tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9305590214809348022024-03-12T23:25:28.305-04:00Our Familyval mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.comBlogger290125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-33212090802646167282013-08-02T13:02:00.000-04:002013-10-31T13:44:38.377-04:00Vacation Day 3We woke up early and headed up North to the Belfast area. It is a beautiful area. My great grandfather attended school in Belfast. This is where he first heard the gospel and this is where he was living before he left for Salt Lake City.<br />
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Downtown Belfast</div>
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Beautiful Landscape!</div>
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I love the rolling hills and the beautiful green lined farms.</div>
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We bounced back from and forth from Ballyclaire and Lurgan. I'll start with Lurgan. My great grandmother, Isabella Haddock Ireland was born in Lurgan. From what I can tell they moved around in the area from time to time. There is a sweet lady in the genealogical society in Lurgan that has sent me some information of where Isabella's family lived before Isabella was born. Infact, below is a picture of the church that they attended.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UWeI6BF0XIw/UkmNV4qPtNI/AAAAAAAAC8s/AyU7GkhXMAk/s1600/church+in+knocknamuckley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UWeI6BF0XIw/UkmNV4qPtNI/AAAAAAAAC8s/AyU7GkhXMAk/s320/church+in+knocknamuckley.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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At this time they lived in Knockamuckley. She found a census and knew where the farm was that they lived on, but this information came after out visit.</div>
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We went to a few cemeteries trying to find clues, but no success. </div>
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The cemeteries were beautiful and my family was patient in looking around with me. We actually went back to Lurgan twice in the same day, but still no luck. I still loved being where I knew Isabella lived and look at the lovely land she left.</div>
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I took several pictures of headstones with family names, hoping that I will someday find how the link into our family line.</div>
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Downtown Lurgan</div>
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I loved all of the banners flying!</div>
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We then went to meet our new friend Eleanor. Eleanor was meeting us at the church that my great grandfather was Christened in and my great great grandparents were married there. We arrived there a little early and we had fun looking around the area. </div>
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This is the sign for the road that my great grandfather lived on.</div>
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This is the Ballylinney Presbyterian Church</div>
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Farm lands by the church</div>
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The side of the church</div>
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The Front of the Church</div>
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Cemetery at the church</div>
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We meet with Eleanor for a moment and then headed to a near by cemetery where some ancestors are buried. It was raining so we want to go quickly before it became worse. Eleanor was wonderful!!!! She was able to contact Doreen, who is a distant cousin of mine, that I have never even known of. She is a sweetheart and showed me around the family sights.</div>
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We went to a little cemetery just down a wee road and was quite well hidden. I would have never found this on my own. We didn't spend too long here, because it started to rain.</div>
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This is the head stone of Hugh Montgomery, who is my great grandfather, Hugh Ireland's cousin. Hugh Montgomery is the son of Isaac Montgomery who is my GGgrandmothers brother. My GGgrandma, hugh and James all lived on Uncle Isaacs farm. Hugh is buried here with his wife and 3 of their children.</div>
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The cemetery</div>
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Here is a history of the cemetery. If you enlarge the picture you can read it.</div>
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We then went over to see the farm.</div>
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This is cousin Doreen. She is standing where the house Hugh lived in once stood. They tore down the home in the 1980's and rebuilt this home. The farm had stayed in the family until it was sold in the 80's</div>
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This is what the home looked like when ggrandpa lived there. His cousins are standing in front of the home. The home and farm belonged to uncle Isaac. I felt such a strong love for Isaac. He had a family to provide for and was willing to take in my GGGranma, G Grandpa and his brother James. I am sure that it was not easy.</div>
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This is a picture of Isaac Adams Montgomery working the flax field</div>
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This is the farm land today. I think it is lovely! </div>
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More farm land</div>
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The farm was on both sides of the street. Yes, this is a street!! It is very narrow and still in use. I guess 2 cars are supposed to fit, but I am not sure how.</div>
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Doreen showed us this little water hole by the road. She said that it was the best drinking water. She said that there was a wee little tin cup hanging there and they would stop and get drinks.</div>
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This is an old building that has been on the farm for a very long time.</div>
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More farm land</div>
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We then went back to the church to visit. It was a rainy day, so it was extra nice to be inside. Rain and naturally curly hair are NOT a good combo!!! Excuse my hair for the entire trip!!</div>
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The front pulpit</div>
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I love the old pews</div>
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Doreen is showing us the Montgomery pew. At the time you would pay money for use of a particular pew. I am sure that all were welcome, but this where they would have sat.</div>
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Larisa, Tiana and Doreen sitting on their pew.</div>
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So cute!!</div>
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The church has beautiful stained glass. Most of these were donated after GGrandpa would have attended here.</div>
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Such a cool balcony</div>
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The floors appeared to be original. I loved thinking of all my ancestors who walked here.</div>
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This pulpit was donated by Margaret Montgomery. So, if I have it right...it would be GGrandpa's cousin's daughter. </div>
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The family</div>
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While Doreen and I were visiting, Eleanor went and found some of the original church documents. She was so sweet and found many of my relatives. One thing I was excited to find is where my GGGrandpa James Irons came from. </div>
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Doreen was wonderful and brought some pictures to share with me</div>
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This is Isaac and his wife Margaret Jamieson. I believe these are 3 of his daughters.</div>
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This is Margaret Montgomery. She is the one who donated to the church. She would be Isaac's granddaughter. </div>
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Isaac and 2 of his granddaughters</div>
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Working the flax farm back in the day!</div>
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This picture was hanging in an office in the church. It is another pictures of the farm in the day.</div>
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Here is a clearer picture. I love that you can see the working farm and the old homestead.</div>
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Description of the picture</div>
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Doreen - Valerie-Eleanor</div>
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I loved visiting with these amazing women! I am grateful that they were willing to take the time to help a stranger. When I was talking with Doreen she said that she knew that Hugh went to Salt Lake, but that was the last she heard. I thought of all the wonderful people that her family did not get to know. It made me sad. I am thankful for the media of the day that has allowed us to connect. Oh, my mother sure would have loved to have been there with me - I think she was there in spirit. </div>
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I feel so blessed that we were able to have this experience. I am not a genealogist at all! I really didn't even know where to begin. I prayed hard and the Lord lead me to Eleanor. She helped me connect to family. I am so grateful for a kind Heavenly Father who hears and answers our prayers. He is merciful and kind. I am grateful for the many wonderful people that he puts in our path to give us the help that we need. </div>
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It was hard to leave. I looked at the beautiful land around me and thought of how hard it must have been for them to leave their beautiful country. I am grateful that they did so that our family could have the gospel in our lives. This sacrifice has blessed generations. I took some pictures of the land around the city and neighboring cities.</div>
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So pretty!</div>
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I think I know why my mom always loved sheep so much!</div>
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After our visit and going back to Lurgan to unsuccessfully search cemeteries, we headed to our hotel. We were able to stay in this beautiful old hotel</div>
