African Polar Express!

We were in Johannesburg, South Africa,  for 10 days. While we were there we had many experiences with other senior couples and other members of the church.
It was wonderful. We met so many new people as there are  many couples in Johannesburg serving missions of all kinds.
We went to doctors, China Mart,  The Distribution Warehouse for the area, The Area Office several times, Church, The greatest Orphanage, The Mall, The last Devotional for the year, 2 Senior Couple farewells and heard some uplifting messages in English. We were able to hear the Area President Speak a couple of times and have Christmas Dinner with the couples and the Area Presidency.
Elder Cook's daughter was there also and she had just been serving in the same mission as Steven Beatty. That was fun.
We had a great Visit with our Area Manager,Thabo,who is a great members there in South Africa.
We really did get a lot of work done by being there even though we were kind of just waiting around.
But what we did that the kids will like is ride on the African Polar Express.

Many of the couples got on Board as we rode the Old African Steam Engine Express to a little town a distance away from Johannesburg. It was a pretty ride and we had a fun time being with the other couples who are also missing their kids and the snow.
We ate a nice lunch at the top and walked around the town.
Often times you find  things in Africa that used to be in the U.S.. It could even have belonged to you once. It could be a shirt, a sweater, a picture you never know.
Well as John and I were walking around I found my old Volks-Wagon Bug.


Yep! Right here in South Africa.

Funny how things happen.

Dad By the African Express!

All A Board!

So this is Polar Express African Style.

The Engineer.

Grandpa and the African Express.

Other Couples aboard !

A beautiful December day in South Africa!

Merry Christmas to All!

Happy Birthday Mandy! M.M.W.H.A.B.M.O.H.B.

Finally it is here!

What you have all been waiting for. 

Mandy's Birthday Blog!

 

Mandy Where do I begin.

You are very unique. 

You were the only child I had who was born ON the day you were supposed to be born.

December 3,1975-This rarely ever happens, well until now when mom's plan their delivery date.

I woke up that morning feeling just a little strange and I had an appointment with the doctor. We were in Provo. When they checked me his nurse (Larita Evans) said I think you better stay around the hospital. I didn't really feel like I was in labor but we took Windy and went to Diana and Ed's house just to see what happens. It was late in the day so since we were there we waited a while. I finally went to lay on Diana's bed with Windy, Jeremy was just playing around the house, Dad and Ed were watching their favorite TV show Baretta.

Dad said 'Whatever you don't have the baby until after Baretta!'    Then right in the middle of Baretta, and I mean right in the middle, my water broke big time. So Windy stayed at Diana's and Dad took me to the hospital. Still not feeling very much like in labor. But when I got to the hospital it was maybe an hour later and we had a new sweet 7lb.2oz. baby girl. 

It was wonderful.  You were so cute. You had these eyes that were wide open the minute you were born. There were so many moms who had babies at Utah Valley on that day they did not have room for us. We were all on beds all over the place to recover. A Baby Boom!

Of course Windy just loved you. You were 17months apart and she was just big enough to hold you.  She was so curious about you. One day she grabbed the edge of your blanket(I had you bundled inside you 'infant seat' on the counter by me so she wouldn't bother you) and quickly pulled you right off the counter onto the floor. It was your first tragedy. I felt so bad I thought I would never get over that. But  my have we had worse tragedies than that one.

Christmas Mandy (1) and Windy.

I remember another time when you were a toddler you fell and just barely cut your head by your eye. We ran you to the emergency room and they took you and strapped you to a papoose board and sewed up your little tiny cut. You just screamed and screamed.
It was so awful I promised I would never do that to a child again. So when cuts were just tiny they received a butterfly bandaid instead. 

windy John And Mandy

You were such a pretty baby. A good baby as well. But you struggled with ear infections about the first year to year and 1/2. I was up a lot at night with you crying over the ear infections.
But the rest of the time you were so pleasant.

Since you were little you have always had this spunk! A good Spunk in a way you wanted to always be having fun.

