September 1981 - from my journal

September 1981

4 - W.S.C. Sheet?

5 - Bill's wedding (Webster?)

9 - Joanna's shower (Stephen Tonks' first wife)

9 - Sommer's birthday

9  Club

11 - Terri's birthday

11 - Doctor's appt. Dr. Godfrey

15 - Tonya's birthday

17 - Doctor's appt.

18 - Dr.'s appt.

19 - Stephen Tonks' wedding

21 - Perm

22 - Relief Society

28 - Zac was born!!!!!!

September 2, 1981

I guess pretty soon we'll be getting a new baby!  Just 3 more weeks I hope.  I'll probably go into October (YUK)  Amanda is getting more grown up everyday.  She can say a bunch of words, mostly names.  We went on vacation to Salina, Utah for bowhunting from August 21st to the 29th.  Roger didn't get a deer, but the season lasts until this weekend so maybe he still will.  Roger cut his finger really bad Sunday.  It took 6 stitches to close it. He almost fainted.  He really has a weak stomach when it comes to blood. I'm gonna leave this journal out so I will write more often now that the baby is coming.

September 3, 1981

Well, I'm finally cleaned up from camping, and last night and today, I straightened out a few drawers and got Amanda's pants all hemmed.  Roger hates to be back to work, and I hate seeing him miserable, but hopefully he'll get a night job pretty soon.  I made myself an appointment for a permanent on the 21st.  Maybe I'll go early now (HA-HA) 

Looslis are leaving today for Yellowstone. They'll be gone a week and a half. (WHEW!)  Sure hope we can get into my Aunt Vera's house pretty soon, but I'm not holding my breath. (I think by this time, Looslis were wearing on my nerves)

September 8, 1981

Well, only 12 more days until my due date.  I wonder when we'll have this baby.  I keep saying and telling everyone I'll go over and be 2 weeks late.  But I can't help but keep hoping it's any day!  Today I went downstairs and cleaned everything and picked out what the baby will be brought home in.  We're still just kinda waiting to see if we'll be moving.  We need to get a bed for Amanda and a set of dresser drawers for the baby's clothes.  I got my old horse "King" from mom's today.  Amanda just loves to rock on it.  The past couple of days I've been really miserable. Sunday morning I woke up at 3:00 a.m. with pains in my stomach.  They weren't contractions, just a steady pain.  Also, very bad cramps.  They lasted all day, and I wondered if this was really it.  I even called the Delivery Room nurse, and she told me I could take paregoric to stop the pain.  Monday morning  the pain finally stopped, but gas pains bothered me all day.  Finally last night I managed to fall asleep on the couch and only woke once to go to the bathroom.  I've felt beautiful today!!  I still have to watch what I eat, because heartburn and gas pains make me miserable.  Roger should be home in the next little while.  I'll go get ready for him.

September 10, 1981

Today is the pits.  Amanda still has a little runny nose, and she's as onry as a bear!  First of all, she wakes up at 7:00 a.m. ready and raring to go.  Since I couldn't go to sleep until after midnight, and was up with her for about an hour and a half at 2:30 a.m., needless to say I wasn't too happy at 7:00 a.m.  She wouldn't even take an hour hap this afternoon, so I put her down again right now.  I went down and saw Deanne and Malan Johnson's little boy Coby today.  He is about 3 weeks old.  Mandy didn't seem too interested in him at all, but boy she kept messing with his bottles and things.  It seems the only place I can relax and be at ease with her is here at my own home.  Everywhere else I'm so busy running after her it's a joke.  I'm beat!  So now I'll lay down and sleep and then I won't be able to tonight.  Life is a bowl of cherries, and I'M THE PITS!!!!

September 11, 1981

I feel allot better today.  My house is clean, dishes done and Amanda in bed.  In about 2 1/2 hours me, Tonya, and Erika will be leaving for Ogden.  My appointment is at 3:15 p.m. with Dr. Godfrey.  I probably won't know anything more than I know now.  I mean about whether or not I'll have a C-section.  I do hope I'm at least dilated a little bit (HA) It really would be great if I'd go next week, because the last 2 weeks of September, everybody has so much going.  Terri Frost, Linda's oldest girl is 13 today.  I'm stopping out there tonight to give her a present.  Amanda's runny nose is worse.  I think the Rondec medicine is affecting her behavior.  She's not been in a very good mood at all for the last 3-4 days.  Also, I think it must be a stimulant, because she's always hyper, and awake.  I'll write more tonight about what the doctor has to say (Guess I never go around to writing that night)

