Lazy Sabbath

It was such a lazy day today. I thoroughly enjoyed it! We slept in until nearly 9:30 (I really am not trying to make you moms and dads jealous!!!!) and then got up to a very casual morning.

This evening Uncle Bob came over for dinner of chili and cornbread muffins and he is preparing to head out to work.

As I look at the week ahead I am wondering if I can get all the things done that I want/need to. Isn't that always the way it is? Somehow the time goes and in the end we get done what we get done - duh?! But I really would like to get a lot more done than I think I will - we'll have to see.

A Snow Day

Today we stayed in all day and we get to tomorrow too! Church has been canceled and I am so excitied. I don't really know why - I just love being snowed in and feeling all snuggled in, warm and safe. Go figure! :) I wouldn't mind doing this for about a week! But then I would probably go stir crazy after that.

I worked on quilts all afternoon and evening. Made a pot of chili that is simmering and will be ready shortly. Then we're going to nestle ourselves in and watch a good movie or more "Chuck." Although - we might watch a little of the Miss America pageant just because Rush is one of the judges! :)

You know - aren't we just the most blessed generation ever? Today I have talked to Desi, Cherstin, Abby, Emmett, Joey, Marsha, Dad, and Kathy Morgan. Yesterday I got to talk to Hannah and Orion, Wanda, Robert, Felicia, Desi, Cherstin, Lexie and Jimmy. I think about having the means to talk to those I love so frequently and easily and I just have to marvel at how fortunate I am. And, when you consider e-mails, social networking sites, blogs, etc. we sure have an abundance of opportunity to stay close to one another.

I was thinking how sad I was for a lady last week that told me that she hadn't married until she was 48. She has no children, no siblings (she was an only child), and no parents...she had a career and means.... Somehow I don't think you would have to "go to hell" if you were in that situation - you would already be there. She seemed happy enough - but I wondered if I would be in the same circumstance.... I just know that you all make my heart sing and I am so grateful to have each and every one of you in my life - I love you.

Orion's Birthday

Today is Orion's 3rd birthday. It seems like only yesterday that Hannah and Phil found out that they were expecting him. They had waited for so long for that to happen and they were ecstatic - and so was everyone in the family. When he was blessed Joey and Carlie, Gideon, Glory, Scarlett, Levi, Felicia, Rich and I were able to come....Wanda, Robert, Joseph, Beka, Rachel, Mary, Ben, Sam, and Ruth graciously welcomed us at their home for the big event. Orion's Grandma and Grandpa Mobley weren't able to be there for the blessing (although I am sure that they wanted to be)but his Grandma came for his birth. When he was just a little guy I remember loving his cute, very red cheeks and sparkling "chinese" eyes. He would disolve into gales of laughter when he was tickled and he still does. Today he is handsome, smart and curious. He has a very sweet and kind disposition - but is becoming a little bit of a daredevil too. He loves trains, cars, dinosaurs, animals, books, playgrounds, and his family. Happy birthday!

Today I got my hair cut! It feels soooooo good! I hadn't had it done since October when I was at Wanda's and I had been feeling very shaggy - and not in a Farrah Fawcett way either! Anyway - I love it and am so glad that there are people that like doing hair! My mom used to say that if your hair was done then you felt good all over - no matter what else was happening. There is so much truth to that.

I met Rich and we went to lunch at the new IHOP - it wasn't very good. But the company was spectacular. I ran errands afterwards and then picked him up and thought that we'd go to a movie but we didn't do that either.

We are experiencing a snow storm. The weather forecasters have been predicting a terrible one and everyone's on edge here. Schools have been closed, government offices, banks, daycares, etc. too. You would think they were expecting 3 ft! But I have to keep remembering that they don't have the plows and things here to help in the commutes and that not everyone lives in the cities. Our Stake President has called for the priesthood to check on everyone. That is a good thing. Rich is supposed to take his Deacons to the shooting range tomorrow - don't think that's happening. We'll see.

Cherstin and Dan are snowed in with about 6 inches and an 1+ of ice - their church has been cancelled. I wonder what our ward will do if it gets any worse tomorrow. I like being snowed in - it is cozy and warm and feels good to have no place to go.

Escaping Obama....NOT!

Today I worked on my quilt for Kathy most of the day. I am coming along nicely. However, because I was working on it I also listened to a lot of talk radio too - Laura Ingraham, Rush Limbaugh, Neil Boortz, Bret Baer, Glen Beck.

I finally watched Obama's speech last night (a tape delay) but I was so frustrated with it I felt I could fly. I felt he was condescending, arrogant, angry, "in your face." And I felt like he lied and taunted and even tried to intimidate us as conservatives and as Americans. And to make matters even worse I felt like I was being treated as a little kid, with no brain or experience, and I was being lectured to. He was petulant and petty, contentious and contrived. All in all - I thought it was awful.

So today - I didn't escape Obama either. His speech filled the airways, as well as the commentary. And the more I listened the more frustrated I got.

Over the course of the last year the only thing that has given me any solace where Obama is concerned is that it has felt as if the American people have wakened from a deep slumber and are rising to a sense of urgency as we watch the wholesale destruction of our country unfold. That has been inspiring. But last night I watched with alarm, realizing that many people were fooled by the oratory and rhetoric a year ago - and all he is doing is trying to repackage the same policies in more oratory and more rhetoric - and I wonder how many will be deceived again.

I have thought some about the presidents that I remember over the course of my life - Eisenhower - I was too young to know much - he was president and I was taught to respect the office.

JFK - it was exciting to have a young family in the White House. I remember my dad taking us (my brothers and I) to see his motorcade when he came to Salt Lake (for what reason I have no clue). I, like all of America at that time, remember clearly where I was and what I was doing the day that he was shot. I grieved with the rest of the nation and for his family. As I have gotten older and more has come out about him I find I have little respect for him.

Johnson - I appreciated that he seemed to provide a steady hand during a very difficult time. Again, I was too young to know or care much about his policies, agenda, or efforts.

Nixon - he was the first president that I ever voted for. I wasn't happy about some of the things that he did and we went through some very difficult times with him as president...but at least he did the honorable thing and resigned rather than drag the nation through heck.

Ford - I have no idea what he really stood for - but I admired him. He seemed to genuinely have the good of the nation at heart as he tried to navigate the difficult situation that he and we were in, as Americans.

Carter - I remember feeling like I needed to run for the hills with my little family when he was elected. As it turns out, I wasn't too far off. He was totally inept and incompetent. I believe he was honest. But the policies and principles he stood on drove our economy into economic chaos and made us the laughing stock of the Arab world - in fact - I believe that his response to the hostage situation is, in some measure, responsible for the daring of the terrorists today.

Reagan - my favorite (at least in my generation LOL). The liberals and press hated him. They hated that he knew what he stood for and was able to articulate it to us, the American people, and that we were with him. They hated his confidence that "right makes might" and that he was acting on deeply held principles that could not be swayed by the winds of punditry. Carter had made me recognize that I needed to pay attention to what was happening in the political arena but Reagan made me proud to be an American - to be "the shining city on the hill." He inspired me to think deeply about what it means to be an American, what we stand for, and on the principles we were founded on. It was at this time that President Benson urged every family in America to study the constitution and to teach it in our families - and the church even published a pamphlet/manual to help us.

Bush, Sr. - was kind of the "heir apparent." I think he handled things beautifully with the gulf war - but then got bogged down trying to get along with the liberals - it was infuriating as he should have known better.

Clinton - at least somewhat of a centrist Democrat. Totally immoral. A liar. Disloyal. But, pragmatic enough move to the center. I think he believed he had the answers for the country - but more than anything I believe he wanted power, prestige, privilege, and popularity. But I don't think he wanted to harm our country - although I could argue that some of his policies did just that. But he also did some good - like welfare reform (I know that the Republicans forced his hand - but he could have vetoed it and he didn't). On a cultural level he did a lot of damage.

Bush, Jr. - I think history will vindicate him and he will become one of the top presidents. He was mocked for being religious and he, too, tried too often to get along with the liberals, to set a new tone. It was a noble idea but the liberals' idea of getting along was to do what they wanted. In many ways he was much more liberal than I - immigration is a prime example. However, I can't think of anyone that I would have rather had at the helm after 9-11. He devoted everything to the cause of defending us and helping us get back on our feet, and I am deeply grateful to him for that.

