Happy Birthday Mom

Happy Birthday Mom! We are so lucky to have you as our very own. You make us so proud, and we admire you so much. You are so graceful and so beautiful. Mom, you have been a wonderful mother - you have had faith in all of us, and you have made each and every one of us feel so special, and you are a friend to each of us. What more could we ask for? You are the best! We hope you have a wonderful birthday. We love you Mom!

Happy Birthday to Ann Elizabeth!

Annie is 1! We can hardly believe it...For the first year of her life she has been overwhelmed with starwars, trains and dinosaurs. She finally got a baby doll for her birthday. Right away she put it up to her shoulder and patted it's back. She loves to put her baby in her crib, cover her, then uncover her and take her out and do the whole process over and over. Lot's of love to our little one year old.

A really great book

Dudes,

I just finished a really wonderful book last night called "Peace Like a River", by Leif Enger. It's the story of this little family whose father has so much faith that he can perform miracles, which he does so very quitely.

Shat!

Nate

Hi all--

I wanted to mention to you all what an amazing experience it has been for Dad & I to get involved with the Utah Refugee Center.  We've been able to help them through the family foundation by providing money to hire additional employees to reduce the case-load that each employee has.  Additionally, I've been "assigned" a family to help that is from Somalia with 9 children, two of which have special needs.  Their mother is tied to the home with caring for them, and the husband works and at the D.I.  They speak very little English.  Recently the mother asked for a few bikes for her kids, and  we've been able to secure 4 bikes through Debbie Reid's "Bikes for Kids Foundation".   It's so amazing to see the good that we can do for others in such desperate need.  Thanks, Dad for setting up the foundation, and for letting me be a part of this experience!

Em

Good Times!

Thanks Mom & Dad for such a fun weekend. We have such a fun family - I love you all!

Here is the awesome picture of Jake and Nate...and a funny video of the sack race. I couldn't help but laugh when I saw William.

The Book Thief

I finished "The Book Thief" last week. It was such a great book. I can't wait for our book club (woodward women book club) to discuss it!

Fathers......

I want to pay tribute to all of men in my life who are fathers!

First off, I have been born to and raised by and influenced by such a unique and (mostly) adorable man - My Daddy. Even though I am almost 59 years old, I still call him Daddy. I love him and I am so blessed that he is still such an important part of my life. I wish that I had inherited some of his amazing talents. Alas; not one! He still asks "what do you want ?" when I get him on the phone. He is a cute Gramps and Gr. Gramps to all of my family.

My mantra since I was about 12 years old: "choose wisely and carefully the father of your children". I followed my own advice. I chose well. Jim is the perfect parent to all of you for various reasons. You are lucky that I was so wise in that decision so many years ago. He has been a wonderful partner in parenting , and is the most loved and popular Papa on the face of the earth. "Oh, hi Nana - where's Papa?" is what I hear several times a week. I am happy for him and for the grandkids that they have such a sweet and happy relationship. Even though I do all the work.

My two sons Nate and Jake have delighted and awed me with their ability to care for their children. They are great Dads and loved by their kids. They comfort, they change diapers, they teach, they play and they provide a great environment for their families. And, they married well.

My three sons- in -law are incredible men too. I love them more than I ever knew I could - I didn't know them as children, but I love them like I have always known them. I trust them, I appreciate how they care for their families, and how they make my daughters so happy and content.
I am a grateful and blessed daughter, wife, mother, and mother-in-law.

Happy Fathers Day!