Life is a journey

Months have gone by

2012-01-29T15:50:00.002-06:00

It has been months since I have even looked at blogs. This past summer and fall and winter have just flown by. Work was super busy. When I took the training position 2 years ago it was fir about 2 years. I was hired with 2 others at that same time. They both have taken other jobs. Work then offered the job again but as permament. I applied for it and got it. Whether good or bad is still up in the air.

In August our Young Women's Presidency was released. We served for 4 years, it was a great presidency, we worked together really well. I miss working with them and their great testimonies. It was an amazing 4 years, great youth conferences, young women's camps, priest laurel activities, beehive conferences. We have amazing youth in the Hurst Texas Stake. I am thankful for the blessings that I have had to serve the Lord by serving the Young Women.

Rick and I have not been able to travel or hardly do anything because we have been so swamped. The one thing that we did do is take a family vacation to Disney World. Haylee, Rachel, Brett, Brittany, Calan and Reagan, we had a great time. As grandparents it so much fun to see our grandchildren so excited about every little thing.

Then came the holidays, this year Aaron and Kim and Cooper, spent Christmas here. It was great. Families that what it's all about. I am so thankful for ours.

Church on Sunday

2011-08-04T21:21:00.002-05:00

I was lucky to take Haylee to church on Sunday. She loves to go to church. She called me Sunday morning as I was getting ready to leave for the single ward. At first she told me that she was going to church with her mommy and Kristen, I thought that great. Then they called back and Rachel wasn't going so I could take Haylee. A week ago when I took her to church the primary pianist said she sing so good, and knows the songs. The primary Cd's for the years sacrament program really make a difference. She is such a doll and I just lover her. We got to church and there didn't seem like a lot of people were there or at least not a lot singing. Brett and Brittany and the boys got there and we got to sit together. As we sang the rest hymn I missed hearing Rachel and Meridith's voices. They both have such wonderful voices. I listen to the sounds around me and just missed them. I always know the Lord is mindful of me, so as we sang the closing song "Each Life That Touches Ours for Good". It made me of course think of Meridith. I can now get through that song, on occasion it still catches me off guard. I am thankful for the knowledge of the atonement, for eternal families. I can not imagine trying to figure this life out without reassurance of being together as a family. I hope that all of our family will want to be there. I have had such strong feelings about genealogy wanting to know who the rest of our family was how their thoughts and desires came to help me be the person that I am.

Life is zooming by

2011-07-28T19:26:00.004-05:00

Life has been going by so fast I have not even looked at my blog or any ones since May, Crazy I know. Between work or Young Single Adult Ward and Young Women's (on occasion sleep) its been busy.

In June we had our Young Women's Camp. Our theme was "Its a Jungle Out There"
We used the 13th Article of Faith and we used jungle animals for the virtues. As stake leaders we were the Honest Zebras. It was so much fun. Our Stake Camp director is so talented and so much fun. We did a trading post, the girls brought items to "trade" for goodies, the items were donated to the women's shelter for abused women and children. We made so many bags for the shelter, they wrote notes of encouragement to them. Here is a picture of the trading post.

Camp was so much fun. We had horse back riding, BB guns, archery, swimming. We had a spiritual class every day. One day we used the talk from April's conference from Dallin H Oaks

On Desire, the statement we used is "Desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices and choices determine our actions. I think what strikes me the most on this statement, is that sometimes our desires are good, but when that desire takes longer than we thought it should then we start changing that desire to be a little different. Like friends, or relationships or jobs. What are we value are we willing to change to get what we desire. We had young women's camp Tuesday through Saturday. Then on Sunday we had our opening fireside for youth conference. We had the Dallas Temple President come and talk to the youth, we then set Wednesday and Thursday for the wards to come to the temple and the youth do baptisms. Each ward had a time in which to come, it was wonderful. On Friday we had workshops at the stake center, had breakfast lunch and dinner for the kids, President Hadley spoke on Friday and then we had a dance. Saturday we met back at the stake center and then we went out by Granbury (by buses) to float the Brazos. It was a good day. We had lunch and then went back to the stake center and then home. Sunday we had our testimony meeting, it was really good to hear how so many of them had a good experience and how they could relate to the different activities that we did. What a great time.

We know that our time as the Stake Young Women's Presidency is coming to an end. This has been an amazing experience. I have learned so much from Victoria, Bev and Marie. My testimony has been strengthen so much. The Lord certainly has blessed each of us, we worked really well together. Bev and I did not know any one. Victoria and Marie had been in the same ward for a time before their wards had been split. I truly have loved serving with them. I am so thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thankful for my family.

On July 18 Cooper Kyllo was born to Aaron and Kim. He is so cute. We know have 1 grand daughter and 3 grand sons. They are such a blessing to us. I know that I want our family to be together forever. Keep pulling for us Meridith, I know you are close by.

May 12. 5 years later

2011-05-17T10:17:00.001-05:00

5 years ago our family dynamics changed.
over the last 5 years what have I learned?

Even though I knew how special Meridith was and how we would not have her long . I miss her.
Christ is there for us but heartache is still heartache.
5 years later it is still tough.
we all handle our grief differently
my faith has never wavered but I often wonder why
and what am I suppose to learn from this.
It does not get easier we just get use to it.
Some people place blame where they have no right.
Heavenly Father has not forgotten me or my desire to feel her near.
Tender mercies come often when I need them most
I had been thinking about her one Sunday and in Releif Society we sang one of her favorite songs "As Sisters in Zion" and then the closing song "Because I have been given much" that was the closing song at her baptism.
I am always amazed at those gentle reminders of her.
I know she ia near, and is watching over her family.
On May 12 after Rick and I went to the cementary, we went by Rachel's new house and painted the entrance way with out Rachel knowing, that was for Meridith. She would have suprised her sister if she had been here. ( I love you Rachel)
I am thankful for the knowledge that I will see and be with her again.

April 27,2011 Lots of random thoughts

2011-04-27T20:02:00.003-05:00

Life seems to be speeding by. It seems that I can't keep up. I have had so many thoughts on my mind and yet am not quite sure what to say. This year in our Young Single Adult ward in the I attended the Sunday school that was on family history. I started thinking alot about my family. Who am I most like and since I have both sets of my grandparents deceased what do they think? Are they proud of the person I have become. I have done anything that they would be embarrassed about or even disappointed about? I feel this need to have my grandparents sealed together with my 2 aunts that have passed away. I talked with my grandmother's sister. Her name is Janet, it was very interesting to talk to her. I am so glad that years ago when I got a phone number of one of her nieces that I kept it. She gave me some insight on my grandmother, even though she was quite a bit younger than her.
I have 4 siblings that I don't really even know. My father remarried and they had a son and then a set of triplets, 2 boys and a girl. I have spoken to 2 of them several times since I found them about 18 months ago. I am glad that we have begun a relationship it is exciting to get to know them better.
We are preparing for Young Women's camp again and we are excited about how it is coming together. Our theme is "Its a jungle out there" and we are using the Young Women's theme of the 13th article of faith as a guide. Each ward is a animal with the stake leaders being the zebras. I am so thankful to have served as in the Stake Young Women's presidency for so long. We have a great presidency. I have learned so very much for the other sisters that I have served with. Their example has strengthened my testimony so very much. There are times that I struggle with life in general, just like everyone, but the gospel is what gives me the strength and courage to continue. I want to return to live with my family, as crazy as it may be.
We had a lesson on honesty in Relief Society, Jessica who taught the lesson did a great job. I think about Rick's description of a lie. Saying something with the intent to deceive. When you think about it that way it gives a different perspective. Do you says something about someone else that somewhat true not not entirely? Do we says things that make us look good and someone else look bad? And if so why? Is it because we don't like that person, or ourselves.
What do we really think Christ has done for us, and we really want to be the cause of his suffering? I had someone tell me something about a person, they feel that this person like drama. You know family drama to keep it going or at least to hear all the family gossip. I had to stop and think, do I contribute to that pot stirring. I had to think about what I might say about someone else. Would I say that to them, you know interestingly enough I would. I guess I prefer for others to be honest to me that to sugar coat it. I did have a young women who is now in the singles ward tell me recently that she enjoyed it when I spoke. That I would tell them honestly and share my personal stories and feelings. I am thankful that I knew that I had been honest with them at all times.
I know that this is very random but I figured that I better write down some of my thoughts while they are still there. I wish I had a journal of any of my relatives so that I could read of their feelings and struggles. OK I know that I am getting older so some of the things that we have been told to do all along is now making sense to me.

Busy Days

2011-02-27T18:07:00.003-06:00

I can't believe it almost March. Life seems to be getting busier and busier. My mom says I never get any rest. Sometimes I agree, but for me its always better to be busy. At the beginning of February we had several days of Ice and Snow. It was crazy. Rick went to San Diego the day it started and came home on that Friday. I stayed at my Mom's and it was a good thing, the roads out here in our neighborhood were a mess. Fortunately I made it to work each day safely. In January our 3rd grandchild was born..Reagan Mckay Petty. He is so cute and cuddly. We are very blessed to have them here with us.

Such a sweet family.

Brittany watches Haylee everyday, and since Reagan has been born my mom comes over and helps out. My mom loves it.

Rick surprised my this past week and we flew to San Antonio to see the play Wicked. It was great and I loved it. Rick is not a real lover of musicals so for him to plan and surprise me made it even more special.

As our Young Women's Presidency in our Stake, we have been preparing for Girls Camp. We have a great Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director. They are doing an awesome job. Our theme this year is "Its a Jungle out There" We have 10 wards in our stake and we are naming each cabin a animal that goes along with the Youth theme which is the 13th Article of Faith. We are excited about young women's camp. The week after camp we will have youth conference. We are centering our theme around the temple. We have amazing youth in our stake. We of course like every other stake we have our challenges but we are trying to help them see how to follow the Savior and have a desire to return to Heavenly Father.

I have started doing some genealogy, I guess that it is becoming my season of life. I have a desire to find out about them and understand how our family dynamics play into who I have become. I know my grandparents (both of them) were strong people. I spoke to my great Aunt Janet. I have never meet her, she is my grandmothers younger sister. My grandmother died over 50 years ago. I wish I could have known her, I wonder how different our life would have been.

I had to teach Relief Society on sacrifice. How much are we really willing to sacrifice to return to live as families and with Heavenly Father? We do not live in the time when we are required to sacrifice our lives. What we in this generation have a hard time with is giving of our TIME.. we have become a instant gratification society. Everything is at the touch of a button, and so many people can not put their phones down. Whether it is email, texting facebook. They feel a need to constantly being connected. For 3 hours on Sunday's we should be able to devoted that time to the Lord. I see so many answering texts and emails. We need to be willing to devote time to the Lord, is that a sacrifice? What are we willing to sacrifice?

32 Years

2010-12-25T20:48:00.002-06:00

On December 15 we celebrated or 32nd anniversary. What a journey it has been. I am so blessed to have Rick in my life. I know he loves me and I love him. When we started our journey together we started it out right. In the temple for time and all eternity. I can not imagine thinking that when we die I would not be with him forever. Our family is an eternal family. There are many things I am thankful to Rick for, his humor, his work ethic, his ability to be a tinker fairy(Haylee calls him that) because he can fix anything. His faithful service to the Lord, being worthy to give blessings, taking me to the temple to be married so that we are an eternal family. Rick is a wonderful husband, friend and provider. I am not a eloqunet writer, my heart feels, and my head just can't put it into words. I love you RICK.

Its been a while

2010-12-05T21:00:00.003-06:00

Its been a long time since I have written anything. I think about it frequently but I can't seem to find the right words or make the time. We have had 3 car wrecks with in the last month or so. I actually had 2 of them. One Sunday leaving church going the the relief society luncheon one the Young Single Adults hit me, nothing to major. Exchange insurance info and we both went to the luncheon, the next week Brett and Brittany and Calan were in bad car accident. That morning driving to church (I drive about 40 minutes) Rick is already there so I go by my self. I was listening to a CD and I had the thought of our 4 children. The thought came to my mind so very clearly of Rachel standing in the middle with Aaron and Brett on either side of her as she spoke at Meridith's funeral. I know someone might say how could think about all 4 of them. Meridith was there in front of them, and the thought came to me that there is not anything that the 4 of them can not accomplish. Meridith is there cheering them on, wanting whats best for us all and wanting us to return to be with her. Its hard to write my feelings on this. I can't seem to put down the right words to make it seem as real as it was to me driving to church. Then I came home and was sewing something and the phone rings. Rick answers the phone and tells me that they have been in a car accident. My heart just drops. Car accident, please not another one, is everyone ok? The thought of losing another child is unbearable. . I know that I would have to find the strength but how.... then we got to them and I see them standing and then I see the car. Then I see Aaron and Kim, I think how strange for them to be there. Peggy Heap a friend of ours saw Brett and Brittany and stopped. What a relief for her to be there for the support as she put her arms around me I know she understood my feelings of another car accident. Here in one blink of an eye I could lose 4 family members. What a terrible thought that would be. Thankfully everyone is doing fine. Rachel and Haylee came up there, it scared Haylee, for her the only thing she knows is that a car accident is bad and that people die. But we reassured her and then they left. The next weekend I hit a deer. I was so frustrated, I had to teach Relief Society that day on faith.

Faith, its my faith that carries me through these extremely tough times. Its my faith that lets me know I have a loving Heavenly Father and a Savior who loved me enough to die for me. Its my faith that allows me the knowledge that I will one day be reunited with Meridith. I am grateful for that knowledge. There are days that I so struggle with everything, and I wonder what am I suppose to learn..I just don't know. I was talking to a very dear friend the other day and I said is it patience that I am suppose to learn, IF so THEN I must not be getting it. It seems that I am tried over and over again. BUMMER.

Today was testimony meeting at church. It was really good. We have some amazing YSA's. Some have had real struggles and trials, but have managed to figure out what's important and be where they should be. I often wonder why I am there, except I know that Rick is to be there. He is really good with them. I know that my testimony is being strengthened. Its been good for me to see that there are YSA out there who do stay on the right path, even though its tough.

My thoughts on this past week

2010-09-27T07:20:00.002-05:00

This past week has been rather interesting. I have had many opportunities for personal reflection. What makes one person come to hate another. How did Cain hate Abel his brother? Why did Laman and Lemuel hate Nephi? How did their parents deal with it? Why does Satan work so hard to destroy relationships? These questions I have been wondering about for a long time not just this week. A week ago last Sunday started my reflection we had a wonderful Sacrament meeting. One of the speakers was Alisha, she spoke about temples and the covenants that are made. She did an amazing job. She had not gone to the temple yet, but she did on Thursday. What an amazing experience it was. I have gone to the temple many times, but for some reason this time had more of an impact on me. Maybe it was because I had several thoughts that I needed help from the Lord on and I was humbled and more teachable. But as I sat there in the session the spirit was amazing. As I watched this young women who made a choice to go to the temple, not because she is going on a mission or getting married but because she wanted the blessings that the Lord has promised us all. Then to attend the women's conference Saturday night and hear President Monson speak and feel his love and his amazing spirit. Then on Sunday Alisha taught Relief Society, about judging others and how hard that is. She gave person examples of her life and how difficult it was for her. She spoke about how for many years she was inactive and how during that time she made many bad choices. I saw and felt how the atonement of Jesus Christ really has the healing power and how it can if we let it can change our life. What an amazing opportunities I have had being in the Young Single adult ward to see and be with these amazing adults. Its not like they don't struggle they do, but it is how they deal with it. I am so thankful for the blessings of the gospel. I truly don't know what I would do with out it. I know that it keeps me grounded when all the rest of my world seems to be crashing down around me. I guess that is why the scripture in Helaman 5:12
12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the arock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall

That is my favorite scripture because I know Satan will try hard to make you fail.