Obama - I really believe that he is an Anti-Christ. I believe our nation is in deep peril and that he is a part of the "secret combination" that exists and is seeking to destroy our freedom that President Benson warned us about. I don't think we have any clue about how far reaching and how deeply this goes...but I think we are in real trouble, and have been for some time. At one of the town halls this past summer one of the ladies got up and said that they had "awakened the sleeping giant." I remember Wanda calling me and as we talked she said that she identified with that woman. It has given me great joy to see how seriously our family has taken the threats that they see. It isn't easy, especially with young families and jobs and callings and school - but we can't afford to not inform ourselves and to recognize what is at stake and then to act. I don't know where all this will go or where it will end - but this I do know - his policies are evil - they threaten to destroy our agency and will make us miserable. He, and others of his ilk, are seeking to destroy our country, our constitution, and our way of life. And many of our people have been and continue to be deceived. And, sadly, the antidote to all of this is the gospel - and I say sadly because it appears that religion, God, Christ, the 10 commandments, everything sacred and holy is being mocked, ridiculed, and dismantled in order for debauchery, immorality, dishonesty, and every other impure practice to be instituted. Sadly because without principles of righteousness guiding the actions of our citizenry our constitution will fall of its own accord - Thomas Jefferson said that it was made only for a moral citizenry. As our society declines you can see our legislatures trying to make laws for every action - agency declines as our morality does.

So - what is the answer? Obviously we need to vote. But I believe that we must be more involved than we have ever been - we must stay informed, understand what is being legislated, pray for the wisdom and guidance to see and understand that which is good and bad. Then we must do all in our power to make that which is good popular and that which is not good unpopular (according to ETB). We must study the constitution and our scriptures. We much teach them to our families. And we must be willing to open our mouths about the gospel and to set examples that make others want to be a part of us.

I have marvelled at the outpouring of outrage over the last year as we have recognized our peril. I have also marvelled at how many of the people are women. I think too often politics have been left to the men - this isn't meant to disparage men - just to say that our (us women)inclinations are not always macro in nature. Too often we're just not interested, or we don't understand it, or have no context, or get mixed up in the rhetoric and can't see the logical outcomes and dangers. We are busy and our natural focus is on our immediate (micro) needs and the needs of our families and the ones we love.

Ironically, I believe that we are much more persuasive than we know or believe and that we have the power to move mountains if we will just do it. President Spencer W. Kimball has said, "Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days...will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that they are seen as distinct and different - in happy ways- from the women of the world." Could it be that we can help save our constitution and our country and help prepare our world to meet our Savior all in one fell swoop? I think so. This is not going to be finished when Obama is gone - we're going to need to be engaged for a long time - but we can do it - we must do it!

Dr. DiMeo and Obama

Today we went to Rich's pulmonologist, Dr. DiMeo. Both Rich and I really like this guy. He is thorough, compassionate, honest, experienced, and up on current methods, trends, and research. He also listens carefully and teaches what he knows so that you can understand and be better informed.

Today is also the day that President Obama selected to give his "State of the Union" address before congress. As a physician, Dr, DiMeo has shared some of his feelings about the government and health care, i.e. H1N1, medicare, and the hoops that he has to go through to treat his patient as he feels is important.

Well, during the course of our visit one of the questions that we wanted answered was about the oxygen that Rich is using. We wanted to know whether this was something that he could wean off of or whether it was something that he would probably always need. Frankly, he said that future use and need was unknown at this time but he had done a resting pulse-ox on Rich and felt that when Rich felt comfortable he could go without it when he was sitting quietly or at his desk. He told us that having it at night was crucial or at any other time. He also warned us that there would be times that he would just "need" it and to use it then. And he also told us that under times of stress, anxiety, agitation, or excitement he would also need it. Then he said, "So that means that you need to be wearing it when you're watching Obama tonight!" We just roared. It was sooooooo funny. Needless to say - when Obama came on we watched our new DVD of "Chuck" (season 2) and didn't put ourselves through it. LOL

Also - just for note - Rich has lost an additional 3 lbs in the past 2 weeks and his lung functions had improved to 38% - the first improvement in a very, very, very long time! Yea!

Hide and Seek

Yesterday I started the quilt for Kathy Hickman but it just wasn't going as I wanted. I had quit working on it to go to a different quilt shop and see if I could find a focus fabric that I liked better - to no avail. But I did find a charm package that I liked and thought might work for a whole different quilt. The question would be how long it would take me to find the book I had seen the pattern in.

Well, today I set about finding the pattern. I love having my quilting magazines as they give me inspiration - but the problem is that I had just been through them all to find a pattern for Kathy's quilt and then put them all away when I had settled on the one that I am NOT doing now. LOL I knew that this was not going to be quick unless some miracle occurred. I remembered seeing that pattern that I am now doing - even remember the side of the page it was on, etc. - 7 hours later I found the pattern - in the LAST darn magazine I looked in! I wonder how often I have done that in my life!

So, at 5:30 p.m. I finally sewed my first block of the day! But hey! I like it. It feels good! And I think it's just what the dr. ordered! Hallelujah!

No Regrets

Today was a good day. Rich and I have fallen into a comfortable routine that is easy and satisfying. I am here to tell you all - every stage of life has its challenges - but this particular stage's challenges are offset nicely with a couple of loads of laundry a week, dishes every couple of days, vacuuming once a week (just because), bathrooms that stay pretty much done, and cooking a meal that lasts for two, three, and even four days! LOL However - I think that is because the Good Lord knows my knees can't take too much of it! LOL Time to go in and get those pesky injections.

My mom used to caution me about not being in such in a hurry to get to the next stage of life(i.e. can't wait to leave Primary and get into Mutual, can't wait to turn 14 so you can go to the dances, can't wait to turn 16 so you can date, can't wait to turn 18 to get out of Mutual and go to college, can't wait to get married, can't wait for a child, etc.) that I didn't enjoy where I was. I used to think, "I AM!" But what I know on this side of it all is that she was really right - life is way too short - and the things that I couldn't wait to be done with leave me a bit of melancholy because there is no way I would rush them knowing what I know now. The truth is, you can't cherish something and want it over at the same time. And, truth be told, all things being equal I probably would do the same things I did even though I would like to believe otherwise! LOL

Deanna Johnson would tell you that since her husband passed away (and Jigg's Mary too) she has tried to live so that there would be no regrets. I highly doubt that she has been able to do that 100% - but I do know that having experienced the death of a loved one she wanted to honor his memory and "make up" her failings in their relationship by how she treated Jiggs and his family and hers. Deanna shared that with me 19 years ago - I have thought of it often - but not often enough! LOL I wish I had been more diligent - but I guess it is never too late - isn't that the promise of the atonement?

Music

Can I just say that I love music? One of my callings right now is choir pianist. I have done this for years and so I feel comfortable enough - but I am also stretching as the chorister is a purist for timing as opposed to Tamara who was more about the feeling (not that Tamara didn't care about timing). And, I have always been more about feeling and so this is VERY good for me - needless to say - my metronome and I are becoming VERY good friends! LOL

I enjoyed playing for the choir, especially during holiday seasons or for special numbers because the music "spoke to me" and seemed to help me get in the mood faster than anything else I ever could do to get there. When our children were little it seemed that we sang children's songs all the time - especially nursery and primary songs. When the kids were in YW/YM I loved having their music in our home and having the kids sing around the piano - songs such as "Jesus Was No Ordinary Man," Called to Serve," or "The Work and the Glory."

I knew there was power in music to change lives, to bring the spirit into our lives. I am eternally grateful for the power of the spirit and music that enveloped Desi, Cherstin, and I as we played together. Perhaps there was nothing there but cacophony by anyone else's standards - but we could feel it and we were changed by it. Truly blessings were poured out upon our heads.

I never hear "Consider the Lillies" and not think of my mother. She too loved music and could feel its power. I will always be grateful to her for her patience and encouragment. There were many lessons that I "ditched." Sister Peterson was a good teacher but I just didn't enjoy my lessons after a while, like so many others, at that difficult stage where progression isn't readily seen or heard (especially if you don't practice LOL). I don't really know how much of Sister Peterson's time or my mother's money I wasted - let alone what I could have learned - but I am grateful my mom just never gave up on me. In fact, she got me a great teacher when we lived in Augsburg and a teacher when we lived in K-Town too. As I got older she would listen and tell me she could feel what I was "feeling" in my playing - that made me feel good. Oh, how I wish I could tell her that today.....

