Doris Kirkham Johnson 2002
6 The New Year, 2002 began for us here with a happy party, and thoughts of accomplishments for the future year, and memories of 2001.
By now, the World Olympics was newsworthy constantly, and we were excited “the world” was coming to our Salt Lake City. Mormon Handicraft notified me to send much handwork, as visitors would want Mormon handwork. (Actually, it turned out they were more interested in Olympic souvenirs. But quite a few of my articles sold anyway.)
e I cried putting Christmas away. So many memories of wonderful times when our children were young, and memories of Maurice’s love for the holiday and all he did to make it wonderful. Jim put my 27 Christmas boxes in the attic. I used to have 43! I put pretty dishes in my open cabinet in the kitchen and put the house back to normal. I turned on lamps and just enjoyed my lovely home.
Kristen was feeling quite sick, having depression after surgery. Friends in the ward were concerned and some brought meals. I help with her house work and laundry, although she says not to. It’s good exercise for me anyway - and my chance to do service. Carolyn and Von got me a new space heater, so it warms my rooms nicely. Carolyn had her 57th birthday - why I feel only 57 , myself - but my memory feels 79. This month I made shelves of wood & cinder blocks in my little storage closet, for all my books.
All of Jim’s family came for Jim’s birthday. I helped with food. We attended Nick’s Pinewood Derby, where he won for best-looking car. He also was best-looking, so cute!
February. An interesting date. 2/2/02. The snow days were beautiful. Taylor Mountain in the distance was white, and the sunsets reflect pink color on the sparkling snow. I crocheted a dozen pair of booties for both Carolyn and Jerda. I’m always pleased and honored for requests for my handwork. I watched the Superbowl, along with Nelsons, Mark & Valerie. Kristen and I attended Company DUP to assist with plans for a District meeting later on.
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On February 8th we watched with the world, the 2002 World Olympics opening ceremony. We liked seeing occasionally the church buildings in the background. We watched the Olympics often and were aware of Carolyn, Von and Kanda being volunteers.
On February 9th, fifty of Jim’s (and our) family came to Kristen’s for dinner to celebrate Jim’s sister, Jennifer’s return home from her mission.
One day in February I, :
1. Defrosted the freezer 11. Got her lunch
2. Washed 2 batches laundry for Kristen 12. Made a Lincoln Log cake
3. Washed my bedding 13. Made a pair of booties
4. Folded four batches of laundry 14. Crocheted a row on a doily (as I do daily
5. Washed Kristen’s dishes 15. 10 rows on a knitted dish cloth
6. Made 3 beds 16. 10 rows on Laney’s birthday afghan
7. Cleaned 2 boys rooms 17. Tended McKay
8.Read the scriptures 18. Read the Ensign
9. Paid Bills 19. Read part of “The Great Gatsby”
10 Got the mail 20. Watched the Olympics with Kristen.
I have many useful and enjoyable things to do. On Valentine’s Day, Kristen invited me to their candle light dinner. Krystal and Barbara came to see my house and brought me dinner and a gift.
On February 19th, Maureen invited Kris, me Laney and McKay for lunch with Robyn and Lara. The children were out of school for President’s Day so I took a Lincoln Log cake.
February 20th I went to Salt Lake with Kris’ family as she was to have colon surgery at University of Utah hospital. She was there very ill for several days, so we returned home on the 24th. On February 29th, Rickell brought Kristen to Malad where Jim met them and brought her home. Many times in the future we will have done the “Malad Drop-off.” Kristen was still quite ill and I helped when I could to get children ready for school, etc.
On March 2nd, Maureen and I attended the funeral of our friend, Marie Anderson, who had so much good influence in our lives - music and dance. Shayne and Molly were to come from Iowa to Grandmother Squire’s funeral, but bad weather prevented it. Kristen was still quite ill. On the 8th, Kanda and Roy came for the weekend - a pleasant time with them. Once more on March 18th, I listed in my journal my activities for the day: _5 batches of laundry - wash, dry and fold; _straightened 4 beds, _mended some clothing, _sewed button on a blouse, _swept the garage, _cleaned two bedrooms, _tended Mckay - got her lunch, _swept Kristen’s kitchen, family room, laundry (against her protests), _mopped those floors, _vacuumed bedroom, _washed our dishes, _put toys away, _did some jig-saw puzzle with Laney, _brought in the mail, _sent Lara a birthday gift, _wrote a sympathy note to a friend, _read the newspaper, _crossword puzzle in newspaper, _wrote in journal, _read scriptures, _read Ensign, _played 2 tunes on piano, _gave Laney music lesson, _answered phone 5 times, _said nightly prayers, _read Reader’s Digest. I must have _eaten also and I promise not to make anymore lists.
