Its been a little bit like walking around on pins and needles around here.
The time is soon coming....
When our beloved house guests, our family, will be bust'in out of here!!
In their eyes, it wont be a moment to soon...
We, on the other hand are really going to miss them.
Its been an enlightening experience having Rob and Chelsea and Lachlan here with us these last 2 months. I have found it completely delightful. (except of course when I have felt the need to intercede with Rob and tell him he's being a meathead when it come to interpersonal relationships with his wife. He didnt learn this from his dad, but picked it up from his mom.) Empathy, Rob, Empathy!! I do hope that this experience has taught my lovely, exasperating, adorable son some lessons on how to communicate a little better with the fairer sex. Patience, Chelsea, Patience!!!
My apologies to Rob; for he has seen first hand that the role of a parent NEVER ends. Thus my justification in being in the teaching mode at times.

These two are an amazing couple. This has been an unbelievably stressful time for the both of them. They have handled the unrest with remarkable grace and patience and calm. Because its my home, I have been the ever present 'bug on the wall' to witness what tension and 10 eyes can cause on a relationship in flux. 5 pair of eyes watching them parent and be a couple. I pray we have been nothing but supportive, but this isnt what is helpful when you need a job and a place to call your own.

We all have been on our toes trying to make sure we do nothing to upset the careful balance that exists when life is a little off kilter. Rob gets up each morning, and ready's himself to go out and hunt for employment. Chelsea is home here, being the best mom and wife she can when its not her turf. Rejection letters are painful. But soon he is out again, stirring up ideas, and trying new avenues. Chelsea gets discouraged, but soon she is smiling that beautiful smile of hers, and is making lists, and moving on to plan 'B.'
They are anxiously awaiting the time they can give their tenants notice and can then move back in to their own place.

My toe shoes are off to them for dealing so well with less than ideal circumstances. I have seen a great deal of finesse and grace in the face of these adversities.
For me its been a blessing to have them here.
We've loveed it so much that we find it a little difficult to imagine our home without them.

*What will our mornings be like without Lachlan insisting, even before breakfast, that grandpa take him outside to play ball!!??

*What will grandpa do without his constant companion to walk the 'grounds' each morning, to check on the tomatoes and corn and to make sure the gophers arent winning the subterranean war on the roots of the garden. Who will help my Builder decide which lawn needs an extra drink that day?

*How boring will our scripture study become after they're gone?

*How lack-luster will our home become without their 3 beautiful faces to greet us each day?

*I will miss Chelseas sweet voice that she uses exclusively for Lachlan.

*Dinner time conversations will be less lively.

*I will miss Rob running the vacuum for me when it gets necessary.

*Who's going to help me with all my blog questions?

*What about when Rob rolls his eyes at us, every time we ladies sit down at our computers?

*What will we do for entertainment when Lachlan leaves and takes his long, babbling, animated stories with him?!

* I dont think we'll ever find as much pleasure in watching Brian eat his cottage cheese, as we do when we watch Lachlan eating his with his chubby fingers.

*We'll miss the kisses!!

*Who will I have around here to inspire me with some creativity? (Thank heavens Lynley could be her a while yet!)

*Who will Clark share his Fruit Loops with in the morning? Lachlan will sit on the counter next to Clarky, and pluck the Fruit Loops right out of his bowl!!

*Brian will never find as much joy in the riding lawn mower as Lachlan does. (If he ever wanders out of sight for more than a minute, he can most assuredly be found trying to climb up on the mower-all the while saying, "vroom, vrooom, vroom!"

*We'll loose track of how many airplanes fly overhead each day without Lachlan pointing them out to us.

Its going to happen soon...their moving out and away from here. We're going to miss them. Something good is in store for the 3 of them to be sure!! Im just here to say that its probably going to happen before I want it to.

Hummmmm....I wonder what projects I can throw Robs way before they leave?? hummm.....

THIS WEEK:

Im Lov'in the TASTE of: apricots; yellow squash; Rice Krispy Delight; caffeine free pepsi; dinner out with my folks; Natalies 'fancy' chicken marinade.


Im Lov'in the SIGHT of: new haircuts; my ocotillo plant is finally showing signs of life!! Joshua Allen danc'in the Samba; a newborn foal in the field with her momma; the purple of an artichoke in bloom; KUNGFU PANDA.

Im Lov'in the SMELL of: cut lawn, wet dirt; new foot lotion; new shampoo; tomatoes just plucked from the vine.

