The DRG (Dennis R Garner) family reunion

The first weekend of August (2011) we scored some condos at Park City's Marriott and had a wonderful family vacation (all but Greg and Mike, who were working and couldn't swing it). We spent time at Lagoon, went to the Olympic Park and got to watch skiers go down the ski jumps and land in a huge swimming pool at the bottom. They also were learning tricks on trampolines that were amazing to watch. Den and I watched Jayda and Janika so their parents and Little John could go ride the Alpine slide. We also ate at an amazing (and expensive) Thai restaurant. The food was amazing! We shopped, swam, played, ate, and just had an all around marvelous time! How fun to belong to a family that likes each other.

Zion's National Park

In July, Dennis and I took three days to go see something we've always wanted to see - Zion's National Park. We hiked and hiked. Wearing ourselves out (well at least me). It was so breathtaking. I am amazed at Heavenly Father's creativity.

The Atonement

In Sunday School, we've studied the Atonement of our Savior. I need to share my gratitude for what He has done for me.

I have often pictured Christ in the upper chambers, washing the filthy feet of his apostles. He had such great love for them and showed that the King of this world could serve as the lowest servant would. I've pictured him in Gethsemane. The picture that Melba Hansen did of Him kneeling at a big rock under an olive tree, that used to be at the front of the First Ward chapel, has always stuck with me. The moon hidden behind the branches and the cloudy sky showed how much the earth didn't even want to be a part of that terrible event. The fact that he was able to perform the monumental task of paying for the sins of the world is beyond any comprehension.

I have imagined the scenes of the crowning of the thorns, the scourging, the mock trials; the walk to Golgotha with the crossbeam across his torn and bleeding shoulders and back; the nailing of his hands, wrists, and feet to the beam; the jostling as the soldiers were lifting him up on the cross. I can't imagine the horror of the tortured nerves across his chest as his arms pulled and suffocated him or the immense pain of pushing on the nail in his feet to relieve the strain on the arms and chest. Gratitude and relief are always felt when I finally get to the part where He says, "It is done."

I know that many other people have suffered crucifixion. It is a horrible way to be put to death. But, we know that only one man could suffer in Gethsemane as Christ did. Jesus, alone, paid for our sins that we might be able to repent and keep trying to do better.

I feel such gratitude and love for my Savior for all he has done for me. I must always be thankful for my blessings and never, never forget the big picture. I can't wait for the day when I can kneel at His feet and thank him personally.

Dear Janika's Baby Blessing Day

My princess, Natalie, and her sweetheart, Shawn, got to bless their own princess, Janika, last Sunday. Not only were they beautiful, Dennis did a beautiful job on the blessing. I'm so proud of Natalie and Shawn. They've built a good life together and are great parents for John and Janika. It's a joy to watch them.

To be a Gramma

I am learning the joys of Grandmotherhood. How amazing these incredible little Children of God are. How lucky I am to be their Grandmother. What an awesome, fantastic experience.

Miracles

Dear Barbara Barney has been an amazing example of how to handle stress. She has been a one-on-one teaching specialist in a very tough situation for the last 5 years. She taught me what patience looks like; how to love unconditionally; how to take one day at a time - not knowing what that day would bring; and how to keep smiling no matter what. The ladies I work with make an awesome team and I'm so grateful for them. Each is so helpful and caring. My students are the luckiest kids in the world.

Faith

There is a question in my next RS lesson that asks for positive experiences of sisters who have had FHE, family scripture study, meals together, and so forth. Dennis and I have done these things but only have 2 of our 6 children who value the gospel at this time. I truly feel quite discouraged when I see how my own family has failed after we tried really hard to do things right, especially when they were all at home. My children have had good spiritual backgrounds, yet they don't value spirituality. THEN, the epiphany came to me. I believe what our leaders have taught. I have a testimony that doing these things was the right thing to do. I can have FAITH that at some point, my prayers will be answered. My children, at some point, will value the Church, our leaders, our gospel. My job is to love them and to have faith that things will work out. I can do that. Faith is the key.

Talents

I gave the Relief Society sisters a challenge to write their 10 favorite talents and 10 they want to improve this year. Here is my list:
Hmmm...
1. I like kids.
2. I like my "special" kids.
3. I love the ladies I work with and learn so much from them.
4. I'm a good collector - Dennis will agree.
5. I love crafts.
6. I love art.
7. I love dancing (and wish I'd kept my body in shape, but plan to dance again).
8. I love music and love to sing. (Should that be two?)
9. I love spending time holding Dennis' hand.(Is that a talent?)
10. I love playing games, even though I'm not good at them - hey, it makes them feel good when they win, right?

