Montana -- wild and beautiful

Clark Canyon Resevoir

Windy, Dark and Rough

Had a hard head wind and any kind of weather you would want on the way home

Laurin, Montana Cemetery
So Sad

A little side trip to Three Forks looking

for the State Park where the three rivers come together to make the Missouri

(The Madison River, The Jefferson River, and the Gallatin River)

Motel in Wheat, Montana, where we stayed
It was okay --- just a bit truck noisy for good rest

Brad and I arrived home early yesterday afternoon. The wind was blowing and once in a while it was hail or rain. But over all the journey was uneventful. I truly did enjoy our new back road excursions and even the freeway from Dillion to home. Seeing the road signs of "Lewis and Clark Cavern's", "The Craters of the Moon", Dubious, Mudlake, Osgood, and many other familiar names brought many nice memories back to me. It was fun to see Falls fertilizer from a different side. Looks great. Traveling through Virginia City was extra fun. The theater where the dancer sat on dad's lap and kissed him on the forehead was so clear in my mind as we drove by. The old hotel where we would stay. The wooden boardwalk. So grateful for the fun memories that my parents gave me.

We traveled from Ennis across to Dillon through some more fun territory. Beautiful cattle ranches, mountains and even an antelope in the middle of the road. (Good thing Brad spotted him and we slowed and he ran off) Stopped in Laurin, Montana and found the Cemetery where Aunt Clara's daughter Rose and her husband and child are buried.  As I stood there I really felt such great sorrow. I know that Aunt Clara loved and only wanted the best for Rose. I wonder if Aunt Clara's early death played a very strong part in the life that Rose would end up living. Rose was a good cousin.  She visited our home many times when in Idaho.  She truly had a life of such hard work and pain. Choices that we make certainly do affect life's circumstances. She did they best that she could.  I will always remember one of the visits that mom and I made to her home after she was married.  At the time she was living in a small trailer --- but the amazing thing was the beautiful quilt top that she was making from about two inch squares of material.  She did not have a sewing machine so she was doing all of the sewing by hand.  I will never forget that lovely quilt top, sewed with love.   I will continue to strive to accomplish the temple work for Rose and her family. (have made a family contact)

Beautiful Fields that go on Forever in Wheat, Montana

Spring is in the air --- the farmers were busy preparing for spring planting --- the golden stubble from last years crop was amazing --- going on forever

Funeral the Montana Way

Today we attended the funeral for Brad's Uncle Boyd K. Iverson owner of Battlecreek Ranch in Townsend, Montana. He is married to Grandfather Duane Frank's baby sister Marian. They have been cattle ranchers in Montana for the past 5o plus years. Good people --- hard workers --- and a lot country. They expressed that one of his favorite sayings was "You can't learn anything when you are talking". I kind of like that ---- listening is a very important quality. Then we can speak with understanding. He was cremated and his ashes will be spread on the ranch. It is 12,000 acres so I guess there will be plenty of space. Cattle were his business but horses were his love. Thus the funeral procession ---- bringing his ashes to the church. Enjoy

Three Forks, Montana

We have arrived at Three Forks, Montana. We are staying at the one and only Motel there. But it is a very nice motel which does have internet so I am blogging the events of today. We left home this morning about eight. We had loaded our cloths in the back of the truck and our drinks, treats and lunch on half of the back seat, leaving plenty of room for Grandmother. We then stopped to pick her up. Loaded up her things and got her in the truck. BUT----- then she said ----"Where is Bubbles going to sit?" Brad and I looked at each other in sheer shock ---- Brad said "I didn't know that she was going" Then they had a little discussion about grandma not telling Brad and Bubbles not calling Brad to see if it was okay. We moved everything to the back and headed to get Bubbles. Not the best way to start. Well, got her loaded and headed out ---- down the road a couple of miles she said she had forgot her pills so back we headed ---- it is now nearly nine o clock --- and to be honest I am just about ready to be dropped off back at our house. She has bossed us, told us which way we should go and in general Brad and I are just the Taxi service. Glad my brothers are seasoned travelers and had already given us the advice of which way to go. Then the topper was that she was wondering where she would sleep and would she be able to share our room. In the end Grandma and she are in the room next to us.
The nicest part of the day was being with Dale and Bev, Harlen, and Larry and Bonnie. Dale and Bev fixed us a wonderful lunch of Meatloaf, green peas and little potatoes in white sauce, rolls, green salad, frozen fruit cocktail and cake and ice cream for dessert. As you grow older and hopefully wiser you really learn how important family is and I truly feel that I have been blessed with such a great one. Grateful that they still like me even with my shortcomings.
I love to see the beautiful world that God has created for us and today was no exception. Still a little early for a lot of green but still beautiful. Lots of wildlife, farmers working the fields, and rushing rivers. The west is God's majestic canvas. Love it

