The Summer Travels Begin!

Memorial Day weekend I had the great opportunity to fly home to Cincinnati, and meet up with kids back home to attend the Kirtland YSA conference. What a great experience that was. I had great company for the 5 hour drive up to Kirtland, and then I got to meet up with a family I used to babysit for. It was so weird seeing how much they have grown up. I felt SO old!! Nevertheless, it was wonderful catching up with them, and seeing where life has taken them.

At the YSA Conference the keynote speaker was Brother John Bytheway, which if you don't know is a HUGE LDS author/speaker.. Some of his books had really helped me out in High School, and so it was really neat to see him speak in person. It was a perfect weekend, with just the right amount of fun/humor/friends/spirituality.. I'm so glad I went!! One of the main things that John Bytheway was speaking about was the power of our examples. His dad was in world war II and he wasn't a member of our faith, or any religion whatsoever, but there was this guy there that was a member of our faith, and he took John's dad to church with him aboard the ship. That young man later died, but it was his example that led his dad to later joining the church. He then mentioned that while he was on his mission he was told by a recent member to go to this man's house and speak to him. So they did, and he invited them in, but was very short and abrasive with the young missionaries. Brother Bytheway gets his flip chart out and it says "why are we here?" "What is the purpose in life?" and "Where are we going when I die?" He said the guy was astonished, and his eyes filled up with tears and he said your so young, how could you know this? He said his eyes filled with tears and he went in the other room to grab a book and the front page in his handwriting said "My eternal questions" and 3 of those 4 questions were on John's flip chart. It was at that moment I realized how much I have to be thankful for in my life. I've known since I was in diapers these questions that were this man's eternal questions.

We were also very blessed to be able to attend sacrament meeting inside the Kirtland temple. It was kind of over whelming to be singing "The Spirit of God" inside the Kirtland temple where the priesthood keys were restored once more to this dispensation. How much power had been restored in the very room I was in. It was quite the experience! It put me on a high that I needed to start learning my history again. There was a girl at the conference that bore her testimony about being a member for 2 months, and she spoke about being a nonbeliever in God or in any kind of religion. She spoke about the example of someone she loved that brought her into the church. She cried and pleaded with each of us to be that example, and to live up to who we are, because we need to be those examples and to bring others unto Christ. She then spoke of the immense peace and joy and "light" that she has in her life now, and everything is so much clearer and brighter. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room!

I was touched so deeply when we went to visit the John Johnson farm. It was there that Joseph was pulled out of his bed and yanked outside that cold night and tarred and feathered. It was there that many revelations occurred. There is an incredible spirit to be felt there, and I would encourage anyone to go! I'm so grateful for all those early saints that sacrificed so much so that we could have all that we enjoy today.

Sunday night we returned to my home town of Batesville, Indiana. I was so anxious to get home and to spend time with my family. It was so hard to know I would only be home a few days, and the majority of it would be 5 hours away at a conference. I was only in my home for a day and a half; however, I had the best time with my parents. Dad has been off work due to his recent surgery, so we got to spend a lot of quality time together. Mom and I exercised together, read scriptures together, had lots of quality time together on the deck observing all the BEAUTIFUL scenery that is the backdrop of my parents yard that is so breathtaking in my opinion. It is such a nice change to go from rather brown palm trees to beautiful, luscious greenery. I LOVE the greenery!!! One of my favorite parts of home! Monday night was Adam's 22nd birthday! I got to be there for that. Grandma Benham was able to come over and join us for dinner. I had missed her so much! We had the best conversations, and we talked about anything and everything and yet it was a deep fulfilling conversation. It was hard to say goodbye to her because I just wanted to go home with her and spend some time with her. Both of us teared up when we said our goodbyes. It was a very emotional goodbye this time leaving home, and I felt like it was in part due to my recent homesickness.

I love my dear family, and I couldn't imagine my life without the blessing of them in my life. They bring so much laughter, so much joy and so much fulfillment into my life. I'm so grateful to call them my own! :)

Out of the mouth of babes...

So Saturday we went to Aquatica (Sea World's water park) and it had been a BEAUTIFUl, and as typical in Florida it quickly clouded over and began to thunder and we got out of the pool for a little bit. Grace quickly told Kayla that she didn't need to fear over the thunder, it was just "Angels bowling in heaven" hahahhaha HOW CUTE!!! I'm not too sure where she heard that, but it cracked me up. We had a wonderful time being together and enjoying the lovely day. My nieces informed me that they were so grateful that I was their aunt and that if something happened to my sister they wanted me to raise them haha morbid little freaks!

