Years of Campaigning for School Class Officer

I'm so proud of my children! Never, would I have had the courage to run for class or student body officer when I was in school 30 years ago. A few times I did help friends with their campaigns by making posters and mass assembling little papers, which would announce the candidate to vote for and attaching some type of trinket or little goodies on it. Only to have hours of hard work cluttering the hallways at school. I was too afraid to run and did not want to put myself out there like that. Besides, candidates were required to do a speech or a skit, which could possibly be complete and ultimate humiliation. So yes, I'm proud of my children for even wanting to "run" for a class officer position.  

Abbey was the first child to run in the end of her 6th grade year for a spot as an officer at Farmington Junior High for 7th grade. Only one person from each of the elementary schools would be elected to go on and represent the 7th graders. Abbey's slogan on her 1 poster was "Don't be Crabby, vote for Abbey". She did so well!  Lance and I were thrilled she did this. So was her older sister, who really encouraged Abbey, because Emily regretted not running for officer herself. Abbey came soooo close! She lost by 1 vote to Elijah McKay.  

Then there was Andrew, he also ran in 6th grade for 7th grade class officer at KJH (our school boundaries changed in the middle of Abbey's 8th grade year). His slogan - "Got Andrew". It was pretty clever. He too lost by only a few votes to Brandon Lee.  

Andrew choose not to run for 8th grade officer, not sure or cannot remember why. He tried again for 9th grade officer. Andrew was so brave and not embarrassed at all with this campaign using Depends underwear! He didn't win. Parker, Ryan, and Jacee did. Not to be stopped, he ran for 9th grade appointed officer. Still, he did not make that either. However, at the last half of the school year, he was a TA (teacher's assistant) for his French teacher, Madame Clarke. Madame was the teacher adviser over the class officers during 7th period and it ended up that Andrew was the TA for that period so he got in on the action and ended up helping a lot. He really enjoyed it.  

Andrew did not try running for 10th grade, instead his sister, Abbey, convinced him to be an FCCLA officer - vice president of public relations. Abbey, and her friend, Abby were the presidents of the club. This was exciting at first, especially as he started high school. He got to participate in extra activities, made even more friends, and had the opportunity to participate with Abbey in FCCLA Star Events last month and did very well.  

  

For the last few weeks, he has been running for Junior class officer.  I'm so proud of him for trying it again! He made the first round and went on this week to finish out the campaign. Abbey was his "campaign manager" and helped him with posters and banners and hanging them up too. While visiting Emily at college, we enlisted her help as well to write on a few posters. It's a good thing Abbey was the campaign manager because this mom was frowning on the "sexy", the tattoos, and Shakira's hips. Who would have thought that his dressing up as Redfoo (I don't even know who he is) at Halloween would come in so handy with his campaign (thanks, Aunt Nancy). Woot! Woot! Andrew was announced today as 1 of the 4 winners as a Junior class officer! His courage pleased me, as did his desire and willingness to try again and not to give up because of past disappointments. At home I felt he was was very "chill" with his campaign and did not try to overly influence others or go over the top with what he was doing, and maybe he was different at school, but I don't think so. His attitude was if he made it great, if not, that's okay too. Andrew has many friends and is a natural leader. I remember one of the mom's from his playgroup, when he was 3 or 4, saying that she wouldn't be surprised if he became president of the United States some day. As a side note, I WISH he were running for U.S. president right now. Out of all the candidates running for the 2017 presidential office, he would by far be my #1 choice. Take a look at some of the photos from Andrew's campaign.

 

 

  

