The "Mancation"

We returned last night from the Milwaukee/Chicago "Mancation". That's what they called it. Many of the men in our family gathered for a weekend of manly fun. They went to a Cubs game, ate Chicago pizza, played golf, went water skiing, even included a new movie and Five Guys and Fries. They all bunked at Bob and Virginia's where Virginia made sure they were met with every food they could desire! I understand the steak BBQ was amazing!

The women, in the meantime, laid low. I spent my time between Kara, Hallie & Hunter and Virginia and Cameron. This included wading in the water-flushed curbs, sprinklers on the trampoline, playing board games, building with blocks, lots of pretending, attending Cam's Baseball game, a massage and tacos. I loved the talks with my incredible daughter-in-laws. I love both of them so dearly. They are some of my best friends.

There aren't a lot of pictures because men don't do that sort of thing. Hopefully, someone will have something to remind them. Yes, those little boys do grow into men...but they retain their love for the physical things. Hopefully, they are not the worse for wear.

A Personal Loss

While Carol Lynn and I were at West Yellowstone I read on my phone that a student had passed away. When I opened it and saw who it was I was stunned. Isaiah Quinlan, a former Vision Conference employee, had died at age 26 from an aneurysm,, leaving a young wife and 4 month old baby. Isaiah was a special young man, outstanding because of his perserverence and humility rather than his exceptional natural talents. He was so teachable, always striving to improve, taking feedback openly and pushing forward, knowing he'd probably never be the best but wanting to be the best he could be. His funeral was an amazing spiritual experience. His mother, Bishop and Pres Clark spoke. His mother spoke of how he was not athletic so didn't participate in sports in his younger years but in high school took on Cross Country Running. However, "he ran like a duck". His mother pointed that out to him and explained how he was supposed to run. Being the humble young man that he was, he listened and worked for a year to learn to run normally, then went on to set and achieve goals, going from consistently dead last to a healthy middle.

I remember when I hired him that I was a little unsure as to how he would relate to the students but felt we needed a little diversity. His humility, positive, happy spirit and determination to succeed made him one of the most lovable facilitators to us all. I am happy for Isaiah. He has completed his earth-life successfully, but I feel great sorrow for his wife, Holly, and baby, Lucy. It will be a tough road for them to do the same. I wrote something for a booklet that will be given to his wife which I will try to attach here. It makes me once again feel how we must treasure every relationship while we can and think again about the blessing in my own life of his beautiful example of humility, diligence, and gratitude. I'll miss him.

Baby Blessing

Yesterday our little James Alan Ruden was blessed in Sherwood, OR. We weren't there and felt the loss. However, we were able to picture it all in our minds and visited with Annie and Jimmy on Skype so we could see him in his blessing clothing. (How grateful I am for Skype). They also recorded it on Dan's cell phone so we will be able to hear or read it. I'll get a blessing picture and post it later, but look at this beautiful newborn! His mother looks darn good, calm and happy and she is! What a joy it was to witness this birth.

We also did the next best thing...we participated in the blessing of Sam's grandson, Nathan's son, Coltrane Christopher Pothier. It was a beautiful blessing Sam's ward and gathering at their home. It is so fun to see and be able to interact with Sam's posterity now as well as our own. Grandma Annie Jo would be proud, so would Grandpa Robert. I often wonder if they are there for these occasions. If so, they would have had a busy Sunday with two great grandsons being blessed. The Sam Pothiers are doing well. They are grounded in the gospel, dedicated to their families and moving forward. We continue to be amazed at the "tender mercies" of the Lord in allowing us to have this precious time together.

The Joy of Family

What a joy it was to have family with us over the 4th of July. That holiday in Rexburg is the best!
We have the options of a parade, a rodeo, fireworks, , spray park, lake,carousel, feeding ducks and roasting hot dogs and s'mores. We included swimming at a neighbors in a beautiful heated pool (good thing since it was still chilly here), a movie, a trip to G-dairy, wuffle ball and playground at the park. We could have included a marathon, bowling, rafting, bike riding...see there are lots of things to do in Rexburg, especially on the 4th.

Seth and Julie's family, Stephen and Kara's family and Carol Lynn all came to help celebrate. It was wonderful! The late night visits after the children were in bed were worth the shorter nights and we all survived. After the Parkinsons returned home Sunday night, the Oxnams arrived for their family reunion. Bob and I and Carol Lynn moved to Sam and Nancy's house just straight through the field and turned our home over to the Oxnams. That worked out beautifully. We had a family BBQ with Sam's extended family on Monday night, played Skrewy Louie and had great visits while Steve and Kara continued to wear themselves out with tennis, fishing, frisbee softball, Rigby Lake and more. I'll let Kara tell you all about that.

Carol Lynn and I took the opportunity to spend a night at Yellowstone Nat'l Park where we viewed two plays, "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and "The Foreigner" and drove to and hiked the falls. The weather was heaven and so was the ice cream! We were able to link up with Dad on our way back. He was attending a Faculty Dinner in Island Park where the men were fishing at a private pond. (I forgot this event when I made the plans but was able to see several faculty and wives anyway). We all drove home together. I'm with Shawni, I'd prefer to have Bob do the driving, especially at night.

We had another day and a half with Steve's family and I felt like the children really knew me and felt my love. They were very responsive and so darling! So, I'm going to join Dad on his "mancation" Wisconsin this weekend to spend a couple more days with them! Hopefully, while the men are playing I can help Kara get some projects done by enjoying the children and keeping them occupied. With our recent interaction they will be comfortable with that and so will I...not looking forward to two days of travel but will surely love the two days in Wisconsin. We want to take advantage of every opportunity to be with family. It truly feeds our spirits!