Sue's Spectacular Fourth! Pre- Party...

Who knew setting up could be so fun?! Spent this morning setting up the 3 large pools, 2 kiddie pools, 2 giant water slides, chairs, etc...

And eating Dad's pancake's- so good!

And lots of hugs from my girls!

It is going to be a FUNtastic day!!!

Father's Day!

I have so many wonderful 'Fathers' in my life!

My Daddy!

My older brother, my nephews-in-law....

And of course, my wonderful husband!

We are by no means the perfect family... but it will certainly be an adventure getting to perfection!

I so loved a part of a talk in sacrament meeting yesterday. Brother Loveridge said, in effect, that just like kids playing house, we are all here on earth playing 'heaven' in order to learn how to do it ourselves one day...

That is exactly how it is here, and I am so grateful for the opportunities!

The Pictures Say It All...

Mug Shot...

Love Grandma's face in this one!

This one's for you, Jeremy!

A Memorable Week

In so many ways...

Spent the BEST Memorial Day!

Took my kids to visit the Evergreen Cemetery in Springville... My mom.

My Uncle who died in WWII
is also buried there

My Grandparents Johnson and Great-grandmother Gourley are also buried there.

Grandpa Johnson

My cousin, Michelle, was born on the anniversary of Grandpa Johnson's birthday. I was born on the anniversary of his death... What a tremendous blessing that was for my Grandmother for so many years! She always had something good to think about on those days! (And she spoiled us too!)

As we parked, we saw my sister and her family! The Lord is truly in the details!

Jon playing peek-a-boo!

Then dinner at the Cannon Center... the ONLY way to feed three hungry 'kids'!

The rest of the week was busy in a good way... In fact, I was blessed to be able to work 8 extra hours! That full day's pay will sure be great to use for a vacation this summer!

Friday night, a date at the Jordan River Temple! Could anything be any better?!

Saturday night, dinner with Dad and Sue to celebrate Luke's birthday... Luke loves to tell people that now that he is older, I have given him 'permission' to stay up later... he can now stay up until 9! And for anyone who knows Luke, you know that staying up until 9 is a big deal! 

Sunday, hanging out with the boys and taking grad pics!

A VERY memorable week!

Outstanding Young Man!

I am so proud of Jon! He has learned to find joy in life, to embrace challenges, and to work hard for the things and people he values!

I am so blessed to have this outstanding young man in my life!!!

Blessed to have Mothers!

I have THE BEST MOMS EVER!!!

 Growing up, my mom was ALWAYS there for me! She taught me so much ... about being a mom, about life, about the great value in showing thanks to those around you - ALWAYS! She was and will always be the best mother ever!!!

Sue is terrific!

 She is such a supportive mother, grandmother, friend!

And this year- Thank you, Luke, for such a great Mother's Day gift...

Another mom!

Dee is a great support to me already!

I am so blessed to have such terrific moms!!!

Gratitude for My Family's Current Missionary.

This week has been more than just hard. So many very large challenges, not the least of which is Luke's illness being worse than ever. 

Things feel so difficult that it is hard to see any good things happening...

Then I read this from my wonderful nephew, Jeremy, who is serving The Lord in Finland:

"This week has been a pretty fun week as we got several chances from some great service!!! We got to experience how Finns build their houses and actually got to help lay the foundations for one of the service projects that we did this week!! The other one was we helped some people move and it was amazing how much stuff they had!! It was super fun but also super tiring as I'm sure everyone that has moved will understand!! But it really taught me an important lesson!!! It taught me that even when our needs are great that the joy is found in helping others!!! The moving and everything took a huge toll on my body but we still had a great time in helping. And it was amazing because the pain was the least when we were helping move all the heavy stuff!! It really reminded me of our Savior how even though He had greater needs than anyone He still payed the price for me!! I really have gained a greater appreciation of the atonement!!! This gospel is true and serving people is great!! "

Things are still scary hard, but maybe this will help lessen the scary.