I POaST about my life ... 1972-1973 10th grade

Where to begin?

Lets start with the Music #Media ... the best ever in time! Anything you could play with "air guitar!"   8 tracks and Billboard Radio  ...  Here's my playlist....

Spirit in the Sky, songs like Dead Skunk, Killing me softly, I can see clearly now,

Just one look at you, Whats going on, 

any thing Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Pink Floyd, Carol King, Van Morrison, AeroSmith, Cher, CCR, ELO, Neil young, Jon Stewart, Led Zepplin, Black Sabbath, Elton John, Steppenwolf, Stevie Wonder, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd Three Dog Knight (I had all of these posters in my room the dogs playing poker were my favorites) and Eric Clapton just to name a few
But then I had a whole different playlist for MowTown I still love it from the 60's especially for dances... Aretha Franklin, Sly and the Family Stone, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Jackson Five, and Lionel Richie!  I would much prefer going over to Westwood and seeing my friends from Franklin for Dances!! 
Best dance and love music ever!!!

I can see that just conjuring up the names brings memories that have been buried pretty deep.  In fact I remember going to a few firesides that year where they would talk about music and the evil thereof! I would go home and give my records away, I don't look back longingly or do I?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8ZDMXvzzgQ  enough about that!

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1973/10/inspiring-music-worthy-thoughts?lang=spa&clang=eng

I seemed to miss class alot this year! We made lots of trips around town in Jims'  Chevy Biscayne.

The first day of school I was tempted to leave campus and miss a few classes and choose to do so!  That was the beginning of the end for me and High School.  Always go to class!  I am sure that I have a learning disorder!  Knowing that Then might have helped me, I don't know??? This is the year that Algebra was introduced into my life, I did not understand why we were adding numbers and Math was over for me, Mr Devo and I did not hit it off!  English, also, as you can tell I didn't do well here either, I liked to write, but I wanted to write the way I talk, as I do here in my blog.  That didn't go over well for getting good grades!  I did pretty good in my other classes and did enjoy going them except seminary.
During one hour a day (as in my freshmen year) I had Seminary, only now the building for seminary is directly across the street from the High School and between me and the building was 20 to 50 kids standing by burn barrels or in corn fields smoking, mocking me for "going to church" during school. Some times it was too hard for me to Stand Alone, stand tall, walk thru them and go into class.  At times I would join in the crowd versus just Inviting them to go with me!  Only once did I try to smoke too, I thought it would be great to have something to do with my hands! UKE! I hated it. It burned all the way down my throat and into my lungs. I wrote in my journal "I don't know why Daddy or anyone wants to smoke." ????  Out in the corn fields around the seminary building the kids would sit in circles and smoke pot.  I had good seminary teachers that looked after me.  Brother Kendrick especially, I knew that he noticed when I wasn't in class and that he cared about me as a person I always appreciated that.  When he wanted to talk to me about behavior he came to me, he didn't call my mom or send home letters like the school did!  All I remember is that he only wanted me to succeed, cared about me, and that he had a testimony of Jesus Christ and the Book Of Mormon!!

The kids I hung out with were not all members of the church although most that I went to church with for the most of part that were in my stake or ward went to High School with me.  The problem looking back, was when I started High School I had become friends with the kids that were older than me and brushed off Debbie, Jane Sheila and Urlene somehow. They could date, they could drive, they had jobs and could get away with not going to class, they had friends who didn't have the same standards that momma taught me! Like Dr. John sang... "it was the right place wrong time" -- nope it was all wrong!!! So if you can learn from me anything to help get thru High School learn this ... go to class it is the foundation of the rest of your lifes education and education matters in everything you do - for all of your learning it effects your family, career and self.

Ricky owned a Blue International Pickup 3 speed on the column.  He taught me how to drive it on the back roads of the canal banks during several classes that I'm sure I was suppose to be in!

This is the year that I met Jim, Robert and Ricky, hung out with Susan and Kristine, had Dance at school (yeah! so excited), hated choir, tried to be a missionary (a story for later), felt judged by the "mormons", rebelled a little because of it giving them something to talk about (didn't hurt them only hurt me- stupid move). My friends were all searching for who they were in this great big High School, some how I lost track of Sandy and Nancee, in fact half way thru the year Nancee told me she was getting married - WOW! was I ever shocked.  She who never ever wanted to get married, she wanted to go to school and be a Doctor.  
My sister is living in Rocky Point Mexico, my brothers have disappeared from the family social network, Vietnam doing a number on their psyche! Daddys' Horse riding Stable is running full swing on 1st St. in Tempe town!  Mom works 60-70 hours a week. Computers are being introduced to the office, she is taking classes at night too!
I race home often to beat the notes and report cards in the mail box before Mom gets them. She is often in "tune" with the fact that I haven't been to class (it's very annoying). 
My Mia Maid class is the 4 of us Debbie, Jane, Sheila and my self. The four of us however non associated at school have each others backs and know that we are one and truly friends more like sisters.  Urlene is staying with her Aunt I miss her. She plays Basketball can you believe it - "she's short" (recorded in my journal!!) "is all I'm saying! Man I miss her"  Went to the Temple to do work there I did the baptisms for 15 names.

