I love the little things in our day-to-day life that bring smiles to our faces and joy to our hearts!
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Excitement in the air!
We had some fun as our family gathered together a couple nights ago. There was a special addition to our evening as we saw this plane overhead a few times. It was a highlight of our evening as children squealed with delight when they heard him come and saw him arrive. Every one of us enjoyed this neighbors occasional appearance in the air.
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Family Reunion
The Ronald and Gelene Rodeback Reunion was held at Ensign Ranch this year (4-7 July 2016), and we had a wonderful time. We missed several members of our family - We love them all!
This is the family I grew up with - my parents and siblings (minus one brother that passed away years ago). We were all able to attend the first day.
This family has grown one (or two) at a time - from 2, when my parents were married in 1957, to 115 today.
2 parents
8 children
7 children married
39 grandchildren
18 grandchildren married
41 great grandchildren
(My parents can of course claim all 115 as their own, but each of my siblings can claim a portion of those people as our own, and I just realized as I was writing this that 32 of them are mine. I haven't counted my family in a while, so it was fun to realize it now.)
This next photo is our family group that was able to attend the first night - 64 out of 115. I had an additional 7 attend the next day or two, but some other family members had to leave, so numbers in attendance remained quite similar throughout the week.
This is the small group of my posterity that were able to attend the first night.
Here is the last night with my family, just before I came home (I got sick that last night so Anthony and I came home a little early).
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| Michael's family, Gregory's family, me/Elaine, Thomas' family, Anthony, and Connor's family. |
We enjoyed being together and we enjoyed the beauties surrounding us. There was fun, games, and activities for all. My brother and his wife did a great job at planning this reunion. It was a success!
Of course, we had our traditional candy toss that my dad always does. This started many years ago (maybe 32-33 years ago) with peanut m&ms, tossed to just a few little ones.
Due to a peanut allergy, a few years ago it was changed to Hi Chews, and this year it was an assortment of candy.
Many things change through the years, but one things remains - that one thing is that WE ARE FAMILY! I am so grateful for my family ..., every one of them! I am grateful for opportunities to get together.
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| found on Pinterest ... of course ;) |
Being a FAMILY means you are part of something VERY WONDERFUL.
It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life. No matter what.
It is hard enough to live without a family member on earth - I am so grateful that this emptiness and sorrow won't last for eternity..., that "the rest of your life" means the rest of our eternal lives ...
WE ARE A PART OF SOMETHING VERY WONDERFUL. A FAMILY. FOREVER!
Sunday, June 19, 2016
The Call
Anthony Keith Hebdon
has been called to serve a full time/24 month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in the Argentina Buenos Aires South Mission / Spanish Speaking.
He is to report to the Argentina MTC October 6, 2016. This gives us a little time to get things ready before he embarks on this spiritual journey.
Anthony is the last of our 8 sons to be called to serve full time missions. Terry counted himself as Elder Hebdon #1 ,making Gregory Elder Hebdon #2, etc. Continuing this way makes Anthony Elder Hebdon #9.
Terry - Spain Barcelona 1976-1978 Spanish Speaking
Gregory - Guatemala, Guatemala City South 2001-2003 Spanish Speaking (FYI - His first call was to Peru Chiclyo, but while in the Provo MTC received a second call because Peru was no longer issuing Visa's.)
Brandon - California San Diego 2003-2005 English Speaking
Thomas - Brazil Florianopolis 2004-2006 Portuguese Speaking
Skyler - Argentina Salta 2007-2009 Spanish Speaking
Michael - Japan Fukuoka 2009-2011 Japanese Speaking
Chase - Young Performing Mission in the Nauvoo Brass Band (trumpet) May 2011-August 2011, and
Nevada Reno Mission June 2012-2014 English Speaking
Connor - Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission 2013-2015 English Speaking
Anthony - Argentina Buenos Aires South Mission 2016-2018 Spanish Speaking
Friday, June 10, 2016
GRADUATION
Our first child started kindergarten in 1987 in the OLD Red Rock building (with the caterpillar on the wall). Our last child started kindergarten in 2003 in the new Red Rock building. Things have certainly changed over the 29 years that we have had children in the Royal School District. Our children have had some great teachers and principals.
Thank you to all who helped teach and instruct and encourage our children to learn and grow and progress through this life. "It takes a village..." or a community like ours. THANK YOU!
