Beth's Notebook

Latest Family Stuff

2011-12-07T10:47:00.023-05:00

Here's Carson at his Christmas Concert

Gray's Creek Middle School

Edward and Angie

Thanksgiving Weekend

and the "Stinkin' Dote"

as she's fondly known

Carson got his wisdom teeth pulled

the day before Thanksgiving

We traveled to Pensacola on Veteran's Weekend

Beautiful Beach!

Are we having fun yet???

We went to see Martha and Hugh,

visiting their oldest son Rick who

is stationed there.

Rick, Wendy & sweet family

We tried local food like

deep fried cheesecake...Yum!

We found great shells at the beach.

The water was beautiful!

We saw the Blue Angels Air Show.

Deep sea fishing was a blast.

We had the best fish tacos

made by Hugh, Rick & Wendy

Great trip, Love Florida!!!

Our Ward's Young Women's Excellence

was great!

Loved our Youth Theme for the year

13th Article of Faith

Our annual Stake Youth Service Project

putting flags at the Veteran's Cemetery

Cold morning but we had a good group there

Halloween Punks at our

Ward Trunk or Treat

(Carson, Eric & Christian)

Angie's 28!

Birthday Celebration

Haven't shared a story in a while so here's the one about Angie's birth. Angie was our honeymoon baby and before she was conceived, I had to have a rubella vaccination to get our marriage license in the state of California. The doctors advised me not to get pregnant for at least three months following the vaccination or the baby would be at risk for birth defects. Well, Angie was conceived and when I told the doctor, he encouraged me to terminate my pregnancy. I wasn't expecting such pressure from a doctor. It really caught me off guard and shook me up but I stuck to my principles and told him that I wouldn't be terminating my pregnancy. Later, I did some research and found out that Angie wasn't at risk as much as the doctor led me to believe. Children are blessings from God. Elder Neil L. Anderson said in conference that "many in today's world marginalize the importance of having children." I guess that would include even some doctors. Angie is a joy and blessing in my life. I've always told her that she truly wanted to get here to this world and experience all she can. She's always had that type of personality, even from her birth.

“Motherhood is not a hobby,

it is a calling.

You do not collect children

because you find them cuter than stamps.

It is not something to do

if you can squeeze the time in.

It is what God gave you time for.”

~Rachel Jankovic

Hilda Brock

2011-10-18T13:06:00.000-04:00

Hilda Brock, my dear friend, passed away on October 12th. She was one of the first people I met when we moved to North Carolina in 1987. She called me her "Old Shoe" because we always felt so comfortable with each other. There was never a need to impress or prove anything we just had pure joy being together. I had come to find out that she was that way with many folks. She always made me feel like I was her best friend.

I learned lots of things from Hilda, love, kindness and pure southern hospitality. One of the memorable lessons I learned from Hilda, that I take great pleasure in, is how to teach music to children. Once when I was in the Primary Presidency at church our music leader couldn't come and Hilda filled in. I never saw children sing louder and full of the Spirit more than when Hilda was leading the music. It was her love of music and love of the messages of the songs that made her the perfect leader. I later had the opportunity to serve as a music leader and I found myself saying "How would Hilda do this" She was a great example. Primary Music Leader came to be my favorite calling in the church because of Hilda.

I loved Hilda's relationship with her husband Carson. They were a true team. I'll never forget one Saturday when this dear couple spent the whole day with us. I'm certain Carson wanted us to get a taste of true "southern hospitality". We started at their home where Hilda made us a traditional southern breakfast with grits, bacon, eggs and Hilda's famous biscuits (to die for) Then Carson took us all over Hope Mills and the greater Fayetteville area giving us a wonderful tour. It was a great day but didn't end there. Later than night we had a visit from Santa-Carson and Mrs. Claus-Hilda. We were just one stop of the many they took that evening. They loved to spread their cheer and we were so blessed by having them as our friends.

Carson passed away about 15 years ago to brain cancer. The hardest thing to watch has been seeing Hilda without her dear companion. I'm so grateful they are reunited now, spreading their cheer to those on the other side.

Our "Carson" named for Carson Brock

and Jessica

at Hilda and Carson's grave

"Death is a mere comma,

not an exclamation point!"

~Neal A. Maxwell

Back to Blogging

2011-10-11T15:02:00.000-04:00

Lockhart Reunion

June 2011

David, Kim, Brett

Carson, Fran, Walter, Chris, Corte

Winchester Virginia

family came from all over

great fun!

Jessica & Sophia at YW Camp

she also got to go to EFY with

her friend Jodi in Utah

Fun in the Summer

Fayetteville Stake Young Womens' Camp

Got called to be Stake Young Women's President

in May

Had a great time with these girls

Youth Conference

Methodist College Fayetteville

We made a pondering path of quotes

in the College Chapel

Multi-Stake, Great Event in July

"Hanging with Angie"

fun summer outing

Raleigh Science Museum

love that Angie is close by

"Carson the Scout"

Getting his "Star" and Merit Badges

had fun at Camp Durant

first year without dad

but he liked it

"Called to Serve"

at the temple in June

Another Cousin going to Argentina

Elisabeth with her Grandma Joan, Grandpa Earl

& Grandpa John

Carson "Teddy Roosevelt"

He had to do a report

on a president from the past

Dave in his 50's

at the Bi-Stake 50's Dance in September

(my mom's sweater from BYU)

still looks like he's 25 to me

My Mission Reunion

October 2, 2011

Wonderful Event, over 100 Missionaries

Florida Ft. Lauderdale and Puerto Rico

Missionaries from '77-'79

My Dear Friend Janeen

She opens her home to me every time I visit Utah.

I lived with her and Dale

when I had graduated from college.

Such a kindred spirit, love her.

Dorothy and Coach?

Nope, Me and my brother Adam

but we're looking like them

"Trick or Treat!"

Kellee and Marcos

getting married in Oakland Temple

this December

I love these guys, so glad I got to see them.

One of the highlights of this year was being able to go to the conference center and see a session of general conference. An overwhelming spirit of love, peace and gratitude came over me that I can't begin to describe. I love the Savior Jesus Christ and am so grateful for the plan of happiness. I'm so thankful for prophets and apostles and for their guidance in today's world. I know that if we try to do our best in all we do and say, and follow the counsel of these great leaders, we will be at peace in whatever happens in our lives.

"The Lord doesn’t care at all

if we spend our days working

in marble halls or stable stalls.

He knows where we are,

no matter how humble our circumstances.

He will use—

in His own way and for His holy purposes—

those who incline their hearts to Him"

~Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Glimpse of Angie's Wedding Day

2011-05-23T12:35:00.009-04:00

"Marriage is sanctified when it is cherished and honored in holiness." ~Russell M. Nelson"There is no scene so sweet, no time so sacred as that very special day of your marriage. Then and there you glimpse celestial joy." ~Thomas S. Monson"Marriage is wonderful. In time you begin to think alike and have the same ideas and impressions. You have times when you are extremely happy,times of testing, and times of trial, but the Lord guides you through all those growth experiences together." ~Richard G. Scott

Best Wishes!

Angie & Edward

Fayetteville Streets Littered with Debris

2011-04-18T15:06:00.004-04:00

Neighborhood hit by tornado
Our Stake Helping in Cleanup

Our Stake President ~ Joseph Catlett Jr.

We've lived in the Fayetteville, North Carolina area for almost 25 years and have never seen the devistation of a tornado. Luckily for us, it passed us by but was certainly too close for comfort. These are links to some of the news stories concerning the cleanup and how the church got involved.

News about the tornado and the church.

Fayetteville streets littered with debris

The Happy Couple

2011-03-26T13:03:00.007-04:00

Edward and Angie

engaged to be married

May 14th 2011

Raleigh North Carolina Temple

see their website:

http://www.edwardandangie.com/

"True love has no happy endings

because true love never ends."
~Anonymous

March Madness

2011-03-24T11:30:00.004-04:00

Carson had a great time playing basketball this year and it was sure fun to watch him. His team had a hard season but Carson has great sportsmanship and never quits. His good spirit is a great example to us.

"...you can never tell how close you are;

It may be near when it seems afar,

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--

It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit."

~Edgar A. Guest

Baby Maxwell Mark

2011-03-22T08:56:00.004-04:00

Baby Maxwell Mark R. and

my Nephew Robert

born: 11th March 2011

7 lbs. 9oz.; 20.5 inches long

"A babe in the house is

a well-spring of pleasure,

a messenger of peace and love,

a resting place for innocence on earth,

a link between angels and men."

~Martin Fraquhar Tupper

2011 Stake Women's Conference

2011-03-12T10:00:00.008-05:00

Last Saturday we had our annual Stake Women's Conference. We had a great turn out, over 180 sisters from the Fayetteville, North Carolina Stake. We had speakers from our temple presidency and classes on family history and teaching our children about the temple and a service project where the sisters made activity packets to give to young children in the temple while waiting to be sealed to their parents.

I got to take part in organizing a fashion show where we showcased different sisters from our stake who had been married in the temple. The young women from my home ward, Hope Mills 1st, wore thirteen different dresses of temple marriages spanning from 1961 to 2010. Temples included, Logan, Salt Lake, Los Angeles, St. George, Washington DC, Atlanta, and Raleigh.

Hope Mills 1st Ward Young Women

Dorey B., Paris T., Cheyenne D., Jordan T.,

Erika H., Ayla B., Jessica L., Sophia H.
So Cute ~ My dear Jessica!

One of the highlights of the fashion show was honoring Sister Marlene B., who celebrates her 50th wedding anniversary this year. This dear sister from Idaho after returning from a church mission, had the opportunity of working in the office for the prophet David O. McKay but felt impressed to take a different job at Utah State in Logan where she met her husband to be, Jim, who was from North Carolina. After their marriage they moved to Lumberton North Carolina and have been serving and loving the saints ever since.
I love the fact that these girls got to wear something that had been in the temple of the Lord. My hope is they felt the sacredness of that important event and make goals to do the same.

