Oops!

As I am trying to give my story chronologically, I did forget to mention the birth of my sister, Summer.
I remember knowing that my Mom was going to have a baby. I also remember that I was not to tell anyone (I don't know why it was a secret). I let it slip while playing with my friend, Shannon...oopsie... Summer was born in July. I was 7 years old. I did not care too much for this new little addition to my family. I will admit right now that I was jealous of her. I was the baby of the family. I was used to getting most of the attention. Summer was so tiny, and so cute. Everyone adored her. My older sisters doted on her. My parents were thrilled with her arrival (as they should have been). I was "pea green with envy". So, needless to say, I decided to be miserable, and I was somewhat successful at it. Summer really was a darling child, I was too absorbed in my self pity to appreciate her.
Let's fast forward several years. I think someone may have conked me on the head because I came to realize that Summer is one of the most amazing women I know. She is beautiful, talented, smart, compassionate, forgiving (a bonus since she has a doofus for a sister) a wonderful mother, and the best sister a girl could have. So again, I apologize to you my sweet little sister for being such a door knob. I love you.

I can't wait 'til I turn 8

I got baptized when I was 8. I was baptized at the Main Street Chapel. The baptismal font in that building is beautiful. My Dad baptized me. Brother Kitchen sang a special song (so special that I can no longer remember what song it was) Brother Kitchen had a beautiful singing voice. He was from Ireland. I loved listening to him speak...anyway... Just before the service started, my Sisters, Lydia & Cindi, we "helping" me to feel comfortable. They were older and wiser than I was. They knew lots of things. I really looked up to them (literally and figuratively). Lydia and Cindi walked me into the baptismal room. They pointed to font, and had me look into the water. "Look, J.D." they said "the water is yellow. It is full of other people's sins. Be careful not to get any on you when you get in the water!" I believed them! I was scared to death. Baptism was supposed to wash away your sins!

The next day in Sacrament Meeting, my Uncle Paul confirmed me. Uncle Paul had a disease called "Fredericks Attaxia" (sp?). His motor skills and speach were impared. I knew what he was saying in the prayer. I remember feeling the Spirit very strong right after being confirmed. My Dad said it was the Holy Ghost.

Care Free Daze of my Childhood

My family moved to Snowflake in August 1970. We moved into a small 3 bedroom trailor. I shared a room with my big brother Ken. Here I am with my 2 big sisters. I am on the left (cute, I know), then Cindi, and Lydia. My dad (with help from neighbors) built a house along side the trailor which added another bathroom, a master bedroom, living room, office, and laundry room. We lived simply. My dad was a school teacher, so there wasn't much money around. We had a roof over our heads, never went hungry, and as Nephi said "we lived after the manner of happiness".








In Snowflake, I lived in a neighborhood with other kids my age. I think it may have been the quintessential neighborhood. Not all families on the block were members of the Church, but we were all friends (from my point of view). 2 of my favorite friends were Shannon and Jodi. We would spend a lot of time together. Especially in the summer time. I remember being gone (from home) all day long. We would go to the creek, or play at the "trail" (a vacant lot across from Jodi's house). Sometimes we would play in each others back yard. We rarely played inside.This picture was taken July 24, 1973. I am on the left, Shannon is in the middle, Jodi is on the right. We are all dressed up in our pioneer outfits for the traditional pioneer march around the Main Street Chapel in Snowflake. After the march or parade, we would always get a popsicle for a treat.

For my 6th birthday I had a birthday party. I invited some of my friends. From the left: Rachelle, Kimberly, Jeanie, Me, Jodi, Shannon, Michelle. When I look at this picture, I am surprised that my Mom let me wear such a short dress, and I wonder what I did to deserve that hair cut...yikes!

I am born...

Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else, these pages must show. To begin my life with the beginning of my life, I record that I was born (as I have been informed and believe) on a Tuesday, at 7:32 at night.

I, JD, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a knowledge of the goodness of God, therefore I make a Blog of my proceedings in my days.
My parents: Jerry & Dorothy
My siblings by birth order: Lydia, Cindi, Ken, ME, Summer, Ben.

My family lived in Glendale, Arizona when I was born. I have no memories of living in Glendale. One story that my parents tell about me: Next door to my family lived Bruce and Shirley and their 2 young sons. When Shirley would come home from work in the afternoons, I would sneak over to their house and she would give me cookies. I was known as "Cookie Monster".

When I was 2 years old, my Dad got a job teaching in Snowflake. So they packed up a U-Haul truck and moved. All of my growing up memories are while living in Snowflake. I love Snowflake. Sometimes I wish I could live there. But I have learned that I need to love where I am, otherwise, I will be miserable.