Haunted or Historic Torrey, Utah

          Haunted or Historic?  Torrey Utah

 Located in Torrey Utah on State Route 24 in Wayne County Utah stands one of only a dozen known remaining structures built in the initial settlement phases of the Mormon Pioneers (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). And is the only known log meetinghouse still standing in the state of Utah. Construction commenced in 1898 by the local settlers who provided the cash, materials and labors for this structure.  It served as a meetinghouse, church house, and civic center for the community of Torrey until the 1970's.

 Unique to this structure is its half-dovetailed notching and its square bell tower.

 This 1914, schoolhouse was once the lifeblood of Wayne County attracting the likes of Butch Cassidy and other known ruffians.  Weekend dances, country bands and boxing matches once echoed from the halls of this sandstone structure.

While the 2010 census reported a population of 182, the echoes of this town are much larger.  In fact, initially Torrey was named Youngtown after John Willard Young, but they was renamed for Jay L. Torrey of the Wyoming Legislature.  Torrey achieved and proposed the creation of calvary regiments composed of stockmen and cowboys.  Torrey became the Colonel of the 2nd regiment known as "The Rocky Mountain Rough Riders."

Quite a fitting name for a small town whose doors welcomed all sorts of their own "ruffians."

A quiet drive through this town provides echoes of the ruffian days,  a few structures along the main road wave to the passerby and the graveyard houses those whose history may not be as acclaimed as Butch Cassidy, but worth a stop just the same.

Currently Craving- Colors

Currently Craving Colors

Heavenly Father has orchestrated a symphony of color to be savored by the senses.  Autumn has sounded its call.  To the eye it is a miracle-- simply an explosion of fall foliage.

 I love to wander this time of year best.  To take in the masterpiece Heavenly Father has laid at the feet of his children to be enjoyed.  He is the greatest Artist of all.  I learned this at the feet of my Grandfather Weaver as I watched him make colors dance upon his canvas.  

Maleck and I enjoyed our Autumn adventure on our bicycles on the banks of coal creek one morning.  I was thrilled to run into my CUTE cousins Brenna and Emry.  It warmed my heart to see them.  Being with family is God's blessings- a moment when hearts lock and love is felt.  It simply made our morning adventure perfect!

Spending time with Maleck does my heart good.  The life of a five year old is gift-- To me the time is sacred.  I treasure these mom moments  because they are fleeting just as the Autumn foliage.  It too is a gift.

 Heavenly Father blesses the life of my family daily-- I can see it, and feel it.

 

In the ever fast pace in which we love--- life must be lived not simply checked off...  The colors of autumn remind me to do just that!

Haunted or Historic?

Haunted or Historic

Widtsoe, Utah

 In 1876,  Issac Riddle  tilled the soil in this barren land and called it home.  His ranch  in John's Valley became an important regrouping point for those who were a part of the San Juan Expedition in 1879.  Even in the beginning it was somewhat of a ghost town as it was used mostly by cattlemen to run their stock.  Little permanent residents called it home.  

The bell tower

 Over the years what began as Issac Riddle's ranch was known by several names including Adairville (1903), Houston (1910) and Winder (1912). and then  finally Widtsoe (1912).

 In 1919 this small community boasted a population of 365 residents- a regular boom town. Sawmills, homes, two hotels, a church, and a school all lay claim to this town.  It was even home to the United States Forest Service office.  However, with the troubling climate- years of drought- the land became almost impossible to house cattle or grow crops.  The population hit a major decline.  In 1935, there were only 17 remaining families.

 Today, all that remains intact is this single solitary schoolhouse which soon the elements will too take.  It  holds the story of this small town, its once industrious spirit, and the witness of better times for this sage brush swept land.

The upper inside of the school house

 While the school house is all that remains intact, there is evidence of other building which once populated Widtsoe.

 We enjoyed wandering the meadows of this "ghost town" discovering relics.

 I do have a trick or two up my sleeve on how get Rigby to take me on my adventures.  Its simple,  I look for a fishing spot and/or hike and I have him hooked--- then we are both happy!  And our "Fab 5"  they are pretty good to indulge mommy's hobbies.

