October 1987 - More letters

October

5-9 Appraisal Classes (this is my first appraisal class to become an appraiser)

10 - Bow shoot

11 - Calvin's class

16 - Eat with Amanda

20 - room mother meeting

22 - Rog doctor appt.

28 - Rog back to work

30 - Amanda Halloween party at school

October 17, 1987 - Letter from Linda

Well, how is the Rich residence doing?  Roger, how is your knee coming along?  Also, your mouth? (Dentures)  I hope that you are healing fast, and are able to get back to work.  I guess you probably get pretty bored sitting around.  Just don't get too rambunctious.  Save it for hunting next year.  There is another typhoon by us again.  It doesn't look like it will hit very hard.   Darn, I guess we won't miss work a day.  Is Gwen working all the time now?  How are the kids doing in school.  And how are Zac's eyes? Gee, I wish we could have been there to see Terri.  I can't tell you how much I miss her.  It's hard to count for 5 still.  Does she seem like she's grown up any more?  These kids say she even sounds different on the phone.  Guess I'll have to wait till July to decide.  How is the weather now?  From watching the news here, I guess it's been dry.  Will your well be ok?   Well, Brenda is driving all over now.  (She thinks she's a pro!)  And Darrin measured 5'8" last night.  And Todd, he's still playing lover-boy.  And the kids and Bruce are crying the blues, because they are missing hunting again. How has your new vehicle been running?  Do you still like it?  Did you get the rest of your outside work finished?  Mom said everyone was going to help you.  Well, write when you get a minute.  We love and miss you,  Love Linda

(Same date as above)

Dear Amanda, You are really growing up fast!  Have you been helping your dad a lot?  How is school this year?  What are you dressing up like for Halloween?  Are you having a parade at school?  Send us a picture of you and Zac in your outfits please.  P.S. Todd has a girlfriend.  Do you have a boyfriend?  Love you, Linda

Dear Zac,  How are you?  We are all fine.  How do you like school now?  Have you been helping your dad with the chores?  Halloweens is coming pretty soon.  What are you dressing up like?  And where are you going trick or treating?  Have you seen any deer on your hill this year?  Love and miss you, Linda

October 21, 1987 - Letter from Linda

It's always so good to get your letters.  It makes all of our day!  I am glad that your knee is healing well.  I'm sure you'll be back to work soon.  It seems like money is always a problem.  Even here!  How are the kids now?  Did they get over the flu?  I hope so. I hate for the kids to be sick.  I'm glad you got to see Terri.  They tell me she added a few pounds.  I guess that comes with marriage.   Gwen, what have you been up to lately?  Working hard?  Have you started any Christmas shopping yet?  We went the other day and got most of the things we need to send home.  Now, it's just getting them wrapped and in the mail.  Was it hard saying good-bye to Mark?  I know how they (good-byes) are.  I don't want any more of those.  Hope you can read this today.  I've been sick with the flu and I kind of have the shakes today.     I bet you were glad it started to rain.  Has the snow come yet?  I miss the fall there.    We are trying to figure out when to go to Korea (still) and we'll let you know in plenty of time for things.  I'll close for now.  Take care.  Love and miss you, Linda.

September 1987 - Letters from everyone

September

2 - Calvin Stephen's class starts

8 -Sunglo?  something with our heating?

11 - Millie Lewis supper (I visit teach her)

12 - Relief Society Temple Party

15 - Tonya's b-day

        Elder's party

        Back to School night

16 - Roger surgery on knee

19 - Stake meeting

20 - Inservice

28 - Zac b-day

(Approximately end of August, 1st of September) - letter from Linda

Dear Roger, Gwen, and kids,  We are always so glad to get letters from you guys.  Since we've come back, I've had a harder time than the first time.  I have been real homesick, and can't seem to shake it.  I hope the next 10 months pass fast.  I guess you know mom called the other night, it was real good to talk to her. I asked her about  Roger's teeth, and she told me why he hasn't had them all pulled yet. (silly Rog)  Bruce says not to worry about your teeth during surgery Rog, all the doctors and nurses check out, is what's under the nightgown and how big. (understand?)  Ha Ha  I was glad to hear how good Mandy and Zac did in the fair.  I think that was really great.  Please tell them I am proud of them and I miss all of you very much.  I guess Terri is doing OK. But we still miss her a great deal.  But I know she's in good hands.  How is the wood situation looking so far?  I imagine you're pretty much done by now. I guess that we'll have to all hunt together next year huh?  We'll be home, and you'll be all healed up Rog.  How do the kids like school now?  Mine start next week.  Gwen, how is the job going?  Mine stinks, but I like my check.  Time to Close.  I love and miss you all, Linda

September 1987 - Letter from Terri

Dear Amanda,  Hello, how have you been?  How are you doing in school?  Do you like it this year?  How does Zachary like Kindergarten?  It is really nice here where me and Pat live.  There is a swimming pool right outside of our apartment.  How is your dad's knee doing?  Does it still hurt him, or is it feeling better?  Give everyone a big hug and kiss for me.  Thanks for sending me a letter.  I love and miss you, Terri

