Thanksgiving

At the Elkington's, we always go ice fishing on Thanksgiving. It's tradition. It's what I have done since I was a little girl. I actually can't remember a Thanksgiving when I wasn't on this reservoir. 

Early Thanksgiving

We are blessed to spend time with both The Miller's and The Elkington's every Thanksgiving. Bryan's mom started a tradition called "Early Thanksgiving" so as to accommodate for both sides of the family. We feel so blessed to be able to share in our thankful hearts with both families.

Thankful Rolls

Grandma and Grandpa left early Christmas presents for the kids. These bags are full of coins that came from a huge glass jar at Grandma's house. She had the coins divided and gifted each grandchild with a bag. We were sad not to have Grandma and Grandpa with us, but we are grateful they are serving the Lord in Australia.

ONE-on-ONE DATE

DEVIN'S WEDDING

My nephew married Darienne today. She is such a beautiful girl. I am thrilled for the both of them. Congratulations, Devin!

Easton and Scott

Their reception was amazing

Young Women in Excellence

Hailey was able to complete two projects prior to YWIE--Knowledge, and Virtue. She has been on "fire" with personal progress. She is absolutely loving the program, and is learning so much! 

Hailey and Kortlyn

2013

Family Pictures 2013

FAMILY PICTURES

We had these taken right after I finished my first half-marathon. It was like running in another marathon just to get ready for these pictures. Thankfully, Pam was patient (as always)! I love how they turned out! Pam did a great job once again!

ZEITGIEST HALF-MARATHON

I had never ran a half-marathon before. I had never trained for something so long. I know that for many a half-marathon really isn't that big of a deal; however, for me--it was a big deal. When the day of the race had finally arrived, I felt I was ready. I had trained for several months running every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The training hadn't been easy. My feet were a mess. I had two black toenails from the constant abuse, and my foot ached from the overuse. There was a time when I had to take a break, so that my foot could somewhat heal. I prayed that whole week that I would be able to accomplish my goal--I was truly worried that my injury would ruin my ability to run the half. Bryan gave me a blessing that week. In the blessing, I was promised that I would be able to accomplish my goals. The next week I started running again. There were moments when my foot hurt, but the pain was more of an ache--nothing like the time when I decided to take a break. The morning of the race I felt anxious. I couldn't keep my nerves under control. I don't think my mind was prepared for what I was up against with this race. I knew it was going to be a tough run, but I had no idea just how tough it was going to be. The race consisted of mostly hills. Three overpasses. Someone calculated the uphill miles, and I believe it was 7 miles. The rest was downhill. I had trained on hills, but I had no understanding at how long the hills would stretch. Towards the last big climb I was barely moving one foot in front of the other when I saw my little family holding a sign that read, "There's Good, There's Better, and There's Mom". That sign was all that I needed to keep going. It gave me the extra boost. I felt their encouragement. I heard their shouts. My mind took on sense of renewal. I was determined to push through. I finished the race with the time of 2 hours and 13 minutes. I was proud of my time, but more importantly I was grateful had accomplished my goal. 

I have been impressed with several lessons from this experience. First, perseverance can make a big difference. When I finished the race, the pain in my foot came back to its original condition. The following Monday I visited my doctor's office to find that I had a stress fracture. I then wore a boot for several months to allow my foot to heal. Perseverance to train. During the race, I was overwhelmed at the height and amount of hills I was running. I mentally had to keep myself positive to stay focused on my goal. Perseverance to complete the race. Second, faith can move mountains, but in my case--move a broken foot. I believe that Heavenly Father healed me through the power of his priesthood. I do not think that I would have been able to train or to complete that race without the blessing that my husband offered on my behalf. Heavenly Father allowed me to accomplish my goals. He allowed me to persevere. Third, the power of encouragement. When I saw my family on my last big hill, it gave me an extra burst of energy that I didn't know I had. It helped me to complete the race. It gave me the encouragement to succeed. I think this is similar to life on a daily basis. When we encourage one another--we succeed. No matter our trials, we can be lifted through someone's kind words or deeds.

Margaret Nash and Liz Olson signed up at last minute, to run the race with me. I was so grateful to them!

Me, Margaret, and Liz

After my race, we got ready for family picture, and then we celebrated at KNEADER'S.