July 1988 - from my journal

July

4 - Park celebration

5 - Amniocenteses, 8 a.m.  Water broke

5 - Had Landon at 6 p.m.

5 - Linda and Bruce back home today!!

12 - Dr. Godfrey check infected stitches

18 - All horse parade in S.L.C.

19 - Dr. - Gwen (I overdid at the horse parade)

20 - Check Landon's jaundice  8 pounds 1 1/2 ounces  22 inches

27  Landon's doctor

28 - wedding?

30 - Fair Parade

July 1988  - letter from Mark

Dear Rich Family - How are you all?  I'm still here in Japan.  It's great. I've received all of your letters.  Gwen, I've been slow though in returning them.  I bought these post cards last week, and I thought maybe you would like one so here it is (Pretty, huh!)  (It is a picture of Mt. Fuji)  They say that on a clear day from a tall building, you can see Mt. Fuji from Koiwa, but during the summer it's too smoggy, so I'll have to wait.  It's in the south mission, so I'll have to wait till after I finish to go up close and take my own pictures.  Things couldn't be going any better than they are here in Koiwa.  It's maybe the strongest place in the mission.  I couldn't ask for anything better, everything is just the way you like.  Things have really improved since last month at this time.  Everyday is helping, isn't it?  (He's referring to Tonya's death)  Right now I'm doing really well spiritually, feel good about the way I'm doing.  One thing I am sure of, is that I'm working for something these 2 years that is more important than we can even imagine.  No regrets at all about coming.  I would have missed out big.  Thanks for all you help, I love you all.  I'm gonna send a tape today, so I'll say more on that.  This is short but sweet.  (Ha ha ha)  Take care, see ya next summer.  Love Elder Dickson

July 3-4, 1988

Almost the 4th.  It's 11:23 p.m.  Getting closer!  Lynette and Randy came down today, and are staying up at LuAnn's in a trailer.  Linda and Bruce and kids, and LuAnn will be home from Okinawa at 3:25 p.m. Tuesday the 5th.  We are all excited!  The house is pretty clean and wash done up.  I've started to pack. I'm nervous too.  JoAnne Nelson said that her amniocenteses didn't hurt at all.  So I'll keep that in my mind, and hopefully it won't be as bad as I think.  The kids are really excited.  Hope everything goes okay.  I am worried.  I guess you could call me Grandma Dickson.  I'm excited to see if he (Landon) has brown hair or blonde, and how much he weighs.  I'm guessing 7 pounds and brown hair.  I guess we'll be really surprised if it's a girl!  Zac has really been acting up lately.  I don't know if it's this baby or what.  With Tonya's viewing and funeral he was weird too.  I think he doesn't know how to express his true feelings, and so they come out in his actions.  I must be more patient.

July 7, 1988

Well, surprise!  After my amniocenteses on July 5, 1988, in the morning, I came back home and my water broke!  So instead of having the baby July 6th, I had Landon Lee Rich at 6:07 p.m. on July 5, 1988.  He weighed 8 pounds 4 ounces.  Same as Zac!  We are all really excited.  Landon looks like Ambure I think, and has dark eyes and short dark brown hair all over his head.,  He is so cute and precious.  He isn't nursing too well yet.  I hope he gets better. The baby doctor said yesterday he was doing great, but I haven't heard yet this morning.  He'll probably be circumcised this morning poor thing.  Had allot of visitors yesterday.  Joan Adams and Jan Gailey brought me a cute little light yellow sweat suit.  LuAnn and Linda gave me a peach colored housecoat, Linda (blue Japanese pj's), LuAnn socks, piloucho?, and sailor suit.  Joni gave him a little yellow summer outfit and a blue winter sweater-set.  Annette Prescott made a darling little quilt for him.  Terri and Pat sent a little yellow and black sleep-n-play suit with race cars on it.  Mom and Erika brought me a planter, so did Roger, and the Bakery sent one also.  The C-section went really great.  I'm glad dad was there.  (When I had Ambure, dad's weren't allowed in the delivery room, so Rog didn't come in.  When I had Amanda, he came in, and about threw up all over and passed out.  When I had Zac, he wouldn't even think about going in with me.  When I had Landon, I really wanted someone in there with me.  I asked my dad, and he said he would be glad to.  He sat up by my head, because I didn't want him to watch in case he got sick and had to go out like Rog did.  It was really special, and I'm glad he was there with me.)  It was the best ever.  The kids were really excited, and got to hold him in the recovery room.  Lynette and kids gave him a little N.Y. Yankees outfit, and blue teething T-shirt.  This morning July 7th, I found out we'll go home tomorrow.  Landon nursed really well this morning finally, and he is sleeping now.  He has slept 2 hours.  Susan Rich and her kids, and Cindy Johnson and her kids, just stopped by for a visit.  Susan made Landon a pretty blue crocheted shawl.  She is always personal when it comes to babies.  I remember she gave me a bunny blanket she tied for Ambure, before she and Layne were even married. I picked Landon up for them to see, and laid him back down when they left.  I think he's going back to sleep.

