"Teach your children when they are young and small, and never quit. As long as they are in your home, let them be your primary interest."

Kodak Moments

Jake & Shelley Reynolds Family

Dear Mom and Dad,

It is during this time of the year that many memories of growing up play through my mind. As Shelley and I make memories with our own children, I strive to relive some of the memories and traditions with them. And it is not just the memories of the Christmas traditions, but several others that flash through my head. In no particular order, here are some that come to mind.

Basketball. Early morning basketball, out in the frigid temperatures just before dawn. The crunch of the snow under our shoes which seemed much louder in the still night air. We were harshly awakened by the cool shocking air as we took the first breath or two outside and our legs would start to go a little numb and tingly by the time we reached the church. I will always remember when one morning Dad said that he wasn’t going to play with the men unless I was allowed to play too. From then on, I was with the big boys. Thanks Dad. And then coming home to a pot of hot oatmeal that Mom already had on the stove. A little milk, honey, and toast to dip or spoon your oatmeal on…good stuff. From Utah Jazz, as kids, to high school varsity, we sure had a lot of fun.

The Great Outdoors. Going to the old dump on the hill with Dad to shoot the 22 guns at what ever we could find, particularly cans and glass bottles. I love that gun. And going to the rocks that over look Warm River out by the Howell’s, or freaking out Mom every time we went to Mesa Falls (before they had the walk-ways), or the majestic Tetons at Jenny’s Lake or Jackson Lake Lodge, and Sawtooth Mountain overlooking Henry’s Lake. Taking the old white corolla camping down by Egbert’s house along Warm River and getting rained out in a thunder storm in the middle of the night. The kids were panicked. Mom and Dad threw everything in the car, the kids piled in, and we barely made it up the muddy dirt road to get back toward Egbert’s and home. And the fun at Egbert’s Point with all kinds of family and friends. Just appreciating the beautiful outdoors together as a family.

The Dreaded Trailer Park. ”Get up boys, I need your help this morning,” says Dad. I sure hope there was a lot of return on that investment. To this day, I am certain it was all for “character building.” Just to name a few exciting chores: mowing lawn, putting in fence posts, mowing lawn, cleaning up lots after move-outs, mowing lawn, fixing circuit boards, and did I mention mowing lawn? And whatever “the investment” needed most Saturday mornings. I can’t wait to find something similar for my own kids.

The Neighborhood Backyard. Yes, that was our backyard. From football (in the summer or dead of winter), baseball, volleyball, water volleyball, swimming in the horse trough (little did we know), and basketball, basketball, basketball. Rain or shine…you could still find the boys and Brook out on the court. I honestly didn’t know of any other court better in Ashton. We even had the key and 3-point line. And the countless snow forts and tunnels. Riding the snow machine with Cordon’s steel sled or inner tube on the back. Great times…and all right at home.

Powerplant Visit at Fall River. Brad and I going to the plant with Dad and seeing a fridge about 3 foot tall…just our size. We made a trail of bread to lure in raccoons to the living room and watch them close up. And when it got dark, Dad gave us a glow stick and we threw it in the river and watched it glow as it floated away. I don’t know why I remember that so vividly.

Snow Sculpturing Contest. We were so proud of that green turtle we worked so hard on. I think we got 3^rd place. Go Reynolds Family!

Moment of Greatness. Brad and I, walking out of Walmart in Rexburg with our shorts pulled up to our arm pits, hunched over, with the weirdest looks on our faces. Trying to catch up to Mom and saying in our nerdiest voices possible, “Mommy, Mommy, wait fer us...Dun’t leaf us…Wer a com’in…Wer a com’in.” Mom was unable to control herself…she laughed so hard. We didn’t know whether to be proud of ourselves or embarrassed.

When it comes to my Mother, It is safe to say that all of us were and are very protective of her. You see, she is a very strong woman. And when we saw her sad, crying, or hurt, we were very troubled. She loves us more than anything. We knew it then and we know it now. When it comes right down to it, Mom was always there whether it was directly or indirectly.