What would you do if you had 1 year to live

2010-09-22T20:00:00.003-05:00

This Sunday I attended a fireside with Paul Cardell. I had never heard of him, but it was for our Young Men and Young women and they invited the Young Single Adults. I went and I was very touched.

“You have been born at this time for a sacred and glorious purpose. It is not by chance that you have been reserved to come to earth in this last dispensation of the fullness of times. Your birth at this particular time was foreordained in the eternities. You are to be the royal army of the Lord in the last days. You are ‘youth of the noble birthright’ President Benson told the youth this many years ago. I know that this is true. And sometimes its difficult to understand why things happen and what am I to learn from this.

I have had so many thought and feelings lately and I just don't know where to begin or how to put them in words.

Life is not always how you plan, and it most certainly is not easy. I have learned in my short life (haha) that its tough. Sometimes life seems to go ok, but you better hold on to your hat because a storm is coming. I think of this wonderful lady that I know. I was her visiting teacher and I loved her. She was my daughter's young women's leader and I at one time was her daughters young women's leader. I learned so much from her. She died in a car accident many years ago. I miss her, her testimony and faith were amazing. She was a wonderful example to me. She had 4 children whom she loved and cherished. I loved visiting her, she was my friend we could talk for hours, I know that she would have loved to remain here to have seen her daughter get married and her beautiful grandchildren to see her son go on a mission and his family, but that was not what the Lord had in mind for her. Some may ask why? We don't know but this much I do know. I know where she is and where she will end when we all face the Saviour. Does this mean that she didn't have trials, NO she had her very own, but her faith carried her through he rough times.

Today at work Haylee called and asked if Grandma could pick her up. Oh how I wish I could. I was able to yesterday because I went into to work at 0400. We have been teaching 2 different classes this week one on how to work gates and one on how to work at the ticket counters. Today we all brought food for Taco Salads (very yummy and I have a super husband who cooked the meat after I left for work today and bought it to me. Thanks sweetheart) So one of the guys said grandma no way. I have Haylee and Calan's picture on my desk and yes this are my grandchildren. And then I said and these are my kids. I have the last picture of our children together on my desk. They asked about the ages and then some knew about Meridith's death some didn't so they asked what happened. As I talked about her and the how the things unfolded here in Tx and in Mexico I was reminded again that the Lord had a hand in all of that. I know that Meridith chose to leave this earth. I know that her time was completed here. Does that mean I don't miss her, of course not, but I will say that it makes me want to do my best so I can to see and be with her again. She had so much love for her siblings. She knew her purpose and fulfilled it. I know that she is on the other side pulling for her family.

Blessings from Christ

2010-08-29T16:26:00.003-05:00

Forgivness is hard to give and sometimes hard to receive. I am grateful that Christ loves me enough to forgive me for my sins and short comings.

August 8,2010

2010-08-08T20:03:00.002-05:00

Lately I have had so many things on my mind. I think about writing them down and I just can't seem to put it into words that might make sense to any one else but me. So much has happened this summer and I just haven't felt like writing about it. Young Women's camp this summer makes me wonder how many of these girls may stray for the path that will lead them to eternal life an happiness. Today I was reading Jenny Phillips book on staying on the path and I came across this quote
Neil A. Maxwell said: “Certain supernal spiritual blessings seem to come only after demonstrated obedience.”

Sometimes it seems as if those off the path are having a great time—that their lives are happy and exciting. These are deceptions of the adversary whose pathway always leads to unhappiness, guilt, loss of confidence, disease, addiction, enslavement, destruction, lust, weakness, regret, and sorrow. If not immediately, these things will eventually follow Satan’s path. On the other hand, the Savior’s pathway always leads to happiness, to peace, to life, light, progress, strength, love, confidence, and joy. If not immediately, those things will follow. We don’t always feel the full effects of the path we choose immediately. Otherwise, there would be no test. We have to exercise faith in the way we choose.

I cannot tell you brothers and sisters the blessings that come from obedience to the Savior Jesus Christ. I have felt those blessings in my life when I have obeyed Him. The only way to true happiness and life is to not just to believe in Christ, but to have trust and faith in him by “living” what we believe.

I have thought about that alot. I have felt that way. I see many who want the things that Christ teaches but just can't stay on the right path long enough to realize that, that path is what brings true happiness. I'm not saying that its easy, in fact sometimes its down right hard, not because of what is taught but the world tells us that stupid or its just not a big deal.

Take virtue, he world tells us that we should do what ever we want. That there is no reason to live a virtuous life. That we only have this life an nothing else. That is totally not true, and I am so grateful to know that. Satan is really good at that...live now that's all there is. That's because he made his choice.

I was talking with a friend of mine, someone whom I really admire. She told me about a woman who is married and been through the temple. When they go on vacation they take a vacation the covenants that they have made. I guess for me I don't understand. But I have seen many others who do that as well, when the occasion seems to arise and they want to wear something that isn't within the standards. How can you think that the Lord can bless you when you chose to disregard the covenants you have made. The world and its vales seem to draw you away. What do you expect from the Lord. Do what ever you want here and expect the Lord to bless you when you need it or when you want it. I guess I don't think he works that way. Don't get me wrong I know that I can never repay Christ for what he has done for me. Except for to keep striving to return to him, by doing the best that I can. There are days when I struggle. I often wonder why do some remain faithful and some fall away, even in the same family. Sometimes we need to remember we must be obedient even when its tough. Being obedient shows Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that we do love them.

Young Women Camp

2010-07-18T07:25:00.002-05:00

This year at camp our theme was There's no place like home. What we wanted each girl to know is that they each have the power to return home. They each have the Holy Ghost to help them on their journey. Marie taught them on the power within. I taught on following the path, Bev taught about being the Queen. We used many different themes from the Wizard of Oz. Hoping the young women could see how by their choices can make a difference of how rocky the path may be. I think of these girls and can see from my own experience and others that I love what a difference those choices will make. Satan is real and running rampant, trying so desperately to pull down as many as he can. I see how quickly things can get out control. We have some amazing kids in our stake, I look around and realize that there is not one person that does not have struggles of their own. We often are on the outside looking in and think they have it so easy, but in reality they have their own Goliaths to battle. Each one of us battle our own, some days we feel like we are winning some days we feel like we are losing and its so hard on those losing days to keep going, but that is exactly what Satan is counting on.

Baby Reggie

2010-07-09T18:56:00.002-05:00

Baby Reggie is here. Andrea and Yoho had their baby. Its so exciting for them... Congrats and such a pretty Mama and beautiful baby.

Merina's wedding

2010-07-07T17:04:00.003-05:00

Meridith's best friend Merina got married on the 29 May. She was a beautful bride. Merina had several bridesmaid's but the maid of honor spot was held for Meridith. What a special honor she did for Meridith. About a week or two before the wedding we found out she had a knot webpage and on her knot it said taht Meridith was her Maid of Honor. I know they were best friends and would still be. When we walked into the place where they were having the reception there was this beautiful table set up in Meridith's honor. It said Maid of Honor and had their picture they had taken at Picture People just before they graduated. The most wonderful saying about her. It took all of us by surprise. I think sometimes we forget that others have felt such a loss with out Meridith, and Merina would be one of those people. I was not here when Rachel and Aaron told Merina but I know that had to be a very difficult person to tell. Merina's wedding was all about Princess's and she certainly looked like a princess. Meridith meet TJ before she died and she liked him, he is such a nice young man. I am so very happy for Merina and TJ and Kenzie their little girl. Congrats and I love you guys.

A little Late Kimmie's birthday Pictures

2010-07-06T21:28:00.004-05:00

2010-06-01T20:38:00.000-05:00

visited 32 states (64%)
Create your own visited map of The United States

Kimmie's Birthday

2010-06-01T20:13:00.002-05:00

Kimmie had a birthday on Friday May 28. Happy birthday to her. We went as a family to La Familia for dinner, it was great. The food there is wonderful. We had a great time. We collectively got her a Kindle. She is an avid reader (great job) and I thought what better gift that that. So thanks to my Mom, Aaron, Kim's parents and Rick and I, I think she was just a little surprised. One day she was looking at the paper at the Sony e reader. I didn't really know much about them, so I asked her, but sometimes my asking questions gives away my thoughts. But it was fun anyway. She has been good for Aaron, she is the best aunt to Haylee and Calan. She plays with them and loves them dearly. Our start with Kim was rocky but she hung in there and I am glad she is a part of our family. We did take pictures but they are in Rick's camera in his car soo pictures to come later.

Another year has gone by

2010-05-12T21:28:00.004-05:00

Another May 12 has come and gone. Life does go on, maybe not as we would like it to be but as it is. We all miss her, our children always come to the cemetery together, I think sometimes they worry about me, but I'm ok. Do I like it NO but I know where she is. Natalie sent me an email Saturday and I think John said it the best. I am thankful for their friendship, for their love they have for Meridith. She loved them lots. When she would come home from California she would tell me and Rick how great they were. Here is what Natalie and John wrote, how comforting their words are: Natalie wrote The time and the years are passing and yet we still so vividly remember Meridith and how awesome she is. She is so greatly missed by so many. What a great impact she had on so many lives including ours. I love Meridith and I just wanted you to know that I an thinking of her and of you my dear friends. John wrote: The years pass away but the memory of the loved one remains. The void that's left in our lives cannot be filled. However there is hope that rises with us every morning. We know separation is temporary. Over there just beyond the horizon, a sweet reunion is planned by a loving Heavenly Father. Then, tears will be dried, sorrow will melt away, and the sweet joy of holding once again the one so cherished and longer for will fill the heart with unspeakable joy that will never wane away. The God of Love will see that we will be one again and full of the thrill of eternal union. We shall not want for anything for our hearts will overflow with continuously renewed light and life. On this special day, our hearts join with you to remember and celebrate together the life a remarkable young maiden, Meridith, who briefly came among us and graces us with the sweetness of her pure spirit. With Love Natalie and John. What comforting words they wrote and how I cherish that knowledge.

Planting Flowers

2010-05-04T14:27:00.003-05:00

When we built this house we (I) never dreamed about how much work the flower beds would take. Don't get me wrong, I love flowers, l love the colors, but I hate the weeding. I didn't think about how long it would take to pull them and how fast they would grow back. Haylee and Papa picked out 4 flats of flowers a few weekends ago and we planted them. Since then I bought another flat and then Haylee, Papa and I picked up 3 more flats. And we atill have more to buy and plant. Thats the beauty of flowers. Haylee and Papa and Uncle Brett, planted the garden. So far we have tomatoes and onions and carrots. We have peppers to plant today. Life jsut seems really busy to me. Working full time is tough. I love my job though, but sometimes I miss the part time hours. The spring has been really beautiful, I love Texas wild flowers, the blue bonnets were wonderful this year. I love the hill sides when they are in bloom.

Youth Conference

2010-04-02T19:43:00.002-05:00

Youth Conference was quite amazing this year. We started planning last year, actually last summer. We talked about what we wanted and how we might be able to accomplish our goals. We wanted the Book of Mormon to become real to them that they might gain a testimony. It turned out well. We were going to Sid Richardson a scout camp and we were spending 2 night there. Its quite a task for 160 plus kids. We put kids in tribes and had couples to be the parents. We started with Lehi leaving Jerusalem (President Vigil Marcia, Brett, Andrew Amon and another young man (I didn't know who he was, I didn't get a good look at him) We then left and drove for about 1 hours to Sid Richardson. The kids walked down to camp (kinds steep and rough for cars) Where they meet back in their tribes and then go ready to go to bed. Girls in one camp area and guys in another. It was cold that night. I took a blanket and sheet but no sleeping bag, I didn't think I would get cold.....BUT I did. I had to go the bathroom n the middle of the night..you guessed it port-a-potties...not my favorite. Mostly I didn't want to get out from under the covers. Finally I did and then I put my sweat shirt on and it wasn't too bad. Got up the next morning and there were kids there with NO coats... Brett and Brittany were there. It was good to see them and see how the lids interacted with them. Gave my sweat shirt to someone that morning because it was COLD.. but it did warm up really fast. We had many vignettes. Each ward was given something to do. Laban and the brass plates, King Benjamin, the tree of life, Ama and Abinadi, Helaman and the stripling warriors. Samuel the Lamanite. We were gong to spend the night again, but the Lord had other plans...the weather it was to get really cold that night. So we came home that night. I am so grateful for a nice warm bed. We had planned on getting the kids up really early and showing a part of the testament, but with plans changing we meet back at the church for lunch and showed the entire movie The Testament. I feel that the reason we came back home was so that the kids could see the entire movie. It was very moving for many of us. The final battle was played out in the gym, after they made swords and shields. As I stood and watched I wondered how they must have felt, not knowing who they were fighting against. Brother against brother, sister against sister, they were just fighting. Evil had become the normal. I don't want to live in that type of condition. Though I feel we may. It then ended with Joseph Smith getting the plates.
Listening to the kids testimonies the next day I knew that the right decision had been made we needed the entire movie, we needed to feel the chaos that they must have felt. We also had snow that Saturday night. What a eventful weekend. I am thankful for the opportunity of being involved with the youth. They help me stay grounded, when I feel like life is spinning out of control I get this glimpse of how these young women testimonies are growing and how they strengthen me, they seem to know when I need it.

Forgiveness

2010-03-08T18:19:00.007-06:00

I have thought about this topic quite a bit lately, for many reasons. I don't even know where to begin because its so personal to me. I have always known that you must forgive everyone. Many years ago my ex brother in law, during a summer visit for my niece, kept my niece. He was not my favorite person because of the way he treated my sister. Terri is a very kind hearted person. But Bobby kept Cindy and forced my mom to pay huge legal bills to get her back, which we finally did. I couldn't understand why the Lord would allow him to do that, until one day driving I was listening to a primary tape in the car about Prayer and I realized that even IF I prayed to have her here, (if) he prayed for her to stay there than who would Heavenly Father listen to. SO as much as I hated what Bobby was doing to my mother and sister and even my family (I was traveling back and forth to Austin alot) I would need to forgive him. I can honestly say that I did. It doesn't mean that we are best buds but I don't hope he gets run over or anything like that. Forgiveness is a hard thing for some.

