From the Personal Journals of My Father
Rex Buckley Jensen
1986
Thursday, January 23, 1986
%20.jpeg) |
| Annual School Picture Mesa, Arizona September 1986 Age 7 |
Saturday, January 25, 1986
Doyal and Stephen arrived about the time the game was over. Stephen took Doyal down to see the deer. They had all of Doyal's boys, Jordan, Jessie and Donna, and so it was a merry van full.
Monday, March 3, 1986
Took the family to see 101 Dalmations at the Movies tonight. Jordan and Jessie loved it. I endured it for their sake. Was glad it only lasted an hour and a half.
NOTE: I remember going to this movie at the show house and recall enjoying it immensely.
Tuesday, March 4, 1986
Jordan and I cleaned the backyard this afternoon.
Sunday, March 9, 1986
 |
| The afgan Mama and I crocheted for Grandma Smith. |
Wednesday, March 12, 1986
With Pauline and Jordan we all went to dinner at the Chinese place. They serve good hamburgers. I bought some groceries and then went home and had a good talk with Mother Ruth while Pauline spent two hours showing the kids how to program for their day-planners.
NOTE: I remember going to this Chinese restaurant in Bountiful, Utah, with Grandma Smith. If my memory serves me correctly, it was called North Seas. My most salient memory of the occasion was observing Grandma Smith take a single napkin, tear it in half, place half of it in her purse for later use, and then used the other half for her meal. It was the single most salient memory I ever had evincing one's lived experiences through the Great Depression. It is possible that this memory was from a different day and year than March 12, 1986. It actually may have occurred somewhere between 1987-1990; nevertheless, this entry of Dad's jogs the memory described in this note.
Thursday, March 13, 1986
 |
| Helping Grandma Smith with her garden. Centerville, Utah |
Saturday, March 15, 1986
I thought at length today about Uncle Hyrum and teaching seminars. The realization that I may be missing a tremendous opportunity is a persistent demon in my mind.
After much thought and discussion with Pauline I decided to go for it, and even called Wayne's home. No-one was home and Pauline said Wayne and Gail and Glenna flew to Germany this morning. Wayne won't be back for 10 days, and in the interim I ought to be able to give the matter some considerable thought.
Sunday, March 16, 1986
I spent a couple of hours until our Church time thinking about my future. I've thought a great deal about Time-Management Seminars to teachers since talking with Wayne Friday. I don't know what to do.
Sunday, March 30, 1986
Thursday, April 10, 1986
I feel like the opportunities here in Monticello are limited given the state of the economy and my job possibilities. We discussed the possibility of renting our home to the Paul Redds and moving to Pheonix [sic] where the boys and I could build a couple of homes and make enough, hopefully, to nearly pay for a third home. We could live in Pheonix [sic] in the winter with the many opportunities there (even if it were teaching) and then live in Monticello at the Ranch (Sumerset) in the summer and have the best of both worlds.
Monday, April 14, 1986
Paul took [his girlfriend] Anita and Jordan and Jessie to the show tonight. It was a Care-Bears movie and he reported the little kids loved it.
Wednesday, April 16, 1986
Thought most of the day about Uncle Wayne and the opportunity I am probably letting slip by, by not teaching seminars. I even called. Gail said he was in Minneapolis and said she would have him send me the four hour videotape of the seminar. To date I have not received it, and perhaps they are sending me a message.....There are many aspects of teaching seminars that I do not like....and furthermore with an attitude like that, nothing is going to work.
Saturday, April 19, 1986
Jordan and I went to the lake and paddled across in the canoe. It was cold and a little windy. It has been miserably cold all week. We went across to the south side of the lake in good time. When we tried to come back I began to appreciate what a little wind does to a canoe. I got a good workout. The lake continues to rise. It has been so cold lately that it hasn't risen much lately but it ought to be close to full by the time the runoff subsides. It is within about 30 feet of the top now.
Monday, April 21, 1986
 |
| With my little sister Jessie Hogle Zoo Salt Lake City |
Tuesday, April 22, 1986
Diane Redd called me at 8:00 this morning and asked if she and Paul could meet with me at the office at 8:30.
My heart leaped. I figured if they were going to say no, they would have done it on the phone.
We spent almost two hours at the office talking particulars. They were positive and excited, and accepted the offer in its entirety! I went home to tell Polly feeling like I had a new lease on life. I had not dared hope that Redd's would accept our offer. It almost seemed too good to be true.
