Called to Serve

My parents left for the MTC today.  They are going to be CES (Church Education System) Specialists in the Detroit Michigan mission.  On Sunday they spoke in sacrament meeting in their home ward in Ogden.  It was a special occasion because my niece, LaLaina (who was called to the Florida Tallahassee mission), also spoke as well.

It was a very touching experience to hear them speak and feel of their faith and testimony.  They love God and their family very much.  They have done much with what they were given.  My dad overcame very difficult family circumstances in his youth, and has given his family a legacy of faith and love.  They will share that faith and love with the people they serve.  We will miss them, but their service will bless our family.

My sister Ruth has been in town in Zach and Ben.  They are so cute and they keep her plenty busy.  We love having them around.

My cousin, Cameron, and his family came as well.  His sisters Britany and Nicole came with their families as well.  We're so glad that they make such effort to keep in touch, especially since their parents aren't with us anymore.

My uncles Leonard and Ray both made it.  Along with dad they all match with their white hair.  Having them visit brings back so many memories.

My uncles Monty and Glen brought my Grandma Elgan up from Brigham City.  Since yesterday was Mother's Day my mom gave a very stirring tribute to her.  My Grandma is great!  More and more, every time I see Monty and Glen I can't not remember my Grandpa, they look and sound so much like him.

Michel was so gracious to have such a big crowd in her house.  We enjoy her and her family so much.

Nigel looks sober in this picture, but he had a good time.  He matches with his three cute cousins, Makenna, Hope and Sara.  They are all blonde hair and blue eyed.

LaLaina gave a great talk and she has grown so much in the last two years.  She will be a very tenacious and determined missionary who will love the people.

 Here is my cousin Chris talking with Clair and Joy.  Last year at this time he was in the hospital, so it's good to see him out and about again.  He and his brother Lance do a lot of extreme biking competitions.  They also run a bike company, Canfield Brothers, where they make high-end racing bikes.

 

Here is the painful but necessary obligatory group photo.  I twas so nice to have so much family that we love together.  Clair, Joy, Ruth and I spent a couple of joyous hours playing pinochle together. Clair informed me that Sting's song "Shape of My Heart" is about pinochle.  A jack of diamonds and a queen of spades make pinochle.  We have never been much for sports in my family but we have many memories of hours and hours of playing pinochle.  Cards will keep us together.