I am reflecting on the events that have happened in our family this past year. Beginning in January we started the New Year off in a new home and a new city. In my wildest imagination I did not think I would ever move from the home that we had begun to fix up. I loved the house and the ward we were in and could have stayed there for the rest of my life. There were other plans for us. Kristen was able to get a good job at Maleluca as a designer and we felt so blessed about that. I began the long process of becoming a substitute teacher.
There is a good story to that. I went in to apply on January 21st and on the 22nd the ESD posted a note that they were no longer hiring substitute teachers. I was perplexed so I called them and found that I had just applied under the wire and my application was good. It took them a while to get my fingerprints processed. I found that my finger prints have worn off and so they had to send them back and forth a couple times before I could finally begin working in May. I love my job and find it enjoyable to have a new adventure every day.
In March we were called to be temple workers. I was called to be a Gospel Doctrine teacher also. This takes up many hours of research as I prepare my lessons. I loved teaching about the Old Testament this year and found new insight into the many books, history and culture. I also love working in the temple. I miss teaching Seminary but find that I have been able to substitute sometimes. I love being creative in preparing the Seminary lessons and have a good time working with the youth.
During the month of April there were new adjustments as I learned about the area we now live in. Kent came to visit for a few days when Kerry drove to Utah to pick up a new table for us and buy a table for his Dad. He and Kerry had a good visit. We also were preparing for a big trip to see Italy during the summer and were getting exciting for our missionary daughter to come home. Another wonderful event we were looking forward to was the birth of our first grandson Sawyer.
May and June went by quickly as I substituted at several buildings in the area. The first part of July I flew to Connecticutt to help move Cherie and Keith, spend time with Lily, and help with everything when Cherie gave birth. I had a lot of fun even though it was really really hot in Connecticutt. We moved the week that Cherie was due to deliver and found that she was a little bit past the time she expected the baby to come. The night he was born we took a long walk and pulled weeds in her flower garden. It did the trick and she had Sawyer that night. I would have never known she was in labor she was so calm!!!!
We met Kerry at the airport at the end of the month and I flew with him to Italy. The highlight of the trip was being with Jenessa and meeting the people she taught. I wish I had done that with all my children now. It was such a treat. Italy was a fantastic place to go and Kerry had done his homework in planning the trip. Kudos to Kerry for making the trip fantastic. When we flew home we met Cherie, Keith, Lily, and Sawyer at the New York Kennedy airport and were able to visit.
The rest of August saw Jenessa and I taking several trips. We went to visit with Joslyn and took a trip to Forks, La Push, and the Olympic National Park. The highlight was the park. That is a do not miss because of the beauty of the lakes and forests. We stopped to get a hamburger and a lavender shake in Forks. A few days later Bryce came and we moved Jenessa to Rexburg to finish her last semester of school.
September I began working at the schools and worked on finishing some quilts. I made a butterfly quilt and an quilt depicting the outdoors in the Northwest. I love going to quilt shops and during the summer Kerry and I went to a resort up across the border from Canada. While he was in meetings I took the car and went quilt shop hopping for quilt blocks. I finished the quilt in November.
The highlight of November was when Jonathan and Janilee came to visit for Thanksgiving. The day they got here a big snowstorm hit. All their plans to go to the coast were ruined but we were thankful to visit with them one more day. I loved the blueberry pie and cranberry sauce that they made for Thanksgiving. I loved having them more than anything.
The highlight of December was when Jenessa graduated from BYU-Idaho. She came in 3rd in her class as cum laude with a 3.94 gpa and received the Newell K. Whitney award. Four professors had to vote for her to receive it from her department. What an honor. We dropped by and visited with Jonathan and Janilee on our way back. And Christmas was the best when I had Kristen and Bryce come a few days before and Kent came too. I loved visiting with Kent and watching him beat almost all the levels of Mario. It was great to go to church with my children also. I hope next year is as eventful as this with great things happening in the family.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
July 11, 1983 Journal Entry
I have a lot to catch up on in my journal. I helped landscape my parent's yard. Alan and I dug up a lot of the lawn.
On July 2nd we drove to Fort Belnap from Helena through Lewistown and stopped at Buffalo Hot Springs to swim. We came on to Jan's house where I have been staying with the children since then. On the 3rd we went to Rachel's blessing.
Jan's branch is very small with an average of 15 people out to church each Sunday. The Relief Society President drives 70 miles to church each Sunday across the Canadian border.
On July 4th Mom, Dad, Alan, and albert left for Helena after the men went fishing for the morning.
An interesting point just made to me is if you cannot be trusted to use earthly wealth wisely, how can you be trusted in governing more spiritual matters?
This past week we have taken the children to a museum and park in Chinook, a ranch with animals (chickens, pigs, cows, bulls, horses, geese) and they rode a swather and three wheeler. We took them swimming, camping and fishing.
It has been miserably hot here...over a hundred degrees F.
John has done extensive dental work on my mouth. He has filled so many cavities it looks like a war happened in my mouth.
Jonny misses Kerry and home terrible. When we were coming home from camping, he said, "I don't like to go on vacation and miss my daddy."
Kent has started laughing and last Monday got up on his hands and knees and started rocking back and forth. He has also in the past two weeks, been becoming more dexterious with grasping objects and putting them in his mouth. I was playing with him today and blowing on his stomach and he was just laughing.
Cherie has started sying "I don't want to." every time I ask her to do something. Her talking is becoming more clear. She grinds her teeth at night and keeps me awake. Jonny is a rough sleeper and is all over the bed and everything. I've had to sleep with them both since there are not enough beds. I put one in the crib and Kent sleeps in a camping bed.
I have never seen the misquitos so thick as they are here. Jonny and Cherie are just covered with misquito bites. I counted 25 bites on Jonathan one day and the next he had twice as many, it seemed. Cherie gets them and they swell to the size of a quarter. Kent hasn't had any.
On July 2nd we drove to Fort Belnap from Helena through Lewistown and stopped at Buffalo Hot Springs to swim. We came on to Jan's house where I have been staying with the children since then. On the 3rd we went to Rachel's blessing.
Jan's branch is very small with an average of 15 people out to church each Sunday. The Relief Society President drives 70 miles to church each Sunday across the Canadian border.
On July 4th Mom, Dad, Alan, and albert left for Helena after the men went fishing for the morning.
An interesting point just made to me is if you cannot be trusted to use earthly wealth wisely, how can you be trusted in governing more spiritual matters?
This past week we have taken the children to a museum and park in Chinook, a ranch with animals (chickens, pigs, cows, bulls, horses, geese) and they rode a swather and three wheeler. We took them swimming, camping and fishing.
It has been miserably hot here...over a hundred degrees F.
John has done extensive dental work on my mouth. He has filled so many cavities it looks like a war happened in my mouth.
Jonny misses Kerry and home terrible. When we were coming home from camping, he said, "I don't like to go on vacation and miss my daddy."
Kent has started laughing and last Monday got up on his hands and knees and started rocking back and forth. He has also in the past two weeks, been becoming more dexterious with grasping objects and putting them in his mouth. I was playing with him today and blowing on his stomach and he was just laughing.
Cherie has started sying "I don't want to." every time I ask her to do something. Her talking is becoming more clear. She grinds her teeth at night and keeps me awake. Jonny is a rough sleeper and is all over the bed and everything. I've had to sleep with them both since there are not enough beds. I put one in the crib and Kent sleeps in a camping bed.
I have never seen the misquitos so thick as they are here. Jonny and Cherie are just covered with misquito bites. I counted 25 bites on Jonathan one day and the next he had twice as many, it seemed. Cherie gets them and they swell to the size of a quarter. Kent hasn't had any.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Parenting Large Children
The idea of parenting adults never occured to me when my children were placed in my arms. They were so tiny and helpless and needing everything that I could possibly give them including time, patience, and love. As they grew I learned a lot of patience and wonder if they understand how much I loved them when they were little. I rejoice at their accomplishments as adults and am happy as they work to make this world a better place. I want for them all that they want...a wonderful family life, a temple marriage, a nice job, and most of all happiness. Sometimes I think of them still as my little toddlers asking for 'orange juice', 'cheese', or 'nannas'. I can hear their little voices calling "Nonny", "Serie", "Tent", "Nessa", or "Coco" and the echo of their little footsteps still walk across my heart. They are gone, but I am still here waiting...
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Miracles Do Happen
This week we were reflecting on the miracle that has happened in our family this month. Keith has been looking for a job for several months and so at the beginning of the month we had a special fast for him so that he could find a job. He and Cherie had been praying for a raise that he had not had since they moved to Connecticut...then he lost his job. I knew somehow this trial would turn out to be a blessing for them. Even though it was a difficult thing to go through with a just bought new house and a just new baby, it turned out to be the best thing for their family in the end.
This was also a testimony of tithing. Cherie called to say that she had paid her tithing with little left over for necessities. The Lord responded by opening the windows of heaven. Keith had 3 job interviews that week and a job offer soon followed. He began work last week and even had Thanksgiving and a bonus day off to spend with his family. Their family has surely been blessed and we are grateful for that blessing.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thanksgiving
We went to the Experience Music Project in Seattle and took a tour of Pike Place Market to see the fish fly. Then the next day was Thanksgiving. We have had a wonderful time with Jonathan and Janilee. I would like to express my gratitude to them for coming to see us and also for the fun we had with them. Their trip didn't turn out the way they thought it would but in the end they had a relaxing vacation because of the bad weather.
What a wonderful day Thanksgiving was and it wasn't because of the turkey, the cranberry dressing, the spicy cranberry sauce, the mashed potatoes, the marshmallow yams, the blueberry salad or the perfect rolls. It was because of Jonathan and Janilee taking the time and expense to visit with us. That was what made the day perfect. Having family with us to celebrate the holiday was the best gift of gratitude that we could have been blessed with besides all the great food that was prepared by several people. Janilee outdid herself on the blueberry pie with the buttery crust that she slaved hours over. Jonathan experimented on cranberry sauce with jalapeno peppers which was really good and his famous cranberry dressing was outstanding.
I have been thinking about Thanksgiving. George Washington suggested that we have a day of Thanksgiving in gratitude for the Constitution. I am grateful for this country that I live in and that I can vote and have a voice. I am thankful for our Constitution and the founding fathers who sacrificed so much for this country. I am also thankful for all my children and their spouses (which I consider my children too) and my wonderful grandchildren, Lily and Sawyer. I am grateful for a good husband who is faithful to me and tells me he loves me every day. He sacrifices so much for me and tells me he loves me by doing things for me around the house and at work. I am thankful he has a job and his health. I am thankful for my health also. There is much to be grateful for in life. I am grateful for the vacation to Italy and for the time we spent with Jenessa. I had so much exhausting fun. I wish that everyone could have been here.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Congratulations to Jenessa!!!
