EMMA MARGRETTE MARBLE ROMER
          (18 November 1918-24 September 2004)

Emma Margrette Marble Romer, daughter of Silas Andrew Marble and Mary Evaline Burbank. I was born In Deweyville, Utah, November 18, 1918, which was five days after the Armistice was signed for World War I. 
I was born on the "Sharp Farm" in the area of the bay window at 12 noon. Mother had hoped I would wait until the hired men left from the big meal, but that was when I was born! It was very cold. Glen said the slough was frozen solid, and they were ice skating when I was born. I was named after dad's sister, Emma Marble, and her daughter, Margrette Taylor. They bought me a gold bracelet and a ring one time when I was young. 
I was the sixth child born to the Marble family. I had three brothers and two sisters: Silas LaRain, Brigham Glen, Mary Vadis, Hyrum Austin and Lola E., who died at age two months with pneumonia, and myself. Because of Lola's death there were seven years between Hyrum and myself; so I really was the baby and didn't do too many things with the family. 
I was blessed by J. Ernest Dewey on January 10, 1919; he was the bishop at the time. I was baptized June 25, 1927, by B. Glen Marble and confirmed by Bishop Marion G. Perry, on July 3, 1927. 
I remember going with dad and the boys to milk the cows and riding with dad on the cultivator which was pulled by his mules. I also helped mother gather eggs. One time I found a whole nest of eggs with blue crosses on them. I came running to tell mother because I was so excited, but they were setting eggs mother had marked and put there to hatch! 
I remember going visiting teaching with mother with a one-seat buggy and horse and being pulled in a little wagon down to the garden (1/2 mile) to get fresh garden produce. I recall playing kick the can with Gus Burbank's boys and the Thomas Wheatley's. Also, we always had a big swing in the big popular trees. Sometimes Gus Burbank's family, and I took sleeping bags and slept on a hayrack down by the river. 
I also remember going to Brigham City in a horse-drawn sled in the winter. We had hot bricks to help keep our feet warm, but if we got too cold you could always get out and run to get warm. 
The well from which we pumped water was 1/2 block away. I recall one summer mother and I carried water to start the lawn on the other half of the front of the house. 
We always had hired men or relations at a big table and there always was plenty of food. I would often run over to play at Grandma and Grandpa Burbank's. I will never forget the two rows of white peonies with a touch of pink in the center. I spent a lot of time at Lettie and Gus Burbank's with their four sons; Lowell was a year older, Odell a year younger, and then Douglas and Kenneth. Whenever I went to their home I was included in what they were doing no matter what it was, doing dishes or pumping water to the new trees, but we always found time to play and make believe. Aunt Ida Etherington, dad's sister, would tend me sometimes and she always made me doll dresses and was so kind to me. 
Bebe Okada and his mother and father and the rest of their family lived very close. Mother always said I taught him English, but he never taught me Japanese. The Okada family's only girl died with a burst appendix. My mother cleaned the girl's body and bed for the family to view and made her a complete white outfit to be buried in. They gave her a China tea set from Japan for being so kind.
We always went to Sunday School as a family, and I went to Primary and MIA. I will never forget one of my first teachers was Etta Gardner. She taught me the song "Though your little eyes are blinded, your little ears can hear, so listen to this good morning and tell us who is here.” (She put a handky over one person's eyes.) 
Mother always had clean shoes and a dress set out for me on Saturday nights for church. I always had my bath and washed my hair on Saturday. Through the years my girls also got ready for Sunday on Saturday. 
I remember filling the bedding ticks with fresh straw after harvest. The bed would be 1 1/2 feet thick and you could make a nest in the middle to keep warm. 
Glen would go get the car ready on Sunday, and as he went out the door he would say, “I am honking two times than I am going,"· and he did just that! Once he left Vadis to walk. I also did this with my family of girls and after the first honk they would come flying out the back door. It was the only way we could get to Church on time. 
Being the youngest I would go to the dances with Mother and Dad at the Deweyville Church. They would square dance and do reels, for so long that when they got home Mom could ring water out of Dad's underwear. This is where I learned to dance. Glen would throw me up in the air, but one day missed, and I landed flat on the floor. 
Hy and I had our tonsils out when I was about five years old. He thought it was funny to make me laugh, but he hurt also. Mother tied a silver knife on our brass bed so we could call her. I was down five days, and he was longer. 
Vadis had a play house in a small room, and I would go mess it up for her. Then when it was mine I would straighten it, then I would go play with the boys. 
Hy took me to school my first day. He was in eighth grade, and I was in first. It was so exciting to go to school. It was there Cleo Marble and I became very good friends (cousins), I liked baseball, and I had all my height in the sixth grade. This was when Glen came from his mission from England. We met him at the train in Deweyville. Mother and Dad ran to meet him as he got off the train. I stood back holding Peggy Joyce Marble on one side and Vern Marble on the other, and he asked mother who I was. 
I had Frank Stevens for 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, and he taught me how to study. This made high school come easier. Mr. Stevens taught us to tap dance, sing and play baseball. We went to the Brigham City baseball tournament all three years; I played first base. 
During those years dad always had a pony for me to ride to bring the cows up from the river bottoms 1 1/2 miles away. 
I worked thinning and hoeing beets only one year, then dad bought a dry farm in Pocatello Valley. We moved to Grandma Marble's little home by the Deweyville School house when I was in the 8th grade. Then we moved to Tremonton when I was a sophomore in high school. 
I lived out at Pocatello Valley for four summers. I lived on a horse taking horses and cows to pasture. Mother and I milked nine head of cattle night and morning. During the harvest mother would get two and I would milk the rest. I met many new and lasting friends and enjoyed dancing at the Riverdale Church house. I also poisoned my share of squirrels on my pony around the big wheat fields. I also hoed weeds on the dry farm while on my pony. 
In 1925 I started high school. I loved school and was in the Glee Club and Opera. I also worked on the Prom and Senior Hop. I was F.H.A. Vice President. Mrs. Onita Shurtz taught me sewing for three years. I made some beautiful clothes. Little did I know I would be sewing for six girls! I graduated from four-year Seminary and High School in 1937. 
I met and went with Merlin when I was a sophomore in high school. Then we seemed to run into each other at the Crystal Springs in Honeyville, at dances. He took me to shows and a sandwich after the dance. We went to a lot of ward dances and would also shoot woodchucks and pheasants. He gave me a diamond my senior year on "Peach Days" ... such a good day. ”Peach Days” had been special since Grandma and Grandpa Burbank had moved to Brigham City. It was the day all the Burbank’s met there and enjoyed each other. "Peach Days" was always a "go to Grandma and Grandpa Burbank day.”
I married Merlin Junius Romer two weeks after graduation from high school. We went to the Salt Lake Temple and took out our endowments and were sealed to each other for time and all eternity on June 9, 1937, by George T. Richardson. Mother and Dad and Vadis and Merlin went to the temple. After, we went down to Ed and Minnie Richardson’s home and Donna Buck (my girlfriend) and Andrew and Margaret Romer (Merlin's parents) were there and we had a wedding dinner. 
We moved directly to the homestead in Elwood, known then as the Bill Woods farm. We bathed in a tin tub and had to run to the outhouse and pump the water. 
We went to San Francisco World's Fair for our honeymoon one year later. We were married in the depression years, and we didn't have much money. I raised chickens and pet lambs to sell to buy our underwear for the winter. We always seemed to have a dollar for groceries and a 25¢ show ticket each Saturday. 
The summer before my first baby was born Merlin had 50 acres of sugar beets. They were thinned and growing so beautiful and what happened? The white fly hit, and we were nearly wiped out. 
Our first girl was born July 19, 1940, and was named Lola. She was named after my sister who died. She was a beautiful baby girl. She was such a joy. She, being alone, would go play with Merlin's hunting dog, Sport. So then I would go call Sport and here the two of them would come. She would go with her Dad and grew up to be a Daddy's girl and helper. She loved cats and dogs and helped raise chickens. 
Our second girl, Linda, was born August 29, 1943. She was born the night before Grandpa Burbank died at Brigham City. Now I had two little "toe heads" to love and tend.  Lola the little mother and Linda the little baby. As Linda grew and the other babies came along, then she was the mother and they were the babies. She had a heart of gold. 
Angie C. Francom, my neighbor and life-long friend, and I taught the Gleaner class for two years. We had 12 girls and 8 of them received their Golden Gleaner awards. This was the first group in Elwood to do so. 
Our third girl was born January 20, 1946, Mary Ann. Such a darling baby with a little brown hair. I was disappointed that she wasn't a boy but only until she quit crying, then I wanted to know what was the matter? She weighed ten pounds when born and walked when she was ten months old. 
When she was about 9 years old she fell from a tree and knocked her three teeth out and took the gum from her front teeth. This in time took an orthodontist, money, and years to straighten and her front teeth did grow and she had pretty teeth again. She went to Brigham City to visit the orthodontist, and we could visit Grandma Romer.
It seemed that my place was the place to come to eat, and I was always fixing meals for everyone. About this time I turned into a taxi driver, living two miles from the Church. I was busy, but Merlin and I always saw that the children and the neighbor's children got to their meetings. This was when we put plumbing into the house. Before that, we pumped water and run out to the outhouse. Merlin also bought me an automatic washer that just saved my life; it was such a treasure. I always raised a big garden and canned all we didn't eat. One fall mother helped me one day, and we put up 50 2-quart bottles of peaches. I always had 600 quarts of fruit to start the winter. 
Our fourth girl was born August 7, 1948. We thought this was enough girls so we named her Merle after her Dad. She came when the older girls were bringing all the contagious diseases home, and she was always sick: whooping cough, measles, chicken pox, and somewhere along the line she got a strep throat and had rheumatic fever. I wore out one rocker rocking her to sleep. She really had dark brown hair and brown eyes to go with it. Because of the rheumatic fever I had to keep her down, and she spent a great deal of time crocheting doll dresses, blankets, and booties. Merlin bought the girls a piano and the girl that played the best got to keep it. Merle was the girl who received the piano. She always followed her Dad around. She was a daddy's girl. 
I went back into the Primary for four years, and I ended up teaching Linda, Mary Ann, and Merle in the Seagull Class (last class of Primary.) This made me closer to their friends and my home was always open to them. 
On June 2, 1951, my fifth daughter, Vickie, was born, another girl.  Blonde with brown eyes, she was bubbly and cheerful.  Her eyes crossed at 18 months and when she was three we had them operated on in Salt Lake City, and she has had beautiful eyes ever since. 
About this time I was working with the P.T.A. as Vice President, and we put in a tennis court for our school children. 
"Another girl, but we will love her," was what Merlin told the girls when Iva Romer was born July 30, 1955, early in the morning. I was sick during most of the pregnancy, and that was when I appreciated the older girls who helped me. Iva was a strawberry blonde and had green eyes. We spoiled her terribly. She loved to be outdoors and always had a cat and dog following her. In later years we got our patriarchal blessings together. 
On May 3, 1958, Lola married Clinton Ravsten. It was really a new experience to have a wedding. She had a lovely trousseau because her Grandma Romer and Grandma Marble did so many pretty things to help us out. Making the girls all new dresses was a new experience. She was married out on the lawn at home. Her reception was at the Elwood Church. 
Leslie Merlin Ravsten was born November 5, 1958, in the St. Benedicts’ Hospital in Ogden.  He had a great smile.  Lola was very sick and in the hospital for a month.  They moved their mobile home to Elwood and lived there that winter.
She and Tip lived at Crystal Springs at Honeyville, and they always seemed to come just when we needed someone to help us. She was her Dad’s right-hand man on the farm, whether it was trucking sugar beets or trucking cows or running a tractor. They bought Mother and Dad’s home in Tremonton. 
Grandpa Marble died March 17, 1961, coming from Mesa in their trailer. He turned on to a wrong road and got the trailer stuck. While he was digging out he had a heart attack and Mother was alone with him. She had to leave him with horses nearby and walk a mile to get help. It was so hard for her. 
I was in and out of mother’s two or three times a week, and Mary, Merle, and Vickie stayed with her for three years then she could stay alone. (Vickie says she stayed with Grandma the longest!)
Diana Marie Ravsten came into our lives October 6, 1960.  She was born in Brigham City and has brought so much joy to everyone.
On December 4, 1961, Linda married Dennis Shelton and another wedding was put together, and it was special. (Later divorced.) She had just completed Weaver Aviation School, Kansas City, Missouri. She was married in the Logan Temple. We decided to serve fruit cake at the wedding, so we made fruit cake and made fruit cake, but we enjoyed doing it. I had decided that with six girls I would make one of everything for their trousseau. So one quilt, dish towels, pillow cases, and other items. But mother made each one of the girl’s two quilt tops so each girl got three quilts making 18 quilts that I got ready for weddings. 
Denise Shelton was born September 18, 1962, in Brigham City, Utah. LouAnn Shelton was born September 11, 1964, in Brigham City also. It was a great joy to have them live in Garland.  They eventually moved to Idaho Falls, and this was a sad day for us. Dennis eventual went to school in Pocatello. 
At this time I was put into the Mutual as secretary for two years. Then Angie Francom asked for me to be the Relief Society Secretary. I served as secretary, treasurer, and historian for L.D.S. Relief Society for nine years. I worked hard on the history book. We handled a lot of money from Bazaars and cooking dinners. This helped prepare me for when I now keep my own books. 
It was during these years that Hy and Phyl and Merlin and I decided to enjoy Thanksgiving with each other and this we did for 7 years or until our families became too large. Before that we had Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Marble’s. It was at this time that my sister, Vadis, and I became close and enjoyed each other’s company. She was always pinning or fixing clothes for me. 
We went on fishing and hunting trips and trips to Salt Lake City to Christmas shop. Steaks were prepared for everyone on the Fourth of July, and "cutting cattle" on the Romer Bend made Merlin happy.
On February 2, 1968, Gary Anderson and Mary Ann were married in the Logan Temple. Mary Ann had graduated from St. Benedict's Hospital in Ogden as a registered nurse, and we had another lovely wedding and wedding reception at Elwood. She used all her sisters and nieces and nephew in the wedding and so many outfits to be made. She later got her baccalaureate from the University of Utah. (She also received her Masters from the U of U, and Doctorate in Colorado.) Gary Anderson died at age 29, of cancer, July 27, 1976. 
Margaret May “Maggie June” as Dad called her, was born May 30, 1969, in Pocatello, Idaho. Shane Dennis Shelton was born November 11, 1970, in Pocatello too. We enjoyed our trips to see them in Pocatello and absolutely loved their green car driving down our lane. These were the last two grandchildren Dad knew, and he loved them. He wanted to live to see more, but that wasn’t the plan.
Vickie was married to Garth Anderson June 1, 1973, in the Logan Temple. There was a beautiful reception at Elwood with so many friends to greet. She had graduated from Holy Cross Hospital as a Registered Nurse. Now I had a nurse for Merlin and one for me. 
Merle graduated from Stevens Henager College in Ogden, and in 1968. (Dad wanted us to go to trade schools.  Four years of college was not necessary to him.) Merle made all the arrangements for the two of us to go to England and Denmark on a three-week genealogy trip. (Vickie was going, but got married instead.) We worked at Somerset House in London and the Court House at Warwick, England. We copied ancestor’s names for four days; the Pett’s and others. We saw Kineton and Frankton where our ancestor’s went to Church. We stayed with Don Royal, a high priest. We went to Denmark and sailed from Copenhagen to Bornholm, Denmark, where Merlin's Grandma, Grandpa, and Dad immigrated so they could be members of the Mormon Church. It was a spiritual experience beyond compare. Every time we needed help in Bornholm, the missionaries were there to be with us and to help us. Our Heavenly Father looks after his people when we are doing his work. We rode through the Andersen's Denmark country outside of Copenhagen also. 
It was at this time Wilma Fridal started me back at working in the temple. I have spent many hours doing this work and have been blessed for it. 
They put me in as Homemaking Lesson teacher, and I learned and taught first aid. It has helped me so much to be with the Relief Society and partake of the spirit therein. 
On September 4, 1974, my dear husband died in the Holy Cross Hospital from open-heart surgery. He had irrigated too many sugar beets and worked too hard as a farmer. His heart would not take over after the operation. While we were in the waiting room, about a half hour before they told us he had died, I started crying, and I knew that this was when his spirit had left his body. We had been married for 37 years. 
The next morning Hyrum Marble and Garth Anderson gave me a blessing and Hyrum said not to grieve too much or too long so Merlin could leave and be about are Heavenly Father's business. 
The family and Hy and Vadis and the Elwood Ward rallied around and President Ward Taylor gave me strength to carry on. 
Merlin had always provided, and he left me with land and enough substance to sustain me for the rest of my life. He worked for the comfort and pleasure of his family. 
Merlin took us on many wonderful trips. He took us to see his sister, Verna Daley, and his uncle, Ernest Petersen, every time a daughter graduated from high school. That way we would all see Los Angeles and Disneyland, Marine Land, Knox Berry Farm, and the ocean and all the people. Merlin and I used the camper in later years and got away to fish and hunt.
It was very hard to be alone and make so many decisions. This is one time I really turned to my Heavenly Father and depended on Him. After a year of going to lawyers and bookkeepers, I was on my own. Iva and Merle wanted to come home and live with me but no, as hard as it was, I had to live alone and make me a life. 
Emily Margrette Anderson was born November 9, 2004, to the delight of everyone. We were so blessed. Mary and Gary had been married seven years before they had this little one. I spent as much time with Mary as I could.
The January after Merlin died I went to Los Angeles to be with Verna and Leonard Daley. He had a stroke; she needed help, and I needed her. After a month I had had it, and if anyone would have given me a penny I would have come home. That night as I was praying, the room filled with the Holy Ghost. It was so full I couldn't breathe. The next morning I knew I was to stay there for another month and help her. 
When I came home lone Larson, a dear friend, came and made me sign up for golf, and it has been both a joy and good for me to play golf. The ladies were so kind and patient and I would swing and swing and finally learned a little. I received a trophy for ladies day in 1976. After learning, Vadis and Peggy Marble and I have really enjoyed golf. 
Lillie Brinkman had me start bowling, and it is nice to be with my friends and enjoy people. You can't stay home all the time alone. 
In the spring of 1976 Hyrum and I flew to Massachusetts. We met his wife, Phyllis, at Methuen, Massachusetts. She was training there for the IRS. Every day for a week we went to different burial places hunting headstones at Rowley, Lancaster, Concord, Sudbury and Andover. Then we went to Plymouth, Massachusetts, where one of our ancestors came over with the Mayflower. He was a cooper of the barrels. (John Alden.) (We had 10 Mayflower ancestors.)
On December 10, 1976, Iva was married to Neil Owen in the Ogden Temple. This resulted in another reception at Elwood Ward. She had graduated from Dixie College with an associate degree of Science and was attending USU in Logan. 
After her father had died, I sent Iva to a semester abroad in Israel with Dr. Daniel Ludlow. This is when she really turned to the Church and walked and learned where Jesus walked and taught. 
In January of 1976 Merle was called to a L.D.S. Mission to Tempe, Arizona, where she served for 18 months. It was a growing experience for both of us. She had an honorable mission. 
I have been a visiting teacher for 16 years. 
In 1976 my dear friend, Jean Frank, and I went on a three-week tour with Brother Eldon Hagg. We were on a Church History and Bicentennial Tour which included Independence, Nauvoo, Adam-ondi -Ahman, where Joseph Smith was born and followed his trek to Nauvoo, Kirtland Temple, Palmyra Pageant, and the Sacred Grove. Then we went on the pioneer trail on the way home. It was a wonderful trip, and I enjoyed the wonderful people.
Gary Anderson died from cancer at the University of Utah Hospital, 27 July 1976.
In 1977 my daughters nominated me for Box Elder County mother of the year, and I was one of the thirteen finalists. It was rewarding to be able to meet at the Assembly Hall and meet the rest of the mothers on Temple Square. 
April 24-May 6, 1978, Mary and I went on a tour to the Holy Land and Athens.  I will always remember this wonderful, spiritual tour.  Brother LaMar C. Berrett was our director.
(End of her history in the first Mormon Marbles book.)
 
