I'm at Walmart the other day with my husband and he takes off to go look at something. I get a phone call on my cell. It looks like a California number and I answer it, hoping maybe it's good news from the agency.
It was Geico. They were calling in regards to the accident on December 17th. They wanted to get a statement. I was stumped. Were they talking about 2 years ago when John hit the deer? I think that was around December. I didn't get it. Why would they call about an old accident? So I say, I'm not sure which accident you mean. They explain, the accident on Dec. 17 that involved our F1-50. Well my husband had told me that the headlight had fallen out the other day while he was driving. Weird. Just out of nowhere it fell out. I thought well maybe he put a claim into Geico since we had been talking about if they would cover that or not. So I ask, is this about the headlight? Well I don't know about a headlight, but I guess the other car got rear-ended, a Mazda, etc. I laugh and say, I hadn't heard anything. They ask if they can speak to my husband and I say, yeah let me find him. I can't find him, so I give the guy his cell number.
Hubby won't answer the phone if he doesn't know who's calling him. They called him and he didn't answer. So then he's looking for me and calls me on my cell phone. He says where are you? I say, the question is...... Where were you December 17th? I was teasing, but wondering if maybe he knew something but didn't think it was a big deal. Or maybe he'd called and told them about the headlight? He doesn't know what I'm talking about. He asks if I'm joking. I say no, Geico just called... Then he remembers that his coworker had borrowed the truck on Friday- December 17th. I was so flipping pissed. This guy borrows the truck to go get doughnuts and we're not clear what happened, but he apparently hit someone. Then he didn't even say anything to my husband.. but he must have exchanged information with the lady. Hello! Did he not think we would notice or that the insurance company wouldn't call? He didn't even say anything when my husband had told him that the headlight mysteriously fell off that night!
John (hubby) wasn't very happy that I was accusing him of not telling me something. I just didn't know why Geico would be calling and he had told me the light fell out. I had no clue anyone had borrowed the car. I told him to let the guy know that he caused a nice little fight between us.
This is our family truck. It's the nicest vehicle we have. We've had it less than a year. We can't afford to pay the deductible to get it fixed. Hubby has since talked to the guy and let him know that he needs to pay to get it fixed. UGH! What a nightmare. I hate not being able to trust people and what hubby hates the most is being LIED to!
Author of Once Upon a Surrogate: The Stork’s Helpers, started the phrase “I’m not the mom. I’m just the stork”. Surrogacy has opened many doors for me which led to a happier, more rewarding life. (Inactive as far as the Mormon part, still spiritual, open and respectful) My surrobabies were born in 2006 (girl), 2009 (twin boys) and 2014 (girl). I am a huge surrogacy advocate and creative entrepreneur. Hoping to match for one final journey.
One of my Surrogacy Shops
"My #1 selling design/phrase"
Showing posts with label husband. Show all posts
Showing posts with label husband. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Really? My husband's not a military veteran?
I let you know last year how I feel about Veteran's Day. I believe that if you are a veteran and are now employed as a civilian, that you should get the day off with pay! My husband was kidding around yesterday saying how he should get today off or at least 1/2 a day. He was met with the response of "You're not a veteran. You didn't go to war." Or "You didn't retire, you weren't in for 20 years" ETC.
Well, let's check the definition of a military veteran:
(taken from wikipedia)
Now, I don't mean to be rude. I know that not everyone is clear on the definition of a military veteran.
The proof is in the pictures, right?
Well this alone should be proof enough that my husband is a veteran:
Hello? That's a tatoo on a sailor. Not just any tattoo either. It's a tribal tattoo that he got while on deployment- in port at Perth, Austrailia. (his favorite port I might add) An Aborigine tatted him. Although John points out it was in a regular tattoo shop. I happen to love frogs and purple. Coincidence? :)
Ok enough silliness...
So, what do I have to say to those that would think my husband is not a veteran?
And then I decided to ask my husband a few questions and add some more thoughts:
Back to the pictures..
This is one of my favorite pictures. It was when John returned from his 1st deployment. (USS John Hancock March 1999) This is John holding/meeting his daughter Tristan for the 1st time. She was 3 months old. A stranger took this picture of our little family and then we were lucky enough that the picture made it's way to us. They were so sweet when they took the picture, they said we were just the cutest little Navy family.
Look at all those roses. They were all for me. How sweet!
Here are the pictures from the "famous" 10 month deployment. (USS Shiloh CCG 67 April 25,2003) These pictures were either in the newspaper or found on the internet. I don't know who to give credit to, but we're in them, so how about that?
Yeah we were kind of happy to see each other.
Is that not the sweetest thing you've ever seen? The way Jeremy is holding on to his daddy. That's John's mom off to the side holding little Tristan who has a balloon for a face. Darn it.
John's view- Coronado
Jeremy got to be on the ship with John from Hawaii to San Diego.
Woah, wait a minute. That's a bunch of HOO HA! My husband also received a text from his sister asking if he was a vet. Where was she when he was on deployment and the war 1st started?
Well, let's check the definition of a military veteran:
(taken from wikipedia)
The most common usage is for former armed services personnel. A veteran is one who has served in the armed forces, especially one who has served in combat. It is especially applied to those who served for an entire career, usually of 20 years or more, but may be applied for someone who has only served one tour of duty. A common misconception is that only those who have served in combat or those who have retired from active duty can be called military veterans.
Now, I don't mean to be rude. I know that not everyone is clear on the definition of a military veteran.
The proof is in the pictures, right?
Well this alone should be proof enough that my husband is a veteran:
Ok enough silliness...
So, what do I have to say to those that would think my husband is not a veteran?
And then I decided to ask my husband a few questions and add some more thoughts:
Back to the pictures..
This is one of my favorite pictures. It was when John returned from his 1st deployment. (USS John Hancock March 1999) This is John holding/meeting his daughter Tristan for the 1st time. She was 3 months old. A stranger took this picture of our little family and then we were lucky enough that the picture made it's way to us. They were so sweet when they took the picture, they said we were just the cutest little Navy family.
Here are the pictures from the "famous" 10 month deployment. (USS Shiloh CCG 67 April 25,2003) These pictures were either in the newspaper or found on the internet. I don't know who to give credit to, but we're in them, so how about that?
These are from his deployment on the USS Peleliu LHA 5 when they returned to San Diego on our 10 year anniversary: 9/20/2007. And I was even interviewed- http://www.navy.mil/search/print.asp?story_id=32066&VIRIN=51138&imagetype=1&page=1
Peleliu Returns Home
Story Number: NNS070926-30
9/26/2007
Story Number: NNS070926-30
9/26/2007
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Brian Gaines, Fleet Public Affairs Center Pacific
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Peleliu (LHA 5) returned to its homeport of San Diego following their four-month Pacific Partnership 2007 deployment Sept. 20.
