ARE WE THERE YET??

Headed into Yellowstone National Park ---- will take the Mammoth Road so we can head North to Billings.  Did not see much wildlife ----- But still absolutely beautiful.

We stayed at the summer home in Island Park our first night out.  I so love this peaceful place.   So many good memories of Mom and Dad and my Brothers.  Grateful for Harlen's kindness. 

Not too often ---- the question is "HOW MUCH LONGER?"   The boys really are good little travelers.  So far other than SUMMER ROAD CONSTRUCTION the trip is great.  Enjoy these few pictures.  Tonight in a very nice hotel in Billings ----- which is as hot as Utah outside.

For Time and All Eternity

July 28, 1960, was the day that Dale and I were married in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.  I guess that makes it fifty years.  I was so very happy on that beautiful summer day.  My Mom had worked so hard to help make everything special.  She had baked delicious and beautiful cookies for many days.  (Pecan Nuggets and Thumbprint cookies being my favorite ---- still are today)  I know that my getting married at this time was a very hard financial responsibility.  I had been attending Utah State University  the fall and winter before and out of state tuition was very high.  Also mom and dad were supporting Harlen and Dennis on their missions at the time.  Harlen was in The German/Austria Mission and Dennis was serving in Brazil. 

I was working in the office at Sears in Idaho Falls at the time and was trying to help with the wedding as much as I could.  How grateful I am for my wonderful parents who always supported and encouraged us.

I especially remember the day that Mom and I went shopping for my Wedding Dress.  It was such a fun day and we found the perfect dress and veil but it would be eighty dollars.  Not alot by today's standard but a lot for us.  It was placed on lay away and would be paid for over time. 

The morning that we were to be married Dad left a bit early to deliver a truck to be worked on and Mom and I would pick him up and we would all go to the temple together.  Well I guess in the excitement Mom and I did not listen to good and went to the wrong place.  (No cell phones then)  After thinking it through Mom decided he must be at this other shop.  All in all we found him but we did arrive at the temple late.  There was Dale patiently sitting in the front foyer waiting for his bride.  He said that President Killpack had told him he would find him another bride if he would like.  It was always a fun tease for Dale to let me know I was late for our wedding.

I can still feel that special feeling as we knelt across the alter and were sealed for Time and All Eternity.  I also remember how I looked down at my watch and it said 12:35.  Dale and I went to the temple often and we both found such great peace and joy.

I am grateful for this special man in my life.  He was a good husband and a good father. As a new young married couple we had many wonderful plans and goals.  But I guess in God's eternal plan somethings would just be different.  My heart will always have that special spot for my first love and the father of our eight beautiful children.  Perhaps God will someday give me understanding.

Almost Packed and Ready to Go

Last minute details underway ---- packing, cleaning, irrigating and everything in between.  Tomorrow Brad and I will head to Minnesota with Nichole and the boys.  Grandmother Frank is in the Tremonton Rehab center and doing okay so Brad will be going.  He will visit with Dr. Schow before we leave tomorrow to be sure that she is doing okay and will be staying there until we return.

We will travel to the summer home in Island Park on Wednesday and stay there for the night then on Thursday we will go to West Yellowstone.  We are planning on going to the I MAX and see Amazing Caves and then have lunch at the Bar B Que Pit and finish off with the traditional Salt Water Taffy.  We will then travel the Mammoth route through the park. (Hope the boys will see some sort of wildlife)  We will come out at Gardiner, Montana, and head to Billings for the night.  Not too bad of a day.  BUT ----- Friday will be a long one.  We will be traveling on 94 across North Dakota and then into Minnesota and head south to Champlin.  We should get there about the time that Jeff gets of work.  (LATE)

We will spend the next four days at Jeff's apartment.  He has some fun plans for us ----- a Minnesota Twins Ballgame, a ride on the Mississippi River and of course for Nichole "THE MALL OF AMERICA".  Plus some local tours of the area and places to possibly live.

We will head home on Tuesday through the Black Hills stopping at Rapid City, South Dakota, for the night.  On Wednesday it will be Mount Rushmore and some other attractions and then on to Casper, Wyoming.  On Thursday we head home by way of Martin's Cove.  We should have a great but very busy time. 

Not sure if I will take my laptop but if I do and it is possible will blog on the way. 

Busy Weekend

They have all left and it is oh so QUIET!  Brad is still at the cemetery doing a burial and I am straightening up a bit.  It really is never that bad.  Just change a bed or two and clean the floors.  I can handle it just fine and I am so glad that family WANTS TOO and WILL come home. 

 Brad and I had carefully made our plans and had been to the grocery store on Thursday so there would be plenty of everything.  And we could not forget the Chocolate Milk. 