Heading to Montana (I HOPE)

Brad, Grandma and I are planning on leaving for Montana about nine in the morning. I still feel a bit crappy but Dr. Schow says that I should not be contagious with the anti-biotic in my system. I really hope so. Hate to be the cause of Grandma getting sick. Still would prefer the lying down position to the sitting up for eight hours but will make it. Will take my laptop but will see about a post. Love you all ---- Take care

Bridal Shower for Kelsey (and Dusty)

Saturday the 24th was a special day for family ---- Kelsey's Paternal Aunts and her mom gave her a bridal shower. They received many lovely gifts which I know will help them to begin their married life together with a bit less stress. Family and friends are such an important support system in life and they truly were there for yesterday. We wish Kelsey and Dusty the best.

Shopping list for Logan

Busy day in Logan on Wednesday. Started with brunch at Angies with Meagan and Garen and then off to Kitchen Kneads for some shopping and wishful thinking. Then we hit our favorite shopping spot ----- HOME DEPOT. Two NEW windows have been ordered for the south side of the family room. I AM SO EXCITED!!!! I will be able to see through clear glass soon. Tomato plants, some curly parsley and a zucchini plant were purchased but will remain in the house until warmer weather. A quick stop at Gossners for a variety of cheeses and maple nut ice cream and then we began a search for the Lincare store. The address we had was not familiar at all and when we did finally find it they had moved so then we began the search all over again. Soon we found it on Logan's Main street. Rented a portable oxygen tank for grandma Frank. (The ice cream was runny by the time we got home -- it took much longer than planned -- had to take the long way home because of an accident by the fish hatchery)

Brad and I and Grandma Frank will be leaving for Helena, Montana, early Monday morning to attend the funeral of Brad's uncle. Grandma really wanted to go so we offered to take her. I think that she will do okay. She will be staying with family in Townsend, Montana, and Brad and I will be staying in Helena. We are trying to get everything in place at home to leave. The car and the truck have both been serviced so Brad can drive which one he likes. (I am sure it will be his truck) I have been working on the wedding video and housework and yard work. (Hope to mow again before we leave) So, this is retirement --- you've gotta love it baby

Surgery for Brittani

Brittani Lynn had surgery early on Monday at the Logan Regional Hospital. Brad and I were able to visit with her today and she is coming along. I think she looks just a bit pale and I know it must feel miserable, but true to form this little trooper never seems to complain too much. The surgery took much longer that the doctor expected - way over four hours - and Dr. Larsen told her that he was about to spank her because she was bleeding so much. We are glad that she was in good hands and that her sweetheart Kevin has been by her side. They are a great couple. Grandpa and Grandma Firth have looked after little Kinley with Aunt Carli's help. Families are God's greatest gift to us. I just do not know what we would do without them.

