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.

Spring has Sprung

Well, the spring weather in Utah has definitely fallen short of our expectations this year, but we haven't let it stop us from having fun. Joe and I took the kids to California mid-March to get away from the gloomy weather. We had such a fun time with the kids. They have become such delightful, humorous, joyful people!

Disneyland - Fun day but long! Kids loved the rides.
Space Mountain was the favorite.

Spent 2 days in Newport Beach - Chilly but so nice to feel the sun and breeze.

I even think the teenager enjoyed herself. (Just don't tell her that.) (:

Sand, sun and fun

We finished the last day off with whale watching. It was pretty amazing.

Kelsey has been busy at school. She has been in the A.L.L. (Advance Learning Lab) program for the past 2 years. This year the school work has been very demanding, yet also very rewarding. The beginning of April Kelsey participated in Images of Greatness. Kelsey researched the life of William Shakespeare, prepared a tri-fold board, wrote a poem and then got to perform that poem the evening of the program. She was adorable and did a great job.
The end of April, Kelsey's class had a Renaissance Fair. Kelsey had several projects she had to complete to earn her place in society. She worked hard so she wouldn't be a peasant. She earned her spot as a "Lady" and had a fun day feasting and participating in activities. Fox13 News spotlighted her class on the early morning news. Way to work hard sis!