Stars are within your Reach

As the new school year has started people think about their future, what they want to learn, and how their life will turn out. Will they accomplish their dreams? I have always told my kids that they can do anything that they want to do. If they work hard, have enough passion and never give up they can accomplish something.

My son Cameron wants to be either a Paleontologist or a Lego Builder. What do you think I say to him? Do I tell him, sorry there’s not many jobs needed there? Or Building Legos isn’t really a job. Nope, not even close. I tell him that is amazing. Being a Paleontologist would be so awesome, and if you are a Lego Builder, I would come visit you at Lego Land. Maybe he won’t do either of those things, maybe that’s just the spark he needs to find his real dreams. Maybe he will be a Scientist or write books about dinosaurs or become an Architect.  Whatever he does, or all my kids for that matter, makes them happy.

There is a quote that says “The poorest person in the world is the one that only has money.” What is the point having a good, well-paying job if you don’t like it? I have thought a lot about my own dreams and aspirations. I am a mom who dabbles in little hobbies here and there. When I was younger I wanted to be a nurse (I’m married to one—does that count?). From Junior High on I wanted to be a reporter, a teacher, a mom, a writer, and a Sign Language Interpreter.  I think about that and think I am all of those things. As a stay at home mom I am a teacher, and a nurse. I use my free time (what’s that- oh nap time) to write on my blog and different stories. And the sign language—well let’s just say that knowing some Sign Language has come in handy a few times. Also I have taught my kids some of it as well.

So I am doing all of the things that I wanted to do. I am happy at where I am in my life and I think that is all that matters. We need to be happy. We may not all accomplish everything we dreamed we would, but sometimes you shoot for the moon and find a star instead. And stars are beautiful, without darkness you can’t see the stars.  Don’t quit, stars are within reach.

October on the Brain

            I am so excited for Fall. It is my favorite time of year. I cannot wait for the crunching leaves.

 

Pumpkins, apple cider, and crisp air… Some see Fall as leaves dying, cold and the step before the snow comes. For others, it is a favorite time of year. A season full of beautiful warm colors, family and love.

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

~ L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables)

Autumn is packed with children’s laughter, traditions and fun. There are so many things to do from October through November. Here are just a few favorite Fall Activities for Families.

            ~Go to a Pumpkin Patch                     ~Plant Bulbs in Garden

            ~Carve or Paint Pumpkins                  ~Make Caramel Apples

            ~Apple Picking                                                ~Rake up Leaves    and Jump in them

            ~Make Apple Cider                             ~Bake Pies

            ~Hayrides and Corn Mazes                 ~Dress up for lots of Parties

      

Autumn is the time of year, like trees, we can shed the old and prepare for new. We think about what we learned, and what we can change.

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the Fall.” ~F. Scott Fitzgerald (The Great Gatsby)

Fall is a beautiful, peaceful time of year. A time when for family and friends. A time that we can start anew and a time for love.

“Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile.” ~William Cullen Bryant

            What is your favorite Family Tradition in Fall?

Back to School

It is “back to school” time and I think of all that we do as we prepare our kids to go. Lots of school shopping for back packs, supplies, and name brand clothing. How nice if it was just simple. There is always a worry about who my kid’s teacher is going to be. Will they teach my child well? My husband’s 2^nd Great Grandfather Benajah Julius Record shared some experiences when he was a boy and attended school.

"When I was about six years of age, I attended summer school, and during the hottest part of the day, I would get so sleepy that I could not hold up my head, the teacher would lay me down on one of the benches and put her bonnet under my head and let me sleep as long as I cared to, the teachers name was Polly Huffman, she was an old maid, but everyone loved her for her kindness to the children, they all called her Aunt Polly.”

 

 He continued, “Children were often whipped for almost no reason at all. There were the best teachers the county could afford to hire as funds were not available, teachers were not selected for what they knew, but for how strict they were with the children, I have seen them whip children for practically no reason at all except to give vent to their hatred for children.”

 

 

           Tuesday my daughter started 4th grade and on Wednesday my son started 1st grade. I thought I was doing great until this morning I lost it. I cried. I cried because they rode their bikes to school, they are getting too big and they don't need me 24/7. I love that they are becoming responsible older kids, but I miss them. My husband told me that I should be happy that they are okay. I taught them the right things and because of how I have raised them they will be okay. As scary as it is to send your children to school, I am thankful for laws we have in place. I know that if people believe in children and their success they can do anything.

Dan Jones

Many families grow up and hear about their ancestors. "I'm related to..." I had never heard about Dan Jones until I was an adult. Once I found out I was so excited to know that I was related to such an amazing man. Dan Jones is my 4th Great Grandfather on the Dennis side of my family.

