remember me...

Last night a few of us were gathered in the chapel to learn from Earl C. Tingey.  The theme for the evening was "I've had many glimpses of heaven."  He spoke of temple work in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He has been a temple president of the Washington DC temple and is currently a sealer, sealing couples in a marriage ceremony for time & eternity.

He spoke of a woman he knew in Africa many years ago.  She wanted to gather her family history in the hopes of sealing her family forever.  At that time (and maybe still now) in Africa there were no offices for vital records.  No birth, marriage or death certificates on file.  The woman traveled to the village where her parents were born to talk to the tribal chief.  The tribal chief recited to the woman orally her history.  She wrote as he gave her the names of her grandparents, great-grandparents and so on.  After this meeting she was greeted by a woman she had never met.  The woman knew her and when she heard of her arrival in the village she brought her a book.  The book had been written by an ancestor of the visitor.  In it she wrote the history of their family.  At the top of the first page this ancestor had written "remember me."

"Remember me."  Elder Tingey related that the average individual is forgotten after 3 generations.  In 150 to 200 years that average individual is completely forgotten.  REMEMBER ME.  I thought about four generations back on my mother's side.  Henrietta "Nettie" Tucker.

• She died at an early age, July 13 1894---a mother of two daughters.
• She had a sister named "Lizzie" that was cherished.
• She married Wilson Wade Durand in Newark, New Jersey.

What I want to know...

• How/why did she die?
• She was born to Seymour and Margaret Dodd Tucker...but what was the date?
• Where was she raised?
• Did she have other siblings?

As I reflected on the thoughts shared last night...I remembered a book.  Nettie Tucker's autograph book.  As I turned through the pages I looked for clues, enjoyed the penmanship, and wondered...what was she like...

her faint signature

drawn by a Durand...the family she married into

Notice the names and pictures that fill this tree...who are they?

I love the note from her sister "Lizzie."

One of my favorite entries (not photographed) states:

"To Nettie,

In future years, when time has

dimmed this page,

and youth's bright visions flitted from thy sight,

When friends you loved are changed by care or age,

And things that please thee now,

give no delight.

When thou shalt smile and think

how soon the dreams of youth did vanish

and how bright they were

Then Nettie, if these lines ere read should be

give one kind thought to him whose name you see."

A. T. Manning

dated: April 6, 1977

he can "take it" and grin

"he can 'take it' and grin"

It was a Thursday night.  There were a million things to be done around our house.  Our two oldest girls were out playing with friends.  It would have been an ideal night for Danny and I to go out to dinner---we can go anywhere relaxed with only one child accompanying us.  For some reason...the Family History Library in downtown Salt Lake City was calling to me.  I had never been there (that I remember).  I am working earnestly to get the information/proof needed to complete my DAR application.  It hasn't been as easy as I expected it to be.

I whipped up a few sandwiches from home and we ate in the car on our way.  There were several cheerful missionaries to great us as we walked in the front doors.  They directed us to one missionary that I found so helpful and delightful.  As we began to discuss my purpose for being there we learned that we both come from Gray family in Vermont.  Could we be related!?  She oriented me on the computer and left me to search.

As I searched...Sophie was restlessly playing on my lap.  Another thoughtful missionary came up to her and asked if she wanted to play a game.  Before we knew it Sophie was on a computer next to me set up with pbskids.com.  Danny was a runner...he grabbed anything we sent to print and was my tech support if I was stuck on the computer.

ancestry.com is open and available on all of their computers.  If you aren't subscribed to them at home you can access their database at the library.  I found so much information!  I even found my great-uncle's yearbook pages (click to enlarge)...with his signature!  I never met Lorrin Smylie Brice, Jr.  What a delightful treasure!  I could have played there for hours...but our girls were returning home soon and we needed to be there.  I can't wait to return.

in the waters

...of baptism

Kate chose to be baptized on July 7th.

