Apologies for such long gaps between posts... It has been increasingly busy and I predict a relatively long post today... So i guess that deserves another apology... :)
Life is wonderful right now! I am so happy and things are going so well that I have no reason to complain! :) I know the Lord is looking out for my sanity and I greatly appreciate it. :) I am so very blessed!
Being a bride is an interesting experience. I feel as though I am living in an alternate reality. Even this close to the wedding I feel as though the plans I have been making are not actually real... Everything for the last details of the wedding are underway... and I am getting very excited. I just don't feel as though it has hit me that it is actually going to change my life forever... :)
On the other hand, my life in school and with my dear friends is also an alternate reality. School work, tests, and classes have just come an gone (not that its going over my head, I'm loving school), its just going... I don't feel like I am actually physically participating... Not quite an out of body experience... but close to it...
I was certain that reality would start sinking in at the last week... I was sure it would start with the bridals. Let me tell you, I have the best photographer in the world! I had so much fun with Crystal and Ica running around This is the Place taking a bunch of pictures. I am pleased with the results and cannot wait to show them off to all ya'll.
I am crazy and have decided to make my own center pieces of the Luncheon up in Salt Lake. Honestly, I have no idea how I am going to get them up there... but *cross fingers* it will work out. ;)
My time is constantly taken over with Wedding preparation. I feel sorry for poor Ica and Bryce, and my parents who try to have a conversation with me and only end up talking about details for the wedding. Seriously, we can start talking about something totally opposite in relation... and just minutes after I open my mouth I can turn it back to the wedding. So sorry for my obsession...
I am excited about everything and cannot wait to show everyone what I have been so busy undertaking! I am so excited to be a bride, to be marrying the most wonderful man in the world, and to start a new life together with him. I truly am blessed to know Bryce and I love him so much! Well time is short... so I guess my post isn't as long as I was originally thinking... :) Good news for you!
Hopefully I'll be a little better after the wedding... :) We'll see!!! I sign off for the last time as Jessica Scribner!!! Love you all!!! Hope to see you on Saturday!!! :)
Showing posts with label This is the Place. Show all posts
Showing posts with label This is the Place. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
All in a Pioneer's Day!
In Utah July 24 is a big day... even bigger for us pioneers... But with the large crowds of the weekend we changes our scenery with some special events and activities.
We spent the week preparing our houses for large crowds of people. Anything we didn't want to explain, have touched, or chase, was put away. I roped off my garden so it wouldn't be trampled and prepared the laundry buckets for a big day... throughout the village the settlers also spent a great deal of thought and time into making "floats" for the parade we walked through the village. Each site got a hand cart and were told they could use their imaginations. We were supposed to represent our site on the float and children can't ride inside. They would then be put to vote as the guests were asked to vote for their favorite one for the "People's choice."
Our float was awesome. With the help of Darci and Steve our hand cart was ready to go! And for the first day, we won people's choice! We lost on Saturday to the Hospital because of their skeleton holding the laudanum bottle... but still... :)
We also had Native American dancers dance for us, the Mormon Battalion was there giving cannon demonstrations, there was a pie eating contest, a watermelon eating contest, and of course a village full of pioneers. :) It was actually a fun weekend despite the stress of misfiring cannons...
Surprisingly short post today... but more to come soon!!
We spent the week preparing our houses for large crowds of people. Anything we didn't want to explain, have touched, or chase, was put away. I roped off my garden so it wouldn't be trampled and prepared the laundry buckets for a big day... throughout the village the settlers also spent a great deal of thought and time into making "floats" for the parade we walked through the village. Each site got a hand cart and were told they could use their imaginations. We were supposed to represent our site on the float and children can't ride inside. They would then be put to vote as the guests were asked to vote for their favorite one for the "People's choice."
Our float was awesome. With the help of Darci and Steve our hand cart was ready to go! And for the first day, we won people's choice! We lost on Saturday to the Hospital because of their skeleton holding the laudanum bottle... but still... :)
We also had Native American dancers dance for us, the Mormon Battalion was there giving cannon demonstrations, there was a pie eating contest, a watermelon eating contest, and of course a village full of pioneers. :) It was actually a fun weekend despite the stress of misfiring cannons...
Surprisingly short post today... but more to come soon!!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Garden at the Gardiner's Cabin
I have been working hard to establish a working garden at my cabin for the season this year. The Saturday before Memorial Day was spent in the garden hoeing and tilling the rocky and clumpy ground to establish enough mounds to plant some seeds. We planted 4 rows of peas, 1 row of green beans and 21 mounds of pumkins (of all sizes).
