November 1986 - from my journal

November

5 - Primary party

9 - Zac talk in church

16 - Amanda talk in church

18 - set apart (me in Primary Pres?)

20 - visit teach

26 - rented video recorder to tape our new home for Linda and Bruce

4 - Volleyball tournament

9 - Zac -  Lazy Eye Exam

10 - Ward Christmas Party

16 - Christmas Party

17 - Donate blood

19 - tithing settlement

November 1, 1986 - Letter from Brenda

Amanda and Zac, Hi!  What are you doing?  How do you like school this year?  Does Zac like it as much as you do?  I hope you both like it.  Yesterday it was Halloween, but none of us kids went trick or treating this year.  What did you and Zac dress up as?  Dod you go to a lot of houses?  We have to ride the bus to school, do you ride it to school this year?  Today it is raining outside really bad, the sun hasn't shined all day.  Zac, the boys said to tell you to keep your dad busy till we come back (ok) Well, you kids be good, see ya later,  Love Brenda  P.S.  Did you get our tape?

November 3, 1986 - Letter from Linda

Hi Rog and Gwen and kids, Well, another month had bone by and now we only have 20 months to go.  Gwen, I know what you felt like when your parents moved.  So what have you guys been up to lately?  And how is everyone feeling?  I bet the kids are really growing.  I sure miss everyone.  We keep pretty busy, but we talk about you guys every day.  Sounds like the kids are doing great in school.  Mandy's pictures are cute, we taped it on the fridge.  I signed the boys up for Recreation football.  Now Darrin weighs 129 pounds and Todd 88 pounds.  Darin is now a little taller than Bruce.  That doesn't have to be too tall though.  How has the weather been?  Every time we get a chance we look for Utah's weather. The typhoon season is over now.  The weather has changed.  It's not cold, 75 degrees or so, but it rains almost every other day.  They tell us we'll need a jacket in December because the wind from the ocean is cold.  We drove down to the sea wall tonight and it is really pretty.  I don't ever get tired of looking at it.  I guess you know Mom and Joni called the other night.  And let me tell you everyone was on CLOUD 9 when Joni told us she was coming and bringing the kids.  Brenda was waltzing across the linoleum floor.  I am tickled to pieces.  I can't wait to see  all of them.  The airport that they come to is only 12 miles from us, but it takes 40 minutes to get there because of the traffic.  How is everyone treating Rog at work now.  Has he got used to his new shift?  It sure takes awhile when you change shifts.  How's your new heating system working?  They turned our air conditioning off today and we're all dying because it's hot in here.  They turn off the whole subdivision at once.  I'm sure glad hunting is over now.  Bruce can quit worrying about it.  But we do enjoy hearing everyone's stories.  What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year?  We'll sure miss all that this year.  But we do a lot with the Childs and that helps.  Guess we'll close for now.  Kiss Everyone for Me.  Love, Linda

