October 1986 - calendar notes and Letter from Okinawa

October

4 - cove carpet in new house

5 - General Conference

9.10 - UEA

15 - book fair

21 - Family picture taken

24 - Joan's party?

October 1, 1986

Well, I guess I won't write too much anymore.  I WOULD like to be able to express all my feelings, but not if they are gonna make others sad.

October 20, 1986 - Letter from Okinawa

Dear Rog, Gwen and kids, Well, I made it past my big 38!  Talk about old!  We had a nice day though.  Bruce and the kids gave me a beautiful Japanese jewelry box (musical) it's lined with mirrors.  Also they gave me a tea and saki set that's really pretty.   That's the part of Okinawa I like!  How is everyone feeling?  We're all fine, we've had some colds and flu, but I guess that just comes with the month of October.  It's still in the 80's here.  Some days we almost need a sweater, it's really green.  I miss the fall colors and the trips up the canyon.  Also the deer hunting stories (ha-ha)  I bet your house looks pretty inside.  You must really enjoy it.  I'm glad the vase got to you okay.  It's fun to get those kind of things from here.  I would like to buy everything.  So how's your jobs going lately?  I guess ours are o.k.  What do your kids want for Christmas this year?  Mine want anything that's expensive.  Normal huh?  I guess we'll go buy us a fake Christmas tree tomorrow. Rushing the season, huh?  If we don't though, they'll be gone fast.  How did Roger do on the big deer hunt?  Did he get a big one? We called Lynette the other day, and she was really excited on the phone.  I sure wish Randy could get a permanent job.  That happens to them every year at Christmas time.  By the way, thanks for the card. Mandy and Zac are getting to be good writers.  How's Uncle Done been lately?  Has he been up to the ranch?  Well, we love and miss all you turkeys.  Keep writing!  Love, Linda

September 1986 - from my journal

September

6 - Shirley Lannefeld's daughter's wedding

9 - Relief Society

10 - Amanda stitches in her head

10 - Religion class

16 - Lisa nails

18 - Ward party

21 - Primary program

23 - Back to school night

27 - Stake Conf.

September 2, 1986

Yesterday was Labor Day and we rode up around the Uintas.  Rog and I, Amanda, Zac and my mom.  I'm so glad she's back from California.  I've missed her, but I didn't realize how much.  She takes good care of us.  I would like to grow to be like her.  Tonya isn't enjoying being back at all.  She misses all her friends.  I wish I could tell her things and she would listen.  She is so like I was, striving after material and popular things.  Exciting, glamorous, tempting, WRONG things.  She is so like me, unteachable.  You couldn't tell me anything.  I had to learn for myself.  With MUCH sorrow.  I worry about my kids.  I want to teach them and raise them right with an inner feeling to rely on our Heavenly Father and pray to him and to seek the things of God and not of the world.  How can I do this? I must.  I must find a way.  I want my children to come unto Heavenly Father and know that He is, and that He loves them.

September 4, 1986

 I made it up at 5:00 a.m. today and read the Book of Mormon for 1/2 hour and read "Faith Precedes the Miracle" for 20 minutes and now I'll write in my journal for 10 minutes.  I wish I could take this hour EVERY DAY.  It helps me so much.  Heavenly Father is helping me also.  He helps me control my thoughts and feelings.  He helps me sort things out and put them into perspective.  I want to do the things he would have me do and go on and live by faith. 

September 8, 1986

Well, the garage floor finally got poured today, and the dogs got in it and got it all messed up.  I was really upset.  They are tied up out back now.  I would like to get rid of them.  I'm tired, so I guess I'll go to bed.

September 28, 1986

Today is Stake Conference and Zac's birthday.  Last night was our women's session.  It was very good.  It was on HOPE.  I really need it.  I love my Heavenly Father and Jesus and I'm so glad that I am learning more about Him.  I'll never give up.   Everything will be okay and will all work out.  I will go on and on.  I will make Him proud of me.  He has given me so much.  I owe Him all I can make of myself and I'll do my best.  He loves me just the way I am, and He knows I'll make myself better.