This garden is basically an activity for the kids and something for people to watch me do... as part of my interpretation I do laundry with the kids, and have them help me in the garden as part of the pioneer chores the children would have had to do. We also beat rugs... but that is another story... :) Because of the garden's value to my interpretation I was very stressed that it might not start growing... the rocks and clumps in it made for a lot of obstacles, and no one seemed to know how old the seeds actually were... So there wasn't a lot riding on them... Plus, these plants get watered every 3 minutes all day long... We tried to keep a large garden so we wouldn't drown the poor things... but without corn, there isn't much we could do.
But I came to work last week and discovered that I have sprouts!!! YAY!!! I didn't kill them and they grew in the terrible soil that I have to work with... I am absolutely impressed. My pumpkin mounds all have 5 or 6 good sized sprouts. My green beans are all growing nicely as well... I wish I could say the same for my favorite crop (the peas)... but I discovered most of those seeds washed up from the rain moving around those good for nothing clumps of manure...
With a new found excitement I spent most of last Saturday in the garden again. With all the rain my ditches where I have the children pour water are starting to get a little shallow and washed out. So I grabbed a hoe and started to work for a second time, although this time I had to be careful of sprouts and roots... ;) I am very proud of the turnout. This is the first garden I have done myself. I remember a couple of gardens growing up... but I had the help from my all-knowing parents... in my pride, here are some pictures...
The Green Beans
Pumpkin sprouts!
This garden is basically an activity for the kids and something for people to watch me do... as part of my interpretation I do laundry with the kids, and have them help me in the garden as part of the pioneer chores the children would have had to do. We also beat rugs... but that is another story... :) Because of the garden's value to my interpretation I was very stressed that it might not start growing... the rocks and clumps in it made for a lot of obstacles, and no one seemed to know how old the seeds actually were... So there wasn't a lot riding on them... Plus, these plants get watered every 3 minutes all day long... We tried to keep a large garden so we wouldn't drown the poor things... but without corn, there isn't much we could do.
But I came to work last week and discovered that I have sprouts!!! YAY!!! I didn't kill them and they grew in the terrible soil that I have to work with... I am absolutely impressed. My pumpkin mounds all have 5 or 6 good sized sprouts. My green beans are all growing nicely as well... I wish I could say the same for my favorite crop (the peas)... but I discovered most of those seeds washed up from the rain moving around those good for nothing clumps of manure...
With a new found excitement I spent most of last Saturday in the garden again. With all the rain my ditches where I have the children pour water are starting to get a little shallow and washed out. So I grabbed a hoe and started to work for a second time, although this time I had to be careful of sprouts and roots... ;) I am very proud of the turnout. This is the first garden I have done myself. I remember a couple of gardens growing up... but I had the help from my all-knowing parents... in my pride, here are some pictures...
The Green Beans
Pumpkin sprouts!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
In Loving Memory
I know... a lot of memories... but this is a special one to me... *sniff*
First, Shadrack and Meshack are no longer in their nest this afternoon! I found them with their funny hair styles (what is it with kids these days?!) behind my cabin hopping around and learning how to fly. They were pretty cute and I am very excited that there were no kids around to try to catch the poor things. It is fun to see that cycle of life working and I am able to witness each and every stage because I am there every day...
However this post is not about a robin, but a duck.
Over the past week I have grown rather fond of a certain baby duckling that we have here at the park. The livery girls named her Rya. She is a runt that ended up hurting her beak somehow... cute, little fuzzy and yellow. Rya was just the perfect size to fit in my apron pocket.
I have spent the last couple of days taking care of her in my cabin (away from all of the children) and she came to the point where she would follow me around. If I had to put her in my pocket she would nestle down and sit relatively quite. When I sat down she would snooze in my apron or in the crook of my arm where my sleeve acts as a protective wing. And if a put down my hand to her she would climb down and sit on it knowing, somehow that I was the right one. I have become mother duck...
This afternoon a very unfortunate even happened to my poor baby duckling... and I had her die in my hands. Her poor limp body was buried in my herb garden and it is hard to explain the loss I feel now that she is not here... I know, its a duck... and she's not even mine... but I can't help but feel sorrow and remorse over my little Rya... *sniff*
This is Rya resting in my pocket... she's the runt who was picked on and got a bloody beak. She's the smallest and most delicate of the bunch...