November 4, 1986 - Letter from Dawna

Dear Gwen  and family,  It sure has been good hearing from you and all about your new house, can't wait to see it, and I'm going to see it this time.  Sounds like you kept busy with all the little odds and ends.  Things that need to be done to make your home the way you want it.  Before you know it, it will be all done and then you will be bored to death with nothing to do!!  (ha-ha) I think the enclosed letter was meant for someone else, because I don't think I've got married again, and I know I havn't changed my name to Frost.  I was good hearing from you anyway.  I'm staying close to the church and close to my Heavenly Father.  I know he listens and answers prayers, but sometimes it isn't always what we want, but thy will be done.  I know and feel it in my heart that He has something planned for me out there.  I'm not sure just what He has in mind but I can't imagine that He would let me have 10 beautiful years of marriage, and one year of hell for nothing.  I just have to prove myself worthy of His blessings.  I have made alot of friends at church, not close friends, but friends and they are dear sweet people.  I also have two dear close friends that I can talk to and confide in, and when I feel down I know I can turn to them at anytime, night or day.  They are both married, but I really don't feel like going out and partying right now, but would rather stay at home, read my scriptures, needlepoint, knit, or do a dozen other things that are occupying my life right now.  And I think I'm kind of down on men right now. The few single men I have met I feel are losers right off the bat.  All they can talk about is themselves---boring.  I prefer being by myself, rather than be with them.  Fred and I seem to be at least on talking terms right now, so at least it looks as if we are going to part as friends, instead of enemies--- I"m glad.  I wish the best for him always.  He is not living at this address, but some of his belongings are still here and he still has a key to the house.  He comes by every once in awhile and we leave notes for each other, but I haven't seen him in almost a month.  The divorce papers will soon be on their way to the courts, and then all we will be waiting for is our court date to finalize everything.  I feel I'm getting the better end of the deal, because he is giving me the house, all the furniture, and $600.00 a month alimony---that's if the courts except it.  I'm keeping an upper chin and through God's help life is being pretty good to me.  On October 26, 27, and 28th, Mom Nachman and myself drove up to Epcot Center.  Even though she is 76 years old and I'm only 37 years old, we really had a good time and really enjoyed ourselves.  I had been to Epcot once before (when Erika and Tami were here), but we had all been to Disney World the day before in 90 degree weather, and by the next day when we headed to Epcot, our feet were killing us and we were tired and hot.  So none of us really enjoyed it.  But this time Mom Nachman and I really got the full benefit of it in the cool weather and hardly any people there.  We just took our time and saw just what we wanted to see.  We even got to see the 3-D movie by Michael Jackson.  I'm not really a fan of his, but the 3-D movie was great, even though it wasn't long enough.  It was only 18 minutes long, and I was willing to see a full length movies.  Mom Nachman even enjoyed it, and the music.  Well, I had better close for now.  Take care and write when you get a chance.  Tell everyone hello for me, and I'm looking forward to seeing all of you in December.  Love Dawna  P.S. Thanks for keeping in touch and thanks for keeping me in your prayers.

November 11, 1986 - Letter to Zac from Linda

Dear Zac, How are you?  We are all fine.  Thanks for the picture you sent us.  It's really pretty.  Well, how was Halloween?  Where are you eating for Thanksgiving this year?  Make sure you are at Grandma Rich's when she calls us.  I want to talk to you.  I love you Zac!  Love, Linda

November 11, 1986 - Letter to Amanda from Linda

Hi Amanda, How are you?  I bet you are getting good grades.  What is Santa bringing you for Christmas?  Have you talked to him yet?  How is your new bedroom?  I bet it's pretty.  Love and kisses, Linda

November 11, 1986 Letter to Amanda from Linda

Dear Amanda, Well, what have you been doing lately?  I can't wait till Thanksgiving to talk to you again.  We kept your Halloween picture on our fridge. You sure color good.  so, what do you want for Christmas this year?  do you have a boyfriend yet?  Remember, I love you Amanda, and miss you.  Love, Linda

November 12, 1986 - Letter from Bruce

I am sure slow answering your letter dated October 1st, but it is a lot more fun reading than writing..  I just got done scrubbing a dozen potatoes and putting them in the oven to cook.  Linda and Brenda had to run to the BX to get her some things for school, and then to the video shop.  Linda said it would be nice if one of you would scrub the potatoes and put them in the oven with the leftover turkey, so that when we get home it will be ready.  Well I surprised her, Maybe I will get a surprise now (hope hope!!)  You asked if I had my tools and the answer is yes, but I haven't put them to no more use than you could do in 4 days, what a joke.  Only the government pays people not to work.  All the people I work around are airmen, except twoOkinawans, one sheet metal and one welder.  The sheet metal retires on December 19th.  That is the day he turns 70.  The Japanese Government pays them and we pay back the Japanese Government.  They have to work till 70, then they get 100% of their pay till they die.  Roger, I wish we could have been with you to deer hunt.  I enjoy hunting with you and Buck, more than "anyone".  I am looking forward to when we get home to go with you and Darrin, and with my U.S. Sportsman, we can tell Goldfleck to kiss our "asses" (Whoops, sorry Gwen)  I also wish I could have been there to help more on your house and go wood cutting with you.  The wood cutting trips are good cause we get time to be with each other and B.S. a lot.  We really get a kick out of Amanda and Zac's letters.  We laugh and tell each other we wish we could just be around them a little.  We miss everyone a lot, even you Gwen, you big pain in the _ _ _ _ (rear).  Just kidding.  I miss teasing Gwen more than I miss hunting.  I hope before we get back, Gwen sees the light and goes back to Browning, cause when we get back we will be buying a lot of hunting stuff.  Please don't get upset if I am slow writing, cause I love all of you a bunch and think of you all the time.  I just hate writing.  Well, Linda just got back so maybe we can eat.  Love you and miss you,  Bruce  P.S. Roger, don't work too hard, and put some weight on.

