Charles Batt (1861–1949) married Eliza Brazier in England before they accepted the restored gospel, joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and immigrated to America. Most of his history details their life after they came to Utah. This is the last of six installments (see Batt & Lee Ancestors, 22–23). Charles was the father of William B Batt (1888–1959) and the grandfather of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982).
Eliza and Charles spent many happy days together remembering all the happiness, struggles, and heartaches they had shared. They watched all the children marry and start homes for themselves. They were both happy with all the grandchildren arriving. It was a life well spent.
On February 13, 1926, Eliza passed away. She died in her lovely new home that she loved so well at 527 East Fifth North, Logan, Utah. After she passed away, Charles was very lonely. All the children were in homes of their own, and he missed his own loving wife so much.
After three years had passed away, he married Rosalea Stephens Dee on June 13, 1929. She was a good companion for him. They had seven good years together before she died July 29, 1936. She was buried August 2, 1936, by the side of Eliza in the Logan cemetery.
Charles was alone again for nearly two years. At this time he decided to make one Emily Roseina Hart Woodward his wife. They were married July 2, 1938, and were together until her death a year and a half later on January 2, 1940. The Batt lot in the Logan cemetery is also the resting place for this third wife.
In his late years, Charles lost his eyesight and also his hearing. He moved to Salt Lake City to be with his youngest daughter, Myrtle, who gave him loving care until his death. He died in her home on September 17, 1949, exactly one week short of his 88th birthday. He was survived by his remaining children—William, Pearl, Ruby, Myrtle, Charles Gladstone, and Morley. Cecily had passed away in July 1939. He was also survived by 20 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. Charles’s body was taken back to Logan, his home, and was buried in the Batt lot in the Logan cemetery.
Monday, December 28, 2009
2 Quote of the week
"Testimony isn't something that you have today and you keep always. Testimony is either going to grow and grow to the brightness of certainty, or it is going to diminish to nothingness, depending upon what we do about it. I say, the testimony that we recapture day by day is the thing that saves us from the pitfalls of the adversary" (Harold B. Lee in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, 43).
3 This week in our family
Mon, Dec 28: Terry and LaWanda Packwood married 1990 [Gene]
Wed, Dec 30: Rex Sayer born 1952 [Jackie]
Thurs, Dec 31: New Year's Eve
Fri, Jan 1: New Year's Day
Mon, Jan 4: Next issue of newsletter
Wed, Dec 30: Rex Sayer born 1952 [Jackie]
Thurs, Dec 31: New Year's Eve
Fri, Jan 1: New Year's Day
Mon, Jan 4: Next issue of newsletter
4 Bits and tidbits
We are hoping you all had a delightful Christmas with your families, loved ones, and friends. All of our family did. Well, except for Chris and Camilla in Everett, who are not celebrating their Christmas until December 31, the day after Chris's parents arrive from Utah for a visit. They are able to pull that off because their three-year-old Sam doesn't know what day Christmas is supposed to be on.
And Kay and Karen on their blog, Called to Serve, show and tell their travel from Cuzco to Urubamba during the week just before Christmas week. There are a lot of pictures. Unbelievably, their mission to Peru will be ending in another six months.
And Kay and Karen on their blog, Called to Serve, show and tell their travel from Cuzco to Urubamba during the week just before Christmas week. There are a lot of pictures. Unbelievably, their mission to Peru will be ending in another six months.
5 Our family 50 years ago
Excerpts from the December 1959 and January 1960 diaries of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982). The full text of her diary can be found online at Dorothy's Idaho Diaries and is updated daily, exactly 50 years to the day after it was originally written. The family at the time lived on a 40-acre farm in the Deer Flat area south of Nampa, Idaho.
Mon, Dec 28. Washed cloths all day. Ray milked this morning & I worked on my books & threw away old bills. We cooked a ham roast & had supper right after Ivard got home from work about 6: He had a flat tire & no spare. Louie wrote about Stellas wreck. I went back to work tonite.
Tues, Dec 29. I came home from work & went to bed. Kids got me up at 12:30 & I got ready & went to relief society officers & teachers & visiting teachers party. came home at 4: & Gail Lynda & Kids were here, they brought Gene home. Kay got ready & went over to Adrian & took Claudia to High School to Xmas formal.
Wed, Dec 30. It started to snow at 6:45 A.M & there was an in or more when we came out to go home. I read paper & went to bed & Ivard took Gene in to basketball practice. They came home at noon & woke me up they made so much noise. Ivard took Gene, Ray, & Dean in to church at 4:30 to settle up their titheing. They were all full tithe payers.
Thurs, Dec 31. sent Jerry letter & money got letter from Stella. I came home & Ivard was in bed. I went to bed until 9:30 then we got up & went & got Ivards check & pd. bills & got Int. drawn up on all our savings accounts. Ivards day off & at 2:30 he got called out brakeing to Nyssa. At 7:30 I fixed Kids hambergers & cocoa & stuff for New Years Eve & we ate at 8:30 & I went to bed until time to go to work. Kay - Gene - Dean- Dale & Jackie watched T.V.
Fri, Jan 1. I came home from work at 8:30 & Ivard was home in bed & I went to bed with him. Ivard got up & played games with Kids & watched Rose bowl game. I got up at 3: & cooked a pot roast & veg. & we ate at 5:30.
Sat, Jan 2. I came home from work & Kay said to hurry & iorn his cloths he was leaving at 10: I iorned his 15 shirts & helped him pack but it was noon before Bob, Fran & Claudia came & got him. Ivard cut all the Kids hair & at 10: he took Gene in to play basket ball. Ray cleaned house & they took down Xmas tree.
Sun, Jan 3. I came home & Ivard was in bed. I got ready & Ivard & Kids & I went to priesthood sunday school & fast meeting. We got home about 1:30 & Ivard & I went to bed until time to go to work. When I woke up at 7: Gene had done chores & him & Ray had gone in to Stake house with Max to a special Fireside. President McKay talked to them by direct wire from Salt Lake for 1/2 hr.
Mon, Dec 28. Washed cloths all day. Ray milked this morning & I worked on my books & threw away old bills. We cooked a ham roast & had supper right after Ivard got home from work about 6: He had a flat tire & no spare. Louie wrote about Stellas wreck. I went back to work tonite.
Tues, Dec 29. I came home from work & went to bed. Kids got me up at 12:30 & I got ready & went to relief society officers & teachers & visiting teachers party. came home at 4: & Gail Lynda & Kids were here, they brought Gene home. Kay got ready & went over to Adrian & took Claudia to High School to Xmas formal.
Wed, Dec 30. It started to snow at 6:45 A.M & there was an in or more when we came out to go home. I read paper & went to bed & Ivard took Gene in to basketball practice. They came home at noon & woke me up they made so much noise. Ivard took Gene, Ray, & Dean in to church at 4:30 to settle up their titheing. They were all full tithe payers.
