Happy 36th Anniversary!

Yay, today's our anniversary, and Dan has the whole week off! Let's see what fun we can cook up in addition to going to Seattle this week for Ethan's graduation, and an all-around good time! We're not the mushy, sentimental type, but here's a little something we'll share in honor of our big day.

1. How old were you when you met? He was 19; I was 20.
2. Was it love at first sight? No.
3. Where did you go on your first date? To the Marriott Center for a basketball game between BYU and UTEP.
4. Do you remember what you were wearing? I wore purple bell bottoms and a white and purple sweater. Neither of us remember what he wore.
5. First kiss? On the cheek in the BYU library about a month later.
6. How long from your first date to your wedding day? Eighteen months.
7. Where were you married? In the Salt Lake temple.
8. Where was your first home together? An apartment in Seaside, CA.
9. How long were you married before your first child was born? 13 months.
10. What foods does he dislike? Garlic, onions, zucchini, tofu.
11. What are his favorite foods? French toast, spaghetti, sunflower seeds, porkchops, and fried chicken.
12. Foods she dislikes: shrimp, lobster, Miracle Whip, jalapenos.
13. Her favorite foods:: Bruschetta, potatoes, brown rice, chocolate, oranges, watermelon.
14. Who's the most stubborn? He is. She is. He is. She is. He is. She is. It's a tie!
15. Most generous? Tied again.
16. Do you both like to read? Yes.
17. The same authors? No.
18. Do you agree on money and politics? Yes and yes.
19. Do you have a special song? We did when we were dating - Sealed With A Kiss by Gary Lewis and the Playboys. Like Brian Hyland's version better now though.
20. Would you do it all over again? In a heartbeat!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlVnP141-kY&feature=related

Tho we gotta say goodbye for the summerr
Darling I promise you this
I'll send you all my love every day in a letter
Sealed with a kiss
Guess it's gonna be a cold lonely summer
But I'll fill the emptiness
I'll send you all my love every day in a letter
Sealed with a kiss
I'll see you in the sunlight
I'll hear your voice everywhere
I'll run to tenderly hold you
But darling you won't be there
I don't wanna say goodbye for the summer
Knowing the love we'll miss
Oh let us make a pledge to meet in September
And seal it with a kiss
Guess it's gonna be a cold lonely summer
But I'll fill the emptiness
I'll send you all my love every day in a letter
Sealed with a kiss
Sealed with a kiss
Sealed with a kiss

If I Were a Rich Man

Interesting proposition though that may be to contemplate, if I were a rich man, well I just wouldn't recognize myself! It is definitely a blast to have some mad money to spend once in awhile though. Last week, due to the dispersal of a few remaining funds from my mom's estate, I was able to go on a spending spree. Wheeeeee! Somewhere out there, the U.S. Postal Service is in possession of several packages laden with goodies bound for my address. Books, games, a few toys, Corelle dinnerware, red gingham acrylic tumblers, and elegant red acrylic goblets to coordinate with the dinnerware are headed my way! This week I plan to order a Wonder mill Whisper Mill The worlds best grain machine and a food dehydrator, and I'm searching for a good deal on a fire pit for Dan's rapidly approaching birthday.

On top of all this shopping, I've just finished, and begun another, wonderful book. Martha Spence Haywood's journal, written from 1850 to 1856 and titled Not By Bread Alone, was a real heart- and-eye-opener for me. Most surprisingly, some of the very ancestors and their acquaintances I've been reading about were mentioned by name, and Martha knew one of them, Benjamin F. Johnson, quite well. Benjamin was the first husband of Flora Clarinda Gleason Johnson Washburn. Clarinda divorced him and married Abraham Daniel Washburn, the first Washburn to join the church, having been taught by Parley P. Pratt in New York. Not too surprisingly, the reason for the divorce varies depending on whether you're a Washburn or a Johnson descendant. Martha often alluded to vexing differences of opinion with family members and others, without going into great detail. Ever quick to turn her trials over to the Lord, she wrote that it was her belief that they were designed to refine and fit her for exaltation. Her patience and uncomplaining nature inspire me. I learned a lot from reading Martha's words that I want to emulate, and I hope to meet her someday and sit down with her for a friendly chat. I stumbled across a talk by Elder Cook, one thought from which I'm putting at the end of this entry, because it made me think of Martha.

The other book I'm reading is about another non-complainer, Jean-Dominique Bauby. A massive stroke left him paralyzed, except for his left eyelid, completely dependent upon others for life itself. The paralysis caused him to suffer locked-in syndrome. With a mind as active and observant as ever, his wit and candor are intriguing. His remarkable book is called The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.