I had Biology with Mr. Atkin (is that right?) anyway this kid Darcy King was in my class and the best Mormon I knew!  He was an example of what I wanted, but seem to not have. He and I went to CO-Ed dance, we doubled with Suz and Terry. We went to the dance and then out to eat at a little place in Mesa.  It was delicious! Then we  went to Farells for ice cream. I actually fell asleep on the way home, I guess I was so content.  What a great guy, Darcy was very real and very good and very nice. I believe he went with me as a gesture to "save me from myself" No one really liked where I was going with Ricky. My sister thought Darcy was the neatest!

I had several leaders that went the extra mile!  This one would pick me up and take me on dates!  I remember one particular time when we went to Bobs Big Boy on Main Street.  I wrote in my journal... "She was 'super cool and seemed to me to be a real lady" - 

Dear Kelly,

Portland Temple August 1989

You have been in my thoughts quite a bit these days. I thought I might write you a few lines to express some of them. During our association in MIA, I have watched you change from a child to be a beautiful young woman.  I have looked on while your thoughts grew into mature ideas. I have been happy during your accomplishments and I have cried during your heartbreaks. Although I have only known you for a year and a half I almost feel as though I have watched you grow up entirely. I am trying to say that over this short period of time I have grown very fond of you. Perilous times lie ahead, but I have faith and confidence that you will make the correct decisions in the years ahead.  Be strong enough to make the proper decisions under the guidance of your Heavenly Father. When the time comes be wise enough to follow the decisions of your worthy husband in that he has seen fir to place himself under the guidance of our Heavenly Father.

Scrutinize your dating partners - if they don't measure up, use extreme caution in allowing the relationship to proceed farther. Be choosy - don't cheat yourself of any of the wonderful things that can be yours.  I know that Heavenly Father is pleased when you care about other people enough to want to help them to do good. But Heavenly Father cares about you very much and he would not be pleased should you accidentally sacrifice yourself in such an endeavor. Although I will not be teaching you next year, I hope that we will continue to grow closer and that you will share your life with me.  If I can ever be of service to you in anyway, please let me do so. You are a beautiful person, Kelly.  I enjoyed having you in class very much. When time for marriage arrives I pray you will invite me to be with you in the beautiful Temple.  I very much desire to witness the beginning of your eternal marriage.

I love you --

Jill

She was very intuitive and insightful with her words and guidance. If only we could listen and heed the already planted, tried and true home grown testimonies of others.  The scriptures are full of these types of stories and examples of righteous leaders.

We are Both Broken

This morning I had an epiphany!  It is that in Marriage we (the couple whoever the two people are) are both broken.  Religion aside when two people come together they merge with a past, world experience differences, and a slew of different habits.  Who are we to judge?  Seems our job is to only,  if we love each other and ourselves then we can help each other become better people everyday.  The first thing to do is accept that we are both broken.

I read others blogs and I learn, empathize and even get jealous because I want to write like they do.  My goal as I write I remind myself is to learn, demonstrate empathy and share the ability to grow progress improve with each experience, thought and lesson I have Daily!

I "POaST" about my Life --- 1966 ...

We are who we are!

for an activity mom sent this for the class to guess who I am 

I loved these friends! I can still name most of them!

4th grade

I don't have a picture but this year Urlene did some Baton twirling and wore costumes and everything!!! She went to Flagstaff with Jim and Beverly for the 4th of July 

We moved!  across the road into a Big Trailer!  10x 50 - SPACIOUS!!!! My "Home" til I married!

Tom in our new yard! NOTE - IRONED White shirt and Wranglers standard.
I was the girl at home doing the ironing, wash and cleaning house!!!

Timmy and Kathy are married

Judyann Shovels snow at Aunt Els

She had surgery and the removed her thyroid, meds for life now.  I love my sister.  I follow her everywhere that she will let me!  I love her life and all the friends and "fun times" that she has.  I want that too.  She has a real life.

