Amoung prophets and apostles

One of the things that is hard for me to get used to here in Bountiful is seeing important church officials just walking around. People here are used to that but I'm always so amazed and feel like I should bow to them or something to show in what high regard I hold them.
Elder Enzio Bushe lives about 2 blocks from our house. He is just such a sweet and delightful man. When he talks...we all listen. You can actually see the light of Christ in this man.
Elder Earl Tingey has his home in our ward and often went to church here. He was the President of the 1st Quorum of the Seventy until about 6 months ago when he turned 70. At that time he was released and called as the Temple President in the Washington DC Temple. It was always hard to make a comment when he was in the classroom. Everyone would say..."How do you see this Brother Tingey?" And then we'd listen REAL hard and get out our notepads. Of course they are in DC now.
Just recently President David Beck was made President of the General Young Men's program. He lives around the corner from me. He is an amazing man and has come from an amazing family. I introduced Clint's family to him when they were here for Homecoming.
Last spring Suzanne and I went to see the tulip gardens at Thanksgiving Point. As we were walking along, we passed Elder L. Tom Perry with his wife and family. I greeted him with a smile...but I really wanted to bow.
Last week I was at our Costco and President Ukdorf's wife was just ahead of me in the line. Did you ever think that apostles's wifes had to buy groceries and cook?
We went out for clam chouder at a restaurant with Leon and Suzanne on Friday night. In walked Elder Hollon and his wife with some friends. Leon and Suzanne knew them quite well while they were in Chile so they smiled and said hello.
Yesterday morning we went to the Tabernacle Choir broadcast and concert with Natalie Cole and David McColough(?) It was fabulous. There were the Choir, the Orchestra and the Bells of Temple Square plus dancers and childrens' choir. But at the end, our Prophet went on stage to personally thank all the participants, expecially the guests Natalie and David. The spirit there was like being one of the shepherds at Christ's birth and hearing the choir of angels. At the end, the Tabernacle Choir sang what they always sing at the end of their performances...God Be With You Til We Meet Again. Even Natalie Cole had tears in her eyes.
Anyway, two things I want to say about this. 1. I know that they are who they say they are...leaders of the latter day church of Jesus Christ. You can feel it as you get in the range of their spirits. They are good, kind, humble people. 2. They are still real people who have to do their wash and shop for groceries and clean their sidewalks. I see that they have grown into great people by their simple actions and search for the truth.
This has made me want to work and do better. I want to search deeper and repent more and spend my time better.
Just thought you'd like to know.

Halloween 2009

I don't exactly know why I love Halloween, but I do. Always the fun stuff, never the bloody or gorey stuff. I love the fresh fall nights with leaves scattered your feet and the whoosh in the trees that makes you wonder if there really are ghosts. I love dressing up, pretending I am someone else. I think it's the way I pretend that I am someone else.
After going to the Wee Witch Weekend with Melinda and Deanna and kids, I just couldn't stand it that I didn't have a cool witches hat. So when I found a cool one at Walmart, I snatched it up. The friend that I was with made me get the stockings and wig and so I was set to be a witch. Blake had invited us to come to a dinner party at his house and Gordon and I decided to go in costume. He was the Phantom. We were just silly about it but it made us smile. The party was great fun and we got to see Blake and Estee hand out the Halloween treats at his house. They were so cute. Blake had decorated so nicely. He had beautiful glasses filled with different kinds of candy corn. (kind of like you Rachael). He had a really cool vase that was large on the outside with an inner vase. He filled the outer vase with orange and yellow candy corns and the inner vase was beautiful yellow roses with orange tips. The food was good and so was the company. We had a great time.

fun with Old Friends

Last night we wound our scarves around our necks and headed of into the cool night to meet some old friends of ours from West Point. Dianna(Page)Farr has been a friend since we started 1st grade. It has been fun over the years to touch base with she and her husband,Wynn. SOoo we had tickets to the Hale Theater for the musical "Curtains". We went to dinner first and just talked about what was going on in our lives etc. But laughed over stuff in the past.I've never heard of the play but it was so funny that we all were laughing out loud. The music was really fun and we had a delightful time. I came home with a huge smile on my face. Dad loved it too but he thought I talked way to much. Got to watch that.