Pauline was almost as pleased as I was and we talked most of the rest of the day about our options and what we ought to do. ...
I called Nancy in Mesa tonight and she was so excited about the possibilities of our moving down. She couldn't say enough about the quality of the schools, the ward, and the weather, among other things.
Sleep was slow coming tonight.
Wednesday, April 23, 1986
Saturday, April 26, 1986
On our way back to Nancy's we stopped by Rancho de Arboleda [subdivision near Nancy and Denis's home]. Pauline was really smitten with the model. There are 129 lots in the subdivision, and only three lots left. Joe Creasy, the realtor, made us a deal we couldn't refuse. Five bedrooms, three baths, three garages in probably the nicest area around for $129,600. They are giving a 10% discount plus a free fireplace trying to get the project finished up. It was by far the best deal we had seen all trip. The area is classy, there are two parks within a block, we are in the right ward [Nancy & Denis's ward], and the kids will go to the best schools, and ironically, we are only about three or four blocks from Denis and Nancy's home.
We spent the rest of the day looking at "our home." We selected lot #73 and I got all the papers from Joe.
Tuesday, April 29, 1986
Wednesday, April 30, 1986
Jordan helped Grandma Smith plant the rest of her garden.
Tuesday, May 6, 1986
Got the package all ready to send back to Hammond Mortgage, but couldn't leave Jordan and Jessie until the time I had all the signatures from Mother and it was too late to get it in today's mail. I stayed and we had a good visit.
Wednesday, May 7, 1986
Had a good nap with Jordan and Jessie.
Saturday, May 10, 1986
 |
| My sister (Jody) and I with oldest brother Paul at his high school graduation. |
Tuesday, May 20, 1986
Uncle Rex wrote Uncle Hyrum about the possibility of teaching seminars in the Phoenix area today. It will be interesting to see what his response is. ...
Took Jordan on a long ride on the 500 tonight. He loves that. We noticed a lot of water going down the creek and asked K—— why. He was his usual unpleasant self, but I did find out that it was because of the Montezuma Creek users. Guys like K—— (at times) and M—— and C—— make me glad we are moving. Gee what a bunch of cranky old codgers.
Wednesday, May 21, 1986
Roland got the Backhoe charged up today and we hope to sell it. I let Jordan dig with it over on Grandma Smith's lot. That was heaven for Jordan. He will be after me forever now to let him "practice" some more. What a boy!
Wednesday, June 4, 1986
We took Joe and Jordan and headed for Mesa.
Got to Mesa about sundown. It was hot. ... I am continually amazed at how big this place is.
 |
| Our pre-Mesa move summer garage sale. It was not your average garage sale, as Mom and Dad made a whopping $26,000 on the extravaganza! |
We stayed at a Super 8 motel in east Mesa last night. The kids and Pauline took a late swim. I watched the news and then stayed up until about 1:30 a.m. reading the paper; especially the want ads for help wanted.
We went over to the house this morning early. Really liked what we saw. I think lot 77 will be just as good as #73 and we are pleased to know that it will be ready when we are in August.
Nancy and the kids came over and looked at it. We spent a lot of time looking and thinking and considering the alternatives.
I was going to take the family to Sir George's for lunch, but Nancy had fixed lunch for us and so we ate and then headed for home. Joe and Jordan were very pleased with what they saw at the model home and pronounced our new home quite satisfactory.
NOTE: Joe and I were roommates for the first three years we lived in Mesa (until David and Wayne moved out to go on their missions). Our room was the first one on the left side of the house (with unusually tall ceilings) after the living room and before the second bedroom, which became mine after David and Wayne left. Dad built a shelf about 8-9 feet up in Joe's and my high-ceilinged room, which is where we stacked several of the rifles belonging to Dad and the brothers. One of these rifles was an 8mm mauser belonging to Aunt Nedra. Grandpa Ned had brought the German infantry rifle home from Europe following his service in Germany during World War II. Oh, how I loved that rifle and the other guns stacked up on that shelf. I would sometimes daydream about Joe and I using the guns to defend ourselves against unwanted intruders... a daydream that fortunately never came true.
We bought a bunch of bread and butter and pop at Fry's [grocery]. There were limits on quantities and so we went with two carts and Pauline felt like a crook and I felt bad too, and I decided that it isn't worth it to even entertain the appearance of evil.
