Kambri's tests

Yesterday Kambri went in for an ABR, a brain scan to see if she has nerve endings to the ear that didn't develop. The happy answer was YES!! We have all prayed for her, and were so excited to learn she will have hearing in that ear at some point. Jared and Steph, have been incredible, its been wonderful to see the love they have for this little girl. The entire family has showed great love and support for them and for little Kam.
We sure love the fact that experiences in life in whatever form they come, can bring us closer and fill us with more faith than before. We appreciate all the support we have had from everyone around us.. Thank you.

Andrew's birthday

Since AJ was sick on his birthday, we postponed our birthday date until last night. It was a busy night, I had a meeting at 7:00, Steve was busy too, so AJ and I picked up take out and met grandpa at home for dinner. They messed up our order but it all worked out okay. Then Andrew and I went to the new Wal-mart and did our shopping. We looked quick but hard and he picked out some cowboy supplies. AJ is a great kid, he's a hard working boy who does great in school. He is a super reader, and has earned big awards at school. He's got a kind heart and is a great help to his mom and dad. Grandpa and I love his big hugs and happy attitude. Thanks AJ for being a GREAT kid. We love you.

Witcha Paloosa

For my birthday Melissa and Tony and their family gave me a ticket to Witcha Paloosa. Its a dinner, play at Gardner Village. We went last year with Emily, and had a blast. This year Stephanie went with us, so did my sister in law Sharon, and her girls Heather (who is due any time) Meagan, and Cara. We had such a fun time together. All the husbands kept the kids including 3 with new babies. What good sports they are, we are all so lucky because of the excellent men we have in our lives. We had great visits down and back because we all fit in Melissa's suburban. We laughed and enjoyed the day. We all had Stake Conference this weekend so we didn't stay long afterward, because of Sat. night sessions, but had a wonderful time together. All five of the girls have either had baby girls or are expecting girls. Melissa's little Ellie, was first in April, next was Stephanie's little Kambri in June, then Meagan's baby Mia came in July, Heathers due in a couple of weeks and Cara is due in March. Wow in a year the girls have made a comeback in our family, and we are all thrilled!
We decided next year we'll have our neices from Vegas come and we'll do an over nighter. Good luck to the dads who will have a great time with the kids!! Like I said we're all very blessed women, because we really do have great men in this family too.

A Truth I Know

What a wonderful weekend, I spent most of it with a group of great women, including my daughters. (My favorite women in the world) I was so uplifted and inspired, hearing the testimonies of so many was just what I needed. We were issued a challenge to bear testimony of one thing we know. I know that I am known and loved by God. That knowledge changes how I feel about everything in this life. The things I do, the places I go and the thoughts I think are all influenced by that. I am a daughter of God, thats incredible! We can do anything we deside to do. He loves us and wants us to be successful. Knowing that the Lord loves me personally and cares about me is the greatest source of peace I have in this life.
Mary Ellen Edmunds said something like this, it's not an exact quote,
When your heart is heavy with sorrow,
Come unto Him
When your happiness is so full you can hardly contain it,
Come unto Him
When the pain you bear is more than you can handle,
Come unto Him
When the pressures of life overwhelm you,
Come unto Him
When you want to know how to help a family member or a friend in need,
Come unto Him
When you are overcome with love for everyone around you and you want to bear testimony of the goodness of God,
Come unto Him
Whatever comes in life, good or bad, sweet or painful. He knows us, our thoughts and feelings and He loves us. I Know it! "Be Still and Know."

Work Trip or Vacation?

