It's That Time of Year

On Wednsesday Ryan came over and we went up in the mountains to search out that perfect Christmas tree.  It is a tradition that I have enjoyed since I was a child and would sometimes go with my own father to get a tree for the holiday season.  This year the snow was not as deep as usual, so it was a little easier.  I remember going once with my Dad when the snow was about three feet deep.  We went on the farm tractor and ended up getting stuck and spending the whole day before we finally found the tree we were looking for.   Now we will decorate it and try to keep it fresh.  When we lived in Bear Lake we had a wood stove(which we really miss) and kept the family room quite warm.  It was not an uncommon thing to see a couple of inches of new growth on the branches of the tree after about a month when we decided to take it out.  The tree brought a festive spirit into our home and many smiles to the faces of our children as they wrapped the presents and anticipated what was in them.  Somehow, I just prefer the real tree.  I guess it is just the traditions of my own childhood, but it's also the fresh air and the snow when we get it and then the fresh smell pine while it is in place after being decoarted and strung with hundreds of lights.  We've made things a little simpler since moving to Logan.  We always enjoy this season, especially the beautiful Christmas songs and carols, which remind us of Jesus and his birth.

We hope that all of you find joy in this special season as we reflect upon the real reason for the celebration.

Happy Holidays,

Love you all and always,

Grandpa Bart

What Goes Around Comes Around

The past two Saturdays it almost seems like we have gone back in time,  a time that we enjoyed immensely when we we were raising our own family.  We couldn't begin to count the hours we spent traveling to ballgames,  basketball, football, baseball etc.  We not only enjoyed the games, but for the most part, even the long trips on wintry nights, and sitting in the sweltering August heat watching a Legion baseball doublheader,  or dodging the deer and making deer counting a contest, as we travelled through Emigration Canyon two or three times a week after baseball games in Cache Valley.  And then there was the moodiness after a poor performance or a loss, which was much less fun to deal with at the time.  Now it's almost humorous, as we watch our own children dealing with these same issues.  We enjoy being around some of the grandkids, and wish we could be closer to all of them, and being able to watch them in their activities.  I never counted any of these times, when we were raising our own children, as wasted moments, and now I can see the same caring attitudes and bonding moments taking place between our kids, now parents themselves, and  our grandchildren.  Enjoy them while you have them.  They grow up way to fast and in our modern world, not everyone is so lucky as to live close enough to the grandkids to become involved and enjoy all the things they do.

Number 25, Third Grader Ethan

Ethan in action

Coach Eborn and Son

Third Grader, Avery, getting instructions

Cousins, Avery and Ethan, on different teams, but enjoying one another anyway.  We'll see how it turns out when they play against each other.

Working at the Logan Temple

On November 4th, 2008, exactly one year ago today, my Sweetheart and I began a marvelous adventure, one that has brought us closer together, given us greater understanding of the things of eternity and our Father in Heaven's Plan for us and all of His children. We have learned much and have been truly inspired as we serve the patrons who come each day, and associate with the selfless people who work there as officiators.  One of the greatest blessing has been to see the young married couples, some still in school and others who are raising small families, come to the later sessions in the day.   We sense their devotion to their Heavenly Father and can see in their faces the reward of peace, oneness, and understanding and spiritual balance they have recieved by coming to the temple.  I wish that all could have this  opportunity and take advantage of it frequently.  The world would be a better, gentler place, and our families would also be the beneficiaries.

As of a couple of weeks ago, I have a double blessing, my brother Reed and his wife, Lorraine, were called to work in the Logan Temple too.  They chose to work on the same shift with us and it is wonderful to see them often and know that they are making the most of their retirement years as well.  It has been a great blessing for us and I'm sure it will for them as well, as we seek to bless the lives of others, both living and dead.

Halloween 2009

Halloween 2009

We did have a strange array of vistors last night, each of whom brought a smile to our face and joy to our hearts.  We always liked to see our own children having a good time.  Now with the grandkids, that joy is only amplified.

Grandma Iris got into the act this year too.  As you can see she painted her nose green, or?  Here she is with Annika and Micah.

The A-Girls, Ada and Annika.  Aren't they cute?

What on earth were Justin and Ryan thinking of?  Whatever it was we love them both, Witch  and Wonder Woman.

Avery, ready for battle.  He doesn't scare me though.

I didn't realize Justin was quite that childish.  He left his bottle, binky and diaper home though, so maybe it was just an act.

A cute bunch of spooks,  Ethan, Kylee, Hayden, Jackson, and Kate.

We were glad to see them all having a good time.

I  wouldn't want to come across as having favorites, but little Tristan, on his very first Halloween, may have been the cutest one of all.

Even Addison and Ammon got into the act.  Don't you think Ammon's mask is a little too scary though?

We love you all and are so glad you enjoy doing fun things as family.  Oh, and Grandma Iris took her green nose off this morning just in time for Church.

Love you all very much.