(Do you recognize the dress with the girl in the hat....yes it's mine. Thanks Erika. You were lovely).

How far is heaven?

it's not very far.

In temples of God,

It's right where you are.

Home for the Holidays

2011-01-02T14:29:00.018-05:00

We had a rockin' great time for the holidays
Lots of great food!
Cousin Kellee joined the festivities.

Jake came home from BYU and Angie was able to join us Christmas Day which was great!

and Dottie sat on her favorite lap. We even got 8 inches of snow on the 26th.

We visited Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens.

Edward joined in the fun.

and Catherine too.

Everything was so beautiful.

and the hot chocolate kept us warm.

May the miracle of Christmas

touch us all with love and peace.

Mark & Family

2010-12-08T18:31:00.009-05:00

Robert, Scott, Davey, Annie,

Janet, Jolinda, Mark, Kate
The Grandkids

Thanksgiving Together

Mark, Jolinda and family

My brother Mark got to go up to Idaho and celebrate Thanksgiving with the whole family. Their newest grandson is Baby Jason who was only a few weeks old. Found these pictures from Yvonne and David's blog and Paige and Robert's blog. I just had to post them. They're all so cute.

2010-11-17T11:40:00.001-05:00

"Anxiously Engaged"

2010-10-14T14:00:00.004-04:00

Adam & Sally

I love this picture of my brother Adam and his soon to be wife Sally. Here's a favorite quote about marriage.

"Marriage is sanctified

when it is cherished

and honored in holiness.

That union is not

merely between husband and wife;

it embraces a partnership with God. "

~Russell M. Nelson

Line Upon Line

2010-10-12T08:09:00.012-04:00

I loved general conference and was touched by each and every speaker but my favorites were: Elder Holland, Bishop Edgley, President Uchtdorf (priesthood session) President Packer, and Elder Lawrence. I truly thank God for our prophet and general authorities in the church. Here are a few of my favorite quotes.

"Missionary service is a priesthood duty."

~Thomas S. Monson

"I am grateful for all the women of the church who in my life have been as strong as Mount Sinai and as compassionate as the Mount of Beatitudes."

~Jeffrey R. Holland

"The world will teach our children if we do not..."

~Rosemary M. Wixom

"The living prophet is receiving specific revelations for us.

~Claudio R.M. Costas

"A teacher's attitude is not taught; it's caught.

~David M. McConkie

"...honor is the rich soil in which the seed of faith thrives."

~D. Todd Christopherson

"There comes a time where milestones can become millstones and amibitions, albatrosses around our necks."

~Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Whenever we disobey, we spiritually paint ourselves into a corner and are captive to our choices.

~Robert D. Hale

"...honesty can play a significant role in establishing light and truth and improving society..."

~Quentin L. Cook

"I have never witnessed the removal of an actual mountain. But because of faith, I have seen a mountain of doubt and despair removed and replaced with hope and optimism."

~Richard C. Edgley

"Surely, one of the crowning blessings of membership in the church is the blessing of being led by living prophets of God."

~Kevin R. Duncan

"Infinite and eternal, only our Savior's Atonement transcends time and space to swallow up death, anger, bitterness, unfairness, loneliness and heartbreak."

~Gerrit W. Gong

"If we are not watchful, our injured, childlike spirit will retreat back into the cold, dark crust of our former bloated ego, leaving behind the warm, healing light of the Savior."

~Neil L. Andersen

"We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become..."

~Richard G. Scott

"Whether full-time missionaries or members, we should be good examples of the believers in Jesus Christ."

~Russel M. Nelson

"We find healing and relief only when we bring ourselves to the feet of the Great Physician, our Savior, Jesus Christ."

~Patrick Kearon

"Our homes have to be a place where the Holy Spirit dwells."

~Juan Uceda

"Pride is the great sin of self-elevation. It is for so many, a personal Rameumptom, a holy stand that justifies envy, greed and vanity.

~Dieter F. Uchdorf

"We cultivate spiritual gifts by keeping the commandments and trying to live a blameless life."

~Henry B. Eyring

"Decisions determine destiny."

~Thomas S. Monson

"God knows you each individually. He sends messages of encouragement, correction and direction fitted to you and your needs."

~Henry B. Eyring

"...moral standards cannot be changed by battle and cannot be changed by ballot."

~Boyd K. Packer

"The things of the Spirit are sacred and hard to express."

~Elder Jay E. Jensen

"Covenant keepers strive to be obedient at all times...and in all places."

~Mary N. Cook

"If personal religious practice relies too much on the priesthood line, individual growth suffers."

~Dallin H. Oaks

"We can lift ourselves and others as well as we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thoughts and cultivate within our hearts, an attitude of gratitude."

~Thomas S. Monson

"The priesthood you bear is a special gift, for the giver is the Lord Himself. Use it, magnify it and live worthy of it."

~L. Tom Perry

"Receiving the Holy Ghost starts with our sincere, constant desire for His companionship in our lives."

~David A. Bednar

"There are no perfect parents and no easy answers but there are principles of truth that we can rely on."

~Larry R. Lawrence

"Faith in Jesus Christ and following his teachings gives us a firm hope and this hope becomes a solid anchor to our souls."

~Per G. Malm

"What may appear to be of little importance, such as going to bed late, not praying for a day, skipping fasting or breaking the Sabbath--such little slips--will make us lose sensitivity, little by little, allowing us to do worse things."

~Jairo Mazzagardi

"...our kind, wise Heavenly Father has given us commandments not to restrict us, as the adversary would have us believe, but to bless our lives and to protect our good name and our legacy for future generations."

~Mervyn B. Arnold

"...there is hope for the addicted and this hope comes through the Lord Jesus Christ..."

~M. Russel Ballard

"We live in a troubled world, a world of many challenges. We are here on this earth to deal with our many challenges to the best of our ability, to learn from them, and to overcome them."

~Thomas S. Monson

Happy Farmer's Thousand Island Dressing

2010-09-30T10:32:00.010-04:00

Coach and his great-grandbaby Dexter

Thousand Island Dressing

1 pint miracle whip
3 boiled eggs (chopped)
1/4 cup green onion (chopped)
2 Tablespoons sweet relish
1/2 cup ketchup
1 pimento (chopped)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions: Mix ingredients and let set overnight in refrigerator before serving. My dad loves salad and this was his favorite dressing.

"The Happy Farmer"

My Dad (Coach) loved having a garden. After the kids all grew up, dad took down the above-ground pool in the backyard and put a garden in its place. He also had lots of fruit trees. He loved doing a garden mainly because I think he loved sharing all the fruits and vegetables with loved ones. One year he even came to North Carolina and I asked him to do three things, help me start a garden, help me coach my daughter's softball team and vacuum my floors. He was great at all of them and I loved having him and mom stay with me that spring. I had a great ball team, wonderful garden and the cleanest floors. Ironically, about eight years ago when I went to visit my parents, I noticed that my dad wasn't coaching ball, didn't have a garden and the floors in their house hadn't been vacuumed in a very long time. It was then I truly suspected something was wrong with Coach. Later he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. After my mom passed away last year, we were blessed to have my niece Cassie live with him and then there's Teresa his caregiver who comes faithfully each day and takes care of him. What a blessing it is to have their love and care for my dad. It has taken a lot of burden off our family. My sister Martha, her husband and family have done so much. I am so grateful to them. I like to refer to Coach as "The Happy Farmer" because he loved to garden and he could play the song on the piano. Jessica has been playing that same song now for the past three weeks so its made me think a lot of my dad. Coach is truly "The Happy Farmer."

"The Lord knows and loves

the elderly among His people.

It has always been so..."

~Ezra Taft Benson

Brace Yourself

2010-09-29T10:44:00.003-04:00

Jessica got her braces this week and we're happy she's trying to smile about it.

"The world always looks brighter

from behind a smile."

~Anonymous

Dog Days of Summer

2010-09-21T08:23:00.018-04:00

Dottie the Dog

Well I'm back to blogging. Just thought I'd start by posting some summer highlights. We had a full fun summer. Even had time to play with Dottie. Here she is waiting for me to hit her a tennis ball. What a dog!

Me, Kellee, Carson & Jessica

at Kellee's Graduation

We've had such a joy spending time with Cousin Kellee. We started off our summer by attending her graduation. We are really proud of her accomplishments. She's moved on and is attending Brigham Young University. If she does as well in college as she did in high school...She will Do great!

Angie, Jessica & Janna

Beach Fun!

You never know who might come visit if you just ask. Cousin Janna from California just graduated from high school and came to see us. It was so wonderful to have her. This picture is of them having fun at the Kure Beach.

Angie and Friends from Single's Ward

River Rafting

Angie came back in June and found a job here in Fayetteville at High Smith Rainey Hospital. She lives only ten minutes away and likes the single's ward. She shares teaching gospel doctrine class. One of their fun activities this summer was going river rafting. Do you think she might be having too much fun?

Jessica & Sophia
Stake Camp 2010

I'm so glad that my girls have had good experiences at YW Camp. Its good to know that they can have fun even in North Carolina where it's hot and muggy in the summer. Here's Jessica acting goofy with a friend from the ward. As my mother would say: "the fruit don't fall to far from the tree. "

Dave and some of the Youth and Adult Leaders

Stake Youth Conference

"A More Nobler Desire"

Dave and I got to be host parents for a group of young men at our youth conference. The theme was "A More Nobler Desire" A week before youth conference they were given a challenge to go on a digital fast: no tv, movies, texting, or computer except for absolute necesities like summer homework or keeping in contact with parents. Then the youth did service projects all weekend. Some of our activities included reading the newspaper to the blind over the radio, feeding the homeless in downtown Fayetteville and putting up a fence for a neighbor. It was great experience and helped us all to keep our priorites in order.