A few months ago another niece did something that was legally and morally wrong to Brett on more than one occasion, without going into detail, it has caused some hard feelings amongst cousins. I don't agree with what she did, and if I were to do anything like that at work I would lose my job, with out question and no chance to say I'm sorry or try to make amends. Brett and I have discussed this several times and he said that he has forgiven her, even though they have not spoken in months. Which I understand, you can forgive someone, even if the opportunity does not present it self to speak to or be around that person. Even if you had the opportunity to be around them, you may not want to put yourself out there to be hurt again. Just before Brett and Brittany moved back here another niece told Brett (I'm paraphrasing) "You out of all people should understand forgiveness, since you need to be forgiven by everyone". Not only was that hurtful, but totally uncalled for. What makes her think that SHE needs to forgive Brett or anyone for that matter to say "Brett I forgive you for driving and for Meridith dying." When Meridith and Brett were in Mexico and they were in the car accident, it was just that an ACCIDENT. I guess for me I know that it was the Lord's plan, does it mean I don't miss her OF Course I DO. When Meridith died Grandma Wade (who is the most wonderful woman I know) gave us a book by Spencer W Kimball "Tragedy or DESTINY?" One of the best books I have read. I helped me to understand many things. Rachel has a really hard time with Meridith's death, she works on it but still struggles with Brett being the one driving. I have on may occasions thought about Meridith's last year here. In about April 2005 Meridith and Kyndall were in a car accident. A car T-boned her on Boat Club Road by the Race Track gas station, she had her window down which allowed her not to be hurt otherwise she could have suffered severe head trauma. Kyndall was with her and they both were fine. After moving to Idaho, Cherie and Meridith drove down to Provo to see some friends while driving Meridith had a blow out, the tire completely fell apart she pulled over and they were fine, but Cherie was with her. Not her time yet. In march driving back from Colorado she and Lon, my nephew, and his fiance almost hit a deer. Not their time. I have thought about this along with forgiveness because people sometimes are mean about what they say and how they say it. Maybe they think that they need justification to feel that way. How sad it is, what is forgiveness, how can we live our life here and not forgive and then expect the Lord to forgive us? He can't and maybe won't. I know that through the atonement we all can be forgiven no matter what...but we must do our part and forgive too. President Uchtdorf gave a talk entitle Point of Safe Return. He makes this statement Are There Points of No Return in Our Lives?
Satan, “the father of all lies” (2 Nephi 2:18), “the father of contention” (3 Nephi 11:29), “the author of all sin” (Helaman 6:30), and the “enemy unto God” (Moroni 7:12), uses the forces of evil to convince us that this concept applies whenever we have sinned. The scriptures call him the “accuser” because he wants us to feel that we are beyond forgiveness (see Revelation 12:10). Satan wants us to think that when we have sinned we have gone past a “point of no return”—that it is too late to change our course. In our beautiful but also troubled world, it is a sad reality that this attitude is the source of great sorrow, grief, and distress to families, marriages, and individual lives.
Satan tries to counterfeit the work of God, and by doing this he may deceive many. To make us lose hope, feel miserable like himself, and believe that we are beyond forgiveness, Satan might even misuse words from the scriptures that emphasize the justice of God, in order to imply that there is no mercy. Satan is the father of all contention, and contention causes such discord. I have notice if you are mad at someone, anything and everything that person does frustrates you even more. I am not in the least perfect, I make mistakes all the time. I know that I have hurt and frustrated many people during my life time. Some I know about and try to fix those, some I may not know about, I may not be able to fix that. What I do know is that we are required to forgive everyone and holding grudges and being mean is not the way to do it. We certainly want Heavenly Father to be forgiving of us. Christ came here and paid the ultimate price, he didn't say I am going to forgive only the people I like or just a few people, when he suffered, he suffered for ALL of us. He paid the ultimate price, his life so that we might return and live with them again. And our families. I want to live my life so that I can return to live with them again. I want to have the blessings promised to me. Does that mean I am perfect, No but I am trying the best I can. Will I make mistakes YES, but I can and will repent, because Christ paid the way for me.

So many thoghts.

2010-02-28T15:13:00.002-06:00

Life has been crazy lately with lots going on. We have youth conference in 3 weeks. And we are in crunch time to make sure everything gets done. We have awesome Young Men and Young Women leaders. I am very blessed to work with them. Our theme this year Moroni's Quest. Our wish this year for youth conference is for testimonies to be formed and strengthened. I think of my own testimony of the Book of Mormon and I am grateful that I do have one. I am thankful that it is strengthened everyday. Last year I read the Book of Mormon 2 times with in about 6 months. That was a record for me. But it gave me such a different outlook and understanding. We will be praying for NO rain in March because we will have yucky conditions since we will be camping out. I am thankful of the time frame in which I was born. I am thankful for showers and washers and dryers all the luxuries of life that we do enjoy. I appreciate all the pioneers did for us, but I am ever so grateful that I don't live in that era.

Pride

2010-02-03T21:06:00.004-06:00

What happens when pride gets in our way? Last fall I interviewed for a new job. Its actually what we call a TDY position. Its in our training department. Its has been an interesting ride so far. When I was first approached about putting in for the position, I thought no way...I'm quite happy coming in working my 4-5 hours and going home. I don't do drama at work, so many people don't do their jobs, because they are so worried about others. So back to the position..I filled out the paperwork and they called me that Wednesday or Thursday for an interview on Friday. On Thursday night I had a Stake Auxiliary Training meeting that I talked about our experience in Nauvoo when we took Meridith's name through. So Friday Morning Rick is driving me to work, we were going somewhere after work(I can't remember now where or what) but as we drove in I had decided that I probably didn't want the job. What I had to prepare was to teach the people that I am interviewing with something. I told Rick, well I didn't really know what to teach them, about the temple wasn't really a good idea, we decided to talk about baking cookies with Haylee. And the steps that we do and if we are to teach someone something we need to give them tools to succeed and then check back with them. At American all interviews are in groups..every time I have interviewed I have had as few as 2 others and as many as 8-10. I have sat in on panel interviews to decided if we are going to hire people.So as I am sitting there I'm thinking, "What are you doing?" the other people probably want this job lots more than you do. They asked all sorts of questions about experiences we have had...well serving in the church has given me so many opportunities and knowledge and life experiences, plus having kids....anyone that has had them understand YOU learn a lot. SO I got called in for a 2nd interview with 2 different people than the first interview. I had to write a bulletin that would be posted for all agents in DFW to read when new things come out. Long story I know, but here is where PRIDE comes in. There were 3 people down in training and they had gotten pretty comfortable in their job, and since I didn't get into anyone else's business they did their own thing. They were not working well with the manager and someone asked how could they be in training, and then they realized that it actually is a TDY (temporary duty) and some had been down there for 10 years... a long time. Since they didn't want to do anything different their manager decided to open the job up for others..hence I put in for the job. The 3 that were down there decided to be mean and vindictive, they shredded papers, lesson materials and who knows what else. The manger was going to phase them out over probably the next few shifts bids which sometimes last 6 months..they decided that they would just all go at the same time. I guess they thought they were totally indispensable..well no one is. I was offered the job and I at first told her let me think about it. I know some would think I was crazy.. I have a set schedule with weekends off. But I like my job, I like working with people. I try to make a difference. I accepted and then they offered Teri another agent the position to, they were hiring 3 new instructors. It was probably another month before they offered the job to Wayne. Ok, with a little of the background out of the way. One of old instructors has tried her best to make us look bad. I know that after all this has happened she realized that she shot her self in the foot. She thoughtany one else would not be able to do her job, but we have...all the agents who come down to training tell us they are so glad we are down there, they the department is so much better. The other instructors kept the door locked and closed at all times, the room was small cubicles, and it was dirty. We have opened it up and made it a happy place to come to. But they have not stopped trying to make our lives miserable. Anything we have learned we have done it on our own.. they gave us NOT 1 ounce of help. We yesterday, they pushed a little to far... actually one lied about whether this one person is qualified to teach a jetbridge class, she actually trained him and had him help her alot over the past several years. So she thought we were going to fall apart, well she didn't' know that I have been trained by the top trainer and an certified to teach. Her pride has so gotten into her that she is so bent to destroying any and all who she can. Because she has been with American for so long, she had lots of buds all around. She enlists the help of some others. Other big bosses have told her friends to stop and leave the training department alone. What I find is that sometimes we back ourselves in a corner and instead of realizing that we made a mistake and change whats happening we chose to make it worse and we get mad at ourselves but we take it out on others. I think had this lady, changed her attitude life would be better for her, instead she is making it worse and worse. I have lost all respect for her professionally. She had been a ok instructor, but her character leaves lots to be desired. Pride is a deadly sin, we can become engulfed in it before we realize it. Its amazing how the scriputres teach us so much about pride and how deadly it is. In the Book of Mormon so often bad things happened when they became so prideful. How long do we wait, what has to happen, before we take a look and realize the Lord's hand in our lives, or where it should be.

Youth Conference

2010-01-31T16:01:00.001-06:00

We are actively planning youth conference. I am so glad to know Heavenly Father gives us help. We are excited about it and yet I am a worrier. So many things we need to get done and right now the time is ticking by very fast. It will be great.

What happens when we let our guard down

2010-01-11T19:31:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was our home ward, ward conference. Some may ask our home ward?? Well being in the singles ward, in another stake has been quite different. The Young Single Adults are amazing, we have some really great single adults. They have some great testimonies. What a blessing they are. In our ward conference our stake president Hadley has felt a need to focus on families. What an inspiration, Sister Julie B Beck spoke with past Aug 09 about families to the seminaries and institute. What an amazing talk. She talks about how Satan is really working on the youth and members to not focus on families. How the family is being threatened: marriage rates are declining, the age of marriage is rising, divorce rate are rising children are being born out of wedlock, abortion is increasing legal around the country. People are putting more importance on careers than families. Our young adults lack faith, faith n their ability to be successful in families. They don't see is as something that the Lord will bless them and help them accomplish it. They distrust their own moral strength and the moral strength of their peers. Temptation is so fierce they aren't sure the can be successful in keeping covenants. I have seen this in many young people that I know. Satan is so strong we can not let our guards down... NOT even for 1 second. Satan is not content on not getting youth to marry, he is seeking to destroy those marriages that are trying to stay faithful.. We can not for 1 minute let our guards down.. Satan will be right there to step in. I so worry about this. It has such an eternal consequence that it so worries me.

Lessons in Life

2009-12-27T12:42:00.002-06:00

When we spent time in Brussels with John and Natalie our conversations would alot of times end up talking about Meridith. I think it was really good for Rick, he shared with them different thoughts. He worried that it was awkward for them, they of course assured us it was not. But it has certainly given me time to reflect on the different stages of our lives. Different things that have happened and things that have been said or done. For those of you who know me, know that it is very difficult for me to let anyone help me, or to ask for help. John and Natalie moved down the street from us in the late summer of 2005. When Rachel had Haylee, and we were in Argentina with Brett, Rachel called Natalie late one night when she needed some reassurance, and a mother's love. Some may think that was a conscience, but I know that we have a loving Heavenly Father. When Meridith died John was our home teacher and he came as soon as he heard. Natalie came everyday to do what ever need to be done here at our house. I know they moved to Texas for a reason and maybe it was for more than one but I know that the Lord knows what we need.

Today I have been asked to teach a lesson in Relief Society in the singles ward. The lesson is from conference 2009 Robert D Hales Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. It has certainly given me time to reflect on my own testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I'm not sure when I gained my testimony, but I know that I am most grateful that I have one. I think that when people chose to not follow the teachings then they flounder in life. Some who have never had the gospel, when found they never let go. Others may let let it come and go in their lives when its easy. I read about someone who's family joined the church and so did she, but she said that one day she would like for it to be important in her life again, when she was not so selfish. I was surprised by that statement. Maybe I should be, but for me I know that God lives and that he loves us. I know that Jesus Christ suffered and died for each of us. Not just for me but for everyone. I know that even when someone hurts me deeply that I can't blame God or Christ, whether they are in the church are family or friends. I still need to forgive them, how ungrateful would I be if I didn't and then expected Christ to forgive me of all that I have done, knowingly or even unknowingly. During these last few months as I have read the scriptures I have tried to understand how people get sucked into the pride cycle, how do they let their testimonies wither. I know that I am blessed to know that God lives. I know that I can not be too careful with that knowledge. Satan will certainly use every force and deception that is out there to try to ensnare all of us. I struggle daily with that. Why can't he just leave us alone. I know why...we are a force of good, we can and do make a difference in each others lives, like wise if we don't follow what we know or even believe is true then we are falling right into Satan's trap and he will win.
Hopefully today I will have the spirit with me as I try to teach that we truly have a Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ who really loves us.

31 years together

2009-12-16T03:24:00.003-06:00

December 15, 1978

As I think back over the last 31 years, I am thankful that we made the choice to be married in the temple. Neither of our parents were there because there are not members, but that did not stop either of us from wanting to be married for eternity. What a blessing that choice has been in our lives. We have been blessed with 4 beautiful children whom we love dearly. Rick is a great man I love him dearly. He is a great provider, father and a super great PaPa. He has always been supportive of me. He surprises me often. Thanks for the last 31, looking forward to eternity.

Brussels

2009-12-11T12:17:00.004-06:00

This is the Atomuim it was vey neat you actually went into the balls of several of them. We took an elevator to the top and then back down, then you took escalators and stairs the rest of the way. The pictures are actually backwards but I figured I should at least get them on my blog so I don't forget.

In the miltary museum they has tanks and airpalnes, we also saw a automobile museum it was very intresting. What a fun day.

This pictures is the view from on top of the next picture. It has an amazing view of Brussels

This reminds me of France.

This is a real mmmy, you can actually see their bones an toenails, teeth and all..
I find it intresting that it has two crypts, shaped like this. Rick said its like ours caskets, we put them in one and then put the casket in a concrete vault.

Today we toured a couple of museums and then we went to the Atomium (something like that) it was quite unique. Lots of fun, we met another missionary couple today the Phairs they are from Utah, we ate at this yummy place, it was like a wrap we call it a tortilla they called it a crepe. Which ever it was yummy. Here are some pictures of today. We did have some yummy belgium chocolates. But no belgium waffles, but there is always tomorrow.

AS you can tell I got the pictures and words mixed up, but oh well. What great day we had today. Lots of walking but its the friends that make it the best.

Brussels

2009-12-11T00:27:00.005-06:00

SO YUMMY
Its so good to spend time with John and Natalie.

Dinner

The Christams tree at Grand Palc

We are in Brussels. Its is beautiful here. We are with our dear friends the Arhets. It is so great to see them. Last night when we met up we went to Grand Plac, it use to be where the diffent trade buildings were now its lots of shops. There were street vendors, we have some yummy hot chocolate, a wonderful dinner, it was steaks with french fries and salad. After dinner we went back to find a beligum waffle, on ours we put chocolate and strawberries, John and Natalie had just chocolate. It was so yummy. we will certianly have more of thoses. Fries here are a speciality, they fry them twice. They are really yummy, they have stands that sell fries. hey are a few pictures.

