Day 96: GeNeilogy

David Tulley LeBaron and Esther Melita Johnson LeBaron (Nauvoo Power Couple)

I love that dad loves genealogy. He is a living family tree and I have always enjoyed picking his brain about our many famous (and infamous) ancestors.

On a recent trip to Nauvoo, I felt a sense of pride at our family's pioneer heritage, a sense of gratitude for dad taking us on a church history trip nearly two decades ago (it was no vacation), and a sense of humility with the realization that my own posterity would soon be posing genealogical queries that I felt ill-equipped to answer.

Nauvoo Temple, May 2011

During our trip—while Krista and the kids were sampling cookies at the bakery and learning to braid rope—I stopped by the Land and Records Office with Anders to see if I could dig anything up on the couple pictured above—my dad's great-great-grandparents: David Tulley LeBaron and Esther Melita Johnson LeBaron. I knew that they had lived in Nauvoo during the time of the prophet Joseph Smith and that David had actually purchased the Nauvoo Temple from the church when the saints went westward (essentially agreeing to stay behind for a short time in order to find an appropriate buyer).

Thanks to some stellar senior missionaries at the Land and Records Office, I came upon a trove of interesting documents including deeds of sale, endowment registers, and stories about everything from viewing the prophet's original garment presentation to seeing Brigham Young's transformation after the martyrdom (you can download PDFs of my research by clicking here).

I am so grateful for dad's passion for family history (he just hired a new consultant) and for his (and mom's) unwavering service in the temple each week. I believe that their pioneer efforts are no less noble than those who have gone before them and I know that our ancestors will be waiting for them with arms wide open on the other side of the veil.

Record showing David T. LeBaron's land ownership in Nauvoo—indicating that he was probably an investor

Deed of Sale

Carthage, May 2011

Kai peering out the window through which Joseph Smith fell.

Day 95: The man behind the Legend

A few times I have been over to the Grandpa's house during the preparation for a catering and on some rare occasions, we got there early for dinner, and there was Neil: mixing a batch of cheese cake, tenderizing the chicken for a Cordon Blue, watching over the oven for the right moment to turn it off, or getting home with the last minute groceries.
I've heard, very few times, Ruthann saying: "I think Neil forgot to turn it off", "Neil poured the cream when it was already boiling", etc...
On a babysitting job, there will never be a better helper than him. Instead of saying "I'm sorry but I can't do it RuthAnn", he says that he is going to be there or can do it. No matter what, he is always there to support Ruthann on whatever she got herself into.
He stops what he is doing to read the kids a book or get them a snack.
On Isabel's only sleep over ever, he was the one she went to to be calmed down. It would probably be a bigger disaster if he wasn't such a loving and supportive husband and caring grandfather to take time to get up with a spoiled little sleeper.
We all know RuthAnn is great, but Neil makes her the greatest.
Thank you, Neil, for being there to make things possible.

Luci

Day 94: A Parallel Parking Genius

I wasn't old enough to fully appreciate Dad's parallel parking skills he garnered parking the 15 passenger van; but I was wowed as I witnessed the magic in Europe. When Dad, Mom, Mary, and I visited Maggie in Heidelberg on the way back from Mary's mission, Dad guided a member parking and got her van into a space the size of a Mini Cooper. Here's to Dad never passing up a prime parallel parking spot.

Day 93: The bedtime songs

Last night as we lingered over dinner, Bea sat by the window, watching the robins playing in our yard. Soon I noticed she was quietly singing, "Where are you going, pretty bird?" It made me so happy to hear her sweet little voice and to know she has internalized the words and tune of this beloved goodnight song. We all know the songs and each have our favorite. I remember always choosing "God Sees the Little Sparrow Fall". Jim would choose "Lilly Marlene" and Joseph chose "Johnny Verbeck". I love that our children know these songs now and will most likely pass them on. What a wonderful legacy for Nanny to pass to Dad and for him to share with us.

The other night Eloise asked me to sing her a song and I tried for something new. The first song that came to mind was "I dreamed a dream" (I had just been talking about Les Mis with Mary). As I soared my way through "And they turn your dreams to Sha-ayy-ayy-ayy--ame!", Eloise started to laugh and said, "Can't you sing a real good night song, Mom?" There is something comforting about sitting in the dark, singing a special song with your child and remembering how it feels to be nurtured and protected by your own parents.