September 13, 1981

Roger just left for work.  I'll be so glad if he can get on nights, because then we'll have Sundays together.  Well, Dr. Godfrey didn't tell me much that I didn't already know.  Except that my cervix still has some thinning out to do.  I guess chances are about 50/50 which way we'll have this baby.  I really do hope to have it normal, but if I don't, at least I'll know that I tried and it won't always be in the back of my mind wondering whether I could have had it vaginally.  Also, now I'm not really concerned when I have it.  I guess it won't be this week, and possibly not even the next week.  But I guess that the longer I wait, the easier the labor will be and the thinner the cervix,  so maybe my chances of having it normally will be increased.  Well, Tonya just called, and I've got to get ready to go over to mom's and eat.

September 16, 1981

Kelee Peterson had her baby taken by cesarean section this morning at 6:00 a.m.  Thank goodness everything was okay.  Her last two babies died at birth, but this ones alright.  (They named him Ladd, and he and Zac were pretty good friends in Elementary school) Barbara Anderson also had her baby yesterday on Tonya's birthday. (They named him Mark) There's me, Chris Carrigan, Kathy Rees, Lisa Preece, to go yet.  I bet Chris is next, then me hopefully.(Chris had a girl, named Amber, Kathy had a boy named Garrett, and Lisa had a boy named ?)

Today I got more accomplished from 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. than I did all the rest of the day.  I scrubbed the bathroom and it's clean enough to eat in now.  I cut some throw rugs to put around that stinking toilet.  I hope Looslis don't care, because there is a bunch of nails in their floor.  I've just fixed Roger tacos for supper, and he isn't home yet.  Also, tonight he found out that he got the night job, HURRAH!!  He won't go on the shift for about a month.  Amanda still has a bit of a cold.  I hope she gets over it before the baby comes.

September 27, 1981

Well, tomorrow is the big day!!  At 12:00 noon they are gonna take the baby Cesarean.  My cervix just won't thin out one bit, so I guess it's C-sections from now on.  I'm really not too disappointed, just as long as the baby is okay.  Having this baby has sure produced different feelings than my other two.  I'm more concerned about Amanda's reaction than anything else.  I guess I'll have to to write more in the morning, right now I'm too restless.

September 28, 1981 - Zac was born.

September 29, 1981

Surprise, Surprise, a big 8 pound 4 ounce baby boy BLONDE!!!  This morphine has sure put me outta this... later.... (Zac was born on September 28th at 3:00 p.m. approx.)

September 30, 1981

Today we decided on a name for our son.   Zachary Roger Rich.  Roger really loves the name, and I'm getting used to it.  I'm just afraid of the reaction of everyone else. (Kelly had a dog he called Zac, and Grandma Tonks wouldn't call Zac by his name for quite awhile.  She would call him "Little Roger") We'll call him Zac for short.  Rog came in today and held him for the first time.  He even got him quieted down and to sleep when I couldn't . He's such a good baby.  So far it seems his temperament is just between Ambure and Amanda's.  I was so nervous with Ambure, it seemed she was always onry and crying.  Amanda was always so quiet and  never even heard her cry in the hospital.  Zac is right in between. He has cried loudly when he's been hungry, but he quiets right down when he's full.  Zac has blonde hair all over his head. His face and shoulders are also quite hairy.  He is 21 1/2 inches long. Longer than either of our girls.  Amanda is getting along well at home, but Roger says she misses me.  I miss her too.  Mom's tending her today, and tomorrow, Linda's gonna have her all day and bring her up for afternoon visiting hours.  Chris Carrigan is in labor today and she's waiting to have her baby.  I  just called, and found out she had a baby girl.

August - calendar events

August 1981

3 - Reunion?

2 thru 8  Roger's Vacation

4 - Deanne Johnson's baby shower (Colby)

8 - Veloy's birthday

11 - Wood

12 - Fun Night 5-9  ?

15 - Ward Breakfast

19 - Shower

21 - Roger's 5 year class Reunion, which we didn't go to because we went bow hunting in Salina with the Frost's

July 1981 - from my journal

July 1981

1 - Becky's wedding (Tonks?)

9 - Amanda to Doctor  30 1/2 inches long and 20 pounds  MMR shot

16 - Call hospital

20 - Gwen appt.

24, 25, Camping (Hardscrabble?)
27 - Layne's birthday

29 - Dad's, Roger's Kelly's birthdays

30 - Mark's birthday

30 - Class?

30 - John's wedding?

