Grandpa and Grandma Bagley

July

2011-07-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

I am so grateful for my family. They are always a source of joy to me. I feel that I am reaping great rewards by being able to have them visit or live around me. Life can really be lonely if you don't care for anyone or you are not involved with anyone's life. I write this as I listen to the little girl squeals and laughter of Safira and Hazel.

This has been such a great summer til now and I expect it will even be more so in the days ahead.

On the 28th I am having cataract surgery as they cannot correct my lenses any more. I will have the distance vision corrected and will have to wear glasses for reading. I am having it done at Pacific Cataract in Kennewick. Afterwards, you will be able to see all my wrinkles that I have been hiding behind my glasses.

I am doing fine--I just wish I could do more. My strength is limited and If I overdo things I pay for it with pain.

Kent and I gave talks this Sunday and were happily informed that in our ward, talks come every two years. I guess one of least favorite things to do is give talks. I would hate it if I bored people or made them wish they weren't at Sacrament Meeting.

Just took brownies out of the oven. Katie Bagley (Thomas) came over to swim, as did Charith and the gang. Always good to see people have fun. Quinn's family had fun with them. Quinn and Dewi just went for Thai food--YUM!

Dad is on his way home, so I had better get busy---------Love---MOM

2011-04-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

WOW! Lots of things have been happening to everyone, starting with Spring Vacations. Andrew's family had a great trip to Florida and Ryan's family had a great trip to New York City, as evidenced by all their great stories and pictures.

TUESDAY, April 5th--Spring vacation--Becka Rodriguez and Miguel and Derek's family came over and we had a nice visit. They had all been to see the movie, "Rango", and loved it. We went to Taco Bell together for dinner.

WEDNESDAY, had a wonderful visit with Rachel, catching up with her busy brood. I made a Pig Eaters Cake--pudding, yellow cake and mandarin oranges, iced with cream, pudding and pineapple. It was a good icebox cake. Dad had a meeting that night, so I just goofed around and watched TV.

THURSDAY, Derek's family and Kirk's family came over to continue Spring vacation. The kids had a ball and we had a good time visiting.

FRIDAY, Dad worked at the temple, had a tax meeting and Dewi called us to tell us she is having a baby boy. We are all very excited for their family. We will miss another beautiful little girl, but can't wait to see what their boy is like. He will be wonderful, just like they are.

That night we were so happy to have Ryan's family come over and just so enjoyed hearing about their New York City trip. They did so many memorable things with their family. These things will be fondly remembered all their lives. Travel just expands us and gets the creative juices flowing. What fun they had!

SATURDAY, we ordered a new couch for the family room and ran lots of errands. Derek's family and Thomas's family came over and we had a good time catching up on all the news while the kids played. We are happy to have Thomas and his wonderful family in the area. We appreciate their considering us as family and are so happy when they visit.

SUNDAY, April 10th, Church as usual, except Kent had a bad cough and couldn't go to church. After church and dinner, when he was feeling better, we went to Andrew's house and saw their trip pictures and heard their wonderful stories about their experiences in Florida and at Disneyworld. They had such a great time together. That's what it's all about--doing all you can with your family while you have them.

MONDAY, was Shilohs' 13th birthday. She is such a beautiful girl and is so talented. I hope she will always feel her worth. Derek's and Kirk's families went with us to Jack In The Box for dinner to celebrate. It was good. We came back home for wonderful chocolate birthday cake.

TUESDAY, Kent had a meeting and visits for the High Priests.

WEDNESDAY, I picked up the taxes so we could sign them and the accountant could electronically send them off. That evening, we had to take something to Derek, so we visited with them before they had scouts. Jason and Shiloh had a temple trip. We went to Costco and got home in time to watch "The Middle."

