An Angel Departs our Street

Today Brad and I attended the funeral services for our very sweet neighbor. My last sweet memory of Machi was seeing her walking to our house using her old worn out mop handle as a support. She was very fragile and I know this took great effort on her part. She was very concerned that the postman had left some of our mail in her box. It was so sweet of her even if it was just some junk mail. Brad has lived across from the Fukuis his entire life and I have had that joy for the last 25 years. You can never get even with such a wonderful family. Always bringing wonderful garden produce or some treat.

Gene and Machi have always been members of the Honeyville Buddhist Temple. Each one of their four children are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their only son Norman is now serving as a Bishop. The services brought to mind how very close religions are in the belief of a supreme being and the importance of living a good life. We are just blessed to have a greater and full knowledge of God and His eternal plan. We are all His children and love and respect for each other should be an important part of our lives. The Japanese community is so kind and supportive. What a wonderful example they are.

We thank the Fukuis for their great example and friendship. Machi is indeed an angel.

Wedding Anniversary for Mom and Dad Clayton

What a joyful and life fulfilling event ---- two young people so in love would seal their lives together for time and all eternity. I am including in my post a part from mother's journal that tells about the courtship and marriage.

"While attending the 8th grade in school, Wilford Clayton and his family arrived in Ucon from North Carolina (Roxboro). He was the oldest of ten in his family. He was also in the 8th grade. We both graduated from this grade school. Little did I think then that he would be my special someone to share my life with. As there was no high school closer than Idaho Falls or Rexburg at that time, I had the opportunity to go to Rexburg and live with Hazel Cook and family and work for my room and board and go to school. The next year there was two years of high school in Ucon in a building near our grade school. My second year of high school was also there and I lived at home. Then a third year was added and I was able to take advantage of my third year of schooling. I wasn't privileged to go to school anymore. My brothers were called on missions and finances wouldn't afford it for me to leave home to enter school.

The following summer I went to work for an attorney named Auto McCutchen. This was housework and cooking. This was in Idaho Falls. There I had the opportunity to go to St. Anthony with my sister. We worked in a seed house. We lived with Mary and Joe Jones who were distant relatives.

By now I was dating one boy only. Yes, it was Wilford Clayton. It seemed all he did was tease me constantly. He had been working on the railroad and had bought a Ford touring car. We had many good times together. I think the farthest we traveled from home was to Big Springs in Island Park. We followed my folks who were with Sam and Priscilla. It took all day.

As winter came on, Wilford and his father went up to Driggs to work in a coal mine. As time went on we decided to be married. We had walked home from church one night and he had given me a diamond and we set our date, February 24, 1927. We were married in the Salt Lake Temple.

Our first home was located at the coal mine where he worked. This was in Sam, Idaho west of Driggs about twelve miles. It was a mining camp. Church was held in a one-room schoolhouse. It was a fun winter. Dances were held at the one room schoolhouse with a fiddler and a piano for music. Also, once a week a silent movie was brought in from Driggs and everyone attended these special attractions.

Our home was two rooms and a path, and a spring of water nearby which helped, a homemade cupboard with curtains in front, a homemade table and two used chairs, a relic of a stove, a homemade washstand, and a pair of springs on a fold down couch which we used as a couch in the daytime --Oh, and a rubbing board for a washer. Not much, but about as nice as anyone had at that mining town. We had lots of fun and enjoyed making it as pretty and comfortable as we could. Wilford worked in the mines and his parents lived just a few houses away from us. As Mr. Samuel who owned the mine went broke, we ended owing a grocery bill to pay. However, a Ford motor company in Driggs took some of the non-cashable bonds we had received as pay as a down payment on a Ford Coupe car whenever we did receive the wages owed to us. We were glad of this, as it gave us a way to travel to other work areas. The car wasn't needed in the winter as the snow was deep and roads were narrow and hardly passable. That ended our work there and our monies owed to us.

Thanks mom and dad for all you did for us. We love you

My Friend Daisy

When Daisy comes she just takes it all in ---- she is so pleasant!!

