Old Friends

It can be so hard to say goodbye. This old truck has been a fixture in our driveway for many years. I have watched for it in the school parking lot, around town, at job sites, and at accident scenes. We sold it to friends so we will see it every so often. You really never say goodbye to old friends.

Walk A Mile In My Shoes

Ben arrived back from Canada! The shoes really do the talking. If you ask him about his experiences on the ranch, his face just glows and adjectives such as "sweet", "gorgeous", "great", and "awesome" flow from his mouth. For a fourteen year old that says it all.
Thanks Parkers for taking Ben along.

Ranch Hand Ben

All day Monday, Ben was pacing around the house looking for something to do. He had his friend, Mitch, over for awhile. As Mitch started out to the car he had a "lightbulb" moment.

"Mom, could Ben go to Canada with us?"

"Well, that's okay if it's okay with Sister Nelson."

Heck yes!

Mitch's Grandparents own a ranch and Ben is the designated city-slicker. He helped brand, de-horn, neuter, tag, and herd. The final initiation was the sampling of "Rocky Mountain Oysters." Ben called last night and was excited and tired from his day on the ranch and said the oysters weren't to bad after you blocked the mental image.

Go get 'em cowboy!

Life Is Beautiful

It always amazes me to see the beauty in simple things.

Man of God

I received a call from a member of the bishopric last night at about 9:00 PM asking me to speak in church today. He asked me to speak on the influence my father had been in my life and how he honored his priesthood.

After I got off the phone Ben said, "Well that should be easy." Nothing could be truer. I could speak for hours about my dad.

Since my assignment was to say something of value to the entire congregation, I chose to focus on how the life my dad has led has made it possible for me to know and believe in a loving Heavenly Father. I know of no greater man of God than my dad. I only wish that every kid in the world could have him as a dad.

I love you. Happy Father's day.

Pine Top

I returned from Girl's Camp Friday afternoon just in time for a meeting. After the 2 1/2 hours sleep that I had the night before, I was of little use. I did my best to stay awake and hear all of the stories of the week that I had missed. Fatigue won out and I headed to bed for the night at about 7:30 PM Friday and didn't get up until 10:00 AM Saturday. It was just what I needed.

Camp was fantastic! I left with my testimony strengthened and was grateful for the opportunity to go. I had a great time being the camp nurse and was thankful that there were no major accidents or illnesses. I spent much of the week looking after a few girls that needed major medications in order to be at camp. I am grateful that they could attend camp and be involved in all that happened there.

It was a great week! I look forward to being there with Rebecca next year.

Elder Nelson

Sis. Harmsen, the mission president's wife, sent this picture and a note to me for Mother's Day. It arrived several days late but it was so fun to see a picture of Steven. We had a FANTASTIC five hour chat on Mother's Day that made it one of the best days of my life. It looks like he is doing great and that his companion isn't to keen on posing for photos.

They may fight but they still love each other.

This picture taken while in Seattle on Spring Break only tells part of the story. I know it's worth a thousand words but what it doesn't say is that they were coerced into taking a break from throwing pebbles at each other long enough to smile for the camera. They really do love each other.

WOW

This is a real stretch for me but I have loved reading Bridget's posts and seeing the pictures of the kids. My hope is to keep you all up to date on our lives here in Nampa. Love you.

Laurie