Well
Christmas is less than 1 month away. I
don't suppose this Christmas will be as nice as last. It couldn't be. We don't have hardly any money, and although
we are working in the mink, and with Roger's Sunday pay, I still think there
won't be too much to spend on Christmas.
We are paying our property taxes today $196.53, and we owe the car
payment $186.76, and the house payment $569.00, and a car insurance payment
$114.00. Somehow our bills always add up
to more than we have, but we pay our full tithing and we are taken care
of. I know the law of tithing is true I bear testimony of it. I am so glad that at tithing settlement this
year, I can truthfully, happily, and wholeheartedly state, YES!!!! I AM a full tithe payer. Oh I remember last year how sad I felt that
once again, I wasn't. And this year is
the first year in MY WHOLE LIFE that I AM.
The VERY FIRST. And I know why. I
have been changed. Not as dramatically
(to others) as Alma the younger's experience with the angel might seem, but I
know what I feel and I am a different person. I will always go on and try harder to do what
my Heavenly Father wants me to do. I
love my family so much, and I want to be
a good example for the kids. I want to teach them about our Heavenly Father and
how He loves them and cares for them, and how they need to pray to Him
always. We are still reading the Book of
Mormon nightly as a family, and we are on Book 10.(This is the illustrated
children's version) When we get
finished we'll start over again. I want
Rog and I to teach our kids what is right.
Well it's mink day again today.
Lyle put off killing his darks, so we'll probably just be longer in the
end. Still no Christmas shopping done
yet.
December
3, 1986
Well
it's almost time to go to work, but I thought I'd write a little bit. We are all well. Tonight is Calvin Stephen's class (This
was a class where he taught us about one of the standard works, I can't
remember which one!) I look forward
to it, as I do other things. I love the
Book of Mormon. I love to read it. Today I read about Helaman's 2000 young
warriors. It was great. I have a testimony. I love my Heavenly Father. I am happy.
December
5, 1986
I
hate to get up in the mornings. It's
5:20 a.m. and I'm so tired. Today is
another day in the mink for me. It looks
like we might be working clear up till Christmas this year. Sometimes I wonder if it's all worth it. I'm so tired at night. All I do is sit and relax in front of the TV,
and I know that's not good. I remember
when we were building our house we hardly ever watched TV. I kinda wish Rog was back on nights. I'm so tired.
December
6, 1986 - Letter from Brenda in Okinawa
Dear
Roger and Gwen, I just thought I would
write you a letter and tell you thanks for the birthday present you guys sent
me. I guess I really surprised my mom by
being 16 this year. I can't believe that
I'm old enough to drive. I think my
parents are going to let me take the Driver's Ed class that lasts about 4 to 5
weeks about two times a week. They really
don't think I am tall enough to reach the steering wheel yet, but I'll
show them. The only problem is that it
costs $130.00 to take the class on
Kadena, and they don't have in in my school.
Anyways, I thought I would tell you what I got for my birthday. I got a gold plated watch from my mom and
dad. Terri gave me some porcelain dolls
that sit on my dresser. They are a boy
sailor and a girl sailor. They sit by
each other and smooch. I loved
them. On my birthday, my mom said we
weren't going to go out to eat for my birthday, and I got mad so she told me
why they wouldn't take me out. They
didn't even make me a cake. I thought
something funny was going on, so she finally told me that they had planned a
birthday party for me the day after my birthday. Why they planned it Saturday, was because the
in Dad's Detachment 35, we knew these people, and their boy's birthday was the
1st of December, so they planned it with them and Brandy's mom. I can't believe that they didn't blurt it out
that they were going to have a birthday party for us two. Brandy knew about it for longer than a
week. I can't believe that she didn't
blurt it out to me. Well, I better go
for now. Thanks again for the birthday
present. Tell the kids we miss them
too! Love, Brenda
(Approximately
December 1986) - Letter from Linda
Dear
Roger, Gwen, Mandy and Zac, Well, it's almost time for that jolly old man in
the red suit to hit. Are all of you
ready? I think he just might skip this
house, we just haven't found the spirit of Christmas yet. But we're trying real hard. It's pretty hard
without all of you here with us. We sure
do miss you. All the family get
togethers, just plain everything. We
can't wait to come home and have Rog on a normal shift so we can all chase at
night again. We got the package you sent,
thanks a lot. So how is the minking
going now? I bet you'll both be glad
when that's over with. But it's nice for
some extra cash right at Christmas time.
How has everyone been feeling lately?
We're fine. Todd has a little bit
of the flu today. And today I frosted
Terri's hair a little bit. How are the
kids doing in school? Do they still like
it? I bet you are really enjoying your
house at this time of the year. How is
your road holding up? Also, your wood
supply? Terri's boyfriend comes over
quite a bit. He's fun to have
around. He works the boys over, just
like Rog used to do. So they will be in
great shape for a work out when we come home.