It Is Over

Saturday was a full wonderful day with family coming and going ----- how blessed Grandpa and I are. We love each of you so much. I think that perhaps you all helped me to settle down some and to relax about what I had to do on Sunday.

Prayers are heard and answered. The bronchitis was still giving me fits and every time I would try to talk the coughing would begin. All week long I had debated about calling Sister Fonnesbeck to say that I just would not be able to teach the lesson. Each day passed and I did not make that call until finally I knew it was too late to put that pressure on her. Sunday morning before Relief Society started the Presidency asked if I would like to have prayer with them. What a wonderful blessing. Sister Weese petitioned the Lord that my voice would be calm and the cough would be stilled. That is exactly what happened. Not once did I cough. I had studied and prayed so hard that I would be able to give the sisters the message that the Lord desired and again I know that he blessed me. My testimony of Him is so sure. I love Him so much. He is my Savior and my Champion in all that I do. It is only in Him and in My Heavenly Father that I walk this earthly path with surety and peace. In all of the great confusion and indifference of the world I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is here on the earth. And just as the third article of faith states ---- "We believe that through the atonement of Jesus Christ all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and obedience's of the gospel" ---- we will have eternal life and joy.

Baby Garrett is Growing so Fast

Amanda and Garrett came to visit on Saturday ---- Thanks ---- He is so cute

The Lift that every Woman Needs

Thanks to Heidi, Grandma is feeling so much better. My hair had become impossible!!!!

With a new perm and cut I am sitting on top of the world. It was a busy Saturday afternoon for our little beautician. Perm and cut for Grandma, color and cut for Aunt Teresa, perm and cut for Grandma Mavis, cut for Aunt Vicki and then finally the last job of the day was back to our home so she could cut Aunt Nichole's hair. Keep up the great work --- we are so proud of you.

Happy Birthday to Natalie Lyn

Yellow Roses in the Hall ---- Your father always gave me yellow roses (my favorite) when a new little baby arrived. However, the very moment that he brought them into the room I began with an asthma attack just like the ones that I had had during the entire pregnancy. So into the hall by the door they were placed. Far enough away to not bother me but close enough that I could enjoy them. For some reason my body had reacted to being pregnant by having asthma. You were our little miracle baby. So many times I would end up at the hospital with a bad attack and signs that I was going to loose you. Laying down was impossible because I would cough and cough so Dale took me shopping to find the most comfortable recliner possible so that I could sleep half sitting up. It was an ugly orange but it was the one place that I could get some rest. We were overjoyed with the baby's safe arrival and what a wonderful joy and blessing she is. Now choosing a name had been a subject of dispute. I really really wanted to name this little girl JUDITH (we picked a girls name because of the odds -- HaHa) but father Dale would have nothing to do with it ---- no matter what I said when he blessed her she would be named NATALIE. As for the middle name we both had agreed on Lyn --- but we had not discussed the spelling and so Lynn was put on the birth certificate which was amended very soon to be just Lyn. You would think that this being our seventh child that we could get things right.

Natalie has set and accomplished many great goals for herself. She overcame a great trauma in her life to excell in all that she would do. A beautiful daughter of God who is a example of great faith and good works. Always remembering her prayers, reading her scriptures and writing in her journal. A beautiful dancer who never complained about early mornings or late night practices and then was always being sure that her school work was the best. These qualities carried over to her studies at USU for a bachelors degree in Pre-Med along with an additional minor in Chemestry. Then off to Salt Lake to work and obtain her Masters Degree at the University of Utah. Always graduating with honors. It was during this time that she would meet her sweetheart and companion, Sid. Together they have established a wonderful household of faith and enjoy the blessing of two special children - Heather and Sam. Along with being a wonderful wife and mother it amazes me that she holds down a fulltime demanding job at the IHC Offices. Our prayers are with Natalie that her life will be blessed with love and peace.

