Here We Are

A Salute to Courage

2012-01-29T10:21:00.000-08:00

I truly believe God knows our trials before we come to earth. He so completely knows who we are that He will not give us difficult things that we cannot handle.

Ann handles life with grace and faith. Those are the two words that for me best describe her approach to life. I always tell her how blessed Mary Deane and Clark are to have her as their mother. For it is through her faith and the grace that she exhibits everyday that makes life really good. It is exhausting, frustrating, sad, happy but mostly just good, life is really good. How grateful I am to be able to watch this miracle she is performing everyday!

Happy Birthday.

Love

You!

King of Cool

2012-01-14T13:43:00.000-08:00

OK. So I realize I have no pictures of Jacob. Have I used this picture every birthday? Well, this will certainly change now that we are moving into the Utah neighborhood; pictures galore!

And I am so excited to have him right down the street. Jacob is blessed with a sophisticated sense of EVERYTHING.

Don't you think?

He has an instinct of what is cool before it is cool, what it hip before it is hip, what direction the trend will be before there is even a trend.

So. Needless to say, I am happy we will be in the same neighborhood so I might be just a little more cool because we will rub shoulders, often.

I love you so.

I really do.

Happy Birthday.

Mom

Pure Love.

2012-01-13T04:06:00.000-08:00

It is not possible to prepare your children for all the hard things that will surely come their way. But it is possible to teach them that God can prepare them. Today is Jordan's birthday. Last year I watched how God prepared her for a very hard thing. She was brave, strong, had faith and the most amazing part was watching her sacrifice showing all of her feelings so Lucy could look into her eyes and know everything would be all right. I am convinced God prepared her long before she was in my arms for this role she plays as a mother. It is a gift of the spirit, a Godlike quality, that of putting someone elses needs before yours, a pure love. A privilege to watch, it was.
Happy Birthday, Jordan. I love you
Mom

Oh! The Spices!

2012-01-04T00:20:00.000-08:00

We think these towers of spices are the curry mix.

Cardamom pods and frankincense.

Let's drink to saffron, the most expensive spice on earth.

Egyptian candy.

And my favorite, sesame candy, everywhere!

Luckily, an Arab woman helped me out with translation and told me this was Sumac, my surprise spice for Benjamin. How beautiful is that pink?

More towers of spices!

The colors. I mean, really, those colors are perfection.

Beautiful Doha Arabic

2012-01-01T11:08:00.000-08:00

Can you guess what logo this is?

If you guessed this, you are right!

Applebee's across from the Venice like canal in the mall.

Our most gracious hosts!

Any guesses?

Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Georgia

2011-11-12T05:35:00.000-08:00

Kurt and Olivia indulged me in going to this incredible cemetery in Savannah on our way home from Jacksonville

It was such a beautiful day in Savannah--the perfect time to be there without the damp heat of the summer.

This grave was particularly touching and evidently a popular stop.

The south is like its own country and culture. I love the draping spanish moss which adds to the mystery of a cemetery.

It sits right on this water inlet.

Thank you K and O for the lovely tour to satisfy my unending love of cemeteries!

A Joyous Happy Birthday, Ashley!

2011-11-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

Ashley was pretty much this fun as soon as she showed up in 1976, election month, right after my debut as a pregnant Minnie Mouse for Halloween. Even after all these years I can still remember my emotions from that moment she was born. Our first born, who bore the brunt of parents that knew little of what that meant, yet she has no bad memories, no sad stories, just optimism of what life holds, and what life will always hold for her. I am so grateful for the lessons she continues to teach me of enjoying life, the hard, the good, the moment, yes, the right now.

Thanks for making Minnie not be pregnant forever, for making me a real, live, mother. Happy Birthday! I will love you forever.

MOM

Utah

2011-10-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

I went to Utah the absolute perfect time.

There is something about this desert that love.

These past pictures are on the way to Glendon ranch, close to Castledale.

Ashley got me up to Rock Canyon Saturday morning.

You can tell Eli has been hiking a bunch--not one complaint and I had a hard time keeping up with him.

Love those mountains and especially the people that live by them!

Glendon's Funeral

2011-10-24T06:49:00.000-07:00

Bobette, queen of the ranch.

This fence actually comes from the Peterson family home in Richfield.

Here is Shad's grave on the ranch property

And Tawney's grave.

This is the one room cabin where six of the twelve children were born. Remember my rug of Louisiana Heppler, the woman crossing her arms? This is what is left of their first home when they came from their wealth in Canada to Utah after they joined the church.

Window of the old cabin. Bobette and Glendon had it taken apart and moved onto their ranch property.

This is my favorite--the old door frame. I think of all those people going in and out of this door.