September 29, 1986

Today is a bad day!! It's 10:20 a.m., and I haven't done a thing.  I'm just laying around doing nothing.  I'm not used to being home.  I can't make myself get up and get going.  Ever.  I'm so depressed today.  I need to pray, but I know Heavenly Father must get tired of always listening to my troubles and sadness.  I try to perk up.  I was gonna start today to exercise and get back in shape, but I can't seem to.   I know the devil works on me so much.

August 196 - from my journal

August

15 - We move into new house

 20 - Primary party

23 - Mom comes home from California

August 1, 1986

 I've started a new job at the courthouse in the Assessor's Office.  It will be okay after I get used to it.  We are so busy with the house.  Both Roger's and my heads are spinning.  The carpet and linoleum are finished and the fridge and stove are delivered.  We are getting the water line hooked up today, and then UP&L is supposed to be hooking us up and Mt. Bell (phone) should be in 10 days.  The plumber and electrician should come today to finish up.    I hope and trust in the Lord to help me.  Help me to go on and live up to the ideals that I know are inside of me.

August 6, 1986

There is electricity in the house now, and Dwight Gailey is supposed to hook up the finish plumbing today.  It will be good to have water in the house so I can start cleaning and then we can move in next week hopefully.  It seems you wait so long for some things to happen, and you think they never will, and then they FINALLY do.  I hope and pray that ALL of our fondest hopes and dreams and wishes come to pass.  I want all of us to be happy forever.

August 7, 1986

I like writing in this journal.   I guess someday someone's sure to read it.  Boy they'll wonder what a crazy woman I am.  My life has changed so many different ways.  Now I feel I have come home for good.  

August 15, 1986 - The day we moved into our house on the hill

(This note was with some things the Rich's gave us as a house-warming.)

To the Rich Family:  Rog & Gwen, We hope you can use some of these things we got for you.  We are so happy for you with your new home.  We are proud of you for the things you have done.  

Love, Mom & Dad & Kelly, Joni & Kerry & family, Lynette & Randy & family, Layne & Susan & boys, Linda & Bruce & family

August 18, 1986

Dear Rog, Gwen, Mandy & Zac  I guess by now you're probably in your new home.  I bet that'a a great feeling.  Maybe you can relax for a while now.  So how is everybody doing?  What have the kids been up to?  Are they ready for school?  I know I'm ready to send mine back to school now.  I think that's neat about Gwen's job. (She is referring to me getting the job at the courthouse)  And Rog, how did your interview turn out?  We're all fine.  As you could probably tell from the tape and pictures.  Except Darrin keeps growing.  And boy, what a low and squeaky voice.  He's even been golfing a little.  We finally got both of the boys some snorkel gear.  And they love it. They are pretty good too.  they see all kinds of things in the ocean.  Lots of tropical fish.  The ocean temperature the other day was 94 degrees.  Pretty warm, huh?  I take the kids swimming quite a bit.  I guess we're going to wait for awhile to go to Korea.  At least until we've moved on base and saved some money.  Right now the YEN rate is lower than ever, so everything for us is expensive.  Especially our utilities, and that comes out of our pocket until we do move on base.  I hope by the time mom comes we'll have moved.  I can't wait for her to come.  She'll love it here.  Or rather marvel at it.  It is so totally different than home.  One thing Okinawa has, is almost NO crime rate.  It's usually done by the Americans on the island.  Gwen are your parents home from California yet?  I know and understand how much you miss them.  We sent all the kids some shells, but they are coming in the mail to mom.  Hope they like them.  Rog, are you still not smoking?  I bet that's tough, huh?  Guess I"ll go for now.  Write when you can.  Love and Miss you Guys, Kiss the kids for me!  Love, Linda

(Approximately end of August 1986)

Dear Roger, Gwen & kids, Hi, How's it going?  It's alright here I guess.  Today we had a typhoon.  Today, all day, the power has been out and it's been real windy and rainy.  So, have you got all moved into your house yet?  Is it really nice?  I wish I was home so I could see it.  Did Roger go bow-hunting?  Did you get a deer?  I hope you did.  I wish we were home so we could go bow-hunting.  Did you guys get the shells we sent?  I hope so.  When we went to the beach I found a starfish.  It was blue on the top and green on the bottom.  Well, I better go for now.  Write when you can.  Love, Todd

August 18, 1986

Well, we finally did it.  We are all moved into our new house.  I never thought this day would come.  But it has, and I'm glad and our house is so pretty and nice.  If I could have one wish, I would wish for enough faith and endurance to believe and trust in the Father that He will take care of me and bless me with happiness if I will strive to do what's right and live a good life and keep the commandments.  I don't want it all handed to me on a silver platter.  I want to know inside myself, and for myself, that things will work out. No good thing will be withheld from those that love and trust the Lord.  I will try and strive for this.

