In my congregation I am currently teaching an adult Sunday school class each week. This year the focus has been the Old Testament. I have enjoyed the assignment more than I thought I would. While we were covering the "children's bible stories" like Noah and Jonah, I really enjoyed them. But looking ahead I was terrified about the Isaiah lessons. I don't read a lot of symbolic stuff well, and so much of his writing was Messianic or symbolic in some way. I worried that I would prove myself a fraud of a teacher once we got to that book.
Well, I'm nearly done with 5 weeks of Isaiah lessons. I may very well be a fraud, but I have learned a lot. Mostly I learned just how important Isaiah's words are to the world today--he wrote for our time often, and nearly always it was to prophecy about the Savior's doings and promises in the last days.
One week we studied the imagery Isaiah uses to teach us of Christ. Breaking it down like that was comforting and filled me a new level of love for Isaiah--and the Savior.
The next week the lesson focused on the qualities of Jesus Christ, insomuch that we need to learn of Him and try to be like Him. Isaiah love the Lord. He must have known Him, else how could he teach us so clearly.
There are other lessons coming yet, but overall I think this has helped me to learn that while I might at first balk at an assignment I receive, if I do my best in fulfilling it, I am blessed beyond my ability--and loved through it all. And really, there isn't much more I could ask for in that vein.
Showing posts with label #52 Stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #52 Stories. Show all posts
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Sunday, October 21, 2018
#52 Stories--Story #51
For some reason, I am not seeing the first two #52 stories posts I made more than a year ago. Since I missed a few Sundays this month, I'd like to close out the month with a couple of "maverick topic" posts, to fill the gap.
In the October General Conference earlier this month, President Russell M. Nelson invited the sisters of our church to participate in a 10 social media fast--to leave the social media platforms and focus on what was real, what mattered, and see what we could learn from the experiment.
I did a 7 day fast earlier this summer, and found that I missed wishing people a happy birthday--as Facebook will remind me of birthdays. I missed a nephew's last minute elopement/marriage in the park because they only announced it on Facebook. But I also missed the negativity--especially the politically centered stuff that makes me crazy. I missed time tuned out from my family, friends and loved ones and from reality. I found I had more patience--even with myself. I had more time--without the fillers of Facebook or Instagram--because I wasn't filling my time, I was choosing to use it instead.
This time was a little different. I have been working on my own social media Kindness Campaign this year. Each day, since the first of January, I have posted a photo or quote or thought that encourages kindness knowing that at the end of the year I would create a little book with these little images as a record of my own thoughts and efforts this year to show more kindness. It is a daily reminder to me of what I want to be--and what I try to be each day. The daily reminders have helped me, and I have had lovely friends mention that they enjoy the little uplifting posts too.
Being off IG and FB, I missed that daily reminder. I pre-posted 10 quotes so I'd meet my 365 goal, but it didn't feel the same. when I do it daily, I find I spend the time to think of what quote I want to use--each day. The time spent thinking about it is as helpful to my quest as the posting of them. I missed that without the daily visit to IG.
I also missed the public support, sharing, encouraging, uplifting and ministering that can happen when good people reach out to help and comfort others who share their struggles and triumphs on Facebook or Instagram.
A very dear friend lost her brother the night I began my social media fast. I know she and her sister posted photos and feelings and fears those first few days as they tried to process and grapple with the new normal they would face with his little family. I missed being there "virtually" for her and for them. I still communicated via text or phone that week, but sometimes it is comforting to scroll through a news feed and reread the comments or prayers of those who love you and know you are suffering.
Overall, I think the "goodness" or "badness" of social media is how we use it. This year has taught me how powerful it can be for good, if that is how I choose to use it. And I DO! I choose to use it for good. I want to share my love of Jesus Christ, His Gospel, and what joy it brings me with those I "virtually" associate with on the world wide web. It might be just one small thing, but it is one more good thing that otherwise wouldn't be there if I didn't do it.
Joseph Smith once said "Happiness is the design and object of our existence and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and that path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness,and keeping the commandments of God." If I can spread a little of that kind of happiness and the path that leads to it, even on social media, I think those platforms rise a little bit from the degradation and wickedness they would otherwise inhabit. And even Jesus had to go where the sinners were to reach them. And aren't we all sinners?
In the October General Conference earlier this month, President Russell M. Nelson invited the sisters of our church to participate in a 10 social media fast--to leave the social media platforms and focus on what was real, what mattered, and see what we could learn from the experiment.
I did a 7 day fast earlier this summer, and found that I missed wishing people a happy birthday--as Facebook will remind me of birthdays. I missed a nephew's last minute elopement/marriage in the park because they only announced it on Facebook. But I also missed the negativity--especially the politically centered stuff that makes me crazy. I missed time tuned out from my family, friends and loved ones and from reality. I found I had more patience--even with myself. I had more time--without the fillers of Facebook or Instagram--because I wasn't filling my time, I was choosing to use it instead.
This time was a little different. I have been working on my own social media Kindness Campaign this year. Each day, since the first of January, I have posted a photo or quote or thought that encourages kindness knowing that at the end of the year I would create a little book with these little images as a record of my own thoughts and efforts this year to show more kindness. It is a daily reminder to me of what I want to be--and what I try to be each day. The daily reminders have helped me, and I have had lovely friends mention that they enjoy the little uplifting posts too.
Being off IG and FB, I missed that daily reminder. I pre-posted 10 quotes so I'd meet my 365 goal, but it didn't feel the same. when I do it daily, I find I spend the time to think of what quote I want to use--each day. The time spent thinking about it is as helpful to my quest as the posting of them. I missed that without the daily visit to IG.
I also missed the public support, sharing, encouraging, uplifting and ministering that can happen when good people reach out to help and comfort others who share their struggles and triumphs on Facebook or Instagram.
A very dear friend lost her brother the night I began my social media fast. I know she and her sister posted photos and feelings and fears those first few days as they tried to process and grapple with the new normal they would face with his little family. I missed being there "virtually" for her and for them. I still communicated via text or phone that week, but sometimes it is comforting to scroll through a news feed and reread the comments or prayers of those who love you and know you are suffering.
Overall, I think the "goodness" or "badness" of social media is how we use it. This year has taught me how powerful it can be for good, if that is how I choose to use it. And I DO! I choose to use it for good. I want to share my love of Jesus Christ, His Gospel, and what joy it brings me with those I "virtually" associate with on the world wide web. It might be just one small thing, but it is one more good thing that otherwise wouldn't be there if I didn't do it.
Joseph Smith once said "Happiness is the design and object of our existence and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and that path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness,and keeping the commandments of God." If I can spread a little of that kind of happiness and the path that leads to it, even on social media, I think those platforms rise a little bit from the degradation and wickedness they would otherwise inhabit. And even Jesus had to go where the sinners were to reach them. And aren't we all sinners?
Sunday, October 7, 2018
#52 Stories--Story #50
Do you feel your beliefs and values are shared by most people you are surrounded with each day? Or do your beliefs set you apart from those around you? What is that like?
Generally I feel like most people around me each day believe in a similar vein as I do. For the most part, many are members of my faith--coworkers are also fellow members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints--that is just a fact of where I live at the moment. But not everyone is as converted as I feel I am to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
At my new job at the dealership there are many who no longer practice our faith in their daily lives. But I think they generally believe it--it is just too much work to live it. That is okay. I try to live in a way that is accepting of those around me but I try to live what I believe and in that attempt I try to be an example of happiness that comes from living the restore gospel of Jesus Christ. I never want to have other feel I am pressuring them to live as I believe, but I certainly encourage other to live what they believe. There is room for all of us.
I hope those around me feel the love I know our Heavenly Father has for them. That by my acceptance and support they will feel His love and acceptance. That is the hope, though I may not live it perfectly yet.