About 80 miles out of Phoenix, the van lost power and stopped on us. I really thought we were had. Was just sick, as I transferred all the bread and melting margarine into the seat so I could have a look at our very hot engine. I started it back up and it ran perfectly all the way home. How grateful I was for that. I have been deep in thought and very distant the last couple of days, and I have tried very hard to make the trip home more pleasant for my patient wife and children. We arrived home after midnight.
NOTE: I remember some events from this trip, including the return trip home in the van. I don't recall the breakdown, however.
Saturday, June 7, 1986
Joe, Jordan, Ryan (Bunker) and I mowed the lawns at Park Plaza this afternoon. Took 2 1/2 hours but it looked nice when we were finished.
Tuesday, June 10, 1986
At four o'clock I quit and went in and got ready to drive to Salt Lake. By five, Jody, David, Wayne, Joe and Jordan and I were on our way to Salt Lake in the van for tomorrow's orthodontic appointments.
We made good time and stopped in Provo about 8:30 for dinner at the Chuckarama. Boy did the boys ever put away a lot of food. Jordan can eat more for a kid his size than anyone I have ever seen. We really got our money's worth tonight. First time in a long time the kids have truly been stuffed to the gills.
Wednesday, June 11, 1986
Got the kids off to their toothy appointments this morning. Left Jordan picking carrots and strawberries for Grandma Smith.
Sunday, June 15, 1986
After Church, we ordered pizza for David, Wayne, Jordan, Jessie and Joe. Cost $20.00, but the kids thought it was great. It doesn't happen often at our house of late.
Thursday, June 26, 1986
[Grandma Smith] and Pauline took Joe up the mountain to fish and David and Wayne and Jordan and I went up to see them. The twins drove the Jeep home after trying more fishing until dark.
Friday, June 27, 1986
Jordan and I took the jeep and went over to see the McPhie [sic] Dam. We almost got there but were thwarted by road construction. It has sure been frustrating trying to get up there over the years. ...
Jordan and I drove into Cortez and had lunch at Kentucky Fried. Checked on U-Haul prices and then drove home via McPhie [sic] Lake. They have spent a lot of money out there and it is truly a lovely recreation area.
Thursday, July 3, 1986
Jordan and I took a shovel and fixed a leak in the ditch while we were there. ...
Jordan and I stayed at the office as long as we could stand it tonight. I have more stuff in here than I had thought
Monday, July 21, 1986
Wayne, Jordan and I went up to the Lake and helped Joe and his friends line the trail he is doing for his Eagle Project with rocks. With Wayne and I there to set the example, it only took a couple of hours. I could not believe how lazy and worthless most of those kids were. Joe, Brad, Wayne, Desmond Wikle and I did 90% of the work, but it was worth it to me to have it done so that Joe's Mother could relax.
Saturday, July 26, 1986
Today was the traditional 24th celebration in Monticello.
Pauline and I watched Paul and Jordan run the 5k race from the Lake to the Church. Paul won first in his age group and 2nd overall with a time of 17:56. Jordan, bless his game little heart ran his first 5k in 26:30 [26:16] and stole the show. He beat a lot of adults and youngsters, and has vowed that someday he will be a lot better than even his big brother Paul. I have thought many times lately how good Paul could have been if he had started earlier. He is a beautiful runner.
 |
| First ever road race number with facts and stats handwritten by older brother, Paul. |
NOTE: I have several athletic oriented memories with Paul during this period. In addition to this race, I also recall lifting weights (weight machines) in the wrestling room and showering in the boys locker room at Monticello High School. Such opportunities with my oldest brother (a Senior in high school at the time) made me feel big and important.
Sunday, August 3, 1986
Last Sunday in the ward.
I was the first to bear my testimony in our Fast Meeting. I thanked the ward and bore my witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Bishop Jensen publically [sic] bid us farewell. I will miss him.
Pauline, Jordan and Jody also bore their testimonies.
Mother had us and the Bunkers to Dinner after Church. It was delicious.
Saturday, August 9, 1986
Joe [Raoul] Smith (Uncle) was here from Portland. He is starting with Franklin.
Jordan went back to Portland with Uncle Joe. Was that kid excited? WOW Hope the Smiths survive. The boys and I will pick him up in Portland in a week or so.
