FATHER'S DAY

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, June 21, 2015, TO EACH OF YOU FATHERS WHO READ THIS!
TUESDAY, 16 JUNE, 2015

WE Safely arrived back to our cave after traveling to Arizona.  It took us a day to get to Joseph City and we stayed a couple of days and then trekked back to Oklahoma yesterday.  The temperature stayed perfect in Arizona....except right after the reunion picnic, then we had a storm and wind, but it only lasted about 20 minutes...so we were blessed.
Our first item of business, once we arrived in Arizona was to take our sister in law Karen and her daughter Nancy to dinner.  We drove into Holbrook to Romo's Mexican Restaurant.  It was a quaint little home town restaurant.  I don't know if we just ordered weird or what, but it took over an hour to get our food, so we weren't too impressed.  The food was good but I still wonder why it took so long to get it to us.

Our niece Nancy enjoyed being out and greeted many at the restaurant that she knew.  That made the wait bearable.

Saturday we began the day by attending a viewing for Nellie Dalton Bushman.  She passed away at almost 85 years of age.  Her birthday is in August.  She and her husband had 8 children and a slew of grandchildren.  She has 94 great-grandchildren!  It was fun to visit with several of her family.  Her husband Virgil was the Scout Master for over 45 years!  All Grandpa Arthur's brothers and him enjoyed camping and hiking with Nellie's husband.  Now after many years Virgil and Nellie are together again...nice.

We then went on up to Holbrook to the 1960's Holbrook High School  reunion.  The picture below was taken at the Holbrook Petrified Forest Store.  I told Grandpa Art that we were about to be visiting with all his dinosaur friends...so we enjoyed seeing these statues!

There were so many homes that had hollyhock flowers surrounding them.  They were just beautiful.

When we got to the reunion and were visiting Jon & Nancy Clark showed up.  Both Art and I were thrilled to visit with them.  Nancy wore Jon's old letter sweater and that was a big hit with everyone!  Jon's oldest daughter's daughter just made Jon a great grandpa and he was just thrilled to be telling about that new little baby boy!  Just a note Jon had cut two of the tips of his fingers off with his saw blade.  He had to have skin grafts etc.  They looked really discussing, but Jon can still use his hand.  Just like our son in law, Michael, Jon no longer is allowed to use that saw!  Too scary!

This is the back of the sweater Nancy wore.  It was so fun to visit with Nancy.  At least I knew someone that was at this reunion!  Thank's for attending the reunion Nancy and Jon, it was so good to see you both.

Art ordered us both t shirts to wear.  The background is really blue....not gray like it looks here.

Anyway, it was fun to be a part of the roadrunner logo and enjoy Grandpa's old memories of years gone by.

This is the roadrunner baseball field...right at the base of the canyon hills.

While we were feasting at the luncheon, this bird flew down and brushed through my hair.  At first it freaked me out, but he landed right next to us on the table and just stayed there for about ten minutes. Everyone tried to feed him, but he just sat there.  Then when the wind came up and the storm started he flew quickly away.  That was an interesting moment.

We went to church with Karen and Nancy on Sunday.  They are members of The Midway Ward.  Karen taught the best lesson ever in Sunday School "Inherit the Kingdom Prepared for You."  You are a great teacher, Karen, and it was so good to be a student in your class.  Both speakers in Sacrament and our Relief Society teacher were speaking in front of the congregation for the first time.  They all did such a great job.  Precious memories were shared.  During the talks, on family, in Sacrament meeting, I heard my dad say, "remember your little brother".  I thought that a interesting thought.  Immediately I knew, I had forgotten that today was my little brother Terry's 59th Birthday.
Terry had thick curly blond hair as a boy!

 This is a picture of he and his wife Jill at their youngest son's wedding.  Happy Birthday Terry and Happy Father's Day to you too.  You are loved here and here after!  We hope you had the best Birthday ever and the coming year brings you health and joy, love you & Jill too.