July 8, 1988

Going home today.  Landon is so sweet.  I'm kinda nervous with him.  It's been 7 years.  I worry about him spitting up and choking.  Also, the Doctor said he's kinda jaundiced, so we have to bring him back down tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. for him to be checked.  I'm feeling pretty good.  My milk came in and I'm kinda uncomfortable.  Lan is nursing better, hope we can both make this work.  Lori and Elwin Birt and Vicky and Rodney Rose came down and visited last night.  They are surprised that I'm coming home today.  They think I'm crazy.  Maybe I am.  When the kids came down last night they were really excited.  It's hard to keep them from bumping me and my stitches.  I hope I can have enough patience.  I know Rog wants me home, and I want to please him.  He likes having me around.  Lynette has been staying at my house the past 3 days. I don't mind.  I'm sure she's kept it clean. I appreciate all she has done for us.  Linda and Bruce and family are back.  It will be great to have them back.   Well, I'm kinda sleepy.  Maybe I'll lay down for a little bit before they bring me Landon.

July 9, 1988

Today has gone better than yesterday.  It seemed everybody and their dog came here to see us at home.  Landon is so sweet.  He had a good night.  Hope tonight goes as well.  Rog won't be home.  I've got the baby blues.  I don't know why.

July 13, 1988

Well, it's getting better, finally!  Landon has jaundice, and we've had to take him down everyday to the hospital to get his blood checked.  Friday it was 5,  Saturday 11, Monday 14, Tuesday 15.8, so the doctor said to stop breast feeding and give him formula for 2 days.  So today it was down to 14 again.  I need to take him tomorrow and get him stuck one more time.  I hope no more.  He is so sweet.  A good baby.  The kids love him.  Zac is having a hart time adjusting though.  Amanda went to 4-H camp and loved it.  Mom has helped me so much.  I love her allot  My stitches started leaking (infected) so I'm on penicillin.  They didn't dissolve.

*A funny story about Roger and the kids getting stuck in the elevator.  I was going down to see my doctor, and Rog dropped me off out front, and I went it by myself.  He parked the car and brought the kids in.  I know for sure that Zac and Landon (in his carrier) were with him, I'm not sure if Amanda was.  On their way up to the 2nd floor in the elevator, it stopped !  It was stuck, and they had to use the call button, and wait until maintenance came and got them out.  I remember that Roger was wringing wet with sweat when he finally got up to the Dr's office.

July 18, 1988 (postcard) - postcard from Erika 

Dear Mandy and Zac and Landon, How is the weather in Morgan?  It is really warm here at the Hill Cumorah!  I wish you could be here.  I go and talk to people everyday in Joseph Smith's house - it is fun!  Tell Grandma that I will write her a long letter in a couple of days!!!! I love you!  Love, Erika

July 19, 1988

Well, another week.  My stitches finally quit leaking yesterday.  Hope for good.  Amanda was in an All-Horse parade in Salt Lake City, yesterday  She did great.  But I walked TOO far and have suffered today.  Cramps really bad and heavy bleeding.  I'm going to the doctor in an hour.  Landon is great.  We love him.  He's nursing so much better, and longer  and getting fuller.  He slept so good the past two nights.  10 p.m. till 2 a.m. and 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.  I love him so much.

July 23, 1988

Well, might as well finish this up and start in my new journal next time.  Today was Porterville Days.  We went to breakfast and then a little Buckaroo Rodeo and rifle shoot.  It was fun.  Amanda did pole bending, and Zac rode a bucking calf.  Last night we went to a drive-in movie.  Bambi and Return to Snowy River.  I have been depressed tonight.  All Landon has done is cry.  I am tired.  Rog goes to work early, 7-8-9 p.m., and I have to get the kids in bed and then he comes home and sleeps all day and I get to deal with the kids all day.  I love my kids, but I'm tired.  Rog helps with allot of things, but I feel overwhelmed sometimes.  Wash, dishes, house clean.  We are broke, no money for porch, garage doors, lawn, arena, clothes.  So many bills to pay.  Doctor, chair, grill.  Our Suzuki's too little and we owe $8,000 on it and it's only worth $5,000.  Well have I depressed you enough?    I guess I'll got to Sacrament tomorrow,  Amanda's going to sing.  Heidi Carter (Phil's daughter) asked me to play the piano for her in Primary, but I asked Lori Birt and Lacy Russell.  My attitude is the pits.  We've got to start having Family Home Evening, read the Book of Mormon, and have family prayer.  It's so hard.  Rog doesn't seem to care.  He's smoking again.  Has done since March.  I drove him to it I guess. It's back to how it was.  It'll never change again.  I bet he'll never take me to the temple again.  I'm glad we went, but it's sad, so sad.  David Thiel was baptized today.  I visit teach his wife Leslie.  It was great!  I'm happy for them.

July 25, 1988

Well, today we are celebrating Pioneer Day.  Yesterday I went to church with Landon for the first time.  He was good.  Glad I had the binkie.  He slept 6 hours last night.  11 p.m. to 5 a.m.  I take him to the doctor Wednesday.  I have no desire to go back to work yet, or receive a Primary calling.  I would like a little rest.  Rog is working hard long hours.  Either he's at work or asleep.  I don't like that.  The kids are sitting on stools being punished.  They were fighting (fists).  I'm tired of being a referee and a "bad mean mom", that's what Zac called me.  I grounded them from TV for 1 week, and set them on stools for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours.  I don't know if that's right or not.  It's hard being a parent.  I miss Tonya.  I've been sad about her lately.  Jodi Clydesdale visited with mom and dad yesterday.  She finally snapped out of it.(Jodi was in a weird coma-like state after the accident.  She and Wendy were in the car with Tonya.  Wendy was killed also)  I feel sorry for her.  She and Tonya and Wendy were so close.  She kept looking at Tonya's picture on mom's wall.  