Just simply looking at the experiences just mentioned, she had all the food and supplies ready to go for the camping, whether it was for the family or scouting. She was always there for the basketball games, plays, show choir, clogging, church softball, you name it. Whether it was mowing the lawn, working in the garden, cleaning my room, or doing homework with us, she was there right next to us. She was home when we left for school and when we got home from school every day.

I know I didn’t give you enough credit or show a grateful heart near as much as I should have. You never ask for recognition or glamour. Mom, you are the constant in our family. It was you that was always behind the scenes making sure we had a happy home and I will never forget that. I love you.

As for Dad, this is a tough one. Most of you do not know this story I am about to share. I think I have only talked to Dad one or two times about this experience in all these years. You see, this is during my prime know-it-all-stage at 16 years old. Slowly, but surely, I losing communication with Mom and Dad, and even with the rest of the kids. I would come home tired from basketball practice, expect something ready for me to eat and didn’t care to talk much to anyone at home. At that time, rarely did I exchange feelings of love or concern or friendship with the family.

This had gone on for some time when one day I come home from practice and as soon as I opened the door dad says, “Drop your bags Jake. We’re going for a drive.” I knew exactly what he was up to. We took the white Nissan pick-up with Dad driving. Dad was showing concern by asking about school, friends, and of course basketball…he always gave me tips and advice about basketball (which I always liked but wasn’t in the mood for tonight). He was very calm and pensive. Where were we going? I did not know. Dad continued to talk to me, but I didn’t say much. I mostly just responded with a yes, no, or fine. To this day, I don’t know why I had such a cold and disrespectful attitude toward Dad. He was trying so hard to do his best and I knew it, but I wouldn’t give him much of a chance. He drove into the country on a dirt road, which is easy to do in Ashton. Dad said he was taking me to a special place.

By this time it was dark and we came to a dead end in the road out between two fields, and the Snake River right in front of us. I began to half wonder what Dad was up to. Without a word, he got out and started walking toward the river bank. I followed and we sat down by the river. I had never seen this part of the river before and I have not been there since. A bright moon was coming up on the other side reflecting off of the dark black river, and casting a slight shadow on everything. Remember when I said I thought I knew exactly what he was up to? Well, I was expecting a good old chastisement about my attitude. There was a pause for a moment, as if he didn’t know how I would respond to what he was going to ask. And then he said, “Jake, would you kneel down with me in prayer?” I said yes and he said that he would give a prayer and then asked if I would give one after him. I agreed. We knelt facing each other and he prayed. He expressed his utmost gratitude for his family, for Mom, for each for the kids, and he especially thanked Heavenly Father for me. And he went on to talk about why he was so thankful for us. As soon as he uttered the first word to his prayer, the holy spirit fell upon me stronger than I could ever remember.

He ended his prayer and then it was my turn. I was so overcome, I could hardly speak what I felt. I truly felt as the dust of the Earth. I simply broke down right then and there on my knees before Heavenly Father and Dad. I pleaded for forgiveness with all my heart. I ended my prayer and Dad and I embraced with our emotions flowing freely. Not much was said on the way home. It was as if we were trying to hold a reverence from the experience we just had. From that moment and for the rest of my life, the relationship I had with Mom and Dad changed. I am not saying things were perfect, we still had our occasional disputes and disagreements. Nonetheless, my heart had been changed.I believe Dad was inspired that night. I will forever be grateful for having a father who cares for his children as much as Dad does for us. I love you Dad.

These are just some of the many memories I have had growing up in such a loving family. I will always remember the traditions we had during the Holidays, but it is all the other memories that made our family great and it was because Mom and Dad are the greatest. You are stalwarts who lead us in the ways of truth and righteousness.

I Love You.

Merry Christmas,

Jake

Brad & Megan Reynolds Family

Dear Mom & Dad,

I can honestly say that I do sometimes feel like Nephi in the fact that I'm one of the few lucky ones in the world today who was born of "goodly parents". I can't thank you enough for raising me in a home that was full of love and support. Many things were simply not an option growing up and I'm thankful for that sort of wholesome culture that was in our home. We were taught to attend church meetings, become Eagle Scouts, seek higher education, never give up in sporting events, honor the priesthood and serve full-time missions. Doing those things really seemed automatic and we really did not question the high expectations you had of us. So, either we were all just exceptional kids or you had the parenting thing down to an art, or maybe it was a little of both (LOL). I hope to be able to accomplish the same things with my own family.

