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.

The home of the brave...

This has been a week to be thankful that we live in America. How privileged we are to be able to worship, to speak and to vote as we feel is the right way. And, what a blessing to be living here. I was fortunate to be born here, as well. I have been blessed richly.

Kerry and I did our patriotic duty by voting, then enjoyed the rest of a busy week. We ran quite a few errands this week, I worked with some people on music for the holidays, and we kicked back and relaxed a few days, too. It was very, very cold on some days, but this week we will be experiencing Indian summer. They call it Indian summer because the pioneers and early settlers would spent the end of summer and early fall preparing for the coming winter. They gathered up foodstores and made clothing that would keep them warm. Then, after a killing frost or a hoar frost, there would usually be one more short gap of warm weather. That's when the Indians would play out their last attacks on the settlers - hence, Indian summer.

Aren't I smart? Well, it appears that way...

Again, I have been surprised by the number of people commenting on the little historical missives I have been putting at the end of my missives. Last week's adventure of a young Kerry in the bathtub seemed to strike a resonance. I am saving all of these and putting them into a separate file. Perhaps someone will want them compiled someday. Who knows?

However, this week's historical missive is one that has been printed before. And, I will print it again and again, for it is near and dear to my heart. It is long. It is my salute to the veterans in my family, whose special holiday we will all celebrate this Thursday. If you know of any that I have left out, PLEASE do not hesitate to let me know. They deserve to be remembered...

I am the descendant, the mother, the sister-in-law and the relative of many, many good men and women who served our country. The older I get, the more I come to appreciate the great sacrifice they were willing to make to make and keep our country safe. Some joined in times of war. Some joined in times of peace, but were ready to defend in case of war. Here is my salute to them:
Chester Clemens - my father, who served at Pearl Harbor in WWII
Orson Lauritzen - Kerry's father, who served on a ship near Japan in WWII
Harmony and Jordan - my two middle children who served in the Army
Erik - our youngest son who served in the Army
Kerry's brother, Bill, who was killed in a Jeep accident in Germany at age 19
Kerry's brother, Steve - who served in Viet Nam
Kerry's brothers, Kelly - Lt. Col. in the Army (w/wife, Marion) and Chris - Col. in the Air Force
Kerry's sister, Charm - who I believed served in the Army (or National Guard?)
Paul, who is the son of Kerry's brother, Chris
Brendan, who is the son of Kerry's brother, Chris
Pete - husband of sister, Betty, who served in the Air Force
'
Jim, husband of sister Ferne, who served in the Navy
Jack Monihan - Kerry's uncle, married to Orson's sister, Olive
Vaughn Kent Lauritzen - brother of Kerry's father, Orson
Wilson Lauritzen - brother of Kerry's father, Orson
This is a true story published that happened to my Dad in World War II as related by the Prophet Spencer W. Kimball. (related by Lita Lauritzen Burton)

Priesthood Power

"Priesthood nor its power knows the limitations of national boundaries. This was demonstrated many times in the conflict known as World War II. This is the story from the lips of Wilson P. Lauritzen:

We were fighting in the 'Battle of the Bulge' near the town of Ammonius, Belgium. By that time the Germans were on the defensive. We had just succeeded in cutting off or surrounding a sector of the German line. They were surrendering in large numbers. As we were disarming the soldiers, one of them said to me in broken English: 'Would you know if there are any Mormon soldiers in your unit?' I replied, 'Yes, I am a Mormon.' He asked, 'Do you hold the Priesthood?' 'Yes, I do,' I answered. 'I was married in the temple.' 'Would you be so kind as to come with me to that shell hole over there and administer to my buddy? He is pretty well shaken up, and pretty badly wounded.' Of course I consented to go. We found that his buddy was in a bad condition and was suffering much pain. Then the two of us, who a few short hours before had been on opposite sides in the bitter struggle, knelt down and administered to the wounded lad. And as we did so, I felt the spirit of the Lord very strongly. I know that that feeling was shared by them, too. As we finished, the litter-bearers were there. We lifted the broken body to the stretcher. Then our ways parted: the wounded boy was taken to the hospital; the German solder was sent back with other prisoners, and I went on with my other duties."

By Spencer W. Kimball Story Teller's Scrapbook Compiled by Albert L. Zobell
Richard Stevens - youngest brother of my mom, Ida Stevens Clemens
Thearl Stevens and wife Bertha - favorite brother of my mom, Ida
Thomas Clemens - son of my dad's oldest brother, Russell
Charles Clemens - my dad's brother
Edd Walker - granduncle of my dad, Chester Clemens
Will Walker - son of the above Edd Walker

Levi Wheeler Cline - one of my grandfathers in the Civil War
Dr. Thomas Walker - an early American explorer who we "may" connect as a shirttail relative
Robert H Stephens - one of my grandfathers who was in the Civil War
John Mullins - another one of my grandfathers

Oh, there are many, many more whose pictures I don't have, but commemorate this missive to their memory, anyway. I have found wonderful stories about them, and will include a couple of those.