m COJ REUNION m
On the 21st, Carolyn, Lili and Tati came to stay while Von was at meetings in Pocatello. On March 23, a Saturday, we held a COJ Johnson Family Reunion here. I wanted Maurice’s family who are left to see what we had done with the old home. The girls helped me plan and prepare. I felt it was so fun and rewarding. It happened that very morning, the Ensign came in the mail with an article about Maurice’s father’s missionary activities in Sweden. Those attending were: myself, Carolyn & Von, Tati & Lili, Robyn, Maureen, Lara, Josh, Phyllis, Rick, Jerda, Kirk, Damian, Brecken, Baylie, Brynlie, Kristen, Jim, Trent, Nick, Laney, McKay, Chris, Trenna, LaNea, Michael, Marisa, Reece, Miriam, Max, Kiela, Dennis with son and daughter in law and baby, Dennis and Janice and daughter and friend, Walt and Leona, Kaylynn, Steve, and Larue Robinson.
On March 31st, Heather and Avery came from Florida so we spent enjoyable times with them. We had an Easter egg hunt and picnic with them. All the Utahns came on April 6th for our Spring MITI. We had fun making crafts, visiting, laughing, eating. We watched General Conference on Sunday.
I attended Single’s Home Evening each month at the Neal Andedraesons. Spring came beautifully, I loved the sun shining down through my big windows. Rickell brought me a pretty white planter of pansies for my bedroom window.
I met with other DUP members to make handkerchief pioneer dolls for the coming District Convention at which our company is hosting. Kristen got the opportunity to do housecleaning for a wealthy Idaho Falls family, with generous pay. I enjoyed going with her every Friday and assisted a little bit. We went in together on the purchase of a fifth car.
Trent/Priesthood
I was pleased that now 12 year old Trent received the Aaronic Priesthood and understood the importance of it. Carolyn’s and Maureen’s family came for Trent’s ordination, as well as the Nelsons and we gathered here for dinner. I am contented to see the children visiting and laughing together. Perhaps Maurice may be present to enjoy it too.
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On April 15th we had the biggest snow storm of the year. Even in winter it would have been amazing - but April! We had to shovel to get out of the doors. In the East was record-breaking heat of 90 degrees. Here in Idaho, school was canceled. April 19th Carl came to attend business meetings in Idaho Falls. On April 22nd Carl, Kristen and I sat and enjoyed an hour of visiting before he left for home. Soon after the snow storm we had a terrific dust storm - the wind blew off three of my four window covers, and left dust in my rooms. Phyllis and Rick came for a weekend in April.
Karleen sent me a May Basket reminiscent of when Adah and I exchanged gifts on May 1. Jerda took me with her to Sandy for a visit. We all visited the Wheeler Farm, attended Church where Von, the Bishop’s Counselor conducted the meeting. This month I completed NASCAR afghans for Jerda, Steffan and Steffan’s friend. Also this month I was called to be a Relief Society teacher. My grand niece, Barbara Hoskins became the president. I spent one day with Nelsons at Yellowstone park. On Mother’s Day all of the children called me.
On May 18th, I went to Centerville where Bill and Jean have moved. We admired their beautiful home and had a nice visit. As DUP Captain, I planned for our group - and we visited the new North Bingham Park, west of Shelley, where a tiny, old schoolhouse has been placed, having been brought down from the mountains. Dale called to tell me Allen had received the John Philip Sousa award in music at the Maryland University.
P I worked to develop a little lawn by my doorway. I was pleased with it, having purchased a scalloped cement edging and placed cement stones that Carolyn and Von had given me. I bought a “weeping” pussy willow tree and a lawn swing with money that Walt and Leona had so generously given me to do something fun with to the house. So nice and generous of them!
