Touchstone Moments

I believe that we all have touchstone moments.  Those moments in our lives that change us.  I have a few that I recall and reflect on often.  I have many of them tucked away into the inner corners of my heart.  There are some touchstone moments I believe that have happened but we have yet to realize but that will come with a force in our lives that will teach us the love of our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.  This summer was a touchstone time for me.

Mike and I started to make plans to fly out to Idaho to see Brittany graduate from BYUI.  We were thrilled for her and Robby.  It is no small effort to graduate from college.  It had been way to long since we had gone out to visit them.  It is really all my fault.  I am not a fan of flying by any means so unless it is vital for me to get on a plane I will usually drive or pass on the opportunity.  But this is probably a whole other post.

As all things do they worked out and Kathy, Annalise (5 years old) and I drove out to Utah.  We live in an amazing country.  I am intrigued by how different each state is.  All's I have to say is AMERICA you ROCK!   The scenic views were amazing and the company excellent!  Kathy was an excellent travel companion.  I think we talked non stop for 3 days both ways.  I dropped off Kathy and Annalise in Utah, picked Mike up from the airport and off we went.  Mike's luggage wasn't on the plane with him but they hoped it would beat us into Idaho Falls.  Ummm nope!  They finally dropped it off  during the night sometime.

The best part of the trip to Idaho was spending time with Robby and Brittany.  We were going to do a surprise baby shower for Brittany (The kids couldn't be there so they each took on a part of the shower- Alyse made the invitations, Kristen and Kathy both made decorations.  I have such great kids and they all made or sent gifts and all the while keeping it a secret!)

The following day we were able to see Brittany graduate from BYU-Idaho.  Janel also graduated with her bachelors deg as well.  We were so happy we could share this important day with Brittany and Robby.

This trip was a needed trip for Mike and I.  Both of us are going to be very busy shortly.  So we took the time to do as much stuff together as possible.  Rob and Brittany were finishing school and we decided to drive up to the Tetons and eventually through Yellowstone.  It was a wonderful day we had.  Mike rented a motor boat that jiggled everything inside us but that was a perfect way to see the Tetons up close and personal!  The views were amazing and the company outstanding.  We had such a great time with Robby and Brittany and while driving away we vowed to never go that long again without going to see them.

Mike and I went to dinner with some good friends from Ca.  When we left Ca and moved to Florida Mike served as Executive Secretary to Glenn Hadfield.  He and his wife Sherrol were good friends of my parents.  We grew to love them dearly.  We met them at their home and drove to dinner.  What  a wonderful touchstone dinner. 

Mike had work in Ca and would be flying out on Sunday.  I dropped him off at the airport and headed to Bonnie's house where a wonderful reunion would take place.  Kathy would be flying in Monday.  I was excited to spend the week with my sisters.  We went to water aerobics and shopping and had lunch with my aunt and uncle.

Aunt Venna and Uncle Norris

 We visited with our Nephew and Nieces and their kids. We had a fantastic time together.  One of  the greatest days was when we drove up to Temple Square.  The Church Museum had a quilt display going on.  I had an instant need to do quilts after viewing these.  I know they are light years ahead of me but hey I have to start somewhere.  The three of us went to a quilt store where I wanted to buy EVERYTHNG but alas I knew it was not meant to be.   

We went over to Joel and Lisa's home and I hit Katrina up for quilting help.  She has been wonderful and a great cheerleader for me.  She gave me some short quick tips and told me LOVE what you do!  It just fueled my passion. 

I love these faces

 The time went by all to quickly.  I loved each moment spent with my sweet sisters.  Kathy left for home and I  picked Mike up from the airport.  We hung out doing our thang once again!  We drove all over and landed in Provo.  Home of his beloved BYU.  His eyes just light up when he is near campus.  We treated ourselves to a creamery lunch complete with ice cream.  

Mike flew home and I was once again left in Utah.  I drove down to see my oldest yet dearest friend.  She put the word out that I was going to be staying with her.  We had a unique group of us growing up.  We all stayed for the most part in the same ward.  We grew up going to seminary and some dating each other.  Sunday night everyone converged at Peggy's house once again.  (I must interject here that Peggy and I did throw some awesome parties when we were teens to which all these people came over and over again.)

