Anyone who knows our family knows that Christmas just isn't Christmas without Mom's gingerbread cookies.
Ginger Bread Cookie Recipe
1 c shortening (must use shortening) 1 tsp baking soda
1 c sugar 1 tsp baking powder
1 c molasses 1 tsp ginger
1 c hot water 1 tsp salt
1 egg well beaten 1 tsp cinnamon
6-7 c flour (Add gradually!)
Cream shortening and sugar. add egg. then stir in molasses and water. Add dry ingredients. roll dough to about 1/4 inch thick or so and cut with cookie cutter. Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes. Let cool then frost.
Frosting recipe for cookies
1/2 c shortening
3 c powder sugar
3-5 tbsp milk (add 3 then add a little more if you need it.)
1 tsp vanilla
Mix ingredients together. Add food coloring of your choice.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
Memories of Christmas by Lucinda
Christmastime is my favorite time of year. I love the sounds, smells, and activities of the season, but most of all I love the memories that I have of years gone by.
The first Christmas that I remember is when Grandpa Dunn gave me my blue teddy bear (Blue Bear). I'm not sure how old I was, but I remember the family standing at his door and caroling. Then he let us come in. He sat me on his lap in his chair and pulled out a plastic bag from next to the chair. In the bag was my teddy bear.
Another early memory of Christmas is when all of the kids slept in the basement on a big bed. I'm not sure if Paul was there or not, but I remember Dan, Stephen, Ruth, and I all playing on the bed on Christmas Eve. Stephen got sick (upset stomach) because he was so excited. I think he ended going up stairs for a little while. I don't remember what I got that year for Christmas, I just remember how much fun it was to all sleep in the same room together.
On Christmas morning, after everyone used the bathroom, Dad would go into the front room and turn on a lamp and the Christmas tree lights. There was a magical feeling as we walked into the front room (lined up youngest to oldest). It was always exciting to see what Santa brought us.
One Christmas Eve, after Dan's mission, we put our bed's into a square (Stephen, Ruth, and I) and Dan slept on the floor in the middle. I remember hearing the bells on Santa's sleigh close by. I was sure that if I peeked outside, I would see him in our backyard. Of course, I didn't dare look outside because I didn't want him to see me!
Another favorite Christmas was Krista's first Christmas. For some reason, Krista ended up sleeping upstairs in the attic with Stephen and me. Dan told us that we better be quiet and not wake up Krista or he would be made. We tried to be quiet, but she woke up around 2:00 in the morning. We took her down stairs to Dan and Pam. She was wide awake and wasn't going to go back to sleep anytime soon. Stephen and I decided to capitalize on this opportunity. We went into Mom & Dad's bedroom and made our case as to why we should just get up now. We won! We all lined up and had Christmas at 2:00 in the morning! (Good thing Santa had made it by then:)
I remember one of Grandma Thomas' last Christmases. Stephen was on his mission and Grandma came to stay with us for a few days. It was a quiet Christmas morning without any of the grandchildren there. The thing I remember from that Christmas is listening to Grandma say her prayers in bed. I'm sure she didn't know that I was listening. I was most impressed with how she talked to God like a dear friend. It helped me to realize how close the Savior can be when we pray sincerely.
When I was at UVSC, I always helped with the Tute for Tots program. The students at the institute would raise money for the whole month of November. Then on the first Saturday on December we would meet at the K-Mart in Provo and go shopping. One year we provided Christmas for over 70 needy families.
The best year of Tute for Tots for me was in 1997. Bro. Christianson asked me to meet with the families that his classes would be buying for. The one family had just moved, the mom was on bed rest (she was having a difficult pregnancy), and they were struggling with finances. They decided the night before I called that they would tell their children that Santa didn’t know where they lived now and would not be coming that Christmas. When I talked to the mom, she just cried because she was so overwhelmed. It was such a neat experience to meet with this family. The mom gave me a list of things that they needed. She didn’t ask for anything for herself and asked for a pair of work boots for her husband.
When it came time to go shopping for their family, it meant so much more to me than ever before because I felt like I knew the family. That year I took Krista (and Jana I think) with me shopping. They loved being Santa’s elves. When we delivered two or three garbage bags full of wrapped presents, the delight in the children’s eyes was overflowing. The parents were so very grateful for an answer to their prayers. I was grateful for the opportunity to be an instrument in answering those prayers.
I was lucky enough to have two Christmases as a missionary. My second one was very special to me. I had talked to my family the night before, so I was able to focus on the Savior the whole day. I got up early and read some articles in the Ensign and New Era about the birth and life of Jesus Christ. Then we went to the church for a Christmas service. It was a wonderful day.
Another special Christmas was when I was pregnant with Landon. I sang in the choir that year. The spirit was very strong, especially during a song that we sang about Mary. For the first time in my life, I thought about what she must have felt and gone through.
My favorite thing about Christmas is the opportunity to help others. It is so fun to help people because they are more open to the help,. I always feel that I receive much more then I ever give. I’m thankful for all of the times that we did the 12 days of Christmas growing up. That helped me to realize that Christmas isn’t about getting, but about giving. We have continued to try to focus on this in our family.
I feel very grateful for the spirit that comes into my life at Christmas time. I am grateful for the opportunity that Dan & Pam have given us to participate in the Festival of Trees. It is something that we look forward to all year long. As a family, we have started some of our own traditions that help to bring to spirit of Christmas into our home. From making neighbor gifts to helping those in need, from planning out our special Christmas Eve dinner to seeing the light in others eyes on Christmas morning when they see the surprise they have received, that is what makes every year a special Christmas for me.
The first Christmas that I remember is when Grandpa Dunn gave me my blue teddy bear (Blue Bear). I'm not sure how old I was, but I remember the family standing at his door and caroling. Then he let us come in. He sat me on his lap in his chair and pulled out a plastic bag from next to the chair. In the bag was my teddy bear.
Another early memory of Christmas is when all of the kids slept in the basement on a big bed. I'm not sure if Paul was there or not, but I remember Dan, Stephen, Ruth, and I all playing on the bed on Christmas Eve. Stephen got sick (upset stomach) because he was so excited. I think he ended going up stairs for a little while. I don't remember what I got that year for Christmas, I just remember how much fun it was to all sleep in the same room together.
On Christmas morning, after everyone used the bathroom, Dad would go into the front room and turn on a lamp and the Christmas tree lights. There was a magical feeling as we walked into the front room (lined up youngest to oldest). It was always exciting to see what Santa brought us.
One Christmas Eve, after Dan's mission, we put our bed's into a square (Stephen, Ruth, and I) and Dan slept on the floor in the middle. I remember hearing the bells on Santa's sleigh close by. I was sure that if I peeked outside, I would see him in our backyard. Of course, I didn't dare look outside because I didn't want him to see me!
