A peace of my mind

GOD JUL!

2008-12-23T17:50:00.000-08:00

Back, far back in the snows of time, in a northern place and a northern clime,
The north lights glitter across the sky...Hush, the tomten hides close by!
In the kitchen of the old farmstead, the Mother is baking her Christmas bread
And sings for the children a little tune, of the fox and the geese and the cold full moon.
Across the sea, tis a long, hard tale, and the ship is slashed by the sleet and hail,
And fears are hidden and prayers are said, with a brave brave smile amid the dread,
But a new life waits on the golden side, So the ship makes port on the New York tide.
And the life that's new is a life that's hard, but the years pass by, with a house and yard;
The children grow and the children play, And they sleep sweet sleep at the close of day,
And the song of the Homeland is forgot--tis only a tale, and the bread is bought.
In a southern land by a gentle sea, near the mountain side, by a green green tree,
In a sunny kitchen, a south wind blows, a long long way from the land of snows;
A little one waits to taste the spoon, and mother is humming a recent tune;
And she feels in her heart as she kneads her bread, as her grandmothers felt in the cold farmstead;
>From mothers to daughters across deep years, past wide waters, laughter and tears,
Across sea and continent, felt but unsaid, as a mother is baking her Christmas bread."

by Suzanne Frantz

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

2008-12-19T19:21:00.000-08:00

Christmases of the past....

2008-12-19T19:19:00.000-08:00

Cynthia with both Grandmas

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Why, it's Ronald the Rednosed Reindeer

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All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth!

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I think this is a happy Peppakakor smile!

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2008-12-16T18:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Ron!

2008-12-16T17:56:00.000-08:00

So many memories! We love you.

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2008-12-03T15:58:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2008-12-03T15:49:00.000-08:00

I think the only one missing from this Group is Gideon.
Happy Birthday to ALL! Colton, Spenser, Shawnie, Amanda, Joshua, Grampa, Tom & Ron
& Gid

2008-11-21T14:22:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2008-11-21T14:12:00.000-08:00

Next week is going to be busy, so thought I would get a Happy Holiday Greeting to all of you. Some Indians and Pilgrims I know, have joined me in wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving Holiday. Let us all be grateful for who we are, for where we are and for what we have to look forward to. Join me in singing...(my first grade song)
"Thanksgiving Day is coming, So Mr. Turkey said, How very careful I must be, or I shall lose my head! The pumpkin heard the turkey, I'm frightened too, Oh My! They'll mix me up with sugar and spice, and I'll be pumpkin pie."
And that is probably what is going to happen. Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-18T16:45:00.000-08:00

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November snow!

2008-11-18T16:12:00.000-08:00

What a surprise to awake Saturday morning on the 15th, to our deck and back porch covered with a fine white powder. You can see the surprise on the Snow Queen's face as she makes the announcement, and then assures us it is not here to stay this time....
but more is sure to come. I love it!

2008-10-12T12:58:00.000-07:00

2008-10-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

CONFERENCE BLESSINGS

2008-10-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

With the blessings of General Conference still fresh in our minds and the announcement of a Temple being built in North Kansas City, I thought my cup was full. This last week I have thought so often of Josh and Amanda and great grandchild #19 on the way, and the blessing of their lives, this weekend. This too helped to fill my cup. Last night and today I think has been the most spiritual Stake Conference since we have been here in Missouri.
Last night was a wonderful session, and we were taught and strengthened. Our visiting General Authority brought with him a very special spirit. This morning, our northern units met in the Gallatin Ward, and there he affirmed to us the importance of where we were, and that we were the largest group of Saints to meet in that area since 1838. He spoke of the importance of another large meeting that would be held in the vicinity in Adam Ondi Ahman. He spoke of the blessings of a Temple in Northern Missouri, and the significance of that happening at this time.
This morning as we sat in a crowd of about 700 in the new Gallatin building, we were listening to the business of the Stake being conducted, we found ourselves sustaining Nathan Fish to be advanced to an Elder. What a sweet surprise that was, and such rejoicing and comfort came from the Spirit. This weekend has truly been a blessing of the Priesthood.
How grateful I am to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and for our Stake Presidency who have been called to serve in this area, and the General Authorities who teach us, and express their unconditional love. Especially I am grateful this day for the worthy Priesthood in our family. Now my cup runneth over!