This past week I had to go to Price and Moab to teach some classes for work. Steve usually goes with me, but couldn't go this time. Tony was so kind, and took care of the three older kids so Melissa could go with me. We took Porter and Ellie with us, and what a blast we had. We left tues. morning and went to Price, the great thing was I only had to teach from 6:30-8:30 each evening. That gave us the day to play together. Theres a dinosaur museum in Price that Porter enjoyed alot. While I went to class they planned to swim in the pool, but we noticed early on that it had been filled that day with a hose. Plans changed and they only played in the hot tub that night.
The next morning we headed to Moab, which is a fun place to visit. We visited the hole in the rock, a cave blasted in the mountain side and made into a house. It was an interesting place to visit but not a place either of us would want to live. We enjoyed the tour there, there was also a petting zoo. It had some interesting animals, like zebra, camel, african cattle with huge horns, ostrich, emus, angora goats, buffalo, a variety of animals. There were a group of little sparrows flying and lighting around us and they took most of Porter's attention. He totally loved the little birds. Plus his favorite animal of all was a huge plastic elephant and a plastic lizard. (Interesting little mind.)
The next morning we drove thru the Arches National Park, this truly is a beautiful world, but we desided theres no place as beautiful to us as Cache Valley. We visited Tyler in Orem and took him to an early dinner. The kids along with Melissa and I were thrilled to see him. He's doing great and is excited for school. We had great fun eating at the Panda Express which Porter loved too. He said this is my favorite place, Kung Fu Panda.
Last of all we stopped at my sister Loretta's house in Bluffdale. We didn't mean to stay long but enjoyed our visit and so we didn't leave til dark. We didn't get home till late and we were a little giddy driving thru Sardine Canyon. We laughed til we cried, we wondered if we were really that funny or if we were just tired. We desided it was total tiredness, but it was so funny at the time. All in all it was a great time, work only got in the way of fun a little.
What a great time we had, thanks to Tony for keeping the kids, and thanks to Stephanie for keeping Kimball for Tony during the day. And thanks to Melissa, Porter, and Ellie for some wonderful memories. I totally enjoyed it!

New Phase of Life

Change is usually a really good thing, but many times it is painful too. For the past five years Steve has as Bishop of the Woodruff Ward. Last Sunday he was released. The release comes with such mixed feelings, it will be good to have more time together, and the stress level in his life will probably go down alot. But we have recieved many wonderful blessings in the past 5 years. The Lord has blessed us individually and as a family.
It was with sadness that I walked into the church on Sunday, but as I left my heart had been lifted and my faith and testimony had been strengthened. As the new bishopric was called we both had a witness that this was right. What good and inspired men we have to lead us.
We are excited to move into a new chapter in our lives. As much as we have enjoyed the past 5 years, we lokk forward to the new phase we are entering now.

Funerals inspire me

I love funerals, its weird I know but I think their very inspiring meetings. It gives us perspective on the things that matter most in this life, plus we get to see the lives of amazing people. Those two things make me love funerals. I attended a wonderful funeral yesterday, for Dean Parker, quite an amazing man. I have known that since I met him, but stories of his life were so uplifting, it made me want to step up and be better. He never did anything half way, he put his heart into everything he did. I came out of that meeting with new insight into some things I need to change in my life. We live amoung amazing people and many times we don't even recognize how incredible their lives are.
Another funeral I attended recently was the funeral of a baby girl, 10 days old, Meredeth Smart. As her parents spoke I was amazed at the faith they had, and the peace that comes with that faith.
The other funeral of late that comes to my mind is a soldier in Irak, who had been in our ward, Michael Alleman, I worked with him and his wife in nursery, and had great respect for their family. My respect increased 1000% as I heard his wife tell of his desire to serve his country, and fight for our freedoms. What an honor it was to rub shoulders with him, but I didn't recognize at the moment how honored I should really be. I think we live with truly amazing people and don't recognize their goodness. I think we are all ordinary people doing extrordinary things. I love watching people and recognizing that there is greatness all around us. I want to see it more and recognize the incredible things that are happening right here and now. Its easy to look at the hard things going on in the world, but I want to open my eyes to the good and see what opportunities there are to rub shoulders with amazing people every single day.

I've been thinking alot about the people who influence us and make a difference in our lives. There are so many people who have helped us and supported us through all of our happy and sad times. We were at a ward campout a couple of weekends ago and as I visited everyone there, I realized what an impact each of them have had on us. We have been so blessed to be surrounded by wonderful people. As we were at the campout we were retiring a flag and it was a reverent and sacred time. I didn't notice but a woman was hiking and stopped instead of passing by, Steve moved over to tell her she could go on. People were talking about it after and I had missed the whole thing, I guess my concentration was on the flag. Anyway Steve told me it was Stephanie's first grade teacher, (Barbara Abbott) I felt bad I missed her, she was a great influence in my life and Stephs. She was the teacher the year Grandpa Larsen died. She helped Stephanie thru that time, and she really blessed my life in the process.
She is a baptist and I must say one of the best Christian women I have known. What a good woman with a kind heart. We visited each others churches and enjoyed our associations with one another.
Many times people have come into my life and blessed it greatly. Thank you to those of you who have made a difference to me and my family.

