Grateful dead

Well, again I have let two weeks go by without writing. But, I really do have some good excuses. It's usually caused by immersing myself in genealogy and continuing in learning how to become better. I hope my ancestors are grateful.

We are so happy for our young friend, Derek Harmon and his little wife, Melody. They had their first baby this past Tuesday. He is so beautiful and alert - and so is our new little great-nephew Isaac. (s/o Justin and Erin) Kerry and I stopped by their house last week and held this sweet little boy, so fresh and new.

I am slowly getting used to my new purple room that Harmony orchestrated. It really is pretty! And, as a thank you to those that helped her on this project, she arranged a beautiful dinner to show her gratitude. Due to ice and snow and cold weather, it had to be rescheduled a couple of times, but she finally got them here and presented them with a nice dinner. She did all the cooking herself, and even had little gift bags for them. They all got to see the finished project, too.

On Friday, Feb 4, Kerry and I were on our way back from the temple when Jean left a message on our phone at home telling us to call her. We learned that Jim (sister Ferne's husband) had suffered a heart attack, had a huge spike in his blood sugar (over 600) and was hospitalized. The evening was spent phoning between the sisterhood.

Kerry and I drove to Akron the very next day to support Ferne. Jim was hooked up to all sorts of things to help stabilize him. He has always been a bronze and swarthy-looking man. But that day he was quite pale. The night before, he'd had even less color.

In doing some more testing, it was determined that it was indeed a heart attack, and that three arteries in his heart were blocked. So, triple-bypass heart surgery was scheduled for tomorrow.

However, when nausea had set in, he aspirated - causing the much-dreaded pneumonia. Due to a stricture in his chest, he hasn't been able to eat, so he has tubes feeding him. They absolutely cannot operate on him with his lungs filled with fluid, so the heart surgery is postponed indefinitely.

Sister Betty and husband Pete are on their way back from Florida Monday evening. I will pick them up.

Jim. Jim. Jim.

This good man has been part of my life since I was 13 years old - when he married Ferne. He was a fine lawyer and a judge with a good reputation. His mind has always been sharp. He was diligent about keeping our genealogy straight on the computer and getting the temple work accomplished. And - he's not even a member of our church! He has supported Ferne in her church callings, let her go on our genealogy fact-finding trips with nary a complaint.

Come on, Jim. You can do it.

In the meantime, we have tried to go on making normalcy of our lives while remembering Jim and Ferne in our thoughts and prayers. Jim was given a beautiful blessing by nephew Justin (s/o Betty), and it greatly comforted him. Kerry and Harmony and I went to a youth fundraiser spaghetti dinner at the church, and we went to a wonderful Relief Society meeting that taught us more how to use all of the useful links on the Church's web site (lds.org). Our Stake Presidency wants us to utilize it more, and to include our information and pictures on our own stake's site. It was a great class!

Now this week I prepare to teach at a Family History Jamboree in Dayton. I've taught at this one for several years, but had to opt out last year, due to recuperation from my back surgery. It was also right after Peter's memorial service, so I don't know how good I would have been. I would have LOVED to have been in Salt Lake City this week for the first ever Roots Tech Conference, but alas - it was not to be...

Please remember Jim and Ferne in your prayers this week. They are fine, fine people...

Judge Bierce

Jim

Jim and Ferne

And now, for this week's memory...

You just never stop being a kid when you're around your parents.

A few years before he died, my dad lived in our home. I set up the first floor bedroom just for him. It had his bed, a recliner, his desk, a television, his clothing, etc. Everything he could possibly need was in that room. His big oxygen unit was around the corner in the living room, and its long lead could stretch all the way into the kitchen and throughout the house.

Peter was on his mission, so we only had the three younger children at home.

Dad could and did prepare his own lunches, but I made sure he had a good breakfast (usually cracked wheat fixed in the crock pot and cooked overnight), and a good dinner. It was a challenge blending a young family and an older man, but we did the best we could. He was usually ready for bed about 8:30 pm and watched television until he fell asleep just after 9:00 pm.

One evening, all of our kids were out somewhere. Between marching band, working, etc., they all had somewhere to go. So, Kerry and I decided to go out for a bit and see a movie. Everything in the house was taken care of, including dad. He had no problem being left alone, so it was a perfect night. We got ready to go, and I went in to tell him we'd be gone for awhile.

He asked me how long we would be gone. I told him the movie was over just before 11:pm. so it would be after that.

He replied, "Don't you think that's a little bit too late for you two to be out?"

I was stunned. I said, "Dad, I'm a big girl now. I'm 45 years old. It's okay."