OCTOBER , Bountiful Blessings!

2008-10-09T17:07:00.000-07:00

Leaves are falling and mornings are crisp. Beautiful October! Happy Birthday to: JD, Darrell, Melissa, Harold and Amy!
....And another celebration - We have a Temple coming to Shoal Creek.
Our hearts are full just thinking about it! ...And another holiday to
celebrate... OCTOBER 9th! When the Vikings, a group of seafarers from what is now Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, ventured far out into the Atlantic Ocean under the leadership of the Norwegian Erik the Red, they found a new land and named it Greenland. When Erik’s son, Leif, sailed west from Greenland shortly thereafter, he landed somewhere in the vicinity of what is now Newfoundland. Although Eriksson is not officially credited with discovering America, Congress has declared October 9 Leif Eriksson Day. Hurrah! Our Swedish Vikings salute
you Leif, the Norwegian. Oh, I never thought I would say that!

2008-10-09T15:09:00.000-07:00

2008-10-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

If You Go Down to the Woods Today...

2008-09-20T18:27:00.000-07:00

Grampa woke up singing that today, as he was thinking of cutting wood. So I have been humming it and thinking of Amanda as he used to sing that to her. So, Bailey and I went for a walk, hoping to see the Teddy bear's picnic, or at least be in for a good surprise. I love the fall, and we have had a couple of cool fall mornings. So come for a walk in the woods.

BEHOLD A ROYAL ARMY!

2008-09-14T19:26:00.000-07:00

BEHOLD A ROYAL ARMY

2008-09-14T19:20:00.000-07:00

The 4th Generation........Sam passed the Sacrament today!

LOOK WHO'S 21

2008-07-28T18:22:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDY!

2008-07-28T18:16:00.000-07:00

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Memories of our Celebration of the Birth of Our Nation

2008-06-30T13:16:00.000-07:00

It has been such fun to look at all the pictures of our 4th of July Celebrations. It has created a lot of smiles, a few tears and some laughs out loud. I also read through my files of Patriotism, and wish I could put it all into a blog. The one thing I want to share with you is the Invocation of the 2004 Republican National Convention given by Sheri Dew. I had forgotten about this and the honor that was hers to be asked to give. "Heavenly Father, we come before you as citizens who care about this nation to express our gratitude for this land of liberty, where we have the freedom to live, vote and worship as we choose. We are grateful for the evidence of thy hand in the founding of this nation. We are grateful for every man and woman in uniform and ask thee to bless them and their families. We pray for the wisdom to protect and defend all families for our nation is only as strong as it's homes. We are grateful for a commander in chief who seeks thy guidance. Wilt thou bless him with wisdom and courage. We plead with thee for peace and continued freedom, not only from those who would terrorize us and encroach upon our piece of mind, but also freedom from acrimony. We pray that thy spirit will be with us today, that we may be wise and discerning. We love thee Father and we thank thee for loving us. We worship thee in many ways. But as followers of Jesus Christ and in behalf of all who believe likewise, we offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

MISSOURI MOONSHINE

2008-06-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

A COWGILL WALK

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LINDSEY AND EMMA

2008-06-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

GUESS WHO TURNED TWELVE THIS MONTH!

2008-06-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

GUESS WHO TURNED TWELVE THIS MONTH!

2008-06-27T07:39:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU TWO! How quickly time passes. It seems like their mothers were just being advanced to Young Women. Hold on to your hats leaders, for Emma and Lindsey are in! And....you two are representing our whole family as Beehives, and the buzziest Beehives ever! We had a sunny day for a whole day last week, so I took my camera to see what I could see in our yard, and then we have had rain at least once a day or night since. A few years ago, Martha Jones gave us a little cherry tree. Last year we had enough for a couple of pies. Now Martha is on the other side of the veil and we had buckets full this year! So caught Grampa picking cherries, and Bailey supervising and eating. Mmm good pies and cobbler! Enjoy some of my favorite flowers and a little Missouri moonshine!

