Ora Carpenter Omerza journal, September 15, 1981

15 September 1981

It has been six weeks since I have written any thing. Just couldn’t get down to writing.

Nikki came and stayed with me for a week. I enjoyed her so much. We went shopping, had lunch and she went to the library with me. Friday was my Birthday and all the children and their families came. We had such a good time. They all brought cards. Stefani made a card. Melissa and Linnea made pin cushions. Nikki gave me a little plant and Marlene brought a picture of all the children. They all went together and bought me a week eater. What a gadget. It really cuts the weeds. It has been a big help to me in keeping the weeds down.

The girls brought all the food for dinner. We had enchiladas and tostadas, a birthday cake, of course, and ice cream. It was so good having them all here and just being together. My Relief Society Presidency came in the morning of my birthday and brought me a beautiful angel food cake. What a surprise and how dear of them to do that. I got so many nice cards. Julen Beard called me and Florence came over in the morning and visited awhile. She brought a lovely book. It was a very good birthday. I have a wonderful and thoughtful family.

Niki went home with her folks that evening so then I was alone again but not for long because Melissa and Linnea came on Sunday evening and stayed until Wednesday. I enjoyed the girls we swang and played, went shopping and just had fun.

We had had word that Chris Carpenter, David’s wife, had given birth prematurely to a baby girl. The baby had an infection in her intestines and had to have immediate surgery. She was so tiny it didn’t seem possible that she could survive. They asked for our faith and prayers. In her first month of life she has gone through three surgeries. At this writing she is holder her own. It is an absolute miracle. It is wonderful what the Priesthood can do.

Tuesday morning, 11 August 1981, I had a phone call from Jay. They had a new baby boy. I am so grateful for him and for his healthy body and mind. They named him Max Tyler Omerza. I went to see Marlene the next day. She was a very happy and proud mother. Little Max was a little early and Marlene was very happy about that. It had been such a hot summer. He is a dear little boy and we are so happy he came to our family.

I took Melissa and Linnea home on Wednesday and their family left on vacation on Saturday. The following week Stefani and Paul came and stayed awhile. The 25th of August was Jennifer’s birthday. Poor little Jennifer had the chicken pox but she still wanted her birthday party. She was so excited she could hardly wait to open her gifts. Nancy invited me for dinner. Jennifer wanted to go to Bob’s Big Boy for hamburgers but because of the chicken pox, Ted brought the hamburgers home. Her Grandpa and Grandma Knapple came later with arms full of presents. It was fun watching the children. Jeremy was almost as excited as Jennifer.

The next day was Brent’s birthday. I took his present to him before I went to Jennifer’s party. He couldn’t wait so he opened his gift a day ahead.

Bertha came to Mesa on the 26th. She was planning on going to Linda’s for a month. But she got a phone call from Linda saying they were planning on moving to Tucson about the 20th and for Bertha to call her the 29th (Saturday) and she would know for sure what they were going to do. When she called she said they were definitely going to move but they would come earlier and for Bertha not to come. Bertha then came and stayed with me. I always enjoy having her. She called Linda again on the following Saturday, September 5th and she said they were coming the next week but had decided to settle in Thatcher instead of Tucson. I was so happy for Bertha. She has been so lonesome without any immediate family. I just couldn’t believe this was happening.

Satuday the 5th was John and Madge’s anniversary. Fourteen years for them. The years do go by. I feel that they are happy and they have six beautiful children.

On the 4th of September I mailed a Book of Mormon to Rick and Kate Huctha. It was one I had bought for my ward missionary work. It had my picture in the front (cover) and then had their name printed on the front. I received a letter right back from Kate. She said she appreciated me sending it and thanked me for it and said she would read it. I was glad to hear from her. I didn’t know exactly how she would receive it.

On 6 September we blessed little Max Tyler. Jay gave him such a beautiful blessing. After, during testimony time Marlene and Jay both bore testimonies. It was a very spiritual meeting. Bertha went with me. Madge and Ted and their families were there. Their meeting was at 8:30 a.m. After the meeting, I went to Madge’s and stayed with Heather while Madge gave her Relief Society lesson. When they came home we stayed and had dinner with them. It was a very good day.

The following day Bertha went back to Mesa to do some Temple work before she left for home on Thursday. Linda and Dan arrived in Thatcher early Sunday morning of the 13th. Everything went well for them on their trip.

The first part of September I was asked to give the Relief Society Spiritual Living lesson for the Stake. It was quite a challenge for me. The meeting was held on the 10th. Everything went well. The sisters I taught were very gracious. They helped me a lot and I felt we had a good discussion.

Last Sunday, 13th, Teresa Navarro told me her friend who had attended Relief Society two weeks before had told her she was very impressed with me that she felt a special spirit about me. Do you know how that made me feel? I had introduced myself to her and had sat by her. She was a very refined colored lady. She was quite impressed with our meeting. That really gave me a lift. I seem to need all the lifts I can get these days. Sunday evening I went with Gladys Beals, Rowena Rost and Mary Dumas to the open house of Curtis and Maralyn George. They have a new house up on a hill near the mountain. They have only been in the ward a little over a month. She designed and decorated the house herself. I guess she is quite an artistic lady. I’m just getting acquainted with her.

15 September 1981

Today and yesterday I worked in the yard. The mornings are so nice and cool now it is great to be out early. I cut weeds and prepared ground to plant a small garden.