Another favorite Christmas was Krista's first Christmas. For some reason, Krista ended up sleeping upstairs in the attic with Stephen and me. Dan told us that we better be quiet and not wake up Krista or he would be made. We tried to be quiet, but she woke up around 2:00 in the morning. We took her down stairs to Dan and Pam. She was wide awake and wasn't going to go back to sleep anytime soon. Stephen and I decided to capitalize on this opportunity. We went into Mom & Dad's bedroom and made our case as to why we should just get up now. We won! We all lined up and had Christmas at 2:00 in the morning! (Good thing Santa had made it by then:)
I remember one of Grandma Thomas' last Christmases. Stephen was on his mission and Grandma came to stay with us for a few days. It was a quiet Christmas morning without any of the grandchildren there. The thing I remember from that Christmas is listening to Grandma say her prayers in bed. I'm sure she didn't know that I was listening. I was most impressed with how she talked to God like a dear friend. It helped me to realize how close the Savior can be when we pray sincerely.
When I was at UVSC, I always helped with the Tute for Tots program. The students at the institute would raise money for the whole month of November. Then on the first Saturday on December we would meet at the K-Mart in Provo and go shopping. One year we provided Christmas for over 70 needy families.
The best year of Tute for Tots for me was in 1997. Bro. Christianson asked me to meet with the families that his classes would be buying for. The one family had just moved, the mom was on bed rest (she was having a difficult pregnancy), and they were struggling with finances. They decided the night before I called that they would tell their children that Santa didn’t know where they lived now and would not be coming that Christmas. When I talked to the mom, she just cried because she was so overwhelmed. It was such a neat experience to meet with this family. The mom gave me a list of things that they needed. She didn’t ask for anything for herself and asked for a pair of work boots for her husband.
When it came time to go shopping for their family, it meant so much more to me than ever before because I felt like I knew the family. That year I took Krista (and Jana I think) with me shopping. They loved being Santa’s elves. When we delivered two or three garbage bags full of wrapped presents, the delight in the children’s eyes was overflowing. The parents were so very grateful for an answer to their prayers. I was grateful for the opportunity to be an instrument in answering those prayers.
I was lucky enough to have two Christmases as a missionary. My second one was very special to me. I had talked to my family the night before, so I was able to focus on the Savior the whole day. I got up early and read some articles in the Ensign and New Era about the birth and life of Jesus Christ. Then we went to the church for a Christmas service. It was a wonderful day.
Another special Christmas was when I was pregnant with Landon. I sang in the choir that year. The spirit was very strong, especially during a song that we sang about Mary. For the first time in my life, I thought about what she must have felt and gone through.
My favorite thing about Christmas is the opportunity to help others. It is so fun to help people because they are more open to the help,. I always feel that I receive much more then I ever give. I’m thankful for all of the times that we did the 12 days of Christmas growing up. That helped me to realize that Christmas isn’t about getting, but about giving. We have continued to try to focus on this in our family.
I feel very grateful for the spirit that comes into my life at Christmas time. I am grateful for the opportunity that Dan & Pam have given us to participate in the Festival of Trees. It is something that we look forward to all year long. As a family, we have started some of our own traditions that help to bring to spirit of Christmas into our home. From making neighbor gifts to helping those in need, from planning out our special Christmas Eve dinner to seeing the light in others eyes on Christmas morning when they see the surprise they have received, that is what makes every year a special Christmas for me.
Christmas Memories by Pam
CHRISTMAS MEMORIES
My favorite memories of Christmas growing up are on Christmas Eve. We would bake Christmas goodies all day and then take plates to all the neighbors, mom’s visiting teachers, and the sisters she visit taught, to our home teachers, and the families Dad home taught, church teachers, school teachers, and friends, pretty much everyone in Duchesne. Mom loved to do this and she didn’t want others to feel obligated to give her a gift because that would take away the Christmas spirit, that’s why she did it on Christmas Eve. The high light for the kids of delivering the goodies was that we got to look at all the Christmas lights as we made the deliveries, we loved the Christmas lights.
After the goodies were delivered we would come home and sing around the piano. Some of our favorite songs were “Santa’s Using Zebras Now” and “The Marvelous Little Toy.”
On Christmas morning Randall would have us up at 2:00 a.m. looking to see what Santa had brought. We were able to play with the gifts from Santa because they were unwrapped, but we could not open our wrapped gifts until everyone was up. The teenagers, Brent, Paula, and Phyllis, were not early risers, we could usually have every one up by 6:00 a.m.
I was a snooper! I was taught by the best, Randall. At first it was easy they would hide things in their closet but I guess they could tell we were going through the sacks, so they moved things down stairs. Eventually, they hiding place was up in the attic and I was too sacred of heights (so was Randall) to climb up so our snooping ended. Now I love surprises and don’t want to even know what the kids are getting each other.
Another favorite tradition we had growing up was going up in the mountains and cutting down our own Christmas tree. After we found the perfect one, and it took some time with five girls each with a different eye, we could see bare spots and holes in the trees that the others could not see. Mom would have hot chocolate and homemade spudnts. (It’s fast Sunday and my mouth is watering)
After Dan and I were married and living in Springville, I think I had my most spiritual, relaxing, stress free Christmas ever. Dan and I had all of our shopping done early, Thanksgiving weekend, so we would spend the December evenings reading Christmas stories as a family around the Christmas tree, baking Christmas goodies, taking the kids to do their Christmas shopping without trying to hide things, and making Christmas gifts for neighbors and friends without the stress and hurriedness. I’ve tried and tried to recreate that year, by having our shopping done early but have never made it. It does seem however, that each year I feel the true meaning of Christmas in my heart deeper and deeper and somehow all the things I use to rush to get done don’t seem important anymore.
Of course Christmas 2000 holds great memories for me because we were expecting our own baby Jesus. She, Alicia, just came a few hours too late. But what a great Christmas, I reflected on the birth of my Savior and of Mary, the mother of Jesus while I was preparing to give birth myself.
Christmas 2002 was also a memorable Christmas. Jarom and Jared were born the weekend before Thanksgiving of that year. I felt the Saviors love for me almost continually during that holiday season. Our family was blessed with many miracles. The very same miracles that Christ himself performed while upon the earth were performed in Jarom and Jared’s behalf through the power of His priesthood. As a family we attended the Festival of Trees for the first time that year and felt the love, and goodness and hope for the boys.
Since that year the festival of trees has become a tradition for our family. Way back in August, or even before, we start thinking of our Christmas tree. I get out my “Keeping Christ in Christmas” c.d and that puts me in the right mood to start my early Christmas season. Our first tree (2004) was called I Love Snow! My parents and brother and sisters helped by sanding and painting snowmen, mittens, and snowflake, and also donating money that we would normally buy gifts for each other with.
Our second tree was (2006) was a testimony tree of the miracles that we received during that awesome experience with the boys. It was called Do you see what I see. We had four different trees to represent each verse of that song. By all statistics the boys should have been blind, deaf, dumb, (just as the three verses talk about) and a host of other problems. The 4th verse talks about listening to our King and praying or peace and we certainly felt that peace during that time and also at the festival. That tree was bought by Monte J. Borough of the Seventy.