More fun/funny moments with the nieces!!

Today is a BEAUTIFUL day here in central Florida, so I decided to go on my run earlier than normal. I took Chloe (Rusty's daughter) along with me to enjoy it all. She was passed out in the stroller after 10 strides! I looked down and her paci was plunging out of her mouth. She is such a delight! She stayed passed out for the whole hour and 20 min we were there. We got back to the car and she woke up to give me and huge grin and we were off to pick Grace (Lori's daughter) up from Preschool.

We stroll up to the pre-school and Grace is usually waiting for us and her teacher brings her out. I sat there for 5 min contemplating pulling Chloe out of her car seat, and investigating with my hot and steamy nasty-self! Just then Grace's teacher is carrying her to the car Grace holding her shoes on her belly while her buttcrack is exposed for the hole world to see I broke down laughing while her teacher explained they were cleaning up from their activity and Grace was a mess, so they had to clean her up (oh how typical that is). We get back to the house, and I am making lunch for Chloe and Grace while they are watching Dora the explorer. They were tying to teach the kids how to say "abajo" which means down.. Grace is being a good girl and repeating everything Dora is telling her to, and she looks at me and says, "Lydia, why does it sound like she says butthole?" HAHAHAHAHA I laughed so hard and had to call my sister to crack up at what she had just discovered! I don't know where she comes up with this stuff!

I love these kids! My life is never dull or boring with these girls!

Life is such a wonderful journey!

I'm so thankful to have this semester over! Even more thankful that I've concurred one of my biggest fears--MATH! For me, math has always been so abstract to grasp, but it is the only thing standing in my way of obtaining the degree that I want so badly. I knew that I had to face it head-on. I would get knots in my stomach just thinking about it, seriously. I would jump out of an airplane a hundred times before I would want to take a math class! Most people have a list of all these fears like speaking in front of large crowds, skydiving, spiders, Chucky etc. My only fears are Math and snakes! So to take this on caused me more anxiety than I would ever admit to anyone, but I went forward praying every step of the way. I would have to motivate myself to study for this ugly subject. if I didn't get an application of a concept, then I would study even harder. I got to know myself and my own willpower on a deeper level over the course of this semester. I had to learn to let things I desperately wanted to do go by the way side. I wanted to finish this, and prove to myself I could do it. I had found excuses for years as to why I didn't need to take the class after having signed up for it. I counted the other day, and I had dropped this very class 4 times previously WOW! What a nutcase, right?? I don't think anyone can understand my legitimate fear. I wasn't making it up at all.

I sucked it up, was usually early and attended EVERY class, sat at the front of the class (in a class I hated). I was even less excited that we had about 7 tests over the next 16 weeks. Not just little tests, BIG, HUGE 50 question tests.. My nerves were fried, but I kept a positive attitude about it, and tried to encourage myself. I studied my guts out, and some tests it didn't matter how hard I had studied, my hard work went un-rewarded. I remember going to the lake after getting my results with tears in my eyes asking heavenly father "why?". I had worked so hard and I couldn't understand why I wasn't being rewarded for all my efforts I had put forth. Couldn't he see I was trying? In Ether12:27 it says "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." That verse kept repeating over and over again in my mind.. I kept thinking okay, Lord how much more humbled do you need me to be? I have faith, that's the only reason I'm taking this class. I know I couldn't do it on my own. I've asked for you help, now where are you when I need you? (being a big brat). After thinking those thoughts I felt so guilty. How could I assume he had left me? He hadn't left me, he knew I had faith in him, and he just wanted me to know and understand that it wasn't my power that could make everything work out, that I had to put my total trust in him and his matchless power. I then had the courage to not give up, that he truly was with me, and would help me finish strong. I ended up having a successful grade after all my stress.

Moral of the story is this.. God gives us all weaknesses/fears/trials all of which to compel us to be humbled. All in hopes that we turn to him, walking forward in faith, trusting in his mercy and endless, yet matchless power. Whatever task is placed before us, we need to not fear, but exercise faith over fear, and when we do that we will be able to walk through those trials and tribulations that will be for our own growth and good.