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val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-31422131097435726412013-08-01T11:13:00.000-04:002013-09-24T11:37:05.980-04:00Vacation Day 2<br />
We arrived in Dublin on time. I was so excited to be in a land I had never been to, but somehow felt like I was coming "home". Our next adventure was to pick up our rental car. Oh....what an adventure it was. We were in a land of many roundabouts and the world of driving on the left side of the road. Chris had to learn how to drive a stick shift using his right hand, to add to the confusion. Our shuttle driver was helpful in giving us directions. He had a heavy accent! "Ya go down de road and ya take de turd round-about, unless there is construction, den you take de fort round about" I LOVED it!! I had a hard time following the heavy accents, but my family had no problem and made fun of the lost look I would get when I would try and listen. We were off to find the Zortman's home, without a GPS. We only thought we were going to die a <strong>few</strong> times. We hit several curbs, got honked at, learned how to use a round-about and saw a beautiful country. Chris actually did a great job and we arrived to their home safely.<br />
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This is our little car for the next 10 days!</div>
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It was great to see our friends! With a 5 hour time change and not sleeping well, we were all pretty worn out. My sweet friend Aurora said that our goal for the day was to stay awake until 8:30. The Zortmans have learned that if you can do that the first day, your body clock adjust better. Every time we sat down I would start to fall asleep. Aurora did a great job at keeping me awake by walking us all over their beautiful city of Malahide. We first went to a gorgeous old castle not far from their home.</div>
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We had pastries and cheese from a cute shop on the castle grounds.</div>
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I loved this cute little shop.</div>
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You can see from the map, how big the grounds really were. It was lovely!</div>
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There were a lot of statues in Ireland. </div>
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A church and cemetery on the castle grounds. Here we are with Aurora, Ethan and Tyler.</div>
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Isn't it a gorgeous castle? Tyler said that Chris was really looking like a tourist!</div>
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I thought it was interesting that the signs said "toilets," instead of restrooms</div>
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They had an awesome playground on the grounds as well. The kids had a great time talking and running around. They all got along so well! They had a great time climbing around on this web.<br />
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Ethan</div>
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Tiana</div>
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Larisa</div>
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Tyler<br />
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Chris enjoyed relaxing. Aurora and I were chatting away and so were the kids. I think he enjoyed a few quite moments.</div>
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The sky was beautiful!!! The kids had a blast on this little zip line! They got a lot of running in!</div>
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Go Tyler!</div>
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Here comes Tiana!<br />
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Go Larisa!</div>
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A brother race!</div>
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And the sisters are off!!!</div>
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Here they come.</div>
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Oh no Larisa, it looks like Tyler is beating you!</div>
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Now Larisa is a head.</div>
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Its a tie!!! We walked home and I couldn't stay awake at home, so off we went again, this time to the Irish Sea!</div>
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We passed this amazing house on our way! Isn't it incredible. LOVE it!</div>
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I liked these town homes too.</div>
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The Irish Sea. They had a lot of amazing shells on the beach.</div>
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What a gorgeous walk.</div>
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We walked around in the city of Malahide. It was a quaint town. Aurora stopped and got some fresh salmon for dinner. It was so yummy. All of the food in Ireland is so fresh and wonderful.<br />
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Aurora had her pedometer on and we walked 10 miles that day. It was a lovely day and we enjoyed seeing where our friends lived. We had a great time visiting and exceeded our goal and stayed up until 9:30. We needed our sleep because our next couple of days were going to be very busy.<br />
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val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-63804768755788269942013-07-31T21:50:00.000-04:002013-09-24T11:18:54.512-04:00Vacation Day 1The day before we left for vacation, our dog Willow, went out for a night time adventure! We had a million things to do to get ready for our trip! I went outside and saw Willow on our front porch, scared, trembling and looking like she was in trouble. Oh no, someone left the gate unlocked and she had been out all night. She was covered in burs, had scratches on her face and worst of all...she had been sprayed by a skunk!! This is not what we wanted to deal with that day! I let my cutest friend Liza, who was watching Willow while we were gone, know what happened. She was so sweet and said to go ahead and bring her over. We bathed her twice and got the burs out, but she was still pretty stinky! Oh the joys of having a dog!!<br />
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We got up early on Wednesday July 31st and did our last minute packing for our trip. It was cheapest to fly out of Chicago, and since we were parking our car for so long, we decided to take the train into Chicago. Our sweet friend Denise took us to the train station to start our journey<br />
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We enjoyed our train ride! We saw a lot of beautiful scenery along the way and enjoyed the peaceful ride.</div>
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We arrived in Union Station in Chicago.</div>
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We walked around for a bit looking for the subway station. We each had 2 suitcases, which made it a little interesting! We found it and made our way from the subway station to the airport. In the airport we ate Uno's pizza. This made Chris happy! We had to experience Chicago!</div>
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We first had a 2 hour flight to Philadelphia, PA. It went smooth and we had a two hour layover. We thought we would grab dinner and had chick-fil-a. This made ME happy! We then boarded our plane for our 7 hour flight to Dublin. We were so happy to be on the final stretch and our Ireland vacation finally seemed to be a reality for us!</div>
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This was the most comfortable plane we were on. It was one of those pinch me I am dreaming moments</div>
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The girls were excited and ready to go!</div>
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Tiana gets nervous to fly, but she was brave, maybe even a little silly!</div>
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Chris and I were tired, but so extremely happy and excited to go! This was my first time to ever need a passport. Most of our vacations have been local or to see family, so this was a grand adventure for us. Do you know how much I love this man?? We tried our best to sleep on the plane, since we would be arriving in Dublin at 8:45 am the next morning. It was literally a day of planes, trains and automobile. </div>
val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-40205494991377684092013-07-30T21:49:00.000-04:002013-09-24T11:18:19.658-04:00Our Decision to go on vacation For many years I have loved and shared the stories of my great grandpa Ireland. Hugh Ireland was born in Ballyclaire Ireland. He was attending school in Belfast and happened to walk by some soapbox missionaries. He heard the missionary say, "One Lord, one faith, one baptism". Then, he heard a passerby say, "And, one wife too!" For some reason, this peeked Hugh's curiosity and he listened to what the missionaries had to say. He knew that the message he was hearing was true and joined "The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints". He was later called as the branch president in Belfast. The call in the early days of the church was to come to Utah. He helped many of the branch members get their passage to the states, and he then followed. There was a beautiful young lady who was also coming to Utah, named Isabella Haddock. They arrived in Utah, and Hugh and Isabella were married in 1896.<br />
I have always admired their sacrifice in coming to Utah. Isabella was the youngest of 9 children and to my knowledge never saw her family again. I can't even imagine how hard that must have been. Shortly after my mom passed away, I was thinking of their beautiful story and it was as though I heard my mom say, "if you are truly grateful for their sacrifice, then do something to show them." I knew that I needed to do my genealogy. I cant explain the connection that I have felt with my Irish heritage.<br />
It wasn't long after that my friend Aurora moved to Michigan. We both lived in the middle of the woods, our kids were the same age and went to the same school. Aurora is an extremely giving person! She helped me get on an exercise program. She would come over to my house every week day and she would smile and say I could do it...and then she would help me to work hard! She was also helping Larisa with some study skills and giving her help after her appendicitis. She was wonderful! After they lived here about 9 months, they invited out family out for pizza one night, I knew something was up! We went out and they let us know that he was promoted and that they would be moving to Ireland. I was so sad to lose my buddy, but then said, "I'm coming to visit you." I felt a strong conformation that this was a big part of why we met each other, they had already done so much for us, that it seemed crazy that I might get the opportunity to visit them.<br />