Family gathering for the graveside service.

The burial site.

No small feat getting the casket over the grave on those small boards.

Filling the grave.

The Johnson Family.

Folk Art at the MOMA

2011-10-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

Oh So Cute Baby Boy Dill!

2011-09-21T18:38:00.000-07:00

Cool As A Cucmber, This Girl.

2011-07-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

Well, number six is on the way, five are currently underfoot, she is Young Women's President, a Famous Blogger and seamstress extraordinaire. And she is cool as a cucumber. Happy Birthday dear daughter. To that list above I add the most important one: a faithful and strong daughter of God. Thank you for getting it right and teaching others along the way, including me!

I love you so!

Happy Birthday, Brendon!

2011-07-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

I love this photo that Ann took of her two men! I am grateful for Brendon,

for his determination, his focus on all things that are good,

his love of the gospel and the commitment that brings.

I love how he not only tells Ann he loves her

but he shows her in so many ways.

Happy Birthday, Brendon. I love you!

Let's Go to Paris!

2011-06-15T13:26:00.000-07:00

Enter to win a trip to Paris on this blog:
http://ohhappyday.com/2011/06/goes-to-paris
Hey, someone has to win, right?

Happy Birthday, Craig!

2011-05-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

I don't think there is a living son in law on earth that would happily let his in laws camp out with him for eight months. Do you? I mean really, eight months? I will forever be grateful for his gracious and giving heart. He is always wanting to help, comfort, bandage, feed and entertain anyone that walks through his doors. I love you, Craig. Happy Birthday! You are fantastic. And no, I won't stop it.

Welcom To LIberty, North Carolina!

2011-04-30T11:47:00.000-07:00

After seeing cute Lucy sing away in her Kindergarten program we took most the day off to go to Liberty, North Carolina, to the semi annual antiques festival.

People hauling away their treasures!

It is held on a one hundred acre farm with 400 vendors from 25 states. And to top it all off is the fantastic announcer lady with the thickest accent this side of Texas. If someone was lost she would announce it. If someone accidently dropped one of their banjo strings they just bought, she would announce it. If it was somebody's birthday, she would announce it. If someone lived in Greensboro and needed their just purchased outdoor furniture set transported there, she would announce it. Fantastic

This was a photograph from the 1800's.

This beauty almost jumped in our car. It is a metal stool that is also a drying rack. You can see the metal dowels pulled out on the left and stored in the middle when not is use.

Sold.

See that smoke in the background? Dixie Land BBQ!

Cars were everywhere on the 100 acres.

You know you want to join us in September, don't you!?

Happy Birthday, Father of Cohen!

2011-04-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like the joy of having children. And then there is nothing like the joy of watching your own children have children. It is Ben's birthday today. He's our baby, the biggest of our babies. And what an amazing father he is. I have seen a new side to him that I really like. It was always there, that nurturing, gooing, being silly, hanging a baby upside down, tickling side. He just needed Cohen here to do it. Kurt said it best on our Monday night celebration of his birth, he is engaged. His heart is right where it should be, with Olivia and Cohen! Oh man. Nothing better than that to make a mother happy. I love you, you cute father, Ben! Happy day.
I totally stole these images from Olivia's blog. Thanks O!

Happy Birthday, Mother!

2011-03-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

Mary Deane, front row right.

She would be 91 today.

Wonder what she is doing.

Perhaps in charge of heavenly wardrobes.

Oh Happy Day, Olivia!

2011-03-25T13:08:00.000-07:00

OLIVIA

I am still amazed at the birth of Cohen, your concentration, control, love, patience, sacrifice and desire to do it just right! You have always had all those qualities so I shouldn't be at all surprised!

Thanks for joining our family and adding to our numbers.

Hope it is a happy day and filled with love!

Because I sure you!

Good Bye, Elizabeth!

2011-03-24T20:15:00.000-07:00

Only Sixteen Years Without Him

2011-03-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

This morning, as I held him tight, I told him I have only had 16 years without him. And 16 years is way too many. This is what he looked like then. Can you blame me for falling in love with that, bell bottoms and all?

Happy birthday, tootsie!

Testimony for Pearl!

2011-03-14T05:44:00.000-07:00

Pearl's baptism was yesterday. She was nervous and excited! Afterwords she said she felt good and warm. Nothing better than that feeling--good and warm! She has opened the door to return to her Heavenly Father. To celebrate, I made a Book of Mormon cover with my testimony inside to make sure she always knows I believe. And to remind her we will always be, the two of us!

Happy Birthday, LUCY!

2011-03-04T06:39:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday

LUCY!

You are SO cool!

LOVE

YOU!

GRAMMA

A Day Late But With The Same Love

2011-03-01T07:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Ryan!