Congratulations to Jenessa for her achievement in academics. She has been awarded the Newel K. Whitney Award for excellence by her department. Four professors voted for the student who has starred in their classes. Jenessa deserves this award with her straight A's and her design ability. I love you Jenessa. Keep up the good work!!!!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
It's Been Awhile
This week has been some firsts for me. Jonathan has come for Thanksgiving. He hasn't been home for Thanksgiving for many years. In fact, I don't remember when he came home last for this holiday. It was a real treat to find Janilee and Jonathan here on Sunday when I got home from church. (They flew in during church.)
We have been playing games, talking, finding patterns for crocheted dog sweaters and discussing how to make them, having FHE, watching Netflix, and going to see Harry Potter. Our days are filled with fun. Tomorrow we have even more fun planned.
Yesterday, when we came out of Harry Potter a little before 6 we were greeted with one of the coldest snaps we've had in November since I've lived in the Northwest. Cars were going off the road and the freeway was going along at the fast speed of 20-25 mph. We were slipping all over the road but we made it up the hill due to our great city services of putting gravel down on the road. I was thankful that we got to go see the show and also that we got home safely... More fun tomorrow.
We have been playing games, talking, finding patterns for crocheted dog sweaters and discussing how to make them, having FHE, watching Netflix, and going to see Harry Potter. Our days are filled with fun. Tomorrow we have even more fun planned.
Yesterday, when we came out of Harry Potter a little before 6 we were greeted with one of the coldest snaps we've had in November since I've lived in the Northwest. Cars were going off the road and the freeway was going along at the fast speed of 20-25 mph. We were slipping all over the road but we made it up the hill due to our great city services of putting gravel down on the road. I was thankful that we got to go see the show and also that we got home safely... More fun tomorrow.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
I Love to See Kids Smile
Today I had a little boy smile at me. It was a genuine ear to ear toothy smile. He was so happy. I love to see kids smile. It doesn't matter when or on what occasion. It's fun to see babies laugh that first laugh. I remember Jonathan's first laugh. He actually squealed at first until he could do a haha laugh. His baby grin was ear to ear without teeth of course. One of the funny things I remember about Jonathan is a trip we took to Chicago for Christmas. In order to entertain him I would put his toys on the back of the seat and then they would fall. He laughed and laughed because he thought it was so funny. It was a great to remember his laughs and squeals.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Forgot...Who Me?
Never forget. Never. That is my motto...except I can't remember what I was to ever forget. Have you ever had a day like that? I can't remember if I have had one or not. I have decided to live in the moment until I decide whether I have a memory problem. If I do. Then help me remember what I'm suppose to remember...
Monday, October 18, 2010
"No More Monkeys Jumping On the Bed!"
When my children were little they loved to jump on the bed. I remembered the silly song they would sing as they flew up and down, their hair flying around. "Ten Little Monkeys jumping on the bed. One fell off and broke his head. Momma called the doctor and the doctor said, "No more Monkeys jumping on the bed."" There are times when this memory comes back and I can see Jonathan, Cherie, and Kent jumping on the bed. This happened last week when I taught Kindergarten.
We had an extra half hour at the end of the day and so I started reading stories to the children and doing finger play games. This was one of the finger plays that we sang. I let the children choose some of their favorites and then I chose some. I found that I thoroughly enjoyed teaching Kindergarten. Maybe I choose the wrong grade to teach. The children at that age are so little and cute. They have this little innocent look about them and they are so eager to learn. I even had a little boy draw me a picture. I find that the younger ages require a lot more energy than the high school students. At the end of the day I can say that I am satisfied that I have worked and have done a good job.
We had an extra half hour at the end of the day and so I started reading stories to the children and doing finger play games. This was one of the finger plays that we sang. I let the children choose some of their favorites and then I chose some. I found that I thoroughly enjoyed teaching Kindergarten. Maybe I choose the wrong grade to teach. The children at that age are so little and cute. They have this little innocent look about them and they are so eager to learn. I even had a little boy draw me a picture. I find that the younger ages require a lot more energy than the high school students. At the end of the day I can say that I am satisfied that I have worked and have done a good job.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Letter from August 20, 1979
Dear Mom, Dad, and Maurine,
Hello from wet Utah. How is everyone doing? We are all doing just fine. It has rained two or three times every week this month, but we're not complaining. Our garden is growning well and we have been eating lots of cucumbers, squash, and onions and beans already. We soon will have tomatoes, carrots, cantelope, and watermelons, We made a few mistakes, but were pretty proud of the way in which our garden has turned out.
As I type this letter I have little Jonathan at my feet destroying last weeks TV guide. He's getting super curious, and he gets around really well now. He is also getting very heavy to try and lug around. He likes to play and will giggle for an hour as he plays with us. He wakes up very happy and loves to lay and talk in his crib with all of his toys.
Well, we weighed the pros and cons and have decided to stay with Natures Way for a little while more, as long as things go well there. After I talked to you on the phone I went in and took a calculated risk and told them that their offer was not acceptable and I would have to give them two weeks notice. Well, they didn't give me a bigger raise, but they said, that they would cut the review down to 30 days from the original 60 days and if all went well I could go salary, which would mean holiday and sick leave pay, and it would also mean more insurance for the same money I am paying now, and it would mean a steady paycheck, which would be easier to budget.
Carolyn did really well in school this block. It was a hard block, but she came through with a B+ and a B. She became really discouraged about school because of a couple of professors that she had.
I'm looking forward to getting going in school again. I really want to thank you for all of the sacrifices that you have done for me to get my tuition. I really appreciate your love and concern that I finish school. I didnt get all of the classes that I applied for as of yet, but I plan on taking a Greek Mythology class, and accounting class, a class in weight lifting and two communications classes. I am kind of leaning right now in the direction of business communications. It is a new area of business that began last year and looks really good. It has a lot to do with personnel management. I don't know if I told you, but I did finally get a B out of Spanish. I am glad to get it out of the way.
Once again, I thank you Mom and Dad for paying my tuition this semester. It is really kind and thoughtful of you. Keep praying for us.
Love,
Kerry, Carolyn, and Jonathan
Hello from wet Utah. How is everyone doing? We are all doing just fine. It has rained two or three times every week this month, but we're not complaining. Our garden is growning well and we have been eating lots of cucumbers, squash, and onions and beans already. We soon will have tomatoes, carrots, cantelope, and watermelons, We made a few mistakes, but were pretty proud of the way in which our garden has turned out.
As I type this letter I have little Jonathan at my feet destroying last weeks TV guide. He's getting super curious, and he gets around really well now. He is also getting very heavy to try and lug around. He likes to play and will giggle for an hour as he plays with us. He wakes up very happy and loves to lay and talk in his crib with all of his toys.
Well, we weighed the pros and cons and have decided to stay with Natures Way for a little while more, as long as things go well there. After I talked to you on the phone I went in and took a calculated risk and told them that their offer was not acceptable and I would have to give them two weeks notice. Well, they didn't give me a bigger raise, but they said, that they would cut the review down to 30 days from the original 60 days and if all went well I could go salary, which would mean holiday and sick leave pay, and it would also mean more insurance for the same money I am paying now, and it would mean a steady paycheck, which would be easier to budget.
Carolyn did really well in school this block. It was a hard block, but she came through with a B+ and a B. She became really discouraged about school because of a couple of professors that she had.
I'm looking forward to getting going in school again. I really want to thank you for all of the sacrifices that you have done for me to get my tuition. I really appreciate your love and concern that I finish school. I didnt get all of the classes that I applied for as of yet, but I plan on taking a Greek Mythology class, and accounting class, a class in weight lifting and two communications classes. I am kind of leaning right now in the direction of business communications. It is a new area of business that began last year and looks really good. It has a lot to do with personnel management. I don't know if I told you, but I did finally get a B out of Spanish. I am glad to get it out of the way.
Once again, I thank you Mom and Dad for paying my tuition this semester. It is really kind and thoughtful of you. Keep praying for us.
Love,
Kerry, Carolyn, and Jonathan
Letter from July 28, 1979
Dear Dad, Mom and Maurine
Hello, and how are you? We are doing well, and really enjoying ourselves. We have been very busy lately, and it looks like we'll be busy in the future. As I was waiting for Carolyn to get home from her work meeting at church I received a call from the temple and they asked me to begin working a regular schedule there. I will now work from 6:30 till 9:30 every Saturday morning in the Baptistry. Carolyn and I are really excited about it.
My other church job is keeping me busy, too. I had all of twenty minutes to myself yesterday. The bishop is really happy with the way I am doing the job, and said he is relieved to finally have someone whom he didn't have to constantly keep an eye on. The old clerk left quite a mess which I am still trying to straighten out.
I had a bit of an exciting experience in home teaching last week. The husband of one of the families which we home teach has been out of town at an Army summer camp. Last Thursday while his wife was up feeding the baby at three in the morning she suddenly heard someone trying to break down her front door. She called us and while I jumped into my clothes, Carolyn called the police, and it was very evident that someone had been trying to break open the door. The police found that her back door lock didn't even work, so we took her home and let her and her baby sleep in Jonathan's room. None of us slept very well the rest of that night. I fixed her front door and replaced her back door lock the next day.
It's been nice to have Marica here. She is still looking for somewhere to live in SLC. She was going to drive us up to the reunion, but changed her mind at the last minute and told us the last thing she wanted to do was drive six hours just to see some relatives for a couple of hours. We were disappointed, but there was little we could do s our car wouldn't have made it.
This month was murder on our budget. My company does not pay us holiday pay and also refuses to let us work, which cut out 9.1% of our income. We also lost the day which I had the flu. We were glad to receive the letter from you in which you said that you would help and pay my tuition this coming fall, if we needed it. WE NEED IT!!! I'm not earning more than $550 a month and we had to pay $410 for that wonderful little son of ours this summer. In fact we have $57.00 more until we own him. I guess that the only way that we could make it is if you would help us. I'll pay for my winter tuition, and all of my other expenses, but I wouldn't be able to make it to fall without a loan.
Jonathan is doing really great. He is constantly moving. We can't take our eyes off of him. Were so thankful for the things which you have given him. He is still wearing the layette gowns, and he loves to ride around the mall in the stroller. He smiles at all of the grandmas as they smile at him. He is really a cute guy. We are still planning on coming out next Christmas. I do get five days of paid vacation, after working there for a year or more.
Carolyn's Mom is coming down on the 15th to go take Alan to the MTC and then she is going to Educatin week. Carolyn is planning on riding home with her and then I will go up on Labor day weekend to pick her and Jonathan up and bring them home. could you please arrange it so that the Ventura is out here by then so I can have at least a couple of days to make sure it is running well for the higher altitudes and then take it up to get them? Otherwise we won't be able to do it, as the FIAT wouldn't make it.
Well, thats all of our news. We hope and pray that you're doing well.