Again, he said, "Well, you just both be careful and don't stay out too late."

Kerry and I both smiled and talked about it on the way to the theater.

But, when we got home at 11:30 pm, there was dad sitting up in his recliner, waiting for us to come home. He didn't say anything. He just looked at his watch, looked at us, and made preparations for bed.

Dad. You never stop being a parent. And, you never stop being a kid...

Chester Clemens - who looks a little bit like Colonel Sanders.

Come, let us anew...

And a happy new year to all of my fellow email friends and family!!!

   
   Here comes another year of these weekly missives.  I happened to look back
at the very first one I wrote in January of 1999.  My goodness!  I couldn't
believe how many things have changed in those 12 years.  Peter was on a mission. 
Harmony was a junior in high school.  And...Kerry and I had his parents and
sister, Gay and I had my father still alive.
   
   My goodness.
   
   It's good to reflect back and look at our lives through the years.  I would
hope that in some way, each of you are journaling in some sort of way.  It's
difficult to find the time, and we might not think we have anything to say. 
But, our descendants will find them fascinating!  Besides that, I want my
posterity to know me THROUGH me - NOT THROUGH MY KIDS!!!  Good grief, no!  I
want them to know what was precious to me, and what I utterly despised. 
   
   Thank you to Ross Clark for getting me started on writing these missives. 
He began with his "Beth Reports" when he and Andrea had a sweet little baby girl
born to them.  Ross - why are there no more "Beth Reports"?
   
   This past week was a wonderful, laid-back week.  When we had all of our
children at home, I kind of liked it when our kids were out of school.  I really
looked forward to summertime - for it meant we all could play!  I'm afraid we
played a lot more than we worked (bad mom!).  Harmony worked nearly 40 hours
this past week, though that may not continue after this holiday break.  She
seems to be doing really well at work, and they like her.  But, she does want
some more challenge in her life, so she's constantly looking.  She's putting
quite the effort into this.  Proud.  So proud.
   
   She spent New Year's Eve with two old and boring people.  Us.  In times
past, we were on the go to great parties for the youth.  Now, we've slowed down. 
We're home more than we're not.  All three of us had a bit of trouble staying up
to ring in the new year...
   
   Now, it's time to reflect on the past, learn what we can and go on to the
future.  Yesterday was Kerry's mother's birthday.  How I loved this woman!  She
raised the boy who would grow up and become my husband.  Well, maybe not grow up
- but at least become the man I love.  One of my nieces sent an email that just
seems like a wonderful idea.  I will include it here:
   
   "As I was thinking about Grandmother on her birthday Sunday and even the day
before wanting to make those that have past on a part of my life and have my
kids know about them I wanted to start maybe tradition of a way to celebrate
them.  My thoughts for Grandmother was to eat on her china that I inherited and
maybe make a favorite meal of hers or one of her recipes (I will have to ask my
mom what that would be because I don't remember her favorite foods) on her
birthday.  Then talk about her around the table maybe show the kids a picture of
her and such.  I didn't get a chance to do this on Sunday like I wanted to so I
will be celebrating her tomorrow.  I just wanted to invite you all to do the
same or think of your own way to remember those that have past on.  I think I am
going to do something on their birthdays and maybe anniversaries if that means
to use something that I inherited from them or do something that day that they
loved to do (go to the theater might be another way to celebrate Grandmother) or
have a little circle time about them or what not.  Anyway, Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year and Happy Birthday Grandmother Shirley!  Love you all and miss a
lot of you.  MerryNoelle Sandoval"
   
   What a wonderful idea!!!  Thank you, MerryNoelle!!!  (love you...)


Shirley Rhodes Lauritzen

  
   
   
   Now, for the next memory story:
   
   This story actually comes from Mr. Kerry, who quoted it from memory in
church about a month ago.  It concerns part of the conversion story of his
father, Orson William Lauritzen (OWL).
   
   From Kerry:
   
   As my father related many of the spiritual experiences in his life to me and
my siblings as we were growing up, these were spiritual experiences in
themselves for me.  One of his most memorable stories was of how he had a
confirmation of his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ during his mission. 
He had been asked to give the closing prayer in a missionary meeting, which had
been replete with inspired instruction on how to effectively teach the gospel,
by the spirit of the Lord.  In the middle of his prayer, he paused, being moved
by the Holy Ghost to voice the following questions, for himself and all those
present, in case there was doubt in anyone's mind as to the truthfulness of the
gospel:  "Heavenly Father, is Jesus Christ thy Son, our Savior?  Is there a
living prophet on the earth today?  Has thy gospel been restored on the earth?" 
He made another brief pause, during which he felt silently in his heart that
yes, indeed, all these questions had a positive answer, and any vestige of doubt
concerning his testimony of the truth of God had vanished from his soul.  My
father repeated this story several times in talks in firesides, sacrament
meetings, seminary classes, ands family home evenings at home.  It greatly
shaped my own sure testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which I am proud and
eager to bear to others at every opportunity.  (Kerry Lauritzen)

So tender and mild

I didn't write last week. Before I knew it, my week had gotten away from me. Besides that, I just didn't feel like it. I didn't have that much to say...

