Friday, July 27, 2012

 
Education Week
I had been asked by a few young women if I was going to drive to Education Week. In the beginning, I wasn't planning on making the drive; however, after reflection--I thought it would be good for both the young women and myself. I was grateful to my parents for offering their home, and for watching my children--they made the trip possible. After spending all day learning of Christ, we spent all evening playing on my parents' ranch.
 
Riding Horses

 
Hailee Thompson

Katie Ronspies

Stacia Bates
 
Jake spent most of his days farming with Grandpa. Although Jake liked riding tractors, and fixing fence, he truly wanted to go fishing. He begged Grandpa to take him fishing, and when Grandpa finally did--he was so proud of the fish they caught!

We decided to go to the temple while at Education Week.

BEAR WORLD
My mom met us with my kids, and took us to Bear World on our last day. My kids had a fantastic time. They loved seeing the bears, petting the animals, and riding the rides.

 

 
I enjoyed my time at Education Week. I am grateful to have been able to take a few of the young women with me. I wish I had room in my car to bring more. I learned many lessons as I am sure the young women did as well.
Here are some of my favorite lessons learned:
~You can have a Celestial Marriage, and hive it now. Decide to NEVER say an unkind thing ever...or fight--choose to be silent in frustrations.

~Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Happy are those who dream dreams... and are willng to pay the price to make them come true."
~The future belongs to those who believe in their dreams.
~You can do all things through Christ. (Philippians 4:13)
~Do your part, do your best, then let God do the rest.
~John Milton said, "Happiness is a state of mind." It's not a goal.

~Number one secret of not living in the future is--gratitude!
~When we offer thanks to God, gratitude gifts the giver.

~Wait on the Lord, He is putting things in place.
~If you are keeping the standards, you will stand out.
~Teach your kids to be comfortable with being different.

~Pray to understand your patriarchal blessing.
~Three Areas to write goals and obtain a vision for life: self, relationships, and life skills. Write a paragraph for each point and begin a vision for your own life. Then take time to get set for each week. Then pick daily, weekly, month, yearly goals.
~We cannot be everything all at once. The key is to having it sequentially.
~President Monson said that the future is only as bright as your faith.
~Encourage kids to make three goals for the year, then laminate them and use them as place mats for dinner.


Saturday, July 21, 2012

Featherville with the Harris Family
The only thing Hailey requested for her birthday was to be able to bring Taylor (a dear friend) to the cabin. We decided to make it even better by inviting Taylor's entire family!
 
We had such a fun time with the Harris family! We are grateful for good friends--both for ourselves, and for our children. When I know my children are spending time with other children who hold similar values--it makes sending them off to school so much easier, and I am grateful beyond words.
 
Aubrey, Taylor, Amber, Hailey, and Jake





Culvert

Jumping off the Culvert

Jake and Dad going through the Culvert



Hailey loves to drive the four-wheeler!


Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Happy Fourth of July
We had a great fourth this year. We spent our morning enjoying one another's company; our afternoon picnicking and riding bikes; and our evening lighting fireworks! The best part of the day was that we were together as a family.
 
I am so grateful for our country, and the freedoms and privileges we have. We are FREE to make our day to day choices, and because of that we are so very blessed. I am proud to be an American! I am ever so grateful! Grateful to those who fought for my freedom! Grateful for God, and His hand in that freedom!
 

Observing a turtle at Ann Morrison Park.

Turtle



Riding Bikes and Roller Blading


Relaxing after our long ride