Approximately 1,000 friends and family members turned out at pier 13 at Naval Station San Diego to welcome the Sailors and civilians returning from Southeast Asia and Oceania.
As the crowd neared the pier, members of the Navy Southwest Region Band played popular songs to add to the festivities.
“The Peleliu wanted to go all out, so we did,” said Senior Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/AW) Russ Paje, the coordinator for the homecoming event. “Everything is running smoothly, and that’s always good.
As the ship neared the pier, the crowd began cheering loudly. Applause and random comments about the ship’s stature, as well as how remarkable it is to see Sailors manning the rails, could be heard throughout the crowd.
“It’s truly exciting,” said the spouse of Peleliu Chaplain Lt. Kevin Nortin, who was one of approximately 12 spouses who were allowed onto the pier for the coveted "first kiss.” “It has been a long time coming,” she said.
For some Sailors, such as Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Mark Carlson, it was a special family reunion. Carlson’s parents and grandparents traveled from Nebraska to welcome him home.
“It is an exhilarating experience,” said Jo Anne Carlson, Carlson’s grandmother, of her first time witnessing a homecoming. “I’m so proud of him and all the Sailors on the ship.”
“It’s chilling, exciting and emotional,” said Linda Carlson, Carlson’s mother. “I’m glad everyone has come back safe.”
For the spouse of Damage Controlman 2nd Class John Reeder, the day was twice as special. In addition to seeing her husband for the first time in four months, the day also marked their 10-year wedding anniversary.
“I’m a little nervous, but excited at the same time,” she said, who was on hand with the couple’s two young daughters. “It’s always a flood of emotions when John returns.”
Throughout the deployment, Peleliu served as a platform for military and civilian personnel, who provided medical and dental care, as well as, education and preventative medicine to more than 31,600 people in the Philippines, Vietnam, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
For more news from USS Peleiu, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/lha5/.
Approximately 1,000 friends and family members turned out at pier 13 at Naval Station San Diego to welcome the Sailors and civilians returning from Southeast Asia and Oceania.
As the crowd neared the pier, members of the Navy Southwest Region Band played popular songs to add to the festivities.
“The Peleliu wanted to go all out, so we did,” said Senior Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/AW) Russ Paje, the coordinator for the homecoming event. “Everything is running smoothly, and that’s always good.
As the ship neared the pier, the crowd began cheering loudly. Applause and random comments about the ship’s stature, as well as how remarkable it is to see Sailors manning the rails, could be heard throughout the crowd.
“It’s truly exciting,” said the spouse of Peleliu Chaplain Lt. Kevin Nortin, who was one of approximately 12 spouses who were allowed onto the pier for the coveted "first kiss.” “It has been a long time coming,” she said.
For some Sailors, such as Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Mark Carlson, it was a special family reunion. Carlson’s parents and grandparents traveled from Nebraska to welcome him home.
“It is an exhilarating experience,” said Jo Anne Carlson, Carlson’s grandmother, of her first time witnessing a homecoming. “I’m so proud of him and all the Sailors on the ship.”
“It’s chilling, exciting and emotional,” said Linda Carlson, Carlson’s mother. “I’m glad everyone has come back safe.”
For the spouse of Damage Controlman 2nd Class John Reeder, the day was twice as special. In addition to seeing her husband for the first time in four months, the day also marked their 10-year wedding anniversary.
“I’m a little nervous, but excited at the same time,” she said, who was on hand with the couple’s two young daughters. “It’s always a flood of emotions when John returns.”
Throughout the deployment, Peleliu served as a platform for military and civilian personnel, who provided medical and dental care, as well as, education and preventative medicine to more than 31,600 people in the Philippines, Vietnam, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
For more news from USS Peleiu, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/lha5/.
Jessica being silly with her daddy, obviously glad to have him back.
Jessica and Tristan with John in his new uniform.
He was with the MA department towards the end.
I am proud to have been a military wife for 10 years.
Thank You to all military past and present. Happy Veteran's Day!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Twas the night before hubby's birthday: a funny story
I turned on the sprinklers. I worked on my book and I played on the internet. About 40 minutes later, hubby says "You forgot to turn off the sprinklers" Oh ok, oops. I come upstairs, assuming he's turned them off.
No.
He asks me, "Are you going to turn them off?" My reply "Oh, I thought you did."
He replies, "I can't, I'm in my underwear." I say, "Well I got soaked turning them on, I don't want to get wet again." He suggests going over the railing. I say, "But my legs are short, I can't do that as well as you can."
It's now after 11 PM. I walk out the front door and it's pitch black outside. I tell hubby, "It's dark, I can't see what I'm doing." We only have motion lights out front so he tells me to flip the switch and jump up and down in front of the sensor. I follow his instructions.
I proceed to fling one leg over the railing. I'm stuck. I can't touch ground without grabbing on to something and in previous experiences, the railing isn't very sturdy to CLIMB on or hold on to in that manner. So I am stuck in hover mode and I'm contemplating my next move.
That's when a car drives by. (please, please don't see me) It slows down. Nooooo, don't stop in front of our house. I'm thinking it either looks like I'm trying to sneak out or sneak in.
I hear my name: "Jill, what are you doing?"
Pure embarassment. (it's our new bishop and his cute family) "Um, I'm trying to turn off the sprinklers, but my legs are too short." They kindly offer up their son to help me. He runs through the sprinklers and I try my best to explain how to turn them on.
They start chatting with me about my husband's birthday the next day. I think it was his wife Stace that asks how old he's going to be. Well hubby and I are the same age within months of each other so I'm thinking, well I'm 33 so he must be turning 34. I say "He'll be 34." They reply, "Oh wow he's getting old." Ha ha, funny because I know they are a few years older than us.
In the meantime my husband throws on some clothes and peeks his head out. They say, "I hear you're going to be 34." He says, "No I'm going to be 33." I say, "Did ya skip a year sweetie?" He says, "No, I was born in 77, it's 2010, I'm going to be 33."
I say, "You mean I'm only 32?" I laugh a little uncomfortably because I already felt like an idiot.
The next day in the shower, (where I do my best thinking) I think I should have said...... "Yeah my husband isn't supposed to let me out at night without my medication."
No.
He asks me, "Are you going to turn them off?" My reply "Oh, I thought you did."
He replies, "I can't, I'm in my underwear." I say, "Well I got soaked turning them on, I don't want to get wet again." He suggests going over the railing. I say, "But my legs are short, I can't do that as well as you can."
It's now after 11 PM. I walk out the front door and it's pitch black outside. I tell hubby, "It's dark, I can't see what I'm doing." We only have motion lights out front so he tells me to flip the switch and jump up and down in front of the sensor. I follow his instructions.
