With Easter just next Sunday, I am remembering all the fun times we had as an Olsen family. Easter was always spent out on the desert enjoying all the warmth of the sun. However, you will notice in this picture that we are tossing Easter eggs in Joe's Valley. It was the year of 1976. I remember it well because I had just gotten out of the hospital with a terrible infection in an "unmentionable" place which required lots of IVs and was not a very pleasant experience. The infection came on after a long bus trip with our Ogden Institute Choir group, so I remember the year. Easter came early, the end of March, and with snow still on the ground we decided to ride up to the mountains instead of the desert. Why would the mountains be better than the desert? There was still snow on the mountain as well? I think we were all crazy! But here is the one picture of Easter in the mountains.



That is me in the plaid jacket tossing an egg. I think Steve is there, and Aunt Barbara. Mom is standing right behind my arm. I wish I could get these pictures to come up larger. I'll have to work on that for another time.

Here is the traditional Easter in the desert. That's my cousin James, my sister Linda, and my mom, who is hiding behind James. They are standing by our white station wagon, the one with the backward facing seat. We would spread out all the food on the tail gates and eat all day, with a break to roll those Easter eggs. We had all the food we could possibly eat with a lot of sand thrown in for good luck. Easter was always great fun.

I thought it was about time to write down another memory. These two pictures show a year in the life of the Ware girls. (I think it is probably a year, maybe two.) I'm not sure the exact year the pictures were taken, but the first one was probably the year we moved into our house. It doesn't look like there is much landscape except for the small shrub on the corner. But the girls are sure cute! Left to right, that is me (Lori), Linda, and Ruanne. Julie isn't there as you can see. I suppose this is a true "pre-Julie" picture because I was almost 7 when she was born and I don't look that old in this picture.

The second picture we finally have Julie there with us! You can see the shrub on the corner has grown a little bit. I remember those jackets so well. They were fluffy but not really too soft. You will see these jackets in many pictures through the next few years, as they were passed down until there was no one left to wear them. I wonder what happened to them? I remember the dress I am wearing. It was a wool jumper that Mom made, of course. I remember it well because it itched so bad! It was scratchy and bothered me lots. I don't know why I wanted to wear it, probably because Mom made it. We always wore little white anklets with our black shoes. We look like tin soldiers standing there! Notice there is no sidewalk and no driveway yet. Can anyone tell me when we built the driveway and had the sidewalk put in? I know the carport came in when Ruanne was in high school, but what about the driveway? The pole fence isn't even there yet. Oh the memories of that fence. I will write about that another time. I just wanted to put up this picture to remind us all how cute we really were and still are. My three favorite sisters!

Happy Birthday, Dad

(I can't find the other picture that I like a little bit better than this one, so this picture will have to do. I'll save the other one for another day.)
Today is Dad's birthday. I wish I could see him "hopping" around the way he used to. Dad's birthday was the official start of springtime for me. I hope it turns out to be a beautiful, sunny day, the kind of day he would walked around in the back yard and just "tinker". When I think of Dad I always think of "tinker." He was the greatest tinker-er, always finding little things to do, always looking for something to keep him busy. I don't remember him sitting down and watching TV very much, or just sitting. He was always reading, drawing up some plans, looking through a magazine, or something. He could find pleasure out of pulling weeds, fixing Christmas lights, (ok, not pleasure, but busy-ness). There are so many other thoughts going through my mind right now, but this is just took difficult, so.....maybe next year.
Happy birthday, Dad!

Memories of Dad

I'm not going to take time this morning to write a memory of Dad. That will come tomorrow on his birthday. But I want to invite all my family, friends, cousins, etc. who sometimes stop in here, please follow the link on the right to Memories of Dad and leave a comment with a memory of him to help us celebrate his birthday. Thanks!

Grandma and Grandpa Olsen

I wish I could get these pictures a big larger, but I'm not smart enough. Any help would be appreciated.


This is a wonderful picture of my Grandma and Grandpa Olsen in the house in Moore. This picture was taken before February 1965 because that is when Grandpa died. That is Uncle Jim on the right side and I thought it was Carol on the left, but she wouldn't have been that big then, would she? Is that Jan? I was in third grade when Grandpa died, so Jan was older than that, Carol younger. Any help with which one of us it is would be great.

We spent every Sunday afternoon out to Moore, enjoying the fun of farm life. I remember playing in the hallway with all the doors closed, making it very dark. Remember the games in the hall closet? The rippled afghan on the chair was one of Grandma's creations. I think she had it forever. The purple furniture was not the softest in the world. I remember itching when I sat on it. I also remember the white pillow on the back of the couch. It was "tufted" I think they called it,...the fabric was tucked around the center with a big button in the middle.

