Home for Sale

I know that there are so many of you out there that would love to buy a nice Tooele home for a great price . . . Kathryn and I put our home up for sale last week and we had a 100% increase in the number of people that have looked at the home in comparison to last fall when we had it up for sale. Kathryn and the children worked very hard to clean it up and it looks as good as it has been in a long time. We have a video tour of it so check out the link when you get a moment. Tell all of your friends and neighbors, especially those that are looking for a nice 5 bedroom, 3 bath, great neighborhood, nice yard (100's of roses in bloom right now, the photos don't do it justice), and is close to schools.

Here is the link to the video tour - Video Tour of Greg and Kathryn's Home.

Abi's Blessing

Abi's blessing happened yesterday on Sunday, April 20 (Aunt Holly's birthday as well!) and it went off like a charm. She looked like a little princess in her outfit and the tiara that Kathryn had for her. I got to the church early to save some seats with the kids, Kathryn and Abi were to be there when Kathryn was ready to go. Well, church started and they weren't there yet. I was sweating bullets on the stand but thankfully they walked in during the opening hymn and I could relax a little. Then after the bishop read the letter from the First Presidency he started to go right into the sacrament portion of the meeting and I had to tug on his suit coat. Poor Jess, he felt bad about that but with all that he has to worry about, I don't think I would have remembered either. Although this is the 10th blessing for our children, it never gets old nor does it get routine. Each one is special and each one is different. After the 3-hour block we all retreated to our home and enjoyed each others company over a light lunch. The kids played and the adults talked, it was very enjoyable.
Thanks to all of those who went to great lengths to be there and bring things. We know that many of you got up early to travel to Tooele, Kathryn and I know what a struggle that can be sometimes. We are so thankful to be around good family members who love us and support us, it truly is a blessing to be home.

Abigail Blessing Update

Kathryn and I apologize to those of you who made or bought food for Abigail's blessing yesterday, we tried to find a way to do it but 4 sick kids didn't allow it to happen. We have rescheduled for this Sunday and hope that everybody is better by then. We understand that some of you will not be able to attend due to prior commitments and we are sorry to hear that, we will miss you. Yesterday was a long day for us, lots of technicolor yawn messes, multiple loads of laundry, several baths, and I had meetings and tithing until after 7:00 PM. These are the days you remind yourself that being a parent is a wonderful thing. Now for pictures (not taken yesterday, yech!) of the culprits!

Struggles in the Birdcage

I read an interesting article the other day about Asperger's Syndrome from the perspective of an LDS adult. We know that Brennan has Asperger's and he struggles with it every day in one form or another. Dallin is different, he displays some traits of Asperger's and then there are some things that he does that are completely different. Last Fall, Kathryn and I visited a neurosurgeon at Primary Childrens Hospital to talk about Dallin's condition. We found out that the two halves of the brain are connected by a tissue (I am a web programmer, not a doctor!) that allows interaction between the two halves. Dallin is missing 75% of that tissue- yet he still continues to function! He has such a sweet-loving spirit but there are several things that are so very difficult for him. Brennan wants to do the right thing most of the time and he has a fantastic long-term memory (better than Mom or Dad's) but he struggles too. It is a learning process on all sides as we love both of these boys and they are an important part of our family. Take a look at the article and see if you can learn how to relate to these two wonderful spirits! Click here to read the article.

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.