!HAMMAN, PHIL. On Saturday, July 3, 1830, the fifty-fifth anniversary of American independence was celebrated at Bellefonte, Jackson Co, AL, at which among other participants were several Revolutionary patriots. After the reading of the Declaration of Independence by Henry F. Scruggs and the delivery of an oration by Hon. Samuel Moore, the company sat down to a plentiful dinner. After this many patriotic toasts were drunk. Only one, and that because of the historic fact it evoked, is here produced:

"By L. James, Esq. 'Capt. Phil HAMMAN: The Savior of Greenbrier - tho' his history is but little known, his intrepidity and patriotism are not let worthy of our commendation.' After the drinking of this toast, the old soldier rose and said: He thanked the gentlemen for introducing his name on an occasion where he had already been too much honored. Tho' his history was not much known, he could not object to have the transactions of his life divulged to the world. For nine years he had been in the wars of his country - during a greater part of which he had been engaged in the most dangerous parts of Indian service. He had suffered much; on one occasion he had been stripped by savage rapacity of every vestige of property he possessed, even the clothing of himself and family - one of his children fell a victim to their cruelty. But not to dwell on the dangers he had endured, he would merely speak of the occasion so kindly alluded to in the toast. When stationed at Fort Randolph, at the mouth of the Big Kanawha, nine hundred Indians set off in a body to make an unexpected attack on the inhabitants of Greenbrier, Virginia. Two men were dispatched to apprize the people in that quarter of their approaching danger. In three days they returned, wounded, and in despair; others were sought for who would carry the express; none were found willing to engage in so dangerous and hopeless an undertaking when he and one John Pryor (who was afterwards killed by the Indians) painted and dressed in Indian garb set off, and in forty-eight hours travelled one hundred and sixty miles through the wilderness; they overtook the Indians within twelve miles of the white settlements, passed through their camps, and gave timely warning to the people of their impending danger. Such preparations were made for security and defense as the occasion permitted. About daylight a violent attack was made on Fort Donley; the conflict was desperate - the door of the Fort was broken open - he stood in it, and resisted the enemy - 'till it could be shut and fasted. The foe were repelled with great loss, and the country saved from savage barbarity. He said that although he was old and poor, and had not received the compensation promised him by his country, yet he thanked God he was in peace and safety, and could live 'without the aid of public or private charity.' He then offered the following sentiment: "OUR RULERS: May they be just men, fearing God, and hating covetousness." Southern Advocate, Huntsville, July 10, 1830.
Zachariah Johnston's beautiful home, which is on the Historical Register and is for sale for $1,750,000 (I WANT it!) was a wonderful patriot.
Johnston was a prosperous farmer by the time the American Revolution began. In 1776, he was appointed a captain in the county militia. Johnston's company actively patrolled against Indian uprisings, and, in 1781, participated in the Virginia campaign which led to Lord Cornwallis' surrender. Representing Augusta County in the House of Delegates from 1778 to 1791, Johnston was chair of the House committee on religion and helped pass the "act for establishing religious freedom" in 1786.
Zechariah JOHNSTON was a personal friend and political ally of Thomas Jefferson. His presentation of the Hanover Memorials to the Virginia Assembly and his advocating the ideas of religious freedom held by his constituents, no doubt, had very great weight with Mr. Jefferson in formulating his bill "for establishing religious freedom," which became law in 1786. Mr. Jefferson, when leaving for a federal appointment, left his bill for religious liberty in the capable hands of James Madison."Mr. Chairman, I am a Presbyterian, a rigid Presbyterian as we are called; my parents before me were of the same profession; I was educated in that line. Since I became a man, I have examined for myself; and I have seen no cause to dissent. But, sir, the very day that the Presbyterians shall be established by law, and become a body politic, the same day Zachariah JOHNSTON will be a dissenter. Dissent from that religion I cannot in honesty, but from that establishement I will." And his name goes down to posterity in favor of the passage of the act for establishing Religious Freedom.One of his famous statements:
"Mr. Chairman, I am a Presbyterian, a rigid Presbyterian as we are called; my parents before me were of the same profession; I was educated in that line. Since I became a man, I have examined for myself; and I have seen no cause to dissent. But, sir, the very day that the Presbyterians shall be established by law, and become a body politic, the same day Zachariah JOHNSTON will be a dissenter. Dissent from that religion I cannot in honesty, but from that establishement I will." And his name goes down to posterity in favor of the passage of the act for establishing Religious Freedom.
May God bless these good men and women. I honor them, and will continue to honor them by posting this missive each and every time it is appropriate. And, as a genealogist, I will continue to look for and will find many more.

Bless their good hearts!
Taken at the Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, HI on our trip to see Harmony, 2005

A busy, busy week!

This week was a bit busier than usual. But, we had a lot of fun and enjoyed some times with good friends.

Tuesday found me having lunch with my good friend, Pat Bowen. She's my visiting teacher, but she's also my friend. Neither of us had been to Cracker Barrel in awhile, so that's where we met. It was on the day when the wind was blowing hard across the central United States. The gusts were strong. And, while we were eating, it began to rain with a fierceness. Tornado warnings were out everywhere. One of them struck real, real close to Jordan and Melissa's house in southwestern Ohio. It blew their shed down and part of their fence. Thank goodness all of us were safe - including Erik and my sisters.

The next day, I ate with Karen Keck. She and I love to go out to lunch. We don't do it very often, but when we do - we pick up right where we left off. She's a lot of fun, too.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday found us in Columbus. Friday was our temple day, and we enjoyed the time we had both this week and last week with members of the Temple Presidency. This would be our last time working with them, for our new Temple Presidency begins their assignments on Monday.

Saturday, Kerry returned to work at the temple for 8 hours. They had asked if he would be able to, and he readily said yes! We have many new workers that need training, but during that training there is still a need for continuity in the work. We now have over 600 workers for our little temple!

He also didn't mind working, for it was the 66th anniversary of his parents' marriage. He felt that was honoring them, as well.

Orson and Shirley Lauritzen, shortly after their marriage in 1944.

All of the little trick-or-treaters were out and about Saturday evening. It reminded me so much of when all of our little ones would dress up and go out to beg for candy. I usually stayed at the house while Kerry took them out - either in the back of his pickup truck or in our van with the side door and the back door open.

Kerry and Peter and Harmony

Now, it's all of the little grandchildren that we get to enjoy seeing all dressed up!

JJ

Jayden


Justin


From bottom left going up: Shyanna, Bella, Christina, Angel, Ben

It was also a makeover week! I got sick of my hair and had about 4 inches cut off. I'll post a picture of it next week.

