Remembering Mission

I have a history of Arlo and this is part of it: On April 2, 1981 he went to Denver for his first heart by-pass operation after accepting a call to serve a mission with Gatha. He needed to prepare himself physically to go. After 2 more operations and time to recuperate he was ready to go.

Heavenly Father called them to serve in the Holbrook, Arizona Mission. They were to report on September 29, 1982, to the Mission Training Center in Provo, Utah.
While serving their Heavenly Father for twelve months, Gatha and Arlo were able to grow spiritually, see the power of the Priesthood and the Spirit of the Lord in action. They developed a love for the Lamanites (Indians). Their love for each other grew very much during these times. They had fun times too. The Indian children loved to rub his bald head. He said at one time, “If you want your head shined go on a mission.” Another time he locked Gatha in the bathroom, turned on the hot water in the kitchen while Gatha was showering, giving her a cold shower. He had a good sense of humor.

I remember the time the kids and I went to pick up Arlo and Gatha in Zuni, New Mexico from their mission. It was a special time for us. We were able to see the trailer and the church in Zuni. We were able to go to a special meeting at the mission home where they cut Grandpa's necktie and a lock of Grandma's hair at the end of their mission. I also remember when Don and I took Arlo and Gatha to the mission home and able to attend a meeting there to say 'good-bye'. I knew after that meeting that is was a special place for them to be. The spirit was really strong. When I took Danette to the mission home I knew from this time that she was going to be in a special place.

here you go...

Here are some apples... hope you enjoy them. They taste as good as they look (even the worms think so, however not all have worms) We got grapes from our grape vine and a few raspberries, a hand full of black berries. The peaches didn't show this year.

40 years...

Can you believe it ... 40 years ago I joined the Vance family!

What fun and growing times we have had in 40 years! (many 'lighter weight' years ago) We continue to grow in wisdom and love for each other and the family. Thanks to you all for your love.

Apples anyone?

We have lots of golden delicious apples on our tree which is about ready to harvest. I am going to have to get busy and bottle some apple pie in a jar soon. Our neighbor's trees are as full if not fuller this year! This is the first year in the 11 years we have lived here I have seen so many apples on our trees!

three's???

I have heard it comes in threes.... I found out that Harvey Holman passed away on the 3rd. This is from the Valley Courier:

HolmanPosted: Thursday, Sep 4th, 2008Harvey L. Holman, 76LA JARA — La Jara, Colo. resident Harvey L. Holman, 76, died Sept. 3, 2008 at his home in La Jara. Harvey was born Feb. 1, 1932 in Sanford, Colo. to Joe and Frances Vandiver Holman. He worked for the D & RGW and Durango & Silverton Railroads as a carman for many years. After retiring from the railroad, he worked for the Town of Sanford in their maintenance department. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and his dog. Harvey is survived by his children Ann Radcliff of Chico, Calif., Michael Holman of Corning, Calif., Lynne (John) Staggs of Alamosa, Colo.,Donnie (Michelle) Holman of Alamosa; Shelley (Jim) Raines of Ft. Morgan, Colo. and Janice (Martin Dominguez) of Alamosa, as well as by 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, one brother one sister and one grandson. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sat., Sept. 6, 2008 at the Sanford Cemetery. Contributions are requested to the Valley Humane League and may be made through the mortuary office.Arrangements are in care of Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa.

The most wonderful feeling

As we drove to Manassa this morning, my head was flooded with memories. I was feeling anxious about the funeral. There were members of my family that I hadn't seen for over three decades. I took my camera today thinking that I would have some pictures to post to the blog when we got home. If the success of the trip were measured by the number and quality of pictures taken, it would have to be considered a failure.

As we arrived at the Church house in Manassa, the parking lot was almost empty. I felt encouraged when I recognized Don and Gloria's PT cruiser. We parked by them and went into the building. It was empty except for the organist who was taking advantage of a few minutes to practice before everyone came. We were asked by a kind gentle man if we were going to the mortuary for the final viewing. We decided to follow him and his wife to the Mortuary that was just a block away.