NOTE: I remember how excited I was to go on my first commercial airline flight... one of so many to come. I recall Uncle Raoul thumbing through a book before takeoff. At the time, I thought he was just reading very fast and assumed he had completed the entire book in just a few minutes' time. I was amazed! In reality, he was just scanning -- a reminder that a kid's perspective is highly colored by his lack of experience!
I remember many things about this trip to Portland with Uncle Joe (Raoul). He would read children's books to me. At breakfast time Aunt Meredith introduced me to brown sugar on my Cheerios (they did not have any white sugar in the house). I remember how dark and dingy Uncle Raoul's house was / seemed to me, something Dad corroborated in his entry dated August 19th. I remember thinking it resembled a haunted house at Halloween time. Nevertheless, I mostly enjoyed the time I spent there and was comfortable, despite being homesick at times.
Raoul assured that I attended Church at a local Latter-Day Saint ward on Sunday, although Raoul did not accompany me himself (he dropped me off and arranged for my ride back).
I attended a childcare program during the day when Raoul was at work at his law office. As far as I could tell, it was a quality daycare held at a private home and I liked and trusted the headmistress of the program. I enjoyed many adventures at this daycare, including a beach / swimming trip in the mighty Columbia River, which had some waves whenever ships would pass by. I also watched Flight of the Navigator in the theatres with this group. I remember one of the boys' names was Lindsay -- at the time I thought that was a strange name for a boy -- and him talking about washing his face and how often he (and others in the group would do so ~ in some cases multiple times per day). I thought that to be a rather strange conversation because upon reflection, I realized that I never washed my own face! I started washing my face more often after that conversation. The childcare program was, by and large a very positive experience for me, and was also the first time I can remember meeting a Black boy my age -- or any Black person for that matter.
Other adventures with Raoul and/or Meredith and Jonathan (their son, my cousin) included going to the Portland Zoo and visiting the Pacific Ocean off the Oregon Coast. On the beach trip, I remember being offered some wine by one of Meredith's adult friends who was with us, and feeling proud of myself for devoutly turning it down because of my beliefs. In hindsight, the invitation to partake was clearly a joke given my age. Nevertheless, it served as a moment that reinforced my budding faith. I very much enjoyed this coastal / beach adventure and opportunity of seeing and swimming in the ocean for the first time, although the water was very brisk!
Later, in 1993, when I visited California [Laguna Beach] for the first time, I assumed California ocean water was "warm" because it was warmer than the waters off the Oregon coast. Many years later, in my mid-20s, I visited Florida for the first time and discovered what warm ocean water actually was! Funny how everything is relative to your experience (or lack thereof). It was like the time I first visited San Diego, California, in December 1989. I thought it was so "GREEN" because I was comparing it to the deserts of Phoenix. Many years later, when I visited San Diego after living in Atlanta, Georgia, I was shocked to discover how "BROWN" and desert-like San Diego actually was.
My only negative experience in Portland was being mildly bullied by my cousin Jonathan, who was peer pressured to pile on by a friend of his (the main perpetrator) who was visiting from Alabama. I was going into first grade and they were going into fifth grade. As such, they were much bigger than I was and liked to throw their weight around. I specifically remember them refusing initially to give me a letter I had received from home and making fun of me because of whatever my Mama had written in it. Partly for this reason and partly because I missed my own family, I remember being very excited and relieved when Dad and my older brothers arrived and picked me up at the conclusion of the 10-day trip, which had been, without any doubt, one of the most interesting, adventurous, unusual, and colorful experiences of my life up to that point in time.
%20August%201986.jpg) |
Lil JJ's First Airplane ride / Commercial Airline Flight With Uncle Joe (Raoul) Smith, Salt Lake City airport Saturday, August 9, 1986  |
Saturday, August 16, 1986
In Bellingham, Washington we looked for a motel with no success. What was available was so expensive, I just rebelled and said "I'll sleep in the van before I will bow to that kind of robbery." That is just what we did. We found an LDS Chapel and parked in the parking lot for the night.
NOTE: Dad replicated this act of defiance years later in 2003 when we were taking our cross-country trip to Georgia together. While in Connecticut, we slept overnight in the parking lot of a Christian church. Dad slept in the car and I slept on the sidewalk in my sleeping bag. So redneck! However, there was meaning to Dad's madness in the matter. His method was to save money for a hotel in Manhattan the next couple of nights, which he knew would be extra expensive.
Took the kids to a Kings Table Smorgasboard where they really tanked up.