Jake the Graduate

Bachelors in Geography

with a minor in Spanish

Jake had a Summertime Graduation. Since BYU doesn't have a ceremony in December, Jake had his celebration in August. He still has a class he's finishing up with for Fall Semester and will be done in December. Then what? Well, we shall see.

*********************************

When I moved to North Carolina, one of my first friends was Hilda Brock and she was a wonderful primary music leader. At the end of the summer she would teach the primary children the song: "Oh What Do You Do in the Summertime" after they would learn it she then let the children make up their own verses. I thought it was so clever. I'm so glad I witnessed this wonderful woman sharing her talent and light to all.

Here's my feeble attempt to honor her love for music and show how our family spent the summer:

Oh, what do you do in the summertime

when all the world is green,

do you swim in a pool,

graduate from school,

or play with your dog all day long.

Is that what you do?

So do I.

The Power of the Priesthood

2010-06-20T08:41:00.008-04:00

Coach, Adam, me, Mark, Martha

I love my Dad but our relationship wasn't always smooth sailing. I'll never forget on one occasion when I was a teenager and I wanted to do something out of the ordinary (typical teenager) and my parents wouldn't let me do it (typical parents) and we had this huge blow up with a lot of angry words being said. I went to my room in a huff, thinking my parents could never really understand me and they were just "jerks." But then something happened that I never would have anticipated. My dad came into my room sheepishly and asked if he could talk and I hesitantly agreed. He took out the scriptures and read to me in Doctrine Covenants 121 about how the power of the priesthood's influence could only be made through, persuasion, long-suffering, by gentleness, and meekness, love unfeigned, kindness and pure knowledge...Anyway, he then told me something very simple, "I'm sorry" and left the room. The Holy Spirit touched me that day. I knew my father wasn't perfect but from that moment on, I knew how perfect the priesthood was. I'm so grateful for the priesthood and power and influence it has had in my life and I'm grateful for a father who honored it the best way he could.

Coach, me and Mom
October 2009

"Fathers are so special,

with a very special love,

They watch us and protect us.

They guide us and direct us

back to our home above."

~Dawn Hughes Ballantyne

Strawberry Cake

2010-06-19T10:44:00.008-04:00

Stake Relief Society Conference
Strawberry Cake
1 strawberry cake mix
2 cups strawberries (crushed with sugar to taste)
12 oz. cool whip topping
16 oz. sour cream
1/2 cup sugar

Directions: Mix and bake cake as directed with cake mix for a 9x13 pan. Let cool 10 minutes and then poke wholes around the cake with a fork. Put crushed strawberry mixture on cake and let chill in refrigerator. Then mix sour cream with sugar until sugar is disolved. Fold sour cream mixture with cool whip and then put on top of cake.

This cake is from my dear friend Debbie R. who is truly my "Cooking & Baking Lifeline" We made this for our Stake Relief Society Conference and froze the cakes after poking holes with a fork. Then the day before the conference, we topped them with the strawberry mixture and then the sour cream mixture and kept them in the refrigerator. It was fantastic! Has such a light fresh tasted. Love you Debbie.

My Redheaded Grandnephew

2010-06-11T10:08:00.012-04:00

It's a boy!

David, Yvonne & Peter

Peter Allen Reynders
9th June 2010
7 lbs. 14 oz.

We have a celebrity in the family. Peter Allen, born to my nephew David & wife Yvonne, son of my brother Mark and wife Jolinda. I say celebrity because it took 21 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren before getting another baby with red hair in our family like my other brother Adam has. My mother always said she was so excited when my brother was born with red hair and she thought it was a shame that none of her grandchildren had red hair. My mother passed away in November and I don't know if there is some cosmic way of putting in requests about specific characteristics in our family lineage, but if my mom had her say about it, she was going to get her another red headed baby in the family. Only heaven knows. Another fun fact about Peter is he's named after my great great grandfather who was the first immigrant from our Reynders family line to settle in America. He was from The Netherlands and the dutch spelling was:

"P I E T E R ~ R E I J N D E R S"

Today is my dad's birthday, so what a fun birthday present for my dad to have this handsome new guy in the family.

"Blonds are noticed but

redheads are never forgotten."

Congratulations

David & Yvonne

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T07:50:00.009-04:00

Yesterday at church we had talks about memorial day and I've said before, how blessed I feel to live near Fort Bragg and be reminded constantly that there are men and women who serve courageously for our country. We have some great families that come and go in this area that I know the Lord and angels are attending. I'm so gratful for them and thankful that we still live in a country that desire freedom for all.

On a lighter note...General Richard Petraus recently spoke at Brigham Young University and gave his:

Top 10 Reasons

BYU Graduates make Good Soldiers

10 — They have already been on many a mission.
9 — Army chow is no problem for folks accustomed to eating green Jell-o and shredded carrots.
8 — It's not a problem if they don't know what rank someone is, they just refer to them as Brother or Sister so-and-so.
7 — They never go AWOL. They just call it being less active.
6 — They will seize any objective swiftly if you tell them refreshments will be served.
5 — They know how to make things happen. In fact if you ever need a base built quickly in a barren wasteland, stride out to where you want them to start, plant your walking stick down and say in a loud voice, "This is the place."
4 — They have innovative ideas for handling insurgents — like assigning them home teachers.
3 — They always have a years' supply of provisions on hand.
2 — They are the world's most reliable designated drivers.
1 — They understand how far Iraq has come over the last seven years, and they think that Iraq's old spot in the "Axis of Evil" can now be filled by the University of Utah.

O beautiful for heroes proved

In liberating strife.

Who more than self their country loved

And mercy more than life!

America! America!

May God thy gold refine

Till all success be nobleness

And every gain divine!

~Katherine Lee Bates

Young Women's Graduation Party

2010-05-26T08:48:00.009-04:00

Kellee

gifts from Young Women Leaders
Beautiful decorations

(Sis. Kim B., Sis. Jackie W., Kelsey B., Sis. Allison R.,
Kellee B., Sis. Leana A., Sis. Ashley G., Sis. Maria S.,
Caroline S., Sis. Jackie D., Melissa G.)
Young Women Graduates
and all the leaders throughout
their Young Women's Experience

Last night was a wonderful event for our young women graduates in the ward. They had a dinner, girls singing karaoke, games and remarks from the Bishop. Graduating girls received in their favorite color a laundry basket, towel, photo box, hot chocolate and cup, picture frame, name plaques, favorite recipes from the Relief Society sisters, parting notes from parents and leaders. It was a wonderful event. I liked that they invited all Young Women's leaders past and present that had been in the lives of these Young Women and you could tell all were thrilled to be there. All girls are going to college and have lots to look forward to.

"Be strong, and of good courage..."

~Joshua

St. Louis Trip, Angie's Graduated

2010-05-19T10:09:00.006-04:00

We just got back from witnessing Angie's graduation at St. Louis University. She's now got her bachelor's in nursing and is planning on getting her license in North Carolina and working in the Raleigh area. Watch out!

"Nurses call the SHOTS!"

~Anonymous

2010-05-19T10:05:00.001-04:00

Called to Sing

2010-05-07T07:37:00.012-04:00

My very talented niece, Janet Reynders, is going to Historic Nauvoo Illinois to be a Young Performing Missionary where she will sing, dance and testify. She leaves today and will be there all summer. She will get to participate in the performances for Historic Nauvoo and we are all excited for her. You can follow Janet's mission on her blog, "Summertime in Nauvoo"

http://janetreynders.blogspot.com/

If any of you plan to visit Nauvoo this summer, tell her that Aunt Beth said Hello.

"For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart..." ~Doctrine & Covenants 25:12
(Historic Nauvoo Website)

Grandma & Me

2010-05-04T10:46:00.006-04:00

Since this week we celebrate Mother's Day, I've been thinking about how this will be the first Mother's Day since my mom has passed away. I've been pondering about the special women in my life besides my mom. The first one would have to be my maternal grandmother, Grandma Cassie. I feel blessed because not all grandchildren get to live close to their grandma. We didn't always live in the same town, but soon after my grandfather died when I was about eight years old, my grandmother moved to our town, Lancaster, California. She lived there with her older sister my "Aunt Pearl" for awhile. I loved going and spending the night with them. We would bake cookies and watch Lawrence Welk and the Doris Day Show on TV. Later, Grandma moved near the high school and I can remember walking to her apartment during lunch time and she'd have a bacon and tomato sandwich waiting for me. It was my favorite. She loved to serve. As she got older and she would think about death, I can remember telling her, "Grandma, I don't want you to ever die, I need you. Don't talk about dying." Years later when she had a stroke and had broke her hip a couple of times and really couldn't get around anymore, Grandma had one last special gift for me. It was when we had lost our infant son, Steven and I was grieving a lot. The veil was very thin with my Grandma and most of the family knew that it was getting near for her time to pass on. I can remember going to my grandmother's bedside. In our conversation, it seemed like she had been hanging on to those words from when I was younger..."I don't want you to die..." I can remember telling her how much I loved her and even with all the knowledge of knowing that my baby had gone to a safe place, I knew I would feel better knowing that this wonderful woman that I cared for so very much would be there with him...Well, within a few weeks from that time, Grandma Cassie passed away. I love that woman. She was so good to me.

"You give me a kiss,

You give me a hug,

You smile when you see me too.