August 20, 1986

 Well we have been in our new home 6 days now, and it sure is nice.  There still are allot of little odds and ends to do, but they'll get done.  Roger went and got allot of wood yesterday and we are going again Friday.  Only 2 more days and mom, Tonya, Erika, and Mark will be coming home from California.  Dad will stay 2 more weeks.  Hope I can get their house cleaned up and looking nice. (Just a note:  There was a terrible rain storm, centered over in North Morgan near the mountain where the road leading up to Pentz hill is located.  It caused a flash flood to come down that mountain.  It rained pretty hard all over Morgan City.  I had left mom's windows opened, and we tore over there expecting to have a mess in their house.  Thankfully Marsha Toyn was there and had things taken care of.  I had hired her to clean mom's house for me.  I just didn't have the time.) It will be good to have them back again.  I am reading a book called "Faith Precedes the Miracle"  written by Spencer W. Kimball.  It's a really nice book, and I'm so glad I got it.  I don't want the miracle before my faith.  It would be allot easier, I know.  But I WANT and NEED to grow.  I want to have a testimony of my very own and not be leaning on others.  I want Heavenly Father to be proud of me and be able to trust me.   I am now building out the lumber of my life, not a tavern, but a temple.  I am so thankful my life has changed and turned around and I hope and pray that we can all be happy forever.  I will always go on and never quit, or give in, or give up. 

August 24, 1986

 Tonight as I knelt in prayer, I felt Heavenly Father's Spirit close to me giving me comfort and a sweet peace inside.  I would like to have this feeling all the time.  I am glad that I now know where to go, and what I must do to have it.  Prayer, it is so important.  Father in Heaven does know what's best for us, and he loves us and wants us to be happy.  We need to reach out to Him.  He is there.  I know within my heart this is true.  I bear testimony of it.  I love my Heavenly Father and I trust in Him and have faith in His justice and goodness.  I hope I can teach my children of these things, so they might have this help and hope and comfort throughout their lives.  I bear testimony of the love Heavenly Father gives to me, and I know He is there, always my friend.  signed, Gwen D. Rich

July 1986 - from my journal and letter from Okinawa

July 1986

2 - pick out tile & stain

4 - Fourth of July parade 

4 - started to stain doors

7 - varnish

8 - finished shingling

8 - varnish

9 - varnish

11 - interview for job at courthouse

12 - varnish & stain

13 - varnish & stain

14 - gave my 2 weeks notice at Brownings

15 - tile started, heating system installed

16 - cabinets and tile finished

17 cabinets

18 varnish & finish

19 - varnish & finish

20 -varnish is finish

21 - Start work at Courthouse

July 14, 1986

Today is  Roger and mines 9 year anniversary.  Tomorrow the tile and heating system are going in the house. We are doing the finish work now.  Cabinets go in Wednesday.

July 1986 - letter from Linda and Bruce

Rog, We thought we would send you something a little different for your birthday.  This is a Japanese SAKE set.  They drink their wine and liquor out of these.  The tall ones hold the drink, and the little ones you drink out of.  Hope you like them.  By the way, how's everyone doing?  How's the house coming?  Let us know.  Maybe now you can get caught up on your rest.  I don't think you'll ever get caught up.  Anyway, we're all okay, and it's really neat over here.  We all really like it.  There is a lot to see and do.  We just can't understand anyone we talk to that is Japanese.  And 80% of all the Kadina Air Base is Japanese.  So whatever office you go into, there is a language barrier.  All these people bow and smile and say yes.  No matter what we say to them.  How's your baseball team doing?  Good I hope.  HAVE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  We're thinking of you.  Tell Gwen and the kids Hi.  Miss You!  Love Linda, Bruce, and gang.