Next candidate, Eliza. She too exhibited great bravery and courage. Last weekend was a busy one coming up with sayings and ideas and making posters for Andrew and Eliza. I was happy when my sister, Sherrie, helped Eliza create a 3-D type umbrella for her poster when the family was here for dinner. It turned out cute! Eliza's poster was hung up on Monday and we got to see it when we went to the school for the super science night. Candidates didn't do any campaigning this week but today was the day she delivered her speech. While she has become a good little writer, she had a hard time coming up with and writing a speech. She was frustrated. But at last, by 10 p.m. last night she had something really great down on paper. This morning, her older sister was home for the day from college so she curled Eliza's hair and Eliza was dressed up and looking sharp. Her speech was first thing this morning. Eliza told us she was second to last to give her speech. Choosing not to tell the joke, instead, to begin her speech loudly as she was walking down the isle to the front podium. She has such spunk!  Eliza excitedly involved her classmates right at the beginning with her speech. I wish I would have seen her in action, but she preferred me not to come. At the end of the school day, the candidates were called out to the hall and teachers let them know who the winner was. Once again, the Thaxton child comes up just a few votes short to win. This time, 3 votes shy and beat out by Jack Harris. Jack had a "super" campaign and Eliza really is happy that Jack will be representing them at KJH next year. I was well pleased with Eliza! She did a lot of hard things, hopefully proving to herself that she CAN do hard things. Eliza was feeling sad, of course, but was handling things real well when she came home. It was sweet to see the compassion and care extended to her by Abbey and Andrew, both who have been in the same position. Eliza has a great attitude! The 6th grade teachers commented on how great all of the speeches were, some of the best they've ever heard. I think this helped Eliza know that she did her very best. What helped a lot too is that all week we've been praying for both of our candidates that they could do their very best and trust in God and His will for them. "Come what may...."

 

How’s it going 6th grade? I can’t hear you! (Pause) That’s much better! 
Here’s a question. Can a kangaroo jump higher than the Empire State Building? Well of course it can, the Empire State Building can’t jump. 
Fellow friends and classmates, I can’t offer you a free trip around the world, a free Iphone6S, a doughnut, or any other bribe - but I can offer you my very best effort in representing you at KJH if elected to be your 7th grade class officer. 
I want to be a 7th grade class officer because I like to be involved and I have some good ideas. I am responsible, outgoing and friendly. As a student council member this year it has been an honor to be a part of this student group. I have enjoyed being involved with activities and events that have benefited YOU and our entire school. I have learned great leadership skills. I have actually seen and experienced how much effort, responsibility, and creativity go into planning school events. It takes everyone working together and following through with assignments. Being part of group that represents others can be hard work and is a BIG responsibility, but I feel I have what it takes to represent you – my friends, classmates, and soon to be Kaysville Knights.  
Give me a shout if you want to be the next Messi. Give me some love if you want to become the new Adele. Now hit me with your screams if you want to become the new Dr. Seuss or Steph Curry. Raise your voices if you want to be the next Jedi Master. Get loud if you just want to become your own individual and make your own history. Whatever it is, that you want to become, let me be the person to help you reach your full potential. 
Please vote Eliza Thaxton for 7th grade rep, She’s Got ‘Ya Covered!

Thinking about these campaigns gives me joy as I remember my children's experiences of having courage and wanting to participate. Having hopes of leading their classmates. Learning important life lessons along the way. I don't know how many more class campaign elections we will have, but I do want to record what we have done so we might always remember. 

As I come to the conclusion, I am recalling that I saw a photo of Lance's great grandfather, Andrew George Lavin, who was also a candidate once. I wonder if this where my kids get some of their political drive.  

You might also enjoy my other blog post about Andrew, "My Favorite Son, Andrew"

Happy 20th Anniversary! The Family: A Proclamation to the World

I was living in California, finally a mother, with an almost one-year old daughter, attending a General Relief Society meeting and heard this statement on the family. (https://www.lds.org/…/stand-strong-against-the-wiles-of-the…) I recall, as President Hinckley read it, that it wasn't new doctrine to me. Still, it was important and I could sense the urgency. As the months and years passed, I began to understand and truly see the wisdom and significance of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World". My testimony of prophets and apostles was strengthened as I would contemplate their foresight and prophecy in preparing and sharing this statement not only for church members but for the entire world! The family proclamation has been hanging on the wall of our home for years in different arrangements and it has always been a guide - helping me personally and in living my family life. It has given me strength to understand God's way of family when the world often tells me otherwise. The proclamation on the family continues to be a most prophetic, helpful and instructive guide in making myself and our family better and how to protect my marriage and family. I love my family! Goodness, we have our challenges and sometimes we quarrel. But despite it all, I am really grateful to be a wife and a mother and to have a loving and faithful companion by my side to work together raising our four terrific children. Happy 20th Anniversary to "The Family: A Proclamation to the World"!!!


