History Repeating Itself?

New York City, 2008

This morning I opened the Drudge Report to read the headline news and the above picture of the skyline of New York City accompanied the following lead story, entitled "Tax Hell":

ALBANY - Gov. Paterson yesterday socked New Yorkers with a mind-boggling 137 proposed new and hiked taxes on everything from beer to cab rides to iTunes downloads and movie tickets.

Then ... I began reading the scriptures. I'm in Ether 8 which talks about wicked leaders imposing excessive taxes on the Jaredite people.

"yea, he [Riplakish] did tax them with heavy taxes; and with the taxes he did build many spacious buildings." (Ether 8:5)

Ummmm ... is history repeating itself? I'm afraid so. What to do? Well, Moroni offered the following antidote: "[Do that which is] good in the sight of the Lord all [of your days.]" (Ether 10:17)

I know a repeat of history can be frightening, especially when our lives are so closely tied to the decisions made by unrighteous and greedy men. But history also shows how to cope ... no matter how dark things look, if we continue doing "that which is good in the sight of the Lord," all things work for our good and eventually joy and happiness will prevail. I promise.

Children are an Heritage of the Lord

President Monson once said, “May the laughter of children gladden our hearts. May the faith of children soothe our souls. May the love of children prompt our deeds. ‘Children are an heritage of the Lord’ (Ps. 127:3.)” Here is Trevor, Colette and Tayson in Provo, UT. What beautiful faces wouldn't gladden a heart or soothe a soul? These are the faces that indeed prompt our deeds.

Sibling Rivelry

Since the time of Adam and Eve there has been sibling rivelry. Gosh, I remember Charisse and I going at it a few times (gasp ... we did? ... pray it wasn't so)! Of course none of us had a rivelry with Miki ... can anyone even imagine being at odds with Mik? Yep--Doug, Charisse, Dan and I (but not Miki) all had our times of frustration with each other. But you know what? Those memories are as faded as a pair of jeans laundered with bleach. Honestly--I only remember the good times. I bring it up because now my children are up at school together and I suspect that maybe now and then frustrations flare. (Gasp again?? ... just a quess ... human nature, after all, dictates it.) But frustrations become faded memories and simply dissapate when we stop and remember the value of family, unity, forgiveness, tolerance and the love of the Savior. And what greater season than this Christmas to pause and remember.

We got Tracy SMILING in a pic!

There must have been some kind of inside joke ... not sure--but no matter ... it isn't often we actually get a genuine smile from Tracy for a picture. So I will treasure this one whether I get the joke or not. Here he is with his mom and dad, his sister, Pam (who lives in Livermore, CA) and his brother, Gary (who lives in Federal Way, Washington), taken at our Thanksgiving reunion.

How many Rileys does it take to change a tire?

TWO. At least that is how many it took on the way to California for Thanksgiving last month. In an odd twist of fate, both Reggie and Tracy had flat tires on the trip to Manteca--Reggie in his red truck, and Tracy in our Altima. Pleased to say both father and son completed the tasks at hand, although if you ask me ... Tracy's knees may come away with a little more wear and tear.

Eyes are the Windows of our Souls

Someone once said "eyes are the windows of our souls." (Can't recall if the color of the windows was mentioned.) Many years ago Katie asked me who she got her startling blue eyes from since mine are brown and Tracy's are green and our boys are both brown. Well ... after seeing this picture ... is there any doubt? Here's Katie, with her Grandpa Riley ... now ... tell me ... who do you think she got her blue eyes from? Their kindred souls eminate as beautiful and restful as the color of the windows from which they shine.

Happy Birthday Trevor!

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"Hey, my birthday was yesterday!"

(oops, I know ... sorry, Trevor ... I meant to post this yesterday ... forgive me??) I promise you a homemade cake of your choice when you come down for Christmas in a couple of weeks, okay? Below are a some pictures of you when you turned 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 years old. Thought you'd enjoy them, especially because you can track them with Tayson's ages.

1 year old; Provo, UT (1985)

18 months old (not your birthday, but loved the pic)

2 years old; Provo, UT (1986)

3 years old; Provo, UT (1987)

4th year birthday party in Livermore, CA (1988)

6th year birthday party in Beaverton, OR (1990)

Ten Things I am Thankful For ...

#1. Tracy ... who asked me to marry him almost 25 years ago.

#2. Trevor ... whose intellect keeps us on our toes.

#3. Reggie ... whose sense of humor and peace-making abilities soothes the rough edges.

#4. Katie ... whose honesty and lack of guile compliment her outward beauty.