I wish every child

in the whole wide world,

had a grandmother

just like you."
~Nonie Nelson Sorensen

(Link: More about Grandma Cassie)

Potato Cheese Soup

2010-05-01T10:25:00.005-04:00

3 cups chicken broth
5 cups diced potatoes(about 6)
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced onion
1 tsp. salt
dash of pepper
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup flour
1 quart milk
15 oz. Cheez Whiz
Directions: Boil potatoes, celery and onion in chicken broth for 10 minutes or until tender. In another pan, mix melted butter with flour. Add milk and cook until thickened. Add sauce to vegetables, then add cheese. Heat until warm.

Dance with me

2010-04-24T22:55:00.002-04:00

Jessica & Kellee
Jessica's first church dance.
"Mormon Prom"

Round, Round, the Roller Coasters

2010-04-14T08:54:00.014-04:00

Everyone that knows me knows I can't do roller coasters...I'm talking about those BIG ones. So when my husband's cousin Jeanette asked if we wanted to spend a day with them at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, I was hesitant. Somehow I had gotten out of taking Angie and Jake to any big roller coaster amusement parks when they were young. Usually they just went with their schoolmates or friends had invited them on their own. I've been feeling a little guilty with Jessica and Carson though because the only amusement park they've been to is Disneyland which isn't really considered a park with the mega roller coasters. So, to Williamsburg we went. Some how I thought that one of my kids would have inherited my genes and their stomachs would feel a little too uneasy, but no chance. They were literally running from roller coaster to roller coaster. It was really a blast to see how much fun they were having. They even caught me at a weak moment and I went on ride with them...never again. What was I thinking???

"We find delight in the beauty and happiness of children that makes the heart too big for the body." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Easy Chicken Dinner

2010-03-03T09:37:00.003-05:00

1 Bottle Russian Dressing or Catalina Dressing (16 oz.)
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 jar apricot preserves (10 oz.)
4 pieces of chicken
Seasoned Salt & Pepper to taste
Combine Russian dressing, apricot preserves and onion soup mix in bowl and pour into the crockpot. Sprinkle the chicken with seasoned salt and pepper. Place chicken, skin side down, in slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours (HIGH 3 to 4 hours) Serves 4. I've also made this same recipe in the oven using a baking dish at 350 for 30 to 40 minutes.

Angie's School Work

2010-02-17T09:58:00.006-05:00

Angie~Counting the Days to Graduation

One of the great things that Angie has gotten to do is work at the "Casa de Salud" a wellness clinic for Hispanics in St. Louis. Getting lots of nursing experience and keeping up on her Spanish. She'll be graduating in May. Yippee!

A nurse is compassion in scrubs
~Lexie Saige

Snow Trips up Marathon

2010-02-16T07:37:00.013-05:00

Rare snow at Myrtle Beach had city officials cancel the Myrtle Beach Marathon. Our family went down to see Kellee run her first half marathon. We were all really disappointed but we still had a great time getting away and being with family.

We woke up to see the words "YANKEES RULE" outside our beachfront balcony the day of the marathon. Being southerners we took it to mean that the "northerners" would have still had the marathon which is probably true. The South cancel everything, even with a trace of snow. Anyway, Kellee and Jessica went down to the beach and crossed out "RULE" and wrote "YANKEES GO HOME"

Kellee, Ready to Run
Oh well, maybe we can find another race

Throwing food to the seagulls is always fun

Brave Jessica feeds them from her hand

Dave gives it a try too.

"Running is a mental sport...

and we're all insane!"

New Information on SIDS

2010-02-03T09:11:00.009-05:00

Today Steven David would have been 23 years old. Curiously, I went to the Internet to see if there was any recent news of the cause of SIDS and there is a new finding that babies with low levels of the chemical "serotonin" in their brains are linked to having more of a chance of being SIDS babies. Researchers are now looking into how babies can be screened to see if they have low serotonin levels.

Research has come a long way since our tragedy with Steven and SIDS. I believe it was a little bit after Steven died that SIDS organizations came out with their "Babies should be put to sleep on their backs" campaign and supposedly this prevented more deaths, even though its just one of more than a few risk factors for babies that die of SIDS.

Now, with this new research, maybe it will mean that many more families won't have to deal with this anguish. But, like Spencer W. Kimball has said about tragedy:

"...Being human,

we would expel from our lives

physical pain and mental anguish

and assure ourselves of continual

ease and comfort,

but if we were to close the doors upon sorrow and distress,
we might be excluding our greatest friends and benefactors.
Suffering can make saints of people

as they learn patience,
long-suffering, and self-mastery. . . ."

Oddly, for the most part, I've felt a sense of peace with what happened to Steven even though I 'm sad because I miss him and I wouldn't want the experience to happen to anyone...I understand it.

Video: Low serotonin levels linked to SIDS - Video News Live

Wasn't This Bad But...

2010-02-02T14:51:00.007-05:00

We had a pretty bad storm come in our area over the weekend. Here in our area, it only snowed a few inches but because it was so cold and we're not equipped for such storms here in the South, church meetings were cancelled on Sunday and also school was cancelled Monday and for two hours this morning.

*********************************

Slow Cooker Carolina BBQ

1 (5 pound) bone-in pork shoulder roast
1 Tablespoon salt
ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 Tablespoons hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1 teaspoons red pepper flakes

DIRECTIONS: 1) Place the pork shoulder into a slow cooker and season with salt and pepper. Pour the vinegar around the pork. Cover, and cook on Low for 8 hours or until done. Pork should easily pull apart into strands. 2) Remove the pork from the slow cooker and discard any bones. Strain out the liquid, and save 2 cups. Discard any extra. Shred the pork using tongs or two forks, and return to the slow cooker. Stir the brown sugar, hot pepper sauce, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes into the reserved sauce. Mix into the pork in the slow cooker. Cover and keep on Low or Warm setting until serving.

***********************************

Happy 18th Birthday

Kellee!

February 1st

How I Met My Husband...

2010-01-29T07:59:00.005-05:00

Beth & Dave 1983

Today is our 27th wedding anniversary. I met Dave a few months after I had graduated from Brigham Young University in 1982. I went back to Provo to visit an old class chum and while I was sitting in the living room of her apartment, I could look out her window and see the front doors of all the other apartments in her building. As I sat, I watched how this guy was knocking on each door, going in for a little while and coming out and then going to the next door. At first I thought he was just some guy in the neighborhood mooching meals but there was something different about him. I asked my friend who he was and she said, "Oh that's just Dave, he's in the elder's quorum presidency, he goes around all the time, he'll be here in a minute. He's my home teacher" I was intrigued... was this guy for real or was he just trying to get brownies from some naive coeds. As I met him and we dated, I realized what a sincere, kind person he truly is. Today, I still know that he's that kind, young man I saw over twenty-seven years ago... always the one willing to listen and to help others. There's been times that I've thought, "he's too nice...he lets people abuse him." Then I think of the scripture, "charity suffereth long and is kind..." He's always been the example I've needed to be kind and loving to everyone.

"...I know that I am...the luckiest"

~Ben Folds

Mission Memories

2010-01-24T09:52:00.006-05:00

MTC 1977

Florida Ft. Lauderdale Spanish District

Day Before Leaving the MTC

Me ~ December 1979

My last day in the mission field

Last night our stake had a youth activity where our young men and women were called on missions and various returned missionaries taught the cultures of their missions and shared experiences. This week I was also contacted by a former missionary from my MTC district, so I have been pondering my mission experience, which I returned from thirty years ago last month. I've been especially thinking about my MTC experience.

I had a hard time learning spanish in my mission, especially at the MTC. All the missionaries seemed to be getting it so much quicker than me and it got me a little depressed. It wasn't until I got out in the mission field and I was speaking more fluently that I realized it wasn't how good you could speak the language that was important, what truly converted people to the gospel was the Holy Ghost. We were taught the importance of the spirit from the first day in the MTC but until it's seen in action, I can't really say that I understood that principle. I saw how the spirit touched converts and truly turned their hearts toward the gospel. In fact, the faith that I see in new converts still always amazes me and touches my heart to this day.

Anyway, back to my MTC experience. It was so great! Our district was a little bit crazy and it was good because the light-hearted fun of those missionaries really lifted my spirits and was a great start for my mission. Some of the missionaries in that district were the first missionaries to serve in the Dominican Republic so I feel pretty special to be associated with them.

(FYI ~ Why the short ties? It was tradition for the elders to wear their ties backwards the day before leaving the MTC and the sisters in my three-some wanted to get in on that tradition so we all wore short ties too.) Fun memories. Hurrah for Israel!

"I'll go where you want me to go,

Dear Lord...

I'll be what you want me to be."

New Year's Eve

2010-01-08T16:56:00.007-05:00

Our lives have truly been blessed over the holidays, especially having Angie & Jake home from college. They hung with us a lot but here's a picture of them going to a New Year's Eve Party.

Brine Turkey

2010-01-08T10:53:00.005-05:00

This is the first year that I made turkey with brine and wow, what in the world had we been missing. It was so tender and tasty...I'll never make a turkey without doing this method. I got this recipe off the food network but there are lots of different ways to brine a turkey. The most important thing is the salt and liquid...I didn't have any vegetable stock...water would work fine and I didn't have candied ginger. Enjoy!

1 1/4 cup salt (2 cups Kosher or coarse salt)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 gallon vegetable stock
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 tablespoon allspice berries
1/2 tablespoon candied ginger (optional)
1 gallon ice water

DIRECTIONS: Pour vegetable stock into a large pot over a high heat. Add salt, brown sugar, and spices. Bring to a light boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Pour in ice water and stir to combine. Place turkey in a large plastic container (at least 4 gallon). Pour brine over top. Refrigerate and brine for 1 hour per pound.Thoroughly rinse all the brine from the turkey before cooking. Otherwise there will be a salty flavor to the turkey. Pat dry and roast.

