Fateful Day

As I sat and watched the TV today, some of the debate, the vote, watched it fail (in shock like the rest of the US) and watched the Stock Market plunge in the next few minutes, something happened inside of me. Maybe a relief to know where we are at, maybe a wondering at what was so wrong with the whole idea of a bailout anyway if that many congressmen dared vote against it - but mostly I woke up. I've been through tough times before and I know I can endure them. I know how to do poor. Now it's time to focus our energy and just really get to work!! The Lord has a new plan.
I also can't help but feel how very well positioned we are from following the counsel of the Lord to get out of debt and have food storage. Thank goodness for prophets!
I also think how inspired the Relief Society conference message was, that now, as never before, we sisters need to arise and fulfill the purpose of Relief Society. There will be so many people who will need our help.

Concerns

There is no gas to be had in the Atlanta area. I have 3/4 of a tank leftover from when we filled up in North Georgia. How long will it last?

Banks are failing. I've just written several checks from a bank that is being "sold". Will they be good? Will there still be money in the account?

Our plans to retire are coming unravelled as this credit crisis deepens. How will that work out? What will be taxed in 2009? I listened to the debates last night and took notes. It looks good for 'working' Americans, but what about retired Americans living off savings and investments?

I never thought I'd write stuff like this. Crazy times!!!!

Identity Crisis

Today we attended the Apgar Family Reunion in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. This was for descendants of the original immigrant who was born about 300 years ago. Anyway, today I learned that New Jersey was a slave state. I learned that the Dutch East Indies Company brought slaves to America. I learned that the Dutch settlers to New York and New Jersey brought slaves up the Raritan River and there were 12,000 slaves in New Jersey and 1200 slaves in the county where the Apgars lived. (Though they were German.) I learned that this immigrant owned 2 slaves!!!! I think I learned that 1/3 to 1/2 of my New Jersey ancestors could have been slave owners!!!!!
I never imagined that I had slave owning ancestors. Never. When people seem to want me to apologize for slavery because I'm white, I claim no responsibility for the whole mess - 'wasn't my people...' Well now I can't think that.
Wow. I'm still in a bit of shock.

96 years

Grandpa John was born on September 3, 1912. Just think how much has happened in his lifetime!!! This weekend, while family was here, we got together at his place with cake and music and celebrated!!

That's a nine and a six lit up in candles.

Reva and her brother Dallin revved up the crowd with fun music. Jon joined in on his guitar. They loved it.

They may have loved the grandkids even more. Stirred up by the music, they ran and boogied all over the room - even little Isaac!

For Grandpa's real birthday, he got a hat, balloons, a cake, and dog food to feed the resident dog.

That morning a man came to sing and play the guitar. Of course they sang 'Happy Birthday!'

In honor of all the politics current in the news, he shouted, 'Four more years!!'

That would make Grandpa 100 years old. He's aiming for that.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!!!

Genealogy and Temples

Michael and Nana talked about Family History. We drew this diagram showing everyone's parents. Everyone has 2 parents. That means that Michael has LOTS of grandparents, and they all love him.

Michael remembers and knows some of the grandparents. Other grandparents in the circles are dead. And some of them have not been baptized. We baptize them in Temples.

Michael drew some Temples:

Nana helped him draw the Mesa Arizona Temple. That's were Grandma and Grandpa Bowen were sealed.

This Temple was Solomon's Temple. That's in the Bible.