Jarom proposed to Rachel in Disneyland. They set the date for June 7, 2012

Rachel had no idea Jarom was going to propose at Disneyland. It was a great experience thanks to the Disneyland staff that helped make it all happen.

Karisa and Tanner added a pauppy to their lives this week. Daisy Pappy!

Daisy Puppy

Dale with the new puppy!

Walking with Westin annual walk to find a cure for juvenile diabetes was last Saturday. We have made it a family tradition to go and support Westin. We always seem to have a fun time. But I feel a little like Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof when he talks about traditions. It is difficult when a piece of the tradition changes. My Dad has also been part of the tradition of Walking with Westin and this year he was missing. I really missed that part of our tradition. As my Dad’s birthday approaches the tradition of baking him homemade cookies will be missed, and as the holiday near I will miss my dad’s part of those traditions. I love traditions but it is hard when the traditions change because we are missing an important part. I miss you Dad.

This years walk

Austin, Brian and Westin

 

Brian, Jacob and Erin after the walk

LAST YEARS WALKING WITH WESTIN

Last years walk. I MISS YOU DAD!!!

 

Elder Rogers, Elder Mills and Elder Decker

 

I have had an incredible week. It started when we picked Jarom (Elder Rogers) up from the airport. These few days with him have been great. I have become fluent in “spanglish” and love to listen to him speak it. I knew I would love having him home but I’m surprised at how much I love having him here. These past few days have been worth the long two year wait and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Having Karisa get married has also been a wonderful event. When it is the right thing to do everything falls into place and runs smoothly. Karisa and Tanner’s wedding ceremony was beautiful and they make a lovely couple. It is a joyous experience to have you child get married in the right place.

Even though this past week looks like it has been busy, it has been great and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Karisa and Tanner now have a blog- theperkinsperks.blogspot.com

This past week I had the chance to go and be my Grandma’s caregiver. Dale and the boys were at scout camp so Karisa, Erin and I made the long trip to Escalante to help care for my 97 year old grandma. Grandma can’t get around much anymore but she has an amazing mind and memory. Every day after we ate we played a game of cards, hand and foot, she was hard to beat. So many memories of my grandma flooded my mind as I sat with her and we talked. It was a blessing for me to spend time with her this past week. She is an amazing lady.

My Grandma’s Hands

These are the hands that patted my shoulders as my grandma wrapped her arms around me to comfort me when my young adult heart was broken.

These are the hands that cleaned me up in the middle of the night when I was a young girl and had eaten too much sweet corn on the cob.

These are the hands, that as a young mother I witnessed, clasped together as she knelt at the side of her bed pleading for the welfare of her family.

These are the skillful hands  that rode horses, Eddie Stone being her favorite.

These are the hard-working hands of my Grandma. They helped Grandpa brand cattle, they gardened, they cooked and cleaned.

These are the hands that tested the cream throughout the county.

These are the hands that held Grandpa’s hands as they went out dancing.

These are the hands that mourned the death of my Grandpa and made grandma a young widow at the age of 58.

These are the hands that have quilted innumerable number of quilts.

These are the hands that Grandma uses as she plays a challenging game of cards.

These are the hands that I held and kissed this past week as I sat next to my grandma and we talked.

These are my Grandma’s hands that I love because they belong to her. I love you Grandma.

 

 We celebrated my parent’s 50th anniversary in April. All of the kids where here and all the grandkids except for two, we had a good time, even though it was unusually cold for April. I am very grateful for those two wonderful people, what a great example they have been to me. I love them and I think they are the BEST!!!

We love Tanner and welcome him into our family 🙂