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.

trips and travel

I remember several trips I have taken with my brother-in-laws from Colorado to Farmington. It was nice to have them to be my navigators. Also I remember also a trip to Mesa Verde where we enjoyed family, picnics and fun. Kent and Larry traveled with us and my family to visit the ruins. We stopped at a place outside La Plata so we could eat. There was some water near by and Don and his brothers were having a water fight if I remember correctly. It was a fun time.

Extended family

For me, the worst feeling in the world is isolation. It's something that has nothing to do with the number of people who are physically close to me. I can feel isolated in a crowd. Indeed, there have been times that I have been at meetings and have felt that there was nobody that was interested in me, my thoughts or my feelings. Other times, I have felt wanted, appreciated and valued when very few were around me. So what does this have to do with extended family?

There was a time that I hated my home town because I felt unwanted and unappreciated. There have been other times, however that I felt just the opposite. The difference was mostly within me. When I have felt that my life was aligned with the values I accepted as a boy, I have felt more valued. When I didn't, I had a tendency to pull away from the people that could provide the acceptance that I so desperately needed in fear of being rejected.

There has been a core group of people that I have always been able to depend on to buoy me up and help me when I was discouraged or downhearted. My mother has been one of those people, but that's a mother's job. She is supposed to love and support her children even when they aren't very loveable. My father once wrote me a letter that had the encouragement that I needed at the time, but it was his job too. I am not saying that I didn't appreciate their love and support. I did.

I have three wonderful siblings. They and their families have been good to me and have loved me even in the hard times. I am especially grateful for my younger who had a special knack of giving the right encouragement at the right time.

After years of pushing people away, I am wanting to reconnect with my extended family. Sometimes that isn't easy. It seems people don't want relationships with people they consider total strangers, or don't trust people who have not been approachable. Damaged relationships cannot be repaired overnight, but they are worth the effort.

Cousins have begun reconnecting with me. It may be superficial at the time, but
I love the feeling of belonging. I feel that I belong to the most wonderful family in the world. I hope that with time, we will be able to nurture the family connections that are healthy and worthwhile in a time that the world feels so unstable.

Uncle Don and Family

I remember riding the DUNES with Uncle Don and family in tow! Robert and I loved to burry all of our family! Danette and I would pose for a picture! We loved to be around our cousins!! Aunt Gloria was so much fun!! I believe that is the only time I remember good runs of water going through there, but I've been told it still does that. Every time I've gone it has been very dry, and HOT!

Uncle Don would put Grandma Gatha, Aunt Gloria, Marcy, Danette, Corey, Mom, Dad, Robert and I in a truck, or blazer as the case may be, and run up a hill at what we thought was lighting speed. Really, he was probably crawling, but the bumps made it feel like we were going faster!! We did have a good time! I loved riding in the back of an old pickup with all my cousins under blankets to stay warm!

All the times camping, riding sleds being pulled by The Toy, playing in the garage, sleeping in tents, sleeping in a burning house, climbing trees, climbing in to hay bails... all those things were so much fun! While a lot of those things we were doing, I wasn't really paying attention to Uncle Don, but I know he was there and for that I am greatful because we had the chance to be together as a family! I especially love that his family looked out for us and wanted to be around us! I appreciated Danette's faith and her ability to share that with me when I was around her. I loved that Uncle Don told us how he felt and showed us his way!

I have loved spending time with Uncle Don and his family! Since he and Aunt Gloria have moved to Utah, it hasn't been as easy for me to see them. I miss their presence in the Valley, a hop skip and a jump away. I always have felt welcome and warm in their home and miss the one-on-one times that we've shared.

turkey!

Anyone for an over cooked Thanksgiving Turkey! It is more like 'turkey jerky'! I remember one November Day before Thanksgiving I was cooking the turkey. Kent and his family were spending the night at our house. My oven was doing funny things...not cooking right. I tried something new and decided to cook my turkey at a low temperature in a brown paper bag. I told Phyllis to check the oven if she happen to get up in the middle of the night. Well she did and the meat was done so she turned off the oven. I got up the wee hours and noticed the oven was off so I turned it back on! Needless to say a few hours later when I checked the turkey it was pretty brown and pretty done!!! It was rather funny when we discussed the going ons, HOWEVER... the turkey got ate and was delicious.

Memories

Andrea asked me about sharing some memories. I am trying to think about some memories...

I remember the girls having water fights with the neighbors. I remember the water fights between Barry Bingham and myself.... all in Manassa.