July 2, 1981

Well, I guess it's about time I wrote some more!  So much has happened.  Time flies by so fast.  At the end of March, we bought us a car for $1500.00. (blue Celica) We were able to pay cash thanks to my working.  Amanda had a big birthday party on the 9th of April, and everyone came and had cake and ice cream. (I made her a cake in the shape of a rabbit) She is growing like a weed.  She is now almost 15 months.  At the end of April,  Diane quit tending and mom went back to work.  Also, Amanda got sick with Bronchitis, and I started getting very bad headaches.  Well needless to say, I quit work (furloughed)  May 15th.  Since then everything's been quite well, except Amanda has had diarrhea for about 3 weeks.  Next week she's going in for her 15 month check-up, and she will get her last shots.  On June 9, 10, 11, Amanda and I left for Lava Hot Springs for a vacation  with mom and dad and my family.  We had a good time, but, I'll never leave Roger like that again.  We missed each other too much. (He couldn't come because he had to work)  Last week we bought us a camper, and today (Thursday), were going with Linda & Bruce & family up Hardscrabble Canyon for the 4th of July weekend.  Roger has been working allot of overtime lately and 12 to 14 hour days are not uncommon.  He really hates his shift, and is hoping that in the next month he can get on straight nights.  I am doing fine.  I've only gained to 132 pounds in 6 months of pregnancy.  This baby is loved by all of us, but hardly ever noticed.  I have kept really busy this summer.  I have got a nice tan.  Amanda & I go to Como quite a bit.  She LOVES the water.  She's like a little fish.

April, May, June 1981 - calendar events

April 1981

9 - Amanda's birthday

10 - Lynette's birthday

11 - Mandy's 1st birthday party

14 - LuAnn's party

20 - Dr. Gardner

21 - Hometeaching

23 - Heath's birthday

25 - Go to Lynette's for Heath's party

May 1981

1 - Gwen appt. (doctor?)  I am pregnant by this time with Zac

4 - Kent Smith's wife Thank You Note  (probably for the dress she made Amanda)

7 - Tori Campbell's wedding

9 - Uncle Don's chores

11 - Bronchitis (Amanda?)

15 - Dance

16 - Seminary graduation for Erika

17 - Baccalaureate for Erika

18 - Dr. Gardner

21 - Graduation from High School for Erika

22 - Janice wedding?

30 - Shower ?

June 1981

1 - Cindy

4 - Darrin's birthday

9 - Wedding Breakfast

10 - Bret's wedding?  Whittier?

11,12,13  Lava with Lee & Veloy and family

13 - Register for swim

17 - Todd's game

19 - Doctor appt.

22 - Tonya  2:30 at park

23 - Erika's birthday

25,26, 27  Morgala Days Rodeo & breakfast in the morning at the park

30 - Relief Society

March 1981 - from my journal

March - We got a new (used) car, a blue Celica

March 1981

8 - Ambure's birthday

18 - Bart's wedding?

23 - Got taxes back

23 - Cindy's party

24 - Inservice

March 8, 1981

Well, 3 years ago today, our little Ambure was born. It's hard to believe that time goes by so fast.  We think about her often, and miss her so.  Tomorrow Amanda will be 11 months old!!  She still isn't walking, but I'm not really too upset or worried.  She's got 6 teeth now, 4 on the top, & 2 on the bottom. 

Today was Stake Conference and the Morgan Utah Stake was divided into 2 new stakes.  The Morgan Utah Stake, and the Morgan North Utah Stake.  And guess who is second counselor in the Morgan Utah Stake?  Dad!!  My dad!!  Boy I'm so proud, the whole family is.  Here are the new officers:

Morgan Utah State                                       Morgan North Utah Stake

President Jay Taggart                                    President Robert Poll

1st Counselor Lorin C. Tonks                        1st Counselor Calvin Stephens

2nd Counselor W. Lee Dickson                     2nd Counselor William Weaver

Wards are:                                                     Wards are:

Porterville                                                         Milton 1st & 2nd

Morgan 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th                             Peterson 1st & 2nd

Croydon                                                           Mountain Green

I go to the doctor a week from tomorrow, and by then I'll have missed 3 periods and be 3 months pregnant.  Tonight I laid on my back and I could see a small swell on my lower stomach, and I'm so excited.  I'm waiting up for Roger to tell him.  Well tomorrow is work, and I'm just thrilled to go!!  HA HA!!  I'll sure be glad when June or July gets here so I can be furloughed.  Amanda really doesn't mind me being gone though, because Roger takes such excellent care of her.  So do Diane Call and Mom.  When we get our income tax return, and my next check back, we'll have about $1500.00 saved for our car, and we have to get a car before the 27th, because our insurance is due.

