Celebrating Ron's Birthday Last Week

Celebrating Ron's birthday with older grandchildren, Chelsey next to Ron's left, Kris, Kiersten and Kory, Candice and Aaron in foreground next to Anna in Lindon on our visit to Utah last week. We had Mexican Food. Chimichangas, refried beans, yummy Mexican rice, with fresh Pico de Gallo, and of course, Guacamole! And homemade Lemonade, a favorite. We had brownies and mint chocolate ice cream.

A Week Spent in Utah With Family

We had the opportunity on our way to go visit Lee, Ron’s brother in Ogden, then we went to Farmington to see Brook on our way to Lindon. She looks good and is starting to feel less nausea with her pregnancy.

We spent the rest of the week in Utah with the McIntire kids. It was amazing. We first attended a missionary homecoming sacrament meeting for Kris, who just returned from Madagascar. We saw so much growth took place over those two years. He has learned to love the people, assisted in bringing many souls unto Jesus Christ. His love of the gospel strengthened his testimony and admittedly saw the greatest conversion in himself. We were invited over for dinner at Hank and Lori’s after church.

We had quality time with each family as went around to deliver a load of “Grandma’s Treasures.” I have a tradition that when I have some saved items that need to be cleared out I give them away to my family so they can enjoy the “spoils.”

It is a fun tradition and they are so glad to have them and it be like a holiday gift any time of year. These items are anywhere from colored rocks. Or a usable compact rain umbrella beside a decorative purse for a teen, or maybe a sentimental chalk board that belong to Great Grandma McIntire. All in all everyone was delighted for the small surprises/treasures.

We also participated in a study for Kaiwi for his dissertation and needed a couple of seniors to administer an hour and half of test and recovery for leg muscles measured and monitored. We were thrilled to be a part of it and appreciated the kindness he showed toward us for doing the tests. He let us know he was grateful we did it for him. We were honored.

One of the activities we had was to celebrate my husband’s birthday. Aislyn, Aaron's oldest woke up early and fixed breakfast. She created it herself and made scrambled eggs with peppers, cheese, ham and green onions. She is a good little cook too. It made Ron feel really important. They all had hugs for him before they left for school too. Thanks, Aislyn, Aaron and Candice.

I made some “heritage” food at Aaron and Candice’s. The times we travel to Utah we try to touch base with the older grand children to visit while there. We invited Hank’s three older children and Ron’s oldest granddaughter, Chelsey, Loni’s oldest daughter.

We had Mexican food. I made beef Chimichangas, Mexican rice, refried beans, with homemade lemonade, for dessert we had chocolate frosted brownie with ice cream for dinner. It was delicious even if I must say so myself.

One of the sweetest things was the bonding and feelings of love for Ron from my children as they expressed Happy Birthday greetings to him on Tuesday, January 24th. He was touched emotionally by their sincerity, hugs and gratitude for how he loves me, and takes such good care of me. Each one without exception expressed that to him. He was so moved to tears with their words of love. It brought them closer to his tender heart and he wept as he told me of his conversations with Tanise, Tara and Tracie, and Lori.
He received texts and calls having heard from all the Walser children and felt a lot of love and support as well.
“Thank you, my dear ones for loving my husband and making him feel like a dad to you.”

Welcome Home for Elder Kris

We made it to the sacrament meeting to hear our grandson, Kris give his return talk about his mission in Madagascar. The theme of his talk was about how the Holy Ghost assists in bringing the gospel to others. His response to those promptings were so helpful and the examples he gave.

I saw and heard how much he loves the Lord, and his willingness to follow him and feel the greatest conversion in himself. He spoke to a packed chapel and cultural hall. It was practically full to the back. The other speaker was a young man, Kevin Martins that participated on the program giving his farewell to leave to Brazil for his mission on Tuesday this week. He is a native Brazilian and received his call to go to his native country. Elder Martins is also a good friend of K3.

Kris' grandparents, Lynn and Linda Weight, his Aunt Lynette, Aunt Lisa and Jeff with their daughters, JoLynn, and Julani from Wenatchee all came too to hear him speak.