For a bit more on this, see:
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865637432/LDS-Church-celebrates-20th-anniversary-of-The-Family-A-Proclamation-to-the-World.html?pg=all

An Evening With Andrew, Always to Remember

Last Thursday night was a memorable one with my son, Andrew.  

A few weeks ago Lance and I received an email that Andrew was going to be recognized and given an award.  A few days later, it was followed up by a special invitation sent in the mail, inviting us to attend the 9th grade Awards Night at Andrew's junior high.  It was a kind of a mystery to us of what the award could be.

Andrew decided to take me to dinner for this special occasion.  We decided to go before the event and both picked one of our favorite, yummy places - Olive Garden.  I drove us there but Andrew paid for our dinner.  Really.  Just He and I.  His dad was out of town but would be so proud of his son's kindness, Andrew even opened doors for me.  It was nice of Andrew and very enjoyable - the food was good but the company even better.  I felt so special that he would do this for me, his mother  Andrew was dressed up and looking handsome in his new, grey, 3-piece suit.

After dinner, it was off to the junior high for the awards night. We got there in plenty of time and avoided some rain in the process. It was funny how the award was presented, but Andrew was awarded an outstanding student award for foreign language.  He and a girl, were nominated and presented the award by Madame Clarke.  

There where many of Andrew's friends that he has grown up with that also received awards. It was awesome to see these kids awarded for their goodness and greatness and hear the kind and encouraging words said about them.  It's always nice to be praised and recognized. The youth awarded this night were no exception, many of the smiles were big when the teachers were speaking about them.  

L to R:  McKay Baker,  Alic Weltz, Porter VanDrimmlen, Andrew Thaxton, Isaac Crosby, Micheal Calvin, and Sam Layton

Thank you, Andrew, for a memorable evening and for the great kid and awesome son you are!  I love you!!!  

Side note... On Mother's Day, while lying on the couch using his phone, Andrew told me, "by the way mom, when I took you to dinner Thursday night, that was my Mother's Day gift to you."  :)

Grandpa Littlewood's Funeral

“Even though our sons and our daughters may forget much of what they hear, they will never forget that which they feel.  The emphasis that parents place upon things of life has a lasting effect upon their children….as a rule, the teaching that is done by exemplary living has a greater impact upon the lives of children than does any other form of teaching.  One can preach a better sermon with his life than with his lips.”     

--Elder ElRay Christiansen, former Assistant to the Twelve

I’m not sure where or how I got the above quote, but it has been a favorite of mine that has been taped to the inside of one of my kitchen cupboards for years.  I have much improvement to make, but it is something I believe and strive to do.  The quote, I feel, totally describes my Grandpa Littlewood.  I can see it even more since his funeral, almost two weeks ago, April 23, 2015.  

Grandpa’s funeral was wonderful.  It was interesting to hear from others their perspective of Clarence Leo Littlewood.  I found it touching to hear how he had blessed many lives through his quietness and example.  I came away feeling even more grateful for this man and loving him even more for all of his goodness.  Inside I had a quiet wish that I could have just a few more moments to talk with him about some of those events. 

Because that's not possible, I'll make note of some of the awe-inspiring things said that impressed me – great things to rejoice in, to record for me and others, and always to remember about my Grandpa. 

He never said much and when he did it was quietly spoken.  He always had a big smile!

He was a member of the Richfield 4th ward for almost a century.   At 12 years of age he became a member of the newly created Richfield 4th ward and stayed in the same ward until he moved to the Monroe Care Center in January 2014.  That’s 85 years in the same ward! 

Leo was the ward clerk for 7 different bishops.  My cousin, Dan, pointed out that if he served with each bishop for 5-6 years that’s about 35-42 years.  My aunt Janet mentioned that she never remembered him sitting with them in the congregation during Sacrament Meeting.  At that time, the ward clerk sat up on the stand on the opposite side of the Sacrament table. 

Grandpa was without guile.  He was so kind and never talked about himself, but always listened to others.  I can attest to that.  Grandma always did most of the talking.  It seemed like we never knew too much of his life.  I think it was God’s will for Grandma to pass away first so that our family could have some years alone with Grandpa to learn about him and from him. 

He was a shoe repairman by trade and owned the Richfield shoe shop that had been in the family for 3 generations. 