BYU Homecoming pictures

BYU Homecoming 2009

Our annual Homecoming tradition is to have whatever family that is available, go to the parade in the morning, eat free pancakes, go to the BYU bookstore and then have the boys go to the game and the girls go shopping. So this year we jumped out of bed and zoomed to Provo in time to see the fun parade with all the bands and dancers and floats. We stood in line FOREVER to get the free blue pancakes. We went to the bookstore and picked up BYU sirts and footballs etc. We hadn't purchased the tickets and this year because they were ranked TCU they were all VERY expensive. But, it was rainy and dark clouds hovered overhead so...Clint was able to buy from those whose family were fair-weather fans...for $10 each. Clint, Andy, Coby and Grandpa took their blankets and umbrellas and went to the game. The girls headed to Gardner Village where the witches were everywhere. It was so fun! THe girls had their faces painted and we snooped in each store. Great time was had by all.

First Grandchild LDS Missionary

We had a special privilege of taking our 1st Grandchild LDS missionary to the MTC this week. His parents had said their "good-byes" in Portland, Ore. When we first saw him at the airport, he just looked so handsome. We had to be at the Mission Training Center at 1:15 pm exactly, so we had to watch our time. It was such a loving feeling as we pulled into the MTC and saw about 50 clean-cut, smiling missionaries to greet us. They started talking to Elder Wight right away. As we were unloading his luggage they continued to ask him questions and tell him how wonderful it was to be there. We all hugged and snatched this picture. He turned around with the missionaries with a huge smile on his face. I was weeping but with joy. His adventure to Moscow, Russia begins.

African Experience

There is no way to express in words the experience we had in Senegal, Africa. But I would just like to say that the people were wonderful. They are poor and most live in a manner that hasn't changed in 200 years. I saw that life could be VERY simple and still have meaning and happiness. They work hard. The hardest part was to realize that health care was a major lack there. Almost half of mothers die in child birth. That was why there were so many babies at the orphanage...almost 60 out of 180 children. And although I don't have figures, many of the babies also die. Most of the children have congestion or runny noses. Many have skin sores. At the orphanage they had almost no playground equipment with only dirt to play in. They have very caring volunteers. Every effort is made to give loving care and provide a clean environment. There are lots of areas in which we can assist. It would be a blessing to get wheelchairs to the disabled. The orphanage needs help every month for the milk and formula they provide. We are trying to get a medical/dental expedition to go there next June. It was an amazing experience.

Amazing African dancing

Concluding our African visit in Senegal we were treated to an authentic African dance.

Nana in Kentucky

I had so much fun as the NANA when my services were needed in Kentucky. Tiffany and Ryan went on an anniversary trip to St. Martins and I watched the 3 children. It really gave me a chance to get close to the kids and hug them every day. We played games, blew bubbles, made cookies, watched movies, and went to the park. They were such wonderful kids. Lacey and Cassidy and I painted our nails and put on our makeups. I taught Aidan how to dribble a basket ball and slam dunk it into the high chair. We played dominoes and read stories. And at night when it was time to tuck them into bed, we sang the "Good Night Song". Good night room...Good night lights, Good night windows, Trees Good Night... Good night stockings, Good Night chair...Good night people...EVERYWHERE!! Lacey made me add Good Night to Aidan and Lacey and Cassidy and Mom and Dad.........and also baby brother. Tiffany assured me that Heavenly Father was just thinking about that and that brother was waiting patiently. Lacey had other plans. It was almost sad to have Tiff and Ryan come home because I was left in the dust. But I will treasure that time with those wonderful little people.