The crowd on the porch of the building was promising. I could see my sister in law, Gloria, my brother, Don, my sister, Bonnie, and Mom. They greeted us warmly and we all went in to meet Aunt Mike's family. Each of them was so kind and warm. They were grieving, but they were gracious and thinking of others.

The funeral was uplifting and inspiring. Tears were shed as family members shared poetry, memories and testimonies. Those participating in the program shared their love for a wonderful woman who had taught them by the life she lived. Her grandson reminded us that just as there would be a reunion of family after the funeral, there would be a reunion on the other side with family that had been separated for years. I have never had a more effective lesson on Heavenly Father's plan of happiness.

When we returned to the chapel after the grave side service, I had another lesson on what is important. My camera sat on the table as I visited with my cousins, their children and their other cousins who had also come to bid farewell to a common loved one. The people in that room, were all one family linked by our love of Aunt Mike. To me, there is no feeling more wonderful than feeling I belong to a family. That feeling cannot be photographed, but today it's keeping me warm. Tomorrow it will be engraved in my heart.

It Was Fun Camping

Here is Becky with the calves and Becky and Jason playing in the Assay Creek by where we went camping with Grandma Gatha. It was a nice

place to camp if you don't mind the traffic which we could hear going up and down the highway, but not near us, as well as the leftovers from the cows! We did have fun. Jason enjoyed fishing, even with no bait, and fishing with his Grandpa Don. There were no other campers around us when we set up camp but one when we left.

Camp out

A week ago I went with Don, Gloria, Jason and Becky, camping. We went to a place near Hatch. A river ran by our camp. I hadn't camped for many years. I really enjoyed the experience. Don and Gloria have good camp equipment. They have an eight man tent with good cots and sleeping bags. It was fun to be there with Jason and Becky.

Becky entertained a herd of young cows. They were interested in her and followed her to camp. She and Jason fed the chipmunks and a baby bird that just fell out of the nest was hopping on the ground. Becky was thrilled about it and followed it. It was nearly dark and we had to go back to camp, but the next morning, the bird was gone.

Jason went fishing with Don. Each of them caught 2 fish. They really tasted good. That was enjoyable.

Reunion starts with a temple visit

For a long time, Mom (Gatha) has wanted all of her family to go to the temple together. We did that on Thursday, June 12. Mom was pleased to have us all together.

In the photo to the right are Larry and Jeanette Vance, Emery and Bonnie Olsen, Betty and Kent Vance, Donnie and Gloria Vance and seated is Gatha Wilson

Paria Hike

On Wednesday, 18th Adam, Aubree, Katee, Riley and Grandma Gloria went on a hike up the Paria River with a geologist as a guide. It was informative explaining the different levels of the rock formations. We saw some places where they made some old films, a cave where we ate lunch, a rattlesnake under a rock cooling, a lizard, colorful mountains. We all had the same spelling 'perfume' thanks to the Off company. In all it was a fun day. We hiked (slowly) for three hours on our 3 mile hike in the warm, hot sun! The kids really liked playing in the river at the end. (A memory time)

The Reunion

We were fortunate to have some time to spend together in Pine Valley, Utah. Momma Gatha has a friend that owns this fine place we stayed for a couple days. We gathered and conversed.



We worked in the projects for the reunion that have been proceeding for the past few months.



We then began to have some fun. We played games -- like this redneck horseshoe game. Balls on a rope were hurled at a stand with three rungs. The lower rung scores three, the middle two, and the top but one. Here Emery shows off his style.



And here is Bonnie holding her cache of blue balls waiting her turn.



We had a jumping good time.



Sometimes I even surprise myself.



Shandi says, "What are you thinking?"



Monica just is happy to be here.



And then there is the good looking brother, Kent.



We enjoyed watching some skits.



Some are less inclined to be photographed.



With some coercion I was able to see most of her face.



Now she thinks it is funny.



And then we see. It was our beautiful Danette. Why be camera shy?



Someone scores a ringer.



YUP, it was me.



Story time.