What a Trip

A few weeks ago our sons, Justin and Tyler went on a motorcyle trip up hwy 1, along the coast in California. They're both busy with work and school and wanted to do something fun before they get deep into studies again. They went to UCLU to visit a freind Tyler Nelson, and then started up the freeway to ride the coast. On Monday night the 28th of Sept. they called us, and not finding us home left a message, "Save us, save us!" Well Justin had blown a tire in Nevada and it would take 3-4 days to get a new one and he needed to be back to work the next night. So by 10:30 that night we had the trailer on and were ready to start our trip to save them. The hwy they were on is called the lonliest road in America, Justin says theres a reason for that. It's miles from nowhere, and that is a true statement. We drove to Wells Nevada, getting there about 2:00 am, and decided we needed a couple of hours rest. If you've never tried seeing in the cab of a truck in back of a gas station, with semi's motors running right next to you, don't feel bad. There was not alot of sleep going on for either one of us. We tried to rest for a couple of hours but finally desided we may as well be driving. We got into a little town called Austin about 7:00, and found their hotel, it was good we didn't blink, it truly is the middle of nowhere.
The bike was about 60 miles out, hidden in the sage brush, we loaded it and headed back for Austin for a bite to eat. A little family owned place, I don't think they had a lot of customers to practice serving, because they were so slow.
Their stories of the trip were histerical! We laughed and laughed, what a good time we had the whole way home as they relived the trip with us. Nothing had really gone good, and it turned out super expensive to boot. But what a memory!! I love the fact that they love each other so much, they would never admit that, but they are great brothers. The two of them are entirely different from one another, but they sure enjoy one anothers company, and I'm so happy to see that.
We enjoy our family, we love the good times and we stick together and support each other thru the hard times. And thru it all we have alot of good laughs. Life's good!!

AJ and Kimball (both winners)

This year we didn't even make it over to walk thru the fair, but we did go to the rodeo with the family, and what a fun time we had. AJ and Kimball both rode sheep and hung on tight, both had excellent rides. It was a blast to see their determination and bravery, Even as a kid I would have never climbed on the back of a sheep at all. It went well except that the kids got out of order so when they announced Kimball I was cheering with everything in me, and then saw it was a girl. Oh well I can cheer for all the kids. Then when Andrew was announced it was Kimball, anyway all in all it was a little mixed up but tons of fun.
The mixed up part did make a little confusion in the award of the trophy. The judges called AJ's name but the trophy ended up going to Kimball. Way to go Kimball!!! In my book they were both winners, but AJ was pretty excited and as he walked out to get the trophy, they grabbed up Kimball and awarded it to him. How disappointing to AJ! But I was so proud of him, he was such a good sport even though it was a disappointment. It was tough to get announced and think he had won and then lose it. But he handled it with such kindness. I think being a good sport is as good as being a winner any day. Way to go AJ!!!
I'm sure proud of both of them, because they are GREAT brothers and love each other so much. Way to go guys!!! You're the best.

Family Reunions

July has been quite a month, no time to even catch my breath. But at the same time theres nothing I love more than being with family, and extended family. We have a chance to catch up on each others lives and spend some time reminising old times. Life speeds by at a pace I can hardly keep up with and its nice to see people we love that we haven't connected with since the last year. In July we did the relay for life walk, where we walked for 25 hours. The next weekend we camped up Blacksmith Fork Canyon with the Larsens. What a great weekend we had. Tubing in the Blacksmith Fork River, watching movies out side like the old drive in movies, cooking, visiting, and generally playing and laughing together. A great time was had by all. Our neice Meaghan had a new little baby girl (Mya Belle) she missed it because she spent her weekend in the hospital. I guess that was a pretty good excuse, but we missed her a ton.

This past weekend we camped at Cinnamon Creek, with the Page side of the family. More water fights and saving ourselves from Uncle David (my brother in law). He always keeps us on our toes. This was a year that he learned a little respect back. He's finally getting a little older and all the nieces and nephews are getting alot older and stronger. We totally love you David!! But now is the time to back down. Remember we're the old generation now.

Emily's birthday /Our Anniversary

July 7th is a great day for our family, 32 years ago on 7.7.77 we were married. What a wonderful 32 years it has been. We have been best friends and we have had amazing times laughing and crying together.
Nine years ago on our anniversary our little Emily was born. Our oldest grandchild, that was my favorite anniversary of all. Now instead of anniversary party's we celebrate birthdays on that day. I can't think of anything I would rather celebrate.
Em and I spent a little time together on the 7th, but she had a primary party, so we did a little birthday shopping after that. She knew right where to go and exactly what she wanted so it didn't take to long.
Emily is a wonderful and a talented little girl, we are blessed to have her as a part of our family. She's my favorite anniversary gift ever!

