flying high

The age old blanket toss. It looks dangerous, but the dads were
surrounding the blanket and the kids loved it, espeically Lincoln!

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A proper link to .... "The Lord of the Chestnuts"

Book 1.  "The Power of the Six"  by Josh Bentley

http://dbstorybookblog.blogspot.com/

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A novel by Joshua Bentley

I thought you might enjoy some light adventure reading.

The first of many to come.  

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Handsome Grandpa

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better pictures

Dad just outside the temple doors with his missionary companion, and
later when we took them to a sea food resturant

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Dad's missionary companions

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schedule

Some of you have asked about our schedule while in Utah.  Here it is:

Sun. 2^nd  We arrive from Houston at 1:40.  Jimmy and Mandi will pick us up and we will stay with them that night..

Mon. 3^rd We go to Kathy's and stay with them the next three nights after that we are at Sharon's

Tues.4^th Dad and I have 8:00 and 9:00 Doctor appointments at Salt Lake Cinic  at 12:45 appointment with     Dr. Rampton

Weds.5^th Dad and I have 7:00 and 7:45 dentist appointments with Dr. Hicks

Thurs.6^th I meet Liz and Zona for breakfast at 8:00

Fri.7^th I meet Marilynne for walking and breakfast

This first week Dad also needs to get his drivers license renewed, and he would enjoy seeing some of his friends.

At some point if anyone is interested we would be happy to tend so that the couples could go to a temple session together.I AM BRINGING FAMILY TEMPLE NAMES

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Sat. 8^th Dan, Steve and Rick and families arrive

Sun. 9^th Everyone is invited for Sunday dinner at 4:00 MOM is cooking,  Aunt Bev and Uncle Bruce and Uncle Gordon and Aunt Barbara are also invited   

Mon.10^th  Swimming at Thompsons sometime during the day.  Dinner and FHE up one of the canyons

Tues.11^th Dad and I go to Provo for dinner with Dad's brothers and sisters in the evening

                Rick gone, and Dan and family also visiting in-law families

Weds.12th  Mary and Zach arrive with Josh and Maddie at 9:00 pm

Thurs.13^th Water Slide 9:30- to noon or beyond if you wish

Fri. 14^th and Sat 15^th at the Cabin in Timber Lakes

Sun 16^th Steve, Rick, Dan and families head home

Mon.17^th Free

Tues.18^th Mom and Dad fly out at noon

Christmas

Christmas Exchange

Two down, or in other words:

 Steve to Dave, Rick to Kathy, Dave to Sharon, Kathy to Dan,

Sharon to Mary, Dan to Jimmy, Mary to Steve, Jimmy to Rick

The Un-Jobless

Hey, I just thought that I would report that I received a job offer from Spectranetics, a medical device manufacturing company in Colorado Springs.  They make Laser Catheters used to clear blocked arteries.  The pay is good and I am planning on taking the job.  Unfortunately, this means we won't be moving to UT anytime soon and Rick and Marisa will have to endure us a little longer.  We look forward to seeing you all soon at the reunion.  I am not sure how the new job will affect time off, but I think I can get a day or two, in any case Rachel and the kids will be there.  Thanks for all your prayers, Sburger

Happy Birthday Papito!!!

We love you!!!

Happy birthday Brigham and Thomas too!


DKJMJ ?

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Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that's right for you.

update

At the moment Dad is battling the cockroach that is on the ceiling over our bed!  Yuck!  Hurray!  My Hero!  He got him!

On to more pleasant subjects…  I want to express how thankful I am to see the Lord's hand everyday in my life and in the lives of those who come to the temple.  Today a sweet older sister came to receive her endowment.  She was almost completely deaf and dumb.  We used the ordinance cards to help her, but it was the Spirit who taught her.  She stayed for another session after the first and left the temple expressing her thanks and testimony.