Our final graduation - the finale
Anthony Keith Hebdon
It started with the National Anthem that Anthony participated in.
The sun was shining brightly, but it wasn't too miserable. Maybe it felt normal or welcome to me because it was matching the feeling of my heart.
We had a nice weekend with a few members of our family visiting and enjoying each others company.
There was a lot of helping going on. Mostly them helping me. As has been the case for so many occasions throughout my life I have been the recipient of thoughtful service and kind deeds. I thank you all for those tender moments that have touched and filled my heart ..., our hearts.
I'm not going to mention all of the things that took place this weekend, but I will show one thing that remains to brighten my day - a new top for my bird bath. The old was cracked and broken. The new is beautiful and ready to take on the sun and the wind and even the rain we had last night. My parents gave this bird bath to us several years ago and we have loved it. It has always been one of my favorite things in my yard.
Now, back to the graduate ...
Anthony is out of school and helping on the farm.
He has sent in his mission papers and hopes to receive his call in a couple weeks.
Where will he be heading next? We will let you know when we find out. There are some places that sound exciting and adventure filled, but we know that there is much more to a mission than that, so we will remember this - "I'll go where you want me to go!"
Today is an adventure in itself, as he is heading in to get his wisdom teeth removed. Yip, number nine for that too.
Thank you to all who helped teach and instruct and encourage our children to learn and grow and progress through this life. "It takes a village..." or a community like ours. THANK YOU!
Our final graduation - the finale
Anthony Keith Hebdon
It started with the National Anthem that Anthony participated in.
It was a nice ceremony, and then they walked the walk to receive their diplomas.
The sun was shining brightly, but it wasn't too miserable. Maybe it felt normal or welcome to me because it was matching the feeling of my heart.
We had a nice weekend with a few members of our family visiting and enjoying each others company.
There was a lot of helping going on. Mostly them helping me. As has been the case for so many occasions throughout my life I have been the recipient of thoughtful service and kind deeds. I thank you all for those tender moments that have touched and filled my heart ..., our hearts.
I'm not going to mention all of the things that took place this weekend, but I will show one thing that remains to brighten my day - a new top for my bird bath. The old was cracked and broken. The new is beautiful and ready to take on the sun and the wind and even the rain we had last night. My parents gave this bird bath to us several years ago and we have loved it. It has always been one of my favorite things in my yard.
Now, back to the graduate ...
Anthony is out of school and helping on the farm.
He has sent in his mission papers and hopes to receive his call in a couple weeks.
Where will he be heading next? We will let you know when we find out. There are some places that sound exciting and adventure filled, but we know that there is much more to a mission than that, so we will remember this - "I'll go where you want me to go!"
Today is an adventure in itself, as he is heading in to get his wisdom teeth removed. Yip, number nine for that too.
Sunday, May 1, 2016
SURPRISE!
I have wanted to post about this, but I couldn't ever find the right words to say. I'm afraid that I will not say it the right way, or leave something important unsaid.
However, now I am beginning to fear that there is too much left unsaid and that is worse, so here is my attempt to share what took place at our house on one splendid weekend in April. (15th-16th)
I received a call from my parents saying that they had heard about my brother telling me he would paint our exterior house walls. He had visited several weeks earlier and offered to do it - I agreed, telling him I'd much rather pay him than someone else.
My problem was that I would need to get it prepared and I was not certain how I was going to accomplish that task, but I don't recall sharing those concerns with him. Well, my parents asked if they could come and look at things and help me get an idea of what needed done. That visit sounded wonderful, and of course I agreed.
They came Thursday evening (14th April) and seemed almost in a hurry to get things started. I tried to get the doors I wanted to have replaced before painting, but there were some unforeseen problems with that and I didn't get it done.
After seminary Friday morning I was feeling a bit stressed that I hadn't gotten things done for them and yet I was still in my "I just don't care" frame of mind. I'm embarrassed to admit that has been my frame of mind for a few months now.
Well, I was outside with my parents when Brian, my brother from Wenatchee, walks out of the house to the back, where we were. A couple steps behind him is Thaoe, my brother from Moses Lake. Something was up!
I learned that they were there to work on my house that weekend.
SURPRISE!
Then I learned that they weren't alone. Soon there would be more coming to help - My sister, LeeAnn, and her husband, Brian. There were nieces and nephews with their families coming. And my children who lived in the area would be there as well.