Generally I feel like most people around me each day believe in a similar vein as I do. For the most part, many are members of my faith--coworkers are also fellow members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints--that is just a fact of where I live at the moment. But not everyone is as converted as I feel I am to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
At my new job at the dealership there are many who no longer practice our faith in their daily lives. But I think they generally believe it--it is just too much work to live it. That is okay. I try to live in a way that is accepting of those around me but I try to live what I believe and in that attempt I try to be an example of happiness that comes from living the restore gospel of Jesus Christ. I never want to have other feel I am pressuring them to live as I believe, but I certainly encourage other to live what they believe. There is room for all of us.
I hope those around me feel the love I know our Heavenly Father has for them. That by my acceptance and support they will feel His love and acceptance. That is the hope, though I may not live it perfectly yet.
Sunday, September 30, 2018
#52 Stories--Story #49
What were your best years in school and why? Did you have a great circle of friends, wonderful teachers, curriculum that interested you, involvement in clubs, or teams?
I had a great time in junior high and high school. I know so many people HATED junior high., but I really had a great time there. And high school was a lot of fun too.
I feel like I made several friends, but only a small group of close friends. The majority if those friends were friends from church. These are the ones that we did things together after school hours. These were the ones that threw and attended parties, and had activities around town and throughout the stake.
I feel lucky that I enjoyed most all my teachers. Again, I had a small group of truly influential and mentoring teachers, both in junior high and high school. I especially felt close to Mr. Maya the HS drama teacher, Mr. Robb, the choir teacher, and Mrs. Goodrich, my US History teacher and Mrs. Serigstad, our economics teacher. I was grateful for so many with a wide variety of backgrounds and outlooks on the world. I learned a great deal from them all. And enjoyed an association with some wonderful characters.
I had a great time in junior high and high school. I know so many people HATED junior high., but I really had a great time there. And high school was a lot of fun too.
I feel like I made several friends, but only a small group of close friends. The majority if those friends were friends from church. These are the ones that we did things together after school hours. These were the ones that threw and attended parties, and had activities around town and throughout the stake.
I feel lucky that I enjoyed most all my teachers. Again, I had a small group of truly influential and mentoring teachers, both in junior high and high school. I especially felt close to Mr. Maya the HS drama teacher, Mr. Robb, the choir teacher, and Mrs. Goodrich, my US History teacher and Mrs. Serigstad, our economics teacher. I was grateful for so many with a wide variety of backgrounds and outlooks on the world. I learned a great deal from them all. And enjoyed an association with some wonderful characters.
Sunday, September 23, 2018
#52 Stories--Story # 48
How many of your elementary school teachers can you remember? Can you put them in order? Did you have a favorite? A least favorite?
I remember Mrs. Owzarzak was my first grade teacher. I recall that she had some sons that were a few years older than me and also went to El Roble school.
I can't remember my second grade teacher's name, at least not right now.
In third grade I had Mrs. Bach and Mr. Miller for math. Mrs Bach was short and round and seemingly the meanest teacher ever. But it was the summer after her class that I was able to visit Washington DC --with the meanest teacher ever--and another 50 or so kids. Crazy. She must not have been too bad after all.
Mrs. Midtgaard was my fourth grade teacher and I liked her immensely. She spelled her last name with two As, just like we did too. Her kids participated in 4H also--though in the Rucker 4H club instead of our own Sunset 4H. I knew they had animals and lived in the country. And she used a really COOL green felt tip pen to grade our papers.
In fifth and sixth grade I moved to Brownell Fundamental school. It was similar to charter schools today, but I left the kids I rode the bus with for the years prior and had known all the time I lived in Gilroy. I don't recall the teacher's names that I had there, but I remember the school itself was not a good fit for me socially. I tried, but didn't ever feel like I fit in. I felt the kids felt and truly believed they were better than any other school. I knew too many people at my old school that were good people to believe that could possibly be true.
Instead of staying at Brownell for 7th and 8th grade, I remember begging my mom to let me go to South Valley Junior High. Once I knew that would be the case, I was told by the Brownell kids that I'd get beat up by the Mexican kids every day. I knew that wasn't going to be the case, as many many friends from my old school--and now many kids I knew from across town now--would be attending SVJH. I really enjoyed my two years there and it made me feel VERY confident as I started at GHS when it was time for 9th grade.
I remember Mrs. Owzarzak was my first grade teacher. I recall that she had some sons that were a few years older than me and also went to El Roble school.
I can't remember my second grade teacher's name, at least not right now.
In third grade I had Mrs. Bach and Mr. Miller for math. Mrs Bach was short and round and seemingly the meanest teacher ever. But it was the summer after her class that I was able to visit Washington DC --with the meanest teacher ever--and another 50 or so kids. Crazy. She must not have been too bad after all.
Mrs. Midtgaard was my fourth grade teacher and I liked her immensely. She spelled her last name with two As, just like we did too. Her kids participated in 4H also--though in the Rucker 4H club instead of our own Sunset 4H. I knew they had animals and lived in the country. And she used a really COOL green felt tip pen to grade our papers.
In fifth and sixth grade I moved to Brownell Fundamental school. It was similar to charter schools today, but I left the kids I rode the bus with for the years prior and had known all the time I lived in Gilroy. I don't recall the teacher's names that I had there, but I remember the school itself was not a good fit for me socially. I tried, but didn't ever feel like I fit in. I felt the kids felt and truly believed they were better than any other school. I knew too many people at my old school that were good people to believe that could possibly be true.
Instead of staying at Brownell for 7th and 8th grade, I remember begging my mom to let me go to South Valley Junior High. Once I knew that would be the case, I was told by the Brownell kids that I'd get beat up by the Mexican kids every day. I knew that wasn't going to be the case, as many many friends from my old school--and now many kids I knew from across town now--would be attending SVJH. I really enjoyed my two years there and it made me feel VERY confident as I started at GHS when it was time for 9th grade.
Sunday, September 16, 2018
#52 Stories--Story #47
What was your first introduction to formal education--preschool, kindergarten, homeschooling? What do you remember about those first few years?
I believe I participated in a preschool when we lived in Sunnyvale. I don't remember much of it. But I believe I attended at a local community park area. It seems to me that much must have happened that I do not recall.
I must have had a kindergarten year as well in Sunnyvale. The only think I remember about hat experience is a day when we got to learn about grocery stores and "pretend" to be shoppers. The strongest memory in that episode was the choice I had to pick a box of Lucky Charms cereal--which was not allowed in our home. I felt so empowered to choose that otherwise contraband breakfast food. Who knows what other lessons sank in quite so deep!
We moved to Gilroy when I was in 1st grade and I began elementary school at El Roble school, with Mrs. Owzarzak as my teacher. I remember having a turn to bring the classroom guinea pigs home for a weekend--and they DIED! That was the worst to me as a kid. The cage had been placed on the front porch, just in front of the kitchen window and the sunshine in the late afternoon or evening that weekend was too hot and too strong for their little bodies. They overheated and died. I was sure I'd never be allowed to have another class-pet come home with me again.
I believe I participated in a preschool when we lived in Sunnyvale. I don't remember much of it. But I believe I attended at a local community park area. It seems to me that much must have happened that I do not recall.
I must have had a kindergarten year as well in Sunnyvale. The only think I remember about hat experience is a day when we got to learn about grocery stores and "pretend" to be shoppers. The strongest memory in that episode was the choice I had to pick a box of Lucky Charms cereal--which was not allowed in our home. I felt so empowered to choose that otherwise contraband breakfast food. Who knows what other lessons sank in quite so deep!
We moved to Gilroy when I was in 1st grade and I began elementary school at El Roble school, with Mrs. Owzarzak as my teacher. I remember having a turn to bring the classroom guinea pigs home for a weekend--and they DIED! That was the worst to me as a kid. The cage had been placed on the front porch, just in front of the kitchen window and the sunshine in the late afternoon or evening that weekend was too hot and too strong for their little bodies. They overheated and died. I was sure I'd never be allowed to have another class-pet come home with me again.
