Six Word Fridays: Trip

I took a lovely trip today

Not just anywhere, but a trip...

Down Memory Lane! I walked this

dirt country road nearly every day.

Over the one-lane bridge, and

along the bank of the river

Where the kids played and fished

the lazy summer days away.

As the road stretched out before

me... my mind took me on the 

most pleasant trip. Horses grazing in

green pastures, cool morning air, puddles 

of water from the night's storm

All leading me... Down Memory Lane!

There's something wonderful about taking

a stroll down dirt country roads.

Soothing sounds of running water and

the rhythmic beat of every step 

starts my day refreshed and new!

And all the memories that flood 

my mind of childhood days and 

young motherhood days, and grandmother days

of today... makes my trip Down 

Memory Lane a lovely one, indeed!

This just came across my facebook page today. Perfect timing! I just had to post it. 

trip

Come what may...

Such a simple quote, but it is one of my favorite quotes of all time!

Why? Because I have faced many trials and troubles in my life, as many of you have. 

When I read this quote, it gives me hope. 

It gives me strength. 

It gives me perspective. 

It gives me courage. 

It gives me faith to endure the trials of life.

It gives me a glimpse of a brighter tomorrow.

It reminds me to remain happy and positive in-spite of troubles.

It is a beacon of light.

When I first heard this talk, given by one of our General Authorities at Conference (2008), life was pretty good. My father and mother-in-law had passed away, but life managed to go on. Although I missed my father terribly, I was full of optimism with plans for the future. My health was in good shape. We were in the beginning stages of building our dream home. I was enjoying all the joys that come with grand-parenting. I had no complaints.

But, I still thought of this quote a lot. It stuck in my head. It burrowed deep into my heart and soul and stayed there until I would need it... really need it. In the not so distant future of hearing that talk, this simple quote would remind me that I was not immune from the troubles of life. But... I also learned that it would be the way I reacted to adversity that would make all the difference.

My father had passed away unexpectedly in 2005

. 

In 2007, my husband's mother passed away.

In 2008, my husband's father passed away.

In 2009, my husband's brother passed away.

In 2010, a grandson passed away.

In 2011, my mother passed away.

In 2013, my daughter was killed by her husband. 

By the time we moved into our new home in 2010, I started to experience health problems. Seemed like it was one thing after another.These are not important to list, but it's been a battle to keep on top since then.

But, I am not discouraged. We all have trials and troubles to face sometime in our lives. Even in our darkest hours and greatest tribulation, we can find peace. We can grow from adversity and learn the lessons that will change us, help us grow, help us to be more compassionate, help us be better. 

The hardest, by far, was losing my 32 year old daughter. It was in the very moment that I learned of her passing, I sank to my knees and pleaded with God to take away my grief and pain. Because, I could not bear it. He did and continues to do so. He has been so merciful and kind. Some trials and tribulations require much more strength and ability to endure, that is well above what we can do for ourselves. This is a simple truth. A lesson learned. 

Come What May and Love It! 

This simple, yet profound quote, is my personal beacon of light. It is in my head, everyday, all day. I remind myself daily that whatever comes my way, I can handle it. I can rise above any sorrows and troubles of today and hope for a brighter tomorrow. I can still love life, and I do!

If you want to read the very inspiring talk by Joseph B. Wirthlin, click here. I would love to hear your comments.

What quote inspires you?

Writing prompt #2: Share a quote you love.

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Six Word Fridays: Fall

Crunching, Crinkling

Spiraling, Swirling

Autumn Leaves

Red, Yellow, Orange, Purple, and Brown. 

Splendid, Exciting, Colorful. Fall is here! 

fall

Room with a View

First night we stayed in Switzerland was high in the Swiss Alps. My hubby paid extra to get a room with a view! I was very excited! It was quite an adventure getting to our place high in the Alps. The GPS took us on a bumpy, one lane dirt road that twisted and turned into places I thought we would never get out of. 

