Quote of the week. . .

To the father of my children...

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.

~Clarence Budington Kelland~

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Today is National Flag Day, June 14th...who knew???

It has been in the works since 1889, initiated by, not surprisingly, a Kindergarten teacher who wanted his students to appreciate and understand what the U.S. flag symbolized. In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson established June 14th as National Flag Day.

So, I think it is worth taking a minute or two to think about what the U.S. flag means to you, personally. I know that I love the tradition of standing and putting my hand over my heart to honor what that flag stands for.

To me, it stands for a nation that was established by a Divine hand and organized by inspired men who, despite what you may have read about them, had the courage and values that Heavenly Father needed to prepare a place for His purposes.

We are blessed to live here, and we are here for a reason.

And I am grateful for my ancestors who heeded the promptings to move their families across the ocean to make this their home. I am grateful for the valiant men who have given their lives to keep this land free from tyranny and destruction, and for those who guard over us to protect those freedoms and our rights. Thanks, Dad and Nathan, for sacrificing your time and putting your lives on the line for us.

The following words were spoken by the late Red Skelton on his television program (you are all too young to remember it!) as he related the story of his teacher, Mr. Laswell, who felt his students had come to think of the Pledge of Allegiance as merely something to recite in class each day.

"I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you.

If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?"

I...me, an individual, a committee of one.

Pledge...dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self pity.

Allegiance...my love and my devotion.

To the flag...our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there's respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!

Of the United...that means that we have all come together.

States of America...individual communities that have united into 48 great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose; all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that's love for country.

And to the republic for which it stands...a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

One nation, under God...meaning "so blessed by God"

Indivisible...incapable of being divided.

With Liberty...which is freedom -- the right of power to live one's own life without threats, fear or some sort of retaliation.

And Justice...the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.

For All...which means it's as much your country as it is mine.

If you would like to hear him tell this in his own words, just go to http://www.poofcat.com/july.html

Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial Day Thoughts

Today on the radio, I heard someone say "Happy Memorial Day!"

I think they have it backwards. For me, this is not a day for celebration, picnics, or to use as a reason to go on vacation.

My thoughts are turned to those who have gone before. To those who have fought and have given their all for our freedom. To those who fought and lived to enjoy the freedoms that they fought for. To those who are now fighting to keep our country safe and to give freedom to those in other countries who are oppressed.

My thoughts are turned to those I have loved who have gone on. To my special Dad and my sweet mother-in-law. The void they have left cannot be filled. Their memories are part of me and who I am. I miss them.

But, today I remember the good people that they were and thank God that I will be able to be with them again. I love thinking about our times together, and honor their memories. That is better than a bouquet of flowers on their gravestone, or "weeds" as my Dad called them.

I think when I am gone, I would still like to have flowers placed on my gravestone. And maybe a quiet moment from my loved ones as they remember our good times together.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

35 Years and Counting


It's been a wonderful 35 year adventure with my best friend! Can't believe that we made it through all of the glorious ups and the strengthening downs, but we did. We still have our ups days and our down days, but underlying all of those is an incredibly strong love for each other. We have a great legacy of long marriages in our family, and we are so proud of the parents that we have who have set such a fine example for us. We are also proud of our three daughters who have made great choices in spouses and who have married for time and eternity, as we have. Marriage isn't easy, but, as the saying goes, it is worth it!

Here are a few of the highlights that I could remember. Does anyone have others that will fill in the blanks?

1976 Married in Logan Temple; bought our home in Smithfield; Happy, happy, happy!

1977 Anna Marie born

1978 Had 1st miscarriage

1979

1980 Scott Hartley born

1981

1982 Had 2nd miscarriage

1983 Jeanette Sue born; Scott diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut

1984

1985 Scott to American Fork for 1 ½ years

1986 Michele Lee born

1987

1988

1989

1990 Moved to Lewiston

1991 Scott’s brain surgery; Connie started working at USU

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996 Carl started work at Dutro

1997 Anna and Nate married

1998 Kelsey Marie born

1999

2000 Carl went on Alaska fishing trip to Doc Warner’s

2001 Morgan Nichole born

2002 Edith Pehrson passed away

2003 Jeanette & Devin married

2004

2005

2006 Aleah Elizabeth born

2007 Michele & Wayne married

2008 Olivia Mae born; Dylan Lenau & Lindsey Daelyn born; Carl off work for 3 months--started working at Metal Vision; Connie started working at CPD

2009 Lenau Hartley passed away

2010 Madison Lee born

2011 35th Anniversary! Wyatt Scott born. Baby girl Sisson to be born