Ringing in the Holiday Season, Thanksgiving, and Together Forever Someday

We traveled to Spokane for the Thanksgiving Weekend.  Paul, Mom and I and Flower (the chiweenie) traveled over Wednesday Nov 24.  It was an okay drive, mom was very tired and her temperature regulator wasn't working well.  We had a really good time being altogether.  Thanks to Mr. Winter, we were able to leave a little earlier than planned since school was canceled for me on both Tuesday and Wednesday of last week! 


Here is a picture of our Thanksgiving Feast!  Holly caught some of us with food in our mouths but at least we are all looking at the camera!



Clockwise starting with Darrin, Claudia, Rochelle, Paul, Helaman, Olivia, Ella, Mallory, Owen, Montana, Brad, Kristalyn, (Holly the photographer not pictured)

 
Some of us went sledding at Mission Park (? I didn't go then) and others of us went sledding on the Rich Family's road!  It seemed like just when we got the driveway cleared, the snow started falling of started falling faster!  Darrin let me run the snow blower CUB CADET!  It was fun, but a little challenging getting used to it.

Holly, Kristalyn and Rochelle went shopping at REAL DEALS on Home Decor and Trellis, another home decor store.  It was a great time!  We all got good deals on super cute home decor stuff! 

While we were there, we went to see the Forgotten Carols in Spokane on Friday Nov 26 as a whole family.  Mom, Paul, me, Kristalyn and Brad with Ella and Montana (Brad's kids were with their mom), Darrin and Holly with Olivia, Owen, and Mallory.  It was excellent.  It was not my first time to see it but it envoked new feelings in me since it had been several years since I'd been able to participate. Paul had never seen it before, and I think he even liked it!  I think it is a really good representation of how the spirit of Christmas can always be found in your heart...even if you've forgotten it or how to feel Christ in Christmas.  The music was wonderful and the company wasn't too bad either!

If any of you have ever attended this program (or any Michael McLean production), he always sings "We can be together forever someday"  the chorus to one of his songs.  It usually is pretty cheesy to me, and I can't say that it felt cheesy this time.  I really felt the purpose of his words on many different levels that night.  It was very touching and it brought to mind the importance of living such that we can be together forever someday as an eternal family!

This also made me remember a time way back when I was dating Paul and I attended a "TIME OUT FOR WOMEN" event in the same theater in Spokane with My mom, and my sisters Kristalyn and Holly.  It was a good experience.  (Kudos go out to Darrin for watching all the kids AND my dad that night so we could go!)

I was trying to figure out a lot of stuff and the song below was performed by Michael McLean and it touched me very deeply.  (I even bought the CD).  He shared the story behind the song, that the original music is not vey inviting, but the words are such that he thought he'd incorporate a different tune.  I love this song--the message is so powerful!

Unanswered Yet


Charles D. Tillman, 1894

Scripture: Psalm 143:1


Unanswered yet? The prayer your lips have pleaded

In agony of heart these many years?

Does faith begin to fail, is hope departing,

And think you all in vain those falling tears?

Say not the Father hath not heard your prayer;

You shall have your desire, sometime, somewhere.

Unanswered yet? Though when you first presented

This one petition at the Father’s throne,

It seemed you could not wait the time of asking,

So urgent was your heart to make it known.

Though years have passed since then, do not despair;

The Lord will answer you, sometime, somewhere.

Unanswered yet? But you are not unheeded;

The promises of God forever stand;

To Him our days and years alike are equal;

“Have faith in God”; it is your Lord’s command.

Hold on to Jacob’s angel and your prayer

Shall bring a blessing down sometime, somewhere.

Unanswered yet? Nay, do not say ungranted;

Perhaps your part is not yet wholly done;

The work began when first your prayer was uttered,

And God will finish what He has begun.

If you will keep the incense burning there,

His glory you shall see, sometime, somewhere.

Unanswered yet? Faith cannot be unanswered;

Her feet were firmly planted on the Rock;

Amid the wildest storm prayer stands undaunted,

Nor quails before the loudest thunder shock.

She knows Omnipotence has heard her prayer,

And cries, “It shall be done,” sometime, somewhere.

