Spring and Summer in Virginia

I have learned to value the beauty of many different landscapes. Indeed I don't think I fully appreciated the majesty in the rolling waves of wheat and magnificent wide expanse of sky of my childhood home in Alberta until years after I left it. Now that I am back west where the sky is "big" and at night a glorious star studded tapestry, I once again am caught up in the marvel of the creation of our God. I loved the palms and desert plants of our California home and the rolling hills, rivers and trees of Missouri, however the deciduous forests, Atlantic beaches, wisteria, cherry blossoms, dogwoods and magnolias of Virginia are dear memories for me. Most treasured are the recollections of our own Midlothian home.

Virginia mornings would begin with birdsong. The trees around our colonial home rose seventy feet into the air. Claigh and I would often sit in our kitchen nook and look out the bay window into our quarter acre back yard watching the cardinals and eastern bluebirds dart from one tree to another. We would search for the woodpecker we could hear pecking for a juicy bug. Not only did we have three different varieties of woodpeckers, we enjoyed visits from mocking birds, nut hatches, sparrows, humming birds, and wrens.

Many four footed friends including squirrels and chipmunks and of course our dear Shelti "Katie Dog" brought life to our yard as well. Katie was growing old. She would sit calmly in the yard with her head erect waiting for the surge of energy that would spring her to life as a cheeky squirrel got confident enough to come down from the trees. For a few brief moments she was young again. This "catch me if you can" game gave us many moments of the best of entertainment. The squirrels knew the height of Katie's jump. They loved to mock her by coming down the trunk of a tree just out of reach of her excited leaps.

One beautiful spring day, 3 year old Jonah and I sat in the "granny" chair in our master bedroom on the second floor watching a mother squirrel prepare a nest for her coming babies. We were within four feet of this incredible sight. She would run out towards the ends of the branches, snip off a small twig of newly forming leaves and then scurry back to the trunk and up to the "home" site. This was a work of hours. I was so grateful to have a little boy with me to take it all in. Children have a way of renewing our own sense of wonder.

Miniature snow crocus, tulips and daffodils were the first signs of color peeking into the brown world awakening from it's winter sleep. Spring also inspired our dogwoods to burst into magnificent bloom. Our three largest dogwoods were immediately outside of our bay window. I loved to do my written work at the kitchen table facing those treasured trees.

The front of our home provided a wide bed for summer color. Bright pink azaleas, bayberry bushes, hydrangeas, and variegated hostas provided a back drop for a magnificent array of annuals that I would tenderly care for throughout the season. Every now and then we would catch a flash of a vivid blue salamander on our front steps. Garden frogs joined the salamanders enjoying the abundant bug buffet. A variety of colorful dragon flies delighted us in the hot afternoons. Fireflies sparkled across our shrubs in the late evening hours.

Vegetable gardening in Virginia is not that easy. I did manage to hide a couple of tomato and pepper plants in the flower gardens in front of our home as our back yard was not at all conducive to veggie growth. Massive trees completely shaded the landscape behind our home, their extensive root systems working their way through the ground creating quite a trial for our back lawn. I did all I could to meet this struggle for seven years, trying every kind of grass seed, fertilizer and prayer. My complete and utter failure proved to be a very weak attempt to fight what was natural.

Imagine my surprise when the answer to the lawn dilemma came through a Relief Society Activity. One summer, the opportunity came for a small group of us sisters to tour a famous "moss garden" that had been featured in gardening magazines throughout the world. We drove the short distance to the old home where an elderly woman welcomed us and led us into her yard. We walked paths through the terrain marveling at the peace and beauty of a shaded woodland. I learned of many different types of moss that day and came to appreciate the beauty of another of God's green creations.

After years of grass grief, I finally knew the "Virginia way." The last three years we lived in Midlothian, I gave my full support to the variety of mosses that grew naturally across our yard. It was becoming a soft beautiful carpet of magnificent greens just as we had to say good-bye and head west for the challenges of high desert gardening.

I miss my Virginia woodland home. I wonder at the love of Heavenly Father and a Savior Creator. I feel truly blessed.

Momma Ashlee is 30!

Happy Happy New Year Ashlee Faith!

It seems somehow appropriate that the girl who was almost delivered on the sidewalk of the hospital thirty years ago gets her birthday post a week late. Last Monday I was completely consumed with pain in my neck and shoulder and so the day passed with no effort to blog. However Ashlee Faith was not forgotten!

Our Ashlee tells me often she is living her dream. Husband, children and home are all she ever really wanted. In high-school and college she had her moment of fame in musical theater. It was such a delight to attend her performances. We also thoroughly enjoyed her bubbly spirit as a cheerleader. Now all of that enthusiasm and energy and sweet music is focused in her home.