And, dear Melissa got 10 inches of her hair cut off and donated to Locks-of-Love. She looks adorable!


Melissa - I love her hair no matter what the length!

Now, it's time to bring all of this election stuff to a close. I'm tired of the adds, the phone calls, the mail, the email, the slandering and mudslinging. I've known who I'm going to vote for since mid-summer. Y'all quit bothering me.

But, I'm also grateful to live in a free country where we have the opportunity to vote.

This month, we wish a happy birthday to:
Ida - my mom - Nov 1 (she would have been 97 years old!!!)
Bill - Kerry's brother who died in Germany at age 19 - Nov 2
Mary Kay - my genealogy friend who died about 4-5 years ago - Nov 2
Ryan - Betty's grandson - Nov 3
Sarah - d/o Kerry's brother, David - on a mission in New Zealand - Nov 12
Noelle - g-dau of Kerry's sister, Content - Nov 27
Danette - d-i-l of Kerry's sister, Joy - Nov 27
Dane - s/o Kerry's brother, Kelly - Nov 28
Brett - s/o Kerry's sister, Joy - Nov 29
Miss Harmony! - our daughter!!! - Nov 29

And a happy anniversary to:
Content and Larry - Kerry's sister and b-i-l - Nov 28

And now, for my memory missive for this week!!!

This memory is not mine - it's Kerry's. But every time he tells me about it, I can't help laughing.

When Kerry was somewhere between ten and twelve years old, he decided to take a bath while his mom was cooking in the kitchen close by. He was #5 out of eleven children, so I'm sure her plate was pretty full most of the time.

Apparently the bathroom and the kitchen were fairly close in proximity, so she could hear when Kerry went in there to begin running the water. She called back to him to ask him how full it was.

He answered, saying that it was halfway. (In truth, it was halfway - but not halfway up - it was halfway to the back of the tub.)

She told him to immediately turn it off. (She thought it was halfway up the side of the tub.)

He said, "But, mom..."

She replied, "Kerry, please just turn the water off!"

Being the ever obedient child, he did it without complaint. This big ol' strapping boy took a bath in about two cups of water!!! He got clean enough, and his mom just never knew...

I'll bet she does now.

Kerry - at just about the age mentioned above...

All the leaves are brown...

Alas, our beautiful autumn has reached its peak and is slowly coming to a close. Our weather is still warm, the days are still bright, the sky is still mostly blue, and life is good.

Kerry and I had another delightful week! I love having him home all the time!!! And, I think he likes being here, too. He gets to work on things that have been put on hold for years - things he likes to do.

Sometimes we go on little day trips. Sometimes we stay home. Sometimes we sleep in. Sometimes we're up quite early.

I forgot to mention a very important thing from last week. Erik ran another marathon, completing 26.2 miles in 4 hours 28 minutes! He wasn't real pleased with his time, but I'm floored!!! I would still be trying to get through it a week later. He did a lot of preparation for it, including this:

Yep. That's Erik soaking in an ICE BATH the night before. I don't know about all of this. I didn't teach him to do this - obviously!

And now for breaking news: Kerry has had another book published!!! Yippee for him!!! The publishers accepted another book manuscript and it is now in print! Here's the ordering information: www.publishamerica.com

Save Our Sam: S.O.S. by
K. Peter Lauritzen
ISBN: 978-1-4512-7577-3, 70 Pages, 6 x 9


Buy $24.95 (His second book)



K. Peter Lauritzen: His Story of the United States by
K. Peter Lauritzen
ISBN: 1-4241-2232-5, 297 pages, 6 x 9


Buy $32.95 (His first book)

I am so proud of him! This is another one of his lifelong dreams, and now he has attained it - with even some more in the works...

This past week, sister Fern was in the hospital for a couple of days. Kerry and I drove up to see her, and she was feeling much better than when she was admitted the night before. Sometimes her pain is very bad. On the way back home, Kerry and I stopped at Planktown, a country store where we buy meats, cheeses, grains, etc.

We also enjoyed a wonderful brunch at a small church in Lucas - a very small town close to us. They really treat the communities well as they try to shore people up during tough times.

The temple was very busy this past Friday. Many people from Charleston, WV were there, and they keep us hopping. I was so tired that night I was almost in tears. I prayed mightily, as did Kerry, that my feet and legs would rest up good and I would be free from pain. I woke up the next morning at 8:00 am and felt great!

I cannot get over the comments that I've been receiving concerning my little memory missives! The funny thing is this - the comments are coming from people that see me all the time! I don't think I've heard a single comment (except for s-i-l Marion) from any blood relatives - the ones they're intended for! >:(

Oh, well! Here we go again:

For as long as I can remember, I have played the piano. Music was always part of my home. My dad played records that contained beautiful music all the time. I believe my talent comes through my dad. My poor mom had no rhythm and couldn't really sing very well at all. But that didn't matter - she sang anyway.

Dad could always keep time very well. His dream was to have been a conductor in a symphony - but that wasn't to be. Perhaps if he'd had musical training, he would have enjoyed it even more.

My sisters were/are all musical. But, when they were growing up in the hills of Kentucky and the hollers of West Virginia, mom and dad just didn't have the money for any musical lessons for them. None of them can play any musical instrument at all. But when the four of us sing, we blend perfectly in several harmonies.

My parents got me a little piano for Christmas when I was four years old. That year, I was pounding out "Joy to the World". My mom often said that was the only Christmas music we had that year. Through the years, I learned how to play a few more songs on that little piano. I still have it to this day.

I put Mr. Eddie in the picture with it so you could see the relative size of it. Mr. Eddie weighs 8 lbs. It's not much bigger than him.