Imagine that!

We have had Miss Harmony with us for three weeks now, and I'm so thankful that she's here. It takes a bit of adjusting on all of our parts, but I think it's a win-win situation for the three of us. She began working at the local Marathon station this past week. They like her a lot. She was hired in at 20 hours/week, but this week will be working 38.

We also took a day to sign up for all of the veteran benefits that are available. There are many, many things that are there to benefit our veteran's - and for that I'm thankful. She will be receiving a war bonus that she could only have received by coming back here to Ohio - the state she enlisted from.

Things are looking good for Miss Harmony. And, we're behind her all the way!

Kerry and I had an exciting time a couple of weeks ago. We went to Wilmington, OH - the small town that Glenn Beck has recently put into the spotlight. He was there that day, and has to be one of the nicest men I've ever met. I shook his hand and simply said, "Thank you, Brother Beck." He lingered just a moment longer and looked me straight in the eye, saying "Thank you."
Signs were everywhere
That's Kerry's arm. I figured I can show you pictures of him anytime.

The next day was a busy day, but we simply had to take the time to visit the Lexington Public Library, where the staff was holding a glorious retirement part for Waunita Wharton. We have known each other since I was ten years old. Her last day will be this Friday. They truly loved her at this library.
She's always smiling.

Harmony went to Columbus the next day. We dropped her off at a library while we went on to work at the Temple. She spent part of the day shopping and part with Erik. I'm glad they were able to be together for awhile.

Saturday was spent just doing fun things. We began by attending a free community breakfast at a church in Lucas. It was delicious, as always. We also went to Bellville, where we found some great deals at the "Fill your bag for $2" store. Harmony found some great coats for $2 each.

That evening was another community dinner in Bellville. We attend that on the third Saturday of the month. A friend from church - Martin - and his two children went with us. He said he could tell we go there each month, for when we walked in people started saying, "Hey, Peggy! Kerry!" It was delicious, too.

Sunday morning, we continued to play beautiful Christmas carols for prelude. I have 2-3 flutes, 2 violins, Karen Keck on piano and me on the organ. The congregation just loves it. I have them play along with the congregational singing, too. But never for the sacrament song. The focus is to be fully on the Savior.

This past Tuesday was just a little bit rough for me, for it was the first anniversary of Peter's death. I couldn't help but think the following thought on Monday - did he know that he would only have one more day to live? Do any of us really know that?

Kerry and I have had several dreams concerning him, which we have recorded in a special journal. Just as he was in life, he seems to have the same look and the same temperament and the same sweet personality he had as a boy. I can hardly believe he's gone - and I can hardly wait to hold him again.

This may be kind of rough, but let me show you some pictures:
This was him in January 2009.
This was him just five months later - in May 2009
This was him in Dec 2009 - just a week before he died.

I guess the reason I'm showing these (besides remembering him) is so that one can see the effects of some recklessness and drug abuse. He went downhill so quickly after drugs and disease had taken its toll on him. If you know someone that may be living with the same casual disregard for the care of their body, you might want to show them these. It can happen to anyone in any family.

I can't wait to hold him again.

Thursday was a wonderful day of celebration. My three living children and the grandboys all gathered at my house, along with sister Jean and Earl. It was a bit out of the ordinary for us, but it gives the grandboys time on Christmas day to stay at home and play with their toys. We had a big dinner of salad, lasagna (yes, Patty! Jean ate lasagna!!), green beans, garlic bread, banana pudding, pumpkin pie, jello, razzleberry pie, and cookies. We were stuffed!
Peggy and her girls - Harmony and Melissa
I think Harmony looks like my friend, Alice. Do you?
Earl and Jean
Peggy's men - and little men! Erik, Jordan, Kerry & Justin, Jayden, JJ

The whole gang!

