Utah Daughter of a Pioneer

I am a great-great granddaughter of a Utah pioneer.

I was going through a box of old books and folders the other day and I found a copy of one of the many volumes of family history written by my grandfather, Stewart Bingham Eccles. In this particular journal Grandpa paid a very nice tribute to his mother Anna Rasmussen Eccles. Although Anna is not the pioneer that gives me "Daughters of the Utah Pioneer" status (those who arrived prior to 1869), she was a pioneer nonetheless.

I wanted to share the story on my blog, but it's not where I thought I left it. I can't find it anywhere. As far as I know, no one has been in the room where I read it. It's a mystery! So, the pioneer story of my great grandmother Anna will be reported later on.

This may sound a little out of place for a blog, but I am very thankful for the sacrifice my ancestors made as they immigrated from Scotland, Wales, England, Denmark, Switzerland, Ireland, . . . . to the United States and eventually Utah! Some came for the Mormon church and others came for work and opportunity. I so appreciate taking one day out of a busy, hectic, hot July month to commemorate and celebrate the first group of Mormon pioneers who arrived close to the Salt Lake Valley, July 24, 1847. The trek to Utah continues today some 161 years later.

Home at last --

Misquito safety device -- 25 cents at the scout camp Trading Post.

It's difficult to see the true impact of the dirt -- but the hair on Willie's legs went from white to black in a week of scout camp.

I must admit I was looking forward to a few days home alone (Willie and Karl at scout camp), but the excitement for being the only one in my big house diminished quickly. There is really nothing exciting about being the only one home for more that a couple of hours. It's too quiet, too lonely, and not that much fun at all. Haley did keep me from going totally koo koo -- but I am just the kind of person who likes noise, responding to weird requests from 13 year olds, likes listening to the long versions of stories, and fixing hot dogs or pizza to go along with just about every meal served. I like commotion, interruptions, distractions, craziness, and being the "will you help me?" responder at all times.

So, nothing like having the men in my house home at last. Willie quickly caught up on Home Star Runner, Karl put all the camp/scout stuff away in places he won't remember for next time, and I am back to "on demand" support for my family. Yes!

Scout Camp

Willie is at Scout Camp all week. The boys headed out Monday morning. He was excited and nervous about going -- excited to get out in the great outdoors and nervous about the lions and tigers and bears (oh my!). The troop is big this year -- 16 boys! Two leaders are staying with the boys all week and four others will rotate -- Karl picked up the end of the week. He headed up to Camp Steiner late this morning.

Camp Steiner is the highest (10,400 feet) Boy Scout camp in the United States -- and the second highest in the world. It was founded in 1930. The camp is located about 30 miles outside of Kamas in the Uintah Mountains (Duchesne County) and sits on the shores of Scout Lake. It should be a pretty good experience for Willie (and Karl, too).

Mom and Dad's House

Northwest corner of the living room -- yes, the couch is long, 10 feet exactly.

Southeast view of the newly painted living room and dining room and the newly recovered furniture.

The dining room -- it's hard to notice the new paint but the new floor is lovely.

This is a glimpse of the crown molding -- absolutely spectacular!

We've all worked hard on Mom and Dad's house. The living room and dining room have been painted and crown molded. The carpet is clean, the furniture recovered, the dining room floor redone, and much more. The most difficult part was the removal of the cottage cheese ceiling. The family hazmat crew removed it very carefully. I thought I'd share the finished projects so far.

What to blog about . . . summer days . . .

My kids keep telling me to put something new on my blog. I have been enjoying my summer vacation and just don't have much inspiration for blogging. For the past two summers (06, 07), I had a sense of responsibility to work -- to cover the office in the absence of others. In March, a new work assignment came with some summer freedom -- no responsibility to cover the office. So, I am enjoying day 9 of my 18 summer vacation days. I have been sleeping in, passing the mornings away listening to the radio, hanging out with Willie, doing some work at Mom and Dad's, watching the kids swim, and, . . . just whatever.

