Mom and Sons

I was honored to be able to attend the bi-annual mother son event with Bruce. He was much more willing to participate this year. Maybe because we rode with friends, maybe he has really grown up? Proably both. The only picture because he would not take one at the photo booth. I use to be quite the dancer I danced with him, and two of his peers whose mom's were not there or busy with their brother. It was fun. Thankfully there were some really good mom dancers to follow as I didn't line dance much in my past. 

A lot of geese have nejoyed our cover crop this winter. Merle and the dogs went to chase them off. 

Merle ran the full pivot cirlce getting rid of those geese. He is so strong and healthy. We are blessed. 

Livy home from working with dad. This is an intense season of homework. While I grind my teeth watching I also know it's the purpose of education. We must be pushed to high expectation to really grow. 

Back to the boys Jake is getting better by the day with his hands. He was able to grasp his bottle for the first time one day a while ago. 

He is just so cute. I see the clothes he is wearing in these pictures and can say he has outgrown them in the month that is past. He wore the 6-9 mos size for about 4 weeks maybe. 

He loves to suck on his fingers. He has his own unique look. We sure love this little/ big guy. 

A jacket for a day. 

Moving into pants as he needed more room for his ever lengthening torso. The rose is from my evening out with Bruce. It bloomed so nicely. 

My oldest son got himself a fiancee. She is such a nice gal. Andrea tells me she is going to have a new sister. She is really excited. 

They went up to Twin Falls Idaho behind Aunt Kristi's house and then she took some confirmation pictures to share with family. 

When Reed is home he takes a turn holding Jake and playing with him. I think this was Reed/Greg's birthday evening. 

 Mark called early one morning to tell us he broke his collarbone in a bike accident. He was racing on his bike when wash out mud was too much and he slid and fell. His bike tire is destroyed and the tip of  his left collarbone is fractured. Thankfully he can walk and keep working. He had obeyed his mission president wearing his helmet and is thus spared any head damage. He is also aware of the protection and safety he was granted to only break one side of his body and not his dominant side at that. There is protection in obedience and the holy garments we put on each day. Those may seem routine or too simple but such are the promises of God. By small and simple things are great things brought to pass. 

On the stateside front this missionary had a p-day vehicle check. His companion is such a good sport. I think they are having a great time. They have another person on date for baptism so about 1 per transfer. 

They had a zone conference where eah elder was asked to paint a square for a mural. John with his distinctive water bottle. Not a mistake it is prominent on the table. "Look busy Jesus is coming."

Merle resting with dad while watching general conference. 

Most of my sons and the lovely Anna in one shot on p-day phone calls. 

And John in the city. I miss these guys and their strong unique personalities and yet my heart is bursting with gratitude for the solid young men they are. I hear there testimonies, I watch them support and challenge each other, and I see the paths the blaze. Moving forward making new covenants, desiring to build independent lives with their abilities, faith, companions, and skills. This is what we planned for. 

We are thankful for each. We are so pleased with the trails they have blazed and marked and established for those following behind. We hope they continue to forgive, love, and have kind relationships with each other as they impact the world they live in. These guys my back up and muscles have moved on and yet their bantering and smiles on phone calls is just the highlight of my week. I am truly blessed.