 Karen gave me an instrument to help me to be able to open jar and bottle lids.  She is such a generous and kind Sister in Law.  Thank you for your example, Karen.
My brother, Terry's birthday is on flag day.  Karen Bushman has a flag pole in front of her home.  She raised the flag every morning for years.  She is in her 70's.  Her daughter, Joyce, gave her a light for the flag.  She really enjoys her flag and the light.  All the neighbors like the pole flag too.  It looked beautiful in the evenings.

We returned home on Monday.  Grandpa Arthur woke me at 3:15 AM and we drove back to Oklahoma.  We got stuck in Albuquerque, New Mexico for over an hour and so it was a 12 1/2 hour ride home.  

 I picked my first New York tomato off the plant I so carefully brought from our mission.  It tasted delicious.  The vines are not doing well in this heat, however, and
I doubt we will get much of a crop off them.

Out by the gully, in our yard, there was this dinosaur tree branch...ha.  So I went to investigate which

classmate had followed us home?  There was a huge tree that had fallen in the gully and this was the part that landed on our yard.

This picture doesn't do justice...it sort of looks like an open mouthed snake!  Needless to say, Grandpa Arthur was thrilled that the rest of the tree is mostly in the gully, so he won't have to saw much of it.

I was able to read four books as we traveled.  I loved reading about "The Women Who Pioneered Oklahoma" edited by Terri M. Baker and Connie Oliver Henshaw.   So many of the first pioneers of Oklahoma lived in dug outs....I kept wondering what they would think of our "dug out" that we reside in.  It tore at my heartstrings to read and ponder the hard life these women survived in and some who gave their lives trying but lost this battle.  It is a story of those who came to this area over the Trail of Tears, land runs, in wagons, on foot, in barges, and in trains.  They truly were an inspiration and because of their faith and determination I was blessed to raise Grandpa Arthur's and my children in this choice land.
"If wisdoms ways you wisely seek,
Five things observe with care,
To whom you speak, Of whom you speak,
And how and when and where."
--Caroline Lake Ingalls
This quote is profound and I am so glad it was included in this book.
I ALSO READ "OKLAHOMA IS WHERE I LIVE" by a Dr. Gary D. Conrad.  He lives here in Edmond, OK  The book was published in 2013.  Dr. Andrew Weil expressed my feelings about this book, so I include his words.  "Gary Conrad is a storyteller in the Oklahoma tradition of Will Rogers.  He shares his very personal experiences and the insights and wisdom he has gained as a compassionate physician and spiritual seeker. A satisfying read.  Happy Father's day Doc Conrad!  This is a good book to read and ponder.  I am a biased OKIE... I loved this book.
A light fun read: "Old Maid of Honor" by Heather Horrocks 2012; Humorous and compassionate.
Finally, "The Message " by Lance Richardson 2000  This is an Idaho Falls, Idaho gentleman who died and came back to life.  His story is totally what I expect to happen when I pass from this life on to the next sphere...if I don't get to twinkle.  This book brings understanding of why I even take the time to blog.  This life is a test...how are each of you doing as you take this difficult exam?

My lovely friend, Laurie Bithell had a birthday.  She sent me a gift.  I get a visor...she got a card.  Thank you Laurie...you are a great friend and I love you!

WEDNESDAY, 17 June 2015
"Bill" the current storm is rising from the coast of Houston and is coming up to our area today.  This area is going to get saturated.  Our yard is going to love it.  Our home, not so much.  Our leak will be tormenting us for the next couple of days.  Right at the moment, it is a beautiful misty rain.
Last evening, the Hutto's phoned and asked if a medical student they help could stay at our home.  Their son, Joseph, and his family left Nauvoo and came to the Hutto's for the evening.
So Ben Roberts a Ear, Nose and Throat intern hunkered into the cave and spent the evening here.
He has 4 children and he and his amazing spouse have been residing in Tulsa for the last seven years.  He has 2 more years left in his residency.  Blessings to you and your family Ben.  Glad to have met you!
I did my laps at the Y this morning and Grandpa Art ran on the tread mill and cut more of the tree into logs.  It is a cloudy, misty, beautiful day in Edmond, OK for a couple of old Okies!

