Thanksgiving 2010 in Hurricane

My Dad

My Dad has shared with me a wonderful life full of memories. He has provided for me as a kid a basically stress free childhood, and as an adult supported me and my kids through all the ups and downs of life. I have recently received a copy of his experiences in Korea written by him. When he told us about the war in Korea as a kid, I didn’t realize what a critical part of the war he played. He is a war hero, and he was preserved for such a cause by his Heavenly Father, I am sure. I wanted to share just a little bit of his sacrifice for our Country's Freedom. He said:

"As the years have passed, I have come more aware of what an important role our mortar platoon played in winning the war. Pork Chop, T-Bone and Baldy were all in the Chosen Valley where we were assigned. The Chinese were trying desperately to reclaim these hills and we were desperately trying to keep control. Our mortars were right behind Pork Chop Hill and we had two major assaults on that hill while I was there.
Peace talks were going on at the time and our ability to fight off these attacks probably had a significant influence in the forth-coming truce agreement. Both sides were flexing their muscles with battles such as Pork Chop Hill. If the enemy were out doing us, they wouldn't have been so willing to sign the truce agreement--especially since we had advanced into their territory and would be awarded some of their land.

I had been awarded to Gunnery Sergeant for the last two major battles at Pork Chop. I would receive fire request from the forward observer, calculate the necessary gun settings and give these settings to each of the gun crews. (This is where my Dad was particularly inspired, because instead of firing as per the past sergeant, Dad formunlated these settings based upon his knowledge of where the canyons were and where the Chinese soldiers would be coming up towards them. This saved the position and although many lives were lost many were saved.) The second of these battles reportedly was the greatest amount of firepower expended by us of any other military battle to date. "

Dad recently gave me an article about the battle, and it said in there that it went on for five days and four nights. He said that the one thing the Korean's had that they didn't was man power, those Chinese soldiers just seem to keep coming. In that second battle that Dad endured during the summer of 1953, the article stated that over 166 enemy casualties occurred. Because of the ferocity of the fighting, the mortar men were forced to do without food or sleep for long periods.
Recently, at the 24th of July fireworks up in Charleston, I was impressed to check with my Dad after a very Patriotic display of fireworks that ended in several loud gun like shooting fireworks, "Are you okay Dad?". He said he felt like digging down and taking cover.

I know he was preserved as a righteous young Latter Day Saint to help the people of Korea maintain their freedom. We recently had a Korean man come up to us on a cruise with my Dad and he told how much respect he had for the GI's that were there protecting their country. He had so much respect for my Dad, and I must say since all this has been said and done, so do I. Thank you Dad, and God Bless us with Freedom at home and abroad.

Pioneer Day

Can't help thinking of the wonderful heritage we have as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have a great admiration for our Pioneer Heritage. Each one of my progenitors has a special place in my heart. As I have grown older my parents and grandparents have taken on a special place in my heart. I love and revere each of them for all that they do for me. When I make their acquaintance in the hereafter I will thank them for their efforts and praise them for the sacrifices they made for me. In our generation we have had some great examples go before us as well, like Jeanne, Aaron, and Steve. I have never ceased to learn from their examples in my life.

My sister Jeanne was such a gracious and kind person. She made such a lovely home. When I went to her home, I always came away with something she had cooked, sewn or crafted. I still have a little piece of cloth with potpourri and yarn that she gave me, and a blouse she crocheted. I see her expressions and love in Sam. I feel the same blessings are with Ben, Sam and Levi. I've seen it once again, and I’m sure these parents who have gone on before their children are still keeping a watchful on them.

Recently, I found this exert from Steve’s journal, recorded 10-17-77. He was just 19 years old, but wise beyond his years. He worked so hard to make his dreams a reality in his life. “There are some among us that have the divine quality to turn normal things into great things, plain into beautiful, incomprehensible into comprehensible or unbelievable into believable. A good mother and eternal companion can turn a house into a palace, a throne, a Heavenly Kingdom on Earth. So, never overlook the plain, ordinary or simple things others do, for the right person can turn into a dream come true.”

Happy third birthday George!

I'm blessed to have such wonderful grand children, Happy Birthday + George = Happy Grandma! He was so cute to watch open his gifts and take command of being three. He reminds me of his Daddy in so many ways. He can already dunk a basketball and no hips!

Anniversary

I just love this picture of Steve with his kids in the snow, it reminds me of how happy he was. I've just thinking of my anniversary, it was 31 years ago today I married Steven Sproul, We were married just 9 years when he was diagnosed with brain cancer. He died about 2 years later. I've been reminded of it this past week with the passing of my cousin, Diane's husband, Rick. I'm also reminded of him as I see Cameron transition through his loss. I know I was intended for this family, because I have learned so much from them and I've needed this growth.
Here are some events from my life:
1976 Graduated from HS
1979 married Steve Sproul on July 3
1982, Lisa was born
1984 I graduated from the U of U,
1984 John was born that same day I graduated
1988 Steve graduated from the U of U
1990 April 12th he passed on
1992 I married Greg, it will be 18 years in September. I'm so grateful to him he has been wonderful, and I really feel like I have healed during these years, but sometimes I reflect on my past. I've found out that it's the journey that counts. The resurrection is real. We will all go the way of the gave in this life. We should live with the end in mind in terms of our relationships with others. Improve our time, and strive for peace and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
It makes me happy to see my kids being parents, and it remind me of him and how he loved his kids. I know he thinks of them too.