THURSDAY, I watched Eli and Reid while Charith went to Louise Jenkins to use her pool. Charith is training for a Triathlon. She came back and we had fun visiting and then she went after Afton, picked up food for the kids, and came back so all the kids could run and play. After work we drove to Sunnyside to have dinner at El Conquistador for Lynette's birthday. Shanna Lee and Ernie came to. We had a great time together. It is good to remain friends with your siblings throughout your life. We have all been through many things together.

We are back to friday, Kent is at the temple, the JW's just invited me to church and the chocolate banana bread is calling me. Love you all--keep busy in good works--Mom

2011-04-05T15:15:00.000-07:00

Back after a wonderful trip to the Bellevue area. It was fun to be with Derek's and Quinn's families. THURSDAY, March 31st, was spent in preparation for the weekend trip to Bellevue. FRIDAY, Kent worked in the Temple and then came home to meet up with Derek's family for the trip. We left about 1:45 PM, with Joe, Sam, and Noah riding with us for comic relief! We arrived later that afternoon and wore out the "Glass Alligator" at Embassy Suite's because we were on the 4th floor. We ran into Loren Anderson and his family. They were staying on the 5th floor. Good to see them. Happy Baby in a few weeks!! We went to Burger King with Quinn's family that night and then came back to swim. Kids had a great time. SATURDAY, after a big breakfast, they dropped me off at Quinn's and we watched conference and the rest of the gang went to the Seattle Science Center. Quinn, Dewi, Hazel, Safira and I went to an Indian Restraurant for lunch buffet. It was delicious and so fun to try so many different dishes. We came back and watched Conference while Safira napped. Dad came home while Derek's family went to the Aquarium. Everything was so crowded and the roads were nuts. Derek's family ate at Dairy Queen and we ate at Jack "n The Box. It was swimming time again. It is such a treat to swim when it is cold outside. SUNDAY, after an Embassy Suite's breakfast, we went over to say goodbye to Quinn's family and headed home. We stopped in the pass for the kids to see how high the snow was. When we got to the Sunnyside area we stopped at the Cheese Factory. Some kids thought that it was the highlight of the trip. I must admit that creamy vanilla and luscious blueberry ice cream was fulfilling. When we got back to Pasco, we washed the car and checked the office and came home and did laundry and got ready for the next day. MONDAY, we had dinner and then went to see "Source Code." I really enjoyed it. Forget all about logic and go with the flow and you will like it too. It was an interesting movie. Hope everyone is doing well on all their trips and routines.

2011-03-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the Windy City! Spring is blowing winter away. The sun is shining and it is beautiful outside.

As to what we have been up to:

WEDNESDAY, the 23rd we ran the evening errands and then went to play aggravation with Brother Harris. It has almost been a year since his wife, Nancy, died. She died on Tax Day, April 15, 2010. He has changed. He is more outward--helping others and faithfully going to the Temple. I know nothing can take the place of that companionship, but doing all the good he is doing helps ease the way.

THURSDAY, I had an RS meeting on decluttering and organizing. It made me tired, but many good tips were given. While I was gone, Kirk and the kids came over, so Dad and Kirk's family went in town to see Dad's new signs on his office. While in town, they had yummy ice cream cones and no one had to share. Needless to say, they were devoured eagerly.

FRIDAY, we got a lot of things done from a long list of jobs and errands in the afternoon, as Dad worked in the morning in the Temple, which he dearly loves. I am so glad that he gets to work in the temple. He does so much good and people love his friendliness and kindness. That night everyone, except sickies--Jessica and Samantha--and campers--Andrew and Parker--came over for Reid's 2nd BD. He was all smiles and even blew out his own candles, after they were relit because Eli blew them out. He has become his own person now and loves to run with the pack. They watch out for him pretty good.

SATURDAY, Dad worked around the yard-spring cleaning and getting sprinklers in order, watered the pasture, in readiness for the two animals we get the following Saturday. That night we went to Derek and Shellee's regional Scout dinner where they got a very prestigious award--The District Award of Merit for their service in Scouting--in particular for all the day camps they have organized and run for probably about 1,000 scouts. Think of the lives they have impacted. I know they worked very hard through the years to further the scouting ideals and are still working towards that goal.

