Old Vacation/Joseph Smith

Three years ago we took a family vacation with Misha, Jeremy & twins, and Jeremy's parents, brothers, sisters, grandma--to Nauvoo, and Carthage to visit Church History sites. It was a wonderful vacation, which included attending Jeremy's sister's wedding in the Nauvoo Temple. We crossed the Mississippi River on a barge, and went to Carthage to visit the jail where Joseph Smith was shot, and killed. I can't exactly explain my feelings when we drove into town. The little town is built around the jail and visitors buildings. I just couldn't believe that people would live so near this special place knowing what had happened there. I really had a chip on my shoulder towards this town, and the people living there. When we came around the corner and saw the well where Joseph landed/ someone was kneeling and praying--I broke into tears! I knew the day would be hard from then on.
This year we are studying the life of Joseph Smith in Relief Society, and it's been wonderful reading about him again, and thinking of all he went through while establishing the Church on the earth again. The persecution that the people went through was so unfair~ Reminds me of the closed minded people making fun of the FLDS people in Texas now. I have a very hard time with what is happening--Not that I'm for polygamy or for child abuse/Just that I'm not sure they had the right to go in and take children away from their mothers without absolute evidence that abuse was going on. It just reminds me of what the early members went through/ made up accusations and results that were deadly!!
Enough of my soap box politics! I love the Church, and the wonderful History of the people who went through so much to establish it!!

Carthage

Jimmie King Jr

Yesterday I finally went to the trading post to get Anabeth a little silver and turquoise bracelet--I had planned to do it several days earlier, but for some reason had put it off. Anyway as I was looking at the bracelets, a Navajo man approached me--It was Jimmie King--We hugged and talked for almost 2 hours--He is the most amazing man. He is the man who named Misha, and probably the last time I had seen him was when I was pg with her! He makes the most beautiful Navajo jewelry/ Granny had a collection, and I have several of his things also. He has been in Arizona Highways, and numerous other publications featuring his beautiful jewelry. The first thing he asked about was Misha, the daughter he named-- and wants to see her the next time she is here for a visit. Was surprised that she has 2 children!
He is almost 70 years old, and is in a band and bungee jumps!! He said he had gotten bored jumping out of airplanes. Tomorrow night he is performing at the Casino, and I think we will stay and go and see the show. He is such a character! It was just wonderful seeing him--Myrle and I had tried to find his house in New Mexico but without luck. I was just at the trading post at exactly the right time!

Colorado

We are in Colorado again~ and it's a lot colder than we thought it would be. The mountains are still covered with snow, and there aren't any leaves on the trees yet! I still love it here, not sure when my very favorite time of the year is. Today I heard my favorite bird~ Not sure if it's a meadow lark--I love the sound they make/ Misha you know which one I mean. Sometimes I think I would like to just sell this place, but then when I'm here I remember why I love it, and enjoy the peace I find just looking at my mountains.
It's been hard without all the grand kids. Our trip was wonderful seeing everyone. Course I cried and cried whenever we left each place~ I hate being away from everyone! Keep checking airfare to NC for our next trip!
PaPa seems to be doing great. He must be taking his medication the right way. He is reading our Amish books, says he likes them, except they sure do a lot of praying!! Ha! That might be good for him! He's on the 4th of a series, that I haven't even read yet. Who knows maybe he'll be wanting to move to PA and find an Amish cutie! He might enjoy our vampire books next! I sure miss Bella, Edward, and Jake--Have to wait until August to read more about them. And I'm missing LOST--I'm just a mess.