Der Music Meister

Sunday, November 09, 2008 I just received a phone call from Sister Marilyn Roberts who is over the singing in Primary in our ward (church). She said that they are having trouble getting the children enthusiastic about learning the Christmas songs they need to learn for a Christmas program in sacrament meeting. She says she has a German outfit she would like me to wear including a baton, and would like me to walk in on their practice and jokingly have me act like the strict German Music Meister and say and do whatever is necessary to get them to sing loud and learn their songs. I led the music, including teaching new songs in primary in our Bennion (Utah)ward many years ago. I enjoyed it and think I did it well . It should be fun. I will start next Sunday at a little after noon.

Chris' birthday

Today is my son Chris' birthday. Oh my gosh, I guess he is 40 years old. Born 7 November 1968. Oops, where have the year flown? I'd forgotten I was over 40. Yikes Anyway, happy birthday Christopher Michael Jepson! I love you!

YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE

Friday, November 07, 2008 I awoke this morning with a song in my brain. My mother used to sing it to me when I was little. You are my sunshine, My only sunshine. You make me happy When skies are grey. You'll never know, dear, How much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away. The other nite, dear, As I lay sleeping I dreamed I held you in my arms. When I awoke, dear, I was mistaken And I hung my head and cried. You are my sunshine, My only sunshine. You make me happy When skies are grey. You'll never know, dear, How much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away. My mother also started singing this to me on occasion when I would visit her in her “dying Years.” Once in a while in those later years, she would also sing/say, “You’re the one I give my good-night kisses to.” I’m not sure where that one came from.

DARK TIMES AHEAD

Tuesday, November 04, 2008 Well, I got up early to take Jim to the airport, he is headed for Houston, then I came home and did my civic duty…in vain I suppose. Since I felt it would make no difference in Utah, I voted my conscience and wrote in Mitt Romney for president of the United States. I voted for Huntsman/Herbert for governor of the State of Utah. Those were the only races I have a strong opinion on. I voted for Jason Chavez for the U.S. House of Representatives though I am not sure if he is the best candidate. He seems to have the most “press” in our area. I also voteed not to retain the current judges etc…I do that every election…one of those things. As for the presidential race, I am afraid, very afraid. I think our nation is in for dark times. I think I will be praying with greater fervency.

Chris and Sierra's new Home

Chris and Sierra have moved into their new home today. Well, Sierra went to school so she didn’t do any of the moving in. The back two rows of seats are out of our mini-van and last night we loaded it and Chris’ Jeep up with the stuff they have had here at our home. Since they have lived with us for the last year when Chris’ has been in town there was quite the accumulation. This morning Chris took the van and after dropping Sierra off at Bennion Jr., he unloaded the van into their new place. Later, I drove the Jeep, and at 9:00 a.m. met Chris at his storage unit on 5400 S. just east of Kearns High A short time later two movers with a large van showed up and we (mostly the two young Mexican gentlemen) emptied the storage unit, drove to the new house and unloaded the van into it. Boy was it a relief to have to two strong young men to do the heavy lifting. The new home is really nice. Chris put a lot of extras into it including hardwood flooring throughout, a fridge that is rated second best on the market if I understand correctly. He has a super nice gas range and an exotic brand oven that I can’t remember the name of. There is a lot more on the extras and upgrades list but you’ll have to get the details from him.

DELTA OLDTIMERS LUNCHEON - RAGSDALE CHILDREN

Today I went to my first Delta Old-timers Luncheon at the Golden Corral Restaurant at 3399 W. 3500 S. in West Valley City. I don’t know why, but when I walked into “our” designated room there were snickers and laughter. I wonder. All I did was walk in. Oh well! They do this once a month (not the snickering part), though since November’s date is so near Thanksgiving, we are skipping it and doing it again in December. I wrote the following e-mail to Phil Greener, one of the big-wigs of the shin dig. (Hey, that sort of rhymes.) "Hey Phil, It was fun to see all the old faces at the luncheon today. Boy it was interesting. I am the only one who hasn't aged. I thought I recognized a lot of people but wasn't sure. And it has only been two and half years since I say some of them. Scott Holje was only a year ago or so ago. Wow! Then again like they say there have only been two of us born perfect on this earth." ******************************************** On another note, this morning I went to see my chiropractor in AF (American Fork). I had hardly walked in the door when an older lady and two little boys came in. The last one to walk in, Carter, had the heavy door shut on his hand. Luckily it shut slowly and didn’t slam on it, and he was OK. I was the one to jump to his rescue and open the door. I picked him up and before the half hour or so was over he was in my arms regularly and calling my Grandpa. Dr. Campbell, the chiropractor informed me that they were the children of Kristy Ragsdale, the lady who was shot and killed in their church parking lot here in Lehi, by her husband. The older woman with them was her mother and the grandmother of the kids. Dr. Campbell told me that Grandma was standing nearby and witnessed the shooting. Grandma happened to be here from the state of Washington where she lives. She has been here taking care of the children in their home ever since. She has just recently been given total custody of the children and will be taking them home to Washington to live with her and her husband. Carter is now three years old. His older brother is named Brandon. He must be five years old or so. Cute kids!

LIFE IS GOOD

Sunday, October 19, 2008 Today our son Jim who is staying with us for a while went to church with us and I introduced him in Priesthood Meeting. Later we had spaghetti and meatbulbs (meatballs), salad and Asparagus. Knowing that Chris would be in town today, Corey invited Jim to spend the night at his house. Jim and Chris were using the same bed here. Jim will leave for Tennessee tomorrow afternoon. I’m not sure how long he will be out of town. Chris’ house should be ready to close on in a few days and he and Sierra will move in after that. There are still a couple of touchup things that need to be done in the meantime. I haven’t felt too well for several days though not bad enough that I couldn’t spend time over three days winterizing the yard and planting a few tulips. In spite of everything, life is good. Let's see, I've mentioned all my children except Niki who lives in Phoenix. Hi Niki, I love you! Dad