The Weekend

On Friday night/Saturday morning (2 am) Rich woke me and told me that his heart was pounding out of his chest and that it was racing. It had wakened him from his sleep and he had used his blood pressure cuff to check it several times and each time it confirmed how he felt. I could see he was worried, and frankly, so was I, and so we headed to the emergency room.

While we were there they put him on a heart monitor, took blood work, gave him an aspirin, called his cardiologist, and continued to monitor him.

About 6 am a hospital internist came down and told us that they were admitting him for observation and for one of the cardiologists to attend to him.

As the day wore on his heart slipped back into normal sinus rhythm just as it has slipped out. What a blessing. The cardiologist told us that once your heart goes into arhythmia (just like it had done in response to the respiratory failure in November) then it is always something that you will have to worry about. However, they have medications to help it maintain its normal rhythm (and he is on them) but the medications that he needs for his lungs are not good friends and so - a little tweaking and he was able to come home from the hospital with admonitions that if this happens again (and it probably will) then we are to do just what we did do and to see his cardiologist in a months' time.

I went to Sacrament Meeting - our choir sang too - it was beautiful. But then I came home and got Rich - he still has a little difficulty getting moving - but it is coming. He had his deacons' quorum to teach and to speak at the Priesthood Preview. Later in the day I went back to the church for choir practice and then we had Bob over for supper. All in all, a very uneventful day!

Government Efficiency

Today we received a condolence card from Mike's mom and dad, Kathryn and John, for Grandma Bainbridge's death. (Thank you so much for thinking of us during that time and for your love and care for her when you were with her - she really thought of you as a friend, Kathryn!) They had mailed the card in October and we get it today! That is some kind of efficiency.

Today I received Desi's quilt for the Quilts For Kids charity. I will be taking it and mine and Wanda's to the quilter tomorrow. They are beautiful and I am so thrilled that we have been able to participate. I have let our R.S. know about the program because I think it is a worthy organization and if someone wants to be a part of a charitable activity but has only a little time, physical ability, or money this is a great one to be a part of. I think I will also contact the church and see if they have needs right now too...although there would have to be more contribution on behalf of the individual as they wouldn't provide the fabric...but there are plenty of us with fabric stashes.

In the package of Desi's quilt was a cute little stuffed MRSA bug that Cherstin had sent for Rich. He really laughed at it and then enjoyed reading about it...thanks Cherstie! Now that Rich is recuperating from MRSA we hope that this is the only kind we ever have in this house again!

Rich is up to his eyeballs in work right now. He is frustrated. Much of what he is dealing with is the government trying to anticipate saftey needs for federal buildings because of an angry electorate. Wouldn't it be nice if the government just listened to the people and then we wouldn't be angry! And then we would have to worry so much about people going off the rails! Perhaps this is just a sign of the times.

Watched some of the health care summit and felt that Obama came off as imperial and arrogant. I detest his "I'm the president so suck it up!" attitude and his air of superiority and look-down-your-nose lecture method. He seems to just want to do what he wants - and thinks that if he talks more then we'll see how smart he is and want what he's pushing. Why doesn't he get that it is exactly what he is pushing that we don't want! He reminds me of one of my kids...when they wanted something and I said no...they just kept trying to "help" me see why I should change my mind...it doesn't work...in fact...it usually just made me angry!

What Else Is New? Quilts

I spent the afternoon trying to get a quilt layed out - have I ever told anyone how badly I want a design wall???? I even have a place for it - just haven't gotten it done yet! Anyway - the only place I have to lay it out is on the floor and it really isn't the best way to see it...some quilts don't need this process but this one DOES!

As I have been working with this one I thought about life in general - there are connecting blocks of our lives and we tend to look at things in a linear or continuum because our lives are lived on this plane - but in reality these blocks can be put together in many different combinations - and with the Lord as the quilter it will be fun to see what our quilt will have become as he moves our blocks around to suit his and our purposes - that is if we will let him. LOL I think that is one of the things that I so admire about people who join the church - I am sure that most have their lives all planned out according the the pleasing pattern that they like - but then they hear the gospel and in many instances they give all that up to become something different - the blocks that were there are still there but they take a chance and dare to become great - to become perfect by adding the blocks that the Lord desires and allowing him to arrange them until it becomes a masterpiece....

Speaking of quilts - yesterday I received permission from David Bowman, author and illustrator of the "Who's Your Hero?" series of childrens books published by Deseret Book, to use his rendition of Moroni for Moroni's quilt. I am way excited about that. Except - now I have to attempt it! LOL I kind of chuckled at the end of the e-mail. It said, "Good luck with it." How appropriate! LOL

We went to dinner with Rich's brother, Bob. We went to Red Robin - thought we'd find something there that we could eat on our diets - both Rich and I had their Cobb Salad - but I think Rich would rather have gone someplace else - even Ryan's - ugh!

After we got home I watched a little of the Olympics...really should have done some work...just didn't.

Joseph James Pehrson

Eighty-one years ago today my father was born. In many ways I feel like Nephi, "having been born of goodly parents." How blessed I have been to have been born to these very choice people. I haven't told them enough how much I love them and how much they mean to me. I wish I could do that right now to my Mom - and I do - but I just have to hope that she hears and knows that as she watches over our family now.

Dad was the fourth child born to my grandparents (I never met them), Oliver and Maren Pehrson, who were both immigrants from Denmark. They resided in Provo, Utah where cousins and aunts and uncles lived nearby. My grandmother developed breast cancer when my Dad was quite young and passed away by the time he was seven. Those years were really hard for the family and especially for the children. All the years that I have known my Dad he has never liked "cut" flowers - they have represented death to him and especially the loss of his mom. He has always put great stock in the importance of motherhood - and I guess we know why.

My grandfather was left with a young family to raise and care for. I guess he felt he needed to find a way to do that and so he married a widowed woman with children and moved his family to Pleasant Grove, Utah where she was from. Her children were older than my dad and his siblings and I don't think that they felt really welcomed by them. It must have been very hard for everyone.

Dad learned to play the the piano and even the clarinet it school. He was pretty good at it too. He loved sports, particularly basketball and baseball/softball, and had a real passion for pitching horseshoes. He was so good at them that he was invited to play in the pros (didn't even know that there was such a thing back then but there was LOL),

He doesn't talk too much about his youth except to tell the story of some kids telling him that they had some free raisins he could eat (which turned out to be rabbit droppings) - and he won't eat a raisin to this day! LOL He will tell you about going over an overpass where trains would pass underneath through town - quite slowly. He and his cousin would gather cantaloupes, rocks, and other kinds of material and go to the overpass and then try to drop them into the smokestacks of the trains as they would pass under them. I guess they thought it was great sport!

