tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33577853024609727762024-03-04T20:48:11.070-08:00Our Family History A place to share family history: stories, pictures, letters, journal entries and more.Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-72548258658911238632015-09-28T16:44:00.000-07:002015-09-28T16:44:39.730-07:00Christina Lee Peterson Rich, Life History, February 24, 2015<div contenteditable="true" id="contentsContainer" style="-webkit-box-flex: 1; padding-left: 90pt; padding-right: 90pt;">
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<span id="E114" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E114" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Christina Lee Peterson Rich</span></div>
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<span id="E116" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E116" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Life History</span></div>
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<span id="E118" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E118" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">February 24, 15</span></div>
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<span id="E120" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E120" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was born January 6, 1974 to Robert Hanmer Peterson and Marilyn Lee Peterson in the Cottonwood Hospital, in Salt Lake City</span><span id="E121" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E121" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><span id="E122" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E122" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Utah. Verl Talbot was the OB. My mom told me that I had so </span><span id="E123" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E123" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">much hair</span><span id="E124" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E124" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">;</span><span id="E125" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E125" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I had my first hair cut at birth. I am assuming that meant she had an episiotomy. I was 10 pounds. </span><span id="E126" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E126" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mom told me I was born on </span><span id="E127" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E127" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a snowy “</span><span id="E128" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E128" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fast Sunday</span><span id="E129" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E129" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">”</span><span id="E130" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E130" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, but it didn’t go by very fast for her. </span><span id="E131" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E131" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In my first photograph, I look like a Cherokee Indian baby with my red face and my chunky hands in a peace sign. </span><span id="E132" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E132" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was the preceded by 4 brothers: Robert Lee, Eric Lee, Michael Lee, and Gary Lee Peterson. </span><span id="E133" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E133" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How cool that we were all Lees</span><span id="E134" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E134" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (my moms maiden name)</span><span id="E135" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E135" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">! </span><span id="E136" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E136" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Supposedly they were all pretty excited to have a girl in the family. I came home to 3121 South 1810 East </span><span id="E137" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E137" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(</span><span id="E138" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E138" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Salt Lake City Utah 84106</span><span id="E139" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E139" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">)</span><span id="E140" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E140" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. My phone was 801</span><span id="E141" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E141" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-</span><span id="E142" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E142" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">484</span><span id="E143" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E143" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-</span><span id="E146" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E146" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">8923. </span></div>
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<span id="E148" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E148" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E149" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E149" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mom always told me that my first flower was a daffodil. </span><span id="E150" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E150" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rob bribed me to walk with Life Savers candy. Apparently it worked because I </span><span id="E151" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E151" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">am a walker</span><span id="E152" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E152" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></div>
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<span id="E154" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E154" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I remember sitting on the front row of primary, in the Kenwood 1</span><span id="E155" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E155" style="display: inline; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">st</span><span id="E156" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E156" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> ward of the Wilford Stake, putting my dress over my head. My teacher let me know my dress looked much prettier with it down. If I remember correctly I loved primary. Sister Carolyn Curtis Reynolds taught us the song </span><span id="E157" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E157" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“</span><span id="E158" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E158" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let us all press on</span><span id="E159" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E159" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">”</span><span id="E160" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E160" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> with a poster with great pictures on it. Each time I sing the song I think of the head of Lettuce she used as a picture (Lettuce all press on). I loved having Shannette Dudley as my teacher; I would ride my little bike and visit her at her home. I remember going to church twice in a day </span><span id="E161" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E161" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">on Sunday </span><span id="E162" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E162" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and going to primary on Wednesday </span><span id="E163" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E163" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(the block schedule) </span><span id="E164" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E164" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">for a short period</span><span id="E165" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E165" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> of my life</span><span id="E166" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E166" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I remember going to President Kimball’s viewing. </span><span id="E167" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E167" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I also remember b</span><span id="E168" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E168" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">e</span><span id="E169" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E169" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ing with Dad when he found Aunt Sue dead in her home. </span><span id="E170" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E170" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They lived right behind us and we would often go visit. I remember asking if I could use her bathroom when ours was out of commission. </span><span id="E171" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E171" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Church was always something we just did as a family. I never remember my parents telling me we had to go, we just went. We always sat on the second bench. Tithing was also something they taught me that we just did. I am so thankful for parents who taught me by word and example. </span></div>
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<span id="E173" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E173" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E174" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E174" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Only my dad called me Christina</span><span id="E175" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E175" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, everyone else called me Chris. </span><span id="E176" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E176" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E177" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E177" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was named after my Great Grandmother Christina Miller. Dad’s Aunt Elsie Christina always thought I was named after her so she would give me special gifts. I didn’t have the heart to tell her that I wasn’t named after her. </span><span id="E178" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E178" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our home teacher called me Crissy Wissy Wiss. I did not like the name Chris so I insisted that people call me Mary. It may have had something to do with my Grandma Mary Lee. Unless you called me Mary, I would ignore you. Mom took me to the ZCMI annual sock sale. Somehow I walked off with the wrong mom and realized that I was lost. I told a store employee that I couldn’t find my mom. He </span><span id="E179" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E179" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">made an announcement</span><span id="E180" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E180" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> over the intercom that Mary Peterson was waiting for her mother. </span><span id="E181" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E181" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In my childish perspective, i</span><span id="E182" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E182" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">t </span><span id="E183" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E183" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">seemed like it </span><span id="E184" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E184" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">took mom a second but she realized she was missing her Mary. </span><span id="E185" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E185" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am sure she was frantic. </span><span id="E186" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E186" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When Matt and I were married, Renee Bench gave us a wedding gift to Matt and Mary.</span></div>
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<span id="E188" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E188" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I was truly born of goodly parents. Both of them did an excellent job of showing and telling me they loved me. I knew they were proud of me. They were never very strict with me but they didn’t have to be, I totally respected them and loved them. </span></div>
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<span id="E191" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E191" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I loved being with my Mom. She was amazing. I loved reading with her. She often read me the Elephants Child and quoted from it often. I loved reading Madeline with her and loved the line, “And to the tiger in the zoo, Madeline just said Pooh Pooh.” Rocky loves that part as well, well at least just Pooh Pooh</span><span id="E192" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E192" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> part</span><span id="E193" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E193" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></div>
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<span id="E195" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E195" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I loved the dresses my mom would make me. </span><span id="E196" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E196" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I remember a pale pink fabric with rosebuds that she made one of my dresses out of. I still have a little of that fabric and have incorporated it into some of my projects. She also made me a dress with lady bug buttons on it. Lady bugs still remind me of my momma. </span><span id="E197" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E197" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mother Karen jackets were very popular and expensive. She made me a Mother Marilyn one instead. I still have it in my hope chest. She se</span><span id="E198" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E198" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">wed a tag in the back that said, “</span><span id="E199" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E199" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">made with love by Mother</span><span id="E200" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E200" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">”</span><span id="E201" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E201" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Any time she sewed she would give me my own project to work on along side her. </span><span id="E202" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E202" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I loved to stand her cutting board up on its end and do fashion shows. She would let me dress her up as well. </span></div>
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<span id="E204" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E204" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My mom was such a great sport. </span><span id="E205" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E205" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I remember giving her a make over with make up and making her look like Rainbow Bright in the end. I loved to cook with her. I have fond memories of </span><span id="E206" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E206" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">making Celestial Jam with her (</span><span id="E207" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E207" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">apricot pineapple jam). She always made me feel like I was helpful and I don’t remember her acting irritated that I was in her way at all. </span><span id="E208" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E208" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a mom now, I am sure there were times that I drove her bonkers. </span><span id="E209" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E209" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we would bake she always had me share some of what we had made with a friend or neighbor. I was reading in my Grandmother Lees journal that her mom had done the same thing. Now, as a mom myself, I have my kids do the same thing. I love that this is a tradition that has been in our family for at least 4 </span><span id="E210" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E210" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">generations</span><span id="E211" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E211" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span id="E212" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E212" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I loved to compare our hands: hers were veiny and spotted, mine were smooth and flawless (Cooper loves to do that as well, but now mine are the aged hands).</span></div>
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<span id="E214" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E214" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mom loved a good snowball or water fight. She set up many booby traps, had her own Super Soaker 2000 water gun, and loved to hose us down if we went past her while she was holding the hose. I always knew that her church callings were important to her and she loved her Heavenly Father ver</span><span id="E215" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E215" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">y much. I remember many times barging into her room only to find her on her knees in prayer. If I talked to her during the Sacrament, she never got mad at me, she just kept her eyes shut and modeled how to act during the sacrament. </span><span id="E216" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E216" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Her quiet example taught me volumes. </span><span id="E217" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E217" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Visiting teaching was important to her. </span><span id="E218" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E218" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She was a diligent visiting teacher and was very blessed by those that came to our home. </span><span id="E219" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E219" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One time she was visiting Margaret Steuer and had talked much longer than I wanted to stay there. I begged and pleaded for us to leave and she continued to talk. I got sick of it and went behind the couch and stripped down to my birthday suit. I walked out naked as a jay bird and announced that I was ready to leave. It worked. </span><span id="E220" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E220" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I dare you to try it. </span></div>
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<span id="E222" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E222" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Dad and his brother, Uncle Lowell, built our house. The back porch was built around a tree. I would </span><span id="E223" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E223" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">lie</span><span id="E224" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-6" qowt-eid="E224" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on the porch and stare up into the tree. One time, a pair of giant eyes stared back at me. I ran in to tell Mom someone was staring at me. She </span></div>
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<qowt-section named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E112" style="-webkit-column-count: 1; display: block;"><div is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-5" qowt-eid="E221" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-6" qowt-eid="E224" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">didn’t believe me at first and it took her a moment to get off the phone. When she came out we realized it was an owl staring at us. Another time I was sitting on our sunny front porch.</span><span id="E225" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E225" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I was holding a potato bug in </span><span id="E226" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E226" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">my hand</span><span id="E227" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E227" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. The bug started rising up and tons of baby potato bugs crawled out all over my hand. I remember running into the house covered in bugs calling for my mom. I am sure she loved that. </span></div>
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<span id="E229" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E229" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I have great memories of my dad. I remember jumping through the newspaper he was reading to surprise him. Another time he was reading the paper I put tons of barrettes into his thick curly hair. Dad would let me ride on his shoulders. We would take Max on walks over to Highland Park elementary School. Max could climb up on the playground </span><span id="E230" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E230" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">equipment;</span><span id="E231" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E231" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E232" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E232" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was convinced he was the wonder dog</span><span id="E233" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E233" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I remember dad carving his cool initial insignia into a tire at the school. I was certain we would be carted off to jail. I loved laying on the grass with my dad and discussing the shapes in the clouds. At night we would stare up at the heavens and he would share his vast knowledge of the universe. I loved when we would rake leaves together because he would pile the leaves into the wheelbarrow and let me ride on top. </span><span id="E234" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E234" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I loved hearing my dad laugh really hard when he would watch </span><span id="E235" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E235" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TV</span><span id="E236" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E236" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. His entire body would shake with his laugh. I knew my dad could solve any problem. He would come up with a unique solution that often involved green string, a coin or duct tape. He would treat me to lunch but always steal my fries.</span><span id="E237" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E237" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E238" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E238" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dads catch phrase was, “It’s a possibility.”</span></div>
<div id="E239" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E239" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span id="E240" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E240" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E241" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E241" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t have too many memories of Rob and Eric as a young child. They were so much older than me. </span><span id="E242" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E242" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rob was 14 years older and Eric 13. </span><span id="E243" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E243" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By the time I was old enough to retain many memories they were on missions and getting married. They were both always kind to me. </span><span id="E244" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E244" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I remember Eric giving me some advice on a sewing project I was working on. I told him I didn’t want it perfect, I wanted it Chrissy. I do remember Rob having some terrible </span><span id="E245" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E245" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">migraines</span><span id="E246" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E246" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span id="E247" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E247" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I always loved his waterbed. </span><span id="E248" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E248" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I also remember Eric being depressed and Calico </span><span id="E249" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E249" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">faithfully staying by his side. </span><span id="E250" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E250" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Eric would listen to the scriptures on the record player and fall asleep to it. The record would often get stuck and repeat itself. It would always get stuck on “The living God, the living God, the living God…”</span></div>
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<span id="E252" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E252" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Mike loved tennis. As a kid I often went along to his matches, once in a while I would get bored. One of the matches was at Liberty Park. Mom took me to the playground for a break. There was a massive slide that I decided to brave. I climbed all the way to the top of the ladder and chickened out. As I made my descent, I fell. Luckily a man saw me falling and ran over and caught me before I landed! Another time I wanted to have my very own tennis balls. I asked the employee how much the used balls were. He suggested a penny apiece. Using my great brain, I told him I would take one dollars worth. He quickly raised the price to a quarter apiece. I always admired Mike. He was kind to me and he was always doing something fun and creative. I loved when he would ask or answer girls to dances. He had a gift for coming up with amazing costumes. Mom was frustrated and asked for Mikes support. I few minutes later he brought her his athletic support. Another time one of the boys brought home the class gerbils. One of the gerbils ate the other. Mike placed the carcass on a Ritz cracker and said, “</span><span id="E253" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E253" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everything</span><span id="E254" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E254" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> tastes better on a Ritz”. Another time he left a note in our gas notebook in the </span><span id="E255" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E255" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Camaro</span><span id="E256" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-8" qowt-eid="E256" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (the gas gauge was </span></div>
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<qowt-section named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E112" style="-webkit-column-count: 1; display: block;"><div is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-7" qowt-eid="E251" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-8" qowt-eid="E256" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">broken so we had to record the </span><span id="E257" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E257" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">mileage</span><span id="E258" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E258" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">) “I hope you enjoy your ride in the car, but if you don’t get gas you won’t go far”.</span></div>
<div id="E259" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E259" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span id="E260" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E260" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Gary and I had a love hate relationship. We were only 4 ½ years apart and naturally you pick on the younger sibling. I also spent more time with him than any of my other brothers. He told me I was adopted, funny I didn’t realize how we looked like twins or I could have argued that we came from the same parents. He once had me go in the bathroom and stick my 2 fingers out of the space between the door and the wall between the two hinges. He was on the other side and placed an egg between my fingers. Because of the set up, the only way I could get out was to drop the egg. He let me know how mad mom would be if I were to do that. Funny, because mom never really got mad that I can remember. He handcuffed me to the table once. I am pretty sure he told me to climb in the dryer as well. I was always the one to light the tennis ball rockets, sometimes my Barbie’s were astronauts in those rockets. </span><span id="E261" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E261" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I also had a doll amputated by the lawn mower (pretty sure I left it on the grass). After playing my Annie record, yes record, a million times it mysteriously disappeared. Pretty sure it was used as a Frisbee. </span><span id="E262" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E262" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In his defense I am sure that as a little sister I would drive him nuts and I am sure I could dish it out as well. I am guessing those 3 other kind brothers that I referred to earlier taught him all these skills. </span><span id="E263" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E263" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When my parents told me one day we would be friends I never believed them, NEVER . Little did I know, they were right. </span></div>
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<span id="E265" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E265" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Christmas was always such a special time of year. Mom and I would read stories under the Christmas tree. I loved going through the Sears catalog and circling all the things that I wanted. It was never over the top, but Mom/Santa always made Christmas magical. I still have my Raggedy Ann doll that she made for me. We always had an orange in our stocking and a new toothbrush. Mike gave me a Pink Panther stuffed animal that I still have. </span><span id="E266" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E266" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thanksgiving was a day of parade watching, food preparation and skiing. </span><span id="E267" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E267" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My brothers redecorated an old bike for me. They repainted and added all sorts of spiffy things to the bike like a beautiful banana seat, stickers and tassels. I was so proud of that bike and my amazing big brothers. </span></div>
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<span id="E269" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E269" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I tried to be a pretty good kid, but I do remember some of my antics. I remember being in my crib after church and wanting to take my dress off. Mom told me to wait for just a minute and she would be there to help me. I couldn’t wait, so I turned into the incredible hulk and tore my dress off. Another time mom had taken me to the Distribution Center and bought me a religious picture for my room. I wanted it hung as soon as we got home; she wanted to rest for a minute. I took matters into my own hands and used Elmer’s glue to stick the picture to my wall. I think I also glued some pictures I had drawn to the back of her door. I remember being jealous of Gary’s black and white TV and kicking it. I also remember being in time out and writing of the doorframe “you are a dumb pooh pooh” directed at Gary. If you look closely, I think it is still there. One spring I went over to the church and picked every single tulip from the garden and gave them to my mom. I also remember giving Gary the bird and not realizing my mom could see from the reflection of the microwave. </span></div>
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<span id="E271" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-10" qowt-eid="E271" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> My parents tried to teach me the importance of being honest. I remember stealing a caramel from Grand Central. I ate it in the car as we drove home. Dad </span></div>
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<span is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-10" qowt-eid="E271" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">turned the car around and took me back to the store to confess. Another time I stole a soda pop off of Arna Ropers back porch when she was out of town. Mom made me go to Hutchies (the corner store) to fess up. I kept telling her that wasn’t where I stole it from. As a grown woman I repaid Arna her soda pop. I think I also stole something from her daughter Cheri. Wow, I am sounding like a hardened criminal. I am happy to report that now I am an honest woman. </span></div>
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<span id="E273" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E273" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> We had a great yard with lots of room to play. I loved all the fruit trees we had: apple 3 cherry, plum, 2 apricot, peach, and the rental property next door had a pear tree. There was a giant tree in the back yard that dad fixed a swing to. The only problem with the swing was the blue and yellow rope, it was surprisingly prickly. We made a little tree house in our apple tree. We hung a hammock between the two cherry trees that mom</span><span id="E274" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E274" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> had called Sam and Ann. We had 3 huge maple trees out on the tree belt. I also remember having fun in the small irrigation ditch we had. Our front lawn was sloped and was the perfect place to throw down a piece of visqueen to make a slip and slide. Our drive way was very unique; it was a giant sand pile. I spent a lot of time making sand castles there when the cars (Pontiac Station Wagon, VW Bug (with a wooden bumper), the Jeep,</span><span id="E275" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E275" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the Charcoal Grey Camaro or the white Corsica</span><span id="E276" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E276" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">). We also had a fire hydrant on our property. I loved when the Fire Department would check the water pressure and make a huge puddle to play in. We had very unusual garbage can storage. My dad had dug out a deep hole in the ground to store our trash cans, he covered it with a large piece of wood. </span><span id="E277" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E277" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I used the lid to tap dance on, it was my stage. </span><span id="E278" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E278" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hated taking the trash out because once in a while you would see a rat. </span></div>
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<span id="E280" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E280" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Uncle Lowell designed our house and my dad built it. There were many unusual features. It was a split level with 2 separate entries. The front door of the house was really on the side. </span><span id="E281" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E281" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I always had my own bedroom. Dad made my bed. I had a desk that was supported by large metal drums that my mom used for food storage. I remember dismantling my desk so I could get sugar for my mom. </span><span id="E282" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E282" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My </span><span id="E283" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E283" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">parent’s</span><span id="E284" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E284" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> room, </span><span id="E285" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E285" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gary’s</span><span id="E286" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E286" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and mine were upstairs. The older boys all slept down stairs. Dad made Mike a sweet bed in his closet. </span><span id="E287" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E287" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The pantry had a trap door at the back that would</span><span id="E288" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E288" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> open, then you could climb down a ladder that went into the furnace room. I loved the exposed beams upstairs and the giant windows throughout the house. We had a swamp cooler that we would run in the summer that came out of the pantry. We also had an air cleaner that would zap particles out of the air. It was really fun to shake water into it because it would </span><span id="E289" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E289" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">crackle like crazy. The living room had shag carpet that was orange, avocado green, and mustard yellow. The couch matched the carpet. We had</span><span id="E290" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E290" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> one phone in the house and it </span><span id="E291" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E291" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">was attached to the wall in the kitchen. The phone was a rotary dial and it was a lovely avocado green. I remember the excitement of getting our first microwave and VCR. We had a record player that had a set of giant headphones. </span><span id="E292" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E292" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dad installed a car stereo in the wall of the kitchen. He also had a whole in our stainless steel sink so he soldered a quarter to cover it up. </span></div>
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<span id="E294" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-12" qowt-eid="E294" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Rob made a purchase that changed my life. I was over at Cheri Ropers, probably stealing things from her, and I was called to come home. I remember not wanting to come home but being told there was a surprise waiting for me. I walked </span></div>
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<span is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-12" qowt-eid="E294" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">in the door and it was love at first sight. Rob had bought a Golden Labrador </span><span id="E295" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E295" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Retriever</span><span id="E296" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E296" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> puppy. Max </span><span id="E297" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E297" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A</span><span id="E298" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E298" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E299" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E299" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">M</span><span id="E300" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E300" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">illion </span><span id="E301" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E301" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">V</span><span id="E302" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E302" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">on </span><span id="E303" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E303" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">D</span><span id="E304" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E304" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">uck </span><span id="E305" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E305" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">S</span><span id="E306" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E306" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">eeker had giant paws, cinnamon colored ears, and beautiful brown eyes. We became best friends. I loved taking him on walks around the church. Rick James would whistle at me as </span><span id="E307" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E307" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">we </span><span id="E308" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E308" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">walked by. Max</span><span id="E309" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E309" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><span id="E310" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E310" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or Muppy as I called him</span><span id="E311" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E311" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><span id="E312" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E312" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> would balance </span><span id="E313" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E313" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">on playground equipment, cement parking strips, a low branch of a tree that was parallel with the ground, and even sat on a toilet dad had removed from the house. Max loved to eat food that wasn’t put away. Mom made cinnamon rolls once and Max ate them. Another time we left our gingerbread house on top of the </span><span id="E314" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E314" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TV</span><span id="E315" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E315" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and max knocked it off and ate it. That dog had legendary farts that I can still remember. He would escape from our yard any chance he could. </span><span id="E316" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E316" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We often referred to him as Houdini. </span><span id="E317" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E317" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He jumped out of </span><span id="E318" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E318" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the upstairs window of my </span><span id="E319" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E319" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">parent’s</span><span id="E320" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E320" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> room, t</span><span id="E321" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E321" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">he neighbor saw a </span><span id="E322" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E322" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">60-pound</span><span id="E323" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E323" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> dog take flight. He had a dog run with a cable that would run the length of the yard with a chain attached to it. </span><span id="E324" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E324" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We would hook him up to this so he wouldn’t escape. </span><span id="E325" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E325" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">His </span><span id="E326" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E326" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">doghouse</span><span id="E327" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E327" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> was on one end of it. We came home once to see that he had jumped on his house, jumped over the </span><span id="E328" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E328" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">6-foot</span><span id="E329" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E329" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> fence, hung from his collar and slipped out. Another time we had him up at Skaggs Alphabeta in the back of the </span><span id="E330" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E330" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">mustard Jeep </span><span id="E331" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E331" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Comanche truck. We left the sliding window open a crack as we went into the store for a few minutes. While we were shopping he muzzled the window open and jumped out. 3300 South was extremely busy as was the parking lot we were in. Luckily we found him before </span><span id="E332" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E332" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a car hit him</span><span id="E333" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E333" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. If ever there were a dog in heat he would find her. I am sure he was the father of many pups. </span></div>
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<span id="E335" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E335" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can’t tell you how many times we picked that crazy dog up from the pound. It was always worth it. </span><span id="E336" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E336" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My parents were saints for all the times they would drive me around to find that dog. </span><span id="E337" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E337" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Max would sleep in my bed taking up the very center 70%. I would curl up in a ball where I could. One time I dreamed about a very wonderful smell only to realize that the smell was his poop! </span><span id="E338" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E338" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He had pooped on my floor! </span><span id="E339" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E339" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Max was so mellow. He would put up with me using him as a pillow, dressing him up, and all the other things a small girl would do with</span><span id="E340" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E340" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and to </span><span id="E341" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E341" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> a dog. Once I was playing hide and seek with my friends with an Oreo. Max was happy to hide it for me, needless to say, </span><span id="E342" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E342" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">my friends</span><span id="E343" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E343" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> never found </span><span id="E344" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E344" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the Oreo</span><span id="E345" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E345" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. The only time I remember Rob getting upset with me was when I feed Max a container of Oreos. He also loved eating blueberry muffin wrapper papers. Gary loved to make the muffins, I loved to eat them</span><span id="E346" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E346" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (especially the batter)</span><span id="E347" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E347" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and max took care of the wrappers. </span><span id="E348" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E348" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That dog brought me so much joy and love. He was a huge part of my life.</span></div>
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<span id="E350" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E350" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> We also had a cat named Calico or Calo. She was pure </span><span id="E351" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E351" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">white, which</span><span id="E352" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E352" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> really confused me when I learned what calico meant. Calico and I didn’t get a long very well. </span><span id="E353" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E353" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Understandably, s</span><span id="E354" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E354" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">he did not like having her tail pulled and often let me know by scratching me. Even Max was scared of her. Mom had a white furry hat that I had seen on the floor. I stepped in a puddle in the bathroom, so I went to wipe my foot off on moms hat. </span><span id="E355" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E355" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To my surprise and hers, it was not the hat. </span><span id="E356" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E356" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Calico</span><span id="E357" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E357" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> did not like being stepped on and got me good for it. </span><span id="E358" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E358" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I still have scars on my hands from that day ( I was a terrible picker, it is a wonder any of my wounds ever healed). </span><span id="E359" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E359" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In </span><span id="E360" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E360" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">hindsight</span><span id="E361" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E361" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I shouldn’t have cleaned my foot on a hat or a cat</span><span id="E362" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E362" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, or picked my scabs</span><span id="E363" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E363" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span id="E364" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E364" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Calico hated baths. The only way t</span><span id="E365" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E365" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">o</span><span id="E366" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-14" qowt-eid="E366" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> give her a bath was in the downstairs shower </span></div>
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<qowt-section named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E112" style="-webkit-column-count: 1; display: block;"><div is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-13" qowt-eid="E349" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-14" qowt-eid="E366" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">compartment with sliding glass doors</span><span id="E367" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E367" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in full denim attire</span><span id="E368" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E368" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I didn’t really miss that cat until I found out that she had been put to sleep.</span></div>
<div id="E369" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E369" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E370" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E370" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dad felt like he was a pretty good swim teacher until I came along. I</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E371" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E371" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> don’t </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E372" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E372" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">know why, but I was deathly afraid of the water. Any time I was in swimming lessons I would wrap my arms and legs around the metal hand railing and there was no getting me off. I was much more of a skier. We were so blessed to live within 30 minutes </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E373" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E373" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">from 7 different ski resorts. Most of our Saturdays were spent skiing as a family. I have so many great skiing memories. All of my brothers were expert skiers. Snowbird was our resort of choice, we often had season passes. My first experience skiing was memorable. Dad had helped me on and off of the chair lift all morning. He went to grab our lunch and told me to stay put. It seemed like he was gone forever so I decided to go find him. The lifty helped me on the lift but the girl I rode up with did know I was expecting her to help me. I didn’t get off and rode down the lift. I was mortified: I got a lot of funny looks and comments like, “hey you ski down the hill!” I got off at the bottom and hiked back up Chickadee and found my dad. Dad would talk to everyone we rode the lift with. I not only learned to ski from his example, but also the importance of being friendly. He would sing “High On A Mountain Top” at the top of his lungs as we rode up the lift together. I have always admired his desire and ability to share his testimony, even at 13,000 feet. </span></div>
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<span id="E375" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E375" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We didn’t have a lot of contact with our extended cousins. On dad side, it was Uncle Lowell and Aunt Lavern. Their kids were all much older than me. Lowell would come over because of the rental property that he shared with dad (3111 South 1810 East). On the Lee side Uncle Ben and Aunt Carol had kids that lined up with our ages. I was so happy to have Kat</span><span id="E376" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E376" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">h</span><span id="E377" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E377" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">erine, she was my age. Uncle Ralph and Aunt Hattie had lots of kids but they were much older than me. Uncle Ralph would tickle me </span><span id="E378" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E378" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">every time</span><span id="E379" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E379" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I saw him. I hated it. To make him stop I would have to say “Please don’t tickle me Uncle Ralph dear</span><span id="E380" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E380" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">” sometimes he would add to the phrase I had to say. Lets just say I am very opposed to tickling because of that experience. Aunt Maxine lived in Las Vegas so I rarely saw her. Uncle Jack and Aunt Maurine were always supportive with missions, graduations, showers. Their kids were also much older. Aunt Maureen gave me one of my favorite gifts ever. It was a box with my very own school supplies, lots of them. </span></div>
<div id="E381" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E381" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span id="E382" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E382" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E383" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E383" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mom formed a preschool Co-op with 3 other moms. Natalie Seabury, Kathy Ipsen, and Nicole Jefferies were in my group. I loved when my mom was in charge. She took us on the UTA bus down town on a field trip. She also baked with us. Mom would often take me on one on one dates either down town on the bus or to the Cottonwood Mall. We would always end up at The Tiffen Room, a restaurant in ZCMI. I would always order a grilled cheese sandwich and fries. I loved this time with my mom. She always made me feel important and loved. </span></div>
