October and November 2002

October

Zac to doctor for 2-3 weeks every Tuesday

11 – Court Jeff Purcell ( guy who hit Zac's car)

24 – Vegas PBR

Gwen wrote this article for the Morgan county News

Lee Dickson was born to Reed and Anona Dickson, in Richville, on the 29^th of July, 1937.  As a kid he helped on the farm with his brother Norris Dickson, and sisters, Barbara Whittier, Maisie Whitaker, and Dixie Porter.  He graduated from Morgan High School in 1955, where he served as Studentbody President.  That summer he worked on the canal that was being built through the mountains to the lower valley, and for several summers after that he worked at Swifts while attending college the rest of the year. 

In 1956 he married Veloy Tonks (of Round Valley) in the Salt Lake Temple.  Lee attended Weber State and the University of Utah, where he received his B.S., M.S. and PhD.  He began his teaching career at Weber State, and taught for many years, before retiring in 1997.  He was, and is an excellent teacher, and many of his students remember him fondly.  His only regret is not being able to get through his oldest daughter’s head, the finer points of math; a subject he loved (as much as she hated it). 

Lee and Veloy have 3 living children; Gwen (Roger) Rich, Erika (Aaron) Bettinson, and Mark (Carrie) Dickson.  A son, Lance, died at birth, and a daughter, Tonya, was killed in an automobile accident when she was 17 years old.  Eleven grandchildren round out the family, and they, along with their parents know that “Grandpa can fix anything”.

 

Gardening has always been a hobby, and Lee has had a beautiful prize-winning garden every year;  regrettably this is a trait that has not been passed on to his children.  Maybe it was slaving away in the garden as kids (ha-ha); or more likely, it’s knowing that Dad and Mom will always have produce to share.

Lee is active in church, and has served in the bishopric, as Bishop of the 2^nd ward, and counselor in the Stake Presidency under two different Stake Presidents.  For the past 3 ½ years, he and Veloy have been serving as ordinance workers in the Ogden Temple, a calling they love and enjoy. They look forward to serving a mission, hopefully in the near future.  

For the last three years, Lee and Veloy have been fixing up a parcel of land for their kids and grandkids enjoyment.  Many many hours have been spent at “The Property” both working and playing.  Together as a family, they are building bonds that will last forever. 

November

7 – Holcim BOE hearing

8 – Elder’s quorum party

11-15 Gwen to St. George – UAC

20 – football banquet

November 10, 2002

Today is Sunday.  I taught my lesson in Young Women’s today.  It was on being dependable.  I have been in Young Women’s since April, and I’m enjoying it VERY much.  Lauri Robinson is the President, Coy Ann Kilmer is the 1^st councilor, and Tammy Bullock is the 2^nd counselor.  I work with Sherrie Rich (under Tammy) as an advisor to the Beehives.  This past year (since February) I’ve become active again (me and Landon).  

It started last February when his Sunday school teacher Pacome Zoku, and his class came and personally invited Landon to come to church.  Pacome was the companion of Elder Johnny Barrett who was killed on his mission in 1999 (I think). He’s living with Johnny’s mom and dad now.  Landon really likes him a lot.  

To get this journal up to date…… let’s see. Landon wrestled last spring at the Junior High level, played competition baseball (14U league) in the summer, and just completed his Freshman year of football.  Wrestling starts tomorrow.  He will probably wrestle at 125 lbs.  He’ s a great kid.  He’s enjoying his Freshman year, and all of the reports I get from everyone, from his teachers, to advisors, to church leaders, to neighbors, to friends, to friends parents, everyone without exception has nothing but great things to say about Landon.  He is the life of the party, and a joy to be around.  He is so kind and friendly to all, and he knows just how to wrap his mom around his little finger !!  Gotta love him !!!  

Zac is still working at CPI, and they have just moved into their new shop this past week..  It is in Mt. Green, so he’ll have to travel about 10 miles each way to work.  Needless to say I will be worrying about him on the roads.  He is recovering from his accident on 9-21-02.  His muscles and ribs and neck still hurt, but he has been released by the doctor.  His collarbone really hurts in the morning.  He and C.J. Matthews have really hit it off, and have become quite close.  It seems they are together everyday and night.  He is happy, and while I worry about him getting hurt, and things moving too fast, I’m happy for him too !!  She is still a Senior in high school, so I told him to take things sloooooowwwwww !!  

