Burton Family

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAROL!!!

2011-06-05T11:01:00.002-06:00

Well, Carol has passed another milestone. We were talking about our ages and how weird/funny /peculiar it seems to be this "ancient." I can clearly remember when my father turned 40 how I watched him for a year because I knew he was going to drop dead any minute. He went 43 more years and I'm 57 years past that time. But I'm happy that my sweetheart is still with me and hope she has many, many more to follow!

Carol's Face...

2011-06-04T14:26:00.002-06:00

I think everyone knows that we hit a moose in January. Carol got the worst of it, with windshield spicules in her hands and face. They took several out at the hospital, we had our doctor remove another one about a month later from her hand (pretty big...) and a few minutes ago she took one out of the scar on her chin. This one is about the same size as the one that came out of her hand. Hopefully that's the end of 'em, but you never know....

It's been a while...

2011-05-26T12:18:00.002-06:00

We've had an interesting time since Heather got home from her mission 10 months ago. She is still trying to decide which direction she wants to go regarding career and so forth. She's temporarily staying with Mom & Dad (which is just fine with Mom & Dad!) but wants to get out on her own.

In January we went to Wyoming to Carol's Aunt Mildred's 90th birthday surprise party, and on the way home we hit a moose. Yeah, that's right, a moose! Totalled the car, but no one was hurt seriously. It was a miracle, according to the State Trooper who investigated the accident. Actually, I should have said that no HUMAN was hurt seriously. We kind of ruined the poor moose; I felt bad.

So now it's almost Memorial Day. We'll be making the rounds of all the cemeterys we go to. I'll get some pictures up in the next few days. TTYL.

Heather is HOME!

2010-07-09T17:15:00.003-06:00

Heather arrived home safely Wednesday at 10am... but without her luggage! They got to the airport late and could not check luggage. So we're still waiting... the Mission office and Missionary Travel are trying to work it out. But at least Heather is home. She will speak in Church Sunday at 11 am. Friends and family are invited to call us for details.

The Last Post???

2010-06-30T12:52:00.003-06:00

In the British Army, they play a thing called "Last Post" which is the last bugle call before lights out (in the American military, we use "Taps"). Since it's getting real close to when Heather will be released, this might be her "Last Post." But who knows? These pictures are "around Bay Shore..."

	This is Heather doing her "Audrey Hepburn" look. Black & White, too!! Heather says, "I call it 'Muy Caliente.' " Sure.
	Heather says, "Chayanne is a really HOT Latin singer. I 'HEART' him!"
	This is Azia, one of the young women in the ward. Heather says, "We were trying to take a decent picture and this is what we got... I was yelling at a member! LOL!"
	And this is Sarah, another of the young women in the ward. She was making dinner for the LMs on the grill. The "Audrey" look picture was taken, according to Heather, "...while the meat was being cooked."
	This is Georgie. It was his first birthday. I think he was really "in" to the cake!

New York is REALLY Pretty!

2010-06-12T14:16:00.000-06:00

Heather's Coming Home!

2010-06-11T14:49:00.001-06:00

Well, we got word from the mission office that Heather will be released in early July! Friends and family that would like that information can call us and we'll be happy to pass it on. Or, you can email and if we recognize your name (getting old, you know) we'll do it that way.

New York Is An Interesting Place...

2010-05-25T14:16:00.003-06:00

I've said it before... New York is a very interesting place. No telling what you might see next!!

Fire Island P-Day - Reprise

2010-05-25T13:52:00.007-06:00

We went to the Fire Island Lighthouse for P-Day. It was neat. I love to go out there. We decided to play "dress-up" with the old-time costumes.
Jennie was back for Luis' trip to the Temple and she went with us. It was great to see her and she can still make the goofy faces.
Here we are: The lighthouse keeper, the "wife??" and the sailor. I think we look GREAT!
The Elders decided they wanted to play, too. Don't they make a cute couple???

What's New...

2010-05-11T13:55:00.005-06:00

It's been an interesting couple of weeks since the last post from Bay Shore. Sister B. is keeping busy (aside from a brief bout with bronchitis) and still being Sister B!

	Me and Sister Calderon. This is what you call "companionship!
	One of the less-actives we visit has BIRDS! They are a lot of fun... if they don't poop on your shoulder...
	Sister Calderon pumping gas!
	This is the result of trying to take a picture in the mirror! But it shows a "pad hug" anyway!
	And this, ladies and gentlemen, demonstrates what happens when Sister Brown puts aluminum foil-wrapped goodie in microwave. Makes a MESS! She is the resident wacko in our pad. Everybody has one... or two...
	It seems really weird to have such a short time left! I only have 56 days left! Sister Sorenson "counted down" for me last week!

Happy 24th Birthday!

2010-04-26T16:53:00.004-06:00

I had a neat birthday. When I got up on Saturday morning, my padmates had decorated for me. It was really nice of them and I love them for it!

	This is the wall in our study area. Cool!
	And these are the presents and cards they made/got for me!
	Luis took us to Gino's for lunch. It was a lot of fun. I really love this guy; he is turning into a super member!
	This is Hermana (Sister) Calderon, my new comp. I'm not sure what you call what she had to eat, but it was NASTY!

And that was my birthday!

Easter at Oscar's!

2010-04-05T11:30:00.007-06:00

Easter was a really great day! Got to watch conference... it was AMAZING! Of course it always is... and have dinner with Oscar and his family! Oscar treated me to Columbian sausages... My fav! I was so happy! I think I ate more than I should have, but I only get them once in a while, so I decided to live a little! We also had steak, chicken, rice, pasta, veggies, and pico de gallo. I am going to miss this spanish food!

	Oscar and Erika had us for Easter dinner. It was great! Felt just like being with family!
	Oscar at the BBQ doing his thing!
	Keilly and me! Erika's little girl!
	Ishanti came from Jamaica to spend Easter with me!
	Oscar taking a break from the BBQ!

Bring on the Bar-B-Q!!

2010-03-22T12:41:00.005-06:00

Brother and Sister Danner made dinner for us, and the RIBS! BEST EVER!


This is Brother and Sister Danner, the Chefs!
	The ribs... before we got after them.
	Elder Edwards and me. WE WERE STUFFED!!

We had a great time and the food was so wonderful!

FINALLY! PICTURES!

2010-03-15T12:22:00.004-06:00

Ever since Heather lost Sister Frodsham as a companion, there have been very few pictures; thus, the posts have not been as frequent or as detailed as they were when there were pictures. But Heather has finally sent more pictures, so here we go!

First: Montauk. This is sunrise at Montauk. The other missionary in the picture is Sister Montano.

Heather and one of the children in Bay Shore Ward. Heather loves purple... can you tell?

New york is a weird place. I've seen tagged stop signs before, but this one is really unusual.
Click on the picture to see the full-sized one and you can read what's there.

It's almost St. Paddy's day, and so Cowgirl Heather has found the right hat to wear! LOL!