I haven't had such a restful summer in many years -- I love it. Each day kind of blends with the next. I have been seeing all my kids and Elliott just about every day, Parker and Meranda have been stopping by, and I have spent a lot of time with Mom and working on her house.

In February, one of the long time neighbors down Mom's street passed away. Her kids spent days and weekends going through the house, fixing things up, and holding yard sales for several weekends in a row. At Dad's birthday party in April, the parents presented a request for help to do some home repairs and clean-up. They didn't want to leave their kids with the mess of clean-up once they're gone. So, slow but sure, we kids have all done some work -- the house is looking very nice.

Well, not much more to say. I will just continue to enjoy the summer days.

July 4 -- Celebrate

When your fly into the Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., this is the first visual you see once you're off the plane -- the flag -- it sets the tone for any visit to this awesome city. Pay tribute to our great country in your own way today -- Happy July 4th!

American School Counselor Conference

• I am in Atlanta (Hotlanta) -- American School Counselor Conference -- at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The sessions have been good but very crowded. I always learn new things -- attending a conference is like being part of a compact, condensed graduate level program. I love the energy and enthusiasm that radiates from the presenters and participants. Attending helps me do a better job working with students, counselors, . . . . .
  
• I have been very blessed to have so many awesome career type experiences -- sometimes I bring family with me -- this time I am flying solo, but there are 6 other counselor folks here from Granite School District. Willie and Karl came with me to Atlanta a year ago last December. I know the weather was much better then than now. They were smart to opt out this time.

Willie and the Woods

When I mentioned a new "gang" in my previous blog (Willie and the Woods), I was referring to Willie, Meranda, and Parker. They get along fabulously and I am so thankful they have each other during the summer. They have been bowling, bike riding, swimming, and even to the SL Arts Festival. Cousin Peter has joined them on occasion -- but he now has a job! How great is that?!?!?!

Week at a glance . . .

Sunday -- yes, I know it's really the last day of the week, but for this post it's the first. We had dinner at Haley and James' and it was delicious! We enjoyed good company and watching Elliott play with Haley's left over Primary Activity Day props.

Monday -- to work and home. Willie and the Woods (a new and upcoming gang of Hunter hoodlems) organized their day together and ended up at Grandma's for swimming and fun in the sun.
Tuesday -- no work at the office --just at home. Carpet cleaning at Mom's (it looks awesome - my carpet cleaning person is the best); bid on a patio cover pergola for the back yard; invited to lunch (ABS) with the Stokers (sister Chris and nephews Alex and Peter) --Willie and the Woods and me; and a visit to see Grandma P (she has had the worst month ever and is now at Highland Care for care, recovery, and strength building). Haley was here for guitar and piano lessons. Willie and the Woods biked it to Grandma's for swimming and fun in the sun.


Wednesday -- to work (short day). Annie and Elliott and Willie and the Woods headed to Grandma's for swimming and fun in the sun. Grandma got her new furniture and with some help from a bunch of people -- we got the living room back together! It is absolutely beautiful! Wednesday evening Willie had his first public speaking engagement. He talked to Annie's cub scouts about sportsmanship at their Olympics pack meeting. He did a fantabulous job. He stood straight and tall, spoke clearly and precisely, involved the audience, and finished up with a challenge for the cubs to practice good sportsmanship - awesome! Elliott and I tagged along as spectators. Peter got a job!!!!!!!
Thursday -- to work (long day) while the disaster recovery team gave assistance to our family members in need. Then visiting teaching -- face to face visits with 5 of my 8 sisters. Willie and Karl went to the NBA draft that never was. Dragged Magna Main with the main men in my life.
Friday -- day off. Willie and the Woods plus Pierre (they've added a temp) -- and Haley are headed to the Arts Festival while I am home doing housework, yard work, and getting ready to head to Atlanta for the annual school counselor conference.

More to come, sometime!

Disneyland magic spreads to flower gardens --

Marigolds . . . Not sure what these are -- dahlias maybe . . .

