If We Live it, He Will Come

Every boy needs a treehouse

2011-06-26T20:47:00.000-07:00

Last February the boys and I were rebuilding some trails in the forest behind our home. When we walked by this site I saw in my mind a tree house.

After planting these poles in concrete holes we had a start.

I think this was the boys favorite day of working on the tree house... they really enjoyed hammering in the floor boards.

A few weeks later we added walls and a ramp for running up and down into the house.

Finally we added a roof and a log stump porch steps. Although it will never be completed the kids enjoyed playing together when the Turners visited in May.

October 2010 in the Pacific Northwest

2010-10-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

Today's gospel doctrine lesson was from Isaiah 40-49. One of the verses Isaiah 44:3 led us to discuss the role of water in giving life (of course there is much symbolism ) and in the desert water is really a life or death issue. So when I walked out of the woods today at the end of my Sabbath Day stroll I was impressed with how green the fall rains have made our world.

To report on the results of our efforts this summer I have posted a few after the harvest pictures. Becky really turned the garden into beautiful place this summer. The raspberry patch is now a flower garden (see above).

This the bean pole teepee. That's potatoes, squash and green pumpkins in the background. We hope to build a "used window green house"here this fall so next years starts get a better chance.

As you can see from these pictures we are enjoying a lovely fall season. Its supposed to be sunny all week.

A Trip to the edge of North America

2010-09-16T20:43:00.001-07:00

Becky and I took advantage of one more day of sunshine for a trip around the Olympic Peninsula. These pictures are from Neah Bay and Cape Flattery, the northwestern most land on the contental United States.

Yes, Havalah I got stopped a lot on the trail for autographs...

As you can see the coast is rugged and a beautiful.

This is the northwestern most land on the continental United States.
Becky is standing here on the platform at that northwestern most spot. The island behind her is the Maka nations ancestrial village and a lighthouse.

Here are a few photos from Ruby Beach, a raw and beautiful example of this wondrous coast

I know you are all amazed by the quality of these photos. No, I didn't carry our new $1,500 digital camera and tripod (just because everyone else did) I used my Iphone.

Leading the music

2010-09-16T20:38:00.001-07:00

Coby loves to lead the music in church. We caught this picture on my Iphone. I had it out showing him pictures to keep him occuppied. Then the music started and he took out a hymnal and led the song. As you can see, he uses both hands.

Sawdust

2010-09-16T20:27:00.000-07:00

Last week I had a holiday to work on a long overdue of woodworking project. As I neared the end of my work day and was picking up my tools and sweeping the garage I heard Mom(Grandma Zella) reminding Dad (Grandpa Bill) not to bring that saw dust upstairs with him. Many times that day I walked in and out of our home and probably brought some sawdust with me... It was good to remember that warm little home, the cozy basement and the smell of that fresh cut wood.
I only wish I had the skill to turn my wood into things of beauty or use as easily as Dad

New York, New York

2010-06-13T21:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, Becky and Howard enjoyed a lovely trip to New York, New York... but the main reason for that trip was to travel to Pittsburgh and see Anne Turner get baptized. It was a marvelous experience and we are so humbled by her maturity and sincere goodness... to say the least of her ability to dance and laugh. (For more on this event see Joy's blog)

In the mean time Becky and I ventured to New York with Havalah and Brigg. They greeted us with this giant welcome on a 100 foot high billboard. We dedicated the moment to Sierra.
Times Square was really our first introduction to the energy of New York which really holds nothing compared to the energy of Havalah Turner. She was jumping and dancing like Anne.

These New York cops stopped us to get Becky's autograph and a few tips on how to plant their gardens. We let them take a picture with her.

Other than the opportunity to run / jog through Central Park and the magnificents of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, our experience traveling to see the Stature of Liberty was the most interesting and amazing. We were surrounded on this little ship by people from all over the world..literally. There were Germans, French, Russians, Asians, Mexicans among so many others and as we neared the statue to dock and embark the most interesting thing happened. They all stopped talking in their various languages and turned toward this symbol of freedom and liberty and strained to take pictures. The boat seemed to lean to the starboard (right?) as they rushed that direction to take it in and get a better,closer look. To me it was as if they knew that the liberty and freedom they now enjoy in their various homes and lands started here, in the United States of American and this Stature and her presence represented something to them they couldn't say to us but felt.

I heard in my mind the words Mom taught me for some speach contest way back in 6th grade..."give more your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wetched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door".

