A Visit With My Mother and Dad

Carlos (c. 1941)with his sisters Celia, Helen and Consuelo aka Chelo

Yes. It was so amazing and filled a place in my heart. I actually came across some family history cassette tapes I had done back in 1985. and 1991! Apparently I was there on a visit with my parents in California. At the beginning of the tape, my father, Carlos was just ready to leave for work. He took the recorder and gave a greeting to my oldest son, Hank while he was serving his mission in Venezuela.

Carlos with Elena and oldest child, Carlitos. this picture is about one of the stories mentioned on the tape.

He gave a nice message and started to speak in Spanish. I relived that visit and felt a closeness to my parents and the love they had for me and my family. What a wonderful opportunity to spend at least and hour listening to the tapes.

Elena, my mother recounted when she and Carlos met for the first time and the circumstances. It was so sweet and was like going back in a time machine. There was a lot of details on there that I had forgotten her telling but remembered when I heard the tapes again. She spoke of the relationships they had with other family in San Antonio; about their courtship, where they lived when they got married and up to when they built their first home just before I was born.

The house built in San Antonio

I could visualize everything we talked about as I held onto the moment. I stayed up late last night to listen to some of it and continued today as I worked in the kitchen this morning making beef jerky. My husband, Ron is hunting for a few days so I had the house to myself and listened away. Time well spent.

My Mother, Elena Sanchez Rodriguez

I just want to pay a tribute to my mother on her birthday. She passed away 18 years ago and would have been 95. I miss her a lot and think of her everyday, and always in my heart. She molded my life and blessed my life greatly and her influences lives on. Happy Birthday, Mama.

My beautiful mother, at age 17, Brownsville, Texas

This is one of my Dad's favorite pictures of her. He always carried it in his wallet over the years

I think this one was taken after my brother Bob was born, by the way she wore her hair then.

Elena, about 7 or 8. with her brother, Albert and Uncle Naco. He was a month older than her.

Elena with her mother on a calf in Harlingen. She was living with her grandmother, Nestora until age 12 when her grandmother passed away. She and Albert then went to live with her father's mother, Jesusita aka Maria Jesus Linares Sanchez in Brownsville.

They were a handsome couple, here with us three older children

The got to 'grow old' together. Love this picture of them. They are about early 60s, guessing.

Insights and Awareness of God's Creations

We went to Seattle several weeks ago (June 13) to visit with Matt and Beth when their new little one was born. He was all of one day old. How precious he is! My heart melts when I see that little tiny person have all the faculties of a physical body. I marveled as I saw and felt his sweet Spirit. Here he has a spirit and a body, it functions like a new model of each of us. He sneezed, and I had the thought –isn’t that incredible to see him have such a normal, natural human trait! God made his body, and his little spirit is housed in that body, and he is the product of his parents who love each other and brought him into this life. How delicate and marvelous that is to be blessed with two wonderful parents who love him and his siblings…GOD’s hand is definitely in our lives. We take it for granted of what is all around us at that same hand in ALL of our lives.

We wake up to a new day which God made happen, the Sun shines and brightens a beautiful blue sky, with puffs of clouds that bring rain, and gave us trees and flowers to admire his creation everywhere we look. We eat, and have have food that he created, right? Then there are the pets we feed and care for too. We have things to do, and we use our bodies that walk, and eat, we digest our food, all because of the creation God made for us to DO that which we overlook that is part of the divine creation of our habitation in a physical body. We are part of that creation each day and moment we breathe in the Air he allow us to have to survive. And think about the Water we drink too that God made for us that help keep our bodies functioning properly.We cannot survive without either one.

Then night falls, the Moon and Stars come out and grace our good Earth with a time to rest and sleep. We sleep,our bodies renew with that sleep and we repeat that cycle all over again. Then, depending where we live, we have the four seasons, and the weather too.

We just finished reading the Pearl of Great Price, and as I read to Ron aloud (albeit in Spanish)as he drove. I saw and felt the purpose of the days created from the first day through the seventh when all of these above creations were organized for us to live in this world.

My eyes of understanding felt the depth of what we have with us to constantly remind us how much God IS a part of our lives and how easy it is to overlook the meaning as it applies to us and permeates everything we do and ARE and what we can become through time and eternity.

I Know that God is there; He lives and is high in the heavens, in Kolob and I feel such gratitude for his great love for us, his children. He knows I am awake at this very moment and writing this all down as I woke up without being able to go back to sleep. How amazing that is to know what I know and appreciate that I am his daughter too. I know I am loved, and have such peace with that awareness.