SUNDAY, I taught Primary to the Wiggles and then afterwards we HT'aught 2 families. We went to Andrew's afterwards and had a wonderful visit with everyone and Dad played games with the kids. The end of a perfect day!!

MONDAY, we switched to Dish Network and now have HD. I can really see the difference, but I have to learn all new channels and remotes. After dinner we went to Sunnyside to see Shanna Lee and Ernie and play pinochle (sp?). We had a great time. Every weekend they go to one of their kids homes to build a bathroom, repair somethings, and are going to build a deck for Matt and Brandy. They have lots of energy--use it while you can.

TUESDAY, we ran some errands--RX's, etc, and Dad had a HP Quorum Meeting.

This weekend, I think we are going to Bellevue, if we can make arrangements. Derek and Shellee's familly want to go to. We will see if we can get Embassy Suites, so the kids can go swimming.

Love you all---Take good care of each other. Love reading facebook and the blogs.---M

2011-03-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

Do you feel compartmentalized by winter? Spring is on it's way! The people are here to mow our lawn today. It is weird to hear a lawnmower so early!

Last WEDNESDAY, the 16th, after dinner we went to Derek's and visited briefly with their family and then we went to Costco. Dad had a meeting at the Scout Service Center and I got a lot of my book read.

THURSDAY was the BYU game, Dad had another Scout Meeting at the Stake Center, Kirk's family came over to play and visit. It was fun to watch those munchkins. I got my haircut because I can't stand it when it just hangs there looking weird. I think I will never have long hair, because I am too impatient!

FRIDAY, Kent worked at the Temple in the morning. In the afternoon I had to have a CT scan with dye to check to see if any stones were stuck in my body and if they had infection in them. Everything turned out all right. No problems, as far as we can tell. That afternoon Dad trimmed the bushes at the office in preparation for a new sign. We can't have Bagley Dental on the sign, because the boys are Bagley Dental now and we are out of the corporation. Linda Rowell is making the signs.

SATURDAY Andrew's family had gone to Prosser to shop at Chukar Cherries and brought us a nice package of dried cherries with pistachio nuts in them. They were delicious. It was nice to visit with part of their family. I made a cake for the Republican Dinner that night and it was so tender, it feel apart. So I had to go to URM and buy a cake for the auction. Dad went to the dinner and paid his money and then was too excited for the BYU game, so he came home to watch it. It was a great game--so exciting.

SUNDAY I taught my Primary lesson and right after church Dad had an Eagle Board at the new Stake Center and then we came home and relaxed.

MONDAY, I went to Dr. Johnson for a series of growth hormone shots in my back. There has been some relief in my SI joint, so I am hoping that this series of shots will help even more. That night we went to see "Just Go With It" with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston. The scenes in Hawaii were nice, but it was a dinky story. I guess I am not as fond of Fluff as I used to be.

TUESDAY, we went to the office and Dad put up his signs. They are really readable and look nice. Things have been going well for him at the office.

Last night we went over to Brother Harris's and played Aggravation with him for a few hours and then went to Walmart and Yokes for some items. We came home and watched "The Middle" and ""An Ordinary Family, which I had recorded.

Friday is Reiddie's birthday so it is cake time at 96, as Kirk would say!! Love you ALL!!

2011-03-15T16:04:00.000-07:00

Just an update as to what's been happening in our lives....last Tuesday, Dad had a High Priest's Presidency meeting.(My terminology is probably incorrect) He has received the calling of being in the High Priest's hierarchy. They have lots of work to be done in our ward, in particular, with Home Teaching. He will be great. He knows so many people and their geneologies.

Wednesday night, we went to the Temple and enjoyed a session, small one, but really great.

I had the carpet cleaners come to our home and clean the entry rug, stairs, landing, front room and dining room, stairs and the hallway upstairs. They did a good job.

