Happy Birthday to Nichole

It was a bit warmer the spring that Nichole was born. Her dad had been working in the fields for a few days getting the soil ready to plant the sugar beets. Good old Dr. Mohr had retired (he had delivered the other five children---I was very sure with him) and I had had to find a new doctor. Dale and I decided that we would go to Dr. Duane Kerr. I was very nervous about the change of doctors and trying to explain to him that delivering a baby for me could be in a few hours or just a few minutes. After much consultation it was decided that it would be best that just a few days before the due date he would start me so that he would be sure to be there for delivery and could monitor me very closely. So on that beautiful spring morning in 1972 Dale would come in out of the field and we would go to the hospital. What an adventure it turned out to be. We were in the old hospital that stands on the hill on Tremonton's Main Street. He had placed me in a private room and started the drip. It would take some time so he returned to his office that was just across the street to the west. Dale ran home for a few minutes to finish up a few odds and ends and I laid there my arm strapped to the board and a drip going into my arm. Dale soon returned and off and on Dr. Kerr would call or come over to check on me. The hours passed slowly. Now the nurse was Mrs. Danzie and I guess she thought she knew it all ---- because the next little bit turned crazy. They had moved me to the delivery room and Dr. Kerr had just been over to check me and said that I had a ways to go and left to go back to his patients. I know that he did not hardly have time to get down the stairs and across the street when I felt the pain and I knew that this baby was going to come. Dale got the nurse and she said no ---- it was still not quite time. I told her no the baby was coming and she had better get Dr. Kerr. She just looked at me and said NO--it is not time and left. Well just like today Nichole was anxious to get things going and would not wait any longer. Her dad ended up being the doctor on delivery and it nearly scared him to death. As loud as he could yell he hollered for Dr. Mohr and I reminded him that was the wrong doctor and his call would not help. In ran Nurse Danzie who was totally shocked that Dale was holding our little baby girl hollowing for help. I guess you could say it was kind of like a three ring circus ---- was I ever scared to death and madder than a hornet. I just looked at Nurse Dansie and said ---"Maybe you should learn to listen to the patient who has delivered five other children and certainly knows when one is going to be born. All in all everything turned out OK. Dr. Kerr was so very sorry ---- believe me--- he now understood why I was so nervous about a new Dr. for delivering one of my children. Dr. Mohr never ever left me when I was in the delivery room ---he knew it could be awhile or right now. Missed him.
Nichole has continued to be just as exciting her entire life. How fun it is to talk with her and to share with her. She makes you feel good. She has been a hard worker and a go getter. Disappointments are turned into success and experience is used to help her become stronger and better. Now patience is not one of her strong suites but I do see it coming along. With four fine sons and a very good husband Nichole is the lone woman of the house. (of course there is Daisy) I really can't imagine how that feels but she says that going to sports events is definitely her thing rather than the dancing that she did.
I know that her testimony is strong and her love for our Heavenly Father and our Savior is sure. She makes my heart sing ---- LOVE YOU NICHOLE

Power in the Priesthood

We were invited to spend a wonderful Sunday afternoon with Damon and his family. Damon was ordained to the office of a Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood by his father at the Belmont Ward Church House. Todd did a great job and gave Damon a wonderful blessing encouraging him to continue to honor his priesthood and to serve in this calling with dedication and love. Having the blessing of the priesthood in our lives is the greatest gift that our Father-in-Heaven has given us to help with life's journey here on earth. I think of the many many times in my life when the brethren who hold this power have called upon our Father-in-Heaven to help me and my family and my home. I pray that each of you are actively using that wonderful blessing in your homes at this time.

It was nice to see Damon and his fellow priesthood hold serve their ward and our country by lowering the flag after church services were over. What a great thing for these young men to do each Sunday as they raise and lower the flag that represents the freedom and democracy of our great nation. I think that this would be a wonderful tradition at all of our chapels.

We then had a very nice meal with Mary, Todd, Heidi, Shaylee, Damon and Grandma Mavis.

Thanks Damon for including us in your day. We love you ----- you are a fine young man and we are proud of the life that you are living. It will not always be easy and it will not always be exactly the way you want it but if you continue to live your life according to the example of our Savior Jesus Christ it will be good and you will be happy and at peace.

Saturday Projects

Brad and I met Paul at Home Depot on Friday to buy a new steel door for the big shed. BUT INSTEAD------found a new door for the garage and the old garage door will go to the shop. We have been looking for a ventilating steel door for the garage that would help to cool it in the hot summer months. Looks very nice and Grandpa is really happy about the changes. The old wood door on the big shed had seen better days and would definitely not slow down any curious people who might just wonder what was in that big building. The second project was to remove the inside storm window over the kitchen sink and remove all the wood down to the studs so it could be measured for a new window. Not hard just a messy job. The new window is now ordered and should arrive in about two weeks. Will be nice to be able to open the window for fresh air and to see my garden through nice clear glass. I am very excited about the changes that are taking place at our home even if they come in baby steps.

