Take a Look

I just got my new bed frame and armoire set up. Thought you might like to see what it looks like. I've been waiting a long time to get our bedroom set up differently and now I am on the way. I will add new pictures as it all evolves. Would love to hear what you think of it!

South to Utah!

Our northern family from Alaska came south for a visit this month! What a great time we had, getting to know our little twinners and to see Jenny & Devin! Thank you, thank you, thank you for coming to share with us. The only thing that would have been better would have been if the North Carolina troops had been with us....don't give up---the day will come when we will all be together in one place again!!!

We had some great memory makers during the 2 weeks they were here. We found out that twins draw a BIG crowd! We've never had so many visitors: Mark & Bodell Esplin, Grandpa Pehrson & Lois, Janice, Kathleen, Grandma Hartley, Aunt Roberta, Cousin Becky Story, Cousin Clarissa Pehrson...to name a few! After 2 parades, a picnic up the canyon, shopping sprees, celebrating Mother's Day (Jenny's first!) and Devin's 29th birthday, and bottle feeding 2 little lambs...whew...we couldn't have packed more into those 2 weeks. And we found out what Jenny & Devin's favorite midnight treat is...Casper's ice cream!

Little Lindsey & Dylan are as precious as they look in their pictures! Lindsey learned how to roll from her back to her stomach...with Dylan getting ready to try it when he gets home. They nursed Dylan through a UTI (urinary tract infection) the first few days he was here, and I think we sent them off getting ready to get their first teeth! All together it was a wonderful time with lots of laughter and not enough game playing, but good times! Can't wait for the next visit at Christmas!





















There is nothing greater than the love that we have for our family members, whether near or far. We love all of you and treasure the times that we can have together!

Being a Joyful Mother of Children!

Today, on this day of days for mothers everywhere, I want to honor the mothers in my life. First of all, my special mother who has been a solid rock for me all of my life and a great example of what motherhood means through all the stages of life. I drew on many of the ways that you raised us, Mom, as I was raising my own children. There's a few things I stayed away from, but I think that is what life is about also, taking the best from your own experience and building on it so that each generation gets better and better. So it is a true saying that "Home is where your story begins." Thanks for a wonderful beginning, Mom. I love you.

And then I want to thank Carl for being the father of our children and supporting me in trying to be the best mother that I can be. Motherhood only got better with each new baby added to our family. And, although there are many trials involved in raising children, there is so much more joy. Each stage of motherhood is so fulfilling. I think I am going through each one at the same time now...mothering, nurturing and caring for Scott; observing, supporting, and encouraging my grown daughters who are now mothers; playing, loving, and adoring my grandchildren. Motherhood is the greatest joy I can think of.

Watching my own daughters and sons-in-law love, care for and raise my grandchildren is yet another joy of motherhood. What great mothers they are!! Their children are very, very lucky! What I want to say to them is take the best of how you were raised and then build on it and become the best mothers that you can be. Just think down a few generations and we can build exemplary mothers of our great-great-grandchildren! Most of all, sweet daughters, be "joyful mothers of children!" I love you!