Powers to choose- lessons learned from family history

Letters are such a great way to preserve family history.  This letter is from my father-in-law to his children.  He is sharing a story from his grandparents' histories.

My Dear Children,

While I was staying in Salt Lake in a motel last week I found I could not sleep.  I turned on the lamp and began reading my Father's history.  (You may know I am editing these histories and adding info,photos,etc.) I read of things in his life I had forgotten, important things every member of our family should be aware of to strengthen them and give them hope in these troubled times.

Today I would just share two brief experiences I hope you can share with your families.

Before Dad was born in 1910, Grandma and Grandpa Rigby lived in Fairview.   James Moroni was born up the Fairview Canyon.  He farmed for a living.  Before my Dad was born, his James Moroni was called to leave his family and serve a mission to California, Arizona and Nevada.  He either had to travel by foot or by train.  Grandma Rigby not only had to provide for herself and her three children, but she had to support Grandpa on his mission.  She milked the cows, took in washing and thinned beets in the field with a butcher knife.

 

As we consider our blessings today, let us remember the sacrifices of those who have provided this faith and hope and were so faithful in keeping their commitments, covenants and promises.  

One day Grandma received a letter from Grandpa on his mission stating he desperately needed twenty dollars.  Grandma did all she could to put her hands on the needed money but could only raise nineteen dollars.  The three children were playing outside one morning and one came in and called to her and said he had a dollar for her.  "Where did you get that," she asked.  "Some man came riding by on a horse .  He turned around and came back and handed me a dollar and said hand this to your Mother, she needs it."

I desire to have that kind of faith and live so that the Lord will bless my family.

I love each of you and pray for you many times each day.  I know somewhat of the trial you face. It is my prayer we can find strength and purpose in what our fore-bearers have provided for us.

All my love,

Dad

Power to Choose

I Can Become a Builder of the Kingdom of God

“Tabernacles and Temples are built with more than stone and mortar, wood and glass……

They are built with service and sacrifice. 

They are built with trials and testimonies. 

If any within the sound of my voice feel unprepared, even incapable of responding to

 a call to serve, to sacrifice, to bless the lives of others, remember the truth: 

‘Whom God calls, God qualifies.’

He who notes the sparrow’s fall will not abandon the servant’s need.” 

President Thomas S. Monson

Cancun Finale- Adios!

Maleck has always loved the ocean.  Perhaps, it's the way the sand tickles his toes, or the waves pull at his feet.  He was so happy to chase the waves and then as they came toward him, he would run away from them.  It was his game.  (This pic was taken on Christmas night)

I fell in love with these hats for Maleck and I at the local market.  Emma's found hers in her stocking.

                                             On the grounds bordering Chichen itza.

Check out the bananas

We loved the thatched roofs!

Stockton takes a break.

Emma

Before you enter the grounds of Chichen Itza,  the local artisans sell their crafts.  They are quite remarkable.

Our tour guide, Carlos, explained that perhaps these were remains of a baptismal font.

  I love the Dr. Seuss Book, "Oh, The Places You'll Go.?"  I can only imagine the places our five will go.

  Our guide's name was Carlos.  He has a friend who is LDS.  We were able to do a little missionary work with him.  As a small boy, Carlos sold goods with his father outside of Chichen Itza.  Carlos was able to go to college and then obtain his tour guide permit.  His education was interrupted when his father became ill and died.  He then had to provide for his mother.  Although Carlos was raised Catholic, he does not attend church.  We told him perhaps he should go to church with his LDS friend (Mormon).  He said perhaps. He explained to us that the last 3 days Carlos had taken LDS families on tours.  He said, " perhaps the church is calling him."

Chichen Itza was a pre Columbian city built by the Mayan built.  It is listed as one of the new 7 wonders of the world.

                                                  We felt such a sacred peace here.

                                                             Seleck loved it!

                                                               Madsen of course had to pose!

I loved the shopping.  The culture of the Mayan people exhibits such artistry... the colors and textures were amazing!

                                         Madsen bought a hand carved Jaguar from this Senor.

                                                 We spent a fun filled day at Porto Morales

                                                The guacamole I ate while overlooking the ocean

I tell these two that they keep Daddy and I young.  At ages 9 and 5 they are the heartbeat of our family.  I wish they would stay this size forever.  I loved watching them play together while they experienced the beautiful crystal blue water!

                                                                     JOY

                                   While the boys snorkeled, Emma, Maleck, and I built sand castles

                               And of course we chased a few birds.  Maleck loved to feed them!

                                                                     Cheers

This was our final night in Cancun.  We enjoyed an amazing buffet with all of the trimmings including live entertainment.  I can still hear the giggles and see the smiles on their faces.

Seleck was somewhat bribed by "Dad"  to join the dancers in their final number with the rest of the willing tourists.  It definitely made our Christmas in Cancun complete.

                   And of course on our way out, they all needed a picture with this beautiful cow.

            Nothing like milking a Mexican cow

    On our way back to our room, there was a sudden cloud burst.  We were completely drenched. 

                                                         Daddy gets a little back treatment

                         The Mayan Palace

                                                 Seleck in the foreground

            The last morning before we departed Seleck and I went to walk along the shore one last time.  We gathered shells and felt the pulse of the ocean pull at our feet.  The sun was just peeking over the horizon and the sounds of the birds squawking filled the air.  This was a timeless moment.

What an amazing experience.  These memories I will tuck in my heart and pull out on a cold winter's day when  we are old  and gray.   Rigby and I will hold each other's worn hands and we will piece together our memories of our Christmas in Cancun.  And in the distance, we will see the smiles of our "fab five'  and feel the sunshine that their giggles sprinkle upon us.  We will send them a message in a bottle... the message will read.... "We love you!"

Currently Craving

Don't you love it when you walk past a door and it says, "hi" to you?  I do- I love doors.  Yes, I crave doors.  They say so much about the entrance to its  edifice.  I love happy doors best, but I also am intrigued by mysterious doors.   Every door has its own story, and I love stories!  Doors have their own personality, their own sounds even their own dispositions.   I can still hear the sound of my grandparents' doors as I entered their home.  This sound is full of so many memories.  We found these doors on a stroll in Alexandria Virginia... they whispered so many stories to me...

Choose your doors wisely... because " oh the places you'll go."