December 1985 - from my journal

December 1985

3 - Mandy's perm

8 - miscarriage (mine) 

17 - Amanda's school play

19 - Dr. appt. me

28 - nails, pencil weave my hair

December 29, 1985

 Well, I didn't keep up the journal too good this past year.  But my life is changing for the better.  Things are going to get better, and my life is going to improve spiritually.    Because he has said  "If ye love me and keep my commandments, I will give you everything you want"  That's not quite it exactly, but I'll find out for sure and right it down.  I am going to read the scriptures faithfully and pray morning and night and strengthen my testimony.  I want to trust the Lord that he will take care of me, and I'll bow to his will because he knows what is best for me, more than I know myself.    I will overcome anything.  I will become a daughter that Heavenly Father can be proud of.  I am special.   I have many goals to achieve and many obstacles to overcome. But I will overcome and succeed.  I must, for the treasure is too great to lose, the price to great to pay, if I fail.  Some of my goals are as follows:

Pray morning and night, Read scriptures, Journal, Family prayer, Memorize scriptures, Family Home Evening, Sacrament meeting,  Pay tithing, Visit teach, Keep Sabbath Holy, Fast, Exercise and Eat Right.

I'll leave room for more goals, and I'll check into this page daily and keep a record. I want to be happy and feel good about my life.  I will try my best to be a good mother and wife, and love my family and stand by them and honor them and love them.  Heavenly Father loves me, and I do know if I  live right, and try hard, and obey his commandment, He will give me what I need to be happy for all the eternities.  I am learning to trust Him.  I need to trust Him, so one day He'll be able to trust me.  My life is looking up. Things are getting better.  I am happy.

December 30, 1985

I am happy  I really am.  I want to feel this way when I know I'm doing what Heavenly Father wants me to . I feel good inside, and I have much to learn and overcome, but I am optimistic I'll look on the bright side.  As someone once said, "You can only go on and do your best to live the commandments, and trust in the Lord to take care of you. And he will, because He loves you and knows you"  I believe this, I want to and need to strengthen my testimony.  I am reading Bruce R. McKonkie's "Promised Messiah"  I want to know Jesus, and know Him as my savior and redeemer.  I want to increase my faith.  You know God is no respecter of persons.  I think that means that you don't have to be a prophet or apostle to know God and see Him.  Like the brother of Jared, when he asked the Lord to touch the stones for light in the barges,  he saw the finger of God because he had so much faith. I want to do what Heavenly Father would have me do.  My problem is always keeping this on my mind  But I'm getting better at it. That scripture I wasn't sure of ?,  it is "I the Lord am bound if ye keep my commandment, but if ye keep not my commandment, ye have no promise."  And also, in the Journal of Discourses, Orson Pratt said " If ye do what is right and keep His commandments, (no good thing will be withheld)"  I pray that I can live worthy to make it to the celestial kingdom. Today was  a good day.  I went to work and Rog stayed home and watched the kids.  Amanda is on Christmas vacation.  She hasn't been feeling too good, and today Roger has been feeling down.  I think it's just a touch of the flu.  We put the Christmas tree away tonight, and kinda had a small family home evening.  I will prepare better for next week.  My job has changed in the Primary. I will no longer be teaching the Star B's.  I will be playing the piano the whole time. I will miss my class.  They are cute.  They are Melissa Mikesell, Emberlee Evans, Sara Taylor, Michael Newton, Ricky Follett and Kris Mikesell.  I'm going to take them a little treat this week since last Sunday was our last class..  Next Sunday we'll be changing to morning church at 9:00 a.m.  Tomorrow Rog is going skiing, and I will be working and the kids are going to Pam Jensen's.  Today, the 30th of December, is the 7th anniversary of our little Ambure's death.  I think about her often, and wonder what it would be like if she were still alive.  It doesn't hurt anymore.  I know she is happy and will have eternal life and exaltation.  I'm glad.  I hope to be able to raise her again someday.   I pray I can live righteously and worthily so that the Lord will give me what I want and need.