Thursday night we went to Derek's ward and had a nice fundraising taco dinner for girl's camp and other activities. They did a really nice job. They had an auction of services and baked goods, but we had some errands to run. We went to Staples to get a plastic rug and an entry rug for the waiting room at the office.

Friday, Kirk, Andrew and Rebecca and Dad and I went to the temple to do some sealings. I was sealed, along with my brother, to our parents. It was such a special time being part of a live sealing. We did many other family names. Now we have to go through and see who we have missed. We should be able to get so much more information with all the wonderful records that are now available online.

The waiting room carpet at the office got done and really looks nice.

Saturday, Dad worked outside and we went to lunch and went to the office to put all the chairs back in the waiting room and get it ready for Monday. We went home and Derek's family and Kirk's family came over. While the kids played, we watched the BYU game. Afterwards we went to Burger King by Richland Walmart and had dinner together. The kids had fun.

Sunday, I taught my class (Yes, after 20 years or so, I am back in Primary). I teach those who have turned 8 before January. I have about 8-10 students. About 8 come every Sunday. My first Sunday I taught was disastrous!! I was told the wrong lesson to prepare. It was the one they had the previous Sunday. I lost them! This Sunday was better. I was better prepared and I had another teacher that I am sharing the class with in with me to help them look up scriptures and settle down. We went home teaching--4 down--3 to go--and our home teachers came also.

Monday night we went to see The Adjustment Bureau. It was pretty interesting, but I could have passed on it. We need some really imaginative and fast paced movies released so I don't get bored. It was fun to see Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. I think they are good actors.

Tonight we will going to the Temple. I look forward to that.

We love you all loads and are grateful for all the blessings that life brings. M

2011-02-10T15:59:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since I have blogged. I guess I was waiting for my life to change for the better, and I am sure that it has in many ways---I have very many blessings. I am thankful that each day is a gift to try to make sense of, to do some good, and to feel the joy of the Gospel.

I have many great children and grandchildren that are accomplishing so much. I think I am envious of that, but so impressed by their efforts to do good and to be good. Each one has their own specific struggle and they are so courageous accomplishing much each day.

I have some very special friends that understand life and it's purposes. They "cheer and bless and brighten every passing day."

We are looking forward to traveling down to Orem to see Rachel and Brian and their family. It will be nice to be in that part of the country for a few days. We miss them all so much, as do we miss Quinn and Dewi and Hazel and Safira and Evan and Lacey.

Our ward has changed so much--lots of the same people, but some very special people are missing. Change is good--it will stretch us to work harder and co-operate better.

I am making some lemon bars, but with a chocolate crust--we shall see if I should leave perfection alone. They smell great--chocolate always does.

Rachel--your little doo-dads look great. Those things make your home YOUR home. You were always one to re-arrange a room and find things and themes to make a room POP! If you need practice, you can always come to Pasco and help me declutter and make my home POP!

Love you all and am always happy to read about your adventures on the blogs and facebook. Keep up the good life!

2010-08-04T14:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Summer to everyone! It is going fast, isn't it. Just think of all the fun things that you have done this far. You have time to do some more while you are getting ready for the new school year.

At the end of this month we are going back to Oklahoma to see Evan and Lacey. We are looking forward to that. It is has been forever since we have seen the both of them and a long time since we have been back to Oklahoma. It will bring back lots of memories of Ryan and Donna and their family and of all the fun we had back there in Oklahoma City with them.

We went up to Camp Kiwanis last night to be with the Rodriguezs. All of them were there and it was so fun to seen them enjoying their reunion. They have done a few things to improve the place. We will be glad to have it for next year. Dad will look up the dates and let you all know so you can plan for it. I think it is the first of August.

We had a great time with Grant. He had a good time at his 45th year class reunion and visiting everyone. We enjoyed being with him.

Been busy catching up on Dr's appointments--internist and chiropractor. In a few weeks I see the Gyne. and get my mammogram done. Then I should be all caught up for a year. It is like maintaining an automobile.