September 1987 - Letter from Terri & Pat

Dear Gwen and Roger and Mandy and Zach,  Hello, how are all of you doing?  From your letters, you all sound just great.  We are doing find.  Yes, we did finally get a bed.  We also went and bought a new kitchen table.  It sure is a lot more comfortable than the floor.  We don't have any furniture for the front room yet, but that's ok.  We can wait for a while for that.  Labor Day weekend we went to the San Diego Zoo, and it was a lot of fun.  Mandy and Zach would really like it.  It's ten times bigger than the Hogle Zoo.  There were some animals I had never seen before.  I bet you guys are worried about Roger's operation.  How long will he be in the hospital?  I know he is tough and he'll feel much better after it's over.  Well, I guess I will let you go for now, and will talk to you soon.  Love ya lots!, Terri and Pat

September 5, 1987 - Letter from Mark

Dear Gwen, Rog and family, Just received your letter today.  It cheered me up after my hair-cut.  Just got back from BYU barber shop - it's not too bad.  Everything here is super.  I said quite a bit in the letter to mom and dad, so this is short.  My days are going by and soon it'll be a month. (1 week from today).  Though it seems we've been here for a long time, it doesn't.  Make sense?  It does to me.  I really like learning Japanese, and can't wait to get to Japan.  We are new learning the discussion in Japanese.  I'm going fine.  Watakushi, wa totemo genke desu - I am very happy.  You'd be surprised how much we've learned.  Too bad about them teeth Zac.  Were you trying to eat some hair?  (Mark is referring to Zac's teeth smashing into Broc Durrant's head in P.E. class.  It bent the roots of his two front teeth out through the gums, gross)  It'll toughen you up for your scuffles with Mandy.  Poor Roger, KIND OF feel sorry for ya.  Just joking, but like I said, better you than me.  I watched first TV in 3 weeks while in the barber shop.  Saw Yanks vs. Angels.  Yankees won't win I hear.  Well, thanks for thinking of me.  See ya in a month and a week.  Take care.   Love Dickson Cho'ro'

September 16, 1987 - Roger had his first knee surgery.  They were going to replace the ligament with a fake (gortex) one, but when they got in there, it was so badly messed up, that they just did a scope, and closed it up to heal for a couple of months, before doing the real operation. 

(This was a get well card that the Frosts sent from Okinawa in)

September 1987

Dear Roger, I hope by the time you get this card you are feeling better.  We are all fine.  We have been thinking and worrying about your surgery.  I hope you get the package we sent you and Zac.  By the ways, give him a kiss for us, and tell him Happy Birthday.  Also, tell Gwen and Mandy hi!  Write lots of letters to us while you're broken down.  Get well soon, Love, Linda. 

It looks like everything I was thinking has been said all ready.  Hope you heal up in excellent shape, Bruce

Rog, How have you been feeling?  You better get healed up by next year so we can go deer hunting together.  See ya, Darrin

Dear Rog,  Hope your Boo-boo gets better-better fast fast   K-K?  Take care, get better better soon soon.  Love ya, Brenda

Dear Krip, Hi, how's it going?  It's okay here.  I hope you get feeling better soon.  Love Todd

September 1987 - Letter from Lynette

Dear Rog, Gwen and kids,  Well, how is everyone doing?  How is Rog's knee?  I sure hope that it's OK!!  How long does he have to stay off of it, or is he walking on it now?  I tried to call Wednesday night, but I could not get through.  I guess we have to get our long distance code so we can dial straight through.  Oh, our number is 524-4175 oh, ya (Area code is 208)  Hey, I just got your letter, and I was sure glad to hear from you. So they made 4 holes in Rog's knee huh?  Ouch huh?  I guess they can really check it out with those scope things they look through with in his knee.  Let us know what the doctor says on Thursday, OK?  How long do they think he will be off work?  Roger, you better take care of yourself, OK? OK?  or we'll kick your buns!  Hee Hee  Keep us posted OK?      Well, as you know, we came home last weekend, but as usual, something broke in our house,(This is their old home in Layton that they were renting) and we had to fix it.  Our water line had started to leak downstairs.  So it took Randy from about 3:30 or 4:00 Saturday till 10:00 that night just to fix one leak, then Sunday morning from 9:30 a.m. till 2:30 or so to fix the other leak.  Boy I'll tell you, he sure wasn't very happy about it.  We think our renter messed with the one valve, because they got their water shut off, and if you turn it once, well you can't get it to seal again.  So anyway, but that time we had to head back up here to our home.  (In Idaho Falls)  It was too late to come and see all of you. We were going to stay up there, but we didn't make it.  We stayed with our neighbor (across the street)  Paulette (It's Katie's mom)  I sure felt bad that we didn't get up to see ya, but I hope the next time we come down, everything will go SMOOTH!  Let us know when you guys decide to come up OK?  We'd love to have you anytime!  Well, I guess that's about it for now.  We are all fine.  I'll tell ya though Gwen, it's really different having a hubby again.  After 7 months of being alone and raising the kids, it will take us all awhile to adjust.  But it is nice having us all together.  But I think we are really going to like it up here. The kids are doing good in school.  I hope they keep it up.  Well, take care OK? OK?  I'll let you know when we come down again OK?  Love Lynette

P.S.  Hi Amanda and Zac.  How is school?  Do you like it?  You two be good ok?  See ya soon. 

(This next letter might have been written and sent approximately the same time as the previous letter from Lynette)

Dear Amanda, I miss you allot.  I want you to come up to Idaho so much.  We can play the Atari or play with the Hot looks.  They are dolls that are 18 inches tall and very big.  They are modelers.  They are fun to play with.  They have big close to ware.  There close don't match at all!  (sic)  Brooke H.  P.S. Write soon

September 19, 1987 - Letter from Bruce

Roger: 

I hope by the time this gets to you, that your feeling better.  We have been worried about you, and hope that everything is OK.  When you feel like it, write us and let us know all the details.  We miss you guys a lot.  It has been harder since we came home for my dad's funeral.  Oh well, only 9 months left and I guess we can handle that.  I hope your knee is healed by October 1988 for the deer hunt.  We really like these three movies, so we had the video shop put them on one tape for you.  Also, there was some tape left, so I recorded some Japanese TV.  It's kinds silly, but the kids will like it.  We love you lots.  Get well soon.  Bruce and family.