How did you know

2009-11-15T20:01:00.002-06:00

During this last month I have had several opportunities to reflect on my testimony. I had someone tell me that church is not always fun, but they go because they know they are suppose to. Then during a conversation with someone else, as we were talking about many things something was said about the gospel being my belief. I explained to this person that No it was not just a belief but knowledge. As we continued to talk they said that they had prayed about the gospel just like everyone had told them to, and they never got anything. This troubled me and I thought about it some more. I talked with my good friend Marcia about her testimony as well and how did she know that the church was true. The scripture came to my mind about
To some is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
To others it is given to believe on their words that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful. I have often wondered why I was blessed to have a strong testimony. As I told this person, that it is not a belief it is a knowledge. I know these things to be true. They said then I'm saying that what others believe is wrong. I told them no. that not what I'm saying but I know what I do know to be true.
On Friday we as a Stake Young Women's and Young Men's Presidency went to the LBJ Grasslands to see if this is where we would want to have youth conference this next year. So I asked Sister Furniss and Sister Johnson both about how did they know that the church was true.
I have learned alot this weekend. Sister Furniss grew up in the church and she said that she always went to church and everyone she knew went to church, but after she married and moved to Texas(not here but a small town in west Texas) She knew she needed to know what she believed. For Sister Johnson she said she prayed and prayed and wanted what someone people talk about a big spiritual experience, she had always read her scriptures, but one day while jogging it came to her, she reminded me of a seminary song of a long time ago. I can't remember all of it but it starts out like drops of rain falling to the ground like one by one upon the thirsty ground. She said its like that for her. Doing the things we are suppose to day by day. Reading our scriptures praying paying our tithing, our callings supporting our leaders. Remaining faithful, being obedient. Then I asked Sister Tan, Friday afternoon while we were getting ready for the Beehive Conference on Sat. She said after she meet her friend Joyce she went to Church for 2 years, attending Seminary and Church with out any other family there with her. Then one day while she was reading the Book of Mormon she just felt it to be true. She then bugged her parents to let her be baptised. I am so thankful for the ladies that I serve with. I have had my testimony strengthen so much by them. This has been an enlightening weekend for me. One thing that Marcia said to me is that when the spirit is there you can teach. I know that when the spirit is there he will testify that those teachings are true. The person receiving that Holy Ghost's promptings have to be receptive as well. I am so thankful for the knowledge of the Gospel. I am thankful that I do have a testimony. I have thought about it alot this weekend. I know that when I first joined the church my testimony was just beginning, and as I have studied and prayed and kept going and doing what the Lord has asked, it has been strengthened. At what point did it turn from a belief to a knowledge... I don't know but I am so glad that it did. That doesn't mean that everything has been peaches and roses because it has not but I do know that I have a loving Heavenly Father and He is mindful of me. I want to return to live with him and the rest of my family forever as I have been promised.

My Grandpa

2009-11-09T19:25:00.005-06:00

This is my Grandpa, Floyd Merle Kyllo. His birthday would have been yesterday. This picture was taken in about 1989 or 1990. I loved him so much. He was a twin and the oldest of 13 in his family. When he was born in 1908 they didn't think he was alive but as my great grandmother was having his twin brother Lloyd they put my grandfather in a box on the oven door to keep him warm and the nurse (midwife) I guess saw his foot move and they realized he was alive. He was a hard worker. He was a logger and construction worker, even after he retired he worked as a school crossing guard. This picture was one morning as we were getting ready to come back home. They lived in Grand Island Nebraska. I loved to listen to my grandfather tell stories of when he was a child. He had a dog Max. I swear that dog could talk to him... and he was just my grandfathers dog. After Rick and I were married we went to meet my grandparents, we slept in my grandfathers bed, Rick had gotten into bed and I was getting ready to, Well, max came running in jumped on the bed and firmly planted his feet on Rick's chest and growled, he was not impressed. Rick said "grandpa. grandpa." I other on the other hand am laughing only because it is not me...my grandpa came to the rescue and got max down. My mother taught me so much about caring, I would watch my mother even though she was in TX and they were in NE she would talk to them weekly and sometimes more often. She would make sure they had what they needed and most of the time what they wanted. Anytime we went up there she made sure that she would get different things for them to eat if they wanted to. I am thankful to my grandfather for the example he set for me. I am thankful that he taught me the value of hard work. I am thankful for his determination, even when things were tough. I know it was hard for him when my grandmother died and my Aunt Karen was just 15, even though he remarried, he would show my pictures of my grandmother and talk about her me. When he died my Aunt Karen got many of his albums and now my mom has them and someday I will. I am thankful for the many times I got to spend with my grandparents as a child, I cherish those memories.

So busy

2009-10-27T05:21:00.002-05:00

Life has been so busy lately. I took a new job at work and have been working tons. Its been fun and interesting all at the same time, but I sure hope it calms down some. We have this huge training issue that is government mandated so we have to make sure everyone gets trained and on time. Man some people just drag their feet, I can't believe that some just don't want to do their jobs. So frustrating.
Life at the singles ward is good, they are some really great kids. We go to the temple twice a month with them. Once for endowments the other for baptisms, it really great to go with them, to see their dedication, and feel of their testimonies. We had a fun Halloween party with them here Saturday night. Haylee really enjoyed them, she was a little shy but then she came around. Uncle Aaron and Aunt Kimmie were here to, she really loves them.
We went to Colorado for a super short visit, but it was good to see Brett and Brittany and Calan. Calan is getting so big and we so miss them. Flight benefits are great, we flew out Friday night and flew back Saturday night had to leave Saturday about 3 hours earlier because they delayed the later flight and we weren't sure if they might cancel the flight.

Grandmother

2009-10-05T19:21:00.003-05:00

I spoke with a cousin last week, and learned alot about my maternal grandmother. Her name which I knew was Eva Gertrude Wells. She did not like Gertrude and so she went by Eva G.

She had been married before she married my grandfather Floyd Kyllo. I knew that, she had a daughter Lois Jean, I knew that too. I always knew that my Aunt Lois was 12 1/2 years older that my mother. My grandmother was an nurse and one day she came home because she had spilt something on her uniform and found my Aunt Lois under the sink and her husband no where to be found. She pack my Aunt Lois up and moved from Wisconsin to Washington. I was quite suprised that in the 30's she would do that. I asked my cousin why Washington and she said that she had a friend who had family there. I always knew that I had very strong willed and determined women in my family but I have a much greater respect for my grandmother. I wonder what she felt and was thinking taking a small child across the country be herself. All of my grandmothers family is in Wisconsin or Minnesota. My grandmother died when I was 2 months old. My mother was just 18 and my Aunt Karen was just 14. I know that my mother always missed her mother. I wish I could have known her. I am thankful for the knowelege of her that I have and for the memories that are shared with us.

Genelogy

2009-09-30T15:49:00.002-05:00

Rick has gotten into genealogy lately. Its been quite interesting. I guess it started when we took Meridith's name to the temple, realizing how important families are. We have talked with a few of Rick's Aunts and learned more about his grandparents. We have also been on line and found census that had our families information in it. That's quite exciting, some of Ricks genealogy has been done back to 1400's. We learn more everyday.

Womens Conference

2009-09-26T16:47:00.002-05:00

Tonight is the General Women's Broadcast from Salt Lake. I am looking forward to it. I need the extra spiritual boost that comes from listening to the words from our General Relief Society Presidency and the First Presidency. I asked Rachel and Kim if they wanted to go. Kim has been sick with food poisoning since yesterday. I hope she fells better.

I love this weather & random thoughts

2009-09-24T18:48:00.003-05:00

Today the weather feels like fall. I love that time of the year. We do not get much of this type in Texas. The air is cool and crisp.. Its beautiful. But they say its suppose to be hot again this weekend..go figure.
Spelling errors are a thing of life.. I looked at my last post and realized oh great.. maybe I shouldn't write it so early in the morning.

Rick told me about this web site maybe you guys have all heard about it
readthescriptures.com
You can put what you want to read and when you want to be finished by and it lets you know how much you should read each day. I finished the Book of Mormon sitting and waiting for Rick, Brett and Brittany while they were in the Nauvoo temple. It was a great place to finish reading it... But I'm finishing my YW in Recognition award and that is one of my goals again to finish it by the end of the year. It has been such a good thing for me to read it and now reread it again. I have had my testimony strengthen so much. I am thankful for the gospel and the hope and joy it brings into my life.

I quote i saw this morning before work

2009-09-21T04:59:00.001-05:00

"Some men are willing to die for their faith but will not fully live for it. Christ both lived and died for us. By walking in his steps and through his atonement we can gain the greatest gift of all--eternal life--which is that kind of life of the great Eternal One, our Father in heaven."--Ezra Taft Benson, "Jesus Christ--Gifts and Expectations, Byu Devotional", 10 December 1974

and here is another:

"You are sent to this world with a very serious purpose. You are sent to school, for that matter, to begin as a human infant and grow to unbelievable proportions in wisdom, judgment, knowledge, and power. That is why you and I cannot be satisfied with saying merely 'I like that or want that.' That is why in our childhood and our youth and our young adulthood we must stretch and grow and remember and prepare for the later life when limitations will terminate so that we can go on and on and on"--Spencer W. Kimball, "the Matter of Marriage", from an address delivered at University of Utah Institute of Religion, 22 Oct. 1976, 2

And another ramdom thoughts:

"Service to others deepens and sweetens this life while we are preparing to live in a better world. It is by serving that we learn to serve. When we are engaged in the service of our fellowmen, not only do our deeds assist them, but we put our own problems in a fresher perspective. When we concern ourselves more with others, there is less time to be concerned with ourselves! In the midst of the miracle of serving, there is the promise of Jesus that by losing ourselves, we find ourselves!" --Spencer W. Kimball, "Speaks Out on Service to Others", New Era, Mar. 1981, 47

I hope everyone has a good day.

Picture from Nauvoo

2009-09-08T10:07:00.004-05:00

One of my goals for young women's was to finish reading the Book of Mormon before I took Meridith's name through the temple. On Wednesday night Rick, Brett and Brittany went to the temple to do some baptismal work for our families. I went to the Family Living Center and talked with some of the people there before they closed. They were getting ready to do a play that evening, which we got to see. It was good. I sat by the Scovil Bakery and finished reading the Book of Mormon and Calan slept. What a great feeling to have finished my goal of reading. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon, I learned alot this time. I understood how it is really written for us now. I can see how pride destroys us in a very short space of time. Satan is very good at that.

This picture of Brett and Brittany and Calan was taken on Thursday night, after we toured Carthage Jail. We drove back to Nauvoo to see the temple again, I am so thankful for the temple and the blessing that receive there. I am thankful that Brett and Brittany and Calan were there to spend this sacred time with us. What a blessing to know that this little family is sealed together forever.
This picture of the flower was taken when we came out of the temple after doing our families temple work. Rick took it, Meridith's favorite color was pink. I love this picture, it was a beautiful day. I am thankful for the privilege of being Meridith's mother. Thankful that Heavenly Father trusted Rick and I to teach her the gospel and prepare her to return home. We would never be ready to send her home, but he knew she finished her work here, and so did she, her last week was filled with seeing those that she loved. I know that she loves her siblings and wants for them to return to be with her.

Nauvoo is a beautiful place, I think of the sacrifices that the early Saints made on our behalf. Many of them lost children, husbands, parents and some even lost their entire families. They remained faithful so that they could be together forever. I too and thankful for their sacrifices and hard work and dedication so that this gospel is here for us to have in our lives today.

We need to keep the temple as our goal even for us who have been through the temple. Sister Elaine Dalton said compare it to walking around the temple but never going inside. It may be beautiful while it is in sight, but to really fulfill God's plan for his children on earth you have to go inside.

Blessings

2009-08-29T16:47:00.002-05:00

I am grateful to know that I have a loving Heavenly Father who loves me. I am grateful for the gospel. I am grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ. I know that Christ loved us so much that he willingly gave up his life so that when I make mistakes I can repent of them. That knowledge gives me hope everyday. I know that we have a prophet today on this earth. I know that we are blessed to have the priesthood. I am very thankful for the priesthood, it has blessed my life and our children lives on numerous occasions. I am thankful for prayer, for prayers of children, how they know Heavenly Father will hear them. I can remember numerous times when Rachel prayed for something it was answered. Each of our children have been blessed by the gospel.

World Congress V on families

2009-08-26T13:45:00.003-05:00

Families are very important to us all. As I have read, listened to others and thought about families I came across these articles speakers at the World Congress on Families, just and interesting note to look at the speakers the website www.worldcongress.nl/en/home/. There were many prominent speakers. I liked this article written about Sheri Dew
'Resurgence of moral virtue' is necessary
AMSTERDAM

"We all know that every nation is ultimately at the mercy of its families," she said. "If families are riddled with problems, society eventually collapses under the weight of problems too vast for any government to meet. If families are strong, society is strong."

Further, she said, "A virtuous life is an easier, more fulfilling life. And it is one of the most powerful keys to strengthening families and therefore to strengthening our world."

Sister Dew began her address by answering the question of why a woman with no nuclear family of her own is qualified to speak at a congress about families.

"I am not married and have not had the privilege of bearing children — which are, candidly, the heartbreaks of my life," she said. "This isn't by choice. My dream was to marry and have a house full of children. The answer to why I haven't yet married is simple: No one has ever asked me. So you may wonder why am I here, and why do I care so much about the family.

"I care in part, precisely because I haven't yet been blessed with a husband or family of my own. I know firsthand that the passage in Genesis is true: It is not good for man or woman to be alone (see Genesis 2:18). This is not just good theology; it's terrific sociology. As grateful as I am for many things, I am painfully aware that I am not complete without a faithful husband."

The world tries mightily to uncover secular solutions for societal ills, but in the end there is no substitute for morality and virtue.

"We tend to focus on policies, legislation and court opinions related to family," Sister Dew said. "But today I invite you to consider that the single most pervasive threat to the stability and future of the family is sexual immorality in all its forms. Nothing would do more to strengthen the families of the world than a resurgence of moral virtue, particularly sexual purity."

According to Sister Dew, many men and women would follow a path of sexual purity if they only knew the truth. Therefore, it's imperative for those who know the merits of virtue to boldly share that truth in its unadorned simplicity.

"The world is filled with good people who may not know that virtue would transform their lives and who only need to be shown the way," she said. "If defending virtue requires sacrifice and discipline, then so be it. We have a choice to make. We can either watch our societies crumble under the weight of moral impurity, or we can lead out in the cause of virtue.

"May we go forward, determined to make this world better by making it more clean. May we champion virtue as a key to building strong families. God will help us. No one cares more about our families than He does. As we honor Him by embracing the virtue He has ordained, He will help us preserve the foundational unit of every society, the family."
— Jamshid Askar

Our Young Womens theme this year added virtue, I can see that moral virtue is becoming harder and harder for youth and young adults, satan is working double time in this area. The world does not see anything wrong with it, but it is so damanging to our souls.

Reading

2009-08-19T17:07:00.002-05:00

Sister Tan reminded me that we needed to have our virtue value done by the September Auxiliary training meeting. I had done the goals just not the project. The project for virtue is reading the Book of Mormon. I decided that since our training meeting is September 10 I would make the goal to finish reading by the 3rd when we go to the temple. It has been really good for me. The last time I read form cover to cover is with the young women. That was an awesome experience for me. I hope that the girls will always remember it. The parents of those girls were very supportive, they would bring the girls, leave them and come back in an hour. I know that for some it was not always easy, but what a testimony builder to me. They were very faithful. I am grateful for the Book of Mormon. I have really enjoyed reading. There are some faith building stories in there for me, and I realize how many in the Book of Mormon would not keep holding on to the iron rod. They just would not stay faithful. I see how in this life there are so many that will stay faithful only when it is easy, or if its fun. I had a Young Women's President tell me about a family who has been members all their life and since their daughters want to do other things they have to justify not coming to church. They have chosen to attend another church. I realize that enduring to the end is going to get harder and harder. I think about young women who want to be married but will not put themselves in the right place often so that they might be able to find the right person. I remember and young women who had a child out of wedlock and one night kissed him goodbye and told him"I'm going to find you a daddy" She did she meet and married this wonderful man, who loves her and her son. She put herself in the right place to find the right kind of young man. Listening to some young women at camp concerns me in what they are thinking now. Satan is real and he will seek to tempt and destroy us. He want us to be miserable like him, what better way then to help us let go of the iron rod. He is pretty good at what he does. Its not all bad or I can repent later. That may not always be the case. A little bit of dog poop is still dog poop. It would ruin a batch of cookies in a minute. As Satan will work on all of us, we need to be helpful and supportive to one another.