Nature is an interesting thing... and it really helps to put life and the blessings we have into focus... life is such a fragile thing that has to be cherished every minute of every day. Why do we waste so much time doing unproductive nothings when there is so much to do and see and experience!!! Heavenly Father is watching over us and understands how much we can handle. If we are going though something that we can't handle by our selves, there is a reason for it. He wants us to come closer to him, to rely on his help and his blessings... If we can do that than anything is possible. :) What a blessing that the gospel and the knowledge that it brings is to us. Yay for the Gospel!!!
First, Shadrack and Meshack are no longer in their nest this afternoon! I found them with their funny hair styles (what is it with kids these days?!) behind my cabin hopping around and learning how to fly. They were pretty cute and I am very excited that there were no kids around to try to catch the poor things. It is fun to see that cycle of life working and I am able to witness each and every stage because I am there every day...
However this post is not about a robin, but a duck.
Over the past week I have grown rather fond of a certain baby duckling that we have here at the park. The livery girls named her Rya. She is a runt that ended up hurting her beak somehow... cute, little fuzzy and yellow. Rya was just the perfect size to fit in my apron pocket.
I have spent the last couple of days taking care of her in my cabin (away from all of the children) and she came to the point where she would follow me around. If I had to put her in my pocket she would nestle down and sit relatively quite. When I sat down she would snooze in my apron or in the crook of my arm where my sleeve acts as a protective wing. And if a put down my hand to her she would climb down and sit on it knowing, somehow that I was the right one. I have become mother duck...
This afternoon a very unfortunate even happened to my poor baby duckling... and I had her die in my hands. Her poor limp body was buried in my herb garden and it is hard to explain the loss I feel now that she is not here... I know, its a duck... and she's not even mine... but I can't help but feel sorrow and remorse over my little Rya... *sniff*
This is Rya resting in my pocket... she's the runt who was picked on and got a bloody beak. She's the smallest and most delicate of the bunch...
Nature is an interesting thing... and it really helps to put life and the blessings we have into focus... life is such a fragile thing that has to be cherished every minute of every day. Why do we waste so much time doing unproductive nothings when there is so much to do and see and experience!!! Heavenly Father is watching over us and understands how much we can handle. If we are going though something that we can't handle by our selves, there is a reason for it. He wants us to come closer to him, to rely on his help and his blessings... If we can do that than anything is possible. :) What a blessing that the gospel and the knowledge that it brings is to us. Yay for the Gospel!!!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
An Engaging Memorial Day
Well, here it is the story you have all been waiting for and the never-before seen footage!!! Ok, so there is no footage... but it sure sounded good...
Memorial Day at the Park was advertised as Baby Animals Day (its the 3rd day now...) and we were swamped with people all day long. It was crazy! We easily topped Saturday's numbers. I was so blessed to have Elora and Millie helping me out with the cabin today. When you are trying to watch a couple of games, stilts, rug beaters, drying laundry, and a nest of baby birds in the reach of children, it can be a little overwhelming sometimes. We also had some extra help by way of Bryce. He decided after a co-worker of mine helped me out the other day and had to play "Mr. Gardiner" (for the sake of our guests) that he wanted to volunteer as a pioneer. I wasn't expecting this, but was well appreciated. With 4 pioneers in the same house, we were able to keep control over the crowds. Actually, there was one gentleman who asked if Bryce was married to all three of us. His sincerity was enough to cause Millie to quickly explain that she and Elora were "just visiting the Gardiners as their children were busy else where in the village" or something like that... it was pretty funny.
Bryce wandered off around 11:00 wanting to see the sights. He hasn't been up there with actual people and was curious about the new Native American village. I should have quizzed him about it... now that I think about it... but he was the last thing on my mind with the hoards of children all around. he came back a little while later and as I was doing laundry I say him and Elora chatting in the garden. (Don't worry, its important later. I promise...)
As the day was winding to a close we put the wash up, the rugs back in the house we took them from, and the buckets back against the house. I was excited that I might actually get out of the park around 5:00... at about 5 minutes to close Bryce shut the back door and went over to shut the front door. This is where I leave you as the narrator and you can enjoy the lame flash-back music as I reminisce...
Jess: "what are you doing? it isn't closing yet." (I am the last cabin on the way out... people often stop in to say hello around 5...) *open the door again*
Bryce: "Its alright Elora and Millie will watch." *close door and locks it."
