Federer Homestead Book #14

Edna and Theodore's last child,

the baby of the family...

Mabel Katherine Federer Dangerfield

Aunt Kay was born December 22, 1939

Grandma was 41 and this pregnancy was more difficult for her. However she was so happy to have another daughter!

Grandma was not feeling well so Grandpa took her town. I am not sure where she stayed. Fran and Whitey Christensen, good neighbors and friends took the other children until Aunt Kay was born.

Whitey took some of the children to see Santa at Penney's. They were frightened to death of what they thought was a monster! Aunt Bernice somehow controlled her emotions but Uncle Bub began to scream and hang on to Whitey's leg. He was crying and said, "Please Whitey, don't let him get me!" Whitey just laughed and laughed! I can't imagine my big, tough cowboy uncle afraid of Santa. Well, he was only three!

Aunt Kay was named after Grandma's sister. She was suppose to be Sharon Kay, so she immediately got the nickname Kay.

She had beautiful red hair and penetrating blue eyes. Her brothers did tease her endlessly because of her red hair. Dang boys!

Kay and Bernice with Andy the Antelope.

Bernice and Kay

I love this picture of Aunt Kay
with her nephew Jerry!

And this darling picture, notice the curl in the middle of her forehead. And when she was good she was very good and when she was bad she was very bad!

Another picture I love, it shows so much of the early homestead.

Aunt Kay worked many years as a registered nurse. She went to Denver for nursing school. Grandma was sad to have her leave home. She didn't really want any of her children too far away. I know she was very proud of Aunt Kay. She was respected in her field and gave many patients excellent care.

I love Aunt Kay. She has a fun sense of humor. She is compassionate and is devoted to her children and grandchildren.

Quote for the Week - Faith

I just finished reading "Have a Little Faith" by Mitch Albom. This book is really good and it seemed like every page had a great line or phrase that I loved.

"It is far more comforting to think God listened and said no, than to think that nobody’s out there" (p. 82).
"If we tend to the things that are important in life, if we are right with those we love and behave in line with our faith, our lives will not be cursed with the aching throb of unfulfilled business. Our words will always be sincere, our embraces will be tight. We will never wallow in the agony of 'I could have, I should have.' We can sleep in a storm. ...And when it's time, our goodbyes will be complete." (page 93)

Quote for the week

There are no regrets in life, just lessons. 

“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.”

~ Alexander Graham Bell

Awhile ago, an “American Idol” show featured a man who cracked under the pressure of the Hollywood round, and he voluntarily took himself out of the running at that point to preserve his sanity. When he walked back into the 
testing room for the next year’s audition, he explained to the judges that he had awakened every day since that fateful decision, and had regretted not seeing the competition through. He said that he was there to try out again to prove to himself that he wasn’t a quitter, or to avoid living with any more regrets. He sang his heart out, made it through to the Hollywood round again, and walked out with tears streaming down his face, saying he had just “won,” regardless of the final outcome of this year’s show.

Occasionally I here someone say they don't have any regrets. How is that possible? There is no such thing as a life without any regrets. I have regretted decisions made in haste, things I have said, being afraid to try new things and sometimes my actions. Regrets can become either burdens that interfere with your present happiness and restrict your future, or motivation to move forward. I think the secret is to keep trying and to always be moving forward. I pray for the courage to live just for today without regrets!

I have regretted not visiting my Dad's wife, Alice and much I probably should. So Friday I drove to Ogden to see her. She is very ill with osteoporosis and it has left her completely bedridden. Going to Ogden is never easy for me because that is where Dad passed away. That is where he spent the last three weeks of his life. However, I am so glad I went. Alice and I had a nice visit. She remains positive and happy despite her present circumstances. She has a strong testimony and tremendous faith.

I really do want to live my life without serious regrets, no unfinished business 

 ... just for today.

Birthday Girl!

The birthday girl wanted us to have lunch with her at her new home. The staff at the Parklane sent us all a lovely invitation.

Johnnie Belle Holley Williams turned 89 yesterday. She had her hair done that morning and is looking beautiful. Really, she is 89!

They had a private room that was all decorated and ready for a party!

Just a few of us could get away from work and other commitments. But we enjoyed having lunch with our sweet mom and grandmother.

Thanks to the staff at the Parklane especially Courtney, Jamie and Matthew for helping make this a special day for Johnnie Belle.

Quote for the week

This is my favorite new motto!! I think the message is a good one, especially in uncertain times like these.

Original WWII Poster ~ The words seem to be exactly what people crave hearing at the moment - "Keep Calm and Carry On". The original poster was red, with a white crown and white writing. It was designed to help calm jangled nerves in England if the Germans landed on British shores - but they never did, so the poster was never used.

In the Spring of 1939, with war against Germany all but inevitable, the British Government's Ministry of Information commissioned a series of propaganda posters to be distributed throughout the country at the onset of hostilities. It was feared that in the early months of the war Britain would be subjected to gas attacks, heavy bombing raids and even invasion. The posters were intended to offer the public reassurance in the dark days which lay ahead.