Grandpa and I took a few minutes this morning and drove up the road to Providence Farms.  I have been meaning to go there for awhile.  Farmer Chris was out in the yard with his three children.  He and his wife Jennifer have 2 boys and a girl.  Chris is obviously raising children more than a garden and I enjoyed watching them all helping their dad.  One son was out hoeing weeds in the corn..which Grandpa thought we should return for as soon as it is ready.  Grandpa asked Chris how he keeps all the critters and deer from eating his produce.  I liked Chris's answer, "I plant enough that I can share with them too!"  Happy Father's Day to Chris.  May your children realize the blessing they have in parents like you.  Thank you for opening your garden to the public too.
Chris and his daughter.

Purple potatoes?  This Idaho girl had to purchase some of those too.

Grandpa helped me wash our purchases.  The purple potatoes and turnip are in the crock pot and
the vegies will be cooked this evening.   we popped the ends off the beans and will enjoy those this evening too....yummy


As we drove up to the cave from the farm...a hibiscus greeted us!
Our yard is looking good...

Thought I would check on Heather's family today.
Lily went to soccer camp.
Leif was going to his first cub day camp...yes, he was excited...had on the hat Aunt Allyson sent to him.  He looks great! He said he loved the camp!

Can you tell Dad is a dentist and loves his children?  Happy Father's Day Mike!  Ha, ha, I love the headgear!

THURSDAY, 18 June 2015
Tropical "Bill" misted here all morning but the sun kept trying to appear in the afternoon.   Had the best Relief Society meeting tonight...on visiting teaching.
 I watched  a video that was perfect for Fathers Day.  I Believe Our Heavenly Father created a most magnificent planet for us to reside on.  If you believe, please watch this great video! http://www.andiesisle.com/creation/magnificent.html
FRIDAY, 19 June 2015
Grandpa and I spent the first part of the day doing ordinances in the temple.  It felt good to be back within the walls of the Oklahoma Temple.  Our life revolves around the temple and we have missed it.  Helping others to become forever families is just a good work to do.  I hope those of you who read this make time to visit the temple.  "I love to see the temple...."  "This is Our Father's House..."
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER

SATURDAY, 20 June 2015
Beautiful sunny day and Grandpa Art has about finished mowing the lawn again for about the third time this week and it looks awesome!
This evening we have the adult session of Stake Conference.
To end this blog I would like to pay tribute to the other fathers in my life.  First is my father David.  He passed away at age 41, way too young to spend much time with his children.  I love him dearly.

Grandpa Arthur's father Elwin was a powerful influence on us both and he also passed away before our children got to know him.  Because of his example we have been blessed to serve in the temple.

Malcolm was one of the step-fathers I have been blessed with in this life.  His self portrait (before cell phones) says it all.  He is unique and I find he endeared himself to our family.  I'm sure he is enjoying being in the realms on high!

Grandpa Arthur has been such a devoted father to his children and grandchildren.  Grandpa is truly loved by each of us.  Happy Father's Day to the wonderful man I married.  He gave me the honor of being a mother to each of our beloved children.  No greater glory could be mine.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY ARTHUR VERN BUSHMAN 

Happy Fathers Day to each of my sons!  Our hearts rejoice this great weekend.

Last, but far from least. June 21st is my mother Sharlene's birthday.
She is responsible for giving me hope and understanding as I dwell on this earth with all of you.  She died before all her grandchildren got to know her too...but as summer begins, each year, her children remember her and call her blessed.  I love and miss her too.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOTHER !
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

Children & Grandchildren, remember you are never alone.  You have heavenly parents and grandparents who love you and are watching over you, in heaven, even as I write this.  "You are a heritage of The Lord".
Oh, Happy Anniversary on the 21st to our Ryan and Sarah too!

Two Okie's say, "what a week this has been".  Enjoy your families and remember to tell your children you love them.
Hug's,
Grandpa Arthur & Grandma Gene
Art & Gene

JUNE IS BUSTIN' OUT ALL OVER

TUESDAY, 9 June, 2015

It is a beautiful day in Edmond, OK.  The temperature is about 96 degrees. we had an air-conditioning repairman check and clean our conditioners today, so hopefully we can reside in the cave comfortably this summer.  I gave the repairman a gardenia to put in his truck.  He said he lived in Hawaii for a couple of years and still remembers the smell of flowers as he got off the plane.  His truck should smell great today with this heat!   Thank's for making our home comfortable! 

