Monday Memory- Seasons

 I never tire of Autumn.  Come October I am awe struck by  fall's foliage.  The colors are brilliant, the scents are mesmerizing and the sounds- crunch, crackle, rustle, scratch, crepitant- onomatopoeia at its best.

 Children invite the best of Autumn.  Big piles of leaves are gathered and then scattered in one sweeping motion leaving behind smiles of delight and giggles galore.  Life is simple in this one moment.  It is a communion with nature.

 I cherish the moments of my children playing with their friends celebrating all that Autumn has to offer. It is a moment in time to freeze and remember... to replay again and again.  Come next Autumn they will have grown- a season for them too will have passed.  I pray they will never tire of the Autumn leaves.

 I never will... 42 Autumns have come and gone and I cherish the crackle underfoot, the first and last scents of Autumn air,  and the sparkle of the yellow leaves.

I concur with Anne Shirley, "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.  It would be terrible if we just skipped from September to November wouldn't it?"

After all, we would miss the gathering and scattering of leaves- we would miss the memory making- the absolute brilliance of God's handiwork!

Family History Sunday- Edwinn Cleveland Stoddard

I have always wanted to know my great grandfather.  In part because somehow I have felt robbed of him.  He was born in Centerville, Utah on June 2, 1889 and died on February 9, 1941 in Ogden, Utah. just two months before my father was born.  My father was his first grandchild-  A grandchild he never met.  Little is known about his dash- what happened between his birth and death.  Records indicate that he stood about six feet two inches tall and weighed nearly 200 pounds.

Edwin Cleveland Stoddard's parents were Hyrum Franklin Stoddard and Evangeline Cleveland.  His parents were pioneers.  His father, Hyrum was born in Council Bluffs Iowa. 

  Edwin was quick to smile and had kind blue eyes, and  he was a regular at youth dances with his buddy Art Anderson.  It was at one of these dances that he met her.... he met Jennie.  

 The railroad in Utah’s North brought Edwin and Jennie together… it is this great steam horse which also tore them a part. Nestled in the mouth of Ogden Canyon where the tracks meet, it was only natural that Edwin became a railway man.  The tracks connected Uintah to Logan, together, and thus Jennie and Edwin, on the Bamberger Railroad.

The two fell in love on the brink of World War I. They married June 24, 1914- four days prior to the assassination of Franz Ferdinand of Austria.  This bullet triggered World War I.   The Great War shaped their lives and the lives of their future generations- in ways unimaginable to these two young hearts.

Letters- A few relics is all that remains of their lives together.  Words penned by their young hands and hopeful hearts.  They are but etchings- a mere echo of Jennie’s short-lived life.

On March 2, 1914 Edwin wrote from Pocatello, Idaho Depot (The Oregon Short Line and Utah Northern Railway Railway):

My Dear Jennie,

“…Isn’t it the most glorious thing this love one gets for another.  It appears most heavenly in its mission, and dear I enjoy it more and more every day.  And it is getting most unbearable.  Can’t you come, won’t you come dear, as you have stolen into my life and it appears that you have become a part of it, to leave as silently as you entered would nearly break my heart, I do believe.

I will try and bear it until the spring dear, and then won’t you come to me, as I have stated you are the missing link of the chain, to my happiness…”

Jennie, the daughter of prominent Logan citizen, Thomas X. Smith, was her father’s darling.  As the youngest child of a large polygamous family, she was the pet.  Uncommon in her day and especially for women, she was also a scholar having received two years of college education. 

Jennie and Edwin’s letters continue but were few.  Jennie fell for this eloquent railway man as they communicated via letters through their courtship, early days of marriage, and the birth of two children, Cleve and Ruth.  While the war drew to a close in Europe, another disaster struck as the Great Flu Epidemic of 1918 raged hitting Edwin on the railway.  The story goes that “Ed” returned for a short visit and unknowingly infected Jennie.  He returned to the railway and fell ill.

The last letter of communication between the two shares the tale of their “almost happily ever after.” 