By the time Dad turned 16 his father had passed away from a heart attack. He was 59 years old. When you talk to Dad about his memories he will tell you that he was intensely embarrassed by my Grandfather's language - the swearing. Now, anyone who has learned a language by immersion will tell you that often you learn the coarser aspects of language first and so that doesn't surprise me - but for my father it was difficult trying to fit in and he found it repulsive. As we were growing up he would tell us, "If you have to swear to talk then you don't have the vocabulary to express yourself" or "You can swear when I do" - and he NEVER did. LOL

One of the amazing things to me is that I found some old love letters that my Grandfather had written to my Grandmother - but I had to read them before I realized that they weren't my Father's to my Mother. Dad's penmanship, which is beautiful, is so close to my Grandfather's as to be indistinguishable. And the expressions of his love are just as my Dad would talk to Mother. And, if you ever see pictures of him and Dad - except for the clothes or surroundings - it is hard to tell the difference. Truly the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.

My grandfather was a hard worker, he surveyed land for the city and county governments, and tried every way he could to build a future for his little family in their new country. Grandpa was also pretty "old school" from the "old country" too. Dad remembers that one time he was supposed to get ready for church and he was dawdling around. Grandpa was getting even more frustrated and told him that they were leaving and that he needed to get his shoes on...but by this time Dad couldn't find his shoe. So when the time to leave came Grandpa physically took him to church and presented him (without his shoe)to the bishop and said, "Here, you do something with him! I've tried and I can't." Dad was humiliated.

During those days the casket was brought back to the home of the family and everyone paid their respects there. (I don't know much about the actual funerals.) Anyway, Dad remembers Grandpa and his casket in their little living room. He said it was very somber and he was filled with grief. The night before the funeral he went to the living room and opened the casket and took his comb from his pocket, broke it in half, and then placed one half of it in with his father, closed the casket, and broke down into huge sobs. It may seem odd - but Dad really didn't have anything much to call his own - and this was a way of connecting or saying goodbye.

At this time Dad was the only one left at home, except for Grandma Pehrson's son who was retarded. Dad still felt like an outsider and yet he felt an obligation to care for them too. He worked at the telephone company as a custodian in Provo while going to high school and dreamed of getting away. On one occasion he and his cousin, Hank, decided that they would take off and go to Alaska. They started but the car leaked oil badly and they blew tire after tire and so they abandoned that dream - not enough money to keep it in oil or tires for that long of a trip. LOL

Things had been pretty difficult for a while and I am not certain how active the family was. Some, I guess, but not very. At one point Dad went to Mutual with some friends. They went into the chapel and were tossing a basketball around. Dad didn't really recognize the significance of what he was doing but a guy came into the chapel and saw them and told them that if they were going to do that they needed to leave the church. Dad didn't have anyone to explain that the chapel was different than the church and that the guy wasn't saying he wasn't welcome at church - just to take the ball outside. But Dad took him seriously and didn't step back into church for a long time. Years of feeling lonely, isolated, not wanted, and abandoned would ensue. I think that was one of the most pivotal experiences of his life - and one of the reasons that he was such a good Bishop. He went after the inactive with a vengeance - personally visiting their homes and always taking time and trying to find ways to bring them back. He always knew that there was a story there - they weren't just inactive but they were people who were lost and maybe didn't know how to come back and that most just needed to feel loved and accepted and wanted. He went out of his way to do just that. I remember when he was called as Bishop the first time he made it his mission to visit every home in his ward twice that first year...and he was at the hospital for every person who was admitted, no matter the reason. Last year I still had people come up to me and tell me that he was the best Bishop they had ever had - and I believe they meant it because they knew he loved them and he cared.

After graduation from high school Dad enrolled in the "Y" and continued to work at the telephone company. One night he was at the Provo City Library where he met my mother. The rest is history. In a way, they both rescued one another and made one another whole.

My Mother had grown up in the Bay Area of California and probably seemed quite different from the local girls. She was enrolled at the Y too and so even that would have been somewhat unusual for the time.

Dad proposed to her on the Old Springville Highway and she said yes. Mom went home to California for the summer but Dad couldn't stand it so he drove out to see her - they were married a couple of days later in my Aunt and Uncle's backyard. I guess they invited the ward to come, everyone that is except for the person who made their wedding cake - oops! My Mom also tells the story of being all ready for the ceremony and wanting one last coat of red nail polish on her nails. My Aunt warned her that wasn't probably the best idea but Mom really thought she could manage it - until she dropped the bottle and red polish spilled the length of her dress. Two of my aunts then tried to minimize the damage by taking a seam in the dress while Mom stood in it! Last year Dad and I opened the cedar chest and found her gown with the fingernail polish still there. Dad got a little teary eyed.

They made their home in a little apartment in Provo. This was during the Korean conflict and Dad was receiving draft notices. He could legitimately stay out of the military because of his widowed stepmother but he decided to enlist in the army anyway (he would later say that he wished that he had joined the Air Force instead). While Dad was away for basic training in Kansas Mom went to live with his stepmother.

Their first assignment was to Ft. Devens in Massachusetts. They lived off post in a little apartment over a home. The owners and Mom and Dad became friends and a great support to them. It was here that I was born and it was in the branch here that Dad became active. It was also here that he receive his temple recommend and prepared to take Mom and me to the temple in Salt Lake (that was the closest one to them at the time) en route to California where Dad would deploy for Korea.

Dad spent nearly two years in Korea and Japan due to army snafus. While this time was terribly hard on both of them, Dad will tell you that this was an important time for him to grow and mature in the gospel. He met for Sunday services with a small group of guys on the ship when they were in transit and that was an awfully good situation. He tells the story of getting to his first duty station and not knowing how to find the church. One day he was at the infirmary and he saw a guy that just "looked" LDS. He had a stroke of genius and started to whistle "We Thank Thee O God For a Prophet." The guy looked, listened, and then started to whistle "Come, Come Ye Saints." All was well then. It was also in Korea and Japan that he studied the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants and really gained the foundation that would stand him in good stead all the days of his life.

Dad served as a Morris code operator and wow! he could really type - FAST! All of my life I can remember occasionally going into my folks bathroom and finding that my Dad had left a love note on the mirror (using toothpaste, lip stick, or even the condensation) for my Mom in Morris code.

When Dad returned from Korea and was finally discharged from the army he went back to school at Provo and back to the telephone company. We lived in Wymount Terrace and that is where Mike was born. It wasn't an easy transition back to civilian life and the cares of a family and all - there was some time that it was a little rocky - but Dad was serving as the Ward Clerk and got great counsel from his Bishop which Dad took to heart and somehow things started to even out.

After graduation Mom and Dad moved to Salt Lake where Dad had transferred into the sales department of the telephone company. He had been accepted to law school at the University of Utah but decided to sit out one semester to get their feet on the ground. We moved into the eastern duplex on Delno Drive. We hadn't been there but a couple of weeks and Dad was called to serve as the Ward Clerk there and Mom was called to work with the MMen & Gleaners (today's equivalent of Young Single Adults). We only lived there a short time when Derk was born, the home they would live in "forever!" came onto the market and they purchased it - and at the same time Dad was called to be bishop of the MillCreek Second Ward - he was just 28 years old. Somehow, he never got around to going back to law school - and he has wondered off and on about that decision - but I'm not sure he wouldn't have done just what he did anyway.