On Christmas Eve, we were invited to the Andersons for their annual dinner and Nativity reading. We've gone for the past few years, and last year (I was in the hospital with back surgery) they brought me part of the dinner and I listened to the reading over the cell phone.
Yep - that's me - the token pianist!
Harmony was a sheep
Vonnie was Mary

Christmas Day was a bit quiet. Sister Betty and Pete arrived about 11:00 am and ate breakfast with us - whole wheat blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage and juice - before loading up Mr. Kerry and heading for Florida. They have sold their house down there and have decided to just rent during the winter months. Instead of Pete flying down and Betty and I driving - I have now been replaced by Mr. Kerry.

He'll return on Tuesday night - and will have traveled a total of 18,000 miles this year. I told him he should have been a truck driver!

At the end of the day, I checked my computer and found a picture of the little people in Main enjoying a dollhouse we sent to them! Harmony and I carefully cleaned each and every inch of the house and every nook and cranny of the accessory pieces. Kerry got creative and we fashioned a huge box to mail it all in. I think they enjoyed it!
The little people in Maine!

I appreciate all of the Christmas greetings, cards, emails, and even the condolences you sent to us this year. They have all meant so much to us. Our friends, our family, and knowledge of the Plan of Salvation have been the things that have held us up during some hard times. God bless you all...
Kerry and Peggy - Christmas 2010

And now for another memory...

The year that Miss Harmony was born was a tender year for us. She had played baby Jesus in the Christmas play and sneezed in Mary's face.

She refused to nurse.

She had quite the willful spirit that was evident even before she was born.

But, there was one night Kerry and I will never forget.

I had fed her and bundled her up at the end of the day. She was full. She was dry. She was swaddled. I laid her on a blanket under the Christmas tree, where she continued to coo and look up at the twinkling lights.

Soon, Peter (age 2 1/2) came over and laid beside her. He rubbed her tummy, her arms and her face and talked to her, telling her all about Christmas. Then, they both were laying side by side looking up at the lights.

Kerry and I sat there with tears in our eyes. We didn't have much money. There weren't many presents under the tree. But, we felt like the richest people on earth with the two best presents we could have that year.
Harmony - just a few weeks old
He helped me out
No, my teeth weren't black. Peter told me he always wanted to have kids

es, my little family has been my greatest treasure...

Swept Away...

Last night, I was swept up into the arms of both my Harmony and Mr. Kerry!

Oh, it was so good to see them both come pulling into the driveway! I had stewed and stewed all week, worrying about their safety. Between the weather channel, weather.com and our cell phones, I got Mr. Kerry across America. I am so thankful for modern conveniences that help to keep us safe and in touch. He encountered some pretty ferocious winds in Nebraska (Betty and I were complaining about that all the way across the state last April) and some very heavy snow in Idaho and Oregon. At one point, he stopped in a rest area. But, he knew if he stayed very long in one place, the snow would bury the car. He saw three snow plows go by, and at 4:00 am (Ohio time), he called to tell me he felt he should continue driving.

After leaving Monday morning, he arrived in Oregon Wednesday afternoon. He helped Harmony take care of some last-minute things, ate a good dinner she fixed, and got a good night's sleep. Thursday morning, he was on the road again, this time with Miss Harmony and her belongings. He encountered snows and winds again, but nothing quite like he'd experienced on the way out. I was SO relieved when I saw those lights in the driveway.

And, my Harmony seems good. I warned her ahead of time that good old mom and dad are somewhat boring - we don't go out much, we're not on the run as much and we eat differently than when we had a large family at home, and simple things satisfy us.

My week was spent alone with Mr. Eddie. He and I fought for the covers and the heating pad every night. He rooted me right to the edge of the bed, even nudging the heating pad over where he could have it all to himself. But, it was comforting have him as my little protector. One of my sisters asked me if I liked being alone. I reminded her that I had grown up alone, so it didn't really bother me.

Kerry and I celebrated our 33rd anniversary this past Wednesday - APART! The only other time that ever happened was the year Harmony was born, for I was still in the hospital after having her. But, at least we were in the same town. This time, I'm thankful we were in the same country.

But, it caused me to reflect on the good years of our marriage. That will be in my memory section later...

We thoroughly enjoyed the First Presidency Devotional tonight, and enjoyed seeing nephew David as he sang in the choir. It's such a wonderful and tender way to go into the Christmas season. It seems like there are many more people focusing on Christmas in a different way this year - instead of so much materialism, they are focusing on home and family and love.