Im Lov'in the Feel of: sore muscles after a bike ride; foot rubs (I got two weeks worth for my birthday!!!) Lachlan's kisses; clean hiking socks; Lachlan pushing ME on the porch swing.

Im Lov'in the IDEA of: new jobs; canning apricots for those in need; company in July! Firewood for the cold winters com'in down off the mountain of Brian Head.

Im Lov'in the SOUND of: YES from a bank!; new tunes on my playlist; our pair of morning doves that are madly in love with one another, and hardly ever stray far from the back pool wall, coooo to each other all day long; Michael Buble' has a new song!!

If you see a fairy ring
In a field of grass,
Very lightly step around,
Tiptoe as you pass;
Last night fairies frolicked there,
And they're sleeping somewhere near.
If you see a tiny fay
Lying fast asleep,
Shut your eyes and run away
Do not stay or peep;
And be sure you never tell,
Or you'll break a fairy spell.
-William Shakespeare

Another Sweet Idea

I found this idea here. I think I may use a bagel instead of the suggested stale donut. (I worry about the health of the birdies of course!) Who has stale donuts around their home?? Not I. There is never time for a donut to get old in my kitchen!! NEVER!! What do you think I should say on my sign?? Another suggestion: use a bigger lid for the bottom, so that the birdies have something to stand on while dining.

NEW DOOoooos!!

The young ladies at my house are looking pretty spiffy!!

Check out some before pictures at Lynley's blog!!

pic from ffffound.

RELAX!!

Could Be Wordless Wednesday Material

There is an Official Site for this Here. As a fellow blogger said- who I found this beauty of a clip from; Its poetic!! Thanks swissmiss!!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

15 Things I Liked Most About Yesterday!!

1. 40 voices sang Happy Birthday to me from the trail head of Snow Canyon Park @ 7:00am!! What a way to start the morning!!
2. 3 'ladies' sang to me again from a restaurant in Houston! (not mentioning any names here)
3. Had lunch with my man at Bajos!! yummm
4. I found this BEAUTIFUL new header on my blog!! "Given" to me by my talented DIL. Thank you, thank you!!
5. Had a great nap; and Lachlan gave me lamby to sleep with.
6. Dinner at my house, and I didn't lift a finger!!
7. There were real compliments given, that I didnt look my age. (bless their toes)
8. My Visiting Teacher brought by homemade salsa and chips-love her!!
9. The mail box held birthday cards and my comment box had many nice comments.
10. I almost forgot that I only have Clark for 30 more days!!
11. Family Night meant everybody in my kitchen!! Joe and Nat are the prize winners for the best bbq chicken. My Builder manned the grill. Clark iced the cake and Lynley made the salad, Chelsea did the shopping, Brian stayed out of the way and lent moral support, Rob played 'director,' and learned how to make Ranch dressing. It was a beautiful sight to behold, and I love you all for ALL that you do around here!! I know its much, much more than just the things I listed!!

12. You should have seen Grandpa making SURE he had claim on the first tomato from the garden!!! lick, lick!!
13. There were more gifts than I deserve!!
14. Yet another chorus, thru the phone lines, from Salt Lake, of Happy Birthday to me!!
15. Im the most blessed and luckiest lady!!

GREAT Ideas!!

I visit Megan's blog on a fairly regular basis. I find her refreshing and wise and full of amazing creative ideas. When I clicked open her blog the other day, my eyes beheld the most delightful idea!! I asked her if I could share it on my blog. She said yes!! What do ya think??! Check out her site for more pictures of home building. Wouldnt a little boy enjoy 'building' a house for a sprite? I think most definitely so!! I know this grandma will love making one of these whimsical homes. Thanks Megan, for some fun inspiration!!

I Already Have a Favorite!

