2010 family highlights collage

A As always, an annual appraisal on our Poole adventures–the shortened version . . .
B Babies arrived in triplicate–baby boys born: Allen to Danica/Michael, Noble to Carissa/Jonathan, & Patrick to Jessica/Braden
C Child #2 Jeremiah arriving at Bryce & Heidi’s in March 2011will round out our bumper crop of baby boys!
D Did the happy dance each time a baby boy got here safely. (Total grandkids right now: 5 boys, 2 girls) Also did the happy dance when Heidi got her B.S. in Nursing.
E Everyone moved the same week: Bryce & Heidi from Maryland to North Dakota; Jessica & Braden from Chandler to Mesa; Carissa & Jonathan from Utah to Oregon for her to attend vet school (Gardiners did not move from Grantsville, UT).
F Feel sad that Patrick & Jeremiah each have different heart defects . . .
G Glad for great insurance, great doctors, and good prognoses for operable fixes . . .
H Hard to think about surgery on tiny ones, though.
I In high school now–that would be Maggie & Marcie–emphases on “IN”
J Just try to keep up with these two girls on land or in water!
K Kept very busy participating on the high school swim team–3-4 hours a day in the pool! (Marcie is also in JROTC; Maggie is also in orchestra and jazz band–and into DATING)
L Love watching our grandkids learn, grow, and become!! Love, love, love each one!
M Mixed in with all those grandkids are our own kids filling the roles of parents–and doing such a marvelous job of it–we do marvel at the whole process!
N Never a dull moment at this house–because we plan every school break full of going somewhere.
O Office still beckons to Greg–doesn’t have as much fieldwork as he used to. Still a happy water engineer & varsity coach!
P Put in lots of miles walking again this year–and wore out more shoes. (Colleen)
Q Quickened our pace on house projects–which made it feel like we moved out a couple of times, as well.
R Reunion in our town for 45 of our Hammon clan. Lots of fun & food over four days together!
S Sad that we were so busy supervising the food & fun that we didn’t take our usual photos!
T Took out two huge pine trees in the front yard, made a new little cozy patio, planted new landscaping.
U Undertook winter fun with a couple of used snowmobiles–we have the perfect groomed trails in the association where we have our mountain bunkhouse.
V Very sad to lose two great friends to cancer (June Pope & Lela Phillips)–enjoyed lots of great visits with them as they got closer to their graduations from mortality.
W Wishing you a Merry Christmas–please know of our genuine love for you
X XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Y You make our lives meaningful and happier–we learn much through our associations with you.
Z Zany, zealous, zuberific–those are words describing the kind of year we hope you make for yourselves in 2011!


Please know of our genuine appreciation for the influence our friends and family have made upon our lives. We love you!

Winners & Losers (as taught by Mrs. Betty Ellis)

AM I A WINNER OR A LOSER??
WINNERS ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY (When they make a mistake they say, "I was wrong")
LOSERS: Reject responsibility--blame others (They say, "It wasn’t my fault.")

WINNERS: ACCEPT ACCOUNTABILITY (Would rather blame themselves than others--but they don’t waste much time on any kind of blame)
LOSERS: GIVE ACCOUNTABILITY TO OTHERS (blames "politics" or "favoritism" for their failures)

WINNERS: TALK ABOUT IDEAS
LOSERS: TALK ABOUT PEOPLE AND THINGS--GOSSIPS

WINNERS: CONTROL THEIR THINKING--ACTS!!
LOSERS: LET OTHERS CONTROL THEIR THINKING--ALWAYS REACTING

WINNERS: MANAGE "SELF"
LOSERS: LET OTHERS MANIPULATE THEM

WINNERS: CONTINUE TO LEARN
LOSERS: WATCHES TV A LOT

WINNERS: DWELL AND LOCK ONTO PAST WINS & PICTURES WHAT THEY WANT TO BE AND HAVE--MOVE TOWARD IT
LOSERS: DWELL AND LOCK ONTO PAST LOSSES AND FAILURES. PICTURES WHAT THEY WANT TO AVOID, AND THEN MOVE TOWARD IT ANYWAY.

