BYU Tickets for sale!

I have 4 BYU/Utah tickets available - Saturday, Sept. 17th @ 7:15pm - $60 each (face value) - north endzone - AWESOME BENCHMATES!!! Let me know if you are interested. Utah fans need not apply! :)

Looking to Borrow...

Hey Utah Locals, I am looking for a specific wagon to borrow - I am hoping to find a (Radio Flyer) wagon that has seats that fold up, seat belts (I think), possibly a canopy and, if I am super lucky, cup holders and/or a little bag to hold stuff. Does anyone have or know someone who has one like this? I know it sounds specific, but we are going on a trip in Sept and I would like to borrow if for then. Anyone? Will you ask around? Please.

I added this photo in to show an example of what I am looking for. I know this seems picky - but I have some specific reasons. Thanks again!

Today I watched a new father carry his first born baby's casket into the chapel where we honored Charlotte Joanne Nelson. She was born without a heartbeat on Tuesday. Her Grandpa gave a wonderful heartfelt talk that radiated love for his daughter, son-in-law and their little baby. Her Uncle sang a song that he had written four years earlier - there was not a dry eye in the chapel. Another Uncle read a poem he had written - also indescribable. Finally the Father spoke, I can't believe he was able to - he spoke of her and the experience, their love for her and then he spoke of Heavenly Father's love and mercy for them - it was amazing. One thing that he said that has stuck in my head (I am paraphrasing) ... "we could say 'it isn't fair' and be selfish about not having our baby girl, but really, as perfect as she was, it would be unfair to have her here - to taint her perfection." Later at the Provo cemetery, he dedicated the grave site and then we watched as, first the mom and then all of the cousins released pink balloons. A few minutes after they had been released one of the little cousins who was standing near me, turned to her mom and asked "do you think the baby got our balloons yet?" So sweet.

My heart hurts so much for them, mostly because I know how much I love my little babies and I can't even think about not having them with me, without my body wanting to explode in panic. Also because so much joy that they had anticipated has now turned to sorrow.

I am so grateful for the Savior's love, support and comfort that they are receiving at this time. I am grateful for his sacrifice and that because of that we can all look forward to holding that sweet little baby and their family can be together. I am so grateful for the gospel and today especially, the Plan of Salvation.

I did it!

Okay - I did it! I gave my first talk in church in a really long time! I actually was a little proud of myself, I think it turned out really well. It was on Agency - it was a great topic for me, I learned so much and actually inspired me to do my scripture studying in a little different way. Although I stuttered through some parts and wish I would have said others that I forgot - I did it. I got a ton of compliments, so thank you to all of those who said such nice things. I am so relieved it is over! Now for another few years until the next talk.

Sunday

So this Sunday I am speaking in church. It has been a really long time since I have spoken in church. We have been in this ward for over 6 years and it is my first here. I won't tell you how long before then. Can you say "sabbatical?" :)

I borrowed a whole shelf of Sherrie's books and have too much info to process, let alone talk about. I do think I need to read more - I have loved studying this.

I am basically done and want someone to look it over for me and tell me what they think... not Jared. I don't take "constructive criticism" from him very well. I think I'll call Sher or Heidi, they can help me work out the kinks without making me feel stupid. Wish me luck!

PS: If you want to see a historical event, like my talk, church is a 1. But get there early because the paparazzi are going to be crazy!

Carson's Book

I signed up on artscow.com - a great site to do any digital printing. When you sign up they give you A TON of free printing - but be ready because the first free thing they give you expires a week later, so don't sign up until you are ready to "project".

My first project was a "Disneyland ABC Book" for Carson. I absolutely love it! If you want to take a peak, click here.

Don't tell Carson - it's one of his birthday presents!

Christmas List - hehe! :)

If anyone was thinking about what to get me for Christmas - I have one little idea...

LOWES GIFT CARDS!!!

I don't want anything else - I love that place - it makes my heart feel happy - all of my dream house remodel/organizational dreams come alive there - it is my Disneyland!

No pressure though.

Disneyland Pics!

These are some of our favorite pictures! We have about 1000 more - we had the best time!

First Day of Disney!

I can't believe it ... we have been talking and planning this trip for about a year. Saving, scheduling, waiting and now we are here. We left for Disneyland Friday afternoon - late afternoon and got to Jill's house in St George that night. After a quick visit we were on our way.

This was the first problem, because our kids didn't want to leave their cousins - they absolutely love them. Amber is the oldest and takes care of their every need - she plays games with them and reads them books. Ashlyn is Emma's BFF and she adores her. Cute little Ky Ky (who turned 4 the day before we got there!) loves to play dress up, which happens to be Emma's fav thing to do as well - plus her and Car became little buddies - it was so cute! Then there is Kate, who is just a month older then Harry, but is running all over the place - he and her were very aware of each other - no major play dates, but they kept an eye on each other incase the other had a toy that looked fun.

But we had to go, so on top of leaving their buddies, we have found that OUR KIDS DO NOT LIKE THE CAR. I am pretty sure even if it takes us longer to save for our next family vaca.... we will be flying.

But after a way longer trip then google told us, we are in our 1st hotel and the kids are still asleep. I am so excited I have been up since 6... oh yeah and also that is when Carson climbed into our bed and started trying to cuddle so close he ended up boring himself underneath me. So at this moment I am sitting in the bathroom (not using the bathroom - let me be clear on that) waiting to hear them wake up.

Last minute we decided to get here a day early, so we stayed in this hotel tonight and will check into our planned hotel this afternoon. So hence our "1st hotel".

My sister is here already with her family, then later today my brother and his wife and my parents will arrive. How fun! We are missing one sister and 2 brothers that couldn't come - but at least we have our little group.

My Dad's 70th birthday is tomorrow and what a better way to celebrate then in the "Happiest Place on Earth", right?

Well just an update - I will try to keep you up on our daily comings and goings - but our laptop doesn't have a memory card place so I will have to show off the pics later.

Hope you all have a great week - if anyone has any Disneyland tips, feel free to comment them here.

AAAAHHHHHHH - wake up kids - I can't wait!!! Forget it, I'm going to wake them up!

Love ya all!

The Divine Calling of Motherhood

The last couple of days have been long, hard and patient-trying. I love my kids, but sometimes I feel like I am under a huge pile of professional football players all jumping on top of the pile and I have no chance of getting up. With housework and keeping up with 3 little ones and then add in canning peaches and pears before they go bad and getting ready to leave for Disneyland... I am feeling a little overwhelmed. That makes me a little short of patients and more stressed then I want to be.

Just in the perfect time of need, my sweet mother-in-law sent this to me... it was exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks T and Elder Holland for reminding me why my life is amazing - even when it feels crazy.