Remembering Valerie

On Monday, November 30, Valerie passed away. I don't know too much about what happened. What I do know is my heart is broken. I am thankful she does not have to suffer any more but sad because she will not be here with us. I am so grateful for her and for her love in our family. The journey has been so long and so hard. Sylvia, Linda and I went to see her last Wednesday (November 25th) and found her to be very sick. She didn't look good and was so skinny. As we left, Greg was so upset with us. He told us to get out. I know he was just upset with the whole world but it felt like it was aimed right at us. Because of that last visit, we are all a little gunshy and wonder what the right approach should be at this time. I have prayed for the spirit to help us all say and do the right things at this time. I am grateful for that short visit because she smiled with us and we all had the opportunity to tell her we loved her. The picture which is posted is when Mindi came to see Grandma Woolf. Valerie held Reese and just loved her. Mindi and Valerie had a special relationship so the picture has great meaning. Valerie had her own quirks. She was funny and had a quick whit. She enjoyed being on the edge. While she wasn't active in the Church, she would ask me about my callings or what I was doing. She was very understanding of whatever it was I was doing in the Church. She loved family and had a great desire to be with family. She loved their cabin and felt a great peace there. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. The memory of being together as sisters will live on for a very long time.

Memories of the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall always was a symbol of the superiority of freedom over oppression and of the free market over a controlled economy. The symbol is gone, but those lessons must remain forever.
November 9th marked the 20th anniversary of the day Germans, from East and West, began to tear down the wall and reunify. It was a day in which the entire world seemed to exhale after decades of a tense Cold War many felt would last forever. It was, for many, the beginning of the real end to World War II, defined for them by years of war, followed by more than 40 years of oppression and occupation. And it was the beginning of a more chaotic world, defined by ideologies and terrorist threats rather than a superpower standoff.
When the wall went up, it was because so many people were fleeing to the West that the obvious advantages to freedom and capitalism over communism were becoming embarrassing to the East. Over the ensuing years, those differences grew only starker, but they were mostly hidden from view.
It was fitting, then, that once the wall came down it became a part of the capitalist economy itself. It was broken into fragments and sold as souvenirs. Many pieces sit in American homes today. These lessons are important. Many young people in Germany today, particularly in the East, have begun to romanticize life under the old regime. A recent poll by the German government found that 57 percent of people in the East said communist rule was, on balance, mostly positive.
If the world would always remember the wall — the real wall with its Stasi secret police and its gunshots for people who tried to climb from East to West — the way forward would be much more clear.

Checkpoint Charlie is where we always entered. Checkpoint Charlie was one of the main gateways for crossing between the two halves of Berlin during the Cold War. The naming of the checkpoints was based on the phonetic alphabet, and as this was the third such checkpoint it was given the name of Charlie.It became a symbol of the Cold War - representing the division of East & West - and was seen as a gateway to freedom for the East Germans. Checkpoint Charlie was on Friedrichstrasse, near Kochstrasse. It was the only crossing between West Berlin and East Berlin that could be used by Americans and other foreigners, and by members of the Allied Forces. The other six checkpoints were for residents of West Berlin or West Germany

While living in Germany, we visited the Berlin wall several times. Jen and Mindi went with us a couple of times. We actually went the first time as a shopping trip into East Berlin. The cost of goods were so cheap. However, our trips were also times of teaching and learning. Both the girls noticed the vast difference in the buildings, people and atmosphere of the east side. Jen and Mindi both commented that that the people just didn't seem as happy and that there were no colors in anything. We returned to the United states in July of 1989 and the Berlin Wall came down in November of 1989. Friends still stationed in Germany sent us a piece of the Wall and it sits in our home today. I hope I have taught my children the importance of our freedoms. I hope that they never forget their experience of living on foreign soil. I only pray that the youth of today remain resolute in the fight for freedom and liberty.

Grandchildren are the Best!!

This past weekend, my sister Joeleen came to see us. We were in hopes that Valerie would visit with her for a bit but no such luck. Valerie was in the hospital for 5 days but is now home. They had to insert a drain in her gallbladder. She continues to go downhill. It has been very hard to watch. The hardest part of it all is watching her in pain and so weak. Greg has stood by her and has taken care of her every need. As a family, we are all very grateful to him for his love and support.

As you can see by my post, my grandchildren continue to grow up. They are beautiful children and I am so very proud of all of them.