When John came along you loved him ALOT!
You two were inseperable as he got older.   


But as much as you loved him you also loved to tease him.

It never ended. Then when the two of you got together it was always "John and Mandy! Quit teasing Kurt! or whoever else. But it was never tears. It was just always so much laughing.
You always brought fun with you.
Even now when others hear you laugh they want to be with you and join in the fun.

Windy John and Mandy

I dont think you got it really from anyone. It is just you.

This became your trademark.  Everyone liked to be around you because you were always having fun and laughing. We could never hold back a smile when you started to laugh. Our friends loved being around you, your friends loved being around you, John and Kurt's friends enjoyed you so much. There wasn't a friend or family member that didn't enjoy your happy positive attitude.
You really enjoyed all your siblings and they really enjoyed you.
All through your growing up all I remember is how much fun you always had with everyone.

First Bit of Information for you: 

When I was given my Patriarchal Blessing (a priesthood blessing given to members of our church by one who holds the authority of a Patriarch. It is given  as a guideline for their lives.) I was only 19 years old and pregnant with Windy.

I want to share a small part of that blessing In my blessing it says,in so many words, that my home would be FULL of laughter.  It said many other things but this really stood out in my mind.

Christmas with Perkins. Mom made the dress!

You were so organized as a little girl. When I would come in your room you had everything in order, lined up, sorted and etc. You loved it when the Dalley girls gave you their old school stuff so you could set up school downstairs.

Mandy, John<Kurt, Jacob and Jess

There were so many fun things you did as kids. Creating fun ways to play with nothing.

When the basement was unfinished in Highland you and John and Kurt would create games down there. 

Mandy and John help Dad.

You were either trying to get across the ocean by stepping on small pieces of carpet all over. Or you were roller skating on the cement.

Mandy, Daisy, John, Danial, Suzie and Windy.

You had so much fun before it was finished and after. It was where we could do everything. I remember you even made peeling  hundreds of  pears with your cousin Daisy who came to visit  A lot of fun. I don't think she will forget that day either.


YOU LOVED BEING OUTSIDE!
You loved to be in the pasture right in the middle of what your dad was doing with the animals. You loved feeding the new calves or lambs when they needed help. You had so much fun in the yard playing pioneers in the Lehi ditch, ice skating in the Murdock Canal, playing on the snow hills your dad would scoop up with the tractor. You would build snow forts on the front lawn and play out side in the cold for so long.

Mandy Windy, Katy,Sam and Willy.

You were so lucky to grow up in such a place.
When we had four wheelers you guys would stay out pulling each other  around and around on the snow in the pasture late into the evening. You would ride them around the back pasture in the summer. 

Jeremy, Suzie, Danial luke Windy,Mandy and John

In the summer you would love to sleep outside on the back lawn and just look at the stars. It was so dark because we were so far away from the city lights.

When you and Windy and John were just little we would take you in all in the yellow Toyota with cattle racks  up alpine canyon and just camp anywhere. You all loved it.We would throw every thing in the back, grab some hotdogs and off we would go. I had Kurt as a baby or was pregnant but you guys loved it so much, bugs and all, it was worth every bit of discomfort.
 
 Often times,when Kurt was a baby, we would take you all with the scouts and camp on their over night camp trips if another leader wasn't available.  You were all so little but you loved the camping and being with the scouts.

This was just the beginning of our camping experiences, Especially yours.

Lets see you have had probably the very best Young women leaders and camp directors in the whole church and world. You have been and done more in nature before you were 18 than so many people.
I can only name a few like Beaver High adventure, Bear Lake, Mutual Dell, A F Canyon, Green River, probably part of the Colorado river,  San Rafael, Manti, Valley of Fire,Lake Alice, Girls camp in Virginia, Camp Kohlowo, several beaches on the way down Baja and Peru?
I am sure you are listing several more.
You are really a trooper.  I can not even remember all the places you have been with your dad and the youth in Highland.
And all the things you have done. WOW.

