an hour. It sure kept me moving up and down from the main floor to the third floor.

I had a good lunch, though, a stuffed tomato filled with salmon. Oh, that is my favorite. fresh tomato over green salad with salmon like a (tuna) salad. I squeezed lemon over it and then put Ranch dressing over it. It practically smothered the salad and salmon, but it was very tasty.

When I was done for the day, I walked to the car and noticed how warm it was for that time of day, and how last time I was there three weeks ago it was cold and rainy.

Anyway I got to my car and it would not start. It felt like it had something to do with the heat and sitting all day, but what do I know? Several people came over that I worked with to help me start my car. One sister had jumper cables and we connected them, but not before a patron walked over to see if he could help out.

The car still would not move or start. It was just not connecting with the gas and electrical systems. By then the Temple security man came out to see if he could help and stuck his head under the hood to no avail. I had called Candice, then Aaron by then to see if we had Emergency road service. We do, so I found the insurance card and talked to the receptionist in Spanish Fork at our insurance agent's office . She was helpful and even looked up the number of our repair man in Orem. I called him, and he said he could tow the car on Saturday and look at since they are open half a day on Saturday.

More people showed up in the meantime; Jared had a few suggestions, but nothing worked and must have spent fifteen minutes trying to figure it out. We left the care there and I went with him (he coaches her team) and Madie to her soft ball practice, where Tracie picked me up and took me home.

I didn't know what I should do at this point. Then Tracie suggested I call K3 to see if he could do something to help. I followed what she had told me to do but he had just left to go to Idaho with his other grandparents. Lori said she and Hank would come get me. They did and I have posted what Hank put regarding this on his blog:


"Lori and I went out to dinner but first went out to help my mom with her car. She was at the temple and couldn't get it started. We picked her up at Aaron's house and went up to the temple to see what we could do. My guess was a fuel filter or pump or vapor lock. It wouldn't start at first, then I got under the back end of the car to try to find the fuel filter. Couldn't find it. I took off the gas cap, just in case there was any vapor lock or a vacuum in the gas tank that kept fuel from pumping to the engine.

"I don't know if that was the problem, but it started up after I did all that. Mom thought I was a hero. It was just dumb luck."


He is my HERO, he saved the day, and now I just have to get it to the shop to make sure everything is okay, and maintenance. What a relief it was to just be a vapor lock that caused the problem. But what do I know? I was impressed that Hank had the past experience or knowledge of the vapor lock to recall it in this situation. He did not discount it anyway, and it worked! Thank goodness. I really appreciated him and Lori coming at a moment's notice. It felt good.

Blow The Trumpet When Jesus Comes Again

I had an opportunity to talk to one of my granddaughter's, Madison. She just turned 8 this last year and was baptized with another cousin, who also turned 8 this last year. So she is very sensitive to the Holy Ghost's promptings.

She was telling me that she thought since I was someone who fights against "Satan" that she knew I would he a helper to greet Jesus when he comes by blowing the trumpets when he comes again. I asked her, "Why?"


She said, "Remember Grandma? You told the dentist (orthodontist) that he shouldn't give kids (fake) tattoos as prizes when they visit his office."

I had taken her to her appointment about 2 months ago when her mom had to work, so I drove her to the orthodontist. They were very cordial to me and even invited me in to see her get her adjustment for her braces. On our way out she wanted to pick a prize, so she chose some green colored tattoos. I started to walk out with her, and I had a prompting to go back and tell them what I thought about giving kids a message that those were okay. I told them as parents and grandparents we teach our children that our bodies are our temples and we don't use those kinds of things on them, like graffiti. They listened and said they would pass it on.

I had no idea she took all that in at the time. We didn't talk about it, but now know she heard every word. I told Tracie about it today, and she laughed and said she didn't know anything about me saying that to their dentist, and told me that now Madie will not wear those anymore because her body is her temple! That pleased me, more than anything she could have said.

I stood up for what I believed without concern that someone might think less of me. I just knew it was right to tell her orthodontist about the (fake) tattoos.

Great Mother's Day Memories

Mother's Day was memorable and pleasant. I attended my ward for Sacrament and Sunday School starting at 9:00 am. I was touched by the sweet voices of the Primary children who sang for mom's and grandma's. I also attended Hank's ward and their Primary is like six times the children as in my ward.

The children came up to sing and it reminded me of the Mother's Day programs in Arizona. The song, "I Often Go Walking" was one they sang. I recalled my children being up there and singing, sweet memories for me.

Interesting that what a mother remembers about Mother's day, at least I do, are the kind notes and sweet thoughts my children write and express their love for me, year to year. I saved them and treasure those recollections of being a mother and having my home full of laughter, and love for them.

I appreciate all the phone calls, which I heard from everybody, even Michael and Matt from across the miles. It is so good to be honored and appreciated! Thank you to all of you. It made my day.

