The Bramble & the Rose

Take Me Out to the Ballgame.....!!

2009-05-30T06:21:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to see the Salt Lake Bee's game.....This is our version of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame!".......take me out with the crowd..........buy me some peanuts..........and cotton candy..........and snowcones.....

.....I don't care if I never come back.....

(we are just having a GREAT time)

.....then it's root!, Root!!, ROOT!! for the home team (here comes the Wave, Grandma!).....

.....I don't care if they win (and they didn't...not even close).....

.....then it's 1!, 2!, 3 strikes you're Out!.....

.....at the old ball game. (will they catch that fly ball?)

Who cares if they lost the game....here come the fireworks.....

We had a fun time!

Saturday at Thanksgiving Point

2009-05-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

Saturday we went to Thanksgiving Point; it was such a beautiful day when we started out we all said we just had to get out of the apartments...but, when we got there it started to rain.......Mom said, "Oh, come on let's look at the gardens anyway. It's not that bad and anyway we won't melt!"... I went to pay for our admission to the garden area and the lady at the desk asked if we were "local"; we said yes and she said they had just dug up all the tulips and were barely beginning to plant the summer annuals so she thought we would be better off coming back next week (not sure if we'll make it then), but we went back to the water tower area and found the hidden garden; these are pictures taken there...

...it was beautiful! And after we enjoyed this garden (for free) we spent our money on delicious hot fudge sundaes at the creamery... Yum!

It stopped raining about the time we finished our ice cream...but we had a nice outing anyway and it wasn't too hot.

I bought Mom a digital camera for Mother's Day and wrote the essential instructions on a tag that she still has dangling from the wrist strap, but she took these pictures and I think she did a great job. She still asks where she has to wind it before she takes a new picture and when I asked if I could download them to my computer she thought she wouldn't be able to see them unless she came to my apartment. When we made prints of the pictures she wanted she couldn't understand that the pictures were still on the SD card and she could see them when ever she wants. New technology is pretty confusing for someone who is almost 90!

Sharp Chef Competition

2009-05-18T21:06:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of fun watching the "Sharp Chef" competition that was hosted by our community this past Saturday. It was a regional competition for the Holiday Retirement Communities and the winner will go on to the next level of competition...our chef, Tommy DeLong won (we knew he would...he's the BEST!). The competition was modeled after the Iron Chef competition. Here are some pictures from the contest.

This is our dining room all set up for the contest.
Chefs lined up to be introduced. They were from Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana.
Our So. Towne Ranch Chef, Tommy DeLong begins his prep.Oh! Oh! Fire Bad!! The nearly finished plate....
The smile of a winner.......and Congrats from the competition.

And through it all....the band played on....really good music.

Because our dining room was being used for the contest, we had a fabulous barbeque outside (don't know why this picture is dark...it was really a beautiful day)

Easter Decor (lest I forget)

2009-04-14T06:44:00.000-07:00

This is an idea I got at the Dr.'s office just before Easter. They had used the small peeps bunnies, but when I got to the store to get them the large ones were all that was left. Easter grass on the bottom, peeps around the sides, I filled the center with M&Ms (but you could use jelly beans or something else), then Easter grass on top and I put a few chocolate eggs on top of the grass to hold it down a bit. I like the idea that I can change the contents for each holiday.

Moving up in the World...We're #1

2009-04-12T19:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to all! This is Don and Carol in the dining room for Easter dinner.And this is our new apartment...same address, just two doors down the hall in #001 instead of #003...it is a spacious 2 bedroom apartment, 1100 square feet...we are loving the space.

Another view of the living room (the TV goes on that blank wall) and all of the windows have the wide wooden louvered "plantation" shutters...Next is our little dining area...
another view...there is a door on the far right that leads to one of the porches...

This is our Den/Guest/Sewing room...

...and another view.

This is our bedroom (guess I should have opened the other shutters to let in more light..sorry).

Our bathroom.

And the Guest bathroom...
We are on the ground floor ("Creekside") on the front corner of the building. You can see our front porch and bench...
...and this is our side porch (we can still feed the ducks from here)
The view from our side porch... the creek...
Next is the view toward the side and front (toward the street)

and finally, the view from our little dining area window...spring in bloom and the beautiful snow capped Ocher Mountains in the distance...we loved our new home...come visit when you can.

A Better Way to Feed the Ducks

2009-03-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

Thought you'd like to see Don's latest invention...an upside-down patio table with one of his Physical Therapy bands stretched between the legs (of the table)...wad up balls of bread and insert in band...pull back and...WHAM!...you hit a duck in the head (no kidding). This man has too much time on his hands!

At Aaron and Chrys' Place

2009-03-17T18:36:00.001-07:00

These pictures aren't really fair...taken after a long day at work. We had a great time visiting with Aaron and Chrys: they took us to the waterfront for lunch and took Dad to the Pacific Northwest Woods gallery at Pioneer Square; I bought an art game at Elliot Bay Bookstore and they were good sports and indulged me in trying to figure out the rules...and...we got to go to Chrys' dance lesson and watch...Yah!...Oh, I mean, Ohlay!!

Thanks for a great time! Dinners, lunch, game, movie and a day in Seattle...we loved every minute.

Afternoon Tea Time

2009-03-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

We had lots of fun in Seattle this January. Grandma played games with Charlotte and Grandpa played games with Calvin....and after naptime Rachel served tea for grown-ups and tots... Grandma brought Charlotte's favorite Honey Boys from Utah...

Charlotte poured ohh so nicely...

...then tried drinking from the spout...

...and the saucer...Rachel poured for Calvin...

...then he said, "I do it!"...and he poured and poured until there was no more (water) in the teapot, the cup was overflowing and the table drained onto his pants...

...now let's pour it back into the teapot and try again...

Grandkids in Korea

2009-03-17T10:37:00.000-07:00

AJ on the day I arrived in Korea...

Kami, just outside Chili's on the base...

"...but....but...I just laid down to take a little nap, Kami. I don't want to play the Picnic Game right now...okay...okay...you win!"

(she's laying on top tof me)...who could resist?

This is my favorite blanket...Auntie Mindy made it for me...These guys were in the parking lot of the apartment complex when we came home one day...all she really wanted was a balloon...
mmmm....bananas....

I love the expressions on their faces...

What a Happy guy!

We should have a caption contest for this one...

His shirt says it all!!

One day while I was visiting in Korea, Jess and Drew had to go to the base gym for a Biggest Looser sit-up contest...

Here, Dad, I'll help!

This is one tired baby!!

Trip to Korea

2009-03-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

This was the sunrise at the Salt Lake City airport on the morning of Feb. 5th as I left for Korea

These are apartment buildings near Jess and Drew's. I was fascinated by the apartment buildings in the Korean cities...they are one apartment wide and 15-20 stories high...and there are hundreds of them grouped together all over the cities (very few single family houses).... below is a view of Songtan (a city near the Air Force Base at Osan) taken from a bridge on our way to the base...This picture was taken from the other side of the same bridge...the white buildings in the distance are apartment buildings in Osan City...in the foreground are rice fields (brown in the winter; green in the summer)...near the fields were the only single family houses that I remember seeing...

This is the fabulous fabric store where I thought I had gone to fabric heaven...I bought stacks of precut 2 yard pieces and then...

...the man pulled out these two boxes of "scraps" and samples and said, "Free!" I fell to my knees in fabric worship..."rich American lady" scrounging free fabric scraps in Korea...but look what I made from those little scraps...
This is my friend, Delores with the tote bag I made from 2 1/2 inch squares of free fabric using a pattern in a book Jessica got for her birthday from Rachel. And speaking of Jessica's birthday (the day after I arrived...here she is at her birthday dinner a a Korean Bulgogi (sp?) House...uumm it was delicious!

...then we went home for dessert and a Happy Birthday song...
and Jess reminded me that I no longer have any children in their twenties (I'm feeling my age).

The day before Valentine's Day Jess took me to Seoul to the flower market...WOW!!