In 2007 Krista and JanaLyn did the tree for a value project. Their tree was Because you Loved Me. It was a friendship tree and their testimony of how Christ loves us and is there for us and how we in turn love our friends. Their tree had angels and hearts on it.
This year (2008) our tree is called “Miracles Stories.” The tree has angels and books, and ornaments that represent Christmas miracle stories; like “The Christmas Orange (orange slices) and “Christmas Shoes” (shoes). The angles represent all of the angels in our life. We also have the boys miracle story that Dan and I finished writing this year.
Another fun tradition we started recently is our Christmas vacations. A few years ago we decided it was more important to create memories than to by stuff, so we scaled back our Christmas’s so we could go on a little vacation. The first year, in 2002, we went to SLC. We got to see the sights and sounds of Christmas on Temple Square. This was the year Jarom and Jared were born. We’ve gone to sunny Mesquite Nevada and stayed with Tricia a couple times, and last year 2007, we went back to SLC.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Blessings in my Life by Pam
Blessings in my Life
Where do I start to record the blessings of my life? All that I have is a blessing from my Heavenly Father. Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, have the gospel in my life, my pioneer ancestors and parents who made that possible for me. My testimony, my husband, my family, living in America, having the right to vote (which I did today), all of these are blessings.
Lately, there have been two blessings that I keeping thanking Heavenly Father for; one is His beautiful creations. I was looking out my bedroom window the day on the first snow this year. The backyards between the two rows of homes were just beautiful. We had an early snow so the trees were still vibrant with different shades of red, yellow, orange, and greens. There was a light dusting of snow on the pine trees and snow lightly falling and I just sat their watching for a long time, pondering on Heavenly Father’s love for me, and that he created this beautiful world for me to live in and enjoy. I was over come with His tender mercies.
The other thing I’ve been thinking about is how grateful I was to be able to stay home for 18 years to raise my family. Some days it seemed like a long 18 years and I’d find myself wanting to get out of the house and let someone else raise my children. It always seemed I’d feel like that just before general conference, then Heavenly Father would tell someone to speak on the importance of family and staying home and raising your children. Heavenly Father would always send whatever help I need to try and help me succeed.
I thank Heavenly Father everyday Dan and his support and help in whatever I have going on and his loooooong hours of work so that I could stay home. It doesn’t matter how tired he is when he gets home he makes all of us think we are the most important thing to him.
I thank Heavenly Father everyday for my children, for their goodness and desire to want to do what is right and their obedience to the commandments of God and to their local church leaders. Thanks goodness for Krista, our guiney pig, and now JanaLyn who set great examples for their siblings to follow.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
A Thankful Heart by Lucinda
As I have pondered on my blessings, my heart is filled with thanksgiving. I feel like the Lord has provided for me and my family in so many ways.
I am grateful for my good health. What a blessing it has been for our family to have my knees healthy and strong. It is the first time since I was 5 or 6 that I don't worry about my knee dislocating. I feel so grateful for that miracle in my life. It has brought a feeling of peace and gratitude into my life each day.
I am also grateful for a wonderful family. Not just Brad and the boys, but our extended family as well. I'm grateful that we can ask for help from our family and there is never a moment's hesitation, they are always there when we need them.
I feel so blessed to be married to a wonderful man who loves the gospel and our children. He is patient, kind, and loving. He is my best friend and I honestly don't know what I would do with out him in my life.
I have also been blessed with two wonderful little boys. They are a delight to have in our home. They make us laugh at all of the funny things that they do. It is hard to be upset or grumpy when they are so happy all of the time. I am grateful for the opportunity to be home with them and to watch them grow.
I am also grateful for the gospel in my life. It is because of my belief in God and my Savior, Jesus Christ, that I have so many of the blessings that I have.
I am grateful for my good health. What a blessing it has been for our family to have my knees healthy and strong. It is the first time since I was 5 or 6 that I don't worry about my knee dislocating. I feel so grateful for that miracle in my life. It has brought a feeling of peace and gratitude into my life each day.
I am also grateful for a wonderful family. Not just Brad and the boys, but our extended family as well. I'm grateful that we can ask for help from our family and there is never a moment's hesitation, they are always there when we need them.
I feel so blessed to be married to a wonderful man who loves the gospel and our children. He is patient, kind, and loving. He is my best friend and I honestly don't know what I would do with out him in my life.
I have also been blessed with two wonderful little boys. They are a delight to have in our home. They make us laugh at all of the funny things that they do. It is hard to be upset or grumpy when they are so happy all of the time. I am grateful for the opportunity to be home with them and to watch them grow.
I am also grateful for the gospel in my life. It is because of my belief in God and my Savior, Jesus Christ, that I have so many of the blessings that I have.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Fun Halloween Party
One of my favorite Halloween's was when I was in college at U.S.U. (2003). We had a party at my house with a bunch of friends. We had a donut eating contest and played some games. It had snowed that day a couple of inches. Stephen and Brad ended up dragging our friend Halee out into the snow. Then we watched my favorite scary movie "Wait until Dark". It was a lot of fun.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Halloween Memory by Kara
One year everyone in our family dressed up as Christmas symbols. We put up Christmas lights and handed out candy canes.
Dad was Santa
Mom was Mrs. Clause
Krista was a doll
Jana was a present
Kara was Rudolph
Camilla, Alicia, Jarom, and Jared were all elves
It was a blast!
Another school memory:) by Lucinda
In junior high, I had a group of friends that I hung out with. All but one of the girls was LDS, but most of them were less active or active but not really strong. A few of them didn't use very good language. They noticed that I didn't swear or use vulgar language. I remember one day I walked up to the table where my friends were eating lunch. I heard one of them (Lisa) say, "Here comes Rachel (she didn't like the name Lucinda), don't swear because she doesn't talk like that." I don't know if she knew that I heard her, but it made an impression on me about the importance of example. She had seen what my values were, and she respected me enough that she wouldn't talk vulgar around me. You just never know who is watching you and what impact you have on them.
The Last Day of School by Lucinda
One of my favorite school memories happened on the last day of school. It was at the end of my sophomore year. My friends and I decided to have a party at my house. We wanted to have a water fight, so we started filling up some water balloons. About half way through, Mom & Dad came home. (They had gone to the store to buy some food for us.) My friends asked me if they could get my parents wet. I said "Don't get my Dad, but my Mom won't mind.
Well, some one decided to spray her with the hose. Mom was surprised, but instead of going after the kid who sprayed her, she went after me! She grabbed a hose and just soaked me. Of course that started the rest of our water fight. Mom retreated into the house and brought out towels for us to dry off with after the fight was over. It was a fun day. Many of my friends couldn't believe that my mom would actually participate in a water fight. They thought it was really cool.
Well, some one decided to spray her with the hose. Mom was surprised, but instead of going after the kid who sprayed her, she went after me! She grabbed a hose and just soaked me. Of course that started the rest of our water fight. Mom retreated into the house and brought out towels for us to dry off with after the fight was over. It was a fun day. Many of my friends couldn't believe that my mom would actually participate in a water fight. They thought it was really cool.