Riley and Mycol are wonderful young women and are great examples. Jen has taken the pictures but I wonder how she will get Logan to pose for her next round.

Reese is such a delight. She laughs and smiles and wins over everyone's hearts. She keeps her mom and dad busy all the time but they are so very proud of her.

And then there is Kenndi and Crew. Kenndi is such a happy baby and I love her pictures. On Sunday evenings, we get on Skype and visit with Brady and Erika. It is our way of seeing how she is changing and how Crew is growing up. Sure wish they were closer. You can also see their love of Halloween. Erika always comes up with the cutest ideas for them to dress up.

Salt Lake Office Trip

I had an amazing (past) weekend, one that I will not easily forget. On Friday, September 25, we, Debbie and I, left for Utah. Sister Bednar invited the executive office down to SLC for lunch with her and then gave us tickets for the Women’s broadcast. Others who had served in the executive office were also invited. Debbie and I left about 1:00 pm to drive to the Downtown Marriott. Betty and Kathy were already there. Vickie and Wendy were coming down together. It was an uneventful drive, other than I had to keep the conversation going all the while.
We arrived at the Marriott and checked in. When we were coming down from our room to get more things from the car, we found out that the whole Louisville Cardinal Football team was staying at the Marriott. They were going to play University of Utah the next day. There were ‘big’ football players everywhere.
That evening we all went to dinner at Market Street Grill. We were also joined by JoAnn. President Wheelwright paid her way so she could come and be with us. We laughed and shared stories and had a great time. Debbie and I had to drive JoAnn back to her daughter’s place in Sandy.
Saturday morning we arose and went to the 8:00 session at the SLC temple. I had never gone through a session in the SLC temple. I had let Gene and Joeleen know that I was going to be there and if I could see that that would be great. It was a wonderful session and I so enjoyed being there with my sisters in Zion. While we were sitting in the celestial room, Gene came in to say hi. He was able to answer some questions about the temple for all of us. He also showed us Wilford Woodruff’s rooms where he had an apartment in the temple at one time. He showed us some sealing rooms and a staircase that is not in use any more. I marveled at the workmanship in the temple and how it has been preserved. I also marveled at the foresight of President Brigham Young in building the temple. It is large, laid out well and the craftsmanship is amazing. I never did get to see Joeleen but it was a wonderful day.
It was then to JB’s for breakfast together and on to the hotel to change clothes. Kathy had to go and pick up Sister Clark at the airport. We went to distribution and walked downtown. We also met Nikki Nelson, who used to be Elder Bednar’s secretary. We went to the hotel, changed clothes, checked out and went to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building to kill some time. JoAnn and Wilma also joined us there.
At the appropriate time, we walked over to the Lion House to meet Sister Bednar for lunch/dinner. It was about 3:00 when we met. Sharon Hall, Julie Hobbs, Shauna Swainston (Elder Bednar’s current secretary), met us there and we proceeded to eat. We went through a cafeteria style line and then proceeded up to a room that Sister Bednar had reserved. When we got inside, Elder Bednar was there waiting for us. What a wonderful surprise. He did not eat with us but proceeded to visit and answer any questions we had. We took pictures and asked questions and were taught by an apostle of the Lord.
Elder Bednar reminded us to do good wherever we go. To do our callings but not over do our callings. Whenever he travels, he always looks for the ‘one.’ We should all be searching for the one person we can serve and make a difference in their lives. He and Susan both told how his calling has changed their lives. They work hard, however, to maintain their family ties. They make it a point to schedule a get-away each year with all of their family members.
After our meal, Shauna arranged for us to go to the Administration Building to use the restrooms, because the ones in the conference center would be so busy. We all kind of split up and used the restrooms on each floor. I went with Shauna to the third floor. When we finished she asked if we would like to see Elder Bednar’s office. WOW! Yes of course. We walked to the southwest corner but when she reached into her purse for the key, it was not there. So we got to see where it was but not inside. We then started to walk over to the conference center. When we were down in the basement, we boarded the carts to ride through the tunnel. The tunnel goes under the temple, Main Street, and under the conference center. We got there and entered in through the back doors, of which is the way general authorities enter to sit on the stand for conference. When we were ushered to our seats, I ended up on the left hand side (facing the podium) second row back. Those on the stand were President Monson, President Uchtdorf, President Eyring, Elder Anderson, Elder Nelson and Elder Hafen. Elder Nelson came down to where we were seating because he had what looked like several granddaughters there. His wife Wendy Watson Nelson was also there. Of course with Sister Bednar and Sister Clark there, he came over to say hello. Sister Bednar introduced him to all of us as her BYU-Idaho sisters and he shook all of our hands. Sister Sherrie Dew came in also and sat two rows behind us. She also greeting Sister Bednar and in turn met all of us. She expressed how much she loves BYU-I and how she has a niece currently here and she also is also loving her experience here. The Primary general president came and shook hands also.
I was sitting next to Nikki Nelson who was the president’s secretary for many years. When she saw Elder (president of Ricks College) Hafen sitting on the stand, she got up and caught his eye. He came down off the stand and shook hands with just our row. I was able to tell him I was Joe Woolf’s daughter. I was the one he sent the email to about dad. He told me how much he loved my dad and what a good person he was. He asked about my mom and how she was doing. When I told him my mom passed away last year, he offered his condolences and then said ‘what a wonderful blessing because they were together.’ It was truly a wonderful moment in my life to meet and shake hands with so many wonderful, righteous men and women.
Being at the broadcast was also great. Sister Beck reminded sisters about doing good where ever they go. She talked about visiting teaching and serving one another. I have a mental note to bring up her talk and read it again. Her two counselors spoke and President Eyring. It was a wonderful evening.
We said our goodbyes to everyone and Debbie and I went back to the Marriott, changed clothes and headed home. We had been given parking passes for under the Church Office Building but we chose to stay where we were because of the traffic and because we didn’t know our way out of downtown from the Conference Center. We chose to stay at the Marriott because we knew our way to the freeway from there. It ended up being a really good choice because we had no problem at all. We got home to Rexburg about midnight.

