Summer activities 2010

It has been neat to see the family this summer.

Here are some pictures of Kent's family when they visited.

We visited the 'Skinny Caves'. The kids really enjoyed the play

entitled 'Tarzan' at Tuchacan. Thanks Grandma for the tickets.

Father's Day Reflections

At church today, there were three speakers whose topic was Father's day.  It was a really uplifting meeting that helped me remember my own father.  My father and I didn't always see eye to eye.  For many years, I was quick to find fault with him, but I have some very strongest memories of him and his teaching.  

I was about ten when he told me to fix a flat tire on my mother's car.  I had never changed a tire and didn't know what I needed to do.  Dad pointed to the floor jack on the cement floor of the service station and then he pointed to the pointed to the star wrench that hung on the wall.  I took them and did the best I knew how. Putting the jack under the back of the car, I raised the car with ease.  Unknowingly, however, I had put the jack under the gas tank which was not designed to sustain the weight of the car.  That caused some damage to the car that Dad had to repair.  I felt his frustration in my lack of knowledge.  I worked with him in his service station when I was 17-19.  During those years, my feelings about him began to change.  Although there were times that he expected me to know things that I had never been taught, I learned a great deal from him during those years.

When I was a young man and about to marry, Dad felt some reservations about the  wisdom of my choice.  I have a letter from him in which Dad told me in a loving way about his concerns then tenderly he allowed me to make my own decision.  

Years later, on the day of the wedding, he slugged me on the shoulder and said, "Well, son, if you don't know now, it's too late."  

He was a loving Grandfather.  I remember one morning what Rob was just a little guy, he was out watching Dad burn trash in the trash barrel.  Dad came in, then we had a fire in the back yard that brought the fire department.  When I was ready to give Rob a spanking for causing the fire, Dad interceded and told me not that it was his fault. 

Many years later, when my wife and I were going though a troubled time, I saw Dad as I will always remember him.  He spent a short time with us, but taught us a lot.  He shared regrets with us about the things he had done wrong as he gained his years of experience as a husband an father.  He expressed his love and confidence in each us.  That was the last time I ever saw him alive.  I sometimes have a hard time remembering the details of Dad's face, but I will never forget that tender lesson.

Arlo Vance Rendezous

REMINDER: On the side of Hansen Mountain we are gathering for the Vance Rendezous on Saturday, August 7th. the big events will take place. We will start the gathering on Friday 6th. We will be sending out more information later, so please check with your family so we can get an idea on how many we can plan on. Thanks.

Mom's histories

I have thoroughly enjoyed my mother's posts on her parents' BLOG.

• Part 29 Sewing I have done
• Part 28 Life Goes On
• Part 27 My Life Changed 
• Part 26 Angels in my Life 
• Part 25 Great Grandchildren 
• Part 24 Tender Mercies from the Lord
• Part 23 The House on Third Street
• Part 22 A mission to Arizona
  
• Part 21 Camping
  
• Part 20 Wedding Bells
  
• Part 19 Wandering Sisters and other things
  
• Part 18 Our House by Maggie Weston
  
• Part 17 After Arlo Died
  
• Part 16 Grandchildren are our treasure
  
• Part 15 Arlo and Gatha Called on a Mission
  
• Part 14 The First Grandchildren
  
• Part 13 The older boys go on a missions, marry
  
• Part 12 Everyone Had Their Friends
• Part 11 Things Come in Threes
• Part 10 Trips with the Children
• Part 8 The Move to 3rd Street
• Part 7 The Christensen House
• Part 6 The Lucille Jackson House
• Part 5 The Move to Manassa
• Part 4The Guymond Home
• Part 3 Two Lists of Eighty
• Part 1 The First Epistle

A picture is worth a thousand words

I have been gathering information about my family for years. I have known dates and places, but my ancestors are in a big part unknown to me. Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. Sometimes, however, it just opens more questions.

This is a picture of my great grandfather, William Thomas Beals. I never knew him personally. I can look at this picture and see hints of the faces of other family members.