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<span id="E385" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E385" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was a very happy and healthy kid. </span><span id="E386" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E386" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In March of 1979, </span><span id="E387" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E387" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mom took me in for my Kindergarten physical with Dr. Ray Thomas. I was looking forward to going to the Hogle Zoo with my primary class </span><span id="E388" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E388" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and</span><span id="E389" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E389" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Sister Speakman</span><span id="E390" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E390" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> as soon as the appointment was over</span><span id="E391" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E391" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span id="E392" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E392" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During the exam, a tumor the size of a large grapefruit was found</span><span id="E393" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E393" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in my abdomen</span><span id="E394" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-16" qowt-eid="E394" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Dr. Thomas said if I would have moved or laughed he may not have found it. As a parent I can’t begin to imagine what a shock this would have been to my parents. It makes me sick just to think of the pain and anguish they must have felt. Needless to say, I missed out on the zoo experience. We met dad and </span></div>
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<span is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-16" qowt-eid="E394" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">moms brother, Uncle Jack, at home and they gave me a Priesthood Blessing. In order to clean out my system for tests, I had to drink Caster Oil. My sweet dad sang silly songs and would offer me orange juice to wash it down. Imagine my dad being devastated and having the ability to make a terrible experience sweeter with his wonderful song. That is my dad for you. Tests were done and it was determined that the tumor needed to be removed as soon as possible. </span><span id="E395" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E395" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They were certain from looking at the tumor that it was malignant. </span><span id="E396" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E396" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My poor parents were told that if I lived through the surgery I would most likely be paralyzed because of the proximity of the tumor to my spinal chord. They were also told that I would most likely not live past age 8. The tumor was a Neuroblastoma and that was a death sentence. Mom recorded in her journal that dads skin was green because he was so upset. Rob was in the MTC preparing to serve his mission in </span><span id="E397" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E397" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nagoya </span><span id="E398" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E398" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Japan. In his journal he shared how he plead with his Heavenly Father that if his little sister was spared he would serve the Lord with all he could. He had the MTC fast and pray for me. </span></div>
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<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E400" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E400" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">3/4/79</span></div>
<div id="E401" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E401" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; margin-left: 36pt; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E402" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E402" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">Last night I got the worst news I have ever had in my life. When the man at the front desk said to call the Primary Children’s Hospital my heart sunk into panic. When I got Dad on the phone he comforted me that everything was alright. But when he told me the news it was all I could do to keep from bawling. Chris had gone in for a physical for kindergarten, and the doctor found a large lump in her stomach, a tumor the size of a fist. Chris had known what was going on, and to protect me she said she was in the hospital just because she had a cold. She is such a brave little kid. I love her with all my heart. Her operation to remove the tumor is tomorrow. I talked with her for 15 minutes last night, and I talked to everyone else in the family except Eric. My ward and my district and my branch all fasted for her today, and I know that the faith of all these people will not go unanswered. I am scared about tomorrow, and I hope with all my heart that the news I get is good news. </span></div>
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<span id="E405" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E405" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bishop Steuer had the Kenwood 1</span><span id="E406" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E406" style="display: inline; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">st</span><span id="E407" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E407" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> ward fast and pray for me. Sister Hoopiana told me that was the first time she had ever fasted and what a special experience it was for her. I remember being terrified to go to the Old Primary Children’s Hospital. I pictured it being in a cold and dark cave with monsters </span><span id="E408" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E408" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">for nurses. I hid in the back of our brown Pontiac Station Wagon so I wouldn’t have to go. Dr. Matlack was the surgeon who preformed the surgery. I had really long hair that they were ready to cut off. A kind male nurse with several daughters informed the hospital that he would take care of my hair so they wouldn’t have to cut it. Brittany Steuer, my best friend at the time, had given me a yellow Pinocchio nightgown for the hospital. </span></div>
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<span id="E410" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E410" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Big Bird was there with me as they put me under with </span><span id="E411" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E411" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">pineapple-scented</span><span id="E412" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E412" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> gas. </span><span id="E413" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E413" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I remember coming out of surgery and being very foggy. I thought there was someone sharing the other end of the operating table with me. I remember wetting the bed because they didn’t bring me a </span><span id="E414" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E414" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">bedpan</span><span id="E415" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E415" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> fast enough. I loved watching the helicopters land outside my window and all the gifts people brought me. Someone brought me a pink foam horse that was covered with rings. This may have been when my love of jewelry started. Mom and Dad were paged to come meet with the doctor. Their hearts sank wondering how things could possible get worse. </span><span id="E416" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-18" qowt-eid="E416" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Dr. </span></div>
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<span is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-18" qowt-eid="E416" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matlack told them that the tumor that they removed was no longer cancerous, it was benign!!! He told my parents this was a miracle a 1 in 10, 000 situation. I remember trying hard not to pick at my incision; luckily it was covered in tape. </span></div>
<div id="E417" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E417" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span id="E418" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E418" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I went back for a few follow up appointments and was told I was all clear. </span><span id="E419" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E419" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We gave Dr. Matlack a Book of Mormon that I carefully wrapped in tin foil. He told us some thing to the effect that he didn’t know what we believed in, but it was powerful and believed in us. </span><span id="E420" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E420" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So many people were touched by this miracle. At this point in my life I have to remind my self that I am a survivor! There is a reason I was spared and I better give this second chance on life all that I’ve got. I am so thankful to for the Priesthood Power that my dad was worthy to hold and the miracles that are possible with that power. I am thankful for the power of united prayer and fasting. God is good. </span><span id="E421" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E421" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today I look at my 3 beautiful healthy kids and feel so blessed that I am here to be their Momma. I can’t imagine what a roller coaster this must have been for my parents. Each time I take my kids to the doctor I am reminded what a blessing it is to have healthy children. </span></div>
<div id="E422" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E422" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
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<span id="E424" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E424" style="display: inline; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are some excerpts from Robs Journal:</span></div>
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<div id="E426" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E426" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; margin-left: 36pt; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E427" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E427" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">3/5/79</span></div>
<div id="E428" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E428" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; margin-left: 36pt; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E429" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E429" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Tonight my prayer and the prayers of many others were answered. I am so terribly indebted to the Lord. Dad called me about 8:30 and told me that the operation was a success and the doctors thought that everything would be alright. I know without a doubt that the Lord loves us and answers our prayers. </span></div>
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<div id="E431" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E431" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E432" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E432" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">Monday March 12, 1979</span></div>
<div id="E433" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E433" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; margin-left: 36pt; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E434" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E434" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">2268 South 3270 West</span></div>
<div id="E435" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E435" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; margin-left: 36pt; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E436" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E436" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">Salt Lake City, Utah 84119</span></div>
<div id="E437" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E437" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; margin-left: 36pt; padding: 0px;">
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<div id="E438" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E438" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; margin-left: 36pt; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E439" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E439" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Robert,</span></div>
<div id="E440" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E440" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; margin-left: 36pt; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E441" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E441" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Our Prayers have been answered. Christina’s tumor was benign, not malignant, not cancerous. She is doing fine and should be home this week. Dr. Michael Matlack who removed the orange sized tumor from Chris had never seen a tumor of the size and location which had been changed by the body’s natural defences and the help of the Lord from malignant to benign. He said that there was a ten thousand to one chance of this happening. Which day, what time and where do you want us to come and give you a father’s blessing? </span></div>
<div id="E442" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E442" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; margin-left: 36pt; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E443" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E443" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Love Dad. </span></div>
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<div id="E445" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E445" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; margin-left: 36pt; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E446" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E446" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">3/14</span></div>
<div id="E447" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E447" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; margin-left: 36pt; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E448" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E448" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Yesterday I got the best news I have ever had in my life. Chris’s orange sized tumor by some miracle from God had been “benign”. None of the physicians had ever seen or heard of a tumor that large that had not been cancerous “malignant”. I wish I had time to write more of these past two weeks because my testimony has increased beyond measure. </span></div>
<div id="E449" is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-19" qowt-eid="E449" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E450" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-20" qowt-eid="E450" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I also learned how this experience had a great influence on Eric and his testimony. </span></div>
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<qowt-section named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E112" style="-webkit-column-count: 1; display: block;"><div is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-19" qowt-eid="E449" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-20" qowt-eid="E450" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Funny how trials really shape us if we let them. </span></div>
<div id="E451" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E451" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E452" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E452" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E453" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E453" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div id="E454" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E454" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E455" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E455" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> As a child I either had terrible teeth or we had a terrible dentist. I am still not quite sure. I had lots of cavities. I remember being at Dr. Woodburry’s office all the time. It may have something to do with the fact that I would hide those nasty pink fluoride tablets or try to feed them to my dog. He didn’t like them either.</span></div>
<div id="E456" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E456" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E457" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E457" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> We had a great neighborhood. I made friends with everyone, young and old. I would play at the church a lot. I rode my bike in the parking lot, played tennis against the big brick will, learned how to do flips on the hand rails, and played with the neighborhood kids. Natalie Seabury, Chris James, Brandon Dorney and I would play POMP on the grass. Eric taught me how to fly a kite in the parking lot. </span></div>
<div id="E458" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E458" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E459" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E459" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I started Kindergarten at Libbie Edward Elementary School</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E460" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E460" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E461" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E461" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">(1979-1980)</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E462" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E462" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I would go for half of the day. Mrs. Picket was my teacher. I learned the magic of reading and can still remember the giant books from which she taught us. We played a game with flash cards and it was my turn. My word was YES, I was devastated because I could not remember what it said. At recess I was having so much fun playing inside one of the giant tires that me and the boy I was with did not hear the bell. I don’t know how late we were when we realized it but I sure felt bad for coming in late. Mom wanted me to have my beautiful long hair trimmed up to my shoulders. Our neighbor, Flo Neeley, cut hair in her basement. When I got there for my trim, she showed me a picture of her grand daughter with a pixie cut. To be polite, I told her it was a cute style. To my horror, and my dad’s, she cut my hair just like her grand daughters. Dad cried. When I went to line up the next day for afternoon kindergarten, one of the girls told me to get out of the girls line and go stand in the boys line. Pretty sure that broke my heart. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E463" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E463" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I loved school especially the music part of it.</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E464" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E464" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E465" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E465" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Natalie Seabury and I would walk to school together. She forgot her show and tell so we went back to her house to grab it. We were late for school. Her mom grounded her from me. Life seemed really unfair. I loved meeting new friends. Kim Taylor, Shelli Springer, and Sherry Astin were 3 of my very best friends. 36 years later, they still are. God has always blessed me with exceptional friends. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E466" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E466" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">For Halloween that year I dressed as Darth Vader. I am sure my parents looked forward to a little princess. With 4 brothers what else would you expect? </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E467" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E467" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Eric was called to the Sacramento California mission</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E468" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E468" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (1980-81)</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E469" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E469" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I had 2 brothers serving mission at the same time.</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E470" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E470" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I do remember singing Oh How Lovely Was The Morning at his farewell or homecoming. For Christmas he mailed us some Mormon board game. Rob sent me a beautiful Kimono and other exotic Japanese treasures. I was so proud of my missionary brothers. I remember when Rob left, as we were driving away from the Salt Lake Airport, I asked if he was in heaven yet. It must have felt like a huge sacrifice for me to give up my brothers. </span></div>
<div id="E471" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E471" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E472" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E472" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> In first grade I had Mrs. Kimball</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E473" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E473" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (1980-1981)</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E474" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E474" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. She had a treasure box we would choose prizes from. That box seemed absolutely magical to me. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E475" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E475" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I had my Dorthy Hammel hair cut that year.</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E476" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E476" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I had a thing for hanging onto Tic Tac containers and drinking out of them. Just enough for a little sip. </span></div>
<div id="E477" is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-21" qowt-eid="E477" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E478" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E478" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mrs. Saunders was my 2</span></div>
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<qowt-page named-flow="FLOW-1" style="-webkit-box-align: stretch; -webkit-box-orient: vertical; -webkit-box-pack: justify; background: white; box-shadow: rgb(209, 209, 209) 0px 0px 0px 1px, rgb(204, 204, 204) 0px 0px 4px 1px; cursor: text !important; display: -webkit-box; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; height: 792pt; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto 5mm; overflow: hidden; position: relative; text-align: start; width: 612pt;"></qowt-page><qowt-page named-flow="FLOW-1" style="-webkit-box-align: stretch; -webkit-box-orient: vertical; -webkit-box-pack: justify; background: white; box-shadow: rgb(209, 209, 209) 0px 0px 0px 1px, rgb(204, 204, 204) 0px 0px 4px 1px; cursor: text !important; display: -webkit-box; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; height: 792pt; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto 5mm; overflow: hidden; position: relative; text-align: start; width: 612pt;"><qowt-header id="header" style="display: block; max-height: 40%; min-height: 36pt; padding-left: 90pt; padding-right: 90pt; padding-top: 36pt;"></qowt-header></qowt-page></div>
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<qowt-section named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E112" style="-webkit-column-count: 1; display: block;"><div is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-21" qowt-eid="E477" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E479" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E479" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">nd</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E480" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E480" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> grade teacher</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E481" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E481" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E482" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E482" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">(1981-1982)</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E483" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E483" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I adored her gentle ways and really wanted to please her. One day I really had to use the bathroom and she would not let me leave. I peed in my lavender chords. I was so humiliated. Luckily recess came and there was a lot of snow on the ground so I sat in it so I would have a wet spot from snow. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E484" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E484" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Grandma Lee died November 16 1981. She was the only grandparent I had, the other 2 died before I was born. I never felt like I really knew her because she was always sick. Most of my memories of her were in the nursing home. I do remember she had some yummy chocolate caramels in her drawer that I would sneak. Turns out they were appetite suppressants. I remember cleaning out grandma’s basement on 1111 east and 900 South. It was full of tools; pretty sure he was in heaven inheriting Ralph Lees tools. I remember the day we went there, some creepy guy on his bike told me to come with him as I was riding home from Tiffany Fords house. I got a way as fast as I could. It scared me to death. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E485" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E485" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was baptized January 8, 1982 by my dad at the Tabernacle on Temple Square. I wish I had some amazing spiritual memory of that day, but I don’t. The best part was that we went to McDonalds after</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E486" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E486" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E487" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E487" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I also remember being really excited that Rob was there. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E488" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E488" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints that same evening at the church</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E489" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E489" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> by my dad</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E490" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E490" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E491" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E491" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Merri Coleman started giving me perms. They were so stinky and the solution would burn my skin. </span></div>
<div id="E492" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E492" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E493" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E493" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mrs. Leaver was my third grade teacher</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E494" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E494" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (1982-1983)</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E495" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E495" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. She was fine, but I</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E496" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E496" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> really wanted Mrs. Edmunds. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E497" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E497" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I remember Mom voicing her opinion of the Christmas program. They had completely left Christ out of the program and she was very disappointed. Good for her for standing up for her beliefs. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E498" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E498" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mom had a brain tumor removed that year. It was really scary watching my mom have health problems as such a young age. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E499" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E499" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rob and Nancy were married June 30, 1983. I was pleased as punch to finally have a sister. Nancy was a dream come true, I admired her so much. Knowing her has truly enriched my life. Today I am still trying to be like her. The other great thing that happened that year is that Mom took me to get my ears pierced. Dad was opposed to it buts somehow she pulled it off. I had it done at Castletons in Olympus Hills Mall. I felt like my life was forever changed. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E500" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E500" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E501" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E501" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mike graduated from high school. </span></div>
<div id="E502" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E502" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E503" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E503" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">In fourth grade I had Mrs. Buxton</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E504" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E504" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (1983-1984)</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E505" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E505" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. She was quiet chesty, mom called her Mrs. Buxom. I loved the voices she used as she read aloud to us. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E506" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E506" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bud Bru</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E507" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E507" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">h</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E508" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E508" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">ner got me out in dodge ball at recess. As I was walking to come take my turn, he threw the ball at me again and broke my right arm. Mom didn’t have a car that day so she picked me up in a taxi and took me to see Dr. Thomas. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E509" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E509" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Eric and Cathleen were married in December of 1983. I was blessed to have 2 sisters added to my life in six months. Cathleen was so much fun. She would take me shopping and to movies. The best part about it was that our birthdays were a day apart so we would have an annual birthday shopping trip. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E510" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E510" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Benjamin Evan Peterson was born 8/15/84 and made me an aunt at 10. I adored him and loved the responsibilities of being an aunt. I thought it was so weird that I was closer in age to him than Rob. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E511" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E511" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mike was called to serve in the Paraguay Ascuncion mission.</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E512" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E512" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I became a certified babysitter at St. Marks hospital. </span></div>
<div id="E513" is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-22" qowt-eid="E513" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E514" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E514" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mrs. Turley was my 5</span></div>
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<qowt-section named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E112" style="-webkit-column-count: 1; display: block;"><div is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-22" qowt-eid="E513" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E515" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E515" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">th</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E516" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E516" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> grade teacher</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E517" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E517" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (1984-1985)</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E518" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E518" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E519" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E519" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was a girl scout for a few years. The most vivid memory of scouting is when my very overweight leader sat on a </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E520" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E520" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">barstool</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E521" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E521" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Next thing I knew she was on the ground and the bar stool had broken to smithereens. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E522" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E522" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kim and I played in the band. We both played the flute. Mr. Lewis was our teacher; we thought he looked like a donkey. We were terrible to him. He called mom to report on my behavior. That was the only time a teacher called my parents. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E523" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E523" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am embarrassed that I was ever disrespectful to a teacher, I learned later in life how hard it was to teach. Sorry Mr. Lewis. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E524" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E524" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I loved being in the band so much that I joined the summer band program. The band played at Lagoon. Dad was there with Kim and me; I remember he had really sweaty armpits. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E525" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E525" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kim and I would take the UTA bus to downtown Salt Lake and go to the mall. I find it shocking that my parents let me do that, there is no way I would dare let my kids do that.</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E526" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E526" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I had a knack for fashion, actually I just wore what ever I felt like. I was a mix of Punky Brewster and Madona. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E527" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E527" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I would walk all the way over to Kim’s house and walk to school with her. Funny how I didn’t realize how far out of the way her house was. </span></div>
<div id="E528" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E528" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E529" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E529" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">My 6</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E530" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E530" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">th</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E531" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E531" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> grade teacher was Mr. Fletcher</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E532" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E532" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (1985-1986)</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E533" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E533" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. He had terrible breath. I was in a 5</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E534" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E534" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">th</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E535" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E535" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">/6</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E536" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E536" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">th</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E537" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E537" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> split. That year I was on student </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E538" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E538" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">council</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E539" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E539" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. My slogan was “Listen to this, vote for Chris!” I don’t remember being is class much that year</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E540" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E540" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. We had so much fun on student council. We played a lot in the auditorium and were infatuated with the ghost of Libbie Edward. We were certain that she was buried in the school. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E541" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E541" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">January 28, 1986 I remember watching the TV in our </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E542" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E542" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">classroom</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E543" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E543" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> as the space shuttle challenger exploded before our eyes.</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E544" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E544" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E545" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E545" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mrs. Andrews, the librarian, had a daughter that would ask me about Gary. This helped me for give her for the time she tried to talk me out of my coupon for a free ice cream from McDonalds. I realized she was nice and was pretty</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E546" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E546" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> excited she liked my brother. My friends were always important to me but it seems like this was the year we really started to spend time together and hang out. Kim and Shelli were the ones I spent the most time with. What great memories.</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E547" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E547" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I started Young Womens</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E548" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E548" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">, the day I graduated from primary was Mikes homecoming. I had to go to the pulpit and say my article of faith in front of all his friends. Some of them were pretty darn handsome. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E549" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E549" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I loved my friends from my ward and adored my leaders. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E550" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E550" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">We had so much fun at rough out camp, we did actually have to rough it in tents and out houses. Lisa Gustafson and I were both using the outhouse when we realized a skunk was in there with us. We both ran out screaming as we tried to pull our pants up. Gary started to rebell around this time and it scared me </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E551" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E551" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">straight. It scared me to see how it hurt my parents. This may have been good for me to keep me out of trouble. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E552" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E552" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have memories of times that I wasn’t so kind to others. 30 years later they still make me sad. One time I made fun of the janitors crapy old station wagon. It makes me sick to my stomach that those words ever left my mouth. Everyone is going through something hard. Life is hard enough, I don’t need to make it harder on others. It is so important to think before you speak or act. Lift others, don’t pull them dow</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E553" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E553" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">n. So thankful for repentance. So, so thankful. </span></div>
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<qowt-section named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E112" style="-webkit-column-count: 1; display: block;"><div is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-23" qowt-eid="E554" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E556" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E556" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">th</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E557" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E557" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> grade at Evergreen Junior High School on 2000 East just off of 3300 south (1986-1987). I was very nervous for the unknown but soon realized it wasn’t so bad. It was fun having 7 different periods, a locker and a bigger school. I continued to play the flute, had sewing, foods, honors English, started learning Spanish. I met many new friends from the other feeder school. Amanda Gurule joined my little posse and we became SACK: Shelli, Amanda, Chris, and Kim. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E558" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E558" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The coolest thing was that Kim and Shelli’s phone numbers were just one number off from each other. I would walk over to Kim’s every morning and we would walk to school together. I felt like they were my family. The Taylors treated me like a Taylor. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E559" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E559" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keith</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E560" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E560" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Taylor was a prankster and loved to scare us. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E561" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E561" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">We had so much fun going on bike rides, having sleepovers, walking to the Hogle Zoo</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E562" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E562" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">, we did everything together. I started becoming friends with more and more boys. We started hanging out with Tyler Hendrickson, John Hinich, and Paul Cardall</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E563" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E563" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (who is now a famous pianist)</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E564" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E564" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. We would walk home to school together. We spent the weekends to toilet papering each others houses. I bet we toilet papered them every weekend. I am sure all of our parents loved that. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E565" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E565" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I shared a locker with Kim. My bag was bigger than my locker.</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E566" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E566" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E567" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E567" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I was first introduced to drugs at a party at Annie Storch’s house. I was horrified and called my dad. Later I found out it was a trick, but I was so thankful I had already made the choice that I would not do drugs. I felt sick that night and woke up with Chicken Pox. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E568" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E568" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tyler was the first boy that I knew liked me. He brought me a giant Hershey Kiss for Valentines. I couldn’t go to the door because I was covered in Chicken Pox. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E569" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E569" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I went on my first airplane ride to Washington DC with Mom and Dad. Nicholas Patrick Peterson was born 12/23/86. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E570" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E570" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have a beautiful memory of Mike holding Nick in a Christmas stocking. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E571" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E571" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">David Evans Peterson was born 3/18/87.</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E572" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E572" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> There is a great photo of me holding David with my shiny white lipstick and my bangs ratted up like a bird nest. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E573" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E573" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">This was also a time of pegged legs on your pants</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E574" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E574" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">, SWATCH watches</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E575" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E575" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and shoulder pads. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E576" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E576" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">We had a tubing activity in YW that dad told me he didn’t feel good about me going on. I couldn’t understand why, forged his name and went anyway. I ended up in the emergency room because I injured my back. Being obedient that day (and many others) could have saved me a lot of pain. Obedience brings blessings. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E577" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E577" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can’t remember which teachers I had which year but these are the ones I remember: Mrs</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E578" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E578" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E579" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E579" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Bur</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E580" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E580" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">ton-Health, Ms. Clegg-Spanish, </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E581" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E581" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ms. Empey-PE, Mr. Falcone-Band</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E582" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E582" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Ms. Farr-History, Ms. Johnson-Type (yes on a typewriter), Ms. Miller-home ec</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E583" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E583" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">onomics</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E584" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E584" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Mrs. Orr-Art, Mrs. Spring-Science, Mr. Stelter-History, Mr. Turner-Geography, Mrs. Van Orden-Math, Mrs</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E585" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E585" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E586" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E586" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Weight-English, Mrs. Padgen-English, Mr. Blomquist-Science</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E587" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E587" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Mr. Burningham-Math, Mrs. McClellan</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E588" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E588" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">-Science</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E589" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E589" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div>
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<qowt-section named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E112" style="-webkit-column-count: 1; display: block;"><div is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-24" qowt-eid="E590" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E592" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E592" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">th</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E593" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E593" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> grade (1987-1988) wins the prize for being my hardest year in school. I stayed with my core group of friends. That was the year where peer pressure really started and many of my friends began making choices that they shouldn’t have. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E594" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E594" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was blessed to have good friends that influenced my choices for the good. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E595" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E595" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pretty sure this was my last year in band. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E596" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E596" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was a candy striper at St. Marks Hospital with Annie Storch and Stephanie Wells. That was such a great opportunity to help others. Sometimes I worked in the gift shop, I even ran the cash register at times. November 21, 1987 I was having a wonderful day in my cute red and white stripped uniform with red leggings. I was on my break with my friends, eating a soft serve ice cream cone and was told that there were some guys there to meet me. I couldn’t imagine what cute boys were waiting for me. When the elevator doors open the cute boys were not the ones I had expected. Rob and Gary were there. They came to deliver a terrible blow: Mike was dead. My wonderful, handsome, smart, popular, funny, spiritual brother, whom I </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E597" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E597" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">adored,</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E598" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E598" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> was dead. I kept asking Rob if he meant Gary as I stared at Gary. Mom and Dad were home and heard the shower turn on in the early afternoon</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E599" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E599" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">, then they heard a terrible noise. Dad ran downstairs to see what it was only to find Mike, his baby, had ended his own life. Rob and Nancy lived next door at the time. Dad ran for Robs help, it was obvious there was nothing they could do. I can’t imagine the scene that horrific scene must have left on their minds. Then to have Rob drive down to REI to pick Gary up from work, and then for them both to come pick me up. It breaks my heart to think of what they went through. I remember driving home and Rob trying to comfort us. I remember thinking this is something that is going to </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E600" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E600" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">affect</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E601" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E601" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> me for the rest of my life and that I am going to have to get through. We turned on to our street to see it was crowded with police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances. Not a scene you want to see. I will never forget Dads face, the grief he must have felt; a parents worst nightmare. I remember going out to get Max </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E602" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E602" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">and the officer guarding the door telling me I need to stay inside. It was all surreal. I remember going out to dinner at Snelgrove</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E603" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E603" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E604" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E604" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">s with Mom, Dad, and Gary trying to pretend every thing was normal. It wasn’t: we were absolutely in shock and devastated. Waking up the next morning I was sure it was a terrible nightmare only to realize it was real. We were flooded with love by family, friends, ward members. Food, flowers, cards started pouring in but I knew they would not bring my brother back. Shelli Springer brought me some Turkeys made from T</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E605" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E605" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">ulle, pipe cleaners, and M&Ms. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E606" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E606" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am amazed how much those turkeys meant to me. In a situation like this it is hard to know what to do, but it is important to do something. We are to comfort those that stand in need of comfort and mourn with those that mourn. Although Mike’s suicide was a tragedy, over time I have learned many important lessons. The atonement of Jesus Christ and time can heal all things. All things. I have learned that life is short and can end instantly. Always let the people you love know how much you love them. Solve issues quickly so you don’t have to live with regrets. I have learned that we can’t judge others, only God should do that. God knows the goodness of our hearts and our intents. He loves us and understands us perfectly. He wants what is best for us. Suicide is wrong, it is murder, but I don’t worry about Mike. He free from pain and I know he is ok. I know that my family is eternal and I will see them again. This was a hard way to learn those lessons but I am so thankful for them. Unfortunately I have met many others who were left behind in the wake of suicide. I am thankful and honored that I could comfort them and empathize with them. </span></div>