Disciplinary action started at an early age, but it was while doing something we all loved to do—basketball. I think every young family should have the luxury of an unfinished basement so as to practice their ball-handling skills. You always were there in full support for any sporting or extracurricular activity. Mom, I always liked hearing your enthusiastic cheers at our basketball games. Thank you for doing that.

Our home was always fun. It was not uncommon to have several people at our house hanging out and having a good time, because you and Dad were such good party hosts-- now how many teens can attest to that anymore? There were a number of times we would even bring our dates home because that was the cool thing to do. Sure, one could argue that dating resources were a little sparse in our remote little town of Ashton, but some of my most memorable dates were while doing things at our house. One of my favorite indoor activities growing up was playing ping pong in the basement. We got a lot of miles out of that ping pong table. We played everything from games of Rally to games of Around the World, and regular matches to 21.

I can't believe I'm going to say this but, Dad, thank you for giving Jake and I so many Saturday morning chores. I believe those experiences have helped me accomplish other things in my life. Besides the many arduous lawn mowing tasks, the most memorable Saturday morning assignment for me was probably the time you had Jake and I put in the fence posts at the trailer court.

One thing I definitely don't miss is being on the receiving end of one of Dad's notoriously bad SCUD MISSILES. I hope you get arthritis in whatever finger it was you used to do that with …just thought I should make sure to throw that in this letter as I'm still recovering from some of those surprise attacks.

I remember some very good laughs growing up, like when we were sledding off the garage rooftop and on one trip down Reagan got his snow pants caught on a nail and was literally dangling from his behind from the edge of the roof. Where was a camera when we needed one? I also remember making fun of Dad when he sounded a little too much like Mr. Foster sometimes (love ya Dad). I remember an awe-inspiring spiritual message Dad shared for FHE one night when he read this passage from the Bible, "...It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman." As you can imagine, Mom was not too impressed with that one...And, one more thing that was certainly true and I think I can speak for all of us…we were oftentimes embarrassed by how slow Dad would drive around town. It seriously was laughable. Funnier still, I think he has gotten a little faster since then. Isn't it the reverse of what typically happens when people age? Oh well, maybe he will actually go the speed limit when he hits the ripe old age of 80 years...I'll cross my fingers.

Some other childhood memories that I cherish: Dad's coined pronunciation of "Steee...riii..ke" while umping a softball game. Mom's amazing back tickling skills of which we all benefited from on a regular basis. Mom's haircuts that I still love to get whenever possible. I also remember watching you and Dad do the Latin Hustle and the times we would all do it together. You really know how to shake that thang...

Now would probably be a good time to apologize to you for being the son that was always getting hurt. I'm not talking about self injury here like when Sharmy would voluntarily gnaw on her hand when things didn't go her way, no, I'm talking about the accident prone me…I don't know why it happened to me so much…maybe the Lord was trying to keep me humble. I have no idea. First, I fell off a ladder at a young age and cracked my skull open. Then, I did a number to my finger when the door slammed shut on it. Then I crashed the motorcycle, and the list goes on...oh, and let's not forget the time that monster sledgehammer made acquaintances with my face—ouch! I forgive you Dad…One thing is certain, I am a stronger person having been through all that stuff and maybe a little dumber too.

Now, I need to pass out some serious kudos…I've always loved the fact that I have never once heard either of you use bad language (I hope I didn't just jinx you by saying that). I think it is remarkable. Mom, you were always so kind and I'll never meet another lady who kept a house quite like you did (no offense to my perfect wife of course). I do miss some of that good home cookin' and that's saying a lot given that I'm the "picky" one in the family. I especially miss the following food items in no particular order: snowman pancakes, special 'K' treats, no bake cookies, homemade salsa, corn from our garden, potato & pea soup, chili cheese dogs, tacos with Catalina dressing, homemade carmels and fudge that were within reaching distance from where Jake and I slept, and Sunday dinners (all of them). You know, one thing I did always think was kinda funny was the fact that we always seemed to have a box of Grape Nuts in the cereal cupboard. What was that all about? Did anyone ever eat any of that stuff or was it just the same old box that sat there for like 10 years?…just thought I would ask.

