Memorial Day

Ouch! I guess the reason this picture brings tears to my eyes is because when John was three years old his dad was diagnosed with a fatal brain tumor. Lisa was in kindergarten. I taught school to provide insurance and we struggled along for nearly two years while working and dealing with all the treatments, surgeries, and physical disablement of a normally healthy husband.

The hardest part for me personally was having to keep things together, when my world was crumbling. If I'm stronger for it, I don't know? But I do know that having these two kids of mine, and seeing them be wonderful parent’s makes all the stress and sacrifice that I went through, and still go through worth it. It's hard to see your children suffer. We should all do everything possible to teach and protect them. I'm so sorry that they miss their Dad it is impossible to make it up to them, but I always tried not to enable them or spoil them. I tried to do what Steve and I would have done together, teach them to live the gospel and to serve one another. He was an awesome father.
John is a wonderful Dad too. He has definitely followed in his father’s footsteps. It was hard to see John not be able to wrestle and play with his Dad like he was used to because they were best buddies. Lisa was his little princess. She taught him the ABC's when she was in Kindergarten.

Our Beloved husband and father, William Steve Sproul - January 24, 1958 to April 12, 1990, died age 32. Thank you, Heavenly Father for 11 wonderful years with their Daddy!

My Great Grandmother Dougan

I've been doing some geneology for Aunt Mary and I scanned this picture of my Mom's, Mom Jane Dougan and her mother. Grandma Dougan's mother lived to help take care of my Mom and her brother and sisters after their mother passed away. Mom was just 12 years old, and aunt Mary was 16 when her mother died. They have good memories of playing with their cousins up in Idaho and staying the summer at the farm in Menan. Mom puts flowers on their graves every year up in Idaho. I have good idea when my Mom dies I'll put flowers on her grave too. I have good kin.

Mother I Love YOU!

Our cruise to Washington and British Columbia was one of our family Highlights for Mom. It was our Girls Getway, but we took along a few men for escorts. Nothing beats sitting together on a cruise at gormet dinner for a week straight there are NO dishes to do, someone cleans up after you, gives you chocolates, turns down your bed and leaves you little presents like foldered towel animals at night...

If there's whales or dophins Mom will find them. She loves nature. She taught all of us kids to have values of kindness and charity. She is the hardest working most devoted mother anyone could ever have. She is my hero. When she is gone I will still have everything she taught me right here in my head because she did all the right things. Thank you Mom and Happy Mothers Day!

Mom and the three surviving daughters and three sons. Jeanne died of Lupus in 1990. That's why we like the picture above, because Nicole is Sam's wife is now another wonderful part of our family. Here are some traits I love about my mother: Mom can talk to anyone. She has served her family and in the church her whole life. She loves her children around her even though the crowd is usually overwhelming. If someone is sad or in need of understaning she serves them completely. She is always looking for opportunities to serve. She loves to learn and read about history, science, religion, and nature. She likes to talk on the phone, go for walks in nature, camp in a tent, cook, sew, quilt, read, travel, sing, tell stories, hold babies, visit relatives, watch sports with Dad on TV, win bets, and make people feel loved and welcome everyone.

She and my Dad have been married for over 57 years. They just had their 78th birthdays. Mom has had quite a bad year or two with her health, but she keeps plugging along. She doesn't like physical therapy and that's what the doctor ordered. Mom is the youngest in her family and will most likely out live them all. She and Dad have really kept a strong family all these years. We love them both so much and can hardly think of one without the other. Thank you Lord, for my mother!

20 year Anniversary

This is the 20 year anniversary of when Steve died. John said, it's hard for him to believe that anything in his life could be 20 years ago. I think his Father would be very proud, John is graduating from college this week. I know he is pleased with Lisa as well. We are all grateful to have had such a wonderful husband and father in our lives. As these grandchildren grow, I'm only sorry that they didn't have a chance to know Grandpa Steve. He would have made a magnificent Grandpa. If we hold out faithful one day we will know him again. It was so wonderful to have all my grandchildren and children in my home today and allow them to comfort me which they always do. How lucky could I be. What a legacy we have.

She's Here!

Our beautiful granddaughter was born today at 11:45 A.m. March 11th 7 lbs 2 oz. 19 inches !!!

Here's your big brother

Hey Little G, do you know what's coming? You're lucky, blessed, and sweet. Are you ready for to be a big brother yet? I'm ready, ready... for something new. I want this grandbaby more each day as it get's closer and closer to the day. I'm really, ready for this little angel. I want to see life again through your sweet new eyes. Do you know I'll be in Heaven when I see you again? I've missed you for so long.
Looking forward to meeting you again Pearl or Charles, to hold you, and see you after such a long time. Can't imagine life without you as you come into this world. Feel myself melting as I prepare to hold my own son's second child.

Where are you?

Is Grandpa Steve there? Did he see you off? Do you stay and linger dreaming of Heaven or earth? Do you get just one more peek before physical birth? Like me, do you hope that you'll be good enough and that you won't let down when life gets tough? Are you a little excited too, to try the things you want to do? I bet you'll really want a hug so you can count on all of our love. March 11th birthdate. Please hurry, don't be late!

Sterling Scholar