<div id="E607" is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-25" qowt-eid="E607" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E608" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-26" qowt-eid="E608" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Life did get back to normal with time. I felt weird because at the time I did not know anyone else who had gone through this. At school, I was the girl whose brother killed himself. Six months before or after, Mom was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphatic </span></div>
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<qowt-page named-flow="FLOW-1" style="-webkit-box-align: stretch; -webkit-box-orient: vertical; -webkit-box-pack: justify; background: white; box-shadow: rgb(209, 209, 209) 0px 0px 0px 1px, rgb(204, 204, 204) 0px 0px 4px 1px; cursor: text !important; display: -webkit-box; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; height: 792pt; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto 5mm; overflow: hidden; position: relative; text-align: start; width: 612pt;"></qowt-page><qowt-page named-flow="FLOW-1" style="-webkit-box-align: stretch; -webkit-box-orient: vertical; -webkit-box-pack: justify; background: white; box-shadow: rgb(209, 209, 209) 0px 0px 0px 1px, rgb(204, 204, 204) 0px 0px 4px 1px; cursor: text !important; display: -webkit-box; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; height: 792pt; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto 5mm; overflow: hidden; position: relative; text-align: start; width: 612pt;"><qowt-header id="header" style="display: block; max-height: 40%; min-height: 36pt; padding-left: 90pt; padding-right: 90pt; padding-top: 36pt;"></qowt-header></qowt-page></div>
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<qowt-section named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E112" style="-webkit-column-count: 1; display: block;"><div is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-25" qowt-eid="E607" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-26" qowt-eid="E608" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leukemia, another blow to our family. What a scary thing for a teenager to go through. I remember she told me about it on our sidewalk. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E609" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E609" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another blow to my teenage heart was Rob, Eric and their families moved back east. I felt like I had lost 3 brothers in a year. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E610" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E610" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Not to mention my sisters and my little loves, my nephews. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E611" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E611" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">8</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E612" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E612" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">th</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E613" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E613" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> grade was my last year of band. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E614" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E614" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div id="E615" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E615" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E616" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E616" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ninth grade was better (1988-1989)! </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E617" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E617" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Big lesson in life, things always get better. Good chance they will get hard again, but even that will get better. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E618" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E618" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I ran for 9</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E619" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E619" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">th</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E620" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E620" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> grade class president. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E621" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E621" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">My slogan was “Snap, Crackle, Pop: Vote Chrispy” The name Chrispy stuc</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E622" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E622" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">k for the rest of my days. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E623" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E623" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was first runner up in the Utah Wool Growers competition. I made a forest green dress out of wool. Mom bought me some darling accessories; hat, scarf and jewelry to go with it. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E624" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E624" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I loved to sew dresses, mom was a great teacher. I took great pride in my creations. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E625" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E625" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Looking back I made a ton of dresses and other articles of clothing. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E626" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E626" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was a Teacher Assistant for Mrs. Padgen, doing important jobs like running to Wallies to get donuts. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E627" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E627" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was my first year of seminary. I had no idea how good I had it to have seminary as an elective. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E628" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E628" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I continued to hang out with SACK and made many other friends.</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E629" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E629" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I had all sorts of crushes on boys. Huge crush on Dusty Sharp, I pierced his ear with a thumb tack in Spanish class. We had a substitute teacher, I borrowed some ice out of her diet coke and stuck a thumbtack through his ear. Scott Pickerell was my first kiss, Christmas day 1988, way to young. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E630" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E630" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was offered alcohol by a friend for the first time. Again, I am so thankful I didn’t have to make that decision on the spot, I had already chosen not to drink. Kim was with me and later told me she probably would have given in if it were not for my strength. I had no idea I was influencing others. You never know who is watching. Choose the right even if you stand alone. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E631" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E631" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I spoke at 9</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E632" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E632" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">th</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E633" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E633" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> grade promotion in my green, lacy satin dress that I made. I was nervous before I went on stage so I ran to the bathroom. I tucked my dress into my tights. Luckily </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E634" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E634" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ms. Clegg (my quirky Spanish teacher who acted like she had a hangover most days) </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E635" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E635" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">stopped me before I went on stage. For promotion I went to Marie Cal</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E636" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E636" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">l</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E637" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E637" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">e</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E638" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E638" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">nder</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E639" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E639" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E640" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E640" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">s for dinner with mom and dad</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E641" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E641" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">, the Taylors, and the Springers</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E642" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E642" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Then</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E643" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E643" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> we stayed overnight at S</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E644" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E644" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">helli’s cabin. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E645" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E645" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spencer Patrick Peterson was born 5/31/89. Michael Evans Peterson was born 6/1/89. I was blessed to go visit them in Pennsylvania and Virginia that summer. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E646" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E646" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I spent a lot of time with my church friends. We had a very small youth group so we all became very close. Lisa Gustafson and Natalie Seabury were my very close friends. We had all sorts of fun ward and stake activities. Pioneer trek, </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E647" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E647" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oakcrest, </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E648" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E648" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rocking R Dude Ranch, Lake Powell trip, Flaming Gorge, Snow Collage Youth Conference. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E649" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E649" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have great memories of the different Road Shows and plays I was a part of with the ward. Our youth group was so small we all became very close (Chris James, Brandon Dorney, Ryan White, the Diefel Boys, John Oldroyd, Lisa Gustafson, Natalie Seabury, Nina Fluer). I always played ward basketball, volleyball and softball even thought I hated the team sports. I remember making a basket for the other team and Gus Gustafson yelling at me, “wrong basket Peterson!” I was so self conscious and never wanted to play. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E650" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E650" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">My parents would pay me to help around the house. I loved mowing the lawn, $10! Mom would let me keep the money I helped her save in coupons. </span></div>
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<qowt-section named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E112" style="-webkit-column-count: 1; display: block;"><div is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-27" qowt-eid="E651" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E653" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E653" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">th</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E654" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E654" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> grade</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E655" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E655" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">, my sophomore year,</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E656" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E656" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I moved up to Olympus High School on 2300 east and 3900 south (19</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E657" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E657" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">89-1990)</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E658" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E658" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E659" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E659" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hung out with Sherry Astin, Cory Bodily, Shala Archer, Jen Anderson</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E660" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E660" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Kim Barrett (Jensen)</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E661" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E661" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Amanda joined a new group of friends. So did Kim and Shelli. I also hung out with Jamie Bevan. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E662" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E662" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">This was the big year for driving and being able to date. I took drivers ed at school. I learned to drive in the </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E663" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E663" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Camaro</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E664" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E664" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and the Jeep. I hated driving a stick shift, I still do. I enjoyed being able to date and go the high school dances. I made most of my dresses for dances. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E665" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E665" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">My first job was Fabric Warehouse on 3300 South and 700 East. I loved fabric and it was fun to have my own money. It was a sketchy </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E666" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E666" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">neighborhood;</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E667" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E667" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I called 911 for a knife fight in the parking lot and on a car fire. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E668" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E668" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I went on all sorts of fun trips with my friends. Mesquite was one of our favorite places for Spring Break. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E669" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E669" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I remodeled my bedroom just the way I wanted it. I m</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E670" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E670" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">ade the curtains and my quilt (forest green and cream stripes, rosy floral print.</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E671" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E671" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I loved my young women leaders</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E672" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E672" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">( Sheryl White, Linda Noyce, Shanette Dudley, Meri Coleman)</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E673" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E673" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. They taught me to have fun and to work hard. I painted with Jeff Noyce to earn some money. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E674" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E674" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I went with Matt Vandorn to Homecoming Dance, Monster Mash, and Christmas Dance. Scott Engh to Junior Prom, Brent Wall to MORP, Darren Kirkham to Sweetheart Ball, Brandon Dorney to Inaugural Ball.</span></div>
<div id="E675" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E675" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E676" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E676" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">11</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E677" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E677" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">th</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E678" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E678" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> grade, my junior year (1990-1991). </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E679" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E679" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">In September</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E680" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E680" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I had my wisdom teeth removed and the membrane that holds my gums to my lip snipped. I couldn’t lau</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E681" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E681" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">gh or smile for a week. Ouch!</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E682" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E682" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I started hanging out with Jeff Hall and his group of friends</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E683" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E683" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. We met in seminary</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E684" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E684" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Some of my friends had gotten into drugs and choices I was not interested in. I was thankful for a strong group of kids that for the most part made good choices. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E685" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E685" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kim and Shelli were in this group. It was a welcome change. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E686" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E686" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">We had to put Max to sleep</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E687" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E687" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on May 13, 1991</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E688" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E688" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I felt like a chunk of my heart was missing. That dog was such a big part of most of my life. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E689" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E689" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I did some crazy things with my </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E690" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E690" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">hair. I had a spiral </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E691" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E691" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">perm, which</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E692" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E692" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> made my hair look like top </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E693" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E693" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">R</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E694" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E694" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">aman. Then I paid </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E695" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E695" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">(actually dad paid) </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E696" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E696" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">to have my hair straightened. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E697" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E697" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I went to most of the dances with lots of different people until Jeff came along. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E698" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E698" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once we started dating, he was always my date. We </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E699" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E699" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">had a lot of great times. I </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E700" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E700" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">regret only dating one person at such a young age. I wish I had listened to dad’s advice on the ABC method of dating. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E701" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E701" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t just date Mr. A, give B and C a chance as well. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E702" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E702" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I really limited my opportunities by being with the same person all the time. I also put my self in situations that I should not have been in exclusively dating the same person. Gary and Lisa got married this year. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E703" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E703" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">They lived downstairs. I loved having a sister there with me. They didn’t like my loud cowboy boots clomping on the floor. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E704" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E704" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I also got braces on my bottom teeth.</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E705" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E705" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I got my Patriarchal Blessing on January 13, 1991. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E706" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E706" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E707" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E707" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mark Alred took me to Homecoming, went to the Hawk Hoedown at Alta with Justin Andrews. Monster Mash with Aaron Jensen, Christmas Dance with Matt Werit, Morp with Matt Graham, Jeff Hall to: Sweethart Ball, Inaugural Ball, MA.</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E708" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E708" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I spent Thanksgiving in Arizona with the Halls. I went to all sorts of concerts: Chicago, AC/DC, UB40, Warrant, Guns and Roses, Scorpions, Howard Jones, Sting. Jeff heavily influenced the music I listened to. Be careful what you listen to, it stays in a long time. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E709" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E709" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I had a turtle named Francis for a few days until I had to get rid of him. Most of my growing up I had an aquarium in my room with </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E710" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E710" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">tiny frogs and fish. </span></div>
<div id="E711" is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-28" qowt-eid="E711" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E712" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E712" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">My senior year at Olympus was all sorts of fun (1991-1992). I was enjoying pottery until I broke my finger, on a </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E713" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E713" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">N</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E714" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E714" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">erf football, don’t ask. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E715" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E715" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">My crowning project was my porcelain face mask. I had terrible luck with the dentist that year. Pretty sure I had 5 root canals my senior year. I snuck on top of the gym with Sherry Astin and ate bean burritos from Taco Bell. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E716" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E716" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I did some </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E717" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E717" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">“</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E718" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E718" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">seasonal </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E719" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E719" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">employment</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E720" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E720" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">” </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E721" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-29" qowt-eid="E721" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">as the Easter Bunny at the ZCMI </span></div>
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<qowt-section named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E112" style="-webkit-column-count: 1; display: block;"><div is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-28" qowt-eid="E711" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-29" qowt-eid="E721" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Center. I have a great picture of my parents sitting on my lap. That bunny suit was so stinking hot. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E722" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E722" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I took AP Calculus and Art History. Art history was so much fun. We went on a class trip to San Francisco. Calculus was another story. Dad gave me so much help, I really struggled in that class. I was one of 2 students who didn’t pass the AP test. The other was my future Sister In Law, Trish. I ran for Senate and did not make it. This was my first time I did not win an election and I was devastated. I decided to redeem my self and ran for Vice President of the Women’s Organization OWA. I made it and had a great time with all the ladies I met. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E723" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E723" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I graduated from Seminary. The ceremony was held at the tabernacle. High school graduation</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E724" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E724" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">, for the class of 1992, </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E725" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E725" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">was held at the University of Utah at the Huntsman Center. I wore a white dress that I had made. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E726" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E726" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">For Senior trip a group of us drove to New Port Beach California. I am in shock my parents let me go. I continued to spend way too much time with Jeff. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E727" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E727" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Senior dances: Homecoming, </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E728" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E728" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brighton’s</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E729" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E729" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> WA Dance, </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E730" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E730" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">OWA </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E731" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E731" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Christmas Dance</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E732" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E732" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (Gary and Lisa were chaperones), MORP, Sweethearts Ball, Senior Prom, Inaugural Dance, MA all with Jeff Hall. What was I thinking?!? Monster Mash another girl asked him and I was heartbroken. </span></div>
<div id="E733" is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-30" qowt-eid="E733" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E734" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E734" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">After graduation I started working at REI on 3300 South and 3300 East. I met a lot of great friends there. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E735" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E735" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jen VanDorn and Amy Iba became 2 dear friends. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E736" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E736" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t know how I ever made enough money to put myself through school with all the great stuff I purchased there. I started attending the University of Utah in the fall of 1992</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E737" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E737" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">-1993</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E738" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E738" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I was blessed in that my parents had me pay for my own school. I lived at home and either rode the bus or rode my bike to the U. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E739" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E739" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was interested in joining a sorority, a Greek one, not the churchy one. Some of my girl friends talked me into going to the LDSSA Rush week. They signed me up for Gamma Xi. What a life saver and changer that was for me. I loved Gamma Xi. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E740" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E740" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Joyce Buehner was our advisor. She was wonderful and made everything she touched magical. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E741" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E741" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I loved my sorority sisters, the fun we had, but most importantly I loved feeling the Spirit. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E742" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E742" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Holly Richardson (VicK), Stacy Jensen (Hansen), Tiffani Knowles (Swensen), Kara Burton (Ohlsen), </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E743" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E743" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Angie Heaps (Schroepfer) and many others. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E744" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E744" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">These girls were incredible examples to me. I wanted what they had. I wanted my scriptures marked like they had theirs marked, but even more so I wanted to believe what they did. I realized that some of the choices I was making in my life were preventing me from feeling the Spirit. I thought I was happy, but I soon learned I was missing out on a fullness of joy. After going to a fireside on virtue that smacked me upside the head like a ton of bricks. I realized it was time to make some serious changes in my life. Up to this point I never encouraged Jeff to go on a mission, in fact I discouraged it for my own selfish reasons. The night of the fireside I started some serious repentance and told him if things were to continue in our relationship, he needed to go on a mission</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E745" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E745" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E746" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E746" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I remember flipping open my scriptures to one about not procrastinating the day of my repentance. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E747" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E747" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">In January of 1993 Jeff left for his mission in Japan. I knew for sure I would “wait for him”. I sent him a letter every week and sent all sorts of packages. I also stayed in close contact with his family. The Halls were so good to me and treated me like I was already part of the family. I even went on trips with them. I realized that as Jeff was growing spiritually that I needed to do the same. I worked hard in school, </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E748" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E748" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">played hard with my sorority</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E749" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E749" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E750" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E750" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">sisters and nourished my testimony. I had always gone to church because that is what my family did and because I loved how much fun I had with my friends there. I was a seminary graduate and had earned all the awards that I could in Young </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E751" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E751" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Women’s</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E752" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-31" qowt-eid="E752" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">, but I never really thought about what I believed. I knew my parents had strong testimonies so I just leaned on theirs. That got me through a lot of years but I realized it </span></div>
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<qowt-page named-flow="FLOW-1" style="-webkit-box-align: stretch; -webkit-box-orient: vertical; -webkit-box-pack: justify; background: white; box-shadow: rgb(209, 209, 209) 0px 0px 0px 1px, rgb(204, 204, 204) 0px 0px 4px 1px; cursor: text !important; display: -webkit-box; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; height: 792pt; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto 5mm; overflow: hidden; position: relative; text-align: start; width: 612pt;"></qowt-page><qowt-page named-flow="FLOW-1" style="-webkit-box-align: stretch; -webkit-box-orient: vertical; -webkit-box-pack: justify; background: white; box-shadow: rgb(209, 209, 209) 0px 0px 0px 1px, rgb(204, 204, 204) 0px 0px 4px 1px; cursor: text !important; display: -webkit-box; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; height: 792pt; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto 5mm; overflow: hidden; position: relative; text-align: start; width: 612pt;"><qowt-header id="header" style="display: block; max-height: 40%; min-height: 36pt; padding-left: 90pt; padding-right: 90pt; padding-top: 36pt;"></qowt-header></qowt-page></div>
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<qowt-section named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E112" style="-webkit-column-count: 1; display: block;"><div is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-30" qowt-eid="E733" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-31" qowt-eid="E752" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">was time for me to figure it out for myself. I had such a great time at the U. We went to San</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E753" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E753" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E754" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E754" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Diego for most of our spring breaks. Gary and I floated down the Salmon River with our friends from REI. I volunteered every summer at the Utah Arts Festival with Kim. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E755" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E755" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">September 21, 1992 Jacob was born</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E756" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E756" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E757" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E757" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I painted with Joyce Buehner and her painting crew. </span></div>
<div id="E758" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E758" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E759" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E759" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">My second year at the U</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E760" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E760" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> was wonderful (1993-1994)</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E761" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E761" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E762" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E762" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I bought myself one of those new fangled bread machines and earned the title “Bread Girl”. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E763" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E763" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was Rush Chairman for Gamma Xi. “Come Fly with Gamma Xi” was our theme. We had so much fun and made cherished memories. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E764" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E764" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dad bought the Corsica. I continued to have dental problems. I had a file from a root canal break off in my mouth. I can’t begin to express the pain that caused. It is still there to this day, and no the metal detector does not go off at airport security when I go through. I continued working at REI. I was nominated the employee of the month and received my own parking spot with my name on it. The best part about it was I didn’t have a car! Ha! I took all sorts of extra fun classes at the U. Bowling, aerobics, swimming (thought I would try again) and many camping classes. Although I had a great time doing all those fun things, it never occurred to me that I was paying tuition (and lots of it) to go have fun.</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E765" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E765" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I applied for any kind of scholarship I could. I received one through LDSSA.</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E766" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E766" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Gamma Xi headed back to San Diego for spring break.</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E767" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E767" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E768" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E768" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Upon returning from San Diego I soon realize something terrible had happened to Mom. She was a different person. Over the years she had developed more health problems: Parkinson’s Disease, several small strokes, thyroid tumors, Manic Depression, Osteoporosis, chronic headaches. She always had something going on, but she was always my same little sweet mom. I still don’t know what happened but things became very difficult. Her personality was altered, she became agitated easily, could swear like a sailor, and needed much more assistance. It was devastating and a lot of hard work. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E769" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E769" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I missed my mom even though she was there. We had always been so close. I could talk to her about anything. She was my best friend. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E770" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E770" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was hard to watch my friends at their bridal showers with their healthy moms and realize that was not my lot. My Gamma Xi sister rallied around me and buoyed me up. They fasted with me and supported me like a group of angels. I hung out with wonderful boys but everyone knew I had a missionary. I regret the opportunities I missed out on</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E771" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E771" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> because of that. I was always blessed with a beautiful bouquet of friends, family, leaders to get me through some really tough times. </span></div>
<div id="E772" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E772" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E773" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E773" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">(1994-1995) I was VP in Gamma Xi. I loved the girls I worked with, the fun we had, and the people we served. Sue Stephens was our new advisor. I was sad to see Joyce go, but thrilled to have Sue. She was one of a kind. These two women </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E774" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E774" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">(Joyce and Sue) </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E775" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E775" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">were an amazing influence for good in my life. We went on all sorts of leadership retreats in fun places like Vegas, St. George, Heber. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E776" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E776" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I continued to work at REI. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E777" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E777" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I got involved with the Winter Special Olympics and loved it. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E778" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E778" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mom had health problem after health problem. She was in and out of the hospital. She had her own reality that was very different from everyone elses. She had a pet camel that she insisted needed to be cared for. I would just have to go along with it. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E779" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E779" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I learned that you could either laugh or cry. I did a lot of both. I learned that attitude was my choice, I couldn’t choose what was going on, but I could choose to look at the bright side. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E780" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E780" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">There were so many hard times. She was very sick around finals and I was working quite a bit. Life was very stressful. Things got really bad, she was in a coma. The hospital told us to come say goodbye (this wasn’t the first time), Eric flew in to be with her from Virginia. He gave her a blessing that she would live to see me get married. I was shocked because Jeff still had a few months. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E781" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E781" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">She pulled trough. </span></div>
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<qowt-section named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E112" style="-webkit-column-count: 1; display: block;"><div id="E782" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E782" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E783" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E783" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeff returned from his mission in February of 1995. The wait was over. I can’t express how excited I was, I was so ready to have him home. Most of my friends were getting married. I was so excited for all my friends to meet Jeff and for him to go on our tri</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E784" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E784" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">ps. We went back to San Diego twice and had all sorts of other adventures. I was happy but realized something was missing in my life. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E785" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E785" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Although I was happy with Jeff, I felt like something was missing. </span></div>
<div id="E786" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E786" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E787" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E787" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">In July I got this crazy idea in my head that I was going to serve a mission. I had never ever, not for ever a second wanted to serve a mission in my life. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E788" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E788" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am pretty sure my kids </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E789" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E789" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">prompted me to go on a mission. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E790" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E790" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Missions were for girls who didn’t have other options, or so I thought. This choice came as a surprise to everyone. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E791" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E791" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">This was really hard for me because of moms health. I knew there was a good chance that she would not be there when I came back. I randomly flipped open my scriptures to a scripture that told me the hour of my mission had come and that my family would be cared for. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E792" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E792" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">My bishops interview was 7/16, Stake Presidents interview 7/23,</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E793" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E793" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I received my mission call on August 2, 1995. I was called to serve in the Taiwan Taichung Mandarin speaking mission! Crazy thing, so was my dear friend Tiff! I went through the Salt Lake Temple on August 18, 1995. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E794" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E794" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I will never forget how mom waited for me in the Celestial Room. She told me she would be there when I got home. I had faith that she would be. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E795" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E795" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I wished I would have worn more garment appropriate clothing before I went through the temple. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E796" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E796" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was flooded in support from family and friends. I had missionary showers from the ward and from Gamma Xi. My farewell was on September 24. I had food poisoning the night before and thr</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E797" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E797" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">ew up all night. The farewell was awesome. Eric sent a letter to be read, Rob spoke and so did Gary (this was especially cool because he stopped going to church years before. It meant the world to me.). </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E798" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E798" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gary compared my mission to white water rafting. He told me big waves would come, smile, hold my breath and to paddle my heart out. Great advice. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E799" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E799" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The open house was amazing, so much support from family and friends. People really pitched in because mom was so sick. John Henderson took me and 11 guests of my choice to Five Alls. I was so touched by the outpouring of love I felt. I said lots of goodbyes. I was set apart by President Mayfield, Win Egan, Robert McKay (David O. Mckays son), Jeff and John Hall, Rob and Dad. I entered the MTC in Provo, Utah on October 11, 1995.</span></div>
<div id="E800" is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-33" qowt-eid="E800" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E801" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E801" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Saying goodbye was tough. I had no idea if I would ever see my mom, in this life, again. My companion was Katy Wang</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E802" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E802" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. We shared our room with 2 other sisters. One sister went home so we became a threesome, with Sister Thompson. I fell in love with the MTC. My </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E803" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E803" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mandarin-speaking</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E804" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E804" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> district quickly became my family. I few days in I realized I had a lot of changing and repenting I still needed to take care of. I am so thankful for the atonement. I was blessed with the desire to change my life. I was also blessed with wonderful leaders and teachers who helped me to do so. I felt so inadequate and wondered if I had any sort of testimony. It was hard not to compare my tiny testimony to the testimonies of those I was surrounded by. I did a lot of questioning and soul searching. I did have a particle of hope</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E805" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-34" qowt-eid="E805" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> that got me through. Learning Mandarin was unbelievably difficult. I soon realized that the gift of tongues didn’t just happen; I would have to work my can off to learn Chinese. I also learned that if I wanted Heavenly Fathers help I had to be obedient. I promised to give him my all. I quickly learned from the amazing missionaries that I was surrounded by, that Jeff was not what I was looking for. In hindsight I should have ended things then, I guess I didn’t want to deal with it. Jeff was good about writing and sending packages, but not good about keeping the rules. He and Jon dressed up as missionaries and snuck in to see me. I was furious. I was trying </span> </div>
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<qowt-page named-flow="FLOW-1" style="-webkit-box-align: stretch; -webkit-box-orient: vertical; -webkit-box-pack: justify; background: white; box-shadow: rgb(209, 209, 209) 0px 0px 0px 1px, rgb(204, 204, 204) 0px 0px 4px 1px; cursor: text !important; display: -webkit-box; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; height: 792pt; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto 5mm; overflow: hidden; position: relative; text-align: start; width: 612pt;"></qowt-page><qowt-page named-flow="FLOW-1" style="-webkit-box-align: stretch; -webkit-box-orient: vertical; -webkit-box-pack: justify; background: white; box-shadow: rgb(209, 209, 209) 0px 0px 0px 1px, rgb(204, 204, 204) 0px 0px 4px 1px; cursor: text !important; display: -webkit-box; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; height: 792pt; line-height: normal; margin: auto auto 5mm; overflow: hidden; position: relative; text-align: start; width: 612pt;"><qowt-header id="header" style="display: block; max-height: 40%; min-height: 36pt; padding-left: 90pt; padding-right: 90pt; padding-top: 36pt;"></qowt-header></qowt-page></div>
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<qowt-section named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E112" style="-webkit-column-count: 1; display: block;"><div is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-33" qowt-eid="E800" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-34" qowt-eid="E805" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">so hard to be obedient; I was disappointed that he was not obedient himself. That was a big lesson for me. Obedience brings blessings, I needed all I could get to figure out this language thing. I told him he needed to leave and would only SYL (Speak your Language) to him. I never really cared if the Book of Mormon was true, or if other principles of the gospel were true. Unfortunately I was not as prepared as I should have been, fortunately I was in the perfect place to change that. The MTC was a spiritual feast. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E806" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E806" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I loved all the things I was learning and the Spirit I felt. My first prayer in Chinese was so simple, but it full of power. Sister Wang left before we did for Taiwan. Being with a companion 24/7 was challenging to say the least. There were times Sister Thompson drove me absolutely batty. I quickly learned what behaviors of mine would keep the Spirit with me or send it away. I made a lot of friends in the MTC, what a wonderful experience. After a lot of repenting, I promised my Branch President I would be 100% obedient at the airport and give Jeff a handshake instead of a hug.</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E807" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E807" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I learned many lessons in the MTC. One of the biggest ones was not to be a cookie cutter missionary. God gave me my specific gifts and talents for a reason. There is no point in trying to be like everyone else. I felt the most success when I was myself. Another lesson is that people feel the Spirit differently. I felt weird when I wouldn’t be crying when everyone else was and thought I was doing something wrong, I wasn’t, I just had different experiences. </span></div>