There was a full turnout from our family too, for Kris' homecoming. Tanise, and Kaiwi with all of her family were present, Tara and Russell and theirs as well. Traci, and her four, Drew, Adam, Madi, and Luke attended. Aaron and Candice with their four, Aislyn, Ella, Parker, and Joel enjoyed being there too. Besides, Grandma and Grandpa Ron.

We had a get-together at Aaron's for a nice potluck meal, of roast beef, baked mashed potato casserole, and large green salad, rolls, and chocolate cake with whipped frosting. We wanted to celebrate Ron's birthday this week with family here. We were able to visit with everyone and then rushed off to Hank and Lori's.

Ron and I were invited to dinner with them and had time to visit with the return missionary over dinner. We also had roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied carrots, and sesame green beans. There was carrot cake and ice creams for dessert.

We missed Hank, and know it was difficult for him to not be there for Kris' return. We love you Hank and know you are being blessed and watched over nevertheless being so far away. You were there in Spirit.

As I looked at Kris when he gave his talk, I, for a moment saw my son and he was that same age. He had his head bowed to look at his notes and as he looked up, there I saw his father, Hank's image. What a transformation for this young man who left two years ago, and returned a full grown man! Missions have a way of doing that, for which mother's are most grateful.

I noticed that the opening song was the same as when his dad left of his mission, "Dear To The Heart Of The Shepard."

God bless him as he adjusts to being "Kris McIntire" and decide what he is about with work and school ahead of him.

Well done thou good and faithful servant.

Words of Wisdom From Our Missionary

Elder Maki in Madagascar



This is a quote from Elder Maki's last letter home. I thought he has such an incredible insight and was so profound.

"As I sit here contemplating my mission, the only words that come to my mind are I stand all amazed. Never did I ever think that I would ever be where I am today. A miracle has taken place, the miracle of conversion. I have seen many people become converted to the gospel in my time here in Mada but the greatest conversion that has taken place is my own personal conversion. I have come to know a little more, be a little better, stand a little taller, testify a little more powerfully, love a little deeper, go a little farther, climb a little higher, but overall, grown closer to our Heavenly Father."

Amen to that.

Well, done thou good and faithful servant. . .

Teaching Relief Society. . .Chocolate Chip Cookies

Last week I was asked to substitute teach for the Relief Society lesson about George Albert Smith, The lesson was on "Love Thy Neighbor."

First of all, I love to teach. I get to study the subject and research more about what I am supposed to cover and everyone benefits. The teacher always learns more, and I did.

There was a lot of information so I gave an overview about what I had learned in my search. The most interesting tidbit I found was that George Albert Smith had Lupus erythromatosis. It was debilitating at first and he suffered seven years and unable to fill his responsibilities during that time. I was impressed that he kept going after he got his strength back.

He was always so giving and loved all people everywhere and had no malice toward those he knew and didn't know. He literally gave the overcoat off his back to a worker working in the snow who only wore a sweater.

His father was an Apostle and counselor to Brigham Young. His grandfather, George A Smith was also an apostle. His great-grandfather was John Smith was Patriarch of the Church. He was also cousin to Joseph Smith and I believe related through Hyrum Smith. Please on't quote me on that one.

He was born in 1870 and knew Brigham Young as a young five year old boy, and sat on his desk in his office with a message from his mother. His father was serving a mission in England at the time.

I loved giving the lesson and felt much love from the sisters and their willingness to have me teach. I divided them into groups and they reviewed the questions in the lesson and answered them all very well. It gave the sisters the opportunity to interact and shared some great comments that added to the lesson.

I did a characterization of Sarah Farr, George Albert's mother and read an account from his journal as if she had read the quote. I donned a black felt had with a big red Rose on it that could have been one that she wore. The sisters liked it and it surely got their attention at the beginning of the lesson. It went over well.


We later watched an LDS movie, "One Good Man," this evening. It was on the BYUTV station. Ron had already seen the movie but I had never watched it. I highly recommend it.

Ron had a high priest priesthood meeting tonight and while he was gone I baked him some chocolate chip cookies. He loved that when he came home. We had some warm cookies and a glass of milk with it.

I even had a glass of milk with some Probitotic Acidophilus. It helps me digest the milk since I have always been lactose intolerant.

But Oh, the milk was delicious with chocolate chip cookies!