Mom, I always knew and still know that you loved me and would do anything for me. I would like to thank you again for coming to my rescue that night I was sleepwalking in the middle of the street wearing only Fruit of The Looms in the snow (I still have a hard time believing that ever happened). You are the best! Dad, you my friend, come in a close second. I always liked it when you would come downstairs to our room at night, sit with Jake and I, and chat. That was probably my favorite thing. I remember the day you ordained me to the office of a Deacon and received the Aaronic Priesthood...you told me at that time that I had more power having received the Priesthood than did the President of the United States-- I've always thought that was really cool. I want to thank you for all the fatherly advice over the years as well. You definitely have a knack for giving it…and, I'm sure the future will bring more of it, and, I will openly accept most of it. I look forward to many more rounds of golf with you.

Well, it has been a random letter and I'm sorry for that. But, I do want to tell you that I really am one lucky dude to have had such great parents and I have so much to be thankful for because of the way you raised me. Oh, and once again, I must thank you for supporting Joseph so much...it was a blast to have you there for so many shows. And, thank you for making a "deal with the devil"-- I absolutely love my multicolored coat. One more thing, thanks for sharing your testimonies through your examples. What a blessing it is to have faithful parents who diligently work at fulfilling their church responsibilities. Have a Merry Christmas!

Love,
Brad

FHE Memory

One night, for Family Home Evening, mom prepared an awesome activity-- a Treasure Hunt. Brook, Jake and I took turns reading the different clues with Sharmy not too far behind as we moved through what seemed like every corner of the house. At the time, walking was not an option, we literally ran, no, bolted to each clue location in excitement as we drew nearer the goal—TREASURE. To see the action from the sidelines was probably a little scary. We had so much fun! To this day, I still remember reaching the last and final location where the TREASURE was located. The last clue lead us to the basement bathroom/laundry room. This was probably the only time we slowed down to soak in the moment, or at least it seemed that way. We slowly opened the door to the clothes dryer and lo and behold there she be (sorry, pirate talk taking over). It most certainly was a treasure to behold-- Mom’s homemade snickerdoodle cookies—YUM!!! It is a fond memory for me and one I’ll never forget.

Thanks mom. I love you.
Brad

Brook Allen and Family

Mom and dad,
As I sit here trying to put words together of how I am feeling at this very moment I can’t help but to say thank you so much and I love you. As I reflect back on my life and where I am at today, the only word that keeps coming to mind is family. I could not do what I do or have been able to go through what I have been through without the wonderful blessing of a strong family unit. You both worked so hard together and made this family who we are today and I may be a little biased, but I think we are awesome. Thank you so much for always being there for me now and when I was younger. You just never know what curve ball will be thrown your way, but you have taught me that you can overcome any obstacle by having a strong testimony of our Savior ,Jesus Christ, and that he lives and loves each one of us individually. That if we just have faith in him, endure to the end, then we will have everlasting life. What greater joy than to know that we can be with each other forever. When I think back on a memory I have had of growing up there are several things that come to mind. There is the many basketball games played on our homemade court, the hide and seek in the dark while you played cards with Pat and Jack, the blowing snow, chopping wood, jumping off the garage into the snow, the snow football games, coming in from playing out in the snow all day and mom would have cookies just out of the oven and hot chocolate, the sledding on Richey's hill, dad taking us out in the country on Sunday afternoons and teaching us how to drive stick-shift at a young age, the list could go on and on. I could not have asked for better parents and a better life than what I have had and will continue to have. I am truly grateful and blessed to have such amazing parents and the coolest brothers and sister. I love you mom and dad and thank you for all that you do for me and these precious kids of mine that I just love more than life itself. They love there Grandma and Grandpa Reynolds more than you know. I love you.
Brook