After we reached our destination, in Hasliberg, we found our hotel. A note was left at the front desk telling us to call when we arrived. The gentleman came right away and when we told him our troubles of getting there, he said "it was unlawful to travel that road." Well... I'm glad we didn't run into any lawman! Thanks GPS!

We were given directions to get to our room with a view. We had to go through the dinning area, through a door, down some steps, up some steps, through another door, down a long dark hallway to the end of the very end of the building. All I could think is... "it better be worth it!"

The room itself, was a huge disappointment. We paid top dollar for a dump! Welcome to Switzerland! But we had a view! From the sliding glass window we had a view of the Alps. We opened the curtains and the sliding door, which led to the deck. Soon the night breeze filtered in, cooling the stuffy room. I undressed and hopped into bed. I was lying in my undies admiring the view, when I heard some people walk down the deck toward our end. 

They wanted to take in the view. "Hey.... that's our view!" We paid good money for this view. I was quite annoyed. They stood outside admiring the view, while BLOCKING MY VIEW!

Until... they turned around and saw me all stretched out on my bed, lying in my undies! It didn't take them long to skedaddle back to their side of the deck. "Serves them right for trying to get in on my room with a view!" 

Room with a view--Hasliberg, Switzerland

View from a lovely B&B we stayed at in Iseltwald, Switzerland

Writing prompt #4: Write a blog post inspired by the word: travel

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Conference Notes

General Conference is coming up in 3 weeks. Can't wait to listen to the talks! They are always so inspiring and uplifting. Makes me want to do better, serve better, and love better. 

In April, our family started a new tradition in order to have a more meaningful Conference experience. A week before Conference we got together and made Conference Notes. A small book to highlight talks, flag favorites, and pinpoint pertinent messages. 

It was a huge success! Even our youngest grandchildren got into the action. Incentives were used to keep their interest up on the talks and music. All three of them, ages 5, 3, and 18 months, listened and actively participated in all four sessions. Saturday and Sunday! 

We had a follow-up Family Home Evening Night that was dedicated to Conference trivia and sharing notes. It, too, was a huge success. We will be doing this again and again and again! 

What you need to make Conference Notes:

1. 5x7" lined recipe cards
2. Metal or plastic rings
3. Scraps of scrapbook paper, tags, markers, and ribbon (optional)

I took my piles (for each person) of lined recipe cards to Office Max and they punched holes in the cards, saving me tons of time. And, the holes were exact! The cost is so minimal and is very worth it. I think I spent a little over $2.00 to have 1000 cards punched.

I had everything on had, except the lined recipe cards. 

Instructions for making Conference Notes:

1. Cut to size and glue scrapbook paper to the front of a recipe card.
2. Add embellishments, if desired. 
3. Make a Conference Notes label for each book. Picmonkey, a free photo editing program, has a variety of label choices. After choosing the label, I picked a background color and added text. Easy!
4. I also bought 2x3 pictures from Deseret Book of the prophet, temple, Jesus, Joseph Smith for visual interest.
5. Put lined recipe cards through metal or plastic rings and add ribbon, if desired.

Now you are ready to take Conference Notes!

At the beginning of each Conference Notes book, we positioned a picture of our beloved prophet, Thomas S. Monson, in the center of the notecard. He is the first person we see. We listen to conference to be uplifted, inspired, and receive instruction. We come to hear the prophet's voice! We love him!

I added some questions before hand--things to look for, like specific messages that would help provide answers to prayers, give guidance and direction, and bring comfort and healing from a recent passing of my daughter. Then, at the end of Conference, I was able to go back through each talk, ponder upon, and answer the questions I had written previously and the ones listed above. 

What was so amazing about taking Conference notes this way, was that it was so easy to remember the talks. Not only because I took notes, but because I tagged specific messages and thought about questions I had even before Conference began. I was more in-tune with the spirit. I listened. I learned. I was able to retain much more than had I just turned Conference on t.v. and watched. 

I tagged favorite talks. And, of course, I had a few! Hastening Family History and Temple Work by Quienten L. Cook. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, of the first presidency, on Being Grateful. And President Thomas S. Monson, on Love.

