Goldtooth Family History Reunion

Sister Goldtooth, the 2nd Ward RS President, had a Family History Reunion today. It was also the State Basketball Tournament this weekend. She handed out family group sheets about a month ago and told her siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins what she had in mind.  All that did come, came prepared to add information to their family tree.

We were able to add numerous relatives to the existing tree and helped each person start their own tree which they can continue to add to when they get home.

They had the children make pictures of their families (Perhaps my favorite activity) which they framed and gave to each child to give to their parents and/or grand parents.  They were so precious.  One little person drew the pictures and labeled his "bother, me, mom, and bother plus his dog"  I know he meant "Brother" but what a treasure that will be in the years to come.

  One of the ladies at the computer was really getting excited about doing "her tree" and mentioned that she would like to get her baptismal record.  She has not attended church for a long time, but when I asked if she would mind having Home Teachers and VT she said she would like that.  She was on placement in a home in Utah.

  President Justice had spoken to the adults and Sister Goldtooth said that she watched that sweet sister wipe away trees as she listened to what he was saying to them.

  I invited them to come to church and bring their children.  She wants to come back to the FHC and find out more about her ancestors.  She learned very quickly how to maneuver the program adding her spouse, children, step children and siblings for her parents.  Her husband also kept making calls to find more information.

  The little kids were excited to draw pictures of their families and to plant seeds.  One little guy came in handed the little seed tray to his mom and said, "Don't worry, I planted something you can eat."  They each were given little seed trays and the option to plant flowers or tomatoes.

  Today they planted more than those seeds in the little trays.  They planted seeds of faith and were reminded of things they had been taught long ago.  There was an amazing spirit there and you could feel the spirit of Elijah at work as hearts were turned to their fathers.

  We didn't leave until after 7 P.M., but what a great day it was for everyone.

Sister Olson

Tuba City Stake Family History Center

The little helpers.

Elder Olson had a great time this last week cutting down trees by Pres. J's office and Brother S's trailer.  The trees blocked the place where they want to put in more garden space.

  He loved firing up the chain saw and pondering just how to get the trees to fall where he wanted them to fall.  One tree was located very near Bro. S's trailer and they ran the risk of it falling down during a wind storm right onto their roof, so it needed to come down.

  The wood was green and one of them gushed out water after it fell.  I have never seen that happen before and wished he had taken a video.  Being "green wood," it is much heavier than wood that has been dead for a while.

  The little kids had quite a job picking up the pieces.  Shariah walked carefully to the tailgate and Elder O said she hesitated and he thought he might have to run and help her before she tipped over the edge, but she let go just at the right minute.  Shariah, Adriano and Nizhonii were the best little workers.

  Elder Olson said when he picked up Nozhonii, she wasn't too happy, but when he put her in the back of the truck she loved it.

  We love being out here and having days like this when you see families working together to do what needs to be done.

  The young Elders have been helping the family and getting to know them better.  They are so wonderful to be around.  They know how to work and they know how to figure things out.  

Thought I posted this, but it showed up as a draft, so I will post it now.

Birthday Parties and Elder Olson waiting for Sister Olson

The first picture is what I saw when I came out of the FHC in Kayenta.  I did tell Elder Olson that he could take a nap while I worked, then I could take a nap while he drove home.  You can see how well that worked. I suggested he try laying down in the back seat next time.

The second picture of Aubrie's 4th birthday party.  She was a princess most of the week and had crowns for each of the little girls who came.  One of the boys asked where his crown was, but it wasn't Elder Old Son.

The last picture is of the sisters, cousins, and mother who came together to put in their garden.  Tomorrow they will all go to another sister's home to help put in her garden.  Elder Old Son supervised the tilling, the post pounding, and putting up the wire.  I think he did help with the wire, but now he spends most of his time taking pictures and cheering them on..

It is really fun to see families come together to get things done.

Whenever we see horses or cows on the sidewalk we think of Derek.  In Wyoming it's usually a herd, but on the rez one cow may be a herd.