Memorial Day

Ouch! I guess the reason this picture brings tears to my eyes is because when John was three years old his dad was diagnosed with a fatal brain tumor. Lisa was in kindergarten. I taught school to provide insurance and we struggled along for nearly two years while working and dealing with all the treatments, surgeries, and physical disablement of a normally healthy husband.

The hardest part for me personally was having to keep things together, when my world was crumbling. If I'm stronger for it, I don't know? But I do know that having these two kids of mine, and seeing them be wonderful parent’s makes all the stress and sacrifice that I went through, and still go through worth it. It's hard to see your children suffer. We should all do everything possible to teach and protect them. I'm so sorry that they miss their Dad it is impossible to make it up to them, but I always tried not to enable them or spoil them. I tried to do what Steve and I would have done together, teach them to live the gospel and to serve one another. He was an awesome father.
John is a wonderful Dad too. He has definitely followed in his father’s footsteps. It was hard to see John not be able to wrestle and play with his Dad like he was used to because they were best buddies. Lisa was his little princess. She taught him the ABC's when she was in Kindergarten.

Our Beloved husband and father, William Steve Sproul - January 24, 1958 to April 12, 1990, died age 32. Thank you, Heavenly Father for 11 wonderful years with their Daddy!

My Great Grandmother Dougan

I've been doing some geneology for Aunt Mary and I scanned this picture of my Mom's, Mom Jane Dougan and her mother. Grandma Dougan's mother lived to help take care of my Mom and her brother and sisters after their mother passed away. Mom was just 12 years old, and aunt Mary was 16 when her mother died. They have good memories of playing with their cousins up in Idaho and staying the summer at the farm in Menan. Mom puts flowers on their graves every year up in Idaho. I have good idea when my Mom dies I'll put flowers on her grave too. I have good kin.

Mother I Love YOU!

Our cruise to Washington and British Columbia was one of our family Highlights for Mom. It was our Girls Getway, but we took along a few men for escorts. Nothing beats sitting together on a cruise at gormet dinner for a week straight there are NO dishes to do, someone cleans up after you, gives you chocolates, turns down your bed and leaves you little presents like foldered towel animals at night...

If there's whales or dophins Mom will find them. She loves nature. She taught all of us kids to have values of kindness and charity. She is the hardest working most devoted mother anyone could ever have. She is my hero. When she is gone I will still have everything she taught me right here in my head because she did all the right things. Thank you Mom and Happy Mothers Day!

Mom and the three surviving daughters and three sons. Jeanne died of Lupus in 1990. That's why we like the picture above, because Nicole is Sam's wife is now another wonderful part of our family. Here are some traits I love about my mother: Mom can talk to anyone. She has served her family and in the church her whole life. She loves her children around her even though the crowd is usually overwhelming. If someone is sad or in need of understaning she serves them completely. She is always looking for opportunities to serve. She loves to learn and read about history, science, religion, and nature. She likes to talk on the phone, go for walks in nature, camp in a tent, cook, sew, quilt, read, travel, sing, tell stories, hold babies, visit relatives, watch sports with Dad on TV, win bets, and make people feel loved and welcome everyone.

She and my Dad have been married for over 57 years. They just had their 78th birthdays. Mom has had quite a bad year or two with her health, but she keeps plugging along. She doesn't like physical therapy and that's what the doctor ordered. Mom is the youngest in her family and will most likely out live them all. She and Dad have really kept a strong family all these years. We love them both so much and can hardly think of one without the other. Thank you Lord, for my mother!

20 year Anniversary

This is the 20 year anniversary of when Steve died. John said, it's hard for him to believe that anything in his life could be 20 years ago. I think his Father would be very proud, John is graduating from college this week. I know he is pleased with Lisa as well. We are all grateful to have had such a wonderful husband and father in our lives. As these grandchildren grow, I'm only sorry that they didn't have a chance to know Grandpa Steve. He would have made a magnificent Grandpa. If we hold out faithful one day we will know him again. It was so wonderful to have all my grandchildren and children in my home today and allow them to comfort me which they always do. How lucky could I be. What a legacy we have.

She's Here!

Our beautiful granddaughter was born today at 11:45 A.m. March 11th 7 lbs 2 oz. 19 inches !!!

Here's your big brother

Hey Little G, do you know what's coming? You're lucky, blessed, and sweet. Are you ready for to be a big brother yet? I'm ready, ready... for something new. I want this grandbaby more each day as it get's closer and closer to the day. I'm really, ready for this little angel. I want to see life again through your sweet new eyes. Do you know I'll be in Heaven when I see you again? I've missed you for so long.
Looking forward to meeting you again Pearl or Charles, to hold you, and see you after such a long time. Can't imagine life without you as you come into this world. Feel myself melting as I prepare to hold my own son's second child.

Where are you?

Is Grandpa Steve there? Did he see you off? Do you stay and linger dreaming of Heaven or earth? Do you get just one more peek before physical birth? Like me, do you hope that you'll be good enough and that you won't let down when life gets tough? Are you a little excited too, to try the things you want to do? I bet you'll really want a hug so you can count on all of our love. March 11th birthdate. Please hurry, don't be late!

Sterling Scholar

Funny Faces

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M_4lt0iv6I

UK February 2010

Greg and I got a good deal through Delta Airlines and went to London on my school break We met several friends over there and really had a great time. Westminster Abby from the Thanes River. We went there for mass on Sunday, very amazing architecture, gothic!

Shelagh VanHagen and I in Edinburgh

John and Linda Bowe with Heather in front of the Tower of London

Really cool architecture outside of London from the river

Edinburgh Castle

Westminster Abbey

Winsor Castle