I even played for the children's organization at church for several years right after I got that piano. We had our Primary meetings on Saturday mornings, when it was hard to get some of the other adults out to the church. For awhile, all I could really play was "The Golden Plates" - so that's what we sang for a long time.

My dad was a refrigeration/air conditioning repairman, a skill he learned in the Navy and continued on with more training here. One day, he was repairing an appliance for a woman who taught piano lessons in her basement. He listened for awhile, and asked if she took on new students. She said she did.

About that same time, a lady in our ward was selling her piano. She was getting a new one from her mother, who lived in California. They lived in Danville, a town a few miles away from here.

On the night of my birthday in 1963, I heard a vehicle pull into our driveway. I didn't think too much about it, for I thought it was probably one of my sisters dropping by. Or, since dad was bishop, that it might be someone who needed to talk to him. He did stand at the door and talk to someone for a few minutes.

Then, some furniture was moved, and in rolled my birthday present! My best birthday present I've ever received! My "new" piano!!!! At 8 years old, I thought I was the richest girl on the planet.

I played and played and played. And in the fall, I began my lessons. That was a different experience, for I had played by ear for many years. Now, I was going to have to learn to discipline myself to play the notes written on the paper. It was harder than you can imagine.

My piano lessons began at $1 per week. Mom and dad always found that dollar for me. However, after a few years, my teacher had to raise it to $1.25. That was a different story. We didn't know if I could continue or not. But, dad was determined to provide lessons for me. There were a few weeks (probably more than a few) where I paid in coins, after digging through couch cushions, coat pockets, etc. But, we always found it. And, we always found it again when the cost went to $1.50.

I tried to make sure I kept up with my practicing, for I knew how hard it was on mom and dad to pay for those lessons.

That piano "base" led me on to play many more instruments. When I was in marching band, I found it easy to pick up an instrument and begin to play. String instruments were a bit harder for me, but eventually I could play many of them, too. In my mind, I would picture the piano keyboard, then the notes would be clearer to me on another instrument.

How can I ever show my gratitude for mom and dad's sacrifice? By keeping up what they took the time, money and effort to see that I had in my young life. That sacrifice has led me to play for countless weddings, funerals, Christmas gatherings, family gatherings, and years and years of Church meetings.

It also paved the way for each of my own children to enjoy music. While they were at home, they filled our home with music - good music. They had their lessons on my old piano, and the sacrifice was hard for us, too. But, how I loved hearing them play and work out the melody on a song they had never seen before. How I loved seeing them go on to play other instruments. And how I LOVED when we gathered around the piano and sang as a family. Our six voices blended and harmonized, just like with me and my sisters.

My piano is still in my home and is still being used. It's a little rougher for the wear. It has some battle scars. It's a bit out of tune. But oh, how I love that piano - for the joy I had in playing and accomplishing a difficult piece - and for the comfort it brought me in times of sadness.



Till next week!
Miss P

Cozy evenings at home...

Autumn continues to be beautiful here in the Ohio! Though the colors are not quite as resplendent as in years past, they still continue to take my breath away. The muted colors usually happen when there has not been enough rain.

We spent some time getting our house ready for winter this week. Even though the days are warm, they're not always going to be warm. Before we know it, the wind will be howling and it will be cold enough for coats.

But, Tuesday we went to the temple with Fern and Betty. They haven't been able to go for awhile, due to some health concerns either they or their husbands have been battling. We had a nice easy day, followed by dinner at Mimi's - one of our favorite Columbus eateries.

Wednesday was one of our favorite days - another rummage sale!!! Kerry and I LOVE rummage sales! We find all sorts of treasures. I particularly like a used clothing store in Bellville, where you can fill your bag for $2. I've discovered some real finds - items from lots of name-brand companies.

Thursday was a fun day - we drove to Washington Court House to watch JJ play tag football. We LOVED watching these little guys play!!! They were so cute. I also fixed chicken, potato salad, and red velvet cupcakes for everyone's dinner. That saved Melissa (who didn't feel that good anyway) from having to worry about dinner for everyone. I think they liked it, for they didn't turn down the leftovers.

Hike!

Look at him run!

Justin and Jayden

Learning about football from grandpa...

The grandboys went to the pumpkin patch to choose their pumpkins.

We had the most delightful surprise a couple of weeks ago. We received a porcelain replica of the Washington Temple from a company in northern Utah. There was no card with it. I told Kerry he must have ordered it and forgotten it. He told me I must have ordered it and forgotten it. No matter who ordered it - it was beautiful!

We later learned that Miss Harmony was the one who ordered it!!! It now sits in a place of prominence in our living room on our "Kerry and Peggy" table. Behind it is a hand-painted Russian egg that Erik asked a member in Russia to paint for our 27th anniversary. We treasure those items - and anything else that reminds us of our sweet marriage.

I really appreciate all of the comments sent to me about my memory of my dad and the coal mines last week. I suppose I will continue these little additions to my weekly missives.

And now for this week:

My mother was a force to be reckoned with! You just didn't mess with mom - or one of her babies.

One night, she and I were on our way home from church, where I had attended my weekly youth meeting. I needed some notebook paper, and we didn't have Walmarts or anything like that in those days. We did have a little corner grocery store, where one could buy penny candy, shoelaces, etc.

She happened to miss the driveway, but it didn't matter, for the next drive also connected to the little store. There was a bit of a grassy field between the parking lot and the store. I walked through the little field and headed for the front door.

Before reaching the door, there was a wall of decorative concrete block. As I rounded that wall, I happened upon 3-4 teenage boys who were circling around on their bikes. I squared up, went through them, went into the store and bought my paper.

When I came back out, those boys were still there. They were off their bikes, and now they circled around me, calling me names and poking me in the chest. I was mortified, for I was sure they were going to do terrible things to me. I was also sure mom couldn't see me because of the decorative wall.

