TRUBLE ON THE RIVER

Wow! What a weekend! Saturday Nick, Sara and kids, Ellie and Aidan came from Michigan. Gary came from GJ. Bary and Temi, Layne, Pam and Landon from the ranch. Gay, Duane and Dillon came with Dillon, Valerie and kids, Sycney and London and Brandi & Zacary. ALL my sons and daughters were here + . I didn't even get a picture together! How thoughtless! But we had such a nice time at Wanda and CR's. It was so good to see everyone. Nick's family and Gary stayed there.

Sunday, Nick, Sara, kids and Gary went with me to church!! We went to the early ward's church at 9am for Sacrament meeting and then came home. Ate peanutbutter sandwitches and went up to the McConkie Petroglifts. Came home, visited and relaxed a while then went to Gay & Duane's for dinner. What a feast. It rained really really hard for a little while then was beautiful so we went outside on the deck and just talked and laughed at memories retold. Wendy didn't feel like going so we missed her neat sense of humor. That morning, Ellie found a small dog on Wanda's front porch and fell in love with it. I think someone must have dropped him off. Nick and Sara talked with Aidan and Ellie and they decied to take it home with them. I sure hope he doesn't make a mess for them on their way home.

Monday I did my Temple job and got home about 9am. Barry was here and we took off for the mountain with Gary and Nick's family to go down the river. The guys at the Lodge didn't get the right message to the right person about suttling us. So we had to haul the boat to the river and then the Lodge people took the cars to the pick up place. It was a beautiful day. Just perfect. The river was high and everything was so green and pretty. We did fine till we got to the Mother-in-law rappid. Wanda had stressed to go on the right side and they tried but the current was too much that kept us from going over far enough and we hit that rock broadside! We were all thrown out. It was pretty exciting for a few minutes. Gary and Sara were able to get the kids in the boat right away. A man in a boat rowwed out and pulled us to the bank which was pretty lucky. Nick saw the kids were okay and went after the coolers, shoes, hats,etc. We lost one oar, my glasses, Barry's hat, some of Nick's fishing stuff, two odd shoes and my hat Landon gave me. Other than that we were very wet for a while and very thankful that all were okay. I had prayed for our safty that morning - I should hafe been more specific probably and prayed for no accidents.

We got home safe and Barry went home and the others were going to the museum. Gay and Brandi had decided to trick Gary while they were occupied there, but it was closed and they went to CR's store with Wendy. So Gay called Wendy and Asked Sara to keep Gary in the store while they decorated his car. It was so funny to watch Gay and Brandi just run to the car giggling. I had stayed in the car with Zacary. Well, we were too far away to actually see the reactions but Wendy said later that Gary was less than happy about it. I hope he knows it was really and act of love.

July 17,2009

Wow! I can't believe this month is half over! It has been a different kind of month. #1. I had to ask Jonathon to find another place to live. We just don't jibe. This was a terribly time for me. But, I know it was right for Jonathon. He needs a place where there are rules that have to be followed. We were all so thrilled that he was able to go on a mission. He was there in New York for about two months and had to come home to handle a situation that wasn't taken care of before. He is a most special young man and would have been a great missionary. To have him come home under these circumstances was devastating. However, he seemed fine about it all. I could see that his living here as he has for the last year and a half was not doing him the good he needs. There are no rules for him to follow here..only his own. Mark and Julie Peterson offered to have him come live with them and thier large family. They are wonderful people and will teach Jon about responsibility to a home and family. Mark is a perfect example of how a man should live. I hope he picks up on that.

I spent two weeks at the ranch, coming home for my art class, giving he and his Mom time to figure things out. I came home a day earlier than I planned and got pretty upset when I got her and nothing was done. I am sorry that I lost my temper and said some pretty mean things to them. Things have been pretty strained still. I hope things will get back to normal soon.

We cleaned out the trailer that Jon was sleeping in this past year the past three days. He had alot of stuff in there. Dillon and family is coming today and they are going to use it as another bedroom for them while at their folks. They will be staying a couple of weeks, I think and Brandi and Zacary are there too making it a bit crowded.

