(from a card Dan sent to Dad)
Front:
So...
Why do we
Love Dad?
Inside left:
When Mom leaves town
The candy supply goes up.
When we go to the movies,
We always take plenty of candy.
Inside right:
Hail to the Candyman!
(with lots of hand drawn eighth note pairs all over)
Marching around the edge of the back of the card, in red ink and all caps:
(circle with an R inside) CANDYMAN CAN ENTERPRISES. WHEN YOU CARE ENOUGH TO EAT THE WORST. GUMDROPS. MONTH OLD TWIZZLERS. ORANGE SLICES. PETER'S 10 POUND CHOCOLATE...PIECE BY PIECE BECOMES A 1 POUND SLIVER. SKITTLES. M&M'S. PICKLES & ICE CREAM. WAIT - THAT'S JOHN.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
John - Payne Family Traditions - 2008
As a child, I sometimes complained or joked about our family customs and traditions-- the caroling, the Provo paper route tour, the Saturday morning work party, the scripture reading, the Chinese food, etc. But I think the regularity, the repetition, the stability, was good for me. It probably still is. Certainly, whenever I see Dad now, I want to be take part in these little rituals again.
Some of these traditions took lots of planning, and were anticipated for weeks or months, like Secret Santa. At family councils (another tradition!) in December or even November, we would discuss the families, the gifts, the strategies. I remember borrowing our neighbor's VW Beetle for one drop-off, so that our target family would never know who was giving them their presents.
There were also traditions that just happened spontaneously, like Tickle Wrestle. Hopping from the couch to the fireplace, laughing my head off, trying to stay out of the reach of Dad's tickling arms. Man, those were good times. Do the younger kids remember this? I remember, and I remember them loving it.
I remember Sunday afternoons in Missouri, taking cake and ice cream and going to visit families from the ward or from the Sikeston branch. I don't think I understood that we were (often) visiting less active families, or other people who could use a friend, but it did give me something to look forward to about Sundays.
I think Mom and Dad chose to develop a lot of these traditions, like family prayer and scripture study. These were so deeply ingrained in us, such an important part of family life, that even when they were not there, the traditions persisted-- as Linda Mannering well knows.
But there were lots of things that Dad handed down not consciously, but just by being Dad. When we children speak of leaving early enough to be sure we're on time, our father's name is invariably mentioned. The same is true of any kind of hard work. It's part of Dad's legacy, his gift to us.
And it's not just us children that notice these traditions. A few weeks ago, I was up in the Uintahs helping to get the Haglund cabin ready for summer. (I got to burn up the dead trees. A boy scout's dream!) Every time one of Mom's family thanked me for being there, they also paid tribute to David Payne and said that they wished all the Paynes could have been there to help. I think Grandpa Payne must be smiling when he hears such things.
I love you, Dad!
John
Some of these traditions took lots of planning, and were anticipated for weeks or months, like Secret Santa. At family councils (another tradition!) in December or even November, we would discuss the families, the gifts, the strategies. I remember borrowing our neighbor's VW Beetle for one drop-off, so that our target family would never know who was giving them their presents.
There were also traditions that just happened spontaneously, like Tickle Wrestle. Hopping from the couch to the fireplace, laughing my head off, trying to stay out of the reach of Dad's tickling arms. Man, those were good times. Do the younger kids remember this? I remember, and I remember them loving it.
I remember Sunday afternoons in Missouri, taking cake and ice cream and going to visit families from the ward or from the Sikeston branch. I don't think I understood that we were (often) visiting less active families, or other people who could use a friend, but it did give me something to look forward to about Sundays.
I think Mom and Dad chose to develop a lot of these traditions, like family prayer and scripture study. These were so deeply ingrained in us, such an important part of family life, that even when they were not there, the traditions persisted-- as Linda Mannering well knows.