Sunday, September 9, 2018
#52 Stories--Story #46
Describe your family legacy regarding education. Do you come from a long line of scholars? Were you the first to earn a degree? Are your forging a new legacy with your own children?
My family growing up intimated that education was very important. But neither of my parents were college graduates. I don't remember a time growing up that I was not expected to attend somewhere for further education after high school. That was just something that they expected of us. They supported my sister and me in achieving this goal financially and as much emotionally as they could as well.
I was the first to graduate from college in my own family, but certainly not the last. My sister was quick behind me--after having earned a certificate of completion from a therapeutic massage school about the time she graduated from high school too. She then went on to earn a graduate degree as we were adults. I contemplated a masters degree, and go back to thinking of that goal every once in a while, but so far it has only been thinking.
As for my own children, I expected them both to attend college--there was never an "if" in the statements of their academic goals as they grew up. However, I know that not everyone is cut out for formal university education. Any continuing education--trade school, military, or college of any kind--would have been acceptable. I certainly am grateful that they each chose their fields of study--which both need four years degrees or more.
My family growing up intimated that education was very important. But neither of my parents were college graduates. I don't remember a time growing up that I was not expected to attend somewhere for further education after high school. That was just something that they expected of us. They supported my sister and me in achieving this goal financially and as much emotionally as they could as well.
I was the first to graduate from college in my own family, but certainly not the last. My sister was quick behind me--after having earned a certificate of completion from a therapeutic massage school about the time she graduated from high school too. She then went on to earn a graduate degree as we were adults. I contemplated a masters degree, and go back to thinking of that goal every once in a while, but so far it has only been thinking.
As for my own children, I expected them both to attend college--there was never an "if" in the statements of their academic goals as they grew up. However, I know that not everyone is cut out for formal university education. Any continuing education--trade school, military, or college of any kind--would have been acceptable. I certainly am grateful that they each chose their fields of study--which both need four years degrees or more.
Sunday, August 26, 2018
#52 Stories--Story #45
Have you ever traveled to a place that you would imagine yourself moving to permanently? What did you love about it? What does to offer that can't be found at home?
The first international travel I experienced was to Australia and New Zealand as part of a business travel trip for Genius Golfer. Knowing it w as a wonderful chance to see a part of the world we otherwise might not ever get to see, I jumped at the chance to go there.
Australia--specifically the gold Coast on the eastern coast of Queensland--was a wonderful place, full of wonderful people with exotic and slightly familiar feel to it. I loved it. We visited Brisbane and then flew up to the city of Cairns. It was beautiful, charming and delightful city that was a lovely jumping off spot to see and dive upon the Great Barrier Reef. I found the Australia people warm, inviting and welcoming to outsiders. They were open to others and seemingly self confident enough not to be threatened by the visiting Americans. I felt in love with the people, the accent, and the particulars they espoused.
I remember telling GG that if there ever came a time we could not longer live in America, I'd happily move to Queensland and be happy forever.
The first international travel I experienced was to Australia and New Zealand as part of a business travel trip for Genius Golfer. Knowing it w as a wonderful chance to see a part of the world we otherwise might not ever get to see, I jumped at the chance to go there.
Australia--specifically the gold Coast on the eastern coast of Queensland--was a wonderful place, full of wonderful people with exotic and slightly familiar feel to it. I loved it. We visited Brisbane and then flew up to the city of Cairns. It was beautiful, charming and delightful city that was a lovely jumping off spot to see and dive upon the Great Barrier Reef. I found the Australia people warm, inviting and welcoming to outsiders. They were open to others and seemingly self confident enough not to be threatened by the visiting Americans. I felt in love with the people, the accent, and the particulars they espoused.
I remember telling GG that if there ever came a time we could not longer live in America, I'd happily move to Queensland and be happy forever.
Sunday, August 19, 2018
#52 Stories--Story #44
Are there any notable tourist destinations within easy driving distance form your home that you've never visited--even though people travel there from around the world?
YES! I chide my self regularly that I have never been the the Arches National Park or to Moab or run the river our of Green River. I have visited Zion National Park and Kolob Canyon, both rather briefly.
I have been many places and enjoyed most of them, but I still have the slick rocks of Moab and the formations in Arches on my bucket list.
YES! I chide my self regularly that I have never been the the Arches National Park or to Moab or run the river our of Green River. I have visited Zion National Park and Kolob Canyon, both rather briefly.
I have been many places and enjoyed most of them, but I still have the slick rocks of Moab and the formations in Arches on my bucket list.
Sunday, August 12, 2018
#52 Stories-Story #43
Do you have one special vacation spot that you return to again and again? How did you find it? What draws you back? What do you love about it?
My favorite place to visit--at least one that I have visited more than once--is Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Genius Golfer and I visited it first together on newlyweds on our honeymoon. It is a place that holds my idea of fun, cleanliness, family, and magic.
For our twentieth anniversary, GG surprised me with a pair of annual passes. We repeated that year long celebration for our 25th. This past year we were able to visit 5 or 6 times in the celebration of our anniversary annual passes.
When The Boy asked me not long ago what it was that made me like visiting Disneyland so much as an adult. Trying to help him understand, I told him it's a place where optimism rules the land; where streets, attractions, and outward appearances are clean & tidy; and where "family" is catered to and celebrated no matter what it looks like. It's an imagined alternate reality that purposely reflects a simpler time. I still feel all those things when I visit. All of those reasons make me feel the "magic" of this place each time I get to visit. And, really, can you ever really outgrow that kind of magic??!! I hope I never do.
My favorite place to visit--at least one that I have visited more than once--is Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Genius Golfer and I visited it first together on newlyweds on our honeymoon. It is a place that holds my idea of fun, cleanliness, family, and magic.
For our twentieth anniversary, GG surprised me with a pair of annual passes. We repeated that year long celebration for our 25th. This past year we were able to visit 5 or 6 times in the celebration of our anniversary annual passes.
When The Boy asked me not long ago what it was that made me like visiting Disneyland so much as an adult. Trying to help him understand, I told him it's a place where optimism rules the land; where streets, attractions, and outward appearances are clean & tidy; and where "family" is catered to and celebrated no matter what it looks like. It's an imagined alternate reality that purposely reflects a simpler time. I still feel all those things when I visit. All of those reasons make me feel the "magic" of this place each time I get to visit. And, really, can you ever really outgrow that kind of magic??!! I hope I never do.
Sunday, August 5, 2018
#52 Stories--Story #42
What were your most common childhood vacations like--road trips, visits to Grandma's house, camping trips, weekends at the lake of beach?
As a child our family "vacations" were generally a road trip to see my grandparents in Washington state or a visit back to my parent's high school reunions. They were friends with classmates in each others' classes so they regarded those reunions for either a reunion for both. They always has a good time. We also sometimes took these trips and included a visit to cousins that we only saw every year or so.
Our family included my dad's parents for most of my growing up years, and because of their infirmities, we really didn't vacation that much. I recall one big trip to Disneyland with another family in our ward, but I don't remember much besides the trip probably cost too much and took too long away from home and work for my parents--especially my dad. I know he didn't like crowds, or expenses, or too much silliness. He still doesn't.
On many occasions, we did spend weekends at drag strips not too far from home where my dad would be racing. I liked those because we were often left to our own devices--I collected coins from under the bleachers, spark plugs from the pits area, rode bikes all over, and then returned to the camper or trailer for lunch or dinner. I think we learned to make our own fun on these kinds of weekends.