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This is my beautiful friend Aurora Zortman</div>
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I started to look at flights after they had been in Ireland for a few months. Chris and I have never been on a fancy trip. We have had many great adventures, but have always stayed pretty close to home. I have NEVER needed a passport. I really don't like to spend money, so it was very hard for me to think of spending money to go on a trip. We got our tax return and it was enough for the airfare. We debated back and forth if we should go - it was a hard decision. I really felt strongly that we should go and one day I bid on some tickets, and got the bid. I think I hyperventilated for about an hour!!! <br />
I started to do a lot of genealogy and had success in finding some of our ancestors. It was a wonderful experience, and there is more about that in future post.<br />
I went to girls camp as a level 3 camp leader. Each day we were to read scriptures for an hour a day. One of the goals was to teach the girls that they can receive answers to prayers in the scriptures. I decided that I needed to put it to the test! I had felt some anxiety about our trip. Was I doing the right thing? Could we really afford it? Would I find any of our ancestors? Is this really where I was supposed to be? I took these questions to the Lord and then started reading. I searched where<u><em><strong> I</strong></em></u> thought the answers would be. I started getting tired and lied down with my scriptures next to me. After a couple of minutes I opened my scriptures to a random page, and couldn't believe my answer.<br />
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Doctrine & Covenants 111<br />
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="5"> </a><span class="verse">5 </span>Concern not yourselves about your <sup class="studyNoteMarker"><marker>a</marker></sup><a class="footnote" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/111?lang=eng#" id="footnote5" rel="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/footnote?lang=eng&volumeUri=dc-testament&bookUri=dc&chapterUri=111&noteID=5a">debts</a>, for I will give you power to pay them.</div>
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="6"> </a><span class="verse">6 </span>Concern not yourselves about Zion, for I will deal mercifully with her.</div>
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="7"> </a><span class="verse">7 </span>Tarry in this place, and in the regions round about;</div>
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="8"> </a><span class="verse">8 </span>And the place where it is my will that you should tarry, for the main, shall be signalized unto you by the <sup class="studyNoteMarker"><marker>a</marker></sup><a class="footnote" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/111?lang=eng#" id="footnote6" rel="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/footnote?lang=eng&volumeUri=dc-testament&bookUri=dc&chapterUri=111&noteID=8a">peace</a> and power of my <sup class="studyNoteMarker"><marker>b</marker></sup><a class="footnote" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/111?lang=eng#" id="footnote7" rel="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/footnote?lang=eng&volumeUri=dc-testament&bookUri=dc&chapterUri=111&noteID=8b">Spirit</a>, that shall flow unto you.</div>
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="9"> </a><span class="verse">9 </span>This place you may obtain by hire. And inquire diligently concerning the more ancient inhabitants and founders of this city;</div>
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<a class="bookmark-anchor dontHighlight" href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="10"> </a><span class="verse">10 </span>For there are more treasures than one for you in this city.</div>
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I couldn't believe it! Each of my questions were answered one by one! I felt when I was reading it that Zion, was my home/life. I wasn't worried about it at that time, but that fear came later and quickly left as I remembered this experience. I knew we were doing the right thing and my concerns were lifted.</div>
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We became sooooooooo excited to go on our trip and started planning!!!</div>
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val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-77003653463648731372013-07-15T21:54:00.000-04:002013-09-23T21:54:46.030-04:00July 2013val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-35402557259583328392013-07-09T14:40:00.002-04:002013-07-09T14:47:13.299-04:00My piece of Heaven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am not a master gardener! I even let onion grass grow, thinking it was crocus. But, I love my yard!!!! To me it is a piece of Heaven on Earth. I feel God's love for me here. He is the master gardener. I look around and wish my daddy was here to enjoy it with me- he loved flowers! Here are some of my favorite things at this time of year in my yard.</span></strong></div>
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My tulip tree and tons of blossoms on it this year. It was beautiful!</div>
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Such beautiful flowers.</div>
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Some of my peonies opened up wide this year. Each flower had a very different look. </div>
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I love my window boxes. They are a lot of fun to plant. I am finally figuring out the height balance.</div>
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The path to my front door.</div>
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This is the path to my backyard. I feel so much peace here.</div>
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More Peonies!</div>
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I love this White peony</div>
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Pretty colors!</div>
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Columbine!</div>
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I love the Pond! I love the Lilies and the frogs!</div>
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The veggie garden spot is planted! I cant believe how much everything has grown since we planted.</div>
val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-54923331153884343322013-06-15T21:55:00.000-04:002013-09-23T21:55:41.296-04:00June 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-53679199958008822952013-04-09T21:51:00.000-04:002013-09-23T21:53:14.110-04:00April 2013val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-70589548075400085412010-11-11T06:48:00.004-05:002010-11-11T08:12:54.907-05:00Playing with Cousins<div style="text-align: center;">The cousins had so much fun together!! The older cousins were at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">EFY</span> together and the younger cousins had a blast at home playing. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tiana</span> wanted more time with her friends Tyler, so he came up and joined the party for several days! They are all very creative and had so much fun playing together while we were sorting. We were busy, so I really didn't take many pictures, but here are a few!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TNvYxtih3AI/AAAAAAAACvA/mNsVTV1UR-Y/s1600/summer%2B2010%2B323.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TNvYxtih3AI/AAAAAAAACvA/mNsVTV1UR-Y/s400/summer%2B2010%2B323.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538258515331767298" border="0" /></a>The had so much fun running around outside. Here they are taking a little swim!<br />Tia, Tyler, Katie and Max<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TNvYyHoDwlI/AAAAAAAACvQ/lTPdobq8ffM/s1600/summer%2B2010%2B330.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TNvYyHoDwlI/AAAAAAAACvQ/lTPdobq8ffM/s400/summer%2B2010%2B330.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538258522334282322" border="0" /></a>Tyler getting ready to jump in!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TNvYx9LX4FI/AAAAAAAACvI/lljm9WMrYcw/s1600/summer%2B2010%2B332.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TNvYx9LX4FI/AAAAAAAACvI/lljm9WMrYcw/s400/summer%2B2010%2B332.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538258519529611346" border="0" /></a>My cute Tia!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TNvYytmmwfI/AAAAAAAACvY/h7CdqFn4Rro/s1600/summer%2B2010%2B334.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TNvYytmmwfI/AAAAAAAACvY/h7CdqFn4Rro/s400/summer%2B2010%2B334.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538258532528734706" border="0" /></a>They had a blast playing just dance!!! It is so much fun!! I am hoping Santa <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">will</span> bring one to our house!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TNvZHH5XKtI/AAAAAAAACvo/1xOhX1dEZ1c/s1600/summer%2B2010%2B413.JPG"></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TNvYzIj_FoI/AAAAAAAACvg/KSoB_za7EgI/s1600/summer%2B2010%2B411.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TNvYzIj_FoI/AAAAAAAACvg/KSoB_za7EgI/s400/summer%2B2010%2B411.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538258539765503618" border="0" /></a>They had a good time taking the Dune Buggy out for a ride!<br />Stetson(friend) Tyler, Larisa, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Nic</span> and Ryan<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TNvZHH5XKtI/AAAAAAAACvo/1xOhX1dEZ1c/s1600/summer%2B2010%2B413.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TNvZHH5XKtI/AAAAAAAACvo/1xOhX1dEZ1c/s400/summer%2B2010%2B413.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538258883184110290" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nic</span> is ready to go!!<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TNvZHegF9TI/AAAAAAAACvw/yXDp4Sk2MmA/s1600/summer%2B2010%2B424.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TNvZHegF9TI/AAAAAAAACvw/yXDp4Sk2MmA/s400/summer%2B2010%2B424.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538258889252140338" border="0" /></a>Max, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tiana</span> and Tyler had fun making up skits and performing them - I love their creative energy!! T hey all have so much fun together!!! I just wish that we all lived closer!!