August Birthdays!

These pictures might me a little old but, our Birthday wishes are brand new. We love spunk Katie who loves to skate, jump, bounce, dribble, shoot, bike, and ice block. We hope you had fun tonight with Abbie ice blocking. Happy Birthday Katy, we love you! Kenners your eyes are so beautiful. We hope you have a wonderful # 12 tomorrow. . . .
a new young woman, a Jr. High School Student, and our oldest grandchild. We think you are the best and we love you like crazy!

Handsome Bret with the foxy wife. We are so proud of you. We love your handsome brown skin, your positive attitude, your voice on the phone and your quirky sense of humor! We love you!

Grady had his birthday on July 29th, but we were a little slow in celebrating, so we will post him too. In this picture he looks soft and tender, but we hear his is scrambling like crazy to keep up with his brothers. He is going to be standing tall when it is time to staff the Heaps Boys Football Team. Grady we wish we could give you a big birthday hug and lots of birthday kisses. We love you always!

August Birthdays!!!!!

Love is in the Details

This is the divine work we mothers do, perhaps for a time, it is our vocation--taking care of the invisible. I must pay attention to my own physical and spiritual health, to the inner workings of my marriage, to the emotions security of my children, to our need for fun and play, to the quality of our relationships. When I keep my balance, I feel empowered, for I am guided then not by fear or pressure, but by the small quiet voice within that whispers "Enough".

Yoked

Good Morning! I have my strength back, how about the rest of you? It has been raining and thundering the last two nights. Dad and I have been sitting curled up in blankets thinking about our family. What joy comes from loving those who the Lord has given us as our best frieinds. Although Jamie and hers were not here, they were never far away. I wonder how many times we mentioned the Heaps, maybe a hundred? It was as if they were here. I have so many tender memories. My favoritie scripture for today is Matthew 11:28-29. It talks about being yoked to the Savior. Life is easier when we are yoked, teathered, or connected to the Savior, or to our loved ones. Look at these sweet pictures of cousins with arms around each other, yoked.

When the Clark's stayed with us, Jenny was never far from Shawn, he was always on her mind.

Check out Tyler's arm and Jace's. I felt yoked to Kim and Nicole as I was watched Kelly's kids. One of the dearest moments was when we were at Thanksgiving Point getting ready to go home. We were all tired and sun cooked. I was trying to get the Thompsons in the car, Nicole got her family in the car and then she came over and helped me. She fixed everyone's seat belt and talked softly to explained just what was coming next. Bret you are so lucky to have this calm wonderful mother organizing your home! The highlight of the entire adventure for me was the last night in the parking lot of 5 Guys. We cried and hugged and cried some more. . . little Maizie sobbed, Tyler cried just to look at the Thompsons. Emilee, Jenny,McKinnely and Madison couldn't bear the thought of separation. Kelly and I had to not look at each other during the burgers and fries. I believe we are all yoked together for a reason. Our family is going to take care of each other forever. . what a party! When we are yoked together our burdens become light. Please ask me to tend your children. . . that is one of my greatest joys! That is how I can stay close to your families. (Dad loves it too he just doesn't express it, especially if he is tired). The night I heard about little Jace's fall I wanted to crawl in his bed with him and curl him close to me. I saw The Time Travler's Wife last night and I believe we have the gift somewhere inside of us to travel where we want, but we just have to learn how to use it. I think it is going to come and then boom. . . we can be toether when ever we want. Now that will be a real party! McKinnely, thank you for your scripture!! The rest of you keep thinking. I love you all and smile all day long just thinking about you. HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU!