Ivy and Joseph and their six children moved in with us this week.  They then went to a 4-day, 3-night family reunion at Dayton, Washington.  As they left, Nathan and Leslie and three kids came for a 4-day visit.

My main goal these days is to maintain a "simple and consistent environment" for Marjorie.  Her mind is deteriorating.  This week has been confusing for her.  Some of her questions this week are disturbing:

"Who's the couple that moved in with us?"

"Ivy and Joseph."

"Who's Ivy?"

"She's our youngest daughter."

"How many children does she have?"

"Six."

"Did you invite them?"

"We both did."

I expect our new living arrangement to be a blessing to both us and to Ivy's family.  It's probably time for us to have some help.  It's necessary that we introduce Ivy and Joseph into Marjorie's environment now and to establish a new norm.

Marjorie is still just as fun and cheerful as she ever was.  I love her with all my heart.  She needs me.  I am her memory, and she depends upon me for everything.  She's just fine as long as I'm around, but I think that she'd be totally lost without me.  My constant prayer, therefore, is that I can outlive her, and maintain the strength and health necessary to care for her.  She'll be happy and content as long as I'm around.

If something should happen to me, however, then it will be necessary to have Ivy in the equation.  I'm grateful that conditions are as they are to put Ivy here with us.  It is obvious that the Lord is watching over and blessing us.

I am so grateful for my Savior.  This has been a wonderful life.  It's all because of Him.

Because of Him I have been able to repent.

Because of Him I have covenants.

Because of Him I can serve.

Because of Him I have Marjorie and an eternal marriage.

Because of Him I have 10 wonderful children, 56 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, two on the way; and they're all active in the Church.

Because of Him I have the Book of Mormon, faith, hope, happiness, joy, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the promise of an even more glorious future.

Life is very, very good.  Marjorie and I are both enjoying our life, our marriage, our family, and this beautiful place where we're blessed to be able to live.

I'm excited to get settled into a new routine.