<div id="E808" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E808" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E809" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E809" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">My send off </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E810" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E810" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">(12/14/95)</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E811" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E811" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E812" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E812" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">was filled with a variety of emotion. My whole support team showed up. Lots of family, friends, ward members, other missionaries, Jeff and his family. So happy to see my family, so hard to say goodbye to my mom. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E813" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E813" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Aunt Lavern told me she was dying of cancer and would not be around when I returned. My friends all had news and wanted to spend time with me. It was overwhelming but beautiful. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E814" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E814" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The whole handshake thing made Jeff furious</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E815" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E815" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">. He gave me a promise ring and was ticked I wouldn’t hug him. Rob worked at the airport and was able to walk me onto the plane. I sat down and sobbed. </span></div>
<div id="E816" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E816" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E817" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E817" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I arrived at the Taiwan Taichung Mission on 498-11 Wu Chuan Road, Taichung 404, Taiwan ROC. President and Sister Koerner were wonderful. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E818" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E818" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">There was a note waiting for me at the mission home from Tiff that said, “If you are not happy you are doing it wrong! “ That advice has meant so much to me. </span></div>
<div id="E819" is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-35" qowt-eid="E819" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E820" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E820" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sister Victoria Lyou was my trainer. She spoke English luckily. We became very good friends. I loved her as a person but not as a trainer. She had very little desire to work. She broke many of the rules which was very disappointing. I learned a lot about how I wanted to train. I realized the importance of being a good example when you are in a leadership role. My first area was near the mission home in the Taichung 2</span></div>
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<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E821" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E821" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">nd</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E822" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E822" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> ward. We shared an apartment with 2 other Chinese sisters. We lived on the 14</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E823" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E823" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">th</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E824" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E824" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> floor of an old apartment building. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E825" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E825" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was praying one night when I felt the building swaying back and forth. Quite an experi</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E826" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E826" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">en</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E827" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E827" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">ce when you are living on the ring of fire and residing in an old building. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E828" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E828" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">We rode bikes in our </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E829" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E829" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">skirts, which</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E830" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E830" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> was no small task. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E831" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E831" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Taichung was a very populated, busy city. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E832" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E832" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I remember one really hard, hot, night I hated being a missionary. Mosquitos were siphoning my blood as I lay there sweating. I questioned what in the world I was doing so very far away from home. I missed my family, friends, and my culture. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E833" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E833" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I questioned every part of my mission, I specifically wondered if God even existed. So I prayed. I was ticked. I told Him I needed some answers. I needed to know if He was there. I needed to know if it was worth doing one of the hardest things I had ever done in my life. I told Him I needed an answer or I would be on the next flight back to America. My anger, fear and uncertainty was quickly replaced with a feeling I will never forget: Peace. God let me know He was there, He was listening, He loved me, and that I was doing the right thing. I no longer had to lean on someone </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E834" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E834" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">else’s</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E835" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E835" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> testimony. I was getting my own. For the first time in my life I had a sincere desire and real intent. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E836" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E836" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I quickly fell in love with the people and the culture. I loved Chinese New Year, I loved Fire Pots (cooking raw foods in a pot at your table), I loved the newness of the country. I also knew I was making unforgettable memories. Like the time I urgently needed a bathroom at an investigators house and the stall was literally in the main room we were sitting in. Lets just say everyone was very aware that I had explosive diarrhea. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E837" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E837" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many of the foods I ate were memorable as well: chicken feet, pig gums, pigs feet, chicken testicles, rat, eel, abalone (that caused ano</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E838" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E838" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">ther memorable bathroom story). </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E839" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E839" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mom often quoted Grandpa Lee, “Every part strengthens a part”. I was hoping it was true. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E840" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E840" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Much of the food was the best food I had ever tasted: papaya milk, leeches, mango, guava, chyong you bing, rou song. </span></div>
<div id="E841" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E841" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E842" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E842" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Sister Debbie Gustafson (Sister Gu) was my 2</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E843" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E843" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">nd</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E844" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E844" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> comp. She was only a month ahead of me. We felt so inadequate being 2 foreign sisters that hardly spoke Chinese. God blessed us. He taught us that if we had the desire and were willing to do our part, He would cover the rest. He is like that. Gu and I worked hard, learned much and had a great time together. </span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E845" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E845" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">We stayed in Taichung but worked in the 3</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E846" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E846" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">rd</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E847" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E847" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> ward. The ward met on the 19</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E848" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E848" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">th</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E849" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E849" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> floor of a skyscraper. That was a serious bike ride with lots of hills. I ate many bugs as I rode my little heart out. We experienced so many fun cultural experiences like the Lantern Festival. We had lots of fun P-Day excursions</span><span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E850" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E850" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Syi Tou was one of them. We taught English for service one a week. </span></div>
<div id="E851" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E851" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font8-Arial" id="E852" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E852" style="display: inline; font-family: Arial, 'Arial Unicode MS', Arimo, 'Microsoft Sans serif', sans-serif !important; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Sister Ding was my next companion. She was a native. She worked hard and I loved her. Every so often we would have to take deworming pills. I thought it was silly until I realized that I had need of being dewormed. That was quite an experience going to the doctor and basically telling him that I had small animals in my poop. I am sure the office had a good laugh when I left. </span></div>
<div id="E853" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E853" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E854" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E854" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; font-size: 10pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E855" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E855" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">My second are was Jung Syin Syin Tsun. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E856" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E856" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was out in the country in a beautiful area. Our apartment was beautiful and new. I loved the little lizards or wall tigers as they were called that would walk up the walls and stick to the ceiling. One night while we were sleeping I thought my companion was shaking my bed with great force. She was asleep as well, I realized it was an earthquake. I became a senior companion. Sister Lyou Mei Lin was my new companion. We worked hard to learn to love each other. My Chinese made her very frustrated.</span></div>
<div id="E857" is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-36" qowt-eid="E857" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E858" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-37" qowt-eid="E858" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I became a trainer when Sister Janet Chia became my companion. She was from </span></div>
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<qowt-section named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E112" style="-webkit-column-count: 1; display: block;"><div is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-36" qowt-eid="E857" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-37" qowt-eid="E858" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Canada with Chinese parents. Everyone expected her to be fluent in Chinese, so when I would answer for her that really threw people off. I met the Lyau family who quickly became very near and dear to me. Lyau Tai Tai came up to me in a market and asked my why I was so happy. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E859" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E859" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. She devoured the Book of Mormon. When she read the part about idol worship she asked if we could help her remove the alter where they worshiped ancestors from their home. She loved the truth. They took wonderful care of us. She fed us </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E860" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E860" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">omelets</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E861" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E861" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> that contained snails she caught in the church parking lot. When relating this unforgettable experience I confused the word rhinoceros for snail. That made a good story even better. Mandarin was so stinking hard, confusing and beautiful. I made all sorts of funny mistakes with my language. The Lyau family took us on all sorts of P-Day adventures, fed us, and made us feel very loved. I hope at some point they entered the waters of baptism. The biggest typhoon that the island had seen in 40 years hit when hard when we were there. Unfortunately we missed the call telling us to stay in for the day. The winds were incredible to say the least. Riding home we feared for our lives as many trees crashed down on our path.</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E862" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E862" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I learned that a testimony was found in the bearing of it. I also learned that God would put things into my remembrance, as I needed them, just like He promised me. An investigator specifically asked me if her father who was a priest at the neighboring church had</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E863" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E863" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> priesthood authority. I said </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E864" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E864" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">a prayer in my heart and asked for help. Heavenly Father gave me an on the spot answer and a lifelong testimony of priesthood authority. </span></div>
<div id="E865" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E865" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E866" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E866" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Sister Marnie Manley was my next companion. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E867" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E867" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">We had a few opportunities to go to the Taipei temple, I love the temple. We had several fun service projects. We cleaned up after the typhoon, went to an orphanage, did yard work, etc. We also had many conferences where all the missionaries would meet. I loved being able to spend time with Tiff. I rode her on the back of my bike a few times, it was nice having a dear friend I could vent to. There were so many cool sisters, I loved it when we could get together. I loved the many cultural sites we were able to visit. So many beautiful temples and statues, delicious restaurants, gardens. I loved the huge fields of rice, the beautiful banana trees, and pineapple plants. I loved the members and all the wonderful people we were able to share the gospel with. One lonely night I looked up and saw the moon, I realized this was the same moon that my dad was looking at. I remembered how many people were praying for me and supporting me. Seeing that moon made me realize I was so disconnected. </span></div>
<div id="E868" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E868" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E869" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E869" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> My last area was Chao Joe. I spent the last 4 months of my mission there. Chao Joe was as far south as our mission went. We lived in Ping Dong and commuted by train to our church that was a tiny little apartment. Jeng Ya Pin was my companion. We were in an old apartment with another companionship. Sister Jeng let me know that she had no plan on liking me. That made things a little tricky. One of my favorite trips was to Ken Ting, the very tip of Taiwan. I loved getting together with the other companionships, especially Tiff. I learned how to use a squatter; I developed some amazing quadriceps muscles and learned to always have toilet paper in my bag. I loved my Doc Martin sandals, they were 5 pounds a piece, not sure why I loved them. </span></div>
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<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E871" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E871" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Lyang Li Ju was my last companion. I learned so much from her. Sister Lyang had absolutely no support from home. She had been disowned and abused for joining the church. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E872" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-39" qowt-eid="E872" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">I always knew I was loved and supported, this was an unforgettable lesson of how good I had </span></div>
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<qowt-section named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E112" style="-webkit-column-count: 1; display: block;"><div is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-38" qowt-eid="E870" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-39" qowt-eid="E872" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">things. Dad wrote me a letter every single week of my mission. He did this while working full time and taking care of mom. He even mailed me a fur sample of his new cat Max. He constantly let me know how proud he was of me, how much he loved me, and shared my same beliefs. All my siblings supported me and wrote me. I had the support of friends, neighbors and ward members. Seeing what Sister Lyang gave up for her beliefs not only reminded me how blessed I was, but also that the gospel is true! We saw a lot of cool cultural things together; traditional theater, back beaters (more scary than cool), lots of beautiful temples, the practice of ancestor worship with displays of food, candles and money burned for the dead, </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E873" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E873" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chinese dragon parades, weddings with loud fire crackers, and lots of food. Lyang and I had very different personalities and had to learn to work together so we could have the Spirit with us. I learned so much about relationships; they took a lot of hard work. Sometimes we would drive each other crazy and smile our craziest smiles at each other just to help us change our attitudes. I learned how we needed Gods help to get though hard situations that we couldn’t handle on our own. Even though my Chinese improved considerably I still made some funny mistakes. One time a rat died behind our fridge, I cleaned it up all by myself, which is epic considering how bad I hate rodents and how disgusting the black slimy mess was. When I was retelling the story I unknowingly used the word tiger for rat. It makes a better story anyway describing the nasty tiger stuck behind my fridge. I loved my mission for so many reasons. I loved finding my testimony as I taught others about a </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E874" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E874" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heavenly</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E875" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E875" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Father that loved them. I learned about the atonement first hand as I repented and promised not to go back to the mistakes I had made before my mission. I learned that the power of </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E876" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E876" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Satan</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E877" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E877" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is real. He tried to convince me that when I got home I would return to my mistakes. I was determined to </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E878" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E878" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">stand my ground. I let Jeff know that he would have to wait until I was released to hug me. I wanted to be faithful until the last second of my mission. I was scared to go home back to real life. I was scared of what things would be like with Moms health, I would be starting back up at the U within days of returning home, and I felt sick about my relationship with Jeff. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E879" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E879" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">President Koerner left me with the challenge, not to let my mission be the best 18 months of my life.</span></div>
<div id="E880" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E880" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E881" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E881" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I a</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E882" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E882" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">rrived home on March 18, 1997. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E883" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E883" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">My homecoming was on April 20. During that time I let Jeff know I was no longer interested in dating him. It was a huge leap of faith, but I knew I didn’t feel right about our relationship. I had lots of fun with my old friends and new mission friends. I ran the Deseret News 10k with no training at all, for the next few days I thought I would die I was in so much pain.</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E884" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E884" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I jumped right back into school and started my student teaching at Bountiful Elementary School. I also got a job as a teachers assistant at Beacon Heights Elementary School. </span></div>
<div id="E885" is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-40" qowt-eid="E885" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E886" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E886" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">I started dating different people. Most of my friends were married. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E887" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E887" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">One memorable date flew me out to California so we could double with his Chinese speaking boss. He took me to Phantom of the Opera. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E888" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E888" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">I often hung out with my buddy Chris James and we would take each other to things when we needed a date. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E889" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E889" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chris took me to a soft ball game in August and I recognized most of his friends from Olympus. Matt Rich looked familiar I knew his sister Pat and his brother James. Over Thanksgiving</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E890" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E890" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Chris</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E891" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E891" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and I saw the movie Anastasia, Matt and his cousin Genevieve joined us</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E892" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E892" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E893" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E893" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">to see another movie. After Genevieve left, Matt, Chris and myself talked in the car for a while. Matt asked Chris if we were dating. Chris let him know that we were just friends. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E894" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E894" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">We doubled with </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E895" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-41" qowt-eid="E895" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chris James and Sarah Mackay to a comedy show and </span></div>
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<qowt-section named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E112" style="-webkit-column-count: 1; display: block;"><div is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-40" qowt-eid="E885" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-41" qowt-eid="E895" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">then played pool. He was happy to hear that I was a returned missionary. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E896" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E896" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matt joined Chris and I at John </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E897" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E897" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Henderson’s</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E898" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E898" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> day after C</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E899" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E899" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">hristmas party. We played Ping-Pong</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E900" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E900" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and our eyes met. Lightning bolts went trough my body as I stared into his beautiful blue eyes and he flashed his grin at me. We watched a James Bond movie. A few nights later he asked me out to see Titanic with him. As we were sitting there our pinkie fingers touched and we held hand</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E901" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E901" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">s</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E902" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E902" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">. My heart went </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E903" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E903" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">pitter-patter</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E904" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E904" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E905" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E905" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mom went into a rehab center on my birthday (a low point), dad took my out to dinner to Olive Garden, and Matt took me to a Jazz game. After the game we talked in his little tan Honda Accord under the streetlight. He told me he wanted to kiss me. I told him that friends don’t kiss and I set some very clear guidelines for how and whom I would kiss. After the mess I had got myself into before my mission and lots of repentance, I was not about to mess up again. After I had explained my desires, I anti climatically told him to “get it over with”. This came out wrong, I meant after all that talk I was ok with him kissing me. Two minutes after my birthday he kissed me for the first time. We skied at Snowbird and then visited mom in St. Marks Hospital. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E906" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E906" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">I let him know that I was not interested in exclusive dating and went out with other guys. </span></div>
<div id="E907" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E907" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E908" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E908" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">In February Chris told me that he and Matt had gone on a trip with some girls. It made me jealous. Me being jealous made me realize that I definitely had feelings for this handsome boy. So I told him. He was really happy about that. In one sentence I told him I was jealous and mad at him and that I liked him. The next sentence he invited me to Moab with his family. I fell in love with them. His younger sisters let me know they were not happy to have me there. I took it as a challenge. We were chatting on the stairs in the hotel room and he discussed the idea of marriage. I was floored, totally didn’t see that coming. He never proposed, just suggested the idea. We talked about all the possibilities and I told him it would take me some time to answer him. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E909" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E909" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Driving home from Moab, I hit and got air off a deer who was already dead. It scared me to death. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E910" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E910" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was waiting for some huge experience to let me know it was the right thing. I wanted a sign or at least an answer. He shared with me </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E911" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E911" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">a quote from the Gospel Principles book about how we proceed with what we think is best and God will let us know if we are on the wrong path. I loved how Matt made me feel, he made me laugh, he built me up, he was nutty, he worked hard, he loved sports and was kind to players on the opposite team. I was dating another guy who had a great job, his MBA, a car and a house. Matt had lots of debt, lived with his parents, was still in school, and made me happy. In the beginning of March we went to the Salt Lake Temple. We were the witness couple. At the end of the session I told him yes. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E912" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E912" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">We picked June 24 for the big day, less than 4 months away. </span></div>
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<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E914" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E914" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">We decided not to spend money on an engagement ring. I told mom about it and she told me to wear hers, so I felt like I was engaged. She weighed under a hundred pounds at the time so she hadn’t been able to wear the ring. </span></div>
<div id="E915" is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-42" qowt-eid="E915" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E916" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E916" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wedding preparations were really fun. Amy Rich, my darling future sister in law took our engagement pictures </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E917" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-43" qowt-eid="E917" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">for us at Red Butte Garden. We ordered invites and addressed them. I remember standing next to the mail box praying that if this was wrong I needed to know before I dropped the invites in the box. Such a huge decision. We registered at ZCMI, Matt really wanted to register for 13 gravy boats. Once again I was reminded of my amazing support system. I was encircled by the arms of some amazing people. Mom was not doing well and I mourned her not being able to help me. She was there in all the ways she could be. I was </span></div>
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<qowt-section named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E112" style="-webkit-column-count: 1; display: block;"><div is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-42" qowt-eid="E915" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-43" qowt-eid="E917" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">showered in bridal showers; Gamma Xi, Mission friends, Peterson shower, Kenwood ward shower, 2 different Olympus friends showers, a Rich family Fiesta</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E918" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E918" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">, a Lymric shower, Gamma Xi couples </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E919" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E919" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">BBQ</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E920" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E920" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and the Olympus ward shower. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E921" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E921" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">10 showers! I have always been blessed with an amazing support system. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E922" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E922" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mom came to what she could and I would do my best to include her in my plans. She had made her wedding dress and I loved it. I told Morrissa about my dream dress. She had me draw it out. I wanted to use fabric that I could from Moms dress and add the extra I needed. Morrissa was amazing and made exactly what I wanted. The bodice and the bottom hem panel were from Moms dress. Mom’s beautiful dress was bordered in scallops. She had used a Kerr canning jar lid to trace scallops on the bottom. My dress had the same hem as Moms. It was beautiful. </span></div>
<div id="E923" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E923" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E924" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E924" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the middle of all this I graduated from the University</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E925" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E925" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> of Utah on June 12, 1998. I received a BS in Elementary Education. I graduated with a 3.84 GPA. President Hinckley spoke at commencement at the Huntsman Center. The convocation ceremony was at Kingsbury Hall. I was so happy to have my parents both there. It was mom and dads anniversary, they took Matt and I to Market Street Grill for lunch where I ordered my favorite clam chowder with lemon and Tabasco sauce. As soon as lunch was over we hopped in the car for a job interview at Franklin Elementary School. On the way there we were stopped by 2 trains. </span></div>
<div id="E926" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E926" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E927" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E927" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">June 24, 1998 was the big day. We had our wedding breakfast at the Inn on Temple Square. We did a real breakfast with breakfast foods. The only thing I ate was a strawberry because I was so nervous and excited. We were blessed to have all of our family and friends there with us. The sealing was in the early afternoon. I remember going up the elevator thinking OK Heavenly Father, this is it, you better tell me now if I shouldn’t do this. Years before</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E928" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E928" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Eric had given Mom a blessing that she would live to see me get married. She wasn’t feeling well that day. I had fears that she would die in the temple. The sealing room was beautiful. I loved being surrounded by family and friends, especially having my mom there. I wore my temple dress for the ceremony. Matt and I knelt across the alter from each other. I will never forget the feeling of knowing that I was worthy to be there. I had worked hard to repent</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E929" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E929" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I knew that I was forgiven and that I was worthy to be in the temple. I can’t imagine anything better. Don White from my ward was our sealer. He mentioned our future children. He told us we would be raising some amazing people. The ceremony was beautiful. I became Christina Lee Peterson Rich. </span></div>
<div id="E930" is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-44" qowt-eid="E930" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E931" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E931" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Clark and Tiffani Swensen were our photographers. After seeing so many brides it was fun to finally be the bride. The weather was perfect. Groups of young women clapped for us as we walked around </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E932" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E932" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Temple Square</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E933" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E933" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Our reception was at the Riches home. They had made the yard look absolutely beautiful. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E934" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E934" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> We did family pictures before the reception. I was bummed that Mom and Dad were not there, mom was not feeling well. Joyce Seaburry and Deann Burkhart helped do all the food. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E935" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E935" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">We served fruit, slush, and cakes. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E936" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E936" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Suzy Rich made many beautiful cakes. We had a reception line that went on for hours and hours. It was so fun to be greeted by so many friends and family members. Mom and Dad came for the end of the reception. My only regret that day was that I didn’t get many pictures with mom. Our wedding cake was amazing. It was covered with wild flowers that matched my bouquet and floral crown. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E937" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-45" qowt-eid="E937" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">My nephews cleared tables and took gifts. Once again we were showered in love and </span> </div>
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<qowt-section named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E112" style="-webkit-column-count: 1; display: block;"><div is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-44" qowt-eid="E930" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-45" qowt-eid="E937" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">gifts. Morrissa made us a beautiful hand pieced quilt. </span></div>
<div id="E938" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E938" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E939" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E939" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matts friends had decorated our little brown Honda Accord. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E940" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E940" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was covered in oreos and dish soap. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E941" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E941" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">They blocked the carwash and made if very difficult for us to get in. We spent our first night at the Inn on Temple Square. The next day we spent</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E942" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E942" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> at a funeral for Matts 3 year old cousin, absolutely heart wrenching. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E943" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E943" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">We opened our wedding gifts at the Riches. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E944" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E944" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">We spent the night at Sheri Rich’s home. The next day we took off to Sun Valley Idaho. We stayed at Craig Cavezials condo. It felt like we were playing house, so much fun. We golfed, rode mountain bikes, ate lots of yummy food, and paddled a canoe on Red Fish Lake. </span></div>
<div id="E945" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E945" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E946" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E946" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">The first place we lived was Dads basement</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E947" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E947" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> at 3121 South 1810 East</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E948" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E948" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">. We bought a king mattress and set up our own little house. Our phone number was 801-484-5904. Dad was so generous to let us stay there. I wanted to be close so I could help with mom. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E949" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E949" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">The day we got home I received a call from Franklin Elementary offering me a position teaching 2</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E950" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E950" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">nd</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E951" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E951" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> grade in a year round school. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E952" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E952" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was Thursday, school would be starting on Tuesday</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E953" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E953" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I took the position. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E954" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E954" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Talk about baptism by fire. There was nothing set up for me. I had to go get my own desks, and collect school supplies from the other teachers. I spent the first few weeks on the stage; my portable classroom was not ready yet. This was challenging to say the least. I had to compete with gym and band while I tried to teach over </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E955" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E955" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">3</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E956" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E956" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">0 kids. Most of them were ESL students. After several weeks I moved into the portable. Setting up in the blistering heat with no electricity was memorable to say the least. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E957" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E957" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was not prepared for how difficult teaching would be. I would get there early, work hard all day, and stay late. I remember sitting down on the floor in front of my class and bawling. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E958" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E958" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">I gave it all I had. We had a lot of fun projects: hatching chickens, learning about the primary colors with frosting, spelling with pudding and </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E959" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E959" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">play dough</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E960" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E960" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">, OOblek. We went on a field trip to Wheeler Farm. Matt came and taught the kids about art. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E961" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E961" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">It did become better with time. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E962" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E962" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matt was working at EGI. He started at the University of Utah in the </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E963" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E963" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">fall</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E964" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E964" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> working on a degree in Graphic Design. He spent hours and hours working on projects. It felt like his projects were my projects. </span></div>
<div id="E965" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E965" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E966" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E966" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">We did a lot with </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E967" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E967" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matt’s</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E968" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E968" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E969" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E969" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">friends, which</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E970" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E970" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> quickly became mine as well</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E971" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E971" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">. We would go wake boarding, dinner groups, baby showers, wedding parties</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E972" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E972" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and yearly trips to Lake Powell</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E973" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E973" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Matt and I had a wonderful time in the </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E974" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E974" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Uintah’s</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E975" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E975" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on our first camping trip</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E976" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E976" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">, St. George</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E977" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E977" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Monte Cristo</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E978" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E978" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E979" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E979" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Zion’s</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E980" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E980" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I was selected for </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E981" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E981" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">an </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E982" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E982" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Operation Smile</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E983" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E983" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Mission</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E984" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E984" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E985" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E985" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">My job </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E986" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E986" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">was</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E987" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E987" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Youth Sponsor. I was to chaperone two high school students on a medical mission to Nan Chang China! I spent 10 days in China and Hong Kong. It was a very humbling experience being able to help children. Most of the kids we helped had a </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E988" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E988" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">cleft</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E989" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E989" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> lip or palate. The best part about it was that I could speak Chinese with these amazing people. Many of the stories were heart wrenching. We were also able to travel for a few days.</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E990" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E990" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> My Gamma Xi friends started a great </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E991" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E991" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">tradition</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E992" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E992" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> of going to dinner the first Monday of the month. That tradition still stands</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E993" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E993" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> today. Tiffani, Holly, Stacy, Kara, </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E994" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E994" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Angie, and myself </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E995" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E995" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">would meet and share our experiences as newlyweds, babies, trails and triumphs. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E996" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E996" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">My first year of teaching I had strep several times and came down with Mono. It was a very eventful year. </span></div>
<div id="E997" is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-46" qowt-eid="E997" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E998" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E998" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have so many memories in my portable classroom. That is where I received the call that Mom had died. January 5, 1999 she was at St. Josephs Adult Day Care when she had a heart attack, the day before my 25</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E999" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E999" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">th</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1000" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-47" qowt-eid="E1000" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> birthday. Even though we had been told to say goodbye so many times, this took me by surprise. My sweet mom was gone. I gave her wedding ring </span></div>
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<qowt-section named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E112" style="-webkit-column-count: 1; display: block;"><div is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-46" qowt-eid="E997" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-47" qowt-eid="E1000" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">back to dad so she could wear it. He let me know that she wanted me to have it. What a treasure. I had the privilege of serving her one last time by dressing her in her temple clothes. I even made sure she had her earrings on. It was such a blessing to dress her, the spirit was very strong. I will never forget watching dad give her a rose and closing the casket. It was so hard to believe that would be the last time I would see my mom in this life. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1001" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1001" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Other memories from the classroom, I received a call that Matt was in the ER at St Marks. I was to go meet him there. I was horrified because I had no clue what was wrong. When I walked in he was vomiting blood from Kidney Stones</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1002" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1002" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1003" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1003" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> One of the blessings of working at Franklin was getting a ride from Dad </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1004" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1004" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">every Moring</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1005" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1005" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1006" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1006" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">He worked very close. I loved our morning chats, they were golden. </span></div>
<div id="E1007" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E1007" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1008" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1008" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Teaching school was brutiful: brutal and beautiful. I learned to love those kids. Most of them came from very rough homes. Many of them I wanted to take home with me. Instead I took their problems home with me and would sob many days after school. In the time that I worked there I had 11 kids with a parent in prison, 2 dead</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1009" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1009" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> bodies were found near the playground, more cases of lice than I can remember. I had students dealing with physical, sexual, mental, verbal abuse. Some were living in shelters, homes with no food, or homes with no supervision. I had a student that was giving marijuana by his parents to calm him down. I heard stories that I wish I could forget. I had my favorites that just tugged at my </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1010" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1010" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">heartstrings</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1011" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1011" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I also had those who scared me to death. I prayed for these kids and gave them my heart. I hope in some small way I let them know they were loved and important. </span></div>
