Thoughts on Mother's Day...

I don't know why I have been blessed with 6 of the most amazing children plus 14 equally amazing grandchildren and (now) 2 sweet little great-grandsons. I can't for the life of me figure out what I did to deserve these blessings. Perhaps it is because God placed an overabundance of love in this crazy heart of mine and He helped me meet each and every challenge that motherhood brings. Yes! He certainly did!
I don't get to see my children or grandchildren often enough to suit me. But this wonderful day of technology has given me numerous ways of communicating with them, as Heather reminded me recently.
Some of the communication is instant, like the telephone; while other forms might take a little longer, like email or texting. And my own personal favorite, even though it takes the longest, is that old fashioned "snail mail" that brings cards and letters directly to my doorstep. There is that little warm feeling that flutters through my heart when I see a letter from one of my kids.

This Mother's Day was wonderful. Each one of my children remembered me in their own special way and their words warmed my heart.
I have so many tender memories of different phases of each one of these kid's lives. They are so special to me.

Remembering my own Mother brings sadness and joy to me. Sadness, because it was on Mother's Day in 2002 that she left this earthly sphere to go and be with Heavenly Father, Jesus and my dad. Joy, because I know that for me she was the best mother a girl could ever hope for. Though I miss her terribly, I know she is in a far better place than we are here on this earth and I know that I will see her again someday.

My mother was an angel. Whenever I consider how blessed I was to have the mother I had, when there are some youngsters today who don't even know who their mother is, or have mothers who are so totally lost that they don't know how to be mothers, I count my blessings!
I think of the mothers of the 2000 Stripling Warriors in the Book of Mormon, who taught their sons to be good people and to love God and fight for a cause. That is the kind of a mother that I hope I have been. That is the kind of mother my own mother was. The strength of my children tells me that perhaps I succeeded in some small measure.
I love you guys! All of you! Thank you for making this Mother's Day special to me!

If only...

If only time could stand still for just a little longer! If only these images could be reality every day. If only the distance that separates us could be shortened by at least 1,000 miles! If only...

I just returned from a 5 day (way too short!) trip to southern Utah to be with my son and his family for the celebration of Marcus's Baptism. I really wanted all of the family to be there, but settled for the few who took the time to travel for the occasion. My brother came from Salt Lake City and it was so wonderful to see him again. Debi traveled from Provo with Randi in tow! I know attending family events isn't one of Randi's favorite things to do, but she was good to her mother and her grandmother and came anyway. Heather came from Las Vegas with little Hailey. Everyone had a wonderful time.

After the baptism, we all gathered at Mark's house for some grilled hamburgers and some fun "play" in their corral with their horses. Little Abbie showed her skills on her horse and took a ride around the barrells. She is only 4-years-old and has already participated in her first rodeo, bringing home a silver buckel. She is going to be just like her mommy. Little Hailey (also 4-years-old) couldn't wait to get up on the horse, and was a natural. We teased Heather that she and Rich were going to have to get Hailey a horse and take it home to their little postage-stamp back yard in suburban Las Vegas! She laughed.

Heather and Hailey were the first to leave. She had to get back to Vegas and her family. Why is it that I always feel a hole in my heart when one of my kids say "good-bye?" I know it isn't forever, but the emptiness just won't go away. Debi and Randi stayed over another night and went to church with us on Sunday.
Debi and Mark took me out to dinner for Mother's Day (because I won't be there on that day). We had a wonderful Italian meal at Olive Garden (my absolute favorite place to go)! After dinner, Debi and Randi had to say their good-bye's and head north to Provo and "snow!" There goes another hole in my heart!
I spent the next two days just fitting into Mark and Terrie's family routines and loving being back in my own backyard again. Whenever I go to St. George, it is like coming home! I love the colors and the deep blue skies and fluffy white clouds. Not to mention the fact that the temperature was in the 80's the last two days that I was there and it is in the 50's on the Oregon coast! I soaked in as much of that wonderful sunshine as I could.
All too soon, Wednesday morning came and it was time for me to leave. Mark and Abbie took me to the airport. It was awfully hard to say good-bye! There came a few more holes in my heart.
If only I could make time stand still! If only I could keep those I love close for hugs every day! If only we didn't always have to come together and then leave all too soon, leaving such big, giant holes in our hearts! If only...

I've Been Away Far Too Long...

