Counting Blessings - Day 10

I am thankful for rain.  I live in the desert so when it rains I rejoice.  I guess we have more rain in our desert than in Arizona. My son, Bill, said when he first moved there he noticed his students would hover at the window to see the rain come down because it was such a rarity.  He'd shake his head and say, "It's just rain!"  But after living there for a period of time he gets it - because it rains so little. Kids hover at the window here when it snows.  We get it maybe every four years and I imagine in states where it rains a lot they bask in their moments with the sun. We have clear skies often. I wonder if there are places in the world where there is never a clear sky? I wake up every morning looking for a cloud hoping for a little rain. I guess it is somewhat natural to want what you don't have.  I speculate, whatever, I'm all about rain. I've always gloried in it as a child and still as an adult - I love it!

Counting Blessings - Day 9

The inhabitants [of the world]
are begotten sons
and daughters unto God.
Doctrine and Covenants 76:24

"Who are you? Does that sound like an easy question? Do you think that you know the answer? Certainly you know your name. You know who your parents are and that they love and care about you. You are also someone very special to Heavenly Father, the Father of your spirit. He loves you too." 

Laurel Rohlfling
("Sharing Time:  I Am a Child of God", Friend, January 1989)

Counting Blessings today :
I am a child of God.
I am happy to be.
I have a Heavenly Father and I am so thankful for that knowledge.

I am currently serving in the Sierra Ward Primary.  This year's Primary presentation  was "I Am a Child of God" - that's just one reason this message is so close and dear to my heart.  We've talked and sung about it all year.  I know it is true.  We are children of our Heavenly Father.

Watch and listen to this favorite Primary song, CS #2



Primary Song:  I Am a Child of God
Text:  Naomi Ward Randall
Music:  Mildred Tanner Pettit

Counting Blessings - Day 8

WOW!  Getting up to Day 8 hasn't been too bad, but I've got 22 days to go.  Am I grateful enough?  I hope so.

I'm thankful for all my grandchildren. Earlier I had the happy privileged of visiting these two little girls who I don't get to see very often, my granddaughters - Ryan and Dani.  I stayed a whole week just being grandma. Just one of our activities together was Trick or Treating.  It was a great visit.

Ready for Halloween Trick or Treating:

Ryan - Pinky Pie Equestrian Girl

Dani- Monster

"Grandmas

never run out of

 hugs and cookies."

Author Unknown

Counting Blessings - Day 7

Me and Melanie

I am happy to have a lot of friends.  Please don't feel slighted because I don't name you all in this post.  I am grateful for all my friends, but today I am thankful for old friends.  You don't have to be old to be an old friend, but it happens that way sometimes. Lots of times you don't even have to know someone for very long to become friends; in fact, sometimes you're the best of friends the minute you meet.   But the thing I think is remarkable about old friends is that when you get together after years of being apart you pick up right where you left off.

While in Arizona I was able to rendezvous with my old friend Melanie. We had a good year and a half together back in the day. It was over 20 years ago where Melanie and I found ourselves neighbors with several children the same age; in a way we were comrades in arms as we trudged and happily experienced the ups and downs in the daily life of motherhood - at home, church, school, and in our neighborhood. Melanie was a delight to be with and we spent many a day together.  It was too bad our happy camaraderie had to end. They're family moved on to another job, in another state, and we were left to mourn our loss of something that was once very good.  We had our memories and the hope of finding other friends just as wonderful, just as helpful, just as supportive, and we DID.

It was great seeing each other. We ate together and had a nice visit, but didn't come close to catching up. We have a lot in common and a lot to share so the conversation could have gone on and on, but here's just one fun fact:  Our "little boys" are the same age, freshman in high school, and both named "Sam".  Hopefully we'll see each other again - sooner instead of later.

Glad to see you Melanie - it was a good day - another one to add to a list of happy memories. 

I sang this as a Girl Scout:

"Make new friends,

but keep the old.

One is silver

And the other gold."

