Friday, July 24, 2009

Pioneer Day at the Salon

On July 24th we had a special car show in the parking lot of the retail center where our salon is located. We set up a booth in fron of the salon and all the stylists were wearing their Shear Genius T-Shirts. From left to right is Sharon, Christina, (Olivia - stylist in training), Carrie & Jenika. These are 4 of our 7 employees. Jillian and Kyrie weren't in attendance and Becky recently joined the team as well.



Sunday, July 19, 2009

The Fruits of Our Labors

This morning I wandered out into my back yard with a bowl and started harvesting raspberries from some healthy bushes planted along my west fence line.

I immediately thought back to a brisk day in April of last year when three of my grandchildren and I dug in the cold dirt and planted some twigs in the ground. On that day I wrote in my blog, "Someday when they are eating Nana's raspberry jam made from the berries from our yard, I hope they will look back and remember this day and how much their Papa loves them!"



Today I look back and remember that day and ponder how the time has past so quickly. Those dry little sticks planted in the ground with love have yielded a beautiful fruit, "the fruit of our harvest". I can't help but think of this as a mini parable. Often times we strike out with faith and make a simple effort with hope that our efforts and initiative is not in vain. Though the blessings that come from such an effort may not be immediate, with a little care, a little patience and alot of love we are eventially rewarded by the fruits of our labors.

These raspberry bushes will bear fruit for years and the love I have for my grandchildren, "the laborers in the vineyard", will endure for an eternity.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Happy, Happy Birthday to My Dear Husband !



Today is Robert's birthday (and yes, our Happy Anniversary too) . It's difficult to imagine life without him because he's been in my life for over 30 years. He's been a source of strength, comfort, protection, love, and sometimes irritation (hah - I couldn't let this be all mushy!) I hope he's around for another 30 or 40 years, so that we can grow old together. I pray that God continues to bless this good man of mine with health and stamina and the grace to continue to guide our family for many years to come.
Thanks for being my hero. Thanks for being you. Thanks for being mine. Thanks for your strong testimony and for being there for our family.
Love your Eternal wife Jill

Happy Anniversary!


It seems like yesterday, but it has now been 33 years since I looked across the altar at the Logan Temple and beheld a vision of beauty agree to accept me as her eternal companion. That was the greatest day of my life and the beginning of our Eternal Family. I pray that I may be worthy of the wonderful blessings I was given then and have been given since. Happy Anniversary, to my lovely wife and companion.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Ethans Baptism on the 4th of July

Ethan Travis Skabelund was Baptized
and Confirmed a member of The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints by
his dad Travis Glen Skabelund on July 4th 2009

We are so pleased with your decision to be
baptized. Ethan your good example to your
friends and family. We love you very much!

Robert and I invited Jennifer, Dallas and Olivia to drive with us to Medford Oregon to Ethans baptism. They were excited to come with especially Dallas so he could see his brother Brent. We left at 6 pm (because of work) and got there at 7 am. Olivia is almost 2 yrs. in Oct. She did really good in the car for 12-13 hrs. Yes, we drove straight through. I usually like to stop half way through and get some needed sleep. Robert likes keep on going and drives the most of the time. We had a great time there seeing family and getting lots of hugs.
Lexie shared her talent and played the piano for us. We really enjoyed her music. Jennifer came over and gave Madison a hair cut while Lexie decorated a birthday cake for Ethan.

Bryson dressed up in a costume from Star Wars that Ethan got for his birthday.
In the evening we sat around the fire and had smores and enjoyed the cooler night air.
The 4th went to see Ethan get Baptized. Robert gave a wonderful talk on baptism. We took some pictures and then headed back to Kathlene's and Travi's house for a big we had a big BBQ. We later watched 2 hrs of fireworks in their back yard. We enjoyed every minute we spent sitting back, visiting and watching Travis and his friend Tom set off their (illegal) fireworks. They were GREAT! Maybe we will see you same time and same place next year. I know you have some saved for the next "stadium of fire".

We're happy we made it there for Ethan's special day. Thank you for letting us stay with you. We love you guys! See you hopefully sooner than later.

Kathlene posing for me :)
Allison, Ethan, Lexie and Madison cooling off and having fun swimming.

I love these pictures I took of Robert holding Olivia's hand while
riding home in the car. She didn't want him to let go of her hand.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Happy July 3rd Birthday !




Happy Birthday to our 2nd child Kelli. We
wish we could be there to celebrate it with you! We
hope you have a good day with your family. We love you lots!

Mom and Dad