Dan Jones is Welsh and at sixteen years old married Jane Melling. Together they immigrated from Wales to the United States. Dan became known as "Captain Jones". He became the Captain of a Steamship named the "Ripple". But it hit rock and sank. He then moved on and became the Captain to The Maid of Iowa. He learned of a group that used his ship. This group of people were Mormons. Dan was very curious and wanted to know more. He went to Nauvoo and didn't expect a personal tour from Joseph Smith, the Prophet himself. He couldn't believe that the Prophet was so young, humble and caring. They became great friends and it didn't take long for Dan Jones to be baptized in January 1843. In April Dan used The Maid of Iowa to transport about 300 converts from Mississippi to Nauvoo. He also used his ship to bring building material and supplies for the Nauvoo Temple. Joseph Smith even preached from the deck of the Maid of Iowa more than once. Joseph Smith loved the Maid of Iowa so much that he became business partners with Dan Jones and co-owned the ship.

June 1844, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were arrested and taken to Carthage Jail. John Taylor, Willard Richards and Dan Jones were asked to accompany them for support and protection. The night before Joseph and Hyrum were killed Joseph asked Dan if he was afraid to die.

Jones replied, "Has that time come, think you? Engaged in such a cause, I do not think that death would have many terrors.”

Smith replied with what many have identified as his "last prophecy": "You will yet see Wales and fulfill the mission appointed you before you die."

The next morning the Prophet asked Dan to deliver a letter for him. to Orville H. Browning in Quincy, Illinois. The letter asked Browning to act as the Smiths' lawyer in their upcoming trial. Dan Jones left the jail on horseback, bullets flew through the air toward him, but none hit him. In his panic Dan took the wrong road to Quincy and became lost. Later he heard that there was an anti-Mormon mob had been waiting to meet him on the correct road to Quincy. When Jones finally reached Quincy later in the afternoon, he learned that Joseph and Hyrum Smith had been killed by a mob at the jail in Carthage, Illinois.

Dan Jones did fufill the mission that Joseph Smith prophesied. Dan went back to Wales and  taught and helped baptized more than 3,000 people and helped them immigrate to America. President Hinkley explained Dan's different way of doing "missionary work" in the Ensign, September 1993.

 

He had an interesting missionary technique. It was essentially one of controversy, a technique not fit for our time but used well by him then. He feared no one. He moved with great boldness. Of his method it has been written: “He would often advertise in a town for several weeks that he was coming to ‘convert’ the whole town. He would inform the mayor, the city council, the ministers, and the police force of his intentions. He would have the local members of the church distribute thousands of tracts to all the city. When he arrived at the railroad station he was often met by all of the officials of the city and many excited citizens.”

Dan Jones died January 3, 1861. He is buried in Provo, Utah. His legacy for my family, and our church is much greater than I can describe. I am thankful for such a great man and example.

 

My Grandma

At church yesterday I went into Relief Society and the lesson was on Elderly in the Church. Immediately I knew that I was going to feel my grandma Budd. I felt the spirit so strong and I knew that I wanted to say something about my grandma, but I get so scared. The teacher said, “Does anyone have anything to share?” She looked right at me and said, “I know you want to say something.” So for the first time EVER, I commented in Relief Society. I am shy, nervous and intimidated and it is so hard for me to talk in front of people. Right away I started crying. Yes, that is one reason why I don’t talk in church… I cry.

 

I grew up living with my grandma from the time I was 11 until I got married. She was a 2^nd mom, she was an example of humility, kindness and love. She gave me more compliments than anyone has ever given me. She helped me know of my great worth. I strive to be like her. I miss her every day, I miss her laugh, hugs and telling me she loves me.  Every time I saw her she told me that I was a good mom. Whenever I’ve doubted my role as a woman or mother I hear her telling me I am great and it is one of my callings. I wish everyone could have known my Grandma Merle Viola Stout Budd. 

 

 

 

About a year ago I heard a song and found out it was by Carrie Underwood from one of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe movies. I downloaded it on my itunes and couldn’t stop listening to it. It made me think of both of my Grandma’s. Both were amazing, but neither one was ever rich or famous. They didn’t hold high callings, but they were kind good women. The song, There’s a Place for us. Really reminds me of my grandparents being together in heaven. Even though they weren’t a King or Queen or Rich or famous, there is something special for them. Something bigger for each of us. HERE is a video of the song.

I am thankful for both of my grandmas and Ryan’s grandmas. I wanted to name McKenna after someone special and my niece suggested the name Mae. I loved it and after she said it I realized that it represents all four of her Great grandmas. Merle, Maxine, Alene and Elaine. They are all such special ladies and have impacted me in some way.

I loved the lesson about the Elderly in our church. They are amazing and should be loved and respected. Someday it will be me. I loved the quote from Ezra Taft Benson. “I hold special feelings for the elderly. I feel that in some measure I understand them, for I am one of them.”  You can read the full lesson HERE.