Love,
Kerry and Carolyn
Dear Family,
I just found this in a pile of things and thought it had been sent. I noticed that we forgot to thank you for the gifts. Thank you very much. We saw Uncle David and Aunt Mary today. We are having a small reunion tomorrow in the park. Not much else going on. Iasked for a raise today-8/3/79. Love, Kerry
Hello, and how are you? We are doing well, and really enjoying ourselves. We have been very busy lately, and it looks like we'll be busy in the future. As I was waiting for Carolyn to get home from her work meeting at church I received a call from the temple and they asked me to begin working a regular schedule there. I will now work from 6:30 till 9:30 every Saturday morning in the Baptistry. Carolyn and I are really excited about it.
My other church job is keeping me busy, too. I had all of twenty minutes to myself yesterday. The bishop is really happy with the way I am doing the job, and said he is relieved to finally have someone whom he didn't have to constantly keep an eye on. The old clerk left quite a mess which I am still trying to straighten out.
I had a bit of an exciting experience in home teaching last week. The husband of one of the families which we home teach has been out of town at an Army summer camp. Last Thursday while his wife was up feeding the baby at three in the morning she suddenly heard someone trying to break down her front door. She called us and while I jumped into my clothes, Carolyn called the police, and it was very evident that someone had been trying to break open the door. The police found that her back door lock didn't even work, so we took her home and let her and her baby sleep in Jonathan's room. None of us slept very well the rest of that night. I fixed her front door and replaced her back door lock the next day.
It's been nice to have Marica here. She is still looking for somewhere to live in SLC. She was going to drive us up to the reunion, but changed her mind at the last minute and told us the last thing she wanted to do was drive six hours just to see some relatives for a couple of hours. We were disappointed, but there was little we could do s our car wouldn't have made it.
This month was murder on our budget. My company does not pay us holiday pay and also refuses to let us work, which cut out 9.1% of our income. We also lost the day which I had the flu. We were glad to receive the letter from you in which you said that you would help and pay my tuition this coming fall, if we needed it. WE NEED IT!!! I'm not earning more than $550 a month and we had to pay $410 for that wonderful little son of ours this summer. In fact we have $57.00 more until we own him. I guess that the only way that we could make it is if you would help us. I'll pay for my winter tuition, and all of my other expenses, but I wouldn't be able to make it to fall without a loan.
Jonathan is doing really great. He is constantly moving. We can't take our eyes off of him. Were so thankful for the things which you have given him. He is still wearing the layette gowns, and he loves to ride around the mall in the stroller. He smiles at all of the grandmas as they smile at him. He is really a cute guy. We are still planning on coming out next Christmas. I do get five days of paid vacation, after working there for a year or more.
Carolyn's Mom is coming down on the 15th to go take Alan to the MTC and then she is going to Educatin week. Carolyn is planning on riding home with her and then I will go up on Labor day weekend to pick her and Jonathan up and bring them home. could you please arrange it so that the Ventura is out here by then so I can have at least a couple of days to make sure it is running well for the higher altitudes and then take it up to get them? Otherwise we won't be able to do it, as the FIAT wouldn't make it.
Well, thats all of our news. We hope and pray that you're doing well.
Love,
Kerry and Carolyn
Dear Family,
I just found this in a pile of things and thought it had been sent. I noticed that we forgot to thank you for the gifts. Thank you very much. We saw Uncle David and Aunt Mary today. We are having a small reunion tomorrow in the park. Not much else going on. Iasked for a raise today-8/3/79. Love, Kerry
Letter from October 5, 1979
Dearest Family,
We hope that everyone is doing well. We've received many nice letters over the last couple of weeks, and we want to thank everyone for them. We are both doing pretty well, except for Carolyn who is continually sick with one thing or another.
Our school is going really well. Carolyn is just about done with the frame of her chair in her upholstry class. She says that she is really enjoying the class. I am doing well in my classes, too. I have one class in which we are doing exercises in small group behavior. We do all kinds of things to get the groups to communicate and solve problems through things like team efforts and group games. it is one of the most interesting classes I have had.
Little Jonathan is doing well. He now goes from room to room and closes the doors. His first tooth is pushing through right now and another one is about ready to. He crawls fast, and he loves to explore the house, and get into the garbage and play with the newspapers and magazines. He also has to eat with us and wants to try whatever we are eating. He is a good little guy most of the time.
Carolyn is keeping busy with babysitting for a friend, and school and church work. She has lots of little projects going and also likes to relax a bit. She is still the pianist in the Relief Society.
I'm keeping busy doing everything under the sun. I go to school full time, and I work full time, still. I kind of enjoy being a supervisor, but its hard getting used to some people with their little handups. Our head of maintenance is always complaining that he has too much to do, but when I tried to take a little of his "dominion" away I almost caused a good problem. But, luckily I had the support of the general manager and things worked out in my favor anyway. I'm also keeping busy with my church jobs.
We want to thank everyone for their letters and for the love which they show us. Its great having such a wonderful family to back us up.
Love,
Kerry and Carolyn
We hope that everyone is doing well. We've received many nice letters over the last couple of weeks, and we want to thank everyone for them. We are both doing pretty well, except for Carolyn who is continually sick with one thing or another.
Our school is going really well. Carolyn is just about done with the frame of her chair in her upholstry class. She says that she is really enjoying the class. I am doing well in my classes, too. I have one class in which we are doing exercises in small group behavior. We do all kinds of things to get the groups to communicate and solve problems through things like team efforts and group games. it is one of the most interesting classes I have had.
Little Jonathan is doing well. He now goes from room to room and closes the doors. His first tooth is pushing through right now and another one is about ready to. He crawls fast, and he loves to explore the house, and get into the garbage and play with the newspapers and magazines. He also has to eat with us and wants to try whatever we are eating. He is a good little guy most of the time.
Carolyn is keeping busy with babysitting for a friend, and school and church work. She has lots of little projects going and also likes to relax a bit. She is still the pianist in the Relief Society.
I'm keeping busy doing everything under the sun. I go to school full time, and I work full time, still. I kind of enjoy being a supervisor, but its hard getting used to some people with their little handups. Our head of maintenance is always complaining that he has too much to do, but when I tried to take a little of his "dominion" away I almost caused a good problem. But, luckily I had the support of the general manager and things worked out in my favor anyway. I'm also keeping busy with my church jobs.
We want to thank everyone for their letters and for the love which they show us. Its great having such a wonderful family to back us up.
Love,
Kerry and Carolyn
Letter from September 6, 1979
Dear Loved Ones:
Kerry and I had a fun time in Helena. Thank you for your hospitality. Jonathan was treated like a king by Albert, who waited on him hand and foot. Albert fed, changed and played with him. Arlen got into the act, too. Albert and Jonathan slept in the same bedroom and when Jonathan was up at the early hours of the morning Albert was right there to change his diaper and give him a bath.
We went to the lake on Monday and had a barbeque. I got to see a professional waterski act by none other than Albert. We really enjoyed our new car. It was a lot easier to travel in than the FIAT. Jonathan looked cute in his life jacket, which was 15 sizes too big.
On our way back we missed seeing an airplane crash into a grain elevator in Dillon Montana. If we had been there two hours earlier we would have been in the middle of it. We took a 20 minute detour around the town and must of seen 15 fire trucks. Some were all the way from Butte, which is 100 miles away. Other than a pizza at Pizza Hut in Idaho Falls the rest of our trip was uneventful.
Jonathan hasn't had very much sleep in this busy week. I left him with a babysitter on Tuesday so I could go to class and he stayed up until 11 o'clock at night. That's quite a bit for the little guy. I walked in the door and he cried until I picked him up. I guess he knows who his Mom and Dad are now. Today we took him up on campus to get books and he would watch all the people go by and laugh and laugh. It was so funny to see. We saw Maurine there too. She looks skinnier every time I see her.
Yesterday, I child-proofed my house. Jonathan can climb up on and stand on any piece of furniture in the house. I made a special shelf just to have his toys on. He always heads for that shelf because it makes lots of noise. Jonathan can walk around on the furniture now and next week he will be 6 months old.
Kerry was made a supervisor at work. He seems to be moving up fast in the company. I can't believe that in a year he has made so much progress. Tomorrow the company is having a party at the Alpine Slide and everyone has to go. It should be fun.
We have our first ripe tomato from the garden today. I have three huge zucchini squash sitting on the kitchen counter, too. I made a Zucchini-Tomato Casserole tonight and Kerry liked it so well he ate two helpings of vegetables. I couldn't believe it.
Love,
Carolyn
Zucchini Tomato Casserole
Heat oven to 375.
2 lbs zucchini squash
3 T chopped onions
3 T fat
2 cups tomatoes
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
3/4 cup grated cheese
1/4 t. thyme (optional)
Wash squash and cut into 1/4 inch pieces. In fry pan, cook onion in fat until limp. Add squash and simmer for 5 min. Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook 5 more minutes. Pour into greased baking dish or pan. Sprinkle cheese over top and bake 365 for about 20 minutes.
You can also add sausage, hamburger or leftober meat with the cheese or in place of it a variety of seasonings can be added: chili powder, or chili pepper. It can also be made with corn bread batter. Drop tsp. into the hot casserole misture. Bake 20 minutes until corn bread is cooked.
Kerry and I had a fun time in Helena. Thank you for your hospitality. Jonathan was treated like a king by Albert, who waited on him hand and foot. Albert fed, changed and played with him. Arlen got into the act, too. Albert and Jonathan slept in the same bedroom and when Jonathan was up at the early hours of the morning Albert was right there to change his diaper and give him a bath.
We went to the lake on Monday and had a barbeque. I got to see a professional waterski act by none other than Albert. We really enjoyed our new car. It was a lot easier to travel in than the FIAT. Jonathan looked cute in his life jacket, which was 15 sizes too big.
On our way back we missed seeing an airplane crash into a grain elevator in Dillon Montana. If we had been there two hours earlier we would have been in the middle of it. We took a 20 minute detour around the town and must of seen 15 fire trucks. Some were all the way from Butte, which is 100 miles away. Other than a pizza at Pizza Hut in Idaho Falls the rest of our trip was uneventful.
Jonathan hasn't had very much sleep in this busy week. I left him with a babysitter on Tuesday so I could go to class and he stayed up until 11 o'clock at night. That's quite a bit for the little guy. I walked in the door and he cried until I picked him up. I guess he knows who his Mom and Dad are now. Today we took him up on campus to get books and he would watch all the people go by and laugh and laugh. It was so funny to see. We saw Maurine there too. She looks skinnier every time I see her.
Yesterday, I child-proofed my house. Jonathan can climb up on and stand on any piece of furniture in the house. I made a special shelf just to have his toys on. He always heads for that shelf because it makes lots of noise. Jonathan can walk around on the furniture now and next week he will be 6 months old.
Kerry was made a supervisor at work. He seems to be moving up fast in the company. I can't believe that in a year he has made so much progress. Tomorrow the company is having a party at the Alpine Slide and everyone has to go. It should be fun.
We have our first ripe tomato from the garden today. I have three huge zucchini squash sitting on the kitchen counter, too. I made a Zucchini-Tomato Casserole tonight and Kerry liked it so well he ate two helpings of vegetables. I couldn't believe it.