I remember the gardens Grandma and Grandpa grew. It was fun to benefit from the harvest and to help sometimes with the work in. Grandma still grows a lovely productive garden in St. George. I tried to do some planting in Alamosa, but wasn't as successful. I'm still trying to do gardens. I remember making pickled beets, canning almost 100 quarts of green beans. One year Gatha/Grandma and I did some peppers stuffed with cabbage and pickled them. Grandpa Arlo really liked them. I thought they were good too. I've not done that recipe since. It has been fun to be able to can from the harvest. I do not do much canning lately. It was more useful when I had a larger family at home.

feeling the economy

on Tuesday with no warning I felt the blunt of the 'lay-off' once again. Looking into changes. It is a hard time at my house.

Oh the nose, ....

In answer to a couple of questions by the brothers .... The ole nose has been broken seven times, the first time by Joe Thomas hitting me while playing baseball when the bat came in contact with the nose while playing in grade school. He hit the ball and threw the bat back hitting my nose. Robert Holland broke the ole snout three times with the ole fist. Ronnie Luster broke it once in another fight. Then once it was broken when I went tobogganing. (You wouldn't think that the snow was that hard!) Actually the bone on the nose was broken three times and the others was the cartilage.

just a thought...

so I had this thought, no it didn't hurt!, I know that often you would like 'big brother' Don to make a comment, SOOOOOooo If you have a question I will ask him on which you would like to know and pin him down, nail him to the floor, and send the response.... any takers?

Constancy of Home

Manassa is a small community just one mile square. Growing up in Manassa was wonderful because our ward was something I could count on. The church was a place I went to worship together with my family, but it was also someplace that we went to enjoy our extended family and our neighbors. Fast Sunday, we would gather fast offerings. We attended Primary, Sunday School, Mutual, and Scouts together.

The old two story chapel is the backdrop for our family picture that appears on the Dunn BLOG. I remember how the basement would fill with water in the summer when the irrigation water was brought into town and the surface water level would rise. That chapel wasn't big enough to hold all of the church activities so we also had a Relief Society building, an opera building, a scout building and a Bishop's building. Eventually, we got a new building and we worked together as a ward and community to raise the funds and to build the building.

It wasn't the buildings that held the ward together, it was the people. The Bishop that I associate with my childhood is Donald J. Jarvies. His counselors that I remember were Boyd Brady and Tommy Rogers. They were all kind men. Don Knight was our scout master. I don't believe we appreciated him as we should have. He put a lot of effort into teaching us and preparing us for manhood. Cletus Gilleland was the bishop when I was getting ready to go on a mission. Denny Harmsen was my seminary teacher. Marilyn Harmsen and Lena Sowards were my piano teachers.

Neighbors in Manassa had a part in supporting each other in raising children. I remember milking cows for Dorothy and Shelton Sowards. We were grateful for that opportunity. The neighbors helped us put siding and roofing on our home in Manassa before Mom and Dad returned from their mission. When Dad passed away, Dion Jarvies called me and gave me the news and consoled me. I knew without a doubt that she cared for our family.

More than anything, I am grateful for the extended family in Manassa. The aunts, Elma, Doris, Hazel, Ethtel, Ruth, and Frances were all available to help us. Uncles Elmer and Edgar Dunn were my home teaching companions. They both set wonderful examples for me. I grew up with cousins that I loved and respected. Jack, Laraine, Pat and Mary Lyne were good friends.

The roots that I put down in Manassa are strong roots. I am grateful for my home town, my home ward and for the foundation built there for me.

Lucky Cow

Jeanette wished to impress me somehow
She worked up some very tasty chow
But there's something that she never knew
That meal was impossible to chew
I know it had a long life that lucky old cow

Family

My family is my greatest treasure on earth,
I knew this even before my birth,
Its here that I learn about unity and love,
Being part of a family give me purpose from above.
I will strive to live as planned.
For that's how I live God's command.
He said familes are to be together forever,
I would never want to be without mine, no never!

Danette

A quick poem I wrote for Katee's talk in primary.

Mother

For prayers I must thank my mother

I owe to her more than another

Through wrecks and drunks and deviation

From the true path of exaltation

She sought my salvation some how or other

My Father

Let me tell you of my dear father

He cared greatly for my dear mother

Dad had a truly generous heart

He gave widows the most caring part

Truly he was keeper of his brother

The Mailbox

What is there to look for when we're old,
When days are long and nights are so cold?
Perhaps a letter from child or friend
Would help lonliness and hurt to end.
But the then to ask would be too bold.

Can I make each day a bit better
By taking the time to write a letter?
Perhaps my parent is lonely too
Write the note! It's the best thing to do.
Just be the giver if you can't be the getter.