Happy Birthday to Brad

Today is special at our house. IT IS BIRTHDAY for Brad. He said he has lost a step because he is one year older, but he certainly does get around. Always helping others and serving the town. Brad is such a blessing to everyone that is a part of his life. Quiet and strong. It has been twenty six wonderful years that I have been able share with him and I pray we have many more. The past year has been filled with new experiences that we have shared with the family. His first trip to Disneyland and driving in crazy traffic. Over all I think he had a great time and with the help of Bertha (The GPS) we did not get lost once. Attending a professional baseball game in Anaheim at the Angels Stadium was interesting. Watching the teams have their little arguments and watching the public drink, and drink and drink. Going to Newport Beach was amazing --- as we talked about its wonder and our Father in Heaven and His creations. His first time to the Manti Pageant and staying at a Bread and Breakfast was nice. Testimonies were strengthened. Mosquito meetings at Bryce were great with imformative meetings, a fun night at Ebenezer's Grill for supper and entertainment.We then spent a wonderful day seeing Bryce Canyon and coming home the long way. That is the habit with Brad and I is to take the long way home and see even more places. Fun trips to St. George and family parties are always at the top of the list. Thanks Grampie Brad for being so special.

Eyes are Holding Steady

Today was another check up for Brad with Dr. Waterman. The Glaucoma is holding steady for right now so the drops are doing the job. With the added morning drop for the worst eye he even had a slight improvement in sight. Knowing that this is a life long treatment and that to be faithful everyday in the treatment is so very important can not be over emphasized. The option for not doing this would be blindness and that would be horrible for him.

Still in Love

Time is ticking away and the couple is doing great --- even with all the wedding plans, school, work and trying to buy a house ---- hang in there it is well worth it.

Happy Birthday to Kevin

Valentines Day has an extra special meaning for our family. We get to wish Kevin a very happy happy birthday. We are so glad to share this special day with him. How well I remember the family reunion in 2006 when Brittani had to leave to go on a blind date with a young man. Little did we know then what would happen and what a wonderful future was in store. Steady and kind is Kevin. We have watched him gently yet with great strength care for Brittani and now their little daughter Kinley. Always willing to pitch in and help and to see that everyone is okay. Riding his Harley, hunting, camping and family seem to bring great joy and satisfaction. Thanks so much Kevin ---- We love you

Saturday at the Ballgame

Grandpa and I went to MacKenzie's basketball game on Saturday at noon. It was at the Bear River Middle School. WOW!!!! does she have the energy going. I think she would wear out the Energizer Bunny. We called her the John Stockton of the team. Sometimes when she was bringing the ball down the court she played it real casual and cool and then the fake out began. She does a right good job of dribbling and staying with the game. It is quite fun to see the little girls play and scramble. Her dad kept hollowering for her to take the ball away ---- just grab it from the opposing team. At one time the girl that she was guarding was aleast four times her size ---- when she pushed MacKenzie gave it her all but she was definetly outsized. Hope you enjoy the fun pictures.

Pink and Red for Valentines

MacKenzies new colors

Nate and Church Ball

Grandpa and I were able to get to Nate's basketball game this week at the Tremonton Stake Center. Boy the minute you walked in the door you knew there was a lot of boy sweat going on. The game didn't start until nine making them the last for the night so all the other teams had left their good smell. It was fun and brought back alot of memories. Grandpa and I were curious to see if Nate took after his dad. (Remember how DelRay would sometimes be asked to leave the game.) When I asked DelRay who the referee was he didn't know but said it was not Carl Jensen ---- the person that would throw him out.

I am amazed at the energy of youth. Nate was up and down that floor so quick and so many times. He really kept himself in the game. They didn't win but looks like they had a good time. One thing that really impressed me was when Nate's friend Jaron got hurt Nate really showed a great concern and kindness. It is always the sign of a fine young man when you have compassion for others. So proud of Nate and his good sportsmanship. The boys read the code of good conduct first and then that was followed with prayer. Emphasizing that the game is for fun and growth in competition.

Crafty Meagan is at it Again

We had dinner at the Woods again on Sunday (Super Bowl) and Meagan and Garen gave Granpa and I a cute Valentine ---- all homemade. I think Meagan really has some of Aunt Tonya's DNA because she enjoys creating just like Tonya. Now we know that it is not her mother's specialty. Sorry the two candy bars are not in the picture (all tied up in Valentine ribbons) we ate them. I just can't mess with the cute boquet. Love you guys --- thanks for thinking of us. We appreciate you.