But there were lots of things that Dad handed down not consciously, but just by being Dad. When we children speak of leaving early enough to be sure we're on time, our father's name is invariably mentioned. The same is true of any kind of hard work. It's part of Dad's legacy, his gift to us.
And it's not just us children that notice these traditions. A few weeks ago, I was up in the Uintahs helping to get the Haglund cabin ready for summer. (I got to burn up the dead trees. A boy scout's dream!) Every time one of Mom's family thanked me for being there, they also paid tribute to David Payne and said that they wished all the Paynes could have been there to help. I think Grandpa Payne must be smiling when he hears such things.
I love you, Dad!
John
James - Payne Family Traditions - 2008
One – Early morning Bluestem doughnuts (hopefully) and weeding in the garden. I do not know if this was every Saturday, but it felt like it.
Two – Orange slices and 13 days of 007 on TBS. TV and candy are awesome.
Three – Home teaching hide and go seek. We were always ‘it.’
Four – Teach me to walk in the light.
Five – High counsel visits to Eureka.
Six – Backgammon and connect four. (These are also mom traditions)
Seven – Bedtime is a Payne tradition. My tradition was trying not to get noticed so I could see all of Star Trek. I say try, because I never succeeded. Somehow the Enterprise managed to get along without me.
Eight – Sack Lunches. Even when I forgot this tradition Dad would ride a bicycle up to the bus stop and hand me my lunch.
Nine – Oatmeal, raisins and scriptures, every weekday morning until seminary- Lots of good learning, and good nutrition.
Ten - Editing papers. Every time I had a paper due, the morning before school dad would read through it helping revise several drafts.
Thanks Dad!
James
Two – Orange slices and 13 days of 007 on TBS. TV and candy are awesome.
Three – Home teaching hide and go seek. We were always ‘it.’
Four – Teach me to walk in the light.
Five – High counsel visits to Eureka.
Six – Backgammon and connect four. (These are also mom traditions)
Seven – Bedtime is a Payne tradition. My tradition was trying not to get noticed so I could see all of Star Trek. I say try, because I never succeeded. Somehow the Enterprise managed to get along without me.
Eight – Sack Lunches. Even when I forgot this tradition Dad would ride a bicycle up to the bus stop and hand me my lunch.
Nine – Oatmeal, raisins and scriptures, every weekday morning until seminary- Lots of good learning, and good nutrition.
Ten - Editing papers. Every time I had a paper due, the morning before school dad would read through it helping revise several drafts.
Thanks Dad!
James
Mom - Payne Family Traditions - 2008
Traditions are a wonderful way to connect generations as well as adding continuity and predictability to a sometimes uncertain and often chaotic life. We started our marriage with some strong traditions from our parents and families, and over these past 35 years, have built on and added to those, creating our own Payne family traditions.
Music is a tradition that we both brought into the family, Dad with his years on the trumpet and me with my singing and teaching music. The children all took music lessons on the piano and, for most of them, another instrument. Practicing was not a choice – it was a forced march! Our goal was for them to be able to play at church.
We have been a singing family. When the older children were young, I suspect their dad’s was the voice they heard more often with incidental music around the house. We sang a lot to the children and with the children. As the children will attest, they often were coerced into singing together in public as a family. A favorite singing moment was when the boys, grown into men, sang a male quartet at Daniel’s homecoming while Daniel signed. The congregation was mesmerized and touched.
Paynes have a tradition of talking, as if they know what they’re talking about! The children debated in high school, entered speech contests, traveled to distant places to talk. They also performed on stage in various theatre productions. These activities carried on the tradition of theatrics from parents who did the same. We look for great performances in the next generation.
Another tradition the children took up and are passing on to their children is that of service. Our Kansas Family of Builders award from the Kiwanis Club was an award that recognized not only the community service of Dad, but of all of us, even the children.
Church service has always been important to the Paynes. From Grandpa Payne’s 30 years as a scout master to Grandpa Haglund being president of the Pioneer District in Iowa, the family has valued church service. With Dad serving in bishoprics and stake presidencies, there were many years when the children didn’t see Dad much on Sundays. They have followed suit by serving as teenagers in our various wards, going on missions, and continuing to serve wherever they are.
