Family on the 4th of July!

We had so much fun with all the kids here for the 4th! (We miss Garret!) Landon and I ran the mile in the Huntsville race. Lan's time was 7 minutes, 30 seconds, mine was 10 minutes, 30 seconds. Ross and Stan ran the 5K...time for Ross 23.06 and for Stan 23.54. Stan won first place in his age class. Whoot, whoot! We watched the parade, ran a craft booth, then had a big b-bque at home and later that night, Ross and Landon put on their very own fireworks show before the big fireworks show! I still get teary eyed when I say the pledge of allegiance and contemplate the great sacrifices that our country was founded upon. God bless America.

"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism". ~Erma Bombeck

Dream Big

We had YW Camp last week! Hiking, canoeing, tubing down the river, singing around the campfire, eating s'mores and smelling like smoke. LOVED it! The girls were so good to each other, the weather was great and I hardly slept a wink. A perfect recipe for a wonderful time.

"I have great confidence in our young people as a whole. I regard you as the finest generation in the history of the church. I compliment you, and I have in my heart a feeling of love and respect and appreciation for you." ~Gordon B. Hinckley

Be Grateful

10 years ago, President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke to the youth and gave them a short & sweet, but powerful message that came to be known as "the 6 B's". I have a little pillow on my couch with the 6 B's, and the first one says BE GRATEFUL.

In a devotional address given at BYU on October 31st, 2000, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said, (it's kind of cool that the B in his name stands for the same thing as the B in President Hinckley's name...Bitner)

"Gratitude is a commandment of the Father. 'Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things' (D&C 59:7)...He has admonished that 'in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments' (D&C 59:21)...Gratitude is a mark of a noble soul and a refined character...In the Book of Mormon we learn that we should 'live in thanksgiving daily' (Alma 34:38) Isn't that a wonderful thought to live in thanksgiving daily? Can you imagine how your life would improve if others did the same? Do you think the world would be a happier place? less stressful? less angry? more spiritual? ...We like to be around those who are grateful. They tend to brighten all around them. They make others feel better about themselves. They tend to be more humble, more joyful, more likable."

I LOVE this incredibly insightful quote! My summer vacation goal? To be as grateful as I can...even in the midst of kid messes, mom's taxi service, and the craziness of summer activities...there's always something to be thankful for. The blue sky & stars at night, the buzz of children in the home, the freedom we enjoy, and even the sticky, popsicle drips on the floor can give me a reason to have a grateful heart. After all, being a wife & mother has always been my fondest dream. "Thanks for the work kids. My life is my dream."

I've decided to start a tradition with my grandkids...(I still can't believe I'm a grandma!). When they are six months old I'll take them to get "professional photos"(these are from Target!). We had so much fun taking Taven and he was so GOOD. He didn't smile much, but he didn't cry either. He is such a cute little boy! Don't you agree? "...Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Matthew 10:14

Baby, Oh Baby!

Ally sent us this way cute photo entitled, "What Elsie thinks of headbands." Mom looks cool as a cucumber! Gotta love this snapshot!

Kids, Singing & FUN in St George!

I was lucky enough to be a chaperone for the Weber High School Acappella & Choralaire Choirs on their trip to St George. I thought it would be fun to get some photos to send Garret from his old chums…really GREAT kids who live good lives! "And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better." D&C 25:10

COUSINS :)

This picture gives my heart a tickle!! Taven on the left and Elsie on the right. Oh boy! What fun they're gonna' have!