Over the next eight years Brad would be born, then Jimmy, and Chad. Our lives were deeply rooted to the community and ward and it was home. However, in 1965 Dad was approached by a guy about going to Germany and selling life insurance to members of the military - he could take us all with him. Mom and Dad brought the idea up with us and we said, "yeah, go for it." But as the time neared to do it we couldn't make the break. Dad had thought that this might very well be the way to get out from under the oppressive medical bills that they had incurred from the pregnancies of Jim (a total placenta previa) and Chad (rh-) and they had gone so far as to ask for counsel from Elder Spencer W. Kimball. But somehow we just couldn't do it.

However, the opportunity arose again a year later and this time we did it. Dad and Derk went over first (in July) to get things settled for us in Augsburg and Mike and I were to help Mom with our siblings, getting the house ready to rent, packed, and the move in September.

For the next two years we called Augsburg home and we loved it there. However, our branch was small and there weren't very many LDS kids and so Mom and Dad decided that we ought to move up into the Kaiserslautern region. This was a plus - there were lots of LDS people there (including youth) and there were lots of military and so earning a living would be easier. When we had lived in Augsburg Dad had been called as Branch President. When we arrived in K-Town he was called to the High Council and we thought that was great fun as we would go with him to visit branches all over the region. Mom was called as our YW president and I really thought she was the best I had ever had - and I was so sad when she was released because Dad had been called as Bishop of our ward when we were made a Stake.

In 1973 Mom and Dad returned from Germany and moved back into their home on Delno. It wasn't long until Dad was again called as Bishop and Mom was called as Stake R.S. President. Mom would often say that she thought the reason that they had called her to that was because it kept her out of the bishop's hair. LOL

In 1983 Dad and Mom, Brad and Lexie, and Jimmy and Maria decided to return to Germany for work. Rich and I already had orders to go to the K-town area - who would have thought that we could be so fortunate to have them go too??? Then Mike and Shauna decided that they would do the same. That only left Derk and Julia there in Salt Lake (Dad still feels "guilty" about that) and Chad was preparing to leave on his mission.

Wouldn't you know it - Dad was called as Bishop there too. At the time that he was called Brad was serving in the Bishopric, I was Primary President, Mike was Young Mens' President, Rich was the 70's quorum president, Shauna was the Ward Organist, Lexie and Maria were both serving with me in the Primary. What a crazy time! I think there were those who wondered if you could have a calling if you weren't related to the Pehrsons. Oddly enough, Dad called Verl Waddley (his neice's husband - they were also stationed there) as one of his counselors but Brad and Rich were called onto the High Council, everyone else continued where we were for a time.

In 1988 Rich and I returned home and moved to South Carolina. Mike and Shauna had already come home, Jim and Maria were in process of the same, and the next year Mom and Dad returned and then finally Lexie and Brad. For the next 20 years they would all work to build businesses and lives together.

In the summer of 1993 Dad suffered a heart attack, he was just 64. After a great deal of testing he had a quadruple bypass. Things started to look up. In 1999 he suffered a strangulated intestine due to adhesions that had formed as a result of the ruptured appendix that he had clear back in 1981. Other than that he has had a remarkably healthy life. He has the aches and pains of age as well as some arthritis in his knees, cataracts, and hearing loss - but all in all he is really doing very well.

Some of my most precious memories involve my parents and my life with them. I truly felt loved and wanted. And, I really believe that we had heaven on earth in our home. It wasn't until I was a teen and "knew everything" that there was really any conflict...but mostly that was because Dad would say that "they ought to take all the Hippies out and shoot 'em." LOL We had family home evening before there were manuals and an organized program. We had family prayer for as long as I can remember. And in fact, when I visit there now we gather for prayer at the end of the day. One of my most precious memories was the night that my mother died - Dad was so stoic - and so lost. We had gathered for a meal together and Dad left to go to a Branch Presidency meeting...then as he and I returned home he and I knelt in prayer...and his simple words were, "please help me to understand thy plan." It still moves me to tears - this sweet, gentle man was willing to do what he was asked...he just wanted to understand. Again, he was moved to study the gospel, reading the Book of Mormon many, many times he found truths and solace.

He has been a tower of strength throughout my life. He has had wisdom and patience galore. And most of all he loves us and we love him. Happy Birthday, Dad!

Escaping to the Mountain

Today was a very relaxing Sunday. We went to Church, had a chef's salad for lunch, went to choir, and just enjoyed the day. Rich had to go to work this afternoon as there is FEMA brewing that will take lots of time in the next few weeks and the stuff that was going on today couldn't wait - had a conference call with the government, etc. But, he was only a few hours and then home.

Today, in Sunday School, we had a discussion about Abraham and Lot. It was a great discussion - Kristy White, our instructor, is a good teacher, and of course during the discussion of leaving Sodom the idea of not looking back came up. In Genesis 19:17 it says, "And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed." Obviously Lot's wife looked back - perhaps with longing for friends and family, perhaps she just couldn't believe that Sodom could be destroyed, or perhaps she was willing to go but sad to leave her home, possessions, and way of life. How like I am to Lot's wife sometimes. When I seek to break old habits or escape the world - how often do I look back instead of forward? And the Lord gives us a great key to looking forward - he tells us to "escape to the mountain." Since the mountain is a type for holy ground, temples, church, and even our homes - then as I seek to perfect me I ought to "escape" to His home and to Him. If our eyes are on Him they can't be on the world.

Lazy Saturday

Today was a lazy day - we got up late, I worked on a quilt, watched some "Chuck" while we had a late lunch, took a nap, and watched more "Chuck" in the evening...fell asleep watching it. I knew that there would be days like this eventually when my family was at home - just didn't realize that it would come so suddenly and that it was REAL! LOL So all of my beloved that are in the thick of living fast and furious - there will be moments coming your way - they are just a way off! Love ya!

Quilts Galore

Today I pieced the top of the "quilt for kids" charity quilt. It was soooooo easy! Whew! Too bad that all quilts aren't like that one! LOL It was so nice to have it basically cut out - almost didn't feel like I did anything for it! It turned out quite cute too - a race car print with red and yellow four patches. I think whoever gets it will enjoy it.

Rich came home for lunch again today - it is becoming our little ritual. I love it. It reminds me of when we were first married and he could come home because we lived on base. It has been an easy transition...and easy on the budget as well.

Nothing much else has happened. Enjoyed the day and hope all of those we love did too.

Emily Jean Rogers

It is Emily's 4th birthday today. Once again, I can hardly believe how fast she has grown. She arrived as a very tiny bundle but with an iron will. When Desi and Mike took her home she created quite a little uproar - but she had a will to thrive and she was going to let everyone know about it! LOL
Two weeks after her birth she developed a tiny, what appeared to be a scratch, about the size of a grain of rice. However, it wasn't a scratch and it continued to grow. A few days later Desi took her to the dr. about it and we learned that it was an hemangioma - maybe several - at the front of both ears, her lip, palette, and eye. At its worst it completely closed her eye and was of grave concern. Many surgeries and dr. visits later, glasses and patching, and with lots and lots of support from mom and dad, and that iron will that Emily has - you'd hardly know that there had ever been a problem. It is truly a blessing. Back at its worst I think we all feared that the outcome might not be as good as it is today...if we could have seen today we would have rejoiced. Personally, I am very proud of her mom and dad - they have handled this with grace and tenacity - a wonderful combination of virtues!

