West Piney Girls Camp

I volunteer with the youth in my church congregation, and had the opportunity to participate in a couple days of Girls' Camp this year. I was kind of a tag-along, and just helped where I could, but many of the other leaders had spent hours packing and preparing food, crafts, and other supplies to bring. I did become an unofficial hair-braider, which made me feel useful.

During our hike, we made several crossings of rivers. Most of the time, the male leaders who volunteered to come for a while stood in the biting cold mountain water, put down logs or rocks, and helped us cross without getting wet. At the last crossing, we moved before the brethren got there, so we rolled up our jeans, pulled of our shoes and socks, and went across in pairs. I practically froze in place about two steps in, and felt like I was pulling down the dear sister who went across with me. I would have gone back if that'd been an option. I'm amazed by the early pioneers who crossed numerous rivers, especially the women folk in the long dresses that stayed wet for hours.

I loved being at camp, and was sorry to go home and back to work when I did. I did go down the slide, though. Thanks everyone, for making West Piney a great experience this year. I got all sorts of great swag, delicious food, testimony building scripture experiences, and was surrounded by amazing women and girls. I sure do love girls' camp.

Johnsons Gather for Mothers

C. Brent and Grandma Johnson Family; May 2012

My parents came to a wedding reception in Idaho, so I travelled back with them and stayed for the weekend. Zak drove down on Sunday to celebrate Mother's Day with us at Grandma J's house. I enjoyed spending time with my brothers at home and at the park, where we actually played soccer. This is a big deal, because family bonding time with me is pretty much a sedentary activity.

Mother's Day can be difficult for Grandma, as that was when Grandpa died. She let us know that this year she'd like to have everyone around her to celebrate. For the love of mothers, all but those whom the military keeps sending away were able to gather and eat delicious food. Thanks be to mothers and all they do to keep families together.


My uncle posed for that top shot. Just sayin'.  

Grandma J and her brother

Nicole in front of Winifred

The Wood Smith Forever Family

 

A few months ago, my cousin and her husband who had been married about seven years, went to the Temple to become a forever family with their children. Their "monkeys," as my cousin calls her kids, are a lot of fun. I was out of town for the sealing at the Logan Temple, but accompanied them to the Salt Lake Temple when the parents first went inside. I'm so proud of them for all of the steps they've taken to strengthen their family and testimonies of the Savior. 

  

Walker Barlow Obit

While searching randomly on Google, I found the obituary of my great-great-grandfather, Walker Barlow.  We go to his gravesite in the Ogden Cemetery most years on Memorial Day, and I was excited to learn more. I think of him as the transition generation, around the turn of the century. They walked across America, and lived to see cars and airplanes.

BARLOW, WalkerDated: Monday, July 3, 1933
  Headline: Pioneer Dies During Sleep-Walker Barlow Services Will Be Conducted Wednesday
    Walker Barlow, 82, died early Sunday evening during a nap at the family home, 708 Twelfth street. He had been in good health and attended the old folks’ outing last week.
He was born June 9, 1851, at Blakely, Lancashire, England, a son of Thomas and Anne Hulme Barlow.
He arrived in Utah September 13, 1861, having walked from the Missouri river in the company of Captain Horne. He was married in the Salt Lake endowment house to Clarissa Barker in March, 1876. Mrs. Barlow died January 19, 1926.
Mr. Barlow had lived at the Twelfth street address for 52 years.
He was a member of the high priest quorum of the Ogden stake and was active in the Twenty-first ward of the L.D.S. church. For many years he operated the Mound Fort dairy and lately had been engaged in truck gardening.
Surviving are the following sons and daughters: Mrs. E.J. Watkins, Ogden; George W. Barlow, Salt Lake; former City Judge Simon Barlow and J. Fred Barlow, Ogden; Joseph Willard Barlow, Santa Ana, Calif.; Ezra T. Barlow, Salt Lake and Ellis E. Barlow, Los Angeles; 24 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at two o’clock Wednesday in the L.D.S. Seventh ward chapel with Bishop T.L. Richards of the Twenty-first ward presiding.
Friends may call at Larkin and Sons chapel Tuesday afternoon and evening, then at the home of Simon Barlow, 700 Twelfth street from ten until one o’clock Wednesday. Interment will be made in the Ogden city cemetery.

 http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ut/county/weber/news/trini/standardexaminer/1933/obituariesjuly31933.htm

Stuck Duck

 A while ago Zak and I decided to explore the campsites in the area, and made an afternoon of grilling wurst over a campfire, reading, and talking. We decided to leave around sunset, making sure to draw water from the river to completely put out the fire. On the way out, Zak decided to be adventurous and drive through one of the puddles. Turns out, it was a lot deeper than expected. Years ago, Zak's brother made a picture book about a duck stuck in the mud with several other animals. We were like that duck. Beefy, our 4Runner, was completely high-centered, so none of our rocks and logs wedged in the mud did anything. Fairly new to the area, we still didn't know many people, but I did have some numbers of people in our church congregation. We said a prayer, asking for forgiveness for our folly, and made some phone calls. We found out who had a truck, and were on the phone with one man who was willing to drive twenty minutes each way to help us, when we saw someone drive near us. Zak honked and flashed his brights, catching attention. The young man admitted that he'd had similar predicaments, and pulled Beefy out without any hassle. Covered in mud, we returned home safe and sound.