Grandparents Go To Basketball team--Star Basketball Player

Our grandson, Dallas had a basketball game today at the Jr. High. He scored a couple of times. He did a great job. His dad, Kevin is the coach. Dallas plays well and loves to make baskets. He has great potential to being like his Grandpa, who recruited and made the BYU Freshman team. He withdrew before he played. He realized he would have little playing time, even though he was good. His competition on the team were big names,like Dick Nemelka, Jeff Congden, and Craig Raymond. Ron would have walked on and would have been on the bench.

His schedule was such that he had to work on campus to pay his own way besides his tuition working in the McKay building getting up at 3:30 to 7:00 am. Practice would have taken up his evenings and he had no time to study. His being 6' 4" he would have done well if the circumstances were different.

His basketball career was in Juarez Stake Academy in his high school years and his mission. He averaged 2o points a game in high school. He averaged 35 points on the local team on his mission. They let the missionaries play on a city league in Mazatlan. He lead them to victory and were going on to a grand opportunity. He was selected to go to the National Tournament (Mexico) but he got sick and couldn't go. The team was upset he got sick, but Ron says it was a blessing he didn't play.

Like Pulling Teeth

If you can see the tooth next to the crown, the dark part showing the cavity on the tooth. The cavity is what was giving me the tooth ache. Sorry it shows so small.


You will get the idea.




The expression, "Like pulling teeth," makes sense. Today, the dentist pulled my last molar on the bottom right (#31). He gave me nitrous oxide to breathe and it really made me feel like I was floating on a cloud. Besides the Novocaine, I was in good shape.

I didn't even know when he actually pulled it out. My eyes were closed feeling so relaxed it didn't even phase me. Really. I had expected it to take about two hours but it was only about an hour. The dentist place the implant and built up the depression with bone to support it. He put in a few stitches, I was told which will dissolve by themselves. I was not aware that he had stitched the gum since my eyes were closed, and I may have dozed off for a bit. I didn't feel anything. What a tender mercy.

While the dentist worked on me, Ron was there holding and rubbing my cold feet for me. I felt his love and support to be there for me during the ordeal. I was a bit cold so asked for a blanket before they started. It was warm and fuzzy besides with Ron rubbing my feet, it made my day! I know I am loved.

I came home and slept for about two hours. It felt good to just sleep. The numbness wore off about three o'clock. I was numb since ten-thirty. There does not seem to be much pain either. I took three ibuprofen once so far. I have been eat ing soft foods, or liquids for a day or two.

It is going well so far. Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Guests for Dinner

The Elders came for dinner tonight. There were two this time. The senior companion is Elder Powell, from Virginia and his new comp is from Gilbert, AZ.. Elder Ray just fresh from the MTC today!

We served Mexican food tonight. Real Chicken enchiladas, Mexican rice, refried beans, spinach salad, guacamole, tortillas chips with pico de gallo, and fresh lemonade. The Elders were thrilled to eating Mexican food for a home cooked meal. We loved having them and they left with a spiritual message about the Book of Mormon and encouraged us to read it again.


Our Stake President challenged the members of our stake to read it again. We are and love reading it daily together.

A Good Break From Routine Can Be a Good Thing

Oh, yes, and we did manage to go to the temple this morning too. We got there before 8:00 am. We did a session and had to go by the dentist after that to fill the temporary filling that came out yesterday.

My next appointment is for this Thursday to get the tooth pulled and get an implant for a new crown. It is easier said than done. I need to wait about five months for the crown work, so my gum can adjust to the implant placed in my mouth as the last molar on the right side.

We also managed to go to dinner at Outback for steak and salmon dinner. Delicious. A gift card was given to us and we took the opportunity to grab at the chance to get a fine meal and enjoy a night out together.

Who said life was dull?

You Know You Are Getting "Old" When . . .

This last week was about making appointments for eye care, aka Optometrist visit. Then with starting a New Year and a new insurance supplement it is time to check out the new doctor on our plan.

Today was about a visit to the dentist. I had a tooth ache started last week and ended up needing a root canal. Well, that didn't happen since the crown on that tooth was done forty years ago. The roots had calcified. I never knew a root could do that. The appointment for that crowned tooth is on Thursday for the extraction of the tooth and preparation for an implant to take the place of a post for a crown.