Tuesday, August 19, 1986
Arrived in Portland about 10:30. Bought a map and found Uncle Joe's house. Jordan was alone with Jonathan and friends. Seemed pleased to see us.
Was not impressed with Raoul's house. Was dark, damp and dirty.
We headed homeward, making very good time on the freeway. About 20 miles west of Pendelton [sic], Oregon I felt a loss of power, similar to the one we experienced in Phoenix.
Soon things were smoking so bad I stopped and there was oil all over the engine—It looked and sounded terrible.
I poured two quarts of oil into the beast and headed for Pendelton [sic] on a prayer.
Limped into a phone and looked for a V.W. dealership. There was one and it was just two blocks away—we limped two more blocks with the van looking like it had a fire in the engine.
Turned out to be a frozen valve which means a new short block to the tune of $1400 or $1500 depending on how I got to it.
Very discouraging.
Spent the rest of the day haggling with 3 tiers of salesman over a new vanagon. The service manager took us to a Motel 6 where we had to wait 38 minutes standing in line to register.
I was about sold on the V.W. demo he was driving until I noticed there was hardly any oil in the crank case.
Tried to call Pauline until 10:30. Phone busy—never did get her. So the day went.
Wednesday, August 20, 1986
Slept with Joe. He tossed and turned all night. Was not the best sleep I've had in a while. I sure miss his beautiful Mother.
I awoke at 3:30 a.m. and spent the rest of the night mulling the options.
Called Pauline at 7:00. She said to go ahead with whatever I felt best about. Was so good to talk to her.
Walked about 2-3 miles to the local Ford dealership—nothing—Walked across the street to the Chevrolet place. Met a really likeable fellow named Keith Morgan. There were two vans on the lot, neither of which appealed in the least.
He showed me a Celebrity Eurosport station wagon which I liked! The more we talked the more I liked it.
He took me back to Winterton's. They were as abstinent [sic]. Wouldn't give me anything for my van. Neither would Harvest Chevrolet. I decided to buy the car and keep the van and let Keith Morgan try and sell it for me.
We closed the deal. I paid $5,000 down and will pay $223 per month for 48 months. Went back to the Motel and got the Kids—They loved the new car. I left them to eat at King's Table and went back and had lunch with Keith Morgan. Bought a trip permit and went back to pick up the kids—No kids! I sat waiting in the car.
Found them an hour later—crossed signals. Started for home. Love the new car! Stopped for gas. Locked ourselves out! Almost a fitting conclusion to a hectic day! Took over an hour and $25.00 but we were almost to Boise by dark—
NOTE: Not understanding the financial and other stress my dad was under at the time, I thought this trip was great fun. I remember getting to Boise, checking into a hotel, and then going running with my older brothers.
Thursday, August 21, 1986
[Mama and Dad celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary]
About 2:00 Pauline and I finally got to the Hotel. She had candles, gifts, and an entire game plan and it was Lovely! That really does not describe the rest of the day. It was truly Heavenly. We have come a long way in 20 years, and today was very special and one that I will never forget. We were on the 15th floor of the Sheraton, with a fabulous view of Salt Lake, and we spent some marvelous hours together. How very blessed I am to have my Pauline. I am a blessed and a very rich man simply for having her.
Saturday, August 23, 1986
The boys and I went to Lake Powell today. Left early in a storm. It was raining and cloudy to Salvation Knoll and clear and crisp the rest of the way. We arrived at Halls Crossing shortly after 8:00 but were not in the water until almost nine. Rented one of the 16' boats with a 90 horse ski motor. ...
Paul did a lot of skiing. We fished. We swam (all but me—I forgot my suit). We got sunburned, and we went all the way to Hite for lunch.
I have never seen the lake all the way from Halls Crossing to Hite. We always go south, down the lake. It was beautiful, with higher cliffs and broad bays.
Bought a cold pop in Hite and had lunch in the scant shade of a cliff at high noon and then headed back.
Hit a piece of driftwood which cost me $22 for a rebuilt prop when we returned, but otherwise had a wonderful time. I still say that Lake Powell is one of the grandest places on this earth. I enjoyed the ride home, recalling the times I traversed that country in a Jeep before the good roads came.
NOTE: I remember this trip and how much I enjoyed swimming in the water and seeing the little mini fishes in schools.
Sunday, August 24, 1986
We celebrated the "actual" 20 anniversary today at Nedra and Bruce's home.
Jordan and Jessie slept in our room last night. We awoke early and had a good talk (in whispers) trying to keep the kids asleep.