September 19, 1987 - Letter from Bruce

Zac,  HAPPY BIRTHDAY  This present is a wooden duck, and it was hand carved and painted in China.  I like wooden ducks, and thought you would too.  The duck is a Mallard Drake.  Some people call it a green head.  We hope you like it.  We all love and miss you a lot.  Lots of Love, Bruce and Family.

September 19, 1987 - Letter from Mark

Dearest Rog, Gwen, and Family-  Received your letter yesterday I think.  I can't keep the days straight, they are going so fast.  Right now it's 6:00 a.m., Saturday morning.  Chipman Cho'ro and I are up and showered, waiting on Tuggle and Williams Cho'ro' to get ready so we can go to the temple.  (We are doing sealings today)  How are you doing Roger?  I got a letter that told me that when they operated it was pretty bad and they had to close it up and are gonna go back in later.  You are in a lot of pain though- but like Nephi says "It came to pass"  A little time and you'll be playing baseball again.  Sounds like everything else is going great.  Zac and Mandy are still enjoying life and Gwen is keeping busy.  Wish I could see everyone today, but I'm not homesick at all.  The 11th of October is coming up very soon. (This is when Mark flies out to Japan)  It is getting exciting here.  Last week has been just as fast as every other week has.  I'm glad that I'm a foreign missionary and get to spend two months here. (The MTC)  English speaking missionaries are here for too short of time.  We have seen so much, and have had a chance to grow a lot I think, before we go.  We can say a lot in Japanese.  We are just scraping the surface, but you'd be surprised.  You'll see.  Another district is gone, history.  They were some of our closer friends, and it was sad, but that was a week ago, almost.  Right now we're 3rd in command district wise.  (7 districts)  We are really veterans now, tutoring the "atarashii senkyoshii's" - new missionaries.  Today we receive our travel plans!!  We are so excited for this.  We'll go to Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle first, and we'll know exact times.  By this afternoon we'll know for sure, so I'll tell mom.  Well, I have to go, 6:20 a.m.  Tell everyone "hi"  Get better Rog, looks like cards will win.  Murphy's got 40!!  Take care, I love you all.  Keep doing what's right, blessing will come.  Love Dickson Cho'ro'

(I think this next letter was written about the same time as Bruce's letter on 9-19-87) - from Linda

Dear Rog, Gwen and Kids,  We are sitting at the dentists office, so I thought I'd write.  We will probably be here all day, they are quite slow.  Besides, it costs $112.00 just for them to look at Darrin and Todd's mouths.  Then we make another appointment to have the dental work done.  Which means another $112.00 each time they come back.  This is called fun.  It's really raining today.  Maybe it will get down to 77 degrees.  It's been in the high 80's and the humidity has been terrible.   I was glad to get your letter.  Also to hear you knee is healing well.  How is your mouth?  Probably by the time you're feeling great, it will be time to have another operation.  The Child's go home on Saturday.  We are going to miss them.  So will the kids.  Seems like we go sight-seeing with them every weekend.  But Bruce's mom will be here in 2 weeks so that will keep us busy.  How did the big hunting season go for you?  Did any deer walk down on your yard for an easy kill?  That's all these guys talk about.  What have the kids been up to lately?  Keeping you busy?   How is work for you Gwen?  Probably like me, I like my check, and that's it.  I'm looking forward to a couple months off when we come home.  We will probably stay in a hotel for a month or two.  Until our shipment gets there.  I worry about our stuff getting home okay.  I have bought some real pretty furniture, and I don't want it scratched.  I guess time will only tell.  So has the big snowfall hit yet?  You won't have any trouble though, with the new vehicle, huh?  Guess we'll be buying 2 vehicles when we get home.  Besides that, we'll have 2 more drivers in the family (look out).  I'll close for now.  Be careful and everyone take care.  All my love, Linda

September 26, 1987 - Letter from Mark

Dear Zac, Mandy, and Family,  Well, Zac, you're getting pretty old now a days.  You're probably the coolest kid at school now that you're a star soccer player. When are you gonna turn professional?  You'll have to tell me all about soccer when I see you in a couple of weeks.  I hope you like the birthday card.  Today is Saturday the 26th, and we've just gotten back from the temple.  Had another good experience there and I'm feeling good right now.  I've decided that time is never gonna slow down.  I'm still waiting for a slow week, but I'm not gonna get one I don't think.  It is getting scary, kind of, knowing that in two weeks I'll be in Japan.  I still can't wait though, it's gonna be great.  I enjoy every letter I get from you guys.  I was pretty surprised when you wrote, Roger, and I'm glad that you did. I know you were bored, but you must have been really bored that day!!!  Just joking.  From what I've heard, your knee sounds kind of like William Andrew's knee.  Know who I'm talking about?  That was terrible news to hear, but everyday it is gonna get better.  In a little while you'll look back and you won't even remember the pain and you'll think these operations were cake.  We have a guy, Elder Keck, who has been on crutches for a the last 2 weeks.  He sprained his ankle.  Well, by the time you get this, the Mets should have passed the Cards, I hope "Zannen desu"  That means too bad, but I'm probably wrong.  Thanks for your letters and support and filling me in on everything Gwen.  You are a great sister and a good mom.  If you turn out like our mom, you'll be fine.  Things here are great.  It's gonna be sad to see my MTC days come to an end, knowing I'll probably never come back here, as a missionary anyways.  My Sensei's are so awesome.   I love them all, they've taught us so much.  It's different than school, we have interviews, and stuff with he, much more personal basis.  Another district is leaving Monday, we're second in line now, one week from "Top Gun".  Life is great, then we become greenies again.  Language is great, learning alot.  Almost finished with 1st discussion.  I'll send some pictures of my sensei's next week so you'll see them.  Have to move on with the day, I"m behind on my letters.  Roger, and you'll make it.  See ya soon, can't wait.  Take care.  Love Dickson Cho'ro'  HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZAC

August 1987 - from my journal

August 4, 1987

We went and got wood last night up in the Uinta's.  I have never spent a more miserable night.  Zac and I slept together in one sleeping bag with two blankets.  The ground wasn't too level and it was really bumpy.  We slept in dad's tent.  I got really cold.  I was praying for the dawn.  I didn't get much sleep. (Zac also peed all over me)  We got a nice load of wood on the trailer, and not a great lot on the truck because the tire was low.  It blew out just in Evanston, and we changed to the spare. Kerry got a good load, and so did Ben.  They cut all the trees down Monday night except two.  We've got a really good area for getting wood.  I don't know if I'll go again though.  Rog and I didn't get along too well.  It seems as though everything is going fine, and then I get upset at something, usually the kids.  Today it was because they spilled a pop in the tent.  I really blew up.  Rog made some comment to which I retorted, and then he said he never wanted me or the kids to go get wood again.  You know I get really upset at things and blow up. and then it's over and I'm sorry and I feel bad and I want to be forgiven.  But Rog holds a grudge, and so I get the silent treatment for a couple of days or more. At first this doesn't bother me when I'm still mad.  Then after awhile I want him to talk to me normal, and not look through me, and he knows I hate it, so he is so remote and silent to me.  I know I have a bad temper and I fly off the handle, and I know I need to control it better.  But you know what Rog will never figure out?  What I need most when I'm so upset and onry is a kiss and a hug and a kiss on my forehead and a whisper in my ear saying it's okay,  I love you, settle it down.  I don't think that would be him cowing down to me and kissing my but, and jumping when I say jump or being brow beat.  That's just what I need.  You know I was thinking maybe I should leave this out for Rog to see so he will talk to me again.  I know how I feel, but you know what?  I won't leave it out, because he doesn't care.  And it wouldn't matter.  We are so far apart sometimes.  I have to work tomorrow and Thursday.  The fair is this week.  The kids are entering their rabbits.  I'm scared to talk in church on Sunday.  Oh how I wish I could learn to live what I will preach.

August 5, 1987

Worked all day today, and I've got to tomorrow too.  Rog still isn't speaking to me, and I'm not going to beg him either.  It's miserable though, and lonely.  What a marriage.  Erika is going to the temple tomorrow to get her endowments.  Wonder if I'll ever get there?

August 9, 1987

Today is Mark's farewell at church.  I'm excited, but scared too.  I have to talk, and I'm kinda nervous.  I was almost in a panic this morning, but I feel better now.  I know God will help me and be with me so I won't be so frightened.  But when I get thinking of all the crowd that will be there and could be there, I get butterflies. Oh well, I guess I just have to not look at all of them as they come in.  Mark will go into the M.T.C. (Missionary Training Center) on Wednesday.  I guess I should write my talk down so there will be a record of it:

I'm happy to be here today, and I pray I'll be able to say the things that are in my heart.  I'm proud of Mark, and I know it's the right decision for him to go on a mission.  I know he'll be a great missionary.  These past weeks since he's received his call there has been a difference, an extra something you can't quite put your finger on in him.  He's happier, more considerate and compassionate.  I know I like being around him more than I ever have before.  I know it's our Heavenly Father's Spirit in him and I know he's closer to Him than he has ever been before.  We all know people like that,  that have something about them, something special, that we really look up to and would like to have in our lives.  I believe it is because they're close to our Heavenly Father, and they rely on Him and have developed a close and humble relationship with Him.  As I have read through my journal this past year, and have relived the happy and sad times, I find that when I was happiest and optimistic and everything was going great, was when I was getting up a little earlier and reading the scriptures and really talking to my Father in Heaven humbly and sincerely through prayer.  And the times when I was sad and down and everything seemed to be going wrong, I was not taking the time to really talk to my Father in Heaven.  I know this is why the Lord instructed the prophets to keep records and why President Benson has urged us to read the Book of Mormon daily.  Because we can see a whole civilization rise and fall.  We can see when they are obeying God and relying on Him and keeping close to Him they are prospering, and are a happy and peaceful people.  But as they become proud and uplifted in their hearts, they forget their God and so they have to be brought down to remember Him by wars and famine. Then they turn to Him again.  Sometimes as Latter-day saints we might seem overwhelmed by all the things we know we should be doing.  It is my testimony to you, that if you will rely on our Heavenly Father and develop a close relationship with Him, where you can go and talk to Him about anything and tell Him all your fears and concerns and heartaches, He will help you and comfort you and all things will be made easier, and you will be happier and joyful.  I would like to thank my family and my friends and teachers who have helped me to know my Heavenly Father and His love for me.  I will be eternally thankful. I pray each of us will be able to develop our own personal relationship with God.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