Jess: "aah! What are you doing?! help!" (I was totally oblivious to what was about to take place...) *resist some as he guides me to my rocking chair.* *sit down*
This is about the time that my brain started putting it all together... it took a minute. (another side note, Bryce was up late last night writing his poem, and memorizing what he was going to say. He had checked his pocket, where the ring was, all day long to make sure it was still there... and had waited all day for the right moment to arise... but there were too many people.)
Bryce: (Poem)
"I never knew the way I'd feel
Each time I felt you gentle touch
When you smile, I simply melt
For I simply love you so much!"
*sings part of our song* (for personal reasons, this part I keep to myself...) :)
Bryce: This is the Place (notice the play on words... he's proud of it so I must point it out...) that I fell in love with you back in December. I feel that it is only appropriate that this happens here. *reaches into pocket and unwraps beautiful ring* *kneels down* Jessica, will you marry me?
Jess: Yes. Yes of course I will!
Bryce: *sigh of relief* :)
Ok the narration is back... as you can tell I am very giddy about the whole ordeal. But give me a break... its only been 24 hours!!! AHHHH!!!! I can't believe it is actually happening... It is crazy to think that this ring means... forever... It still hasn't sunk in yet... I know because I have not cried at all yet... :)
Most got to hear the news by phone. Grandma, you didn't quite hear me over the phone but it all worked out. ;) (PS. Congrats to Ashley for graduating! You are so beautiful!!!) I talked to Bryce's parents too. I'm glad to report that it is good news for them too! :)
Mommy, I know you cried all morning and I don't quite know what to say. I am so excited and scared and overwhelmed that I don't know where to even begin. I hope that you know that I love you so very much and that I thank my Heavenly Father every day for blessing me to be your daughter. I have learned so much from you and I can't begin to describe what you and your example mean to me. All of our girls days shopping, and relaxing. Our Brick Oven trips when the boys all leave. The Chick Flicks. Those nights that I was sick and you just sat there comforting me, or when my heart was broken and you wouldn't leave my side until I had cried myself to sleep. Even when you all abandoned me to go see that shuttle trial in Brigham City... I am glad I can celebrate my memorial day by remembering all of the good times that I've had with you!!! Life is moving fast, but you are always there for me to call or run home to. So thank you for all you do!!! (and Bryce thanks you for all your cookies too!!!) :) P.S. wipe that tear away... its embarrassing. ;)
Daddy, (if you are even reading this...) I appreciate the permission granted and the blessing bestowed. It would have cause great stress on Bryce if you changed your mind... ;) I love you so much and can't express in words how near and dear you are to me. We have had some fun times and some great talks in the car to Kanab and hiking the Bed... the rock and roll quizzes, bedtime songs, ice cream after concerts, you sitting there on the front porch with Don and a shot gun... my list can go on and on... Today my life changed drastically, and yet I know that those good times will continue on! I can feel it... :) Thanks for all you have done for me. Thanks for the stories, the love, the patience, and the comfort in my good times and in my bad ones. I love you!!!
Ok so this is really long and I now have upset parents... Thanks to all who have supported me and loved me. Thanks for making me into who I am today. I celebrate all those wonderful memories today. (I guess I'm celebrating an engagement too huh? ;] ) I love you all! Until next time!!!
Memorial Day at the Park was advertised as Baby Animals Day (its the 3rd day now...) and we were swamped with people all day long. It was crazy! We easily topped Saturday's numbers. I was so blessed to have Elora and Millie helping me out with the cabin today. When you are trying to watch a couple of games, stilts, rug beaters, drying laundry, and a nest of baby birds in the reach of children, it can be a little overwhelming sometimes. We also had some extra help by way of Bryce. He decided after a co-worker of mine helped me out the other day and had to play "Mr. Gardiner" (for the sake of our guests) that he wanted to volunteer as a pioneer. I wasn't expecting this, but was well appreciated. With 4 pioneers in the same house, we were able to keep control over the crowds. Actually, there was one gentleman who asked if Bryce was married to all three of us. His sincerity was enough to cause Millie to quickly explain that she and Elora were "just visiting the Gardiners as their children were busy else where in the village" or something like that... it was pretty funny.