Missing You

2009-08-16T16:43:00.002-05:00

Today Meridith I am missing you. I have thought about you alot lately. I meet a girl in the singles ward about your same age she will turn 23 in the next couple of weeks. She reminds me of you, she has that same wit about her. She says whats on her mind and I appreciate that. She told me about a friend of hers that, that died similar to the way you did, it was her twin sister that was driving. I guess Heavenly Father needed a bunch of strong faithful young women back home. She is leaving for BYU-I and a couple of weeks. She asked me about you, and we talked about our going to the Nauvoo for your work. I know you are where you are suppose to be, but some days its hard to not have you here. Haylee is a doll we love her so much. I know you would have loved her too. We talk to her about you, she knows she has a Aunt Mer-Mer and that you are in heaven and now tippi is there with you. When I see little girls at the airport in pink converse I think of you. Haylee has had them. Brett and Brittany bought her a pair last year for Christmas, she wore them alot. You would love Brittany she is a wonderful young woman, she is a great wife for Brett and a wonderful mom to Calan. Calan is so cute, we miss them not living close. but it has been good for them to live away. Aaron and Kim finally got married and it was nice. I hope that someday it will be for forever. Im just missing you, but you help keep me strong. I love you.

Make A Wish

2009-08-09T19:47:00.003-05:00

This morning at work I had a flight to Orlando Florida. On this particular flight, Natalie my supervisor came and told me that I had a 4 yr old boy who was traveling with Make A Wish. For those of you who may not know- Make a Wish is for terminally ill children and their families. This little boy turned 4 on Aug 1st, he has twin brothers that looked to be about 5-6 years old. I had the privilege of trying to make it a special flight for them. We had the fire department at the airport there and this is a list of things that transpired for this little boy. He and his family came in from Coppel Tx on a fire engine. How exciting is that. We sang Happy Birthday to him. They had a cake for him compliments from Sam's the mayor of Coppel was at the airport to see him off and so were several friends with their children. Before we began boarding everyone we had his family to go down so that he and his brothers to see the cockpit and meet the captain. I had the brothers Zachary and Josh make an announcement to all the people and tell then to have fun at Disney World. It has made me a little more melancholy, Rick and I have talked about which way would be easier to lose a child. Knowing that they are going to die and seeing them suffer like this little boy Caden is, or by an accident in which it happens quickly. I would have liked to have been able to Meridith one time time that I love her and tell her bye. But on the other hand this mother is having a very difficult time with knowing that her son is dying and there is nothing that she can do to stop it. I feel for her, I know the road that lies ahead and its a tough one. There is no book to help you deal there is only Heavenly Father and knowing that the plan of salvation is real. For me, that keeps me going. I want to see her again and hold her. This time of the year is hard for me, her birthday will be here soon and I miss her. This birthday will be a good one, we are taking her name through the temple, what a blessing. Last year when Rick and I decided to do this, Brett said that we needed to wait a year to let those who might want to be there to have that chance. So we have, I had hoped that Rachel and Aaron would have wanted to be there. It was 11 years ago when Meridith first came into young women's, and we did baptisms, that was the only time all 4 kids were in the temple together. I am grateful for temples and the ordinances that binds families together.

Children

2009-07-30T20:45:00.002-05:00

Children are given to us--on loan--for a very short period of time. They come to us like packets of flower seeds, with no pictures on the cover and no guarantees. We do not know what they will look like, act like, or have the potential to become. Our job, like the gardener's, is to meet their needs as best we can: to give proper nourishment, love, attention, and caring, and to hope for the best.
--Katharine Kersey

I saw this posted on someone blogs and I know that it is so true. Today as I was reading in Jacob about the vineyard and grafting and the good and the bad. It made me be even more aware that we never know what choices our children will make and how it will effect their lives forever.(we even have to ground them) (Pray for them a lot) Sometimes a small choice, which you may not think it will effect anyone but yourself will effect many. I think about my choice to join the church many many years ago. I was young and I don't remember thinking about how this will effect my family for generations, but now I realize it has and does. Because of Rick's and my choice to join the church(each at a different time) and be married in the temple for time and eternity, we will have our family with us. Now I know Meridith will be there, the others it is still their choice. Sometimes the here and now seems more important then the eternity. I pray that our entire family will be together forever. I remember Rachel telling Kim after Meridith died that she needs this to be true. Rachel, Aaron and Brett, I know it is true. There is no doubt. There never has been, for that I am blessed. I don't want to give anyone the wrong ideal and think that because I know this is true and right, that everything is roses...Ha far from it. I know Satan works hard on me, and he will work hardest on me through my kids. One day as I was driving I thought about my patriarchal blessing,and how Satan will use everything he has to get me. So I thought about Meridith, did he think that by taking Meridith young, that I would fold? That I would just give up? I know that is why the Lord allowed me to know that she would not be here long, so that when times get tough and they do, I would rely on my testimony. That is why Helaman 5:12 is my favorite scripture. Children are a blessing, enjoy them, love them. Grandchildren are even more fun, we love Haylee and Calan.

More Rain

2009-07-30T19:53:00.002-05:00

We had a good thunderstorm this morning. It woke us up before 5am, I had to get by 515am anyway so i just got up. It took me a little longer to get to work, just normal slow traffic on a rainy day. We need the rain so it was all good. The last hard rain that we had our great neighbors had a really bad time. They had..I repeat had this great playground for their twins, but with the very strong winds 60-70 mph the playground (we call it the park) was in their pool. It picked the whole thing up and planted it in their pool, broke a window in the living room and did some water damage upstairs. This morning I get a text from Amy asking for some fans, the window in one the bedrooms fell into the room, the latch broke and rained in all morning. One son was in there, sleeping th whole time....come on how on earth can you sleep through the storm this morning.. he did. One of the twins came down at 5am and talked abot the storm unti 7am and then went back to sleep... poor moms we never get to go back to sleep.

Returning Missionaries

2009-07-28T17:08:00.002-05:00

We finally got some rain on Monday, but with the rain came lighting, its beautiful to watch but....not so fun when you work for an airline. Monday is usually my day off but they asked me work ramp transfer. What is that you might ask? I watch the international departures and see if there are any passengers that might have a very short connection and would miss their flight. On Monday with it being a weather day makes it hard to know which flights are delayed and which ones are going out on time. Doing ramp transfer is different, I usually have very nice and happy people because they will be making their flights. In the afternoon I went to get a salad and saw this missionary walk by me..I thought I wonder if he knows where he should be, people miss their flights all the time because they sit at the wrong gate. I went to taco bell and on my way back to office I saw him again. I stopped and asked if he was ok and he said yes and then he said he was waiting for his flight much later and I checked on it for him and he told me his brother who was also returning home from his mission they were suppose to be on the same flight. I checked and his brother would miss their flight. I had him come to the counter so I could help him, He had served his mission in Peru and his brother in Merida Mexico. His brother flew from Merida to Mexico City and the flight from Mexico City to DFW was delayed. As we talked and I was getting his brothers flights taken care of I gave him my cell phone to call his dad to let him know about his brothers flight information, then I found out that this was to be a surprise, his mother knew that his brother was coming home but he was not suppose to come home til Friday. Nasty weather ruined their plans. The flight to Ontario was oversold and it frustrated me to think they all had put this much effort to come home together and come off the plane together and surprise their mom. I desired the flight and called our yeild management department and told the lady who I was at DFW and I needed to have this segment overbooked. I told her I realize the flight is full but that I had his brother confirmed on the flight, and proceeded to tell her that they had been gone for 2 years and had not seen their parents and this was to be a surprise because the one I was trying to get confirmed on this flight was not suppose to be home til Friday. We were so blessed, the lady on the other end was either a member of the church or knew about missionaries. I know the Lord had a hand in this young missionaries life, he said he had been praying for help and didn't knw what to do. I am thankful that I could be a part of the reunion for he and his brother. I am thankful for the gospel and the joy that missionaries give to people as they accept the gospel.

Fireside

2009-07-26T12:01:00.003-05:00

Last night I had the privilege of going to the Denton Stake and listen to Sister Elaine Dalton, the General Young Women's President of the church. We met at the church and I had 7 kids ride with me. I'm glad they rode with me. I had the chance to talk to Anthony Garret about his plans, its was good to hear him talk about turning in his mission papers in a couple of months. When we got to Denton it was already getting very full, I'm so glad we left early, probably should have left about 20 minutes earlier for better seats for the kids. Everyone in my car got into the auditorium. The Denton stake had it so that only the kids were in the auditorium(thinking that would be enough room it was not). I kept taking kids into the auditorium to get seats, as we were standing by the table for the Hurst Stake. There were a lot of kids from our stake, I'm so glad that they chose to come. Then in the overflow is where they were going to have the leaders be, WELL there was not enough places for kids, they eventually had the adults move out of the chairs so kids could sit down, even with that there were still kids that did not have a seat. She talked about the 3 things they as a presidency have asked the kids to do:
1. Pray everyday both morning and night
2. Read the Book of Mormon for at least 5 minutes everyday (if you
did this you would finish the Book of Mormon in 1 year)
3. Smile
We should do these things, they are not hard.
Sister Dalton's husband served his mission in Texas in 1968, when Texas use to be only 1 mission. That's hard to believe, but very exciting. He bore his testimony. I'm so glad I got to go. There was then a dance that followed, I did not stay I had to be up at 5am for work, bummer. I would have loved to hear the kids talk about the activities on the way home. Thanks to those who picked the kids up for me.
One bummer of the evening, since we were in the foyer/cafeteria time of place and could see the fireside on a TV screen, many did not take the opportunity to listen. Sister Johnson and Sister Furniss and I sat ton the floor against the wall, I had 2 ladies beside me, that did not shut up the entire time SO, the kids that were next to them did not either, but hey what kind of an example did those leaders set for them. I still got a lot out of their talks, I am so thankful to have joined the church, for all those who took me under their wing and taught me the gospel.President Martino spoke for a few minutes, he spoke of many people that I knew, and spent time with. I am so thankful that as a young girl I took advantage of the gospel, of the knowledge it gave me. I think about my sister who joined the church the same time I did, she has not gone to church in years, even before her leg was removed. My good friend Julie has not gone in years either, she has made some pretty wrong choices, and she knows it. Julie will tell me that she still prays everyday. I know that is important, but come on so is what you are doing in your life, you will be judged for your knowledge and choices. Sometimes that is so hard for us to understand, or maybe we understand it, but choose to do what we know is morally wrong anyway.

Weekend Activities

2009-07-24T13:39:00.002-05:00

Tonight we get to keep Haylee, Rick and I are both so excited. Haylee is such a wonderful little girl. WE of course are a little bias, but that's ok because being her grandparents is the best. I have to work Saturday morning and then Saturday night we have a 15 stake fireside in Denton and Sister Elaine Dalton will be speaking and then we will have a dance, I know that kids are excited about that one. We have slot of really great youth in our stake and in our ward. I will certainly miss seeing some of them every Sunday. With Rick's new calling church will be late for us, but that's ok. The single ward is quite large they said they average about 150-160 every Sunday, so that will be nice to see that many active young single adults striving to do whats right.

The Value of VItrue

2009-07-18T18:20:00.007-05:00

This year our General Young Women's Presidency added another value to young women's. Virtue.

We decided as a Stake Young Women's Presidency we would complete our Virtue goal by our Next auxiliary meeting in September. As I have worked on this and thought about it alot I know as a society we have gotten away from thinking about virtue. It saddens me to look around as see young women who make the choice to not be virtuous. A few years back as I was serving in our wards YW presidency I knew of a young girl who was considering having sex with her boyfriend as I spoke with her I tried to let her know that she would be giving something up she could never regain. I explained about repentance, but we never get that virtue back. For many young women they become that notch on a boys belt, someone they can brag about. For girls it is a very sad time for them. As I have read the family proclamation and the For the Strength of Youth it clearly states that sex is between a husband and wife who are married. NOT living together. When you obey God's commandments you are prepared to enter the temple to make covenants with the person who you love forever. I think about Rick and I, even though neither one of our parents could be there and Rick was the first one on his side of the family to get married, we both knew that getting married in the temple was not an option. I am grateful for our marriage, for both of us being worthy when we met to go to the temple. I am glad that virtue has been added to the young women's values. The value project that goes along with virtue to to read the Book of Mormon. My goal is to have it finished when we go to Nauvoo to take Meridith's name through the temple. So today I start reading the Book of Mormon, to be finished by September 3.

What's in a name

2009-07-08T19:01:00.002-05:00

For camp this year my talk was "whats in a name". I told the girls how I got my name, I told them about Elder L Tom Perry's family history of how they joined the church and in 7-8 generations they had more than 10,000 descendants, sufficient numbers to organize 3 stakes. Hard to believe isn't it. I talked about how Aaron was named after my grandfather, and asked what has Aaron done with my grandfathers name...since he had no sons only daughters, is he living it in the way my grandfather would be proud? Rachel was given my middle name and Haylee was given Rachel's middle name are we each living a legacy that each can be proud of?
When my nephew and niece had their daughter Eden they named her Eden Meridith. Stephanie's mother sent me this wonderful card written with such care and I read a portion of it to the young women. Her mom talked about how Stephanie was named after her Aunt Melissa who died at just 2 1/2. This is what her mother said. "As Steph drew up she learned more and more about Melissa and wore her name proudly, somehow like a badge of honor. Steph told me one day that she was so honored to carry on the name of someone who was loved so very much. Now fast forward to the day Steph found out they were having a daughter. She told me she wanted he daughter's name to mean something, and like her name something she could be proud of, and thus Eden Meridith came to be. It is the perfect name for a very perfect little girl!" Stephanie's mom may not have realized how much that meant to us, but it did and still does. Stephanie's mother is an amazing woman, I see her love and kindness to all that she comes in contact with, I am honored to know her. So as I asked the Young Women "What are you doing with your name?" I went on the tell them that at baptism the took on someone else's name. The name of Jesus Christ "what are we doing with his name?" Are we living our lives so that we can return to him and he be honored by us, or are we not keeping up our end of the Saviour's name. Since camp it has caused me a lot of reflection of my own life. We should live our lives so that we will one day be able to stand before Christ our brother and he be thrilled at how we honored his name and that we did all we could to glorify him.

I love the flag

2009-07-04T06:53:00.003-05:00

Today is the 4Th of July and the cub scouts just put the flag in our yard. I love to see that flag flying. One morning after Sept 11, 2001, as I was driving to work early by Hwy 26 there are several car dealerships and they each have these huge flags, the wind was slightly blowing and the flags were flowing and it was a beautiful sight. I'm so thankful to live in a country where we are free. So many freedoms, so many opportunities.

