The Best Words

I am sure Bro. Uchtdorf's message in the Ensign was inspired for my family.  I hope they all read this and realize their own part in recent event. I would highlight every sentence, and double-highlight

"None of us is without sin. Every one of us makes mistakes, including you and me. We have all been wounded. We all have wounded others."

 Wouldn’t it be only right to put aside our own egotism and pride and begin to open that blessed door of forgiveness to those with whom we struggle—especially to all of our own family?

May God help us to be a little more forgiving in our families, more forgiving of each other, and perhaps more forgiving even with ourselves. I pray that we may experience forgiveness as one wonderful way in which most happy families are alike.

 No one can say it like he does.  I don't need to say anything else.

What a Month!

I was shocked to see it has been almost 4 weeks since I last posted.  But then, why should I be shocked?  I know I haven't written anything!  The reason I haven't written:  I'm tired!

It has been an eventful month, with lost of travelling, long hours at school, and just lots to do.  But the best has been the service we've received from our children.  I am so thankful for them for helping us out and helping us get some things done in our house that we just have not been able to do.

A little explanation:  I had a knee replacement on my right knee several years ago (probably about 5 years or more now), and recovery has been all right, but not satisfactory.  Actually, after the original surgery I had 3 more in order to get everything healed as much as it is.  After all this, I am totally unable to kneel on that knee at all.  I mean NOTHING! I can't kneel to pray, even if I knee on a pillow.  I know doctors say you shouldn't kneel on it anyway, but many people do.  I can't touch that knee on the ground without terrible pain.  It just doesn't work.  Garth can kneel on his fine; well, not really fine, but he is able to.  But I can't.  And because I can't kneel, I have a difficult time getting onto the ground to do things like wipe off the mop boards around the rooms, scrub the tub, any other thing that requires kneeling.

Also, every summer it seems I have some major health issue.  This year it was my swollen legs, retaining water, wrapped up legs, etc.  OK.  Call me lazy, but I really wish I could do things that I used to be able to do.  But it is difficult.

This past summer Garth was in a lot of pain with his back and down his legs, so we really didn't have the ability to clean our house like we would have liked to, so things just got more run-down each week.  It made us sad, but we were making the best of what we could do without complaining.

A few months ago I decided to let our children know that we really could use their help in getting our house in order, and admitted that we just couldn't do it right now by ourselves.  Our wonderful children gathered together and planned on helping us get the job done.  Although the plans didn't go as hoped for all of them, they were able to come and help us.  We so much appreciate all their work!

I want them to know that it was really harder than we thought to let them all go through our stuff and see what condition we were in.  But they really respected us and asked us before they threw anything away.  They even let me keep all my pens and pencils! :)  (Inside joke there)  I appreciate that they didn't make me feel bad about my cleaning skills, or my 'collection's of stuff. (except my pencils).

I learned a lot during the days they helped us.  Chantel is a wonderful cleaner and organizer.  That girl can go!  I like that neat little steamer and can't wait to get my own.  Maybe if I had one I might clean more often!   (Ok, maybe not, but it's an idea.)  I loved our visits and the time we had to just talk and get to know each other a little bit better.  We loved having Barrett here to help his dad, and really appreciate all the work he has done for us.  Tammy and Josh helped clean and put in the new floor.  It is beautiful!  It was nice to have Nicky here as well.  The plan was for her to help with the kids, but they were all so excited to play with each other that they really didn't need much watching.  So she watched Isaac, which was the most fun of all.  What can we say?  We love that kid!

Honestly, it was very humbling having our children do our cleaning, but so much appreciated.  There are no words to express our love for them.

Tonight, I am tired and ready to go to bed.  I've had too many late nights and I am tired.  That's what happens when report cards and parent/teacher conferences come along, with no Friday off after marathon conferences until 9:00.  It is very difficult to conference that late and still hold school the next day.  Hopefully the next few weeks will be less hurried and less stressful.

Maxwell had a Birthday!

With all the excitement of the week I had a difficult time remember which day it was.  That always happens when I am out of school.  (No schedule, no day!)  But yesterday was a very important day for us.  It was the birthday of Maxwell.  He is a big 6 years old now.  I can't believe that he is so big.  He goes to kindergarten and is growing so much.  He loves life and is always laughing, although his mom and dad say that he is sometimes a stinker.  (I really don't believe them at all ;)  He is a special boy in our family and we love him very much.  Happy Birthday, Max!

Wonderful Holiday

We are un-winding after a great holiday week.  We traveled a lot, visited a lot, traveled some more, ate lots of good food, traveled some more, played with grandchildren, and traveled home.  I'm not sure how many miles we put on that new car of ours, but we are thankful we had the new car and didn't have to worry about the transmission acting up on the old car.  We were thankful we could just climb in and drive and not worry.  Oh, and have a warm car before we got in.  It was a great blessing.

