With All My Love

Dear Children,

How are you all doing? I live with most of you, have had contact recently with those not home, but sometimes feel like I need to reconnect. I'm sure our Heavenly Father has this feeling down pat. My greatest joy is found in being with my family, working together, playing together, laughing together. I love my family. That this is an eternal blessing, and I can have it, makes me happy. Considering I could have not known of this blessing, or not had a family I would wish to be with, makes me even more grateful.

I think it not coincidental that I chose to read Great Love for Our Father’s Children by Elder Quentin L. Cook. Elder Cook.  He said, "Love is the primary attribute and motive for the spiritual purposes we were charged to undertake by our beloved prophet... When members gain a vision of this kind of love, which is essential in assisting the Lord in His purpose, the Lord’s work will be accomplished." Elder Cook also had this wonderful promise, that "Ordinances [performed] for ancestors will strengthen and protect our youth and families in a world that is becoming increasingly evil." Your father is so good about promoting genealogy and temple work.

The highlight of last week had to be our visit from Jarrod's sister from California, with your adorable cousin, and our trip to Tyler. We haven't gone any where this summer. Breyer keeps pointing this out to me. And I always tell her, "Everybody came to visit us instead." Lounging in the sun by the pool is my favorite summer activity. Throw in volleyball games in the pool, games at night, games around the table, and it was wonderfully relaxing. God bless your extended family members who always are so generous in opening their home to so many of us.

The obvious low light of last week was when everybody left. A bunch of us back to Granbury. Three to Utah, Two to California, and One to Colorado.

TannMarie are enroute to Utah with an extended stop in Utah while they wait for their apartment to become available. Nora is addictive, and I find myself gnawing on baby toys to compensate. I miss her running outside when I honk to get my welcome home hug in exchange for time in my car. I miss her eating at the table. The seat I had arranged to use at the table did not work out, and AnneMarie was a trooper, getting through mealtimes with Nora on her lap or standing up on the chair. I just plain miss them all.

Cooper decided at the last minute to earn some more money by working on a campground and resort his friend's parents now have custody of. He drove out to Creed, CO, where there is no internet service, hence no phone calls.

Porter is enjoying taking over Cooper's job of bringing home StumpyCakes. And working for pay. He also took over the job offered to Cooper to take care of a home and pool while the owners are away on vacation. Vacation for us as we now have daily access to a pool in triple digit summer weather.

Wishing for More Summer,

Mom