One of the best birthday presents I ever received was a song from Ashlee. She was living in Charlottesville, Virginia at the time and had come to visit me in Midlothian for my big day. I honestly have never received a nicer gift. For mother's day that year, at my request she returned to Midlothain to sing the same song for my Relief Society group. Ashlee thinks in very giving ways and our whole family has been blessed for it.

Food memories and Seminary

When I was thirteen I was adopted by my mom and dad - Harry Havelock Smith III and Viola Hansen Smith. My dad served as a Bishop for over 20 years. He was very committed to the youth of our small ward and determined to have all church programs in place for our blessing. One of those important programs was the early morning seminary scripture study program.

Seminary is a four year course of study for high school students. Each year is devoted to a book of scripture with the Old Testament one year, the New Testament another, The Book of Mormon for a third year and The Doctrine and Covenants/Church History for the fourth. Seminary was held very early before school classes began each morning. In southern Alberta winter, this means that the sun hadn't even thought of showing it's face when we would gather to learn the great truths of the holy books of scripture. AND the temperature was often well below freezing. Brrrrr!

My dad was firm on being where you were supposed to be and being on time! In spite of his very heavy work schedule as the owner of a five office business, and hours devoted to the church as a bishop he served as the seminary chauffeur for many many years. Because we were a large family, we had the largest car - a three seat station wagon with a plug dangling from under the hood on the front of the car. Cars were plugged in overnight to keep the engine block from freezing up. Every winter morning dad would unplug the car and start it so it could warm up for his sleepy crew. Often he had to clean many inches of snow off of the car as well. The Smith kids would pile in and we would then make the rounds of the community to pick up the other students before heading to Seminary in Milk River.

Since Earl Rivers High School (Grade 10 - Grade 12) was in Milk River twelve miles north of Coutts, our seminary was held in the basement of the church in Milk River. Sometimes dad would catch a few more winks of sleep while he waited in the car during the seminary hour so he could take the ninth grade students back to Coutts for school. Other mornings he would spend the time taking a brisk walk.

Seminary Food Memory #1 - My Aunt Norma was a fabulous cook and was truly one of my favorite people in the whole world. It was a great blessing that my cousin Jessie was just a year younger than me and thereby one of my fellow travelers on those early morning jaunts. One morning Jessie came to the car with a piece of hot buttered toast lathered in Aunt Norma's home made apple butter. Wow! Every so often Jessie would bring a share of toast for each of us. How I loved my Aunt Norma and to this day I have never tasted better apple butter!

Seminary Food Memory #2 - I have always been a morning person and so I would often get up extra early to do some last minute studying or to do my hair etc. Imagine my surprise when one morning my dad was up and at the stove! My mother's health was not very good at this time and he had determined we needed a good breakfast to start the day. Groan! I never have been one to manage Red River Cereal without a gag and tons of chocolate chips and sugar BUT burnt Red River Cereal was just about the absolute worst! Thankfully dad threw in the towel on this idea after just a few days and I was back to my bowl of Shreddies and milk.

I marvel at the tremendous sacrifice of my dad all of those years. He knew perhaps the Red River Cereal idea wasn't a winner but in spite of any grumblings from the young and often not appreciative he persevered in getting us to Seminary. He loved the scriptures and studied daily from a cherished red bible and his triple combination. It is not surprising he would give so much to be sure the youth of his ward had full opportunity to discover for themselves the power of God's word.

Good for what ails you and other childhood food memories . . .

My grandmother (Grandma Venice Smith) had just the right ideas about how to take care of me when I was sick. Homemade eggnog, hot milk and cinnamon toast, egg custard and rice pudding were the best medicine by far. This rice pudding recipe is one I have used for my family over the years. I did make eggnog for them when they were little but I do not believe I ever served them hot milk and cinnamon toast.

RICE PUDDING

Slightly beat 4 eggs and set aside.

In a heavy kettle combine: 1 1/4 cup sugar, 2 Tablespoons cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside.

Combine 1 can evaporated milk and 4 cups milk. Heat to scald.

Stir hot milk mixture into sugar mixture and cook over medium heat until mixture is thick and smooth. (Stir constantly to avoid scorching.)

Add 4 cups cooked rice. Heat mixture, stirring constantly until it reaches a full boil. Remove from heat.

Slowly whisk a bit of the hot mixture into the beaten eggs to temper the eggs and then stir eggs into the pudding. Return to heat and stir a minute or two until pudding thickens. Remove from heat and add 1 cup raisins, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 2 teaspoons vanilla.

Serve warm or store in the refrigerator. Makes 8 cups of pudding.


HOT MILK ON CINNAMON TOAST

Place a piece of buttery(real butter please :o) hot cinnamon/sugar toast in a flat soup bowl and pour hot milk over it. Yum for the Tum. We would actually have this for supper sometimes as well.

