Pioneer Day

Today is a very special day in the history of my church. It's Pioneer Day. As you know, I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In the early days of the church, the members had to endure terrible persecution. They were forced from state to state and were abused, tortured, and oft times murdered. When they left one area all of their properties were taken by local people. The early members were hard working and lost everything (except their faith in the Lord) over and over. Finally after the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, the trek west began. This is of course a very brief synopsis, much more can be learned from reading accounts of the history of the church, as well as talking with descendants of the members.

Pioneer Day isn't celebrated here in the east like it is in the west, which is truly unfortunate. There is so much we should remember and appreciate about the pioneers. Can you imagine leaving your home with just the absolute necessities you would need to survive a journey across half the continent? Can you imagine giving birth on the trek west? What about laying your loved ones to rest in a shallow grave along the way?I can't comprehend it. The sorrow they must have endured.

When I was a young teenager, I lived a Mayer, Az. This was a very small and old town in the middle of Arizona... almost a ghost town. Our family were members of a small branch. After a time of meeting in the house the church rented out for the missionaries, we grew large enough to purchase an old rodeo arena in Dewey, Az. The year I was 14, we were preparing to celebrate Pioneer Day. That day it had rained the entire day... and not just a little rain, gully washer type of rain (which is very unusual for summer's in July in Arizona). As the time grew closer for the celebration to start, I prayed for the rain to stop. I was so sure the events would be called off.

My brother and I were picked up by some of the members of the branch. On the way to Dewey (about 15-20 minutes up the road), the rain stopped. We had a wonderful time. We ate beef (that had been cooked in burlap sacks in the ground all day), different dishes cooked in dutch ovens over open fires, lemonade... all the "fixin's." We played games, square danced to fiddles and guitars, and sang around the fires. The evening is still a fond memory in my mind... especially because of the fact that as we were saying the closing prayer, I started to feel rain drops. By the time we were driving home, it was pouring again. This is one of the times I clearly remember knowing that Heavenly Father heard my prayers (as well as the prayers of many others) and had stopped the rain for a few hours. That was 31 years ago.

I miss celebrating Pioneer Day. Perhaps someday we'll have the chance to do something special here as well. I am so thankful for the heritage of my church. I am grateful for the members who gave all to further the cause of the gospel. While I don't have "pioneer" members who traveled west, I do have pioneer members of my extended family who helped lay the foundation for the gospel in this part of the east. I am thankful for their example and faithfulness.

I know the gospel is true. I know we are led by a living prophet. I know the Savior stands at the head... that all things are through him as directed by Heavenly Father. I am thankful for that knowledge especially on this ... Pioneer Day.

An Elephant's Eye

You know the saying about corn in the summer......"The corn is as high as an elephant's eye?" Does anyone know where that originated? I just wondered. Did it just come from the song "Oh What A Beautiful Morning?"

Well anyway, I've been driving past field after field of corn this summer and it got me thinking. I love corn on the cob. I remember playing Jack-In-The-Beanstock as a child in a field of corn close to where we lived. The farmer didn't much care for us doing so and I swear he shot at us one time. We were scared out of our wits. I don't remember playing that game in that field ever again. Bummer, it really was quite fun.
I stopped and took a few pictures of corn growing on the way to Hanover last weekend. It was neat to see it blowing in the wind... to "hear" the corn stocks "talking".... no, they really didn't say anything to me... just for the record. I don't want any of you thinking I'm nuts.



While I don't think the corn was as high as an elephant's eye, it was getting close. I don't think it will be much longer until it is. Although tempting, I didn't go wandering through the corn field either. Maybe it would be fun to do so at night.... you know, like the movie "Signs" type stuff... crop circles, etc.


Another "elephant's eye"... this one is in Capetown, Africa. The eye is a cave. Lots of people hike it. Don't really know much more about it than that.



One last "elephant's eye"... this one is somewhere in the United States. See if you can find it. I think it's supposed to be some kind of an Inn or maybe a Bed and Breakfast. I'm not sure; maybe it's just someone's backyard. Regardless, I thought it was interesting that it came up on an elephant's eye search.

Grand Hallows Ball Update

I opened up today's paper a little while ago.... and here on the front page of the local section is a picture of the girls at Borders. I didn't even know they had been photographed. They're standing right at the bottom and center of the picture looking at the books as they are wheeled past. Em's wearing the Harry Potter shirt I got when I purchased book 6.