Counting Blessings - Day 6

Leesburg Zone

Sister Janna Blair - bottom right

Zone Conference with Elder Walker

I am thankful for having a missionary in the field.  Granted, I'm thankful for Janna, but having her serve as a missionary is a special blessing in our home.  I've had three other children serve and I just know from experience that there is an added measure of the Spirit in our home and in our lives as they served. I sometimes wonder if it is simply the fact that you have sacrificed in letting them go and like all service Heavenly Father rewards.  Having someone serving constantly day in and day out in this special way blesses you.  That goes for Hughie serving as bishop again.  I feel it daily and I am grateful for it.

President Kimball said that "the missionary work, like the tithing, will pour out blessings, as Malachi said, so many blessings that there'll hardly be room enough to receive them."

(From an Area conference Report, Korea, August 1975, p. 61, also see Malachi 3:10.)

This was quoted by Elder Carlos E. Asay at a Prospective Missionary Conference in Provo, Utah September 20 1984.  An edited version is in the October 1985 Ensign, "The Blessings of Sharing the Gospel" - he lists 17 blessings that come from missionary service.  He says there are more blessings.  I do not doubt that some of those extra blessings spill over into the family of the missionary. I am so glad to be part of it.  We serve as we support missionaries.  It is just one part of sharing the gospel.

Counting Blessings - Day 5

Hugh and I both turned 60 last July.

We're going on 38 years of marriage next February.

Who'd a thunk we'd be this old?
Who'd a thunk we'd be married so long?
Who'd a thunk we've done all we've done?
Thanks for the memories!!!
I LOVE YOU!
You're a KEEPER!

I don't know how to say this without sounding somewhat odd, but then I am an odd duck of sorts.  I really had to think about getting married.  Maybe that's not so odd after all - marriage takes some thinking; I mean we're talking time and in our case all eternity too.  But I wondered, maybe I would rather be single?

When Hugh asked me to marry him I remember the Spirit making an impression on me,"You can be happy single, but your greatest happiness will come through marriage" - and I might add who you marry.  I said, "Yes."  I am thankful for my husband, but I am also thankful for the institution of marriage.  It's part of Heavenly Father's plan - The Plan of Happiness.  Now after nearly 38 years and still counting, of ups and downs and all around I get it more than ever - marrying Hugh was one of the BEST decisions I ever made.

  

“In the enriching of marriage
the big things are the little things.
It is a constant appreciation
for each other and a thoughtful
demonstration of gratitude.
It is the encouraging and
the helping of each other to grow.
Marriage is a joint quest for the good,
the beautiful, and the divine.”

James E. Faust,
"The Enriching of Marriage,"
general conference,
October 1977

Counting Blessings - Day 4

"You've had a birthday,

Shout Hooray!"

by Barbara McConochie

Back in the Day

"Little Boy"

I can't help, but mention Sam because it's his birthday.  I'm thankful for Sam, "Little Boy" as Janna calls him.  He's not little anymore.  He's 15 today and still growing.  I love this guy.  He's a delight to the whole family.  I appreciate his goodness.  The best to you Sam!

Teenage time is coming of age time - transforming into an adult.  As difficult as it may seem, it's one of the best times.  I know - been there done that.  I look at my adolescent and college years with happy fondness - in spite of my awkwardness, in spite of mistakes, in spite of  all the drama and me thinking something was the end of the world.  It was a great time of joy, learning, and growing.  I know Heavenly Father was looking out for me.  He was very much aware of me and as I grew physically; I grew spiritually.  I observe your life Sam and look back at my own with happy fondness.  I can better see and understand the love of our Heavenly Father as I have loved you.  Happy Birthday!

Counting Blessings - Day 3

"I believe that music

heals the soul."

Alex Boye

You may wonder if there is a rhyme or reason to my thankful posts - there is none.  Whatever suits me at the time and today I've decided, I am thankful for my piano and that I know  something about music

People have said I cope well.  When I read the above quote by Alex Boye I wondered if that is why I do cope - sit down and play the piano, sing a song, bask in the music.  I readily have a therapy session with the joy that music brings.