This month, we wish a happy birthday to:
Bryce - son of Kerry's brother, Steve - Dec 2
MerryNoelle - dau of Kerry's sister, Content - Dec 4
Danny - stepson of Kerry's sister, Content - Dec 6
Chris - Kerry's brother - Dec 8
Sydnee - granddaughter of sister, Jean - Dec 8
Holly - d-i-l of Kerry's sister, Content - Dec 14
Kieryn - grandson of Kerry's sister, Joy - Dec 18
Christina - dau of Kerry's brother, Chris - Dec 20
Cory - grandson of sister, Jean - Dec 20
Brendan - son of Kerry's brother, Chris - Dec 26
Anna - granddaughter of Kerry's sister, Content - Dec 27
Noah - grandson of Kerry's sister, Joy - Dec 28
Paul - son of Kerry's brother, Chris - Dec 29
And a happy anniversary to:
Kerry & Peggy - US!!!! - Dec 1 - 33 years!!!!!
Becca & Brent - daughter and s-i-l of Kerry's brother, David - Dec 5
Steve & Keri - son and d-i-l of sister, Jean - Dec 7

And now, it's time for another Peggy memory...

I never expected to ever get married.

As a young girl, I was always heavy. Heavy girls are usually poked fun at, laughed at, have horrible sounds made when they pass by. It can do a lot of damage to one's self-image and self-esteem. Hence, I not only had low self-esteem as a youth, I had no self-esteem.

The Washington Temple was nearing its completion, and my parents and I were excited for the open house that would take place in the summer of 1974. I had never been near a temple before, and I fell in love with it immediately. It was so peaceful and serene there - I didn't want to leave. I went through on the tour at least twelve times.

Later that day, we drove on into Virginia. We stayed at a beautiful campground. My parents and I were discussing where we should go the next day. I immediately piped up and said I wanted to go back and tour the temple again. We did, and I went on 13 more tours.

I couldn't get enough.

My parents moved to work in the Washington Temple in Oct 1976. I was in awe as I watched them prepare to sell their home and make a new one in the Washington area. I wanted to be like them so much.

In March of 1977, I was invited to also work in the Washington Temple. I couldn't believe it, for I thought you had to be really special to work there. I made a special trip for an interview and was told that I was hired.

Little did I know that my path had already crossed with Mr. Kerry's path several times. He was on security during the open house. He was there to check cars at the gatehouse when my friend, Janet and I drove there for my interview.

I moved there April 14. I went through the temple April 15. I met Kerry April 16.

Kerry and I met while I was greeting another friend of mine in the temple cafeteria. I didn't think too much about him. But, apparently he saw something in me that peaked his interest. He called around and found out who I was, where I lived, and made contact with me. I didn't even remember him. He asked me out on a date, and since he worked at the temple, I said yes - even if I didn't remember him, I figure he's probably be safe.

Our first date was April 30. We went to a movie (Freaky Friday), had dinner, and went to a Baltimore Oriole's baseball game. I had a nice time, but I really wasn't that impressed with him. He greased his hair down and reminded me of Bowser from Sha-na-na.

He continued to ask me out. I agreed, but kept saying to myself that I probably wouldn't go out with him any more. But, I kept saying yes. I didn't want to hurt his feelings.

Toward the end of June, we were watching "Rich Man, Poor Man" at my parents' apartment. They had gone to bed. Kerry kept hanging on and on and not leaving. I was tired. I was bored. I was waiting for him to leave. I would lean on my hand and leave one eye open while the other slept for awhile. Then I would switch hands and switch eyes so the other eye slept for awhile.

Finally, I got up to use the bathroom, thinking he would get the message and leave. When I came back into the living room, he was kneeling on the floor praying. I didn't know what to think. When he finished, I sat down and waited some more. He remained on the floor.

In the next few minutes, he quietly asked me if I would be his wife for eternity. Good grief! I had to hold my face together to keep from laughing. I told him I would let him know before long.

A week went by. Sisters Fern and Jean and nephews Dave and Steve had come for a visit, and they all seemed to like him. Fern got his head down in the kitchen sink and washed his hair. I'm not sure if she used something like a Brillo pad or not, for his hair seemed to have a lot of grease on it. She blew it dry and he looked great!

One day, my dad asked me if I had given that young man an answer yet. I said no. He wondered why not! It wasn't fair to keep him hanging on. Was I waiting on God to straight out tell me?

I pretty much said that I was. He wagged his head and said I should know how to get an answer to a prayer. I needed to make my decision, then take it to the Lord for confirmation. I knew that - I just needed to be reminded.

I listed the pros and cons of Mr. Kerry. There were far more pros than there were cons. He was a good young man, he was worthy in every way to enter the temple every day, he held the priesthood, he was active in our religions, he cleaned up real good, etc.

But, I didn't love him.

My dad - my own father - reminded me to consider just how many people would be willing to live with me. Both my parents really liked him.