Tom Rodeo

July 1966 I went to stay with my Grandma in Blanding Utah.  My mom was sick so I kinda was "sent away", but I loved going there.  I loved being with Grandma and Grandpa Lyman in there little house and going to all the Blanding events.  I loved my cousins and especially spending time at the Smiths'.  Donna took me to the pool. Ned went hiking with me and taught me how to play chess.  We went to parades and tried to catch greaseeee pigs and slid down the flag pole all greaseeee!  I also liked to go to Aunt Maryanns; I loved spending time with Lynda, Lisa and Leslie!!!  We worked in the garden and home made bottled root beer!  It was awesome to go there.  But I did always miss Mom and the family!  Mom writes me letters telling me to find a ride to salt lake if I want to go see Aunt El and that if she can't find me a ride home I need to ask around if anyone is going to mesa (really? I'm 9!).  Aunt El writes me letters here and worries about me all the time, I love her.  She counsels me to "Be happy, cheerful and pleasant and Remember your prayers and be thankful for loved ones and all you have. I do love you and pray that you may always be a good girl."

the drive thru monument valley and indian country was long and hot very dry but the colors were fascinating to me and the new pick up trucks and bags of government food left on the door steps very confusing.  I remember always asking why do they have new trucks if they have to be given bags of food!!!!

This is Tami Lea
we went to visit Grandma Gladys and Grandpa Lyman in Blanding with the new McCoys!
Sept. 1966   -   it was a SUPER trip with fun memories.  Permission was given for Timmy to adopt Tami by Jim White.

The birth of Michael Wayne McCoy to Kathy and Timmy was tragic. He lived only a few hours. 
Oct 1966  The story is he asked for help from the Church and no one showed. It was yet another step on his ladder of bitterness and a jaded attitude toward goodness and light.

as for favorites --

Ricky hamilton, Linda Stahl, Brandon McQueen we used to play like we were "The Monkees"  

My sister and her friend who is also like a sister Marcia Cosentino are now going to Young Arizona for the "good times".  Sometimes she takes me.  I love it when she takes me places with her.  She is way too much fun!!!

For FHE we did a test to see if everyone knew each other very well...
Daddy favorite color - red
favorite food - steak
favorite TV program - Whats My Line?
favorite sport or game - Horse races (who knew!)
favorite song - How Many
Favorite Bible Story - Moe (I'm supposing that is Moses!)
Favorite friend - Richard
Tom favorite color - Turquoise Blue
favorite food - steak
favorite TV program - Virginia
favorite sport or game - Wrestling   Favorite Song - Wayword Winds Favorite Bible Story - David and Goliath 
Kelly Sue Red, Chicken Noodle Soup, Munsters, Casper, Joseph Smith First Prayer, Daniel, Urlene!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SaeWh3h8Fg

If you are still here I will add these two stories of the 4th grade. I loved Mrs. Hunsaker she was my teacher.  I remember that I thought she cared about me, she taught me life lessons about race, religion and education.  

• One time (I don't know what I did) she slapped my hands with the yard stick and the yard stick broke.  So she made me stand in front of the class with glue and rubberbands holding the yard stick - the attempt I guess was to put the yard stick back together.  It was super embarrassing to stand for the rest of the day in front of the class trying to hold that yard stick together. With a most outrageous punishment like this the person does not remember what was done but only the punishment.  
• Another time I had been watching The Dating Game the girl asks 3 bachelors questions and then picks one to go out on a date with.  I Loved this show! Well one day Greg did something to me on the play ground I obviously didn't approve of and I called him a bastard, I seriously thought I was saying bachelor. I probably  heard this name around the house somewhere (the language did get colorful at times)! Anyway...Mrs. Hunsaker heard me and took me to the janitors room made me bite into the bar of soap that was sitting on the sink and washed my "bad bad mouth and all the naughty words away".  Needless to say I know the difference between the two words now and refrain from using either as much as possible!  

I'll record this story here, but I believe it to be the next school year, my brother Timmy came home from Vietnam and was in Georgia our story that we got was "he stopped at a stop sign and big black men pulled him from his car and beat the hell out of him".  I told Mrs. Hunsaker and she seemed to imply thats how "they are".  I was horrified, my friends Greg and Annette and Clarence were black and all I could think was 'they aren't mean just because they are black - that is ridiculous". 

I remember loosing confidence in her and didn't go to her for counsel any more.

Who do you love and WHY?

My kinda Man, These things I love...

Where did you get your list of Character traits you want in a spouse?  What is, or was the list like that you made of that special someone out there in your future that you "wanted to be with for eternity"?
A really good book?  I'm sure Apryl has a list from some Jane Austin Book or Doctor Who! How bout a movie, soap operas, a TV show, Maybe more appropriately a Father or Mother
Where or where???  Were you always rootin for the bad guy? Did you pick the Vixen or the the "Love to Hate him guy"? Was your person to beat all persons the Diva or the honorable clean cut guy? Did you always root for the couple that shouldn't be together but you love the Drama! or Turn off or close the book because you just couldn't stand that "they" were together.  Maybe when "that couple" you love was finally together you stop watching or listening because you want your own "Happily everafter".  Who was the couple you always set your goals and dreams to be like to exemplify? To reflect.  The notebook? Your parents?