Friday, September 5, 2008
School Days by Pam
School Days
I loved growing up in a small town. Our schools classes were small and everyone knew everybody. I went to afternoon kindergarten, my teacher was Mrs. Burton. There are two things that stand out in my mind from that year. On the first day of kindergarten my best friend, Laurie Ostler, and I were walking up to the school after being dropped off by my Mom. Laurie started walking to a different door and I told her she was going to the wrong door, she insisted she was right and I knew I was right. After a few minutes my Mom called to me and told me to me I was going to the wrong door. I don’t know why I remember that but I do. My other memory of kindergarten is snack and nap time. Our snack was always graham crackers and milk and for nap time we would lay down on our towels and rest. I don’t ever remember going to sleep but it was quiet time.
In first grade I had Mrs. Pitt (my friend LaRita’s mom), she was known as a strict teacher and I was sacred to be in her class, but she turned out to be really nice and I loved first grade. I remember learning read and I loved to read. One day while I was reading my assignment, Brandy, Wendy and Tracee came up to me and said “you’re not really reading because you aren’t moving your lips, we’re going to go tell Mrs. Pitt.” I was scared to death. Mrs. Pitt came over and explained to the three girls (bullies) that I was reading to myself and you don’t need to move your lips.
Miss Hardy/Mrs. Taylor (she got married half way through the year) was my second grade teacher she also lived across the street from me in the government trailer court. I remember Miss Hardy had a great reading center we could read in for free time. I would hurry and get my work done so I could read in her castle. I also remember singing with the other 2nd grade class, Miss Smith’s class (years later to be Mrs. Miller. One song I remember learning was if all the rain drops were candy bars were milkshakes oh what a rain that would be. Singing and reading were my favorite classes in 2nd grade. My friends in 2nd grade were Holly Smith and Kira Nielson
In third grade I had the strictest teacher ever. Her name was Miss Gibson. You always here how mean the teachers are but I found they were really nice, especially if you followed the rules which I did, and I really like her. I remember learning multiplication and division. Division was hard for me to learn, my friend Gayleen was real smart so after she finished her math she would help me. She would always give me multiple choices and I soon learned the correct answer was always the middle number she gave me.
Fourth grade was my favorite year of elementary. My teacher was Mr. Chapman, my next door neighbor. This was my first year in the pod and we were able to rotate to the three different 4th grade teachers, Mr. Chapman, Mr. Taylor and Miss Rosquist, for English, reading, and math. I felt like a teenager. My favorite part of fourth grade was studying Utah History. Mr Chapman made it so exciting for us. To finish off the unit we had a big rendezvous with all three 4th grade classes where we dressed up as pioneers and went to different vendors (our parents) to buy things from that time late 1800’s to early 1900’s. We used the money we earned while studying the unit by turning in assignments on time, our scores on assignments and tests and our behavior. It was a lot of fun.
In fifth grade I had Mrs. Bench; I looked forward to her as a teacher forever. This year the school decided to mix two grades together on a trial bases so we were mixed with 6th graders. (Randall’s age group, though he wasn’t in my class.) Shelly Young, a 6th grader was my best friend that year. I also started band and went over to the high school to learn from Mrs. Brenbroker. I played the clarinet. My most embarrassing moment in grade school happened in 5th grade. I threw up. Luckily I was not in class, I was decorating a bulletin board in an empty pod. I also remember earning banana split parties buy good behavior.
The thing that stands out in my mind as a 6th grader, incidentally was the thing I disliked the most about 6th grade; read aloud Mr. Chapman , yes, I got him again, loved the Hobbit and he read to us every day. It seemed like it took all year to get through the books. I love to read so having someone read to me was not very exciting.
My favorite part of elementary school was sunrise singers! The sunrise singers were a group of students who got together 2-3 mornings a week at 7:30 to practice singing and learn new songs. I particularly loved Christmas time during sunrise singers, we learned Christmas songs then got to perform at rest homes and other places all over the Uintah Basin and even at the University Mall in Orem.
I also have fun memories from the lunch room during my elementary days. Mrs. Harris would always stand where you emptied your tray and would take your leftovers, she said they were for her dog but you know how kids are and she was teased that they were really for her. She was a different kind of lady.
My favorite lunch they served was Navajo Tacos. I loved them! I was always the last one of my friends to finish lunch except on Navajo Taco days and I woofed those babies down.
One day in 2nd grade we were eating lunch and my friends Kira Nielson and Holly Smith always poked holes in their chocolate cake and pour their milk into the little holes. Well one this particular day we were having chocolate cake and they said they wouldn’t be my friend if I didn’t do it. It looked disgusting and besides that I didn’t like milk. I gave into peer pressure and did it and actually loved it. I haven’t done that for many years. I think I’ll try it next time I have cake, I have to get my calcium somehow.
In the 5th grade, our principal, Mr. Foy and secretary, Mrs. White taught our 5th and 6th grade classes ballroom dance. It was a lot of fun! We learned the fox trot, jitterbug, waltz, cha cha, two step, and polka We practiced a couple times a week, they even taught us dance etiquette. The boys learned how to ask a girl to dance, to gently lead the girl out on the floor and then take her back to her seat, and the girls learned how to accept graciously. We got to practice these outside the classroom a couple times a year at school dances.
I remember in 1st grade getting off the bus and there were soldiers waiting for us and they escorted us to class. We were told that we were pretending our country was no longer free. We had to get permission to go to the bathroom, get a drink, we weren’t allowed to talk to our neighbor, at recess we marched around the building, at lunch they made sure we didn’t talk and we ate everything on our plates. We had a very small taste of what freedom isn’t. It was a very long day and I remember getting off the bus the next day very grateful there were no soldiers.
One of my favorite parts of elementary school was sunrise singers! The sunrise singers were a group of students who got together 2-3 mornings a week at 7:30 to practice singing and learn new songs then we got to perform at rest homes and other places all over the Uintah Basin and even at the University Mall in Orem.
In my small town of Duchesne the Jr. high and high school were in the same building. We were just one little happy school. The only were only a couple things that separated the Jr. high from the high school. One was separate lunchtimes, (and our one and only lunch kitchen was in the elementary school so we walked up the street for lunch) and the other was school dances. The Jr. High students, 7th and 8th graders, were not allowed to go to the school dances. You had to be in 9th grade.
My excitement in Jr. High consisted of playing volley ball and basketball on the school team and working at the Polar Queen. During my Jr. High and High school years I never ate at the lunch kitchen, even on Navajo Taco days, my Mom could make them much better then the school could. We when we owned the Polar Queen I would walk across the street during my lunch break to work and to eat, then after we sold it I would walk to Conoco, the gas station, and get pasticcios nuts and a hostess lemon pie. Real healthy I know.
