Category: Family Time

Fun evening

I took about 200 pictures of Tim and Queenie on Saturday night at Albion Basin with a backdrop of wildflowers, mountain peaks, and a beautiful sunset. Wildflower season brings crowds, and Richard circled in the truck, waiting for a parking spot while we began taking photos. Somehow, among all the brides and grooms and families, we were able to take photos without people in the background. I told them to pretend they were the only ones there and not worry about onlookers. Other times, we had the path to ourselves. I felt pretty lucky to have this time with them.

Ældste Ross’s Monkeys in Aalborg

The original monkeys that inspired it all, purchased from a vending machine in 2008.

Mark sent me a voice message he received this week from Emily in Denmark. In the message, she tells Mark that she keeps one of his tiny monkeys in her kitchen as a reminder of his kindness. Six months ago, Mark hid monkeys for her children throughout their home.

I’ve written before that Mark likes to hide monkeys and yes, they are pretty silly. But this small and completely authentic habit endeared Mark to Emily’s family.

The Lord translates into love whatever earnest offerings His young authorized servants have to give. To be clear, Mark did more than hide monkeys, and Emily and her family were super kind to the missionaries. This voice message reminded me that the Lord is really good at multiplying love and helping people feel seen. He can use any small thing, even tiny plastic monkeys, to accomplish his purpose to lift us.

Backyard buddy

Paige’s little boy loves to be outdoors. During their visit, we spent evenings in the backyard catching bugs, studying the I-spy quilt, and holding his hand as he walked around. When the crew arrived to take down our old fence, he and Richard spent some time watching the process. Later, when telling us all about it, he imitated the sounds of the fence crashing down. Who needs a lot of words when you can imitate the sounds of tools and workers so well?

Those tiny moments together this week amount to more than most events of my life.

Father’s Day 2025

Apple tree maintenance
Video call with Paige and baby W

The local kids gathered with us to celebrate Father’s Day. Mark called from Copenhagen, and Paige called with W from Alabama. There was a puzzle, snacks, and a dinner of Richard’s favorite foods.

After a two year break from the tradition, I pulled out the Sunday dinner journal and asked our family what they appreciated about their dad this year, which launched us into lots of reminiscing. Daniel, McKenna, Tim, and Queenie placed bags on Richard’s apples to protect them from moths, and we enjoyed the evening sitting out on the beautiful lawn.

Our children bring us a lot of joy.

Movie marathon

Mark loves the Mission Impossible movies, and we took his advice and watched several of them together to prepare for our viewing of The Final Reckoning. These movies are long, so we had to split the marathon into several days.

I don’t normally watch action movies, but it gave me time with family and it was a reminder of Mark. We are resolved not to give him any spoilers and I’m sure there will be another movie marathon after he gets home.

16 years. 1 year. 6 months

Sixteen years today I began writing this blog. What do I think of that? I think it’s probably more than almost anyone needs or wants to read. But the blog is a personal accomplishment and I celebrate this milestone. Thanks for reading. 🩷

Little W— is one. 💙

Today I am also celebrating Mark, who has been a missionary for six months. He is serving in the mission office for a few hours a day and talking to people for the rest of the time. I miss him. It is hard to have him gone, but I know it’s the best thing. Perhaps I am more yielded and still about it than I think.

A block tower in honor of Mark, who always builds one during general conference. ♥️🐒