August 1989 - from my journal

August

2 - Airport - Mom and Dad leave to go pick up Mark

3 - Doctor Rog

4 - Lagoona Beach

5 - Downetta

6 - Wendover

8 - Horse show

10-12 Fair

14 - Mark comes home!

15 - Pour cement?

18 - Doctor Rog

19 - White family party

21 - School starts

22 - Timbermine?

27 - Mark's homecoming

31 - Woman's conf.  

August 2, 1989

Can't sleep.  Mom, dad, and Erika left today for Japan.  We are so excited to see Mark.  Don't know if I wrote this, but I'm a certified appraiser now.  I passed all 4 courses, with scores of 94, 88, 97, and 97.  Pretty good huh!?!  Got the kids school shopping done.  Charged $350.00  Yuck.  Mandy still needs a coat.  Duchess died a couple of days ago.  She was sick with something.  Going to the doctor tomorrow to talk about a vasectomy for Roger.  He will have it done next week.  Going to Lagoona Beach Friday, Downetta, Saturday, and Wendover, Sunday and Monday.  The fair is next week.  Manda has a horse show Tuesday, and the Rodeo is Friday and Saturday.  We are going to enter vegetables from dad's garden.  Mom's birthday is on the 8th, and Grandma Dickson's on the 10th.  Mark comes home the 14th, and the kids start school on the 21st.  Mark's homecoming in church is the 27th.  Busy! Busy! Busy!  We've been sick in July.  Landon came down with flu and had diarrhea ALL month.  The doctor said just to feed him the BRAT diet (banana, rice cereal, apple juice and sauce, and toast)  Didn't clear up, and finally we took a stool sample down to the hospital lab and they are checking it out.  I've felt rotten too.  (2 weeks with a cold) (2 weeks nauseated, gas and diarrhea)  Still on Eat and Be Lean, but not like I'd like to be.

August 4, 1989

Found out yesterday that Landon and I have a parasite from our bad well water.  GIARDIA.  We are taking medication now.  That's what's been causing my bloating and gas and diarrhea. YUCK!  Going to Lagoona Beach today.  Woke up at 3:30 a.m., it's now 4:30 a.m.  Can't sleep.  Mom and Dad and Erika have seen Mark by now.  I'm sure there is rejoicing in Japan.  Rog is scheduled for a vasectomy one week from today. (August 11, 1989)  It's a major step, but one we should take.  I think I would like another baby, but the way our family is, and Rog and my relationship, it's best not to.  I feel so hopeless sometimes, (all the time!).

August 5, 1989 (Letter from Mom in Japan)