July 19, 1986 - letter from Darrin Frost in Okinawa

Rog, Gwen, & kids, How have all you been?  We're doing good over her.  How is your house coming along.  I bet it's pretty.  I wish I could of helped you this summer.  It's pretty boring around here most of the time.  I would die for some Wonder Bread for breakfast, instead of this crummy old bread.  It's pretty gross.  Have you been riding your horse lately?  Zac will probably be riding it by himself when we get back, and he will probably be riding in the little Buckaroo rodeo too when we get back.  When I see little kids it reminds me of Mandy and Zac.  I hope Zac and Mandy remember us when we get back.  Have you been seeing any deer behind your house yet?  You better get a deer this year Rog, cause when I get back, I"ll be shooting bullets all around the deer before you even get your scope up. (ha-ha)  When I get back I can just drive up to Morgan in my 4 wheel drive truck and go hunting. (I wish)  My mom cut my hair the other day, and it's about as short as my dads. (sucks)  At least I know Rog (you) and Layne can't pull it.  Rog better get taller and stronger so when I get back I can pick on him.  Gwen you wouldn't like it over here because there's great big banana spiders, and grasshopper's that are 4 and 5 inches long, but you would like it on the beach because there's guys in their skimpy, I mean  SKIMPY swimming suits. (sorry Rog, but I had to tell her)  Well, better go, Love you guys, Darrin  P.S.  If you get time write back.

July 31, 1986

This life is hard.  I'm thankful we could come down and get a body and be put to the test, but oh, it's so hard sometimes.  I feel so weak and scared sometimes, but I know Heavenly Father loves me and cares about me and that he will help me and comfort me always.  He is always here, and I can go to him all the time, anytime, and he always listens and helps me.  I'm so thankful I know this now.   I will go on and never quit.  I have been given so much, I can't let him down.  I love my family and I want us all to be happy forever.

June 1986 - from my journal

June

Connie was tending?  Connie Covill?   can't remember

1 - Arlene's dad died

1 - Brooke confirmed

1 - Keysto blessed

2 - started taping sheetrock

3 - chimney bricked

3 - go to Arlene's viewing

5 - Henefer tournament (baseball)

7 - buy paint, visit Fieldcrest cabinets

10 - start painting

11 - Erika gets Amanda,

13 - Erika and Amanda to California

14 - paint

15 - Father's Day

16 - ordered cabinets

17 - paint (took whole day off)

20 - paint

21 - finished painting

21 - Rich party

23 - Amanda comes home

24 - Gail Mortenson's funeral

27 - Linda & Bruce leave for Okinawa

28 - Bricking finished

June 2, 1986

The house is all sheetrocked and the tapers will start today.  Rog says it will take about 4 days.  Dean Judkins is working on the brick, and he will do the chimney first.  We need to get primer and paint so we can start this next weekend.  We are moving along really fast.  We'll have plenty of time to get done and in before Mom comes home from California in August.  Amanda has only 1 week left in school.  She has really enjoyed this year.  The kids will be glad next week when they don't have to get up early and go to a babysitter.  So will I.  Amanda is going to California on the 13th of June with Erika, and will come home on the 23rd on an airplane.  Arlene Christensen's dad died yesterday, so I'll have to handle month end reports and balancing by myself mainly.  I will go on and keep trying.  I have so much to thank the Lord for.

June 3, 1986

 Wow, 2 days in a row.  Hope I can keep this up.  Dean Judkins got the chimney all cinder blocked and the sheetrock tapers started taping last night.  They will finish Saturday morning.  So I guess the painting will wait for next Monday.  I will go get paint this Saturday.  I'm going with the girls at work down to Arlene's dad's viewing tonight.  We are eating out Chinese at work today also. I read in the Book of Mormon yesterday, and I will again today.  It is a great book, full of wisdom and knowledge.  I want to become closer to the Lord and this is the way.

June 5, 1986

 Today was great.   I am always going to go on and never give in, and never give up.  I'm glad I'm close to the Lord, my Father in Heaven, who knows me.  Our birth is but a sleep and forgetting.  I want to do what is right so I can be happy forever.  I want to gain the Celestial Kingdom, where glories beyond our comprehension await.  I am filled with humility and thankfulness.  I am so thankful. I pray I can be worthy and can be trusted by the Lord.