I have created a photo book for my girls as a keepsake for their baptisms.  I have included a page for them to write their memories, for Danny + I to write our thoughts, special words given in the blessing as they receive the Holy Ghost, a few pages for family + friends to write thoughts and feelings to them on that day.

These books have been such treasures for Danny and I.  I hope the girls will love them as much as we do.  

Her memories as she wrote them....

"I thoght about how many time I would hear Holy gost.  I wondered If I would remember the tile.  And If I would have a memorey that gib Lowe was saying my name during the bllesing.  And that I was qieting him by putting my finger up to my mouth.  Kate"

As I read that I smiled.  I was right behind cute Gib and didn't hear one word :)  Sam Lowe and Kate were baptized on the same day.  They are wonderful friends and it was nice sharing the day together.  Kate and Sam wanted to play a song for their baptism.  Originally they planned on "I Wonder When He Comes Again."  As the time got closer and Sam returned from being in Europe for a month we realized they wouldn't be ready on their own to do that.  When Sam returned (4 days before the baptism) we got together and chose "I Know That My Redeemer Lives."  Sam (piano) and I played a prelude.  Ellie (guitar), Jake Lowe (guitar), Kate (cello) and I (guitar) accompanied as we all sang.  Heidi and Nana Miller sang with us too.

Aunt Sharon shared some thoughts on the Holy Ghost...

"Precious young people, make every decision you contemplate pass this test:  What does it do to me?  What does it do for me?  And let your code of conduct emphasize not What will others think? but rather What will I think of myself?  Be influenced by that still, small voice.  Remember that one with authority placed his hands on your head at the time of your confirmation and said, 'Receive the Holy Ghost.'  Open your hearts, even your very souls, to the sound of that special voice that testifies of truth."  

President Monson

 After the baptism we had family + friends gather at our home for lunch:  sandwiches, salads, beans, chips, drinks and Amanda's ice cream dessert.  I don't know what we would do with out our families!  They were SO helpful!  After lunch and visiting---those that were left---headed over to the pool with us for a few hours of swimming.  Then for dinner the kids ate at the house with Nana and the rest of the adults went out to dinner.  (Thank you Nana!!!!)  After eating...and picking apricots we set up a movie in the backyard with blankets and treats.  What a wonderful day!!!!!!!  A favorite of Kate's for sure!!!!

book:  template via  Simplicity Design here and album by WHCC

to have and to hold

Walter + Kathryn @ home on Whitton Ave aprox. 1957

"Pray for the love which allows you to see the good in your companion.  Pray for the love that makes weaknesses and mistakes seem small.  Pray for the love to make your companion's joy your own.  Pray for the love to want to lessen the load and soften the sorrows of your companion."

Our Perfect Example, Henry B. Eyring

what i have learned at your side

If I had to pick just two qualities I would like to inherit from my dad they would be:

generosity & optimism

Since I was very young I have memories of my dad giving money to people in trouble.  Whether they were on the side of a road, in front of a restaurant, a relative down on their luck or a friend in need---he was often there---willing without ever verbalizing judgement.  He still quietly arranges for my mom to "do good deeds" around their neighborhood, where many are in need.  He is the mastermind in the service, but sends it out through her or others---not wanting any recognition or accolades.  By some people's standards, my father is not wealthy...yet in my eyes, he has the largest treasures in the world; to be loved, respected with a heart turned toward others.

My dad has also had a passion for learning.  His learning has not been in a traditional academic setting---but his knowledge far surpasses many college graduates I know.  He has a curious mind that is filled with optimism---always believing in the human spirit.

One of my favorite stories that my dad has written in his life history...describes this spirit about him at a very early age---

I think he was 7 years old living in Gilmer, TX.  He was being raised by a single mother in the Great Depression.  Times were very hard for them and money was scarce.  