Sunday, Grandpa Arthur's 69th Birthday, we celebrated by having dinner with our two children that reside in Edmond, Heather and Ryan, plus we fed our two ward Missionaries. The photo is of Elder Holbrook and Elder Neyes.  Elder Holbrook is from Payson, Utah.  Sunday the brothern dedicated the new Payson Temple.  Elder Holbrook said his home is  within  walking distance of the new temple!

Elder Neyes is originally from Peru.  He has lived in America for about eight years.  His family now resides in the state of Washington.  I don't remember the name of the city.  He speaks perfect English.  They were a delight to feed and visit  with.  Thank you Elder's for your faithfulness and example to our  seven grandchildren that dined with us. 

 After a ping pong tournament the Elders gave us a great message about the gospel "having faith in 

our trials".  Then Elder Neyes closed our time together by offering a prayer in Spanish.  Both Mike Hansen and Ryan Bushman speak Spanish as a second language, so they requested this.  Ryan even

served his mission in Peru, so this evening brought enjoyable memories back to him. 

On Monday evening  we got together with Kenneth and Karen Hutto and Mary Newman for our monthly Home Evening together.  Karen had a delicious meal for us to enjoy.  Thank you Karen for being such a great cook and being so kind to share with us.  She made Grandpa Arthur his own pineapple pie!  Now that is true friendship.  Then we all got serious and studied the conference talk by Elder Richard G. Scott.  This was given in the October 2014 conference.

"MAKE THE EXERCISE OF FAITH YOUR FIRST PRIORITY"

"We live in trying times. I need not list all of the sources of evil in the world. It is not necessary to describe all of the possible challenges and heartaches that are a part of mortality. Each of us is intimately aware of our own struggles with temptation, pain, and sadness.

We were taught in the premortal world that our purpose in coming here is to be tested, tried, and stretched.  We knew we would face the evils of the adversary. Sometimes we may feel more aware of the negative things of mortality than we are of the positive. The prophet Lehi taught, “For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things.”  Despite all of the negative challenges we have in life, we must take time to actively exercise our faith. Such exercise invites the positive, faith-filled power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ into our lives."

He then reminded us of the tools Heavenly Father has given us, in this life, to help us:

Prayer, Scripture Study, Home Evenings and Temple Attendance.

Little did we know that this would be Elder Scott's final address to us.  It was good to study his words and

his teachings last evening.  Thank you for your example Elder Scott.  We pray The Lord's blessings to be with you as you go through this final challenge of enduring the trials of this life.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Grandpa Arthur decided to walk over to our daughter Heather's home to visit this afternoon.  He was back  within ten minutes.  I said, "That was a short visit.  He said, "four women with their children came to go swimming.  I left after a quick visit with the mothers. " 
We started getting the tree cut down.  It was so hot out we didn't make a lot of progress yet.  Grandpa Arthur's saw needs a sharper more fitting chain.   The tree is still huge.  We are going to need a log splitter as the base is big! 

Grandpa Arthur's saw needs a chain repair, but we are waiting for a new credit card to arrive.  Ha!

We are going to make this log pile huge...for our winter comfort!

A company came and sprayed for crab grass last Friday.  It is looking very burned in this heat. The crab grass on our lawn, which grew while we were on our mission, is dying from the destroying spray.  It is working.  Our lawn just might grow lush and green now...if we ever see rain again!

WEDNESDAY,  10 June 2015

We are blessed as a family to have Sarah and Tanner in our family.  Today is their, respective, birthdays.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR DAUGHTER-IN-LAW SARAH SHANLEY CAMERON

BUSHMAN!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR GRANDSON ARTHUR TANNER BUSHMAN!

We love and enjoy our treasures on this earth...our children and grandchildren!  We are thankful for the temple ordinances that bring us comfort in having our family forever!