This photo was taken at the Incheon Airport

I love how Ryan is always up for a

traveling adventure!

I love how Ryan is such a

Good Listener.

And

gets so excited

about what

You Say.

Much Love!

To You!

Happy Birthday, Pearl!

2011-02-25T12:35:00.000-08:00

Sending my love to

Picture

Perfect

Pearl!

I Love YOU~

Gramma

Ivy's Eyes!

2011-02-22T09:51:00.000-08:00

Ivy eating the famous Korea rice puff snacks!

Oh, those eyes! Can't get enough of this girl!

Anyanghaseo!

2011-02-21T09:05:00.000-08:00

Catie Bergeson, one of the dear sister missionaries from Korea popped in for a visit! It was like we had been a part for a moment! How we love her.

Ready

2011-02-19T10:36:00.000-08:00

A Prayer in Spring

Robert Frost (1915)

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day; And give us not to think so far away As the uncertain harvest; keep us here All simply in the springing of the year. Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white, Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night; And make us happy in the happy bees, The swarm dilating round the perfect trees. And make us happy in the darting bird That suddenly above the bees is heard, The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill, And off a blossom in mid air stands still. For this is love and nothing else is love, The which it is reserved for God above To sanctify to what far ends He will, But which it only needs that we fulfil.

Happy Birthday, Ann!

2011-01-29T08:02:00.000-08:00

My father always said this most irritating phrase to me as a child:

Be Thankful For Your Troubles.

Why, I thought, would you ever, ever, be thankful for hard things in your life? I realize now that no one escapes troubles, I don't care who you are. Troubles care not if we are rich, poor, healthy and strong, weak, mean or nice. And we might not even recognize them as troubles at the time or they might be very blatant (I like one of the dictionaries definition of blatant: unpleasantly loud and noisy) troubles that everyone sees. But what my father was trying to patiently teach me was that it isn't the troubles that are the worry but how you react, how you care to see your way through, how you conduct yourself, how you turn to God. Well, with all that said, this is my tribute to Ann today: She uses God's lenses to see through her troubles so they no longer can be defined as troubles but as intruments in becoming more like Him. Two cute babes in her care: one very sick and one very healthy, but neither one any trouble. Thank you Ann for continuing to teach me what my father was trying to get me to understand all along!
I love you.

Happy Day to you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG THREE-O CHOCOLATE FACE

2011-01-14T07:44:00.000-08:00

There was only one time when Jacob was slightly demanding. We bought an old, white, two door Mazda for the kids to drive as teenagers. For the first time Jacob complained. I was shocked, actually, but I couldn't blame him. It really was an ugly car and for this family, we don't like ugly. But it was cheap, efficient and got the job done. The best part? He apologized ten minutes later. Don't you love this guy? Thank you, Jacob, for your gentle ways, your constant desire to do what is right, for always being willing to forgive, your respect and patience for your mother. I love you dearly!

Did you really want chocolate for Christmas?

Happy Birthday, Jordan!

2011-01-12T14:16:00.000-08:00

Jordan and I have had the rare opportunity (hopefully she looks at it this way) to actually live together as mothers. I don't always recommend two mothers for one home, it isn't the best, but in this case it has been a wonderful time for me to watch her in action. I love how she makes a home. I love how she cooks. I love how she cares so deeply about her children. I love how she loves Craig. And I love how she has graciously allowed one more mother under her roof for just a season, with no complaints. Happy Birthday, Jordan. I love you!
PS I have really bad interenet connection that won't upload pictures.

Enjoying The Mangums

2010-11-29T13:06:00.000-08:00

Missin' This Virginian

2010-11-14T16:53:00.000-08:00

Virginia Pie

2010-11-12T15:13:00.000-08:00

We weren't planning on stopping but who could resist this place?

A stone building just calling out to us to stop and have some homemade pie, sour cherry no less.

And surrounded by falls magnificant squash.

And what is the east coast without WHOOPIE PIES?

So with the command to EAT PIE we bought a pumpkin pie, especially for Brendon and sour cherry especially for the rest of us. Kurt threw in a couple of chocolate dipped coconut macaroons.

And this little cutie was the best part of all!

To Dearest Ashley!

2010-11-03T07:08:00.000-07:00


Photo: Ashley Thalman

One of the many joys of children is to have adult children. That is not to say that I didn't enjoy all stages, because I truly did.

But, now I have adult children that have become more than just children but advisors, listeners, creators, examples and mothers themselves (and soon a father).

Ashley was given much responsibility. I, perhaps, was harder on her than any of the children. But she only remembers the good, only sees the good, and quickly forgives. I am so grateful for her example, her advice, her perfect ability to listen.

