James Has a Reading Challenge

Using the Public School System-

When James was in third grade his teacher wondered why he had trouble with reading and yet he could always win when he played Chess with the children.  She recommended testing for him.

 

He was tested at the Learning Disabilities Center.  He indeed had audio-visual perception problems.  Bottomline it appeared he needed more eye/hand coordination training and he could not learn from hearing alone.  Could his not crawling enough because he was constantly being carried have made the difference?  His IQ was found to be 133 so no problem there.
  

After an unpleasant experience of paying $300 a month for help (which I determined was not really good help) I quit the therapy treatment.  If he had an audio perception problem why was he assigned a teacher with an accent he could not understand?  What about the unprofessional homework on yellow tablets?  Besides the fact we did not have the money for it, I had been a teacher and could see it was not a successful program.  I used to sit outside the door and wait for him and knew what was going on inside that room.  At the beginning in the psychological testing they were trying to determine that there was some problem between him and his Dad.  There was not.
 

I was told by another professional that the school system was responsible for the problem and I should not have to pay for it.  I complained to the City Schools Education Personnel and they told me they had had other complaints about the Clinic.

  

He was then assigned a special reading teacher and  was chosen in 4th grade to go to a special program up at the Education Center for the whole year.  Children were bussed back and forth by a SD city school bus and there was only 12 from the 4th grade in the program. It lasted all year. All had high IQs and all had reading problems.  They began with eye/hand coordination training and had other special techniques  for learning.  His friend Roger helped him when he reentered into 5th grade with making sure he got his assignments and didn't miss what the teacher told them.  He was easily distracted by a room full of students.  The special class helped him a lot but he would always have to work on the learning and reading situation and learn how to focus.  

In his first year of high school Spanish he was failing because he had to learn mostly from audio and the teacher mostly spoke Spanish.  He could not learn that way alone.  We put him in a special after school class where he learned by touch, seeing and hearing all at the same time (with the help of a computer that speaks) and in a short time he was up with the class.  The teacher could not believe he hadn't somehow cheated in the test to reenter the class but he did not.  He needed that special way of learning of being able to see, hear, and touch. It was great.
  

Anyway I found it pays to complain and demand what services the City Schools has.  It was actually a man doing our brick work at our house who told me what to do.  He was a Counselor in  the Chula Vista school system and knew what you should expect and could demand.

Sadness and Gladness in 1974

In 1974 Richard's mother had a peaceful death.  It was like she knew her work was over with the Miriam Hardy family as Miriam was to marry Don Nelson.    For years Vida had helped with the cleaning,  helped the boys on the paper routes, had had them all take turns staying with her at her home. 

She had done so much for Miriam and the children after Scott passed away.  They would miss her presence very much.   Her Memorial Services were Saturday, June 29, 1974 in Las Vegas and she had died on the 26th.  She was born February 6, 1895.  I remember having a conversation with Kathy, another daughter-in-law, and we talked about some of the things she had taught us that we put into our life, things that at the time we thought were odd and yet we came to appreciate them after we had been married with children for awhile.

She was 79 years old and had been a widow for 32 years. Vida was a remarkable woman, her life was not easy.  She had been a nurse before marriage and served others all her life.  She was a tremendous influence on Richard and his choices in life and he loved her dearly and treated her with great respect and love.

Miriam had been a widow for 12 years, had finished college and was teaching home making in a high school.  The weekend Miriam was due to get married, Vida passed away while sitting in her chair.  Her grandson Alan was with her.  Beautiful services were held for Vida with her many siblings, family members and children all in attendance.  The following week Miriam had her wedding at her own home and it was a lovely affair.

In a letter that I had written to Vida in the April before her death I had told her about reading the book about Dudley Leavitt called "On the Ragged Edge".  Dudley Leavitt is Richard's Great Grandfather on his father's side.  Richard's cousin Vaughn, who was working with Richard, had lent us the book.
  

I wrote:

"I certainly enjoyed it and have told the children some of the stories in it.  John enjoyed looking at all the pictures of the relatives in it.  I had a hard time understanding how these people were blessed in any way at all--it seems their life was so hard and full of toil. 

