A Hard Rain's A'Gonna Fall

Oh, where have you been, my blue-eyed son?

Oh, where have you been, my darling young one?

I’ve stumbled on the side of twelve misty mountains

I’ve walked and I’ve crawled on six crooked highways

I’ve stepped in the middle of seven sad forests

I’ve been out in front of a dozen dead oceans

I’ve been ten thousand miles in the mouth of a graveyard

                                                               Bob Dylan

I wonder if Dylan was singin' about this blue-eyed son. Our little herd of deer has an albino buck in it. I have never seen it, but Milt has seen it several times and has a picture of it. We are pretty sure that this yearling is one of his offspring. Janene has seen this guy a bunch of times and finally got a picture of him. This picture was taken on a cloudy day. Janene says that on a clear day with the sunlight in his eyes, they are a brilliant blue. It is a little unnerving when he stares you down.

Will wonders never cease?

Babies, Babies and More Babies

This has been an amazing week for babies in our family. Doug brought his grandson, Camden over for a visit with "great grandpa Robin". He was only there to see " Grandma Janene". She is not as old as me.

He came over with his mom, Tiffany and Grandpa Doug. This little guy came much too early and had to spend some extra time in the hospital, but he is a chunky guy now.

 We got to pass him back and forth for a while. All the time, he was the perfect little boy. He laughed at us old people, smiled at our stupid jokes and didn't get into any trouble the whole time he was here. He really did prefer his own mother, however.

 On Sunday, it was off to the races with our little red-heads. They had a great time racing the electric car back and forth (and down the stairs). Little Rachel Robin is getting close to turning two and coming out of her shyness now. It is so much fun to watch her grow up. It wasn't that long ago that she was the little baby in the family.

I had to get another picture of our newest, baby Jessie in the mix. I must take after my father. We both love to hold the little babies. Happy times over here right now. Life is sure great!

It Happened on a Beautiful Moon-lit Night

I got home from work to find the house deserted, no dinner in the oven, and no sign of my bride. Then came the text - "Congratulations, Grandpa! You have a new little girl!" I jumped in the car and headed for the hospital.

What a remarkable clear night for Heather to have her sixth baby. As I made the turn around the Capitol, I thought about all the other times I had rushed to the hospital to see a new little one come into the world. The first time was when I rushed home from Bear Lake where I was working ( I made it in 46 minutes) to find out it was a false alarm. Shon wouldn't really join our family until two weeks later. We have spent the Fourth of July at the hospital, and prayed together in the Lakeview Hospital as we dealt with a very sick and very new little girl. Janene has even helped an exhausted Angie bring little ones into the world in unfamiliar German birthing centers. 

This time there was only the need to pray together to thank the Lord for this beautiful, perfect little girl. Heather looked so well and happy to have little Jesse in her arms. Heather played the part of the seasoned old pro (well, not so old) telling the nurses what to do, feeding this new baby, and letting each of us take a turn with her. 

 The little tyke was not so little, pegging the scales at 8 lbs. 3oz.. Getting to see her born was a joy that Janene was able to have one more time. For Grandpa, it was a thrill to be there before she was even an hour old. Heather's friend, Crystal was there to enjoy and photograph the big event.

 After nursing, Jesse was ready for her first little nap when Grandma took her. There is nothing like the experience of being able to hold a little girl in your arms when just a few minutes before, she was just a lump in your daughter's belly.

 The perfect Dad and perfect Mom with a perfect little baby girl. (I hope it doesn't sound like I am bragging) Every time I witness this miracle, I am humbled to think that God actually trusts us with His children. I cried as I left the hospital knowing that we have seen one more sign of His love for us.