I was overwhelmed!
I wasn't prepared. I had no idea!
But guess what? No problem - they were!
Brian had talked with Thomas and they had been planning this thing for a couple weeks. They were going to scrape and caulk and tape and prepare for painting. We had several people Friday and more came on Saturday.
BrittanyJo had done some cleaning inside the house, and changed sheets on the spare bed. She has always helped out with things so why would I wonder what she was up to?
I never suspected a thing. This was indeed a surprise.
And - everyone else knew about it but me. However, I began to hear about times when people thought they had said something that gave it away. I guess it should have, and I could see that it should have as I thought about it after the fact, but I have been brain dead and this is proof that I still am - it never did make me suspicious at all. OH BOTHER! I didn't know my kids could keep secrets so well. But, then again, they didn't think it was that well kept, so again - MY BAD!
But,
WHAT A WONDERFUL SURPRISE!
I don't recall a time when my parents and siblings have gotten together to do such a service for someone, but then, there has never been a situation like this up to this time either. I am sorry that the circumstances are what they are, and I wish they weren't, but I am so grateful for loving family. They saw a way to help and they came to my rescue. It wasn't just a good idea - they acted on that good idea and it became a good deed. This was no easy task and there were aching bodies the next few days. I thought I had hired Brian, but somewhere along the line, he decided payment for this task was not acceptable.
I am so grateful for each one who helped make this the wonderful weekend it was. Surely the Lord is pleased and can say to them - Well done, thou good and faithful servants..., in as much as you have done it unto the least of these, ye have done it unto Me!
I see love in the color of my house, even though it is called Dusty Lead. :) Maybe it should be Lovely Lead or Dusty Love or ???
I loved the color when we chose it, but I love it even more now.
THANK YOU MY DEAR FAMILY!
This fact remains -
YOU ARE ALL AWESOME!
PS - we had almost 50 people here, but half of those were little children. Still impressive!
LOVE IT!
However, now I am beginning to fear that there is too much left unsaid and that is worse, so here is my attempt to share what took place at our house on one splendid weekend in April. (15th-16th)
I received a call from my parents saying that they had heard about my brother telling me he would paint our exterior house walls. He had visited several weeks earlier and offered to do it - I agreed, telling him I'd much rather pay him than someone else.
My problem was that I would need to get it prepared and I was not certain how I was going to accomplish that task, but I don't recall sharing those concerns with him. Well, my parents asked if they could come and look at things and help me get an idea of what needed done. That visit sounded wonderful, and of course I agreed.
They came Thursday evening (14th April) and seemed almost in a hurry to get things started. I tried to get the doors I wanted to have replaced before painting, but there were some unforeseen problems with that and I didn't get it done.
After seminary Friday morning I was feeling a bit stressed that I hadn't gotten things done for them and yet I was still in my "I just don't care" frame of mind. I'm embarrassed to admit that has been my frame of mind for a few months now.
Well, I was outside with my parents when Brian, my brother from Wenatchee, walks out of the house to the back, where we were. A couple steps behind him is Thaoe, my brother from Moses Lake. Something was up!
I learned that they were there to work on my house that weekend.
SURPRISE!
Then I learned that they weren't alone. Soon there would be more coming to help - My sister, LeeAnn, and her husband, Brian. There were nieces and nephews with their families coming. And my children who lived in the area would be there as well.
I was overwhelmed!
I wasn't prepared. I had no idea!
But guess what? No problem - they were!
Brian had talked with Thomas and they had been planning this thing for a couple weeks. They were going to scrape and caulk and tape and prepare for painting. We had several people Friday and more came on Saturday.
I was concerned about food and paper plates and .....
No worries! They had taken care of that too.
Thomas had asked me if I would want to grab some hot dogs and hamburger patties for when my parents would come. I said that would be good and we could invite other family members over too. But, as I have said before, I was in an "I don't care" mood and I never did do it. Whatever!
Well, not to worry. Thomas told Brian and Brian told LeeAnn, and LeeAnn took care of it for me. I happened to find out about that when I saw a piece of paper she had with my name written beside those items. So, promptly I paid for those items that I had neglected to purchase. MY BAD! But they had my back! They were watching out for me!
And my dad also mowed the lawn.