He writes,  "I spent most of my time just roaming the street and hustling odd jobs.  I know I drove a lot of the business owners crazy because I was always asking if I could do an odd job.  The problem was I was too young to have much skill at anything, although I had plenty of enthusiasm."

"There was a banker by the name of Green who always wore a white ice cream colored suit and I knew he had plenty of money.  I made a plan to approach Mr. Green and see if I could do some work for him and make a little money."  

"One day I waited for him to leave the bank and I approached him and asked, 'Mr. Green, do you have any work that I could do to make a nickel or a dime?' You can imagine what I looked like...ragged clothes and no shoes.  Mr. Green replied, 'I don't have any work for you just now.'  My heart sank because I had been planning this and I knew he could afford to give me some work.  ...As I was walking away I said, 'Thank you anyway Mr. Green.'  He said, 'Wait a minute son, I'll probably have some work for you later on, and I might as well pay you for it now.'  With that he reached in his pocket and pulled out a dime.  I thanked him and told him I would check to see when he wanted the work done.  He told me to see him the following week.  That dime was a lot of money for a seven year old back then.  I could go to the general store and get a piece of cheese and some crackers out of the barrel for three cents, and a piece of candy just cost a penny."

He continued, "From that point forward, I would go see Mr. Green and perform some chores like cleaning out the spittoons in the bank or sweeping up.  He always gave me a dime and sometimes I would give it to Mama or else spend it on something to eat."

Thank you Dad for all that you teach me.   You have followed Mr. Green's example throughout your life.  The initiative and optimism you held as a seven year old have served you well.  I have learned at your side how to treat others, look for those in need, stand up for what I believe in...and believe in myself.  I love you.  Happy Father's Day!

humiliated

"Mom school" began today!  I am really excited about it.  The girls were NOT until we actually had it.  They loved it (we are only one day in)!  We'll see how it goes...I have high hopes.

Our first activity was a journal entry.  We answered this question (that I found here):  What was the most humiliating experience of your life?  Write a short, possibly funny, description of it.

Kate (pictured above):  June 5th 2012  "My most [humiliating] thing is. [When] I had to put on a [funky] hat on and say my favorite color i[n] Spanish.  Kate D"


Ellie:  "One day I was swimming and I threw up.  It was sad. :("
(She had thrown up in the pool (a few years ago).  They had to close it.  A large group of Junior High cheerleaders had just shown up for a party.  Poor Ellie.)


Mine:  "My most embarrassing moment happened in 3rd grade.  I was living in Thatcher, AZ.  Thatcher was such a small town I am not sure if it even had a stop light back then.  I was a student in Mrs. White's class.  I had just come in from recess and felt an urgent need to go to the bathroom.  I nervously approached Mrs. White's desk.


As I remember, she had a sweet but serious disposition.  Due to frustration over her students choosing class time instead of recess time to "use the facilities" she said "no" and reminded me that recess is a better time to go to the bathroom.  I was sent back to my seat.  Not much later, I was called to the chalk board to complete a math problem.  I still needed to go---badly!  I nervously approached the board.  How could I concentrate on a math problem when where I really needed to be most desperately was the bathroom?  Standing at the board, in front of the whole class, my bladder gave way.  I peed my pants in front of the whole class.  It was 33 years ago and I don't think I will ever forget it!"


I LOVED reading their thoughts...and how different all of our answers were!  Sophie was working on handwriting.  She wanted to copy our new "mom school" rules.  Next time I will help her write down her journal answer.

memorial day

It was a beautiful Memorial Day!  After several days of cold rainy weather...the sunshine was SO appreciated.  We cut flowers from our garden and placed them in a big bucket with water to take down to visit the graves of our family that is close by.  Grandma did this every year.  We joined her occasionally. Now that she isn't here it is up to all of us.  With our bucket of flowers (the peonies were ready and perfect bloom this year!) we headed to Papa's house to pick him up.