WINNERS: ARE DIRECTED TOWARD POSITIVE GOALS
LOSERS: DO NOT HAVE GOALS (or--they are directed toward negative goals.)

WINNERS: HAVE GOALS IN WRITING
LOSERS: HAVE NOTHING IN WRITING

WINNERS: MAKE COMMITMENTS
LOSERS: MAKE PROMISES

WINNERS: STAY FOCUSED
LOSERS: LET MINDS WANDER

WINNERS: HAVE POSITIVE ATTITUDES
a. Produce new ideas
b. Expect change to take place
(They say "There ought to be a better way to do this.")
LOSERS: HAVE NEGATIVE ATTITUDES
a. Stomp on your new ideas and most new ideas
b. Are change-resistant (They say, "That’s the way it’s always been done.")

WINNERS: THINK OF FAITH AND HOPE--OPTIMISTIC!! ("Why it can be done.")
LOSERS: THINK PESSIMISTICALLY ("Why it won’t work.")

Mrs. Ellis -- a bright light in Heaven

Today I learned that one of my favorite mentors has "graduated" from mortality. She taught all four of our older "kids" at Vista Elementary. We liked her so much that after we moved from Vista's boundaries, we made arrangements for Carissa to attend that school for 5th grade anyway, and I drove her back and forth.

One of my favorite things she taught was the difference between winners and losers. She was quick to help the kids understand the difference! It contains information that a lot of adults still don't have a handle on! (see next post)

It was Mrs. Ellis who helped Bryce through a miserable sixth grade year--even though he wasn't in her class. She would have him come to her and pick up packets of interesting things to research, because his teacher wasn't teaching--just talking all day. It was Mrs. Ellis who encouraged me to speak up on what was going on in that sixth grade classroom. It was Mrs. Ellis who encouraged me and helped me understand the kind of parent I needed to be for each of those four kids.

One of my favorite memories of Mrs. Ellis would happen on the playground. I would be doing my morning walk near the school property, and I would see a bunch of kids running around the perimeter of the playground. She would be with them, in her dress and wearing her lovely running shoes. She had encouraged them to participate in a program called Golden Sneakers--and she was helping them get their miles in so they could all earn it.

We stayed in touch over the years. She was ever proud of the accomplishments of the four older Poole's. She came to the Eagle Court of Honor, and she attended as many wedding receptions as she could--always sending a note of thanks for being remembered. At Christmas, she loved to hear about what our kids were up to--even the two she hadn't met. We would email back and forth, and I knew she was still attacking each day with energy and cheerfulness.

I knew her husband had been in need of caregiving recently, but when I learned of Mrs. Ellis' passing, I was surprised. I will miss her, but I know Heaven is a brighter place with her there!

Here is her obituary:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.asp?n=betty-davis-ellis&pid124080053