December 31, 1985

 Today was a good day.  Work went well.  I enjoy it, and the good friends I have.  Roger went skiing with Kelly (his brother) to Snowbasin. Amanda isn't feeling good.  She has a fever and sore throat and aches all over.  The flu is going around.  We ate supper at Joni and Kerry's.  The Rich family, LuAnn & Ben, Linda & Bruce, Terri and Andy (her boyfriend) were there.  We were going sleigh riding tomorrow, but plans may change.  I don't have to go to work tomorrow.  But probably will this weekend.  I feel happy and at peace.  I lost control a bit tonight with Amanda when she wouldn't take her medicine, and I find myself  prone to swear.  I catch myself and realize what I'm doing wrong.  This is good, and I can calm down and change my ways.  I truly want to be a better person and closer to Heavenly Father.  I want to live righteous enough so  I can be happy, content, and ecstatic throughout the eternities. I am praying and reading the D & C.  I hope, no, I don't hope, I KNOW I will keep this up, for I must!  I want to feel this way, (happy, content, satisfied) forever.  I can achieve my goals and become a worthy daughter of God.  I thank him daily.  I will overcome.  I will succeed. 

( I didn't mention it, but I had a miscarriage on December 8, 1985.  I had gotten pregnant in September 1985, even though I had an I.U.D. in place for birth control.  It definitely wasn't a planned pregnancy.  I miscarried, probably because of the I.U.D.)

August - November 1985, calendar notes and letters from family

August 1985

We are paying Uncle Don $100.00 per month for the land

2 - Rog to Wendover

3 - Truck pulls

4 - Mark went back to California

5,6,7 Tournament?

9 - Fair

16 - Bow Hunt

17 - Horses

20 - Horseback riding

22,23, - Mom comes back

26 - Family reunion

27,28,29  Rog's tournament (must be baseball?)

30- Dad flies in from California

September 1985

1 - Mom and Dad go back to California

2 - 42 quarts of tomato juice

3 - Amanda starts school (kindergarten)

4 - Roger, scouts elk?

Sally Little is baby sitting now

9 - Waterfall canyon hike

10 - 24 pints of sauce

14 pints spaghetti. sauce

12 - Pony special?

17 - Load of wood

18 - waterfall

       back to school night

Who was Nancy who tended Amanda?

Mary Ann was tending Zac

28 Zac's birthday

30 - pencil weave in my hair

September 15, 1985 - letter from California

Dear Gwen, Roger, Amanda and Zac, Sure miss all of you!  We are all settled into our schedules now.  Mark is enjoying college, and is usually home by about 1-1:30 every day.  He has a health class, Economics, History ( of Russia) and a law class.  By the time we got back and him in school, it was too late to get books from you as he needed them Wednesday and Thursday for his classes.  We hope next semester he will know a little in advance about what he needs so you can help us out.  Tonya likes school and is making alot of friends.  Dad has been dropping her off at school each morning.  We had it all worked out that she would ride the bus to and from school for $12.00 a month.  Well, by the time the bus gets to her stop to pick her up, it is completely full. (They had to catch a different bus the first morning, and she was 1/2 hour late for her first class.  She and her girlfriend DiDi (Sounds like Dee Dee) who lives a couple of blocks away tried for a couple of more mornings, but it was always full, so Dad is taking them on his way to work.  She rides a little trolley car home after school.  The bus broke down the first day of school, and she ended up walking half way home.  It just wasn't her day.  Dad's work is still slow, but he was tickled over his rating.  His boss evaluates everyone and gives them a rating from 1 to 4.  Dad got a 4 in everything.  I am keeping out of mischief, or busy as you put it.  I have been working steady since we got back here to California.  I have been working at Ralph's Corporate offices about 10 miles from home.  Leave home about 6:30 a.m. for work at 7 and get off at 3:30 p.m. and home by 4 p.m.  It's good steady (sometimes boring) work but who can complain at $7.19 an hour.  We'll probably work until Erika gets here in October and then quit until after Thanksgiving.  How is your well coming.  Hope they didn't have any trouble! Did you get alot of wood Saturday?  Did anyone go with you?  We are so glad Amanda likes her school.  How does she like her teacher by now?  Is she from Morgan?  How is the car pooling working out for Roger?  What does Zac need for his birthday?  We can hardly wait for you to get out here.  It sounds like you have been busy in the garden as usual.  Won't you be glad when it snows?  We have really enjoyed the tomatoes and squash we brought with us, but only have about 10 tomatoes left.  They sure are good.  We went up to Universal Studio yesterday as Dad and Mark hadn't been there.  It was a beautiful day.  Tonya's birthday was uneventful.  We had a nice dinner and went to church.  She got a pair of white levi's and a shirt that had to be exchanged.  Gwen, we'll go shopping again tomorrow night.  Take care, and kiss the kids for us.  Love mom and all.

