Hoping the FORCE will be with us

Sometimes I wish I could use the Force to clean my house like Mary Poppins or be as calm and patient as I want to be.  Sometimes it might be nice to have the Force cook meals that all 3 kids and myself enjoy that are healthy and satisfying.  Sometimes it would be nice to use the Force to bring my husband home and let us be together as a family.  Sometimes I dream about using the Force to inspire all the Relief Society sisters to do their visiting teaching and to minister to their sisters like Christ would.  I know the Force is with us every night I go to bed and count my blessings to Heavenly Father.  We are so blessed...abundantly blessed...to have the Force with us as we strive to combat the evils of this world and all those firey darts Satan throws our way.  I'm thankful for a husband who uses the Force to do good and to resist temptation.  What a blessing it is to be a member of Christ's restored church and to have the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Book of Mormon, and knowledge of why were here and where we're going.  I do hope the "Force" is with us as I strive to be the mom I want (and God wants) me to be.

Happy Halloween 2012

Fall Break...let's fly to Utah!

The boys were fantastic flyers and each flight they educated themselves on the emergency brochure.  Talon was quite concerned he'd not know how to use the oxygen mask properly and was almost in tears after the flight attendant joked with him that he was in charge of making sure his brothers were  all properly masked if needed.

 I sat next to a lady who's daughter's wedding dress turned out to be a disaster and she was getting married the next day.  I told her I had one she could borrow and took a picture of it to send to her.  They ended up going to David's bridal that night instead.  But it was so fun to put my dress on...I will always love that day but more importantly love that it sealed Doug and I together for forever!

 I flew in on October 4th and surprised my dad for his 55th Birthday.  I skyped him from his driveway and then walked in and he was so stunned and so happy!  All of my siblings were surprised too and it was fun to bring smiles to their faces.

 We cheered Hunter during his Regional Cross Country race...he took 4th!  Way to Hunter!

 Then I cheered Devin on during his football game.  It was freezing!

 The next day we cheered Gavin on for his football game in which he scored 2 touchdowns!

 Nana was the best bedtime story teller.

 Boys wanted me to take a picture of them in the bath.

 Boys LOVED wrestling with their Uncle Blake and Uncle Gavin.

 Some of my favorite talks from General Conference were Elder Utchdorf (about life priorities), Elder Oaks (about our children), and Elder Holland (loving the Lord).  I was talking to Doug when Elder Holland was speaking and there came a point when he spoke directly, boldly, and with power about "If ye love me, feed my sheep!"  I loved it!  I also saw a beautiful painting titled "Feed my sheep" at the International Art exhibit at Temple Square.  I would LOVE to have this painting in our home one day.

Feed My Sheep by David Andre Koch, 1963, Utah. "When we come to Christ, we are invited to show Him how much we love Him by feeding His sheep.

Sunday night we skyped with Doug and my mom, Dan, and Hunter all were able to talk with him.  The sound cuts in and out and sometimes the frames freeze or is pixelated, but it's still nice to see him smile. 

Monday evening we went up to the summit of American Fork Canyon...it was gorgeous!  The aspens were brilliantly yellow and the fall colors were spectacular.  My cousin asked me to take her family photos and we had a heavenly moment with my cousin Jared whipped out his guitar and started playing...it was an awesome combination of beautiful nature, music, and people.  

 The three amigos has a blast together and were inseparable during the trip.

 Hannah and I went to the Carrie Underwood concert tour called "Blown away".  What an amazing vocalist she is!  My favorite songs were "Temporary Home" and "Jesus Take the Wheel".  Hunter Hays opened for her and I really liked his music too.  "Wanted" was my favorite and after watching his talents on the guitar and piano I really want to get my family going on both of those instruments.  Jax and Tal both said they'd want to learn the piano and Colt says he wants to learn to play the guitar.  Listening to country music really makes me miss Doug.  I had a blast with my sister and was so happy we were able to go together!  Thanks Hannah for a great evening!

 Jeannie (my cousin's wife and one of my best friends) and I went to Urban Underground.  This lady has a women's clothing store in her basement with great prices.  I spent $74 on 12 items...5 of them were really nice jackets or sweaters...that comes out to about $6/item.  Score!

 Thursday, my mom, Jeannie and her kids and the boys and I all went up to Temple Square.  We visited the new City Creek outdoor mall in which her daughter ended up soaked from falling into the creek and Talon stepped in it.  So we had to do a little shopping...Talon picked out these awesome shoes, socks, and beanie...what a little stud. We enjoyed seeing the Salt Lake Temple and visiting the "I am a Child of God" exhibit.  The boys entertained us with their latin dancing.

That evening Jana, Cristina, and I enjoyed visiting with each other as we had a little girls night out.  How I love my dear friends from college (and high school & childhood).

Friday evening I had another girls night out with my mom, Jeannie, Aubrey and Katie (all cousins).  We went to the BYU Homecoming Spectacular in which I reminisced of my college days...so glorious!  The dancing, singing, and jazz band "Synthesis" were so good.  We enjoyed some dessert afterwards too.


I'm so happy we're one month down...just 8 more to go.  It's been a good month and I hope I can say that about the rest.  I'm so thankful for the strength of the Lord I feel with me.  Utah definitely was a great distraction.  I just love being around family.  My mom was quite emotional when we left.  I think she could use a little extra love in her life and I'd love to be there for her more.  I'm really excited to be there for Christmas.