Thurs, Dec 31. sent Jerry letter & money got letter from Stella. I came home & Ivard was in bed. I went to bed until 9:30 then we got up & went & got Ivards check & pd. bills & got Int. drawn up on all our savings accounts. Ivards day off & at 2:30 he got called out brakeing to Nyssa. At 7:30 I fixed Kids hambergers & cocoa & stuff for New Years Eve & we ate at 8:30 & I went to bed until time to go to work. Kay - Gene - Dean- Dale & Jackie watched T.V.
Fri, Jan 1. I came home from work at 8:30 & Ivard was home in bed & I went to bed with him. Ivard got up & played games with Kids & watched Rose bowl game. I got up at 3: & cooked a pot roast & veg. & we ate at 5:30.
Sat, Jan 2. I came home from work & Kay said to hurry & iorn his cloths he was leaving at 10: I iorned his 15 shirts & helped him pack but it was noon before Bob, Fran & Claudia came & got him. Ivard cut all the Kids hair & at 10: he took Gene in to play basket ball. Ray cleaned house & they took down Xmas tree.
Sun, Jan 3. I came home & Ivard was in bed. I got ready & Ivard & Kids & I went to priesthood sunday school & fast meeting. We got home about 1:30 & Ivard & I went to bed until time to go to work. When I woke up at 7: Gene had done chores & him & Ray had gone in to Stake house with Max to a special Fireside. President McKay talked to them by direct wire from Salt Lake for 1/2 hr.
6 What in the world
A milestone for the Ensign
The Ensign is the official Church magazine for adult members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The January issue begins the 40th year of publication and has been significantly redesigned and reorganized. You will be interested in checking it out (see, for example, "Your Guide to Using the Ensign," in Ensign, Jan. 2010, 10-13).
The first issue of the Ensign was published in January 1970, replacing the Improvement Era and the Relief Society Magazine. The New Era magazine for youth and the Friend magazine for children were also first published 40 years ago in January 1970.
2010 Church curriculum
A newly redesigned version of the Gospel Principles manual has been published for study during the Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society classes on the second and third Sunday of each month during 2010 and 2011. It replaces the Teachings of Presidents of the Church series that we have been using since 1998. (See the article by Elder Russell M. Nelson, entitled "The New Gospel Principles Manual," in Ensign, Jan. 2010, 29-31, for more information.)
The Gospel Doctrine classes in Sunday School will be studying the Old Testament (as well as the books of Moses and Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price) during 2010 as a part of the four-year rotation through the scriptures (the Old Testament in 2010, the New Testament in 2011, the Book of Mormon in 2012, and the Doctrine and Covenants and Church history again in 2013).
Bowl games
This past week was a good one for teams from the Mountain West conference. BYU (ranked 14th) beat Oregon State (ranked 18th) 44-20 in the Las Vegas Bowl on Tuesday, December 22. And Utah (ranked 23rd) beat Cal 37-27 in the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego on Wednesday, December 23.
TCU (ranked 4th) will meet Boise State (ranked 6th) in the Fiesta Bowl on Monday, January 4.
The Ensign is the official Church magazine for adult members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The January issue begins the 40th year of publication and has been significantly redesigned and reorganized. You will be interested in checking it out (see, for example, "Your Guide to Using the Ensign," in Ensign, Jan. 2010, 10-13).
The first issue of the Ensign was published in January 1970, replacing the Improvement Era and the Relief Society Magazine. The New Era magazine for youth and the Friend magazine for children were also first published 40 years ago in January 1970.
2010 Church curriculum
A newly redesigned version of the Gospel Principles manual has been published for study during the Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society classes on the second and third Sunday of each month during 2010 and 2011. It replaces the Teachings of Presidents of the Church series that we have been using since 1998. (See the article by Elder Russell M. Nelson, entitled "The New Gospel Principles Manual," in Ensign, Jan. 2010, 29-31, for more information.)
The Gospel Doctrine classes in Sunday School will be studying the Old Testament (as well as the books of Moses and Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price) during 2010 as a part of the four-year rotation through the scriptures (the Old Testament in 2010, the New Testament in 2011, the Book of Mormon in 2012, and the Doctrine and Covenants and Church history again in 2013).
Bowl games
This past week was a good one for teams from the Mountain West conference. BYU (ranked 14th) beat Oregon State (ranked 18th) 44-20 in the Las Vegas Bowl on Tuesday, December 22. And Utah (ranked 23rd) beat Cal 37-27 in the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego on Wednesday, December 23.
TCU (ranked 4th) will meet Boise State (ranked 6th) in the Fiesta Bowl on Monday, January 4.
7 A final word
Another new year is soon upon us. As I was preparing this issue of the newsletter (a task I've been at for some 36 years since the first issue back in September 1973), I had to go down into my basement storage room and search through the box full of my mother's diaries to find the one for 1960 and to put the one for 1959 away.
I actually remember 1960. How did it happen that it was 50 years ago? I must be getting old.
Milestones such as the changing of years or birthdays or anniversaries are times to reflect and ponder and evaluate the course of our lives and to determine whether we're on course and headed in the direction we want to be going. This marvelous test we're in, this classroom called life, will some day end. None of us knows when our particular final is scheduled. None of us, I suspect, ever accomplishes all we would like to accomplish, ever learns all we would like to learn, or ever serves all we would like to serve. But the key, at the time of our departure from this life, is to be on the right path and headed in the right direction. And then we will have passed the necessary tests and our rest will be glorious.
I actually remember 1960. How did it happen that it was 50 years ago? I must be getting old.
Milestones such as the changing of years or birthdays or anniversaries are times to reflect and ponder and evaluate the course of our lives and to determine whether we're on course and headed in the direction we want to be going. This marvelous test we're in, this classroom called life, will some day end. None of us knows when our particular final is scheduled. None of us, I suspect, ever accomplishes all we would like to accomplish, ever learns all we would like to learn, or ever serves all we would like to serve. But the key, at the time of our departure from this life, is to be on the right path and headed in the right direction. And then we will have passed the necessary tests and our rest will be glorious.
Monday, December 21, 2009
1 Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus
One hundred and thirteen years ago arguably the most famous editorial ever to be published in an American newspaper appeared in the New York Sun on September 21, 1897, under the heading “Is There a Santa Claus.” After his death on April 11, 1906, the Sun broke its policy of editorial anonymity to announce that Francis P. Church had written this editorial. We share it here for your delight at this holiday season.
We take pleasure in answering at once and thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:
“Dear Editor: I am 8 years old.
“Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
“Papa says ‘If you see it in The Sun it’s so.’
“Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?
“Virginia O'Hanlon.
“115 West Ninety fifth Street.”
Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.
No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.
A very merry Christmas to you all. And God bless us everyone.
We take pleasure in answering at once and thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:
“Dear Editor: I am 8 years old.
“Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
“Papa says ‘If you see it in The Sun it’s so.’
“Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?
“Virginia O'Hanlon.
“115 West Ninety fifth Street.”
Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.
No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.
A very merry Christmas to you all. And God bless us everyone.