Dear Family, Wish you were all here and could be enjoying this experience with us.  We would be completely lost at doing almost anything without Mark.  He looks great!  He thinks Lee and I have changed (appearance wise) and couldn't believe his Dad was so grey.  He is slim.  In fact the pants we bought I'm sure won't fit.  He has even had to make another notch on his belt.  His face is thinner, but he sure has a countenance about him.  Our flight to San Francisco was quick.  We flew over Yosemite Park and Modesto, California  There was an hour delay in taking off at San Francisco (left at 2:55 p.m.)  but we pretty well made it up in flight, arriving in Narita airport, Tokyo at 4:55 p.m. (approx 10 hrs)  It passed quickly, but was still long.  We saw a ship after leaving California, but then flew high about the clouds and didn't see anything until reaching Japan where we saw the very tip top of Mt. Fuji above the clouds.  The flight was pretty smooth, but we were asked to fasten our seat belts several times because of air turbulence.  The plane wasn't full so we were able to move around and even find extra seats together that we could spread out on and lay down.  It seemed funny as the entire trip the sun was up (just ahead of us like it was when we left San Francisco)  Gwen, Dad got the book read.  The airlines fed us good food and we had plenty of liquids to drink.  Upon arriving at the airport, we found a lot of the employees spoke English, and we had no trouble getting things done and on the bus to our hotel.  Thanks goodness we didn't have to go by train or we would never have made it.  Everything here is so green and beautiful, and of course clean.  The buses have no graffiti marks or even scratches on or in them.  Each seat had a clean white (even looked like lace) cover for your head to lean against.  It was a 2 hour bus trip to the hotel and it was dark by the time we got here.  To our surprise the hotel was quite something.   Now we know how the other half lives.  There had been a misunderstanding and the fellow who made the reservations for Mark thought the daily cost was the 3 day total cost.  Things were straightened out, and we only stayed there one night. ( It cost $400.00 for that one night)  Needles to say it was sleepless night for Dad and for Mark.  They are a lot alike and both have Grandma Dickson's worrying trait.  We called Mark at 10 p.m. Thursday night as planned, but he was in an interview as the fellow that had been scheduled to be baptized Sunday, was baptized tonight.  He called us back at 10:30 p.m.  What a thrill it was to finally talk to him.  He was so happy and excited and all of us could hardly wait until the next day to meet.  We slept in until 9 a.m.  At 11:00 a.m. we ventured out on our own for a couple of hours.  We walked to the Imperial Gardens which is surrounded by a big moat and covers several blocks, then through the tall building to a department store.  Everything was very impressive, but so frustrating as we couldn't read a thing--- street signs, instructions, directions, prices, etc.  Mark and Elder Hurst arrived at the hotel at 1:45 p.m. and we had a happy reunion.  After checking out, we went by taxi to the Tokyo Train Station.  Here we left our luggage in lockers and boarded the train for the Mission Home.  Never saw so many people in one place, and they were all going in different directions.  The train trip was nice and took about 1/2 hour to reach the Mission Home.  Tokyo was very modern with a lot of tall buildings, but the Mission Home area was delightful.  Just like you would like all of Japan to be.  We met the staff (6 missionaries) and the cute little girl that called us.  We visited with President Kiyabu and his wife (they are so special)  and then went to their home for refreshments and to watch Mark on a training video tape.  We visited at the mission home for about an hour, picked up Mark's luggage and headed back to the Train Station in Tokyo. After having our first REAL meal in a Japanese restaurant, we boarded the Bullet train for Kyoto.  It was dark so we didn't see much, but it was exciting.  The 3 hour trip was soon over and we arrived at Kyoto at 11:22 p.m., took a taxi to the Alpha Kyoto Hotel where Mark had made reservations for us and dropped into bed.  We have adjusted to the time change very well, and so far the weather hasn't been that hot as it has been slightly cloudy.  The humidity is quite high.  (Erika says it reminds her of New York)  but really isn't as bad as we had expected.  It is now 8:20 a.m. Saturday morning, August 5th.  (5:20 p.m. Friday afternoon your time---are you at Lagoon?)  We are getting ready to go out for the day and will be in this area for 3 more days before heading back to Tokyo.  This will probably be the only real letter that I write, but we'll send some postcards probably.  We are all fine and hope everyone at home is also!  Tell everyone Hello!  Love Mom and all

August 8, 1989 ( This postcard was sent when mom and dad and Erika went to Japan to pick up Mark from his mission)

Dear Amanda and Zac,  We saw and fed deer like this yesterday.  some had big antlers.  They were sure tame and were out walking around on the paths and lawns.  We are having a good time and will be riding the Bullet train back to Tokyo today.  See you soon.  Love Grandma and Grandpa, Erika and Mark  P.S. Give Landon a hug

August 8, 1989

Mom's birthday.  They are still in Japan.  I AM SO SICK OF SICKNESS!  Now Zac and I have cold sores ALL over our lips.  Landon still has the diarrhea, and not a sore throat.  Amanda was throwing up all last night.  I'm on hold for a doctor to okay a refill of 2 prescriptions which will cost me mucho bucks.  Lagoona Beach and Downetta were fun, but not worth these cold sores. (We should have used sun screen on our lips.  Whenever I get my lips sunburned, I get cold sores) Lynette and her family didn't end up coming to Downetta.  Wish they could have.  Amanda has her fair horse show tonight.  Bet she gets 2 blue ribbons (She got 2 red ribbons).  She's great on that horse!  I'll be glad when school starts in 2 weeks.

August 13, 1989

Tomorrow, Mark comes home from his mission to Japan.  He called from Aunt Dixie's home in Hawaii and talked to us. So did mom and dad.  It was great to hear his voice.  The fair is over, and we did pretty good with dad's vegetables.  His garlic took sweepstakes, and we got about 9-10 firsts, and 3 seconds.  I think he'll be tickled.  The kids sure are excited to see Mark.  He is slim, mom says, in her letter.  I bet they've had so much fun! Wish I could have gone too.  Oh well.  I wish Tonya were here for this day tomorrow.  Mark is going to BYU in a little bit, so he'll not be home too long.  Only one more week until school starts, Hurrah!!  I got mom a big wooden butterfly to hang on her fence for her birthday.  Hope she likes it.