I know I lack in so many ways when it comes to playing the piano and now the organ at church (usually once a month these days). I should play better than I do.  I should have practiced more and should practice now. I am sure there are many who wish they knew a little of what I know; not to mention the fact that I even own a piano - that's on many a wish list.  Believe me, I'm not boasting in spite of how it may sound.  The reality is I'm going through this recognition.  I'm just a few days into this 30-days of thanksgiving thing and  I'm seeing, again, how much I take my blessings for granted.

One of the fingers on my left-hand started hurting this summer - Arthritis?  I don't know, but I decided to start playing the piano everyday to get it moving and it feels better.  I feel better, that's the whole point.  I love the piano and I love that I can play and sing.  Heavenly Father has been very generous - parents who insisted on me learning to play the piano, a husband who joined with me in the value of having the instrument in our home, my desire to sing and serve in music with church, and I definitely use it when I substitute teach. I do regret not teaching my children better at the piano.  It seemed I always had a child in my arms and with that busyness I never made it the priority to keep at it with the kids.  I always thought I'd have more time later  . . . and yet . .  maybe I do - ETERNITY!  I'd like to think music will be even more a part of my life as well as for my children; in the meantime, I better keep practicing.

Counting Blessings - Day 2

I have a friend who is an inspiration to me.  I am thankful for Kristi at Thankful Me. Here I am posting thirty days of gratitude and she amazingly posts blessings everyday. I really don't know Kristi that well which might make you wonder why she's on my list.  She use to live in my ward  some years ago and there was even a time we were walking partners. She has since moved to a different ward and a different stake.  Our contact is mainly through our blogs. I love seeing her happy creations, recipes, the news of her family, and service - the list goes on.  She has so much to be thankful for.  I honor and admire her. Her happy gratitude makes me more grateful.  She recognizes her blessings daily - we all should.  I want to be more like her.

In the gospel of Jesus Christ their is a bonding that takes place simply by being members of the Church. Our faith binds us together as we serve, as we love, and as we live the gospel of Christ.  With that said, even though I haven't spent a lot of time with Kristi we still have a bond that has come because of our love for Christ.

"And he commanded them

that there should be no contention

one with another,

but that they should look forward

with one eye,

having one faith and one baptism,
having their hearts knit together
in unity and in love
one toward another."

Mosiah 18:21

Counting Blessings - Day 1

The Angelus by Millet

I've been a little down as of late because I haven't felt well.  What a better way to snap out of it than to "count my many blessings". Each day in the month of November I'm going to post my gratitude.  It's a way to get me blogging too.  Here's hoping my computer will let me.

How do I thank thee, let me count the ways:

I am so grateful for Jesus Christ, the Atonement, his gospel and all that it entails.  It is life changing.  I'm so grateful for it all and I wish everyone could have what I have.  On my sidebar I have a quote I keep displayed, it's from President Wilford Woodruff; they are his words, but I feel they are mine and so I claim them:

"I thank God

that I live in this day and age of the world,

when my ears have heard the sound

of the fulness of the gospel of Christ." 

Happy Halloween 2013

"Clothes make a statement.
Costumes tell a story."
Mason Cooley

Spooky Hallow at the Dedman House -

on their way to the

Sierra Ward Trunk R Treat 

The other day I picked up the boys (my local grandsons) from school.  Jeremiah questioned me while claiming his mother (my daughter) told him that her family never bought Halloween costumes when she was a kid. I admit we bought a few things to put a costume together, but in general, homemade was the ticket for creativity and the pocketbook.  Their family budget was a little tight this year, to say the least; the boys jumped in with all their Halloween fervor and transformed into homemade zombies.  I'm living World War Z all over again - not really, I thought they were cute.

Happy Halloween!

Tom and Haley's Reception - Setting Up

Look what I found - a whole post I never posted.  I probably thought something was the matter with it or wanted to add more pictures, but it looks good to me - it's just way out of order.  Family not only gathered for the wedding and reception, but their was a day of working together.

May 31st we set up for the reception.
Lots of friends and family pulled together.
Thanks everyone!
This was also  an opportunity
for Sally to corral a few people
and get some family pictures.

Cousins
Michael and Bill

Sam and Emma

Rick and Uncle Adam

Janna and Emma

Lots of steaming of table clothes - lots of help.
Everyone took a turn
.

