Sad Day

On January 21, Mindi had a miscarriage. What a sad day for them, and for all of us. We all know these things happen for a reason but the heart still aches. Mindi's friend took some new pictures of Reese and they are so precious. Hard things happen in this life. We can only hope we can cope and learn from these life's experiences.

Reflection

I loved this story listed below. It reminded me of my growing up and my family. It reminded me of how my mother always kept in contact with friends and family. I only hope I can be more like my mother and father. And that, one day, my children will want to be more like me.

"I grew up in the 40's/50's with practical parents. A mother, God love her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, then reused it. She was the original recycle queen, before they had a name for it... A father who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones. Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away. I can see them now, Dad in trousers, tee shirt and a hat and Mom in a house dress, lawn mower in one hand, and dish-towel in the other. It was the time for fixing things. A curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress Things we keep. It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing, eating, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there'd always be more. But then my mother died, and on that clear summer's night, in the warmth of the hospital room, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't any more. > Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away...never to return. So... While we have it... it's best we love it.... And care for it... And fix it when it's broken........ And heal it when it's sick. This is true for marriage..... And old cars.... And children with bad report cards..... And dogs with bad hips.... And aging parents..... And grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it. Some things we keep. Like a best friend that moved away or a classmate we grew up with. There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special....... And so, we keep them close!"

January 6, 2010
On December 24, Craig and I left for Christmas in Utah. Brady and Erika arrived in Utah on Tuesday evening, December 22. Mindi was a gracious host and they did some fun things together but we just couldn’t go that early. It was fun getting there on Christmas Eve afternoon. We went to Jen’s house first to drop off the presents for their family. However, Christmas Eve was at Mindi’s. We enjoyed Mindi’s homemade cinnamon rolls, opening one present, sprinkling Christmas dust and trying to read some scriptures. It can be a bit challenging with three little children but it was fun.

It was so great to be with the kids. Reese continues to grow up and change and become more and more a little girl and not a baby. Kenndi and Crew are as cute as can be. I am going to include a section from Brady’s blog to tell the story of Kenndi’s doctor appointment.
“Kennedi is getting bigger and bigger, and cuter and cuter. Even at 4 months, she only weighs 13 pounds. That is only 3 pounds bigger than Crew was born at. She is such an angel and has the cutest smile. On a side note, there is a story I need to tell you. While Erika and I were in Utah, last week, Kennedi had a very rough night and could not sleep. When morning finally came, Erika and I were both exhausted. We knew that something must be wrong with Kenndi and decided that we needed to take her to the hospital. The only problem was that being in Utah, Kennedi's medicade would not cover her. If you think about it, the whole reason Kennedi is even on Medicare, is because Erika and I are dirt poor students. So a 150 dollar trip to the doctor is no small thing. But after much deliberation and many phone calls to various hospitals and urgent cares, we decided we had to take her in regardless of the cost ($100 - $150 as quoted by several places we called). Well we ultimately decided to go to my sisters doctor since he was a pediatrician and it wouldn't cost any more than the urgent care. Well it turned out that Kennedi had an ear infection. At the end of her appointment, the doctor looked at us and said "I have decided that I will not charge you for this visit. Sitting here talking to you it just doesn't feel right to charge you." It was a very touching gesture, and very unexpected. Erika even broke out into tears in the waiting room after. Right before the doctor said this we had been discussing books and which ones were our favorites. I had mentioned that Les Miserable was one of my favorite books. The doctor replied that is was one of his as well, and one that he reads every year. His gesture of kindness reminded me of the unexpected act of mercy and kindness the bishop in Les Miserable did for Jean Valjean. This kind act has reminded me that there are still Christlike people out there in the world, and Doctor Winn is one of them. Thank you doctor Winn.On a different note, today as I was putting Crew down for his nap, I started scratching his head. He seemed to really like it. He would close his eyes occasionally only to reopen them and stare at me. When I stopped, Crew reached over and started to scratch my head. We both looked at each other, and Crew smiled. A moment later he was asleep and snoring. What a precious moment.”
I don’t think I could have told the story any better. Brady and Erika were truly blessed and watched over. To people like Dr. Winn, I give thanks for his generosity and his great example.
On Monday, December 28, we all went to the Dinosaur Museum. Craig did not feel very good with his back but he was a trooper. It is a really great museum and is built with kids in mind. I wasn’t sure if Reese would get into this whole thing but she really did. She and Crew seemed to enjoy every minute. Jen, Mycol and Riley went with us and it was fun to spend the day with them. We had such a good time at the museum. Afterwards, we went for a hamburger and it tasted really great. I’m not sure if I was just really hungry or if it was that good. I know it was past lunchtime for the kids, especially Reese. She devoured the french fries. Reese, Kenndi and Crew were so much fun to be around. Kenndi is a sweet, calm and beautiful baby. She looks just like Brady to me. I have looked up some past pictures of the kids when they were young. I found a picture of Mindi as a baby and Kenndi looks a lot like her. I am truly blessed with wonderful and beautiful grand children.

