Rock Me to Sleep, Mother

This morning in a dream my mother visited me.  I knew when I saw her that she had already passed to the other side of the veil.  I remember embracing her and feeling the comfort that only my mother can give.  I did not want that hug to end.  I told her how much I loved her.  Her presence seemed so real to me, I still feel many hours later, that her visit actually happened.  For hours after I awakened, I could still feel the peace her presence had brought me.  It has been over three years since I said "good-bye" to her.  I realize that I have not lost my mother at all.  She is still aware of me.  She is still my mother.  It reminded me of a poem I like.  This poem has been a favorite of mine for many years. All but the second and third stanzas express how I feel.

Rock Me to Sleep

by Elizabeth Ackers Allen

BACKWARD, turn backward, O Time, in your flight,
Make me a child again just for to-night!
Mother, come back from the echoless shore,
Take me again to your heart as of yore;
Kiss from my forehead the furrows of care,	5
Smooth the few silver threads out of my hair;
Over my slumbers your loving watch keep;—
Rock me to sleep, mother,—rock me to sleep!
Backward, flow backward, O tide of the years!
I am so weary of toil and of tears,—	10
Toil without recompense, tears all in vain,—
Take them, and give me my childhood again!
I have grown weary of dust and decay,—
Weary of flinging my soul-wealth away;
Weary of sowing for others to reap;—	15
Rock me to sleep, mother,—rock me to sleep!
Tired of the hollow, the base, the untrue,
Mother, O mother, my heart calls for you!
Many a summer the grass has grown green,
Blossomed and faded, our faces between:	20
Yet, with strong yearning and passionate pain,
Long I to-night for your presence again.
Come from the silence so long and so deep;—
Rock me to sleep, mother,—rock me to sleep!
Over my heart, in the days that are flown,	25
No love like mother-love ever has shone;
No other worship abides and endures,—
Faithful, unselfish, and patient like yours:
None like a mother can charm away pain
From the sick soul and the world-weary brain.	30
Slumber's soft calms o'er my heavy lids creep;—
Rock me to sleep, mother,—rock me to sleep!
Come, let your brown hair, just lighted with gold,
Fall on your shoulders again as of old;
Let it drop over my forehead to-night,	35
Shading my faint eyes away from the light;
For with its sunny-edged shadows once more
Haply will throng the sweet visions of yore;
Lovingly, softly, its bright billows sweep;—
Rock me to sleep, mother,—rock me to sleep!	40
Mother, dear mother, the years have been long
Since I last listened your lullaby song:
Sing, then, and unto my soul it shall seem
Womanhood's years have been only a dream.
Clasped to your heart in a loving embrace,	45
With your light lashes just sweeping my face,
Never hereafter to wake or to weep;—
Rock me to sleep, mother,—rock me to sleep!

2014 Christmas Reflections

The end of 2014 finds the Martins counting our blessings with much to be grateful for:

One Returned Missionary!
Our youngest son Adam returned in January from serving in the Brazil São Paulo West Mission Of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  We spent a few days in Southern California where Adam reported on his mission in the Ward we were living in when he left for Brazil. It was fun to return to the California San Fernando Mission where we had served and visit with some friends we made there.  President and Sister Hall were very gracious and held an open house for Adam in the Mission Home where we lived and they now live.

And. . . 
One New Grandchild!
James Lee was welcomed in February by his parents Jenae and Brett and his three adoring sisters.

Two College Graduates!
Our daughter Alyssa McKay graduated in June with her Doctorate of Pharmacy from Roseman University of Health Science in South Jordan, Utah.  Brendan and the kids are glad to have her finally finished with school. She works part time as a pharmacist.

Our daughter-in-law Karen (Christopher's wife), graduated from BYU with her Bachelor's degree in American Studies.  We attended her graduation ceremony in August.  Way to go Karen!

Three Homes!
We've loved our springs and summers in Provo, Utah as Gemie has attended classes and studied to finish her Bachelors degree at BYU.  The past two spring/summers have been spent in married student housing.  We decided we like the idea of spending summers in Utah, but we've had enough of student housing so we bought a town home to stay in when we are there. We also have a home in Moab, Utah (where Gemie grew up) which serves as a vacation rental for tourists when we are not there (which is most of the time).  We still live in our home in Plano, Texas and spend most of our time here.