Memory Lane

Recently I was cleaning out some of my computer files. I came across a couple of pictures that took me down memory lane. They are some pictures of Brady. I don't want my kids to think I favor him. It's just that I was going to delete these off my computer and this is a way to save them because I hope to print this book like Mindi did. Who knows, I might go back and search for other memory pictures.

Reese's One year old celebration!!!

I can't believe that Reese is one year old. She is a beautiful child and I think, as she grows, she is going to give Mindi and Arnold a run for their money. She loves her Uncle Kit and will go to most everyone. The sad part is that Mindi planned a wonderful birthday party and Reese was sick. Just the same, she is our darling granddaughter and we love her to death. Many more happy birthday's, Reese. We love you!!

Trip to Colorado

On September 2, Craig and I left for Colorado to spend a week with Brady, Erika, Crew and Kenndi. Mindi, Arnold, Reese, and Kit joined us for the Labor Day weekend. We had a great time. Every time I go to Colorado, I fall more in love with it. There are so many things to do. We drove to Estes Park and did a little bit of hiking and had a picnic. Erika's folks and Taylor were there with us. It was a wonderful week. It was sad to leave because we love being with all the family. Our drive to Colorado, with food stops, takes about nine hours. It gets harder to do but is very worthwhile. Kenndi is such a beautiful little girl and a welcome addition to our family.

While we were in Colorado, Dennis called to let us know that Larry has lung cancer. They began chemotherapy today, Monday, September 14. Our prayers are with Bonnie, Larry and their family as they face this trial.

Valerie is doing the same. She is tired all the time and won't talk much or see us. Linda and I try hard not to take it personal. In the beginning, I though we would need to be with her all the time but as it turns out, she doesn't seem to want us around much.

Kennedi Taylor Nordfelt has arrived

Kennedi Taylor Nordfelt has arrived safe and sound. Born August 14, 11:20 pm and weighs 7 lbs. 3 oz. Kendi even has more hair than Brady when he was born. They have their little 'Brady.' Mom and dad are doing well. So far Crew has wanted Kendi to play with his toys and share the love. I can see it now, Kendi buried in the sand with Crew and dad--hiking the trail and picking flowers--and having her own rock climbing helmet. Thanks Erika for a beautiful choice spirit.

A Weekend Visit

Mindi, Arnold and Reese came to visit Grandma and Grandpa for the weekend. We had a great time. Reese got her first taste of raspberrries from the garden. I think we will have to work on her. Saturday was spent traveling to Jenny Lake. We had a picnic and hiked for a bit but it was cold and damp so the hike wasn't long. It was just great to have them here. Thanks to Mindi for the pictures. I am not very good at taking them anymore since we have gone to digital. Craig is in charge of the pictures and we always seem to forget.