It has been an interesting 20 years—a great 20 years. I am so very grateful for the foundation that has been laid, and for the fabulous future that lies ahead.
Monday, August 25, 1986
I took the Bunker and Jensen families to see "Karate Kid II" at the Movies tonight. The place was packed. It was a good show, but I was thinking about all that the morrow will bring, and what I still had to do tonight, and so I didn't enjoy it as much as I might have.
NOTE: I remember going to this movie, and once again, minus the stress that Dad was going through, was just thoroughly enjoying the adventure and fun of a wonderful summer prior to our big move south to Arizona.Wednesday, August 27, 1986
I loaded the rest of the truck, and packed our car, the jeep and Grandpa's truck just as full as I could get them. We still had to leave several things, and I am thinking that I may still have Bruce make a trip in October with the rest of our stuff.
Anyway, we said our good-byes, had a family prayer at Grandma's bedside, and were on our way. Paul drove the Jeep and Grandpa and Joe followed paul.
Stopped in Kayenta for a snack. Had supper at Wendy's in Flagstaff about dark. It was dark (we lost an hour going into Arizona) when we left Flagstaff, and it rained like fury [desert monsoon] for about an hour. ...
We arrived Phoenix about 10:00. We lost Dad in the traffic. Stayed at the Best Western Mesa Inn on main Street. Dad was until almost midnight finding his way, and Joe reported he never would have arrived if Joe had not insisted that they stop and buy a map.
Dad's getting lost was the only "downer" on the trip. We were relieved when he finally pulled in. Glad everything and everyone finally is here safe and sound.
NOTE: I remember the hotel we stayed in and swimming at the pool.
 |
| Our new house in Mesa at 2715 E. Kenwood Street. |
We showed the kids the new house today. They all seemed very pleased.
Saturday, August 30, 1986
Richard Coleman arrived at 8:00 this morning and by 8:30 we had all the troops mustered from Aunt Nancy's. It was relatively cool today, and by 10:30 we had the truck completely unloaded. The garage was stuffed but as far as I could see there was not major damage to anything.
NOTE: I remember being at the house and Richard's big 18-wheeler arriving. It was pretty exciting to move into the new house. I recall being given a map of the United States (probably for my 7th birthday) and enjoyed putting it together multiple times during these first days at our new home in Mesa. It was one of the things that piqued my growing interest in geography.
Saturday, September 27, 1986
Jordan and I went to Pistol Pete's [Pizza] and watched the first half of the BYU-Temple football game. Went to the stake center for the second half.
Tuesday, October 14, 1986
We all went to lunch at the King's Table Buffet. I enjoy the place so much, and it was a good dinner. ...
Stopped at Smitty's on the way home for some milk.
Monday, October 20, 1986
When David and Wayne came home, we went over to the Oldroyd's on Leonora and built some shelves for them. I about have it down to a science now, and we were finished in a little over an hour. Got $120 for my efforts there. So for 3 1/2 hours of work, less the $100 or so that materials cost, I figured I made about $225 today. MY FIRST GAINFUL INCOME IN ARIZONA. Really felt good. Wish I could do about four walls of shelves every day. I could do very well, especially with David and Wayne helping.
 |
| Top half of Dad's flier from the late 1980s / early 1990s. The bottom half showed a picture of our neatly organized garage in addition to contact and pricing information. |
Wednesday, October 29, 1986
I left all my journals at the B&B bindery, and within about 10 days I will have 12 volumes with some of my most prized possessions handsomely preserved therein. Went with red covers and gold lettering.
Saturday, November 8, 1986
I drove to Van Buren and picked up my freshly bound journals! They looked great! The little guy at B&B binding only charged me $12.50 per instead of the $15 we had agreed upon. He had done a great job, and I am so pleased with the 12 beautifully bound red volumes that were sitting on the table in the living room when the kids and Pauline came home tonight. They were impressed. I am so pleased. The culmination of years of work and a lot of dreaming today.
 |
| With Mama in front of our new Mesa home. |
Jordan prepared a super talk (memorized the story of Noah as told on the Bible tapes/books we have) all by himself this week and delivered it in Sunday School today. Got rave reviews. He did it twice more this afternoon; once for the dinner guests and again for the home teachers. What a kid.