Heather reports she only has two transfers (6 weeks each) and 2 weeks to go! WOW! Has the time really flown by, or what!??!?? It's wonderful that she is having such a great experience, but we'll be glad to have her come home.

Back to Bay Shore

2010-02-09T15:53:00.006-07:00

In a recent letter, Heather said her Mission President called her in and said, "Sister Burton, we need you back in Bay Shore." So Heather is back where she started, with a brand new sister missionary, Sister De La Mare from Salt Lake City. They are working hard to get things going again in Bay Shore. All of her friends from her first stint there are delighted that she's back. Heather says that they are having success finding and revitalizing the investigators that she and Sister Frodsham had when they were a companionship.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T09:00:00.002-07:00

2009 has come and gone and Heather is on the last third of her mission. She is in Midwood, Brooklyn, and loving it! She said that to celebrate New Year's she and Sister T ordered a chicken parmesan pizza "and ate nearly the whole thing!" She said that some of her ' "home girls" from Jamaica are coming to visit me :) Everyone can't believe that they are coming all the way to Brooklyn just to visit me... All I can say is... "Hello! Do you not realize I am the coolest Sister Missionary New York has!?!?" :)'
So things are good in Brooklyn to start 2010!

Transfer - Brooklyn Here I Come!

2009-12-14T09:08:00.003-07:00

Heather was transferred to Brooklyn on December 8th. Her new companion is Sister Tauteoli who is a greenie. They are working hard to update the area records and build a new investigator pool.

Thanksgiving in Jamaica

2009-12-01T08:59:00.003-07:00

Heather with Bishop and Sister Urbanowski, who put on the Thanksgiving Dinner for the missionaries (German Style!)

This is Heather with the "Mystery Meat" (like in the movie "Errand of Angels." Heather said, "She made it to tease me.") Looks to me (Dad) like the head cheese that Grandpa Ferguson was so fond of. And I have to admit, it's delicious! But Heather said she actually ate it... wow. Good for you, Heather!

And this is the main course; roast pork, dumplings, potatoes, YUMMMMMM!!!!

There were crepes for dessert!

Transfer Time Again!

2009-11-03T09:59:00.002-07:00

Well, it was transfer time again in Jamaica, and Heather's new companion is Sister Gonzalez (who was in the MTC with Heather). They are working hard and their personalities match up pretty well, so things are going good. Heather said in her letter that she thinks this will be her last transfer in Jamaica, so we'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, the work goes on!

Half-Way-Mark!

2009-10-30T10:03:00.001-06:00

Well, it doesn't seem possible that Heather is halfway through her mission... but she is. One of the perks that missionaries in NYNYS get is a trip to the Manhattan Temple at their halfway point. The Temple is just up the street from Central Park, so there are also some pics from the park and one of Elder Merrill (another half-way-er) just because of the goofy look on his face...:-).

Trump Tower is also in that neighborhood, so there's a picture of the front of it. Heather had a wonderful, spiritual day at the Temple and had fun in Columbus Circle, which is at the southwest corner of Central Park and where most of the pictures were taken.

Who's Who at the Zoo?

2009-10-06T17:08:00.004-06:00

This week's district activity was a visit to the Queens Zoo. Apparently one of New York's cultural endeavors was to see that each of its boroughs has its own zoo, and the Queens version is located in Flushing, on the site of the old World's Fair (all you Men in Black fans will remember that's where the giant cockroach climbed up to the flying saucer that was on a tower... well, anyway). Heather and her comp, Sister Crandell, apparently had a good time.

They are working hard and teaching some terrific people. It's really hard to realize that Heather has now been out over half of her time. She is in good spirits and really enjoyed the opportunity to watch General Conference last weekend.

A Funny Story...

2009-09-29T08:26:00.003-06:00

Heather says...We caught a mouse this week... Like we do everyday! But this time it wasn't dead. It's little arm was caught and us having the hearts that we do, we decided to set it free into the hallway... Well as we did this, he decided to run back into our pad! I was in the bathroom brushing my teeth in my underwear when it came at me! So, I jumped up on the Sink! (my butt was soaked) Then, Gonzalez got the dust pan and swept him into it and put him in the hall again... When we went out the next morning... There he was DEAD on our door mat! Sister Johnson almost cried when she said, "He just was trying to come back home"... It was funny, but I still HATE them! Even though I thought it was a little sad too... Especially when it squeeled....

Transfers

2009-09-21T13:49:00.005-06:00

Well, it's transfer week in NYNYS! And Heather has a new companion, Sister Crandell from Heber, Arizona. Heather says "She has the softest little voice and is so innocent... So, you know how well we balance each other out! :)"

No pictures, yet, but as soon as I get them I'll post them.

This is a picture of the district from last week, showing Elder Wiggins, who went home after successfully finishing his mission, and of course Sister Frodsham, who got transferred.

Hunter's Point at Sunrise

2009-09-14T11:02:00.007-06:00

These pictures were taken at Hunter's Point, in Queens. I guess this post should actually be titled "Jumping for Joy?" Anyway, they seem to be having a good time. P-Day is a time to relax and enjoy and learn about the area, and it appears that they are certainly doing that!

That looks a lot like the UN Building across the river.

Click here for information about Hunter's Point.

Visit to the Temple

2009-09-14T10:57:00.011-06:00

Heather had the opportunity to go to the Manhattan Temple with her companion and some of the members. She reports that it was a special and very spiritual time.

The Manhattan Temple is in a multi-use building, and this makes it one of the unique Temples in the Church. The original building was constructed in 1976 and still houses a public affairs office on the second floor and a chapel on the third floor. The Temple itself occupies the first, fourth, fifth, and sixth floors.

Following the Temple visit, Heather and Sister Frodsham met two of their old Bay Shore friends, Luis and Daniela. Heather said "It was great to see them and feel their love for us."

What do you do on a P-day?

2009-08-21T07:00:00.006-06:00

Well, you find something wacky to do. This time it was a visit to Five Pointz or at least Jackson Avenue.

This place has the most amazing Spray Paint Art (I refuse to call this graffiti...it's far above any tagging that I've ever seen). And in this one place, it's encouraged.

It's amazing to me what these people can do with a few cans of spray paint. The art they produce is absolutely amazing. And the missionaries obviously enjoyed it!

This place is an art gallery that specializes it avant-garde far out stuff. I'd call it weird, but you're not supposed to say that about "art." You can google spacewomb.com and see their upcoming exhibits. This area is in what is called Long Island City. The whole thing is pretty neat.

"First Official Pic..."

2009-08-10T20:12:00.004-06:00

OK, I confess, I filched this picture off Sister Frodsham's weekly email, but I thought it was cool that she called it "...the first official pic of me and Burton..." They were both surprised to be put back together again, but Dad's humble opinion (ok, I don't have HUMBLE opinions, what can I say) is that they work really well together, their personalities are similar, and they can relate to and work with anyone. The Lord knows what He's doing when He inspires the Mission President with companionships, and these two (AKA The Dynamic Duo) will set Jamaica on its ear. Wait and see if they don't!

