What's Important....

I was surprised by the death of Steve Jobs.  I didn't know he was ill and though I wondered if something was amiss when he stepped down from Apple I didn't expect he would be exiting life quite so soon. I was inspired by reading the eulogy given by his sister at his funeral.   It moved me to want to live life more fully and with more love.  His last words were priceless and somehow fit the man.

"Before embarking, he’d looked at his sister Patty, then for a long time at his children, then at his life’s partner, Laurene, and then over their shoulders past them.  

Steve’s final words were:

OH WOW. OH WOW. OH WOW."

Bethany reminded me of another set of beautiful last words by Gerard Manley Hopkins, a 19th century poet priest who wrote beautiful sonnets of devoted love for the Lord and also struggled with the despair and doubt of depression.   

"He refused to give way to his depression, however, and his last words as he lay dying of typhoid fever on June 8, 1889, were, "I am happy, so happy."   Source

Dayton's legs....

Thanks for sharing this link Kara....

What Matters Most

A lift in your day....

It's Arrived!

Good news!  Christian received his mission call today!  

Bad news!  We can't open it!  

Not that we physically can't open it, but Randy is in Lima, Peru and is going on to Brazil and won't be back for 8 more days.  He wants to be here when we open it and Christian wants him to be here.  This is seriously a test of will power but I promise with no crossed finger that I won't try to peek.  Besides, I've already held it up to the light to no avail.  This is becoming a pattern however.  Randy was also gone when Nathanael and Kimberly received their calls.  Same 8 day wait.  Next time around I'm going to have a little say about the calendar.

While the cat was away.....

....the mice underwent a transformation.  Randy and I attended my 40 year high school reunion a few weeks ago.  We left our children looking like this:

and came home to them looking like this.

I did graduate in 1971 - the express your individuality era.  I think they all look like they came out of the 70's.  They've sealed their fate.  These pictures are going to stay!

What we've been up to......

Welcome to the Hall Remodeling Saga....

 More to come -

Caitlin goes to prom.....

We actually got smiles for these pictures.  Numerous older sisters were on hand to help with dress, hair, nails and the overall getting ready marathon.  It's a party when you have six to call upon.  Thanks to the brothers-in-law who tended the children to free up the cadre of ladies in waiting.