This was all on the ground floor of a huge warehouse building...upstairs they sold all the supplies florists need to make beautiful arrangements...vases, baskets, ribbon, flower paper, etc.

Next we went to the Korean Folk Village (it was going to rain on the day we had planned to go, so we changed plans) the day we went was VERY cold and started to rain so we didn't stay as long as we might have...but we did get to see the outdoor performances...
These are preschool children watching the traditional dancers. The ribbons are attached to the dancers hats so they have to keep moving their heads to keep the ribbons spinning...the preschool children were almost a fascinated by Kami and her blonde hair as they were by the performers. Everywhere we went the Korean people were intrigued by Kami...

Jessica noticed the LDS (Mormon) Missionaries playing...

...there were 6 of the Elders there on "P-day" (their prep day); one of the Elders was from West Jordan, UT (near where we live) and one of the Elders had been in Jess and Drew's Branch and had been transferred before AJ was born, so they had a reunion...

...then we went to the next arena and saw the Korean girls perform......next, the tight rope walker......and then, the equestrian show...Here is a different group of preschoolers...notice their backpacks...each school had different backpacks with the child's name; the school name and a phone # (good idea!). At the end of the equestrian show there was a Korean man who was giving some of the older children rides around the back of the performance area...Drew asked Kami if she wanted a ride and she enthusiasticaly said, "Yes!...but...I can't stand up and I can't go upside down..." ....the man was very nice and gave her a gentle ride...Next we walked through a traditional village and saw houses with thatched roofs and fences made of twigs and there were Korean grandmas acting as tour guides (no English)...this lady was trying to teach Kami to make a sign with her fingers (not sure what...)...

These are Kim Chee crocks....you see these for sale everywhere...

...these are what they cure the Kim Chee in...something like saurkraut (I tried a tiny spoonful and decided I had done my duty as a tourist...I liked it about as much as I liked poi in Hawaii).

This is one of the museums at the Folk Village...we didn't get to go to that part of the village, but I think this is a beautiful photo that Jess took for me.

Last, but not least, this is the open market that is held on every day that has a 4 or a 9 in the date....you can buy eveything here...I got socks for 2000 won (about $1.80). Some vendors sit on the ground and others have the canopies...fish, vegetables and shoes are right next to each other...this market was several blocks long.

Well, that's all folks!....hope you enjoyed the tour....I was glad I went, but I wouldn't want to live there...I know Jess and Drew will be glad to get back the the USA and I will miss them VERY much until they do....

That's all folks...end of the tour.

Seattle Grandkids in January

2009-03-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

Charlotte had her very first dance class while we were visiting, so Grandma had to get her a couple of dancing outfits...Charlotte had to try all of them on at once...pink tutu peeking out from under the black jazz top....I love the look! Layered... Charlotte and Calvin were marching through the kitchen playing their recorder and kazoo...Rachel, "You can play loudly, but not louder than lovely." I love that quote....wish I'd have thought of it when my kids were young...

Is there a sweeter face than this? What a charmer!

Another one...just as sweet...

What could be more fun than watching Calvin playing with Grandpa on the floor? There must have been some magical silliness in "Ooh Dee!" cause they repeated it over and over with Calvin laughing 'til he was red in the face.

Thanksgiving: In Four Parts

2009-03-17T10:34:00.001-07:00

This post is several months late, but we had such a good time and there were many family members that were together that some of you haven't seen for many years, so I decided "better late than never" Hope you enjoy the pictures. We started the day off with my sister Marilyn bringing fabric "paper" dolls with their outfits...Marilyn wanted to share them with us so we had a lot of fun matching dolls and clothes and dividing them between us. It was especially fun to listen to Grandma remembering her childhood days with paper dolls.Just so you will all know who belongs to who in the following posts, I'll list the families that were there with us: The Hashey's; Mindy, Billy, Carl, Alishia and Emily. The Crandall's; Cort and Kristen. The Crandall's; Curtis, Annie, Brooklyn, Hunter, Madison and Olivia. The Hall's; Jared, Amy (Crandall), Myalyn, Benjamin and Jackson. The Ennis's; Nancy, Josh and Vanessa. Spencer was in Kuwait. I'm not sure I posted pictures of everyone, but for those that live far away I hope this helps sort out the babies that have been born since we were last together...Enjoy...

Thanksgiving: The Gathering

2009-03-17T10:08:00.001-07:00

The Cousins having fun with the Wii: Myalyn,Brooklyn,Hunter,Vanessa,Emily and Madison

Nancy, Josh and Vanessa

Marilyn and Madison

Myalyn and Brooklyn...BFF!

Benjamin asking Uncle Cort, "PLEEEASE, can we go play football?"

Thanksgiving: More Gathering

2009-03-17T09:53:00.001-07:00

Annie and Olivia

Amy and Jackson

Marilyn and Curtis

Jared and Benjamin...so sad because he couldn't go out in the snow to play football.

Billy and Olivia

to be continued...

More Thanksgiving

2009-03-17T08:35:00.000-07:00

Billy: "The turkey button is going to pop....NOW!"

15 minutes later

WOW!! Look at all that food!
The entire Hashey crew worked hard to make this Thanksgiving such a memorable one for the entire family.

A BIG THANKS!

And then we all sat down to eat and I put the camera away.

More Catching Up

2008-11-22T14:30:00.000-08:00

I just put some German Apple Cake into the oven upstairs in the activity room and I'm staying nearby to check on it since I haven't used this oven before...and...I may need to protect it since the BYU vs. University of Utah game will be coming on the BIG TV in the activiy room and all those hungry fans just might think that the dessert is for them. Anyway I have a little time to write so I thought I'd try to catch up. Our friends, Sally and Joe (neighbors from Rose Park) have gone to Arizona for the winter, but before they left we had some good times together (once a week). One week they came to the "Ranch" and we had lunch together; then went to the Living Planet Aquarium, just down the street...it is small compared to Marineland, etc. but it is just the right size for us and we are excited to share it with grandkids that come to visit. After the aquarium we went to the Chocolate Cottage that is right across the street from the aquarium and indulged ourselves (another great place to take our kids and grandkids when they visit). We are really enjoying our new home and are glad that the move is behind us. Don has lots of doctors appointments in Dec. (we are just getting set up with the VA and they are checking him out). We will be going to Cedar City for Thanksgiving, and then on the 3rd of Dec. we will be going to Phoenix for a week to visit our friends (Stewart and Deanna Troxell); we'll see Sally and Joe while we are there. We have booked a flight to Seattle for Jan 13th to Jan 27th and will spend one week at Evergreen Place (in Renton) and one week at The Garden Club (in Bellevue)...these are both Holiday Retirement Community Properties and since we are residents here in Sandy, we are able to stay for a week free of charge (all meals and activities included). In Dec. my Mom is coming to stay for 5 days at Christmas and as soon as she leaves Pam will be coming to stay for 5 days between Christmas and New Years. Well, the cake is done and I need to get back downstairs to Don. So I'll close for now and try not to be so long between posts.

A Belated October

2008-11-04T06:40:00.000-08:00

Wow! It's been forever since I posted to this blog...so sorry. Our October was very busy so here's a recap to catch up. We finished moving INto South Towne Ranch early in the month, then spent the rest of the month moving OUT of our apartment. Since Don's hand has not made much improvement, I was pretty much on my own with the boxing things up and moving them to the D.I. or the storage unit so things went pretty slow. Friday is the day our lease is up so I'm spending a day or two cleaning the apartment; then the move out inspection is Friday and I'll no longer have the keys, so that will be history. Whew! We will be so glad to feel like we can spend time participating fully in the activities, etc. at "the Ranch". I have already taught one Relief Society lesson in our Branch, and I am running the little Country Store that we have for an hour every Thursday. We sell items the residents might need (or like), I buy what I think will sell at the Dollar Store and we resell them for $1.25 to cover tax and provide a little fund for something special. It's fun for me and I get to meet all the residents and get to know them better. Don is making a cart for the Country Store and is loving having a project to do with tools. I am also teaching (leading) a group every Monday after the noon meal...we are calling it Memory Time Writing and Sharing...just a time to discuss memories and write them to share with family and friends. I choose a topic for the week; then we discuss it and share our stories; then write the stories down and share those with the group the following week. This week we had fun exploring our names (who named us, why, would we like to have been able to choose a different one and why, etc.) ....it was fun and we really got to know each other better.