And this is the revised district. Well, maybe "revised" is a little harsh. It's the current makeup of the district. That sound better?

Deja Vu and Jared

2009-08-07T06:18:00.007-06:00

Well, it sure looks like the more things change the more they are the same. At transfers last week, the mission needed three sister missionaries to replace those going home (Sister Thomas, of course, was one of them) and they only got one new sister missionary. So they closed down one sister area temporarily and Heather's new comp is.... (drum roll, please...) THE FROD! Yep. Burton and Frodsham are back together again in Jamaica.

Heather's brother Jared had a chance to go back to Boston for 10 days and since he was so close he and his friend he is visiting decided to go to the Red Sox/Yankees game in New York (no joy... the Sox got clobbered...). While he was there, Heather had asked her mission pres and he said it was okay for Jared to take Heather and her comp to lunch. So, he did! They went to Red Lobster. Jared said Heather was really glad to see him and she seems very happy and is glad to be back with Sister Frodsham. Jared took this picture of her at the nursing home where they were visiting. You can see Sister Frodsham in the background talking to one of the residents.

La Cucaracha

2009-08-01T06:25:00.001-06:00

The highlight (lowlight?) of Heather's letter this week was the battle with the giant cockroach! Heather said that they went out into the kitchen and there was this huge cockroach, about as long as her middle finger and as thick as her two thumbs. Four sister missionaries were running around screaming (I wonder what the neighbors thought? ("Crazy Mormons...???") Heather said it "attacked her." Yep. I can see the movie... "Attack of the Giant Cockroach.... in theaters now!" Finally Sister Thomas offed it with a broom. I sure wish I had been there to see that. Heather's final comment? "We deep cleaned and Raid-ed like crazy." Yeah. Well, good luck, Sis. Now there's only 9,999,999,999,999,999,999,999....999 of 'em left.

Wanna Buy The Brooklyn Bridge?

2009-07-29T09:17:00.008-06:00

Well, I guess it's really not for sale. But Heather's district went to see this world-famous landmark and took some GREAT pictures.

This is the plaque commenorating the building of the bridge back in 1869 and its reconstruction in 1954. It's amazing that people recognize this bridge right off, even if they've never been to New York.

Heather is just Heather (isn't that GREAT? :D) and she gets her comps to play right along. Sister Thomas is apparently just as wacko as her companion!

This is the gang outside Grimaldi's Under the Bridge, which is, according to some experts, THE BEST pizza in New York.
Incidentally, the guy in the middle with the cowboy hat is Elder Mendbayar from Mongolia, who just happens to know one of Jared's companions from Mongolia, Chinzo! Small world, no?

Heather took this picture of this lady's fingernails. You can see anything/everything in New York!

NY Remembers MJ

2009-07-29T08:43:00.000-06:00

New York remembers the King of Pop, and Heather took the opportunity to add her comments.

Weekly Update

2009-07-15T10:23:00.003-06:00

Heather and Sister Thomas are working hard to catch up after the problem with Sister Fields. Heather says that Sister Thomas is "Awesome!" She was actually a Spanish-speaking missionary who was moved to be with Heather. The only bad part is that she goes home at the next transfer, so Heather will be getting a new companion. Again. Monday was a zone activity day, with soccer, frisbee, and that sort of thing. All the stuff that Heather hates to do; but they have food, so it's worth going to. As before, there are no new pictures to post, but I'm hoping.

New Companion

2009-07-13T10:41:00.004-06:00

Heather has a new companion, Sister Thomas. Sister Fields had a medical condition that worsened, and she had to go home. Heather and her companion are working hard, teaching people, and doing the work! I will post pictures as soon as I get them.

BTW, no car in this area, so the sisters use public transportation.

4th In Queens!

2009-07-06T11:51:00.002-06:00

This is a shot of the New York Harbor fireworks show as seen from Queens. Unfortunately, Heather didn't get to see it, as she was in the ER all night with her companion, Sister Fields. Apparently Fields had had some kind of seizure, and the Mission President decided to send her back home to South Carolina. So Heather is now in a trio with the two Spanish-speaking sisters that are her pad-mates. She did say that the Richmond Hill elders had a bar-b-q on their roof that the district went to, and it was nice to watch the lights of the city and have some fellowship with the others in the district. Heather also said they don't have a car in this district, they use a Metro pass for buses and trains to get around. The next few weeks should be interesting in Queens.

Jamaica -- New York, That Is!

2009-06-30T09:30:00.003-06:00

Heather is in Jamaica, New York. Her companion is her MTC companion, Sister Fields. Heather says they walk a lot more than they did an Bay Shore, and her feet are KILLING her! Jamaica is very culturally varied; in fact, probably (according to Sister De Paula) the most culturally varied of any of the districts in the New York New York South Mission. Heather and Sis Fields are working hard, though, and are finding people to teach. More later... she was very busy what with the transfer. Hopefully there will be pictures...

It had to happen-- transfers!

2009-06-22T12:39:00.004-06:00

Well, it's happened. Not only is the Dynamic Duo getting split up, but both Heather and Sister Frod are being transferred. I guess everyone in Bay Shore Ward was sad to hear that they are losing Burton and Frodsham, and so they are having a combined Farewell Dinner/Family Home Evening tonight (Monday, Jan 22) at Oscar's. Heather says she thinks she is being transferred to Jamaica, NY, and is nervous. Since we know little or nothing about Jamaica, Mom and Dad have no comment. Perhaps you Blog Followers who DO know could comment? And, of course, there is always the sadness about leaving investigators that are preparing for baptism.
But then, Heather's always disliked changes. We'll get the final word after she goes to the Mission Office tomorrow.

Welcome Home, DePaulas!

2009-06-14T15:37:00.007-06:00

We had the opportunity today to go to Highland to the Canyon View Ward and hear Brother and Sister DePaula speak at their "not-welcome home." It was really wonderful. The chapel was filled to overflowing with family and friends, including several from the New York New York South Mission, including Bro. and Sis. Woodruff.

The pictures were taken at Bro. and Sis. DePaula's home. They very kindly invited us to join them and their friends and family for a "mingle and munchie" after Church. Both of them were very kind to us and expressed their love for 'Sister B' and Sister DePaula confided, "I miss her." They are wonderful, special people and it was an honor to meet them and share a little fellowship with them. We will never forget all their kindnesses to our missionary.

Carol's Birthday Present

2009-06-07T21:37:00.004-06:00

Play this video to hear Carol's birthday bear sing "When I'm 64." Yep. Carol is 64. Her friend Carolyn gave the bear to her.