Yes, its true, I'm completely enjoying this season of So You Think You Can Dance!! I love that I can watch it once with full commentary, and then watch it again with my DIL or cuz. and breeze through all the commericals and skip over the grating and annoying Mary (judge lady with the aggravation crow cackle, and an outrageously big mouth !! Keep Quiet Already!!)
When I next reincarnate, I will be a dancer! I will be taking dance lessons in heaven. I hope to dance next to Fred Astaire and Michael Jackson. I'd love to pirouette with the likes of Beryshnikov, or move with ease like Ginger Rogers or shake my bootee like Janet Jackson!! Im really not sure why I did nothing in my youth to have these dreams become reality. I have pictures of myself in a tutu as a young girl, but I dont remember the classes at all. I so admire the ability to move with fluidity and to tell a story and to have the audience be stirred by music and talent and gifts from God. I love to watch these young kids dance their hearts out and to leave their comfort zones and try new things and new steps...and Succeed!! Who in their right mind would have thought a hip hop dancer could ever pull off a Viennese Waltz??!! And... knock our socks off in the process!!
Our bodies are marvelous gifts. Its wonderful to watch someone take full advantage of its potential and work it!!
I cant wait to watch what these kids will do on Tuesday!! Im going to be watching my favorite guy--Joshua Allen!! Man this kid can move, and....he's so darling and likable as well!!

ITS MY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Its my 3rd birthday!!

The Gene Pool Is Deep

Ellen is going to get top billing here. She is my great grandmother.
Nephi Young Schofield wrote a brilliant life history-which I will take excerpts from later in this tale.
These two married April 24, 1889

Ellen was daughter to George and Vilate Romney.
She was born Nov. 25, 1864
Ellen wrote about many of her childhood memories. The memories of her early school experiences are quite interesting.
She writes- "When a very small child, I attended school in a little private adobe dwelling across the street from our home. Barbara, the eldest child in the Romney family was the teacher.
The next school I attended was in the 20th Ward school house, used for all gatherings both religious and otherwise. Brother Karl Maser was the principal. We all met in the same room, taking turns in reciting our lessons. Bro. Maser, a recent convert himself, was very intelligent but very severe in his methods of punishments. He was called to Provo to establish a Church school there, under Brigham Young. (BYU)
At this time there were no free schools. We paid a tuition fee. A member of the family was in attendance as long as this condition existed. I remember that at one time we paid $30 every ten weeks. We were among the fortunate ones. Many could not afford to pay tuition, so one of the older children or parent held school in their own home until such time as a free educational system was established.
Schools at this time were not graded. We were in the 1st reader or the 2nd reader and so on until we were through the 5th reader. Then we had US History.
I attended this school until I was 17, with many days excused to assist at home when sickness and other hindrances prevented my going. Later I had a short session at the University of Utah where we met in an unfurnished building, afterwards used as the West side High. Had few clothes but enough to be comfortable. The absence of finery never stood in the way of making fine friends among the girls and young men.
Had car transportation furnished by my father, but when weather permitted was urged to walk for my health. My teachers were John Park, Professor Kingsbury and Joshua Paul. Men whose efforts influenced thousands of students. I treasured every word that fell from their lips. Being from such a large family, I appreciated the wonderful opportunity I had been granted to go to school. The instruction I received while at the U made me more eager for further knowledge and made me determined to see to it that my children had every chance that I could make possible for higher education with practical experience necessary to get results that make better citizens etc." by ellen romney schofield


Ellen and Nephi had 8 children. One of these children is my grandmother-Ida Schofield Burnham Clemenson.

My great grandfather-Nephi Young Schofield- was born at Daisy Bank, Clayton, Manchester, England, on October 22, 1860. He was the second son and 3rd child of his parents, John and Susannah Hewitt Schofield. His father was English, his mother was of Scotch descent. He was quite a writer and compiled a history of his early life that is quite impressive and truly interesting to read.

He describes himself in relation to his parents in this way. "No doubt that whatever my youthful thirst for knowledge, my studious nature and desire for self-improvement was inherited from father's side and its equally certain my great love of home, my extreme caution and habits of thrift, came from my Scotch mother."
When writing of his school days, he reminisced about his activities and outlook. "I learned to read and write in St. Cross School, Clayton, and still treasure my first prize awarded by the principal, Mr Russel, for "application and progress." Being 7 or 8 yrs old, in good health, free from care or responsibility, my experience at this school was very happy. During recess we played football, Mr Russel acting as umpire and I was counted as one of the fastest runners in school.
Nephi then goes on to explain that for reasons that he still didnt understand, his parents removed him from this school and placed in a different school not far from where they lived. This is how he describes himself and the incident. "A mere boy of 8 or 9 yrs old, naturally studious, good mentality, eager to learn, but with my ambition and nervous temperament, very cautious, very sensitive and rather timid. Innocently and hopefully I went with my father--like a lamb to the slaughter and was introduced to Mr Rose-the principal. He stood over six feet tall and weighed at least 200 pounds. A stern, unyielding, and unmerciful disciplinarian, he ruled his school mainly by fear, inflicting corporal punishment without stint for the slightest cause, under the diabolical theory that fear and certainty of physical punishment was the quickest and surest method to develop latent talent and insure success. All that I diligently learned was scared out of me as I witnessed his harsh, often brutal tactics. I felt I had as much chance to survive as a grasshopper in a chicken coop."