BrittanyJo had done some cleaning inside the house, and changed sheets on the spare bed. She has always helped out with things so why would I wonder what she was up to?
I never suspected a thing. This was indeed a surprise.
And - everyone else knew about it but me. However, I began to hear about times when people thought they had said something that gave it away. I guess it should have, and I could see that it should have as I thought about it after the fact, but I have been brain dead and this is proof that I still am - it never did make me suspicious at all. OH BOTHER! I didn't know my kids could keep secrets so well. But, then again, they didn't think it was that well kept, so again - MY BAD!
But,
WHAT A WONDERFUL SURPRISE!
I don't recall a time when my parents and siblings have gotten together to do such a service for someone, but then, there has never been a situation like this up to this time either. I am sorry that the circumstances are what they are, and I wish they weren't, but I am so grateful for loving family. They saw a way to help and they came to my rescue. It wasn't just a good idea - they acted on that good idea and it became a good deed. This was no easy task and there were aching bodies the next few days. I thought I had hired Brian, but somewhere along the line, he decided payment for this task was not acceptable.
I am so grateful for each one who helped make this the wonderful weekend it was. Surely the Lord is pleased and can say to them - Well done, thou good and faithful servants..., in as much as you have done it unto the least of these, ye have done it unto Me!
I see love in the color of my house, even though it is called Dusty Lead. :) Maybe it should be Lovely Lead or Dusty Love or ???
I loved the color when we chose it, but I love it even more now.
THANK YOU MY DEAR FAMILY!
This fact remains -
YOU ARE ALL AWESOME!
PS - we had almost 50 people here, but half of those were little children. Still impressive!
LOVE IT!
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Saturday, March 26, 2016
I am Here!
Today my feelings are reminding me of the story "Horton Hears a Who".
Yes, I am here! I know it has been awhile since I have written. Sorry!
By posting today I am putting myself at risk of being analyzed and I don't really want that, nor the attention my writing might bring. That is certainly not my purpose for writing.
My lack of posting has concerned some, so I decided I'd give in today and fulfill a request to let you know that I am here, and I am fine!
One reason I hadn't written was because I didn't really know what I should say or how I should say it. It's often the same ole thing. By the time I click Publish I will probably wish I hadn't. However, I will say it like it is today, not telling all, but enough to be honest and truthful.
My lack of posting has concerned some, so I decided I'd give in today and fulfill a request to let you know that I am here, and I am fine!
One reason I hadn't written was because I didn't really know what I should say or how I should say it. It's often the same ole thing. By the time I click Publish I will probably wish I hadn't. However, I will say it like it is today, not telling all, but enough to be honest and truthful.
I wish I could say that I'm doing very well and living life to it's fullest. Instead, I'm embarrassed to say that I keep finding myself in a bit of a rut again and again. I keep digging my way up and then I experience a land slide that takes me lower and I have to start again. It's discouraging to say the least. The last few months have been more difficult than I expected (for various reasons). Though they have not been the best of times, they have not been the worst of times either, so I am grateful for that.
I keep reminding myself that I am human and that difficult times will continue to "bless" my life, but I also keep wishing that I was perfect and could have magical powers to jump or fly over the crippling land slides and remain untouched. Realizing that is the stuff fairy tales are made of and I am not living a fairy tale, I do recognize the better way. I am a real human being with real human tendencies. I will suffer pain, sorrow, loss, discouragement and confusion, and a myriad of other trials and afflictions because I am human. I will experience them over and over again.
But, I also know that I am a child of God and He has sent me here. Not to fail nor to suffer constantly because of the conditions I'm surrounded with, but to find joy in my journey no matter how difficult it becomes.
At times I still struggle with the here and now part of life, and need to remind myself often of the eternal perspective.
A few weeks ago we studied the book of Job in our seminary class. It was a tricky set of lessons because they reminded me so much of the circumstances in my past and how they could be likened to Job and his constant stream (or flood) of trials and tribulations. [previous post titled A Sunday Lesson]
Then we moved to lessons from Psalms, which I found very uplifting. I even found this lovely arrangement for Psalms 23 - a musical message that lifts and lightened the soul.
We have recently begun Isaiah, where I've found difficulty in studying, but joy in the message. The last lesson and the next few lessons remind me of the message I gave in Stake Conference several years ago - I titled it Thank You for Waiting! I took a few minutes from my seminary study time to re-read that message and it was a much needed reminder.
