Summer Begins 6/24/07

This week summer officially began in the Northern Hemisphere. It's been really warm and beautiful. Joseph has enjoyed school work, physical therapy and playing with his niece and nephew. Mom and Elizabeth took the kids to the Museum of Natural HIstory at the University of Utah while Joseph was in class early in the week. They all went down to the Gateway Mall in downtown Salt Lake afterwards. Joseph enjoyed watching the children and they enjoyed playing in the water. Cheyenne thought it was great going for a walk with Uncle Joe.

We recently got some x-rays of Joseph's foot showing where his two smallest toes have been removed on his right foot. He says "Ironically I used to complain about my foot being too wide. . . not anymore! :)

Father's Day 6/17/06

Today is Father's Day in the United States, in the U. K. and in many other parts of the world. It's a great day to remember our Dad's and say thanks. Elizabeth hosted a gathering at their place in Nibley yesterday. It was great fun with family from all sides there together. There was good food, good fun and lots of visiting and playing games. Joseph gave his dad the new music CD "Love (The Beatles album)" He'll be in retro heaven. Joseph likes the Beatles too. They both can't wait to hear it.

'Elder Richard L. Evans (1906–71) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave the proper dimension for all fathers in… faith when he said: “First of all, fathers are giving a name and a heritage to their children—clean and honorable. Fathers are for long, hard work, mostly their own kind of work; … for trying to give their children things [their] fathers never had. Fathers are for talking with, for encouraging, for putting arms around; for understanding mistakes, but not condoning them; for disciplining when needed, then loving all the more; for being strong and forceful, and for being tender and gentle.” ' Vital Quotations, 120. (Quoted by James E. Faust, “The Father Who Cares,” Ensign, Sep 2006, 2–6)

Lord bless us to honor our Fathers and be Fathers worthy of honor.

Over 17k Blog Visitors Since 1 Year Ago - 6/10/07

One Year ago were received our van and finished Joseph's shower (see June 2006 ). Since then we have had over Seventeen Thousand visits to this blog. That is phenomenal. If you click on the various areas of the world on the map at the bottom of this blog, you will see how many visitors/hits by location. The larger the red spot the more hits. THANKS -- your interest, concern and prayers have made our lives richer. We are truly blessed with your friendship.

Joseph is finally feeling much better and seems ready to take on the world again. Its been great to see that Taylorsville City is replacing old curbs and sidewalks at the intersections and each place in the neighborhood that is not wheelchair compatable. It's a major effort. There was a time we may have wondered about the real value. We now see, know and feel the value. Joseph's route to our Church building was up the middle of the road. Soon he will be able to take the smooth sidewalk. The children can ride their bikes, scooters and skateboards as well. Our hats off to the city of Taylorsville.

In Tune with June 6/3/07

June is here and the year is racing by. Joseph is doing well. He is recovering very well from his surgery, his foot is healing wonderfully. He is on two different high powered antibiotics intervenously six times a day. This keeps Mom busy administering the doses in his PICC line. His attitude is still great even though he is still feeling a bit crummy. The worst part is he hasn't been able to go back to class yet. . . hopefully Monday. He's had to drop the six week intensive course after missing the first two weeks (a third of the class). Life is full and we are grateful for our blessings.

Mom just finished scrapbooking a couple of pages for Joseph (above). She does such a great job, even though her time is so limited. With such cute grandkids it's easy to find subject matter. . . just have to find the time. Joseph enjoys reading the emails (josephstaggart@yahoo.com) you send and the blog comments (none since we got spammed a few weeks ago). We all appreciate your prayers.