September 21, 985 - Letter from Florida (Aunt Dawna) 

Dear Gwen and family,  Well, how is life treating you, and what have you been up to lately---besides working?  Grandma tells me that you  and the kids are going to California in November, sounds exciting.  Hope Mandy doesn't get sick again.  I understand she was so looking forward to flying in the plane and seeing Disneyland.  Well, it looks like she just might get to do it this time.  How was the visit with your folks when they came home?  Sure wish I could have been there at the same time.  Well, I had better close for now.  Take care and wish Zac a great big Happy Birthday for us, and give both of them a big hug and kiss for me.  Sure do miss all of you.  Take care and write when you get a chance, love hearing from you.  Tell your folks hello for us, hopefully I'll get a letter written off to them before you get down there in November,  Love Dawna and Fred, Tigger and Freckles

October  1985

2 - Rebena shod (our horse)

4,5 Elk Hunt

8 - Rog to hospital (tonsils removed)


*A little more about Roger's tonsil removal experience (written in 2020).  Roger had strep throat, on and off ALL THE TIME.  He would take antibiotics, it would clear up, and then he would get sick again.  He went on the elk hunt with Scott Hansen, a friend and co-worker from Wonder Bread.  They had planned on going up on Monte and staying for a week.  After four days, Roger came home.  He was so sick.  He hadn't eaten anything for a few days because his throat was so sore, and he couldn't even take a sip of water.  I took him to Dr. Robinson and after he examined him, he told us to go right over to McKay Dee Hospital, and he would remove his tonsils RIGHT THEN !  Apparently his throat was so bad, that his airway was close to being closed off.   Roger was in the hospital for 2-3 days.  At age 27, it is hard for an adult to have tonsils removed, and especially as sick as he was.   Since that time, he has never had another strep throat ! 

10 - Well is finished

17 - Grandma Tonks to California

19 - Deer Hunt

6,7,8 - Employee sale

November 1985

Vacation to California  (Gwen and Amanda and Zac)

26 - Dr. Appt me. (I was pregnant)

30 - Dickson Christmas party

July 1985 - Calendar and more letters

July 1985

3 - Krista birthday party (Amanda)

4 - Amanda Chicken Pox

5 - Bob Huerta shoes Rebena (our horse)

6 - Amanda to California (This was cancelled because of her chickenpox)

7 - Jared blessed?

8 - Mark back from California

12 - Browning party (Todd and Darrin tend)

17 - Stake Lagoon Day

18 - Zac Chickenpox

20 - Demo derby

July 4, 1985

Dear Gwen and family, Erika  was supposed to have taken these shells back to Utah with her for Amanda and Zac, but after taking them to the airport, I found the shells still in her room.  Amanda and Erika called me, and I told Amanda that I would mail them to her house so that they would be there when she returned from California. (Amanda didn't end up going to California)  You said she so much enjoyed the shell magnets that I gave to you, that I figured I would send some for the kids with Erika.  We really had a good time when Erika and Tami were here.  I'm sure Erika has told you all about it by now, so I won't bore you with the details again.  But just to say, we had an enjoyable and tiring time, trying to get everything that normally would take 3 weeks to see---into 9 days.  We hated to see them go, but they were anxious to get back to their little friends (boys), as they call them.  We haven't been doing much since Erika and Tami left, but catching up on some well needed sleep.  The weather here is warn and humid right now, but with so much going on right now, I haven't been able to get out in our pool lately.  The last time I got in it was when Erika was here.  Have you heard from your folks?  Erika received a letter from them on the day that she returned to Utah, saying they arrived there okay, and had found a nice apartment.  How are they going to like living in an apartment, after living in a house for so many years?  The apartment they got sounds really nice, and your mom sounds excited about the experience.  I know Grandpa and Grandma Tonks sure do miss them.  Well, how does it feel to be back living in the old homestead?  Quite a difference to clean from your other house, and the yard--- I wouldn't want to be in your shoes.  I know you can handle it though.  Who is taking care of the kids now that your mom isn't?  Erika gave me your mom's address, so I'll get a letter off to them.  Well, take care and give the kids a big hug and kiss for me.  Are you missing Amanda yet?  I'm sure you have heard from them by now.  How did Amanda like her first airplane ride?  (Amanda didn't go to California because of her chickenpox) Write if you get a chance, and I'll try to return a letter sooner than I have in the past.  Love Dawna and Fred