Can you remember Gary E. Stevenson's message: My Life is a Four Minute Performance! Wow! did it ever have an impact on me. I will never forget it!

Our youngest listeners took notes!

favorite songs, and titles

They listened for Jesus Christ's name in talks

They drew pictures of themselves and how they felt. This was drawn during President Monson's talk on Love.

Drawing happy things.

Jesus loves little children! Jesus loves me!

I love to see the temple. I'm going there someday!

Little Emmy, 18 months old, even understood the importance of listening to Conference. Your children are never too young to learn!

How did youngest daughter and son-in-law get their kids to listen to conference and enjoy it? They placed pictures around the living room of different gospel topics, such as temple, faith, prophet, Jesus, etc. When the kids heard any of these words or name in a talk, they wrote and drew a picture in their note book and got a small treat. 

Follow up Family Home Evening Lesson: Conference Notes Trivia and Sharing Notes

A follow-up lesson on Conference was done on Easter Sunday. Perfect time! Each family wrote up questions related to Conference. Each question was placed in a plastic egg. We took turns reading and answering questions about talks, songs, church statistics, announcements, and names of speakers. Questions were age appropriate. Everyone brought their Conference Notes and could cheat, of course. The point was to take good notes during Conference! For each question answered correctly, a treat could be chosen from the candy jar. Cupcakes, too.

We can't wait for General Conference in a few weeks! We'll prepare. We'll pray that we will receive answers to our prayers. We'll listen and take notes. And then we'll share what we have learned with each other. Love, love, love this tradition!

Six Word Fridays: Give, said the Little Stream

Give, said the little stream, Give,

oh! give, give oh! give. Give 

said the little stream as it 

hurried down the hill. I'm small

I know but wherever I go, the

fields grow greener still. Singing, singing... 

Give, said the little rain, Give, 
oh! give, give, oh! give. Give
said the little rain, as it 
fell upon the flowers. I'll raise 
their drooping heads again, As it 
fell upon the flowers. Singing, singing...

Give, then for Jesus give, Give,
oh! give, give, oh! give. Give,
then for Jesus give, There is
something all can give. Do as 
the streams and blossoms do, For
God and others live. Singing, singing...

Singing, singing all the day,Give 
away, Oh! give away. Singing,singing 
all the day, Give, oh! Give
                  away!

This is a beloved Children's song I sang in Primary (LDS Church) as a child. It continues to be a favorite song as generations march on. There is an important message in the simple song.... Give! Give away!

With the reminder of the tragic events of 9-11, reports of Christian and other religious minorities in Iraq, fleeing to escape persecution and death, and news of countless catastrophic natural events happening all around the world, this song does, indeed, remind of us the many acts of kindness, compassion, and love that the good people of the earth give to help those in need and comfort.

And... they give! Singing, singing all the day!

We can all give some. No matter how little. We can be a part of doing something good in the world today. We can cheer up the sad. We can smile at someone. We can open the door for someone. We can be a listening ear. We can contribute to a charity fund for humanitarian efforts and other worthy causes. We can volunteer our services in times of trouble. We can give! We really can! And we should!

#sharegoodness

sing

A is for Apple

I'm a teacher. Have been my entire adult life. It started when I had my first child.

Motherhood throws us into that role whether we like it or not. We are our child's first teacher. We have more influence over them than anyone else. They mimic every thing we do. They look to us to learn about the world. They look to us as role models and pattern their own little lives after our own. 

Teaching has been a part of my entire adult life. I think I learn more than my students do! Preparing a lesson, an activity, a day adventure is really a lot of fun and fills my brain with endless ideas, creativity and inspiration! I teach... 

At home -- to my children.

At church -- nursery and primary age children to the Young Women and Relief Society women.

In my community - Library Story Hour teacher.

In my profession - As an Extension Agent/Educator, and as a Public School teacher.  