Person after person came and the talking laughing ensued until almost midnight I think.  My body was still on Eastern time zone so it was really late for me.   But the memories and renewing of friendships happened all over again.  It was a night I shall not forget. 

Back - Kevin Mackley, Madia Berg, Peggy Hulme  Front- Craig Salmond holding a streaming Brian McCleve, Michelle Collette, Me, Julie Harvey

Of course the females have all married and have different last names.  But we all decided we were going to search out 4 more of our former friends and invited them to the next reunion.

The following day Peggy and I went to a fabric store and purchased some items.  We were going to figure out crocheting over bibs and blankets and so forth.  As we sat side by side on her couch talking about "Grandma" things and crocheting I turned to her and said  "did you ever picture you and me sitting on a couch crocheting for grandchildren?

There have been a few times in my life when the world comes together and all is right in it's place.  These 3 weeks were one of those times for me.  So many touchstone memories are tucked into my heart and soul.  I grew to understand on this trip how amazing my life is.  And it's because so many others who are in my life.  I am richly blessed with kind and loving souls from the past.   I am thankful I was able to spend so much time out West this past summer.  It brought back to me what is important in life.  Family- friends- and the gospel of Jesus Christ that runs through our souls.   I love you all!

Glen R. Nielsen

"Dad, your guiding hand will remain with me forever"

This is my dad Glen Richard Nielsen

My dad was born in 1920 and lived in Logan Utah.  He grew up in a poor Danish family but he often told me he never knew they were poor.   Dad would tell me stories of when he grew up.  They were the best to listen too.  And it was always a plus when dad would get laughing as well and tears would roll down his face.  They were stories about the Macey Boys, Ro and Wooly.  Almey Peterson, Charlie Gunder, Glen Shiftman and old man Shiftman.  Declaring war on little Berlin.  His goat that couldn't be contained and walked along the fence top.  Big hats and dark coats just to name a few.   He would often say he had a wonderful childhood.  

Dad grew up a typical boy and eventually met and married my mom.  He was drafted into the war and I remember him saying, if I'm going to go then I want to be on the front lines.   And so he was.  He was a proud Marine.  4th Marine Division to be exact. 

 

Dad was fiercely patriotic!   He taught me to love this country with all my heart.  He never talked much about the war.  We always knew there were painful memories attached so we only heard a few of his stories.  One that was burned in my mind  was when he landed on one of the islands in the Pacific (Marshall Islands- Tinian, Saipan, Iwo Jima) when they got word that the Japanese were hot on their trail and would be arriving in moments.  They were instructed to dig a hole as fast and as deep as they could and hunker down and wait for the fight.  As he told me this story tears rolled down his eyes as he said I prayed let me see my sweet wife again and my son.  We have a written record of his time in the war.  As well as his own words telling those same stories.  To this day it is hard for me to sing our National Anthem and God Bless America.  Because of the lessons I learned from him.

 This is my dad and I dancing at the Gold n Green Ball my senior year of High School. 

 My dad was a master builder.  He built multi-million dollar homes.  He had a following of loyal customers.  They would build and sell and then build and sell again.  My dad was as honest as the day was long.   Below are some of the houses he worked on.  Ray Rossi built this first house on the top of a hill in Palo Alto and then built houses below his.

The house was built around this window

Jim Cranes House.  Dad worked on this one for years.  It was actually burned down by an arsonist but they rebuilt it again. 

Inside Crane's house. 

He was one of 3 Stone Mason for the Oakland Temple.  He has some amazing stories about his experiences building a House of God.  Much of which included great revelations given to him.

The clamp dad made to carry the sculptured panels

 I know there are things I do and understand that come from my father's genes.  I am pretty much mechanically inclined as well.  We could both take things apart and put them back together with ease. 

My dad in his work shop. 

 My dad loved nature and he and Ellis Crosby purchased 2 horses which multiplied into 4.  He would take us riding.  I loved going with him into the Sierra Mountains.  He would sit on hug rocks for hours supposedly hunting.   He loved to fish and camp.  I do too but I do prefer a bed to the ground now a days.

