My Pioneers

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

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!

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

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.