Haley - bouquets arrived

Future family - the in-laws
Tom Klingkamer - Haley's dad
His expertise made all difference.

Hard work spotlights
the character of people:
some turn up their sleeves,
some turn up their noses,
and some don't turn up at all.
Sam Ewing 

More Wedding Photos

I know it's been over three months,

but I'm finally posting more pictures from the wedding.

Mother and Son

The Los Angeles Temple
June 1, 2013

Haley arriving at the temple.

Uncle Adam and Tom

All the Reynders made it from Holladay

FUN FEET!

The Brothers

All the girls!
Klingkamer sisters on the left.
Blair sisters on the right.

All the parents and all the siblings -
One BIG happy family!

Haley's parents and sisters.

Haley's Family - The Klingkamer's
 Even though they couldn't attend the sealing
they all came to the temple.
I was so impressed with how supportive they all were
with Haley's and Tom's decision to marry in the temple.

All of our immediate family who came to the temple.
Wendy, Eddie, and Charlotte were in Pensacola.

If we want a complete family group shot,
it's going to have to be after Janna
gets home from her mission.

All the grand kids that were their waited outside the temple too.

I Love to See the Temple

 I love to see the temple.

I'm going there someday

To feel the Holy Spirit,

To listen and to pray.

For the temple is a house of God,

A place of love and beauty.

I'll prepare myself while I am young;

This is my sacred duty.

   I love to see the temple.

I'll go inside someday.

I'll cov'nant with my Father;

I'll promise to obey.

For the temple is a holy place

Where we are sealed together.

As a child of God, I've learned this truth: 

A fam'ly is forever.

Words and music: Janice Kapp Perry

Table decorations at the reception.
Each one was a little different.

Rustic Arbor,

a Tom Klingkamer creation

So much help and work went into this whole event.

We can't begin to thank everyone for their love and support.

In spite of mishaps and a long day, it was all very, very nice.

Lisa and Tom at the reception

So much more to tell with photos, but this is it!
Not to mention all the fun shots from the photo booth.
Thanks family and friends!

Leaving the Reception

"We are outta here!"
Honeymoon in San Diego
(Haley had never been there before.)

Tom and Haley were in Quartz Hill for just a few months.
 They are now making their way in Clovis, CA,
So happy and pleased for them.

Tom and Haley at home
Picking grapes - August 2013,
Service at the vineyard

Summer Stuff

The wedding came and went,
but the cousins still played.
We ate, played games, visited, road bikes;
we just plain had fun together.
It was nice to see everyone at such a happy gathering.

Chelsea, Dani, Ryan and cousin Ryan
Parents, kids, cousins all went to Dry Town Waterpark in Palmdale

Little Jayson cooling off.
The kids watched their parents
come off the big slides.
It was a fun day!
Except, Hughie broke two ribs - oldness taking over.

Reynders' asked us to join them
at the last minute on Thorley Mtn. 

It was GREAT FUN!

Cousin Emma (recording).
Cousin Annie (feeding the actions with her i-phone)
Bailey (guessing)

Charades Team - Uncle Adam, Tommy,
Sammy, Jake (cousin), Adam S. (cousin)

Janna with her first companion, Sister W.

They're serving in the Orlando Zone in Inverness, Florida

Inverness is the same area Janna's brother, Billy, served in approximately 14 years ago as part of the Florida Jacksonville Mission. Yes, she's made connections from some of his old friends there and she knows that their are people there waiting to hear her testimony.

Back in California

Rick and the kids

Wendy and baby Charlotte

Making home in Joshua Tree

Happily Rick, Wendy, and the kids are only 2 1/2 hours away.  A big change from their previous digs of Okinawa and Pensacola, FL.  We're hoping to get together with them soon.  We're excited about them being in the same state.

Haley and Tom

Officially moved the same day Rick and Wendy moved - not exactly.  It was the day Haley actually moved. Tom and Haley were back and forth from Lancaster to Clovis for a good month as they tried to keep it all together with work and the move.  They made it.  We'll miss them, but they won't be too far.