Christmas in Ireland

Dear Friends and Family,

We never know those lives we may touch through small, seemingly insignificant acts. Last Friday night we attended the missionary Christmas concert in Limerick. Elders and Sisters serving throughout Ireland made up the choir.
When we arrived we heard that Anna was attending the concert that night. Gary and I met Anna several months ago working in a shop at the mall.  As Anna helped us, we learned she was an emigrant from Poland. Before we left we felt impressed to give her a pass-a-long card. We encouraged her to check out the web site.  We found out later that she looked at the site and then talked to her neighbor who is a member of the church. He asked her who the missionaries were that gave her the card. Anna didn't know our names, but she said they were an older missionary couple and the Elder had a yellow flower in his lapel. The member knew right away it was Elder and Sister Weber. He invited her to the upcoming Christmas concert at the church and she actually changed her work schedule so she might attend.
It was such a wonderful surprise to see her there at the program. I believe it was one of Heavenly Father's tender mercies. It brings such a warm wonderful feeling to your heart when you can touch someone's life and most often it happens through very small means. Don't be afraid to reach out.

One of our favorite sights in Ireland is the Giant's Causeway located in northern Ireland an hour from Belfast and 5 hours from Galway. We visited the sight several times when Ben, Allison and Bonnie came to see us.

As you can see the Causeway has amazing rock formations

In the picture above, I am standing by a walk-way that goes between stone pillars on either side. Not until our third visit did we notice that hundreds of coins have been wedged in all the cracks, up and down these pillars and around the side of the rocks on the left. We have no idea why. It's a mystery?

This picture was taken at our last Zone training meeting in October. The next transfer we lost our dear Elder Ilori sitting on the front row by Elder Campbell.

We had our branch Christmas party last Saturday on the 6th. We topped if off with a talent show and games. It was a grand night for all who attended. We had 32 members there.

Knowing it was Elder Weber's birthday the next day, Sister O'Toole made him a chocolate birthday cake. It was so thoughtful of her. Everyone sang to him. Of course, he was embarrassed. He hates being the center of attention, but still I think he was pleased that he was remembered.

Link: May the true spirit of Christmas fill your heart this holiday season.

We love you and wish you the happiest and sublimes' of holidays.

Love Mom and Dad, Grandpa and grandma, Elder and Sister Weber

September Adventures With Bonnie and Allison

Dear Friends and Family,

The lovely Sister Missionaries of the Limerick Zone pose with President Brown's wife. The Sisters add such a heavenly touch to the mission. The tall Sister on the right is our sweet Sister Henkle. She is from Germany and arrived in Waterford the same week we did. She is awesome, one of our favorites. Sister Henkle and her companion have a special calling as Sister Trainers, a relatively new assignment in the missions due to the increased number of young women serving missions. She and her companion travel around Ireland working with Sister companionships and training new Sisters. 

We had a delightful time when our two daughters, Bonnie and Allison, came to visit. We took them to several of the favorite tourist sights, but most of all we just enjoyed hugging and being together. Gary and I were more homesick after they left for home then before they came.

Alli was with us for almost 4 weeks. That was a special treat. 

As we traveled around, we found wild blackberries everywhere along the roadside. We made a few pitstops to snack on these tasty little treats.

A view of the interior of Blarney Castle. This was the main family living area. The remains of a fireplace can be seen below. 

The different rooms and levels were accessed by narrow, steep staircases, like the one on the left. They were scary to climb. Metal handrails been have installed for tourists. I wonder what they used originally? In one castle we visited there were rope handrails. That is probably more likely what they had back then. 


If I were living in a castle, I would have heart failure worrying about my children traversing these dangerous staircases, as these provided the only access to bedrooms, other living areas and the kitchen.

Kissing the Blarney Stone is suppose to bestow eloquence of speech or the gift of gab.
No one really knows where the Blarney Stone originated. It was set into a tower of the castle in 1446.

Allison and Bonnie decided they would go for it. This picture doesn't really show how far you have to lean back and slide down in order to kiss the stone. 