Today Emily is smart, funny, articulate, sassy and very, very social. I say today, but the truth is she always has been those things. She loved to play games with Mike right from the beginning - they would have little "sound" matches when she was just a couple of months old and she would squeal with delight as she tried to imitate and outdo her daddy. She loves to dance and to sing - in fact one of her favorite things to do is to dance while Mike plays the piano -and when she was just two one of her favorite songs to sing was "Called to Serve."

She has quite a memory too - when she was little she could sing songs of all kinds and knew all the lyrics and finger plays - she loved to sing and do them over and over and over. She learned the alphabet it record time and just last week she called me to tell me the 1st Article of Faith!
Emily with her first pair of glasses - not even a year old! They are so cute!

Emily has always liked getting dressed up - and Halloween is especially fun for her!

This is perhaps one of my favorite pictures of her - last year at the Zoo. I guess I think it just epitomizes her "cool" factor.

She has always had a special relationship with her Great-grandfather Pehrson and Great-grandmother Bainbridge.

One of my favorite things to do with Emily has been to garden. Whenever she would come to my home she would help me weed, water, pick and eat whatever was growing - tomatoes, grapes, blackberries, raspberries, apples, squash, peas, broccoli, asparagus, beans - you name it! She lives a "high octane" sort of life but I hope she always does take the time to "smell the roses!" Happy Birthday, Em!

Daniel Dale Hamblin

Today is Dan's 29th birthday! It seems like yesterday that he came into our lives - but in other ways it is like we have always known him - I guess that is just the eternal nature of things! LOL

Dan came home from his mission in the Philippines and started attending the Denver Singles Ward. Desi, Phil, Hannah, Mike, and Cherstin were also attending the ward and they all knew one another - sort of. For a very short time Dan and Desi dated. I didn't know that they were "right" for one another - but I sure felt like Dan was one of "ours" - don't know how to express it - but just felt like he belonged to the family...but when he and Desi quit dating I felt sick - I just knew that he belonged with us. I had wanted Cherstin and him to date - but didn't see how that would happen...but happen it did and the rest is history! And what a wonderful history it has been! Cherstin and Dan were married in the Denver Temple on December 31, 2004 - are they just the most gorgeous couple?!

Shortly after they were married Dan enlisted in the U.S, Air Force. It has been a great decision and they currently live in Midwest City, Oklahoma where Dan is stationed at Tinker A.F.B. Last year he was deployed to the Middle East for four months and this is a picture of his home coming. Cherstin and the kids missed him terribly even though they were able to talk nearly every day...got to love modern technology!

One of the traits that Dan had that I just so admire is his willingness to serve and help others - and even if he would rather not do it - you would NEVER know it. His service is always with a smile and energy and cheerfulness. He never makes you feel like you are bothering him or imposing. I would like to develop that trait when I grow up! I am sure there are times when he comes home to a family of rambunctious little ones and a home that reflects it - but he just pitches in - just like he is doing here.

Dan always has fun! No matter what! He lives life with gusto and doesn't hold back any part of himself from taking advantage of an opportunity to participate and enjoy it. That too is one trait I admire - he doesn't seem to worry about looking foolish or stupid - he just has fun. And everyone around him is the benefactor!

The children had made Indian headdresses and Dan just gets into the part as "Daniel Lone Feather" - see what I mean? As a result his children and wife and everyone around him are blessed.

It seems that nearly from the moment that they married Dan has spent a lot of time with Cherstin in the hospital. In 2003-5 Cherstin really struggled to get her asthma under control. Trips to the E.R., the I. C. U., plenty of dr. visits, and even an air evacuation from Hurricane Katrina were her lot - and Dan's. But this is a photo of a happier reason for a hospital stay and now they have three of these little munchkins!

Dan has always taken his covenants seriously and as a result he has had the opportunity to bless each of his children and to provide the priesthood blessings and leadership his family needs. Here he is at the blessing of Ellie - Grandpa Bainbridge and Joey were able to be there too.

Dan loves his family - and his "bug.

Dan is spontaneous and adventurous. He has childlike curiosity and fascination (and I mean "childlike" in the most positive way - it is with an enthusiasm that makes life, learning, and doing always exciting). He is engaged in every way possible with his family. He truly loves them and is involved with them. He is a great husband and father, a marvelous example, and wonderful support and protector of his family. Thanks Dan - and have a great birthday!

Dan and Abby with a horse Dan trying out a simulated walk on the moon at the Nashville Science Museum

Hanging out with Emmett in matching hats!

Having a Ball - as always!

Mary Emma Husted

Today is Mary Emma Husted's 10th birthday. Wow! It seems like just yesterday that she was born - and No! the above picture is NOT Mary - rather it is Ruth. Now, in typical non techy fashion, I am limited to what I know how to do to post pictures here and I only know how to get them from the kid's blog - and Wanda had posted this one of Ruth holding a picture of Bekah to show their similarities at the same age and had mused that she knew Mary would probably even be a closer match if that were possible - but that she didn't have a picture of Mary at that age readily available (it is probably a digital image somewhere but she didn't know just where). So - I agree that Mary would even be a closer match - but just as Wanda and Cherstin were often referred to as "delayed twins" - so could Mary and Ruth! Those curly blond locks, lively eyes, and infectious smile are so similar as to be the same - and somehow - some way - Mary I will learn how to post from a actual photo for your next birthday! LOL

Mary is #4 in the Husted brood of 9. I remember when Wanda and Robert shared that they would be having a little girl and that they were going to name her Mary. I wasn't sure about the name - I knew there were many reasons for the name (her Great Grandma's name was Mary, Mary - the Savior's mom, etc.) but it seemed kind of old fashioned. But then Mary was born - it fit her perfectly. I have often thought since of how much Mary must be like the Savior's mom - without guile, fairer than all, able to love perfectly and always ready to forgive and to serve. It is the perfect name for Mary.

Mary has always had a gentle peace about her and a style of her own. She is unassuming and generous of spirit. And downright gorgeous!

She naturally loves. Often she is caring and playing with younger children - just as she is here with Ruth and Abby.

She "sparkles" at whatever she is doing and makes you feel good too. She loves books, stuffed animals, jumping on the tramp, riding bicycles, playing tag and hide and seek. She loves to swim and play with friends, cousins, and family. She enjoys computer games, is a great student, and loves achievement days. Happy Birthday Mary!!!!

April 2009

The month of April last year was pretty quiet in comparison to some of the other months of the year! LOL We spent much of the month just hanging out at parks, shopping, doing laundry, and enjoying having Cherstin and Abby and Emmett with us - the time for them to head home was fast approaching and we wanted to savor this time before it slipped into the past. Cherstin worked really hard to provide the children with learning opportunities and time out of the tiny apartment...her stoplight cookies (the kids made them) are an example of her creativity.

Abby and Emmett loved getting out of the apartment and going to the laundry room. They were always wanting to help put the coins in the machines and it certainly was a way to occupy some very active and curious little ones LOL.

Cherstin's birthday came this month and so did Easter. Abby and Emmett loved hunting for the eggs and baskets! Rich and I had a blast watching them hunt. Abby really got it - Emmett not so much - but he had fun anyway!

