Madelyn's Birthday

What an awesome day for a Birthday. There will always be fireworks on Madelyn's birthday because she shares it with our Country. We got to see some pretty spectacular fireworks tonight. One of the members of our branch put on a display that rivals most county fairs. There was a light rain but it was still very enjoyable. The fireflies/lightning bugs were out in droves in the fields of Pennsylvania so their flickering added to the display in the night sky. Liz is right the fireflies are a magical thing and we love in a very beautiful part of the country.

Miss Madelyn is 3 now and lives up to her Independence day birthday. We went to Jim Halligan's house to swim this afternoon. He is such a great guy. He's our Realtor, friend, and fellow member of our church. We have a standing invitation to come use his pool and with these hot muggy days we'll be taking advantage often.

Madelyn is something else she was ready to jump right into the deep end so I watched her like a hawk. Most of the time we were on the floats drifting about the pool whilst good friend and one time roommate Jason played a variety of pool games.

Grandma Olson

Grandma Olson came to spend some time with us. She is going to help us unpack get settled in. It will be so nice having her here to see where we live. We're hoping to do a lot of fun things while she's here and I know the kids are excited to spend time with Grandma all to themselves.

Clearly she loves us a whole lot.

Valentine's Day

It was Valentine's Day 1969 that my mother was baptized. On Valentines Day 2008 the Sister Missionaries and I received a comittment to be baptized from Gale the good sister we've been teaching the gospel to. Her Brother in Law Bill has been meeting with the missionaries as well but still has lots of question and unresolved concerns however. I am certain that we'll be able to answer his questions and resolve his concerns and that he too will make a decision to be baptized.

I've seen a change in both their countenances since we started meeting with them. Alma 5:14

And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?

In fact Gale's friends have asked her in recent weeks what it is that she's using on her face because she 'has a glow'. Gale has simply told them that she is reading the Book of Mormon. We encouraged her to invite those interested to her baptism and to meet with the missionaries.

It is a great feeling to be a missionary!

Associate

I accept an offer of employment as an Associate at W.L. Gore & Associates with a full relocation package. Liz and I are elated that we’ll get help selling the house and that someone else will pack our house and ship it cross country.

Carter's Golden Birthday

Carter turned 7 on the 7th so some call it his Golden Birthday. This one was hard for both of us. I was not there for this birthday and although I was there on days before and after with my travel back to visit I wasn't there on the actual day and it was sad for both of us. I won't ever be away for another birthday.