I am so grateful for that opportunity to speak on that subject because it made me study it and find examples in my life that testify to the important doctrines and principles surrounding that theme. It now stands as a witness and as encouragement to help me look forward and move forward - toward God - and to wait patiently. It helps me know how to wait patiently and all that is required in that waiting. It also speaks of the love I have for Terry and the good man that he was and the many ways he has helped me through life ..., and in many ways he is and will continue to help me through life.
Too many times I have read the book of Isaiah without truly studying it and in doing so I have missed the great message that is found within. It testifies of Christ and His power to bless our lives.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear though not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
v13 - Fear not; I will help thee.
He has been there for us from the very beginning, He is with us now, and He will be with us for eternity if we let Him.
This has been a repeating theme throughout the Old Testament so far. I haven't previously done much complete study of the OT, so I hadn't previously noticed that message so prevalent. But it is there, often, testifying to us that the Lord is with us. He tells us often - "I am with thee!" "Surely I will be with thee!" Others tell us "The Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." "Be not afraid ... for the Lord thy God is with thee." It is a plain and precious message to let us know that He loves us and will be there for us.
I am grateful for this Easter holiday and the very reason for it. What a beautiful reminder.
A few months ago I watched a movie that had a scene of a boy and girl running to find each other. The girl hears the boy say "I am here" a few times but she cannot see him. Each time it was said with a quiet calmness even though their surroundings were hectic and loud, even frightening. I wondered to myself why they didn't make it sound like he was saying it with a breathless, even frustrated sound, because he was running and worried that they wouldn't see each other.
Then I remembered that the Spirit speaks to us in quiet tones. The Lord says to us "I am here!"
His voice calls out to us to calm us and reassure us that all will be well if we listen to Him and follow His voice. It doesn't tell us that our hardships are over, but rather - He is here with us helping us through them. When the world seems in turmoil around us, we just need to listen for the Lord's comforting words, "Fear though not; for I am with thee .... I will help thee!"
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| from here |
HAPPY EASTER!
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Christmas Holiday Happenings
Here is an update, as has been requested by several of my faithful followers. Sorry I've been slacking with the posting - so much of my time is spent on studying for seminary. I do love it though.
However, the holiday break was definitely not filled with seminary study. It was filled with family and Christmas and a wedding, a new year and a few other things keeping my heart, mind, and soul a bit preoccupied, and now I need a week to catch up from all of that ..., that's just not gonna happen.
The beginning of our holiday vacation was Friday, 18 December 2015 - no school or seminary because of the winter weather conditions. I missed seminary, but luckily we already had our Christmas lesson so I had given the students their Christmas gifts - Temple Socks.
These socks are to help remind them to walk in the ways of the Lord, which will lead them to the temple and to all of the eternal blessings awaiting those who do follow Him.
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The short story is that on the way home from BYU-I (18 Dec. 2015) BJo was in an accident.
She slid off the road at the exact place that another car had previously slid off. That car was still there and the three passengers (students from BYU-I) were out at the tire trying to put chains on.
BJo found her truck heading straight for them and began to honk the horn to warn them of the danger. One gal saw the truck and was able to move out of the way, avoiding any injury. The other two were not so lucky and ended up tangled in their tire chain, drug with the truck, and eventually pinned under the back tire of the truck (one in front of the tire, the other behind the same tire). The gal that was uninjured saw her two friends under the back left tire and thinking they were dead, went to check on the driver (BJo).
Connor was traveling in his vehicle a couple minutes behind BJo and stopped to help. A local fireman also stopped to help. BJo called 911 and soon other emergency responders came, but they seemed to be more interested in the story than in actually helping. Thanks mostly to Connor and the first fireman, the two students (a young man and a young woman) were eventually freed from the truck and taken to a nearby hospital. After a few hours they were released, and walking out on their own, one with a cracked rib and one with a cracked vertebrae (I think) and both with many bruises and aches and pains. They were definitely hurt but alive, and not paralyzed or disabled for life.
BJo, Connor, and the group they were with (a 3 car caravan with a total of 7 young adults) went to the hospital to check on the injured young adults and were met with a type of friendship that touched their hearts.