November 16, 1986

As long as I can keep going forward, that is good.  I'll always keep going and trying and never, never, never give up.  Hopefully tomorrow I can get with it and go on and get my body physically and spiritually back together.  I know I need to stay close to my Father in Heaven.  I must.  I know when I let down, and it makes me feel so terrible.  I need to be strong and get myself to bed earlier and up earlier too.  These next few weeks are going to be busy, busy.  I'm going to work at the courthouse, AND in Lyle Porter's mink. I will be loading a flesher. (Lyle Porter is Kerry Porter's dad.  Kerry is Joni's husband.  Joni is Roger's sister.  Roger is my husband HA HA.  Rog and I have worked on and off for him the past few years. Roger usually kills the mink, and I have pinned and fleshed also.) We really need the money.  Oh well, life goes on.  We love our house.  Been in it 3 months yesterday.  It's great!!

November 17, 1986

Boy I hate to get up in the mornings.  Probably always will.  Oh well, gotta overcome the flesh, right?  I've got a sore throat.  Hope it doesn't get worse.  Amanda had a bad dream last night.  The way she screamed, it was horrible.  She came in our bed and before she went back to sleep she wanted to say a prayer so she wouldn't be scared.  I think that's great!  She knows and has faith that Heavenly Father will bless and help her.  I might go to Ogden today if I can get an appointment for Zac at the doctor's office.  He has a sore on his bottom.  Mom thinks it's ring worm.  I hate to spend 5 minutes in the doctor's office, and then pay $22.00, and then have to go buy some ointment that costs $15.00, but the rash seems to be getting worse, so I guess we better.  Last night at Inservice was really good.(Inservice is a monthly meeting that Primary teachers and workers go to, to help them be better teachers and leaders)  Susan Wiscombe always has such a sweet spirit about her.  I would like to be more like her.  The lesson was on "Dealing with Distraction".  Well, I better get going and read the Book of Mormon a little and then go over the Family Home Evening lesson for tonight.  I hope I can be a good mother and wife so I can go to the Celestial Kingdom and be happy forever.

November 20, 1986 - letter from Bruce in Okinawa

Dear Roger, Gwen, Amanda, and Zac:  We received your tape today.  I listened to it a little on the way home from the post office at lunch time, then the rest tonight.  Gwen, I could listen to you all day, and I really enjoy your kids.  Zac he gets so excited and Amanda, she is really something.  She is sharper than a "tack" and she has to keep everyone in line and tell them your turn now.  I enjoy listening to it, but it really reminds me of what we are missing.  "Family get-togethers"  Oh well, like Roger says, when you are busy, time flies.  I wish it would at least get going a little fast.  Just think by the time you get this around the 30th, we will have been here five months.  Only 19 big ones to go. I am leaving Saturday the 22nd to go to Kunsan Korea TDY, (about 2 1/2 hour flight from Kadena)  I will get back here at Kadena Wednesday afternoon.  Only me and our engineer are going.  There are two F-15 eagles that can't fly because of cracks, and they need me (ha-ha) I think they are sending me to try and change my attitude, because a week ago I told our biggest boss that this place was boring and he said then would you go TDY for 2 or three days at a time and I think he is trying to help me like it, but I got a good one on him. He doesn't know how hard a Frost's head can be.  Pretty "hard". Gwen thanks for the letter to me. I'm slow writing back, but don't think anything of it cause we all love and miss you allot and sometimes letter writing is hard for me.  Talking to radios is hard too.  Linda and Terri and Brenda and Brandy just went to the main exchange (BX) our K-mart.  Todd is in the shower and Darrin is taking a nap.  It is just starting to rain a little, but so warm I have the patio sliding window open and I am sitting by it just a sweating.  No kidding.  The high today was 77 degrees and low 70.  In Kunsan Korea, where I will be Saturday, the temperature is a lot like Utah.  Just about on the same parallel on the globe.  54 degrees high, and 37 degrees low.  Did you ever get the mouse?   I can't remember you saying.  I hope everyone has a good Thanksgiving Day, and we will be thinking of everyone.  We love you lots, being away helps you think and decide what and how you feel about everything.  But I would rather be there than here.  Linda bought a 22 pound turkey.  Wow, I can't wait to start on it.  I will write you about Korea when I get back.  With love, Bruce