Landon is a sweet baby.  He has a temper sometimes and needs to be soothed with a binkie.  Especially in the evening.  I hope he doesn't become too attached to it.  I really enjoyed Sunday School and Relief Society yesterday.  I hope I can continue to go.  They snatched Lori and Susan right back up in the Primary, and I'm afraid they will me too.  I'm tired today.  The kids are still sitting on the stools.  Zac is just about dying.  Amanda can face up to and accept things more.  She is really growing up.  I've been reading the Book of Mormon the past few days.  I wish we could somehow read it together as a family.  Maybe I should go prepare a family home evening lesson now.  It all seems so futile though.  I know how it will turn out.  Bad attitude huh? 

July 25, 1988 - Letter from Amanda's old primary teacher

Dear Mandy,  While you're celebrating "Pioneer Day" today, we will be working at the Hawaii Temple Visitor's Center.  We love it here in Paradise (Hawaii)  We love the little brown Polynesian children that we see attending sacrament meeting and Primary every Sunday like you do.  They have a "fan school" here for the children during the summer.  Last Wednesday the whole school went to the beach for a party.  The girls have names like, Anakela, Kaloka, Malina, Lokana.  They are very beautiful.  Love, Sister Wiscombe.

July 26, 1988 (postcard from Dawna)

Received your thank you card.  We are having a spiritual blast here.  Our faith is being tried, because it has rained quite a bit and last Saturday night we got rained out.  But in our meeting on Sunday, President Hinckley said we could have it on Monday.  Well, Monday it rained also, but we united as a group (which we hadn't done on Saturday night) and had prayers.  The performance went on.  I am Mary (as in Martha and Mary friends of Jesus)  in the pageant, and she is in Nephi's vision, WATER scene.  So far I haven't gotten very wet.  Erika and I talk to each other a lot, even though we aren't in the same study group.  I know the church is true, and I know what we are doing is the Lord's work.  See ya Monday.  Love Dawna

July 28, 1988

We are going to Surf and Swim in Layton today.  Took Landon to the doctor yesterday.  He only weighs 8 pounds 1 1/2 ounces, but grew to 22 inches.  The doctor said not to worry, that breast fed babies gain to their birth weight in 4-5 weeks.  He had lost down to 7 pounds 6 ounces in the hospital, so he has gained 11 1/2 ounces, almost a pound.  He is so sweet.  He has thrush in his mouth.  The doctor gave me some medicine for it, and he's on vitamins now too.  I was called to be Junior Primary Chorister.  They wanted me to start next week.  HA!  I told them August 14th. (it ended up that I didn't do the chorister for some reason, I don't remember why, or what they had me do instead) At least I'll have 2 more weeks to enjoy Relief Society and Sunday School.  Did some school shopping yesterday.  $140.00 worth.  Got Amanda 2 pair of levi's and all her underwear and a jacket and 2 pair shoes.  Zac got 2 pair Levi's, underwear, 1 pair of shoes and I laid him away a coat.  Landon got 2 sleepers and 4 one piece underwear and a little carrier to carry him on  my chest or back.  Maybe I can get some more done today, but it's not likely.  Linda and Bruce went to the temple today to do Bruce's dad's endowment and to seal Chauncey and Jeanne together and Bruce and Leslie to them also.  Went visiting teaching last night.  Leslie Thiel is so nice.  We really enjoy going to her home.  Also, Colleen Carter will be moving in a couple of weeks, so we won't see her again.  We are going to Gwen Hayes in about an hour.

July 30, 1988

Well, Rog was 30 years old yesterday.  Hard to believe.  I used to think that sounded so old, but it's not when you get there.  My dad was 51 also, and Kelly 21.  Today is Mark's birthday.  He's 21 also.  He's doing good on his mission.  He was made Senior companion and District Leader.  He's awesome.  Amanda was in the Morgan County Fair Parade today.  She looks good on Rebena.  Tuesday, August 2nd, is the Fair 4-H Horse Show, and she will perform in that.  The fair is next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  Landon is doing good, although it seems all he wants to do is eat when he's awake.  I've got to call the nurse and see when I can get him weighed.  I hope I can qualify for WIC again. ( We didn't, We made too much money)  I go the 9th of August.  Paul Turner's mom, Clara Turner died the 27th of July.  Her funeral was today.  Pam Turner is trying to talk me into going to the appraisal course the 8-12 of August.  I don't want to.  I'm having such a hard time with leaving Landon to go back to work. I bawled all day (well not ALL day) but was really depressed about it yesterday.  I hope Claudia Nelson will be good with him.  I don't know why I'm so nervous.  He is so sweet.  I couldn't bear it if she didn't give him all the love and care and attention I give him.  But only moms can do that!  Although everyone seems to think she'll be great.   I should go visit Millie Lewis today.  I need to.  We are broke.  Roger complains all the time.  He wants me to go back to work right away.  I don't want to!!  I wish we didn't have the stupid Suzuki payment, then I wouldn't have to.  I would let them repossess it if it didn't ruin our credit for 7 years.  I'm gonna pray about it (work-me).

(This was written by Veloy Dickson (Gwen's mother) in the summer of 1988.  It was presented when Gwen was released from her position as 1st councilor in the Primary)

GWEN DICKSON RICH

It was a beautiful, but cold winter day on January 9, 1961, when Gwen finally made her appearance into the world.  She was expected on the 27th of December (2 weeks earlier) but she decided her birthday needed to be a little further from Christmas.  She was born in the L.D.S. Hospital in Salt Lake City, to Lee and Veloy Dickson, the oldest of five children.  Her brothers and sisters are:  Lance, Erika, Mark and Tonya.  When Gwen was 2 1/2 years old, she and her family moved from Salt Lake City, to Morgan.