1981 - Love Letters

1981

(These following letters were written between Gwen and Roger during the months of Jan-May in 1981, while Gwen was working days at I.R.S. and Rog was working swing at the bakery)

Gwen, We are just sitting here watching T.V. and playing with (Jack).  Mandy was good.  She went back to bed at 7:00 a.m. and I did too.  She woke me up at 10:00 a.m.  Don't forget to call Dick.  Be careful if you go anywhere.  I should be home about 10:00 p.m. but don't wait up for me.  (We love you)  Hope your day at work went good.  You are probably the best looking woman there.  The car has been started.  If you want, you can pay Diane with a check for the past two days.  P.S. I love you   Love Roger

Gwen, I love you.  I just figured the check book.  We are one penny off.  That is pretty good.  I can't talk much.  I've got to go make the bed and clean the house.  Hope I do it good for you.  How did mom like the car?  Go to bed early, cause I love you.  I will probably be late.  I love you.  Roger

Gwen, I went over to Wally's.  You will have to take the truck over there Sunday night and you will have to pick it up Monday after work and pay him.  He has got some nice bikes over there.  He is going to get one fixed up so we can take it for a ride Tuesday after you get back from work.  It's a lovely bike.  It is a LTD 440  It is a brand now one, and I can get it for about $1,900 or $2,000.  It gets 60-70 mpg.  love, Roger P.S. Talk to you tonight

Gwen, We are just sitting here trying to find something for lunch.  Amanda had cereal and applesauce for breakfast.  We love you so much.  I can hardly wait till this weekend.  Mandy was good this morning.  I don't know what time I will be home, but you go to bed early or I will kick your butt.  I gave Mandy her vitamins.  It is 11:15 a.m., so I have to go get dinner fixed.  We love you, Roger, Mandy, Ambure (And the little one *I'm barely pregnant with Zac at this time)  She had Cream of Mushroom soup and pears.  I picked all the mushrooms out of it.  She liked it.  There is more in the yellow thing in the fridge.

Dear Roger,  I can hardly wait till this weekend.  I'll call tomorrow and get us a reservation , but tell me how much you want to spend okay?  So I don't go overboard.  I love you so much!!  Amanda was really good today.  She is such a sweetheart.  She takes after you.  I hope the spaghetti is good for you.  The reason I mixed the noodles with the sauce is so they wouldn't go soggy, okay?  I don't have anything else to say except I love you a whole bunch.  Love, Gwen, & Amanda, & Ambure.  P.S. Grandma gave you some raisin bread, eat it!! 

Gwen, We are just eating breakfast.  Mandy was great.  She woke up about 6:30 a.m., then went back to sleep till 7:35 a.m.  I am sorry I was so bad last night.  I was a jerk.  Don't hate me.  We are all through eating.  Mandy had some Frootloops.   Gwen would you call Dick Slate and ask him for some more paper to fill my rolls out on. (The blue ones)  I went to do my rolls, and I don't have any.  (Please)  I put $20.00 in checking.  The rest is in the envelope.  Here is $5.00 to buy some Triaminic for Mandy.  Use that $2.03 for the rest.  Here is how much interest I paid on my truck.  We love you so much.  I started the car for you.  Be careful tonight.  I love you so much, Roger  P.S. I sleep like a log zzzzzzzz I love you.

Gwen, I love you.  I called the I.R.S. and they told me they can't tell when we will be getting our refund, until our taxes have been in for ten weeks.  I love you.  I hope work went good for you today.  Mandy is an angel.  I love all of you.  (Mandy, Ambure, Mommy)  I love you.  See you tonight.  Love you.  I probably will be a little late.  Roger

P.S.  I could not find her bonnet, would you find it?

Gwen, I LOVE YOU, Sorry I was an A-hole this morning.  Mandy had some bad messy pants.  I had to plug my nose.  Mandy is in bed.  I am going out to shovel the walks.  I hope work went okay for you today.  Plan on going to Ogden tomorrow and having a great time.  I love you, Roger  P.S. Here is a stick of gum.  Chew it in good health.

Gwen,  guess what?  Look in the envelope.  It will surprise you.  We got our taxes.  I talked to George (at the bank) and he said there was no problem about getting a loan. (for a car, I think)  I paid the truck payment.  I love you.  Go to bed early.  I will probably be a little late.  I will pick you up tomorrow at the same place, and same time.  Then we will go buy a car somewhere.  You better wash diapers. Be careful today.  I hope you don't go to that party. (I can't remember what party he was talking about)   I love you, Roger

Gwen, I have a lot to tell you, and it is 11:45 a.m.  (almost time for him to leave for work)  Mandy is still in bed. A man came today and he is selling tapes of the church history and the bible.  I told him it was all right with me.  He is coming at 4:30 p.m. to show them to you and you will have to sign and pay $34.00 if you want them.  So it is up to you.  He said your mom has got them, so if you want to, call her and find out about them.  It will cost $15.00 a month, for two tapes.  It is totally up to you.  Call me at 7:00. 