Gardens

2010-06-13T20:40:00.001-07:00

Over the years this Burton family has planted lots of gardens. The California garden grew the fastest but was eaten the fastest by local critters. In Michigan we planted our first successful gardens. The soil left by the older couple we bought that house from was superb. There are pictures somewhere of all the kids (Dan, Joy and Anjuli) behind huge flowers in that garden.
We've planted lots of gardens here in Washington. The garden plot was placed on the site of the burn pile from the construction of the home. I thought the ashes would add nutrients to the soil. Did I note that our land is also on what was the path of the glacier that melted and became the Puget Sound... when it melted it left behind the rocks!
We kind of let things get away from us this spring and started with this last week end.
This week we weeded, roto tilled and planted. The "teepee" above is becoming an annual tradition as Becky creates a place for the grandkids to play while the beans have a place to grow. Look real close and you will see the string is red, green and blue. Probably the funnest teepee yet.

By mid afternoon tomatoes were planted, beans in, etc. We've added yards of new, better dirt, and really missed older kids that wanted to help. Yes, the best part of our gardens are these planting days when the whole crew is out here helping. I've enjoyed the miracles of seeing married children bring their children and spouses out to the gardens and digging in with enthusiasm and vision. Hearing in their voices stories of other gardens and enough understanding to know that when they have homes and backyards of their own they will plant gardens too.

This is a picture of the flower garden. That's Colby's rock in front and Anne and Andrew's rock from Lake Erie in the planters in the middle of the picture. We brought those back last summer. Not quite as many rocks as Uncle John's (see below) but this isn't Utah. The trees are a bit taller though.

Uncle John was an artist

2010-04-18T22:22:00.000-07:00

It takes a plane trip home to Utah and its mountains to remind me of my roots. This trip was to attend Uncle John's funeral. Uncle John was Dad's youngest brother. I took this picture of Antelope Island to remind me of Burton family roots in that one of Grandpa Burton's sisters settled out here.

This picture of John and Evelyns backyard put into perspective the few rocks I have stolen from Dad's yard and place in my yard here. Jan and Jay both mentioned in their comments how Uncle John loved to go rock hunting.

Aunt Evelyn remembered me and caused me to remember playing catch with her. I thought she was so cool when I was a young little leaguer and my Aunt would play catch with us when we visited Provo. She is still cool and I'll bet she can still play catch. It was good to spend time with Lenore and my brothers and sisters. There is a picture of us together (but not on my camera). It was good to see them and to be together. We missed Elaine.

Did I say Uncle John was an artist. This is the shed in the back yard. B asked John to paint the shed one day and when she came home... I grew up with Uncle Johns painting on our walls or the billboards of Salt Lake City. Ask me about Jay's story of Uncle John's whiskey billboard... what a classic!

It was good to see Jay and Jan again. Its been too long. Too bad its takes a passing to bring us together. Yet our faith says we will all be together again. Its about family and we are family.

Watching the wild life at the bird refuge..

2010-03-13T20:51:00.000-08:00

This is the gang from Christmas 2009 at the end of our visit at the bird refuge... I don't think we posted. On this day we saw many eagles enjoying the Salmon run.

We enjoyed this sunny March Saturday at the Nisqually Bird Refuge. I really am somewhat of a coward when watching the boys. I like to get them outside where they have plenty of space.

Yes, that's a blue Heron. Conner was asking it why it was standing on just one leg. Does anybody know why they just stand on one leg. I am pretty good at making things up but all I could come up with "the other is tired!".

My favorite line all day was that while everyone else comes to the Refuge to see the wild life I bring the wild life with me. Can you see Colin and Conner climbing over the fence. Colby was waiting patiently in the stroller.

HAB loves BCB

2010-03-13T20:45:00.000-08:00

Remember that tree we cut down over the Thanksgiving Holiday. This is the first bench we made out of it. If you look real close you will see a heart carved in the middle telling the whole world or at least those that come and spend a nice summer evening at the Burton's that HAB loves BCB. This was my homemade valentine for this year.

Playing in the snow

2010-03-13T20:21:00.000-08:00

After viewing Joy's and Havalah's post about the snow and ice, I thought we should post these pictures of our excursion to the snow. Althought it has hardly snowed here in Olympia we can always find and inch or two or (600 hundred ) here at Mt Rainier. This sledding hill was perfect for the boys as they could aim themselves and take out each other or some stranger with no real damage. I think that's Colin heading toward his mother and Conner.

Yes, it does get deep here. These snow caves really captured the boys imagination. Someday they will get to dig one of these with their scout troop and sleep in it (ok..lay awake) all night. I did it last year except I pitched my tent. I'll bet Anjuli has better pictures of this event!

Making a hole to the sky...

