Motherhood, There is Nothing More Important

4 Generations: Leola Pierce Peterson (seated), Carol Ann Peterson Ohms (left),
Amy Ohms Archibald (right), and Emma Patience Archibald (infant)

"Yours is the grand tradition of Eve, the mother of all the human family, the one who understood that she and Adam had to fall in order that 'men [and women] might be' and that there would be joy. Yours is the grand tradition of Sarah and Rebekah and Rachel, without whom there could not have been those magnificent patriarchal promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob which bless us all. Yours is the grand tradition of Lois and Eunice and the mothers of the 2,000 stripling warriors. Yours is the grand tradition of Mary, chosen and foreordained from before this world was, to conceive, carry, and bear the Son of God Himself. We thank all of you, including our own mothers, and tell you there is nothing more important in this world than participating so directly in the work and glory of God, in bringing to pass the mortality and earthly life of His daughters and sons, so that immortality and eternal life can come in those celestial realms on high."

- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Because She Is a Mother," LDS General Conference, April 1997.

Memory Jogger Monday - August 3

Donald, Grandma Helen, Darlene, Dennis

Janice, Grandma Leola, Carol

Who were your aunts and uncles? Write about any of your aunts or uncles who really stand out in your mind. Give some details about them (names, personalities, events that you remember doing with them, and so on).

Okay, so first off the photos above are really old. They were ones that I thought of for this post.

First photo ... My father (Dennis) has two brothers and one sister. One brother, Ronald, died at birth. The other brother is Donald. Uncle Don is quite the character. I always remember him teasing me when I was younger. He married Peggy and they had two children. He is now married to Linda and she brings out the best in him.

I have the most memories of Aunt Darlene (Dar). I think this is because I lived with her for part of a year after college when I got my first full time job. She is very giving and caring. She married Brent and they have four children. My favorite thing about Dar is that she sends us a birthday card every year - all of us - even our spouses and our children. She is really good about keeping track of all of the descendants and where they live, their cell numbers, email addresses, and all our birth dates.

Second photo ... My mother (Carol) has only one sister; her name is Janice. Janice married John and they named all four of their children with names that start with "J". I remember going to their home in Stockton, California when we were younger and having Easter egg hunts and playing at the park. They moved to St. George, Utah in the early 1990's and I've had many opportunities to visit them and do things with them.

See this post for more information about "Memory Jogger Monday": 

Writing a Personal History or Keeping a Journal

Memory Jogger Monday - June 1

Dennis and Carol 2011

What kind of work did your parents do (farmer, salesman, manager, seamstress, nurse, stay-at-home mom, professional, laborer, and so on)?

My father was the Store Director for the Southern Utah University Bookstore for over 40 years. He also owns a few small companies: horseshoe pitching game related sales and now a horseshoe manufacturer.

My mother was a stay-at-home mom! She also sold Avon for awhile and also sold raw milk at a local dairy. She is a talented artist and has sold some of her paintings and other arts and crafts.

Both of my parents are hard working people. They also have a small farm, large garden, and orchard. They have taught their five children the importance of honest hard work.

See this post for more information about "Memory Jogger Monday": 

Writing a Personal History or Keeping a Journal

Memory Jogger Monday - May 25

Carol, Janice - 1949

Tell me about your mother (her name, birth date, birthplace, parents, and so on). Share some memories you have of your mother

Carol Ann Peterson was born in Woodland, California on November 15, 1948 to Darrel L Peterson and Leola Pierce Peterson. She was the 2nd child and 2nd daughter. Her older sister Janice was born in 1945.

Some of my favorite memories:

My mother seemed to always have patience with her children; all five of us. I don't remember her raising her voice very often. I don't know how she did it; I hope I can still learn this from her and I hope I can be more like her in this way. 

I remember one time that she went on strike! Myself and my siblings were not being very appreciative or cooperative and she had had enough. My dad had to do everything: cooking, laundry, school lunches, etc. It didn't last too long; at least I don't remember it lasting very long. I do remember it happening though and the lesson I learned was to be more appreciative.

She always taught us to "Clean As You Go". I try to do this mostly when I am cooking and it drives my husband nuts. He would rather fill the sink with dishes and then clean up afterward. I love it when I clean as I go and there are minimal dishes to do at the end of a meal.

The times I remember most are just the normal ordinary days when I would lay on her bed with her and we would talk about whatever topic we wanted to. Those are my best memories!

Carol and granddaughter Emma - 2008

There are many more memories; I will keep writing them down.

See this post for more information about "Memory Jogger Monday": 

Writing a Personal History or Keeping a Journal