We left home on Friday morning and spent the next three nights in Salt Lake.  Tammy and Nicky are sharing a house so there was plenty of room for Grandma and Grandpa, or Mom and Dad, whichever way you look at it.  Tammy and Josh were so gracious to have a big dinner for us on Saturday night (I think that was what day it was!).  Grandpa and the boys had a sleep over in the living room on Friday night, with Lexi spending some of the night with them.  Grandma (me :) slept downstairs at Nicky's place, but moved over when Grandpa came down early in the morning with a backache from the blow-up bed.  I had opted for sleeping on the couch that night, which was very comfortable.  We spent Saturday playing with the kids while I hurried to finish up the Christmas present for Garth.  He has been asking for an afghan with a pocket in the bottom for his feet for several years, so this year that is what he got.  I had to design it myself, and I'm not sure I really like the way it turned out, but that is what he wanted.

Saturday night we watched as the kids opened their gifts from us.  They were so excited for their new pajamas.  We then helped them get to bed and zonked out ourselves.  We were up bright and early the next morning, but had to wait for the kids to wake up.  With the exception of Kayden, who we had to quickly hustle downstairs before he torn open all his toys.  He was a sneaker and went out into the living room to check it all out before waking up the others. 

We hurried down to Lehi to watch Tyler and Grayson open a few gifts.  Tyler was so fun to watch, and Grayson didn't understand all the fuss. 

We returned to Tammy's and went to their church for Sunday Sacrament meeting.  It was a nice program of music.  I have to admit that it was easy for me to rest my head on the wall and fall asleep for a few minutes.  Oh, well.  I didn't have to play any of the music!

After Sacrament meeting we drove to Logan to take our gifts up to them.  They were home from their church meetings and having a relaxing time. (as much as you can relax on Christmas).  We played with their toys, and put together Lego stuff.  We got as many kisses from Isaac as we could get, hugs from both Morgan and Maxwell, then we took off back to Salt Lake.

Monday afternoon we loaded up our stuff, added a few things of Nicky's, and traveled back to Logan where we spent the next two night.  On Tuesday morning we attended the temple with Barrett and Chantel, along with their children, to witness the sealing of Isaac to their family.  It was a wonderful event!  It was great to see Morgan and Maxwell sitting with their parents on the beautiful settee (is that what it is called or is it just a couch?) Morgan was so pretty in her white crocheted dress, if I do say so myself (Yes, I made it!)  I am waiting for her mom to post a picture so I can post it here.  Max was so excited about his tie that matched his dad's.  And Isaac, what can we say except that he was all smiles and slobbers, which is his trade-mark!  He was so happy, as always!  It was a beautiful sealing, so quick and to the point.  But a priesthood ordinance that is necessary for him to join their forever family.

It was also a great time for Garth and I to have so many of our children in the temple with us.  We were missing two very special people, but we know that some day they will be there with us.  We pray for that blessing every night and know that some day it will happen.  Until then, we will just do what we need to do to be able to be worthy ourselves.

After the temple sealing we all met at their home where Isaac was officially given a name and blessing by his father with all the priesthood brethern there in the circle.  Because Isaac was so big and squirmy, Chantel was able to sit in the middle of the circle and hold him.  It was a beautiful site.  Afterwards, we ate lots of great food and visited with family and friends.

Nicky went home with Tammy and her children, and we spent the night resting because Wednesday morning we were back to the temple for another family wedding.  Our niece was married in the exact same room we had been in the day before!  I love that room because of the beautiful green altar, the green carpeting, and the green walls.  Such a beautiful soft shade of green.  Traci was beautiful in her wedding dress and she looked so happy.  I'm sure it was a great day for Mary and Cleve to have all their children in the temple together. 

We enjoyed the wedding dinner afterward where we were able to visit with family and friends.  It was nice to sit at the table large enough for all of the family (minus Mary and Cleve) so we could visit and catch up on every ones families.  All-in-all, it was a great day.

We are now back home and wondering when we get to vacation, or rest from our holiday break.  I guess the next few days will be our rest time.

I look at the things I need to accomplish this next year and I am already tired.  I am finishing up a baby blanket I started last week (for a niece), learned that another niece is having a first baby so I need to do another one.  There is also another wedding in February that I must get an afghan done for.  And some Christmas stockings to do.  I think my hands will be busy the next 12 months.  I think I will love it! 

I am so thankful for all the wonderful things that have happened this past month.  I am hoping for many more in the months to come.

Just Some Random Thoughts

Garth told me it is time for an update, so since I love him and do EVERYTHING he tells me to do, I will write something.