 
 So you see I know I am a lucky daughter.  I grew up with a wonderful father and mother.  I shall always remember when I broke up with my first boyfriend.  I came in crying and my dad said to me, come and sit on my lap.  Here I was teenager crying in my father's arms but it made all the difference in the world.  I was taught and learned at the knee of a gentle man.  Someone who loved his country and his God. Dad would say to me, "Annette I don't know how or when but I do know it will all be okay." How blessed I am and oh how I miss this dear sweet man.

When do you know you have an addiction?

So Kristen sent me a link to look at something on her Pinterest.  I asked just what this place was.  After she explained it to me I wanted to have a Pinterest page too.  Oh my it is not right to sit in a chair for so long and look at blogs, articles and other stuff for hours.  I think I am addicted to Pinterest.  I get information that someone has    repined something of mine and I go and check their Pinterest to find more cute and use stuff.  The first thing I do pin something on my page.  Then I start to read or go to other places and that leads me to 2 more places and before I know it my tabs on the computer are lined up like airplanes landing in Atlanta Airport.  I have had as many as 15+ open at one time.  I have to get myself under control.  BUT I love that when I find something I like I can pin it on my page and then find it again in a snap.  If you would like to peek at my page here you go http://pinterest.com/aladle/

I have so much to do and I'm not sure when I am ever going to get the time.  I know I would have more time if I quite pining stuff but it is so darn amazing what people have come up with in the world.  There are some very creative people out there and I love finding them and using their ideas.   I have a project right now that Mike is helping me with that will organize my massive ribbon collection.  I'm using rain gutters!  Ya you can see them on my wall under organization.  Mike added his genius idea to the gutters and he is going to mount them on wood and use some over the door hangers. We will hang it on a closet door in my sewing room and I can then shut the door when I don't need them.  So this is all good right?

What Faith Can Do!

Walking on Water

So I have had some things weighing on my mind lately.  Nothing earth shattering but still weighing on my mind.  I love to listen to S. Michael Wilcox as he teaching about gospel stuff.  I learn how he teaches and I feel like a sponge soaking up the knowledge as fast as he can spit it out.  The only problem is ...  remembering it!

Anyhow, I love the Bible story of Peter walking on the water.  It talks to me when I think about it or read it.  I know Jesus and Heavenly Father want us to come to them when they beckon us?  Brother Wilcox has a tape called Walking on Water.  When we are asked by our Heavenly Father to do things it sometimes seems like he is asking us to do things that are too hard to do, He might as well ask me to walk on water.  But as Brother Wilcox points out that if we are asked to do any of those difficult tasks He must know we can do them.  Heavenly Father wouldn't ask me to do this if He didn't think I could.  So many times we hear we will not be given more then we are able to bear and yet we forget just like Peter that Christ is standing next to us supporting us upon our journey.  We can do anything when he is with us.  Just like catching Peter he catches us.  We just need to keep trying.  We didn't come here to fail.

I am convinced that Heavenly Father sees a different me.  He sees me as to who I really am and who I have the capability of becoming.   I know I don't see myself in that same light and yet it would help for me to see myself as Heavenly Father sees me.

Brother Wilcox also touches on how we sometimes wish we could change circumstances in our lives or in the lives of those we love.  He enlightens that to walking on the wrong sea.  "We are treading where we have not been asked to go.  We want to do the impossible as it relates to other people.  To create testimony,  to give life, to restore health, to take away somebody's pain.  To fix a marriage or create one for someone, give children to a childless home.  This usually result in what we want for our children.  Because we so badly want to bring blessings to other people's lives and we can't always do that.  He says.. when those moments come he has to remind himself of the 'silver and gold have I none"...  Acts 3.  "When we desire to give to others what they so desperately need and I can't, doesn't mean I don't have something to give...  such as I have...  give I unto thee.  I can only give what I have.  I don't have power to change lives.  Occasional we demand of life what it really can not give." 

Oh how I understand that.  It is probably the hardest thing about being a parent.  To watch as our children journey through life and navigate their way through things.  I have often wished I was the one who was in that circumstance.  But it is not for me to do and I have to remind myself as Brother Wilcox talked about that I give and do what I can and then I have to stand back and let my children walk.  That is what they are here to do as well.  Everyone on this earth is learning to walk on water as well.  Heeding the Saviors call to come unto Him.  But I have a sure knowledge that he will catch them just like he catches me when I fall short.  And that is comfort to my soul.