June 13, 1986

Well, we've started painting the house.  What a job!  Hope to get it all primed this weekend, then it needs 2 coats of paint!  Got the paint last Saturday.  It cost $231.00.  Got porcelain color (off white) I'm doing my kitchen in peach, so I'm going to have them tint the paint for it a little. (I ended up doing the whole house in porcelain) (Susan, Layne's wife came up and spent one whole day helping us paint.  She really helped out allot.  We really appreciated it) Joni and I have been walking.  She called and said no go this morning, but I'm gonna go anyway.  Amanda is leaving for California this morning with Erika.  She was sure excited.  Hope everything goes alright.( you know looking back on this, I can't believe that I let my little 6 year old girl, go with my 23 year old sister, by themselves, in a car, traveling alone all the way to California.  There is NO WAY I would let that happen now.  I guess I'm getting cautious and scared in my old age (35))  I'm getting a cold.  Boy, I'm tired.  Went to bed at 12:00 a.m. and it's now 5:30 a.m.  5 1/2 hours just doesn't cut it for me.  I am happy.   I can now go to Heavenly Father with all my problems and questions.  I'm paying a full tithe, and reading the scriptures.  I want to do what is right.  I want to be a great mom and wife.  I won't give up.

June 14, 1986 (Letter written from Mandy to Roger, as she and Erika were traveling to California to visit Lee and Veloy Dickson)

Dad, I love you.  Do you love me?  Please let me know.  Love, Mandy

June 30, 1986 (postcard)

Hello Rich Gang, just a note to say we made it to Alaska.  It's cold!  Our plane has about 500 people on it.  It's a long trip.  Love, The Frosts

*Linda and Bruce and family moved to Okinawa for 1-2 years for Bruce's work at HAFB. 

May 1986 - from my journal

May 1986

2 - delivered house (in parts)

2 - Amanda went to a b-day party at Chuck-E-Cheese?

3 - Started framing house

5 - roof on home

6 - interior walls done

7 - plumbing

8 - electrical

10 - put windows in

13 - eat at school with Amanda

14 - poured basement floor

15 - started shingles

17 - shingled house, stairs in, windows done, double plate the downstairs?

19 - laid coils for top floor

21 - poured top floor

21 - delivered brick

23 - Mom coming for visit

24 - start working on storage tank

28 - finished electrical

2 9 - insulation

30 - Roundup was cut (Rebena's colt) in barb wire?

31 - Sheetrocking done

31 - chimney started

May 6, 1986

The house is up.  Gary Randall and his crew finished framing it today.  It is all framed.  It looks great.  It's bigger than I thought.  Tar paper is on the roof, and Rog has got plastic on the windows.  The exterior doors are in also.  The weather is still a mess and it looks as through the basement floor will have to be put off another week.  Bret Kimbal is getting the windows tomorrow, and we will probably put them in this weekend.  It is exciting, finally getting a house.  Work has been great lately.  The kids are growing up fast.  Amanda can ride a 2-wheel bike really good now, and she can read a mile a minute.  Zachary is so cute, sometimes he can really throw a fit, but he plays good with others, and up on the hill he's great.(Zac always loved to be outside when we were working on the house.  Even though he was only 4 1/2, he would play for hours in the dirt and sagebrush.  He would NEVER complain, or moan to go home.  He would help us pick up wood scraps.  He has always been such a helper)  I am happy and looking forward to the future.

May 9, 1986

Well, the house is all plumbed and the electrical work is being done now by Lynn Mickelsen and Roger.  I need to try harder and pray with more sincerity.  God is one of the few who can help me.  Sometimes, allot lately, I've been down so much.  I wonder if it has something to do with this being May, and I should have had the baby this month.  Maybe so.  My feelings are all jumbled up inside.  I don't know how to sort them out.  

May 29, 1986

Well it's been awhile.  I have found much comfort in prayer these last 3 weeks and I am coming to know and trust and love the Lord more.  I am glad for all the blessings I have been blessed with.  I have so much to be thankful for.   I will always go on and try my best and trust in the Lord.  The house will start being bricked today.  Also, insulation has to go in because the sheetrock has to be up and finished this weekend because the tapers are coming Monday.  The electrical is also done.  Rog is working on the storage tank.

