Christmas Made by Hand...

Nov 20 2017


Two years ago Jennifer asked me if I would make her a copy of the Christmas Advent Calendar that our family had used for years.

When Jenifer was very small I had seen this Advent Calendar in Linda Perkins home,  a neighbor, and church member, in Arizona.   She had seen one and had made one for her family.  I borrowed hers and made a copy for my family.

It was made with a burlap background and felt cut outs, with all kinds of sequins, beads, ect.

I was not able to make one two years ago, as Lynn was sick and my full attention was taking care of him.  last year I just couldn't get into the feeling of Christmas.

I thought I would try to make one for all three girls, this year as they have been asking about getting one, for Christmas.  I had made one for Launie many years ago when her family was small.

It has taken many months to make, as it is all hand done.  Cutting most everything out of felt. I even took felt and scissors on a trip with my friend Penny Prestwich, when we went to St. George, to cut out the ornaments that was needed, and I needed the time to work on them.

I was pleased with the excitement the girls,  Jennifer, Pauli and Jodie have expressed about receiving one this year.  I hope they have many years of enjoyment with it, and perhaps make one for their kids when they want to carry on the tradition...



.

A Mother's busy day...

July 16 2017  Sunday

What a super busy day for Pauli....
Being Sunday I decided to go to church with Pauli and James in Tooele, at their new ward.
Today Pauli and James,  had been assigned to give a talk from our recent  General Conference.

As part of Pauli's talk she also included playing  Abide with Me; Tis Eventide, on her harp, it was so beautiful.

After Sacrament meeting we went to the Bishop office where James was set apart to be the Executive Secretary to the Bishop.

 Pauli took her harp home to protect it.  Came back to church as it is her week to teach in Relief Society.  The lesson was on the Priesthood.  Pauli also played the opening and closing songs in Relief Society.

I was so touched by all the testimonies of how the sisters experienced the power of the Priesthood in their lives.....at all different times of life.  And to remember that Father in Heaven has blessed us to be able to use his power to help us here as we need him.

Also was the tearful reminder that not all families have a Priesthood holder in their home, and how they long for it, and feel empty without it.

I think we don't realize how really blessed we are....

...........................................................................

Launie also has a new calling today as  Family History Specialist in her ward, in Prescott Arizona.

It is raining real hard where she lives right now, her yard is flooded and its coming into her house...the pictures she sent to me looked terrible...
Her house sits low and the water runs off the road and onto her land.....not good...

My Jewels....

I was thinking today of how proud I am of all my children.  Launie Michelle, David Lynn, Jennifer Elaine, Carolyn Paulette, Jodie Margaret, and of course Eugene.

All are adults now with families of their own, except Eugene who died when he was almost four.
All are Good People, all have been through the Temple, all are active in church.
I think parents are happy when they see their children, growing up through the learning years,  turn out to be good people.

I am very Thankful for them, They all have done very well, even though their likes are all different.



.

David's Temple Marriage...

Lynn and I had the privilege to attend David and Marisol Carmen Lemus Cabrera, Wedding and Sealing in the Mount Timpanogos Temple in Utah, on April 3, 2015.
Jodie and Will, were able to attend the wedding.  Pauli wanted to come but was unable to because James had to work, and just moving into a new area had no baby sitter for her two boys. She felt real bad for having missing it.

The waiting rooms for weddings, were crowded with people.  I couldn't believe how many people were there.  Trying to be quiet, and yet get to where we should to be going.  
A Temple worker told me they had fifteen weddings that day.  Lynn told me later that the collages were on spring brake, and its also time for General Conference, which makes a perfect time for  weddings.

Latter that evening a reception was held at a chapel in Orem, close to the house that I grew up in,
Decorations were simple and nice.  David had lamps he had bought that he could change the color of the lights by using his cell phone.  He also controlled the music using his blue tooth on his phone.

Tables were placed around the outside of the room, so the center of the floor could be used when it came time for dancing. Jodie and Will helped by having the white Christmas lights run around above on the wall trim which made it very nice too.

 I was surprised at the flashing dancing lights on the ceiling.  I had forgotten that David does DJ at times and had this fun music and lights.

