Final Pumpkin Predictions

Kynslie   100
Seth     160
Ian     175
Kevin     178
Jana     199
Addie     200
Dana     212
Rebekah   220
Tara     231
Marian     240
Tammy     251
Keith     265
Justin     275
Randal     279
Karen     291
Ethan     297
Kimberly   300
Owen     301
Aaron     302
Turley     304
Gail     305
Michael   320
Sheryl     350
Linda     388
Alicia     400
Emma     410


GOOD LUCK!

Matthew 25:40

The first few days following my mother's death were difficult ones, to say the least. My sisters and I were very busy as we prepared for the funeral but during the quiet moments, her loss left such an empty feeling inside that I couldn't imagine how it could ever be filled.

Returning home several days later, I was surprised to discover that my son, Michael, had been there while I'd been gone. He, too, had been busy! My bathrooms were spotless from mopboards to light fixtures and everything in between. He'd moved on to my bedroom where there wasn't a speck of dust left anywhere, including the overhead fan. The bed sheets had been changed and the bed made. Outside several flower beds had been weeded. This "day of service" had all been quietly done without any fanfare. His loving kindness was overwhelming and for the first time in days, my tears flowed for joy rather than sorrow. And surprisingly, I didn't feel quite so empty!

I am reminded of the scripture in Matthew:

"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Thank you, Michael. I love you very much and are so grateful you are part of my life. I am truly blessed.

Sisters By Birth - Friends By Choice

September 26, 2012

Over the years it has always seemed perfectly normal to me that my best friends were my sisters. It wasn't until I was older when I realized this was not always the case in many families. With the loss of our mother, I've been reminded how much my sisters mean to me. Over the years we've talked together, crafted together, shopped together, had parties together, played games together, sang together, laughed together, worked together, raised our children together, worshiped together, prayed together and most recently . . . cried together. I can't imagine my life without them. They are remarkable women who so freely share their love with those around them. They are strong, beautiful, bright, caring women and I will be eternally grateful they are my sisters. 

"To the outside world we all grow old. But not to sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time."

- Clara Ortega -

Pumpkin Update

Abigail and "The Pumpkin"

Here are some updated photos of our pumpkin. These were taken about two weeks ago. We have a "plan" for the weighing so send your best guess! I'm still trying to come up with a prize. :-)

Smiles & Tears

My mother, Marian Barker, slipped peacefully from this world on September 20, 2012. Right now I'm having a hard time imagining my life without her so the tears flow pretty easily. However, the many joyful memories are definitely too numerous to count -- a little like the sands of the sea. I'm deeply grateful for the privilege of being her daughter. I love you Mom!

Contest - Guess the Weight!

Although we've had some good sized pumpkin crops in the past, this year certainly beats out any others. In fact, I think this year's pumpkin deserves a contest! From now until October 20th, you may guess the final weight. I've included pictures from two angles to help you with your guess. I'll add the guesses to this post as they come in. (Ken is estimating the current weight at approximately 250 pounds but no scale was used to come up with that number.)

 

 

NOTE: We actually have no idea how to weigh this pumpkin when the time comes. Any suggestions? :-)

GOOD LUCK!

Predictions:

Karen:   291 pounds

Kimberly:   300 pounds

Justin:   227 pounds

Dana:   212 pounds

Linda:   388 pounds 

Kevin:   175 pounds 

Alicia:   400 pounds 

Sheryl:   350 pounds 

Keith:   195 pounds 

Turley:   319 pounds

 

Home Again . . . Gone Again!

Elder & Sister Rimington

Salt Lake Airport Terminal

After flights only 10 minutes apart, Kevin and Tammy met in the airport terminal and came down the escalator together!

It's been wonderful having them home but our time with them was too short! Both are off to college and the next phase of their lives! Don't they look thrilled? :-)

"For the Beauty of the Earth"

We are so blessed to live in this beautiful world!

"Goldilocks" & Bear Lake

This last weekend we made our annual family trek to Bear Lake. I'm naming this our Goldilocks year.  After all, we were at BEAR Lake and the weather was "not too hot, not too cold . . . it was just right!" :-) (Yes, I know its pretty cheesy!)

We had a great time!

"Boating"

More "Boating"

Playing in the Sand

Playing in the Sand

Sand Turtle

Building Our Sand Tower

Can't wait for next year!