They tell me I'm missed! I guess that is because I have been away for 3 long months! That is unusual for me. I usually sit down at the computer at least once a week and write "something!" But, I guess my head has been elsewhere these past few months.

My hubby and I did take a trip the end of February. It was an amazing adventure. First, we drove up to Vancouver, BC in Canada to participate in the craziness of the 2010 Winter Olympics held there. We were privileged to get tickets to the Women's Gold Medal Curling Match and the Closing Ceremonies. Neither one of us knew that much about curling, but we certainly learned while watching an amazing match between Canada and Sweden.
It was a very close game, that was tied at the end of the 10th "end" (similar to frames and lines in bowling) and so they had to play one more. Right up to the end, it was anybody's match! But Sweden pulled it off with an amazing last minute hit that put two of their stones in the circle, knocking Canada out. Canada had one last throw, and missed their mark. What an exciting finish!
Our stay in Vancouver was a party every day! We discovered that Canada's main past-time (besides Hockey) is drinking beer! I've never seen so many beer drinkers in one place in my life. They are funny to watch.

Dean got to ski on Whistler mountain,
while I roamed the village below. That was one exciting place to be, also. Everywhere, there were giant screens, televising the events that were currently going on in Vancouver and on the mountain. We watched the men's Canadian Curling team win the gold medal and we watched some amazing downhill events, as well. And everywhere, it was a party!

The closing ceremonies were amazing. It was exciting to be in the seats with all of our props, participating in the whole event. The whole experience was electrical! I have never felt so much energy from so many people in my life.

After the Olympics adventure, we drove to Portland and caught a plane to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Dean had promised me sunshine after the cold of Canada, but it was an interesting phenomenon! It was actually warmer in Vancouver than it was in Ft. Lauderdale! There was a cold front passing through and we got caught in the middle of it. Well, that was true for the first three days, after that, the sun came out and I got my promised sunshine.

We had an amazing time in Florida. We took a short cruise over to Nassau in the Bahamas and spent a day on the island. It was a wonderful adventure. We got to "play" with the Dolphins and have our pictures taken with our new friend.
I got to go to the spa (on the ship) and had a wonderful hot lava rock massage and had my hair braided like the natives. What a wonderful adventure.






Back in Ft. Lauderdale, we visited the Butterfly World and watched the beautiful butterflies flit around in the beautiful gardens. We also saw humming birds, lorikeets
(one liked Dean so much, he stayed on his shoulder for quite a while, eating his shirt!), parrots, a number of other birds and beautiful flowers. Next, we went to the Everglades and rode on a big hover boat through the saw grass and saw an alligator. We learned that alligators don't attack, because their vision is so poor, but they will snap at anything that comes close to their big mouths.
I choose to stay away, anyway -- they just look way too scary to me!

Since we've been home, we have just been "catching up" with work and home upkeep. It has rained and rained and rained just about every day since we returned and all I wanted to do at first, was go back to Florida!

Catch up with more, later...

The Davenport/Campbell Connection

MEET THOMAS DAVENPORT


Thomas was born 1 April, 1815 to Robert Davenport and Ann Jarvis. He was born in the little Parish of Brampton, Derbyshire, England. He was Robert and Ann's 5th child.

Though nothing is written on the subject,I picture Thomas growing up in a humble home with many children and a love of music. I have traveled the countryside of England with its rolling hills and quaint villages and churches. Every village has a church. Although I never found the "Brampton Parish" where Thomas was born and Christened, I imagine not much has changed, except perhaps the name, because in every village, there are 200 year old homes and ancient churches.

Thomas grew to a man and at the age of 21, he married his sweetheart, Sarah Burrows, daughter of John Burrows and Charlotte Barber. She was born on 24 July 1811 in the Parish of Eckington, Derbyshire, England. They were married on 28 August 1836 at Sheffield, Yorkshire, England.

Ah, York! In my travels through England in 2003, I was surprised at how much I loved York! The city is a walled city which protected its inhabitants for centuries from outside dangers. A walk down the narrow, cobblestone streets takes one back to earlier times ~ not much has changed.