Emma Margrette Marble Romer’s History
1979-2004

(Following are SOME inserts from Merle’s Diary about Mom.  She was very involved with her family and didn’t miss anything until Crystal’s wedding the July before she died.)

1974: 
Nov. 9. Emily born after seven years of marriage. (Dad wouldn’t let Mary pick tomatoes this fall.  The baby was too important.)
Christmas.  Christmas morning Mom found a microwave in her front room.  It took the edge off of Christmas since Dad was gone and he was a huge part of Christmas.

1975:
Feb. 26.  Mom had been in California.  One night while in California Mom felt like the room was full of spirits from the post-mortal spirit world comforting her and telling her that she was where she was supposed to be.  She was helping Verna since Leonard had had a stroke. To Iva’s in St. George for one week.
May 23. Iva received Associate Degree from Dixie. Mom, Mary and I went and moved her home.
May 30.  Mom went to Massachusetts with Hy and met Phil there (IRS training).  Saw graves of our ancestors.
June 3.  Les to Hawaii to pick pineapple.
June 7.  Garth graduated from U of U.
July 8. Amy Anderson was finally born through C-Section.  Iva didn’t get to see her before she left to go to Israel for 6 months with part of the time with Dan Ludlow.  She looked so perfect in the nursery.
Nov.  Mom got new kitchen.  Merle mission call November 12.  Lola called her in Provo and read the letter saying she was going to the Temple Arizona mission January 6. Mom was in California.
Nov. 18.  Mom 57. Snow.
Dec. 18. Iva returned from Israel.

1976:
Jan. 6. Merle to Missionary Training for 4 days in SLC and off to Arizona.
Feb. 9.  Mom and I spent the “P” day together in Arizona. (With permission!)
July 27. Gary Anderson died; cancer in U of U hospital, Salt Lake City.
Iva went to see him and took Emily.
Summer. Mom on Church History Tour with Jean Frank.  Gary died while she was on the trip. 
Sep. 23: Dawn Shelton born.
Oct. 12: Mom won golf trophy.  Bowling in winter.
Dec. 10.  Iva married to Neil G. Owen in the Ogden Temple.  Mom had broken her ankle falling on the stairs going to the freezer room.
Dec. 31: Mom to dinner with coyote hunters.

1977 
Mom worked at yarn store (Kays) with Angie Francom.
Mom’s allergies bother her.
June 4.  Fast meeting.  Mom bore her testimony
July 12.  To British Columbia, Canada, with Jean Frank.  Saw Cardston Temple, Calgary Stampede, and Busche Gardens in Vancouver.
May 23.  Jeffrey Garth Anderson born at Holy Cross Hospital.
July 2. Merle flew home.  Maggie baptized, Jeff named.
July 30.  Diana married to Shuril Supan.  (Divorced later.) 
Aug. 28.  Carrie Lynn Owen born in Logan, Utah, one month early because of Iva’s toxemia.

1978:
24 Apr-6 May.  Mary and Mom to Israel and Athens.
30 Aug.  Joshua Wayne (Supan) Harris born in Tremonton, Utah.
18 Nov.  Christie Margrette Owen born on Mom’s 60th birthday-party at Cedar Springs. Iva and Neil didn’t make it to the party!

1979:
Jan. 25. Angela (Bills) Sudbury born.
8 May. Tamie Anderson born at Holy Cross Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah.
12 Aug . Mom gave talk in Elwood: “As I Have Loved You.”

1980:
January. To San Jose to see Linda and family. Merle went in February. Watched Winter Olympics there.  Mom hated to leave Linda and Dawn at the airport.  She knew something was wrong.
Mom and I made quilts for everyone.  
Mom always visiting sister, Hy and Phil.  We visited LaRain, Glenn, Volborg and Aunt Ida and of course Mom’s children. Hy and Phil and Mom played Shanghi at least twice a week.
Memorial Day always met at 10:00 a.m. in Deweyville.
June 13. Garth received Master’s degree.  Les graduated from Henagar’s.
Somewhere Mary got her Master’s and Doctorate.  I don’t know the dates.
11 Nov. ChaeLynn Sudbury born.  Mom helped tend most of the babies. She was the night nurse.
Nov. 6.  Reagan, Bush won.  Mom counted ballets until 1:30 a.m.
25 Dec. Everyone home for Christmas.

1981:
Jan. 18: Mom to Hy and Phil’s in Arizona for a month. Played shuffle board with Hy. Road bike. (She went to Arizona 1981-1987 – 7 years and loved it.  She would have liked to continue but Phyllis got nervous with too many in their trailer.)
Mar. 20. Cathrine Iva Owen born in Logan.  
May 25. LaTosha Dawn Shelton born in Salt Lake City.
June 12.  Mom taught little girls golfing.
July.  Mom bought new sewing machine. Making dresses.
Dec. 18.  Diana and Gary Harris married in Brigham City, Utah.

1982:
Jan. 7.  Merle and Mom started Annie dresses.
Jan. 9.  Mom to Arizona on bus.  Excited like a kid.
Feb.  She helped me with geny before she went home.
March 21, Sunday.  Eight grandchildren to Church.
April 1.  Mom to Jackpot with Sr. Citizens.
April 10.  To Diana’s for Easter egg hunt.  Gave girls Annie Dresses Merle made.
Joshua with us to Church.
April 28.  Mom golfed.  (Always sore and ornery for a few days.)
May 22.  Picked asparagus.
Through the years Shanghi with Hy and Phil, Vickie and Garth.
June 13: Mom doing name extraction.
July 2.  Mom had shingles really bad.  She wished she had gone to the hospital. Tamie had had the chicken pox bad and mom rocked her a lot.  Mom said that is where she got the shingles–but Vickie says no. (Her hearing bad after shingles.) Merle made Mom’s grandchildren quilt with Iva’s help.
August 21.  Burbank reunion in Deweyville.
Did Andersen names at the temple.
Dec. 4.  Emily Margrette Anderson baptized in Sunset, Utah.
Dec. 7.  Jeffrey Ron Harris born.

1983:
Jan. 5.  Mom airport to Arizona.  Merle made many Miss Piggy dolls for the girls.
Feb. 24. Mom home from Arizona.  Did geny.
April 2.  Easter egg hunt to Diana’s. (In Garland.)
April 28. Temple with Vickie, Andersen names.
May 21.  Mom won 2nd in golf tournament.
July 10.  Took 3 cedar chests to Sandy.  (Mom had Wayne Francom make cedar chests for all the grandchildren–16 eventually.)
Aug. 6. Amy baptized.  107 degrees!  We loved going swimming after.  The Church’s air conditioning didn’t work.
Aug. 30.  Shane and Dawn golfing with Mom.
Sept. 21.  Crystal Sudbury born.  Mom was night nurse.
Sept. 27.  Mom to Correlation dinner with Merle to Lion House.
Oct. 5.  Mom got two golf trophies.
Dec.  Mom and I sewing sailor dresses for girls.

1984:
January. To Arizona to Hy and Phil’s and Ione Larsen’s.  Returned February 27.  Did geny.
March 1.  Mom did Ethel Petersen’s temple work–our loved great aunt who was married to Ernest Petersen.  Ethel asked mom to do her work before she died.  We used to stay with them and Verna when we went to California. Mom said they should be happy.
March 11.  Mom skinny and happy.
April 19.  Mom to Elko with Sr. Citizens.
April 21.  Easter egg hunt to Diana’s.
April 28.  Logan temple with Mom.  She bought new microwave. 
Mom made dirty clothes bags to travel with for everyone.
Mom, Emma Carpenter, and I to movie, “The Natural.”  Mom swore in scaring beginning.  President Faust was sitting on our row!
Always Deweyville Cemetery at 10 on Memorial Day.
June 16.  Mom’s first “Making Memories” party at Grandma Romer Day.  Got the idea in Arizona.
July 15.  Tipper 2 (Clinton Jacob) Harris born Tremonton, Utah.
Sept. 29: Dawn Shelton baptized.
Dec.  Christie so sick with strep arrest.  They called her Shirley Temple.  Dec. 21 Hospital couldn’t breathe.  Mom heard her crying for Grandma in Elwood.  When she came to Mom’s she slept with her and ate clam chowder.  Cabbage Patch Christmas.  One given to Chris at the Logan hospital.


1985:
Mom crocheting white blessing dresses for everyone.  Mom in Arizona.
Jan. 22.  Jessica Jones born.
Feb. 11.  Mom, Hy, and Phil to Superstition Mountain.
Feb. 28.  Mom home from Arizona.  Did Andersen names at temple.  Vickie inspired at the pronunciation of Danish name.
March 13.  Mom and I Romer geny until 10 p.m.  Looking for sealing’s of couples.  Checking to make sure work is done.
March 23.  Mom to Relief Society dinner with Vadis.
April.  Iva’s house caught on fire–40 below.  1/4 of it gone.  Iva collapsed with Toxemia and stress, went to Logan and had Cody the next day.
April 26. Cody Neil Owen born, Logan, Utah.
June 1.  Jeffrey Garth Anderson baptized.
Aug. 31.  Carrie Lynn Owen baptized.
Oct. 30.  Vickie, Mom and I did lots of Pett checking.

1986:
Jan. 2.  Tosh likes Grandma with bumpy road.
Jan. 7.  Mom to Correlation Dinner with Merle.  She dished cheesy French Onion soup at Elder Hanks’ request.  Hard to serve!
Jan. 8.  Mom to Arizona.  Mom missed kids while in Arizona.
March 6.  Mom home from Arizona.  Geny.
June.  Mom tended some of the kids while Owens moved to Preston from Soda Springs.
June 7.  Grandma Romer Day.  80's perfect.  (Diana named it Grandma Romer Day.)
July 7.  Mom and I tied 2 quilts of many through the years. All the children, in-laws, grandchildren, and great grandchildren received quilts at Grandma Romer Day, plus births, weddings. 
July 11.  Mom and I Petersen geny–40 hours altogether.
Fair end of each August.  Hamburgers.  The kids liked to come.
Fall 1986.  Lawana Roberts had Mom and Merle sing in choir.  Sang in Christmas
Cantata (Dec. 21.)
Dec. 6.  Christie Margrette Owen baptized.

1987:
Jan.  Mom to Arizona.  
March 6.  Mom home.  Stayed to do geny.
Many get-together or chasing grandchildren in summer from Sandy, Sunset, Tremonton, and Preston.
Mom golfed and got hair done on Fridays, then to Lola’s.
Grandma Romer day and then Mom’s 50th class reunion.  All in same day.
June 6: Tamie Anderson baptized.
Nov. 8. Met with her siblings at her house. They did this quite often and talked about their children.
Nov. 15.  Sang in ward choir
Who cannot forget mustard plasters and castor-oil and paregoric?  And 
“Make your bed and your room is half clean.”

1988:
Mom stayed with me after Christmas.  Not to Arizona.  She would have liked to have gone–too much for Phil.  (She went to Arizona for seven years.)
Jan 23, Sat.  5 hours geny Marbles finished Feb 20, 70 sheets.
Teaching girls to crochet.
April 2.  Easter egg hunt to Diana’s.
May 18.  Mom golfing.
To Zoo with Owen kids.  Cody liked elephants.  Cathie giraffes/ picnic.  Met Mary and Emily at Layton Hills Mall.
Aug. 21. Sang in choir.
Nov. 3.  Mom had slides put on video for the girls. $527.  She took a long time to go through them and organize them.
Nov. 10.  Tamie’s and Amy’s clogging.  Merle helped paint their room over new garage.
Dec. 11. To Vickie’s Stake Christmas Concert.
Nov. 25. All to Linda’s Margaret’s wedding.  November 25 married Darin Asay.  Merle played piano.  Sat. Mom there when they opened presents too.  She liked that. (Later divorced.)
Dec. 12.  Connie born in Logan, Utah.  Iva had been in hospital for a month with Toxemia. Mom stayed at Iva’s a few days.  Drove home in snow.  She was night nurse.
Vickie comes Christmas ½ to Esther’s and ½ to Mom’s
Mom feeds Merle steak dinner on New Year’s.  Gives me cheese cake for my birthday.

1989:
Grandchildren went with Merle a lot to Tremonton and Preston through the years.
Nutri-System together.  Felt great.  Lost weight and felt like living and working.
Jan. 14.  Peterson temple names.  Mom had special feeling.  With Carol and Mary.  Visited Verna (we did this a lot and called her.)
Mom still checking temple work for our family at Family History Library.
Jan. 19.  Mom, Linda, Shane lunch.
Mom does my wash at Club House.
Feb. 15.  Mom to Sandy for a few days.
Feb. 18.  Breakfast to Linda’s.  Visited Vicki’s.
Feb. 20.  President’s Day.  To Mary’s for day.
Feb. 24.  Mom got my car oiled.
All kids to Pinocchio Disney on ice.  Mom tended Connie.
March 10. Mom went home.  Everyone loves Mom at Church.
March 17.  Picked Emily up from school.  Took her to Elwood. Mary somewhere traveling with work.
March 25.  Cathrine Iva Owen baptized.
March 25.  Preston, Idaho.  Jeff A. Saved Cody from drowning.  A miracle.  Cathie’s baptism. Easter.  Jeff, Chris, Cathie, Tamie, Cody by the creek skipping rocks.  Cody fell in.  A miracle for Jeff to save him.  In Church News, and Jeff got Scouting Award for his act.  Thank you.
April 22.  Mom to Sr. Saints dinner.  We went to Brigham City to see Glenn Marble. Always visits brothers and sisters.
May 6.  Linda to Elwood.  Carrie, Chris, Cathie, and I rode bikes to Cross X.
May 7.  Mom bore testimony.
May 10.  Mom got first birdie.
May 12.  Mom to Mary’s, Verna’s, and Merle’s.
May 13. Vickie’s and Iva’s girls clogging to Lagoon all day.  Emily came too.
Linda came home from Moab.  Visited Vickie and lunch.
May 20: Josh and Jeff helped with yard.
May 26.  Mary to Korea.  Picked up Em from school.  Em and I rode bikes home from Hy’s.  Tuesday, took Emily to school in the morning.
June 9.  Stopped to Emily’s Pageant.
June 10.  Grandma Romer Day.  Everyone here.  Linda won quilt.  Vickie gave us all Family T-shirts.  Mom giving and happy.
Mary, Tamie, Christie at Mom’s.  Tired from party.
July 6.  Les gave Merle perm and wouldn’t let her pay because she was going to Israel.  Mom and the children met me when I returned from Israel.
Sept. 4.  Mary came to Mom’s and made vests for girls.
Sept. 16.  Met Mary and Linda at Layton Hills Mall.
Garth called to be stake president. (Always to Garth’s stake conferences.  Two ladies in white hair – Mom and Esther.  One of the General Authorities wanted one of them to talk–not members of the stake.)
Mom and I made 160 toaster covers for children and grandchildren.
Oct. 6.  Mom helping with geny - Burbank names.
Oct. 21.  Mom and I copied Southworth geny from Mrs. Fife in Logan.
Nov. 14. Merle moved to town house at Cedar Springs.  (Had lived in one bedroom since 1978.)  Mom helped clean.  She went to Sandy.  I was locked out until she came back.
Dec. 24.  Mom and I sang in Choir at sacrament meeting.