Four Church Callings!
Jerry is one of the teachers of the Missionary Preparation class which is held for youth who are planning to serve a mission for our Church.  The class is held on many Sunday Evenings.  Gemie is the Stake Emergency Preparedness Specialist in charge of training all Ward Specialists and coming up with an emergency preparedness plan for the Plano Texas Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Right now we are gearing up for the Emergency Preparedness Fair to be held Saturday February 28th.  Gemie is also Assistant Wolf Leader for the Church's Cub Scout Pack.  Gemie and Jerry were asked to oversee the training for Ma's and Pa's for the Stake Pioneer Trek which will be in March.  And while we are grateful we have Church callings, we are grateful one is an assignment that will end in a few months (Trek) and we are grateful we don't have 5 Church callings.

Five Grandchildren Living in the Same Metro Area!
Our daughter Camie, her husband Spencer and their four boys moved out here from Orange, California.  They stayed in our home while we were out in Utah and they were looking for a home here.  They now live in about 45 minutes away. So now, five grandchildren live in the Dallas area. With the above-mentioned grandsons and our grand daughter Addison who only lives about 20 minutes away with her parents Jerry (Jr.) and Sara we now have five grandchildren we can play with on a regular basis.  Such fun!

Six Years of Retirement for Jerry!
Jerry (senior) has been busier than ever!  He was recently inducted into the National Women's Business Enterprise Hall of Fame where he received the "Trailblazer" award for helping sponsor what has turned into several different organizations dedicated to furthering  the interests of women business entrepreneurs. At the end of his acceptance speech he received a standing ovation.  Our daughters have officially accepted him into the "Sisterhood." (inside family joke). Way to go Jerry!

Speaking of Jerry (Sr.), he will be getting a full right-knee replacement on January 15.  He broke that knee playing church basketball back in 1986.  The doctor who did the surgery at the time said the knee would most likely last another 25 years.  We are grateful he got a few extra years out of it.  

Seven Grandchildren in Texas !
With Justin and Kara's son and daughter, we have 7 grandchildren who live here in Texas. Wish San Antonio were just a little closer.  Every few months we either go down there to visit or they come up here.  Justin is in his third year of medical school at UT Health Science Center.  Kara is home with the two children who keep her very busy.

Eight Wonderful Children! 
Eight wonderful adult children! We are grateful all eight are still with us (on this side of the veil).
Thanks to his helmet (and what must be an overworked guardian angel) our son Jerry's life was spared as he was hit by a truck while stopped on his bike at a red light on Preston Rd.  We are grateful that a broken arm and a few scrapes and bruises were his only injuries.  His wife Sara is a nurse and did a better job cleaning his arm than the ER people did at the hospital where he was taken after the accident.

In a few weeks we will once again have an empty nest.  Adam returns to BYU-Idaho to continue his schooling. We will miss him.

Nine Grandsons!
Ryan (11) will turn 12 in March and be ordained to the Priesthood. He loves Parkour and is quite a gymnast. Ben (8) was just baptized by his father last Saturday  He loves to read, jump on the tranpoline and watch TV.  Luke (7) loves soccer, golf, transformers and cooking (especially breakfast).  Josh (5) is into cowboy toys (very appropriate for a new Texan), He also likes to play with other toys and watch TV.  Logan (4) plays soccer, loves golf, playing with transformers and wrestling with his big brother Luke. Dallin (4) is also into cowboys and just had a cowboy themed 4th birthday party.  His favorite TV show is Wild Krats. Trace (3)just celebrated his third birthday. He is into Legos and Pirates. Seth (1) just learned to walk a few weeks ago.  He is very sweet but very busy.  James is almost 1 and almost walking. He is a happy little guy who loves it when his sisters play with him.

Ten Credit Hours Earned! 
Ten more credit hours earned this year toward Gemie's degree! (Just two to go). She graduates in April from BYU and will walk with our son Christopher.)  Christopher will graduate in April with a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology and has aspirations of medical school and to be a doctor some day.