We love you all and are grateful for all the joy you bring into our lives.

Love to all-----------MOM

Summertime 2010

2010-06-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

Is summer upon us? The flowers are colorful, but not growing fast. Garden looks good!
Dad and I are doing well--kept busy with work around home, missionary and home teaching appointments and so enjoying being with the family.
I am doing OK except for my right hip, but everyone has something that bugs them.
Summer is a busy time for everyone, but I hope we can work in some large family fun times---barbequing and maybe boating and just being together.
We look forward to family visits and watching everyone grow.
We love you all. Love-----MOM

2010-03-18T19:07:00.000-07:00

I am really enjoying the spring weather. It really feels like we are the Evergreen State.
My life is rather consistent as I try to not get sick--flu or colds--so I will be in top shape for my surgery on April 8th at the U of W hospital by Dr. Jonathan Harper. As a result, my life is pretty dull right now. My wounds are healing, but I still have to deal with pain that is very annoying. I wish I could just do what I want--clean house, organize, cook good meals and invite everyone over. I feel I have lost a considerable part of my life these last eight months, but I am grateful that I still have a life.
I do miss considerably, being super active and involved in Church callings. We are busy with eight families to fellowship and home teach and visit teach, but I am used to being so much more involved. I do realize that I would not be able to do anymore than I am doing now, but I do truly miss it.
A big thanks to my family for all their concern and kind care of me. I will never be able to repay Kent for the many ways, each day, that he helps me survive and keeps things humming at home.
Love you all----------------MOM

Love Conquers All

2009-10-05T16:58:00.000-07:00

I am still waiting to hear from Dr. Foss. He is the surgeon that would do my procedures locally in Kadlac Hospital. He has proposed that we go through the ureter to my kidney, sound wave the stone and suck it up. I am not comfortable thinking about it, but it would be less invasive than going through my back into my kidney. Dr. Foss is looking at my Kat Scan (SP?) to make some measurements for instruments. I will let you all know as soon as I know something.

Yesterday and Saturday were great days for General Conference. All the talks were wonderful and the music sublime. Saturday Dad was at Calvacade of bands all day and most of the night. This is the first time it was rained out for the final performances. I don't know what they will do for the awards.

Sunday we picked up Sister Mc Kenzie and brought her over to our home to watch morning conference. She was grateful to be able to view it. In the afternoon, Derek's family and Kirk's family came over to watch conference and visit. Later Thomas and his family and Andrew's family came over for a nice visit. It is a good thing we had plenty of goodies left over from Calvacade to placate the crowd.

Today, the killer guy came over and did the cows in. We should have more meat in a few weeks.

It is truly fall now. It is beautiful with just a nip in the air. Is everyone getting ready for Halloween?

Conference just reinforced in my life the importance of family, doing kindness for others, and loving everyone. We will never regret the kind word or the generous gesture. Let's live our lives so we has no regrets.

Love-MOM

communication

2009-09-15T15:41:00.000-07:00

My communication skills have been lackadaisical lately. I've been trying to get my ducks in a row, but they keep migrating. You might say that everything has gone south.

We have had some wonderful visits with family--children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters--and some wonderful visits with old High School buddies. Thursday we went to Sunnyside to a neat little Bistro (open 8-4 PM and then open at night for groups.) I was impressed with the food and the service and the menu, I'd like to go again during the daytime to get some Bistro food. It was Fred and Kathleen's 40th anniversary and all their kids were there except two. Had a great time. Their kids gave them some wonderful pictures of the family.

Friday night we went back to Sunnyside to the Snipes Mountain Brewery (a restaurant and partial beer joint) and visited with old friends and came home with a renewed revelation that ours has been the best life ever--our family is responsible for so much of our joy and good times. We are grateful for you all.