2 Quote of the week
I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.
— Charles Dickens
— Charles Dickens
3 This week in our family
As of today, 4 days until Christmas!
Mon, Dec 21: First day of winter
Tues, Dec 22: Doug's birthday [Lyle]
Tues, Dec 22: Crystal Price's birthday [Lyle]
Wed, Dec 23: Dakota's birthday [Lyle]
Wed, Dec 23: Anniversary of Joseph Smith's birth in 1805
Thurs, Dec 24: Richard & Angie Craine married 2000 [Gail]
Thurs, Dec 24: Christmas Eve
Fri, Dec 25: Christmas Day
Fri, Dec 25: Shawn & Shandi Burdett married 2000 [Lyle]
Sat, Dec 26: Jacob Robert Rankin's birthday [Gail]
Mon, Dec 28: Terry & LaWanda Packwood married 1990 [Gene]
Mon, Dec 28: Next issue of newsletter
Mon, Dec 21: First day of winter
Tues, Dec 22: Doug's birthday [Lyle]
Tues, Dec 22: Crystal Price's birthday [Lyle]
Wed, Dec 23: Dakota's birthday [Lyle]
Wed, Dec 23: Anniversary of Joseph Smith's birth in 1805
Thurs, Dec 24: Richard & Angie Craine married 2000 [Gail]
Thurs, Dec 24: Christmas Eve
Fri, Dec 25: Christmas Day
Fri, Dec 25: Shawn & Shandi Burdett married 2000 [Lyle]
Sat, Dec 26: Jacob Robert Rankin's birthday [Gail]
Mon, Dec 28: Terry & LaWanda Packwood married 1990 [Gene]
Mon, Dec 28: Next issue of newsletter
4 Bits and tidbits
Kay's family
Rhett and Celeste have a new addition to their family, a daughter born at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 12. Her name is McCall, and she weighed in at 7 lbs 14 oz, and she is 20 inches long. To quote Rhett, "She is really cute."Gene's family
We received a Christmas card from Gene and Cheryl: "Merry Christmas to all of you from all of us here. We are all OK here. Cheryl got good news on her last PET scan, no sign of cancer cells, off all treatments for now." That's good news indeed.On December 8 McKayla Packwood reported on Facebook that she got her braces off. The score or more of exclamation points that followed would indicate she was very happy about that.
Dean's family
Michael and I finished the Isaiah class we drove to Provo every Thursday night for the past ten weeks. It was a great experience.Our son-in-law Paul Challis just finished his third semester of pharmacy school at Mercer University in Atlanta. Only three semesters more to go! And son-in-law Vince Oveson just finished his semester at the University of Utah.
Jackie's family
Jolene announced on Facebook Thursday that she finished for the semester. She got an 84 percent on her math test, which gave her 91 percent in the class. Way to go, Jolene.
5 Our family 50 years ago
Excerpts from the December 1959 diary of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982). The full text of her diary can be found online at Dorothy's Idaho Diaries and is updated daily, exactly 50 years to the day after it was originally written. The family at the time lived on a 40-acre farm in the Deer Flat area south of Nampa, Idaho.
Mon, Dec 21. I came home from work & took Dean & Dale over to Grange hall to practice their Xmas programe then Kay & Jackie & I went to Nampa to bank & paid taxes then we went to Nyssa to take Gail a Xmas tree but they already had one.
Tues, Dec 22. I came home from work & took little Kids to school. little Kids got out at 2: & Kay went & got them. Gene came home with Ivard at 4: & Ray came on bus, they don't go back until after New Years. Me, Ray & little Kids went in to church to Xmas programe & Santa Clause.
Wed, Dec 23. I came home from work. We are off for next 5 nites. I went to bed until noon then Kay Ray & I went to town & Ray did his Xmas shopping & I finished most of mine & Kay got Claudias present. Ivard went down basement & painted Jackies cup board for Xmas. Gene did chores & killed turkey for Ivard to clean in the morning.
Thurs, Dec 24. I wrapped presents & Ivard cleaned turkey then at 2: Ivard & I took Kay over to Claudias in Pick-up & we went on over to Ontario to G. & B. & got desk for Gene & Ray & a ward robe for Jackie then we picked Kay up at 4: & came to Nampa & got Dean & Dales dresser & finished up our shopping. Ray had work done & supper ready & we ate & they did chores & got to bed early. Then Ivard & I played Santa Clause & we were to bed by 10:30.
Fri, Dec 25. Gene got up & milked & I put turkey on & Ivard took moves of all the presents & tree then we got Kids up & opened presents. Had a good Xmas. We played games & put a puzzle together. Gail - Lynda & Kids came about 2: & opened their presents & gave us ours. We ate about 4:, turkey sandwiches, olives, pickles, salad ect. fruit cocktail & fruit cake. Gene went home with Gail for few days, left at 5: Kay went over to Claudias then brought her over here about 10:
Sat, Dec 26. I got up & made Ivards lunch & he went to work at 7:30 A.M. I went back to bed. Ray got up & milked. I got up at 10:00 & washed cloths all day & played games with Kids.
Sun, Dec 27. Sara called & said Stella, Jack & Aunt Esther were in wreck Xmas eve. Aunt Esther was killed outright & Jack died this morning. Stella isn't too bad.
6 What in the world
Bowl games
BYU will be playing against Oregon State this week in Las Vegas on Tuesday, December 22. Utah will be playing the next night against Cal in the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego on Wednesday, December 23. And Boise State will be playing against TCU in the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona on Monday, January 4.
7 A final word
The Christmas story, as told in the book of Luke, tells of Joseph and Mary traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem and, while they were there, Mary bringing forth her firstborn son and laying him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn (see Luke 2:4-7; emphasis added).
Each of us, some two thousand years later, plays the role of innkeeper. Each of us decides whether there is room for Him in our hearts and in our lives.
What? you may say. No room for Jesus?
Yet, we may unwittingly, unconsciously leave no room for Him because of the cares of daily living, the very busy-ness of our lives, especially at this hectic season of the year.
If we ignore the needy and less fortunate, the lonely and suffering, the aged and the children, or those whom Jesus referred to as the least among us (see Matthew 25:40), then we are saying we have no room for Him.
If we fail to keep His commandments (see John 14:15), which center in loving and serving God and in loving and serving our neighbor (see Matthew 22:36-40), then we are saying we have no room for Him.
If we forget to take time to ponder and pray and to thank Him for His abundant blessings and tender mercies (see D&C 59:21), then we are saying we have no room for Him.
As the final verse of one of our beloved carols, "O Little Town of Bethlehem," reminds us,
How silently, how silently
The wondrous give is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of his heav'n.
No ear may hear his coming;
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him, still
The dear Christ enters in.
Our Christmas wish is that our inns will not be too full and that we will allow the dear Christ to enter in.
Each of us, some two thousand years later, plays the role of innkeeper. Each of us decides whether there is room for Him in our hearts and in our lives.