Lynn and I left shortly after the music had started. the loudness and the flashing lights was bringing on a mi-nears attack for Lynn which would have made him very sick.  He had been fighting it all day and his hearing was way down, almost gone.

Lynn's sister Judy came after we had left, and really enjoyed herself.  David promised he would do the music and lights for Angenette, Judy's daughter wedding, later this year.




.

Jodie's Copper Mine....

One day Jodie, About Jr High age, announced to me that she could find some money she needed by cleaning her room!..

What a great idea!...I always had some hands full of  coins, mostly pennies, that weighted down my purse, I have just been putting them a side.

So when Jodie's room needed cleaning, or she needed some extra money, without telling her, I would  throw the coins around her room. As she cleaned,  she found a  Copper mine....   

Rusty...

During this week I received a Surprise Christmas gift from Pauli.  She called and asked if I could come over, I was under the impression she needed a little help for something.....

As I called to let her know I was just around the corner from her house, she said she would meet me outside.  As I pulled onto the driveway, she hopped in and  indicated she needed me to drive somewhere, not very far.

A few houses down the road we stopped and Pauli jumped out of the car and headed for the front door. This is a lady that Pauli visit teaches, and she raises Canary's.

As I followed Pauli she soon had a little rust and brown bird in a cage.  A baby Canary for me.

Jack, our yellow Canary,  is getting older, he is about twelve years now, and I don't know how long we will have him.  I so enjoy listening to him sing.  Pauli said the baby bird would learn faster and could copy some of Jacks song.

I tried putting the baby in with Jack, not sure if he would accept him....To my surprise I think Jack likes the company.

I called him Rusty, because of the beautiful rust colors that he has, it will deepen the older he gets.  Rusty is more in the natural Canary.  He is soo cute!....and will be a good singer....

UPDATE:   I was surprised to find out that it is Rusty who is singing so strongly...I thought it was Jack being happy....but Pauli snuck a peek and saw that Rusty was singing.......

Jennifer's letter....

I was so touched by a letter that Jennifer, age eight, wrote to the Prophet, President Kimball. She took the time to write five pages....that is alot for a eight year old.
I sent Jennifer a copy of her letter and the reply she received from his secretary, D. Arthur Haycock. today some thirty years later. I have been keeping it for her.


Oct 6, 1984

Dear President Kimball I know that you went to the Indians and helpe them.  I know that  you are very kind and gentle.  And you care for others.  And I want to be a missionary to teach people the gospel that it is true.

I was babtized on the last day of June, 1984.  I was comfirmed on the first day of July 1984.
I'm glad I go to the true church.  I'm 8 year old.  I have three sisters. Two brothers.  One Mom.  One Dad and me.  The three sisters names are Michelle.  She is the bigest she is 18.  Pauli is in the middle she is four Jodie is 10 moths old.  My two brother's are David and Gene.  David is 16.  I dont know how old Gene is because he died before I came here.  My Mom and Dad always say that they are too old.

We are all getting along with each other.  I like you.  I have been paying my tithing alot.  I love my Mom and Dad and my sisters and brother's.  I know that the church is true. I know you are a Prophet and you are leading (words went of page.)

Love, Jennifer Walker
I know that you are a true Prophet.  I went t  church to see you.  I saw you some times.  And I saw the people there.  I know Heavenly father lives I want to live with Heavenly father some time.

Love, Jennifer
and she drew a picture.


President Kimball reply...
Office of the President    October 17, 1984

Miss Jennifer Walker
3845 west Hatcher
Phoenix, Arizona    85021

Dear Jennifer:

Your sweet letter dated October 6, 1984 to President Kimball has been received, and he has asked that I respond with thanks in his behalf inasmuch as he is not feeling well.

President Kimball is very pleased that you have been baptized and that you want to be a missionary someday.  He also feels that  you are a very fortunate little girl to have such a nice family.

President Kimball extends his love and blessings to you, with his kindest wishes.

Sincerely yours, D. Arthur Haycock
Secretary to President Kimball



.

Loves Example....

I Love the strength my family shows in the Lord. 