Love,
Carolyn
Zucchini Tomato Casserole
Heat oven to 375.
2 lbs zucchini squash
3 T chopped onions
3 T fat
2 cups tomatoes
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
3/4 cup grated cheese
1/4 t. thyme (optional)
Wash squash and cut into 1/4 inch pieces. In fry pan, cook onion in fat until limp. Add squash and simmer for 5 min. Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook 5 more minutes. Pour into greased baking dish or pan. Sprinkle cheese over top and bake 365 for about 20 minutes.
You can also add sausage, hamburger or leftober meat with the cheese or in place of it a variety of seasonings can be added: chili powder, or chili pepper. It can also be made with corn bread batter. Drop tsp. into the hot casserole misture. Bake 20 minutes until corn bread is cooked.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Letter from November 1, 1979
Dear Mom and Dad,
Hello!!! It was good to hear from you this past week. We are really happy with how the pictures turned out of everyone. It was good seing pictures of you, and we can't wait to see you at Christmas time. We will probably leave here on the 19th or 20th and head back on the 26th. I am sure you appreciate the fact that I only have one week off, as I hae heard you mention the same Mom, and how it seems like hardly anything.
Carolyn is doing pretty well these last two days. Since the start she has been taking things a lot easier this time, and it seems to really make a difference. She gets a shot every week, and she also takes Bendectin religiously. She does just about everything right, and she still has some bad days, but it is starting to seem that she is having lots of good days. She is doing well in her upholstry class and is starting to recover the chair.
I am doing fairly well. Today I will get reviewed at work again, and I'm hoping (again) that I will get a good raise. I am already the highest paid worker in production, with only three of the supervisors making more than me. Everyone else that started the same time as I did, are making less than $4.00 per hour. I wouldn't be in this position if we hadn't changed general managers, as the old one, really didn't do his job, and seemed to feel threatened by anyone who did. Skip, the new general manager really seems to respect me, and leaves a lot of the decisions concerning any aspect of capsulating up to me.
I just took a midterm in Small-group Decision Making yesterday and did quite well. I'm sure I got an A. The class is graded on just two midterms. I'm doing well in most of my other classes but the rest are some of the boringest classes I've ever had at BYU. The main reason is the teachers, and most people that I talk to seem to feel the same about these men.
Mom-I threw away the other letter I had written to you about me and my education, as it was written in king of a negative tone. You are right, it would have been easier if I had finished college before getting married, but who says that life has to be easy. I'm happier today than I've ever been, and I really am starting to feel good about myself. I am 1. doing the very thing that the Lord would want me to in having a family, 2. working hard to support my little family, 3. going to college on a regular basis with the intent of finishing my education. On point number three--I realise that it is very possible to graduate from an institution such as BYU in four years. To do this would require that from the very start that I take exactly and no less than 16 hours of classes every semester, and that would also mean an average of 32 hours of homework every semester, which would leave absolutely no time or at least not enough time to be both a good husband and father, and also support a family. Now as I was telling Dad on the phone, I checked with BYU and the average student takes 10.5 semesters to graduate with a Bachelors degree. I am currently in my 7th semester and I am keeping up with the average. I'm sorry that things aren't the same as they were when you went to school. We live in times of very high costs, and rapid inflation, two things that I know you are very much aware of. We and expecially I have appreciated the money that you have loaned us and the car which you are so generously selling to us in the past. sincer we are making this decision to finish college even if it is going to take longer than the time that you think it should, we have not in the past, nor will we in the future ask you for any help in achieving this goal. I really do understand how you feel as I know what it takes to earn that amount of money. When you have offered to help us we have accepted it but we haven't come and outright asked you for anything, as we are responsible for this decision. I really am grateful for all of the help you have given me in achieving this goal, and I will try to do some type of restitution if I get the chance in the future. You are the best parents a person could ask for, and I am glad to know that you do really love me, and worry about me. I don't mind being mothered even at my ollld age.
This week we are the proud new owners of a stereo cabinet. Tim gave it to me for helping out at his store. It is about 4 1/2 feet tall and it is walnut with a smoked glass door. It is really beautiful, and it sells for about $140. It is just what we needed to protect it from little Jonathan.
Jonathan doesn't stop. We put him to bed at about 7 in the evening and he wakes up at around 7 in the morning. He gets up and instead of crying he turns on his light and starts playing in his crib. We can hear him in there talking to his toy bunnies, and when he has had enough, usually an hour or so, he will take a rattle and start to bang on the wall until someone else wakes up. He can stand on his own now, but it frightens him, so he usually just crawls like a little rocket and is constantly busy, playing investigating and eating.
We pray that all is well with you, and we miss you.
Love,
Kerry and Carolyn
Hello!!! It was good to hear from you this past week. We are really happy with how the pictures turned out of everyone. It was good seing pictures of you, and we can't wait to see you at Christmas time. We will probably leave here on the 19th or 20th and head back on the 26th. I am sure you appreciate the fact that I only have one week off, as I hae heard you mention the same Mom, and how it seems like hardly anything.
Carolyn is doing pretty well these last two days. Since the start she has been taking things a lot easier this time, and it seems to really make a difference. She gets a shot every week, and she also takes Bendectin religiously. She does just about everything right, and she still has some bad days, but it is starting to seem that she is having lots of good days. She is doing well in her upholstry class and is starting to recover the chair.
I am doing fairly well. Today I will get reviewed at work again, and I'm hoping (again) that I will get a good raise. I am already the highest paid worker in production, with only three of the supervisors making more than me. Everyone else that started the same time as I did, are making less than $4.00 per hour. I wouldn't be in this position if we hadn't changed general managers, as the old one, really didn't do his job, and seemed to feel threatened by anyone who did. Skip, the new general manager really seems to respect me, and leaves a lot of the decisions concerning any aspect of capsulating up to me.
I just took a midterm in Small-group Decision Making yesterday and did quite well. I'm sure I got an A. The class is graded on just two midterms. I'm doing well in most of my other classes but the rest are some of the boringest classes I've ever had at BYU. The main reason is the teachers, and most people that I talk to seem to feel the same about these men.
Mom-I threw away the other letter I had written to you about me and my education, as it was written in king of a negative tone. You are right, it would have been easier if I had finished college before getting married, but who says that life has to be easy. I'm happier today than I've ever been, and I really am starting to feel good about myself. I am 1. doing the very thing that the Lord would want me to in having a family, 2. working hard to support my little family, 3. going to college on a regular basis with the intent of finishing my education. On point number three--I realise that it is very possible to graduate from an institution such as BYU in four years. To do this would require that from the very start that I take exactly and no less than 16 hours of classes every semester, and that would also mean an average of 32 hours of homework every semester, which would leave absolutely no time or at least not enough time to be both a good husband and father, and also support a family. Now as I was telling Dad on the phone, I checked with BYU and the average student takes 10.5 semesters to graduate with a Bachelors degree. I am currently in my 7th semester and I am keeping up with the average. I'm sorry that things aren't the same as they were when you went to school. We live in times of very high costs, and rapid inflation, two things that I know you are very much aware of. We and expecially I have appreciated the money that you have loaned us and the car which you are so generously selling to us in the past. sincer we are making this decision to finish college even if it is going to take longer than the time that you think it should, we have not in the past, nor will we in the future ask you for any help in achieving this goal. I really do understand how you feel as I know what it takes to earn that amount of money. When you have offered to help us we have accepted it but we haven't come and outright asked you for anything, as we are responsible for this decision. I really am grateful for all of the help you have given me in achieving this goal, and I will try to do some type of restitution if I get the chance in the future. You are the best parents a person could ask for, and I am glad to know that you do really love me, and worry about me. I don't mind being mothered even at my ollld age.
This week we are the proud new owners of a stereo cabinet. Tim gave it to me for helping out at his store. It is about 4 1/2 feet tall and it is walnut with a smoked glass door. It is really beautiful, and it sells for about $140. It is just what we needed to protect it from little Jonathan.
Jonathan doesn't stop. We put him to bed at about 7 in the evening and he wakes up at around 7 in the morning. He gets up and instead of crying he turns on his light and starts playing in his crib. We can hear him in there talking to his toy bunnies, and when he has had enough, usually an hour or so, he will take a rattle and start to bang on the wall until someone else wakes up. He can stand on his own now, but it frightens him, so he usually just crawls like a little rocket and is constantly busy, playing investigating and eating.
We pray that all is well with you, and we miss you.
Love,
Kerry and Carolyn
Letter from March 23, 1980
Dear Family,
We haven't written a family letter in ages, and we dieceded it was time to get down and get it done. We had Stake Conference this morning, and we were done by 9:30. We do enjoy this new meeting schedule, as it sometimes gets very difficult with a baby to stay patient for five hours. Jonathan was a perfect little angel today.
We are all doing pretty well. Carolyn tires very quickly, but all in all she feels better this time, than she did in the last pregnancy. She has had a lot of projects going lately. She finished a brand-new quilt for the new baby this week, which has taken her nearly two months of steady work. She has also been making lots of sugar Easter eggs, and teaching friends how to do it. The only class that she is taking up at school right now is a class in cake decorating. Carolyn has a full-time job just trying to keep up with little Jonathan.
Jonathan is growing up quickly. He doesn't walk anywhere anymore. He runs, and falls, and picks himself up and runs a little more, falls, etc. He is the best little boy. He likes to sit on the cupboard while Carolyn is mixing a cake and add his own ingredients. His ingredients usually consist of things like, the empty cake box, his hand, a spoon, and anything else in reach. I love listening to Carolyn as she says, "No, Jonathan, we don't put the egg shells in with the cake." She says it so patiently and he just smiles. We took him to get his birthday pictures yesterday, but he was frightened, and we will have to return on another day. He told me to thank all of you for the cards and presents that he received on his birthday.
I am leading a very busy life right now. Things seem to change quickly for me at work. I am now managing the production and packaging line at night at HPI. We are being swamped with orders and growing very quickly. I had a visit with our personnel director on Friday, and he asked me to submit an updated resume as he wanted to consider me for an office position that was to be opening up soon. I have been managing to get my school in at the same time, so my days tend to be very long. I don't run any machinery at work, so I'm not getting as worn out physically, just more mentally.
We are really grateful for all of the letters we receive from each of you, and we apologize for the time that elapses before we reply. We love you all, and pray for your success, especially in your families.
We love you,
Kerry, Carolyn, and Jonathan
We haven't written a family letter in ages, and we dieceded it was time to get down and get it done. We had Stake Conference this morning, and we were done by 9:30. We do enjoy this new meeting schedule, as it sometimes gets very difficult with a baby to stay patient for five hours. Jonathan was a perfect little angel today.
We are all doing pretty well. Carolyn tires very quickly, but all in all she feels better this time, than she did in the last pregnancy. She has had a lot of projects going lately. She finished a brand-new quilt for the new baby this week, which has taken her nearly two months of steady work. She has also been making lots of sugar Easter eggs, and teaching friends how to do it. The only class that she is taking up at school right now is a class in cake decorating. Carolyn has a full-time job just trying to keep up with little Jonathan.