The grounds around the castle were beautiful.

   Top - Bon and Ali at front entrance of the Blarney House. On our stroll around the castle grounds        we found this huge tree just perfect for a picture.

Blarney House on the grounds of Blarney Castle

        There were beautiful hanging baskets and barrels of flowers everywhere.  


















Elder Ilori and Elder Campbell are scrambling to be the first to get to the cookies. We love our Elders, they are the best in the mission!

This is our sweet Elder Ilori, we sure love him. We were lucky enough to have him here for six months. This transfer he was sent to Dublin and we are going to miss him. You get really close to some of these young people. They feel just like your own!


Love you all and hope you've enjoyed this mini tour-----We love our mission, it is one of the best decisions we made.

Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Elder and Sister Weber

Beautiful Summer!

I declare I need to get a post out!

Dear Family and Friends,
A few weeks ago we were at the Stake Center in Dublin for seminary graduation taking place later that evening. We happened to be in the Family History room. Gary was preparing an institute lesson and I was working on a blog. A member who was also waiting came in and began indexing. I felt prompted by the Spirit that I should be indexing too. I thought about it, than pulled up a page and began. It felt good. Indexing is a very spiritual work. Watch this video about one indexer's experience. The Voice What about you! Yes, anyone who may be reading this blog? (Bonnie and Allison) Have you indexed any documents lately? If you've never tried, it's easy to learn. Everyone's help is needed! This is such an important work! It could be part of your contribution to family history. Just to help you out here is the link.  Indexing site

Killarney National Park

July 5th - We had another amazing YSA adventure at Killarney National Park, in southwest Ireland. I always look forward to these excursions. It's so much fun to be with the young people and Brother and Sister Hale. While Elder Hale and several youth went hiking up Torq Mountain, the rest of us opted for a tour of the Muckross House and walks to Torq Falls and the Muckross Abbey, about 8 kilometres away.

The Muckross Abbey was established in 1488. The ruins of the Abbey are in remarkable shape. 

Sister Hale and I in front of Muckross Abbey

I thought this headstone was interesting - 

"This Stone Was Erected by Peter and Timoy Scannell of Roshalue for themsels and Posty. Dated May the 14th 1810." (The symbol at the bottom looks like scissors. What do you think?)

The "Y" after Timo & poste is called the English thorn. It represents the sound "th". So it would be Timoth. The next one is a mystery, I think they were trying to write posterity. 

Looking from inside the ruins to the surrounding cemetery.

We ate a hearty lunch before beginning our hikes. Upper right is the ruins of the abbey chapel. A central courtyard in the ruins has a Yew tree growing in the center. This particular variety of tree has a rippled surface, it is very unusual. It's the first time I've ever seen one. According to a plaque, Yew trees are found in most cemeteries and monastic sites in Ireland. 

Interesting fact: Ireland has an average yearly rainfall of 47 inches, raining 50% of the days. On a world-wide scale it ranks 80, New Guinea being first. Glad we're not there.

The Muckross house was built in 1843 for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife. With sixty-five rooms, it was built in the Tudor style. Extensive improvements were undertaken in the 1850s in preparation for the visit of Queen Victoria in 1861. She did come, but stayed only one night. It was later sold and turned into a hunting lodge. In 1932, the House and it's 11,000 acres became the first National Park in Ireland. We went on a tour of the house. It was amazing. 

This lovely garden is behind the Muckross house. Here the roses have been trained into trees. It was so beautiful. I have never seen such brilliant red roses. I would say they were Chinese red.

On the way to the falls we walked through some beautiful garden areas. YSA at the falls.

Horse, cart and driver - He's ready to take you where ere' ye fancy.

Proof that I made it to the Falls. I thought the tree on the right had such an interesting shape.

 On the way home the road passed through the town of Killarney. The whole place was chock-a-block with people. They were holding the annual "Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle." People from all over Ireland were there for the event.  I think you would agree, they had some interesting decorations. 
It was a 3-hour drive back to Galway. We were sure tuckered out by the time we pulled in, but it was a wonderful day! 