However, yesterday as I prepared to help in a lesson in Relief Society that was about the evils of today facing our children--it  suddenly came to me.  These pioneer people were very blessed in that they could raise their families as they chose, teach them the truth, and not have them confronted with outside evils at all.  It was from these families raised away from the world that the strength of the leadership in the church has come.  It is good for the children to know about their heritage."

I also wrote Vida that we had four new puppies from Cooky the mother and we would soon need to find homes for them!  I also told her we had enjoyed a dinner out with Vaughn, Lois and their niece and nephew.  I commented on their lovely condo in Del Mar.  Years later when we would sell our La Jolla home, we would look first in that area to see if we wanted to live there, but it was too expensive we decided.
  

Richard added a note expressing a wish that she would come and visit us, as had I.  I also told her we were waiting to hear when Miriam was getting married so we could plan a trip to see her, too. Unfortunately we did not get to see her again until her funeral.

As we gathered at her home to decide what to do with all her furniture and possessions I made sure all her many family history books, records, and pictures were stored in a huge trunk which we took to our home.  Years later her granddaughter Lory Wollenzien would use that material to put together a beautiful book about hers and Merlin's life.  I am so glad we have that record of her life.

In the summer Linda, Maria, Jimmy and I traveled to Glendive and spent time with Mom, and Carole and Dick's family.  We met Richard and John at West Yellowstone and went on to spend some time at the Anderson Cabin in Silver Gate and then on to Jackson, Wyo, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas and then home. Where was Maria?
  

The children were anxious to go again next year and camp along the way.  We do have a Camper now! In the picture at the cabin is my brother Richard and his son Roddy and daughter Cheri and Cheri is fishing with Linda and Jimmy.

Sonny, our beloved cat, died and he was replaced with a huge St Bernard puppy (at Linda's insistence!)  Charlie, as he was named, was like having a new baby in the house who could run and chew.  Earlier in the year Cooky had four puppies which we found homes for.  Cooky later became a companion for an older lady who needed him more than we did.  He was such a loving dog.

The biggest problem was keeping Charlie's pooh cleaned off the back grass.  It seemed no one got him into the habit of doing his "thing" while on a walk.  Richard found a  solution  to the problem in the form of  huge can with some green liquid inside which would dissolve the pooh.  This can was behind the low side wall and was dug into the ground--not noticeable.  Of course, someone still had to scoop it up and put it in the can. But we did love Charlie and the children had great fun with him.  He eventually was given to a couple.  We did not do vey well with training our dogs.  I remember one time when my mother was visiting he actually came up from behind and put his paws on her shoulder.  It is a small miracle I think that she was not knocked over!

From My Journal:

"John is still busily involved in surfing, skateboarding, a shell collection, a coin collection worth about $60, tropical fish tanks and also set up a railroad on a huge 4 x 8 plywood table.  He takes good care of his hobbies and does well in school."

An interesting side note is that because of John's coin collecting, Shawn, a neighbor, also stated collecting coins and when he graduated from high school he was able to buy a new car from selling his collection.   

"Linda is surrounded by friends and is a great help in cleaning and baby sitting and is enjoying sewing as well as Charlie.  Next year she will be in junior high.

 Maria has joined Girl Scouts and enjoyed the camping part of it very much.   She spends most of her time at home but all the children in the neighborhood love her, she has a very nice way with them.

Jimmy is now a cub scout and a big tease (mostly to Maria)!  Like Linda his friends are a very important part of his life, always busy playing with friends.

Richard has opened an office in La Jolla for Jones Mortgage and naturally put Janet and the children to work getting it "off the ground".    I noticed that Richard had written my mother that I was quite enjoying being involved in his work. (I doubt that was really true, though. I enjoyed just being a Mom and doing the Mom thing.  I never wanted a career at all.)

"In March  my sister Carole and family visited us and we had a wonderful time with Carole, Len and their four children.  She is expected her fifth child this summer."

Notes of Appreciation to Richard

In 1974 Richard received an appreciative note from his Aunt Ella.  She said:

"Dear Richard,

      I know you will receive many Father's Day tributes, but I just thought how kind and thoughtful and fatherly you've been to Miriam's family, and I'd like to pay a tribute to you.  I've noticed also the care and concern you have for your mother.