Where Did 39 Years Go?

I can't believe that I have been married 39 years. To Craig I say thanks for sharing these years with me. Thanks for being so patient with me. Thanks for teaching me so much about life. Thanks for traveling to some amazing places with me. (These include Canada, Germany, Turkey, Australia, Israel, Jordan, Saudia Arabia, China and all those amazing Air Force assignments.) Thanks for giving me the blessing of being a mother and grandmother. Thanks for living the gospel and being such a worthy priesthood bearer. Thanks for always being supportive in my callings. Thanks for helping me strengthen my testimony. Thanks for serving in the temple with me. (I consider that a truly great blessing.) Thanks for always being there to listen to me and assuring me that everything will be OK. Thanks for being my partner and friend for 39 years.

Mindi Celebrates a Birthday

July 23 was Mindi's birthday. What can I say about Mindi. She is a strong person with such great talents. She is truly a blessing to all who know her. She shines forth in everything she tackles and has such a fun loving spirit. I consider her one of my best friends with a loving and kind spirit. Her strength in the gospel is truly an example for Craig and I and her sister and brothers. She has never been afraid to say what she is thinking and to live the way she knows is right. She is such a good mother and Reese is lucky to have her to guide her in this life. Thanks Mindi for an wonderful 35 years. I am so grateful and blessed to have you as my daughter.

Weekend with Grandkids

Last weekend, July 10 and 11, we babysat Reese. We had offered to Mindi and Arnold to babysit while they had a get-away. Craig and I had a wonderful time. We absolutely loved tending Reese. She is a very good baby. I am afraid that Mindi and Arnold are totally spoiled. Reese goes to bed just by putting her in her crib. She plays and then goes to sleep. She also wakes up and plays till you pick her up. The are good parents and we love them for the good home and family they are creating.

Jen had us out to dinner on Saturday evening for dinner and a visit. We had a great time with them. The grandkids are growing up so fast. Mycol and Riley are such great granddaughters. We saw Logan for a few minutes. He is a normal, busy teenage boy. Jen and the girls always have a project going on. Mycol has created an alphabet book for Crew's birthday. They have so many fun things to work on. I do love spending time with them.

We didn't leave Utah till Monday morning, as we made a stop at Hill AFB to get some medications. I always enjoy being at Hill AFB. I love hearing the planes and it brings back wonderful memories of our time in the Air Force. We arrived home to everything being safe and sound. It was back to work on Tuesday, wading through the emails. However, I am so grateful we both have jobs we love. I am grateful to be employed and be able to pay the bills. What a blessing we have.

I read a section in the book “Spiritually Anchored in Unsettled Times” by Bruce Hafen. (I have also been reminded how much my dad loved Pres./Elder Hafen and so reading the book has been a sweet experience for me.) I thought of my family and what trials we have gone through in the past couple of years and what surely lies ahead of us. It reads like this.

“If we are becoming more aware of our weaknesses, that doesn’t mean we are drifting away from Him; it may well mean that we are drawing closer. For because of the Atonement, we can learn from our mistakes without being condemned by them.”

“The paradox of this divine tutorial is that the Lord will not only correct us but may also lead us into some forms of personal affliction. Elder Maxwell said ‘If we are serious about our discipleship, Jesus will eventually request each of us to do those very things which are the most difficult for us to do. Thus, sometimes the best people have the worst experiences because they are the most ready to learn.’ ”

“After Elder Maxwell learned he had the leukemia that eventually took his life, he shook his head and said he should have seen it coming. . . . . The more he (Elder Maxwell) desired the gift of charity—to love as Christ loves—the more he sensed how dear the price might be.”

I think that we all will have to pick ourselves up from time to time,(at least I do) and move forward and know that we are in times that we must totally consecrate our life to the Lord. And yes, we are going to have some of those worst experiences. I truly don’t know what I would do without my testimony and yet I realize how I need to continually strengthen it.

Another Day of Work at BYU-Idaho

Wish I could begin to tell you about the wonderful experience I had today.

Every summer the university helps put on a luncheon for the approximately 500 construction crew who are working on the new auditorium building. It is our way of saying thanks to them for their work and service. Today was such a luncheon. But today was totally different. We were in the construction area which will house 10 basketball courts and have a track above it. It is a wonderful space. Although it is only cinderblock and concrete, there is a certain feel in it.