We visited the resting place of Grandma & Grandpa Davis and Uncle Kelly.  We placed military flags at Grandpa and Kelly's sites to remember their military service.  It was so nice to see so many families gathered at each cemetery.  At the next cemetery we left flowers for an old family friend (Roy Parker) and Great Grandma and Grandpa (Goldie and Stanley).

After our visits we gathered at Papa's for a bbq.  We met cousins/aunts/uncles there.  Sally made a delicious meal.  We spent the afternoon together.  Papa invited us up to Grandma's to take some of the flowers and plants from her yard.  Amanda, Michel and I started digging...Papa found buckets and we came home with a carload of flowers and plants (day lilies, ferns, peonies, purple leaf coral bells & beautiful strawberries).  Grandma was the first person to teach me about planting flowers and gardens.  She loved every flower and walking around my garden with some of the treasures from her yard is so sweet.  We miss her.

We are so grateful for all those who have come before us.  We miss those we knew and look forward to sweet reunions one day.  The resting places of most of our family members aren't close by...but we think of them often and remember them fondly.

to dream

For as long as I can remember I dreamt of being a mom.  My childhood was filled with hours of playing with dolls...stuffed animals...and my favorite, playing "house."  Being the oldest child, I am sure I always insisted on being the "mom."  (Sorry Dede...)

I had a few other dreams of roles I might fill in life.  These always changed.  A few that I remember:

• age 6:  someone famous  (doing what?  I have no idea)  hours of looking in the mirror...knowing I would be famous someday.  I am not sure I even knew what famous meant, but it was said to have happened regularly---that I stood in the mirror and a recited the phrase..."famous Carin"
• age 8:  bank teller  I am not sure what it was about those ladies behind the counter or glass windows of the drive through.  Maybe it was that I thought they had all of the $ in the world.
• age 11:  an artist  I loved to draw and I remember the sweet encouragements of my mom
• age 12:  a writer   I remember sharing my stories, written in a gnome journal, with my mom's cousin Randy, an English teacher, at a family event held at our house.  He was gracious.  :)  The idea of being a writer lasted until age 14.

Unfortunately, at the age where I could have really focused on any sort of dream, high school, I let them all go.  My confidence faded and my focus switched from learning to friends and social issues.  School could have been easy for me, but I was distracted and lazy.  I lost direction, ambition and vision.  The one dream I always saw for myself was to be a mother.  After a poor academic attempt at high school I took a few junior college courses, mainly because I didn't have a better idea and my friends were going.  (I also became a bank teller.)  Finally a spark was ignited and I decided to go on a mission.  I am not sure I would have even had the confidence for that, but it was an answer to prayer...and my heart told me to go.

I set out on my 21st birthday for the missionary training center.  I spent a year and a half serving, the majority of those months I spent in Argentina.  It was good for me in so many ways...but one in particular was confidence.  I knew that I if I could travel to another country, learn a foreign language, teach and communicate and live with people I had never met before....I could go to college.

Returning to college started out slowly, I was working full time (again, at a bank) and took a few classes a session.  My first goal was to do special education or occupational therapy.  I wanted to help people.  Then I took a communications class that I LOVED.  I had finally finished my general education courses and headed to the University.  Danny and I were married now.  I was still working full time as a bank manager while Danny was finishing his degree and playing football.  I was sure that all of this would be interrupted and at any moment I would have a baby and become a full time mom.

A baby wasn't coming, so my first class at the University of Utah was in communications.  I decided to combine the two interests and study communication disorders through the Speech and Hearing Science department.  I still expected to be pregnant at any minute and drop everything to be a full time mom.  I was fascinated by the sciences and was excited to be learning.  I loved becoming a full time student once Danny graduated.  My dream was to sit in the library in the middle of the day---during those M-F/9-5 hours that had been occupied at a bank for so many years.