Then I had a difficult situation arise between Hna. Lopez (my assistant) and one of our young returned missionary sister workers (Wendy Hernandez).   Hna. Lopez took me aside and demanded I do something about the fact that Hna. Hernandez was disobedient and has a bad attitude.  I listened as she told me that she had corrected her on a small mistake and Wendy had become defensive and upset and the whole thing had gotten out of hand.  I asked Hna. Lopez to wait while I found Hna. Hernandez explaining that they needed to do as the scriptures say and talk together.  Wendy came in and I asked her to tell me what had happened, then I gave Hna. Lopez a chance.  Both have had little resentments brewing for a while against the other.  I tried to monitor and keep things healthy, but needed to leave to talk to a group of primary children who were waiting for me in the temple waiting room.  I asked them to finish with a prayer and hug.  Later I learned that they had talked things through and worked things out, another testimony that this is the Lord's House and this is His work.

Last night Dad was at the recommend desk when in walked Elder and Hna. Jarvis.  Dad and he were missionary companions in Uruguay 53 years ago!!!  The Jarvis' are serving a mission in Mexico City and were here to train a new couple who will be working with the Perpetual Education Fund.  What a small world!  We arranged things to be able to go with them on a session and then do some sealings they had brought with them to do.  Afterwards we took them for a late supper down by the beach.  Dad and Elder Jarvis reminisced and had such fun.  Hna. Jarvis was easy to talk to and a lovely person.  They had been mission presidents years ago in Mexico.  We took them to their hotel and got to bed way after our bed time, but it was well worth it. 

Busy weekend!  We spoke to two stake high priest groups one Sat night and one Sun plus did our training with our new coordinators Sunday afternoon.  I spent yesterday cleaning and cooking getting ready to have the Gardunio family of seven for dinner last night.  This is the sweet family who invited us for Christmas Day last year and who were so good to Dad while I was gone in Feb.  He is over physical facilities for the temple and our house here.  They are from another part of Mexico and without grandparents for their children so we've adopted each other although I have to say their 3 year old twins are quite naughty and I was worn out by the time they finally left  at 11:00 p.m..

Tonight Dad is scheduled to seal two of our missionaries and so even though it is our "day off" we'll  stay after opening the temple this afternoon.  I'm glad we are busy, it makes the days pass quickly until we see you.  Love, Mother

--
Wendy W. Bentley

Facilities

Hello,

I talked to the owner. They have cooking wear at the cabin, but he said if there is anything specific that we want, we should bring it ourselves just to be sure. He specifically said there is no electric grittle. I have nothing further to report.

xo,

Richard

Meals, Meals, Meals

This is what we have so far.

 

Thursday-lunch at the water park

 

Thursday dinner- This meal will probably need to be at Sharon or Kathy's house, so they get first dibs if they want to do the cooking .

 

Friday breakfast- you are on your own for this meal as we are all heading up to the cabin.

 

Friday lunch- at a park in Heber.  This will be before we check into the cabin.

 

Friday dinner- at the cabin ***Jimmy and Mandy***

 

Saturday breakfast- at the cabin ***Rachel and Dan***

 

Saturday lunch- at the reservoir ***Rick and Marisa***

 

Saturday dinner- at the cabin...there is also a discussion about having this dinner be at Granny's with the raspberry shakes, every family taking care of their own.***so far eating at Granny's has had no negative comments, so this is the plan***

 

Sunday breakfast- at the cabin ***Mary and Zach***

 

Sunday lunch-your back on your own as will will be checking out of the cabin that morning

Kathy and Sharon, I haven't heard from either of you yet. Let me know what meal you would like.

Rick will be posting about the kitchen facilities soon. Remember that we will buy the paper products in bulk. We will also have a 5 gallon container for water/juice/etc. for you to use. If you think of anything else that would be good for us to buy together instead of individually, please let me know.

Thanks. Rachel (the old one)

Happy Fourth of July

Hey Everyone!

We had a great fourth of July weekend. We went to the four corner's area of Colorado. We stayed the first night in Cortez and went to visit the Cliff Dwellings of Mesa Verde. The kids thought it was so fabulous, and we did too. Note for future reference: Do not eat the Mexican Food.