2009-11-21T17:34:00.000-08:00

One of our wonderful trees died this past year and in the process this lovely evergreen turned a marvelous shade of red and then shed its pine needles. This left us with the need to cut it down. Living in the northwest where there are so many tall, tall trees I found this experience like making a hole to the sky. Here is the new sky we can enjoy.

As you can see the tale is told in reverse as the pictures posted in that order. (Someday I will figure this out like my girls...)

There is nothing like a big fire at the end of a Saturday to clean up the refuse and settle ones soul.

TIMBER.....

Tate drove in last evening and got the honors of doing the deed. He did a great job, dropping the 85 foot tree right where we wanted it. Counting the rings we figured it was approximately 65 years old. It would have been sad to do this if the tree wasn't dead already.

This tree greeted our friends and family for the 14 years we have lived on Joelle Lane. Now they will enjoy with us a little more sky. If you look real close you might see the little squirrel that lived next door. It isn't Bosky.

Cannon Beach Retreat

2009-11-01T18:51:00.000-08:00

Becky and I ventured out to see the world and found this windy and powerful beach a choice place. Of course it was a little rainy and yet wonderfully deserted allowing room to walk and wonder.

Lest one think Cannon Beach is all wind and weather, as Becky enjoyed the shopping at a local cloth store I wondered down the street and found this lovely setting for a family reunion. If you are game many of these homes are all available for us with easy access to the beach and that state park in the background is only a walk down the beach or bike ride away.

This charming little lane could be on the coast of Scotland...
( I am also learning the Iphone pictures up load better for blogging. )

Grandchildren

2009-10-13T20:40:00.000-07:00

I have just attempted to "add images" of a few of the most precious children I know. As one might see it didn't take. I wanted the pictures as "visual images" of what I feel and would add here today. We are grateful for the birth of Jackson Howard Turner last Saturday, October 10, 2009. And also grateful that mother, Rebecca Joy Turner and son are fine.

Becky flew out to Pittsburgh Friday to be there for the birth. Her account to me was one of reverence and admiration for her daughter, Joy. Almost in hushed tones she spoke of how well Joy did, the pain and effort and strength through the ordeal.
I know that tears came to my eyes as she told me about it. I could hardly see to drive as I spoke with Joy so happy and humbled by this gift.

These precious little ones bring so much to our lives. Just tonight I was rocking little Colby to sleep, playing a favorite song, Ye are a light on a hill, and he immediately recognized it, perked and started to sway back in forth as he enjoyed the melody. Just a little smile and his head and shoulders swaying back in forth with the music and life was beautiful.

We enjoyed a precious week plus with little Abby Burton earlier this summer. Her bright eyes and smile can make this grandfather do anything she wants even as she lights up the entire room.

And then one turns around and they are growing into energetic and fun filled children who capable of late evening sunset swims in the boundless Lake Erie. Anne and Andrew love to swim and literally swam until dark in this huge mass of water. For they are afraid of almost nothing. And Colin and Conner wrestle and play and explore and ride... What a special treat it was to assist Colin to master his fear of bike riding. To see the set of his head as he knew he could ride by himself, oh yes, oh yes, I can, I can. As he heads out each day to ride around the circle I remember a snowy Christmas many years ago when I was given my first new bike. It was cherry red and new and I rode it around our block every 15 minutes all day that Christmas day despite the snow. Now my grandson is set free to ride and coast and make his bike a space ship or motor cycle or a star wars land speeder... for he can ride, oh yes he can. And Conner almost keeps up despite a well warn set of training wheels.

As I pondered the joy these little ones bring to our lives I was reminded of a a "the law" C.S. Lewis re discovered "every preference of a small good to a great, or a partial good to a total good, involves the loss of the small or partial good for which the sacrifice was made". In other words You can't get a second thing by putting them first; you get second things only by putting first things first. Lewis asks in his essay "What things are first?" as a concern for philosophers... grandkids, family, love, cherished and precious moments seem to be many of the second things one receives for obedience, dedication and sacrifice in keeping first things first. How do I get here... it is easy as I have enjoyed watching my daughters and wife and mother put being a mother first.

Now we enjoy so many precious moments with these precious little ones.

Mother's Deserve more than one day...

2009-05-11T16:47:00.000-07:00

For some reason I felt to teach the "Honoring Motherhood Lessoon" to the priest quorum yesterday... Mothers Day. It was good for me and I pray for them. The lesson is based around 3 questions that are supposed to help these 16 to 18 year old normally self centered young men take a moment and realize all that their mothers have done for them. It even includes 5 comments from some other young men that should highlight the subtle ways a mother does so much for them.. for us all. I was impressed that this priest quorum was respectful and I think appreciative of their moms. I know their moms. To a women each is a dedicated and spiritually powerful mother. As I glanced around the room I realized how fortunate these young men are to have such mothers.