During my senior year in college we were trying more serious fertility measures and nothing was working.  Finally, the month before I graduated, our doctors recommended we travel to a specialist outside of UT (in CA or CO) to pursue our fertility issues further.  They said they couldn't do anything for us.  I was approaching graduation...without a plan.  I had been sure we would be parents by then (we had been trying for 6 years), now that graduation was upon me...I had wished I had planned for graduate school.  My dream of being a mom seemed to elude me no matter what I tried.  I worried about why I wasn't worthy of the opportunity.  I struggled not knowing what path to take.

After graduation I decided to get an entry level job in both Speech/Audiology.  I was hired first at a local hospital in the "maternity ward" doing infant hearing screenings.  I would test the baby's hearing the day after they were born.  I wondered if my mental wellness could handle it.  Would I be able to spend hours each day...facing my one dream that always stayed constant...that I never let fade away...knowing that for me it wasn't happening???  I decided to do it.

One of my first days of training at the hospital I felt queasy and sick.  I remember worrying that maybe I would spread something to the babies.  I washed my hands well and started learning the new job.  After work I went home and called the doctor.  My period was several weeks late, I was thirsty, tired...and sure that I had diabetes.  The nurse asked me if I had taken a pregnancy test.  I fought back tears and told her about my promise to myself that I would never take another pregnancy test again.  Too many had been (-) and I couldn't face another stick to pee on.  She told me to drive down (40 min. away).  I felt so silly driving down there.  It was just two months ago this same office  told me that intro-fertilization wouldn't work.  I hadn't been on any fertility treatments in months...how in the world could I be pregnant.

Without telling a soul, I headed to the doctor's office.  After several hours the results came back (+)!!!!!
I don't believe in coincidences.  I became pregnant one month after I graduated from college.  Although those years of waiting for what I wanted most were hard, painful, soul searching years, they were some of the most precious to me in any growth I may have attained thus far.  Now, to have had those experiences AND to be a mom to THREE DAUGHTERS, I feel as though I couldn't possibly ask for more.  I am a better mother because of a formal education...but also the spiritual education my trials have given me.

"i'm glad you taught me"

Arizona, SUMMER 1976

On Mother's Day I reminded the girls that we would be seeing Nana that day and that she would love a card.  We had a bit of running around to do before-during-after church.  The girls were on their own.  They each had a hand made card when it was time to get in the car for Sunday dinner- with no help or direction from me.   After we finished dinner they found their cards and handed them to Nana.  My mom asked,  "Did you read this?"  I hadn't.  She handed it to me with a smile.  This is what it said-

"Dear Nana,  When could you do a puzel (puzzle)?  I am glad you toght (taught) my mom well so I could have a good live (life)."

She signed it-

To: Nana

From: Kate

Along with hand drawn flower pictures...it might have been one of the sweetest cards I have ever read. I realized I should have taken the time on Sunday to write my own card...

..............

Thank you Mom for being one of the first people to teach me how to love.

Thank you for finding fun in small ways.

Thank you for taking care of all of my needs.  

When I think of learning to read, sew, do dishes, enjoy sunshine, cook, iron, attend church, swim, celebrate holidays, serve a neighbor---I think of you.  Some of these things you taught me through instruction---but most of them were by watching your example.  Thank you for that.

I love you.

Happy Mother's Day.

Wilson + Nettie

on top of the world

 pictures taken in Aug. 2010 @ the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

I'm on top of the world lookin' down on creation...

and the only explanation I can find...

is the love that I've found ever since you've been around 

it has put me at the top of the world...  

-The Carpenters

How did I get so lucky to be with him?  He truly is my better half.  He helps me laugh when I am taking things too seriously.  (I always take things too seriously.) He supports me in every goal or ambition.  He is my best friend---I can tell him anything.  He understands me.  He cares about us.  I love him.

I was asked to teach a Sunday lesson at church to the Relief Society (a women's group).  The assignment was on LOVE & MARRIAGE with the emphasis (taken from Daughters in My Kingdom) as follows:  "The cultivation of Christlike qualities is a demanding and relentless task..."