4th of July

Wow am I slow!! I love the 4th of July, its one of my favorite times of year. Family get togethers, fireworks, parades, cookouts. What's better than celebrating our country's birthday with family and friends, to make us remember all we have to be thankful for. What an amazing country we live in, with all the freedoms we enjoy. This past year a friend of ours was killed in Irac, fighting for the freedom I take for granted. I've always known freedom isn't free, but he and his little family made me realize what a huge price some have paid. Thanks to the many servicemen who fight to keep each of us safe, and give us freedom to live and believe as we choose. Thanks to the Alleman family! Thanks to Brett Stott! Thanks to my Dad and Grandpa Yeates and all those who have fought in defense of this country!! You are our Hero's!!!

Fathers Day

Just thinking about Fathers Day today, it's nice to have a day to honor fathers. Steve and I both had awsome dads. They were both huge influences on our lives. We consider ourselves lucky because we both have two dads that we love and honor. Even though their both gone, we were taught what is truly important in life because of them. We love them and are thankful for eternal families, and look forward to being with them again.
Steve has always been the calming influence and stable voice in our home. He loves us all and shows it in his everyday life. He's not so worried about what people think but more worried about what is the right thing to do. Always looking for the good in everyone. He has a positive outlook on life and see's life lessons in common things. Everyday of my life he makes me laugh. He is my best friend and I'm glad we've traveled this life together. I can't think of anyone I enjoy being with more. What a great influence he has been on our family, and a wonderful example for us to follow.
Our son in laws are both amazing dads. We have been truly blessed with the good men in our family. Tony and Jared are both loving and involved dads. Their children have great examples to look up to. We love watching them parent those little kids we love so much, its a wonderful thing to see. We couldn't have hoped for better son in laws. They really are like sons to us.
Our sons are not fathers yet but they totally love their neices and nephews, even though they tease them mercilessly. Thanks for your examples too guys. I love all the men in my life!!

Family Reunions

Yesterday I went with my mother to the Beutler reunion. It was the Felix and Margaritha Beutler reunion, Felix and Margaritha are my great grandparents. I got aquainted with some of my more distant relatives. It was a wonderful day, we renewed freindships, made new ones, and learned more history of my family. We met in North Logan at the old homestead of the Beutler's, the man who lives there now was very generous to let us hold our reunion there. He let us walk thru the home, and the ones who remembered it told stories of visiting there as children.
Some of the people who lived in N. Logan at the time came and told memories of our great grandparents and their family. It was a wonderful day and I came away so thankful for the people in our lives that prepared the way for us. We are so blessed to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives. It was a motivating force for them, as it is for us today. I'm so proud of my heritage, we have great examples to live up to. They came from Switzerland and told of how my grandfather Walter Beutler could not speak English when he started school.
When my grandfather and his siblings were alive they would alway yodel for us at the reunions. I have always loved yodeling, one of the cousins yodeled for us, the first song was one that his grandpa had taught him, then a cowboy song and a german song. It was so fun to hear him and then he taught us and we all got to try it together, when we could do it on our own, he harmonized with us, it was totally a blast.
I love family!! It's what this life is about, its what the gospel is about and its what makes our lives meaningful. I was a great experience, I'm glad I was able to particiate in yesterday.

Tony's Run

This morning Tony started the team relay race from Logan to Park City. He and his sister Sly were both on teams. I met up with Melissa and the kids in Hyrum (where I was working for the day) and we went out to Paradise to cheer him on. The kids were totally excited when they saw him coming and ran to meet him. It was so exciting to cheer for him, I have alot of respect for Tony in many ways. This is one of the many things that I'm impressed by, he's so dedicated, it really choked me up to see the runners. He ran a marathon a couple of years ago and I was surprised by the feelings I had as we cheered for him then too. It takes alot of endurance and dedication and I see those things in every part of his life. Good job Tony!!!
His sister Sly was hurt really bad, the first part of the week, in fact thought she might have broken her back and maybe some ribs. She was in alot of pain thurs. night at Kimball's party but she wouldn't let her team down so she's running anyway. Thats incredible to me!! We're proud of both of them, and our prayers are with Sly that she can do it without any problems.
We were going to surprise Tony and be in Morgan when he ran that leg of the race, but as we were on our way he called and said they were ahead of schedule, and we realized we couldn't make it in time. It was so disappointing that we missed it. So we had a change of plans and went for a picnic up Blacksmith Fork Canyon. It was fun for all, and we thought about Tony and hoped he could feel our support. We love you Tony and Sly!!!