LOL:)

2009-06-29T17:32:00.002-05:00

All in all camp went very well. The girls seemed to have had a good time. We had a hard night Thursday night. Thursday night was our spiritual program night. Sister Woolford planned and prepared a wonderful evening. She spoke to the girls about finding their way and how GPS's are great and how we each have one as well. The stake leaders had a value and we each wore khaki pants with the color of t-shirt that went with our value. We had a little part that we said to each group that camp through. We asked the girls to commit to living that value as we tied a ribbon of that value to their wrists. As they came to each group we all had cd players with a cd that Sister Woolford made for each of us and we turned the cd's on as we tied the ribbons and as they walked from each group. We were far enough away from each other that we could not see or hear the other group. When the girls first started and their journey they were each given a candle in a dixie cup to carry to light the way. If it went out they were not to light it again, some went out right away because they were not very careful, some girls were very careful with theirs. One thought that I told the girls towards the end of the groups as it was getting darker into the evening, is that as they started out each had a light and could see very easily but as the night progressed on and their lights went out it was harder to see. We needed to depend on the Savior more when life becomes hard and its not as easy to see. We need to remember that Heavenly Father loves us and is there for each of us. We need to ask him for guidance and follow his commandments even when others try to lead us in a different direction. After this wonderful program, several things happened and several girls fell right into Satan's trap of not doing what is right. I know that Satan works hard on all of us and that we need to really stay on the path because he is trying to hard to pull people away...one girl..one family.. many generations. Its just that simple.

LOL :) part 2

2009-06-28T17:57:00.002-05:00

On Wednesday I was able to go to Sister Tan's class, she did a great job. Then I spent the next 2-3 hours at the horses. When they said they were going to ride in the covered pavilion, I was disappointed, I thought of it as a ride around the ranch, but after seeing that sooo many girls have never ever been around horses and did not even know how to get on them, I thought OK good idea. The ranch activities were fishing and doing a large obstacle course bounce house. The girls could race one another, I heard it was great. We had sandwiches for lunch, scripture and journal time and then we heard from Sister Furniss, she did a great job. She talked about her growing up and what it was like she brought her old letter jacket and pictures of her families farm and talked about things in her life that gave her, her foundation. She brought her old Merry Miss banner, things that she has done as a member of the church. For dinner that night we had lasagna, it took much longer than they had thought, so dinner was running late. We went into the kitchen to help and starting cooking it in the micowave...at least we got it started before the rest got done.
Thursday we had the same classes, with the exception of it was my turn to teach. I taught on What"s in a name. I'll write more later.

LOL:)

2009-06-26T17:18:00.003-05:00

This was or theme for Young Women's camp. For us it was living our legacy. I think it turned out great. This is how the week played out: We meet Tuesday morning at the Beach Street Building with all the Stake Leaders (13) and the YCL'S (53)(youth camp leaders), and 2 amazing priesthood holders to be there for us. The men loaded all the girls stuff in a trailer, and we loaded up all the girls. I had 4 girls from the Park Glen 2ND ward, even though Rick's car can hold more I had to take the back seats out for all the stuff I was taking to camp. We got to camp and unloaded and had the girls take their stuff to their cabins. We had the YCL's make welcome signs to hang on the cabins for the girls that would be arriving the next day. We had lunch, some girls went swimming and hung out some rode horses. We watched the original Parent Trap, and made the yummy popcorn with Almond Bark. Then everyone went to their cabins and we went to sleep (haha). The next day we were prepared for all the girls and leaders to arrive. What a site that is to see so many young women coming to camp, and parents and leaders bringing them and all their stuff. After check in in they all got their shirts and we took a camp picture. Everyone got ready for the days activities. This year one of our activities was horses, each girl got to ride about 30 minutes. Since its Texas and it certainly gets hot here we had to change our classes and activities around to be in the morning. We had a 4 rotation classes to attend. Horses, ropes course/ranch activities, a spiritual class, pool. Our classes were "Roots and Branches" taught by Sister Tan, she is an amazing woman. She has 4 small children and when we have camp she leaves them with her husband as long as he can take the time off, or with friends of her ward. Sister Tan has this amazing testimony, she joined the church at 17 in Singapore, from the example of a girl that she didn't really know at first. My class was "What's in a name", Sister Johnson's class was on "I write my own story" Sister Furniss's class was on her own history. I will write more later.

Aaron has hand sugery

2009-06-05T11:17:00.002-05:00

This morning Aaron had surgery on his hand. All went well. He had a cyst on his left wrist. Today when we came home Rachel and Haylee were waiting for us in the garage. Haylee was quite concerned for his Uncle. We were out in the back yard and John Wyatt came over to play, the first thing Haylee told him that Uncle Aaron had surgery, but he had a blessing last night. Its interesting how somethings leave important impression on a child. Brother Cook came over last night, thank you, and as they gave Aaron a blessing, she sat so very still on the couch all by herself. She didn't move or make any noise. I'm so thankful for the priesthood. What a peaceful assurance it brings to us.

UP

2009-06-03T13:19:00.002-05:00

We went to see up last night with Haylee. It was not her favorite. She did not like the dogs biting the leg of the bird. She asked alot of questions, when she got home she told Papa about it. It was quite cute. Rachel and I liked it, maybe most 3 yr olds wouldn't ask so many questions but she did. She got scared in it, held on to mommy and then sat on grandma laps. Papa and I will go it sometime and then he will understand all her questions.

Weeds, weeds and more weeds

2009-05-27T13:34:00.003-05:00

I pulled weeds over the weekend and today I'm pulling more. I love flowers and flower beds but man are they ever alot of work. I think if we ever build another house it will certianly have a much SMALLER flower bed. Oh well learn as you go.

Thanks to our Military

2009-05-24T19:05:00.002-05:00

I want to thank for who have served in the armed forces. I am thankful to all those who put their lives on the line for our freedoms. So often we go about our daily lives and don't think twice about all of our freedoms, to work where we want, eat what we want say what we want do to the movies or go out to dinner or do just nothing. On Friday at work I was talking with a man who has not been home for 1 year. Thanks a long time to bee in Iraq and away from your family. I appreciate all they have done to allow us the freedoms to live our lives and worship how wee feel.
Thanks to all.

Happy Birthday Terri

2009-05-24T09:25:00.003-05:00

Today is my sisters 51st birthday. She is in a nursing home and about 2 weeks ago she broke her femur. Terri had gone to Dallas with her friend Rita. While they were there Terri slide out of her electric wheelchair going down a steep incline at the hospital. Needless to say she is in a lot of pain. It is on her leg that has been amputated at the knee. They have taken several x-rays and there is nothing they can do. If your like me "why" can't they. Normally they immobilize your whole leg, but she only has a half leg there. Terri does really well, she never complains, she hurts really bad, but just keeps going. Happy Birthday Terri, I wish I could change it for you. These are my sisters. Diane is the the oldest on the left me in the middle and Terri on the right. Terri hair has always been dark like my mom's, me I'm the odd ball, they always told me I came from the cabbage patch. Gotta love the short dresses.

Camp

2009-05-22T17:51:00.002-05:00

As a stake young women's presidency we are getting ready for girls camp. We are so excited about the new place we found this past year. We have 90 plus girls
(levels 1-4) and 53 YCL's hard to believe. I guess the had a good time with us last year, they wanted to come back. We did have a good time. We are hoping this year will be even better. There is lots to do, swimming, horses, rock wall, ropes course, we are even trying to find more fun things for them to do.

Who does this look like

2009-05-19T17:10:00.004-05:00

Isn't this a cute little girl at the age of 2. Last night I was looking for picture of girls camp and came across this one. They look alike. I sure love them both.

Flowers

2009-05-17T10:21:00.002-05:00

On friday my mom went to the dentist and I watched Dusty my great nephew and Haylee. I had been cleaning and found this flower that Rachel had bought her a year or so ago. As her and Dusty were playing with this flower I heard her tell him the flower is for Aunt Mer Mer. Over the last couple of weeks she has gone out to the cementary several times. Rachel took her, Uncle Brett took her, and then she went with us on the 12 of May. Meridith was so excited to be an Aunt. She so loved Haylee. Meridith always took the pictures so the ones we have of her holding Haylee are priceless. I sure miss her.

So many thoughts

2009-05-16T19:00:00.003-05:00

Lately I have had so many thoughts rambling around in my head. I got the Ensign with the conference talks in it and I have been reading them. They have had such meaning lately. Learning the Lessons of the Past by M Russell Ballard, One of the things is said is "Now there is a powerful lesson for all of you in this experience. When you are willing to listen and learn, some of life's most meaningful teachings come from those who have gone before you. They have walked where you are walking and have experiences many of the things you re experiencing. If you listen and respond to their counsel, they can help guide you toward choices that will be for your benefit and blessing and steer you away from decisions that can destroy you. As you look to your parents and others who have gone before you, you will find examples of faith, commitment, hard work, dedication, and sacrifice that you should strive to duplicate." There are many good points in this talk. I am thankful for the ensign for the leaders who spoke to us, for their thoughts and testimony. I have so many blessings, I am very thankful for them. What joy the knowledge of the gospel brings to me.

Driving from Colorado

2009-05-08T15:32:00.004-05:00

SO Wednesday night Brett told us that we should drive to Texas. He thought he might be ale to turn his truck in a get a car if the numbers worked out right. But it doesn't look like it will. So Brittany, Calan and I started out trip.. It went really well. Calan was a trooper. Funny thing that happened we decided at about 1130pm that we would stop for the night, we had considered driving the rest of the way. Hey it was only 4 More hours. SO we stopped in Clarendon, Tx and stayed at the Best Western there, got there about midnight. We went to sleep got up the morning and went to get in the truck and guess who's truck was right beside ours....Uncle Gary. He is driving back to Co. I thought he was staying in Wichita Falls, but he said when he got there he felt fine and decided to make it to Clarendon. He saw Brett's truck and thought "this is sure a popular truck in Texas" He was quite surprised when I told him we were at the same hotel. We had a nice drive. We arrived safe and sound. Thankful for our many blessings.

Colorado

2009-05-06T13:02:00.002-05:00

I'm in Colorado with Brittany and Calan Baby. Its great. I sure miss them. I got to see Brett for a short whole before I hopped on the plane to fly out here. We are having a great time. Tonight the family is coming over for dinner. Hope its good. We are trying recipes that we haven't tried before.

Cannery

2009-05-04T09:07:00.003-05:00

Rick and I went to the cannery in Dallas to do some food storage. We had a good time. It brought back many memories for me. Many years ago we as sisters in our ward went to the cannery every month faithfully. It didn't matter how much or how little you wanted to do, we just worked together and had a great time. I think about those sisters often. I was thinking about Susan Nelson who use to go with us, what a great lady she was. She has since passed away but her legacy and spirit live on, she taught me alot. For awhile I was blessed to be her visiting teacher, how I loved her and really enjoyed our visits. Her youngest son was in between Brett and Meridith, we had Joy School together with Brian, Spencer, Darrell and Meridith, what joy those memories bring back, and now all those kids are grown, some even have families of their own. I am so thankful to have lived in a ward with so many wonderful friends and great memories.

Youth Conference

2009-04-30T09:59:00.002-05:00

This last weekend we had our Stake Youth Conference. It was quite amazing. We participated in the Special Olympics. We had over 230 kids that volunteered and they were great. The 14-15 yrs cheered at the soccer fields until after 1200 when they gave out their awards. While I was over there, we encouraged the kids to find out what the players names were so that they could cheer them on personally. They did and I think what they found out is that they are just like them, they have the same desires and dreams but with a few limitations. It was great to see them come out of their comfort zones and give truly of their selves. The special Olympics volunteers kept saying how much they really appreciated us there. They also said that they are having another one that is bigger in may and would love for us to come back. I think there might be some wards that might be going back. As a stake young women's presidency we really wanted for the kids to have a great experience. We wanted them to truly serve someone as the Saviour loved and served us. When we had our testimony meeting the kids again did a great job. President Hadley talked alittle about what a testimony is and why we bear a testimony and it was very uplifting. We didn't have a thankamony the kids bore a great witness of the love of the Saviour and how this effected them and how they realize how much they are loved. I am very grateful to be able to serve in this calling, we have a really great presidency and I have learned alot from the women that I serve with. Now we are finishing up on young women's camp.. that's in about 6 weeks. From one activity to another. We are blessed to serve.

I appreciate Rick

2009-04-10T10:44:00.003-05:00

On Saturday Morning Rachel and I got up and went to go the annual Saginaw Easter Egg Hunt. We went out and got in Rachel's car and the Battery was dead....Haylee ran inside and got her Papa he can fix everythig and he came out and jump started the truck. I guess we left the light on from the night before. Aaron and Kim came over and Rick asked Aaron to go with him to the Preisthood session of conference. I was hoping he would. They could of had a nice dinner together and enjoyed conference together. But Aaron did not answer Rick when he asked him nor did he call him later. I was bummed for Rick, he would have really enjoyed that. Brett was in Colorado so he couldn't go with him. I appreciate Rick, all that he does for his family. I'm not sure that the kids realize how he has worked to allow them the opportunties they have been given. Thanks Rick, I love you.

Frustrating

2009-03-25T16:35:00.003-05:00

My mom bought my sister a laptop computer for Christmas. Since Terri is in a Nursing Home its gives her something to do. Well it worked Saturday and she went to turn it on on Sunday would not turn on. Mom brought it to me so I could get it taken care of. It is so frustrating when you call a company and they
1. don't listen and
2. don't have a clue what you are talking about because they are reading everything from a script.
All I needed was for them to send me a box so that I could mail it to them for repair. Simple right, no way!! After we played 20 questions I finally told her THERE are NO lights on the computer it WILL not turn on. Since it is a HP and they have our phone number down when we ordered Meridith's computer she wanted to tell me that the numbers didn't match up. I told her for the computer that went with the sweetiepie email address was my daughters but this is a different computer. Sometimes it would be so much nicer if.... they just listened instead of reading the script. Enough venting!!

Training

2009-03-13T09:50:00.002-05:00

Last night was our auxiliary training meeting. It was very good President Hadley spoke about families and how we need to help build strong families with the testimonies of the Savior. Then in our meeting with the Young Women Presidents we talked about how as presidents they have a vision about their young women and their counselor help carry out that vision. And about helping the girls.. a quote from President Hinckley given in Jan 2004 at a worldwide training meeting he said"When you save a girl you save generations, she will grow in strength and righteousness. She will marry in the House of the Lord. She will teach her children in the ways of truth, they will walk in her paths, and will similarly teach their children. Wonderful grandmothers who will be there to lend encouragement. I see this as one bright shinning hope in a world that is marching towards self destruction. To the stake presidents and bishops I plead with you to give encouragement and help in every possible way to women and girls of your stakes and wards. They need your priesthood backing, and they need your leadership and counsel, help they in every way you can, and while you are doing this you will help yourselves.

That is so true. We have some awesome young women in our ward. They are not without challenges, some of those challenges you see, some you do not. Sometimes they feel like they are alone, and that no one understands them. Its rough being a young women in these very challenging times. I know that if they hold fast to the teaching of the gospel they can be strong, to face whatever comes their way. Satan certainly wants them to struggle and not stay strong. Because its what President Hinckley said "you save a girl you save generations."

When its cold and rainy..

2009-03-11T11:50:00.002-05:00

I just want to crawl under the covers... but I had to work this morning. Haylee is coming over and we are going to take a nap (YEAH) .This weekend we were all so busy, up late and then up early. We still didn't get everything done that we wanted. We wanted to take Haylee and Calan's picture together. Rachel bought them cute matching outfits, bummer they didn't get to wear them together. Hopefully Brett and Brittany and Calan baby will come back down soon. We miss them. WE sure need the rain. Yesterday I saw bluebonnets. I love them the freeways look so beautiful when they are in bloom. I hope everyone enjoys them.

