Today

Today was the first Monday in two years that I didn't email my missionary son.
Because Today, I woke to find him in my Family room.
Today I rejoice in 6 children who have served the Lord on His errand.
Because Today I smile thinking about the lives they were able to touch.
Today I continue to pray that a 7th will find his way to this service.
Because Today I am reminded that the Lord knows my children better than I.
Today, returned missionary or not, they are better for His tutelage, His guidance, His Everlasting Love.

And....After!!

I am so used to my missionaries being the last off the plane....we were waiting to start seeing people come down the escalator....who should be FIRST?? Our boy. Everyone had to tell me to turn around. Of COURSE, I am the first one to get a hug from my boy....when what should happen? The batteries in my camera die as my brother in law Phillip is doing the photo opps, me and Russell hugging our boy. It was a good loooonng hug too!!

Then on to the siblings. Meeting nieces and nephews. A hug for his best high school friend. Britney Sander Wardle....A most deserved hug from his "Gramma" Linda Wishart who adopted our Cody, and wrote to him more than anyone other than yours truly of course!A pensive and thoughtful Returned Missionary (admittedly missing life in Honduras). And a mom who cannot get enough Heidi and her babies came from Colorado and

Aunt and Uncles and cousins came.... And good, good friends!Gathering the luggage, and on to In-N-Out! We had a great time taking over the place! The Westover Family!!

Ed and Michelle Roberts (Ed made sure he came to "grub" with us!!
Daphne and Kennedy learning early what this family loves!

so we are allllll so happy for the return of another of the Lord's Army, changed, humbled, and look out world our Cody is home!!

3 DAYS!!

These are the Before's.....

During.... Soon you shall see the after!!

A Walk in Remembrance

A Walk in Remembrance

My daily walk is reminder of

My Savior's ultimate price of love.

My gift to him is a path pursued

In reverenced awe am I subdued.

Awake each day a gift is given

Love as he, steps closer to heaven.

A hand, a smile, a choice well made,

Honors that path our Savior paved.

Obedience, remembrance, a change of heart,

Completes the canvas, my earthly part.

My daily walk is reminder of

My Savior's ultimate price...love.

Sheryl Holmes

In a Mere 4 weeks!

Elder Cody Robert Holmes...in the Lord's Army in Tegucigalpa, Honduras....In a mere 4 weeks our 6th Missionary shall arrive home and be an official RM. Cody has grown leaps and bounds in his testimony, his love of the Gospel, his leadership and relationship with the Lord.

The countdown begins!! I can feel it.. I can't wait to hug this boy! On a recent visit to our school, the Superintendent of our District saw this picture as my computer backround. He asked me to tell him about the picture. So of course I did! He is familiar with our young men and women "serving a mission" He said he could tell he is my boy!

Taking a Dunk for Daylon

We were able to attend the wonderful event for Daylon Edling, my dear friend Dee's grandson. go to the website. http://www.helpmakeamiracle.org/. Our family was well represented...my nephew did characatures, my sister and her kids did balloon animals. And our own contribution...Russell went into the dunk tank. Jordan gave it a try, but missed all three times.. To be fair to him, they made him stand out farther than any one else. My neice Kristy was chompin at the bit to get her uncle dunked. It was a glorious day, and amazing to watch a community, family and friends near and far, come together for this baby and his family. Our Kennedy added her cuteness to the day!So great to take a small part in helping to make a miracle.

What's a Gramma to do?

When a Gramma knows all three of her Grand daughters are gonna be together at once?? What do you do? You buy matching outfits at a great sale at the Carter's outlet, and you and your daughter make matching headbands for a photo-op! Kennedy (5 months) with her mommy Breana, Hannah (4 months) with her mommy Julia, Daphne (10 months) with her mommy Heidi.