Another favorite pastime is eating. We have talked about that in our previous chapter, but it seemed important to say that the Paynes love to eat. We have always eaten well. Even when money was scarce, there was always enough food to go around. We’ve gardened, canned, frozen, and dried fruits and vegetables. And we always had good meat and, yes Regent, lots of it. Ice cream is another staple at the Payne house. Drop over some evening and share a bowl with us.
We’ve always enjoyed being together as a family. Family Home Evening was a regular occurrence at our house. We loved the lessons taught by the children, as everybody took a turn teaching. In Family Home Evening, the kids learned to be fine teachers, how to conduct music really well, how to sing the hymns and Primary songs, and how to plan and run a meeting. Family Home Evening was a wonderful survival technique for us.
I have to mention the tradition of school. Since the children were tiny, school has been a part of their lives, because every day Dad went to school. Education and higher education has been important to us. Getting bad grades would never have been an option. The kids have all made us proud with their performance academically. They are educated, interesting people. That tradition has been handed to them from generations gone before. We are grateful for the blessing of education and knowledge in our lives.
I am thankful for the tradition of priesthood. We have been blessed by fathers, brothers, uncles, and grandparents who honored their priesthood and blessed their families by righteously exercising that priesthood. From blessings when the children were sick to blessings at passage moments in their lives, we are grateful for Dad’s priesthood.
Thanks for being a wonderful father. Happy Father’s Day,
Grettle
Music is a tradition that we both brought into the family, Dad with his years on the trumpet and me with my singing and teaching music. The children all took music lessons on the piano and, for most of them, another instrument. Practicing was not a choice – it was a forced march! Our goal was for them to be able to play at church.
We have been a singing family. When the older children were young, I suspect their dad’s was the voice they heard more often with incidental music around the house. We sang a lot to the children and with the children. As the children will attest, they often were coerced into singing together in public as a family. A favorite singing moment was when the boys, grown into men, sang a male quartet at Daniel’s homecoming while Daniel signed. The congregation was mesmerized and touched.
Paynes have a tradition of talking, as if they know what they’re talking about! The children debated in high school, entered speech contests, traveled to distant places to talk. They also performed on stage in various theatre productions. These activities carried on the tradition of theatrics from parents who did the same. We look for great performances in the next generation.
Another tradition the children took up and are passing on to their children is that of service. Our Kansas Family of Builders award from the Kiwanis Club was an award that recognized not only the community service of Dad, but of all of us, even the children.
Church service has always been important to the Paynes. From Grandpa Payne’s 30 years as a scout master to Grandpa Haglund being president of the Pioneer District in Iowa, the family has valued church service. With Dad serving in bishoprics and stake presidencies, there were many years when the children didn’t see Dad much on Sundays. They have followed suit by serving as teenagers in our various wards, going on missions, and continuing to serve wherever they are.
Another favorite pastime is eating. We have talked about that in our previous chapter, but it seemed important to say that the Paynes love to eat. We have always eaten well. Even when money was scarce, there was always enough food to go around. We’ve gardened, canned, frozen, and dried fruits and vegetables. And we always had good meat and, yes Regent, lots of it. Ice cream is another staple at the Payne house. Drop over some evening and share a bowl with us.
We’ve always enjoyed being together as a family. Family Home Evening was a regular occurrence at our house. We loved the lessons taught by the children, as everybody took a turn teaching. In Family Home Evening, the kids learned to be fine teachers, how to conduct music really well, how to sing the hymns and Primary songs, and how to plan and run a meeting. Family Home Evening was a wonderful survival technique for us.
I have to mention the tradition of school. Since the children were tiny, school has been a part of their lives, because every day Dad went to school. Education and higher education has been important to us. Getting bad grades would never have been an option. The kids have all made us proud with their performance academically. They are educated, interesting people. That tradition has been handed to them from generations gone before. We are grateful for the blessing of education and knowledge in our lives.