Jonathan is growing up quickly. He doesn't walk anywhere anymore. He runs, and falls, and picks himself up and runs a little more, falls, etc. He is the best little boy. He likes to sit on the cupboard while Carolyn is mixing a cake and add his own ingredients. His ingredients usually consist of things like, the empty cake box, his hand, a spoon, and anything else in reach. I love listening to Carolyn as she says, "No, Jonathan, we don't put the egg shells in with the cake." She says it so patiently and he just smiles. We took him to get his birthday pictures yesterday, but he was frightened, and we will have to return on another day. He told me to thank all of you for the cards and presents that he received on his birthday.
I am leading a very busy life right now. Things seem to change quickly for me at work. I am now managing the production and packaging line at night at HPI. We are being swamped with orders and growing very quickly. I had a visit with our personnel director on Friday, and he asked me to submit an updated resume as he wanted to consider me for an office position that was to be opening up soon. I have been managing to get my school in at the same time, so my days tend to be very long. I don't run any machinery at work, so I'm not getting as worn out physically, just more mentally.
We are really grateful for all of the letters we receive from each of you, and we apologize for the time that elapses before we reply. We love you all, and pray for your success, especially in your families.
We love you,
Kerry, Carolyn, and Jonathan
Letter from April 20, 1981
Dear Dad and Mom,
Hello! How are you? We sure do love you. All things are going well for us.
Carolyn is doing well. She got a new dress for Easter, and also sewed one for herself. She was called to be the Relief Society pianist last week. I think that the call really excites her.
Jonathan is doing well. He is talking and expressing himself now. He plays very well with Cherie. We sure have been blessed with good children.
Cherie is a very busy little girl. She has a smile that will melt your heart. We sure do love her.
I was called as 1st counselor to Bishop Harrison last Sunday. He is the Dean of Physics at BYU. It should be a very good experience for me. I did well in my classes last semester. I'm still not sure about Spring Semester.
Dad, thanks so much for the car and hleping us out in getting it. I got it registered and inspected on Friday and Saturday. We sure do appreciate your help.
Well, I better go. I sure do love you, and hope you are well.
Love,
Kerry
Hello! How are you? We sure do love you. All things are going well for us.
Carolyn is doing well. She got a new dress for Easter, and also sewed one for herself. She was called to be the Relief Society pianist last week. I think that the call really excites her.
Jonathan is doing well. He is talking and expressing himself now. He plays very well with Cherie. We sure have been blessed with good children.
Cherie is a very busy little girl. She has a smile that will melt your heart. We sure do love her.
I was called as 1st counselor to Bishop Harrison last Sunday. He is the Dean of Physics at BYU. It should be a very good experience for me. I did well in my classes last semester. I'm still not sure about Spring Semester.
Dad, thanks so much for the car and hleping us out in getting it. I got it registered and inspected on Friday and Saturday. We sure do appreciate your help.
Well, I better go. I sure do love you, and hope you are well.
Love,
Kerry
Letter from June 20, 1980
Dear John, Theone, and Maurine,
Enclosed is a check for the car. Kerry likes to write a letter with it, but has been so busy this past week he hasn't had a chance to sit down.
He stayed up with Cherie last night trying to get her to sleep. We wento out to Rick and Janeil's and Jonathan fell in their trampoline hole which was full of water and mud. The poor little guy hung on for dear life on the corner of the trampoline until Kerry came to the rescue. Kerry immediately stuck him in the bathtub. I'm surprised he didn't drown.
Beth's baby goes to the doctor every 3 weeks now to get her throat stretched. Cherie is just as big as she is with a little more fat on her. Rebecca is very thin.
They are having a hard time finding someone to live with Grandma Miles. Jean says, on a good day she can walk across the room with her walker and on a bad day take at the most 3 to 4 steps. Kerry and I want to go see her one of these weekends and take her some cookes and nuts.
Cherie slept through the night for the 2nd time last night. She went 8 hours without food.
Love,
Carolyn
Enclosed is a check for the car. Kerry likes to write a letter with it, but has been so busy this past week he hasn't had a chance to sit down.
He stayed up with Cherie last night trying to get her to sleep. We wento out to Rick and Janeil's and Jonathan fell in their trampoline hole which was full of water and mud. The poor little guy hung on for dear life on the corner of the trampoline until Kerry came to the rescue. Kerry immediately stuck him in the bathtub. I'm surprised he didn't drown.
Beth's baby goes to the doctor every 3 weeks now to get her throat stretched. Cherie is just as big as she is with a little more fat on her. Rebecca is very thin.
They are having a hard time finding someone to live with Grandma Miles. Jean says, on a good day she can walk across the room with her walker and on a bad day take at the most 3 to 4 steps. Kerry and I want to go see her one of these weekends and take her some cookes and nuts.
Cherie slept through the night for the 2nd time last night. She went 8 hours without food.
Love,
Carolyn
Monday, October 4, 2010
This Week In the News
Last night I was thinking about what I would write in my blog this week. I was thinking a lot of things but most of all I felt that I would share my feelings about General Conference. Hearing a prophet speak in my home was a real treat for me. I enjoyed listening to the apostles and other general authorities also. The two talks about prophets quoted the same talk by President Benson. Two weeks ago I used the same quotes in my lesson. I would like to just review some of the fundamentals of a prophet:
1.The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything.
2.The living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works.
3.The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.
4.The prophet will never lead the church astray.
5.The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or diplomas to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time.
6.The prophet does not have to say “Thus saith the Lord” to give us scripture.
7.The prophet tells us what we need to know, not always what we want to know.
8.The Prophet is not limited by men’s reasoning.
9.The prophet can receive revelation on any matter—temporal or spiritual.
10.The prophet may well advise on civic matters.
11.The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned and the proud who are rich.
12.The prophet will not necessarily be popular with the world or the worldly.
13.The prophet and his counselors make up the First Presidency—The highest quorum in the Church.
14.The prophet and the presidency—the living prophet and the First Presidency—follow them and be blessed—reject them and suffer. [June 1981 Liahona]
There were other quotes that I used about why we need a living prophet today in my lesson.
President John Taylor said, “We require a living tree—a living fountain—living intelligence, proceeding from the living priesthood in heaven, through the living priesthood on earth. … And from the time that Adam first received a communication from God, to the time that John, on the Isle of Patmos, received his communication, or Joseph Smith had the heavens opened to him, it always required new revelations, adapted to the peculiar circumstances in which the churches or individuals were placed. Adam’s revelation did not instruct Noah to build his ark; nor did Noah’s revelation tell Lot to forsake Sodom; nor did either of these speak of the departure of the children of Israel from Egypt. These all had revelations for themselves, and so had Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Jesus, Peter, Paul, John, and Joseph. And so must we, or we shall make a shipwreck.” (The Gospel Kingdom, [Deseret Book Co., 1944], p. 34.)
Orson Pratt has said, “The very moment that we set aside the living oracles we set aside the revelations of God. Why? Because the revelations of God command us plainly that we shall harken to the living oracles. Hence, if we undertake to follow the written word, and at the same time do not give heed to the living oracles of God, the written word will condemn us. …” (Journal of Discourses, vol. 7, p. 373.)
I love conference and have set some goals for myself from the talks that were given. I remember that Spencer W. Kimball kept a notebook that he wrote in during conference to set goals of things he needed to work on. I love his response and so am following his example.
1.The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything.
2.The living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works.
3.The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.
4.The prophet will never lead the church astray.
5.The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or diplomas to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time.
6.The prophet does not have to say “Thus saith the Lord” to give us scripture.
7.The prophet tells us what we need to know, not always what we want to know.
8.The Prophet is not limited by men’s reasoning.
9.The prophet can receive revelation on any matter—temporal or spiritual.
10.The prophet may well advise on civic matters.
11.The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned and the proud who are rich.
12.The prophet will not necessarily be popular with the world or the worldly.
13.The prophet and his counselors make up the First Presidency—The highest quorum in the Church.
14.The prophet and the presidency—the living prophet and the First Presidency—follow them and be blessed—reject them and suffer. [June 1981 Liahona]
There were other quotes that I used about why we need a living prophet today in my lesson.
President John Taylor said, “We require a living tree—a living fountain—living intelligence, proceeding from the living priesthood in heaven, through the living priesthood on earth. … And from the time that Adam first received a communication from God, to the time that John, on the Isle of Patmos, received his communication, or Joseph Smith had the heavens opened to him, it always required new revelations, adapted to the peculiar circumstances in which the churches or individuals were placed. Adam’s revelation did not instruct Noah to build his ark; nor did Noah’s revelation tell Lot to forsake Sodom; nor did either of these speak of the departure of the children of Israel from Egypt. These all had revelations for themselves, and so had Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Jesus, Peter, Paul, John, and Joseph. And so must we, or we shall make a shipwreck.” (The Gospel Kingdom, [Deseret Book Co., 1944], p. 34.)
Orson Pratt has said, “The very moment that we set aside the living oracles we set aside the revelations of God. Why? Because the revelations of God command us plainly that we shall harken to the living oracles. Hence, if we undertake to follow the written word, and at the same time do not give heed to the living oracles of God, the written word will condemn us. …” (Journal of Discourses, vol. 7, p. 373.)
I love conference and have set some goals for myself from the talks that were given. I remember that Spencer W. Kimball kept a notebook that he wrote in during conference to set goals of things he needed to work on. I love his response and so am following his example.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Letter from April 6, 1980
Dear Theone and John,
It was good to talk to you last night. I had such a nice birthday. The robe you bought just matches my nightgown, Thank you.
Just 7 more weeks left until the baby is due. The last is the hardest for the waiting.
Maurine and I went grocery shopping this morning. she chased around with Jonathan while I walked down the aisles. the poor little guy was so worn out by the time we were done.
Kerry baked an angel food cake yesterday. He frosted it with cherry frosting and Jonathan licked the bowl. The weight of the frosting was too much for the cake I guess. It's the first angel food cake that I have seen collapsed in the middle. It's the best birthday cake I ever had though because Kerry made it.
Tomorrow Kerry is getting an Easter basket. Jonathan is going to have an egg hunt. I filled plastic eggs with candy for him and I'll hide them in plain sight.
Love,
Carolyn
It was good to talk to you last night. I had such a nice birthday. The robe you bought just matches my nightgown, Thank you.
Just 7 more weeks left until the baby is due. The last is the hardest for the waiting.
Maurine and I went grocery shopping this morning. she chased around with Jonathan while I walked down the aisles. the poor little guy was so worn out by the time we were done.
Kerry baked an angel food cake yesterday. He frosted it with cherry frosting and Jonathan licked the bowl. The weight of the frosting was too much for the cake I guess. It's the first angel food cake that I have seen collapsed in the middle. It's the best birthday cake I ever had though because Kerry made it.
Tomorrow Kerry is getting an Easter basket. Jonathan is going to have an egg hunt. I filled plastic eggs with candy for him and I'll hide them in plain sight.