<br /></div>val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-73322352639030903092010-11-11T06:21:00.002-05:002010-11-11T06:47:58.055-05:00Trip to Utah<div style="text-align: center;">On July 23rd we were supposed to leave for Utah. We were so excited to go and stay the night in Salt Lake with my sister and the go to, "the days of 47" parade. My brother in law, Donnie, was driving President <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Uctdorf</span> in the parade and I was so excited to go!! Well, there was a storm in Detroit and our flight was canceled!! We had no idea that it was the first cancellation of 3!! (Long Story) We actually didn't arrive until the 25<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span>!!! My sisters and I were all meeting to go through my mom's storage and special things. This was a hard task!! We said several prayers, made 6 piles and had many moments of tears!! We had some great memory sharing and of course, some laughter, but also a lot of missing our parents. One time I opened a box and there was one of mom's old aprons - tears came immediately!! I spent many hours by mom in the kitchen when I was little - she always called me her shadow. It made me miss her so much!! <br /><br /><br />We had pulled out several items that were things that we all loved and wanted. They were items that held lots of emotion for us! Some of the items were a clock given to Great grandpa <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Bennion</span>, mom's wedding dress, a Santa my mom painted, service plaques, my dad's uniform, the flag that flew over my dad's Navy ship and other like items! We really wanted everyone to be happy and it really stressed us out to try and divide it. We called and talked to everyone about what they wanted most, said a prayer and then made the division. It was emotional and very difficult. Then, I looked in a memory book and found the testimonies of my great grandparents and read them to my sisters. I realized that the most precious gift that we can treasure every day is the gift that wanted to share most - their testimony. I have always known of my parents strong, unwavering testimonies! It is a part of my life everyday and a gift that does not need to be divided - it lives in each of us!! There is nothing more beautiful or treasured!! I am so grateful for amazing parents!! Now, the time I feel them with me the most is when I share my testimony with my children, play hymns on the piano or when I need them the most! What a beautiful legacy!!<br /></div>val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-12531711473302641192010-10-05T09:35:00.002-04:002010-10-05T09:53:43.972-04:00Especially For Youth!!<div style="text-align: center;">Larisa had an amazing opportunity to go to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">EFY</span> with year!!! We were able to go Ogden and stay at my sister's house and she went to the stay at home <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">EFY</span> with her cousins! They had such a great time!!! She misses her cousins and they had a blast together. Yep, she was the only girl, but that worked out fine, especially because a lot of the girls in her group had group had crushes on her cousins. The theme for the year was - "Courage to Stand Strong". What a great theme to help armor Larisa before she heads off to High School!! It was so fun to go and pick them up and hear them all talk at once about their adventures!! They felt the spirit so strong!! They had a lot of funny stories to tell and loved the things that they learned!! I loved that she was able to be around those with the same beliefs and that she was able to grow closer with her cousins!! We are already planning next year - our goal - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">EFY</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Nauvoo</span>!!! I sure hope we can pull it off!!!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKsqbTRGdYI/AAAAAAAACuY/39rAY1KpqRU/s1600/summer+2010+315.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKsqbTRGdYI/AAAAAAAACuY/39rAY1KpqRU/s400/summer+2010+315.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524556016416880002" border="0" /></a>Tyler (Her cousin who is 2 days younger!), Larisa, Stetson (Tyler's Friend- another cousin for the week), Nicolas and Ryan<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKsqbqR3EAI/AAAAAAAACug/_EIU68P3o0c/s1600/summer+2010+319.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKsqbqR3EAI/AAAAAAAACug/_EIU68P3o0c/s400/summer+2010+319.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524556022594080770" border="0" /></a>This picture is more their personalities!!<br /><br /><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKsqcJTnmaI/AAAAAAAACuo/BnEYX8RHnjY/s1600/summer+2010+322.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKsqcJTnmaI/AAAAAAAACuo/BnEYX8RHnjY/s400/summer+2010+322.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524556030922955170" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKsqczsD1fI/AAAAAAAACu4/pyDfLyI6AmU/s1600/summer+2010+417.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKsqczsD1fI/AAAAAAAACu4/pyDfLyI6AmU/s400/summer+2010+417.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524556042299758066" border="0" /></a>Stetson, Tyler, Ryan, Larisa and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nic</span>!<br />First Day of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">EFY</span> - I just love them all!!!!<br /></div>val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-91974932681649916962010-10-05T09:23:00.004-04:002010-10-05T09:35:49.933-04:00Girl's Camp!!<div style="text-align: center;">Larisa was able to up to Girls Camp again this year!! She was so excited and she had a blast!!! She made new friends and strengthened old friendships!! She loves the spirit that she feels at camp and looks forward to it ever year!! The scripture for camp this year was, "...and they were exceedingly valiant for courage...true at all times." Alma 53:20 I love that she is not ashamed of the gospel and even wears her T-Shirt with the scripture on it to school! It is so fun to watch them come home and be on a spiritual high and giggle and laugh about all the things that happened while they were at camp!! We miss her so much at home, but we are thankful that she has the opportunity to go!!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKspEJK-grI/AAAAAAAACuQ/8ZAhUggXu_o/s1600/summer+2010+407.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKspEJK-grI/AAAAAAAACuQ/8ZAhUggXu_o/s400/summer+2010+407.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524554519058219698" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKsnabb-IXI/AAAAAAAACt4/wEiTTtP8_LQ/s1600/summer+2010+404.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKsnabb-IXI/AAAAAAAACt4/wEiTTtP8_LQ/s400/summer+2010+404.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524552702895202674" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKsnasl-cjI/AAAAAAAACuA/zCNmO6aQ3gA/s1600/summer+2010+410.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKsnasl-cjI/AAAAAAAACuA/zCNmO6aQ3gA/s400/summer+2010+410.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524552707500569138" border="0" /></a>This is Larisa with her friend McKenzie!! The only sad part about it was that McKenzie left early the last day to move back to Utah!! They shed a lot of tears at camp and we miss her a lot!!<br /></div>val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-32352753526561390552010-10-05T09:10:00.002-04:002010-10-05T09:22:50.366-04:00A Million Meals for Haiti!!<div style="text-align: center;">We were able to participate in a really awesome advent sponsored by the Salvation Army. They were working with another corporation to send 1,000,000 to Haiti. We signed up as a s Relief Society to help and it was an amazing experience!! We spent our time measuring, weighing, filling and sealing bag of food. IT was so fun to work as a ward and community to help people miles and miles away!! My girls loved it and we stayed an extra shift! We tried hard to break records and get as much done as we could! We had such a great time that on Sunday after Stake Conference - we went back to do more!! This time we brought our friends the Storm brothers with us! They moved here from Haiti a few weeks before the earthquake and they were pleased to be able to help out some of their friends in Haiti! Thanks Chris - it was father's day and he was willing to skip out on having a nice dinner and head over and help!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKskbeAgiXI/AAAAAAAACto/U1J5vHhII2I/s1600/summer+2010+272.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKskbeAgiXI/AAAAAAAACto/U1J5vHhII2I/s400/summer+2010+272.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524549422230309234" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tiana</span> measuring out the Soy<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKskbOfg3MI/AAAAAAAACtg/WwkuWOQe9YQ/s1600/summer+2010+270.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKskbOfg3MI/AAAAAAAACtg/WwkuWOQe9YQ/s400/summer+2010+270.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524549418065386690" border="0" /></a>Larisa Sealing the bags!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKskasrA2SI/AAAAAAAACtY/r45n8hmwFDg/s1600/summer+2010+269.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKskasrA2SI/AAAAAAAACtY/r45n8hmwFDg/s400/summer+2010+269.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524549408986814754" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tiana</span> weighing the bags!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKskb3N8MII/AAAAAAAACtw/79VHNSVFW6M/s1600/summer+2010+277.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKskb3N8MII/AAAAAAAACtw/79VHNSVFW6M/s400/summer+2010+277.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524549428997533826" border="0" /></a>What an amazing experience!!<br /></div>val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-59297853561903563102010-10-04T14:59:00.002-04:002010-10-04T15:12:53.529-04:00Cereal city<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>We went to the Worlds Largest Breakfast table again this year!! It was a lot of fun!!! WE had lots of cereal to choose from, bananas, juice, milk and Pop-Tarts. It is always fun to visit with our cereal friends!! Here is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tiana</span> with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Keebler</span> Elf!! See - she isn't very tall!!!! <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKolA9kyTEI/AAAAAAAACs4/xyOBmZ0tfG0/s1600/summer+2010+257.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKolA9kyTEI/AAAAAAAACs4/xyOBmZ0tfG0/s400/summer+2010+257.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524268591382416450" border="0" /></a>How do you put a little pop into your morning- why with Snap, Crackle and Pop of course!!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKolB9He27I/AAAAAAAACtQ/0Bcjw1yZkyg/s1600/summer+2010+258.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKolB9He27I/AAAAAAAACtQ/0Bcjw1yZkyg/s400/summer+2010+258.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524268608439376818" border="0" /></a>And whats a morning without <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tucan</span> Sam????<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKolAm2IoDI/AAAAAAAACsw/Az2FDzYVjcM/s1600/summer+2010+256.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKolAm2IoDI/AAAAAAAACsw/Az2FDzYVjcM/s400/summer+2010+256.