The Sons I Never Had

One day a few weeks ago, Eric and Ryan stopped by the house for lunch and a short break from lawn mowing. I was cleaning at the time, and Ryan immediately offered to vacuum--which he did. As Eric watched him, he commented that Ryan was "the son I never had." His comment--along with recent events--inspired this blog, where I want to pay tribute to all the "sons I never had."

The first SINH is Eric. Jenny's Eric, not to be confused with the son I did have! Over the last several months Eric has driven a gazillion miles to provide his family--but not himself--with vacations. His long hours in the car have been immediately followed by long hours in airports and airplanes and short hours in bed, then back to the grindstone. Thank you, Eric, for your hard work and willingness to sacrifice so much so that all of us can spend time with our Jenny, Parker, Caleb, Maren and Macey.

My second SINH is Tom, or Tommy, as my dear husband calls him. Tom likes to tease me. He's also quick to jump up after a meal and wash the dishes. He's completely genuine, generous and kind, a "what you see is what you get" man, who's just down-to-earth enough to call an apostle, "Dude!" And in just a few weeks, he's going to finish his RN at the University of Utah! Congrats Tom; I'm proud of you!

My third SINH is Ryan. Today I'm especially proud of Ryan for landing an English teaching job at the Springville Jr. High, where I know he will inspire and befriend many struggling and uncertain adolescents! I love to talk to Ryan, and appreciate his positive attitude, his helpful and kind nature, and his fun-loving personality. A creative and talented soul, Ryan always believes the glass is half-full, and makes life fun for those around him.

My last SINH is Rob. When I think of Rob, I think of someone who is always happy and completely without guile. With his postive disposition and his deep desire to do what's right, Rob will influence for good many young adults as he serves in the single's ward bishopric over the next year. I am proud of him for being worthy and willing to serve.

I am grateful to all my SINHs, for their willingness to sacrifice and love my four precious daughters. Each one is unique, but each one is strong, faithful, and kind, and I love them all.

And as for the Sons I Did Have (so they don't feel left out)--

Eric, who gracefully carries a load that is too heavy for anyone. I love you, and am proud of you and the man you are becoming.

Danny, who will soon head off to distant places to follow his dream. I'm proud of you for being brave enough to do that!

And Andrew, who listens to me talk, even when he isn't interested, and still likes to snuggle.

I love you all, and thank you for your love (and for providing me with the Daughters I Never Had)!

Cascade Springs

While Andrew was at Helaman's Camp, we spent a few days alone together. A kind friend let us use her cabin at Scofield, where we played games, watched movies, ate yummy meals, and enjoyed just being together. Our last day alone we spent at Cascade Springs and Thanksgiving Point--both very beautiful. It was so good to get away from everything and just be together!

Father's Day!

We celebrated Father's Day surrounded by family!

Jenny's Visit

We were so happy to have Jenny & the kids stay with us for a few days before our family reunion. Andrew loves his neices and nephews and had a great time entertaining them. This shows just a small sampling of the fun!


We enjoyed having everyone stop in for visits. Only Eric & Briana were unable to see Jenny, since Elena's counts were so low.

Family Reunion

We had a family reunion in "The Hills" of Idaho. Thanks to Tom's family for letting us use their property. Here is our tent city! (Minus Christy & Tom, who slept nearby in the trailor.)

The fabulous, and very popular, train ride! What a great idea!

Kai was in doggy-heaven!

Four-wheeling is always fun.

Keeping Lincoln (& all the others) out of the fire was also a popular activity!

We went on a "hike" to Forty Horse Cave. More like repelling (can you go up when you're repelling?) without gear, on slippery gravel. Thanks to the strong men who helped me make it! Those who survived the hike skipped rocks in this little stream before heading back to camp.

Perspective

Today we wandered around the cemetery, reading the sketchy inscriptions that sum up a person's life. When they were born, when they died, who they married, the names of their children--and occasionally a bit more.

My heart ached for the many parents who buried children who died too young and the children who were left motherless.

I stood before the grave of a woman who bore nine children before she buried her husband somewhere in Ohio on the Pioneer Trail. She married again, and had four more children with that husband--and again, death left her a widow. She married a third time--a brother perhaps, since the last two husbands shared the same last name--and gave birth to one more child.

Fourteen children.

All, without a dishwasher or microwave, without a washer or dryer, without a phone or refrigerator, without a car or indoor plumbing.

Today I feel humbled, and a little more grateful.

The Rollar Coaster

After celebrating our good news yesterday, today Elena woke up with a fever, and is currently being readmitted to Primary Children's hospital. She has a bacterial infection. The fight goes on. Thanks to everyone for your continued prayers.