*We moved from Loosli's over to mom and dad's house (70 N. 200 W.) while they were in California for a year, and while we were building our house up on the hill. 

July 12, 1985 (postcard)  (This was sent right after mom and dad moved to California)

Dear Mandy and Zac,  This is a picture of the visitors center at the Los Angeles Temple.  The statues are pretty.  Right now Tonya and I are watching the brides and grooms come out of the temple for pictures.  It is really neat!  I wish you were here!  Love ya tons! See you soon!  Erika  P.S. Grandma and Grandpa send their love!  Monday we will be at Disneyland!

Hi you guys,  How are you?  It is a lot of fun!  The BRAVES are really great to see!  Mandy, how are your chicken pox?  I wish you were here!  Tell everyone hi!  I miss you sooooo much!  Love ya!  Tonya  P.S. The Braves are here (4) times in August!  Yea!!!

July 17, 1985 (Postcard)

Mandy and Zac, We went to Disneyland on Monday, it was a lot of fun!!  We went and got some BRAVES tickets today, and then to Toluca Lake for Erika.  I miss you lots and lots!!  See you later!  Love ya!!!  Tonya

July 19, 1985

Dear Gwen, Roger, Amanda, Zac  znc Mark, It seemed good to talk to you this morning.  Hope Zac doesn't get too sick with the chickenpox.  Enclosed is some money $200.00 for Mark's motorcycle repair.  Dad said he could pay it back when he gets out here, but maybe he'll need it now before he earns that much at the service station.  Dad also said to go ahead an pay for the repair of the shower out of the money at the Morgan Bank.  Sorry you are having trouble with it.  Gwen, here is the material that I need for Roger's coat.  All they have out here is cotton and very light weight polyester.  I got this at the Fabric Shop on 36th and Harrison (upstairs)  I will need another piece this size for the other wrist, also a piece 4  x 24, for the neck.  If you can't get the same color, you will need to get enough for the neck and 2 wrists.  Good luck and thanks.  I don't know how much it will cost, but here is a little extra for mail, etc.  Sure wish you all could have been with us at Disneyland.  Mark if you get a chance you might want to get your hair cut in Morgan before you come out.  The prices here are terrible.  Here are some hugs and kisses for Amanda and ZAc XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX Take care.  Love Mom and all

P.S. Next time you write, send Tonya the addresses for Byron Skeeter Chadwick and Leslie Cardon (Her dad is Paul) Thanks

June 1985 - calendar and letters from Cali

June 1985

1 - Dawna's party (she was in from Florida - we had a get-together at Round Valley)

2 - Eat at Grandma Dickson's, Baccalaureate (Mark)

4 - dancing?

5 - Amanda's preschool exam

6 - Darrin's b-day

7 - Tonya Texas Nationals (gymnastics)

8 - Dance practice, Amanda?

11 - Dance review

12 - Mom and Dad leave for California

13,14 State Rodeo Finals (Heber City, Kelly?)

15 - RACES?
16 - Mark leaves for California

21 - Roger races

22 - Kerry carpet (Is this when he is doing Rainbow Carpet Cleaning?)
26,27,28 Morgala Days

June 12, 1985 - Mom and Dad and family moved to California for 1 year

June 18, 1985 (Postcard from Erika)

Dear kids, Here is a picture for you! (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs) I had breakfast with Pluto and Goofy yesterday!  I saw Mickey Mouse also.  I wish you were here, because it is really fun.  I miss you a lot, but I will come and see you on June 26, 1985!  Love Erika