The Holy Ghost

Sunday was a special day but also a bit of a stressful day. I always worry when I teach any gospel lesson in church that I will fail to teach that message that my Savior would have me teach. Sunday it was on the Holy Ghost. I learned so much from my study. I am so humbled by this beautiful gift from our Father in Heaven. I think that perhaps he is the least appreciated and recognized one in the Godhead. How grateful I am for his influence and direction in my life. I shared a very special and sacred experience that I had with the Holy Ghost with the sisters and I would like to record it on my blog.
The summer after my husband Dale died and I was called to be a typist at the new name desk in the Logan LDS temple. (1979) (In those days typewriters were used and there were two ladies at the men's side and two ladies at the women's side. I worked on the women's desk. The patron would show me their recommend and I would type their name on a small piece of paper that had the name of the person they would be going through the temple for that day. It was a duplicate copy so I would tear off the top one and give to them.) I would leave my home in Bothwell about four thirty in the morning so I could be at the temple for prayer meeting by five thirty. While serving in the temple I was able to place my name and my children's names on the prayer roll of the temple and also on some days would be able to complete a session after I had finished my shift. I was struggling at the time with a very hard decision. Dale had always told me that if any thing should happen to him I must leave Bothwell and find a place that I would be able to care for myself and my children in peace and safety. We had worked so hard to build our house in Bothwell and it was hard to think of leaving it, but I also knew that I could not move forward if tension and sorrow were always around me.
One day as I was coming home from the temple and had driven past the Crossroads a short distance I felt a very distinct impression to turn into a housing area called Fridal Heights. I shook the feeling off knowing that I had been gone from my family for some time. But again as I was going through Tremonton headed toward home the impression came again only this time it was stronger. Once again I shook it off and continued on knowing that my children needed me. As I came to the fair ground road the impression came again only this time it was like a loud voice in my head saying - Deanna - turn around and go back. I did as I was told and drove into Fridal Heights. It was a very lovely area and a short distance in there was a sign that read :House For Sale. I knew that this was why I was told to come here. I stopped my car went to the front door of the house, knock and went inside. The minute I stepped inside I knew that this was home and that this was the place I was to bring my family. I never questioned it for one minute. The carpenter and owner was working. I asked him about the house and he told me that it was for sale and that actually it was the only spec home he had ever built in the development. We discussed the house, what was left to be done, about the price and etc. I left knowing that things would work out because the Lord was definitely directing the process. (That was the end of the story for the Relief Society sisters)
I had no money to buy a house --- I hardly had any money at all. I went to see Mr. Ellis at The First Security Bank and told him that I wanted to buy a house and would he borrow me $82,000 dollars to do so. I guess sometimes innocence or plain stupidity can pay off because he said yes and gave me a signature loan on a six month contract -hoping that the house and farm in Bothwell would sell within that period of time. The children and I moved into our new home on Labor Day of 1979 just before Tonya left to attend Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. It was rather a sad but also a glad day to leave our home in Bothwell. Many fun, and happy memories but also some of the most painful had taken place there. The house and farm did sell just shortly before the end of the six months. I paid off the Mortgage on the house and farm in Bothwell and paid the note off at the bank so that our home was free and clear. I then put some money away to finish the basement of the house, do some landscaping, window coverings, and carpet. What was left was invested in some real estate rather than paying taxes. Over the years this would help a little bit in raising the children. I am so very grateful that I was not LEFT ALONE. I do know that I have been directed and influenced so many times and am grateful for this great blessing.

Garrett Daniel Howell

Baby Garrett was blessed on Sunday, April 18th by this father Dan, in the chapel of the Elwood Second Ward Meeting House. He was given the name of Garrett Daniel Howell and then a father's blessing was also given to him. As Dan pronounced these blessings you could feel the great love that he has for his son and his great desire that his sons life will be one of service and love to his Father in Heaven, our Savior Jesus Christ and those whom he associates with. I pray also that Garrett will seek the gospel path as he continues on his journey of life. It was a beautiful Sabbath day and our Heavenly Father's presence was felt so strongly for this special son of God. We have waited some time for Garrett to receive this blessing in his life and are very grateful that it has taken place. Some of those standing in the circle were his father Daniel Howell, his grandfather Paul Wood, his great grandfather Brad Frank, his uncle Garen Brewer, his great uncles Jeffrey Firth, Sid Soria, Dan Nesbit, and Floyd Fuller, Bishop Kevin Hall and more. (will try to get a complete list)

A lovely lunch was had by the family and friends at Garrett's grandparents home Teresa and Paul Wood. Gospel blessings are wonderful