I proceed to fling one leg over the railing. I'm stuck. I can't touch ground without grabbing on to something and in previous experiences, the railing isn't very sturdy to CLIMB on or hold on to in that manner. So I am stuck in hover mode and I'm contemplating my next move.
That's when a car drives by. (please, please don't see me) It slows down. Nooooo, don't stop in front of our house. I'm thinking it either looks like I'm trying to sneak out or sneak in.
I hear my name: "Jill, what are you doing?"
Pure embarassment. (it's our new bishop and his cute family) "Um, I'm trying to turn off the sprinklers, but my legs are too short." They kindly offer up their son to help me. He runs through the sprinklers and I try my best to explain how to turn them on.
They start chatting with me about my husband's birthday the next day. I think it was his wife Stace that asks how old he's going to be. Well hubby and I are the same age within months of each other so I'm thinking, well I'm 33 so he must be turning 34. I say "He'll be 34." They reply, "Oh wow he's getting old." Ha ha, funny because I know they are a few years older than us.
In the meantime my husband throws on some clothes and peeks his head out. They say, "I hear you're going to be 34." He says, "No I'm going to be 33." I say, "Did ya skip a year sweetie?" He says, "No, I was born in 77, it's 2010, I'm going to be 33."
I say, "You mean I'm only 32?" I laugh a little uncomfortably because I already felt like an idiot.
The next day in the shower, (where I do my best thinking) I think I should have said...... "Yeah my husband isn't supposed to let me out at night without my medication."
Monday, November 23, 2009
Monday Mingle for Nov. 23, 2009 (my first time, come meet my husband)
I am so excited to participate in Monday Mingle for the 1st time. It was so fun to bring hubby into it as well. I've been thinking about having him join me in vlogging, so this was a great start.
I apologize for the crappy sound quality, my computer is loud. (background hum) Turn up the volume so you can hear us, but try not to get too upset about the background noise. We'll try to do better next time.
Here are the questions we had to answer:
We're mixing it up a bit this week - ALL ABOUT MARRIAGE/RELATIONSHIPS:
Speedy Cop would love to see the husband/partner's answers too - either via vlog or through you!
1. Men: When your spouse asks you "how does this outfit make me look" - how do you respond?
Ladies: Do you really want him to answer honestly?
2. Both: What is one thing you should always do to keep your spouse/partner happy? What do you do/say to avoid friction in your relationship?
3. Both: What were the first thoughts about your spouse/partner that came to mind when you first met him/her?
4. Both: What is your favorite physical feature of your spouse/partner?
5. Both: What are the key ingredients to a successful marriage/relationship?
6. Are you ready for more Speedy Cop movie quotes?
We had fun doing this. Hope you enjoy watching it.
~ Mormon Surrogate
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Prayers are welcome
My husband was having some crazy back pain a few weeks ago. He told me it was probably his kidneys. We went to the dr. and sure enough, kidney infection! He was put on antibiotics. Well the antibiotics were kicking his butt and knocking him out by 1:00 PM. Not the best thing for someone who works with heavy machinery and needs to be on the ball and focused. So he didn't take them twice a day, he took them once at night when he remembered. I think he got 1/2 the bottle taken.
Then he started getting nasty headaches with fuzzy eyes. This went on for a few days, so we made another Dr. appt. I wrote about this in another post, but here's the rundown:
He was sent from Family Dr. to Eye Dr. to hosptial for MRI and bloodwork. I do believe the MRI showed nothing, we're still waiting on the bloodwork. The Eye Dr. did say he had double vision and it could be from a few things and to call back if it got worse.
This morning he wakes up and he could hardly see. The double vision was worse than ever. I asked if he needed to stay home from work and rest his eyes. He mulled it over for a bit. He said the Eye Dr. told him to call if it got worse, so he'd go into work and then call. That's the military in him. No matter how sick you are or what is wrong, go to work first. In the meantime, he was told it might help if he covered one eye. So he found our daughter's eye patches and headed to work. He asked me to call the Eye Dr. for him.
I called and talked to the Dr. He was still waiting on the results from the MRI and bloodwork. He suggested that John stay home and rest his eyes and take it easy. John is on his way home now. Because he has to cover one eye, he said he almost hit a deer earlier and then didn't see a truck backing up. He cannot do his job with one eye. It's not advisable that he drives with just one eye. He just can't see everything he needs to see. Sure, he may adjust to it, but for now, it's not a good idea.
The Dr. called me back and said all the test results were negative. We just love a good mystery here- NOT!
It could be something he was born with that is showing up now. It could be from extreme fatigue or stress. I know he doesn't get enough sleep, and there's definitely stress at work. (Maybe it's from the kidney infection? But that would probably show up in the bloodwork)
Our daughter had surgery on both eyes when she was 5. She has Amblyopia, Strabismus and Astigmatism. She has worn glasses since she was 2. At first the Dr's thought it would correct itself or go away with glasses. But at the age of 5, they had to perform surgery. Her eyes were twisted and crooked.
Now he's being referred to a Neuro-Opthamologist. He can get in next Thursday. I don't know what he'll do until then. His job is far too dangerous to do with double vision or one eye. Maybe he can get a few days off with pay? We can't afford for him to miss work, and he's already having to miss today.
I want to know what's wrong. I want to know it can be fixed. I want results. I know John feels the same. Even if it's bad news, he'd rather know what's going on.
Please, please, please keep us in your prayers.
Then he started getting nasty headaches with fuzzy eyes. This went on for a few days, so we made another Dr. appt. I wrote about this in another post, but here's the rundown:
He was sent from Family Dr. to Eye Dr. to hosptial for MRI and bloodwork. I do believe the MRI showed nothing, we're still waiting on the bloodwork. The Eye Dr. did say he had double vision and it could be from a few things and to call back if it got worse.
This morning he wakes up and he could hardly see. The double vision was worse than ever. I asked if he needed to stay home from work and rest his eyes. He mulled it over for a bit. He said the Eye Dr. told him to call if it got worse, so he'd go into work and then call. That's the military in him. No matter how sick you are or what is wrong, go to work first. In the meantime, he was told it might help if he covered one eye. So he found our daughter's eye patches and headed to work. He asked me to call the Eye Dr. for him.
I called and talked to the Dr. He was still waiting on the results from the MRI and bloodwork. He suggested that John stay home and rest his eyes and take it easy. John is on his way home now. Because he has to cover one eye, he said he almost hit a deer earlier and then didn't see a truck backing up. He cannot do his job with one eye. It's not advisable that he drives with just one eye. He just can't see everything he needs to see. Sure, he may adjust to it, but for now, it's not a good idea.
The Dr. called me back and said all the test results were negative. We just love a good mystery here- NOT!