Yearly Family Update

2009-12-24T13:46:00.010-05:00

All is calm,

all is bright

Here's an update

of our family tonight

Angie will graduate

from Nursing School in May.

We'll be travelin' to St. Louis

on her graduation day.

Jake is at BYU

finishing up his degree.

Next, he'd like graduate school,

studying Geography.

Jessica loves chorus

and plays piano too.

She's now in eighth grade

and does well in school.

Carson is eleven

and he's kind & dear.

Hard to see him grow up

each passing year.

Dave has been humbled

by his second ruptured disc.

Somehow he keeps going

in spite all the risks.

Beth has felt love

from all that were aware

of her mom's recent passing.

Thanks for all the dear care.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My Pickled Beets

2009-12-12T14:51:00.003-05:00

3 quarts peeled, cooked beets (about 24 small)
2 cups sugar
2 sticks cinnamon
1 Tablespoon allspice
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 1/2 teaspoons vinegar
1 1/2 cups water
DIRECTIONS: Combine all ingredients, except beets in a large sauce pot. Simmer 15 minutes. Pack beets into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch head space. (Cut large beets in half, if necessary.) Remove cinnamon. Bring pickling liquid to a boil. Pour hot liquid over beets, leaving 1/4 inch head space. Remove air bubbles. Adjust caps. Process pints and quarts 30 minutes in boiling water bath. Yields about 6 pints.
I first had pickled beets at Thanksgiving Dinner with my good friend Elaine M. She's such a good "canning buddy." Anyway, ever since then it has been a family tradition...Enjoy!

She Will Be Missed

2009-12-09T19:25:00.014-05:00

The night before the funeral we had a

viewing and slideshow tribute

at the Mortuary

(Martha & Hugh)

Coach (Dad) and Teresa (his caregiver)
waiting for the funeral
Jana, Becky, Jeremiah and Sam, Viewing before the funeral
(Jake holding Joseph, & Michael)

At the funeral, my sister's husband Hugh B. gave the invocation. There were three musical selections: first, "Danny Boy" on the piano by Barry B. a family friend. My mom always loved this song and had told Barry when he was a young boy that she wanted him to play it at her funeral. Second, "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" by a Men's Chorus consisting of my two brothers, Adam and Mark and all grandsons that were in attendance, Rick, Bill, Robert, Jake, David, Michael and Sam. Third, Mom's oldest great-grandson, Jeremiah, my niece Cassie's son, sang "Families Can Be Together Forever." My sister Martha gave a wonderful eulogy focusing on how my mom was a teacher at heart and was anxious to teach her family and all. Martha's son, Bill B. gave a talk and Bob D., from the stake presidency and long time friend of the family presided over the meeting and gave some closing thoughts about Mom. Mark's daughter Anne S. gave the benediction.

Family & Friends at the graveside, Adam sang "Abide with Me"

Jake dedicated the grave

Cemetery in Laverne, California

I love you Mom.

"You fought the good fight

finished the course

and kept the faith."

(2nd Timothy 4:7)

****************************************

Young Women in Excellence

A wonderful evening

with dinner and tribute

to all the girls in the ward

trying to be the best young women they can.

Jessica checking out her table.

Visiting Teaching Brunch

Relief Society had a Brunch

for all visiting teachers in the ward.

Yummy and Fun

Got Time?

My Mom's Obituary

2009-12-01T07:26:00.007-05:00

R., Dorothy McMullin
has been a resident of Lancaster, CA for 55 years. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at home Nov. 29, 2009. Born in Corona, CA Apr. 22, 1929. Her family homestead in Lucerne Valley, as she grew older she attended school in San Bernardino and San Dimas. She graduated from Bonita High School and Brigham Young University. She was an outstanding athlete. She taught high school Physical Education and typing. Years later she taught preschool at Lane Park and The Children’s Corner. She also worked 20 years as a secretary for the LDS Institute of Religion. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, William R., her children, Martha B. (Houston) of Lancaster, Mark R. (JoLinda) of Clovis, CA, Beth L. (David) of Hope Mills, NC, and Adam R. of Holladay, UT, 19 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. She loved life, learning, her family, and the piano. She will be very missed. Viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, at Halley-Olsen-Murphy, Lancaster. Also a viewing from 9-9:45 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m., Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1701 W. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster. Interment will be at 2 p.m.LaVerne Cemetery, LaVerne, CA.

Mother Remembered

2009-11-29T12:08:00.006-05:00

Dorothy Jean

Born: April 22, 1929

Died: November 29, 2009

(Mom's Slideshow)

"May each of us treasure this truth:

One cannot forget mother

and remember God...

Why?

Because these two sacred persons,

God and mother,

partners in creation,

in love, in sacrifice, in service,

are as one."

~Thomas S. Monson

What Am I Thankful For?

2009-11-26T13:56:00.007-05:00

"The Angelus" by Jean-Francois Millet

(I love this...I grew up with this picture in my home)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

so what am I thankful for???

G ~ Gospel of Jesus Christ

I know that the Savior is the Redeemer of the world

and that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me.

I'm a happier person

when I live the principles that Jesus taught.

I'm thankful for the gospel.

R ~ Reading the Scriptures

I'm grateful for the scriptures

because they keep me from getting distracted

and help me to stay focused on the important things of life.

A ~ "All" my Many Blessings

I know my Heavenly Father loves me.

He blesses my life everyday.

I'm grateful for all I have and all I enjoy.

T ~ Tribulation

Everything in life isn't easy but

I know its through tribulation that

I become truly humble

and get a greater understanding

of my life's purpose.

I ~ Inspiration

The Holy Spirit can guide my life.

As I listen to the promptings

of the still, small voice,

I put myself in position to make

wise choices.

T ~ Testimony

I'm grateful for my testimony.

It is sacred and personal to me and

something that no one can take from me.

U ~ Understanding Husband

I'm thankful for a man that

honors his priesthood and

who is a great example to me

of kindness, compassion and service.

D ~ Dear Children

What a wonderful blessing it is

to be a mother and to enjoy the

blessing of children.

I love my family.

E ~ Earthly Parents

I also love my parents.

I'm so very grateful that they planted

the seed of the gospel in my heart.

"Let us give thanks

for what we are

and for the circumstances

God has given us

for our personal journey

through mortality."

~Dallin H. Oaks

Fahrney Teething Syrup

2009-11-17T08:37:00.010-05:00

Jessica had her wisdom teeth pulled Thursday. I've heard of kids getting their teeth pulled early and never really understood why but it was because her wisdom teeth were blocking her 12 year old molars from coming through. Anyway, lots of pain and anguish but she's getting better and started back to school today. As I saw her sad and swollen face, I thought of the old Fahrney Bottles that I had collected from years back. My husband's mother's maiden name is Fahrney and earlier in our marriage, I started collecting old "Fahrney Medicine Bottles." Some of the medicine was for teething. Maybe Jessica inherited her teeth issues from the Fahrney side and that's why the Fahrneys needed toothache syrup. Thank goodness for modern medicine and oral surgery.

"Some tortures are physical

And some are mental,

But the one that is both

Is dental."

~Ogden Nash

Easy Cheese Ball

2009-11-11T08:12:00.003-05:00

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese
3 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup cornflakes, crushed
1 small can crushed pineapple, drained
2 Tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
DIRECTIONS: Mix together and chill. Roll in chopped pecans 1 hour before serving.

Everyone always asks me for this recipe. Sometimes I 2x-4x the recipe and make smaller balls to give away at Christmastime.

Sunset Years

2009-11-09T11:49:00.016-05:00

Coach & Mom

A few weeks ago, my mom went on hospice. Her health issues have gotten progressively worse, so the four kids got together to be with my parents. I think it was good for mom to see us all together again. It has been hard to see my parents age. My sister has taken on a majority of the leadership in caring for them. A few years ago, Teresa came into our lives and has been a blessing, taking care of my parents on a constant basis. As I've prayed for peace in my parents lives, I've felt impressions of teaching moments that I received through my life at the hand of my mom and I've been telling my mom about them. As sick and weak as she feels, its been a blessing to have her somewhat alert to hear, communicate and respond. I forever pray for peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit in their lives. I know Heavenly Father is aware of them and that

"His (God's) Will Be Done."

Coach, Me & Mom
Mark, Martha, Beth, Adam
Coach, Mom
The Kids Again
Jake, Martha, Kathy, Adam, Emma, Jolinda, Mark

Coach, Teresa & Mom

“At some period in our mortal mission,
there appears the faltering step,
the wan smile, the pain of sickness—
even the fading of summer,
the approach of autumn, the chill of winter. …
“I extol those who,
with loving care and compassionate concern,
feed the hungry, clothe the naked,
and house the homeless.
He who notes the sparrow’s fall
will not be unmindful of such service.”
~President Thomas S. Monson

Middle School Honor Chorus

2009-11-09T10:55:00.007-05:00

Mrs. Campbell and Jessica

The Stevens Center

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Jessica and 190 Middle School students sang at the Middle School Honor Chorus for the state of North Carolina. She was of 1 of 19 from Cumberland County and the only one from her school to participate. Their musical clinician was Jonathan Willcocks from England. It was a fun event and we're really proud of Jessica and grateful to her music director Mrs. Campbell.

Flippin' Sweet Halloween

2009-10-31T10:19:00.009-04:00

Napoleon & Deb

( Jessica & Kellee)
The Dark Knight & Two Face
(Carson & Dottie)

"Backward, turn backward,

O Time, in your flight...

make me a child again, just for tonight!"

~Elizabeth Akers Allen

2009-10-27T11:30:00.001-04:00

Golden Anniversary for Joan & Earl

2009-10-26T11:38:00.011-04:00

Congratulations!!!