Happy Birthday Jenny & Cynthia, and Happy Father's Day !

2008-06-14T16:47:00.000-07:00

For those of you who do not get the Church News, there was a sweet story I want to share with you. President Monson and Elder Nelson were in Curitiba, Brazil for the new Temple dedication. To get the dedication underway, President Monson presided over and conducted the symbolic sealing of the cornerstone. After the General Authorities and their wives participated, President Monson looked around and saw a group of children who had been invited to stand on the platform erected for the ceremony. Among them was a 6 year-old, Lincoln Vieira Corderio, who appeared to be very cold; he was wearing a winter coat and a hat with flaps that covered his ears. President Monson invited him to place some mortar on the cornorstone. Lincoln's hat was removed so that his face could be seen in photos and video footage recording the historic event. His head had no hair. President Monson guided Lincoln in placing the mortar around the cornerstone and then invited several people to participate. Then he announced it was time to conclude that part of the ceremony. However, he paused, looked around the crowd of onlookers and said that there was someone else who needed to be called upon. He walked around the platform. He looked to his left, and said he wondered who that person might be. He turned to his right. Several people stood on the ground between him and a choir that performed at the outside ceremony. He kept looking saying he knew that there was one particular person who ought to be invited to place mortar on the stone. Finally his eyes rested upon a woman. He pointed to her, and invited her to come join the ceremony. Later President Monson was told that the woman whom he had never met was Odilene Cordeiro, Lincoln's mother. "Of all the people he could have called upon to participate, it was that boy's mother," said Elder Nelson. "That said to me that Heavenly Father is communicating to his prophet and that President Monson is responding. That was not just Thomas S. Monson standing there. That was the prophet responding to a revelation as it flowed from heaven through him to bless that mother who has gone through so much in caring for her son who is so sick. President Monson had no way of knowing who that woman was, or that the little boy he called upon has cancer. But the Lord knew."

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hmmmm.....who does Baby Mason look like?

2008-06-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

Amanda, One week old, December 1986, Elk Grove, California

2008-06-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

PEACE

2008-06-04T18:55:00.000-07:00

With all that is going on in the world, today's quote was appreciated.

"Though the world may be filled with distress, and the heavens gather blackness, and the vivid lightnings flash, and the earth quake from center to circumference, if we know that God lives, and our lives are righteous, we will be happy; there will be peace unspeakable because we know our Father approves our lives" (The Teachings of George Albert Smith, p. 189).

Remembering those who protected our freedom.

2008-05-26T17:23:00.000-07:00

As you read this, say their names with pride and honor them for their valor.

BENJAMIN FISH - VERMONT, REVOLUTIONARY WAR
JAMES JORDAN - MAINE, REVOLUTIONARY WAR
ISAAC JORDAN - MASSACHUSETTS, INFANTRY - WAR OF 1812
ISAAC JORDAN JR. MAINE, UNION ARMY, CIVIL WAR - (TAKEN PRISONER AND STARVED IN ANDERSONVILLE PRISON)
JOHN JOHNSON, MAINE, UNION ARMY, CIVIL WAR
BENJAMIN JOHNSON, MAINE, UNION ARMY, CIVIL WAR
NOAH JOHNSON, MAINE, UNION ARMY, CIVIL WAR
JOSEPH DAVISON, MINNESOTA, UNION ARMY, CIVIL WAR
GEORGE HARRY DUNLAVEY, MINNESOTA, UNION ARMY, CIVIL WAR
JOSEPH B. LONG - MICHIGAN, CAVALRY, UNION ARMY, CIVIL WAR
SIMON PETER JOHNSON, WISCONSIN, UNION ARMY, CIVIL WAR
ERASTUS FISH, MINNESOTA, UNION ARMY CIVIL WAR
LE ROY WILSON - NEW YORK, UNITED STATES ARMY WORLD WAR 2
VIOLET KINDBERG - NEW YORK, NAVY WAVES, WORLD WAR 2
ARTHUR WIER, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES ARMY WORLD WAR 2
JACK ERWIN FISH, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES MARINES WORLD WAR 2
HOWARD FISH, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES MARINES WORLD WAR 2
DAN FISH, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES NAVY, WORLD WAR 2
SAMMY INZERRA, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES NAVY, WORLD WAR 2

Memorial Day...then conquer we must, when our cause it is just and this be our motto: "In God is our trust".

