Family History Bug

So this one time I got called as a temple and family history coordinator. I have been in that calling before, so it came as no surprise. I was told that I would mostly be planning temple trips for the ward. Then, when it came down to it I was all of the sudden also supposed to be teaching a family history class during Sunday School. I knew NOTHING about family history other than the fact that my grandma and mom worked on it! 

So, I dove right in and tried to figure it out. I caught on pretty quickly and filled in quite a few holes in my family tree on both sides. I made it my goal to fill in my four generation chart that the church has challenged each member to fill in and take the names to the temple. When I completed that, I told myself I wanted to complete the larger fan chart it shows on my profile and work on my Grandma Fairchild's four generation chart since she had almost nothing filled in on hers. 

Well, I only have a few spots left on my chart, but I cannot describe all of the blessings that have come from me working on my family history. I feel closer to my ancestors as I read stories about them, see their draft cards going back to the civil war, look at marriage records, etc. They each have a story to tell, and they are so much more than names on a fan chart. Not only this, but I have been able to be closer to both of my grandmas. Grandma Fairchild expressed that she really wants her and grandpa's work to be done in the temple. Also, I have been able to work with Grandma Anderson on her family tree and hear stories about people and see their pictures. I have been able to reserve people to take to the temple. I have also found some fun things. For instance, since I first started picking out names for my future children I was probably about 12 or 13. I have always wanted to name a little girl Emma Jane. I have even had dreams about what she will look like. There is an Emma Jane on my Grandma Fairchild's side that I had no idea about! How fun is that?! I definitely want to take her name to the temple. In fact, I am kind of worried about letting someone else go and do baptisms because I am afraid they won't bring the names back! 

So, moral of the story: family history is not just for your parents and grandparents to do. Sometimes you can find things easier than they can, and why not get some of those blessings for yourself when you are given the opportunity to do so? And once you start, you're hooked.

The Clark Gable for My Vivien Leigh

Do you ever do something crazy? I do. Sometimes. Just a couple weeks ago I decided I would just start looking for a puppy since time is drawing closer for me to get out on my own which means Vivi needs a friend. I never thought I would find one so quickly. Not only did I find a little brother for Vivi, but he was brown. And he was precious. 

I saw his picture, and the next day I brought him home. When I first saw him I fell in love. His previous owner couldn't keep him anymore. When he handed him to me he was the squirmiest little guy!! I should have known then... Driving home felt like forever because he barked the entire time in his crate unless I reached my hand back there for him which was kind of an uncomfortable position for me. Then, when we got home he didn't stop moving. Ever. I finally had to put him back in his crate because he would not calm down! After a couple days I seriously thought I was going to have to give him back because he just wouldn't calm down, but after a stern talking to he has settled and is working on the whole potty-training thing. 

Although he is more hyper than Vivi and is obviously much harder to train (actually, just imagine the complete opposite of Vivien in every way), he won all of our hearts. He looks up at you with so much love, and you have to love him back no matter how crazy he is making you or how mad you are at him. He has made himself right at home. He is learning to walk on a leash, knows how to sit and lay down, is crate trained (yay!), and we are working on getting him to like snuggling. 

At first, Vivien Leigh was not a huge fan. She wouldn't come near him. She was living up to her namesake. And, also true to character, now that she has warmed up to him she only wants to play on her terms. But I really do think they are friends now thank goodness. It made me so sad when she did not like him. I got him for her, after all! So Clark Gable, previously known as Hei Hei, born on May 5, 2017 has made a place in our hearts and our home. 

Update: I wrote this yesterday and had to re-read it today to remind myself that I really do love this rambunctious little guy. He truly was a monster this morning, but after looking this over again I guess I still love him.