April 1986 - from my journal

April 1986

Sally was tending Zac now, and Jennifer George was watching Amanda (her daughter Kendra was Manda's friend)

1 - Went and looked at Sue & Stan Rees home

2 - Keysto was born

6 - General conf.

7 - Broke ground for our new house

8 - roller skating for Amanda's birthday

11 - Roger Auction

11 - poured footing for our new house

21 - poured foundation for house

23 - rough plumbing, backfill foundation

24 - layed b-board & some coils

27 - finished laying coils

28 - fixed road & backfilled

April 2, 1986 (This is a note Veloy wrote to Frank and Flora Tonks, her parents)

Dear Mom and Dad, just a note to let you know that we are all fine.  I caught a bug last week and was off work for two day (Tuesday and Wednesday) but took it easy, kept myself doctored up good, and am feeling fine now.  I felt a sore throat and stuffy head coming on Monday while I was at work and by Tuesday morning I was out of it.    I thought for sure I was going to end up with that darn cough, but it was gone by Friday.  We enjoyed having Mark and Wayne with us, but was sorry when they cut their visit short.  Like Mark said, all they really came for was the motorcycle and since they were both running short of money decided to go home early.  They also discovered that thing were quite crowded down here with the schools out for Easter vacation.  Erika and her friend Laurie Clay seemed to have a good time.  They went up to Hollywood Friday and then stopped at Universal Studios.  We had planned to got o Sea World Saturday, but Erika had an upset stomach and so we visited the Swap Meet and then Erika, Laurie and Tonya went to the Movieland Wax Museum  While they were gone I took a nice long nap (it really helped).  After supper we went down to Redondo Pier so Laurie could get some souvenirs.  Sunday we attended church and after dinner went to the beach where the girls waded in the ocean.  After another nap for all of us and supper, they left for Utah about 6:15 p.m.   Erika surely hated to leave and can hardly wait until this summer.  Tonya will be leaving today (Wednesday) before we get home from work with the Mutual for General conference in Utah.  She hopes to come up to Morgan either Friday or Saturday, but doesn't know what her plans are from there.  After attending conference on Sunday morning they will leave for California.  Erika brought Amanda's birthday present back with her.  We sure hate missing all of the family get togethers.  Lee and I both like it out here but are finding that we are getting anxious for the end of August to get here  Gwen told us that they have cleaned and tilled the garden, and of course Lee wishes he was back in Morgan for the planting season.  Mark should be well into college at Weber by now.  Hope thing works out for him.  We received a letter from El Camino college congratulating him on his fine work there and acknowledging him as an Honor Student.  We were really pleased and hope he will do as well at Weber.  He can do it if he will just keep up with his studies.  We haven't talked to Dixie and Paul since they got back from seeing the new baby.  I suppose if there had been any trouble with the earthquake and the volcano we would have heard about it.  I guess we won't be seeing you until the end of August as we have no leave accumulated until about then.  Take good care of yourselves and tell everyone HELLO!  We love both of you very much and miss you alot.  Love, Lee, Veloy and Tonya

(Approximately April 1986 - Lee Dickson sent a note to Gwen and Rog, telling them how to plant different things in the garden - He drew pictures and everything)

Potatoes - Make ditch with tiller, and furrower attachment.  After potatoes are up high enough so you do not bury them.

Corn - Space rows about 30 inches apart.  furrow made with hoe (space about 3-4 inches.  Thin to 6-8 inches after growing well.  Make the Furrow and drop seeds. Water furrow if ground is dry (before you put sees in)  Make a second furrow next to the first.  This will cover the seeds.  I have had trouble with root weevil.  In the storage shed on a shelf above the work bench is a plastic gallon jug with the insecticide in it.  There is also a pint bottle with holes punches in the lid.  The whole corn patch should not take over a cup (or less)  Use the pint bottle to sprinkle into 2nd furrow.  It must not be directly on seeds. (Be careful.  Do not breath dust.  It is very poisonous  Then fill furrow with rake. When corn is up, make shallow watering row by pulling dirt toward corn from either side with a rake.  You could wait till corn is up before applying the insecticide.  What ever suits you best.  Keep the kids away when you use the insecticide. 