2008-05-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

Today we honor those who have served our country protecting our Freedoms, and
especially to those who have passed to the other side. All six of the “Fish Boys” served in the military. Shown here L-R is Dan Fish, U.S. Navy, Howard Fish, U.S. Marines and Jerry Fish, U.S. Marines. All served in World War II. Dan served on a ship near the Island of Saipan. Howard served in Northern China. All saw action and all received medals. More is known about Jerry who came home to Eureka after the war. He received every medal there was to receive except the Congessional Medal of Honor. He was to receive that metal, but it required more witnesses than were available. Jerry was in the Marines, and was taken prisoner on Corregidor in the Philppines. From there he was taken to a death camp in Manilla for a little over a year. He was then shipped to Japan in an unmarked boat, the Japanese were hoping the US would sink it. Many Red Cross ships were sunk during the war, because they were not marked. It was so crowded on the ship that they had to stand and could not lie down. He was then taken to Northern Japan where he was imprisoned. He suffered from the extreme cold, hunger, and cruel treatment. He was forced to work in the copper mines where he experienced a cave in and had his arm broken. He had to set it himself and continued working. He was there 3 years until the end of WW II. He was 6 ft. tall and 180 lbs when he inlisted in the Marines, at discharge he was 5'8" and 87 lbs.
The younger brothers, Frank, Dick and Lynn all served in the Air Force.

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2008-05-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

GLAD MOR'S Dag

2008-05-11T13:27:00.000-07:00

GLAD MOR’S DAG!

It is nice that we have one day a year to honor our Mothers. As I contemplate the Mothers in my family, I feel blessed beyond measure. I honor the remembrance of my Mother and the blessing of having her so long at my side. I still find times that I want to ask her something or share with her the joys and trials of my day. I honor my Aunt Nea (Linnea) for the many times that she mothered me, for she was truly an important Mother in my life. I honor my Mother in law and give thanks to her for my companion and the father of our children, for instilling in him as a young boy the desire for truth and knowledge. Our family should always call her blessed for raising him up for us. I honor my grandmother Inga who was brave to leave her homeland and come to this country for a better life. We all owe the blessings of being in America to her. I treasure the memory of knowing she always read the scriptures. I honor Hildegard who never saw me, but gave me the treasure of a wonderful father who instilled in me a love of my heritage. To those of you who are Mothers and Grandmothers to our grandchildren and great grandchildren, I honor you and thank you for being “true to the faith that your parents/grandparents have cherished”.
Your influence of righteousness and goodness will be felt for generations to come.
For you Mothers in waiting, be patient, your time will come. Motherhood holds the choicest blessings, that of sharing with our creator Himself in the service and joy of the immortality of eternal spirits. Last, but not least, I honor the many, many Mothers of Sweden that I have come to know. From them I have learned the principal of unconditional love. I do not know what they looked like, the life they led, or the people they became, but I love them. I have come to know their husbands and their children and their parents. I have felt of their desires and their needs. I often feel their presence and have had their assistance in learning the joys and sorrows of their lives. I am thankful for the blessing and responsibility to be able to provide for them the blessings for which they have long awaited.
I would like to share with you the counsel to Mothers from Jeffrey R. Holland…..
“Rely on Him heavily, rely on Him forever and ‘press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope’. You are doing God’s work and you are doing it wonderfully well! He is blessing you and he will bless you, even, no,
especially when your days and nights may be the most challenging. Like the woman who anonymously, meekly, perhaps even with hesitation and some embarrassment, fought the way through the crowd just to touch the hem of the Master’s garment, so Christ will say to the women who worry and wonder and sometimes weep over the responsibility as mothers,……’daughters, be of good comfort; thy faith has made thee whole’…………..and it well maybe, your children whole as well.”
Happy Mother’s Day!