On the Move Again! What's New?

2008-09-12T06:33:00.000-07:00

Just so everyone knows what is happening...we are moving to South Towne Ranch (in Sandy, Utah) this weekend. I know...we were going to wait until Nov. ; then, Oct. 1st, but we kept going down there for lunch when we took things to storage and they asked why we didn't just move in. I said that we wanted October to be our FREE 1st month (we also get the 3rd month free and will not have to pay $450 per month 2nd person charge for at least 6 months). Ron, the manager (who just happens to be a retired Navy Sr. Chief, Submariner, etc.) said "I'm not going to charge you guys for the rest of September if you want to move in now." So we decided to just go ahead and DO IT! We will still have until the end of Oct. to get out of the apartment, so we are moving the big pieces of furniture Sat. and will do the rest a little at a time...(we're really committed to this plan now since we took our clothes down there yesterday and Don's hospital bed is being moved today). Needless to say, we are really busy (still doing physical and occupational therapy, too); I haven't even been to the fair to visit my quilt entry to see if it has a ribbon. Guess I better get off this computer so I can pack it up. Our new address is: 310 East 10600 South, #003, Sandy, UT 84070 (the cell phone numbers will be the same, don't know what will happen with the land line yet)

Fair Entry

2008-08-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

I'm off to enter this quilted wallhanging in the Utah State Fair. It is made from the 2008 State Fair challenge fabric (white background w/black music symbols); the black fabric has subtle grayed music symbols and the black with white music symbols is a near reverse of the challenge fabric. I titled this quilt, "With a Song in My Heart"...the technique is reverse applique (design is made by placing the background fabric on top and cutting away in the shape of the design; then turning edge under and handstitching to reveal the design) this is the first time I have attempted this technique so there are some flaws that I can see, but I decided to enter it in the fair anyway (it may not be prize quality, but I like it). We are off to Cedar City today...Mom's (Grandma's) birthday is on Tuesday so we will stay and have lunch with my sister, Marilyn and the "birthday girl"; then head home to continue "thinning out" our things in anticipation of our move to a retirement community. Don has been very busy with Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy and has seen some (slow) progress with his right hand (nerve damage just take a long time to heal). Guess I'd better get busy and finish packing for our trip to Cedar. More details on our move later.

July in San Diego or How to Stretch a 2 week Vacation into a Month

2008-07-26T20:26:00.000-07:00

Finally! We are home again and all is/are relatively well! Now to the begining of the story. Don just couldn't shake the "I need to build another cradle" syndrome and after making several attempts to get me to go along with one of his many "schemes" he finally suggested one that I thought might work...so, we flew to San Diego on June 24th (our anniversary) to spend the day celebrating with Don's brother Walt and his wife, Linda (who were married on the same day as we were, 47 years ago). The plan was that Don would stay 2 weeks and spend time working on a cradle with Walt; I planed to stay the first week and then fly to Seattle to visit Rachel and Robert and family at their new house in Enumclaw, WA and an in-person visit and look at pictures of the Thailand honeymoon with Aaron and Chrys. Don woould return to Salt Lake City from San Diego on the 8th of July and I would return from Seattle the same day, landing in SLC within 1/2 hour of one another...perfect plan until I received a call on my cellphone the morning of July 8th from Don, saying that he had fallen and was in the hospital. Don said he was pretty banged up, but that I should fly home as planned and he would catch up with me later in the week. (He didn't give me many details about the fall, but I later learned that he had fallen backwards and had hit his head on the cement in the driveway at Walter's while he was trying to pick up tools and no one was with him at the time, so he had spent about 15 minutes trying to get upand fell again before he finally made it into the house and got help.) I spent the next day tearing into the apartment with great plans to continue our downsizing while he was gone and I could plan my days without interruption...I also decided this was a good week to begin my "healthy eating" weight loss plan, so I shopped for fresh fruits and vegetables (lots of lettuce and berries, etc.). At 11 am on the 10th of July I received a call from one of the nurses at the hospital telling me that Don's MRI showed that he would need surgery on the cervical area of the spine before he would be able to travel home and that the surgery was scheduled for the next day. I had just finished washing and drying the dirty clothes that I had taken out of my suitcase, so I folded them up and put them back in the suitcase; called our good friend Sally and asked if she could take me back to the airport (she had picked me up two days before) if I could get a flight out...next I went on-line and booked a flight for 5 pm; called Nancy and asked if Callie coould stay on until I got back; called my visiting teachers and arranged for them to continue to water my plants; called Alishia (who was planning on me to take her to the airport in a few days to fly home to Florida); called the dentist to cancel Don's appointment; called the beauty shop to cancel the appointment for my haircut and perm; packed the fresh produce in bags to give to Sally and was ready for Sally at 2:30...leaving the apartment in a REAL mess. Don's surgery went well and Walt and Linda took me to the hospital everyday at 8 am and picked me up at about 7 pm every night. Those long days dealing with medical staff taught me that even when they are among the best we've encountered, every patient needs an advocate to get the very best care. Four days later Don wa transferred to the Acute Rehabilitation Center on the same "campus" as the hospital (Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, CA). WOW! If you didn't have to be in pain to get into this place it would be like an expensive spa...golf pro (private lessons); wonderful guitarist to seranade and sing-along in the evening; therapy pool; patio; spacious"gym"; wonderful food and the BEST , caring physical therapists; occupational therapists; doctor and nursing staff...even the housekeeping staff was friendly and professional...(if I ever need knee or hip surgery, this is where I will have it done!). Don couldn't have been at a better place if he had to fall away from home...his roomate and he actually had FUN and became good friends. Anyway, here are some pictures of Don and this fabulous place.

June Update and Historical Treasure

2008-06-22T22:45:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been so negligent with my blogging. Don and I will be going to San Diego to visit with his brother, Walter and Walt's wife, Linda. We will celebrate our wedding anniversaries together...we went to the temple to be sealed to our respective spouses on June 27th (47 years ago). Don will stay with Walt and Linda for two weeks and spend time working on a new cradle with Walter...I will spend the second week in Seattle with Rachel and family (celebrating Charlotte's 3rd birthday and their move to their new house in Enumclaw) and visiting with Aaron and Chrys. Don and I fly to San Diego on Tuesday, June 24th and will return to Salt Lake on the 8th of July. On another note, I have been researching colonial Newbury, MA looking for information on Sarah Chase (wife of Charles or Curmac Annis). I found a website www.newbury375.org (Newbury, MA is celebrating its 375th anniversary in 2010) and found a 1729 map of Newbury, West Parish with the names and house locations of all the families in that Parish...you guessed it...the Annis family homesteads were well marked (oldest sons of Sarah and Curmac, Joseph and Abraham, and grandson, John). Abraham and John are directline ancestors, and when we overlaid the current street map and Google Earth images, we were excited to learn that the original Annis family farm (1666) is now part of the Maudslay State Park and next time we visit Boston, we will look forward to walking the paths where our ancestors farmed. On still another note, we were able to visit for a few minutes, with our old friends, Stewart and Deanna Troxell...sadly, our visit was at Primary Children's Hospital where their little 3 year old grandson is undergoing treatments for cancer...we all decided that Don and I should take a trip to Phoenix this winter for a longer visit. I know there is more to tell, but it is getting late and I have to drive Don to Draper tomorrow for an evaluation by a VA doctor for his VA disability claim; then pack suitcases and prepare the apartment for our absence so I'd better get to bed and try to get some sleep. I'll try to do better next month and I'm sure to have some pictures to share.