In 2 Timothy 3:1-7 it warns of a whole slew of chartacter traits that we should avoid that hopefully nobody sets the goal to be like or around to exemply or reflect in any way.
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

So with my past experience and all the lists collected over the decades of my life, I've created a list of character traits and the role models I learned them from. I think together it would make the Perfect Eternal Companion - so here goes, just for fun!!!

Ricky: first love, well he was trouble - avoid trouble no when to shut the door! He loved my mom and was kind to her.
Maurice: loves his wife and kids - good dad - honors his priesthood

Blaine taylor: reeked of really good taste in cars!

Jesse: a compassionate listener, not only Temple worthy, but attends the Temple often

Christian: a kind teacher

Tyler: charastamatic and an enthusiastic convert creative hardworker

Ron: trustworthy, a desire to go and do family history
Logan: athletic and competitive honors his priesthood
Mikel: integrity
Zane: provider and protector, staunch, isn't afraid to whoop your BUTT if you have hurt someone he cares about

Earl: stalwart COWBOY!, endured to the end.

Austin: smart , provider, funny honors his parents

Hyrum: sense of humor and both of us love his mother
Tom: Protector fun loving cowboy!
Buddy: Trustworthy, candid
jWayne: loves to sing, great friend

Ben: humble, a good friend, honors, his priesthood
Seane: Affectionate, peacemaker

Colin: a gentelman
Amric: sincere, warrior, honest, loves from the bottom of his heart, hard worker, dedicated, determined
Matthew: sensitive, honors his parents
Deacon: Spontaneous he's "Done Talkin'"!

Robert: Romantic

Kirk: Willing to go the distance to surprise me, confident

Paul: welcoming, concerned for well-being

Brandon: likes to watch my TV with me

Calvin: loves my family, hard worker, good businssman, we both love his mom!

Jake: a protector sense of humor honorable priesthood holder
Curt: A leader in Righteousness - Family Prayer and prayed with kids by bed every night

Terry: honest and a desire to serve a mission
Timmy: Captain and defender of country

Sean: repentant
Otis: Frugal, knows how to budget

Darcy: non judgmental

Glenn: DANG FUN! Spoiled me :) Integrity

Bryan: Does his calling

Vincent: patient and Generous, Family First
Tod: kind, wants the best for you, willing to lend a hand when needed

Olaf: thinker, family man, fun

Dave: honest - Great Ethics

Richard: Provider, forgiving and loves me more than anyone else! (I just can't not have that!)

Being the Right Person is just as important if not more than "finding the right person", so all these character traits I want in my man, I need to develop in myself.  This is who I strive to be (I've got along way to go!);

Proverbs 31

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

AGAIN - wish me luck!!!

We are all working at being better people
and being with the ONEs we LOVE.

ideas for reference other than mine!--

http://www.lds.org/ensign/2008/10/preparing-yourself-for-marriage

http://www.lds.org/ensign/2002/09/choosing-and-being-the-right-spouse 

Happy Birthday Sean

Sean and Apryl meet The Alien!

Apryl will you Marry Me?

We first met Sean Larkin in Roswell New Mexico!

The family and friends of
The Bride and Groom Las Vegas

Magic Mountain 2 months married!

In Washington they Fish!   DRIVE Ayris!

Sean goes platinum while 
Family and Friends gather to send
Austin off on his mission to Bilboa Spain 2003

The Family gives Thanks! 2011

A Family reunion of sorts 2012

I love to see the Temple -
they'll go inside someday!

Sean wears Amric and Hugs Apryl

We love our Sean.  He takes good care of our Apryl and His babies. So grateful that he loves us too.

Sean is Royalty

They Travel, Her life long dream!

Some say that opposites attract. I say that even in their differences the are perfect together.  Everyday I thank God that they found each other and had the good sense to hang on.  They are indeed having quite a ride.  Adventure is out there for all of us, these two embrace it, fly over it, crawl under it dive into it and then crawl under the sheets and enjoy it! (that ones for you seaneee!)  We love you!!!

FAMILY

The Families retreat - Washington 2007

 Always doing with the kids; teaching, supporting, loving.

Gage  

Pax
A great example a worthy priesthood holder An Accountant!

Now what do we do?

DO IT!

Utah

Grenta

They DO IT all TOGETHER!

Sean loves his Father-in-law!!!

Father and Son...

Proud Father

Their new way of life!

So excited for snow in Washington

Please Eat!  I don't know how to do this!!!

picture perfect!

This is how we row!

This is how we dress

This is how we relax!

these are the next generation LARKIN!

Thanks for the memeories!!  We love you son, our Sean too,   Remember Who you are and who you belong to!  Have a great day, don't do anything I wouldn't do! Oh wait!!! You will!!  Love, The Mom!