Dad

This has been a month of reflection; joys, sorrows, and gratitude. Today I am thinking of my father. He passed away 25 years ago yet lives on in his family. The things he taught each of us continues to be his legacy. One of the things I think I am most grateful for that my father instilled in me is the love of learning. He didn't have the opportunity to get a complete education yet he continued to learn all the days of his life. When he dropped me off at BYU when I didn't want to go I realize now how much that education is a part of who I have become. He always had a gift of knowing what each of us needed in our life. He was a father to Kevin and treated him like one of his own boys. He loved him unconditionally. He taught me the value of an honest days work. He worked hard to provide for each of us. He expected each of us to do our share to help while setting the example by working right along with us. He did not ask us to do anything he wasn't willing to do himself except for maybe the dishes:). I remember him fixing the farmers tractors and for pay he would get fresh produce. I remember going out into the corn fields then coming home in the back of the truck which was full of corn and spending the day shucking, washing, cutting, and then bottling it for the winter. We all loved those days. I remember him coming home in the early afternoon and telling mom to get ready because we were going on a picnic. We would head out not ever knowing where we would end up. Many times we would end up on Ogden Utah or Rigby Idaho to see friends and family or up on the mountains. Bless my mom's heart she was always wiling. He worked hard for his family and provided the necessities even though we didn't have wealth in the world sense we did have wealth in family. He instilled in each of us that family was the most important thing and that other things just didn't matter. I remember him telling me several times: "let it go, family is more important." He loved my mother and supported her in all that she endeavored to do. I will be eternally grateful for my earthly father and the things he taught me.

It is that time of year when I enjoy my flowers inside. below are two of my most favorite plants. The purple one was one of my mom's African violets. She loved these flowers as do I. The next one was given to my mom when my father passes away 25 years ago. I love when it blooms. It reminds me of him. I feel as Nephi of old felt. "I haven been born of goodly parents". I am grateful for the heritage I have and for those who have taught me and continue to teach me. I am especially grateful for my Savior and all that He did and continues to do for me. There are so many little things lately that have helped me know, yet again, He is aware of me personally.

This time of year is so beautiful. I love the colors that seem to magically appear over night. In keeping with the season I decided to decorate the beautiful table my son built for me to bring in the season. I made the table topper and the quilt on the back of my new chair. I love these colors! Hope you enjoy!

Change/Principles

The other day while I was sitting in the temple I realized even though my life is always changing one thing that doesn't change are principles. Each one of us is guided by principles. We make choices based on principles. I read a book called, The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews. In the book he talks about several principles that governs his life. Here are several quotes from his book I really like: "My past can never be changed, but I can change the future by changing my actions today. My future is immediate." "My smile is the key to my emotional makeup. A wise man once said, " I do not sing because I am happy; I am happy because I sing!" When I choose to smile, I become the master of my emotions. Discouragement, despair, frustration, and fear will always wither when confronted by my smile. The power of who I am is displayed when I smile." "The words of a wise man are like raindrops on dry ground. They are precious and can be quickly used for immediate results. Only the blade of grass that catches a raindrop will prosper and grow, The person who ignores wise counsel is like the blade of grass untouched by the rain- soon to wither and and die." I know there are so many things others do that help me grow, so I want to be the one who smiles, who seeks wisdom from others and then change the future by changing my actions today!

Well I guess it is time to fire up the computer and catch up on life. This summer Kristin took some pictures of my family. The wind was blowing but they show how cute they all are. I am back at work trying to get in the grove of things. I caught a bad cold, sinus infection and have had a plugged ear for over a month now and can't seem to knock it. I have been on two antibiotics and lots of decongestion's. Let's just say I am tired of it. I want to hear!! I have to turn my head so my good ear is facing who ever is talking to me. Now I know how those who can't hear all the time feel. I have more empathy for them. Mike and Nicole have moved into their new house. It has been very quite around here. Kirk turned 23 on the 7th. I can't believe my baby is that old. I love having him here in town. He his learning every day. I am so grateful for the wonderful ladies that care for him and teach him. Bekah turned 5 years old and is enjoying kindergarten. It is amazing she has kept her shoes on every day! I was made the Nursery Leader instead of just the helper. I am enjoying the little ones but have trouble coming up with activities they can do. I love their hugs and cute little smiles. It's warms my heart when they recognize me. Yesterday, a new granddaughter was born, Heidi Brynn Hendershot. I feel so blessed. This gives me 5 granddaughters and 3 grandsons. Check out Bryan's face book for a cute picture of the little darling. I wanted to go see them this weekend but hate to give them the crud I have, so I will wait. Well now I am all caught up for another few days. Until next time.

Trip

Shawnee and I had the opportunity to travel to Nauvoo and Winter's quarters after visiting my sister in Minneapolis. One can't even begin to express the emotions that passed through me as I walked upon those sacred grounds. Even though it was extremely hot and the humidity was just as high we were able to attend the pageant two nights (thanks Shawnee for indulging me). We were treated like royalty. Even though it was very hot and humid it was a wonderful trip. The best part for me was being able to attend the temple in all three places we visited. I love the temple. I will post more picture later of other high lights. This is the Saint Paul/Minneapolis temple. The top window is the window in which the prophet fell from after he was shot. The door at Carthage where the bullet went through the door. Joseph and Hyrum as they rode off to Carthage. Truly humbling. I think one of the greatest things I came away with from this trip was a greater love for the prophet Joseph Smith, his wife Emma and for Hyrum his brother. What love they must have had for each other and for the Lord. While in Nauvoo we were able to attend the pageant. It was amazing. I think I felt every emotion from happiness to sorrow while watching it. This is a picture of the Nauvoo temple. It was amazing to see the river while standing in front of it on the hill.You can see Shawnee in front looking west as Pres. Hinckley suggested during the dedication of the temple. I loved attending a session while there. When I was quite young I learned how to spell MISSISSIPPI. It is as wide as its name is long! Shawnee overlooking the great Mississippi! On our way home we stopped at Winter's Quarters and went to the temple there. We were able to tour the visitor center and I walked the sacred grounds where so many pioneers were buried.