Youth Temple trip Memphis

We spent the day Saturday with the youth in our ward attending the Temple. No matter the hour we had to meet; 6:00am - nor the long drive of three hours in a strong rain storm with blustery winds we heard not one word of complaint from any of these great kids! We ate pizza before heading back to home and we were caught on the Interstate for an additional hour and a half as we waited to get past a wreck many miles up the road from us. We were home about 6:00pm with rain again. You can tell by the clouds there was some rain at the Temple too. It was a great day. Thanks, Cassy, for taking our picture!

Hooray, we have footings

We certainly had more than a few rainy days which delayed the work process (among other things) and I'm truly sorry I didn't get a picture of dad and I after our efforts to clear the floor of so many gallons of mud with a 'Tim the Toolman' pump, if you catch my drift. I was completely drenched from handling the large, powerful hose that had numerous slits allowing a generous spray of mud to rain down on my head - quite a sight to see in the end. Thankfully the mud was cleared, the forming began and finally the pump truck came and filled the forms while the 'crew' worked diligently to complete the project. It was quite the job and of course there were the occasional mishaps such as a wall blew out - thankfully not much cement escaped. The guys were still laughing even in the heat and hard work. Yay, the first project done...wahoo.

Girls Camp

And we're off... Here are a few pictures of our girls, camp site, banner and the places we hung out for the week. Isn't it beautiful?

Here we have a few pictures starting with Bishops night program rehersals, they did a wonderful job and it was very touching as they sang a Jenny Phillips song; Steadfast in You. There was of course skit night, the YCL's leading camp songs and girls enjoying a refreshing swim on a very hot day.

June 20, 2007 Elder Story enters the MTC

One year ago.....

It's been a year for Elder Jake Story

What a busy year! This time last year Jake was finishing his beloved lacrosse in his senior year, on June 5th he graduated from high school then only 15 days later (which he was thrilled about) on June 20th we made the dreaded drive south to the Provo MTC to leave him with the wonderful teachers and leaders who prepared him for preaching the gospel in the French language while we shead more tears as he turned and headed for 'his' door and the life he has anticipated for years. It's been a pleasure to share him with our fellow Canadians so that they too can feel his genuine love for his Savior and his tender testimony. He has enjoyed his companions and all they have to offer as they teach and preach together. So we celebrate his one year mark and the joy that has come to all of us and look forward to the coming year.

Memorial Weekend in Branson w/Roger and Leslie

This was Roger's way of welcoming Joe by putting out his Cornhusker flags, so much love between these boys when it comes to their team choices. (not! ha ha) As you'll read later, Joe got the last laugh though, poor Roger. It didn't take long before we were out on the strip and the first place we went was to Branson Landing to shop at Bass Pro and ALL the shoe stores for...guess who? Nice shopping area as you can tell.


These are taken at the outdoor shopping area called Branson Landing. This family was playing to earn money for music lessons, they were fantastic. There were fountains going to music and people could sit and watch. We ate our fair share of ice cream during this trip...this was one of those times! That is Lake Taneycomo behind us. The shopping area was on the water, pretty huh?



Ok, the first shot is a picture of a picture taken while touring the Titanic exhibit so it's not very clear. They take your picture in front of a blank wall then put the staircase behind you. From the beginning each person is given a boarding pass with one of the actual passengers name and brief history of that person then you watch for your new name and see if the passenger lived or perished. Very well done and very interesting information. I took some pictures at the camp area of Joe and Roger visiting about coaches and strategies and cute Leslie about to walk her 'boys'.


We shopped a few spots on the strip and sat in the BIG chair at the Christmas Village, shopped at the Amish store admiring their handy work from furniture to snacks, jellies, jams and mixes. Took pictures of the the Ozark sprinklers, the cow tail flips and whips around spraying water everywhere. Couldn't miss taking a picture of the busy hwy 76 strip. It took us nearly 35 minutes one day to go about half a mile. There were times it wasn't as busy and we could get out and about easier and we walked a lot too. Had sooo much fun.


What can make one sport fan happy, can make the other miserable. Say for instance when Roger's team flag flew off the pole during the night in the storm and then his very own dog 'marks' it during his morning outing...oops. Let's just say Joe will never let Roger forget what happened. This flag is now referred to as the 'outhouse'. Funny funny boys You can see how nice the camping area was where Leslie made reservations. It was in the Musicland camp ground which is in town and just off the strip. This is definately luxury 'camping' at it's best. It rained every day for just a bit but the weather was great and the sites beautiful. Thanks you two!!!

On the way home from Branson Joe stopped in Damascus to measure some windows for someone and we passed through this 'tunnel' of trees on a very quiet country road. It was raining creating a rich lush color in the woods. I just thought it was enchanting.

Rock Ledge slowing progress

Working to move dirt and rock around to fill in the massive hole left when chunks of huge rock were removed. That boulder rock lifted the back hoe up off the ground as he tried to push it away...it didn't go anywhere. But progress is being made, they are getting closer to pouring the footings. From this picture one can't really tell the magnitude of this portion of the rock ledge a track hoe worked for hours to try and break apart. What remains here is at least the size of a truck! The gravel on it is one full dump truck load and another was on the way.

Dad and Bo hooking up waterlines on the lot and it wasn't long before the water was flowing.