Me and Zac and Roger went with Ben and Luann and Linda and Bruce to the Professional Bull Rider finals in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago.  Zac did not like the gambling, and came home 2 days after we got there.  Apparently he’s not like his dad and Grand dad Rich !!  

Manda is still down in Mesa, and loving it.  She is working for AT&T and is doing really well.  She told me the other day that she is bringing home $850 (bring home pay) per week !!!!  She’s now living in a one bedroom apartment, just her and Raleigh.  She has a really good friend, Jim Schutt, who she tells me, she’s going to marry !! He’s 34 (12 years older than her), and seems really nice.  He really likes sports, and is very close with his family.  He’s never been married and has no kids.  They have been together for 11 months.  I hope everything works out for them.  I want her to be HAPPY !!  She deserves it !!  

I’m going to St. George tomorrow for UAC classes for my work.  I’ll be gone all week.  I’m not really looking forward to it, but maybe I can get some Christmas shopping done !?!?!? I hope so.  

The son of some ward members tried to commit suicide last week, but was unsuccessful, thank goodness.  He is in the hospital, and on the long road to recovery.  I hope he can heal both in body and mind.  

This is a letter I wrote to the ward members, November 17, 2002

Dear Ken and Marie

I’ve been going through some news clippings I’ve saved over the years, and came across the editorial you wrote when my sister Tonya died.  As I read through it, I thought of the trials your family is now facing.   I have copied the article here below, and inserted your names (in bold) where my parents were.  I believe you were inspired at the time you wrote it (1988), and I believe it now applies equally to your family as well.

Editorial – Morgan News – June 1988

The entire county was saddened and shocked by the tragic loss (tragedy) the Adams family has suffered.  Our heart felt sympathy goes out to the dear family and their relatives.  Ken and Marie Adams are one of the most respected couples in the valley.  They come from families rich in pioneer heritage and rooted firm in religious beliefs.  Marie always has a warm smile to greet you with and Ken a kind word to share.  Over the years they have given comfort and encouragement to many.  Now it is the time to return the favor.  Raising children is never easy.  Worry is always a factor.  When very young, the concerns are such things as, are they healthy, are they developing physically, and are they learning how to crawl, walk, and talk.  Later as they enter school, worries revolve around teachers, friends, safety and learning.  Then the teenage years arrive and all worries of the past seem to escalate.  After this critical period of time, parents still worry about their children as they begin families of their own.  Even when children are in their 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s, living parents will worry about these older children. Life is always unpredictable, and accidents, and tragedies can strike at any time.  It seems most damaging when it happens to the young ones.  We feel deep emotion or each one of them and their loved ones.

We are so thankful that Kenny’s life on this earth has not ended.  We are praying daily for his complete recovery.  May God’s choicest blessing be with all of you. 

Love Gwen Rich and family

Me, I’m still as fat and sassy as ever.  Hope I can lose weight someday……. Now where have I heard THAT before?   Well I’m going to try and be better at writing in my journal.  Hopefully I can keep this up!!   I’m trying to read the scriptures daily, but not having much success.  The Bishop asked me to speak in sacrament meeting on Christmas Day, I’m scared!!  Our new Bishop is GREAT.  It’s Craig Fisher, and his councilors are Jim Wiscombe and Ben Russell.  They are such neat people, and I love them a lot.  Also, me and Roger went to an Elder’s quorum party last Friday night.  It was fun, it was a progressive dinner, and thank goodness Rodney and Vicki Rose were there, so we had some people we knew to chum around with !!  Roger was pretty uncomfortable at first !!!  

Tomorrow I head to St. George for meetings (Utah Association of Counties).  I’ll be back on Friday.

November 17, 2002

Today was Sunday – it was great !!  I look forward to this day each week !! Can you believe I feel this way ??  I can’t sometimes…..  I am so blessed and thankful my life has made a turn around.  Tonight was the Young Women’s Evening of Excellence.  It was great !!  Gwen Hayes, secretary of the Relief Society called me yesterday, and asked for my help in putting together a slide show presentation (on the computer) to show tonight.  It worked really well, and we got a lot of compliments on it !!  I want to get the presentation program used by Gwen, it’s called Kai’s Power.  It’s really neat !!  