Grandpa-- Family Ties Everything Together Part I

CLAUDE WILBUR WELCH 

April 4, 1924- November 4, 2010

Claude Wilbur Welch was known by many names.  The most significant to me was "father" of my mom and "Grandpa" to me.  I had the honor to ready my Grandpa's Life Sketch at his funeral services on Monday Nov 8, 2010.  Grandpa was an incredible man who made friends whereever he went. He suffered a stroke Monday November 1, 2010 that left him paralized on 1/2 of his body.  I was able to talk to him on the phone and here him once again tell me how much he loved me.  He left this earthly existance on November 4, 2010 in the late morning.  He will be missed, but I know he is having a joyous reunion with my Grandma and Dad and the others that have gone before us.  I LOVE YOU GRANDPA!

I have much to write, but am having difficulties gathering and organizing my thoughts at this time, so I will simply share the Life Sketch that my Aunt Holly put together for me to read, and a email/note Grandpa sent to me last year. 

Don't worry, I will be back to write more later, I promise!

Grandpa Welch about 1960-- A Navy Man!

Grandpa and Grandma Welch in 2008

The love birds in 2008

Grandpa dressed all snazzy-- with cute Pierre

Paul, Rochelle, and Grandpa Late Summer of 2008

Life Sketch of Claude W. Welch:
His first name was “son”. Claude Wilbur Welch was born April 4, 1924 to Guy Wilbur Welch and Anna Irene Stephens Welch at St. Marks Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. His father worked for Union Pacific Railroad and his mother’s job was being a mother. As a young boy, his dad would take him to pick pieces of coal up off the tracks and ground that had spilled out from the railcars, sack them up, and take them to families in need. He attended school in Salt Lake City until his family moved to Bountiful. He skipped a grade and ended up with a pretty girl in his class by the name of Vera Steed. They graduated from Davis County High School in 1941.



His next name was “sailor”. After high school he attended the University of Utah in the pre-med program, but his desire to defend his country was strong and enlisted in the United States Navy in February, 1942. He was called up to active duty in September of that year. He served in the United States Navy during World War II in the North Atlantic, South Atlantic and Pacific theaters. He also served the Korean and Vietnam wars. He retired from the Navy in 1967 as the base commander in Bayview, Idaho. He was a member of the Military Officers’ Association.


His next name was “sweetheart”. Claude and Vera continued their friendship and it bloomed into love. Claude asked Vera to marry him and she said “Yes.” Claude was granted a twelve-hour leave so the couple could be married on June 10, 1943 while Claude was stationed San Diego, California. Later their marriage was solemnized in the Logan Utah LDS Temple


His next name was “Daddy.” Claude became a proud father at the birth of Claudia, their first daughter, in 1946. Seven years later the Welch family added Holly to their fold.


“Brother” was a name he was called by after he joined the church in 1955. Later, as an active member of the LDS Church, he served on the high council in two stakes, as well as in two bishoprics. Then he was called “president” when sustained as a branch president and later as stake president in the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Stake. Claude and Vera served as temple officiators in the Salt Lake Temple for 23 years.


“Grandpa” was Claude’s next beloved name when Norm and Claudia had their first child, Kristalyn. Darrin was added to the Rich family a couple of years later. Soon to follow from Scott and Holly were Jessica, Hidee and then Helaman. Claudia and Norm added Rochelle the next year which ended their contribution to his progeny.   But, Guy, Jonathan, Dananda and Sadie soon followed to extend the line. Several neighbors and young friends called him “Grandpa Welch”, even today.


Many addressed him as “Mr.” After he retired, he became a realtor, an insurance claim adjuster and also served as a county commissioner in Kootenai County, Idaho.


He and Vera embarked on trips around the world to further their love of genealogy research. Claude’s dedication to genealogy and temple work continued throughout his entire life. Claude and Vera both enjoyed working in their yard and in the garden. Growing a robust garden became a labor of love for Claude following the Church’s counsel to maintain food storage in the event of emergency or if food became scarce. After Claude and Vera moved to Rigby, he added helping Holly on the farm and feeding the cows to his list of daily chores.


Claude is survived by two daughters, Claudia Rich of Redmond, Washington and Holly (Scott) Hancock of Rigby, Idaho; ten grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.


He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, and his son-in-law Norman W. Rich.


As a final thought, I want to share with you his famous phrase when their was a lull in conversation, or just to let you know what he thougth, he'd say "well, the Gospel is true!”