Anna R Walser

Update

We welcomed Preston McIntire on June 12. We had a new assignment to go to Redmond, WA to visit Matt and Beth when they had baby Preston. He is adorable and so sweet. He is indeed a miracle of life. We look at this bundle of joy and see how perfectly developed he is and how he does all the things his body was designed to do! What a blessing. He sneezes, eats, sleeps, poops and wets. How incredible a creation, do you agree? We marvel at the joy and excitement that accompanied him in his arrival. Welcome Preston, we love you and are honored to be your grandparents. Mother and Baby and Dad are doing great and getting a little more much needed sleep as Preston adjusts to earth life.



Family Mission Message June 19, 2013

The days go by so quickly and before we know it a week has gone by once again. We are blessed to be where we are, and learning so much. We marvel at the growth we see in the missionaries and in ourselves. We wish we could contain the impact to store an used again and again. We have fond memories and are so thankful for the sweet influence of the spirit that sustains us.
The observations we make when the transfers come around are that changes are evident and unavoidable. Growth occurs when the missionaries experience a change in their assignments and need to readjust their lives and carry on the best way possible. These are the things that mature them and toughens their spirits to be able to endure through it all and carry on. The day comes when those we work with move on and the need to say goodbye. It is like saying good bye to our children when they have to leave to go away for an extended time and we don’t know when we will see them next. Next week our current mission president and his wife are released and a new president will take over. We will say goodbye with lumps in our throats and tears of joy for having known and loved them. We see the elders and sisters do the same when they are transferred. Their goodbyes are tearful for the bonds of friendship they formed and drew close to those they got acquainted. It is important to live in the moment and do all we can to appreciate the experiences.

This week we learned of the passing of a young mother, (36 years old) in our home ward that used to be my visiting teaching companion before our mission. It was such a shock to not know she was sick and dying. She had been sick some of the time we were companions and so I made sure to go visit our sisters even if she wasn’t available. We developed a friendship during that time anyway and I got to know her a little better through serving her and taking her and her family fresh vegetable from our garden. She could not thank us enough, she appreciated those small acts of giving. She had many talents and worked with her husband and managed his business for him in his entertainment profession up to the day before she passed, even though she felt miserable and weak. She left behind to daughters, 9 and 11. We went to her viewing and gave our respect to her husband and family. I was just grateful to have heard about it on time, through my visiting teachers from the ward when they came the day of the viewing.

Celebrating Mother's Day

This week is going to be shared a little differently. It is Mother’s Day. What a wonderful day to celebrate having and being a mother! There is something I want to recount from a talk given in General Conference in April 1997, by Jeffery R Holland. It was called “Because She is a Mother.” At the moment, as in some instances, I remember the feelings I had when I heard it and how it MOVED me to action.
Those days when that talk was given, I was a student at UVSC, aka UVU now. I had placed an application to BYU since I was finishing up an AA degree. Well, that same day I had received a rejection letter from BYU saying I had too many credits that were transferred from my Fullerton Junior College transcript. Needless to say, I was devastated. Then I heard Elder Holland’s address. It gave me such courage to write a letter immediately to the person who signed the letter rejecting my acceptance to BYU.

I don’t recall what all I said, but the point was that I just KNEW I was supposed to attend there and could they please reconsider? A few days later I received a phone call from the committee person and he gave me a few suggestions to write another letter to the committee directly and also pointed out that the credits the letter referred to was from my cosmetology major. It turns out since BYU doesn’t have that kind of program, it negated those credits going against me. I did exactly what that kind gentleman told me to do. Then I received another phone call congratulating me to tell me I was accepted! I received a letter besides later. I was so excited that I baked that kind man a plate of chocolate chip cookies and took them to the administration building. He didn’t know what to say other than no one had ever done that before . . . and the rest is history! I got in and completed in three consecutive semesters. I applied to the U of U for a Master’s and finished in 2000. Whaa HOOOO!
“One other story. This week I was reading aloud in Doctrine and Covenants 97:1-2. As I finished the verses, [in Spanish], I had this perception come to my mind and saw my great-grandmother Maria Elena Eduiges Rodriguez- Ulloa and her daughter’s sitting in her home in San Antonio, TX visiting each other. I told Ron what I saw in my mind’s eye before I read it in English to get the exact verses to understand clearly what I had read and saw at the same time. Then he said, “I wondered if they have accepted the Gospel on the other side.” There is no doubt in my mind they have, but it was a good question.

