Back to Life!

I find my last post ironic. I can't say that I loved the last 3 months, but I am loving that they are behind me, and I am where I am now.
I don't remember anything about Christmas, or the 4 family birthdays that past by--but I do know life does go on..... and next year has to be better. (right?) I know we all have our turn to be stretched to the point where we think we are going to break. This is when we experience growth. I just hope for a break between those growth spurts.

Now- I must say, I am so blown away at the kindness and inspiration of others. We had so many meals brought to us (with and without the relief society involved). Some nights two meals would show up. (from people that make me wonder "How do they have time?") My favorite was getting a random call by someone who had just made too much for their family to eat and if they could bring some over it would help them out. I have so much to learn from these people.

Next- I have to say I am married to SUPERMAN! Don't get me wrong he can pull off a pretty convincing Clark Kent, but when "Our Metropolis" is in trouble- he is super human!! He has been both Mom and Dad...cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, school spotlights, science fair projects, book reports, daily homework, practicing, & lessons, while clocking in 40 hrs a week of engineering, and his bishopric meetings. (unbelievable) Now that I'm feeling better... I see more Clark, but I don't mind-- he will always be superman to me! Honey- if you ever read this. I LOVE YOU!

It is so good to be feeling better, and I know my Mom echos that. She has made a remarkable recovery and I am so thankful to still have her in my life. Thank you everyone for your fasting and prayers on her behalf. It worked!!!!!

Here's hoping the next 3 months are more lovable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well Done Thy Good and Faithful Servant

Elder Wirthlin has been a favorite of mine for a while now. I will miss his cute, funny personality, but he has indeed earned his rest from this mortal life. His last conference talked "Come What May, and Love It" was so good and just what I needed this year. One sentence from that talk stuck out and rings in my head at least once a day.

"If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness."

I love that he played football (even if it was for the U) and loved sports. He was so down to earth. He reminds me so much of my grandpa who also lived to see a busy age of 91. What great examples these men are. He will be missed, but I smile when I think of where he is now.

I am Thankful for...

*I am most thankful for the five other people in this picture. They are my world!

*I am also thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and His Plan of Salvation.

* I am thankful for my dear Friends. I have the Best!

*I am thankful for all the material things that make my life easier, hoping that they are not inhibiting my progression in this life.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Birthday Boy

Four years ago.

We weren't sure he was going to make it this far. Those poor angels assigned to this kid have had a run for their money.

Halloween

Since I voted on Halloween,I'll post my Halloween pictures on voting day. Another easy Halloween. (no sewing this year)

This is the last time I sewed costumes. I think I got it all out of my system that year. ha ha

My favorite "trick or treater" this year was the cutest little bo peep I've ever seen.

Our Fall Break

We have an on going argument in our family on whether it takes money to have fun. Oh we know you don't need money to have fun, but we all take turns believing it. Last January we'd planned to do Disneyland this week for fall break.....yada yada yada.... we are in Utah this week. Anyways Dave (bless his heart) was determined to show us that you can have a good time without spending money. So we took the kids the Logan for the day. (I think he was inspired by how poor we were in college.) We've never takin our kids back to Utah State so at least it was new for them. They loved climbing the stairs at Old Main Hill and running as fast as they could back down. They also climbed on all the fountains and statues. Free Fun! We did stop for Aggie ice cream which I reminded him costs money, but Dave is a huge ice cream fan and it was a good deal. I wasn't going to argue with that.

Carter crashed half way down, it's steeper then it looks.

On the way home we stopped and visited Uncle Greg and Aunt Erin and had some dinner. Then we stopped in Paradise where my cousin lives and ended up going to a farm for a Halloweenie Roast. This cute Family opens up their farm for people to come visit. They take you on a ride pulled by a tractor (drivin by a cute little grandma) to tour tons of Halloween scenes. (8 years in the making) They also had barrel rides for the little kids and a haunted barn for the older ones. The kids loved it! And guess what IT WAS FREE!!! They do it cause they think that's what Grandpa would want. (the grandpa who handed down the farm) That was perfect for Dave's crusade for free fun.
So somehow we managed to have a lot of fun on a little money. Side note- Yes I did buy Utah State t's but they were only 5 bucks!

P.S. I have nothing against Disneyland, fun resorts, boats, ATV's, cruises, or anything else that expensive fun. ha ha

Mommy & Bree Date

Tonight Bree and I went to a Jenny Oaks Baker concert. We just love her! We have a few of her Cd's but had never seen her live. She is AWESOME and so fun to watch. She played with the Utah Youth Symphony which I am also very impressed with. Kurt Bestor was there too. He's always fun to hear from. After the concert we got to meet her and she was so sweet! I 'm so happy that Bree has someone like her for a role model. Oh ya and we also literally bumped into her Dad three times tonight... so on our way out we asked for a photo. We think he's pretty cool too.