<div id="E1012" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E1012" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1013" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1013" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">I learned that marriage is wonderful and really challenging. Seems like anything of that much value seems to be that way. We had great times and really hard times.</span></div>
<div id="E1014" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E1014" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1015" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1015" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">I fell in love with the Rich family. Ed and Morrissa immediately accepted me as their daughter. Morrissa told me she was always on my side. I married into lots of sisters! They were all wonderful. Amy and I became very close as we were married to brothers. I loved all the fun traditions the Rich family had. Easter was my favorite. Morrissa called us early on Easter morning to tell us “He Has Risen!”. Then we had a grown up egg hunt. We all had an egg with our name on it and our own basket. I loved all the Sunday dinners, holiday and birthday celebrations. I felt so grateful to have a mom that would take me under her wing now that my mom was gone. I cant begin to express how thankful I am for Morrissa. </span></div>
<div id="E1016" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E1016" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1017" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1017" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">The teachi</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1018" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1018" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">ng part of teaching got easier, although the kids situations did not. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1019" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1019" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">I felt like I was getting a better handle on classroom management. Construction was started on a new school. My school was hit by hit by a tornado on August 11, 1999. That was a horrifying experience in and of itself, but to be responsible for 30 kids and keep them calm, now that was scary. Matt did a bunch of we</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1020" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1020" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">b</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1021" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1021" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> developing to earn money while going to school. Duff and Amy sold us their Ford Festiva for $1. It was a </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1022" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1022" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">sad day when the engine seized and we were down to one car. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1023" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1023" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">We had a great trip to Craters of the Moon and to Smith and Morehouse to Nancy’s Cabin,</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1024" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1024" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Lake Powell. Pete Rich became the first nephew on the Rich side. </span></div>
<div id="E1025" is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-48" qowt-eid="E1025" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1026" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-49" qowt-eid="E1026" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">During the 2000-2001 school year we moved into a beautiful new school building. I continued to do all sorts of fun projects with my class: more chickens, hatching butterflies, a field trip to Tracy Wigwam with Mr. Rich’s help. I made great friends with the other teachers. Lori Ellsworth taught next to me, we became very close. We went on a camping trip with she and her husband to Bryce Canyon and Calf Creek Falls. Matt and I had other great trips as well: </span></div>
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<span class="qowt-font7-Times" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-49" qowt-eid="E1026" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">camping in Great Basin and a trip to San Francisco. SF was one of our favorite trips ever. Dad started dating. Although I was happy for him, it was really hard on me to see him with someone besides my mom. He started dating Sharon Coons and they became dear friends. Matt started his own company, Creative Professionals. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1027" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1027" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was called to the Young </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1028" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1028" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Women’s</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1029" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1029" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> presidency as the 1</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1030" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1030" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">st</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1031" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1031" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1032" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1032" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">counselor</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1033" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1033" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I loved working with these Miamaids. My testimony grew as I taught them the truths of the gospel. </span></div>
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<span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1035" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1035" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">2001-02 ended up being my last year of teaching at Franklin. We decided it was time to start our family. We found out we were pregnant on 8/12/01. I had always dreamed of being a mom. I can’t express how happy I was. I was really bummed that I wasn’t able to talk to my mom about her pregnancies and dad didn’t remember a thing. I decided to write my baby a letter and share my pregnancy experience. 9/11/2001 was a day I will never forget. Dad dropped me off at school and I watched the </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1036" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1036" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">Twin Towers collapse on TV. I was horrified and wondered what else would transpire that day. I called Matt and Dad to tell them what had happened and told them how much I loved them. I was right by the airport; it was so strange not having planes flying overhead. I feared for my unborn baby, what kind of a world was I bringing this child into? Matt wanted to check out companies in New York, we already had tickets for 10/11. The trip was unforgettable. Ground zero was still smoking a month after the attacks. It was a very somber experience. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1037" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1037" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">We had lots of </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1038" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1038" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">other </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1039" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1039" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">great trips: Lake Powell,</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1040" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1040" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Driggs, St</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1041" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1041" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1042" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1042" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> George, Las Vegas, Nancy’s Cabin. The Winter Olympics were held in Salt Lake City that year. What an incredible experience. I was able to go to 2 of the events with my giant belly. We loved all the fun things in the Olympic Village down town. The torch relay went right past my school, so we were able to witness that. I had so much fun preparing for my baby, who I found out was a girl. I knew for sure I was having a boy. I sewed, gathered items and again was showered if gifts for my baby. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1043" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1043" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was making a quilt over at the Riches and I had a strong impression that this baby was to be named Ruby. I felt like it was from my mom. So she became Ruby Marilyn Rich. For Halloween that year I went as a pregnant nymph and Matt was a Satyr. I went into preterm labor during my parent teacher confrences the day before we were supposed to go off track for school. They stopped the contractions and I took it easy for a bit. My last day of teaching both Matt and Dad brought me flowers to work</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1044" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1044" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I was torn saying goodbye to my students but thrilled to be done teaching, more importantly thrilled to welcome my baby girl. Ironically after going into preterm labor, </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1045" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1045" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">I went past my due date. I didn’t want to be induced but felt guided to listen to Dr. Rappleyes suggestion to do so. Long story short I was induc</span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1046" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1046" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">ed early in the morning on 4/20, started having problems with babies heart, and then things got really exciting in the middle of the night. </span><span class="qowt-font7-Times" id="E1047" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1047" style="display: inline; font-family: Times !important; white-space: pre-wrap;">From my letter to her, “</span><span id="E1048" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1048" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">…</span><span id="E1049" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-51" qowt-eid="E1049" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the entire nursing staff ran into my room and started rubbing my tummy and turning me from side to side. I saw the monitor and your heart was really freaking out. The average rate was 50 when it should be between 120 and 160. I was so terrified. They kept moving me around but nothing was happening. I have never been so scared in my life. I pray I will never have something so scary happen again. I prayed with all my soul that they could save my baby. It was scary watching dad’s face and how helpless he looked. I heard them say call Dr Rappleye 911 and my heart sank. He walked in the room right then. He saw the monitor and said we have got to get that baby out now! Though this whole thing I never stopped pleading with </span></div>
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<span is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-51" qowt-eid="E1049" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heavenly Father. They gave me a shot of Terb to stop the contraction and ran me down to the OR. By this time your heart sounded pretty good. They guess that the cord was around your neck and that each time I would have a contraction it would strangle you.</span><span id="E1050" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1050" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I wanted dad to be there so bad. They got me all ready and in he came. He sat with his hands on my head. I asked if he would give me a blessing. He said that he had been doing it the whole time. I was shaking severely. They had me push 3 times to see where you were but you hadn’t dropped yet. They decided that it was time for a C-section. I was really scared that I would feel a ton of pain. It didn’t hurt but there was a ton of pressure. It felt like they were ripping my guts out. Come to find out, they were! They cut through 7 layers to get to you. Dr. Rappleye flashed a little purple thing above the sheet in front of my face and said hi mom! It was so fast I didn’t even realize what was going on. Then I heard what sounded like a baby bobcat crying. I have never been so filled with joy by a single sound. They came over and told us we had a beautiful baby girl and that you were fine. Dad went over and watched them check you out. It was amazing how many people were in the room to help us. Grandma Peterson was there, I could feel her presence. When they told me you were all right I realized how incredible traumatic the whole experience was. I was shaking uncontrollably and started to hyper venelate. Dad walked over in his space suit they made him wear with you in his arms. I was so relieved. You were fine! You were so beautiful! I cried and cried. Dad took you up to the nursery and they sewed me up. Dr. R. asked me if they should put Velcro in so your siblings would come out easier. It was good to see him joking again. It scared me to see him so serious. My body felt out of control. I puked again and continued to shake. I felt a warm tingling in my chest and asked the doctor what it was. He said he had no clue. I then realized that I was being comforted. Dr. Rappleye told me that my placenta had started to abrupt. That is really serious. If it had gone on any longer we both could have died. The nurse said that grandma was standing in the hall bawling. I wanted to hug her so bad and get her reassurance. The nurse said grandma told her that we couldn’t loose this baby because grandma had just died. I am so glad we didn’t loose you! As I gathered my thoughts I realized what a miracle this had been. If I would have been at home through all this we both could have died. I feel like Dr. Rappleye was inspired to have me induced. They took me back to my room where dad and grandma were. It took me a long time to stop shaking. They both told me how beautiful you were and that you were as happy as can be. You were born April 21,2002 at 3:34am. You were 7lb 9 oz and 19.5 inches long. I was surprised you were so small since I was 10 lbs.” I loved being a mom from the instant I saw my Ruby Girl. We were showered with meals, gifts and lots of love. Matt graduated from the U of U in Graphic Design on May 10. Ruby slept through most of it. We were so proud of Matt for his hard work. We took a family trip up to Sun Valley. I loved being a mom and I loved to watch Matt be a dad. </span><span id="E1051" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1051" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ruby was a wonderful baby. We loved seeing her grow and progress. She did everthing early and we were convinced that she was a super hero. </span> </div>
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<span id="E1053" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1053" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matt started working for Lovesac as the creative director 2003-2005. </span></div>
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<span id="E1055" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-53" qowt-eid="E1055" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For Ruby’s first birthday Morrissa hand quilted a beautiful quilt covered in angels. The inscription said, “ To Ruby From Grandma Peterson made with love by </span></div>
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<span is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-53" qowt-eid="E1055" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Grandma Rich” What a treasure, the quilt and the Grandmas. I loved being a stay at home mom. We made many friends with kids of similar ages. I loved providing the richest life as I could. We went everywhere; Hogle zoo, Wheeler Farm, parks, Red Butte Garden,on walks, swimming, story time. We put hundreds of miles on our stroller. We enjoyed a trips to Moab, Lake Powell, Washington Dc. I would exercise with my mom friends at the church. </span><span id="E1056" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1056" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One time you were playing behind me as we excercised and I pictured a red thumbtack in your mouth. I turned around and sure enough you had found one on the floor. The Holy Ghost warned me of danger. It made me sick to think what could have happened if I hadn’t listened. I am so thankful for those promptings and do my very best to recognize them and quickly act upon them. For Halloween I made Rubes the cutest Lobster costume ever. I dressed up as a chef and dad as a fisherman. </span></div>
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<span id="E1058" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1058" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> We bought a crappy old rental property in January of 2004. We lovingly called 1761 East Edward Ave. SLC, UT 84106, </span><span id="E1059" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1059" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“The Castle”</span><span id="E1060" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1060" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. It was in bad shape when we purchased it and then we gutted it. We planned on things happening much faster then they did. I was pregnant with Cooper, in my mind I thought he would come home to the Castle. I was so excited about another baby coming to our family but wondered if I could love another as much as I loved Ruby. I went to one of my appointments not feeling so great on May 11, 2004. Dr. Rappleye let me know the reason I didn’t feel good was because I was in labor. He moved my scheduled c-section a week early to that evening. From my letter to Coop, “At 6:30 I walked into the OR and they prepped me. I decided that I wanted to watch the whole procedure so they put a mirror above my head. They gave me a spinal block so I was numb but very aware of what was going on. I didn’t get grossed out because it didn’t feel like it was my body because I was watching in a mirror. I couldn’t see the first part very well because my tummy was so big. It was such a positive experience. The doctors were telling jokes the entire time and everything went so smoothly. At 7:02 they pulled you out and I heard the most beautiful cry! Your cord was wrapped around your neck. You weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz. And were 20 ½ inches long. You just had a little hair. Dad brought you over to me and I was so thankful that I started to cry. Yo</span><span id="E1061" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1061" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">u made it!! Perfect and Safe! “ It took us a few days to agree on the name Cooper. I was instantly in love again. It is amazing how your heart can grow like that. </span></div>
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<span id="E1063" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1063" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was tricky adjusting to 2 kids but we caught on pretty fast. </span><span id="E1064" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1064" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">W</span><span id="E1065" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1065" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">e continued having all sorts of fun and learning new things. I would carry Ruby on my shoulders and Coop in a front pack. Some of our adventures included: visiting the circus elephants, Hogle Zoo, Wheeler Farm, Red Butte Garden, </span><span id="E1066" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1066" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Moab with the Peterson Family, </span><span id="E1067" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1067" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the Tetons and Yellowstone. Cooper basicically spent his early years on a construction site. I would nurse him on a camping chair</span><span id="E1068" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1068" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> at the Castle</span><span id="E1069" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1069" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Ruby was potty trained in the trees</span><span id="E1070" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1070" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> at the Castle </span><span id="E1071" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1071" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(because we had no toilet yet)</span><span id="E1072" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1072" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and both of them would nap at the Castle. </span><span id="E1073" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1073" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ruby won a one minute shopping spree down the candy isle at Dans. I strategically placed her in front of the expensive bags of candy. What a funny memory. $100 worth of candy and a ham.</span></div>
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<span id="E1075" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1075" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We had a </span><span id="E1076" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1076" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">b</span><span id="E1077" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1077" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ig</span><span id="E1078" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1078" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><span id="E1079" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1079" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> long</span><span id="E1080" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1080" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><span id="E1081" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1081" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> brown couch that looked like a buffalo. It was missing springs so it had a depression in it that the kids liked to play in</span><span id="E1082" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1082" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (“the nest”)</span><span id="E1083" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-55" qowt-eid="E1083" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. One of the great memories is dragging this couch behind the Honda from Dads house to the </span> </div>
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<span is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-55" qowt-eid="E1083" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Castle to dump it in one of our many dumpsters. The kids had a great time playing in the piles of dirt and gravel that we had delivered for landscaping. </span></div>
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<span id="E1085" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1085" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We were blessed to have our amazing support system yet again. Several people from the ward watched the kids while we worked on the house. Retta James and Carol Gustafson where angels. My kids lovingly called them Grandma Retta and Grandma Gus. Family, friends, and ward members were so generous with their time and talents as we worked on the massive, overwhelming project. </span><span id="E1086" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1086" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our neighbors were awesome and helped us in numerous ways. We will always have tender memories of Johnette, Cathy Redd, and the Bills family. </span></div>
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<span id="E1088" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1088" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matt was with Lovesac until the end of 2005. He started his own company, Booster Pool, again in the beginning of 2006. This was a very stressful time of life with finances, kids, construction and marriage. </span><span id="E1089" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1089" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Because</span><span id="E1090" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1090" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> of the loan we had we were required to </span><span id="E1091" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1091" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">have our certificate of </span><span id="E1092" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1092" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">occupancy by</span><span id="E1093" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1093" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> a certain date. </span><span id="E1094" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1094" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> It was a miracle that we were able to pull it off. The night before our inspection I think most of the High Priest Quorum was installing all of our door knobs for us. </span></div>
<div id="E1095" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E1095" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span id="E1096" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1096" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E1097" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1097" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We put our blood, sweat, and tears into that house and all our money!!! We spent many cold and dark nights in that house. </span><span id="E1098" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1098" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matt was amazing, he learned to do the majority of the work on the house. </span><span id="E1099" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1099" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I learned lots of new skills myself: tile cutting, painting, laying sod, etc. </span><span id="E1100" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1100" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We learned some hard lessons with zoning, and lost a bunch of money due to poor planning and communication issues. We replaced a brand new window</span><span id="E1101" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1101" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, redid</span><span id="E1102" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1102" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> brand new </span><span id="E1103" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1103" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ductwork,</span><span id="E1104" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1104" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and paid for a retaining wall the neighbors agreed to pay for (but didn’t). I have wonderful memories of Matt driving a bobcat with the kids, my kids being filthy from playing in the dirt all day, from my Visiting Teacher (or an angel) dro</span><span id="E1105" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1105" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">pping off </span><span id="E1106" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1106" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Slurpee’s</span><span id="E1107" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1107" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on a hot day</span><span id="E1108" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1108" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, of kind neighbors who shared their bathroom. I have hard memories of Cooper burning his palms on Grandma Gus’s stove, </span><span id="E1109" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1109" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">being exhausted and filthy, and feeling really overwhelmed</span><span id="E1110" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1110" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, eating lots of fast food, and having no money</span><span id="E1111" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1111" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. One day I went to Home Depot 6 times. I cried the last time. We survived with minor injuries: I stepped on a nail and needed a tetanus shot, Matt ripped his head open on the rusting sewer pipe. We dodged disaster when one of the massive pine trees almost fell on the house when we cut it down, when Matt climbed up on a ladder </span><span id="E1112" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1112" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">which was balanced </span><span id="E1113" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1113" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">on top of the gar</span><span id="E1114" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1114" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">bage</span><span id="E1115" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1115" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> can, and when Matt caught a falling board with just a few fingers. </span></div>
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<span id="E1117" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1117" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After working </span><span id="E1118" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1118" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">for nearly 3 years on the house we finally moved in on September </span><span id="E1119" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1119" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 2006</span><span id="E1120" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1120" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span id="E1121" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1121" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E1122" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1122" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matt put our king mattress on top of the car, laid on top of it, and dad drove him over to our house. </span><span id="E1123" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1123" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The house was darling. I loved my granite counter tops, Stainless Steel appliances, slate floor and green kitchen. The bathroom was a beautiful blue with Travertine tile. The kids room was Fire Engine Red with colorful vinyl circles on the wall. I had a cheerful yellow laundry room that </span><span id="E1124" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1124" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">C</span><span id="E1125" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1125" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ooper did a mural on the wall with a sharpie and pounded a hammer into. </span><span id="E1126" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1126" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We picked 7 different colors for all of the rooms. They were so fun and bright. Painting an entire house with miles of trim in a short time was no small task. </span><span id="E1127" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1127" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our yard was beautiful with perfect green grass and beautiful boulders creating a retaining wall. The location was perfect because people were always going by. It was a very social spot. </span><span id="E1128" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1128" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was perfect for Lemonade sales and garage sales. The house was absolutely darling. </span><span id="E1129" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-57" qowt-eid="E1129" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We had 2 very successful gardens at the Castle. The white vinyl fence and </span></div>
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<span is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-57" qowt-eid="E1129" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">plentiful sunshine were the perfect combination to make plants thrive. </span></div>
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<span id="E1131" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1131" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We slowly moved our stuff from Dads basement. We finally had our own place after 8 years of living in dads basement. Living there was good and bad. We should have saved more money but we didn’t. We would have become more self reliant if we would have lived on our own. </span></div>
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<span id="E1133" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1133" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Life got kind of tricky once we got moved in. We were out of money and had debt up to our eyeballs from the house. Matt decided he was no longer interested in the church. I was absolutely devastated, that was not what I had planned on. I was called to serve in the Relief Society Presidency. </span><span id="E1134" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1134" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This was such a blessing for me to serve others and strengthen my testimony. Our Honda was stolen from the church parking lot. Lucky we got it back. I was in shock by all that was going on at the time. It is always humbling to look back on a hard time and see how much the Lord blessed us. Santa Clause showed up and gave my kids presents and a card with $500 in it for us. To this day I have no idea who sent him. </span><span id="E1135" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1135" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Kennington family sold us our second car for $1, a red Dodge Intrepid. </span><span id="E1136" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1136" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There were many many times I went to the door to find food, presents, gift cards etc. The following is an post from my blog:</span></div>
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<span id="E1138" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1138" style="display: inline; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Parable of the Strawberries</span></div>
<div id="E1139" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E1139" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span id="E1140" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1140" style="display: inline; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">A few years ago, Matt and I were drowning in the depths of personal and financial struggles. Matt was unemployed. Our marriage was teetering. Money was scarce. We desperately needed to pay our mortgage. We were doing everything we could to earn money. A kind acquaintance took pity and hired Matt and I to paint her kitchen. I was grateful for the money, but I was jealously mad: I was painting for someone with lots of money while we were desperate to make ends meet. I also felt guilty and angry farming my kids out. This was not what I signed up for. As we painted, we shared our frustrations. Tears of frustration streamed down my face. Matt kindly asked what would make me feel better. I wanted security, stability, and a giant tray of strawberries! So silly and sad! Of all things, I wanted strawberries. I dreamed of buying something I wanted not just what would fit into our tight budget.</span></div>
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<span id="E1142" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1142" style="display: inline; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fast forward a few days, I was out in my neighborhood visiting a friend from church. Her neighbor, another friend from church, called to me across her fence. She told me she left something on my porch for me. I went about my business. You will never guess what was sitting on my porch. A flat of STRAWBERRIES from Costco. I sobbed. </span></div>
<div id="E1143" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E1143" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span id="E1144" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1144" style="display: inline; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">Those strawberries were a hug from my loving Heavenly Father. It was as if He was telling me: I know it is hard. I am aware of you. I know you are hurting. I just want you to know how much I love you and care about you. I want you to be happy. </span></div>
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<span id="E1146" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1146" style="display: inline; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">I wrote a thank you note telling this woman she had no clue how much this meant to me. Later she told me she was at Costco and had a feeling to buy 2 flats of strawberries., one for her, one for me. She felt stupid about it, thinking why would I take Chris Rich strawberries? She followed the prompting and bought them anyway. My loving Father in Heaven used her to show me HIS love. Both of us could clearly see that.</span></div>
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<span id="E1148" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-59" qowt-eid="E1148" style="display: inline; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">This experience was a powerful reminder to me of Gods love. I know that he lives, that he loves me, and is aware of my heart aches and desires. I can’t look at a </span></div>
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<span is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-59" qowt-eid="E1148" style="display: inline; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">strawberry without being reminded that I am of worth and important to my Heavenly Father.</span></div>
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<span id="E1150" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1150" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we finished our house we were in crazy debt. It was all we thought about. I totally know why the prophet encourages us to stay out of debt. We followed Dave Ramsey’s plan to get out of debt. We sold everything we possible could on Craigslist and having yard sales. We sold our intrepid. We did any odd job we could to </span><span id="E1151" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1151" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">earn extra money. I sold all my baby stuff which broke my heart. The amazing thing was we got out of debt! We had numerous credit cards and paid them all off. It was nice to work as a couple on an accomplishment that big. Becky sold us our little blue Saturn for $1. </span></div>
<div id="E1152" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E1152" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span id="E1153" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1153" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After having 2 babies I was quite overweight and out of shape. Up to this point I never really cared </span><span id="E1154" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1154" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">about my body. I would hear friends talking about going to the gym and I just resolved to be happy with my mom body. We one 2 memberships to the gym with free babysitting. The baby-sitting sucked me in so I started exercising. Soon I started to loose weight and realize I felt much better about myself. It was a wonderful outlet for my stress. Most aspects of my life at that time felt out of my control. Exercise was something for me that I had complete control over. I ended up loosing about 25 pounds. I was almost a 16 and dropped to an 8. Matt got in on it as well. We started eating healthier, we stopped eating out, we had no money so we went on lots of hikes, we started eating off salad sized plates, we stopped eating after 8pm, and would floss our teeth as soon as we were done eating. </span><span id="E1155" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1155" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We started running races together: the East Millcreek 5k and then the Deseret News 24 of July 10k. This was a great time for us. </span></div>
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<span id="E1157" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1157" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I participated in a preschool co-op for Ruby her first year of preschool. Her next year she was at Upland Terrace. She completed half day kindergarten at Rosecrest. Cooper did his first year of preschool at Rosecrest. </span></div>
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<span id="E1159" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1159" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">About the time we were feeling settled in our home, Matt decided he would like to get his masters degree. After all that work I was shocked at the thought of moving to a different state. I had never considered moving out of Utah, ever. He took the GMAT. He applied all over the country and had several interviews. I didn’t think it would really happen so I didn’t really worry about it. Next thing I know he was accepted to Indiana University in Bloomington Indiana. I didn’t even know where Indiana was. We put our darling new home on the market. It was so stressful trying to keep it clean for showings, packing and mothering 2 busy kids. In the time it was on the market only 2 people looked at it. Luckily #2 was the one who wanted it. I felt the Lords hand in that sale. Ed and Morrisa left for their mission in Germany. We packed up our things and moved into their home </span><span id="E1160" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1160" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (4291 Wander Lane</span></div>
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<span id="E1162" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1162" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SLC, UT 84124) </span><span id="E1163" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1163" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">while we were waiting to move. Ruby was having chronic migraine headaches after we moved. They did an MRI to check for pressure on her brain. I was terrified. I couldn’t image having</span><span id="E1164" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1164" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> something happen to my girl. We were both given a blessing and I felt peace. She was fine, the doctor felt she was having migraines from my stress. The prescription was for me to slow down and enjoy my life with my kids. </span></div>
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<span id="E1166" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1166" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We had all sorts of going away parties and lived our last months in Utah to the fullest. We sold our Honda. </span><span id="E1167" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-61" qowt-eid="E1167" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We spent as much time as we could in the mountains. I </span></div>
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<span is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-61" qowt-eid="E1167" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">went to Havasu falls with the Petersons, we went to Canyonlands with the Riches. </span><span id="E1168" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1168" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Trish and Eric got married at Snowbird. We floated on the Great Salt Lake and were attacked by brine flies. Matt packed everything we owned into 10 linear feet of an ABF trailer. We said our goodbyes and hopped in the little blue Saturn. We stopped in Martins Cove, Devils Tower, Mt. Rushmore, </span><span id="E1169" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1169" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nauvoo</span><span id="E1170" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1170" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Cartage Jail, and took a ride on the mighty Mississippi in a </span><span id="E1171" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1171" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">steamboat</span><span id="E1172" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1172" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. We fell in love with Bloomington as soon as we got there. We rented half of a beautiful duplex in Stella Ridge (</span><span id="E1173" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1173" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3831 Lydia Lane</span><span id="E1174" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1174" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span id="E1175" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1175" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bloomington IN 47401</span><span id="E1176" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1176" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">) After having an 801 number it was fun to become </span><span id="E1177" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1177" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">812 </span><span id="E1178" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1178" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">369-4143</span><span id="E1179" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1179" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span id="E1180" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1180" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I couldn’t get over how green it was. I loved all the wild life especially fireflies. Ruby attended Rogers Elementary for 1</span><span id="E1181" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1181" style="display: inline; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">st</span><span id="E1182" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1182" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> grade. Cooper started preschool at Sherwood oaks church. Matt jumped right into the MBA program at the Kelley School of Business and gave it all he had. I quickly made new friends from the Partners club, Kelley Kids Club and girls in the ward. </span><span id="E1183" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1183" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There were several LDS/MBA families. We all became very close. </span><span id="E1184" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1184" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Early on we decided to have different people over every Sunday for dinner. This really helped with homesickness. We invited people from all over the world into our home. There were all sorts of fun activities for us through the school. We loved all the restaurants on 4</span><span id="E1185" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1185" style="display: inline; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">th</span><span id="E1186" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1186" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> street and made a goal to try them all. Other fun things: Wonderlab, Lake Monroe, IU Sports, </span><span id="E1187" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1187" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the local fairs and festivals, Bloomington Farmers Market, The Exotic Feline Rescue Center, The Indianapolis Zoo, visitors (Retta, Dad, Sharon, Grandma/pa Rich, </span><span id="E1188" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1188" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Eric’s</span><span id="E1189" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1189" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> family), a ride in the Wienermobile, the </span><span id="E1190" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1190" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Children’s</span><span id="E1191" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1191" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Museum,</span><span id="E1192" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1192" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E1193" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1193" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brewster’s</span><span id="E1194" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1194" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Chocolate </span><span id="E1195" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1195" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Moose)</span><span id="E1196" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1196" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I got involved with everything I could. I played Bunko, joined the YMCA, the kids took all sorts of classes. One of the best parts of school is that our family grew. It was fun being pregnant in </span><span id="E1197" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1197" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Indiana;</span><span id="E1198" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1198" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> everyone treated me like a queen. </span><span id="E1199" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1199" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We made to goal to milk this unique experience for all it was worth and that we did. It was hard work making new friends but so worth it. I soon realized we were surround by good people of all different </span><span id="E1200" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1200" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">backgrounds</span><span id="E1201" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1201" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Growing up in Utah I had the misconception that Mormons were the kindest best neighbors. Although I had many wonderful Mormon neighbors, I soon learned how wrong I was. There were good people all over the place. </span><span id="E1202" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1202" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I loved meeting new people and doing new things. It was a lot of work but a huge blessing in my life. We continued with our traditions and shared them with others. Our General Conference cinnamon rolls were a big hit. I love hearing how other friend’s year’s later carry on that tradition. We also started all sorts of new traditions. </span></div>
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<span id="E1204" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1204" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matt did a summer internship in Marysville Ohio for Scotts Miracle grow. That was a memorable summer. Marysville was a tiny place. We found the church, a gym and the library. I love that about the church, wherever you go, you are instantly loved. We were well taken care of. Many people had us over for meals from the ward. The first week we were there, Cooper broke several of his fingers. That made summer tricky for him. </span><span id="E1205" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1205" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We had a great townhome that was totally empty 240 Lakeside circle Marysville, OH 43040). I kind family in the ward offered us some furniture. In the middle of the night I had a panic attack that the couch could have bed bugs so I woke Matt up at 6am to help me heave the couch into the dumpster. For the first few weeks we slept on a deflated air mattress. Try doing that being super pregnant. </span><span id="E1206" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-63" qowt-eid="E1206" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Because of our state insurance I had to go back to </span></div>
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<span is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-63" qowt-eid="E1206" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Indiana for all my doctors appointments. We had some long drives, with 2 small kids and a pregnant momma in a Saturn. We loved all the wild life in Ohio, the ice cream and the many adventures we had there. Scotts had a pool, so we spent most of our summer there. My veins were awful so anytime I could float I was relieved. I had to wear </span><span id="E1207" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1207" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">support hose for my legs. There were days the heat was almost unbearable with those things on. They make for a great story. One day I was getting gas at our local gas station. I was holding Ruby and Coopers hands and watching my step so I didn’t trip. My foot caught on something. I turned around to see what it was only to find I had completely walked out of my skirt! I was standing there uber pregnant in my maternity support hose and garments without a skirt on. I couldn’t function because Ruby and I were laughing so hard. I went back, picked up my skirt and got into my car. I am guessing I was not the woman the many lunching construction workers would have liked to see loose their skirt that day. </span><span id="E1208" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1208" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was bit by a wiener dog on the hand while trying to protect those darn tights. Scotts gave us tickets to all sorts of fun events. We got to see Tiger Woods in a golf tournament. While we were there a dragonfly landed on Ruby’s nose. Tiger woods’ photographer took her picture. I loved being close to the Columbus temple. Even though we were only there for the summer the ward took us in like we had always been there. They had a baby shower for me! One sister made Rocky a beautiful quilt. I was so humbled by how loved we were. The first time I met my visiting teacher was at the Zoo. She came and gave me a huge hug. I learned so much about the gospel of Jesus Christ from these sweet members of the church. They instantly loved and accepted me. Ohio had awesome garage sales. We had so much fun. </span></div>
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<span id="E1210" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1210" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We went back to Bloomington for our 2</span></div>
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<span id="E1211" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1211" style="display: inline; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">nd</span><span id="E1212" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1212" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> year. It was so fun to reunite with our dear friends. It was also fun to be there for the new families moving in. Cooper started full day kindergarten and Ruby 2</span><span id="E1213" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1213" style="display: inline; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">nd</span><span id="E1214" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1214" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> grade. Rocky was born by scheduled C-section at Bloomington Hospital by Dr. Mellissa Waters. Again I was instantly in love with him. It was a treat to watch general conference in my quiet hospital room with my bundle from heaven. I bounced back quickly from my C-section. I think it was the fact that I exercised the entire time. </span><span id="E1215" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1215" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rocky fit right in and joined us in all our craziness. Having a newborn did not slow us down at all. We lived life to the fullest and seized each day. We watched all of our friends get job offers. It was hard to be excited for them and not stress out because we didn’t have an offer. Matt worked </span><span id="E1216" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1216" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">so hard interviewing, filling</span><span id="E1217" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1217" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> out applications, and doing his part. I was amazed at the peace we felt. Here are my thoughts from my blog: “</span><span id="E1218" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1218" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I still don't have any concrete answers to my questions and that is OK. I am so very blessed. I know that I have a Heavenly Father that loves me and He is aware of my little family and our needs. If I stress over the things that stress me out, it doesn't help. What I can do is do my best at being a mom, a wife and a daughter of my Heavenly Father. I just have to keep on keepin on to the best of my ability!!!”</span><span id="E1219" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1219" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I was impressed with Matt’s calm attitude. We were so proud of him for working so hard in school and earning his MBA. We made great memories after graduation. Ruby was baptized; Ed, Morrissa, Dad and Sharon came out to visit. We lived it up that last summer and enjoyed the end of our time in Bloomington. Leaving Bloomington was bitter sweet. It was hard to say goodbye to dear friends that had become like family. Having no job was scary but we had faith that there was a plan for us. We loaded our belongings into a storage shed, stuffed the Saturn with all the clothes we could fit in the trunk and headed back to Salt Lake to live with Ed and Morrissa. </span><span id="E1220" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1220" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I will never forget how full the Saturn was. The ride back was a memorable journey. We met the Petersons in Yellowstone and the Riches in Driggs. It felt good to be with family again. </span></div>
