Motherhood--- a joy and a blessing.

Danielle then...







Danielle now.....





"Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. She who can paint a masterpiece or write a book that will influence millions deserves the admiration and the plaudits of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters, whose influence will be felt through generations to come, whose imortal souls will exert an influence throughout the ages long after paintings shall have faded, and books and statues shall have decayed or shall have been destroyed, deserves the highest honor that man can give."

David O. McKay

Danielle love's being a mother and I am so proud of her. She is doing such a great job. Emree is one lucky little girl.

Say Cheese.....

Another Day in Paradise...

Last weekend my adorable niece Libby got married in the Columbia River Temple for time and all eternity. She asked Danielle to be a bridesmaid. Not that we really need an excuse but sounded like a wonderful time to have our family all together. We even had my mom here. It was a wonderful day and I am so happy for David and Liberty. They are a cute couple. Something I always tell the newlyweds, 'Life only gets better from here....' and I truly believe it.

Almost........

I think our family maybe slightly obsessed with height. The boys love basketball and every inch helps when you play hoops. We do lots of things when the boys are all together that short people probably don't do. We keep track of their height on the wall in the pantry. Who is the tallest person to ever visit the house? Richard. We measure their arms. (It's important to know if your arms are longer than your body--will you have an advantage at the rebound?) By the way, I had the longest arm span in comparison to my body--yes, there is a reason my sleeves are always too short. We measure them against dad-no one is as tall yet... but my prediction is that Easton is going to beat his brothers. They jump and see if they can touch the 10 foot ceilings. Can they touch their elbows to the ceiling? It's an interesting event.... Is your family short or tall?

Just like the good 'ol days....

When the kids were young we used to LOVE going to the Aquatic Center. I would sit in the sun and sip frozen lemonade, read a good book, pick up a little suntan and the kids would play all day long in the water. Everyone was tired at night and we would all sleep good. They grew out of the Aquatic Center a long time ago and we haven't been back....but WE have a new generation now.

When the kids were all here last weekend we spent an afternoon at the Aquatic Center. Sure it happened to be cold, windy and cloudy that day....but we went anyways. WE stopped by the taco shop and got some food. WE floated in the lazy river. WE watched Jordan and Tyler surf (or fall).... It brought back some good memories. It was just like the good 'ol days.

What a Day....

Reid and I had an amazing opportunity last week to have dinner with Elder Bruce C. Hafen of the First Quorum of the Seventy. He came to Moses Lake to tour the Spokane Mission. We got to have dinner with him and his wife, the new Mission President, Elder Palmer and his wife and a few other couples. He is a man short in stature but tall in wisdom and spirit. It was a wonderful experience to sit and visit with him and listen and feel of his strength. His main advice was, "The Gospel has ALL the answers--if we'll just live it." How true is that?

Monday-Missionary Moments: Church Ball's the same in every country (almost).

Quinn loves basketball. He has not had much opportunity to play the game while on his mission. Their courts are rough, the people are small. This week Vanuatu celebrated their Independence. One of the activity's was a branch basketball tournament. They have six branches. Quinn and 3 other missionares,(one soccer player, one football player and one missionary that had never played ball, but could jump) along with the first counselor in their mission presidency formed a team. They played in the tournament and ended up getting to the championship game. The reigning champions were big names in basketball on Vanuata, they had a couple of players from the 'Vanuatu National Team'. They have won lots of trophies on the island for basketball. Quinn's team ended up winning the championship and a CAKE. Problem is, the losers were poor sports, just like most church ball players and all the boy's on the losing team ended up not coming to church the next day.... Let's hope they get over it FAST.