Hugs and Kisses

Clayton needed me to stop by his house on the way home last night ---- "It is really important Grandma" Boy did I ever feel special. Mom and Dad got a letter but he told his teacher he needed to write one to his Grandma. I love you too little Boy ----

The three older boys were at the church but called to be sure that we stayed until they got home --- just wanted to see us and say "HI" (Sorry we missed you Tristin - Scouts went longer and Jeff was working the Jazz Game) We love you all so much --- remember to always do your best and you will accomplish the desires of your heart. Thanks to Nicole for Grilled Cheese Sandwiches --- one of our favorites when the Isaacsons make them.

"But Daddy I Don't Want to go for a Ride With You"

Yesterday Grandpa and I drove to the Soria's to tend Heather and Sam. Natalie had a conference in Park City and Sid had a "Ski" appointment with a rep. We were excited. It seems that we do not get to see Sam very much and when he does he is so shy. So this is a fun time to share with the children so they know who we are. When we arrived Natalie was a bit concerned about what she was leaving us with because the children had been a bit fevered the day before at Aunt Nicholes and Sam had not had the best of nights. We assured her that we would be fine and to just enjoy doing the conference. After instructions about Motrin and Tylenol doses and lunch menus she was off.
The children are so fun and they are easy children to tend. It just takes both of us to keep up with their little bodies. All was going pretty good until about noon when Heather's fever started to get worse. So the Motrin was given and she cuddled on the couch with Grandpa as I fed Sam.
She tried to eat a bit of her lunch but just couldn't.
When Amy and Jacob arrived to pick up a Tonya delivery she checked the temperature and it was elevated. Long story short she was feeling yucky. Tried to nap but just couldn't and I could tell that the cough and the wheezing where getting worse.
I have experienced this with my own little ones before and new that nighttime could only get worse. Quick call and message left for Daddy Sid and quick text to mom to call when she could. "I think Heather needs to go to Insta-Care". When Natalie called and I told her that I thought Heather needed to see the doctor the tears began. She tried so hard to be better even with her bright little red cheeks and red eyes --- and that little whisper of a voice because she could hardly talk and the coughing hurt so bad.
Sid was out of the canyon and would be home shortly and would take her to Kids Care in Bountiful. The minute he opened the door the tears began again. Daddy said that he and Heather needed to go for a ride. Now you can not pull too much over on this little girl and the conversation went something like this ----
Daddy Sid - " Heather do you want to go for a ride with Daddy?"
Heather - "No - I don't want to go for a ride with you Daddy"
Daddy Sid - "We can get a prize"
Heather - "No - I don't want to go for a ride with you Daddy" - "Daddy I am all better"

The ride was taken anyway and a good thing because Heather has the croup. She was given a breathing treatment and some medicine and best of all a frozen otter pop.
Grandpa and I left about seven thirty with Daddy Sid in charge -- Mom will be in Park City until Friday Afternoon. So glad that Sid has always been a hands on Dad --- he does a terrific job.
In all of this Sam just played, ate, smiled, slept and wiggled. We just pray that he does not get the bug (very contagious the Doc says) with his surgery not so far behind him. The family had plans to spend Friday night and Saturday in Park City but I guess that gets cancelled. Oh the fun of raising a family --- nothing really goes by the book or schedule.

Congradulations to Heidi

GREAT JOB HEIDI!!!! ---- We are proud of you.
On Tuesday Heidi passed her practical test for the classes she has just completed at Bridgerland. Now she has to take the written part. This will add to her skills of hair dressing as she works in the salon. She will be able to give all of the fun treatments to the skin and help with the aches and pains that we all feel. She started her last series of courses on Monday and when it is complete she will be qualified to become a teacher in the cosmetic school. Hang in there ---- the years will definetly be worth it.

One More Big Step Finished

The ceiling is complete and looks so beautiful. Paul and Grandpa have finished all of the wood trim and Mary and Todd have put the finishing touches on the sheetrock.