#5. Colette ... whose radiance and beauty brings out the best in Trevor.

#6. Tayson ... whose innocence reminds us of the Savior's love

#7. Dad ... whose unselfish and non-judgemental love inspires tender memories of Mom

#8. Mom Riley ... whose energy, love-of-life and unselfish caregiving of

Dad Riley inspires us all.

#9 and #10. My sisters, Charisse and Miki ... whose beautiful spirits and smiles remind me to laugh, have joy and take time to love.

Yes, there are many things to be thankful for. These are only ten.

To each of you I express my gratitude and love this Thanksgiving season.

College Fun

Come on, you know that college life isn't all about books, studying, and classes, right? Of course not. Here's some pics from Katie's experience up in the cold country of Idaho and Wyoming. Looks like she's having a ton of fun. Here she is with her roommates and some college buddies on a weekend trip to Wyoming.

Hope in the Future

Aren't these two beautiful faces a summary of what "hope in the future" is all about? A hope in something solid--like eternal families ... not just a hope in passing moments, like, ... well, like who wins elections.

For the last several months, I have hoped beyond all hopes that John McCain would beat Barak Obama. He didn't. So I've spent time thinking about the importance of hope because in spite of the outcome last night there is much to be hopeful about. I woke up this morning, the sky was blue, the sun was shining, I had laundry and dishes to do ... and my heart was at peace. Why? Because my hope in Jesus Christ is stronger than is my hope in who wins a presidential election. I hold tightly to the hope that things will "work together for [our] good." President Uchtdorf refers to is as "the infinite power of hope." I like that--power in hope. He said, "To all who feel discouraged, worried, or lonely--never give in. Never surrender. Never allow despair to overcome your spirit. Embrace and rely upon the Hope of Israel, for the love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart." I would add ... even in the face of a hard-fought election that ends in defeat.

Why We Love Cougar Football

There just isn't anything better than watching college football on a Saturday afternoon (or really anytime for that matter), especially when our favorite team is playing. Last Saturday's triumphant win over CSU was amazing. Even though the refs did every thing they could do to prevent us from winning, we dug deep and pulled out a giant "W". It didn't help that CSU played the best game of their program's history, either. It is amazing how good we are considering the disadvantage our team faces every year by having such great talent out preaching the gospel as missionaries. Clearly, we are blessed. Although the polls may disagree (the pollsters hate Mormons), we know that BYU has definitely earned a spot in the BCS top 8.

Snow White and Red Rose

Many years ago I remember Mom (Nena) referring to her oldest granddaughters, Leah and Kendall, as Red Rose and Snow White when they were little girls ... Leah being dark-haired and Kendall a fair blonde. If Nena were still with us, she would see history repeat itself and might very well also refer to her youngest two granddaughters, Katie and Rachelle as Snow White and Red Rose. Katie with her startling blue eyes and blonde hair and Rachelle with her velvety, chocolate eyes and a cascade of brunette hair. Whatever you call them, Nena's granddaughters are ... well ... just that. No other title or description can top the name of "Nena's granddaughters." (To those who are not familiar with the fairytale of Snow White and Red Rose, may I suggest a trip to the library?) :)

General Conference; October 2008

General Conference had a bit more personal meaning to me this year. Not only was it a joy to attend a session in the Conference Center , but even more delightful was that I got to go with Reggie, Katie and Miki's entire family, including Miki, Tom, Thomas and Rachelle. It was a rainy Sunday morning and all of us girls had blisters from the walk to the parking lot to the conference center, but we took it in stride, taking heed to Elder Wirthlins' appropriate topic on using laughter to temper life's challenges. :) (Ah, those pesty high heels.)

What's in a destination?

What destination are my three children heading towards? Yesterday the "stock train" left the station into a downward spiral of 777 points. Not good. But neither is the train's direction that the government is proposing ... a $700 billion dollar bailout for Wall Streets' mess. Double not good. What train will my three children hop onto? Hummm. Time out for some motherly advice. After all is said and done, there is only one train headed in the right direction; kids--hop on it and STAY on it.

In the words of Elder Marvin J. Ashton, "As we pursue our journeys, let us ever bear in mind that in train travel and in life, there are stations, there are departures, calls, schedules, and opportunities for being side-tracked and diverted. Wise is the individual who follows in His, the Savior's, paths. Safety and joy belong to those who will come and follow Him." ("What Is Your Destination?" Ensign, July 1972, 63)

I know the direction our economy is headed looks weary, maybe even dreary. But my advice to you three in the picture above .... hop onto the Savior's train. Don't miss His departure calls. Don't miss His scheduled stops. Pay your tithing, don't trap yourself into debt, and keep your eye the ball. Study hard, play hard, but don't miss the Savior's scheduled train stops. Don't miss His calls. Don't be side-tracked. Hop on board and don't look back. You'll be headed in the right direction. Always and forever. Everything will work out. I promise.