Geraniums . . .

I am always amazed at the Disneyland gardens. This is a photo of some cosmos -- an old-fashioned flower. I have grown them off and on, but they usually end up mostly greenery stems. I couldn't pass up a chance to get a snapshot of this beautiful display.

Fast trip, fun trip, fantastic trip

We made it -- to Disneyland and back in a flash. Last week at this time, we were all frantically getting ready to head out on our summer vacation. We're home now and it's hard to believe we were actually there. We had a great time! Highlights -- too many to describe -- it will take me awhile. I know the kids loved the rides and the "fast passes" to short lines. I loved the visits to the beach before and after the days in Disneyland. I was so proud of my kids and kids-in-law and of course my little grandson. We all got along fabulously and enjoyed laughing and screaming and talking turns spoiling Elliott.

First official day of summer vacation . . .

Basketball camp at the U of U for Willie. It was very cool for me, the parent. Willie is the youngest of the older group this year (13 and older) -- he was oldest in the younger group last year. Coach Boylan does a great job. We were greeted by all the Ute b-ball players as we walked to the northeast doors of the Huntsman Center. Then came an energetic welcome by the coach himself. That was definitely a top notch grade for PR. The boys hustled to the floor to shoot some hoops before the official start at which time Boylan had all the boys (200+) under control, paying attention, and feeling good about being there within a matter of minutes. They followed the commands, tucked their shirts in, learned the importance of good people skills and more.

Word of the day: ENTHUSIASM -- "If you don't have it, get it!"

Phrase of the day: Learn to listen and listen to learn.

I can't wait for tomorrow! I only hang around for the first 15-20 minutes of camp, but that's time to give me enough positive energy to last a week.

I hope my comments aren't too obnoxious.

Four graduates -- 3 high school and one USU

Meranda graduated from Hunter High (she's going to SLCC); Maddie from USU; Natalie from Kearns High (she's going to the U of U); and Rubie from Cyprus High (she's going to BYU). Haley, Willie, and I attended two of the four commencement exercises. They were good. There's just something about a graduation that renews and rejuvenates.

It's what I am all about . . .

It's that time of year --you know, when school winds down and the transitions to what's next begin.

Some time ago, as part of my school service, I spent one day a week at the Young Parent Program (YPP) as the counselor. It was the goal of the school's administrator to increase graduation rates and assist students in owning their own education, graduating, and planning for their future (mom and child). I seemed a likely counselor to fill the order. It was clearly one of the more challenging experiences of my professional and personal life.

The program enrolls 95-105 young women -- some with children and some with children on the way. Although pregnant teens can attend their home high school, the YPP is sometimes more appealing because of it's child care component. The young girls can take their babies to class from weeks to 6 months and then early head start takes over from there.

I have been away from the school on a regular basis for a couple of years. But I am invited to their annual "graduation brunch" each year. It was today. There are 35 graduates this year -- a record! The graduation brunch program was awesome -- four graduates spoke about their struggles and successes and school. Their messages were awe-inspiring. The featured adult speaker was Judge Andy Valdez, and his remarks were awesome and very fitting. He shared his story of growing up in a single parent home and how his mother cleaned houses, worked in a bar, and did other odd jobs just to pay the bills and take care of her kids and made huge efforts to show them how important their education was to her. He challenged the girls to do the same -- that their own education and making sure their children were taken care of and educated was a top priority. He challenged them to stay away from prison -- visiting boyfriends and fathers of their children is no better than doing time themselves. He complimented the girls on the hope he saw in their eyes and encouraged them to keep it alive.

When I spent my time at the YPP -- I had a message on the white board in my little office there that I took from President Hinckley. It went something like -- "If we lose a young woman, we lose generations." I truly believe that a program like YP can help in saving young girls and we can only hope that its impact on their lives while there is lasting.

Happy Birthday Annie -- 30 and 13

Happy Birthday Annie --the age span of my children is now 30 and 13. Thank you for being such a great daughter, sister, grandaughter, mother, niece, cousin, . . .