Don't forget  I love you.  Roger P.S. You better wash diapers.  Please be home at 4:30.  Call me at 7:00.

Gwen, here are some coupons from your Grandma.  There was an advertisement on the T.V.  I love you.  Hope work went good for you.  Would you go over to Hamula's and get some baby food.  Mandy is out of cereal.  You might want to take Loosli's vacuum over.  They aren't home.  I fed the cats.  I think I will call Bret Kimball about a the new job.(I think we were trying to line them up for Amway)  Try that new was soap.  Don't forget to wash it without clothes in it.  I hope you like your check (wow)  I read through all those books. (Amway books)  They are really good.  I bought some potato soup for Mandy's lunch  I hope she likes it.  I didn't give Mandy any Triaminic.  I didn't know if I was supposed to give her it.  I love you.  Roger.  P.S.  Mandy has had three dirty pants, and she woke up and she just cried for a half an hour.  She has a bad diaper rash.  I didn't get the chance to feed her.  I hope Diane doesn't care.  You can feed her the soup tonight.  She feels better now, but I don't have time to feed her.

Dear Roger,  I love you very much!  I hope that everything I need to say in this letter I can.  Remember, you can give Mandy some Triaminic tomorrow morning EARLY 1/2 tsp. and then again about noon, or just before you take her to mom's.  By the way, you might want to call mom at work 829-3418, and remind her.  I have used the laundry soap, lotion, spray cleaner, and shampoo.  Tomorrow you might want to use the shoe polish and L.O.C. okay? (These are Amway products we were trying out.  Somebody at Rog's work was trying to get us to join)  That book is really good too!  Please try and be home by four tomorrow okay?  When is B.J. going to pick the kit up?  I'm sorry that Mandy had so many dirty diapers.  Diane fed her really good and she said she'll feed her everyday she tends her if you want her to, because she doesn't feed her kids until 12:15 or 12:30.  If you get a can of olives, I'll fix a pizza tomorrow night, okay?  I hope you like your supper.  It's about 9:00, and I think I better get to bed.  OH, by the way, I didn't get furloughed!  Neither did Tori Campbell.  And now for the bad news, my friend Karen at work used to do Amway, and she didn't like it at all.  I'll have to explain it more to you tomorrow.  Bret and Gaylene sound like good prospects.  Tell B. J. that I think it would be a good idea if they came about 15 minutes early, so we could talk first.  Love Gwen, Amanda, and Ambure.  Please hang up the Levis tomorrow.  They're in the washer.

Gwen, I love you.  I am not mad at you.  I hope you told them that you wanted to be furloughed tomorrow.  I hate seeing you like that.  Write out a check to the hospital and pay Diane out of that twenty dollar bill you have.  I should be home at 10:00 p.m. If you want to wait up for me you can, but if you are tired you can go to bed.  I have to mow the lawn tomorrow morning.  You have to do something about Mandy and the doctor.  Maybe stay home.  I love you, Roger  P.S. Chet said they are hiring up at the cement plant in May.

Gwen, we are sitting here just waiting for Mandy's lunch to get ready.  It is poached eggs.  She had cereal and applesauce for breakfast.  It is 11:00 a.m., so I am trying to be fast. Mandy just pulled a leaf off of your flower.  I just changed a messy messy diaper.  We love you so much.  I don't know if I will be late or not.  I took the good car seat out of the car, and put it in the truck.  So you will have to put the black one in the car.  It is snowing cats and dogs outside.  So you be careful going to get Mandy.  Sorry about not cleaning the house up.  I don't have time on Friday's.  I love you, Roger  P.S. I gave Mandy her vitamins.