It could be something he was born with that is showing up now. It could be from extreme fatigue or stress. I know he doesn't get enough sleep, and there's definitely stress at work. (Maybe it's from the kidney infection? But that would probably show up in the bloodwork)
Our daughter had surgery on both eyes when she was 5. She has Amblyopia, Strabismus and Astigmatism. She has worn glasses since she was 2. At first the Dr's thought it would correct itself or go away with glasses. But at the age of 5, they had to perform surgery. Her eyes were twisted and crooked.
Now he's being referred to a Neuro-Opthamologist. He can get in next Thursday. I don't know what he'll do until then. His job is far too dangerous to do with double vision or one eye. Maybe he can get a few days off with pay? We can't afford for him to miss work, and he's already having to miss today.
I want to know what's wrong. I want to know it can be fixed. I want results. I know John feels the same. Even if it's bad news, he'd rather know what's going on.
Please, please, please keep us in your prayers.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Thank you Vets and current Military!
I wish I had something profound to say on Veteran's Day. I will try my best. First I want to say that I think all veterans should get Veteran's Day off with double pay!
I am thankful to all military;, previous, current or future. For those that don't know, my husband is a veteran, disabled even. Not in a profound way, not because of war, but he is a disabled vet. I am grateful for all the benefits, services, etc. offered to veterans!
My husband was in the Navy for 10 years and 2 months. He went on 4 deployments. He missed our 2nd daughter's birth while on his 1st deployment. His ship (USS Shiloh) was one of the 1st ships out and back during this current on-going war. They were the 1st (or at least one of) to shoot off missiles. That deployment went from a 6 month to a record-breaking 10 month deployment. I got the call Christmas Eve I believe, that they were not headed home in January, they were going back, indefinitely. I know that the sailors are safer than the soldiers, but that was a hard time for me. I was constantly worrying and watching the news. It was a wonderful feeling to stand on the pier when his ship finally pulled back into port in San Diego. There were many news reporters and photographers there that day. We were surprised and thrilled to see a picture of my husband and son on the front page of the LA times (and in other newspapers) the next day. We later found many other pictures of them and even hubby and me in other newspapers and online. Very proud moments. 9 months later, Jessica was born. Probably one of the 1st post-war babies. Although the war was not over.
John lost one of his great captains on September 11th. Robort Dolan was the captain of his 1st ship, the USS John Hancock. He was working in the Pentagon on the 1st floor. That really hit home. I think a lot of our military know it could happen, but when you find yourself in a war and actually know people who have died in that war, it is far too real.
I am so proud of my husband and all he has done for our country and for our family. We started out as a young couple out of a high school with a baby. We did not have a lot of money, and really struggled. Because of the Navy, we have a house, we have 3 cars (they may not always run, but we have them), we have a better relationship. With each deployment, we became stronger and closer. We were able to reconnect and almost start over each time we saw each other after being separated. We appreciate each other more. It's made us both strong in ways we never imagined. We have memories to last a lifetime.
Thank you John and all of our other military!
P.S. I got a little teary-eyed remembering some of that. Those proud moments really stay with you. If you're a military spouse, parent, or child, you know what I mean!
Pictures include: John meeting Tristan for the 1st time. (she was 3 months old) He had just returned home from his 1st deployment. (USS John Hancock Mayport Florida) Someone took that picture of us. They said, "You are such a cute little Military family. Can we take your picture?" I am so thankful, because they captured that moment for us. I wasn't taking as many pictures back then for some reason. We were even lucky that they were able to find us later to give us the picture.
The other pictures are from the USS Shiloh out of San Diego. I believe the picture of John on the ship was probably on it's way in to port after the 10 month (war) deployment. The others are pictures we've found in newspapers and online of the day they returned.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
And Satan hates my husband
Sunday November 1st, John received his patriarchal blessing. I was so excited for him. It was awesome, just me, John and our close friend Jake. Of course the patriarch was there as well. We got to meet his wife too, and they were a very neat couple. I got my patriarchal blessing when I was 14. I have treasured it since and will treasure it always. Mine said I would marry in the temple one day... and after 11 years of marriage I thought well not in this lifetime...but then lot's of wonderful things happened this year which led us to the temple. :)
I was excited to hear his at an older age. It was very neat and a good amount was what I expected to hear. What's cool is there is a part in his that is very close if not the same as mine.
One part that took me off guard just a bit... was to hear that Satan hates him. I mean Wow! What strong words. But it's true. Satan thought he had him in his clutches, thought he had him fooled. Thought he had tricked him into false happiness. Satan is pissed that he is following a better path, that he took his family to the temple, that he is a righteous man. He will do all in his power to try and get him back. John needed to hear that. Now it will be a constant reminder. We got the printed version in the mail today.
John told his mom, "I don't want anyone to hate me!" Of course who would want Satan to like them? On the other side of things, his Heavenly Father loves him and is so proud of him! I would have to agree!
I was excited to hear his at an older age. It was very neat and a good amount was what I expected to hear. What's cool is there is a part in his that is very close if not the same as mine.
One part that took me off guard just a bit... was to hear that Satan hates him. I mean Wow! What strong words. But it's true. Satan thought he had him in his clutches, thought he had him fooled. Thought he had tricked him into false happiness. Satan is pissed that he is following a better path, that he took his family to the temple, that he is a righteous man. He will do all in his power to try and get him back. John needed to hear that. Now it will be a constant reminder. We got the printed version in the mail today.
John told his mom, "I don't want anyone to hate me!" Of course who would want Satan to like them? On the other side of things, his Heavenly Father loves him and is so proud of him! I would have to agree!
Trunk or Treat
I had an awesome time helping John and Jake set up and scare at the famous Buntjers Haunted House. If you live in our neighborhood/ward, you know what I'm talking about! :)
I was so excited to scare kids. Of course the "older" kids didn't scare as easy as the younger ones. The line was crazy to get in and the kids were waiting before we were even "open" for business.
It was too dark and foggy to get pictures of the inside, but I tried to get pics of the progress and the line.
If the picture editor will work for me, I'd love to post the pictures.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Speechless
Not much to say. I'm back to my boring life. Nothing to look forward to. I mean for awhile, we had the temple to look forward to. Not much going on around here.
I'm worn out taking care of kids and husbands. First Johnny got a kidney infection, we found out last Thursday. He kept us both up all night that night in pain. I was ready to take him to the hospital.. but he said he didn't need to go.. It did ease up, so I was glad we didn't have to pay the $100 ER copay. Since then I swear our daughter TJ had swine flu. You could just see it in her eyes that she was sick. All the symptoms fit. I've felt yuccy myself and then JJ was feeling a lot of stomach pain, and felt like he was pretty much going to die. (He is our drama king) I never know how serious I should take him. I know to him, he thinks it's THAT bad! But if I were to take him to the Dr. or the hospital every time he felt THAT bad.. they would probably change addresses and not let us know where they moved to.