When God Made Moms

 By Erma Bombeck

When the Good Lord was creating mothers He was into His sixth day of "overtime" when the angel appeared and said, "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one." And the Lord said, " Have you read the spec on this order?"

She has to be completely washable, but not plastic. Have 180 movable parts... all replaceable. Run on black coffee and leftovers. Have a lap that disappears when she stands up. A kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disappointed love affair. And six pairs of hands.

The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hand.... No way!"

"It's not the hands that are causing me problems" said the Lord. "It's the three pairs of eyes that mothers have to have."
"That's on the standard model ?" asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. "One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks, '‘What are you kids doing in there?' when she already knows. Another here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn't but what she has to know, and of course the ones here in front that can without so much as uttering a word."

"Lord", said the angel touching His sleeve gently, "Come to bed. Tomorrow...."
"I can't," said the Lord, "I'm so close to creating something so close to myself. Already I have one who heals herself when she is sick...Can feed a family of six on one pound of hamburger...And can get a nine-year-old to stand under a shower."
The angel circled the model of a mother very slowly. "It's too soft," she sighed.
"But touch!" said the Lord excitedly. " You cannot imagine what this mother can do endure."
"Can it think?"
"Not only think, but it can reason and compromise," said the Creator.
Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek. "There's a leak," she pronounced.
"I told You You were trying to put too much into this model."
"It's not a leak," said the Lord, " It's a tear."
"What's it for?"
" It's for you, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness and pride."

"You are a genius,"said the angel.
The Lord looked somber. " I didn't put it there."

Happy Mother’s Day!

The PERFECT day!

Saturday April 30th, 2011- It was a perfect day for me.  Mike and I slept in and laid in bed until we decided that our mattress needed to be turned over to the softer side.  Turning our mattress is like lifting a 1000 lbs wet noodle.  It is latex and we love it.  We took every thing off the bed and turned it over, remade the bed and laid back down on it.  We bounced our bodies and talked about if there seemed to be a difference.  We finally got up at about 10:30.  It was an unusual Saturday right off the bat.

We had a few places we needed to be that day.  But it looked like I was going to get my husband all to myself on this day.  Mike suggested we drive down to the coast and get some oysters.  I thought hummm not a bad idea but first I need a big bowl of fresh Strawberries.  With those eaten and getting ready we were off by 12:30 driving down to the coast.  We love fresh oysters and great company.  We already were together so the Oysters were the topper or so I thought.  We each ate 2 dozen (well I gave Mike 2 of my remaining 4) and devoured our basket of buffalo shrimp.  Nothing better then great seafood and great company.  Of which I had both!

With all of Mike's travel it has been hard to spend time together.  So we try to do it but haven't been very successful lately.  I have missed our 3/4 day weekend trips together where we picked a place and  went to explore it.

As we were driving home we were chatting and I was playing a game on my itouch.  I looked up and said, where are we?  I didn't recognize any of these trees!  Now if you haven't ever been here we have trees.  LOADS of trees.  Mike said, I am taking a different road home.  Ok!  I'm good.... take me away!

We drove over to St. Marks.  St. Marks is on the coast and they have a lighthouse and a national wildlife refuge.  We drove into St. Marks the town and realized we took the first turn and we needed the second one for the park.  Mike said check my wallet for change.  He had 2 dollars and we didn't know how much the entrance fee would be.  I had 15.00 at home in my purse but it was like I said at home.  We drove up to the gate only to see that the pay gate was closed and we would have to do a self service envelope.  We came up with $3.00.  We were 2.00 short.  I needed to use a bathroom and so we drove into the Visitors Center.  We were able to buy a years pass for 15.00.

Can I tell you we experienced some spectacular scenery as we drove towards the lighthouse.

The weather perfect, the company even more so!

How can anyone not recognize God's hand in all this beauty?

St. Marks Light House. 

The Gulf of Mexico

Beware of Alligators

The day was amazing, the weather wonderful and the company out of this world.  I am so glad that when I reach out and touch or hold Mike's hand there is still that spark.  As I say in the last video.  He is the person I love to spend the most time with .  He is my everything and I am glad we slipped away from town and hung out just the two of us!