All through school and other times in life you have worked sooooo hard for the things you have accomplished.  It has not been easy for you. Not at all.
I remember the struggles with reading, spelling, trying to learn Mastery Math. 
You had experiences that really caused you to grow like the stolen tap shoes, amarkers on Mrs. Gleaves floor, Burr kids that teased you, trying to get contacts that worked for you, boys that literally chased you with snakes, trying to be a Dandelion,trying to learn the piano,falling out of car doors when your mom turned a corner and so many things were just hard. Even getting in a car accident on the way to Knowledge Gain and you the only one not in the hospital. Learning how to drive in one day because your dad just realized you were 16. (Dad said to remind everyone you are the best driver in the family.)
 
But in each of these things you grew. You learned how to conquer the things that were hard. You were never afraid to try. You were never a quitter.
As dad and I talked the one thing that stands out in our mind that really tells your story is your experience on the swim team.
We remember the fun years swimming as a family. 
Mandy there was something so unique about you.
Not only did you love to swim but you learned it very well. You became a wonderful life guard and Swim instructor. You were such a good instructor  people would request for you  to teach their children .....and you still do this. You made so many friends on the swim team that stayed with you for years to come.
But those years for you on the swim team were hard. You all started pretty young.
You again had such great instructors with such good attitudes and examples.
They would teach you and then you would work out hard. No matter how hard you worked you never became a fast swimmer. But You loved to swim and you learned the strokes very well. You were the one who wanted to go every day. You would make sure we were on time. 
You wanted to be in all the swim meets.
But the part that was the greatest to us was this...Every time you swam in an event you would swim so hard and so well. But You rarely won a race. 
Some times in your races all the people in the other lanes would be finished and there would be Mandy way way back there. But you would never give up. You would keep swimming as hard as you could until you finished.
The people watching, especially the ones form AF would cheer you on to the finish.

Mary,Mandy and Willy Christmas Eve.

When you finished you always got out and stood there with a big smile on your face. Everyone loved you. You were such an inspiration to your dad and I. We always felt so bad but you didn't. Finally we realized it was another great part of who you were.   

Windy, Grandma Killpack, Mandy and Katy

I hope you will take this story from your life and tuck it away and remember it whenever you feel like giving up.  Because you have already made it through so many things.
You have never been afraid to try new challenges.
Like going to EFY all by yourself scared at first and loving it. Going on Heritage tours the same way. 
Moving to Salt Lake city into an apartment with a Girl you didn't know at all. Moving Clear across the United States into one of the most difficult situations all by yourself and staying there.
Quitting your job when YOU knew it was best for you and then working hard to make it through the situation.
Taking bubble gum back to Kountry Corner.

YOU CAN DO ANYTHING !
Yes Mandy you see the fastest swimmer isnt always the best swimmer. The best swimmer is the one who can smile when she's done with a race no matter how the race turns out.
That my dear is you.  
  
How much fun it has been watching you in Band competitions.
I remember you Learning to play the Marimba and other instruments in order to be in the AF Band. Those were some wonderful growing years for you.
I remember the Hicken boys coming over and playing dart guns with dad on Christmas day,All your friends from Band, The birthday party when Liz knocked down the brick mail box (All the people for that party were invited last minute and when they found out it was your birthday They were all determined to be there.) ,you and your friends sitting around the fire ring by the granny swing and trampoline talking and laughing all night until 11 or 12. 
You have always been a true friend to your family first and your friends. You really care about people.
You always have. You have loved children all your life. From the children you helped at Dan Peterson to the children you teach now. Every niece and Nephew you care so much about.

We are all fortunate to have you in our lives.

 I was just talking with Sam about you and He said.
"I remember Mandy being a good friend before I went on a mission.  She would go to the temple with me and then I would take her to Tucanos for a treat.  She took me to lord of the rings before I left too.  Mandy would also draw pictures of me crying when she was taking drawing classes in high school.