I am thankful for the tradition of priesthood. We have been blessed by fathers, brothers, uncles, and grandparents who honored their priesthood and blessed their families by righteously exercising that priesthood. From blessings when the children were sick to blessings at passage moments in their lives, we are grateful for Dad’s priesthood.
Thanks for being a wonderful father. Happy Father’s Day,
Grettle
Samuel - Payne Family Traditions - 2008
Traditions were difficult for me to define. I tried to put in here things that happened with some intentional regularity. Big holidays or little repeated happenings, both are considered.
I remember moving into at least three houses. Each move incorporated a kind of family council as to how we could design/plant the yard. In each yard, there was a garden, but I also remember some more ambitious lans. In Emporia, I remember most vividly trying to plan out a mini-golf putt-putt course for the back yard. Then that fell off the list and the tree house went in. Similarly, my plan for a zip line from the second floor windows over the pool never really turned out. I remember planting fruit trees everywhere we went; Dad being a modern Johnny Appleseed. Yard work was always present, but I remember having fun as an amateur architect/landscaper planning out the yard.
I remember teaching swimming lessons as a family for the years in Kansas. Each year the enrollment seemed to increase, and I spent more and more time outside in the summer. I am grateful for the time we were able spend together as a family, almost breaking even for the
cost of owning a pool.
I remember the traditions surrounding eagle scouts. Dad working very hard with rather fickle pre-teens and mom working just as hard to get a beautiful quilt for each to memorialize the experiences.
Although small, I remember often getting dad to let me look through his memory box. It had a bunch of knives, scout memorabilia, the steel Eiffel Tower. I actually took the time to show that to my kids this past visit. They loved it too. I don't know if Harrison took the idea from Dad, or whether it's just in his blood, but he now has a similar treasure box full of his memories.
The summer family trip was a fun tradition. For a while it alternated between Florida and Utah. But we always drove somewhere far away. I remember the time Mom took to plan out time-consuming distractions for the ride, and also the seat covers for the big van that held books or toys.
By Samuel Payne
I remember moving into at least three houses. Each move incorporated a kind of family council as to how we could design/plant the yard. In each yard, there was a garden, but I also remember some more ambitious lans. In Emporia, I remember most vividly trying to plan out a mini-golf putt-putt course for the back yard. Then that fell off the list and the tree house went in. Similarly, my plan for a zip line from the second floor windows over the pool never really turned out. I remember planting fruit trees everywhere we went; Dad being a modern Johnny Appleseed. Yard work was always present, but I remember having fun as an amateur architect/landscaper planning out the yard.
I remember teaching swimming lessons as a family for the years in Kansas. Each year the enrollment seemed to increase, and I spent more and more time outside in the summer. I am grateful for the time we were able spend together as a family, almost breaking even for the
cost of owning a pool.
I remember the traditions surrounding eagle scouts. Dad working very hard with rather fickle pre-teens and mom working just as hard to get a beautiful quilt for each to memorialize the experiences.
Although small, I remember often getting dad to let me look through his memory box. It had a bunch of knives, scout memorabilia, the steel Eiffel Tower. I actually took the time to show that to my kids this past visit. They loved it too. I don't know if Harrison took the idea from Dad, or whether it's just in his blood, but he now has a similar treasure box full of his memories.
The summer family trip was a fun tradition. For a while it alternated between Florida and Utah. But we always drove somewhere far away. I remember the time Mom took to plan out time-consuming distractions for the ride, and also the seat covers for the big van that held books or toys.
By Samuel Payne
David, II - Payne Family Traditions - 2008
Payne family traditions as far back as I can remember:
Of course there are food traditions (orange slices, Chinese buffet, onion and sage stuffing, etc), but as Sara pointed out, we've already covered them. I just think that thoughts on Payne traditions would be woefully incomplete without at least a passing mention of burgers at Stan's whenever Dad comes to Provo.