Memorial Day

2009-06-02T10:08:00.004-06:00

On Memorial Day (which is, of course, P-Day) one of the members, Bro. and Sis. Mercado, invited the missionaries to their house for barbeque. The guest of honor was this pig. As you can see, Sister B had a great time clowning for the camera and even faux-kissing Mr. Pig. She did admit that it tasted pretty good, too. Eating, not kissing. It's great to see the member support and, of course, that Heather gets to eat new foods. More on this later...

... And Then There Was Ned...

2009-05-29T06:52:00.014-06:00

Heather has always had a soft spot in her heart for animals, and when she and Sister Frod were driving down the road and saw this box turtle trying to cross, she thought it would get killed and so decided to "rescue" it. They knew a member with a nice yard who would let the turtle live there, so they stopped and picked the critter up.

Well, turtles are fairly docile (but stubborn!) little amphibians, and Ned (his/her/its new name!) really didn't care to be handled. Apparently when Sister Frod took him for a picture, he did what animals do when they're frightened or startled.

Yep. You guessed it. Whizzed on poor, unsuspecting Sister Frod. Isn't nature wonderful?

Is that a look of satisfaction on little Neddie's turtlebeaky face? Looks like it to me...!

Oh Yeah.... Watts.

2009-05-26T10:34:00.004-06:00

With all the excitement about getting the post up about Heather's birthday, I almost forgot one of the most interesting things about it. It seems that Heather made a friend in the MTC named Elder Watts who was sent to California. Well, he must have wanted to give Heather something to remember him by, because he air freighted her a live gecko!

Needless to say, Heather was delighted (pictures LIE!). She named him/her/it WATTS in honor of her benefactor and thought it was cute until one of her pad-mates (four sisters share the apartment) let him out and he roamed around their pad for a couple of days.

Well, everything worked out okay, because they located the poor little critter and he is now safe and sound in a terrarium that one of the members gave them. Of course, Heather has to use some of her limited resources to buy gecko food. So if you want to donate to the Watts Chow Fund, send her a couple of bucks.

DePaulas Come Home

2009-05-13T08:21:00.005-06:00

Elder and Sister DePaula, the Senior Missionaries in Bay Shore, completed their mission and came home on May 5th. Heather and the other missionaries in the district all went to their apartment to say goodbye and wish them well. Sister DePaula told me in an email, "We had a teary good-bye as our favorite sisters dropped by just as we were trying to stuff the last few items in our van. We hugged about ten times and sent them off with everything that wouldn't fit and promised to meet in Utah." I know Heather will miss them very much and we will miss all the pictures they posted on their blog, like this one!

Luis Joins The Church

2009-05-13T07:03:00.002-06:00

Luis, the young man in the picture, has taken the big step of being baptized a member of the LDS Church. Heather and her companion found him tracting, and he was very interested right from the start. Anyway, he is now a member of the Church, and is enthusiastic about the Gospel.

Congratulations, Luis!

One of the talented members in the Bay Shore ward baked this special cake for Luis. The legend on the cake is "Ask and ye shall receive," and the man praying is holding a CTR (Choose the Right) ring.

This picture shows the missionaries, Luis, and the talented cake baker, Daniella.

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No Transfer This Time

Heather said that transfers came "...and me and the Frod are staying together... I am really stoked about it because we have worked so hard and have a lot of people gearing up for baptism." Sister DePaula shared with us that Oscar and Luis are the first baptisms in Bay Shore in over a year. These kinds of results come when missionaries are working hard and doing what they should. Way to go, Heather and Sister F!

Pomp and Circumstance.....

2009-05-04T08:55:00.009-06:00

Jared Graduates from Dixie State College

May 1, 2009 marked a real milestone for Jared as he graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Communication (Electronic Media Production Emphasis). Not only did he graduate, but he qualified to be inducted into the Lambda Pi Eta National Honor Society. At the Communications Department banquet on Thursday night, he received an award as the honor graduate for Excellence and Achievement in his discipline.

During presentation of the award, his professor stated, "We're in pretty good hands listening to any story produced by Jared Burton." Congratulations, Jared! We are all proud of you.

Proud parents and grandma Helen with the graduate.

Jared's Award from the Department of Communication

Oscar Gets Baptized

2009-04-27T22:01:00.003-06:00

Heather and her companion saw the fruit of the labors this weekend as Oscar, the young single dad they have been teaching, was baptized. He has proposed to his girlfriend Erika, who is a member, and so they are working towards the Temple and being a forever family. Heather said Oscar bore his testimony after the baptism and it was powerful. He told how Erika had been trying for two years to get him to take the missionary discussions, but it wasn't until he met Sisters Frodsham and Burton that he felt the Spirit. Mission President Bennion made a few remarks at the baptism and expressed how much Oscar will add to the Bay Shore ward. After they are married, Oscar and Erika will live in Oscar's home in Bay Shore. Incidentally, his daughter Jennifer and her friend are now taking the lessons.

Oscar and His Family

2009-04-27T21:58:00.005-06:00

This is Oscar's family (well, almost). His fiance Erika and Oscar's two kids, Jennifer and Chris. This is a very special time for them and a big step for Oscar.

Celebration!

2009-04-27T21:55:00.003-06:00

Danielle, a young woman in the Bay Shore Ward, baked and decorated this really cool Choose The Right (CTR) cake for Oscar's baptism. It is really special and shows some real talent!

Heather's Birthday

2009-04-18T12:50:00.002-06:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Happy Birthday To You.....

2009-04-17T08:49:00.002-06:00

Today is Heather's birthday. We really wish we could be there with her, but you can't always have everything you want. So we asked Sister DePaula to give her a big hug for us. She said she would, and Heather said in her last letter that the district is going to go to lunch to celebrate her birthday. Sis. D also said that Heather had a "big box," so hopefully her birthday got there okay. We are very proud of our girl and thrilled that she is serving the Lord. It's something she's wanted most of her life, and we are happy beyond words that she has the opportunity to accomplish this. Hope everyone sends Heather birthday wishes; you can email her at hmburton@myldsmail.com. She can't email you back, since this is for her to send mail to her family, but she can sure read 'em (on Mondays, but better late than never, right?) and she'll be excited to hear from you.

From the Home Front...

2009-04-16T13:37:00.002-06:00

While Heather is busily knocking on doors on Long Island, there is another event that is almost here that I want to brag, I mean blog, about. Heather's brother Jared is just about to graduate from college. He will be receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Communications - Electronic Production Emphasis from Dixie State College on May 1st. This is a tremendous accomplishment for Jared, because he has, except for his freshman year, earned it all himself. He took his dismal high school record and turned it into a real accomplishment at college, where he is carrying a 3.5 gpa towards his last day. The picture was taken at Heather's missionary open house. The thing on his head is a centerpiece showing the New York skyline. He actually looks a lot better than this, usually, but I just couldn't resist this picture. And yes, that's proud papa in the background. Laughing.