First Presidency Releases Statement

2008-03-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

A statement has been circulated that asserts in part that the youth of the church today "were generals in the war in heaven...and [someone will] ask you, "Which of the prophet's time did you live in?"and when you say "Goddon B. Hinckley' a hush will fall,....and all in attendance will bow at your presence". A notice from the Office of the First Presidency reads: "This is a false statement. It is not Church doctrine. At various times, this statement has been attributed erroneously to President Thomas S. Monson, President Henry B. Eyring, President Boyd K. Packer and others. None of these brethren made this statement." The notice about the statement, which was sent to General Authorities, Area Seventies, stake, mission, district and temple presidencts and bishops and branch presidents, instructed that priesthood leaders "should see that it is not used in Church talks, classes, bulletins or newsletters. Also the notice instructed them to correct anyone who attempts to perpetuate its use."

Sorry I had this on my blog. I have removed it and apologize.

2008-03-07T18:12:00.000-08:00

My Country Tis of Thee, Sweet Land of Liberty

2008-03-07T17:44:00.000-08:00

So many thoughts and feelings have been circulating about my mind. I started some time ago thinking of the events of our day, our war and the actions of some of our elected officials and judges and the political correct crowd and the ignorance of some our American people who seem to have no feelings for the value of our Country our Constitution, our Liberty, and our Military who put their life on the line every hour to defend that liberty. It is so unlike the Second World War. It was wonderful to see the patriotism after 9-11, remember our congressmen united, regardless of party, all singing “God Bless America” on the steps of our nation’s Capitol? Remember singing along with Toby Keith, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” Someone called it an angry song, and it was and so were we. Remember the beautiful flags of Missouri? They were everywhere! Do you see many flags anymore? Are our Congressmen united? Have we forgotten? Why should patriotism fade when we are still at war, is it no longer in our hearts? It is so unlike the Second World War. I was a little girl in World War II When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor I was only 9. My emigrant, proud to be an American, father always had a flag pole and always flew the flag. He never gave a thought to fly the Swedish flag. He was an American and loved the Stars and Stripes. Those feelings of pride were in his heart because he had to earn them to become an American citizen, as did my Mother. They spoke English and flew an American Flag. As a country we were united as Americans. And the music was wonderful. I am so thankful I grew up with a family who sang; not only my immediate family, but aunts and uncles and cousins. When ever we got together the guitars came out and so did the Swedish songs, every aunt had their favorite and my Dad sang them all. Then came the 1st World War songs and on up to the present day. My Uncle Gus played the guitar and so did my cousin Allen. So many songs were written during the war that united us as a people and put strength, faith and patriotism in our hearts. In grade school – now called elementary school, we always began our school day with the Pledge of Allegiance, and most always sang My Country Tis of Thee. Irving Berlin wrote a song for the First World War and then re- wrote it for the second. In 1938 Kate Smith sang for the first time his “new” God Bless America. We sat around the radio listening to it. It was an immediate favorite of the people and remains so. It had an introduction that was always sung then, but not often now. “While the storm clouds gather far across the Sea, Let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free; let us all be grateful for a land so fair, as we raise our voices in a solemn prayer – “God Bless America, land that I love, stand beside her and guide her, through the night with the light from above, from the mountains to the prairies to the oceans white with foam, God bless America, my home sweet home.” Many years later around the television set, a tribute was given to Irving Berlin for his music, and again Kate Smith sang “God Bless America” Tommy was little, maybe in the first grade, he sat there with tears in his eyes and covered with goose bumps. It touched his heart. What I have posted as a picture is dear to me, it is something I had felt was important to keep as a child, and still keep it today to remind me of learning things by “heart”. When we learn something by heart, it is not just memorizing, it is more important, it is in our heart, and it becomes a part of us. It is love. Fly your flag with pride, every day that you can, with love and with your heart.

This winter is really getting BORING!

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Spring Will Come!

2008-02-13T13:31:00.000-08:00

An Unsolicited Testimonial:

Grampa loves crackers. Grampa loves good crackers. He is always trying something new. We like some of the gourmet crackers that you get at Costco or Sams, but then next time we look, they are not there. Pretzels are good, but they are not my favorite. Ritz, is still one of the best, and no substitutes. When we try substitutes, they usually become Bailey’s snacks. I do like some of the Keebler crackers. They try really hard in quality. Recently Grampa came home with a box of Keebler Town House “Flip Sides”. They are very good. Next time you are in the store pick some up. Great with dip. Also, I do not like flimsy paper towels. I usually get Brawney or Scott and find that it is better to pay a little more for quality. My last purchase was the new VIVA paper towel. It gets my stamp of approval. Soft, yet strong as a cloth. So there is my peace of mind for today, while waiting for Spring.