Gwen talked at a very early age and was reciting verses and rhymes before she was two years old.  She and her family did many things together and visited many interesting places, such as, Yellowstone, Disneyland, Flaming Gorge, Nauvoo, and Bear Lake.  Gwen was very small when she made her first trip to Yellowstone and her dad said he would never take her again.  She cried all the time they were out on the lake in a boat fishing, and at night she was determined to sleep cross ways on the bed between her mom and dad.

She was an active, energetic child and participated in many things while growing up.  Gwen loved to swim and spent most of her summers in the water.  She started taking piano lessons when she was 7 years old, enrolled in 4-H (both cooking and sewing),  took gymnastics, played the saxophone, and when she reached high school was a cheerleader and a member of the drill team.

Gwen always liked the boys, even when she was small.  Every other week she would come home from school and tell her mom about a new boyfriend.  Each time she was greeted with the same words, "But honey, he's your cousin."

Gwen wasn't always a perfect little angel and liked to act up, even in Primary of all places.  Word about her behavior reached her parents and she was promptly taken to her teacher's house where she had to apologize and promise never to act that way again.

In high school, she met and fell in love with Roger Rich, a handsome upper-class man, who was on the football team and wrestling team.  After Roger graduated they were married and this union was blessed with a darling little girl, Ambure.  Gwen continued her schooling and was able to graduate from Morgan High School with her class.  Little Ambure was just 9 1/2 months old when her Heavenly parents called her home, but Gwen and Roger have since been blessed with three other lovely children; Amanda, Zac and Landon.  They moved into their new home in Richville in August of 1986.

Gwen's prayers were answered last December when they went to the Ogden Temple to be sealed together for time and eternity, and become a "Forever Family".

June 1988 - from my journal

June

2 - Dr. Paulos

2- 4-H horse show

3 - Zoo with the Rich's

3 - Tonya died

5 - Darrin's birthday

6 - Horse show

6 - Tonya's viewing

7 - Tonya's funeral

7 - Horse show

 8 - Zac summer school, on Wednesday's

6-10 Appraisal course (I didn't go)

9 - Dance Review

10 - WIC

17 - Amanda went to Nicole Cook's b-day party

19 - Father's Day

20 -Swimming lessons start

21 - Primary party

21 Dr. appt's for me allot

23,24,25  Morgala Days

25 - Dawson Reunion

26 - speak in Sacrament meeting

27 - Tonks Family Reunion

28 - Linda and Bruce in California (coming back from Okinawa)

30 - LuAnn leaves to California to meet Linda and Bruce

June 1988 - Letter from Todd

Dear Roger and Gwen,

Hi, How is everything going?  I hope it's fine.  Thanks a lot for the money and card for my birthday.  I can't wait to get home.  We only have 28 more days left on island.  I love and miss you all alot.  Love Todd.

June 3, 1988 (postcard) from Darrin

Hi you guys!  How are all you doing?  I am doing just fine.  Thanks for the card and money.  I am going to get a souvenir spoon with it.  I can't wait.  Only 19 days left.  I started driver's ed the day after my birthday.  We have to take our driving with a standard.  I think I can handle it though.  See you soon.  Love, Darrin

June 8, 1988

Well, this is hard to write, but I must.  My sister Tonya, age 17, was killed in a car accident last Friday night (June 3, 1988)  We are all very sad, and so sad and missing her.  Even though I didn't see allot of her lately, she was always running here and there.  I took her for granted, that she was somewhere, and I'd see her sometime.  I feel I failed her.  I judged her too harshly, and now I regret it so much.  I should have been more of a friend to her, and talked to her, and let her know how much I loved her.  But it's too late now.  She's gone, and it will be a long while before I can see her again.  I love her, and it hurts so bad.  I feel bad for mom and dad and my kids.  They will not get to have her spoil them.  She loved them so, if only I could go back and change the way I was when she wanted my kids to visit. Oh, I'm so sorry now.  I hope she can forgive me. I hope I can forgive myself.

June 9, 1988

I am so low, and tired.  I feel so bad about Tonya.  I know only time can make this pain go away.  She loved so freely.  We all need to love everyone like she did, and does.  I love her so much.  I can sit here in my kitchen and look up to the cemetery. Oh, to go back one week!

June 10, 1988

Today is better.  Mom and Dad went back to work.  I'm gonna work this afternoon. I'm still low, but not as bad as yesterday.  I went to the temple yesterday with mom and dad and Erika.  It was nice.  I need to keep thinking that Tonya is happy and without cares or worries now.  I love her.

June 26, 1988 (Gwen gave a talk in Sacrament meeting  - this was right before the Primary Presidency was released)

Presiding-- Bishop Errol C. Nelson

Conducting --  Bishop's councilor Don P. Russell

Chorister ---  Betty Rose

Organist ---  Lacy Russell

Hymn 136 - I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Invocation---

Ward Business---

Sacrament Hymn 182  We'll Sing All Hail To Jesus' Name

Sacrament Service

Theme:  "Come Unto Christ"

Talk --- Gwen Rich

Talk ----Roland Sinfield

Song--- "Search, Ponder and Pray" by the Primary board

Talk ----Susan Wiscombe

Talk ----Lory Birt

Hymn 116 Come Follow Me

Benediction

Gwen's talk---------

Children need Primary.  They need the gospel learning that takes place there.  Parents are counseled to teach their children correct gospel principles.  In the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 68, Verses 25-28, we read: 

26 For this shall be a law unto the ^ainhabitants of Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized.

27 And their children shall be ^abaptized for the ^bremission of their sins when ^ceight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands.