At first sight, this accident seemed to be one of death and destruction, but after prayer and long hours of emotional and physical torture, the outcome was much different. There have been several things brought to our attention that help us know that the Lord had a hand in all of this, from the beginning (even before they left for college that fall) to now. We have seen the Lord's hand in our lives and we are grateful for the divine help given during this tragic experience.
BrittanyJo was blessed to be able to feel her father's presence during this ordeal too, and we know that it was her dad's truck (instead of the small Ford Focus she used to take to school), and divine intervention that saved these four young adults from death and/or major physical problems. Walking out of that hospital on their own never seemed to be an option, but we are grateful that the Lord was watching over our loved ones and all others involved, and we know that the Lord has a plan for each of these young people - their lives are in His hand. My prayer is that they will each continue to follow Him so that He may continue to guide them.
FYI - The young man that was pinned under the tire has his mission call and will leave for that mission sometime in February. Our thoughts and prayers will go with him.
More FYI - the truck is totaled,
but we are grateful that it was a part of this day, and it is a reminder that Terry is present and still looking after his family in ways that we are not even aware of. Our love for him continues to grow, as does our love for our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. They are aware of each of us, and that includes each of you, and will be there for us in our time of need.
No one would have chosen to be involved with this accident, but we are grateful to have felt the love from above and to have another witness that we are loved and cared for and watched over. This time it definitely did turn out better than we thought.
Here is a photo BJo took last semester that speaks even more to our hearts than it previously did.
The view is in the mirror. This view fits well with the temple socks mentioned at the beginning of this post, and it fits well with our Christmas Miracle. The writing on the mirror speaks volumes as does the picture itself - OBJECTS IN THE MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR!
It's beautiful! It originally spoke to our hearts because of our first trip to Rexburg, with Terry. He gave BJo a blessing in the parking lot of that temple. He talked of a North star guiding us where we need to go, and though the temple is south of campus, it would be her guide while she was there. Precious memories.
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Next up - Christmas! We had a great Christmas and enjoyed having family with us. Gifts were exchange, puzzles were completed, games were enjoyed, and all other excitement of being together.
Snow was a bonus and added some great fun for the kids.
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We welcomed in the new year playing Nerts. I don't usually play card games, but gave in to this one. I was BJo's partner and though the first few attempts were slow, we actually won a couple rounds (not my doing, BJo could have played as the team ... wait, maybe she did and I was just there for moral support - they were giving to me, not from me. Oh Bother! Well, at any rate, we had fun!)
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We spent a couple days making cookies and chicken puffs for the next celebration and after the New Year we had a wedding - Connor married Rebekah Richins (from Warden) in the Columbia River Temple - 2 January 2016. It was awesome and beautiful, but snowy and cold. That evening we had a wonderful reception in Warden to celebrate this union. Next day they came to open gifts and headed out again. We enjoyed this occasion and wish them love and success.
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School was next on the calendar, so Anthony went back to school on the 4th and I drove BJo and a friend from Yakima to Rexburg to begin their next semester. The roads were most bad as we traveled down Adams, but once on I90 we were pleased to find them pretty good the rest of the way. We got them settled and unloaded gifts at Connor and Bekah's apartment. (Thanks to all of our wonderful family and friends who gave such awesome gifts to this newly created eternal family!)
Next day I traveled home alone, but not really alone. I felt a peace and comfort, and a help that was not my own. I am so grateful for the constant help from above.
At one part of my drive home I couldn't get radio reception so I played the CD already in the player. The first song was Glorious and I flipped to the last song, a song about 1 Nephi 3:7
7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.
I played it once and then again, the second time singing along with it, when a powerful feeling came over me. I know that the Lord has prepared a way for me to accomplish the thing which He commandeth me. He is aware of us and our every need. He doesn't always give us what we want, but he does always help us through what comes our way. He has given me seminary to help me accomplish this most difficult task of living righteously without my husband and I am grateful for it. He has protected my family, given us peace and comfort, and direction. He is helping us learn how to smile and be happy in these tough times through life. I hope and pray that we will always be worthy of His divine guidance and comfort. There is no good without it.
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I stopped at Missoula on my way home, to check on the truck and after seeing it and visiting with both the body shop owner (where the truck is presently resting) and the tow truck driver that hauled it there, I saw and learned things that made me even more grateful for the Lord's hand in that terrible accident. We will miss that special truck. We tell ourselves that it is "just a truck", but we know it was more special than "just a truck" and it will remain more special than "just a truck". It became a protector and we love it even more. It will now rest from it's protective roll, but we know that it's owner will not, and we love him. We are at peace because we know that Terry is still a part of our lives..., forever.