Bailey's Daily

2008-02-05T10:24:00.000-08:00

Well, most days are about the same. I still don't know how to put in captions to pictures, but Bailey will tell his own story. This morning we went to vote, and he sure gets excited to go in the car. Normally he sleeps alot, has learned to pose for pictures and always licks my hand when I take one. On some days he likes to play hide and seek. So if you are ever in the neighborhood, he would love to see you.

Oh NO! Not Another Winnie the Pooh Day!

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2008-01-31T14:33:00.000-08:00

Forty Years Ago........

2008-01-31T14:23:00.000-08:00

We recently received an invitation in the mail to participate in the 50th Anniversary of the Monterey Bay Stake in California. It was created in 1958. We joined the church in 1960 and I don’t think we realized at the time that it was a new stake. Of course we were not familiar with the workings and changes in the geography of the church in relation to the growth of the membership. We joined the end of October and in December there was a Stake Conference in Seaside. I remember being very impressed with the number of “Mormons” who were packed into the gymnasium of the Seaside building, which was at the time in a building program to enlarge the building. Having been in the church just a few weeks, I only knew a few of the members of the Salinas Ward which was meeting in the old church on Iverson Street. Seeing the members fill up the gym was quite impressive. Jim Wallace was the Stake President, and Varon Jensen was our Bishop. I was a young mom with three little children, who were not feeling good, so Dad and I took turns attending the meetings. I went to the morning session and was greeted by our Missionaries. Their enthusiasm and love made me feel welcomed and comfortable. I took a seat just a few rows from the front. The stage area was also filled with many men, but I only recognized President Wallace and my missionaries, Elder Olavesen of Idaho and Elder Day of Salt Lake City who continued to smile at me. A visitor from Salt Lake City was introduced and spoke about missionary work and how the Lord could work with two young men, a potato farmer from Idaho and a city slicker from Utah who could teach the gospel and change the lives of people. It took my attention, as he must be talking about my missionaries. He went on with his talk and asked how many in the congregation were converts to the church. I proudly put my hand up with the rest and was surprised to see how many others were also converts. He then asked how many had been in the church, 5 years, 1 year, 6 months and eventually it got down to just a few of us. The speaker then pointed to me and said, “Sister would you please come up here and bear your testimony?” I felt like my body had turned to jelly. If I hadn’t seen those two smiling faces, I would never have made it up the steps to the stage. I remember telling the Elders when I said I would be baptized, that I would never be able to get up and talk or give my testimony, and there I was. I found some friendly faces in the audience which gave me courage. I have no idea today what I said, but I will never forget that life changing experience or the hand shake that I had with the visiting man from Salt Lake City, Gordon B. Hinckley.