As the month started to come to an end and we knew that I would be heading back to Oklahoma with Cherstin to be with Dan Rich and I thought it would be nice to head down to South Carolina for a memory trip. It ended up being our memories more than Cherstin's - although there were some things she had recall of. We dropped down into Charleston and went to Boone Hall Plantation where they were having a Strawberry Festival. The kids went on some rides and we went on a wagon ride around the plantation and then picked some awfully yummy strawberries. We also thought the kids would enjoy the trip out to Fort Sumter - especially the boat ride. I think they did enjoy it - but I think they enjoyed going to the beach more! LOL

We drove into Sumter, had dinner at a new Outback there. Tried to go to church - but they were having Stake Conference somewhere - who knows where? And we finally came home - knowing that our time with them was coming to an end.

At the end of the month I drove out to Oklahoma with Cherstin and the kids. They travelled so well - but why wouldn't they at this point? They had literally been from one end of the country to the other both directions! LOL They were so glad to be home. I knew they would be even more excited in a few days to have Daddy home. Cherstin and I found a hair salon and got our hair cut, she had another OB appointment, and then it was time for me to fly home. You don't always have an opportunity like this one - so you grab it when you can!

The Weekend

Carlie and Joey and their little ones did indeed come for the weekend. What a blessing it is to have them so close. It was so wonderful to have them. I want to cherish these times because you never know when it will change and then it will be different again.(:

They didn't get in until late (nearly midnight) on Friday and of course the kids wanted to explore and talk and it took a little bit for them to get settled for the night - and Levi was really wired and Reah was tired of being in her car seat and sleeping - so we (the adults) had some time to catch up. I think those times are some of my favorite times in life - you know? It is talking and sharing and connecting in ways that are satisfying. And you always know you should be going to bed or doing something "important" - but those times are too precious and so you don't - you just savor them.

On Saturday we slept in. Had pancakes for breakfast, went to Knoxville (to the scout shop, Earth Fare for turmeric, Red Robin for a very late lunch, and to Target for a TV stand), and came home. We had thought that we would try getting in a movie - but didn't manage that one. Joey put together our TV stand (he did and awesome job) and then we watched a couple of movies - especially "Temple Grandin." I think it is such an inspiring movie and autism touches their little family is such a personal way with cousins so affected by this baffling and difficult disorder.

On Sunday Gideon and Glory stayed home from church - Gideon has a cough that makes him sound like a seal or an otter LOL. However - the only one that stayed for all the meetings was Rich - the rest of us came home and Joey made lunch while I made sugar cookie dough and put meats to marinade for supper. While I went to choir Carlie helped the children make the cookies. When I got home we started supper, ate (Uncle Bob came over and joined us). we watched "FireFox," and then became alerted to bad weather forecasts for Monday. Joey and Rich investigated and Joey decided that even though it was 10:30 at night they needed to leave as soon as possible. So while they packed up I made frosting for the cookies and the kids frosted them - and we had a prayer - and they left :( I was so sad to have them leave. I so enjoyed having them come - but I am also so glad that they left - they had pretty good roads all the way home - which is not what would have happened had they waited until today as we woke to about 4 inches of snow this morning and they had about 9!

Another thing that I am so grateful for - and I don't think we even think about the miracle of weather forecasting - really - just to be able to turn on a computer and have knowledge about what is happening so far away - in real time - is just amazing! And then to know what is coming - that is truly miraculous! I was thinking about this in relation to the 2 Nephi 28:7-9 scripture that says, "Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us...." We have living prophets, the scriptures, and the Holy Ghost who are all warning of the dangers of not clinging to the "iron rod" - they are like the satellites and meteorologists that warn of the dangerous conditions that "will" exist but if we don't heed them we put ourselves in real danger. So many are saying, "Eat, drink, be merry..." but it is foolish not to heed the warnings of those who have the knowledge and responsibility to warn and teach. Gratefully Joey and Carlie packed up their little family and headed for safety - then - and continue to do so even now. I am grateful that each of my children are doing the same to protect their families too.

Isn't it odd that as a society we are more worried about "global warming" than the "fire and damnation" (that's real heat LOL) that is truly coming? Today Rich and I just enjoyed having time together and we watched "Chuck." In one of the episodes Chuck and Sarah are to pose as husband and wife - and he tells his sister that they are house sitting for a week as a cover. His sister gets so excited that their "relationship" is going to have a "test run." Here is this thoroughly entertaining little series - yet woven throughout are the "vain and foolish doctrines of men." In fact - when did Heavenly Father and His Son and His counsels and commandments become something to be derided and mocked? "O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. and they shall perish. But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God." I am so grateful for true weathermen!

Rich had a rough night last night...don't know if he is coming down with what I had or if it is just a fluke or what. As I thought about it this morning I thought maybe they might come here so I called Carlie and told her what was going on and asked her if she thought it might be possible for them to come here instead...I know that is a lot more inconvenient and difficult and expensive...but she said she would talk to Joey...but "yeah, I'd like that." I haven't heard from her yet. I know that she has dr. appointments for the kids this morning...but I am hopeful.



When I came downstairs I found Rich sleeping sitting up. As I rustled papers for the trash he woke and I told him what I had done - he said, "I'll be okay. Let's just go." But it was said in such a way that I do hope Joey and Carlie can come here instead. He's probably right and everything is just fine and I am just being a worrywort...but somehow I don't seem to be able to get November out of my mind and I want the assurance of having his doctors near...am I a boob or what?????

Tech Challenged

Okay - Dan received some wonderful recognitions at his Airman Leadership School graduation and I have tried to post my congratulations there 4 times - to no avail. So, Dan, we are so proud of you. We always knew that you would succeed at whatever you do. WTG!

Spent the day trying to finish up loose ends. We are heading out to Joey and Carlie's early in the morning and I want to have some things done. Still need to water flowers and vacuum but laundry is done along with dishes and other housekeeping chores.

Rich and I are both looking forward to getting out of town - hoping to have great roads and it sure will be fun to see our little ones in Ohio...the only thing better is knowing that the kids have kind of settled on the family reunion being here at Thanksgiving. We're thinking of renting one of the lodges in the Smokies. Wanda has checked with Hannah - they are cleared. Desi has checked with Dan and they are too. I think Joey and Carlie will be okay - we'll talk with this this weekend. And that leave Felicia - she should be graduated - and maybe in graduate school - that could be dicey - or with a new job - but we'll just have to work with things. I'll talk to her after we talk to Joey. We're going to have family t-shirts, a family foto, and a family cookbook. Those are settled - and now there's lots more to consider...it'll be so much fun. Have I said how much I love these wonderful people. The scriptures talk about "exquisite joy" and I think that is what I feel. It is joy that is just too big, too deep, too wonderful to express or contain. It is that joy I have for my family. I just love each one "exquisitely!"

Feeling Better

Got up this morning and still didn't feel well but as the day went on I felt better and better. It reminded me of what my mom used to say when we would wake up and say we didn't feel well. She would say, "Have some breakfast, take and aspirin and go to school. You'll probably feel better in a little while." We used to complain that she had no compassion and no heart! LOL But she was usually right and I know that she knew that if it was really illness we would be calling home - but if it was just the "blahs" we would soon forget about them as the busyness of the day came on - and she was right!