My Grandpa was a dilligent letter writer (so was Grandma Welch), my mom taught me at a very young age the importance of keeping in touch with family--a trait she clearly learned from her parents!  We got to (even though sometimes it felt like we HAD to) write letters to missionaries in our ward, our Grandparents, and write in our journal each week growing up. 

Grandpa and Grandma wrote weekly letters (or sometimes more than once a week), and when they discovered email they would tag team the computer to fill us in on their happenings.  Even the weeks before he passed away, with his failing eye sight, and difficulty moving around, Grandpa wrote letters each week.
 
Here is the Christmas note I received December 2009:
 
It is good to hear from you during his Christmastime, but I'm afraid I have a little bad news in response to receiving thoughts and wishes that your card come with.



My beloved Vera passed away on June 12 of this year. I seem to be sure of just one emotional fact—that we’ll be together again, and for all eternity. However, I do spend time sitting and worrying about family, friends, and dreams.


I would like you to know that I do wish you a very, very Merry Christmas and a happy new year, that all things will fall in order for your life, and joy and happiness in this coming year. I hope and pray in the name of Jesus.


I am leaving this Thursday for Seattle to attend the Wedding of Rochelle and Paul Schultz, She is Claudia’s daughter, I will be gone a week and a bit.


Claude Welch and Pierre my little poodle woof woof

Say Hello and a Good Buy!

Okay so the "good buy" isn't really an accurate description, it is the length of interest free financing that is making the purchase happen.  We decided to purchase a new couch, recliner, and a kickin' bench ottoman.  Yes, Rochelle Rich Schultz and Paul Michael Schultz are growing up (sniffle) and have purchased their first furniture as man and wife!

So, you are probably wondering how fantastic this furniture is? Well so are we!  We purchased it back in July but picked such a desirable set (ya, you know y'all are jealous) that we have been waiting since then, for it to come in from back order.  Well the waiting is over!  We get our new stuff on Saturday!

We were shopping for mom to get new furniture and we decided that perhaps we should invest too... we picked out a red leather set that we LOVE!  I think that our living space will "come alive" when it is here.  The ONLY down side is that we will have to repaint our kitchen red wall because it will clash with the red couch. So a bit of painting and a tiny bit of reorganizing/sorting is in store... but who cares?  I'm geting new furniture baby!

Doctors and Dates

So Paul had his first day of school today --I was tempted to take his picture with his backpack and first day outfit, but I refrained.  He went to his math class and was going to come straight home.  I on the other hand had an ultrasound on my leg (trying to figure out what is wrong with my ankle!)  and then went to the chiropractor for my shoulder. Because I had two appointments I played hookie from work. 

So the first appointment went okay, besides the paper shorts I had to wear and the gunky gel from the ultrasound machine on my leg making that funny noise that you see on TV when a pregnant woman gets an ultrasound.  (Note to those of you who have been pregnant and were able to witness your own baby's swish swish it's not as "special" when they tell you it is the sound of the blood in your veins.)  Alas, no more answers to my leg issue.  Oh well.

So then off to the Chiropractor to investigate the shoulder that hasn't stopped hurting for a couple  months.  Apparently the exercises he had me doing the past couple months to strengthen my rotators cuff haven't helped enough.  I will be "modifying my workouts' as a result of my meeting with Dr. Greg.   

Needless to say, I was a bit dissatisfied with the prognosis of both appointments, still waiting for results, but how do you get the results from a problem that has no known cause?  I was somewhat emotional as I should be, I am a girl right?  So why am I writing about these downers?  I'm not just focusing on the fact I'm getting older and feel like my body is slowly falling apart...I wanted to contrast the "sadness" with the joy of the rest of the days events!

After the appointments, Paul and I met up at Fred Meyer-we both got a new pair of shoes (I know, I know Paul and I are the last people on earth who need a pair of shoes) but they were Nike's AND they were buy one get one free. (yes really).  Then we went to see SALT the movie.  It was sooo great!  My comparison of what I think the movie is like, would give away the show to those that haven't taken the opportunity to see it.  I am definitely excited that Paul's research has proven that SALT 2 is planned a few years out from now.  Then we went to Red Robin and shared a bbq chicken wrap...yum! 

It was a grand day for the two of us.  I am so grateful to have such a loving husband who cares about me and loves to spend all his free time with me.