1990:
Jan. 1.  Mom to Centerville.
Jan 4.  Jeff to Washington, D.C. because of Scout Award for saving Cody.
Mom and I worked on toaster covers and baby head bands this winter.
Jan. 15.  Andersons came and saw beautiful “Little Mermaid.”
Jan. 18. Mary came to visit.  Salt Lake Temple for Mary’s birthday.
Mom’s homework is geny.
Mom and I worked on William O. Nelson’s daughter’s quilt.
Mom crocheted hundreds of kitchen towels, hot pads, and beautiful bathroom towels. 
Feb. 17.  To Sandy worked on quilt with Tamie.  To Tamie’s clogging.
March 22.  Owens down for drug conference.
March 23.  Mary to China.  Mom and Connie took her to airport.
April 14.  Garland Easter egg hunt.  Lola new 5th wheel.  Took kids swimming.
April 21.  To Iva’s Dutch oven dinner.
May 5.  Mom golfing with Gary.
May 16.  Mom to Linda’s.  Jordan River Temple.  Mom, Vickie and I to Tamie’s elementary school “Wizard of OZ.”
May 25.  Anderson children home with me.  Vickie and Garth to Jackson.
June 4.  Owens, they were in “King and I.” and other plays through the years.
June 9.  Grandma Romer day.  All there but Lou and Shane.
July 2.  To Park City with Iva’s, Amy Dawn, Tamie.  Had a birthday party with Amy.
July 12.  To Gossner Dutch oven dinner.  
For a few years saw fair parade at LaRain Marble’s home.
Aug 19.  Mom to stake party.
Sept. 8.  Mom and I worked in yard.  Looks nice.
Sept. 22.  Mom to Sandy, Garth’s stake conference.
Oct. 1.  Mom golf dinner.
Oct. 21.  Had birthday party at Iva’s for mom 72, Em 16, Christie 12.
Oct. 31.  Mom got hearing aid.  I made her get it because TV was too loud!
Nov. 3.  Amy in “Annie Get your Gun.” Sandy.
Nov 5.  Les 32. He is sick.
Nov 17. To Disneyland with Iva.  Mom too.  Mom gets tired.
Nov. 25. Stayed in Sandy.
Nov. 28. Mom to Mary’s and Verna’s.
Dec. 2.  People nice to Mom at Church.
Dec. 7.  Mom cleaned house for Christmas, put up mom’s tree.  Christmas tree outside. Merle restrung outside tree lights.  Neighbors like it.  Hard job.
Sun.  Mom spoke in Relief Society about Grandma Romer Day. 
16 Dec.  Mom, Cody, and I to Jeff’s Eagle.
Dec. 22.  Merle wrote, “What will I do without mom?”
Christmas.  All to Moms’ but Linda and Neil.  Les sick.  He made pies.
Dec. 28.  Visited Les at Lola’s.  He went home to Ogden. Going to finish his degree at Weber.
Dec. 31.  Mom came to Centerville about noon.  My kitchen sink froze.  Mom cooked steaks for the New Year.  She is so sweet.

1991:
Jan. 1.  Vickie came with soup.  Mary here too.
Jan. 3. Mom at Library, Byingtons.  Mom to Library a lot.
Jan. 17. Dinner at Mandarin: Mary, Em, Mom and my friend, Jane.
Jan. 21.  Mom and I to Library 6 hours.  Always I write: “Mom is so sweet.”
Jan. 27.  Saw Vickie’s new garage. Visited Linda.
Wrote Larry Boswell, Byington Cousin from Canada.  (Has helped us a lot, found him on Internet. Answer to prayers.)
Feb. 4.  Sat. Last big day at library.  Mom 160 hours of geny checking this winter.
Feb. 7. Les weak. Visited Mary.
Feb. 13.  Mom did hand wash.
Feb. 14.  Mom perm to Les’ work.
Feb 17.  Iva down.  Visited Vickie, Linda, Mary with Mom.
Feb 19. Les losing hearing, sight.
Feb. 22.  Vickie’s play.  Christie sick but came. Mom washed my car.  To Mary’s ward.  She taught gospel doctrine.
March 7. To Vickie’s Relief Society Party (Kim--Savant).
March 13.  Les took a week off and finished school today at Weber.  Mom running out of things to do.
March 17.  Garth’s stake conference.  Saw Linda too.  Iva and Neil are getting farm, blessing.  Lola called and asked about farm.
March 27. Vickie’s infection control conference, Mary spoke too. One time she was Florence Nightingale.
March 29. Mom went home.  Helped her unpack.
March 30. Garland Easter egg hunt.  Visited forever.  Les’s organs dying.
April 6.  Les to Lola’s. Mom and I went to see him.  Mom took Les to get videos.  He liked sitting in the sun in the car. Iva came and cried.  Les liked that she loved him.
April 28.  Mary and Em came.  Gave Les Weber diploma.  He didn’t think he would ever make it to get diploma. He was sick, and it was so hard.  He cried.
May 10. Les died.  Les and Nan called Merle at noon before he died to ask her to play certain music at his funeral.  Funeral May 14.
June 1.  Mom and I went to Tremonton South Stake Conference.  Elder Jeppson was there.  Called me “Pearl of Great Price.”  I was inspired that he was going to ask me to speak.  I spoke about Correlation.
June 9. People at Church so nice to Mom.  They love her.
June 22.  Grandma Romer Day.  Sewer problems, otherwise perfect day except Les wasn’t there. Gary fixed it.  Others dug.
July 11. Worming. Mom came to Riverdale swimming with us.  Cathie sewed with mom.  Chris crocheted with mom.
July 14. In Elwood Mom bore testimony.  To Lola and Tip’s.  They are sad of course.
July 27, Sat.  We went to Logan.  Emily got 4-H award.
Aug.  4-H everything at Fair in Preston.  Demonstrations.  Cook-offs with kids.  Fashion Shows.  We went about every year.
Aug. 21.  Mom got golf trophy.  This made her happy.
Aug. 24.  Posse breakfast at Fair.  Owens, Mary, Mom, Lola and Tip.
Aug. 30.  Vickie to Mom’s.
Sept. 7.  To Vickie’s.  Worked with her business “With Expression.” Sunday with Linda and family.
Sept. 27.  To piano recital in Preston.
Sept. 28.  Andersons came.  Church, dinner.  Nese came for potatoes.  Diana and boys came.  Les’ headstone in.
Oct. 1.  Mom got golf trophy.  Lola made rolls for Mom’s dinner at Golf Club.
Oct. 23.  Connie stayed at Mom’s while Iva to 4-H meetings.  Connie likes being with Grandma.
Nov. 5.  Mom to Linda’s to help with quilt.
Nov. 6.  Saw Anderson girls clog.
Nov. 16.  Buck and Linda took Mom to dinner.
Nov. 22.  Tamie with me.  Saw Christie in “Little Match Girl.” Cathie was shadow to Christie.  Diana came too.
Nov. 24.  Mom to Sandy.  Tamie talked in sacrament meeting.
Dec. 8, Sunday.  Mary came.  Mom slipped on ice.  Church.
Dec. 13. Diana’s boys stayed with Mom.  Diana shopping.
Dec. 21.  Linda’s Christmas party and Vickie’s concert.
Dec. 31.  Mom moved to Centerville.  Steak dinner with Mom!

1992:
Jan. 1.  Vickie’s to temple.  Also “Beauty and the Beast.”
Jan. 6.  Connie asked for hot pads from mom for Lindsey.
Jan. 11.  Linda married Buck Conder.  Garth married them in Sandy.  Open House in Centerville.
Jan. 18.  Mom took Mary to lunch for her birthday.
Jan. 30.  Mom stayed with Verna.
Feb. Connie stayed with us in February.  Got books to read for her at DI.  She wants to go back to Nursery.  If she is a Sunbeam she has to tell the truth.  Her family misses her.  Iva working at newspaper.  When Connie went home she said she missed Grandma.
Feb. 15.  To clogging at Vickie’s.
Feb. 28.  Mom washed and made my bed.  Cooked dinner.  What a sweetheart.
Feb. 29.  Breakfast to Linda’s.  Dawn around nice.  Garth’s stake conference.
March 5.  Lola called.  She is sad.
March 15.  Buck, Linda, and Dawn came for chicken dinner after Church.
April 4.  Mom and I to General Conference.  Mom making shorts for grandchildren.
April 13.  Again, everyone loved Mom at Church.  She moved home from Centerville.
April 17.  Andersons to Mom’s.
April 19.  Easter Dinner to Lola’s.  Connie had so many shorts mom had made that she couldn’t decide which ones to wear.
May 17.  Mary and Emily to dinner.  Emily Vice President, 4-H ambassador.
May 20.  Mom going to dinner with Dad’s Flying Buddies to Hampton Ford.  Bill Goring 76.  Duane Frank 86.  She had nice time.
June 12.  Grandma Romer Day.  Iva, Carrie, Christie, and I made it back from Coeur de’Alene, Idaho–4-H.  Beautiful day. Everyone there.  39 total.  Food great, company too.
June 26.  Mom so tired.  Found out she was bleeding from intestines. 
July 5.  Mom prayed at sacrament meeting.  Mom 4 pints blood. Operated on July 13. Took out ulcer and some lesions and reconnected. Operated on 1 ½ hours.  Took out a little of her bowel where arthritis pills had calcified.  She is doing better.
Chris at my house.  Took care of Mom.  Worked for her.
July 27.  Garth and kids came to play cards.  Vickie to camp.  Mom went home July 31.  I had to get rid of lots of weeds at home.  I got them!  Jean Frank and Mae Cornwall brought Mom dinner.
Aug. 7.  Mom fed me steak dinner.  Usually bought me a cheese cake for my birthday.  Connie wants Mom to come up now that she is better.
Aug. 20.  Mom taking kitchen towels to those who brought her food, etc.
Sept. 23.  Mom and I to Las Vegas. Went to temple there and in St. George.  Great vacation.  Loved the roast prime rib. $5 buffet at Peppermill (twice).
Sept. 27. Five hours from St. George. To Vickie’s and Linda’s.
Oct. 4.  General Conference.  Iva’s girls crocheted baby dresses.
Oct. 25.  Owens to dinner.  Connie had stayed with Mom.  Iva to Idaho.
Nov. 26.  To Iva’s much snow.  Light parade in Preston.
Dec. 19.  To Vickie’s and Linda’s.  Played cards.  Breakfast at Vickie’s.  Dinner at Linda’s.  Snow.
Dec. 26.  Christmas party to Mom’s.  All six girls home.
Dec. 31.  Put away Christmas. Steak dinner with Mom.

1993:
Jan. 1.  Visited Linda.  Dinner to Andersons.  To Centerville because it was going to snow, 18 inches of snow.  Mom helped me with toaster covers.
Jan. 4.  Mary came.
Jan 7.  Les’ temple work done by Joe Ravsten.  Mom crocheting Christmas towels.
Jan. 5.  Lola and Tip shoveled off Mom’s roof.  Much snow.
Jan. 17.  Birthday lunch with Mary and Emily.
Jan. 28.  Iva and Vickie to Dr. Hoggle about Iva’s breast cancer.  Mom tended Connie and Cody during Iva’s mastectomies.  Cancer never spread.
Mom checking genealogy.  
Feb. 6.  To Emily’s Jr. Miss Pageant.
Feb. 14.  Vickie’s Church Valentine dinner.
Feb. 16.  Dawn interviewed Mom about the 30's and the depression. Pump for water, outhouses, frig when Lola was born.  Carried water.  Old car.  Dawn couldn’t believe it.
Feb. 18.  Iva, Neil and Vickie to Dr. Hoggle.
Feb. 22.  Mom’s tooth pulled to get new teeth with Dr. Huffaker.  (These teeth too big; got some good ones later in Salt Lake.)
Feb. 26, Friday.  Iva’s operation 4.5 hours; 3 ½ hours recovery (mastectomies).  Left at 6 p.m. for my house, hurt a lot!  Vickie tended at my house one night.  
Feb. 28, Sunday.  Owens came.  Linda and Buck came.  Cancer hadn’t spread.  Bad night for Iva.  Connie shoveled snow.  Mom tended Iva in day.  Merle at night (scary).
March 9.  Mom and Iva sewed Linda’s bandanna quilt.
March 15.  Iva working on scrap books.  She went home March 15.
March 21. Lola and Nan bought Harris Market.
Emily four-year scholarship to USU.
Mom embroidering dish towels.
March 30. Infection Control Conference.  Mary and Vickie spoke.  Mom, Linda, Iva, Mary, Merle ate at Marriott.
April 8.  Carrie to Mom’s for rest-crocheted.
April 10.  Easter egg hunt to Diana’s.
April 13.  Mom drove to Centerville to see the dentist.
Mom’s ward nice to her.  Visited Vadis, Hy and Phil (many times, many card games.)
April 28.  Mom wore new golf outfit to golf.  Looks cute.  Everyone noticed.
May 1. Cody baptized at 10.  Party to Iva’s beautiful day. Tamie with us.  Met Vickie at 33rd South.
May 9.  Beautiful day.  Merle sprayed weeds.  Lola had nice dinner.  Mom happy.
May 15. Margaret’s for dinner.
May 16.  To Linda’s Relief Society lesson, “Eternal Perspective.”  Mom home to golf-- teeth, ear, golf.
May 27.  Amy Seminary graduation very nice.
May 29.  Took Iva’s children to cemetery. Connie doesn’t like to see kid’s headstones.  She thinks Mom should have a golf club on hers. Cody has it memorized.
June 1.  Emily’s Seminary graduation in Ogden Tabernacle.  Nice.
June 12.  Grandma Romer Day.
June 19.  Nese’s horse show.  They said “Grandma throws some party!”
June 30.  Mom got 54 golfing.
July 19.  Golfing with Mom.  Preston play, “South Pacific:” Connie said, “Don’t you know the Church is true.”
Aug. 21.  Mom and I to movie “Fugitive.”  
Aug. 28. Mom sewed on Carrie’s red formal, “Lady in Red.”
Aug. 29.  Church to Linda’s.  Stopped at Mary’s. Vickie over.  Mom stayed in my house.
Sept. 6.  Mom popped beans (many times.)
Sept. 16.  Amy and Nate married. (Later divorced.)
Sept. 17.  Molly Elizabeth Maw born.
Sept. 19. Garth’s stake conference. Esther took Mom home.
Oct. 9. Mom pinned toaster covers for me.
Oct. 12.  Linda videoed Mom all day.
Oct. 19.  Mom sick from Flu shot.
Nov. 13.  Linda and Buck came, ate to JC’s.
Dec. 25.  Everyone home but Linda.
Dec. 31. To Mom’s steak dinner.

1994:
Jan. 2.  Love Mom.  Mom bore testimony.  Saw, Lola, Nan. Ready to go south.
Jan. 9.  Sacrament meeting to Linda’s.  Nice dinner.
Jan. 10, Monday.  Vickie and Mary over.  Saw Preston movie, “Napoleon Dynamite.”
Mom and I quilted Christmas quilts for grandkids and girls all winter (25) fingers hurt from quilting.
Feb. 20.  Linda lesson on Abraham.  Nice dinner.  Over to Vickie’s.
March 7.  Garth stake conference.
March 9.  Neil, cat scan for lump on jaw.
March 16. Operated on Neil’s jaw from underneath.  Kept teeth.  Stayed with Mom in Centerville until 21 March.  March 24, staples out and home.
March 28. Garth’s conference.
April 1. Play, Preston, Christie, “My Fair lady.”
April 30.  Picked asparagus with kids.
May 25.  Mom golfing.
May 26.  Dawn Seminary graduation.  Ice cream to Buck’s.
June 10.  Grandma Romer Day.  Mom feels good.  Everyone here but Lou.
June 26.  Mom and Connie to Phil’s.
June 27.  Connie golfing with Mom.  Worming in Idaho.
July 4.  Mom sewed on Chris’ dress.  Emily in Israel.
July 17.  Mom’s Church.  Cathie here.
July 27.  Mom golfed with Ione Larsen.
July 28.  Mom to Verna’s (Mary in Colorado).
July 29. Mom to Sandy.
Aug. 19. LaTosha Dawn Shelton baptized.
Aug. 24.  Linda golfing with Mom.
Sept. 3.  To movie in Perry.  Car gas pedal stick.  Mom bruised.  Diana and Gary there too.  Put up Grandma Romer bars at theater.  Car $6,000.  They didn’t ask if Merle had been drinking.
Sept. 17.  Tip took us for Mom’s last boat ride on Willard Bay.  Her legs collapsed.  Tip had to lift her out of boat.
Sept. 25.  Garth’s conference.  Elder Eugene Hansen.
Oct.  Mom going to physical therapy, she was weakened from flu shot.
Oct.  Nan called Mom.  Mom guessed she was pregnant.  She was crying.
Nov. 3.  Mom helped Verna.
Nov. 4.  Mom to new dentist.
Nov. 16.  Iva to Ogden Dr. With Mom.
Nov 18.  Mary brought vest she made.  Linda and Buck to Mom’s.
Nov. 29.  Mom to good dentist in Salt Lake.
Dec. 4.  Mom wanted to finish Jeff’s quilt.  So we did.  Hy and Phil came.