On our visits to my grandparents' house I remember visiting his animals with my grandpa and learning to sprinkle salt on the huge banana slugs and watching them dissolve. I loved hearing my grandpa talk to his dogs or horses or cattle. But it was a place that I never felt really comfortable. The water was always bad and smelly, with bath tub stained with rust or other minerals. My grandma made me a little nervous because she was a little unsteady mentally. I knew she loved us, but I wasn't ever sure she knew us apart when we were all there together.
For fun things--Frontier Village, beach, or lakes, etc--we did a lot of those things with friends and their families. Sometimes my sister and I would go with Mom and meet our cousins from Palo Alto and do fun things with them. The only camping I remember doing was at Girls Camp--but it was decidedly not normal camping.
As a child our family "vacations" were generally a road trip to see my grandparents in Washington state or a visit back to my parent's high school reunions. They were friends with classmates in each others' classes so they regarded those reunions for either a reunion for both. They always has a good time. We also sometimes took these trips and included a visit to cousins that we only saw every year or so.
Our family included my dad's parents for most of my growing up years, and because of their infirmities, we really didn't vacation that much. I recall one big trip to Disneyland with another family in our ward, but I don't remember much besides the trip probably cost too much and took too long away from home and work for my parents--especially my dad. I know he didn't like crowds, or expenses, or too much silliness. He still doesn't.
On many occasions, we did spend weekends at drag strips not too far from home where my dad would be racing. I liked those because we were often left to our own devices--I collected coins from under the bleachers, spark plugs from the pits area, rode bikes all over, and then returned to the camper or trailer for lunch or dinner. I think we learned to make our own fun on these kinds of weekends.
On our visits to my grandparents' house I remember visiting his animals with my grandpa and learning to sprinkle salt on the huge banana slugs and watching them dissolve. I loved hearing my grandpa talk to his dogs or horses or cattle. But it was a place that I never felt really comfortable. The water was always bad and smelly, with bath tub stained with rust or other minerals. My grandma made me a little nervous because she was a little unsteady mentally. I knew she loved us, but I wasn't ever sure she knew us apart when we were all there together.
For fun things--Frontier Village, beach, or lakes, etc--we did a lot of those things with friends and their families. Sometimes my sister and I would go with Mom and meet our cousins from Palo Alto and do fun things with them. The only camping I remember doing was at Girls Camp--but it was decidedly not normal camping.
Sunday, July 29, 2018
#52 Stories--Story #41
Of all the times you've moved to a new house, neighborhood, city, state or country, which have had the biggest impact on the rest of your life? In what ways?
I haven't moved that often. I think that is a lucky fact. I moved to my hometown when I was about 6. I don't remember much about the first two homes where my family lived. I remember the tri-toned green shag carpet of the first home and the circus fabric curtains of my room in the first house I lived in until I was three.
In the second house I lived, I recall the kitchen carpet. Yes. It had carpeting in the kitchen. That kitchen carpet once was covered in foamy soapy bubble from the liquid dish soap my dad used in the dishwasher to appease my mom who went to church by herself that Sunday while we stayed home. I'm sure my dad was guilty and trying to do something nice to appease her, but it made SUCH A MESS! I was sent in a frantic rush to the next door neighbor's home to "get help". I think that might be why I remember the kitchen carpet all the more.
My home growing up the majority of my life was my full time home for about a dozen years or so. this was where I learned SO many things. I experienced many things. It was in this home I feel like I came into my self. This is where I will always call home.
From there, I moved to Provo to go to school. I moved several times while I was a student. And the only place that mattered in that era for me was the final apartment at Stadium Terrace. I had many sets of roommates in that apartment. My first pair and the last set were wonderful ladies, who I love to this day.
When Genius Golfer and I got married we lived a short time in his mom’s basement then moved into an apartment that only lasted a semester, then we moved back to her home for awhile again while we saved money to purchase our first home. That was a good time, for the most part. She worked nights, I worked days...we got along quite well and I tried hard to be a good guest as well as a new family member in her home.
Finally GG and I found a home we could afford and scraped all we had together to buy a home. /our first home is out kids’ only home to this point—aside from their living places while they are at school, in the same way I still think of my home growing up. I love the home we created together. It has been the most wonderful place for our children began. They learned everything they needed as children, they gained lifetime friends, and our family gelled.
Recently we built a new home, a future home, and while we visit it and use it as a getaway place, it is a comfortable and beautiful place that we can share with our friends and enjoy. I look froward to the memories that we will make in that home. That will be a wonderful place for me, for us, for our family. I look forward to that.
I haven't moved that often. I think that is a lucky fact. I moved to my hometown when I was about 6. I don't remember much about the first two homes where my family lived. I remember the tri-toned green shag carpet of the first home and the circus fabric curtains of my room in the first house I lived in until I was three.
In the second house I lived, I recall the kitchen carpet. Yes. It had carpeting in the kitchen. That kitchen carpet once was covered in foamy soapy bubble from the liquid dish soap my dad used in the dishwasher to appease my mom who went to church by herself that Sunday while we stayed home. I'm sure my dad was guilty and trying to do something nice to appease her, but it made SUCH A MESS! I was sent in a frantic rush to the next door neighbor's home to "get help". I think that might be why I remember the kitchen carpet all the more.
My home growing up the majority of my life was my full time home for about a dozen years or so. this was where I learned SO many things. I experienced many things. It was in this home I feel like I came into my self. This is where I will always call home.
From there, I moved to Provo to go to school. I moved several times while I was a student. And the only place that mattered in that era for me was the final apartment at Stadium Terrace. I had many sets of roommates in that apartment. My first pair and the last set were wonderful ladies, who I love to this day.
When Genius Golfer and I got married we lived a short time in his mom’s basement then moved into an apartment that only lasted a semester, then we moved back to her home for awhile again while we saved money to purchase our first home. That was a good time, for the most part. She worked nights, I worked days...we got along quite well and I tried hard to be a good guest as well as a new family member in her home.
Finally GG and I found a home we could afford and scraped all we had together to buy a home. /our first home is out kids’ only home to this point—aside from their living places while they are at school, in the same way I still think of my home growing up. I love the home we created together. It has been the most wonderful place for our children began. They learned everything they needed as children, they gained lifetime friends, and our family gelled.
Recently we built a new home, a future home, and while we visit it and use it as a getaway place, it is a comfortable and beautiful place that we can share with our friends and enjoy. I look froward to the memories that we will make in that home. That will be a wonderful place for me, for us, for our family. I look forward to that.
Friday, July 27, 2018
#52 Stories--Story #40
How have you adjusted to life as an empty-nester? What advice do you have for others who are entering this stage of their lives?
We are just barely into this stage of life. And actually, the kids do come in and out of the house yet, but the mostly live in an apartment on their own while they are at school. At first I was really worried. My whole life had revolved around them since their birth. I was able to stay home with them and raised them while Genius golfer provided for us financially. that was a really blessing that he felt strongly that this was a priority.
Just as the adjustment that has to happen when children are added to a family, there is a period of adjustment as they grown up and leave home too. At least when they are born, their needs seem to come gradually--besides the food, clothing, protection that they need from the start. When they leave for other adventures, that seemed to happen much more "all at once".
I remembered my parents telling my that my mom when through a similar feeling of net being needed any more, once my sister and I moved out of the house. However, I also remember how much I needed her guidance, reassurance and encouragement once I was on my own--which isn't really true, if I still needed her for so much, right?
I felt a little useless for a while too. I looked forward to phones calls or texts with a "Mom, how do you .... ?" kinds of questions. Or my favorite: "I just called to chat...". I know my kids have been taught things that will help them to be independent and productive adults. That is what I saw my ultimate job to be as their parent. But I also knew that they'd come into some things in the world that I hadn't prepared them for--and those scared me. But they have proven themselves to be both independent and resilient. When things have come up that they've had to learn the hard way, they seem to make the most of the life lesson and move forward knowing a little better for next time. In some of those life lessons, I am the one learning--patience, most of all--as they learn, grow, and develop in their own time and pace. Sometimes that is frustrating. Sometimes it is terrifying. sometimes that is devastating. But I know that I have prayer on my side as their parent. And an apostle of the Lord once said that "There are few things more powerful than the prayers of a righteous mother." some days I cling as hard to that as I can. Other times that is a just a steady comforting thought.