Happy Birthday Kimball

Tuesday I had the day off so we did a one on one time with Kimball since its his birthday this week. What a great day it was, he called me early on and so I picked him up that morning. At lunch we picked Grandpa up from work and stopped by McDonalds, then we headed up to First Dam. It was a beautiful day (no rain while we were there). We fed the ducks, went on a small hike, and talked to the city workers who were working there. One of the guys was an old friend of Tylers who used to hang at our house quite often, its been a long time since I'd seen him, so it was a fun visit. Then Kimball and I dropped Grandpa back at work and headed to Smiths Market Place for some birthday shopping. We had a great time, I told Kimball I would wrap his present and bring it to his party, but he warned me that he doesn't forget very fast. He's such a sweet kid, I totally enjoyed the entire day.

ice cream at Caspers

Last night after an excellent Stake Conference Sat. night meeting about the temple. We came home to a message on the answering machine from Porter saying Grandpa, Grandma, Justin & Tyler I love you! Bye. Steph and Jared had stopped by too. We called everyone and said lets meet at Caspers, Justin was working, Jared has been working hard on his yard and was having some back pain, so Melis and Tony and Tyler came and we had a nice visit. My niece Erin happened to come at the same time with her huband Tyler and their little boy Cooper. It was a fun little family reunion right there at Caspers.

Just some thoughts

I think alot. I've been thinking lately about how really blessed I am, sometimes I can hardly believe how wonderful my life is. I think there are miracles around us everywhere we look but sometimes its easy to miss them because we see them so often we take them for granted. Like the birth of a baby for example. When babies come with everything so perfect we forget what an amazing miracle that is. Our little baby Kambri is one of those perfect little people with a small reminder to us of what miracles really are. And believe me she is a beautiful miracle. If we're looking for perfection in life, we will be sorely disappointed, but if we''re looking for beauty we can find it all around us.
A house does not have to be perfect to be a home of joy,
A child does not have to behave perfectly to love and be loved;
Every minute of life does not have to be perfect to be one of value.

There are a few really amazing days that come in a lifetime. This past week I experienced one of those. I was able to be with Jared and Stephanie during their labor and delivery with Kambri. It was one incredible day. Two years ago I was with Tony and Melissa at the birth of Porter. What a miracle it is to see a tiny child come into the world. Both times I was struck with a feeling of awe. I don't think I have words to describe my feelings, but I do know I have felt overwhelming love for those new little people, and also a great love and respect for their parents.
Stephanie was tough, she worked so hard and then when Kambri was born with a couple of problems, I watched the toughness turn to tenderness and total love and concern for that little girl. Jared was right by Stephanie's side with that same deep love. It's neat to see a parents love for a child, especially when the child has some needs. As I watched the nurse checking Kambri out, there stood Jared teary eyed, stroking her tiny head.
Like Kaden, Kambri will be a well loved little girl, Jared and Stephanie are awsome parents, I saw a bit of our Father in Heaven's love for us thru those tender parents example. Thanks guys! Dad and I sure love you.

