Time Flies!

Today marks our 35th wedding anniversary!  It is hard to believe how quickly time has passed and that we have reached this landmark occasion.  I truly married my best friend and that choice is the single best choice I have made in my life.  I am blessed to get to travel life's journey with the kindest, sweetest, gentlest man alive.  Thanks for being my eternal companion, Kevin.  I love you!

Where Can I Turn for Peace?

We traveled back to Orem to attend the Sharon 6th Ward and listen to Brad and Shae speak in sacrament meeting.  The topic they were were given was a conference talk by Quinton L. Cook entitled "Personal Peace:  The Reward of Righteousness".

They both did an excellent job.  I loved listening as they applied everyday experiences to eternal principles.  All too soon the meeting closed and we were headed back north for home.

Shae and Brad both accepted church callings last week.  Shae was called to be 1st counselor in the Young Women's organization and Brad was called to be the scoutmaster.  To help him out with his new calling we purchased a two man tent at Costco and took it down to him with his sleeping bag and air mattress.  He was surprised how small, easy to set up, compact, yet roomy it is.

Brad set up the tent for the first time--trying it out in his living room!

Set up complete with sleeping bag and lantern!

Repacked to its compact size and ready for the first camp out!

Hopefully it will help him hit the ground running with his new calling!

David Betterman is in the House!

We were on the front row for the David Betterman show!  Thanks to Shae for saving us seats!  It pays to know the director.  David (aka Brad) hosted the honors code show for incoming BYU freshman.  I am amazed at the calm poise and stage presence that he has under pressure!

There was even a guest appearance by Cosmo!  Great job Brad and Shae!

Lee Robins Family Tree - June 2013

My assignment for the Flint Family Roundup to be held July 19-20, 2013 in Mantua, Utah was to create a family tree for Lee and Eloise Robins.  The photo above is my final result.  I edited the photos in Photoshop Elements, loaded them into Legacy Family Tree, and created the chart there then sent it electronically to  Chartmasters in Cedar Hills, Utah where they  professionally printed it.  I was very pleased with the end result.  The final size was 2 feet x 3 feet and it is beautiful.  I am excited to share it at the reunion.

A Good Reminder!

Family Search seems to be changing, updating, and expanding at an amazing rate!  It is difficult to keep up with all the changes.  It is an exciting time to be involved in family history.  There really is something for everyone no matter what your interests are!

Experience the power of the Spirit of Elijah--get involved in family history work no matter your age or circumstances--it will change your life for the better!

Ephraim's Rescue--Tale of an Ancestor!

Kevin and I took the opportunity to go the the movie this afternoon to see Ephraim's  Rescue, the life story of Ephraim Hanks, my third great-uncle.  We rarely go to a movie--usually just wait for the DVD and watch it at home but made an exception because I wanted to see this movie as we have been sharing vignettes of his life as we have been sharing our love of family history with members of our stake.

This movie didn't disappoint.  Although it is always challenging to portray spiritual events on the big screen for entertainment, I came away feeling a definite connection with Ephraim and feel like I came to know some of his many strengths and weaknesses!  

It impressed upon me the vital role of stories, journal entries, etc. in preserving the rich heritage we share with our ancestors!  I found myself reflecting on the feelings of the characters and realized how many similar feelings I share!  We will definitely be adding this DVD to our library! 

If you are interested in knowing more about Ephraim Hank's you can read a life sketch of this amazing man on my family history blog:  http://findingmyflock.blogspot.com/

Memorial Day Memories

For Memorial Day this year I scanned photos of our grandparents, labeled them with their names, laminated them and attached them to skewers.  On the back I put the following:  

                 "We are gathering memories of a rich heritage filled

                   with amazing individuals you can learn more about 

                   them at our family blog: (blog address was added). 

                   If you have stories, photos, or memories you would 

                   like to share please contact:  (email address was added)."

As we went to the various graves these photos were placed in the ground by the headstones.  It was fun to see the reaction of the grandchildren as they were able to put a name and a face together.  It was also interesting to see the reaction of the various extended family members.  The photos lead to reflections and comments which lead to stories and ultimately I was able to locate several other graves that I was previously unaware of.

I received a phone call and an email in response to this little endeavor!  I love it when "my village" starts to communicate!  It was a fun activity and one I hope to repeat and enlarge upon in the years to come!

I actually put the photos in a separate file so that next year, if I choose to do so, I can simply reprint them and continue to add to my Memorial Day memories.