Preoccupied

Ok, So I've been a bit preoccupied with getting J Tyler out on his mission and then catching up on everything else. So I'm back on and will back post some things and then try to keep up.

I take my hat off to all of you who post so regularly and with all your fancy widgets etc. I am in awe. I am learning though . . I made a new header and it only took me an hour and a half. Oh well, in time I'll get faster.

I am constantly amazed at how blessed I am and how the Lord is mindful of each one of us in the midst of the constant chaos of life. I don't know what I'd do without Him

One of the Great Joys of Parenthood

Today was a wonderful day! We were able to go to the temple with J Tyler. How do you put into words all the emotions you feel? Tyler, we love you and are proud of how you have sought the truth out for yourself. We know it hasn't always been easy but we see the peace and happiness that has settled over you. We are grateful for the choice you have made to take this big step in your life. We are also grateful that you have made the choice to serve the Lord. Always remember this day and the covenants you have made. We know you will be blessed for it!

We were also blessed to have a few wonderful friends join us today. Leah Lund and Mary Jo Hill came from our ward. Leah has a son Tyler's age and is a great friend. Mary Jo was one of J Tyler's seminary teachers. Our special friend Steve Sass came from Georgia to be with us. He was here from Washington State on business in Georgia and drove three and a half hours each way to be with us. We appreciate his love and friendship. He left before we were able to take a picture.

Mission Call!

J Tyler will be serving in the California San Diego Mission as a spanish speaking missionary! We are excited. He enters the MTC on February 25th. We promised the girls they could go out to Salt Lake when he leaves so we will all be there to say goodbye.

The Waiting Begins

J Tyler's mission papers are officially in. We may have to wait an extra week since we don't know if the missionary committees are meeting this week due to New Year's. We can't wait to see where he will be serving!

Goodbye Elder Kats

One of the blessings of living away from Salt Lake is that we get to have missionaries into our home on a regular basis. We get to feed them, get to know them and feel of their great spirits. Elder Kats stopped by the Sunday after Christmas to say goodbye. He and Elder Sorenson are great missionaries. Elder Kats is from North Carolina and Elder Sorenson is from Draper.

December Fun Florida Style

Cheese!
Brother and sisterly bonding

Please don't take my picture


Grace and Sarah

Steve and Cathy Cassidy

The day after Christmas we went camping with our friends the Cassidys. We went out to Deseret Ranch and stayed in the new cabins at the Youth and Family Camp. We enjoyed looking at the stars and playing the "pen game". The next day we did a little canoeing, fishing and sunbathing. We were going to shoot 22's but they didn't leave us the keys to the guns. Oh, well we'll have to go again. Russell's recent lifeguarding class came in handy. Our airpump died and Russell blew up 3 twin size air mattresses by blowing into them.

The weather was perfect! December is the best time to go camping in Florida

Christmas!

J Tyler got some new tools

Sneaking a picture of Robert

Christmas Presents

It's just what I wanted

It was wonderful having everyone home for Christmas this year! We
went to visit residents at the nursing home where I work and we took the
nurses and CNA's some bubble bread. Afterwards we came home to open
presents.