What? you may say. No room for Jesus?
Yet, we may unwittingly, unconsciously leave no room for Him because of the cares of daily living, the very busy-ness of our lives, especially at this hectic season of the year.
If we ignore the needy and less fortunate, the lonely and suffering, the aged and the children, or those whom Jesus referred to as the least among us (see Matthew 25:40), then we are saying we have no room for Him.
If we fail to keep His commandments (see John 14:15), which center in loving and serving God and in loving and serving our neighbor (see Matthew 22:36-40), then we are saying we have no room for Him.
If we forget to take time to ponder and pray and to thank Him for His abundant blessings and tender mercies (see D&C 59:21), then we are saying we have no room for Him.
As the final verse of one of our beloved carols, "O Little Town of Bethlehem," reminds us,
How silently, how silently
The wondrous give is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of his heav'n.
No ear may hear his coming;
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him, still
The dear Christ enters in.
Our Christmas wish is that our inns will not be too full and that we will allow the dear Christ to enter in.
Monday, December 14, 2009
1 The years speed by
Charles Batt (1861–1949) married Eliza Brazier in England before they accepted the restored gospel, joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and immigrated to America. Most of his history details their life after they came to Utah. This is the fifth of six installments (see Batt & Lee Ancestors, 21–22). Charles was the father of William B Batt (1888–1959) and the grandfather of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982).
Things brightened up for the Batt family. Charles had a steady job at the college with a regular paycheck. They had a garden, fruit trees, a cow, a pig, and some chickens. Before President Sanborne left Logan and the college, he traded Charles the hill he had homesteaded for the house and the lot the Batt family had lived in that belonged to him, Mr. Sanborne.
The family worked hard together, Charles at his job and keeping up a garden at home, Eliza washing for the college and for students. She also cooked at the college for special dinners, helped supervise the cooking classes for Mr. DeCoty, and was the first matron at the college. Mother Batt took care of the children so Eliza could work at the college. Harry, Charles's lame brother who had been a cripple from childhood, had a job herding buffalo on an island in Salt Lake.
While Charles and Eliza were living in the adobe house, five more children were born to them—Pearl, born July 24, 1891; Ruby, born November 17, 1892; Myrtle, born August 15, 1894; Charles Gladstone, born August 16, 1896; and Morley Brazier, born September 2, 1899. The house had been added on to with this many children. Two bedrooms, a large kitchen, and a room for Mother Batt and Harry had been added to the original house.
The family moved to a nice home on College Hill, and it was here that their last child was born. Melvin Alford was born on January 17, 1902, making a total of nine children for this wonderful couple.
Farming was tried once again. The Batt family moved to Idaho for about a year but discovered that farming really wasn’t for them. They moved back to Logan and back into the Fifth Ward, where they had lived for so long.
The Neilson family and the Batt family always remained good friends and neighbors. Eliza Neilson did sewing for all the babies in the Batt family. She also made their Sunday-best clothes for years.
Charles was at the Agricultural College [now Utah State University] for 54 years. He was always faithful and did his work well, making and retaining many fine friends through the years.
An ardent Church member, Charles held many Church positions in the Logan Fifth Ward and in the Cache Stake, including chorister in 1891, stake choir in 1890, assistant stake Sunday School chorister, president of the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association, president of the Sixth Quorum of Elders, second counselor to Bishop John Quincy Adams for years, chairman for the old folks committee for several years, and a faithful ward teacher.
The youngest child of Charles and Eliza contracted the influenza in January 1919 and died on the eighth. The whole family greatly felt the loss of young Melvin. His parents, being the faithful people they were, were consoled with the thought of being with him again in the next world.
Things brightened up for the Batt family. Charles had a steady job at the college with a regular paycheck. They had a garden, fruit trees, a cow, a pig, and some chickens. Before President Sanborne left Logan and the college, he traded Charles the hill he had homesteaded for the house and the lot the Batt family had lived in that belonged to him, Mr. Sanborne.
The family worked hard together, Charles at his job and keeping up a garden at home, Eliza washing for the college and for students. She also cooked at the college for special dinners, helped supervise the cooking classes for Mr. DeCoty, and was the first matron at the college. Mother Batt took care of the children so Eliza could work at the college. Harry, Charles's lame brother who had been a cripple from childhood, had a job herding buffalo on an island in Salt Lake.
While Charles and Eliza were living in the adobe house, five more children were born to them—Pearl, born July 24, 1891; Ruby, born November 17, 1892; Myrtle, born August 15, 1894; Charles Gladstone, born August 16, 1896; and Morley Brazier, born September 2, 1899. The house had been added on to with this many children. Two bedrooms, a large kitchen, and a room for Mother Batt and Harry had been added to the original house.
The family moved to a nice home on College Hill, and it was here that their last child was born. Melvin Alford was born on January 17, 1902, making a total of nine children for this wonderful couple.
Farming was tried once again. The Batt family moved to Idaho for about a year but discovered that farming really wasn’t for them. They moved back to Logan and back into the Fifth Ward, where they had lived for so long.
The Neilson family and the Batt family always remained good friends and neighbors. Eliza Neilson did sewing for all the babies in the Batt family. She also made their Sunday-best clothes for years.
Charles was at the Agricultural College [now Utah State University] for 54 years. He was always faithful and did his work well, making and retaining many fine friends through the years.
An ardent Church member, Charles held many Church positions in the Logan Fifth Ward and in the Cache Stake, including chorister in 1891, stake choir in 1890, assistant stake Sunday School chorister, president of the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association, president of the Sixth Quorum of Elders, second counselor to Bishop John Quincy Adams for years, chairman for the old folks committee for several years, and a faithful ward teacher.
The youngest child of Charles and Eliza contracted the influenza in January 1919 and died on the eighth. The whole family greatly felt the loss of young Melvin. His parents, being the faithful people they were, were consoled with the thought of being with him again in the next world.
2 Quote of the week
The Christmases we remember best generally have little to do with worldly goods, but a lot to do with families, with love and compassion and caring. . . .
For many people, "overdoing it" is especially common at this time of year. We take on too much for the time and energy we have. Perhaps we don't have enough money to spend for those things we feel we must purchase. Often our efforts at Christmastime result in feeling stressed out, wrung out and worn out during a time when instead we should feel the simple joys of commemorating the birth of the Babe in Bethlehem. . . .
Real joy comes as we show the love and compassion inspired by the Savior of the world.
For many people, "overdoing it" is especially common at this time of year. We take on too much for the time and energy we have. Perhaps we don't have enough money to spend for those things we feel we must purchase. Often our efforts at Christmastime result in feeling stressed out, wrung out and worn out during a time when instead we should feel the simple joys of commemorating the birth of the Babe in Bethlehem. . . .
Real joy comes as we show the love and compassion inspired by the Savior of the world.
— President Thomas S. Monson (at First Presidency Christmas devotional, Dec. 6, 2009; quoted in Church News, Dec. 12, 2009, 3)
3 This week in our family
As of today, 11 days until Christmas!