1995:
Jan. 4. Exercised with Mom at the Club House.
Jan.  A little bit of snow.  Mom bought me coat for birthday.  Matches green dress. Made Elizabeth's (from work) baby a pink quilt tonight.  Mom talked to her girls. Talked to Mary and Linda.  Linda gave lesson on scriptures.  Vickie to temple dedication. Took kids swimming at 1:00.  Had Connie and Molly's pictures taken at Sears.  Snowy.  Mom bought treats.  Took kids to Mary's for Emily to take them home. I stayed late tonight, but don't much because mom is at home.  She is such a dear.  Connie called mom without permission, but mom couldn't hear her. Mom is getting all her projects done.  Her new dentist is so nice.  Mom and I exercised.  We missed Cody and Connie. Connie had called Tuesday night and asked mom to write her.  She doesn't get any mail.  Mom couldn't hear her.  When I asked her what she called about, she told me and said I didn't need to tell Grandma because she had already told her.  She calls long-distance.  Mom and I exercised.
Saturday.  Worked.  Mary and Emily came.  To Jungle Book movie and then Chuck-arama.  Saw Norma Erickson and LaWanna Roberts.  Nice. Amy and Tamie picked up Mom, here for lunch.  She shopped and then we went to Vickie's for dinner.  It was good.  I even played a game.  Molly wanted her blanket and gave Grandma the other one.  I wrapped her up. 
Jan. 28, Saturday.  Mom and I shopping for four hours.  Fun.  Mom bought quilts and clothes.  Freddy's had their 50% of clearance sale. Whopper for lunch. 
1 Feb., Wednesday.  Mom got new glasses and to Pykettes with Linda yesterday.
5 Feb., Sunday.  Mom in Sandy.  She had a good time.  Amy asked me to tend Molly over Easter. Mom got new teeth.  They are beautiful.
8 Feb., Wednesday.  Mom and I to see Elizabeth's (from work) baby.  So precious and perfect. To Shopko.  Home.
11 Feb., Saturday.  Mom and I to Bountiful temple.  Very nice.  Shopping to K-Mart.  TV.
13 Feb., Monday.   Mom to breakfast with Linda and then dentist.  Mary coming over tonight for dinner and TV. 
16 Feb., Thursday.  Iva and Neil to Drs.  Neil ok.  Dr. Hoggle had stroke.  Lesli the nurse found lump.  It had been hurting.  
Feb. 18, Saturday.  Jessica Jones baptized.  Emily, Dawn, Carrie to SL hotel for vacation.  Wonderful day.  Jessie baptized.  Mary came to Centerville at one.  Little Molly likes me.  Carrie, Emily, and Dawn came from hotel to visit Amy.  Vickie and I sang, Buck baptized, Linda talked, and Garth played piano, witness, confirmed.  Nice dinner to Margaret's and Lou's.  Margaret has beautiful ceramics.
March 12, Sunday.  Went to Sunday school and Sacrament Meeting with Mom.  The Hirschi's talked about Russia. Iva sounded good this morning.  She has a better attitude now that she is going to live.  We must talk to people and be upbeat.  Connie said her report went great.
April 2, Sunday.  Conference.  Mom and I had steaks.
April 3, Monday.  Mother called when she got home.  I wish I were in Elwood to help her unpack.
April 8.  To Brigham got glasses for Vadis and Mom, chicken dinner.  Diana's.  Worked outside.  Mom called Preston and we decided to go to Carrie's play, "Fiddler on the Roof."  I'm so glad we went.  Chris sat by us.  We met Iva and family, but Cathie, at Pizza Villa after and had a good visit.  Cody was laughing.  Connie wanted to sit by me and Mom and on Tamie's lap.  It was fun.
April 15.  Connie woke Mom up to finish hemming her "blanky."  Connie and Cody got many eggs at the Easter-egg hunt.  
April 18, Tuesday.  Mom is going to buy card tables for summer party. 
April 21, Friday.  Mom and I marked farm quilt.  Mom has been cleaning out closets.  She is feeling better from falling off the walker.
April 29, Saturday.  Vickie stealing girls from Drug-Free.  Mom's picture day Mary arranged.  Vickie called and said the teenagers were happier Saturday working than at Mom's party playing games.  Molly loved Lola's jewels on her clothes.  Garth, Nate and Jeff put up mom's drapes and cleaned.  The girls all cleaned.  They straightened Mom's garage and cleaned out the sheds.  Tip and Gary took a load to the dump.  Everyone brought salads.  Tip cooked a ham.  Vickie cake and Iva cheese cake.  Linda brownies.  It was cloudy, but only a few drops.  Linda stayed all night.  Mary helped Chae with speech.  It was a nice day.  Carrie played oboe in Preston.
May 11, Thursday, 11.  Rain again.  Mom got 48 golfing yesterday.  Connie and Cody making something in Scouts for Mother's Day.  
May 13, Saturday.  Typed some.  Planted flowers, etc.  To Diana's surprise shower at 2:30.  She came in right on time.  Linda and girls came too.  So very nice.  Gave her baby hut and outfit (Vicki, Iva and I).  She got lots of nice things.  Mom's quilt was especially pretty with the embroidered squares on it.
May 14, Sunday.  Typed some.  To Church.  Connie and Neil invited us to Mother's Day Dinner.  It was perfect.  Steaks were ready at 3:00 p.m. sharp.  Connie gave Mom a little hand to put her rings on from the Cub-et.  Iva painted a Grandma Sign that is so nice.  It was a wonderful time.  Chris is growing up.  Cathie having a hard time.  They called Chris at 10 to tell her she was a cheerleader.  Unfortunately a girl is pregnant.  It was a growing experience for her.
May 19, Friday.  Carrie and Emily in 47 queen this weekend.  Iva coming down.  Carrie called at 9 Saturday night.  She is second attendant!  Iva dropped off Connie and Cody.  They went swimming with Tipper, Tipper stayed over.  They are all so nice. Planted flowers.
May 26, Friday.  Dinner with Linda and Vickie, Mom and Esther, very nice. 
June 3, Saturday.  Organized play room, presents, etc.  Mom took me to breakfast.
June 9.  Leave at 11:30, took Vickie, Amy, and Molly.  Tamie and Garth coming later.  Scott Gary Harris born at 7:15, 6 # 3 oz, 19 inches.  So little--Diana had to have a c-section.  She was so sad to miss Grandma Romer day.  We love her so and couldn’t believe she would miss the party!  Amy, Molly, and Vickie rode with me.  Mom was so ready.  It rained and rained.  Emily was coming, but she waited for Roberts pictures. 
June 10, Saturday.  Everyone happy it was the most beautiful day.  Everyone loves everyone.  It helped getting together earlier with the pictures.  We played games and ate and opened presents and horse shoe tournament.  Jeff H and Randy won flashlights.  The presents were perfect.   Buck, Connie, Jeff, and I got quilts.  Mary, Jeff, Carrie, and Diana, Scott not here, Nate.  We missed them.  The food was so good.  Cody and Tip made cobbler too.  Everything special and fun.  No one wanted to leave.  Gary came and ate.  We missed Diana.  She wanted a video after but I didn't have a machine.  Tamie and Chris stayed and went to Brigham.  Connie and Molly played all day long and then Connie played with Jessie and Crystal.  Linda stayed overnight which was nice.  It really was a perfect day.
June 23. To Mom's.  She always fixes dinner.
June 29, Thursday. Cody to 4-H camp.  Loved it.  The ladies said how much they liked Chris at the nursing home.  They are worming.  Amy “wins” and is taking me to the airport.  I can't believe I am really packing tonight.  I am so blessed. (Israel)  Diana is naming her baby in August because of 4th holiday.  Carrie seems happy to use my car.  Connie wants to use money for cheer camp or Disneyland, not tithing.  I have got to buy Dawn a tithing box.  She goes to Dennis' Saturday.  Linda loved office.  Mary and Emily called at the same time.  Iva called twice.  Her friends dying of cancer.  Mom going to be busy and happy.  She golfed with Josh yesterday.  Great. 
July 30, Sunday.  Iva 40.  To Riverdale and Preston sacrament meetings.  Wonderful.  We all cried.  Talks so good.  Iva got food ready.  They ate to Hyers after Odessa's Relief Society.  Chris sat by Cathie and hugged Carrie.  She is a wonderful girl.  Girls gave Iva temple case from the worm team. Mom, Emily, and I to Tabernacle in Garland.  Scott was named by Jerry and Joshua was ordained a priest.  Wonderful meal to Diana's.  Everyone so nice to me.  Kathy tending Leah.  Visited all afternoon.  To Mom's and Centerville.
5 Aug., Saturday.  Mom and I cut flowers and hollyhock, sprayed weeds.  Got most of Christmas lights down today and tomorrow.  Hope I can get them up again.  Cut out toaster covers.
To Burbank reunion.  Some from Jim and Sarah's family (Sarah Southworth).  Mom and I the only ones from Brigham Southworth Burbank.  Others from Blodgetts including Frank May's aunt.
To Wheat and Beat Day parade.  Diana asked mom to tend Scotty, and she did.  She didn't let anyone touch him.  He is always hungry.  Diana pushes mush down him.  So cute.  Lola in parade.  Fixed Phil's printer ribbon.
Aug. 9, Wednesday.  Mom got trophy, won by 3 points!  
Aug. 18, Friday.  Mom and I to Preston (Franklin County Fair), cook off, 4-H awards, and steer sale.)  Hope they do well.  It was a wonderful day.  4-H's cooked.  Cody and Kenny (came in fourth).  Mom comforted Cathie.  Big cook-off in afternoon.  Steers sold.  Cody and Cathie loved theirs.  Chris's Angus cost $200 more than the others.  Bowen Ford bought Chris's for $1,175 and put $25 extra on each of the others. Chris' was reserve champion.  The others got about $950- plus boosts from all Neil and Iva's friends.  Brother Bowen told Iva his girls were so great he wanted to support them.  I told him thanks, and he said it was his pleasure.  Good feeling.  Connie came home with Mom and me.
Aug. 20, Sunday.  Vickie surprised me.  Tamie to farewell in Centerville (Sam, Russia).  Took Connie to Elizabeth's to go to Church with Erin.  Carrie speaking all day.  Girls tied quilt for Virginia -- one hour.  Took to Mom to bind. 
Not time for mom's presentation about genealogy at RS.  She cried.  Dawn tied a baby quilt.
Aug. 24.  Austin Troy Sudbury born.
30 Aug., Wednesday.  Today is Le Misrables day.  Iva, Carrie, Chris, and Cathie picked up Mom and drove her car to Chuck-a-Rama.  Mom and Iva bought dinner.  Mary and Emily met there, and Dawn and Tamie picked me up.  
Sept. 2, Saturday.  Mom and I had a good time staying at Vickie's.  We bought dresses at Tamie's work.  My house, dinner at Lee's, Mary's. 
Sept. 4, Monday (Dad dead 21 years).  Mom sick about Joyce maybe cancer.  Mom went golfing with Joyce's brother.  I did weeds, etc.  Jeff back to California.  Hard for Molly to know he is gone.  Garth had a headache.  Molly put band-aid on Garth's head because he had a headache.  Diana, Gary, and Scotty came by to bring Reality stuff.
Sept. 8.    Mom tended Scotty. 
Sept. 10. Slept in.  Church.  Diana's.  Mary and Emily came.  Visited Lola.  Mom worked on buntings for Emily's dolls.  Home.
Sept. 15. Mom tended Scotty.  Went to Bear River game.  It was great.  Josh sacked the quarterback.  They won Mt. Crest 32 to 7.  Beautiful evening.  Tamie played with Josh after.
Sept. 21, Thursday.  Mom took Verna to lunch and then helped Emily and Mary with sunflower quilt.  She came to my house, but I was late because of Wilfred Griggs lecture in Ogden.  It was really good. 
Sept. 22, Friday.  Iva and Vickie had good talk. Iva doing better.  Tamie may have to work Sunday during conference.   Mom came by after dentist.  I took her to lunch.  She looked so good.  We then marked a purple quilt on Floor 22. Mom working on quilt at Vickie's for Hardman's.
Oct. 1, Sunday.  Linda and Buck here.  Mom seems to enjoy it.  Conference.  Breakfast at Denny's.  To Diana's and Lola's.  Leah there.  They were taking good care of her.  I left about noon.  Linda and Mom helped me pack. 
Oct. 5, Thursday.  Vickie, Garth, and Tamie to Mom's this afternoon. 
Oct. 6, Friday.  Diana 35, old enough to drive Mom’s car! (Mom’s insurance said you had to be 25.)  Christie golfing with Mom this afternoon. 
Oct. 9, Monday. Mom came to Bountiful to sign quick claim deed, nice of her.  (New loan for my one-bedroom condo.)
Oct. 11.  Mom got a green jacket for her trophy for low gross.  It was hard for her to be there without Joyce, but she is ok today.
Oct. 14, Saturday.  Beautiful day.  Visited Harris'.  Went for walk in bend.  Saw Lola and Scotty.  To Preston.  Mom bought pants.  Iva cooked supper.  Connie took us on tour of farm.  Neil nice, showed us Carrie's book and pictures from days of 47.
Nov. 5, Sunday.  Mom, Cody, Connie and I to Tabernacle Choir.  Kids marked scriptures and enjoyed museum after.  Cody remembered the film about building the SL temple he saw a year or two ago.  We ate at Kentucky Fried Chicken.  Love those kids.  Put some of their geny on computer.  We went to Farmington Park, Pond and Valentines.  Vicki was at work.  Connie asked the name of Brother Valentine's horse.  She said she would like to ride it.  They told them about the chores they did.  We played children's U-Know later.  Mom can't walk so good, from flu shot?
Nov. 12, Sunday.  Sandy.  Quilted on Lou's quilt.  Mom so weak in legs.  Visited Vickie and family.  To Linda's sacrament meeting.  Dawn got her medallion.  Jessica and Tosha there.  To Denise's.  Troy Austin Sudbury named.  Very nice party.  Vickie, Mary, Mom, and Me there, plus Linda's kids.
Nov. 13, Monday.  Work.  Mom looks so sick.  Mary and Vickie with her.  So white.  Nerves hurt.  Gileam Berea, allergic to flu shot. (This is the second time; legs were never the same.) Tuesday they gave her IV's and she sounded so much better.  No Christmas at home this year I think.
Nov. 19, Sunday.  Girls off.  They stopped at Mom's again (hospital).  I went in afternoon.  They let Mom go home about 5.  Took Mary home.  They had had a good weekend visiting.  Mom to Linda's.  One other women admitted Sunday with same thing.  Lady from home called, her white blood count down, sick from shot.  Neil concerned about Mom when he called. 
Nov. 20, Monday. Mom resting to Linda's.  Her blood count up to 3 from 2.
Nov. 24, Friday.  Molly and Connie stayed home with Vickie.  She will get her gall bladder out December 7.  Linda and kids to stores at 6, but we didn't go until 7.  To Freddy's at 7.  Fun shopping all morning.  Went to Tamie's work too.  Picked up Mom.  Wonderful leftovers to Vickie's.  Visited Mom and Vickie.  To my house.  Mary, Em, and Carrie came and we ate at ElMatador.  Too late for kids to go ice skating, next time.  Love them all.  Connie wants to go to the temple on her birthday.  Likes all temples and churches whether small or large.
Nov. 26, Sunday.  Mom came before dark.  She had been pinning Linda's quilts.  Called Carrie and Jeff, neither wanted to go back to school.  Mary has Emily's car since her's is being fixed.  Mom weak, but good.
Nov. 27, Monday.  Lola called and said she would meet her to unpack car.  
Took Mom to Dr. Schmidt.  He wanted her back in two weeks.  She is weak but doing well.  She probably won't go back if she feels better.  We went to DI, Walmart, got batts, and Burger King, Shopko for her iron and B1 pills.  I Put together the secretary chair mom gave me for Christmas.  I love it!  Good for height and closeness to computer on high desk.
Nov. 28, Tuesday.  5 inches in Preston.  Snowed in Tremonton, so Mom didn't go home.  Maybe tomorrow.  Margaret Harris called.  The Ludlow’s called.  They wished I had told them about Mom.  I said they were in Hawaii.  They would have prayed for her.  I sent two boxes of library books and CN articles.  I love them.   Vickie said not to worry about her gall bladder surgery the 7th.  Garth and the girls will be there.  Good to have Mom with me.  She walked outside today. 
Nov. 29, Wednesday.  Mom may go home today.  Looks like a beautiful day. 
Dec. 2, Saturday.  Mary meet Iva in Logan.  Mom and I needed the day to go through Christmas stuff.  I got my hair cut and car greased.  Lola and Tip and Scott gave us fish.  We tended Scotty tonight.  He had a temp, probably teeth.  Diana fixing picture books of her children, so wonderful.  Josh's football book neat too.  They went to football recognition meeting.  They were worried about Scott because a boy in his baby sitters' ended up at Primary's with convolutions and a fever.  Scotty seemed to be ok, but they did take him to Brigham.  Temp 103 +.  He keeps temperature inside.  Josh called about 11:30 hoping Scotty was ok, and asked if they had taken him to the hospital.  He and Tipper had brought him to us to tend.  They love him so.  He was ok Sunday after the right amount of Tylenol.  Josh asked about Jeff. Mom and I worked on clothes for Connie's Christmas doll, Cabbage Patch.  It was fun.  I got sweaters and dress, levis, pj's from DI and Mom made to fit.  The sweaters and dress just fit.
Dec. 7. Iva to Mom's today for about 4 hours.  Mother enjoyed it, wished it were longer.
Dec. 10, Sunday.  Mom, Mary and I to two Churches.  Nice roast dinner.  Packed and home.  Visited Diana and Lola after Church.  They love Mary.  Scotty is too cute.
Dec. 12, Tuesday.  Connie is 7.  Got a camping Barbie and tent, etc.  I gave her a dress.  Work.  Carrie called Vickie.  She got a $200 scholarship for teaching.  Car ran into Mom’s door by Coast to Coast.  Worked a little late on Vadis' genealogy. Vickie writing Christmas story.  She is having us send letters with different numbers in the corner to Mom, for the 12 days of Christmas.  Should be fun.
Dec. 25, Monday.  Mom and I behind.  Got ready for Christmas.  Mary and Em came and helped.  Andersons came and then Owens.  Andersons to Esther’s.  Special presents for everyone.  Ravstens/Harris came.  Scotty pooped on the floor.  We love them all so.  Cody went to Tipper's and Tammie, Chris, and Cathie went to Joshua's later in the evening.
Dec. 26, Tuesday.  Andersons came at noon.  Harris' have flu so they didn't get to see them.  Molly and Connie are so cute playing.  She likes Jeff too.  Fun day.
Dec. 27, Wednesday.  Andersons left after breakfast.   Tamie and kids helped us clean up.  Chunky soup for lunch.  Left in afternoon.  Shopping on way to Centerville.  Tamie was going ice skating with kids, but hockey tonight.  Took them to Jamagie.  Quite good. Chris had date.  They went caroling to a house in Riverdale, which Chris didn't want to do, and the house was the boy's aunt who had dinner for them.
Dec. 30, Saturday. Mom's about noon.  Stopped a few places on the way.  We got some stuff ready to come to my house and had a good afternoon.  Janeal Harris called to thank mom for hemming quilt and for my little presents. 
Dec. 31, Sunday. I worked on my talk early in the morning and then set the table.  Owens came.  They played and sang beautifully.  We practiced at Harris'.  Chris, flute, Cathie, violin and Carrie, Iva, Cody and Connie sang.  "He Sent His Son," and "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus."  Mom spoke for 9 minutes, wonderful, Emily for nine, then music, and I spoke a little longer than 9.  We only went five minutes over.  Lola, Scott Laretta, Diana, Josh, Jeff, and Scotty came, along with Hy and Phil, Mary and Emily's friends Kyle and Cody.  It was a good meeting on the Savior and Israel.  We had a nice roast beef dinner and then after Mary left Lola, Nan, Gary, Scotty and Chelsy came over.  Connie was playing with Chelsy and learning sign language from her.  Mom and I went to bed before the New Year. Tended Scotty during football games although she couldn’t lift him, just slid him back and forth onto chair.