2008-01-12T17:46:00.000-08:00

♪♪♪ Genealogy, I am doing it ♪♪

2008-01-12T16:51:00.000-08:00

What a blessing it has been to be part of the New Family Search Pilot Program. It has not been easy, but certainly worth it. Each time I open the program, there is President Hinckley looking right at me saying "From the very beginning of this church, it's members have been under strong religious obligation to identify their ancestors." How blessed we are to have that privilege. No other church has that obligation. I have felt that obligation from the day the missionaries taught us of temples. I have had a love for this work even before we joined the church I am so grateful for the promises I made to my fathers and mothers before I came to this earth, and the loyalty I feel to them now. I often think of those times and those promises and even the promises we have made to those in our earthly family. I hope we are just as loyal. I am thankful for a "mother heart" that guides me and helps me to find these families. I do not remember them. I don't know what they looked like or what kind of life they lived or if they were good or bad or made mistakes, but none of that matters, I can do something for them which they need to progress, and I love them. I have had wonderful "through the veil" experiences that I am so thankful for. It keeps me going, I just hope I have the time left to do all that I have started. I am working with records that was started some 30 years ago in the SLC Family History Library. Now that I have the Swedish records on line, I am putting these families together. One of you had better be planning on taking this over, as there is no end in sight of families that we have made those promises to. As I work in a parish, I get used to the handwriting, and to the families who stayed in that parish all their lives. Just yesterday while searching birth records for one family, I found a child born out of wedlock to a young girl whose work I though I had already finished who married and had a large family. What joy to find this little Gustaf and be able to seal him to his mother. Melissa's family have been doing baptisms to help which is a blessing to me. Now she is getting her own feelings about who wants their work done, which is also a blessing. I am getting far behind in doing the endowments. (that is a hint) Much of what I am doing is for the Nyström family. I knew them through my father talking about them and I do have pictures, so know what they look like, but I never met them. They stayed in Sweden. I am now in touch with a first cousin in Sweden, a genealogist, whose father's grandmother is a sister to my grandmother. He is sending me information faster than I can type it into the program. So this is my father's family. In the first picture: His parents Hugo and Hildegard Nyström. My fathers picture is on the table between them. Uncle Hugo is seated on the right. Uncle Holger is standing on the left, and Aunt Hildegard is standing on the right. The white round structure behind them is a Swedish stove. Picture #2 My FarMor Picture #3 FarFar and FarMor. Picture #4 is my FarMor sewing. It is not a clear picture of her but one of my favorites. Till next time..................remember your promises

A Thought to Ponder

2008-01-07T18:59:00.000-08:00

A couple of months ago, I came across an old used book in the Far West Country Store.
It was a compilation of inspiring thoughts. A little story on each page. Just little stories to uplift us, or advise us. I was just leafing through and reading at random. One title caught my attention "When a Boy Knocks At Your Door", I want to share it with you.
"A boy is the most interesting, hopeful and ofttimes baffling study in the category of the world's problems. It is hard to tell where time will take him. Right now he is on his way somewhere. The future is his. He will inherit your world. All your work will be judged by him. Tomorrow he will take your seat in Congress, own your business, run your town, write the laws, preach the sermons, direct the university and shape the thinking of the world. The only way you can affect the future is through him. He is the avenue through which you can best move the world forward. Your influence upon his life will be measured by the contribution which he makes to his time.
When a boy knocks at your door you do not know who is calling on you. He may be the future mayor of your city, or the bank president who will show you where to sign your name, or the doctor into whose hands you commit your life. He is the man of tomorrow. Be patient with him."

I thought this was good advise, and thought of the youth of the church who we probably pass in the hall each week and maybe neglect to make notice of them.
I continued reading a few more, then closed the book and looked more carefully at the
cover and title. It was compiled and written by Bryant S. Hinckley, remember, it is an old book, and yes he is the father of our Prophet. Now read it again with that in mind,...........it kind of reminds me of 'Bryant' Did You Know?

A Thought for the New Year.................

2007-12-30T17:28:00.000-08:00

Lord, thou knowest that I am growing older.
Keep me from growing talkative and possessed with the idea that I must express myself on every subject.
Release me from the craving to straighten out everyone's affairs.
Keep me from the recital of endless details. Give me wings to get to the point.
Seal my lips when I am inclined to tell of my aches and pains. They are increasing with the years and my love to speak of them grows sweeter as time goes by.
Make me thoughtful but not nosey; helpful but not bossy.
Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be wrong.
With my vast store of wisdom and experience, it does seem a pity not to use it all. But thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few friends in the end.

.....I couldn't have said it better. Gott Nytt År!
P.S. help me to see that some of my clothes need to be thrown out!
The apron I am wearing in the picture below is as old as Megan and Amanda, and I just threw it away in 2007!

NU ÄR DET JUL IGEN

2007-12-22T17:58:00.000-08:00

Looking for the Manger

2007-12-22T17:40:00.000-08:00

Then there was that Christmas in Oregon!

2007-12-22T17:34:00.000-08:00

2007-12-22T13:15:00.000-08:00

2007-12-22T12:25:00.000-08:00

NU ÄR DET JUL IGEN!

