Mothers Day 2008

The other day in Priesthood meeting we were discussing parenting. It was kind of interesting because all of us in the room were past their prime of traditional “parenting.” Someone mentioned the 121^st section of the Doctrine and Covenants where in verse 43 it says, “Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy…” I considered my own experience with “reproving” and I can say that I was usually sharp but rarely moved upon by the Holy Ghost. I do remember on more than one occasion when my Father, while spanking me, said in all soberness, “This will hurt me more than it will hurt you.” You know, at the time I had my doubts but after considering the tender heart of my Dad, I believe he was speaking the truth. But without a doubt, I can say that my success in the process of parenting was assured when Dona agreed to be my partner. I’ve shown very little wisdom throughout my life but choosing her has been a crowning achievement. I’d be less than honest however if I didn’t admit that I had no conscious thought of such an outcome when we began dating, I was just attracted to a dang hot looking woman! In relation to that, I just recently asked her who was the most beautiful woman she has ever known and without hesitation, she said, “my Mom.” I knew she’d say that. I think she has inherited all her mother’s qualities. I wish I could remember who said it but some smart person (probably a general authority) said that the most important thing that a father can do for his children is to love their mother. Thanks Dona for making that so easy.

The Three-Toed Sloth

Here is Parly's Three-Toed Sloth report. Thank you to Sadie and Christian for helping her come up with an interesting animal and researching all the cool information with her. She was so excited to do it. And now can't wait to show her teacher. It turned out great! And yes, her mother had a little hand in the presentation (ideas at least). Note: the facts are written on the leaves. Genius (I know). And the sloth hanging from the tree is made out of soft, fuzzy, brown paper making him more life like.

May 3 About Daisy

Here are some facts that you might not know: Fact #1-When Emily was born, there was no one who needed to be watched at home but when Dona went into labor with Daisy, we had a plan. Clark (my brother) came to our apartment and took care of Emily. While driving Dona to the hospital, we unexpectedly ran into (not literally) a missionary companion. You know how that can go. After too long, I explained that Dona was in labor and we went on our way. Fact #2-For some reason, we didn’t plan on having a baby so soon after Emily was born and I’m still not sure how it happened but we didn’t have any insurance for Daisy. I was willing to leave her at the hospital until we could pay the bill but they let us take her home and we’ve been paying ever since. Fact #3-One of my many responsibilities has been to pick names. Daisy was named after the “America” song that has as its first line, “Flying me back to Memphis, gotta find my Daisy Jane.” I think it is the piano opening that got to me. Anyway, she’s not Daisy Jane (we saved Jane for Dustin and Emily), she’s Daisy Sue. Don’t ask me where the Sue came from (my Mom wanted Daisy May, get it, because she was born in May. She wanted to name Julene, June but she was born on July 1st). Fact #4-Very shortly after she was born, Dona took her and Emily to LaGrande while I went to Duchesne to find a place to live. While in Oregon, Dona got very sick and it was determined that she had a gall stone (the gall). Fact #5-During her infant stage, Daisy pretty much slept, ate, and P2 (pooped and peed). One time I came home from the pool (summer job) and found all three of them on the bed, Dona writhing in great pain, Emily playing on the bed and Daisy sleeping. We had a two bedroom apartment that just a month previous had been a stand alone garage (the mice hadn’t moved out yet). Fact #6-I don’t have time to fact check her toddler to prepubescent stage except to point out that she snuck (with the help of Emily) out and went to a movie with a boy before she was 16 (Parly and Lily should not read that part). Fact #7-She threw up (projectile vomit) all over my shoes when she finished 4^th at the state cross country championship and I didn’t even mind. Fact #8-Shayne took her away from us (thank goodness) and she has become a wonderful wife and mother (even though she snuck out before she was 16).

Highlights

Highlights of our day:

• Having Marty, Bonnie, Angie, Isaac, Elise, Mom, and Dad all make the trip to Farmington.
• Mom putting CJ to sleep right before he was blessed. (Thanks to her he didn't make a peep.)
• Bonnie's awesome dessert. So great, in fact, that after Marty and Bonnie left all the Wests kept wondering where that strawberry dessert went.
  
• Better than Gristmill bread, meat, and avocados provided by Mom.
• Elise, Bonnie, and Mom preparing everything for the sandwiches. I didn't lift a finger.
• CJ being blessed in a onesie since he was already asleep when his blessing outfit showed up. Oh well, at least we got a picture of him in the real thing. He wore it just long enough to spit up on it.
  

Really, it was a great day, and CJ is glad everyone could come. He did mention missing his cousin Canyon and the Scott girls, but he is looking forward to seeing them in July.

A Piece of Reeder Legend (and a tractor)

This message comes from the ever indomitable Ross Reeder, and either because my namesake coincides with the original owner of the house, or because dad wasn't sure how to post this on the blog, I now give you this Reeder Report:

REEDER FAMILY HOME

Dear Descendants of Joseph Martin Reeder:

The Reeder home located 631 N. Main Street has been in the Reeder Family since 1903. It was purchased by Joseph Martin Reeder and has remained in the family since that time. At present my wife Ann and I are the current owners of both the Reeder home and the adjacent two bedroom home that my Father, Spencer, built in the early 1960’s for Lula, his mother and Joseph Martin Reeder’s widow.

Now that our youngest has almost flown the coop, Ann and I are re-assessing our lives and the next direction we would like to take. A four bedroom home with large orchard and yard is wonderful to have, but takes some extra work at certain times of the year. Between the yard and the fact that we would like to downsize all of our “stuff” we have decided that we need something smaller.

Therefore, we plan to sell both the Reeder home as well as the Rental that was built for Grandma Reeder (Lula) next door. Prior to offering it for sale to the “General Public” we wanted to at least offer the opportunity to the descendants and family of the home’s longest owners, the Reeder Family.

If the thought of owning a piece of our history and heritage appeals to you or any of your family we would welcome the chance to keep it “in the Family”. For sale price and additional information please feel free to contact Ann or myself at 435-734-1263 or email us at annreeder33@msn.com.


Ross Reeder
Son of Spencer & Verna Reeder
Grandson of Joseph Martin Reeder

P.S. If you act now, the sale of the home includes a like new Ford tractor to farm the Reeder Orchard.

You're Invited

CJ is so excited for his baby blessing. I can't get him to stop talking about it. We're blessing him on April 27th at 9:00 a.m. Come if you can.

The "Call"

Mom and I are excited to share this news. Yesterday we finally got the call. The office of the First Presidency reached me at school yesterday and asked me for a time Dona and I could take a phone call from President Monson. Last night we took the call. At first we talked about the time we saw each other at Disneyland. He said he had a fond memory of the occasion. He especially remembered meeting our children. He was happy to hear that all are happily engaged in building the Kingdom. He then asked about our finances. Well, It just so happened that Dona had just paid off our mortgage and credit cards the day before so that went well. Then he asked if we would be ready to spend the next three years serving as a mission president. I asked if he had an English speaking mission in mind and he assured me that it would be. Well, to make a long story short, your Mother and I will be presiding over the Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah Mission. I'm really excited. Thirty years ago, we almost accepted a teaching job there so we've been there and have seen the countryside. I can't wait and neither can Dona. We will preside over one other missionary who will be going home in late September. There are no immediate plans to replace him. Anyway we are excited to let you in on the news. We're not allowed to tell anyone other than our immediate family until it comes out in the Church News sometime soon. Take care and have a great April First...Love Papa and Nana

PS
We were told that families could visit if they can get to proper papers so make plans now!