One thing, separate from my own usefulness, that I worried about as we came into this phase of life was the increased togetherness I would have with GG. I love him, and have we've usually had a good time together, but now it was going to be just us. They kids weren't there to distract us, or divide our attention, or demand our time. Could we stand each other all the time?
Luckily, we found this a time of renewed commitment to our marriage relationship and to our spiritual life together. We committed to a weekly date night--that had kind of fallen away with the growing fmaily's crazy schedules in the past few years. We also tried to find ways to just be together--running errands or doing chores. And one thing I found really enjoyable was having a project to do together. For us it was our house in St. George. We scouted the location. We imagined the design. We planned for the construction. We witnessed the building. We have started to furnish it. We have created reasons to enjoy it together. We are still a ways from having it "done" but those kinds of long term (and high value) plans have helped us work toward a tangible goal together.
Eventually I'd like to do more traveling and seeing the world again with him. I think those kinds of discovery experience we share will strengthen our relationship too. But for now we are looking forward together, working toward united goals, and planning for our future together. And that is a great place to plan to be.
We are just barely into this stage of life. And actually, the kids do come in and out of the house yet, but the mostly live in an apartment on their own while they are at school. At first I was really worried. My whole life had revolved around them since their birth. I was able to stay home with them and raised them while Genius golfer provided for us financially. that was a really blessing that he felt strongly that this was a priority.
Just as the adjustment that has to happen when children are added to a family, there is a period of adjustment as they grown up and leave home too. At least when they are born, their needs seem to come gradually--besides the food, clothing, protection that they need from the start. When they leave for other adventures, that seemed to happen much more "all at once".
I remembered my parents telling my that my mom when through a similar feeling of net being needed any more, once my sister and I moved out of the house. However, I also remember how much I needed her guidance, reassurance and encouragement once I was on my own--which isn't really true, if I still needed her for so much, right?
I felt a little useless for a while too. I looked forward to phones calls or texts with a "Mom, how do you .... ?" kinds of questions. Or my favorite: "I just called to chat...". I know my kids have been taught things that will help them to be independent and productive adults. That is what I saw my ultimate job to be as their parent. But I also knew that they'd come into some things in the world that I hadn't prepared them for--and those scared me. But they have proven themselves to be both independent and resilient. When things have come up that they've had to learn the hard way, they seem to make the most of the life lesson and move forward knowing a little better for next time. In some of those life lessons, I am the one learning--patience, most of all--as they learn, grow, and develop in their own time and pace. Sometimes that is frustrating. Sometimes it is terrifying. sometimes that is devastating. But I know that I have prayer on my side as their parent. And an apostle of the Lord once said that "There are few things more powerful than the prayers of a righteous mother." some days I cling as hard to that as I can. Other times that is a just a steady comforting thought.
One thing, separate from my own usefulness, that I worried about as we came into this phase of life was the increased togetherness I would have with GG. I love him, and have we've usually had a good time together, but now it was going to be just us. They kids weren't there to distract us, or divide our attention, or demand our time. Could we stand each other all the time?
Luckily, we found this a time of renewed commitment to our marriage relationship and to our spiritual life together. We committed to a weekly date night--that had kind of fallen away with the growing fmaily's crazy schedules in the past few years. We also tried to find ways to just be together--running errands or doing chores. And one thing I found really enjoyable was having a project to do together. For us it was our house in St. George. We scouted the location. We imagined the design. We planned for the construction. We witnessed the building. We have started to furnish it. We have created reasons to enjoy it together. We are still a ways from having it "done" but those kinds of long term (and high value) plans have helped us work toward a tangible goal together.
Eventually I'd like to do more traveling and seeing the world again with him. I think those kinds of discovery experience we share will strengthen our relationship too. But for now we are looking forward together, working toward united goals, and planning for our future together. And that is a great place to plan to be.
Sunday, July 8, 2018
#52 Stories--Story #39
When you left your parents' home was it to attend college, pursue a job, or embark on a military or humanitarian service? What was it like to be out on your own for the first time?
I left home to go away to college. My parents took me (and another friend who was also going away to college) and we drove from our hometown in California to Provo Utah to BYU where I attended college. The drive across Nevada is SO boring. My dad had me driving with my friend riding shotgun while he took a nap in the back of the old Dodge van. At one point my dad woke up and asked how fast I was going. Apparently he could tell from the sound the motor was making that I was driving too fast. I was way over the speed limit, but his comment was "Don't get a ticket."
We got to Provo and dropped off the friend, then my parents pulled up to my dorm (U Hall of the Deseret Towers). I was on the top floor in the corner most north east in the building. We looked out right into the side of a ginormous mountain, it seemed. We moved in my stuff and then my parents went with me to the book store where I found the books I needed for the classes I was registered for that first semester. I'm sure my books were a couple hundred dollars. Bu tI remember my dad overhearing the total for another customer in another line nearby. It was many hundreds of dollars--for far fewer books. My dad made some comment about he was glad I wasn't taking those classes!
Then they left. I was left in my dorm room. My parents drove home, just like that. I was on my own and was both excited and scared. I didn't know much about BYU other than it was the church's school and that it was WAY cheaper than UCLA--where I dreamed to go, once upon a time. But mom and dad had just opened their shop only a little more than a year before I left home. They made too much for me to qualify for a PELL grant and my mom was adamant that I NOT take out student loans--one of the MANY brilliant things she has told met o do over the years! So I decided the best bang for the buck (since my parents were footing the bucks) was to choose to attend BYU.
The first year I was there, I didn't have a car. I didn't know my roommate yet. I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to be when I grew up. And my friends--many from our hometown attended school at BYU--didn't live in the same dorm as me. So, I had to go out of my way to make friends, to find my way, to get around, and figure out my life.
It was a daring adventure--made all the more daring by having a sort-of-boyfriend follow me to Provo for a couple of visits. He tried several times to convince me to quit school and go home to marry him--he knew I'd find a great job, and that we'd be living large before I knew it. He was a moron. But I didn't know that then. He actually came to Provo to convince me to quit school a few times--twice that first year, but a few more in subsequent years--even though I thought I was VERY clear that I was going to stay in school and was way too young to be married and had other plans for my life anyway.
Soon, I came to really enjoy my roommate, LeeAnn--she was from the Sacramento area of California. We ran around with a couple of girls from the floor below us who were both from Littleton, Colorado, Jana and Lisa were good friends. And Jana was always coming up with things to do and places to go and people we needed to meet. Jana got us to do things that we otherwise would never have done.
I made friends on our floor, in our ward, in our FHE group. Just a few at first, but I felt like I had good friends and I could add them to the other friends I knew from home that were all over campus eventually. Between our ward,the dorm, the classes and the people I met through all those people, I had the feeling that I was pretty comfortable there.
Until, I wasn't.
This was before cell phones or free voice over internet calls. If I wanted to talk to my mom or dad--let's face it, it was usually mom--I had to wait until after rates went down after dark and on the weekends. I couldn't afford to call very often or talk for very long. But sometimes that was ll I wanted was to hear their voices and have them tell me I was doing the right thing and I could do it.
Luckily my mom would writ to me each week--a snail mail letter to the mailbox downstairs. Those letters meant the world to me. I knew she was thinking of me, and I knew what was going on at home. That first year wasn't easy, but it was worth it.