Eleven Beautiful Granddaughters! 
Brooklyn (10) is growing up fast.  She loves soccor and to read and play card games. Ashlin (9) is in company at Highlight Dance Academy and is quite a piano player. Katelyn (9) loves horses, is taking riding lessons and plays piano.  Bailey (9) loves designing clothing and playing with dolls.  She also is quite a soccer player. Abby (8) is taking horseback riding lessons and plays the piano. Ellie (8) is also taking riding lessons and plays piano, Marin (almost 8) will be baptized in March.  Like her sisters, she takes riding and piano lessons. Rachel (7) is quite a soccer player   she also loves to dress up as Queen Ilsa  from "Frozen".  Lilly (4) has a big attitude in a little body. She also loves dressing up as Queen Ilsa and the other Disney princesses and loves to dance.  Addison (1) is walking and talking.  She loves playing with toys, especially toy (or real) cell phones. Brinley (1) is also walking everywhere.  She loves playing with toys (especially her older brother Trace's toys) much to his dismay.

Twelve Wonderful Months!
Twelve wonderful months of 2014! In addition to visiting our family members in Utah and San Antonio, we also went to Atlanta for about a week where we visited with Kindra and Neil and their 4 children and spent Halloween with them.

Yes, 2014 was truly 12 wonderful months!  We are especially grateful to our wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ whose birth we celebrate this Christmas.  It is His life and mission that gives meaning and purpose to ours.  It is His example we strive to follow.

We wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Jerry and Gemie Martin

Christmas 2013

This year finds us in much the same place as we were last Christmas.  Jerry and I are still empty nesters.  We live in the same home that has been our primary residence since 1986.  We have had no marriages in the family this year.  No one has moved or changed jobs or schools since last Christmas.  We do have three wonderful new grandchildren born this year:

Seth Brian Carroll joined his three older brothers Benjamin, Joshua and Dallin, and his parents Camie and Spencer on Sept 20, 2013.  He was 9 lbs 5 ounces and 20 inches long.

Addison Blake Martin was born on October 3, 2013 to Sara and Jerry.  She was 6 lbs 6 ounces and 20 inches long.  She is their first child.

Brinley Kristine Martin joined her older brother Trace to become the second child of Kara and Justin.  She was 7 lbs 15 ounces and 19.5 inches long.  Her birth brought our grandkid total up to 19 (with our 20th expected in February).

Adam is still in Brazil preaching the Gospel in Portuguese and baptizing many people.  He will have a lot of interesting stories to tell when he gets home to us on March 11, 2014.  He changed missions and Mission Presidents without even moving.  His area transferred to the new Brazil São Paulo West Mission.  We are excited to have him come home.  His time at home will be short lived.  He plans to resume his studies at BYU-Idaho in April after traveling to see all siblings, their spouses and his nieces and nephews including the three new ones he has yet to meet.

When I said we were empty nesters, that is not completely true.  We have two 19 year-old missionaries in our home with us.  Elder Day and Elder Forbush are wonderful young men, devoted like Adam to preaching the gospel full time.  They do acts of service for us and others.  It is nice having them there.  They keep the house running while we travel to visit our parent, siblings, children and grandchildren.  We had two different missionaries occupying the house while we spent spring and summer in Utah for Gemie to study at BYU and Jerry to visit family members and be a house-husband.

Gemie was able to complete five of her remaining nine classes.  The others will be completed next year as we do the same thing and again return to BYU in Provo, Utah for Spring and Summer terms. Hopefully Gemie will have earned her Bachelor of General Studies with an emphasis in Psychology before next year’s Christmas letter. Gemie’s Church callings have been in the area of Emergency Preparation.  She was asked to be the Emergency Preparedness Specialist for the Plano 4^th Ward.  Then, she was approached by the Stake leaders  to be the Emergency Preparedness Specialist for the Plano, Texas Stake.  In February the Stake put on an Emergency Preparedness Fair which was attended by many from both the Church and the community.

