THE RETURN

Sunday was Mothers' Day and Ava sang with the Primary children.  She did such a good job and learned the words so quickly  We were sitting in our seats and she whispered to me, "See the little chair up there? (It's a speaker way up high near the ceiling)  That's where the Holy Ghost sits."  What a gal.  They were so good in church.  They didn't make a peep.  

After church we went to Erik's again and had a delicious dinner.  Erik makes such yummy Calizones and Shanelle made salad and a dessert no one should eat it is so good and filled with calories.  It was a special bunt cake.  Erik taught Nixon how to sing like a dog.  

It is so good to be in their home and watch the cousins play together.  We had to really work to keep Nixon awake 'till we got home.  The boys went in together and gave me a beautiful umbrella to go in our glass table outside. The girls had already sent flowers.
I have the most perfect mother.  I never heard her raise her voice, say a negative word or talk unkindly about anyone.  sure wish I could be more like her.  She has been gone for over 20 years now and I still miss her.  She never complained and was a workaholic in keeping our home in order.  She could do anything: cook, sew beautiful clothes, knit, crochet, do any kind of handwork, reupholster our furniture,  read to me even when I was older, was my seminary teacher for a few years, helped me with anything I needed help with.  She loved the Lord and taught me by example to do the same.  My prayer is that someday she will hold me in her arms again.  I don't know how to use my external drive so I could only find these few pictures of her.

A year after married

so beautiful Katie Jones

with my dad around 1963

young Dora

Gtanny Fox  as she was lovingly called

My mother was a great lady. She taught me the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the stories of the Bible and the Book of Mormon.  She also taught me that I had a special purpose on this earth.  Most of my motivation growing up was to become what my mother believed I could be.  She never got to travel much, but she saw the world through books and instilled in me a great love for literature.  I hope when I see her again, she will be proud of what I have done with my life.

Monday was so fun.  Ava just couldn't wait for school to get out because we went to the airport to get Scott and Beth.

  They screamed when they saw them get off the plane.  They went from the Provo airport which is so nice.  They brought us a loaf of sourdough bread from the San Francisco pier.  We ate a hunk when we got in the car and again with chicken salad for dinner.

After we left Scott's we went to Timpview for a retirement party for 4 of the teachers.  It was so good to see so many of those wonderful people George worked with for 10 years.  (some longer)  They are the best.  It was like an old reunion.

The garden is now all planted.  It is so good to work outside and feel the warmth of the sun.  I also planted some flowers in baskets on the bike.

I put up the umbrella the boys' families gave me for Mothers' Day

That evening we went to PGHS to see Kolton be Abraham Lincoln in a fifth grade wax museum

sorry but I didn't get a good picture but he looked great.

Friday we got up early and went to BYU for the state track meet.  We went to watch Kate Hunter run.  She took fisrt in region and 6th today at state.
  She is only a freshman and one of my Young Women.  We worked some more in the yard and went to Merilee Goats reception.  She married a nice young man.

  It was fun to see all of her great family and especially Clark, Dianne and their family.  They are all so wonderful and doing just great.  It was a fun evening.
Saturday was busy as usual.  Parker had a soccer game at 9 and after the boys came to our house to mow the lawn. 

Parker with Camden and as the goalie

                                  

 I love this time because I see them and love having them around.  I like having Shanelle too.  I don't see much of Erik because he rides his bike 14 mile here and then takes off on a run for 30 minutes.  I think he must be crazy but then Shanelle gets up and bikes 14 miles at 6 AM.  No wonder she looks so good.  Our yard is also looking  good thanks to the boys and Granddad.
Again we are continually blessed to be a part of our families long ago and yet to come.  the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is so true.

Nancy:  I want to pay a tribute to Nancy.  She is a wonderful wife and mother.  I don't know how she could be more caring and giving to our children and to me.  She loves her grandchildren and worries about them daily.  Her whole life is centered in her family, except for the great love she has for her Savior and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a love that she passes on to her family.  I have never known anybody who has such a natural love for everybody she meets.  She is an incredible person.  I am so thankful that she is my eternal companion.(I am not sure she always feels the same towards me.)