On Monday evening, Craig’s brothers and sisters got together for dinner at Dana’s. It was a good evening until the conversation turned to health care and Obama. Dana, MoNene and especially Su got kind of worked up over politics. I kept trying to change the subject back to reporting how everyone’s family was doing but it didn’t work. It was good to see them and catch up a litte. We left early so we could be with the kids before they went to bed.
Brady left at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday December 29th. Craig and I left about 9:00 so we could have time to stop and see Gene and Joeleen. It had begun to snow and there were accidents everywhere. We ended up with great roads once we got to about Far West. We were very glad to get home.

New Year’s was normal. I took that whole week off and it was great. I got the Christmas decorations down and put away, the shrunk all cleaned and polished, some closets cleaned and drawers cleaned out. It was very refreshing and rejuvinating for me.
I fogot to mention earlier that in the middle of December, Craig passed his national facility manager test. He is now nationally certified and got a pay raise effective immediately. We are grateful for the heavenly help he received. He had to take the test in Pocatello at 8:00 a.m. However, we also feel bad because some of the other FM’s have not passed the test. He has 2 ½ years left to work and this will help towards our retirement and social security. I am very proud of him. He studied hard and has always been a good provider for the family.
I changed Primary teaching positions on Sunday, January 3. I will now teach the 8 year olds. It was a challenge for me. There were only 4 there but still it was hard. When I walked back into Primary, my Sunbeams were all sitting together and I felt my heart strings being pulled. When I started with them it was such an adjustment. However, in the end I loved them all.
Monday, January 4, it was back to work and here I am. Actually, it was good to be back to work. I know I work better on a schedule and routine. I am also grateful for my job and all that goes with it. I will miss Garth when he leaves this summer to be a mission president. There is always a certain fear in what the future may be.

Mindi is on KSL, Studio 5, today (January 6). This is her second time on their show demonstrating recipes. She loves doing this and hopefully more people will log onto her website. The more people that log on, the more funds she gets. It’s her way of earning a bit of money from her website.

Remembering Valerie

On Monday, November 30, Valerie passed away. I don't know too much about what happened. What I do know is my heart is broken. I am thankful she does not have to suffer any more but sad because she will not be here with us. I am so grateful for her and for her love in our family. The journey has been so long and so hard. Sylvia, Linda and I went to see her last Wednesday (November 25th) and found her to be very sick. She didn't look good and was so skinny. As we left, Greg was so upset with us. He told us to get out. I know he was just upset with the whole world but it felt like it was aimed right at us. Because of that last visit, we are all a little gunshy and wonder what the right approach should be at this time. I have prayed for the spirit to help us all say and do the right things at this time. I am grateful for that short visit because she smiled with us and we all had the opportunity to tell her we loved her. The picture which is posted is when Mindi came to see Grandma Woolf. Valerie held Reese and just loved her. Mindi and Valerie had a special relationship so the picture has great meaning. Valerie had her own quirks. She was funny and had a quick whit. She enjoyed being on the edge. While she wasn't active in the Church, she would ask me about my callings or what I was doing. She was very understanding of whatever it was I was doing in the Church. She loved family and had a great desire to be with family. She loved their cabin and felt a great peace there. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. The memory of being together as sisters will live on for a very long time.