That reminds me -
In the wedding ceremony the sealer told Connor that Bekah will be his only love forever and he told Bekah that Connor should be her only love forever. I loved that, because that is how I feel - Terry is my only love, forever! There is great peace and comfort in knowing that our love is forever. At times I feel like my life is going to be too long without Terry and I hope to not live to be very old because I wish to see him again soon, but I know that I still have a work to perform and personal progress to make, so I will do my best to make the best of what I now have to work with.
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I almost forgot - we had a Christmas concert too
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Wow, this took me way to long - I've really got to run now.
Have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
However, the holiday break was definitely not filled with seminary study. It was filled with family and Christmas and a wedding, a new year and a few other things keeping my heart, mind, and soul a bit preoccupied, and now I need a week to catch up from all of that ..., that's just not gonna happen.
The beginning of our holiday vacation was Friday, 18 December 2015 - no school or seminary because of the winter weather conditions. I missed seminary, but luckily we already had our Christmas lesson so I had given the students their Christmas gifts - Temple Socks.
These socks are to help remind them to walk in the ways of the Lord, which will lead them to the temple and to all of the eternal blessings awaiting those who do follow Him.
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With no seminary and no school I thought that Friday would be a good day to catch up on my cleaning and decorating and laundry and organizing and preparing for company and Christmas and wedding, but instead it became a very emotional and nonproductive day. However, looking back now it was a beautiful day that holds a memory that we treasure. It was the day we received what we call our CHRISTMAS MIRACLE.
The short story is that on the way home from BYU-I (18 Dec. 2015) BJo was in an accident.
She slid off the road at the exact place that another car had previously slid off. That car was still there and the three passengers (students from BYU-I) were out at the tire trying to put chains on.
BJo found her truck heading straight for them and began to honk the horn to warn them of the danger. One gal saw the truck and was able to move out of the way, avoiding any injury. The other two were not so lucky and ended up tangled in their tire chain, drug with the truck, and eventually pinned under the back tire of the truck (one in front of the tire, the other behind the same tire). The gal that was uninjured saw her two friends under the back left tire and thinking they were dead, went to check on the driver (BJo).
Connor was traveling in his vehicle a couple minutes behind BJo and stopped to help. A local fireman also stopped to help. BJo called 911 and soon other emergency responders came, but they seemed to be more interested in the story than in actually helping. Thanks mostly to Connor and the first fireman, the two students (a young man and a young woman) were eventually freed from the truck and taken to a nearby hospital. After a few hours they were released, and walking out on their own, one with a cracked rib and one with a cracked vertebrae (I think) and both with many bruises and aches and pains. They were definitely hurt but alive, and not paralyzed or disabled for life.
BJo, Connor, and the group they were with (a 3 car caravan with a total of 7 young adults) went to the hospital to check on the injured young adults and were met with a type of friendship that touched their hearts.
At first sight, this accident seemed to be one of death and destruction, but after prayer and long hours of emotional and physical torture, the outcome was much different. There have been several things brought to our attention that help us know that the Lord had a hand in all of this, from the beginning (even before they left for college that fall) to now. We have seen the Lord's hand in our lives and we are grateful for the divine help given during this tragic experience.
BrittanyJo was blessed to be able to feel her father's presence during this ordeal too, and we know that it was her dad's truck (instead of the small Ford Focus she used to take to school), and divine intervention that saved these four young adults from death and/or major physical problems. Walking out of that hospital on their own never seemed to be an option, but we are grateful that the Lord was watching over our loved ones and all others involved, and we know that the Lord has a plan for each of these young people - their lives are in His hand. My prayer is that they will each continue to follow Him so that He may continue to guide them.
FYI - The young man that was pinned under the tire has his mission call and will leave for that mission sometime in February. Our thoughts and prayers will go with him.
More FYI - the truck is totaled,
but we are grateful that it was a part of this day, and it is a reminder that Terry is present and still looking after his family in ways that we are not even aware of. Our love for him continues to grow, as does our love for our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. They are aware of each of us, and that includes each of you, and will be there for us in our time of need.