Dear Roger, I'm just sitting here watching T.V.  It's 5:30.  Mandy is in bed for a nap.  The last 2 days she's slept after I've got home at 4:00 p.m.  It makes me feel bad.  You sure take such good care of Amanda.  But could you please help me out.  I know I haven't told you this before, but when you write me your little notes, could you please tell me what you've fed Mandy for breakfast and lunch, so I"ll know just what her schedule has been and what I should feed her.  Guess what?  You won't believe it!  The roll system has changed in our church.  They only need the rolls every 3 months.  So on April 7th, you should have the report for January, February, and March to Dick Slate.  He said he would get you the roll thing by then.  Boy, I'm sure glad somebody told us!  Huh?  I've been thinking maybe we should call H & R Block.  I just can't get a hold of Terry. (Terry who?  I don't remember.  I guess someone to help us with our taxes) I don't have to pay Diane till the end of this month.  I love you so much honey.  Can you tell Amanda is helping me with this letter. (Amanda was pulling at my hands, and the rest of the letter is a mess)  She's awake now.  I'm really tired, so I might be in bed, but please wake me up.  I don't know what to fix you for supper.

Gwen, I love you.  I hope your last day at work went good for you.  Susan started work at Nebco today.  I went and bought a Pepsi and she was there.  Lay down and rest so we can have a good time tonight.  We all love you.  Clean the kitchen, then go get Mr. Loosli and show him the water.  I love you, Roger  P.S. Don't forget Mandy's medicine.

Gwen,  I love you.  I had a good time this morning.  I should be home on time or maybe a little early.  It is 9:10, and Mandy is in bed and I am going out to do some yard work.  Do you think it would be good if I got on nights?  I would rather be on days, but I would take nights, I think, if I had the chance.  I love you, Roger  P.S. Pay Mt. Bell, Allstate, and Dentist

Gwen, I love you.  I left the check book there so you can buy stuff for cookies.  I don't care if you take off work Friday, but I want you to take annual leave so you will get paid for it.  I got the truck taken care of.  I love you.  Look at Mandy's pants ;in the bathroom, and you can see how much fun I had changing them.  I love you, Roger, (I love you)

I love you

We love you mommy.  Mandy was a good little girl all day.  Would you call your mom and ask her if it would be all right to bring Mandy over about 11:30 a.m., so I can go cash my check.  I hope your first day at work went good for you.  You were probably the best looking and the fastest worker there.  I drove the truck to work.  I put gas in it.  The car has not been started all day, so you might want to let it run for a minute.  Ask your dad what kind of oil he puts in the car. (This is when we were borrowing mom and dad's red station wagon)  I will get some.  It's down almost to ADD.  I hope you are not mad at me for all the dishes.  If you are, I will start doing them once in awhile. Ha Ha  I bathed Mandy this morning.  I you want you can bath her tonight.  Go to bed early so you will feel good tomorrow.  All three of us love you, Roger  I fed Mandy almost two bowls of hamburger soup.  You eat good for supper.  Love you,  Will you pick up Allan Griffins roll.  His wife didn't know where it was.  I got Kent's  thanks  I love you. (Roger was Elder Quorum's secretary at this time.  Those are the rolls he was referring to)

(Approximately March 1981)

Dear Roger,  I luv you a million, jillion, billion lots.  so do Ambure and Amanda.  Work went quite well today, and a met a new friend.  Her name is Karen Carnahan.  She's really nice.  Amanda was really good at Diane's today, and when she saw me she got so excited, but guess what?  Diane's gonna have a baby in 2 months!  Then what'll we do?  But anyway, there's dinner in the oven for you.  Mom made it.  We ate over to moms.  You did a beautiful job cleaning the house.  You may not be a good dishwasher, but you're an excellent bed maker!!  Your mom's driving tomorrow.  I got two parking decals for the station wagon, and the truck.  They go on the outside on the middle at the top.  We've have to put them on this weekend.  I luv you so much!!  Luv, Gwen

P.S. I hope you remembered to get bread so I can make me a deer meat sandwich.  P.P.S.  Thanks for calling me.  Mom said she'd be home right exactly at 11:30 a.m., so have her their exactly.  give her some Triaminic  Eat some cake.

Gwen, We love you.  Hope you had a good day at work.  Hope you like your new friend.  If you go any where, be careful, because the roads may be slick.  Mandy and I missed you.  Mandy's just eating a cookie and smacking her lips.  She has a little runny nose.  The car has been started today.  PLEASE PICK UP ALAN'S ROLL TODAY.  YOU FORGOT YESTERDAY.   I would, but Billy (his wife) doesn't know where he put it.  If you can, wait up for me tonight.  It not, I won't be mad.  I hope the house is clean enough for you.  I took the diaper pail down for you.  I love you.  R.R.  P.S. I love you.  P.P.S I love you.  P.P.P.S. I love you  P.P.P.P.S. I love you