Young children and adults are my favorite's to teach. Why? Because they are eager to learn. They want to learn!

I no longer teach in a profession, but I'm still teaching! Not for pay, but for the love of it. All the grandkids are back in school, except for the two littlest ones in youngest daughter's family. Ben has two more years until he can go to the BIG school but really wants to go. He is eager to learn BIG kids stuff. So, my daughter and I made a plan to teach him and little sister Emmy. Once a week will be a structured lesson. The rest of the week is left up to mom to do follow up activities, read, play, do art, or whatever! Unstructured and full of impromptu's. One of the best and most effective ways to learn! 

First. A trip to the public Library. Oh... these little kids love to read!

Second. Make a lesson plan. Everything I do seems to be centered around themes. I don't know why, but I like it that way. It just makes sense to me. Especially when it comes to teaching.

Today -- A is for Apple. 

Perfect for the beginning of a new school year!

Story - Johnny Appleseed.
Activity - Make Johnny Appleseed pot hats
Activity - Apples in basket, sort big and small, count
Pictures and Language - Apple colors, Apple parts, Tree and Apple
Motor/Songs - Growing like an Apple Tree, Shiny Apple (we could have ended here)
Story - The Little Red House that has No Windows and No Doors and a Star Inside.
Art - Apple parts
Eat - Apple Celery Salad, Apple wedges with Caramel Sauce, Apple Juice, Sandwich.

This took us about an hour to complete. Fun! Fun! Fun!

The kids have a huge apple tree in the back yard. And, it actually grows a variety of apples on it! After we got through with the lesson, the kiddos picked some fresh apples. 

Maybe... we'll have to bake a pie now! 

Additional Activities (through the week) -

Read books
Math - Sort apples in muffin tin, make graphs, match colors, Apple seed number match
Sequencing - Cards (from planting to harvest)
Patterns - Draw what comes next in the pattern
Trace and Write - The letter A
Sounds - The short and long of A 
Art and Crafts - Paint - Brown (arm) for trunk of tree, Green (hand) for leaves, and Red (finger prints) for apples.

Make a list of other things that start with the letter A. Center activities, read books, etc. around item on list.

Mystery Box - Put a variety of objects in a box. Pull out one at a time and sort A items from the rest. 

Make a tree for your wall  with Brown paper for trunk and branches. Green paper for leaves. Red for Apples. 

Visit an Apple Orchard. Learn how to make Apple Cider or Applesauce, Apple pie filling. 

I found two exceptional sites for lesson plans and teaching packets. From pre-K through High School. 

lovelycommotion.com

teachersnotebook.com

Get your Apple on!

Writing prompt #1: September is National Apple Month. Create a blog post inspired by apples.

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Quotography: September

September, blow soft till the fruit's in the loft. - The Old Farmer's Almanac

The first of September is always an exciting time on the Daniel's Farm. We harvest the peaches, pears, apples, blackberries and grapes. By the end of the month all is picked. The baskets are put away in the loft. The tractors are put to rest in the barn for a season. The leaves change colors. But the best thing of all, is the smell of Autumn in the orchard!

A couple of mornings ago, I was up early picking peaches for a customer and as I walked by the berry patch and grapes... oh! the fragrance that filled the cool, crisp morning air was just heavenly! There is nothing better than the smell of fully ripe grapes. Delicious purpleeee grape juice (better than Welch's) filled the air! And the vines, with their large yellow leaves, and clusters of green and purple grapes make up the perfect color combination. It's like being in a painting. On my farm... and I get to be in it every single day! I love it when the grapes stay on their vines until the first frost comes. Not only for their fragrance, but for the natural sugar it produces. It makes the best bottled grape juice and jelly. 

I stopped a few minutes to take it all in. I looked around at the beauty that surrounded me on all sides. An overwhelming feeling of peace, comfort, and thanksgiving filled me to the brim. How grateful I am to live here, among the fruits of our labor!

Six Word Fridays: Sure

Sitting on the rocks next to 

the pond, Ben studies his options

and comes up with a plan.