Paul, Teresa, Grandpa and I headed to Home Depot (our hang out joint) early Saturday Morning to pick up some long 13 foot pieces of molding to finish the conversion area between the kitchen and great room, another sheet of beadboard and trim to redo the furnace front and some corner molding. We went over the list several times and once again thought our shopping trip was complete. (Little did we know) Everything was going great until they began to add the trim to the little kitchen eating area and it would not cover. After discussing all the options we decided it would be best to head back to Home Depot and exchange the molding Brad and I had purchased for one a bit thicker. So off we went again knowing that our deadline to have the wood finished was coming close. It all came together in the end and after Pauls stop at Home Depot after work on Monday to pick up a five foot board that we were lacking in the Pantry the wood is finished and beautiful. Todd came Monday morning and textured the ceiling. He is quite a Pro. He said that his "board" is the same one that he built when he was sixteen years old. Just New Plastic covering as needed. "Why did you have this board when you were sixteen?" I asked. LeRoy Roberts and the building trades program at the High School was the reason he said. He really appreciated and loved Mr. Roberts for all of the lessons that he taught him about building a house. Todd learned under Mr. Roberts for his three high school years and the opportunities that he gave him to learn different skills. We can see how these lessons have really helped Todd to make his own home and many others nicer.

Todd then came back Tuesday morning (he told me this would be a dirty job and to prepare by covering most everything. I really couldn't imagine how but he was right. He scraped the ceiling to get all of the little "hangies" off and be sure that everything look nice and smooth. When I swept the floor I had a large pile of white dust. Glad we listened and covered up. He than painted on the primer coat of paint. This was a hard and tiring job. In the late afternoon He and Mary came and add the final coat of paint. Working together the job went much quicker. They make a great team. When everyone had left Grandpa and I began the clean up and mopping. I think I am glad for a rest before Amy comes to work on the upper cabinets. ------ Thanks everyone Grandpa has hung the lights back up and DelRay will becoming to finish the can lights. It will be one spectacular and bright kitchen.

DAH!!!! -

Was working on the lap top doing my Relief Society lesson when I got to thinking about the little cirlce above the screen. "I wonder if that is really a web-cam?" When I bought the laptop I was not told anything about a web-cam but when I checked the Programs list sure enough there it was and it does work. So Grandma now has a web-cam on her laptop plus the desk top. Crazy Grandma

New Web Cam for Grandma's Computer

I received ninety nine dollars in Staples Rewards for recycling my ink cartridges so when we were in Logan this week I spent them on a web cam for my computer. It seems that the Grandchildren are growing so fast and this way any one that has a web cam I can call and talk with them as well as see them. So far the Sorias are the only ones I have connected with on SKYPE. It is fun to be able to see Heather as we talk and Baby Sam just smiles and jumps. Hopefully this way he will get to know who we are so that he doesn't cry when we see him.
SKYPE is a free download and the calls are free --- so it works great. If any of you can please set it up and give me a call. I called Uncle Dennis the other night and it was fun to visit with him face to face or at least computer to computer.

The Work Goes On

It has again been a busy week in the kitchen. Todd was here on Wednesday and Thursday mornings to tape and mud the seams. He is so quick and good at this. He had been hit by some falling ice and fell on the ice on Tuesday and Wednesday and was a bit sore, but he came anyway. He will come on Monday to give it all a light sanding and texture it. We sure do appreciate it. Grandpa was busy those two days working for the town on a broken water line so I was able to have such a nice visit with Todd. As we shared some of lifes experiences that have helped us to grow and try to become better I was very grateful that he and Mary found each other.
Friday afternoon Paul and Brad worked on adding the crown molding to the top of the cupboards. WOW!! does it ever look fantastic. So grateful that Paul is so good with wood --- the miter cuts are perfect and how he figured it out is beyond me. We were short about two feet on the under molding so when the sun comes up Brad and I will head to Logan and Home Depot AGAIN. I think that it is becoming our favorite place to go on a date. I think we will both be just a bit glad when we can shop someplace else. However, we certainly are becoming more familiar with the Home Depot layout and how to measure and cut wood.
I am getting so excited to see a finished kitchen/breakfast nook area. Still a lot of steps to go but we will make it.