Our life has just been filled with daily things.  Since our fun weekend with our family we have gone through many different emotions and experiences.  We didn't come home to Orangeville after the fun weekend in Salt Lake.  After the time at This is The Place Park, we spent another night in Salt Lake, then headed to Logan to attend our grandchildren's Primary Program.  Of course, it was great because they were wonderful. :)  We stayed there for a few more days because Barrett was going in for surgery that you can read about here on his wife's blog.  We are happy to say that the many prayers and people fasting have helped us see a miracle of health.  As far as we know, things are going well for him. 

We also had a great time with Barrett, Chantel, and the kids here for a weekend.  We so appreciate the time they have spent with us, and so thankful for them for helping us in so many ways.  We can't thank them enough.  They are working with all our children to help us do some of the things we have not been able to do here in our home.  We are humbled by the ways our kids are helping us, and we so appreciate it.  We love you all and pray for all of you to be blessed with those blessing that are waiting for you.

Today, we went to stake conference, which seemed really strange because we just had stake conference last month.  I'm sure there hasn't been another time when we have met as a stake twice within 2 months.  The meetings this week were very good.  Last night we listened to a therapist who works with people with addictions, specifically addiction to pornography.  She didn't talk about how to over the addiction, but how to help our loved ones and how we can help others who might be suffering from any addition.  Some of my notes say: 

Kathy Kinghort:
*When people run from emotions, they run to something to replace the emotion. So if they are running from caring, they replace it with something else. 
*We need to face our emotions, call them what they are, and work through them.
*We need to share feelings, especially those that are uncomfortable to talk about.  If we have feelings 'against' a person, especially someone in our family, we must confront the feeling and talk it out with the person.  And an email or facebook message isn't that way to do it.  It just be a phone call or face-to-face talking.  But it shouldn't be confrontational, either, but done in love because family is most important.  It must be done in a loving way, with everyone looking for a solution and working together.
*Don't deny or put the blame on someone else.
*Do not be deceptive.  Be honest. Figure out what emotion you are reacting to, name the emotion, and you can have power over it.  She told a story about how she was traveling to Idaho to present at a group of people.  She wanted to take the 'sporty' car but her husband said she would get a ticket. Se assured him she would drive carefully, but sure enough, she did.  Her immediate thought was "I won't tell my husband." Then she immediately wondered where that deception came from.  She decided it was pride.  Her pride was hurt because he was right, she did get a ticket and was mad that he was right.  She could have paid the fine without him even knowing it, but that would not have been honest.  She called him up and told him right first thing, that she had gotten a ticket, she would pay it, and she didn't want to talk about it any more.  There was no need to discuss it any more, she had faced it, knew it was wrong, told him, then it was time to drop it.  It wouldn't do him any good to laugh at her, get angry at her, anything.  It was over, she knew how he felt, he knew she was honest with him.  That is the way relationships should be. 
*If we are doing things we don't want our spouse to see, (gaming, playing, looking, spending time visiting with someone we shouldn't, etc) we need to be honest with ourself and do what we need to do right at that moment to stop it.
*How do we react to our emotions?  What do the scriptures show us?  All through the scriptures there are example of how people have reacted to the same emotions  we feel today.  Like others, we need to stop, and walk away from evil things.  Like Nephi, we need to confront our loved ones and tell them what they know they should be doing.  Learn to look to the scriptures to find our answers.
*When clients come to her, she explains that they cannot get over an addiction in a day, week, or month.  But they can think, "What do I have to do to stop today?"  Take each day as it comes, and stop for that day. 
*Get on your knees, ask for help.  Don't get on your feet and run away, drop to your knees and ask for help.
*Do not isolate yourself.  Even adults, no matter what the circumstances.  Adults think they can keep computers in a place where no noise from the family bothers them, but no matter what, the computer needs to be in the open where everyone can see. 
*Start talking about feelings.  Ask each other "How did you feel today?"  What made you upset?  What made you happy?  Don't just ask about how school or work was.  Get our children talking about feelings, and seeing how adults work through their feelings.  Everyone has times they are sad, but what do they do about it?  How can we help each other?
*She suggested looking at "salifeline" if we need more help
She said so many things that were good suggestions.  I just couldn't get all of them down. 

We then heard from Sis. Slack, an assistant matron from the Manti Temple.  She spoke of blessings we can get from temple attendance.
*She suggested we read Elder Asay's comments in the 1997 Ensign, as well as Oct. 2010, page 75. 
*We are promised our loved ones will be watched over when we attend the temple.  I remember this from the time we had small children.  That was a great comfort to us when we traveled to the temple.
*Families will be closer to each other.  Another great promise.
*The veil will be thin.