1996:
A typical 1st of January.  Mom and Merle packed the car for Mom to move from Elwood to Centerville.  Earl turned the water off.  Visited Lola, Tip, Diana, Gary and Scotty.  Shopped on the way home sales for summer party.  Later in January Mom and I shopped at Layton Hills Mall.  Mom had saved money and bought beautiful sweater, blouse, skirt, pants, and shirt. Merle wheeled her around in wheel chair.  Mom walks to the Post Office for the mail.  Her legs are still weak from the flu shot.  Mom working on quilts, quilts, quilts this winter. Got hair dryers at DI. $8.00 brand new.  Mom made airplane pillows for Dad's flying buddies. Mom did wash and when she came back they had her lazy boy chair to sit in the front room. Mom and I stayed up until 2 watching Pride and Prejudice.  It was good. Mom called upstairs to say my name was on TV. Won $1,000 gift certificate to RC Wiley, advertisement on Wheel of Fortune TV show. 
Jeff at Vickie's (surprise).  Went to their Church.  So fun.  Wonderful dinner.  Molly and kids play so cute.  Molly's hair so long.  Stayed the night.  Mom to Linda's.  They always play cards to Vickie's. Mom got hearing aid in Sandy.

Mom stood by garbage bin to get help to move China Cupboard when I got new carpet.  It worked, even though the lady with him was upset we were taking his time!
Mom moved back to Elwood at tax time.  She golfed with Joyce and then dinner with the sisters in the ward at JC's. Mom and I worked outside and wrapped presents for her party.  Mom said golfers nice to her when Joyce not there.  Diana's boys going to golf with her on Mondays.  She wasn't going to golf Wed. because 18 holes and Joyce had Retina sewed back on, but a lady called and asked if she wanted to golf 9 with them.  She was so happy.  Mary called.  Doing well. 
July 25. Jonathan Wade Stocking born.  (Adopted later by Margaret and Wade.) Margaret was afraid Mom wouldn’t get to know him--but she did have time to know him and love him.
 
Church News
How to develop meaningful family traditions
Published: Saturday, July 6, 1996
Decide what is most important to you and your family. Often times, we spend wasted hours preparing for a tradition that no one wants to have. Evaluate as a family what is important to you. 
- Realize traditions can be any time of the year. Holidays are great times for traditions, but remember family traditions can be daily or weekly. Such traditions can include family prayer, family home evening, scripture study and journal writing. 
- Make it a memory. The home of my mother, Margrette M. Romer, is too small for her 38-member family on Christmas day. Therefore, she chose to have "Christmas in June" where we all celebrate outside. 
She has activities for all ages of family members, from the youngest having ice cream cone-eating contests to the older family members playing horseshoes. She has games with a prize table. She passes out Christmas presents. She also makes beautiful homemade quilts that are drawn for. 
We all help by bringing food and then by cleaning up. We have had this tradition for 12 years. We now call it "Grandma Romer day" - a memory we will have for years to come. - Vickie R. Anderson, Sandy, Utah 

***** 
1. Evaluate what is important to your family; including spiritual, cultural traditions. 
2. Realize traditions can be daily, not just on holidays. 
3. Be creative; have special foods on certain days, have activities for all ages. 
4. Ensure traditions bind family together, create memories. 
***** 
Sep. 15, Sunday.  Tied a quilt in the morning.  Mom is getting older with eyes and weight.  Hopefully she can lose some weight and see better.  It makes me sad. 

1997
Jan. 4.  Connie Odessa Owen’s baptism.  She invited everyone and had the faith that the weather would be good.  She even invited Lola and Tip, and they all came.  Great party at the 4-H room (Roberts’ Building).
Jan. 5, Sunday.  To Lola's, Harris'.  Love them all so. Packed car.  Mom so tired, will come Tuesday probably.  Said goodbye to Phil, Hy, and Vadis Monday.  Mom so sweet.  She said to work on Vickie's stuff on the computer because I liked doing that best.
Jan. 22, Wednesday.  Mom walking and shopping with Mary. Physical therapy. Mom and I walked at Shopko and K-Mart.  She is fun.  Mom helping me with everything.  Washing cloths, organizing.  She is so fun to work with. Mom and Linda had the sun bonnet quilt Iva made on.  It is beautiful with yellow and flowers.  I worked on it Friday night and Sat. morning.  Bathed in their new tub.  Buck took us too dinner.  Linda and Mom to RS Visiting Teaching thing on Sat. morning.
Mom, Mary, and I tied Margaret's quilt under the carport. The Masada exhibit was wonderful.  It even had the 12 pieces probably given as "lots" for death.  A little too old for Molly.  They also had some Dead Sea Scroll Material and Qumran.  Very informative.  Loved being with the Andersons.  I will always picture Jeff pushing Mom around in the wheel chair.  Vickie took the time to look at my pictures. Jeff wins all the Shang Hi games to Vickie's chagrin.
Linda and Mom will quilt tomorrow. (Shane's)  Mom so tired after quilting.
Gary said Mom couldn't miss Easter Hunt again, Scotty threw eggs.  
Mom got new teeth from good dentist in Salt Lake City. She went home April 1.
Mom was sewing and Scotty kept asking:  "What you doin’ Grandma."  He had never seen anyone sew before.  Mary came the evening after graduation.
Mandy Gillespie’s reception. I certainly didn't diet "good" at Mandy's reception!   The weather and yard were perfect and food, etc.  Brother Ludlow showed up with a camera while Sister Ludlow waited in line.  I just waved.  Gary, everyone nice.  Wonderful food.  The Ludlow’s set with us.  I said I had some things for them, not to take away from the wedding.  Sister Ludlow loved the weights and measures and asked how I got them.  (Special weights and measures, contains more.)  Brother Ludlow couldn't believe it and then listened to my story.  I slipped and said I had paid Laura, Laura Manuel.  He gave them back to me and said they were mine.  I say, no.  Manuel bought them for the Ludlow’s.  Mom said to give a little and take a little.  She said if she had seen them she would have cleaned them up!  Not antiques, 100 or 200 years old.  He showed them to the Smarts and to Frank and Janie.  He will use them so much as a teacher.  I love them.
Mom got a 59 golfing today.  Has fun with Joyce. Mom and I put up handrail in Centerville.  It is real scary.  We are quite the pair.
Mom to eye dr. today.  Sad to say it is not cataracts, but macular degeneration.  New lens in one eye.  Mary went with her.  Nice lunch with them, Chinese food.
(Later another Dr. removed her cataracts and she could see for two more years.)
May 14: Dawn Shelton endowed in Bountiful Temple.  Traffic awful, but she and Dane made it there.
May 16.  Dawn and Dane Miller married in the Salt Lake Temple.  Mom, of course, was there.  Reception. This was the first of the three Shelton marriages this year.
June 9.  Margaret and Wade Stocking were married on Mom and Dad’s wedding anniversary.  She used Mom’s cake topping for her cake. Reception.
June 21.  Shane Dennis Shelton and Hollie Alesa Smith married at Red Butte Gardens.  Bag pipes and all.  Reception that evening.  This was Mom’s 60th class reunion, but she of course chose to go to Shane’s festivities.
Sept. 27.   Worked on Mom's garden, my room.  Sewed some.  Mom did my wash.  I helped a little with Diana's rock she is putting on the outside of her house.  Gary didn't understand how Francom's could plant corn in front of mom's house so she couldn't see.  He loves her. Mom so sweet, but doesn't sleep and hard time getting up and down. Mom made me Christmas vest.
Mom made 300 popcorn balls yesterday with Jean Frank.  Mary might go with her Wed. to the ward party. 
Nov. 1.  Joshua Wayne Harris endowed, Logan, Utah.  To MTC December 10, but homesick and came home December 18.  (It was a blessing in that he reactivated his family and went to Brazil later.)
Nov. 22.  Jeffrey Garth Anderson endowed.  He went to the Ukraine Russian-speaking mission 1998-1999.
Dec. 27, Saturday.  Mom and I packed up to go to Centerville.  Left in afternoon.  Iva and family helped me unload.  Thank goodness.  They stayed at Linda's. 
(1997: 1 baptism, 3 weddings, 3 endowments, 3 showers, 2 farewells: Josh’s and Jeff’s.) 

1998
Jan. 1, 1998, Thursday.  I got a lot done today.  Mom and I had fun.  She is such a sweetheart.  She put all my Christmas stuff in one pile.  I took it to the shed.  Christie called and wanted me to get the house ready for her to come back.  I will miss the little kids when they get a new apartment.  MTC called Jeff and he could speak Russian so well, he only has to stay in Provo 3 weeks.  Mom and I shopping to K-Mart and she got summer party stuff.  Emily had lunch with Israel friends.  Mary working on book.  Linda called.  Andersons playing cards.  Tamie to Sears. 
Garth called from Tremonton said Jeff wanted to play cards with Grandma.  I thought they might be visiting Esther; but, no, Jeff the good Christian man of love had called Joshua and wanted to see Josh before Jeff left for the Ukraine. (Josh had come home from the MTC this fall–homesick.)  He didn't talk much about a mission, but they played and Vickie and Garth visited friends.  Jeff said Josh wasn't ready now and Scotty was sure trouble and made him tired. Garth said it will take some time for Joshua.  It was so good of them to stop.  Mom loved it.  What a gift. 
Jan. 9, Friday.  Mom sewing pillowcases for Mary and quilts together.  She is a doll.  Had supper fixed last night.
Feb. 1, Sunday.  Mom and I to Church. Mom so good to me.  Cooks; warms corn bag, etc.
Feb. 15, Sunday.  Church.  Mom's knees hurt. Diana said she is going to walk to Mom's, 4 miles, and then mom can take her home.  Great!
Helped mom pack.  Vickie picked up Mom.  She doesn't feel well, and can hardly walk.  Hope Vickie can fix her. Mom going to Sandy today.
March 5, Thursday.  Work. Tried to call Mom at Vickie's, she couldn't find phone.  She can hardly walk, flu Vickie thinks, but I am so worried.  Got her hearing aids cleaned.  To Linda's for party tonight.  Vickie and Garth to the temple.  Jeff found out in the afternoon that he is going to Anaheim tomorrow morning for about a month to wait for his visa.  One missionary had appendix out and they didn't even sew up.  The US consulate couldn't get a life-flight helicopter in from Germany, but the Church did in an hour to get him to Germany.  The Church has a great system throughout the world Jeff said.  He is the best.
April 7, Tuesday.  Work.  Ran into the Apostles.  Four said hello to me.  I am so thankful:  Elder Ballard, Elder Maxwell, Elder Nelson, and Elder Oaks.  Saw President Faust, Elder Scott, Elder Eyring, etc.  Saw President Hinckley yesterday.   I am truly blessed. Mom leaving Friday.  I'm taking Friday off. Mom says if the girls are studying it must be getting close to the end of the term!
May 19, Tuesday. Mom tendonitis in ankle.  Lola took her to Brigham on Wednesday. 
May 22.  Mary received her doctorate from the University of Colorado.
May 25.  Memorial Day.  Worked on house all day.  Tamie brought Grandma and Connie about 8:30.  Mom a little better, but still can't walk. Lowell and Peggy Joyce stopped to see Mom. (They did about every day when she was sick or at least once a week.)
June. Mom’s eyes getting worse all the time.  Still can drive in the day.  I love her so.  Had cake for me.  She is a doll.  Made my Israel quilt for a surprise.
June 16.  Carry Lynn Owen endowed in Logan Temple.  (Baltics Russian-speaking mission 2000-2001.)
July 23.  Diana and Gary endowed and sealed in the Ogden Temple.  Josh was beaming.
Aug. 6.  Emily Anderson endowed.
Aug. 14, Friday.  Mom fell in bathroom. Tripped over the rug. Mom had a traumatized muscle in her hip.  It is bruised.  She will be ok.  I’m so glad, although I need to stay here.  She is staying in hospital and Transitional Care until she can walk.  Getting new carpet and rid of gold chair so mom can use walker easier.  She is in good spirits.  Mary there all the time.  Diana, Gary, and Scotty came.  They are doing well.  Diana in charge of picking out carpet.  I need to get home and box things up.
Aug. 18.  Mom in transition unit now until she gets better.  No, they did a scan and she gets a new plate Wed. or sit in a wheel chair for 6 months.  It is a worry, but she will do ok.
Aug. 19, Wed.  Pray Mom will be ok.  They didn’t take Mom in until 6:00 p.m.  Back in room about 9:00.  They did an epidural in her back so she didn’t have to have the breathing tube.  She will be good.  45 minute operation; 45 to get her ready, then recovery.  Linda, Mary, and I there.  Lola not ordering the carpet yet.   
Aug. 20.  Linda 55.  Up at 5, 7 to mom’s and packed.  Lola came to finish for two hours.  I did bedroom and then Cathie came and washed bedroom and helped me paint and she washed front room or we never would have made it.  We ate at Cross Roads.  Died when I went to bed.
Aug. 30, Sunday.  Finished at mom’s.  Took her home in afternoon.  She helped me with Goaslind letters. Such a doll.  Tamie came.
Sep. 12, Saturday.  Exercise. Unpacked and packed car.  Vickie came.  We had a great day getting Mom settled in.  I got groceries while she took Mom for blood.  The carpet is wonderful.  Lola, Tip, Diana and family have really worked hard on it.  Lola, Tip and Nan moved furniture out.  Football guys moved it back.  They tour out carpet.  Tip fixed doors, etc.  Lori  Woerner, RS pres. Came over; Lawanna’s daughter.  They will take good care of Mom.  Vickie and I went back because we gave lessons Sunday.  In fact everyone did but Lola!  Hy and Phil came.  Gary and Diana.  Gary fixed handles in bathroom.
Fall.  Joshua Harris went to his mission to Sau Paulo, Brazil, North Mission.  He went to the MTC in Brazil too.  This made us at ease because he was so far away and couldn’t come home. He was a great missionary.
Nov. 5, Thursday.  Iva came to Mom’s at 11.  Mary stayed the night and Lola helped her get up this morning.  Said she was a little better this afternoon.  I don’t know.  Vickie coming tonight through Sunday and deciding what to do. (Mom’s 80th Party is Sat.) Les born in 1958 – 40 today.
Nov. 6, Friday.   4 inches of snow.  Got up early to get ready.  Went to pool, but lights out.  Vicki and I the only ones there!  To work to work on lesson.  Iva went home this morning.  Mom bath and hair.  Physical therapy.  Something definitely wrong.  Going home soon about 2.  Stopping places and then to Mom’s.
Mom doing ok.  Moved to wheel chair, very painful but Vickie has it managed.
Nov. 7, Saturday.  Mom’s 80th Birthday Party in Tremonton. Peggy came and did her hair, got her dressed and she had about had it.  I don’t know how they got her in and out of the car to the party.  Sat in wheel chair and then Tip and Randy got Lazy Boy.  She saw everyone and 150-200 came + family. Wonderful party.  Program, quilt from everyone, picture book, cake from Iva.  Vickie did displays.  People liked the picture books. Tip arranged for an ambulance to come after.  Everyone took presents home.  I took suitcase to her.  I could tell which room she was in from her screaming.  Mary was upset they were not careful enough and gave her Demerol which compromised her breathing.  She was worried and thought since she had had the party, she would quit breathing and die.  I stayed until 11:30–needed to get home for lesson on Sunday.
Everyone to the party including Nate and Matt except Jeff (mission) and Jeff (football), Cathie (Kansas City–she called Friday night). Hope I got pictures of everyone. 
Lou with mom, ex-rays.  Painful. I came about 2.  They rolled her on her side.  She thought she was going to stop breathing last night, now that she had had her party.  Wants to get operated on and get better.
They started surgery on Mom at 6.  I went home for a nap.  I was going to stay the night alone, but Linda stayed thank goodness.  He said 2-4 hours.  They were too busy to call. Carol called. And they were having a hard time putting the rod and pins and screws in because they would x-ray and couldn’t see the bone, no calcium, severe osteoporosis.   7-hour operation.  The worst Dr. Mattson has seen (Mad Dog Mattson to the nurses).  Lola and Mary went home.  Worried about infection and blood clots. She was delusional all night after 7 hours of anesthesia.  Things were coming at her.  She hated the boots on her feet.  Thought things were going to hit and kill us. Blood, etc.  She disowned Linda and I because we said she had an operation, and we wouldn’t take the ropes off her feet.  She told Lola that she was an angel and not to trust Linda and I.  She just couldn’t rest. (From the medicine that had put her out.) Lola was with her in the day and then Chris at night.  That is when her heart went caput. (Flip-flopped.)
Nov. 13, Friday. Mary called work. Mom’s heart went fast all night and day.  Chris there last night.  Mild heart attack.  Medicine finally brought it down.  Sat. afternoon the new medicine worked and the top heart has reverted back to what it was before the operation.  That is good.  She wants to be home in her chair.  She wanted to leave the hospital while Iva was there and Iva said if she stood on that leg it would hurt like hell.  They wanted to restrain her and Iva said give me 5 min.  She told her to buck up. And she did.
Nov. 14, Saturday. Iva stayed the night.  She was delusional.  I came about 11 and then home. Had a nap.  Iva napped at Mom’s and then we went to Lydia’s 90th party.  Nice.  To Diana’s for hamburgers and I packed stuff up at Mom’s.  Stopped at Moms.  She was clammy. Cried.
Nov. 15, Sunday.  Slept in.  Chris woke me.  Wanted to call every 5 minutes like I do to get her up. Worked on organizing the house.  Mom had 2 units of blood. To hospital at 3:30.  Lou stayed last night.  Mom delusional once.  Linda came, I came at 3:30 and Diana stayed the night.  She only woke up once disoriented.
Nov. 16, Monday. Work. Mom ok now; hard row to hoe.  I’m glad she is here for a while. She wants to go home to her chair.  I love her so.  May put her in chair today (no, no order).  Told her about Rehab Center.  She would rather go home of course.  Going there after work. Vickie said Mom wondered why Dad didn’t come and get her.  It is hard work to get better. 
Nov. 17, Tuesday. Mom moved to Transitional Care Unit. Doing better.  Gets tired.  Will probably go to Wasatch Nursing home to recuperate (needs antibiotics from staph. Must have IVs.)  Wish we would have taken her to Tremonton. Mom looked so tired and scared tonight.  Got in a chair the first time.  I love her so.
Nov. 29, Sunday. I called at 7 like I was supposed to but Mom was going to surgery at 7:30. They put her under for an hour, not local.  She did ok.  Hope this will heal now.  Read Isaiah notes Vicki wrote for me.  Spent day with Mom.  Mary came after taking Em to airport. 
Talked about Pearl Harbor in devotional today.  Mom was listening to the radio Dad had bought in San Francisco for them.  Hanks had just left from hunting, Dad was plowing to the west field with the caterpillar.  Mom told him and neither of them knew where Pearl Harbor was.  The country really came together then.
Mom took a few steps today.  Dr. took drains out.  She is rounding second base.  I pray nothing else will break.  Visited at night.  Shane and Hollie came.  Mom fixed sleeper for Jonathan.
Dec. 30, Wednesday. What a sad day.  Moved Mom to the Wasatch Care Nursing Home for rehab.  Little room.  So upset.  I just sat and cried as she sat at the food table and so did she.  She never wanted to be in a nursing home.  I had to leave to pick up Owens.  They had a wonderful time in Hawaii.  I wanted to hear all their stories.  Sent Tiger home with them. (The kitty didn’t eat for a long time–wanted Iva’s family.)
Time-line:
Aug.  Mom tripped over rug in the bathroom and hurt hip.
Aug. 13. Tamie in Elwood.  Ambulance to Ogden, pain.
Aug. 19.  Pins in.
Aug. 30. To my house (Christie, Tamie, and Toni there too.)
Sept. 12. To her house.
Nov. 4. Hurt so bad, went for x-rays.  Bones so bad couldn’t find break. Mary took her and stayed night in Elwood til Iva came at 11 Thursday Nov. 5.  Vickie in the evening and got her to the party on Saturday. Mom said she wanted to stay for her party.
Nov. 7. Ambulance to Ogden Hospital after 80th party
Nov 8. X-ray- Lou there
Nov.  11, Wed. Late, Mom operated on at 5 for 7 hours.  Lola, Linda, Mary, and me there.  We kept calling.  She made it after the hardest surgery he has seen, no bones. Linda and I stayed the night.  She was delirious and disowned us.  Hard to wait so many days for surgery. 
X-ray, couldn’t see bone, osteoporosis.  Couldn’t get a decent xray.  Had to close and change table.  Obesity and osteoporosis problems. Turned on side, rode in back.  Soft bone.  Line up just right.  Worst case ever.  Took 100 x-rays.
Nov. 10-11.  Surgery 7 hours started at 5 p.m. the 10th.  Linda and I stayed all night and sang Primary songs with her.  She knew all the words.
Nov. 12.  Chris stayed, heart out of rhythm.
Nov. 13.  Iva stayed.
Nov. 14. Lou stayed
Nov. 15. Diana stayed
Nov. 17. To Transitional Care Unit at McKay-Dee Hospital.
Nov. 29. Surgery to open wound.
Dec. 3. Surgery to close wound.
Dec. 4. To TCU at McKay-Dee Hospital.
Dec.  30. To Wasatch Care Center (had to have IVs for staph infection.)
Feb. 24, 1999 to Iva’s.  Lola and Diana took.  Doing well.
There until November 1999, then to my condo.  Moved bed down stairs for her.
Feb. 2003. To Bear River Nursing Home in Tremonton.
Sep. 24, 2004.  Died at Bear River Nursing Home at age 85.  Almost lived six years since her hip broken.