<div id="E1221" is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-65" qowt-eid="E1221" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span id="E1222" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1222" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Ed and Morrissa were so good to us to allow all 5 of us to invade their home (</span><span id="E1223" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1223" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4291 Wander Lane SLC, UT 84124)</span><span id="E1224" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1224" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. They were living in the “shed” so we had the house pretty much to our selves. It was wonderful to be among family and friends again. The kids started school at Howard R. Driggs, the same school Matt attended. The ward was wonderful to us and accepted us with open arms. I was called to serve in the Young Womens Presidency. I adored the leaders and the girls. This calling was such a blessing in my life. Matt started working for Overstock.com. This period of time turned into one of the hardest trials of my life. It was hard on all of us, especially our marriage. Somehow this situation turned into the perfect storm. I don’t think I have ever felt so alone in my life. I was thankful once again for my support system of family and friends. </span><span id="E1225" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1225" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I loved the weekly scripture class that I attended. It offered me so much peace. Even though things were harder then they ever had been, I knew my Heavenly Father loved me. I had a feeling to call Rob and ask for a blessing. </span><span id="E1226" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1226" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rob gave me a </span><span id="E1227" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-66" qowt-eid="E1227" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">blessing not really knowing what my troubles were. He shared how much my Mom loved me and was looking out for me. I was told she would intervene in my behalf. I knew Rob was telling me what my Father in Heaven needed me to know at that time. Days after this blessing Matt was offered a job with Lego Systems in Enfield, Connecticut. We were absolutely elated. Dad told </span></div>
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<span is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-66" qowt-eid="E1227" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">me that we had Simmons relatives that settled hundreds of year ago in Enfield. I knew that somehow this was a tender Mercy. </span></div>
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<span id="E1229" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1229" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Matt found us</span><span id="E1230" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1230" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> a home to rent in the middle of winter which was no small task. We got there on the tail end of a harsh winter. 98 Sheffield Avenue Longmeadow Massachusetts 01106 was a great little 2 bedroom home on a giant lot. I found the Springfield ward as soon as we got there and found a gym. The ward was instantly a caring extended family that took us in. We quickly fell in love with our neighbors, school and community. We moved during the middle of the school year which was actually wonderful, both kids were celebrities and treated very kindly. Wolf Swamp Road school was a wonderful place to be. Ruby finished 3</span><span id="E1231" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1231" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">rd</span><span id="E1232" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1232" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> grade and Cooper finished 1</span><span id="E1233" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1233" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">st</span><span id="E1234" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1234" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Matt loved Lego and so did the kids. Cooper thought his dad had the best job in the world. I was so happy to have a new start, a clean slate. Life continued to have its ups and downs but so much better t</span><span id="E1235" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1235" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">han they had been. Making new friends again is hard wo</span><span id="E1236" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1236" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">rk, but I am good at it. I jumped right into my church calling as a member of the primary presidency, joined 3 </span><span id="E1237" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1237" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">book clubs</span><span id="E1238" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1238" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, introduced myself to my neighbors and talked to everyone. I am so thankful Dad taught me to be friendly, it has brought me a lot of joy and made me lots of friends. We fell in love with all the things to do in New England. We lived 1/3 of a mile from </span><span id="E1239" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1239" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Connecticut</span><span id="E1240" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1240" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> so we went back and forth all the time. We decided that we lived in Connictichusetts. We lived 2 hours from Boston, 2.5 from </span><span id="E1241" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1241" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Manhattan</span><span id="E1242" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1242" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, 1.5 from the ocean so of course we explored all of these places. Our yard was huge and had never been cared for, this was perfect for digging holes, planting a garden and burning fires. My first New England spring was amazing. There were colors I had never seen before. Color gives me energy!</span><span id="E1243" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1243" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I love the hydrangeas, rhododendrons, dogwood trees, Gingko trees, Peonies, and poppies. We all quickly made friends which I was so thankful for. Gail Ackerman, Jennifer Baird, and Amy Higgins were always up for an adventure so I was more than happy to go along. I love how this area is rich in history and culture. I love the tobacco barns, the rock walls, covered bridges, old buildings, town greens, old churches. We quickly learned that the weather was really exciting. We were miles from a devastating </span><span id="E1244" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1244" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">tornado</span><span id="E1245" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1245" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, felt an earthquake in DC, and survived a week long power outage after an early snow storm knocked down trees everywhere. I will never forget the terror I felt as I heard trees falling all over our neighborhood throughout the night. I prayed all night that our little house wouldn’t be smashed with my babies in it. We have had all sorts of </span><span id="E1246" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1246" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">hurricanes</span><span id="E1247" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1247" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and winter storms that we have had to prepare for. I am so thankful to have a prophet that has taught us to be prepared. When a storm comes in everyone freaks</span><span id="E1248" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1248" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> out and empties the grocery store and gas stations. It is nice to always be prepared so I don’t have to panic several time a year when a storm comes. Fall in New England is spectacular! The colors are unbelievable. I always felt like I lived in a water color painting. We love picking apples, corn mazes, apple cider doughnuts, but not raking leaves. The leaves are beautiful until they fall then they transform to a nightmare! Dad and Sharon have blessed us with a visit every fall. I love it when they come because we find all sort of new hikes and adventures. We have had many other v</span><span id="E1249" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1249" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">isitors bless our lives as well: Hulses, Ben Peterson Family, David Peterson, an mtc companion. </span></div>
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<span id="E1251" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1251" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ben gave me a beautiful blessing promising me that everything would be ok. I had very specific concerns that my Heavenly Father </span><span id="E1252" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1252" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">addressed;</span><span id="E1253" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1253" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I was filled with great hope when I heard this blessing. Heavenly Father always keeps his promises, why would He not for me? I was going through a very tough time. I would sometimes feel like certain aspects of my life were not what I signed up for. I learned that keeping the commandments didn’t mean that my life would go perfectly. During this down time in my life I attended the womens conference and had my life changed by President Uchtdorf’s talk about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He told how while everyone was searching for the golden </span><span id="E1254" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1254" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ticket;</span><span id="E1255" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1255" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> they had forgotten to enjoy all the chocolate. I realized that </span><span id="E1256" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1256" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">even though my search for my golden ticket was a righteous desire, I was ignoring the chocolate of my life. A switch turned on inside me, I realized I am enrobed in chocolate. I wont stop searching for my golden ticket but I will savor the chocolate along the way. Years later I am so thankful for this attitude adjustment the Holy Ghost made in my life. Pretty sure it saved my marriage. I am so blessed with a wonderful hard working husband. He is an amazing father and so good to our kids. I love how he sets goals and goes after them. I am thankful for my beautiful, healthy, smart, kind children. I am thankful to be doing my dream job, a full time stay at home MOM! I am thankful for my trials, they are helping me become the person my Heavenly Father wants me to be. If my life were easy I might not get to where I want to go. </span></div>
<div id="E1257" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E1257" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span id="E1258" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1258" style="display: inline; font-size: 10pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E1259" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1259" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another thing Ben mentioned in a blessing he gave me is that my spiritual gift is friendship. I have always wondered what my gifts were. This knowledge made me so happy, I love meeting, making and maintaining friendships. I have learned that when you put a lot into a relationship you get a lot out. I get energy from being with people. I find great joy in knowing I am helping others, in fact nothing brings me more joy.</span></div>
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<span id="E1261" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1261" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E1262" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1262" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Exercise was has stayed a big part of my life since I lost all that weight. I have exercised consistently 6 days a week for the last several years. I was invited to participate in a RAGAR relay run and loved it. From my blog, “</span><span id="E1263" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1263" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was dang hard, but I am so proud of myself. I can do hard things! I even got my very first medal! “</span><span id="E1264" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1264" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I ran a lot of other races with friends. I started running with 3 friends from town CAAA: Amy Higgins, Alison Schectman, Anne Forcum. I loved my therapy on sneakers.</span><span id="E1265" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1265" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Ragnar was the gateway run. I ran my first half marathon in Hartford. 13.1 miles of hard word and I did it!</span></div>
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<span id="E1267" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1267" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I attended my 20 High School Reunion. It was so fun to be back in SLC among friends and family. As a family we enjoyed the beach, made a memorable trip to Maine</span><span id="E1268" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1268" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and checked out Salem, MA</span><span id="E1269" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1269" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. I took my kids to the Hill Cumorah Pagent and to the Sacred Grove. I loved sharing my testimony of the events that had occurred in the very location we were in. I didn’t need to be there though to know it was true. On my mission I remember realizing</span><span id="E1270" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1270" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> that the first vision was not just a story like Goldilocks and the 3 bears, it hit me that Joseph Smith really did see God and Jesus Christ. </span></div>
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<span id="E1272" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-69" qowt-eid="E1272" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Lego was good to us. Their parties were so much for the kids. The kids love to go visit Matt and shop at the employee store. Little did I know how many Legos we would end up owning. We met great friends from Lego. We loved the Bricnic. I </span></div>
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<span is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-69" qowt-eid="E1272" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">feel like I am always telling my kids we can’t afford certain activities or foods. At the Bricnic it is awesome to tell them they can go do what ever they want and indulge in what ever treats they want. </span></div>
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<span id="E1274" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1274" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> We are one of 2 LDS families in Longmeadow. Both Ruby and Cooper are the only Mormons at their schools. I have loved the many opportunities to share the gospel with my friends and neighbors. I hope my efforts to share my testimony with </span><span id="E1275" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1275" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">will </span><span id="E1276" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1276" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">be a light to those around me and impact them in a positive way. I tell people exactly were I stand and what I believe in. </span><span id="E1277" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1277" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If someone offers me a drink I immediately tell them I am a Mormon and I don’t drink. If they invite me for coffee or tea I tell them I don’t drink those things but would love to join them with my ice water. I hope I am teaching my kids they can live in the world but not be of the world. Sundays are tricky because there are so many sports and birthday parties. I am so thankful for the Sabbath day and need that to be our special day of worship and family. </span><span id="E1278" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1278" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love our ward, it is very diverse. It has shown me that we all need our Savior and the gospel can change any life. I am learning that if I had the perfect life I dreamed I would have I wouldn’t have had to grow and stretch like I have. My relationship with my Heavenly Father is mine, and I know He is there aware of my little family. Trials are not fun but I am thankful for my growing testimony and the things I have learned. I am thankful that I can help others who are going through similar things. </span></div>
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<span id="E1280" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1280" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Matt decided to run the Boston Marathon 2013. The kids and I drove down to cheer him on. It felt like everything was against us to meet him were we had arranged. The car overheated, we got lost, couldn’t find parking etc. We walked down to the race route around mile 19 frustrated that we wouldn’t be able to find him</span><span id="E1281" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1281" style="display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. As I stared into the sea of runners, Matt was right there, running toward me!! I got tearing realizing the tender mercy this was. Out to thousands of runners the one I was looking for was right where Heavenly Father put me. Matt stopped for 2 minutes and took pictures with us. We told him that we would meet him at the finish line. I wanted to hurry as I knew it would be hard to get through traffic and park. I was prompted to slow down and let my kids enjoy the beauty of the day so we did. When we made it into Boston, I had no idea where I was or even where I was going. We were stuck in the worst traffic I had ever experienced. After being stuck for a long time I asked the kids if they were ok with aborting our plan to meet dad at the finish line. They agreed to go home. As soon as we had our plan I looked up and saw the only traffic sign I needed, how to get home. We were feet from the on ramp to get out of the city. From my blog, “</span><span id="E1282" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-71" qowt-eid="E1282" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We passed Fenway Stadium and my phone rang at 2:56. Luckily I heard it, Matt often wonders why I have a phone because I never answer it. It was a New Hampshire number that I didn't recognize. On the other end Matt was frantically pleading, "Please tell me you are not at the finish line!!" over and over. I told him where I was and was very concerned that he was so upset. He told me that there had been 2 explosions and to get out of the city as soon as possible. He told me he was safe and that he would call back when he could. I was picturing car fires at this point. I am so thankful his call came through because I couldn't get a hold of him for hours. As soon as we hung up I asked Ruby to look on CNN to see what was going on. My phone went crazy from all the calls </span></div>
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<qowt-section named-flow="FLOW-2" qowt-eid="E112" style="-webkit-column-count: 1; display: block;"><div is="qowt-word-para" named-flow="FLOW-70" qowt-eid="E1279" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-71" qowt-eid="E1282" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and texts we started getting from worried family and friends. We watched a flood of police cars head the opposite direction into the city.</span><br data-line-break="true" id="E1284" qowt-divtype="data-line-break" qowt-eid="E1284" /><br data-line-break="true" id="E1286" qowt-divtype="data-line-break" qowt-eid="E1286" /><span id="E1287" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1287" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we got home I checked the news and realized that the explosions were not an accident. I had it together until this point. I was horrified. Why would someone do that??? I was finally able to get a hold of Matt. He was just about to turn his last corner onto Boylston Street when he felt and heard the explosions. The crowd was cheering wildly, BOOM, silence, wild cheering, BOOM, silence. He turned the corner and was 2 blocks from the 2nd explosion. He was exhausted, freezing, and just wanted to run the 1/4 of a mile he had to get to the finish line. The race was stopped and the police got all the runners off the course. Matt described the mess and confusion he saw. People were frantic. As he told me where he was at the time, it hit me that the 2 minutes he stopped to talk to us at mile 19 was not a coincidence. I can not begin to tell you how blessed I felt. It was almost like we were pawns in a game being set in the right places at the right times. I know that God lives and that he listened to our family prayer for safety that morning. He loves us and is aware of our individual needs. All of these little tender mercies of the Lord that occurred that day leave me feeling very blessed. I know that He was watching out for us that day and continues to do so.</span><span id="E1288" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1288" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">”</span></div>
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<span id="E1291" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1291" style="background-color: white; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I later learned we were very close to the terror attacks ourselves. I can’t imagine what could have happened that day. These lyrics seemed so fitting:</span><span class="qowt-font9-Helvetica" id="E1292" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1292" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span id="E1294" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1294" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He is always near me,</span><span id="E1295" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1295" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E1296" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1296" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">though I do not see Him there,</span><span id="E1297" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1297" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E1298" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1298" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And because He loves me dearly,</span><span id="E1299" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1299" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E1300" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1300" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am in His watchful care.</span><span id="E1301" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1301" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E1302" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1302" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So I’ll be the kind of person</span><span id="E1303" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1303" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E1304" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1304" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">that I know I’d like to be</span><span id="E1305" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1305" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E1306" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1306" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">if I could see the Savior standing nigh,</span><span id="E1307" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1307" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E1308" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1308" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">watching over me.</span></div>
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<span class="qowt-font9-Helvetica" id="E1310" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1310" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica !important; font-size: 10pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E1311" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1311" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For Dad’s 80</span><span id="E1312" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1312" style="color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap; zoom: 0.75;">th</span><span id="E1313" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1313" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> birthday I surprised him by showing up in Moab Utah! With the help of all the Peterson’s we put together a life history book for him. He is such a treasure to me and this seemed like a good way to show him how much I loved him. I will never forget the look on his face or the tender tears he shed as he looked at his book. </span></div>
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<span id="E1315" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1315" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Running became a huge part of my life. I ran all sorts of races with friends and as a family. I got to the point that I knew I was ready for a marathon. I remember thinking that Matt and my other marathon friends were crazy up to this point. As I trained it was confirmed to me that they were, and I loved being a part of it! Training was unbelievably hard. At the end of each long run I wanted to die. The next run I would go farther and somehow I was able to do it. </span><span id="E1316" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-73" qowt-eid="E1316" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was amazed at all the life lessons training for a marathon taught me. I learned that I could do what ever I put my mind to, I can do hard things, whatever you devote your time and energy into will be successful, cheerleaders make things so much better, I need to be there for others and I really need them there for me, the value of support, focus on the good, keep on keeping on, smiling makes things easier, and God is always there. I ran the Hartford Marathon in October 2013. I can’t even tell you how hard it was, but I did it!! I puked at the finish line, but I did it!! Dad, Sharon and the kids were there to cheer me on along with my biggest cheerleader Matt. I have no desire to ever run another one, but I can say I did it and I am dang proud of that </span></div>
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<span is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-73" qowt-eid="E1316" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">accomplishment. </span></div>
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<span id="E1318" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1318" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I love traditions and I love to celebrate. I love making my kids the craziest birthday cake they can come up with. For birthdays I want them to know what a special day it is. I hang the birthday banner, put the chair cover on, get out the You are Special Plate</span><span id="E1319" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1319" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and feed them what ever they want on their special day. I love our Christmas traditions of Secret Santa, new ornaments for the kids, gingerbread houses, advent calendars, caroling, etc. On Mothers Day, I have them all write in my mom book. I love reading the messages they write and cherish that I have a book to keep them in. Easter, Matt hides the baskets in crazy places. The best part of Easter is the call or text from Morrissa that “He is Risen!” Halloween is always festive and I love trick or treating. We always graph our candy and I burry the kids in their candy. For Valentines I always do a special dinner and we all make cards for each other and put them in our heart envelopes. I love seeing the kids do kind things for each other. I love April Fools and really enjoy joking around with my peeps. Some of my favorite jokes are sewing the leg wholes to Matts underwear closed, meat loaf cupcakes, mustard in the toothpaste tube, and the famous brown E in the lunches. I stick a note in Ruby’s lunch ever single day. I would do the same for Coop, but he wont let me. We have other traditions like the “No Manners Dinner”, first and last day of school parties. For General Conference I make a bazillion Cinnamon rolls and invite a house full of friends and neighbors over to indulge with us. </span></div>
<div id="E1320" is="qowt-word-para" qowt-eid="E1320" style="font-family: Cambria, 'Times New Roman', Tinos, serif; font-size: 12pt; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">
<span class="qowt-font9-Helvetica" id="E1321" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1321" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica !important; font-size: 10pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E1322" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1322" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have always dreamed of having a surprise party. I never really thought it would happen because Matt is not really a party person. My dear girlfriends had Matt drop me off at the spa for a surprise party. Most of these friends were from the gym or my running pals. They pampered me like I have never been pampered: pedicure, manicure, massage, food, dinner, a cake with my marathon number on it, </span><span id="E1323" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1323" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and Fiestaware ( I had just started to collect it). Matt and the kids had another surprise party for me 2 days later. It was so sweet. Ruby hand wrote invites and delivered them. Matt put together a survey and publically shared his feeling about me. I was so touched by all the little details they took care of. </span></div>
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<span id="E1325" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1325" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I have been so blessed to be home with my kids. Motherhood is the best and hardest thing I have ever done. My children are amazing and I am honored to be their mother. They keep me on my toes and keep me young. I am realizing how quickly the time is flying by. I have to remind my self to find joy in the journey. I need to wag m</span><span id="E1326" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1326" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ore and bark less. I guess you</span><span id="E1327" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1327" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> just do the best with what you know at the time. </span></div>
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<span id="E1329" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1329" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> We spent 3 years in our Sheffield Avenue home. </span><span id="E1330" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1330" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Although we loved the memories we made there it was getting more and more expensive. It was a 2 bedroom, heated with very expensive oil fuel, the yard was a mess and a lot of work, and no air conditioning. </span><span id="E1331" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1331" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We found another home to rent on 25 Arlington Road in Longmeadow to rent from Bay Path University. </span><span id="E1332" is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-75" qowt-eid="E1332" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This was a huge blessing. It was a 4 bedroom, central air, natural gas, all yard work provided, and it was $200 less a month. We moved across town and fell in love with our new house. We missed the old neighborhood and all our friends. The kids stayed at their old schools. We love our new neighbors. We had a terrible winter with storm after storm. I was so thankful not to have to deal with snow. Matt is still with Lego. He had the chance of </span> </div>
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<span is="qowt-word-run" named-flow="FLOW-75" qowt-eid="E1332" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a lifetime to work in Brazil for 3 months. We missed him, but we were so proud of him</span><span id="E1333" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1333" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and supported him whole heartedly. I have always wanted to learn to play the guitar. Matt surprised me with an acoustic guitar and got himself a banjo. We have been teaching ourselves how to play. We are having a good time together and as a family. Ruby plays the piano, cello and the ukulele. Cooper is playing the violin. Rocky sings or bangs on whatever makes the most sound. We call our family band the Meat Slices. I am currently teaching Sunday School to the 12-14 year olds. Ruby is in my class. I am obsessed with my fiestaware. It makes me so happy, the color gives me energy. I love setting the table with the festive colors. </span></div>
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<span id="E1335" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1335" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In a typical day I wake at 7 read my scriptures, wake my kids at 7:30 eat a bowl of oatmeal, send Ruby and Cooper off to school with Matt, clean up, go to the gym at 9, hang out with Rocky (eating, reading, playing stuffed animals, cleaning, cooking, snuggling, play dates, laundry, texting, instagramming), pick up Cooper at 3, homework, dinner prep, evening activities (basketball, scouts, young </span><span id="E1336" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1336" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">women’s</span><span id="E1337" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1337" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, book club, relief society), get ready for bed at 8, family scrip</span><span id="E1338" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1338" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">tures at 8:45, lights out at 9, crash on my bed, snuggle with Matt and my phone. </span></div>
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<span class="qowt-font9-Helvetica" id="E1340" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1340" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica !important; font-size: 10pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span id="E1341" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1341" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As </span><span id="E1342" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E1342" style="color: #333333; display: inline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a family we are trying to serve others. We have participated with Special Olympics a few times. We love having friends and neighbors over for dinner or movies on our shed. Wherever we live we find amazing friends and neighbors. Each time we move we feel like we have found the greatest place. </span></div>
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Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-16160988534293267652015-09-28T15:12:00.001-07:002015-09-28T15:12:06.381-07:00Excerpts from, The Voyage, in George the Immigrant’s own words; Expressions of true love and faith<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Excerpts from, The Voyage, in George (Cannon) the Immigrant's own words</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Expressions of true love and faith. </span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-dbc4b8f2-1601-c13d-75f5-e2b818db8301" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Liverpool, September 3, 1842 - Gave notice to my employer that I was leaving his employ that day. He had previous to this offered to give me five shilling a week more wages...Finding that I was determined by the help of God to go, he acknowledged that my testimony and his own observation had led him to conclusions which made him tremble , and he begged of me to write to him when I got to Nauvoo the truth. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now the petty trials commence in every shape. All our friends know that we will bitterly repent leaving England and a constant employ. We can get nothing for our furniture - our friends who are so anxious about us will buy none of it, not even the clock or drawers which belonged to the family. My wife’s brother did not come to see us off. Well, this shows how deeply they have our happiness in view! </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">...On Sunday, the 18th (Sept. 1842), we all left Liverpool in good spirits, and nothing caused me so much regret as leaving so many of the Saints behind, anxious to go but without the means to do so. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We are now launched on the bosom of the mighty deep, and sea-sickness has made the passengers for the most part very ill. My dear Ann is dreadfully affected with this nauseous sickness, perhaps more so on account of her pregnancy. In how many ways and shapes are we tried! Not a morsel of food or drink will remain on her stomach - the moment she lifts her head she is sick almost to death. Yet I have never heard one complaint from her on her own account, but regret at not being able to assist me in the care of the children. Her stomach seems to have changed its functions, and this is the tenth day without anything passing through her.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And how am I all this time! Well in body, but if depending on my own strength I should be in despair. But thanks be to our Heavenly Father, He has removed a fear from my mind which has preyed on it for years. Many years since I dreamed a dream which time or circumstance has never been able entirely to remove. I was impressed with a conviction that my wife should die while in a state of pregnancy. This was before I thought of marrying. Many would think this proceeded from imbecility of mind or superstition; but my dreams (those I mean which made a deep impression on my memory) have been fulfilled so plainly that I never could doubt but that God sent them for some good purpose. I have never seen my wife pregnant without this fear of her death, and always felt thankful to God in a twofold sense when this critical time was past. She was aware of this feeling of mine, and it was a trial of our faith to cross the sea while she was in this state...</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While racking my mind and considering and devising what more I could do for my Ann - I had given her consecrated oil, caster oil, pills, salt water, etc., had the hands of the Elders laid on her, still she continued in the same state and I feared that inflammation would take place...Leonora and David have had no sickness and are less trouble than I expected; but George, Mary Alice, Anny and Angus have all been very sick, particularly George and Anny. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is Tuesday, the 4th of October - a delightful day; the wind is fair and the vessel going about five knots. I am sitting in the stern of the vessel. On each side of the deck are laid some spars, on which and on the vessel’s side - not too high up - are seated men, women and children, the younger children scrambling about the deck, while my poor old woman is lying on the hatch under the boat still very ill and unable to hold her head up for any length of time. This is the only drawback to my pleasure, all the rest are well. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Saturday, 8th of October - Up to this time nothing of consequence occurred on board. My poor Ann still continues very sick and is getting weaker every day….</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During the whole of this time my dear Ann continues very ill and is still getting weaker...We had performed the first half of our voyage in less than three weeks, but from that time it has been a series of calms with a light breeze, sometimes in our face. My heart used to die or sink within me along with the breeze. ‘Are we far from New Orleans that I may get some grapes and wine?” was my dear Ann’s constant inquiry, when I came down off the deck, as she is too weak to be taken on deck herself. I endeavored to speak words of comfort to her, while I had no prospect of her ever seeing the land of Joseph in this life. Dear Ann, the next wine thou shalt get will be pure in the Kingdom of Heaven! She talked of her death as of a sleep, told me not to lament her, that if she lived to reach the Mississippi she must be buried on land, if not, the great deep must receive her poor body that is shrunk to a mere skeleton. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I will not attempt to describe the night in particular which I have passed while watching by the side of one of the best wives that ever man was blest with - to see the grim tyrant approaching slowly but steadily to his victim; yet with all her sufferings no complaint ever escaped her, but the words, ‘Dear George, what am I to do?’ These words are never to be forgotten by me while I have memory. O God, how mysterious are Thy ways! Teach me resignation to Thy will!</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This morning, Friday 28th of October, she fell asleep without a sigh, and in the performance of what she considered the commands of God, at half past four o’clock, and was buried in that element which needed no consecration, it never being cursed, in Lat. 24.37 N., Long. 69.50 W., at five o’clock in the afternoon of the same day. </span></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How soon our plans and prospects are changed! Although in expectation of bearing many things which are not of a pleasant nature - privation or poverty we agreed to share with the Saints, but we are tried in a more tender part, and were it now for our helpless children’s sake I should like to repose under the peaceful blue waters with her who shared my every joy and sorrow. Heavenly Father keep me from repining! But seeing other people enjoying the society of those they love, my heart sickens and I long to be at rest with my dear wife.”</span>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-8309007817705478602014-07-29T15:36:00.000-07:002014-07-29T15:36:14.962-07:00Ruth Edna Simons Peterson (wife of Hanmer)<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As their fifth daughter and their sixth child, I was born to Orrawell Jr. and Frances Mary Brewerton Simons on October 2, 1896, in Payson Utah. Unfortunately my arrival necessitated my mother missing the big reception and banquet held in honor of my grandfather and grandmother Simons Golden Wedding.
One of my first recollections was a trip to Salt Lake City with my parents to attend the General Conference of our Church. I can still vividly remember the profusion of flowers along the sidewalks. They meant the Easter Season to me.
During my growing years, our centrally-located home on its large lot became the meeting place of my sisters, and my own friends. Our huge two-story barn proved an ideal place for our home dramatics and the younger kids converted the old granary with its three rooms into a very satisfactory playhouse.
In passing through the grades I was fortunate in having strong, able teachers. However in the fall of 1910 after my first year in the Payson High School, our family moved to the small fruit farm [The Farm] on 3112 South Melbourne St, 1845 East in Salt Lake County. It was difficult at first for my sister Edith and I to adjust to the large new East High School as we entered a few weeks late. It had its advantages however, as it offered fine basic courses in all mayor subjects. Three years at the University of Utah followed.
In 1918 during World War 1, I dropped out of school to try my luck at helping with our war garden, particularly with the marketing of the fruit which brought good prices that season. During the following year I worked in a downtown shoe store, before breaking into teaching as an assistant to an excellent first grade teacher. This training afforded valuable experience and kindled the desire to return to the University to get my degree. I found my senior year at school a rich and rewarding one.
The Orwell and Francis Simons family was united and loving. They set a very good example for their many descendents. Each of the nine children was very gifted and educated.
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">After graduation in 1923 I accepted a position of girls’ physical education instructor at the Richfield High School and taught there for three years.
In Richfield I met Hanmer Peterson a young man who had recently returned from serving with the A.E. Forces in France and later with the Army of Occupation in Germany following the armistice. Just prior to the war he had filled an L.D.S. mission in Winnipeg, Canada. We had many good times together in the months that followed, taking in the numerous Church and school functions that the community afforded. On June 14th, 1926 Hanmer and I were married in the Salt Lake Temple. That evening a lovely reception was given by my parents.. We went to Yellowstone Park on our honeymoon, a region I had learned to love, as I had worked there an entire season several summers before.
Returning to Richfield as a bride was a pleasant prospect, and we were fortunate in renting a cozy home in Hanmer’s own ward. Four years later we had the fun of building our own little home. We were blessed with two fine sons, Lowell arranging the year following our marriage, and Robert, after we were well settled in our new home.
Both Hanmer and I worked in the M.I.A. for the first few years. We were both activity councilors on the Stake board with my husband serving as manager of the church-owned community dance hall. Sunday school stake work was my next Church assignment. The final four and half years before my husband’s illness and death, I was counselor in the forth Ward Relief Society, where my husband served as Bishop for several years.
Lowell, our older boy, served in the Navy in World War 2 after completing high school. He then went on a mission to the Western states before returning to complete his degree at the school of architecture at the U.
After Hanmer passed away, we rented our Richfield home and moved to Salt Lake, as Robert had just completed high school and wanted to enter the U that fall. After two years of college work Bob too was called on a mission, his assignment being the East German mission. He returned to school with his mission completed, and received a degree in physics. Both boys married and are living not far from the home on 3111South 1810 East at Lowell designed and they helped build for me. I now have nine grandchildren seven boys and two girls </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hanmer and Ruth now have 11 grandchildren 8 boys and 3 girls and 22 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Two grandsons have died Larry and Michael.
Ruth's son Bob Peterson adds
Our home in Richfield was a haven to all. I was borne May 31, 1933 in the south east bed room, and Peter Monson was borne in the south west bed room. Through the years we had various cousins living with us: Ruthalene Peterson Harmels daughter, Byron Peterson from Wayne county, and Aerie Chamberlain from Salt Lake. Our piano teacher Unis Berns from Marysville stayed over night once in a while.. Our home was designed by dads friend Edward O. Anderson from Richfield. He was the Church architect of the Los Angles, Swiss, and London Temples. The home had the luxury of a steam furnace and water heater in the basement with radiators in each room. The coal room was beneath the kitchen. A automatic coal stoker was added to furnace in the forty’s .
Ruth returned to teaching school from 1954 to her accidental automobile death on her way to school near Laketown, UT in 13 Feb 1968. Her last teaching assignment was teaching remedial reading in the farming towns in north eastern Utah of Laketown, Randolph, and Woodruff. Ruth loved to teach. She made leaning fun.
Ruth was gifted with many artistic talents. She painted in watercolor, and oils. She wrote poetry, songs, and prose. She tried several times to get her works published. She designed and printed a 1947 Utah Centennial post card. She wrote the poem, designed the card, carved the linoleum wood cut, had >1000 copies printed by the Richfield Reaper Press on imitation cedar wall paper, sold the cards through ZCMI and other stores, and gave the income to the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.
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Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-41041331969349884862014-07-29T15:29:00.001-07:002014-07-29T15:29:32.417-07:00Mission of Elder Hanmer Emmanuel Peterson<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">abridged from his journal
Hanmer E. Peterson left Richfield, Utah for the Salt Lake mission home on Sunday, March 15, 1914. Two days later, Heber J. Grant, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve set him apart as a missionary. He left for Winnipeg, Canada in the Northern States Mission on March 18 on the Union Pacific Railroad, stopping in Chicago for seven days, then arriving in Winnipeg on the 28th.
When Hanmer first got to Winnipeg, the realities of missionary life hit him hard,
and he met with some discouragement. The missionaries stayed in the basement of the hall at 932 Sherbrook, "a very miserable place to live, cement floor and not much convenience." Also, he described the Canadian winter as miserably cold, and the Canadian people as strange. Walking was the only form of transportation, and after his first experience tracting with Elder Jorgensen, Hanmer felt discouraged and tired. Soon he tried tracting alone, which was permissible then and described how he felt like he could better rely on himself and the Lord without having to rely on another companion.
The average day for a missionary began very early with studying, cleaning and
washing. Occasionally they would attend bible class at around nine in the morning. Then in the "forenoon" and afternoon they would tract, almost always with other Elders. In the
evenings, they would have supper with members and investigators, and at night priesthood meeting, choir practice, etc. were held at the hall. Weekly, he spent an average of about 11 hours traveling to and from missionary work, 4 hours tracting, 7 hours visiting saints, 9 hours attending meetings, 18 hours studying the Gospel, 5 hours visiting investigators, and 8.2 hours having Gospel Conversations. He generally worked 62 total hours per week, or roughly nine hours daily, spending an average of $2.55 weekly.
There were usually about four elders and two sisters working in Winnipeg. Sisters
Greene and Smith were the only "lady missionaries" there, and Elders Nielson, Jorgensen, Cook, Cahoon, Lindholm, Heaton, Wood, Christensen, and Burke were there while he was there. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the early twentieth century, many common mission rules that exist today were not in place. For example, he went swimming, ice-skating, to shows, photodramas, football (probably soccer) games, and parades. Also, the missionaries did rather different work much of the time. They helped members remodel, harvest, shovel snow, move pianos, purchase livestock, cut hair, etc. Also, they did a considerable amount of work on the construction of the New Chapel in Winnipeg building fences, installing doors and windows, painting and cutting sod. Elder Orson F. Whitney of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Church on Sunday Aug. 30, 1914. After that, the Elders lived in the church.
Missionaries were much older in general back then. When Hanmer left, he was almost twenty-three years old. Elder Jorgensen, his first companion was twenty seven and
had left his wife behind. Elder Heaton also left a family. Hanmer kept in close touch with his family, writing his "Pa", Mary, Elsie, Harmel and Jerda often. His father sent large sums of money to support him, sometimes up to fifty dollars, which was a considerable amount in 1914. Some of it was borrowed.
Hanmer and the other missionaries would frequently visit the religious services of other faiths. At first, he described them as ridiculous, but later, he learned to tolerate their
differences. Toward the end of his mission, he would have lengthy discussions with ministers and pastors of other faiths.
Canada declared war on Germany on Aug. 4, 1914. Of this, Hanmer replied that
"The belief is generally that the war won't last more than 6 months, and Germany will be
conquered." Soldiers paraded through the streets and many men voluntarily enlisted. John DeWinter and Jack Simpkin, a fifteen-year-old boy, were among the members who went to France to fight in the trenches. Mrs. Simpkin worried so much over her son that she became physically ill. Jack later received an injury to his head.
Winters in Winnipeg were unbearably cold with temperatures as cold as minus
forty degrees Fahrenheit. Snows began as early as September or October and lasted into
May. On one very cold day, Hanmer's collar was wet and when he went outside it froze to </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">his ear leaving it sore for some time. Living in the church, the Elders maintained the furnace, which required a lot of work. They had to clean, repair, and buy ton after ton of coal and coke. On Christmas Day of 1914, the members met in the church in the evening for a social, when the furnace leaked into the firebox. Brother Brewster sounded the alarm and everybody had to go out into the unbelievable cold. Later that winter, He left the church and resigned from his callings because the building was too cold. Incidentally, he asked for forgiveness and fellowship the next July. </span><br />
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One morning, while Hanmer and Elder Jorgensen were out tracting, they called at
the home of a Mrs. Mortensen. "Mrs. Mortensen was scrubbing the floor when we first called on her, she was out of sorts, and called come in and when we got in she told us to get out and threw the floor rag against the wall. I was ready to go, but Elder Jorgensen talked her out of it, and we had a pretty good talk with her." One November night "Sister Blossom Huntley came in the church at night at 7 o'clock with a Mr. Harry Evanson and wanted to be married. I acted as best man and Sister Smith as best lady, Pres. Christensen performing the ceremony. Sister Huntley wanted it to be kept quiet."
Hanmer left Winnipeg on March 1, 1916 "with the best of feelings between [himself] and the saints". He was sorry to leave the other Elders and Sisters. They "had seen some discouraging times together, but had got along well and [weren't] any worse for [their] experience". He was also glad to return to his home in Richfield. However, the missionary spirit stayed with him for the rest of his life. He always described a visit to the barber as a good opportunity to share the Gospel. Later in life, he shared fond memories of his mission with his children and visited his old companions often. He went on to be a bishop and a high councilman. Truly, sharing the Gospel was his lifetime ambition.
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Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-2678478977931671442014-07-29T15:24:00.000-07:002014-07-29T15:24:30.208-07:00Augusta Johannesdotter Peterson (wife of Niels Peter Peterson)<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">by Marilyn Felt Anderson (granddaughter)
Augusta Johnson, the daughter of Johannas Backlund and Christina Olafson (Olafsdatter), was born in Bracken, Jarn County, Sweden, on July 31, 1865. Her father, whom she described as being quite “well to do”, died before her birth; and before she reached the age of three, her mother, who nursed many of those afflicted with scarlet fever, died from an attack of the disease. Augusta went to live with her maternal grandparents, Olaf Larson and Kajsa Persson, but remained with them only a short time. When four or five, she went to live with her mother’s brother, Johannes Olson and his wife Christina. Augusta contracted scarlet fever at this time, but soon recovered. Her uncle, Johannes, was also seized and succumbed to the attack. His wife remarried and her posterity consisted of three children, Johann Johannasen, Sophia Johannasen, and an unidentified girl.
When Grandmother was seven or eight, Christina took her back to her grandparents. They were very good to her, but being elderly people, in their seventies, they could not work, and Augusta found it necessary, at this early age, to help support herself. She herded cows and tended babies, which helped to supplement the support money that her grandparents received from the Lutheran Church.