Maria Elena Eduiges Rodriguez Ulloa with her family in 1918
Doctrine and Covenants 97:1-2

1 Verily I say unto you my friends, I speak unto you with my a voice, even the voice of my Spirit, that I may show unto you my will concerning your brethren in the land of Zion, many of whom are truly humble and are seeking diligently to learn wisdom and to find truth.
2 Verily, verily I say unto you, blessed are such, for they shall obtain; for I, the Lord, show mercy unto all the meek, and upon all whomsoever I will, that I may be justified when I shall bring them unto judgment.

I feel peace that these faithful women have accepted the truth on the other side. I stand all amazed. 
These are the parents of my great-grandmother, Maxima Munoz and Clemente Ulloa.

Grandma Busy Crocheting

Grandma, (me) has been busy learning how to make crochet headbands. It's been fun and i loved making them. Most of the granddaughters got one. I learned how to make hats too.

I want to learn how to make boys' caps for next winter.

This Just Made Our Day!!

Little acts of kindness go a long way. This week we received the sweetest letters from grandchildren, and their parents. It made our week!

We were delighted to received their sweet handwritten notes and learn about what they are doing in school, work and being missionaries in their own ward. Thank you, Hank, Lori and all the K's, too. : )

The Elders of Israel. . .

This is a group of Elders we work with during the week whoa re assigned to Hermiston, Oregon area. They are Spanish speaking missionaries and are progressing very well.

We love working with them and see them improve each time we work with them. They are dedicated and helping to hasten the work. They have been successful and are teaching many investigators and baptizing them. We appreciate the blessing it is to work with them and be a part of this great work!

Elders Duncan and Trotter are always ready to work and prepared when we go visit them in Benton City. They looked so "crisp" I had to get a picture of them. Elder Duncan is training Elder Trotter and has for about two months now.

A Tender Story to Ponder

After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, “I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.”

The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally
. That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie. “What’s wrong, are you well?” she asked.

My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news. “I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you,” I responded. “Just the two of us.” She thought about it for a moment, and then said, “I would like that very much.”

That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel’s. “I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed, “she said, as she got into the car. “They can’t wait to hear about our meeting.”

We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. “It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,” she said. “Then it’s time that you relax and let me return the favor,” I responded. During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation – nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other’s life. We talked so much that we missed the movie. As we arrived at her house later, she said, “I’ll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.” I agreed.

“How was your dinner date?” asked my wife when I got home. “Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,” I answered.

A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn’t have a chance to do anything for her. Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: “I paid this bill in advance. I wasn’t sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates – one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son.”

At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: “I LOVE YOU” and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till “some other time.”
After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, “I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.” The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally . That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie. “What’s wrong, are you well?” she asked. My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news. “I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you,” I responded. “Just the two of us.” She thought about it for a moment, and then said, “I would like that very much.” That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel’s. “I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed, “she said, as she got into the car. “They can’t wait to hear about our meeting.” We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. “It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,” she said. “Then it’s time that you relax and let me return the favor,” I responded. During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation – nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each others' life. We talked so much that we missed the movie. As we arrived at her house later, she said, “I’ll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.” I agreed. “How was your dinner date?” asked my wife when I got home. “Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,” I answered. A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn’t have a chance to do anything for her. Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: “I paid this bill in advance. I wasn’t sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates – one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son.” At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: “I LOVE YOU” and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till “some other time.”

Mom's Comment:
As a mother of four sons, I know at times they would go with me to events such a receptions, funerals or to go out to eat. I appreciated them so much. Each one in their own way filled a space in my life that needed filling! Hank invited me to a Veteran's Day concert and the University of Utah, and I loved every minute of it. Lori had just had Klarissa I think. So I got to attend the reception beforehand. It was a delight to see him in his element doing his Public Affairs for the Utah National Guard. Aaron, on the other hand took me to a football game at BYU for my birthday, and we got to sit in the enclosed booths that Tanise got the tickets to a game. Matt was my sidekick many a time wen it was just me and him at home. Fond memories of our trip to the Oregon Eugene Mission before he left for Paraguay for his mission. And, Michael, what a treat it was to attend an institute Book of Mormon class just before his mission. That was a lasting memory we will both never forget!

Spring Is Just Around The Corner

It is always so uplifting to see the spring flowers in bloom after a long winter. This picture was taken at a home in Kennewick that we visited today.

Spring is so symbolic of the resurrection of the Savior, Jesus Christ as the "Earth with her ten thousand flowers" brings new life once again for a season.