28 And they shall also ^ateach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord.

Primary leaders and teachers can help parents reinforce these principles.  A father tells of a time when his family was learning in family home evening about resurrection.  His 7 year old daughter was puzzled about death and resurrection, even though the family had discussed it at length.  After the lesson, the father asked, "Honey, do you understand this?"  She replied, "I guess so," and nodded with a puzzled frown.  She continued to be troubled.  One day her mother found her with tears streaming down her face studying a picture of the Savior in the family home evening manual.  Again, she explained the concepts to her daughter and asked her if she understood.  "I guess so," was again the reply.  The next week, her Primary teacher taught a lesson about the resurrection.  She came running to tell her mother, "Oh mother!  Now I understand!  And it's even better than you said.  Not only do we live again, but our spirits never die.  They live forever and ever!"  We hope that we can make a significant difference in the lives of children as we help you  parents to teach them the gospel.  This year in our primary we are following the prophets council in teaching the children.

Primary begins with the Nursery where children enter when they are 18 months old, and continue until they turn 12 and are advanced into the young men and young women programs.  Throughout these years as they advance from class to class there are specific concepts they are taught.  They all center around our Heavenly Father and Jesus.  
For Example: 

In the Nursery and Sunbeams, each child is helped to have a positive happy experience at church, and to know they are children of God, and that Heavenly Father and Jesus love them.

The 4 and 5 year olds in the STAR classes learn that Heavenly Father and Jesus planned for them to come to earth, and that they can express their love for them through their behavior.

The 6 and 7 year olds in the CTR classes learn to CHOOSE THE RIGHT and to prepare for baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost.

In the Valiant classes the 8 and 9 year old children are helped to grow in the understanding of the gospel plan, and to keep their baptismal covenants and to remain true to them.

The 10 and 11 year old girls and boys are helped to follow God's plan for them, either through womanhood or in the priesthood.

Along with what is presented to the kids as they attend their individual Primary classes, we also have the opportunity to join together as a group of teachers, leaders, and children, for a sharing time presentation.  I think personally I love this most about Primary.  It is here where we the leaders get to really know your children and see them interact with others and learn the gospel principles.  We have had some really great sharing time presentations.  Some of the most memorable have been when we have gone outside of our Primary for help.  I'm sure all of the kids can remember when Elder Rod Hinck, who had recently returned from his mission to Thailand came and spoke to us last year.  I think the teachers asked as many questions as the kids, an oh what an influence and example!!  I think all of us wanted to go out and serve a mission after listening to his testimony and experiences.

We all had a great learning experience when Sister Shelly Winn came and taught us the First Article of Faith using sign language for the deaf.  And we all enjoyed Sister Louise Waldron's presentation on journals.  This past month the kids all colored a picture depicting their favorite Book of Mormon story, and the pictures were sent to Salt Lake to be displayed in the Church Museum this coming September.  We have also done some role playing.  I know that Blake Nelson and Cris Spencer won't soon forget their roles of Alma and Alma the Younger.  We had some great sons of Mosiah, and Holly Whimpey was the perfect angel.  After acting this story out, the Senior Primary kids then presented it to the Junior Primary, and they just loved. it.  Another story from the Book of Mormon that Sister Vicki Rose presented to us was the story of Enos and the power of prayer. In many of our sharing times, we do different games such as Tic Tac Toe, Concentration, or crossword puzzles, using different questions and answers pertaining to the gospel.  You can usually tell when we are doing some of these games because it gets pretty loud down at our end of the building.  Hopefully you will bear with us and know we are trying our best to teach your children.  Once a month a class gets to present a sharing time.  The teachers put allot of work into this, and they really do a good job.  The reason the General Board has asked us to do this is because as we all know when we have to prepare something, it is us that learns the most from it.  So it is with the children, and when they get a chance to participate in giving a sharing time, they are the ones who benefit the most.  I'm sure many of the children in the audience remember these pictures and props and the sharing times that their class did.

The CTA A Class - Helping hands

Sister Joanne Nelson's STAR B class - Michael and Reverence

The CTR A class - Travis learns to repent

Sometimes we make crafts to take home for you parents.  Hopefully many of you received a bottle decorated similar to this and filled with messages of love for Valentine's Day.  I know many of the kids were so excited with their creations that they wanted to keep them for themselves.

President Benson has told us not long ago "God has saved for the final inning, some of His stronger and most valiant children, who will help bear off the kingdom triumphantly." 

Sister Dwan Young, who was recently released as the Primary General President explained in her conference address this past April, that children WANT to be taught, they DO UNDERSTAND the quiet whisperings of the spirit, and that as they learn they are a great influence for good.

I have here, two silver dollars.  One is old and dull with accumulated dirt and grime.  The other is shiny new.  The old one is still very usable and has the same amount of value as if it were new.  If we rub these two together, an interesting thing happens.  The old silver dollar will lose some of it's grime and will be polished by the new one.  That's what happens to adults who associate with children in Primary.  We rub against shiny, newly minted souls.  Not only are we polished, but they are further shined as they respond to the Spirit  and to the gospel truths we teach them.