I remember when "I Am a Child of God" was first published for our use. It came through the Primary for the annual Sacrament Meeting Program. It seems that that song, and a few others too, have always been a part of me. Even when I had just heard it for the first time it seemed as though I had always known it. When the new Hymn Book was published there were songs in it that were "new" but felt so familiar. "Because I Have Been Given Much," "Lord, I Would Follow Thee," or "Press Forward, Saints." I often have wondered how that could be.

When I was a teen living in Germany Alexander Schreiner, the Tabernacle Choir Organist, came to visit. He spent time with all organists and "aspiring" organists of our stake to teach us a little bit about the organ and music in the Church. After our meeting some of us were standing around chatting with him and he was gracious enough to spend that time with us in an unfettered way. I remember telling him about "I Am a Child of God" and how it had always felt a part of me. I asked him if he thought it was possible that the "inspiration" that some sacred music composers describe was necessary because it really was a hymn from our "Heavenly Hymnal" and could that be why it seemed so familiar - because it was. He responded that he didn't know - but that he too had felt that inspiration as he had composed hymns and as he had sung others that "he knew." Sometimes I just wonder. It kind of makes sense to me if we're going to come forth with songs of everlasting joy - don't we all have to know the same song? I can't imagine being in that chorus or choir!

Both Cherstin and Desi have shared how much they love the new song they are learning and teaching the children in their wards this year. I wonder if it is one that is and will be sung by Heavenly Choirs. I don't know - but I sure hope each of us learns it and that it fills each of our hearts with the redeeming love of our Savior. Seems to me that we are going to need it!

The Civil War

Today Rich went out with me while I shopped for fabric. I know he is getting better because this is the first time that he has felt like coming with me to run errands. He has come with me to Sam's or WalMart - but not for any length of time - but today we have been gone the entire day.

This morning I finally found a pattern that I wanted to do for Kathy Hickman. I feel a little guilty about pursuing it rather than doing my sweet grandkids' quilts - but Kathy is doing Chemo NOW and so I was pleased to finally come up with something. The gal that was helping me was talking about the quilt guild that she belongs to and the fact that one of the gals is doing a Civil War Block of the Month quilt using Civil War period reproduction fabric. I really think it will be nice to do that for Rich, especially since it is the 150th anniversary coming up. Each block will represent a battle of the war and a history of the battle will accompany the instructions and the fabric.

I had heard one woman in the shop talk with excitement about the fact that "WE'RE celebrating our 150th year this next year!" Rich and I chuckled a bit about that little piece of trivia as we noted that it might be possible that someone in the North would be marking this historic event, but people out West will have no clue and will not even care - but here in the South - it is a BIG deal!

Rich has loved all things Civil War, War Between the States, or The War of Northern Aggression for as long as I have known him - and probably 20 years beyond that! LOL He has a Confederate Flag (with a few battle scars courtesy of Joseph :) and has loved going to battle sites (such as Gettysburg, Ft. Sumter, Atlanta, etc.) and re-enactments. He loved living in Sumter and taking the kids out to the "broom factory" that was housed in the old infirmary and the site of the last place that a Union soldier was killed in battle. Or driving to Charleston to visit Boon Hall Plantation. I think that was one of the charms of living on Stamey Livestock - there were mornings and evenings when you felt that if you sat very still you could see the armies amassing through the trees.

In fact, we had one of our worst and stupidest arguments over the "cause of the Civil War." Rich was in college at Weber and had a paper due in his history class. These were the days before computers and so every paper had to be typed, double spaced, with no errors or typos. On a computer that is quite easy to do - but on a typewriter that is no small feat. I was by far the faster and better typist in the family and since my role has always been "editor-in-chief" I was the one typing his paper. As I read it I got more and more frustrated with his premise - he believed (and still does!!!!) that it was over States Rights. I, on the other hand, believed (and still do!!!!) that this was a moral issue and that if the South had not had slaves and built their economy on their backs there would never have even needed to be a discussion about States Rights let alone a war! Needless to say we did not see eye to eye, each trying to convince the other of the correctness of their position. At one point I tore up his stupid paper (it had typos in it and that would have had to happen anyway - ssshhhh!) and told him that he could type his own paper as I was not going to be party to such heinous justification of sin! Well, eventually we agreed that we would never agree on this issue - and it has become great amusement for our memories - and I did type his paper, and he did get an A, and his professor did agree with him - and that just goes to show how stupid they are! LOL

When we moved to El Centro he was so impressed with Joey's knowledge that the Battles of Bull Run and Manassas Creek were one and the same. However, he was not impressed that his history teacher did not know that and marked his answer wrong on a test! But we was impressed that Joey took it up with the head of the history department (Brother Isaacson) and he took care of that!

He has shared time and again (probably much to Desi's consternation) the fact that Desi spent one summer caring for Greg and Wendy Byers' children as a nanny. Desi would often tell us that the kids were playing in a little creek in a field behind Greg's home in Virginia. What he found so amusing was that when we went to Virginia to pick Desi up Rich learned that the little creek was Manassas Creek. The significance was totally lost on Desi (and the rest of us as well) but he loved it and of course we took a tour of that battlefield.

Ironically we learned a few years ago that his great-great grandfather, John Bainbridge (an immigrant from England living in New York), enlisted in the Union Army. He was later wounded in the battle of Vicksburg and died in Washington, D.C. of his wounds, leaving behind his widow and two young sons, William and Emmett. John loved his new country and was willing to fight for her. Eventually he paid the ultimate price. The cost of freedom isn't free. Perhaps there is a reason for Rich's love of all things Civil War after all.

March 2009

In March Cherstin and I thought that we'd take a little trip up to Wisconsin to visit Wanda and Robert and Hannah and Phil. While Cherstin and the kids missed Dan terribly the fact is: had he been home we wouldn't have had this opportunity - or at least as easily. Somehow it is just harder to pick up and go with no other reason than wanting to when our hubbies are home. (It is said that the mother is the heart of the home - I think that is true. But the dad has the mother's heart and so maybe it's really the dad that is the heart of the home! LOL) Anyway, without any deadlines looming we took that opportunity and wended our way north.

Cherstin and I share a love for Kentucky and it was lots of fun to drive through this beloved countryside with her. In my mind's eye I could see her, Felicia, and me heading to Mrs. French's for violin lessons on Thursday nights. I could see us pulling into LYO as we drove through Louisville. I could see Joseph and Beka standing on cannons outside of Ft. Knox. Or all of us touring Abraham Lincoln's birthplace.... So many wonderful memories and waves of nostalgia flooded my being. I loved my two year stay there - it just felt like home - and am really grateful that we got to share it with Felicia, Cherstin, Wanda, Joseph, Beka, Rachel, Mary, Ben, Desi (it seems like we only had a few moments with Desi but one of my favorite's was meeting her and Wanda as they drove in and they were listening to that song, "Just Wanna' Talk About Me!" - I don't actually know the title -surprise! or the artist - surprise! LOL but I never hear it without thinking of that trip!- she took our teasing with laughter and grace), Suzanne, Nathan, Sariah, Paul, Aaron, and Hannah. The bonds are tight and the memories so much fun because of the shared time.

As we crossed the Ohio river more memories flooded - the many trip out wests and back again, wading in the river, visiting the Civil War Fort., seeing fireworks, and so much more - and we headed through the gentle Indiana countryside. We saw lots of farmland under water from the storms and wondered if there would be any crops this season. Leaving Indiana we headed into Illinois and Wanda had told us that there was a "Sweet Tomatoes" in Chicago. Yea! Garmin! It seems that we drove for at least an extra 1/2 hr. to find it - but Garmin did not let us down! The kids had done really well - but getting out and stretching and having something to eat that wasn't fast food sounded pretty good - and it was.

Wanda and Robert and their little (that's kind of a relative term LOL) family welcomed us and we had so much fun. Phil and Hannah and Orion were able to come over often and it was just wonderful to be there with them all. Feeding the 5000 - sort of!