August 1989 - Letter from Linda

Dear Rog, Gwen and kids,  Well, here we are doing this again (writing)  Seems strange.  So, how are all of you now?  I heard you had a bad case of the flu at your place.  Hope everyone is over it now.  (This was actually Giardia bacteria that we got from our bad water)  We are doing fine.  The boys are working hard, and Brenda just chases with me all day.  Bruce likes his job quite well, he's had 2 raises since we've been here.  It's a lot of work for him though.  I haven't looked for a job yet.  We are in our house now, and it's nice.  Brand new in fact.  It's about a 15 minute drive from Base, but we really like it.  We are driving a Toyota 4-door, and looking for a van.  Also, waiting for our 2nd shipment to get here. Our first made it already.  Although a lot of things were broken.  It's been real hot and humid, but I hear it's been real hot at home too.  I guess you guys are gearing up for the annual fair, huh?  Are the kids ready for school yet?  Todd just crosses the street and he's there.  We've been to the beach a lot.  I guess I'll snorkel with the boys.  Although the other day we saw 3 jellyfish, and I wasn't too excited then.  Todd found an octopus the other day, and hurried and got out for the rest of the day.  (We are real brave)  so, what's everyone been doing to keep busy?  I guess you know by now that my two teenagers are coming home. (Brenda and Darrin)   Talk about a worry.  But they tell me they will be fine.  I'm not too worried about Brenda, just wish Darrin were out of school too.  It would be a little easier to let go of them.  Well, I know that I missed both Landon's and Rog's birthdays, so I'm sending all these gifts together, and would you please give mom, Kelly's and Layne's and have her give them to them when she sees them?  I will close for now.  Sorry I'm such a sloppy writer.  Love, Linda

August 30, 1989 - Letter from Bruce

Dear Roger, Gwen and Family,

Thank you for the birthday card.  It makes me feel good to hear from you and know everything is okay.  We are getting small in numbers over here,  it should seem good, but it doesn't.  I know now why parents try to talk kids into staying around and getting educated.  It's a big worry now. I guess everyone has to do what they think is right.  I think back when I was 17, 18, 19, wow that's way back there.  Anyway, nobody could talk me into anything that wasn't my idea.  I guess as parents we will always worry, that's part of raising kids.  When Kelly finally left, I thought "Ben and LuAnn finally have it made now".  But the feeling you get when kids leave, really isn't having it made.  You really need to spend a lot of time with kids, because they grow up too fast.  We sure think your little one has grown.  How about the other two?  When do we see their pictures, (ha-ha)  How's work for you Roger.  I hope you have things going your way.  How many more times are you going to let Doctor's cut on you?  Sounds pretty spooky to me.  How is Uncle Don?  I hope he's doing good.  We sure do miss him and hope he gets along okay.  He told me I was crazy for going back.  You know, I think of what he said a lot, and sometimes I laugh.  He's probably right, but I'm still pretty hard-headed.  I love and miss you all a bunch.  Bruce

August 31, 1989

It's 12:15 a.m., and I can't sleep.  Thinking about work and pay raises.  It's hard to explain it all.  Mark is home and doing fine.  September 5th, he starts at B.Y.U.  He did a great job at his homecoming.  Erika got a new car, a beige Nissan Stanza.  The kids like school.  They are doing well.  A co-worker back-stabbed me at work.  I dislike her intensely.  Dick Peterson died.  Landon got GIARDIA again.  So many problems!

July 1989 - from my journal

July

4 - Pour front porch steps

5 - Landon's 1st birthday

9 - dedication?

17-28 Swimming lessons

19 - Mom and dad leave for California?

Zac went to the dentist allot this month?

We were watering at dad's while they were gone

29 - Mom and dad got home from Calif.