And speaking of things to do when Dad is in Provo, there are the trips around Dad's paper routes. It always surprises me to hear all the people who Dad knew growing up. I also seem to remember the tour including various girls that Dad dated, but the most recent tour skipped over those details.
Then there are the Christmas traditions. Secret Santa was probably my favorite growing up. I remember being so excited when it was my turn to make the drop, and how cool it would make me feel to know the secret (even though most people didn't know that there was a secret they didn't know- it was still cool). Along with this I have enjoyed the tradition of Christmas Eve poems. They are never very good, but they are always fun.
I think that the stories that Dad told when we were kids count as a tradition in their own right. My memories of them are pretty fuzzy, but I still remember Harry James (is that the right name?) playing the trumpet for the cows, and the trumpet noises Dad would make to accompany the story.
I don't want to beat the topic of hard work to death, because I am sure that everyone will mention it. But, I do think that Dad has set an amazing tradition of working hard. I have always admired how he rests from one kind of stressful work (at the office) by doing a different kind of work (outside in the sun). Hard work has never seemed like a burden to Dad. It's just a part of life.
Along with the tradition of hard work, I think that Mom and Dad have both set a standard of education in the family. They taught us from a very young age to value education. I am very glad for the hours that they spent with me at the kitchen table, patiently editing essays and papers.
Every year or two (whenever one of the boys turned 19 or when Sara went on her mission) I enjoyed the traditional six FHE lessons about loving the people, taking care of ourselves, etc. This is another of my all time favorite traditions, even though I didn't understand it enough to appreciate it when I was younger.
The traditions that have been most important to me are the traditions of faith and obedience. I cannot remember a time in my life when I have doubted my parents' testimonies, which helped me to grow my own. We learned from a very early age the importance of serving faithfully in the church, and always doing what is right.
Thanks for all the good traditions. Happy Father's Day,
David
Of course there are food traditions (orange slices, Chinese buffet, onion and sage stuffing, etc), but as Sara pointed out, we've already covered them. I just think that thoughts on Payne traditions would be woefully incomplete without at least a passing mention of burgers at Stan's whenever Dad comes to Provo.
And speaking of things to do when Dad is in Provo, there are the trips around Dad's paper routes. It always surprises me to hear all the people who Dad knew growing up. I also seem to remember the tour including various girls that Dad dated, but the most recent tour skipped over those details.
Then there are the Christmas traditions. Secret Santa was probably my favorite growing up. I remember being so excited when it was my turn to make the drop, and how cool it would make me feel to know the secret (even though most people didn't know that there was a secret they didn't know- it was still cool). Along with this I have enjoyed the tradition of Christmas Eve poems. They are never very good, but they are always fun.
I think that the stories that Dad told when we were kids count as a tradition in their own right. My memories of them are pretty fuzzy, but I still remember Harry James (is that the right name?) playing the trumpet for the cows, and the trumpet noises Dad would make to accompany the story.
I don't want to beat the topic of hard work to death, because I am sure that everyone will mention it. But, I do think that Dad has set an amazing tradition of working hard. I have always admired how he rests from one kind of stressful work (at the office) by doing a different kind of work (outside in the sun). Hard work has never seemed like a burden to Dad. It's just a part of life.
Along with the tradition of hard work, I think that Mom and Dad have both set a standard of education in the family. They taught us from a very young age to value education. I am very glad for the hours that they spent with me at the kitchen table, patiently editing essays and papers.
Every year or two (whenever one of the boys turned 19 or when Sara went on her mission) I enjoyed the traditional six FHE lessons about loving the people, taking care of ourselves, etc. This is another of my all time favorite traditions, even though I didn't understand it enough to appreciate it when I was younger.
The traditions that have been most important to me are the traditions of faith and obedience. I cannot remember a time in my life when I have doubted my parents' testimonies, which helped me to grow my own. We learned from a very early age the importance of serving faithfully in the church, and always doing what is right.
Thanks for all the good traditions. Happy Father's Day,
David
Regent - Payne Family Traditions - 2008
Payne Family Traditions
(that I have taken part of since 2005)
The Dinner Triad – the hallowed salt, the offering of meat, and the diet soda for the washing of the mouth and storing of the water
The Most Bang for the Buck Tradition – because of music lessons we sing hymns by the piano
The Visiting the In-Laws Tradition – walking through the yard observing the new growth, visiting with Grettle and being impressed by her new projects, and walking through the developing neighborhood
The Most like Tabloid Magazines – reading David’s emails
The Most Innovative (the actual tradition as well as the product of the tradition) – writing poems after the Swedish dinner
Almost Always Driving the Speed Limit – David (I know…I watch often)
Better than a Swiss Watch Tradition or Always the First Person Ready to Leave in Order to Be Early – David
The Most Spiritual – praying (always a good one), and you guys fast for people frequently
The Provo Tradition – taking the tour through the ol’ neighborhood, trespassing into someone’s backyard, and eating burgers at Stan’s
The Most Welcoming – a second scoop of ice cream, cinnamon bears and black licorice (at least to James), and orange sticks
The Most Rewarding – the value of an honest day’s work or having to work hard… often *I added this one after reading Sara’s
The Most Appreciated – the Payne garden produce, doing less of the dishwashing, having our clothes hemmed or patched, receiving quilts, and getting haircuts
The Most American Tradition – eating out at the Chinese buffet and watching everybody using chop sticks
*After reading Sara’s I thought how similar it was to mine.
By Regent Payne
(that I have taken part of since 2005)
The Dinner Triad – the hallowed salt, the offering of meat, and the diet soda for the washing of the mouth and storing of the water
The Most Bang for the Buck Tradition – because of music lessons we sing hymns by the piano
The Visiting the In-Laws Tradition – walking through the yard observing the new growth, visiting with Grettle and being impressed by her new projects, and walking through the developing neighborhood
The Most like Tabloid Magazines – reading David’s emails
The Most Innovative (the actual tradition as well as the product of the tradition) – writing poems after the Swedish dinner
Almost Always Driving the Speed Limit – David (I know…I watch often)
Better than a Swiss Watch Tradition or Always the First Person Ready to Leave in Order to Be Early – David
The Most Spiritual – praying (always a good one), and you guys fast for people frequently
The Provo Tradition – taking the tour through the ol’ neighborhood, trespassing into someone’s backyard, and eating burgers at Stan’s
The Most Welcoming – a second scoop of ice cream, cinnamon bears and black licorice (at least to James), and orange sticks
The Most Rewarding – the value of an honest day’s work or having to work hard… often *I added this one after reading Sara’s
The Most Appreciated – the Payne garden produce, doing less of the dishwashing, having our clothes hemmed or patched, receiving quilts, and getting haircuts
The Most American Tradition – eating out at the Chinese buffet and watching everybody using chop sticks
*After reading Sara’s I thought how similar it was to mine.
By Regent Payne
Sara - Payne Family Traditions - 2008
Dan and I were just talking about one family tradition we remember -- eating candy with Dad. Orange slices, chocolate, etc. Didn't we just write about food? Ok, so other traditions.
CHRISTMAS
Sometime along the line when I was probably in my early teens, we started doing Secret Santa for the 12 days before Christmas, picking a needy or lonely family to give little goodies to. We'd hide out down the street in the van and wait for the delivery person to stealthily return. We went caroling on Christmas Eve to get us all worn out for the sleepless night after our heavy traditional Christmas Eve dinner. Then when all the kids were in bed, Mom and Dad (and as I got older I could help) wrapped presents into the wee hours. Christmas morning we woke up to open presents (one at a time) and have meusli for breakfast (more food!) Of all the carols, we sang “O Du Froeliche” as our specialty.
