Grandma Joan Welch

Today marks the third year since the death of Tim's mom, Joan Evans Welch. She was a very devoted mother and she loved playing the organ in their ward for many years. This picture reminds me of the happier early years of their family where having six rambunctious boys crowded into a small two-bedroom home must have been quite a task. I think of her whenever I make bread or peach pies and I feel grateful for the many years she gathered us at her home every Sunday.

Easy Days Are Behind Us, Difficult Days Ahead (Or maybe I wish I was pulling a handcart....)

We spent a great conference weekend at the cabin with Ben's family, Adam's family, and Aaron's new family which consists now of he and Steph :) It was such an uplifting a informative conference. It was joyful to take turns holding darling babies and entertaining grandkids in between sessions. Before I comment about general conference, here are some words from our regional conference:

President Packer:

He said that the pioneers had it easier; now things are going to be different and much harder. It's a tough world we live in now.

It used to be that every stake president shook the hands of an apostle during the year at some point....now things are much different.

He said that 6 words changed his life: (when he was teaching and impatient with a struggling student)

"What if it was your boy?"

He talked about how angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost. That there are angels of the adversary that follow us around...they try to use the same channels that the angels and Holy Ghost use. But the devil can't MAKE us do anything. As a son or daughter of God we have sovereignty. The adversary can only do what we let him do. We are in charge of our own minds. How do we change if we are struggling?

1) First, you have to want to change (desire)

2) Second you have to know HOW (knowledge)

YOU are in charge.

He ended his talk by invoking a blessing on us to be able to discern the spirit all the days of our lives. I thought it was a powerful meeting. I am so grateful for living prophets and apostles.

Super Duper Kneeboarding Cousins

There's nothing quite like cousins learning to knee board together. Thanks Grandpa Tim for sacrificing your body to make that happen!

He Was Always Such a Charmer

Congratulations

Ben

for not only passing the bar, but passing it really well.

You have always been an amazing boy

and I am thrilled & proud to be your mother.

Won't it be fun to see what comes next?

What to do if you're feeling down...

Tell your very righteous husband to pray for you.

Make dinner for a friend.

Visit a less active neighbor.

Play with a darling grand daughter.

Make something yummy to eat.

Go to choir practice.

It works like a charm....especially the husband praying part, only I didn't have to tell him. He just knew. And I knew this morning when the gift of peace and joy came, what he had done. I love you Tim...you are the best part of my life.

Sick Baby Sis...

It's hard to believe that this picture from Aaron and Steph's wedding dinner shows a healthy and happy Amber just a few short weeks ago since she has spent this past week in the ICU at Utah Valley Hospital with a severe kidney infection and double pneumonia. It has been such a worry to our whole family to see her be so very sick when normally she is the energizer bunny of the group. I am so grateful that she has returned home tonight to her family. What a blessing to see John as such an advocate for Amber and also a loving husband. The Stohltons have been amazing to care for the twins the past ten days. Amber said "in between" the place where pain medication begins and ends she saw dad at the door checking in on her. He had tender things to say to his daughter. I'm so grateful for those both here and "there" who are nearby when we need them. Thank heavens it is not time for this important mama to go anywhere but back home to where she is so loved and needed.