A VERY Special Day!

2008-05-13T21:19:00.001-07:00

This is a picture that tells about a VERY special afternoon! Today we had the opportunity to meet with Elder Jeffery Holland in his office at the Church Administration Building. Sister Jeri Avant is the editor of the Church News and is our Gospel Doctrine teacher...about 3 weeks ago Don was asked to give a sacrament meeting talk using a talk from General Conference as his topic...he chose a talk by Elder Holland and mentioned that we had "followed" Elder Holland (Seattle, Connecticut, Provo/Payson) for many years, but had never personally met him...Sister Avant decided to try to arrange a personal meeting as a surprise for Don...we spent about 30 minutes of this very busy man's time today, just remembering common friends and acquaintances and sharing bits of information about Don's conversion, family history and current circumstances. Elder Holland then went to his cabinet and presented us with a very beautiful, illustrated edition of his book "Christ and the New Covenant" in which he inscribed a personal message and signed it. We then presented him with a copy of Scott's "First Vision", for which he thanked us and Scott. Needless to say, Don was delighted and Elder Holland asked us to stay in touch with him...what a day!!

Pictures from our Seattle Trip

2008-05-12T08:07:00.001-07:00

Charlotte with many ponytails!
Scott and Rachel
Rachel and Robert
Pamela (Aaron and Scott in background)
Grandma Knight and Scott

Charlotte
Calvin with Grandpa's hat
Charlotte and Wallace
Calvin...big blue eyes
Grandma reading to Charlotte....Charlotte provided pillows for each of us.

Aaron and Chrys' Wedding

2008-05-12T07:57:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I haven't perfected the posting of photos...thought I coould rearrange them after I copied them to the blog, but I'm not sure how to do that, so the picutres are out of sequence.

Aaron and Chrys' Wedding (continued)

2008-05-12T07:04:00.000-07:00

Rehearsal dinner...delicious Japanese food. Chrys, Aaron, Chrys' mother, aunt and grandmother.

Grandma Knight signing the guestbook and adding her photobooth picture.

Photo Booth...remember these? Guests took picture then chose one for the guestbook and received glass coasters/picture frames for a rememberance.

This is REALLY cake...Aaron was in charge and said he couldn't believe Chrys let him get away with this...real rotating disc ball on top...the cake was delicious.

A rehearsal kiss.

The happy couple...rehearsal's over...this is the real thing!

Aaron, Chrys and Don...Wow, Dad in a tux!

Chrys and Grandma Knight (88 and looking great)

Siblings...Pamela, Aaron, Scott, Rachel. It was good to see you together again...we missed the other half of the family.

Visits with Aaron, Spencer and the Pope

2008-04-21T00:25:00.000-07:00

This has been quite a week for visitors: first, Aaron had to make a quick business trip to Salt Lake and we were blessed with two visits with him (Wed. and Thurs.)...I loved his comments..."I can't believe I'm getting married!" and "I know why you should plan your wedding together; it's to see how the marriage will be."...I remember John Bytheway saying that if you want to know if she's the right girl, take her on a picnic date up Provo Canyon; hike in and let her carry the picnic basket, or better yet, forget to tell her she's the one that is supposed to bring the lunch. (We all know how long it took John to find the "right girl"!) Anyway we had a fun visit and it was good to see him so happy. We love Chrys!! Next, I was busy putting the binding on the quilt I made for Aaron and Chrys, so I was plopped in front of the TV for a couple of days...I watched Mass twice and Pope Benedict's visit with the young people and seminarians once...I gained such an appreciation for how much we have in common and how the Spirit of Christ shines forth. I loved the greetings of peace to your neighbors as part of the Mass and the "Hear Our Prayer" part of the litergy. I was especially impressed with the Pope's message to the young people and I even printed it out off the internet...it could have been given at conference to our LDS youth by the prophet...truely, we share much more than what separates us. The Pope is such a humble man and reminded me a bit of President Hinckley. Today, (Sunday) Dad gave a talk at sacrament meeting and then we went to Spence and Nancy's for dinner (grilled salmon...yummm); Josh was working on a requirement for Cub Scouts, so Spence was teaching him how to grill the fish (last time I was at their house Josh was learning to cook bacon and eggs). Spence is home for three days, then leaves for Kuwait (he'll get one 2 week leave sometime before they come home next January...we willl miss him and pray for his safety and Nancy and the kids' wellbeing). Dad has three physical therapy appointments Monday and Tuesday this week, then on Wed. we will drive to Cedar City to pick up Grandma so she can fly with us to Seattle for the wedding. Busy days ahead, hope we all survive the activity.

50 year Reunion!

2008-03-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

We just got home from lunch with the sister missionaries that taught Don the gospel. Today was the 50th anniversary of his baptism. We had a great time catching everyone up on the past 50 years. Sister Ann Wooley Graham is on the left and Sister Cheryl Butler Hood is on the right. Cheryl and her husband are now serving a Family History mission at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake City, hence the missionary ID tag.

Next Stop, South Towne Ranch!

2008-03-21T18:31:00.002-07:00

We have placed a deposit on an apartment at South Towne Ranch Retirement Community in Sandy, Utah (10600 South and 300 East). We have been to lunch (main meal) twice...once, today with our friend from Cedar City (Caroline). Caroline had looked at apartments here in December, but had no idea that we had put a deposit on one...she is thinking about joining us if whe gets her house in Cedar sold...we need to pay off our car and wait out our lease on our apartment (also, plan to sell the property at Zion). I took pictures today so you can all see what a beautiful place this is. They have a travel program for residents...kind of like a timeshare...when you visit one of the 300+ locations they have around the country. (also have a guest room/apartment if we have out of town guests...$50 per night...includes 3 meals per day). We will be only 3 blocks from the Dimple Dell Recreation Center (beautiful pool, exercise facilities, etc. ...I'll post pictures another time). I didn't get pictures of the activities room at South Towne....there is some exercise equipment there and room for quilting, sewing, parties, bingo, etc.

A view of the back of the building with the beautiful mountains in the background...

another view of the grounds and paths...a creek and pond with malard ducks is at the far end of this picture.

This is the entry hall.

more of the entry hall...dining area is behind me as I took this picture.

This is the Dining area. Note how light is is with all the skylights and the fireplace on the far wall.

This is the private Family Dining Room used by anyone who has a family gathering or visitors or special occassion to share with friends or family.

This is the "Chapel" (they had used this room for another gathering and had pushed the loveseat "pews" to the sides). We ate lunch with one of the LDS Branch members today, she told us all about the Branch...they have all the meetings, but shorten them so that the meetings are over in 2 hours instead of three. Many of the members of the branch are former General Authorities (now Emeritus).

We are feeling very fortunate to have found such a beautiful retirement community, and the people are very nice and friendly. We are feeling good obout our choice and hope that we will be able to follow through with our plans. More photos...

South Towne Ranch (continued)

2008-03-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

A puzzle in progress on the mezzanine, overlooking the entry hall.

Don enjoying the Pool Table in the Game Loft on the second level.

This is the Library.

This is the Beauty Salon.

This is the Big Screen TV room.

We Thank Thee, Oh God, for a Prophet

2008-01-28T00:23:00.000-08:00

I had just finished watching the figure skating competition tonight (8 pm), when there was an announcement that President Hinckley (our dear prophet) had passed away peacefully at his home about an hour before...at 97 we can hardly say this was unexpected, but I can't begin to explain how suddenly empty I felt. How grateful I am for the gospel in our lives and the understanding we have of the nature of life and eternity. What a good, kind man he was; what an example of a life well lived; how we will miss him...his energy and his humor...the twinkle in his eye (especially the one he reserved for his beloved wife, Marjory)...it is good to know that the twinkle was surely there as they met once again and embraced. I surely know that he was a prophet of God and his wit and wisdom will live on in my life; may we all aspire to live in accordance with his example and teachings and may we take comfort in knowing that God will provide a new spokesman, prophet and seer to guide and direct us in these days of turmoil before the coming of our Lord and Savior.