Daniel Reggie: What's in a Name?

I've made mention a couple of times about "Lloyd" in the names of Trace, Trevor and Tayson. But this morning I want to post a few words about the "Daniel" in Reggie's name. After all, what is in a name? Well, Helaman named his sons "Nephi and Lehi" so they would remember the good works of their "great-great ... great" grandparents.

Reggie ... do you know that you have a great grandfather named "Daniel"? You do. Daniel Skousen. A great man--one of the original pioneers that settled the Mormon colonies in the late 1800's. His reputation was that with a sterling character, a strong testimony of the gospel, a hard worker, a loving father.

My brother is named "Daniel." A man of great character, a "peacemaker" and very "tender-hearted" ... much like the very characteristics not only your patriarchal blessing describes you having, but certainly all of us who know you readily admit are among your personality traits.

One of my favorite prophets is named "Daniel." Courageous, fearless, could calm lions, full of integrity. Much like you, Reggie. A worthy namesake.

You were well named, my boy. I am sure all the above are proud of you for carrying on the reputations they have established.

Hurricane Ike

Last week Trace and I were glued to the tv watching Hurricane Ike rumble towards the Texas coast. I couldn't help but reflect back on the years we lived in McAllen, Texas when I was a young pre-teenager. The view of Galvaston was eerily familiar to the memories I have of Padre Island. For all the times Dad tried to get me to like fresh shrimp ... well ... didn't work. (The only seafood I can moderately tolerate is tuna ... with LOTS of mayonnaise.) Sorry, Dad. Do you remember taking us to a nice seafood restaurant on Padre Island--only for me to order a hamburger? I wish I could say I've matured, but if we were to revisit that restaurant today, I'm afraid my order would only change slightly. I might order steak. :)

I'm so sorry for all the families and animals that faced such destruction. The church's humanitarian machine is in full force, and for that I'm thankful. In fact I spent almost six hours yesterday putting together hygiene and school kits and quilting quilts. I hope those who will receive them know how sorry we are for the disruptions in their lives and pray for their happiness.

Isn't this an amazing picture? A lone house survived this neighborhood. Talk about "living in the world but not of the world."

Rediscovering Simple Pleasures

The last time Trace and I giggled over who would control the hose while washing a car was almost 25 years ago when we were dating, falling in love, and looking for a cheap date. Well, ... until last Saturday. Because last Saturday we rediscovered a simple pleasure--washing the car together. You know what? We had a ball. I won the right to hold the hose by virtue of the fact that I was the girl, but darn it, his revenges are three times worse than any orginial offense I may have "accidently" commited (you know--like SQUIRT him) that it just wasn't worth it. I know, I'm a baby. Regardless, we had a wonderful time together.

Personally, I think this is the best home-made bath the Rav has EVER had. Wait ... has it ever had a home-made bath? Seems I remember Katie shelling out $20 to run it through a carwash. KATIE ... what were you thinking?? This is FUN! Reggie ... grab a girl and have a date washing your truck. Its way cool ... and way cheap. Trev and Colette ... come on--when's the last time you had fun washing your car? Advice from mom ... don't take 25 years to discover this simple pleasure. Next Saturday we're tackling the Expo (our Ford Expedition). The hose is all mine!


BTW ... Katie--notice the tassle and panda bear? Just thought you'd like to see we're taking good care of them.

Katie's 1st Week at BYUI

Here is the four of us (my roommates), were getting along so well, already have so many inside jokes! Breanne (Gilbert, AZ), Stacia (Portland, OR), Me and Erika (Portland, OR).

HEY, JUST WANTED TO SAY HI AND SEND YOU SOME PICS. IM HAVING A BLAST. I WENT TO THE ICE CAVES TONIGHT, WE HAD TO CRAWL ON OUR HANDS AND KNEES ON ICE THOURGH A LONG NARROW CAVE WITH GLOW STICKS! SCARY BUT FUN! i didnt get any pics of that but here is our frist meal (sunday night, we had chicken, rice and veggies) yum

and below is me studying, yes i have like 3 or 4 hours of homework a night, a lil different then higley.

and of course, here is the first time i had to do laundry! good times!