July 4, 1989

Landon will be a year old tomorrow.  Hard to believe.  He walks a few steps, but still mostly crawls.  He climbs on things and loves to play the piano.  He can say ki-ki for Kitty, and da-da and ma-ma.  He is so sweet, and hasn't been sick hardly at all this past year.  I cut his hair last weeks on the sides.  He looks like I did when I was a baby.  Linda and Bruce have gone back to Okinawa.  Terri and Pat are staying in their home.  We got a new garage door, and front steps poured.  They are pouring the steps in the garage today.  The lawn is looking fairly good. We are having a bar-B-Q for Landon's birthday tomorrow.  Not much celebrating today for the 4th.  Rog and I are getting along better.  I have lost about 10 pounds, and a bunch of inches.  I'll keep going!

July 8, 1989

Landon's birthday went great, although he had the flu that night and the next day.  I think he's pretty much over it now.  He's walking more and more.  He weighs 21 pounds and is 30 inches long.  His iron level is back up.  He got a few outfits, 3 shorts, 1 tank top, 2 shorts, cobbler bench and truck and tub toy and a onesie and $10.00 and a cabbage patch doll.

July 10, 1989

Landon still has the diarrhea.  Walking quite a bit now.  Zac is playing little league baseball.  He's really quite good, and Amanda still has her horse 4-H which she loves.  A week from today, we'll go down to the all horse parade in Salt Lake City. (This didn't happen - I don't know why)  I completed all 4 appraiser courses, and am now a certified appraiser.

July 11, 1989

I still have my cold, and don't want to take anything for it because I might be pregnant.  Accidently?  In a way I hope I am, because I think there's another one up there for us and if it doesn't happen on accident, it never will.  We are so broke.  Just bought a new garage door $812.00 and charged it on VISA. (I have a note, that we were still paying on it in November of 1991) Also, Jim Wiscombe wants to redo a fence $600.00 (our share) and Uncle Don's getting a new roof on his barn $600.00.  I might be getting a raise soon, because I am a certified appraiser,  to $9.12 per hour, compared to the $5.43 I'm getting right now.  ( I only got raised up to$7.78 per hour)

July 17, 1989 (Postcard from Erika)

Dear Kids,  This is a picture of my favorite pageant scene. (Jesus Christ teaching the little children of ancient America)  If you were here, you would probably be in this scene - and you would LOVE it!  I am on of twenty-one "Harvest Dancers", and I am going to be in the Yearning scene and Processional with most everyone else.  I love you, and wish you could be here with me.  It is fantastic!  The Church Is True!  Love, Erika

July 19, 1989

I'm not pregnant.  I am really low tonight.  All the kids are in bed and Roger just left for work.  Amanda and I talked allot tonight.  She is not happy at all.  She's like me.  She can put up a front most of the time, but basically she's not happy.  She doesn't like living up here on the hill.  All there are, are ticks and sagebrush and bugs and no grass and nothing is level.  She doesn't have a sister, and is sad Ambure and Tonya died.  She doesn't like to be around Zac.  He bugs her and makes her mad.  She says she's so FAT!  Her legs and arms and stomach, she says, and she's getting fatter and she's going to look ugly in a swimming suit.  She feels lonely and she wants to be righteous, but it's hard to in our family.  She wants to go to heaven, but she knows she won't, being in our family.  She wishes we were never sealed so we would still have something to hope for.  She is really depressed, and I don't know what to do.  Allot of her problem, was that she was really tired, but I know they are her true feelings.  They are a mirror of mine.  I told Roger about them and he just sits there.  I don't know what he thinks.  I feel he doesn't care.  He is a good provider for us and he works hard, but I feel he doesn't love me or care for me.  Has our love died?  All the time I am wishing for a new life, a change, something to make me happier.  Maybe he is too.  But then if he would just hold me or reach out with a smile of understanding or comfort or thanks or praise.  I can't seem to reach out to him and make the first move.  It seems useless, futile, and I just bury my hurt inside.  Tonight I told him that I wished he would say "Gwen, I know our family needs to be happier and we, me and you, need to try hard together to make it so.  We need to have family home evening and family prayers and scripture reading.  Let's work together on these things and help the kids and show our love more and really try to be a happy family."  And you know what he did?  He just stared at me without a word.  Until he finally said, "I know we need to do something!?!"  But that was all.  It stops there.  There's no use going into it with him anymore.  My own spirituality and relationship with God has fallen dramatically, and I have no room to blame him.  But I can't do this alone!  I feel so lost and I can't even pray.   What happened?  What can we do?  We can't talk!  I've thought about marriage counseling or psychiatric help for me or talking to the bishop.  I sometimes just want out!  But then I think of the kids.  But really, could it be any worse?  I feel our family is falling apart.  I can't hold it together alone.  I feel like I'm drowning.  Help me.