November 21, 1986

Well, I made it this morning!  YEA!!  I'm not a morning person anymore.  Took Zac to the doctor and it was Impetigo.  He put Zac on some antibiotics that taste horrible.  Poor Zac.  It's been such nice weather lately.  But I guess it's supposed to get bad today.  Well next week we start in the mink.  Hope I can survive 3 weeks of it.  Roger goes tomorrow for Peterson's. (Roger had helped many people in their mink.  Spence Peterson was one of them.  Roger usually always kills the mink, either by gassing or by breaking their necks.  Let's hope the animal right activists don't read this!!!) Yesterday I went with Lee Rollins and Gwen Francis and measured and assessed a few homes that are newly built.  None were as good as ours (I thought) But I really did like Stan and Julie Stuart's.  Well I better get going.  I need to be at the Elementary School at 9:00 a.m. for Amanda's parent teacher conference.

November 23, 1986 - letter from Linda

Dear Rog, Gwen and kids, Well, we received your letter and tape.  It sure is great hearing your voices.  We really got a kick out of listening to the kids, they sounded so cute.  Please kiss both of them for me.  Oh, and the pictures are terrific.  It's funny, we forget how things look at home. I guess by now you're both working hard at the old mink ranch.  Darrin misses that, but I'm not sure if Bruce does.  Speaking of Bruce, he left Saturday morning for a TDY trip to Kunsan, Korea, he's coming back Wednesday night.  I hope that nothing messes up the flights so he'll be here for Thanksgiving.  Terri read in the paper another typhoon is headed this way.  Anyway, they told Bruce to dress warm, that it was in the low 50's in the daytime there.  It's a 3 hours flight from here.  He rode on a C-12.  Anyway, it's a great big green cargo looking thing.  So, I sent all our Christmas lists with him.  I guess he'll be going TDY to Korea, PI and Mainland Japan once in a while.  So we think that's great.  Me, I just keep going to work (which I hate) but it's a pay check right? Sounds like you're really enjoying your home.  You both deserve to, it's so nice.  I'm jealous.  And I'm glad your heating system works well.  It's still raining here, it is almost everyday now.  But we still don't need a coat.  In December, we'll need one until about February.  But it's the wind off the ocean.  The ocean temperature is still in the 70's.  We don't go swimming anymore.  It's hard to find the time when everyone's busy.  One good thing, the kids don't complain now at all like they did at first.  So, I guess they've pretty much adjusted.  Well, I'm on my way to the commissary.  So I'll close for now.  Hope you have a terrific Thanksgiving - Love ya lots, Linda

November 23, 1986

Well Amanda and I are just sitting here being lazy.  Last night it snowed a little bit.  But if the sun comes out it will be all gone today.  Yesterday I sewed and sewed.  I have got 5 shirts, 1 jumper, 1 dress, and 2 pairs of pajamas  that I have working on.  Also I got one coat of paint on one side of Amanda's bed.  It makes me mad, because if I would have worked on it last week, it would have been done by now.(This bed, is an old iron bed frame that is over 100 years old.  It was up in Grandma Dickson's attic, and she gave it to us and we are refinishing it.)  Tomorrow I start in the mink for Lyle Porter.  It will be a long 3 weeks, but I'll make it.  Mom had a hernia operation last week.  I don't think I mentioned it.  We are going to have Thanksgiving at Mom's this year.  I'm going to help allot.  I hope, HA, HA.  Well, better get ready for church.