Years later he left England, from the port in Liverpool, on the S S Nevada. The trip took 3 weeks to cross the ocean. They arrived in New York on his birthday, Oct. 22 1882. Nephi was 22 years old. Nephi details what happened after arriving-"After a tardy and very annoying delay at Castle Gardens for custom inspection, we were finally directed to an emigration train like so many sheep. The train was made up of old, obsolete and abandoned cars; the crew unskilled, the service rotten and the time wasted between stations was exasperating. Being exclusively an emigrant train, with four or five hundred aboard, we were repeatedly switched off the main track and delayed for hours to allow regular passenger traffic to proceed. All along the route trouble, tramps and hobos by the score would board the train while in motion and grab any emigrants baggage they could steal. Each night we had to station men at the end of each car with a club to keep off the human vermin. There was no order, no system, no protection and no consideration for comfort of the emigrants. I was appointed one of the night guards and nearly lost my life at Niagara Falls. After two weeks of misery an disgust on train, we were finally dumped off at Salt Lake City about November 15, 1882."

Recalling an errand to serve a mission in England, he writes, ""Besides helping my parents I had saved nearly $500 dollars in Zions Benefit Building Society in three years time and to my surprise was then called on a mission to England. I had the money and also the desire to go but one stern fact greatly disturbed my peace of mind. My dear mother was still quite sick and the fear I might never see her again in earth worried me almost to distraction. I was wretched in mind by day and haunted by night. So that as time approached for my departure I could not sleep. Tossing uneasily in bed one night at the apex of my anxiety, a thought came to my mind which I acted upon the next day. I went to see Brother George Hill who was a leading Patriarch of the Church and engaged him to come and give my mother a patriarchal blessing that I could carry with me on my mission. I had not told Brother Hill of my fears and anxiety and he did not know my purpose or the turmoil in my mind, but among other things he promised she would live to see and welcome her son home after he had been released from an honorable mission. This promise together with the wish of my mother that I should accept the call, lifted a tremendous burden and with a company of other Elders I arrived in New York ready to sail on Oct. 22, 1885, this being my birthday, exactly 3 years from date of my arrival in America.

Im sorry to report that he doesnt write much of anything about his married life or even his children. At least nothing that I can find yet. Which may be a good indicator/precursor to the fact that Ellen and Nephi were divorced in 1914. Ellen moved to Los Angeles and lived the rest of her life there and died there on May 3, 1950.

Ellen Romney with her children:top row-Sue, Florence, Vilate. Seated-, Ida-my grandmother,the youngest!Ellen,Bessie

Mikele's Having a Birthday!!

Gotta love this girl!! Shes another one of my nieces that seems wiser than her years. She has baskets full of talents. She appears to have no fear of things and is a quiet, patient soul.
She is growing up to be a most beautiful young lady. We always look forward to our visits with her and her family.
She waited ever so patiently for this little guy to become a member of their family. She wanted a puppy so badly. Theo is his name- and hes's a cutie too.

Happy, HappyBirthday Mikele!! We send you our love and greetings from So. Utah! Cant wait to see you again!!

The Years....How Thy Fly!!!

Grow old with me;
The best is yet to be,
The last of life,
For which the first was made.
-Browning

Though I was young, I was a smart girl! I picked an incredible man! Or...he was chosen for me???june, 1980

Happy Anniversary My Love!!

You are the Best!

The best hubby.

My best friend.

The best brother.

The best dad.

The best builder.

The best support.

The best patriarch.

The best grandpa!

The best guy to spend eternity with.

You really are the VERY best!!

I love you sweet!!!

1st Day of Summer!!

"ITS A SURE SIGN OF SUMMER IF THE CHAIR GETS UP WHEN YOU DO."