While there Cherstin took Beka and Rachel and some of their friends to WalMart at midnight to get the new release of Twilight. To say that Beka loves the Twilight series by Stephanie Mayer would be an understatement by at least a 1000% ! LOL

We sewed and shopped and ate at Red Robin while there. Wanda was due in September with Adam, Cherstin was due in July with Elle, and Hannah was due (it looked like any minute LOL) with William in June. Poor Hannah was huge even then and so it came as no surprise when William was born and weighed in at a hefty 11 lb. 2 oz.! Wish I had some picture of them!

A Game of Basketball with Moroni, Emmett, and Abby

Hanging Out with Our Cousins

It was a lot of fun to be with everyone - and I especially enjoyed watching the little ones play and and having time to spend with the bigger "little ones" too. One of the memories that I will always cherish was watching Moroni and Emmett play basketball. Robert had purchased a "little tykes" basketball hoop for the kids. Moroni LOVES balls and as soon as he gets one in his hands it get tossed, thrown, or dumped. We decided that Moroni would have to be the basketball player in the family as he really gets the idea of getting the ball into the hoop and even passing the ball. In contrast, Emmett would have to be the football player - if he got the ball he was not going to give it up! LOL It was so funny to watch Moroni's face when Emmett wouldn't pass the ball to him - it was like, "Hey! What ya doin'? Come on!" But Emmett looked like he was saying, "I'm not giving this up for no one! Touch Down!" What a hoot! And if Orion happened to be there it completely changed the dynamics. Moroni and Orion have become "buddies" and you could see that they were kind of on the same wave length - but neither one knew quite how to handle Emmett's "control of the ball" except to "tackle" him - which he didn't like! LOL

As it came time to leave it was sad to leave our family there. However, I am sure that they could use the return to normal. LOL

The latter part of the month we took a trip to Georgia. Rich had a conference in Atlanta and so we tagged along with him.

We took the opportunity to go to the Coca Cola Museum in Atlanta. Cherstin had some vague memories - really vague - from when we had visited when she was a little girl and then she and Dan had visited it when they had been displaced by Hurricane Katrina. This time though our two little munchkins proved to make this trip memorable in their own way. Emmett decided that he was going to "pick up" all the cute girls in line to go into the museum. He would smile at them, flirt with them, hold their hands, and even let them carry him - what a ham! Abby absolutely loved the 3-D picture that she and I went to. It was fun to watch her face and her surprise at the experience. And, they did enjoy drinking all the different kinds of soda pop that Coke makes!

We had a chance to go to the LDS book store while we were there, drove past the temple, went to Church and just enjoyed having some time to meander.

We drove down to Albany to see Grandma Bainbridge and Marsha and Blair. Had dinner with them at the Golden Corral and then the next day we headed south to Florida so that we could spend some time at the beach. We found a nice spot where the water was shallow and had hardly any surf. It was barely warm enough for a swimsuit and we picked up sea shells, made sand castles, and dipped our toes into the water. Abby and Emmett seemed to love it and I think they would have liked to spend even more time there - but we needed to pack it in and drive back up to Atlanta for Rich's conference, which is exactly what we did after a couple of relaxing hours.

The next day we dropped Rich off at his conference and then Cherstin and the kids and I headed to the Atlanta Children's Museum. We spent a little bit of time there (the kids seemed to enjoy this too), had some lunch and then it was time to pick up Rich and head for home. All in all I think we packed in quite a bit for the month! I had fun - it's too bad that the kids won't remember a thing! LOL

Friends and Family

I was thinking today how wonderful it is that my best friends are my family.

When we lived in Australia I served as the Branch Relief Society President. For the most part it was a close knit group and I enjoyed the sisters immensely. I had been serving for about 15 months when a new family moved in. The family was nice but the sister was "German" and she acted it.

In fairness, now that enough time has passed to possibly view this through another lens, perhaps it was just that she upset the status quo of our little group. Or maybe we just didn't understand her, or.... Anyway, it didn't take long and Germa had set everyone and everything on its' ear. She was built a little like a bulldozer and she acted like one too.

One day, after a particularly difficult time, Rich and I were sitting around with a group of members when our Branch President said, "Can you imagine what Larry (her husband) is thinking? He's got to be thinking, 'Geez - eternity with Germa.'" We all busted up laughing. It really was funny because I don't think any one of us would have wanted to spend eternity with her - and in our minds we couldn't imagine that Larry would want to either.

I have thought of that incident so often over the past 30+ years - and it has often helped me reevaluate myself and my actions. I have hearkened back to Germa and remembered that if I want to have an eternal family then I have to be the kind of person that they want to be with.

All of you know that I am not perfect - why else would I have to have to hearken back to Germa so often:) LOL In fact - I owe each of you so many apologies that I don't even know where to start!!! It is a testament to the kinds of men and women that you are that you have put up with me this long and have forgiven me so often. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I love each of you with a fierceness that is all consuming. I relish your calls and notes. I am grateful for your love and help, your unselfishness and kindness. I am grateful for your time, efforts, and sacrifice. I am grateful for your compassion and understanding - and not throwing in the towel and giving up on me...like Grandma Pehrson used to say so often, "Please be patient with me. God isn't finished with me yet!" Each of you make me feel whole, special, and loved - gifts that can only come from someone else. I hope that I can grow up to be just like you. I love you. My joy and happiness just makes me feel like exploding - there is not room enough for me to contain it. I can't imagine heaven being any better than this! Thank you.

Transfiguration, Moses, and Me

I have been studying Moses 1 for the last few days and have some things that have impressed me that I want to remember, I am not sure that I will be able to get it down on paper like it is in my head, but I am going to try.

Bruce R. McConkie has written, "Transfiguration is a special change in appearance and nature which is wrought upon a person or thing by the power of God. This divine transformation is from a lower state to a higher state, it results in a more exalted, impressive, and glorious condition.... By the power of the Holy Ghost many prophets have been transfigured so as to stand in the presence of God and view the visions of eternity." (Mormon Doctrine, 803).

By any definition transfiguration is something both sacred and spectacular. I highly doubt that it is common. However, in a very real way it should be and hopefully is.

It is by the power of the Holy Ghost that transfiguration occurs, and it appears from the scriptures that it is a very rapid, almost spontaneous, process. But, in a way, the Holy Ghost has that same power to transfigure us a little at a time, incrementally, (albeit in slow motion:) until we are able to stand in the presence of God and view the visions of eternity.

Indeed, the Holy Ghost has the power to change us, our appearance and our very nature, to enable us to move from a lower state to a higher state - to become more exalted, to help us evolve into a God. If anyone doubts this just look at the lives of those who have joined the church and remained faithful - the changes are startling!

Four times in this chapter the Lord calls Moses "my son." In contrast Satan calls Moses "son of man." We are the literal offspring of our Heavenly Father - His sons and daughters. His work and His glory is to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life. To help us become as He is and have what He has. Satan seeks to make us common, unremarkable, miserable, to destroy our agency - all to thwart our Heavenly Father's plan - that's true love, huh?

Moses is able to discern the evil of Satan and his reality because he has been transfigured and can distinguish the difference. In essence, he has seen the light and he has enough light left to recognize that Satan isn't to be worshipped or trusted.

This kind of reminds me of a time when Rich and I were first married. He had come home from work and we had a little time before we needed to leave for Mutual. As newlyweds we took advantage of that time and as we later prepared to leave we got dressed for Mutual without turning on the lights. We hurried out the door and barely got there in time. Imagine my surprise when one of my Mia Maids looked at me and then asked, "Sister Bainbridge, how come you have one black shoe on and one blue shoe?" Today it is funny - but at the time I turned 50 shades of red and hemmed and hawed. I have never gotten dressed in the dark to leave the house again! Obviously I needed light to see the difference in my shoe colors. Obviously I need the Light to clearly discern and recognize the dark. And, just as importantly, dark and light cannot co-exist in the same space - light dispels the darkness.

As we keep the commandments, honor our covenants, choose worthy music, media, activities, and friends and associates the light increases. As we pray we can choose the right and overcome evil and the darkness is dispelled. As we read our scriptures, attend the temple and our church meetings, and employ the atonement the Spirit is able to transform us, to transfigure us, to exalt us and we will have the opportunity to literally stand as Moses did, in the presence of God and to view the visions of eternity. Each day we ought to strive to be transfigured.