The university choir began the gathering by singing “How Firm a Foundation” then the prayer then “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” Even without the acoustics being perfect, the sound was absolutely wonderful. The sound just resonated throughout the structure. You would have sworn it was the Tabernacle Choir.

Pres. Clark then made a few comments. He ask those in attendance to take note of some of the words of these songs. He quoted parts of the 2nd and 3rd verse of “How Firm a Foundation.” He talked about how in every situation, in sickness and in health, we can always call upon the Lord. Whatever our situation, whatever the circumstances, wherever we may be, the Lord will hear our prayers, answer them and uplift us. But in every situation, we need to remember where our blessings come from. He is truly the giver of blessings and peace in our life. (I hope you’ll take time to read the all of the words from both hymns.)

I felt as though the message was for me. I felt as though the Lord was calming my troubled heart and helping me know that He is in control. As I contemplate the thoughts of the lyrics, I know that I am loved by my Heavenly Father. I know that those on the other side of the veil are watching over us. I am so grateful for the testimony and love that I have for the gospel and for loving parents who taught me of His great atoning sacrifice for me.


HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION
2ND verse In ev'ry condition--in sickness, in health,
In poverty's vale or abounding in wealth,
At home or abroad, on the land or the sea
As thy days may demand, as thy days may demand,
As thy days may demand, so thy succor shall be.

3rd verse Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, upheld by my righteous,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

7th verse The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no never, no never forsake!

4th of July weekend

July 3 was spent with Val. She wanted her sisters to come and see her again. This time it was to tell us the update and how she wants this to be handled. She has cancer in the liver and the stomach. She has decided not to do chemotherapy but rather follow the naturpath's advice. She has gone to all organic foods and does some shots given to her by the naturpath. She also has a blood clot in the vena cava artery. She agreed to take the blood thinner but that is all. She and Greg will no longer give updates on her health. We are to tell friends and relatives that she does not want any more information given out. I'm not sure how that will be done but we will try to honor her wishes. She had dredged up some very old emotions. She talked about her divorce, mom and dad, growing up and how she feels unloved. We all left her house a little confused. It was a very hard day for all of us. Val is a person who has always prided herself in communication. Every time we are together, she talks about open communication and being part of each other's lives. Now, it feels like she has cut us off. She and Greg have made this decision together. My heart is breaking as I realize that I could lose my sister. She seems frail to me and so tired. I called her on Saturday and Sunday but only spoke to Greg. She was not available to come to the phone. I have wondered and questioned how this can happen so fast?

The 3rd and 4th were also spent by re-roofing the shed. Craig has worked so hard on the shed. I keep telling him that we are too old to continue doing all this hard work. He was so stiff and banged up on Sunday, that he really did need a day of rest. He just has the very top shingles to go now and that will take a half hour or so. Craig always does good work but this has been a hard job for him.

Craig enjoyed the time with his family. They had to cut their fishing trip a day early because Dennis had to get home for a funeral. All of his family seems to be doing well.

Update on Valerie

Saturday, June 27, was spent with Valerie. Linda, Sylvia and I spent the day with her. We really did nothing but just be with her. We watched an old movie "North by Northwest." Valerie was very weak and very tender. I was not prepared for the way she looked and how weak she was. She still has a couple of more test to do this week and another appointment with the oncologist.

Craig is also gone this week. He is attending Bonnie and Larry's 50th wedding anniversary in Moab and then off fishing with Dennis and Kirtly. I hope he has a restful and enjoyable week.

Sisters Are the Best

After our wonderful weekend as sisters, Valerie began not feeling well. Diane left on June 15 and on June 16, Val made a trip to the emergency room. The CT scan showed a growth on her liver and so on June 18, Valerie had a liver biopsy. On Monday, June 22, Valerie was told that the mass on the liver was cancerous. First they got the phone call from the Dr. in the morning which told them about the cancer and then they went to a Dr. appointment later in the day. The Dr. told she and Greg that he believes the cancer did not originate in the liver but has moved there from another source. (How they can tell that is beyond me.) I have to assume that they can tell some of these things from the biopsy. The next step is to try to determine where the cancer is, other than the liver. Today they are doing an endoscopy which is a scope that goes down through the mouth and looks around. Tomorrow they will do a detailed MRI to try to gather more information. The Dr. believes that the cancer is in the intestines, or pancreas or stomach. They have to gather more information before they know the treatment and the prognosis.

