Happy Birthday Garrett

Garrett turned 15 and our tradition is to open presents in the morning before Dad goes to work...here he is with his stash. He was most excited about his new shirt...a friend of ours has started his own company and this is one of his originals...Sugarsteakapparel.com. Garrett is enrolled in Driver's Ed and has his permit...Bill is braver than I and has taken him out on the road...at this point he still scares me to death! Teaching teenagers to drive is NOT one of my favorite activities! Pray for us:)

Mr. Grant

Sixth Grade ceremonies are always a little "over the top" for my liking. Luckily Grant's elementary school must feel the same way... there were no frills. In fact, Grant wore a t-shirt. Of course there were several girls who were all dressed up, but a lot of the boys were casual...just my style. Grant received the Presidential award which he was excited about...a fair number of kids earned it. There were several academic requirements that had to be met over the last 3 years...apparently there are some fairly academically inclined kids in his grade. The award I was most surprised by was the "best average in science" award...I have never been good at science...he must have gotten that aptitude from his dad. Great job Grant!

Returning With Honor

We are so fortunate to be in a ward that produces so many worthy and willing servants of God. I have the privilege of compiling excerpts from their weekly emails to their families into a monthly "Missionary Newsletter". It's an opportunity for the elders and sisters to hear how each other is doing. This week Elder Ellis Ferrer returned home from the Peru Lima East Mission. Our family was at the airport to welcome him home, along with several other ward members, family and friends. It was amazing to witness his reunion with everyone, especially with his mom. She is a dear friend of mine and I could feel her relief and joy...really, it was a tangible thing. I cried, as did the other missionary parents in the crowd...even the dads. What an honor to be there and to welcome Ellis home. Of course it made me miss William and think about what our reunion will be like in a very short 7 1/2 months.

Ellis and his proud mother Nancy.