Young mens camp.
Tristen went on a 5 day hike over the Easter holidays and thoroughly enjoyed it. He was a little worried at first before they left because of the distance (75 klms), but all that went had a fabulous time.  Mark Cartner, the young mens president did an excellent job in organizing it and preparing the dehydrated food.

There were 6 lads and two leaders crammed into 1 4wheel drive with all their backpacks, and the trip itself just to get there was a 7 hour drive.  Imagine the stench of gas in that car.

Just came back from seeing my Dad who is currently in caboolture with Christine. They had only just returned from a three week holiday to the states and then he decided to have a heart attack about 5 days later. Such a shock but good that it didnt happen over there.
Dad is 88 this year and doing well considering all the problems hes had through his life.
Has fought in WW2, had a serious car smash when I was about 11 and endured years of pain because of it, and survived esophageal and prostrate cancer. I take my hat off to you Dad for lasting this long.
So, he is too old to have surgery or a stint procedure and its only time now, as he is in heart failure. This has come on so quickly. I thought we would at least get a few more years out of him. We might yet, you never know. Not quite ready to let you go, although I know Mum would be more than ready to receive you.
I am so glad that I have great faith in the afterlife. I have to, I have a son there.

 Just before Michael left for his mission, with Michael, Dad and Josh

 Christmas time at Rossolini St, about 2009

 His latest. Hawaii 2012. Always poking the tongue

With Gary at Stephens 60th. 2011


So Dad thank you for all the years of hard work you gave to our family, the happy times as well as the bad times that made us appreciate the good times. You were and still are a great Dad and I wouldnt want another.

After a hard day at work and putting up with crap its lovely to come home. I love my home, I love the fact that I have a sewing room to retreat to. I love the fact that I have a lovely big bedroom with a lovely big bed. Is this being selfish??

And of course its lovely coming home and looking at family photos, especially this little man.

Love these people

Family is EVERYTHING.  "Nothing else compensates for failure in the home"
I cherish the thought of having my family unit for all time and eternity. And I know that one day I will have my Sam back.

Good Friday

As I get older I learn to appreciate my Saviour even more and for what he has done for me. I suppose when your own children grow up and you see the mistakes they make it comforts me to know that they too have the blessings of the atonement. I cant thank my Savior enough. I guess one day I will get to in person and hopefully I will stand worthy of that.

And to know that I will one day see my Sam again because of the Savior's Sacrifice is comfort.  I know he is where he is because he was just too good for this earth and I know this for a fact.  Hopefully I will be worthy of his presence as well.

So on this Good Friday as I do what Im doing, I will remember HIM and be ever grateful for everything HE has done for me and mankind.

Missionaries

I just love Mondays because its on Monday that I get an email from Michael. Mums all over the world just sit at the computer waiting for that email to come through. Mornings are started off with excitement and then relief when that email comes through. They have made it through another week.  So today as I was contemplating my email, my thoughts were cast back to last week when a pool guy came to look at our pool and the dog was going ballistic. I was explaining to him that although she barks madly, shes a very good guard dog and we like to give her access to the inside as well.   Then he proceeded to tell me that his dogs and himself dont like Mormons coming to the door. This is my reply.

I had a guy tell me last week that he had a dislike to Mormons knocking on his door (unbeknown to him I was one with a son who is doing that), I was very quiet about it and looked at him and thought......."If only you knew".
These kids are out there with no pay, spat on, chased by dogs (and their owners), persecuted, hungry at times for a decent meal, missing their families and friends, suffering from either heat or cold exposure, dealing with living with someone 24/7 whom they may not altogether get along with, and living by strict rules.
Give them a break, they are only trying to find those who truly want something in their lives that will give them hope and faith. Out of all the doors they knock on there arent many people who respond with a polite "No thanks" but,..... they trudge on.
These boys (and girls) go out as youth and come home as men and women, and have put up with more than alot of other kids their age would put up with.
And last but not least.................Their Mother sheds many tears and prays to God that they are brought home safely.
So next time you come across them, dont shout profanities and slam the door, be kind and considerate and remember....2 years is a long time to be without your family. That should be a testament in itself that they believe in what they are doing.

 Michael having a game of golf on Pday with his companion.