We love you!

Home at last . . .

Nephew Peter returned with honor (rwh) from the West Virginia Charleston LDS Mission. He served a great mission! He spent time in northern West Virginia and Central Virginia --- from Mannington (WV) to Roanoke (VA), from Clarksburg (WV) to Covington (V), and so on. He has grown and developed, and we have all been blessed by his service. It's so nice to have him home.

Elliott Day - - -

Annie has a week of meetings, and it was my turn to watch the boy today. I got to do the whole mothering experience -- breakfast, bath, play, snacks, field trip, lunch, nap (2 and 1/2 hours for both of us)! It was a cold and rainy day, but that didn't keep us from going outside. Elliott didn't like the rain or my umbrella, so we opted to play with tennis balls in the garage. I think the best part of the day for Elliott was when Willie got home from school. They are best buds! It's great being Elliott's grandma and Willie's mom!

My lilac bushes are bee-u-tee-ful!

I don't know what it is about the lilacs (shape, color, scent), but they are just so awesome!

I hope they last a few weeks. I am so excited to get my yard in shape and it is just so much more pleasant when the lilacs are in bloom.

Lilacs remind me of an old fashioned garden. Aside from roses, there is no flower as beautiful and aromatic as lilacs. Of the two, lilacs have a stronger scent that carries quite a distance. Unfortunately, lilacs bloom for only a very brief couple weeks in the spring. Once the buds begin to open, I pray for a cool dry spell. Once the blooms are over, I still have a nice shade bush, but I have to wait for up to fifty more weeks to see them again.

History:
Lilacs in the United States date back to the mid 1750's. They were grown in America's first botanical gardens and were popular in New England. Both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew them in their gardens. Lilac bushes can live for hundreds of years, so a bush planted at that time may still be around. Lilacs originated from Europe and Asia, with the majority of natural varieties coming from Asia. In Europe, lilacs came from the Balkans, France and Turkey.

26 ft. 7 in.

Willie was in the Granite District Junior High Track meet today. He threw the shot put 26 ft. 7 in. -- the best throw ever! He also had to run in the 7th grade relay -- how about that! If you know my kids very well -- especially Willie -- you know he can be a little slow in the running department. However, I must say that he "ran like the wind" in the relay. It was definitely, absolutely, remarkably the fastest I have ever seen him run!

Sunday Sentiments

• My baby brother (36 years young) is in the hospital. He had knee surgery on Wednesday (torn ACL). He is the kind of person that no matter what happens to him, it always ends up worse than anyone else. The surgery was done in a surgical center in Provo late Wednesday afternoon. He and his wife got home close to midnight Wednesday evening. He's has had a terrible time -- the knee surgery is painful enough. He didn't do well with the pain medication (combined with anti-nausea meds); he had to arrange for his own physical therapy for Friday, and the PT he went to wouldn't touch his leg; luckily, a PT in his ward finally came to the rescue. He started getting congested on Friday and by Saturday he couldn't breathe without intense pain. In the middle of the night (Saturday-Sunday), he was vomiting blood, so the hospital was the next option. At first, it was thought he had a blood clot (maybe he did) but after some divine intervention no blood clot -- he has a serious case of pneumonia -- hospital time for the next three days. Needless to say, he's a basket case (as is the rest of his immediate and extended family).


• Niece Madeline graduated from USU on Saturday -- journalism and communications -- she has an internship with the D-News (Mormon Times) for the summer.


• Niece Melinda and her family were at her mom's for the weekend to celebrate birthdays of her two little ones (Rilee {4} and Conner {1}.


• My little grandson is struggling to cut his 15th tooth. That is just seven too many teeth for a 15 month old. He has been miserable. We spent some time with him yesterday and he tries so hard to be happy, but the painful mouth just gets in the way.


• Haley and James are in Idaho Falls -- new baby on James' side of the family. Haley has made a decision to teach in Murray School District next school year.