No one would have chosen to be involved with this accident, but we are grateful to have felt the love from above and to have another witness that we are loved and cared for and watched over. This time it definitely did turn out better than we thought.
Here is a photo BJo took last semester that speaks even more to our hearts than it previously did.
The view is in the mirror. This view fits well with the temple socks mentioned at the beginning of this post, and it fits well with our Christmas Miracle. The writing on the mirror speaks volumes as does the picture itself - OBJECTS IN THE MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR!
It's beautiful! It originally spoke to our hearts because of our first trip to Rexburg, with Terry. He gave BJo a blessing in the parking lot of that temple. He talked of a North star guiding us where we need to go, and though the temple is south of campus, it would be her guide while she was there. Precious memories.
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Next up - Christmas! We had a great Christmas and enjoyed having family with us. Gifts were exchange, puzzles were completed, games were enjoyed, and all other excitement of being together.
Did you notice the half lit tree? That's the way it rolled this year - I ran out of lights and by the time I got them the tree was dead and I didn't want to put them on. It didn't bother me at all, until I had guests that were new to my home, that may never see another tree at my house again, and it made me wonder what they might think. Oh Bother! Maybe I should have come up with a new tradition and special meaning for that half lit tree, but then I'd have to think too hard. :)
Snow was a bonus and added some great fun for the kids.
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We welcomed in the new year playing Nerts. I don't usually play card games, but gave in to this one. I was BJo's partner and though the first few attempts were slow, we actually won a couple rounds (not my doing, BJo could have played as the team ... wait, maybe she did and I was just there for moral support - they were giving to me, not from me. Oh Bother! Well, at any rate, we had fun!)
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We spent a couple days making cookies and chicken puffs for the next celebration and after the New Year we had a wedding - Connor married Rebekah Richins (from Warden) in the Columbia River Temple - 2 January 2016. It was awesome and beautiful, but snowy and cold. That evening we had a wonderful reception in Warden to celebrate this union. Next day they came to open gifts and headed out again. We enjoyed this occasion and wish them love and success.
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School was next on the calendar, so Anthony went back to school on the 4th and I drove BJo and a friend from Yakima to Rexburg to begin their next semester. The roads were most bad as we traveled down Adams, but once on I90 we were pleased to find them pretty good the rest of the way. We got them settled and unloaded gifts at Connor and Bekah's apartment. (Thanks to all of our wonderful family and friends who gave such awesome gifts to this newly created eternal family!)
Next day I traveled home alone, but not really alone. I felt a peace and comfort, and a help that was not my own. I am so grateful for the constant help from above.
At one part of my drive home I couldn't get radio reception so I played the CD already in the player. The first song was Glorious and I flipped to the last song, a song about 1 Nephi 3:7
7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.
I played it once and then again, the second time singing along with it, when a powerful feeling came over me. I know that the Lord has prepared a way for me to accomplish the thing which He commandeth me. He is aware of us and our every need. He doesn't always give us what we want, but he does always help us through what comes our way. He has given me seminary to help me accomplish this most difficult task of living righteously without my husband and I am grateful for it. He has protected my family, given us peace and comfort, and direction. He is helping us learn how to smile and be happy in these tough times through life. I hope and pray that we will always be worthy of His divine guidance and comfort. There is no good without it.
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I stopped at Missoula on my way home, to check on the truck and after seeing it and visiting with both the body shop owner (where the truck is presently resting) and the tow truck driver that hauled it there, I saw and learned things that made me even more grateful for the Lord's hand in that terrible accident. We will miss that special truck. We tell ourselves that it is "just a truck", but we know it was more special than "just a truck" and it will remain more special than "just a truck". It became a protector and we love it even more. It will now rest from it's protective roll, but we know that it's owner will not, and we love him. We are at peace because we know that Terry is still a part of our lives..., forever.
That reminds me -
In the wedding ceremony the sealer told Connor that Bekah will be his only love forever and he told Bekah that Connor should be her only love forever. I loved that, because that is how I feel - Terry is my only love, forever! There is great peace and comfort in knowing that our love is forever. At times I feel like my life is going to be too long without Terry and I hope to not live to be very old because I wish to see him again soon, but I know that I still have a work to perform and personal progress to make, so I will do my best to make the best of what I now have to work with.
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I almost forgot - we had a Christmas concert too
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Wow, this took me way to long - I've really got to run now.
Have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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