As I prepared this lesson and pondered on the mothers in my life I was again humbled by the sacrifice each embody as they raise and bless their families. I am inspired by Becky's devotion to us. Especially now as she and Anjuli work together to assist these young sons of Anjulis. Inspired by Anjuli's many hours of service to them even as she studies and prepares herself to also be a wage earner. I am inspired by Brit's love for her little Abbey and Joy's willingness to again approach the inherent danger in child birth. I am inspired by young families that create in their homes and lives a love and happiness that is a light to all who would see. I am grateful for fathers that will support these mothers. Who will toil away at jobs that might be tiresome and troubling, boring or even dangerous so that mothers can stay home and nurture little ones.
I am grateful for light and restored knowledge that gives reason and hope for these little struggles... and love that makes it all possible.
I am grateful for my mother and sisters who dedicated their lives to raising a new generation of faithful and powerful people. I don't know where I would be today if it weren't for my marvelous mother. Her influence is now felt in almost countless homes. For there are now many mothers who choose to stay home and despite the trends of our world continue to nurture and love and teach and prepare little ones that will become big. Mom didn't like mothers day (I rememner her telling me that more than once) because she felt that one day of remembrance didn't speak the truth of how important mothers were...
That's how I ended that priest quorum lesson... If you really want to honor your mother, show it everyday... everyday...everyday! Just as often as she rises early to show her love and devotion to you.

Family Prayer

2009-02-15T21:49:00.000-08:00

As I ate breakfast this morning I reached out and flipped open the recently delivered March Ensign to Pres. Monson’s article on family prayer. It was the answer to my prayer regarding what to teach the priests quorum today. And as I read the article my mind was flooded with other thoughts that prompted me to make this note and perhaps post it to our blog.

As I read Pres. Monson’s comments on family prayer I thought of how prayer is and has been a blessing to our family. If there is a gospel family principle that we have lived more than others it is this one. For we have prayed as a family more consistently than almost anything else. We’ve prayed together, morning and night, over meals, on the road, for each other and because of each other. I have often wondered the effect of our prayers on the children as we prayed for them, with them. Were we praying at them, over them, because of them? My simple faith says the prayers were heard by God and His angels. As I read Pres. Monson’s words now I wonder again if the prayers blessed us also by communicating love and intentions. How many times have we prayed for students and direction and missionary sons and pregnant daughters, new, young families and our home. I wonder if our eyes were “opened” if we could see the angels that surround this home and our other homes.

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As I read these words I thought also of the family prayers in my home on Richards Street. For many years these family prayers were the only testimony I heard my father speak. He didn’t bear his testimony in church like others… sure his service and Christian behavior was a testimony that sub-consciously taught me. I make this note because he didn’t consciously teach the gospel to me (as I recall) like Mom who was more direct in teaching the gospel to me. (She was the teacher that given our class when no one else could handle us. None of my friends would dare mess around if Sister Burton was teaching.) No, Dad was the ward clerk who sat on the back row and raised the questions about Doc Taylor's sunday school lesson. I remember him reading his priesthood manual on Sunday mornings after he had returned from priesthood (before I went to priesthood meeting) but never heard him teach or preach. It was Mom that reminded Dad to call us to pray, to give the priesthood blessing. As I recall the only sermons I remember Dad preaching over the pulpit were the talks at Grant's, then Charles's then my missionary farewell ( In my little boy memory I remember he spoke at Jim Gaskells farewell… Something about “Remember Jim (who was going to Finland on his mission) many are cold but few are frozen”. This got a laugh that I didn’t understand until my mission and my study of DC121). I have noted many times Dad's "everybody has only one sermon. They just give it in different ways." His was always about the mountains and nature. Charlie, my brother, was made a Bishop last week. He will speak of the mountains and nature... and sports and running as he teaches the gospel to his priests and the other youth of his ward in Mesquite, Nevada. He will be a good Bishop. He was part of the same family prayers.

But when Dad knelt with us in the living room and voiced so many family prayers I realized he believed for there he was speaking to God for us. For how can a man kneel with his family in a quiet living room in a simple, humble, home if he doesn’t believe. Later in life when I was older and Dad was even older we learned to talk of his faith. It seemed to be stronger if more simple as he spent more time in the Temple. He was sure Mom was with us in the Temple at each of those sealings when we gathered to create another family in the Salt Lake Temple. And we still pray as a family…. All over the country now and here at home. Tonight young Colin Fry said the prayer for us here on Joelle Lane… even as Mom (Becky) wings her way to Salt Lake to assist her sister and gather with the family to remember the life of Mack Patten. She will kneel with David and Sierra in a home there and end this Sabbath with a family prayer.

