Quick Review

Zack getting his braces on. Yep it is quite the ride.

Taylor, my cute little niece, wearing a shirt to remind me that she is my spider monkey.

Syd and her Daddy watching a presentation by President Thomas S. Monson at the Visitor's Center on Temple Square.

Syd shows some of the stone quarried by the early pioneers to build the Salt Lake City Temple. You can even see some of the marks left in the stone as they chiseled out this granite.

Enjoying a minute of rest as we walk through Temple Square on our vacation in August 2009.

Tragic Accident and Miracles

There is a woman in my sister's ward that she goes visiting teaching to. She had a tragic accident happen to her family. Her little nephew drowned. He is in stable conditions, but still has a ways to go. This is from her blog.

So many of you have asked what you can so to help Matt, Sara, and Bronson. We have set up an account at Wells Fargo.

PLEASE

instead of buying food to make them dinner..Donate $5, $10.. whatever you may have on their behalf. As we all know the ICU isn't cheap. Just the life flight for B cost $15,000. The account is set up under "The Bronson Staker Donation account". IF we could even make a little dent in what will be an EXTREME amount, I know they would be tremendously grateful. In speaking with Matt, I know all he asks for are prayers. This is MY plea. My desire to in some small way help them. Thank you to those of you who have done so much. For the PRAYERS that you have sent up. I can't thank you enough, I still can only imagine how they feel and their own thankful hearths for them. Much love. M.

Please go to Bronson's mothers blog and read about it at http://www.stakerzxposed.blogspot.com/. Go to Feb. 1st posting because that is where it starts. I am also asking for everyone who reads this to please keep this family in you thoughts and prayers. Thank you!

Oh How I Love Them

Aside from my own children, I have been blessed with four other amazing kids in my life. Justin, Garrett, Ashlie and Hallie Beagley live just down the road from us and I have Ashlie in my Primary class (FINALLY)!! I take piano lessons from their Mom. Each Monday I get to go hang out with this kiddos. They are so amazing. Each time I see them I am guaranteed a running, jumping, throwing themselves in my arms hug and squeal (mostly from Garrett) as I catch them and hug them back.

There have been days I am so down and discouraged and one of these kids will come climb in my lap and let me hold and hug them. Don't get me wrong, not one of them is the wimpy kind of kid. They are all tough and play competitive sports (Hallie played football with the boys this years).



Last night their parents delivered something from town for me and as they were leaving, my sweet Garrett had to run back for one final hug before he left. I cannot express how that touched my heart. Each of these kiddos are so different but have all captured a different special spot in my heart. Oh how I love these kids; almost as much as my own.

Wordless Wednesday

Leap of Faith

I am announcing a huge step in my life. I am writing and publishing a book. For those of you who know me this is going to be a book about my testimony and how it was affected by the death of my brother Ben and again with the death of my father.

I am really nervous about this as it is a personal story. I have felt very prompted (or extremely prodded) to get this written and publish as soon as possible. I am praying for the guidance necessary to do this story justice and to acknowledge the help of the Savior and my family in the process. Wish me luck.

New Ward

Sunday evening the Salem 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Wards were brought together and divided into four wards.

I have to say this came with great excitement and sorrow. I was so excited to see what ward I would be in but as the new boundaries were uncovered, I was sorrowful to loose some very good friends in my ward too.

I know that this is going to be a new step and exciting but still change is just that....change.

The newest ward is Teton River Ward. I am happy that I will know so many from the previous Salem 3rd Ward. The next two weeks we go to church for just one hour. (Considering that normally church is a 3 hour thing, this is kind of fun.)

Some of the people that I was just casual friends with before better watch out because I am now in need of a best friend in Teton River Ward!! This in no way replaces Melissa, but surely there isn't such a thing as too many close friends. Oh, and by the way, if you are up for volunteering for the BFF position, I am totally looking and just need to find someone who thinks I am as funny as I think I am and doesn't mind talking on the phone. Scrapbooking is a good thing but not required. Dr. Pepper is one of my hugest vices so you have to be willing to overlook this habit. Finally, I kind of have a mild form of turrets. Sorry but it is true. If you can deal with that then I am so looking to find a new friend to do stuff with in Teton River Ward. No application necessary and everyone is automatically accepted.

What Are You Thankful For?

I am thankful for my family, my sweetheart, my Savior, my testimony, my sisters, my friends (you all know I am talking to you), my job, my home, my bed, my crappy car, my clothing, the food I have to eat, my parents, my freedom to worship, the troops who serve in the armed forces, the missionaries of our church, the air I breathe, my life.