Learning bits at a time

I am down in Orlando for 3 straight weeks- 2 more after that before my work here is done.  With Mike gone to CA it made no sense for me to drive home and then turn around and drive back with one day in Tallahassee.  So here I am in Orlando and today is Sunday.  It's been an interesting to be down here and finding myself with free time mostly during the late afternoon and evening.  The memories have flooded back with things Mike and I have done down here.  The temple was dedicated in 1994 and we have spend many hours and days in this wonderful city.  Mike and I love going to the temple and just being together.  We have enjoyed the times we have brought our children down for various temple trips and family vacations.  The time we went to Universal Studios close to Christmas and it was freezing.  Some rides were closed because of the cold and we found the best ride was the one where flames shot out at the end.  We all held our hands out to get them warm during the 10 seconds we rode by it.  It never really did warm up that day but we were together and loved being together.  So as I drive around O-town I think about my family and it makes me sad they aren't here.  I have been taught over and over again about how family is really the best part of life.  It's true!!!

Today while in church (11:00 start time yet I walked in late because it was Stake Conference) I had a few things I wanted to write down.  I sat in the foyer where the soft chairs were.  I don't do well on hard chairs.  I first noticed all the little boys at church.  Most walking with their dads.  Those little guys were so sweet and some jumped as they walked, some chatted in their own little language but kept looking up as if they were sharing something important.  There was a mom who walked out of the Mom's room with a sweet little guy in a plaid shirt and brown cord pants.  I am sure my ability to focus on these sweet boys is because in 3 short weeks I get to become a grandma.  I can't wait.  Brittany and Robby will be bring their first little soul into the world.  They will be awesome parents.  I can't wait for this little guy to come into their family and so I can snuggle, cuddle and kiss this little person. 

The second was what was said in church.  There was a bit of a theme of missionary work.  I loved what one young lady had to say.  She was a new member of the church and she talked about her conversion.  She said two things- A candle looses nothing by lightening another candle.  When we share the gospel we don't lose anything by lightening someones own candle with gospel knowledge.  I loved that image.  She also said God can't drive a parked car.  Gosh that can be used in so many ways.  I'll let you think about that one.

I learned a lesson a long time ago.  It was Pres. Packer who brought about this change in my life.  It is the concept that faith and fear can NOT occupy the same space.  If we have fear we can NOT have faith.  So if we push fear out with faith we will be happier in life.  I took that challenge and worked on that for a year.  It proved to be a marvelous year for me.  Today the Mission Pres. wife talked of course about missionary work.  She said- "Doubt and fear of sharing the gospel are tools of Satan."   That is true!  If fear and faith can't occupy the same space then Doubt and fear have to be tools of Satan.  Heavenly Father does NOT use doubt and fear as tools.  Ah yet another piece of the puzzle appears.  So many times I have thought oh what if...  and have used fear as my crutch to not share the gospel.  I have used doubt enough times alone in I'm  not sure I can share the gospel.  I don't know enough to share the gospel.   But today is a new day.  Those two words are going to leave my life.

Another story she shared was another stake was having their Stake Conference and Elder Neal A. Anderson was the visiting authority.  There was a young man who the missionary had met and invited to Stake Conference.  Upon hearing that Elder Anderson would be there they called this young man and told him he really needed to come.  They made arrangement with an EQ Pres and this young man was picked up along with his friend.  They arrived just after the opening song.  They stayed for the whole meeting.  After the missionaries introduced them to the Mission Pres and his wife.  He asked the missionaries if they had introduced their investigators to Elder Anderson yet.  No they hadn't and quickly joined the line.  When these two young investigators came to Elder Anderson he said to them "We can't live one more day without you joining this church."  They both will be baptized Nov 5th.

Since working I have had many opportunities to share things about the church.  I have loved sharing what I know.  Sometimes my co-workers come and ask me, and sometimes I hear the whisper to share something with them.  They have been sweet times and I have always been glad I followed in faith.  Recently my Uncle passed away.  I had a wonderful conversation at work about temples, life after death and forever families.  

I love this gospel.  It is why I am me.  It has shaped me in so many ways.  I am thankful I have it in my life.  As the world swirls and turns during these uncertain times I have knowledge of what, where and who I am.  I don't have to wonder!  Today was a wonderful day.

Iowa!

As Kathy and I were headed home we stopped for a day in glorious Iowa!  Ya you heard me right.
                             I LOVE IOWA ! 

Bruce and Midge live there and they know how to show you a good time.  Midge is into quilt making as well so she was full of thoughts and help.  Bruce was his amazing self and I always love his hugs and any time I get to sit and chat with him is heaven to me.

They suggested the following day that we drive to Kalona.  Home of the Amish.  This truly excites me.  I love seeing the farms, the buggies that run along side the road.  The simpleness of their lives.  Not only were we able to drive to Kalona but we did it in fashion.  Bruce and Midge drove their T-bird and I drove a 65 mustang (I think that was the year) and we had the top down. 

Bruce and Midge introduced us to Amish baked oatmeal.  Oh my goodness it was the best thing ever and stayed with me most of the day.  I was even more in love with the Amish.  We stopped at a few fabric stores where I instantly feel in love with a quilt that I knew I needed to do for Bryan's birthday.  I purchased all the needed supplies and off we went. 

 One of my obsession with Iowa is the fact that they have what are called quilt barn squares.  This is where barns take big squares and paint a quilt block on that square. 

I know I have talked about this before.  When we were in the fabric store the woman who owns the store told us about how they represent people's heritage.  I love that idea!  I found a quote that says- We are who we are because they were who they were.  That is exactly how I feel!  I love my heritage.  I would love to do a quilt barn trip.  Anyone with me?

 Here are pictures of the quilt I made for Bryan-  

"Quilt As You Go Flag Throw"

It's hard to see the smaller stars that are on the blue

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.