We are excited to have Nick and family coming tomorrow. I hope all will go well there and Nick will be able to see those of the family that he is looking forward to seeing. Wanda's family won't be here till next weekend. That is sad. I did so want Gabe and Parker to be here. Parker and Ellie hit it off so great last time they were here.

My garden is looking good. The deer like it too.

June 13 Wanda & CR's Temple Sealing day

What a perfect day! The sun was shining even though the weather report said rain. We went to the 1:30 session and then to the Sealing. It was so very special. There was alot of both families there. Layne and Pam were chosen to be the couple for the endowment session. The only sad things were that Justin and Gabe were not there to be sealed to them and Barry and Temi were not there. The spirit was incredable. Carl Ray just glowed. He made me feel so good. He hugged me really tight and whispered, "Thanks for not giving up on me." I am so blesses to have two great son-in-laws as he and Duane...and daughter-in-laws as Pam and Temi. They are all so good to me.

After the temple we had a picnic up to Massey's Meadows. Layne & Pam went home, but the rest of us, The Nielsons(Temple instructors for Wanda & CR) and three of Carl Ray's families were there and it was a perfect ending for such a perfect day.

JUNE 10 - MY BIRTHDAYS

My Birthdays seem to last alot longer than they used to. Tuesday night we went to Wanda's for a pre-birthday dinner. They said I would have to wait till Thursday for my presents because Wendy would be gone on Wednesday, my real birthday, to pickup Jonathon from his mission. His six week mission. So, Wednesday was Art class and Ruth, Lella Ruth, and Valda gave me good wishes. I made banana-peach ice cream in the freezer to go with Ruth's apple pie. Wanda called and asked what I was doing to celebrate..I said, "Nothing. Go to bed" She said they were cooking hamburgers to come over. Then Gay called and said she was bringing me a birthday pie.(It was my favorite: Razelberry) So they came to Wanda's and she had ice cream to go with it. She and Gay gave me my presents - but I had to leave them there so Wendy wouldn't know I saw them. Wanda gave me a divided frame for Friends (I put my missionary friends in it) and Gay gave me some "ugly" shoes like everyons is wearing except these have fuzzy soft liners that you can take out and wash. They are really comfy.

Thursday Wendy and Jonathon came about 6:10 and went to meet with Pres. Alexander to get Jon released. I feel so bad about it. He is still on cloud nine with missionary feaver. I hope he can keep it for a year and go out again. Anyway, then everyone came to give me the rest of my gifts. They took my glasses off so I couldn't see what they had till they were ready. They led me out to the porch where they had this huge wheelbarro with two wheels and a box that held a neat iron planter bike and some garden tools. Jonathon and Meghan put it together and put it on my front porch.

You would think that would be enough for a seventy seventh birthday...but...no...I opened a letter from the Church Offices which held a letter saying my "Joshua" story had been accepted by the Friend magazine! When they publish it or maybe before..they will pay me $100!! That is the iceing on the cake.

Now, the really, really great news!!!! Saturday, June 13, 2009 Wanda and Carl Ray are going to be sealed in the temple!! Candice will be sealed to them too. I hope Justin and Gabe will realize what they need to do now. What a blessing! How many years of prayers has it been hoping for this day. After the temple, we plan to go up the canyon for a picnic. That is the last thing I wanted for my birthday.

God is Good

Mother's Day

This was a special day for me. I had the privilege to talk in Sacrament Meeting on motherhood. I think I did good. Here it is without my extras:

I had a great Mother. She taught me well. She taught me by her example how to work, play, honesty and integrity. She didn't lecture. She just lived the part.