November 24, 1986

Today's the day!  I hope.  I'm up at 4:45 a.m. and I've read the Book of Mormon.  I'm writing in this, and then I'll exercise and sew a little.  Today I start in the mink. Hope the next 3 weeks go by fast.  I love reading the Book of Mormon.  We read it every night with the kids too.  It's a good habit we plan to keep. Also, we are having Family Home Evening regularly now.  I give the lesson all the time, and I wish we would alternate, but Roger doesn't seem to want to.  Oh well, I must go on.  I will always.  I have certain goals and I will never, never, never, give in.  The holidays are approaching.  I hope I make it through them without too much trouble.  I love my Heavenly Father.  I'm so glad I can rely on Him at all times.  He is my comforter.  I know he loves me, and knows what is best for me.  I pray I can always follow Jesus' example.

November 26, 1986

Boy, yesterday morning I felt awful.  My body felt like it had been put through a wringer.  I was feeling pretty awful.  But I listened to my Heavenly Father's promptings and did what was right and I was blessed for it.( As I look back on this previous sentence, I can't even think of what God prompted me to do?)  I always want to do what's right.  Today is Amanda's Thanksgiving Program, and we are also getting the video camera.(We rented a video camera so we could video tape our new home and send it Linda and Bruce who were over in Okinawa.  This was our Christmas present to them.)  I'm working till noon.  I am happy.  

October 1986 - calendar notes and Letter from Okinawa

October

4 - cove carpet in new house

5 - General Conference

9.10 - UEA

15 - book fair

21 - Family picture taken

24 - Joan's party?

October 1, 1986

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

October 20, 1986 - Letter from Okinawa

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

September 1986 - from my journal

September

6 - Shirley Lannefeld's daughter's wedding

9 - Relief Society

10 - Amanda stitches in her head

10 - Religion class

16 - Lisa nails

18 - Ward party

21 - Primary program

23 - Back to school night

27 - Stake Conf.

September 2, 1986

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

September 4, 1986

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

September 8, 1986

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

September 28, 1986

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

September 29, 1986

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

August 196 - from my journal

August

15 - We move into new house

 20 - Primary party

23 - Mom comes home from California

August 1, 1986

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

August 6, 1986

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

August 7, 1986

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

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

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

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

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

August 18, 1986

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

(Approximately end of August 1986)

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

August 18, 1986

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

August 20, 1986

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

August 24, 1986

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

July 1986 - from my journal and letter from Okinawa

July 1986

2 - pick out tile & stain

4 - Fourth of July parade 

4 - started to stain doors

7 - varnish

8 - finished shingling

8 - varnish

9 - varnish

11 - interview for job at courthouse

12 - varnish & stain

13 - varnish & stain

14 - gave my 2 weeks notice at Brownings

15 - tile started, heating system installed

16 - cabinets and tile finished

17 cabinets

18 varnish & finish

19 - varnish & finish

20 -varnish is finish

21 - Start work at Courthouse

July 14, 1986

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

July 1986 - letter from Linda and Bruce

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

July 19, 1986 - letter from Darrin Frost in Okinawa

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

July 31, 1986

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

June 1986 - from my journal

June

Connie was tending?  Connie Covill?   can't remember

1 - Arlene's dad died

1 - Brooke confirmed

1 - Keysto blessed

2 - started taping sheetrock

3 - chimney bricked

3 - go to Arlene's viewing

5 - Henefer tournament (baseball)

7 - buy paint, visit Fieldcrest cabinets

10 - start painting

11 - Erika gets Amanda,

13 - Erika and Amanda to California

14 - paint

15 - Father's Day

16 - ordered cabinets

17 - paint (took whole day off)

20 - paint

21 - finished painting

21 - Rich party

23 - Amanda comes home

24 - Gail Mortenson's funeral

27 - Linda & Bruce leave for Okinawa

28 - Bricking finished

June 2, 1986

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

June 3, 1986

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

June 5, 1986

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

June 13, 1986

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

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

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

June 30, 1986 (postcard)

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

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