Some thoughts

First, some thoughts about Lizzy...  Thank you friends for your kind words.  I have thought a lot about Lizzy these last few months.  Her birthday came and went.  We had plans and I missed her being here to carry them out with me.  During the time I knew Lizzy, I always thought that I was helping her and trying to make myself available to be a friend to her.  She was interesting and unique and I enjoyed my time with her, but I always thought that I was the one serving her.  It is funny how now my perspective has changed and I see that she was actually the one serving me the whole time.  I needed her.  What I gave Lizzy pales in comparison to what I gained from her. 

I don't want to sound too corny, but since Lizzy has passed away, I have felt her spirit with me at times.  I feel stronger and more happy because of the time I spent with her and the things she taught me.  She has given me strength and made me realize how very blessed I am.  Physically, Spiritually, Economically, etc.  It occured to me in a very real way that with these blessings comes a great responsibility to do good.  We who are so blessed, what a greater responsibility we have to bless others.  Lizzy practiced this priciple.  It took so much energy and work for her to even get out of bed each day, yet she did.  Because of her condition, she could not do much physically.  Her hands did not work well, yet she painfully wrote letters.  Tons of letters to friends and family.  While cleaning out her apartment I found some paperwork showing that she had been financially providing for a child in a third world country who needed food and clothing.  Lizzy had very little money.  Only the money she recieved from the government.  Still, she sacrificed so she could help this child.  One of Lizzy's last acts was to donate her gorgeous, long hair to locks of Love.  She could do so little, but she did what she could.  She was very creative in looking for ways to serve and lighten the loads of others. 

Still, a couple months after her death, I see her example and she teaches me.  I am so glad that I met her and feel like she has had such a significant impact on my life and my future. 

Other news - our summer was wonderful!  We spent a week up at the company resort in Northern Wisconsin.  The kids learned to water skii there and did archery, tubing, horse-back riding, canoeing, fishing, boating, swimming, scavenger hunts, made pinata's, tie dyed t-shirts, did some other crafts, and just had a wonderful and fun week.  They met some great friends there too.  I saw Kiley very little the whole week.  She was always off with her friends and flirting with boys. 

Then we also got to go out west and spend a couple weeks with family.  Kiley went to EFY in Provo and she loved it.  We went to a Workman family reunion in Utah and spent time in Rupert and Boise with our families as well.  It was so great to be with family and see everyone.  We really miss everyone and it is hard to be so far away. 

 Kate got to be a flower girl for the wedding of a friend this summer.  She had a beautiful dress and danced with her dad at the reception afterward.

Kate and Lucas (the ring bearer was only 3 years old.  When they were walking down the aisle,

 Kate was scattering the rose petals out in front of them.  Lucas was confused and looked at her and loudly said, "What are you doing?"  "Why are you doing that?"  It was so funny.  I have it on video.  Very cute!

Grandma and Grandpa Wallace with the four youngest grandchildren.

Cameron, Brook and Bek

Will and James pose in the museum before our tour of the old Idaho Jail...

Nothing but trouble

Now the kids are back in school and doing well.  It seems they all got great teachers and they are very happy and getting settled.  I am enjoying a little time each day with my little Bekah.  She is a walker now and she gets around pretty good.  I love watching her learn.  She is starting to say a few words and really imitates what she hears us say.  She is such a source of happiness and joy for all of us.  We feel so blessed to have her in our lives.