 The hunt for the Widtsoe Cemetery was quite the adventure because from experience I assumed that all graveyards are located next to the town who's name they take- not so.  The Widstoe cemetery is actually a few miles south of the ghost town Widstoe.  In fact in order to find this grave yard, I had to get the Piute Office  seat on the phone and then their resident expert to direct Rigby to this little treasure.

The adventure was well worth it-- this little grave yard is certainly unique.  In fact, families have been buried there for generations and continue to do so to present day.  One catch, the family of the deceased has to dig the grave themselves by hand- there are no back hoes here.  

 So maybe this cemetery is not so much haunted but historic.  But is definitely worth the "wander."  After all the leaves are bursting in a kaleidoscope of color, the air is crisp with Autumn and nature is begging for a visit...  where will you Autumn Adventure take you?

Directions to Widtsoe take 1-15 going North then take exit 95 to Panguitch, Turn right on Utah 12-E, turn left on Johns Valley Road, turn right on old Escalante Way and then take the first right--- you have arrived!

Motherhood

I write stories in my head- all the time...and then I realize the most important story I will ever write is my own- my story of motherhood.  I have five babies now.  Although they range in ages from 16 to 5- to others they are anything but babies,  but to me they will always remain mine.

In my mind's eye, I have the moment of each of their birth's recorded.  I can hear their first cry, smell their first breath, feel that first cuddle- and then that undeniable moment when Rigby and I locked eyes with one another after each one's birth.  His blue eyes piercing my black ones.  The moment we knew that God gave us another gift- a miracle!

I feel so fortunate that I am able to be a "stay at home mom" and even more importantly that I love doing it.  Even if that means getting ordered around by a five year old, handling fashion crises, begging for guitar playing, picking dirty underwear off teenagers' flours, descending the basement to be greeted by the smell of what must be a football locker room, and negotiating with each of them to not forget their daily chores.

I love to have their friends gather in our home, I love to feed their friends,  I love to feed anyone.  I love that I loved teaching 8th graders English 17 years ago, but that I love staying home more.  I love that my children can clean a bathroom, vacuum a floor, mow the lawn, scramble an egg, fold laundry, and empty the dishwasher.

I love that Maleck has memorized the first 4 articles of faith and can recite President Monson's  "Good timber does not grow with ease..." poem by heart,  I love that Emma wants to be a mother when she grows up, that Madsen knows to come home from a party when parents aren't around, that Stockton is gaining a testimony of the atonement, and that Seleck is passionate about preaching the gospel.  

I don't feel bad that I don't hold the priesthood.  I hold motherhood. Travis and I make a great team.  I know that God wanted it that way!
  
Each of our children have a distinct personality, and their own challenges.  It came with them at birth.  Seleck our oldest.  His birth a moment I shall never forget- spiritual- the heavens were there.  He has always been an old soul.  I loved his stage of "big trucks,"  "rrr trucks," and dinosaurs.

Stockton- he could kick a ball before he could walk- his bright blue eyes and blond hair have always attracted attention.  He loved "hangubers" and "smarshmallows"  He is a lover of life, a whistler, a noisemaker.  My sweet, smart, sassy son!

Madsen-  beautiful smile, kind demeanor, helpful heart.  Love the joy his very presence brings.  His pace is slow and creative.  His spirit sensitive.  He has a firm foundation.

Emma- Amazing baby- a welcome disposition after three babies with colic.  She was born on January 17th in 17 minutes, at 3:17 am and weighed in at 7 pounds 13 ounces- Now that's how you make an entrance.  Today she tells me I look pretty, offers me fashion advice, and has more spunk than me....

Maleck- my miracle.  After two difficult miscarriages this baby boy brightened our lives and hearts.  I love it when he says "I want to hold you."  Although most days he bosses me around demanding this or that,  he melts my heart when he spreads his arms out as far as they will go and says, "I love you this much mommy- you are my best friend!"

We don't always have family scripture study, sometimes we forget to have family prayers, but we always love them and love God.  We aren't perfect, but we are perfectly trying!

I tuck them each in every night, tell them I proud of them and that I love them, and then I pray for them and I pray for me.... that I will be a good enough mom- for them... they are our miracle(s) and I guess in a small way I am theirs.  And that's my story- the best story I will ever write.