Mother's Day Weekend

This photo of my mother as a child with her dolls sums up her lifetime of focusing on and caring for her family. Even though she was only there for the first 21 years of my life, her influence is still with me, and will continue to be for always. She would be so happy to see her granddaughters carrying on her legacy of nurturing their children and would delight in them and her great-grandchildren. I look forward to the day when I can greet her again, and am truly grateful to know that families can be together forever.

This year the weather on Mother's Day weekend was cool and wet, so we stayed close to home and thought about last year's Mother's Day excursion. We wished we could do it again.
Last April we bought a new-to-us pickup truck.

We were anxious to put it to good use, and since the weather was warm and sunny we headed south to the desert of central Utah. Three of our children, their families, and David's ex-wife, Bette, joined us and a good time was had by all.

We found a beautiful sandy camping area near a small river and spent the weekend relaxing, visiting, and laughing together.

We also enjoyed beautiful desert scenery that included several hikes:

Goblin Valley

Little Wild Horse Canyon

It was a weekend to cherish and one of my favorite Mother's Days ever.

Faith vs. Fear

Several months ago I saw a Facebook conversation about the lack of religion in modern life, and someone commented that she felt that faith was dead. I have found, however, that faith is alive and well, and is the way to work through the trials and challenges that come with life. The words of a Primary song came to mind:

1. 1. Faith is knowing the sun will rise, lighting each new day.
   Faith is knowing the Lord will hear my prayers each time I pray.
   Faith is like a little seed:
   If planted, it will grow.
   Faith is a swelling within my heart.
   When I do right, I know.
2. 2. Faith is knowing I lived with God before my mortal birth.
   Faith is knowing I can return when my life ends on earth.
   Faith is trust in God above;
   In Christ, who showed the way.
   Faith is strengthened; I feel it grow
   Whenever I obey.
   
   

We have found that faith and prayer are an important part of David's mental health plan along with regular doctor visits and taking his meds faithfully. Even though he still has days when he struggles badly with anxiety and depression, he comes through it better when he makes the effort to go to Church  on Sundays and we have prayer together both morning and night.
During the October general conference I was grateful when Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke on the subject of faith and mental health issues.
And from the April 2014 general conference: "Faith is the antidote for fear"

We know that through faith and prayer, David's mental health issues are easier to deal with, especially as he works to control the disorder.

On the family front:

In the last year: Soldier Brian is now Captain Brian! We welcomed two beautiful new granddaughters, Evelyn and Alexis, and a handsome new grandson, Kyle. Three of our children moved into new houses. We enjoyed having Lara spent part of the summer with us in preparation for sending 15-year-old Zach to stay with Brian's family while he attends high school.

We spent a few days in Idaho in June visiting my family:

Burghdorf Hot Springs (so nice on a cool rainy day) 

family pool tournament!

We feel grateful for our blessings and David's improving control over his disability.