“Thy Walls Continually Before Me”

As Starkey feet and hands reached for footholds or hand grips ascending a climbing wall this summer,

it seems 2012 has lauded welcome new sets of tiny hands and feet tumbling to earth from heavenly 

 reaches, 


     

while families here grapple daily to secure footholds and handgrips to steady little bodies

and growing souls extend in upward motion. 

 

Starkey stirrings of 2012 brought Lanae, her husband Patrick, toddler Spencer (now 2) and soon-to-emerge Amelia (now 8 mos.)  

                           

in a move from Florida to Washington State to congregate with eldest siblings-- one older, three younger.  

 

Jannette(top left) holds down a fort in Bellevue, supervising a clinical lab “on the clock,”deciding between an African adventure, an exotic cruise, or helping the homeless while she is “off.” 

Tom and April (lower right) launched a Quality Sleep mattress store in Monroe, between fishing trips with Eleanor (5) and Thomas (now 4) and building a shed with summertime Nanny Maria (now 18) 

 

who visited them and performed her Auntie magic, post-graduation/pre-BYU.

 

Tom & April are proudly announcing an addition to our Fourth of July fireworks—grandchild number ten, the flavor yet a mystery.   

Allina (top middle of older siblings) sent Riley (10), to visit late June, joining cousin Daniel in Utah for marksmanship, canoeing, and cub scouting prior to our patriotic parade in Paris, ID. 

An attentive angel must have relayed our prayers for Brianne’s Brent, 

who recently transferred from a 2 hour daily commute to a Boeing team within walking distance from home.  Pattering of feet is heard near their Renton Christmas tree with puppy

to entertain Kaleb (turning 5) and Zoey (2). 

In September, Seattle siblings welcomed Auntie Kristen & Uncle Zach from Utah, who brought Cousins William (2) and Savanna (now 8 mos.) to play and canvass a Seattle zoo together.  Earlier, Zach Ministered Finance in a children's theater Cinderella;

Kristen has tried her hand and is mastering sewing and raising rag dolls.

Amber married Jake Galli from Atlanta

before beginning her final semester at BYU.  
Jake, his sights on Air Force piloting  

with 1 ½ years left at BYU,

hopes to do what William’s whirligig does, when we twirl it for takeoff.  Zzzzzip!

 

 It flies…“Watch!”says Grandma, and we all watch! 

Val’s
foothold remains at Boeing, while Laurene feels for pedal hooks

in a Friday afternoon temple organ hymn.

Empty nesting, we are steadying our balance and watch amazing parents who have helped their children launch their whirligigs.  

Grandma Verla just published a book;

and she and Larry have welcomed daughter Marlene

 

into their home as all rejoice while burdens in that household are lifted;

Grandparents Glendon & Shirley embrace their Kaysville ward and the world as they proclaim their testimony and love.  

So, as we reach for handholds and good grips, the words resound: 

 “Thy walls are continually before me.”

  

(Isaiah 59:16, for “Behold I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands…”)  

May our hands grasp these kind Hands and those near us, drawing them close; may our feet ground themselves in goodness.  May the season bring a gathering

                                            that accompanies grandparenthood

                                                               

                                                            

  

and open arms.  May Christmas time bring the Spirit of Christ; may a New Year welcome growth!  Blessings to our friends near and far!  Love, the Starkeys