A Note from the Munchkins

Happy Father's Day!
We love you Daddy!

Father Toddler Campout

Brian (and Ethan) survived the annual Father Toddler Campout!
Last year, they only stayed at the campout until bedtime, but this year Brian braved the terror of getting a two-year-old to sleep in a tent (an accomplishment since it's quite the feat sometimes to get a two-year-old to sleep in his own bed at home) and off they went, leaving poor me and Gavin to widdle our night away alone (GIRLS NIGHT! filled with good food, guitar hero, and Lars and the Real Girl).
What is camping, this child wondered? To prepare Ethan for the big event, a few days before the campout, I went to the library and checked out all the children's picture books about camping. Thus, Ethan's camp literary education could be summed up with these "facts":

• When you camp you get to live in a tent, sleep under the stars, roast marshmallows, go fishing, swimming, and tell ghost stories.
• Garbage Can Monsters like to eat up little boys who camp out.
• Only "scaredy cats" give up sleeping outside in the middle of the night.
• 5 raccoons whirr-chirr and 1 frog barums on a quiet night.

Not sure these were an accurate description of the night (really, what kind of people try to put scary monster thoughts into a child's mind?), but they had a great time anyway.Here's proof SOME sleeping took place between the late night and early morning (luckily not TOO early as Ethan slept through the 5 am wake-up call from the wild turkeys unlike some of the other light-sleeping toddlers).

An Angel Mother

Dear Grandma Cheney,

We love you.

And we'll miss you.

And we are so happy we get to see you again someday.

Love,
Ethan and Gavin


Two weeks ago, Brian's mom, Eileen, died of breast cancer at the age of 55. She is an amazing woman. From the first time I met her 6 years ago, she became a heroine of mine. Everything I ever saw her do or say was always with the most Christ-like love; I never felt her judging or criticizing me (or anyone) in any way. We love her so much and are grateful for the love, support, and prayers others have given her and us. We have been so blessed and comforted that family relationships can be eternal and that through the Atonement of Christ, we can be resurrected and meet again. "The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally." (The Family: A Proclamation)

I could write endlessly of how special Eileen was in our lives and the lives of others; really anything I attempt to write just seems inadequate. I heard a quote last year that describes Mom perfectly:
"When we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with—here, now, every day. Some of them reside in our own neighborhoods. Some of them gave birth to us.... Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind." --Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Eileen's funeral was beautiful and the Spirit of God was strong there. How grateful we are to have had an angel in our lives and to continue that relationship with her in the future. We love you and will miss you Mom.