July  20, 1989 (Postcard from Mom and Dad)

Dear Family,  The weather is beautiful, but hot 115 degrees in Las Vegas.  It broke another record.  We stopped at the St. George temple yesterday, and went through a session.  It was really nice.  We will soon be in California where we will mail this card.  Hope everything is fine at home, and that your water is fixed.  Take care of yourselves.  Love, Grandma and Grandpa Dickson

July  1989  (Postcard from Mom and Dad)

Dear Family, Saw the ocean as we were driving up to Santa Clara, but didn't go to it.  We are enjoying this area, but taking it easy.  Went to "Honey, I Shrunk The Kids" last night.  Will see Batman or Star Trek V tonight.  We miss you all, and wish you were here with us.  We haven't tried the swimming pool out yet.  See you in a few days.  Love Grandma and Grandpa Dickson

July 21, 1989

The water is finally cleaned up in the well.  Rog and I still disagree as to how to water the lawn.  I don't care anymore.  Just another Friday.  I have to work this morning.  Think I might take Zac down this afternoon and get his glasses fixed and re-order new lenses.  They are pretty hammered.  I think that's part of his reading problem.  Also, I need to pick up that aerobic video from T.I.P.  I have lost approximately 15 pounds since April 8th.  I am getting over my cold and feel much better.  Landon still has diarrhea.  Rog has to go back to work tonight, even though it's his night off.  Things are still not right between us.  There was an article on marriage counseling in the paper last night.  I think we should check into it.  Mom and dad are in California for Bob and Judy Boliver's wedding.  They will come home the 29th of July, and leave for Japan on August 2nd, and come home with Mark on August 14th.  We're watering at their place and feeding Duchess and watering flowers.  Sometimes I think I shouldn't write my feelings down.  They might be upsetting to some people besides me.  Oh well, I'll just go on.  Now where have I heard that before?  

February - June 1989

February

6 - Primary party

10 - Go out with Joan and Chet

14 - Zac's Valentine Party in school

15 - visit teach

19 - Ice cream for Grandpa Dickson's birthday

27 - Joan dinner?

February 11, 1989

Well, we are really into winter here.  It has been so cold this past week.  20-30 below zero.  We went out with Joan and Chet last night to eat and to a show.  Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  Landon is creeping (not crawling) around now.  He's still on his tummy pulling with his elbows and arms.  Amanda and Zac are watching cartoons as usual on a Saturday morning.  Rog is out doing chores and fixing the tractor.  It is sure foggy out this morning.  Mark, my brother is still doing well on his mission.  Erika is still teaching school in West Valley City, at Monroe Elementary.  She's great.  I still miss Tonya allot sometimes.  Jenny Fry finally died a couple of weeks ago.  (Jenny Fry was another Morgan teenager who was in a car accident a few weeks after Tonya.  She didn't die right off, but had terrible brain damage, and has been a vegetative state for the last few months)  Mom and Dad and Erika are getting excited to go pick up Mark in 6 months. His time is getting short.  I'm still eating good and exercising and going to aerobics, but this past week I've had a real stiff neck.  It doesn't pinch anymore, but it's sore, and last night it ached so bad. I hope it'll go away and not be something serious.  Joan Adams is due in 7 weeks with her baby.

February 12, 1989

Sunday's are such lazy mornings.  Church doesn't start until 1 p.m., and we just lay around until it's time to get ready. My neck's a little better, but I still feel blah!  Diane Call was supposed to have twins in September, but one of the babies has died.  That's so sad.  (The other one died, and she miscarried February 26, 1989)

March

March 1, 1989

Well, February has been a bad month as usual.  I can't write it all down.  Amanda's getting old enough to read cursive.  Suffice to say, my life is a BIG MESS TOTALLY.  Zac says everyone hates him.    Roger and I are like total strangers.  Landon is my only light.  Only he loves me and needs me.  There have got to be some major changes.