We finished our day, myself at ZUMBA and Paul doing his homework.  I got giddy when I came home to see him super focused and doing the whole homework thing.  It made me jealous that he is IN school...but then I think of the "school" work I do and then I thought...nah, not yet.  But I'm sure the day will come...

Sharpened Pencils and Learning

So I moved classrooms this year.  Thank goodness!  I have carpet which has definitely increased my ability to hear my students.  As a one-eared educator, being able to tell where side-chatter, tapping pencils and fidgety feet are coming from is difficult.  I am so grateful for the room coming available for me to utilize and am anxious for the opportunity to see the light bulbs of learning shine in room 221. 

 So another year begins.  I am teaching 6th grade again.  I have 4 classes of 6th grade math and 2 classes of math support.  So I get to see some of my students twice a day this year.  I often reflect on my role as an educator and realize that these last few years, I've been honored to be more than "just a math teacher."  I also have realized that my kiddos are not the only students in the classroom!  I too am learning, from my students.  They have taught me about holding on to what you have, being the best you know how to be despite all that has happened to you.  I have learned about perseverance and dealing with less than ideal circumstances and still coming to school to learn.  Last year alone I have had students share with me about their home situations and worries.  The loss of their family members, pets, and feelings of abandonment.  I have had kids share with me that they are home alone often, or on the other hand don't have a home to go to;  having money for school supplies, clothes, and food can be an issue too.  My kiddos have so little in so many ways and yet show me how much they have and each day they come to school...hoping for the support, love, kindness, and to learn something new.

As I set my goals for this new school year, as I set up my routines and procedures in class, I recognize the importance of adding a little more humanity to my mathematics culture.  I will remember each of my students for who they are: kids eager to learn, share, and grow with me, and perhaps we'll learn a little math along the way.

The way life is...

Paul just turned to me and said "How come we have something bad happen to us each time I get ready to start a new quarter of school?" I said, "Not every time" he then corrected me and we discussed the previous years trials starting when he went back to school last September.  What a roller coaster of a year.  It has been difficult, painful, and sad.  I have felt every emotions from anger to joy.  As we sat in silence, I decided to post my thoughts.  I apologize for my lack of eloquence in advance.

This is a good time for me to reflect on the purposes of trials, how we feel sorrow and sadness, but can have our testimonies strengthened through them.

I will be the first to admit, that looking back, I have been blessed to have had many years of seemingly trivial trials; though at the time I didn't view them as such.  But, now, I see the trying experiences of my past and current life as learning experiences.  Does that mean I am not sorrowful? sad? disgruntled? upset? hurt? or angry at times?  No.  It simply means that I intend to do my best to learn from my experiences.  That takes time.  Time to realize that the Lord will not give us trials more than we are able to bear.  It doesn't mean it won't feel like the life has been sucked out you for a time.  But we can get through them it just takes time.

This morning when we got the news of Paul's grandma's passing.  I was stunned, still and reflective.  I clung to Paul's side instantly and realized how hard this would be. Another loved one passing away. I recall when my Grandma Welch passed a few years ago, how much anger and frustration I felt to have someone I loved dearly to be taken away from me.  Then when my Daddy passed away in April, I thought that someone had ripped me apart from the inside out.  I knew what ultimate sadness was.  I felt grateful during those times to have my honey with me by my side, for comfort.  I know that Paul now feels those same feelings. 

I know you can't transfer from one individual to another the learning process from grief and sorrow to understanding of the eternal perspective.  Although instant understanding might seem to be helpful, it isn't.  Each person must grieve in their own way, time, and go through "it" on their own...whatever "it" is that we must experience individually.  I have learned in the past several months, each individual must experience the process themselves for true understanding.  I also know it can take more time for some than others.  I am still processing my father's death and my mother's sickness each day of my life. 

We must have hope and faith.  Faith and hope.  That is the story of life.  We all keep working toward our own goals and the trials of life "interrupt" our lives to teach us something and help us to progress. 

I know that although Paul and I feel like we have had our share of hiccups through the past year.  I know that we weren't given these trials to keep us down, but to help build us up--and to strengthen our faith in God. 

I know that my Daddy, and our Grandparents, and the other loved ones that we've lost in this life are in a better place, rejoicing in their place in eternal plan of our Heavenly Father.