When its important to do what they believe,

          even when there are obstacles to climb over in their pathway.

Walking to Church...

Being seven months pregnant, 

With a super active two year old, who puts the Energizer Bunny to shame...

Strong storm coming, wind, rain, and some Snow.

No car, others in the house not wanting to go.

A Testimony, shows through choice and actions

We are Loved...We are His Children....least we forget...

.   

My Jewels...

I was asked to list my Jewels, so here they are:

Launie Michelle...1966

David Lynn........1968

Eugene Murvel.....1971--1975

Jennifer Elaine...1976

Carolyn Paulette..1980

Jodie Margaret....1983

Great News, and sad news....

Great News... Baby Boy born to Jennifer and Mike this morning at 5:06 AM. Austin Ryder Maughan, 9 lb and 8 oz. at St. Marks Hospt. in Salt Lake City. Mike was so excited that the baby was finaley here. Mike even wrote "Mine" on the baby's foot, so he wouldn't get lost in the nursery or taken by another parent. So Funny! He is a beautiful baby boy.

This week I have had to take Jenny Bird to the vets. Sunday we took her to the emergentcy vets, she seemed so sick. I thought she might be egg bound, like Baby was when we almost lost her. How ever after the exray, and a shot for pain, and anti-inflamition shot, and a shot to give water. They also did a swave for bacteria and found nothing. They said to take Jenny to our regular vet the next day.

Visiting Dr. Clark, he took a blood sample, and said he wanted to put Jenny in the Hospital, as he could see she was a very sick bird. They kept her in a inkabater, gave her tube feedings, and started her on a atabotic

Jodie came home...

I guess Home is where I happen to be living. I have always considered Utah to be home, even though I spent 39-40 years in Arizona. Jodie, last November, decided to move to Provo Utah.

This week Lynn, David, Jodie, and myself, moved the rest of Jodie things from Lake Havasu City Arizona, to Provo Utah. The weather was extremely cold. David drove his truck,a four seating Avalanche, and had his covered trailer. The weather was snowing more than half the time, and the tempiture was extremely cold. at one time it was -3 below 0.

David drove both ways, from Springville Utah, to Lake Havasue City, and back again. While David got some sleep for driving, Lynn, Jodie, and I packed, and Tom helped. We brought back Jodie's piano, and fireplace. and other things that Jodie boxed up for travel. They also strapped Jodie's two Kiacks on top of the truck.

We left Utah on Monday, packed and left for home on Tuesday. The wind was so strong it rocked the truck. Often David and Jodie would check on the Kiakes to be sure they were secured.

We were reminded several times by Lynn that the coldest spot in Utah was Beaver. Being so cold that day, Lynn would say lets don't gas up in Beaver.
On Davids rear view mirror there is a spot that tells you what the outside tempture was. We watched it go from above 0 to -1 and -3 and back to -1. While Lynn was sleeping, we asked each other if we wanted to gas up in Beaver? as it was coming soon and Lynn had made such a point of not stopping there. We kind of snickered and decided to stop in Beaver, where Lynn would need to get out to gas up the truck.

David also got out to write down the numbers from the gas pump, and quickly jumped back into the truck exclaiming how extremely cold it was outside. Lynn climbed back into the truck and said he figured out we were in "Beaver", because he saw a advertisement paper on the counter indicating that we were in "Beaver"!

Jodie

Sometimes things happen that are so special that its hard to share in words the feelings one has inside. I once told someone that I had been dreaming of this day for years, then months, weeks, days. To be living through this time... And now, they are memories..

Memories filled with warmth, family, togetherness, and sacredness.
It started with Jodie, my youngest, becoming active and working on going to the Temple for her own Endowments.

Jodie and her boyfriend, Tom, drove from Lake Havasue City, Arizona, to our home in Utah. They arrived Tues night, and have to be back to work Sat. So this was going to be a fast week.

Wed. Morning, Tom, Jodie and myself, drove from Grantsville to Pauli's home in Salt Lake City, in Tom's Cherry Red Mustang car. We picked up Pauli and drove to the White Elegance store in Sandy, to try to find a Temple Dress for Jodie.

