CATCH-UP TIME!!

Okay, so some of us are blog slackers. BUT, we know have internet (ba ha haa)and now, there are no more excuses. So sad. Not that there was too much happening at any rate! For family and sake of catching up a bit, here are some fun and important moments from 2010.

Reap what you sow?

We planted a garden behind our church this year with other friends and neighbors. Most of the plants, we inherited from people who had too many...and weren't sure what the plants were by the time we got them!
BEFORE (gotta love the official, dad-ish gardening hat)

AFTER
Thus far we are happy to discover watermelon, cantaloupe, zuchini, crooknecked/butternut squash...and so are the "wascaly wabbits!" Too cute to kill. At least something is enjoying the squashi :)


Gardening with friends!


Baby rotation time with Pearl! Precious.

JULY

Happy Independence Day! A favorite, family holiday for us. We are so blessed to live here in the United States--a gift and opportunity and responsibility to bless others with what we have been given.

Feeling country never felt so good as we went to pick berries! Our neighbors were awesome and not only gave us buckets and bushes to go crazy with, but invited us in for most yummy homemade scones!

Bluberries and Currents (sp?)--later turned into a late night whim of current, rhubarb (our first exposure) and blueberry jam! Such fun.

One of our friends and most ADORABLE berry picker ever! Love those bare feet!



Amazing chilli cheese burgers with the Platz family--a HOT 4th of July weekend

JUNE

Girls Camp! Our theme this year was "Spiritual Gifts within you" which correlated with the Young Women value, "Individual Worth." It was my first year as a camp director for our ward and I absolutely LOVED it!! Being around these amazing girls was truly a privilege and fortified my testimony that we are all sons and daughters of a loving Father in Heaven.

There is something about swatting ticks, braving snakes, befriending cute goats (random but true), being away from distraction, studying the scriptures/praying together, and sharing testimony in word and action that builds friendships and our personal relationship with the Savior is a beautiful, powerful way. I can't wait for next year!


Weston was a gem and volunteered to be one of the priesthood leaders for the 3rd year overnight hike on the Appalachain. Keeping up with the girlses is not always easy! I was happy to seem him (even in my nastified,greasy state)! IT's the longest we've been apart since our marriage.

spring babies!

A delight to celebrate the birth of the ones we love!

March began a LOT of Birthdays in our family--and our first together! Weston made me breakfast in bed (hash browns from scratch!) and we enjoyed the sunshine at the park with a scripture and sport-fun picnic. :)



Weston and I got to "Skype" with his family on his Birthday. Instead of going out, we ate a special meal in: Homemade german chocolate cake (and frosting--an adventure) and salmon. A dear Bishop and his wife even provided the perfect plate we plan on using for Bday "red plate specials." It's happy.

17th: A happy day indeed!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! March 17th is not just a day to wear green, remember Irish saints, and enjoy a jolly, romping Irish Fling, but the day my beautiful mother, Cathy, was born. It is true in every way when I say that I would not be here without her. Her example and wisdom has led me through countless life choices, and I am forever grateful that Heavenly Father sent me to her--my mother, my friend. Her legacy, her testimony, her love are with me wherever I go; for I am my mother's daughter. I love you Mom!

A small world means a lot

In 2007, I was blessed to be a part of Healing Hands for Haiti. It was a joyful, sacred, revealing and irreplaceable experience that taught me so much--most especially through the children. Since the earthquake in January, my thoughts are often filled with the memory of beautiful children and friends I had the opportunity to meet, to hold, to laugh with. I've only heard from one friend and wonder if those children are known; of they are okay. We all want to to more.


Another earthquake in Chile made this place we call home even smaller as it affected the very heart of the mission my husband served in for 2 years. He has been able to contact a couple of friends there and the need is still very great. We are continually grateful for the people the Lord has placed in our lives and hope to never take anything, anyone for granted. We are grateful for experiences that make the world a small place--as it should be.

To donate funds to Haiti, Chile, Taiwan, Turkey, or Japan, click on the link BELOW:
LDS Philanthropies Home