One Little Baby Bird

If you look real close you can see one little baby bird that hatched. I took this picture a few days ago and although the other egg has a crack, it has not hatched.

It's pretty amazing to watch nature up close and personal. I was taught from an early age to love and appreciate the creation and all that has been given for our pleasure and enjoyment. True, having a momma bird build a nest and lay her eggs at my front door can be a little annoying because of the mess and my guests that she frightens, yet I can't help but feel she must trust us and feel right at home!

Bird Watching Anyone?

Can you see what I see?

While I was gone for a 7 days to Utah a little mommy mourning dove decided to build a nest in my door wreath. She had tried before and the twigs kept falling through, but being a determined mother she finally succeeded in making a nice nest for her two eggs. This door isn't used a lot, but when someone does come she takes off in flight and frightens the visitor. Hmmm, "watchbird." I guess that could work.

Xela Graduates!!

Nick and I left Provo at 6:00 a.m. on Friday morning with our goal being Phoenix, AZ for Xela's graduation at 5:00 p.m. near the Phoenix Convention Center. We thought we would have plenty of time but because of construction traffic north of Phoenix we were only 15 minutes early!

We did get to watch all the Masters of Social Work graduates make their way to the podium and receive their certificates. What a thrill and a proud moment for these two parents! Two years ago when Xela started this adventure she wanted to quit and hit the trail again. There were some trying times, but because of her grit she walked the walk and accomplished something great. We know the challenges she endured because her dad edited her papers and I listened to her, not complain but vent!

Nick, Jake, Sam, Xela, and Rachel

Xela babysat for her nephews often and I know they are going to miss each other. Why, you might ask? Not only did we watch her graduate and celebrate with dinner, but we also had to say good-bye!

Xela left this morning for Lake Placid, NY where she will be working for the summer months at least. She landed her first job as a therapist for an organization that helps at risk youth in wilderness experiences, very similar to Arizona's Anasazi, where Xela has worked for a couple of years. I will miss her, but excited she can now fly free and lift others. It is what we are meant to do!

My last picture of Keira before hitting the road. Her shirt says, "100% loved by Grandma." Look, she has the beginnings of a double chin! She did gain a little and grew in length. I loved being able to spend time with her and her parents. Thank you Jorgen and Amy for sharing your little one with me!

Pink, Pink, Pink!

I'm in Provo, Utah and I'm having a wonderful time playing grandma to number six grandchild, and the first granddaughter. I love my five little all-boy grandsons, and I love sweet Keira Jacalynn. She looks beautiful in pink!

It is so gratifying to watch my child become a parent for the first time. I can tell this little girl has melted her daddy's heart. And Amy is already a loving and nurturing mom to her week old baby.

I remember very vividly the second the doctor told me Xela was a girl as he layed her on my stomach. I wept with joy and fear thinking of the responsibility that was now mine to be the mother of a daughter. I'm not sure about the kind of job I did mothering this strong female person, but I am very proud of the woman she is and the good Samaritan she has become. She truly cares for the down trodden, the broken individual, the "certain man from Jerusalem who fell among thieves." I love the talk given by Elder M. Russell Ballard at April 2010 General Conference "Mothers and Daugthers." The world needs righteous women who are strong and of good courage. Keira will be that kind of woman. Her mother, her aunts, and her grandmothers will teach her.

Gila Valley Temple

I went with two special friends to the Gila Valley Temple open house today. We had so much fun on the drive over except for the not so nice man in a uniform with a speed gun and a pen! Not gonna go there, but he could have cut the driver a break!

The temple is very beautiful inside and out. My breath was taken away when we walked into the celestial room--the chandelier was so sparkly and elegant.

The physical beauty of a temple is not what is important, but the covenants that take place on the inside of a dedicated temple are. I'm very grateful for the blessings of the temple in my life.