Going Out in Style

Uncle Derrald and Aunt Helen returned from their mission to Louisiana ten years ago in May. That week Aunt Helen was diagnosed with cancer, and she passed away in September of 2001. Derrald has missed her and has wanted to join her for the past 10 years. Tuesday he stopped breathing, and got his wish.

He was a great Uncle who teased us and told us stories by the campfire. As a carpenter, he supervised the building of the Coalville Stake Center and then devised a fencing product called Easy Fence. After he obtained a patent for it, he sold the fencing material throughout the west. Most importantly, he raised 8 amazing children. (One son had left before pictures were taken). I'm sure my dad and his parents had a wonderful reunion with him.

I loved his funeral. All 8 of the children spoke and many also played instruments. His grand children and great grandchildren sang. He was taken to the cemetery in an old-fashioned wagon pulled by horses. It was very classy.

Party Time

Wow! It's hard to believe this young man is eleven. We had a fun time at his party.

Life Comes At You Fast

A year and a half ago all the kids and grandkids lived within an hour of us and we were able to get together quite frequently for dinners and activities. Yesterday we helped Debbie get ready to move her family to Idaho. Sabrina and Trent and their families took off about a year ago - so that leaves only Rob and his family close by. I hope gas prices don't shoot up too much because I love being with my family, and I want us to stay close.

We are family!

My cousin, Tina, found me on facebook a month ago, so we've been connecting lately. I have loved getting to know her better since I don't have a lot of contact with my Dad's family. We decided last Saturday to get together today for lunch. Tina's parents were in town and we also invited my sister, my mom, her two sisters, and other cousins. What fun it was to get together! This is a video of us trying to take a picture together.