Monday, October 11, 2010

~Each Life that Touches Ours For Good~
Jason Fisher is a pillar of strength. In his fight against cancer, he displayed the strength of character that we all strive to exhibit. He was not angry. He was determined. He fought cancer with faith, determination, and with courage. When others would cry, he would build them, and encourage them. He was a rock. When Jason's tumor resurfaced after a year of being cancer free, I faltered--I cried. I lost some hope, and I lost a bit of faith. Jason did not. He once again demonstrated Christ-like attributes as he calmed and reassured his loving family and friends. As the months passed, and the cancer started taking the upper hand, Jason remained determined. And through his example, more heroes stepped in to take the lead. His dear wife, Heather, was strong and courageous. Day in and day out she cared for him. She loved him. Slowly Jason began needing help in almost every area of his life, and Heather was there to offer it. I watched her as she spoke to him--knowing that he was unable to respond. I watched her as she kissed his eyebrow--knowing that he could not return her affection. I watched her as she patiently brushed his teeth, fed him, and spoke sincere words of comfort and love, and through hit all--he could not respond.

Jason and Heather are two people who I consider to be heroes. When they were dealt a difficult hand, they faced it with courage and grace. They showed love and patience during a time when it would have been easy to give up. Our character is molded by the everyday little decisions we make--we become who we are by how we choose to respond during life's difficulties. Each choice either builds our character, or diminishes our character. Heather and Jason have chosen the better part. And for that example, they have become heroes in my eyes. I too, want to emulate their strength in character. I too, want to stand strong in the face of trials. I too, want to be all that my Lord and Savior need me to be.

Jason passed away on Sunday. He fought a good fight. I will miss him. And yet, somehow I know he is happier. I know that he has finally found peace, and his battle with cancer is over--he endured to the end
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On Jason's birthday, Heather asked friends and family to share with Jason our favorite memory...I would like to share those thoughts once again...

Jason,
It has been difficult choosing just one memory. I feel I have a thousand little memories that encompass who you are. I have memories of seeing you at the book store while Heather and I went on a bike ride. I have memories of you checking on Heather while she was at my house. Then I have memories of you helping me when Heather wasn't home--whether it was the car, or the computer, I knew I could come to your house for help. And as I think of each of these little memories, I remember your smile, and a twinkle in your eye. All of these memories are simple neighborly memories that encompass who you are; however, my fondest memory exemplifies just that, and much, much more. My fondest memory was in the midst of trial, and although it was not a "fond" time, my memory is sweet because of the love I felt from you. It was the night I came to your house seeking to offer comfort, and in reality you offered comfort to me. I had thought my emotions were under control, and yet as I walked into your living room--I couldn't help my tears. Without hesitation you wrapped your arms around my shoulders, and offered words of encouragement. You were a rock. You never faltered. You were steadfast. And through everything you have endured--you have shown this amazing strength of character. You have found laughter in difficulty. You have found positives in the face of trials. You have found the silver lining! Your strength is an amazing example to me, which I am striving to emulate. I look at both you and Heather, and I feel amazingly blessed to have such amazing neighbors, friends, and much, much more--family! I have found family in the two of you, and I am so blessed because of it! There is a church song that states, "each life that touches ours for good, reflects thine own great mercy, Lord; Thou sendest blessings from above, thru words and deeds of those who love...what greater gift dost though bestow, what greater goodness can we know, than Christ-like friends, whose gentle ways, strengthen our faith, enrich our days." I will forever be grateful to my Heavenly Father for sending me you! We are not neighbors by accident.
Happy Birthday!
Love, Carrie

...I am so grateful to the plan of salvation. I know I will see Jason again! Without a doubt--I know it! And so, this is not good-bye--but a small detour on life's trail...until we meet again, Jason Fisher!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

~Field Trip to CELEBRATION PARK~
September 23, 2010
We had a great day learning about Early Civilization. We learned about the railroad, hunting techniques, and hieroglyphs. We even got to experience some of the old ways. Even with all the amazing learning, my favorite part of the day was still being with Hailey all day long!