-walter winchell

Things I Discovered This Week

• Im remembering that my LOVE LANGUAGE is NOT the giving or receiving of gifts!! The getting of gifts or the giving of gifts does very little to convey my hearts' longing. Sorry family-or at least my apologies to those who's Love Language IS the joy of gifts! (What did I get for Mothers Day.....hummm.....????....I do know that everyone here did pitch in and made dinner--Loved that!!!! (Guess what my LOve LanGuage is??) I DO get very nice gifts by the way, Im just saying.....
• I guess I COULD drink caffeine free Pepsi??? (Im still mulling this one around in my head.)
• I DoNT have a "BucKet List."(Just wondering though, does this only 'work' in the event of ones imminent demise?!! And...is it only a realistic thing to do when you have the acquaintance of a generous, billionaire friend?)
• I really dont want to loose my job!! But how does one FAKE health, and continue to hike, and hack up phelm at the same time??!! Guests dont appreciate the germs either!
• Old people make lousy sick people. Lachlan doesnt feel well either and we dont see HIM laying around all day watching tv and complaining. Oh no, he carries on like usual, AND he has someone else to wipe his nose!! Plus, his naps are mandatory!!
• Eliminating at least 600 calories from my diet 21 days ago hasnt reduced the amount of belly fat Im carrying around my mid-section!! NOT A BIT!! ( I realize this could also be due to the LacK of exercise of late. I am laying around in bed a LoT, hacking away and working through my third box of Kleenex and my 5th roll of TP.)
• Getting a year older doesnt make a bit difference in aNYtHinG!!!
• The exorbitant gas prices are affecting EVEryThiNG! The boys and the Builder and I are much more cautious about our trips from home. (The boys fill their own tank, and it HUrTS!!) Food--even at ucky Walmart have definitely risen. And nobody seems to want to buy a vacation home far from where they reside. CaNt BLamE 'em!!
• French toast made with thick french bread slices is the BomB!!
• Gophers in the garden can drive a man to DIStraCtion!!
• Teenagers really do believe they can StoCKPile sleep!! I dont think this is a true concept. Sleeping 9 hours one morning will NOT help you in the MTC in 4 weeks!! Sorry for that reality check Clarky! Your rainy day WiLL come up lacking in the end!! Brian, Brian, Brian....Go TO BEd EarILer!!!!
• Comments found on ones blog are about the BESt distraction there can be in MY life for the lack of PEPsI!! So COME oN folks, help me fEEL better here!!! I need a BUZZ!! (and yes, this IS a pathetic try at getting a few more of you to actually hit the comment button and SAY soMEtHINg!!
• I certainly DONt GET all the delirium for this new movie --SEX IN THE CITY!! I never felt inclined to watch it when it was on the little screen...Why oh Why would I want to spend bucks on seeing all the crassness on the BIg screen??? It seems to be all about silly, selfish, plastic woman!! Its about EVERyThINg I dont want my daughter and LovED ones ever to emulate!! It seems ALL uGLiNEss to ME! Ugliness Dressed up in FINE clothing!! NO Thank You, Hollywood!!!

Peace out you ALL!!

Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold.

-Zelda Fitzgerald

Yesterday's Hike

SACRED DATURA or Jimson Weed
All parts of this plant, including the nectar, are extremely poisonous. Ingestion can cause fever, delirium, convulsions, and death. In spite of these dangers, sacred datura has been one of the most universally used hallucinogenic and medicinal plants of the Southwest. The Pima used the nectar from the flower buds in a treatment for sore eyes. Hopi medicine men chewed the roots to induce visions while making a diagnosis. The Seri brewed tea from the seeds to relieve sore throat, and made a poultice of the leaves to treat boils. Cahuilla shamans ingested sacred datura to transcend reality, and to contact specific guardian spirits. And yes, in spite of these dangers, the teenagers around here sometimes take the risk and attempt to contact their guardian spirit, and instead, land in the hospital or the morgue!! Humorously known as the petrified crop circles!! Commonly known as a water reservoir.
BRITTLEBUSH

The brittlebush stems contain a resin used for incense in Mexican churches. The Tohono O'odham used the resin as a chewing gum and as glue to fasten arrow points to shafts. Similarly, the Seri used this resin as glue for fastening harpoon tips, treating sores, and sealing pottery. The Cahuilla used the leaves, stems, and blossoms to treat toothaches. (I have never heard of any reported deaths or illness due to brittlebush.)

I'M STARTING A TAG!!
3 Things I'm Looking Forward To:
~missions with Builder Bob (I hope we build things!)
~more travel
~more grandkids
3 Books that Made Me Laugh Out Loud
~I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron
~Do blogs count? This one has me rolling every time! Check her out here.
~All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten

3 Things I'm Afraid Of:
~that I'm not living to my fullest potential.
~that Builder Bob is unhappy
~nasty feet lurking at every turn.