We had a birthday party. Here Katee is toting her bag on her shoulder.



The store was kept for last. There was a merit system, where each participant was allowed to earn redneck bucks to spend at the store. Here are the hoards descending on the booty.



Aubrey followed her mothers queue of being a bit reluctant to put on her best for a photograph.



But her grandpa, Don, was there at his best.



Then we packed and ...



Said goodbye.

Life

I was looking in some things trying to find that thing that was misplaced, ... alright lost... and ran across this poem which I thought you might all enjoy...

This is a poem which was written by Gordon Dean Howey when he was in San Diego, at Christmas time. Grandpa Arlo read it at his funeral in the obituary.

Life is such a mystery
With all its ups and downs,
One never knows for certain
What tomorrow will bring around.
Each day has so many challenges
Sometimes I wonder what I'll do,
Consider defeat, toss in the towel,
And then I think of you.

God's gifts to men are different
No two are quite the same
To some he gives riches and beauty,
But who am I to complain.
Because beauty may wither and wrinkle
Riches can vanish without a clue,
God's present to me is enduring and priceless,
You see -- His gift to me is you.

needing assistance

April 7, 2008
Hi Family Members,
I am in charge of a 'crafty' project at the Family Reunion in June. In order for this project which I have in mind to work I will need to enlist your help! Please contact all the members of your family with this request: (Please write and email back to me at this adddress)
Write something you would like your family to have forever. Share with us words of advice, testimony, poem, comment, quote or whatever you feel you would like to share with the Arlo Vance family that will uplift and encourage the family forever.
These words will be shared and given to the family so all can have a copy. I appreciate your help and words. Look forward to seeing you all then. Thanks, Aunt Gloria
PS please share with all you family members, I know I don't have all the emails and if they hear more than once, better than not at all! (Some of you - (those whose email addresses I have on file)- have received an email in regards to this request.)

Keith's Funeral

I spent Thursday night at Bonnie's. Leon Picked us up there at 4 A.M. and we drove to Kanab and picked up Don and Gloria. We drove to Belen, New Mexico, where we had 2 motel rooms reserved.

When we arrived there, we talked to Erma and she told us that The ward had prepared a meal for the family and we could come and eat with them. after we got cleaned up we went to the church and Keith and Erma's family were mostly all there. They have 70 members of their family. We had a very nice meal and got acquainted with members of their family that we hadn't seen in many years.

The viewing followed in the Relief Society room. The day Keith died, Erma asked Kelly if he could build a casket. Kelly said "no way". The other sons and three grandsons, said they would help him and together they got to Kelly's barn at 8A.M. and stayed late into the night, sometimes as late as 1 A.M. and made a beautiful casket. It was white pine with Cedar panels. The girls made the linings. It was a work of art. Keith looked good. He was thin after so much sikness, but he looked nice.

LaRue and Harold and Doris Faye and Bert came to the viewing. That was special. we took a lot of pictures.

We went back to the motel and prepared to leave at 7 A.M. the next morning to go to LosAlamos, where the funeral was held.

Barbara came for the funeral and all of my immediate family was there. That was special. We haven't all been together at one time since Barbara was sealed in the temple.

At the viewing, Cheryl and Elwood Cardon and Aldred and Gay Schofield were there. I only have 4 living cousins on Dad's side of the family. Cheryl, Aldred, Charley, and Winona are the only ones. It was good to see them. Keith and Erma's family was all there and it was good to see all of them too. The funeral was special. I will send you a program. All of it was their children, except the bishop gave a short talk. . It was a beautiful funeral. The tribute to Keith was wonderful. We stayed for the meal after and visited with my sisters and brother.

We started home at 4:30 in the afternoon and arrived in St George at 4:30 in the morning. It was a good time. everyone was so nice and I felt that being with family was great.

yep

Well the week has started again. don is working by Cedar until Thursday night and then we will be together again. He said a lot of snow has melted in Cedar. It does get pretty quiet at my house. I need to be more productive at times. It is neat to be able to read from you all. My pictures are needing improvement as far as striving to include them in this blog business. Gloria