Preserving Memories

"A birth certificate shows that we were born.
A death certificate shows that we died.
Pictures show that we lived!"

The preserving of memories and history is something that I am somewhat passionate about. I love the focus it puts on families...together forever. This preserving started years ago in the form of scrap books for each of our children and has evolved into publishing of a different sort.

After many years of scrap booking the same photos of our reunions, vacations, and histories for 10 different scrap books I decided that placing photos and info just once then printing that collection 10 times was easier. The time saved seemed worth the extra few dollars. I still do both, scrap booking for each of my children still at home and occasional book publishing for all of my children.

I've learned a lot about creating books and look forward to learning more. I'm definitely hooked and so grateful for these companies. They provide a great way to preserve memories.
I've decided to share what I have learned, just in case someone else might be interested. It is my opinion that each has their place in the book creating market. I've listed them in the order that I learned of and used them.

Heritage Makers - A great selection of book sizes, cards and other products, backgrounds and clip art. Pages can be created as desired with any size photo and clip art. No two books will have to look the same because of a huge selection of paper and clip art. Start with a blank page and make it what you want. They also have some templates available if desired. My favorite book to create from this company has become the wedding guest books - no other company can compare for this type of book.
pros = greatest opportunity for creative expression.
cons = expensive, requires membership fees.
I will continue using Heritage Makers for guest books and other books/cards needing the paper/decor available in this company.

Shutterfly - After using Heritage Makers and having the freedom of ... well, everything, this was really hard to use. If I had started here it might have been okay. But I was too limited and didn't enjoy it. Having said this, I must also say that the finished product turned out great, and the photos printed in this book turned out bright and clear. I couldn't put words and photos where I wanted and there was no clip art. I was too limited.
I used this site a couple years ago, so things might have changed since then - I haven't gone back to try again.

Blurb - This is awesome! It allows you to slurp things from your blog (words and photos) into a book and then make changes and additions. A great "yearbook". The pages flow together (when there are too many words for one page it flows on to the next page) and photos can be added. Color can be used, but no clip art. Several sizes available and the finished product looked great. This is definitely a storybook type book which worked great for our Hebdon family reunion last year.
pros = slurping from blog feature, flowing pages.
cons = no clip art (but remember that isn't a bad things for some types of books).
I will continue using this company - I have a couple ideas for future books.

Mixbook - I liked the look of the book I created. Clip art is minimal, so unless I use a seasonal option my books would all have the same clip art from one to the next - that's not going to happen - each occasion/book needs it's own look.
pros = cheaper price, but good quality.
cons = small clip art selection.
Glad I used it this one time, and may use it again if creating a seasonal book.

Do you know of a different book creating site? :)

Loss

This post is long over due, yet has been attempted many times.
This loss our family is going through right now has also left me at a loss for words.
My hope was to convey the feelings of my heart, but I'm sure I cannot even come close.
I do believe that some things are better left unsaid. But there are some things that do need said - I just don't know how to say them.
Terry, however, can put words together very poetically, and has done so on this occasion. So it is his words I chose to share with you who read this post, and it is dedicated to the one we love...

Keith Auger Hebdon
17 December 1921 - 5 July 2011

Blessed Parting

An expeditious passing
Can be a fortuitous thing,
It diminishes the pain and anguish
That protracted illnesses bring.

The finality of the death though
Certainly hits the heart.
But what concludes in one place
In another gets it’s start.

That’s what happened to grandpa
Or dad or however you call his name.
That’s what will happen to each of us
The process is the same.

So the theater of life goes on and on.
The players come and go.
From God back to God,
The Savior made it so.


There is one personal thought I wish to share - Though we wish for a loved one to not have to suffer and struggle for too long, we are grateful for the time that Keith spent in the hospital. This was a time of closure, allowing loved ones to draw closer to him and show a tenderness that was so needed in our hearts as one leaves this earth.

We are ever grateful to our Father in Heaven for the many blessings He has sent our way. Though there is sorrow, there is greater joy in the fact that Families Can Be Together Forever. We pray that ours will be so, and know that it can be as we strive to follow our Savior.

Services are Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Viewing 1:00 pm
Funeral 2:00 pm

Happy Father's Day!

Fathers are so special. I love my father. I love him for being the father he is and for being an awesome grandfather for my children. Each of my children feel loved by their grandfather, and that is a special thing.We have lots of memories to cherish forever and we have some traditions that we will continue to look forward to, like the m&m tosses.

