General Conference & the Peterson's

There are many reasons why I love the Fall.  This weekend was awesome.  Nothing much on my agenda which doesn't usually happen and I was able to just try and catch up on much needed home time.  Bonus was it was also General Conference.  I have always enjoyed GC.  After working for the church for so many years and working so many conferences.  It is so wonderful to be able to just to sit back and listen to our beloved prophet President Thomas S. Monson and get some words of wisdom from him as well as the other apostles and general officers of the church.  I particularly enjoy knowing that at the exact same time Bridger is watching and hearing the same messages.  On Saturday we drove up to Coalville to retrieve the trailer from Wayne's hunting adventures with his dad.  We were able to drive and enjoy the messages shared while taking in all the beauty of the season.  I was touched to think again how much our Father in Heaven loves us to create such a beautiful world to enjoy.  The biggest news of the conference was of course that worthy young men can serve missions at the age of 18.  Aaagghhh!  That means Stetson could leave as soon as he wishes.  I do think it will be a matter of thought and prayer.  But, in my heart I'm almost certain he will wait until his brother comes home which means he can get two semesters of school in, too.  The Lord truly knows what is best and I can sure see the wisdom in this modern day revelation.  I just don't know if I was ready to think he could go so soon. With every passing day I know Bridger gets closer to returning and yet Stetson's departure gets closer too.  It is at this time that I know that the gospel is true.  I could not send these boys if I did not know it with all my heart.  I just was not ready for such an announcement.

The messages are always so clear.  I always try and have a favorite talk.  I think due to driving and listening with no other distractions the talk that I loved was President Uchtdorf's talk about being too busy.  And remembering to find Joy in the Journey.  That is going to be what I work on.  As well as Sister Burton's talk of:  observe then serve.  Two things I am going to try and do better at.  Now I look forward to receiving the written copies of the Ensign to further study what I heard and try and implement these messages into my life.

 The amazing conference center.

 The First Presidency.  Truly men of God.

One of the most choicest blessings of Bridger's service as a missionary is the friendship we have formed with his roommate from the MTC, the Peterson's we love them.  We try and get together about ever 6-8 weeks and catch up on our boys adventures in Honduras.  I truly can not wait to meet this cute boy of hers.  It has turned out to be such a wonderful thing and we celebrate their accomplishments and time served together.  We just have to figure out how to not have them have their welcome home addresses the same week.  In fact, we are hoping we will be at the airport together.  Thank you Peterson family for being our missionary friends, we love you!!!

 Mom's brought together by their son's service in Honduras.  I'm sure we knew each other in heaven.

Caleb and Zoie enjoying the patio as I am typing my weekly email to Bridger.  I'm going to miss this because it's almost too cold to sit out there anymore.  

The Dirty Dash

One night when we were all together, my sister mentioned all of us doing what has been called, "The Dirty Dash."  I have heard about it, but not really sure what it was all about.  Well, yesterday I found out.  Me, my nephew Brandon, my sister Kim, nieces Alex & Breann, Alex's friend Annalise and 1000's of others met up at Soldier Hollow in Midway UT to run the DD.  Holy Cow!  We ran through mud puddles? more like lakes, that was about midchest deep, over hay bales, over fences, wagon wheels, uphill, down a huge slip n' slide and more mud.  There wasn't really much that wasn't covered in mud, and then ICE COLD showers.  I think that was the worst part.  I may be too old for this, but sometimes I forget that.  It was so much fun.  We laughed, fell, slipped and ran to the finish.  I'm seriously considering doing it again next year.  By then I'll have forgotten how sore I was by the end.  Good times...

 This is our group before

Midway point, still showing more white than we probably should...

It really was hard, but lots of fun, too.

 It

 Annalise, me & Alex at the finish

Many miles have been walked in these shoes, now they are in the trash.
This was after the shower, too

Another Beautiful Temple & Families Are Forever

It's always a wonderful thing when a temple is ready to be dedicated and all are invited to attend and see the inside, and walk through every room.  The Brigham City Temple is beautiful.  We especially loved the way they put in so many elements of peaches inside in the art work, the beautiful stain glass windows that are peach blossoms and even the carpet has blossoms cut into it in the gorgeous Celestial Room.  We went during the day and so we walked right in and as the missionaries introduced themselves the sweet sister was from San Pedro Sula Honduras.  Another witness of a tender mercy to let us feel as if a part of Bridger was with us.  We then went to lunch at Maddox which was an hour wait.  It is totally worth it, and no one seemed to mind.  Oh my the fresh peach pie...delish!  I will definitely have to work harder in the morning to work off this meal...oh well.

It was the perfect day.  Love spending time with the boys.  And a wonderful time to think and remember the blessings and promises in the temple.  Families are Forever and it all begins in the House of the Lord.

Waiting patiently for them to call our name.  Thank heavens we have an IPhone to entertain.  Phase 10 is a great way to pass the time.  