Family Time

2009-03-09T13:32:00.002-05:00

It has been great this weekend. Brett and Brittany and Calan Baby came in on Thursday, Mary and Uncle Gary came in on Fri. So much fun. On Saturday we drove to Tyler for Debra and Caleb's wedding. It was very nice. It is always fun to see the family. We meet Darrell's new friend. She is very nice, you know when we all get together is a free for all. Laughing and joking, she took it all in stride. We had a good time... we realized that in the 10 hours on Sat we spent 6 in the car. It was a long drive but worth it. On Sunday I had Stake Meetings so I didn't get to spend much time with everyone but the time was great and tooo short. Brett and Brittany don't leave til Tuesday night... Yeah..grandma gets to spoil just a little longer.

Waiting for The TV guy

2009-03-03T13:43:00.002-06:00

Rachel is getting cable in her apartment and I'm just waiting for the guy to come and turn it on for her. Fortunately she does has some movies, so I'm watching 27 dresses..it's a cute movie. Then I have to go to work. Tonight I'm working with Ramp Transfer...hopefully it won't be to boring tonight. I hope they get here before I need to leave. Haylee wanted to come with Grandma, and wait for the TV guy, but she went to school instead.

Brett Brittany abd Calan Baby

2009-03-02T16:31:00.002-06:00

They willbe here in 4 days..We can't wait to see them and hold and kiss on Calan Baby.... Yeah
Plus Uncle Gary amd Mary will be coming to... We are excited.

Stake Conference

2009-03-01T20:57:00.003-06:00

Stake Conference was very good this weekend. I really felt uplifted. Debi King spoke on Saturday night, she did an amazing job. I really enjoyed her talk. I'm so thankful that we went to Saturday night conference and then again on Sunday. Saturday night we watched a talk given in General Conference by James Corbridge somethings we reminded us of...There is opposition in all things. Come unto the Lord all who are heavy laden...He is there to carry our burdens. The Lord's way is not hard..life is hard. Get on the path and never give up OR get off. Sometimes we all need to be reminded that the Lord is there for us.
On Sunday one of the speakers said Listen and give heed to the Lord's spirit. Focus on Spiritual things (rather than worldly). Listen and follow our leaders. If we are prepared we will not fear.
Predident Uchtdorf said Have a current Temple recommend even if you can't go often.
Study the word of God daily.
Pray Daily=Speak to Heavenly Father
Quotes from other Presidents of the Church
Ezra Taft Benson-Nothing can take the place of prayer
Howard W hunter -Set our houses in order with prayer
Thomas S Monson- Never been a time when there is a greater need to teach family prayer.

I find it interesting that so much importance is going back to basics. Listen to the Holy Ghost, relaying on the Lord. Going to him in prayer. I'm grateful for these gentle reminders.

Its cold again and super WINDY

2009-02-28T15:30:00.003-06:00

Hold on to your hats and doors to your cars..if not it'll blow you away.

Its 85 outside today

2009-02-26T14:49:00.002-06:00

Its 85 outside today...and its only February.. I know its almost March. Some of our friends have already been in their pools..not me its still to cold. Hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weather.

4th Picture

2009-02-24T15:53:00.002-06:00

This is my 4th picture and I love it. A little while back at bedtime Haylee would get 3 books for Papa to read to her. No one else would do, just Papa. Quite often they would read the same 3 books. Now that Rachel and Haylee have their own place Rachel reads to her. I sure love these two. They are very important in my life. I love Rick, he is a great husband, dad and papa.

I tag Marcia, Sherwoodsforest, Holly and Michelle Kirchner. Have a great day to everyone.

New Beginings

2009-02-19T10:16:00.002-06:00

Being the Stake Young Women's we have the privilege of going to the different wards as they hold their New Beginnings. They have been great. Last Night we attended the Park Glen 2nd Ward. They did a great job. They had the girls read a brief statement about the values. One of the statements was given by Boyd K Packer.

Somewhere in your quest for spiritual knowledge, there is that “leap of faith,” as the philosophers call it. It is the moment when you have gone to the edge of the light and stepped into the darkness to discover that the way is lighted ahead for just a footstep or two. “The spirit of man,” is as the scripture says, indeed “is the candle of the Lord.” (Prov. 20:27.)

What makes some of us ready to take that leap of faith? Why does it make sense to some and others struggle with it? Faith as we are told in the scriptures Hebrew 11:1 Faith is to hope for things not seen but are true.

Miracles do not produce faith but strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ; in other words, faith comes by righteousness, although miracles often confirm one’s faith.

As these young women are given short thoughts to read, are they learning what they are reading? DO they understand that these young women leaders are there for them. They love them or do they just read it and hope to get through it before they are asked to do something else. Do they understand their own potential? Do we? Who are we? You can ask ourselves those very basic questions, but can and do we answer then honestly, or do we really not know.

Rachel posted one time on her blog

"Why can't we see the future?

Why can't we "know" things are going to work out when they are rough?

I just want to know the outcome of my choices, and which one is really the "better" one to make. I want to see each path and how they are going to affect the whole package before I make them.

So I have thought about this statement from Elder Boyd K Packer. Its that "Leap of Faith"
Do we trust Heavenly Father enough to know that he really knows us? Do we do our part? Or what is our part? I don't have all the answers but I do know that we must make that Leap of Faith. We must put forth all our effort and even when it gets tough and believe me it will get tough. We have to remain faithful. We are in the mist of a great battle, there are lots of little ones to (haylee lovely fits) but the biggest battle is Satan is trying to destroy us. He doesn't want us to return to Heaven. It gives him great joy to see him destroy a family, a parent and child. If he gets to us then we can affect generations. Its scary to think about it.
One family goes inactive when their children are young, think about the eternal consequences, so they don't teach their child about the gospel, that child grows up and has 3 children and they are never taught the gospel, we have just lost 2 generations, and how many more.
Do we bargain with the Lord....I will do this if you do this..Or I will do this when this happens for me. Why can't we see the Lords hand in our lives and be willing to follow all the commandments, not just when it is convenient but all the time. As long as we follow that Lords commandments we should not have any fear. We should do as the prophets asks us. Sometimes it may be hard, but we know where we want to be at the end. We can know that things will work out even when its tough. We have the gospel, the promises are there for us. We have to make sure to know what to look for, and keep on that path to exaltation. Helaman 5:12 is my favorite scripture.

Hel. 5: 12

12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

Busy Busy

2009-02-16T12:49:00.002-06:00

We have been so busy lately. We went to Colorado for the baptism of my great niece. It was great. Rachel, Haylee and I drove Brittany's car so that when they moved up there they would only have to drive 1 car. It was fun. I enjoyed the time with Rachel and Haylee. The trip took a little longer than expected but hey with a 3year old getting restless you just stop more often. We made many walmart stops and Haylee got more dolls that go with her dolly house she got for Christmas. She will still show me what she doesn't have for her dolly house. It was so good to see the family. Then Brett and Brittany pack up and move to Colorado. Yes they are gone and YES I do miss them. But they are coming back for Debra and Caleb's wedding. Yeah we will get hold and spoil Calan. Then Rachel moved into her apartment. Ok its on the 3rd floor. Its rough to haul everything up to the 3rd floor. Thanks to Rick and Aaron, they moved the bigger stuff. Then I drove to Mississippi to take Kyndall a car. She is doing well. Hopefully she keeps her grades up. Now Rick and I are alone in the huge house by ourselves. Its quite different. Sometimes lonely, but we are getting use to it. Haylee still likes to spend the night with Grandma and Papa. We are so glad to have her(even when she throws a good ole fit.)

We are getting ready for girls camp and youth conference and a Priest Laurel Prom. Life just keeps going. Its great to be able to serve.

Life isn't perfect its messy

2009-01-13T20:59:00.002-06:00

Tonight I went to the movies and saw Bride Wars. It was funny. But when that statement was made, it made me think about our lives and no matter how we want something to be Life isn't perfect and sometimes its messy. Or should I say we make a mess of it. My goal is to try not to make such a mess to the ones that I love. Sometimes I say to do things that are not always the nicest. But hopefully they still forgive and sometimes forget.

Today I have been training at work to see if I would like to do what we call ramp transfer. That is when a plane is running late and passengers will miss their connection, especially international flights. We go get them and take them down the stairs and get them into a van an take them via the tarmac to the next gate and then up the elevator to their flight. Not to bad. It was interesting today. Most everyone was happy and grateful, but one lady only worried about her bag. There was another flight about 2 hours later but it was full. Her bags if they didn't make it would be on that flight and we would deliver them.. But the entire ride...she griped.... the other 2 people going on her flight to Honolulu we just happy to be there and not miss their flight. Again Life isn't perfect its messy.
Have a great night.

Dinner

2009-01-13T00:33:00.002-06:00

Dinner group was really fun. We went to Cierra and Randy's it was really fun. I took Rachel along with me because Rick's brother Gary came in and they don't get to see one another very often. In fact he had to leave before church started and Rick left before Gary got up. But Rachel and I had a great time. It was fun to play games and talk with the Holly and Kimball and Kathy and Steve. We had a yummy dinner and played a very fun game. The guys won, which included Rachel. It was a very fun night. Thank Cieraa for hosting the great dinner.

Thanks Rachel

2009-01-07T23:09:00.002-06:00

Rachel and I had a nice time together today. Just kinda hanging out and going shopping. It was good. As we were walking into Kohls Haylee said just the girls. Mommy how many? So they counted and she said just 3 girls, but the way she says girls is so cute. We just love Haylee she is our little princess. Thanks for the good day.

Calan Baby

2009-01-02T10:31:00.004-06:00

Brittany waitng for Brett to meet us to take her to the hospital

Such a cute pregnant girl

Cute Haylee with her new cousin
Brittany and her mom.
Calan baby as Haylee calls him arrived. Brittany is sooo sweet with him. Brett is to, at the hospital Brett picked him up and held him on his shoulder and I told him he gets lost in your neck. Brett is big and Calan is so little. He is rather cute, but hey I'm his grandma I can be partial. They are so sweet together. I know Brittany will post about her experience but all went well. She did great. We are glad he is here. Laurie, Brittany's mom made it in so she got to be here, I'm glad that she did. Well here are some pictures of the newest addition of our family.

Waiting for Calan

2008-12-30T13:24:00.002-06:00

Brittany was so worried that Calan Baby would come early. She did not want a baby born on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, ok we were good with that. The 28 would have been nice that's my Mom's birthday. Here we are on the 30 of December and still No Calan Baby. Haylee told us he would be born on Sat. we hoped either the Sat before Christmas or the Sat after. We are all waiting so patiently. On Sat we took Brittany shopping with us just the girls. Yesterday after her Dr appointment, he told her everything is fine, then they meet me at the mall, we went out shopping and looking again. Last night Rachel came over and she told Brittany this is pure selfish on my part. Your going to the mall with us any way, I don't care that your back hurts ( even though she does care) but come on we all want Calan Baby to come. Brittany is as cute as ever being pregnant but we all want to hold and spoil him. Especially Haylee, she talks about him. She is the one who always calls him Calan Baby...not Baby Calan. Hang in there Brittany he will come soon.

Merry Christmas to All

2008-12-24T23:04:00.002-06:00

As I sit here tonight reflecting Christmas time, I am grateful for the knowledge of the birth of Christ. The reason we celebrate this time of the year. I am thankful that Christ was born that he chose to come to earth to be our Savior. I hope everyone has a merry Christmas. Remember the Savior tomorrow, and we should throughout the rest of the year.

Traveling back

2008-12-18T16:45:00.003-06:00

We are trying to get back home. The joys of non revenue travel. Since we fly standby which is great when weather hits...its not so great. Today is one of those weather days. They are expecting ice in St Louis. After trying to get on the non stop flight to DFW we didn't make it on that flight so we were looking to find another way home. After looking we considered going to Northwest, Bentonville Arkansas but when they cancelled that flight, I thought ok lets get out of here so... we flew to Minneapolis Minnesota. Its cold here too but sleet is not expected here. So we wait. We will get on this flight unless something major happens. I know Rick needs to be back for the ward social. I want to get back so that I can leave again and go to Colorado. My niece Lizz is having a Ice Show. She is on a synchronized skating team. This would be the first time I would get to see her perform. Courtney and her husband Steve are going to meet me in Denver to attend the temple. I'm looking forward to that. The last time I went to the temple with them was when they were sealed in the Mount Timpanogos. Mary is going to pick me up in Denver. Way fun to see them again. This is been a great week. I have enjoyed the time with Rick and then getting to see all the family in CO.

Our Trip

2008-12-18T07:19:00.002-06:00

Rick totally surprised me. He had Rachel pack my bag. Had Amy call me over to her house to help her look at her photo book she is making for John her husband for Christmas. Took me to the church to pick up something a paper for Brett. We ordered our pizza for lunch on our way back from the church. You may ask why pizza? We have had pizza every year on our anniversary. We called a pizza place in Salt Lake on our wedding day and had it delivered..well it was not the best pizza we have ever had but it ok. That is why we have pizza on every anniversary, even if it is at the mall with just a slice. 30 years and Rick still surprises me. On our 25 anniversary, Rick gave me a beautiful ring. It is what some call and eternity ring, with 3 diamonds. This anniversary a beautiful strand of pearls. On Monday after he put our suitcases in the car he told me we were ready to go, but make sure I get a heavy coat. I got my coat and we were off. Brett went with us, because little did I know we were taking a train. We have never taken a train before, it was really neat. We had a sleeper cabin. It actually has a shower in our room, and I did take a shower. Its hard to stand and shower in a moving train. Pictures will follow.(I'm driving in the car and its hard enough trying to type.) We boarded the train and no one told me where we were going, which was surprising, even Rick was surprised that no one said anything about our destination. We were on the train for awhile before I guessed enough and then he told me that I was right. We got off in St Louis and took the metro to the rental car. We rented a car and drove through Missouri while driving down he asked me if I knew where we were going, he told me I could guess. After awhile I did guess, he took me to Nauvoo, IL. It is beautiful this time of the year. Freezing cold..14 degrees but beautiful. Not much is open here during the winter months but we stayed at the Nauvoo log Cabins. Very nice. They have gone around and gotten old cabins in fields and have refurbished them. Our cabin would actually sleep 6 I think. It had a queen bed a set of bunk beds and a futon. The floor is concrete and let me tell you it was quite cold to the feet, but they had rugs down. The bath tub is an old free standing tub. Great hot water. We went to the temple on Wednesday and did 2 sessions, the temple opens at 2pm and the last session is at 6pm. It is a beautiful temple. We got to take a little tour. We saw the baptistery and looked up the spiral staircase that is 5 stories. They told us where the marriages take place which is on the 5Th floor in 2 sealing rooms otherwise proxy sealing are done on the 4th floor. We saw Joseph Smith's sabre hanging in the recorders office, an apron and slipper that was Mary Fielding Smith's, replica keys of the first Nauvoo Temple. There had been a missionary who is a expert in making keys and he studied the original keys that are in the Quincy Museum, after his mission he went back home and crafted the keys. Its quite amazing. Rick planned and carried off a wonderful trip. I'm so blessed to have him. We have been blessed, we have 4 beautiful children, a super cute granddaughter and a grandson on the way. The Lord has certainly blessed us. Life is full of surprises, we are lucky to take the ride together. As we were in Nauvoo and with it being so cold, I couldn't help but think about the pioneers. Last night as we left the temple it was so cold. I am thankful I had my coat. As I looked out towards the Mississippi, I thought about the pioneers leaving their beautiful city and leaving behind their temple. How they worked around the clock so that so many members could have the blessings of the temple. As they left they did not know what was going to happen. They left in the bitter cold winter. They had babies, small children, elderly members, but they were willing to follow. Their testimonies were strong. Their faith not wavering. Many lost their lives, there had to be comfort to those who had been blessed to have the temple ordinances done. I am so grateful to those early pioneers who remained faithful in such trials. I am thankful for my testimony, for the knowledge of eternal families and I am thankful that as Rick and I started our journey together we started it in the right place with the right authority, so that we can be together forever. We did not know when we were married how our journey would be, But we are grateful we travel it together. Thanks Rick, I love you.

