Family News from the Rowleys

Hello Family,

We have such a great family! Grant just got home from helping at Mom's Backyard Project. He so enjoyed working with all the great family members who came and worked so hard. He felt good about how much was accomplished. He wants to return sometime in May and do it again and maybe the backyard can be finished up. Thanks for everyone that came out to work so hard.

We had a quiet Thanksgiving this year. Just the traditional food fare and activities. Grant and I celebrated our 36th anniversary. Christmas was so fun - right after Richard and Kristal came for a visit also. Jakie and Will make Christmas just magical. I love that they are so excited and happy with all the beauties of Christmas.

I had a very hard time facing my birthday this year. Grant remedied my concerns by arranging some flights with Lexi to go to Chicago. He took me to see Wicked there. What a great experience. We had such fun with my first glimpse of the "Windy City". We were so fortunate that even being there in January - the weather was abnormally quite warm for that time of year. We were on foot and it was cold but not unbearable so. After leaving Chicago we flew to Omaha, Nebraska where we were picked up by a driver that Grant had met, who then drove us to a remote area of Iowa, where the truck had been repaired when Grant had an accident a month previously. We picked up the truck and drove back to Utah. It was a nice time to spend together and we came home refreshed and truly entertained. We both so enjoyed Wicked and hope you can see if it comes near you.

Also, in January, Kristal came back to visit. Her film, The Other, was shown at the LDS Film Festival right here in Orem at the Scera Theater. She was one of the few women presenting their films in the festival. We are proud of Kristal and her efforts in this competitive field. Annaleesa went with her to the viewings and they saw many interesting films.

February we were so concerned when we heard about Dad's failing health and Mom having to be caring for him 24 hours continually. We were so happy to hear that Cookie and Cindy came to help. I decided to come the next week end. I was very blessed to work with Carolyn, Ron and JJ as we took turns taking care of Dad and helping Mom the best we could. I felt the blessing of a family sealed together as we gathered together and knelt in prayer around Dad's bed. It was also a blessing to gather together to honor Dad at the funeral. I am grateful for a great family!

I got the flu in March - it really makes you grateful for your health when you can get past that. We enjoyed Easter with little Jake and Will as well as Gabby with Chad and Charla joining us. We always enjoy sharing our testimonies of the resurrection and our relationship with the Savior.

We so enjoyed Conference - the best week end ever! And now we just enjoyed the monthly Family Dinner - we love those kids and enjoy our time with them.

Well, we send our love to all of you. Love, The Rowleys