Love is what its all about...

2008-10-26T22:25:00.001-07:00

It was a beautiful day here in Lacey Washington. The sun really turned the yellow leaves golden. Part of our sun was felt in reading today from III Nephi and feeling the special power of the account of the Saviors visit and healing of the people in the new world. I was particularly touched, again, by the way Christ is touched by the love and faith of that people for Him. He says "my joy is full" and "he wept". And he prayed words that could not be written. As I walked in our forest and felt the warmth of the sun on my face and pondered these words my soul was warmed and I felt that love.
In a late night conversation with one of the good Bishops of this area I was impressed with his devotion and the particular way he expressed his appreciation for the blessing of being a Bishop..." to feel a small portion of the love the Lord has for his children". Feeling that love... isn't that what its all about.
I am grateful for the love of my family and especially my partner, friend and helpmate even my wife. She is truly an example of love to me.

Grateful for our moms...

2008-09-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

Just a note of appreciation and amazement...

This Sunday eve I have enjoyed reading the blogs of our family. They include new exciting video shots of Abbey Burton teaching one and all the principles of the gospel (if we could just understand her celestial tongue); a revelation that Colby Fry is as cute as ever even without his lovely hair... and that the Pennsylvania crew are enjoying the good life on the front row of "Wicked"?... and they are gambling to get there.

We do appreciate your photos and your commentary. As I noted on Joy's blog the glimpses of your lives helps us to know a bit more of your experience even as it makes the heart ache in missing you all.

Mom noted again her love for all you in her testimony today. Grateful for your good choices and your service.

I must admit that we miss you. Even as we are humbled by your courage and hard work to prepare and to serve.

I am enjoying a new book, Ancient Futures bu Helena Norberg-Hodge. It is her observations on the lifestyle of a people, the Ladakh, that live in the region near Kasmir bordering India and Pakistan. The book tells a wondrous story of a people that were living a happy, hardworking "sustainstable" life until they were discovered by western civilization. I was impressed with the closeness of the families and communities. Their personal confidence that the author ascribes to the love and attention of their families; their traditions and a hardworking togetherness of their old villages and towns. As noted things have changed for them as they have experienced western civilization via tourists and modern technology (TV). What were a happy and contented people is now a struggling civilization as their youth are being educated (taught to read and write but not how to live and feed themselves at 12000 feet in a really harsh part of world (like their ancesters have done for hundreds of years). There is obviously many lessons in this book at many levels.

I mention here in appreciation of my families and the culture of the church and culture that has been a blessing to us to encourage the traditions and truths that have blessed our family. Most notably the dedication of our women to choose the path of motherhood and stay home to give our children the roots and foundation that give all of us a sense of worth and confidence of being loved. I know I am grateful for my mother who gave me and my siblings her life willingly and with such love. Becky has proven in so many ways her equal as she has worked so diligently and lovingly for our children. Now to see your families thrive and grow with good fathers and mothers I am indeed grateful. We are truly a wealthy and blessed people.

Thank you for your efforts to raise good children... do remember that your parents and grandparents showed you that true happiness will be found within your families and homes.

Havalah and Sierra and Brigg and ....a last visit

2008-09-15T23:15:00.001-07:00

Sisters being sisters. This moment of fun was captured as we walked the Farmers Market in downtown Lacey. Brigg and Havalah were visiting one last time before there journey east.

Brigg was trying to master my hidden camera act but to no avail... or was I trying to hide my picture taking?

This was not a hidden camera spontaneous picture. They were posing for this one.

We are missing them...

Pinacle Peak Hike... gotta love those views

2008-09-15T22:28:00.000-07:00

Just a note to let you all know that we have enjoyed the blue skies of our summer. David and I celebrated this with a quick hike up Pinacle Peak. As David noted about four minutes up the trail Mt Rainier quickly dominates the landscape and ultimately haunts one as it is in every look over your shoulder up the Tatoose Ridge trail. Its especially daunting to those of us that have not mastered its summit and recall the struggle and discouragement of failed attempts. Someday...