Last week we went to Aunt Joan and Uncle Earl's 50th Anniversary Celebration. It was a great party. Joan is the sister of Dave's dad and we came to North Carolina twenty-two years ago for Dave to work at Joan and Earl's Cabinet company. Happy Anniversary!

My Thoughts of General Conference

2009-10-22T08:58:00.003-04:00

General Conference is always a delight for me because it's such a spiritual experience to hear the words of our living apostles and prophet. It was especially exciting to hear of the upcoming building of five new temples because one of these temples is to be built where I served a mission (Fort Lauderdale Florida Mission). When I was called to serve a mission in 1977, the closest temple for the Florida Saints was in Washington DC. It was still quite a sacrifice to go to the temple for the Spanish Saints that I served in Miami and Hialeah. I can remember an Elder in our mission that was so excited about missionary work that he had this idea of making a model of a temple out of sugar cubes and for each baptism the missionaries had in our area, we would add sugar cubes to build this replica of a temple. It was quite motivating for the members of our ward, to invite their friends and neighbors to hear the gospel message in hopes that one day, there would be a temple in the area. Well that sugar cube temple has long gone but not the spirit of these wonderful saints for now there will be that long awaited temple in their area. What a blessing a temple will have for the saints of Southern Florida... Some might have said it was an impossible task to get a temple there but their dedication in living the gospel and sharing it with others has brought forth a wonderful blessing.

"Let us with faith, enthusiasm, dedication, responsibility,

and love do all that is within our reach,

and we will be doing all that is possible

to achieve the impossible—"

Jorge F. Zeballos

of the Seventy

Light & Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

2009-10-02T07:29:00.004-04:00

1 Tablespoons poppy seeds
1/4 cup Low fat milk
1/4 cup Splenda
1/2 cup Miracle Whip Light
1/8 cup white vinegar

DIRECTIONS: In a small bowl, whisk together salad dressing, milk, Splenda, vinegar, and poppy seeds. Chill until ready to use. (Can also be made with sugar and/or regular miracle whip salad dressing) I love this dressing. Its quick to make and really yummy.

My New Calling

2009-10-01T10:47:00.011-04:00

I've been teaching Valiant 9 Class for our ward Primary for the last two year and really enjoying my calling. I love serving in Primary but in September I was called to serve as Education Counselor in our Stake Relief Society. I'll miss my Primary Class but look forward to working with some special ladies. I'm excited to meet with sisters throughout the stake. We've already gotten our feet wet this last Saturday by organizing a dinner and inviting the whole stake to our annual Women's General Meeting Broadcast. We had wonderful food and enjoyed the Broadcast.

Jennifer L. Secretary,(Me) Education Counselor,

Sherrie M. President, Pattie S. Enrichment Counselor

Some favorite quotes

for sisters in the church:

"Relief Society

was established by the Lord

to organize, teach, and inspire

His daughters

to prepare for the blessings of eternal life."

~Julie B. Beck

"As you live up to this mission,

in whatever life circumstance

you find yourself—

as a wife, as a mother, as a single mother,

as a divorced woman, as a widowed or a single woman—

the Lord our God

will open up responsibilities

and blessings

far beyond your ability to imagine."

~Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"My dear sisters,

do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities,

but pray for abilities equal to your tasks.

Then the performance of your tasks

will be no miracle,

but you will be the miracle."

~Thomas S. Monson

2009-09-30T09:24:00.001-04:00

Family History Catch Up

2009-09-17T08:36:00.013-04:00

One of my goals this year was to write a little bit about members of my family on their birthdays. Well, I haven't been totally successful but I thought I'd try to catch up on a few.

My Paternal Grandmother

Grandma Martha Ann

was born the 6th of August 1896. She married my grandfather at age twenty-one and had five children. They said she played the piano and organ by heart and played every Sunday for church. She passed away from tuberculosis when my dad was only six month's old. One of the teachings of the church that my dad responded to when he was learning about the church was "The Plan of Salvation" and how families are sealed together forever. He was anxious to have ordinance work done for his mother. Martha Ann died the 25th of December 1927.

My Maternal Grandmother

Grandma Cassie

She was born on the 4th of September 1899; they say she was only 1 1/2 pounds at birth and that her parents put her in a shoebox and fed her a drop of whisky through an eye dropper every hour for the first night. She survived. Her family made a meager living picking cotton on farms in east Texas. She didn't go to school and taught herself to read and write when she was eighteen. Her family joined the church when she was about eleven years old. She moved west at age eighteen and at age twenty-seven married my grandfather, a widower who was raising two boys. They had twins of their own--my mom, Dorothy and brother Doyle. They raised their family in San Bernardino and San Dimas, California. They also homesteaded property in Lucerne Valley for two years. Grandma loved children and loved to care for others. In addition to her family, she often took care of lots of cousins, nieces and nephews. She ran a boarding house and in later years, lived with and took care of my Great-Aunt Pearl. I have fond memories of going to her house for sleep-overs and also going to lunch at her apartment near the high school. She was a great cook, very thrifty and hard-working. My favorite memory was when I was a young adult and grandma started collecting cans. It started because I believe we were collecting cans for scouts. When Grandma found out that boys were getting cash for cans she took recycling to a whole new level. Besides having family, friends, and neighbors saving their cans for her, she had her own little route that she would go on daily which included dumpster diving at nearby businesses. I was kinda embarrassed for her because she would dress up in a big garbage bag and wear a shower cap. One day I told her she shouldn't do it, it was dangerous and she looked like a crazy bag lady. Besides, how much money could really be made from collecting cans. Was it really worth the trouble? I'll never forget her response, "this money that I'm making is to send your nephews on missions." She then proceeded in her own simple way to tell me the blessings of missionary work. I don't remember ever hearing grandma bear her testimony but I did feel the spirit from her that day and I knew her motives for collecting cans were sacred in nature. From that moment on, whenever I saw my grandma in her "can collecting get-up," walking down the street, I thought to myself..."there goes an elect lady." Seriously, and for the record...my sister Martha said that the money grandma made was put into a savings account and it did pay for both Ricky and Billy to go on missions. True story. Grandma Cassie passed away 24th March 1987 and there's a sacred story to her death that I'll have to save for another post. I love my grandma.

My Paternal Grandfather
"Pop" Dee Allen

He was born 6th September 1885; died 14th December 1975. Pop was a high school teacher in Grand Rapids Michigan. He taught drafting. With the help of his sisters, he raised his young family of five children who are all still living except for the oldest son, my uncle Jim. Pop lived with us after he had a stroke. His hearing was very poor by then but I can remember coming home after school and we'd play "Scrabble". I love that game. I can remember my father being very caring with him as he got older. Pop would take a walk everyday in the neighborhood to keep himself going.

Remembering 9/11/2001

2009-09-11T07:15:00.007-04:00

I guess everyone remembers where they were eight years ago today. My experience was as most, I was doing my normal, everyday things. I had just taken Jessica to school and was home with Carson. Dave called me from work and told me someone had attacked the World Trade Centers in New York. I turned on the television and watched in horror. The next few days were quite numbing, wondering how something so horrific could happen. I can remember worrying for my children and wondering what awful things they'll witness in their lives. But I'm grateful for the knowledge that this life is just part of a greater and better afterlife. We all have to experience sorrow and pain in this life but I know its so we can truly appreciate the good things we have and to have faith in the better things to come. The day after the tragedy of 9/11, I was shopping at the store and I saw a lady wearing a gas mask. Seeing her made me wonder, is this the way the people of our country are going to be now, always living in fear? So, I was glad to hear the words of Gordon B. Hinckley when he said:

"Are these perilous times?

They are.

But there is no need to fear.

We can have peace in our hearts

and peace in our homes...

We can be an influence for good

in this world,

every one of us.”

~Gordon B. Hinckley

Back in the Swing

2009-09-04T15:08:00.025-04:00

Its been hard to get back in the swing of things. Especially since my laptop hasn't been working. I spent almost 3 hours with "Dell" getting it cleaned up from some viruses obtained on our road trip. Anyway, all is well now so I thought I ought to recap some of the past few events.

Dave & Jake "Gone Fishin'"

Dave hasn't gone fishing in a long time. Jake was home for a week in between semesters at BYU- Provo so they went out like old times.

Hope Mills 1st Ward
Primary Temple Trip

We all had a good time going to the Raleigh North Carolina Temple and hearing Sister Draughon and Bishop Lockhart tell the importance of the temple.

Lauren, Erika, Carson
Cousins--Together at the Temple

Carson
"As we touch the temple
the temple will touch us."
~Thomas S. Monson

Angie, Carson & Jessica
at Carthage Jail, Illinois

We had a great time with Angie. She took us up in the Arch at St. Louis and then we all went and stayed a couple of days in Nauvoo and also went and saw Carthage Jail. It was a great way to end our road trip out to California.

2009-09-04T15:03:00.001-04:00

Perfect Playdough

2009-09-04T09:45:00.004-04:00

1 cup flour
1 package Kool-Aid, nonsweetened (used for color and smell)
1/2 cup salt
1 cup water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cream of tarter

DIRECTIONS: Mix flour, cream of tartar, Kool-Aid and salt together. Mix water and oil together in saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add dry to wet, stirring constantly until dough pulls away from sides of pan. Remove play dough and knead, knead, knead until all ingredients are well integrated and play dough is smooth. Warning: it will be a little hot to touch when you first start to knead. An adult will need to do it for a bit before handing the job off to a child. I like to divide the dough in two and knead it that way. I actually made a double recipe this time so I divided it into four. Once dough is completely cooled, store in plastic bar or air tight container in the refrigerator. If stored correctly, it will last several weeks and be ready for play whenever you need a quick boredom buster! (I don't actually refrigerate it, but you could if you wanted.) .