I am grateful for the people who strongly impacted the quality of my life last week, and I can't say thank you to any of them. Sister Haywood, Mr. Bauby, and especially my sweet, wise mother, in their own individual ways, truly enriched me, not just for last week, but for always.

Elder Gene R. Cook:
"I bear testimony that often, in the midst of suffering trials, afflictions, and discouragement, those very circumstances tutor us in developing increasing love and trust in God. Consequently, what a great blessing those trials are!"

Trudging Along the Oregon Trail

We set out this morning to watch the reenactment of the river crossing near Glenns Ferry at Three Island State Park. We found that the Oregon Trail still holds disappointment for some of its travelers when we became stuck in a three to four mile traffic jam and missed the whole thing. The park's website says,

Upon reaching the Three Island ford, the emigrants had a difficult decision to make. Should they risk the dangerous crossing of the Snake, or endure the dry, rocky route along the south bank of the river? About half of the emigrants chose to attempt the crossing by using the gravel bars that extended across the river. Not all were successful; many casualties are recounted in pioneer diaries. The rewards of a successful crossing were a shorter route, more potable water and better feed for the stock. The Three Island ford was used by pioneer travelers until 1869, when Gus Glenn constructed a ferry about two miles upstream."

The Glenns Ferry community has sponsored a crossing reenactment for 24 years. Unfortunately, this year's event was the last. Our trip wasn't wasted because Dan said he like the looks of the area and that we'll go back to explore when its less crowded. We picked up the Oregon Trail again near Boise though, hiked a little, admired the well-watered sage brush (thanks to an extra wet spring and summer), and finished off by picnicking on a round of Jack's mini sirloin burgers.

New Baby, New Calling, and New Puzzlement

Announcing the birth of our new little grandson, Zaid Andrews Washburn! You can see pics at Ethan's and Missy's blog! Welcome to the world, little Zaid. We now have five granddaughters and four grandsons, each a treasured part of the world of Washburns. We are blessed, and pray that we can be a blessing to each of them too!

Shane was ordained to the office of an elder in the Melchizedek priesthood by Colin on July 12th. I could tell that he was feeling a little uncertain about where he fit in in the ward since his graduation. Now he knows where he belongs, for the time being. I'm so happy that our wonderful ward leaders extended a call to him, seting him apart as a priest quorum adviser last Sunday!

I've been trying to solve a mystery of the Washburn family since we returned from last week's reunion. Why did Dan's great Grandfather Parley Pratt Washburn's family leave the church? It seems to have caused problems for succeeding generations, which really is no surprise, is it? As I've found snippets of information here and there on the web, I've felt such a love for them, and a desire to help turn the tide back to the way of his father, Abraham. But then I find myself thinking that if faithful Abraham and Flora Clarinda's own son somehow decided to become a dissenter from the church, is it any wonder that my own family faces similar struggles, or that prayer and study are needed now more than ever?

Easy, Breezy, and Fun!

We're back from our jaunt to Utah, and I'm delighted to say that none of my fears were realized, but all of my hopes were.! Staying with my sister Julie and family is always a treat for us (maybe not for them), but they somehow give the distinct impression that they like us as much as we like (love) them. Thank you, you big, beautiful Baird family! I want the recipe for Julie's zucchini soup, which tasted like potato soup, deftly hiding the macerated zucchini within its rich and creamy depths. We got to meet the newest addition to their family, little Zonie Rebecca Jackson, too! Born on July 19th, and named after her great great grandmother, she is amazingly strong, one of the features by which her honored ancestor is remembered. Baby Zonie's head and back didn't seem to need the support one would expect of a neonate, and her little feet felt ready to carry her through the active lifestyle of running, hiking, and biking that her parents pursue. Julie and I found time for a little shopping, and we topped it all off by a French toast breakfast prepared by Seth this morning, and enjoyed while listening to the happy bluegrass banjo-picking sounds of Yonder Mountains String Band. Lonnie continues to take his chemo kickin' and keep on tickin'! On chemo weeks, he tires quickly, but rises early and goes to work as usual. With just one more round of chemo to go, we pray for his platelets to rebound and for the cancer to disappear forever!

Well, I knew that part of the trip would be great, but I was worried about how the rest of it would go. It went swimmingly! Kimball came up with the idea of having Dan and me ride down to Fish Lake, about a three-hour drive, with his family, and what a golden opportunity to get better acquainted with Jaxon, Kade, and Sophia that turned out to be! The boys regaled us with story and song, with two-and-a-half-year-old Sophia joining in on her favorite parts. They are so very relaxed and well-behaved, knowledgeable, and just plain fun to be with. Our niece Christine, Kimball's first cousin, and the children's first cousin once removed, took some pictures that I can hardly wait to receive and share here. She's still vacationing in Utah though, and won't be back home to Texas for a few days, so it may be awhile before the pictures find their way to me.