And things I want to improve:
1. Painting
2. Piano
3. Exercising
4. FHE - that's a talent, right?
5. Seeing the needs of my students and children and addressing each of their deficits.
6. Seeing the strengths of my students and my children and helping them see their strong points.
7. Being a better reading/comprehension teacher.
8. Teaching to the UAAs and testing them continuously through the school year.
9. Staying organized with IEPs and paperwork.
10. Teaching patriotism to my students.
11. Self control with food/exercise/weight control.
12. More kind words and service to friends & neighbors.
13. Creative meals.
14. Consistency in house keeping.
15. Care packages, cards, notes, and letters to my children on a regular basis.
16. Making soap
17. Flossing - I'm sure that's a talent.
18. Being fun - I'm not sure if a person can learn this...
19. Being a good conversationalist.
20. Seeing the wonders in nature every day.

That's enough for now. There is SO much to improve upon. Big sigh. It can be done though. You eat an elephant one bite at a time.

Bittersweet

Yesterday, my siblings and I went through my Dad's house and "split the goods". It was wonderful/awful. We got along like champs but it was hard for me to accept the finality of it. It drilled into me again that all we take with us is what's inside. All the "stuff" he'd worked so hard to get - was just that - stuff.

I'm so grateful for Dennis. He knew I'd been stressing over it all and there were beautiful flowers on the table when I got home. Just what I needed. He's such a doll. I really dread the day when we are split up for a time before meeting again in Paradise. Watching Dad deal with loneliness was hard, but we felt his happiness when he got to be released from this life and go dance with Mom again.

Testimony of tithing

I challenged the sisters in Relief Society to document how they gained their testimonies of tithing. I'd better do this myself.

Tithing was done from the time I earned my first dime. We did it at home. It was just done. However, when I moved away from home, I got to decide if I wanted to continue the practice. The thing that helped me decide was when I looked at everything that Heavenly Father has done for me. I am SO blessed. How could I NOT pay 1/10 back? Sometimes, I'll admit, I was tempted not to pay when I knew that month would be an especially tight one. But I can vouch that the promise of sufficient means has come true for me. Lots of times the checkbook didn't add up to the amounts that were spent. I know that paying tithing is a blessing with a promise. I know that I want to always pay my tithing.

Twenty-five simple pleasures

Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 7:33pm

1. Chills or tears at a beautiful testimony.

2. Craziness when the kids are all home.

3. Watching my children being grown ups.

4. Playing with my brilliant grandkids.

5. Holding Dennis after a big day, or anytime...

6. Sitting at the computer during down time.

7. Taking a salt shaker out to the tomato patch. Ummm.

8. Watching American Idol.

9. Fresh flowers.

10. A clean house.

11. The smell of line-dried sheets, fresh bread, bar-b-ques, a rain storm, spring lilacs, orange blossoms, plumeria trees, fresh cut grass, a baby... (can I do 25 smells that I love?)

12. A sister's phone call that lasts an hour.

13. Feeding the missionaries.

14. A gorgeous Basin sunset/sunrise.

15. Laying on hot sand, listening to gulls and waves and children laughing.

16. Feeling the sand wash out from under your feet as the ocean waves play tricks.

17. The G forces when an airplane takes off.

18. Truffles

19. McDonald's instead of having to cook.

20. Students who are pleasant and try.

21. Children who check in.

22. Dancing

23. Singing

24. A good book or podcast.

25. A song that touches my soul.

Keeping a Journal

Shauna Ogden posted a clip that inspired her to keep a journal. It has inspired me. I love the way he writes, keeps articles and notes, all in the same binder. It's my answer to scrapbooking and journaling.

October 15, this year :) :)

Jacob and Becky are going to have a baby. I'm so excited for them. After ten years of marriage, I wasn't sure they'd get to have their own. I AM THRILLED!!!!! Their lives will be enhanced in ways they never imagined.

April 7, 2011 Janika Mithril Cochrane

And a new life begins. What a precious little tiny daughter of God we have been lent. It's a privilege to be her Grandma and to be in her presence.

Hollis Gilbert Hullinger

My sweet Dad died on March 11, 2011. The same day as the record breaking Japanese earthquake. I've wondered if there was some cosmic connection somehow. He'd talked with the nurse about getting the Jazz game on after supper, had walked down to supper with an aide, had taken a few bites, slumped to the side a bit (like he does when he falls asleep), the aide came to straighten him back up and he was gone. Just like that. 97 years old on Jan. 23. We wish we could keep him around, but not in that body. I know he's free to dance and is so glad to reunite with my mom, Gracie, his parents and siblings. Gracie's granddaughter Dana said she could just picture it: Gracie saying, "Weeell, what took you so long?" I think he'll always have tender feelings for her, but I know he was looking forward to seeing mom. Grace softened him around the edges and he's a better man for his years with her. I can just picture him organizing all the dead coming from Japan and getting work projects for them going. He's helping to get all those Stake Presidents and Bishops going to take care of them all. And he's loving being useful again. He lived to serve and now he can again. How grateful I am for him and his example of enduring until the end. I got to see how it's done, now it's up to me to follow that example.