Business envelope for the shoe shop

During the viewing the night before, it was said by many that came through the line how Grandpa fixed their boots and shoes, or recovered their boat seats, or motorcycle seats.  At one of my last visits to the care center, one of the nurses told us that she heard a couple visiting with Grandpa who thanked him again for recovering one of their seats so that they could sit together as sweet hearts many years ago.  That was one thing about Grandpa, with him and his talents we “never had a hole in the seat”.  He could recover a chair, couch, or seats in the car like a champ!  When Lance and I were getting ready to move to Kansas to go to law school, someone gave us an old, long couch and Grandpa recovered that for us in a dusty blue color.  It was like new and so beautiful!  Years later when we purchased a brand new couch, he recovered our gliding rocker seat to match the pillows of the couch.  I also have heard that Grandpa recovered some of the seats in the Manti temple.  All of his children and grandchildren have received one of his well-made, well-liked, unique picnic blankets that he sewed together from scraps of upholstery fabric. 

Grandpa was always busy, always doing projects.  He was very talented with leather work and tooling. 

One of his grandchildren asked him what he didn't like about his job as a shoe repairman. His reply was, stinky feet! 

Camping was something Grandma and Grandpa did a lot.  Growing up I don't remember taking any “real” vacations.  Our vacationing and get-a-ways were camping. 

My cousin, Dan, shared a cute fishing story he had with my Grandpa at a cousin camp out at Fish Lake.  Apparently all of the older cousins went fishing and since he was so young he wasn't allowed to go.  This upset him and he was sad, and Grandpa noticed the lower lip hanging.  Grandpa was not a fisherman (his dad was), but he had a desire to help make Danny happy.  Grandpa took Dan and the two of them went fishing.  Except, they did not have a fishing pole, so they got a stick.  No fishing line either, but Grandpa had some thread.  Grandpas used a safety pin as the fishing hook and attached some red naugahyde fabric as fish bait.  They were set to go!  Amazingly they caught a fish!  As Dan related the story, he said the other cousins did not catch a fish that day, but he and Grandpa did.  Just one of the examples of Grandpa always looking for a way to help others.  

Grandpa loved the Gospel and he loved his family.  I recall that he and Grandma made it a priority to be to family baby blessings, baptisms, and weddings.  Those events and family were important to them.

Perry Gardner, Grandpa’s friend, spoke at the funeral and he shared that he would quite frequently stop by and visit and check on Grandpa.  Many times they would bear testimony to each other and pray together during their visits. 

Perry said Grandpa was a very learned man and lived a pure and honest life with his fellowmen.  He shared a story about Jack Anderson who got his boot stuck in a tractor and came to the shoe shop on a day when Grandpa was extremely busy.  Grandpa told jack he couldn't fix his boot right then so Jack asked if he could fix it himself.  Jack did the repairs and when he was finished he wanted to pay Grandpa.  Grandpa declined because he didn't fix the boot, Jack did.  Another story was about Bill Tueller.  As I recall the story, Bill had some really old, bad looking boots.  He brought them in for Grandpa to fix, which Grandpa did.  When Bill came back a few days later to get his boots, he didn’t recognize them because Grandpa had fixed them up and created something “new”.

Grandpa had a big smile, a twinkle in his eye, happy all of the time, and content with himself.  He knew the Gospel and lived it. 

Another story Perry shared was an experience Perry heard from his own dad, who was the bishop at the time.  With Grandpa serving as the ward clerk, they worked until about midnight looking for “the Lord’s penny’.  Earlier that day, as they were processing the Fast Offerings, things were not matching up, they were missing a penny.  They looked and looked and finally found it on the floor behind a desk (I think).  Grandpa was so excited!  Grandpa was meticulous in his paperwork and record keeping. 

Uncle Merril told about Grandpa’s mission.  At the outbreak of World War II Grandpa was working in the Swiss mission home.  He had the assignment to evacuate the elders through France to board ships back to America.  Grandpa was one of the last missionaries to leave the country and went on to complete his mission in the North Central States Mission in Montana.