August 12, 1987

Today was a very special day!  We took Mark down to the M.T.C. It was great!  You could really feel the spirit.  I really didn't think it was too sad.  It was exciting!  Bridger and Diane Call drove Mark, Mom and Dad, and Tonya in their van.  Mandy, Zac, and I drove down with Erika.  There were 419 missionaries that reported today at the M.T.C.  18 of them would be learning Japanese.  It was so exciting!  I'm so proud of Mark!  He has changed so much.  I'm so proud!  He looked so handsome and valiant today.  Just like Nephi and  Moroni.  His prayer he received  Tuesday night when he was set apart by President Tonks was so special!  Also, his President down at the MTC is the greatest.  George Durrant.  He spoke at my Baccalaureate in 1979, and I have a book written by him.  "Someone Special Staring YOUth"  Sunday at church, Mark's farewell went really nice.  Tonya gave the opening prayer.  I talked next, then Bridger Call.  Then Zac, Amanda, Jason and Krista and Jennifer Preece, Luke and Sara Adams, and Stormy Tonks all sang "I Am A Child Of God"  Then Mom talked on Example, and then Dad talked.  Then Jeannette Jones sang "The Greatest Gift The World Has Known"  Then Elder Mark Dickson talked.  He spoke so well, and so powerfully.  My heart swells with pride!

August 19, 1987 - letter from Terri Frost

Dear Gwen, Hello, how is everybody doing?  Fine I hope.  We are both just great. Pat left for an operation out in the field for about 7 days, so I'm all by myself!  I can handle the daytime cuz he is gone in the daytime anyway.  I am going to have to find something to keep me busy at night though.  I clean the house, do the wash, and keep up on my soaps during the day.  At night we go somewhere.  Now, who knows.  I'm certainly not going to the movie by myself!  Well, we are still what you would call "furniture-less"  Yes, I sit on the floor with my pillow under my butt to watch television!  We are working on getting a couch and stuff though.  So are the kids ready for school?  How is Zach?  Is he excited for kindergarten?  Did you get your school shopping done?  I might have to convince Pat that he should take me shopping for school clothes, even though I don't go to school.  (Think it will work?)  We went to the beach a couple times last week, and we had lots of fun.  We have fun together, no matter where we are or what we are doing anyway!  Well, before I begin a book, I will let your eyes rest for now.  Give Roger and the kids our love!  Love ya lots, Terri   Pat says hello!

August 19, 1987 - Letter from Mark

Rog, Gwen, Zac and Mandy, How is everything?  Thanks for the letters everyone!! They were all great.  It is great to get letters and I expect to get more from you guys!!  The MTC is really fun.  It is hard work and I get frustrated sometimes, but I'm doing fine.;  This last week has gone very, very fast.  We work hard, but have allot of fun also.  My Japanese is coming along.  I am pretty smart you know!!  Just joking.  I am doing really well.  I've worked hard and study allot.  The food isn't bad either like they say.  I will feel it quite an accomplishment when I finally do make it to Nihon (Leave October 13th)  We are quite secluded here.  No weather information, sports, nothing, but we're too busy too care.  Have great people here and have fun.  Have made lots of friends.  How is everything?  When does school start?  When is the operation?  How did baseball team do?  How about St. Louis?  My prediction:  N.Y. Mets by 2 games in October.  Gotta run.  I love you guys.  Write back quickly.  Dickson Cho'ro'

August 22, 1987

It's Saturday night and everyone's in bed but me.  I can't sleep.  And there's nothing good on TV.  My house is clean, so here I am!  Tomorrow will be easy at Primary. I won't have to do anything because it was my month for the bulletin board and it's done.  Next month I conduct again, so maybe I'll prepare for it.  I really like my job in the Primary.  It has helped me allot.  Mark has written, and he is doing great at the MTC.  He is in the top of his class.  He is smart like me (HA-HA)  Me and Rog and the kids hauled a bunch of wood in today.  We need to get moving, because his operation's only 3 weeks away.  On the 28th of September on Zac's birthday, Rog gets his teeth all pulled and new dentures put in.  I am enjoying my work now more than I ever have.  We are doing BOE's (Board of Equalizations) and I have allot of responsibility.  Erika has moved back to Salt Lake City, and is ready to start teaching 2nd grade Monday.  The kids are excited to go back to school also.  Amanda will be in 2nd grade, and Zac in Kindergarten.  Zac also started soccer today too.  They are growing up so fast! Me, I'm doing okay I guess, ups and downs as usual.  We start Calvin Stephen's classes again on September 2nd and I am looking forward to them.  Got a letter from Terri (Linda's daughter) today, and she's doing fine.  Well, so much for tomorrow being easy!  Lori Birt just called and asked me to conduct for her!