When Augusta’s grandmother died, she went to Mellerud to live with a family. At age eleven, she tended their only child and sewed, while the parents worked, the woman in a creamery and her husband on a train. Two years later, her grandfather died. She remembers being with him when he died, and said he could walk right up to the very last. She also recalled that he was probably a soldier in his early days, and that in his later years he tended a little plot of ground, where he raised vegetables.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">At fourteen, Grandmother was sent to the Lutheran priest in Jarn County. She received there instruction in a class during the summer to prepare her for confirmation. She graduated from the class and was confirmed, receiving for her achievement a New Testament. Shortly afterwards at about fifteen, she went to Mon, a town on the Norwegian-Swedish border. The trains stopped there, and the passengers ate at the hotel. Grandmother worked in the hotel waiting on tables. In her late eighties, she could remember the way she served the dinners – a smorgasbord first, consisting of wine and hors d’oeuvres, and then the vegetable and meat course later. She worked a year, and then signed for another year. However, she cancelled the arrangement, because she decided to go to America. Her employers tried very hard to convince her to stay, and told her if she wasn’t treated right, they would send money to bring her back.
Evidently, the great opposition and persecution, which members of the Church in Sweden endured in those early days, prevented many form entering the waters of baptism. But, while Grandmother was working in Mon, the Mormon missionaries found her, taught her the Gospel, and she was baptized. In 1963, when Mother and I visited the little Lutheran church where Grandmother had been a member, we found her name in the parish records with a line through it and “Mormon” written after it. Her parents never joined the Church, but Grandmother later did their temple work in Manti, Utah.
Grandmother was to receive money to come to America from her cousin in Grantsville, Charlie Olsen. But when the money was delayed she went to Goteborg where she worked for woman who ran a lunch stand. She cleaned for her and took care of her young baby. It was at this time that Grandmother developed a great abhorrence for alcoholic drinks. The woman’s husband was frequently drunk, and Grandmother was shown the misery and heartache that his conduct brought to his family. From that time, she determined that her husband must not drink. Later on, when she met Grandfather, the fact that he did not drink gave her great faith that he would be a good and reliable husband.
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Grandmother remained in Goteborg until money came from America. She waited much longer than she had anticipated and began to fear that she might never see Utah. Finally the money did arrive, and she realizes now that had it come earlier, she would not have met Grandfather on the boat she was on, just returning from a mission in Denmark. She reminisced that it “seemed that was the way it had to be.” In her late eighties, Grandmother retained a keen and a clear memory of events that transpired in her early life. She had a strong faith that she had been guided throughout her days by our Heavenly Father.
Grandmother began her long voyage by taking a boat to Denmark, where she waited three or four days at the mission home for the boat to America. She enjoyed the trip from Denmark to America, and recalls the dances they had on board. In fact, she met Grandfather at one of those dances. The missionaries were instructed to take care of the emigrants. Being only eighteen and alone, Grandmother was very shy and appreciated Grandfather’s attention. She recalled that he brought her an orange on one occasion, and eventually they became better acquainted.
The boat landed at New York City, where they took a train to Salt Lake. Grandfather said goodbye there and went on to Richfield. Grandmother stayed in Salt Lake one week and then rode to Grantsville in a covered wagon, which was hauling goods. Upon arriving, she repaid her cousin Charlie Olson the money she had used in traveling from Sweden. She then went to Idaho to visit her aunt, Sophia Erickson.
Grandfather corresponded with Grandmother and asked her to marry him. When she was nineteen, he came to Idaho and urged her to make a decision. When she consented to be his wife, they traveled to Logan, and were married in the Temple on the twenty-first of April, 1886.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">They made their home in Richfield, where Grandmother was a devoted mother and wife. She raised eight children and has numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her children, all but the last, were born without the aid of a doctor. Each time she gave birth, she barely escaped death. She has told many times how she put her faith and trust in the Priesthood, and was administered to on each of these occasions. She spent her married years in the little rock house in Richfield, which Grandfather built. She raised her children in the faith and was a very good sweet, and patient mother. Two of her sons preceded her in death. Lester was shot while hunting and Hanmer died of multiple sclerosis.
When she became too old and ill to live alone, she began living with her children and spent time with Harmel, Jerda, and Elsie. In her eighty-ninth year, she went to Logan where she now resides (1956) in a home for the aged. It is across the street from the Temple, where she was married many years ago. She has very good care - a sweet nurse who often writes to me about her, and many friends who have grown to love her. She has always had many friends. One cannot help loving her sweet spirit. She seldom complains, for it is her nature to be long-suffering and patient. She has often expressed her desire to keep peace rather than to complain or criticize. She has set a marvelous example for all of us, her posterity, to follow.
Following is a brief extract from a letter her nurse sent to me: “She is a doll – patience and kindness, I know, must be her motto. Yes, she’s talked of her husband being near and said she would soon join him. She likes me to come in and chat with her, but I can’t always do so. Nights are easiest as others are in bed and asleep, so we do get to visit a little. I kissed her cheek the other night as I finished getting her in bed, and she said, ‘Oh my, what have I done to receive that?’, and I told her just because I love you. She smiled a beautiful smile and said, ‘I’m glad you do’.”
Grandmother passed away on June 7, 1956, after being unconscious for two days.</span></div>
Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-50412838454701689872014-07-29T15:16:00.000-07:002014-07-29T15:16:00.262-07:00History of Niels Peter Peterson<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Short Sketch of My Life
by Niels Peter Peterson)
(information supplied Oct. 1944) ( </span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Includes an article from the Richfield Reaper, dated May 9, 1935.)</span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
I was born in Albek, Hjorring, Denmark, our home being located on the south side of a large hill, (was called a mountain in Denmark); near a stream that ran into Catagaten arm of the North Sea near Voersan on the 9th day of May 1858, at 5 o’clock in the morning. You might question this last statement but I was there and I ought to know. I have followed it up as I now often get up at 5:00 in the morning.
There were seven children in the family, four brothers and three sisters. All were born in the same place except my baby sister, Elsie, who was born in Pleasant Grove, Utah, October 9th 1862. My oldest sister, Anne Marie was born May 16, 1853, Sunday at 10 o’clock a.m.; James Christian, December 12,1854, 3 o’clock a.m.; Mary, June 12, 1856 at 4 p.m. (died April, 1862); Niels Peter, May 9, 1858; Ole Christian, June 24, 1859, at 4 p.m. (died in May 1862); Christian, June 17, 1861 at 9 p.m., (died May 1862); Elsie Marie, October 9, 1862, lived 32 days.
To please father who was not a member of the Mormon Church, I was sprinkled at </span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">birth in the church at Albek. Soren Christensen’s mother was my Godmother and will be responsible for all my sins (poor soul). They dressed me in a beautiful white dress, white cap with a beautiful flower, and father drove the company to church, but I did not write what took place in the church. Mother stayed at home to prepare the feast and in her hurry tipped over the pitcher of cream, which meant bad luck.</span><br />
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On October 14, 1861 my father was baptized, my mother was baptized November 27, 1857, nearly four years before. These four years were trying periods for my parents, there being fear of separation; before this there had been perfect love and confidence.
About December 26, 1858, when I was a babe about six months old, we all had scarlet fever except father. When I was three years old my brother Jim chopped Mary’s little finger, which created an excitement in our home. This is the only incident I remember before we immigrated.
In the first part of April 1862, when we were ready to go to America, our home was sold and our household furniture was sold at auction. Hans Christiansen hitched up his team and took us to Aalborg. From there we traveled to Hamburg, Germany, where my sister Mary died. Father had a coffin made but did not get time to bury her there before the ship started and she was the first to be buried at sea. We bounded the ship Franklin, and the 9th of April and sailed about the 15th with 413 emigrants. Robert Murray was captain. Our leader was Bishop C. A. Madsen of Gunnison and his two counselors, J.C.A. Weiby and L. Larson.
We were divided into eight companies with the following leaders at the head of each; J.C. Thurpe, J.C. Kornem, Niels F. Larsen and J. Anderson, with J.P. Mortensen appointed to look after our goods. Anthon H. Lund acted as interpreter and C. Anderson to look after baggage weights.
The emigrants brought the measles with them on board the ship and about forty, mostly children, were soon down with the disease, and by the 27th of May there were 46 deaths, three adults and 43 children.</span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Friday, May 2nd, two of N. M. Peterson’s children died, Aaron Christina and the baby Fjelsted.
My brother Christian died Sunday May 4th at one o’clock, p.m. and Ole Christian died Sunday, May 11th. Jens Mortensen, James H, Peterson’s brother died May 19th.
All through this great sorrow they had their meetings, gatherings, and dancing almost daily on board the ship. They had their call the get up at five o’clock in the morning, prayer at seven a.m. and 8:30 p.m. They mopped the deck three times a week and disinfected the ship twice on the trip by burning tar.
We had some rainy weather about mid-ocean but the weather in general was pretty good.
Thursday morning, May 29th, we landed in the New York harbor. We got on a transport boat, but at reaching the bridge at Castle Garden we were stopped, as several were still sick with the measles. We had to go back to the ship and remained for two more nights and one day when eighteen who were sick were transported to the hospital and we were permitted to land at Castle Garden on May 31st, were we were received by C.C. Rich, John VanCot and others.
A number of the emigrants did not have means to continue the journey but though the kindness of those who did have the money, the poorer class was helped along.
We boarded the train at 9:00 p.m. and landed next morning, June 1st, at Albany and from there we continued our journey by rail via Syracuse, Rochester, Niagara Falls, Windsor, Detroit, and Chicago, also through Quincy, Illinois and from there by boat to Hannibal; from Hannibal by rail to St. Joseph, arriving June 6, 1862. The next day we got a boat where we were very crowded and uncomfortable. We landed at Florence on Monday, June 9th, at 10 o’clock in the evening. Here we met H. C. Hansen’s company who sailed with the ship Humboldt about the same time as we sailed but had reached Florence a week before we did. Soren Christofferson’s company sailed from Hamburg, April 18th, with 336 emigrants on the ship “Electric”, H.C. Johnson, captain; O.N. Lilyenquist’s company sailed from Hamburg on April 21st, on board the ship “Athenia” with 484 emigrants; D. Schelings captain. The</span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">se companies made up one of the largest migrations from Europe to America up to that time and for many years after.
Tuesday, June 10th just north of Florence, we put up our tents, bought wagons, oxen, cows, stoves, cooking utensils for the journey over the plains. Some of the poor people went with the teams provided by the church; some had apostatized and they left the company. We stopped at Florence for several weeks. Just before leaving Florence on the 7th day of July, we were visited by a very heavy tornado. Two men were killed and Joseph W. Young was struck unconscious by a wagon box, which was blown down on him. However, he soon recovered.
Father had a yoke of oxen and a yoke of cows they could use when needed, and was in partnership with another man who had a yoke of oxen and a wagon so they could hitch up three yoke when needed. By the time we reached the valley we had been about six months on our journey. I don't remember our experiences enroute, but older members of the party have told me how I would get tired and ask to walk. Father would let me out of the wagon and in a very short time I would be tired and he would stop and take me up into the wagon again. At the end of our journey 62 of our company had died. I do not know how many died shortly after from exposure endured on the trip.
My mother and baby sister died soon after we settled in Pleasant Grove, in a room near the meeting house which Father had rented. We moved from there and rented two rooms from Mr. Renalds for the winter. In the spring of l863 father built a cellar, which we lived in until later in the summer when he built an adobe house in the west part of town on the road to America Fork. We lived there until the spring of l864, when we moved to Richfield.
We brought our belongings in a covered wagon drawn by oxen, Tom and Jerry, also, the two cows, Red and Roan, which we brought over the plains.
Sometime after Mother’s death in Pleasant Grove, Father married Mrs. Marin Anderson who was about nine years his senior. She taught me to read the New Testament, which we brought along with us. I would read one chapter in the </span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">forenoon and one in the afternoon, and sometimes an extra chapter or two for punishment; but I became a very good reader without learning my alphabet. This proved of great worth to me in later years when I was sent on a m
After moving to Richfield in 1864, we lived with N. A. Petersen and family in their cellar till we could build one of our own. We had crossed the sea and plains with them, lived neighbors with them in Pleasant Grove, Richfield and Fort Ephraim.
One of my first jobs in Utah was to herd geese for Andrew Petersen, and at this time I was about five years old. Later I herded sheep for father and N.M. Petersen. I was out with the sheep north of town the morning the Indians made a raid on the Glenwood cowherd. They killed a man; his wife and Mary Smit on the Glenwood dug way. At this time I was about seven years old. When the two other boys and I heard the shots we started walking toward town. Shortly afterward we heard the old drum at the Fort beat and then we left our animals and ran.
In those days people here had very little to eat or wear, and in order to make the most meager living they had to work very hard. In the summer of 1864 the people did their farming under the spring ditch south and east of town.
During the winter and spring of 1865, they dug the Richfield Canal, nearly twelve miles long and mostly all by spading. I understood they had one scraper, homemade ploughs and tools. The same spring the Blackhawk War broke out which was a great drawback to the development of our country. Many people lost their lives in a very inhuman manner. Our animals were stolen and it was necessary to build fort walls in every town for protection.
Our nearest gristmill was at Manti, fifty miles away and very dangerous to travel. Many people had to live without flour for weeks at a time. Finally after three year’s struggle, in the spring of 1867, the Sevier Valley was abandoned.
We moved to Ephraim, and on October 27, 1867, I was baptized in the Fort Ephraim Creek by N.L. Christensen, and confirmed by Niels C. Christiansen.
That winter we lived in Niels Anderson’s cellar. The nex</span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">t Summer Father made the adobes and built a two-room home on South Main Street, which is still standing. (1925)
That summer, (1868) the Indians stole part of Ephraim’s horse herd and some of Manti’s cattle. We, also, had the grasshopper war and it was a very hard struggle to save some of the crops that year. The grasshoppers were so thick that during their migration from one place to another they darkened the sun. After long-suffering months the Indian chiefs were finally subdued and peace terms were made, and the pipe of peace was smoked in Ephraim.
While living in Ephraim I attended Henry Hudson’s school for two winters. We would read, write, and spell and even sing the states. In the summer time I became an expert fisherman, catching from 30 to 80 chubs in a day; these kept the family and some of the neighbors in fish. I learned to swim in the Ephraim Creek. I also herded N. M. Peterson and Father’s sheep on the bench south of Guard Nole and in the foothills where I got frost in my toes, which troubled me for years after. I gleaned wheat in the fall of the year to help support the family.
In 1871, we returned to Richfield. I had just finished school for that year. Patriarch Poulson and his brother Chris stayed over night at our place and hauled my bedding. I helped them drive their sheep and cattle to Richfield. We took us three days to make the journey.
My Father and brother Jim were already here when I arrived. I remember the whole valley was covered with brush and willows. One of my first experiences after arriving was suffering for about a week with the earache.
My next job was herding the town sheep herd. Christopher Nielson and I took the herd for one year, herding every other week. During this time I kept the family supplied with rabbit meat. For this service I received $90 in produce. It should have been $100 but they claimed we had lost a few head of sheep, which we hadn’t missed.</span><div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Again I attended school. This time at Henry Hudson’s school and William G. Baker’s in the old school house joined to the fort wall, which was built in 1865. Later still I attended Dinnie Harris’ and about 1881, Daniel Harrington’s school in the Academy Hall. With the money I received for herding in the early 70’s I bought a few head of cattle. These I traded them to my brother for his ten acres of land adjoining mine. I then bought me a pair of mules and an old harness.
Shortly after I bought one of the first new hand plows that came to the Sevier Valley; I would them ride my team in the field to plow. My next venture was a new Schuttler Wagon, which I bought on time from the late James M. Peterson, which cost me some interest money before I got it paid for. However, I was now prepared to do some freighting out to mines in West Utah and Nevada. This was about the only way for us to earn money.
In the spring of 1874, the United Order was started in Richfield and lasted a little over three years. I helped to drive the first church cattle over into Wayne County; we were five days traveling as far as to where Thurber is now located. At that time there were no settlers in that valley except McClellans, Beason Lewis’ ranch cabin, and a few Indian wickiups.
That fall I went with a company of sixteen to work on the St. George Temple. I was then sixteen years old. Here I worked in the stone quarry until the New Year, after which I slacked lime and mixed mortar at the east end of the Temple for about three months. The walls of the Temple were finished that spring.
On the 11th day of March I received my patriarchal blessing under the hands of William G. Parkins, a patriarch ordained to that office by the Prophet Joseph Smith.
The St. George Temple was partly dedicated January 1, 1877, and the whole building was dedicated April 6, 1877.
During the summer of 1875 I farmed and worked for father in the Order. As I remember, I worked for Joshua Sylvester in the harvest field on his farm south of Central.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The next two years I spent at farming, freighting, making a few trips out west, working at the various jobs in the harvest fields, binding, and in general taking my station with other men. I also had my first experience running a self-binder
In the fall of 1877 the United Order was dissolved with a great deal of dissatisfaction among the people.
I was ordained a Priest on December 9, 1879, by Bishop Paul Poulson and ordained an elder in the St, George Temple, December 2, 1880, by John Pny. We traveled to the St. George Temple during midwinter. The distance was about 175 miles and the snow was very deep. Our trip lasted about six weeks. Some of us went through for six endowments. Our company consisted of three teams. In my wagon were William Heywood and wife (Aunt Jane's grandparents), father and Martha, her children, Olena and Charley, my sister and her two-year-old baby Joseph. My brother Jim had his wife and her mother, Sister Baker.
I think it was in the winter of 1881 I went to school again. I had not been going for a few years and felt the necessity of getting a little more education. This time I went to Daniel Harrington’s school. I also, went out as a ward teacher with Hans Christensen, a work that I continued to do actively until last year (1943).
In 1882 I started to build our rock house. I hauled all of the rock and got the walls up about to the top of the windows that fall when I received a call from Box “B” to go on a mission. I had no money, as I remember, and was in debt some on building. I sold my horses and harness and left the walls of my building standing; and prepared to go. It was a long rip back to New York, and after seeing some of the “sights of the East, I set sail for Denmark, there I served as a missionary for a little over two years. I visited the place of my birth and other places of interest that I had heard my father speak of. On my return trip on the boat, I met a beautiful Swedish girl. I couldn’t speak Swedish and she couldn’t speak Danish, but we each spoke in our own tongue and understood what our hearts said. Arriving in Salt Lake City she went to Oakley, Idaho, to live with a maternal aunt, Sophia Erickson, and I returned to Richfield.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Augusta Johnson was a daughter of Johanes Backlund and Christena Olfson Backlund. She was born in Bracken, Jernsoken, Sweden, on July 31st, 1866. By the time she was three years old, her parents had both died, and her maternal grandparents then raised her. When she was eleven years old her grandmother died, and when thirteen her grandfather died. They were peasant folk and she too had known many hardships. Her schooling had been in the Lutheran country church schools, her work had been in the fields and herding cattle. After the death of her grandparents she worked for a well-to-do aunt, and later became a waitress in a tourists’ resort. It was there that her opportunity had come to go to “her people” in America. She had accepted the Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day-Saints. To her it was sacred, a basis for formulating her entire life; it was during this trip to America that she met her future husband.
Arriving home I completed my house and made all arrangements for my wife-to-be. We corresponded and each had to have an interpreter for our letters, but it was not until April 1886, that I hitched up my team and started for Idaho. I was ten days on the trip – a long time for one who is not sure of the answer to his question, but upon arriving at the home where she was staying, I told her what I had come for and she accepted me. We were married in the Logan LDS Temple on April 21, 1886, by Apostle Merrill, and after a six-week honeymoon we arrived in Richfield on the 7th day of May. I carried my bride over the threshold, and we have lived in the same house for over 58 years.
There are eight children who have come to bless our union. They are John Lester, Hanmer Emanuel, Harmel Movell, Elsie Christina (Barker), Mary (Monson), Jerda Auerlia (Felt), Lars Eldon and Niels Marcus. We celebrated our Golden Wedding eight years ago. Our posterity includes twenty-eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. On son, one son-in-law, and seven grandsons are serving our country in the armed forces.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Richfield Pioneer Observes His Seventy –Seventh Birthday
(Richfield Reaper)
Richfield, May 9 – One of the few remaining of the original 1864 Richfield settlers, N.P. Peterson today observed his seventy seventh birthday at his home here.
Mr. Peterson was born in Albet, Hjorring, Denmark, May 9 1858. After joining the church in their native land, he and his parents auctioned their furniture and went to Hamburg, Germany, where they boarded the sailing ship, Franklin, April 8, 1862, and started for America.
He was one of a party of 413 emigrants under Capt. Robert Murray and C.A. Madsen. Because of exposure on the journey, 46 of the company were buried at sea before the boat reached New York harbor on May 29.
Many Perish
Then came further hardship during the trek to Utah. Altogether 62 companions perished before the party reached Zion. Mr. Peterson’s mother and sister died shortly after arriving at Pleasant Grove, their first home in Utah.
Leaving Pleasant Grove by ox 71 years ago, the family came to Richfield. That was in the spring of 1864. Here they found the grass green, watered by the warm springs of this vicinity.
But in 1867, due to depredations of Black Hawk and his warriors, the settlement was abandoned by the pioneers, who did not return until the spring of 1871.
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Filled Mission
Mr. Peterson filled a mission to Denmark from 1882 to 1884. His last year there was spent under the presidency of the late Pres. Anthon H. Lund, who had been in the Murray emigrant company of 1862.
He has also served for 30 years as high councilman in the old Sevier Stake: city councilman, one term; supervisor city streets, workman on the tabernacle, St. George Temple and other projects. He is still actively doing farm labor.
Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are the parents of eight living children, Lester, Hanmer, Eldon, and Marcus of Richfield; Harmel, Loa; Mrs. J. R. Barker and Mrs. Mathew Monson of Glendale; Mrs. Richard N. Felt, Salt Lake. They also have 18 grand children.</span></div>
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Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-12228508357894346162014-07-29T12:06:00.000-07:002014-07-29T15:49:34.644-07:00The Life of Lars Peder (Peter) Christensen (Peterson)<h1 class="story-title" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 25px; line-height: 31.25px; margin: -10px 0px -5px; overflow: scroll; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
THE LIFE OF LARS PEDER CHRISTENSEN (PEDERSON)</h1>
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Written by
N. Marcus Peterson (grandson)
Lars (also spelled Laurs) Peder Christensen was born on November 27, 1825 in Fourholt, Albaek Sogan (Parish), Hjorring Amt (County), Denmark. He was the son of Christen Pedersen and Marie Lauren. His name was chosen to perpetuate the names of both his mother and father. Three children had preceded him in the family, but each had lived but a short time. The eldest, Peder, was born October 6, 1818 and died the same day. The next, Laurs Peder, was born September 24, 1820 and died on September 30, six days later. The third children was born on July 8, 1822 and died the same day. So, when Laurs was born, it was a happy time, and brought joy to his parents to know that they had an heir to carry on their name.
Christen Pedersen, Laurs' Father, lived to see him married to Else Marie Jensen of Fourholt and to know that he had a posterity. Marie Laursen, his Mother, must have been pleased when her only child became the father of a whole family of "Laursens" since her father was Laurs Laursen. The Parish Register shows that Ane Marie, their first child, was born May 16, 1853 at 10 o'clock A.M.; Jens Christen Larsen was born December 12, 1854 at 3 o'clock A.M.; Maren was born June 12, 1856 at 4:00 P.M.; Niels Peter was born May 9, 1858 at 5:00 A.M.; Ole Christen was born June 24, 1859 at 4:00 P.M.; and Christen Larsen was born June 17, 1861 at 9:00 P.M.
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">These six children were born at the Family home, Fourholt. It was located on the south side of a large hill near a stream that ran into the North Sea near Vososo. After Laurs Peder and Else Marie were married on November 26, 1852, a series of events occurred which changed the lives of the family, and even changed the names of the members of the family. Else's widowed mother, Maren Mickelsen, married Ole Mickelsen. They accepted the Gospel when contacted by Latter-day Saint missionaries and prepared to leave for America. Else's only sister, Johanne Marie, was baptized into the Church in 1855 and left the next year for America with her mother and step-father. Johanne joined the "Hand Cart" Company to cross the plains, and Maren and Ole went with the Ox-Team Company. Maren died before reaching Salt Lake City, but Johanne made the difficult trip and latter married John Paternoster Squires.
Else accepted the Gospel and was baptized on November 27, 1857, Laurs' birthday. This was a critical time for the young family. Where there had been perfect love and confidence between Laurs and his wife, there now was religious differences. He insisted that the children be baptized into the Lutheran Church at birth. He drove the Company to the Church at Albaek while Else stayed home to prepare the feast. Church members were severely persecuted in Denmark at this time. There was now bickering and contention to the point of almost causing a separation. But, on October 14, 1861, Laurs was baptized--he had finally seen the light.
Before Laurs married, he had served in the Danish Army in the War of 1848 over the Schlechwich-Holstein Corridor. In his little diary he tells of the march from northern Jutland to the Prussian Border and return. (I enclose a translation in the Appendix. See page 12.) For his service he was awarded a medal by the King of Denmark, Frederick VII.
Laurs' mother died on December 15, 1855, and his father on September 28, 1857, shortly before Else joined the Church. After Laurs joined the Church, they decided to make preparations to emigrate to America. By the first part of April 1862 he had sold his home and furniture, and they were ready to leave Denmark. Their neighbor, Hans Christensen, drove the family to Aalborg, a distance of 15 miles. From there, they went by boat to Hamburg, Germany. Other members of the LDS Church were emigrating to the United States at this time. Tragedy s</span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">truck when they arrived in Hamburg on April 8, 1862. Little Maren took the measles and died on April 14--she was not quite six years old. Laurs had a coffin made, and the body of Maren (Mary) was placed in it; but there was not time for a burial. Her body was taken aboard the ship and buried at sea.</span></div>
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They settled on the good ship, Franklin, about the 15th of April. There were 413 emigrants on board. The Captain was Robert Murray. Their leader was Bishop C. A. Madsen (see Footnote 1, page 9), later of Gunnison, with his two counselors. The emigrants brought the measles on board the ship and in a short time about forty persons were stricken with the disease. Little Christen died on Sunday May 4th at 1:00 P.M.; and Ole Christian followed a week later. All through the sorrow, the emigrants had their meetings, gatherings, and dancing. The deck was mopped three times each week, and the ship was disinfected by burning tar twice during the trip. The weather in general was good, although there was some rain about mid-ocean. on Thursday morning, May 29th, they landed in New York Harbor, having been on the ocean for six weeks.
During this six weeks, the call to arise was sounded at five in the morning; prayer was at seven, and evening prayer at 8:30 P.M. Bishop Madsen and his two counselors, J. C. A. Weiby and L. Larsen were in charge. They divided the group into eight Companies with the following leaders: J. C. Thorpe, J. C. Kornem, Niels Mortensen, L. P. Fjelsted, C. P. Bjorreguard, J. C. S. Frost, F. Larsen, and J. Anderson. J. F. Mortensen was appointed to look after their belongings. Anton H. Lund acted as interpreter, and C. Anderson looked after the baggage weights.
In New York they boarded a Transport Boat and prepared to land with the thrill of knowing that their first destination had been reached; but at the bridge of Castle Garden they were stopped due to the fact that several of the immigrants were still ill with the measles. They all had to go back to the ship and remain for two more nights. Then, eighteen persons who were still ill, were transported to a hospital, and the rest were permitted to land at Castle Garden on May 31st. There they were received by C. C. Rich, John Van Cott, and others.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">A number of the immigrants did not have the means to continue the journey; but through the kindness of those who did have funds, the poorer people were helped along. They boarded the train at nine o'clock that evening, and were in Albany the next morning, June 1st. From there, they continued their journey by rail, via Syracuse, Rochester, Niagara Falls, Windsor, Detroit, and Chicago. Then, on through Quincy, Illinois. from there, they went by boat to Hannibal, Missouri. Then, by rail to st. Joseph; arriving on June 6th. The next day they were crowded on to a boat where they were very uncomfortable for three days until they landed at Florence, Missouri on Monday June 9th at 10:00 P.M. Here, they met three other companies that had sailed at about the same time as they.
The next day, they pitched their tents just north of Florence. Here they bought wagons, oxen, cows, stoves, cooking utensils, and other necessary things for the journey over the Plains. Some of the poorer people traveled with the teams provided by the Church. Many things happened to test the faith of these Saints. Some of them apostatized and left the Company. They remained at Florence for several weeks. Just before leaving, a very heavy tornado struck. Two men were killed, and Joseph W. Young was knocked unconscious by a wagon-box falling on him. Others were hurt; but their journey across the Plains commenced that day, 7 July 1862.
Laurs had a yoke of oxen and a yoke of cows which could be used when needed. He was in partnership with another man who had a yoke of oxen and a wagon. When needed, they could hitch up three yoke of animals. During the long trek across the plains, the three children often walked behind the wagon. They were on the way nearly 80 days, arriving in the valley on September 23rd. They had been about six months on the journey. Sixty-two of the Company had died from exposure and illness; others died soon after reaching Utah.
Soon after they reached Salt Lake City, Lars took his family to settle in Pleasant Grove, Utah in a rented room. There is nothing in the record to show why Else did not remain with her sister, Johanne, who lived in Salt Lake City. Else gave birth to her seventh child on October 9th and died a week later on October 17th. The long journey had been too strenuous for her. The hardships had taken their toll, and at the age of twenty-nine she found rest in the new land. Only her family and c</span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">lose friends mourned her passing. She was buried in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. The new baby, Else Marie, lived but 32 days, and died on November 10, 1862. She was buried by her mother's side in the cemetery.</span></div>
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Who knows the affect her passing had on Lars and on Johanne, Else's sister, who lived with her husband, John Paternoster Squires in Salt Lake City. Three years later, Johanne named her fourth child, Alice Marie, for her sister. Then after two more years, she gave birth to a boy; but the baby and Johanne both died. She was thirty-two. Another sad obituary!
Now, Lars was told that he should marry another wife to care for his children. He married Maren Andersen of Voer, Denmark, who was nine years his senior on 8 December 1862. Lars and his family moved from the room near the meeting house, where Else had died, into two rooms which he rented from a Mr. Reynolds. Here they lived for the winter.
In the spring of 1863, he built a cellar where they lived until summer. Then he built an adobe house in the west part of Pleasant Grove, on the road to American Fork. They lived there until the next spring when they moved to Richfield in a covered wagon drawn by two oxen, Tom and Jerry. They also had two cows, Red and Roan, which they had brought across the plains.
