Kent and Judy: September 2013

Family

This is going to be a different blog. Today is Sunday, September 1, I have been doing some reflecting. We went to the Cantonment Ward today and Brother Richard Smith gave the Sunday School lesson. He is a very good teacher and his lesson was especially good. It was on the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. He showed a video of the event and there was a special testimony by Jeffrey R. Holland.

The Spirit has testified to me how lucky I have been to be a member of this wonderful to church. To know our Savior Jesus Christ and to have the spirit of the Holy Ghost as a special companion. I feel that I have been blessed to have served in so many different places. The friends that we have made in all of these callings are such special people and so dedicated to serving the Lord. I feel that it is important for all of my family to know that I truly have a testimony of this wonderful Church.

I decided that this blog will be dedicated to our family. September has always been a very special month in our family. So many members of our family that have been important in my life celebrate their birthday's in September. I really don't want to leave those out that do not celebrate their birthday's in September, but I am going to honor those who do.

These two pictures of my Mother & Dad were taken for their 50th Wedding Anniversary and for their Wedding day. My mother celebrated her birthday on September 8th. She, of course, was a major influence in my life. She died when she was 90 years old. There is not a September that goes by, that I don't think about her and the things that she taught me. She died in December 2007. Before she died, I would spend every Tuesday going to lunch with my Mother and Dad - they would always choose Burger King - how they loved the hamburgers and fries.

Jilleen Elaine Strong Hertig - September 25th.

I could not find a picture of my Sister Jill - but I loved her. We were so close in age and we shared everything. She died of Cancer in October 2001. She was so full of life, so fun to be with, and so dedicated to husband and children. It was because of her, that we now live in Alpine, Utah. She died while Kent and I were serving as Mission President in California. I was looking so forward to living close by her; but she is always in my thoughts and I am so grateful to have had a sister like her. Some of her girls and grandchildren look so much like her - she will always live on!

Morgan - September 2nd - First Grandchild

How happy I was on the day that Morgan was born. She was our first Grandchild and the First Girl!!! I loved her! Morgan is a Senior at BYU this year - how quickly the time goes by. This is one of the latest pictures I have of Morgan - she seems to like Tyler! We can't wait to meet him. We are very proud of Morgan and all that she has accomplished and I want to wish her a very Happy Birthday.

Marisa - September 5th

Marisa is one of our most wonderful Daughter-In-Laws. I am so grateful for this most wonderful girl. She is an amazing cook, a wonderful mother and a very loving wife. She spent her entire summer nursing Bret back to good health. The Lord has truly blessed me with wonderful girls that are like daughters to me. I wish Marisa a very Happy Birthday and hope all her wishes come true in the upcoming year. You are loved.

Emerson - September 6th

Emmie is awesome. She lives in Chicago with her two other sisters, Taylor and Kayla. She is a truly wonderful. She is fun to be with, full of life and you would never believe that she is only in Jr. High School. She loves to tease Grandpa Kent and she loves animals. She is kind to everyone and everyone loves her. Happy Birthday Emmie - wish we were there to it share it with you. But I send our Love.

Kayla September 9th

Kayla has completed her first year at BYU Idaho. She is beautiful inside and out. She is so compassionate to others. I admire the many traits and talents that she has been blessed with. She has been wonderful to keep in touch with me this past year and I have loved the emails and pictures that she has sent. I would wish her a very Happy Birthday and hope that she has a wonderful and happy year at school. I love you!

Valerie September 10th

Valerie is my Sister In Law and really more like my sister. She is a beautiful quilter and made so many wonderful quilts it would be impossible to count them. She has also shared that wonderful talent with others, especially me. I will always be so grateful for her willingness to share with me something that I have come to love so much. She continues to write, encourage and share her thoughts with me. I love you. Happy Birthday. We will do lunch next year.

Linda Jones - September 11

Linda has been my friend forever. We shared 25 years together, raising children, doing church callings, helping each other in times of challenge. Whenever we are together, we pick up where we left off. How blessed I feel to have her as a friend. She is talented, full of wisdom and fun to be with. We shopped until we dropped, played cards, did movies and plays and filled our lives with memories and fun. I will think of you next week - Happy Birthday.

Gary September 19th & Michelle September 21st

Gary is one of our four boys. He lives in Chicago with his wife Michelle and three of our wonderful granddaughters. He is a wonderful husband and father and his three daughters who love him so much. He has always worked from home and he is always there for them. I would want him to know how much I appreciate him - he has showed so much concern and love for me personally. I am grateful to the Lord for sending me such a wonderful son. I send to him a Happy Birthday and my love!

Michelle is also one of our amazing daughter-in-laws. I am so proud of all she has accomplished. She recently got her Masters Degree in Counseling. She is a counselor for one of the high schools in Chicago and the kids love her!! She is an amazing mother, she has run marathons and been the Young Women's President more than once. Teenagers love her - she has a very special gift of being a friend. I am extremely grateful for her. Happy Birthday Michelle.

Now you see why September is such a special month in our family.

Bud - August 18th

I really should have started with this picture. This is my brother Bud - I am so grateful to him and his wife Viki. He has been so supportive of our mission. He has not missed a week of hanging out with me. He lets me know what is happening in Salt Lake and with the family. He and his wife help everyone - They truly are the most charitable people that I know - I love them. I hope he has a most awesome year. I love you.

I would also like everyone to know that we love all of our children, grandchildren, family and friends, so I have put a few more pictures into the blog - so that you can see how proud I am of them all.