Happy Birthday Austin!

 33 Years Old

Austin's birthday is Thursday, July 2nd but I wanted to post early! You all know why!

The Sword

Jesus is about to send his disciples on their missions because He knows that the end is near.  He sent them out to these towns to prepare the way so that more people might hear the gospel.  It's an important mission.  He sends them out with power and authority.  You might think this mission would be a cakewalk.  A victory.  But in our text today, Jesus makes it clear that this is not the case.  Jesus says that He did not come to bring peace but a sword.  I'm sure the disciples say yeah, bring us a sword.  Bring this world into submission.  Strike down the wicked and fight the rebellion.  But Jesus when He says He is bringing a sword.  He's not addressing the world.  He's not talking to the world.  He talking to the disciples.  Because following Jesus for the disciples doesn't mean all their problems are going to go away.  Just the opposite.  It means they will face a sword.  It means that following Jesus for the disciples means the opposite.  It means they will face the sword.  It means following Jesus the disciples isn't going to look like a victory march.  Following Jesus for them is going to look like a man carrying His cross up a hill to die.  Disciples of Jesus have no easy task before them when they follow Jesus.  Not all of your problems will go away.  When we bind our lives to Jesus we bear the marks and He shows us His own.  He came into the word to bear our pains so we become indelibly bound to Him.  And one day we will share his joy.

Not Surprised! Just Excited!

I got a text from Lexy this morning sharing the great news that she has been hired as an adjunct French professor at BYU.              She said she will be observing/teaching French 321 which is an advanced French class and helping two professors write a French textbook and curriculum.  Congratulations Lexy!  I'm excited but not surprised!

Happy Father's Day!

" May we heed the voice of the prophets, who, from the beginning of time, have warned us about the importance of fathers in the home. May we determine more fully to fulfill our duties and responsibilities that the Lord has given to us as fathers."                                                          Elder L. Tom Perry

Thank you Bill, Andy, Ben, and Christian for being dedicated and loving fathers who with your wonderful companions are raising my amazing grandchildren!  Happy Father's Day!

Happy Birthday Graham!

 10 Years Old

Illinois Duncans

Uncle Ben, Jeremy and Peter attended a baseball game.  I still remember sitting in the stands watching Uncle Ben play when he was little.

The Rest of the Pictures

Here are more of the pictures Lexy and Ellis took while on their camping trip!

Graham needed that bear at his party!

A Beary Birthday Party!

Tonight Graham had friends over to celebrate his upcoming 10th birthday.  The house was decorated, a tent set up in the livingroom, treat bags made to go, Eden's cute birthday cake she decorated for him.  And a bear attack is coming!  It is going to be very exciting and noisy but exactly what Graham will love!

Tide Pool

Ellis and Lexy met up with Aunt Angela, Ava, and Caleb for some camping in Northern California and Southern Oregon.  He found a few interesting creatures in a tide pool at one of the stays.  You will have to ask him what their names are because the only one I can pronounce or spell is the white slug!

I Never Saw it Coming

 "May the peace and the love, and the mercy of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus, now and always."  Amen

New House!

Evangeline and Owen just bought their first house!  After living in rentals and college dorms these two have made the gigantic step towards something that is their own (and the banks!).  She sent me a picture of her kitchen.  I definitely have to make a trip to Naples so I can get the home tour.  Congratulations you two--you chose well!  I'll send more pictures of the house when I get them.  

Will's Endowment

While I was attending the temple this morning here in Arizona, the Utah Duncan's shared a special experience with Will as he took out his endowments in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple.  Next month he will officially become a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He is going to be a wonderful missionary! 

The Color Family

I was able to attend a play that Eden and her group of friends wrote.  Last night their families were invited to come and see "The Color Family" which was definitely entertaining!  Eden did a wonderful job and sang a solo in it.  Graham  was a great addition when the girls invited him to participate as well.  The evening was full of fun and I was proud of both of them for the part they played in making it a success!

Miriam's New Home!

Miriam has gone from a studio to a one bedroom apartment and it is looking great!  Not only does she have a separate bedroom she now has a much shorter walk to her bus stop.  It seems that Purrceptor is feeling right at home too! 

Someone Else's Story?

In Owen's sermon today he spoke of the scriptures and reminded us that although they teach of other people stories they can become our stories as well.  He reminded us that "The scriptures are our invitation to become a part of the story."   

Happy Birthday Brigham!

24 Years Old 

Recommendation

I know we all have different tastes in books but as we approach the 250th birthday of the United States I wanted to share the book that we talked about in my Book Club last month.  It was called Seven Miracles that Saved America by Ted and Chris Stewart.  Ted Stewart was a United States District Court Judge in Utah and his brother Chris was a politcian.  It is a lengthy read but I have Audible so I was able to listen to it.  

I have always loved history and I have to admit I learned things I had never known before.  It is compelling and informative about various events from China not discovering the American continent to Ronald Reagan not being killed.  It is definitely worth your time.

Great News!

Congratulations to Jane!  She tried out to be in the BYU orchestra and found out that she has been chosen to be one of the cello players in it for next year! 

Happy Anniversary!

 Owen & Evangeline

4 years

Lucky Ruth!

Today Ruth attended a production of Los Miserables.  She told her mom "it was the most beautiful thing she has seen in her entire life!"  Grandpa and I went to the Pantages Theater in Hollywood and saw it there.  It was and still is one of my favorite memories. 

Good News!

Meg found a picture of her dad.  And it really is her dad!  She and Lij went to the BYU law school and while there she found a picture of the 1995-1998 law school graduates and sent it to me.  And yes he actually had hair!

Ruth

Today I received over 50 new pictures of Ruth's time in Spain.  I'll only add a few for now and hopefully when she gets home and we have our family reunion she can show you more!

Ruth met a boy!

Youth Trip

Duncan and Eden left on Tuesday for Moab Utah.  They are rafting down the river, hiking, playing in mud and just having a great time.  They will be back on Saturday.  

Aunt Becky's Project

As you have probably heard Aunt Becky's mom is coming to Illinois next month to live.  Recently she went to Texas to help her mom get ready for the move.  While there Aunt Becky  brought back a cabinet that belonged to her grandmother.  It needed some work but she got busy and refinished this beautiful cabinet.  Now it is in their formal dining room. 

Before

After

California Duncans

Here are a few photos from our weekend. On Saturday we drove up to the Sacramento Temple and did baptisms as a family. Since we where in town we also went to the state train museum which is pretty impressive. Large, indoors and air conditioned with pretty well done displays. Then we explored old town Sacramento for a while. We finished the trip at an old time soda shop. On Memorial day we alao took the kayak out on the San Joaquin river near the Friant dam.