In the summer of 1863, George A. Smith, a member of the Quorum of The Twelve, then a resident of Provo, called upon G. W. Bean to take a small company of men and explore Sevier Valley for the purpose of settlement. If they found it favorable, about fifty families would be called from Provo to found a colony. The Company began their journey on July 15, 1863. It consisted of G. W. Bean, John W. Turner, Bishop William Fausett, Silas Smith, Marion Smith, and Abraham Holliday. They went by way of Gunnison and there met the colorful character, Barney (Elijah Ward), a mountaineer who had joined the Mormon religion. He had reared a family by a Shoshone squaw. He informed the party that they were going into the finest country for wintering stock in Utah. The party pushed eagerly on to the salt creek at Salina; they crossed the Sevier River to a large spring near the present town of Redmond; and continued to the present site of Richfield, where it was decided the</span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">main settlement should be established.
On the way back to Provo, the Company stopped in Spring City, where they told Orson Hyde of their journey and of Elder Smith's proposed settlement in Sevier Valley. Orson told the exploration party that no one was to settle in the Sanpete-Sevier district without first discussing the move with him, as he was in charge of the district. On his return to Provo, Elder Bean made his report to Apostle Smith, and informed him of the claims of Apostle Hyde. The matter was then referred to the First Presidency, and it was decided that Elder Orson Hyde had the responsibility of settling Sanpete and Sevier Valleys.
In was not long until a company was sent by Brigham Young, under the direction of Orson Hyde, to settle the part of the Valley now known as Richfield. In December, 1863, nine men taken mostly from Sanpete County, journeyed to Richfield. They were Albert Lewis, Nelson Higgins, Andrew Poulsen, Hans Hansen, George Ogilvie, C. O. Hansen, August Nielsen, Judge Smith, and Mr. Glenn. They reached Richfield January 6, 1864. The season was very cold and travelling conditions were slow.
Orson Hyde now called by letter about thirty families to settle Warm Springs, as Richfield was then called. Later it was called Omni after the Book of Mormon prophet. The first of these families began to arrive March 13, 1864. Among them was Lars Peter Peterson and family. (His name had been changed by the immigration authorities from Christensen to Peterson.) They moved in with N. M. Petersen and his family in their cellar.
The first dwellings were dug-outs, made by digging a cellar, placing a willow and dirt roof over the excavation, and forming steps in the soil leading to the entrance. There were no windows or doors, just a cloth hung at the entrance to keep out some of the cold. As soon as the family arrived, they were given a plat of five acres of land. The first thing to do was to clear the land and prepare it for planting. They had to raise the food to sustain them through the following winter. Next, they had to build a suitable shelter of their own.
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Indians were a problem. They came, not begging for food, but demanding it. Many times the children went to bed hungry because the Indians had come demanding the pot of stew and ate all of it. By 1865 Indian troubles were so bad that it was decided that a Fort had to be built and families moved into it for protection. Each family that owned a lot was asked to build a rod of wall to be 3 1/2 feet wide at the base, 12 feet high, and 12 inches wide at the top. That would make a wall around one city block. Many families from the outlying settlements had to move to Richfield and lie there for protection. (The name "Richfield" was now chosen because of the rich soil.)
The young children that were assigned to herding the animals were in constant danger from the Indian raids that were made on those herds. Men had to carry guns while working in the fields. In July 1866 the trouble was so bad that 50 men were sent with Daniel H. Wells to help guard against the Indians. Many scalpings and killings and much destruction and theft of stock took place.
On March 21, 1867 Jens Peter Petersen, his wife, Amalia and Mary Smith were killed by the Indians. Soon came the decision from President Young that Richfield should be evacuated. In utter despair the people completely abandoned Sevier Valley by the latter part of April. All the inhabitants moved to Sanpete. Lars decided to go to Ft. Ephraim. Two hundred wagons arrived from Sanpete to assist in the evacuation. Lars lived in Niels Andersen's cellar during the first winter. The next summer, he made adobes and built a two-room home on South Main Street. Here they lived until the Black Hawk War was ended and peace was reached with the Indians.
On August 3, 1867, Lars' daughter, Anne Marie, was married to Jens L. Petersen in the Salt Lake Endowment House. They moved to St. Joseph, Nevada. In the meantime, Lars and his deceased wife, Else, were sealed for time and all eternity by W. Woodruff in the Salt Lake Endowment House on November 5, 1866 with Maren acting as proxy for Else. (See Book D, page 655, #8974.)
In the summer of 1870 they obtained permission from President Brigham Young to return to their former home in Richfield. But their troubles were not over. A small company arrived in Richfield on November 5, but very little work was attempted </span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">during the winter. It was very cold and long. Guards were stationed around the cattle at night. In the early spring of 1871 Lars and his 16 year old son, Jim, returned to Richfield to make preparations for the return of the rest of the family. Lars' 13 year old son, Niels, records, "I had just finished school for that year. Patriarch Poul Paulsen and his brother, Chris, stayed overnight at our home in Ephraim. They were on their way back to the Sevier Valley and they told me that they would take me with them if I would help them drive their stock to Richfield. It took us three days to make the journey. My father and brother were already there when I arrived. I remember that whole valley was covered with sage brush and willows."</span></div>
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In a mass meeting held in March 1871, Lars was appointed to represent Plot "B" of the town of Richfield. Peace treaties were signed with the treacherous Indians in 1871. During the summer, great swarms of grasshoppers swooped down on the grain fields and gardens. The settlers were near starvation but the little group of fifteen families struggled through. They made their own clothes--their trousers were of buckskin or canvas. Hats were braided of reeds or straw. They dug their canals by spading or with homemade plows. The crops that year were at total loss but the people did not allow themselves to become discouraged. By careful planning and diligent care they managed to eke out a living with their meager amount of supplies. In the end, it proved to be the turning point for the people of Richfield. Brigham Young sent his oldest son, Joseph, to live among the people of Richfield.
On July 24, 1872 a parade was held and a program followed at the bowery. William Baker sang the "Star Spangled Banner." The United Order was organized in Richfield on April 19, 1874--it lasted three years. At this time Lars returned to Salt Lake City to be sealed to his wife, Maren, in the Salt Lake Endowment House July 15, 1874. Maren Andersen (Thomsen, Peterson) was born May 5, 1816 in Voer, Hjorring, Denmark. Lars was sealed to Martha Marie Nielsen of Syndal, Hjorring, Denmark by D. H. Wells on August 17, 1874. Martha was born October 4, 1843 and had been baptized March 6, 1856. She had two children, Olena and Charles Peder Christian Mogensen; they were adopted by Lars and sealed to him in the St. George Temple December 10, 1880.</span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maren died October 16, 1876 and was buried in the old Richfield Cemetery. She and Lars had no children. On June 13, 1877 he married Mette Petersen in the St. George Temple. His eldest son, Jens (Jim), married Ruth Jean Rio Baker January 15, 1878. In the winter of 1880 Lars and his wife, Martha, and their children all drove to St. George (175 miles) to do temple work for their dead. Niels tells the story:
"The snow was very deep. Our trip lasted about six weeks. Our company consisted of three teams. In my wagon was William Haywood and his wife (Aunt Jane's grandparents), Father and Martha, her children (Olena and Charley), my sister, and her two-year old baby (Joseph), my brother, Jim, his wife and her mother."
Lars had built a home on the corner of Main and Center Street on their return to Richfield from Ephraim. He also provided a home for Martha on First South and First East Street and a little house in the back of the lot for Mette, his fourth wife. It is said his home was open to a host of people. He was friendly and hospitable and his wives were excellent cooks. Young people from the nearby towns lived with them while attending the Stake Academy. Conference vistors put their teams in his corral and fed from his hay stack. There was always a good meal prepared by Martha--no one made soup with Danish dumplings as good as hers. Latter-day Saint Church authorities stopped at their home on the way to St. George or Arizona. One time a little boy name George Albert Smith was with a group going south. He found a pair of Lars' wooden shoes and could not resist dancing a jig in them.
Maren was 46 years old when Lars married her. She had not children of her own but she taught the other children to read and write and disciplined them well. There was an opportunity for the children to attend the schools during the short winter season.
Lars' first grandchild was born to his daughter Anne in St. Joseph, Nevada. She was named Alice Marie. Jens and Anne returned to Richfield where their other children were born. In 1882 Lars' youngest son, Niels, started to build a rock house. Naturally Lars was there to help him. They hauled the rock and laid the walls up to the top of the windows that fall. Then Niels received a letter from Box "B", a call to go on a mission to Denmark. Tuesday, Oct. 3, 1882 they left together in an open wagon to drive to Nephi to meet the train. It was windy and cold. They slept by the</span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">side of a wheat stack in Redmond the first night. It started to rain as they continued the next day. The second night they slept in their wet clothes. They arrived in Juab the third day about noon. Here Lars bid his son "Goodbye" as Niels boarded the train. Then he returned to Richfield with the wagon.
During the next two years they corresponded once a month. Lars heard the news of his relatives who were still in Denmark. He sent what money he could to his son in the mission field. He continued to work on Niels' rock house. He planted trees and improved the surroundings of the property at Third East and First South. He obviously knew how to build a house since he had built adobe homes in Pleasant Grove, Ephraim and Richfield. On July 3, 1884 he met his son on his return from Denmark at Cedar Ridge, a few miles north of Richfield. They were back in Richfield at 10:00 P.M. The next day, July 4th, there was a Homecoming Party in the evening!
During the next year, Niels, and Lars' two adopted children were with him caring for the farm and doing the family chores. Then, his adopted daughter, Olena Marie, married Lars James Larson in the St. George Temple on December 17, 1885. She was seventeen. This left the two boys at home. The following spring, Niels hitched up his team and wagon and drove to Oakley, Idaho. There he picked up Augusta Johnson and drove to Logan where they were married in the Logan Temple on April 21, 1886. Niels and Augusta returned to Richfield to live in the rock house he had built. They were close to Lars for the rest of his life.
They frequently had dinner together and in times of sorrow they comforted each other. On Wednesday January 20, 1887, a grandchild was born dead. Lars helped dig the grave where the child was buried the next day. Jim must have appreciated the closeness of his father. Lars often helped his boys load or unload the freight they hauled to earn a few dollars to supplement their farm income. They worked together on their farms. When they needed, they could combine their three teams of horses to do their farm work.
Most of the time, he was well and healthy during these years. Niels mentions his being ill on occasion but nothing of a serious nature. In 1892, they took a trip together on business. They hauled wood together. Niels always addressed him as </span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Father." On November 27, 1895 he was seventy years old. His children joined together and bought him a pair of Sunday shoes. The following day they had Thanksgiving dinner at his home. The Family Circle was well represented and "they had a good time together."
On April 21, 1900 Mette died in Richfield. There is a brief entry in the record of Niels Peter Peterson to that effect. The next day Lars purchased a lot in the Richfield City Cemetery and he and Niels dug Mette's grave. She was buried on April 24, 1900. The deed for the lot is dated May 10 and is lot 14, block 22, section 2, plat A, Richfield City Cemetery. The plot shows Lars, Mette and Martha buried on the left side of the lot. (See Footnote 2, page 10.)
On August 14, 1906, Lars died in his home in Richfield. The obituary stated, "A well-known citizen and one of the first settlers in this valley passed to his reward Tuesday morning. Mr. Peterson had been gradually failing for a year or more past, and for the past six months had been bedfast nearly all the time. Beginning with the first year that settlement was attempted in Sevier County, Mr. Peterson became a resident of Richfield, but his family was taken to Ephraim during the Indian troubles from 1867 to 1871.
The deceased was a native of Denmark. He was married when 27 years of age. He was a soldier under King Frederick VII in the three years war with Germany from 1848 to 1850. Mr. Peterson held some ecclesiastical positions in times past, and was one of the directors of the old Co-op Store. He lived a busy and useful life and has a host of old-time friends. He leaves three children, two adopted children, a number of grandchildren (32) and several great-grandchildren (100--without the adopted ones).
He was a councilor to N.M. Peterson and Secretary and Treasurer of the Immigration Fund."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">WIVES AND FAMILY OF LARS PEDER PETERSON
(CHRISTENSEN)
On 26 November 1852, Lars married Else Marie Jensen in the little church at Albaek, Hjorring, Denmark. Else was the daughter of Jens Thorsen and Maren Mickelsen, born 11 February 1833. They lived in the family home at Fourholt until they emigrated to the United States of America in 1862. Else died 17 October 1862 in Pleasant Grove, Utah soon after their arrival there. They had seven children, six of whom were born at the family home in Denmark and the seventh born in Pleasant Grove, Utah.
On 8 December 1862, he married Maren Andersen in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was the daughter of Anders Thompsen and Anne Larsen, born 5 May 1816 in Venesyssel, Voer, Hjorring, Denmark. They moved to Richfield, Utah in the Spring of 1864. Maren died there on 16 October 1876 and was buried in the old cemetery. They had no children. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Endowment House on 15 July 1874.
On 17 August 1874, Lars married Martha Marie Nielsen (Mogensen) in Salt Lake City, Utah and was sealed to her in the Salt Lake Endowment House. She was the daughter of Niels Pedersen and Maren Jensen, born 4 October 1843 in Syndal, Hjorring, Denmark. They lived in Richfield, Utah; she died 15 February 192. Lars adopted her two children, Olena Maria and Charles Peder Christian.
On 13 June 1877, he married Mette Petersen in the St. George Temple. She was the daughter of Peter Nielsen and Maren Jensen, born in Emb, Hjorring, Denmark in May 1810 (christened 11 June). She lived in Richfield, Utah until she died on 21 April 1900. She was buried in the Richfield Cemetery on 24 April 1900.
It is of interest to know that when Lars was sealed to his wife, Else, on November 1866, it was Maren who acted as proxy for her. It was not until July 15, 1874 that they returned to the Salt Lake Endowment House and Maren was sealed to him. On August 17th, a month later he was married to Martha by Daniel H. Wells in the Endowment House. Later, they drove to St. George and Martha's children were sealed to Lars. Niels describes this journey during the winter of 1880 in his Journa</span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I it can be found in the Historical Archives of the LDS Church in Salt Lake.</span></div>
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In the meantime, Lars and Mette were married in St. George by John D. McAllister on 13 June 1877. William Carter and S.S. Adams were the witnesses. (See entry #285 on that date.) It seems that all three wives had been married in Denmark. Maren was married to Peder Michel Jensen, Martha to Frederik Christian Peder Mogensen and Mette to Jens Nielsen (Smed).
On March 21, 1889, they went to the Manti Temple and did the temple work for my grandparents, Johannes Backlund and Christina Olsson. An error was made in Christina's name and she is listed as Christina Larsen, Larsson being her father's name. At that time my grandparents' family were adopted into the family of Daniel H. Wells, who was present on the occasion. Also, Mette Pedersen and her children were adopted to Pres. Brigham Young and family. The correct sealings to their families has been performed.
REFERENCES AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
As a primary source of information for this sketch of the life of Lars Peter Peterson (Christensen), I am indebted to the diary of my Father, Niels Peter Peterson. He kept a daily record of events during much of his life. Also, there are portions of the life of Lars Peter Peterson recorded in his little diary.</span>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-41485331878267105012014-07-29T11:52:00.000-07:002014-07-29T11:52:41.157-07:00Lars Peter Christensen gets a new name<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="color: #555555; font-family: proximanova, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lars Peter Christensen joined the church in Denmark four years after his wife, Elsa, did. This was near the end of the year 1861. Immediately they began preparing for their emigration to Utah as members of the Mormon Church. They had six children to bring with them. Three of them were buried at sea because of a measles epidemic.
When they arrived at New York, the immigration agent asked Lars what his name was and he answered, "Lars Peter Christensen." Then the agent asked his father's name and he answered, Christen Petersen." The agent exclaimed, "Well, you have to have the same last name as your father!" Then he wrote Lars' name down as Lars Peter Peterson. That is how the family left Denmark as the Christensen family and arrived in New York and became the Peterson family.</span></span></span>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-58091385042209244262014-02-21T13:47:00.000-08:002014-02-21T13:55:42.563-08:00Vella Fowler Neil - Part 1, by Vella Neil Evans<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4WJ6hwBp43BMnZWTl9nUjBVSDQ/preview" width="640" height="480"></iframe>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-85945675635240376192014-02-21T13:46:00.001-08:002014-02-21T13:56:17.838-08:00Vella Fowler Neil, Part 2, by Vella Neil Evans<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4WJ6hwBp43BOUFCdlo2MXdOejg/preview" width="640" height="480"></iframe>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-9967446869061459602014-02-21T13:44:00.000-08:002014-02-21T13:56:47.521-08:00Vella Fowler Neil, Part 3, by Vella Neil Evans<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4WJ6hwBp43BRjlybDJ2X1VHaW8/preview" width="640" height="480"></iframe>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-24847619331549884432014-02-03T11:24:00.001-08:002014-02-03T11:24:35.765-08:00Robert Faddis and Elizabeth Miller, by Vella Evans<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4WJ6hwBp43BbXNCYTI1R1l6OTQ/preview" width="640" height="480"></iframe>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-56238099734988967782014-02-03T11:21:00.000-08:002014-02-21T13:50:02.311-08:00James W. Neil, by Vella Neil Evans<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4WJ6hwBp43BUWQxVDRaM2tsbkk/preview" width="640" height="480"></iframe>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-11302635064691032432014-02-03T11:15:00.001-08:002014-02-03T11:15:42.892-08:00What We Learned From Dave and Bea, by Joy, Ted, Gloria, Wayne and Vella Evans 2008<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4WJ6hwBp43BNEdfOG14NloxUHc/preview" width="640" height="480"></iframe>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-69855767126158205612014-02-03T11:11:00.002-08:002014-02-03T11:33:01.299-08:00How Well Do You Know David W and Beatrice C Evans? Selections by WCE, Written by DWE<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4WJ6hwBp43BMkZsQTA1TTAyY1U/preview" width="640" height="480"></iframe>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-78822113683860418342014-02-03T08:08:00.001-08:002014-02-03T08:08:12.186-08:00George Cannon the Immigrant <iframe src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4WJ6hwBp43BNGxsZ0FnN1A3S0FUNlRpMkxHSUxTTlY4OWRr/preview" width="640" height="480"></iframe>
Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-34338165585790461152014-02-03T08:05:00.002-08:002014-02-03T08:05:33.958-08:00Funeral Service of David Wooley Evans<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4WJ6hwBp43BX2FVUC1XWm1GT2M/preview" width="640" height="480"></iframe>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-53644084117489324202014-02-03T07:59:00.003-08:002014-02-03T11:39:03.737-08:00East of Glasgow, the Search for Agnes and Archie, by Vella Evans<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4WJ6hwBp43BTTQxQ1NlVnhWaU0/preview" width="640" height="480"></iframe>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-92193742726644371992014-02-03T07:56:00.002-08:002014-02-03T07:56:39.928-08:00David Wooley Evans' History of his Ancestors<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4WJ6hwBp43BRUxIMUVXRzA0SkU/preview" width="640" height="480"></iframe>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-69957603712113634832014-02-03T07:54:00.000-08:002014-02-03T11:39:44.243-08:00Concrete Evidence of the Book of Mormon, by Robert H Peterson<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4WJ6hwBp43BX1BXNkxPSWt6bnM/preview" width="640" height="480"></iframe>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-28196644425158047752014-02-03T07:50:00.000-08:002014-02-03T11:40:06.725-08:00A Family of Faith and Works, by David W Evans<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4WJ6hwBp43Bdmp1V0xpMDdCdkE/preview" width="640" height="480"></iframe>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-14564130513688721002014-01-24T10:54:00.000-08:002014-02-03T11:40:40.889-08:00Meditation on the Foremothers, by Vella Evans(This is a meditation Mom wrote as she prepared for our family history trip to Scotland and Ireland in 2007.)<br />
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Mothers! Mothers! Bide with me<br />
Whilst I go across the sea.<br />
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Agnes! Tough faith I must be.<br />
Elizabeths! Elizabeth! Whose heart's in me.<br />
Nellie's too, but Lizzie's strong.<br />
Rose so sweet the whole day long.<br />
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Mothers! Mothers! Bide with me<br />
Whilst I go across the sea.<br />
<br />
(In addition, I carry a small picture of my mother Rachel Vella next to my heart.) Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-63249710271154114992013-11-17T14:49:00.002-08:002013-11-17T22:08:19.539-08:00My Gardens, by Nancy Peterson<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
MY GARDEN<br />
1990</div>
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I love my garden!
This is such a wonderful place to be.
I love all the colors and forms and light patterns through the
trees. I love feeling the breeze and
hearing the running water. There are
flower beds here, fruit trees and great open spaces. What an abundance of beautiful
handiwork! </div>
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This garden is new to these little ones by me. They are so delicate. I hope they’ll find joy here. Their senses are filled with new sights and
sounds and feelings. They trust me
completely. Their survival depends on
me. Sometimes this responsibility is
weighty, but I find great joy in being close to their new life. </div>
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I have a beloved coworker in my garden. His love and companionship make me
whole! We cultivate this part of the
garden together. It was what we both
wanted most in this life. We knew we
would find great joy here. Of all the
treasures in our abundant garden we love these little ones the most. They make this season in our garden so
magical. </div>
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We love to watch these little ones. We marvel at their tender shoots as they push
forward. We’re thrilled at their
spontaneous budding. The blossoms unfold
in perfect form and we cradle the confidant pedals against the hidden
frost. We wipe away tears of
discouragement as the petals wither and offer a vision of the forthcoming
fruit. We dig about the roots. We fertilize.
We water. Patience comes easily
when we understand God’s gift of time. </div>
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It’s not hard to understand the feelings these little ones
are experiencing in this garden. We’re
growing here too. We are still trying to
discover our full potential and stretch ourselves upward. We understand frustration and sorrow, as well
as the joy of growth.</div>
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It’s not always sunny in my garden. In fact, at times, strong winds rip through the
growth pulling at our very roots. But,
if we are willing, nature’s pruning of the deadwood inspires new growth, and we
enjoy new life that we hadn’t even anticipated. </div>
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And there are weeds.
They usually pop us when the garden doesn’t demand constant care. If they’re not pulled they grow quickly and
begin to obscure our view of the important things in the garden. </div>
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But we are not left alone to take care of ourselves
here. We have majestic shade trees. These are gifts from past generations. Not only do they break strong winds and offer
merciful relief on hot days, but their very presence in every season reminds us
of the principles by which they have grown so tall. These must be preserved. </div>
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I love the work in my garden. These tender starts require a lot of
care. My most important work in this
season is to ensure that they have the best possible environment in which to
grow so they can achieve their full potential.
The law of the harvest renews my hope that our hard work here will bring
us great joy for a long time to come. </div>
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This garden is so beautiful!
I am so happy here. Of course, we
don’t take credit for all the beauty and joy in this garden. For this we thank the gardener. He gave us this garden and planted us in
it. </div>
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Life won’t always be the same for me here. These little ones will soon be big enough to
grow on their own. And we too will have
changed. We will be taller. My influence with these growing near to me
will be less intimate but if I try I can grow as tall as some of the shade
trees and spread my influence over a greater part of the garden. And I will still be close to these that are
growing up by my side. I know I’ll find
joy in being close to them and in watching them continue to grow. </div>
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And my beloved coworker, he will always be my dearest
friend. The strength of our relationship
comes from our growing together as we pass through all the seasons in this
garden. We share everything that is
important to us. We understand each
other and have helped to prune each other along the way. We don’t spend all of our time together here
in the garden but at night we’re always reunited. I climb into his branches and give my trust
to him. </div>
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This is our garden.
We knew we would be happy here. <br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Seasons of Change</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2010</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-6c3e9620-69ca-dbf0-c4e1-284d2124a30f" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m still here, in my garden. It’s a very good place to be! I would say, I am very happy here, 20 years down the road!! There is a lot of activity in this garden, involving many good people. Through it all there is a feeling of peace and of purpose. The garden is bathed in light much of the day. I love the light! And we can still feel the love it brings radiating into the night, reminding us that the gardener is near. Although there is always a lot of work to be done in this garden, my constant care is not required for cultivating every field. Many of our trees have matured now, bearing rich fruits seemingly on their own – fruits of faith, fruits of friendship, fruits of eternal joy! What wonderful gifts these are for me! I am grateful for this garden and the many gifts it brings!! </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I still find great joy in attending to the work that is to be done here! And there is nothing I love more than to help our children grow! My main job in this garden is to introduce them to the gardener, who is the source of all that is good. His love comes into focus for them as they learn to live by the law of the harvest. There are so many good gifts he has given us here! For me, my greatest gift is still this cherished association with them. The brightness of their eternal spirits has not been dimmed by the darker things of this world. I am so grateful! With them, there is simple satisfaction in the daily routine. I feel blessed every day. They are the gardener’s children! I feel his love. This work enlarges my soul and defines who I am. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In many ways, my garden has changed. For one, it has grown! Not only are the children older now, but there are many more of them! My capacity has increased in many ways. My life feels rich and full! This is the very life of life, everything I ever hoped for!! </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I acknowledge that a few of the changes in my garden have been difficult for me. The hardest of these changes are the ones that have actually required me to stand still, and watch as the master gardener invites those who have been near me the longest - who are so beautiful and strong, to leave my garden, one by one, for the purpose of cultivating fields of their own. They live and work in places outside of my sphere. They have no need for my garden here, yet here is where I must stay. It is humbling to behold their capacity in carrying out their work with such surety and love! They know the gardener well! My life’s greatest work in raising them up unto him has come to an end. As their lives and their hearts move on, I feel a tender sadness. Fortunately, I am learning not to fear the distance between us now. I know the gardener! His promises are sure. He fills my void with his love. A new and sweet understanding of the law of sacrifice is etched deeply into my soul. This is a part of life I would not miss. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Having said this, I must say that there is still great joy in my garden now, with greater peace and strength than I have known before. This is because the gardener is near! Throughout every season, my sights have been lifted steadily toward him. He is the true source of my strength and my joy! I sense who I must be in his sight. How sweet are the gifts of love which he bestows on all who seek him here! They give power and peace to our lives. My heart is at home in my garden. And happily, for yet a little season, I will still be allowed to tend these younger ones that I have near. What a blessing that they grow so slowly! They are his best gifts to me! I feel his love. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, I call this my garden because this is my story, and that’s how I feel in my labors here. But this is a united garden, and my sweet co-worker still works diligently with me here. This garden was given to us both by the one whose garden gives us life. Together we cultivate its fruits, though from different sides of the field. For some reason, it seems like we’re laboring from the outside in, with him on the far side and me over here. I seldom see his efforts in the daily rhythm of life. But from our separate fields, I can always feel his tender heart and righteous ways. They bring me peace. His sacrifices and faith breathe life into our little garden! I love him for his love, and his many gifts to me! The delicious fruits of our harvest we will always share. And in the quiet nighttime hours we still come together and rest in the branches of our love. We find strength and peace in the unity of our purpose. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My co-worker and I have developed many skills over the years, yet there are so many things left to learn! We live out our lives by faith as we each try to follow the gardener’s plan for us. He knows best how to help us grow! I find peace in knowing that I am not responsible for the growth of my partner. Our parallel lives of service will continue to pull our hearts ever closer until we become fully united as one. We love the gardener! We trust his ways. We will wait patiently for the day when we can be sent out to cultivate his fields of love together. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In this current season, we have a tender new seedling growing in our garden. She is a rare and precious transplant from a far off field. She is one of striking beauty and startling resilience. Her place near the gardener’s heart is apparent. She has been brought here to be loved and to be healed by him. We are grateful for his trust. She has endured dangerous storms already in her short life. And there are still times when her young heart aches afresh from promises not fulfilled. It is our true desire that she receive here all that the gardener would have her receive. She will be responsible for the bearing of much fruit for him in the generations to come! </span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With my constant attention no longer required for the growing children who remain, I am often invited to work in other people’s fields. This too brings satisfaction to my soul! With each new opportunity comes increased light and an awareness of greater things. I've noticed that through my service, the younger ones in my garden develop skills as well. It certainly hasn’t hurt them any to learned to stretch and grow with me! Not only are we allowed to feel the gardener’s love for his other children, but the eternal principles of the garden are impressed deeply into our souls. Through these experiences, we are permitted to share in the master’s joy and the harvest of his love! What mercy is to be found in the gardens of life!!!</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My work clothes are....getting a little worn out. Too bad that we only get one pair! They’re showing unmistakable signs of the passing seasons of my life. I remember the time when they always seemed fresh and new! I understand that they will fall completely apart by the time my work is finished here. My only hope is that I can first accomplish all that I need to do! I don’t know how I feel about being numbered among the experienced! My seasons here I now wear on my face, like the rings of a tree. There is, however, something very satisfying in giving one’s whole self to this important work. We only have one chance to try! Fortunately, despite this deciduous decline, our eternal spirits continue to shine bright. Perhaps my real inner self will become more visible through this fading fabric I’m in. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the seasons of our lives roll along in our garden I see many new opportunities for growth. Things are looking good for the harvest ahead! I sense that our boarders will continue to be broken down - boarders between our garden and the other gardens of the field. Distances between me and my precious loved ones will decrease. Soon, the boundaries between us and our posterity yet unborn will be removed, and the lives and worlds of loved ones passed on will come more clearly into view. There are coming to us even now, delightful, prepared children, raised up with care in other workers’ fields. These are gifts of the Master to help our children grow, and cultivate the fields they will share. I love these dear friends, gifts of mercy and love! They bring power for the sweet harvest yet to come. We rejoice in our posterity, who learn of his ways, and honor us with their lives and their love! </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For myself, as I look ahead, I see the truths of eternity continuing to distill upon my soul. What joys I find in coming to know the gardener, and all his holy ways! It is my hope in this lifetime to see our gardens come full circle with a coming home of the generations that surround us. My inner desire is for a binding of the hearts with each of these loved ones - extensions of myself. I rejoice in the promise of eternity with all of the precious people my heart has been given to love! </span></div>
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Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17169573239576991916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-65647735401454592402013-11-17T14:28:00.003-08:002013-11-17T14:38:08.441-08:00A Mother's Thoughts On Mother's Day Morning, by Beatrice Cannon Evans<iframe height="480" src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1cKB59Lp6sNbUxWV3JBd1Rvblk/preview" width="640"></iframe>Sir Michael Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399544858861278002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357785302460972776.post-81341693203437784272013-11-17T14:28:00.001-08:002013-11-17T14:36:59.821-08:00What I Believe, by Wayne Cannon Evans, 1975<iframe height="480" src="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1cKB59Lp6sNbXBQb3Y4Sy1jQkU/preview" width="640"></iframe>Sir Michael Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02399544858861278002noreply@blogger.com0