We often tend to think of family history as the events of yesteryear, of people and places and times from years gone by. But then I got to thinking about all the history being made by so many people in our family and how important these events are to all of us. Jake just back from his mission to San Antonio, barely in time to see brother Caleb for a few fleeting hours before Caleb leaves for Detroit for his two-year stint there. Megan beginning her dual role as wife and eighth-grade English teacher. New husband Allan filming spots for the BYU football games. Michelle back from her tour of the east following her year as a real-estate appraiser, in turn following her college degree in psychology, now entering the BYU MBA program this fall. Jake and Monica and Courtney back in school at BYU. Stephen starting school at Utah Valley U. Amanda back at Weber State. Tyler in school at Blinn (spelling?) in College Station, TX. Daniel ready for another year of BYU women's basketball. Carly, with her new Master of Public Administration degree, sifting job possibilities. Lori and Chad with a new baby and a new house. Stacey whose appliances and garage door all stop working on schedule while her five kids provide daily blog material. Melanie and Nat and Kate and Hayden and Aaron and Whitney all back in school. Cliff about to retire from the Air Force. Sharman running her Excel spread sheets to perfection to run the Blood household, with a laundry basket under one arm and the car keys in the other hand. Tom continuing to convert the nation to toll roads, which may happen sooner rather than later since gas taxes are drying up. Kim running her day care with proficiency and great skill. Susan is the only family member who knows how to run the TiVo.
Carolyn a brand new Relief Society President. Ron a recently new Ward clerk in a BYU student ward. Russell a new high council member. Jim continuing to teach seminary. Lani persisting in taking courses, fearful of flunking each one, wailing and moaning, then getting straight A's. She'll soon get her degree. Grandpa and Grandma have no idea how many houses they own or even in which house they currently reside. After a moment of unavoidable rudeness this morning, I asked Grandma if she was going to kick me out. She said, no, I can't afford to hire a housekeeper to replace you. Imagine.
As we think about each of our children and their families, we think about the family and personal history each of you is writing each day with your actions and accomplishments. We hope everyone has a great school year, that you learn lots of multi-syllabic words, that you study hard, and that, in between, you enjoy life as you get ready for the long family years that are ahead of you. You have so much talent and so much ability and you can use these talents and abilities to accomplish so much and help so many other people along the way. Well, I don't usually preach much, but, as my mother used to say, "for heaven's sake just mind your p's and q's." We didn't have to ask what p's and q's were. We knew. And we knew we darn well better mind them and live up to expectations.
Apparently, in this Ann Arbor photo, Jim and Carolyn found something to be tickled about. It was fun to see they continued the tradition in the photos Carolyn posted.
Jim called today to tell us Caleb has been assigned to Ann Arbor Michigan, where his apartment is two blocks east of the UM campus. This news brings many pangs of nostalgia and reflection about the day 52 years ago when Velna and I and Russell and three-weeks old Ronald arrived in Ann Arbor, with no place to live, practically no money, and the faith and hope that we could work things out and get through a Ph.D. program in economics. We are happy for Caleb for this assignment and it gives Velna and me a great sense of satisfaction to know that our grandson is there on the same ground we were on a half century ago. What an exciting moment.
My favorite pal.
As Monica says, "What do you do in Mexico? You buy big sombreros and ukuleles, of course!"
Isn't she so pretty?
One of the many reasons we love Monica - she never ceases to entertain us.
One of our favorite pastimes - going to concerts. We love you! Happy day of birth!
We were really excited to see Jake arrive today as he came home from his mission to San Antonio. Two years. Sharman, Kate, Nat and I met him at the San Jose airport, with a big 'Welcome Home Jake' sign. Like the hat? He also had on a big belt buckle and a tie with 'Texas' written on it. He wasn't saying y'all, however. First stop: In-n-Out Burger where he ordered a 4x4 with fries, 'animal style.' He showed that he still has it. We drove into San Francisco where he met with the Stake President and was officially released. It's so great to have him home, although he'll be here for just six days, and then I'll drive him out to BYU so he can get right into school. Perspective means everything. Two years can seem like such a long time, but now that Jake looks back on it, it doesn't seem so long after all. Caleb is at the front end of this (he leaves the MTC for Detroit on Monday), and to him, two years seems like forever. But I'm sure that when he is all done, he'll look back, as Jake now does, and have a great sense of accomplishment and contentment with a job well done, with worn out shoes and a beat-up backpack, symbols of hard work and a great effort to do good. But now, we celebrate Jake's homecoming, and as you can see below, he didn't waste any time getting right into the Rock Band video game with Nat. Wasn't he a missionary just a few hours ago? Welcome home.
Has it really been two years since Caleb's brother Jake was standing in the exact same place in our home after feeding him blueberry pancakes on his way to the MTC? The two brothers were able to meet just briefly in Texas, by special dispensation of Jake's mission president, so that four years would not elapse without them seeing each other. Now Jake is soon headed home and back to BYU where, hopefully, he can readjust to regular life with girls, something besides tacos and burritos to eat, tailgate parties, and BYU football. We'll all miss Caleb, and we will welcome back Jake. Someone did something right to produce these two outstanding young men.
No...this isn't the official missionary photo...just a really cool shot!!! We just want to let you know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you. We are proud of you and know you will use all your amazing talents to serve.