The picture to the right is of my paternal grandfather, Charlie Bertie Vance, his brother, Luther Monroe Vance and some of their cousins. We get hints from their pictures about their lives and their interests. Stories to go with those faces would be so very valuable. Once in a while, I hear one their names mentioned, but I am hungry to know more about them.

I've occasionally heard my mother speak of Dad's grandmother, Julia Emeline McClurd, but to me, she was no more than a name and a few facts about her life. This picture to the left makes her more "alive" to me. Although the image is not really clear the photograph sends my imagination racing. What kind of life did she lead? What was she known for.

When some think of pioneers, they think of the Mormons that came across the plains in covered wagons and handcarts and eventually to the valley where our family grew up. This couple came from North Carolina with other families who left the southern states in search of religious freedom. They came in trains. Some of their families stayed in the San Luis Valley, and some moved on to settle in Arizona.

My wife has inherited some of her mother's many photo albums. It is fun to go through the pages of the old albums in an attempt to get to know her better. My favorite is one of her climbing a clothesline pole wearing a dress. It gives us a glimpse of her tom-girl need to compete with her brothers.

I love listening to the stories that always are shared when we get together as a family. They help to engrave in my mind and on my heart memories of the tender relationships that exist in our family.

BLOG Book Published

I have captured the pages of the Dunn, Bingham, Kent Vance, and Arlo and Gatha Vance BLOGs in a hardbound book that can be purchased at Lulu.com


http://www.lulu.com/content/hardcover-book/family-blogs-%28combined%29-2009/8185321

a new beginning!

We ended the year with those we love and missing those we could see. But with our running shoes on we were able to start a new year! 2010 IS HERE!

MAY YOU ALL RECEIVE THOSE BLESSINGS YOU SO RIGHTEOUSLY DESERVE AND DESIRE! LOVE YA ALLL....

My heart turns to family

This morning, my heart turns to my family wherever they may be.  I am truly fortunate to be a member of a wonderful family.

Merry Christmas!!

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!! Everyone be safe if you have to travel!!

Thoughts

Future in the Past...

I remember going to Manassa as a child and playing in my grandparent's yard!! I remember when Arlo was just a baby, and driving Uncle Larry's El Comino with Aunt Jeanette! Those days were so coool. Riding on the fiberglass garage door down Uncle Don and Aunt Gloria's road. Riding at what felt like 160 MPG on the back of Core's dirt bike with Forrest! I closed my eyes and prayed that I would make it another day! I did...

Grandma's Garden was cool. I remember harvesting lettuce out of it, once. I also remember having to wash every single utensil that was used because Grandma insisted that knives, spooks and forks were required for cearal and oatmeal! lol ;o} I think I do the same thing now! Who knows what you will need when you are eating breakfast!

Robert caught their [G'ma and G'pa Vance's] yard on fire when he played with the burning garbage. He did that as well at my Mom's parent"s house at the Lake [OSAGE BEACH/LAKE OZARKS, MO]! Mom and I were running to get the hose to put it out!! I always laughed that he caught our FIRE CHIEF grandfather's yard on fire! It went fast, and I can see how quick a brush fire can be created!

Anyway, went of course for a second.

I loved seeing my grandpa in the Pioneer Day's Parade! I loved hanging at the Garage and smelling the different smells that were there. One time, saw dust, mostly in the back of the garage; in the front, oil products. I loved getting the little bit of time with Grandpa Vance, [ARLO] he was fun to be around. I know there is a picture of me being held by him somewhere! I'll have to see if I have it!

I enjoyed spending time with my Aunts and Uncles, and experiencing their world, which was a bit different from my own! Marcy always referred to me as the City Mouse. I know I've said that before.

When visiting Grandma Gatha [Bingham-Vance-Wilson] in St. George, I was reminded that she always grew a nice garden. Black dirt, red dirt, she's done wonderfully everywhere she's built her garden.

I know I'm late....