Memories of the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall always was a symbol of the superiority of freedom over oppression and of the free market over a controlled economy. The symbol is gone, but those lessons must remain forever.
November 9th marked the 20th anniversary of the day Germans, from East and West, began to tear down the wall and reunify. It was a day in which the entire world seemed to exhale after decades of a tense Cold War many felt would last forever. It was, for many, the beginning of the real end to World War II, defined for them by years of war, followed by more than 40 years of oppression and occupation. And it was the beginning of a more chaotic world, defined by ideologies and terrorist threats rather than a superpower standoff.
When the wall went up, it was because so many people were fleeing to the West that the obvious advantages to freedom and capitalism over communism were becoming embarrassing to the East. Over the ensuing years, those differences grew only starker, but they were mostly hidden from view.
It was fitting, then, that once the wall came down it became a part of the capitalist economy itself. It was broken into fragments and sold as souvenirs. Many pieces sit in American homes today. These lessons are important. Many young people in Germany today, particularly in the East, have begun to romanticize life under the old regime. A recent poll by the German government found that 57 percent of people in the East said communist rule was, on balance, mostly positive.
If the world would always remember the wall — the real wall with its Stasi secret police and its gunshots for people who tried to climb from East to West — the way forward would be much more clear.

Checkpoint Charlie is where we always entered. Checkpoint Charlie was one of the main gateways for crossing between the two halves of Berlin during the Cold War. The naming of the checkpoints was based on the phonetic alphabet, and as this was the third such checkpoint it was given the name of Charlie.It became a symbol of the Cold War - representing the division of East & West - and was seen as a gateway to freedom for the East Germans. Checkpoint Charlie was on Friedrichstrasse, near Kochstrasse. It was the only crossing between West Berlin and East Berlin that could be used by Americans and other foreigners, and by members of the Allied Forces. The other six checkpoints were for residents of West Berlin or West Germany

While living in Germany, we visited the Berlin wall several times. Jen and Mindi went with us a couple of times. We actually went the first time as a shopping trip into East Berlin. The cost of goods were so cheap. However, our trips were also times of teaching and learning. Both the girls noticed the vast difference in the buildings, people and atmosphere of the east side. Jen and Mindi both commented that that the people just didn't seem as happy and that there were no colors in anything. We returned to the United states in July of 1989 and the Berlin Wall came down in November of 1989. Friends still stationed in Germany sent us a piece of the Wall and it sits in our home today. I hope I have taught my children the importance of our freedoms. I hope that they never forget their experience of living on foreign soil. I only pray that the youth of today remain resolute in the fight for freedom and liberty.

Grandchildren are the Best!!

This past weekend, my sister Joeleen came to see us. We were in hopes that Valerie would visit with her for a bit but no such luck. Valerie was in the hospital for 5 days but is now home. They had to insert a drain in her gallbladder. She continues to go downhill. It has been very hard to watch. The hardest part of it all is watching her in pain and so weak. Greg has stood by her and has taken care of her every need. As a family, we are all very grateful to him for his love and support.

As you can see by my post, my grandchildren continue to grow up. They are beautiful children and I am so very proud of all of them.

Riley and Mycol are wonderful young women and are great examples. Jen has taken the pictures but I wonder how she will get Logan to pose for her next round.

Reese is such a delight. She laughs and smiles and wins over everyone's hearts. She keeps her mom and dad busy all the time but they are so very proud of her.

And then there is Kenndi and Crew. Kenndi is such a happy baby and I love her pictures. On Sunday evenings, we get on Skype and visit with Brady and Erika. It is our way of seeing how she is changing and how Crew is growing up. Sure wish they were closer. You can also see their love of Halloween. Erika always comes up with the cutest ideas for them to dress up.