MUSIC
Speaking of singing, another family tradition is singing hymns together at the piano, a special favorite of Dad's being “Teach Me to Walk.” Of course, I carried on the tradition of the trumpet (7th grade band!) with Dad's tutorship. Music lessons, school choir, going to musicals at ESU, ward choir, violin lessons, piano lessons, learning to conduct music during FHE, Dad's brisk marching band conducting style, singing the hymns during church services, performing in small family groups for church services and talent shows, and singing parts. Guitar is also a tradition of varying intensities with the kids. James recently rocked my children's world with his amp and electric guitar.
GAMES
We have a great game-playing family tradition. Sunday afternoons were a good time for games, and Dad taught me how to play Backgammon. Mom and Dan would go at each other's throats on Connect Four as well as Backgammon. Othello was another one and Rummy Cube as well. Boggle, Scattergories, plain old Charades, Taboo. Later on (now we are talking when John was in college) we added the, how shall I put this delicately?, "Cheap-o" games. Dad taught me how to play chess, but that never really made it as a family favorite. Mom plays checkers, and she has now taught my children how to play that as well. Sitting down for family games and puzzles means good times.
WORK
Well, it wouldn't be right to leave out a tradition of work on this Father’s Day. We have a tradition of work -- in the garden and yard, in the house, at school, for others. My memories are of Dad with the rototiller, Dad painting, Dad installing the wood floor in Cape Girardeau, Dad furiously (and I mean quickly, not angrily) doing dishes, Dad staying up late to help me write papers in high school, Dad building a deck, Dad ironing shirts, Dad raking leaves (remember when you could burn your leaves?), Dad spraying weed poison on the yard in his work clothes, Dad planting and pruning fruit trees. Now I'm not trying to leave out Mom's work either -- believe me, I get it. Practicing with us, teaching us and others, cooking not 1, not 2, but 3 squares a day, throwing birthday parties, driving us all over, doing school work with us, taking us to the doctor, making crafts and projects with us, sewing our clothes, wallpapering, endless laundry, and organizing the daily labor force.
DRIVING
Is this strange, but I think we have some driving traditions? First, "just say no to American cars." Also, long car trips on Sundays with Dad to go to church meetings (I remember Car Talk and Prairie Home Companion sometimes – is that a correct memory?). Long, sometimes smelly trips in the van – to Utah, to the Haglunds in Tennessee, to Chicago to see Uncle Paul. We played license plates, the alphabet game, I spy. We looked at maps. We got that small TV to watch movies on the really long trips. I remember turning the white Toyota over 100,000 miles and getting ice cream cones, and then selling the car eventually for $75 and two free pizzas. I remember Dad teaching me to drive in the early morning hours in the empty Cub Foods parking lot in Springfield. I think I will have a heart attack if I have to teach my kids to drive.
CHURCH
I think we have a tradition of love for scriptures in the family, and a tradition of "I'll go where you want me to go" and I'll do what you want me to do. Heaven knows we have been all over and done all kinds of things. Both Dad and Mom have a love of the scriptures that I think has been passed on, as well as a tradition of thoughtful explanation and teaching of the scriptures. Dad's scripture stories are a tradition that he continues with the grandchildren. Speaking and teaching in church are things that we all like to do – passed on from Mom and Dad as well. Missions are a tradition, in the best sense of the word (i.e., not just a social tradition), honoring your priesthood, obeying our leaders, family prayer and family home evening. Not a bad inheritance to pass on to future generations.
Thanks for the traditions, the memories, and the great family history we have. Happy Father's Day, dad!