Also little JW had a nasty headache for a few days. I think it lasted the extra 2 days because she liked the berry flavored motrin.
So I've been exhausted taking care of everyone... I feel so BLAH! I don't want to do ANYTHING! I guess I've been a bit sick myself.. I just hate those days where you get nothing done...
I'm worn out taking care of kids and husbands. First Johnny got a kidney infection, we found out last Thursday. He kept us both up all night that night in pain. I was ready to take him to the hospital.. but he said he didn't need to go.. It did ease up, so I was glad we didn't have to pay the $100 ER copay. Since then I swear our daughter TJ had swine flu. You could just see it in her eyes that she was sick. All the symptoms fit. I've felt yuccy myself and then JJ was feeling a lot of stomach pain, and felt like he was pretty much going to die. (He is our drama king) I never know how serious I should take him. I know to him, he thinks it's THAT bad! But if I were to take him to the Dr. or the hospital every time he felt THAT bad.. they would probably change addresses and not let us know where they moved to.
Also little JW had a nasty headache for a few days. I think it lasted the extra 2 days because she liked the berry flavored motrin.
So I've been exhausted taking care of everyone... I feel so BLAH! I don't want to do ANYTHING! I guess I've been a bit sick myself.. I just hate those days where you get nothing done...
Monday, October 12, 2009
Introducing the rest of the family...
Married to: John
We knew each other in middle school. Started dating in high school and have been together ever since. I will post our detailed story another time. He is a welder. He joined the Navy when we were both 21 and had not even been married a year. He was a Damage Controlman (DC) in the Navy. Basically he was in charge of repairing the ship if need be during battle. For instance, if there was a hole in the side of the ship, we would have to find any means to repair that hole. He was also in charge of teaching all the other sailors fire-fighting skills. He was on the USS John Hancock in Mayport Florida from 1999-2000. (deccomissioned the ship) He was on the USS Shiloh in San Diego from 2000-2003.He was a recruitor in West Valley Utah from 2003-2003. He was on the USS Arco in Point Loma (sub-base) from 2003-2006. He was on the USS Pelileu in San Diego from 2006-2008. He got out of the Navy October 30, 2008. He now is a welder/pile driver for a great company. He can do just about anything. He is very good with projects. He can think it and actually make it come to life. He is a hard worker! He is sarcastic and funny. He has very little patience. He is extremely good looking! :) He is by far my very best friend!
Oldest child: Jeremy (boy-12)
Such a mix. He is ADHD, has dealt with depression and anxiety since he was about 7, possibly bi-polar. He has a learning disability and school is hard and frustrating for him. If things don't happen the way he expects them too, his world comes crashing down. He is very sensitive which can be good and bad. He is not always easy to get along with or understand where he's coming from, but if you take the time to get to know him and give him a chance he is really sweet and really smart. He is also very creative and has a fun sense of humor. He makes up songs for the dog and dances with her. He loves Legos and made me the Beatles out of his legos for a birthday party decoration.. it was so cool! He will blow you away with information on some very interesting stuff.
Middle child: Tristan (girl-9)
She is my helper girl. She's a little mommy. I can depend on her at least 90% of the time. She is responsible and very mature for her age. She can be very good with her little sister. She is sometimes shy. She's a wonderful student and seems to really love school. There was a time when she would get extremely angry about something and would become fuming mad. Her pupils would become huge and all you could see was black in her eyes. I was very concerned. Dr's didn't find anything wrong with her. She is better with that, but there are still times where she gets so mad, she shuts down and you can't seem to reach her. Is that a sign of bi-polar? It runs strong in our family. She loves karaoke. She likes Pink and Hannah Montanah. She loves playing the drums on Beatles Rock Band.
Baby: Jessica (girl-5)
My little clone. She is so much like me. She looks like me when I was little.(Only she is not shy like I was) She even became a Beatles fan at a young age. She was singing Beatles songs when she was 1 1/2. I am not kidding! She thinks Paul McCartney is her boyfriend and she used to have John Lennon as her imaginary friend. She is very loving and loves to sing. She makes up songs at least once a day. She is hardly ever in a bad mood unless her brother or sister are picking on her. She hates cleaning her room.
She's my little monkey. She was even born "year of the monkey" She is fun and silly and I hope she never grows up.
We knew each other in middle school. Started dating in high school and have been together ever since. I will post our detailed story another time. He is a welder. He joined the Navy when we were both 21 and had not even been married a year. He was a Damage Controlman (DC) in the Navy. Basically he was in charge of repairing the ship if need be during battle. For instance, if there was a hole in the side of the ship, we would have to find any means to repair that hole. He was also in charge of teaching all the other sailors fire-fighting skills. He was on the USS John Hancock in Mayport Florida from 1999-2000. (deccomissioned the ship) He was on the USS Shiloh in San Diego from 2000-2003.He was a recruitor in West Valley Utah from 2003-2003. He was on the USS Arco in Point Loma (sub-base) from 2003-2006. He was on the USS Pelileu in San Diego from 2006-2008. He got out of the Navy October 30, 2008. He now is a welder/pile driver for a great company. He can do just about anything. He is very good with projects. He can think it and actually make it come to life. He is a hard worker! He is sarcastic and funny. He has very little patience. He is extremely good looking! :) He is by far my very best friend!
Oldest child: Jeremy (boy-12)
Such a mix. He is ADHD, has dealt with depression and anxiety since he was about 7, possibly bi-polar. He has a learning disability and school is hard and frustrating for him. If things don't happen the way he expects them too, his world comes crashing down. He is very sensitive which can be good and bad. He is not always easy to get along with or understand where he's coming from, but if you take the time to get to know him and give him a chance he is really sweet and really smart. He is also very creative and has a fun sense of humor. He makes up songs for the dog and dances with her. He loves Legos and made me the Beatles out of his legos for a birthday party decoration.. it was so cool! He will blow you away with information on some very interesting stuff.
Middle child: Tristan (girl-9)
She is my helper girl. She's a little mommy. I can depend on her at least 90% of the time. She is responsible and very mature for her age. She can be very good with her little sister. She is sometimes shy. She's a wonderful student and seems to really love school. There was a time when she would get extremely angry about something and would become fuming mad. Her pupils would become huge and all you could see was black in her eyes. I was very concerned. Dr's didn't find anything wrong with her. She is better with that, but there are still times where she gets so mad, she shuts down and you can't seem to reach her. Is that a sign of bi-polar? It runs strong in our family. She loves karaoke. She likes Pink and Hannah Montanah. She loves playing the drums on Beatles Rock Band.
Baby: Jessica (girl-5)
My little clone. She is so much like me. She looks like me when I was little.(Only she is not shy like I was) She even became a Beatles fan at a young age. She was singing Beatles songs when she was 1 1/2. I am not kidding! She thinks Paul McCartney is her boyfriend and she used to have John Lennon as her imaginary friend. She is very loving and loves to sing. She makes up songs at least once a day. She is hardly ever in a bad mood unless her brother or sister are picking on her. She hates cleaning her room.