Thomas and Sarah lived in the same little Brampton Parish he was born in and began their family there. Their firstborn was a son, William, who was born 28 May 1837 in the Parish of Brampton, in the County of Derby, England. Two years later, another son, Thomas, was born. His birthday was 7 April 1839, also in the Parish of Brampton. Poor little Thomas must have been a frail little one, or suffered some devastating illness, because he was taken from them on 16 February 1840, barely 10 months old. He is buried at St. Thomas Church in Brampton, Derbyshire.

Four years later, John Davenport (my Great Grandfather) was born. His birth date was 17 December 1844, also in the Parish of Brampton. Their next child, and the last to be born in England, was a daughter, Sarah Ann. She was born on Valentine's Day, 14 February 1847, also in the Parish of Brampton.

It was about this time that there was a great Missionary movement in England. Thomas must have come upon a Missionary street meeting or perhaps found his way to a church service or fireside chat. At any rate, he found great interest in the message, accepted the truths of the Gospel with his whole heart and was baptised 21 April 1847. Sarah took a few weeks longer to enter the waters of baptism, but she did consent and was baptised 8 June 1847. Thomas was ordained a Teacher initially, and in a few months time he was ordained a Priest. On the 7th of April, 1848, he was ordained an Elder and was appointed to preside over the little branch where they lived.

Oh what a burning testimony he must have had! In a short one year he went from baptism to Branch President! He must have surely been a chosen vessel through whom a special posterity has come. One morning on his way to Priesthood meeting, the inspiration came into his heart and mind to write the words of "Come, All Ye Sons Of God" (Hymn #322 in our Hymn Book). I have read these words many times and gained insight into the powerful testimony that this man had, of not only missionary work, but the Gospel, as well. Though Thomas didn't write the music, the arrangement is his.

Being a writer of prose and poetry, and having dabbled in writing music myself, I can appreciate his appeal to the sons (and I would add daughters today) of God to spread the Gospel; his appeal to the "scattered sheep" to listen to the voice of the shepherd; and the promise that "all who are faithful" shall enjoy heavenly bliss.

On 16 November 1848, Thomas was set apart as a traveling Elder to preach the Gospel. He continued in this calling until November of 1859 -- 11 years! That's a very long time to be a Missionary. But, Thomas was a man of "fervor and zeal" and took his calling seriously.

Thomas was a potter by trade, and worked 6 days a week. On Sunday, he did his Missionary work, traveling on foot throughout many counties in England. He was instrumental in bringing about the conversion of more than 50 persons into the Gospel and traveled some 1,849 miles, proselyting for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This has been just a brief history of the man and his faith and conversion. In my next entry, I will talk about the little family's travels that brought them to America.

How very grateful I am for the man who listened to the Missionary preaching in England. Because of him, the Davenport line has gained strength and numbers and have grown so much in the Gospel. I am so grateful for my Great Great Grandfather and his zeal and love of the Gospel. I am grateful for his poetic voice that speaks to me in my heart today. He is my example.

'Tis The Week After Christmas...

'Tis the week after Christmas, and all through the house are the memories of friends and family through cards, letters and gifts. We had a wonderful Christmas ~ and we spent it with all of our loved ones. Oh, not that they were physically here, but their spirits and love and good wishes were in abundance.

It was a beautiful day in Lincoln City. The sun was shining and we were able to walk just the 3 blocks to the "Myst" Restaurant for a delicious brunch while seated at our favorite table looking out over the beautiful, blue Pacific. The waves are high this time of the year. They tell me that it is "Surfing Season" on the Oregon Coast, because in December and January we get the best surf. I can believe it! But, I don't think you are going to catch me out in that c-o-l-d water! It must be freezing! On January 1st, there is a tradition up here that those who are brave run and jump in the freezing cold water of the Pacific and come out with arms raised high, shouting "Happy New Year!" Nope! Another "not me!"

The year is winding down now with only these two more days left and I am beginning to think about the blessings of the past year and my goals for the upcoming one. This is the time of the year when I reflect on these things and plan for the year to come with hopes and dreams and wonder.

Christmas week brought 2 deaths to my family, and that made me stop and reflect on memories with those two wonderful individuals. Gerry's sister Ruth's husband, Loyd passed away on December 22, leaving a huge hole in their 65 year marriage. He will we missed. On December 27th, my sweet cousin, Shannon Davenport passed away after a long struggle with Alzheimers and Pneumonia. I have so many wonderful memories of that little guy and am consoled to know that he is with his family on the other side and the best part is that he is "whole!" He no longer has to deal with an imperfect body and mind. He fulfilled his mission here on earth and will go to his glory as a perfect soul. I will miss visiting with him and getting him to talk about his little family.