White Elegance had some very beautiful dresses, and Jodie found one in her tiny size that she was looking for. She looked so Beautiful, all dressed in white. We all agreed, it was the most perfect dress for her. We also found a beautiful dress that seemed to fit Pauli's personality, and looked absolutely beautiful on her.

Lunch was needed to keep our driver happy, as it is not the easiest to follow three women around shopping. So we stoped at a Chinese restaurant for a light lunch, then off to the LDS Distribution Center on Redwood Road.

At the LDS Distribution Center Jodie received the rest of her Temple clothing. I am sure she was quite overwhelmed with everything.

A few things always fall in ones path when they are trying to go to the Temple. One of the things that happened at this time, happened about two blocks away from Pauli's house. The car started overheating, and refused to run any farther. We were all surprised as the car had been worked on, and was ready to go on the trip. I was surprised how calm Tom was, when this problem came up, he was repeating "the motor is fried, I fried the motor". I have found most men to be loud, and showing their frustration at a car's break down. However many prayers were sent to heaven from inside the car and one was sent from outside.

James, Pauli's Husband, came. The car had cooled enough that we were able to drive to Pauli's house. James talking to Tom said "I can fix anything, but you have to tell me what to fix". That is very true, James is very good with his hands.

They called David, my son, who works as a auto mechanic, and asked him about the car. He said to feel the top water hose. It was hot. Then feel the bottom water hose. It was cold. The thermostat was stuck and needed to be replaced. James and Tom came back with a new thermostat from a car parts, and replaced it. The car was running again, and it seemed to have taken about thirty minutes or so... That was another blessing.

Jodie and Tom had been invited, by Pauli and David, to attend a Haidong Gumdo class, A class of marshell arts, using sords, they decided to go.

I found the Haidong Gumdo class to be most interesting for me, because all were black belts, except for Jennifer who is a blue belt at this time. Pauli and David are both black belts. Jodie and Tom were given the first class lesson and seemed to enjoyed the class.

There were lots of warm feelings, as the family enjoyed a evening just being together, having fun and working out in a physical workout class. It didn't matter if they were all at different levels, they just enjoyed doing something together.

Thursday Morning, Temple Day.
First thing Thursday morning I hemmed Jodie's dress. I was not able to do the outside dress as I did not have enough time. but the most important one was done.

Jodie had to be at the Salt Lake Temple by 11:30 am. The bridge on North Temple, that covered the railroad tracks, was closed due to construction, so we had to go around it.

To our surprise we met Pauli and James on the elevator, in the car garage. under the Conference Center. We were able to walk into the Temple together. Jodie, Pauli, James, Lynn and myself. Tom still has about 3 to 4 weeks before his appointment with his Bishop for a Temple recommend interview.

Jennifer's babysitter canceled, Tom was willing to watch Jen's two girls, Sarah, five, and Violet, one and a half, for about five hours, walking around Temple square, so that Jennifer could attend with her sister Jodie. I feel he deserves a platinum Halo for wonderful service.

It is incomprehensible Joy for a parent to be in the Temple with their children, all dressed in white. As you share with them, the teachings, and promises the Lords has given.
Pauli and I were Jodie's Escorts. Jennifer came in with the main group and was seated a couple of rows behind us.
I was surprised to see how small the number of people were in attendance, usually the room is filled. This made it real nice for Jodie.

To be in the Celestral room where someone from the family says "group hug!" and automatic the family gathers together for one big hug. It felt so good. I wondered if heaven will feel so good like that.

We also visited the sealing room where this family was started when Lynn and I were married.
We missed Launie and David, as they were not in attendance.
I look forward to the time when our whole family will be together, in the Temple.

I Remember Gene...

David, Gene, Launie....Grandpa Brimhall in the background

Eugene Murvel Walker ( Gene ) Was my third child. He would have been 33 years old today, almost 34. He was Three and a half, when his short life was ended. Injuries from a car accident.

He died Jan 29, 1975 in the JC Lincon Hospital, in Sunnysloap or part of Phoenix, Arizona. He was buried in the Provo City Cemetery, in Provo, Utah.

This is one of the last Photos taken of Gene, two months before he died...