The weather was cold today. It didn't really climb out of the 20's. Both Rich and I are looking forward to some spring. I think the people in D.C., Pennsylvania, New York, etc. are thinking that too. They have been blasted with snow storms just a couple of days apart and have totals nearing 3-4 feet as of today in some of the areas. So much for "global warming!" Joey says that he has a good three feet on the edges of his drive way - but that is also from having shoveled it. I think winter has worn out its welcome where they are concerned too - our little desert rats have had a rude awakening! LOL

Rich came home from mutual tonight and said that we might as well head to Joey's on Friday. I was kind of surprised as I know that he really enjoys being with his Deacons and they are going to the shooting range for their rifle shooting merit badge on Saturday. However, they are in good hands and maybe it is good for him to not be in the thick of things just yet - I remember how the 4th of July would set Cherstin's asthma off - I want his health to go forward - not back!

Desi called to gloat this afternoon. She has already pieced her "quilt for kids" quilt. Said it took her about 4 hours she would guess. I need to get mine going but I need to roll these other couple of ones out first. Maybe tomorrow I will be able to do that now that I am feeling better. We'll see. I sure hope so.

Not Even Moving

Wow! Whatever this is (my illness?) has really knocked me out. I can't even describe anything that is all that bad - throat isn't sore, not achy like a flu, just sheer exhaustion, a headache that nothing touches (I don't know whether it is sinus or migraine or what), and joint pain in every joint - it took two hands for me to fill a pan of water and move it to the stove (only 1 2/3 cups of water in it) - the pain in my wrists is searing and I nearly dropped the thing!

I didn't wake up until 10, took a three hour nap at 2:30, and was asleep again on the couch during the evening. If this continues I guess I will be visiting my PCP.

On the bright side - my Civil War block is done!

Movin' Slowly

I woke this morning feeling a little better. I am always surprised that I can sleep some more after having slept all day. And, I even took another nap this afternoon - just can't seem to call this DONE! Although, my joints are feeling better than they have in days - my wrists, fingers, elbows, shoulders, knees, hips, ankles, toes, back - heck! What else is left?

I worked a very little bit on my Civil War block and a very little bit on my enbroidered block - but really didn't get much accomplished - just moving too slowly.

Desi called this evening - Mordecai had thrown up (that isn't new) but this time there was blood in it. She called her dr. and has been given things to watch for...I really like her pediatrician but I am not really happy with how long poor little Mord has been doing all the vomiting and having the bowel problems. He (along with everyone else) will definitely be in my prayers tonight.

Felicia called too - she just sent out her resumes on Saturday for potential internships and this morning she got called for an interview. Way to go Flee-Bob!

Well I am heading to bed -can't believe I am still tired! If I make as much progress tomorrow as I did today I should be much better! At least I hope so. To all my beloved - please sleep tight and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I sure didn't feel very good today. I can't get warm and my head and throat are throbbing. The last thing I want is for Rich to get this!

I have slept and slept and slept. Hope that means I will be better tomorrow! Wanda called this evening and she had a bad cold. She stayed home today too. Get better Ree!

Food Storage

This morning Rich and I got up early and headed to Fort Campbell in Kentucky so that we could go to the commissary there. It was a very long drive, a very long time in the commissary, and a very long trip home - 13 hours in all - but very much worth it I think. We stocked up on canned goods, meats, and other staples. I really don't have a clue about how much food storage we have - but we are doing pretty well I think.

We also stopped at Costco on the way home - I sure love Costo! I am not a Sam's fan but I really like Costco - wish there was one closer. We also had lunch a Jack in the Box. I wish there was one of them closer too.

After we got perishables put away we settled in for a movie that we had recorded off of HBO called Temple Grandin. It was really good. Based on the true story of Temple Grandin who is a professor in Animal Science and has autism. I sure would like Felicia to see it and Suzanne and Nathan too.

Well, I am heading to bed - can't get warm - thinking I don't feel really well - maybe I am coming down with something...hope not.

I worked on quilts today....seems like I do that a lot. I am still in the "incubation" phase with Kathy's - I just don't feel really settled about it - so I am sitting on it. So, I thought I would do the "block of the month" for my Civil War quilt - but there is a reason that you follow the directions - and I didn't so it is taking much longer than I thought it would LOL.

Rich and I went to lunch at the Soup Kitchen - a quaint little lunch place here that gets tons of business and serves homemade soups and breads. It was nice to get out...I've been trying to fix meals and have us eat at home - both for nutrition and for costs - so this was a nice break.

This evening we watched tv and I worked on a quilt - got to love it!

Dad and Quilts for Kids

I talked to Mike tonight about Dad. Dad had called me and I got the whole "Shauna?" thing again LOL. However, he didn't seem as distant and disconnected as he was last night. Mike said that Dad had called him early this morning and told Mike that he needed help and asked him if he would help him. Of course Mike told him he would be right there. As it turns out Dad had been up most of the night with urinary tract problems and by early morning I think he knew he had to have help. Mike told him that one of the medications that he had refused to buy the day before was to help with the urinary problems. Dad then asked Mike if he would go buy it for him. Yea! Isn't that so like most of us? When things are going pretty well we think we can get by - but when the problems return it is a whole different story LOL. By afternoon Dad was feeling much better and things should be on the upside if he will continue to take his meds. However, taking his meds is not as easy as it seems. Mike doles out his medications in the weekly containers in hopes that Dad can keep things straight - but that is continuing to prove very difficult - so Mike or Shauna have been trying to get in there every morning to ensure that he gets them. Bless them.

Mike is also concerned with Dad having been off the aricept for these few weeks - we hope that memory and cognitive function return (at least to the state before he came off the meds) but we just don't know for sure. Mike told him he couldn't drive today and that caused him to be a little frustrated. I know when I talked with Dad he admitted that his driving "isn't what it used to be" but I don't know that he is aware of how impaired it is. Truly we are going to be facing some hard decisions soon.

We are expecting a winter storm tonight, tomorrow and Saturday. We had thought that we would head up to spend some time with Joey and Carlie this weekend (actually we were planning on going to a commissary and the nearest one is about 2 1/2 - 3 hours away and so we reasoned that if we were going to drive that far we might as well drive an addition 2 1/2 hours and see them - I know - that is such Bainbridge reasoning, huh?). But with the storm and the weather north is supposed to be even worse and for just 1 1/2 days? So, upon looking over the calendar we discover that next week is a 3 day weekend for Rich (President's Day) and so we're changing our plans and going then. Maybe I'll get the quilt done!

