"Happy Birthday, Scott!", exclaimed Daniel.

Scott turned 22 in January.

Daniel graduated from high school early and

will be 18 in February.

Both of them are working full time now,

making money for school.

Pretty soon it will just be Matthew at home.

When did all this growing up happen?

Must have been sometime when I wasn't

watching closely enough.

(sigh)

Zoo in the Snow

The day before Christmas we decided to head out to the Zoo. 

Needless to say we were about the only ones there.

Who else goes to the zoo in a blizzard?

We had all the time in the world to just sit and get to know the animals.

They weren't going anywhere...

especially these two.

How great it was to have all our grown up children together again,

even if it was only for a short time.

They are wonderful people

 and we are so blessed to be their parents.

Also, 

they are just so much fun!

"Firsts" for 2010

We welcomed ten great missionaries on the 4th of this month.  

They left snow in Utah and came to more snow in Nebraska.  

They were excited and prepared for the work, and despite the weather,

they couldn't wait to get going.  

We said good-bye to five seasoned missionaries

 on the 6th of this month.

They are faithful young people with bright futures ahead of them.

Our hearts will be with them where ever they go 

just as we know a little of their hearts

will always be here in Nebraska.

Goodbye

4:00 am, at the airport,

last hugs and kisses,

and there she goes.

It's a little different sending a daughter off on a mission. 

I think we will worry more,

 but just like her brothers, she is ready and willing.

And just like her brothers, we know she is in good hands.

The hands that have paid the ultimate price.

We know He will care for her as we could never do.

And for Him, we can let her go. 

If anyone would like to write Sarah while she is  in the MTC,

you can do so at www.dearelder.com 

and use the mailbox #86 with a departure date of 3-9-2010

or

 Her address is:

MTC Mailbox #86

AZ-PHX 0309

2005 N 900 E

Provo, UT 84604-1793

Service

During one of the coldest days in Nebraska's history who do we come across, out shoveling everyone's walks...Sister Bauer and Sister Nock. They told us they weren't "too cold"-- and that because of their service they had found a new investigator just a few minutes ago.  I took this picture because it seemed the epitome of selfless service and the standard of missionary excellence we  are all striving for (and also because they looked so absolutely darling).  How proud we are of these two beautiful young women and all the other missionaries who have likewise committed themselves to this work.  How pleased I know their Heavenly Father is with their sacrifice and service.  It is a humbling experience to be able to associate with such incredible people.  We learn from their examples every single day. 

Proceed With Caution

The following picture is not for the faint of heart...

Matthew had an accident shortly before Christmas. He fell on a moving treadmill which caught on his braces completely pulling out one of his teeth and loosening the two front ones.  The dentist said to reinsert the tooth back in the hole and rush him right into the office.  There the dentist put a brace behind the three teeth and sent us home with pain killer and penicillin.  We then waited hoping that the teeth would re-attach. Three weeks  later we find that all three will require root canals and internal bleaching to make them white again.  The crazy thing about it all was that Matthew never felt any pain, at least not with the teeth.  The rest of his poor body really took a beating and he was sore for a week.  Have you ever seen treadmill burns?

  

Living in Nebraska Snow