March 29, 1993 Orem, Utah
Dearest John; Roy, Patrice, Emily & Timothy; Bob, Claire, Michael, Laura, Brett & Katie; Rick, Jean, Ricky, Barbara Jean, Mary Ann & Sarah; and Ron, Ann, Susanna, Jessie, Russell, LeeAnna & Jimmy:
This week is "Birthday Week" for little Katie. I hope you have a wonderful birthday - the five years that have passed for you and Emily seem like a "fog" for me and it's hard to believe you are that old - a mighty sweet little five year old!!!
Rain, rain, go away and come again another day!!! It has been raining for forever it seems - it's really a WONDERFUL rain and the grass is so green but we will all be happy to see the sun!!! Did I tell you that I had the grass aerated, fertilized and some weed control put on it - I had it done at just the right time because we have had so much rain since and it looks SO pretty!!! Those little "plugs" are still all over the lawn but hopefully they will go back into the soil because I don't have enough soil on the back lawn as it is. Are you all working out in your yards too - I know you are. I took four big bags of leaves from the yard over to the farm on Friday because they wouldn't go into the garbage bin. The farm looks just wonderful - with all the rain it is so green and Stan has taken his cows off so it will continue to "green up". When I was over about a month ago there were a lot of little calves that had just been born and they were SO cute. Ron Peck called me one day last week and wanted me to lease the farm to a friend of his - I just told him it was already leased - he thinks I'm very uncooperative.
John is coming over this afternoon to "help me out a little". I was reading in the paper the other day and came across an article about car maintenance and about died when it said the oil should be changed every 3,000 miles - mine has already gone 7,000 miles since it was changed. I kinda' panicked because I was afraid maybe I didn't even have any oil in it - I finally found the "dip stick" and discovered the oil is at the right level. Daddy always said I just thought all I needed to do was step on the gas pedal and go where I wanted to go - I'll learn in time!!!
When our tax accountant went over my records to fill out the income tax form he called and said he was coming right over. He is a friend of ours from the ward but still it was nice for him to make a "house call". He is upset that I changed some things Daddy had with Kidder Peabody. That is water under the bridge now and I think you all know that story. He made an appointment with an investment guy for me and John is going with me to see Max Smith this afternoon. John thinks he has raised an unnecessary red flag and so do I but we'll go and see what he has to say. I believe that all the men in the ward feel a responsibility to help the "widows" and I appreciate it but it's like I told John - John needs to know what is going on!!!
Bob - Ellen Mae called me the other night and the first thing she said was, "Barbara Jean, your Bob is SO handsome". She is SO cute and I know you're good looking but you're not THAT handsome - Ha!!! They had had an emergency in their neighborhood and from the way Ellen Mae described it, the lady is a little weird and she called Ellen Mae for help. He nose bleeding was out of control and Bob "fixed it" and Ellen Mae said he was REALLY sweet to her - I love to hear things like that. I hope you enjoyed your trip to Mexico and that it was productive.
Emily - I loved your sweet letter telling me about your birthday party. It sounds to me like it was a very well planned party and I would expect that of your Mom. I have never heard of a Teddy Bear musical chair game but what a darling idea. They carried out the Teddy Bear theme in her games, cake and even the thank you notes. I'm SO happy that Grandma Suzie is with you and I know the cake she made for you with the teddy grahams on it was really special.
Rick - Ann said you had to wait a long time for the girls last week. I believe they stayed with their counselor friend for longer than they expected. I kept watching in the sky for your airplane but I never did see it!!! I think it's SO exciting that you can "fly" down for a little visit.
The Woolleys came over last night and we had such a good time. The "Murder, She Wrote" programs are mostly reruns now and it is really weird how I can recognize some of the parts of them but can never remember how they turn out - the children ALWAYS remember who the victims are and "who killed who" but they're sweet to not tell me. Ron could just stay a few minutes because he had to catch a plane for California but how nice for him to come - when you ask how he feels he always says, "A little improvement each day" - I think he's doing great!!! LeeAnna gave the Family Home Evening lesson last night and I just love to see them do that - it was WONDERFUL!!!
Ann & Ron wanted me to invite all of you to come to their home next Sunday so we can all watch General Conference together. I wish Roy & Patrice could come too!!! This is the plan and this is the menu and Ann would appreciate knowing if you CAN'T come!
12:30 - Dinner - Rice with Gumbo (from Chris & Wayne) on it.
Bread Sticks
Green SaladJean - Dessert
Claire - Drinks
4:00
- Snacks - Please everyone bring a snack such as chips &
dip, etc. I'm bringing spinach balls.
I shouldn't start another page but I have to tell you about the open house here after the temple session last Wednesday. First of all, I thought it was Tuesday and I made cookies all morning and then went to the temple so I could be home in time to make the punch before they got here. I was worried that they might think I had forgotten since I wouldn't' be at the temple the same time they were so when I got home I called the Bishop's wife and she said, "Oh, Barbara, it isn't until tomorrow night".
I was REALLY ready on Wednesday and had made enough cookies and punch for 200 and there were 6 who came!!! I was "A LITTLE" upset. It was fun to visit with those who came and I made huge plates of cookies and fruit for them to take home and then froze the rest. They don't get to the open houses before 9:30 p.m. and I think that's a little late for most families.
I had a happy week last week. My luncheon club went to the "Olive Garden" for lunch - do you remember when you took me there Roy & Patrice? I had cannelloni's this time and I ate three bread sticks - most of the women in the club asked for "doggy bags" but I didn't!!! I also went to Family Home Evening last Monday and that is always so enjoyable and then I put in ten hours at the extraction office. I really do keep busy. I am going to Family Home Evening again tonight. We usually only have it every other Monday but the one last Monday was a make up one because the hostess had missed her turn. I hope they will want to watch the "Academy Awards" tonight because I had looked forward to that.
I have told you all I know - Ha!!! PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL IN EVERYTHING YOU DO. Let me know how I can help you. I love you very much.