Bryce wandered off around 11:00 wanting to see the sights. He hasn't been up there with actual people and was curious about the new Native American village. I should have quizzed him about it... now that I think about it... but he was the last thing on my mind with the hoards of children all around. he came back a little while later and as I was doing laundry I say him and Elora chatting in the garden. (Don't worry, its important later. I promise...)
As the day was winding to a close we put the wash up, the rugs back in the house we took them from, and the buckets back against the house. I was excited that I might actually get out of the park around 5:00... at about 5 minutes to close Bryce shut the back door and went over to shut the front door. This is where I leave you as the narrator and you can enjoy the lame flash-back music as I reminisce...
Jess: "what are you doing? it isn't closing yet." (I am the last cabin on the way out... people often stop in to say hello around 5...) *open the door again*
Bryce: "Its alright Elora and Millie will watch." *close door and locks it."
Jess: "aah! What are you doing?! help!" (I was totally oblivious to what was about to take place...) *resist some as he guides me to my rocking chair.* *sit down*
This is about the time that my brain started putting it all together... it took a minute. (another side note, Bryce was up late last night writing his poem, and memorizing what he was going to say. He had checked his pocket, where the ring was, all day long to make sure it was still there... and had waited all day for the right moment to arise... but there were too many people.)
Bryce: (Poem)
"I never knew the way I'd feel
Each time I felt you gentle touch
When you smile, I simply melt
For I simply love you so much!"
*sings part of our song* (for personal reasons, this part I keep to myself...) :)
Bryce: This is the Place (notice the play on words... he's proud of it so I must point it out...) that I fell in love with you back in December. I feel that it is only appropriate that this happens here. *reaches into pocket and unwraps beautiful ring* *kneels down* Jessica, will you marry me?
Jess: Yes. Yes of course I will!
Bryce: *sigh of relief* :)
Ok the narration is back... as you can tell I am very giddy about the whole ordeal. But give me a break... its only been 24 hours!!! AHHHH!!!! I can't believe it is actually happening... It is crazy to think that this ring means... forever... It still hasn't sunk in yet... I know because I have not cried at all yet... :)
Most got to hear the news by phone. Grandma, you didn't quite hear me over the phone but it all worked out. ;) (PS. Congrats to Ashley for graduating! You are so beautiful!!!) I talked to Bryce's parents too. I'm glad to report that it is good news for them too! :)
Mommy, I know you cried all morning and I don't quite know what to say. I am so excited and scared and overwhelmed that I don't know where to even begin. I hope that you know that I love you so very much and that I thank my Heavenly Father every day for blessing me to be your daughter. I have learned so much from you and I can't begin to describe what you and your example mean to me. All of our girls days shopping, and relaxing. Our Brick Oven trips when the boys all leave. The Chick Flicks. Those nights that I was sick and you just sat there comforting me, or when my heart was broken and you wouldn't leave my side until I had cried myself to sleep. Even when you all abandoned me to go see that shuttle trial in Brigham City... I am glad I can celebrate my memorial day by remembering all of the good times that I've had with you!!! Life is moving fast, but you are always there for me to call or run home to. So thank you for all you do!!! (and Bryce thanks you for all your cookies too!!!) :) P.S. wipe that tear away... its embarrassing. ;)
Daddy, (if you are even reading this...) I appreciate the permission granted and the blessing bestowed. It would have cause great stress on Bryce if you changed your mind... ;) I love you so much and can't express in words how near and dear you are to me. We have had some fun times and some great talks in the car to Kanab and hiking the Bed... the rock and roll quizzes, bedtime songs, ice cream after concerts, you sitting there on the front porch with Don and a shot gun... my list can go on and on... Today my life changed drastically, and yet I know that those good times will continue on! I can feel it... :) Thanks for all you have done for me. Thanks for the stories, the love, the patience, and the comfort in my good times and in my bad ones. I love you!!!
Ok so this is really long and I now have upset parents... Thanks to all who have supported me and loved me. Thanks for making me into who I am today. I celebrate all those wonderful memories today. (I guess I'm celebrating an engagement too huh? ;] ) I love you all! Until next time!!!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Baby Animal Days
This weekend is Baby Animal Days... Today we had approximately 2300 people come through the park... and we are expecting more on Monday...boy are we tired... Yesterday we planted my garden. I am very excited as this is possibly my first full-sized garden... I have a pumpkin patch, 3 rows of peas, and a row of green beans... we saved half of it for corn. We get to try a historical experiment. The first pioneers in the valley arrived here on July 24 cultivated some land and planted ASAP to have something of a crop. So we are not going to plant my corn until July 24... or soon thereafter... we are going to see what kind of crop we can grow! How exciting.