We love you all,

Elder and Sister Weber, Mom and Dad, Grammy and Gramps 

The Best Part of the Weber Family!

Dear Family, Friends and Our Lovely Grandchildren Everyone,

These precious children are truly the best part of the Weber Clan. What an amazing experience it has been to see each unique personality come into our family and then to watch them grow over the years into such wonderful, talented individuals. We love them more than words can express. The following video, conveys the love we have for them. - Let The Children Come Unto Me

Look at these three amazing guys! Garron, Devon & Jarric Weber. I remember them 
as little boys running around our house and getting into mischief.

Addy, the newest member of Ammon and Terie's family, then our lovely little ballerina, 
Ambry, and last but not least, lovely Cierra!

Our graduates - Devon and Malory - wish we could have been there. We are so proud of them! 
We can't believe they are all grown up. Oh my!

This cute little guy, Tre Leon, is the newest member
of the Weber clan, he joined us in February. His 
Mom is Janice, our second oldest daughter, and 
her husband, Tracey Collins. At 5 months, Tre is 
already learning how to swim. His parents are dive 
instructors so it only makes sense. 

What a stud! Tre Leon you are so cool!

Hey look at me!

Tre Leon Collins & Leah Weber

Sean & Alessia

Sweet little Marika is our artist. She is always 
dazzling us with her lovely creations.

Upper left - Close cousins-Malory & Cierra, right Jarric wins a weight-lifting medal, 
Lower left 3 boys all big into sports, two cuties - Ambry & Raegen. 
What are you two up to?

Wiley Sean, Marika, Alessia Weber

Sean is always planning something mischiev-ious. You can see it in his little face.
His target is often Marika.

Marika has many artistic projects that keep her busy. She is quite a writer and loves to draw. She also plays the violin.

Alessia has grown into such a lovely talented young woman. She plays violin and teaches ice skating lessons at a local rink.

Emma & Leah Weber

Here is double dynamite rolled into one. Energy and mischievousness to spare, more than enough to keep Matt and Mindi on their toes.

They are always busy and bouncing mostly on the trampoline.

Hannah is the calming force in the tornado.

Hannah, Emma & Leah at Arches National Park

Three little bugs in a rug, so precious!                               Our sweet Hannah

Arianne & Kirra Goble

Arianne is amazing. She has a vivid imagination and loves the process of creating. One of her specialities is games. She also enjoys art projects.


Kirra is a lovely young woman, a prolific artistic and reader.

Diane Goble in her pretty pink hat! And Oh my, Becca Goble, what a character! 
These two are so cute! What can you say.

Caleb, Ammon Glen, & David Goble

Jacob Goble who isn't too
happy at the moment

Little Caleb is quite a character you never know what mischief is lurking behind those cute little eyes and grin.

Ammon David is another of Ed and Krista's children who has a real penchant for art. He will be 18 in September and a senior. It is hard to believe.

David is such a sweet guy, he can be mischievous too.

Jacob, the baby of the family, is just as cute as he can be.

A day at the zoo with Arianne, David, Caleb, Diane, Rebecca and Jacob

Giddy up Mr. Tortise, well Bryson I don't think
you will be winning any races today.

This cute little guy is Bryson Weber. He is always charming us with his antics!

Weber Trio - Malory, Trenton & Raegen

"Raegen you look so lovely! 
You bouncy little ball of energy.

Malory and Trenton - such cute kids

Big changes for the Malory, Trenton and Rae who have just moved from sunny Texas to Maine. Mal graduated from High School before the move and left her cheerleading days behind her. Trenton and Raegen will soon be adjusting to a new school, friends and routine.

Cousins hanging together - Alessia & Cierra

Here is our sweet little missionary, Sister Weber, in the Nebraska, Omaha Mission. She has been out since November. We love you Cierra.

What a wonderful bunch of Grandchildren. They bring us so much happiness and joy! There is nothing quite like being a grandparent. We are immensely proud of each one of them!

We love you all,  Love Grandpa and Grandma