As I thought about what I could say, one thing that kept returning to my mind was something Patricia Holland said, "If I were Satan and wanted to destroy a society, I think I would stage a full blown blitz on women.  I would keep them so distraught and distracted that they would never find the calming strength and serenity for which their gender has always been known."  One Thing Is Needful, Patricia Holland; Ensign Oct. 1987

It left me wondering in which ways I am distracted and how I could improve my relationship with Danny.  I decided on three specific distractions to overcome for myself-

selfishness

"I have heard President Hinckley teach publicly and privately what I suppose all leaders have said---that most problems in love and marriage ultimately start with selfishness."

How Do I Love Thee, Jeffrey R. Holland

being easily provoked

"Think of how many arguments could be avoided, how many hurt feelings could be spared, how many cold shoulders and silent treatments could be ended, and, in a worst-case scenario, how many breakups and divorces could be avoided if we were not so easily provoked, if we thought no evil of one another, and if we not only did not rejoice in iniquity but didn't rejoice even in little mistakes."

How Do I Love Thee, Jeffrey R. Holland

criticism

"Bite your tongue if you have to.  'He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city' (Proverbs 16:32)  At least one difference between a tolerable marriage and a great one may be that willingness in the latter to allow some things to pass without comment, without response."

How Do I Love Thee, Jeffrey R. Holland

As I studied these distractions I found some wonderful solutions that I need to work on:

for selfishness---be deliberate

find ways, on purpose, with thought and genuineness to show love

don't assume that it is assumed--show love by my actions

Mother Theresa said, "Do small things with great love."

plan dates and time to be together

turn off phones and electronics for said dates

remember making memories is more important than receiving things

easily provoked---laughter

I love this from Joseph B. Wirthlin-

"The first thing we can do is learn to laugh.  Have you ever seen an angry driver who, when someone else makes a mistake, reacts as though that person has insulted his honor, his family, his dog, and his ancestors all the way back to Adam?...Our laughter created cherished memories for us...The next time you're tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead.  It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable."

Come What May- And Love It,  October 2008

criticism---seek optimism (or bite my tongue)

"'The Spirit of the gospel is optimistic; it trusts in God and looks on the bright side of things.  The opposite or pessimistic spirit drags men down and away from God, looks on the dark side, murmurs, complains, and is slow to yield obedience.'  (Orson F. Whitney) We should honor the Savior's declaration to "be of good cheer.'  Speak hopefully.  Speak encouragingly, including about yourself.  Try not to complain and moan incessantly.  As someone once said 'Even in the golden age of civilization someone undoubtedly grumbled that everything looked too yellow.'"

The Tongue of Angels, Jeffrey R. Holland, May 2007

Another thing I could do better...posting pictures of Danny and I.
I could take a few more too.
I hardly ever post pictures of the two of us.
Next time it wont be so wordy.
xo

a non-birthday gift

My sister Dede and I share the same birthday month.  Our mom and dad are great about remembering and arranging some sort of celebration.  We had that Saturday.  We gathered at our house for dinner.  Dede and her family brought a Wii so the kids could play Just Dance 2.  The adults talked...and talked...and watched YouTube videos on the AppleTv. We had agreed a few months ago to make birthdays more low key and not to exchange gifts.  I was shopping at JCrew the night before and found a sweater that would be perfect for Dede.  As she was leaving I gave her the "non-birthday gift."  I was walking with Dede toward the door for her first load to the car when she casually pointed to a box sitting by the door and said, "There is your 'non-birthday gift.'"  I picked it up.  It was so heavy I thought it must be food storage.  I opened the box and saw a family treasure.

