FAMILY REUNION 2013

Two years ago Gary & I went to visit Jen and her family in Oh.  Then together we took off in their bus to New York to visit the church history sites.  I loved the spirit that was at each of the sites.  I especially loved being able to share these special sacred places with family.  It was then that we decided that our next family reunion would be held at Palmyra, where we as a family could partake of the spirit and strengthen our testimonies together.  The time finally came where we could gather as a family and enjoy being together.

Gary and I went early so we could spend some time with Jen, Joel and the grand children since it had been over a year since we had seen them.  I looked forward to that time to be able to visit and enjoy being together with them all.  It also gave us time to prepare for the reunion.  We made the menu and did the shopping and finalized plans.

Sat. came and we were able to have everyone fly in to start the week together.  That afternoon we enjoyed visiting and catching up with one another.  The children all enjoyed playing together and getting to know one another.  Sun. morning we all attended church together.  It was so great to be there with everyone.  Thomas was able to play a musical number which made me cry.  He had chosen a song that the Chaplin for hospice sang to Mom just a couple days before she past away.  After church most of them went to Kirtland I stayed back with Jen to help with the kids.  Monday some of the men went to the NFL Hall of Fame while the rest of us stayed back and got things ready to leave the next morning for Palmyra.  We had FHE that night.  Jen had asked me what I wanted to do for FHE and since it was at their house I told her to just do what they normally do.  I loved her lesson on making choices.  We have the free agency to choose how we will react to situations.   It was a perfect reminder that we can choose to be happy and kind.  After we got the kids into bed we loaded the van and the bus so we could be ready to leave by 8:00 a.m. 

We then went to the Sacred Grove and I loved our time there. It is such a peaceful and calm place. As I walked through the grove I often thought of how it must have been for Joseph to not only see God the Father and Jesus Christ but Satan's spirit was there as he tried to discourage Joseph. It is a reminder that no matter how hard we are trying to live the gospel Satan can still be a huge influence in our choices. Just like with Joseph the Lord's spirit is stronger, and if we are making right choices, we can have the strength to choose the right. Just as Joseph had the strength to continue to pray for answers. I loved talking to each of the grandchildren about their thoughts and feelings. I loved hearing each of them telling me that they felt good inside or that they felt the spirit. What amazing children who have been taught well by their parents. pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"> One of my other favorite places is Hill Cumorah. It was so fun to walk to the top as a family. I realized how slow I was when even the youngest grandchildren reached the top before I did. I love the view from the top. It is amazing to contemplate the events that took place there and the sacred nature of those events. This time I thought how Emma must have felt as she waited in the wagon when Joseph went to get the plates. What an amazing woman she must have been to stand by her husband's side through all he went through. I enjoyed going to the Grandin Printing Press. I was amazed when we learned that each Book of Mormon sold for about 2 days wages back then. I thought, "would I be willing to pay 2 days wages for a copy?" I hope that I would have, however I also thought how often days go by that I don't read from those pages. It made me realize again what a gift we have that the rest of the world doesn't have. I loved that Gary & I could attend the temple with Jen, Joel, Alanna and Eric. A few minutes before we left for the temple I checked my purse for my recommend, and to my surprise there was no recommend. I had changed purses before we left for Ohio and had the envelope that I keep my recommend in, but no recommend. I called our Bishop and talked to him and he gave me the number he could be reached at so the temple pres. could call him. When we got to the temple and I explained that I didn't have my recommend he asked for ID and a few minutes later he came and asked me what ward we were from and I was able to attend. He didn't have to call the Bishop. I found my recommend in my other purse when we returned home. (it had fallen out of the envelope) I'm sure I'll never live this down. We had a fun time the last night we were in Palmyra looking for fireflies. They are amazing and so much fun catching them and watching them light up. I'm not sure who was having more fun the children or the adults. Thursday morning came too quickly as we headed to Niagara Falls. Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate as the rains fell. We all enjoyed the Maid of the Mist as we got a closer look a the falls. I'm not sure if we got wetter from the mist of the falls or the rain. We were able to spend Fri. at Jen and Joel's then Sat. morning came all to quickly as we headed off to the airports to head for home. I loved the time I had with my children and their families. I love each of them so much and my constant prayer is that they will stay close to each other even though they may live many miles apart. One thing I have learned is how important families are. I am grateful for the love I have for my siblings and my heart breaks because of Mary Ellen and Wally choosing not to have much to do with the rest of us. I hope that some day they will change their attitude and decide to meet Karen, Craig and I for a reunion. If I could give my children some advice it would be to let go any hard feelings you may have toward any family member, watch what you say and how you may come across to others, pick up the phone and call each other often. When you get a call that you may have missed call them back. (this is what's hard for me with Wally & Mary Ellen) I feel like they don't care so why should I. Please don't let that happen because once Dad and I have left this life I want you to still be close to one another because we are an eternal family and I couldn't bear to loose any of you. Thanks to all for your efforts rather it was in hosting and housing us or traveling for making this a dream come true for me. I love you all!