Dinner was our main meal and was served at noon. Supper was a light evening meal. Sometimes for supper we would have bread and milk or crackers and milk. We would break up the crackers or break the bread into bite size pieces and add sugar and milk just the way you do when you eat cereal. Things have sure changed. I think the simple life was good for us. Grandma would also make us vegetable sandwiches - just buttered bread with slices of radishes OR cucumbers OR tomatoes and if you liked some salt and pepper to season - no goopy spreads - Simple and tasty - light and good.

Grandpa (Havelock Smith II) kept horses and a couple of cows. In the evening I would sometimes be the one to walk to the far pasture and drive the cows to the barn for milking. Dean Lybert was a trusted hired hand who would milk the cows for us. If you weren't watching, Dean was sure with his aim and you could end up with a squirt of warm milk on your face.

In my earliest years, the milk was bottled and refrigerated to let the cream rise to the top. Grandma would then skim the cream off to make butter or to pour on fruit or whip for a dessert topping. Later we had what you would call a separator at home. The warm milk would be poured into the funnel, we would turn the wheel and the milk would pour out one spout with the cream separating and pouring out the other spout. Who needed to pay for gym memberships? This was a pretty good workout in and of itself.

I loved my grandmother's spacious kitchen. The black and white tiled floor, the stove/oven island in the middle of the room, the large windows the full length of two walls, the ceramic elf collection on the window shelves, the plants and the warmth of the family gathering spot are vivid memories for me. Pat Evans was hired by my grandparents to help take care of us children and she was wonderful. She worked hard to keep our home clean and in order but more important to me, she would read to us. As we would sit around the kitchen table for breakfast we were entertained with a chapter from a great book of literature. How I treasure the times we were carried into adventure through the written word. I have never lost my love of reading which was fostered there in my grandmother's kitchen.

SIMPLE EGGNOG

Beat an egg and add 1 cup very cold milk, a bit of sugar and a bit of vanilla extract. Whisk together and enjoy.

Fun in the Sun

I was fortunate to spend the last two weeks of February and the first week of March in Arizona with Carey and Todd's family. Carey fractured a vertebrae in early January. Todd's mom Ellen was there to see her through the first weeks following the accident. She is a true blessing to the Bailey crew. I was able to fly down to help out during Ellen's three week vacation to Seattle.

In spite of a frightening few days, Carey is doing very well and healing nicely. We feel very blessed indeed. Carey was running the family dog while riding her bike. She decided to take a new route and with the leash wrapped around her hand, she went one way and Savannah the other. She was pulled hard off of her bike and suffered some terrific pain. At first it was thought they would be doing surgery and I headed down to Arizona to stay in the hospital with her. Just ten minutes from the Salt Lake airport we got a call saying the neuro-surgeon changed the plan deciding that the bone chip that had been threatening was now in position to simply dissolve without causing harm to the spinal cord. Claigh and I turned the car around and began the three hour drive back to Idaho Falls very grateful for such a tremendous answer to prayers. I rescheduled my flight in order to help out when Ellen left for Seattle.

Carey is sporting a nicely decorated brace these days. The 16/17 year old girls from church thought it could use some sprucing up and hence the pink and white flowers and the crown. How fun is that? In spite of the bold fashion statement, Carey is excited to do away with the thing just three weeks from now. Regardless of the few restrictions she has had, she has managed to keep up with the things that matter most to her - lovingly serving Todd and her children, working as a counselor in the Stake Young Women's Presidency (including the youth conference she was a part of my first weekend there), and giving a listening ear and hugs to friends in need. Oh to be young!

I never like to be away from Claigh but if I must - being with the kids is the only way to go. My only sadness from this trip was to be so close to Jared, Sara and the boys and yet not be able to work out some time together. As the kids grow so do the schedules. On my first Saturday in Gilbert, however I was able to take Carey's youngest four to Sara's Primary Activity in Chandler. Sara has been serving as a counselor in her ward Primary Presidency and was responsible for the planning of the activity. It was very rewarding to see what wonderful work she is doing. In that activity, the children learned about all of the aspects of Family Home Evening and each child left with a kit containing the needs for one family night. It was fun to watch Elijah, Xander, Maxwell, Jennie and Seth decorate their envelopes. Lucy peacefully slept through the activity and Brigham was just thrilled to walk in the shadow of his "Sara." He has a special connection with his Aunt Sara and all of the Anderson boys are favorites of the Bailey crew! Thankfully I was able to get one hug from Jared, Elijah and Xander. Sara and Maxwell were able to spend a couple of lunches with us.

Just trying to keep up with the Bailey laundry was like a blast from the past! It helps me appreciate my daughters even more. How grateful I am that they get to be "at home" moms! Thanks Collins, Todd, Jared and Steve!