My favorite teacher in Jr. High was Mr. Horrocks, he was a grandpa, but what a great teacher. He taught history and had a showed a lot of respect to his students who in return had enormous respect for him. His philosophy was everyone would pass each quiz and test before we moved on and he taught it such a way they we didn’t linger too long on a particular topic. He made history come alive. We learned all about the continents and countries and their capitals could locate them on the map. He also made sure he had each assignment corrected the day after it was turned in or the whole class a pop. In the two years I had him he only bought pop once and that was after a girl’s away ball game to Green River. (He was also the girls basketball and volley ball coach.)
In high school I was on the drill team, we were called the debutantes, deb’s for short. We had early morning practices (6 a.m.). One my way down to the school I would pick up another girl, Lisa, and take her. I would shower in the morning before practice because we only had 45 minutes after practice to get home and get ready for school. One morning I got up, showered and went to get Lisa and all her lights were off which was never the case, because it was 6 in the morning I didn’t want to knock on her door so I assumed her Dad had taken her that morning. So I drove to the school and no lights were on, so I drove passed the deb presidents house and her lights were off. I was so confused about why no one was up and at the school. I drove back home and all the lights in my house were off and that was really unusual. Mom and Dad were always up reading scriptures and eating breakfast together. I go into my parent’s bedroom to wake them up and notice the time on the glowing digital clock; it’s 3:30 a.m. I guess I was a little early!
In Duchesne we only had one prom and it was the junior prom. My junior prom was a disaster. The only person I didn’t want to go with asked me in front of the whole class. I was so embarrassed, I told him I had to go home and ask my mom and dad. I could have ended the disaster and said no when he called me later that day, after I had talked to mom and dad, but he told me were going to double with Anna and Gayleen, my best friends so I thought that could be fun so I said yes. Well, a couple days before the prom I learned that due to car situations one couple would have to go by themselves. You guessed it; we were the ones by ourselves. Now days the church has said only double dating during high school but that wasn’t the case way back in the day and I thought it would be o.k. because we would just drive separately and meet the other two couples for dinner. So when we were walking out to Leeland’s truck, I asked him if he wanted to go to post prom with me. (BIG mistake, the post prom is the girls’ choice dance the night after the prom and you usually take your prom date to it. Anna, Gayleen and I were planning something fun.)He said yes to the post prom, but the whole dinner thing did not turn out so well and I wished I could turn the clock back to the day he asked me. We did dinner totally solo, not even another couple from the whole entire school was at this restaurant, maybe because we were like two hours too early. (There were only two restaurants in Duchesne to choose from). We did meet up with everyone at the dance but, I’ll tell you by the end of the night, Anna, Gayleen and I was ready to kill our dates and did not want to spend more time with them the next night. And to top it off when Leeland walked me to the door he asked if he could have a kiss, I laughed, said NO and walked in the house but knew it still had to seem him the next night.
The post prom wasn’t as bad because it was less formal and you can go stag so I spent most of the evening dancing with the sophomore boys and Leeland was with his friends, and their was no kissing that night either.
I loved growing up in a small town. Our schools classes were small and everyone knew everybody. I went to afternoon kindergarten, my teacher was Mrs. Burton. There are two things that stand out in my mind from that year. On the first day of kindergarten my best friend, Laurie Ostler, and I were walking up to the school after being dropped off by my Mom. Laurie started walking to a different door and I told her she was going to the wrong door, she insisted she was right and I knew I was right. After a few minutes my Mom called to me and told me to me I was going to the wrong door. I don’t know why I remember that but I do. My other memory of kindergarten is snack and nap time. Our snack was always graham crackers and milk and for nap time we would lay down on our towels and rest. I don’t ever remember going to sleep but it was quiet time.
In first grade I had Mrs. Pitt (my friend LaRita’s mom), she was known as a strict teacher and I was sacred to be in her class, but she turned out to be really nice and I loved first grade. I remember learning read and I loved to read. One day while I was reading my assignment, Brandy, Wendy and Tracee came up to me and said “you’re not really reading because you aren’t moving your lips, we’re going to go tell Mrs. Pitt.” I was scared to death. Mrs. Pitt came over and explained to the three girls (bullies) that I was reading to myself and you don’t need to move your lips.
Miss Hardy/Mrs. Taylor (she got married half way through the year) was my second grade teacher she also lived across the street from me in the government trailer court. I remember Miss Hardy had a great reading center we could read in for free time. I would hurry and get my work done so I could read in her castle. I also remember singing with the other 2nd grade class, Miss Smith’s class (years later to be Mrs. Miller. One song I remember learning was if all the rain drops were candy bars were milkshakes oh what a rain that would be. Singing and reading were my favorite classes in 2nd grade. My friends in 2nd grade were Holly Smith and Kira Nielson
In third grade I had the strictest teacher ever. Her name was Miss Gibson. You always here how mean the teachers are but I found they were really nice, especially if you followed the rules which I did, and I really like her. I remember learning multiplication and division. Division was hard for me to learn, my friend Gayleen was real smart so after she finished her math she would help me. She would always give me multiple choices and I soon learned the correct answer was always the middle number she gave me.
Fourth grade was my favorite year of elementary. My teacher was Mr. Chapman, my next door neighbor. This was my first year in the pod and we were able to rotate to the three different 4th grade teachers, Mr. Chapman, Mr. Taylor and Miss Rosquist, for English, reading, and math. I felt like a teenager. My favorite part of fourth grade was studying Utah History. Mr Chapman made it so exciting for us. To finish off the unit we had a big rendezvous with all three 4th grade classes where we dressed up as pioneers and went to different vendors (our parents) to buy things from that time late 1800’s to early 1900’s. We used the money we earned while studying the unit by turning in assignments on time, our scores on assignments and tests and our behavior. It was a lot of fun.
In fifth grade I had Mrs. Bench; I looked forward to her as a teacher forever. This year the school decided to mix two grades together on a trial bases so we were mixed with 6th graders. (Randall’s age group, though he wasn’t in my class.) Shelly Young, a 6th grader was my best friend that year. I also started band and went over to the high school to learn from Mrs. Brenbroker. I played the clarinet. My most embarrassing moment in grade school happened in 5th grade. I threw up. Luckily I was not in class, I was decorating a bulletin board in an empty pod. I also remember earning banana split parties buy good behavior.
The thing that stands out in my mind as a 6th grader, incidentally was the thing I disliked the most about 6th grade; read aloud Mr. Chapman , yes, I got him again, loved the Hobbit and he read to us every day. It seemed like it took all year to get through the books. I love to read so having someone read to me was not very exciting.
My favorite part of elementary school was sunrise singers! The sunrise singers were a group of students who got together 2-3 mornings a week at 7:30 to practice singing and learn new songs. I particularly loved Christmas time during sunrise singers, we learned Christmas songs then got to perform at rest homes and other places all over the Uintah Basin and even at the University Mall in Orem.