He Is Not Here, For He Is Risen

2009-04-12T20:22:00.005-06:00

Today is Easter. Today we celebrate the most important event in the history of the world, the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. This ultimate event affects every man, woman and child who has lived, is living, or will live on the earth, for as the Savior told Mary at Lazarus' tomb, "I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."
May the blessings of the Lord be with you this Easter day and throughout the coming year.

P-Day is a day of, well, see for yourself.

2009-04-06T20:38:00.004-06:00

P-Day (Preparation Day) is a day to rest, do laundry, and have a little break from regular mission life. Usually the district has some kind of activity to see the area and have a little fellowship with each other. And sometimes, it's just for some fun.
And everyone has a camera... for which parents are grateful!

NY update

2009-04-05T19:06:00.002-06:00

Note from dad: "Missionary Glow?" Looks more like "chocolate HIGH!"

Update

2009-04-03T08:30:00.004-06:00

Things are going well...
Heather and Sister Frodsham are working hard and teaching lots of people. She has been going through the usual period of homesickness that all missionaries get when they've been out about two months, but she said she's "hanging in." They have regular district conferences, and these pictures are from that little event. The first is their refreshment break, and you can plainly see our Heather is still our Heather. Click on the picture to see the full size, and you'll be able to see what I mean!
The other shows the five sister missionaries in the Bay Shore District; Heather, Sister F., Sister De Paula (Senior missionary), Sister Sellars, and Sister Brimhall. Long Island has actually been having better weather than Utah, for which we're grateful.

Just as a reminder, if you want to send Heather mail, send it to:
Sister Heather Burton
85-69 60th Drive
Elmhurst, NY 11373
She sends her love to everybody.

2009-03-24T20:34:00.011-06:00

St. Patrick's Day in New York is BIG!

They have parades all up and down the coast. If you google St. Patrick's Day Parade Long Island there must be 20. One of the nicest ones is in Bay Shore, Heather's area. If you want to see pictures, look at Brother and Sister De Paula's Blog. They took several. Heather and Sister Frodsham got into the act, too. I don't think they were in the parade, though... since the pictures are in their neighborhood CVS Drug Store. But anyhow, ERIN GO BRAUGH!

2009-03-24T20:27:00.006-06:00

It's a loverly day in the neighborhood...

Some pictures of Heather's garage apartment. Doesn't look too bad... although it looks a little small. At least they have a nice little kitchen and place to eat. Looks like they're working on the outside; at least, I hope the light over the door doesn't always hang down.

2009-03-04T20:03:00.002-07:00

Well, we got a new bunch of pictures from Sister B... and here they are. Hope you enjoy 'em!

The Nor'Easter in Islip

2009-03-02T10:03:00.004-07:00

Well, winter has really clobbered Long Island. Looking at the weather map this morning it was 23 degrees with a wind chill of 17. Poor Heather! She is so cold-blooded, I bet she's freezing! It's her P-day today, so hopefully she's staying in and staying warm. Her friend Hollie came over to the house last night and told us that Heather is living in a garage! I'm waiting for pictures!

This is a weathercam shot in Central Islip taken just after dawn this morning, Monday, March 2. Doesn't look like much fun. Brrrrrr!

President and Sister Bennion

2009-02-27T08:59:00.004-07:00

This is Sister Burton with her Mission President and his wife, President and Sister Bennion. The Pres sent it to us along with a letter outlining mission rules and saying what a fine young sister Sister Burton is.

First District Meeting

2009-02-25T20:52:00.002-07:00

We are following a blog put up by one of the senior couples in Heather's Mission because they have pictures of the missionaries, and Heather is in their District! This is the first district meeting after Heather arrived. Her companion, Sister Frodsham, is on her right. If you want to follow the Depaula's blog, it's depaulamission.blogspot.com.

Heather's Mission Pix - Part 1

2009-02-25T20:50:00.001-07:00

Heather Enters the MTC

2009-01-28T21:24:00.006-07:00

Well, today was the big day. We took Heather to the MTC in Provo so she can start her mission. It was a sad-happy occasion. Jared came up from St. George to be with us, so we were all together. It meant a lot to Heather to have her big brother there.

The first picture is Heather at the door to go in. Notice the sign-- it says "Missionaries Enter Here." There's another door over to the right for the families and friends. Once inside they get their missionary badge and some other stuff. Then we have a short meeting where the missionaries and their families are told some basic rules and given some basic information. Then it's time to say goodbye. Heather and her mother were pretty teary. Jared (big brother) said, "Was it like this when I came? It's brutal!" And yes, Jared, it was exactly like that.

The second picture is, well, it doesn't need an explanation. Heather has her Sister Heather Burton badge on.

Ferguson Family Christmas Eve Party

2008-12-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Heather's Mission Call

2008-11-16T08:50:00.001-07:00

Hi, everyone!

Just to let you all know that Heather has received her mission call. She will be going to the New York New York South mission (which is the bottom part of Manhattan and all of Long Island). She goes into the Missionary Training Center on January 28th. We are all thrilled and happy for her!

America at the Crossroads

2008-10-15T07:47:00.004-06:00

I haven't posted a rant for awhile, but I think it's time. I'm sure that I don't have to tell you that things are a little scary right now (uh... guess I did it anyway... lol). I am firmly of the belief that the biggest problem we face is apathy. The people don't seem to care; at least, they don't seem willing to pick up the shovel and go to work to do anything about it. We have the poorest set of candidates for president that I can remember, and yet their supporters are praising them as the great champions of change. Frankly, I think that both of them have so much political baggage that little if anything will change. I've been interested to see that many others seem to have the same concerns I do. Take a look at the video on http://www.catholicvote.com. It's very representative of what's out there.

Please encourage everyone you know to vote. I don't think it's necessary to tell anyone who to vote for; it would be enough if we could get more than 40% of our people to the polls and really have a majority select the next president, and not just the same old party hacks wielding the power.

If we the people don't do something really soon, I'm very afraid we are going to lose our country. So please, pass this on. God bless America.

Talk Like a Pirate Day

2008-10-15T07:39:00.001-06:00

A couple of weeks ago it was Talk Like a Pirate Day... so our work crew got into the spirit. Arrrrrr!!!!

Oh Dear!!