March 29, 1989

Well, things are better.  Just go on I guess.  Landon is almost 9 months old.  Can't believe it.  He's pulling himself up to things now and crawls all over and can sit and go down and sit back up.  He's so sweet.  He has been so well.  Last week we had a scare.  He got weird bruises on his ears (petekial hemmorage)  Dr. Eberhard ordered a platelet count and blood tests.  They turned out okay.  I guess it was a fall that did it.  Grandma and Grandpa Dickson are in Hawaii.  They left last Saturday, and will be back April 4th. I'm so glad they went.  Joan Adams is having her baby on March 31st.  They are going to start her.  We got our tax returns back, and paid all our bills off. 

April

2 - Keysto's birthday, had barbecue, General conf.

8 - Soccer starts

9 - Mandy's b-day

12 - Joan shower

15 - Michelle shower?  wedding?

22 - Duffs is S.L.C. for Grandma Tonks birthday

28 - Landon gets top right tooth

April 14, 1989

All's well.  I've started on Eat and Be Lean.  Hope to do great!

May

1 - Primary party

3 - 1:30 program?

6 - Kelly's wedding

9 - Superkids day - Amanda

11 - Super kids day - Zac

12 - Zoo

12 - Linda's barbecue

14 - Mom's dinner, stake conf.

23 - Get recommend

May 6, 1989

Kelly's getting married tonight.  Still doing well on Eat and Be Lean. (Kelly married Michelle Peterson from Mt. Green.  They were married for a few years before having any kids, and then after they had Chase, they separated for awhile, and then got back together, and finally divorced in 94-95. Then were remarried in  97-98.  I’m so glad.)

May 6, 1989 - Kelly and Michelle were married

Wedding invitation.  Michelle and Kelly have chosen Saturday, May 6, 1989 to join their love in marriage.  They and their parents, Mr. Don R. Petersen and Ms. Connie M. Petersen and Mr. and Mrs. Delore "Ben" Rich request the pleasure of your company at a wedding reception held in their honor that evening from 7 until 9 at the Morgan 6th Ward.

May 22, 1989

I wish I could be happy.  Roger and I are not better.  It's hard to believe we could come to this.  I don't know if I can go to the bishop and ask for my recommend to be renewed.  I am so down.  I can't even pray.  School's out in a couple of days.  Landon is almost walking. I smashed my finger today - BAD!  Still doing good on Eat and Be Lean.

June

2 - Dance Review Mandy

2- Brenda's graduation

3 - Tonya temple work done

I am attending Eat and Be Lean classes on Saturday morning at this point.

11 - Aunt Barbara?

12 - Zac dentist

17- Lagoon

21-24 Lynette comes down from Idaho Falls

22 - Aunt Carol goes through the temple

26 - Tonks reunion

30 - Linda leaves (back to Okinawa?)

June 3, 1989

Went with mom and dad and Erika to the Ogden temple and did Tonya's endowment.  Exactly 1 year from her death date.

June 7, 1989 - Letter from Erika

Dear Landon, Zac and Mandy

I have been having a blast down here in Los Angeles!  I really miss living down here.  I have been to Disneyland, and the temple.  Tonight we are going to the Magic Castle, and Pinks; tomorrow I will hit Universal Studios and Toluca Lake.  I love you a lot!  See you on Saturday.  Love Erika

January 1989 - from my journal

January

3 - clogging (Amanda)

7 - Baptism (I needed to attend for Primary)
8 - eat at mom's

9 - Gwen's b-day

10 - Landon is 17 pounds, 10 ounces   27 3/4 inches long

17 - aerobics

21 - Lance Prescott's b-day party - Zac went

January 11, 1989

Well, I blew it.  My diet went down the drain.  Don't know if I'll be able to climb back on the wagon.  I don't know why January, February, and March are such a hard time for me.  Maybe I'll get me an exercise cycle for my birthday.  My birthday Monday was nice.  I got flowers from (Joan Mortensen and Gloria Anderson in the Treasurer's office) (Paul Turner, Marlene Peterson, and Shelley Spendlove in the Assessor's office) and Rog  also.  I also got a cake from Rog and the kids.  Mom and Dad gave me 3 nice shirts.  Grandma and Grandpa Dickson gave me $20.00.  Erika came up and mom cooked a nice birthday dinner for me Sunday.  I started going to aerobics, and went one time and then bombed out.  I've gotta get going again.  Our kids are growing so.  Amanda is in 3rd grade, takes clogging lessons, loves to read.  She is so much like me.  I don't know if that's so good or not.  I wish she hadn't picked up so many of my bad qualities.  Zac is in 1st grade in Linda Spendlove's class.  She yells allot.  You know, it's kinda scary, when your kids get into school, it's kinda like you lose them.  You don't always know what they're doing.  You can only hope you've taught them well.  Sometimes I think I've failed in that department.  Landon is now 6 months old.  I took him to the doctor yesterday.  He weighs 17 pounds 10 ounces and is 27 3/4 inches long.  He's healthy.  He's slept so well at night since he was 3 months old, and then the last 2 weeks he has slept so poorly.  Last night, he was up and crying 5 times between 7 p.m. and 3:30 a.m.  I just about lost it.  I think he had a tummy ache, but I don't know for sure.   Babies can't talk you know.  I've been working everyday (mornings) and all day Wednesdays.