Grandma's Projects

I met the Petersens at the hospital this week as we were visiting a patient and they asked us what in the world we did with all of our time now that we were not working anymore. Such a funny question for retired people. Life is so busy and I have to admit that I do move a bit slower. Things that I used to accomplish in an hour may now take the whole morning. But at least I am grateful that I am able to still do them. This week I am working on gifts for grandchildren. It is nice to think about these special ones as I work on the projects. My love and best wishes to each one of you.

Quilt Frames that Dale made me 40 years ago. He wood burned my name on them so they wouldn't get lost. Have had many quilts done on them. Thanks sweetheart --- they have been wonderful.

Weekends are Special

All Shined up --- Great Job Brandon

Isaacsons Loving Spring

Heather the Dancer - Cute in her Costume

Bashful Sammy

Heather - Work and Fun in the Backyard

Little Girls Having Fun

End of Winter?????

Grandpa and I took a trip to Logan yesterday to help the Nesbits with a kitchen stove. The day was crisp and cloudy but oh so beautiful. I am so in awe of the wonderful world that we are blessed to live in. As usual the camera traveled along and pictures were snapped as we traveled along.

Glenda, Justin and Grandpa got the old stove out and the new one in with no hassle ---- just more ackward than heavy. It will do a fine job for the family. We were then treated by the Nesbits to a nice lunch at Angies. Dan was able to join the four of us and it was good to be with them.

Justin is almost finished up with his Bachelors. I really do admire those that have the ump to complete their schooling. Looking back at my opporunity to further my education I so wish I had. I guess times were a bit different and women and education were not the priority. However, when Dale died that degree in Business Education would have certainly been a great help in raising the children. If the opportunity is yours I would encourage further education whether it be at the university level or a trade school. You will never regret it.

Did It

Today was the day of decision ---- I have made the Franks Blog an invited guest only blog. I have become increasingly concerned about the information and my family. Love you all and would never want anything to happen. I have sent out your invites.
Love Mom

Thinking Very Strong

I am really thinking of making this blog open to just invited guests---- would like some feedback and anyone who would be interested in sharing our blog.

Happy Birthday to Jacob

A very special birthday for Jacob. He is now old enough to be baptized. It will be such an exciting and important day for Jacob on April 10th.
Grandpa and I spent a very fun day with Jacob and his family on Saturday. We were invited to a special dinner - (planned by Jacob - his favorites Hamburger bundles, homemade mac and cheese and green peas) and had wonderful Birthday Cake and Pie. (Danny's)
There was a light rain when we left home, which soon became heavier and in Stansbury it was a snow storm.
Jacob is such a fine young man. Grandpa and I often laugh and talk about how we hope he can survive being an only child. (for now) He has two parents to see all that he does and hear all that he says and no one distracts their attention from him. Hang in there Bud. It has been a wonderful experience for Grandpa and I to share in Jacobs life. Even if he lives an hour and a half away it is never too far to zip down for a nice day with the Despains. Jacob is an excellent student, loves to read (reads long chapter books), play with his Legos, have his best friend Christopher over to play or go to his house, have ice cream whether it is homemade or from Cravers (he will finish up yours if you can't), Play WII with family, (always beats Grandma), Have a sleep over in Mom and Dad's room on weekends when mom doesn't work, play some sports - but mostly just social with the team, and play with his pup Max and mom's pup Violet.
Jacob loves to read his scriptures and have Family Home Evening with his parents. We wish him the very best of everything and know that he will become that Doctor that he says he wants to be. Love to you always Jacob

Happy Birthday to Danny Despain

We would like to wish Danny a very great birthday. It has been about ten years now that Danny has been apart of our family group. I still recall that very nervous young man when we first met him and his parents in Salt Lake City. The time spent watching the film at the LDS Visitors Center was nice and brought some great changes to us all. We are very grateful for his loving care to Amy and Jacob. Danny has faced some hard challenges during this period of time but has shown great strength and come out the winner. He worked full days at the R.C. Willey warehouse in furniture restoration while completing his Bachelors and Masters Degrees at night. That truly showed his strength and determination to be the best that he can be. We know that he is doing his very best to serve his new employers and to advance in the organization. Danny serves his Father-in-Heaven faithfully which is the greatest hope that every parent has for their children We pray that Danny will be blessed as he moves forward in life.

