My Grandpa

My Grandpa Harry Goodman passed away yesterday after living 95 wonderful years. When I think about my Grandpa many memories come to me. I remember driving home from Karrie's volleyball games from Thatcher. I swear my Grandpa would drive 100 miles per hour down the middle of the street. And since we were in the Cadillac there was a good chance I was in the middle seat and I could see it all. I still don't know how we made it home.
I also think about how he was able to seal Ryan and me in the temple. He had to get special permission from the church to do it since he was no longer a sealer when I got married. I am so glad he did. I don't remember anything advice but I remember being grateful that my grandpa was the sealer. I also appreciate the example he was to me. He loved the temple and was not afraid to admit it. I remember my dad telling me how sad grandpa was when he could no longer physically work in the temple. He enjoyed going and working in the temple.
Last night after he passed away I went to his house and I was reminded again of my great family. It is a legacy from him. Many cousins were there and we were able to talk and share memories. We joked that there was a baseball game on and how it wouldn't be the Goodman's without one. I have a great family and I can thank my grandparents for that.
I know my grandma is sad and so I am, but last night all I could think about was the great reunion that my grandpa had with his mom and dad and 11 brothers and sisters. I know I will see him again and appreciate the lessons in life that he taught me.

B. Harry Goodman 11-11-1915 to 7-27-2011

California

California

I love the beach!! I think it is the perfect mixture of sun, wind, much cooler weather, and family. This year's trip was great. We made a last minute decision to head to California. Ryan's nephew, Rathen, was leaving from Cali on his mission so we had to go and say good-bye. Randy had football camp at Concordia University, so for 30 bucks a night we could stay in the dorms. We had our own bathroom and once the dead mouse was gone it was great. We had so much fun hanging out at the beach everyday, enjoying good food, and saying good-bye to Rathen. The night before Rathen left we had a family devotional and shared our testimonies. It is so great to hear family share the gospel amongst each other. I only wished my kids were awake to have heard it. I think Jack would have really felt the Spirit. I know I did. Rathen will do great and I can't wait to hear his mission stories.

We had a great time and can't wait to go back

My family at Huntington Beach. It is our favorite beach and I love how Kate is posing.

Jack, Jay and Kate. I couldn't keep Jack and Jay out of the water. They loved it.

Big Jack in the water. He does not like the beach so to have him out there was a big deal.

Christopher Creek

The annual Goodman Family Camp out at Christopher Creek, with half the family missing. Every year I think about opting out, but then I think about how much fun my kids and me have and I go. It is a lot of work to camp, food to buy, clothes to pack, car to load up but once I am there I am happy. I love watching the kids just play. No TV, phones, DS's, nothing, just good old fashion playing outside. I am getting spoiled because my kids are older and I have two wonderful nieces, Taylor and Kyley, that take care of Kate for me. It's great all I have to do is laugh and enjoy myself.
Here are the highlights:
Jay loved the creek.
Kate loved learning to step on the rocks in the creek.
Jack loved catching crawdads, they caught so many. I think it was a record year. Jack also said he didn't like getting pinched by the crawdads though.
Ryan loved watching Jack jump off the high rock, estimated at 40-50 feet. I am glad I was not there to witness the jump. Jay singing "War, huhhh what it is good for?" and Kate being brave in the water.
Dyan loved playing Monopoly Deal with Taylor and Kyley, the question game and beating Wyatt, he is a little competitor, the "I have never game" and losing at it meaning I have done lots and I am not a big loser, and just being with my family. I love that my kids want to play with their cousins and I love that they know there aunts and uncles so well. Can't wait till next year.
Random pictures posted below.

Jack holding a crawdad. It was a banner year catching crawdads, I only hope next year is not a disappointment.

Taylor, Kate and Hannah. It was so nice to have the older girl cousins want to play with the little girls.

Ty, Jack and Jake catching crawdads.

It was so nice to have Ryan and Austin come up for a few hours. I love hanging out with them and wish I could see them more.

Matt and Kate, I just think this picture is too cute.

Jack and Ty. Big posers.

Trying to get a picture of Kyley and Annie but Taylor kept jumping in. That was the signature game of the trip. How many pictures can I get into. It made for some interesting picture taking and we had to be creative if you didn't want certain people in.