Every moment I had with the kids was really appreciated. Jacob is a tall thirteen year old with a generous heart. I enjoyed our rides together to his Crav McGraw class. It was good to see his capacity for following his teacher's instruction. He would try and try again to get particular actions right. Talk about a serious workout! Jacob and I are currently reading the same six book series which has been a special treat for me. These books make you think and I marvel at Jacob's insights.




Noah is growing into a fine young man. It was good to see his sense of loyalty to his brother Jacob. There is nothing like a brother to have your back. It was a lot of fun helping Noah and Jennie get ready for "Decade Day." Noah ended up being only one of two in his class to dress up but he did it with style!


Jensen is a joy. Somehow in this house full of testosterone she manages to come out all girl! She has a sunshine disposition much like her mother's. Her portrayal of a "Star-Belly Sneetch" for "Story Character Day" was a lot of fun but the best thing in the world is a "Jennie hug!"

For his story book character, Seth chose to be a penguin extraordinaire. That boy still loves penguins! Seth also has the "Big Bro" thing down pact and is a great help for his brother Brig and little Lucy. A practical boy who knows the value of a weed pulled, Seth solved the problem of the prickly branches grabbing at his head. He wasn't going to let his opportunity to make some cash escape just because of a little inconvenience!



The Bailey family dog Savannah is a Brig dog for sure. It is really something to watch those two. Savannah is so patient and very appreciative of the companionship. Brig is also sweet with baby Lucy and as previously noted he adores his Aunt Sara. It could also be said he has a passion for cars, trucks and cars! Did I forget to say cars?



I do believe the great communicator of the family will be baby Lucy. She loves to talk and talk and talk. It will be really something once this bubbly child gets a hold of real words. I marvel at her sweet personality and look forward to many conversations to come.

Once again I want to express my deep appreciation to all who included Carey in your prayers. No life is without challenge and we are grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who is mindful of us and so willing to bless.


As cub-master, Todd was responsible for the Pinewood Derby and it was great! I honestly don't think anyone else could have been as much fun for the boys. If the computer world doesn't pan out, he could go for a career at the race track for sure. This was Noah's last derby and that made it extra special!











Thankfully I did get one picture of Maxwell when we met for lunch one day. What a great boy! He really watches out for his little cousin Brig.

Claigh's First Column for the Post Register

A couple of weeks ago Claigh was contacted by the Post Register of Idaho Falls and asked to consider becoming a feature columnist for the paper's quarterly Family section. The opportunity to speak truth and encouragement to the citizens of the community is wonderful. We love Idaho Falls!

There are a few things I am passionate about. One of my greatest passions is for the well being of children. I love children and want their happiness and success. All that I do in my profession is designed to bless children, including my work with birth parents and adoptive couples. Indeed, not only is adoption a great way to build a family, it is a wonderful way to improve the life of a child.

In today’s society about 98% of unwed mothers choose to parent their baby. In one such case a grandmother became the primary caregiver. It became evident to this loving grandmother that her granddaughter was suffering. She approached her daughter and suggested she consider adoption for her two year old child. Eventually the mother agreed. She came to understand the essence of love is seeking the best interest of another. In this situation it meant that either she had to change her lifestyle and better meet her child’s needs, or she had to give adoption serious consideration. When this child was placed with her adoptive parents a transformation occurred. This precious, and sometimes precocious, little girl is now thriving in the safety, stability, and love her adoptive parents provide. They cherish their daughter, and the light in her eyes indicates the love she feels from them!

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTF) reports, "There are currently 129,000 foster children waiting to be adopted in the United States and 30,000 children in Canada. The average foster child is 8 years old, and spends about five years in the foster care system. Without the stability and love of a permanent family, these five years can feel like a lifetime."

Regardless of age every child needs a mom and a dad. Children thrive when committed parents place the child's interest before their personal interest. Are you among those capable of providing a child with this type of love?

If you have a passion for the well being of children you can help. Some of those 129,000 foster children live here in Idaho. For older child adoptions the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (H & W) is a great resource. H & W may be easily reached by dialing 2 1 1 or 1 800 926 2588. You provide the love and commitment to the child, Idaho DHW will provide the training and support to help you succeed with your new family!

Few things are as gratifying as blessing the life of a child. After all, you don’t have to be perfect. Loving open hearts and a home they can call their own can make a wonderful difference for a hurting child.


Claigh H. Jensen is a licensed clinical social worker in Idaho and has been working to strengthen and build families for more than 25 years; claigh2@yahoo.com.


