Daniel Theron Bromley

 George Washington Smith Family

Alma Smith Eidson and Robert Owen Eidson

January 24, 2013

It's been a LONG time since I've written anything down.  Somehow life seems to go faster and faster and even simple tasks become too much.

So...rather than making a lot of excuses (face it...I was somewhat lazy!) I decided that a little writing here and there is better than nothing.

The old family pictures that I've placed on this page...is my way of saying that I've felt that I should concentrate on my family genealogy this winter.  We are not going anywhere (no California or Arizona trips) and are staying here in the valley....it just seemed that I seriously need to concentrate on this.  My Aunt Betty, who is not LDS, is big time into genealogy and she has not only inspired me....she lets me use her account on Ancestry.com.  It's been amazing to find the "little green leaves" that tell me that there is more information on my ancestor.  Seeing the old census reports where they are listed has brought tears to my eyes.  Others (whom I don't know) have graciously posted pictures and stories.  They have added so much to my life.  I had no idea that this would become such an emotional journey.  I am trying to make sure that the work has been completed....but my love is with the stories of these people who have made me who I am.  I feel such a connection!!!  It's very difficult to describe...but I sincerely believe that they have watched over me and been there to cheer me on.  I can't wait to see them again (much, much later, I hope!)

It's been a long time

So...I knew it had been a long time since I wrote anything...and having Ashley start blogging...has inspired me again. This blog started out as a way to express my "spiritual" feelings. I don't really like writing in a journal...although I have lots of them in various places....and a few thoughts here an there...that I've written down over the years...but I wanted my family to know how I felt about things that I don't often talk about. I guess I figured after I'm gone...that my kids/grandkids would magically discover the things I had written. Not the greatest idea.
I know that seeing the few things that my Mom wrote down has been really special. Seeing her thoughts, in her own words definitely means a lot.

I think we all feel that our lives are mostly just plain and simple....nothing too exciting going on...but I guess it's those things that make our lives what they are. I know in writing down my feelings, I'm able to express how important my family is to me. Our family is always so sarcastic....we don't often "bear testimony" of each other....that I wanted a way to tell them how I feel. I just read a poem that my Granddad had written about his four granddaughters, me being one of them. I told Steve how wonderful it was to read "how" he saw me. He says,
"There's Betty, with her disposition sunny" and it made me wonder.....do I have a sunny disposition...still??? This was from 1960....or have the years eaten away at that young girl and tuned her more callous? I hope, that in some small way, I'm still the girl he knew and loved and that he would know me if he suddenly saw me today. I always knew that my Granddad loved me unconditionally....he's been gone since 1960....but his memory and the things he taught me are with me each and every day. My Grandmom was the same way. I truly believe, that from them, I learned how to be a grandparent. I don't think I'm nearly as great as they were....but I try. I know what an influence my grandparents had on me....and I know how important they still are in my life. I LOVE this big circle of family that surrounds us...both here and beyond!! I think it's one of the greatest gifts that Heavenly Father has given us. I remember when Ashley was born....I actually prayed (can't believe I did this)...but that I wouldn't have any more grandchildren because I didn't think I could love them as much as I loved Ashley. I learned when the 2nd and 3rd and beyond and then the greats.....Clara and Max....that our hearts keep expanding and I love Max equally as much as I loved his Mom the first time I held her in my arms. Family makes us crazy and family keeps us going!!!

MTC blessings

So, today we had a follow-up (2nd discussion) with Elder's Bautista and Bennett. Elder Bautista is from the Philipines and now lives in Canada and Edler Bennet is from New Zeland. They are both such cute boys....love their dark hair. Last week, they gave us the first lesson....oh, they were so tentative and shy. I even made a note that we really didn't have a lesson...we just talked. Today...one week later....what a change. They came in...and I love it, they open with a song and they sing beautifully together. They said it's for inviting the spirit to be there. After a prayer, they told us that they had really thought about what we asked last week (I had kind of forgotten to be honest) but I guess it was Where did we come from, why are we here, where are we going...you know...the golden questions. They had drawn, colored and put together an entire visual presentation (they are quite artistic...evidently Eler Bautista drew and colored while Elder Bennett sang to him) of the Plan of Salvation. It was wonderful...but more wonderful when Elder Bennett bore his testimony of repentance. He had evidently done some pretty heavy things (without his going into detail...just the impression) and needed to apologize to some people and figure out a restitution. It was amazing. Another one of the TRC ladies, June, was in the room with us acting as a neighbor. I think we were all completely blown away by the spirit that was in the room. I was amazed that these two missionaries would have gone to all the trouble to answer my questions....and visually show me what they were talking about. They will be amazing missionaries...they are going to San Francisco. Now...I have two more missionaries to worry and pray for. They have left a spot on my heart....and strengthened my testimony. My prayers this morning was that I would offer something, and I would feel the spirit....my prayers were answered...powerfully! Love the MTC!!!! Love these young men!!!

Special day

What makes one day different from another? Doing the same thing, following the same course, simply putting one foot in front of the other. Thinking ahead about what I'm going to make for dinner....that I need to get some washing and ironing done...and that I really need to seriously think about starting the heavy duty spring cleaning. And, it's Thursday, so we need to get up early to go to the MTC.....but it is my favorite day....so that already makes it special. And then...like a surprise gift, beautifully gift wrapped....and so, exactly what I wanted.....the day changes....not because something out of the ordinary happened....but because of special feelings that transpired.