Shauna Said This, "Two things that always come to mind when I think of Mandy is her love of children and her laugh. The first time I met her and she laughed....I just couldn't get over it. It is an amazing laugh! The kind that makes you have to smile and want to join in. Another thing about Mandy is that she always has a child on her lap or in her arms or she is playing with one. She is one of our most FAVORITE aunts. We love Mandy!
-Shauna
Oh and Sam says she always has a listening ear. He likes to talk with her.

Perkins Wollenzien Christmas Party.

Chamaine asked if I would put these in the blog as well:

*when Kurt and I were dating, we picked her up from the airport at Christmas break and instantly from meeting her, I was smitten! She was so accepting and loving and smart and we visited the entire trip home - it was nice to have a lady who was a teacher and in the same boat as me. I was also instantly struck by her contagious laugh...she makes everything fun.

* When I broke my ankle and was bed ridden for 10 weeks, Mandy sat with me on the bed almost daily and we watched "American Dream" Freaks and Geeks" and went through her pictures of growing up. Those are cherished times as I got to really know her and what life(high school and college life) was like and her boy sagas. She sure has a ton of friends that love her!

* When we visited her in VA when Ansley was like 8 weeks old - Mandy rocked! We had a blast going to her classroom and meeting Miss Fowler and her students. We enjoyed shopping at Eastern Market and eating Blue Bucks! Yum! We toured the monuments and memorials with her, including Arlington Cemetery. We went to her ward and it was so fun to see how many members knew and visited with her. She and I even went to a service activity at the Children's Hospital and it was when I really witnessed how on the ball she is and an expert at executing activities!

We all Love you Mandy!

*When she and I hiked the Y a few times in prep for her trip to Macchu Picchu and how that SOOOO didn't help or do anything!

*Every time she is here, my girls just want to spend every minute (even during the night) with her! She oozes love for them (and all the nieces and nephews)

- when I had Ellie - she came to the hospital with me while I labored (because Kurt was already back to work), we played Farkle (and I SOOO had beginners luck) and we walked around and then she even stayed when I delivered Ellie - I was/am so thankful she was there for me and willing to be in that position! And after I came home with Ellie, Kurt was working, my mom cannot help, my Mother-in-law was busy with mission prep and out of town for a few days and I had no help, but bless Mandy's heart, she came over for like 3days to care for my older 2 while I slept and even the baby so I could rest! I honestly think I would've been a basket case without her help! I LOVE her!

* Mandy is my go-to venting (because she is so diplomatic and sees things from both sides) caller...I am so glad that she and I are sisters now!

Shauna, Chamaine, Mary, Mandy  and Brielle.

Mandy,Tate and Nora

Katy wanted me to put this in;

Mom.
Mandy has loved all my babies from Nathan to Korbin to Braiden and on.
Mandy contagious laugh!
Unconditional love.
Keeps our family involved with parties cards and events.
Her excitement and gifts after each baby is born.
Her drive home from work calls.
I know her family is most important to her but she is the glue that keeps our relationships going.
Love you Mandy

       ~*~  Kate Anderson ~*~

Sam,Katy and Mandy in Payson

    
And so Mandy It brings me to the Second bit of information I have for you:

Second: I can not remember which President of the church told this story at conference so many years ago and now it has been repeated by many. But when I heard this poem the very first time, I think it was President Kimball,  I knew strong in my heart that this was you. You are our little Fan. 

Now I will quote the Poem.

WHICH LOVED BEST? by Joy Allison(1017)

"I love you, Mother" said little JOHN;

Then , forgetting his work, his cap went on.

And he was off to the garden swing, 

Leaving his mother the wood to bring.

"I Love you, Mother." said rosy NELL,

"I love you better than tongue can tell."

Then she teased and pouted full half the day.

Till her mother was glad when she went to play.

"I love you, Mother," said little FAN,

"To-day I'll help you all that I can;

How glad I am that school doesn't keep!"