Peas - No more than 1 inch deep - spaced about 1 inch

Carrots - Barely covered - Keep damp till up.  Rows 24 inches apart

Good luck, Love, Dad

April 23, 1986

 It's been too long since I've written.  We've started on the house.  The hole was dug April 8th, and then we got the footings in about the 11th.  Then it sat for a week of bad weather.  The foundation finally got done the 21st, and now we are leveling the basement dirt to lay the coils down and pour the basement floor, hopefully by the 28th or 29th, because Gary Randall is framing it the 30th of April.  It is sure hectic.  I still haven't lost any weight yet.  I need to start now.  I guess I don't have much incentive.  I have slacked off on reading the Doctrine and Covenants, but I'm gonna get back on track.   I will go on and try harder always and never give in or give up!!

April 29, 1986

Well, it rained all last week and we won't be able to get the basement poured before the house gets framed.  Neil Boyce back filled the front and sides today and also fixed the road a bit, and the culvert.  Hope this nice weather stays.  I made chicken noodle soup tonight and strawberry shortcake last night.  I was supposed to go to Inservice tonight, but Rog didn't get home in time.  I didn't really feel like going anyway.  I feel out of place with all the ladies.  They are not like me.  None of them work, and they all have husbands who are active in the church.  I don't really have any close girl friends outside of work.  Sometimes it's lonely.  But then I'm not really an outgoing person.  I'm hard to get close to.  I'm really insecure.  I shouldn't be, but that's just me.  I will try harder.   I'll go on always, and hope and pray I can do my best.  I need to if I want to be  happy forever.  Sometimes I feel so awful, so inadequate, not good enough.  But it's okay, I'll go on for as long as it takes.

March 1986 - from my journal

March 1986

Mary Ann Wilson was tending Zac, and Amanda?

1 - Went down to Solar place to check out the heating system we were thinking about putting in our home.

6 - R.B.J to check for carpet bids

7 - Zac to Doctor (Wallace)

13 - Reb shod (our horse)

19 - Dentist for kids

29 - Egg hunt at park

March 8, 1986

It's 2:00 a.m. I can't sleep.  Went to bed at 8:30 p.m. dead tired.  Woke up with a strange dream and can't go back to sleep.  Took Zac to the doctor for a rash on his face.  It's just an allergic rash that will supposedly go away with Benedryl.  Looked at some more brick at Interpace.  We like "Homestead"  This house is costing more and more.  I'll be glad when we finally get going on it.  I'm going to look at carpet today at R.B.J. in Henefer.  I am going to get back on my diet kick, and start exercising more and eating less.  In fact I think I'll do Jane Fonda's aerobic video now since I can't sleep.

March 9, 1986

It's 2:00 p.m.  36 hours since I last wrote.  I feel great!!  Went to Stake Conference today.  It was good!  The kids were pretty good.  Sometimes I get lonely and wish I could have some help and companionship at church.  But I will go on and never give up.  I'll just keep trying my best and try to teach my kids the gospel.  I have so much to learn myself.  Sometimes allot of the time I feel so inadequate.    I will never give up.  I will go on, my Heavenly Father loves me.  I am happy and joyful and content and at peace.  Everything will be okay and alright and things will work out just the way they should.

March 10, 1986

I just got done making cookies for work tomorrow.  It's Kent Porter's last day and we're bringing treats.  We went up to Henefer to R.B.J.'s and looked at carpet tonight.  Bid was $2,800.  We have almost got all our bids now.  I can hardly wait till I write in my journal that the house is finished!!  I am happy.  Happier than I have been in years.  I was in a good mood tonight.  Didn't get mad once.  Roger went to bed already. He's beat.  I should do my exercises.  I don't want to, but I need to get back in the swing.  Joan Adams had a baby girl 6 pounds 12 ounces last night.  This makes 1 boy and 3 girls.  They have their house sold  they hope.  Well I guess I'll read the Doctrine and Covenants.