This picture of Mt Adams on the far horizon was really taken as I realized that it is the Goat Rocks to the left. The Goat Rocks was the heart of our High Adventure last summer as we hiked the 30 plus miles along the Pacific Crest Trail. We passed below these peaks on two cloudy, windy but spectacular days.
I said a short prayer of gratitude for my parents as I trotted down the trail Saturday, for they instilled in me a deep love and appreciation for the beauty and sanctity of nature. I think I realized it last month visiting Utah but understood it a little better again in these far off northwest mountains. What a gift to be able to walk the trails and beaches of this country and know there is a God who has created this for us to find Him. For this knowledge and faith I thank my wonderful parents.

David was not really mad here, his comtemplative mood was just captured by my wondering camera. He is such a strong hiker. We passed two teams of climbers that had "roped up" to make this summit. He led me by a good 50 yards ....

I took this picture to remind me of the mountain beyond mountains of this area and this life. So many times we climb a hill or challenge only to find that it is just one hill in a series that stretches to the horizon. And perhaps that is as it should be.... for there is good purpose in having another goal, another meaningful measure to motivate and move one.

Yes, mountains beyond mountains is a good thing.

A Precious visit to Utah

2008-09-15T21:34:00.000-07:00

Let's see if Dad can do this on his own... it's Monday evening, FHE, kind of late and Mom has turned in as seminary starts at 6:00 a.m. I have down loaded some pictures from camera and found them worth sharing. I hope you enjoy also...
As you can see we traveled to Utah to participate in the blessing of little Abbey Burton. Daniel did a great job and we enjoyed a lovely meal with the Bowens. Brit's brother even let me beat him at ping pong. Of course the Bowens weren't sure about the Utah Red mini with the BYU sticker parked in front of their home... but you can't always pick your in-laws!
The precious part of this trip for Dad was just meeting this sweet little spirit. Little Abbey does enjoy the same pleasant disposition that her uncles and aunts and cousins enjoyed with so many smiles for Grandpa and Grandma. She didn't complain a bit on her first hike to Lake Mary.

The interesting part of this trip was enjoying the smile on Grandma Sweethearts face as she drove Uncle Rob's ATV up Squaw Peak rode while exploring the mountains east of Provo. She was ready to buy an ATV herself until she realized that she has one that is red and goes a bit faster. Doesn't she look like she is having fun

The warm weather of Utah was good for Grandma and Grandpa. Grandpa really enjoyed the mountain time and was truly amazed at close the mountains are to the valley missing Utah alot as they drove back to the beauty and green of home in the northwest...

Bag for Grandma

2008-08-16T12:07:00.001-07:00

One day I was at Gramommy's Condo, she mentioned she wanted to make a scripture cover using this needle point (nanna's, gramma's mom). So I stole it without her looking and Anjuli gave me the design to make this purse. I changed the design a little. I think it turned out really good. Now gramommy has sunday bag for her scriptures.

Dad's 300 mile High Adventure

2008-08-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

This years Venturer High Adventure was a 300 mile bike tour of southwest Washington. As this picture of the "sag van" shows we were not traveling light. In fact, the green thing on top of the trailer is the Land Sailor the boys built all year. To say the least we took all we needed and in fact ate quite well, thank you Shawn Knudsen.

This is Howard standing on the bridge spanning the Deschutes River on the west side of the Capital Forest about 35 miles into our trip.

Our first day took us through Elma, Washington and right past Smitty Burgers on the Monte -Elma Road. This is the guys enjoying a great old fashioned shake. One of the marvelous things of cycling 60 miles in a day is that you can eat all you want....

The second day we were scheduled to ride 80 miles. This shot was taken on north shore of the Willapa Bay about 45 miles from Montesano (just south of Grayland). This is a beautiful and seemingly remote area. The ride around the bay was wonderful... with lots of wildlife, eagles, deer, osprey etc.

The third day we rode out of Long Beach along the Columbia River. That is the Astoria Bridge in the back ground with the Oregon Coast behind us.
The trip got more interesting as we enjoyed some long hills that tested everyone.

Colby Alan's Quilt

2008-05-28T14:31:00.001-07:00

This is the quilt that I made for Anjuli's and Joseph's, "Colby". The Little print are paw prints and then African animals and leaves frame the quilt. The backing is a raised dotted minkie... very soft. I brought with me more material and squares to make a pillow for him that we will post later. Anjuli bought him a panther and Howard and I bought him a Panda in keeping with the theme and purchased at the National Zoo just 3 days before his "miracle" birth...

Dad's thoughts on Priesthood from Maryland

2008-05-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad are visiting the Fry's this week. After a long overnight red eye flight we awoke in Baltimore and found the Fry's new home comfortable and fun. Despite the many stairs I have always loved the architecture of this part of America. And the stairs of their home are everywhere. Imagine how little Conner feels as the steps to him are knee high. Talk about strong thighs!