In the blink of an eye, I heard something akin to a bull crashing through the field and headed toward me. It was my mom! Smoke was coming from her nostrils and her ears, and her boobs were swinging back and forth something fierce with her arms pumping away. (You get the picture!) When those boys turned around to see what it was, they saw the look on her face and knew they were dead meat if they didn't get out of there quick. Mom grew up being the oldest of a family that had SIX BOYS, plus a little sister that died at 3 years old. To mom, taking on these boys were nothing compared to what she had grown up with.

I was never so relieved to see my mom in my whole life. I don't know what those boys would have done. But, as long as my mom was nearby, those boys were close to being ground down into a greasy spot!


Till next week...
Miss P

Please help me I'm fallin'

Oh, it is SO beautiful at this time of year!!! Ohio is a wonderful place to be in autumn. I was doing a bit of driving yesterday, and on each turn it just got prettier and prettier. I was taking pictures all day. No, I won't put them all here.

This was also my mom's favorite time of year. She also dreaded it. Her father and two of her brothers died during autumn within four years. Mom herself died during this time of year.

Nonetheless, I love it.

Kerry and I continue to work at the temple each Friday. It's a smaller temple, not bit like the ones most people associate with in Salt Lake City. But, it still contains all of the important features that a large temple has - and it's still the Lord's house.

Columbus Ohio Temple

After we finished working there Friday, we met up with our Ohio kids to celebrate JJ's 6th birthday!!! He's such a cute little guy. He's thoroughly enjoying school, and can't understand why it has to stop for the weekend. He's also been playing tag football, with his daddy as assistant coach.

JJ and his football uniform.

Getting their picture taken at Chuck E Cheese

The finished product.

A more traditional look.

Those boys of mine.

Erik and his roommate, Oscar. Oscar is a Fulbright scholar from the Phillipines. He will be finishing up his doctorate at the end of the year, and can return to his native land going right into professorship. If he stays here, it will be a few more years before he can attain that status. He has been an excellent example of hard work.

We also had to go to the final fair of the season - the Loudonville Street Fair. I'm telling you, we love small-town America! Of course, we spent a lot of time in the cow tent. Mr. Kerry and his cows!

He always guides me through the tent very carefully, warning me that cows can and do kick backwards. He kept wondering where all of the dairy cows were, for the tent we were in was mostly beef cows. I kept asking him how in the world he could tell, for most of them were laying down. He just knew. I guess you have to look underneath.


Two sheep all wrapped up.

Look how much this pumpkin weighed! I think it was a pumpkin. It wasn't bright orange, so it might have been some other sort of squash.

Amish farmers gather their corn shocks up. On the road we were on, the Amish farmers were everywhere, working their land the old-fashioned way - draft horses and plows. Out of respect for them, I do not take their pictures. They prefer that we don't - it's a graven image.

I've decided to begin adding something new to my little missive. It will mainly be for my own children and grandchildren, but you are still welcome to read it.

I'm going to be adding a memory from my own past that can help to preserve our family's history.

This week, it will be a reflection on those miners who have been trapped below ground in Chile. Each time there is such an incident, my thoughts go back to my father, who was a miner in the coal fields of West Virginia.

He worked in those mines before I was born, but the effect of it never left him. As a matter of fact, it left him with severe claustrophobia for the rest of his life. Once, our little family took dad with us to Columbus to visit COSI (Center of Science and Industry). It's a wonderful, "hands-on" museum that is especially tailored to young people. We would always pack our lunches and eat in the cafeteria in the basement, where they had lockers to store our food.

Dad enjoyed all of the displays. After our lunch, they had replicated a coal mine close by. It even had a canary in a little cage beside the entrance (to tell the miners if gas had built up inside. If the bird was laying dead with its feet up, don't go in the mine.)

As I showed the mine entrance to dad, I asked him if he wanted to go inside. He took a couple of steps, then backed right out. He couldn't do it. He said it was too real.

I'll probably not ever know how hard it was for him to get into those coal cars that would drive the miners 4-5 miles (or more!) deep into the hills of West Virginia. I'll never know the closeness of the ceiling, for they had to tuck their heads down to prevent serious injuries. I'll never know the blackness of being underground for hours. I experienced it once in Mammoth Cave, but in just a few seconds the lights came back on. It was horrible.

I'll never know hard it was for my mom to try to get my dad's black clothes clean, or how good he felt after a bath. That's where one of our common old sayings came from. The father usually bathed first, then the kids. By the time the baby got bathed, the water was usually pitch black. Hence: "Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater".

But, dad did say something interesting. When you went to work, you went with white folks, Indians, blacks, etc. But, when you stepped out after a day's work, you were all the same color.

Bless his heart. And bless the hearts of those miners and their families in Chile. And Pennsylvania. And West Virginia. And Kentucky. And Wales. And Utah. And...

From dad's collection of pictures:

The entrance to the coal mine.

Going to work at the West Virginia coal mine.

Hauling out the coal.

Some of the miners.

A mule and the coal cars.

Dad after a day's work in the coal mines.

The finished product.

I'm grateful dad worked so hard in a job that not many would want. Sister Betty was born in West Virginia when dad worked in those mines. They lived in the coal camps. They had to buy their beans and such at the company store with scrip. The mines really owned you.

Bless his good heart. I miss him.

More reasons to celebrate!

I'm tired.

Mr. Kerry and I have now finished up a very busy week, and we're ready for a break.

Early Monday morning, we drove to Columbus to put Mr. Kerry on a plane to Salt Lake City. Another sister was getting married!!! I wasn't able to go on this particular trip for several reasons. I had many things to accomplish and a short amount of time to do them.