Mon, Dec 14: James died 1999 [Dean]
Tues, Dec 15: Chad & Melissa married 1994 [Kay]
Wed, Dec 16: Kira's birthday [Dale]
Thurs, Dec 17: Ivard & Dorothy married 1934
Fri, Dec 18: Shandi Cleverly-Burdett's birthday [Lyle]
Sat, Dec 19: Brian & Kate married 2003 [Gail]
Sun, Dec 20: Brandon & Nicole married 1997 [Kay]
Sun, Dec 20: Adria Janelle Kersker's birthday [Lyle]
Mon, Dec 21: First day of winter
Mon, Dec 21: Next issue of newsletter
Mon, Dec 14: James died 1999 [Dean]
Tues, Dec 15: Chad & Melissa married 1994 [Kay]
Wed, Dec 16: Kira's birthday [Dale]
Thurs, Dec 17: Ivard & Dorothy married 1934
Fri, Dec 18: Shandi Cleverly-Burdett's birthday [Lyle]
Sat, Dec 19: Brian & Kate married 2003 [Gail]
Sun, Dec 20: Brandon & Nicole married 1997 [Kay]
Sun, Dec 20: Adria Janelle Kersker's birthday [Lyle]
Mon, Dec 21: First day of winter
Mon, Dec 21: Next issue of newsletter
4 Bits and tidbits
Lyle's family
Keri reported on December 7: "Joseph's football team [the Lynden Lions] won the state championship for the 2nd year in a row. He is extremely happy!! Now it is on to wrestling. We are all proud of Joseph and his teammates for this great accomplishment!! They only had one loss this year and it was their first game. They ended up having to play that team again in the district playoffs and beat them."
Kay's family
Kay and Karen posted from Peru on December 12: "Charo, our mission foot doctor, invited us to dinner today. We had a fun visit and a very fun time. Charo is not a member of the Church, but she has the Book of Mormon and has attended our meetings. I am trying to talk her in to letting us teach her the lessons. She is Catholic but is such a nice person she might as well be a member. Her sister is a member and lives in our Magdalena ward."
Andrea posted on December 7: "Saturday I got a call from my nephew Easton asking me if I could take him shopping to get his Mom and Dad's Christmas presents. Soon as he got his room cleaned we headed out. I had so much fun he had so many ideas of what to get them. I found out that he thinks his Mom and Dad are big fans of cheetah print things. (Colle, is there a wild side I don't know about, hee hee!) After our first store he had decided that he wants to do this with me every year for the rest of his life. I hope I coached him enough on what to say when his Dad tries to trick him into telling what we got.
Nicolle posted on December 8: "As a kid I loved all the traditions we had as a family, now that I have started my own family I love getting to do some of the same and new traditions. Last year Easton and I made some ornaments together. I have decided that I am going to do this every year. Go here to read more and see pictures of their ornaments and gingerbread houses (really made out of graham crackers).
Keri reported on December 7: "Joseph's football team [the Lynden Lions] won the state championship for the 2nd year in a row. He is extremely happy!! Now it is on to wrestling. We are all proud of Joseph and his teammates for this great accomplishment!! They only had one loss this year and it was their first game. They ended up having to play that team again in the district playoffs and beat them."
Kay's family
Kay and Karen posted from Peru on December 12: "Charo, our mission foot doctor, invited us to dinner today. We had a fun visit and a very fun time. Charo is not a member of the Church, but she has the Book of Mormon and has attended our meetings. I am trying to talk her in to letting us teach her the lessons. She is Catholic but is such a nice person she might as well be a member. Her sister is a member and lives in our Magdalena ward."
Andrea posted on December 7: "Saturday I got a call from my nephew Easton asking me if I could take him shopping to get his Mom and Dad's Christmas presents. Soon as he got his room cleaned we headed out. I had so much fun he had so many ideas of what to get them. I found out that he thinks his Mom and Dad are big fans of cheetah print things. (Colle, is there a wild side I don't know about, hee hee!) After our first store he had decided that he wants to do this with me every year for the rest of his life. I hope I coached him enough on what to say when his Dad tries to trick him into telling what we got.
"Marshal had his final board of review this week he is officially an eagle just need to have the court of honor. At one point in the interview they had Chuck and I join them and it was really neat to here what these men had to say about him. I am a so proud of him he worked hard to get here. He learned a lot of lessons along the way and had a ton of fun. I am excited to see him take the challenge that was given to him to find one boy and make a difference in his life."
Nicolle posted on December 8: "As a kid I loved all the traditions we had as a family, now that I have started my own family I love getting to do some of the same and new traditions. Last year Easton and I made some ornaments together. I have decided that I am going to do this every year. Go here to read more and see pictures of their ornaments and gingerbread houses (really made out of graham crackers).
5 Our family 50 years ago
Excerpts from the May 1959 diary of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982). The full text of her diary can be found online at Dorothy's Idaho Diaries and is updated daily, exactly 50 years to the day after it was originally written. The family at the time lived on a 40-acre farm in the Deer Flat area south of Nampa, Idaho.
Mon, Dec 14. They brought the washer home this morning. Cost $53. to fix. I washed 2 batches & hung out. I went to bed at noon. Ray went ward teaching with Max.
Tues, Dec 15. I came home from work. I took Kids to school & ate & me & Jackie went to bed. I got up at noon & read my relief society lesson over & got ready & went to relief society. I gave my lesson today. Gene took pick-up to school so he'd have a way home from Game at Vale, got beat.
Wed, Dec 16. I hurried home from work & got ready while Ivard took little boys to school then I went to Nampa & picked up Mrs. Kotter, Mavis & Mrs Newland & I drove to Boise to Dr. Cudmore for my check up. I only lost 1 lb but it made 11 lbs for month I lost 2 in. on hips.
Thurs, Dec 17. Silver Wedding Ann. Ivard gave me a diamond ring set. Ivard & I went back to Nampa to Harmony Cafe & had supper, Shrimp. We were going to show but Gene & Ray didn't come home from school, game & practice, then they went to Mutual Xmas party. We came home & did chores & I laid off. We went to bed early.
Fri, Dec 18. Got anniversary card from Jerry. I got up & cooked Kids breakfast & Ivard took little boys to school then we wrapped presents & got Lyle & Mothers pkg. ready to mail & I went to town at noon to finish getting things for Jerrys pkg. then I went to relief society leadership meeting & social. I took Dean & Dale to do their Xmas Shopping.
Sat, Dec 19. Got pkg from Lyle. I came home in fog & nearly got hit. at 11: Gene got me up & we took 2 cows to Caldwell to sale. Came home & got most of my Xmas cards ready to mail & at 3:30 Dean & I took them in & mailed them.
Sun, Dec 20. I came home from work. I ate & went to bed. Gene had chores done & made hot cakes for Kids. None of them went to sunday school. Ivard & Kids put tree up after Ray changed everything around & cleaned good. I helped little Kids wrap Xmas presents & I wrapped some.