Love,
Carolyn
Monday, September 27, 2010
Letter from May 22, 1981
Dear Theone,
Happy Late Mother's Day! Yes, we were thinking of you and Maurine can testify to the fact that I had this done on Mother's Day for you, but I have been waiting for someone to remember to bring some mailing cartons home. He hasn't been neglectful, just forgetful. I forget, too!
We enjoyed your nice letter and I'm sending a thank you note at the same time for the nice clothes. Jonathan looks darling in them. Cherie now weighs 7 pounds less than Jonny, but she is not fat. Jonathan is just getting skinny.
Kerry is fixing the car tomorrow.
Jonathan is forgetful on his potty training. Tonight I spent a 1/2 hour singing primary songs and telling stories about Jonathan. He likes to hear songs with actions.
Cherie did the cutest thing today. I didn't have any detergent so I put dishwashing soap in the washer (mistake). Needless to say I had soap coming out all directions and dripping down the washer. I was cleaning the living room, and looked down the hall and there was Cherie with a little white beard and white hands. She looked so silly.
Love,
Carolyn
Happy Late Mother's Day! Yes, we were thinking of you and Maurine can testify to the fact that I had this done on Mother's Day for you, but I have been waiting for someone to remember to bring some mailing cartons home. He hasn't been neglectful, just forgetful. I forget, too!
We enjoyed your nice letter and I'm sending a thank you note at the same time for the nice clothes. Jonathan looks darling in them. Cherie now weighs 7 pounds less than Jonny, but she is not fat. Jonathan is just getting skinny.
Kerry is fixing the car tomorrow.
Jonathan is forgetful on his potty training. Tonight I spent a 1/2 hour singing primary songs and telling stories about Jonathan. He likes to hear songs with actions.
Cherie did the cutest thing today. I didn't have any detergent so I put dishwashing soap in the washer (mistake). Needless to say I had soap coming out all directions and dripping down the washer. I was cleaning the living room, and looked down the hall and there was Cherie with a little white beard and white hands. She looked so silly.
Love,
Carolyn
Letter from June 1980
Dear John, Theone, and Maurine,
Thank you for the cute little outfits and rattle for Cherie and also the bus for Jonny. The train, taxi, car and bus are his favorite toys. He constantly is playing with one or the other.
I am recovering well and Kerry and I pray every night that Cherie will sleep through the night. If anything she has taught us to be patient when tired. She's a little blessing.
Kerry had a nice Father's Day. I made him his favorite meal of Teriaki, Tomato Aspic, and lemonade. I decorated a cake for him for dessert that said "We Love You Dad." Jonathan decorated a card for him.
Sheila Theone and Rebecca came over with their families that night. Rebecca doesn't look pregnant at all. Seth had a lot of fun with Jonathan's toys and Shannah was pushing his car around and climbing on and off.
Sheila Theone said the quilt was beautiful for the family reunion. she went to California a couple weeks ago and saw it.
Everyone in the ward has been calling asking if they can help. Last week. I didn't have to cook a meal and Jonathan played with his friends all week. Nobody could believe what a nice little boy he is. He is so well behaved. that is mostly Kerry's fault.
I better get this letter off before the mailman comes.
Love,
Carolyn
P.S. Thanks for the card and gift Maurine.
Thank you for the cute little outfits and rattle for Cherie and also the bus for Jonny. The train, taxi, car and bus are his favorite toys. He constantly is playing with one or the other.
I am recovering well and Kerry and I pray every night that Cherie will sleep through the night. If anything she has taught us to be patient when tired. She's a little blessing.
Kerry had a nice Father's Day. I made him his favorite meal of Teriaki, Tomato Aspic, and lemonade. I decorated a cake for him for dessert that said "We Love You Dad." Jonathan decorated a card for him.
Sheila Theone and Rebecca came over with their families that night. Rebecca doesn't look pregnant at all. Seth had a lot of fun with Jonathan's toys and Shannah was pushing his car around and climbing on and off.
Sheila Theone said the quilt was beautiful for the family reunion. she went to California a couple weeks ago and saw it.
Everyone in the ward has been calling asking if they can help. Last week. I didn't have to cook a meal and Jonathan played with his friends all week. Nobody could believe what a nice little boy he is. He is so well behaved. that is mostly Kerry's fault.
I better get this letter off before the mailman comes.
Love,
Carolyn
P.S. Thanks for the card and gift Maurine.
Progress On My 20 Wishes
A couple years ago I wrote down 20 wishes that I wanted to do. I have had 4 of them come true and it has taken me several years. My husband has a good paying job, I have another cat named Sophie, Kerry has taken me to Hawaii, I drive a New Beetle with a sunroof that I can open and feel the breeze, I have been to New England in the Fall (I was a wonderful trip with Arlen, Dad, Marva, Cherie, and Lily) and I have a true friend.
1. I wish to take my family to Disney World and spend 3 days there going to all the parks.
2. I wish my husband would have a good paying job.
3. I wish for a true friend who is loyal and accepts me for who I am.
4. I wish for another cat that will be friends with Romeo with a personality like Esmeralda.
5. I wish to go to Isreal and Egypt with a BYU tour group.
6. I wish to talk to my mother and my Dad would live another 20 years.
7. I wish I were as buff as that 41 year old Olympic swimmer.
8. I wish I had lots of grandchildren.
9. I wish to visit every continent in the world...even Antartica.
10. I wish my husband would take me to Hawaii and any other place I wanted to go.
11. I wish I knew how to dance and be good at it.
12. I wish I had a job that I loved.
13. I wish I could go swimming every day in a warm swimming pool in my backyard that was an original design.
14. I wish that I could be in good enough shape to climb a mountain well.
15. I wish I had a mini cooper and/or a car in which I could ride down the highway with my hair blowing in the wind.
16. I wish to go to Peru and see Machu Pichu.
17. I wish I could go to New England in the fall and drink fresh pressed apple cider.
18. I wish I could go skiing and fly down the mountain over the moguls without being afraid of breaking something.
19. I wish my children lived close by.
20. I wish I could deep sea dive.
1. I wish to take my family to Disney World and spend 3 days there going to all the parks.
2. I wish my husband would have a good paying job.
3. I wish for a true friend who is loyal and accepts me for who I am.
4. I wish for another cat that will be friends with Romeo with a personality like Esmeralda.
5. I wish to go to Isreal and Egypt with a BYU tour group.
6. I wish to talk to my mother and my Dad would live another 20 years.
7. I wish I were as buff as that 41 year old Olympic swimmer.
8. I wish I had lots of grandchildren.
9. I wish to visit every continent in the world...even Antartica.
10. I wish my husband would take me to Hawaii and any other place I wanted to go.
11. I wish I knew how to dance and be good at it.
12. I wish I had a job that I loved.
13. I wish I could go swimming every day in a warm swimming pool in my backyard that was an original design.
14. I wish that I could be in good enough shape to climb a mountain well.
15. I wish I had a mini cooper and/or a car in which I could ride down the highway with my hair blowing in the wind.
16. I wish to go to Peru and see Machu Pichu.
17. I wish I could go to New England in the fall and drink fresh pressed apple cider.
18. I wish I could go skiing and fly down the mountain over the moguls without being afraid of breaking something.
19. I wish my children lived close by.
20. I wish I could deep sea dive.
Click Click Click
Click...Click...Click is the sound of high heels striking a granite floor. I heard that sound this week in the temple and Kerry commented on it. It isn't an unpleasant sound but brings attention to one who makes it. Perhaps he thought it was a little irreverent in the lobby of the temple. I don't know. So I started to walk on my tip toes. But it reminded me of when Isaiah said, "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:" for the reason that I was teaching about that verse in Sunday School the next day. This verse talks about how in our world people emphasis the outward beauty more than inward righteousness.
This is really prevelant in today's world...judging by people's outsides rather than their insides. So on the way home from the temple Kerry told me that he really liked my hair blond. I was all for being naturally gray and growing old gracefully. I hadn't even thought my hair looked bad. So after Relief Society I went to Target and bought a bottle of medium blond hair dye to please my husband. I went a shade lighter and walla (as in the onion because hair dye stinks too) I'm a blond. It doesn't look too bad and outwardly I might look a little better but inwardly I'm the same person. It is probable now that I will either have to go to the hairdresser to 'fix' my blond job or live with the idea of dying my hair forever the same shade of medium blond. When I'm 80 I will have to keep dying my hair. I wonder how I would look doing the purple gray hair dye for a variation?
This is really prevelant in today's world...judging by people's outsides rather than their insides. So on the way home from the temple Kerry told me that he really liked my hair blond. I was all for being naturally gray and growing old gracefully. I hadn't even thought my hair looked bad. So after Relief Society I went to Target and bought a bottle of medium blond hair dye to please my husband. I went a shade lighter and walla (as in the onion because hair dye stinks too) I'm a blond. It doesn't look too bad and outwardly I might look a little better but inwardly I'm the same person. It is probable now that I will either have to go to the hairdresser to 'fix' my blond job or live with the idea of dying my hair forever the same shade of medium blond. When I'm 80 I will have to keep dying my hair. I wonder how I would look doing the purple gray hair dye for a variation?
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Dad
Parents are important. Yesterday I was visiting teaching and speaking to my 80 year old friend Gloria about my Dad. She happened to mention that she thought he was really handsome. She had seen him in church one Sunday when he came to visit me. I told her the story of his dating after my mother passed away. He invited his four women friends to lunch together and Kent tagged along. They were all surprised to find that they were not the only one. Marva took it in stride and was able to laugh about it later. I wonder what they other women thought. Dad ended up married to Marva and he is happy to not be single.
I am grateful for all the ways that my Dad has been there in my life. I have wanted more of his attention at some times than he was willing to give, but can't be helped now. However, he has gone on some pretty fun vacations with me and my family. We have been to picnics in National Parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite, visited foreign countries, fished on the Columbia River, walked along the Grand Canyon, and have voyaged through the Alaskan Wilderness. There are so many places that we have been together. I guess most of all I am grateful that he has taken the time to spend with me.
One memory that I have of my Dad is the day he baptised me. We were living in Daly City California and I was 8 years old. Grandpa Derrick was the Stake President so I 'thought' I was pretty important. I chuckle about that now because I was just a little girl who didn't know very much about life. We had an opening exercise in the Primary Room and walked to the other side of the church to the baptismal font. I don't remember if the water was warm or cold but I do remember that Dad baptised and confirmed me a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints that day. It was a very important day and he did a perfect job.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Children are the Best Blessing in Life
Today I was talking to my sister and was comparing how we saw the world when our children were born. Uppermost in our minds was the idea that having children precluded anything else in this world. To me a career did not matter more than my children, a home did not matter more than my children, money did not matter more than my children and I found ways to feed and clothe us all despite the fact that were were living below the poverty level. The reality of it all is that the temporal things of this life will come and go. One can be very rich one moment and the next be very poor. One thing that I will never regret is the fact that I gave birth to five wonderful people who I love more than life itself. Children are the greatest riches that one can gain in this life. The things of this world come and go and are of little worth compared to the wonderful blessing that I have had to know my children. I remember a talk in General Conference in which a woman talked about her pearls, which were her children. I feel the same way in that my children are better than jewels, vacations, or luxuries in this life. I'm grateful also that I have a great husband to go along with it. I was thinking today how blessed I have been to have him in my life.