 

Viola and Dewey Stout Wedding

 

My great grandmother Viola Allred became engaged in 1920 to Commodore Dewey Stout. In her journal she wrote, "I ACCEPTED THE ENGAGEMENT IN GOOD FAITH. Dewey seemed to be all any girl could want in stability, charm, he was a truly "happy" personality."

 

June 22, 1921 they arrived at the temple and there was no sign of Dewey. Viola realized that the temple grounds were filling up with other "June Brides" Dewey finally arrived late. Dewey liked to joke that Viola drug him to the alter. 

 

I read in Dewey's journal that he knew Viola was the one. Especially after they were engaged and he went to call on her. She was in a nightgown and curlers in her hair. She said, "Well when we are married you are going to see me like this, so you better get used to it."  I didn't know my Great Grandpa Dewey, but Great Grandma Viola lived until I was 18 years old. That is exactly something she would have said. She sure was a fireball. I have read their journals several times and love it. Each time I learn something new about them. I am thankful for amazing Great Grandparents and true examples of love, faith and enduring until the end.



 

 

 

Sleepy babes!

Cameron has 3 sleeping positions- all over, cuddling or GQ pose. I love watching him sleep! 

Brooklynn is such a great sleeper now it's rare I get to take a peek. There's something peaceful about watching kids sleep after a busy day. 

Nothing better than a baby sound asleep. I love her squishy face! 

Rainy Days

I just love the peace from rainy days. I feel like life can slow down a little bit on these days! 

Rainy days were made for reading! 

J.K. Rowling

The well-known author has been on my mind lately. Last week it was her birthday who she shares with her famous character Harry Potter. After seeing a recent episode of Who Do You Think You Are? I learned that she also shares that day with her Great Grandfather.

J.K. Rowling (Jo) started a phenomenon for readers and writers alike. She brought imagination and fantasy and she modernized it and brought it to life for millions. I didn’t read her books until about 10 years ago. But she has inspired many other writers and it just set off and opened the door to imagination.

“There’s always room for a story that can transport people to another place.” ~J.K. Rowling

I watched the WDYTYA episode and as I watched her go back through time learning about her ancestors I realized how as they made decisions and accomplished goals that affected their family down the line, she did the same. We can learn more than wizardry from JK Rowling. She has taught us about hope, and determination and never giving up.

When she was a single mother she would write in a little café and rocked her baby’s stroller as she wrote. No matter what our circumstances, how much money we have and where we live, we all have our imagination. We can all dig deep and find what we love and do it.

From her journey on WDYTYA She learned about a lot about her family. Love, heartbreak and rising from a fall. About her 2^nd Great Grandmother “I feel we are what we are because of her bravery.”

   
 
 

Our lives are all important and worth something. I’m sure she never imagined that a little story about an orphan wizard would start a wild fire of stories. We all have something to give and we can all be important and remembered to someone. That is what I love about Genealogy. There are so many stories out there.  J.K. Rowling once said “No story lives unless someone wants to listen.” I am listening and that is why I am trying to find my families stories. I can learn so much from my ancestors.

 

Asenath Slafter Janes

 

Asenath Slafter Janes

 

 

Asenath Slafter was born August 18, 1796 in Connecticut in the same county as her parents Eleazer and Eunice Slafter. Asenath was 36 years old when she met Josiah Janes. They married December 6, 1832.

 

On March 12, 1834 Asenath gave birth to twin boys, they named Elijah and Elisha. God called Elisha home the next day and Elijah followed five days later. A third child came on March 8, 1835, they named her Henrietta.

 

In 1839 some Mormon missionaries came to Mansfield County. Josiah became very interested. He asked the Elders if he could borrow a Book of Mormon. He didn't put the book down until he finished it completely. After reading it he asked to be baptised. Conversion didn't come as easy to Asenath. It took two years of discussion and even some debating until she became convinced. Two years later Asenath's mother and two younger sisters also joined the church.

 

The family did what most new members did at the time they headed to join the LDS church in Nauvoo. Henrietta was only 9 years old and remembered seeing the Prophet Joseph Smith on several occasions.

 

Josiah understood the doctorine of plural marriage and believed why Joseph Smith taught it, but did not have the courage to practice it. He stayed married to just Asenath.

 

After the Prophet Joseph Smith was killed it was very difficult for Josiah. He lost Mental control and committed suicide on September 6, 1844.

 

Asenath was left alone with her daughter Henrietta. Asenath married Samuel Bent the following year 1845 in the Nauvoo Temple. It was not a long marriage Samuel died August 16, 1846. Asenath also lost her sister Lucinda that same month. With in a year and a half she lost her mother Eunice, leaving her and her daughter Henrietta alone once again.

Henrietta Janes Cox- later in life

 

Mother and daughter found an opportunity to travel, leaving Council bluffs. 100 days later arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah. Henrietta, only 17 at the time, walked almost the whole way.

 

Both Asenath and Henrietta are strong, confidant, faithful women. I am thankful for the records I have of their lives and faith.