1999
Jan., Friday. Did 4 loads of wash, organized shed, put away Mom’s stuff and Christmas.  Chris here with Lisa and Hailey.  To Mom’s (hospital) later in the day.
Jan. 2, Saturday: Iva, Cody and Connie came in the afternoon.  So good to hear of their trip and see them.  Mom was so excited.  
Jan. 3, Sunday: To Church at 11 at Mom’s care facility.  Mom went.  Shopping and ate when Mom ate.  Vicki came in evening and worked on Ch History book and took care of Mom.  She is great.  Mom wouldn’t let her put her to bed, but did when a CNA came who knew nothing. Mom’s wound seeping again.  Iva and Chris want her to move with Iva, me too.  Lola and Mary there today. She was going up the hall with her wheel chair.  She won’t let us help her walk.  
One Saturday Vickie and others came and we tied quilts for babies.
Jan. 7, Thursday.   Vicki Valentine and I to Mom’s tonight.
Jan. 10, Sunday. To Mom’s.  Dear Diana and Gary and Scotty there.  Diana gave me picture of Logan Temple for Christmas.  We thought it was Mom’s.  Stayed to put her to bed. 
Carrie suggested we do humanitarian bags for the summer party.  I think it will be great.  Mom just wants games for the kids!
Jan. 11, Monday.  Mom wants to get regular walker and get out.  She is feeling better. Margaret sent the cutest letter re Jonathan’s adoption to come.  It was great. (He was adopted September 11, 2000.)
Jan. 22, Friday. Work.  Vickie and Garth to Mom’s tonight.  They marked the rest of Mom’s clothes. 
Jan. 23, Saturday, 23. To Mom’s about 4:30.  Linda, Dawn, and Dane came.  Dane ran today at Weber. Mary in Denver***
Scotty, Diana and Gary went to see Mom (they were to the temple yesterday, day off).  Scotty wants Grandma to go home and visit her there not at the hospital. 
Nice day.  To Mom’s Church at 11, we were bored, so I went home before dinner.  She has a cold and didn’t want to give it to me.  She is so ready to get out.  The therapist said she is doing really well and needs to check Iva’s house.
February. I went to Mexico.  Mom was in hospital still when I came home, but just for a few days and then she went to Iva’s February 24, 1999.  Neil picks her up and they take such good care of her.  Iva buys Haagen-Dazs ice cream on a stick and that is her treat.  Mom thinks they are inexpensive.  Iva doesn’t tell her they are $3.00 each!
We have spent winters together since the late 1980's.  She was in Arizona before that (7 winters).  I pray she will get strong bones and live long so we can have some more fun together.

Feb. 25, Thursday.  E-mail from Ewa: Mom says everything is fine. She needs to learn to type so she can communicate with you. She is up and did one lap in the living room, now she is eating a waffle.
Hope all is well in the big city.
love, iva
Peggy Joyce taking Hy and Phil to Mom’s at Iva’s today.
March 7, Sunday.  Fast Sunday.  Went to sacrament meeting.  Connie marking scriptures.  Dinner.  At night I had Mom start to teach us to play Shanghi.  Cody and Connie love it.
March 8, Monday.  No work.  Played one hand of cards with Connie before bus.  Iva works so hard.  Made waffles.  Loved being with the family.
Mom giving Connie 3 mustard plasters today.  What an experience.  She had fun playing cards yesterday with Hy and Phil. Mary brought them.
March 21, Sunday. To Iva’s.  Mom and I did stuff.  Wonderful dinner.  Watched TV.  Lola and Tip came.  Mom doing ok.  Linda here yesterday. Mom a little bored, but leg strong, I can tell.
April 3, Saturday.  Made salad at Diana’s.  Great day.  Margaret, Wade, Jonathan, Angie and Austin there, Harris’ Lola, Tip (quit smoking in Jan.) Iva brought Mom, Cody and Connie, Vickie, Garth, Amy, Mary and Em, Carrie, Hy and Phil.  It was a great day.  Snowed during Easter egg hunt.   Diana hosted us and it was great.  Cody went to priesthood with Harris’.  We stayed the night because of snow.  Worked on Tip’s quilt with Lola.  Drove Mom to the cemetery and home.  She walked so good. She is doing good.  Neil dragged her up with the wheel chair since it was snowing.  Didn’t want her to fall.
Mom has severe osteoporosis.  Taking nose drops.  Going to stay to Iva’s longer.  Got stuff done tonight. 
May 18, Tuesday.  Mom’s back hurts with muscle spasms. Mom happy about perm and going home for the weekend.
Grandma Romer Day:
Amy and Molly brought Mom.  They went to town.  Made rice and 7-layer and worked on getting things done.  Linda came and helped, even garden.  Mom’s back sore, but she is ok.  Wonderful day.  
June 12, Saturday. GRANDMA ROMER DAY. Perfect day of about 85 degrees.  Everyone here but Cathie (Mexico) and Carrie (on way to Arizona).  Visit and play and perfect food.  Loved Grandma’s Christmas presents. Most everyone helped get ready and clean up.  Happy to have Jonathan with us. Everyone played and played and stayed and stayed.  Mom and I stayed here and Iva met half way.  We had a good day other than mom’s back hurts and she doesn’t get around.  Fun to be home.  Cody went home with me.  It is great to have him with.
Cody walking Mom even if it hurts.  Get those muscles working. 
June 17, Thursday.  Dad 85 today.  Iva helped Mom up.  Beautiful day.  
June 23, 24, Friday and Sat. and Sun.  To Idaho.  Iva’s gardens and grounds so beautiful. Vickie, Garth, and Molly came Sat. to do flowers so we stayed until late afternoon.  Mom and I home.  She doing good.  Watered everything and messed around.  Hy and Phil and Amy came to visit.  Sunday nice.  Iva met in Newton. Mom walked into Lola’s and visited Diana.
July 6, Tuesday. Stayed home til noon helping mom and they repadded and put the carpet on in the kitchen.  I need to put everything away now.  Chris helped Mom.  She has hard time getting up, weak.  Muscles so much pain.  A little better today. Amy brought Connie, bless her heart, so hot and she worked all night. We took Chris a sandwich and went to Vicki’s game but it was over, and to her house for watermelon.  It was great.  Linda picked up Mom.
July 9, Friday. Work.  Iva called and talked to Linda.  Mom has a hard time getting up, but must get better.  She has to get better so she can stay with me. Iva and Diana having a great time at BYU.  Connie crocheting apple. She is a doll. 
Mom called Tuesday afternoon.  She is feeling pretty good.  Her sight is bad.  Her back hurts with arthritis, but she sounded so good.  Her day-pro for arthritis cost $117 for one month.  Iva said it is so expensive she had better take it!
Mom is ok now except her eyes.  She has an eye appointment Monday a.m. at 7:00 a.m. I told Mom I was cleaning my desk.  She said: “There is no excuse for dirt or litter.”  I never heard her say that before. Vickie took mom to Dr. Call today.  She is doing good.
Aug. 22, Sunday. Home with Mom. Scotty came for four hours great guy.  Wanted to play.  Made us laugh.  To Lola’s. She cooked us rolls. 
Sept. 1.  Gage Damon Schmidt born.
Oct. 14, Thursday.  Carrie called this morning.  Iva got the missionary call letter.  Iva says she is going to open it.  We are meeting at my house at 6:30, can’t wait.  Carrie and I were going to go to the temple.  She wanted something to do tonight.  Iva had me call Berry’s Mom to come.  What a nice day.
Nov. 1, Monday.  Thursday I went to Elwood and then met Iva and Mom and kids in Logan.  They went to the show.  It is so good to be home.
Friday I cleaned out the unplugged freezer.  Mom wants to give the girls a special present.  Mom walked up the stairs to mark Lola’s temple dress.   They are both so excited.  Sat. We took Hy and Phil to Brigham for chicken and saw poor Aunt Verna.  So alone.  It was good.  Sunday we heard Gary and Tipper talk in Sacrament meeting and to Tip’s ordaining to an Elder by Gary.  All brothers there and Mom and I.  Heavenly people know, and hope they will go on a mission.
Nov. 5, Friday.  Les was born 41 years ago today.  Ravsten’s go to the temple tomorrow with all of us.  I think it will be a wonderful day.  It is supposed to be in the 70's.
Nov. 6. Lola will go to the temple November 6 at 1:00 p.m. She and Tip endowed and sealed.  Iva brought Mom from Preston in the wheel chair.  She made it through and was so happy to have all six of her girls in the temple. Great day in the neighborhood.
Lola was baptized 6 Nov 1948.  She wants Mom to help with the suitcase, etc.  It will be great.
Nov. 15. Mom will go back to Iva’s Tuesday night.  I will leave work at 3:00 to get her to Logan. I love having Mom with me.  She is the best. 
Sat. Carrie came and helped me with moving things upstairs for Mom to move in.  Thank goodness.  I took Mom shopping to K-Mart in the morning.
Nov. 16, Tuesday. Mom went for two walks yesterday.  She wants to go home in the spring.  She is looking good.  Meals on Wheels independent.
Dec. 12, Sunday.  Made salad.  Mary rode with us to Sandy.  It was a great welcome home for Jeff.  Everyone to Vickie’s after farewell.  It was great.  Jeff had a hard time leaving being a missionary. 
 

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND
HAPPY NEW MILLENNIUM

I hope this Christmas Season finds you as happy as you can be.  I hope you have had a good year with your family and friends.
I am 81 now and am stronger.  I was in the hospital for four months with a broken femur and at Iva’s in Preston for nine months.  She took such good care of me and I can take care of myself in the day now with the walker and wheel chair.  I just moved to Merle’s in Centerville and do fine in the day.  I miss Iva’s cooking.  Meals on wheels are ok–Merle doesn’t cook. I’m glad last year is over!  Merle is typing this for me.  My eyes are going the same way as my brothers and sister’s went–I don’t see well.  
My family is doing well.  Vickie’s son Jeff just came home from the Ukraine after two years.  He was a great missionary.  Diana’s son, Josh is doing a great missionary work in Brazil.  Carrie, Iva’s oldest, just graduated in Elementary Education and is going to Lithuania in January.  I hope she doesn’t freeze there!  All the other children are doing ok.  They are a great joy to me.
The highlight of the year was I got to go to the Logan Temple with all of my girls in November.  Something I’ve dreamed of–a slice of heaven.
Let me know how you are.  My phone number is: 
801-292-3159 or drop a line: P.O. Box 18, Centerville UT 84014.  Merle and I will be going to Elwood on some weekends starting in the spring. 