Our JFK Legend

I found my grandfather's obituary online, so I figured I'd post it. I know it's been almost a year, but I've never seen a copy of it. Last Saturday they had his estate sale, which has had me thinking of him constantly. I know that it was just things that he collected, but it feels like another piece of him is gone forever. Things that held memories, are gone forever. I was unable to attend the auction because it was in Indiana and I'm preparing for finals. A few of my siblings attended, and they said there were stories all over the place being told of Grandpa, and their memories with him. Everyone of his guns were sold to his friends. One gun sold for almost 2k because everyone wanted something to remember him by. It was a horrible day as far as the weather was concerned, but that didn't hault the attendance. There were over 700 people there, and 400 registered bidders. When my sister was walking up to the house, she heard someone behind her say to his friend "I never knew this man, but everyone says he was a great man, and well loved." My sister then turned around and said "he was more than a great man, he was a legend". That he was! Loved by so many people! I know he is probably doing all those same things in heaven carrying on like always. I take great comfort in the gospel of Jesus Christ that affords me so much relief in these times. God be with him until we meet at Jesus feet.



John F. Kash, 71, of Milan, passed away at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at his home.He was born on October 23, 1937 to Caleb and Maud (Sebastian) Kash at their home in Sunman, Ind.He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Lawrence; sister-in-law, Patricia; and his niece, Pamela.He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Dorine; one sister, Lena Czimbal (Larry) of Muncie, Ind; two brothers, Leonard (Beverly) Kash and James (Eula) Kash of Milan; stepchildren, Linda (Larry) Weaver of Batesville, Donna (Frank) Ingram of Rockport, Ind., Brenda (Jerry) Johnson of Milan, Mark (Luann) Konradi of Milan, Randy Konradi of Dover, and Lisa (Steve) Williamson of Sunman; grandchildren, Chris (Linda) Campbell, Craig Campbell, Lori Campbell-Kennedy, Rusty (Christin) Weaver, Lydia Weaver of Florida, Adam Weaver of Batesville, Tonya Ingram of Indianapolis, Ronda (Cliff) Kennedy of Rockport, Ind., Tracy Johnson-Mullikin of Osgood, Liz (Paul) Roell of Milan, Nicholas (Angela) Johnson, of Milan, Danielle Konradi of Osgood, Chad and Brandon Konradi of Milan, and Abby Williamson of Sunman; seven nieces, four nephews, and 15 great-grandchildren.John was an active member of the Army Reserves before going to work at Philco in Connersville for 1 1/2 years, working with sheet metal. He worked for Benefit Company while he lived with his sister, Lena, for 8 years in Cincinnati. Next he traveled with Armco Steel for 1 1/2 years to different towns across the country. Once he finished with Armco, he worked in cement finishing for 26 years. He worked for Henry Rose Well Drilling for 10 years. John finished his career working in cement finishing for Force Construction until he retired due to throat cancer in 1990. He married his wife Dorine, on June 26, 1983.John has been an active Milan Legion Post 235 member for 42 years. John loved flying, hunting, his hunting dogs, fishing, going to auctions, flea markets, teaching his young neighbors many things and tinkering with what others may think of as junk, but to him they were treasures. John was proud to be a Registered Democrat, and wanted everyone to know it! The funeral service was held July 3 at the funeral home. Rev. Harris Long, pastor of First Baptist Church of Milan, officiated. Burial was in Craven Cemetery in Milan. Pallbearers were members of the Milan American Legion, Post #235.Memorial donations may be directed to Dearborn County Hospice or Milan Rescue 30. Please visit www.cookfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

The past few days I've wondered how much different motherhood will be from aunthood... I have so much fun being an aunt to my nieces and nephews. They bring such joy into my life.

I attended my 8 year old nieces school dance program. I was excited to meet the classmates my niece has described to me at various times throughout the year. Kayla was so happy and proud to see me. She motioned for me to come over to her and her classmates. She introduced me to all her classmates. I talked with them, gave them high fives for getting good grades on their spelling pre-tests, asked them about their dance etc. After I picked Kayla up from school that day, she laughed and said all my friends said they want an aunt just like you, and I'm so lucky to have such a fun aunt. It made me feel good that even at her age she still appreciates me.