Leo and missionaries in the North Central States Mission at the Cardston Temple

It was said again that Grandpa was without guile.  While he was not a “wealthy” man financially, he was able to manage what he had, and he and Grandma never had any debt.  I believe they paid cash for their home.  From Grandma’s personal history she writes:  “We bought our home on July 5, 1944 for $2,000.00.  It is the same location where we now live. We have remodeled and upgraded a couple of times and continue to do so to make it comfortable.” 

Grandpa always got along well with people and never argued with others. 

Merril shared an experience he had that changed his heart.  Merril had moved away from home, was rebellious and chose not to live as he was taught at home.   He became quite ill and had to return home to recover.  His parents did not preach or lecture him, but by their love and example and the good feeling at home, Merril recognized the difference in how he was living his life and desired to change.  Merril changed and soon after he went on a mission. 

At the Monroe Care Center, Grandpa was a spiritual mentor.  He served well there and gave many blessings.  That was why his life was prolonged and one of his last assignments of things to do while on earth – to make friends and serve them there at the Care Center. 

Towards the last few years of his life, Grandpa would tell Merril that he was “ready to die, but not today.”

Grandpa’s Bishop from the 4th ward stated that “Leo was a living sermon”.  The Bishop said it was hard for Leo to move to the Care Center, but he did it.  He wasn't happy about the change in his life.  Grandpa, however, soon had a change of attitude and went to work serving others at the center.  I recall Grandpa being upset that his driving privileges were taken from him and then he had to move out of his home.  This was hard for him and he didn't like it.  However, it wasn't too long after that he started telling his family how much he enjoyed being at the Care Center.  This could be because he was around other people and not so lonely, having someone care for his basic needs, and maybe not having to worry about his home and upkeep.  But most likely, the thing that brought him the most happiness was being able to serve and help others the best he could at the Care Center.  

During his message, the Bishop shared scriptures from Alma 42:7-11; 2 Nephi 9:9; and verses from John 10 – “The works that I do in my father’s name….”  The Bishop told the congregation that Grandpa believed, he didn't have to prove it, he lived it through his good works.  He also made reference to President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's most recent general conference message with a story about those without guile. 

As others spoke, I remembered some other experiences that I don’t want to forget about my Grandpa.  One was that he weekly drove the widows to the Manti Temple.  He was doing this at 90+.  Grandpa was also so proud of his last Church calling, which was to get the prayers for Sacrament Meeting.  Instead of telephoning, because most people would not answer his phone call, he would just drive to their homes and ask them.  He was meticulous in his record keeping of these assignments too.  I recall about 2 years ago he showed me the list he used to keep track of who prayed and when, and whose turn it might be. Serving in the Lord's kingdom to the end and you're never too old to serve, is what I've learned from my grandpa's example. 

I love my Grandpa!  I am grateful to my Heavenly Father that I could be a part of the Leo Littlewood family.  He is a remarkable man.  The funeral services were wonderful and the day was beautiful to honor this magnificent man.  The timing of his passing was a miracle for many in the LeAnn and Lew Wade family.  I’ll have to save those thoughts for writing and recording another time.  I was reminded again how much God is aware of us and knows us, He cares for us and it is evident in the tender mercies He blesses us with. 

Finally, another well-liked quote in my kitchen cupboard is..

 “Be patient in growing your family…. One of the joys of family life is building fond memories for our children to look back on after they have left home.”   (Robert D. Hales, BYU Women’s Conference, April 30, 2004)  

As my Grandpa has left his earthly “home” he leaves behind fond and happy memories for the rest of us to look back on.  It makes living as a family a great joy and blessing.  One day we'll be there, reunited together in our "heavenly home" with Grandpa and Grandma as they welcome us with open arms.  [Listen to "We'll Be There", a song at this link, then do a search in the music section for "We'll Be There", by Conlon Bonner and Josie Scere. ]

Love you Grandpa!!!

Desert News Obituary
Obituary from the Richfield Repear

Some photos from the funeral....

A Letter to my sweet, declining, 97-year old Grandpa

April 2, 2015

Dear Grandpa,

I am so glad we could come and see you on Monday (March 30, 2015)!  While it wasn't long - Nancy, Abbey, Andrew, Eliza and I sure enjoyed spending a few hours with you – the greatest, kindest, best grandpa EVER!!!!  