Between the doctor and dentist this week I was busy!

The only social contacts this week would be seeing the doctor and dentist.

I used to think it was interesting that the senior citizens I knew complained that all they did was go to the doctor or dentist. If it isn't one thing it is the other.

Kidding aside, I am grateful to have a good insurance plan that will afford me to get the medical attention I need without the stress of how I would pay for it all.

Oh, and I can't forget that I have a mammogram to look forward too as well when I see the doctor for the routine physical exam. I switched to Ron's doctor who is a D. O. or doctor of osteopathy.

Building Dagwood Sandwiches

Our Dagwood sandwiches that outdo any commercially bought sub sandwich!





Building a Dagwood sandwich was quite an undertaking. We had a loaf of French bread and wanted to use the bread for sandwiches. I cut the bread at an angle, which gave me larger slices than store bought bread.

I kept putting the ingredients and pulled the turkey pastrami out and then put a couple layers of summer sausage sliced off a long beef stick we got for Christmas from Shannon.

Ingredients: mayo, slices pickles, spinach instead of lettuce, slice tomatoes, mashed avocado, Swiss cheese sliced in a layer. I had to put two toothpicks to hold it together. We could hardly bite into--it was so deep. We ate it with chips on the side, then we topped it off with some Sparkling White Grape juice slightly chilled with light ice. Yumm. Shear delight.

We are so blessed and have such good food to eat and choose from that our meals are absolutely scrumpdiliumptious!

For example on Sundays we like to have Salmon, steamed broccoli, sweet potatoes, and an outstanding Spinach salad with yummy salad dressing. It is just us usually for Sunday dinner. We usually eat our big Sunday dinner at midday and then have a lighter meal for the evening.

Trip To Seattle To See Family

Tess is a little angel compared to her brothers. She smiles and melts your heart.

The boys are like a couple of puppies. You can hardly get them to sit still.


We drove up to Seattle to take Shannon and Jordan for his follow up doctor appointment. Ron and I stayed overnight at Matt and Beth's. Shannon stayed at a friends. We had Mexican food in Redmond in the evening.




It was a pleasure to get to see them again and visit. I gave Matt a big hug and told him how pleased I was to get to see them since Thanksgiving. Distance is shorter. We plan to go see them again when Ron renews his Mexican passport in February. We are so blessed. There was a little rain on the way and on the way back up through Snowquamie Pass. There had been some snow before we drove through on the way back.

What Birthright Means . . . To Me

I had some impressions the other morning and need to write them down.

It was about our “birthright”. Esau, the twin brother to Jacob of Old traded his birthright which meant the standing he had as the first son born to Rebekah and Jacob. He was mislead and followed his own carnal desires while he traded it for the things of the world and the desires of the flesh.

He gave it all up. In Genesis 25: 34—“Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.” Therefore Jacob inherited everything of his father’s blessings, spiritual and temporal.

The blessings of birthright are spiritually motivated. I know in my own birthright, I was told when the ordinances in the temple were pronounced upon me at the altar as I place my hand on the proxies’ hands of my parents, the still small voice spoke to me and reaffirmed to me the blessings of that sealing power gave me my birthright as a daughter of my parents forever as if I was the first one to be sealed to them in life.

I was instructed by the sealer after my parents were sealed to one another for all eternity, the sealer said since “I was faithful in this life to receive the blessings of my temple covenants, endowments and the order was correct for me to be first. It was as if I was given the position of their firstborn child as if I had been born first. My brothers who were now deceased were sealed by proxy to my parents after me. It gave me a warm feeling and one that I finally belonged to them . . . forever!!!

Words cannot describe how I felt, other than an emotional burst of joy (tears of happiness) in finally realizing (up to that moment in the Lord’s holy temple), the desire of my heart. I had waited thirty-six years for that to occur. My father had been gone for over a year for me to see that desire come to fruition.

How blessed I felt and celebrated that day, and kept the tradition to commemorate each year after with my children to have Tamales on the anniversary or thereabouts. The hearts of the children were truly turned to our fathers (ancestors) for that welding link from me to them, and to my parents after me.