I made the decision to tell him yes. I wrote my answer on a card and quoted a verse from the book of Ruth - "Entreat me not to leave thee or refrain from following after thee. For whither though goest I will go. And whither thou lodgest I will lodge. Thy people will be my people and thy god my god."

Little did I know that at the same time I was in the temple praying earnestly about this, he was outside near some trees praying, as well.

He flipped out. We told my parents. He called his parents. We told temple workers. Every one was thrilled!!

Except me. I didn't love him.

He gave me my ring on my birthday. We flew to Utah in August so I could meet his parents and family. Things were in motion as we set our date for December 1.

But, I didn't love him.

The date was getting closer. One day in October, we were walking to my parents' apartment from the temple through a beautiful neighborhood. Soon, we heard a car turn onto the street we were walking on with some boys loudly shouting. We both bristled as we heard what could have been a gunshot or the car backfiring. In the Washington suburbs, it could be either one.

The car approached us with the boys yelling and the loud sound that scared us. As that "shot" came very close to us, Kerry immediately pushed me to the ground and covered my body with his. The car drove on past. When they were quite a distance away, Kerry helped me to my feet and made sure I was okay.

I looked at him a little bit differently beginning at that very moment. He was ready to protect my body with his at the risk of being injured! It was truly a turning point for me, for I had always wondered what would happen if I married him and somebody better came along.

I have grown to accept the fact that it would never happen. Nobody could ever come along. As I look back on the 33 years we've been married, I now realize how much the hand of the Lord took part in all of this. Kerry was born in California, at 16 he moved to Utah, served his mission in the Delaware/Maryland mission, returned there after his mission to work in the temple. I'm from Ohio - and yet we meet in the Washington area.

This was not by happenstance.

He is truly the best person I have ever known in my life. He makes me laugh. He adores me and has never said one bad thing about my cooking. He still opens doors for me and pouts if I jump out before letting him.

He's the man of my dream!

Happy Anniversary, dear Kerry! I love you so...

The couch Kerry was kneeling and praying at shortly before proposing to me.
One of his missionary cards.
When we flew to Utah to meet his parents and family, they took us on a mini-trip to Bryce canyon with his baby sister, Harmony. As we were hiking in the canyon, I saw a beautiful scene, and prepared to take a shot. Right then, he jumped off a rock and "ruined" my picture. This has now become my favorite picture of all time.
His mom took some semi-formal pictures on their circular staircase.
Yeah - and we're still in love...
Our anniversary has always meant a lot to us - and to our children! They would always be celebrating right along with us. And, they have never failed to get in contact with us on our special day.

Snowbound!

Brrr! We are burrowed up in our warm, cozy home while the winds blow and howl and the snow piles up. This is truly winter in Ohio. And, it reminds me of the winters I grew up with.

I sometimes felt like Laura Ingalls Wilder, for there were times when the snow was nearly up to the top of our long, skinny windows. My dad had to burrow a tunnel out our front door one time so he could get out to his truck and put chains on his tires. He was not one to be late for work. He just made sure he got up earlier if the weather was bad.

This was Miss Harmony's first full week at home, and I have been so grateful to have her here. She has been very helpful and easy to get along with as she finds her niche with us again. This afternoon found her out shoveling the walks and the driveway. She was a machine!

We have also enjoyed some shopping, some really good meals, and the Christmas party at the church Friday night. And, while Kerry and I were at the temple on Friday, she took care of some things around the house for us.

Yep, it's good having her here.

We spent a long and cozy afternoon at home today, for church was let out early today due to the snowstorm. Our evening was spent wrapping presents.

I am thank Kerry's sister Joy let me know about her grandson Garin's birthday on Dec 31, I didn't have him on my list!!! Thank you so much for that, for I really want to know if I'm leaving anyone out. I may be a genealogist, but the living are important to me, too!

And now, for this week's memory missive:

Jordan, our third child, was an absolute doll. He was cuddly, bright, charming, and could worm his way into just about anyone's heart. To see him was to love him.

One of the things I remember took place around our dinner table. It was a place of a lot of festivity and talking. We would ask about each other's day, about the best part of their day, Kerry would ask questions about US History, the Gospel, give them math problems, etc.

But, each meal began with a prayer - asking the Lord's blessing on the food and showing our gratitude for it.

One day, it was Jordan's turn to say the blessing on the food. Like many little children are prone to do, he folded his arms on the table, plopped his head down on them, and proceeded to pray. The problem was that his mouth and voice were pointed toward the floor.

No one could hear or understand anything.

