Silent Sermons

I've heard the adage, "teach the gospel all your life and if necessary use the scriptures".  This trip has been so amazing in so many different ways, we've visited some fun amusement parks, seen some wonderful scenery but I know we all agree that the most rewarding a memorable things have been the different families and  individual people we've met along the way. They all have different story's and backgrounds but have come into our families life at different times, often those are times when we have needed them and their "life sermons" the most. I continue to be amazed by the human spirit, it has been humbling and inspiring  to witness the devotion, commitment and genuine love of others. Some people we are able to sit with and hear their story's and sage advise, others, quietly go by demonstrating a willingness to not let the challenges and hardships of life slow them down. Regardless, they come through our families life and touch us for good and bless us more than they could ever imagine. Through these experiences we are able to see and feel  the love of the Lord more abundantly, our eyes are opened and our desire to love and except others is deepened. They are not coincidences........they are tender mercies!

We were on our way to Sun Records sitting at a traffic light when Ally spotted this gentleman across the intersection. She brought our attention to him and we were all in awe that not only was he out walking up and down the middle of the road selling fruit but he was doing it in a suit. We were so impressed that we went down a few streets turned the 34 footer around and came back. We were not able to pull over but Ally was able to buy some fruit, ask him a few quick questions and tell him how much she appreciated and admired his example. We were able to have a great conversation as a family about how it doesn't matter what you do for work but the attitude w/ which you do it. This gentleman could of been home lamenting about how the economy was so bad and there were no jobs, but instead he went to a second hand store and used some of his savings to buy a suit and went to work. What a Great reminder that we live in the best country in the world and the only limitation we have are the one's we put on ourselves!

I was not able to take Addy into Sun Records so we stayed out side and she practice walking and eating bugs. As we went down the street I saw this sign in the window and was impressed by its simple but powerful message. As I was taking a picture the owner of the business showed up and I complimented him on his sign which led to a powerful lesson and another great friend. His name is Stevie Moore founder of FFUN, (Freedom From Unnecessary Negatives) which he founded in 2003 after his son Prentice was killed at age 17 for $3.75 in his pocket. Through his commitment and service to his community he was recently awarded the Jefferson Award which is a national award. While talking to him the rest of the family came back. Stevie spent the next 30 minutes sharing with us, particularly the boys about how he works at the prison and projects of Memphis. He talked about how the young men get to prison and what they need to stay out. He shared that the average young man dies at age 21 in Memphis and what that does to a kids psyche if he sees himself only living to be 21, how that impacts their decisions. He talked about having hope, don't rob yourself or others of hope. As we talked to him we could feel his genuine love and concern for others and he truly inspired me to be and do better. I also think he scared the boys of ever going to prison!

The Battle of Vicksburg, Sun Records

The Battle of Vicksburg

One of the things that we have looked forward to on the second half of our troop is visiting civil war sites and understanding the history better. We've bought and watched a lot of movies and documentaries on it but nothing compares to walking the battle fields and hearing first hand how, "over there they charged up the hill" or "right here 25,000 men died" . Its been so fascinating for all of us to see the tremendous sacrifice on both sides, to hear their story's and feel their love of country.

The battle of Vicksburg was one of if not thee most decisive battle of the Civil War. It took us close to 3 hours to drive the perimeter of the battle where they had monuments to each of the states who had sent troops. We could still see the trenches, bunkers and command posts that were used during the siege. Almost 20,000 men died in this battle.

 In May and June of 1863, Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s armies converged on Vicksburg, investing the city and entrapping a Confederate army under Lt. Gen. John Pemberton. On July 4, Vicksburg surrendered after prolonged siege operations. This was the culmination of one of the most brilliant military campaigns of the war. With the loss of Pemberton’s army and this vital stronghold on the Mississippi, the Confederacy was effectively split in half. Grant's successes in the West boosted his reputation, leading ultimately to his appointment as General-in-Chief of the Union armies.

"Vicksburg is the key. The war can never be brought to a close until the key is in our pocket," said. Union PresidentAbraham Lincoln

"Vicksburg is the nail head that holds the South's two halves together," said Confederate President Jefferson Davis.

General Grant

The King of Rock n Roll

Its been a long time since I've seen so many sideburns in one place. Elvis fever is still alive and thriving in Memphis. We met some wonderful people at Graceland that go almost weekly just to sit in the gardens or write another note to Elvis and leave it at the gate. It was inspiring to hear the story of how Elvis grew up and then became the King. We went to Sun Records where Elvis was discovered and recorded a lot of his songs. The boys and Ally got to sing into the same microphone that Elvis used as well as Johnny Cash, Bono, Chuck Berry and many other greats.

King Cake, Jackson, Mississippi

Ever since we got to New Orleans Ally had talked about wanting to try a King Cake. Apparently the King Cake is a traditional cake that is eaten during Marti Gras. We went to this store that is famous for the King Cake and yes it was well worth it......Mama was happy!

After walking around all day on his bad hip, my Dad finally sat down to rest for a minute, just then someone came by and put $4.00 in his cup and wished him the best.

The time had finally come to drop Mom and Dad off at the airport. It was hard to see them go, it was so good to see family again and to feel something comfortable and familiar from back home. We sure enjoyed them but I think they were ready to go.. life in the trailer can get a little stressful and they probably needed a vacation to recover. We said goodbye and headed towards Jackson, Mississippi. It was considerably out of the way but in the end proved to be well worth every minute and mile.

