Wedding Extras.

In a previous post I mentioned the wedding we attended while Evan was receiving his awards at the fair. Our good friend Josh was married to the beautiful Rachel in the San Diego LDS temple. We have known him and his wonderful family for 19 years. It is always a joy to see a young couple starting their life together by being sealed for all eternity. It is also a great opportunity to reunite with friends you don't get to see very often!

I apologize for failing to get a photo of the bride, but here is a picture of the groom and his handsome groomsmen. Aaron has been friends with most of these guys since he was four years old.

Here are Michael, Meryl, John and Aaron. Four friends enjoying the wedding reception. These awesome young adults (and Josh the groom who was probably busy dancing, cutting cake, kissing the bride or something) were all homeschooling buddies and grew up together. Meryl was the first to get married early last year and she and her husband now live in our ward! John also recently returned from his LDS mission to Texas and he spoke at church on Sunday (which also happened to be Father's Day). What a weekend!

But it wasn't just the kids who had a reunion.  I loved getting to see some of my best friends. I didn't get any pictures at the wedding or reception, but here are a couple from the beach on Monday.

Jenny, Sheree, Angela and I homeschooled our kids together and worked to create a new commonwealth school where our teens met for weekly classes. These women are awesome mentors who helped me raise my kids. I love any excuse to get together with them!

I think you are officially middle aged when your social life revolves around weddings. How many years before funerals become the big events?!

Annie and Walter - Part 2 of Ann Phillips' Mission Journal

This series shares excerpts from the missionary journal of my great, great grandmother Ann Elizabeth Rasband Phillips who served in Laie, Hawaii 1900-1902. Click to read previous posts:  Part 1

The last post ended on a sad note with the death of Annie's father.  In contrast, this entry begins with the happiest day of her life and ends with an exciting announcement.  In between, there is illness, thievery and even a foreshadowing of tragedy.

According to Annie's journal, she wasn't just accompanying her husband on his mission. She too was called and set apart as a missionary. This wasn't common practice at the turn of the century, but the Hawaiian mission seemed to be ahead of the times.  In the mid to late 1800's sisters were called and set apart with and without husbands to serve in Laie.  See this article and this one for more information about sister missionaries in Hawaii.

Now that you have a little background, let's get started with the first official entries in Annie's journal.

On June 9, 1900 my sweetheart [Walter Freeman Phillips] and I received a letter from box B.  We were called on a mission to the Sandwich Islands.

June 11, we went to Salt Lake City and on the 13^th we were married.  My name is now Anna Phillips.  The day we were made husband and wife was the happiest day of my life.

Annie and Walter around the time of their marriage.

July 5^th, left home in company with Mamma, Sister Phillips and Bro Allen, for Salt Lake to be set apart for our missions.  Were set apart on July 6^th by Pres. Kimbell and Wells.

July 9^th – Left Salt Lake for San Francisco

July 11^th – Arrived in San Francisco.  Should have taken the boat on the 12^th for Honolulu but thru some mistake could not. Stayed in San Francisco two weeks. Walter was very sick while in S.F.

July 25^th – Boarded the steam ship Australia for Honolulu.  Sea sick all the way over.

August 1^st – Arrived in Honolulu.  Received at the Mission house by Br. William Waddoups.

Aug 11^th – Left Honolulu for Laie.  Met all the sisters and a number of the elders all well.

August 26^th – Walter left for his field of labour.  Was called to labour on the Island of Qahwat Kaalaiia and Kahana.

Sept. 8^th – Sister Pendleton made some current pies to send to Bros Phillips and Pendeton.  In the evening we put up a lunch to send to them and when they got it the pies had been taken out by some one but we don’t know who.

Sept. 27^th – Washed and ironed.  My dear husband helped me. Got letters and good news from home.  Was so happy had a good cry. Throat very sore.

Oct 8^th – Had a lovely meeting in the Pule room for the Releaf Society Sisters.  Walt went to Goat Island with the other bros. Had a very bad dream about Walt.

Oct 17^th – Started to make baby clothes.

This Deserves Its Own Post

I've know my baby brother David since the moment he was born.  It was exciting to see him grow up, even though I didn't live at home with him for very long.  As a child, he amazed me because he could start a conversation with just about anyone.  I remember him talking to John about the stock market when he was ten years old.

