What a Sabbath!

 Yesterday my boys and I rode with Clare to Green Bay for my nephew Evan's "farewell" prior to leaving on his mission to Ghana.  We had a good day with wonderful people.  Alyssa, Lance and kids were visiting as well so my grandchildren got to play with their 2nd cousins during Primary time.  Their Primary was practicing for their presentation next week, so Clare made up her own Primary for the children with Andrew assisting.  They sang and had a lesson about being thankful. 

I had a surprise in finding that my friend Sharmon Ward was in attendance.  Her husband was in town training the new stake presidency so she and I got to spend all three hours being instructed and visiting.  I absolutely love her.  She is such an example of faith. 

Following Relief Society my dad came and found me.  He told me that an event I have been waiting years for would be happening within the next hour.  I immediately felt overwhelmed and began to cry.  I shared that wonderful news with Sharmon and she just hugged me and I shared my joy.

Kurt and I were both able to be a part of a very personal, sacred experience with my dad.  It is something I never anticipated ever witnessing and hopefully I will never witness it again.  All I can say is that I look forward with greater anticipation to be able to go to the temple with my dad again.  Afterward, Kurt and I each had the opportunity to hug Dad.  He thanked us for our patience and for loving him unconditionally. 

I have learned to listen to the Spirit when he speaks words of comfort.  Through that still, small voice, I was assured 13+ years ago that this day would come.  I know that our Heavenly Father loves each of His children and yearns for them to come back.  I believe it is never too late for anyone to come back after straying away.  We need to be patient and loving.

I found this photo yesterday as well as this certificate of my parents' temple sealing.  It is now again, more than just a piece of paper.  It is in effect.

I cannot express my thankfulness enough for the atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  I cannot express my love enough for the priesthood holders who helped my dad on his way back to Christ.  I love the Savior and the gospel he has provided and the key-holders he has given to assist us.  My joy is indeed full!

Happy Birthday Gramma O

 One hundred years ago today my Grandma Otto was born.  Of course she wasn't my grandma then.  Also, 81 years ago today she was a 19 year old bride.  I think my grandpa was smart to make their anniversary the same day as her birthday.  Although I really don't know why her birthday was chosen.

I love this picture of the two of them.  I don't know if I ever remember my grandpa having this much hair, but that's his smile.  He was the best grandpa ever.  I loved him so much.  He's been gone since July 1982.  She on the other hand spent many years being a widow.  She's only been gone six years.

This photo comes from one of my Sleger cousin's weddings.  I see my aunt Diane now and she is so old and feeble.  I much prefer to remember her this way.  This is also how I remember my grandma.  I guess because this is how she looked most of my life.  I loved going to their house.  There was so much to do in every season.   I loved the way their house smelled as well.  Wood smoke permeated the home as that was the only mode of heat they ever had.

I found this photo a couple of years ago.  I only wish swimwear was this modest today.  Isn't she a hottie?  I adored my grandparents.  A few years ago I made sure her temple work was done.  My daughters Sammi and Erin helped with the temple work as well as niece Alison.  I look forward to one day having a reunion with these wonderful people!

20 Years

It's been 20 years since these two were last together.  It makes me sad that they aren't together enjoying one another.  Twenty long years.  My kids were just little.  Andrew wasn't even born!  I was thin.  I miss our talks and especially her comments about the kids.  I imagine them and can even hear her voice.  This is not a milestone I wanted to commemorate. 

A few years ago when my grandma passed away, I mentioned to my husband that I was a bit envious of the reunion she and my mom were having.  I can only imagine how joyous it was.

 Mom was only 55 when she died so suddenly.  I am now 51.  That gives me a better perspective on just how young she really was.  I know I'm well into my middle age, but I still feel so young inside. 
Here's to you Mom.  Know that I'm thinking about you today and my heart is a little heavy because of missing you.  I love you Mom.

18 on the 18th

Andrew turned 18 on the 18th.  Yep, that's right.  His golden birthday.  Whatever that really means.  In honor of him, I'm posting a few (actually a lot) pictures of him throughout his life so far.  Enjoy.

He was born 5lbs 1/2 oz.  Here he is 1 week old.

 Apparently clean teeth are important even if you have to sit in the sink to do it.

 Sylvester was so patient with our children.

 All tuckered out.  Couldn't make it past the back door.

 He wasn't a "nuk" baby until about 6 months old.  Then it became his best friend.

 Four years old in his costume for the Nauvoo pageant.

 Three years old.

 One of my favorite pictures ever.  Love that he's oblivious to the camera.

 First grade with a very dark haired daddy.

 Second grade.

 A trip to door county.  I know his sisters will be grossed out by this photo.  He doesn't look a whole lot different now.  Just a bit more filled out.