This summer I have a regular site that I am assigned to. I am stationed at the John Gardiner cabin right at the front of the park. This little 13 X 22' log cabin housed 13 people (10 children; 7 boys and 3 girls) and was originally located in Pleasant Grove, Utah. I have come to adopt my little cabin and it is slowly becoming my home. The activity in my cabin is pioneer chores and games. We do laundry on washboards, beat rugs, water my garden... and some children make me think of other chores like sweeping my cabin and such... but its fun to see the glee in the children's faces. After chores are we bring out the stilts, hoops and graces, and the barrel ring...thing... I now have a flower bed in the front of my cabin... the seeds have yet to sprout... so we are crossing our fingers...
About two weeks ago three little robins hatched in the nest that is sitting on the fence out in front of my cabin. I have named them Shadrack, Meshack, and Abendigo... Sadly, I found Abendigo in my garden this morning... featherless... and not breathing... so he is buried in my garden. I was a little upset at Ms. Wells (the mama bird) but I am learning a lot about birds and the cycles that nature has gone through for many years now... so I'm having to suck it up.
Pioneer life is great. Despite being dreadfully tired, I am enjoying the sunshine and the people, and the history of it all. The ambiance of this place is just... never ending... :) Well, I know this post sounds way tired... but I shall leave it until next time...
This summer I have a regular site that I am assigned to. I am stationed at the John Gardiner cabin right at the front of the park. This little 13 X 22' log cabin housed 13 people (10 children; 7 boys and 3 girls) and was originally located in Pleasant Grove, Utah. I have come to adopt my little cabin and it is slowly becoming my home. The activity in my cabin is pioneer chores and games. We do laundry on washboards, beat rugs, water my garden... and some children make me think of other chores like sweeping my cabin and such... but its fun to see the glee in the children's faces. After chores are we bring out the stilts, hoops and graces, and the barrel ring...thing... I now have a flower bed in the front of my cabin... the seeds have yet to sprout... so we are crossing our fingers...
About two weeks ago three little robins hatched in the nest that is sitting on the fence out in front of my cabin. I have named them Shadrack, Meshack, and Abendigo... Sadly, I found Abendigo in my garden this morning... featherless... and not breathing... so he is buried in my garden. I was a little upset at Ms. Wells (the mama bird) but I am learning a lot about birds and the cycles that nature has gone through for many years now... so I'm having to suck it up.
Pioneer life is great. Despite being dreadfully tired, I am enjoying the sunshine and the people, and the history of it all. The ambiance of this place is just... never ending... :) Well, I know this post sounds way tired... but I shall leave it until next time...
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Back in Time...
The spell of adventureless days seems to be fading into history... ironically that is exactly what broke our boringness spell... history, I mean...
It is also time to bring my boy back into the story of my life... no don't worry, he didn't go anywhere. (We are going to school and sometimes that takes precedence over adventuring and fun... *sigh*) With the end of the semester coming up in a few weeks the light at the end of the tunnel is almost upon us! Unfortunately, no one told the Utah weather man... whoever is in charge of the weather is not aware that we have officially crossed the threshold into spring... pleas make up your mind! (and make it up on the warm idea...)
Today was a beautiful day and started very early for Bryce and I. Bryce called me at 6:50 in the morning to make sure I was up and getting ready to leave our apartments by 7:00 (and yes this is in the AM, for those of you who don't think college students don't know what AM is... we've read about it...) You see, time travel must start early if you are going to make it back to the 19th century... *sigh* OK, so we drove up to Salt Lake because the Living History Conference was scheduled to start with Breakfast at 8:00.