The chairs were cold, white metal with black seats. I am sure they lasted forever. Grandma always had wonderful food. I don't remember if anyone brought food from Orangeville, or if Grandma just made it every week. She always had hot rolls, meat and potatoes, jello that melted when it touched the hot gravy.

Grandpa would always tease us unmercifully. He would cluck like a chicken and pull an egg out from under us...his kind of magic. He would tickle us and get us laughing so hard. He was a hard worker, always with his cows. He would let us go into the barn when he milked, if we stayed in the tank room when the cows came in. He knew every cow by name. He even named the cows for each of his grandchildren.

Grandma always wore an apron over her dress. She loved to have us visit with her. Later, when she moved to Orangeville, I would stop in and visit her on my way home from school.

Going to Grandma and Grandpa's was always fun.

Sleigh Riding

While I was writing my last post and looking through the pictures on Dad's flickr account (Thanks Chelsie!) I thought I ought to post more memories using those pictures. And maybe we all need to do the same on Grandpa's page. So here goes:



I think I remember this exact day and place. Maybe it was the only time we went sleigh riding together, but I remember a day up at Joe's Valley, on the far side past the Marina. We went up in the white station wagon and Dad pulled us around on the snow. We also would run as we pushed the sled along the road, then jump on it and see how far down the road we traveled. I am sure we had hot chocolate and cookies because that was a staple for us if we went anywhere in the winter.

Those rubber boats on our feet didn't keep out the cold at all. It looks like mine are the clear, see-through boots we wore for so many years. There was always snow filling up the shoes. I remember that coat was very itchy all the time. Must have been wool. I wonder if Mom made our hats? Julie sure does look like Mitchell in this picture! Just a fun picture with memories of winter fun together.

Junior Prom

Garth and I went to the Junior Prom on Friday. It made me think back on my junior prom in the "old gym." What a great time we had. My date for the night was Stewart Behling, a long time friend. Neither of us had a "special" person in our lives, but we have always been friends so we went together. Back in those days we got our dance partners by lining the girls and boys up on opposite sides of the gym, from shortest to tallest, and we walked across the floor to meet our partners. I danced the promenade with Kerry Powell.

This is the only picture I can find of my prom. I know there is another picture of our "band" but it must not be scanned into Dad's flickr account yet. This shows what a typical "getting-ready" time was like in the Ware bathroom, everyone looking in the mirror at the same time.



I bought my dress from Sweet Briar's in Provo. It was the first one I saw, of course, and we went back for it after checking out some others. It cost $55.00, which was a lot in those days! And it was a store-bought dress.....one of the first I ever had. Mom made all our clothes, which were always beautiful, but we splurged and got to purchase a dress fro the prom. We got a good deal on it because Aunt Christy's sister worked at the store and gave us a family discount. The style of dresses was very simple back then, but looked very nice on all the girls. There is a big ruffle on the bottom, in the same blue color, trimmed across the top with the same colored band as the sleeves and high waist. The white part was a bubbly, puckered chiffon fabric. I remember thinking it was the most beautiful dress there. I am sure all the other girls thought the same about their dresses. I think I still have the dress downstairs somewhere, but don't quote me on that. When we started moving things around I got rid of some old things, so it might be gone. I guess I will have to check on that. I remember JoAnn Arnold did my hair for the night (she was the new, young mom in town at the time). She volunteered because I was the babysitter for her boys and she wanted to help me out for the prom. She bought the pretty clip that was in my hair.

Our theme was "Pieces of April", a popular song by a group called Bread. It was very appropriate since the prom was always in April back then. We decorated with pastel colors. We lowered the ceiling, dividing it up in large squares. Each square was then filled in with a million (ok, maybe just a few hundred)twisted streamers of one color, creating a beautiful patchwork design. I remember how difficult it was to plan out the colors and the direction the streams were all going, so every square was different from any around it. To see a picture of the ceiling, visit Sandra's blog.

Our prom was a "never to be forgotten" event. My date and I got there early and were met at the door by my dad, who was a junior class advisor. He immediately,"It will be alright," meaning something was wrong. Yes, something was terribly wrong. The live band was over in Green River, not Castle Dale. The band from Richfield missed the exit on I-70 and ended up in Green River! They would be late.....So much for Friday, the 13th! I think we were the only kids that actually danced to the music of Three Dog Night for their prom. We got the old record player out of the office and someone went home and got their record collection and that is what we danced to. After everyone arrived, we got ready for the floor show, doing the traditional promenade with our dance partners. As the promenade started up, in walked the band, right across the floor in the middle of the promenade! They proceeded to unplug our music to get themselves ready to start playing! What crazy guys!