Day 92: Vacation Favorites: Biarritz, France 1999

Hands down, the most extravagant trip I've ever- EVER - been on, was to Biarritz, France my sophomore year of college. Dad, in all his beloved spontaneity, had come to BYU on a Friday night to watch Joe do a show. I still remember sitting across the table from him at dinner that night when he told us that he had received a last minute invite for a media trip to go to France the next Tuesday (4 days away) and that there were 2 extra seats available. I gladly volunteered myself to go (to the ultimate disapproval of several professors) and scrambled to get a passport together and projects finished before we took off.

From start to finish, this trip was non-stop luxury: floor to ceiling windows featuring a view of the ocean and lighthouse (only for me and bobby - sorry mom and dad that you guys got stuck in maids' quarters), 600 count Egyptian cotton sheets with down feather duvets, REAL gifts on your pillow every night, complimentary spa treatments, a gourmet feast every night, an open soda bar, day trips to Spain and Basque country, and, to top off the week-long celebration - a ROYAL BALL where we were outfitted in costumes based on the royal period of the late 1800s and danced the night away. It was heaven to be there!

Dad - all of the trips you were able to take us on were definitely not part of a typical childhood. Thanks to you and your job, we've all seen incredible parts of the world that have enriched our lives and improved our understanding of different cultures, languages, lifestyles, etc. I hope to see more posts from us highlighting some of our favorite vacations. Thanks for this one, dad. Je t'aime!

Day 91: Cheese

It seems like every year growing up we took a big family picture (on trade of course). We alternated dress codes. Some years casual, other years Sunday dress. One year VERY formal. Western themed, matching sweaters... we did it all. I have good memories of those family pictures, and am thankful that you scheduled them so often to document our lives. Good thing we're all so photogenic!

Here are all the pics I could find, in no particular order:

Day 90: Who is my neighbor?

One of my favorite parables in is Luke 10:30-37.

30And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and awounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

31And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

33But a certain aSamaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had bcompassion on him,

34And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took acare of him.

35And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the ahost, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

36Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

37And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Dad taught me by example that the work of the Savior is service. He is a man of action, recognizes opportunities to serve, and treats everyone as his neighbor. Here are a few memories I have of serving with dad. Each of these could probably be a post of their own, but it seemed right to group them all here.

1. Helping the widows

When dad was bishop in the Rosecrest II Ward, there were many widows in need of help. Neil took the three oldest boys with him to several houses to shovel. I remember one Sunday in particular where it had snowed heavily enough that they cancelled church. Dad was concerned about several houses in the ward, afraid that a roof would cave in. Dad helped us onto the roof, where we spent the majority of the afternoon clearing off the heavy wet snow. When summer came around he would ask me to mow the lawn of various members of the ward. When I asked who was going to pay me, he taught me about service and the blessings that come with it.

2. Working at welfare square

Dad brought me with him on several assignments to welfare square. We got filthy canning tomatoes. I can't remember all the assignments I helped with, but I know when they pass that volunteer list around I'm one of the only people under 50 willing to sign up. Thanks for teaching me to fill welfare assignments.

3. Stop to help strangers in need

Whether it's giving McPhees bucks to a homeless person or stopping to help a hitchhiker or motorist with a flat tire, Dad is a spontaneous helper. I remember on a road trip (was it to Canada?) we were driving though a rain storm in the minivan. We were towing a trailer filled with all of our bags. Dad noticed that someone had drifted off the freeway into a ditch on the side of the road. Dad pulled over and asked the boys to hop out to help. It was pouring rain and we were all quickly soaked. Undeterred, we made our way down the embankment to help the stranded driver. To our surprise, he was deaf and could barely explain his car problems. Dad signaled for him to drive ahead and we would push his car. He gave it some gas, but he was spinning out in the rain and mud. Dad motioned to the driver to floor it, and I was sprayed from head to toe with mud. I looked like the swamp thing. Funny that I can't even remember which trip that was, but I can vividly remember this opportunity to serve.

4. Inviting home teachees and lonely singles to dinner

I'm not sure who to credit with this, mom or dad, but I know Dad often invites the families he home teaches to dinner. When we were all living at home, it seemed that every week was a new adventure, wondering which random person would show up for dinner. More often than not, those he invited were not those who were his close friends. They were often those who did not have family nearby or who needed a good home cooked meal or fellowship.

5. Sheltering the homeless

So many people lived in our house growing up. When the Tukuafus came to live in our home it seemed exciting. When Jason Healy came to live there I started to question the wisdom in dad's choice of house guests. Though it seemed a huge inconvenience to me at the time, I quickly learned it wasn't about me. I know dad's generosity was not only a huge boon for those who stayed with us rent free, but it was also a way for our family to grow closer together and learn to serve.

Thank you for teaching us kindness, empathy, consideration and hard work. You are a perfect example of Christlike love and service.