I love her creative spirit that come through in everyway. I love how she mothers, patiently, kindly, forgivingly.

I love you, Ashley!

Happy Birthday.

Mom

Eataly

2010-10-19T18:29:00.000-07:00

Eataly. I find the name a little corny but it certainly is a little corner of that country right in Manhattan.
Actually, 50,000 square feet of Italy, my favorite being the chocolate section. Mario Batali and his other Italian friends, Joe and Lidia Bastianich created this mega Italian store that opened this fall. Kurt got me some lemon gelato to soothe my never ending cough. He's always looking out after me!

What is Italy without bread?

Stuffed ravioli machine.


Fresh pasta!

Holy cow! It is Mario Batali himself!

My Used To Be Favorite in NYC (Wording for you, Jordan)

2010-10-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

Oh, the yellow hue of Kalystyans. It just gets me excited, thinking of all the culinary possibilities in one store. It was my favorite but has sadly been replaced by Habu. More on that later. Enjoy a wander down the isles.

For Ann.

Here's to healthy snacking!

Kurt could have put this to good use in Tonga!

So, if you have seen fresh tumeric you get a prize!

360 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn New York

2010-10-14T20:13:00.000-07:00

In the 1920's my father went on his mission to the Eastern States, with B.H. Roberts as his Mission President. Here I stand in front of the mission home.

Kurt and I were the only white people in the neighborhood. As we walked by some policemen, they said "you can tell they don't belong here." Yet, there we were, in a place where my father once walked also.

360 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn, New York.

I am sure this mission photo was taken at 360 Gates. My father is sitting by Sister Roberts on the front row. Such a sober group of missionaries!

Happy Birthday, Mary Deane!

2010-09-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

We miss lounging around with you and those cheeks! Oh those cheeks!! Love you, Gramma.

Saturday at Centerfest in Durham!

2010-09-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

Over At No Big Dill

2010-09-13T07:12:00.001-07:00

Well, I am honored to be included in Katy's September Sewing Month. Check it out here.

PEACH PIE AT NIGHT!

2010-09-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO COUGARS!

2010-09-04T20:33:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I am a little homesick for happy valley. It was BYU's first football game of the season and the peaches are now perfect. And to top it off, BYU won!

Hooker's Delight!

2010-09-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

Well, if you know anything about hooking, you know about Harry Fraser and his fabric cutting machines--plus other necessary accouterments for hooking rugs. EVERYONE knows the Fraser cutters. I am not sure anyone else makes these machines. So, perhaps you will understand my shock at finding the Fraser Company right here in North Carolina! Well, not right here, but Stoneville, North Carolina, an hour and a half drive from Durham. On our way home from visiting the Jones's in Reston, Virginia, we call Helen from the Fraser company and ask when they close. Well, she says, when will you get here? Yes, Helen kindly told me to call her when I got to their place and she would run over, because she was right next door. We arrive and she comes driving in on her golf cart, nearly scared me to death for some reason. She shows us in and I ask a few questions and I get the whole history of this place--how her parents bought it from Harry Fraser in 1974 and how her dad just died two months ago because he was a bleeder and couldn't be operated on so her brother didn't get the will in time and now they are going to court. There are three sisters and one brother. Evidently they all are mad at Helen because, according to her, all they want is the money and don't care a ---- about the business. Helen wants to keep it going, probably because it is her only income. I found out you need cash to buy anything at the Fraser Company and we didn't have enough. She gave me everything and said she would send a bill. Now that is a great business! Thanks, Helen.

TAH DAH! The Harry Fraser Rug Making Equipment Company

Here is Helen trying to show me how the loop frame works.

All these rugs were hooked by Helen's mother who died a few years ago.

But Helen's grandmother is still alive at 98! She is taking care of her.

Paper rug design patterns

Wool for sale

Can you believe how wide this monks cloth is?

The 3-D Hooked Lady with pearls.

The Fabulous Dr. Gooch

2010-08-25T16:48:00.001-07:00

Well, we all know Craig is pretty awesome, but with a one-piecer and a headlight, I mean,
that is just beyond all of our expectations.

August Birthdays At The Dills!

2010-08-24T07:37:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to Azure, Divine and Olive! You make August bearable! Much love to you from Gramma.

Visiting Penland

2010-08-21T17:31:00.001-07:00

Tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina is a school for crafts education. Penland school boasts no steady faculty but a revolving curriculum that depends on the best instructors available. Really, a most wonderful idea, since this provides students with a never ending array of craft subjects and approaches to those subjects. Here are the pictures from the textile classroom.

Family Tree at Woodlawn

2010-08-12T19:07:00.000-07:00

Woodlawn, the property George Washington gave to his adopted daughter, displayed this fantastic family tree! I got a picture just in time before the ladies started yelling at me.

