Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Husband, Children, Home


Sister Hinckley is one of my heroes. I love her! I've been reading a book called, "Glimpses into the Life and Heart of Marjorie Pay Hinckley" This passage really struck me!


"We have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives. We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us. We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove anything, to be what we are. With all of these decisions we have three responsibilities.

We have a great responsibility to our husbands. I know it is hard to believe, but almost before you can turn around the children will be gone and you will be alone with him. You had better be sure that you are developing the kind of love and friendship that will be delightful and enduring. Let the children learn from your attitude that he is important. Encourage him. Be kind. It is a rough world, and he, like everyone else, is fighting to survive. Be cheerful. Don't be a whiner.

We have a great responsibility to our children. Find joy in them. Don't over-schedule them or yourself. You may not be able to take them on exotic vacations. It doesn't matter. When the day dawns bright and sunny, take an excursion to the canyon or the park. When it's cloudy and wet, read a book together or make something good to eat. Give them time to explore and learn about the feel of grass and the wiggliness of worms.

Now to our homes. Your home is your own private temple. Keep it clean. Put something beautiful in every room for your family to look at. Create a feeling of order and spirituality. Your home can be beautiful without being elaborate or expensive. I once went tracting with a sister missionary in Hong Kong. We entered the door of a resettlement flat. It was small: four bunk beds, no closets. All the clothes and belongings were stacked neatly on the beds. There was one low table with stools and an ugly black stove that burned oil. And then my eyes fell on a vase of artificial flowers on a high shelf just under the ceiling. I was touched by that woman's desire for beauty.

As you create a home, don't get distracted with a lot of things that have no meaning for either you or your family. Don't dwell on your failures, but think about your successes.

Have joy in your home.

Have joy in your husband.

Have joy in your children.

Be grateful for the journey."

Monday, July 26, 2010

Summer Randomness


What can I say?
It's been hard to find time to blog.
So here's a random synopsis of our summer...so far!

We ladies had a Girls Night Out when the boys went on their
"Father & Sons Campout".
So we feasted at Applebees and topped off our meal
with frosties from Wendys.
Then we watched a movie and had a slumber party!


We've been a little crafty:


Sammy got his braces on!


Sara had some of her favorite friends over for
sprinklers, popsicles, giggles, movie, twinkies, & dress up!


And we've been going to the Herriman Resevoir to cool off!


Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Little Patriot

Sing it, Baby!

Butterfield Peaks


Yesterday, we trekked up to Butterfield Peaks
(yep, this mountain has 2 peaks)


It was a spectacular view.
We could see all of Salt Lake County
and part of Utah County as well.
We could even see our neighborhood,
and a few of the kids were pretty certain they could see our house, too.

We live in a beautiful country.

The 3rd of July


So our 4th was on the 3rd this year.
We went to Riverton
sporting our homemade T's
to watch the fireworks.

They were loud, bright,
and totally awesome!


And nope,
Violet didn't even cry!
She loves fireworks :-)

Fort Herriman Days


Every June we head down the street for Fort Herriman Days! Sam and Kaeli were in this year's parade riding in a decked-out trailer for their orthodontist. So Rylie, Sara, Violet and I watched the parade on our own! We got a great spot in the shade and scored quite a bit of taffy!

Later that day we went to the park and rode the carnival rides!
The kids had so much fun!





Then we watched a concert (Jericho Road)
and sprawled out on our blankets to watch the fireworks!


Catch-up!

Our summer started off the minute the kids were out of school, literally. We picked Sam and Kaeli up from school on our way out of town and headed up to Washington for a family reunion. We hung out and played with Aaron's parents, grandma, & siblings & their families (15 adults & 14 kids...yikes!). After the visit we headed up to Moscow to stay with my parents for a few days. We headed home and stayed the night with Aaron's aunt & uncle in Boise and visited with a few old friends and finally got home. It was so nice to see our family and friends, but it was also so nice to get our sleep-deprived children home and get the baby back on schedule!

We have way too many pictures from our trip up north to choose,
so I threw this one in of the kids all wet from sprinklers :-)