Happy Birthday to Lisa

Sunday the 18th was Lisa's Birthday. I don't know if she even got a second to think about it being as busy as she is right now. Lisa is such a very special part of our family. Our one and only daughter-in-law. I really don't know what that word means because Lisa is our special chosen daughter. She is a wonderful support and friend to each one of us. I am so grateful that we lived by the Gephart family in Fridal Heights and that our two families became acquainted. When Jeff and Lisa began dating they would spend time at our house (Always supervised by little sisters) and I knew then that she would be such a great companion and friend for Jeff. She is now the mother of three children and I see her give so much love and service to them - and always with a smile. It is hard to believe that the years have gone by and she is now a grandmother. To see little Kinley with her grandparents, speaks volumes about the love that they possess for her. When the new little grandson comes he will be showered with this same love and attention. They are a blessed family because of a very elite and beautiful lady.

Lisa has accomplished many great things in her personal life, in her work place, in her home, in the church and in her friendships we wish her the very best and blessings of peace and joy always. Love you Lisa

Helping Hands Makes the Work Easier

Spring has arrived and the yard work is in full swing. Thursday and Friday Brad and I worked hard in our yard to clean away the winter trash so that the beauty of spring can shine forth. The daffodils are in bloom, the hyacinths are starting and soon the tulips will be in full glory. I am also waiting for the flowering trees to burst their buds and show colors of white, pink, deep pink, and yellow. Yards are a lot of hard work --- but it is very rewarding work. I also washed and then spray painted all of the patio furniture again. (a yearly ritual) It has lasted along time hope it has many more years in it. The patio carpet was put down for summer relaxing --- all in all a good day. Spent the evening tired but working some on my lesson for Relief Society on Sunday. Today was spent at Grandma Greats sprucing up her yard after winter. Brad, Skyler, Tristin, Clayton and I spent the morning and early afternoon raking, digging, mowing, clipping, and sweeping. It looks pretty good. Still will need some fine tuning. Uncle Paul put together her new little planter box so she can have some tomatoes. The garden spot was sodded in last year because it was just too much work for a ninety-five year old. This morning Brad worked on taking out her mound in the far back of her house. She can no longer get that far from her house and the soil is just so hard and compacted that it had seen its day. We have made a flower garden spot for her by the front door so she can enjoy some flowers there. The Isaacson boys were a great help and she really appreciated our hard work.

Happy Birthday to Kelsey

However, Grandma does not have a single tulip in bloom ---- so do we celebrate or just wait? I think that we will celebrate because we are so thankful for Kelsey. How well I remember taking her mother to Ogden to see Dr. Swift the day before she was born. Tonya was in a bit of stress and was told to be back the next day "when the tulips were blooming" and she would have her baby. Sure enough that is just what happened. Kelsey was born and I had my first tulip bloom in the flower gardens. Now every year as I watch the tulips come up in the cold and start to form their bud heads I anticipate if they will bloom before Kelsey's birthday. If not I can be sure that special Kelsey will bring that wonderful spring warmth and beauty to our lives.

Over the years I have been in awe of her accomplishements and the goals that she sets for herself. Learning to cook from her mother, (however, not the sewing stuff), doing crafts, dancing, and more dancing, being faithful to her Heavenly Father in her Primary and Young Women years, shooting a gun!!!!, loving her little sister and teasing her little brother, willing to go camping -(if it is comfortable), studying hard in school, graduating from Seminary, attending college, falling in love, going to the temple to be married for time and all eternity, choosing an eternal companion to love and share her life with. One of the very special things that she does for her grandmother is to always tell her that she loves me. Those two little words mean so much. They can lift my spirit, make me feel needed, and above all they let me know of Kelseys caring spirit. Love you so Much.

Jacob is Baptized

Saturday was another special day for our family. Amy and Danny's son Jacob was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was so wonderful to share this special day with him and his family. Grandpa and I left home at 6:30 so we could arrive at Stansbury in time to get the ham warming up and help the Despains with a few last minute needs. The drive was very peaceful since not too many people were traveling at that time. The support from our family was so great. Amy was blessed to have her brother and six sisters and their families there. (We truly missed those of you that had to work that day - you were in our hearts and prayers.) As we visited she expressed how awesome it is to have such a fantastic family. Especially since for many it was an hour and a half drive or better. With the baptism at 9:00 a.m. that meant waking up early to make the drive and arrive on time. True to form they were early, looking absolutely wonderful ---- my heart did a giant leap of gratitude for such a great family.