      You're a wonderful man to so many, and I'm sure they tell you about it, but it is especially noticeable how thoughtful you are of Scott's children.  I'm sure he knows and appreciates it.  As ever, Ella"

He also received a letter from the Scoutmaster Clark Veater.  He said:

"Dear Richard and Janet,

      You guys really don't know how much I appreciate you for all that you do for me personally.  It really helps me out.  I know you believe in the Scouting program.  I am so glad you are willing to give of your time and means and invest in the life of a boy.  I am so glad to see Jimmy excited over his Merit Badges.  Sincerely, Clark"
 

A few of the mottos that Richard had written to himself are:

If you always do what you've always done you'll always have what you've always had!

You cannot lose what you do not have---

People treat me the way I allow people to treat me!

Is what I'm doing right now making me money?

Christmas Letter 1974

1974 has been another year full of challenges, surprises, sadness, and joy.  We hope this letter finds you well and ready for a great 1975.

The challenge to Richard has been building up another business.  He is associated with Richard Jones Mortgage Services, Inc., part owner, and of course, full time promoter and organizer.  In July he opened a second office in La Jolla and put his wife and children to work helping to get it off the ground.  They all enjoy the extra money but Janet finds the challenge of home, work, church, and children a full load.  But at least no one is ever bored or complains of "nothing to do" at our house. That is a blessing.

The sadness was the loss of Richard's mother Vida.  We can only be grateful that she did not suffer but passed quickly as she had desired.  We are so thankful to the many family and friends that shared and helped in this time of sorrow.  We will all miss her much, but we are grateful that our children were able to know and appreciate her love.  She is pictured here with Maria, Linda and cousin Jennie.

A treat for Janet and the children was traveling to Glendive, Montana this summer and visiting with Janet's family and then meeting John and Richard at West Yellowstone, going on to Silver Gate for a few days and then down to Jackson, Wyoming, Salt lake City, Las Vegas and then home.  La Jolla looked very good to us--even if it was crowded with tourists, after days on the road.  This summer the children are anxious to camp along the way and go back to Silver Gate for a longer stay when the fishing is good.

Hunter, Jimmy, Eric

Our joy is our children, healthy and happy (at this moment).  With two minor bicycle accidents last week, we are still a little nervous.  John, 14, continues to surf and collect coins.  Just recently he started a model railroad and is developing a great layout on his recently built 4 x 8 table.  Linda, 12 enter Jr. high this year and is becoming the typical lovely blonde, slim, California girl.

 She recently brought into our life the surprise of the year--"Charlie" a St. Bernard puppy!!

 Mother is chief baby sitter and trainer till Christmas vacation and reports that he is a model puppy, so far, all 21 pounds of him.  It's like having a new baby in the home than can run and chew!!  Charlie replaced our beloved "Sonny" the cat, Maria's pet, who died of a heart attack last month.

 We do miss him.  Maria is planning on a new kitten for Christmas from her girlfriend.  She has joined Girl Scouts this year and has been enjoying camping in the great outdoors.

 Jimmy, 8, and a new Cub Scout, continues to keep us laughing but has became a tease, much to Maria's lament.



With the nervous economy, high prices, and unsettled times who can say what 1975 has in store for the Hardys...we can only pray that we will meet the challenges, be appreciative of our blessings, and always have friends and family to share our sorrows.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.
                                   
                                                                   Richard, Janet, John, Linda, Maria, and Jimmy

We Meet the Prophet Spencer W. Kimball

In April of 1975 most of our Stake Primary Board was at General Primary Conference.  We stayed at the Hotel Utah and had a wonderful time.  Steve Covey was one of the principal speakers as was Elder Ashton and Sister LaVerne Parmley, General Primary Board President.
 

In addition, our Stake President, President Jordan Naylor, arranged for us to have a personal meeting with the President of the Church.  It was his birthday and we had brought very large Birthday Greetings which had been signed by the children in our Stake.
 

He looked each one of us in the eye and personally took our hand and spoke to each one of us.  President Naylor had grown up in the same town with him in Arizona.  It was very spiritually thrilling and we appreciated President Naylor's gesture on our behalf to arrange this meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

We also were able to pose with Sister La Verne Parmley, president of the General Primary.  We were all very inspired by her talks to us.
 

I had been called to the Stake Primary Board as 1st Counselor in 1971 and was put in as President in 1973 through mid 1975.  Working on the Stake Board with these ladies was the most gratifying and enjoyable Church job I ever had. 
 