~HAUNTED BRIDGE/ONCE A RAILROAD~

~FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL~

I remember when I was little loving the first day of school. I loved to dress-up in new clothes, do my hair pretty, and see my friends. I loved using new school supplies...my crayons, pencils, and markers all for the first time! I simply loved the first day of school!

Now, as a mother, I dread the first day of school. If I could keep my children home with me--I would. I have considered home schooling on more than one occasion; however, each time I consider the possibility--I simply know it isn't the right choice for our family. There are lessons at school that I know that my children need to learn. The tough lessons. The ones that make a mother's heart ache. And maybe that is why I hate watching their little backs as they walk away... Maybe it is because I know that they will struggle... With that being said, I also know that with each struggle, they are becoming refined. Sometimes I wander as I send my kids off to school, if it is somewhat similar to how Heavenly Father feels as He sends us here. And just as I am sure our Father in Heaven hopes we are prepared for our life here on Earth, I too--pray that my children are ready for the lessons they will learn at school.
FOURTH GRADE

FIRST GRADE
~Girls Camp~
After weeks of preparation, girls camp arrived! With excitement and anticipation we headed to our campsite. And so it began...a week full of laughter and tears. Laughter for all of the good times, and tears for the spirit which was felt. Between hiking and swimming in the day, and basking in the spirit at night--girls camp was definitely a success! I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have to be able to associate with these young women on a weekly basis--they truly are divine!
(Sara, Bre, Sister Dodds, Cheyenne, Hailee, Sydnee, Sister Miller, Carly, Sister Forsberg, & Brooke)
And so the week begins...

~Hike~

~Jumping Off the Rock at Popsicle Pond~

(From Back to Front--Sister Dodds, Sister Hilton, Carly, Sister Forsberg, Alili, Tiffany, Bishop Forsberg, Bre, Sarah, Cheyenne, Sister Nestler, Hailee, Brooke, & Sydney)
~Boat Races~



FOURTH OF JULY
This year the Fourth of July landed on a Sunday, so we decided rather than celebrate elsewhere, we would have a celebration right at home. To prepare for our celebration, I bought Fourth of July streamers, hats, and crepe paper. When the "big" day finally arrived, we decorated our bikes and created our very own "bike parade"--complete with music. We rode through the neighborhood playing patriotic songs on our IPOD. (I think I was the only one that could hear the music...from my perspective, it added a nice touch.) Our kids wanted to invite the entire neighborhood, and so we began inviting... After a few stops, we agreed that we needed to continue on with our parade; however, the plans for next year have already begun... We agreed that next year we would invite the ENTIRE neighborhood, and we also agreed that next year we would play music that EVERYONE could hear! This year our neighborhood had the best bike parade ever! ...next year it will be even better!


Miller Family Reunion

MILLER FAMILY REUNION
Every summer we cherish memories with the Miller Family! Words cannot describe the moments shared. Simply saying "boat races, game playing, swimming, and eating"...cannot provide justice for the amazing FUN had by all, nor can it describe the memories that will last a lifetime! We love our Family! We are so grateful for the time we share together! We are so blessed!





Somehow I have the reputation of loving "naps". As a joke, my mother-in-law bought me a special gift...to help me with my favorite past time.

~PONDEROSA STATE PARK~
What is it about camping that brings you closer to God, and closer to those you are camping with...-the mountain air, the smell of pine trees,the beautiful landscape...? Whatever the answer--I love how camping touches my spirit! This year we went camping with some good friends to Ponderosa State Park. We had a fabulous time chatting around the campfire, making crafts with the kids, and swimming by the lake!


~KID CRAFT~

~BRIDGES, AMBER, and MAKAYLA played for hours in the sand and water! They had so much fun!~



~The girls had so much fun creating pictures with nature!~