March 11, 1986

I've had a sore throat, but I've been taking penicillin and I hope it's going away.  We found out that Precision Built Homes went out of business yesterday,  so we'll have to find someone to stick build  our house.  Rog is down talking to Gary Randall now. (He worked for Precision, and we heard that he was going to continue to stick build homes from Precision's plans) I am happy!! It's so nice to feel this way and have no shadows, no discomforts in the back of my mind.  I'm tired.  I think we'll all go to bed now.

March 16, 1986

 Church went good today.  Kids were okay.  We have been writing out bills and bills and bills.  Roger is so depressed about it.  We will really be buried when we get the house payment.  I'll probably be working the rest of my life.  Everyone, it seems, is pregnant.  Joni is due in 2 weeks. (This was Keysto) I feel so empty sometimes.  But I'll just go on and never ever ever give up.   I hope and pray I can live right.  It seems all so impossible. I'm glad I'm praying now, but I need to get even closer.  Everything will be alright.  I will go on and never give up.  I've just got to do all I can to live my life right.

March 18, 1986

It's 5:20 a.m.  I'm tired!  I could use 12 hours of sleep a day.  I am re-washing dishes in the dishwasher.  I forgot to add soap last night.  Smart huh?  Also finishing up wash.  Amanda has a birthday party today for one of her friends.  We should be getting our tests back from Ford Chemical Lab very soon (water tests), then we go for the loan.  Things are hectic, but we'll make it.  Our family is tough!  Roger amazes me sometimes.  I hate to see him get so depressed about money.  We are paying our tithing now and things always do seem to work out.  Amanda is reading pretty good in school now and Zac is getting cuter and talking better everyday.  I called Sally Little last night and she says she would tend Zac and Ladd Peterson  and Angie Peterson this fall if they don't move back to Pocatello. (Ladd and Angie are Kelee and Roger Peterson's kids.  It seems that they have shared the same baby-sitter with Zac quite a bit) That would be great!  Well, I'm gonna close now and say my prayers before 5:30.

March 19, 1986

Today has been a great day!!   Tonight was kinda bad for awhile.  I did 5 sinks full of dishes. I don't like to cook supper at all.  It's hard to come home and not know what to fix and ask, "What do you want?" and be told "I don't care".  And then whatever I do fix, the kids detest.  No wonder I have such a bad attitude about my cooking.  Kids went to the dentist today.  No cavities.  The dentist says Mandy is very intelligent.  Rog took them.  I'm gonna do Jane Fonda's aerobic video starting tonight and every morning.  I've gotta lose 10 pounds.

March 25, 1986

 We checked on loans yesterday.  We will probably borrow $57,000 at 11% interest from The First National Bank of Morgan.  Our payments will be approximately $688.00 for 20 years.  But we will hopefully only use $50,000 or $51,000.  If we borrow $50,000 at 11% interest payments will be $579.00 per month for 20 years (That's what we did)  That's not too bad.  I hope interest rates go down some more.  We need to decide whether to lock in now or take a construction loan and close out later.  Morgan Bank will work with us really good.  The Ogden banks require so much, such as 100% finished construction on the house and $2,000-$3,000 closing costs.  I know Morgan will work with us better.  I hope everything goes okay.  It's scary.  Maybe by this time next month we will be started.  Hope so.  Life is an experience. Bad and good.  I will make it.

March 29, 1986 (postcard)

Dear Mandy and Zac,  We saw these people from "The Wizard of Oz" at the was museum.  They looked pretty real!  Did you have a fun Easter?  I sure did!  Well, tell you mom and dad hello for me; and take good care of Mark.  See you soon, probably around April 9th sometime!  See you later!  Love, Erika

March 30, 1986

Easter Egg hunt today.  Zac got 3 numbered eggs.  He gave one to Amanda and one to Jared.  The kids sure have been lucky on the Easter hunts so far.  I cleaned out the raspberries in dad's garden today, and Roger went horseback riding.  The Easter Bunny has left eggs already for the kids.  It's 1:30 a.m.  Easter program at church tomorrow.  I get to play the piano for the kids to sing.  Zac will be getting a new babysitter Monday.  Sally Little.  Amanda is now going to Kendra George's.  I need to get a girl for summer.   I want to be a good mom and wife.  I need to try harder.  I will not give up, ever.  I will GO GO GO.  I am happy. I am okay.

March 31, 1986

Today was great.  Our loan went through.