I know my Savior loves me.

In primary we are learning a new song entitled "I Know that My Savior Loves Me".  My lovely bride shared a tender story today with the senior primary children that also touched my heart.  She mentioned how, over this past week, she has awoken in the middle of the night with the lyrics and melody of this beautiful song running through her mind.  The song has been a comfort to her as we expericence the trial we are now facing with Bob's illness.  It was a stark reminder to me of how forgetful we sometimes are of the Savior's love for us.  Kim's favorite part of the song is the chorus - "I know He lives!  I will follow faithfully.  My heart I give to Him.  I know that my Savior loves me".  What a wonderful testimony that is and what comfort we can glean from these simple words.  I realized, as I hid behind the piano and shed my own tears, the Savior shows his love for me every day of my life.  How does the Savior love me??  Grandchildren that jump on my bed and cuddle next to me as we watch Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in the dark.  Little ones saying, Grandpa, I want to sit by your lap.  Watching a little girl that loves to dance perform for the first time in front of a live audience (see pictures below).  The gentle touch of my wife's hand on my knee as we drive together to work.  Wonderful compassionate doctors in our time of greatest need.  Sticky little faces giving me a mooch that taste like a tootsie pop.  Eskimo kisses and big hugs.  Big brown eyes that light up when I walk into a room.  Music that makes my spirit soar.  The touch of the Spirit in a time of need.  The comfort of heavenly arms to sooth our sorrows and fears.  The list is infinite.  I know my Savior loves me.  He shows me every day.

Bossy Bob's 75th Birthday

What better way for the new decade to commence than having a Mexican Fiesta for Bobby Munson (Former king of Cedar High) to celebrate 75 years of fiestiness.  All dressed up in his Happy Birthday hat with candles and fabric flames, this former Cedar High king could not stop smiling.

We had 3, yes, 3 birthday cakes.  Bob does like his cake (chocolate preferred).  Rather than placing 75 candles in one cake - mostly in fear that the Kuna fire department would have to be called upon to put the roaring inferno out - a few candles were placed on each cake.  Could Grandpa Munson blow all candles out with a single breath???  It was not to be.  No matter, he is still our hero.

I had to add this photo because I love it.  The fairest of all the Munson princesses, in my humble opinion.  You can't help but  love a daddy/daughter picutre like this!!

Every Picture Tells a Story

Can you believe it?  I am posting again...one day after the last post. This must be what you do when your wife is working nights.  I wanted to share a few more photos from our Oregon trip. Shots I think tell a story all their own so there are no captions.  You decide what the story is behind each photograph.

The Crew

We have been home from the coast a little over a week and I have yet to post any photos taken while we were there.  Kim and I had the luxury of flying to Portland then driving for a short while to one of our favorite spots on this earth.  We did not miss the long trek from Boise to the beach.  We rented a house called the Octupus Gardens.  The garden, which lends the house it's name, was a lush oasis of green dotted with various areas to relax and enjoy the beautiful weather.  This portrait was taken in the garden, a lovely backdrop.  The beach was 2 blocks away from our house.  It was great fun to have all the kids close.  Both the Botkin boys and their darling little familes stayed with us at the house.  The Bishops were very close up the road.  We were able to make some wonderful memories during our few days of get away.  It was a relaxing rejuvinating time for us.  Our family is growing and such fun awaits us as we remember past and look forward to future adventures of the Woods, Bishops and Botkins.

Run for Autism Awareness

We did the Run for Autism Awareness yesterday. It was a beautiful day for a run (as if I was going run the entire 3 miles). I did more of a walk/jog which I was pleased about because I thought this old-tired-no-longer-svelte body would only be walking. As I ran the course along the greenbelt there were signs posted periodically along the way with facts and quotes about Autism. Of course Anson was on my mind as I was gasping for air and trying to ignore my ever increasing discomfort. I thought about how I had pitched a ball to him for at least an hour the night before and how quickly he took my instructions on how to stand and hold a bat. You all know me and sports so those instructions will most likely have to be corrected by Uncle Travis and Uncle Tucker. I tried to put thoughts of cardiac arrest out of my mind by thinking of how much Anson talks and is so much more willing to interact with people. I thought of Kendra and Barrett and what wonderful parents they are and what choice spirits they must be to have been selected as earthly guardians for this choice spirit. I thought of how blessed our family is to have such a stong and choice spirit willing to dwell among us and of how much our Father in Heaven must trust us with his care. I thought about the struggles Anson has faced and will continue to encounter as he progesses through this life. As my legs began to hurt and my feet began to ache, as my sweat soaked my shirt and my heart pounded, I realized what a small and insignificant sacrifice this few minutes of my time was. I look at Anson and know that he is an amazing individual. I think he is brilliant, although some may say I am biased. I catch him looking at me sometimes with the silent question of "Why don't you understand, Grandpa? It is clear to me." I look forward to the day when I will understand all Anson understands and will be able to share his unique perspective of this world and truly realize what a blessing he is in my life. How can you look at that smile and not know that he is a chosen son of God destined for greatness?

Pretty Women

 

Pretty Women....Fascinating...Pretty Women are a wonder...Pretty Women. I am blessed to have pretty women in my life. Of course my beautiful wife that has put up with me for 12 years and, for whatever reason, still loves me. I think she may even like me sometimes. I must have done something good in my childhood to deserve her. The other pretty woman in this photo is Sally Murray. She was here a week ago for Mother's day and we were lucky enough to have her share some of her experiences while in Africa. Kim and I were able to spend about 10 days with Sally and her husband, Steve, while they were living in Africa. It was an experience that will forever impact my life. Seeing her in her self proclaimed "Ghanaian Tent" and viewing photos of her adopted country brought back so many memories. I know both Kim and I struggled with our emotions as we watched the portraits of Ghana captured by Sally (I was honored that she had added a few of my photos to her presentation). You will never meet anyone that has a bigger heart and love without bounds. To have the capacity to love unconditionally is something I should strive for. I have a great example in my friend, Sally. She truly is an amazing woman. Not just pretty, but a beautiful daughter of God. I can see why she and Kim have been able to maintain such a deep friendship for so many years. They are very much alike in so many ways. Okay, Kim likes a little bling and sparkle once in a while and Sally doesn't like jewelry, Kim loves purses, bags, etc and I don't think I have ever seen Sally with a purse...they are opposites in many ways too, but they truly are "Soul" sisters. I know my life has been tremendously blessed by my Kimilee and by so many of her friends. It is a privilege to have wonderful women in my life. They are all Pretty Women and they are all Wonders.

Botanical Gardens

Kim and I took the Bishop children, the oldest three, to the Boise Botanical Gardens last Friday. It was an adventure. I was hoping to get some fun photos of the little tykes. The beautiful professional photos that were floating around in my imagination just waiting to be captured on my trusty Canon...well...are still floating around in my imagination. Attempting to pose these three was reminiscent of trying to herd a yard full of cats. Come to think if it, herding cats might have been easier. Don't misinterpret my meaning. I had great fun and the kids were more than wonderful, but herding these three little cats was hard work. Anson, Eden and Bo have wonderful personalities and spirits bursting with energy. This is what makes photographing them such a pleasure. I love some of the shots. I think I may have even captured a bit of those amazing personalities.