June 18, 1985

Dear Gwen, Roger, Amanda, Zac and All, Well, I guess you could say we are adjusting to California, although we miss all of you.  Mark and Tonya have gone to the beach (Hermosa)  We were there twice yesterday.  The waves are just the right size (not too big), plenty of beautiful warm sand, and not too many people.  The kids really enjoyed themselves.  It really isn't too hot here-- in the 80's.  We are close enough to the ocean that we get an evening breeze, and although it is foggy or overcast inland, we usually have sunshine half of the day.  Anyway, we had enough yesterday for me to get my shoulders and legs sunburned, (not too much)  Mark arrived okay Sunday, with no problems.  We brought him back to the motel, and then about 4 p.m. started for Aunt Dixie's in Thousand Oaks.  It took us about 1 1/2 hours to drive to her place.  They have a lovely home and the meal was delicious.  Tell Erika and Amanda that the airport is a snap and we will have no trouble at all in picking them up.  We met with the relocation office at Hughes - Friday morning.  They supplied us with five places to look at.  We fell in love with one place right off.  It is a beautiful new townhouse.  We have talked to the realtor, and submitted our application.  Tonight at 7:30 p.m., we are supposed to meet with the owners to finalize.  Hope everything goes well.  If we get it, I'll tell you all about it -- the townhouse that is.  I'm in seventh heaven.  We are just across the street from the DelAmo Fashion Center, one of the biggest Malls in the area (350 shops, restaurants, etc), and there are about 10 others within 5 miles of us.  Yes, I have found a Mervyns also. Stopped in at K-Mart this morning and got this stationary.  We are going to have to get California driver's licenses and also register our cars and motorcycle.  A new law, effective July 1, 1985, requires it.  We have called for an appointment for our driver's license exam, but they are booked until after June 26th, so guess we can't get them any sooner.  You have to make appointments for registration, examination, and road tests.  Thank goodness we only have to worry about two of them.  This is Lee's second day at Hughes.  Friday they gave him a TB test also, a few other tests.  If you can believe it, he is hard of hearing at certain frequencies.  He said the test wasn't very good, as there was so much noise and commotion all around while he was taking it that it was hard for him to hear any of the sound.  His boss let him off at about 2:30 p.m. yesterday, and told him not to worry about coming in until 10 a.m. today.  He probably won't get back to the motel until about 5:45 p.m. tonight.  It looks like Tonya will be attending Redondo Union High School.  As soon as we finalize our living quarters, we have to get an appointment to register her.  We probably will be here at the Residence Inn for another week so if you get her report card, please send it to us.  Mark can't get his motorcycle out of storage until he gets his license.  He was pretty unhappy at first, but we told him that he said he would take the written exam in Utah and have his learners permit, but since he didn't, would have to wait until he got it down here.  Bridger called this morning and Mark was sure pleased.  Dad enjoyed your Father's Day cards. Thanks.  Well, guess I had better close.  Just finished the washing and ironing and am going to walk over to the store to get something for supper.  I'll sure be glad when we're settled and I can do some real cooking.  We love you all very much.  Take care of yourselves and don't work too much in the yard and garden.  Wish you were here,  Love mom

June 21, 1985 (postcard)

We're having a lot of fun.  We went to the mall that has this merry-go-round in it yesterday.  When you come down we are going to take you on it.  We miss you a lot!  We've been to a Dodger's game, and to the beach almost everyday.  Love, Tonya and family

February - May 1985 - calendar notes

February

5 - Fiberotomy 9on my teeth)

7 - I'm having my nails done

8 - truck pulls

9 - Relief Society day

11 - Rog dentist

12 - Relief Society

13 - Club

16 - Wendover

24 - Grandpa Dickson's birthday party

March

2 - Lynette's kids march?

4 - ski

5 - Relief Society

8 - Ambure's birthday

11 - Megan's 1st birthday

15 - Shay sleeps over (Amanda's friend)

16 - Mark's wedding? (not my brother)

25 - Family Home Evening

April 

1 - Family Home Evening with Joan and Chet

3 - Money Management Seminar

5 - Vacation, Classic skating?

6 - Egg Hunt

7 - General Conf.

8 - Cody Rich is born

8 - Return of the Jedi (movie)

11 - Employee sale at Browning

13 - Races at DDO?

13 - G and G Dickson to California

14 - LuAnn's birthday

15 - family home evening

19 - Wilkinsons fixed road?

20 - Bike to Ogden to Helen?

        3:00 Surprise party for Grandma Tonks?

