Catchin' up on January happenings

Day after New Year's, we drove this car out to Provo with Jeremy (he's happy to finally have some wheels other than his bike). We were there just 3 days, and were scared of driving around in the snow and ice. Regretfully, we never made it outside of Provo to visit Carl's sister who lives north of Salt Lake.

We walked around in a snow globe, enjoyed visiting the Hinckley Alumni Center (in background), hung out with the boys, took in a BYU basketball game, spent time in the library, bookstore, visited some great classes, attended Devotional with Jeremy, etc.

When we got back to Texas, we headed to Emily and Brian's home, where we attended the blessing of their sweet baby, Laila.

Now, that I'm back home again, I'm going to start cutting out this cute material Courtney picked out for the baby quilt that I'm making for my newest grandson, Colby.

Two birthday boys (son and son-in-law)!

Happy Birthday to Andy, born Jan. 23, 1982. The nurses called him the "bully of the nursery"when he was born, because he was so strong and active.

Here he is, a very young Eagle Scout, holding his Eagle Scout project, one of several cars he made for the church nursery. He was a very happy baby and boy with many friends who still are loyal friends.

Andy grew into a fine young man, excelling in sports, school --serving a two year mission (Utah, Salt Lake City), graduating from BYU, while developing his artistic talent, and looking forward to pursuing a masters degree.

Birthday wishes also go to our fine son-in-law, Dan, husband and father extraordinaire! Dan shares Andy's birthday, Jan. 23 (out of respect to his advancing old age, I won't mention the year!). Dan's favorite birthday present will be his little boy, who will be born in about a month.

Remembering KoKo -- Nov. 30, 1996 -- Dec. 31, 2008

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone, that pet goes
to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor;
those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember
them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone
very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks
into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins
to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling
together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
(Courtney was so sweet to share this comforting poem with me.)