She's my little monkey. She was even born "year of the monkey" She is fun and silly and I hope she never grows up.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Disappointment
It seems like everytime I invite people to a party or an event... I don't hear from 80% of them. I just want a Yes, No, Maybe. Some sort of response.. some sort of "Well I can't make it, but thanks for inviting me." OR "Yes, I'll be there." OR "Maybe, I'm not sure." I don't even care what your reasoning is for not coming, it would just be nice to know that you've acknowledged the fact that I invited you.
It makes me feel like people who I thought were my friends, are not such good friends? The latest is obviously our temple event. I can understand that not everyone is even able to go through the temple with us. I can understand that some people are not religious and this may be something to roll their eyes about. But even so, can't they be happy for us? At least come to the celebration party afterwards? At least say.. "No thanks, but I'm happy for you?" Maybe the person doesn't know me very well or hasn't seen me for awhile and feels weird that I'd ask them to such a personal/religious event.
My sister and her husband went through the temple last year and got sealed to each other and their 2 girls. I was not at the same place in my life and I was not able to go to the temple, but I was beyond thrilled for them. To me, it was like they were getting married for the first time or something. I thought of it as a big deal, and I hope I made it clear how happy I was for them! I attended the after party and felt so much love for them.
So, I wonder.... because I can't just let things be. I have to analyze and over-analyze. Do I respond to people's invites? If it's through e-mail or any sort of internet form... YES! I usually respond right away, because I am constantly checking my e-mail, Facebook, etc. And I try to show enthusiasm. If I cannot make it, I will let them know.
However, I admit, I have gotten invitations in the mail and have not said anything. (bad girl) I'll have every intention of going or I'll be happy for the person/couple, whatever. But I don't always respond. Maybe I don't have their phone number, maybe I'm not that close to the person, whatever. But then if I see them later, I will congratulate them or say sorry I missed it.. etc. (at least 90% of the time)
I will try better though, because I'm hurt. So maybe this was to teach me a lesson?
Of course after I posted this, I got some more responses... (they were already there, I just hadn't read them yet)
I'm also a bit bummed that my dad and sister won't be joining us in the temple. Neither will John's dad. So I will have 3 moms- My mom, John's mom and my step mom. Cool, just not how I expected it to be. Not that I ever thought about it and really pictured it in my mind until recently.
My husband texted me 5 days before taking out our endowments:
"I'm RSVPing for Fri and Sat. I'll be there do or die."
That meant the world to me.
If you have a passion for helping people to navigate life's ups and downs, check out an online degree in social work.
It makes me feel like people who I thought were my friends, are not such good friends? The latest is obviously our temple event. I can understand that not everyone is even able to go through the temple with us. I can understand that some people are not religious and this may be something to roll their eyes about. But even so, can't they be happy for us? At least come to the celebration party afterwards? At least say.. "No thanks, but I'm happy for you?" Maybe the person doesn't know me very well or hasn't seen me for awhile and feels weird that I'd ask them to such a personal/religious event.
My sister and her husband went through the temple last year and got sealed to each other and their 2 girls. I was not at the same place in my life and I was not able to go to the temple, but I was beyond thrilled for them. To me, it was like they were getting married for the first time or something. I thought of it as a big deal, and I hope I made it clear how happy I was for them! I attended the after party and felt so much love for them.
So, I wonder.... because I can't just let things be. I have to analyze and over-analyze. Do I respond to people's invites? If it's through e-mail or any sort of internet form... YES! I usually respond right away, because I am constantly checking my e-mail, Facebook, etc. And I try to show enthusiasm. If I cannot make it, I will let them know.
However, I admit, I have gotten invitations in the mail and have not said anything. (bad girl) I'll have every intention of going or I'll be happy for the person/couple, whatever. But I don't always respond. Maybe I don't have their phone number, maybe I'm not that close to the person, whatever. But then if I see them later, I will congratulate them or say sorry I missed it.. etc. (at least 90% of the time)
I will try better though, because I'm hurt. So maybe this was to teach me a lesson?
Of course after I posted this, I got some more responses... (they were already there, I just hadn't read them yet)
I'm also a bit bummed that my dad and sister won't be joining us in the temple. Neither will John's dad. So I will have 3 moms- My mom, John's mom and my step mom. Cool, just not how I expected it to be. Not that I ever thought about it and really pictured it in my mind until recently.
My husband texted me 5 days before taking out our endowments:
"I'm RSVPing for Fri and Sat. I'll be there do or die."
That meant the world to me.
If you have a passion for helping people to navigate life's ups and downs, check out an online degree in social work.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Full Speed Ahead
So we've been on the fast course to the temple. We started seriously going back to church early Spring. John received the Aaronic Priesthood (became a Priest) in July and then was able to baptize our oldest kids. We started our temple classes/lessons in August I believe. We were told to go ahead and get the appointment with the temple recently. The bishop wasn't sure if they'd be open on October 3rd when we originally wanted to go through. So I called about 2 weeks ago. I found out that the temple was indeed closed for conference that day. Ok so let's see about October 10h. They are open, ok nice sweet lady goes through a list of questions, I ask her a few questions, etc. Then she asks me if my husband has received the melchezadik priesthood. No not yet. Ok she says sweetly, just call us back when he has and we'll get your appointment set up. Not too frustrating, it all makes sense, we just don't want to wait until the last minute to get an appointment. We've got a few things to get before hand, so the next 2 weeks will be frantic indeed, but in the best way possible!
So now we've finished with our temple classes and next step is John becoming an Elder and receiving the melchezadik priesthood. Our good friend helped us get a last minute interview to set it all up. So this morning I get a call to come in and have John meet with the stake president. Great! Our church starts at 1:00 PM. We head over to the stake center and have a 10:30 AM appointment. Well really John had the appointment. They then bring me in and happily inform me that my husband is worthy and can now be ordained an Elder. Yay! Now we need to have an interview with the bishop and stake president to get our temple recommends. We are told that John will probably be ordained the 11th of October and then we're good to go with getting interviewed and going to the temple.. Ah yes, but we were hoping to go to the temple on October 10th. Ok, then let's see if we can get it all done today. We'll get him ordained today and if you can get an interview with the bishop before sacrament, then we can do your other interview sometime after. Woohoo, full speed ahead! So we run over to our church house hoping to squeeze in an interview with the bishop. We are able to get that done around 11:45 AM. John was ordained about 2:30 PM and our final appointment with the stake president was about 2:50 PM. That's a lot in one day. :)
It all happened very fast and rather smooth I must say. My husband is now an Elder and we have our temple recommends. It is a bit surreal and rather exciting!
