This weekend I had a wonderful opportunity to drive down to Cedar City with Shannon, Reilly and Kassidy. Meghan goes to college there and this weekend was conference weekend for Track. She was running in the 800m. So we headed down Friday, came home Saturday evening. If was really nice to be there and enjoy this moment with Meghan with her sister and her nieces. Her nieces just love her..she is the fun aunt. Friday night the Shannon and the girls went swimming. I forgot my swimsuit. Oh well. The water was warm and they had a blast. Later we went out to eat and came back and hung with Meghan, her friend, Kim, and Meghan's friend, Tyler. It was fun hanging out and chatting about everything. Next day, swimming and track meet. Luckily it was warm with a nice cool breeze. Meghan was just awesome. She came in 5th overall. Then took her nieces around to different parts of the inside track to was other events. It will be nice to have her home for some of the summer.

The Thompson's

I was greatly blessed to be able to spend three days during Landon's first birthday. It was wonderful to see Laura, Jeremy, Parker and Landon. To watch them interact as a fun, loving family. The joy and stresses of life and how they handle them. Laura is such a sweet mother as she cares for two very active boys with a husband busy all day with medical school and studying. Not everyone can do this, but she is suited well for the job. She is a very strong women who can handle anything that comes along knowing that in the end, God is in control.

I got there about 2am Thursday morning. Laura let me in and I settle quickly on the couch and fell right asleep. About 7 I heard Parker come out, he comes over to me...my back is toward him...he looks and nudges me and couple of times and then heads in the mom and dad's room. For the next hour I listened to them talk, laugh and tease each other. What wonderful precious moments to share. Later Landon woke up and Laura got him out of his crib and put him on the floor in the living room. I turned around and said hi. He smiled. What a happy boy he is. And always on the go. Non stop, except when sleeping. Friday Laura and Jeremy spent the day going to the Temple and out to eat. Left me several hours with these sweet ones. We spent part of the day washing Grami's car. Boy, did they get dirty. But they had fun. My car did get washed and waxed. After naps, Parker and I made cookies and made valentine cards. What fun. Saturday was Landon's birthday and had a birthday party that evening with some friends. He had a blast, but I must say Parker had the most fun. He stayed up until almost 11 playing, jumping on the bed, watching a movie with his friend. I couldn't have asked for a better time as I watch the legacy of what my parents left in the lives of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. How blessed we all are!!! To be able to be with my children and watch my grandchildren grow is so wonderful. Thanks Barb for allowing me this time.

Thoughts

This month brings many thoughts and deep feelings as I remember the day my father and brother were taken home to their father in heaven forty-five years ago. Also remembering the last times I spent with my mother one year ago before she left to join her family on the other side of the veil. Happiness brings knowledge that they are together again fulfilling the work that is needed on the other side preparing for the second coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As sad as I am that they are not here, but happiness knowing that they are together. What greater joy can one have than to know that we have the opportunity to be sealed as a father for time and all eternity in the presense of a loving Father in heaven. I look forward to when I can again be re-united with them when he calls me home. For now, I have work to do here as I continue to do all to serve Him. I love you Mom, Dad, Sean, Joseph, James, John.

Building Faith

Most of us know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that the Church of Jesus Christ is His gospel here on earth. We don't have to travel and search for a church when we move. His church is everywhere and the Gospel taught in one is the same one taught in any other around the world. We know that He has brought the Priesthood back to earth for the benefit of all mankind. One of the minor blessings is that our children are taught at the age of 3 to be able to give faith promoting talks in church. From 3-11 they get to give talks for other children in Primary. Twelve and above they give talks for the entire ward or congregation. I remember times when my children gave talks both in Primary and during Sacrament meeting. Well last week I had the priviledge of attending Shannon's ward and heard Reilly and Kassidy give their talks. Kassidy needed a bit of help but even two days before she knew she wanted to talk about Temples. Her family went to the open house of the Draper Temple and the beauty and peace of this sacred edifice was still strong. Reilly gave hers on baptism and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost. This is fresh for her because she is preparing for her baptism in March and receiving the Holy Ghost at this time. She knows that since her dad holds the Priesthood she will be bapitized by her father and receive this gift by her father. How wonderful is the Gospel of Jesus Christ! This week I attended Patrick's ward. Payten was giving his first talk in Primary. He was so excited he went up early thinking it was his turn. His talk reflected on the creation fo the earth and Adam and Eve being the first parents upon the earth. It was sacred listening to their sweet spirits talk of their beginning testimonies of the Gospel. I look forward to hearing more and more of their talks in the years to come. I hope that I will be able to attend some of Parker and Landon's when they are old enough for Primary and listening to their sweet testimonies of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I give thanks daily for our belssing of being members of His church here on earth and hope that we never take this for granted. My love to all.

Building memories

Yesterday I invited Quincy and Reilly out for some Grami time. In the end I invited Shannon so she could have some special time with just her two oldest, also. Plus, I was taking them ice skating and they had never been before and I hadn't been really in about 38 years. Meghan called and canceled on me so I figured an extra hand would be necessary. Well to my surprise Reilly took to it like she'd been skating many times before and didn't need any help. She did like to monoplize her mothers' time though. Good for the both of them. Quincy did really well also, but he liked using his crutch..."helpers" that the kids could use to keep themselves balanced while learning to skate. He would really go fast with this device. We had dinner and then 2 1/2 hours of skating. I even did better as time went on. A bit nervous and wobbly at first. Shannon did very well. I love these times with each grandchild and plan on many, many more. This summer we have several hiking trips planned with Reilly, Quincy, Kassidy and Payten. I think that the mom's want to come to. We will see.

A Gift

This has been a busy week.

Tuesday we celebrated the gift of 4 enjoyable years with Payten. It is difficult to believe he is already 4. He is such a handsome young man with a sweet and happy personality. He loves both of his sisters and doesn't always like when Lilly has to take a nap because he loves playing with her. He also has such good manners, he is so very polite and kind.

Here are some pics I have of his party. Ok, let's be honest..Shannon will kill me for this picture, but I am the mom and I love it.

A Brand New Year

Well as difficult as last year was I look forward to experiencing a new year and the blessings and services that await. I don't usually do much...normally spend time with family. This year a friend invited me to a dinner and singles dance. The dinner was okay, but it was fun to see so many friends come in. The dance was the best I have been to. Danced and talked and danced and talked all night. Rang in the New Year with good Friends was especially nice. 

I look forward to many things this year. Reilly has made the decision to be baptized in March and that we be really special to have her father baptize her as she becomes a member of Our Lord and Saviors church. Then confirmed and recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost. What a good example she is to her younger siblings. I March I also plan on having my mother and father sealed together for time and all eternity as husband and wife and have my brothers and I sealed to them. I have waited along time for this and look forward to these eternal blessings. 

Come Summer I plan to spend time with grandchildren and hiking. There is so much to see and enjoy. So much He has given us that are right within my reach. 

Thank you Shannon, Sean, Patrick, Laura, Kevin and Meghan for making my life richer each and every day. My love for you is beyond the ability to hold.