Wednesday, November 26, 1986
This afternoon I went to the LDS Seminary and listened to Senator John McCain, who was just elected. He had been a POW in VietNam [sic] for 5 1/2 years and what he had to say was very interesting.
Sunday, December 7, 1986
Took all the kids to a special "First Presidency Fireside" at the stake center. Presidents Monson and Benson spoke.
Came home and got Jody and Jessie and with Jordan and Pauline went to Burger King for a snack.
Monday, December 15, 1986
Pauline got up at 5:00 and had a lovely candlelight breakfast ready for us at 6:00.
Wednesday, December 17, 1986
I had a good talk with Pauline this morning about the future. Hyrum has never sent the slides (overheads) and the more I think about seminars and insurance and being dependent on other people, the more depressed I get. I am very spoiled, I know. But, I believe that one should do what one really wants to do in life, and for me that is Sumerset.
After much thought today, I think I am going to give Sumerset one last real "shot" between now and summer, and in the event that it flops, I will go back to teaching school. Teaching in Arizona in the winter, and having the summer to "play" is not exactly the bad life.
I laid awake for hours tonight thinking about how I ought to proceed with Sumerset, and a distillation of things I have thought about for years seemed to funnel down. I am going to try to write a masterplan in the next week, and maybe talk it up in Monticello this winter, and get the thing going next summer.
Went to Jordan's first-grade Christmas program tonight. Met Ms. Dockery. The program was a real treat. They were well organized and very enthusiastic and "professional" as first graders go. Mother and Dad were with us and Mother commented many times on how good she felt the schools were here.
Friday, December 19, 1986
Pauline and I took Jordan and Jessie to the Temple again tonight and we saw a couple of shows and enjoyed the lights and being alone with the little kids.
Wednesday, December 24, 1986
Christmas in Arizona came a day early this year [for us]. Because of the boy's desire to ski at Purgatory the day after Christmas, we decided to have it today and then use tomorrow as a travel day.
Grandpa and Grandma arrived about 8:00 and we spent until almost noon opening gifts in our living room. It was different with warmth and sunshine outside, but very nice.
After the gift opening, we all went over to the park and played catch with some of the new balls that Jordan and Joe got. All the kids were in shorts. Weather was fabulous. Sure different from Christmases past.
Sunday, December 28, 1986
Day of Paul's Missionary Farewell in the Monticello First Ward, Monticello Stake Center
Today was a spiritual feast that I shall long remember. It started early and went late, and everything about it was so memorable. ...
2:30: The long-awaited event finally happened. It was a long program. Speakers were Jordan, David, Joe, Wayne, Grandmas Smith and Jensen, Pauline, Joe, David, myself, and Paul. Musical numbers were Jessie singing "I am a child of God" and really doing a super job; Jody playing a solo, Ida and Glenna doing a violin-piano number; and Ida, Stacie and Sharwan singing the closing hymn. Good spirit. I had a hard time controlling my emotions. The end of an era, or the beginning of one, depending on the way one looks at it.
NOTE: I remember this day. It was in Monticello, not Mesa, since that was Paul's home where everyone knew him. I remember the vest I wore, and I remember being a speaker on the program, although I do not recall what I said.
Additional Memories from 1986
- I recall being asked by my Aunt Nedra to talk to her preschoolers about entering first grade (after I moved to Mesa). It made me feel very big and important!
- First grade in Mrs. Dockery's class. I was initially put in the middle (average) reading group in my class. My best friend, Eric Driggs, was in the top (above average) reading group and I was motivated to work hard to eventually join the top reading group, which, if my memory serves me correctly, I did in a few months' time.
.jpg)
—Dr. JJ
Author's Note: This is the 546th Blog Post Published by Freedom Focused LLC since November 2013 and the 328th consecutive weekly blog published since August 31, 2020.
Click HERE for a compete listing of the other 545 FF Blog Articles
Click HERE for a complete listing of Freedom Focused SAL QUOTES
Click HERE for a complete listing of Freedom Focused SAL POEMS
Click HERE to access the FULL TEXT of Dr. JJ's Psalms of Life: A Poetry Collection
.........................
Tune in NEXT Wednesday for another article on a Self-Action Leadership related topic.
If you liked this blog post, please share it with your family, friends, colleagues, and students—and encourage them to bookmark this blog to access a new FREE article every Wednesday.
%20.jpeg)
%20and%20Trampoline.jpg)
%20backoe.jpg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
%20.jpeg)
%20August%201986.jpg){kind=link}