Amy, Danny and Jacob would be the first ones to arrive.  Danny and Jacob would pick Amy up from work Friday morning and head north.  Brad and I arose at six to get our early morning chores done and I could have breakfast ready when the Despains arrived.

Now that was the plan ----- should work great ------ EXCEPT when Brad stopped for his morning visit to check on his mom she was not doing well.  She had fallen twice during the week and was just not feeling well. A granddaughter had spent the night with her but was not able to handle the problems of the morning. Brad came and got me to come help.  Grandmother had had some wetting problems and she and her bed would need cleaning.  Teresa went over with us and made contact with the doctor.  He would need to see her at ten thirty ------.  Brad, Teresa and Paul took her to see Dr.  Schow and after examining her said that she needed to be admitted into the hospital. Brad would stay with her for the next several hours.

The Despains arrived and got their own cold cereal and seemed to handle it fine.  Nichole and her four sons and the Soria's children would arrive mid morning.  Now it is a known fact that if Hunter is coming to Grandma's house so will  MacKenzie be coming.  It was going to be party time for all of the cousins.  Swimming in Uncle Paul and Aunt Teresa's pool and outdoor movies with treats. Grandma's job was to be sure that  there was FOOD.
A craft time was also scheduled under the supervision of Aunt Tonya for Saturday.  This would be held after MacKenzie's ALL-STAR game at the Tremonton City Celebration.  (Was unable to attend but her team was the champions.
Aunt Glenda came from Logan to do the craft and Brittani, Carli and Lisa and Baby Kaden  and Kelsey enjoyed it also.   The Firth family had a fun day at the celebration.  Baby Kaden won the baby contest and Ryan played in several ballgames.

Being a Wife, Mom and Grandmother

Many years ago as a young couple with four small children Dale and I were blessed to attend a sacrament meeting held in our Bothwell Ward where the speakers talked about ways to strengthen our families in the home and in the gospel.  Brother and Sister Riggs were the speakers.  It so impressed us that we decided it was very important that we apply their teachings in our home.  The first step was to select a family scripture that would enhance our lives, family and home.  After much study and prayer we selected ---

Mosiah Chapter Four, verses fourteen and fifteen--14 And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil, who is the master of sin, or who is the devil spirit which hath been spoken of by our fathers, he being an enemy to all righteousness.

15 But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.

During our courtship we had discussed each of our desires concerning the family that we would like to have. I was a member of a large family.  Mother and Dad had nine children.  My sister Harriet died shortly after birth and my younger brother Kenneth died at fourteen months.  That left the seven of us to be raised.  Dale's family experience was quite the opposite.  His mother had a difficult time conceiving children and Dale had one older brother and one younger sister - with many years in between them.  As Dale saw my family and our closeness and fun he expressed his desire that we should have a larger family.  We were very blessed that this would be possible.  But sometimes a larger family can also create larger problems and it would be very important that as parents we would be blessed with the wisdom to raise our family.  Thus the reason for the selection of this scripture.

 

The second suggestion was the selection of a family song.  We would learn this together and sing it together.

We selected a Primary Song "Stairway to lasting Joy"

There's a beautiful stairway that we would climb, Leading upward to lasting joy.  There are steps to be taken along the way, that help every girl and boy.  We must love and have faith, we must try to obey, We must lengthen our learning and we must pray, For true joy everylasting awaits us there, when we've climbed up each beautiful stair.

We are they who will guide you and teach you truth, As you climb up the beautiful stair.  Oh, the way is not hidden from eager youth, for we will be standing there.  If we live as we teach, and you learn to obey, You will climb up the stairway, for this is the way.  And the joy everlasting that waits us these is for all who climb that stair.

 

The third suggestion was a Family Flag.  With the four children who were really quite young at the time we set about making our flag.  We decided it would be on a field of navy blue so it would show of the little white footprints of our children as they climbed the bright red stairs that led to a beautiful picture of our Savior.

We worked very hard at accomplishing our goal and for some time we implemented it into our family home evenings and other fun times. The spirit of our home was one of peace   But soon life seemed to become too hectic and we struggled with just the daily challenges.  How sad that we forgot our plan which really would have made Heavenly Father and our Savior our closest partners in raising our children.  The days quickly passed and soon it was years and the scripture, the song,and the flag were forgotten.  Also our home and family struggled with some very hard issues.  Dale would pass away and I would make plans to leave our home in Bothwell. As I was packing for the move I came upon the flag in the bottom of a drawer.  Good memories but also a reminder of failure.  Would things be better if we had just followed through.

As a single parent I didn't do any better ------ But the Lord was merciful and kind and blessed my home and my children.

