Father's Day

Today is Father's Day and it is amazingly relaxing compared to Mothers day - ie; no expectations! We had pancakes for breakfast and an easy barbeque for lunch. Ken volunteered to take the missionaries and some investigators to a fireside in Casa Grande so he is gone for the evening. I wanted to take this opportunity to say thanks to the wonderful fathers in my life.

First of all my wonderful husband Ken. He is always there for us. He is a good provider and a great father and priesthood holder. He tries hard to fulfill his role and to be a great example. We are fortunate to have him in our lives. I see way too much as Relief Society President and am extremely grateful for the wonderful husband and father in our home. Thank you for all you do and for all the great times together and the wonderful memories we have made together.

Second is my dear father, who passed on almost 30 years ago. I still miss him and think of him almost every day. He was a great example to me. He was compasssionate and kind. He could see others needs and know how to help them. He taught me about dedication to the Lord. He taught by example the importance of doing your calling all the way, even if that meant digging in up to your elbows. My fondest memories are moments when I had him all to myself; daddy-daughter parties, rides in the car with just us. He was always in the middle of things and loved by the youth of the church. Sometimes when I hear President Monson talk he reminds me of my father. I wish he were hear to teach me to build things and share in the joys of children and grandchildren (probably not in that order). He seemed to me that he could do everything! If he couldn't he tried anyway! Thanks Dad for being there! Thanks for giving your life so our family could be strong and hold to the truths of the gospel. I love you and miss you.

Third, and definitely not least is my Father-in-Law. He has stepped in and taken the place of Dad and Grandpa. He is always there to support us and help us. He is a great Patriarch. He has shared his love of life with all of us. He does not let things get him down. He works at the temple each week and has served two full-time missions. He values the gospel and wants whats best for all of us. Dad I love you and appreciate your wisdom and advice you have given over the years, even the ones we haven't always heeded.

Happy Fathers Day! Life is good with Fathers in our lives! My greatest hope is my boys will grow up to be the kind of fathers who emulate their Father in Heaven as the fathers in my life have.

My Garden

I have tried many times to have a garden and have had very little success. Other people talk about the loads of zucchini they get and I get a few tomatoes and that's it. We have a very small plot of ground in our subdivision - ie: small backyard - but I was determined to give it another shot. Mind you I tried in Ely where the ground is fairly fertile, but the growing season is very small and my plants did almost nothing where my neighbor Cammie's would be 5 feet tall. Well my garden has not grown to great heights, but we have received some produce and have also enjoyed others produce. We have gotten quite a few tomatoes, summer squash, zucchini, and a pepper or two. We also have a lemon tree that has a lot of lemons on it (great for only the 2nd year) - Thanks to all the bees we have had in our yard. Just had to share my last zucchini pick - the biggest I have ever gotten!!

Texas Dallas Mission - Spanish Speaking

(click on picture to see larger version)
The suspense is finally over Alex opened his call last night. It was a great experience. We had all been feeling like he would be called to the United States and most of us thought Spanish Speaking. Selina called Texas - Spanish Speaking at the end of April (she won)! The Bishop originally said Argentina, but changed his mind yesterday to Texas-Spanish speaking. He does seem to know these things! Alex goes into the MTC on August 26 - we are hoping the Swine Flu Quarantine will be over and they will allow families to go inside again. Right now there is only drop off outside and a quick good-bye. We are hoping that Ken will find a new job this summer, and if anyone has a good paying job for Alex, we would part with him to be able to earn some money. He is working part-time here and looking to add to that. We are most grateful for the wonderful son he is. He has always been a great example to us and his friends. He always tries to do the Lord's will. His patriarchal blessing says he has a strong testimony and he will be instumental in bringing many to the gospel while on his mission. We are looking forward to a great two years -- I miss him already!

Update - White Envelope has arrived!

Alex is camping with the scouts for a few days, and will be back tomorrow. Can't wait to see inside. Do you think he will notice if I steam it open?

Waiting and Waiting - No Patience Here

Well we are still waiting for the white envelope. We are hoping for this weekend, but could possibly be next weekend if things didn't get in when expected. Alex went to Scout camp for a day to pick up Ken. He and Trevor and Spencer have been gone since Monday. It has been a very quiet week, or as quiet as it can be with a two year old. It is about to get much quieter as Selina and Bobby are moving into a rental home in a few days. Not much happening on the job front, but we are looking forward. We are hoping to enjoy the few weeks of summer we have by working on scouting, scouting, and scouting. Trevor is hoping to get an Eagle Project approved and finished while schools out, we'll see how that plays out. Selina is in school working on a Masters and I am slowly trudging along on a Bachelors. We are busy with family, school, and church callings. We had eighth grade promotion last week and next year I will have my last two kids in High School - time sure flies by.
We are anxiously awaiting for Chelsea to find out what sex her baby will be. Hoping for a girl, even though we love our little boys. We are also looking forward to seeing April and Melanie and boys the first part of July and then Chelsea as well at the Reid Reunion. Life is good and we are grateful for all we have - (well a new job would be nice).