At the end of it, he raised his head up and looked around. I had one eye open, so I knew the prayer was over. Everyone said "Amen" except me.

I told him, "Jordan, I'm not going to say amen because I didn't hear a word you said."

He looked at me and said, "I wasn't talking to you!"

Jordan. You gotta love him...
A happy little feller...
At just about the age the "prayer" happened.

He and Erik have always been close - just 10 months apart in age.
On a trip to Utah.
Loving his Aunt Harmony.
He can still give you this look when he's sizing you up.
I caught him reading all the time.
Sizing up his new baby brother, just 10 months younger than him.

And today, he is a really good husband to Melissa and a fun father to the three little grandboys.

You gotta love Jordan!

A wonderful Christmas gift

I waited to write this missive until today for a very special reason. I'll tell you later...

I finished up my series of genealogy classes last week and said good-bye to a great group of people. I just fell in love with them, for they are from a small town, and I LOVE small-town America. I wished them all luck in their research.

A few days later came my favorite day of the year!! I LOVE Thanksgiving!!! I love the feelings, the smells, the wonderful aromas drifting from the kitchen, the feeling of wanting to return home. Sometimes I wish I could return to my mom and dad's home just for a little bit.

We rode up to sister Ferne's place with Jean and Earl. It just makes more sense to all travel together when we're going to the same place. I wasn't feeling particularly well that day - it all goes back to the bowel obstruction I had a couple of years ago. I did the best I could to keep a chipper face, for I didn't want to be a downer. I didn't really care how I felt. I was just so thankful to be with family - and that I have a family to be with.

The next day at the temple was another one of the busiest ever. The day after Thanksgiving typically is. I'm so glad I wasn't out with the shoppers who braved the crowds on Black Friday. I used to do that with all of my kids, but no more.

And now for the reason I am writing this a day late:

It was 29 years ago today that Kerry and I were holding a sweet baby girl in our arms.

Peter was 2 1/2 years old, and we were ready for another baby. From the very beginning, we knew this baby would be a girl. Don't ask me how - we just knew. So, on the evening of 28 Nov 1981, the nesting urges began and I was washing the clothes and cleaning the house. Bob and Linda Rivers came to pick up Peter, and Kerry took me to the hospital about 9:00 pm.

It was to be a long night. A very, very long night. The pain was the worst I had ever felt, and would ever feel. Due to some complications, they could give me no epidural or pain medications of any kind. I can remember the doctor saying, "We're losing them both..."

We both survived. She was my only child born with hair, yet they had to shave part of her pretty little brown hair off to give her vitamin K.

She played baby Jesus in our church's Christmas play that year. While "Mary" was singing a lullaby to her, she sneezed in Mary's face.

We didn't have much money that year for Christmas, but there is one memory that will always stay in my mind. I had fed her and bundled her up in her little sleeper and blanket and placed her under the Christmas tree. She laid there so sweetly looking up at the lights. Soon, Peter came over and laid beside her. He began talking to her and stroking her little hands and face. I sat there with tears in my eyes as I thought about how rich Kerry and I were.

Now, Mr. Kerry is on his way to Oregon to bring her home. So, once more we will welcome sweet Harmony into our home again. She's been away for a number of years - in the Army, out of the Army, in Hawaii, in Oregon... But now, it's time to come home and recharge for a bit.

And, it's okay. Come on home...
Harmony on her first day of life. I was 26 years old.
Harmony at 3 months
Peter and Harmony, when he realized she was here to stay

Harmony at just about a year
She and Peter all dressed up to go to church
What a happy little baby girl
Harmony at about 3 years old
She liked cats - they didn't always like her
Kerry and Harmony on the day he baptized her at age 8
She traveled all over the country with us
This is my all-time favorite picture of Harmony. We had lots of campouts and cookouts in our back field. Sister Jean had given us some day-old donuts, so Harmony put one on a stick and roasted it. It was actually pretty good...
A happy-go-lucky girl...
She and Peter used to sing together
She was named after her Aunt Harmony, Kerry's youngest sister
Harmony at graduation
She was in the cast in the Hill Cumorah Pageant
She served her country
Come on home, Harmony. Your room is ready and your warm bed with flannel sheets is waiting for you...

So many reasons...

Oh, yes. I have so many reasons to be thankful this week.

Sometimes when I really stop and think about all I have to be thankful for, I get a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. My blessings abound.

I am grateful that I have a reasonable about of knowledge stored in my brain. I try to keep myself fresh and learning on a daily basis. Sometimes it happens. Sometimes it doesn't. This past week, I began a series of genealogy classes at a local library in a small town close by. I'm grateful that people think I may have something to offer.