President Slack - There should be a picture of the temple in every one's room.
*The atonement didn't just happen in the garden, but on the cross, and in the tomb.
He made us feel better about our travel to Manti.  He said it is very difficult to get over that mountain.  In fact, he and his wife would be traveling to Salina to get home to Mt. Pleasant because of the storm over the mountain.  He admitted our travel is very difficult, but the Lord recognizes it is so.

President Sharp - I always love to listen to him.  Although the spirit was very strong, as soon as he stood up to talk there wasn't a sound in the place.  It was like the spirit doubled.  All the members of our stake know he loves us so much and always has so much to tell us.  His message was that we need to allow others to repent. 
*We must have faith unto repentance, and love unto forgiveness.
*We must begin where we are, but we don't need to stay there.
*It is our duty to love unto forgiveness.

This morning we listened to a broadcast from Salt Lake, with Tad Callister conducting.  Here are my notes:

David M. McConkie:

*Don't forget the priesthood - A father learns his duty in a quorum. As a priesthood holder, he needs to be in his quorum meeting, where he learns to be a father.  Mothers must be in Relief Society or Primary where they learn to be mothers.

      Garth and I remembered when he was in the Stake Sunday School Presidency and we had a General Authority here for conference.  During the adult meeting on Saturday night, he spoke about the importance of all three church meetings, but really explained how important each one is.  He actually got down on his knees to the left of the podium, leaned against that railing there, pointed to everyone and said "Sunday School is where you study the scriptures.  Be there to learn.  Priesthood and Relief Society is where you learn to be parents.  Be there if you aren't teaching Primary."  He said there was no excuse for not being there.  He said it so pointed, even told bishops, counselors, clerks, presidencies, that there should be no counting of money, no presidency meetings, no interviews, nothing during Sunday time.  Be where you are supposed to be.
*The advisary attacks the home - He isn't at church, but in our homes.  Don't let him win over our homes.
*Kids need parents who love and teach the gospel. 
*Quorums should teach how to teach our children, how to be good parents, and good spouses.
*Don't assume that others know - teach the duties of parents.
*Live so you have the spirit of the Lord with you.

Jean Stevens - General Primary Presidency

*Find ways to make General Conference fun for kids.

*We need to get to higher ground by listening to those who are older and wiser.

*Do not give up if everyone in your family is not holding tight and getting to higher ground.  Go and get them.

*She then quoted a scripture (I think it was Isiah 41: 10) the words to How Firm a Foundation...(I always think in songs.)

Tad Callister - Quorum of the Seventy

*Some homes are simply boarding homes - with no relationships

*The Lord can change your hearts toward each other.

*He strengthens marriages.

*Commit to make it work.
*There is no other alternative - work together.
*Think of it as the "I" principal.  How can "I" be better?  Ask your spouse, How can I be better?
*Communicate with a contrite spirit.
*Blame doesn't change - patience, willingness helps.
*No good in winning an argument and losing a marriage.
*Make each other happy.
*Our spouse needs our time.  Give it to them.
*Courtship after marriage.  But it can happen in the home, not always away from home.
*A husband's willingness to help with household chores shows love.
  He really stressed how a husband MUST help out.  It is no more HER duty.  The home belongs to both.
*Stay out of debt - unnecessary debt to get ahead.
*Speak in kind voices - strengthen the relationship
*Compliment each other.
*Make parenting a joint effort.
*Plan together - family home evenings, schedules for the week, etc.
*Pray together...pray together...pray together
*The Lord can work miracles in our marriages.  He wants to be our partner.  He wants our marriages to work and WILL help us.

Russell M Nelson - Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

*The Lord has need of each of us.

*Bring every one person back.

*Satan would like you to defile your body.

*We are raising our children in Satan's territory.  We must teach our children to overcome it.

*Exercise your own agency.  That is the conflict.

*Body and spirit - our choices determine our happiness.
*Satan never sleeps.  He works at us all the time.
*Consequences - we obey laws because we should.  We will be held accountable for obeying God's laws.
*Secret chambers - shun pornography - it is as addictive as meth.
*We should stand for the right to declare our love of Christ.
*If we are on the Lord's side He will be on our side.  He will help our children and our children's children.  -----I'm going to hold him to this promise!  By making sure I am doing what I need to do to show the Lord I am on his side.  That is the clue...We have to show that we are on His side.
*We must work to show our worthiness.

As usual, we came away from conference with a stronger determination to do better, work together better, to show the Lord that we want to be worthy of the blessing and promises He was ready for us.

Lots of Fun Weekend

Garth and I are still recovering from a weekend of so much fun!  We were so excited to have our family together (minus a few now-and-then).  We used the Fall Break from school to spend this time with family.  It was one of only a few years when we didn't attend any UEA activity.  We had arranged to stay at one of our favorite places, the Staybridge hotel in West Valley City, which has the Grins and Fins swimming pool.  Barrett and his family also stayed there so we had enough swimming passes for everyone.  All of our grandchildren in the same pool at the same time!  So fun!  We then ordered pizza and bread sticks for the whole family and with permission from the hotel manager, we had the dining area for our dinner.  The grandkids were so good and well behaved.  Maybe it was because they were so tired from all their swimming!  They watched the TV while they ate and played together.