Aunt Glenda played the sweet Primary Songs for Prelude and Postlude and the congregational singing. Aunt Nichole and Aunt Tonya gave wonderful talks about Baptism and the Holy Ghost. It was a great reminder to us all of the importance of our own Baptisms and that we should be attending our sacrament meetings to partake of the Holy Sacrament to renew our own Baptisimal Covenents with our Father in Heaven and Savior. The talk about our sins being forgivin if we truly repent and try to do better gave me great hope that I can become better and have that wonderful blessing of Eternal Life. When I think of this great blessing I think of Dale and what he is doing now in preparing a place for his family is God's Eternal plan. I surly hope that we do not dissapoint him. I know that he is present for each of these special family events and is looking over our needs.

Jacob was baptized and confirmed a member of the church by his father Danny who also gave him a father's blessing. He blessed Jacob with many special things if he lives his life to be worthy of those blessings. We pray that he will. As the men placed their hands on Jacobs head to confirm him it was a great circle of power ----- Danny Despain, Grandpa Brad Frank, Grandpa Larry Despain, Jeff Firth, Dan Nesbit, Paul Wood, Garen Brewer, Todd Johnson, and Jeff Isaacson.

A lunch was served at the Depain home following the service. Amy had worked very hard planning, cooking and preparing. We have lots of great cooks in the family and they are great support for family dinners - each providing a dish to help out the host family. Thanks family

All in all such a great day. Grandpa and I arrived home in the late afternoon after a stop at the Sorias to see the progress on the basement and say Hi to Sid.

Peace is ours and we are happy ---- Thank you Heavenly father for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and its teachings.

Heather Sleeps Over

Lots of fun again at Grandpa and Grandmas house. Heather stayed with us Easter Sunday night and Monday night. She is such a sweet little granddaughter and brings so much joy to our lives. We are so grateful that her parents share her with us. Soon baby Sam will be old enough to stay too. Heather keeps us quite busy with her "Plans" and "what are we going to do now Grandma?" Each activity lasts for a few minutes or as long as the attention span of a three year old. Lots of singing, playing games and some Max and Ruby and Maggie and the Ferocious Beast. Grandma and Grandpa have many recorded now and I do believe that she has them all memorized. We look forward to each visit.

A Patriotic Lesson from Grandpa

Raising the Beautiful American Flag at our home

Happy Birthday to Ryan

Ryan Jeffrey Firth ---- So many wonderful memories about the young man that carries the family name. A little boy is special in a family and just like his dad Jeff he is the only one to come to this family. The middle child flanked by two sisters. Ryan has such an endearing personality. Always so kind and thoughtful to his grandparents. Willing to play with younger cousins who always look up to him. Keeping up with Ryan and his activities can be a full time job. When it came to sports he was always busy, whether on the football field or playing baseball. Always giving his very best. Hard work was a part of his daily routine as he attended school, participated in sports, worked at Crumps and served in the church. One of a grandparents proudest moments is when they see grandsons receive the Priesthood. We have been blessed to share these times with Ryan and hope that there will be more to come. Diligent work from him and his parents helped Ryan to earn his Eagle Scout at an early age. Each time as you enter the restrooms at Hansen Park you are walking on the hard work of Ryan, Jeff, Lisa, and Grandpa. Great Job!!!!!! Today he still has this same hard work ethic. Ryan is working as an electrician apprentice for C.J. Roberts and attends Bridgerland in the evening to get his journey mans license.
Now, if it has a motor and two or more wheels and is not running real good you can bet that Ryan will find the problem and solve it. I am always amazed at how something can come apart in so many parts and go back together and run so well.
Ryan seems to have also found the love of his life in Jordi. Together they will be a great team. May Ryan be blessed and guided as he continues on ---- Love to Him