2008-09-20T19:08:00.001-06:00

Okay Willy I need your help in moving all this gibberish to another page so it doesn't take up so much room. I got it back on but w/o pictures I'm still working on it. Love, Lizee

Christmas 2007

2008-09-20T19:05:00.004-06:00

"Christmas Makes You Feel Emotional" gung hay fat choi!
Life has blessed me and challenged me as it should. I have so very much to be thankful for; my children, grandchildren, family(siblings), friends and my two kitties-Sigmund and Sissy. This year I lost two of my sweet feline friends to the cat food contamination. My sweet Sydney and Stella. It was so sad and they left me so very quickly. The two feline/kitties I lost were both rescues and very feral.
It took over a year for Stella (momma kitty) to finally trust me and want to be near me. Syd on the other had was just a baby and he warmed up rapidly. I guess he told his mom that I could be trusted and not to be afraid. I adopted the two after my sweet little Chloe passed over the Rainbow Bridge about five years ago. How I miss that little girl. She was a Miniature(really a toy) Schnauzer and was the sweetest dog in the whole world. She died three years after my near fatal auto accident; which marked its 10th year this year. It's hard to believe a decade has passed although I know how much work I have put into trying to get back to my old self. It will never happen and I have resigned myself to that fact. I keep thinking "what do I really want to do when I grow up?" and then I tell myself "you have and now you are old", too funny! I enjoyed teaching for as long as I was able to teach but I don't believe it is something that I can do full-time any longer. I enjoy subbing in the school district I'm in but it is very hard work; at least for me. I know I will find where I'm suppose to be if I remain patient and willing.
Oh where was I, yes Christmas. Jolene and Naomi made Christmas a lovely time for me this year as did Jeff, Cindy and their family. Jolene is so much like my mother and reminds me alot of her in the special touches she gives to her home and other holidays. She writes beautiful poetry, but hasn't for a very long time. She is so creative and loving. She has done a wonderful job as a parent and has raised a beautiful, intelligent young lady that excels in everything she puts her mind too. Jeff is a great dad and loves his family as he has grown up doing. He and Cindy have three strong-willed children who are all different in their own way. His son always has "sugar" for grandma. In case you don't know what that means it is hugs and kisses for me. Jeff's two girls are lively and lovely. One is artistic and one (the almost Christmas baby) is sweet and caring AND a lefty like Jolene. All my grandchildren give me such joy and appreciation. I am so grateful for them. I hope the coming year will bring peace and comfort for all those who need it and that the conflict in Iraq will end so our men and women can return home. I pray for peace and well-being for all my family, friends and citizens of the world. To you all Happy New Year 2008!
This Christmas was wonderful and meaningful!

From Naomi and Jolene: We love you Mom and Grandma!! It was so much fun playing games and going to Fantasy Lights! Happy New Year 2008!!!!!!!!

My Birthday Bash

2008-09-07T08:05:00.002-06:00

It was so nice getting together last weekend at Harriet's. I can't tell you how much I appreciate everyone being there. I had a blast! When we were playing Guesstures I laughed so hard I had to leave the room! It was so cool seeing Jolene and Naomi, and Jeff and his kids. And Tim is a hoot! I am so full of things that I want to say that for some reason the words just won't come. I want you all to know that I love you and miss you. Thanks for celebrating my birthday with me. It means a great deal to me and I will remember this weekend for a long, long time.

There's FIRE down below....

2008-08-23T15:43:00.003-06:00

We had some excitement around our place on Thursday! Carol had just gotten out of the shower when the doorbell rang. It was our next door neighbor who said, "Did you know our fence is on fire?" Well, needless to say, Carol rushed out onto the deck and, sure enough, it was!

The fire department came and put it out. Apparently it was two pre-adolescent boys playing with firecrackers. The house you can see in this picture from the newspaper is ours... and the empty panel in the vinyl fence is on our side of the fenceline. Sigh. If it isn't one thing, it's another.

And if you were wondering... no, that's not Carol in the picture. It's the neighbor and her niece.

Osmonds Pioneer Day Concert.

2008-07-27T18:16:00.002-06:00

We went to the Conference Center Saturday, July 26th and watched the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra on Temple Square, and the Osmonds! It was a wonderful, wonderful evening, and the crowd was rowdy and TERRIFIC! And the Osmonds are wonderful!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Family Get-Together

2008-07-27T17:21:00.002-06:00

You're all invited to the farm for a family get-together on Saturday, August 30. Bill and Carol will be up from Utah, and would like to see everyone (we can celebrate his birthday, too!).

Festivities will commence at 2:00 p.m.

Ideas I have are:

BBQ dinner

tractor rides

Quincy museum visit

lawn games

family memory share - look through photos, too

group photos

Any ideas you have would be appreciated.

Food: BBQ: (4:00) We'll supply the main dishes, breads, drinks, and everything to serve and eat on, but would like help with salads and desserts. Breakfast on Sunday: we'll supply.

Lodging for Saturday night: We have 2 bedrooms that can be used, each with double bed. Bill & Carol can stay in one, and perhaps Liz in the other? We also have a living room where people could sleeping bag-it, and have green lawn where people could tent. Otherwise, there's motels in town (which are often full and need to be reserved right away) or Wenatchee.

Please RSVP by August 20!

Wheat Harvest is On!

2008-07-27T17:16:00.003-06:00

It's the time of year when we are harvesting wheat again on the family farm. David and Tim have just finished combining the dryland acreage, which took about a week. We were fortunate that we had no breakdowns this year. We had good winter moisture, but no rain to speak of for over 3 months, so the yields were down this year compared to the last few. We are grateful though for the better wheat price, even though it meant that the fertilizer and fuel prices have also doubled!

2008-07-04T12:26:00.001-06:00

Every year Tooele has a 4th of July parade. They keep getting bigger, and so I thought I'd post this year's. It's actually not bad, for a small town trying to grow up.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Where is everyone?

2008-06-25T08:24:00.001-06:00

No one has posted on here for weeks. ARe you all tired and bored with it? I had such high hopes.... sigh....

BURTON FAMILY REUNION

2008-06-06T20:47:00.002-06:00

Hey!

There will be a Burton Family Reunion in Swan Valley, Idaho on June 21st! If you're interested, email me at billburton57@gmail.com and I'll send you a copy of the invitation!

Carol's Birthday

2008-06-06T20:29:00.004-06:00

Hi, all.

Well, yesterday was Carol's XXth birthday. She wanted to go to Teppanyaki, which is a great place to eat; reasonable prices and LOTS of food, and of course because they cook everything at your table there is a show. I've included some pictures... hope you like 'em.

Oh, BTW... I finally found another job. I'm working for a government contractor out at Dugway. Harriet told me about Jeff being laid off... hope he finds something soon. I understand he went and played farmer for a couple of days with Harriet and David. Hope he can still walk....

Jared's NFL Films Summer Internship Pictures

2008-05-30T06:01:00.001-06:00

Jared is in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey this summer doing an internship for NFL Films (well, actually he lives six miles away in Palmyra, NJ) and he took a day trip to Philadelphia, so I thought I'd share some of the pictures he took. Hope you enjoy them!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Memorial Day 2008

2008-05-26T18:20:00.002-06:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

2008-02-23T10:28:00.003-07:00

I also thought that why I was on here, I would take the time to tell my Family how much I love them and appreciate all that they have done for me! I know we have our trials and struggles, but Being a family is what has got us through those hard times. Without our hardships we would not be the family that we are today. And for the blessing of family, even the blessings of trials, I am truly grateful!

2008-02-23T10:09:00.001-07:00

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

Swan Valley!