Lexi loved playing with the two babies.  Here she is with Isaac.  He is such a fun little guy!

Koy and Kayden watching TV in the hotel dining room while waiting for pizza.

Maxwell, Morgan, and Tyler were anxiously waiting for the food as well.

Grayson was happy with Daddy Dallas holding him. 

Aren't these kids so cute!

The next day my children appeased their mother and went to This Is The Place Heritage Park.  I've wanted to go here ever since my Great-Great-Grandfather's little cabin in Emery was moved to the park.  This turned out to be the perfect time to go.  Because it was just before Halloween, the park was ready with Halloween activities.  Children were encouraged to wear their costumes and given treats at several of the places in the park.

The kids were excited to get their Halloween costumes on!

We got to the park at the perfect time, about 10:00 am.  It was beautiful weather and there weren't many people there yet.  It was a wonderful day!

Lexi kept Grayson entertained while others were off playing games.

Spiderman (aka Maxwell) likes to play the games for candy.  Tyler just like the candy!

Tyler would walk everywhere as long as Grandpa was holding his hand.  Kayden just kept going, encouraging everyone to follow him.

Morgan showed Tyler how to toss into the pumpkins.  Tyler had such fun playing with his cousins.

Everyone was waiting to listen to the old witch tell her stories.  Nicky loved to play with that little duck.......Isaac.

Listening to the witch tell the story.

It must have been a great story!

We finally found our way to the Emery County Cabin.  This cabin was moved from Emery to the park a few years ago. My great-great Grandfather Casper Christensen lived with his family in this cabin.  He was called to be a postman in Emery. Casper was the grandfather of my Grandma Olsen. 

Here I am with my husband and our 8 grandchildren, descendants of Casper Christensen.  This children are six generations away from Casper Christensen.  How time changes what we view as 'acceptable.'  Casper lived in this small cabin with eight children, just as my eight grandchildren.  I can't imagine what that must have been like, but I am sure the family was very thankful for what they had.  When the kids started running back to the street to go to the next place, I was a bit overcome with thankfulness for the sacrifice that Casper Christensen and his wife, Maren, for coming to this country from Denmark, living in Minnesota where 4 of his children were born, then moving to Spring City in San Pete County, later to move to Emery County and establish his home here.  His daughter, Annie married and lived in Emery, welcoming a daughter, Melva to their family.  Melva married Neldon Olsen and moved to Rochester, or 'out on the flat' or the 'blue hill'.  Melva and Meldon had a daughter named Nellie Ann, who is my mother.  These people shaped my live and are a part of who I am today. 

Happy Birthday Kayden!

Another October birthday!  Today is Kayden's seventh birthday.  What a special young man.  He is so kind and tender-hearted.  He is a big helper to his parents, and loves to play with his siblings.  He is a good reader and does well in school.  He has progressed so much from the little tiny sick baby to a big healthy first grader.  He loves to play soccer and runs everywhere he goes.  We love you Kayden!  Happy birthday to you!  (This picture is from Kayden's Make a Wish party.  His wish was sponsored by West Jordan student council.  They were such wonderful students and made his day so special.)

Happy Birthday to Koy!

Today is our Koy-Boy's birthday.  He is such a go-getter.  I love his deep, husky voice and his innocent love.  He is so busy with everything he does, but so thoughtful and helpful.  He just goes about doing whatever it is he is doing, without thinking of the consequences.  He just wants to do it!  He keeps his mom and dad busy chasing after him, but life would be just too simple if he wasn't around.  Grandma and Grandpa think he is wonderful and we want to wish him a very happy birthday!  See you next weekend for some family fun!  Love ya, Koy.

Happy Birthday to Tyler

I had this post all ready to go, then realized it was on my school blog!  I had forgotten to log out of that account and into the new one I had to create for my personal use.  Silly me!  Here it goes again :)

Happy birthday to Tyler!
We are so excited to see the progress Tyler is making.  He is learning so much and is so excited about life.  What other little boy greets you at the door with "Ohhhh!  Hello!  I am so glad to see you!" Or "I am so glad you could come!"  He is so sincere in his love for others.  Tyler did make us sad one day.  He wanted to go with Grandpa so he grabbed Grandpa's hand and started walking toward the car.  He was so upset when he found out he was not going with Grandpa.  He cried and threw a fit like only Tyler can do.  You have to laugh at him being so dramatic, but it was also so touching that he loves his Grandpa so much.  Tyler, we are so proud of you, and love you so much!  Happy birthday, big guy!

