Finally! Pictures of our new casa!

Here it is! Jory's been working like a mad man mowing, fertilizing, popping dandelions the whole caboodle. He's done so great, and the lawn has remarkably been looking better day by day. It's so fun to have a home... and a yard! We are so grateful. A couple days ago, (just to show you Jory's dedication to his lawn...) he woke up at 5:30 in the morning to fertilize, (it was still dark, and i was still in bed) he said that on the box, the directions for the fertilizer said that it is best to fertilize in the morn, when there is dew on the grass. Oh what a cutie he is.

We are dying to see the Vawdreys new house, and at that, we want to see everyone else's houses too.

Enjoy!

Go, Go Goblins

Jory, Sarah, Dad & I broke our fifteen plus year drought of visiting Goblin Valley last weekend. It looked different that we remembered, but still full of ghosty looking goblins & slot canyons, too. Tom, Marion, Mindy, Roger, Brian Mellenthin and many of their neighbors were there also.
Jory climbed into a very, very narrow sliver of a crack in the rocks, inching his way deeper and deeper about forty feet. No one else dared try it. We worried he would get stuck; but fortunately it opened up wider until he was able to climb vertical about 15 feet to a small opening above the rocks. How grateful we were he made it out & the emergency rescue teams could save their energy for another idiot.
The wind blew non-stop for 48 hours, making it necessary to place 30 pound boulders at each inside corner of our tents. The pup tent Jory & Sarah brought , stood 36 inches high and 60 inches square. It required they sleep in the fetal position all night. Their Pilot was much roomier Saturday evening.
Little Wild Horse Canyon was our five mile hike of choice, with beautiful rock formations, slot canyons & a cool shady out of the wind location. Most of the 100 member group went in the morning. We took 11am naps & tried an afternoon bring up the rear blitz. It worked wonders on our ‘What a Beautiful World We Live In’ attitudes.
Next time you’re in Southern Utah, go to Goblin Valley & Little Wild Horse Canyon.

Oh the Wonders of Parenting

Since parenting is a full time job I thought you might want to see how the Canada Geese family takes care of their young. This proud father is keeping up the rear guard as the banded mother takes the lead. It might even be just the opposite, since I can't tell which is which.

They look like their on a fun excursion to the zoo or maybe going out for treats on the Jordan River parkway allowing me to snap a photo of them. Quickly the father pulled in between the camera & kids to keep them safe. AS they crossed the river it was fun to watch how smoothly they handled the process.

May you each have success as you guide your own sweet angels. I see you doing your best to keep them shielded from the worries of the world & show forth love & more.

On this Mother's Day week, I'd like to say what great mothers, my daughters are. They may not all be mothers, but have set wonderful examples for me to see their wisdom. I have watched you over the years. I see the qualities you have acquired and used to make you the great ladies you are today.

Jenn isn't afraid to get involved in the community. She shares her talents, time & serves the greater good. She cares for many in a busy way.

Mauri works hard, attracting the attention of employers who know they can depend on her always. She is loyal and smart in all she does.

Alicia ever the patient teacher guiding children to learn the three R's. Reading, Choose the Right & . Creativity & keeping children active by doing projects helps them see the importance of keeping busy.

Breann doesn't give up in the face of disappointment. She hangs in there to finish the task, showing others it can be done. Her quiet determination is strength in and of itself.

Sarah has done a great job of helping ground Jory to adulthood & responsibility. She is thoughtful & kind, doing her best to be a good daughter-in-law.

Thank you all for being a part of the wonderful sisterhood in our family.

Dressed to the Nines

I noticed when we visited the Stevenson family, that little Emma Delight has the kind of wardrobe we all dream of. Everything is new, stylish, clean & classy. It is hard to decide what to have her wear, because her clothes are all so darn cute. We only got a few photos of her because of leaving our camera in the car, but believe me this little gal sparkles from head to toe.

This bottle brush bush was the perfect background for Emma in her red velour outfit. It includes black leggings with red polka dots. Stay tuned for more cute photos. Maybe her mom will post some, for us to enjoy a real fashion show. Eat your hearts out ladies.

Every Member a Missionary

A year ago, Bess, a friend of Jenn's, she worked with asked her about the Church. Much was shared about why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints members are happy and do what they do. Bess was invited to join the Stevenson family at church on Sundays. Soon she was receiving the missionary discussions, reading the Book of Mormon and committing to baptism.

It all started because Bess asked a question. Jenn was a friend, as well as missionary. Now here is it one year later & Bess received her endowments, on March 30th in the Spokane Temple. We are outside while the ceremony is taking place with Jennifer in attendance.

Last night the missionaries came by our house. They asked me to introduce them to the Meier's, a family in our neighborhood. They want to bear their testimonies & share the gospel message. I've been a friend of Janet Meier's, an inactive member, for several years. Her five children ages 8 to 18 are not members. What a gift if they hear & accept the gospel.

The challenge has been made. Now I need to step up to the plate and show Heavenly Father how much I love him, by inviting his beloved children to share in the joy I have. Pray for them to be ready & me to be a missionary & 'Do it'.

A Visit to the Salt Lake Temple

After years of desire to visit the Salt Lake Temple, Mauri & Aaron, Jory & Sarah, Dad & I finally made it for a session & sealing. This was a first real visit for Mauri, Aaron & Sarah to see the inside & rooms of the Salt Lake Temple.

Thanks to Jennifer's searching & finding family names that needed their temple work to be completed, we had a special reason to go. For the past year we have done the initiatory, endownments & now the sealings for our extended family members.

Camille entertained the kids on Temple Square for us. Then we all had a yummy meal at the Blue Iguana. What a great day.