Finally, we got the floor show over, the students danced with their parents (yes, we did that back then, too) and everyone was happy. We all decided we weren't going to stay and dance with that band after they ruined our prom, so we left to our parties. When the band noticed that so many people were leaving and no one staying, they thought they would leave early. Hellooooo, they just got there! Dad reminded them they had a contract to play for 3 hours, so he made them stand there and play to an empty gym. My dad hated dances and the loud music, but he stayed there for 2 hours listening to them play. He was nice and let them finish after two hours.

Stewart and I went back to my house for a party with many other friends. We ate, played games, sang around the piano, and just hung out. It was a fun night, and obviously one I still remember.

Memories....what great friends they are.

Another Day

I woke up early today, Sunday. Without my glasses on, it is very difficult to see any details, but I could see there was a glowing light outside. I knew immediately. Here it is, the 7th of March, and it is snowing again. The light was from the reflection of the street light on the snow in the air. It is coming down hard and heavy. What a winter this has been. There is still snow on the ground from all the storms this eyar. The front lawn was finally cleared of all but the big piles. The north side of the house won't be snow-free for several more months. The pile off the deck is still up as high as the bottom of the deck. That pile was created from the snow that was pushed off the roof so we couldn't have any more water damage. The bottom of the slide was finally showing, but now it is covered up again. Will spring ever arrive?

Last week I was on lunch recess duty. A few days I even just wore a sweater outside. It was nice and warm, the snow was melting some. The problem was that the kids are tired of playingi n the snow so all the school was confined to the little area of the basketball courts. There were lots of arguing, pushing, and fighting for control of the hoops. Usually at this time of year the kids are out playing baseball, running on the grass and spread out all over the playground. They are also getting tired of all the snow and nowhere to play.

So here it is, Sunday morning, snow is falling, and it is cold. I really need to get out of here and enjoy something fun. Last week's lunch with my sisters was great, but I need more time with my husband, just the two of us. We had to stay here this weekend because he had to be to the junior prom since everyone else was going away. So we stayed home, again. I'm just tired of sitting here in the snow and watching everyone else leave for a get-away. Wish he didn't get "chosen" to cover all the school activities, or that someone else was "volunteered" to do other people's church jobs. I am just waiting for the phone call asking me to "do me a favor" for someone else. Do I sound a bit bitter? Don't mean to. I just need a Pick-Me-Up. Help!!!!

Just Some Research

Saturday I traveled to Provo for a lunch with my sisters. We missed having our oldest sister and her daughters with us, and Tammy wasn't able to be there, either, but it was nice to visit with those who could come. As always, the conversations were even better than the food, and the food was great. I always have a difficult time deciding what to order because it all looks (or sounds) so good. Pictures, please, on the menus!

Our conversation lead me to some thinking, so I decided to do some of my own research. Maybe it is because I haven't had to write any papers for college classes, but whatever the reason, I wanted to look up some references on one of the points we discussed, just for my own knowledge. The question came up about the Word of Wisdom and where the directive came to include tea and coffee with the "hot drinks." I remembered an institute class from college where we studied modern issues with latter-day prophets directives, kind of like the pierced earrings issue. We had a lesson on caffeine, tobacco, and drug use. There was a hand-out about coffee, especially de-decaffeinated (at the time de-caf was a new thing). I remember the hand-out because I saved it for a long time but apparently I dejunked it lately.) So I got on LDS.org and did some research. Now, mind you, it was just for my information and not to justify myself or anyone else, just a silly thing I like to do when a point interests me. I'm not trying to justify myself, point any fingers, change the world's opinions or anything, just writing my findings about the subject. I hope no one takes any offense or thinks I'm out of line....just writing my findings here. You are all still free to do and think what you want and I will love you all anyway.

I was wondering if there was any documentation as to when coffee (and tea) were specifically mentioned as part of the Word of Wisdom. The Word of Wisdom states:
5 That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.
6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, a pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.
7 And, again, astrong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.
8 And again, tobacco is not for the abody, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.
9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.

No specific reference to coffee here. What exactly are "hot drinks"? Many people will asked "What about hot chocolate, wassail, and other hot drinks? So more research....
When I searched "Word of Wisdom" I found this under "Additional Information:
Tea and coffee (see D&C 89:9; latter-day prophets have taught that the term "hot drinks," as written in this verse, refers to tea and coffee).

When people purposefully take anything harmful into their bodies, they are not living in harmony with the Word of Wisdom. Illegal drugs can especially destroy those who use them. The abuse of prescription drugs is also destructive spiritually and physically.