The week came and went! I know that one of my favorite brother-in-laws had another birthday and I didn't get him called.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LARRY!

may the year ahead be one of happiness and lots of fun! sending our love....

can not believe you are another year older! lol

Together brings strength

Together the family stands strong
the truth is great when they bond,
the path of life can come along
which will always last forever and beyond.

another member

There is another member of this family
who shares with all members this bramley
He has a tender heart for all
and the faces he can make can be a ball.

He is the second born son
Without him there often would not be the fun.
He loves to tell stories.
And at times likes the glories.

Humble yet is important to him.
For he would give you his coat and limb
We are grateful for his faith, love and for him.

(if I had a digitalized picture I would show him. Thanks Kent!)

Last born

Little boy, our parents' last child.

Always liked to do things his own way.

Regarded by some to be a bit wild

Regarded by some to be a pest

Yet in his brother's eyes, the very best.



Always ready to build downtrodden friend

Ready to be loyal to the very end.

Love beams from his eyes and from his heart

Oh how the world benefits from this art!

Freckles

Beautiful blue eyes, freckles, and

Oh, how red your hair!

Never had a better friend

Nor lacked your tender care!

I miss those quiet talks we had

Each time I see a photo of you.



Life has taken us far apart

Yet entwined with yours my heart

Never doubts my love for you

Nor your friendship true.

Dear brother

Dear brother,

Oh, how I have admired the growth

Now so apparent in your life!

Nice, sweet, good man.

Indeed, I look up to you.

Eternity seems easier with your example.

Heaven Bound

Generous to a fault

Anxiously engaged in a good work

Tender hearted

Heaven bound come hell or high water

And she's my Mom.

kv

 

Arlo

Angry and impatient in his youth

Red headed to boot!

Later, he was bald, gentle and kind

Oh, how I wish we could talk today!

You can never go back to the same...

This is the way they use to be! look below to see now...

The Arlo Vance Family today

Sorry, Mom, I thought it would be fun to give you antlers, and I thought there was one without. If there is one, I can't find it. If Larry has one without antlers, perhaps he can add it.

I never thought of Donnie as the caboose before.

I think that Bonnie's wolf is looking for something to eat!

I love being with my family!

on the lookout..

There ae several extended members of the Vance family looking forward to a get together one of these days. Are you in and when would be a good time of year? voice your opinion... There will be an Arlo Vance Reunion in 2010 in Wellsville. As for Charley Vance Reunion... let's voice what you feel and a committee will notify us.

Memories of Richard

Hello all! I was wondering if anyone had memories of my dad (Richard Stanley Vance) that they would be willing to share! I was to young to really remember my dad! I remember riding in his semi one time from my house to to Uncle Bus Summers house! The only other thing I remember about my dad is him smelling of tobacco!!!! The last one may sound awful, but I can still remember the way he smelled!

I really enjoy reading this blog! It helps me to learn a little about everyone! Thanks again for accepting me and my family into yours!

Family Forever,
Samantha

Family Questions

Okay everyone I would like to know some information on all of you kids! I am trying to figure out who belongs to who. I was reading through the blog and maybe figured out parts of it! You can email it to me at vancesamanthal@yahoo.com if you wish!

I noticed that on Kent's information on Alta May he didn't have a death date it is October 26, 1971. And also on my dad's Richard Stanley, my mother Sandra Kay Goodwin needs added as a spouse they were married March 20, 1978 in Glenwood, Iowa.

I know I've asked someone this before but who is Raedeen? And Alta May's children? Are they Norene and Sheila?? What's the last name? Also I would like to know of the cousins who belongs to who? I have several people contacting me but not sure which of Dad's brothers and sisters they belong to?

If anyone has any questions for me please let me know!!
Thanks,
Samantha

Richard's Daughter~~Samantha Vance

Okay here's goes again. Sorry part of the pictures didn't upload for some reason.