Transfiguration and Moses

I've been studying Moses 1 for the last couple of days and I hope that I can adequately express the insight that I had. So, I thought I would give it a try:

Bruce R. McConkie has written, "Transfiguration is a special change in appearance and nature which is wrought upon a person or thing by the power of God. This divine transformation is from a lower to a higher state, it results in a more exalted, impressive, and glorious condition.... By the power of the Holy Ghost many prophets have been transfigured so as to stand in the presence of God and to view the visions of eternity." (Mormon Doctrine, 803).

Obviously transfiguration is a big deal. Not common for the ordinary person. However, in a very real way The Holy Ghost "transfigures" us a little at a time, incrementally, until we are able to stand in the presence of God and view the visions of eternity as we yield to the enticings of the spirit, keep the commandment and covenants we have made, and choose God over Satan.

The Holy Ghost, indeed, has the power to change us, to transform our appearance and nature, to enable us to move from a lower to a higher state - to become exalted. The Spirit has the power to help evolve us into Gods!

The Lord calls Moses "his Son" four times in this chapter. Satan calls Moses "son of man." We are the literal offspring of our Heavenly Father - His sons and daughters and have the capacity to become like him - but Satan would rather make us feel common and tempts us to lose sight of our true nature and potential.

However, after Moses' first experience with the Lord and having been transfigured he was able to have enough of the Spirit with him to be able to judge between Satan and the Lord. He was able to withstand Satan's temptations. He was able to discern

The Title of Liberty

Today Scott Brown (R) from Massachusetts won the special election for the seat held by the late Ted Kennedy. The irony of this is just too sweet - when Mitt Romney was governor the Democratic legislature changed the law that had been in effect for years that had the governor select a person to fill the seat if a representative or senator were unable to finish their term. They had been concerned that John Kerry might be elected President of the U.S. and then Romney would select a Republican. Well, Kerry didn't win and everything was just fine. But, Ted Kennedy died and then they were left with a Democratic governor who could have appointed another Democrat to the seat, except for that darn law they had passed during Romney's term. So, the governor appointed an interim senator and called a special election. The election was expected to be a slam dunk - but tonight the unthinkable happened - a Republican won. If they had just not tried to game the system everything would have been just they way they wanted - it is truly poetic justice!

Now, the fall-out starts. Until this happened the Democrats held a 60 vote super majority that enabled them to do whatever they wanted without Republican input or support. That ended tonight. The reverberations are sounding in every clime. Earlier Virginia had voted in a Republican and then New Jersey voted in a Republican governor (that was way not expected and he was sworn in today too), and now this.

The Democrats have repeatedly underestimated the anger and rage of events of the past few years. In history I believe that Pres. George W. Bush will be noted as a great president - vindicated by history and not the progressive loons that fill our airways and history books today. But there were things that I was so frustrated over and I really had had it with the Republicans on Capital Hill as well. During the last election the anger of Republicans showed as we were forced to vote for McCain. He may be an honorable man - but he is a moderate that would not stand against the Democratic ways - always trying to be conciliatory and compromising...you don't compromise on principles!!!! He was representative of those who seemed to deal in cronyism...and then there were those who were immoral, corrupt, and who had forgotten whose money they were spending. I have often said I voted AGAINST Obama and FOR Palin.

Well - I think much of the country felt very much as I have and Obama won. People who had not paid close attention to Obama's words or who didn't understand the significance or the meaning of those words were happy to vote for the 1st black president, someone who spoke well gave the appearance of being so smart, and someone who offered "change." I think the Democrats and pundits misunderstood though what the people wanted...they thought that they had been given a mandate to implement all of their programs and that the people wanted the government to take care of them. In reality, the people want transparency, limited government, a return to our founding principles, freedom, less bureaucracy, honesty, integrity....instead we got government bailouts of banks, insurance companies, housing (especially Fannie and Freddie), take overs of Ford and GM, class warfare that rivals anything seen by communists and socialists, lies, special favors, spending masquerading as "stimulus" that will bankrupt us AFTER sky-high inflation hits, sweetheart deals, taxes on everything (and I mean everything!), socialized medicine, and the list goes on and on....and arrogance that is just unreal. People who have opposed these actions and processes have been called every name in the book, even put on the terrorist watch list!

Last summer people rose up and came out in record numbers to express their outrage. Grandmas, grandpas, moms, dads, kids. We joined together and called our efforts a "Tea Party Movement." People who had never really been interested in politics or politically active wrote their government officials, attended town hall meetings, even protested in Washington, D.C. All the while the Democrats have been telling themselves that the rage is "manufactured" while they continued to ram health care, cap and trade, and immigration down our throats. Tomorrow they will continue to deny that these last three elections are a referendum on where we feel the country is going. They do so at their peril.

The anger is real. Our elected officials have just ignored everything that we "the people" have been saying. If they had been doing it on principle I could even understand that...but this appears nothing more than a power and money grab. And perhaps more than anger is a very real fear that our Constitution is being ripped to shreds and that America will be lost.

Tonight many of the pundits are arguing that the Democrats will have to move to the center. But I don't think they will (some will who's hearts weren't really in this) but Obama and his crowd are going to move even harder and faster to ram this through. I think they will use whatever means they can to make it happen. And sadly, I believe that this is one of the "secret Combinations" that President Benson warned us about that seeks to destroy us. I believe it is evil. Sadly, I believe that there are many who want to give the benefit of the doubt, who can't really see the consequences of what is happening. Perhaps that is what President Benson meant when he urged us to make popular that which is good and unpopular that which is not good.

I know we have been a choice nation - blessed above all others. But I fear our wickedness leaves us especially vulnerable. Our true hope is the gospel. We need an Alma, a Captain Moroni, an Ammon. Better yet - we need to be them, rather than sitting around and waiting for them to appear. We need to do our part in these winding up scenes. What do the scriptures say? "It becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor." I need to be a better missionary. I am shy, reluctant, seemingly unable to open my mouth...but there is so much at stake...so here goes.

Today was really quite a lovely day. The weather co-operated - in the mid to high 50's. The skies were a gorgeous blue and there was no wind. While it still looks like winter it sure felt wonderful to not be shivering.

Rich and I went to lunch at Ryan's. The manager is a kindly gent and often asks about us and the family. He has played it cool since Rich's "episode" but today he caught me and asked what had happened and how things were coming. Sue, the gal that waits on us, has also been concerned and gave me her phone and cell numbers in case I ever need her. The world is full of sweet, good, decent people who genuinely try their best to serve their fellow man. I am honored to know many of them and these two in particular.

Speaking of good people....Rich and I went to the movie tonight to celebrate my birthday (I really am getting a lot of mileage out of this birthday, huh?) I have been wanting to see "Blind Side" ever since it came out and tonight we went. We thoroughly enjoyed it...and not just me either...Rich laughed all the way through and then we talked about it all through dinner too. It is the kind of movie that really sticks with you. It has a great message, the acting is superb, and it is based on a true story. I won't share the story here - but suffice it to say - I think it is one of the best movies and stories that I have seen. While I wouldn't take anyone really under say 10 or so, teenagers and preteens would really enjoy it and it isn't just some "chick flick."

This morning, as I got up, there was a news story about British Airways not allowing men to sit next to kids unless they are related. The discussion that ensued was interesting - but it jogged a memory for me of something that happened long ago and I haven't thought of in a long time either.

When I was about 6-7 years old my family had driven to California to visit my Grandma Roskelley and my cousins just as we did every summer. As our vacation came to a close my Dad and Mom had the car all packed and we were saying out goodbyes - but I was fussing that I didn't want to go - I wanted to stay longer with my Grandma. I remember the kindly look my Grandma gave me and she told my folks that she could put me on a plane in a few weeks and they could pick me up. I watched the little interchange between my mom and dad and hoped that they would say yes. They didn't really say anything - just the looks between them communicated what they needed to and they then gave me permission to stay. I remember the excitement I felt as they drove out of the driveway, smiling and waving their goodbyes. It's funny that it is just now, fifty or so years later, that I wonder what they thought or talked about or felt on that drive home. Hmmmmm.