Why is this long narrative of any value at this time ----- perhaps I am hoping that my family will learn from the parents failure.  I see my family struggling and my heart is aching.  Decisions have such a great effect on our lives.  Long lasting effects.  When I see family members that hold grudges against each other my heart is aching.  When I see judgements being made my heart is aching for that is only the Saviors place.  When I see acts of selfishness and greed one against another my heart is aching.  When I hear language offensive to the ear my heart is aching.  When I see dress that is not wholesome or dignified my heart if aching.  When I see cold shoulders given my heart is aching.  When I see choices contrary to God's plan my heart is aching.  When I know that family is the most important of all God's organizations I want mine to be eternal.  Why did I fail ----- I so long to be able to go back and try harder.  Be a bit more faithful in making my home one of faith, prayer and testimony.  For the last several years as  I have prepared the yearly family calendar I have included the scripture and song on the last page -----maybe hoping to make up for lost opportunities and that perhaps my family would see them and think that they were good and could help in their own homes.  Love is such a joyful feeling and also such a worry feeling.  I have no greater love than that which I feel for my family.  May they always be blessed and know that they are special in my eyes and the eyes of God.  May they stay close to Him ---- be His friend ---- honor Him by doing their best.  He is always close just waiting for the call.  HE WILL HELP  My  testimony is firm---I am His daughter He is my Heavenly Father ---- He lives as does my Savior Jesus Christ.  His gospel is on the earth today and we are guided by His Prophet. We will have eternal joy and we will have an eternal family. We will have hard times and we will sometimes feel the load is too heavy  but He will lift us up in our time of need until we become stronger.  The Savior's atoning sacrifice is our greatest blessing.  His love is unending and He desires only for us to FOLLOW HIM.

Happy Birthday to Jordi

Jordan is celebrating her birthday.  I am not really sure how many but hope that her day is filled with special events.

There is Light at the End of the Tunnel

Two more days of hard work have brought more changes to the kitchen floor.  On Tuesday Brad and I really got brave.  We had finished cutting all of the tiles for the floor and decided we would try laying some.  In the past we had tiled the front porch and in front of the shower in the bathroom.  However, those were much smaller jobs.  We had been watching Jeff closely to learn some tricks of the trade so decided that we would go for it.  On Tuesday we finished the step to the backroom and the breakfast eating area.  It probably took us twice as long as Jeff but felt pretty good about our work.  This morning Brad decided that the pantry would be done.  The hardest part about the pantry was that only one of us could fit in at a time.  Therefore, Brad was left to do the majority of the work.  Everything went well ----- except-----we ran totally out of thin set with just one tile left to lay. We had used up every partial bag that we had left from other projects.  Thanks to Mary --- she was in Logan ---- who picked us up a small container we were able to finish.  Mary and Damon came this afternoon and did some of the grouting.  Tomorrow we will do under the refrigerator and the pantry.  Yea!  soon the food can be moved from the music room to the pantry and the table can come back in for Brad to eat at. 

No words can express our appreciation for the help that we have received.  Paul, Jeff, Lisa, Todd, Mary and Damon,  without you the tunnel would be very dark.  It was one month ago today that we went to Lowe's in Logan and purchased all of the supplies for the floor. Even though it has been a month it still feels like just yesterday that we started.

The plumber is coming to work at Grandmothers tomorrow but hopefully we can get to Home Depot and get the mop board, pantry door, and door framing to finish in the next couple of days.

I will try to get some painting and wallpapering done tomorrow.  Will be much easier before the finish work goes back on.

Tired, Tired and did I say TIRED!!!

Today Brad and I have cut tile ----- he looks like a white snowman.  We are trying to get the tile ready so that it will be easier and quicker for Jeff to lay them.  We also worked on the threshold from the back porch to the breakfast nook.  I think it will work just fine.  The pantry was a bit hard because Brad couldn't bend down to work and so I did the stooping and measuring while he cut.  I think it will be just fine.  We are both so happy with the look of the floor.  It is so nice to finally have one color and one texture of surface in the whole room.  Along with this work of course  there is still the park and cemetery to care for and work for the town.  Several calls today about water standing in the Michalis subdivision ----- OOPS -----not a broken water line --- just a farmer with a dirty ditch that let the water spill over into several yards.  Just got to love those farmers. During the times Brad had to be gone I worked on laundry, cleaning the freezer, and trimming the ivy.  I am so glad that our Heavenly Father created the night so we can rest.  Tomorrow will be another day.

Happy Anniversary to the Brewers

July 12, 2007, was the special first wedding day for Garen and Meagan.  It seems like only yesterday that plans were being made for this day.  Grandma and Grandpa had worked hard in the yard along with Paul and Teresa.  A new fence was added, pots were planted and the house painted.  The ceremony and reception would be in the back yard.  Meagan worked very hard to be sure everything was just perfect ---and it was.  Going to the temple is the only thing to have made it perfect.  Plans to do this were in the works.  It has been a busy three years for this young couple.  Now soon they will become a family of three when the baby arrives.  Our best to you and hope that each year just gets better.