I love how she loves me, and makes me feel so loved. I hope she always feels that way. I have such a deep love for my nieces and nephews. Its hard for me to comprehend that my love for my own children will someday be even stronger. We all went out to dinner the other night, and Kayla and I arrived before everyone else, so we had some nice time to chat. She told me she thought I should work in a restaurant because I look good in an apron hahaha! I said well Kayla, I like to travel a lot I don't think I could do all I want to on that salary. Her reply was well then get a second job at Publix, then you could get cheap food! haha Why didn't I think of that? :) She also told me who she thought would make a great husband for me, and was telling me all the pros as to why that should work out haha.. I got to talk with her about where I want to get married, and why it is important to get married in the temple, the house of God. I got to tell her why learning about the real meaning of Easter is important. She is such a delight, and a spiritual giant at such a young age! She is at such a fun age! She can talk grown up, and she can reason pretty well, but she still has the innocents of a child. I'm grateful to my sister for allowing me to be so involved in their lives. I can't imagine my life without the blessing of these girls. They have taught me so much, and have shown me a love I've never before experienced. Its not just my nieces, I have very special nephews too! I just don't have the privilege of living with them too. My family has been blessed with the best, choice little children, and I'm so glad I get to call them mine! My siblings let me play with them and teach them funny tricks that sometimes get them in trouble-- Ex: I have these things called "pop pops" that I purchased in Indiana, and they are like snapping pops on steroids. (Sound identical to a 22 shotgun) I have had so much fun throwing them at both those I know, and perfect strangers frightening nearly anyone within hearing distance. Everyone thinks a real gun has gone off.. Lori, was on the phone with State Farm technical support outside (for a computer problem with her agency) , and Kayla found one I had left in the car, and decided to scare her mommy. She threw it down and Lori jumped and screamed and scared the guy on the phone half to death! Leaving him with a few accidental choice words hahaha!! .. Lori came in the house all upset and told me I needed to stop because she talks to important people on the phone, and I need to set a better example on that. I just looked dead at her and busted up laughing!! (which she ended up laughing too). Kayla came in my room to hid, and crack up laughing because she knew I wouldn't yell at her, and would tell her "good job!" accompanied with a high five and tons of laughter! I love these kids :)

What can I say? she knows I'm cool! ;)

I'm a pretty lucky girl

I was fortunate enough to have lots of family down this past month. My mom was down here for nearly 3 weeks, and although I didn't get as much time with her as I would have liked, it was great to be with her for whatever amount of time. My sister had surgery, which was for the most part, the reason for her trip. Lori wouldn't be able to drive for 6 weeks, so with me being in school it would have proved very difficult for me to cover all the rides the kids needed, and various other taxing responsibilities. When mom flew out, she met dad in the Orlando airport handed him the car keys just as he got off the plane, and just before she flew back home. He then drove back to our house. We were lucky enough to be able to spend my dad's 69th birthday with him here in Florida. He came in the day after my race, and his birthday was the upcoming Friday. I knew I wanted to do something that showed my gratitude towards him for all that he had helped me with not only over the weekend, but throughout my life. It was the day before his birthday, and I had 30 minutes before I left for school so I decided I would write him something. It's not my best work, but I didn't have time to make it perfect; however, it was from my heart. I'm only putting this on my blog so I have record of it in a safe place. I don't mean to come off as being too public, and I appoligize if anyone thinks so. Here it is...

The First Man I Ever Loved

The first man I ever loved held me just minutes after I was born

The first man I ever loved saw a mirrored version of
Himself through my eyes all dressed in pink frills

The first man I ever loved taught me how to ride a bike when all the other kids my age were learning to walk.

The First Man I ever loved taught me by example that it was important to read my scriptures to know and understand my savior

The First man I ever loved taught me hard work and motivation was very important in life.

The first man I ever loved taught me the meaning of the word “You’re puking crazy.”


The first man I ever loved taught me to honor the Priesthood of God, and that it was again restored to the earth.

The first man I ever loved showed me obstacles were meant to be jumped over, climbed over, blown up and a part of history.

The first man I ever loved showed me in order to live life to the fullest; you’ve got to have extreme adventure.

The first man I ever loved believed in me when others said it couldn’t be done.


The first man I ever loved showed me by example that when life throws us lemons, we make lemonade.

The first man I ever loved has always been a caretaker, and a loving helping hand to those in need.

The first man I ever loved has Christ-like charity for all he comes into contact with

The first man I ever loved taught me many things that will always be a part of who I am.

The first man I ever loved is my hero in the highest regard. He is not only my hero; he is the man that I am lucky enough to call my father.

I will forever be thankful for this man of great honor and integrity that has blessed my life beyond measure.
All my love, your “little girl”