He continued to be friendly and outgoing as an adult.  Last Easter he came to visit us for Lavender's blessing.  On the flight home, he used his conversation skills with a fellow passenger.  Apparently they had such a good conversation that he drove her home from the airport.  Those conversations continued, and . . . .  almost exactly one year later (on the day before Easter) they got married!!

On March 30, 2013

David and Annie 

were sealed for time and all eternity in the

  Sacramento Temple of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Felicia & Grandpa Jerry, Carolyn & Dad, The Groom & The Bride, Me & John, Denise & Scott and Jason. Not pictured Brian & Jenny (who was very ill, but came to the temple and left immediately after the ceremony)

The sealing was lovely and I cried through most of it because it was so wonderful to be in the temple with so many members of my family.   My Dad and Carolyn were there along with all of my siblings and their spouses (except for Lacy who was home with baby Cole).  My Aunt Muff & Uncle Paul and Uncle Gerry & Aunt Jody came.   My kids Ryan and Molly were in the temple with us and I was sitting next to my sweet husband.  Finally, I know that my wonderful mother was there.  She wouldn't have missed this day for anything and I felt her presence within the temple.

That evening we traveled to a wonderful country setting for the ring ceremony and reception.  It was a great celebration and David gave quite a performance singing "Hooked On a Feeling" to his beautiful bride Annie!

Congratulations to the newlyweds and welcome to the family Annie!!

This and that

Elder Aaron and his companion found an apartment, so he doesn't have to sleep on the couch anymore! They had to move in with other elders at the last minute to make room for all the new sisters serving in Toronto.

I had a date with my sweetie to the symphony.  It was one of the best performances ever.  We enjoyed Bach, Schumann and a Concerto for two pianos by a modern composer, Poulenc.

Brianne started ballet lessons. She is the cutest little ballerina ever.

I went wheat-free this week after reading this book recommended by a dear friend. I had been praying about my health and wondering what to do.  Just a few hours later we were finishing a conversation when she said, "Wait, I have to tell you about this book."  The results have amazed me.  I have much more energy and none of the cravings for snacks and sweets.  We shall see how the weight loss goes.

Lavender took her very first steps just a month ago and now she is running around everywhere.

Marianne and Evan dissected a sheep brain with their cousins as part of their biology class. Their Uncle Brian is a great lab instructor.

I got to go the temple this week!

Three Things Today

#1  I tried adding organic dandelion greens to my morning smoothie.  The flavor was too strong for me, even when I kept reminding myself how healthy it was.  I gave the leftovers to Lavender and she loved it!

#2  Marianne and Evan were able to spend time in the temple this morning.  I am grateful they were able to go and serve in such a beautiful and peaceful place.  

Photo from 2010 on Ryan and Molly's special day at the temple!

  While Marianne and Evan were gone, I asked Cammi to come and play with Lavender so I could get some laundry and cleaning done.  Lavender was thrilled to have a playmate and Cammi was a great little babysitter.

#3 We received both an email and a letter in the mail from Elder Aaron! Yeah!! Inside the envelope was a very thick pass along card.  Actually it was a few cards taped together.

I had to get out my scissors to cut them apart.  This is what I found inside:

It was his clever way of packaging his memory cards to send to us.  We will upload the photos to our computer and then send them back to him.  I am not so clever and will use a small padded envelope when I return them!  Here is my favorite photo from the memory cards:

Three happy things today!  I sure love my kiddos.  Even when they're all grown up!

50 Years

Today is the 50th anniversary of my parents' wedding.  Mom and Dad were married young, although they were childhood sweethearts so they weren't as young as they might have been!  Mom was 20 and Dad was 22 and a recent convert to the church.  He had been baptized 11 months earlier and was the only member in his family.

Mom came from an LDS family, but most of her family were not able to go to the temple at that time.  They were married in the St. George temple with just a few family members there.  I could show you a professional photo of the temple, but it is fun to see the pictures they took.  

 

After their sealing, they drove back to Las Vegas for their wedding reception.

They stayed at LaConcha Inn that night.

Then they headed out for Salt Lake.  Dad had started feeling sick on their wedding day and by the next day he was really sick.  He laid in the back seat of the car while Mom drove the whole way.  Not a very romantic beginning for their honeymoon.  By the time they got to Salt Lake City, Dad was really sick and had strep throat.  He had to get penicillin to treat it.

The "fun" continued as they traveled to Yellowstone to camp.