Mothers tears...

I feel as if I have a bottomless pit deep inside me, and it growing more and more. Time seems to standstill, and yet things are moving all around me. Oh how my heart aches, with the pains of sorrow. Was she not a young child yesterday, that I would hold close to me? and delight in her accomplishments, as she would struggle to do them. Her smile was like sunshine to me, I loved the laughter in her eyes. Even though she is a young adult now, her decisions cut through me as if they were a sharp knife.. She has been taught.. I don't think she completely understands within; the eternal complications of this.. She has her free agency.... I will always love her.

Where did I go wrong?

Journal writing...

I started writing in a Journal in 1977, a year or so after my 4th child, Jennifer, was born. Even though I have written some of the precious and cute things children do of that age, I am sorry that I don't have recorded things that were important to me before that time. After my Mom died, and I had gone home to visit. I found a box of letters I had written to my Mom and Dad. (We were living in Arizona, and my parents were in Utah.) Mom had kept them all. In them I wrote all about what was happening in my life, because I wanted them to be part of my life, and I missed them so much.. I even found pictures that my son Gene had drawn, before he had died, of injuries from a car accident. He was almost 4 years old.
The letters are in my ceder chest, hopefully sometime I can get to them. If I don't, then maybe one of my girls will. At least they know where they are now.

Journal Excert: Jodie's Birth...

Taken from my small red Journal, Page 270....Dec. 15, 1983

In Sacrament meeting it was mentioned that we should write down for our children what happened during the time of their birth. So Jodie this is for you....


Jodie Margaret was born on Dec. 2, 1983 at 4:24 am, on a Friday morning.

Early Friday morning about 12:30 am, I told Michelle (17) not to go to bed, because I though I would be going to the Hospital, and I wanted her to be aware so she could take care of the kids and house.

The labor pain was 5 minuets apart. I put my coat on, got my suit case and purse. I woke Lynn who was asleep on our bed, and asked him kidding if he was going to take me to the hospital, or was going to drive myself. By the time Lynn got himself together and we were ready to leave, the contractions were about 2 minuets apart.

When we arrived at Phoenix Baptist Hospital, I was surprised the people made me walk back to the labor rooms, which wasn't the easiest to do. After I was settled Dr. Farrar came shortly and gave me a paracivical block, and a baby's fetal heart beat monitor was strapped on my stomic, to keep track of the baby's heart beat. I had such a bad cough that every time I would cough, I would wipe out the monitor screen.

Margaret Ortez, one of my nurses attached a fetal heart monitor to the top of Jodie's head. The monitor has a small screw, that screws into the skin of the baby's head. At this point I had dilated to a 6 and the bag of waters had already broke.

This was the first time I had a baby heart monitor used on any of my 6 children. What a blessing it was. Every time I would have a contraction the baby's heart beat would drop. I remember the heart beat being around 138 and dropping to the fifties. Margaret would turn me from side to side trying to relieve the pressure off the baby.

I remember looking at the clock, it was about 1:05 am, and thinking the baby would be born about 1:30 am the way every thing was going. Shortly Dr. Farrar came in and said the baby's heart was dropping low and felt we might have to take the baby Cesarean. I responded to him knowing the baby was in trouble, "lets go", he said it would take a while to get every body here. I wasn't sure who all he meant...It seems now that there was a lot of people there.

I am not sure what happened from 2 am to 4 am. I remember them getting me ready to go to surgery...trying to get the bed moving, and having to disconnect the wire from the monitor. I thought to myself that it made sense to disconnect from the one monitor and replug into another monitor in surgery, rather than dragging the whole unit with us.

I must of been drugged at this point for I do not remember any pain or contractions. I had no desire to even open my eyes to see what was happening. However I was very much alert spiritually or mentally, and could hear all that was going on around me.

I remember being wheeled to surgery, we stopped someplace just inside the doors. My senses made me think of a extremely small room, or hallway space to the left side of the surgery room. I was there about 5 minutes. There was no baby monitor there, and the nurse insisted the fetal heart monitor be plugged in. "the Dr. wants it constantly monitored!"