Jerda took Laney, McKay and me to Utah, and we spent time with the others there at East Canyon. Phyllis’ and Carolyn’s families were there also. It was sad for me and the children to witness the burning of the Junior High School, where all of the children had attended.
In June, young Trent began moving irrigation pipe for our neighbor, and it reminded me of our own young boys in their youth. Maurice taught them hard work.
Q Q Q Q Q
Kristen took me to Malad where Mary and Kanda met us to take me to the Salt Lake airport. They bought me lunch and got me on the plane to go to Dale’s in Maryland. In only four hours, I was met at the airport and taken to wonderful Antietam Glen. Sunday at church, Allen spoke and Kristie played her violin - both did very well. I went to the stables to see Kristie and Sarah train with their horses. I then treated us all at the ice cream parlor in Sharpsburg. One day, we spent at Haagerstown at the Library Celebration. Also, we attended Allen’s Baccalaureate. June 14th was his High School graduation day. He was handsome and nice and smart in his cap and gown. He received four awards. That same day, we went to Washington D.C. to pick up Carl and Laree, having come for the weekend. We all toured the Gettysburg and Antietam battlefields. At Fort McHenry, this day, we were able to assist the ranger in retrieving the huge 30' by 42' flag and went to Harpers Ferry and Burnside Bridge. Carl and Laree then went to Washington D.C. where Carl attended meetings regarding the RDO Company. What a pleasant “weekend” to be with my two boys and the others of the family. We drove to Sideling Mountain, where a huge cut had been made through a mountain, which had changed the course of the highway where Maurice and I had first made the trip in 1959 to get a new car. Dale took me to Baltimore to the plane. Phyllis and Rickell met me and took me to Malad where Maureen and Bryan met us.
HIt was pleasant to be back in the home that I love, and think of the good memories of the recent journey, and the goodness of all I’d been with - and their goodness to me. I am so blessed! At home we all worked to get the yard looking nice. We also improved some area for Laney’s new white horse, received for her birthday.
Dalaney Baptism
All the Sandy families came for Laney’s baptism on June 29th. She was so adorable in her new white crocheted dress made by Maureen, Carolyn (beading) and me. On Sunday, July 30th we attended the televised Nauvoo Temple dedication. We waved our white handkerchiefs some of them having been Maurices.
Chris came to stay with me while Trenna is finishing school in Provo and she would come on weekends. Heather and her children came from Florida and spent some time with me. I helped with the children while Kristen, as Camp Director was at Girls Camp for several days. I worked along with the others in the ward to redecorate DeEtta Christensen’s house, as she is very ill with cancer.
” We held our Family Reunion at Sandy. I was pleased with the activities and having the children getting along and having fun together. We missed Carl’s and Dale’s families. Carl and Laree and David came in August, and we went to Sandy for a weekend. Dale, Kristie and Matthew and Mark came and Carolyn and girls came also. We, of course, had parties, swimming, picnic. With Dale, we went to Bear Country, West Yellowstone and 17 Mile Cave. Walter, Leona, Gayle and Fred came on their way home from her sister, Ada’s funeral. I went with all of Phyllis’ family and Kristen and Jim up to Victor to the melodrama at Pierre’s Playhouse. Jason returned home from his California Mission.
In August, Carolyn, Von and Mary came to go hunting with Mark, Valerie, Kris, Jim and Fred - (Mary & Fred, Fred & Mary). Kristen, Laney, Mckay and I went with Fred down to Sandy. Steffan was there from Colorado Springs and served us a lovely dinner in honor of Von’s birthday. I stayed on for a few days. We went to lovely Thanksgiving Point at Lehi. We went to Salt Lake and had lunch with Roy at his work place. Mary took Carolyn and me for a ride through the mountains. Carolyn, Phyllis and I went to Orem to visit Walt & Leona. He reminded me so much of Maurice! Von and Carolyn brought me to Malad & Maureen met us there to bring me home. It was a most enjoyable week at Sandy.
At Nick’s football game, Fred called me “grandma”, his announcement to me that he and Mary were engaged to be married. On Spud Day, Carolyn & Mary came to plan for the wedding, along with Valerie, and they worked on Mary’s Wedding dress.