Before a move, my mom was going through all of their possessions.  She decided to give us some of her treasures--- I received her grandmother's silver, Annie received the china, and Dede received the Little Colonel books.  These books originally belonged to my great aunt.  My mom had read them to us---and we loved it.  We loved the stories and they were more dear knowing where they had come from and the memories attached to our mom reading them to us.  Dede said, "I know you will read them to your girls."  (Dede has four wonderful sons.)  I was so touched by her gift.  She has always been one of the most generous people I know.  She has inherited that quality from our dad- who I believe inherited from his mom (Granny).  I have a lot to learn from them. xoxo

resolve

It's never good, when you have reached the end of the year and can't recall any of your resolutions from the first of the year.  Well, I did add music to our home...improvement in the other areas was very slight.  I hope for a better resolve this year!  I love the newness of a brand new year.  Danny and I had an impromptu talk on the couch on January 1st.  We are excited about our resolutions!

We are going to take greater care of our bodies!  One of favorite friends is Effie Nielsen.  When we were neighbors, Effie had competed and won a weightlifting championship.  See here and here.  She was encouraged to compete by her great-grandson and his coach.  At the time Effie was 90.  (She will be 100 this May.)  I was talking with her in her front yard quite a few years ago.  We were talking about her garden.  She mentioned all of the rhubarb she needed to harvest.  I asked what she did with it besides the obvious pie choice.  "I make rhubarb juice" she said.  "Rhubarb juice???  Does that taste good?"  I responded.  "I don't live to eat, " she replied sweetly,  "I eat to live."  We hope to follow Effie's way of life.  We are going to think more about "eating to live" instead of what we "live to eat."  There wont be any family strict codes...just an effort to do better with a stronger focus on our health.

We will also be outside more (breathing fresh air and working our bodies)!  I have a propensity to hibernate in the winter.  It is not good for my body or my mind.  We started Monday.  We woke up, enjoyed a quick breakfast and headed out the door.  We even found a few friends who wanted to join us on our way.  There will be more walking, hiking, yoga, pilates and even running this year.

We are going to "show up" this year.  Last week we were all gathered at Grandma's viewing.  It had been a slow evening.  It was cold outside.  It was feeling too quiet...even with family surrounding us.  I looked toward the door and in walked one of our most favorite families.  Danny's friend Kenny walked in with his wife Heather and their four children.  They were dressed up in their Sunday best and brightened our entire evening.  I don't think Kenny had seen Grandma since our wedding, yet he showed up.  They are dear friends and taught us a great lesson.  Show up for people.  When we are there for people---weddings, funerals, babies, surgeries, graduations, birthdays...they feel loved.  We can definitely do a better job in this category.

So yesterday when Danny's mom called and needed help in her yard---we showed up.  We were outside in the fresh air, working with happy hearts.  Thank you Parcell family for your good examples.

"Certain qualities, talents, and works which distinguish a man are more readily appreciated when one knows from what nationality he has sprung..."  The Life and Times of Asher B. Durand p. 3

I remember standing by a bus in Argentina when a man asked me, "De donde es?"  He wanted to know more than where I was currently living, and more than my country of origin...he wanted to know my nationality.  That really isn't an easy question...I have lines from many different countries---France, England, Germany, and more...  Needless to say, he wasn't satisfied with my vague answer.

Although there is too much variety to identify with any one country besides the country in which I currently live, I believe there is a great benefit knowing where we come from.  Instead of focusing on places we will focus this year on people that have come before us.  Danny and I brainstormed a plan to create "book of remembrances" like those my parents had when I grew up.  They were covered in hardback leather with strong metal posts.  We are going to craft new books from antique photo albums.  (Thank you Papa!)  We will add pages:  fill it with lined sheets, pictures and family trees.  There will be a section of all four lines of my girls genealogy.  It will be a special place for them to note and write what is important to them of what they have learned.  We can't wait.

I am also going to read a few books to help me learn more:   The Life and Times of Asher B. Durand (a great, great, great uncle) and a few books on the Mayflower (to learn more of the Brewster and Standish family lines from which we are a part).