Unfortunately it caused an unfortunate situation for my daughter Linda.  As my John and Karla Hansen had expressed in a Sunday School class (so I heard) they both had wonderful mothers.  The only problem they each agreed was that we were gone too much.  Karla's mother Mom was over the Stake Young Women.
 

We met on Thursday nights at the Stake Center and did not have telephone's in our room or cell phones at that time.  Linda had attended an evening performance with her Jr High on a bus and was so embarrassed that I was not there to pick her up (obvious miscommunication probably from me being distracted when listening), she had hidden until all the teachers had left.  It was a rainy, stormy night and she called John on the phone and asked him if either Dad or I were home.
 

Unfortunately Richard also was in a Stake Meeting in the other part of the building that I was in.  John tried to reach us by phone but was unsuccessful.  So he called our home teacher Bro. Clawson and apprised him of Linda's situation.  He told him that since he was our home teacher he needed to go pick her up and he did.  I felt so badly about this.   It seemed I was often late picking up the children and I know I was overextended and often distracted with all I was doing.  John did not let us hear the end of this.

Family Reunion in Utah 1975

 

 

 

These are rather interesting pictures of trying to get a group picture of all the Anderson children and their families.   There is Dick, Mary, Rod, Kathy and a peek of Cheri in the back of the middle picture.  David and Dorothy.  Jeanne, Stan, and Carole but I don't see their boys.  Marilyn, no Arky, but Sherry in the back, Debby, Randy in front and Bobby in the middle next to Debby and Laurie behind John.  Janet, no Richard, John, Linda, Maria, and Jimmy in front of Linda in pix 1 and 2.  Carole, no Len or Steph but Eric, Hunter, Dave, and Jon.

In the bottom picture Baby Jon has just kicked Kathy and many of us are looking to see what happened.

Mom Anderson is in the middle holding Jon.  Dad had passed away in 1967.

Linda and Marie with Baby Jon, Mom, Carole and Marilyn.

Health Problems

Although I loved my job as Stake Primary President I was drowning in overwork with that and the office work for Richard and just running a family and began to have health issues.  I obviously had problems finding balance in my life and tried too hard to do everything to my best ability.

I remember going to the Doctor with stomach pains and nausea from certain foods and it was determined I had an ulcer starting and needed to change my life and my diet but he was also concerned about it possibly being lupus.  I was evidently frightened for what was happening to me because I got released from the Stake Primary and then a short time later wrote this letter to my Bishop.   

Dear Bishop,                                                                                                         August 26th, 1975

Sunday I turned down a calling that you gave me and it made me feel very badly for two reasons, one because I love to teach and would have loved having that job, two because you did not know enough about us and our life to know before making that call that I couldn't possibly take on anything else at this time. 

I realize that this is my fault in that we have not confided in you very much in the years we have been in this ward.  Since we have both been in the stake and our problems have involved those callings, I have on occasion gone to President Naylor.

Of course, I am aware of the fact that the problems we have are not the momentous problems of which a bishop commonly hears but they have put a severe strain on us, our family and our health the last several years.

As you know in April of 1970 my husband suffered a heart attack which left him with 80% of his arteries to the heart blocked.  In the angiograms that have been taken since it has not gotten worse, which is good, but it will not get better either.  This has severely capacitated his energy level but not his drive which has always been high.  Consequently he is still and always will be doing probably much more than he should as far as mental work is concerned.  There are many situations which bring on disconfort and distress to the point where he does not feel well for several days.  These are family upsets (children arguing, etc. and church meetings that seem to be getting now where except discussing many problems that he cannot solve (causes frustration).  A good heart patient knows what problems upset him and avoids them.  However, it is hard for a father to avoid all upsetting family situations and a good active Church member to avoid meetings that cause stress.   It is necessary that I keep the house under control, my emotions under control, and still be of assistance to Richard when he needs me.  When I am not feeling well, unfortunately, it reflects on the whole family and is especially harmful to Richard.  I don't know if you can understand this or not.

However, during the last five years several other things have happened, too.  In May of 1970 John had a bone tumor (benign) removed.  Richard's widowed sister-in-law had a car accident and we had her six children for most of the summer.  In October of 71 because of problems all year I had a hysterectomy.  In Dec of 1972 Richard was suddenly out of work after being with a company for 15 years and was at the time the President.  He was at the time considered disabled because of his heart. 

