A New Grandson

Ashton was quite taken with this new baby brother and whenever he sees him, whether it is first thing in the morning or after his nap mid-day, or after we were outside playing in the sandbox, he runs by everyone else and goes over to the baby and says, "Hi!"

Dad, Mom, baby Hunter and big brother Ashton

How beautiful and Precious life is!

Hunter is our 10th grandchild and what a lovely baby he is. A bonny eight pounds and 20 inches long, he seems to be a happy, contented little boy. I can never quite get over the miracle of birth - even though I have had six lovely children of my own, Did you know that with a baby's first breath over 800 chemical reactions take place in that little body so they can survive? That alone is miraculous! I am always overcome by the presence of these beautiful little spirits that have come so soon from Heavenly Father's presence. I just like to sit and hold them and bask in their light. They radiate joy and the spirit is so strong. I am ever grateful to be able to witness this and celebrate in their choice to come to earth and gain a physical body and become a part of our Father in Heaven's great plan for us. Hunter we welcome you and feel so blessed to have you a part of our amazing family.

Our Beloved Bear - August 30, 2008

Our sweet friend and canine companion, Bear, left us for a better world August 30, 2008 and we miss him so much! What a wonderful, sweet dog he was ~ just a beloved part of our family. He was at least 16 years old. He loved to hike and especially liked going camping up at Payson Lakes. If there was water nearby, he was in it. He did not especially like going out in the canoe with us, but if we coaxed him, he would come and would enjoy the ride . . .

He liked having the grandchildren come - he was so gentle with the children and with other animals as well. Ashton was his special friend and he would lay down on Bear and follow him all around the house - "Beh" was one of Ashton's first words.

He especially liked snow - he liked to eat it, roll in it and play in it. On snowy mornings, he loved to go outside and stick his muzzle into the snow, he would come in covered white with snow.

Bear liked to be with his family no matter where we were . . . he followed us from room to room, outside to the garage, or out to the garden. We would like to pay tribute to this kind, loving, friendly, sweet-tempered member of our family- Bear and Nipper were "Ray's boys".

We miss you!

Rockin' Family Reunion Part 2

We had almost everyone in the family there . . . minus a few loved and important players - and you were all missed! It was so great to visit with everyone and see all those cute children and how they are growing and changing!

We had such a great time riding four wheelers, tractors, visiting with each other, playing games, eating great food, and reminiscing. It was three days of fun and dust (lots of both)Thank you, Doug & Ann for all your hard work planning, preparing and making this happen!

The last day, we had a HUGE bonfire and Mom & Dad shared some fun memories with us - and we had some to share as well.