2008-02-23T09:09:00.002-07:00

If I remember correctly... They have a Burton Family Reunion in Idaho in about June- ish?? Last year it was at Lagoon; Which was odd... But usually it's in Swan Valley. I think that we all need to get there this year! Mainly because we all haven't seen each other in a good 10 or more years! But also because of the simple fact that Dad and Jared are the only ones still with the last name Burton! I guess our Burton men are just good at producing women ;) So lets all save our money and make this happen! Hope everyone has a great day! :)

Another blast from the past...

2008-02-14T11:16:00.002-07:00

Lizzie has been really good about posting pictures, so I'll give you guys this one. It was taken at Aunt Mary's in California about 1943. It's my three generation picture with Dad and Gandpa Burton. Hope you enjoy...

Our niece's family is growing...

2008-02-14T11:09:00.003-07:00

Our niece Kiera (Carol's brother's daughter) and her husband Marc have just adopted little Noah. They have three kids of their own but wanted more, and so here he is. The whole Ferguson family is excited and happy, and I just wanted to share the news with my side of the family.

I'd love to have a Burton Family Reunion! Let's try to put it together!!!

Love to you all,
Bill, Carol and our gang

Let's Get Bloggin!!!!

2008-02-09T21:35:00.000-07:00

Hey Burton Clan:
Bill has setup a wonderful place to share and there are only a couple of us (more than 4) blogging!!! We are all busy but that is no excuse. Come on now and share, share, share! I want to know if there are any Burton Family reunions in the near future? If not let's create one...

Love,
Lizee

Liz isn't the only one who's 60+

2008-01-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

I was reading Lizzee's post about being 61 and I couldn't help but think about the fact that I'm 5 years older than my "little" sister. Thinking back about when she was born, I remember that we were living in Vallejo, California, in some old Navy quarters. Because I was 5, I didn't pay a lot of attention to the new arrival, I was too busy with my own really cool things, mostly going to kindergarten and learning to read. My teacher realized that I was ready, and let me stay in from recess (I didn't like it much anyway) and practice my reading. We had moved down from Boise, Idaho and it was so much nicer in California; almost no SNOW! You could play outside most of the year, and I remember that I did. I wasn't really aware that there were babies in the family until Edward came along two years later. We had moved onto the base at Hamilton Field and with two younger siblings, they were more obvious; especially when Ed started to try to walk and used Betsy's (that's what we called her then) doll buggy as a crutch. Betsy didn't like it, and would push him down. He'd wail, Mom would come running, and there would be commotion for a little while. I was taking accordion lessons and trying to practice and it all just added to the noise level.
So don't feel bad, Liz... it isn't too tough. I'm a lot closer to 70 than you are, and I don't HAVE any grandkids to spoil. Dang it. Well, I can hope.

Liz's Birthday 2007 and ....

2007-12-31T13:19:00.000-07:00

Enjoy some memories through pictures and music!

Make a photobook - it's easy!

Grandpa Burton & Grandchildren 1989

2007-12-31T01:42:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Burton, Jolene, Jared, Kristofer, and Heather ~ 1989

Holiday Lights 2007 By Jolene & Naomi

2007-12-30T12:14:00.000-07:00

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

Our Cats By Jolene & Naomi

2007-12-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

We have three cats: Suzy Q (black), Sabrina (calico), and Stanley (black). They have been a wonderful addition to our family. We rescued our cats and they now have a warm, loving home with lots of toys! Suzy Q is the oldest and our first cat, she is 2 years old, but is very petite. We got Sabrina right after Halloween in 2006 and she is orange, black and white. Stanley is the newest addition to our family and he is a Bombay cat which resembles a mini black panther and indeed he does. He is a BIG cat, long and very muscular with copper colored eyes, but he is so loving and gentle! The three cats all get along very well and always play with eachother. They enjoy the holidays as much as we do and their favorite place to be is under the Christmas tree. They bring us so much joy and love!!

A really GREAT Christmas story

2007-12-26T10:14:00.001-07:00

I normally wouldn't put something like this in here, but I sure hope you all read it.

Pa never had much compassion for the lazy or those who squandered their means and then never had enough for the necessities. But for those who were genuinely in need, his heart was as big as all outdoors. It was from him that I learned the greatest joy in life comes from giving, not from receiving.
It was Christmas Eve 1881. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough money to buy me the rifle that I'd wanted for Christmas. We did the chores early that night for some reason. I just figured Pa wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible.
After supper was over I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible. I was still feeling sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn't in much of a mood to read Scriptures. But Pa didn't get the Bible; instead he bundled up again and went outside. I couldn't figure it out because we had already done all the chores. I didn't worry about it long though; I was too busy wallowing in self-pity.
Soon Pa came back in. It was a cold clear night out and there was ice in his beard. "Come on, Matt," he said. "Bundle up good; it's cold out tonight." I was really upset then. Not only wasn't I getting the rifle for Christmas, now Pa was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly reason that I could see. We'd already done all the chores, and I couldn't think of anything else that needed doing, especially not on a night like this. But I knew Pa was not very patient at one dragging one's feet when he'd told them to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat, and mittens. Ma gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house. Something was up, but I didn't know what.
Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was the work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going to do wasn't going to be a short, quick, little job. I could tell. We never hitched up this sled unless we were going to haul a big load. Pa was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up beside him. The cold was already biting at me. I wasn't happy. When I was on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped in front of the woodshed. He got off and I followed. "I think we'll put on the high sideboards," he said. "Here, help me." The high sideboards! It had been a bigger job than I wanted to do with just the low sideboards on, but whatever it was we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high sideboards on.
After we had exchanged the sideboards, Pa went into the woodshed and came out with an armload of wood -- the wood I'd spent all summer hauling down from the mountain, and then all Fall sawing into blocks and splitting. What was he doing? Finally I said something. "Pa," I asked, "what are you doing?" "You been by the Widow Jensen's lately?" he asked. The Widow Jensen lived about two miles down the road. Her husband had died a year or so before and left her with three children, the oldest being eight. Sure, I'd been by, but so what? "Yea Pa," I said, "Why?" "I rode by just today," Pa said. "Little Jakey was out digging around in the woodpile trying to find a few chips. They're out of wood, Matt."
That was all he said and then he turned and went back into the wood- shed for another armload of wood. I followed him. We loaded the sled so high that I began to wonder if the horses would be able to pull it.
Finally, Pa called a halt to our loading, then we went to the smoke house and Pa took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed them to me and told me to put them in the sled and wait. When he returned he was carrying a sack of flour over his right shoulder and a smaller sack of something in his left hand. "What's in the little sack?" I asked. "Shoes. They're out of shoes. Little Jakey just had gunnysacks wrapped around his feet when he was out in the woodpile this morning. I got the children a little candy too. It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little candy."
We rode the two miles to the Widow Jensen's pretty much in silence. I tried to think through what Pa was doing. We didn't have much by worldly standards. Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into blocks and split before we could use it. We also had meat and flour, so we could spare that, but I knew we didn't have any money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and candy? Really, why was he doing any of this? The Widow Jensen had closer neighbors than us; it shouldn't have been our concern. We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible. Then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door. We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said, "Who is it?"
"Lucas Miles, Ma'am, and my son, Matt. Could we come in for a bit?" The Widow Jensen opened the door to let us in. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat at all. The Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp. "We brought you a few things, Ma'am," Pa said and set down the sack of flour. I put the meat on the table. Then Pa handed her the sack that had the shoes in it. She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of the children -- sturdy shoes, the best, shoes that would last. I watched her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling and then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. She looked up at Pa like she wanted to say something, but it wouldn't come out.
"We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am," Pa said. He turned to me and said, "Matt, go bring in enough to last awhile. Let's get that fire up to size and heat this place up."
I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a big lump in my throat, and as much as I hate to admit it, there were tears in my eyes too. In my mind I kept seeing those three kids huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks with so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn't speak.
My heart swelled within me and a joy that I'd never known before filled my soul. I had given at Christmas many times before, but never when it had made so much difference. I could see we were literally saving the lives of these people. I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and the Widow Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed her face for a long time. She finally turned to us. "God bless you," she said. "I know the Lord has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he would send one of his angels to spare us." In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up in my eyes again.
I'd never thought of Pa in those exact terms before, but after the Widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it was probably true. I was sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma and me, and many others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it. Pa insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed when they all fit and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Then I guessed that if he was on an errand for the Lord that the Lord would make sure he got the right sizes.
Tears were running down the Widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to leave. Pa took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. They clung to him and didn't want us to go. I could see that they missed their Pa, and I was glad that I still had mine.
At the door Pa turned to Widow Jensen and said, "The Mrs. wanted me to invite you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The turkey will be more than the three of us can eat, and a man can get cantankerous if he has to eat turkey for too many meals. We'll be by to get you about eleven. It'll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt, here, hasn't been little for quite a spell." I was the youngest. My two brothers and two sisters had all married and had moved away.
Widow Jensen nodded and said, "Thank you, Brother Miles. I don't have to say, 'May the Lord bless you,' I know for certain that He will." Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn't even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me and said, "Matt, I want you to know something. Your ma and me have been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but we didn't have quite enough. Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to make things square. Your ma and me were real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this morning to do just that. But on the way I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do.
Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children. I hope you understand." I understood, and my eyes became wet with tears again. I understood very well, and I was so glad Pa had done it.
Now the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more. He had given me the look on the Widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her three children.
For the rest of my life, whenever I saw any of the Jensen's, or split a block of wood, I remembered. And remembering brought back that same joy I felt riding home beside Pa that night. Pa had given me much more than a rifle that night, he had given me the best Christmas of my life.