We headed up to Telluride for a fun two day event for the 4th. We took the kids on a couple of "death marches". The first was up to a beautiful waterfall. It was over 1 hour all up hill. Our kids were such troopers. They hardly complained and everyone walked except Lydia. We will forgive her.



The next "death march" came when we took a gondola ride up to the mountain village. We got off at the first stop ... .who knew there were three?! So, we hiked to the mountain village. This time it was a little harder because none of us had hiking shoes on. But, again, the kids were amazing. I think we can officially call them hikers.



Telluride had a fun 4th of July parade. The kids scored big time on candy flung from the floats. Lincoln had fun hoarding the loot and telling Cora and Brig to bring him more.



We wish you could have been with us. It was a very fun weekend.



Lots of love, Rick, Marisa, Cora, Lincoln, Brigham, Lydia, and nugget

goodbye Moss'

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!
And while we are mentioning birthdays….Happy Birthday to:
Grandpa Bentley and Thomas Crump on the 15th
Happy Birthday to Brigham on the 19th, Kaitlyn on the 22nd and Mary on the 24th
And, Happy 14th Anniversary to Kathy and Charlie on the 18th
Pres. Brian and Carol Moss, our dear friends, finished their mission
Weds. We had a farewell for them Monday with the other three American
couples here (Mishbach, Batt and Noltes). They will be missed. But,
we are happy for them. They are so excited to be home again with
their family. Just like we will be in another year and a half.
We met Pres. and Hna. Call when they came to the temple this afternoon
with 8 missionaries that are finishing their missions Monday. They
are going to be a great blessing, and it confirms the wisdom of
changing presidents every three years. They are young (younger), have
a lot of energy, and are anxious to get to know all the missionaries
and begin. He is a distant cousin, descending from Anson Call and
Emma Somers (one of the girls Anson rescued from the Willey Handcart
Company).
Weds. night we splurged and spent a whopping $70.00 to go to the
Sleeping Beauty Ballet preformed by the Russian State Ballet Touring
Company. It was fabulous. The scenery, costuming, and especially the
dancing was absolutely wonderful. Who would have thought we could see
such an event in Tampico, Mexico.
We now know why Rick stood in awe of his mission president, Elder
Scott Grow. We spent last Sunday with them at a stake conference in
Poza Rica where he presided. The stake was being divided. His talks
were filled with the Spirit, and held us spellbound with his
experiences and insights.
Here are a few of my notes:
If you want to prosper pay your tithing. Some think they need to go
to the USA to make money and get ahead. He promised them that they
would be blessed spiritually and temporally. This is the way to lift
yourself out of poverty. Mexico has 220 stakes 22 missions and 12
temples. Why? Elder Oaks said not only is it because more members
pay tithing, but also because of the promises made to the fathers.
This is Bof M country and these people are sons of the prophets,
fulfilling the promises of the fathers. This is the unfolding of the
promises, and when we confide in the Lord and follow Him, we will
receive blessings. All of us have the ability to receive revelation,
and eyes to see the road the Lord has prepared for us. Stay faithful,
be true.
This area of Mexico was where he had served as a missionary 42 years
ago. When he had been in Poza Rica there were only four missionaries,
now there are 14 and three stakes where there had been one branch. He
told about the Viallobos and Cruz families he had baptized. They both
went to the temple in Meza.
He felt so close to the Cruz family that he and his wife even named
their first child after Hna. Cruz. After 6 years of activity, the
Cruz family became offended and left the Church. Four years ago,
Elder Grow was called into this area presidency, and when he got
assigned to a conference in Poza Rica he went to the home of these two
families.
The Viallalbos family had remained faithful. Two of them now work in
our temple. It was different in the Cruz home. The 15 year old
granddaughter knew nothing of the gospel. He took the occasion to
rekindle the once strong flame of testimony, and was thrilled to learn
a short time ago that they are once again part of the gospel fold and
have returned to the temple.
We had a half hour with him as we traveled from Tuxpan to Poza Rica.
His wife is somehow related to us on the Whiting line (we didn't get
it figured out because she wasn't with him, and he wasn't sure).
President Grow leaves Mexico in two days to move to Salt Lake for his
new assignment.
That is the quick news of the week. We hope you are enjoying, good
food, great fireworks and being together with your loved ones. You
are in our thoughts, and we are with you in spirit.
With love, Mom and Dad