I left home to go away to college. My parents took me (and another friend who was also going away to college) and we drove from our hometown in California to Provo Utah to BYU where I attended college. The drive across Nevada is SO boring. My dad had me driving with my friend riding shotgun while he took a nap in the back of the old Dodge van. At one point my dad woke up and asked how fast I was going. Apparently he could tell from the sound the motor was making that I was driving too fast. I was way over the speed limit, but his comment was "Don't get a ticket."
We got to Provo and dropped off the friend, then my parents pulled up to my dorm (U Hall of the Deseret Towers). I was on the top floor in the corner most north east in the building. We looked out right into the side of a ginormous mountain, it seemed. We moved in my stuff and then my parents went with me to the book store where I found the books I needed for the classes I was registered for that first semester. I'm sure my books were a couple hundred dollars. Bu tI remember my dad overhearing the total for another customer in another line nearby. It was many hundreds of dollars--for far fewer books. My dad made some comment about he was glad I wasn't taking those classes!
Then they left. I was left in my dorm room. My parents drove home, just like that. I was on my own and was both excited and scared. I didn't know much about BYU other than it was the church's school and that it was WAY cheaper than UCLA--where I dreamed to go, once upon a time. But mom and dad had just opened their shop only a little more than a year before I left home. They made too much for me to qualify for a PELL grant and my mom was adamant that I NOT take out student loans--one of the MANY brilliant things she has told met o do over the years! So I decided the best bang for the buck (since my parents were footing the bucks) was to choose to attend BYU.
The first year I was there, I didn't have a car. I didn't know my roommate yet. I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to be when I grew up. And my friends--many from our hometown attended school at BYU--didn't live in the same dorm as me. So, I had to go out of my way to make friends, to find my way, to get around, and figure out my life.
It was a daring adventure--made all the more daring by having a sort-of-boyfriend follow me to Provo for a couple of visits. He tried several times to convince me to quit school and go home to marry him--he knew I'd find a great job, and that we'd be living large before I knew it. He was a moron. But I didn't know that then. He actually came to Provo to convince me to quit school a few times--twice that first year, but a few more in subsequent years--even though I thought I was VERY clear that I was going to stay in school and was way too young to be married and had other plans for my life anyway.
Soon, I came to really enjoy my roommate, LeeAnn--she was from the Sacramento area of California. We ran around with a couple of girls from the floor below us who were both from Littleton, Colorado, Jana and Lisa were good friends. And Jana was always coming up with things to do and places to go and people we needed to meet. Jana got us to do things that we otherwise would never have done.
I made friends on our floor, in our ward, in our FHE group. Just a few at first, but I felt like I had good friends and I could add them to the other friends I knew from home that were all over campus eventually. Between our ward,the dorm, the classes and the people I met through all those people, I had the feeling that I was pretty comfortable there.
Until, I wasn't.
This was before cell phones or free voice over internet calls. If I wanted to talk to my mom or dad--let's face it, it was usually mom--I had to wait until after rates went down after dark and on the weekends. I couldn't afford to call very often or talk for very long. But sometimes that was ll I wanted was to hear their voices and have them tell me I was doing the right thing and I could do it.
Luckily my mom would writ to me each week--a snail mail letter to the mailbox downstairs. Those letters meant the world to me. I knew she was thinking of me, and I knew what was going on at home. That first year wasn't easy, but it was worth it.
Sunday, July 1, 2018
#52 Stories-- Story #38
Which of your birthdays were especially significant to you? When you turned 8, 12, 15, 16, 18, maybe 21? What do you remember about those special days?
I remember a few of my birthdays as I was growing up. I remember turning 8 and getting my own scriptures with my name son the overs, as well as a locking diary. The scriptures were nice, but that diary with a lock!! How cool was that?!?
I recall my 9th birthday because my parents were building a big shop just below the house and the cement flooring was done and the walls were up. It was a huge cavernous building--and for my birthday that year we had a roller skating party in the shop. So cool!!
Becoming 13 I thought was fun because I was an official teenager, but I don't remember much about the day itself.
The next big birthday I remember vividly was when I turned 18. I was working at the fabric store then, and on my birthday my boyfriend at the time brought me a HUGE bouquet of red roses to the store where I was working. The other girls thought that was pretty impressive. I was both impressed and embarrassed--as I am not a big center-of-attention-because-of-gifts kind of person. But it was memorable.
After that, they kind of blur together, but I do recall feeling really lousy about turning 25. Like that was the start of getting old. If I only knew then what old really feels like! HAHAHA
Then I turned 26 just 3 days after The Girl was born, and after that it hasn't mattered about my birthdays as much as the kids' birthdays. I guess that is the way of parenting.
However, I turned 33 and the kids were old enough to realize the "mom had an age". Then I was 33 to them for about 10 years. I thought that was hilarious.
I remember a few of my birthdays as I was growing up. I remember turning 8 and getting my own scriptures with my name son the overs, as well as a locking diary. The scriptures were nice, but that diary with a lock!! How cool was that?!?
I recall my 9th birthday because my parents were building a big shop just below the house and the cement flooring was done and the walls were up. It was a huge cavernous building--and for my birthday that year we had a roller skating party in the shop. So cool!!
Becoming 13 I thought was fun because I was an official teenager, but I don't remember much about the day itself.
The next big birthday I remember vividly was when I turned 18. I was working at the fabric store then, and on my birthday my boyfriend at the time brought me a HUGE bouquet of red roses to the store where I was working. The other girls thought that was pretty impressive. I was both impressed and embarrassed--as I am not a big center-of-attention-because-of-gifts kind of person. But it was memorable.
After that, they kind of blur together, but I do recall feeling really lousy about turning 25. Like that was the start of getting old. If I only knew then what old really feels like! HAHAHA
Then I turned 26 just 3 days after The Girl was born, and after that it hasn't mattered about my birthdays as much as the kids' birthdays. I guess that is the way of parenting.
However, I turned 33 and the kids were old enough to realize the "mom had an age". Then I was 33 to them for about 10 years. I thought that was hilarious.
Sunday, June 24, 2018
#52 Stories--Story # 37
How has society's view of fathers and fatherhood changed throughout your life? What do you think of these changes?
Sadly today's world sees fathers as unnecessary and of little worth more often than not. So many children as being born without a father in their homes--or even in their lives. women think they want to have a baby without a committed partner and technology and medical science can make that happen without too much trouble. Societal norms don't even look think twice any more of unwed mothers raising a baby on their own. In many parts of society men are berated generally, and dismissed as know-nothings or superfluous and they don't even have a chance to participate in a child's life.
Luckily, we know that is not the way it should be, and it isn't the best situation of family life and children specifically. The Church's Proclamation to the World: The Family document clearly defines the need for father and the ideal of a father and mother committed to each other in a covenant marriage with the Lord, thereby establishing families by bearing and raising children together. The roles of mothers and fathers are different but complementary, together making up an equal partnership caring for the needs for their family. That is the ideal. Loving committed parents who love and teach and protect their children.
I feel very blessed to grow up in a family that followed the model fairly well. We weren't perfect, but I knew we were trying and we were better together than we would have been in any combination apart. And as I am raising my own family, I see the wisdom in doing this together with grandparents supporting from the sides and adding their love and counsel to ours as parents for the best possible outcome of our kids.
This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Sadly today's world sees fathers as unnecessary and of little worth more often than not. So many children as being born without a father in their homes--or even in their lives. women think they want to have a baby without a committed partner and technology and medical science can make that happen without too much trouble. Societal norms don't even look think twice any more of unwed mothers raising a baby on their own. In many parts of society men are berated generally, and dismissed as know-nothings or superfluous and they don't even have a chance to participate in a child's life.
Luckily, we know that is not the way it should be, and it isn't the best situation of family life and children specifically. The Church's Proclamation to the World: The Family document clearly defines the need for father and the ideal of a father and mother committed to each other in a covenant marriage with the Lord, thereby establishing families by bearing and raising children together. The roles of mothers and fathers are different but complementary, together making up an equal partnership caring for the needs for their family. That is the ideal. Loving committed parents who love and teach and protect their children.