Save the Date!

SAVE THE DATE !

FEDERER FAMILY REUNION

August 13, 2010 Lions Park Cheyenne, Wyoming Beginning at 3:00

To all the descendants of Theodore and Edna Federer:

You are warmly invited to a reunion to commemorate the 100 year Anniversary of the Theodore Federer Homestead.

In was the year 1910 when Theodore filed his homestead claim on the land he would live and raise a strong family. We cannot let this important anniversary pass without a celebration!

The State of Wyoming will be recognizing this 100 year anniversary at the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas on August 14, 2010.

Look in your mailbox for an invitation with more information later this year. T-shirts will also be available for each family member.

Eileen Federer Williams is compiling a book to honor Edna and Theodore. It will available to order online. You will be notified when it is available and how to place an order. The book will focus on Edna, Theodore and their children.

Questions?

You may email Eileen Federer Williams (eileenrwilliams@msn.com)

or Kay Federer Dangerfield

(reddangerfield08@aol.com).

Federer Homestead Book #13

Now that the holidays are over, I have got to resume work on the Federer Homestead Book...

Next spotlight is on:

Carl Louis Federer

Uncle "Bub" as we call him was born July 3, 1936. Another boy!

Carl with June Christensen ~ an important day in their young lives!

Bub was a darling cowboy and always dressed the part. He was loved and admired by all. Mrs. Garton was especially close to him, as she was the one to deliver him.

One day he went riding and was thrown. He landed on his elbow hitting a rock. He was in the hospital for weeks and was finally able to come home. He went to Mrs. Garton's home to recuperate. She carried him up and down the stairs to the bathroom and outside for fresh air. After his arm had mended and the cast was removed, he went home. I wish I would have known Mrs. Garton. She was a dear friend to our family!

Uncle Dale, Uncle Bub, Dad and my oldest brother Kenny.

All of Uncle Bub brothers coached him and he became a tough guy. He was a hard worker and at an early age was always trying to do what the older boys did. He was driving the hay truck when he was barely big enough to reach the pedals!

Carl with his Dad and the F.F.A steers.

Grandpa was very fond of him. From the time he could walk he went everywhere with Grandpa. He would go to town with him to deliver the milk.

Carl and his F.F.A. class

When Carl was older, he spent nearly every weekend in the summer at a rodeo. He was seriously hurt many times. He is what you call a REAL cowboy!

Carl, Dale, Kay and Bernice ~ September 2009

Carl with his wife Sharon, his son Chad and wife Tracy. They have two handsome boys Reece and Kaden.

September 2009

Carl also has a beautiful daughter, Carlene. She is six years younger than me. I remember trying to teach her how to say my name. I would tell her to say E... ileen and she would respond with I...Carlene!

Carlene and Eileen ~ 1969

You can see Carlene and I in the matching dresses my Mom made for us. This was our school play, "The Children Who Lived in the Shoe."

Uncle Bub is retired now but worked contracting the plumbing for houses with Federer Consolidated and Romsa Construction in Cheyenne.

For Christopher

Tim will tell you that I keep track of all the important events (large and small) in Chris and Mark's lives. I have kept a calendar that I have saved through the years. So today, January 9, 2002 marks the anniversary of Christopher leaving for Taiwan to begin his missionary service. After spending about 3 months at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, he was so ready to go to Taiwan. So this is for you son! Chris told us about a year before he got his call that he was going to China. He bought tapes to learn Chinese. So, it shouldn't have been such a surprise to us that he was called to serve in Taiwan, a Republic of China. He said, "Why wouldn't the Lord send me to where I wanted to serve!" We had so much support from our family. Chris received many cards and gifts wishing him well on his mission. This was my favorite from Mike, Pam and family. This is Abe when he was five months old. Inside it said, "Go ahead ... Leave ... We'll be fine!"

"For behold the field is white already to harvest ..."

A wonderful day with family at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. Chris' friends came to support him the night he was set apart as a missionary ~ Carl, Devin, George, Bret and brother Mark!

Saying goodbye at the Missionary Training Center.

Elder Williams with his mission president, President Larkin and his wife. Chris sharing the gospel while the light is red!

"I love this place!"

Elder Williams participating in a Chinese speaking contest. He won third place!

Chris loved the children ~ Emily, Apple with Elder Workman.

Anyone home?

Chris made it through a SARS outbreak. They had to wear masks for about a month.

The fruits of his labors!

We were blessed to travel to Taiwan and bring Chris home. So happy to be with Elder Williams again ~ November 2003.

Two years and hundreds of miles. His shoes gave their all!

Chris stopped biting his nails ~ a huge victory!

Chris with his skinny Dad! He barely recognized him.

Lao She Mei and her family. We were at her art studio. Christopher baptized her. She was so sweet and kept giving us gifts. It was a wonderful trip!

Two years seemed like a very long time for Mom and Dad. A loving family welcomed him home with open arms! We are so proud of your dedicated service. You were a valiant missionary! Never leave for two years again!