fun in the park with the grand kids

last sat. spent some time in the canyon rim park with some  of the grand kids--one thing we did was run through bubbles being put out by a bubble machine--it was a lot of fun... pic may not show my best side--but I was having a ball just being there with them...I have had fun just being there with the kids swimming and other summer comings and goings too

track and field events

went to watch chloe call in her track event recently running the 200 meter race at MHS --she did great --what a speed demon --(placing third)
--it reminded me how much fun it was to stay at the Keith and Carrie call home--this past summer..the girls really pitched in, and made it a fun stay for me

I also watched as abbie ran the first part of a four man relay race--100 meters each--Abbie gave them a huge lead-- the team members kept it up the entire way and took first place--great runners all of them
woo woo...

happy Birthday Dad

these aren't too clear--but the feeling of a wonderful father--leading out in a big family is always a happy memory to me--thanks dad and happy birthday Jun 21--I remember your goodness always.
ps these are pics of pics--that I took off my cousins computer--someday I'll get clear ones...smiley face

flag day

on Jun 14 is flag day.  I often forget this day until I see that the scouts have put flags out.  I am glad for this symbol of our country and it gets me to thinking of this great country and our freedoms.  I Thank father in Heaven to be blessed to live here.  I think about how good life is here and I am so grateful for America.
I hope that I may do my part to live the principles of the gospel. So that Our Father in Heaven can honor his promise to keep to bless this land. 

True love and home grown tomatoes

The garden is growing and the first raspberries ripened. Life is good, that means more berries will be right behind.  we are completely out of jam for homemade rolls --so just in the nick of time.  I have been eating the raspberries and the radishes that have been growing. Love --love --love having a garden.  There are two things you can not buy in life...True love and home grown tomatoes. 

Role model

this month is my dad's Birthday...Ray Gertsch was a role model to me.  I honor him for father's day and for his birthday.  I was just telling Hayley how thankful  I was that my dad, quietly went along --working, serving, enjoying the journey of life, never puffed up.  Never seeking to be the center of attention.  Just content to live his life.  Sure of himself, sure of his beliefs, sure of his testimony.  He knew the right and did the right.  I love him for teaching me. Many things, such as people are good by and large, give them the benifit of the doubt.  Keep living the commandments one day at a time. Do whats right. worry more about what the Lord thinks than what people think.  I sure love and miss him.  Bryan and I talk of him often. 

GRANDPA power

this morning we were wataching super why on the computer..with kyle.  after a few minutes..kyle said "super why--grandpa power"!!!!  it made me smile.  and I thought  dad, aka  (grandpa)  does have "super powers"
Happy Fathers day  sweetheart...some of your super powers that have affected me are:
* the Power to make others smile
* the power to cook a wonderful stoganoff
* "     "          "     read the scriptures to me
* "    "             "  to go from morning to night in church service
*"     "              "  haul the canoe from the truck to the lake
* "     "     "          to entertain grandkids and adults with jokes and stories
*  "     "     "        show slides from you mission in Japan and say something in Japanese
*""""""""   : ""    To help me shop and carry in all the groceries
*   "   "      '    to handle all your crazy work cases.
*  "    "    "      to talk to others one on one and assure them and listen to their ideas. 
HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO A  THE MOST WONDERFUL FATHER AND HUSBAND ON EARTH

pay family reunion

always inspired by the Pay family to keep my own family close.  Each year in June we meet at a park, chat eat, and have a short program where individuals who have been asked ahead of time--tell a story of a grandparent in first person.  We had a good time this year as we always do.  It was fun to show off our grand kids kaci and Forrest, and to introduce Kerri to dad's cousins.  Kaci and I and forrest rolled down a small hill.  We  had Arby  roast beef.   I forgot how much I love those.  and Kaci and dad and I and forrest had a picture with aunt Evelyn, Doreen and JoAnne.  A good time was had by all

Enjoying the WARM

Just dawned on me how much I love the warm weather of summer.  I love that you can wash the car mats and they dry fast.  I love eating some meals outside, I love do activities outside, and run and bike and swim.
I love just sitting in the sun.  Yeah for longer days and for fun..and relaxing and working in the sun.  by the way  don't forget the sunscreen.

cousin sleep over

always fun for the cousins to sleep over...this years sleep over includes:
* dinner
* watermellon/cookie cutter cut outs
*treasure hunt
* grandpa;'s stories
* games
* sleeping over
* favorite cereals
* and a dvd slide show of cousins  --they get to keep

getting some swimming in

hi we're getting some summer swimming in...lots of water, sun and fun.

happy fathers day this month

dear family
we celebrated father's day a bit early this month as that is when we could get all  you kids together.  I am just
wanting to include a note saying how much I enjoyed honoring dad and our own dad's too. and each of you that are dads, and husbands.
some of dad's good qualities include:
*He feeds people
* he listens to people
* he is good with the grandkids
* he is good with the adults
* he has a great love for the outdoors
* he is all about spending time on hikes and outings with his kids, collectively and individually
* He is kind
* he is a good provider

* he is a good teacher--especially by example