Summer Begins~

Today, I decided to just write some thoughts that I have been having. First off, I'm tired, and I am feeling my age. There have been a whirlwind of activities and events to go to and to participate in. Here is what the last few weeks have been like. We enjoyed all of these extraordinary times, but now I do need some catch-up time and a nap. 

We had a marvelous Father's Day Celebration with our Daughter Jenni, Michael and their children; Alyssa, Emma, and Benjamin.

My oldest son Sean, and his family had a big celebration for his 50th Birthday at Jordenelle Park. I have been thinking about how fast time goes and how can he really be 50 years old. Wow, that ages me immediately. Just to believe that 50 years ago we became parents.
I remember well his birth. He was born on a beautiful summer morning at the LDS hospital. The room that I had looked out over the valley and had a great view of the Salt Lake Temple. It was a peaceful, sweet birth for a first baby. We were overjoyed to have a boy. He has been a great son. As a child, he was happy and fun. We had our teenage problems, but in general, he was obedient, and we are pleased with the path he has taken. I was excited to celebrate this beautiful moment with him and his family.
We had a fantastic time with their family. The Lake was beautiful, and they had a spectacular moment on the boat, and in the water.

We were able to attend a Soccer tournament for our grandson, Joshua. He is the one in the turquoise shirt. He plays goalie for the team. They won all their games so they will be going to another tournament. It was a fun game to watch.

My oldest daughter Christina, Brandon and their children; April, Abbey, Faith, and Levi came to stay for a few days. I was so excited to see her and her family. In January they moved from Perth Australia to Minneapolis, Minnesota.  I am glad to have her closer.
I am thrilled that her sister Jenni and family are here to be with her also. I love when my daughters have some moments together. I will have a total of 13 of us here for several days. It makes life a touch complicated. However, we all do well and have many fun times together.

Our grandson, Jackson was on his bike and hit by a distracted driver. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital. He hurt his shoulder and had some abrasions. The nurse in the Emergency room told me that he was a fortunate young man. His parents were out of town, so his siblings pulled together to help him. 

Our daughters and families went up to see how he was doing and to take dinner to him the day after the accident. He also requested a Priesthood blessing while we were there. He is doing well for now. He may have to have surgery for torn muscles in his shoulder. 

He also turned 23 years old and here are a few photos of his birthday party. 

In between all of this activity, I had a Relief Society Stake leadership training meeting. Almost all of our Relief Society Presidencies members were present.  Our presidency did training on Ministering, Council Meetings, and the Justserve.org. Site. I have been reading a lot about Ministering, and see how important it is in helping us have a Zion's heart, and build a Zion Society.
We had our weekly temple assignment on Saturday, and that is a highlight of the week.  I find great peace in the temple and love the moments that I can assist with the work.
Meanwhile, I made a few visits to some sisters in our Stake. I love these visits, and the opportunity I have to get to know the sisters in the Stake better.

We left last Friday for our trip to Idaho Falls. We stayed with our son James, Amber, and their children; Christian, Taylor Jo and Averi. Our daughter Jenni, Michael and their children; Alyssa, Emma, and Benjamin, came too. They stayed in James and Amber's trailer in the driveway; which was perfect. Then on Saturday, we traveled to Sugar City Idaho to attend the baptism of our youngest grandson, Layton. His baptismal service was a spiritual moment. We are so proud of him for choosing to be baptized and confirmed a member of "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  We had 3 of our families with us which made it extra special.

Here is a photo of all three of our families with us. I feel so blessed to have been able to be with these precious children. I, of course, missed my other three families. Families are forever, and we are so blessed to have a large posterity to enjoy.

There was a lot of cousin bonding over the past couple of weeks. I have loved watching them together and enjoying each other. 

On Sunday we went to sacrament meeting with our Son James and family. We then left for Sugar City again to attend the church block with Travis and his family. Then we visited our Grandson's Ethan's Eagle Court of Honor. We are so pleased that he finished his road to this Eagle award. It was an incredible moment for us all.

We drove back to Idaho Falls to attend the Patriarchal Blessing of our Granddaughter, Taylor Jo. It was one of the most spiritual experiences I have had for a while. She received some marvelous blessings and counsel from her Heavenly Father. I shed many tears on this one.
As we left Idaho Falls to come home we went with our granddaughter, Taylor Jo to see the Barn where she takes Horseback riding lessons. She is learning how to jump the horse. This place boards quite a few horses and she knows them all by name and several of them she has ridden. She is kind of a horse whisperer. You can see the love she has for them, and they love her too. She is a marvelous young woman.

Life is good, and I love that I am active and involved in many things.  I continue to grow in my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and our purpose in this life. My dearest eternal companion and I are continuing to read from The Book of Mormon daily, and our testimony of the truthfulness of this book has increased tenfold. We know that this book is right and when it is read and studied; it can bless the lives of those that learned from its pages. It indeed is a testament to our Savior Jesus Christ's visit to the Americas after his resurrection. There are dominant doctrine and principles found within. It can help strengthen your faith in Christ, and you can find within the pages of this book great purpose and direction for your life. You can find answers to your prayers within its pages. If you haven't read it you can get a free copy here are read in online here.