Course, if Rog keeps slapping on the weight, he just might be able to
get the best of them. We put our tree up
last week. And it looks pretty
good. I wish it had a good smell with it
though. There are no Christmas lights
over here to go look at. Only the
insides of the few stores on-base are decorated. Are you guys still driving the same
vehicles? We sure need to buy us another
car. It's hard going from 3 at home to 1
here. But we're going to try and buy a
van in the spring. Well, I'll sign off
for now. We sure miss you, and love
you, Love, Linda
December
8, 1986
One
year ago today I had my miscarriage. I
wonder if anyone remembers. What are my
feelings on this? I don't know. I feel numb sometimes and so mixed up. I'm calling the doctor today. Roger is having pains in his chest and arm
and nosebleeds. I think we are both
kinda scared.
(Approximately December 1986) - Letter from Linda
Dear Rog, Gwen and kids, It's 6:00 a.m. and I'm just waiting to go to work (yuk) So I thought I'd write. It's so good to get your letters, it boosts our spirits. And this time of year, we need that! It's so hard being away from home. The weather here has been nice again lately, in the mid 70's. So believe it or not, we miss the snow. Christmas is not the same without it. The mail over here is shipping some (snow) in for one day. Please let me know how Zac's eyes are. I know that's a worry. When Darrin was little, I took him to Joni's doctor and he had a little bit of a lazy eye, but he outgrew it. Seems like you always have worries when you have kids. Also, how is Rog feeling now? That's scary. I hope it's nothing. Maybe it's age? So are both of you ready to dump the mink business? Your having a long season this year. What, hasn't it been cold enough? Tomorrow is the kids last day for 2 weeks and they are in heaven. They hate getting up at 5:30. We'll have to send you some pictures of the boys playing ball. They look pretty tough in their suits. Speaking of pictures, those you sent us are darling. Your kids have grown a lot since we left. Isn't it about time for another addition? (ha ha) We are so excited about mom and Joni and kids coming. Actually, we have decided that's our Christmas presents. Mom said Uncle Don might come. That would be fun. It's funny, Terri loves it here, and last night is the first time Brenda said she really likes it now. The boys still say it's o.k. The key is keeping everyone busy. School work does that! Well, it's time for me to go now. You guys have a Wonderful Holiday Season. Remember, we love and miss you always. Love, Linda
December
13, 1986
Roger's
pains turned out to be nothing serious.
They did an EKG, and it's not his heart.
Only a few more days to go in the mink.
Probably Tuesday or Wednesday.
But I'm gonna help box and take off the boards, so I may work
longer. I'm supposed to go in today, but
Zac is sick and he had a high fever last night.
Today is my Christmas lesson at church.
I hope I can give it. Maybe I can
leave Zac at Grandma Dickson's. We got a
little shopping done Friday night for Christmas. Still allot more to go though. We brought the tree up last night, and I
cleaned the house really good. I've
still got scads of baking to do. Well I
better get moving.
December
17, 1986
Last
night was our County and City Christmas party.
It was fun. Working in the mink
is over yea!!!!!!!!!!! I still have
allot of Christmas shopping to finish up.
Things most always look brighter in the morning. I'll go on and try my hardest and do my
best. I want us all to be happy. I'm sorry for the many mistakes I have made
in my life and in the lives of others. I
hope my Heavenly Father can forgive me.
I wish I could know for sure.
December
18, 1986
Well,
one week from today!!! The kids are sure
excited. I want them to remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas, so I
think this Christmas Eve we will read the story from the Bible before going to
bed. I've also got to invite Mom and Dad
and LuAnn and Ben up for breakfast Christmas morning. I THINK I can handle that. I bought Roger a triple combination for
Christmas yesterday for $15.00. I hope
that's a good price. I think he'll be
excited, because then when we start Calvin Stephen's classes again in January,
he'll have his own. We had a good talk
last night while I cleaned up the kitchen.
After the first of the year he's going to look into going back to
school. (He never did)
December
22, 1986
I
felt rotten today. My stomach has hurt
all day. My house is a mess. The kids are finally in bed. I'm so lazy. I need to lose 20 pounds so
bad. I feel rotten all the time. I delivered plates of cookies yesterday. I
hope they were appreciated. Shirley Lannefeld (my old friend from Browning)
called me today and we gabbed for awhile.
My Christmas shopping's all done.
Everything's wrapped. Thank
goodness. I just got through reading "Links of Forever", a genealogy
book. It makes me wonder what I should
be doing for my ancestors. I think it's
all been done. I'll have to ask
mom. This house needs serious cleaning
before Christmas. We read from the Book
of Mormon tonight. Amanda seems to
really enjoy it. Zac asked for a prayer
to help him not be afraid. I think
that's neat. Well I better close for now
and read Jesus the Christ.