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Happy 4th

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!
And while we are mentioning birthdays….Happy Birthday to:
Grandpa Bentley and Thomas Crump on the 15th
Happy Birthday to Brigham on the 19th, Kaitlyn on the 22nd and Mary on the 24th
And, Happy 14th Anniversary to Kathy and Charlie on the 18th
Pres. Brian and Carol Moss, our dear friends, finished their mission
Weds. We had a farewell for them Monday with the other three American
couples here (Mishbach, Batt and Noltes). They will be missed. But,
we are happy for them. They are so excited to be home again with
their family. Just like we will be in another year and a half.
We met Pres. and Hna. Call when they came to the temple this afternoon
with 8 missionaries that are finishing their missions Monday. They
are going to be a great blessing, and it confirms the wisdom of
changing presidents every three years. They are young (younger), have
a lot of energy, and are anxious to get to know all the missionaries
and begin. He is a distant cousin, descending from Anson Call and
Emma Somers (one of the girls Anson rescued from the Willey Handcart
Company).
Weds. night we splurged and spent a whopping $70.00 to go to the
Sleeping Beauty Ballet preformed by the Russian State Ballet Touring
Company. It was fabulous. The scenery, costuming, and especially the
dancing was absolutely wonderful. Who would have thought we could see
such an event in Tampico, Mexico.
We now know why Rick stood in awe of his mission president, Elder
Scott Grow. We spent last Sunday with them at a stake conference in
Poza Rica where he presided. The stake was being divided. His talks
were filled with the Spirit, and held us spellbound with his
experiences and insights.
Here are a few of my notes:
If you want to prosper pay your tithing. Some think they need to go
to the USA to make money and get ahead. He promised them that they
would be blessed spiritually and temporally. This is the way to lift
yourself out of poverty. Mexico has 220 stakes 22 missions and 12
temples. Why? Elder Oaks said not only is it because more members
pay tithing, but also because of the promises made to the fathers.
This is Bof M country and these people are sons of the prophets,
fulfilling the promises of the fathers. This is the unfolding of the
promises, and when we confide in the Lord and follow Him, we will
receive blessings. All of us have the ability to receive revelation,
and eyes to see the road the Lord has prepared for us. Stay faithful,
be true.
This area of Mexico was where he had served as a missionary 42 years
ago. When he had been in Poza Rica there were only four missionaries,
now there are 14 and three stakes where there had been one branch. He
told about the Viallobos and Cruz families he had baptized. They both
went to the temple in Meza.
He felt so close to the Cruz family that he and his wife even named
their first child after Hna. Cruz. After 6 years of activity, the
Cruz family became offended and left the Church. Four years ago,
Elder Grow was called into this area presidency, and when he got
assigned to a conference in Poza Rica he went to the home of these two
families.
The Viallalbos family had remained faithful. Two of them now work in
our temple. It was different in the Cruz home. The 15 year old
granddaughter knew nothing of the gospel. He took the occasion to
rekindle the once strong flame of testimony, and was thrilled to learn
a short time ago that they are once again part of the gospel fold and
have returned to the temple.
We had a half hour with him as we traveled from Tuxpan to Poza Rica.
His wife is somehow related to us on the Whiting line (we didn't get
it figured out because she wasn't with him, and he wasn't sure).
President Grow leaves Mexico in two days to move to Salt Lake for his
new assignment.
That is the quick news of the week. We hope you are enjoying, good
food, great fireworks and being together with your loved ones. You
are in our thoughts, and we are with you in spirit.
With love, Mom and Dad

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July BB

Dear Family:

 

July is here!  Mary thanks for the pictures as we just celebrated our 7 year anniversary.  I have never seen your pics. 