He stayed home, under tremendous emotional strain, for six months.  During this time he decided where he would go from here.  He had a non-compete contract so he could not go back into the same business. I went back to school to develop some secretarial skills with which I could help him if he decided to go into business for himself.  I am sure you cannot imagine what it is to have your life change in this way unless you have gone through it.  Richard was a defeated man and there was really no one to talk to about it.

In June of that year Richard started with a small Mortgage Company--he had already taken many courses to qualify him for this kind of work in the six months he had not worked.  He soon came to realize many business problems they had and how he could help but you just don't come in and take over--it takes time and work to develop relationships and policies that work.  He has been very successful and the business is going well. 

The mail department is in our home and for the last year has taken from 3 to 6 hours of my time every day.  It is necessary for me to be involved in this area for many reasons.  For most of this year we had it in a separate office in downtown La Jolla until I could not continue to be away from home so much and it appeared it would be more efficient in the home so we could use the children without transporting them and also we would have more room.  His La Mesa office is full of salesmen and office workers and does not have room for all this equipment and staff, too.  We still maintain a salesman in the La Jolla office also.  Richard is now a full partner.

At any rate the point I would like to make is that during this time of change and upheaval in our life--upheaval that takes time to smooth and work to change--we have always kept the Church callings that we had and both have taken much time and thought in order to carry them out well.  Richard has always put so much time and energy into his callings no matter how much he had to do with his regular work.  At the time I was called to take over the Stake Primary Presidency I really thought for Richard's sake (he was just going into the new business) I should refuse but I felt right about accepting and I know it was right.  It has done more personally for me to teach me to be independent and accept the role of leadership than any other thing in my life.  This is something I may need if anything happens to Richard because of his health.  I loved that calling because of the choice group of people I worked with and the joy I received in the work.

However, this last year as Richard and I have both been working in the stake and I have been working in the office as well and as I have been ill and didn't know it the strain has been especially hard on the children.  I was not being efficient in any role of my life and the only choice seemed to be to give up being President of the Primary, make some changes in our office arrangements, and treat this malady which at the time is not so serious (just a nuisance) but if it gets into the vital organs it can be fatal or extremely disabling.  The last things Richard and the children need is for me to be ill. In all fairness, I must say our children have been real troupers and have taken on a lot but especially now that they are becoming teenagers they need a full-time mother more than ever.  We are set apart a little from the ward and this means a lot of transporting that cannot usually be shared with others.

Bishop, I don't mean to belabor the point but I do not like feeling guilty that I am not doing my job in the church.  Too often the children have had to take a backseat to our church duties and put up with our fatigue and ill health and help us with both the office and church work.  You do know I guess that I also have the church job of keeping up all the plates for the wards and running off all their mailings. This is a very time-consuming job in itself but it appears easier for me to do it than have someone come in.  A lady was keeping up the plates at least but when we moved the office that ended that.

I sadly realize that you need more help in the ward but I feel so strongly that I cannot get myself as involved as I have been this last year--it just isn't fair to me, To Richard, or to the children.  And too often we have not been able to go to the Temple or fulfill other obligations because of just not enough time or energy.  Please understand that I need this year to try and get on top or at least able to cope. It was very emotionally upsetting for me to get released from Primary and if I get too involved again it will have been for no purpose.  Please understand and realize that we do support you in all you do and want to always do our part but right now it has got to be on a smaller scale.

Sincerely,

P.S. I chose to write instead of coming to see you simply as a matter of saving time.

At some point in time later I ended up in the hospital and I do not remember the details.  This was not the time I was in traction for my back.  But I remember the Doctor coming to my bedside and telling me I definitely did not have lupus and that was good news.  Why can't I remember more and why did I not write it down? Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that do not get written down and so are forgotten, maybe for the better.  At least my ulcer never got full blown apparently but that is why I always peel my apples before eating them.  Apple peels were one of the things that gave me nausea and sent me to the Dr.  I have never tried them since.

And then I got called as Seminary teacher and then Relief Society President and Richard felt I had so much to give, why couldn't I work full time with him? which I eventually did but I was so much more fulfilled doing these Church callings than I ever was as a loan officer and owner of a mortgage business.