Kerry arrived safe and sound and enjoyed both Monday and Tuesday evenings with most of his siblings. Once again, I've got pictures:

Lowell and Gayle - his mother's sister and b-i-l were able to attend.

Kerry and his brothers Kelly and Chris, and Chris's wife, Kristy.

His youngest sister, Harmony was married to Kevin Dexter. They actually met while on their missions in Finland. He married and had five children. His wife died a couple of years ago. Harmony and Kevin made connections again, sparks flew, the children fell in love with her, and now they're all married up by their former Mission President.

A fine little family...


Kerry and some of his siblings - bottom left to top: Kelly, Charm, Joy, Chris, Content and husband Larry (middle) and Mr. Kerry.

I'm really glad Mr. Kerry was able to go and be with his family for this event. As we were discussing it a few weeks ago, he was trying to decide whether he should go since we had just been there within the month. Should we go to the expense of flying him out there? I finally told him I'd rather see him go and be there for something wonderful like this than go there for their funerals. At some point, as we all age, that time will come. But, let's be with each other, enjoy each other, and love each other while we can.

I picked Kerry up on Wednesday evening, and we ate dinner in Columbus while a ferocious rain storm fell, the winds blew, and a tornado siren went off. While we ate, I updated him on the kids. I haven't really talked with Harmony lately. Jordan began taking classes this week at Columbus State, and Erik began his senior year at OSU.

Friday was absolutely the busiest day at the temple that I've ever seen. People were literally standing in line to get in. My goodness! I hardly saw Mr. Kerry at all, but I knew he was there. We drove down together! When we got home, I needed every spare moment I had to get ready for Saturday.

Several months ago, I had been asked to give an all-day seminar in a good-sized town north of here. I had done it there before on several occasions, but this one was expected to be quite full. And, it was.

I drove there on one of the prettiest fall days ever. People were already lined up at the door when I arrived. I think it went well. I stood on my feet for 6 1/2 hours, and I thought I was going to die. They took me to lunch, which was a nice gesture on their part. The restaurant was just a couple of blocks away, and because it was so pretty out, they all wanted to walk. Again, I thought I was going to die. My feet throbbed all the way home.

In the evening, I had the opportunity to go to the church for a delicious soup and bread and dessert night, just prior to hearing the women's broadcast from Salt Lake City. Even though I was very tired, I was so glad I went. Each one of the speakers said just what I needed to hear. We are very fortunate to be living now, and to hear the words of inspiration from a prophet.

Church was good. The speakers were good. Lunch was good. My nap was good. Life is good.

This month, we wish a happy birthday to:
Spenser - Jean's grandson - Oct 2
Katie - dau of Kerry's brother, Chris - Oct 8
JJ - OUR GRANDSON! - Oct 8

And a happy anniversary to:
Karen & Matthew - dau and s-i-l of Kerry's brother, Steve - Oct 15
Dave & Joan - son and d-i-l of sister, Jean - Oct 19
Orson & Shirley - Kerry's parents, who would have been married 66 years - Oct 30

From sea to shining sea

In the past month, Mr. Kerry and I have been from one end of this beautiful country to the other - all by car! We romped with Harmony by the Pacific Ocean and viewed the splendor of the Atlantic.

I think we're home for awhile. At least I am. I'm a bit weary and stiff from sitting too much. I need to get active again.

Just one week after we got Mr. Eddie from the kennel/spa, he had to go back in again. He probably keeps wondering what he keeps that is so wrong that he has to keep going back to the same place.

Early on Thursday morning, the 9th, we drove to Betty's, left our jeep there, loaded our stuff into her van, and headed for Cape Cod. We traveled all along the southern tier of New York and marveled at all of the beauty of that state. We made it as far as Troy, NY, enjoying ourselves along the Mohawk Trail. I sometimes get a bit nervous when I see "Bear Crossing" signs, for I surely wouldn't want to break down in that area.

The Mohawk Trail was just gorgeous! We were particularly touched to see a small park dedicated to the Mohawks.

Statue at the end of a bridge.

We got a kick out of the Pork Store. It makes my lips swell up like Angelina Jolie's, but I love it any way.

We soon arrived at our destination - the western end of Cape Cod in a town called Bourne. We took a bit of a break, then drove to the little town of Onset, where we boarded a cruise of the Cape Cod Canal. There, we joined other members of the Nickerson family (one of the ancestral lines of Betty's husband, Pete) in a get-to-know-each-other evening. Oh, it was perfect. Below deck, they served up shrimp, delicacies of the area, fruits, etc. I was so happy to finally meet one of my fellow genealogists and Facebook friend, Laura, who is also president of the APG (Association of Professional Genealogists). We were thrilled to be with each other, and bonded right away.

Laura and me.

Our evening was complete with a Cape Cod sunset.

Betty and I had to laugh, for one of the captains looks a lot like my b-i-l Jim.

The real activities of the Nickerson Reunion began the next day. People came from all over. William Nickerson, the original settler of Chatham, has many descendants. He had lived in Boston, didn't like the politics, and moved out onto the Cape.


Two different homes on the Nickerson property.

If you look closely, you will see a chicken suspended from a string. Maureen, a master in hearth cookery, treated us to various forms of foods that have been researched and served on the Cape. With just a turn, this chicken will twirl back and forth for hours - 3 gets it done. The drippings fall down into a pot, where they would have various root vegetables. The chicken was stuffed with many different herbs grown on the property.

Saturday afternoon found us wandering around on the Cape. I LOVE lighthouses, so Betty directed us to Chatham lighthouse (Kerry and I brought the kids to Cape Cod about 25 years ago). The flag was at half-staff, for it was Sep 11.


As I walked along the beach, I noticed lots of people streaming toward a group of trucks. Unfortunately, a whale had died in the water. They pulled it up onto the beach, and were planning a necropsy the next morning. I elected not to go over where the crowds were.

