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

Lovely Month of June

My favorite flowers are in bloom!

Dear Family and Friends,


I am always amazed to see the Lord's hand in our lives. Today, watch and be aware of the Lord's tender mercies to you. They may come in many forms - a call from a friend, a helping hand, a smile, an answer to pray. Decide what you can do today to let the Lord's influence be felt in the lives of others. 

Service generally doesn't come in grandiose ways, but through small and simple acts of love. There is nothing more rewarding than serving others. See this touching video - Our Hands

This past week I was putting together a scrapbook for a dear sister who is moving to England. I gathered pictures from members and what supplies I could find. I set aside two days and invited the sisters to come join me, but everyone seemed to be busy.  I thought I might be doing this project by myself. 

Wednesday morning I prayed and asked the Lord to send someone to help me that day, an hour later I received an email from a member who said she and her daughter would be there that afternoon. We had a delightful time creating scrapbook pages together. The next morning, I asked Heavenly Father again to send someone to help. I began the project by myself, but soon a sister from the branch joined me.  It was a perfect opportunity to get better acquainted with her. We finished the book!

I've learned Heavenly Father cares about those things that are important to us. He is always willing to send help if we but ask.

Our District at Rock'n Joe's - a weekly event following our meeting

Every six weeks the missionaries have moves, often included in this process is a Zone Development Day. This is a time for the 30 missionaries in our zone to spend some time together having fun and getting better acquainted.

Crazy Missionaries

Croagh Patrick Hike --

June 21, 2014   Today we went on another YSA adventure. This time we were off to County Mayo to climb Croagh Patrick, considered by the Irish to be a holy mountain.

This is where Saint Patrick is said to have fasted 40 days for penance in 441 AD. Legend also has it that Croagh Patrick is the mount from which he banished snakes from Ireland forever!   (FYI - There are no snakes in Ireland!)

The Hiking group - Elder Weber is along to drive

“Its religious significance dates back to the time of the pagans, when people are thought to have gathered here to celebrate the beginning of harvest season. Each year thousands visit the mountain and make the pilgrimage to honor Ireland’s patron saint. Some people even climb the mountainside barefoot, as an act of penance.”  (Teach na Miasa)  

On the way up we saw a few individuals hiking barefooted. 

"How in the world can they do that!"

The scene below was simply breathtaking. 

The first part of the hike was tiring, but easy compared to the upward rocky ascent the group took after I left. 

We took several breaks along the way. I made it perhaps halfway and was exhausted. The higher we went the steeper the climb became. I was concerned about getting back down safely and thought it too risky to continue. Svetlana and I decided to head back down. We found even descending the trail was arduous. I was completely wasted by the time we arrived back at the car. 

The trail was very steep, as seen in the above photo, and strewn with rocks and loose shale. 

The young'uns of course, were climbing with ease. It took them about 4 ½ hours to make the round trip.

Upper right picture is Destiny, a cool kid in our branch. He is only ten years old, but he toughed it out to the top. We were proud of him. On the left Elder Crittendon is taking good care of Destiny as he takes him by the hand over the rocky shale. Below is Elder Hale, Elder Crittendon, Alex, Elder Ilory and Destiny all excited with their accomplishment. It was a good day!


Our Irish Friends --

This lovely family are the Jensen's (Yensen). Brother Jensen is from Denmark. He has been Branch President and in the presidency several times. He is a high councilor now. Sister Jensen is Primary President; their daughter, Veronica, Young Women's President and William, first Councilor to Elder Weber. They are surely stalwarts in the branch and have been here forever. Good people!

These are the Connelly's, Joseph, Patrick, and Izzy, our friends from the Waterford Branch. They came up on a Sunday to visit us.

We love you and thank everyone for your concern and prayers in our behalf. We want you to know we are thinking of you.

Love Elder & Sister Weber, Mom & Dad, Grandpa & Grandma