I will cross on the rocks!

to get to the middle place.

Slow but sure, he gets on 

his way. No hurry! Down on 

all fours, even ready to crawl.

Like a turtle in a shell

he carefully goes. Reaching the middle

is one great feat! Ben dances

a jig to his awesomeness and delight... 

for a job well accomplished. Oh!

to be a four year old! 

Doing big things and taking the 

time...to plan, carry out, and 

accomplish the task. Slow, fast,

or in between. It doesn't matter

just as long as it's done!

Sure

Edna

Great Grandmother Edna Richardson lived just down the lane from our house and I saw her nearly every day. Us kids would hover around the heater in her small, quaint kitchen while waiting for the school bus. And then, after school and before my walk back up the lane, I often stopped in to visit her. She had plenty of stories to tell, and I enjoyed them immensely. On her dinning room table sat her Book of Remembrance, or journal. I looked forward, with anticipation, to see what entries she had made for the day. The old pictures and vivid stories helped connect generations of families together. And, I was part of that! 

Photos courtesy of Western Railroad and Mining Museum, Helper, Utah

Grandmother was born September 2,1879 and lived to a ripe old age of 94. Although she was not born in Carbon County, she lived there off and on for most of her life. In 1898 grandmother went to Helper to visit her mother. In her journal she describes the surroundings of the place.

"This is my second visit to Helper. I have always liked Helper, situated as it is where Price Canyon opens out into a small valley almost entirely surrounded by rather barren-looking hills. To the east and north, the hills are a gray-blue color, surmounted by majestic pink cliffs--part of the famous Book Cliffs. On the west are low, flat-top hills covered with pinion pine and scrub cedars. The Price River meanders lazily down through the cotton woods on the west side of the valley, a small stream except in the spring when it can become a raging torrent. 

Helper is a terminal on the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad and is the central point in the coal mining district. It is the shipping point from which all the coal is shipped by rail. Helper received its name because when a train pulls out of Helper going north extra engines have to be added to help the train to the top of Soldier Summit. Hence, the name Helper. It was a new and very small place when I first went there. It is still a small place but much larger than it was then. 

At the time there were the usual things that make up such a place--round house, shop, water tanks, coal chutes, tracks, etc. In close proximity to the tracks was a depot, just a little north of the site of the present railroad station, the eating house, and a few residences."

Grandmother met the man she would marry on that visit to Helper. She describes him as the "onry brakeman".  But after a lot persistence and charm, he eventually won her over and they married. Working for the railroad required many moves, mostly within the state of Utah. After years of moving, they finally came back to Carbon County to stay! Grandpa built a home in Spring Glen, a couple of miles south of Helper, and they moved in on April 15, 1929. 

I have many happy memories at grandmother's place. Playing with blocks. Raking the leaves in the fall, from the large cotton wood and maple trees, and jumping in them. Playing hide and seek in the lilac bushes that lined the south side of the property. Acting out the "Christmas Story" on Christmas Eve. Watching her hand stitch together squares that would eventually be made into a beautiful quilt. I especially loved listening to the stories of her youth. Grandmother often wore fancy white, ivory and black lace gloves. They were so dainty and I thought they were so beautiful! Years later, when I was grown and married, my grandmother, Ida--grandmother Richardson's daughter, gave me those lacy gloves. It was a complete surprise. I so do treasure them!

Grandmother Richardson and I in her front yard, Spring Glen -- 1962

When I was seventeen years old, grandmother passed away in her home surrounded by loving family. My father bought the house and property. A few years later (1979), after I had married and started my own family, dad gave us the property next to grandmother's house. 

We built us a beautiful rambler, but the real reward is that we were lucky enough to live in grandmother's house while we did. And.... it was still much the same as I remembered! I was once again surrounded by the love and memories of the "not so long days gone by." 

Edna Cummings Richardson - 1879-1974

We lived in grandmother's house from 1979 to 1981.

Writing prompt #2: Find a photo of your grandmother's hometown and share it.

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