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

Love Taking Those Backroads

After a very pleasant and no traffic drive Brad and I arrived in St. George about three on Tuesday. Don't know if the route was any slower or quicker but I do know that it was so peaceful. Beautiful music on the i-pod, great company to talk with, and wonderful treats and a lunch were the pleasures of the day. We left home about eight in the morning and traveled to Amy's to leave some items from Tonya and to pick up some more items to take back to Tonya. The service project for the hospital is so very sweet and special. Very proud of the work that Tonya and her Laurels are doing and the added help from Amy. It is so special for a mother to see her children working together to accomplish great things. Amy also purchased some flannel for me to be make into blankets.
From Stansbury we headed toward Delta and then on through Deseret, Milford, Minorsville and some other small towns. Bless those wonderful early Saints who accepted the call to settle this Utah territory. Their testimonies certainly had to be solid. The surrounding landscape did not change too much and I still wonder what they would be doing to make a living.
Entered the freeway at Cedar City, gassed up at the usual spot and headed for St. George. Now Brad started to chew his gum just before Cedar City with the hope that his ears would not plug this time. But sure enough they did and it took about an hour after we arrived for them to pop and for him to be able to hear again. During this time he will talk louder and just smile. Great guy.

We are staying with Dennis and Sharron and so enjoying the visit. Brad heads to his meetings at about seven thirty and I enjoy just laying and listening to my music.
Yesterday it was so nice to walk with Sharron to the mailbox and around the area abit. Their home is in such a peaceful setting and the plantings are just beautiful. Today there has been a light rain and everything is looking so shiny and pretty. The trees are budding out and the grass is green ----- spring is on its way. Will be so glad when it arrives in Elwood or as Jeff I says (hellwood).
Brad will be in meetings late today and then this evening we are going to Olive Garden. Have added some photos of the landscape on the drive down. (no shaking your heads or laughing) Not sure yet just which route we will wander home on.

Headed Out

It is getting warmer and we are Going to St. George to just get in the mood. Not sure if I will be able to connect to Uncle Dennis Internet so if not will post when we return. Love you all

Blue and Pink ---- Favorite colors for Grandma G

Was able to see the special little greats on Saturday night. They sure had fun with each other. The rest of us just laughed and laughed. So cute

Good Thing His Hair is Short!!!!

The Johnson family is in the redoing mood. The kitchen has been the project and Todd has worked so hard in demolition, building, sheetrocking, mudding, painting and everything else. Mary as always is right their by his side. The two make a great team along with the added support of three great children. Still a ways to go but it will come ---- ONE STEP AT A TIME
So proud of each of you ---- you do fantastic work.

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.