The reunion itself was inspiring. It has ignited the idea of holding a Tyrus Washburn gathering next year, possibly at a park in Provo or Monroe. This reunion was for the descendants of Jesse and Christiane Olsen Washburn, but their son, Dan's dad, Tyrus's posterity made up over half of those in attendance. I think Tyrus had eight siblings, and one of them was even present, his 95-year-old brother Clayton, and his wife Lenny. (I'm just guessing at the spelling of Lenny's name.) Dan's brother Alan's family reunion was being held in conjunction with Jesse's, and consequently, they had a great turnout. We were happy to be able to visit with five out of Alan and Linda's nine children. Jonathan batted around the idea of the Ty Washburn reunion; Kaye busily solicited contributions to a Ty and Miriam Washburn family history book; little great nieces passed around their own books for collecting their relatives' autographs; major water fights were waged; Cindy's new little one, Graham, was introduced; conversation, hugs and laughter were shared. I am so glad I didn't listen to my worries as I've sometimes done in the past, and that Dan and I made the sacrifice to be a part of it all. For those unable to attend, we love you bunches, and hope to see you next time!

Family Reunion Whine Time

Dan and I are going to one this week. We don't yet know the exact time or location, just the date, but hopefully, we'll find out before it's time to leave. It's always so much easier to go to a reunion for your own side of the family. Kudos to Dan for attending mine with me, and kudos to me for going to his! I feel close to his siblings and their children, but nervous about the other relatives. Our main motivation for traveling is the chance to be in the company of three of our faraway grandkids, Jaxon, Kade, and Sophia. An extra bonus is that I'll get to see my sister, Julie, while we're at it.

Greg and I were just saying last night how hard it is to believe that our all-time best Dan Washburn family reunion, held at Bear Lake, was just two short years ago. So much has happened since then. Mostly bad, sad stuff. That's one of the reasons we really make an effort now to enjoy the small moments and downplay the drama that so many get hung up on these days. We just don't have the time or interest in that kind of stuff anymore. Life can be so much better than the he-said-she-said typ of entanglements. At least, that's our goal. We don't always manage to stay out of the fray, but we're trying! Which brings me to the topic I promised to tackle in a previous post, that of what does forgiveness really mean.

The answer is: I don't know! Some ecclesiastical leaders I trust say that it means to completely forget an offense. Here's my dilemma with that though. Let's say someone intentionally hurts you, and you forgive them. This pattern continues for several years, with each hurt cutting a little more deeply than the last. It seems wisest to me to remember the pattern, and to remove yourself from their strike zone, to minimize the risk of further damage at their hands. At the same time, you continue to pray for them, to be concerned for their welfare, to hope for the best for them, but you leave it between them and God. Isn't that forgiveness too? I hope it is, because that's all I've been able to come up with thusfar. However, any insights are welcome.

Grandma Got Run Over by the Buffalo!

On the 18th of this month, I turned 58 years old. I love it, love it! When I was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia back in March of 2006, then found out that I had one of the more active types of CLL, I wasn't sure I'd make it this far. But I have, and I'm going strong! I've got another check up with the hematologist/oncologist next month and I don't anticipate any change in my status. I finished chemo two years ago, and I'm hoping to continue to avoid further treatment for a long time to come.

I had fun this year, choosing my own birthday gifts. I went totally pioneer! Dan gave me my first ever lesson in log cabin construction tonight. I had dreams of becoming quite the builder, but it looks like I'll be sticking with making pioneer food, telling pioneer stories, and singing (and yodeling) pioneer songs. The Tumbletree Timbers set says for three years and up, but I'm just too young at heart for it. I'm a hands-on kind of builder, and the somewhat wobbly logs don't seem to be the touchie-feelie type. Aw well, maybe the grandkids'll be able to get play value out of them. As far as that goes, it's all about them, all of the time, anyway! Even though we don't get to see each other nearly often enough, a big part of my heart belongs to Jaxon, Kaden, Victoria, Brooklyn, Julianna, Lilly, Christian, Sophia, and a new little one to be born in less than a month, as well as all the others who are still waiting for their turn on earth. Grand pa Dan and I would cross the plains, ford the rivers, climb the mountains, just like the pioneers of old did, for you.