The Keynote speaker that started off the conference is the dean of history at Weber state. His latest book published is a biography of one of the most interesting characters I have heard about in the history of the Mormon church and Utah... He is right up there with Brigham Young, and Rockwell Porter... even J. Golden Kimball could keep his company. :) But I was very impressed by his story and I wish to share a little about him for those who actually care to read my randomness... This man's name was Jedediah Grant. He was converted in Europe and came over to the US with his family. At age 15 he served a 10 year mission through the eastern and southern states. When he came back to Ohio he married his childhood sweetheart and began the move to the Salt Lake valley. His baby girl died and was buried next to the trail, then his wife died... she made him promise to bury her and the baby in the valley. He drove back to find the baby but she had been found by the wolves, so failed to keep his second promise. (His wife is buried in the cemetery at This is the Place Heritage Park now...) When he got to the valley he was elected the first mayor of Salt Lake City and soon thereafter was called to be the second councilor in the first presidency under Brigham Young. This man had the opinion that being a Mormon was an all or nothing commitment. He was the key player in the "Mormon Reformation of 1856." This reformation started the second councilor "Jeddy Grant" traveled up to Layton where he met a congregation that he felt was spiritually dead. So, naturally... he stood up at the pulpit and told them that they had all just been excommunicated. He then said "if you are going to repent and become a good Mormon, then follow me down to the millpond and I'll baptize you back in." It worked... and Grant did it for multiple congregations all over Utah. Brother Brigham just shook his head and agreed to let him do it. I really want to read this book, it sounds so interesting. (It might be coming up on goodreads sometime soon... ;D )
It kinda makes you stop to wonder though doesn't it? I mean, would I be excommunicated if Grant came to me? Am I spiritually asleep and comfortable enough... am I in it with my all or just what comes easily? I hope I will at least be re-baptized... ;)
After that the man from the Gold rush taught a class on the 49ers and their impact on people in Utah. Did you know that Salt Lake City raked in 1/2 a million dollars in the year of 49... or 50... I can't quite remember... the point being, everyone was filthy rich... except who? the church members. Brigham Young didn't like the traders that set up shop in Salt Lake and didn't believe that it was right for the church to get involved. So the Church was experiencing hard times financially but the people benefited from the abundant economy. Yet another interesting fact... :)
I learned how to garden and how to irrigate. I have the pioneer tips and pointers, where and how far to plant your plants, how deep, and how to work the water, etc. My favorite part of my classes was the "Tea Parties and Military Wives" class. Bryce naturally went to learn about Military Drilling in the Civil War, while I attended this class... :D But I got to attend my first real tea party! It was quite the first experience for me. All the ladies at the table with me were also having a first time, so none of us really knew what we were doing. The hostess brewed 3 loose teas (mango, cherry vanilla, and a black current), also some raspberry tea bags were set out (technically the tea bags weren't invented until 1910...), and there was also hot cocoa and a punch bowl of lemonade. There were also trays upon trays of little snack-like foods... cake, crackers, strawberries, little cookies, etc. (all period). It was a delicate hour. I decided to try one of the herbal teas for the experience... Mango... it tasted like... mango water with a slice of lemon sitting in it... (which it was... ) we passed our bowl of sugar around our table about 4 times before everyone was able to get their drinks down... then we gave up and went for the lemonade... :D When I told Bryce about the food he was totally jealous and wished he had at least poked his head in... haha... that would have been a sight to behold... :D
My last class of the day was Millinery (hat making). I have been inspired to try out a project this year that has to do with seamstressing... I am no good at it, and I think it will be fun to try something that can be turned into a good sill.
With that the conference was over but Bryce and I had stuff to talk about all the way home and have come back to it every so often since. It was a really amazing experience for me and I am glad that we went. Isn't history just amazing? There is something for everyone to be found. It doesn't matter what your hobbies are, there is a history of it. If you know where to look you can find a great, educational experience that you will remember for a good long time. (*hint hint* This is the Place is a great place to experience this... ;D )
Anyway, in all fairness in warning... the historical information will start to be a regular occurrence around this blog... My job is looming ever nearer and excitement for it is growing exponentially. (woah... college word there... sorry, it just slipped out!) Sorry that my posts are so stinking long... just ignore the middle part and pretend you enjoyed it. That's just fine with me! :) Have a wonderful night and until next time!
It is also time to bring my boy back into the story of my life... no don't worry, he didn't go anywhere. (We are going to school and sometimes that takes precedence over adventuring and fun... *sigh*) With the end of the semester coming up in a few weeks the light at the end of the tunnel is almost upon us! Unfortunately, no one told the Utah weather man... whoever is in charge of the weather is not aware that we have officially crossed the threshold into spring... pleas make up your mind! (and make it up on the warm idea...)
Today was a beautiful day and started very early for Bryce and I. Bryce called me at 6:50 in the morning to make sure I was up and getting ready to leave our apartments by 7:00 (and yes this is in the AM, for those of you who don't think college students don't know what AM is... we've read about it...) You see, time travel must start early if you are going to make it back to the 19th century... *sigh* OK, so we drove up to Salt Lake because the Living History Conference was scheduled to start with Breakfast at 8:00.
