It is an exciting time of year as the grass is growing and time for planting begins. I always love this time of year. I love to plant the flower beds and pots and usually a big garden. I have to say, its not for Scott. Not his thing. I love it. There is something special about being outside and in the garden. I am happy to say most my kids have followed after me and love to work in their yards. A few may prefer cement like their Dad. We are enjoying going to our grandkid's soccer, t-ball, and softball games. It is a lot of fun. Our family is doing good and our prayers and love continue to be with Kurt and Tara at this time. They have been through so much and have a long path ahead of them but it is with the love of the whole family and friends behind them. There is a Conference talk entitled "Come What May, And Love It". It says if we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness. I'm sure we will find this to be true. We love our family so much and feel so blessed.

MOTHERS' DAY FROM DAD

A Mother's Love
A Mother's love is something
that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion
and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish
and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it
or take that love away . . .
It is patient and forgiving
when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters
even though the heart is breaking . . .
It believes beyond believing
when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty
of the rarest, brightest gems . . .
It is far beyond defining,
it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secret
like the mysteries of creation . . .
A many splendored miracle
man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence
of God's tender guiding hand. - Helen Steiner Rice
You have all become such wonderful mothers. The focus you bring to your families can never be replaced. It is your station that brings compassion, love and above all Charity to the world as you teach your family to live correctly and then one day to set them free. Roots and wings are what a family is for; God could not do it alone.
As Mothers you’ve planted your roots deep in truth and love as you have built a foundation of strength, which has become your family, this foundation will support your kido’s as they leave the nest and sprout their wings too grow.
I would also like to add that Sunday dinners, dough fights, feelings expressed through letters and “Yankee Doodle Dandy” songs are among the things most remembered and cherished as we live our lives together.
Stay close to God and he will ‘direct your feet for good’. Stay close to your mother and she will show you how to have fun as God directs your feet. She will also show you how to continue the fight as the world might move against you. She will also be the example you will look to as you tend to your family and care for their needs.
~ With Love Dad ~

Thanks to all.

I have been wanting to say thank you to all those who have been praying for our family through this time of hardship. Most of you know that our daughter Tara and her husband Kurt are expecting their 2nd child, a little girl. Tara is about 18 weeks along. We found out a few weeks ago that the baby is very very sick. She has a condition called Hydrops and has Down's Syndrome. She has other problems that make it so she may not survive much longer. She is a little fighter but it seems Heavenly Father has other things for her to do. It is important to remember that Kurt and Tara will always be her parents. Kurt and Tara's hearts have been broken and there is nothing we can do to help. It is said that a mother is only as happy as her saddest child, and I know that to be true. Our whole family, and I am sure Kurt's also, have been just heart broken. While we pray for a miracle, we know the reality of the situation. It has brought our family together in faith and love. We are grateful to all those who pray for Tara and Kurt and their little precious daughter. We pray God will keep her in his special care.