The letter was post dated October 14, 1918, 2 pm Salt Lake City Utah:

Mr. E.C. Stoddard

C/O Columbia Hospital

Butte, Montana

Salt Lake City, Utah

October 13, 1918

My Dear Bug,

“No one can tell how I felt when I heard you were ill.  I would give anything if you were here and I could care for you.  O. Bug!  Why did you go? I’m just heart sick.  Ever since you left I’ve been so depressed and felt as if something would happen.  If you were only home…”

The letter is signed, “with bushels of Love and Kisses

From Babes and myself,

Jen

 Jennie’s mother, Annie was with her during her illness.  Annie had gone out to get more medicine for Jennie and returned to find her near death. Edwin received word of Jennie’s imminent death while he lay in a hospital in Butte, Montana.  He arrived in Salt Lake City on a stretcher stricken with the flu himself.

Jennie made one last request on her deathbed to Edwin- The promise that her children would not be raised by a stepmother. 

 Edwin kept his promise.  Jennie's sister Marie and husband Leo raised Cleve and Ruth and later adopted them.  Edwin or "Ed" as he was known later married Edna Weise.  They had three children, Carl, Maxine, and Ronald.  Edna and the children- they are all dead now.  And they took with them their memories of Edwin.  Perhaps, we will never know what he did with his dash and 

After all, it's what we do with our dash that matters most.

Stoddard Corner, Uintah, Utah near Ogeden

Stoddard Home, Uintah Utah

Edwin is buried in the Logan cemetery, not far from his Jennie

A pinwheel for my uncle

 I left a single pinwheel for my uncle today.  His grave was still fresh with flowers and plants and grieving.  I was alone- only the echoes of others remained. His loved ones are now trying to carry on with their daily lives-trying is the operative word.

  I still wake each day hoping it was all some bad dream only to realize it is a reality.  I see the faces of my Aunt, my  five cousins, theirs spouses and their children.  I have no words for their grief only love and service.  

top- Kimball, Scott, Max, Kurt, Wynn
bottom- Katherine, Ruth, Ruth Kay

It is a hard thing to see someone go- hard to try and make sense of their absence.  I have many reasons perhaps why, but no definite answers.  I only have my faith that God knows.  

brothers- Wynn, Scott, Kurt, Kimball

 My Uncle Wynn's passing  left a huge hole in so many hearts.  I find comfort in Heavenly Father's tender mercies as the holy ghost prompted me in little ways to reconnect with my Uncle these past few years-- dropping off tropical smoothies after surgery, random phone calls for advice about kids, invitations to Christmas parties, and family events.  And then on his birthday, September 13, 2016, the prompting to send a simple Happy Birthday text.  It read: "Happy Birthday Uncle Wynn- you are top notch! Love Amyanne"   His reply was a simple "thank you" and an "I love you."  (sermons could be taught on those two phrases).

Wynn, Scott, Ruth, Ruth Kay, and Katherine

 You see, Heavenly Father knows all- He knew, he whispered to me and my life was blessed.  I am so grateful I took the time to listen.

Grandkids of  Ruth and Max Weaver

 These Autumn days will soon turn to winter.  I will always remember my uncle, the native flute warrior. His laughter, his kind sparkling blue eyes, his kindness, his funny toes, feet and flip flops, his love of the mountain, John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, Bob Dylan, and the Cougars.  I will be grateful for those I have left.  I have always known they loved me.  They are the foundation of my faith.

Aunts and Uncles-Scott, Rhonda, Vickie, Dave, Ruth Kay, Janet, Kimball, Nancy, Katherine, and Dean

We never know how many tomorrows we may get.  So today, I will strive to enjoy the gift of the moment and the knowledge that there is life beyond the grave. 

My only Weaver uncle left- I love you Uncle Scott!

Introducing Guernsey Book Group at Barnwood and Tulips

 Some of my best friends are books... 

One of the most  pivotal moments in my life occurred  when I was sitting in Professor David Lee's Children's Lit class at SUU.  I had that ah ha moment- an epiphany if you will.

Up until that moment, I was declared a journalism major.  The journalism class I was taking that semester was taught by some squirmy looking fellow with a less than desirable personality.  In contrast David Lee, was brilliant.  He embodied all of the characteristics of a master teacher.  I was simply mesmerized.  

Children's lit was a delight.  Our major assignment that semester was to read literature for youth and then catalog and summarize them.  It was so much fun.  Assigned to read books... a lot of them- this was right up my alley.