December
23, 1986
Working
all day today. Home for lunch to wrap
presents. Our family pictures came,
finally. Mom and LuAnn will sure be
excited. (This family picture I'm refering to is the one or Rog and me and
Amanda and Zac. I'm in a grey skirt, and
Amanda in a blue dress. We are all
dressed in greys, whites and light blues) Got Rog a surprise at Valley
Implement. (gloves) I'm happy.
December
29, 1986 - Letter from Brenda
Dear
Rog and Gwen, Hi! Thanks for the letter! Sounds like you are all doing fine. So what did you all get for Christmas? I got a 35mm camera, and all the rest was
some shirts and china things to sit on my dresser. We watched your video Christmas Eve. It was great.
Your house is gorgeous. The only
thing wrong was that you were turning too fast (in the video you did), but that's okay anyway. We have filmed us on our video camera the
last week or so, and when it is filled we are going to send it to all of you
guys. Zac and Amanda are getting really
tall. Wish we could see them! Tomorrow is New Years Eve, I guess we will
stay home because mom and dad have nowhere to go this year. Well, I guess I'll close for now. Tell the kids hi! Love you all lots, Brenda P.S. Thanks again for the tape.
(Approximate
date?)
Fran
Turner was teaching Young Women's and asked me to audio tape my feelings about my experiences as a teenager, and
having to get married so early, etc.
After the girls in her class listened to the tape, they wrote responses
back to me. Here is Fran's response and
then the girls:
Dear
Gwen, The tape you made for me was done exactly like I wanted. The girls listened very closely, and I think
they really were impressed with what you talked them. I was.
I appreciate your experiences and thank you for being willing to share
them with us. I think you realize how important it is to teach these young
women to set their standards high and not to let anything deter them in
reaching their goals. I want very much
to see them make the right choices and I think you've helped in that
respect. I worry about their temptations
and challenges. Things most of them
aren't even aware of yet, but they have to be strong enough to make it through
them. I also want good things for
you. I know you have to be strong to
make it through the trials you face. I
would like very much to see your family sealed in the temple and enjoy all
those blessings. Keep working for it,
it's certainly worth any effort! God
bless you. Love, Fran
1. When you talked about how we should listen to
our parents in your tape, it really got to me, because I'm starting to think
that my parents don't know anything, but I'll try to listen to them. I'm going to try to do what my parents
say. I won't date until I'm 16. Listening to your tape will help me a lot. Thank you.
2. Thanks so much for telling us about some of
the problems you've had in your life.
Boys are really fun, and I thought that my parents didn't trust me to go
to dances or games, but now I know that they really care about what I do, and
don't want to see me make the wrong choices, and mistakes. The things you have said have really got
through, Thanks.
3. These are the things I heard in you tape that
I liked. A close relationship with your
parents. A lot of people say that they
get so mad at their parents. They also
say they hate their parents. But I have
a real close relationship with my parents and I don't think I will ever have
that problem of dating until I'm 16. When you talked about not having a close
relationship with your parents, it made me feel really bad for you.
4. I feel now that after listening to you speak,
that I will have a closer relationship with my parents. I'll also listen to my parents more. I also think that when I choose my husband,
that I'll make sure that we can go to the temple to be married. I also think I'll pay more attention to
the lessons at church.
5. I was visiting Sister Fran's class today as a
Stake Leader. I was filled with the
spirit that you were trying to put over to some very special girls. They are at the very impressionable age living
in a time that is so troublesome. Your
thought were so very good, and the girls, I could see were very impressed and
deep in your thoughts. I pray the Lord
might bless you and your family always.
6. I will really follow the things of listening
to our parents, and not dating. Boys are
ok., but I'm not really interested in them.
I look at some girls my age who are doing things they aren't supposed
to. One girl I know always is with a
boy. She is never without having a
boyfriend, and I wished I could help her, but she just thinks it's great having
a boyfriend. I look at her and I think
she is really ruining her life. When I
get married, I have had my mind set on getting married in the temple and going
to college to be a future nurse and I intend to set these goals. I love my family very much. I will always listen to my parents. I will stay close to my Heavenly Father, and
I know where to find him if I need to.
7. Thanks for making that tape for our
class. It will really start me thinking
when a boy asks me out on a date before I'm 16.
The other day a boy asked me to go with him to the Homecoming dance. My mom told me I couldn't go because I can't
date until I'm 16. I was really glad
that I didn't go with him. I had a
really fun time at the dance without a date even. After what I heard on your tape, I was really
glad I didn't go with him. Thank you
again for that tap. I'm sure I will
remember it for a long time.