I also have fun memories from the lunch room during my elementary days. Mrs. Harris would always stand where you emptied your tray and would take your leftovers, she said they were for her dog but you know how kids are and she was teased that they were really for her. She was a different kind of lady.
My favorite lunch they served was Navajo Tacos. I loved them! I was always the last one of my friends to finish lunch except on Navajo Taco days and I woofed those babies down.
One day in 2nd grade we were eating lunch and my friends Kira Nielson and Holly Smith always poked holes in their chocolate cake and pour their milk into the little holes. Well one this particular day we were having chocolate cake and they said they wouldn’t be my friend if I didn’t do it. It looked disgusting and besides that I didn’t like milk. I gave into peer pressure and did it and actually loved it. I haven’t done that for many years. I think I’ll try it next time I have cake, I have to get my calcium somehow.
In the 5th grade, our principal, Mr. Foy and secretary, Mrs. White taught our 5th and 6th grade classes ballroom dance. It was a lot of fun! We learned the fox trot, jitterbug, waltz, cha cha, two step, and polka We practiced a couple times a week, they even taught us dance etiquette. The boys learned how to ask a girl to dance, to gently lead the girl out on the floor and then take her back to her seat, and the girls learned how to accept graciously. We got to practice these outside the classroom a couple times a year at school dances.
I remember in 1st grade getting off the bus and there were soldiers waiting for us and they escorted us to class. We were told that we were pretending our country was no longer free. We had to get permission to go to the bathroom, get a drink, we weren’t allowed to talk to our neighbor, at recess we marched around the building, at lunch they made sure we didn’t talk and we ate everything on our plates. We had a very small taste of what freedom isn’t. It was a very long day and I remember getting off the bus the next day very grateful there were no soldiers.
One of my favorite parts of elementary school was sunrise singers! The sunrise singers were a group of students who got together 2-3 mornings a week at 7:30 to practice singing and learn new songs then we got to perform at rest homes and other places all over the Uintah Basin and even at the University Mall in Orem.
In my small town of Duchesne the Jr. high and high school were in the same building. We were just one little happy school. The only were only a couple things that separated the Jr. high from the high school. One was separate lunchtimes, (and our one and only lunch kitchen was in the elementary school so we walked up the street for lunch) and the other was school dances. The Jr. High students, 7th and 8th graders, were not allowed to go to the school dances. You had to be in 9th grade.
My excitement in Jr. High consisted of playing volley ball and basketball on the school team and working at the Polar Queen. During my Jr. High and High school years I never ate at the lunch kitchen, even on Navajo Taco days, my Mom could make them much better then the school could. We when we owned the Polar Queen I would walk across the street during my lunch break to work and to eat, then after we sold it I would walk to Conoco, the gas station, and get pasticcios nuts and a hostess lemon pie. Real healthy I know.
My favorite teacher in Jr. High was Mr. Horrocks, he was a grandpa, but what a great teacher. He taught history and had a showed a lot of respect to his students who in return had enormous respect for him. His philosophy was everyone would pass each quiz and test before we moved on and he taught it such a way they we didn’t linger too long on a particular topic. He made history come alive. We learned all about the continents and countries and their capitals could locate them on the map. He also made sure he had each assignment corrected the day after it was turned in or the whole class a pop. In the two years I had him he only bought pop once and that was after a girl’s away ball game to Green River. (He was also the girls basketball and volley ball coach.)
In high school I was on the drill team, we were called the debutantes, deb’s for short. We had early morning practices (6 a.m.). One my way down to the school I would pick up another girl, Lisa, and take her. I would shower in the morning before practice because we only had 45 minutes after practice to get home and get ready for school. One morning I got up, showered and went to get Lisa and all her lights were off which was never the case, because it was 6 in the morning I didn’t want to knock on her door so I assumed her Dad had taken her that morning. So I drove to the school and no lights were on, so I drove passed the deb presidents house and her lights were off. I was so confused about why no one was up and at the school. I drove back home and all the lights in my house were off and that was really unusual. Mom and Dad were always up reading scriptures and eating breakfast together. I go into my parent’s bedroom to wake them up and notice the time on the glowing digital clock; it’s 3:30 a.m. I guess I was a little early!
In Duchesne we only had one prom and it was the junior prom. My junior prom was a disaster. The only person I didn’t want to go with asked me in front of the whole class. I was so embarrassed, I told him I had to go home and ask my mom and dad. I could have ended the disaster and said no when he called me later that day, after I had talked to mom and dad, but he told me were going to double with Anna and Gayleen, my best friends so I thought that could be fun so I said yes. Well, a couple days before the prom I learned that due to car situations one couple would have to go by themselves. You guessed it; we were the ones by ourselves. Now days the church has said only double dating during high school but that wasn’t the case way back in the day and I thought it would be o.k. because we would just drive separately and meet the other two couples for dinner. So when we were walking out to Leeland’s truck, I asked him if he wanted to go to post prom with me. (BIG mistake, the post prom is the girls’ choice dance the night after the prom and you usually take your prom date to it. Anna, Gayleen and I were planning something fun.)He said yes to the post prom, but the whole dinner thing did not turn out so well and I wished I could turn the clock back to the day he asked me. We did dinner totally solo, not even another couple from the whole entire school was at this restaurant, maybe because we were like two hours too early. (There were only two restaurants in Duchesne to choose from). We did meet up with everyone at the dance but, I’ll tell you by the end of the night, Anna, Gayleen and I was ready to kill our dates and did not want to spend more time with them the next night. And to top it off when Leeland walked me to the door he asked if he could have a kiss, I laughed, said NO and walked in the house but knew it still had to seem him the next night.
The post prom wasn’t as bad because it was less formal and you can go stag so I spent most of the evening dancing with the sophomore boys and Leeland was with his friends, and their was no kissing that night either.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Camilla's School Memory
One day in third grade, we were doing a test (or homework) when we all heard a loud BANG. We look over and Mrs.Parker (our teacher) was sprawled out on the floor. We thought she was crying but she got up so our expressions and laughed harder then ever. Soon we were in a laughing fit. She had just tripped over a cord trying to get something to the front of her room. She had practically ran so she tripped over the cord. It was pretty funny.
Monday, August 25, 2008
September Topic
The topic for September is School Days. Please share some of your favorite memories from school. We look forward to reading your stories.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
My grandparents
I only remember two of my grandparents: Grandpa Dunn and Grandma Thomas.
I remember when Grandpa Dunn was sick and Mom would go to his home to help him each day. I remember that she would take me with her and I would play there. I remember Grandpa seemed very old and frail. I remember Mom had to help him walk by standing behind him and shuffle his feet.
Grandpa Dunn always gave us silver half dollars or silver dollars for our birthdays and Christmas. For my 1st Christmas, he gave me a blue teddy bear. Mom said that is the only time she had seen him give a grandchild something besides money. I slept with "Blue Bear" until I married Brad :O)
I have a lot of memories of Grandma Thomas. We would go to see her about once a month. I remember looking for the "gingerbread" house as we drove into Goshen.Grandma always had good things to eat - cookies, jam, etc and there was always a bowl of mints on top of her T.V.