I know I said I was going to wait until I had re-read all 6 of the other books, however, I might be ammending my thinking. I may just go ahead and read the new book and then start over again. I'm afraid if I wait I'm going to hear what happened before I read it. I don't want that to happen.

Grand Hallows Ball

It's finally here!! Last night the girls and I went to Borders to attend the Grand Hallows Ball and pick up our copy of.. "Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows." Brie and I arrived at 9PM. Emile was babysitting and arrived about 45 minutes later. There were TONS of people; the store was packed. Some people were in costume, most were not. Borders had several different activities including face painting and crafts for children, a Harry Potter spelling bee, Severus Snape debate, story telling with Andrew Steed, and a costume contest. All this leading up to the 12:01AM release of the book. Woohoo! As the crowds got larger (approaching midnight), I got really hot and went outside to get some air and cool off a little. I was standing just outside the door and could tell what time it was by the cheering and clapping when the first book and poster was handed out. Our wristband was orange(the first color called) and #131 so believe it our not, we were backing out of our parking spot at 12:29AM. What a time.

Several "Harry Potters" waiting in line for the spelling bee.

Moaning Myrtle and her side kicks.

Me, Brie and Andrew Steed.

Emile and our friend Paula (from Dreamwrights). Paula's Invisiblility Cloak wasn't working last night.

Andrew Steed during the story telling portion of the evening... he's in the middle of everyone.

Emile and Brie with our copy!

Just for the record, the girls haven't read any of the Harry Potter books. I'm the addict. Jamie got me hooked 2 years ago and I love the series. I can't read this book yet though. I'm going to wait until I finish all the other ones again.. I want the entire story line to be fresh in my mind before I start this one.

All in all it was a fun evening. I'm not sure I'd do it over again, but what the heck... you only live life once, you may as well step out once in awhile. Happy reading.

Fun & Games

Last Saturday afternoon, the girls and I went to Hanover to see a friend of ours. Her name is Miss Lois and we've been friends since the beginning of 2003. She is a very special person to us. We have another friend, "Grandma Louise" who we've known since shortly after we moved here to PA. Miss Lois is her cousin and has been aware of us for many years through Grandma Louise. We never knew this though. When we were in our car accident, Miss Lois stepped in and helped us in many ways. Her thoughtfulness has continued all these years.

From time to time we either go out to see her, or she comes here to see us. We have dinner together and visit while we play a game or two. It's always a fun and relaxing time. This past visit we were treated to a dinner of... ham balls, baked sweet and white potatoes, cheesy vegetables, a delicious garden salad, rolls, and her famous homemade applesauce (which just happens to be Em and Brie's favorite). Later we had brownies, frozen yogurt and a fudge topping. Does this sound YUMMY or what?!?! You never ever leave Miss Lois's home hungry.

Following dinner Miss Lois and I took time to look at my blog together. She hadn't seen it before. Now she has another way of keeping up on how our lives are moving along. Aren't blogs the greatest? The girls were busy with mini race cars... Brie even taped a track all over the floor. Fortunately it all came up with no residue left behind.

When we were done blogging, it was game time. We played Apples to Apples. It was a blast. Miss Lois had never played it before. I won the first game... and Emile won the second. The rest of us continued to see who would win "runner up"... Brie played a fast one on us and ended being the runner up. To be fair though... we all sort of "ganged" up on Miss Lois when it appeared she was going to win the second game. She had 7 cards and only needed one more. Rather than let the game end, we worked hard to make sure she didn't get the last card. I thought Brie needed 2 more cards so I went with her description. Turns out the little stinker had 7 cards as well. Without realizing it I handed her the game


So there you have it. I love getting together with people who make you feel special... who don't judge you. This is the type of person Miss Lois is. She's kind, considerate, and truly caring. Seems like I've got quite a few really great people in my life, doesn't it? I'm so lucky!