They saw lots of bears and Mom loved rolling down the car window just a bit to feed marshmallows to the bears.  Her tune changed a little later.  Mom was at their campsite while Dad was somewhere else.  She had some pork chops she was going to cook for dinner.  A bear decided he wanted them, but Mom wasn't going to give them up without a fight.  She ran around trying to get away from the bear and finally climbed up on a table and started crying.  Some men had been sitting nearby and laughing at the scene, but they eventually came over and scared the bear away by banging on metal trash can lids.  The pork chops were saved and Mom and Dad survived their honeymoon, but Mom always told us, "Never go camping on your honeymoon!"

I love you Mom and Dad!  I am grateful for your eternal marriage and for your good examples of how to make a marriage work through thick and thin, five kids and 48 years!

Twenty Five

Today is our 25th wedding anniversary! 

 You can read the story of how we met HERE.  

We wish we were in Hawaii celebrating, but that will have to wait for another year.  Meanwhile, here are a few things I love about my wonderful husband.

1. John loves to travel and plan vacations.

We had been married a year or so when John mentioned that he would love to visit Japan.  He loved living there while serving as a missionary, but now it seemed unlikely that he would be able to return.  Travel was so expensive and John doubted we would ever be able to afford it.  I gave him a pep talk and told him he needed to believe in his dreams and make it happen!

Sure enough, we did visit Japan several years later.  Since then we have traveled many places together:  Oregon, Arizona, Mexico, Chicago, New Orleans, Washington D.C., Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Canada, Puerto Rico, Italy, France, New Zealand and Australia.  He finds every discount possible and keeps travel costs very low. 

I am grateful for the time we have spent together while traveling and the many wonderful places we have been able to explore.  We have so many wonderful memories.

2.  John is athletic and active.

I have always been uncoordinated and a bit of a couch potato.  John has always been an athlete.  Growing up, he loved golf and basketball.  I am still not an athlete, but John is good at getting me up and out of the house.  He has always enjoyed taking our family on walks. He takes us hiking or biking or weightlifting or to the park to play ball or frisbee.  Twenty five years later I love to walk and I walk more miles each week than he does!

I am grateful that all of our children are more coordinated than me!  They all enjoy being outside and active. Hopefully these healthy habits will continue for generations.

3. John is a good provider for our family.

John is a wise steward with our money.  He is careful not to overextend or overspend.  Despite economic downturns, declining real estate values, unemployment and unexpected expenses, we have always had everything we need and many extras as well.   See #1!

He has always been a hard worker and he is also very frugal.  Together these qualities have allowed me to stay home with our babies and to then homeschool our children.  Now we're back to staying home with the baby!  In my heart of hearts I have always been a mother.  I am grateful to have been able to devote my full attention to mothering.

4.  John is very patient and loving.

One of my favorite stories about John is how he spend weeks teaching me to play frisbee.  And yes, it really did take weeks!  When we were first married we went to the park every Saturday and a few weeknights.  John patiently taught me how to throw and catch a frisbee.  He didn't get frustrated with my wild throws.  It took a lot of practice and he was a patient teacher.

When I get stressed out or angry he is patient with me and helps me calm down.  He has always been a loving father and he is a wonderful grandpa.  Brianne's favorite person in our house is "Papa John."  She is disappointed if he isn't here when she comes over.  Hearing her yell "Papa" so enthusiastically is one of the cutest things I've ever heard!

I am grateful to have been married to such a patient and loving man for 25 years!

Just for fun, here we are in Hawaii 25 years ago.

Gotta love those shorts.

His were extra short and mine were extra long!

Happy Anniversary John! 

 I love you babe!

And He's Off!

Today was a big day that started very early!  Elder Aaron got up at 2:45 AM to prepare for his departure to Toronto.  They left the Missionary Training Center around 4:00 AM and at 5:15 we got a phone call from a pay phone at the SLC airport.  Elder Aaron had just a few minutes before boarding his flight, but it was wonderful to hear his voice.  It has been three months since we've spoken to him.  He sounded good and seemed to have everything under control, although he did confess that he has lost about 10 pounds while at the MTC.  (I'm sure he didn't mention it earlier because he didn't want me to worry . . . or nag him . . . or send huge care packages full of food.)  Many missionaries gain weight while at the MTC due to the many hours spent sitting and studying.  Oh and the desserts every night might have something to do with it too!  Elder Aaron explained that after a year of cafeteria food at BYU plus 3 more months of it at the MTC, he just can't take it any more.  He is looking forward to cooking for himself and learning how to make some Korean dishes while he is in Toronto.  Hopefully he will gain back the weight he lost because that boy doesn't have any extra pounds to lose!