Betty Davis Ellis 1936 ~ 2010 Our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Betty Davis Ellis, passed away peacefully and gracefully on April 20, 2010 in Salt Lake City, Utah.She was born on July 23, 1936 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Clarence Sidney and Myrtle Camomile Davis. She married her sweetheart, Jede Neil Ellis, in the Salt Lake Temple on June 22, 1961. She graduated from BYU with a degree in Elementary Education and influenced many lives during her teaching career of 20 years. She was awarded "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" five times. Music played a large role in her life and she passed this love on to her family. She directed many choirs and was never happier than when she and Jede were playing organ and piano duets. They shared their talents playing for many funerals and other occasions. Her greatest joy in life was her family. She was our greatest advocate and devoted her entire life to serving us all. Because of her love, all with whom she came into contact were strengthened and knew they could be better. She had a tremendous gift of seeing and responding to what people needed and was without guile. She and Dad provided a loving and nurturing home where the Spirit of the Lord was present, and everyone that entered felt loved. She loves the Savior, Jesus Christ, and follows His example, and she taught her children and grandchildren to do likewise. She lives by His teachings and truly has His image in her countenance. She was an avid family history researcher and consultant and assisted many people in learning of their heritage. She served an LDS mission with her husband in the Virginia Richmond Mission and played the organ in the Salt Lake Temple for 10 years. She faithfully served in numerous stake and ward leadership and teaching positions. Betty is survived by her husband, Jede; children: Diane (Merritt) Andrus; Lori (Arturo) Soza; Gary (Heidi) Ellis, 12 grandchildren, Katie, Becky, Jeff, Jenny, Abby, Eric, Christopher, Amy, Taylor, Emma, Addy, Grace, and sisters, Marilyn (Von) Warner and Beverly (Dan) Beal. We love you dearly and look forward to a joyful reunion. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 24, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Olympus 3rd Ward, 4100 S. Camille Dr. (2485 E.) in Holladay. A viewing will be held on Friday, April 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Olympus 3rd Ward and on Saturday prior to the funeral services from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Interment, Larkin Sunset Gardens. Online condolences at http://www.larkincares.com/

Noble video #3

Sorry I lost the sound when I used MuveeMaker to split my file into two chunks. I'll get smarter at starting and stopping my camera often so I don't have large files. You'll still enjoy the pics, though!

Noble video #2

Noble says hello to all the fam--no matter how far . . .

I'm sure Carissa and Jonathan will have better pics and videos than the ones I took with my little camera--but I do have these in my possession, so that's what you get to see today. With Greg's help, we might get these videos to post. Here is the smallest one I have. I'll try to figure out how to split my other one so I can post it in two pieces. Wish me luck!

"Birthday, birthday, coming to Earth day . . ."

My favorite face shot of Noble! He's a great combination of Jonathan's and Carissa's newborn pics!

Daddy & Noble chillin'

Love this one!

Check out those beefy legs! Jonathan gives such gentle pats waiting for a burp . . .

Another of my favorites! I've decided one great thing about first babies is that I get to spend Grandma time with just them for a while. It was nice getting to go to the hospital this morning--even though I slept through the phone call at 11:30 last night!

Noble Cade Jones arrived safely last night, weighing in at 8 lb 1 oz and measuring 21 inches long. I got to see him and hold him today, and he is so cuddly and relaxed. For a long time (about an hour) he just looked around at the world. He didn't fuss or squirm or even move really--just chilled with me. I loved it!

I always remember too late that the first pictures I upload get put at the bottom of the post. Sorry, Jonathan. My favorite pics were of you and Noble--and I wanted them to be at the top of the post!

Excitement is building (scratch building & insert "growing") at the Jones'

I bought a digital scrapbooking program a couple of months ago, and I just barely took it out of the package. I really dislike learning new computer programs, but for a first attempt at making a poster without using a template, this made me happy! I started out thinking I would make a birthday card for Carissa, but it ended up being a Grandma-is-excited-to-meet-Baby-Noble poster! Hopefully, I will learn more as time goes on--and I am very excited about the possibilities!

Our cute pkg from Heaven!!

I've been in Grantsville with Sarah, Stewart, and Mikaela Monday and Tuesday--and I didn't take any email addresses with me. I could use my gmail account on Danica's Mac, but not very well. I'm pretty Mac illiterate!
Danica was scheduled to have her C-section on April 1 and her due date wasn't until April 8. HOWEVER, this cute little baby boy decided his own arrival date, and he came yesterday! He weighed 7 lb and is 19.5 inches long. He has blondish light brown hair. His fingers and toes are long, and he's healthy and perfect!

Danica will probably get to go home on Thursday. Her kids will be out of school for a week so there won't be any pressure to get them ready for school in the mornings. There will be the constant supervision required, however.

Sarah has been so good. She stayed with me the past two days and coached me on every move. She told me she wants to be a good helper for her Mom and she likes to surprise her. She was terrific at noticing things she could do like clearing and washing the table or picking up things on the floor. She's only 8--and I was impressed!

