Grandma Run Part 2

So just a quick trip on the airplane and I am in Indianapolis. It was a nice day when I arrived and we went to the park, Brooke riding her bike like a pro. I had so much fun while there - trip to get a haricut, tea parties, sewing projects, drawing on the white board, making brownies, photo shoot at Target and lots of other things. I have just had a wonderful visit. Thanks so much for the warm welcome.

Grandma Run Part 1

I have spent 10 wonderful days visiting with the Hogges. We had so much fun; going to the RainForest Cafe, making bread and crescent rolls, chasing balls and Tyler, throwing rocks in the frozen pond, chasing Tyler, sewing project, watching Cars, photoshop tutoring by Rebecca, staying up late watching movies, and enjoying every minute with them. Thanks so much Hogges for your kind hospitality. I had just a great time. Here are just a few pics of my visit.

O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth forever

As many of you no doubt know, Psalms 113-118 is known as the "Hallel", recited by Jews at their great feasts. Psalm 136 is known as the "Great Hallel" and the title of this post is taken from the final verse. Although very highly unlikely, I have always thought that it would be interesting to find our family name to be a shortened version of that title.

Recently I have been studying the book of Psalms, an exercise that always brings peace to me. It is a glorious book that leads one to praise God with thanksgiving - something needed in great abundance these days, but little heeded. Anyway, for your soul's edification I include here one of my favorites:

Psalm 27
1 THE LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. 5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

10 Gallons!!

Well, I finally made it - years behind Uncle Peter - but I did make it to 10 gallons. Of course, I guess this doesn't count all the blood I gave in Utah. I think he is close to 14 now. Last Wednesday I gave my pint and picked up a nice t-shirt and mug. Seems like dad & Peter each got a free dinner out of the deal too, but nobody said anything to me about that, so I guess that's a thing of the past. Anyhow, beyond the temporal trappings I feel very fortunate to be able to reach this milestone, and to reflect upon the good it has brought many lives over the years. Serving is a blessing, no matter what it consists of.

And now -- on to 20!

My dad first got me hooked on this almost 40 years ago in 1972, just after I turned 18 - the age limit back then. I can still remember going into the BPOE building in Marysville by the lake. We laid on tables and afterward there were as many donuts as you wanted. I've never had any trouble giving blood, except for the time I gave at lunch time (This was when we lived in Bennion and the only time in my life I ever played Church softball. I home taught the coach, Jeff Abeyta, and really liked the way he ran things.) and by the time I went to play softball that evening I had forgotten all about giving blood - until I ran to first base. By the time I got there I was just a tad woosy. But fortunately I didn't have to go to second, and took it easy the rest of the game.

Laney Family Photos

I was talking to Andrea last Sunday about our Laney ancestors and decided it would be a good idea to post some photos of them. These are what I have readily available; if you can't copy them off of this blog (I understand that sometimes one can, and sometimes not - I don't know why), let me know and I'll email them to you.
This first one is of Ella Ethelena Smith.

Here is one of the same Ella, with her husband, George Culbert Howard Laney.

And this is the Laney house in Kamas, Utah, date unknown.