It's Tough

Yes, that's how this whole day has been. Tough. How many times did I hear my dad say that? Now, after one year, it is still tough. I thought if I waited until later in the day the tears would be gone, but they aren't. In fact, they are more than ever. I haven't done much today, just don't have the ambition or desire. It's just been a tough day. I knew that Julie and Kent had gone shopping, and noticed that Ruanne and Larry were gone. I felt Garth and I were here alone. Just like we were last year on this day. But it did snow today, just last last year. I will be curious to see if it always snows on December 18th.

I am so thankful for parents who raised me to appreciate the little things in life. I don't need a lot of "things" to make me happy. Material things are far down on my list. But I love the little things like memories, talking with kids, hugs from grandchildren, pictures, messages, all those little things that really end up to be the big things. I am thankful for sisters who I can call at any time. I am thankful that we had family experiences that we shared, that bind us together.

I am thankful that I know my parents live on, that they are together, and that they are waiting for us to join them in the far, far distant future. As I stood there in Dad's bedroom just a few minutes after he passed away, I hoped that he was standing with Mom and watching me as I looked at him. I felt that they were both there in the room, but for just a fleeting moment. I wished I could have been there alone so I could have felt their presence better, but there were lots of people there, and lots of confusion, so it didn't last long. But I know they are together, and that makes me happy.

I'm sure Dad would say "It's not tough here! So just get busy and do what you have to be doing there." So that is what I'll do. I'll just keep on doing what I have to do. And I hope he can be proud of all of us.

Another Happy Year

August 19, 1977. What a great, wonderful day. The day we got married in the Ogden LDS Temple for time and all eternity. We finally met each other on June 19, 1977 and decided on that day that we would get married. On the weekend of July 4th, we drove to Pete's Hole in a bad rain storm no less, up the very dangerous White Dugway. Garth met my parents and family, along with all the relatives who were camping. To everyones utter shock, we announced that we were going to get married. Everyone immediately pulled out their calendars and told us which days we couldn't get married. It was narrowed down to just before school started. If I knew then what I know now about starting school close to my anniversary, I would have just gotten married the next weekend instead of two months later!
The next day we drove to Lewiston to be with his family for the rest of the holiday and made the big announcement there. After all of that, I was busy finishing up my 22 credit hours of college and getting plans made for the wedding. I was so busy I don't remember anything except Mom making my wedding dress.

I am sure everyone thought we were crazy because we really hadn't known each other. I suppose you really can't count the 22 months of writing while he was on his mission. We only wrote, didn't meet until he got home. We did exchange a few cassette tapes, but what do you say to someone you have never met? Perhaps we were crazy in love, but hey, it has lasted 33 years! That should say something.

I can honestly say that Garth is my best friend, and I have lots of special friends so that says how special he is to me. I would rather be with him than anyone else. I don't like to do things without him. I could, but I don't like to. We are an "item" as my Grandmother Olsen would say. I love him with all my heart. He spoils me by doing everything, and I mean everything. He does laundry, dishes, windows, lawns, garbage, cooking, cleaning, .... everything. And in return, he gets my deepest love. He is a great father to our children, and our grandchildren think he is the greatest!

You have made my life so wonderful. Thank you for 33 years of total bliss. I love you! You are the man at the end of my rainbow!

School Starts

This time of year has always been a very busy time. We have several family birthdays coming up, our anniversary, and the beginning of school. So there may be several posts in the next few weeks, which will really be a change because lately there hasn't been much to write about.

I think most people's lives revolve around the traditional school year and vacation times. Even though I grew up in the home of an educator, school starting was important because we were actually going to school, not just because our dad started working in his usual place.

Mom would spend hours making all of our clothes. We were lucky that she was such a great seamstress and could make such beautiful clothes. I think making clothes was a necessity because we really didn't have anywhere to get clothes. Back in those "olden-days" girls always wore dresses to school. It wasn't until I was in high school that we were "allowed" to wear nice slack pants to school. I remember one year it was so cold in the mornings that we wore pants under our dresses on the bus, and took them off when we got to junior high. Anyway, Mom made lots of dresses for us. When I got older it became my job to do the hemming on all those clothes. I would spend hours pinning them up and hand-stitching the hems in. I didn't know you could do hemming on the sewing machine. Mom insisted on a hand-stitched hem. Then I would press all of them. I don't think I had a store bought dress until I got my formal for junior prom.