We enjoyed a trip to the National Zoo while Anjuli had a physician appointment. You've got to love the DC area with so much to do including a free Zoo. We enjoyed a trip to Home Depot with Anjuli and boys to pick up tomato plants and flowers for her patio garden. The boys really helped planting the strawberries and then the flowers.

On a more "Sabbath note" I learned or understood a little more about priesthood today while visiting the High Priest Quorum in the Fry's Ward. The lesson was #8 on the everlasting priesthood. The teacher was a humble but large retired navy man who admitted near the beginning of the lesson that he struggled to really know what it meant use the priesthood. The initial thought where Joseph Smith noted "our minds being enlightened, we began to have the scriptures laid open to our understanding, and the true meaning and intention of their more mysterious passages revealed" impressed me with the added thought from page 109 that "one great privilege of the privilege of the Priesthood is to obtain revelations of the mind and will of God". As I pondered these ideas and listened to the related comments it became clear to me it is essential for a priesthood holder to be not only guided by revelation but also have the faith to acknowledge the overwhelming influence of God in one's life. A verse from Numbers noted seeing the miracles caused me to realize that this seeing and the related faith is a sign of one who is using the priesthood. I learned from the comment that a priesthood holder would magnify priesthood by listening to the spirit (revelation) following it and doing the will of Lord. They would act in faith and the related power would assist in accomplishing the work. Priesthood would be magnified because we would be serving. Our service would be focused and directed because it would be inspired. An active priesthood holder would have the faith to understand and acknowledge the revelation and inspiration and live worthy to receive.

I really appreciated President Turners talk on meekness as that trait if embraced would cause one to really trust in God in all things, therefore seeking the revelation and guidance to act in priesthood.

Why would I write here on Priesthood? To understand and record for myself this new understanding and to do this by trying to teach it... and to encourage all the priesthood holders in our family to continue to seek and follow the revelation they receive... and to seek your related thoughts.

Thanks for being worthy to receive the spirit priesthood holders and sisters (who do not need to hold priesthood ) who enjoy the gifts of spirit by nature.

Dad

heartbreaker

2007-11-16T12:21:00.000-08:00

Boy, that's a heart breaking story. After that first date we dated 5 weeks and then engaged. I was preparing to go on a mission and was dating a variety of boys. I had never given in to blind dates, but like Howard said, when I was told by a mutual friend he wanted to line me up I said, "oh yah I know Howard" and the friend also said Ted Hanson. I knew them both and thought they would both be fun.

In Dad's usually style he asked me out first. By the fourth week of dating Howard and others, I was beginning to feel uncomfortable about my mission call and asked the Bishop to hold the papers. The BIshop asked me if I had a boyfriend and I said, "No!" for I was preparing for a mission, but I did feel that I could marry one of the boys I was dating. That Saturday Howard asked if he could kiss me and I kept talking and changing the subject. He finally just grabbed me and kissed me!!!

I had also performed a scientific experiment that day. We had gone skiing and I thought that I could be friends with this guy forever, but did not feel sparks per say. So I accidently leaned into him on the ski slope and we both fell. Well as the story goes, "the snow melted around us!" So then that nite the first kiss!!

I went out with other boys the following week, and fasted three of the days. Not because of the kiss but because all of these guys were really awesome too. WHew!! He then made a date with me for Saturday night following priesthood session of conference and we invited alot of YA to go to conference with us in the Tabernacle. After the priesthood session we went to see his Chaplain and while he put me in the car I could over hear him say that he was going to marry me!!

THe next morning we had decided to go to conference fasting. The only ones that showed up was Thayne Gooch and his now girlfriend and us!! We got right up to the doors and did not get in so sat on the grass and listened on Temple Square. During a talk about families, by Marvin J Ashton the words went through my head, "He's going to ask you, what will you say?" and I thought to myself, "yes?" and recieved a firm witness it was right. At the same time Howard was staring at me with his cute mustache...I finally looked at him and he asked me!! I said a firm,"YES!"

He was a little shocked for he thought I did not know his intentions, seeing we had only kissed once. We thought we were so secretive, for Cindy and Thayne sat there and then has a picnic lunch with us and we did not say a word!! That night Howard asked for my hand with my father for two hours.

The next night he knelt in front of the Christus statue in the visitor center on Temple Square and asked me again, this time with a ring he had already bought. It was quite fun, telling all of the boys I had been dating.

