Memory Monday- vacation memories

We are heading to the beach for spring break and I can hardly wait.  Family vacations are the best times to create memories. When I was a kid, my mom used to keep a log of our trip.  Throughout our vacation, we would collect postcards and pamphlets from the places we visited and when we returned home,after having the film developed, we would include photos from that vacation.

On our vacation, we were all given jobs or titles for our journey.  These jobs included titles such as cook, captain, navigator, 1st mate- you get the picture.  Today, she has that book and i count it as treasure!

Technology has changed the way we do everything including vacationing.  Preserving family memories is digital.  Occasionally, we will keep a log of our adventures the old way so everyone can be a part of the memory keeping process, but more often than not, I use Shutterfly to document our journey.  I love how user friendly it is, Shutterfly is always having a sale, and it is not a time consuming project.

Monday Memory Challenge

Create a family scrapbook- digital or otherwise and relive memories with your family

 This was august 2005- Emma was 8 months old. This was the best trip probably because it was absolutely spontaneous.  I remember we were at the beach for nearly 8 hours- the kids were great and Emma was an angel.  I love these beach memories!  I hope they are all as good next week as they were this day!

Cutting the apron Strings

Rigby ordered Seleck's cap and gown today.  Can this really be happening?  Where has time gone?

The first day of March lingers bringing with it the approaching first of "finish lines" for our oldest  son, Seleck.  I ask myself, "will I be able to do it? can I cut the apron strings?

He has been accepted to Weber State University, University Utah, BYU, BYU Idaho, and SUU.  He has scholarship offers at Weber State, U of U and SUU.  We are so incredibly proud of him.  He has done just about everything he has set out to do-- even more.  The kid even put two 80 foot letters, CV, on a nearby Mountain.

He races now against time- Sterling scholar portfolio, rugby games and preparations, student body president responsibilities, Cedar City Bonanza.  I will never forget holding

 
him for the first time, black hair, beautiful skin- he turns 18 in April.... mission papers.

This weekend, he is at a leadership conference at SUU competing for yet another scholarship.

I wish we could take all of the credit, but he came this way.  We have spent our whole lives trying to keep up with him.  

When it comes to deep roots- this kid is a REDWOOD!

My life is a book... I am still writing

I am constantly writing  in my head, taking notes, creating statues with my words. The words never leave me.  They drive me, boost me, bring me joy.  I am a story keeper.  The stories season my life, unfolding each moment into another,  I can't seem to shake the memories.

Today, I found inspiration for my words in what may seem monotony.  Beep... Beep Alarm sounds- kiss and hug my hubby before he gets on the road to SLC.  7 am workout, Body Semester- focus, strength, courage claimed.  Return home to comb hair, kiss faces and take "the littles to school."  Harder task- return home again to get "the olders" out the door.

10 am sanity returns.  I dribble the ball, move with intensity, defend my life decisions on the basketball court.  I am simply at play.

My day continues:  dentist appointment- hold Emma's hand while dentist extracts two teeth. she was a rockstar- didn't even flinch.  But she said was crying her eyes out on the inside. I held her hand during the procedure.  How could she possibly be this old.  I return home to play nurse, comfort, hug, enjoy her.  High Schoolers + 1 come for lunch.  I feed them, listen to them. enjoy them. 2 pm PTSA meeting, deliver Good Luck car wash tokens to high school basketball team- I pay it forward.

After school slowing down... story time, cuddles with Maleck, pick up house, rotate laundry, do dishes, write stories in my head.  4 pm friends come to join me as we deliver freezer meals to those hungry, lonely, sick.  I am surrounded by strong women EVERYWHERE- another story.

  Make a bank deposit, pick up Madsen from haircut, take Madsen to baseball, run an errand, get Seleck dinner, pick up Madsen from baseball, go to Young Womens'- laugh and play with my Mia Maids- happy Emma has joined me.

Bedtime- family prayer, check on homework, "tuck ins," hug my Stockton (he is a good hugger), kiss four foreheads good night.  And still there is more.  Seleck and I place our computers side by side and work on his Sterling Scholar Portfolio- the finish line is in sight.  He has an uncommon rhythm for life.

Darkness envelops our home.  Quiet echoes from bedrooms.  The click clack, click of my blogging posts quiets my busy heart.  My day has been joyful, purposeful and completely FULL.  I am blessed., and this is my story.  Tomorrow I will write another chapter, keep another story, create another story, share another memory.

I wait for hubby to return from SLC.  The minutes tick by... So grateful for what he does day in and day out so I can do what I do.  His dedication- another story!

"You will miss one of the deepest joys of this life and eternity if you willfully avoid the responsibilities of parenthood and home-building." President Gordon B. Hinckley 

Monday Memory- family history challenge

 I hadn't stepped foot on the campus of Snow College since 1989.  I was heading into 9th grade and I was with a youth group from my church.  I don't remember much, except there were cut boys involved.  But I discovered a story which Snow College kept, so I returned.