This is the note that the editor sent to Claigh when he received the article:
From: Bill Hathaway
To: Claigh H Jensen
Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2009 10:38:41 AM
Subject: Re: Article

Claigh,
I got the article and it is excellent. Thank you for your contribution; this section is much richer for it. One thing: could you please send me your photo again as a separate jpg or tiff file? Sometimes my software has trouble extracting a photo from Word and preserving pixel quality.

Many thanks, and looking forward to more in the future.

Bill H. 3/3/09

Isaac the Incredible

What is my most favorite Christmas Santa picture EVER?
Isaac is a true delight! This expressive boy is full of energy and charm. He is one to live every moment to the fullest. They say the eyes are the window to the soul and for Isaac this is particularly true. His passion for life is evident. We are grateful for the energy and light he brings to our family.

Something Yum!

Cottage Pudding is a family favorite for a winter time treat.

Dinette Cake
1/3 cup softened butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1¼ cups white flour
Mix ingredients together in a large bowl. Beat for 30 seconds on low speed and then on high for 3 minutes. Pour into greased and floured 8" square cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.

Butter Sauce
½ cup butter
1 cup sugar
¼ cup milk or half and half
Combine ingredients in a sauce pan and cook over low heat stirring constantly until smooth.

To Serve:
Cut the Dinette Cake into serving pieces. Puncture each piece a few times with a fork. Spoon Butter Sauce over the top of servings for a very rich and delicious dessert. Yumm!

I remember: Uncle Frank and Aunt Leah

I strain to remember much from when I was a child. Perhaps my brain energy was all wrapped up in survival back then. However I do have a few choice memories that are a cherished part of my life. One dear to my heart is the remembrance of Uncle Frank and Aunt Leah Rogers.

Great Aunt Leah was the sister of my Grandpa Harry Havelock Smith II. Uncle Frank Rogers was her true love. This is not overstated. Throughout my young life, Uncle Frank and Aunt Leah were a living example to me of the amazing capacity for love and romance between a man and a woman. They treated each other with such respect and tenderness. I felt some kind of assurance when I would see them out for a walk, hand in hand. This was not young love that I saw but a love that had been nurtured through the years of working together and raising a family.

Close to the time that I lost my first parents, Aunt Leah was my Sunday School teacher. She and another great aunt, Aunt Lucille were team teaching a large group of children. I am not sure just how old we were but I believe I was somewhere between the ages of five and seven. [See my blog post August 31, 2008] These two great women were touches of love and tenderness for me at a time when life was very rough. Aunt Leah had a deep and abiding testimony of the love of our Savior Jesus Christ. I trusted she knew the reality and power of his love for me. Having these great women as my teachers at such a difficult time is another evidence of the tender mercies of the Lord.

Uncle Frank and Aunt Leah owned and operated the Coutts grocery store located a short distance down the street from their home and next door to H.H. Smith Ltd. The Coutts Store was a happy place with only two short aisles as I remember. There was also the meat case, a refrigerator/freezer and a small counter with the old fashioned cash register.

For major shopping, we would travel to Lethbridge sixty-three miles to the north but day to day needs were purchased from our community store. People going in for a quick purchase often ended up staying a while to visit with those who happened to gather at any given time. One of the blessings of small town living in the fifties and sixties is that everyone knew everyone. I loved to go to the store and participate in the camaraderie that exists when people genuinely care for each other. I remember times of laughter and joy when people would discuss an upcoming activity or a recent shared time of fun. It was always good news when someone announced they were expecting or that a child had been born. I remember times of serious reflection when a family faced a hardship or someone died or some community decision needed to be made. My times in Uncle Frank and Aunt Leah's store were times of security for me. They were opportunities for me to comprehend the good in life. I also saw that disagreements could be discussed with respect for varying opinions and thought.

In junior high, I wrote a creative essay on "Gravy Train" a popular dog food of the time. It was recognized and posted along with other students' notable works in the window of Uncle Frank and Aunt Leah's store. When Collette and I would skate board at what we felt were crazy speeds down the hill, we ended at the store. Once my brother David lost control of his downhill ride and fell from his bike into the store window He suffered a serious injury to his cheek. Glass back then was not tempered and thankfully the nasty cut was all he suffered.


This picture was taken when I was five years old - 1957. The large building in the lower half of the picture is the back of Grandpa's Custom Brokerage business, H.H. Smith Ltd. and the building to the right is the Coutts Store. Center left in the picture is the old Port of Entry from Montana into Alberta or vice versa. To the right of that is Grandpa's warehouse where truckers could store goods waiting for clearance through customs.

Another blessing that comes from living in a small community is the sense that every one watches out for everyone. Uncle Frank and Aunt Leah always had their ears and eyes open. I wonder how many young people were shocked at what their parents found out? I love that this dear couple lovingly "informed" parents of possible concerns. Every mom and dad should have such a resource!