I love working in the Primary.  Sometimes it's allot of hard work, but overall Primary is FUN!  It is so special to see these young people grow and mature physically and spiritually in the gospel.  It's exciting to see  the new little Sunbeams as they come into Primary, and exciting to see the young men and women who grew up so fast, leave to go into the young men and women programs.

We hope that we can make a significant difference in the lives of children as we help you parents to teach them the gospel.  This year in our Primary we are following the prophets council in teaching the children to "Come Unto Christ".  We are placing special emphasis on the Book of Mormon and the 13 Articles of Faith.  Today in our Primary we will be giving certificates of achievement to those children and teachers who have memorized all of the Articles of Faith.  We know this takes allot of hard work and dedication, as much from the parents as well as the kids, and we surely appreciate all of your help.

Hopefully we as teachers and leaders have done our part to influence them for good, to help them learn and grow in the gospel and to supplement the teachings you as parents are teaching at home.  
This is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

June 29, 1988

Well, it's almost here!  Only 6 more days!, and baby Landon will be born.  We are all really excited.  They gave me a baby shower at work today, and gave me an infant seat.

May 1988 - from my journal

May

1 - Park picnic

3 - Dr. appt.

3 - C-section meeting at hospital

3 - Zac school program at 2:40

5 - Rabbits born

5 - Primary party

Soccer practice and games all this month for Zac

10- Amanda school program

11 - Amanda field trip

11 - Zac goes to a birthday party

12 - I eat with Zac at school

13 - WIC

14 - Soccer party

15 - Regional Conf. at Dee Event's center

16 - Farm field trip - Zac, Kindergarten?

17,18 Appraisal course for Gwen

21 - Shower?

22 - Baccalaureate - Tonya

26 - Tonya's graduation

27 - Amanda to Erika's

29 - Elder Chappel's homecoming

31 - Doctor's appt.

May 12, 1988

Allot has happened. Amanda got baptized April 30th.  It was special and exciting.  She is getting so grownup.  Sometimes I think we are too hard on her because she's the oldest.  She does so many good things.  She's sensitive about others feelings.  She had a nice birthday party.  About 14-15 friends came up, played a few games, and had a scavenger hunt.  Our rabbit had babies May 5th.  Seven, 3 white and 4 brown.  I had an ultrasound May 4th to see if my dates were correct because my stomach (baby-wise) is not too big.  Everything's okay.  I'm right on schedule, and the technician said it was a little baby boy!!  We are so excited!  It didn't matter at all, but just knowing makes it so much more exciting.  Only 46 more days (hopefully)  That's 2 weeks early exactly.  I'm going to the doctor every 2 weeks now, so next Tuesday I will ask him more details.  Gaylene Kimbal had a baby boy April 7, (Chase) Kaley Peterson had a girl, April 6th, (Paige)  Annette Waller is due anytime(Hillarie), also Cindy London and Marni Christensen are expecting.  

Amanda is still loving horse 4-H. (Nancy Ford was her leader.  Mandy rode Rebena.  It was a really great, experience for her.  Unfortunately Rebena died (the vet said maybe it was something to do with her liver) and Mandy was only able to do horse 4-H 1-2 years) We are working on building her an arena down by where the trailer's used to sit.  We sold our camp trailer  1960 Aljo to Todd Morgan for $200.00 (Boy we took a loss on that!  We paid $1,200 (I think) and that was too much.)  and our horse trailer for $350.00. (We had purchased an old homemade horse trailer to haul the horses around it.  I  can't remember writing about this earlier, but we got a mare (Rebena- or Reb for short) and her colt (Round-Up) from a friend of Roger's at the Bakery.  I think we must have gotten them the summer of 1987?, don't know for sure)   We are using Uncle Don's horse trailer now.  Round-up cut his foot up bad, but it's getting better now.  Still don't know for sure on the water situation for grass (sprinkling system)  It's scary (dry)  Probably won't be able to get it put in.  The kids have only 11 more days of school before summer vacation.  They both have had darling programs.  

Zac is the "Who Am I" person this week at school.  He is really excited.  He got to take some things to hang up on a board so the kids could guess who he was.  He took his baby picture, and a little t-shirt they gave him in the hospital, and his blue ribbon he won at the fair for his rabbit, and his swimming lesson certificate, and some more pictures and some spaghetti sauce and play dough.  Amanda had a field day yesterday.  They went to  Roger's Foods for a tour, and then had a picnic lunch at the park and ran through obstacle courses.  Then they went back to school and watched "Bedknobs and Broomsticks"  

Mandy was "Maisie Bird" in her 2nd grade program the 10th.  That character is from the story "Horten the Elephant"  She is quite the little actress.  Mrs. Little says she carries the program!  I got lilacs to plant Saturday, and hopefully we will be pouring cement also.  Zac only has 3 more soccer games.  His team has done pretty good this year.  He really likes playing.  We will be going down to the Dee Events Center Sunday for a Regional Conference.  President Benson will be there.  Monday I go on a farm field trip with Zac's class to J. Golden's milk barns.  Lori Birt is going to be released as Primary President sometime in the next 2 months.  I hope they don't put me in.  I guess that's a rotten attitude, but they don't need somebody in there with a rotten attitude.  I think they need ALL new blood.  Well, better go get going.