Rathen's farewell

Rathen is leaving on a mission to Raleigh, North Carolina on July 20, 2011.

I can't believe he is old enough to go. He is not even my child and I think he has grown up too fast. Rathen's farewell was awesome. Rhett talked on why he wanted to serve a mission. He gave a powerful testimony for a 13 year old. Then all the boys ages 12-23 got up and sang "We'll Bring the World His Truth." I totally felt the spirit. When I see a bunch of young men singing on the stand I know the world will be okay for awhile. These boys are wonderful. Then it was Rathen's turn to talk. He will be such a great missionary. He made a little funny on accident. He started his talk by saying when he was a freshman in football his dad taught him a quote that he would never forget. Rathen then went to quote it and was stumped. He looked at his dad (Randy) got a little help then went on to give a great talk. Rathen will do well on his mission. I know he has a testimony and many doors will be opened to him.
The picture below is all of Ryan's family. We realized last minute that we were all around so we got a quick snapshot.

Lake Powell

The best Lake Powell trip ever. I think I say this every year but it was so so nice and never long enough. I could stay there forever. I love hanging out with the Owensby's and I love hanging out with my family. This trip was like all of the others except my kids are a year older and a little bit easier to take care of. I love having Rachelle come along because my kids like her more than me and she plays so good with them.
Everyone had their favorites, like jumping off the rocks (Jack), mud bathes (Jay), going off the slide (Kate), Rachelle couldn't decide, I liked seeing the water rise everyday, our little island was almost under water when we left. I think it is amazing how much water there is. Ryan loved it all. I can't wait till next year and a new adventure.

4th of July

I love the 4th of July. Every year I am reminded once again about how great America is. The Sunday before the 4th I went to church and we sang the patriotic songs. They get me every time. Then in Relief Society the teacher gave a great lesson on patriotism. Then played a DVD of the servicemen from my ward. I was in tears. I can't control myself when I hear the words from "America the Beautiful" my absolute favorite song.
After church we drove up to Show Low and on Monday we enjoyed the parade. Show Low ended up cancelling their fireworks so we just sat outside and enjoyed the lighting show till it started to rain then went in and watched the firework shows from New York City and Washington DC. It was a great day.
"Patriotism should be sought for and will be found in right living, not in high sounding phrases or words. True patriotism is part of the solemn obligation that belongs both to the nation, the individual, and to the home." Joseph F. Smith

"I want to again remind you of your responsibility to preserve the righteousness of America. I have reviewed 4000 years of history, declaring this to be a land of promise, chosen of the Lord for his special purposes. Now we must deal with America's future. The land must continue to remain strong and great and good. It is destined to be the major supplier of human and financial resources, to build the kingdom of God here in the whole world, and to prepare the world for the return of the Lord and Savior. The adversary knows all too well that a weak America will literally stop this building process and thwart the work of God." L. Tom Perry

I know I have a responsibility to teach my children and ensure that America stays great.

Jack, Kate, Jay and Dyan at the parade.

Kate at the parade. I loved her dress but I was a little worried since it was white but it didn't get too dirty.

Kate, Jay and Jack enjoying the parade.

Rachelle and Kate hanging out at Randy's house.

The Phoenician

Ryan had a work conference at The Phoenician resort, why someone would plan a conference in Phoenix in June is beyond me. But we were happy because we didn't have to travel and it got us out of our house for a little bit. Jack and Kate loved the pool and Jay loved the room. Jay still had his picc line in so he couldn't go swimming or down the slide. But he was a trooper and hung out in the hotel room watching Nickelodeon. Joe and Cassie came out one day and swam. It was a good little vacation and better yet it was free.
Jack enjoying the bathtub. The bathroom was as big as a bedroom.

Kate, Jay and Keelie hanging out. They got cold so they cuddled up in the bed.

Can't wait!!!

I can't wait we are headed to Lake Powell. It is my most favorite vacation in all the world. We get there and hang out for a week with no worries except making sure we have enough sun block and donuts. Life can't get any better than that.
Before we leave we must clean the house, spend time in Show Low for the fourth and then head out. I tell you what I have a tough life. I know but someone has to do it and it might as well be me.

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!