It rained a good part of the late afternoon and evening. Another good sign that the flowers planted last fall will bloom soon. The daffodils in our frot flower beds have already started to burst through. We can hardly wait! Hope Spring Eternal.

Power of Prayers and The Gift of Tongues

Last Sunday in morning prayers I asked to have the ability to speak well and confidently in Spanish. My prayer was soon answered. We started our meetings as we attended the branch Gospel Principles class. Ron was the instructor. He soon called on me to give the opening prayer. I was able to give the prayer as if I was praying in English. It amazed me to be able to have the words come to my mind(in Spanish) and express them without cutting the prayer short from my lack of knowing how to say the words in my mind translating from English to Spanish.

The next meeting was Relief Society. Again I was called on to give the opening prayer. I prayed silently as we sang the opening hymn to have the words come with meaning and call upon the Holy Ghost to assist us in our lesson and to bless our teacher to share the message we would receive. Words came again with clarity and with a sweet assurance as they came from my heart as well as from my voice.
During the lesson the teacher had given some questions to all of the sisters and I felt impressed to participate and had opportunity to give comments with fluency I had not realize I could give with the words in Spanish again coming in my mind in Spanish easily. After the class I went up to the teacher and could have spoken in English but continued in Spanish. I shared some insights like I would have in English to any other instructor as I thanked her for her preparation and thoughts. I felt a real confidence to not use the crutch to speak in English even though she knew how to speak in English very well.

I walked away from Relief Society meeting knowing my prayer was answered and know I was given briefly the gift of tongues. I sometimes find it is easier to hold back from speaking Spanish at times knowing most of the members in the branch are bilingual. I also know that when I pray specifically for the increased ability to speak (Spanish) with the help of the Holy Ghost my prayer is heard and comes to fruition. I am thankful an dappreciate stretching myself to do my best.

This week we visited with the missionaries for conversational Spanish. The senior companion of the two called upon me to give the prayer as we began. I spoke in Spanish and felt the gift of tongues from Sunday’s prayer still helping me as I prayed. We had a wonderful feeling attend us with the things we talked about and the elders’ questions we answered that they are faced with in their discussions. Our whole discussion was in Spanish and I noticed how much the elders are retaining each week in their understanding of the gospel. We love these missionaries and feel honored to be there encouraging them along in their labors. They are doing so much and working so diligently. They are obedient and we can tell they are happy doing this work.

It is so important they know and learn line upon line and precept upon precept.
Hermana Anna Walser 2 10 13

New Discovery-- Brilliant Idea

Tarnished silver:

Polished butter dish

Have you any tarnished silverware around the house that you don't use because it is too much trouble to polish? I made a discovery that everyday toothpaste can be a silver polish for darkened silver! I was watching a show that had antiques and heard a woman on there tell how she polished a silver cup prize with ordinary toothpaste.

I tried it and was so excited I forgot to take a before picture of the butter dish I have had around in a drawer. It polished up quite nicely. Then I polished a spoon and knife too and took a picture of it before polishing it. They turned out fine and just hand washed them. You never put silver in the dishwasher. They will turn dark again otherwise.

What a pleasant surprise we received a VISA gift card for Christmas that some of the kids went into together to give us. We had some time to ponder what to get for ourselves since we have about everything we need.

However, one day we had one of the Elders to transport to Hermiston,Oregon which is about a little over an hour away. He had a Garmin GPS with him, so he punched in the address of where he needed to go. It was quick and easy. The more we talked about how handy it was, Ron came up with the idea that we ought to get one for us.

So we now own one, and bought it a few days ago. He followed the directions and downloaded all the maps for it and we are ready to roll with it. It is so much easier than to try to read a map while on the road. My glasses have not been the easiest to read with lately either so the GPS is a real blessing. Thank you, family!It is appreciated very much.

Starting the New Year Off Right!

What a treat to be on the way to Cincinnati with a layover in Salt Lake City! It was a last minute option. I didn't realize I would have a long layover (2 hours) on the way. I thought it was on the way back.

Aaron, Candice and all their children met me near the exit by Security. We visited for about an hour. It was so neat to see them and the cute baby, Gentry. I felt like it was a dream and would wake up any second.

But, it was for real and enjoyed every moment making that memory. It felt like such a gift to be there, and it was.

I was able to get my flight on time and off to Cincinnati. I spent the week there helping Joanna after ankle surgery. She appreciated me being there and I got to share my week with the McIntire's and Saatkamp's (for Sunday dinner).

Joanna and I baked fresh homemade bread, Pepperoni pizza from scratch via a Pinterest recipe.