Paydays & Remembering 9-11-01

 He posed, just like Bridger did in pics he has shown Elder Johnson

 Ready to ride...

 This is the Honduras jersey he sent for Stetson.  And the sunset is amazing!

Yesterday was a wonderful day.  My dad calls them paydays.  Here's why.  I love Mondays  Emails from our missionary are always so welcome.  It always fills my cup if you will to know that he is safe, well and happy.  This particular day was a bonus.  Bridger's last companion is from California but will be attending school here at LDS Business College.  So, Bridger sent his phone number and I called him yesterday.  He was as excited to see us as we were him.  He knew all about each of us and called everyone by name.  We already feel like he is part of our family.  Funny thing Bridger told him about Zoie, and especially the scooter.  So, we took a few pics with him on the scooter and he took it for a ride.  He also came bearing gifts, letters from our boy, a jersey for Stetson, wallet for Caleb a sweet knife for his dad and a bracelet made from coconut shells for me.  I truly felt like we witnessed another tender mercy of a loving Father in Heaven that has assured me how happy he is as he is serving.  Elder Johnson told us how much he loves Bridger and what an awesome missionary he is and how he can't wait for him to return.  I totally agree.  Welcome to the family Elder Jake Johnson, you already feel like one of our own.

Then also how can we ever forget where we were when the tragedies of 9-11-01 happened.  I remember watching the Today show and seeing the 2nd tower hit.  Wayne was in Chicago and doing work in the temple and had not seen what was going on.  As I was talking to him, more news was coming in.  I remember dropping to my knees and praying.  That is all I knew how to do.  That all these people who were affected by these terrible things would be protected and held in His arms.  What a different world we now live in.  So many things have happened and changed.  Each September 11th flags are placed to remind us of the sacrifices of so many who make us safe and who very innocently left their homes to go to a regular day at work, or wherever only to never be "normal" again.  I know I view things much differently now, too.  I was the driver today as Caleb and Wayne put up the flags on their route.  I was touched that Caleb didn't even say one compliant as he diligently went out and did his duty.  I think the events of that day have touched and affected all of our lives.  May we never forget...

First Day of School for only 1

I can hardly believe that I have only one to take a first day of school picture of this year.  Where in the world does the time go.  Caleb is starting 8th grade and was excited to be going back.  With the change of the schedule our year didn't start until after Labor Day which to be honest is how it should have been all along.  But, it's been a good summer and he has been able to go to Bear Lake with his grandparents, Scout camp and also Lake Powell.  Not too shabby if you ask me.  Stetson started college at Salt Lake Community and is doing well.  He has decided to go two semesters and his papers will be able to be completed and submitted for his mission after the first of the year.  He really wants to wait until Bridger gets home and I don't blame him.  He was made an Elder today by his dad and that was a great thing.  However, it really made me realize just how close he is to leaving, too.  Oh man, I do miss the days of them all being within walking distance.  But, we are so blessed to have such wonderful young men.  They all are so kind and responsible.

 A long day, and plum tuckered out.

 Pretty quiet around here most days.

Seems like we always take a first day of school picture of me, too.  One day I may need an updated photo.  This was almost the first day, and it's squinty and not very clear.  But, I hate being the subject so it's the best it will be,

I love this time of year.  The weather changes, sweaters come out of the closet and routines and schedules are back.  I do so much better with a schedule.  Perhaps I have a little ADHD.  Not sure, never been diagnosed but I need and do much better when I'm busy and organized.

In fact, I'm out on the patio typing and loving the cool breeze.  If forever had a season it would have to be Fall.  I've heard that somewhere.

Here's to a great 2012-13 year for all of us.

Progress & Bonus Pictures

Today was a good day.  I was looking at the mission blog maintained by Sister Veirs and imagine my surprise when I came across the pictures posted below.  He looks so awesome and if you follow his mission blog, he wrote about this dinner in his last email.  Wow, can't believe how great he looks and so happy.  Although I still miss him terribly, I can't be sad when I see these pics.

It also was the finale of the Biggest Loser Summer Slimdown round.  I have realized that it is most helpful for weekly weigh ins.  Although, once again I did not come in a place to win the $$$, but I keep making progress.  And I'll post an updated picture.  This helps me stay accountable.  I sometimes think twice about posting these, but oh well.  I appreciate the support I have received on this loooonnnggg journey.  The journey that seems to be taking forever.

I'll get there...

Neighborhood Camp Out 2012

Every year we get together with several of the neighbors in our area and go camping to Perception Park.  It is so much fun.  This year we had about 15 families.  We cook, laugh and the most fun is go down the river on tubes.  It has become quite a tradition.  I was so happy that Stetson came with us, even though he was the only one there his age.  We ate yummy food, made scones, dutch oven dessert, etc.,  It was a blast.  Already looking forward to next year.  All are welcome, if you want to put it on your calendar and come with us, it's August 1-3 2013. Lots of pictues, but how do I choose... Hope to see you there next year...