Best wishes,
Margrette Romer


2000
Jan. 5, Wednesday.  New Year’s Eve was fun.  Cathie Owen and friends came and Carrie and Barry and Jeff A. came by.  Mom and I watched the NY New Year come in.  
Sat. we went to Vickie’s and had a great time with steak dinner.  We watched Prince of Egypt.
Note from Lola:
A note to tell you hello!
Tip and I New Year’s we went out to the Tremonton airport.  It was the closing.
People were there from everywhere.  Planes reminiscing.  I was standing by the super cub all redone and someone hit the wing.  I surly thought the angels were after me.  Bill Larsen laughed and said it’s just your ole dad Lola.
It was a fun time.  Hope all is well.  Love you, Lola.
***
Carrie Mission, January 2000.
Mom is doing a little better.  Her eyes are bad, her back and ribs and knees hurt.  Maybe in a week or two she can get dressed on her own.  She of course is afraid of falling.  Hopefully she will be safe today.
18 Feb 2000. A little snow last night.  Mom doing better every day.  I need some self-control.  Mom asked for me to read the Book of Mormon last night!
Tuesday, 22 February 2000.  3-day weekend.  Mom and I went to Tremonton Sat.  3-hour perm–to long.  Her back still hurts.  We saw Diana and Fam between their games.  Stayed at Lola and Tips for a video. 
Mary was with Mom.  She didn’t hear me come home. 
Sat. Lola Tip and Mary picked us up.  Lola told Mom not to mourn.  Nice time at Jr. River temple.  Mom a little forgetful.  Hard names.  Nice visit to Linda’s.  Margaret and Dawn and Angie also.  Jeff and Emily.  I need to help Mom get stronger.
March 1.  Connie called last night to see if Mom was watching Wheel of Fortune.  She was!  Connie got one of the answers right before they did.  Mom trying harder.
Owens, Mom, Lola and Tip and I then went to the new movie at the Legacy theater.  It is about the Savior in the Old world and the Book of Mormon times.  Mom couldn’t believe she did so much today. She didn’t think she would ever make it back to my office.
Mom was so good and now her back is bad again.  Her antibiotics make her blind and dementia.  Beautiful weather.  I took Friday and Monday off since my boss was in California.  Mom to Hy and Phil’s.  Sat. worked on garden with neighbor boy.  Gary had mowed the lawn.  Harris’ came over in evening.  Mom not well, so I didn’t go to Church.  Peggy came Sat.  Jean Frank Sunday.  To Lola’s for dinner.  Tip said if Grandma couldn’t make it up the steps, he would get the cattle road.  Home.  Monday did some things.  Nurse came and contaminated catheter. 
 I am so happy Mom is with me.  She loves her new blue dress.  I need to help get ready for the party so she is excited.  Next weekend.  She is crocheting.  I’ve been reading Church History, Moses with Mom. 
May 2, Tuesday.  She called me Mom last night because I was taking care of her.  Woke me at 5 this morning, thinking it was 6.  She’s great.  She sometimes wakes up in her chair and thinks she is home in Elwood.  I love her so. 
Had Friday off.  Cleaned my house, mom bath until noon.  Home.  Watered.  Tired.  Sat.  Worked all day with Lonnie.  New mower works.  Diana worked at her home too.  Felt good.  Mom fell out of tall chair Hy fixed.  Hy Phil, Peggy and Lowell came over. 
Made mom go to Sacrament meeting in Elwood. Susie talked about her how she used to visit her grandparents and so nice now.  Dinner to Diana’s.  So wonderful.  Of course wanted to stay at home.  Lark says: “Elwood is a pretty little town.”  Linda and Buck bringing dinner tonight.
May 11.  Rain this morning.  Snow on The hills.  Linda and Buck for lunch. Buck’s birthday.  Mary with Mom tonight. 
I planted flowers at moms.  Beautiful flowers from Iva’s.  Home late.  Mom saw Linda last Monday, Mary Thursday.  So she saw all the girls this week.  She walked with her walker all weekend.  She is doing well.  
May 8.  Mom doing well, although stomach sick in the night.  While reading Matthew 24 in Pearl of Great Price she said she didn’t know if she had been good enough.  I told her she had.  She said she had had no one to study with before. 
May 30: Jeffrey and Emily Brandt sealed at Mt. Timpanogas Temple.
31 May, Wed.  Yesterday was such a beautiful day for Jeff and Emily's wedding.  It was so peaceful at The Timpanogos temple.  All The sisters and Mom were there. 
June 8, Thursday.  Almost Grandma Day. Mom is feeling good. Excited about The party.  Going home after work today. Amy and Molly coming tonight.  Cathie dropping off Connie tomorrow.  Linda and Buck coming tomorrow and then everyone Sat. but Carrie and Josh.  It should even be in The 70-80's.  It is exciting!
June 14, Wednesday.  We had a practically perfect Grandma Romer Day.  Everyone was there but Carrie and Josh and Chae.  Randy drove from Yuma, AZ, and Dane and Dawn and Em from Colorado.  Amy and Molly and Connie and Circles came Thursday night.  It was great.  We even got some more sand.  Linda and Buck came Friday night and Linda was a great help.  The day was perfect in late 70's 80.  Food and fun great.  Scotty, Jonathan, Austin and Molly never stopped all day.  Connie played horse shoes for the first time with Chris.  Dane and Dawn stayed with Angie and Adam and watched a movie.  Everyone wanted Angie’s Gage.  Em (1) and Jeff (2) won horse shoes.  Cody checkers.  Mom was excited about everything.  Linda did a program for Lola and gave her an “older than dirt” cake for her 60th.  It was great.  Scotty was 5 on Friday and partied all day.  He would ask Grandma if he could get a prize off the table.  What a guy.
We went to Church to Lola’s Sunday.  Tip was ordained a High Priest and is an assistant in The High Priest Quorum.  
I'm taking Mom to The Birthday Bash practice tonight in her wheel chair.  It should be good!  We will watch it on TV tomorrow night--channel 11 at 7.  I Hope You get channel 11.  Pres. Hinckley’s birthday party at conference center.
30 June 2000.
Note from Margaret:
I found out today that our court date was changed but my NEW attorney
Forgot to tell me.  It is on July 10.  Unfortunately I will be in
California testifying on a work comp case for Dick Simon Trucking.
We are going to try to go ahead with the court date and have Wade and
Robin (Jonathan's Bio Aunt) testify.  Hopefully the judge will let
that happen.
What's next??????
Love 
Margaret
Mom and I are going home for 4 days.  2 of them will be at Iva’s because Miss Connie is in “Fiddler on The Roof!”  I’ll work next Wed. and Thurs. then off for the week.  Hope to get something done.  Mary with Mom yesterday afternoon.
July 17, Monday.  I took last week off as Brother Nelson was in Boston.  I worked on my shed.  Mom helped me.  It will take a while to go through everything but got a good start.  I finally learned to bring boxes to my house where it is cool. 
Mom and I stayed home Sat.  Sunday.  We went to 2 hours of Elwood and Deweyville for sacrament meeting.  Jeff spoke.  Tipper ordained to priest.  It was great.  Dinner to Lola’s.  
July 26, Wednesday.  Mom is doing good. She does have dementia.  She wants to help me every day.  I love her so.  Vickie and family with us to dinner tonight. 
Aug. 9, Wednesday.  It was a great weekend.  With Mom’s help I sorted through all my papers in the shed.  I have 2 big boxes of my history with kids and family in and one box to file.  I can’t believe it finally happened. 
14 Aug. (Always took her big oxygen concentrator with us.)To Elwood and quilted.  Hy and Phil came.  Sunday Mom couldn’t get up for Church.  Worked in Garden.  Mom cooked steak.  It was great.  Home via peaches, Mary’s, Vicki’s, Nelson’s and home.  Great weekend.  Shed empty, now need to work on house every day.
Mom and I finished Connie’s angel quilt for her high school graduation.  Mom’s eyes are worse all the time. She is trying to crack jokes and sticks up for herself.   
Aug. 25, Friday. Weather a little cooler.  Mom to Dr. Call this week.  Said she looked good.  Got her a wheelchair.  Medicare pays for most of it. 
Great weekend.  Dad died 26 years ago yesterday.  Mom is doing well.  Eyes, dementia.  She loved having Linda and Buck there.  Visited at Lola’s.  Mary and Em (going to Ecuador) Lola and Tip and Harris’.  Great Sunday.  Worked on garden Monday.  Linda dusted and vacuumed (not calories burned according to Diana!).  Gary’s heart tests lost.  I love the fall.  The garden is going to be good.  Mom says it looks like someone lives there.
18 Sept., Monday. Cody and Iva took my sewing machine cabinet home and Scotty.  Then they visited until 12.  Scotty told Iva she had better turn her lights on when she drove her home. 
Jonathan’s party was great.  Everyone came but Mary in DC and Em in Equador.  Em wrote Friday to say she made it.  She starts Spanish class today.  Mom looked great.  Gary got her Pepsi and Jeff and Shane took her back home after.  It was great.  Mom and I went to Centerville Church Sunday.  Watching the summer games in Sidney, Australia.  Lazy.  Tip and Lola spoke in Stake Conference today.
Sept. 25.  Mom was nervous about driving home. (I was the driver! She doesn’t drive anymore.  She said Lola took her driver’s license away.) She is on antibiotics again.  I really did clean the house except for the play room of course.  Diana cooked us soup with real noodles and made apple crisp.  Lola and Tip picked up potatoes.  Scotty over a little while Sunday morning.  Iva, Neil, and Cody went to fireside about Russia.  It was great.
Chris came at 2:30 last night to sleep. (In Centerville.) It was so funny Momma waking her up with the intercom this morning to go to the dentist.
Sept. 29.
Hello dear Family,
      I just wanted to let you all know this next week is an exciting
one.   We are doing our play.  Music Man.  It will be Oct.  12, 13, at
7:30 pm, and Oct 14 at 2 PM in the afternoon.
     Garth is the director of the play.  You are right....He has never
had this opportunity before.  He has blossomed into a wonderful
director.  the people love working with him and it has been a great
experience.  there are 140 people on stage in the play.  We have 40
teenage dancers who could dance on Broadway.  You will love their big
dances.   woowowowowowowowow
    Molly is the daughter of the banker. she has one sister, and two
brothers who are twins.  Of course her stage mother is an older type
mother, but a good one.  Me.  Molly sings so loud in several parts I
need to remind her to soften down a little. She also is a wa-ton-yee
dancer.  She is responsible to make her own costume changes and she does
it great.  Last night her Indian dress was on inside out, but I am sure
no one noticed.  Last night as we are practicing.  Molly ran on stage
when I was doing a different part and she needed to ask me a question. 
I asked her if she understood that I was on stage doing the play she
said.  Yes grandma , but I have a question for you.  So Molly may be in
several extra scenes.  I am a pick a little lady. or town gossip.  I am
sure you understand that I was not type casted.  I do a little singing,
a lot of play dancing.......?????  yes my arthritis is killing me, and
lots of fun stuff.  the play is great.  We would love you all to come
for an inexpensive night out.  you will be well entertained.  It is 3.00
a person for the play.  It will be held at Eastmont Jr high.  If you buy
tickets at the door it will be 5.00.   Know this has been a growing experience for our family.  We
understand if you cannot make it.    If you can make it.......It will be fun for all.
    Have a good day now and I just wanted to remind you of our play.
  We love you all tons.  Vic
Vickie’s play, “Music Man,” was so wonderful. Sat.  Mom went and made it, although she did sleep a lot.  She slept most of Sunday.  Hard to leave her today.  I love her so. We all do.
Mom scared me so badly Monday.  She was out of it and talking to Connie telling her to get her coat and they would go to Mom’s house.  I think she was better Tuesday, and water came out of her all night.  She must be very tired.  Those antibiotics just ruin her.  She is determined, and tries not to wake me up when she gets up.  I love her so and was so scared, but feel better now.  I am tired today!
How is mom? Is she still dementia? I sent Diana a note with her Carrie letter that told I could take the cats or Scotty! I could handle Scotty for a minute, maybe it would take away my craving for grandchildren. Note from Iva
27 Oct., Thursday.  It has been a busy and full week.  Mom was really out of it this weekend when Linda had her.  I think she is a little better today.  Vickie and I took her to the Dr. on Monday.  They couldn’t find any imbalance in her electrolytes.  Her x-ray of her knee said it was just swollen.  The neighbor comes over at 11.  Vickie wanted to take her home, but she wants to stay at my home.  She is going to Vickie’s and Linda’s while I am in California for a week.
Nov. 18. Mom’s party was great at Maddox.  They were so nice: Mom, Lola Tip (Diana to Ravsten baptism), Linda, Buck, Margaret, Mary, Merle, Vickie, Amy, Molly, Iva, Neil Cathie, Connie, Cody and Mandy. 
We took honey to Hy’s and Mom home tired.  I went to Diana’s.  Mom to Church Sunday and got l/2 of recommend.  She is doing great.
Thanksgiving was great.  Em came from Denver.  We were to Vickie’s. Esther there.  Mom feeling good, played Shang hi.  We are very blessed.  Connie stuck to Amy like glue because Molly was to Nate’s. 

2001
Jan. 4.  Here we are at another year.  It is in the 20's and foggy.  The Christmas lights looked great in the fog.  Yesterday Iva and Cathie came and picked up Chris in Sandy. We saw “One Fold, One Shepherd.”  It was so good to see it again and Iva bought lunch at the Tiffin Room.  Lou is living with Mom and I and is worried about the court date on the 12th.  I hope she doesn’t have to go back to jail. (Lived with us 2001 through August 2002.)
We got a Christmas card from Carrie yesterday from Estonia.  Who would have thought?   I cooked opulent chicken.  Mary, Vickie and Iva came with families.  Cody and Molly had fun.  They picked up Connie from Disneyland.  I picked up Chris at 11 p.m. and she has worked her all week because her job doesn’t start until the 8th in California.
Today Lou will come after work and go for drug test.  Then I want to go to dinner and K-Mart with Lou and Mom.  I need to make myself do things in the evening. (LouAnn stayed and helped with Mom until the fall of this year.)
Jan. 16. LouAnn going to jail for 6 weeks.  Hope she will be ok. Got some done the weekend.  Fun to go to Tremonton to see kids play basketball.  Mom got perm.  To stake conf. Sunday.  Monday worked on Grandma Romer Day party.  Mom doing well, cold and windy.  Mary came and we thought it was Chris opening the door.  We miss here.  Note from Iva:
Merle, Mom is going to write a song: “I’m going to diet tomorrow, tomorrow, or Monday, Monday.”  She isn’t funny!
***
Mom has always said that when Dad had his ulcer surgery in 1961 and was in the hospital for a month, that she didn't know if he'd made it.  (My friend's father had died of the same thing a couple of years before.  Now they do laser procedures.)  When she was driving back from Logan one foggy night a voice came to her and said "should I take him now or what do you think."  Mom said she needed to have him until the children were grown.
I just dawned on me that you were 19 when he was taken.  The Lord kept his word and Dad was taken when you were out of school.  I'm sure glad he could stay another 13 years.
Mom just mentioned this again, and I thought I had better write it down.
Jan. 18. Mom reminded me of the winter after Dad died, 1975 January or so.  Mom was with Ethel and Verna. Leonard had had a stroke.  Mom was in the extra bedroom at Ethel’s.  She said she felt like the room was full of spirits.  She could hardly breathe.  She couldn’t decide whether to go home or stay and help Verna.  She was overwhelmed with the thought that she should stay with Verna and help there.  (After this time Mom did much genealogy checking and work for all her ancestors with Merle.)
Grandma Marble: She testified to me (Merle Romer).  I was sitting in the chair by the window and she wanted me to know.  Grandpa died in 1961.  He told Grandma they wouldn’t be going home that day.  They didn’t need to call Hy to turn up the heat (coming home from Arizona).  Also her father had come in a dream and given her a kiss.  I guess preparing her that Grandpa would die on his way home, which he did in American Fork.
Feb. 6, Tuesday.  Sat. to Jordan River temple with Em, Mary, Mom, Linda.  It was great.  To Linda’s saw the kids.  Margaret going to Church.  Jonathan doesn’t like his teacher.  Sunday Church.  Eating too much.
I remember 4th of July with Lou and her girls.  We did that two years.  Margaret came swimming one year.  Lou went back to her old ways and left after Jess went back to Henderson, Nevada, after the summer.
The rest of 2001 missing from my journal.  Mom to my house. 
July 27.  Josh Harris and Sheridan Wade sealed in the St. George, Utah, Temple.  Mom didn’t go to St. George, but was to the open-house.  She sat by her friend Ione Larsen and Esther Anderson.  Esther died soon thereafter.
Aug. 4.  Cathrine Iva Owen endowed in the Ogden Temple.  On her way home from Lake Powell she had stopped in Centerville to show Mom her ring from Keith.
Aug. 8.  Catherine sealed to Keith Coombs in the Logan Temple.
Sept. 1.  Tamie Anderson and Nate Bateman endowed in the Jr. River Temple
Sept. 6.  Tamie sealed to Nate in the Salt Lake Temple. We went to their reception and open-house in Twin Falls too.
Sept. 29.  Molly Elizabeth Maw baptized.
Dec. 28.  Jeffrey R. Harris endowed, Logan, Utah.  Mission to Latvia, 2002-2003.

2002
Hair done on Fridays, perms.
Lou, Mom, Daisy and I went to Walmart and Pet Smart. Sunday I took Mom home and we unloaded the car.  I got stuck getting out, but Bernie helped us.  Lola, etc. stopped on their way home from St. George.  Mom was home sick when she was home.  She is doing better
March 2002. Lou, Mom and I are reading the D&C.  We also read the Book of Mormon and Pearl of Great Price.  Mom would read for a little while in the big-print book. Daisy sure likes to interrupt.
Snow this week.  I spoiled Mom last weekend and made her bed and chair higher.  I was like on vacation and worked on my pictures.  Diana dinner.  I’m cooking chicken next week. So both Carrie and Amy have diamonds.  I don’t know when Amy is getting married yet.  Hoping for Emily and Travis.
Mom and I went to doggy class last night #5. 
Christie bathed mom and cleaned the kitchen yesterday and took Daisy running.
I am so blessed. 
Jeff H. and Tipper came and moved old TV, air conditioner, garbage can in Elwood.  Mom through trick or treat to them and they said she really had an arm.  She said in Deweyville School she hit 3 home runs once in Fielding!  Great guys.  Scotty came. 
Went to Sacrament Meeting with Mom.
Mom seems to enjoy the annual dinner at Maddox (as do I!!)
Mom had a great birthday.  There were 30 to Maddox.  She bought the dinner: $550.  Too kind.  She loved it and looked beautiful in her red lace dress.  Mary came to visit after.  Sunday she went to sacrament meeting and everyone wished her a happy birthday.  We ate to Diana’s.  Birthday many calls and Stake RS gave her a bouquet of flowers.  She is very happy.  Eyes and knees bad.
I went home and enjoyed Sat. with Mom. She cleaned a few drawers. She was tired Sunday. One day is about all she can stand doing things.  She wants clean drawers when the girls go through them.
Mom got cataracts off of both eyes and this gave her two years of sight.
Mar. 22, 2002.  Miranda Miller born in Colorado.
July 6.  Carrie and Joshua Kirk married in the Logan Temple.  Reception at USU.
Sep. 19.  ChaeLynn Sudbury and Travis Rackley married.
Sep. 28.  Emily and Travis Ravsten sealed in the Logan Temple.  Reception at USU.
Dec. 29.  Amy Anderson endowed in Bountiful Temple

2003
Jan. 4.  Amy and Blake Wagner sealed in Salt Lake Temple.  Reception after.
MOM is doing ok.  Her hip hurts in the winter and she has sundowners.  She looked so beautiful at Amy’s wedding.  Amy’s wedding was wonderful, 4 January 2003, Salt Lake Temple.  Vickie had everything right.
Went to play in Preston on a Friday night.   Mom tended Daisy.  They took Mom to hospital on Monday.  She had to leave me. February 2003, sad day.  Mom was in hospital in Ogden and then went to the hospital and then Nursing home in Tremonton.  Couldn’t stay alone any more.  Didn’t want to go to the Nursing home, but enjoyed it after a while.  Didn’t want to spend all our inheritance.  She has congestive heart failure. They said she had 18 months, but I never acknowledged that.  I wanted her to come back and be with me.
She remembers Grandma Romer Day and her birthday party at Maddox.
Apr. 13.  McCord Nathan Bateman born.
Apr. 27.  Colter Keith Coombs born.  (Mom called them her triplets.)
July 2.  Scotty baptized, Tremonton, Utah.  Jeff in the Baltics.
Aug. 26.  Dakota Paige Withers born.
Mom looks so good.  She really doesn’t like to be alone.  She doesn’t use oxygen in 
the day.  They got her heart meds right. It is hard for her to get up with her legs and bathroom is hard.  We love each other so.  She likes it when Daisy comes
Mom is grieving over losing her sight. She said that everyone is getting a new house (which is fine), and she hopes to get a new house in the next life. 
Mom is very sad about Hy and Phil leaving. (Moving to Provo to be by two sons.)
Mom is almost 85. I can't believe she has lived five years since her leg and hip surgery. 
We are all meeting at Maddox tomorrow at 1:00 to celebrate Mom’s birthday.
It was a great party.  42 came!
 
Thanksgiving was great at Vickie’s.  Iva picked up Mom and Neil took her home.  Cathie and Colter flew in.  It was so fun to see Colter and McCord play.  Mom and I loved it the best.  Everyone loves Iva’s cookies.  Wonderful dinner and visit.  Mary too.  We went to Linda’s to visit.  Sheridan and Josh to Diana’s.