Oh one thing I didn't expect... in the middle of the interview the stake president asked us to do 2 things for him. For me I was to only wear 1 set of earrings from here on out (I have 3 sets now) and John was to be clean shaven. (he had a little patch on his chin) No problem. He's used to being clean shave after 10 years in the military and I do not mind taking out my extra earrings. Today my marriage extension has been approved.(we also get to keep the kids a little bit longer) What more could I ask for?
So now we've finished with our temple classes and next step is John becoming an Elder and receiving the melchezadik priesthood. Our good friend helped us get a last minute interview to set it all up. So this morning I get a call to come in and have John meet with the stake president. Great! Our church starts at 1:00 PM. We head over to the stake center and have a 10:30 AM appointment. Well really John had the appointment. They then bring me in and happily inform me that my husband is worthy and can now be ordained an Elder. Yay! Now we need to have an interview with the bishop and stake president to get our temple recommends. We are told that John will probably be ordained the 11th of October and then we're good to go with getting interviewed and going to the temple.. Ah yes, but we were hoping to go to the temple on October 10th. Ok, then let's see if we can get it all done today. We'll get him ordained today and if you can get an interview with the bishop before sacrament, then we can do your other interview sometime after. Woohoo, full speed ahead! So we run over to our church house hoping to squeeze in an interview with the bishop. We are able to get that done around 11:45 AM. John was ordained about 2:30 PM and our final appointment with the stake president was about 2:50 PM. That's a lot in one day. :)
It all happened very fast and rather smooth I must say. My husband is now an Elder and we have our temple recommends. It is a bit surreal and rather exciting!
Oh one thing I didn't expect... in the middle of the interview the stake president asked us to do 2 things for him. For me I was to only wear 1 set of earrings from here on out (I have 3 sets now) and John was to be clean shaven. (he had a little patch on his chin) No problem. He's used to being clean shave after 10 years in the military and I do not mind taking out my extra earrings. Today my marriage extension has been approved.(we also get to keep the kids a little bit longer) What more could I ask for?
Friday, September 25, 2009
On our way to the temple
I'm just going to dive right in.
I typed this up this morning to document our journey so far:
John and I just celebrated our 12th anniversary. We were married September 20, 1997. Our 1st child, Jeremy, was 6 months old. Our first date was October 1, 1994. We knew of each other in middle school, but became friends in high school through my friend Terrill. I have told those stories in other settings, papers, hopefully a book one day.
The past was filled with ups and downs. Now we look to the future, our future. I think I have always hoped and prayed that this would happen. I have always been a spiritual person. John and I were both raised in LDS families. We both went to church when we were younger and stopped going around the age of 15. We would go here and there though on occasion.
While John was in the Navy, we lived in Mayport, Florida and San Diego, California. During those times away from family and friends, we welcomed many missionaries into our home(s). It was nice to have something positive, friendly and familiar in our lives. We went to church once in awhile. It was not always easy to choose to spend our time at church when our time together was so limited. John was gone a lot and Sundays were sometimes his only day to be with us. By this point we had 2 girls, Tristan and Jessica.
John would always talk about maybe going back to church when he got out of the Navy. In 2006, we bought our 2nd house in Utah. We are currently there now. This neighborhood is amazing. When we first moved here we immediately saw how great the people were. Many people were willing to help the moment our moving truck arrived at 7:00 in the morning. Some men went to work late so they could help us. There were even small children carrying boxes to where they needed to go. I had just given birth to a surrogate baby and I couldn’t help much. It took John and his sister about 2 full days to load that moving truck. Our new neighbors had it unloaded in about an hour. We were so impressed with this little town we had moved to.
We started to get to know people in the church a little bit. They were all so sweet and wonderful. We went to church 2-3 times a year. We went to a few activities and the church helped us in many ways.
At the end of October 2008, John got out of the Navy. I had recently become pregnant with twins as a surrogate. By the way, surrogacy is a very spiritual experience for me and has brought me closer to God. I was not feeling good very often, but we managed to go to church once or twice between Fall and Winter. The Draper, Utah temple had recently been built and we attended the Open House with John’s parents and our kids. I had been on bed rest and still had to take it easy. I could not walk much, so they had to get me a wheelchair. (this happened everywhere we went, Walmart, Home Depot, I spent a good amount of time in wheelchairs during that pregnancy) It was a nice experience to enjoy the beauty and peacefulness inside the temple. It was so nice to share that as a family.
As Spring came and I got nearer to delivery, we went to church a few more times. It was hard though, because I was getting very big and uncomfortable at this point. I was on bed rest in December for a little bit and then again in March/April. I started going into labor in early April and I wasn’t due until June. I was put in the hospital on strict bed rest for a week. On April 15, 2009, there was no stopping those babies. I had a c-section and was happy to see that the babies were healthy. I was in the hospital for a few days and then home for recovery.
The next few weeks were hard as I tried to recover physically and emotionally. I was happy that the babies would be with their parents, but a lot had gone on during that pregnancy and delivery and it was exhausting. John suggested we start going back to church about once a month. I said sure.
Well, once a month turned in to once a week. I think John wanted it more for our kids then for ourselves. But the funny thing is, that our kids were sleeping over at one of the grandparents house every other weekend and we were still going to church with or without them. We started talking about getting the kids baptized. The age for that is 8 and our oldest kids were 12 and 9. It was hard to get them baptized at 8 because of the military. We were either living out of state and wanted to get them baptized in Utah with our family, or we were living in Utah but John wasn’t around long enough to schedule a baptism. It just wasn’t lining up right. Also there was the question of who to baptize the kids?
We started having the missionaries over to teach the kids. It was a nice refresher for John and I and we learned some things along the way that we had either forgotten or not realized. The missionaries asked who would baptize the kids? We started the discussion again. They asked if maybe John could do it. John didn’t think he could get ready in time. We had already waited to have them baptize and he didn’t want to hold them back any longer. The missionaries told him that it probably wouldn’t take as long as he thought.
We had a goal to baptize the kids and for John to be the one to baptize them. As we went through the process I jokingly referred to my husband as John the Baptist. There were certainly struggles along the way. Even though it was hard at times, we had never felt happier. I didn’t even know we could be happier. I thought we had a great marriage, I thought I was a very happy, positive person. I didn’t expect such a new level of happiness, pure joy. People were telling John that I just glowed. I was so proud of John and how far he had come and how far he had brought us as a couple and a family. I was so proud that he was the one to get us to that point.
John was finally ordained a priest and the kids were baptized July 18, 2009. We wanted to baptize them on John’s birthday, but it was on the 20th, which was a Monday. We figured it would be better to baptize them on a Saturday, so that more people could come to the baptism. What an amazing day. I couldn’t believe it was happening. I was so proud of our little family, so excited for the kids. I was blown away by the support we had. I’ve never seen so many people at a baptism. That room was as full as it could be. It was overwhelming in the most wonderful way. The Sprit was so strong.