Saturday morning about 7:30 AM, we picked up Kirk's family and headed for Bellevue. What spectacular fall weather. Won't be long before the bad weather sets in and we will be somewhat isolated from each other. We got to Bellevue and visited with everyone. Dewi's parents were celebrating Ramadan--the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. They fast from sunrise to sunset for the whole month, so we did not get to go to dinner with them, but did so enjoy visiting with them. They are such precious people. Dewi is lucky to have such wonderful parents and the rest of her family is great also.

We stayed at the Bellevue Hilton along side of the freeway. Sunday morning about 8 AM, alarms went off, and a voice saying, "Attention, Attention, there is a fire reported in the Hotel. Please make your way down the stairs and do not use the elevator. We were on the 5th flour. While we were waiting outside, we decided to go to Mc Donald's for breakfast. When we returned all the firetrucks were gone and the elevators were working. Didn't find out where the fire was or what the deal was. I glad they had their emergency plan in force.

We went to a few parks and eating places with Quinn and Hazel. It was so good to be with them. Safira (sapphire) is too little to take places and Dewi needs to get her strength back. They will let us know of the blessing plans. They were considering coming to the Tri-Cities for the blessing. They will let us know.

I still haven't heard from the University Hospital in Seattle. That is where my surgery will be. It is a three hour surgery with about a 5 day hospital stay. I am trying to get it scheduled after Calvalcade of Bands--which is the first Saturday in October. I hope this humongous kidney stone doesn't want to roll forth and gather moss.

Went to lunch with the Lunch Bunch today. It is disguised as an Enrichment Activity and it sure is fun to get together and laugh about life. Isn't it great to have sisters to do things with.

This week is a busy week: Tuesday night missionary meeting and Calvalcade Meeting, Wednesday and Thursday Kent has Scout meetings. Last night we went to Costco for the office and then Friday is the temple for Kent. We know your lives are busier than ours and we pray you have the strength to do all the important things that you need done this week.

We love you all--You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. MOM

2009-08-06T16:31:00.000-07:00

Just a brief note to tell you what a wonderful time we had at Jay's cabin with all the brothers and sisters. There were tender moments as we recalled the things that Mom and Dad Bagley had taught us and of the experiences we had with them. We talked somewhat about goals that we are still striving for. We had fun eating together, going to a musical, "The Secret Garden," visiting Heather Schwartz's art exhibit with watercolors and photos, going to the St. George Temple, visiting towns where Grandpa and Grandma lived, seeing the wonders of Bryce Canyon and Zion's National park and riding on Devil's Backbone, a road I wouldn't recommend, and playing endless games and putting puzzles together. It was good to catch up on each other's lives and just to be together.

Meanwhile back at the ranch--we had a sensational Kent Bagley family reunion, good times with Rachel and her family and just having you all around. In September, Kent has his 50th class reunion at good Ole' SHS. He who is still alive wins the prizes.

We send our best to you all.

Love-----MOM B

2009-07-15T11:22:00.000-07:00

How fast time does go! Just a week ago we had done the Costco run and packed up tons of paraphernalia for the family reunion. Now that it is over I have a better idea of what to pack. "They" say when planning for a trip--unpack 1/2 of your clothes and take twice as much $$. Truth rings clear.

We started the day with the cows escaping. Rachel and the neighborhood got one cow back in the pasture and one in the neighbor's pen. Boy will they be surprised when they get home. Now Rachel is herding different cattle--four kids. It is fun the have them here and I really appreciate all Rachel's help here on the homestead.

It has been great having the family coming over to weed the garden and swim. Rebecca, Donna, Shellee (Derek later), Charith all came over to play and swim. I appreciate their wanting to be together.

Rachel will be here with her kids for a few weeks. We are leaving Saturday night for Las Vegas, spending the night and there go to Jay's cabin for a week together with Kent's siblings. I am a little hesitant to go as I slow things down and I don't want anyone to have a boring time. I will take books to read when they hike or whatever physical activity they want to pursue. Kent has his 50th class reunion this September and I feel the same way about it. I don't want to slow his enjoyment of his classmates--50 years is a big deal and he has been so successful, he deserves all the accolades he will get.