Christmas Traditions, Merle, 2003:
 
1.When we were in college, Dad let us call our friends long distance–Diane Chrysler and Vickie, Elder Anderson.
2.With the 3 youngest, Dad would take us shopping the day before Christmas to get extra food, and buy us something like snow boots.  Something special.
3.Mom made us Christmas Dresses.
4.Waiting for Dad’s lights to be seen coming down the lane from the airport, because we could then open one present Christmas Eve.
5.Waiting for the Shelton’s green car and Ravsten’s to come.
6.Mom’s dinner on the plywood table.
7.Christmas Story with the little kids.  We have one of Iva’s scripts.
8.Feeding the animals special on Christmas day.  Giving hamburger to farm workers, etc.
9.Receiving my one special present each Christmas.  I really loved my Wedding Doll.
10.Grandma Romer usually came to sleep over Christmas Eve.
11.Grandma and Grandpa Marble were in Arizona for Christmas.
12.Dad taking us to the graves of ancestors the day before Christmas to remember them.
13.Of course the SL trip for shopping, movie, and dinner.
Later years at Iva’s.  Chores, then prayer, then presents and breakfast at Iva’s.  Neil as Santa.  Iva’s wonderful meals.
Dec. 20.  Remington Joshua Harris born in St. George, Utah.

2004
Jan. 27.  Marin Brandt Anderson born the same day as the aunts were having a shower for Carrie and Emily.
Jan. 27.  Tipper Harris endowed in Logan, Utah.  Spanish-speaking mission to Carlsbad, California.  (2004-2005.)
Feb. 28.  Caleb Joshua Kirk born in Logan, Utah.
March 19.  Cody Neil Owen endowed.  (Mission in N. Carolina 2004-2005.)
Mom is doing so well in the Care Center. She says I can't take her out until there is no ice! We are snowed in in Elwood. I'm looking for a homeless shelter in Tremonton for Sat. night. I'm going to call Diana to see if she knows of one! All the new houses in Elwood can't believe there is so much snow. 
3-day weekend.  I was reading to Mom.  Daisy was really loved.  A mystery book Hy gave to Mom when she was 11.  It is quite good.  Mom is great. 
I took Mom home by way of the cemetery to get the Christmas flowers off. And Daisy went wild. I'm not kidding she would not come to me for 45 min to an hour. She is so bad. 
It was a great weekend. The house was clean. Buck and Linda came Sat. Sunday Mary, Carrie and Family, Iva, Cody, and Connie and of course MOM and I. I cooked turkey with Buck’s help. Conference was wonderful. Elder Oaks brief on 2nd Coming; El. Holland about Chili and the poor missionary,. Sister Hinckley is dying. Great Conference.
Mom is doing well. We love to go to her little home on Saturdays. She can't live with me because they check her heart every day, her legs are bad (needs help getting up), and she is losing her sight. She has been getting a few NEW great grand babies lately and loves to hold them! 
Mom wanted me to work on her scrapbooks to put the baby’s pictures in so that is what I did. Dinner to Diana’s
Mom back to Nursing Home. Spitting up because heart can’t take care of water. Maybe she didn’t have pneumonia. She talked to older sisters about dying today.  She wants a peach casket. I cried a lot. So did Iva. Mary there and Linda, Lola, and Iva, Connie, and Caleb. I’ll go home July 2 Friday night. My eyes are swollen shut.
Margrette Romer, Summer 2004.
May 13-29. I went to England. When I came back she had failed. I think her heart was getting weaker. She is on oxygen now, but in the high 90's with it.
Christie stopped by with some cheesecake. Mom was congested and had a hard time breathing. Vickie was going to call the Dr. in the morning for antibiotics.
On Tuesday night, June 30, at about midnight they called me because MOM’s heart was fast. They said they couldn’t get in touch with Lola or Diana (they didn’t answer.) I rushed to Tremonton and she was in the hospital. Her heart had finally calmed down to the 120's and 90's next day, but she had had a heart attack. She was so weak.  They stopped her heart and started it again.
I was off Wed. and worked Thursday and Friday. I stayed with her as much as I could. She is very tired and in the Nursing Home. Vickie, Tam and family came Friday. Iva in and out. Lola all the time. Mary and Iva and Linda came Sat. We thought she was going to die, but she didn’t. She was mad when she woke up Sunday and was alive! (4th of July–no steak this year.) I stayed with her the 5th and then went to work until Friday. I had her drink, eat, and whatever. She seemed to feel better, but then she feels so badly in the mornings. Everyone has been a support.
15 July. Mom had a bad morning with her tummy, but better in the afternoon. Doesn’t eat much. Iva, Connie, and Caleb came, said she looked ok. Lola told me to “be tough.” I hate that because that is what Gary told me when Dad died.  She had a bath and hair wash last night. She loves that.
Friday, 16 July. I’m at work. Brother Brandt is coming back from Logan. I will go home via Mary’s to drop off hats today.
I will miss my MOTHER so. The Lord is preparing me I had to say. Vickie dreamed that Mom kissed us goodbye and went skipping off.
Thoughts about her: From 1968 story of her life–kids thoughts.
Her 80th birthday book. Shorts for grandkids. Cedar Chests. Genealogy, name extraction and family, temple. Golf after Dad died.
Vickie has been calling me, sweety. 
19 July 2004. Also. Mom’s room is so hot I could hardly take it. (They finally fixed it. As you may know Mary broke her left wrist in two places yesterday morning. She found herself on the floor and knew her wrist was broken because years ago she broke her write wrist. Her Visiting Teacher friend came over and helped her get ready to go to the hospital and her home teacher (80) took her to the ER. (Low on potassium.)
Mom was a little out of it this weekend, but we are going to change her stomach pill and see if that is the difference. When she is asleep she is always sewing with her hands. She wakes up and asks if we have missed any birthday cards (we decided not to send them this year). I gave her a new brush and she said, "We could get that for the kids." She always thought about you all and the summer party. It made her so happy and something special to think about. She had her shoes on and wanted to go to Elwood Sunday, but Lola and I said no. We would need two people to make sure she didn't fall. She is not to sure footed. She has a bad heart, but a loving and great one! 
July 30. Crystal and Nathan get married today in Camp Williams at 4:30. (Later divorced.) This was the first wedding Mom didn’t make it to. Sunday we go to Peggy Joyce’s for a cousin reunion.
As you may know Mom napped for 2 hours yesterday afternoon and when I called she was in bed and said she wasn't tired. I don't know why! I wish I were closer to check on her each day. Iva and Neil will take her home Sunday so that will be good. 
Mom said she fell because her wheelchair is too little. Her hips are too wide for it (and so are mine.) Do you want to call or should I? We need a big one today. If they can't put a holder on the wheelchair, they need to get a strap that goes over the handles. I also will need two tanks for Sunday. I would be glad to call. Sometimes they run out of tanks. 
Please explain to me how Mom's bones are ok now. I didn't think they were and am so glad if they are. 
Crystal was married to Nathan Withers a week ago at Camp Williams: July 30, 2004.  
Aug. 1.  Mom attended the Marble cousin reunion at Peggy Joyce Flamms.  Wish Hy and Phil could have come to see her.  Hy died just two months after Mom.
Aug. 11, 2004:
Dear Elder Harris, Elder Harris, and Elder Owen: 
It has been in the 90's this week. I'm glad I'm in the Church Office Building in the day! I leave a fan on for Daisy at the condo. We love receiving letters from all three of you; from three different parts of the world. What a blessing for the people of the world. I'm so glad you are my family and working so hard. Have a great week. 
I love seeing the babies. So does Mom. Colter came from California for a weekend (with Cathie and Keith) and I see Caleb (Carrie and Josh's) about every weekend. They are going to Denver this weekend so I won't see him. They live in Logan. I think Diana is tending Remington this weekend. I hope I get to see him. I bought the boys some teething rings. Jeff Anderson's baby is a girl. The Church is true and I'm so glad you are serving our Heavenly Father and his Son. 
Cody, I hear the Terrorists might hit something in Charlotte, North Carolina. Your part of the country is so interesting but sad about the wars. Keep up the good work and baptisms! 
Jeff, Where are you being transferred to? I hope it is still in Latvia. (Laugh, a joke.) 
Tipper, I wish I knew Spanish. I'm glad your weather is always nice! And I'm glad you are working hard with your Spanish companion. 
All my love, Merle (and Grandma) She can't see well or write. I read the letters to her and then we give them to Ila. 
Mom had a heart attack in July and about died. They called me in the middle of the night and I came. She is a little stronger no, but stays in the nursing home. She did go to Vern and Peg’s Marble cousin party August 1, Grandma’s 123rd birthday. It was a good time to be together. 12 of the 18 grandchildren were there, and it was fun to talk about memories of Grandma and Grandpa. Grandpa: fishing, farm, hunting, taking out burs, untangling fish lines, asparagus. Grandma, cooking cookies donuts and raisin pies. Breakfasts, cookies, handwork. Gave kids money to go to the store. Quite a lady.
For my birthday, Iva, Carrie and Caleb came the day before and we went to Saints and Soldiers and ate at the Mandarin. They said they were my family. Vicki Valentine showed me a movie and took me to breakfast. Lola brought present. Many people called. I didn’t go to Kemmerer because I didn’t want to drive alone.  I’m so glad I stayed with Mom for my last birthday with her.  No cheese cake this year.
August 1. She did go to Vern and Peg’s Marble cousin party August 1, Grandma’s 123rd birthday. It was a good time to be together. 12 of the 18 grandchildren were there, and it was fun to talk about memories of Grandma and Grandpa. Grandpa: fishing, farm, hunting, taking out burs, untangling fish lines, asparagus. Grandma, cooking cookies donuts and raisin pies. Breakfasts, cookies, Handwork. Gave kids money to go to the store. Quite a lady.
$30 steak dinner to Diane and Gary’s.  Mom enjoyed every mouthful of the Harris dinner one Sunday and said it was a $30 dinner.
Mom is so worried about Mary. She figured it out. She told Lola she was too old and sick and couldn't help Mary, so Lola needed to go and stay with her. 
Mom was home Sat afternoon.  We had a good time.  She liked sitting outside in the lawn chair and reminiscing.  She asked, “Can I sit here for a while?” This was her last time home. She had one heart pain and then all day Sunday.  I sat with her.  She probably knew it was close to the last time she would be home.
I was with Mom Sat. and Sun.  Lola, Tip, Iva, Neil, and Connie came.  Mom wanted to know what was happening.  Why we were together.  “What is the Nigger in the wood pile?” She knew Connie.  She said Connie was her kiddle, but couldn’t bring up her name.  She thought I was Mary. 
Vickie thinks this is how she was when she died:
I think Mom’s kidney quit filtering out what needed to be filtered.  The reason I think that is she was still confused after a week and the narcotics.  The black on her arm (from elbow to shoulder.  I mean really black.) Was from the blood thinner–Coumadin.  See, if her kidney quit filtering then the Coumadin would build up and she could not clot her blood.  She could still urinate, but her kidneys could not filter.  That is what I think.  
Monday night Mom thought the fire alarm was going off at the nursing home.  She was up all night and confused.  I talked to her that morning and she said she was as dead as she ever would be.  I should have gone home then, but thought, as usual, she would bounce back.
I called her during the day and night, September 23, but she couldn’t talk on the phone.
September 24, 2004. Mom died September 24, 2004 at about 7:40 a.m. She had gotten up with the nurse to go to the bathroom and said “She needed to live for her daughters.”  She knew she was dying.
Friday morning, the 24th, Lola called me, but I didn’t get there in time, she had just left.  I love her so.  I wanted to be with her when she died.  I was in definite denial.
Lola and sometimes Tip saw her every day at the Nursing Home.  I came weekends.  Iva would come over and bring Caleb.  Mom loved that.  Vickie came and brought Jeff’s family.  Linda and Mary also came, and Linda wins in sending the most cards.  She loved visits.  She liked me to take her outside and I should have done that more.
For her funeral I forgot to put an old and new picture in her obituary, have Diana read her poem.  I guess that is all.  I wish we had put the obituary in the Sunday paper too. I was in shock and just forgot.  Sorry Mom.
Her viewing and funeral were a testament to what a wonderful women she was.  All of her grandchildren but the missionaries, Jeff, Tipper, and Cody, and Cathie couldn’t come. I miss her still.  Merle Romer
***
Dear Merle:
I am so disappointed that I will not be able to be with you tomorrow, as you and your sisters pay tribute to your mother. She and Merlin have always had a special significance for me. When I was young, they were so kind and generous. I have spent many days and nights with them on the farm, milking cows, sleeping overnight on their hide-a-bed, hunting at Monte Cristo, and fishing in Yellowstone Park. Your mother always had bounteous and delicious food ready. These memories will be with me always, as love and sharing does leave an indelible mark in the mind, even though these activities were over 60 years ago. 
Your mother and father were always so generous with their time, giving me the opportunity to drive wagons, hitch teams, pitch hay and shocks of grain, thin and top sugar beets, and afterwards offer me his 22 rifle to shoot and the dogs to go with me. We fished and hunted deer, ducks and pheasants together, often with grandpa Marble. Your mother was like a sister to me, and we developed a great bond from my earliest memories of our time together.
Please give my condolences to the family. I am confident that your mother is enjoying a great reunion, with happiness and joy at being reunited with everyone that she loved so dearly.
With fondness and love, Vern Marble (Mom’s dear nephew)
 
For Dad and Mom:
Elder Mervyn B. Arnold, “What Have You Done with my Name?” Ensign, November 2010, 105.
“When President George Albert Smith was young, his deceased grandfather George A. Smith appeared to him in a dream and asked, ‘I would like to know what you have done with my name.”  President Smith responded, ‘I have never done anything with your name of which you need be ashamed.” (Presidents of the Church Student Manual [CES, 2003], 134.) ...

“As I pondered the scriptures and the importance of having a good name, a flood of memories came into my mind about the good name and legacy my parents left my four brothers, my two sisters, and me.  My parents did not have the riches of the world, nor did they have silver or gold.  Nine of us lived in a two-bedroom, one-bath home with an enclosed back porch, where my sisters slept.  When my parents passed away, my brothers and sisters and I gathered to divide their earthly possessions, which were few in number.  My mother left a few dresses, some used furniture, and a few other personal items.  My father left some carpenter tools, some old hunting rifles, and little else.  The only things of any monetary value were a modest home and a small savings account.

“Together we wept openly giving things, knowing they had left us something much more precious than silver or gold.  They had given us their love and their time.  They had often borne testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, which we can now read in their precious journals.  Not so much by words but more by their example, they had taught us to work hard, to be honest, and to pay a full tithing.  They also engendered a desire to further our education, to serve a mission, and most important, to find an eternal companion, be married in the temple, and endure to the end.  Truly they left us the legacy of a good name, for which we shall ever be grateful.”

Scripture: Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”  Proverbs 10: 7“The [name] of the just is blessed.”
 
Obituary: Emma Margrette Marble Romer
Published: Saturday, Sept. 25 2004 12:00 a.m. MDT
1918 ~ 2004
TREMONTON
- Emma Margrette Marble Romer, 85, passed away at the Bear River Valley Care Center on Friday, September 24, 2004.
She was born on November 18, 1918, to Silas Andrew and Mary Evaline Burbank Marble. She married Merlin Junius Romer on June 9, 1937, in the Salt Lake Temple. Merlin passed away 30 years ago this month.
Margrette lived in Elwood as a farmer's wife and homemaker where she raised six daughters. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served in many different callings. Hobbies included sewing, quilting, crocheting, gardening, golf, genealogy, temple work, and her grandchildren. The last year and a half of her life she resided at the Bear River Valley Care Center.
She is survived by her six daughters: Lola (Tip) Ravsten of Tremonton; Linda (Buck) Condor of South Jordan; Mary Ann Anderson of Sunset; Merle Romer of Centerville; Vickie (Garth) Anderson of Sandy; Iva (Neil) Owen of Preston; one brother Hyrum Marble of Provo; 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters, two brothers, and one grandson.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 27, 2004, at the Tremonton South Stake Center located at 1150 S. Tremont St. at 12:00 (noon). Friends and family may call on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004, from 6-8 p.m. at Rogers and Taylor Funeral Home located at 111 North 100 East, Tremonton and Monday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Tremonton South Stake Center. Interment will be at the Tremonton Riverview Cemetery.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of the Bear River Valley Care Center.

 

 
EVENTS IN THEIR FAMILY SINCE MOM’S DEATH 

24 Sep 2004 Mom died, Tremonton, Utah
11 Dec 2004Emilia Margrette Coombs born
10 Feb 2005Kedzie Nicole Ravsten born
25 Feb 2005Cameron Richard Bateman born
Denise and Randy Sudbury divorced
4 March 2005Denise and Gary Marsing married
23 May 2005 Kennedie Harris born, St. George, Utah
13 Aug 2005Jessie Jones and Nicholas Page md.
13 Aug 2005LaTosha Dawn Shelton, Shaun M. VanCooten md.
13 Oct 2005Sammie Lynn Rackley born
9 Nov 2005Douglas Bert Marsing born
29 Nov 2005Morgan Miller born
18 Feb 2006Angela Sudbury baptized
18 Feb 2006Jonathan Wade Stocking baptized
15 Mar 2006Carolyn Kirk born
Angie and Adam Schmidt divorced
8 July 2006Angie and Jeffrey Jensen married
7 Feb 2007Ethan Isaac Ravsten born
23 Feb 2007Corbin Boyd Coombs born
26 March 2007 Halle Harris born, St. George, Utah
5 May 2007Cody sealed to Stephanie Lee Jeppson
6 Mar 2008Taylor Ann Rackley born
10 March 2008Toby Edward Miller born
28 Mar 2008LouAnn Shelton Rodgers (div.) endowed
16 May 2008Airlie Ann Jensen born
24 June 2008Charlie Jo VanCooten
23 Sep 2008Andrew Owen Kirk born
10 Jan 2009Daniel Mark Owen born
8 May 2009Alex Tyler Ravsten Born
18 July 2009 Tipper & Nikki Parduhn md., sealed, Mt. Timpanogos Temple
American Fork, Utah
16 Aug 2009 Raegan Harris born, St. George, Utah
19 Sep 2009 Jeff & Tricia Lynn Burton md., Lehi, Utah
25 Sep 2009Daxton John Coombs born
21 Oct 2009Beau Jeffrey Jensen born
31 Oct 2009Connie endowed (Kirtland 2010)
8 Mar 2010Alice Sophia Kirk born
8 June 2010Kathryn Lucille Henderson born, 
26 June 2010 Lexi Grace Harris born, St. George, Utah
12 Oct 2010Ryan Alexis VanCooten born
16 Mar 2011Calli Emma Bateman born
26 Mar 2011Gage and Hayden Schmidt baptized.