Ecuador Thoughts

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Powerful experiences bring powerful thoughts. Gordon and I went to Ecuador to see the newest additions to our service program there. We were totally thrilled and excited to see what Washington had accomplished. I was moved to tears as I walked into the 4 clinics where I saw the equipment that we had sent, in use. We had sent old, dirty medical and dental supplies BUT the group there had cleaned every inch and serviced to work properly. They looked like new. We loved the crew there. There were 5 dentists, 3 doctors and drivers and assistants. They were wonderful, devoted, consecrated individuals! The country was beautiful. We traveled over the continental divide of the Andies Mountains to the jungle. It was breath-taking. We traveled to the Pacific Coast which was also amazing, with butterflies and humming birds and toucans and spectacular waterfalls.
But the thoughts I wanted to leave here was about the people. We served a small school in the mountains high above Otavalo. The doctors were busy giving immunizations to the babies and taking care of the needs of the children and mothers. The dentists were doing checkups and dental work. Usually at noon the village provides the lunch for the volunteers. Imagine my feelings as they brought our 2 bowls of small potatoes, a pan of cob-letts of tough corn, a plate of white cheese and salt. That was it. That was the only food they had to offer. I was humbled. I ate and was filled. In Tena we were given steamed fish wrapped in a banana leaf. I observed a nursery there. It was very sparse. I wanted to know why the little babies and children were there. Was the mother working? I was told that the children were brought there because they were fed!!! What is the biggest problem here I asked. The health director said it was women having too many children. They can't take care of them. She said that parents are actually relieved here when a child dies because it is a mouth less to feed. The government tries to help but the people don't have the skills and the know how to feed their population. There is some schooling but I could see it would never take them out of their circumstances. As I see these children who are ALWAYS hungry, I think back to Aidan's school where the trash can was full of wonderful food that wasn't eaten. Oh how we are BLESSED!

Being the Hands of God

While in Ecuador we had a great experience. We had been contacted by a family here in Utah and asked to take a suitcase and an envelop with a letter and money to a woman who had been their maid for 5 years. They said she was desperate and needed help. Of course we agreed. She lived outside Tena. That is the jungle area of Ecuador. We expected to go up some street and knock on the door to deliver her package...NO...When we gave the driver the address, he drove out into the jungle for over 40 minutes, through 2 streams, over a hanging bridge and for miles on bumpy dirt roads that looked like they were going to no where. I adsolutely marveled that he knew where he was going in this forested area. But finally we pulled down into a little clearing. We called her name and she walked out wondering what was going on. We first handed her the envelop. When she saw who it was from she broke into tears and clutched the unopened package to her breast. She thanked us endlessly and then said, "I know God knows me", "I know He knows where I am". It was a most tender experience. She was overjoyed with the money and suitcase full of clothes and fabric. But the spirit whispered to me "I have no hands but your hands". I was so blessed to participate in this act of love from the Utah family and from Heavenly Father.