Jerry is really enjoying retirement.  He did celebrate a big birthday this year (60 years).  He has been a big support to Gemie as she pursues her studies.  He has been able to spend time with his mother and sister in Preston Idaho.  He has logged in a lot of hours playing with his grandchildren.  He still exercises a lot.  He hiked “Y Mountain” several times a week and hiked all over the Provo area while we were there.  He is now hiking around Plano, Texas and often going to the Frito-lay fitness center to exercise.  For his Church calling, he helps teach the Missionary Preparation Class in the Plano, Texas Stake.  Before we went to Utah, he was the Young Men’s President over the 12 to 18-year-old young men in the Plano 4^th Ward.

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year!   

Christmas 2012

This is the first Christmas eve and morning we will spend alone together (assuming the Mayans weren’t right).  Though we miss our children and grandchildren very much, we are kind of excited to see what Christmas will be like with just the two of us.  What will we do Christmas Eve?  How late will we sleep in Christmas morning?      

I guess, I had better explain why the above questions are posed.  It all has to do with Martin family Christmas traditions.  We did not necessarily set out to create these traditions.  They seemed to just evolve over the years.  Here are a few of our Christmas traditions:

Let’s start with the Christmas Eve program.  Every Christmas Eve, Jerry (Sr.) would build a fire in the fireplace and we would read the account of the first Christmas story from Luke.  Starting around the time the older children were elementary school-aged, they began to put on a Christmas play.  Camie would act as producer.  Alyssa would write up the play (with Camie’s input), and together they would direct .  (The girls can correct me if I am wrong.)  I remember one year preschool aged Jerry played Santa.  He also was forced at one time to play the mother.  As the years went by, and some children developed musical talents,  those were utilized.  Eventually, the play was dropped and the program resembled a musical concert.  Camie played the violin and viola, Alyssa the clarinet.  Kindra played the flute, and Jenae the Cello.  Justin and Chris played the trumpet.  We all sang Christmas Hymns.  Always, we would end on a Spiritual note reading together the scriptural account of our Savior’s birth.

No gifts were placed under the tree before Christmas Eve because they would almost certainly be opened by whomever was the toddler at the time.  One year, when Adam was finally beyond toddler stage and I thought I could trust him not to open gifts,  I wrapped some and placed them under the tree to help provide decoration.  This was met by loud protests from the children.  “No,” one of them explained, “We always go to bed Christmas Eve with no presents under the tree, and when we wake up Santa has come to deliver them all!” 

I’m not sure when it started, but the children began sleeping together in one room on Christmas Eve.   It was wall-to-wall sleeping bags and air mattresses in one bedroom upstairs.   I guess they wanted to monitor each other and make sure no one got up and went downstairs  to peek.    At about 4:30 AM Christmas morning,  the upstairs toilets would start to flush.  (The plumbing from upstairs happens to run down the wall behind the bed in the master bedroom so repeated flushings would awaken us parents.)  This was the signal for Jerry to get up, build a fire in the fireplace, and start the Christmas music playing.  The children would line up on the stairs, in descending order with the eldest at the top and the youngest at the bottom to await my invitation.  They would then march into the living room and the gift opening would begin.  Gifts were distributed and everyone opened gifts simultaneously.  It was somewhat of a frenzy.  But delight was expressed and thank-yous were said to each giver as the gifts were opened. 

This Christmas there will be seven families in various places in the United States, creating their own family traditions or blending into the traditions of their spouses families.  Adam, the only child not married will spend his first Christmas away from home serving as a missionary in Brazil.  He gets to call home (we will Skype) and that will be our best Christmas gift!

We wish you and yours the Merriest Christmas ever, and a Happy and prosperous New Year!     

Loren Hills Johnson 1928-2012

On March 30, 1928 in Moab, Utah, a young widow, Ruth Westwood Johnson, gave birth to her sixth child. Her husband, Joseph Hills Johnson, had been tragically killed in a freak horse back riding accident just three months earlier. That baby was my father, Loren Hills Johnson. Grandma would later say that because he was such a happy baby, he gave her the will to continue living.

