On My Last Leg

I finally decided to have ankle repair for one of the wheels that has been wobbily for many years. Repair involved screws and tendon replacement. I will be down for a fews months, but continue to go to the "office" every day for the Sentinel business at hand. We hope you all are now registered. It has been a pleasure for JoAnn and I to work closely with Craig (Managing Editor). We have always appreciated his talents, but are further amazed each week as he virtually runs the business of producing inspiring thoughts and uplifting the weak - us included.

Stephen is closing in on his grueling schedule toward his Master's education. We are continually grateful for the Lord's blessings on each of our family members.

Watch out turkeys- here comes Grandpa!

Leila and Tristan watched Grandpa trim the family turkey - thinking ahead for Thanksgiving...then Grandpa got a little carried away with the trimmer!

A Sign ?

It was like "a sign", the cloud formation, early yesterday morning...saying better get out and do some favorite things...cold weather is coming...the end of the world??

So...Stephen and I played a little golf and JoAnn and I went to Coer'dlane

to our favorite Greek cafe for a Greek pizza!

Come to think of it - if it was the end of the world, we would have gone to the temple - but it is closed for cleaning - so golf and Greek was our second choice.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

It was fun to get together last night to celebrate Stephen and Nathan's birthdays. Quin's birthday is soon - but he didn't want a "shared" celebration...but he celebrated none-the-less. Whatever the occasion (like Quinten demonstrated), being with family should always be a special gathering. A Baptist minister said, "Stop waiting for life to come tomorrow, begin living today. Don't miss what's NOW because you are looking for what's NEXT!" We could not agree more...live today! Celebrate everything you have. Celebrate your family and friends. Material things are worthless. How you treat your family is priceless. Enjoy every moment Heavenly Father has given you.

It was a full fall family fun festivity...day. Craig and Stephen ran a 1/2 marathon...and when Craig asked Eliot if he thought if Grandpa should run...he just laughed.

As tradition goes, we headed to Green Bluff to the straw maze - pumpkin picking and picnic-ing.

Happy Heart Day

It's not often one gets to celebrate two birthdays in a year (and be happy about it).

Nathan, on Sept. 14 reached 17 years for having a "change of heart". We celebrated

by going to lunch, over looking the Spokane Falls...so many symbolizoms with water

and life...physical as well as spiritual. We are so thankful for life and for the opportunity

for another year together as a family and to serve our Savior.

Flying High

Stephen stopped by after a weekend Air-Guard duty. It was physical testing day today. The Air Force hired professional a physical testing corp to count push-ups, sit-ups and time the mile and one half sprint course for every officer and enlisted man and women. Too many out of shape men and women were slipping through the requirements - now are being asked to resign...if they do not meeting the minimums. No one was expected to get 100% ranking, especially an almost 40 year old Airman...well Stephen set a goal and reached it! He even got personal recognition from the Base Commander. (The more than 40 year old standing next to him gets an award for just being able to stand)

GOLDEN YEARS - WATER TOYS

How fun for the Senior Howards! We are going to make the most of what summer is left in the In-land NW...to be sure on only smooth

waters and when the sun is shining. Maybe next year we'll try some water that is actually moving!

ELIOT !

July 4th has always been a great day for a celebration, at least since 1776...

This Sunday, 2010, is another year for great celebration...Eliot Nathan Howard is to be blessed by his Father, Craig Robert Howard. Both events in history deserve fireworks and expressions of great gratitude for miracles received by a loving Father.

SUMMER? FUN!!!

It has, and continues to be a long Spring...record rains and cool weather...but being hardy In-lander NWesterners, we packed our winter coats and headed to the "coast" (as the Spokane folks call anyplace West of here) to Mt.Vernon, Poulsbo, Seattle, etc. Our few days vacation was wonderful. I fished 6 different lakes (with the same result) and caught a lot of casting experience and JoAnn made lots of scrubbies and took pictures of lots of beautiful flowers.

Spring Time

Spring is struggling to show up here in Spokane...however it is blooming in Mt. Vernon. JoAnn and I with another couple are headed there Friday - will attend the temple and even catch an M's game! We hope to see the tulip fields as pictured here (a couple weeks ago)

Sarah is on schedule for Mother's Day...reports are all positive. All other family members doing well. Thanks for your prayers in our behalf.

Post Mission update

We keep busy serving in the Spokane Temple and as Ward Family History Consultants...yes, and enjoying family. Our mission was amazing and many blessings were received for our family. We are excited to welcome a new boy into the family, via Craig and Sarah (May 9). They purchased a house and so we looking forward to helping them paint, move, etc. Stephen has just returned from competing in the National Guard Biathlon event in Minnesota. Grandma and Grandpa had a great weekend with the kids hiking the Coeur d'Alene Lake trail...wow...what a trip...we are ready for a nap.