 

June has been a great month.  Nothing spectacular besides our anniversary happened, but we had fun.  We have been doing some hiking, exploring, visiting the aquarium (yes, Salt Lake has one), visiting lots of parks, playing in water, and other summer fun. 

 

Peter has started talking up a storm.  He calls Eliza "Wise" and Sam "Dam".

 

Eliza made us laugh the other day.  We were listening to the Abba Gold CD and during the song "I Have a Dream" she said, "This is a Jesus Song."  It talks about angels, but other than that I wouldn't particularly think Abba is very religious. 

 

Sam started two wheeling last week.  He can do just about everything but start by himself.  He is so proud of himself.  I'm sure by the time you all come he'll still be letting you all know. 

 

We are getting ready to visit Dan and Rachel in Oregon this month.  We are really excited to see them and their state.  I have had fun researching about everything up there.  Matt continues to work hard and go on scout activities.

 

We can't wait to see all of you.  I haven't heard from everyone about their reservations for the Bentley/Gehring hotel.  Please let us know when you plan on staying with us so that we can have clean sheets for your room and food in the kitchen :)  Also, please send your pictures so the wall can be current.

 

Thanks.

 

Love,

Sharon and family

I really need to go back to bed!

So I found a more "natural" look at what singing around our house is like.... we are so goofy. :)
I'm going to Bed.

A Little Moment Back in Time

So it's 4:50 in the morning and I'm awake because Zach tripped over the fan and knocked it over on his way back to bed. Rrrrripped from my sleep as it were. (picture Aunt Josephine in Anne of Green Gables... :) Anywho., so here I am and I decided to work on my pics and I found this little GOLD MINE of memories from Matt and Sharons wedding. Were we all better looking back then or WHAT because, we're all glowing, not just the happy couple. It warmed my little heart and I thought I'd share the joy with all of you. Don't miss the song. :)

Guys,

Reunion stuff: I vote that nobody sign up for Saturday night. Let's just go to Granny's for food. Dave has drawn an awesome picture for the T-shirts. Dave and I are coming up with a good caption to go with the picture. We should have a Wave Runner for the lake on Saturday. Mom I am counting on you to come up with a program or Family History game for Saturday night, Sharon let me know if you need help planning for the Picnic in Heber on Friday.

xoxo,

Rick

pictures for the wall

In anticipation for our fun month of August, I thought we could work on updating mom's "wall of pictures" in the basement.  Therefore, all of the kids pictures (including my own) need to be updated.  Would you please send the most recent picture you have of your children?  or take a picture of your children.  The size is 5 x 7.

 

Thanks everyone,

 

Sharon

Family Reunion Meals

Okay, I wanted to let you guys know what the plan is for the meals at the family reunion.  There are a couple things up in the air, but this is what we have so far.   We are planning to have each family be in charge of one meal.  That would include buying the food, preparing it, and cleaning up.  (although it's always helpful if anyone who can pitches in with the clean-up) We will be buying the paper goods in bulk so you won't need to purchase them.  We will also be buying some snack items to have around the cabin so you shouldn't need to worry about that unless you have picky children that must have particular items.  As we get closer, if you can let us know what you are planning on preparing we will try to make sure that we don't end up eating hamburgers for 5 meals or something like that.   So, I figure the easiest way to do this is just to post the meals that we need covered and let you volunteer for what you think will work best for you.  First come, first serve.  I will try to edit this as I get requests so you will know which meals are taken.   Thursday-lunch at the water park   Thursday dinner- This meal will probably need to be at Sharon or Kathy's house, so they get first dibs if they want to do the cooking .   Friday breakfast- you are on your own for this meal as we are all heading up to the cabin.   Friday lunch- at a park in Heber.  This will be before we check into the cabin.   Friday dinner- at the cabin ***Jimmy and Mandy***   Saturday breakfast- at the cabin ***Rachel and Dan***   Saturday lunch- at the reservoir   Saturday dinner- at the cabin...there is also a discussion about having this dinner be at Granny's with the raspberry shakes, every family taking care of their own.   Sunday breakfast- at the cabin ***Mary and Zach***   Sunday lunch-your back on your own as will will be checking out of the cabin that morning     Email your meal requests to me.  If anything isn't clear, let me know.  If you have thoughts about the Saturday dinner plans, let me know too.   Thanks,   Rachel (the old one)

It is 3:00 a.m.