Here is a photo of you with Nancy “Skyping” Chase in Boston, Massachusetts at his college at Wentworth Institute.  Skype is calling, seeing, messaging and sharing with others – wherever they are.  So with Nancy’s cell phone she was able to “Skype” Chase, in real-time on his mobile device, and you got to see him too.  Such very cool technology!   Later, Nancy even made a Skype connection with Shawna on Shawna’s computer at her home.  That’s when you got to see Shawna and McKenzie.  

Thank you for indulging me while I shared some hymns with you from my phone.  Listening and sharing them with you, I think you enjoyed it too.  I told you I recently read your mom’s life history and at the end, it had her favorite song – “How Great Thou Art.”  As I read her history I was remembering that at her funeral we sang that song.   At ten years of age, I thought it was so cool that she had a favorite song and that we would sing it at her funeral. At that time I wondered what my favorite hymn would be.  I’m still not sure which would be my favorite; there are too many good ones.  Likewise, I asked you yesterday what you favorite hymn was.  You didn't have a specific song, but you said songs in the 160 range. I scrolled through some of those hymns and let you listen to some familiar ones, like “Abide with Me: ‘Tis Eventide” and “Abide with Me!”; at which, you acknowledged that you liked those.  Continuing to scroll, the songs then went to the Sacrament Hymn section.  I’m not sure why I didn't continue sharing and listening to those with you, instead I went back to songs in the 100 range.  As I write this, I regret that now.  I would have loved to know which Sacrament song was meaningful to you.  However, other songs you seemed to light up and acknowledge that it was a “good one” were Hymns No. 100 “Nearer, My God, to Thee”;  98-“I Need Thee Every Hour”;  103-“Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer";  108-“The Lord is My Shepherd”, and a few more that I cannot remember.  The music was soothing for you and me.  But I could soon see that you were so very tired.  I’m grateful to have had shared that special moment with you. 

While there, we even got to meet your friend – LeGrande.  He was a fun man.  We thought it was cool when he told us his first name is Golden – Golden LeGrande Bier.  He told us his name was Golden when he saw Andrew’s Golden State Warriors baseball hat.  He had nice things to say about you, specifically what a kind man and a good friend you are.  We couldn't agree more.  

All of us – Nancy, the kids, and I, were all a little teary eyed at some points during our visit, just because we don’t know how much longer you are going to be among us where we can see you, talk to you, and touch you.   We all love you so greatly and have learned some wonderful things from you. Your example, patience, kindness and love have been far-reaching to many of us.  There are many happy memories we each have of you.  It also makes us sad to know you can’t hear well.  As well as to see that you’re not eating or drinking much and that the taste of food does not sound good and you have a difficult time swallowing.  For someone we love so much, it’s hard to see you suffer and struggle with this.  We all know you’ll be very happy once you leave this earth life and are united with grandma and other family members you loved so much in life.  Loved ones you haven’t seen for a long, long time.  It will be a joyful, happy reunion for you in heaven.  Maybe even a party!  We will be sad, and we will be sorrowful, and we will miss you when you pass on. But I have great faith in Heavenly Father’s plan that we WILL see you again and that your spirit and love will still be among us.  How thankful and blessed we are for a loving, humble, obedient elder brother that gave His life as a great-stoning sacrifice to make all of this possible.  Christ’s atonement is central to Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness.  It’s all incomprehensible, but true!  I know it.  We lived in heaven as families and know that we will return to heaven to continue as families.  What a blessing and a comfort that is, to continue on being among those we love. 

A month ago when I saw you and was the last one to leave your darkened room, I gave you a wave good bye and blew you a kiss and shut your door.  At that time, I wondered if that might be the last time I would see you.  A moment I will always remember.  Sure glad I had the opportunity to see you again.  Yet still, as we blew you kisses and shut the door, the thought of it possibly being the last time for me entered my mind again. 

I love you grandpa!  You are dear and precious to me.  Thank you for being my wonderful grandfather and for the privilege and a blessing it is to be a part of your family.  When you do depart, will you tell grandma that I love her too?   I miss her and know it will be a blessing to be with both of you again in Heaven.  Take good care of each other and continue to watch over and guide your family here on earth.  God be with you until we meet again, whether in heaven or more opportunities in this life.

All of my love,