I must now take the opportunity to express my love and appreciation for other fathers that are important in my life. I am grateful for Terry's father, he is a good man. He has surely played a large roll in helping Terry become the man he is, and I am grateful for that.

One more father - the father of my children. I love Terry so much and feel so blessed that he is part of my life. I wanted to write of him each day too, but held back because it was father's day, not husbands day or best friend day. I'll find an opportunity to do something similar for him sometime in the future.

Happy Father's Day to everyone, especially to my favorite fathers!

My Dad

Many men enjoy going out with the guys, hunting, fishing, watching the games, or whatever it be that the guys do when they get together. But this was not something I knew my father to do. He did have hobbies and activities that he liked to do, but they most always included my mothers company rather than a bunch of men.

My dad had many friends, but his best friend was and is my mother. They enjoy being together. Mom would ride with my dad in the farm equipment, they would enjoy a day snowmobiling in the mountains, spend hours antique shopping, working in the yard together, baking bread together, Christmas shopping, etc.

A couple years ago my mom and dad celebrated 50 years together and they still like being together. That is not very common now days, but I know it is because they have always tried to make each other happy. It is the selfless acts, instead of the selfish acts that bind two hearts together.

REFLECTIONS - My Mom

Mom has always enjoyed God's creations.

She and dad were always working on the yard. She had a lot of iris flowers in many assorted colors and other beautiful flowers and trees. When I see iris' I think of my mother. There was always a big veggie and fruit garden too. I remember lemon cucumbers that were unique and delicious, and raspberries that were the highlight of a family reunion we had at the house one year and the elderly gentleman really enjoyed picking and eating those berries. There was beauty all around our yard in flowers, trees, dirt mounds, lawn paths, and just the arrangement of it all.

She enjoyed animals on the farm. We had several different kinds of animals, but it seems to me that mom was especially fond of chickens and other types of birds/fowl. We had several different kinds of chickens. Some for eggs, some for meat, some for beauty and enjoyment. We also had ducks and geese. It was fun to see the mommas wandering the yard with their trail of chicks behind them. We also had guinni hens, (I don't know how to spell guinni) and it seems that I remember the elderly gentlemen, at that reunion I mentioned earlier, finding enjoyment in shooting at those ugly things. (oops, did I say ugly?)

After mom and dad moved to Longview they could no longer have the farm animals, but they did get some chickens and enjoyed them for several years. Now they too are gone, but mom puts out seeds for the birds and squirrels, and I think we've even seen a hummingbird or two. And the yard is still beautiful.

All of this enjoyment was not hers alone, but it was shared with my dad. They work together to create a place of beauty and enjoyment. They have always worked together, and they continue to do so today.

REFLECTIONS - My Mom

When I had a problem or concern as a child or teenager, and as a new mother, I could always count on my mom to listen and reply with a loving and helpful suggestion for me. Once a mom, always a mom, so I can still go to her and know that she will be willing to listen and help me in whatever way she can.

Long ago she taught us to pray to our Heavenly Father and seek His counsel and guidance, and that advice is among her best advice. So, I am able to vent my frustrations and ask for help from my loving mother, and I am also able to pray to our loving Heavenly Father and receive divine guidance and comfort. The two together can give great strength in time of need and I love and appreciate my mother for all of her teachings.

REFLECTIONS - My Mom

My mom could make a meal out of anything to feed our large family. We would often have extended family gatherings and enjoy moms homemade tortillas, tacos and enchiladas. Everyone loved them. Though she doesn't make the tortillas as often anymore, we do still enjoy her enchiladas at family reunions. It is a tradition that everyone wants to continue.

She has always created wonderful meals and she still sends great recipes my way.

She doesn't like to cook as much anymore, but certainly has her share of big meals to provide as we all gather for family gatherings, and they always include meals. There is always so much good food. It is true that a lot of memories center around the kitchen table or at least around the kitchen.

If ever there comes a time when mom might stop cooking we would miss it, but it wouldn't be too critical, because we know that "It's not so much what's on the table that matters, as what's on the chairs."

REFLECTIONS - My Mom

I remember the many hours of hard work my mom put into preserving food. I helped a bit, but I'm sure I learned it mostly from watching because she was always so fast and good at it. She liked to put the fruit in the jar so that it was laying just right to make it look pretty. I enjoy doing the same. I've often thought that it is almost like creating a masterpiece. Much like an artist might paint a picture then sit back and look at it and admire his/her work. I love to open my pantry and see the finished project lined up in the clear jars with the beautiful colors of peaches, pears, tomatoes, apricots, etc. It is a lot of work, but it feels and looks good, and tastes great. It also turns my heart back to my childhood days as I recall the rows of jars in our basement as I was growing up.