Blessing day for Kaden Dale Firth

Today was filled with so much love and gratefulness.  As family we met together at Sacrament Meeting with the Firth family to witness and be apart of the naming and blessing of Kaden Dale Firth.  Kaden Dale Firth is such a special name for me.  He will always carry the name of someone very special to me.  His Grandfather Jeffrey Dale Firth and his great grandfather Dale S. Firth.  So many wonderful priesthood holders stood with his grandfather as he was given his name and a wonderful blessing.  He is a very special spirit and I know that he will be taught and loved so much by his sweet mother Carli.  Perhaps it will not always be as easy as it could be but his special mother will protect and guide him with such great love.  Those standing in the circle were Grandpa Jeffrey Dale Firth, Great Grandfathers Brad Frank and Harry Gephart, Great Uncles DelRay Woodruff, Daniel Nesbit, Paul Wood, Sid Soria, and Robin's husband, great cousins, Dusty Dansie and Garen Brewer.  Also other friends.  After sacrament meeting the family met at Hansen Park for a wonderful lunch.  I am so grateful for the way that familes support one another.  It was a beautiful day and pray that Carli and Kaden will have many more.

Happy Birthday to Skylar

Sunday, July 4, 1993, a new little baby was born to Jeff and Nichole.  Now everything was prepared in the wonderful color of PINK for the arrival of baby Brooke Isaacson.  Mom was very excited to have the fun of sharing all of her experiences with a little girl.  Dad would be just fine with a boy or girl so long as the baby was fine.  Dr. Robert Taylor in Brigham City was the doctor and also the Bishop of his ward in Brigham City.  Why he scheduled July 4th as the day to start Nichole's labor is very puzzling because it was SUNDAY.  Maybe sometimes Bishops need a day off too.  It was a very rainy day ---- like major rain ---- cats and dogs stuff.

Brad and I waited anxiously for the call that the baby was born.  The call came and we headed to the hospital in Brigham City.  WOW!!  were we greeted with a surprise.  Baby Brooke did not opt to come at this time ---- she sent a very handsome and special boy instead ----- YEP!!! IT WAS A BOY ----- so much for ultra sounds.  Mom was in tears ---- she had syked herself up for so many months that she was having a daughter.  Who was going to wear that cute little cheer leading outfit and be wrapped in all those cute girl blankets.  After the initial shock wore off mom was so happy and so proud of her little baby boy.  Her first son of four.  No girls would come to this family.  (just little nieces that she would lovingly tend)

Skylar has been such a fun grandson.  I have spent some very special times with him.  School was not always easy for him and I have spent many times helping him study spelling words, listening to him read or helping with school projects.  Sometimes he just seemed to convince himself that he was dumb, which I knew he was not.  Middle school for Skylar was a disaster ------ his life and mom and dad's were always filled with stress related to school.  His confidence level dropped to an all time low.  How grateful I am that his parents made a move to Syracuse.  Skylar started High School at Syracuse High School.  He and I had a bargain ---- if he would give it his very best I would get him a much wanted toy.  He did not get the 4.0 that we longed for but was a solid 3.0.  He will begin his Senior year soon and hopefully a grade point above 3.0 will be attained.  I am proud of Skylar ------ but I also know that he is far more capable of doing more.
Skylar has always enjoyed playing soccer and baseball.  It seemed like the Isaacson family is always at a sports park for a game.  Skylar loved playing catch and does a good job.  Most important though is that I always saw good sportsmanship from him whenever he played.  One of my nicest times with Skylar was our trip to St. George to watch him play ball.  I love to hear his "Oh Grandma" and know that he thinks I am OK.

We are proud that he worked hard and earned his Eagle Scout.  Today he is a great support to his mother and littler brother while the family is in Utah and Dad is in Minnesota.  May Skylar continue on the path that he is taking and accomplish his goals, one of which is to serve a mission for his Father-in-Heaven.  Keep up the good work.

Happy Anniversary for the Nesbits

Dan and Glenda celebrated twenty six years on July 1st.  It was a very beautiful day at the Salt Lake LDS Temple.  Everything had been carefully prepared at our home in Tremonton for a reception.  Glenda was an absolutely beautiful bride.  The years have brought many special people and events to the Nesbits.  Dan was able to complete his University studies, they are the parents of three sons, Justin, Tyson and Conner.  They have served their Father in Heaven faithfully.  Challenges have come with the loss of Dan's parents, and job set backs but they have come through okay.  Sometimes it is hard to realize so much time has passed.  May they always remember that beautiful day in the temple and the special love they felt.  As years come and go that will be a very big help as they work together to be an eternal family.