Catching Up

2008-01-27T23:46:00.000-08:00

Sorry it's been so long since I "blogged"; I'll try to catch up now while I can, maybe, catch my breath before the next wave comes crashing in. We have been in a whirlwind of doctors' appointments since we moved into the apartment...Don has mostly lost the use of his right hand (he can stil bring the thumb to the index finger to grasp objects, but no strength to keep holding on; also, can't straighten the four fingers). CAT scans, MRIs, electrodiagnostic testing and consultations with neurologist and neurosurgeon at the U of U have yielded no firm answers that are consistent with the location of the spinal damage that is evident in all the scans, etc. The doctors even thought that he might have a tumor somewhere since he has also lost almost 25 lbs. in the last 3 months (without wanting/trying to). With that in mind he has had his blood and urine tested and retested; a colonoscopy; an upper GI series done and chest xray; more CAT scans and MRIs and consultations. At this point he is experiencing numbness and tingling in his arm and also in his toes so the neursurgeon thinks it is time to act on the information they have...spinal calcification and collapsing discs need to be dealt with before he looses any more limb function...He will have surgery on Feb. 5th (the first of three possible procedures...and the least complicated) to relieve pressure on the nerves to the hand (we hope). Dr. Apfelbaum is a "legend" we are told; the best in the west (all he does is necks) for cervical spinal problems. This first surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis, but he will keep Don overnight to evaluate how well he will tolerate surgery before they attempt another procedure. I'll keep you posted on how he does and what is next. All prayers on his behalf will be welcomed and appreciated. Enough of the medical journal for now. We were so pleasantly surprised to have Jessica and Kami stop in with Mindy and Billy and family...a BIG THANKS to all who made that possible. Their visit was all too short, just a few hours and dinner (Spencer and Nancy and kids joined us). With Don's health problems and Spencer leaving for Kuwait next month and Jess and Kami returning to Korea, who knows how long it will be before we can get that group together again. Congratulations to Betsy on her marriage and to Aaron and Chrys on their engagement (we are looking forward to their wedding in May). Not much more news for now...and no pictures this time...I'll try to do better in my next post. Love to all, Carol (Mom)

Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!

2007-12-22T00:27:00.000-08:00

Everyone here is enjoying the beautiful Christmas season.
Callie thinks she deserves a place under the Christmas tree.
(This is her spot when she is not curled up on my bed)

She even tolerates my red plaid Christmas Cat.

It's almost nap time.

But before we go, Callie visits me in the bathroom

where she take her final bow.

Hoping everyone has a really joyous Christmas Day, we'll be

Thinking about all of you with love and missing you !!

A strike ! A spare ! A gutter ball! Birthday Fun was had by All!

2007-12-22T00:02:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday we went to Josh's Birthday Party. He and his friends went bowling. Thought you'd like to see how that went :)

What form!

What determination! (willing the ball
to hit the target)

Victory vs. Defeat ? (actually, Vanessa

celebrated every ball that made it to the pins;

Josh couldn't believe she was celebrating even when

there were no pins down)

It was great fun to see the kids at play, and the cake was good too!

Update

2007-10-16T07:02:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update before we continue moving furniture into storage....."no stones" for Dad, and the pain hasn't returned. Could be an ulcer, the doctor says, but since it hasn't returned and didn't seem to be associated with mealtime, that seems to be unlikely.

The move goes forward

2007-10-13T07:27:00.000-07:00

Just so I don't get so busy I forget to let everyone know what's going on with us, the papers on the sale of the house have all been signed...the move is on, but with a few revisions. We discovered that the apartment across the hall from the one we have the deposit on is going to be available. Same floorplan, same price, etc.....different view. This apartment is on the east side of the building and the patio opens onto the inner courtyard (beautifully landscaped) vs. the parking lot and the backside of a rather rundown apartment building across the street. Since that will leave us homeless from Oct. 18th until Nov. 8th we called Mindy and Billy to see if we could visit Florida until the other apartment was available...they have graciously consented to our extended stay. So....all our furniture will go into storage until then (Callie will stay with Nancy and Spencer). Our phone number will remain the same after the move. To complicate things a bit further, Dad was in the emergency room on Monday night with severe pain in the upper abdomen, five hours later (after poking, prodding, xrays, blood tests, etc.) they sent us home without the pain, but with no diagnosis. His regular doctor saw hin on Thurs. and asked if they had done an ultrasound, (which they had not). Dr. Lane ordered an ultrasound which was done Fri. morning, he thinks Dad may have gallstones....if he needs surgery our plans will have to be revised, but we won't know anything until the ultrasound report is read....in the meantime, Dad, Spencer, Billy and Carl are hunting elk (go figure....shaking my head and shrugging my shoulders). I'll keep you all informed about this development...in the meantime I'm continuing to pack household goods so we can be out of the house by Thursday morning.

Grandma Knight's Eighty-eighth Birthday

2007-09-30T21:36:00.000-07:00

Grandma was so happy to have her three kids all together (Bob is living in Las Vegas); we gathered at Marilyn's. Dinner was delicious and for dessert it was birthday (ice cream) cake. Grandma tried cutting it with the knife Bob is holding..."cake" is too hard....

An electric knife....this should do the trick!

Doesn't she look GREAT at 88? We should all be so healthy and happy!

Hey! I thought this was supposed to be easier!!

Marilyn to the rescue...Bob stands by......waiting for the thaw!

Betsy and Emma Visit

2007-09-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

Pretty Girl! Emma Isabella, age 2

Does this look like Betsy, or what?

Emma with (Great) Grandpa.

When we arrived at the restaurant for lunch Dad got out of the car and started walking with his walking stick....Emma looked puzzled; then looked at Betsy and said "Grandpa's hopping!"

Betsy says, "Give Mommy a kiss."

Boink....!

2007-09-19T06:27:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling a bit like a ping-pong ball. The buyers have returned! Our real estate agent called yesterday, the buyers looked at some other houses and decided to negotiate a new offer...we accepted the new offer and are on the same time-line. I had prayed that we would get an offer on the house before the end of the week from someone who would be a good neighbor and that we would be able to proceed with our plans....when you get an answer it's time to exercise faith; not say "Oh, but I want to do this a different way." So today we start the packing process............
again!

OOPS! Spoke too soon.

2007-09-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

Guess I should have waited until today on the house sale....our counter-offer wasn't accepted, so we are still looking for a buyer. Oh, well....as Dad says better to know now than later that the deal wasn't that secure. They didn't want to increase their earnest money and didn't want to negotiate with us....too many concessions for us to feel secure with this deal. Hope something surfaces this week or we will have to talk with the apartment manager about holding our deposit to apply to a different apartment or just let it go.

Dad's Nostalgia Trip

2007-09-16T18:51:00.000-07:00

Breakfast with "Teddy" and Marilyn. Dad and Ted, together again after 54 years! Teddy had fun with Dad by telling the waitress, Mae (who was about our age) to say "Hey, Doodles, how've ya been? Good to see you again after all these years." We had a great time and have lots of pictures of Sadamsville, but Dad says that's the last time he wants to go back to the old neighborhood....says it reminds him of a chalk drawing on the sidewalk in a rainstorm. The neighborhood was so rough we were afraid to get out of the truck (4 well dressed white people in a new truck; taking pictures....we definately didn't blend in). I wanted to get a picture of the old school, but it was on the opposite side of the street so Ted said he would turn around at the end of the block and I could get the picture then....I said, "Okay, I'll just roll down the window and shoot the picture as we go by." "Don't say 'shoot' !!" he said. We stopped at Bold Face Park, where they had played baseball with Pete Rose, and took pictures of Mrs. Banfield's house (where Uncle Tim ran screaming for protective assylum after he squirted toothpaste into Uncle Walt's eye.) We ate Cincinnati Chili and went out to dinner and had the BEST ribs we've ever tasted. I really needed a tape recorder more than a camera....the stories they told and the memories they reconstructed were wonderful. It is amazing how much they have in common even after all these years. On Saturday we got a call from our realtor and we have an offer on the house. Today we counter-offered so we'll know by noon tomorrow if they accept our counter-offer; if so, we should "close" on the 15th of Oct. and vacate by the 19th (the apartment will be available on the 17th, so the timing is perfect if all goes smoothly). I'll post some more pictures tomorrow. Time to get some rest right now.

