Good Luck Elder and Sister Karren!

Some of my favorite pictures of Mom and Dad.

With their posterity...all the grandkids!
I LOVE this picture of Mom with Penny for a couple of reasons...first. it reminds of hanging out and relaxing with the family, dogs and all, after one of Mom's big Sunday dinners. I also love it because it shows how much Mom loves her family. Knowing her troubles with allergies and her reactions to animals I know it can't be easy for her to have dogs in her house. But she has accepted that the dogs, all three, are now a part of her family. Not only has she let the dogs in, but she has let them LIVE in her house. Here she is with one on her lap AND with a big smile on her face.

Enjoying a hike up the Rattlesnake Trail with Dad on a cool, fall day in search of Aidan's crystals

Dad's big, contagious smile

My parents left for the MTC this morning, where they will train for a couple of weeks before beginning their service in Chicago, Illinois with employment resource services. We know this won't be an easy assignment, but they are sure to have rewarding experiences. My parents are setting such a wonderful example, as they always have, of putting others' needs before their own with their desire to serve. I am so happy that my children have the opportunity to see the importance of missionary work in their grandparents' lives. Grandma and Grandpa Murray also served a mission several years ago in Wyoming at the Martin's Cove Visitor Center.

When Jason I and were prompted to return to Logan for the 2007/2008 school year, we weren't sure at the time why we felt such strong inspiration to do so. Looking back, I know why we were supposed to go and I am glad we heeded the promptings.

We didn't know then that our precious days with my nephew, Christoph, would be so short numbered and I am so glad we had that time with him. We were also able to spend time with my Grandma during her last months on earth and I was fortunate to spend one of her last nights with her holding her hand and trying comfort her. My Grandpa passed away shortly after we left Logan...after we were able to visit him regularly in the nursing home to give him hugs and kisses and much appreciated back rubs.

Another reason I know we were meant to be in Logan AND in my parents' home was for the four months we got with them that we had never planned on. When my mom got so sick in China we were VERY concerned. As a family, we all fasted and prayed. Even the little ones desired to join in and willingly fasted in Grandma's behalf. This was a powerful experience in my life. I know that through our combined faith and efforts Heavenly Father helped my mom and my parents were able to come home early from their teaching assignment.

As we all lived together during those last months in Logan my kids were able to bond with Grandma and Grandpa Karren in a way they wouldn't have otherwise. It wasn't planned, but it was meant to happen and I am grateful for the year we spent in Logan. Jason and I are very blessed with wonderful parents and family members. Each one is an example and we continually feel love and support from all of our family.

I hope my parents will feel our love, support, and admiration as they serve others for the next year in Chicago.