Colorado Rocky Mountain High

We just returned from a few days visit with the Colorado Eborns.  We had a wonderful time and it was so good to see them.  We miss them and do not get to see them in person as often as we would like, but we discovered that they are all doing well and have their priorities pretty well set.  Though they are far from the rest of the family, they have adapted well and are thriving in their new environment.  They have made new friends and are enjoying life.  While we were there we got to see them in action, and I do mean action.  They are all so active and busy doing things, helping others, and making memories. On Friday night they were hosting a Halloween Party.  They had four other young couples from their ward in Pueblo and also their children in their home.  Everyone dressed in costumes and it was obvious to us, that all were having a good time.  However, it did take Sophie a little time to get over her transformed Father and the Joker.  Candice is such a good mother and always goes out of her way to make the children feel included and special and it's easy to recognize the great love the kids have for the dad as well.   I think Rene's statement a while ago applies to the Colorado Eborns as well, actually it does to all of us.  She said: "We may not have it all together, but together we've got it all."  That is really true.  I am greatful for our family togetherness and pray always that it might continue and increase.  We are indeed blessed.  I've taken the liberty to include a few pictures of our time in Pueblo with Stephen and Candice and their precious little family.  As we were driving home, we were listening to the radio and one of the songs we heard was John Denver singing Colorado Rocky Mountain High.  I couldn't help but feel a 'High' myself as I thought of Stephen and Candice and what they have been doing since they moved to Pueblo.  They remember the important things in life and teach their children to do the same.  The pictures below will show, that they are enjoying life and making the most of their opportunities.

Halle gobbling down a huge slice of pizza.

Pueblo Party Animals!

Stephen, Candice and crew all dressed for the party.  Fun, Fun!

Gabrielle is not Spiderman, or Spiderwoman.  She is pure and simple Spider!

Sophie had a little trouble adjusting to her Daddy looking like this.

Our precious little two-year old was dressed as an aspiring USU cheer leader.  So cute!

Mason as some sort of outerspace alien and Halle as the princess she really is.

This was a quick picture taken right after reading the scriptures and before heading out the door for school for the three oldest kids and a long ride across windy Wyoiming for Grandma and Grandpa.  We left a day earlier than we had planned because the weather forecast for Tuesday included snow and high winds across the Wyoming plains.  As we cruised down the Freeway at 75 miles an hour our thoughts went back to those early handcart pioneers, traveling across this same route in 1856, who sacrificed so much for their faith and desire to be together with the Saints in Utah.  May we always be mindful and greatful for our great heritage and many blessings.

We love you all and hope all are doing well.

Grandpa Bart and Grandma Iris

One of My Best Friends Has Gone

Nearly thirteen years ago Ryan brought home a puppy, he had recieved as a gift from a friend.  Iris and I were not very happy with the thoughts of having another pet.  We had been through that experience a few times before and knew full well Ryan would never take care of him.  But he was so adorable we couldn't resist and so River became a member of the family.  At least that's how it seemed to us.  Ryan left and went off to college and a mission and by the time he got home from his mission Iris and I were not about to let River go back to his "Owner".  He had won us over and I especially never realized how close I could grow to a dog.  He became my best friend and for the past thirteen years has gone nearly everywhere with me.  Some said he was on a short leash. It was so short one couldn't even see it.  River never got far from me, at least  if  he had his way. I grew to love him and his companionship and to cherish him for his good, human-like qualities.  He has been my teacher and I have learned much from him.  I think when it comes to the things that really matter some dogs are better than most humans.  We could all learn a few lessons from a good dog.

River left us on Saturday last, and I'm sure has gone to Doggie Heaven.

Here are a few things he taught me, and which I think all of us would be better off if we would learn these lessons for ourselves.

1.  When loved ones come home run to greet them.  Show them you are glad  they are home.  Never fail.

2.  Never pass up a chance to go for a joy ride in an old truck.

3.  Allow the wind and the fresh air in your face to be pure ecstacy.

4.  If what you want lies buried, keep digging until you find it.

5.  Never pretend you are something you are not.

6.  No matter how often you are scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right  back and make friends.

7.  Let others know when they've invaded your territory.

8.  Run, romp and play daily.

9.  Thrive on attention and let people touch you, and pay attention to others.

10.  Avoid biting when a growl will do.

11.  On warm days, stop and lie on your back in the grass.

12.  On hot days, drink lots of water and lie in the shade of  a tree.

13.  Be loyal.

14.  When you're happy, show it, even though you don't have a tail to wag.

15.  When it's in your best interest practice obedience.

16.  Delight in the simple joy of a long walk with your Master.

17.  Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.  Then stop when you've had enough.

18.  When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close and nuzzle them gently.

19.  And many, many more lessons.

I'm going to miss my friend, River.

OH, and by the way, Ryan eventually did take care of River during this past year after we moved to Logan.

Thanks to Ryan and Sam and their sweet kids for taking good care of him,  when I couldn't have him as near as I would have liked.

In the Half Light of the Canyon

"But when I am alone in the half light of the canyon all existence seems to fade into a being with my soul and memory and the sounds of the Big Blackfoot River and a four-count rythym and the hopes that a fish will rise.  Eventually all things merge into one and a river runs through it.  The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time.  On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops.  Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters." Norman McClain from A River Runs Through It

The words I have quoted are some of my favorites from all of literature.  Over the years these words have come to have  a profound meaning in my life. I have come to see much deeper meanings than a mere fishing expedition on the river in the evening. 

I am greatful for these quiet moments on various rivers and lakes with a fishing rod in my hand  or my hiking stick and time to contemplate the real meanings of life and to commune with my Creator and those who have gone before.  I am awed by the wonders of nature and the beauties of the Earth and His eternal plan for us and all of His creation.

I would like each of you to read and reread these words and see if you can feel and understand some of the words, which lie under the rocks.  It may take time and it will definitely require being in the right frame of mind, but the reward will add a necessary dimension to your being.  I spent Friday along the banks of the Bear River at the Oneida Narrows contemplating these very words.  It has been a very revealing and emotional time for me, as it was my last full day with my own River Runs Through It. He has now gone to Doggie Heaven and I hope someday to see him again and spend time watching the clear waters run of over the pebbles and rocks and the clouds, and the trees, and mountains reflecting, in the calmer stretches of a river, as we contemplate our blessings and try to understand the words under the rocks again on some future day.

I Love you all!!!!