Memorial Day

So, the highlight of my day was making homemade buttermilk biscuits for Jessi and her two best buddies Laura and Paige. They are some of my favorite kids, too. Then I went to work on the yard, and came in late in the afternoon. Now I feel worse for wear. I used to not be such a wimp.

The same thing happened on Saturday past. We took the Scouts to the beach for a sprint triathlon - 300 yard swim, 10-mile bike ride, and 5k run. I had a great time, but by the time I finished cleaning the car and came in for a shower, I was done in for the day. I guess I need to work on my endurance.

Well, the word came today - Rachel is leaving the ABCs and headed back to PR. She'll have to brush up her Spanish and get back to work. She knew this might happen, but she definitely wasn't ready to leave Aruba. But that happens in missionary service. You go where you are called to serve and do what the Lord wants you to do - the best you can wherever you are asked to be.

New Clothes for the Sister Missionary

Rachel asked for some new clothes, so Mom bought the two skirts you see in these pictures and some blouses and sent them to her. She says they are sweat stained, but who can tell? She clearly hasn't changed her personality, and that must shine through to investigators and members alike.

Mothers Day

Erin and Michael had the best Mothers Day gift of all - a visit to Grandma with Katherine and Caroline. We kept Katherine (and obviously Michael) busy watching "Anastasia" while we took turns talking to Rachel on the phone. That was fun. Poor David found it bittersweet - sweet to talk to her, but bitter to say goodbye.




David did have a consolation prize. Caroline finally warmed up to him. He had to coax her, but she did finally agree to sit by him so that he could tell her about his new bicycle.

Prom Night

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Isn't she lovely?

This is our baby, all grown up (well almost). Tonite is Prom. Then it will be recital, then graduation. She has a busy summer planned with High Adventure with the Stake Young Women at South Padre Island, snorkeling, sailing, etc. (w/parents, too, whoo hoo!) Youth Conference, EFY in Nauvoo in August and working making fresh pizza for the residents of Lumberton. Then, off to school with a future exciting and wonderful waiting for her. I hope that future is ready because she will take it with grace, joy, and passion. Her heart is honest and open, her mind quick and capable, her body strong and beautiful. With all her gifts, her one desire is to know and serve the Lord. Her example is humbling and inspires me to be better.

At 18, she is mature and childlike all at once. Mature in her understanding of the gospel and relationships, childlike in her humility and her playfulness. She is an affectionate and obedient child, willing to work and anxious to please. How will we live in a home empty of this shining light?

We will live proud and content, happy and full of expectation as we watch her life unfold. As we have with all of you. Each of you are a joy to us. We just bask in the beauty of the lives you have created for yourselves and continue to be in awe of all you are. Thank you for the gifts you have given us in your spouses and children. This Mother's Day, I want to pay tribute to the power you have had to make my experience as a mother such a satisfying, fulifilling and wonderful one. I truly have delighted in motherhood and will continue to do so for all eternity. Because of you.

Thank you thank you thank you
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