The years have come and gone and I often think of that moment and the gift that David Lee gave to me.  It is a gift that I have carried with me over the years.

"There is no frigate like a book
 To Take us Lands away,
Nor any Coursers like a Page 
Of Prancing Poetry-
This Travel may the poorest
take
Without offense of Toll-
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears the Human soul."
                            Emily Dickinson

On Thursday, we held our first "Guernsey Group"  Book Club.  In essence, it was lunch with a book. This book group differns from others in that the members are not asked to read a specific book, but rather one member shares a few tidbits from a recent favorite read.
  Julene, my dear friend, next door neighbor, and cohort in the development of Guernsey Book Group shared the basics of the book, "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" the plot summary, and introduced the characters (thanks Juge).  I shared a few tidbits as well.  

The people of "Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" became my friends.  Just as they saw each others through the occupation of German soldiers, they saw me through a rough spot too.  I was so sad to see the book end as it took them from me...

This book is a gift and is definitely worth one read, but best suited for two and three.  It is a story masterfully told through letters.  A pilgrimage of its characters and its readers. 

"I wonder how the book got to Guernsey?
Perhaps there is 
some secret sort of
homing instinct in 
books that  brings 
them to their 
perfect readers."  

Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

I am most thankful to Juge (Julene) for sharing this gem with me and for everything else she has taught me!  The only problem is I ask myself almost everyday, " Why aren't I in Guernsey?"

Join us "Guernsey Group" next month in person or via blog as Kim shares tidbits from one of her favorite reads.The conversation is sure to be lively, animated, and thought provoking, but most importantly you will definitely find yourself aboard Dickinson's "frigate."  

A list of books shared by Guernsey Group members--- you are sure to find a favorite...

The Rent Collector
Daddy Long Legs
Racing in the Rain
The Girl on the Train
The Language of Flowers
The Choice
See Me
The Upside of Stress
The Invention of Wings
Leaving Time
A Man Called Ove
The glass Blower
All the Light We Cannot See
The Nightingale
When Breath Becomes Air

He never wanted to be quarterback

 I have had the rare opportunity and privilege to be on the sidelines this year as #19 takes position at QB. Stockton was perfectly happy playing safety and wide receiver for the majority of his young football career, but the team needed him elsewhere.

 So he stood up and took the challenge.  It meant giving up time on the diamond, on the mountains hunting, and the carefree spirit he once had.  

 I know when Stockton stops whistling something has changed.  This season has not been easy.  He has battled against shingles, a sprained ankle, keeping his grades up, and making good choices both on and off the field.  I sat up with him during two long nights as he fought the pain of shingles much like I did when he was 9 months old with the chicken pox.  I have hounded him for his grades- he is not a C student.  I have prayed endlessly for him and his wise decision making. I have changed ice packs and handed out ibuprofen, done his laundry and fed him both tirelessly and endlessly.  

 His fluid nature as an athlete are impressive and innate.  You won't see me posting his stats- I'm not sure they are any good, but you will see me on the sidelines praying for his success and his safety as I tote my camera.

 I have learned a lot about the game of football this season.  I have felt the rhythm of this competition and the absolute exact precision it requires from each player to execute both offense and defense successfully.  Football to me is coreography at its best.  I love the way the Falcons take care of each other on the field.  

           I love the way they take care of their quarter back.

 Football is an art, it is beautiful, it has its own melody- I'm just grateful that I have had the chance to experience the "Friday night lights."

 Thanks Stockton for teaching me about perseverance... about what it means to get tackled and to get back up again and again and again.  Because football is not for the faint of heart, but I guess then neither is life.

Temple Walk

Our Cheer- #pressforward

I remember where I was the day the Cedar City Temple was announced and I remember my reaction quite vividly.  I was at a track meet in Delta watching Seleck run and trying to listen to conference at the same time.  I remember President and Sister Callister all of  the sudden running to their car and so of course I followed suit and ran to mine and clicked the radio on just as President Monson made the announcement.  I was completely over joyed!   In fact, I remember texting my dad and my closest friends and jumping for hurrah right there in the little town of Delta. 

A temple in my very own little town.  What a tender mercy.