I feel very blessed to grow up in a family that followed the model fairly well. We weren't perfect, but I knew we were trying and we were better together than we would have been in any combination apart. And as I am raising my own family, I see the wisdom in doing this together with grandparents supporting from the sides and adding their love and counsel to ours as parents for the best possible outcome of our kids.
THE FAMILY
A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD
The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
WE, THE FIRST PRESIDENCY and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
ALL HUMAN BEINGS—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
IN THE PREMORTAL REALM, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.
THE FIRST COMMANDMENT that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
WE DECLARE the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.
HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.
WE WARN that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
WE CALL UPON responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.
Sunday, June 17, 2018
#52 Stories--Story # 36
What is something you never understood or appreciated about your father until much later in life?
I know my dad would tell us of the poverty he knew as a child and the idea of not having what you needed unless you got it for yourself. That was hard to understand as a child and young person because my life was always pretty blessed. We had what we needed--but not always what we wanted--and that was probably for the best. We learned to make do with that we had sometimes or work and save and plan for whatever else we wanted. Nothing was supposedly given to us--even though I see now that so much was! He told us those heart breaking kind of stories of his childhood on the railroad or living in little homes without electricity or water, and it made our lives seem pretty cushy. I never felt like we we missing much. We had opportunities poured out on us as we grew up--raising animals, riding bikes, using our imagination, exploring new places--that helped us see how blessed we were.
As a child myself I didn't see the wisdom in him telling us those stories though. It just made his childhood sound sad and pretty unhappy.
He has talked in the past before about his parents and what they were like--especially before they were converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. My gramps was not a happy man when he drank, and my gram was a scared young woman, just older than a girl herself. I don't think joining the church was an immediate turn about for them, but it gave them a new way of seeing their lives and their family. Then finally when they did get active and were living the gospel fully, there were many changes in his parents that he didn't get the benefit of as a child himself. I look at this now and see how much more the gospel meant to him that my sister and I had the "after" portion of the life he had with parents who lived the gospel. We weren't perfect at it, but I can see now how much that meant to him.
I know my dad would tell us of the poverty he knew as a child and the idea of not having what you needed unless you got it for yourself. That was hard to understand as a child and young person because my life was always pretty blessed. We had what we needed--but not always what we wanted--and that was probably for the best. We learned to make do with that we had sometimes or work and save and plan for whatever else we wanted. Nothing was supposedly given to us--even though I see now that so much was! He told us those heart breaking kind of stories of his childhood on the railroad or living in little homes without electricity or water, and it made our lives seem pretty cushy. I never felt like we we missing much. We had opportunities poured out on us as we grew up--raising animals, riding bikes, using our imagination, exploring new places--that helped us see how blessed we were.
As a child myself I didn't see the wisdom in him telling us those stories though. It just made his childhood sound sad and pretty unhappy.
He has talked in the past before about his parents and what they were like--especially before they were converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. My gramps was not a happy man when he drank, and my gram was a scared young woman, just older than a girl herself. I don't think joining the church was an immediate turn about for them, but it gave them a new way of seeing their lives and their family. Then finally when they did get active and were living the gospel fully, there were many changes in his parents that he didn't get the benefit of as a child himself. I look at this now and see how much more the gospel meant to him that my sister and I had the "after" portion of the life he had with parents who lived the gospel. We weren't perfect at it, but I can see now how much that meant to him.
Sunday, June 10, 2018
#52 Stories--Story #35
How do you strive to emulate your father's example?
My dad was and continues to be a great example to me in many ways. I try to hard to help my kids see that I love their dad the way my dad helped me see that he loved my mom. Sometimes that was embarrassing to us as we were growing up--but it is such a foundation piece of my feelings that my family was secure and safe. I knew they loved each other by the way they talked to each other, and the way they shared the burdens of life together. They worked hard together and set goals together. and they definitely were affectionate to each other. Ewww, gross--sometimes when we were early in our youth--It was a little too much. Now, I look back and know that seeing that regularly was something I never had to worry about as my friends' parents were experiencing divorce or breakups. That just wasn't something that was going to happen to my parents.
Dad worked hard and never seemed to be done with things--in the best way. He always wanted to make things better and improve the situation with things. Projects would get completed, but there was always something more that he could do and he did it. I try ti see how to make things better as I go along in my work and at home and try to follow that example. I know his work ethic echoes in my head each day I have something I need to do--and I know I can do hard things because he showed me how.
He always taught me to look around for what needs to be done. I know this began out of frustration that I wouldn't do the things that needed doing until I was asked to do them. He wanted me--and my sister--to see those things for ourselves and just do it because it needed to be done. Now I do the same things with my own kids and even the younger employees I work with in my job. I don't have the same influence with those coworkers hat I did with my kids though. But my kids are good employees
for other people because they have learned "Grandpa's way of doing things".
My dad was and continues to be a great example to me in many ways. I try to hard to help my kids see that I love their dad the way my dad helped me see that he loved my mom. Sometimes that was embarrassing to us as we were growing up--but it is such a foundation piece of my feelings that my family was secure and safe. I knew they loved each other by the way they talked to each other, and the way they shared the burdens of life together. They worked hard together and set goals together. and they definitely were affectionate to each other. Ewww, gross--sometimes when we were early in our youth--It was a little too much. Now, I look back and know that seeing that regularly was something I never had to worry about as my friends' parents were experiencing divorce or breakups. That just wasn't something that was going to happen to my parents.
Dad worked hard and never seemed to be done with things--in the best way. He always wanted to make things better and improve the situation with things. Projects would get completed, but there was always something more that he could do and he did it. I try ti see how to make things better as I go along in my work and at home and try to follow that example. I know his work ethic echoes in my head each day I have something I need to do--and I know I can do hard things because he showed me how.
He always taught me to look around for what needs to be done. I know this began out of frustration that I wouldn't do the things that needed doing until I was asked to do them. He wanted me--and my sister--to see those things for ourselves and just do it because it needed to be done. Now I do the same things with my own kids and even the younger employees I work with in my job. I don't have the same influence with those coworkers hat I did with my kids though. But my kids are good employees
for other people because they have learned "Grandpa's way of doing things".
Sunday, June 3, 2018
#52 Stories--Story # 34
What are some ways you and your father are inherently alike--physical traits, temperament, personality, talents, interests?
I'm not sure we have many physical characteristics that are similar. We both squint when we smile--and that goes deep through the family. We both have dark hair naturally. Mine has gotten darker as I got older and his is finally turning a silver gray now that he's over seventy. Bu that is probably the extent of the physical similarities.
As far as other traits we have a lot more in common. We have a similar sense of humor to one another. I remember many many nights sitting at the dinner table laughing over something we saw on Saturday Night Live or a movie we enjoyed and could get to laughing so hard that you couldn't understand any thing we were saying--but we knew what the other one meant in all that. I felt bad for my mom because she never seemed to be in on the joke. But she laughed with us---probably because we were so silly as we laughed ourselves hoarse. We find a lot of the same kind of things funny--Far Side, Roadrunner & Coyote--all the Looney Toones, really--cartoons, SNL sketches from the 80s, ridiculous movies--could make us laugh and laugh until my face hurt.
My dad's temperament has mellowed with age I think but I know that I have a similar temperament so far as patience goes as he did when we were growing up. I hope I can mellow about it all someday too. Unruly little children used to make him crazy, and I find my teeth on edge over similar situations. Maybe this one has less to do with his temperament than with how unruly some kids are.
He is pretty self-deprecating--and I find myself doing that more and more too. I know some of his comes from the idea that he never thought himself very book smart--thus he always wanted us to do well in school and a university education was expected of me and my sister. I find I am more self-deprecating for the joke of it. I can make fun of myself easily and prefer that to making others feel less than for the sake of a joke.