My Grandma worked at the post office and had to work for a day or two before she took her vacation and she and I could be free to do things. I remember locking myself out of the house and having to wait all afternoon in the front yard and porch for her. I remember picking the unripened almonds off of her almond trees and eating the meat - it was bitter - but not bad. I don't really remember doing much else there with Grandma. I do remember her making homemade noodles, buying root beer (I had to let it sit out overnight so that I could drink it - didn't like the fizz), going to the zoo, having my first headache, and spending time with my aunts and uncles and cousins.

When it came time for me to leave I was so excited. It wasn't my first time flying as my Uncle Vance had his private pilot's license and he would take us up sometimes when we were visiting. I had been with him and my dad and Mike earlier in the summer and we had flown to some ghost town. But this would be my very first time flying in a commercial carrier. This would have been about 1960-1. The plane was a prop and not very large by today's standards. I don't remember many people being on the plane either. But I remember my Grandma walking me up the stairs into the plane and talking to the stewardess about my situation. I remember that the stewardess seated me right next to a sailor. He was dressed in his black uniform and I thought he was so handsome. My Grandma hugged me goodbye, they closed the doors and removed the stairs and we taxied off. I was shy but I bet I talked the guy's ear off. I don't remember the conversation at all - but I do remember that he talked to me and I thought that I was really something else! When we landed in Salt Lake my folks were there to greet me and I was convinced that this had been the adventure of a lifetime...no one else that I knew of had ever flown on a plane before - let alone done it alone - I thought I was hot stuff! That trip would be just a prelude to many flights alone and many accompanying those I love....and while the aircraft have certainly advanced flying has gotten a whole lot more complicated since then.

Today was a pretty good day - although we didn't get Marsha and Blair out as early as we needed to so that we could get to church on time...but it was good to see them and all in all I really appreciated having the time with them. We spent some time talking genealogy and I shared some of the things that I had from my files. Hopefully the more that we have working on these lines the better.

I went to choir and I really enjoy playing for them. They have beautiful voices and the leadership work very hard to make it as good as it is. I also proffered some music that I have thinking that they might want to tinker with them...looks like they will try some. I am happy about that. It was better to play this week than last also because the eye infection seems to be clearing up and I can at least see the notes LOL.

Have I said how much I love my family???? Yesterday Phil called to wish me a happy birthday and we had a great time talking about sundry things - we don't always have the chance to do that and I really enjoyed it. A few minutes later Desi and her little family called and sang me "Happy Birthday." It was pretty cute. Then, while I was in Sam's Brad and Lexie called and wished me happy birthday. A little while later I heard from Felicia, then my Dad. Finally I heard from Joey and we had a chance to talk as well. Then today Felicia called to wish me happy birthday. Then Cherstin and her little brood called and sang "Happy Birthday" too - it was so fun! Then Robert and his brood (or portions thereof;) called and sang "Happy Birthday too. We also had a chance to chat and it reminded me of just how blessed I am to have such wonderful, wonderful family whom I love with all my heart and who make me feel so loved and cherished. Thanks so much, you guys.

In these conversations I am so appreciative that each one of these precious sons and daughters desires to truly be a Celestial Individual and do all they can to create a Celestial Family - both immediate and extended. (And, as an aside, I just want each of my daughters-in-law and sons-in-law that I really count you as my sons and daughters too - with no distinction. It is such a tribute to each of you. I love you as my own and that is not just hyperbole - it is the absolute truth! And I know that our family is as strong and warm and good in large part because of you - your contributions and sacrifice are not unnoticed!) I just can't be any more blessed than that! It also continues to be obvious that each is trying hard to find a way to facilitate a family reunion under extreme odds. I am also grateful for that...it isn't easy to do this with everyones' schedule and needs...but I am really grateful for everyones' efforts and support.

30 - Something

Today is my 57th birthday. That seems so old. Yesterday Rich had mentioned that we had been married 37 years and I told him that couldn't be right - it seemed too long. However, the math doesn't lie. Those really are the numbers...but I really don't feel any differently than I did when I was in my twenties - or maybe my thirties - but it would have to be my early thirties.

This became a topic of conversation among Rich, Blair, Marsha and I at breakfast. Each of us feel exactly the same. We don't feel any differently...secretly I am trying to determine if that really means we haven't made any progress in our emotional, intellectual, moral, and social development LOL...but then we go to stand, sit, get on the floor, bend, run, or walk....ooooohhhhhhh! Then we "FEEL" old.

I remember watching Tina Turner on her comeback tour. She was performing for Oprah's tv program - and while I am not a Tina Turner aficionado I was truly amazed. She was in or nearing her 70's - she was practically my mom's age - and here she was struttin' her stuff. Obviously she had been training for this event and had the support that she needed to do so - but I wondered if she went home and crashed for two days after! LOL

All of a sudden my skin is drier than a bone. It sags and bags. It is thinning. My hair has become straw - without the joy of summer swimming. My nails have ridges and are thickening. This is not a pretty sight. But then, the alternative isn't really something I want either.

Despite my murmuring I am really grateful for each of these 57 years. They have been wonderful, in the aggregate, and even during the more challenging years there have been tremendous blessings and experiences that have tutored me in my efforts to become who I eventually want to be. I am really profoundly grateful to all of the individuals in my life that have put up with me, loved me, nurtured me, forgiven me, worked with me, and helped me be where I am today. We truly are as product of the times, the people, and the experiences we have.

Ironically I share this special day with one of my precious grandsons - Gideon Lee Bainbridge. He is 11 today. He was born a few days early in Monterey, California. I remember getting the call from his Dad about his birth. Phil (his Uncle) had been born on his Grandma Bainbridge's birthday just the day before mine and who would have guessed that I would have that same privilege.

Toni (his other Grandma) and I drove up from El Centro, California to share those early days with him and his parents. It was so much fun to hold that tiny little boy and at that moment it really appeared to me that he took after his Momma's side - and I still see that some - but I really see his Grandpa Bainbridge in him too. That means he'll be really handsome! LOL

Gideon has lived in Monterey, Texas, England, Alabama, Mississippi, Arizona, and now Ohio. He is gregarious and outgoing and so all the moves seem to come pretty easily - and I am so glad for that. He is an awesome student, smart as a whip. He loves video games (I hear he plays a mean guitar hero), matchbox cars, Phase 10 (with me!), playing with friends, and has recently taken up running - he has successfully run a couple of 5 and 10 km runs with his sisters and Dad. And I just know that he loves to have his toenails painted pink - huh Gid????!!!;) He is also very kind and loving and is a wonderful big brother to Glory, Scarlett, Levi and now little Reah. We hope this was a fantastic birthday, Gideon. We love you!

Marie Bainbridge - Grandma

Early in the week Marsha and Blair called and asked if we minded if they came up. It was going to be Mom's birthday and they wanted to have a chance to visit her grave, put some flowers there, and see the headstone. We were thrilled, of course. And it has given us an opportunity to share memories and to celebrate Mom's life. Marsha has done a great deal of work to put all of the photos that she could find of Mom and family on DVD's so that we could all have them. I will be dispersing them to our family as I get a chance to add things that I have so that they can be given at one time, rather than piecemeal, and hopefully everyone will have a chance to have everything that everyone else has.

Anyway, Marsha and Blair arrived in the afternoon and Bob came over and we all headed to the cemetery. The stone looks a little crooked - but the ground has been very wet and so we'll have to see what it does as it finally settles. All in all, I like what we selected. I will add a photo or two as Marsha sends them to me.

Afterwards we went to Red Robin for some dinner. Felicia, Desi, Emily, and I used to go to Red Robin in Denver sometimes for lunch. Mom seemed to enjoy the associations and the opportunity to get out of the house - although I bet she went home and crashed afterwards LOL.

I think Marsha and I (anybody else wanting to too) will try to write a biography of her life - the best that we can piece together. We have memories that she doesn't have, and vice versa. Any and all memories are invited. Marsha is probably going to be here around Mother's Day and Jeanie and LeRoy will probably be coming in June and so Marsha and Blair will be up then too - so we will probably start a recorder going and get as many memories in as we can before we start to write.

Marsha also has a video of Mom talking about her life - and we have one or two as well. So, as you guys think about it, please try and jog down things that you remember. It will add immeasurably to the record.