Things I have done or haven't done
My son posted this list on his blog so I wanted to see what my list would look like. Do it too. Its fun. Bold the things you have done............comment if you wish!
Started your own blog
Slept under the stars
Played in a band
Visited Hawaii with kids and spouses
Watched a meteor shower on the school lawn with kids
Given more than you can afford to charity
Been to Disneyland
Climbed a mountain
Held a praying mantis
Sang a solo
Bungee jumped
Visited Paris
Watched a lightning storm at sea
Taught yourself an art from scratch
Adopted a child
Had food poisoning
Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (walked around it and floated by)
Grown your own vegetables (tomatoes)
Seen the Mona Lisa in France
Slept on an overnight train
Had a pillow fight
Hitch hiked
Taken a sick day when you're not ill
Built a snow fort
Held a lamb
Gone skinny dipping
Run a Marathon
Ridden in a gondola in Venice & loved it
Seen a total eclipse
Watched a sunrise or sunset
Hit a home run
Been on a cruise
Seen Niagara Falls in person
Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
Seen an Amish community
Taught yourself a new language
Had enough money to be truly satisfied
Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
Gone rock climbing
Seen Michelangelo's David (saw the one in Florence square)
Sung karaoke
Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
Visited Africa
Walked on a beach by moonlight
Been transported in an ambulance
Had your portrait painted (A Caricature)
Gone deep sea fishing in Cancun
Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Gone scuba diving or snorkeling [snorkeling]
Kissed in the rain
Played in the mud
Gone to a drive-in theater
Been in a movie (Tifferella, a classic!)
Visited the Great Wall of China
Started a business
Taken a martial arts class
Visited Russia
Served at a soup kitchen
Sold Girl Scout Cookies
Gone whale watching
Got flowers for no reason
Donated blood
Gone sky diving
Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
Bounced a check oops
Flown in a helicopter
Saved a favorite childhood toy (my dolls)
Visited the Lincoln Memorial
Eaten Caviar
Pieced a quilt
Stood in Times Square
Toured the Everglades
Been fired from a job
Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
Broken a bone
Been on a speeding motorcycle
Seen the Grand Canyon in person
Published a book
Visited the Vatican
Bought a brand new car
Walked in Jerusalem
Had your picture in the newspaper
Read the entire Bible
Visited the White House
Killed and prepared an animal for eating
Had chickenpox
Saved someone's life
Sat on a jury
Met someone famous
Joined a book club
Lost a loved one (my parents)
Had a baby (6 wonderful ones)
Seen the Alamo in person
Swam in the Great Salt Lake
been involved in a law suit (a terrible time in my life)
Owned a cell phone
Been stung by a bee
Totally copied a post from someone else's blog to your blog

Other things I have done...


Walked into the Taj Mahal
Stood at the top of Jung Frau (in Swiss Alps)
Straddled the Center of the Earth at the Equator in Ecuador
Sat beside the grave of Gandhi
Kissed at the Tr eve' Fountain in Rome
Climbed to the top the the pyramid of the Sun in Mexico City
Gazed at the beauty of Wordsworth's lake district in England
Witnesses the Trouping of the Colors & saw Queen Elizabeth
Stood on spot where "the shot heard round the world" was fired
Witnessed Pope John XIV last Easter address at the Vatican
Organized a presentation for over 500 Cresches
Saw the Macy's Day parade
Stood and mourned at Antietam and Gettysburg
Mourned with a friend whose husband had cheated on her
Made sure Christmas came to some poor families
Sewed my daughters Easter dress
Hosted a scavenger hunt
Held the hand of my dying father
Kissed my sweetheart on the Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal
Entered the "House of the Dying" in India
Helped clean the jungle for a hospital in Gudalur, India
Slept in a jungle hut
Road on the back of an elephant in a jungle reserve in India
Held my newest grandchild just new from heaven
Saw a Prophet of God face to face
Shook hands with an apostle of the Lord
Designed a chandelier
Watched the snow fall at midnight
Marveled at the tulip fields in Holland
Saw the North Shore of Prince Edward Island
Witnessed a Space shot from Cape Kennedy
Helped with the clean up of Hurricane Andrew
Had just one love of my life

These are just a few moments of my life. I've noted them only because it is my 64th Birthday and I marvel at the experiences God has allowed me to experience.

I have been thinking for some weeks about a question that my Granddaughter Katie asked me. She said, "Grandma, why don't you live here any more? Why do you live in Utah so far away from us? It just about killed me!! I hugged her and tried to explain but I'm sure it didn't come out right. I miss them so much. I miss Clint dropping by to see if we're still alive. I miss the hot tub and the kids splashing around on Monday night after FHE. I miss going to their programs and seeing them play and perform. I miss Lukie and Megan. I love to open the Sant door and hear Luke say" Grandma!!! and come running for a hug. I love hearing Tom play the piano and see Will play soccer. I'd love to be the 4-H teacher for Tara and Savanna and teach them to sew. I MISS MY HOUSE.