3 Things I Love:
~Builder Bob
~my family
~sunshine

3 Things I Really Don't Love:
~dentists
~answering the phone
~window cleaning

3 Things I Don't Understand:
~bigotry
~algebra
~why name brands are important in apparel

3 Things On My Desk:
(it will be easier to name 3 things that aren't on my desk)
~food
~order
~a stapler (Im always looking for one)

3 Projects I'm Currently Working On:
~quiet books for the grandkids
~"decorating" the basement
~inspiration for the living room

3 Things I Want To Do Before I Die:
~take a 'ride' in an F-16
~write/illustrate a children's book
~live in Italy for at least 4 months

3 Things I Can Do:
~sew
~knit (though its been a while)
~walk for miles and miles

3 Things I Can't Do:
~ spell
~a push up
~eat a pear


3 Things I've Done That You Should Probably Never Attempt:
~bringing a puppy home without Builder Bobs consent.
~ bringing home a major electronic device without consulting Builder Bob
~various illegal behavior as a brain dead teen-ager

3 Favorite Foods:
~ Italian food-pasta,pizza,pestos (dont you like how clever I am that I've included several food items under one category?)
~seafood
~breads

3 Shows I Watched As A Kid:
~M.A.S.H.
~Laugh-In
~Happy Days

3 Shows I Watch Now:
~LOST
~So You Think You Can Dance
~House

People I'm Tagging:
~Natalie
~Chelsea
~Neices
~Lynley

(by the way-what's wrong with the fuddy duddy friends my age, without blogs!!?? I say get over it and get started!!! Its easy as pie!!)

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

BLAST FROM THE PAST

'Sisters' with spoons on their noses-and futures rich with amazing blessings and joy!! Serving now, in all parts of the world!!

Elders (and future Elder) of Isreal!!

THIS WEEK:

I'm lov'in the SMELL of: Scentsy fragrances; actually it would be nice if I could just smell things normally again- this cold took it all away! The sage in the Park was very fragrant.

Im lov'in the IDEA of: bedtime stories being read to Lachlan each night by his good parents; the "favorite things" swap; being healthy again-almost; belly bumps; new jobs for those that want/need them.

I'm lov'in the TASTE of: anything would be nice after this nasty cold!! avacados; summer squash and swiss chard from our garden.

I'm lov'in the SIGHT of: Clark in the Temple; So You Think You Can Dance; my small garden of cutting flowers-its in bloom; Clarks missionary haircut!

I'm lov'in the SOUND of: the voice of yet another friend of Anna's that called from Houston to tell us about our amazing daughter!! new tunes; Judes voice on the line; crickets.

I'm lov'in the FEEL of: warm night air; breath traveling through all my sinuses- normally; Kleenex with the lotion in them; my sweet Builder rubbing my feet.

Back In the Park Again!!

For You Lynley...And All the Rest of Us That'd Like to Fly!!

The Gene Pool Thickens

George Romney- born in Dalton, Lancanshire, England 14, August 1831.
He was baptized in England in Sept 1839.
Came to America with his parents, Miles and Elizabeth, when he was 10 yrs old. George was the oldest son.

Vilate Ellen Douglas Romney- born 1840
Her namesake-Vilate Kimball, wife of Heber C. Kimball, who baptized her parents while serving a mission in England.
She sailed to America with her family, when she was just 15 months old.
She married George when she was 16, in the Endowment House on Temple Block. Feb. 26, 1856.



This distinguished couple are my great, great grandparents on my mothers side. George, like his father Miles, learned the trade of carpentry and worked along side his father on the Nauvoo Temple. While he was there he had the great privilege and blessing of hearing the prophet Joseph Smith speak. (there will be much more on this a little later in this narration.) He continued practicing carpentry after leaving Nauvoo and settling in Utah. George worked for the office of public works,under the foreman, who just happened to be his father-Miles. In 1854, at the young age of 23,George became a partner with George Price and others in the contracting and building business and the firm built many of the early homes and public buildings of Salt Lake. He succeeded his father as foreman in the construction of the wood work on the famous Lion House and BeeHive House.