Gwen,  I am just sitting here watching T.V.  Mandy is in bed.  We got up and ate breakfast, then I got her dressed, then we went up and did the chores.  It took us an hour.  It is now 9:00 a.m.  I got the mail.  You got a whole bunch of mail.  I love you.  Sorry I didn't get up with you this morning.  Mandy was so good this morning.  She watched me all morning.  She got excited when she saw the horses, then she went to sleep.  I love you.  The cookies are good.  Love you, Roger

Roger, I love you.  I hope the Ham and Cheese is enough for you.  Mandy wasn't too pleasant tonight, and I wasn't to patient.  I wish I could see her more often.  Tomorrow will you fill the fish tank and plug the heater back in, okay?  Thanks!!  If you get a chance, look at the new photo album I fixed for Amanda, okay?  I'm beat and gonna do my exercises, then hit the sack.  I can hardly wait till this weekend.  Maybe we can buy Mandy something really neat at the mall with any extra money we have.  I have a nagging toothache.  I hope it doesn't get worse for this weekend.  I luv you, Gwen D. Rich

Gwen, I love you and miss you.  I hope you are not too tired tonight.  I hope Mandy will be good for you.  Just one more day till this weekend.  The photo album is cute.  I have got to shave now.  Mandy is in bed.  It is 11:00, so I have to hurry.  I love you, Roger

P.S. I took the diapers downstairs.  You should soak them.  P.S. There is tomato soup in the fridge for you.

January 1981 - from my journal

January - I started working at I.R.S. seasonal on days.

January

2 - Take Grandpa to Ogden

5 - I start work at I.R.S.

6 - Tend Casey (Layne & Susan's boy)

7 - Get Elder's Quorum rolls (Rog is the secretary)

8 - Go with LuAnn & Ben out to eat

9 - My birthday

10 - Go to the Utah Noodle to eat

12 - Joni's birthday

13 - Lesli Nance Durrant's baby shower at Christine Nelson's (Tyrell)

14 - Clean mom's house

15 - Shower at Kelly's ??

17 - Malan & Deanne Supper

20 - Inservice

21 - Homemaking club, Home Ec Room at the High School

22 - Diane Call is tending Amanda

9 - Sent in Federal Taxes for refund

11 - Club (Homemaking)

11 - Do Uncle Don's chores

12 - Mailed State Income Tax Return

14 - Salt Lake ( Is this when we stayed at that dumpy motel, and then met Linda & Bruce and went to the pagoda?)

17 - Amanda, Well baby clinic  29 inches long and 18 pounds

26 - Diana's wedding?

28 - Annette's wedding?

January 1, 1981

I can't hardly believe another year has passed.  I certainly hope that this year will be an improvement.  What I mean mostly, is the economy and the affairs in the world.  The hostages still haven't been released yet, and gas is $1.08 a gallon. It was $1.22, but it's come down a bit, but gee, I can remember when it used to be .25 a gallon.  Grandma Dickson is in the hospital. She suffered a mild heart attack Sunday, and Monday the 28th and 29th of December.  But she's improving, and the heart isn't damaged, thank goodness.  We love her and Grandpa so much.  I wish they wouldn't ever die, but I guess being realistic, their years left on this earth are few.  Roger's still at work.  The fog and smog have been terrible down in Ogden and Salt Lake City.  It's been beautiful up here in Morgan.  You've never seen anything like it. We were outside without coats it was so sunny and beautiful.  Winter might never come!!  Well, 3 more days of freedom, then I start work.  In some ways I'm excited, and then I think how I'll hate to leave Mandy. I'm so mixed up.  Our car registration expired on December 31st, so I've got mom and dad's station wagon.  I guess my main new years resolution is to have personal and family prayer night and morning, every day .  It will be hard, but I'm hoping the Lord will help us.  I wonder if this year we'll get to the temple?  I've got to start treating Roger better and quit nagging and screaming at him.  Please help me Lord.  I'm not a bit strong, and the Devil really goes to work on me best by making me feel like nothing really matters.  It's hard to believe it's been 2 years since Ambure was killed.  December 30, 1978, I'll never forget that date.  I've got to get busy and do her history.  Roger gave me a camera, and some clothes for Christmas.  We all had a very good Christmas.

January 2, 1981

Today, Friday, hasn't been a very busy day.  I did 2 loads of wash and cooked a meatloaf and froze it for when Grandma Dickson gets home. Then I'll take it up for their supper.  She says she might come home tomorrow.  I've got a roast and stuffed potatoes in the oven right now for Roger's dinner.  I sewed up a practice pair of pants tonight, they don't fit too well around the waist.  I just sat down and started my Sunday School lesson. 