We had the perfect weather as we walked the little over 5 mile trek from our church meetinghouse to the Cedar City Temple.  At every mile mark, Sister Springer had someone there to greet us with a treat and a quote or story about the temple.  Our girls were great- no complaints the entire way.  They walked cheerfully with focus.  I pray they will never lose their focus—That they will always keep their eyes on the temple.

 This is the 2nd time this group has taken this walk... and since it was dark when we got there, maybe we will go for a 3rd when it is completed?

 I hope they will always remember this walk and reflect in years to come the significance of it.  I think of the early members of the Church who built the Nauvoo temple.  The temple workers cut the stone by hand, used horses and mules to haul the stone, and they went without food and clothing to do it.  Their main focus was building the temple- a temple that in the end they would be forced to leave...

 "Every temple that stands today is a vindication of Joseph and Hyrum Smith and a triumph for them and all of our people who suffered the destruction and the beatings, and the murders at the hands of the cruel tyrants in the mobs who drove our people west." President James E. Faust

 On September 15th the Angel Moroni was lifted atop the Cedar City Temple.  The original Nauvoo Temple was the first temple to have Angel Moroni on top.  It differed from present day renditions of Angel Moroni in that this particular Angel Moroni was horizontal and held the Book of Mormon. (See Revelation 14:6 and Exodus 28:40)

A Personal Progress Challenge to the Young Women- find a story of one of your ancestors who helped build a temple or record your journey-- thoughts feelings of the Cedar City Temple

See my family story below

Faces- Ancestral Quest

How I met Henry

It was on my ancestral pilgrimage that I found myself kneeling before Henry's headstone....  I had begun my quest in search of my ancestors who first joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints- and then I met Henry (the maternal father  of my paternal great grandfather- hence my great, great, great grandfather).

As the son of Henry Alanson Cleveland and Anna Slade Rogers, Henry was born into the Church of Jesus Christ in its infancy and his.  His parents were among the first 150 members of the church of the restoration.  Henry was born in Clay County, Missouri on October 8, 1834.  His faith brought hardship and persecution-- he grew in the church during perilous times. A time when mobs in search of Mormons ran freely.

 At Age 22, Henry crossed the plains.  Having been in the valley nearly four years, he joined a number of young men who were sent back to help a group of saints still crossing the plains.  It was during this adventure that Henry met the young Scotch girl, Margaret Boyack who was a member of this company of saints.  The two were sealed in the Endowment  House in Salt Lake upon its completion.  Henry and Margaret were the parents of ten children.


Henry was known for his stone cutter skills.  He worked on the Salt Lake temple for a $1.25 a day.  He would walk from his home in Centerville on Sunday Evening to the temple carrying his food for the upcoming week. He rented a room with a fellow worker in Salt Lake during the week. After working a full 6 days, Henry returned home to Centerville on Saturday evening only to repeat the route the following day. 

My parents standing in front of
Henry's handiwork.

It was during his work as a stone mason at the Salt Lake temple that Henry lost his sight t in one of his eyes.  Unfortunately, while chiseling away at the hard granite a bit of stone went flying and struck his eye.

The Cedar City Temple will be their temple- it has been built in their youth.  They have witnessed it from the ground up.  For many of them this is the temple they will go to receive their endowment and/ or to be married.

They are blessed to live in the shadows of this temple, blessed to have its spires reach out to them, and to have Angel Moroni watch over them.

Cedar City Temple Facts

Announced: April 6, 2013 by President Thomas S. Monson

Location: 280 South Cove Drive, Cedar City, Utah

Site: 7.3 acres

Total floor area: 42,657 square feet

Groundbreaking and Site Dedication: August 8, 2015

This will be the 17^th temple in Utah

The Cedar City Utah temple will serve members from 17 stakes located in southern Utah and eastern Nevada.  Stakes from the following cities are in the proposed temple district: Beaver, Cedar City, Ely, Enoch, Escalante, Minersville, Panaca, Panguitch, and Parowan.

Sister Watson reminded the girls who they really are....

Princesses, daughter of a Heavenly King

The last mile was all up hill.  Sister Heath buoyed our spirits and reminded us of the purpose of our journey.  The girls picked up their pace the closer they go to the temple... they pressed forward.
To us their leaders, they are simply remarkable.

We will return again, and again  to the temple and the next time we will all be there in the sunlight for photo to forever remind us to turn our houses, our tents, our hearts to the temple.