Mothers Day

Its mothers day, and its caused me to do alot of reflecting. Steve and I have talked many times about our family and we are so grateful to have wonderful children. I know Mothers Day is for honoring our mothers and I honor and love my mother and my mother in law. They have been amazing influences in our lives, and taught both of us the truly important things in life.
Right now I want to say thank you to my children who also have taught us the truly important things in life. It is my honor to be their mother. Each one of them has blessed our lives in so many ways. We LO VE them!
When I became a mother I wanted more than anything to be the best mother in the world. I wanted life to turn out perfectly for my children, and I didn't want them to have any painful experiences in life, I wanted to protect them.
What I've learned thru life is that life is not perfect, nor would we want it to be. We get bumped and bruised but we pick ourselves up and go on, and it makes us stronger. Some of my most painful experiences in life are my most treasured experiences. Though I would never want to experience them again and would never wish them on anyone, I would never trade the experiences, for the lessons they have taught me.
At one point I honestly thought I was not up to motherhood, I'd failed my children and my greatest goal in life was to be a good mother, so I thought I had failed myself too. That night as I prayed, the thought came to me. . . If you could help anyone in life who would you choose to be there for? I knew the answer, it was my family, then the thought "Thats what family is about, helping each other through the hard times that come." That has been a blessing in my life, its not about perfection in this life, its about turning to the Lord and seeking his help, and then in turn helping each other.
My children have been there to help me and support Steve and I, all the time. I hope we can return the favor. I feel it a priviledge to be a mother!! Thank heavens the Lord gives us the chance through all of our imperfections, to have that opportunity.
I read an article recently that asked "who taught you the most your parents or your children? Wow, what a thought provoking question. I've contemplated that question alot and I think my parents laid a foundation, and taught me with great faith, and love. My children helped me learn to apply what I knew, I got a glimpse of the love of the Savior. I love motherhood, Its the best and the hardest thing I have ever done. I have grown so much thru the many experiences life has given me.
Thank you to my children who have taught me more of the Savior than I ever could have imagined.
You're the best thing in my life!!!!! I love my family and I'm thankful for every experience I have had with each of them. Thanks guys!

Hardware Ranch

We took the grandkids to Hardware Ranch on Friday afternoon to see the elk. It was a beautiful day and not many people were there. For early January the temperature was mild and the weather was beautiful. On our sleigh ride there was only one other couple besides our little group. The horses were Norman and Beauty, Norman was being trained and I thought a couple of times they might run away with us. They were pretty excited and skiddish. It was fun to see the elk, and we all had an enjoyable time. We couldn't have asked for a nicer day. And who better to spend an afternoon with than some of our favorite people. On the way home we stopped in Hyrum at McDonalds and got kids meals, but the most fun was playing on the playground. We couldn't get them out of there. When we told them one more time down the slide they just never came back down. Except little Porter, but then he would look at us and race back up. We spent about an hour and a half there, but what an enjoyable time we had. They begged us to take them for a sleep over after but their parents squelched that idea.

Aj (blue coat), Kaden (front), Kimball, Emily, Grandma and Porter

Aj enjoying the sleigh ride

Grandpa and Kaden, Kimball, Emily, Aj, Porter and Grandma

Kaden

The Elk

Kimball

Porter

Kimball

Aj

Emily and Porter

The Larsens met up Blacksmith fork canyon in June and we camped, played in the river and had an amazing time together. We even set up a outside movie one night. My mom came and stayed one night with us and Sharons mom came up too. We had a blast together like always when we get with them. They are some of our favorite people in the world. So glad we're family.

Reunions are some of the best times we have to get together with family and catch up on each others lives and spend some good quality time just being together. We are so lucky to have wonderful family on both Steves side and my side. We had time to enjoy reunions on both sides this past summer. We love the time we have to spend with each other.

Emily was baptised this past year, its hard to believe that I've been a grandmother for 8 years, and at the same time its hard to think of life before I was a grandmother. I love to watch my childrens families grow and learn, seems like we were just there minutes ago. Time goes by so quickly, I've enjoyed each season and its no different now. Its wonderful to see my daughters doing the mothering. They do it so well, I love to watch them. Melissa and Tony are great parents, they are teaching their children everything that is important in this life. Way to go Emily!! You made a great choice to be baptised keep it up.

2008 was a great year for us, I'll put a few of our favorite memories of last year. They are in no particular order, just some of the fun things we did in 08. First of all Justin graduated from USU and is working on his masters degree now. We were so proud of him, he has worked himself through school and continues to work as he works on his masters. The day Justin graduated two of our nephews graduated too. Cara's husband Bryan, and Meagan's husband Howard. It was an exciting day for all of us. He walked and that was so neat, I didn't realize the feelings we would have as he walked past us. We were so proud of his accomplishments.

Well we're trying to start a blog. My girls said it was easy, but we'll see.
Life has been good to us. We have experienced all kinds of things in
our 31 years of marraige. I used to want to look ahead and see what was
coming but I've learned that its better to take life one day at a time.
We have had some wonderful experiences in our life together, and
some that have wrenched our hearts to the core. The thing I'm the most
thankful for is that we have experienced it all. . . together, and each experience
has strengthened us as a couple and as a family. I thank the Lord everyday
for family. Truly my greatest blessing!