When I Grow Up

2010-08-09T05:31:00.001-07:00

Page and her inlaws.

Bobette and Glendon with their son, Woody.

Bobette and Glendon dancing with their great granddaughter, Ellie.

When I was a little girl I wanted to be Bobette. To me, she had a magical life, living in a big mansion on an island in Galveston, Texas. Her husband, Glendon, was beyond charming, making anyone in his path feel like a million bucks! Spending the weekend with them at the gracious invitation of their son Woody and his wonderful wife Page, I am reminded again of why I love them. Besides the fact that Bobette reminds me of my mother, I love her because I realize her life is only magical because she made two really good choices: God and Glendon. Her craving for children was met with many miscarriages and the loss of two of her three children that she was finally able to raise. This weekend she says to me: I am so happy you have a marriage like mine. I am touched by her observation of me and my eternal companion. But I know I still have a long way to go in being and giving love like I should. Watching them is like watching Yo-Yo Ma playing the cello in his finest performance. Because you know it took a lot of practice from life experience to be able to still be so passionate and in love, instead of cynical and sarcastic as so many marriages end up. Their teasing, their stories, their love of God is as entertaining and delightful to listen to as any musical performance. And Bobette laughs the hardest at Glendon's jokes, always adding, Glendon, you are so funny.
In the car I ask Glendon to give me their secret to a successful marriage. His one word answer? Bobette. I am so overcome at this simple remark and all that love and passion that is behind it. That is what eternal marriage is all about--to really love someone else as God loves us, and put Him right in the middle. Beyond magical!

Scripture Study at the Dills

2010-08-03T17:15:00.001-07:00

It works! Even when you read on the run. Missing these cuties!

Well, Nothing Like Relaxing With Your Swimming Suit and Black Boots

2010-07-31T18:47:00.001-07:00

Cute Olive!

Kicking Up My Feet For The Birthday Girl!

2010-07-26T07:40:00.001-07:00

About ten years ago my mother and I went shoe shopping at Nordstroms in Salt Lake. She, as usual, charmed the male shoe salesman, having him bring out all sorts of beautiful, pointed, 7AAA high heels. And me. Well, I tried on several pairs of Doc Martin shoes, 7B, black, I think. The best part was we both laughed at how much we loved each other and yet were so different. Visiting Katy and clan this week I am reminded that my mother would be pleased that her high sense of fashion flair has not been completely lost on me since it is fully manifested in her grandchildren! I can hear her now: Oh, Katy! I love your shoes! Happy Birthday, my daughter. Thanks for teaching me style, honesty, patience, love and faith! Grandma would be so pleased.
Love you!

Happy Birthday, Brendon!

2010-07-18T07:08:00.001-07:00

The true test of your relationship with your in laws is having them move in for three weeks. Holy cow, that is a long time! Brendon not only survived but was gracious, kind, loving and actually acted like he liked us there. Bravo, Brendon! We love you and your very big heart! I hope this is a very happy birthday. Please eat a Navajo Taco for me. And good job on the bubble.

The Beautiful New North Carolina Museum of Art

2010-07-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

Blessings of Cystic Fibrosis

2010-07-11T06:27:00.000-07:00

My father has a list of Clark Family Rules. For a long time I really was annoyed at the last one: Be Thankful For Your Troubles. But I was young and really didn't have many troubles. At the time I thought life was suppose to be pretty much as smooth as possible. So smooth that you never have to be sad, or upset, or frustrated, or suffer. A smooth as silk life where everything works out perfectly. I realize now that that is exactly what defines us, what shapes us, what tells God, well maybe not God, because God all ready knows, but tell us what kind of person we are. Am I patient? Am I longsuffering? Is my love unfeigned? Am I kind? As I look at Mary Deane, I think she is blessed to have this trouble of CF. She has a jump start on realizing life is just not very smooth. Most children are self absorbed and rightly so. Starting life is hard. Think of all the stuff you have to learn in such a short period of time so you really do need to concentrate on yourself, on getting yourself straight on this bumpy path of life. But so much of Mary Deane's carefree life of a child is interrupted by medicines, hand sanitizer, chest thumping, hand sanitizer, nebulizing, hand sanitizer, coughing and more hand sanitizer. Part of me wants to not have this a part of her life but then the other part knows she is blessed to have something from the very beginning that reminds her life is not smooth for a reason. Life is for getting back to God. We all have CF, figuratively speaking--some trouble, that, if we are thankful for it, will get us back to God. And my father knew that being thankful implies a whole change of attitude, an embracing of life, a willingness to learn, because there is no protection against troubles. They happen. In the novel Extremely Loud, Incredibly Close (thank you, Jordan) the grandmother says: You cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness. I know Divine, Pearl, Seth, Olive, Lucy, Avery, Hazel, Eli, Avery, Clover, Ivy and the two cuties coming in the next months will have their troubles, stumbling blocks, disappointments, devastations, physical and emotional trials and sadness. I pray they will think carefully about that last Clark Family Rule and get it sooner than their grandmother.