Stewart has been so excited to finally be getting a brother! He can hardly wait for him to grow fast and become a playmate. He misses his Mom a lot and can't wait until she is back at home.

Mikaela was surprised at how heavy Allen is--and very happy to touch and kiss and caress him tonight at the hospital. This morning, she perused the five pictures of Allen we had on the computer up close and personal. She would zoom in and check out every nook and cranny--over and over and over! She's excited to be her Mommy's helper, too.

Danica and Michael are doing well. Danica is still on pain killers (C-section), so the baby is pretty sleepy. I have heard him crying over the phone--or squeaking if he's just sleeping. Danica said he snores--and she's glad she has a nursery for him. We're all excited to get to know him and love him more!! Welcome to Earth Life, Little Buddy!

Sunday, March 21, Maggie's Birthday!

Sixteen candles! What a happy day for a teenager!

Maggie pondering what wish to make . . .

Our two April baby boys just "hanging out" as Danica would say.
(Jessica send me a pic of you so I can insert it here--you can choose at what stage of your pregnancy!)

This Grandma is uber-excited about having three daughters pregnant at the same time. Jessica is in Phoenix, so we get fewer photo ops with her. Carissa reminded me that it was fortunate that I took these pics Sunday evening. Monday morning, Danica went into labor! Carissa is due on April 21 (her birthday).

And this baby makes THREE . . .

Jessica and Braden have now gone public about their baby "Pedro" who will be joining their family in September. They are uber-excited. She just told her co-workers on Friday and she's already finished the first trimester.

We are uber-happy about having three little boys join our cast of "littles" this year. I am thinking I should start stocking up on little boy activities. I also wish that there will be times when we can actually get these three little boys together. Won't they be a dynamite trio of fun?

p.s. Sorry, Carissa, I really love the 4D sonograms--I know you don't.

another p.s. All of this talk about babies set me up for an interesting dream the other night. Greg and I adopted a baby! Maggie and Marcie thought that was hilarious!

These are a few of my favorite things . . .

These cute little crocus flowers and are blooming right by our driveway, and the tulips are stretching up out of the cold, wintry soil. I greet them several times each day now. Welcome Spring! I've been waiting for you!!

Snow, Glorious Snow!

We just got home from a short hop to the mountains with Maggie and Marcie and Sarah, Stewart, and Mikaela. The weather was too perfect for words--that's the third time in a row that we have experienced warm, sunny playdays up there! I think Greg is hoping the weather will persuade me to relax when he wants to keep planning winter excursions. I so dislike slick driving conditions!

This was a bit of a serendipity experience since we had been undecided all week about whether we would actually go. There were lots of reasons not to go, but Greg was undeterred. In the end, we asked Danica if we could take her kids with us so that she and Michael could attend the temple. And in the end, it turned out to be a very good thing. We didn't leave until afternoon on Friday--and by then a winter storm had just passed. We had two feet of new snow at our playhouse.

The association water pipes are still frozen, so we melted snow to use for flushing toilets. We took drinking water in with us. I always have a good time once I get there--and I totally forget about all of the things I "should" have been doing at home. It's probably good therapy!

I didn't get my camera out much--but these pictures are some cute pics of the grandkids. It was so warm outside, they had a hard time coming inside for meals. If a snowmobile started up, Mikaela was there with her helmet on in a flash. They all love to ride in the sled. With four drivers, there is no lack of someone to take them out for a ride!

p.s. Don't tell that we didn't try to stop them from eating snow!!

BONUS!! When we got back to Taylorsville, Danica and Michael had a nice dinner all ready for us. Usually coming home is a bit of a drain and we're all tired and not wanting to fix a meal. Voile! It is very nice having "kids" that are adults now!!

A poem for my Mom!

I wrote this poem at the time of my Mom's death in 1994 (on my wedding anniversary). I haven't looked at it for a long time, but I got it out just now and decided to add it to my blog as I celebrate her life!

