Front row L-R: Tyler, Hallie, Madelyn, Dallin, Cassidy, Joshua, Preston
We did it! On November 23rd, our Paso Robles 2nd Ward primary gave it's Children's Sacrament Meeting Presentation about the 2008 theme, "I Am a Child of God." I was grateful for all the children and their enthusiasm for doing their parts, sharing their ideas and feelings, sharing talents, the beautiful voices, the surprises, and yes, even the mishaps (mostly my fault). It feels sooooo relaxed this Saturday night to think, "It's just a normal primary day tomorrow." I loved the program and look forward to next year, but I have to admit, it wasn't easy getting through the practices and getting the parts handed out, etc. I hope to learn from my mistakes and plan way in advance. Next year's theme is "My Eternal Family." I'm excited for the new music, including a song, "My Eternal Family." We may do a builder-related theme with it.
My mom passed away on Saturday, August 23rd, 2008 at about 11 p.m at age 78. She had fallen and broken her hip for the second time, and we were warned that this would bring her to the end of her life quickly, as is the case in many elderly people. She lasted almost a week after the fall, and then she was released from her suffering to go home to the spirit world to be with all her family and friends who have gone on before, to await the resurrection day. We were happy for her "graduation" as my dad called it, and although we all miss her dearly we are comforted by our faith. This picture is of my family at the burial site, by mom's beautiful pink casket. The first picture shows the raw emotion of how hard it is to say this goodbye (for now) to Mom. The second picture show us smiling at a joke told by one of the picture-taking relatives. L-R is brother Robert, me, Dan, Claire (Rob's wife), Susan, Dad, Dave (Susan's husband), Mary, Matt (Mary's husband), Bev and Barney (Bev's husband). There truly is opposition in all things; here it is we are experience the joys of feeling blessed by a truly wonderful mother, and the accompanying sadness at seeing her go and knowing we must live without her for a time. This understanding makes me appreciate what I am going through and have a better perspective. I look forward to the day of resurrection to see my mother again, for the first time as a young woman. She was a great mother and friend, and I wouldn't know where to begin to describe all the many qualities I loved and admired about her, and all the fond memories I have of her. I miss her so!
Richard, Caitlyn, Austin, and Madelyn proudly show off their powdered-candy tubes in front of the Ravine Gift Shop. We have enjoyed the water park this summer with a family pass, and the kids have enjoyed buying a treat or two at each visit with their own money. I guess it's like the old Circle K down the street from my house where I'd walk to go buy a treat in the summer!
Here we are on the Holland America ship "Ryndam" as it docked in Juneau, Alaska. We cruised July 9-16th while our kids stayed with the Cliffords for "cousin camp" in AZ. Dan's parents planned the trip as a gift, inviting their children and spouses. We had thought of going two years earlier but didn't do it. It was an amazing trip! The weather was cool, usually in the 50's and overcast, except for the sunny Sunday at Glacier Bay which was beautiful. The ship was awesome, the food great, the stops interesting, the glaciers magnificent, and the family time was fun. I can't wait to do another cruise. We hope to take the kids on a Mexican Riviera cruise. Bon Voyage!