Flying Through Philly!

2010-07-10T13:52:00.001-07:00

An early DeKooning

Nothing Like Lounging With Grampa

2010-07-04T06:56:00.001-07:00

WE LOVE THE MANGUMS!!

2010-07-02T06:43:00.000-07:00

Yummy crepes, sweetened condensed milk, fresh blueberries, whipped cream, nutella, bananas and lots of love 'round this table!

The Pasta Post

2010-06-27T06:28:00.001-07:00

Courtesy of the fabulous A Southern Season store in Chapel Hill, where everything right now is on sale. Yes, I said everything!

Happy Birthdays!

2010-06-26T10:17:00.003-07:00

Happy Birthday, Seth!

Happy Birthday, Clover!

A Big Shout Out To All You Fathers!

2010-06-20T10:55:00.000-07:00

Especially these two in their very preppy bow ties amongst the sunflowers!

Yes, let us all celebrate YOU!

Familiar Spirit

2010-06-14T14:52:00.001-07:00

Ben is three and Ashley is eleven, with the other four in between. Kurt is made bishop in Albuquerque and I had only two goals: always go to church and never be late. There were times when I wondered why I had made such a promise to God but He blessed me and I achieved those goals the whole time Kurt remained as bishop. There were days then and days before that when dragging (and I mean dragging) the children to church didn't seem productive for them or for me. I tried to plan well the night before, but that didn't necessarily help during the meeting itself. It is probably an honest statement to say that I don't remember much of what was said during those years, those years of ponderless sacrament meetings. But as we have the chance to watch the Joneses and the Mangums wrestle their way through church meetings I am immediately struck with a most wonderful thought and am reminded of Elder Bednar's promise this past conference to parents: Youth of all ages, even infants, can and do respond to the distinctive spirit of the Book of Mormon. Children may not understand all of the words and stories, but they certainly can feel the “familiar spirit” described by Isaiah (For those who shall be destroyed shall speak unto them out of the ground, and their speech shall be low out of the dust, and their voice shall be as one that hath a familiar spirit; for the Lord God will give unto him power, that he may whisper concerning them, even as it were out of the ground; and their speech shall whisper out of the dust). And in Alma is says: their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word.

So, my goals perhaps were not lofty but they were important, to me and to six children. Needless to say, I know that if infants can respond to the distinctive spirit of God's word then no child is too young to be illuminated, just by being there in the same room where the word is preached. For I believe, and the scriptures back me up, that hearing truth physically changes you. That is why growing up in the church it is often hard to pinpoint when you received your testimony because each time you go to church it changes you, the minute you were born, the minute your parents drag you to church to hear that familiar spirit. So drag on you parents! Drag on.

The Row House on Spring Street

2010-06-12T04:33:00.001-07:00

My sister Lynn gave me the address to my father's home in Washington, DC. Here they lived for ten years while increasing their family from four to to seven! My sister Mary was friends with a Jewish neighbor boy, Ronnie Nessen.

When he came to play he would yell "Get the hell out here, Mary!"

He would later serve as press secretary to President Ford. And, to add to this wonderful bit of trivia, Nessen was the first political figure to host Saturday Night Live. His episode is also known for having Gerald Ford open the show with "Live From New York, It's Saturday Night!"

The Mormon Chapel, Washington, DC

2010-06-11T05:30:00.000-07:00

The church sent 16,000 blocks of marble (I know, I thought it was granite we were sitting on) to Washington, DC to build this chapel.

My father was the bishop here in the 1940's while working at the United States Department of Agriculture with Ezra Taft Benson. Unfortunately, the church sold the building and it is now in the possession of the Unification Church.

It actually had an Angel Moroni on top when it was first built. Here is a photograph before it was placed on top of the steeple. It is now in the Church Museum of Art in Salt Lake City.

Julia's Kitchen

2010-06-09T14:18:00.001-07:00

How would you like your kitchen displayed in the Smithsonian? Well, no matter what your answer, it's not going to happen. But this woman, Julia, she is something. I love getting this intimate look into her life no matter how contrived it might be! Bon appetit!