Elder Aaron should be in Toronto by now. We know that many wonderful experiences await him!  Now I have to brag about my missionary a little.  I promise it won't be like this post.

A few weeks ago I got a Christmas card from a family friend.  She received our Christmas newsletter and was excited to see that Elder Aaron was in the Korean branch at the MTC.  She and her husband serve in the Mandarin branch there.  She immediately talked to the Korean branch president's wife and gave me the report that Elder Aaron is  "kind, humble and good at the Korean language."  That's my boy!

On Christmas Day with one of the Korean Elders

A Gift

It has been a week since I posted, a good week filled with happy things.   Here is a sampling of some of the goodness:

*Thanksgiving at my brother's house.  It was wonderful to have the whole family together for a day filled with delicious food, laughter and a walk to the park for pictures.  I am so grateful to my sister-in-law for hosting.  I know it was a lot of work for her, but it was wonderfully stress-free for me.  Best of all, the sadness of missing my mom didn't really hit until the next day, which was fine because I could be alone and process my feelings.

*My family surprised me in a wonderful way.  While I was on a walk they got out all the boxes of Christmas decorations and even set up the tree.  This may not seem like much, but it is a major project to get everything down from our tiny garage.  It is not something I can do by myself.  Right now it isn't something I can do at all!  I was so excited when I came home to find the tree all ready for us to decorate.

*We spent Saturday afternoon at LaJolla Cove.  The tide was really low, so we had a great view of the tide pools and deep green sea grass.  We played frisbee on the lawn and even watched a bride and groom with their photographer.  We drove up to Mt. Soledad just in time to watch the sunset.  It was a perfect way to end the day!

Our "soft" frisbee which was perfect for a crowded day at the beach.

*Christmas cards make me happy!  We received our first card and newsletter (yes I love those newsy letters too) yesterday.  Our own cards are addressed and almost ready to go.  The letter is ready too, but I am holding off on printing it until after my doctor's appointment tomorrow in case I have any news to share.  Keep your fingers crossed.

*Molly and the girls came to church with us on Sunday since Ryan had to work.  We love spending time with them and it was fun to be with Brianne in the nursery.  Brianne was disappointed we hadn't brought the dog to church.  She asked for "woof woof" several times.

*Tuesday is my new favorite day since it is Aaron's pday.  He has been writing us a fairly long email plus a handwritten letter every week.  This is a wonderful surprise since Aaron is known for his brevity.  He sounds very busy and happy.  He loves learning Korean.  On Thanksgiving they got to hear from Elder Nelson and later they got to watch 17 Miracles which includes the story of one of our ancestors, which he recognized.  This proves he actually was listening during some of those family home evenings!

*Today should be another good day.  I get to see a dear friend who moved away last year and tonight I am going to the temple.  I am grateful for the the gift of happy days!

No news

. . . is good news? 

Today was supposed to be the big reveal.  I did have my ultrasound and everything looks good, but the baby refused to give us a clear view.  Those little legs were held tightly together.  I am disappointed, but not too upset.  I will try to focus on the positive.

• I got to see my sweet baby's face and watch him or her move.
• All the measurements were spot on.
• The placenta is in a perfect position.
• All organs seems to be working well.
• I have only gained 9 pounds in 5 months (although I did come home and drown my sorrows in leftover Halloween candy).
• My doctor gave me the go ahead for the 3-Day for the Cure walk.
• We got a letter and pictures from Elder Aaron today.

As soon as I got home from the doctor, the baby started moving around like crazy.  Sigh!  I was hoping to post a picture of baby #5 today, but instead you get pictures of baby #2.  He's not a baby any more, but at least we definitely know he's male.

Drop off at the MTC

Outside the Provo temple with his companion

Happy Day!

Yesterday was Elder Aaron's first p-day (that's preparation day or a day off for missionaries).  On p-day he has 30 minutes to get on the computer and email us!  I was such a happy mom and I've read that email about 8 times.