It is another one of those "can't sleep nights."  Things keep swirling around in my brain, so I finally decided to get out of bed and write.

Yesterday I helped a sweet, elderly lady at the veil.  She was so thin that her hand appeared to be just bones covered by skin.  She was tall for a Mexican.  Her long white hair was pulled back in a low ponytail.  One of her pale eyes was clouded with cataracts, but her smile was beautiful, and her spirit radiated.  She whispered she hadn't been able to come to the temple for two years because of health problems. She needed some help, but it was obvious that she had known her part once, and as she spoke those beautiful words her voice was filled with emotion and her eyes filled with tears.

Today I privileged to help a handicapped "first time sister."   I'm not sure what her medical condition was, her fingers hung loosely with no ability to move on their own, and that seemed to be the condition of her legs and feet as well, although she could move her arms and trunk.  She was in a wheel chair, and although she was just a tiny woman, it took three of us to dress her (two lifting).  Her mind was alert, and she was so grateful to be in the temple.  None of her family are members, but a ward friend was with her.  This sweet "sister of the heart"   told me that she walks to her friend's home to bathe and takes care of her, and she will also wash her temple clothing now.  What a beautiful example of service and love.  Neither woman is young, and I don't know how the one sister is able to lift and dress her by herself.

After our seven hour shift at the temple, we went home for a couple of hours before returning after the last session to do a good cleaning, to wash and iron the veil, and get things into perfect order for Monday morning when President Tenorio of our area presidency arrives for our temple review and inspection .  We had the opportunity of knowing him when we lived in Mexico City.   He is a delightful person, and will be here for two busy days.

President and Sister Moss came to the temple for the last time today.  They only have ten more days of their mission.  The mission has two senior missionary couples, and the institute has one, and so on the 29^th we "gringos" are having a farewell dinner for the Moss'.  The Batts are the mission office couple, and they leave the next month.    It is wonderful how you become a family when you serve together.  We will miss these dear friends.

Okay, I must try to get some sleep as tomorrow will be a busy Sunday and Father's Day.

our week

June 16th 2009 A quick update:
We went to the 85th birthday party of our sweet temple workers, Hna.
Aranda. During the festivities she was serenaded by five mariachis'
who had everyone up clapping, dancing and singing along. Such fun!
We also attended a wonderful ballet recital of Kayla, the child of our
one of our adopted families. Friday we were invited along with our
good friends Carlos and Rosie Alvarez, to meet Elder and Sis.
Mickelson down by the port for lunch at their favorite Tampico sea
food restaurant. The Mickelson's had just driven in from Mexico City
to choose a new stake president in the Madero Stake. It was good to
see them again. They have had a huge impact on our lives since we
served under them both in BsAs and here in Mexico. They are masters
of the scriptures and wonderful teachers and examples. They leave
Mexico in just two weeks for their potato farm in Idaho. They have
served 19 years as general authorities and the three previous to that
he was mission president in Cali, Colombia. They spoke about the
spiritual journey they've had, and their peace about closing this
chapter of their life.
Saturday we had a really busy day at the temple with the Poza Rica
Stake. It is thrilling to see them come with large numbers and fill
the Lord's house. Dad spoke at the stake priesthood meeting in the
afternoon and we both spoke Sunday during the conference. We left
directly from there for a fireside in the Papantla Stake, five hours
away, where we spoke to the endowed members. I met separately with
the women for an hour, as Dad did with the men, before we all joined
for the concluding remarks. It was one of those choice experiences
when I felt the Spirit was talking through me.
We stayed overnight at a new hotel which was fun. Monday we enjoyed
driving and walking around this old, charming, hilly, city which is
full of local color. There are relief murals on the walls of
government buildings and churches, statues of historical traditions
(the voladores, Tajin, and to "mother corn"). There were many
artisanias to look at and buy, and Indians dressed in their native,
colorful costumes.
We drove home through verdant fields and lush hills by way of another
architectural site, Castillo de Teajel, and the ancient town which has
grown up around it. We love Mexico.
This next week we look forward to having President Tenorio of our area
presidency arrive for our temple review. He will be here Monday and
Tuesday, so no free days that week for us.
We feel the Lord's continuing blessings on us, and see his hand in our
lives and those of our children. Much love, Mom