Our first "beginning of school" activity, outside of fabric shopping, was the annual mutton fry picnic for all the high school teachers. I think they had the faculty meeting in the morning, then we traveled to the mountains for a big family picnic. I remember going to Old Folks Flat up Huntington Canyon and jumping around on the big rocks as the men fried the mutton and scones. I remember eating corn on the cob there. A few years we were in Indian Creek, but I remember being older then. The high school faculty was a very fun group who enjoyed getting together. I meet my friends Natale Johanson and Peggy Jorgensen there and we always had lots of fun.

On the first day of school we would pose for the traditional photo shoot. This picture must have been when Ruanne was in high school and I was still in junior high because Ruanne is in contact lenses and I still have glasses. (We weren't allowed to get contacts until we were starting high school.) And we were still in dresses. Look at that early 70's flipped up hair-do with bangs! You can't see my skirt here, but it was gold with big pleats. I am sure I have gold knee-hi's on as well. What wonderful fashion.

Now school is starting again. I am looking forward to a new class full of new challenges and lots of fun. I am excited for my grandchildren starting school again. I love that they are excited to learn new things and that they are good students. I love hearing about what they are learning and look forward to those phone calls full of excitement about their fun in school.

PS. I just looked closer at the photo. Notice the clippers sitting on the window sill. That was their traditional place! If we didn't put them back there we would never have found them again. Such a silly place to put clippers, but you always knew where to go to get them. What a funny memory.

Another Look back

Here is another blast from the past. This picture shows the four girls. Why were we always known as the four girls? Because that is what we were. It must be Christmas time because we are holding the "dip and drape dolls" that Mom made for us one Christmas. Back in the "olden days" Relief Society kept Mom busy with projects she made for us. This was one popular project back then. The dolls are formed over a soda bottle body with special muslin fabric that was dipped in a solution kind of like modge-podge and draped and shaped over the body. The faces are painted on a large ball that was covered with the same fabric. The hair is like a fake fur that was curled and pinned into place, then the hats were molded from the fabric and placed on top of the hair and head. After drying, the entire project is then hand painted. I am sure each individual doll took several hours to do. I am also susre they were each done at the same time, all the dipping and molding done at the same time, then painted individually by hair. Mom was always a perfectionist at her crafts so they were done perfectly.

I'm not sure exactly what year this is, but since I am in contacts it had to be at last my sophmore year in high school, so at least Christmas of 1971. We are a nice looking family of girls, don't you think? I remember that outfit I am wearing. It was always one of my most favorite, also one of the first that wasn't made by Mom. That isn't what made it my most favorite, I just really like the outfit. For some reason I really liked the high turtle-necked sweaters. The layered look was really in style then, and I loved this little sweater over the red one. It was a shorter vest, called a bolero. The pants that went with the outfit were gray, wide-legged, high-waisted really neat pants. Because of the high-waist I felt so much taller. My hair was also naturally wavy. I had to use steam rollers to take out some of the waves. I don't think I look too bad in this picture. Too bad I didn't stay looking that way.

The rest of my sisters also look really great. I think this is one of the few pictures when we aren't all lined up according to age and standing straight and tall. It is nice to see a natural pose now and then. Anyway, a memory of clothes, hair-styles, and Christmas gifts.

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.

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.

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)

Happy Birthday, Dallas

Just a quick message to wish Dallas a very happy birthday. We left really early this morning, so I am a bit slow in writing this, but I did tell Nancy to tell you happy birthday. And I did tell you on Saturday to have a happy birthday on Monday. I hope you did!

Friday Night Out

We were planning on going to Manti to the Stake Temple Night on Friday, but we didn't make it. I was hit with a major headache about 9:00 am...Literally came one quick. My family knows I don't ever get headaches, so when one comes on I always worry. This one hit me like a sledge hammer, sudden and horrible. I hurried to the office to get in the cupboard hoping to find a tylenol, and found an Excedrin, which I took. It didn't help much. Took another one at 12:00 and found a little relief. It was a very difficult day in class with such a pounding head. I know the kids are really anxious to be able to go outside and play more. I hope next week brings a little bit of relief in the temperatures.

Garth has been taking 4 hours a day of vacation time so he doesn't loose his vacation from last year. But, of course, he really isn't vacationing. Instead, he is working at his second job. I guess that is earn money for the vacation this year, which we will probably never take because he gets behind at work if he takes vacation! What a circle of life! Anyway, the "second job" has been swamped with cars needing inspection and oil changes. He was going to take the afternoon off so we could go to the temple, but with my terrible head ache, we decided to just stay home.

The headache, busy at work, and the cold weather all lead to us deciding to just stay home. Boy did we give into temptation. We got pizza and bread sticks for dinner and just sat in our warm little living room and watched movies. Yes, my dear children, we watched movies, and I stayed awake. I can say plural "movies", more than one. Two in fact. But does it matter if it was the last hour of each movie? We didn't rent one, but went channel surfing. Found one movie that we had both seen before and watched the last hour, then changed to another movie we had seen and watched the last hour of it! It was great and I didn't fall asleep. My head was still hurting.