Hebrews 13:2

Merry Christmas, all!

The storm!

2007-12-01T15:23:00.001-07:00

Well, we woke up this morning and winter is here with a vengeance! It was snowing hard. This picture is out the transom over our front door.

It snowed pretty hard, until about 2pm, when it finally gave up and started to clear. We really need the snow, so I guess I'm glad. The skiers should be ecstatic! This picture is out the back door across the deck.

So off we go... can somebody sing the skater's waltz? Wish the rest of you guys would post.

St. George Thanksgiving

2007-11-26T09:20:00.000-07:00

We went to St. George the day after Thanksgiving to visit Jared. We had a great time, just kind of lazed around. We did go over to Mesquite, Nevada Friday night to their buffet, because they have all you can eat King crab. Yum-o! Jared is having a lot of trouble with his knee, he has some torn cartilage and will have to have surgery. He's not excited about that prospect, I can tell you. Anyway, we took some pictures... I made a Smilebox of them and it's posted. Enjoy... and please give your comments.
Just Bill

St. George Thanksgiving Trip, 2007

2007-11-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

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The Saturday after Thanksgiving

2007-11-24T13:37:00.000-07:00

Isn't it interesting how your perspective changes with time? Carol, her mother Helen, and I are sitting in a motel room in St. George watching the BYU-UTAH game (and watching Jared sleep), and I've been really touched by the posts so far on this little blog. I've been sorry for a long time that our family has been so far away, not only in terms of distance but also in terms of closeness. I appreciate the kind comments and love that has been expressed, and I want you all to know that I love each of you very much. Please keep posting... and you who have been invited and haven't posted yet, please do. You can put pictures, videos, and all kinds of things on here, so please do! We can share each other's lives a little bit with some effort, and I'd love to see it happen.
All my love,
Bill

I am doing this for you DAD...

2007-11-22T21:37:00.000-07:00

I am suprised that I could actually figure this thing out... Seeings how I have no clue what I am really doing on a computer... But it is Thanksgiving and here I sit ALONE and I am thinking how bad it sucks that I can't be with my family on this Holiday. (Birth Family doesn't count so much as family when it come to the holidays) This is the first holiday in my life that I haven't been with my parents and it is brutal! No one loves me like they do and I am starting to feel the loss of their affection and attention! Geez, right now I sound like some spoiled little girl who has always been at the center of her parents universe! Imagine that ;)
I think this year I can finally understand the meaning of Thanksgiving. (Especially after this last year and a half and all the expeiences I have had.) I am so thankful for my family and that we have the opportunity to be together forever. I realize more now than ever how priceless the blessings that we have are. My parents are the most amazing people and have been such an example to me and Jared. I admire their strength and dedication, even when things haven't always gone their way. They take their trials for what they are and ALWAYS trust in the Lord to help them through it. And in the end we have always been more blessed than before. They have instilled in me that Faith in the Lord that he has a plan for each of us. We just have to live worthy of him.
Jared and I both have turned out the way we have because of our parents and their choice to raise us in the Gospel. Looking back I don't think that we could have ever been given a greater gift. How hopeless this life would feel not knowing what we know.
I love you mom and dad and this year on Thanksgiving I am even more thankful for you than in years past. Because now I realize and understand how difficult it is to be away from you!
Love you!
Heath

Lizee's Reflections: Refections on Saturday, November 17, 2007

2007-11-17T18:11:00.000-07:00

Lizee's Reflections: Refections on Saturday, November 17, 2007

All alone... temporarily

2007-11-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here on Saturday morning wondering what Carol and Heather are doing. They are on their way to Everett, Washington where Heather is going to live and work for a few months. She has a job offer there and thinks she can save some money so she can go back to college. She'll be staying with some of her birth family. She met them a few months ago and the relationship is really good. She wanted Carol to go to introduce her mother to her birth family. I think it's really neat that she knows that Carol and I are her mom and dad. I'm glad for Heather, but I miss her already. Sigh....

Memories - Part 1

2007-11-17T09:49:00.003-07:00

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Getting Started

2007-11-17T08:49:00.000-07:00

Well, this is just a little beginning. More later.