Shingles

POOR DENNIS. He has broken out in Shingles. He started last week with some VERY tender skin, then Friday some VERY SORE red spots that eventually broke out in cold sore-like pustules. So we took him in yesterday morning. They gave him an anti-viral and pain meds and told him it would take up to two weeks for the sores to dry up and that the nerve endings may stay tender longer. He is able to sleep when he takes his pain meds, but not well. POOR DENNIS. Too many irons in the fire. He's not excited to have me take any pix, so you'll have to go online to see what Shingles looks like. :)

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

If you want a delightful read, check this one out. It is in letter form; letters to and from the principle character. It is cleverly done but tells a story that should never be forgotten about WWII and how the people coped on the isle of Guernsey, by England.

Dennis' award

On Sunday, February 20, 2011, Dennis was awarded the Secondary Business Teacher of the Year for the Western States (including Hawaii and Alaska). I've never been more proud of him. I'll bet his Mom and Dad were so happy. The best part was that he was embarrassed and didn't let it go to his head at all. He's awesome like that :)

Mexico

The Yucatan Peninsula was more fantastic than my dreams ever prepared me for. The sights and wonders were grandiose. I can see why people make this trip more than once.

Seeing the Mayan temples was really a dream come true. I can't believe how spread out the buildings at each temple were. I was shocked at how many are uncovered and how many more are still remaining, covered with jungle. I expected to see archeologists but saw none. I loved hearing the Howler Monkeys that don't fight but howl at each other. The loudest howler, wins the woman. The Mayan calendar and Chichen Itza were where we got our calendar system from. They had their lives figured out by the calendar and I'd like to study it more and try some of their methods; IE, knowing when to plant and harvest, etc. The stairs were crazy and of course, we had to climb to the tops and see what we could see. I wish I could ask them what the various buildings, various pictographs, and teeny rooms with bed like structures were.

One of the things I've done before, during, and after Mexico, was to read 3 and 4 Nephi. Many of the places we saw could have been Book of Mormon sites. One place could have been Bountiful, where Christ came to America after his death. Truly, that site had a sacred feel to it. However, many of the sites felt sacred. We know that many lives were sacrificed in the wicked years and many wars were fought on those grounds. To think about Moroni and Mormon, even Nephi and his family, walking the same paths that we did is pretty special. Makes me want to tear up a bit.

Going through the border into and out of Belize was exciting. We weren't sure if Karlene or the whole group would get stopped or have to pay a fine because she'd not brought one of her little documents. Heavenly Father saw us through with no incidents at all. It was scary to pass in front of the soldiers with their big weapons pointed almost at us. We got to take one of the most amazing boat rides with spider monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, and fantastic birds along the way.

Getting to see the Caribbean Ocean was a real highlight. It is SO blue. We got to snorkel on our last morning there. I think swallowing water when my tube filled up is what gave me a week-long stomach ache when I got home. It was worth every minute of it. (Remind me to use ear plugs next time so my ears don't ache after, too.)

I can't wait to see it all again. However... I was sure glad to rinse my toothbrush under the tap and drink from a fountain when I got home. I'm grateful for toilet seats, good plumbing, clean water, safe food,and our jobs that give us a nice standard of living. I give thanks to my parents, Den, and Heavenly Father for my blessings.

State Drill Team

I've never been more proud of girls than I was at State. We ended up taking third overall. But better than that, I saw champions. I saw sportsmanship. I saw caring. I saw enthusiasm and love. I saw great pride from parents, Kara, and girls alike. It was great!

Preparation

Dennis and I have been planning, reading, and making lists so that we will be ready for this month. What a wonderful month this is going to be.
First: Jacob and Becky have their tenth anniversary today. I can't believe that ten years ago we spent a beautiful, cold day at the Manti temple.
Second: Den goes to SL tonight so he can fly to Washington DC tomorrow. He's on a national committee to determine business curriculum for colleges. He's awesome, huh.
Third: Our drill team has it's State Competition on Saturday. I'll drive out Friday night and meet the girls that are going on Friday at 8:30 to attend the 4A-5A.
Fourth: Saturday night, I'll pick up Karlene (who is going with us on Sunday), pick up Den from the airport, and stay at a hotel by the airport.
Fifth: Sunday, we fly to Cancun to join a tour with Brent and Marsha Fieldsted. We stay there until midnight the following Monday (the 14th). We'll stay in SL Monday night and drive home early Tues. so I can go to school that day.
Sixth: Friday after school, we are going to fly to Seattle so Den can receive an award for being the best teacher in the world. We'll come home on President's Day (the 21st).
And the month will nearly be done.