Our next goal was the temple. Who knew that this year would be filled with so many wonderful experiences? Who knew that this is what we’d be doing at this time? It was so exciting to be heading in such a positive direction. We noticed little changes throughout our family and our families. There was more of an overall peace and happiness at home. I was feeling God smiling down at us. We were becoming closer to members of the ward and making some great friendships. We were getting to know people better that we already knew and meeting more great people along the way.
We were going to be taking a temple preparation class and John suggested that our friends, Jake and Sariah Buntjer be the ones to teach us. We have enjoyed meeting with them each week. We hope that we have found a long-lasting friendship with them. We also got to know a new neighbor across the street, Robert Nakagawa. I hope I spelled that right. He is a new convert and has been doing the temple lessons with us. He has brought so much to the lessons. It’s been great to be around him and his enthusiasm and love for the gospel.
One evening, we watched a really neat movie about temples. John was tired that day, so he didn’t see all of it. We ended up watching it at home a week or 2 later with my mom and our kids. We would stop and discuss things during the movie. At one point, our daughter Jessica who is 5 said, “Mom, I really like the temple.” I said, “Me too.” She said, “Do you want to know what I like best about the temple?” I said, “Sure.” She said, “The part where the light was shining up at Jesus.” I said, “Oh. Where did you see that? Was that in the movie? I don’t remember that part.” She said, “No, I didn’t see it in the movie, I saw it when we were in the temple.” What an amazing experience for a little girl. I was so happy that she had experienced something like that. She can’t wait to turn 8 so she can get baptized.
In August 2009, we had the opportunity to go to a temple dedication for the new Oquirrh Mountain temple. This took place at our Stake Center. We watched the broadcast there of the actual dedication. We were told that during that time, the church itself would be a temple. Wow, what an amazing feeling. I absolutely felt like we were in the temple. I have been like a sponge recently, just absorbing it all. I have been so spiritually open and available for spiritual knowledge and experience. With that, I have also been able to focus more on other things. My life seems a little less chaotic.
Anyway, one particular talk really stood out to me at the dedication, it was by President Uchtdorf. He told of Sanford and Thomas Bingham, the brothers who settled the area where the temple now stands. This stood out to me because John is related to the Bingham family.
I found this on another blog. Apparantly she is also related to the Binghams:
(found at http://christinescorner23.blogspot.com)
” The Bingham family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Vermont, later joining the saints who gathered in Kirtland, Ohio and later Nauvoo. When the saints began their exodus to the west, the family joined; Father Erastus was a captain of ten wagons in the Daniel Spencer Hundred, the second company of pioneers. The eldest son Sanford who had been crippled from birth, made the trip on horseback, driving cattle along the way. He and his bride, Martha Ann, were married by Parley P. Pratt in Nebraska and it was their job to supply the company with milk and butter. His younger brother, Thomas and several other brothers joined the Mormon Battalion along the route and rejoined the company to enter the valley in September 1847.
The following spring, Sanford and Thomas were given the assignment to tend the livestock in the canyon southeast of the Salt Lake Valley. While there, the brothers discovered rich mineral deposits but they were counseled by President Brigham Young that they should continue their farming and herding, as this is what the people needed. The canyon proved to be an ideal place not only for cattle and farming, but cutting timber. Within a few years, Archibald and Robert Gardner were directed to build a sawmill nearby and wagon-loads of timber were taken from the canyon’s hillsides including most of the wood used to construct the roof of the Salt Lake Tabernacle.
Though the Bingham family never benefited financially from the rich copper, gold, silver and lead later mined in the canyon, Pres. Uchtdorf reminded us they were spiritually strengthened by following the words of their prophet and leader. He shared the story of when Indians broke into the cabin where Martha Ann was alone with the children, busy ironing. Pres. Uchtdorf said that her tenacity, courage and confidence protected her and the Indians left without harming them. Family lore says that she was so upset when they sat on her freshly ironed clothing, that she grabbed their hair and threw them out. Whichever way, those Binghams were strong people and greatly blessed.”
I don’t remember if it was before or after the dedication, but we were at Lagoon recently and visited Pioneer Park where the famous Bingham Cabin is now located.
We weren’t sure which temple we should go to for our sealing. We were considering the Oquirrh Mountain Temple since it was new and close by. However, I don’t always like to do the “new and popular” things. When I heard that talk though, I knew we had found “our” temple.
I would like to mention some other interesting facts about the Oquirrh Mountain Temple.
This is taken from the temple website:
”The spire of the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple was installed atop the temple on July 11, 2008, immediately followed by installation of a gold-leafed statue of the angel Moroni.
Lightning struck the angel Moroni statue atop the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple on Saturday afternoon, June 13, 2009, during the public open house. The powerful bolt of lightning blackened Moroni's trumpet, arm, and face. A replacement statue was installed on August 11, 2009, 10 days before the dedicatory services began.
The ordinance room murals in the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple were painted by artists who were called as "art missionaries" for the Church.
President Thomas S. Monson dedicated the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple on his 82nd birthday. The crowd gathered for the cornerstone ceremony spontaneously sang him a birthday song. For the first time in Utah's history, church was cancelled statewide on August 23, 2009, to allow members to attend the dedication of the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple without conflict.”
We finished our last temple lesson last night, September 24, 2009. We are 2 weeks away from our goal of being sealed together as a family in the temple. We were hoping to go through on September 20 for our anniversary. However, this year that was on a Sunday so that wouldn’t work. We certainly didn’t want to wait another year. So we tried lining it up with our 1st dating anniversary of October 1st. But we figured it’s always easier to get everyone together on a Saturday. So we were going to choose the closest Saturday which would be October 3rd. However, General Conference is that weekend, so the temples will be closed. We are now hoping to go through on Saturday October 10th. That is a good date, because our wedding anniversary is a combination of our birthdays. My birthday is September 10th, John’s is July 20th, so we got married on September 20th. Well our first date was October 1st and my birthday is on the 10th, so October 10th is a combination of the two.
John still needs to become an Elder and receive the melchezadik priesthood. That should be happening this Sunday.
I would like to mention I believe this is all happening at the best time for us. I mean I think it means more now than it would have before. We had to go through other experiences to appreciate what we are going through and about to go through. Things lined up for us recently. I think it started with moving to Eagle Mountain, then, John getting out of the Navy. Also, John had to want this as well. It wouldn’t have meant anything if he was “just doing it for me”. John was lucky to have been able to get a job here. Money is a lot tighter, but we’ve never been happier.
Notes on pictures:
The picture of the temple is one I snapped passing by on Bangerter Hwy. It was a shot looking back.
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