All things seem to be a type that turn us to Jesus. Becoming a mother is one of those types. Jesus Christ gave his life blood that we might live. A woman also gives her blood to bring life to a child. Then she is responsible to give her life in neutering, teaching, loving and caring for that child for the rest of her life. Some say they are not responsible after that child becomes an adult. True it is that a mother is not guilty of choices that adult children make – if – she has taught that child well. However, when a child, young or grown, does well, parents are blessed and feel joy… the same when an offspring chooses wrong paths, parents feel sad and sometimes responsible, saying, “What did I do wrong?” even if they did nothing wrong, it brings pain and sorrow. There is never a time in the life of a mother (or father) that they don’t want to guide and protect their children. Sometimes to the detriment of that child. It is sometimes hard to let go and let them learn the way we learned.
A woman starts mothering as soon as she is old enough to hold a baby doll and dress it and rock it and sing to it…She learns to care for others by watching her mother. As she grows, she learns from the examples set by her mother and other mothers along the way. The desire to be a mother comes naturally as she becomes older. She consciously and unconsciously seeks for that young man who will help her achieve the goal of motherhood. Then as she holds that first tiny person in her arms, she is amazed at the miracle of being a mother. She realizes the great blessing of being a co-creator with God bringing this child into the world. What an awesome thing. The man may hold the power of the priesthood that makes it possible for him to do many miraculous things….But a woman is a co-creator with God himself. What can be better than that?
Why Women Cry
Watch her eyes


A little boy asked his mother, "Why are you crying?" "Because I'm a woman," she told him.

"I don't understand," he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will."

Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?"

"All women cry for no reason," was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry..

Finally he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone, he asked, "God, why do women cry so easily?"

God said

"When I made the woman she had to be special.

I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world,

yet gentle enough to give comfort.

I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children.

I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly.

I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed."

"You see my son," said God, "the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."

Wendy told me the night before that we would be going to Gay's for dinner and she was bringing fruit...but it wouldn't be till 5pm because of thier church schedule. Barry called me on Saturday and asked me to pick up some dam material at IFA's and he would pick it up Sunday when he came in. I questioned it a little in my mind, because Temi had gone to Texas, but didn't worry about it. I did think that I would have to leave a note for him if he came when we were to Gay's. Well. Everything changed because Gay and Duane both got food poisoning from some tortillias (?) that a little Mexican girl sold them the day before. So dinner ended up here. Barry, Chelsie and Joshua came first. I got to go walking around the cemetary with Josua. There is a headstone of a man who was a fireman and his picture was on it and a toy firetruch by it. He was really impressed and told his grandpa that "There's a man over there that's a fireman and has a real fire truck!" He is so cute. He usually doesn't talk much, so that was special. Carl Ray went to his house and got a gunbelt, pistol and caps for him and he had a ball. Layne, Pam & Landon showed up too, and then I decided that this was supposed to be a surprise for me! It was and it wasn't. But it sure was nice...except for missing Gay and Duane. She sent wonderful chicken and beef for the BBQ. We ate on the porch and had a great time. I cannot believe why I deserve such wonderful families. When I think of each of my children, grandchildren and great greats and all the in-laws, I am so greatful and proud of the lives they are living.

May 12, 2009

I had a Catalog party. I invited alot of people but only eight came other than family. I cooked all day marinating meat for shish-kabobs, cutting fruit and veggies, made a pasta salad and hot rolls. We are still eating from that night. Those who came really enjoyed themselves visiting and looking at my SMC catalogs. They made orders for over $400! I have gotten a few orders since and expecting some others. Maybe this will be a good thing for me. There is a little bit of everything for everyone.

May 13, 2009

I had a new lady for painting today. Pearl Sheffer came with her three cute kids. They were very quiet and well behaved...except the two year old was busy playing with Shay and being here and there. One time he was behind me and I didn't know it. I turned and stepped backward and tripped over him. Wow! I made a big crash on the cement - flat on my back. My head really crashed. But it didn't break! I had an emu egg...bigger than a goose egg. But I'm okay. Didn't even get a headache. Pays to be hard headed..