George also had some military experience through an appointment of Governor Brigham Young, as a captain in Major Blair's Battalion of the Nauvoo Legion. For several months he was on active duty in the Echo Canyon campaign. With the approach of Johnston's army, Salt Lake City was practically deserted, as many people fled to Provo. George and his family also went south, and waited it out until the trouble was over. It would be too tedious and a little boring to list all the business ventures that George was involved in throughout his 88 years of ACTIVE life. He had general contracting businesses and started up new lumber companies and sugar mills. He became director of the Zions Co-operative Mercantile Institution (ZCMI) He was also director of the Consolidated Wagon & Machine Company. He supervised the building of the Deseret News Annex, the Hotel Utah, and the Deseret National Bank. It can be safely said that he was an officer or board member in about every big business concern in the city.

He served a mission in England in 1869. He presided over the Liverpool and London conferences. He servedas bishop for 20? years in the 20th Ward. And as is common practice, bishops speak at funerals. George spoke at a certain funeral where he bore his testimony of the Prophet Joseph. This talk and testimony was then later published in the Relief Society magazine in 1947. I am including a copy of this talk but will also transcribe the words of the testimony of what he knew to be true about Joseph Smith and Brigham Young "I have heard the Prophet Joseph Smith speak as I never heard man speak, under the influence and power of Almighty God, and I bear you my testimony, which might be the last, that I know with every fiber of my body from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet that every prophecy he ever delivered or uttered about the nations and mankind as to what would take place regarding them previous to the present awful world war has been fulfilled. I knew him personally and can scarcely restrain myself from shedding tears when I contemplate that I saw the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum-men of God, men who sought the welfare of the human family, their only wish being to do good-lying in their gore. I vividly remember seeing the two brothers lying side by side after being killed. The saints felt like little children feel when their parents are taken away from them. Those were serious time. When the Prophet was martyred and word came to Nauvoo on that bright, sunny morning on the 28th of June, it seemed like the gasp of death. There was not a dry eye among the people.
I said the people were all children. But they knew the shepherd's voice. Sidney Rigdon and others said, "I am the man, I am the man." but it did not take. The sheep knew better. And when the Twelve returned from the East, I shall never forget in this world or in the world to come the scene as Brigham Young arose after Sidney Rigdon had used up an hour and a half delivering an eloquent discourse. When Brigham got up the mantle of Joseph Smith fell upon him. It was Joseph's voice; it was Joseph's appearance, and I testify to you, if I never again do so on earth, in the presence of God and angels, that this is verily the truth. This is true-that the mantle of Joseph did fall upon Brigham Young and the people knew it."

George did marry 2 other women as well. (I read somewhere that marriage at this time, was a business-ouch)I have neither time or energy or the will to try and explain this aspect of our church history. someday I may try.) Im just happy to report that George dealt equitably with the women in his life. I will try to explain it a little bit here. George had 3 wives. He had 35 children before the government decided to wipe out polygamy. He provided separate homes for each of his families. He fed and clothed and educated these children. 23 of these children lived to get married. When the government intervenes, George had the opportunity to choose one wife to marry 'legally," and forsake the other 2. He refused to do so, and was then sent to the Utah Penitentiary. He served his full term minus 3 months for good behavior.

Vilate Douglas Romney, my great, great grandmother, had a very large family with George. They had 6 sons and 6 daughters. (One of these daughters is my great grandmother, Ellen Romney Schofield) In Ellens' words describing her mother: "She knew practically everyone living in the 20th ward. This ward extended from Eagle Gate to the City Cemetery, from South Temple to Ensign Peak. She was the Good Samaritan in sickness and death. Was willing and ready for any call where she could serve. She helped lay out the dead, make burial clothes, etc. A ministering angel to her own large family. She was treasurer for 20 yrs in the 20th ward Relief Society-which didnt mean that she took care of money but she gave value to merchandise sent in where money was not to be had. As you can imagine, the distribution of this 'merchandise' was where the real labor was required. Time and judgement were required as this was delivered to the poor. After years of devotion and service to her family, fortune smiled on her and she had the luxuries of life. She traveled considerable, crossing the continent several times. Visiting in California and in the north west. Spent 3 months in Europe and the British Isles. She visited Old Mexico and many places of less importance."

These great people are my childrens' ancestors as well as mine. The older I get the more I appreciate their lives and their messages to us. I hope we (ME) will take better heed to each of them and their contributions to OUR lives. We need to take notice and not forget.

Stay tuned for Ellen Romney Schofield!! My great grandmother.