 Contributed By kimberly fay lay jackson · 3 October 2014 · 0 Comments

RIGBY, CHARLES, farmer, son of James and Jane, was born in Iowa, September 1, 1847. In '50 the family came to Utah, crossing the plains in an ox train, and located in Salt Lake City. In '70 he came to Fairview and bought a farm. Now owns fifty acres. He has always taken an active part in educational matters and is one of the school trustees. Was married in Fairview, September 27, 1875, to Julia, daughter of Henry W. and Rebecca Sanders Sanderson, born in Green River, Wyo., September 26, 1856. They have had twelve children, James M., Lovena, William E., Howard W., Victor ]{., Thomas M., Francis E. and Roland L. living; Charles II., John F., Emily E. and Horace D., deceased. 

 Charles Rigby met Julia Sanderson at Snow College.  As I walked the campus, I felt their story.  

 Julia had a spirit of helpfulness in the missionary work of the church. She helped her sons, son-in-law, six grandsons, and one granddaughter as well as most of the missionaries that left from the communities where she lived. It was said that she helped them have a better life because they had served a mission.

 Julia Weeks Sanderson -  while she suffered the loss of 5 of 13 children, she remained faithful.  To wared the end of her life she made the remark, "If I can keep the faith to the end, I will think my life not a failure."

 Dear Charles and Julia,  if you are looking down tonight say a little prayer over the beside of each of our five children- share with them your faith and endurance.  Remind them that the name they bear is a blessing!

Family history Challenge- Monday Memory-journal about how your grandparents met.  If possible, have them share their story- you will be glad you did!

Vintage find- grandpa's camera

My grandfather Max was one of a few people who first made me feel special.  Being with him, was like eating chocolate.  I loved the time I was able to spend with him in his final years of his life.  Every Thursday after "story time" at the library, Maleck and I would take him a donut.  While Maleck played with the blocks, I wrote his memoirs as he shared his stories.  It is a time I will always treasure.  

Grandpa was an artist, a potter, and a craftsman.  I love that my cousin Brenna was "gifted" his camera.  Brenna is a very talented photographer.  I am so glad grandpa's camera is in safe hands- I am certain grandpa is too!  

The stories this camera could tell..

Family history tip:  
l.  Display your heirloom collections in your home.  They make great conversation starters.  They also serve as reminders to keep your faith strong.

2.  Write the history or the story of the heirlooms.  Document who it belonged to and its time period.

3.  Take photos of your heirlooms and share them on with family members so that they too can enjoy the heirloom.

Our story... a little late for Valentine's

Dear Rigby,

I love looking through old photographs imagining the lives of  those in them.  I wonder what our grandchildren will remember about us- what stories they will tell their children, our great grandchildren...

Perhaps it will go something like this...

They were young when they met.  It was 1989. They didn't even know what love really was.  They were best friends first. They shared the same circle of friends- good kids.  Together they ran, and played.  He was the track star.  She was just fast enough to catch him.  Over their high school years, their friendship grew, changed and developed.  

Then came the days of Denmark- 1993 he headed to the MTC and then to the little land of Denmark.  Their letters were filled with stories from each of their lives.  Faith promoting experiences and gospel truths changed him from a boy into a man.  She stayed home and went to college, worked, and wrote him.  She began to define herself- to understand who she was.  Seasons of doubt were there, but faith saw them through.

They married in July 1995 in the St George temple- 5 months after his return from Denmark. The early years were full of adjustments, improved communication and "endurance."  Faith saw them through.

In 1998 Seleck arrived.  He taught them both what family meant-  What selfless service really was.  Their brood grew adding Stockton (2000), Madsen (2002), Emma (2005), and Maleck (2008).  She loved being a mom.  He was enraptured by fatherhood.  Their children were EVERYTHING to them. 

Together they created traditions, enjoyed the outdoors, played sports, he  coached, she volunteered everywhere. Those were busy days filled with the stress of providing for him and sleepless nights and long patient filled days for her. Together, they worked hard and served each other and the Lord

Then one night in February 2009 their lives changed.  His massive stroke turned their world upside down.  He fought, he prayed, she became brave and independent- their children were their everything.  The stroke changed him and her.  But faith saw them through.

November 2011 a near heart attack left her begging God on a hospital bed to let her finish her job with him- raising their children.  Their children were their everything, and faith saw them through.

Teenage years more child rearing--- prayers and more prayers.  College, marriages, grandchildren, great grandchildren.  They grew old together.  Their faith saw them through- it was their anchor. They were best friends.  They worked hard and served each other and the Lord!