Dad Update

2007-08-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

I took Dad to the U of U Neurosurgery clinic Friday (they finally decided to give us an appointment); they took x-rays of his neck and we had the CT scan from Salt Lake Regional Hospital. The Dr. was very nice; examined Dad and looked at the scans and x-rays then said "I just wish we had an MRI we could see the soft tissue on that." I was astounded! "You have an MRI!" I said, "I have a copy of the report and asked the receptionist if I should bring it with us. She said that wouldn't be necessary since the MRI was done at the U hospital in June." The Dr. left the room and came back about 15 minutes later..."You're right!" he said, "and now I can see exactly what is wrong." I thought, "It's about time. This poor man has suffered for 3 months or more and you've had the means to diagnose his problem since June." Ten minutes later, the Dr. had given Dad two shots in his neck and he has been pain free since. Evidently when he fell last May, he created two ruptured discs...we hope the shots will take care of the problem and give him relief for several months at least...next option is to put the medication directly into the affected area under anesthsia...last option is surgery (Dad isn't to keen on that.) I was awakened about 5:30 am this morning by a very loud thud...I jumped out of bed and found Dad had fallen while trying to get to the bathroom. He fell in a sitting position and didn't hurt himself but he decided socks on the hardwood floor isn't a great idea...no traction. Whew! we were lucky this time and told him to call me when he needs to get up at night from now on...I think when we move to the apartment I will keep the twin trundle-bed for me (just get a better mattress) and we will put Dad's hospital bed in the master bedroom with the trundle bed so I can be right there if he needs me. We will use the Den for a den/sewing/scapbooking/etc. room. We went to the Sugar House Ward today and the people there are very nice/friendly and excited to have us move in...just hope the house sells quickly so we can get on with this plan.

To Mothers I Love

2007-08-21T19:31:00.000-07:00

While sorting through some papers today I found this in an email that was forwarded to me from Grandma K (who received it from Amy via Aunt Marilyn)...I usually hate forwarded emails, but this one heartfelt and worth passing along. I love you all and appreciate the efforts you make to raise my wonderful grandchildren and great-granddaughter...I know how tough it can be at times to remember that the effort is worth it, but oh. the joy that will come in those fleeting moments or wonderful hours as your child progresses from "grace to grace".
"Before I was a Mom-
I slept as late as I wanted and
never worried about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom-
I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom-
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Spit on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom-
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests. Or
give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got
gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom-
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop
the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so
much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I
would love being a Mom.
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't
know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know
that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that someone
so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom-
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to
make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love,
the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't
know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

And before I was a Grandma-
I didn't know that all those feelings more than doubled
when you see that little bundle being held by "your" baby."

Thanks to all the Moms (and Dads) you have become and thanks especially for letting me experience all that "mom-ness" all over again...that must be what heaven (and hell) is all about. Remember the atonement covers all your mistakes and in the eternities, only all the joy remains.

2007-08-16T09:32:00.000-07:00

Hey, Good Morming Everyone, it's been quite awhile sine I last posted to my blog; we've been in the middle of making some pretty life changing decisions so here is the latest.....
We put a deposit on an apartment yesterday. Yea!! The apartment is in Sugar House. We will list our house for sale today. The apartment won't be available until Oct 17th. It is in the Irving Schoolhouse complex (not a Senior complex, but...) SOooo convenient for all our favorite activities: Sugar House Ward, archery, Fairmont Aquatic Center and Park, Sugar House Park, 10,000 Villages, Breathe Day Spa, The "Dollar" Theater, Brickhouse Plaza, Wild Oats, etc.,etc. Everything is within 3 or 4 blocks. The complex has an outdoor pool, indoor racquetball courts, indoor 1/2 court basketball, dry sauna, fitness center and an upscale lounge with a big screen TV, chess tables, etc. (a real Yuppie kind of place). Each building has a security system. Our apartment is on the ground floor with a patio. We have assigned parking in an underground garage on the same level as our apartment so Dad can access the parking garage in his wheelchair directly from our building. The rent is 1/2 what we would have paid at Highland Cove and they allow small pets (so Callie is not homeless). The apartment is very upscale with 9' ceilings and crown molding. Our apartment is 2 bedrooms ( one is the size of my bedroom and the other is the size of our guest room and both have walk-in closets) and 1 bath, the dining room is the same size as ours at the house and the living room is just 1 foot shorter and narrower than the one at the house. Dad really likes the apartment and the location and we won't have the maintenance that we have on the house and yard. We are pretty confident that the house will sell for what we are asking and that it will sell soon (there just isn't much available in our price range) the realtor's research indicated that the average days on the market in our area and price range is 22 days, so we could be homeless for a while and would probably go to Florida to visit until we could get into the apartment (we talked to Mindy today and they were planning on having us come to visit anyway).
Dad had an appointment with the neurologist yesterday and he is revising his medications to address the Dyskenisia (excess upper body movement) he has been experiencing lately. Hopefully the new regimine will help with his balance (falling) and his neck pain. The Dr. wants to make changes and additions to his medications one at a time, but said that once we get the dyskenisia under control he will try some medications that should help with Dad's cognitive problems. I'll keep everyone posted on any new developments. For now, we are packing things us again.
Some of you may not know that Aaron has moved to a new address 717 142nd Pl. SE, Bellevue, WA 98007. Spencer is working in Richfield now and they are putting their house on the market soon and will be looking for something in Richfield (that is a long comute from Kearns). Thanks to everyone for staying in touch with blogs and pictures. Love to all, Mom

Time for a Quick Update

2007-07-01T22:12:00.000-07:00

Jessica and Kami have been here one week and I already know that the next two years (while they are in Korea) will go by too slowly and Kami will grow too quickly into a darling little girl and we will miss these last months of babyhood. Spence and Nancy and the kids came for dinner tonight and we had a little birthday celebration for Kami's first birthday (Jessica made cupcakes in ice cream cones...real cute and great for the little ones to carry around while they ate). We have been watching Curtis and Annie's three little ones the past few days and will have them here tomorrow and probably on Tuesday. Annie is in the hospital and had to have surgery (she is pregnant, but the surgery had nothing to do with the pregnancy and the baby is fine) she should be home on Tuesday or Wednesday. The kids are darling and so easy to care for, but I'm glad Jessica is here to help (I don't know how I did this...guess I was just much younger and had more energy). Brooklyn is 3, Hunter is 2 and Madison is just 9 months (the new baby will make their family much like ours when our oldest 4 were little). Anyway, I'm glad I have lots of toys and even some for outside (toddler swing, wagon and plastic pool) we're running things pretty much like a daycare center (lots of diaper changes, snacks, etc.) and as you can guess, we haven't had time to do much more...Oh, yes, we have taken Don to archery and to get an MRI on his neck and to the podiatrist. Don has sanded, stained and hung two new doors (one more to go) they look really nice...he matched the cabinet stain really well. I think this is the last of the house projects until fall when I may paint my bedroom if I can get things put away so I can move around in there. I'm still planning to help sort out the things in the garage and donate much of what we don't need/want to the Zion's Market (free rummage event) that our ward has twice a year (next one is in August). We will be going to Cedar City the weekend of July 20th...I'll attend the homeowner's meeting with Mom to help her express her concerns about some proposed changes/charges, and Jessica will be attending her high school reunion at Cedar High. Well, this is pretty "newsy" (not very creative) but I'd better get to bed and get some sleep before the morning brings 3 active kids and not a chance for a nap (actually, I fell asleep in the rocking chair with Madison in my arms the other day and we napped together for about an hour).