Seems Like Yesterday

Sweet Walk down Memory Lane

Have spent this week looking at photos for Kesley and Dusty's Wedding Video. What a delightful time. So many wonderful sweet memories. Just do not know how the time flew by so fast. ---- Love you lots

Grandpa and Grandma's table gets a new life

For years it has been stored in the old milk barn in many pieces. Now Danny and Amy have given it a beautiful new life. Maybe it will now last another seventy years. Thanks you two for making the effort and putting in all the hard work. The table holds many wonderful memories from my youth. It was always in the living room of the house where I grew up. On special occasions it would be opened up, set with the best dishes and a delicious meal served. When I would become tired or needed to hide from my brothers or sometimes Mom, it was a perfect hiding spot. The fold down sides covered the sides and the lace tablecloth the ends. Plus the fact that it set close to a heat vent made it cozy and warm. So much love.

Fun Weekend for Woodruffs

The Woodruff family had a great Saturday. MacKenzie and Tonya made a fun day of going to Salt Lake to the Jazz game. MacKenzie's Junior Jazz team were given tickets to attend the Jazz/Clipper game. They drove to Ogden and then boarded Front Runner for the ride south. Tonya said the girls wanted to ride in the upper deck of the train which was just a bit rough. Then it was onto Tracks and to the Energy Solutions Arena. Kenzie called me around ten to see if we would come and get them ---- missed the train. However, that little smile in her voice definitely said "I am giving you a hard time Grandma". They missed the train they planned on catching but would get the next one. She is a tease and a half. The seats were in the nose-bleed section of the arena, but it was a fun night for mother and daughter.

Nate had baseball tryouts for the BR Freshman Baseball Team on Friday and Saturday ---- When I talked with him late Saturday he said he made the team. Congratulations.
Kelsey and Dusty were busy at a training seminar on Saturday for new home owners. Kind of looks like the newlyweds will also have a new home to go to. Hope all continues to go well.
As for DelRay----work,work,work

Home --- A Great Place to Be

Brad and I arrived home safe and sound late last evening. It is funny how tired you can be from just riding ---- but we both are. Due to a change in the weather we wandered home on I-15 with a detour to Kolob. For years we have passed Kolob Canyons and said we should take that little side trip and by darn we did it this time --- even if snow had fallen. The wonders of God and nature are inspiring.
We enjoyed a lovely stay with Dennis and Sharron and so appreciate their hospitality. Their home is so lovely and peaceful. Brad would have to leave about seven thirty for his meetings and I truly enjoyed just laying in bed and listening so some beautiful music on my i-pod --(newest selections are the Canadian Tenors, The soundtrack from Somewhere in Time ---and the Mormon Tabernacle Choirs "Heavensong". More than anything music brings such peace to me. I am so very grateful it.

When in St. George it is kind of tradition that we go to "Dirt Cheap" in Santa Clara. Sometimes I buy a pot for the yard and sometimes not. This year I found the perfect pair of square pots for the front step. They will be beautiful when filled with flowers this summer. I also love to go to Tia pan Trading to find some fun items. Couldn't find the pickle crock or rooster I am looking for but did get a lovely wreath for the front door and some flowers for the big vase on the piano. I think they do look quite nice. You would think that I like yellow because they are.

We took Dennis and Sharron to supper two nights. The first night to Marv's Burger Place --(great hamburger and fries and milkshakes way above the rim. Then the next night we went to Olive Garden --- which I like but Grandpa maybe not so much. He is always such a good sport about pleasing me. He is one in a million.

Brad was a bit disappointed in the meetings this year and especially the last session when the speaker told a very bad off colored joke. Spoiled it all. Well anyway he has completed his CEUs for this year and is certified again. I wonder how long he will continue working for the town in caring for the water system. He is probably one of the last of the older generation that knows all of the ins and outs of the system.

We stopped in Farmington to say HI to The Sorias and deliver a birthday card to Natalie. She looked so very tired. The children and hopefully Natalie were going to take a late nap when we left. You can feel Sam's first tooth real good and the second one is trying to come through. Those brown eyes of his are the cutest. Heather was ready to play the minute we walked in the door ---- enough energy to light up the city of Salt Lake. She showed us her dance, had to put on her new dress and headband to show us them and then those darling pink sparkling shoes. She is one girlie girl. She and her mom will make the greatest shopping duo.

Then a quick stop by the Isaacsons to check on how everyone is doing. So excited ---Jeff has a job interview on Wednesday. Keep him and his family in our prayers that the Lord will direct and help in what should happen. He is a terrific young man and who gets him as an employee will have one of the best. The boys are busy and doing okay in school. Just remember that XBox 360 would look great at Grandmas. Keep doing your best boys.

Today the fatigue has set in and we both are very tired. Hard to keep going. I do hope that rest will come tonight.
Great to be home