The Keynote speaker that started off the conference is the dean of history at Weber state. His latest book published is a biography of one of the most interesting characters I have heard about in the history of the Mormon church and Utah... He is right up there with Brigham Young, and Rockwell Porter... even J. Golden Kimball could keep his company. :) But I was very impressed by his story and I wish to share a little about him for those who actually care to read my randomness... This man's name was Jedediah Grant. He was converted in Europe and came over to the US with his family. At age 15 he served a 10 year mission through the eastern and southern states. When he came back to Ohio he married his childhood sweetheart and began the move to the Salt Lake valley. His baby girl died and was buried next to the trail, then his wife died... she made him promise to bury her and the baby in the valley. He drove back to find the baby but she had been found by the wolves, so failed to keep his second promise. (His wife is buried in the cemetery at This is the Place Heritage Park now...) When he got to the valley he was elected the first mayor of Salt Lake City and soon thereafter was called to be the second councilor in the first presidency under Brigham Young. This man had the opinion that being a Mormon was an all or nothing commitment. He was the key player in the "Mormon Reformation of 1856." This reformation started the second councilor "Jeddy Grant" traveled up to Layton where he met a congregation that he felt was spiritually dead. So, naturally... he stood up at the pulpit and told them that they had all just been excommunicated. He then said "if you are going to repent and become a good Mormon, then follow me down to the millpond and I'll baptize you back in." It worked... and Grant did it for multiple congregations all over Utah. Brother Brigham just shook his head and agreed to let him do it. I really want to read this book, it sounds so interesting. (It might be coming up on goodreads sometime soon... ;D )
It kinda makes you stop to wonder though doesn't it? I mean, would I be excommunicated if Grant came to me? Am I spiritually asleep and comfortable enough... am I in it with my all or just what comes easily? I hope I will at least be re-baptized... ;)
After that the man from the Gold rush taught a class on the 49ers and their impact on people in Utah. Did you know that Salt Lake City raked in 1/2 a million dollars in the year of 49... or 50... I can't quite remember... the point being, everyone was filthy rich... except who? the church members. Brigham Young didn't like the traders that set up shop in Salt Lake and didn't believe that it was right for the church to get involved. So the Church was experiencing hard times financially but the people benefited from the abundant economy. Yet another interesting fact... :)
I learned how to garden and how to irrigate. I have the pioneer tips and pointers, where and how far to plant your plants, how deep, and how to work the water, etc. My favorite part of my classes was the "Tea Parties and Military Wives" class. Bryce naturally went to learn about Military Drilling in the Civil War, while I attended this class... :D But I got to attend my first real tea party! It was quite the first experience for me. All the ladies at the table with me were also having a first time, so none of us really knew what we were doing. The hostess brewed 3 loose teas (mango, cherry vanilla, and a black current), also some raspberry tea bags were set out (technically the tea bags weren't invented until 1910...), and there was also hot cocoa and a punch bowl of lemonade. There were also trays upon trays of little snack-like foods... cake, crackers, strawberries, little cookies, etc. (all period). It was a delicate hour. I decided to try one of the herbal teas for the experience... Mango... it tasted like... mango water with a slice of lemon sitting in it... (which it was... ) we passed our bowl of sugar around our table about 4 times before everyone was able to get their drinks down... then we gave up and went for the lemonade... :D When I told Bryce about the food he was totally jealous and wished he had at least poked his head in... haha... that would have been a sight to behold... :D
My last class of the day was Millinery (hat making). I have been inspired to try out a project this year that has to do with seamstressing... I am no good at it, and I think it will be fun to try something that can be turned into a good sill.
With that the conference was over but Bryce and I had stuff to talk about all the way home and have come back to it every so often since. It was a really amazing experience for me and I am glad that we went. Isn't history just amazing? There is something for everyone to be found. It doesn't matter what your hobbies are, there is a history of it. If you know where to look you can find a great, educational experience that you will remember for a good long time. (*hint hint* This is the Place is a great place to experience this... ;D )
Anyway, in all fairness in warning... the historical information will start to be a regular occurrence around this blog... My job is looming ever nearer and excitement for it is growing exponentially. (woah... college word there... sorry, it just slipped out!) Sorry that my posts are so stinking long... just ignore the middle part and pretend you enjoyed it. That's just fine with me! :) Have a wonderful night and until next time!
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