The Johnson family lived on a farm and at the tender age of three years, dad was helping out by doing farm chores such as milking cows. His mother approached him hard at work milking one day. It was such a comical sight to see a tiny tot milking a big cow, that Grandma began to laugh. Little Loren stopped his work, and holding onto two teats peered under the cow and up at Grandma exclaiming, "You shut yo mouf (mouth)!"

When he was three years old his mother married her husband's widowed cousin, Milton Edwin Johnson who had 12 children of his own. The eldest two step siblings were out of the nest at the time of the marriage. A set of twins were step siblings younger than Dad and he had a step brother his same age. With Miltons' ten and Ruth's five (her eldest having passed away as a young child), the tiny house was bursting at the seams. It was not an easy childhood, but young Loren seemed to take everything in stride.

He grew up in Moab, attending Moab Schools. He was quite gifted as an athlete and played both football and basketball for Grand County High School.

After graduating, he served with the armed forces of the United States when they occupied Japan after WWII. He served as a mechanic in the motor pool. He also played football on an army team.

Dad served for two and a half years as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Norway. He had saved the money so he could support himself on his mission. When he returned home from his mission, he continued doing missionary work. He loved teaching the Gospel and helping bring others to Christ. In later years he and his wife served for 18 months in the South Dakota Rapid City Mission.

Shortly after his mission his sister Martha talked him into taking her and a co-worker, another nurse who worked with her at the hospital, to a Christmas dance. On new Years day he proposed to that nurse and was married (and sealed) to Genevieve Holyoak on April 9, 1953 in the Manti, Utah Temple. To their union were born eight children. He an Genevieve raised their children mostly in Moab, Utah.

He was very creative. We had one-of-a-kind swing sets and playground toys mostly made from scrap metal. He would build play houses for us. Someone would offer him money (which always came in handy to supplement his construction worker's income), for those houses, so he would sell our playhouse and build us another.

Loren was a student of the scriptures. He was always studying them and sharing his insights with us even up to a few days before his passing. He loved the Gospel and his Savior, Jesus Christ.

When Genevieve passed away on November, 2, 2011 it seemed to take the wind out of his sails. Loren left this mortal phase of his life to be reunited with his sweetheart and eternal companion on March 9, 2012. I love you Daddy. "You're so precious."

Annual Christmas Newsletter

Dear Family and Friends,

We can’t believe December is here and another year is ending. A lot has happened during 2011. Sadly, we said goodbye to our beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, grandmother-in-law and great grandmother Genevieve, Holyoak Johnson. She passed away November 2, 2011 in Moab, Utah. It was a wonderful reunion in Moab where we gathered to celebrate her life.

Adam has finished his first semester at BYU Idaho. He has received a call to serve as a full time missionary in the Brazil, Sao Paulo Interlagos Mission. He leaves for the MTC in Brazil on February 22, 2012. The highlight for Adam this past year was the Dallas Mavericks championship win.

Christopher returned from serving as a missionary in the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo Oeste (West) Mission on January 19, 2011. He has resumed his studies at BYU in Provo, Utah. We plan to travel with him this summer to the DR to tour his mission. He is excited to see the friends he made while serving there.

Justin and Kara finished up their bachelor’s degrees at Brigham Young University. They are living in our home in Plano, taking care of it for us. Their big news is that they became parents on December 13, 2011 when they welcomed Trace Justin Martin! He weighed in at 6 lbs. 7 oz. and was 18” long. Justin has two jobs and is interviewing with medical schools, hoping to get into one this fall.

Jerry (Jr.) and Sara were married in the Los Angeles temple on July 28, 2011. We are so happy to welcome Sara (Davis) to our family. Sara is working as a nurse in Dallas. Jerry is employed by Deloitte Touche working in their audit department. They recently moved from Plano down to Dallas to be near their jobs. They are a cute couple.

Jenae, Brett, Ashlin, Rachel and Lillian Boren. The Borens are living in Lehi, Utah. Brett is still enjoying his job with Private Capital Group (PCG). He still loves playing sports and is still up-to-date on the latest technology. Jenae loves being home with her daughters. She is still running. Ashlin (6) is enjoying First Grade. She loves to sing, dance, and do art projects. Rachel (4) also loves to dance. Lillian, joined the family on December 30, 2010. She is nearly a year and is adorable. She recently began walking.