This is my sister-in-law's sister-in-law's recipe. She's one of my newest friends "Tia Juana" and she has this great recipe website. I can remember making this kind of play dough once and loving it because it smells so good...enjoy!

We're Back!

2009-08-22T11:33:00.005-04:00

We returned from our trip to California last week. It ended up being a "working vacation" of sorts, trying to help care for my folks. My mom was in a Care Facility when we arrived and going back to the hospital for the third time in five weeks. To make a long story short. . . she's back home and hopefully she'll be able to stay there. I thought we would get to go see friends and family in Utah but it just didn't work out. I'm glad we were able to spend so much time with my parents but I feel somewhat powerless to be able to help them, living so far away. I've actually been a little depressed about the whole thing. Hopefully I'll be able to gain some inspiration and understanding about the situation as time goes on. Anyway, as for the trip, we were able to see Angie in Missouri and go to Historic Nauvoo which was a real treat. On the trip, my laptop got a bad virus which I still haven't gotten fixed so I'm left to try and blog on our antique computer. We'll see how long that lasts. Its great to be home. I've now lived in North Carolina longer than anywhere else in my life so I feel like I can now officially say it's "where I come from. . ."

"Mid pleasures and palaces

though we may roam,

Be it ever so humble,

there's no place like home."

~John Howard Payne

My Pioneer Parents

2009-08-02T02:19:00.007-04:00

Here's a picture of my parents a little over ten years ago serving as missionaries in Nauvoo, Illinois. We went to Nauvoo the year they served and have sweet memories of seeing my parents perform in a play and also listening to my mom tell the stories of the Mormons of Historic Nauvoo. My mother has always been a natural storyteller and it was a wonderful experience to hear her retell history of the Nauvoo community especially at the temple site. In the coming week we plan to meet Angie in Missouri and go to Nauvoo again for the first time after ten years. It won't be the same without my parents who are a great example in our family of going on a mission in their senior years.

"You don't have to push a handcart,

Leave your fam'ly dear,

Or walk a thousand miles or more,

To be a pioneer

You do need to have great courage,

Faith to conquer fear,

And work with might

for a cause that's right

to be a pioneer!"

~Ruth Muir Gardner

Some Favorite Pioneer Quotes:

Truly the Lord encourages us

to walk in faith

to the edge of the light

and beyond—into the unknown.

After the trial of our faith,

He once again shines the light

ahead of us, and our journey of faith

in every footstep continues."

~M. Russell Ballard

That first trek of 1847,

organized and led by Brigham Young,

is described by historians

as one of the great epics

of United States history. . .

Can we somehow find the courage

and that steadfastness of purpose

which characterized the pioneers

of a former generation?. . .

Oh, how the world needs pioneers today!"

~Thomas S. Monson

Canned Apple Pie Filling Recipe

2009-08-01T22:47:00.005-04:00

When I first moved to North Carolina, I met some fun friends who got me started with canning. This recipe is one of my favorites because its a quick desert option when I need something to take to a party or taking dinner to someone in need. Enjoy!

4 1/2 cups white sugar
1 cup corn starch
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons salt
10 cups water
3 Tablespoons lemon juice
2 drops yellow food coloring
6 pounds of apples
DIRECTIONS: In a large pan, mix sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add salt and water and mix well. Bring to a boil and cook until thick and bubbly. Remove from heat and add lemon juice and food coloring. Sterilize canning jars, lids and rings by boiling them in a large pot of water.Peel, core, and slice apples. Pack the sliced apples into hot canning jars, leaving a 1/2 inch headspace. Fill jars with hot syrup, and gently remove air bubbles with a knife. Put lids on and process in a water bath canner for 20 minutes.

My Pioneers

2009-07-23T19:00:00.014-04:00

My pioneers came from Texas. I say they are my pioneers because they we're the first ones in my family to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. My Grandma Cassie was originally from East Texas where her family lived as migrant workers, mostly picking cotton.

Her family met the mormon missionaries when she was young and she and her family were baptised. My grandma was always an inspiration to me. Most of her immediate family fell away from the church but she remained faithful. Because of grandma's example, a lot of descendants have joined the church and many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren have served missions.

Stapp Family - Mineola Texas
The days of the pioneers are not past.

There are modern pioneers who's achievements

are an inspiration to all of us.

Dallin H. Oaks

Childhood Memories

2009-07-21T19:03:00.006-04:00

Lancaster, California - Good Old Days

I was born in Lancaster, California and lived the first twenty years of my life there. I have lots of good memories going to 4th of July picnics at Jane Reynolds Park, Christmas parades on Lancaster Boulevard, outings in springtime to the beautiful poppy fields. Lots of family fun. My parents taught me good principles even though I didn't always know it at the time. I can remember one time in particular when I was five years old and my mom took all us kids to Safeway Grocery Store for shopping. I wanted one of the penny candies that was in the big basket on the side of the isle. My mom refused. So, I thought, "no one would notice one little candy missing from that gigantic basket." So, when no one was looking, I snuck a piece. As I put the piece of taffy in my mouth, the sickest feeling suddenly came over me. "GUILT" I had never felt so sick inside in my whole entire young life. When we had gotten into the car to leave, my mom could tell something was wrong with me. So she quizzed me and it didn't take long to start bawling and owning up to my transgression. She told me that I wouldn't feel better until I paid for the candy. So she gave me a penny and took me back into the store and I stood in line sheepishly, still feeling terrible for what I had done. I gave the sale's clerk the penny and he asked what it was for. I admitted to him that I had taken candy without paying for it and told him I would never do it again. With a smile he asked, "You promise?" I nodded, trying not to look into his face for fear I might start crying again. My mom was so right. I felt like a big burden had been lifted. I learned very early in life how important it was to own up to my mistakes. I'm grateful for that lesson as well as a lot of the other things my parents taught me over the years.

Come little child, and together will learn,

of His commandments, that we may return

Home to His presence, to live in His sight

Always, always, to walk in the light.

Clara W. McMaster

I'm Soooooo Jealous!

2009-07-18T17:18:00.007-04:00

Angie, 2009 All-Star Game St. Louis
Busch Stadium - Wishing I was there!

Right time - Right place. Angie lives really close to Busch Stadium in St. Louis and a friend from church knew someone who got them free tickets to the Major League All-Star Game. It's not fair. I'm the big sports fan. Oh well. I'm glad someone got to go . . even if it wasn't me.

WE ARRIVED IN CALIFORNIA

Thursday we made it to Lancaster. Upon arrival, my mom was put back in the hospital for her continual struggle with congestive heart failure. It's hard to see her with failing health. My sister and her family have been the real troopers, taking care of both my parents and of course all with the help of Sister Teresa Kelly, their health caregiver. She's a true blessing.

Life is a Highway

2009-07-14T23:30:00.007-04:00

Life has truly been a highway for me the last two days. On this trip, I decided to make things easy and travel Interstate 40 the whole way across the country. I can get on it about a half an hour from my house. Its not the way "Mapquest" told me to go but of course: My life is a highway and I want it my way at least for the next four days anyway. I've really always wanted to go through the mountains into Tennesee so, I did and loved it. Nothing too exciting. . . just a lot of driving, pondering and beautiful country. Kids are holding out well. Tennessee is something. I've never been in a state where literally most of the radio stations are either country western or evangelists. I had a tough time just finding a normal talk radio station. But the people seem really down to earth and friendly here just like North Carolina. Second day we made it through Arkansas and on to Oklahoma. Weather was pretty cool until we got to Oklahoma. I don't care what anyone says, dry heat or nothing when its 100 degrees its just plain hot! Oh well, we'll endure. Can't wait to see family in California.

"California Here I Come"

2009-07-12T20:25:00.007-04:00

I grew up the first twenty years of my life in Lancaster, California. My parents, sister and her family still live there. My mom went into the hospital about a month ago and she's been in and out of a nursing care facility and the hospital ever since. I've had an aching feeling to see my folks but didn't think we could wing it but I decided to do a road trip. A few years ago, my two youngest and I drove with my daughter Angie to get her car to Utah at college and it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be so the kids and I are going to try it again. I have a lot of childhood memories that I hope to blog while on my trip. I pray we have a safe trip. We'll be starting our adventure tomorrow. So,

"California here I come, right back where I started from."

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T11:18:00.006-04:00

I'm so grateful for the freedoms we have in our country. I'm especially thankful that I can follow the "dictates of my own conscience" and practice a religion of my own choosing. I believe that things in the world aren't always going to be peaceful around us but its at that moment that I realize how important one's own inner peace is.

My latest favorite quote comes from the late prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley:

"I doubt not that we shall have days of trial….But I am certain that if we will emphasize the greater good and turn our time and talents from vituperative criticism, from constantly looking for evil, and lift our sights to what may be done to build strength and goodness in our nation, America will continue to go forward with the blessing of the Almighty and stand as an ensign of strength and peace and generosity to all the world.”