August 22, 1987

Dearest Gwen & family, (my most faithful letter writer) along with mom, dad, Tonya Erika, Bridger, and Monica too!  How is everything?  Just received yours and dad's letter.  Everybody is amazed at all the letters I receive, but no one is more happier than I to get one, so I deserve them.  Right?   Everything is going fine.  I think my P-day is the busiest of all.  I still have to wash, study, eat, write letters, and go to class.  I've already been to the temple and to the mall with Chipman Cho'ro'.  The bank needs it's best two players back, huh?  Just joking.  When is your operation Rog?  I don't envy the EXTREME pain you're going to be in!  Another joke.  It probably won't even hurt.    Another joke.  It will probably be a little bit painful.  That is too bad about Dennis' girlfriend. (April Nelson, who eventually married Dennis (then they got divorced later because of Dennis’s infidelity) had a tumor, and had to have a hysterectomy before she even had any kids) I feel sorry for him and her.  I don't know Gary Stewart? (Gary Stewart is a boy I (Gwen) went to school with, who committed suicide.  He was hurt in a bicycle/car accident when we were in the 4th grade.  He was hurt terribly bad.  And has had a lot of physical/mental handicaps since that time)  Zac, when does school start?  Mandy, how smart are you now?  Can you read the newspaper yet?  My Nihongo is coming along.  I need to keep trying.  Sometimes it's frustrating.  I write terrible as you can see, but I'm hurrying.  I've gotta hurry.  Take care and I"ll see ya soon.  Keep the tegami's coming  Love, Mark

August 23, 1987 - Letter from Brenda

Roger, Gwen and kids, Hi!  Sorry I haven't written since we came home, but I've been busy resting my poor old hands before they have to start writing all sorts of things for school.  We start the 31st this year, instead of the 8th of September.  What a bummer, huh?  I am going to take Driver's Ed. the month of September.  So you better stay off the road for awhile.  Ha HA!  I am going to do Seminary too.  It starts at 6:00 a.m. in the morning before school.  This year, one of the people that lives by us is teaching it at their house for our branch only.  The Child's come home to Utah around the 20th of October, instead of the 1st of November.  That's great about the kid's rabbits!  Tell them I said Hi, and for them to mind their mom and dad.  It pays to mind, believe me!  Well, I guess I'll close for now.  Write when you can.  Love, Brenda.

August 27, 1987

Morning- Well, the kids have started school.  Amanda is in 2nd grade and her teacher is Dorothy Little.  Zac is in Kindergarten, his teacher is Evelyn Stevens.  They both like it allot!  Zac was so cute yesterday.  He was so excited, and he was so spiffed up and looking forward to school.  He didn't hold my hand as we were walking towards the school, but when we got inside the school he grabbed my hand and said, "Mom, I'm scared".  But as soon as we got in his class, he was right at home.  He has allot of his friends  in his class.  Jay Golden (Jonathan) Turner, Ladd Peterson, Brett Anderton, Broc Durrant, and Kristen Call.

Night- I've just read through most of my journal.  Boy what a joke!  Some of it's really good, and sometimes I sound really dorky.  I guess it would be pretty hard to understand for someone who's reading it, but I hope you won't judge me too harshly.  I have changed over the years as you can see.  But I don't feel this book tells all of me, because somethings are too private to write, and I don't want to share them.  But God know me and that's all that counts.

August 29, 1987 - Letter from Mark

Dear Mandy, How are you?  I am doing fine.  How is school?  How is Mr. Caron? (Manda liked a Caron kid)  I don't have any girlfriend here.  Just boyfriends.  Can you do any math yet?  Can you work this problem  4 - 2 = ?    9 + 4 = ?  If you can, you're smart, but if you can't you'll probably learn soon.  Do you and Zac still have boxing matches?  Well, I have to hurry, cause I have to do my wash.  I'm glad that you and Zac are my relatives.  Tell your mom to keep writing letters about all the gossip.  Tell your dad that the Mets are coming on.  See ya, Love, Mark Dickson Cho'ro'

August 29, 1987 - Letter from Mark

Dear Zac,  How is everything?  Are you still making jumps for your bike?  How is your friend Corky?  Do you still like that one girl?  Well, I'm having a good time here and wish I could see you.  I have new friends now who would think you're cool.  Are you excited to be in kindergarten?  You probably are studying pretty hard. My kindergarten teacher was Ms. Compton.  I'm sorry my letter is so short, but I have to hurry.  See you at the airport if you can make it.  Tell your mom and dad Hi, and thanks for the letters.  Love Dickson Cho'ro

August 29, 1987 - Letter from Darrin

Dear Rog, Gwen, and Mandy and Zac, How you guys been doing?  Sorry about not writing.  The reason I didn't write is because I didn't want to write to whimp Rog (ha-ha)  How are you Mandy and Zac?  Zac are you still saving cans?  Have you guys started school yet?  I start school Monday the 31st.  When I get back Zac, we will go hunting birds up on your hill behind your house, okay?  Well Rog, have you and Gwen been working hard lately?  When are you getting your knee operated on?  I can't wait until we get back home for good, I will be able to hunt deer and elk and everything.  And I will be able to drive too.  Only 10 more months, not even a year left on this island.  Brenda is going to start driving sometime next month, and if everyone want to stay alive, they better stay off the sidewalks.  (ha-ha)  Terri and Pat called us last night to tell my dad Happy B-day, and they talked to us for about a half-hour.  Well, today we are just sitting here during a typhoon and waiting for it to pass over.  Well, I better go for now so I will see you in 10 months.  I love and miss all of you guys.  Take care of yourselves, and take care of your knee, Rog!!  Love, Darrin  Write soon.
(then at the bottom of his letter, Darrin drew a picture of a street and a sidewalk, with a car driving down the sidewalk hitting the pedestrians.  He had everything labeled, and of course, Brenda was driving.  He had written off to the side:  Stay off the sidewalks when Brenda is near!)