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524268585281167410" border="0" /></a><br />They had a lot of various booths set up. Larisa was able to hold an alligator!! I am glad it decided not to go Snap, Crackle Pop!!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKolBYFNu_I/AAAAAAAACtI/0sZ3BU8kDz8/s1600/summer+2010+266.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKolBYFNu_I/AAAAAAAACtI/0sZ3BU8kDz8/s400/summer+2010+266.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524268598497754098" border="0" /></a><br />They also had an injured owl that they rescued from the wild!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKolBKyz6SI/AAAAAAAACtA/Ds4W9MNMWUE/s1600/summer+2010+263.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKolBKyz6SI/AAAAAAAACtA/Ds4W9MNMWUE/s400/summer+2010+263.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524268594930903330" border="0" /></a>What a great way to start off your morning!!!!<br /></div>val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-46425367261247837422010-10-04T14:16:00.004-04:002010-10-04T14:36:50.657-04:00Spring Soccer<div style="text-align: center;">This year both of the girl decided to play soccer!! I really do enjoy going to the games and watching my girls play!!<br /><br />Tiana had an interesting year of soccer! Since I believe our memories are a gift we give ourselves - I will say that Tiana learned a lot this year!! She didn't learn much about soccer but she did learn patience, sticking with it, doing your personal best and accepting others. There team did not win a game all season. Tiana did great and was the only to score all season - I believe several of those goals were made when she was playing defense!! It was exciting to see her take the ball down the entire field to score!!! She has such strength and is having a great season this fall!!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKocHZr5SGI/AAAAAAAACsg/8yQtsW2dqNM/s1600/may-june+2010+212.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKocHZr5SGI/AAAAAAAACsg/8yQtsW2dqNM/s400/may-june+2010+212.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524258806402992226" border="0" /></a><br />Team - Cotton Candy!!!<br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKocH3tcwrI/AAAAAAAACso/otpVHiwhQ2o/s1600/may-june+2010+216.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKocH3tcwrI/AAAAAAAACso/otpVHiwhQ2o/s400/may-june+2010+216.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524258814462575282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKocG9LNydI/AAAAAAAACsY/iYTnXoRc8nc/s1600/may-june+2010+211.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKocG9LNydI/AAAAAAAACsY/iYTnXoRc8nc/s400/may-june+2010+211.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524258798749731282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKocGjjjX1I/AAAAAAAACsQ/WHKTMl45Qzw/s1600/may-june+2010+208.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKocGjjjX1I/AAAAAAAACsQ/WHKTMl45Qzw/s400/may-june+2010+208.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524258791872487250" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKoa35ZvgBI/AAAAAAAACsI/e4fuSrCiq-k/s1600/may-june+2010+206.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKoa35ZvgBI/AAAAAAAACsI/e4fuSrCiq-k/s400/may-june+2010+206.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524257440527253522" border="0" /></a><br />Larisa had an amazing coach this year! She learned SO much about soccer from him. She was able to make new friends and have a great time! There team won or tied every game!!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKoa3ghJbGI/AAAAAAAACsA/KOJy7jgd-AU/s1600/may-june+2010+202.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKoa3ghJbGI/AAAAAAAACsA/KOJy7jgd-AU/s400/may-june+2010+202.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524257433847426146" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKoa2w-psiI/AAAAAAAACr4/0WDY1OSFhgo/s1600/may-june+2010+201.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKoa2w-psiI/AAAAAAAACr4/0WDY1OSFhgo/s400/may-june+2010+201.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524257421086274082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKoa2lXD7cI/AAAAAAAACrw/NU2nHt0dZOk/s1600/may-june+2010+193.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKoa2lXD7cI/AAAAAAAACrw/NU2nHt0dZOk/s400/may-june+2010+193.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524257417967431106" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKoa2dWrKvI/AAAAAAAACro/D4lbOqYbTFU/s1600/may-june+2010+190.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKoa2dWrKvI/AAAAAAAACro/D4lbOqYbTFU/s400/may-june+2010+190.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524257415818324722" border="0" /></a><br />So much fun!!!<br /></div>val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-75246091261201596672010-10-04T12:03:00.003-04:002010-10-04T14:12:59.084-04:00Duet and Choir Concert<div style="text-align: center;">This was Larisa's last concert for show choir. I LOVE going to the concerts and hearing my girls sing!! One of the requirements for show choir is to sing a duet or solo at a concert. The theme was show tunes this year. Larisa and her friend Emily Stewart decided to do a duet together. The sang a song from Little Mermaid! They were both nervous and really did not want to do it! These girls are so cute together. They laugh and giggle and the teacher loves the spirit that they bring to the choir! <br /><br />Sadly, they had problems with their microphones. This video is of them starting to sing and Larisa's mic not working!!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKn8Cayvm1I/AAAAAAAACrY/f2TQLRQfXnA/s1600/summer+2010+249.jpg"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='324' height='270' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzsY_prFGMPUGvmKA8ox0QT2OaxbhNkJ2rsk5bz7uT2dsUr2FYj7_d2hQ-HoUg0J_6v7YCOs3ASss7ZhxEviw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></a><br /><br />I was so impressed with their confidence and grace in the way that she handled the situation. They didn't get frustrated, they just tried to figure it out!! They finally got Larisa's mic to work and then poor Emily's mic got lots of feedback!!! It was actually pretty funny! They were able to start over one more time an this time they made it through!!!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKn8CmDwBAI/AAAAAAAACrg/zO1bAwsz9cY/s1600/summer+2010+247.jpg"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyizXvqpaqgDFxKmXSjmqscoP-zoAPaEkjs0fC3HYXAXKAm8-m3kohWMs2lbAbcvAjGArG5QxH_kE_BPMqB5A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></a><br /><br />Here is one of the songs that the choir sang!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKn8Cayvm1I/AAAAAAAACrY/f2TQLRQfXnA/s1600/summer+2010+249.jpg"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy5buXlhZfFrvmtzyQiHLgzzP6hatbN0Vz7K3T9ptT5oYQPUZbgSS713a-RlyC6hZpBv1zcKP29CHhISDny' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></a><br /><br />Can you believe how beautiful my Larisa is??? I am so lucky to her mom!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKn7fiA641I/AAAAAAAACrI/slKYVwBKpUU/s1600/may-june+2010+181.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKn7fiA641I/AAAAAAAACrI/slKYVwBKpUU/s400/may-june+2010+181.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524222937071805266" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Opps</span>!!! There goes the mic!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKn7fp_wBuI/AAAAAAAACrQ/H1Pyhge8OVA/s1600/may-june+2010+182.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKn7fp_wBuI/AAAAAAAACrQ/H1Pyhge8OVA/s400/may-june+2010+182.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524222939214382818" border="0" /></a><br />It is Show Choir - so they do a lot of acting in their song!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKn7fA9y0sI/AAAAAAAACrA/iFKamVL6_tQ/s1600/may-june+2010+179.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKn7fA9y0sI/AAAAAAAACrA/iFKamVL6_tQ/s400/may-june+2010+179.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524222928200323778" border="0" /></a><br />Emily, Susanna and Larisa<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKn8CmDwBAI/AAAAAAAACrg/zO1bAwsz9cY/s1600/summer+2010+247.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKn8CmDwBAI/AAAAAAAACrg/zO1bAwsz9cY/s400/summer+2010+247.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524223539452838914" border="0" /></a><br />Larisa and her teacher - yep the teacher is the one doing the bunny ears!!<br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKn8Cayvm1I/AAAAAAAACrY/f2TQLRQfXnA/s1600/summer+2010+249.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TKn8Cayvm1I/AAAAAAAACrY/f2TQLRQfXnA/s400/summer+2010+249.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524223536428718930" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Larisa decided not to choir in High school and I am really going to miss her concerts!!! Thankfully - Tia is still singing!!<br /></div>val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-66576252887440033292010-09-14T11:52:00.005-04:002010-09-14T12:08:45.507-04:00New Friends and a Room with a View!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>For Mother's day this year, Chris gave me this beautiful outdoor furniture! I love it!! It is nice to eat outside and I feel like I have a another room with a beautiful view! Thanks Chris!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-a6xGqaPI/AAAAAAAACqQ/kmRc_htbMno/s1600/may-june+2010+166.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-a6xGqaPI/AAAAAAAACqQ/kmRc_htbMno/s400/may-june+2010+166.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516798402956519666" border="0" /></a>Did you know that Chris has been in scouts for 8 out of the last 10 years??? Well in our ward we have the blessing of having two new Young Men that recently moved here from Haiti, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Rosner</span> and Stevenson Storm. They now know a lot of English, but at first Chris was able to use his french and translate for them. We take them home most of the time from church and we enjoy their friendship. On this Sunday we had them join our family for a little barbecue!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-bO2SnYLI/AAAAAAAACq4/z4IrRtGuCGE/s1600/may-june+2010+174.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-bO2SnYLI/AAAAAAAACq4/z4IrRtGuCGE/s400/may-june+2010+174.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516798747946213554" border="0" /></a>My view while we eat!! It has been a beautiful spring and Summer - love it!!!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-a9F-BRfI/AAAAAAAACqo/Pp46AZWrz_Y/s1600/may-june+2010+169.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-a9F-BRfI/AAAAAAAACqo/Pp46AZWrz_Y/s400/may-june+2010+169.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516798442917152242" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-a8K_eeNI/AAAAAAAACqg/FeQ6I9SsVS0/s1600/may-june+2010+168.