The City of Joseph Aug. 1, 2011

Matthew attended EFY in Nauvoo this summer.

The only problem was getting him there.

As a Mission President's wife I had to have permission

to leave our mission boundaries.

It would be a very quick trip

but I was thrilled because Sarah decided to come with me.

After Matthew checked in
we raced over to attend an early session at the Temple.
What a blessing that was for me
to be there with my sweet daughter.

Then we spent the day

  visiting as many wonderful things as we could:

the pioneer displays,

a couple toe-tapping shows,

the gorgeous flowers,

 and of course all the historic buildings

Our trip ended too soon,

and with a fond farewell,

we said good bye to the beautiful 

City of Joseph.

But,

I was blessed to spend a perfect day with my

darling daughter.

I think we talked enough to make up for the time

we missed during her mission.
How I love my beautiful girl.

Who Needs Animals? July 27, 2011

One of the first things Sarah wanted to do

was to go to the zoo,

 (of course).

It is so wonderful having her home

and back together with her brothers

that I spent the whole time taking pictures

of them...

at the aquarium,

at the Madagascar Bridge,

during the penguin workshop,

at the gorilla house and

all the way home again.

I'm thinking that I can still post group pictures of missionaries

but just not names or locations...

What do you think of that idea?

Or am I rationalizing?

A Quick Trip Home July 21, 2011

I had the opportunity to make a fast trip to Utah

with a wonderful Sister Missionary who was going home.

With just a few hours before my flight back,

my family planned a breakfast

so that I could see as many as possible.

It was so good to see all their dear faces...

my wonderful father,

my sweet mom,

David and his family,

lots of nieces and nephews,

several of my darling sisters,

and my precious grand-baby.

Way too short a visit, but such a tender mercy.

How I love all these people!

Great Platte River-Road Archway July 20, 2011

Every time we drive to Kearney for Zone Conference or training

we drive under this wonderful museum
that passes over route 80.

We finally took the time to visit
and loved it.

It is self guided, using earphones and 

as you walk across the archway you travel through Nebraska history,

including the Mormon Pioneer period.

A beautiful mural of the state's history finishes the tour.

This is the little slice of history we are so proud of

and feel so connected to, here in the mission.

These were wonderful men and women, 

who set a pattern of sacrifice and faith.

A Visit with Stacey and Carolyn July 2011

My sweet baby sister, Stacey, 

and her daughter, Carolyn, came for a summer visit.
How fun!
We picked them up at the airport and went straight to Omaha
to see the First National Bank's 'Pioneer Courage Memorial'.
This time we followed it through Omaha to all the wildlife statues.

The artist wanted to symbolize that the animals were here long before man

and so they run through buildings and land in fountains.

It really is a wonderful!

Then we hit the city slides.  

Even the 'grown-ups' couldn't pass this up.

Carolyn loved the zoo, especially the aquarium.

Dan and Matt came to the zoo with us.
They can't ever pass up the chance.

Carolyn is a little camera shy

but otherwise that she is a bright, happy, talkative little girl.

We really enjoyed getting to know her.

And last but not least, 

Stacey got to visit her dear friend, Gene,

who she worked with many years ago

when Curtis was in dental school.

They had so much fun reminiscing.

Gene lives very close to us and we have had him over

several times since meeting him.

He is a wonderful gentleman and he sure thinks the world of Stacey.

Anyway...

the visit ended too soon 

and it was several days before we quit missing

Carolyn's little voice.

Please Note...

We have just learned that for reasons of security and safety we are to discontinue blogging about missions and missionaries.  I am sad, to say the least, but completely understand the reasoning behind this policy.  I will therefore be primarily posting about my family.  For all you wonderful missionary families who follow the blog in hopes of catching a glimpse of your  loved one, I will still be posting about the different activities we are doing but won't be able to include pictures or mention names.    This has been my "journal"  for the mission and I hate to not be able to keep a detailed record, but  I know blessings come from obedience.  Thanks for all your love and support.  Please continue to check in now and then.