Mon, Dec 14. They brought the washer home this morning. Cost $53. to fix. I washed 2 batches & hung out. I went to bed at noon. Ray went ward teaching with Max.
Tues, Dec 15. I came home from work. I took Kids to school & ate & me & Jackie went to bed. I got up at noon & read my relief society lesson over & got ready & went to relief society. I gave my lesson today. Gene took pick-up to school so he'd have a way home from Game at Vale, got beat.
Wed, Dec 16. I hurried home from work & got ready while Ivard took little boys to school then I went to Nampa & picked up Mrs. Kotter, Mavis & Mrs Newland & I drove to Boise to Dr. Cudmore for my check up. I only lost 1 lb but it made 11 lbs for month I lost 2 in. on hips.
Thurs, Dec 17. Silver Wedding Ann. Ivard gave me a diamond ring set. Ivard & I went back to Nampa to Harmony Cafe & had supper, Shrimp. We were going to show but Gene & Ray didn't come home from school, game & practice, then they went to Mutual Xmas party. We came home & did chores & I laid off. We went to bed early.
Fri, Dec 18. Got anniversary card from Jerry. I got up & cooked Kids breakfast & Ivard took little boys to school then we wrapped presents & got Lyle & Mothers pkg. ready to mail & I went to town at noon to finish getting things for Jerrys pkg. then I went to relief society leadership meeting & social. I took Dean & Dale to do their Xmas Shopping.
Sat, Dec 19. Got pkg from Lyle. I came home in fog & nearly got hit. at 11: Gene got me up & we took 2 cows to Caldwell to sale. Came home & got most of my Xmas cards ready to mail & at 3:30 Dean & I took them in & mailed them.
Sun, Dec 20. I came home from work. I ate & went to bed. Gene had chores done & made hot cakes for Kids. None of them went to sunday school. Ivard & Kids put tree up after Ray changed everything around & cleaned good. I helped little Kids wrap Xmas presents & I wrapped some.
6 What in the world
Wintertime
Here in Utah it's been snowing. A lot. But at least the temperatures are a little higher. Not so bitter cold. But, then, I guess it is wintertime.
Here in Utah it's been snowing. A lot. But at least the temperatures are a little higher. Not so bitter cold. But, then, I guess it is wintertime.
7 A final word
This week's final word is from a thought-provoking comment Andrea [Kay's daughter] posted on her blog this past week
This last week was full of all kinds of fun adventures and lessons learned. Earlier in the week I had the opportunity to help my nieces decorate their house for Christmas, which was a lot of fun to see them in that role.
While I was there I had an interesting thing happen. My niece pulled out this decoration that used to be my Mom's. It was this Lenox Christmas tree that a really good friend of hers had given her. I never thought too much about it, but the minute Talia pulled it out of the box and showed it to me I could recall the excitement my mom had when she received it. The conversation her and I had about it and how much she loved this friend.
I still can't figure out why this memory became so strong to me, but it did give me much to contemplate about. It made me wonder if this friend of my Mom's has any idea of how much she meant to my Mom and if I express enough gratitude and love to my family and friends. I am hoping to make this a bigger priority this coming year. I am very grateful for all my family and friends and hope I can strengthen relationships this year and even repair a few.
A good reminder for us all.
This last week was full of all kinds of fun adventures and lessons learned. Earlier in the week I had the opportunity to help my nieces decorate their house for Christmas, which was a lot of fun to see them in that role.
While I was there I had an interesting thing happen. My niece pulled out this decoration that used to be my Mom's. It was this Lenox Christmas tree that a really good friend of hers had given her. I never thought too much about it, but the minute Talia pulled it out of the box and showed it to me I could recall the excitement my mom had when she received it. The conversation her and I had about it and how much she loved this friend.
I still can't figure out why this memory became so strong to me, but it did give me much to contemplate about. It made me wonder if this friend of my Mom's has any idea of how much she meant to my Mom and if I express enough gratitude and love to my family and friends. I am hoping to make this a bigger priority this coming year. I am very grateful for all my family and friends and hope I can strengthen relationships this year and even repair a few.
A good reminder for us all.
Monday, December 7, 2009
1 Sorrow strikes the Batt family
Charles Batt (1861–1949) married Eliza Brazier in England before they accepted the restored gospel, joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and immigrated to America. Most of his history details their life after they came to Utah. This is the fourth of six installments (see Batt & Lee Ancestors, 19–20). Charles was the father of William B Batt (1888–1959) and the grandfather of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982).
The next problem that faced Charles was moving his family from Lewiston to Logan. He loved his family and didn't want to be away from them. He looked all over Logan for a place to bring his family to, but he couldn't find anything. Finally, he went to President Sanborne and told him that he couldn't find a place for his family and he couldn't leave them in Lewiston. They had only sagebrush to burn there and they needed him.
The next day President Sanborne called Charles from his work and told him that he had some land with a one-room adobe house on it. He told Charles he could use the house and the ground for a garden if he would move his family to Logan, because they needed him for the work he was doing at the college. Needless to say, Charles was filled with joy and gratitude. He left at once for his family. It was a happy Batt family that moved to Logan and to the little adobe house. It was on the corner of what is known today as the corner of Sixth East and Sixth North.
Sickness struck shortly after their move to Logan. All three children became desperately ill. The baby Ernest wasn’t quite 15 months old when he passed away October 21, 1890. Doll and Bill were still very sick children at the time their little brother died. Charles and Eliza were saddened and had a great decision to make. Where were they going to get the money to bury their little son? Charles had not received his first paycheck from the college, and they didn't know anyone who could loan them the money. Charles decided to go see the undertaker and see what could be arranged. Eliza got on her knees and offered a humble prayer that things would work out.
Charles went to the Lindquist Mortuary and told Mr. Lindquist of his troubles. He said he would sign a bank note or anything Mr. Lindquist thought best. After hearing Charles's story of joining the Church in England and coming to America for the gospel, Mr. Lindquist told Charles he would not have to sign a note or anything else. He would take Charles at his word and knew he would pay him when he could. Mr. Lindquist had been a convert himself and had come to America too and knew how Charles felt.
While Charles was in Mr. Lindquist's office, a Mr. H. G. Hayball came in. Mr. Lindquist introduced them, telling Mr. Hayball that Charles was one of his countrymen and also a convert to the Church. Mr. Hayball and his brother owned a grocery store in Logan. Mr. Lindquist told Mr. Hayball that the Batt family needed some food. Mr. Hayball invited Charles to come with him and take home some groceries. Charles could pay him anytime.
Charles was so overcome by the kindness of these two men that he couldn't talk. Mr. Hayball asked Charles what part of town he lived in. When he found out, he told Charles to go see Mrs. Ross Neilson and to tell her that H. G. Hayball said to let him have some fresh milk for the sick children and that he'd make it good to her.
Charles took the groceries and went home. He found Doll feeling a little better, but Bill was still burning with fever and was a very sick little boy.