Late one night, Uncle Frank was making the short walk from his store to his home when he noticed a different car parked outside our house. The next day he investigated and when he found out whose car it was, he went straight to my parents and told them. They continued the investigation and found that while Collette and I had gone to the high school dance in the car driven by my brother Glenn, we had come home with a couple of boys one who was considered by anyone with an ounce of maturity to be not the kind of boy you would want your daughters to associate with. Of course at that time I could not see the need for concern. Time has a way of opening your eyes however and I am grateful for the watch care of a close community.

Uncle Frank also busted my brother Glenn for having a case of the "squares". What do you do if you're a young boy who wants to try out smoking and the only store in town is owned by your uncle? You have to take drastic action and sneak a pack of cigarettes from the store. Having taken some time to survey the set-up, Glenn tucked a pack into his pocket sure he would go unnoticed. (The bulge created by the pack was an obvious rectangle shape and Uncle Frank confronted Glenn with a "I see you've come down with a case of the squares. I'll never forget the family meeting where Glenn tearfully confessed his sin of stealing and we all forgave him. I am very happy to say, Glenn never did become a smoker.

Elementary school and junior high years were spent attending the Coutts Village School but as we approached Grade Ten, we prepared for the trip to Erle Rivers High in Milk River, twelve miles to the north. LDS students would rise extra early for car-pool to early morning seminary but our ride home was the Coutts Bus. One afternoon just a short distance out of Milk River, the bus began to slow. Ahead we saw a car swerve to the left to avoid something. Our bus driver began to veer to the left as well when to my horror I saw my dear Aunt Leah laying deathly still in the middle of the highway. Her car was off to the side, crashed into a small road post, driver door open. Our bus driver seemed not sure what to do and appeared to determine it was best to keep going. I yelled, "You stop this bus right now," and sank back into my seat, tears filling my eyes. That was all I could do. Some of the other kids quickly got off of the bus and began to see what they could do. They found she was alive but unconscious. Knowing a little about shock, we gathered up some of our coats to keep her warm and waited for help to arrive.

I do not know what caused the one car accident. And I seem to recall that Aunt Leah couldn't remember what had happened. Thankfully she recovered her injuries but it was a long and difficult recovery. Uncle Frank was very attentive. I remember her telling me how he would brush her hair for her. After being released from the hospital, Aunt Leah had on-going trouble with her right arm. Uncle Frank rigged a pulley to a doorway in their home so she could tie her wrist to a rope that went through the pulley and with her other hand pull to raise her injured arm in an attempt to strengthen the weakened muscles. This is what we knew as physical therapy in those days. Uncle Frank also made a visit to me to thank me for stopping the bus. This was another time when I saw the deep love he had for his dear wife.

Uncle Frank was a kind and gentle soul in whom I trusted. I remember his arm softly around my young shoulders as he would reassure or comfort me. When Claigh, baby Cameron and I were were living in Coutts for a short time in 1972, Uncle Frank called to schedule a visit with us. As I anticipated his visit, I was not sure what to make of it all. He came one evening and as we sat in our small living room, he told me he knew there were pieces to the puzzle of my life that I possibly wondered at and he wanted to fill in the blanks if I had any questions. The things Uncle Frank shared with me about my dad David's childhood helped clear up some of my confusion. Again I recognize the tender mercies of the Lord helping me through my Uncle Frank as I continued the work of forgiving my father for taking my mother from me and deserting me himself.

Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deeds of those who love.

For worthy friends whose lives proclaim
Devotion to the Saviors name,
Who bless our days with peace and love,
We praise thy goodness, Lord above.
- Karen Lynn Davidson

Photo: Aunt Leah and Uncle Frank Rogers & Grandma Venice and Grandpa Harry Havelock Smith

Gideon - Six and Growing

What a joy! Gideon is a boy who loves to create. The oldest of the "littles" in his family, Gideon can be a big help. He shares the passions of music and cooking with his mom but this "all boy" can really bat with power. We especially appreciate his love for scripture stories and his testimony. Happy Happy Birthday Gideon!

On the road again . . .

For one who does not care much for shopping, this past week was a bit taxing - pun intended. :o) However, I am very grateful to have my own set of wheels again. It seems at least fifty percent of Idaho Falls residents were involved in car accidents the week I was and that made car rentals tough for some and those of us who were totaled out and needed to buy a good used car had to really keep on our toes for the right opportunity.

It has been years since Claigh and I purchased a "new" car from a dealership. We can't see taking the immediate depreciation hit when you drive off the lot. This does mean you don't necessarily get the exact color you want or the specific features you want when you are forced into a quick buy. We were about to settle for a very nice 2007 Camry with beige leather interior and a red exterior. I really didn't care for the color but it was a very good buy and a great car that would have met our needs nicely.