This is a picture of My family:

This picture is of my older sister Angela and her son Daniel:

This picture is of Angela's kids: Daniel, Makenzie, & Elizabeth

The picture of my little sister and her family is already on here!

Richard's Daughter~~Samantha Vance

Hello everyone, I am Samantha, Richard's middle girl. My full name is Samantha Lousie Vance. I currently live in Missouri. I'm currently not married but live with my boyfriend of 8 years, Nathan Abrams. I have two children, one boy and one girl. I was born in August at Hamburg, Iowa. My son is Kaiden Richard Vance (named after his grandfather). He is 10 years old. My daughter is Natasha Jeanne Abrams. She is 3 years old.


My older sister's name is Angela Sue (Vance) Hunt. She was born in January at Hamburg, Iowa. She is married to Roger Hunt. They live in Missouri. She has 3 children: 1 boy and 2 girls. Her son Daniel Lee Hunt is 11 years old. Her daughters are Makenzie Grace Hunt is 4 years old and Elizabeth Rose Hunt is 3 years old.

My younger sister is Barbara Jeanne (Vance) Deardorff. She was born at Hamburg, Iowa. She is married to Stacey Deardorff. They live in Missouri. She has 2 step kids and 2 of her own. Her step kids are stepson Kiley Deardorff and stepdaughter Salina Deardorff. Her son is Brendon Arthur Deardorff and daughter Sasha Marie Deardorff.

My mother's name is Sandra Kay Goodwin Vance. She was born in Maryville, Missouri. Her and Richard were married on March 20, 1978 in Glenwood, Iowa.

This picture is of my children Kaiden Richard and Natasha Jeanne. They were 9 and 3 in this picture taken in August of 2008.

If anyone has any questions please ask I'll answer them to the best of my ability.

Uncle Richard's Girls

In response to a recent article on our BLOG called Vanishing Treasures, we have been given a wonderful opportunity to become acquainted with more of our family. Samantha Vance read the article and realized that she is related to us. Samantha is one of Uncle Richard's daughters. She gave me permission to post her picture on our BLOG in hopes that we would get a chance to know her better. She really didn't get to know her father very well because he died when she was a little girl. Samantha's mother remembers talking with our mother, Gatha many years ago. Her mother remembers going out to Colorado for funeral of one of her dad's brothers, she thinks it was Earl's funeral.


Samantha has two children, Kaiden Richard Vance named after his grandfather, and Natasha Jeanne who is is three years old.

Samantha's older sister is Angela. Angela is married and has three children, Daniel age eleven, Makenzie age four, and Elizabeth age three. Her little sister is married and has two step children and two of her own. Her children are Kiley age ten, Brendon age four, Salina age nine & Sasha age two.

Samantha sent two pictures one below is of Samantha's younger sister, Barbara, and her family. The picture below is of Samantha's children and all her nieces and nephews.

I have invited Samantha to join us as an author on our BLOG. I am hoping that she will tell us more about herself, her sisters, and their families.

When I wrote the article, Vanishing Treasures, I never dreamt that sharing my feelings would bring me in contact with people so closely related to us. I can look at the two pictures above and see the family resemblence. I am grateful that they have been willing to share with us and am very anxious to pull them into the family circle.

another remember

Remember when Grandpa would sit in his recliner and some of his grandkids would sit on his lap enjoying the love he shared with them. Danette loved for Grandpa to scatch her back. It seemed like for a long time... several minutes... he would satisfy her. I also remember when the grandkids would take of grandpa's boots for him. Now his son likes for the grandkids to do the same for him! ha ... like father, like son. Marcy was Grandpa's 'genuine Mormon baby', since she was born on 'Mormon Christmas', 24th of July. Cory was his first grandson to carry on his name. Grandpa Arlo was the only Grandpa the kids remember in this earthly life. (My kids knew there great grandpa Asa.) Don always felt left out when he didn't have a grandpa to enjoy growing up with. I remember both my grandpas, but one was with me longer than thuther. I am glad to be a grandparent and hope ALL my grandchildren receive uplifting praise as my grandparents gave me.