My dad has incredible mechanical talent. He just seems to understand how things go together and how they work. I remember watching him when he was disassembling or reassembling motor parts and wondering how he knew to do that just that way. I know it is partly because he has been doing it for a long time, but also because his mind understands and comprehends how things go together and why they work. I wish I was better about this particular talent, but I'm still quite a newb about most things mechanically.
Dad also has an amazing memory for specifics. he might not remember someone's name from Walla Walla or Burbank, or the Sunnyvale days, but he'll recall the vehicle that person drove and little things about the cars. But that is what he enjoys and it's always easier to recall those kind of things when you enjoy them that much.
I know he doesn't think he is very knowledgeable about the Gospel, but I always knew he felt things that were true. We do have similar reactions to feeling the Spirit. We both tend to get a little emotional when tender spiritual things are brought up. We both feel the Spirit probably more than we hear him. I think that is a good quality to share--even if it is sometimes less than convenient when it happens in a group of people or during a speaking assignment.
I'm not sure we have many physical characteristics that are similar. We both squint when we smile--and that goes deep through the family. We both have dark hair naturally. Mine has gotten darker as I got older and his is finally turning a silver gray now that he's over seventy. Bu that is probably the extent of the physical similarities.
As far as other traits we have a lot more in common. We have a similar sense of humor to one another. I remember many many nights sitting at the dinner table laughing over something we saw on Saturday Night Live or a movie we enjoyed and could get to laughing so hard that you couldn't understand any thing we were saying--but we knew what the other one meant in all that. I felt bad for my mom because she never seemed to be in on the joke. But she laughed with us---probably because we were so silly as we laughed ourselves hoarse. We find a lot of the same kind of things funny--Far Side, Roadrunner & Coyote--all the Looney Toones, really--cartoons, SNL sketches from the 80s, ridiculous movies--could make us laugh and laugh until my face hurt.
My dad's temperament has mellowed with age I think but I know that I have a similar temperament so far as patience goes as he did when we were growing up. I hope I can mellow about it all someday too. Unruly little children used to make him crazy, and I find my teeth on edge over similar situations. Maybe this one has less to do with his temperament than with how unruly some kids are.
He is pretty self-deprecating--and I find myself doing that more and more too. I know some of his comes from the idea that he never thought himself very book smart--thus he always wanted us to do well in school and a university education was expected of me and my sister. I find I am more self-deprecating for the joke of it. I can make fun of myself easily and prefer that to making others feel less than for the sake of a joke.
My dad has incredible mechanical talent. He just seems to understand how things go together and how they work. I remember watching him when he was disassembling or reassembling motor parts and wondering how he knew to do that just that way. I know it is partly because he has been doing it for a long time, but also because his mind understands and comprehends how things go together and why they work. I wish I was better about this particular talent, but I'm still quite a newb about most things mechanically.
Dad also has an amazing memory for specifics. he might not remember someone's name from Walla Walla or Burbank, or the Sunnyvale days, but he'll recall the vehicle that person drove and little things about the cars. But that is what he enjoys and it's always easier to recall those kind of things when you enjoy them that much.
I know he doesn't think he is very knowledgeable about the Gospel, but I always knew he felt things that were true. We do have similar reactions to feeling the Spirit. We both tend to get a little emotional when tender spiritual things are brought up. We both feel the Spirit probably more than we hear him. I think that is a good quality to share--even if it is sometimes less than convenient when it happens in a group of people or during a speaking assignment.
Sunday, May 27, 2018
#52 Stories--Story # 33
Who are some other important mother figures who have been influential in your life?
I feel like I was very lucky to have many women who modeled wonderful examples of womanhood and motherhood to me as I was growing up. I'm luckier yet to call them my friends now.
I had a spattering of marvelous young women leaders--Irene Day, Diane Sefton, Toni Zamarron, Cindy Anderson, Sister Nordstrom, Lucia Cooper, and others--I'm sure more names will come to me as the days go by this month. I spent many weeks of girls camps, Wednesday activities, and Sundays being guided by these wonderful ladies. They showed me how to be a woman of faith, a woman who trusts her Heavenly Father, who knows Jesus Christ and chooses to follow Him. They helped me develop a testimony of my own. I'd have to include my mom in this group too, because she spent much of these years with me in some supportive role. She's the best example of all.
I also had some wonderful teachers elsewhere in my life. Stacy Thacker was a stand out Sunday School teacher as a young teen. I knew that she knew the Gospel was true and she tried her hardest each week to get us to understand that same truth.
Teddy Goodrich and Nancy Serigstad were female high school teachers that meant a lot to me. I learned more than just textbook material from them. They made me want to be a teacher someday.
I also had some neighbors and 4H leaders that showed me leaderships styles in the community and wider world. MaryLou Rawitser was our goat leader. I'm sure she had better things to do with her time, but she was there with us each weekend the goats were showed. Georgene Abbott was another 4H leader who taught me perseverance and stick-to-it-ive-ness. Diane Scariot showed me another view of hard work and care of family. Kathy Larsen was a mom who had fun with her family and supported her girls in whatever they had going on.
Then I had a group of women who were friends' moms--who I maybe didn't have the same kind of relationship as their child, but I felt keenly their love for me. Shari Hoggan, Jan Porter, Diane Sefton and Irene Day--fell in this category too, and Claudia Kambish, to name a few off the top of my head. I knew they loved their kids--and counted me in that group more often than not.
I have been greatly blessed by so many wonderful women as I was growing up. I am not sure they all understand how important and valuable they are to me. I hope I have done my best to make them proud of me and that my own kids will have women just like them in their lives to teach them similar lessons.
I feel like I was very lucky to have many women who modeled wonderful examples of womanhood and motherhood to me as I was growing up. I'm luckier yet to call them my friends now.
I had a spattering of marvelous young women leaders--Irene Day, Diane Sefton, Toni Zamarron, Cindy Anderson, Sister Nordstrom, Lucia Cooper, and others--I'm sure more names will come to me as the days go by this month. I spent many weeks of girls camps, Wednesday activities, and Sundays being guided by these wonderful ladies. They showed me how to be a woman of faith, a woman who trusts her Heavenly Father, who knows Jesus Christ and chooses to follow Him. They helped me develop a testimony of my own. I'd have to include my mom in this group too, because she spent much of these years with me in some supportive role. She's the best example of all.
I also had some wonderful teachers elsewhere in my life. Stacy Thacker was a stand out Sunday School teacher as a young teen. I knew that she knew the Gospel was true and she tried her hardest each week to get us to understand that same truth.
Teddy Goodrich and Nancy Serigstad were female high school teachers that meant a lot to me. I learned more than just textbook material from them. They made me want to be a teacher someday.
I also had some neighbors and 4H leaders that showed me leaderships styles in the community and wider world. MaryLou Rawitser was our goat leader. I'm sure she had better things to do with her time, but she was there with us each weekend the goats were showed. Georgene Abbott was another 4H leader who taught me perseverance and stick-to-it-ive-ness. Diane Scariot showed me another view of hard work and care of family. Kathy Larsen was a mom who had fun with her family and supported her girls in whatever they had going on.
Then I had a group of women who were friends' moms--who I maybe didn't have the same kind of relationship as their child, but I felt keenly their love for me. Shari Hoggan, Jan Porter, Diane Sefton and Irene Day--fell in this category too, and Claudia Kambish, to name a few off the top of my head. I knew they loved their kids--and counted me in that group more often than not.
I have been greatly blessed by so many wonderful women as I was growing up. I am not sure they all understand how important and valuable they are to me. I hope I have done my best to make them proud of me and that my own kids will have women just like them in their lives to teach them similar lessons.
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