Deano has gone Webelo

Jake earned his Bear Badge this past week and has moved on to Webelos.
My favorite part of Scouts is having my son pin me once a year. I have a feeling this is probably Jake's least favorite part of Scouts.
Jake even got to have his face painted in the ceremony, to represent a bear.
And the best part...the pie eating contest and then running through the tunnel (made up of other Cub Scouts standing parallel and holding a sheet high in the air while shaking it). This was a fun night and we're proud of his progress. Way to go my awesome young man!

Trials Bring Growth

As the saying goes, "Out with the Old, and in with the new!"Our family has been through quite the upheaval over the last 3 months. On May 2nd Joe was one of the unlucky employees who got laid-off from Novell. As much as we wanted to be angry at Novell, the truth is, they were a good employer and provided for our family for many years. So, we parted from them with grateful hearts! There are not many more things as humbling as unemployment. Joe has been strong, determined and hard-working in his search for employment. We tried to buckle down on spending and our whole family put our faith in God and we knew things would work out. We weren't sure when, where, how....but we knew God was aware of our situation and we would be blessed.

There is something very special about paying tithes when you are fully reliant on the Lord. He gives us everything and to be able to give back, even if only a 10th, is a privilege. I think I felt better about paying tithes this past month, than any other time in the last 10 years. The less money we had, the deeper our commitment, and more satisfaction in our sacrifice (if you can call it that).

As another saying goes, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." That has truly been the case for our family. This trial really ranks more in the medium range, compared to some trials that have to be endured. But, regardless, Joe and I have been amazed at our children's faith and righteous desires. The children have been praying and fasting for new employment. The girls have been fasting here and there, even without our knowledge. We are so proud of the young adults they are becoming. Joe was able to secure employment with a large new company coming in to Utah. He will begin on August 1st. We feel so blessed with this employment offer and especially with a company with such solid footing (they are ranked 152 on the Fortune 500 list).

God is Great! He sent down His tender mercies to our little family this week and we cannot shout His praises loud enough. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Happily Ever After

In March I was called to serve as the second counselor in the Stake Young Women's organization. Can I just tell you....I love the YW!?! This is such an awesome calling to have and a privilege to work with such incredible YW and leaders. I got to attend stake girls' camp at the Heber property. The weather was beautiful (except for a few hours of rain which added some variety) and it was a great time for all. I got to do "double duty" and also serve as the nurse. Not so sure I want that assignment again. Tick check, anyone?

I am amazed at the service given by those who were called. Sandy Hanks was the Stake Camp Director and did a wonderful job. Also, Doreen Rhoades and Brenda Gentry prepared the food for 220 people. They worked SO HARD and put blood, sweat and tears into the food prep. (ha, not really, that would be gross!) You know what I mean. I love all these women and made new and wonderful friends. What fun!

Both my daughters, Morgan and Kelsey, attended this year which made it extra special. I'm not sure if they knew how to take me being there, but in the long run, I think I wasn't too much of an embarrassment.

Deano is Double Digits

It's true! My crazy son (AND my baby) is now in the double digits. Jake turned 10 years old on July 13th.
We got to have a week-long celebration since the girls and I were gone on his actual b-day. We started the Saturday before by opening some gifts, eating at Costa Vida (Jake's pick) and playing a game of laser tag. The girls and I were gone to girls camp on his special day, but Joe and Jake went to the Weight Ranch and enjoyed a "boy's night" of camping to celebrate.
Finally, we ended the week celebration by going to the final Harry Potter movie. Jake got a wand and several Harry Potter Legos sets for gifts. He dressed up for the movie and we all had a great time. I love you Jake! You are an awesome young man, full of joy and humor. I am proud of you and your choices. You will be an incredible missionary some day and a true warrior in the fight for truth and righteousness.

Well done, my Servant

My niece, Sister Hayley Paul, arrived home from her LDS mission to Lithuania, on June 24th at 10:39 pm. We were able to drive down to St. George and be there for her arrival. It was so much fun! I am so proud of Hayley and her righteous desires to serve the Lord.

The children got so excited just before her arrival that they were losing their minds. They were running around screaming and jumping up and down. I got very teary-eyed thinking of the spirit world, after this life, and the excitement our loved-ones must feel as we are returning from our mission on earth. Wow! I'm quite sure there must be the same kind of "buzz" and joy. How blessed I feel to have a testimony and knowledge that life exists after this world and especially to know that my family can be eternal.

While is St. George we were able to stay an extra day and participate in more family fun. My niece, Ahnalisse, had her senior violin recital at the St. George Tabernacle. She is so talented! She played for about 36 minutes straight and even performed a piece that she composed herself. I am so proud of her.

Ahnalisse on Violin

My other niece, Rachel, played her harp in a piece with Ahnalisse. Wow, these young women are talented and beautiful. I love you girls!

Rachel on Harp

Wendy, Rachel and my sister, Tammy

Oh No! Mo Mo's 15

As with most years, Morgan's birthday fell during our Yellowstone week. This year she turned 15 years old. (Holy, moly, hold on for next year!)
Joe took Morgan out driving to help celebrate her big day. They saw 2 moose on their drive. Not every new driver has to dodge moose! We didn't actually get her driver's permit until we returned to Utah a few days later. Watch out world, Morgan has her permit and we're not afraid to use it.
Morgan's most prized gift was a new cell phone. Those weren't even invented when I was 15 years old.
Fun day, gorgeous weather, and beautiful daughter. I am amazed at Morgan's maturity, kindness, hard work and determination to do what's right. She is a blessing to our lives and I am grateful I can spend eternity with her. Love you Morgan.

Yellowstone Tradition

Family traditions have always been important to me. This year we were blessed again to be a part of Uncle Shirl and Aunt Toni's Yellowstone tradition. The weather was BEAUTIFUL this year and the park was WET. This is the first year in 13 years that I have seen big horned sheep. We saw about 25-30 sheep, so I guess it made up for never seeing them before. We saw at least 5 bear, including a mama grizzly and 2 cubs. We loved every moment of the adventure!

Best Gifts

So I got some pretty wonderful gifts on my birthday. And, as always, it's the gifts that have thought and love put into them that are the best. First of all, Morgan decorated my bedroom door for my birthday with 40 Ways to Say "I Love You." She then put up "I Love You" in 40 different languages. It was so SWEET.
My sister, Debby, and Joe put a lot of time and energy in to making a beautiful center piece for me. They called and emailed several people that I have been close to in my life. They had each of them give one word to describe me. The cool thing was that no one gave the same word. Then they put those words onto small rocks that went in the center piece. It was lovely and very touching. Thanks for making this potentially tearful birthday one of joy!

Older than Dirt!

40 years young, and counting.....

To help celebrate my big 4 0 , Joe and I took a quick weekend getaway before the big day. We flew to Newport Beach, CA. Yes, it's true....I realize we were just there in the spring but we loved it and wanted some more fun and sun.
My sister, Debby, and Curtis met us there. We had such a great time! I can't think of a better way to celebrate life than be with people I love.
Susie and Mike came down for a day and we went out to eat, bike riding, eating, boating, eating....yeah, our regular theme. Food is always a big hit.
The weekend went too fast but I enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you Deb and Curt for the long trip from Missouri to make my birthday special. And thank you Suz and Mike for driving down and playing. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people.