Last evening our Hansen grandchildren phoned and asked us to come and swim with them.  They get so enthusiastic when someone gets in the pool with them.  I prefer watching from the side lines.  They had a great swim and I had some extra cuddles as I wrapped them in towels when they were done.  As I watched them swim, I said a silent prayer of thanksgiving for the blessing of this pool in their lives.  It was just a delight to see their joy.


The pool water is now about 87 degrees.  I pondered that all night.  This morning I chose to swim at Heather's rather than in the cooler water at the Y.  I arrived a little after 6 AM.  I had the most delightful swim ever.  I swam for about an hour, me and the beetles.  Did you know that beetles swim?  Ha...I even learned something today.  The birds were tweeting and the dawn was making an appearance.  As I walked past the chicken coop I noticed all were still sleeping there too.  As I wandered back to the cave, the rooster and the hen's greeted me with their noise.  Grandpa Art was already outdoors sawing away on the old tree. We had our morning prayer outdoors. We both recognize the blessings that are abundant in our lives today. We are grateful for the temple and our covenants made there.  An early outdoor swim is a great way to begin a morning!
THURSDAY, 11 June 2015
I swam again this mornin' and listened to the wind brush the branches of the trees...I rescued three little frogs from drowning and praised the God who made this beautiful summer day for all to enjoy!
My daughter in law felt terrible on her birthday so I took her children to my daughters to swim last evening.  Here is a couple of pictures of Grandpa Art and I caring for five of our grandchildren last night.
Don't they look like the perfect angels that they are?

 Why won't you swim with us Grandma Gene,,,,We are having so much fun...ha!

 
 We are leaving in the morning for Joseph City, Arizona.  For the Holbrook High School 50th reunion...for those who graduated in the 1960's!  Grandpa Arthur is looking forward to seeing his old friends in their older generational habitats.  "June is Bustin' out all over!"
Beep, Beep!

Enjoy your weekend and know that life is good in The Arthur Bushman household.  We send greetings your way and pray for your protection and happiness daily.  Remember to tell your children you love them...beep...beep!

Hug's always,

Grandma Gene & Grandpa Arthur Bushman

Art and Gene

GRANDPA ARTHUR'S BIRTHDAY MONTH

MONDAY, 1 June 2015

I think the State of Oklahoma is going to dry out and absorb all this moisture, finally!  Hopefully 

the summer rains  will be a little more gentle and kind to this land of promise. 

 

Elder L. Tom Perry's funeral will be held on Friday, 5 June 2015.  I will be looking forward to viewing this memorial to this great leader.  I'm not sure Grandpa can watch in Denmark, so will try and tape it for him to view later.  **I  watched the funeral on Friday.  It  was a beautiful memorial
service.  The flowers  were beautiful and I can just hope his spouse, Barbara,  was comforted by 

the arrangements she made.  The brethren comforted all with their words. God is good to us as a 

people.

"There was no chink in L. Tom Perry’s armor; there was no guile in his soul; there was no flaw in his character. He loved the Lord with all his heart and soul and served Him with all his might to the very end of his mortal life.” —President Thomas S Monson

Grandpa visited the "Church of Our Lady" in Copenhagen.  This is  where the first statue of Christ as a
resurrected being  was displayed.  Grandpa Arthur thought it a great tribute to Christ's life.

He took a picture of the Apostle Peter holding the keys of the Priesthood that Christ bestowed
on all the Apostles.  

THURSDAY, 4 June 2015
Laurie Bithell (center) came to town for a visit.  She arranged for a few of our friends to have lunch with us.  We had a great time, yesterday.  They even shared gifts with me...that made me feel kind of bad as I just came with Laurie, but it was so good to visit with these lovely ladies.  Thank you for the fun memories!

We also stopped and visited with our friend Ruby who was having a birthday yesterday.  We hope you had a good birthday, Ruby, and hope you have a healthy and peaceful year.  Happy Birthday Ruby!

I also finished my 750 piece puzzle last evening.  I let Laurie place the last three pieces.  Hurrah, I finished this before Grandpa returned from Denmark.