Kindra, Neil, Brooklin, Bailey, Luke and Logan Ronér. The Ronérs live in Sharpsburg, Georgia where Neil is still employed by Novelis. In his spare time he loves golfing and playing basketball. Kindra is kept very busy with four children but still loves photography and sewing. Brooklyn (7) is in 2nd grade. She still does soccor team and is also swimming. Bailey (6) is in first grade and loves to keep up with the latest fashions. Luke (4) is still a very independent little man. He loves to be outdoors is quite the artist. Logan (20 mos.) is a very busy toddler. He keeps the family on their toes.

Alyssa, Ryan, Katelyn, and Marin Christensen. The Christensens live in Lehi, Utah. Alyssa is in Pharmacy School in Sandy. She is kept very busy between her schooling and her children. Ryan turned eight and was baptized in June. He is in third grade. He loves spiders. Katelyn (6) is in first grade. She loves to draw and color. Marin (almost 5) enjoys swinging and swimming.

Camie, Spencer, Benjamin, Joshua, and Dallin Carroll. The Carrolls live in Orange, California where Spencer is an administrator for a skilled healthcare facility. Camie enjoys life as a stay-at-home mom. Three boys keep her very busy. Benjamin (5) is a prolific artist. Joshua, who will be three in March, loves to ride his bike. Dallin, (1) is a busy toddler who is into everything and keeps everyone on their toes.

Jerry and Gemie (a.k.a. President & Sister Martin) are spending our third (and last) Christmas in the mission field. We cannot believe that the time is going by so swiftly. We will miss the missionaries when we leave. We hope to stay in touch with them throughout the remainder of our lives. It is rewarding to see them complete their missions, move on to schooling, work, and starting families of their own.

We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Tribute to Genevieve Holyoak Johnson-July 12, 1926-November 2, 2011

Mama had a very vague, but pleasant memory of her earthly father who passed away of a heart attack when she was but three years old. She remembered looking out into the night sky with him, observing the stars. She could remember feeling loved and secure with him as they gazed together out at the heavens. It used to bother her that her memory of him was so scarce. She would watch as our father, her husband, would play with us and think, “Surely they couldn’t forget him.” She felt a bit guilty that she had forgotten her own father.

On Wednesday November 2, 2011 she passed on to the other side of the veil. On Saturday November 6, 2011 we will gather at 11 a.m. at the Stake Center in Moab, Utah to celebrate the life that Genevieve Holyoak Johnson lived here in mortality. Though assured that this is a temporary parting, we grieve because for the first time since we have known her, we have no access to her. She was the heart of our home.

My husband Jerry frequently shares a memory of his first visit to my family in Moab, Utah. Many relatives and friends had come to meet the man I was to marry. He remembers the living room filled to overflowing with people. One of my younger sisters came home from school, surveyed the crowd and asked, “Where is everybody?” Jerry was puzzled that she would ask such a question with the room so obviously packed with people. But one very important person was missing, our mother. She was “everybody” to that young child and all her siblings and I’m sure to our father too. On that day, as Mama so frequently did, she had gone to help a person in need.

Recently, I was talking to my Dad. He was calculating how many years he had been married to her. “In all that time I was only aware of one fault she had, he said. “She put everyone before herself.”

So Genevieve, our sweet Genevieve, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend, you have finished this earthly part of your existence. You have surely passed this all important test here in mortality. If anyone was ready to meet her maker, it was you. You have gone home to that God who gave you life. You are truly one to whom our Savior can say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” You have no doubt also been welcomed or will be by your earthly father, mother and your so recently deceased younger brother, Dan along with many other loved ones who have been waiting for you on the other side of the veil. And if they have not been restored to you already, your memories of your earthly father, and all other pleasant memories, temporarily dulled, will be bright and shiny.

I know as does Genevieve Holyoak Johnson, that by following our Savior as she did, we will have Eternal life in the realms of glory worlds without end. It is my prayer that her life will inspire us as we go forward, to perfect ourselves and become better disciples of our Savior Jesus Christ.