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I taught voice and piano lessons, and bartered eggs and milk for lessons. I organized a small singing group which performed at recitals. The average age was elementary school age kids. The fourth year in Spokane I was employed as a Music Specialist in a local preschool. As a result, David was my only child that attended preschool.

I was also second counselor in the Relief Society presidency. It was a busy, yet rewarding calling. I loved the service to my Relief Society sisters.
Meanwhile Eric was involved in Cub Scouts and Weblos. He even won first place in the Pinewood Derby the month his grandma Marchant came to visit.

Michelle organized her own birthday party, making the invitations, planning the food and making some treats. At times she even babysat for a hour so Frank and I could get away. I was so grateful for her maturity at an early age.

I tried out in 1980 for the stake production of “Promised Valley,” and got the lead part. We performed in the Spokane Opera House, and Eric and Chelle were excited to have a part also.

The Thelin family came from Portland to see the production. The Marchant family came also, so it was a reunion of sorts. Our duplex was packed with people. It was stressful but such an enjoyable time.

Frank graduated in 1983 after a long grueling three years. It was an exciting time. But then reality set in. He could not find work. Eventually he went to Portland and worked parking cars. Finally after months of sending out letters and applications a letter came from the State of Washington asking him to interview. He was offered a job as a Enforcement Officer in Everett, Washington. He left in January of 1984. The kids and I stayed to finish out the school year. We missed our husband and father terribly.