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

2009-07-04T11:17:00.001-04:00

Key Lime Pie Recipe and Memories

2009-07-01T15:14:00.010-04:00

I went on my mission for the church June 15th 1978. I served in the Florida, Ft. Lauderdale Mission. I was called to be a spanish speaking missionary so I spent a majority of my time in the most southern part of Florida. One of the best parts of being a missionary is getting to eat new foods. Since I served with the spanish community, cuban cuisine was what I sampled the most, as well as food from all parts of Central and South America. It was wonderful! I love all spanish food but I wasn't particlularly fond of their desserts (probably why I stayed thin on my mission along with all that tracting) Anyway, I did love something that originated in the Florida Keys and that is "Key Lime Pie." I was first introduced to it on my mission and it is delicious. Enjoy this recipe!
Key Lime Pie

CRUST:
16 Graham Crackers
3 Tablespoons Sugar
1 Stick of butter
PIE:
4 Large to Extra Large Yolks
1 - 14 oz. Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
1/2 cup Key Lime Juice (about 12 key limes)
2 teaspoons Lime Zest

INSTRUCTIONS: Crust: Mix the ingredients and press them into a 9" pie plate. Bake in a preheated 350F oven for 10 - 12 minutes until lightly browned. Place on a rack to cool. Pie Filling: Use an electric mixer and beat the egg yolks until they are thick and turn to a light yellow, don't over mix. Turn the mixer off and add the sweetened condensed milk. Turn speed to low and mix in half of the lime juice. Once the juice is incorporated add the other half of the juice and the zest, continue to mix until blended (just a few seconds). Pour the mixture into the pie shell and bake at 350F for 12 minutes. After cooled, top with whipped cream. Yum, this recipe is best if using fresh ingredients.

"I am not a glutton -
I am an explorer of food”
~Erma Bombeck

Me, 1978, Hialeah Florida

Grandpa Virgel Edgar McMullin

2009-06-30T10:33:00.007-04:00

Born 29th June 1896, Virgel Edgar McMullin is my maternal grandfather. Grandma Cassie was his second marriage. His first wife Rita Smith had died young and he had two young boys which my grandparents raised along with my mom and her twin brother. All have passed on except my mom who is in the hospital now for sickness due to her diabetes. Grandpa Virgel was introduced to the church by Grandma Cassie and finally joined at age 54. My mother says that she thinks he believed in the teachings of the church earlier than that but just didn't have the faith to live it. His poor health later in life changed all that. As he became older, he lost a leg because of a blood clot due to smoking. Its thought at that time it was an eye opening experience which turned him closer to the church and its teachings so he was baptized.

After being baptized, he started doing genealogy and he and my grandma took trips to Missouri and other family history spots. At age 70 he became ill with another blood clot and died the 16th July 1966. Its interesting to know that my grandfather had our family history line linked back to North Carolina, not too far from where I am living now. I've often hoped that I can further the McMullin line by finding a link here in North Carolina...maybe someday. I have many great memories of visiting my grandparents in San Dimas California at this old house pictured here. The big apricot tree on the side of the house made lots of treats from my grandma's hands. The old place was torn down years ago and made into a parking lot. I still enjoy going back there, on occasion, and remembering the good old days.

Pickin' and a Grinnin'

2009-06-27T10:57:00.009-04:00

Last month I did a class on canning for Relief Society. I haven't been canning lately so it motivated me to get my old jars out. I did strawberry jam, chow chow, pickled beets, apple pie filling and for the first time ever I canned green beans. With my friend Debbie and her daughter Amy, we went out and picked beans for $9.00/a bushel. I was able to bottle 21 quarts from the bushel...whew! Thanks to Carson for helping with the snapping.

"Our Heavenly Father

created this beautiful earth,

with all its abundance,

for our benefit and use.

His purpose is to

provide for our needs as we

walk in faith and obedience..."

~The First Presidency

"All is Safely Gathered In"

Good Luck Janet!

2009-06-26T08:41:00.010-04:00

Yeah Janet! My niece (Mark & Jolinda's daughter) has made it through the first round of auditions to sing the national anthem on Mormon Nite at Dodger Stadium. I love her voice and we are so proud of her. Good Luck! The competition looks tough so whatever happens have fun with it. We think you're great!

"As long as we live,

there never is enough singing."

~Martin Luther

Just Me & My Dad

2009-06-21T13:07:00.008-04:00

My Baptism Day

June 1965

Some Favorite Quotes about Fathers

"Any man can be a father.

It takes someone special to be a dad."

~Anonymous

"Fatherhood is pretending the present

you love most is soap on a rope."

~Bill Cosby

"It is much easier to become a father

than to be one"

~Kent Nerburn

"When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant,

I could hardly stand to have the old man around,

but when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much

the old man learned in seven years."

~Mark Twain

“By profession, I am a soldier and take pride in that fact,

but I am prouder--infanitely prouder--to be a father. . .

it is my hope that my son, when I am gone,

will remember me not from the battle but

in the home repeating with him our simple daily prayer. . ."

~Douglas McArthur

"It should have great meaning that of all the titles

of respect and honor and admiration that

could be given him, God himself, he who is the

highest of all, chose to be addressed simply as Father."

~Boyd K. Packer

Finally, I love this quote by D. Todd Christofferson that was in the mormon message video, "Let Us Be Men"

"Though he will make some sacrifices and deny himself

some pleasures in the course of honoring his commitments,

a true man leads a rewarding life. He gives much

but receives more and lives content in the approval of his

Heavenly Father. The life of true manhood is the good life."

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Kiss the Girl

2009-06-18T13:38:00.010-04:00

Happy Birthday Cassie!

My sister Martha's fourth child, Cassie celebrated her birthday on the 15th. This picture is of my son Jake kissing her when they were about two years old. Its got to be one of my most favorite pictures I have because, unlike the Disney Movie, Little Mermaid Song, "Kiss the Girl," He had no shyness about giving his cousin Cassie a little smooch. Martha, Mark and me all had children in the year '85. Jake (mine), Davey (Mark's) and Cassie (Martha's). We loved getting the kids together and having them strike a pose.
Cassie now lives in southern California with her husband Ruben and their three boys.
Love you guys,

A Little Family History

2009-06-16T06:54:00.014-04:00

Dad's Family

Dad (drum), Uncle Jim (piano), Uncle Bob (trumpet),

Aunt Betty(violin), Aunt Doris (clarinet), Pop in back

My dad's birthday was on June 11th and he turned 82 years old. Ironically his oldest brother Jim was born on the same day ten years earlier. His two sisters Betty and Doris almost shared the same birthday, born May 22nd and 24th and his other brother Bob born at the beginning of May. So all siblings had birthdays that were in the months of May and June. My dad's mother passed away six months after he was born and so he was left being raised by his father with the help of two loving aunts... Beth and Jean. My dad had much love for Aunt Beth and for her I was named. There aren't many pictures of my dad in his youth. This rare picture shows how musical my dad's family was. Most don't know that my dad loved to sing and perform. I never heard him play the drums even though he's pictured here with one. My dad loved sports and enjoyed coaching. He coached some Pee Wee Football but is most known for coaching Little League Baseball off and on for years. He also loved tennis. He joined the church when he was twenty-five. His sister Betty knew my mom's brother and they started having my parents write letters to each other when my dad was in the navy on a ship. In correspondence, he found out my mom was Mormon and started reading the Book of Mormon. He felt the Spirit very strong as he read it. He knew that what he felt was from God and so he was baptized into the church. He has always had a very strong testimony and is very sensitive to the Spirit. He loved helping the missionaries and bearing his testimony to all. As a senior, he served a mission with my mom in Nauvoo, IL. He also loved doing family history and has helped many searching their family trees. He loved being a home teacher and was a great example to me of giving service. My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease a few years ago and his body is aging with arthritis. For his birthday, my sister took him some homemade ice cream. She asked him if he was aware it was his birthday and if he knew how old he was. He answered "97." He laughed about it so we don't know if he was making a joke or just didn't know how old he really is. Some days are good and some are bad but I'm grateful for my father for his acts of service and his love for Jesus Christ. The other day in church, we we're singing "Abide with me 'Tis Eventide" and it brought tears to my eyes because I can remember my dad singing it with such passion as a child. I like the second verse the most:

Abide with me 'tis eventide.

Thy walk today with me

Has made my heart within me burn,

As I communed with thee.

Thy earnest words have filled my soul

and kept me near thy side.

O Savior, stay this night with me:

Behold, 'tis eventide.

O Savior, stay this night with me:

Behold, 'tis eventide.

Lowrie M. Hoffard

Beauty & The Beast, Middle School Style

2009-06-07T15:25:00.008-04:00

"Be Our Guest" Jessica & Jodi

Last night we went and saw Jessica's Middle School perform "Beauty and The Beast" Jessica got to be a narrator and villager in the play. She also got to be a spatula in the scene and song "Be Our Guest" which I personally thought was the best part of the play. Five youth from our church participated in the event which included our cousin Kyle B. He was great as "Lefou." Our friend Brigham played a lead role as "Gaston". All sang so well. We feel really impressed with our Middle School here to be able to do such a great job in performing arts. We're just a small, country school at the edge of the county. Last night the Assistant Principal said that our school is one of the best kept secrets in our county and I would totally agree. We feel really blessed to have such wonderful teachers at the middle school level who want to have great things for our kids.

Jodi, Brigham, Kyle, Jemma & Jessica

Our youth from the church

had a fun time performing

Cousin Kyle with his sister Kellee
I think he has acting in his future

Music is the soul of the world
embedded in sound
~Unknown

Put Another Candle on My Birthday Cake

2009-06-04T10:17:00.009-04:00

We celebrated my 52nd birthday on June 2nd. Maybe you better not "put another candle on my birthday cake," you might not be able to see the cake. In the "old days" I would come home from school as a child to hear Sheriff John sing "The Birthday Cake Song" on his TV show. So for most of my kid's birthdays, they've had to endure hearing me sing that song to them. Oh well, my own goofy tradition, I guess. But really, the older I get the more I realize how fast time truly goes by and how many more things I still want to do. I love this quote:

"Watches are so named as a reminder -

if you don't watch carefully

what you do with your time,

it will slip away from you. "

~Drew Sirtors

I also love this quote:

We should work hard and use our time wisely

to serve our families and build up the kingdom of God.

Time and the ability to labor

are the capital stock of the whole world of mankind,

and we are all indebted to God

for the ability to use time to [our] advantage. . ."

~Brigham Young

Well, birthday celebration is over. I guess I better get moving.