They wheeled me into surgery, and plugged the monitor in. I don't remember them moving me on to the surgery table, but I am sure they did. I do remember being strapped down, my arms straight out on both sides, and they also strapped my legs down. I couldn't move, nor did I wish to. I already had an IV in my hand through which all medications were administered.

The Anethesealogist had a real neet accent in his voice. I don't know what he looks like for my eyes were closed. He kept talking to me letting me know what he was going to do. His voice kept my attention. It was nice to be spoken to and comforting. A oxygen mask was placed over my nose and mouth. I felt that not enough oxygen was coming through the mask. Having Asama I panic when I feel I can't breath. I called out many times, that I can't breath!. Shortly the Anethesealogist said he had opened one of the ports or vents so I could get more air. It helped but it could have been better.

I must have slept. I could hear voices on my left side, nurses I think, concerning the baby's heart beat. I heard Dr. Farrar voice, he was waiting for the baby Dr. (Dr. Conley) who had not arrived yet, every one elts was there. At this point I don't remember the mask being on my face. Just a slight feeling I might have a tube in my throat. ( I asked the nurse later about it and she said that I did have a tube.)

Dr. Farrar and the nurses was talking about how low the baby's heart beat had dropped, down in the 30's. Dr Farrar said he couldn't wait any longer. Someone said "he's here!" meaning Dr. Conley. "He just walked threw the door." The Anesthesealogist was given the information he was to put me completely under, which they hadn't planned to do. He asked Dr. Farrar "Now? Dr. Farrar!" to which he received a yes.

Dr. Farrar made the incision. I felt the pressure and a little pain. It hurt when he removed the baby, but only briefly. Nurse Margaret was trying to remove the fetal heart monitor at the same time Dr. Farrar started. Dr. Farrar said its a girl. I remember thinking I didn't hear the baby cry. I didn't worry anymore about the baby for I knew Dr. Farrar would take good care of her.

I felt I could go to sleep and not worry. I had the strangest feeling. I was completely awake but couldn't move a mussel, nor did I wish to. I don't remember how long I was awake.

The next I remember was being in recovery with a nurse telling me that I would be put in the hall on the ward until a bed was available, which would be soon. I was placed in the hall across from a door way. Every time someone walked threw the door a cooling breeze came across me, which felt good. I later learned it was the doorway to the children's ward. I was placed in room 305, bed A. The hospital helicopter pad was just outside my window. I could hear it come and go all hours of day and night.

I wanted to know what had happened during surgery, I asked if Lynn was around, to which the nurses couldn't find him. I thought maybe he had gone home to check on the kids. The nurses found him at home and told him I would like to see him.

After 8 hours they brought Jodie to me. The first time I got to see her. My what a beautiful baby she was. Such big beautiful eyes, looking all around just as if she was in a hurry to take all of this world in at once. She is a very contented little girl. Jodie looks so much like her older sister Pauli. Jodie was born with a birthmark. A large red mark under her chin on the right side. It can be seen in the pictures of Jodie when she is 8hr. old. (the Picture of Jodie and I in the Hospt. that Lynn took.) Jodie at this time of writing is almost 2 months old her birthmark is very light pink and hardly can be seen. I believe it will probably go away. Jodie has long thin fingers, As my Dad would say, she would make a good piano player. She is so sweet.

Latter as I visited with nurse Margaret, I learned that she worked with Jodie for two hours to get her to breath on her own. Jodie was so active, that she had wraped the cord all around herself, and never would have been born naturaly alive, because the cord then was too short to supply oxygen for her. This nurse Margaret, gave us permission to give her name to Jodie. She also sent a little stuffed brown and white dog, for Jodie's 1st birthday. Latter when Jodie would take swimming lessons, I would have to tell her teacher to watch Jodie, for she would have to tell her to breath after getting her face wet, to get her to do it. Jodie would hold her breath and not breath.

At our Dr. Appointment I was told by the office staff, that Dr. Farrar was real shook up when he had returned to the office after Jodie's birth. He was so afraid we were going to lose her.
And I had lost so much blood that I was not permitted to stand to hold Jodie. He kept us in the Hospt. for 5 full days because I had no help at home.