August 31, 1987

This month has sure gone by fast.  Rog's operation will be here before you know it.  I feel good.  I have been walking and exercising.  The kids are enjoying school.  I am working allot lately. I got a raise to $5.29 per hour. (I look back on this wage now, and I laugh.  I think I started at maybe $4.85 per hour one year prior.  I had allot of responsibility, and was only making a pittance.  It was this way until 1990, when I finally got up to seven something.  This was after I took my appraisal courses.)

July 1987 - from my journal

July

3 - Buy Suzuki Samauri

6 - Tonks reunion

7 - dentist (I think this is when Roger got dentures)

8 - ball game

9 - visit teach

11 - primary party

13 - Dr. Paulos (Roger's knee)

14 - Lagoon day

July 19, 1987(postcard from Erika)

Dear Mandy and Zac, Boy, I sure am enjoying myself.  Here is a picture for you. (It's a picture of Jesus holding a little child in the pageant)  We start tour guiding on Friday, and we get to go to the Sacred Grove on your Daddy's birthday!  I sure wish you were here to climb the Hill with me.  Please write back!  Love, Erika

(Summer 1987 - letter from Linda in Okinawa)

Dear Rog, Gwen, Mandy and Zac, so how are you all doing?  We are all fine, it's good to be home again.  Things are finally back to normal, jet lag is all gone.  I guess they aren't quite normal, it's really different without Terri.  We all really miss her.  It's sure hard letting go of our kids.  But, I know she'll be happy with Pat.  How are Rog's teeth coming along, and also his knee?  He's is trouble!  Joni said he played ball.  I'll have to work him over when we get back!  Boy, how is it to be rich?  Sounds like your new vehicle (Suzuki) is really nice.  Write and tell us about it.  How is your yard coming along?  Listen, you can get that pine tree down home if you ever want it.  Jeanne (Bruce's mom) knows you might come to get it.  It's hard to believe we only have a year left.  Unless we extend -  money wise we might.  If it wasn't for that darn old hunting business.  Well, I know this is short, but kiss those kids for me.  We love and miss you all!  Love, Linda

July 23, 1987

I leave allot to be desired when it comes to writing faithfully in my journal.  I need 2 books like the Book of Mormon.  One for historical day to day happenings, and one to express my feelings.  I've finally figured it out.  If I want to be happy, really happy, I need to do what my Heavenly Father wants me to do.  You know it's hard.  But if I get up early and exercise and run and read the Book of Mormon and sincerely pray to my Father in Heaven, I feel better all day.  My body needs spiritual and physical fitness.  Right now I'm doing all of the above and I feel great.  And at night I can eagerly and confidently kneel and talk to Heavenly Father.  But sometimes I can get in a rut and be so miserable and not exercise or keep the house clean.  I just lay in bed till the absolute last minute.  Watch a bunch of TV, and not read the scriptures.  And at night I don't like to pray because I feel I have failed and it's no use.  I feel so rotten.  But do you think I can pull myself out of this rut easily?  NO.  It's hard to get back on track again.  I keep having these ups and downs.  It seems when things get going great, I forget to keep Heavenly Father a personal part of my life, and that is what lets me down.  I'm kinda like the Nephites, I forget my Father when things are going great, and I think I can do it all on my own.  And then when things fall apart and I am brought down to misery, I seek out my Father more humbly and sincerely.  Maybe that's why I've had some of the trials I've had in my life.  To humble me.  I used to blame allot of things on Heavenly Father because I felt he was punishing me for having to get married.  Such as having to have Ambure C-section, and her little hips not being right, and then her dying, and any other thing that didn't work out just right.  But I know I was wrong.  The Lord knows what is best for me, and I need to look beyond this moment at the whole eternal plan.  I hope by writing this that I can help someone.  I'm a weak person and I need to be stronger and keep on the right path.  I want to be a good example for my kids.  I love them allot.  Amanda is so much like me.  Sometimes I don't like myself very much, and I hate to see her inheriting some of my traits.  Such as giving dirty looks and having no patience.  Zachary has a temper like me too.  I hope Roger and I can raise them up to be good people and to love the Lord.  We have family prayer, and they say their prayers at night.  But I really think we are too casual about it all. Oh how I wish my testimony were stronger.  Roger went to a Dr. Lonnie Paulos at Salt Lake City Knee and Sports Medicine.  He was told that 2 of his knee ligaments are torn, and he needs them replaced and also a new knee cap. (The anterior cruciate was torn, and he didn't need a new knee cap) This will be a 4-5 hour operation, and he will be in the L.D.S. hospital for 4 days, and off work for 6-8 weeks.  Surgery is scheduled for September 16, 1987.  We are waiting to get a second opinion,  although we feel Dr. Paulos knows what he's talking about. (He's one of the best orthopedic surgeons in the state.  He operates on and advises members of the Jazz team)   Rog had to get a brace which cost $300.00.  We bought us a Suzuki Samauri on July 3, 1987.  It is like a little jeep.  It's pretty cute.  It cost $9,100.00, and we paid off the car also, so now our payments are $228.00 a month for 5 years.  We really needed something to get up the hill in the winter. It's 4WD.  I have been back to school shopping already and am going again tomorrow.  School starts in 5 weeks.  I wrote a letter to the school requesting that Amanda NOT be placed in a certain class.  The teacher I didn't want,  isn't the best teacher as far as motivation and fun, and she's burned out.  We would like to get pregnant in September, but with Roger's leg, we are still debating.  We probably will though.  Roger's birthday is in an few days.  I have something really special for him.  I'm so excited.  He will absolutely love it.  Everyone's in bed now, but I can't sleep. I like my job in the primary presidency. I gave two good sharing times this past month.  We finally got rain gutters installed.  We will have to go for wood all the time now so we will have it all done by September 16th.  Mark went through the temple today in Salt Lake. I'm so proud of him.  His farewell is the 9th of August, and he leaves the 14th for the M.T.C.  He will be there two months learning the language, and then on to Toyko, Japan.  Well, I will stop for now.  Hope I can keep this up, HAHA