Fortune smiled upon us and Claigh's fancy turned to a silver 2008 Camry Hybrid. The dealership dropped the price considerably to the point that we were able to purchase it for the same price as a 2009 regular Camry XLS with the Sam's Club discount would have been. Our new silver bullet has only 19,900 miles on it and is in perfect condition. It is an adjustment to have very little trunk space but overall we feel this car will meet our needs and exceed them for years to come. AND I love the fact that I never have to take my remote key from my purse. Just touch the inside of the door handle and the door unlocks, sit in the comfy seat and push the button to start. A bit strange the first time but really very wonderful.

We thank our Father in heaven again and again that I was not killed or injured. It really was a very bad accident. We feel blessed to be in a position to purchase another car. When we think of the thousands of miles we have driven over the past years we humbly thank God for his blessings of safety for us and our family.

Two Cute Will

This family charmer celebrated his birthday January 31st! Grandma is late with the post but not with the love. With new baby brother Greg, Will is finding life to have really opened up. He is quick in the moment of opportunity to all kinds great fun. This boy can really keep a mother on her toes. He is good at keeping Gracie Dog in line and is happy in a crowd. William Edward Stalcup is a people person for sure. His engaging smile and the twinkle in his eyes can melt any heart in a hurry.

Another Challenge - Another Blessing!

Yesterday had a great start. I was planning on Visiting Teaching from 9:30 - noon and hoping for a trip to the Rexburg Temple with Claigh for the afternoon followed by a ward party in the early evening. With such a full schedule I needed to get up early to make it to the gym and have my hair washed and styled in time to get Alyssa to work and make our first appointment at 9:30.

Those who know me best know that I do not believe in alarm clocks. I woke on my own feeling very rested at 4:30 a.m. I got ready for my trip to the gym and noticed that we had a fresh six inches of snow. Not wanting to press snow tracks onto the drive, and grateful I was up even earlier than necessary, I shoveled the driveway directly behind the car before I left for my date with Elliptical. After enjoying a good workout and an extended time in my stretching routine (to relax the good ol' shoveling muscles) I headed back out to the parking lot to note another two inches had fallen during my time inside. I brushed off the car and carefully made my way home calling Alyssa on her cell phone to wake her early as it was clear we would have to head for her work with extra time for slow and careful travel.

So far so very good! I made buckwheat pancakes and eggs for breakfast, prepared my lesson for Visiting Teaching and was ready to head out the door by 7:30 to get Alyssa to work. We encountered our share of crazy drivers who are sure they have the best vehicles for inclement weather. - You know, the ones who drive confidently as though there is nothing special about a lot of new snow and ice. However we made our way and she was at work on time. I headed back home to shower and do my hair. I called my companion to let her know that I was already dug out and would be glad to drive. I picked Deanne up at 9:30 and we were on our way to our dear friend who lives just five minutes away on a good travel day.

The 2nd main road that we had to take to get to Beverly had been plowed and was covered in packed hard icy snow. No problem - just take it slow and easy. You will get there. However as we were traveling south, we saw another vehicle approaching traveling north at what to us was far fast for such conditions. The next thing we knew, we saw the Nissan Murano begin to fishtail wildly. I told Deanne "I don't know if we can avoid this but I am going to try." I pulled gently to the right into the ditch, leaned forward and looked towards Deanne to be sure she was Okay.

The young mom was now in a complete spin around and I was there to bring her to a stop and prevent her from rolling. Not fun but I am grateful that she did not roll. She had done a complete U-turn on the road slamming hard into my door with her back end. Not good and yet she and her little girl as well as Deanne and I came away unhurt for the most part. When quiet and calm returned immediately following the "slam", the first thing I heard was the little girl crying. That was honestly the most upsetting part of the whole ordeal. I so wanted her to be Okay. How grateful I am that she was.

I had taken the brunt of the blow. How I remained limp and loose I will never know and how the V of the broken door pressed in and did not hit me I cannot imagine. For some reason my side airbag did not deploy and I have a feeling that is a blessing as well. The shattered glass spread throughout the car but I blocked most of it. As a result My hair was full of glass and glass went down my back. However, because I had turned away from the impending impact, my eyes were completely protected. Other than quite an assortment of pin-prick type cuts on my hands and back and some difficulty getting across the passenger seat to get out of the car, I came away whole.

As for our wonderful Camry, both doors are badly damaged as well as the center bar. There is also minor damage to the front side panel just to the front of the door with damage underneath to the skid plate and wheel well. Also things inside the car came loose or popped out of place because of the power of the impact. The key could not be removed from the ignition and needless to say my door was completely inoperable. It took me a bit to get out because of all of the glass I had inside pricking me in my back and on my hands. Every move seemed to draw a speck of blood from another spot. The tiny shards felt like it feels when you have been working with insulation. How blessed I am that this was the extent of my injuries. (It is even hard to call this injury because it was so very minor.) AND no muscle or body soreness today! Hooray!! Once again I am very grateful.