Something I do not do like she did is make bread. I wish I did, but it's just too hard on me to knead it, and I don't have a bread mixer. She would make a lot of bread and it was so delicious, which meant we would want to eat it, and it wouldn't last long, so she would have to make more. I do remember dad helping her too.

REFLECTIONS - My Mom

Mom has always been so very talented and creative. I remember her making a lot of different things as I was growing up. She has sewn quilts and costumes and created things to make one never believe she was not a professional seamstress. She has made unique crafts, assembled beautiful arrangements, and created some beautiful decorations. She can create and design, and make anything look beautiful - it just seems to come natural to her. She has taken up China painting the last several years and has painted some beautiful plates, vases, and lamps. She has always had a beautiful home and yard. Each room in her house is a work of art. Her Christmas trees are gorgeous. She creates beauty all around. There is beauty and grace in her very being. Creating is a big part of womanhood, and she does that so very well.

As I was writing this I was reminded of a Relief Society Broadcast last fall, when Elder Uchtdorf said, "Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter." My mother creates this way, and we are blessed because of it. He also said, "The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. That is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come. Sisters, trust and rely on the Spirit. As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you." I believe this because I have seen it through my mother.

REFLECTIONS - My Mom

I remember that my mother was always doing something for someone else. While I was a youth she was a Primary President and a Relief Society President, both callings gave her great responsibility and required much time and sacrifice on her behalf. Though I remember her feeling some frustration a time or two, I mostly remember her commitment to these callings and the people she served. She was always going the extra mile and making sure that her service in the Lord's church was what He would have her do. She has blessed the lives of so many through her loving, selfless, compassionate and cheerful service. She seemed to enjoy it all. Moving to new wards has made it so she has had those callings more than once, and she has always remained dedicated and stalwart. She has always been dependable - when my mom does something, it's not just done, it's well done. Surely the Lord can say to her "well done, thou good and faithful servant".

REFLECTIONS - My Mom

Since Mother's Day is next Sunday, I've decided to write a little something about my mother each day this week.

My mother is a wonderful woman. She worked hard in the house and the yard, with her family, and in her church callings. I'll share some of those things in my postings through the week. A lot of what I write will come from the years when I was a child at home, but they surely still apply, some 29 years later. I'll try to include some recent things too. I am so grateful for such a wonderful mother. She is an awesome person.
Her love and respect for my father has always been an example to me. I've never doubted their love for each other. It is a wonderful thing to grow up in a home where there is love and respect and where the children can count on the next day being the same, if not better. She has been the best example of wife, mother, and daughter that anyone could have. She truly understands the meaning of womanhood and motherhood.
She has always been loving and caring and tender with her children. She has taught us right from wrong and continues to encourage us to do and be good.

The Funeral Planner

We have certainly had our share of funerals in this area. Our most recent attendance at one such event makes me a bit concerned for myself. Let me first preface with this - I have never really enjoyed attending a funeral. Other people have different attitudes and have shared how they love learning about the plan of salvation and feeling our Heavenly Father's love as they do, they enjoy hearing about the life of the person whom we are "celebrating" and all of their cute stories that are shared. I do enjoy that, but still have a hard time wanting to go - there is still so much sorrow. I was feeling that way again and really not wanting to attend one more funeral, but I love the family and felt a need to attend, so I did.
When we got the program (or whatever that paper is called) I noticed how beautiful it was. I loved that they shared photos of him, his wife, and his children. On the back they listed his posterity. I appreciated it all and thought that I wanted to remember that for when I might have need to design one for a loved one. What an heirloom!
I wondered why we never see any slide show or video presentation while the speakers are telling these fun memories or personal facts. We would love to see photos of the loved one thru the years as the speaker is sharing. It would be so interesting. Maybe I'll check into that sometime in the future if I need to plan a program for a loved one.
Several times while listening to the speakers I was reminded of some fond memories with my father (since at this funeral each of this father's children shared some special personal experiences they remembered about him). It was quite delightful. It was fun to remember some special moments with my father, but it was so awful thinking that someday I might have to remember them for such a sorrowful time as these people were going thru. None-the-less, I have them to remember, and I am grateful for them. And, if needed someday, I will gladly share them. And yet, if I go before my dad does, then who will share them for me? Maybe I'd better share them now, while we are both still living. Maybe that will become another category for my posts - all about my loved ones. I'll consider it for awhile.
Now as I think back on what my feelings were during this occasion, I realized that I had indeed attended too many funerals lately and have become too familiar with them, even to the point of feeling much like a funeral planner, rather than a wedding planner. I enjoy the wedding reception/open house planning that I have to do, but this funeral planning will not be so exciting.
One last thing - for years I have told Terry that I don't need a funeral, just plant me and let me go! But then I realize that I don't have to attend my own funeral anyway, so why should I care? (except I don't want anyone to have to try to come up with something good to say about me.) Maybe he won't get a funeral if he dies first! I don't want to sit thru it and try to hold back the tears, and there is no cry-room in our chapel, so whatever shall I do? This is not a race, but I like that I should go first!
Okay, this post is proof of too many funerals! Ya think!
I suppose that before I end, I should say, with all kidding aside, that I do know that the Lord does bless us and help us thru hard times. I have felt His love and a special peace within as He comforts and directs us in time of need. We are never alone! I am so grateful for that.

