Life

I have been thinking a lot lately about life, love, and what it really means to be happy. Recently there have been many things going on around me that has reminded me what is really important. Last week a very dear friend of ours passed away after battling cancer for 6 years. She was only 34, and their newly adopted baby wasn't quite one yet. She was such a beautiful amazing person. Her death was a reality check- slap in the face. It just didn't seem fair that she was chosen to be the one who would suffer from cancer and leave this earthly existence way too early. But, here is the thing. Who am I to know what is best for someone? Paige was a person who seemed to be perfect, without flaw. Someone who was needed far more in heaven than here. She was sent here to bless the lives of those she met (and BLESS them she did). When she had finished all that she was meant to do here one earth she was called home. Life is so precious. We never know when our mission here on earth will be fulfilled and we are called home. I have tried so hard lately to make more time for my children, to be a better mother, wife, friend, neighbor, and daughter of God. I am trying harder to be more diligent in my scripture reading, and be more sincere in my prayers. Life is short, even if I live to be 104. I hope that all of us can just "try a little harder to be a little better." And especially at this Christmas season let us remember our Savior and all that He has done to make it possible to be together with our loved ones after this life is over. And for those few of you who read this blog, just know that I do think of you as my friends. Thank you for supporting me.

Christmas Devotional

Last night McKenzie and I went with my sister Heather and her 3 oldest kids downtown to the conference center to see the First Presidencies Christmas Devotional. McKenzie and I had never been before so we were both pretty excited. We weren't sure exactly where our seat were, but Heather assumed they would probably be in the nose bleed section. Well, she was wrong. Our assigned section was in the lower bowl on the left side. We tried and tried to find at least sets of 2 seat together, when we couldn't even find ANY seat we asked one of the ushers to help us. And help us she did! I asked if she could find at least 2 or 3 seats together because we had little kids, she went and talked to another usher came back and said I found a group of seats where you can all sit together, but it was one section over. Fine by us! Well, she took us down to the front, past the security rope and to the 3rd row in the security section!! AMAZING!!
The program was so beautiful! McKenzie was singing along to all the songs (even just the choir ones), laughed at President Uchdorf's talk, quietly listened to President Eyring's talk, and seriously pondered President Monson's talk. It was so warming to my soul to hear how we should not dwell on the gifts, and the parties and the activities that inevitably come at this time of year. The true meaning of Christmas is about love. Loving our family and friends, loving our neighbors, loving those whom we don't know, and most importantly loving our Savior.
When I was talking to McKenzie about what she learned I was amazed at her complete acceptance of what she had learned. She knows the story of Santa, and know the story of our Saviors birth. When asked about what Christmas means to her, she said loving Jesus, and being with family, and showing our love. Not once did she mention Santa, or presents. She is such a sweet little girl. I am so proud of her and her testimony already.
At the end of the devotional we were able to see a few of the General Authorities. I hope I can remember which ones (Heather may have to correct me if I am wrong), Elder Ballard, Elder Oaks, Elder Cook, and I think there was one more, but I can't remember. What a fabulous way to start off my most favorite time of year!!

Family Pictures

So, we finally got family pictures done! We have a good friend (Cindi Braby) that takes pictures at a VERY reasonable prices, so we jumped on the band wagon!!

Here are just a few picture that we had taken.

Pug and me. Ahhh... aren't we just so cute together?


My handsome boy Cameron. The girls will be all over him in a few years.


Beautiful McKenzie. She looks way too grown up!


Sweet Abby, who just loves to pose for pictures!


The whole FAMILY!!

Preschool trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Let me just start off with saying I LOVE Abby's preschool teacher!! Jenny is amazing! I had both Cameron and Abby in her preschool and they just love her and love to learn. Anyways... So every month they go on a field trip. This month was to the Pumpkin Patch. I was quite concerned when we pulled in to the parking lot to not only not find a spot, but to not find one on the street either. It was so crowded!! I saw three buses on top of all the cars that were there. Luckily, I think most of them were getting ready to leave. So, it turned out to be a pretty good trip. They have a corn maze, farm animals, a non-spooky alley, and 2 different play areas. Here are just a few pictures from that day.

Isn't she just the cutest?!

Holding hands with Teacher Jenny. All the kids just love her!

The crew.

Cutest little pumpkin in the patch.

A busy week

Life hasn't seemed to have slowed down any, but that is okay. Last week Pug took McKenzie and Cameron to ride their bike over to the bike park. I rode in the car with Abby (we were pretty sure she wouldn't make it, and my bike has a flat). They had fun riding there and back, but the actual biking at the park was a little much for them. Maybe with more practice...

Here is Abby running down the trail. She must have been moving at warp speed to be so blurry :)

McKenzie looking a little bit concerned coming down the hill.

Cameron enjoying the ride.

Last Friday, with no school and a beautiful day, we went to the zoo with my Mother-in-law and her Mother. We love being able to have fun times with family! Great-Grandma turned 94 in June. What an amazing woman :)

I ran my first 5k on Saturday. I wish I would have trained a bit longer/harder. BUT I did run the whole time!!! My official time was 30:07, but I am saying that I ran the 5k in under 30 minutes because the distance on my ipod said 5.32k. I loved it and I am hoping to run another one soon.

The past few weeks...

Okay, here is a quick, and I mean quick, view of what we have been up to the last few weeks. At the beginning of the month we took a weekend trip down the St. George to watch my brother in law run the marathon. Well, we actually only saw about 30 seconds of his run, but we were just happy to be there and support him.
Pug and Abby waiting for Scotty

The posters the kids all made for Scott.

Last Sturday marked the last soccer game for McKenzie. Here is her team and coaches.

Cameron had his last outdoor soccer game yesterday. (indoor starts next week)

And poor Kirby now gets to wear the cone of shame. We had him fixed yesterday as well. He REALLY hates that cone. He won't move if he has it on. hehe

Why?

So, for those 1 or 2 people who actually read my blog, I thought I would tell you why I haven't had any new posts lately. That can be summed up in one word... TIME. I have not had enough of it! We have been running around like chickens with our heads cut off!! With soccer four days a week, school, homework, preschool, piano, Zumba, yoga, impromptu trip to St. George, and life in general we have not had a single day where there is nothing to do. Outdoor soccer ends next week, and then I have a week break before futsol (an indoor soccer) starts. Maybe that week will be the week that I get things done. Probably not.