New Years Eve, we went down to Linda's and had a party and ate breakfast.  We also went to the show "9 to 5", it was really funny.  I traded the pants Roger got me back in.  They were a 27 inch waist, & I need a 26!!  Well, I should hem Amanda's pants, so I'll quit writing now.

January 4, 1981

Well, tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. I start work again.  This time at I.R.S. in Ogden.  I haven't worked since last March 7, 1980 at Browning Arms.  I'm kinda nervous about the roads being slick, so I'm leaving at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow.  I'm beat right now.  I made Roger some no-bake cookies & his dinner is in the oven.  Today, Sunday, Me and Mandy went to church and I taught my class.  Then we went up to Grandma Dickson's.  She came home from the hospital today. I sure hope she never has another heart attack.  I'm gonna do my exercises, then go to bed for awhile.  I'm working on three pair of pants (black, brown, & tan)  the zippers really have me stumped.  Tomorrow afternoon, I'll try and finish one pair.  See ya!!  Mandy's screaming!!

January 7, 1981

Well, I've been working now for 3 days, or training you could say.  The first day was just orientation. The second day and today we listed to tapes and we are learning to use the machines.  Today was kinda hard, but I've willed myself not to get depressed. I will catch on .  Amanda fell the other day and hit her eye against the bookcase.  It turned into a shiner today.  LuAnn's taking me and Joni down to Ogden and out to eat tomorrow night for our birthdays on the 9th and the 12th.  I think Amanda's getting her 5th tooth. (upper left, next to her big front tooth)  Roger called a few minutes ago, and he said he would be very late.  They broke down for 4 hours.  He is so sweet & good to Amanda,  he takes such good care of her, and we love him so much.  He is so caring and conscientious of all our needs.  He works so hard to provide for us.  I finished the black pair of pants today, except for the hem.

January 9, 1981

I'm 20 years old today, 2 decades.  Wow!!  I don't feel old, but I've really grown up this past year.   I realize now what they mean when they say young marriages rarely work out.  Ours almost didn't, and if it wasn't for Ambure dying, I doubt that we'd still be married  But we're very much in love, and very happy now.  Sure we argue sometimes, but never anything really big.  Amanda is the love of our lives, and everything revolves around her,  I guess that's because she reminds us so much of Ambure.  My training is going very well, and I'm picking up everything fast.  There are allot of parts to it , but they are relatively easy.(I worked in the Data Entry Department)

Only 6 more days and then it's over, and if I pass the test, then I'll probably be hired sometime in February.  Mom and Dad gave me a beautiful blue cowl neck shirt to go with my maroon wool skirt and also $10.00.  LuAnn & Ben gave me a really good heavy-duty cookie sheet.  Roger hasn't got me anything yet because were broke, but he will.  We went  to Arby's Roast Beef and ate lunch today to kinda celebrate! I've been over to mom's all afternoon sewing and vacuuming.  I hope we can get the pants done & pressed at the cleaners by Monday or Tuesday.  Well, I guess this week I'll find out whether or not I'm pregnant.  I'm probably not. (the pants I keep referring to, are some that mom and I made for me to wear to work)

January 16, 1981

Well, only 2 more days of training, counting today.  It's gone really well, & I think  I'll pass the test Monday.  Amanda woke up sick night before last, and she was so sick all day yesterday.  She's waking up now.  I'll maybe write more tonight!

January 19, 1981

Today was the last day of training.  I'm pretty sure that I passed the test, but I guess I shouldn't get my hopes up to high.  Amanda is feeling better and we sure don't know what it was.  I missed my period the 13th, though I'm still not sure.  I hope with all my heart I'm pregnant, because we're so excited we've told allot of people.  We sold our cow today. Tomorrow we're going shopping and finally get my drapes.

January 22, 1981

Well, the hostages are finally released!!  They were let go on the 20th, only a few minutes after President Reagan was inaugurated.  Since then, many tales of their torture are just now coming out.  They are is Weisbaden, Germany at a hospital undergoing medical examinations.  All that's been on the news is this marvelous event.  Mandy was really a good girl today.  It seems I've been so impatient with her lately, since I've become pregnant.  In only 9 days she will be exactly 9 months and 22 days old, the same exact age as Ambure was the day she was killed.  We miss her so much, but it's so true that time dims the memory.  Amanda is different, yet so much like her, and sometimes it's hard to keep them and their actions separate now that they're so much the same age.  We love both our girls so much and this new life that is inside me. We care about it and hope for it's safe development and arrival.  I finally got my new drapes that I've had on order since October.  We hung them today and they look great!!