To think about it now, we must have been a scary problem for Dr. Farrar. Nancy who worked with him a lot told me that Dr. Farrar was one of the few doctors who would not ignore a baby after it was born, he would make sure it was aright before he would leave. He was also diabetic, and it was not unusual for him to ask for a candy bar during a delivery.

Journal Excert: Paulette's Birth...

Taken from my small red Journal, page 61....Feb 11, 1980



In Sacrement meeting today it was mentioned we should write down for our children what happened during the time of their birth. So here for you Pauli, is a Journal entry I had written. I believe Dad also wrote in his journal....


Yesterday, Sunday my body seemed to be heavier than ever. My legs and feet were so swollen, my bad foot was at least 3 times its normal size, because the baby was so low.


I rested normally through the night, til about 3:00 am when I woke to a very strong contraction. I went back to sleep and about one hr. latter I had another strong contraction. I semi-slept as they continued to increase in intervals. About 5 am, I was pretty sure I was in labor, however I did not want to go to the hospital (Baptist) until I had received a priesthood blessing. I worried because of my age and wanted everything to go well. I have always asked for a Priesthood blessing with each of my children, and know that all has gone well because of it.

In Jennifer's case the cord was wrapped around her neck and Dr. Eldon Hamblin was quickly to relieve the problem and Jennifer's life was spared. Gene also had to be turned.

I noticed my contractions slowed down to about 30 minuets apart. I woke Lynn about 6:00 am, and asked who he knew could come and give me a blessing this morning, as I was sure I would be in the Hospital before noon. He called Bro. LeRoy Black, our former home teacher, whom we love dearly. He said he could be at our house about 7:45 am, which was good because the kids, Michelle (13) and David (11) left for school just after 8:00 am.

I called Nancy Woods, my friend, and informed her I wasn't going to wait til she got back to work on Thursday night, as she worked on the OB floor at the Baptist Hospital.

I tried calling Teina Richens, and found her not at home. I called Polly Hrenchir, who also works on the OB floor and asked her if she would watch Jennifer (3 1/2) until she could get hold of Teina who was to watch Jennifer. Polly informed me that she was working tonight. ( we had made plans if I came in when Polly was working, she would slip out, go across the street and get both of us chocolate fudge sundays with cashews on top, at Mary Coles.)

Bro. Black came between 7:45 and 8:00. My contractions then moved rapidly to 3 to 5 minet apart. David prayed that mother would get feeling better. I thought that was sweet of him. We sent the kids off to school as soon after 8:00 as possible, finally getting Michelle out of the house, I didn''t think she was going.

About 8:10 I managed to sit on the arm of a frontroom chair and called to Lynn that I was afraid we were too late! as the contractions were continuous now.

We took Jennifer to Sis Hrenchirs and headed for the Hospt.

Very slowly I made my way from the car almost to the emergency room door, when I was greeted by one of the helicopter flight doctors with a wheel chair. He said "You look like your going to have a baby!" I very much agreed with him. He wheeled me right down to the Labor room. When I was concerned about Lynn finding his way, the Dr. informed me his partner would bring Lynn down. I thought that was sure nice of them to do that.

Dr. Marcise Frarrar was called as soon as I was checked. As I heard his voice I said I guess we are both wrong. meaning the date the baby was to come. All through the nine months we have kind of had a difference in opinion, as to when the baby was due. The first date Dr. Frarrar gave me was the 15th of February, which sounded about right to me. Then he thought the baby was bigger that 3 months along. He then said it would be between 15 Jan to 1st of Feb. Knowing how I carry my children I said no it will be in Feb. When I wasn't ready in Jan, Dr Frarrar changed it to the first part of Feb.. about 2 weeks before due date, he changed it again to Feb 18th. I still held out for Feb 15th. When he asked me why I said Feb 15th? I said because it was the first date he had given me. He then said that date was just a guess. So when the baby came 4 days early, I was surprised because I have seen all the due dates on my kids, except this one. So we were both wrong. It was kind of fun to poke at each other, and others too about the due date, namely Nancy, and if the baby was a girl or boy.