God bless you all as we wind down 2009 and look toward (hopefully) to a better New Year.

Christmas! The Most Wonderful Day of the Year!

Yes, it's Christmas! The day we longed for for weeks and planned for for months! We've decorated the house; we've sent out all our cards; we've sent our packages; and we've decorated the tree. We've been to a miriad of parties and concerts and thoroughly enjoyed the season. But, now it is time to spend a few quiet moments of reflection as we read the Christmas story from Luke and marvel at the thing that happened there that changed the world forever.

One small infant would make more of an impact on the entire world than all of the world leaders or celebrities or explorers or pioneers or any number of things that make the headlines on a daily basis combined. I love that little infant, lying in a manger. I love that Heavenly Father had a plan for us and that His Son willingly took upon Himself that mission, knowing what He would have to go through. I wonder, could I do such a selfless act? Could you?




I am so thankful this day for my Savior. I am thankful for Christmas and will forever say to the world "MERRY CHRISTMAS," whether they want to hear it or not. And so, I say to you and yours, MERRY CHRISTMAS! And in a few short days, as we bid farewell to the year 2009 and usher in the New Year, 2010 (boy that just doesn't feel right), I will wish for you and yours a blessed New Year.

God bless!

Oh, P.S. I did get the ornaments on the tree on Christmas Eve, just like I was sure I would. Crazy, huh! More like my mother every day!

The Third and Last Week of Christmas...

With the cards mailed and the packages on their way to loved ones far and near; the musical performances only a golden memory and the temperatures outside dipping way, way down; it is time to focus on beautifying the lonely tree that stands in the front window waiting to be adorned. Most years, I would have gotten that job done the day after Thanksgiving, but this year, for some strange reason, it just got ignored. Now, that tree is calling me and telling me to get out the ornaments that are so cherished. In years past, I have had a white tree adorned with garlands of red ribbons and nothing but red balls; or a whimisical "Teddy Bear" tree crammed full of teddy bears with bigger bears resting beneath its branches; or a magical angel tree with nothing but angel ornaments and a white and gold angel atop the tree; or a traditional tree with all the ornaments from every year past, including some of the above mentioned ornaments. This year, I have just not been inspired as to what to do with the tree, so there it sits waiting for my decision.


I have a cousin in Bend, Oregon, who (for want of space in their living room) always hangs their Christmas tree upside down from the ceiling! And I actually found a picture of such a tree -- not theirs, mind you, but an upside down tree, none the less! It was always the center of attention whenever we went to visit them. I loved that tree! Perhaps I should do a tree such as this!



A few years back, we were in Williamsburg, Virginia for Thanksgiving, and Washington, D.C. on the day they were decorating the huge Christmas Tree in front of the White House. I mean to tell you, that tree is huge! A bit much for my living room, so I've opted not to copy that one.

Perhaps I will do as my mother did many years ago, and on Christmas Eve, when everyone is sound asleep, I will sneak into the Family Room and decorate the tree and it will be a surprise for Dean and Billy on Christmas morning. We shall see!

At any rate, there will be a decorated tree, and there will be gifts from near and far because the people in this house are loved. And beneath the tree will be our traditional Creche, with the Nativity figures representing the first Christmas. There was no tree then. There were only lowly creatures in the beginning to stand in awe at the birth of their creator. There was a humble father and a blessed mother and a babe that was "wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." It was a quiet night. It was a Holy Night. And for a short time Mary and Joseph were allowed solitude to wrap their hearts around the miracle of this birth and the mission that their son was created for. I would have loved to have been there in those quiet moments.

Perhaps that is why my mother waited until Christmas Eve to decorate the tree. She waited for quiet moments to reflect on the real reason for the Christmas Holy-Day. I can picture her thinking about the birth of our Savior with each and every carefully straightened strand of tinsel that she hung so lovingly on every branch of the tree -- one at a time! I can imagine that her heart was full of gratitude for our Savior and for her family and the home that she so lovingly cared for.



Merry Christmas everyone! May your Christmas be everything that you hoped it would be and more. As you open each gift, pause and remember the greatest gift of all -- the gift of love and eternal life brought to each of us through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.