I have been trying to do some indexing, arbitration and Family Search work this week also.  I have been learning about several family members and their lives.  We are blessed to have a good heritage and many of them left journals so we can learn of their experiences while here on earth.  I hope with all the indexing and arbitration projects that we finish that many of you can learn more about your departed family members too.  The Spirit of Elijah is alive and well in this sacred work.

I copied these next words from a friend in New York, Jenifer Moss, she is wise beyond her years.
"I come from a long line of POWERFUL women.  I have felt them surrounding me during my moments of greatest trial.  I know they pushed me up when I couldn't stand.  Even today, when I wonder if I can possibly do what I need to do, I feel the army of women that I have marching forward with me.  "We've got this!" they whisper and I know it is true.  We CANNOT FAIL, because we are on the winning team.  Light always defeats darkness." 

"Elisha the prophet was surrounded by the whole Syrian army determined to kill him. He reassured his worried and only companion, who was busy counting Syrian heads, that when we are on the Lord’s side, regardless of numbers or worldly power, we are in the majority. I testify that the consoling words of Elisha to his young friend are still true today: “They that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kgs. 6:16). The Lord will surround and protect our young people with chariots of fire, as He did for Elisha, in the form of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, leaders, and friends who will vigorously love them and lead them."
(From this beautiful talk "Fear Not; For They That Be With Us Are More")
If you struggle in your life, "Hold On"  You too have family, on the other side, who are cheering you on.

Life is good, even when it gives us scars.  Ouch!  And then there is the story of pioneer women on the Oklahoma Frontier.  Now I have a new library card...my research has begun.
FRIDAY, 5 JUNE 2015
Last night my Breathe easy snorkel arrived in the mail.  I immediately went to Heather's pool and tried this out.  It felt good.  So this morning I did my laps with it on.  This snorkel is so great.  At first I felt like I    was claustrophobic, but then I began to breathe better and off I swam!  I'm sure I look like an alien, but being odd is alright when it helps me feel so much better!  I have to admit that when I first put it on I thought of the death masks they made of Hyrum and Joseph Smith before they buried them.   Even more so they remind me of the gas masks from the  world wars! I'm sure this snorkel would be perfect to snorkel in as all the objects in the ocean could be viewed, whatever, I do not breathe in water, it is awesome.



I have spent several days cleaning up tree limbs that Art paid to have cut down.  Jacob & Luke, two of my grandsons, have been helping me.  It is over 90 degrees outside now, so their kindness is appreciated.  I have tons of mosquito bites and a wasp sting to show for my efforts.  How is all your outdoor efforts going?
Jake found a tree with twirley gigs!
Luke is our busy helper.

So many limbs to clean up.

SATURDAY, 6 June 2015
Grandpa Art & Eric are on their way home from Denmark.  They missed the plane from Germany & had to arrange another flight, so they will be a little longer arriving.  I'm watching "ET...phone home" (as Elliot said, I  will believe in you all my life, I love you! Remember the amazing bike ride?) as I pass the day waiting.  Grandpa made it home by 10:00 pm.  Heather, our daughter, drove me to the airport to pick up her dad.  He lost his contents of his wallet and didn't notice till coming to the car, so the first thing he did upon arriving home was cancel our credit card...so fun to end a vacation that way!
SUNDAY, 7 June 2015
HAPPY 69TH BIRTHDAY GRANDPA ARTHUR

HE GOT THE BEST PRESENT EVER!  The airport phoned and said the articles he had lost were found again.  Happy Birthday Grandpa...his faith in humanity was restored on this birthday!

Today is also the dedication of the Payson, Utah temple.  This will be the temple of our former temple President in Palmyra, President Brighton.  After their release, in November, they will move to the Payson Temple area.  It is a beautiful temple with an apple blossom theme.  Hosannah... to God and The Lamb!

Enjoy the remainder of Grandpa Arthur's Birthday month.  May the Son shine in your lives and the Spirit bring you hope and peace.  Remember to tell your children you love them.  If you are having a difficult month, remember "This too shall pass."  Just Believe and remember you too are loved.

Hug's always,

Arthur and Gene

Grandpa Arthur and Grandma Gene