Nancy had said Dr. Frarrar had put on my Hospital chart, I would be coming in Jan. I told her she better indicate " mother said Feb!" Dr. Frarrar also puts what he thinks the baby will be on the chart. Nancy said he had been right 11 out of 12 times so far. I felt good about that because he had indicated all along, except for 1 time that the baby was a girl.

I remember going to Primary insurvice one month, and the ladies asked what has the Dr. said? my response was a disappointed "Its a boy!" which brought a round of lafter. But the next week Dr. Frarrar was back on my side again, as I really wanted a little girl.

I was having a hard time, and still trying to relax so labor would go faster. The only thing I have had with the rest of my kids was a hypo towards the last. The "In fad" today is to do everything naturally. Birth, breast feeding, and sometimes no doctor.

Dr Frarrar asked me "Your not going to do this naturally are you?" I said No Way! I was experienced after 4 others to know what I was in for, and not foolish enough to turn down help. He gave me a ceverial block, which takes allot of the pain out of the contractions and does no harm to the baby. Its like being numbed in the mouth when you see a dentist, but has no other effects, such as sleepiness or spreading out of the area.

While I was in the labor room which seemed to be about 15 minets, Lynn and Dr Frarrar talked about caring for BEES!!

I was taken to the delivery room, when I heard a familiar voice from the doorway, it was Nancy. She just couldn't stay away. She stayed in the Hospital until after the baby was born.

For me delivery was rough. I think allot of it is due to my age.

In the delivery room they keep us for about 30 to 45 minets after birth, to make sure mother and child are doing fine. I didn't get to see my baby born as I had my eyes closed and concentrating on pushing. I didn't get to see Jennifer be born as there was no mirror in the delivery room.

After Pauli was born and she was in a warming bed, with a special light, because she was johndes.
meaning her liver needed a little extra help. Lynn spent about the next 30 min. playing with her right in the delivery room. I saw in his eyes a look which I had not seen for a very long time. One of humbleness, love for our newborn baby. a sweet, sweet look and feeling which lasted most of the day.
Nancy came in and congratulated me on our sweet little girl. I even got to hold her in the delivery room.

My roommate, Joni Simpson, took 3 pictures of Pauli with a Polaroid camera, when she was about 3 1/2 hrs. old. Lynn took these home to announce to the kids, they had a new baby sister.

Polly Hrencher worked down in the delivery all night, so I didn't see her until just before she was ready to leave for home.

Just before Pauli was born Dr. Frarrar asked me how much my other children weighed at birth. I told him 8 to 9 pounds. he said "looks like you've got another one!" Pauli was 8 lb and 9 oz, 21 inches long. Born at 10:19 am. She was beautiful. Born with dark hair and her skin was dry. The only one I had with dry skin. her little hands look so dainty, they were so thin with long fingers. I though it was just fitting for a special little girl. Pauli has what they call a little rosebud mouth, perfect and sweet. She had her eyes open allot in the delivery room, and she was born with a good pair of lungs.

One of the nurses wrapped Pauli in a warm blanket and gave her to me while I was still on the gernie, a movable table. Pauli was so soft and sweet I could hardly believe my Father in Heaven could have given me such a great blessing.

Lynn stayed at the Hospital most of the day. I called a few friends from our ward to let them know. Linds Woods, Gayle Whetton, Polly Hrencher,Teina Richens, Mary Mattox, and Muriel Wright.
We also called Kathy Walker and left word with her for Lynns family. We also called Lynns grandfather, Murvel Walker.

Latter in the afternoon we called my Dad, at the rest home. He seemed a little depressed, but by the time we delivered the news, I believe it brightened up his day.




February 12, 1980

Lynn brought Michelle, David and Jennifer to the Hospital to see the baby. Baptist Hospt has a set time for the kids to come and hold their new baby. I believe its from 1 to 2 pm.
I had Pauli with me. As the kids came in they put on Hospt. gowns, and Lynn did too.
They were all so proud to hold their baby sister, Lynn took some pictures.
The nurse paid us a complement saying she didn't even know my family had come, because they were so mannerly, and quiet.

We took Pauli home on Valentines day.