I'm grateful for the musical talent I possess, and hope that it has enhanced the lives of the people around me. For the past couple of weeks, I worked closely with others in our ward that are talented, and they assisted me in the music for today's services. People were spellbound. Some even mentioned they could have just listened to the music the whole time and nothing else! I'm grate for music and what it has meant to me in my life.

I am grateful for the church that has been a part of my life all of my life. The teachings of the gospel have helped get me through some of the toughest things I thought I would never have to face. Those teachings gave me hope. They gave me strength.

I am even grateful for little Mr. Eddie. He is a little protector of our home. He has his place here. This past week, one of my dearest friends that I've known since I was six years old was robbed. Her dog was put down last week. She was robbed this week. They ransacked her home, and stole her mother's gold jewelry and her father's coins - both of whom are deceased. My heart has just ached for her all week. I wondered what I would do. If I were here, Mr. Eddie would probably alert me, for he even despises Mr. Brown (the UPS man). If I weren't here, he may die trying to protect his domain. He's little - only 8 lbs. But, he's a joy and a comfort to us - and a bit of an assurance to us. Our little protector...

I am grateful for each of you that receives this email. Sometimes I wonder why I still do it. But, each of you has meant something to me, or you wouldn't be included on the list. Forgive me if I get long-winded or preachy. But...you all know where 'DELETE' is.

I am grateful for computers and technology that allows each of us to keep in contact with each other. I have been able to rejoice as I hear about the good news in your lives, mourn when the news is sad, and reach out when a pat on the back is needed.

But most of all, I am thankful for this Thanksgiving holiday. It is perhaps the one holiday that all of us can agree on in commonality. What one of us is not bowing our head in thanks as we look around us at what could be? This holiday is my favorite holiday. We have the opportunity to pause and remember the great blessings in our lives - our families, our children, our grandchildren, our spouses, our parents, our health, our homes...oh, I could make a list that would never, ever end.

God bless you all this Thanksgiving week.

And now, for my memory of the week...

I was six years old, and I was lost.

Quite often, my parents and sometimes my sisters would travel to Palmyra, New York to view the Hill Cumorah Pageant. It is the one of the largest outdoor pageants in America, and quite possibly the world, with a cast of 700. Nightly attendance averages 10,000 and more. Our family had the opportunity to be in the cast on several occasions. It was one of the highlights of our lives.

When I was about six, my parents and I were there with sister Ferne. I can't remember if any other of my sisters were there or not. I just know that we had been sitting in our seats for a long time and were waiting for the time when the pageant would begin.

Since I was young and a bit squirrelly, I was hopping up and down and trying to convince my mom that I needed to go to the bathroom. She was hesitant, for she really didn't want to leave her seat. Ferne said to just go ahead and let me go, and told me the exact route to take up through all of the people to get to the restrooms. It really wasn't very complicated. But, I was six.

I came back out, looked around and couldn't remember the route. It was really just a straight walk down an aisle, but I was six.

I began to cry. There was a light rain that was threatening us. I had on a blue and red plaid raincoat. As more time went by, I began to get terrified. I saw a sea of faces and knew I'd never see my mom again!

I cried more. Soon, a man picked me up and dried my eyes and helped me blow my nose. He had me stand on one of the benches and helped me look out over the crowd.

I soon spotted my mom!!! She had begun to worry and was going up and down the aisles looking for me. When she saw me standing on that bench, she pushed through the crowd, thanked the man, and held my hand tightly back to our seats.

I felt so safe and secure. Relief just swept over me. Mom later told me I looked so forlorn when she saw me - and I was just as cold and blue as the blue in my raincoat.
Peggy at six years old.

I guess as a result of that experience, I worried that the same thing would happen when I began to have my own little family. I thought the best way to help prevent this was to have something identifiable on us so that we could see each other better. Shirts were the best idea.

My good friend, Waunita, told me that when she and her husband took their boys to Sea World, they did that very thing. Except - there were lots of school children there that day and they all had the same color of shirts on!

So, when we went to Disneyland, I had all of us wear red shirts. Sure enough, there was a sea of red shirts there that day! But, there was one man in a yellow t-shirt that I could spot anywhere in the park. (Yellow stands out particularly well for our eyes. That's why we have black on yellow for our "warning" road signs - Merge, Railroad, etc.)

Also, when we dressed alike, not only was it easier to spot my kids, but it was easy for them to spot us, too! They could tell a cop or an information person or a store clerk exactly what their parents were wearing...
I might add that we don't all dress alike now. They're on their own.