New Addition

Katie and Troy Rueckert

Welcomed a son to their family

Max

born on May 15th @5:11pm

8lbs 1oz

21 1/2 inches long

Brian & Leah @BYU Idaho

A bunch of us spent the day visiting Brian and Leah at BYU Idaho earlier in the month. Julie, Paula, Sandy & I took some furniture from Mom's to help the nearly newlyweds out. A blonde kitchen table, chairs, kitchen supplies and a dresser looked great in their cute apartment. We had a crab salad on croissant's lunch and chatted about the future.

A tour of the campus seeing the newly furbished Manwaring Center and the just completed Conference Center. It was fun to be together while Paula was with us for a 'Sisters' retreat.

Surviving Siblings

We take a photo at every family event of the surviving siblings because you never know when one will be gone. Here is a sweet photo of Mom's brothers and sisters. Not so long ago they were young and full of promise. Here's to you that those dreams came true and life has been great.

Memories of Missing Mom

It's been one month since Mom passed. Her daffodils bloomed shortly after and everyday since. The hyacinths are standing guard along her sidewalk as if to say, "We made it back home. Have you gone away? We'll watch and wait."

I miss her cheery voice saying, 'How are you?' whenever she answered my phone calls. She let me talk about anything I wanted, after her update of who had recently passed away. The little things I took for granted, come back like the sweet babbling notes of a bird's song. Holding them close and gently in my mind, will help.

Thanks Mom for always being there. Forgive me for those times I was onery and such.

Loved Ones Remember, Mom

Many hugs, memories and smiles were exchanged as the Crane and Park families joined together to remember Mom. Sisters, children, cousins and more talked of this great matriarch and her friendly, but unique ways of showing love and concern.

Most were surprised as were we, that she went home to her Heavenly Father. She never wanted to linger, so suffer she didn't as a hemorrhaging brain anuerism took her life in March.

Little signs previous to this helped us prepare for the future. We all spent time together at a reunion dinner marking the twenty-second year, since Dad's death in February. Each talked about how we could help her. Sad we are events happened so quickly, with little more than to be at her bedside for a few hours.

We must go on remembering how much she loved us, knowing she is happy to be with Dad now preparing for the eternities.

Recipient of the Silver Beaver Award

A few weeks ago Jim Crane received one of the highest Boy Scouting awards given, the Silver Beaver Award. We attended the special awards ceremony at the Bountiful Regional Center. Bob Evans of Channel 13 News, was the Master of Ceremonies. About 60 received the award including Gail Miller, wife of the late Larry H. Miller, the Most Reverend John C. Wester of the Salt Lake Diocese, and many hard working, dedicated men and women to the scouting program.

Jim has served on both Cub and Boy Scout committees as well as working to help teach hundreds of young men the benefits of scouting. He was nominated by, Elaine, his wife. When others heard he was getting the award, they said that he definitely deserved it.

Congratulations, to you Jim for being such a great example and serving the youth of today.

Feeding Our Feathered Friends

For pennies it is easy to 'feed the birds' just like they did in Mary Poppins. Make a simple flat bird feeder or buy one of the many specialty kinds for the particular size of birds you want around. Bird seed is inexpensive and easy to store. Be certain it is an area free from predators.

The birds will find the food and love you for your generosity. Sometimes feeders need to be replenished daily during the winter months when food is scarce. Lots of pleasure is gained from watching the young fledglings new from the nest, hop around the feeding area in their innocense. Grab binoculars now, while the trees are bare and enjoy bird watching from the kitchen window. This is the best time of the year, as the birds return before leafing begins.