October 18, 1995

Ok, this is the only photo I could find since all my mission photos are in storage. But it is a rather funny one. 13 years ago, I went into the MTC and on November 8, flew out to serve my mission in the Pennsylvania Harrisburg mission. Utah in the fall always reminds me of when I was first a missionary, and when I went to the Temple. I had so many awesome experiences as a missionary and wouldn't trade the hardest, yet most rewarding year and a half of my life! Now, come to think of it, I would say that being a parent might take over that hardest most rewarding --both challenging in different ways. I always laugh at this photo, because I had the BEST trainer Sister Maria VanCott, and she taught me how to work my tail off. This picture was taken in Millersville, Pa--right outside of Lancaster. It was COLD, ICE RAINING, and our cars were parked, so we had to ride bikes. I was only out maybe a week, and a little homesick, ok maybe a lot. We had just come back from a long day of tracting and getting lots of doors slammed in our faces. I was mad and not feeling the spirit. My comp took this pic to remind me of one of the most priceless moments in my life, and to help me remember that it was all for the Lord! Thanks Sis VanCott, for setting the stage for me to have a great mission. I wouldn't trade that time for anything, and hope that my children will have the desire to serve a mission someday.

Vintage Shirt

Found this shirt in a box at my moms house, and decided to wash it and let Drew wear it. It was my brothers, and it is a classic. It has the pointed collar and on the shirt it has little cannons that are shooting out and it says "BOOM" It just happens to be Drew's favorite shirt. If it's clean and in his drawer, it's the first shirt he picks out. You need to enlarge it to get the full effect. What a nut!

A trip to the pumpkin patch

Owen was here last weekend, and we took a little day trip out to the VIneyard for Pumpkins. We also checked out Thanksgiving Pointe and Garner Village--it was a very busy fall day!--I was a little disappointed that I couldn't find a pumpkin patch that the kids could actually pick their own pumpkins like in Pennsylvania --so we had to settle for browsing in the aile of the Vineyard--just isn't the same.

Where is this place I call home?

Each day I'm reminded what an incredibly beautiful place I live in. Not to mention living right up against the mountains is completely amazing! When I drop the kids off at school, I always catch the sun rising over the mountains in Rock Canyon and I just think this is so awesome! How did I live away from this beauty for 5 years? Although, Pennsylvania was pretty dang gorgeous too!

Slacker!

I am usually a very consistent blogger--not like my friends Robyn, Angie and Christina.--hint hint.( it really doesn't matter--they won't see this anyways.) But since I've moved to Utah and using my moms computer, it just isn't as convienent to download pics as it is on my laptop and in order to get internet connection on the laptop, after switching the ethernet cord, I have to run to the garage and click the reset button. It really is a pain--and I really need wireless I tell you! So I will be better--expect several posts in the next couple of weeks.

Miracles!

Today, our Prophet Thomas S. Monsen announced that they will be building a temple in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It brought tears to my eyes for sometime. Just recently moving from Pennsylvania where we lived in Philadelphia for 4 years and Allentown for 1 year, we saw the faithfulness of the saints, and the rapid growth in the Logan ward in Philly. I remember so many members bearing their testimonies about how much faith they had that there would be a temple in Pennsylvania soon, and to think that it's going to be so close to where they all live. Owen told me that the church was looking at property in King of Prussia which is maybe 20 min out of Philly and 40 min out of Allentown. I'm not sure how accurate the location is though. It is extra special to us though because Owen and I both served our missions in the Pennsylvania Harrisburg mission, so we are so excited for all of the members in that mission too! The dedication will definitely be something that we will want to attend!