Family Pictures

Thought we would add some more pictures that have been taken in the past couple of weeks. Here we go!
Abigail is growing like a little weed, but it seems like her sisters are as well! Here are some pictures of Savannah and Vanessa, they are as cute as little bugs!




Now for some of the other kids-





And we have saved the best for last! Presenting the next-to-last place car at this year's Pinewood Derby! We can thank Granddaddy for his excellent design! :)

New Picture of First Presidency

A good friend of ours sent us this new picture of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We have always had a picture like this in our home somewhere, usually in a high traffic area to remind us of who we are and why we are here. After President Faust died last year we did not get a new one as every time we went to a church distribution center or Deseret Book we couldn't seem to find one. Then President Hinckley died and we have been waiting to see a formal picture of the new First Presidency - here it is. President Monson is the rock, always steady and reliable. President Eyring brings the enthusiasm and upbeat, optimistic attitude that we should all have despite our many troubles. President Uchtdorf is the missionary-minded trailblazer that is willing to do anything. May the Lord bless these men in their capacity as leaders to make good decisions, take firm stands against opposition when necessary, and love without reservation.

The Circle of Life

I love the spring season as our irises, tulips, and crocuses start to poke their heads up through the cold soil and soak in the momentary sunshine. It is a season of renewal and awakening and is so welcome after the dark days of winter. This renewal was played out in our family in a one week timespan and I am grateful to be a part of it as it provides a better understanding of who we are and why we are here.
On Sunday, February 24 our grandfather, William LeGay Beck, passed away at the age of 87. (Thanks to Sandy for the great picture of Grandpa "smiling.") Grandpa had been sick for a while and it was not unexpected, but it is not something you can prepare for nor can you ever know how you will react. Kathryn and I are happy that he is now free of his pain and incapacities but we will miss his quiet strength and his willingness to do what was right no matter what the task. I personally have come to an understanding of why he loved to count the tithing after church each Sunday, it makes one grateful for the sacrifices that go unseen by so many others. Thanks Grandpa, for allowing me to be a part of your life and sharing things with you that I am sure had you scratching your head many times. Grandma gave me the opportunity to say the family prayer at the funeral and never have I been so nervous to address not only God but the legacy of Grandpa and Grandma Beck. Grandma, we love you and pray for your continued health and strength, both in body and spirit.
With death comes life and that part of the circle came to us on Sunday with the birth of Abigail Hazel Nelson, our 10th child.

Abigail came to our family weighing 5 lbs. 10 oz and measuring 18 1/2 inches long. Both Kathryn and Abigail are doing well, resting before coming home to the tornado that our other children will be.

She is a typical Nelson with blond hair and blue eyes. Kathryn and I are so grateful for the opportunity to be her parents, we know that there are others who do not have same opportunities and our heart goes out to them. Keep the faith, the Lord hasn't forgotten about you and does hear your prayers, of that I can certainly testify. I love this little girl and can't wait to introduce her to her brothers and sisters.

She came into the world wide-eyed and ready to go, an obedient little girl so far as she was nearly breech in the womb but turned on her mother's insistence and the doctor's gentle push.

Hopefully all of our family and friends get an opportunity to meet this special little girl some day, I am sure she will keep all of us busy for a long time to come.