From Sara Payne Anderson
CHRISTMAS
Sometime along the line when I was probably in my early teens, we started doing Secret Santa for the 12 days before Christmas, picking a needy or lonely family to give little goodies to. We'd hide out down the street in the van and wait for the delivery person to stealthily return. We went caroling on Christmas Eve to get us all worn out for the sleepless night after our heavy traditional Christmas Eve dinner. Then when all the kids were in bed, Mom and Dad (and as I got older I could help) wrapped presents into the wee hours. Christmas morning we woke up to open presents (one at a time) and have meusli for breakfast (more food!) Of all the carols, we sang “O Du Froeliche” as our specialty.
MUSIC
Speaking of singing, another family tradition is singing hymns together at the piano, a special favorite of Dad's being “Teach Me to Walk.” Of course, I carried on the tradition of the trumpet (7th grade band!) with Dad's tutorship. Music lessons, school choir, going to musicals at ESU, ward choir, violin lessons, piano lessons, learning to conduct music during FHE, Dad's brisk marching band conducting style, singing the hymns during church services, performing in small family groups for church services and talent shows, and singing parts. Guitar is also a tradition of varying intensities with the kids. James recently rocked my children's world with his amp and electric guitar.
GAMES
We have a great game-playing family tradition. Sunday afternoons were a good time for games, and Dad taught me how to play Backgammon. Mom and Dan would go at each other's throats on Connect Four as well as Backgammon. Othello was another one and Rummy Cube as well. Boggle, Scattergories, plain old Charades, Taboo. Later on (now we are talking when John was in college) we added the, how shall I put this delicately?, "Cheap-o" games. Dad taught me how to play chess, but that never really made it as a family favorite. Mom plays checkers, and she has now taught my children how to play that as well. Sitting down for family games and puzzles means good times.
WORK
Well, it wouldn't be right to leave out a tradition of work on this Father’s Day. We have a tradition of work -- in the garden and yard, in the house, at school, for others. My memories are of Dad with the rototiller, Dad painting, Dad installing the wood floor in Cape Girardeau, Dad furiously (and I mean quickly, not angrily) doing dishes, Dad staying up late to help me write papers in high school, Dad building a deck, Dad ironing shirts, Dad raking leaves (remember when you could burn your leaves?), Dad spraying weed poison on the yard in his work clothes, Dad planting and pruning fruit trees. Now I'm not trying to leave out Mom's work either -- believe me, I get it. Practicing with us, teaching us and others, cooking not 1, not 2, but 3 squares a day, throwing birthday parties, driving us all over, doing school work with us, taking us to the doctor, making crafts and projects with us, sewing our clothes, wallpapering, endless laundry, and organizing the daily labor force.
DRIVING
Is this strange, but I think we have some driving traditions? First, "just say no to American cars." Also, long car trips on Sundays with Dad to go to church meetings (I remember Car Talk and Prairie Home Companion sometimes – is that a correct memory?). Long, sometimes smelly trips in the van – to Utah, to the Haglunds in Tennessee, to Chicago to see Uncle Paul. We played license plates, the alphabet game, I spy. We looked at maps. We got that small TV to watch movies on the really long trips. I remember turning the white Toyota over 100,000 miles and getting ice cream cones, and then selling the car eventually for $75 and two free pizzas. I remember Dad teaching me to drive in the early morning hours in the empty Cub Foods parking lot in Springfield. I think I will have a heart attack if I have to teach my kids to drive.
CHURCH
I think we have a tradition of love for scriptures in the family, and a tradition of "I'll go where you want me to go" and I'll do what you want me to do. Heaven knows we have been all over and done all kinds of things. Both Dad and Mom have a love of the scriptures that I think has been passed on, as well as a tradition of thoughtful explanation and teaching of the scriptures. Dad's scripture stories are a tradition that he continues with the grandchildren. Speaking and teaching in church are things that we all like to do – passed on from Mom and Dad as well. Missions are a tradition, in the best sense of the word (i.e., not just a social tradition), honoring your priesthood, obeying our leaders, family prayer and family home evening. Not a bad inheritance to pass on to future generations.
Thanks for the traditions, the memories, and the great family history we have. Happy Father's Day, dad!
From Sara Payne Anderson
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