 He helped out the bocce team one year by being part of the unified team.

 A sack of potatoes for Halloween.

 Kindergarten graduation with the other members of our church.

 Fishing at the lake with Maryellen.  He loves to fish but won't eat them.

 He's mister flexible.  Always has been.

 Not really a fan of being in the band but I love the low bass sound that our band needed.

 He finished all his paperwork and has submitted everything for his Eagle rank.

 A kite made with David Lau.  Pretty sure this was part of scouting too.

 Fashionable.  Just like the sisters.

 A show of support for breast cancer awareness month.

 Eighth grade recognition.

 Soccer this fall.

 A senior picture.

Andrew has been a light in my life.  His easy going personality and quick wit keep me on my toes.  He was the perfect child to be our last.  Such an easy baby considering the circumstances surrounding his birth.  He was the only child I scheduled with an induction.  (Doc was leaving town and wanted him delivered before he left.)  A blessing which I can never be thankful enough for.  My placenta quit working a few weeks before and he was starving.  The nurses informed me that another week until my due date would have resulted in a still birth. 

He is planning on a mission next year and I will miss him terribly but know that I will never be so proud of him as when he will serve the Lord full time. 

He's not an in your face type of person.  He's quiet about his good deeds and humble.  He serves without question and has really turned into a hard worker.  My Father in Heaven knew I needed him in my life and for that I am forever grateful!

Autumn Time

 I have loved the fall of the year ever since I can remember.  I think it is the colors and smells and sound of crunching leaves.  There are things I don't care for like the fact that that grass doesn't get dry until noon.

 Here's my back yard around the fire pit.  I love our new fire pit by the way.

 I love the glow of the yellow/orange leaves especially when the sun is shining.

 My apple trees are still green but the apples have been picked.  Most of the leaves are off the tree in the background.

The Fall also means soccer and volleyball.  I always loved volleyball.  I've gained an appreciation for soccer over the last couple of years with Andrew playing.  His team lost in the regional final tonight.  They played tough.  They also had a great season.  I loved watching them play.

Well, on to basketball in less than a month.

NOW

Tom is our oldest son.  He has William's Syndrome.  He is 28 years old.  He has some great qualities and some quirks.  He is possessive of those things which belong to him.  He is also very happy and quite spiritual.  He loves music!  He can sing beautifully.  His diction isn't the best, but he can pick out a bass line and sing it perfectly.  In fact he loves to harmonize.

He has a quirk that no one in our family has been able to figure out.  He has a strong dislike for the word, NOW.  You read that right.  He gets very agitated when someone uses that word.  Before he got his new scriptures, I noticed that he changed the word "now" to "know" all through the books.  I've seen it in his music folder as well.  I'm not sure what he did when we sang, "Now Let Us Rejoice."  He will mumble through it or change it if we are reading scriptures and it is his turn to read.

I have wondered if it is because of the immediacy that it represents.  For instance, we have to do this now!  Well, he has no problem with the word "immediately" or the phrase "right away."  Now is a word that I use frequently.  (I was going to say now and then. hehe)  On Friday he and I were in Green Bay doing some shopping prior to his doctor appointment.  I looked at my watch and said, "we can do to the doctor now."  Wrong thing to say.  He quickly came behind me and poked me in the back.  Then I realized what I had said. 

I sure will be interested to find out in the next life why this is such a horrible, even vulgar, 4-letter word to him.  But for now, we love him and appreciate all the good things he does and the bright spot his is in our family.  Tom, we love you now and forever!

Nephi 8 - Lehi's Vision

Last week I had the opportunity to read, study and teach Nephi 8 which is Lehi's dream or vision.  As we read it as a family I had some great insights to help my husband with a problem he was having.  When I reread it again I gained even more.  Then, our seminary supervisor sent an email with more insights. 
Did you know that all the people in Lehi's vision were members of the church?  Even those in the great and spacious building.  This is a vision about those of us who have already been baptized.  As I thought about the different groups of people within that vision I discovered that this chapter is a  great self evaluator.  At this point in your life, which group do I fit in?  Am I holding to the rod or just walking the strait path without holding?  Am I getting lost in the mists of darkness?  Do I make my way to the tree and partake and then hang my head in shame or do I partake and feel God's love and glory in His goodness?
As I pondered the lesson prior to teaching it, I thought how I and my students can use this concept in our everyday lives.  This doesn't just apply to our spiritual lives but also to our academic, social, musical and athletic lives.  What a wonderful way to apply the scriptures to our lives. 
Next time you read Chapter 8, take a look at the way you can use it to evaluate some part of your life.  You will be amazed at how it was written for us today to help us in evaluating our lives.  Have fun!  I sure did.