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-a8K_eeNI/AAAAAAAACqg/FeQ6I9SsVS0/s400/may-june+2010+168.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516798427085568210" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-a7R-VBsI/AAAAAAAACqY/4Jh_t3fKY_w/s1600/may-june+2010+167.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-a7R-VBsI/AAAAAAAACqY/4Jh_t3fKY_w/s400/may-june+2010+167.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516798411779933890" border="0" /></a>Did you know that I think Michigan is gorgeous????<br /></div>val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-61877629061369468122010-09-14T11:04:00.010-04:002010-09-14T21:39:05.812-04:00Girls on the Run!!!<div style="text-align: center;">Last year <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tiana</span> was interested in the Girl on The Run program, but I jumped on board a little too late and we couldn't do it - I promised her that she could participate this year! The more I learned about the program - the more I was impressed. I heard that they needed coaches, but I really felt like my plate was already pretty full. The night that I finished coaching the reading program at the school, a parent came up and asked if I would coach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">GOTR</span>. I laughed and told her I would think about it. If you know me, you know that my exercise consist of lifting M & M's into my mouth one at a time!!! I presented the idea to Chris, and he said, "I think you should do it, I think you would enjoy it." I think I presented it to him so he would say, "Ah, Honey, you are already busy enough!" I thought about it for a few days and decided that it would be a lot of fun and a great experience for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tiana</span> and I to share together! I called the mom that talked with me and she said that the position was filled. I couldn't believe that I was actually a little disappointed. Well about 4 days before the practice they called me, and they had one coach that couldn't do it anymore and asked if I would be willing to take over, and oh, and can you attend training all day tomorrow. I decided that I could do that!!<br /><br />At training I learned what a great program it really is!!! It teaches girls about self esteem, being kind, nutrition, being a friend, to be happy being you and of course, we ran everyday. The goal at the end is to run the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">GOTR</span> 5K!! I loved teaching it!! The lessons and activities were great and the girls were darling!!!! It was so fun to be with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Tiana</span> and have this experience together. I had a great co-coach and I made a good friend! During the last couple of weeks was when my mom was sick and I visited her and then attended her funeral. I felt sad to abandon my girls, but great ladies stepped in and took over. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tiana</span> and I really wanted to run the 5K. We came home from the funeral the night before the run!! We were tired and still sad, but we wanted to do it. My mom was so proud of me for doing this. She would tell everyone that I was running a 5K and to her it was like the Boston Marathon! Again, I felt my mother's presence with me!! I could here her say, "Oh Valerie, you have so much fun!" as the girls were cheering and doing their cheers. I knew that she was with me as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Tiana</span> and I ran across the finish line holding hands!! It is hard to have her gone, but so wonderful that she has such a strong spirit that I can feel it at the moments I seek it!<br /><br />I am hoping to be able to coach again this year! We were able to take a bus over to the run!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-Pxk66bEI/AAAAAAAACpI/FCuxv2Gujy4/s1600/summer+2010+192.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-Pxk66bEI/AAAAAAAACpI/FCuxv2Gujy4/s400/summer+2010+192.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516786150439283778" border="0" /></a>This is Tiana and her friend Eden!!They are dear friends. Eden is a runner and Tiana wanted to be by her for the race. I told her that we would try, but that we probably couldn't keep up since we had been out of running for a few weeks. Eden had stomach cramps during the run, so she had to walk a lot. I was sad she was hurting, but happy that we could stay together.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-PyCuErHI/AAAAAAAACpQ/hc2T2BWAYGo/s1600/summer+2010+200.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-PyCuErHI/AAAAAAAACpQ/hc2T2BWAYGo/s400/summer+2010+200.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516786158438493298" border="0" /></a>Hannah and the assistant coach Morgan<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-SabkmXFI/AAAAAAAACqA/zr5KGif67gQ/s1600/may-june+2010+130.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-SabkmXFI/AAAAAAAACqA/zr5KGif67gQ/s400/may-june+2010+130.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516789051327667282" border="0" /></a>The 5 K was held at Waldo Stadium! The field was filled with excited girls!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-Pz319PDI/AAAAAAAACpo/w_xNN7Ys6TM/s1600/summer+2010+206.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-Pz319PDI/AAAAAAAACpo/w_xNN7Ys6TM/s400/summer+2010+206.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516786189878508594" border="0" /></a>There were 3 teams at our school!! This is our cute team!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-PzXkjLgI/AAAAAAAACpg/0K2Iln02Occ/s1600/summer+2010+204.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-PzXkjLgI/AAAAAAAACpg/0K2Iln02Occ/s400/summer+2010+204.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516786181215563266" border="0" /></a>What would girls run be without a little bling!!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-Pygb7GqI/AAAAAAAACpY/i5QNHDV1IZY/s1600/summer+2010+203.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-Pygb7GqI/AAAAAAAACpY/i5QNHDV1IZY/s400/summer+2010+203.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516786166415432354" border="0" /></a>Abby and Tiana with coach Teresa!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-Sa4nTe1I/AAAAAAAACqI/b0q8Q5VKO-8/s1600/may-june+2010+157.JPG"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='242' height='203' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx4evmzZG_zhqRcUSavwAm1BjUyPSt8I9hFqpDTzNRlmVV19bUKLjqMAWi-xEY-Ni8Yooq0vq2kYf19GzDCNQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></a><br />The girls had a great time making up a cheer for the Molly Barker the founder of GOTR! It was very cute and the were so excited to have a chance to preform it!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-Ra9vPIaI/AAAAAAAACp4/EAbQv7itTFk/s1600/summer+2010+208.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-Ra9vPIaI/AAAAAAAACp4/EAbQv7itTFk/s400/summer+2010+208.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516787960987460002" border="0" /></a>The girls all having fun!!<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-Sa4nTe1I/AAAAAAAACqI/b0q8Q5VKO-8/s1600/may-june+2010+157.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-Sa4nTe1I/AAAAAAAACqI/b0q8Q5VKO-8/s400/may-june+2010+157.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516789059123641170" border="0" /></a><br />We did it!!! I was a little tearful as my little cutie held my hand running into the stadium and crossing the finishing line!!! A moment I will hold close to my heart forever!!!!<br /></div>val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-13116928974386714682010-09-14T10:36:00.006-04:002010-10-04T12:03:44.726-04:00Tiana's Choir Concert<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tiana</span> has loved being in choir!! She stays after school one day a week for an hour and I am amazed at how much they accomplish in that hour! She loves being with her friends. She has a beautiful voice and learns the songs quickly. Well, this post is a little out of order. Her concert was on the same day that my mother passed away. For years my mother wished that she felt well enough to go to the girls performances, I felt her there listening! It was a sad time and my heart was broken, but I LOVED seeing my beautiful girl sing!!!<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-Lva4JtQI/AAAAAAAACo4/9KueM8tmtK4/s1600/summer+2010+182.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-Lva4JtQI/AAAAAAAACo4/9KueM8tmtK4/s400/summer+2010+182.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516781715337098498" border="0" /></a>Love this girl!! All of the students wore these vest and they looked so nice!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-LwPhhENI/AAAAAAAACpA/VRYu3HivXmE/s1600/summer+2010+183.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TI-LwPhhENI/AAAAAAAACpA/VRYu3HivXmE/s400/summer+2010+183.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516781729469239506" border="0" /></a><br />This is Mrs. Husk, she is the music teacher at the intermediate school!! We Love her!! She is so amazing! I love the songs that she picks. Every year there has been a spiritual song and it makes it extra special! She loves the children, but has great control over the group. Sadly, Mrs Husk is retiring - we will really miss her!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-74418069427666187832010-06-15T13:27:00.003-04:002010-06-15T13:38:34.081-04:00Sending our Love!!<div style="text-align: center;">My cute sister Kathy organized a balloon send off for the grandchildren!! Thanks Kathy! Thanks also for hosting us and feeding us!! The children enjoyed writing a love note to grandma and then sending it off! It was a great experience and I am sure that Grandma loved it!! I know that she felt all of their love!!!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cute little Anna!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBe5Ilvk97I/AAAAAAAACoY/6hYiX5wdU1k/s1600/may-june+2010+119.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBe5Ilvk97I/AAAAAAAACoY/6hYiX5wdU1k/s400/may-june+2010+119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483054628568627122" border="0" /></a><br />Melanie - the oldest grandchild!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBe5I_4bWvI/AAAAAAAACog/rqKykBfXlgU/s1600/may-june+2010+120.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBe5I_4bWvI/AAAAAAAACog/rqKykBfXlgU/s400/may-june+2010+120.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483054635585067762" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tiana</span> - I love her message!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBe4zULsE5I/AAAAAAAACoQ/RMrR2KkN4jc/s1600/may-june+2010+121.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBe4zULsE5I/AAAAAAAACoQ/RMrR2KkN4jc/s400/may-june+2010+121.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483054263077442450" border="0" /></a><br />My sweet Larisa - she loves her grandparents a lot!!