It's hard to believe how much has happened in the last few days. It has been crazy, but extra amazing. These are times that build families and that we would not want to forget.
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| Tanner's face painted |
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Tanner, Spencer Lyle, and Jaxxon
Goddard with Arrow of Light awards |
On July 22, we had the opportunity to see Tanner awarded the highest award available to Cub Scouts, the Arrow of Light award. He earned the award several months ago, but because of changes in adult leadership he was unable to receive it earlier. They did an excellent job of awarding it to him. He received a cut out wooden arrow of light and special arrow--thanks to Noell. He had hoped to receive the same awards the previous boys were given, but the new leaders weren't planning to make the awards, so Noell put them together for Tanner and two other boys who were given the award at the same time.
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| Myranda surfing |
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| Myranda surfing ...more |
We were able to go boating with Dean recently. We invited Becky's family to join us. It was fun to ride the boat around Gem Lake. We all enjoyed riding on the tube behind the boat. After Becky's family left, we took Myranda on some boating activities that she had never previously done. She immediately got up on the knee board and did very well at that. She then attempted to surf behind the boat and did an excellent job for her first time. I'm sorry to admit that I was not as successful. I was unable to get up on the surf board, but enjoyed the knee board.
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| Nathan & Katie's wedding |
My nephew, Nathan Goodworth was married July 24. It was amazing to be in the temple sealing room with over 100 family members and close friends as he was sealed to Katie. Three of the four grandparents had 10 children (and the other had 8). Katie's maternal grandfather performed the ceremony in the Rexburg temple.
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Fred, Dax, Nathan, Adam, &
Justin (Emily's fiance) |
It was special to me, because this grandfather was in my stake presidency at Ricks College when I returned from my mission. I remember vividly the advice he gave me in my first interview with him. He shared that following a mission, people should court. He then explained that courting was becoming a lost art and he believed it is critical to a good marriage. The way he explained courting, the couple was to date each other exclusively and participate in many different types of activities, with diverse types of people. They should spend time together with each other's family and friends. They should get to know each other so well, that once they decide to get married, they would know in advance how the other would respond in nearly all situations.
As a young man, I took his advice to heart. I created a list of young women I was interested in dating. I began courting the top young woman on my list. As time progressed, I decided she wasn't the one for me. I then began courting the next young woman on my list. As I met additional young women, I added more to the list. The list was constantly changing, as I added and removed many amazing young women to the list. After more than a year of courting, I began to notice a pattern. Within about two weeks of courting young women, they were removed from my list as not the right person for me. I had courted many great young women that I had a lot of respect for, but they weren't right for me. Eventually I began courting Noell. Within two weeks, our relationship had grown and I was strongly wanting to continue courting her. Our courting continued.
Before our marriage, I wasn't with Noell in every possible situation, but I knew her well. I also didn't know how she would react to every different circumstance, but I knew that she would act in a way that would be good. She would demonstrate caring and love for those around her and try to make things better. I finally reached the point, that I knew she was the person I wanted to spend eternity with.
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| Clint before dedicating the grave |
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| Some of the people at the cemetery |
Grandma Veibell's funeral was special. Reaching 100 years was quite a milestone. Over the last part of her life, it was hard to see her struggle. In my visits with her, it was clear that she missed her husband. I can only imagine how that must feel. It was great to spend time with the family at the funeral. It is also good to know that Grandma is in a better place and is no longer limited by her 100 year-old body.
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| Myranda, Tanner & Tucker |
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| The same - Tanne in blue kayak |
This week we spent time in Hannah Utah with Noell's mother's family. They are a fun group to be with. Three of Beth's siblings are within two years of my age, so I feel close to them and consider many of Noell's aunts and uncles more like close brothers and sisters-in-law. I really enjoy spending time with the entire family.
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| A ancient lost map that Myranda created |
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| Getting ready to return home |
When we arrived on Wednesday night, we celebrated Noell's grandfather's birthday by listening to life stories and experiences from him (Ray) and his younger brother, Wayne. They are great people and it was fun to hear from them. After the birthday celebration Tanner and Myranda wanted to boat on the lake. We had a great time with the paddle boats and kayaks. We enjoyed the next few days around the camp area and even went swimming at Starvation Reservoir. It was a fun and relaxing reunion where we would have enjoyed staying even longer.
Today was extra special. Kaneesha and Riley arrived at our home just before church. They attended church with us and then stayed at our home until about nine P.M. They brought Blu (their dog) and Myranda and Tanner had such a great time with him. We visited and played Phase 10 Twist. The game took quite a while and we laughed so much that several times tears came to our eyes. It is so great to be able to spend time with such a great family.
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