January 12, 1989

Joni's birthday.  She's 26 years old.  Going to Ogden today to get Zac's glasses fixed.

January 17, 1989

Got me an exercise bike for my birthday.  Hope I will use it. (As usual, I didn't.  I ended up selling it for $20.00 at a yard sale in 1991)  Landon got his shot (6 month one) today.  He weighs 17 pounds 10 ounces, and is 27 3/4 inches long.  He can sit really good and rolls really good.

January 20, 1989

I went to aerobics Wednesday and Thursday night.  Watching what I eat.  Biking.  Landon went to bed at 6:16 p.m.  He'll probably be up during the night.  I'm bored.

January 23, 1989

Today, Landon, for the 1st time showed his preference in foods.  I fixed him squash and cereal mixed, and bananas on the side.  He definitely thought the bananas were the best.  It was funny to watch.  Well, he started sitting a little at 5 months, and now at 6 1/2 months he's a pro!  He rolled over maybe 1-2 times at 4-5 months, but it seemed  at 6 months he really took off.  Now I expect he'll start creeping within the next month.  He's really squealing now, and screeching.  Showing his likes and dislikes.  He doesn't care for being dressed, but he loves his bath.  He's eating solids (cereal, peaches, bananas, beans, carrots, squash)  Landon drinks really well from a cup, and he's still nursing well.  I hope to be able to keep it up for 6 more months. (I ended up quitting when he was about 7-8 months.  For the same reason I quit with Zac.  Landon started teething, and started biting me really bad!!)

January 23, 1989 - Letter from Mark

Dear, Gwen and Rog and Zac and Manda and Landon, Yes, it has been a long time since I last wrote.  I'm sorry!  I guess that I'll have to repent, eh!  Christmas has come and gone and we're in 1989.  Thanks for all of the support that you give me, I appreciate it.  It was a good Christmas, and I had a Happy New Year.  As you all know, things are going great here.  I really do like my new companion.  He and I are so much alike in alot of ways, so we get along really easy.  We are working really good together, and never argue.  In short, things are going awesome.  I still have a great feeling about my mission, and I'm so glad that I came.  As of now, we have three people that are preparing for baptism.  In fact, one may be ready by next Sunday we hope.  The Ozawa's and Kawamata are still hanging in there, and doing really well.  I can't wait to tell you about each one of them in detail when I get home.  Can you believe, only 6 months left!  I'm almost 3/4 done with such a short time left.  I have mixed feelings about it, but of course I'm looking forward to it.  You seem to be all very busy and living every day to its fullest.  I love you all so much, and I'm so glad you're a part of my life.  Keep up the hard work, Rog, you a great dad.  You aren't too bad either Gwen!  Please write soon!!  Love Dickson Cho'ro'

(Approximately Winter 1988-1989) - Letters from Mark

Dear Mandy, Hey sweetie!  How are ya?  I imagine you are the smartest girl once again this year in school. Thanks for your letters, I really like them.  Do you like that Poll boy?  I saw your picture that your mom sent in the mail!  You must be pretty popular at school.  Do you like school?  How do you like tending little Landon?  I want to see him so bad!  Take good care of him, and I'll take you and Zac somewhere this summer, OK?  Well, write again soon, and work hard in school!  Bye, Mark

Dear Zac, Hey big guy!  Are you happy?  How is all the snow and the cold weather?  I bet you can make some pretty big snowmen! Who are your friends this year?  How about all the cute girls?  I can't wait until this summer, so we can go and do stuff together again.  Keep up the good work in school, and try not to pick on Amanda, because girls are babies!!  Take care.  Bye, Mark