Speaking of quilts - Last Friday I went to a quilt store in Knoxville and the owner asked me if I wanted to see a quilt - when don't I? She took me to the counter and there was a gal there with 3 quilts (child size) that she had pieced and the owner had quilted on the store long arm. They were cute kids quilts. What was remarkable was the fact that she had received the fabric and pattern from a charitable organization called Quilts for Kids and it is teamed with Downy Fabric Softener. This organization is trying to provide quilts for children and hospitals throughout the United States and they have organizations that provide the funds for the fabrics but need quilters. I signed up on Saturday via e-mail and I received a kit on Tuesday. I put this out there because I know that there are times when we want to help and we have a half hour a day but that doesn't seem like much time to be really "charitable" but a half hour a day would complete one of these quilts in a week or two. This is a great way to provide service, hone skills, and spread the word through our friends and families, even church groups or friends...I got to thinking that I could do one for the church humanitarian projects with some of my quilt stash the same way and double my efforts. If anyone is interested you can go to http://www.quiltsforkids.org/ to check it out. I'll post a photo when I am done with my quilt. Hey! Bekah and Rachel, Joseph and Gideon - you guys could even do this! :)

Cunundrums

I spent most of the entire day doing my quilt - got the first border on but am not so satisfied now. I think it's not long enough and that I need to add another couple of rows...darn...I am going to have to let this sit for a day or so and see what I think...that is how I work sometimes.

I tried talking to Dad again today. He is going downhill fast. I can just feel it. I told him I would come out and get him and he retorted, "You don't need to do that! I can get there myself!" I know that he would like to think so - but I don't think he could now. He called me the other day and said, "Shauna?" I responded that it was me and asked him how he was - to which he told me that he would hang up because he didn't want to run up my phone bill. I told him that he had called me and he said, "Really?" Then he hung up. They have taken him off the aricept because of some possible side effects and Mike says that he can really see a sharp decline in just those two weeks. Yesterday they put him back on the exelon patch - I am hoping it helps. He is back to having difficulty with distinguishing the phone from the tv remote and can't always tell which phone is the one he is using. Getting old is no fun - and I think this is particularly hard. I would love to have him come and I make the most sense - but as intensely modest and private as he is I don't know how much he will let me help - but without bringing him here I will never know. As soon as they get the medications stabilized I think I will head out there and investigate the situation.

I really wonder how much of this was already happening early on - years ago. I, along with everyone else in the family, just thought that it was his hearing. But I am having some serious doubts now - not that it matters much. I think of Mom and all that Dad was trying to do to care for her - and he was very devoted. But she accused him of forgetting her once and that really bothered him when she passed away. I attributed that to Mom just being so sick - but now I wonder - I just wonder. I don't want him to be alone any more than he has to and I am beginning to be afraid for his safety. Mike and Shauna and Tristen and really everyone there are angels - but the time is quickly coming that he can't live by himself. Yet, I wonder what moving him here will do to him - will it be like what happened to my Grandma when we moved her to Aunt Juanita's? It just seemed to accelerate the decline. I just don't know. It is times like these that I wish I had my own Urim and Thummin!

One Penny

I have been thinking about "little things" lately. I had been in line at the store when a gentleman ahead of me pulled out of his pocket some change. When he did many of the coins went rolling and he and I quickly bent down to retrieve them. The quarters and nickels and dimes were picked up first. As all the "big stuff" was collected he was less concerned about the pennies. I was still trying to collect them when he just waved his hand saying, "don't worry about them." I have thought about that on and off, wondering if that is kind of a type for what is happening in our country now.

When I was a young child my Mom would often see a penny or some other coin on the ground and encourage me to "see a penny, pick it up...all the rest o' the day good luck" (it went something like that LOL) or "a penny saved is a penny earned." And a penny was worth something back then - a candy bar probably twice the size of our current .89 bars was only a nickel (I say probably twice the size because I can twice remember candy makers cutting their sizes). The premium candy bars - Mounds, Snickers, Milky Way, etc. were a dime. An individual sized bag of chips or Fritos was a dime, as was Twinkies or Fruit Pies. I remember my Mom and Dad buying gasoline at the corner gas station where the station attendant checked your oil, washed your windows, and filled the car while you paid .19 a gallon. A first class stamp was .04. Milk was about .20 a half gallon, as I recall. And my folks paid $10,000 for their home. When we moved to Germany in 1966 my Dad earned $600 a month - and we thought that was wonderful.


When Rich and I first married we bought a new car - his was a stick shift and I didn't know how to drive it - a 1973 Ford Maverick. It was a great car. We called it "Morty" - don't ask me why - we just did LOL. But we paid about $3000 for him. The hotel we stayed in, in Oklahoma City on our way to South Carolina, (it was a nice hotel) cost us $12 - that is compared to the DIVE we stayed in the first night we got married that cost us $7 - it was a dollar extra because we chose a TV! (We actually had to go down to the manager's office and roll the tv back to our room - and - oddly enough I don't think we even turned it on! LOL) Our first home in 1975 cost us $26,000. Having a baby cost $600 - that was the cost of the hospital, anesthesiologist, physician, everything for an average 3 day stay. If it was a complicated birth requiring a C-section, the price went up to $1000. You paid those costs over the course of your prenatal care so that when the baby was due everything was taken care of. Most people didn't have insurance - that was just the way things were done.


Obviously prices have risen over the course of my life - a penny or two at a time. However, I was around when the super-inflation of the 1970's - 80's hit. It wasn't pretty then. We bought our first home at 8% interest. We bought our next one 3 1/2 years later at 11% - it had climbed from 9% to that 11% in the time it took us to build it - we sold it without ever moving in - the interest rate made the payments prohibitive. We found a home in Salt Lake that qualified for an FHA 235 loan at the 11% rate but the government program subsidized the interest which allowed us to once again purchase a home. A few months later people in our neighborhood moved in and ended up having loans at 17 and 18%. Then people started to lose their jobs and the market faltered. Many of the homes in our neighborhood were foreclosed on and families struggled to make it during that time.

While those times were no where near as bad as that of the depression - they were difficult. I am afraid for what very well may be ahead of us now. President Obama came out with the budget for 2011 - a whopping $3.83 TRILLION budget! That is at least $1.27 TRILLION more than the government will take in, with taxes on everything conceivable item and activity and assumptions that will be nearly impossible to meet. Nearly 4 TRILLION dollars - how many pennies is that????? I am very anxious that the debt that is being incurred and the spending that is spiraling out of control is going to bring us to an economic disaster that will make the depression look like a mild downturn.

When Elder Oaks came to our Stake in Westminster to change the Stake Presidency he talked to us very candidly about the economy. He urged us all to get our food storage, get out of debt, learn how to garden and put in fruit trees, berries, and nuts, learn how to sew and repair homes and cars. He talked about inflation and how much of our (the U.S.) debt is held by foreign countries (especially China). As he spoke I remembered being in Germany and my brothers and I found a 1,000,000 DM note and being so excited - we thought we had just won the lottery LOL - but my Dad told us that the money was worthless. We couldn't really understand how that could be. He then gave us a small economics lesson and told us that during the height of that inflationary period a wheelbarrow full of 1,000,000 DM notes couldn't buy a loaf of bread. We just couldn't wrap our minds around that. He then cautioned us that that time would come again and to make matters worse there might actually be nothing to buy with our money either. As I write this my mind floats back over our trip to East Germany with the kids and giving them the $10 to spend however they wanted - and there was NOTHING to buy!