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.

Vanishing treasures

I have spent the last week going through an envelope of histories and photos sent by my mother, Gatha Wilson. I feel a real sense of urgency after having gone through them. One of the precious treasures was a journal entry from my father, Donald Arlo Vance's journal. I would like to share that entry dated October 2, 1982 here.

"Tho it seems almost to late to start a journal at my sunset years in life. I will relate to it as building a house. Starting from the ground going up, but being able after building the frame work to work on all sides and ends. I was born as the third son and fifth child (of ten children) of Charles B. Vance better known as Charley and Rosey Verdeame (Beals) Vance better known as Verdie both being members of the church and very lovable and spiritual. Being the 5th child I was followed by three more brothers and two more little sisters. My older brother being the first living child of that union was named Charles Melvin Vance going by the name Melvin. Altho being somewhat younger than Melvin was always very close as we were growing up remembering a lot of good times and some sad -- next comes Isabell my older and very lovable sister who was only 18 mo's younger than Melvin. Next comes Alta May 19 monthes younger than Isabell a very delightful and lovely sister.... Next is Earl Leslie being two years younger that Alta (all of which have passed qway.) Next being yours truly, four years younger than Earl being born July 20, 1922 in a small saw mill near a small settlement named Patacka, New Mexico not far south and west of Tres Piedras, New Mexico. My father and mother moving from Patacka when I was a small child to my fathers homestead in a small settlement called Fox Creek located on the Conejos River, seventeen miles west of Antonito, Colo. up at the mouth of what is known now as the Massey Canon. There is a younger brother Alva Ernest who being only two years younger than myself and sometimes bigger or I should say huskier than myself who at the time we were younger was of a slighter build but was always able to talk Alva into doing most of the mischief when we were together. Next was Betty Lorrain two years younger than Alva. Next came Jessie Lavern who was like myself being of slight and slim build and could talk a blue streak from the day she was about 8 months to the present time. Now along comes Richard Stanley who also like myself was freckled and sandy haired who as a small boy went to live with my sister Alta after my father died when Richard was around 10-12 years old. Next and last my baby brother Maurice Wayne who died at about 1/12 years of age."

Every single member of my father's family has now passed away. Although they are gone, we have stored in our minds vivid memories of them and of our interaction with them. If we don't share them, they will be gone. I would like to invite you in the coming months to share the memories that you have of them so that their histories will be alive and real for our children and theirs.

Living with God's creatures

My wife and I live in a beautiful neighborhood in the shadow of Pikes Peak and not far from the Garden of the Gods park. We enjoy our interaction with some of the wild life in our neighborhood.

Last night, we came home from a meeting and as we drove into the driveway in our back yard, we were greeted by an adolescent deer. She was quietly grazing on our back lawn. As we drove in, she displayed no fear of us whatsoever. She lifted her head and watched us drive up the driveway, then she turned again to her grazing. I got out of my car as Betty went into the house through the garage. I was curious and rather than going into the house through the garage, I went into the back yard to see how close I could get to the deer. When I got within about two feet of her, she bolted and was gone.

When I got up about three this morning to let our pup out to do his business, the young deer was back. Rather than disturb her, I just let the dog out the front door. We really enjoy watching the animals as they come and go.

We went for a stroll through the neighborhood this morning. As we passed a home with a wooden deck, I noticed a young kit stick his head out from beneath the deck. Before long, it was joined by it's sibling and both of it's parents. The fence must have made them feel secure, because they just continued playing until we walked away. I didn't get picture of the fox family. I'll have to take my camera with me on our walk tomorrow and I'll try and get a snapshot of them to add to this article.

I think that it's wonderful to enjoy these animals, but with that enjoyment comes a responsibility. These are wild animals and we are on the border between the city and their natural habitat. I feel that we must do what we can to insure that these animals are protected as the city encroaches into their domain. It is our responsibility that we do not do things that will endanger their survival.