By Nettie H. Francis

I am from a large family, and my parents raised children, not pets. No cat. No dog. I was never introduced to the task of caring for animals. However, wanting to be a good mother,
I eventually gave in to my own children’s pleading for a pet.

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By Nettie H. Francis
Last month we celebrated Autumn with a joyful harvest. Among other things, we harvested our garden…a bit unexpectedly. The overnight frost forced us to gather tomatoes, peppers, squash, melons, potatoes, and onions into our dining room. Our kitchen table suddenly became a cornucopia, spilling over onto the floor. Although we were sorry for the end of the season, we were filled with joy at seeing what our labors had produced. The spring and summer months of planting, weeding and watering were suddenly worth it.

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By Nettie H. Francis
In the summertime my family thoroughly enjoys the freedom of no school and no schedule. Still, after a few weeks of sleeping in, staying up late, and lounging during the afternoons, we needed some summer tools to help us survive the long, hot days. Here are some things I consider “summer sensations,” essential items to enjoying summer with children.

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By Nettie H. Francis
Ravaging storms are everywhere…Japan, Missouri, Massachusetts. Unpredictable times and strange weather seem to be the common newscasts lately. Besides physical storms, however, another storm is also brewing in America. Not a rainstorm, or a hailstorm, or a snow storm, or even a hurricane or a tornado – a storm of morality.

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By Nettie H. Francis
We found it at last! The vehicle which five car salesmen said “didn’t exist”: An 11 passenger, all-wheel-drive van with doors on both sides. Can I just say…we were right and they were wrong. Actually, Heavenly Father was right. He heard our very specific prayers and sent a very specific answer.

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