My Angel Babies

Of mine, there were nine--and six grew and married.
For them, I have pleasantly, patiently tarried.
Each of them carved a niche in my heart;
And for each of the six I have done my part
In teaching and training and leading the way,
In sharing and caring and loving each day.
I've prayed for them, laughed with them, cried with them, too--
And for years there was always too much to do--
In rearing the six--to dwell on the sorrow.
Besides there was always the hope that tomorrow
Would help me become all I needed to be
For the three angel babies who were waiting for me.

I've gone to the next car on the same train you're on.
You'll still feel my love even when I am gone.
I've shown you through faith--though the hardships were many--
That this life is hard but not for complaining. Not any
Price is too great if we want to be loyal
To God's plan for us--with its destiny royal.
For He is the gardener and we know all is planned;
We may even have known of the trials He'd send.
And just as our life had a birth or a starting--
From Glenn and the rest of you I'll be departing.
I have Grandmas and Grandpas and loved ones to see
And my three angel babies who've been waiting for me.

Gone is the wheelchair--gone is the pain.
Please remember I love you--and stay on the train.
We'll be close by all the days you are living
To cheer and to bless and to help you in giving
Your all to the task where you've been asked to bloom--
That's because I'd like no "empty chairs" in our "room."
Please look to the sunset wherever you live.
It, too, like the sunrise has beauty to give.
And in not many days we'll be united again--
My family, my friends, and my good husband, Glenn--
I'll be anxious to hug you and I'll ask to come greet
You, so our three Celestial children at last you will meet.

Happy 91st Birthday, Mom--I still miss you!

I found a couple of "ditties" that I thought described our Mom. The poem doesn't fit exactly the kinds of things I was interested in when young, but it does fit the kind of support she gave to each of her children. It's been 16 years since her "graduation" from mortality, and I must confess the magnetic pull from Heaven gets stronger with each passing year. I've learned so much about the love she gave me as I've gone through new lifestages myself--and I wish I could talk to her about those. I'm sure she would have some good advice and encouragement for me--she always did. I remember being quite frustrated, though, when I would ask for advice and get the answer, "I'm sure you'll do the right thing." I really wanted to hear her opinion! I'm also going to copy Darla's post at the bottom of mine--she's a really good writer and I agreed with everything she wrote about our Mom (Ethel Cramer Hammon).

"The noblest calling in the world is that of mother. True motherhood is the most beautiful of all arts, the greatest of all professions. She who can paint a masterpiece or who can write a book that will influence millions deserves the plaudits and admiration of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters whose immortal souls will be exerting an influence throughout the ages long after painting shall have faded, and books and statues shall have been destroyed, deserves the highest honor that man can give." --David 0. McKay


THE PEARL

My mother gave a precious gift
Imprinted on my soul.
She gave it to me quietly,
So I would never know.
She cheered me at my soccer games.
She let me paint and sing,
Watched me dance and be a gymnast,
Let me try most anything.
She made all of my costumes
When an actress on the stage.
She listened to me when I lost
And helped me turn the page.
She never said I couldn't.
She never thought I'd fail.
She cheered and stood beside me
As she let my heart set sail.
She gave to me the confidence
She felt she never had.
She gave to me the greatest gift
I never knew I had.

Anna M. Molgard© 2008 Faithsong Publications, L.L.C.This piece may be copied for noncommercial use.
http://faithsongmusic.com/go/More/thepearl.html