Giant resolve

2007-06-25T06:24:00.000-07:00

Some time ago, I wrote an article which I titled "Hanging on a Wall" It is about a childhood experience when I found myself in peril and how I was able to hang on until help arrived. I was literally hanging on a wall until someone came along to pull me out of harms way. I will try to find the story and post it on this blog site. The story is written from the perspective of me as an adult and how my life and my courage was placed on the line and how I was rescued by an older boy in Sedamsville who pulled me from a wall and saved my life. When I moved to Cedar City a dozen years ago I met yet another boy who pulled me from a wall of self destruction, and self pity. That boy was as big as anyone I have ever know spiritually and physically. His name is Ken Benson. Ken Suffered with Parkinson's as long as anyone I have ever heard about and he gave me the courage to hang on until help arrives. more than a decade later, I am still holding on. The day before yesterday, I competed in the Utah Summer Games Archery tournament. I was just two weeks out of the emergency room where I was treated for acute pain. It was the worse pain I have ever experienced. I was really hanging on a wall and I was a little more than half way through the worse athletic ordeal of my life. with seventy arrows left to shoot. it may have been sensible to just pack it in and go home. Not a person on the field or in the crowd would have faulted me for it. but in the lane next to me was Jake Benson, one of Ken Benson's grandsons and two lanes in the opposite direction was Ken's namesake who is my friend Dude Benson's son. Jake is the son of Ken's older son Kendal. Both Kendal and Dude were watching others of the Benson progeny who were competing on the same line with me. Emily who had given me the name Don-Don was there with her little brother who was also completing and Jerica newly married was there at some time also. Mindy Benson who always takes time to see how I am getting along was there. In fact every one who I ever knew in the Benson Family was there. Thought of quiting lasted about as long as a rotten tomato in a food fight. Giving up meant being carried from the field by Ken's two giant grandson's whom I pray will emulate their giant grandfather both physically and spiritually. I have learned from a loving Savior and a great man and his caring family to hang on when it is physically impossible to do so. I shot my final arrow and walked away with my head held high to the applause of new and old friends. Oh by the way in my hand was a gold medal outshone by the eternal friendship in my heart.

Some Thoughts on Family History

2007-06-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

As I continue to research our family history and to computerize what we have already documented, I reflect again on the meaning of the sealing of families. I know that this is a process rather than an event, and I feel the connection to some I have never met, so strongly they seem to "speak" to me. I return again and again to these thoughts from the book Remembering by Wendell Berry (If you haven't read this I highly recommend it...a short read...a great story...very well written):

"That he is who he is and no one else is the result of a long choosing, chosen and chosen again. He thinks of the long dance of men and women behind him, most of whom he never knew, some he knew, two he yet knows, who, choosing one another, chose him. He thinks of the choices too, by which he chose himself as he now is. How many choices, how much chance, how much error, how much hope have made that place and people that, in turn, made him? He does not know. He knows that some who might have left chose to stay, and that some who did leave chose to return, and he is one of them. Those choices have formed in time and place the pattern of a membership that chose him, yet left him free until he should choose it, which he did once, and now has done again."

Another thought by Mrs. Ira A. Eastman:

"A gift of gifts, this lineage old,
More precious far than gifts of gold;
A precious gift, these links that bind
The lives before with lives behind."

The Parable of the Little Car that Wouldn't Back Up

2007-06-20T05:58:00.000-07:00

(This is another "oldie" originally written about 8 years ago)

My son Spencer gave me a car he was no longer using. The little white Honda had been in an accident...it had been run into by a deer one night on Highway 89 near the turn-off that leads up the canyon to Morgan, Utah. The glass that shattered and embedded its tiny slivers and fine dust into my daughter-in-law Nancy's face had been replaced; the front fender was still badly damaged, but that damage was cosmetic; it was the damage to the Honda's reverse gear imposed partly by Spencer's impatient driving habits that rendered the little car useless to Spencer and Nancy after they replaced it with a new car.
I drove the car on errands around Cedar City and to and from the bookstore where I worked. My co-workers and my youngest daughter, Jessica teased me as I searched for parking places where, in parking lots I could pull all the way through and be ready to continue forward when my errands were completed, and at curbside, near driveways where no one could park in front of me. It reminded me of my mother who made her rounds to PTA meetings and grocery shopping and Girl Scout meetings in the little black '39 Ford coupe donated by my Grandmother when I was a child. But that is another story in another time and place, and the lessons I learned from the little car that wouldn't back up had nothing to do with its disabilities, but everything to do with the service it could still render.
One day I learned that a co=worker at the bookstore was temporarily without transportation and I felt rather embarrassed to offer the little white Honda, but he accepted the offer gratefully and was abundant with his thanks as he returned the keys to me a few days later. It was only then that I formulated the thoughts that drew parallels between the little car that wouldn't back up and the life that our Savior requires of us. Battered by the accidents of life and collisions with temptation and sin, we replace the glass; straighten the fender a little and in humility use what is left to press forward...ever forward in service to our Lord and co-workers in the Kingdom. With broken parts and hearts and with contrite spirits we continue to press forward. We find parking places where we can pull through; where the only way out is forward; where driveways don't allow anyone to get in our way. We must continually think about not getting trapped in a situation where we'll have to back up. We are unable or unwilling to retreat; and we find ourselves pressed into service when we are embarrassed and sure there are others more capable than we with our disabilities and limitations. We fulfill the measure of our creation, transporting ourselves and others on the Lord's errand and honor our commitments and abide in the covenants we've made.
I have grown to love that little Honda and with reluctance I have today placed an ad in the paper to sell it for parts. "Well done thou good and faithful servant..."

Some Thoughts on War Spending and Oprah's Leadership Academy in Africa

2007-06-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

Not long ago I heard the figures for how much money the U.S. has invested in the war effort in Iraq ($300,000,000,000 I believe). A few days later I watched the TV special on the opening of Oprah Winfrey's Leadership Academy for Girls in Africa. Oprah's investment was, I believe $40,000,000. As I watched and contemplated the impact of this new school on the lives of the girls who will attend and more importantly on the future impact they will make on the nations and communities from which the girls have come, I felt compelled to calculate how many schools like this could have been built with the money spent on the war (7500 schools/4 schools per day for the 5 years we have been at war in Iraq). What impact might building such schools around the world have had on the future of our world? Might this type of effort create a more peaceful world where the high human price of war might not have to be paid? You say, but there will always be "evil-doers" who will destroy what others build. Probably so, but I like what Marianne Williamson has to say about that: "Spending extraordinary resources trying to protect ourselves from our fellow human beings, rather than on efforts to build righteous relationships, is a backward model for human interaction. And the fact that we don't quite know how to turn our civilization from a war machine into a peace machine is not a reason not to try." How much more fitting a monument to those who lost their lives in the toppling of the World Trade Center than a war or even the monuments now built in remembrance of their lives. Two schools (perhaps bearing their names) for each of those whose lives were lost. Perhaps you will say, "Child of the 60's, grown old to your 60's, the peace movement is dead; you can not return now to do what you wish you had done then." Perhaps, but I believe with Marianne Williamson that, "God has a better plan that is incapable of failure. It lacks not power but adherents. It waits simply for us to say 'yes' to love as energetically as hatred says 'no'."

The Manufacturer's Coupon

2007-06-19T17:53:00.000-07:00

(Like "Change" this is something I wrote many years ago, but I would like to share it here; its application is, after all, of eternal value.)