I recieved funny responses, "WHo is the guy?" "Howard Burton," everyone in the valley knew of him. Or, "What!! you didn't even give me a chance!" or "Hey, I thought we had something going!!" My philosophy was this: I could date anyone I wanted as long as I didn't kiss them or lead them on. I kept everything platonic. I think that guy was leading himself on!! Being friendly was ok. So there you have it. We wanted a long engagement because everything had happened so fast but my dad had cancer and we didn't know how long he would be around.

Hence, ten weeks later we were married!! Nine months and two weeks later, Daniel was born. He was two weeks overdue!! Hey, would anyone argue that Daniel is a straightforward, sometimes impatient to get a task done, nonsensical kind of guy!!! We knew then why we were married so quickly. We had six beautiful children waiting: impatiently at that!!!

How it all got started....

2007-11-11T17:19:00.000-08:00

It was a wintery cold night. So cold that one could hear the ice of near by Bear Lake break and freeze again. The ground of was white,and snow covered even as the night was clear with the bright, shining stars that a dark mountain sky makes beautiful. The young adults of the Pioneer region had gathered for their first "winter retreat" at this remote summer resort. I was the first regional president. The young adult program was relatively new and a group of us across the valley were organizing the single young people (18-25) in new and interesting ways. In fact my good friend, Ted Hanson, was president of another region of three stakes across town. We organized parties, dances, service projects etc and retreats.
Any way tonight was the big dance with live band and all. The dance floor was crowded even though the group wasn't that large. I was dating the regional secretary, Cindy Metcalf, but we did not publish our relationship as she was the main reason most of the guys were participating. As the dance was warming up and everyone was getting down I noticed a vibrant shining new smile across the room. As the president I made it a point to know everyone, at least all the girls. And this beauty was definitely new and not on the list... The new dance in that day was something called the bump, named after the way the midsection of the torso "bumped" into the partners corresponding hip... of course in time with the beat. As I made my way around the dance floor that night I learned that the pretty new girl was in fact crashing the party as a surprise and at the invitation of one of our young men, Thayne Gooch. Thayne was a friend from South, a year after me, but had spent a lot of his social time socializing across the valley and we had not seen him at our events. He had invited this "friend" to our retreat. She learned upon surprising him there he had already met Cindy and they had hit it off. A little upset that her "friend" had discovered a new friend she was making the best of being the cutest girl in the room. About this time I took the opportunity to meet her and make her welcome. We danced a few dances and talked young adults, (she was secretary in the Millcreek Stake young adults group, the hottest and most active group in town). Her name was Becky Chalmers.
Fast forward 2 or 3 weeks and we had all returned to student life, work and the routine when a friend from the U offered to line up Ted Hanson and I with some friends of the girl he as dating. When he mentioned Becky Chalmers, I quickly you don't need to line us up, I know her. At Joe Osborns encouragement I called Becky to invite her out. Finally I was able to get on her busy calendar and invited her to a fireside to hear President Hinckley, then 1st counselor in 1st Presidency speak. I remember noting to Becky as we walked into the chapel on 1st north a 1st west ..."this ought to be interesting". As we walked in together the group from our region recognized Becky as the girl that came to surprise Thayne and now she was on a date with Howard. It really got more interesting when Thayne and Cindy came in together as we recognized they were really dating more steadily etc. They sat behind us!
I was able to secure a second date and really launch our love affair when I "bet" Becky that if I could ask a question that would "get a laugh"she would have to take me skiing. President Hinckley had begged off giving a sermon and invited us to ask questions. (How often does one get to sit with the Lord's prophets and ask them questions. Such was our life growing up in SLC) When my turn came I stood and noted "President Hinckley, since this is somewhat of a romantic group... would you tell us how you met Sister Hinckley?" Need I say more... it got more of a laugh than one would expect. I won the bet we went skiing and well that's another story!

Arches

2007-08-26T23:24:00.000-07:00

I thought I would add some beautiful pictures of Marme because she is so hot... This is, well as you can obviously see, at a arch in Arches.

This is on our river hike. Mom had a blast, but missed dad very much. Next time he will be with us.

Oh Wow, Mom and Dad has jumped into the world of blog!!

2007-07-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

I have been watching the development of the "world of blog" in this family and decided it time to enter into the fun! Dad and I have alot of fun things that we are doing and we find that our children quickly pass the news...in their own words. So we decided to tell the "happenings" in first hand, eye witness, up front view of the "parents!" We know we are getting on and that we could be forgetting life at times, so this will enable us to record, remember and renew our brain synapsis in the search of a new meaning. We are interested in your thoughts too. Remember, dad's idea about posting our thoughts about "What we learned in Sunday School?" as a beginner. Well here we go.....