Sylvia went to the appointment on June 23 with them because Valerie knew she wouldn’t understand it all. When I talked to Sylvia last night, she said when the Dr. told them the news, every bit of color drained from Valerie. Sylvia thought she was going to pass out at first. They had to have her lie down because she was so shocked. Sylvia said that Greg and Val had not even entertained the thought that it could be this serious. She has told her children and they are having a hard time. I can only imagine!! The endoscopy did not fine any cancer in the stomach or upper intestimes.

On June 24, she had an MRI and on June 25 she had a colonoscopy. I talked to her on Wednesday, June 24 and it was so good to hear her voice. She sounded weak but is trying to stay optimistic. On Thursday, June 25, Valerie was diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma. It is cancer of the bile ducts. There are only 1-2 cases per 100,000 in theWestern world. On Friday, June 26, she will have an appointment with the oncologist to get all the results and determine the course of action. Linda and I plan on going over to see Val on Saturday.

As family and sisters, we are all in shock. It was just a little over a week ago that we were all together as sisters and had a great time. I can’t even begin to put my thoughts into words. Craig and I have talked about how fast life can change. It also forces me to put things into perspective. Family is everything! My children and my grandchildren mean the world to me. Please remember Valerie and Greg in your prayers. She is going to need a lot of positive thoughts and a lot of prayer. I love you all.

Today is Mycol's birthday. I cannot believe she is 11. Where has the time gone. Mycol is such a talented and beautiful grandchild. There are so many times that I wish I lived closer so I could take her to lunch or a movie. From the moment she was born, she has been a gift from heaven to our family. The picture with Mycol and myself is one of my favorite. I just love looking into her eyes. She truly is our little princess. I love you dearly Mycol.

Today is Mindi and Arnold's third anniversary. Congratulations to you both. I can't imagine life without Arnold or Reese. My life is richly blessed because of my family. I love you all!!

Sisters Time Together

On Friday, June 12, all of my sisters were together to share time together. My sister Diane was here from Oregon and Joeleen from Salt Lake City. We gathered together that morning at my home to make doughnuts. We did this in memory of mom. Every summer for years, my mom would make doughnuts during the summer when her brother Earl and his family came from California. We all remember doughnuts scattered all around the house. It was a great time and great memories. I found the recipe in mom's recipe box. We weren't even sure it would work or not but we gave it a try. About 8 dozen doughnuts later, we decided there were a few tweaks to make in the recipe but it did work. We all took turns rolling out dough, cutting, and frying. We dipped some in sugar, and iced the others. We had such a fun day together. Craig came home about 3:00 in the afternoon and we barbequed teriaki chicken, potatoes, and everyone brought salads. We sat around and visited and really enjoyed the day together. Joeleen and Gene had to leave around 5:00 for Utah.

On Saturday, Craig and I drove to Val's home. The men went golfing and the ladies went to the "Titanic" exhibit. Linda had to serve in the temple that afternoon so she didn't go with us. We all had a good time. The museum gave everyone a name to take through the exhibit and then find out at the end whether they lived or died. Sylvia's person was a first class passenger and did not survive. Val, Sylvia and my person were third class and none of them survived either. We went back to Val's home and met up with the guys later that afternoon. We then went to dinner at Olive Garden and to Mary and Bruce's 60th wedding anniversary celebration. We had a great time together.

On Sunday, Diane and Howard went to church with Linda. We all met at Val's for a barbeque. We visited for awhile and then the sisters played Apples to Apples. It was a wonderful three days. I didn't get a weekend and nothing got done around the house but it was worth it. Diane and Howard left on Monday morning. I am so grateful that I was able to have them all at my home on Friday. And I am very thankful that I have my sisters. I am richly blessed by my heritage.

This morning, Tuesday June 16, Val called me to tell me she had to go to the emergency room last night. She has not felt well for awhile and on Monday she really didn't feel good. They did a CAT scan on her stomach because she keeps having pains. They found a mass on her liver. She will have a liver biopsy either Tuesday or Wednesday. She feels like they won't find anything but asked that we all pray for her. As we visited, I told her that Joeleen had beat the odds and so would she. I am worried about her and have a prayer in my heart. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Brady, Erika and Crew tried out a canoe. I love this picture because Crew looks as content as can be. If we lived closer we could have gone with them in our canoe that we hardly ever use. Maybe one day!!