My Father's Other Life

2010-06-02T05:07:00.001-07:00

My sister Lynn is writing my father's biography. I realize now he had another life without me, a life I knew nothing about. It is a life that shaped and formed his work ethic, his faith in God and an unwavering testimony of the restoration of this gospel. In 1936 he moved his family out to Washington, DC, a family of only four but by the time they left three more children were added.
He was the private secretary to the congressman from Arizona, John R. Murdock. He also earned his PhD at George Washington University, bishop of his ward and found out his wife had breast cancer with three months to live. She was pregnant with Joe at the time. This is a long story, a sad and a happy story. It is a story that changed the lives of many people, including mine. It makes me so sad sometimes to realize I would not have been here without the death of Virginia. I would not be here without the sorrow of my father and his five children. In many ways, it shaped their lives, the death of their mother. I know it shaped mine.

These are pictures of the United States Department of Agriculture building. My father resigned from his position with Rep. John Murdock to take another government position in the United States Department of Agriculture as chief of the training, personnel division. He was over 25,000 people. Lynn said it is the same building that he worked in so many years ago. I am sad I didn't ask him more questions about how he felt. How he managed. How his faith was strengthened. I am sad I didn't thank him for his sacrifice but grateful for his choice to continue to acknowledge God, always.

Happy Birthday to Dr. Craig

2010-05-16T21:05:00.001-07:00

How can you not love this man that loves back so easily and freely? He must be the most loving doctor in the whole world. When he was first dating Jordan, did you hear what he did? He hired a masseuse to come to our house and massage our troubles away. At the house! I love his passion for people. I love his passion for giving. I really love that he married our daughter. And I just love him! Happy Birthday Craig!

Chef Knudsen's Bacon Covered Salmon

2010-05-13T20:58:00.001-07:00

A Reunion With The Sisters!

2010-05-11T23:49:00.001-07:00

Jenni, Paige and Kaitlan--still shining bright!

Today With Grampa and Eli

2010-05-10T22:14:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to a Swinging Two Year Old!

2010-05-05T20:33:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday, Avery! Gramma loves you!

An Ivy Eyelash Update

2010-05-04T18:38:00.001-07:00

The Miracle of Ivy

2010-05-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

Birth is such a celebration. First, we celebrate the mother, her strength, patience, her ability to handle unbelievable pain. She becomes a type and shadow of the Savior as she puts her own life in jeopardy for that of her child along with the symbolic blood and water. It is a celebration of the midwives. I've seen it before. They actually listen to the mother and let her do what she feels is best for her. There were four women, well, five, counting the me, cheering her on, soothing her, tell her how amazing she is. And I celebrate the father. It is often hard to be the father at the birth of your child. Brian did exactly what Ashley needed, not too much, not too little. That is a very tricky balance with a wife that is full of pain. And of course, we celebrate Ivy! She came out kicking! Only a day old and we all love her like it has been forever--which it will be, forever, that is. It is very hard to watch your own child have a child. I still don't want her to hurt, after all these years. I still want to take it away and do it for her. But then she couldn't celebrate the miracle of childbirth, the unbelievably, wonderful, painful experience of having your own child. Welcome, Ivy!

More Korean Images

2010-05-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

I was working on some embroidery work and this woman sitting across from us on the subway came over and wanted to see what I was doing---an unusually forward move. She didn't speak any English but as usual, we smiled, patted each others hands and spoke in our own languages.

I wanted to take her picture but she made an X with her arms so instead I sat by her and then she was willing to have her picture taken.

Happy 25th To Benjamin!

2010-04-27T21:19:00.001-07:00

Ben is like his dad and does magic with flowers. He has that gift of really seeing color and design. And feeling it, too. I think he will make a great landscape architect.

I am grateful for this youngest of our children. He brings up the rear in fine fashion, showing us all you don't need to even own a pair of jeans to be cool. And he added Olivia to our family, now that is wise. Happy birthday, dear son!

Our Day With Heather

2010-04-20T19:43:00.001-07:00

Well, Heather. She is famous in Korea--Newsweek, Korean Air Magazines, television. So who better to give us our last tour of Seoul? Below? The Royal Feast!

Thank you, Heather, for a most memorable last day in Seoul!

A Few More Threads of Korea

2010-04-19T22:13:00.001-07:00

Have You Ever...

2010-04-17T22:22:00.001-07:00

...had a hostess that gives you your own monogrammed towels?
Thank you Lynn, for making us feel so loved!

Look Who We Ran Into!

2010-04-14T03:07:00.001-07:00

After conference the missionaries can shed their suit jackets, which they did, even though it was FREEZING! How we love Elder Woodbury and Elder Jung!