2007-12-22T11:27:00.000-08:00

Seven pounds of meatballs are done! Now I know it is Jul igen! Thanks for the comments on the pictures, I find this rather addicting, wondering what I should say or show next. The pictures bring back so many memories, and I have enjoyed seeing not only the people, but what is on the walls, etc., and our comfy couch! Some make me laugh, some make me cry, but all good, warm feelings. I just marvel at how time has gone by so quickly, and wonder how many memories are lost because of not enough pictures. These manger scene performances are priceless, and there is enough for several years of Christmas blogging. A note of explaination on the stocking faced
duo. This was in Oregon, and we were all being silly and laughing so hard at ouselves, when someone saw Bishop Larson's wife drive up to deliver a Christmas present, and the duo did not want to be caught.....but were, in that big "picture" window. Closing with a more serious thought............
The following is a "Christmas writing" I did when Spenser was born.

There is a special bonding with Mary, when one holds their own Christmas baby.
A child born at this time, when the earth is troubled
brings a joy and hope that only December mothers know.
Just as it did then.

How blessed to be chosen to mother at this glorious time of year.
For the "peace on earth and good will" the "good news"
Lies bundled in a tiny soft blanket in your arms.

You hold that same hope for your child that Mary hoped for hers.
The love, the concern, the dreams, the promise, the hope -
How sweet to feel that "oneness" with her.

The difference is that she was in a stable, lit by a star
And you are in the warmth and safety of your home,
Watching the glow of Christmas lights play soft shadow games
On your baby's face.

Merry Christmas Everyone.

2007-12-21T17:17:00.000-08:00

2007-12-21T16:25:00.000-08:00

2007-12-21T12:36:00.000-08:00

Tradition! Tradition!

2007-12-21T10:39:00.000-08:00

Announcing the newest Viking. The test was announced, desired and passed! A big hand and congratulations! This tradition has been going on for a number of years. One of the most important items of the Christmas Smorgasbord is Inlaged Sill, better known as Pickled Herring.
One must not only try it, but eat it and swallow it. Eventually it becomes an acquired taste and is very much loved by real Swedes. For some it is not an easy task, but to become a Viking, you must Do It! God Jul!

2007-12-15T17:07:00.000-08:00

2007-12-15T16:54:00.000-08:00

2007-12-15T09:16:00.000-08:00

GOD JUL!

2007-12-13T19:09:00.000-08:00

To blog or not to blog. We no longer have cute babies, little girls or boys doing cute things, therefore we don’t have much to offer in pictoral excitement ….however we have Bailey and Grampa and they are cute. It all happened when I looked at Natalie’s Haloween blog and she was reminiscing about early Haloween memories. The thought came that “I can do that”. Then in Sunday School a few weeks ago, someone (Pres. Jensen) made the comment that the Fishes were probably the only ones there who could remember the depression. Thinking about how many years ago that was does give us some clout in blogging skills of memories.. So here I am, a blogger. I have no idea where that word came from, it sounds like a plumbing problem. So, because it is Christmas, and because every year decorating the Christmas tree is a spiritual experience, I want to share a favorite poem with you. It is written by Lowell M. Durham Jr. When we had the LDS bookstore, every Christmas we would receive a 3 lb. box of candy from Deseret Book, with a card and a poem, several were written by Brother Durham who I think held the position with DB that Sherri Dew now has. It is called:

The Sifting

December starts the sifting
Through old orange boxes carefully packed
By hands wanting to save the traditions
From little hands that don’t know the ritual.

Mother’s windless winnowing through layers
Of lights and gold, stars and clothespin soldiers,
Is a sifting that renews remembrances of Christmas
Like a quiet accumulation of new snow.

She finds it there – in a safely protected corner,
A box in a box, a treasure swaddled in tissue,
Grandmother’s ancient ornament glowing with visions
Of all the Christmas times that were.

And now, held like an eggshell by hands too young,
The warm angularities of light teach again
The wonder of this new Christmas
And of all the Christmas times that ever were.

God Jul! Enjoy the photo memories. No captions as I have not learned how to do that….yet. I think you will recognize who they are.....and this is just the beginning...

2007-12-13T17:57:00.000-08:00