The police officer, the sweet young mom and her husband and family that arrived soon to help out, my tow-truck operator, Deanne's husband who came to rescue us and get us home - all were true to the wonderful spirit that we find here in Idaho Falls. How incredible it is to be where people are so good, caring, kind and generous. Each who came to the accident site marveled that I was not seriously hurt.

As for Claigh, he was cleaning out the whole neighborhood with his trusty snow-blower, oblivious to my repeated attempts to reach him. He was just finishing up - cleaning the blower and putting it away when Del drove into our drive to drop me off. I told him "I am fine but our car is not." The reports to the police and the our insurance company had already been made, Liberty Mutual had ordered our rental car, the car had been towed to the body shop ready for the assessor, and I was home and ready to get the last of the glass out of my hair and clothing all before he even knew there had been a problem. BUT a lot of snow had been cleared off of our driveway, our neighbor's driveway and an extensive section of sidewalk.

Our visiting teaching is not yet done, Claigh and I didn't make it to the temple, I watched an old movie and went to bed instead of the party and yet - All is well! Perhaps even swell!!

Thirty Eight Years and counting . . .

Our anniversary this year took an interesting twist. Carey was seriously injured in a bicycle accident on the 14th putting us into an emotional roller-coaster for 24 hours. It is hard to describe the depth of concern you experience when one you love so much is very hurt. Our appeals to friends and family for prayers were sent out in a hurry. How marvelous it is that we have the ability to communicate with so many so quickly.

Initially, reports from Arizona seemed to get worse with each contact. It was a shock for me to hear Carey's voice. My strong daughter was in the midst of a real crisis and it was evident in the strain and anxiety of her voice as she tried to communicate with us. I hung up the phone and disintegrated into tears and prayer.

We made arrangements for me to fly out from Salt Lake first thing the next morning. They were preparing Carey for surgery and so I was to be there with her 24/7 in the hospital. After three hours of sleep, Claigh and I set off on the three and a half hour drive to the Salt Lake Airport. We were both pretty exhausted but felt very grateful to be able to arrange for me to head south on such short notice.

The fog that morning was dense but thankfully the roads were in excellent condition. As we approached the Malad Pass, the fog burned off, another of many blessings of that day. We were approaching the airport with just an hour until the flight was to take off when we got a call from Carey. Her voice actually had some strength in it although it was still reflective of the great ordeal she had been through. The neurosurgeon had determined that they would not have to operate after all. He felt the bone chip that had raised some concern would dissolve on its own and was not in a position to cause damage to the spinal cord. Carey would be fitted with a brace and sent home to recover. The many prayers in her behalf had been answered in a manner far exceeding our hopes.

Claigh and I turned the car around and headed north again. Since we had not yet had a chance to eat, we stopped at a Red Lobster and enjoyed some fish before we made our way to Idaho. I took a turn at the wheel while Claigh got a bit of a nap. We made it back to Idaho Falls in time to pick up Alyssa from work (five minutes late was all.) We were too tired to revive our anniversary plans for the evening and yet we were so deeply and profoundly grateful for the blessings bestowed upon Carey. I will head to Arizona mid February to help out when Ellen leaves for her trip to Seattle.

Once again I find myself in awe of the goodness of Heavenly Father and his response to the pleadings of his children. Not always are our prayers answered in the way we may hope and yet I find that through every trial I am sustained and can see the merciful hand of God. How grateful I am for the prayers of our family and many friends throughout the world. We our our Father's children and we are loved with a love far beyond our comprehension. This I know and trust.

As for 38 years - five beautiful daughters, four fantastic son-in-laws, nineteen delightful grandchildren - We are blessed!

Seth's Seventh

That's right. - We are blessed with another seven year old in the family and we couldn't be happier! Seth Anthony Bailey is a boy who knows how to have a good laugh. He and Xander can really get into it.

When the Baileys visited Idaho last summer we got to see the "stick to it" side of Seth. At "Bear World" he quietly and patiently followed ducks and chickens around determined to catch one. I really thought he just might succeed. He was completely engrossed in the whole process.

Grandpa led Todd and the boys on a forever trip through the whole of eastern Idaho and into Wyoming in search of a good fishing spot. Seth kept pace with the big boys and that's saying a lot as there was much more walking involved than actual fishing. Seth was the only one who managed a catch for the day. He informed his Grandma that he caught a fish but threw it back because it was only a "fish-stick."

I appreciate Seth's confidence in grandma to prepare something good to eat. Now that's a way to warm my heart. We love the quiet determination of this boy and are excited for his year of preparation for baptism. Happy Happy Birthday Seth.