Goal!

On Saturday we loved watching Ava and Caleb at their soccer games.  Caleb's enthusiasm is truly contagious and for him a goal was a goal no matter what team you are on--and he celebrated each time the ball hit the net!  Ava has been playing for a while and for us it was great to see the confidence she has gained since we last watched her before our mission.  What a treat to be a part of the grandkids activities.

You're Welcome Andy!

Scott Andrew

In our family if someone says Scott Duncan we pretty much think they are talking about Grandpa.  But for those who aren't they could be talking about Andy or Perry.  This came home to me when I realized something just a couple of days ago.  Brother Hamlin emailed us saying that he needed a second speaker for the High Council Sunday and he noticed that Scott Duncan was someone who could speak.  He then asked if Grandpa Scott would be his companion for April 17th.  I asked Scott if he wanted to speak and he happily agreed to accept the assignment.  He was to speak on forgiveness.

The problem was that the Scott Duncan on the list of back up speakers is the counselor in the Stake Young Men's presidency which for us means--Andy needs to speak.  I smiled on Thursday when the light bulb came on and I realized that Brother Hamlin didn't know that there are three Scott Duncan's in the Apple Valley Stake.  Don't worry if we get another request for Grandpa to speak I will be sure to ask which Scott they mean!

Scott Perry

Scott Louis

Happy Birthday Peter!

7 Years Old

If you can give your child only one gift, let it be enthusiasm.

Happy Birthday Rachel!

19 Years Old

Don't just count your years, make your years count.

Rachel is is Washington, DC to celebrate her birthday while participating in a program with the LDS Business College.  I'd say that is quite a birthday treat when you turn 19!

Birthday Bash!

While visiting we enjoyed a get together for Jane's birthday.  It was a nice party at Joe's BBQ with several of her friends and family celebrating the big day.

Recognition and Appreciation

When they finished they joined us for
Ruth's assembly.

While in Gilbert this week we were able to attend an assembly for Ruth while her mom was with Lincoln when he received a certificate of appreciation from the City of Gilbert Parks and Recreation department. They presented Lincoln with an award for his Eagle Project which involved creating a special area for birds in the riparian park.

Scott and I attended a student recognition assembly at the same time at Ruth's school. She was recognized as a Golden Scholar for maintaining all A's this year.

Happy Birthday Duncan!

7 Years Old

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.

Janie was actually born on April 11th but I wasn't able to get my post to work on my tablet so this birthday wish is a few days late.

Happy Birthday Jane!

9 Years Old
There are two great days in a person's life--the day we are born and the day we discover why.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

We celebrated Scott's birthday this evening at a Mexican food restaurant.  The waitress surprised us with a treat and a song for Grandpa after a wonderful dinner.  For being 69 I think he looks pretty good!

Grandpa loved sharing his birthday treat!

What's Cookin!

It's a dream come true to be able to cook with a grandchild.  While on our mission I was fascinated by how many of the missionaries didn't know how to cook.  Elders actually were more confident in the kitchen than many of the sister missionaries.  I decided that when I got home I would try and contribute to the cause by spending time with Ava in the kitchen.  She would know how to cook because both of her parents are great cooks and they keep the kids involved in much of their meal preparation.  My goal was to spend time with Ava so she would grow to love cooking as much as I do.  So far so great!!!  Our first project was learning about different kinds of cookies and we started with drop cookies, then bar cookies.  Coming up will be refrigerator cookies, and molded cookies.  I did tell Ava that when we finished that we have to get away from the sweets for a while!  I am proud to say that she is a natural and the time we spend together has literally sped by each week.  At the end of each lesson we take treats around to share our bounty with our friends.  It has been a win-win!

Our Missionary!

I loved these pictures of Perry and the other missionaries in his district.  These are some of the best of times for missionaries when they come together for training, planning, encouragement, and goal setting.  One thing I learned is that no matter what is happening our missionaries know how to have a good time especially when they all get together.  I loved the wonderful senior couple who are also serving with them.  I know they love Perry almost as much as we do!  I know this because I loved our missionaries almost as much as we love our grandchildren!

Easter Egg Hunt 2016

The drought has taken it toll on our yard but we still had lots of great places to hide eggs for the grandkids to have their Easter egg hunt.  Last year we had the Sister missionaries over to a ham dinner which was great--but this was even better--especially the next day when we had Easter dinner at Andy and Angela's house.

Wearin' of the Green!

It was fun to have Andy and Angela and the kids over for a St. Patrick's Day dinner.  Corned Beef and cabbage, green whipped jello, boiled potatoes, limeade, and Irish soda bread.  We finished off the dinner with green frosted brownies.  It is so great to be close to family again!

My Brothers

While in Phoenix Scott and I were able to enjoy a Brazilian lunch in Scottsdale with my brothers Bill and David and our sister-in-law Bev.  It was great being together and having lunch.  I definitely know that I have a new favorite food!  An added treat was listening to Bill talk to the waitresses in Portuguese.