I AM MOST BLESSED OF WOMEN

I was reading some of your blogs and I was amazed that Heavenly Father allowed me to be part of such a faithful good family. I must of helped a sweet little old lady across the street in the pre-existence. As I continue to get older my realization of what really matters and lasts gets stronger. I'm deeply touched by what good parents you are. Hallie, Tate, Ashton, and now sweet little Sydney are unbelievably blessed! Richie and I thank you for bringing such joy to our lives. I could not have asked for better children (And that includes the dashingly handsome son-in-laws!)
We have been enjoying Kelsey's roomates. They come up for dinner on Sundays and we have so much fun with them. We are proud of Kelsey and the valiant spirit she is. She really has a can do attitude. The Primary kids loved her and the teachers were amazed at her ability to teach and reach the kids. Way to go Kels!
Nathan is our little football star! He has great hands(so I'm told) and has made many a spectacular catch. We love watching him. What I love most about Nathan is his kind and humble heart. He is always willing to help and he LOVES his nieces and nephews!
We are thrilled to see Whitney, Hallie and Ashton next week. Keep cutting that paper chain Hallie! We love you all sooooooooooooooooo much and look forward to many happy years being parents and grandparents. Love Mom

Grandchild #4

Let me the first family blogger to welcome Syndey Jo to our family. She is a beautiful baby and is so peaceful, bringing with her a little piece of heaven. I was telling that gorgeous blonde that I live with...that this has been a great week for living in Rexburg! We would not have been able to be with Lindsey within a couple of hours after Sydney's arrival and to joy in her arrival were we still living in OH. Nor could have we seen Stu, not long after he had passed out right before delivery, return to the living only to then turn deathly ill - all within a matter of a couple of hours. (We are glad you are feeling better Stu). Also, it has also been great to be near my parents once again, so we can be with them more regularly. On Friday afternoon, I made a quick trip to Clinton to help them put in a lawn. We had a lot of help from family and help from the ward, so it went quickly and really looks good despite my contributions. They were so appreciative of everyone's help and are just good people. I am thankful to have been raised by such faithfilled parents who taught me by word and by example. I am thankful that they will be staying around for awhile so that all of us, including grand and great grandchildren can get to know how wonderful they really are. Life is really quite short! I can hardly believe that we are down to one child in our home. We miss having Whitney, Lindsey and now Kelsey in home regularly, but to stay on theme....we are so thankful that we now live near most of them (Whit and Adam notwithstanding....we may forgive Adam in this life, but if not in the world to come). What a blessing it is to be near all of you and to see your good works and faithful lives. Your mother and I are very proud to be your parents!

May all of you continue to blessed as you live worthily and prepare your families for the events that lie ahead, whatever they may be.

One last thought on what might lie ahead, I continue to be amazed at the sacrifices of so many in the early church. Sacrifices that seems almost too much for us to imagine and yet I believe that because of the faith and devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ that was demonstrated by those early saints, the roots of the restoration were able to sink so deeply into their hearts that their legacy of faith has been far reaching into generation after generation. We are benefactors of that deep rooted faith......we must honor their legacy of faith and do all that we can, so we can stand at the judgment day and be worthy to be counted among them. If for us that means attending the temple more regularly, being a better home/visiting teacher than one who visits monthly, teaching lessons that are accompanied by fasting and prayer that we might reach those we teach, gaining courage to speak to a non-member or to invite a less active person to participate...in our own small way we perpetuate that legacy of faith and keep the flame bright and alive. It may be small in comparison, but important contributions nevertheless.

I love all of you and thank you for your love and prayers.

Have a great week! Dad

Nathan's Highlights from the Summer

1.Going to Seven Peaks
2.Going to the BYU basketball camp
3.Going to Alacatraz
4.2nd place in state baseball tournament
5.Lava Hot Springs
6.BYU beat Oklahoma
7.Going to 49er`s game VERY COLD!
8.Going to the cabin
9.Playing at the Craze
10.Playing golf this summer