I tossed and turned most of the night with strange dreams. I dreamed it was the last day of school and I had report cards all sealed up in their envelopes, then remembered that I didn't put in the "Certificate of completion of third grade" papers, so I was hurrying to get them in. It is strange what teachers dream when they are doing report cards. Maybe that means they really willnot complete third grade.

So here I am this morning, Saturday morning, and I still have a headache. Not quite as bad, but one I can feel. I guess I will just sit here and work on grading papers, cleaning the kitchen and bathroom, maybe read a little bit. It is too cold to go outside and do anything else.

Have a great day!

Out With the Old, In With the New

Do you like my new background? I hope it reminds me to go to the temple more often, even if we have to drive for 2 hours to get there! And to read my scriptures more.....I suggest everyone reads The Old Testament Made Easier. The Book of Mormon ones were great and I am really get lots of in insights with the first volume of this one.

Several people have told me it is time to change my background, so tonight, while I had a little bit of time, I decided to do so. I never know when I will have a few minutes to change it again, so I wanted to choose a "generic" one, that wouldn't have to be changed to match the season. Mind you, I like all the seasonal ones, and I am seeing some very pretty things out there. I just don't do seasons well. My seasons seem to be "school's in" and "school's out". (Those are contractions for "school is", not singular possessive, for those school teachers out there.) Right now the season is "school's in" all the time because it is too cold to be out! Please pass warmer weather! Our students just can't seem to settle down right now. They sit inside with snowsuits on, hoping it will be warm enough to go outside. Those who brave the cold come in frozen but happy. Then they take 10 minutes just getting their coats, gloves, scarves, earmuffs, etc. all hung up out in the hallways. There is always the one who needs to go back outside to get a lost glove. Is it really worth is? The ones inside take 5 minutes to decide on a game to play, then 5 minutes to get it all set up, and then only get to play for a minute before I remind them they need to get to the restroom. When they get back, the bell rings and they spend the next 10 minutes cleaning it up. Or they leave the game where they left it, thinking I don't know it is their game to clean up. Then they fight about who needs to pick up what......Again, is it worth it? To quote someone dear to my heart: OH MY STARS!!!!!

I had a special holiday time with my family. Even though we experienced the lose of my dad, it was great to have all of my family in the same state at the same time. I so much appreciated all your love and concern for me. Hearing you all ask "How are you doing, Mom," shows me you are thinking of my feelings. I hope you are all realizing just how important fathers are, and reminding yourselves how wonderful your own father is. As much as you love your father, I love mine the same. Fathers are there to pick you up when you are down, to keep you laughing when you need to see the bright side, to offer a shoulder when you need to cry, to open their hearts when you hurt. Even old mothers like me need a dad now and then. He will be missed. I will miss his stories, even though I could tell them all by heart. I will miss our talks about school. I loved to keep him up on all the happenings in school, the new trends, the demands of the job, etc. I know he enjoyed hearing what was going on. I will miss that. There are times that I hear or see something and think how much I would love to share that with Dad. And that makes the tears come again. Like right now. I learned in the 30 years without Mom, it really never gets easier, just gets normal. There are still times when I wish I had a mom to talk with, to give me advice, to show me how to solve a problem. No one ever takes the place of a mom or dad. I just hope, in some small way, to be the mom that my children will look to for advice, a talk, help with a problem. Someone that my children will miss when I am gone. I know their dad will be that man, because he is such a great guy, just like my dad.

OK........I need to stop that......

Just the Tuesday and Wednesday before Dad passed away, I spent the school days in Huntington working on a project with our assessment supervisor, otherwise known as Jon. (Cousin Jon Boy as he calls himself.) We are creating mid-year tests to be given to all the students in 3-6, to measure achievement in math and reading to prepare for the state tests. I am responsible for the third and fourth grade math tests, and will be required to create two summative tests for each grade level. These tests must match the state curriculum, which means a lot of research and test writing on the computers. Because we only had a two days to get an overview there, and to get a good start, we (the four of us on the committee)are expected to put in more days at home, not on school time. We will be paid for some extra career days, and have been given a new computer to work on. Now, my questions is this: Is this computer mine to keep? I don't know and I don't want to ask! As long as no one asks for it back, I will keep it on my desk. If it is still here after the tests are completed and approved, and no one asks for the computer back, then I will assume I get to keep it..........What you have to do to get a new computer!!! Is it worth it? I think so. (Just don't anyone tell Jon that I am questioning this. He might just take it back because I am so air-headed.)

One more resolution I have for this year: I will go back through my posts and add tags for the entries, so the tag cloud is more accurate. Just something simple for me.

Why I Haven't Updated Lately