23 - Heath's birthday

25 - LuAnn went to Georgia

27 - G and Dickson home from California

28 - Teach Lisa's class at church

30 - Hike to Waterfall with Shirley Lannefeld

May

1 - Joni and Kerry's anniversary

3 - Bonnie's wedding

6 - Ordered blueprints for our house on hill?

8,9,10 Baseball Tournament

11 - Tonya's meet at Provo (Track)

12 - Mother's day

13 - Payed Uncle Don $100.00

14 - Hike

17 - Pick up house plans

18 - Amanda got stitches in her knee

28 - Got Amanda's stitches out.

January 1985 - from my journal

January

9 - club

11,12,13,14,15 - Yellowstone snowmobiling trip

16 - Debi Mortensen was tending at this time

25 - Mark's basketball game

26 - Ice Fishing

28 - Night ski

29 - Visit teach

30 - Arlene Christenson's (my boss's birthday)

31 - Regina's dad's viewing (co-worker at Browning) 

January 9, 1985

Two years.  I'm ashamed.  I guess I haven't written because I know how much I've got to catch up on, and I don't have the time to write it all down.  I'm 24 years old, and loving it!  I'm skinny and healthy.  I've been on a natural diet for 7 months now, and I've dropped from 145 pounds, to 120 pounds.  It's great.  I've been working at Browning for a year today. (I had quit Browning in October of 1982 for the second time.  I then started there again in January of 1984 for the 3rd time)  I'm in Data Processing and working with the computers.  I love it.  Rog is at the bakery again, since July of 1983. (The oil boom busted, and Rog was laid off.  Wonder Bread called him back, thank goodness) 

We are going to build a house up by Uncle Don's.  He sold us 20 acres, and also sold Joni and Kerry 20 acres.  We got the road in last summer, and hope to get the well and foundation in this summer.  We plan to build in 1986.  Amanda and Zac are growing like weeds.  Amanda will be 5 years old in April, and Zac will be 4 years old in September.  Plans for school (college) never went through.  I went spring quarter 1983, and enrolled for fall quarter. It cost too much for registration, so instead I went to work (January 1984 - Brownings)  I don't really mind.  I love my work, and Roger works nights and tends the kids, so it isn't like I'm leaving them all day to a baby-sitter.  

My life is changing.  So are my feeling toward it.  You, whoever reads this journal, can probably tell by what I write.  I'm not as close to the church and Heavenly Father.  I want to be, but when you have a husband who doesn't care about it, it's hard.  I'm not blaming everything on Rog, it's just as much my fault.  I guess it's good we didn't go through the temple  We both need more time to grow up.  We have done many things these past 2 years.  

We bought a used  Chevy blazer (yellow and white) in February of 1983, and a new car in December of 1983. (1983 Citation)  We traded our blazer for a red truck 4 x 4  (Chev. 1976) in May of 1984.  We still love our car. (The Citation)  

Amanda is taking her second year of preschool from Cheryl Newton.  She will start Kindergarten in the fall.  She is also taking acrobats from Yvonne Kennison.  Zac is growing fast. He loves guns, and his best friend is Luke Adams next door.  I just cut his hair in a punk style. (Footloose)  

We are going snowmobiling at Yellowstone National Park,  January 11-15, 1985  with Joni and Kerry.  We bought dad's old Arctic Cat Snowmobile.  We are really excited.  

Mark is a senior this year, and is going with Beth Graves.  He broke his ankle in football last fall, and had a pin put in. Now he's playing basketball.  

Erika is teaching 2nd grade at Monroe Elementary School in Salt Lake City. (Now known as West Valley City)  

Tonya is in 9th grade, and boy crazy.  I hope she doesn't make the same mistakes I did.  

We've lived at Looslis for 5 years now. I sure hope it's not too much longer.  

Mom and Dad might move to Southern California this summer, then we'd move into their home and build when they came back.  Well, hope I can keep this up so I won't have so much catching  up to do.

(I didn't keep writing during 1985, until the end of December.  Mom and dad and Mark and Tonya DID move to Redondo Beach, California in June 1985.  Dad took a sabbatical from the college, and went to Hughes Aircraft Company to work for  year and a half, until August 1986.  We moved into mom and dad's home when they left in June 1985)