Charles took a small bucket and went in search of Mrs. Neilson. He told her who had sent him and why he wanted the milk. After hearing his story, Sister Neilson put a shawl over her, took a larger bucket, and got some milk. She also got some eggs and went home with him. Sister Neilson was not a woman of many words, nor very easy to get acquainted with, but she was a good Latter-day Saint who reached out her helping hand. After she talked to Eliza and Mother Batt and gave them some words of faith and comfort, she left. A short while later, she returned with her daughter and some material to make the burial clothes for Ernest. She sent George and June Neilson to help Charles dig the grave in the Logan cemetery.
The next problem that faced Charles was moving his family from Lewiston to Logan. He loved his family and didn't want to be away from them. He looked all over Logan for a place to bring his family to, but he couldn't find anything. Finally, he went to President Sanborne and told him that he couldn't find a place for his family and he couldn't leave them in Lewiston. They had only sagebrush to burn there and they needed him.
The next day President Sanborne called Charles from his work and told him that he had some land with a one-room adobe house on it. He told Charles he could use the house and the ground for a garden if he would move his family to Logan, because they needed him for the work he was doing at the college. Needless to say, Charles was filled with joy and gratitude. He left at once for his family. It was a happy Batt family that moved to Logan and to the little adobe house. It was on the corner of what is known today as the corner of Sixth East and Sixth North.
Sickness struck shortly after their move to Logan. All three children became desperately ill. The baby Ernest wasn’t quite 15 months old when he passed away October 21, 1890. Doll and Bill were still very sick children at the time their little brother died. Charles and Eliza were saddened and had a great decision to make. Where were they going to get the money to bury their little son? Charles had not received his first paycheck from the college, and they didn't know anyone who could loan them the money. Charles decided to go see the undertaker and see what could be arranged. Eliza got on her knees and offered a humble prayer that things would work out.
Charles went to the Lindquist Mortuary and told Mr. Lindquist of his troubles. He said he would sign a bank note or anything Mr. Lindquist thought best. After hearing Charles's story of joining the Church in England and coming to America for the gospel, Mr. Lindquist told Charles he would not have to sign a note or anything else. He would take Charles at his word and knew he would pay him when he could. Mr. Lindquist had been a convert himself and had come to America too and knew how Charles felt.
While Charles was in Mr. Lindquist's office, a Mr. H. G. Hayball came in. Mr. Lindquist introduced them, telling Mr. Hayball that Charles was one of his countrymen and also a convert to the Church. Mr. Hayball and his brother owned a grocery store in Logan. Mr. Lindquist told Mr. Hayball that the Batt family needed some food. Mr. Hayball invited Charles to come with him and take home some groceries. Charles could pay him anytime.
Charles was so overcome by the kindness of these two men that he couldn't talk. Mr. Hayball asked Charles what part of town he lived in. When he found out, he told Charles to go see Mrs. Ross Neilson and to tell her that H. G. Hayball said to let him have some fresh milk for the sick children and that he'd make it good to her.
Charles took the groceries and went home. He found Doll feeling a little better, but Bill was still burning with fever and was a very sick little boy.
Charles took a small bucket and went in search of Mrs. Neilson. He told her who had sent him and why he wanted the milk. After hearing his story, Sister Neilson put a shawl over her, took a larger bucket, and got some milk. She also got some eggs and went home with him. Sister Neilson was not a woman of many words, nor very easy to get acquainted with, but she was a good Latter-day Saint who reached out her helping hand. After she talked to Eliza and Mother Batt and gave them some words of faith and comfort, she left. A short while later, she returned with her daughter and some material to make the burial clothes for Ernest. She sent George and June Neilson to help Charles dig the grave in the Logan cemetery.
2 Quote of the week
My life cannot implement in action the demands of all the people to whom my heart responds.
— Anne Morrow Lindbergh
3 This week in our family
As of today, 18 days until Christmas!
Mon, Dec 7: Brian's birthday [Gail]
Tues, Dec 8: Aric's birthday [Lyle]
Tues, Dec 8: Dustin & Michelle Duay married 2002 [Gail]
Tues, Dec 8: Aaron Challis's birthday [Dean]
Wed, Dec 9: Chuck McAllister's birthday [Kay]
Sat, Dec 12: Ronnie's birthday [Gene]
Sat, Dec 12: Tanner Hoff born and died 1995 [Dean]
Mon, Dec 14: James died 1999 [Dean]
Mon, Dec 14: Next issue of newsletter
Mon, Dec 7: Brian's birthday [Gail]
Tues, Dec 8: Aric's birthday [Lyle]
Tues, Dec 8: Dustin & Michelle Duay married 2002 [Gail]
Tues, Dec 8: Aaron Challis's birthday [Dean]
Wed, Dec 9: Chuck McAllister's birthday [Kay]
Sat, Dec 12: Ronnie's birthday [Gene]
Sat, Dec 12: Tanner Hoff born and died 1995 [Dean]
Mon, Dec 14: James died 1999 [Dean]
Mon, Dec 14: Next issue of newsletter
4 Bits and tidbits
Kay's family
Kay reported on his blog on Wednesday, December 2: "On Sunday evening we had a special fireside in our Stake celebrating the fifty year reunion of the Andes Mission. I spoke, as did President Tyler, Isaias Bravo, and other early stalwarts." Read more here.
In another post on Saturday, December 5, he wrote: "Another change has come and gone. Just as we get close to these guys, they up and go home on us.
"Elder Bray is from North Carolina. His parents came down to pick him up and we want to thank them for bringing us a Honey baked ham that we will use for Christmas to feed the office staff, Tylers, and the assistants." Read even more here.
Dean's family
Our grandson, Miles Peter Halverson (son of Pete and Anna), was blessed and named by his father on Sunday morning, December 6, in the Crystal Heights 2nd Ward in Salt Lake City. Standing in the circle to assist with the blessing were members of Pete's family and some of Anna's family: her grandfather (Marvin Lange), her father (Dean Cleverly), her brother (Talmage), and two brothers-in-law (Cade Hoff and Vince Oveson). Miles is our 18th grandchild (12th grandson).
Kay reported on his blog on Wednesday, December 2: "On Sunday evening we had a special fireside in our Stake celebrating the fifty year reunion of the Andes Mission. I spoke, as did President Tyler, Isaias Bravo, and other early stalwarts." Read more here.
In another post on Saturday, December 5, he wrote: "Another change has come and gone. Just as we get close to these guys, they up and go home on us.
"Elder Bray is from North Carolina. His parents came down to pick him up and we want to thank them for bringing us a Honey baked ham that we will use for Christmas to feed the office staff, Tylers, and the assistants." Read even more here.Dean's family
Our grandson, Miles Peter Halverson (son of Pete and Anna), was blessed and named by his father on Sunday morning, December 6, in the Crystal Heights 2nd Ward in Salt Lake City. Standing in the circle to assist with the blessing were members of Pete's family and some of Anna's family: her grandfather (Marvin Lange), her father (Dean Cleverly), her brother (Talmage), and two brothers-in-law (Cade Hoff and Vince Oveson). Miles is our 18th grandchild (12th grandson).