Salt Lake Office Trip

I had an amazing (past) weekend, one that I will not easily forget. On Friday, September 25, we, Debbie and I, left for Utah. Sister Bednar invited the executive office down to SLC for lunch with her and then gave us tickets for the Women’s broadcast. Others who had served in the executive office were also invited. Debbie and I left about 1:00 pm to drive to the Downtown Marriott. Betty and Kathy were already there. Vickie and Wendy were coming down together. It was an uneventful drive, other than I had to keep the conversation going all the while.
We arrived at the Marriott and checked in. When we were coming down from our room to get more things from the car, we found out that the whole Louisville Cardinal Football team was staying at the Marriott. They were going to play University of Utah the next day. There were ‘big’ football players everywhere.
That evening we all went to dinner at Market Street Grill. We were also joined by JoAnn. President Wheelwright paid her way so she could come and be with us. We laughed and shared stories and had a great time. Debbie and I had to drive JoAnn back to her daughter’s place in Sandy.
Saturday morning we arose and went to the 8:00 session at the SLC temple. I had never gone through a session in the SLC temple. I had let Gene and Joeleen know that I was going to be there and if I could see that that would be great. It was a wonderful session and I so enjoyed being there with my sisters in Zion. While we were sitting in the celestial room, Gene came in to say hi. He was able to answer some questions about the temple for all of us. He also showed us Wilford Woodruff’s rooms where he had an apartment in the temple at one time. He showed us some sealing rooms and a staircase that is not in use any more. I marveled at the workmanship in the temple and how it has been preserved. I also marveled at the foresight of President Brigham Young in building the temple. It is large, laid out well and the craftsmanship is amazing. I never did get to see Joeleen but it was a wonderful day.
It was then to JB’s for breakfast together and on to the hotel to change clothes. Kathy had to go and pick up Sister Clark at the airport. We went to distribution and walked downtown. We also met Nikki Nelson, who used to be Elder Bednar’s secretary. We went to the hotel, changed clothes, checked out and went to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building to kill some time. JoAnn and Wilma also joined us there.
At the appropriate time, we walked over to the Lion House to meet Sister Bednar for lunch/dinner. It was about 3:00 when we met. Sharon Hall, Julie Hobbs, Shauna Swainston (Elder Bednar’s current secretary), met us there and we proceeded to eat. We went through a cafeteria style line and then proceeded up to a room that Sister Bednar had reserved. When we got inside, Elder Bednar was there waiting for us. What a wonderful surprise. He did not eat with us but proceeded to visit and answer any questions we had. We took pictures and asked questions and were taught by an apostle of the Lord.
Elder Bednar reminded us to do good wherever we go. To do our callings but not over do our callings. Whenever he travels, he always looks for the ‘one.’ We should all be searching for the one person we can serve and make a difference in their lives. He and Susan both told how his calling has changed their lives. They work hard, however, to maintain their family ties. They make it a point to schedule a get-away each year with all of their family members.
After our meal, Shauna arranged for us to go to the Administration Building to use the restrooms, because the ones in the conference center would be so busy. We all kind of split up and used the restrooms on each floor. I went with Shauna to the third floor. When we finished she asked if we would like to see Elder Bednar’s office. WOW! Yes of course. We walked to the southwest corner but when she reached into her purse for the key, it was not there. So we got to see where it was but not inside. We then started to walk over to the conference center. When we were down in the basement, we boarded the carts to ride through the tunnel. The tunnel goes under the temple, Main Street, and under the conference center. We got there and entered in through the back doors, of which is the way general authorities enter to sit on the stand for conference. When we were ushered to our seats, I ended up on the left hand side (facing the podium) second row back. Those on the stand were President Monson, President Uchtdorf, President Eyring, Elder Anderson, Elder Nelson and Elder Hafen. Elder Nelson came down to where we were seating because he had what looked like several granddaughters there. His wife Wendy Watson Nelson was also there. Of course with Sister Bednar and Sister Clark there, he came over to say hello. Sister Bednar introduced him to all of us as her BYU-Idaho sisters and he shook all of our hands. Sister Sherrie Dew came in also and sat two rows behind us. She also greeting Sister Bednar and in turn met all of us. She expressed how much she loves BYU-I and how she has a niece currently here and she also is also loving her experience here. The Primary general president came and shook hands also.
I was sitting next to Nikki Nelson who was the president’s secretary for many years. When she saw Elder (president of Ricks College) Hafen sitting on the stand, she got up and caught his eye. He came down off the stand and shook hands with just our row. I was able to tell him I was Joe Woolf’s daughter. I was the one he sent the email to about dad. He told me how much he loved my dad and what a good person he was. He asked about my mom and how she was doing. When I told him my mom passed away last year, he offered his condolences and then said ‘what a wonderful blessing because they were together.’ It was truly a wonderful moment in my life to meet and shake hands with so many wonderful, righteous men and women.
Being at the broadcast was also great. Sister Beck reminded sisters about doing good where ever they go. She talked about visiting teaching and serving one another. I have a mental note to bring up her talk and read it again. Her two counselors spoke and President Eyring. It was a wonderful evening.
We said our goodbyes to everyone and Debbie and I went back to the Marriott, changed clothes and headed home. We had been given parking passes for under the Church Office Building but we chose to stay where we were because of the traffic and because we didn’t know our way out of downtown from the Conference Center. We chose to stay at the Marriott because we knew our way to the freeway from there. It ended up being a really good choice because we had no problem at all. We got home to Rexburg about midnight.