Over the past couple of days, Erin has reconnected on Facebook with a girl from her mission that they taught and who was baptized. It was the most amazing story...and through this reconnection, Shannon (the girl) shared some amazing stories as well. Her parents joined the church a couple of years later (I believe) and Shannon shared with Erin and Julianne (Erin's bestest companion!!) some talks that her parents had given in church. They were a sweet (and that's the only word to describe them) talks about their testimonies...and about the examples that the members of the ward were....about the friendships that they formed...about the acceptance they had from their LDS neighbors. And Julianne shared her memories from Shannon's "Surprise" baptism. I'm hoping that somehow I can attach these emails. I know Erin doesn't have the time...nor maybe even the desire at this point in her life....to write these things down. So, I'm doing it...in hopes that someday down the road, she may stumble on them and be reminded of what a great missionary she was (is!) and how she truly, truly changed lives. Not just Shannon's, but generations to come, and generations before. Amazing. I am so blessed to have her as my daughter....and my friend. I know we've known each other for eternities...and will for the eternities to come.

The MTC was special today...everything just seems to be making me tear up. Two of the missionaries who "taught" us the discussions....well....we were able to run into them and share our feelings with each other. It was truly a spirit to spirit experience. I will treasure it forever. Today has been filled with spiritual gifts....I need to most of all, remember the FEELINGS, because that's what it's been all about. I may not remember all the details of today....but I want to remember this most special of gifts....the quiet assurance that Heavenly Father knows each of us...and He loves us. He's aware of my family and their individual struggles...He's aware of my prayers for each of them. He's aware of how much I love them.....and how much I appreciate their examples in my life. This has been the most special of ordinary days.

Shopping the mall with the girls

I really wish there were cute fonts for this...but oh, well. It's been awhile since I wrote and I need to put down a few things. It's great having Linny home...and great having most of the family in the same general location. I took the majority of the granddaughters on a mall shopping/trying on/hanging out trip last Saturday. It was crazy...but fun. Angie came so that helped alot. And the mall was just so crowded...maybe it's the idea of spring. I think they had fun trying on clothes, shoes that they would never wear in a million years...and lots of hats and hair dodahs.

I love spending time with them

Linny's Home!!

How excited we are! Linny came home yesterday. I started out yesterday morning getting on the Delta airlines website to see if she was, indeed, on her way home....only to be saddened to see that her flight was delayed. I checked often....even downloading the website to my phone so I could be sure to know when she would arrive. I can't believe how excited I was to see her face...hear her voice....see her smile...and receive her hugs! The hours were stretched out...and with the delays in her flight....the day seemed as if it would never pass. Finally!!! 3 PM....when we had decided to head to the airport (what if by some slip...she flew in early...like Rich did?) We got to the airport...Bonnie and Larry were already there...evidently their thoughts were just like ours...what if she gets here early...someone needs to be here! The only detour in going to the airport was stopping to pick up a few balloons to welcome her. We arrived..and then Steve, Lisa and the girls arrived. We waited anxiously...watching the other families with posters, balloons and flowers, welcoming their missionaries home. Only in Utah!! I always wonder what people think when they come down those escalators and see all the excited faces...hearing the cheers....seeing the greetings. We made our way to the very bottom of the escalator....her plane had landed! She was here...now we just had to look for her! We waited for what surely was an eternity (did she stop at every bathroom???....or stop to shop???) Finally, Finally! There she is!!! There's that smile. The tears welled up in my eyes and I had to turn away. Kaity was crying....we were all cheering. This must be what it's like on the other side! 18 months....18 long/short and life changing months. My girl...my Sister Harold....my Linny was home. Can words ever express how proud I am of her. How much I love her. I much I respect her decision to serve a mission. How she truly makes my face smile and my heart sing. Linny's home!

Feelings

We had a wonderful day at the MTC today. The missionaries are incredible. Their spirits lift, amaze and inspire me. I cannot think of a more beautiful way to spend time...than with these amazing young men and women. I knew that my life had changed forever...at least in the way I have always thought of the missionary program....when it was on the news earlier this week that two missionaries serving in one of the Russian countries, had died in their apartment from a gas leak. I knew I had changed, when I heard the story, and tears streamed down my face. I had never met these two young men, but their lives had touched mine. I know what praying for the missionaries means, now. I know what praying for their families, means. I know, that through their example, they have completed their missions...they truly touched and changed lives. Mine was one of them.

I went over to Karon Oldroyd's tonight to go over a Relief Society invitation that we are working on. Her sweet daughter-in-law, took the burden off of us and designed and printed the program. Karon told me about a tragedy that has impacted her family. Her brother's grandson accidently, at this point, almost drowned, in the bathtub. Karon told me about the blogspot where the family is keeping everyone updated about this little guy's progress. I read it and was touched by the honesty and heartfelt words that the sweet Mom, Sara, wrote. I don't think there is a mom around who hasn't turned her back on her child for a moment. For most of us, life goes on and everything is normal....in some instances, like this one, life is forever changed in the blink of an eye. http://stakerzxposedblogspot.com. It is heart wrenching to read her story...it's inspiring to read about the faith she and her family have...and it is wonderful to know that Heavenly Father is aware and in control. I need to thank Karon for directing me to her blog. I will follow it with a hopeful heart for a speedy recovery for their little one.