Here is Darla's blog entry
Saturday, February 20, 2010

Birthday Eve for my Mom
If Mom were still with us, still sitting in her wheelchair, still making the best cookies ever, still giving the best hugs ever, still asking about the kids and being interested in all the things they were doing, still muttleying on occasion, still crocheting in the sunny spot near the big picture window in the living room, still loving to hold the babies every chance she got, still the last person we talked to at night and the first person we saw in the mornings, still making the best ever food from scratch, still sewing pretty clothes for us, still caring for new baby lambs, calves, kittens, and piglets.... then it would be so great to see her with my eyes and hug her with my arms. And I would tell her I am sorry for all the things I did that made her sad. And I would tell her I love her very much. And I would sing her the Happy Birthday song.But she got to leave here and go back to Heaven 16 years ago. I'm so happy that she got to go where she doesn't feel so sick and weak all the time. I'm glad she gets to enjoy being with her parents and all her siblings and now about half of her children. I wonder if she can talk louder than her sweet whisper-voice. Maybe she is busy sewing new white dresses for the rest of us to wear in Heaven, if we get to go there. Hmmmmmmm..... I wonder. I'd better pay attention and do what is right.Happy 91st Birthday, Mom! I sure haven't forgotten You, and I sure miss You.

Today is my Dad's birthday!

I got this post half written this morning, and then I undertook more cleaning and de-stashing in our house. I fully planned to come back and tweak my entry a bit and then publish it tonight. I guess that was a bad idea. And since, M & M don't have YW tonight, I guess I shouldn't have saved this task for now.

Anyway, our Dad would have been 95 today--and it's been 15 years since he "graduated" from his earth life. My favorite thing to remember about him was that he lived life in a "content" way. He didn't wish for more or faster or better or farther--he just spent time contemplating the wonders of the world from his vantage point. He noticed lots of little things: striped rocks, foxtails, pheasants in the field, school buses getting closer to our house, flashing lights on the highway going towards Yellowstone (half mile west of our home), when his siblings' birthdays were--and they got a phone call, and if there was frosting on the cake. I irked him when I drove home thinking the power steering had gone out when I really had a flat tire. I also irked him when I backed the pickup into Dean Wickham's car after a ward dinner--I think I was 13! Oh my!

He asked me once how he had failed--and as evidence he said that all of his kids had moved far away. I told him he hadn't failed--he just made sure we all went to college. From there, we went where the jobs were. It was no reflection on him--in fact, most of us were sad that we couldn't get "home" more often for visits.

He had a dry wit and would often make soft comments that were truly funny--but not many heard them. Sometimes he would crack us up by doing something a little out of character--like leaning out the window and advising someone working near the side of the road that they were about to "lose" their "britches.

When he drove around the country, he always had one arm resting on the open window of the vehicle. That arm was lots tanner than the other arm. He also would steer a little more than he needed to as his eyes took in the big drink of countryside from horizon to horizon. He did not like freeways or big cities. He loved quiet outings for fishing--and he had several fishing buddies that could get him to commit--which meant milking the cows at 4 a.m. so he could be ready to go fishing. Then he would do the night milking after they arrived home from fishing. The cows probably didn't like those days so much!

Darla put a wonderful blog entry in her blog last night. I am going to copy it here so I don't lose it. Thanks, Darla!
Monday, January 25, 2010

Happy 95th, Daddy!
If Dad were still alive, he'd be 95 years old now. But he's already gone back to Heaven to be with Mom and lots of other people I love. I miss his large and gnarled hard-working hands. I miss his laugh when someone said something funny. I miss his big scoops of ice cream. I miss going to visit him, and taking a walk together around the farm buildings, he with his cane in hand. I only saw him cry a few times, but when Mom died, he sobbed endlessly for 7 months. I think he finally realized how much he loved her and depended on her. I hope he is healthier. I hope he doesn't have depression anymore. I hope he doesn't have to milk cows anymore. I hope he gets to go fishing with Uncle Milt sometimes... or at least TALK about going fishing together. I hope he is enjoying being with his parents, his siblings, Mom, and my 4 siblings who have died. I hope he knows I miss him. I hope he misses me. I hope I'm making him proud. When I am 95, I hope he and Mom will come and get me. :)

It's a small world--definitely!

On Friday, I went to a banquet in St. George with Greg with the City Engineers' Conference. At dinner, we sat by Russ and Kendra Seeley and figured out that Russ's ancestor, Justus Wellington Seeley, is also Greg's ancestor--so we're cousins at some level. That was fun! Russ is a talented, young engineer who works for Price City. Greg does lots of work in Price, so I'm sure they collaborate sometimes. I guess they hadn't talked about ancestry during their discussions on water--go figure.