Manti Temple Trip

Yesterday, May 2nd, I and Wendy went on a bus trip to the Manti Temple. I had been there before when I went with Jeanett and Buz. I just remembered that Barry and Gaye were sealed there too, but I don't remember much about the temple itself. When Jeanett went the man who played the part of John took us all over and showed us the spiral staircase, solomn assembly room, the doors to the Holy of Holies, about the handclasps on door knobs and best of all, the little room off the celestial room where Jesus appeared to Wilford Woodruf. At that time I had the most wonderful sensation, to be standing near the place where Jesus actually stood. I was anxious to see it again and was not dissppointed. It is the most beautiful room I have ever seen. It is white and powder blue with gold touches. It is impossible to describe.
We were supposed to have time there for the Temple President to talk with us, but it didn't happen. There were so many people there I guess there wasn't time between groups. In our session there must have been over one hundred people. That temple is huge! The colors are values of pink and salmon with the soft white and touches of gold. One chandelier I saw in a sealing room off the celestial room was so big... I think it must be at least four feet in diameter.

It was a long ride there and back. It rained all the way there. I forgot that we were to bring a lunch so there I and Wendy sat with our little breakfast bars etc. Mike Miles and Dixie were prepared for such as us and shared their ham & cheese, chips and grapes so we fared fine. Kind of embarrassing though.

I have been struggling to get rid of a few cats before they all have babies, but Wendy heard little kitty sounds under the porch. I think it is the blue-eyed simese momma. I have another that looks like a little baloon. I love little kitties, but they grow up and multiply like rabbits.

That's all for now..Time for church.

The 50's Night

Wow! What a wild night! Everyone dressed the part and acted the part too. It was at Wanda's this time and she was so cute in her pink poodle skirt,plaid shirt tied at the front over a pink under blouse. She wore white anklets and missy shoes. She had a scarf tied at the neck and looked sooo 50ish Her red hair was flipped up at the bottom and I realized that she really looks good with orange-red hair. She fed us hambugers with all the good stuff and made chocolate malts with lots of that squirty whipped cream on top with a cherry. There was a picture of a 50ish car on the table decorated with big dice you hang on the car mirror, bubblegum twinkies and candy bars.

Wendy tried to look like I did then...my hairstyle, shirt tied in the front, rolled up jeans and tennis shoes with white socks. I hope I looked that cute. Wanda had that era of music playing and it just put everyone in the mood to jitterbug and do the twist. Wendy and Gay really got into it...Brandi too.

Gay dressed in a white blouse and bright red print poodle skirt with white anklets and saddle oxfords. She and Wanda even had cute poodles on thier skirts. Gay wore her hair ratted on top and curled up at the tips. It really should wear it that way. She looked so cute.

Brandi was John Trivolta with black hair and side burns, big eyebrows and a black spot on her chin that I think was supposed to look like a dimple? She had dark tennis shoes, rolled up jeans and white shirt.

I came as June Carver in a midlength aqua blue flary dress, lots of jewlry and a black shoulder scarf that I actually knitted out of fuzzy yarn to go with my high-healed black boots. I wore my curly wig with a rose on the side. In case you youngsters don't know who June Carter was...she was Johnny Cash's wife who sang and played the autoharp. So I sang The Wildwood Flower and Who will Shoe Your Pretty Little Foot? I didn't get a standing ovation though.

We watched the old version of Bye Bye Birdie and loved it. Then layed on our tummies on the floor with our feet crossed and our hands under our chins and had a bubble blowing contest. Wendy blew the most big ones, but Wanda got the biggest one. I found out later that they chewed two bubblegums. I only did one.

We danced and sang and laughed the whole night long..What fun!!


Saturday:

I got up, turned the water off that I forgot to do last night and realized that Shay was left out in the garage. I had thought that Wendy must have him in bed with her so didn't worry about him. Also, the garage door was wide open. I know I closed it when I drove in because the cat stopped it and I had to run it out to shut it again. I must not have watched it clear down and something- cat or Shay?? came through again. Ah, the misteries of life!

I planted some flowers and veggies in the garden this morning and transplanted some strawberry plants so I have one whole row instead of here and there. I am going to put more flowers out there this year and not so much food. It is hard to not plant stuff when there is all that dirt out there just crying to grow more than weeds.