I attended Hank's block of meetings as well. His ward makes it so all the sisters in the ward get to attend Relief Society and the brethren teach the other classes, during R.S. Hank, taught the sisters and gave a special lesson on "The worth and value of Women." He had some very nice things to say about women and quoted the brethren. It was uplifting and I felt validated by his comments to the ward sisters.

Hank did a great job and I know how he learned so much over the years growing up to honor and protect womanhood. That made me feel good,and appreciated him for the great man that he is. He is humbled by what others think so highly of him, and say many compliments to him.

I was invited over for dinner at Hank and Lori's too. The Dads (Hank and Lynn, Lori's dad) and boys, fixed dinner. They served London Broil, vegetables, pineapple, watermelon, hot rolls, jam, green beans and candied carrots. Yummy.



They gave me a cloth/canvas type hand bag that some use as a "church bag" to carry my scriptures or to use as a smaller version of a purse. It was red, white and blue with stars and stripes. They included some Junior Mints, a favorite decadent candy that we ALL like.

Afterward, and later in the evening they all were able to call Kris on his mission. I am sure that was a great treat for Lori and the Ks. I am grateful for my children and family. Tanise dropped by and gave me a nice book, "Divine Signatures"and flower vase with a lovely tulip, and a lovely printed covered pocket-size Book of Mormon.

I had a great day and felt uplifted by all the loved expressed. Thank you everybody!I am so blessed with a thoughtful posterity.

Some of the best of days . . .

Sleep, Tess, Little Angel--



My first Monday back from my trip to Ohio, I went to my weekly assignment at the Family History Center in Lindon Stake.

It was great to get back, and be missed by my co-workers. We had a short devotional and I offered the prayer. My plea was for us to be sensitive to the needs of those who came today, and to help those who needed it to progress with the work.

I went with no personal expectations.

Then, there was a new consultant who said, all her genealogy on her family had been done. I found out later she is the great-granddaughter of Karl G Maeser. She shared some very sacred moments while we worked together.

She had a stack of names that she had done the initial ordinances. Some of the ordinances that needed to be finished was sealing to parents. Her concern was to know if the parents had their own work done or in progress.

I showed her how to do that and she did about fourteen searches for her to get the gist of it when she came back next time. We were successful to get the answers she had and she was very pleased to have been involved in doing this kind of genealogy, which she claimed she was unable to do on her own family lines. These were from her husband's side, and who passed about in 2004. I told her that her husband was assisting her and he wanted her to succeed in gathering what she could to bring his family the blessings she enjoys.

She was enthusiastic and thankful to have taken up two hours with me. I told her it was my pleasure and I really meant that.

There was also a young sister missionary who had come in to check her weekly emails from her family at home, which was Alabama. She also has been assigned to our ward and attended testimony meeting in our ward this last Sunday. I recognized them both.

I noticed that she had an emotional break down after reading her mail from her mother. I gathered that someone's family had died whom she was acquainted with back home. The storms and tornadoes had taken its toll and several hundred people had perished near her home town, where her parents lived.

She said the tornado came within 3/4 of a mile to her parents home. That was close!

She was very upset about her friend and his family of five who lost their lives just days before. She was inconsolable. I noticed her and felt I needed to ask her if there was anything I could do for her under the circumstances. She was in such agony, she didn't know how to answer. So I asked her if I could give her a hug. She nodded yes. So, I did. Mother Anna was there with my arms around her giving her a hug that perhaps her own mother would have liked to give her.

I asked her several questions trying to get to some point where she would find comfort. Finally she said when I asked, that the Elders were coming to give her a blessing of comfort, after I suggested she talk to her mission president about her grief and how she was handling knowing about the loss of her former co-worker and his family. It just seemed like she needed some support and perhaps her president might allow her to call her family. However, the phone lines were not up yet, and they only had email for communicating. So, she went on her way, as I had to leave too.

It occurred to me, that my prayer was answered in that I was able to help others who needed that support. I am thankful to have been there and responded to know I was needed by others in that way.

My day continued as I went to take Jordyn, my granddaughter to her art class after school. I also went to visit my friend, Donaire at the care center. I spent three hours with her. She is so child-like and has a pure heart. I love her spirit and she is someone much like how I would care for my own mother if she were here, and alive. It felt good to forget myself and serve those around me.

I came home and had dinner with Aaron, Candice and their children. What a delight to have family to come home to often. After dinner we had family night about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The kids were asking questions and sang, "When He Comes Again," accompanied by Aislyn on the piano. It was one of her songs she learned in piano lessons a while ago.

The frosting of the cake for today, was to see on iChat, my newest granddaughter, Tess Rebecca. She is a cutie, and only three days old. She was sleepy, and looked so pretty with her pretty light brown hair, with golden high lights. She certainly looks a lot like her daddy, Matt when he was a newborn. I felt privilege to have the technology to see her and talk to Matt and see the boys too. Beth, he said is doing well.

Welcome to Sweet Baby Tess

April 30, 2011--7lbs. 13 oz. 22.5 inches long born @ 7:48 am,