5 Our family 50 years ago
Excerpts from the December 1959 diary of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982). The full text of her diary can be found online at Dorothy's Idaho Diaries and is updated daily, exactly 50 years to the day after it was originally written. The family at the time lived on a 40-acre farm in the Deer Flat area south of Nampa, Idaho.
Mon, Dec 7. I came home from work & read paper, ate & washed my bed & hung out & did a batch of blankets then I went to bed. Ray milked. Ray went ward Teaching then went up to Max's to practice a play. Ivard - Dean & Dale went to Parma to watch Gene lay ball. Nampa won.
Tues, Dec 8. I came home from work & read paper & Ivard took little boys to school. I went to bed until 11:15 then I got ready & went to bank then went to relief society work day & Xmas programe. They were just eating when I got there had a good dinner then I made a poinsetta plant out of a 7 string set of Xmas lights. Got Ray after school & he went & got his drivers licence.
Wed, Dec 9. I came home from work & read paper & went to bed. We got up at 3: & I started makeing pies. made 4 apple pies & 2 little ones & a pan of cinnamon rolls. Ray came home on bus & made pea soup.
Thurs, Dec 10. I came home from work & read paper & went to bed. I was so cold Ivard came to bed & got me warm. I got up at 2:15 & Gail & Lynda came & we went to Caldwell. Gail & Gene went in to high school at 6: & Ivard milked then all the rest of us went in & watched Gene play then Gail went home. Gene made 5 points.
Fri, Dec 11. Got birthday present & Xmas present from Mother.
Sat, Dec 12. I have tonite off & was only going to lay down a little while. It was 3: when I woke up. I wanted to go over to Gails but Ivard had to watch ball game on T.V. Ray had house cleaned & supper ready. Kay called & wanted money to pay his rent.
Sun, Dec 13. Gene, Ray, Dean & Dale went to priesthood, & sunday school. I went to bed in afternoon. We were watch "Wizzard of Oz." & power went off for 2 hrs. it made it too late to go to church. It was 8: before they could milk.
Mon, Dec 7. I came home from work & read paper, ate & washed my bed & hung out & did a batch of blankets then I went to bed. Ray milked. Ray went ward Teaching then went up to Max's to practice a play. Ivard - Dean & Dale went to Parma to watch Gene lay ball. Nampa won.
Tues, Dec 8. I came home from work & read paper & Ivard took little boys to school. I went to bed until 11:15 then I got ready & went to bank then went to relief society work day & Xmas programe. They were just eating when I got there had a good dinner then I made a poinsetta plant out of a 7 string set of Xmas lights. Got Ray after school & he went & got his drivers licence.
Wed, Dec 9. I came home from work & read paper & went to bed. We got up at 3: & I started makeing pies. made 4 apple pies & 2 little ones & a pan of cinnamon rolls. Ray came home on bus & made pea soup.
Thurs, Dec 10. I came home from work & read paper & went to bed. I was so cold Ivard came to bed & got me warm. I got up at 2:15 & Gail & Lynda came & we went to Caldwell. Gail & Gene went in to high school at 6: & Ivard milked then all the rest of us went in & watched Gene play then Gail went home. Gene made 5 points.
Fri, Dec 11. Got birthday present & Xmas present from Mother.
Sat, Dec 12. I have tonite off & was only going to lay down a little while. It was 3: when I woke up. I wanted to go over to Gails but Ivard had to watch ball game on T.V. Ray had house cleaned & supper ready. Kay called & wanted money to pay his rent.
Sun, Dec 13. Gene, Ray, Dean & Dale went to priesthood, & sunday school. I went to bed in afternoon. We were watch "Wizzard of Oz." & power went off for 2 hrs. it made it too late to go to church. It was 8: before they could milk.
6 What in the world
Winter has arrived
Snow has fallen in the Seattle area and across parts of Washington, Idaho, and northern Utah. Temperatures are colder than normal, more like January than early December. Snow even fell in the Houston area in Texas.
Bowl games
BYU will be playing against Oregon State in Las Vegas on December 22. Utah will be playing against Cal in the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego on December 23. Boise State will be playing against TCU in the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona on January 4.
Snow has fallen in the Seattle area and across parts of Washington, Idaho, and northern Utah. Temperatures are colder than normal, more like January than early December. Snow even fell in the Houston area in Texas.
Bowl games
BYU will be playing against Oregon State in Las Vegas on December 22. Utah will be playing against Cal in the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego on December 23. Boise State will be playing against TCU in the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona on January 4.
7 A final word
I concluded last week's newsletter with the hope that each of us might return home at the end of life with honors, celestial diploma in hand, to the loved ones who have gone on before and to our Heavenly Parents who sent us here.
President Ezra Taft Benson testified that "we once knew well our Elder Brother and His and our Father in Heaven. We rejoiced at the prospects of earth life that could make it possible for us to have a fulness of joy. We could hardly wait to demonstrate to our Father and our Brother, the Lord, how much we loved them and how we would be obedient to them in spite of the earthly opposition of the evil one.
"Now we are here. Our memories are veiled. We are showing God and ourselves what we can do. Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father and how familiar His face is to us" (Ensign, Dec. 1988, 6).
Wow! That is quite a thought. Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father in heaven and how familiar His face is to us.
President Brigham Young taught the same truth more than a century earlier: "He is the Father of our spirits; and if we could know, understand, and do His will, every soul would be prepared to return back into His presence. And when they get there, they would see that they had formerly lived there for ages, that they had previously been acquainted with every nook and corner, with the palaces, walks, and gardens; and they would embrace their Father, and He would embrace them and say, 'My son, my daughter, I have you again;' and the child would say, 'O my Father, my Father, I am here again'" (Journal of Discourses, 4:268).
President Ezra Taft Benson testified that "we once knew well our Elder Brother and His and our Father in Heaven. We rejoiced at the prospects of earth life that could make it possible for us to have a fulness of joy. We could hardly wait to demonstrate to our Father and our Brother, the Lord, how much we loved them and how we would be obedient to them in spite of the earthly opposition of the evil one.
"Now we are here. Our memories are veiled. We are showing God and ourselves what we can do. Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father and how familiar His face is to us" (Ensign, Dec. 1988, 6).
Wow! That is quite a thought. Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father in heaven and how familiar His face is to us.
President Brigham Young taught the same truth more than a century earlier: "He is the Father of our spirits; and if we could know, understand, and do His will, every soul would be prepared to return back into His presence. And when they get there, they would see that they had formerly lived there for ages, that they had previously been acquainted with every nook and corner, with the palaces, walks, and gardens; and they would embrace their Father, and He would embrace them and say, 'My son, my daughter, I have you again;' and the child would say, 'O my Father, my Father, I am here again'" (Journal of Discourses, 4:268).
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