Stake Primary Board says Farewell

I save letters and cards and I am so glad I do.  At times like this when you are almost 82 and feeling very unproductive and of little worth to anyone at all, it is good to read notes that reflect a  time when you were being of service to others and it was appreciated.

The Primary Board that I worked with wrote some very encouraging things to me after I was released:

"thank you for being such a choice President.  I have learned such a great deal from you and at the same time never felt inferior"

"you always make me feel so special, this is one of your great qualities"

"I have gained so much from working with you.  You have been a special guide to me."

"You are truly an inspiration to me."

"truly working with you was the most stimulating and exciting church experience I've ever had"

"I can't imagine that there ever could have been a more concerned and perceptive president ever"

"thank you for all I gained from our association and friendship"

"We depend on your great strength and wisdom to help us fulfill our great stewardship"

"express my gratefulness to you, Janet, for the direction you've given to me, you'll never know what a great influence you have on me and the example you are to me"

"have always admired you from afar...indeed you are a very special daughter of  Jesus Christ"

"grown to love you for your strong testimony of the gospel and for your genuine concern and love for us that work with you"

"you are so special, your talents are endless"

This time from 1971 to 1975 really was a choice experience for me.  I loved serving on the Stake Board of the Primary.  Did I need more faith and strength to continue or was I wise to put my health and family first?...something to think about.

Our Stake Primary Board with Sister Parmley

Such Choice Friends to Work With and our Music Sisters were missing in this picture.

President Naylor arranged our meeting with the Prophet Spencer Kimball

One thing that came out of our study of scriptures together as a part of our meetings was looking for promissory notes in the scriptures.  We used them in our preparation meetings.  I loved working with these ladies, we had such a good rapport even though totally different personalities.

Christmas 1976

We were looking for a new thing to do as a family besides camping and Margo, a friend, suggested skiing so we went to Mammoth for Thanksgiving, I think.  We left our boots in the car and they were so cold and hard it was painful to put them on.  I had ice skated as a child so actually caught on to it first.  We took a lesson though and soon the boys were zipping and the girls were catching on, too.

We decided we liked it and went to Park City for Christmas.  While Richard was on the chair with someone from Chicago they decided to look at the timeshares that were for sell and ended up buying two weeks together.  We later acquired both weeks and that became our Christmas trip for many years to come.

We also had a second Christmas Card which said:

It's the fifteenth of December and Christmas cards sit,

Waiting for a picture, a letter, or wit.

Can't find a picture that looks too great,

And no time for posing at this late date.

'No great accomplishments to brag about,

Guess writing a letter this year is out!

Just have to tell you in my corny way,

That all is well--at least for today.

Richard still works at Jones Mortgage too late,

And I'm still talking about losing weight.

It's learning to drive this year for John,

Won't be long till he's always gone.

Linda is curling her hair each day,

And looking prettier in every way.

It's hiking at the beach and in the snow--

The Girl Scouts keep Maria on the go.

Jimmy's attending a new school this year.

Has many interesting trips--"Neat class!" we hear.

Charlie "the St" still jumps at those he adores,

While Samantha the kitten zooms around indoors.

We're thankful for our blessings, too numerous to tell.

And pray that you and yours are happy and well.

Do have a Merry Christmas full of love and cheer.

We're hoping to see you in the Happy New Year!

Roadshow 1977-13th Ward

In the spring/summer of 1977, I had the opportunity to do something very unlikely for me.  Skip Weeks (friend of my nephews from Utah) was directing our roadshow "What Do You Do When You're Lost at the Circus?' and I was asked to handle the costumes.

Since I had no clue I organized a committee and assigned out the costumes.  We needed Lions, Fat Ladies, Clowns, Circus Performers, Lion Tamer, Ring Master, and Town People as well as just family.  The costumes were so fantastic, we won First Place for Costumes and then First Place for the show.  Skip was a very talented director.

It was a very satisfying experience and I learned how important it was to recognize people's talents and get them to share them for the good of everyone else.  Instead of a few doing too much we had lots doing their very best and of course, excellence, was the result.   I so appreciated the great talent and devotion that was shown.

This was one of the many times I was doing something "outside of my comfort zone" and it turned out good!

Skip, the director said I had established a standard of excellence for future productions to follow. But, the secret, of course, was getting everyone else to do "their thing" when I had no clue what to do at all.