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBe4ywFo4iI/AAAAAAAACoI/a9rucEiEvZ4/s1600/may-june+2010+122.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBe4ywFo4iI/AAAAAAAACoI/a9rucEiEvZ4/s400/may-june+2010+122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483054253388390946" border="0" /></a><br />Paul and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bentley</span> one of grandma's great grandsons!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBe4yeRxWbI/AAAAAAAACoA/0gUUViDgf34/s1600/may-june+2010+125bw.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBe4yeRxWbI/AAAAAAAACoA/0gUUViDgf34/s400/may-june+2010+125bw.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483054248607439282" border="0" /></a><br />Ready - Set - Let go!!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBe4xzw6MeI/AAAAAAAACn4/WAnRDbvasvw/s1600/may-june+2010+128.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBe4xzw6MeI/AAAAAAAACn4/WAnRDbvasvw/s400/may-june+2010+128.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483054237195317730" border="0" /></a><br />Sending off our Love!!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBe4xX2tf_I/AAAAAAAACnw/28_2-xO_n0k/s1600/may-june+2010+129.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBe4xX2tf_I/AAAAAAAACnw/28_2-xO_n0k/s400/may-june+2010+129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483054229703458802" border="0" /></a><br />We Love you!!!<br /></div>val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-1630900817020633802010-06-15T13:11:00.005-04:002010-06-15T14:12:39.098-04:00Graveside<div style="text-align: center;">I love the cemetery where my parents are buried. It is a beautiful spot in American Fork with the gorgeous Mt. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Timp</span> behind it!! When ever I would come before my mom passed away I would look at the headstone and I could feel the great separation - my dad in heaven, my mom on earth. It always made me sad! This time although I was so very sad for me and my family, I felt great joy in the fact that my parents were finally back together!! They had an amazing love story!!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBe0spJ17XI/AAAAAAAACnY/N7TBix1XpQk/s1600/may-june+2010+108.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBe0spJ17XI/AAAAAAAACnY/N7TBix1XpQk/s400/may-june+2010+108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483049750401248626" border="0" /></a><br />The carrying of the casket!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBe0uZsoIbI/AAAAAAAACng/nd6flST35MY/s1600/may-june+2010+112b.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 377px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBe0uZsoIbI/AAAAAAAACng/nd6flST35MY/s400/may-june+2010+112b.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483049780611916210" border="0" /></a>My brother -in-law dedicated the grave and did a beautiful job. It was fun for me to have some of my friends from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Santaquin</span> come and attend! We also enjoyed the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Heimuli</span> family visiting. I feel blessed to have great friends!<br /><br />The West Children<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBe0uzVbA5I/AAAAAAAACno/nYcoY7mnVxE/s1600/may-june+2010+117.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBe0uzVbA5I/AAAAAAAACno/nYcoY7mnVxE/s400/may-june+2010+117.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483049787493909394" border="0" /></a>David- Nancy - Me-Kathy-Lori and Tim!<br />We love you Mom and Dad!!! Thanks for being the wonderful parents that you have always been!!!<br /></div>val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-44245284586693087822010-06-15T12:41:00.004-04:002010-06-15T21:03:59.449-04:00Mom's Funeral<div style="text-align: center;">The viewing and Funeral were beautiful! It was fun to see extended family and friends! There were many precious sweet and wonderful experience in the days before the funeral. When my dad passed away and we were all struggling to get through it, my mom turned to us and said, "Come on, it's going to be alright, we can do this - we can do hard things!" She said it in a cheerful tone and we will always remember it!! Her words came back to us all!! I know that we were each carried this day! I was very sad, but mostly, I just could feel how happy my mom was!! All of the girls sang a song, and we made it through most of it!! Chris gave a beautiful spiritual thought/talk! I love him! I read a poem that My mom wrote for her mother and then added about the gift of faith that my mother gave me. My sisters Lori and Kathy also shared memories. She had a special friend, a friend of my sister Kathy, who came once a week to visit with my mom for the last years - she also spoke. We were grateful for all those who took the time to attend the funeral.<br /><br />If you want to see her video tribute from the viewing you can see it here!<br />http://www.funeralrecording.com/index.cfm?pageid=172&lid=2195<br /><br />This is the table that was set up for the viewing.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeuAbukzDI/AAAAAAAACnQ/w_0GTeoCGaA/s1600/may-june+2010+099.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeuAbukzDI/AAAAAAAACnQ/w_0GTeoCGaA/s400/may-june+2010+099.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483042393813208114" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBet_A6g_aI/AAAAAAAACnA/JlQJoiIUUv0/s1600/may-june+2010+096bw.JPG"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Some grandchildren saying good-bye!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBet-LYjd5I/AAAAAAAACmw/zzUcy4uQRKw/s1600/may-june+2010+092bw.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBet-LYjd5I/AAAAAAAACmw/zzUcy4uQRKw/s400/may-june+2010+092bw.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483042355066140562" border="0" /></a><br />I think the expression on my face says it all!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBet_sjyYcI/AAAAAAAACnI/sAy9Mbu_eIE/s1600/may-june+2010+097.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBet_sjyYcI/AAAAAAAACnI/sAy9Mbu_eIE/s400/may-june+2010+097.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483042381151494594" border="0" /></a><br />Saying good-bye as a family!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBet_A6g_aI/AAAAAAAACnA/JlQJoiIUUv0/s1600/may-june+2010+096bw.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBet_A6g_aI/AAAAAAAACnA/JlQJoiIUUv0/s400/may-june+2010+096bw.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483042369435663778" border="0" /></a>val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-72034110876964158032010-06-15T12:08:00.006-04:002010-06-15T13:42:24.722-04:00Seeing Family!<div style="text-align: center;">The day after my mom passed away my family packed up the car and drove across the nation to Utah for the funeral! We were blessed that the car worked and we arrived after 2 days. The girl decided that Wyoming was NOT their favorite state!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />It is hard having my family spread across the nation. Sadly, I think that the last time we are ALL together last was at my dad's funeral. When we arrived we welcomed with all of my family! I am thankful that even with broken hearts, we were still able to find so much joy in each other! I think that the hardest part is that I kept looking for my mom - wondering why she wasn't out here with all of us!! I am sure that she was there in spirit along with my dad!<br /><br />Somehow, when I took the pictures my brother David and his family weren't there! Sorry to leave your family out - I love you all though!!<br /><br />3 Very strong spirits!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBenUtOCzeI/AAAAAAAAClg/kU9_sEO_RDI/s1600/may-june+2010+057.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBenUtOCzeI/AAAAAAAAClg/kU9_sEO_RDI/s400/may-june+2010+057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483035045524590050" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tiana's</span> special buddy Maxwell!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBenVQHx3iI/AAAAAAAAClo/Gq3jhJBJ8Wk/s1600/may-june+2010+059.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBenVQHx3iI/AAAAAAAAClo/Gq3jhJBJ8Wk/s400/may-june+2010+059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483035054893555234" border="0" /></a>Tim and Lori<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBepGdsM2FI/AAAAAAAACmQ/glfezShFtSI/s1600/may-june+2010+074.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBepGdsM2FI/AAAAAAAACmQ/glfezShFtSI/s400/may-june+2010+074.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483036999861196882" border="0" /></a>Melanie and Larisa!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBepIavHZjI/AAAAAAAACmo/SkW4S2E_XTU/s1600/may-june+2010+088.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBepIavHZjI/AAAAAAAACmo/SkW4S2E_XTU/s400/may-june+2010+088.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483037033427854898" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Dawnielle</span> and Riley<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBepHGGkApI/AAAAAAAACmY/dDzEryPWMtw/s1600/may-june+2010+077.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBepHGGkApI/AAAAAAAACmY/dDzEryPWMtw/s400/may-june+2010+077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483037010709185170" border="0" /></a>Melanie's cute boy Riley!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBepH4kVLuI/AAAAAAAACmg/3gvZr-K9BWc/s1600/may-june+2010+082.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBepH4kVLuI/AAAAAAAACmg/3gvZr-K9BWc/s400/may-june+2010+082.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483037024255815394" border="0" /></a>Chris preparing his talk for the funeral<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBenXJwHuJI/AAAAAAAAClw/h95b-qGzx9c/s1600/may-june+2010+063.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBenXJwHuJI/AAAAAAAAClw/h95b-qGzx9c/s400/may-june+2010+063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483035087543449746" border="0" /></a>Katie and Larisa showing their newly painted nails!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBepFtli12I/AAAAAAAACmI/eF8t_P4voqk/s1600/may-june+2010+068.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBepFtli12I/AAAAAAAACmI/eF8t_P4voqk/s400/may-june+2010+068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483036986948376418" border="0" /></a>Donnie (Kathy's Husband) and his Dad. His parents came and were a great help!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBenYCkcrQI/AAAAAAAACmA/EiwL1rQCXmU/s1600/may-june+2010+065.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBenYCkcrQI/AAAAAAAACmA/EiwL1rQCXmU/s400/may-june+2010+065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483035102795312386" border="0" /></a>Paul and Nicolas<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBenXoH1-1I/AAAAAAAACl4/jvm180rbjjs/s1600/may-june+2010+064.