Finally, Spring Has Sprung in Seoul

2010-04-12T03:05:00.000-07:00

Ee Geum Jong and Young Hyuk Say Goodbye

2010-04-11T02:58:00.000-07:00

Lyla and her husband came all the way from Daegu to say goodbye! We will miss them. Lyla got a fine husband and they are expecting a baby in October. Whoopee!

Last in The Korean Mannequin Series

2010-04-07T19:22:00.001-07:00

I WIll Miss Beautiful Yewon!

2010-04-07T01:34:00.001-07:00

Once in awhile you meet someone you know you knew long before you met them. And once in awhile you meet someone that just buys tape, ribbons and material, not for any reason, but just to look at them. Yewon, another one of our blessings from Seoul!

I Will Miss

2010-04-05T18:42:00.000-07:00

These two angels: Sister Burton and Sister Bancroft!

I Will Miss The Shi Heung Ward

2010-04-04T01:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, Amazing Grace lives there with her parents and daughters, Cindy and Carol and Brother Jeon.

These two young men are baptized by Elder Lee and Elder Grant.

And the Primary sings for the baptism!

We are praying that their mother will also soon be baptized. They are loaded with baptismal gifts.

The Elders!

Naengmeon Noodles

2010-04-02T23:11:00.000-07:00

Our friend, Sang Eui, recommended this restaurant as having the best naengmeon noodles he ever tasted. Well, how can you pass that up? These are cold noodles--I mean, really cold noodles--see the bits of ice floating in the broth, along with the chunk of Asian pear, sliced beef, pickled radish, cucumbers and boiled egg.

Add some spicy horseradish mustard to the broth and it's ready to eat.

A peek at the kitchen.

Here is the giant noodle making machine.

Noodle dough, ready to put into the machine

Stuff it in

Below is the big pot of boiling water, cooking the noodles.

The metal cylinder with gold on the end is where the dough is pressed into noodle shapes and falls into the hot boiling water below. Here the noodle man is scooping out the noodles with his colander.

Oh, Korea!

2010-04-01T06:50:00.000-07:00

2010-03-28T17:34:00.001-07:00

I just figured out why I am so teary today, ok, one of the reasons. It is my mother's birthday, well at least here in Korea. I know these dates are important, when we are born, when we die. I love the fact we are forever linked together and not just blood relatives but everyone we love. So, today I give a birthday wish to my mother, thanking her for one of the most important things she gave me: consistency. She always did what she said she would, always. I miss her.

Afternoon with Sang Eui in Incheon

2010-03-27T17:12:00.001-07:00

My FAVORITE sign in Korea, yet! Name of store: So So

The port of Incheon on the west coast of the peninsula.

On the boarder of China Town

Alice with Sang Eui in the background.

Oh, This Korean Land of Granite!

2010-03-26T20:14:00.001-07:00

Elder K and I are always wanting to take home some of this abundant granite all over Korea--just a little for a nice pebbled walkway around our house? This is a new granite sign of our apartments.

One Olivia is Not Enough!

2010-03-24T22:53:00.001-07:00

I would surely take 25 any day! Because she fills my life with joy with her testimony of Jesus Christ, her love of others (and always showing it--which is a big difference, my friend!), her sense of design, her obsession with paper, pens, pencils, her love of Kyobo bookstore, her fantastic family, her telling me details, and her love of Benjamin. I love this woman! Happy Golden Birthday: 25 on the 25th!

I Will Miss

2010-03-23T22:06:00.001-07:00

The Seoul Korea Temple and all those within!

Whoopee for the BIRTHDAY BOY!

2010-03-21T06:17:00.001-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELI!
I LOVE YOU TONS!
GRAMMA
IN
KOREA

Happy Birthday to My Best Friend

2010-03-20T00:55:00.000-07:00

He will spend 18 months carrying all of our stuff: material, food, and books! He never complains. He always takes the heaviest bag. I find this the perfect metaphor of how he is always trying to make my load lighter, easier, happier! He is strong in so many ways but especially in his testimony of the Savior, which, needless to say, strengthens my own. I am so grateful I get to walk by his side for eternity because I don't want eternity without him. Happy Birthday, Tootsie!

The Gracious Women of Korea

2010-03-19T06:19:00.001-07:00

Can you believe she is 81?

Karen and her grandmother on one side, mother on the other. Triple beauty!

This, I will miss!

Korean Korean Missionaries at the Seoul Temple

2010-03-18T06:42:00.001-07:00

Missing Already

2010-03-17T05:59:00.001-07:00

Seoul Sights

2010-03-12T01:48:00.000-08:00

UNIQLO SOCKS!

I Will Miss...

2010-03-10T23:14:00.001-08:00

...Sister Belen and Sister Bergeson horsing around with us on P-day!

I Will Miss...

2010-03-10T02:33:00.001-08:00

...Korean neon.