Sharmy and Jed Steele Family

Mom and Dad,

I am so grateful to have been born into a family that is strong in the gospel and filled with a desire for their children to succeed and be happy. Growing up as being the fourth child and with a few years between myself and the older three was quite the experience. I felt that I had to act all grown up and tough, especially with Jake and Brad teasing me trying to get me to bite myself because dad wouldn't allow me to bite them. Mom, you were my best friend, even then.
Mom, I remember that you were always selfless. When I was in the bath tub, I would knock on the wall of the tub and you would always come and see what I needed. You were always serving. I remember trying to be like mom, always cleaning and cooking. I have seen that a lot in Kiya lately. She tells me that she is trying to learn to become a mom, like me. I remember that same feeling with you mom. I remember mowing lawns, and later eating popcorn and watching a movie with you afterwards. I remember going on our 2 mile walks and stopping at Grandma Fowler's house to eat a Schwan's icecream half way. Mom, you have so many amazing qualities. You are so loving, sympathetic and giving. I remember our visits to Grandma Park in the nursing home and always taking her a strawberry milkshake, Grandma Fowler's roses and the scent of them. You would do anything for me. I remember in high school I was upset because I wanted a new dress for a formal. I was being a typical teenager and ,honestly, a brat. You were so patient with me and never said anything to me that was rude or demeaning and always wanted me to have the best you could give. I truly realize now how lucky I was and am. When I went through some of the hardest trials in my life I changed because of you. I couldn't bear to hurt my mother.

I have a vivid memory that is held dear to my heart. One evening mom came home from enrichment meeting and tears were rolling down her cheeks. All of us kids were concerned about what was wrong with mom. As soon as she walked into the living room she told all of us five children to sit in a circle because we were going to pray. In the prayer mom told Heavenly Father of her concern for her children. She told Him how much she loved each and everyone of us. She pleaded to Heavenly Father that each and everyone of us would be strong in the gospel and never stray away from it's teachings and the things she teaches us. I will never forget the Spirit I felt testifying of my mother's love for me and how I never wanted to disappoint her.

I love both of you for the struggles that you overcame in raising a family both physically and emotionally.

Dad, I am so grateful to you for providing for our family. At times you worked five jobs to support and the give us the best you could offer. I have many memories of Dad mostly consisting of sports in the backyard, singing songs in the car, family councils and building a huge snow fort with the metal swimming pool as the roof. I remember on hot summer days we would come home and dad would have all of us kids and him sit in the big swimming-trough pool with our clothes on. One of my favorite memories is going sledding on Richey's hill in the winter. We stayed there for hours and Dad was never in any rush to go.

He let us sled as long as we wanted. Dad also took Reagan and I skiing behind behind his truck on the country roads. That was such a rush. He attached ropes to the back of his truck and pulled us. It was such a blast!! I am so grateful that you taught me how to play basketball, softball and volleyball. It gave me self-esteem and carried me through my high school years. One thing that I will never forget is that you always called me princess growing up. You may not realize what an impact that had on me while I was younger and even through high school.

I always felt not quite pretty enough, but your praise gave me confidence and made me feel loved. I am sure all of us gave you a challenge. I know that I did, but you never gave up or called it quits. I remember you picking me up from high school in the middle of class and driving around, just to see if everything was going okay in school. I remember coming home from Junior Miss interview and dad kneeling in prayer in the backyard at the same time that I was in that interview. Thank you so much for your prayers and concern continually. You fought the fight and the battle was won. I am now raising a daughter that is a lot like me and I know that you guys laugh as you see me try to figure out how to raise her.

But, most importantly, both of you gave me one of the greatest gifts of all. The gospel of Jesus Christ is strong in my family and in me because I know how to live it because of you. Thank you for your persistence in raising me and for mom's close friendship growing up and especially now. I am starting to realize that mom and dad are not that intimidating anymore, now you are my best friends. I love you both with all my heart!!