So why am I here? Because I prayed to Heavenly Father about what HE wanted me to be doing RIGHT NOW!!! And the answer is...You need to be with Grandpa helping people who don't have schools and houses and moms and dads that love them...people who don't have schools with playgrounds and computers. Heavenly Father answered my prayer. I was angry when Grandpa wanted to leave Twin Falls!! But he asked me to pray about what we should do. This was the answer!! Although, Katie, this wasn't a mission call from President Monson, it was a mission call from his boss. It has been hard but we have been blessed. There have been some amazing miracles that have continued to confirm that our prayers were answered. So I hope you understand Katie, and all of you that I miss and love, that I'm trying to be obedient. Grandpa and I are on a mission that we feel is very important. One of these days, Heavenly Father will ask you to go on a mission or do some important thing he needs you to do. You can be brave and obedient too and say. "I will go, I will do, the thing the Lord commands" . I know He can count on the Carter Clan! (that includes all you Sants and Wights and Gremmerts and Hirschis) Please pray for us and help us as we do this work. Love, Grandma Nana

Grandkids

After leaving the DR, Gordon and I decided to visit Tiffany and Analee. It was so great to be with them and SO much fun to be with their families. We bought a little swing to put in Analee's $10,000/ one hundred year old oak tree. Eliza just loved it!! We would swing her across the yard and she would laugh and laugh. We helped David put the railing on the back deck so Eliza and Fenton could go out there and play and have some steps into the backyard from the dining room. We went to the beach but the fun was cut short because of the thousands of noseeums that bit us. I still am scratching those things.

We had Valentines Day with Tiffany. She was the roommother for Aidans class so we prepared some treats and games. I was astounded when they wouldn't let us use the candies we brought. They checked the label and they were processed in a plant that had milk, grain and nuts. So instead of cute sweet heart sugar cookies with frosting on top, they had string cheese, gogerts and animal crackers. How fun is that.

We watched the kids on Friday night so Ryan and Tiffany could go out on the town. That was so fun to snuggle the kids and watch a movie. We had great fun with them and left to come home on Sunday.

a Dominican Point of View

With bags packed, Gordon and I and Leon and Suzanne headed to the Dominican Republic on Feb. 1. We were to meet 3 NFL players and their wives for an Charity Anywhere Expedition. We stayed the first 2 nights at the temple hotel and were able to complete a temple session there. The temple is big and very beautiful. We went with Jessica as she showed us some poor schools in the capital city of Santo Domingo. The children came from very poor homes next to the river which flooded at least once a year. We were able to itemize some of their most critical needs. On Monday night we met the group from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Their group consisted of Brady and Brooke Poppinga. (1st String Linebacker for Green Bay Packers), Laura and AJ Hawk (1st. string Linebacker for Green Bay Packers), Brady Quinn (Quarterback for Cleveland Browns), Chris Hubbard, Brooks brother who works for a large non-profit endowment fund and his friend Srey Um who is involved in the health industry in LA.

Over the next few days we:

1. Visited El Ramon, a mountain community. The Playitforward group agreed to purchase supplies for a much needed water system for clean water for the community of about 800 families

2. Provided windows and doors for the San Francisco school allowing for many more students to attend school

3. Provided over 250 notebooks for school children

4. Taught class on Hygiene and gave out hygiene kits

5. Gave motivational talks about staying away from drugs and alcohol

6. Distributed toys at Boys orphanage in San Christobal. Asked about critical needs there

7. Visited a drug rehab program for women in San Christobal. Distributed Hygiene kits and assessed the needs of the women there.

8. Went to girls orphanage at La Ramana. Distributed 150 book bags and lots of gifts and toys

9. Went to boys orphanage at La Raman. Distributed baseballs, mitts, toys and blankets for the small children

10. Provided 150 school kits for the 2 schools in Santo Domingo and provided $120 for urgent supplies and food there.

All these people were amazing and very people oriented. We worked with 2 Peace Corps volunteers, Kaitlin Kubinsky and Anthon, and Jessica Burkovich, a person who was working for an NGO from Canada. Beside those, we had 3 other Spanish speakers.

It was a wonderful experience to watch the group interact with the people and to respond so generously to their needs. I hope that we can connect with them again and share another opportunity to offer help in that country. I feel that we have made some good friends along the way.