The little town of Chatham was charming. We nestled into a restaurant where the locals eat, and filled ourselves with clam chowdah. Between the bucket we all ate with Harmony, and the bowls we all ate with Betty, I've had a year's worth of it.

They take care of the little creatures, just like we saw in New York City a few months ago.

That evening, the Nickersons gathered at the old Daniel Webster Inn for a scrumptious dinner of chicken, plus crab stuffed flounder. I'm telling you - this groups EATS!

I had a real treat the next morning. Instead of going to our own church, we attended the First Congregational Church in Chatham. Doug Bush, a Nickerson descendant and professor of music at BYU was giving an organ recital the next afternoon at 4:00, but we weren't going to be able to stay for it. He is also invited every year to play for their morning services. That's where we decided to go - just so we could hear him.

Oh, my goodness! He made that organ sound like nothing I've quite heard before!!!


Kind of looks like the inside of the Kirtland Temple.

The seats were filled, but not super-crowded. But in my life, I've never heard a small group of people sing with the gusto they had. Doug told me I would be surprised. I was sitting in the balcony and still felt blown away...

After the picnic at the Nickerson homestead, we bid adieu to our newfound friends and headed north to Maine. Little Angel and Ben live there now, and we were anxious to go see them. We checked into our hotel and prepared for the next morning.

I told Kerry and Betty that since we only saw Angel when she was 2 mos old, and we had never seen Ben, they might be skittish about warming up to us. Boy, was I wrong!!! They had been watching for us with their little faces smashed up against the windows. When that door flew open, the children flew into our arms. There are also other "little people" they've adopted, and they embraced us, too - with everyone calling us Grammy and Grandpa.

The "little people" wallowed all over us. I never wear good clothes when I visit grandkids - and I didn't there, either.

Angel and Grandpa in our hotel room.

Angel's foot with her shoe on fit into Kerry's shoe.

Betty and Ben

Angel playing hide and seek.

Ben, just being so cute!

Grandpa, Grammy, Angel (with her new outfit she picked out and the yellow scarf I made for her on the way up) and little Ben.

Before we dragged our hearts away from the on Tuesday, I gave them something special. I didn't have time to make blankets for them, so I gave Angel and blanket and bunny rabbit doll Harmony used to play with, and I gave Ben a blanket I wrapped Peter up in. These brought back sweet memories for me, and I passed them on.


Oh, it was so hard to leave them and all of the other "little people". And - the big people, too!

We stopped a few other places before heading home. We loved a cathedral we saw, and got a bit of a chuckle when we parked by the dumpster:



Joseph Smith's birthplace in Sharon, VT.


A covered bridge in Tunbridge, VT - the town where Joseph Smith's parents met.

The waterfall above the bridge.

Aaronic priesthood monument - Harmony, PA
(Erik - remember these places from our special trip?)

We got a laugh out of the many different signs we saw along the way. I won't post pictures, but we saw:
Turtle Crossing
Bear Crossing
Moose Crossing
Squeeze Right (road construction)
Thickly Settled (in a tight little Chatham burg)
Why Not Shop (store)
Sleeper's Market (store)
Pit Bull Painting (on a truck)

We went to the Bellville Street Fair upon arriving home - we rarely miss that! The rest of the week was spent just relaxing.

I was alone at church today - Kerry was speaking in another ward. All of a sudden, Alice came up to me and said, "Guess who's here?!?! It was Pauline and Jim Whitehead - members who lived here when I was a teenager! I grew up with their kids. Their youngest daughter died ten years ago of breast cancer. It was SO good to see them and reminisce...

Well, this one is a bit longer than most, but like I say - you can always just delete it.

Love to y'all!
Miss P

Where the deer and the antelope play...

Oh, I am road weary! And I'm going to get in a lot of trouble if I miss one more Sunday getting my missive out.

Kerry and I have been gone. Just over two weeks ago, Kerry had some minor surgery done, then we were on the road to Jordan's. He lives just over 1 1/2 hours south of us, and they had asked if we would watch the boys while he and Melissa went to an orientation meeting at the school.

Of course we would! Grandchildren are so much more fun than their parents were!!!

Oh, we did so many naughty things...

We played kickball in the living room.

We brought sweets for the kids.

We watched movies and movies and movies...

We played kickball again.

We let the kids wallow all over us.

We had a ball. Then, the parents came home.

Kerry, Justin and Jayden

The next couple of days were busy ones as we prepared for our trip to the west. We left right after church on Aug 22 and headed into the sunset for our 30 hour trip straight through. (Our time was at a premium, hence the driving straight through. I don't know how many more times I can do that, though.)

It's a long, boring drive. Kerry always tries to break it up with interesting things to stop and look at. We did that a lot with the kids. We would stop at historical sites, Dyersville, Iowa (where Field of Dreams was filmed. We played on the field for quite awhile.). We got out a walked a lot. (Not much of a chance of blood clots when you have old bladders).

Thirty hours later, we pulled into David and Martha's. She always has dinner ready for us. It was delicious. David is looking quite good. He has been working out, and it shows. Sometimes others can see it better than we can ourselves. Keep it up, David!

Early the next morning, after David fixing our breakfast, we left for Oregon. It was another 15 hours. It was mostly desert and wilderness. It was boring. We were almost hit by three deer, who were the same color as the desert.

But, things got prettier as we began driving along the Columbia River. As a matter of fact, it took my breath away. We saw Mt. Hood, which Kerry thought looked just like the mountain for Paramount Pictures.

Columbia River. The mouth of it is where the Coast Guard trains. It's hard for them to find currents and rapids much stronger for training than what they can find there.

When we came into Lincoln City, the full moon was rising. We didn't see it right at first, for it was behind us. But when we stopped, it made our jaws drop.