Motherhood is the greatest thing a woman can do in this life. Maurine reminded me of this today when she made a comment on Facebook of how she had dinner with her wonderful son. Her comment shows how much she loves him. I love my children greatly also and find that I am proud of each and every one of them. I want them to know how much I love them.
Motherhood is the greatest thing a woman can do in this life. Maurine reminded me of this today when she made a comment on Facebook of how she had dinner with her wonderful son. Her comment shows how much she loves him. I love my children greatly also and find that I am proud of each and every one of them. I want them to know how much I love them.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The Sea
A blue expanse outside my window
encompases all that I see.
Unknown qualities of glassy brilliance
beckon me to capture the sea
The sun fades into the sea
in pinks and purples spreading into sky.
I long to take the colors to my pallet
but nature has no substitute.
The smell of froth and salt and spray
overwhelms my senses
I watch as the children play
upon the sandy beaches.
God in his brilliance has made the sea
and lifts my heart to follow
the ever changing beauties of life
and takes away the cares of the day.
encompases all that I see.
Unknown qualities of glassy brilliance
beckon me to capture the sea
The sun fades into the sea
in pinks and purples spreading into sky.
I long to take the colors to my pallet
but nature has no substitute.
The smell of froth and salt and spray
overwhelms my senses
I watch as the children play
upon the sandy beaches.
God in his brilliance has made the sea
and lifts my heart to follow
the ever changing beauties of life
and takes away the cares of the day.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Naples and Sorrento
Naples is a city known for its crime and lack of good city government. We traveled to Naples from Venice by plane and took extra precautions because of the bad reputation of the city for preying on tourists. We had no problems. Our main reason to go to Naples was to see Herculaneum and Pompei. These tourists attractions were a must on my list because they were towns frozen in time from 72 AD when Mt. Vesuvius erupted and buried them under ash and mud. Much of the artwork has been preserved. This is unusual because in the 600s many towns were destroyed by marauders who burned and pillaged the cities along the Italian coastline.
The view out our hotel room the second night was fantastic. You can see the mountains where Sorrento is located in the distance and the island of Capri where all the jet set crowd goes.
We took the train in the morning to Herculaneum and found a wonderful guide there. While I was in the restroom he came up to Jenessa and told her that since she was a member of his church that she could have a free tour of the site. He was a tour guide and bore his testimony of Jesus Christ and the restoration while we were with him. He explained how the church have evolved from the pagan beliefs of the people and the Jesus Christ had different ideas in the formation of his church. I loved it and loved the fact that although he had been inactive for 5 years he still considered himself a member of the church. The guide is the one in white with his arm pointing.
In Herculaneum we found that there were roofs that still covered the houses and that in some places the wood had been carbonized and preserved. We saw gardens, homes, baths, and art. It was a great experience.
Here is Jenessa in the bath. These shelves are where people put their clothes in wooden lockers before they entered the bath. They had the choice of cold, warm, or hot baths. It was cheap and inexpensive because it was run by slaves.
We went up a steep hill to the entrance to Pompei. It was also a seacoast town and you could see the docks where the ships were tied up. This town was much larger than Herculaneum and had a more varied population. Herculaneum was a resort where there were more rich people while Pompei had everyone mixed together.
We arrived at our hotel which was on the harbor and found beautiful views. There were three castles in Naples, one outside our hotel room, but we did not have time to visit them. We dropped our bags off in our room and took off for the Archeology Museum which housed the art of the Baths where we saw the opera in Rome and that of Pompei and Herculaneum. On the way we passed by some government buildings that had some sculptures.
The museum was the last that we were to see on our trip to Italy. It had a special exhibit of Pompei and a map of the part of the city that had been excavated. We found treasures in the museum of silver, glass, and everyday items that people used. It was an informative trip and I was glad that we went to the museum before we set off the next day for the sites.
These are some famous pictures from the sites. This lady in the picture did not actually live but was a representation of women writers. Jenessa was making another famous picture pose in the museum also. She was imitating a muse.
The view out our hotel room the second night was fantastic. You can see the mountains where Sorrento is located in the distance and the island of Capri where all the jet set crowd goes.
We took the train in the morning to Herculaneum and found a wonderful guide there. While I was in the restroom he came up to Jenessa and told her that since she was a member of his church that she could have a free tour of the site. He was a tour guide and bore his testimony of Jesus Christ and the restoration while we were with him. He explained how the church have evolved from the pagan beliefs of the people and the Jesus Christ had different ideas in the formation of his church. I loved it and loved the fact that although he had been inactive for 5 years he still considered himself a member of the church. The guide is the one in white with his arm pointing.
In Herculaneum we found that there were roofs that still covered the houses and that in some places the wood had been carbonized and preserved. We saw gardens, homes, baths, and art. It was a great experience.
Here is Jenessa in the bath. These shelves are where people put their clothes in wooden lockers before they entered the bath. They had the choice of cold, warm, or hot baths. It was cheap and inexpensive because it was run by slaves.
Jenessa is standing in the forum or the main square where the people gathered for government. Behind her is the temple of Jupiter and Mount Vesuvius. While we were there Jenessa read to us from the guide book in her hand.
Here is Kerry and Jenessa standing in front of the main road in Pompei. The rocks behind them were to stop the chariots.
These were rocks that were placed in the street for people to cross the road. You can see that there were sidewalks. They paved their sidewalks with broken pottery and cement. People were still using them today.
At the end of our visit we sat in the little theatre to rest for a bit and then we took the train to Sorrento. It is a beautiful little Italian city built on a cliff. When we got off the train we walked through the town and ate at a restaurant that had the nicest atmosphere before catching a boat back to Naples.
You can see in the background how high the cliffs were over the sea in Sorrento. The boat ride back was relaxing and enjoyable. It was nice to feel the cool wind after the hot day we spent being tourists. The next morning we got up at 2:30 AM and traveled to Rome by train where we picked up Jenessa's luggage at the mission office. We took a taxi to the airport. From there we traveled 9.5 hours to New York City. We had a pleasant surprise when Keith, Cherie, Lily and Sawyer met us at the airport. They even made a little welcome home sign for Jenessa. Afterwards we traveled 6 hours home. We didn't sleep for 24 hours but I would do it all over again. It was worth every minute to spend time in Italy with Jenessa.
You can see in the background how high the cliffs were over the sea in Sorrento. The boat ride back was relaxing and enjoyable. It was nice to feel the cool wind after the hot day we spent being tourists. The next morning we got up at 2:30 AM and traveled to Rome by train where we picked up Jenessa's luggage at the mission office. We took a taxi to the airport. From there we traveled 9.5 hours to New York City. We had a pleasant surprise when Keith, Cherie, Lily and Sawyer met us at the airport. They even made a little welcome home sign for Jenessa. Afterwards we traveled 6 hours home. We didn't sleep for 24 hours but I would do it all over again. It was worth every minute to spend time in Italy with Jenessa.
Venice or Venizia
I have proof that Venetians think they are half fish. Look at this ceiling design. After seeing Venice and the surprises that we encountered there I fully believe that I can write a story like Stephanie Meyers about the Mermaids of Venice who live by day as people walking around and by night flop into the water and become merpeople. I guess that is because the biggest surprise about Venice was that people really live on the water when they have to get around. There are absolutely no cars in Venice and there couldn't be because there are canals instead of streets. A taxi is a boat. And I think people in Venice own boats instead of cars. Another thing about Venetians is that they like to dress up and wear masks. There are all sorts of masks every where for tourists to buy and each mask has a different meaning. People pose in costumes on the street to get money from tourists who want to have their picture taken with them. They are all over northern Italy doing this.
When we arrived in Venice by train, we walked out of the station to get on the boat to our hotel. It wasn't an ordinary hotel but a monastery that had been converted into a hotel. The amazing thing about Venice is that even though it is relatively small, it is really confusing to get around in. The house numbers go every which way and if you don't know where you are going you get lost very easily. That happened to us. We got off the boat and started lugging our suitcases down the stone alley ways to find our hotel. We ended up in this square by a convent and I sat down to feed the pigeons while Jenessa and Kerry took off in opposite directions to find the hotel. I started thinking about Mary Poppins and her song about feeding the birds. I found that the pigeons were quite selfish eaters. They would grab the cookie crumbs as fast as they could while these two sweet little wrens would grab a cookie crumb and share it with each other. As I was watching the suitcases Jenessa became the winner and found the hotel. It was over a bridge on the other side of the canal.
Jenessa had been to Venice before for a half day on her trip to Europe with BYU-I so she knew a few places to go see. We went to a glass factory and to the Doge's Palace. We also saw the market and a famous bridge that had shops on it. We walked and rode boats everywhere in Venice. In fact the thought that prevailed for the day was how much our feet hurt from all the walking that we did in Italy. I think that we probably walked over 7 miles a day...every day.
The Doge's (Doe-J) Palace was the seat of government for the Venetians. That is where the courts, jails, and bodies of government met. The palace was full of artwork, weapons, and beautiful windows. It was also attached to the church which you can see beyond this tower Jenessa is trying to hold up. We walked around this square at night to hear the various bands playing. I loved the music and the romantic atmosphere of Venice.
Eating pizza and pasta was a very big part of our trip when we found time to eat. We didn't have regular meals except for breakfast which was served in our hotel every morning. It was a European Continental Breakfast which was all kinds of fruit, scrambled eggs, meats, hot chocolate for us, and breads. It was very good at every hotel we stayed at. Jenessa proved to me that she could eat a whole pizza. I had never tried it before and made it to 3/4 of a pizza but Jenessa could down an Italian Margarita Pizza by herself. I was impressed to say the least. My favorite pasta was gnocchi with tomato sauce. Another thing about eating in Venice was that we sat outside and watched the gondoliers. It isn't true that all gondoliers sing but we did see some that did sing opera. I think they charge extra for that.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Florence or Firenza
We arrived in Florence on Monday by taking a train from Rome. It was a charming city, full of tourists, and full of art. This was the home of Michaelangelo and the Medici family. The former were not still there because they died off hundreds of years ago. We visited art museums, saw THE DAVID, Carravagio, and visited many cathedrals. 
While we were in Florence we took a hike on the Cinque del Terra. These are the five most beautiful cities in Italy. They lived up to their name and we loved this hike. We had a guide and took a "Walkabout" tour. We were fed lunch overlooking the Sea and found that even though we climbed over 300 steps, 13 KM, and 2000 feet we all loved this tour.