Then after the dinner and awards, a program had been arranged. The emcee introduced "Cori Connor and her band." I hadn't heard of Cori before, but almost instantly, I felt drawn to her music. She writes her own songs, and before each song she gave a little bit of background information. I learned that she had grown up in Pittsburgh, PA, but that every summer she would go to Idaho to visit her mother's sisters. She talked a lot about Blackfoot, and she sang a wonderful song called "Idaho Wind." It was a sweet, nostalgic look at the constancy of the wind--she sure got that right.

At the end of the program, Maggie called on my cellphone to tell me that Natalie is pregnant, and I went outside so I could talk to her. It was raining hard, so I just hunkered next to the building between the restroom doors that were out there. Pretty soon, Cori Connors came out and walked by me. I wanted to say something to her, but Maggie was keeping me pretty involved sharing her feelings about Natalie's announcement. Pretty soon, Cori came back past me, and I paused to say I really enjoyed her music and that the ones about family and Idaho had been particularly to my liking. I told her that I was an Idaho girl myself. She turned back around and asked what town I was from in Idaho. I told her Ucon, and her fact lit up. She asked me if I knew the Miskins--which of course, I did!! I had spent a lot of time in the Miskin home as a young girl. She said Becky Miskin is her Aunt Becky. Then she asked me where I lived in Ucon, and I told her about a mile north of town. Then she asked me if I knew Tuckers. Yes, of course, I did. They were the next neighbor north of us, and I had also spent a lot of time in their home. She, apparently, had had a crush on Mark Tucker when she was 14, and used to sneak out at night to walk out to visit him (while she was visiting ID from PA).

The coincidences continued--it was kind of fun. I needed to email Cori to get her mailing address since we had purchased a CD after her performance but didn't have cash with us. She said, "no worries, just mail me a check--but take the CD." That seems like a bad business practice, but maybe it's worked out well for her.

So, I emailed Cori and asked for her mailing address--and I thanked her for the wonderful performance she had given. I also asked her permission to use some of her music in a slide show video that Greg is working on for the Hammon reunion I'm in charge of in June. Permission granted!

I told her that I once had a roommate from Pennsylvania. She asked who my roommate was. It turns out she knew the family. Her brother had dated Sandy's sister, Dixie. Cori had gone to high school with Sandy's younger brother, Richard.

I told her that a girl from Crowley Road (where I grew up north of Ucon) had married and gone to live in PA, but I wasn't sure where. Her name was Pat and he is Steve Beus. Cori wrote back to say that Steve had been her bishop and stake president and that Pat had been part of her inspiration in her love of music.

I looked for Cori on Facebook in the hope that I would know when she writes more music. There I discovered that she is friends with Tim Taggart, my former stake president. She later told me that Tim Taggart was her son's mission president and that they had toured the mission in England and sung for all of the missionaries. Cori had helped Gloria put plans in place for a wedding reception when Taggart's daughter got married.

I'm sure we have more crossover paths in our friendship circles. She talked about visiting Blackfoot, and I have a brother-in-law and a dear friend who grew up there. There probably are some links of commonality there, as well.

It certainly is a comfort to know that I have no regrets in my relationships with any of those people. On Facebook, I often see two people that I know also know each other. I don't know what their connection is, but it is there nonetheless--sometimes over long distances.

"But tomorrow, today is going to be yesterday; and I'd like to like where I've been." That was one of my favorite lines in a song called "Ice Cream." I liked the introspection that Cori's songs helped me to experience, and I hope my tomorrows are a string of yesterdays when I was where I wanted to be. I've certainly been blessed like that thus far in my life. Here is a link to Cori's music--and there are demos! I highly recommend her as a way to have some calm, mood-altering, reflective listening! www.coriconnors.com