I wish the record was more complete. This is a very good reason to keep your journals and blogs and scrapbooks up - even in the hustle and bustle of your very busy lives. I want to do this for my Mom too - and am thinking that I will try to do this for my Mom's birthday on the 11th of June...I don't know...I hope I don't bite off more than I can chew! LOL

Philip Orion Bainbridge

Thirty-one years ago, when I was pregnant with Phil, I hadn't dreamed that he would be born on this day, the 15th and on Grandma's birthday. I wasn't due until the 28th. We had gone to church the day before (the 14th) and someone had asked Rich if he could do something on the 28th and he had responded with , "Yeah. Sure." But I had reminded him that that was our due date and the guy looked at Rich and said, "You sure?" Rich retorted, "Absolutely!" Then cocking his head in my direction, and with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, he added, "She's a woman, and you know how it is with a woman, she's never been on time for anything, let alone early!"

Well, we went home and did all the normal Sunday activities but as evening came I recognized the familiar pains of labor. When I told Rich I was in labor he quipped with, "This is just your way of getting back at me for making that crack in church!. You just had to go a make a liar out of me, didn't you?!" LOL

The next morning, 31 years ago today, at Hill Air Force Base, in Utah he arrived. He weighed in at 8 lb. 7 oz., 20 1/2 inches long, but his head was huge - 14 7/8 inches around! (some will still say that is one of his defining characteristics! LOL)

He came home from the hospital with thrush and a staph infection...and things just went downhill from there. In fact, he wasn't blessed until the 4th of March because he had been so ill.

We named him Philip (his Dad's middle name) Orion (the hunter constellation - because we knew he grow to manhood and assume the sacred responsibility of caring and providing for his family and loved ones). However, when we shared with family what we had decided my mother looked quite confused. "Where did you get the name Philip?" she asked. "It's Rich's middle name" we told her. "I thought his name was 'Partridge?'" We laughed really hard over that. For years I had feigned exasperation or other emotion and blurted, "Richard Partridge Bainbridge!!!!!" over some inane point. I have no idea where the name Partridge came from - his middle initial was "P" and I just inserted "Partridge." It was a little play between us but I had never dreamed that anyone ever seriously thought that his name was Partridge!

For the next few years we seemed to live at the doctors' offices and at the hospitals. He had serious ear problems with attendant hearing losses (and although they would eventually be solved - the accompanying speech delays and endless speech therapy would plague him for many years).

We have some fun memories of him as he worked on speech. He was just a little guy (only 2 when he started therapy - and he worked very hard. As articulation improved it allowed his cute little humor to emerge. One day he was teasing me and he called me a "Kazy Mudda." I loved it. I shared that with my mom and dad, who were also rooting for his progress, and they just hooted. It was very reminiscent of an old "Rowan and Martin, Laugh In" tv spot with a song that went something like, "Hello Mudda, Hello Fadda, Here I am - at Camp Granada!" To this day, often my Dad will ask "How's the Kazy Mudda?" or "You're a good, Kazy Mudda" or something on that line.

We also learned a lot about speech and revelled in his progress, especially as he finally overcame his "f" for "tr" substitution in the immediate position. He loved playing with cars and trucks - but saying "truck" with the "f" substitution wasn't so cool. LOL

Decoding Phil's speech was difficult at first. We knew he was trying desperately to talk to us - but we couldn't understand. However, that wasn't really the case with Wanda and to a lesser extent, Joey. Often they would be able to understand enough of what he was trying to say that they could interpret it for us or get it close enough. Phil called her "A-ma" and she responded.

Another memory that comes to mind (actually Rich reminded me of this one after reading what I had written) is as Mary (the speech therapist) worked with Phil she would try to help him master basic information, such as name, address, etc. For weeks she had worked with him on his name. "Philip" is harder than some because of the "l". When she would ask him his name we would respond, "Fo up." Gradually it got better and better and so she started working on helping him with his last name. So one day she asked him "What is you name?" He responded, "Fi-e ip." That was progress and Mary praised him for his efforts. Then, "What is your other name?" He responded with "Meathead." That sure wasn't what Mary thought he was going to respond with! He has had that nickname for as long as I can remember - and I don't even know the genesis of it. Another nickname is "Philly-Bob" - but I'll save that for another post:)

Our experiences with him probably made me more hyper-vigilant than I should be...but I really am a fierce advocate of being proactive in this arena. Watching him be frustrated and embarrassed because he couldn't get others to understand what he was trying to say or suffering the mocking and teasing of others who would be cruel is not something I handle well - and every child deserves to hear and be heard.

Phil turned 5 the first day that we got to Germany. He was pretty excited. We had just driven across the U.S. in the dead of winter, flown on a VERY crowded flight from the States, were experiencing the effects of jet lag, and it was his birthday - he, Joey, and Wanda could NOT sleep! More than once I admonished them about jumping on the beds! We did have cake and ice cream and open a few little gifts - but he was wired!

When we first got to Germany we lived in an apartment building in the bedroom community of Kaiserslautern called Siegelbach. It was close to K-Town but had the small village charm. And it even had a small "Tierpark" or zoo. As spring came to our little town Wanda was given the assignment at school of finding some tadpoles or polywogs and bring them in. She, Joey and Phil were thrilled with the opportunity of getting out of the house and exploring town. Rich walked with them down the streets and towards the tierpark where a little stream ran through town. When they came to an area that was safe enough for them Philip was utterly amazed. "Wow! Look at all those polywogs! I've never seen so many polywogs in all my life! They must be having church! Maybe even stake conference!" he exclaimed. It was just too precious! He had never seen a polywog before, in all his life, that we knew of - and you could definitely tell what his frame of reference was for a large gathering!

The day that we brought Cherstin home from the hospital the kids were wired then too. Joey and Philip were playing some stupid game - Joey would put a marble up his nose and then pull it out. Phil tried the same thing. But his nose was smalled than Joey's and it didn't come out! They presented the problem to us and we tried to get the marble out but by this time Phil was crying and the nasal juices were flowing and we couldn't get it out either, it just rolled and rolled in the nasal cavity. So, Rich took Phil up to Landstuhl Hospital to see what they could do. As they were driving up there Rich had a great opportunity to talk about personal responsibility when Philip told him that it was "Joey's fault I'm in this mess!" "Did Joey put the marble up your nose?" "No...but..." We have laughed about that conversation repeatedly over the years - even used it in a talk once for YW values!

Phil was baptized in January of 1987 in Kaiserslautern, Germany. I always found it somewhat ironic - that Joey and Phil would be baptised in the same building that their Dad and I met.

Phil has a kind heart and easy disposition. One of my favorite memories was him playing with Felicia. He and Felicia were making a video to send to Joey while he was on his mission. They were using Barbie dolls (why? I have no idea!!!) and they were using the piano bench on which to act out their little play. I have the video somewhere I think, perhaps I will find it and upload it some day! He always had a special spot in his heart for his little sisters and he was always willing to play with them - in fact - that was how Desi broke her arm the first time! LOL In fact - I don't know that he ever really got the point when they weren't wanting to play anymore!

He was always a good student - just would procrastinate sometimes:) - quick to grasp concepts and ideas - also quick to realize that he would rather do the work of GATE classes than be in boring normal ones. LOL He was kind of geeky, or nerdy (that didn't stop him from taking 5 girls to prom at the same time)...video and computer games were fun and there seemed to always be members of the "Geek Squad" over to play - although he also loved to play chess, football, basketball, and diplomacy with his friends. Wanda and he also had a special bond with games too - but mostly I remember them playing monopoly - hmmm.

Phil took German in high school but we never really thought that would be put to much use - until he received his mission call to Germany. What I even find more ironic is that he served for a time in the same areas that we had lived, shopped, and worked. I remember him even asking me one day, "This building (the Kaiserslautern chapel) looks awfully familiar. Was I ever here?"

After Phil was home from his mission for a few weeks he went to stay with Wanda and Robert. He sure enjoyed his time with them and they were very good to him. It was there that he finally started to attend the singles ward and met Hannah. And the rest is history, so to speak.

He has grown into a wonderful young man in whom we are so proud and glad. He is the adoring husband of Hannah and the wonderful father of cute little Orion and William. His is teaching Primary and even considering teaching in some way and at some time for some part of his career. He is still going to school but hoping that will be done shortly. And we know that as he keeps plodding along it will be.