We have discovered State Parks. They are extremely reasonable price wise, they have everything we need, hot showers, electricity, sewer, laundry and are very well cared for. We also are able to catch up on the states history and historical sites which has allowed us to see things or visit things we would have never even thought of. Its also the off season so there are very few visitors and usually we have the parks to ourselves.

I have had to become a bit of a shade tree mechanic out of necessity, not bad for someone who has a hard time finding the gas tank.

Jackson, Mississippi Branch

This was one of the best experiences of the trip. The Branch meets in a little commercial building and has about 40 members attending. They are working so hard to grow their Branch to 75 because at that point they will be able to build a chapel. We were taken in as soon as we walked through the doors. After Church the boys asked if we could go back, they said they even got hot dogs, chips and sodas during primary,,, wow that is different. These members were so loving, meek and humble. We could tell it was going to be different from our home ward when the Bishop stood and said "good morning" and the congregation said good morning back. We also were surprised to hear random  AMEN'S shouted out during the talks and THANK YOU JESUS  during the songs.  Although different the spirit was so strong. Once  again there was an amazing  husband and wife couple missionary that had been there for a year and a half. It was their last Sunday and so they had a going away testimony meeting and BBQ after church. The couple was from Meridian, Idaho. My testimony continues to grow about the need and tremendous impact that couple missionary's can have on a branch, we seen it over and over again how they inspire and grow these branches.

sacrament meeting

The family went to a park in Jackson and the boys and I went out and started throwing the football. Next thing we knew 5 or 6 kids came over to see if we would play them in a football game. Obviously they hadn't seen us throwing the ball around and hadn't heard of my Centennial High School days. We decided to show them how we played back home . Unfortunately they showed us how they play here in Jackson, Mississippi. Needless to say, my back, hamstrings and any number of other parts still hurt. I was proud of the boys stepping up and playing hard, we had a lot of fun.

Didn't have to do shirts and skins, as you can see it was pretty apparent who was on who's team. Bunch of really nice guys!

Our cheerleader downing a beverage in her tiger tank top

Talking about next time....we'll really take it to them. None of us could move for a long time, I'm still waiting for feeling to come back in different parts of my body.

Battle of New Orleans, Swamp Tour

Battle of New Orleans, 1815

Battle of New Orleans, This battle was fought in 1815, General Andrew Jackson successfully defended New Orleans against an overwhelming surprise attack by the English.


Swamp Tour 

Addy did not appreciate having to wear a life jacket and she let them know it 

A wild, ferocious man eating 2ft alligator

This guy made his living fishing and skinning fish. He lived in a tent near the river

Lucky enough to hit rush hour on the way home

Usually we are lucky and can find a way into the stadiums...this time the Super Dome was under construction and tight security.

Finished a great day w/ a dutch oven cobbler

Plantation Day, Amazing Vet, Addy's first steps

One of the reasons we decided to come on this trip was to help not only the kids but us as parents to have a deeper appreciation for the history of this great nation. Plantation Day sure taught us a lot and opened all our eyes. We were able to see some beautiful plantations with their inspiring landscapes, brilliant colors, and awesome craftsmanship but the most inspiring part was the history of the slaves, how they were treated, the conditions they lived in, and the burdens that they bore. It brought so many different emotions to the surface, shame, discussed, anger and hurt. We were able to see their "homes" and  hear their stories. This was definitely a sobering experience that has left a lasting impression on our family and greatly changed our perspective, something I don't think we would of got from a book!

Laura Plantation

Actual listing of the slaves on the Plantation.The list gives the value and worth of each slave and a brief description of their abilities.

Slave quarters were 16x16 often times they would put 13 to 15 people in those "houses"

Oak Alley, these trees are 200 years old.

This gentleman is a greeter at WalMart. When we went in we noticed his jacket said he was in the battle of the Bulge in WW2. We stopped and talked to him. He was 17 yrs . It was so touching to listen to him tell us his experience. Getting down into the boats that carried them to the shore, the quietness and then the screaming as the doors opened on the beach, the whistle of the bullets. He lost 26 friends and was one of 7 in his group to live. He got emotional as he carefully pulled out of his pocket an old tatered newspaper clipping and some pictures of when he returned to the shore 8 yrs ago. I have a deep deep appreciation for anyone who has served our country and this was a powerful reminder to all of us that "Freedom is not Free, it comes at a very steep price".


Addy's First Steps!!!!!!

Addy surprised us by taking 6 steps. Watch out she'll be running before we know it!

French Quarter, New Orleans

Had a great time w/ Mom and Dad! It was so good to see a familiar face. They flew in to New Orleans and we had a blast seeing ton's of amazing things, tasting all kinds of food and they got a feel for what its like driving and living in an RV. They did great and we are so grateful they came out to see us!! Who's next????

Future Jazz Man

Boys learning how to be street performers...times are tough, got to make a few extra bucks!

Pro's....walking the dog!! Caleb asked if the guy would split the tips with him!

Ally jump in after the Boys

Loved listening and watching the street musicians

Lost Carston for a minute, found him in his dream store...boooooks!

Voodoo Bar @ the "House of the Blues", pretty sure that's a virgin daiquiri Ally's got?!

House of the Blue's.....say good do good!

Addy enjoying the beautiful architecture of the French Quarter