All My Love,

Your daughter, Sharmy

Reagan Reynolds

Dear Mom and Dad,
As I grew up in our household I learned a great many things from our family. One of which is to never give up. I know that we had our times of trials, but we superceded those trials because we helped one another through everything. I often reflect on the time that we had when we actually came together for family home evening. Those times where we all chipped in to make sure each family home evening was an important one. Those times I can never forget. It's as if we were closer together because of those times that we spent together. Another time that I do remember that I knew was important, but usually made a joke of it, was the importance of having family counsel. Where we came together and expressed our thoughts as a family. And upon those thoughts, we set rules. Even though I made fun of them. For example, "Rule number 1,340,987." Then everyone would laugh. But you seemed really easy going if I did that. Which was every time.

I can never get past how close our family is to one another. If one of us are down we are there for them. We try to lift them up. It's like the Reynolds way. We are always there to help one another if we need or not actually.

I wanted to tell some things about mom. Mom you and I just seem to click. We always knew what the other is thinking and we always did stuff together. We were a team. We helped each other out whenever the other was down. You were the one that told me that I could overcome any obstacle that I am faced with as long as I persevere. You were always there even though I felt like I couldn't do it. Motivating me that I could. Believing in me. That is something that helped me to push forward. I thank you for your kind and patient heart. For loving me and helping me along through all the trials that I had. And still have for that matter, for I know that it is not easy but I know that together we can get through anything.

And dad, you are a person that knows so much that you know the right thing to do in every situation. When I have a situation and you give me counsel on what to do I think it wise to heed to that counsel. For I know that you give it in love and that you only want what is best for your family. I can recall the time that we built many things together. Those are the times that really stick out. Because we were a team. To help each other out. I think that we do many of those types of projects. Where we do help each other.

Something that I also thought about is during all the things that I did in my life I did many sports including soccer, wrestling, basketball, and roller blade hockey. Even though it was a lot to do and some of them cost a lot of money you guys were really supportive through it all. It was really fun to do all those things.

Another things that took a lot of support and you were always their for was my choir for all four years of high school. When I took that time to practice then had those performances you were there so that I could show that talent that I had.

Speaking of performances you were also there not only for choir but at the plays that I did as well. Mom you were so talented you even choreographed the dancing. That would have to take a lot of talent. A talent that not a lot of people have.

Something else that I remember, is when I was younger dad would come in to tuck me in. I finally got the courage to ask him to tell me a story and he did it for awhile afterward and I remember some of those stories to this day. They were really interesting. It helped me to be really imaginative. To actually tell stories to the students that I am teaching and I am also pretty good at writing poems.

The thing that I really liked is during the christmas season we all got together and we know what was going to happen. We all expected the "big" christmas dinner. And we exchanged gifts and we expect the yams (Brad) and the sauteed mushrooms (dad) and the slush (everyone else). Then when we were done we would open those presents. Which most of us knew pajamas. Booya comfy time. Then when 3:00 A.M. hit Brad and I would be the first ones up to organize the presents and go get everyone else up. Good old christmas'. That was fun.

I can also remember the time that we would jump off the roof and we would do flips and stuff. The one time that I declared that it would be the last one for the season because it was warming up and the snow was melting and when I got stuck on the edge of the roof. When all of you came out and made fun of me. I didn't like it but it is funny now.

Something that I was really well known for and to this day I am still. Is my song. The arithmetic song. As much as I hate to admit it, that is something that people liked me to do it.

Another thing that I liked to do ever since I was little was to savor my food. The way that I did it was to close my eyes when I ate my food and I would eat really slow to because of my esophagus so it made it look like I was really savoring the food. So well that just made it routine that I would do that like every time I ate.

Something else that was really funny when I was younger when I was in the bath tub and I slipped and I totally hit the side it was really bad. Then the time I did the splits in the bathroom was really bad to. But the point is, we all have really funny stories and we have a lot fun stories that we went through.

I just realize that our family has gone through a lot but that has brought us together. And together we can get through anything. Thank you for your love and guidance that you have given us all. Especially me.

Through helping me in my times of all my sicknesses including my seizures. My seizures being a big part of my life and still to this day. And the trial of the tumor. And how it affects my swallowing. And also the trial of almost dying when I was younger. And through all those you were always there praying and hoping for the best. Through that continuing faith it has helped me to continue. Thank you for being such amazing parents.

Your loving son,
Reagan