July 25, 1987(postcard from Dawna)

Both Erika and I are doing fine and really enjoying ourselves.  We are in the same study group, and rooming right next door to each other.  We usually go to breakfast together, because our companions would rather sleep.  We are both in the Nephi scene, Lamanite scene, and Yearning scene.  We have one costume change.  We both love our companions.  The pageant is great, our study group is great.  It's a great experience.  Love, Dawna

July 25, 1987

We got wood today up in the Uinta's at Carter Creek.  We took Bruce's trailer.  Just me and Rog and the kids went.  Then we came home about 3 p.m. and unloaded and went down to Uncle Don's and the kids rode Rebena, and Rog and Uncle Don moved some hay. The kids found 2 little kittens.  I think Duchess might be their dad.  They are so tame.  One has long hair and one short.  One had a cold in it's eye.  LuAnn and Ben, Joni and Kerry and kids, and Layne and Susan and kids are all up to Jackson Hole this weekend.  Mark asked me to talk at his farewell.  I'm nervous.  Mom and Tonya and me and the kids went to Ogden yesterday.  I got a few more school clothes bought.

Amanda:                               Zac:

White shoes                     Yellow shirt

Yellow gloves                  Red, White and Blue shirt

Socks                               Hawaiian Shirt

Underwear                       Purple Sweat shirt

Red pants                         Grey toughskins

Lavender pants                Plain toughskins

Pastel pants                      Lee's

Yellow striped shirt          Underwear

White shirt

Dark Royal blue shirt

Erika and Dawna are back in Palmyra at the Hill Cumorah Pageant.  Erika lost all her dresses, or I should say the airline did.  She is wearing everyone else's dresses, but she is so hard to fit.  Everyone has gone somewhere over the 24th it seems.  Both Wilkinson's and Birt's and Joan and Chet are gone.  Joni and Kerry got a new Dodge Caravan.  It's really nice.  I wish we could have something that big with 4WD.  Oh well, we love our Samurai.  LuAnn got some packages from Okinawa.  It seems we are left out.  The kids never write us.  Darrin wrote LuAnn, and I know Brenda wrote Joni.  Also, Terri finally wrote LuAnn.  I'm gonna copy her address and get a letter off to her real quick.

July 28, 1987 - Letter from Linda

Dear Rog and Gwen,  What's new with the Rich gang?  How is everyone doing?  Rog, how is your teeth?  And your knee?  I guess you are getting wood already for the winter.  I can't believe it's almost fall there, and yet it seems like it was ages since we were home.  But only 11 more months to go.  We all still miss Terri.  I guess that just takes time.  But I shed tears everyday.  18 years is a long time to have someone, and then suddenly they are gone.  I know how  Bruce feels about his dad.  Some days, he still gets blue though.  So much has happened to us in the last year.  It's hard to believe.  You must be rolling in the dough with Rog working 14 hour days.  I bet your about beat doing that and taking care of Uncle Don's place too.  We appreciate all you help when we were home, your support too. Did you get the video yet?  I hope you like it.  We have one like it.  Let me know if you want any videos.  We have a pretty good selection now, about 100.  We have been sponsoring a new family the last couple of weeks.  So we've been busy getting them settled in.  All of our kids have become good friends.  I'm glad, because Darrin doesn't make friends easy.  Speaking of him, he's still growing.  I can't believe it.  When we get home, he'll be able to help you out Rog.  I guess you two won't know what to do when both the kids got to school huh?  Guess you better add to the family?  We need another new baby in the family, but not from my daughter yet.  I’m not ready for Grandmother hood!  Well, I’ll go for now!  Take care, we love and miss you guys!  Linda

July 28, 1987 - letter from Linda

Hi Amanda, I hope you can read my writing, it's kind of sloppy.  Are you just about ready for school?  Have you got some new clothes yet?  We still have to go shopping.  The kids had to have a bunch of shots to start school.  Todd got four, and he was sick.  How is your yard coming along.?  You sure have a pretty house.  I'd love to live up there.  Good luck in school.  Write soon, Love your Aunt Linda

July 28, 1987 - letter from Linda
Dear Zac,  I am so glad you wrote to me.  I really miss you.  And love you too.  I guess you are getting ready for school now.  Are you excited?  How are you all feeling?  Did your dad get some more teeth pulled?  I hope his knee gets better soon.  Did you have fun up to Joni's cabin?  Darrin and Todd can't wait to come home and go hunting with you.  Write to me soon.  Love your Aunt Linda.

July 29, 1987

Today is Rog and Dad's birthdays.  Last night we had a family party at LuAnn's for Roger's and Layne's and Kelly's birthdays.  It was really fun.  We went and got wood yesterday again, and got a big nice load.  Ben about got hit by a tree, and it was really scary!  We might go up Friday night and sleep over and get another big load.  I gave Roger a guitar for his birthday.  He was really excited.  I like playing it too.  I have to work all day today and tomorrow.  Amanda went to a slumber birthday party at Julia Wiscombe's last night.  It's kinda overcast today.  I'd like to stay home and clean my house.  Well, I'd better get ready for work.