It was an ordinary ritual, sorting the coupons I'd collected and preparing the grocery list, but as my eyes scanned the fine print for an expiration date, my mind focused on one word, "Redeem". "Redeem by June 30, 1998". I had seen the word or variation thereof on hundreds of cxoupons over the years, but this time a link was made that would change forever the way I would look at coupons and the way I would understand the significance of the gospel doctrines surrounding and encompassing the role of Christ, our Redeemer; the Redeemer of the World.
As I began to ponder the meaning of the word in both contexts, I recognized a pattern emerging and began to construct the following analogy:
The manufacturer offers the coupon to the consumer for the purpose of allowing the purchase of a product at a price lower than its established value.
The plan of salvation is offered by God, the creator, to each of us that we might purchase eternal life, which is valued at a price otherwise beyond our ability to pay.
The manufacturer enters into a contract between the retailer and himself and by means of the coupon invites the consumer to become a party to that contract.
` Likewise, our Father in Heaver entered into a contract or covenant with Jesus Christ and invites us to become a party to that contract through the covenant and ordinance of baptism. In the gospel context all of God's children are given a "coupon", but are allowed individual agency to choose what they will do with it.
If cash is desired in lieu of the product offered, the manufacturer's coupon has a cash value of 1/100th of a cent. If I choose to throw the coupon away or allow its expiration date to pass, the coupon is worthless.
In the gospel application, I can choose to gather an hundred worldly pleasures and present them for the reward of a penny's worth of life everlasting. I can throw the gift of salvation away or choose to try in vain to pay the full price myself. I can let the "expiration date" (the days of my earthly probation) pass without acting to make the purchase and find that I have earned or saved only enough to purchase life in a lesser kingdom.
I must take the manufacturer's coupon to an authorized agent. The plumber cannot redeem my coupon for soap and a restaurant cannot redeem my coupon for milk. Likewise, we must seek for the authorized agent of redemption, our Lord Jesus Christ, and receive validation of our claim on Eternal Life through authorized priesthood ordinances and by adherence to the "rules" or commandments of God.
Rules or conditions of redemption are printed on my coupons in words I can barely see, but our Father in Heaven makes His conditions clear to all. No one's purchase in the kingdom of God is denied until the opportunity to understand the rules and partake of the ordinances is given and a clear description of the "product" is presented.
On my coupons a fixed redemption value is stated; if I do not have sufficient additional cash to pay the price of the product I cannot make the purchase.
God has contracted with Christ, that He will honor his sacrifice on our behalf as payment in full; we in turn contract with our Savior that we will "always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given" us. Christ's witness to the Father that we have honored and kept our covenant with him and done all that he has required of us, allows him to redeem us from death (both spiritual and temporal) and purchase for us Eternal Life in our Father's kingdom.
My coupon for soap had long ago expired and I considered tossing it into the wastebasket with others of no value, but I valued this coupon for the lesson it had taught and I remembered this scripture from the Pearl of Great Price:
"And behold all things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me [Christ], both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual; things which are in the heavens above and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth, both above and beneath; all things bear record of me." [even a manufacturer's coupon]

Change

2007-06-16T07:10:00.001-07:00

When I was in my early twenties, Don and I went one day to the bus station in San Francisco; Don needed to use the restroom and as I waited for him to return a rather disheveled man approached me and extending his hand to show me a quarter said, "Change?" I reached into my purse and accommodated him. Don viewed the event from across the terminal and when he returned he asked why I had given the man money. I said "He just wanted change." Don said "I know. He's a panhandler." Then I added..."he had a quarter in his hand and he just wanted change, so I gave him two dimes and a nickel."..."and took his quarter." Don laughed at my naivete and is sure there is a panhandler somewhere who has told the story as many times as we have, perhaps with amazement rather than amusement.
I like to think about the panhandler's dilemma in this way...He asked for change and received equal value in the exchange when what he really wanted was an increase. In our lives change will come and we, like the panhandler, need to ask for increased value i.e. growth from change.
Right from the beginning of creation life has been a scene of continuous change. For our first parents conditions changed as a result of The Fall. As we approach the Millennium and the Second Coming of Christ we experience change in many new ways. We must accept change as a condition of living and learn from it.
Events in our lives bring change: birth, marriage, death, school, missions, retirement, relocation, menopause, callings and assignments, career or job change, promotion, pay raises, unemployment, leaving home or children leaving home; conditions in our lives change: health, illness, disability, accidents, divorce, loss of money or property, theft, assault, natural disaster; in all of these change begets change.
Sometimes we are in control; we create or facilitate change, but we are often victims; out of control. Knowing that change is inevitable we can and ought to anticipate, plan and prepare for it. When we are experiencing change we can choose to accept, adjust and adapt to it, or we can surrender, crumble and experience stress and defeat. One avenue will bring depression, despair and discouragement, while the other will refine and purify us; bringing growth and empowerment...not power to control others or even events and conditions, but power to guide our destiny.
If life is a road we follow to our destination, then change is a tunnel through which we pass. The middle of the tunnel is darkness; when we can't seethe end, faith and hope are oour flashlights and preparation is our spare battery. We will emerge with greater knowledge, confidence and strength until, having emerged from enough tunnels we find we have reached our destination...the ultimate change...a "mighty change of heart". The change that turns tunnels into bridges and allows us to travel always and forevermore in the light. The Light of Christ will bring us to our Eternal Home.

Dad Update

2007-06-14T21:13:00.000-07:00

Dad is doing much better...has only had three pain pills in the past three days. He has been to the archery range twice and is trying to work something out so he can get to the Utah Summer Games (he's registered to compete next Thurs. thru Sunday). Jessica and Kami will be coming sometime next weekend so I won't be able to drive him to Cedar City and he can't be left alone. I hate being the "bad guy", but I question the wisdom of the long trip and three days of competition. I guess I should have known that when we bought him a bow and he began shooting regularly, it would be more than just a good activity and recreation for him (he's so competitive). Callie (Jessica's cat) is adjusting to her new surroundings and was especially happy to see her toys, treats and familiar food and water dishes that arrived in the mail today. She had been finding socks to play with whenever we left the house. I wish I had been able to snap a picture of her laying on her back and tossing one of her toys up and catching it again and again. I've added Scott's Sonnet Writers web sight to my links and had to laugh outloud at his latest sonnets "Birthday Soup" and "Catching Frogs"; "Skipping Stones" brought back many fond memories. Thanks, Scott. I bought an MP3 player before I went to OK City and Drew showed me how to load the music on it (Aaron had shown me how to load music from my CDs to a little MP3 player that came with my new CD player). Anyway, I stayed up until neatly 2 a.m. one night and filled it with great music. I feel like technology has really left me behind, but on the plane coming home I sure enjoyed the music on my credit card sized "music machine". Well I guess I better sign off for tonight (Dad has fallen asleep in his chair and has accidentally changed the TV channel on the remote...to a Spanish station). Love to All, Mom

A Debt of Gratitude

2007-06-09T12:30:00.000-07:00

I arrived home from Oklahoma City late last night with Jess and Drew's cat, Callie. I will be "cat-sitting" for the next two years while they are in So. Korea. I can't tell you how grateful I am that Mindy was able and willing to hop on a plane and be here with Dad after his crisis on Monday night. THANKS, MINDY! She spent all day yesterday at the University of Utah Med. Center with him while doctors tried to relieve his pain and figure out what is causing it. Dad is on some pretty heavy duty pain killers and is sleeping a lot and is pretty "loopy"at times (he says "pieces are missing") and he can't remember things or can't make all the pieces fit together sometimes. We will be calling the neurology clinic on Monday to schedule an MRI and consultation. We are acutely aware that he can not be left alone (even for short periods of time) now. The pain medication is making him fairly comfortable during the day, but at night he has a lot of trouble sleeping (restless, nervous, frightened and uncomfortable). His new hospital bed is helpful in allowing him to change positions and to assist him in getting out of bed. We are still hoping he will be able to shoot his bow in the Utah Summer Games later this month, but we'll have to take things one day at a time and see if he is up to that. He is talking about selling his woodworking tools and buying a better computer to facilitate his writing. I don't want him to rush into anything, but I don't think it is safe for him to be operating the power tools now. We will keep everyone posted on his condition. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love. Mom