What are we doing to ourselves?????? And to make matters worse we are hamstringing ourselves with bureaucratic red tape, regulations, and law suits that strangle the spirit out of us - it boxes us in, crippling us so that we can move quickly enough to the quickly ever changing market forces that are now global in scope instead of just national or local. Why take the risks to start a business or expand one if you have a hassle on every side or will be sued or pay everything back in taxes? This is crazy!

I just can't understand why we need a Department of Education, and EPA, the EEOC... The layers and layer of bureaucracy, waste, and money - who are we joking? We are bankrupt! We have been borrowing from the Chinese and they don't even want to underwrite our debt now! You don't keep spending when you don't have it! You can make a case for any of the programs or expenses that the government is doing - but that isn't the test. There are precious few things that our constitution calls for...the rest are nice...but not essential! And if it isn't essential - WE DON'T NEED IT!!! WE CAN'T AFFORD IT!!!!


I have been reading Sarah Pallin's book, "Going Rogue." I like one of the attitudes that is so on display in it - she talks about the sacred trust of "the people's money" and how she wanted everyone in her administration in Alaska to remember that this wasn't just money that grew on trees or that just came out of an ATM - it was the hard earned dollars and CENTS of the people. It reminded me of when I was Stake Relief Society President - I had gone with my Stake President to a training meeting in San Diego where we learned about church welfare. I was impressed with a statistic that the General Authority gave us about how well managed the Lord's funds were - at that time they believed that our Bishops throughout the Church were benevolently caring for the poor but were mindful that these were the sacred funds of the Lord and that there was only about a 3% waste. How sad that Washington, D.C. and our state and local governments don't seem to even recognize the sacred trust that they hold! It is like they think there is some kind of account that just magically fills for whatever pet project or whim they have!


Perhaps even more scary is what as happened to us - one little thing at a time - one little attitude at a time. Quickly we have come to believe that it is the government's role to provide cars, houses, daycare, healthcare, education, jobs for our citizens.... More and more we have come to believe that we can't do these things for ourselves. And, we have become more and more complacent and willing to just turn over our money as our contribution. More and more we have turned over our sovereignty, our free will, to act for ourselves, to choose what we will do. We are becoming enslaved and we will rue the day that we bought the lie that government could do these things for us better or easier than we can do for ourselves.

Every year in Seminary you have the opportunity to teach about the Lord's plan, the United Order, the law of consecration. Every year you have an opportunity to expose Satan's counterfeit plans of socialism, communism, and fascism that have been introduced (usually just about the same time as the Lord's plan is being introduced) and to show the differences between them and teach about the outcomes. I just didn't ever think that I would see such a naked attempt to bring about these counterfeit plans in our own country so quickly and be so promoted and adored by so many of our citizens. I feel like I'm living in the twilight zone!

Our government, that was inspired by the Lord for this promised land, has been corrupted and is now promoting the coveting of our neighbor's property and if our neighbor has the good sense to want to hang on to his money and property (believing that he earned it and it is his to do as he chooses) our government is trying to smear him with lies and falsehoods - and if that doesn't work they are advocating the outright theft of his goods! And what is so appalling is that so many are taken in by the lies - they are actually believing that it isn't "fair" for someone to have more than another! How is it possible that we have sunk this low this fast? It wasn't that long ago that everyone I knew believed in an honest days work for an honest days pay, helping someone in need, that you got ahead in life by working hard and doing your best - being prepared for the opportunities when they came your way, being honest, the little things - that if you saved the pennies then the dollars would follow.

Perhaps that is one of the problems in our current situation - the numbers are just so huge that you get to the point that you just can't believe that one penny is all that important. But it is.

This evening Rich and I took out the people (a single gent and a single lady and in their early 70's -neither act like it) on our home teaching list to supper. When we first met them last year we thought they ought to get to know one another and this proved a great time to do that. It turned out to be quite an enjoyable evening - not nearly as awkward as I thought it might be. Both of them have children - hers are in Virginia, Indiana, and here, his are here and in Knoxville, and of course we are empty nesters too.

I can readily see how difficult it is to get a single adult program off the ground. The responsibilities and ties that we have to those we are intimately involved with are still extremely important and we want to take every opportunity we can to be with and for them. Unfortunately however, there are many long hours and days with little to occupy one's mind or time unless one chooses to overcome the barriers of age, illness, finances, transportation, etc. and to get involved. I think back to a talk I heard at conference a long time ago - can't remember who even talked about this (except I think it was a Sister - so maybe R.S.) - who was talking about self reliance and mentioned that one of the best things that we can do is to develop talents, hobbies, and interests that we enjoy doing and that can be done independent of those we love or of other people. It made good sense to me then (and I was a middle aged mom) but having a desire to do things was not a problem - time and money was. But as I move more solidly into this next phase of life I can more appreciate the wisdom of this counsel. Again, time and money are factors - but I certainly have MUCH more time than I did just a couple of years ago (an money too) and I have tons of things that interest me and I like to do - now the quest is to safeguard health so that I can engage in these for as long as I choose.

Time - that elusive commodity. So easily wasted. So easily wished away. So precious. I guess the same questions about our use of time are appropriate for any age. What are we doing of value with this very precious gift? Are we choosing to help and lift another or are we engaged in time-wasting activities that have little return on our investment? Are we improving ourselves, anxiously engaged, or are we just going with the flow?

I remember watching a moving a long time ago - it had Meryl Streep in it (I think) - called "Defending Your Life." In some ways it was quite thought provoking - it was about a couple of people who had died and now were engaged in reviewing and defending their lives. Both my Mom and Rich's Mom had reached points in their lives when they "were ready to go." Both expressed satisfaction with their lives - and I wonder if that says something to me about my life - I have too many things I need and want to do and I wonder if I would be satisfied with my choices - or if I would have lots of regrets - not so much about what I have done - but what I should have done or wished I had done...it just seems that there is so much that can and should be done...and I sometimes wonder (and perhaps I ought to ask this question always LOL) what Heavenly Father would have me do...would He be proud...what did I turn away from because it was too hard, I was too tired, or lazy, or self-centered, or proud, or I just didn't see a way to accomplish it and I didn't think to ask Him how? Ahhhhh...these melancholy moments! Live so that there are NO REGRETS!

On a lighter note - yesterday the tv was on and Rich was half heartedly listening to an old Alfred Hitchcock program. Anyone reading this is way to old to remember him...but the series was a staple in homes across America in the late 50's and early 60's. It was usually pretty entertaining and had a twist in each program. But what sparked my memory was the drawing of him at the close of the show - it is a line drawing - a cariacture really - easily depicting his rotundness - he was obese. Well, when my brother, Mike, was about 4-ish he thought that he would give my mom a compliment. He told her that she had a "head just like a basketball." After a while I guess he thought that had not come out quite like he thought it would and so he told her that she "had a bottom just like a drum." Mom knew that he was trying his best to be complimentary - but she didn't anticipate that her less than enthusiastic appreciation for his compliments would bother him so much that he kept trying to find ways that expressed all the love he was feeling until he told her, "Mom, you look just like Alfred Hitchcock!" Oh Mike - you need to learn to stop when you're ahead! Kids really do say the darndest things! LOL