Monday, September 28, 2009

"A Legacy of Love"



Family!  Is there really anything better?  And how well do we actually know our family, know our ancestors and where we came from?  Den and I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the memorial service for his Grandma Helen this weekend in Milbrae, CA (pictured here with her sisters, Lee, Audrey, and Joy.  Helen is the young girl in the top center).  What an amazing legacy of love Helen left behind.  What an amazing woman!  What an amazing family!  It was so nice to finally meet Den's aunts, cousins, and family friends and to learn more of that side of the family and spend time with them.  We were also able to drive the few minutes away to Burlingame and see where Den was born and grew up; from the hospital where he was born to the field where he played little league, to the high school where he has MANY fond memories.  How great it was to finally see the things we've heard so much about over the years.  And the stories!  So many many family stories!  It was the perfect weekend and I'm sure Grandma Helen would've loved every second of it.  Family!  Nope, there's nothing better!

Den's Great-Great Grandmother Florence Bills
(Far left)




Tuesday, September 22, 2009

"Falling" Back In Step!



I can't believe it's the first day of Fall already!  Where did summer go?  Do you ever feel like you just fell out of step with everything?  That's the way this last month has been; I just feel like we've fallen behind in just about everything and need to get back in step!  We've done a little more with the house remodel this month adding granite countertops in the bathrooms and kitchen.  What a mess!  But I have to say we love it and it was well worth it!!! (Thanks honey...shmily!)


And then it was on to the next "remodel" project which was surgery last week for me (Kim).  That makes it sound like it was some sort of cosmetic surgery...haha...if only!  Trust me...was NOT elective and I'm glad I never have to do it again...but how much I've learned in the last couple weeks.  Things like you are often served by the people you are least likely to expect and not to ever deny people the chance to serve.  I've also learned that when the chips are down you really find out who your friends are.  And last but not least, and this isn't something I had to learn but was reminded of, I have the best family in the world.  I couldn't ask for a better husband or kids (although I did discover just how dependent our kids are when it comes to mom cleaning the house....did I really not teach them all that?).  I wouldn't trade them for anything!


Our other news this month was the passing of Dennis' Grandma Helen.  We were so sad to have her go but are so thankful for the Plan of Salvation and the knowledge we have that family's are forever and we'll be able to see her again someday.  What a blessing it is to have that knowledge that we sometimes take for granted.  Her funeral will be in San Francisco on September 26th.

So now you know why we've "fallin" behind a little...but hopefully we'll be able to stay on track for the next little while.  By the way, everyone is doing great!  Lance just got transferred outside of Spokane back to a more rural area and is more than happy to be out of the "ghetto" and with a companion from Utah!  Jordan is getting used to her life as a college student but did come down with Shingles of all things!  Poor kid!  She sounds like she's doing much better this week.  Nicki is busy as ever with X-country now and Powder Puff Football.  I don't think she ever sleeps!  The boys are great and keeping busy mostly by teasing each other non-stop on a daily basis.  But I don't think either one of them would have it any other way.  They both get bored out of their head if the other isn't home.  Bruthaly luv!  Den is getting ready to take his motor cycle safety course.  He's hoping to get a bike so that he can play with the big boys.  Saturday football just isn't enough these days!  I'm excited too (it really is a pretty bike honey...just do it!  :)  And me, well I'm just happy to be out of bed and able to spend time with my family...and actually looking forward to the day when I can dust and vacuum again. And I never thought the day would come when I would say that!  Haha~