I don't remember Grandma not having a walker. She always let us play with it as long as we put it back by her when we were done.
Some of my favorite memories are from when I would stay with her during the summer. I would spend about a week at her house each summer. (While Mom, Ruth, & Stephen were at youth conference or camps.) I would take my dogs (Midnight & Generic) with me. I had an old bike there that I loved to ride. I would ride down into the fields and all around town on it. My dogs would follow me where ever I went. When I stayed with Grandma, she would always give me a little money to go buy something cool for us to eat on hot days. Sometimes she would have me pick her up a few groceries from the store and then she would let me keep the change.
When Grandma Thomas moved into the rest home, I enjoyed going to see her there. Mom would take her for a ride or to go places with us. I think Grandma appreciated the opportunity to get out and see people.
I was 18 when Grandma Thomas died. It was really hard for me because I felt so close to her. I have missed her very much. However, I know that she is still a part of my life. I have felt her close by as I have attended the temple, served my mission, and other important times in my life. I have felt all of my grandparents close by during those times. I'm grateful to know that they love me and care for me. I am also grateful to know that I will see them again.
I remember when Grandpa Dunn was sick and Mom would go to his home to help him each day. I remember that she would take me with her and I would play there. I remember Grandpa seemed very old and frail. I remember Mom had to help him walk by standing behind him and shuffle his feet.
Grandpa Dunn always gave us silver half dollars or silver dollars for our birthdays and Christmas. For my 1st Christmas, he gave me a blue teddy bear. Mom said that is the only time she had seen him give a grandchild something besides money. I slept with "Blue Bear" until I married Brad :O)
I have a lot of memories of Grandma Thomas. We would go to see her about once a month. I remember looking for the "gingerbread" house as we drove into Goshen.Grandma always had good things to eat - cookies, jam, etc and there was always a bowl of mints on top of her T.V.
I don't remember Grandma not having a walker. She always let us play with it as long as we put it back by her when we were done.
Some of my favorite memories are from when I would stay with her during the summer. I would spend about a week at her house each summer. (While Mom, Ruth, & Stephen were at youth conference or camps.) I would take my dogs (Midnight & Generic) with me. I had an old bike there that I loved to ride. I would ride down into the fields and all around town on it. My dogs would follow me where ever I went. When I stayed with Grandma, she would always give me a little money to go buy something cool for us to eat on hot days. Sometimes she would have me pick her up a few groceries from the store and then she would let me keep the change.
When Grandma Thomas moved into the rest home, I enjoyed going to see her there. Mom would take her for a ride or to go places with us. I think Grandma appreciated the opportunity to get out and see people.
I was 18 when Grandma Thomas died. It was really hard for me because I felt so close to her. I have missed her very much. However, I know that she is still a part of my life. I have felt her close by as I have attended the temple, served my mission, and other important times in my life. I have felt all of my grandparents close by during those times. I'm grateful to know that they love me and care for me. I am also grateful to know that I will see them again.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
My Favortie Reunion Memories by Lucinda
I have a lot of favorite memories from reunions. I loved it when the Thomas family would go camping for a few days. It was always fun to get to know cousins (and second cousins) better. I remember going up Payson Canyon quite a bit.
One time when I was young, Dan taught me how to roast a marshmallow. He showed me that if you watched it carefully, when it started to smoke, then it was time to turn it. That method has worked very well for me ever since:) I remember that after he showed me, I went around to everyone and asked them if I could cook them a marshmallow :)
I remember another time when we were camping with the Thomas Family. It was the year that I really got to know Lori, Amy, and Jenny; some of Aunt Olive's granddaughters. This was great because they were close to my age and it gave me someone to hang out with. That year we also played "Thumper" and slept out under the stars on the picnic tables. I think it might have been the last year we went camping for the Thomas Reunion.
I have also enjoyed our family's reunions. I think I will always remember the paint fight that Krista, Jana, and I had a few years ago. That year we also shared memories that we had about our grandparents. I really enjoyed this because I only remember Grandma Thomas and Grandpa Dunn. It was fun to hear of memories that my siblings had of our grandparents.
I think my favorite part of reunions is the opportunity to visit with family that you don't always take time to visit with. It is also nice to spend time with all of my nieces and nephews, especially the ones that I don't see very often.
One time when I was young, Dan taught me how to roast a marshmallow. He showed me that if you watched it carefully, when it started to smoke, then it was time to turn it. That method has worked very well for me ever since:) I remember that after he showed me, I went around to everyone and asked them if I could cook them a marshmallow :)
I remember another time when we were camping with the Thomas Family. It was the year that I really got to know Lori, Amy, and Jenny; some of Aunt Olive's granddaughters. This was great because they were close to my age and it gave me someone to hang out with. That year we also played "Thumper" and slept out under the stars on the picnic tables. I think it might have been the last year we went camping for the Thomas Reunion.
I have also enjoyed our family's reunions. I think I will always remember the paint fight that Krista, Jana, and I had a few years ago. That year we also shared memories that we had about our grandparents. I really enjoyed this because I only remember Grandma Thomas and Grandpa Dunn. It was fun to hear of memories that my siblings had of our grandparents.
I think my favorite part of reunions is the opportunity to visit with family that you don't always take time to visit with. It is also nice to spend time with all of my nieces and nephews, especially the ones that I don't see very often.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Jana's Favorite Reunion Memory
I remember this reunion more clearly than i remember anything else before i was 10. I was 7 years old and it was a Gunderson Reunion at Moon Lake. As we were driving up i was really excited and had to ask mom if EVERYONE was going to be there. She said everyone would be there eventually. She said that everyone was coming but, Uncle Steve (Gunderson :) ) was going to come up one day late because he had work.
To me, coming late to a reunion because of work was nothing short of a sin. I decided he needed to learn a lesson.
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So, a couple of days later dad was filling up water balloons. we had a water fight planned at the beach. Dad said that we would have teams and rules and...stuff. Because we begged, me and a few of the other little kids, including Kara, got just 1 balloon. At first i wanted to keep the precious present. Then i saw Steve. he was sitting in a circle with the other grown-ups. I stood between two white metal tables. i decided it was time for him to learn his lesson. I aimed and threw the balloon as hard as i could. I missed. It hit the tree a foot behind his head.
The adults looked over and laughed at me. Saying "oh you're lucky you didn't hit him" I was determined. I turned to Kara who was standing next to me the whole time holding a great big blue balloon. She was only 3, poor kid. I begged her to hold her balloon for just a second. she refused but, i was persistent. Through whatever lies i told her i got that balloon. I wasted no time in chucking this one also. this one hit the target right on his right shoulder. Kara was probably crying at this point and in the future i did apologize but, at the time, the only thing i cared about was my uncle who had stood up and ran over to the water pump. I guess he got my aunt Tricia because before i knew it they were both coming at me! Tricia went to one side of the table and Steve to the other. I was trapped. I tried to think of ways to escape. Running one way then the other. Finally i resigned myself to running straight for the other grownups, in front of me, and hoping i could make it. As soon as i stepped out of the tables they both got me at the exact same time.