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Yum, Yum, Yum

I just finished reading through "The Bentley Family Cookbook."  IT IS WONDERFUL!  Thank you, thank you Marisa for the hours you spent putting this together.  And thanks to all of you for sending so many delicious recipes!  Grandpa and I are looking forward to eating our way through all of these.  I love the way Marisa put things together with famous quotes to begin each section.  Well done!

for each of my darling grandchildren (that means everyone of you)

I wanted to tell you about the little tiny (about 2 inch long), lizard that has made his home inside my cone shaped planter of fake flowers by our outside door (see the picture).  Every season I change the arrangement he scurries out and up the wall.  Once when I had left the door open he ran right inside our house!  I don't like lizards inside, so I had to call Grandpa for help to catch him and put him outside again. 
Today I thought about how much fun it would be if you were here to see the woodpecker that Grandpa and I saw on our walk.  He had red feathers on his head and was pecking on a dry log with his sharp beak.  We also see pretty yellow larks, small brown sparrows, large loons, seagulls, sand pipers, and most prevalent of all the birds are big black birds.  The males puff their feathers up and strut in front of the smaller females.  The females don''t pay much attention as they are busy collecting grass and string to make their nests.  Of course, we still see crocodiles every day we walk by the lagoon.  What interesting animals they are with their scales and their big teeth.  They move so slowly, until they see a fish and then they open their mouth and snap.  No more fish!
For Family Home evening Grandpa and I went to see the movie "UP."  It was delightful!  We hope you will get your parents to take you as soon as it comes to the Dollar Movie.
Have a fun summer vacation all of you who have already finished school.  CONGRATULATIONS ELIJAH for having made high school Jazz band!!!  That is fantastic!
Much love, Grandma Bentley

Jokes from Cora

1. What is a monkey's favorite month? Ape ril.
2. What type of flower is dishonest? Lie-lacs
3. What is black, white and red all over? Snow White with a nose bleed. ((Cora made this up)
4. Hunting what animal makes you rich? Deer. You either get doe or bucks. (Cora made this up.)
5. What do otters find interesting? Authors. (You guessed it. Cora made this up)

Dear ones,

We have some news worthy or reporting. Marisa has a bun in the oven. Mom is sure it will be twins. Cora is sure it will be triplets. Rick and Marisa are sure..... happy.

Love,

RMCLBL and embryo

Well I got a job! I am really a helicopter pilot now. So I'm exited. I even get to fly out of the airport that I trained at, which is next to the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood and Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens. So it will be scenic. I feel really blessed and I appreciate the prayers that everybody prayed for me. I also appreciate the Almighty and his considerate ways with me. I know I'm very blessed and I'm grateful ("....And the beast was grateful." Sandlot). So if anybody wants a ride. Come up and visit us. I will also be working up at Mount St. Helens three days a week loading people in a real helicopter. It will be fun. Hope all is well.

Dan

JUNE

JUNE
After Busy May with 9 family birthdays and 3 anniversaries, we get to June with just one of each.
HOWEVER, these are very special.
HAPPY 7th ANNIVERSARY
Sharon and Matt on the 25th
AND on the 28th
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLIE.  WE all love you!

--
Wendy W. Bentley