Carl came to attend meetings in Idaho Falls. Michael and Reece came also. Carl and Michael discovered grapes on the old vines out by the cellar, which Maurice and I had planted. I made jelly and 21 quarts of juice.
K Maureen and Kristen decorated my living room window-well with a basket of pumpkins, gourds, hat, candle. It looked beautiful. I love these window wells for decorating. We laughed when McKay came from school telling us they had a wedding cake and all - the wedding of Q & U. Maureen and I crocheted 25 blocks for a humanitarian quilt project.
We went to Sandy for MITI. We met at Michael’s house for the crafts. Carolyn and Phyllis made lunches and we hiked through a woody park. We went to Damian’s new home in Sandy, and they surprised me with birthday gifts - I’m 79.
At this time, Chris had realized his marriage must end. He was so sad, as were all of us. David came to drive home to North Dakota with him. He tried so hard to make the marriage work. He had lived with me since June, and she with her parents.
I sang with Jina Kotter in R.S. Carl informed me he had been called to be first counselor in their Stake Presidency. Laree would now be released as Stake Young Women’s President. I’m proud of them. For Phyllis’ 50th birthday, I went down with Jerda and Kirk to celebrate. Her children had a lovely party for her. McKay invited me to have lunch with her at school. It was fun to be with the little children. “Are you McKay’s grandma?” “How old are you?” “Hello Sister Johnson.” (From Jordan Cook.)
I was now crocheting white headbands for all the little girls for Mary’s wedding, and 8 large doilies for table decorations.
I Thanksgiving, always a happy time; however, he Thanksgiving season also made me sad, longing for Maurice and former days with our little children.
l l l Fredrick & Mary l l l
Carolyn’s family & the Nelsons came for dinner and during the weekend, all helped with plans for Mary’s wedding. Mary’s Wedding Day. She was beautiful in hr white leather dress. The reception was lovely where they were married in the Idaho Falls church. Nelsons came and we all watched Fred and Mary open their gifts. After all had gone, I put my Thanksgiving decorations away and I just sat and reminisced. Holidays are bitter-sweet.
j For the first time ever, I assembled my own (modern-type) tree and decorated it. (Maurice or Kristen had always before put on the lights.) Our Company DUP President, Evada Bitter entertained the Board with a lovely luncheon (on Havalind China). Kristen and I enjoyed being part of it. Maureen, Kristen and I made many chocolates, as we do every winter. Maureen and I went to Centerville to visit Bill and Jean. Their home is beautiful, and the visit was pleasant. Maureen & Bill are Civil War Enthusiasts (as am I) so there was much to discuss.
Our 61st wedding anniversary. We put wreaths on Maurice’s grave and Jonathan’s grave. I still year to hold his hand and be hugged. All of Maureen’s children came for Christmas at her home. Much fun and happiness there.
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We had our annual Christmas progressive party - salad at Jerda’s, main course here, and dessert at Maureen’s. Michael, Manisa, & Reece came and all the Nelsons came for Christmas Eve - and night - and morning. The little children performed the annual Nativity story. Some of us went down to Maureen’s and she entertained us with her puppet show. We had visits from Maureen’s family and Jerda. Carolyn, Fred and Mary came for the weekend. Carl had been ill, but improved. Kristen was ill much of the time, but takes it well and works hard anyway. Sadly, I put my Christmas decorations in many boxes. Carolyn had given me nice new boxes. At 79, I wondered how many more wonderful Christmases I would have.
Carl called with the old joke. “Got to the corner and you will see a man with as many faces as days in this year.” New Years Eve. Phyllis, Rick, Jerda, Rickell, Mark, Valerie, Maureen, Eric, Valeen, Rob came to party. Dale and Carl both called with good wishes. A good year, good memories again.
This 2002 year:
Attended temple monthly with Maureen
Captain of Shelley Camp of DUP
R.S. Teacher
Read B of M for 25th time.
100% visiting teaching (every month
Is it interesting to know that I have sold 3020 pairs of booties at Mormon Handicraft? I should be able to do them with my eyes closed.
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I continue to love my home and realize my many blessings. I appreciate, always, the children’s goodness, and their goodness to me. This coming year I will read all of the Standard Works. I will try to magnify my church assignments and ponder my request - “Father, make me a blessing to someone today.”
Thank you, our family, for making life a happy one for me.
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