That was how it began. The biggest water fight of our lives. Everyone got cups and water balloons or got out of the way. my dad was at the water pump filling up water for everyone and advising them on who to get next. At one point i saw the younger kids, the ones i played with, all hiding and sniffling up by a tent with my aunt Phyllis. I went up there and tried to feign innocence but, Phyllis wouldn't have it. She sent me away. So, i was the youngest one in the water fight.
When it finally ended I asked my dad when we were going to do the normal water fight. He told me that we ran out of balloons. I never really wanted to do that one but, it was a shame it ended. He said "but, this one was better" I smiled, dripping at him and said "yeah it was"
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Monday, July 14, 2008
July and August Stories
July is almost half way through! I can't believe it! I thought that for July we could share favorite stories from Family Reunions. This could include from our own family reunions or from other family reunions.
For the stories in August, I thought it would be fun to share stories of our grandparents. I know that some were shared at the Thomas reunion last weekend about Grandma and Grandpa Thomas. It was fun to hear about them. Remember you can e-mail them to me or if you are an author on this blog, you can post it yourself. If you have any questions, let me know.
For the stories in August, I thought it would be fun to share stories of our grandparents. I know that some were shared at the Thomas reunion last weekend about Grandma and Grandpa Thomas. It was fun to hear about them. Remember you can e-mail them to me or if you are an author on this blog, you can post it yourself. If you have any questions, let me know.
My Daddy by Camilla
One memory of Daddy is that when I was five I was able to go to work with him and he couldn’t get in the house so he opened the window, then he and all his friends looked at me. I had no idea why they were staring at me , but dad asked me to go through the window. It was one of those small windows so I’d have to go unlock the door and then let them in. I was worried about the landing but there was a poster so I slid through the window and opened the door and let them in. I’ve had to do that with his truck when he locked it.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Memories of Our Dad (Dan)
Jarom's Memory:
I remember when Dad took me and Jared to drive his mini-excavator...
Dad took me to work with him one time when he was working on a house in Provo. There was a leak in the house so we got to use the mini- excavator! Dad let me drive it and i backed it up and put the bulldozer blade up. I got to scoop it too. It was a lot of fun!
Kara's Memory:
I remember when Dad gave me a black eye...(No, i dont have an abusive dad.)
I was six years old. Dad said i was big enough to go to Seven Peeks with him, Krista, and Jana.
I was excited and scared. I didnt know how to swim. When we first got there Krista and Jana wanted to go down a big slide.
Dad said he would take me down it after them. I was SO scared! Krista and Jana went down and said they would meet us at the bottom. We sat on our tube and waited for the signal to go down. "Lean back when you get to the end." the lady said that worked at the top. WOSH! we went! I screamed most of the way down. When we got towards the end dad said "Lets lean forward." I stupidly agreed. so we leaned. when we got the end the tube went flying over us. Dad reached for me and the tube at the same time. when dad grabed me his hand went POW! He hit me in the eye! When we got out of the pool of water Krista and Jana kept asking me if i was ok, "Sure, i'm fine." i kept saying. we were walking towards the Wave Pool when Krista looked at me and laughed. "Whats so funny?" I asked. "Nice eye." she answered. i touched my swollen eye. i hadnt felt the pain but now i did. Boy, did i have a nice shiner!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Dad by Pam
What I remember most about my Dad during my growing up years was his love for sports and the support he gave to his kids in their various activities.
He coached all three brothers little league baseball games. If he wasn’t coaching he was the umpire for the other teams and Mom was the official score keeper, which kept them at the baseball diamond all summer long. We still like to talk and reminisce about the early years of baseball when Dad was trying to teach his young team the basics of baseball and his outfielders were out looking for asparagus, or doing summersaults, or simply daydreaming and not paying attention to the game. Dad could not understand that all boys weren’t into sports like he was
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Memories of my Dad
I have a lot of memories of Dad. I had an opportunity to spend time with him in a one on one setting for several years. Mom was serving in Young Women's. Each week Stephen, Ruth, and Mom would go to Mutual. That left me home alone with Dad. Sometimes we would talk or watch TV together.
I remember one time when we had some used birthday candles. We took a tuna fish can and melted them altogether in it. I know that is a random memory, but the thing that stood out most to me was that we were doing something together. At that time in my life that was important for me. That time on each week on Tuesday night helped me get to know Dad better. We never did anything too exciting and some weeks I would wish that I could go with the others, but little by little it helped to bring us closer together. Thanks Dad!
I remember one time when we had some used birthday candles. We took a tuna fish can and melted them altogether in it. I know that is a random memory, but the thing that stood out most to me was that we were doing something together. At that time in my life that was important for me. That time on each week on Tuesday night helped me get to know Dad better. We never did anything too exciting and some weeks I would wish that I could go with the others, but little by little it helped to bring us closer together. Thanks Dad!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Memories about dads
Last weekend we (Dan, Pam, Jessica, and I) were talking about recording memories from our childhood. One idea was to pick a topic and have each person write about it and then put them all together in a book at the end of each year. I thought maybe doing it via the blog might work out nice. Please let me know what you think.
So the theme for this month (June) is fathers. You can write about a memory with your father, father-in-law, or about how you feel about being a dad (if you are one). You can e-mail them to me and I can post them or you can get a g-mail account and post it yourself (let me know and I'll add you to the list.)
I think this will be a great way to record our memories and for everyone grow closer together. Also for July the theme will be "Family Reunion Memories".
So the theme for this month (June) is fathers. You can write about a memory with your father, father-in-law, or about how you feel about being a dad (if you are one). You can e-mail them to me and I can post them or you can get a g-mail account and post it yourself (let me know and I'll add you to the list.)
I think this will be a great way to record our memories and for everyone grow closer together. Also for July the theme will be "Family Reunion Memories".
Thursday, April 3, 2008
The Dunn Family is Online:)
Hi All,
I didn't hear from anyone about if you wanted a blog or not. So I thought I would try it and see if anyone is interested in it. It is a great way to keep up with each other. You are welcome to post any news of your family on here or something you would like to share. You do have to have a g-mail account to post/comment. Just go to www.gmail.com and you can sign up. Once you are signed up, let me know and I can add you to the list of people who can post stuff. I think that I will continue to do the newsletter, but between editions, this will be a great way to keep up to date with each other.
Love you All!
I didn't hear from anyone about if you wanted a blog or not. So I thought I would try it and see if anyone is interested in it. It is a great way to keep up with each other. You are welcome to post any news of your family on here or something you would like to share. You do have to have a g-mail account to post/comment. Just go to www.gmail.com and you can sign up. Once you are signed up, let me know and I can add you to the list of people who can post stuff. I think that I will continue to do the newsletter, but between editions, this will be a great way to keep up to date with each other.
Love you All!
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