The MTC (missionary training center) just started a new program for teaching Korean.  The teacher speaks only Korean to them.  They started learning Korean the first day and by the third day, they taught a lesson in Korean.  Elder Aaron feels a bit "behind" since his companion took 2 semesters of Korean at BYU and the sisters in their district either lived in Korea or studied it in college.  He wishes he could be taught the grammar formally instead of just picking it up, but I'm sure that will come with time.  There are only 6 missionaries in his district, 2 elders and 4 sisters.

He also went to the Provo temple yesterday which made him very happy.  I know he loved the opportunity to get outside on the walk there too.  He says the only time he goes outside is to get from one building to another.  That has got to be hard on my nature loving boy!

Here's your Korean lesson for the day:  Do you know how to pronounce "elder" in Korean?  According to Elder Aaron it is "Changoneem."  I think I'll stick with English.

Our Weekend (and beyond)

Friday
Evan sang with the San Diego Mormon Choir and Orchestra. The musicians were fabulous, including the soloists on flute, banjo, cello and bagpipe.  What a show!  If you are local, I hope you'll have a chance to see them next year.  Learn more about SDMCO here.

Saturday
We did lots of laundry, shopping and packing for Aaron. That evening we had our ward fall festival.  It was a great party with chili, gourmet popcorn and lots of dessert (although I was too full to try any).  The kids had a blast with the games.  Here are Marianne's cute mini cupcakes for the cakewalk.

Sunday
We had Aaron's "not a farewell" at church.  He spoke mainly about the temple.  Since early September he has been able to work at the temple twice a week.  It has been a very sacred experience for him and he was sad to see it end.  After church, Aaron was officially set apart as a full time missionary for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Our Stake President asked us to share things we admire about Aaron.  Some of his strengths are: peacemaking, obedience, desire to do what is right and an ability to see the beauty in nature.

After the dinner requested by Aaron, we celebrated my Dad's birthday.  He claims he is only fifty-three, but I'll let you count the candles.

Everyone agreed the cake was delicious!

Here are the men of the day (Aaron and his Grandpa)

  With the two newest members of the family (Leighton and Carolyn)

Monday
Aaron got our computers in tip top shape and we had a day full of more last minute chores. We had a great time laughing and joking together.  The checker at Wal Mart even told us what a cute family we had. Then she added, "Someday you'll even have grandchildren." She was surprised when we told her we already have two.  We decided not to completely shock her by telling her we have our own baby on the way too.  John and the boys took their bikes up the mountain for a last run down.  Aaron was excited to have broken his record with a time of 4 min 27 sec.  I was just relieved he didn't break anything else. Aaron bid a final farewell to his favorite restaurant as we ate dinner at Chipotle.

Tuesday
After goodbyes to Ryan, Molly, Brianne and Leighton (and a quick stop at the barbershop!) we headed to the airport.

Roxy will really miss Aaron too!

Good byes at the airport

It will be fun to compare the height difference in two years!

We love you Aaron!

Summer Highlights

What was the best part of our summer?
Well, that depends on who you ask!

One of the top contenders for "summer best" would be our trip to Utah for the 4th of July.  We spent some time with John's wonderful family, visited with my grandma and my Aunt Muff's family and headed to Wyoming for John's class reunion.  Several of John's classmates commented that he hasn't changed much since high school.  He took off his hat to show that he does have a little less on top these days, when one of his friends said, "Oh that doesn't make any difference.  John always wore a baseball cap back then too.  We couldn't see his hair anyway!"

Here is John in his baseball cap with his Aunt Ruth. Our niece Holly is in back.

Ruth is keeping a tight reign on the matches.

She actually called both the mayor and the police chief before letting the boys set off fireworks!

John with his sister Susan (left) and his cousin Connie (middle).

My kids favorite part of Wyoming can be summed up by this photo:

Fireworks and more fireworks!!

Here are a few more of our summer highlights.  These are from my point of view, so my kids may totally disagree.  (Kids, feel free to leave a comment with YOUR highlights.)

Aaron
Receiving his mission call
Taking lots of photos and creating amazing panoramic views
Going to the temple for the first time

Marianne
EFY at BYU Provo
Her 15th Birthday
Watching all of the Harry Potter movies
Spending time with the world's cutest and smartest baby

Brianne!

Evan
Scout Camp at Lake Arrowhead
A visit from his cousin Josh at the end of July
Watching lots of Doctor Who on Netflix
Making tons of amazing origami creations

Josh and Evan lighting smoke bombs

Whew!  That was a long post.  Aren't you glad I only shared the highlights?