Another trip that we took while we were in Florence was to the towns of Pisa and Lucca. Pisa is known for its famous leaning tower and Lucca is an old town known for its standing city wall. We walked on the wall, which has been turned into a park, saw an old Roman amphitheatre that has been turned into a town square and looked at the towers. Funny pictures were taken by many people in Pisa and we got in on the action.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Jenessa's Home!
On August 28th Kerry and I flew to Italy to meet Jenessa. We were so excited to be with her. First of all Kerry met me at the airport with Cherie, Keith, Lily, and Sawyer. He was really excited to meet his new grandchild and see Cherie, Keith and Lily too. I hadn't seen him for two weeks so I think I took 5th place in who he wanted to see.
The next day we headed to the Temple of the Vestal Virgins, and saw an arch that told the Romans whether to go to battle or not by where the wind blew through it. The next wonder was an old church with a stone in front that told people where they were telling the truth. People would go up to it and put their hands in its mouth. If they were telling a lie the person behind the stone would cut their hand off. Here is Jenessa with her hand in its mouth.
When we got to Rome we took our bags to the hotel and dropped them off so we could go sightseeing. We were really tired and would have loved a good nap but it just wasn't possible with all the opportunities before us. We were there in this wonderful historical city and I couldn't wait to see something I hadn't seen before. We headed to the nearest fountain...the one that if you throw a coin in you will come back to Rome...I didnt't throw a coin in if you want to know. It was too crowded to get near it and I think that I will go back someday.
So after we checked in we caught a taxi to the Mission Home to meet Jenessa. We walked in right when she was bearing her testimony. I couldn't help feeling emotional after not seeing her for a year and a half and just cried like I did with everyone of my children when I saw them for the first time after their missions. Then we had a wonderful lasagne dinner and heard Jenessa sing a farewell song in Italian with the other 5 missionaries and 2 couples who were heading home.
The next few days were busy and Jenessa's friend and investigator took us around Rome to visit all the sights for the time we were there. His name is Joseph. We saw churches, fountains, and ancient Roman ruins. We even had a special elevator trip up St. Peter's Basillica in Vatican City. Then we climbed over 300 stairs to the top. What a view!
After we saw the Vatican museum and all the beautiful artwork...We saw a lot of art in Rome...We headed to the Pantheon, ate our first gelato, and then to the Opera at the Baths (which were ruins)...Rigoletto was fantastic and there were 10000 people there.
The next day we headed to the Temple of the Vestal Virgins, and saw an arch that told the Romans whether to go to battle or not by where the wind blew through it. The next wonder was an old church with a stone in front that told people where they were telling the truth. People would go up to it and put their hands in its mouth. If they were telling a lie the person behind the stone would cut their hand off. Here is Jenessa with her hand in its mouth.
After church on Sunday we went to see where Paul lived at Lydia's home. It was interesting to think that I walked where Paul did. We had a dinner appointment that night and had a 5 course dinner. I thought we were done after the first course but the food just kept on coming.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Thief
I had been warned by several people about the Gypsy thieves in Rome and had my first personal encounter with them yesterday. These warnings came frequently so I was well aware of what could happen and how.
First of all there are people who go around with Roses and push them into your hands. It is an innocent looking thing to do but when a person accepts these flowers they won't leave you alone and follow you around until you pay them an exhorbitant price for the flowers. When we reached the Spanish Steps there was a concert and about 5 of these people running around. I had three try to give me flowers. We were with Joseph, one of Jenessa's investigators, and they didn't bother anyone else in our group but me. They probably thought I was an easy mark. So we left the square and went to the subway.
The subway was extremely crowded and I stood by the door, which was my first mistake. There were three women around me and then a small little man in a red shirt with a blue towel over his arm worked his way to us. He started with one of the woman who quickly pulled her purse away from him and then he went after me. I moved before he could touch me but he persisted and followed me. This whole time Jenessa and Joseph were in an intent conversation. And I was watching this little guy case Jenessa out but he was still after me. So Joseph moves down the aisle and I try to move again all the while having this little guy trying to get to my purse. Then one of the women in front of us gets off the train, leaving an open seat. So I sit down and look at him, disappointment shows on his face.
Then I watch him go after Kerry. Kerry has taken precautions agains pick-pockets and is wearing his wallet around his waist under his pants. I tell Kerry to move down, which is away from this guy. He is really persistent. Kerry then notices him taking his glasses out of his pocket and throws the man's hand away when he has them halfway out. He looks at Kerry's waist knowing that it would be a hard thing to steal his wallet. Finally, the thief leaves and moves down the train to the next victim. And now we are free from him. I wish I had known the words for pick pocket in Italian. That would have solved my problem very easily.
First of all there are people who go around with Roses and push them into your hands. It is an innocent looking thing to do but when a person accepts these flowers they won't leave you alone and follow you around until you pay them an exhorbitant price for the flowers. When we reached the Spanish Steps there was a concert and about 5 of these people running around. I had three try to give me flowers. We were with Joseph, one of Jenessa's investigators, and they didn't bother anyone else in our group but me. They probably thought I was an easy mark. So we left the square and went to the subway.
The subway was extremely crowded and I stood by the door, which was my first mistake. There were three women around me and then a small little man in a red shirt with a blue towel over his arm worked his way to us. He started with one of the woman who quickly pulled her purse away from him and then he went after me. I moved before he could touch me but he persisted and followed me. This whole time Jenessa and Joseph were in an intent conversation. And I was watching this little guy case Jenessa out but he was still after me. So Joseph moves down the aisle and I try to move again all the while having this little guy trying to get to my purse. Then one of the women in front of us gets off the train, leaving an open seat. So I sit down and look at him, disappointment shows on his face.
Then I watch him go after Kerry. Kerry has taken precautions agains pick-pockets and is wearing his wallet around his waist under his pants. I tell Kerry to move down, which is away from this guy. He is really persistent. Kerry then notices him taking his glasses out of his pocket and throws the man's hand away when he has them halfway out. He looks at Kerry's waist knowing that it would be a hard thing to steal his wallet. Finally, the thief leaves and moves down the train to the next victim. And now we are free from him. I wish I had known the words for pick pocket in Italian. That would have solved my problem very easily.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
What a Time I Had in Connecticutt
It begins with packing. When I arrived the Kahmanns were in the midst of moving to their new home. What a time I had in the kitchen putting things in boxes. There was so much to do in so little time. I arrived on Wednesday and the moving crew was coming on Saturday. Then after everything was packed into the truck, I supervised the Relief Society clean up crew. We had 4 sisters who cleaned the apartment to a white glove test level. It was the gospel in action that day because some of the sisters had driven a 1/2 hour to help.
I found this tutu at Costco and Lily had fun dancing around in it.
Going to church was an event. Lily packed her tummy with Teddy Grahams, Raisins and Animal Crackers while the adults listened. Then it was play time in the nursery. She dressed up as a princess and played with the toys. It was hard for her to leave.
When we got to the new place, I unpacked everything that I had packed and more. Cherie had so much to do to get the new place ready and was taking care of her little Lily on top of it. Boxes were all over the house and so we took them downstairs and filled up Keith's Man Cave with boxes and they were overflowing into the storage room. But in the mean time Lily needed attention. So I took her to Annie's Bounce Barn.
I was amazed at the size that blow up toys can be these days. Lily climbed and played and crawled through the toys and had a great time showing me how she could slide down little slides and then go down the scarey big slides. I thought that she was definitely fearless. The business concept was awesome too. What fun the kids had and there was even a blow up water slide outside because it was hot.
I didn't mention how hot it was until Keith got the air conditioning set up. I haven't been so hot in a long time and became very thankful for Kerry and his insistence that we get air conditioning in our new home. Yes. Kerry became more of a hero after the sweat began pouring down my face as we moved. One day Cherie, I and Lily walked down the street to the YMCA and went swimming to get out of the heat. Lily has a shark life preserver and paddled around the pool with the other kids. I enjoyed doing a few laps while Cherie took her to get a snack. Cherie stayed out the pool because she didn't have a pregnant swimsuit.
Cherie's due date came and went. She became very anxious to have her baby come and was so discouraged because she had hoped to go into labor sooner. Four days later she took castor oil and had a speedy delivery. Sawyer Anthony Kahmann was born on July 22nd at 1:30 AM. We had fun visiting with him in the hospital and getting to know him for the first time. He has a very boyish look to him and a sweet cry. He snorts...which is so cute. And Lily became a big sister.
Keith, I and Lily took a trip to the Aquarium yesterday and enjoyed a respite. Afterwards I treated everyone to McDonald's. And Lily had a Happy Meal...
Sawyer had his first bath at home today. It took 3 people to bathe him. Cherie held the camera. I did the washing and Lily supervised the process. He promptly fell asleep afterwards. What a day.
I found this tutu at Costco and Lily had fun dancing around in it.
Going to church was an event. Lily packed her tummy with Teddy Grahams, Raisins and Animal Crackers while the adults listened. Then it was play time in the nursery. She dressed up as a princess and played with the toys. It was hard for her to leave.
When we got to the new place, I unpacked everything that I had packed and more. Cherie had so much to do to get the new place ready and was taking care of her little Lily on top of it. Boxes were all over the house and so we took them downstairs and filled up Keith's Man Cave with boxes and they were overflowing into the storage room. But in the mean time Lily needed attention. So I took her to Annie's Bounce Barn.
I was amazed at the size that blow up toys can be these days. Lily climbed and played and crawled through the toys and had a great time showing me how she could slide down little slides and then go down the scarey big slides. I thought that she was definitely fearless. The business concept was awesome too. What fun the kids had and there was even a blow up water slide outside because it was hot.
I didn't mention how hot it was until Keith got the air conditioning set up. I haven't been so hot in a long time and became very thankful for Kerry and his insistence that we get air conditioning in our new home. Yes. Kerry became more of a hero after the sweat began pouring down my face as we moved. One day Cherie, I and Lily walked down the street to the YMCA and went swimming to get out of the heat. Lily has a shark life preserver and paddled around the pool with the other kids. I enjoyed doing a few laps while Cherie took her to get a snack. Cherie stayed out the pool because she didn't have a pregnant swimsuit.
Cherie's due date came and went. She became very anxious to have her baby come and was so discouraged because she had hoped to go into labor sooner. Four days later she took castor oil and had a speedy delivery. Sawyer Anthony Kahmann was born on July 22nd at 1:30 AM. We had fun visiting with him in the hospital and getting to know him for the first time. He has a very boyish look to him and a sweet cry. He snorts...which is so cute. And Lily became a big sister.
Keith, I and Lily took a trip to the Aquarium yesterday and enjoyed a respite. Afterwards I treated everyone to McDonald's. And Lily had a Happy Meal...
Sawyer had his first bath at home today. It took 3 people to bathe him. Cherie held the camera. I did the washing and Lily supervised the process. He promptly fell asleep afterwards. What a day.
This was Lily at Home Depot. Cherie and Keith bought a new garbage can with wheels and Lily had to wheel it around the store. She was a big helper when it came to the garbage can. :)
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