Seminary 1977-78

I was called to teach Seminary and even though I was scared to death I accepted it.  It was very hard as I had to get to bed so early to get up at 4:30 AM and be ready to leave the house at 5:30 to pick up some students on the way and begin teaching at the Stake Center at 6 AM.  John and Linda were both in class with me and the subject was "Doctrine and Covenants" and "Church History".  The material was excellent with good movies and activities.  I had about 33 in class!

I remember plopping on the waterbed when I came back in the morning to get a short rest before getting up and getting on with chores and preparing a lesson for the next day.  I am either very inadequate or  I try too hard but I think I was a successful teacher but by the end of the year I was physically and mentally exhausted.  The children gave me a friendship book at the end of the year with very kind thoughts.

With the help of Michelle Hymas, a student, a Sacrament meeting was prepared by the youth in May and believe it or not, 31 participated.  Bishop Hunsaker, who was now Stake President, conducted all the beautiful music.  That Pioneer Book had such wonderful songs.  I think I lent it out and never got it back.  The talks some of the students gave were excellent.  It was very successful.

The appreciative notes I received from the students was amazing, here are a few comments:

"you are a real inspiration to my life, I hope you are my Seminary teacher next year"
"you are truly a fine teacher, hope to see you next year"

"the best Seminary teacher in the world, you really taught me a lot, hope you will be my teacher next year"

"thanks so much for the neat lessons and good example, the messages have helped me with a lot of decisions"

"thanks again for caring enough to make Seminary enjoyable.  I hope it was worth it, it was worth it for me"

"thank you for all that you taught me, I appreciate it very much, I hope you teach us next year"

"...I really enjoyed it.  I learned a lot and no matter what happens, I'm going to finish reading the scriptures, hope to see you next year"

"I'm so thankful I had you for a teacher this year, I enjoyed all of your lessons so much, thanks so much for everything and making this a year to remember"

"thanks for making my last year, my best year, I've learned so much from your lessons, I've never had a Seminary teacher so well-prepared, I wish I could stay next year but I must move on to Institute"

"I loved the lessons you gave and enjoyed coming every morning"

"I really enjoyed coming to Seminary this year, contrary to years before, every day was so well-planned, it is a shame to end it"

"best teacher any of us could ever have had, and I truly mean that, you made all of the lessons interesting and fun."

"Thanks for making it a year in Seminary that I won't forget."

"I always learned so much and really felt the Spirit."

 Donna F. sent me to her Dr at Scripps Clinic for help as I was so depleted in June.  He put me on exercise and Elavil for three months.  He said I was "chemically imbalanced" I got better, but I did not teach the next year.  Seems I am a good starter, but not a finisher???  Something to think about.

John Graduates from La Jolla High

John graduated technically on June 16, 1978 from La Jolla High School. We saw the girl he liked, Jennifer Yeckel, for the first time.  She was so pretty with long brown hair and was Linda's age.

Actually they withheld his diploma until he did some make up class in the summer because he had too many lates for his first period, physical education class.  I assume he was surfing early in the morning.  I remember meeting with the teachers.  They had a really snarky attitude about the whole thing but rules are rules and he complied.

He actually had good grades in his classes.  He had this ability to remember what he heard and he loved to read.  His handwriting was always a little difficult but he did have good English.  Thank heaven he had an excellent freshman teacher who really emphasized grammar and spelling.  I had asked him to switch from his honors class to basic English and it was a very wise move.  He was later able to be a tutor in UCSD because of his grasp of good English.

John's favorite mode of dress was his swim trunks and a shirt.

The boys had converted the playhouse to a room in which they could glass surfboards.  This became a very important part of his life.  I wasn't too happy though when he used my wedding quilt to spread out on the lawn and spray his boards on.





This was his favorite board.  One of the things John and his friends did which I was not aware of is to go out to the Del Mar Races and learn about horse betting.  John was always such a conservative, I am not sure he would really take a chance on losing his hard earned money that way or not but it was an exciting adventure for them I understand.

He and his surfing friends used to come to our house after school and we would make Indian Fry Bread and honeyed butter.  That was so good and the younger children loved listening to the stories the boys told.  None of them were much into girls yet but they had a lot of fun surfing together.