So she rocked the babe till he fell asleep.

Then stepping softly, she took the broom,

And swept the floor, and dusted the room.

Busy and happy all day was she;

Helpful and Happy as a child could be.

"I love you, Mother," again they said,

Three little children going to bed.

How do you think that mother guessed

which of them really loved her best?

Now I know I have children who all  really love me. I am one of those fortunate mothers whose children really do care for their parents and are kind to their mothers. But as you were all growing up Mandy you were the one who had a sense of knowing when that extra bit of help was really needed by your mom.

What woudl we all do without Mandy?

This is just you. You seem to know when someone is in need, when they have reached their limit, when you need to reach out to a friend and then you just do it.

Mandy Sam and WIlly in D.C.Korean War Mem.

Even when it is hard for you, costs you a little extra or takes your time away from the things you want to do.

I remember when you realized Grandma Eleanor was planning, cooking and cleaning up after everyone for family dinners, cousin dinners before they were actually cousin dinners. You could see this was more than grandma really should be doing. You could see she was so tired and wanted to somehow help her. So you did...until you moved. When your brothers or anyone comes to visit you they are welcome and you spoil them.

I know how you are with your sweet friend Bill. Some little old man in Arlington who now lives a distance away from you but you took the time and still do to take care of him because you can feel for him.
This is you.

You drove your mother to California in the middle of the night to see her Dad who was dying. You drove your mother and her sister home from California on a Sunday afternoon which is worse than in the middle of the night so they could get their families back to California. All the way cheerful. Then you did it again when Her Mother was dying.

I know of many times you have reached to a friend (no names) who really needed a friend or a listening ear or someone to spend time with them and taking the time and money and miles to go visit, listen, cry with, cook for , get to know, teach their child something, so many different things that you do because you have this heart that is full of charity.

This is you.

We are so proud of your devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. We admire your willingness to serve him even when it takes extra planning and preparing .
How wonderful it is that you serve in  the Washington D.C. temple every Wednesday Night. This will bless you through the eternities Mandy.

Mandy with Brylee and Ansley Lake Alice.

You have always had so much faith even as a child.
Another story you need to remember is when you prayed that your dad would let you keep one of the kittens you found in the barn in Highland. You wanted it so badly and you asked me if you could have it. I told you that you would have to ask your dad. (I knew the answer was certainly going to be NO! Your dad hated cats.) Well soon after you asked him if you could keep the kitty. He told you that you could keep it as long as it stayed outside. I was shocked! Really Shocked!  When I asked you what you thought you just commented that you knew he would say yes. I asked you how you knew that and you said,"Because I prayed and asked Heavenly Father."  This was just the beginning of your dad's Love for Cats.


You have just had this faith.
Even when you took the bubble gum from Kountry Korner, you felt so bad You couldnt live with yourself. I remember you taking it back and crying so hard. I felt so bad . IT was hard for me as a mom to watch you repent of that little sin. But Iknow you learned a great lesson.
I realized that when your dad tried to get you to pretend to steal some items at Wallys to test the cashiers. You wanted No part of that.
This is you.

Mandy and Lottie.

When Sister Dibb gave her talk at General conference this last time we thought of you so much. she told the story of  a  mother who lost her daughter in a tragic car accident. When reflecting on their daughter she said, "We didnt recognize this as she was growing up, but every single year and moment of her life, Brooke(theri daughter) has given us the greatest gift a daughter could give her parents. She was a righteous daughter of God."
This is you Mandy. You give us this gift every day of your life.
You need to know this is the most wonderful gift a daughter can give her parents and we are so thankful for the opportunity we have had of being your parents.

Mandy and Mom.

We are thankful for your love and support as parents. combined I am thankful for the fun we have been able to have together you and I.
WE know if you continue to live your life with the same faith,courage,  determination, conviction, integrity and love you will always be happy!
You are our Mandy.

We Love You!

  

   

  HAPPY BIRTHDAY
     MANDY!