Part 2 of Thirty Years

2008-12-15T20:32:00.002-06:00

Needless to say we were pulled out of the ditch. Rick made me stay there in Gallup where it was warm. I being young and most certainly in love was not thrilled to be left behind. The logical side of me knew it was the right thing to do. Rick and the guy who slid off the road went back to get the car. When they got back to Gallup we needed gas so we stopped. Did I say it had snowed so much you could not hardly see the entrances to the gas stations or anything. Well we go gas and when we left the station..Yep you guessed it we went off the curb....AND pulled the muffler off. The gas station attendant was nice enough to let us use his garage to try to straighten it and out it back on. Well it was pretty well bent, so Rick tied it up and we drove the next 12 hours with a very noisy car. We got to Provo bought a new muffler drove to Ogden and put it on at the Wade's home. Our journey together has been a good one. But not one with out bumps and big pot holes. I am so blessed to have such a great husband. My Aunt Karen and Uncle Hal were the first of my family Rick had met.
We came back to Texas and had our reception a couple of weeks later. On our honeymoon were were going to go to the Grand Canyon but the road we needed to take was flooded. So we went to Carlsbad cavern instead..it was really neat, we drove through Mesa and saw the Mesa Temple. We had a great time. Just being together and learning about one another. You have to remember we did not know one another very long before we got married. You know dated 2 weeks got engaged, engaged 2 months to the day and got married. Here we are 30 years later. Amazing

Thirty Years

2008-12-15T19:39:00.003-06:00

Thirty years ago today Rick and I were married in the Manti Temple. What a ride it has been. We lived in Texas then as well, and the Dallas Temple was not built. Rick, from the time he joined the church loved the Manti Temple. We went to the Salt Lake Temple and took out our endowments and then 2 days later went to Manti to be married. The people who attended our wedding was Mr Wade and Marie (Rick always called him Mr Wade and called her Marie)(not sure why he did that) Gary (Rick's brother) Diane and Michael Hepting(my Laurel advisor and her husband) Rick and Mark (2 of Marie's Children) my Aunt Karen and Kelli and Kyllo even though none of them come into the temple (the kids were both young at the time) Karen wanted them to see and know someone who got married in the Temple. Mr Wade bought lunch for everyone they even let Aunt Karen, Kelli and Kyllo come to the cafeteria. It was wonderful. Since neither one of our parents are members they were not there. We knew it then as much as we both know it now...It is the right way to start a marriage. We drove to Utah. We traveled together with Diane (my Laurel advisor)and her husband and kids. Rick and I and a military young man who was trying to get to Utah to meet up with his family were in our car. Diane's husband Michael washed his temple recommed and had to get a new one that morning(they realized it on our way out, we were by Ridgmar Mall) Rick and I went back to my mom's and slept for awhile while they got it taken care of. They had to get Bishop Dallof up then President Flynn our sstake President. Then we were on our way. We drove through Texas on to New Mexico, in Albuquerque Rick was tired and the guy riding with us said he would drive. Rick told him the roads were getting a little slick due to the snow and he said its no problem.....Well it becme a HUGE problem because about 15 miles out side of Gallup New Mexico he slide off the road. Here we sat in -15 degrees below zero. It was cold.. the roads were bad so the tow trucks a were super busy...Now remember this is pre cell phone years. BUT we did have a CB radio my kids probably won't even know what that is. We called on it and the police said if they came out they would have to give us a ticket for failure to maintain control of our vehicle...BUMMER so we all piled in Diane and Michael's car and drove into Gallup...Did I say it was about 1:00 AM. They found a tow truck who said he would go out there and pull us out of the snow bank. Once they got out there they found out we were only feet away from going down about 15 foot drop. (I'm on a train so this will be in increments hope it makes sense..I'll expalin this later)

What a difference a year makes

2008-12-09T21:13:00.002-06:00

This past year I have seen many changes, some for the better and some not. I see what a year(not quite) has made for the Eckenrode family. 1 choice 1 consequence many lives changed. Thankfully everything went ok for the family this week. It could have been a differnet tale to tell.

Final Stretch

2008-12-03T14:17:00.002-06:00

Brett is in his final stretch for school. Yeah... We are so excited about him graduating. I know Brittany is thrilled, it has been a very long 4 months for her, she has been a trooper though. We we first met her, she was not a real big fan of flying. It made her nervous, but over these last 4 months she has become quite the experience traveler. She would get her self packed, and knew what she could and could not take on the airplane, get checked in and through security. I know she will be sooo glad when he comes home. Now Calan just needs to stay put for a couple of more weeks so that Brett will be here. If you look at Brittany from behind she does not even look like she is pregnant..what luck. Rachel told her today that if Brett not here, Aaron does a good job. But actually its Rachel who would really want to be there. So we have 2 final stretches....Brett and college and Brittany's pregnancy, both are exciting.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T12:08:00.004-06:00

This year we spent Thanksgiving in Colorado with Rick's brother Gary and his family. It was so good to be there. We flew to Colorado on Wednesday and flew back home of Friday. It was a quick trip but great. We rented a car, and to our surprise...the car they gave us was a black convertible mustang. It was quite fun, especially since the weather wa nice. When we got to Fort Collins, Mary, Lizz and myself went for a ride..of course with the top down and then for some ice cream. It was great to spend time with them. Mary took pictures so when she posts them I'll copy them to share. We had a great time visiting with our nieces and their families. Cee Cee and Bill and their 3 kids, and Courtney and Steve and their 4 kids came over we had dinner that Steve cooked (dinner was very good). Courtney and Steve's youngest 2 kids I had not seen. They are soo cute. Barbara's dad was there from Austin to, he is such a nice guy. We played DDR, it was quite fun. Gary, Rick's brother played as well....but Rick would not play. What a fuddy dud. We had a good time. Then Mary, Lizz and Barbara and I went to the movie to see Twilight. I had not seen it yet. It was fun to go with them. Mary and I went to the midnight book buying of Breaking Dawn so it was great to see the movie with them. Thanksgiving Day Barbara was up early cooking, then the rest of the family came over. Plus one of Cee Cee's friends from high school and her family came as well. It was good to see Stacy and meet her husband and 2 boys. Dinner was soo good. The time spent talking after dinner and just spending time together. Cee Cee made a thanksgiving journal for us all to write in, she will bring it out every year for everyone to sign it and read from the previous year. Such a good idea. As we sat we talked about so many things in our lives, school, activities, colleges, friends, families the gospel. How blessed we all are. I am so thankful for our family. We are truly blessed. I talked with Lon, he and Stephanie spent their first Thanksgiving away from with family. Stephanie cooked and started their own traditions. She is so wonderful and creative. We missed them. We missed our own kids who were in Texas and Virginia. I missed my mom, she had her hands full as well but she had a nice day because my sister was able to leave the nursing home and go to my mom's for thanksgiving dinner and spend time there. This new nursing home had been great to work with her so much in physical therapy to help her get to this point.

Their are so many things that I am thankful for:
The Saviour
The Gospel
Rick (who puts up with me)
Family
Friends
Health
Our Country
Our freedom
It has been a great thanksgiving season for our family.

I'm thankful

2008-11-23T06:37:00.003-06:00

Here it is almost thanksgiving and I have lots to be thankful for. We have jobs, when so many are losing theirs. We have our house, that keeps us warm and safe. Our cars that get us where we need to go. Our family that we love so dearly. A great 3 year old granddaughter that reminds me that the little things in life are fun. Our children. A grandson on the way. Family to spend thanksgiving with, thanks for begging us to come. (pray for good weather) A nursing home that has helped my sister do so many things since she has gone there. What a blessing, she can now transfer herself to the chair...YEAH!! Especially for the gospel that teaches us that we have a loving Heavenly Father who loved us enough that he sent his son to come and suffer for us that we would be able to return to them. I know that we all make mistakes along the way, thankfully Christ loved us enough to that he willingly gave up his life for us.

Last Sunday we had a fireside at our stake center by Jenny Phillips. She did a great job. One thing that she said has stuck with me since then. She told the story about herself as a teenager. She wanted to watch the show that everyone was watching. Her mom told her no but one night her mom wasn't home sooo she turned it on. Her mom came home and she figured her mom would make her turn it off she didn't, her mom sat down beside her and the talked about it and her mom asked her Which side of the line she was on The Lord's side or the adversary, when Jenny tired to tell her mom its not a big deal..its just a show her mom asked again which side of the line are you on...the Lord's or the adversary. I have thought about this all week. I thought about a young women that I know who is struggling with school... something that happened when others decided to do wrong ans she didn't, but she is suffering from the effects of it. SHE chose to stand on the Lord's side..she is strong young women but it still hurts. I see others who will stand on the Lord's side it they want something different or more fun or don't want to be lonely, then its not worth it any longer. They chose the adversary. Its hard to watch. As I see the challenges that many young women face I wonder what gives some the moral courage to remain steadfast and immovable and some will stand strong for a while and then will give in. When it is hard for me to watch and ache for them, I often think of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, how they feel when they see them struggle and fall. How their hearts ache and how they must want them to choose the right. To return to them, to have the desire.

Haylee's Birthday week

2008-11-11T21:45:00.004-06:00

She is so cute to watch. Giving Haylee a birthday present..leaves

Dino ride.. she only wanted to ride with Grandma until....Papa came

It has been a good week. Haylee turned 3 on Tuesday. What fun it is to spend the week at Disney World. When I bid for vacation in 2007 for 2008 I bid for this week off so that we would be able to do this. Rick of course can take it off, so we are out in Florida having a good time. Its fun to see it through Haylee's eyes. Everything is so exciting. She is soaking everything in. She wants to see the characters but not with out someone near her. Mommy holds her and then she is good. It takes awhile then she warms up. Her facial expressions are great.

Don't Worry Brett I'm okay

2008-11-05T15:19:00.002-06:00

I know Brett is worried about me. But don't be I'm okay. The post about words from Meridith isn't because I'm not doing well. I saw that in her scriptures when I was putting them away. I had gotten hers out because I left mine in my car. I do think about her, what she might tell me right now, only because she would have an opinion. She was always her siblings biggest supporter. When her older siblings would make stupid choices she would tell me it will be alright. Maybe she knew it or maybe she wanted it to be so.

Marcia will enjoy this one, we were driving the other day with someone in our car (probably Brittany) but we were talking about missionaries and how Meridith wrote Brett and Richie on their missions. Somehow we talked about when Richie wrote Meridith a letter and sent it by way of Marcia. Marcia gave it to Meridith but there was noooo way Meridith was going to let Marcia read it. She never did. Oddly enough I have never gone through her letters since she died. I did look through her journals, I wish there was more. I did find a journal that she had to write for a class, it was about her feelings about service and the gospel. I did write her teacher and thank her for having them do that.

I love each of my kids. I want the best for each of them. I want to have an eternal family, to be reunited with Meridith. No Rachel this is not about you. Its my thoughts and I don't want anyone thinking that I'm not doing well. Yes I miss her. I don't think that will ever go away. I do remember her, good and bad, kind and well not so kind. I do remember her smile, her laugh, her knowledge of who she is. Today at work someone asked me about her and school(Boswell) how did I handle things.

Lessons at church have been very meaningful for me. Probably because I'm struggling with my own issues. I have always said how it is. I guess because I was grateful that my advisers or friends told me how it should be. Well for my own children they don't care for it, I know that I can be hard, only because I love them. Rachel use to say that I could say things to kids because they knew that I love them. But when it comes to my own kids they know that I love them...but they don't like it. I can be very critical of my own kids(their choices) because I only want whats best for them...and its our eternal family at jeopardy. Prayer has become hard for me lately because of frustrations. Its not that I don't realize that I should pray, but sometimes I feel like Satan waits and then makes sure that what I pray about is harder for me that it was before. I know its stupid. I look around an know that everyone has some sort of heartache. No one is exempt.

My sweet sister in law asked me if I have ever doubted the church.. I told her no. When I joined the church, my testimony was firm, and has always been firm. That doesn't mean that I don't struggle. I do. But not on the church or the right things to do. I remember a saying that Rachel made in young women's (actually I think it was Shaunna) You can't do wrong and feel right. How true that statement is. No matter what its about. You can't be mean and feel right, or angry or hateful the list can go on and on. I have always known that Satan will work hard on me. Why?? I don't know. I sure wish he did not. I'm not angry at Heavenly Father for having Meridith leave this world so soon. I don't like it but I'm not angry at him. I always knew it. I wish she could have stayed a little longer. But I know she is still near by. There are glimpses I see of her or thoughts about her. Some that include her siblings, who knows if those are for this life or the next.
I do have a testimony and I do know that Meridith came and fulfilled a purpose. She chose this family and she chose to let Brett come first and then let him be the one to tell her goodbye. We may not understand why it had to happen then but I know that it was her time.(I don't like it) but it was. She is watching us and I know that she understands the big picture and we can't always see it. But we keep trying.

Okay enough said. I'm okay I promise

Words From Meridith

2008-11-03T13:21:00.005-06:00

Today when I went to put Meridith's scriptures away this card was inside. I looked at it and thought about her last year at school, high school and college. It applies to me today if I can figure out how to copy it and post it here I will later

Read my scriptures
Praying morning & night .................qualities I need to
doing well in school .....................improve on
not judging people
being kind to everyone
going out & meeting new people
dress modestly
live honestly

then on the back side

"Right marriage begins
with Right dating"

active in the church
Strong testimony
went on his mission
worthy priesthood holder
reads scriptures .................................qualities I want in
prays everyday ....................................my husband
very social
great sense of humor

I know that she will have all those thngs one day.

I need to improve on these things as well.

Give Thanks

2008-11-03T08:52:00.003-06:00

This time of the year is set apart to give thanks. We need to look for many blessings that we have. The Lord blesses us and I know for me I sometimes forget to look for them and be grateful. I am thankful that the Lord is there for me, even when I feel like its just me.

Lessons ths week

2008-10-31T09:03:00.002-05:00

One of the talks at church on Sunday was on prayer. Sister Cook did amazing. I have thought about it this week. I know that I need to be better. Rick and I talked about it one day and he said he really enjoyed it too. I know that Heavenly Father hears us. But sometimes for me it hard not knowing the answers to my prayers. I guess I'm a why person, and what am I suppose to learn form this. So far I haven't gotten any of those answers lately. I wish I would. Then Relief Society was really good as well. I guess i just needed to me reminded of several things lately. I still have a hard time saying the right things... or should I say not saying anything when I should not. I guess the Lord is still patient with me, I should be more understanding than I am sometimes.