My week in St. George was good.  I rode down with Helen Hansen, Morgan County’s representative from the Utah State Tax Commission.  On Monday night a bunch of us went to supper at Pancho and Lefty’s (Mexican cuisine).  On Tuesday we went to Outback Steakhouse, on Wednesday, the group went to Mesquite, but I stayed behind because I didn’t really want to go.  On Thursday we went to Chili’s.  My meetings were good, and I got 13 hours of continuing education.  I did a lot of shopping, and got me some new clothes, and a few things for Christmas.  

Yesterday, Saturday, I should have got a lot done, but we didn’t, just layed around (me and Roger).  

Landon went over to Kaley Nelson’s house with a bunch of friends, and played games on Friday night, on Saturday (Day) he went up to Park City Ski Resort with his friend Jared Olsen, and they met up with a bunch of Morgan guys, and snow boarded.  Logan Taggart, a Morgan kid, broke his wrist.  They had a great day.  When he got home, he went down to Tim Poll’s and had ANOTHER party !!!  What a SOCIAL GUY !!!!  He is enjoying wrestling.  

Zac and C.J. are together everyday.  They seem happy !!  Well, better go for now !!

November 22, 2002

Today we are having a luncheon at the courthouse.  Our office (Assessor) will sponsor it.  We are having different kinds of soups.  

Wednesday night, we went to a banquet for Landon’s Freshman Football.  It was at Larry’s Chicken Inn, and it was good.  Each of the coaches talked about the boys.  It was a nice evening.  Today Landon will wrestle off with a senior, Troy Welch, for the 125 lb. Weight for varsity position.  We told him to just to his very best, and no matter what the outcome, we would be proud, and he could be proud.  Me and Roger and pretty nervous for him, but he says he’s not nervous.   

Zac and myself went to Ogden yesterday. He was supposed to have had a doctor’s appointment, but she had surgery so it was cancelled.  His foot and leg have been hurting him, and also his collarbone/shoulder/neck.  I guess we’ll have to reschedule.  We went to Ogden anyway, and did some shopping, Zac bought him some clothes and Ross’s.  He got a bunch of sweatshirts (for work) and a couple of other shirts.  Spent $94.00  - he hated to spend that much money on clothes.  Then he went to Cross’s and bought him two pair of Wranglers for work $40.00.  

C. J. came up last night and they hung out.  She is in the running for FFA Sweetheart, and had to bake a “turkey” cake for judging.  Zac said he could see himself marrying her and making a life with her.  I like her a lot.  Apparently she hasn’t been attending church regularly, and told Zac she wants to go back.  She told him that she thinks they would become even closer, if both of them went to church.  I’m glad she has those feelings.  I just wish Zac did.  He’s like his dad……  Love them both, but one of these days they might be sorry that they didn’t take this religion stuff more serious.  

I have been working on my Young Women’s award, and the first value area is Faith.  I have completed the first project.  I’ve been reading the scriptures all this week, and had felt the spirit when I do, and all through the day.  It really does make a difference.  I think of my Heavenly Father often, and try my best to be a good person.  I have been paying my tithing since August 1^st.  I did a partial fast last fast Sunday, and want to try to do it correctly in the future.  I have changed my ways on Sunday, and am keeping the Sabbath Day holy.  It is hard for Zac and Roger to do this, I wish I could have some influence on them in this area.  I’m praying morning and night, and have cut down my swearing.  I need to work on not being so judgmental of others, and not gossiping or speaking badly of others.  I also want to increase my service to other people.  I love my Heavenly Father and my brother Jesus, who died for me, and suffered for my sins, and has felt personally all of the pain, and sadness I have felt in my life.  I know they love me personally, and want to see me succeed on this earth.  I saw the quote in Deseret Book, and I just love it – “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings, having a human experience.  I want so badly to be worthy to return to my Father in Heaven, and have him put his arms around me and say, well done.  I will try harder to be the kind of person he wants me to be.