Well, I know you are all having a busy summer: trips, sports, summer school, times with friends, work, scout stuff, music and church callings and responsibilities. Thanks for sharing your lives with us.

A special thanks to Quinn and Dewi and Hazel for making the trip here. Our sweet Dewi is approaching her launch date and we are so excited to welcome another granddaughter into our large and magnificent family.

Happy Summer Daze!!

MOM

Escape

2009-06-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

It's a miracle! We got to see a movie this week--The Proposal. Was it fluff--yes--when will Hollywood realize that most of the time movies are an escape from a busy life, a mundane life or full of responsibilities life. We enjoyed the escape.

We've had a full week with a fun dinner cooked by Charith, being with Derek and Shellee's kids while they celebrated their 15th Anniversary, having a nice Birthday visit with Jessica--who coincidentally is 15, attending missionary meetings, having visits from friends and family, temple service and the neverending maintenance of 3 acres of land and vast amounts of footage in a big house.

We are looking forward to a very busy July--unlimited fun with family. Dad spent a lot of time cleaning the pools last night--so we hope the weather will favor us and many can come to enjoy the water.

We hope you are enjoying your summer and all will grow healthy and strong and smarter over the summer.

"Blessings await us in doing what's right!"

Love-----MOM B

Family thymes

2009-06-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

I absolutely adore books. They have been my informant about life. I can lose myself and find myself in a page. However, I have truckloads of trouble getting rid of books. When you buy a piece of information, you don't want to lose it--knowing that somewhere down the line, you are going to "lose it" and you might need to find it again. Going through a dusty line of books brings new discoveries and I am continually surprised when I think of what I was like when I bought that particular book. Besides Dad or my kids might make a fortune, or not, if they sell my cookbooks. The Barbies, however, are Rachels to have, pass on, or sell on e-bay. I am keeping them to remind me of what my Celestial body is going to look like.

This Sunday is Father's Day. Happy Father's day to all my boys and future fathers and especially to your common Dad. I know of no one who works harder to be a good Father and Grandfather. He loves you all and desires for your successes in life. My own Father, as I look back, was there in my life because he did not leave my mother. I think He loved me. He just had so much difficulty saying it while he was sober--I guess that is the reason that I hold back sometimes. All men who have children and stay to raise them are much to be desired. The world is so confused about what a real man is and wants him to be a party animal--spending on his own pleasure, and not of others.

If you have not sent us an e-mail so we can recoup our e-mail addresses, please do. As you know a big crash was heard in the dining room last week, as we can now attest to how much of our life and livelihood depends on the computer.

We have been busy with Temple, outside work, having grandkids over, work, Church meetings and caring for our home teaching families (6) and visiting teaching families (3). It is enough to curl your hair--which is what I had done this morning. Yesterday, I had pressing matters to attend to--a mammogram. Press forward Saints!

I hate to get all excited about my state of health, but all my blood tests came out perfectly--better than my doctors. He gave me two cortizone shots, because of massive hip pain. They helped a little. He prescribed another med for inflammation and I am feeling less pain. I still limp like the Hunchback of Notre Dame, but it less painful. I am afraid to hope that it is possible for me to feel better. You may think that is silly--but live with pain for 10 years--and the optimism is obliterated.

Thanks for keeping us up with your families. A reminder that Camp Kiwanis is July 9th, Thursday, at noon until July 12th, Sunday, at noon. I know you all can't be there for the whole time, but be there when and if you can. Please let me know that days you will be attending so we can schedule meals and activities. I hope your kids don't feel that they are getting too old for Family Reunions. They can always come to relax, play games, read a book, take a hike--just get out of a rut and enjoy each other and nature.

For those who can be here for the 4th of July, lets plan a whoopty-doo of a celebration. Barbeque, fire works, games and whatever else you want to do.

Looking forward to my Summertime life.

Love--------------MOM