HOW EXCITING IS THAT? ;)

How books impact my testimony.

Many books have impacted my life. The Robe was read in high school and strengthened my fledgling testimony. When I lived in San Clemente as a new bride, I decided to read the Book of Mormon beginning to end. I didn't even have to pray to know that it was true, even though I didn't understand Isaiah, the book reached my soul. When I was pregnant with Natalie, I read the story of Mary and Joseph (Two from Galilee) and I felt a real connection to Mary. I loved my precious new babies even more after reading about the baby Jesus. I read a book about one of the soldiers that was a brother to a Christian at the time of Christ and their dilemmas and loved my heritage. Last year I read The Help about the problems dealing with civil rights and appreciate my home and life and my religion that values all people. Last summer I read the Hunger Games series and grew to love America and my freedoms even more.

Gratitude

I just feel so blessed. I have a wonderful husband, that I never deserved. I have a beautiful home, which I never dreamed I could have. I have six fantastic children, when I wondered if I could ever have any. I have a good job that helps provide for our good standard of living. And most of all, I have the Gospel; without which none of this would matter. I am counting my blessings.

Feeling the Spirit

Today we had Josh Robertson's homecoming at church. Deanie and Glenn bore their testimonies. Deanie mentioned that it is a bold statement to declare that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ came to the boy, Joseph; that the Book of Mormon is true; that we have a living prophet that is just as much a prophet as Moses or others from the Bible; and that our church is the only completely true church on earth. When she said these things the Spirit was SO strong! Tears show that the Holy Ghost is bearing witness that the message is true. Many emotional thoughts were shared today and our testimonies were strengthened.

Jenny Phillips sang a song this morning on TV that she was inspired to write after Elder Uchdorf's talk for Young Women. The message is that "Happily Ever After" can really happen but we have to follow the Lord's plan. Once upon a time is NOW. I've been wondering how I can "boldly" declare these things to my children, and if I did, would they hear or tune me out. I have to be cautious what I say, because I still want them to know I love them without being judgmental.

I know that happiness comes from serving, from loving, from doing what is right. I want my children to be happy. I'm so grateful for my testimony.

Saturdays

I love Saturdays that I can get my house cleaned and laundry done. They seem to happen so seldom. A day off is a wonderful gift. It feels so good to scrub and see that shine, and I can't wait to feel and smell the fresh sheets on my bed tonight. :)

Reading Endorsement Assignment

I just got a new assignment to journal, regularly. So define regularly. Daily, weekly, yearly? So my definition is as often as I think of it. I'll put it on the "schedule" and hope it gets done, regularly.

This assignment is in reference to a series of classes I'm taking in order to get my Reading Endorsement. I really do want to be able to teach reading better to my students who struggle with words. How awful it must be to not be able to cipher. Most of each day is spent reading something. I have always loved to read. I can remember memorizing The Little Red Hen then taking it to school and showing off how well I could "read". What praises. I was sold. The challenge now is to find time to read for pleasure.

We were taught tonight how important it is to write. That writing is practicing to read. Students who are dyslexic and learn to write in cursive actually teach their brains to bypass 90% of their reading disabilities. I've been teaching my students to write in cursive. But they copy and reproduce. They don't ever produce anything on their own. I started tonight, to give them a message of the day on the board. It will be in cursive and I'm hoping they will feel smart enough to try to tackle it.

Their message was about Linda Johanson, who has been our aide. She's made a tough decision to go back to Logan to finish her college. Things haven't worked for her to stay here and are working out well to go up. I'm a firm believer that things happen for a reason and when things work out or don't work out - that's a message that we'd better pay attention to. We are really going to miss her. The kids really like her. She'll be wonderful wherever she goes. We're going to write letters to her and make her write back.

And that reminds me that I need to write to Mary - tomorrow. In fact, I'd like to write a note to each of the students, like one a day and mail it to them; and Little John and Jayda and my children. So many... And Kolette, whom I love dearly, but may be passing through the veil very soon. Maybe her family could use encouragement. Letters are so valuable, why don't I ever write them. And when I do, I need to write them longhand and not on the computer. Computers are fast but impersonal.

Another assignment that I'm excited but scared about...we are to publish a book. Sigh. I want it to be good. It should be interesting and have meaning, and I want to illustrate it (maybe the second one that I do). So many ideas, but how to choose. My student's stories, the alphabet made of my kiddos names, I Am a Child of God with family pix, the alphabet made of student's photos that they take - that could be a lot of fun and a good school project - but impersonal. That's a good question for Face Book. :)

Enough journaling for one night.