I love you Rigby.  Happy Valentine's Day!

Always and Forever,

Amyanne

Rigby and Rugby

 The coolest thing about being a mother of five great kids is that I get to have so many experiences and meet so many amazing people along the way.  Last spring, Seleck introduced us to Rugby.  I love it- I may not understanding it all, but I am learning.  We enjoyed watching him play with a "cousin" team last Saturday in the sunshine!

 Watching him score his first TRY (POINTS)  was a little like watching him take his first steps.  As the oldest of five, Seleck has always been self motivated and driven.  I love this about him, but sometimes it can been exhausting!

 His "cousin" teammates were really great to him-- seek the celebration!

 There are so many great activities for today's youth to be involved with--- I love it when they put down their "screens" and really be a part of life!

 Seleck did have quite a few bruises and a shiner when we went to church on Sunday- I felt like we had a boxer in the family.  I love that life does not "scare" him!

 In two short months he turns 18,  he is well on his way to manhood.  I pray he takes the experience and determination from the "field" to the next phase of his life!

 This is my favorite part of Rugby- it is quite a gentlemen's game!

Ephraim, Utah

 Those familiar with bible and Mormon History will appreciate the how the small town Ephraim got its name.  Ephraim was named after Ephraim in the Hebrew bible.  This small cabin is an original structure relocated to Ephraim the neighboring town of Manasseh- love how the Mormons name their towns.  

I love finding pieces of history and my short stop in Ephraim Utah was a treasure trove!  Ephraim was settled in 1854 by Mormon Pioneers, mainly those from Scandinavia.  Today, Ephraim is the  largest city in Sanpete County.  In 2010 its population was 6, 135

All doors tell stories.  This one is beautiful.  Just imagine all the lives this door allowed to enter this small log cabin home.

 I was excited to see the dove tail notching similar to that I saw in Torrey Utah on one of my last "Wanders."

 The structure on the left is dove tailed notching, but the one on the right is half-dovetailed.  Both Structure are indicative of their eras.  

 Some say, I have an old soul-- wandering throughout the southwest, visiting rural communities, immersing myself in history.  I guess I would agree with them!

The Ephraim CO-op was built between 1871 and 1874.  The architecture is Greek revival with a King Post Truss Roof.  These C0-op stores were also know as ZCMI-Zion's Co-operative Mercantile Institution.  With the threat of the railroad coming to Utah.  LDS Prophet, Brigham Young called community and business leaders to organize a community owned store which would support home manufacturing which would allow for goods to be sold at the lowest prices.  ZCMI  became America's first department store.  The ZCMI CO-Op in Ephraim was one of many throughout Utah.



             Historic Ephraim Granary

Why Motherhood?

Eighteen years ago this April I gave birth to our oldest son Seleck.  Rigby and I felt so very blessed to begin our family.  Eighteen years ago this April I also left my classroom as an English Teacher.  I loved it and I was passionate about it.

However, not knowing where our next buck was coming from, 
Travis finished his degree and we put our lives in the hand of the Lord. It has been a great blessing to us as a family and me individually. 

Why Motherhood?  You see no one else can be me.  I could have pursued a degree in law or continued in my education- a college professor perhaps, but I would have missed so much! It has been an adventure to say the least.  But at the end of the day when I do "tuck ins"  I am so grateful for the "ride!"

There are good days and bad days, but mostly grateful days.  My life as a teacher has never ended.  The other night I had the opportunity to read and "teach" each of our "fab Five."  I studied the snake with Maleck, Elder Oaks' talk "Good, Better, Best" with Madsen, read a great pre teen book with Emma- the chapter was about a girl and her first date- it was a disaster.  Emma and I enjoyed the laugh.  I finished reading The Red Badge of Courage with Stockton and studied Federalist Paper # 51 with Seleck.  It was a good "mom" night.

I have never left the world of education.  I am an active member of the PTA in the Elementary, Middle School, and high school.  I also serve on each of the community councils in these three schools. And  I volunteer weekly in Emma and Maleck's classrooms.  My love of learning and education has never left me.

I don't know if I will ever return to the "classroom," but I will always pursue education for myself, our children, and others as long as I am able.

Rigby and I enjoyed lunch with Seleck, Madsen and Stockton today.  We were celebrating their 4.0's.  We are so proud of them.  Yesterday, I attended Emma and Maleck's conferences.  Their teachers gave them raving reports.  They are our "Amazings!"

Everyone one's circumstances are different.  Be sure to celebrate yours!  Our children are far from perfect- I'll save the story of the 3 policeman at our doorstep Friday night for another time.  Let's just say Rigby and I are REAL parents now.

Press Forward.... Put God First!

Vintage Find-- Bed and Breakfast

Click on Vintage Finds and to follow me on my adventure....