Isn't that beautiful?

Harmony works in the deli at the Chinook Winds Casino. It's not exactly where she would prefer to be working, but it will do for now. She lost her other job when she came back for Peter's funeral in January.

When we arrived at the casino, we were amazed at how crowded it was for a Tuesday evening. That's because there had been a power outage in town, and everyone came to the casino. She was very busy at the deli (not like where you order lunch meats, cheese, and potato salads. You place your order for fish/chips, nachos, sandwiches, etc.).

But, the thing that absolutely ASTOUNDED me was the amount of little children. Over the next couple of days, we were back at the casino for dinner, etc. and there were always children there. They were in nightgowns, sleepers, strollers, etc. There are free soft drinks for everyone (even if you just walk in off the street), so these kids were drinking cup after cup after cup...

There parents were off gambling.

Harmony said sometimes these kids are there unattended until 2-3:00 am. They have to stay on the tiled part. This has continued to bother me ever since I saw it.

But, our time with Miss Harmony was wonderful. She is really trying her best, and it shows. I was so proud of her. Here are some of the things we did...

We made our own glass floats.

Kerry is blowing through a hose to make the glass ball bigger.

The finished product, which had to cool for 24 hours. They are BEAUTIFUL!

We walked along the ocean front and saw a seagull with one foot.

Kerry and Harmony loved looking through the telescopes.

The backdrops in Oregon are so pretty. The mountains just go rolling and rolling on.

Kerry found a Viking statue to honor his Scandinavian heritage.

Kerry and Harmony tried to get their kite up. This area is renown for kite-flying, but for some reason, the wind did not cooperate with them.

Harmony lives in the house above the front house. Our hotel was just to the left of her house.

In Newport, we saw and heard lots and lots of sea lions. These are the 1,000 lb. males, who are vacationing here from California. The 250 lb. females remain in California. They don't migrate up here. For some reason, they love laying around in this cage - there's about 40 of them in there.

They fight and argue a lot with their mouths. They honk and bark a lot.

This one guy keep scratching himself with his flippers.

People drop cages and catch lots of crabs. This one little kid took a crab out and let him crawl toward my toes.

We ate a BUCKET OF CLAM CHOWDER at a restaurant named Mo's. Bobby Kennedy visited there just two weeks before he was shot. Doesn't Harmony look pretty? She seems better than I've seen her in quite awhile.

I LOVE lighthouses! Harmony took us to one at Yaquina Bay.

Our time ended there too quickly. It was very, very hard to leave her. But, I will always cherish the good times we shared there in an area she now calls home. (Love you, my Harmony...)

Kerry and I returned to Utah (15 hours of mostly desert and wilderness again) and stayed at his sister, Content's for the next two nights. She always makes us feel like we are part of her family. Son David, his wife Olivia, and their sweet little boys were there - Ethan, Caleb and little baby Rhett - who was only 3 weeks old. Daughter Truly was there, too. I love making connections with my nieces and nephews...

The main reason we took this trip was for Kerry to attend his 40TH HIGH SCHOOL REUNION!!! Wow...It was fun watching him connect with friends he grew up in Utah with. His family moved to Utah when Kerry was 16 years old, so he left friends in California to make new friends in Utah. As we prepared to leave, two of his very closest friends in school were talking with me. They will help Kerry with the next reunion in five years, since HE WAS UNANIMOUSOLY VOTED TO HEAD THE NEXT ONE! As I said goodbye to them, one of them said, "You know, I was aware that Kerry had married. But, I didn't realize he had married such a cutie!"

A cutie. Now, that has stuck in my brain ever since. A cutie. I'm 55 years old, I'm saggy, I'm baggy, I'm a lot of things. But, I don't think cutie was ever on the list.

A cutie. Hmmm...

Kerry's 40th class reunion. There was just about 100 in his class. These were able to come. An email was sent from the girl he was engaged to several years before he met me. She has MS and is totally wheelchair-bound, barely able to get out of bed. She's had four different cancers and has had 12 operations in three years. Her youngest child, a daughter, died at age 20 of a massive heart attack.

I nearly cried. I have not been able to stop thinking about her. When I met her 20 years ago, I thanked her for sending letters of support to Kerry when he served his mission. She got him through some pretty tough and lonely times.

We attended church with Content and Larry, stayed the night with Kerry's sister, Harmony (who's preparing for her wedding!) and headed for home on Monday morning (another 30 hours...). It was a good trip. It was a long trip. It was one of the most rewarding trips ever - until we reached a rest stop in Wyoming that posted this sign:

I couldn't get out of the car. This sign scared everything right back up in me.

This month, we wish a happy birthday to:
Kristi - dau of Kerry's brother, Steve - Sep 3
Kylie - g-dau of Kerry's brother, Steve - Sep 3
Earl - Jean's husband - Sep 7
Larry - husband of Kerry's sister, Content - Sep 9
Jonathan - son of Kerry's brother, David - Sep 9
Steve - Jean's son - Sep 14
David - son of Kerry's sister, Content - Sep 15
Vaughn - son of Kerry's brother, Kelly - Sep 15
Erin - d-i-l of sister, Betty - Sep 16
Topher - son of Kerry's brother, Chris - Sep 20
PT - son of sister, Betty - Sep 20
Orson - Kerry's Dad, who would have been 92 this year - Sep 30

And a happy anniversary to:
Rachael & Scott - dau and s-i-l of Kerry's brother, David - Sep 5 (today!)
Gay & Kent - Kerry's sister & her husband - Sep 14 (she died of ALS in 2000)
Justin & Erin - Betty's son and d-i-l - Sep 25
Adrienne & Adam - dau & s-i-l of Kerry's sister, Joy - Sep 27

Love to y'all...
Miss P