Life Seemed to Come Full Circle.

As I sat eating breakfast in bed this morning visiting with Stacey a knock came at the door. We both looked at each other wondering who may be k nocking on a Sunday morning. Stacey quickly answered the door to find Gay Turley our next door neighbor delivering fresh hot blue berry muffins. The note said: "For your first 'Grandfathers Day'! Real 'blue' blueberry muffins!! Can't wait until we see you chasing those boys across the lawn, as in days past."

That is when I realized she was right - wow my first Grandfathers Fathers Day - and there I was sitting with my eternal companion "Grams" (that what she expects to be called as a grandma) - in an house empty of kids (not even Haven home to sing me "I am so glad when daddy comes home"). Still I was not sad - but had a tear of joy and gratitude that I made it this far. Then I thought of Cody - his first Fathers Day - life had gone full circle.

A brand new Dad - the feelings flooded back and memories of being a new Dad - I felt so humble, knowing I wasn't perfect, I had so many weaknesses - but wanted to give so much - still I could only offer what I was - I felt inadequate.

Now the years have passed and I see that the Lord's hand making up the differences, filling the voids, magnifying and quickening me in my imperfections. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful family, they all turned out in spite of me. (I guess I can blame it on Stacey). So I look ahead and see how full my own Dad's life is and I am excited for the future. Excited for my kids.

Lant and Amy stopped by today on their way home from Phoenix to have supper with us- I shared some of my feelings - they laugh at me and my little tidbits of life's reflections. My "aw hah" moments I sometime share -

Excited to have Stacey home - man was not meant to be alone - at least not this one.

Just a Ghost in This House

The Last few weeks have passed quickly by. The first week I was gone all week serving as an assistant scoutmaster at Timberline leadership training. The week was enjoyable watching young men grow in skills and testimony. It was very rewarding. It was fun to serve with my little brother Kevin who recruited me into the deal after he agreed to serve as Scoutmaster for the course. He did a great job. By the time I came home Saturday Stacey had already been gone for a day. She took off to Provo to play live in nanny with Cody & Amanda and our grandsons Trey and Carter. She spent the week with them. The boys are doing well and Amanda and Stacey get a little sleep between taking care of all their needs. They wake up every three hours and want to get fed. Mean time I have been playing bachelor at the house - just a shadow upon the walls - I get more sleep than Stacey and Amanda but I get lonely. Someone has to take care of the flowers and the garden though. We have to keep things looking nice for the two open houses we will be having here this summer - Shad in July and Lant in September.

I did take a business trip to Brian Head to present a grant request and proposal to the State of Utah Community Impact Board for additional grant funds to build the Wellness/Recreation Center here in Blanding. We got $975,000 so that will give the project a real boost.

Things were in a bit of an uproar in the community when 150 FBI agents raided several homes in town with search and arrest warrants for illegal dealing of Anasazi antiquities. Most thought the use of authority, force and resources were excessive - people in the community are upset. My doctor Jim Redd was caught up in the raids and after being charged committed suicide. This is a big lose in the community and a sad deal. Things went to far -

Stacey, Shad, Brooke and Haven came home late Friday and were here till this afternoon. Stacey came back for a few days to throw a bridal shower for Brooke. It turned out cute and was fun for all the family involved. Shad and I went fishing during the shower and caught 8 fish. We only brought three home and filleted and cooked them up for lunch Saturday. It was good to have family around for a while.

Looks like I have another lonely week - just a ghost in this house - anxious for next weekend when I will get Stacey home again. Until then at least I have pictures of the family I can look at.