Faith In God

My Gospel Standards
I will follow Heavenly Father’s plan for me.
I will remember my baptismal covenant and listen to the Holy Ghost.
I will choose the right. I know I can repent when I make a mistake.
I will be honest with Heavenly Father, others, and myself.
I will use the names of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ reverently. I will not swear or use crude words.
I will do those things on the Sabbath that will help me feel close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
I will honor my parents and do my part to strengthen my family.
I will keep my mind and body sacred and pure, and I will not partake of things that are harmful to me.
I will dress modestly to show respect for Heavenly Father and myself.
I will only read and watch things that are pleasing to Heavenly Father.
I will only listen to music that is pleasing to Heavenly Father.
I will seek good friends and treat others kindly.
I will live now to be worthy to go to the temple and do my part to have an eternal family.


Children in our church ages 8 thru 11 participate in a special program called Faith In God. It is broke down into sections and specific to boys or girls. Obviously Brie is doing the Faith In God for Girls. This past Wednesday evening was a Mother & Daughter "Tea Party" and recognition event. The girls had been working on manners and etiquette as well as their own individual talents. We got to see how much they learned. For example....

Brie learned to use her hands and fingers instead of using her mouth for everything. Isn't that nice? I'm so pleased.Brie and Rachel played a musical number together. It sounded very nice.

Of course what would the evening be without a little horseplay, right?

And after all is said and done, dresses and all, it's hard to keep a bunch of good girls down. Here they are at the end of the evening letting go of some energy.

H2O FUN

As everyone knows, the last several days had been brutal. Relief finally came with a series of rain showers starting yesterday afternoon. It was still steamy when I went to bed last night, however, by this morning the temps were down... along with the humidity. A soft breeze was blowing. The morning was perfect! It did warm up but compared with the really HOT temps we had, today's temps were nothing.

The girls have spent three days in pools this week. Monday from 11A until 10P, Wednesday from 1P until 6P, and again this evening. They are getting quite tan. Keep in mind that they look tan in the dead of winter because of their Latino skin tone so any additional color really makes them look dark.

Brie on the high dive.

Emile looking like her cute self.

To drop or not to drop? That is the question.My girls know no fear!

I thought this was a cool series of pictures. Each of the girls had been jumping off the edge of the pool and doing flips. I was lucky enough to get these.Brie is the type of kid who will try just about anything once. If it goes well and she enjoys it she'll keep doing it until she gets it right.They say practice makes perfect. She did a great job finally getting a beautiful jump into the water. It amazes me how kids seldom run out of steam. If I only had her drive and stamina!Emile does great at kicking around the pool and relaxing.So another evening is spent having fun and cooling off in the summer. What more could you want?

THE END.

HOT HOT HOT

Susquehanna Valley, Pennsylvania
Currently: 79°F Clear
Susquehanna Valley, Pennsylvania
Currently: 26°C Clear
Wind: at 0 MPH
Humidity: 82%
Dewpoint: 73°F
Barometer: 29.96 inches and steady
Heat Index: 82°F

Wind: at 0 KPH
Humidity: 82%
Dewpoint: 22°C
Barometer: 1014 millibars and steady
Heat Index: 27° C

Sunrise: 5:45 am
Sunset: 8:35 pm

Need I say more? Another day of temps forcast to be above 90. It's hot. Weather forcasters say tomorrow is supposed to bring storms... which should cool us down. I hope so. This heat makes you want to see snow flying.

Happy 4th of July.... a little late

I absolutely had to start off this entry with these two pictures. Do you remember when you were a child and summer temperatures sizzled? The BEST thing in the world...next to a swimming pool was a slip and slide, right?
Well this years 4th of July wouldn't have been complete without humid (and stormy) weather... perfect conditions for the kids to break in the new slip and slide Grandma bought for them!

We had a picnic at Keith and Cindy's home starting mid afternoon. Cindy made hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken. Cindy's chicken is the very best... I LOVE IT!! We all brought over a dish to share. It was lots of fun for everyone.Isn't it always the best when there's different types of food to share? There's always more than enough... and most important is the good conversation and being with family and friends.

In the evening we went to Mike and Angie's home for the annual back yard fireworks party. It's a fun time where an open invite is extended for folks to "come on down" and have some snacks while watching the fireworks at the York Fairgrounds. We had just put all the food out and were waiting for the show to begin when it started pouring down rain. We made a mad dash to get food back inside then watched from under umbrella's, on the porch or out windows. It was still inspiring to see.

We truly are blessed to live in this land of freedom. We must never forget the price that was paid by many for the blessing of liberty we enjoy. I love our country. I am proud to be an American. I can't imagine living in any other nation on this planet. May we never become complacent or take this country for granted.