May 16, 1988 - Letter from Mark

Dear Rich family,  How are you all?  From your letters you all sound fine.  All excited for the new arrival which is pretty quick I guess.  I don't have much time today, so this will be a short letter, but I just wanted to thank you and tell you all that you're a special family to me.  Things are going great, better all of the time.  I'm learning so much and having a new and exciting experiences each day.  Sometimes it is rough, but it's well worth what I'm getting out of it.  Lately I've really been thinking a lot about how important his life is, and how short it is.  It's so important to perfect ourselves and do our best, cause when we're done here we get an eternal reward that depends on our everyday efforts, which have determined our final state when we die.  The church helps us to that, it's great to be a member.  How is work Rog?  The knee?  How are you two kids?  I'm sorry Amanda, but I was hoping for a BOY!  (I'm sure you're excited though)  Thanks for writing Gwen, I appreciate it.  I"m looking forward to hear what happens, I'm sure having a baby isn't too fun!  Well, I gotta go!  Take care, write again soon.  Elder Dickson

May 1988 - letter from Linda

Dear Rog, Gwen and kids, We were so excited to hear the latest news from you!!!  A baby boy, how special!!  And to know that everything is all right with it. I wish they had all those advanced things when I was having my brood.  Tell Mandy her life will go on.  She will be the only girl and be spoiled.  I bet Zac thinks that's great huh?  The kids are really growing up?  They will be a big help to you when they baby comes.  I hope you have him before we come, my arms are ready to hold a new baby.  Even big ones too!!  Well, we got back from Korea on Wednesday night at 9:00  We really went crazy shopping.  I can't wait for you to see the things we got.  Korean people are very talented.  They can sew anything that you can draw a picture of.  The boys picked out the leather and style of shoes they wanted, and they made them to fit perfect.  Same way with their suits.  It's too bad everything we saw we wanted to get for you guys at home.  But customs are really strict now.  They went through about 1/2 of our boxes here in the P.O. to make sure we didn't bring anything we weren't supposed to.  Brenda had a really nice black leather coat made, and she looks cute in it.  We have our moves all set up now, and will be moving in the motel on the 22nd of June.  I will be through work on the 3rd of June (Yah)  so what has everyone been up to these days?  I guess soon you will be playing nursemaid to baby rabbits.  I remember doing that when we had them.  A lot of the babies die though.  I hope yours turn out okay.  How is the weather now?  I heard that it snowed a little.  It's been nice here.  A lot of rain though.  But the temperature is real warm.  And the humidity is high now.  Oh, to be in the states again.  We can hardly wait to see everyone again.  It will be so good to see Terri and Pat.  We have really missed her.  It's so hard to let one go.  Seems like they are never able to handle their own life and boy do they ever fool us!!!  It's hard to believe they have been married almost a year now.  I guess time flies, huh?  So how is the knee doing Rog?  Are you getting back in shape?  And Gwen, how are you doing?  You know, we never did get a picture of the expecting one!!!  Have you been doing much work on your yard yet?  Or do the deer eat it as soon as you plant it?  Speaking of deer, I don't know if these guys can wait till October to hunt or not.  That's all they talk about.  That and fishing.  You guys sold your trailer house, huh?  Are you going to get another one?   I guess that will have to be one of the things on our list to do when we get home.  You know me, I don't go camping without my own toilet.  Are you going to plant a garden this year?   I guess Buck is going to plant one at our place.  Hurray!!  I can't tell how awful the veggies are over here.  Even potatoes.  In Korea it was so good to eat, and I am looking towards drinking milk again.  (real)  Well, we only have 45 days on the island left and counting.  So we'll plan on seeing you in July  We love and miss you..  Love, Linda.

May 22, 1988

I found out last Tuesday that our baby boy (Landon) will be born on July 6th, one day after Linda and Bruce get home from Okinawa.  Only 6 more weeks YAH!  I weigh 183 pounds now.  I scrubbed Zac's and Amanda's walls, room, etc. last Friday.  I also got things changed around, dressers, etc, and got the crib set up.  There are so many things we need, and not enough money.  I would really like a recliner rocker. ( We eventually went to U and I furniture and got one 90 days same as cash) I got a carrier seat with some money Grandma Dickson gave me.  Also, I made the kids a bunch of summer shorts and got tank tops 2 for $5.00 to go with them.  I really don't need that much for the baby.  A diaper bag, I guess, and if anyone asks me what I want, I'm telling them disposable diapers!  I called Claudia Nelson and she's going to watch Landon for me when I go back to work.  I've decided I'm not going to the #4 appraisal course in August.  Landon will only be 4 weeks old, and I'll be nursing and it will be too hard.  I will miss #3 also on July 11-16.  But I am planning on going to #2 which is June 6-11. Yuck!  (I took the 1st course last October 1987, and I ended up not going to the 2nd course either, because of Tonya's death)  I'm not looking forward to it at all.  Our baby rabbits are growing so cute each day.  They will be 3 weeks old on Thursday the 2nd of June.  There are 3 white, 2 brown and 2 black ones.  Their mom is so good, and has gotten allot tamer since she has had them.  We took the front off the nest box, and I cleaned and scrubbed it yesterday.  We let Amanda's white doe go because she was so onry and mean and sick, I think.  She is still hanging around our house and sleeps in the garage.  The kids only have 4 more days of school, and I just remembered I should be to Baccalaureate in 15 minutes, so I guess I won't go. (This was for Tonya's graduation.  Tonya graduated one week, and the next week she was killed)  Hope mom's not mad.  Lori Birt said today that the Primary Presidency is supposed to give the program June 26th in Sacrament meeting. YAH!!  You know what that means?!?  We are going to be released!!  And she says that they aren't going to ask me!  YAH!!  What a relief!!! Wonder what they'll want me for next though!!!  Grandma Dickson got new glasses that help her see allot better.  Thank goodness.