Temple Ready!

I have been a few days without doing all day genealogy work. I am sleeping better (my mind doesn't continue working the computer while I'm sleeping). We went to Tri Cities Saturday and I got to go to the temple to get the names I had found put onto the cards, ready for the work to be done. We end up with 38 female and 47 male and 2 couples to seal. I am really feeling the joy that comes from this work. My constant effort has paid off, and though I have stopped for a while (so I can accomplish other tasks at hand) I will be back to that great and rewarding work. Until then, I'm sure the joy will last for awhile after having accomplished what I have already. So, if any of you would like to do any of this temple work I will share. Let me know.

Genealogy, I Am Doing It!

I, Elaine, have spent most of 3 1/2 days working on genealogy. It has been quite exciting, to say the least. Our Stake President has asked that the members of our stake find at least 15 names to do all the work for. This is a long process for those of us who have families that are members for many generations. It is even harder for those of us who have family members that have been working on this genealogy for a long time. It is difficult, but it will be done, and that means work, work, work, tired and sore muscles (including the eyes), and a mind that thinks it has written that name a dozen times already. (These repeated names and places really play games in my head.)

The Story books/History books that I've been working on are an exciting thing too, and we have one in the making that tells the history of Terry's ancestors. (with plans to make one for my ancestors after this one is complete). Those books and genealogy seem to be addicting activities that keep calling me back to work on them, and I have found some interesting and exciting information. Here is only a small peak into what I have learned:

We have Kings and Queens, Prince and Princesses, Earls, Dukes, Counts and Countesses, etc. that never end - well it seems that way, but surely they do end somewhere. And these people come from all parts of the world.

I've been back to the year 0009.

One man, Edmond Fitzalan who died in 1326 was beheaded.

Another ancestor - Duncan I King of Scotland was killed by Macbeth in 1040.

Friedrich I "Barbarossa" Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, born 1122 of Swaben, Bavaria died in 1190 In The Holy Land. Great place huh!

That name in parenthesis is a common sight with kings as they were given some title such as "The Great" (King Alfred), "The Peacable" (King Edgar), "The Magnificent" (King Edmund), "The Elder" (King Edward), and even "The Unready" (King Ethelred II), and "The Bald" (he was Baudouin II, Count of Flanders and also the same title for Charles II, Emperor of The Holy Roman Empire). All of these, and more are on our line.

Remember Old King Cole? Well, he is on our line - Coel (Coilus) "Old King Coel" King of Britain.



You've seen the movie Jungle Book - remember King Louis?
Well, we are related!
Okay not to the orangutan, but the human -
Kings Louis II, IV, VI, of France; and
King Louis I "The Pious" Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire;
and surely more when it's all said and done.
Fun Huh?


And closer to the present is Thomas White McBride (who's daughter's name is still visible on our pedigree) died 30 October 1838. Does that date ring a bell? If I add where he was killed it should - Haun's Mill, Shoal Creek Township, Missouri. This really was exciting to me to think that he was there during the massacre, so Thomas got out our history books, and as he read through those pages he even found a bit of info that included this man's name.

There is so much to learn that I haven't even figured out who has their temple work done. I'll get on that right away. There is so much still to do, and I haven't even started on my line (Rodeback) yet.

I am learning a little more about how to do genealogy and how to find if the ordinances have been done, and I'm mostly feeling my heart drawn to my ancestors and I really love that feeling.
I just wanted to share a bit of that with you! Hope you enjoyed this little bit of info. (which really seems like a lot.)