Getting Ready for Girls Camp

Well, we spent the day making stage props, key chains, and necklaces for girls camp. I took some pictures of our handiwork. The theme for the camp is "Anchored to Christ." Camp is near Ville Platte, Louisiana, deep in the heart of Cajun country. The anchor was cut from plywood (my old model railroad board - sorry, Dad, but the track was in a state of disrepair and couldn't be rescued anyway). I've never seen a stainless steel anchor, but Mom wanted silver. I put the yardstick next to it so that you could see the size. The key chain and necklace are apparently to thank adult leaders and the girl leaders (respectively).

Last week we were on the high adventure trip near south Padre Island. We camped in a great place on the Arroyo Colorado, about 15 miles north of the Mexican border. The waterway leads to the Laguna Madre. A pod of dolphins swam up the river right by our campsite - lots of fish in the river for hungry dolphins. We had an Altamira Oriole nest in the tree above our campsite, and there were a flock of wild turkeys - at least 7 of them - that wandered through camp in the mornings.

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
lovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelov
mom

And Then They Were Grown

Remember when?

Cassidy and Maddox Come to Visit

Mom and Dad spent the night with Cassidy and Maddox at Julia and Aaron's house last night, and Dad went to the Houston Temple this morning with the 16-18 year olds from Beaumont Stake. Mom went on a long bike ride with Erin and Mike and the four little ones. Maddox and Caroline rode in the trailer behind Erin's bike. Apparently Maddox kept pleading for Erin to go faster. I guess he liked it.




Duh. . . .








My sister hurt my feelings, and I can drool a quart a minute.









Brother and sister snuggle.

Rachel on the Other Side of Heaven

Rachel wrote a note on the back of this picture: "Is this not the coolest picture?! It must be blown up. It's Ensign worthy. :)"

Operation Graduation Fundraiser

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Easter

All grown up. The glasses just make her look too much like a big girl. Mimi, is that a large drink?








Are you awake Jared?










Now this is a girl who wants her grandmother to give her french fries back.









This was a busy weekend for us. Mom was in Washington for her dad's burial and Arlington National Cemetery. Maybe we will be able to post some pictures. We were looking at proofs of a large number of professionally taken pictures last night. It was very touching to see the elaborate ritual of folding and presenting the flag that draped the casket.

While Mom was in Washington, I was in New Braunfels with Brad and Shirley. We worked very hard and accomplished a lot. Being with them was great. We had dinner with Sue and Larry, too, and enjoyed sharing stories - mostly listening to stories from Larry. Funny. Brad, Shirley, and I talked afterward about how unique the friendship between Sue and Larry and our Mom and Dad was. Wouldn't we all like to have friends to share good times, laughs, and tears with over 30+ years?

Missing Rachel

I was missing Rachel. I miss her sunshine. I have never known anyone with a sunnier disposition. It's hard to think of too many cases where she was brooding or sad. I'm proud of her for serving the Lord as a missionary with that same kind of joy and happiness. Then I stumbled across this picture of the life-size cut-out that she left for Todd. It made me smile.

Great Faces

We have the best baby faces in the world. Check these out.

As I Remember It

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Wonderful Young People

I spoke about receiving personal revelation one Sunday night about two weeks ago. These are some of our wonderful young people. Each of them is talented, sincerely faithful, and fun to be around. And, of course, the only one you can't see well is Jessi. My apologies to Tanner, the young man on the far left - I accidentally gave him a black eye getting acquainted with my photo editing tools.

Creating posts takes time, something we have very little of. But then, we enjoy what our family shares with us so much.

Janet and I went to New Braunfels this past weekend and worked on Grandma's house. Sue and Larry brought mattresses to the house and left them made up with linens and everything. It was nice to arrive Friday night to a bed. And then they came over Saturday morning and worked all day with us. Larry gave up when he had to go pick up their grandson, but Sue stayed until we took her home at 9PM. We really couldn't have finished what we did without them. We filled the bed of their pickup with bags of clothes from the master bedroom closet and took those to the women's shelter that Grandma tried to support. We sorted out a large pile for an eventual yard sale at Sue and Larry's place.

Mom and I got up Sunday morning and drove into San Antonio to attend sacrament meeting with Beth and Grandma Frazer. Eric was there, too. The testimony meeting had several tender moments. It was good to be there with Beth and Mom.

After church we went to see Phil's new apartment. It is great. He lives across the street from the historic King William district near downtown San Antonio. The apartment complex is reserved for elderly and disabled clients, so it is very quiet and perfect for Phil. The apartment is large and is on the ground floor. His front door is on a courtyard. Many of the residents have lived there for years, so there are live plants and flowers everywhere. He has a bedroom, bath, kitchen, living area, walk-in closet, and another storage room. He seems really happy to be in his own place.

We also had a chance to stop in and visit with Grandpa Kirk and Linda. We enjoyed the visit.

Next week I'll be in New Orleans all week for a meeting. Maybe I'll post some pictures from the river city.

A Date at McDonalds

Monday was a great day. I had the opportunity to take a day off. It was wonderful to be away from work. And it afforded me the choice opportunity to spend time one on one with precious Caroline. She charmed everyone at McDonalds. Fortunately, the play place is out of sight in the back, so she wasn't too distracted and ate some of her lunch. Then we went to play. She also showed me how to double dip french fries - once in the ranch dressing and then in the ketchup. We were sad to take her home.

Catching Up

We have a bunch of pictures to share. We have had two opportunities to have grandkids visit, and we got some great shots. Katherine has her own distinct personality - sometimes a little on the moody side. The expression on her face is classic Katherine.

What beautiful women in our family. Erin didn't like her shiny forehead, but they are all lovely.

Cassidy decided to look glum, and Caroline is mostly interested in "her" stool. But Katherine and Jessi flashed beautiful smiles.

Cassidy is sweet and growing up fast.

Dora the Dancing Queen

Sorry for the grainy video, but the dance was too good not to share.

Caroline in the Boat

Caroline has been delightful. What fun to have her with us. She's having fun playing with a laundry basket as a boat this morning. Her friends Nemo and Dori are apparently in the boat with her. We have already spun on the office chair, and she played in the bathtub for a while. She's asking now if Grandma wants to play with her. And "I want a snack" seems to be her favorite phrase.