A thought

F A M I L Y

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,
"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.

He said, "Please excuse me too;
I wasn't watching for you."

We were very polite, this stranger and I.
We went on our way and we said goodbye.

But at home a different story is told,
How we treat our loved ones, young and old.

Later that day, cooking the evening meal,
My son stood beside me very still.

When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.
"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.

He walked away, his little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.

While I lay awake in bed,
God's still small voice came to me and said,

"While dealing with a stranger,
Common courtesy you use,
But the family you love, you seem to abuse.

Go and look on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.

Those are the flowers he brought for you.
He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.

He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,
You never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

By this time, I felt very small,
And now my tears began to fall.

I quietly went and knelt by his bed;
"Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.

"Are these the flowers you picked for me?"
He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.

I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.
I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."

I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;
I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."
He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay.
I love you anyway."

I said, "Son, I love you too,
And I do like the flowers, especially the blue."



Family is the most important thing I have. Sometimes, at least for me, I do treat strangers better than I do my own family. I'm sorry for that and I hope you'll forgive me. I know there are relationships I need to work on.

I will work at being a better example to my kids for that's where they learn how to treat their family and those around them. I will do better at being a better mom, wife, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, daughter-in-law, aunt, grand daughter and friend.

I Love you all!

Val & Kathy Draper Family Reunion

Our annual Draper Family Reunion was July 24-27. Lesa was in charge this year and reserved a house in Bear Lake! Bear Lake is where our family vacationed almost every year when we were younger. It was a lot of fun! On Thursday, we arrived, unpacked, the boys went boating while the mom's and kids went to the beach. The kids loved playing in the sand and water. That night, raspberry shakes, of course. Friday was all day at the beach. We rented a couple wave runners which were fun. That night, raspberry shakes again! Saturday, golfing in the morning, followed by the lake. We rented a water weanie for the day. I never did hear who won the golfing. Saturday night, Lesa had everyone prepare a talent for the talent show. I am not into that stuff, but everyone participated in one way or another. Starting with Kassidy doing her talent of screaming and barking like a dog. Sierra and Kassidy's dance and then Kace & Amy's handshake. Cody & Family did Goldie Locks and the 3 bear. Carrie & Shane's arms as Goldie locks, Dad (Val) and Casey's arms as Papa Bear, Mom(Kathy) and Angie's arms as Mama Bear, and Duff & Brady's arms as Baby Bear. It was really funny. Steve & Nikki & Family did a guitar song that Drake played on the guitar, Nikki clogged, Steve, Sierra & Makenzie sang while Tyson roped the chair. It was cute! The act of the night was next. Dave and Tracie did a clogging act to "The devil went down to Georgia" It as so funny. I thought Lesa was going to have her baby from laughing so hard. Lesa did her talent of "Betty Butter" that she did for her Dairy Princess pagent. Steve, Jake & Stevie did his CD of singing that he makes for the kids. Lindsay's talent was cookies! Yum Yum! Shane's talent was sticking his whole fist in his mouth. Carrie loaded her mouth with 53 grapes. Angie forgot her talent of drawing at home. Casey played the harmonica for us. Brady juggled. Mom played her accordian to the beer barrel polka. Dad sang with the grandkids and then read a poem. Steve & Duff were the judges and gave everyone a score. For the finale, Steve & Duff did a disapearing-stripping act. We ended tne night with peach cobbler. Yum! Sunday we packed up and headed home. Thanks to Lesa for planning the reunion and to Mom & Dad for their help and paying for it! We love you all and enjoy spending time as a family.

Scout Camp

Kace and Duff spent the last week in the High Uintahs at Scout Camp. Scout camp started with the "Polar Plunge". The rest of the week was spent earning merit badges, playing, etc. Duff decided to take a bike ride by himself. He took a wrong turn and ended up on a 30+ mile bike ride. It was fun though. Scout camp ended with a hike down and through a cave. Duff and Kace both said it was one of the coolest caves they've been in, better than Timpanogas. Ice hanging down, narrow tunnels, complete darkness and tons of things to explore. We're glad they're home!

Gr & Gr Cousin Party

Gr. & Gr D hosted their annual cousins over 5 party on Monday & Tuesday. They hiked Timpanogas on Monday. The boys talked Grandpa into a knife. The girls each picked out a treasure. Then they headed to lunch at Chuck-a-rama! Wallie, the movie, later that night put Grandpa and Grandma to sleep, but the kids enjoyed it. Tuesday was the Zoo day. It sounded like a great time. The cousins had so much fun together! Thanks to Grandma & Grandpa for spending the time and energy to be with the kids! They love you and enjoy the time they spend with you. Thanks again.

Kassidy's Baptism

Kassidy got baptised into our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, on Saturday, July 5th. It's was really neat. I'm glad she made the choice to be baptised. She also recieved the gift of the Holy Ghost when she was confirmed by her dad. After the baptism and confirmation, family and friends were invited over for a lunchen. Thank you to all who came to support Kassidy. We love you! Hopefully I'll find the camera to post pictures soon.