So, latter-day Prophets added it, but when? More research. I couldn't find anywhere where Joseph Smith said anything about coffee and tea, perhaps he enjoyed a cup himself and didn't want to change his lifestyle! :) So, where do we find it mentioned: The earliest thing I can find is from Brigham Young, the prophet who followed Joseph Smith, so he must have been the first one to mention these two substances. Here is what I found:
The Spirit whispers to me to call upon the Latter-day Saints to observe the Word of Wisdom, to let tea, coffee, and tobacco alone, and to abstain from drinking spirituous drinks. This is what the Spirit signifies through me.
He also states: I know that some say the revelations upon these points are not given by way of commandment. Very well, but we are commanded to observe every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (DBY, 182–83).

I thought it was interesting that he reminds us it was not given by way of commandment, but we should follow what the prophets say. But why add tea and coffee?
In the same article we find this:
This Word of Wisdom prohibits the use of hot drinks and tobacco. I have heard it argued that tea and coffee are not mentioned therein; that is very true; but what were the people in the habit of taking as hot drinks when that revelation was given? Tea and coffee. We were not in the habit of drinking water very hot, but tea and coffee—the beverages in common use (DBY, 182).
I wonder when people first started drinking hot chocolate? There is more about the benefits of all points of the word of wisdom, including eating grains, fruits, and sleeping enough but not too much. There is a lot in the "directive" which I personally don't follow to a "tea" (pun intended). I don't think I am the only person in the world who doesn't follow the WofW with true fidelity.

There is also documented information about the affect of caffeine on the body:
Coffee and the caffeine it contains plays a major role in dozens of diseases in the United States, from the number one killer, heart disease, to the number one physical complaint, chronic fatigue. (Goulart, 1984 This is taken from an article called "Caffeine-The Subtle Addition.

Medical researchers have long suspected that coffee consumption contributes to diseases affecting the heart or the blood vessels attached to the heart. Obtaining conclusive data, though, has been difficult. Many studies measured coffee drinking at a time remote from reported heart problems. Other studies did not adequately consider important variables such as cigarette smoking, age, and cholesterol level in the blood. They could not establish whether the heart disease primarily resulted from drinking coffee.

Since 1980, however, several research teams have published significant medical reports demonstrating that the chronic abuse of caffeine is very risky. Researchers at the National Center for Health Statistics and Johns Hopkins Medical School, for example, recently published their findings from a thirty-year study that confirmed a close relationship between coffee intake and coronary heart disease. (LaCroix et al., 1986.)

But what about de-caffeinated drinks? From the same article: Some people avoid caffeine by switching to decaffeinated coffee. However, several medical investigations over the last decade have shown that between 40 and 50 percent of decaffeinated coffee drinkers have gastrointestinal difficulties, such as ulcers, colitis, or diarrhea. (Goulart, 1984.) Decaffeinated coffee stimulates the production of stomach acid because the roasting of coffee beans releases harsh acids and oils that irritate stomach linings. One study of 13,000 patients in Boston, Massachusetts, area hospitals also showed that the risk of developing myocardial infarction was the same for decaffeinated coffee drinkers as it was for regular coffee drinkers. (Health Letter, 1982.)
It goes on to say that the effects of restlessness, jittery, irritability, nervousness, etc, are directly related to body-size, which explains why none of that
seems to affect me! This article ends with the following:

According to a statement in the Priesthood Bulletin of February 1972 (volume 8, number 1), “There has been no official interpretation of [the] Word of Wisdom except that which was given by the Brethren in the very early days of the Church when it was declared that ‘hot drinks’ meant tea and coffee.

“With reference to cola drinks, the Church has never officially taken a position on this matter, but the leaders of the Church have advised, and we do now specifically advise, against the use of any drink containing harmful habit-forming drugs under circumstances that would result in acquiring the habit. Any beverage that contains ingredients harmful to the body should be avoided.”

What about the caffeine in chocolate, or other sodas or drinks? Here is a chart that shows the amounts of caffeine in these:

I would post the chart here but the formatting doesn't copy right. If you are interested you will just have to follow the link. But it shows that there is a significantly larger amount of caffeine in coffee. Now, a 44-oz cup of Pepsi or Coke is approaching the same as a cup of coffee. Diet pills have even more.

Myself, I used to drink cherry coke all the time. I stopped when I was told that because of my asthma medication, the carbonation wasn't good for my bones. It wasn't the caffeine I was worried about, but the soda part. I will drink a root beer with a hamburger, but with most meals i drink water. That is just my preference because of my medical condition. As for coke vs. Pepsi, I don't really like the taste of either. Just my own opinion.

So, for what it is worth, that is what I found. I will continue to eat chocolate, I love my hot chocolate in the morning (the hazel nut is wonderful, but I also like the raspberry, or cherry chocolate.....) I love roasted vegetables, but also eat more meat then I should. I don't get enough sleep...and don't exercise enough. I guess I don't follow the word of wisdom the way I should, but I'm still okay with it. I see the benefits of its message and see where I need to improve, but I will still fall short of following it to a TEA. (something I never have tried)