May 29, 1988

Don't know why I'm writing.  It's 10:30, and I can't sleep as usual.  My head aches allot tonight.  Went to West Valley City for Elder Chappell's homecoming.  (He was a companion of Mark's)  Came home through Emigration Canyon.  It's rained today.

April 1988 - Letters

Approximately end of March, first of April 1988 - Letter from the Frosts

Dear Rog, Gwen, Mandy, and Zac,

So, how is everyone at your house these days?  Is old man winter gone?  And I guess spring is upon you.  I remember how I used to get anxious to go to the nursery and get some plants.  We'll be coming home a little too late for any planting.  What plans are in store for your yard?  You have such a huge one.  But it's so pretty.  I can't wait to look over the entire valley from up there.  Well, we are all fine.  Seems like all we do is chase around.  The kids are always wanting to do something.  Darrin, he's getting hot and heavy into hanging out at the gym.  He plays basketball and racquetball allot.  He's growing up so fast.  Although he still doesn't like any of the girls over here (Thank goodness)  Brenda is mostly bored since Brandi left.  She mostly does homework.  She likes to drive though.  But it's hard, because she can't drive off-base.  Then there is Todd, he's still madly in love with 16 year old Somcha.  She is a real cute girl, but too old for him.  I'm glad we're leaving soon!  We're on the countdown side at least.  Approximately 90 days left.  I am going to quit work about the first of June, and just play for awhile.  The kids have to go to school until the 16th of June.  I guess their summer will be a short one.  But it will give them a chance to get into the swing of things.  Well, guess I'll close for now.  We'll let you know what day we'll be home as soon as we find out.  Love Linda.

Dear Amanda, I know we will be seeing you in 3 months.  But, I will miss your birthday.  Hope you like your gift.  Have a happy day.  Kiss everyone for us.  Love, The Frosts

(Approximately the end of April 1988)

Dear Roger, Gwen, Mandy, and Zac,

Sorry it's taken so long for me to write back.  Seems like I get home from work at night and all I do is get supper and do some wash and get ready for the next day.  So anyway, how are all of you doing these days?  We are fine, just anxious to come home.  We count the days every other day.  We are waiting for CPO to give us our date to leave the island.  Seems they are really booked up, and it just takes time (they say)!  Any way, we know it will be at the end of June.  So it's only about 2 months away.  I wish we could see Zac wrestle, I bet he did a good job.  Funny how grown up the kids really are when they got out on the mat.  I know I always just about wet my pants!  And I know mom used to wet her's for sure when the boys wrestled.  And I can't believe Mandy is big enough to join the 4-H club.  I always wanted to have a horse and to ride in the Morgala Days Rodeo.  But, we'll be home in time to see her ride in the fair at least.  So how is Gwen doing?  We keep asking for a picture of her, because we want to see her sizes changing!  (Just joking)  I know how you feel Gwen.  But it will be worth it.  We are excited for you.  Hope you wait till we get home to have this new one!  You know me, I have to be in on everything!  See, I haven't changed a bit.  I hope you aren't too mad at us, but we don't dare get shoes from Korea this time.Customs is really getting sticky.  They even check everything that we want to bring.  I am hoping they  don't try and stop us from taking all the movies we have bought here.  We have about 200!  Now, naturally our VCR is acting up, so I guess that will be the next thing on our list.  It keeps catching the tapes and wrinkling them.  So how is the rabbit business coming along?  I didn't mind it.  But I could never eat one.  And I didn't like playing nurse maid to them. Roger, how is your knee doing now?  Does it bother you at all now?  I hope your in shape for hunting this year.  These guys can hardly wait.  Gosh, it almost broke Darrin's heart when he heard they changed the age for hunting.  He told Bruce that he should make Todd wait till he is 16!  We got a big laugh over it.  But he didn't think it was funny at all.  I told him that if Todd was lucky they would change the driving age.  Boy, then was he ever ticked.  How is Mark liking his mission over here?  One thing, the Japanese are the most humble people I have ever been around.  They are helpful, and courteous, and never speak above a whisper.  Well, we went to the beach again yesterday.  But it was kind of rainy, so we only stayed a little while.  But we got some shells with some icky animals in them.  That's Darrin's job (cleaning them)  he is the only one with a stomach for it.  Todd just gags!  Brenda just smells it and leaves the room.  Speaking of her, she started dieting this week and has done really good.  I hope she can stay on it. It is so hard over here, because there are no really good fruits or vegetables here to diet on.  Unless we want to spend a fortune on them.  Like $1.00 for an apple.  I guess I'll start tomorrow (famous last words)  Well, guess I'll close for now.  Take care we love and miss you guys.   Love, Linda

(Approximately end of April 1988- postcard from Mark)

Dear Amanda, How is my sweetheart?  I didn't forget your birthday, I'm just a little slow!  You are 8 years old!! I remember you smiling at me when you were a baby.  That was just a little while ago.  I hope that you had a good birthday and had a good time.  Who is the lucky boy in town now?  Well, it is fun here in JAPAN, I really like it a lot.  Keep studying hard in school, and now that you're getting baptized, you need to be a real good girl!!  Write me when you get a chance!!  Bye, bye, Love Elder Dickson