Category: Extended family

Health

I’m feeling much better. Thanks for your concern and prayers.

As for Ray, I wish his news yesterday had been better. I’m grateful for the progress that has been made, though. I wish all the energy and concern and love of relatives and friends could be turned into a medicine because I’m pretty sure that would be the cure. There would be no needles and no nausea and hugs and fun times would be the only therapy required.

However, I know that God has a plan for Ray and each of us and we can trust that plan.

Health is a blessing that I easily take for granted. I’m grateful for fewer aches and the good night’s sleep last night.

Questions of the day

I’m pretty sure we are missing a good time up north in the mountains where there’s a river, some tubes, and a cabin. It’s family reunion week at the Weber and we’re not there.

I wonder who won the candy game?

How was the group birthday party?

Who “got” to sleep in the bedroom right next to the bathroom?

What is everyone reading?

Have any of the kids fallen into the river (yet)?

I wonder if Mom is ready to take a therapy drive… say, to Wyoming?

How many gallons of weed spray have been dispersed by Dad?

Who is sleeping on the porch bed?

How many fish have been caught?

I’m pretty sure they were waiting for the Sanchez family to rebuild the rock dam. How did that go?

From which pines is the swing hanging this year?

Is there water in the little stream by the road?

Have the kids painted rocks with water?

Have there been any moose? …deer?…bears?

How many repairs have been made to the screen door this week?

Have there been any visits from Sterling or other family?

Have we had *the talk* about what to flush and what not to flush into the septic system?

When did the Finches come up?

Who brought the best junk food?

Are there any poppies left in bloom?

Have the creepy wire mattress skeleton swings been taken down?

Are the horses hungry? Have they nibbled any little hands?

Don’t bother answering any of my questions. Knowing details just makes it harder.

We have good parents


I’ve been thinking about some of the good things my parents taught me. Today I used the door slamming response.

1. If a kid slams a door, he will need to close it quietly 10 times.

2. No candy before noon.

3. It’s a good idea for kids to have a little spending money and freedom.

4. As kids get older, they need lists of tasks to do, and if you write them on a yellow legal pad, it seems more cheery.

5. Bedtime stories are important.

6. Pulling weeds is a good activity for sorting out grumpy or idle thoughts.

7. Kids should learn to walk and talk quietly through the house.

8. Kids need space to think and read and create.

9. Outdoor exercise is a good remedy for grumpiness, laziness, and boredom.

Catalog

I’m addicted to Picasa’s facial recognition feature. It’s a great way to catalog photos.

I’m thinking about my mom and dad today as they are in the final days of their 3 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is my dad. His countenance has been luminous and we are so happy that he and my mom have been able to serve together. They have taught us about unity in marriage and service. They have taught us about faith and testimony. They love the Savior.

I know they have made a difference in many lives and their service has brought blessings to their extended family that are great in depth and breadth. These blessings are so tightly interwoven in the details of my life that it would be impossible to list them all.

Truly, our family has been carried these past 3 years by a loving Father in Heaven through many things. Extended illnesses, accidents, a wedding, births, adoptions, and many smaller events have taken place during these last 3 years. Through it all, miracles have occurred and I continue to trust that everything will fit into place. One thing I have learned during these years is that the Lord intervenes according to His wise purpose and we can trust that we are in the Best Hands when we are doing what is right. Grace is a beautiful thing.

Happy Fathers Day

This guy learned early that staying up late was a parenting requirement for child #1 (me). I’m so glad he was always awake when I came home at night. This meant he watched a lot of Dr. Who episodes and submitted to long chats after that.

Thanks, Dad.

I love you!