Some things don't change too much - he still loves to play games and when we get together we often (usually) play a game or two (even though it is harder because of little ones). These are some of my most precious memories. In fact, I believe that playing games in this way has strengthened the family bonds between siblings, spouses, parents and children and grandparent and grandchild, and niece or nephew and aunt and uncle immeasurably...and as we move to include the next generation - we've got to get a bigger table!;) Happy Birthday Phil - and many, many , many more!

Changing My Mind-Set

For the better part of the day I spent my time trying to put order into our "office." Currently it is located in what will one day become our dining room...but for now it is just fine where it is. However, as I unpack boxes I am having to change how I have thought about things. When I went to Ricks College we had some temporary classrooms that were built during WWII - and the saying was that there was nothing more permanent than a temporary building. I have lived in so many temporary homes for so long that it has been a long time since I have really considered unpacking EVERY box and putting EVERYTHING away. I keep reminding myself that this is my home and I can always redo what I have done or don't like or want to do differently - but somehow boxes seem to answer so many questions. LOL

And papers - manuals for appliances, lawn and gardening tools, furniture, electronics, warranties, receipts, tax info, genealogy, medical ... phew! Then everyone doesn't have my "Dear Hubby" - we have to have every cord known to man, we not only have the software or program disc but we also have the warranty, the book, the receipt, and the big, FAT box it originally came in!

And that doesn't count the office supplies - the colored paper (in every color they make), the different weights of bond, the cardstock, resume paper, specialty paper, envelopes (in multiple sizes), 3X5 cards, 5X7 cards, cd labels, photo paper, notebook paper, notebooks, construction paper, greeting cards, post-it-notes, pens, pencils, erasers, lead, colored lead, staples, staplers, staple removers, rubber bands, paper clips in various sizes, markers, tape, tape dispensers, cds, zip discs, folders, glue, batteries...heck! We could supply an entire office supply store! And that doesn't count the scanners, typewriter, printers, copiers, and computers! Got to love this man!!!!

As I worked today, trying desperately to create order, I thought of the "creation." I am trying to create a home, a refuge, a place of love and beauty, a place where the spirit can reside. I am taking "matter unorganized" and trying just to find a home for it all, to organize it so that it can fill the "measure of its' creation." Isn't it interesting that things always seem to devolve - going from a state of order to disorder - never the reverse - unless there is a hand in it to purposefully bring order out of chaos? I know of nothing that evolves or moves from a state of disorder on its own. I know all kinds of things that do the opposite on their own LOL. And yet, the philosophies of man would try to convince us that there is no God, or that He didn't set His hand to these things, that it all happened naturally - truly makes reason stare!

February 2009

In February my brothers and sister-in-laws and I had been planning on having an 80th birthday party for my Dad. We wanted to make it a surprise because we knew how he would react. And, most importantly, we wanted to try and get everyone of his posterity there, if at all possible - at least children and grandchildren.

Well, Cherstin and the kids and I drove out to Oklahoma (Cherstin used that time to have an o.b. appointment) and spent a couple of days. The kids were so excited to be home and to be able to play with their things and fall into familiar patterns. We then continued on into Denver. I got to spend some time with Mike and Desi, Emily and Mordecai. Cherstin got to spend time with them too but she also got to have a chance to share some time with Karen and Dave (Dan's folks). We waited out a snow storm before heading into Utah. I really didn't want to get stuck in Wyoming. Been there, done that. And, finally we headed out and Desi and Mike followed us that evening.

Wanda and Moroni flew into Salt Lake and she had some time with Robert's parents before Cherstin and I arrived in time to head to Provo to have dinner at the Chuck-a-rama with Joey and Carlie, Gideon, Glory, Scarlett, and Levi who had just driven up from Tucson. They had picked up Nena and Brett for dinner. And Felicia met us with two of her roommates. I had a blast. It was so fun catching up on things in El Centro and Arizona, and Nena and Brett, and meeting Felicia's roommates. That, in and of itself, was a fun "reunion."

Wanda and Moroni spent the night at Felicia's apartment - I think Moroni was a hit (all those dimples will drive any girl crazy!) The next day I spent most of the time trying to help Julia do the last minute shopping and prep. We had fun too.

Phil was able to fly in and Cherstin and Brittany were able to pick him up. He spent his nites with Joey and Carlie at Jason and Chantele's. I am sure he missed having Hannah and Orion there, as Cherstin missed having Dan and Wanda missed Robert and her little brood, but I think he had fun too. Jason and he had been close in Germany when they were little and both of them have been back to Europe as adults and have a love for the region, and they both work in the computer industry.

Rich finally flew in and that completed those who could come from our family. While we were in Utah it seemed a great time to celebrate Emily's 3rd birthday. She had both sets of grandparents and Aunts and Uncles and cousins from both sides of the family there and so we all went to Chuckee Cheese for pizza and some down time. I think Emily enjoyed herself too. Brittany and Jason and Chantele and their little ones also joined in the fun.

Jim and Maria and their guys came in from Idaho and everyone else was already there in Utah, so we worked together and prepared for the celebration of Dad's life. How blessed we are to have him.

I think Dad was pretty excited and overwhelmed. There had been a real question of how we would get him to the church but Desi and Mike settled that by telling him that they were going to take him out to dinner (something they routinely do when they are in town and so not too suspicious) but that they were going to a fancy place and he needed to get dressed up. He complied and I think he really was surprised when he walked in and found so many people just to see him. His brother and sister-in-law, Les and Marj, and sister, June came, as did some of their children. Suzanne Halls (we knew her from Germany and she lives in Colorado) came, as did the Swanders, Betty and Don, Kerns, people from the ward when he was bishop the first time - hundreds of people really. They talked with him and shared memories with us (the kids) and I think it was a really nice afternoon. Rich and I and our children and some grandchildren were there, Mike and Shauna and their children and grandchildren, Derk and Julia and their children and grandchildren, Brad and Lexie and their children and grandchildren, Jim and Maria and their children (minus CJ who is serving a mission in Zimbabwe and Tony - obviously), Chad and Ronnie and their children were all in attendance. As I write about this I am remembering that Brandt made a DVD about Dad's life and he was going to try and get us all copies - I need to follow up on that - they were having technical difficulties and they were also heading out of town the next morning - hmmmm.

On Sunday Rich and I, Cherstin and her little ones, Wanda and Moroni, Joey and Carlie and their little ones, and Felicia went to Church with Dad. He was pleased as punch.

Joey and Carlie, Phil, Wanda and Moroni, Desi and Mike headed home. And Rich and I and Cherstin headed south toward Tucson. I had always wanted to see the Grand Canyon and so we took that opportunity on our way. I really enjoyed it - but really - it is just a huge hole! We also took some time to see the dam there. Sadly, it could never be built today - not because we don't have the "know-how" but because we would tie ourselves in knots of regulations, redtape, permits, environmental impact statements, and lawsuits. For all of our sophistication and advanced technology and knowlege we have lost our will and way.

We got down to Joey and Carlie's and had a wonderful time. Nathan And Suzanne and their brood came in and it was so much fun to catch up with them. The kids have made remarkable, if not miraculous, progress. Toni, Amanda and Brandon and their little ones came, as did Stephen, Jr. with his two. Carlie was ever the gracious hostess with delicious food for everyone. Joey gave all the kids rides on his motorcycle (Abby became his best friend LOL) and it was just fun.

Joey and Abby (his best friend) on Joey's RIDE

Joey's new bike

But best of all - we had the opportunity to witness Glory make those sacred baptismal covenants. It was very special to watch another of my precious grandchildren enter those holy waters, with her father worthy to perform this sacred rite, and promise to keep Heavenly Father's commandments. As I watched I realized that if she really does keep those commandments and does everything she can to follow the Savior her life will be richly blessed. There will be trials and difficulties - but the bulk of most problems are self-made - and she would avoid those - because if you keep the commandments that's what happens!

Emmett on the way home --soooooo tired of all the traveling!

We said our goodbyes and put Rich on an airplane for Tennessee and then Cherstin and the kids and I headed back to Oklahoma. Cherstin had another o.b. appointment and we stayed there for a few days. The kids really were glad to be home again and I was sorry for them that we would be back on the road soon. When we finally did leave and get back to Tennessee and the apartment poor little Abby started to cry. "No! Not here!" Home is so important.