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBenXoH1-1I/AAAAAAAACl4/jvm180rbjjs/s400/may-june+2010+064.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483035095696014162" border="0" /></a>So wonderful being a family!<br /></div>val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-28574284799868026372010-06-15T10:57:00.008-04:002010-06-15T14:33:23.707-04:00A Good-bye Visit<div style="text-align: center;">I really thought when I first came to visit that I was just doing that! My sisters and I were going to laugh and we were sure that this would just perk my mother right up!! The first day that we were there my mom was moving slow and needed help, but she perked up as the day went on. She made my sister Lori and I laugh really hard and she was even was able to get up and walk around! She slept really well and my sister and I talked about how good the morning would be. Well, my mom had a hard time getting up and she really couldn't swallow. The hospice workers came in later that day and told us that she was in the first stages of dying. My heart broke! I wanted to yell and cry, not my mommy!! Then I reflected on a phone call that I had with her 2 weeks earlier. My mom knew that she was dying and called us all to let us know that she has had a good life and that she didn't want us to be sad when she passed away! She shared her testimony with us and wanted us to make sure that all of the grandchildren knew of her testimony! I love this woman!! My dad has been gone for 9 1/2 years now and my mom has missed him so very much!! When I thought of me I didn't want my mom to go!! When I thought of her, I knew I wanted her to be pain free, she has been in pain so long! I knew how much mom and dad love each other and I knew that they could begin their NEW mission together! My mom loved the Savior and I knew how much she longed to with him!! What wonderful reunions!! I knew I had to let go, I really didn't have a choice! I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and for the knowledge of his eternal plan for us!<br /><br />The chaplain from hospice came and sang to my mother. He has been visiting her for over a year now and my mom would love to hear him come and sing. He brought so much peace and love with him! He thinks so highly of my mom and it was wonderful to listen to him and to get to know him. I was amazed as I meet the many people that had been working with my mother. They all had a story, they all loved my mom, they all had their loves touched by mom! I was speaking with one of the workers and he mentioned that he can see little pieces of my mom in each of the children. I told him that was a great compliment and that it was my goal to be just like my mom someday!! He looked at me and smiled and said, "You just set the bar very high! Your mom was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever met!" That she was!! The bar is very high, but I will try!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeVQ-zmTLI/AAAAAAAACkw/8QdWtmEUGUQ/s1600/may-june+2010+033.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeVQFRoeRI/AAAAAAAACko/v3roDlzLRMI/s1600/may-june+2010+032c.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeVQFRoeRI/AAAAAAAACko/v3roDlzLRMI/s400/may-june+2010+032c.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483015174873446674" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeVQ-zmTLI/AAAAAAAACkw/8QdWtmEUGUQ/s1600/may-june+2010+033.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeVQ-zmTLI/AAAAAAAACkw/8QdWtmEUGUQ/s400/may-june+2010+033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483015190316731570" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeVRtVbXjI/AAAAAAAACk4/cnZ4HRc08vo/s1600/may-june+2010+043.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeVRtVbXjI/AAAAAAAACk4/cnZ4HRc08vo/s400/may-june+2010+043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483015202806652466" border="0" /></a>I was grateful to be with my sweet sisters at this time!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeVSEjA1eI/AAAAAAAAClA/qDi8iyobhmk/s1600/may-june+2010+047bw.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeVSEjA1eI/AAAAAAAAClA/qDi8iyobhmk/s400/may-june+2010+047bw.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483015209037649378" border="0" /></a><br />My mom was in a deep sleeping state for a couple of days. She opened her eyes and talked a little with us for a couple of hours. This was a gift for us, as she told us sweet messages of love! Then she closed her eyes again. I slept in her room beside her holding her hand and these are precious memories to me! This is my little nephew Max - he lived fairly close by and loved to have sleepovers with grandma! He was tender in showing his love for grandma<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeWnCsbmnI/AAAAAAAAClY/GevHmz8vluM/s1600/may-june+2010+222.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 349px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeWnCsbmnI/AAAAAAAAClY/GevHmz8vluM/s400/may-june+2010+222.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483016668829162098" border="0" /></a><br />My mom LOVED it when her daughters would sing together! I know that this is what helped me to develop my testimony! My mom had this book on her shelf and we would sing together or take turns singing to my mom! This brought so much peace to me!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeWmmWmx8I/AAAAAAAAClQ/Z3wsqhS2-p8/s1600/may-june+2010+221.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeWmmWmx8I/AAAAAAAAClQ/Z3wsqhS2-p8/s400/may-june+2010+221.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483016661221427138" border="0" /></a><br />It was time for me to go back home - leaving was hard! I told my mom good- bye, hugged her and held her hand!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeVSldLEhI/AAAAAAAAClI/VqxVYaUuwhk/s1600/may-june+2010+052.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeVSldLEhI/AAAAAAAAClI/VqxVYaUuwhk/s400/may-june+2010+052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483015217871524370" border="0" /></a><br />My sweet mother returned back home to her Heavenly Father the next morning! (May 18)<br /></div>val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-930559021480934802.post-11703232338597342822010-06-15T09:56:00.003-04:002010-06-15T10:35:09.940-04:00Mother's Day<div style="text-align: center;">This was a Mother's Day that I will never forget! There were a lot of wonderful thing that happened on this day, and a very difficult day too! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tiana</span> was VERY excited about the gift that she made me! She asked if we could open up gifts first thing in the morning, how could I say no!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeKqq6bO6I/AAAAAAAACj4/-GLZ0J9KB9Y/s1600/may-june+2010+025.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeKqq6bO6I/AAAAAAAACj4/-GLZ0J9KB9Y/s400/may-june+2010+025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483003537025350562" border="0" /></a>This is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tiana's</span> gift to me! She has this little spinning ball that has lights on it and stuck chocolates on it for me. You can plug it in and it spins around.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeJnyPFrHI/AAAAAAAACjg/3uVil7Xa_uU/s1600/may-june+2010+026.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeJnyPFrHI/AAAAAAAACjg/3uVil7Xa_uU/s400/may-june+2010+026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483002387939830898" border="0" /></a>She made the little sign above it that says I can take a chocolate when I want one! She is creative!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeJo1fxALI/AAAAAAAACjw/24oPyLXal2M/s1600/may-june+2010+030.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeJo1fxALI/AAAAAAAACjw/24oPyLXal2M/s400/may-june+2010+030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483002405994954930" border="0" /></a>She also made this card in school for me!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeJotH9mWI/AAAAAAAACjo/AO7ZSdymL9g/s1600/may-june+2010+029.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeJotH9mWI/AAAAAAAACjo/AO7ZSdymL9g/s400/may-june+2010+029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483002403747633506" border="0" /></a>This is the poem she wrote!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeJncgKvwI/AAAAAAAACjY/y0xUpkeP6t8/s1600/may-june+2010+022.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeJncgKvwI/AAAAAAAACjY/y0xUpkeP6t8/s400/may-june+2010+022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483002382105886466" border="0" /></a>Larisa gave me this cute little sculpture to put out by the pond. Chris was extra wonderful and bought me patio furniture to go out by the pool. He made me breakfast and dinner and made sure I didn't do an once of housework - I love you Chris!!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeJm8mLsOI/AAAAAAAACjQ/FoRBmw7ypPA/s1600/may-june+2010+219.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_P8Ne6ICOuTM/TBeJm8mLsOI/AAAAAAAACjQ/FoRBmw7ypPA/s400/may-june+2010+219.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483002373541179618" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It is a tradition in our ward on Mother's Day to have all the women in the ward attend RS for 2 hours. We then have our Visiting Teaching Conference and then eat treats and visit!!! I love it! I REALLY love it when I don't have an responsibilities that day - this was not that year! <br /><br />I was at home making little cheese cakes and thinking about all that needed to be done for the conference - I guess you could say I was stressing!! Then, my sister called, she let me know my mom was in the the hospital and that they weren't really sure if she would even make it through the day! My heart broke!! Not my sweet wonderful mother! What do you do, besides cry? It can be so hard living across the country! I was speaking for the conference, playing the piano, bringing food and I needed to be there, but my heart was broken!! My mom taught me that, "You can do hard things!" So I said a prayer for strength and went to church with my cell phone in one hand and Chris holding the other. I knew that I was being carried that day!<br /><br />The Conference was actually wonderful!! I loved the music and the testimonies, and how can food go wrong when there is chocolate involved? My phone never rang - I felt better! I came home and was able to talk with my mother - she was doing better then they originally thought. I debated on whether to go to Utah or not, but purchased a ticket to go and spend the week in Utah. My sister Lori also decided to fly out. We were excited to go and have 4 sisters be together! In spite of the sadness, I felt so much gratitude to be a mother and so much gratitude for my wonderful mother!!! Being a mom is the best!! Having my mom - is having the best!!!<br /><br /><br /></div>val mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852166340619682019noreply@blogger.com3