January 30, 2018

This morning the kids ate through the second box of Fruity Pebbles for the week.  It's Tuesday. 

This evening the moon was amazing.  Full moon and so big and beautiful.

January 29, 2018

Email day! Mason talked about meeting Elder Holland and Elder Uchtdorf.  He even shared his notes with us.  So cool!

(Elder Holland and Elder Uchtdorf front and center.  

Mason is 4th row up, middle, right between Elder Holland and Uchtdorf)

January 27, 2018

Third weekend in a row that D and I went to a movie.  Fun, I know.  First was "The Greatest Showman", then "The Post", then "The Darkest Hour".

January 26, 2018

Every time I get ready to go winter hiking I think - why do I do this?  And then every time after I go winter hiking I think - I'm so glad I did this.  Mill Canyon hiking was good and there was even a little sledding.  I took hot chocolate and that tasted delicious.

January 23, 2018

I have such great kids and great friends.  Kelly and Steph are so thoughtful.

January 22, 2018

Ry got her permit for driving.  We finally got around to it and she's good to go.  Now for the hard part to get her out driving. 

Also, email day!  Elder Draper is clutch!  :). (My favorite picture from this week with Mason enjoying that Arkansas got a little snow.)

January 21, 2018

Such a good sacrament meeting.  Quote form Sister Eubank who is quoting President Kimball, "It will be ... female exemplars of the Church (who) will be a significant force in both the numberical and the spiritual growth of the Church in the last days."
President Nelson, "When the focus of our lives in on Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening - or not happening - in our lives."
President Raines (Stake President), "Distinguish between messages from the world and messages from the Lord." "Don't put social pressure on yourself" He encourages us to be who we are and share our goodness that way.

January 20, 2018

"It's a daily task to remember that I am more than the sum of my moments, that my identity is not based on or limited to my highlight reel." - Candace Payne (Chewbacca mom)

January 18, 2018

Today was hike day.  Hard hike day.  Lorien and I went and found some snow.  It only took us 2 1/2 hours, 2500 feet and 3.5 miles on the Schoolhouse Springs trail up to the second hamongog to find some.  The second hamongog was cool.  I love the group of pines just before it.  And the echo there was so cool!

January 17, 2018

Good friend day today.  Lorien and I decorated for Sariah and her return missionary.  And it was a bday lunch for Kelly. 

January 15, 2018

A day off, birds, emails, and all my girls together?  Happy day.  Bird refuge was not really about the birds.  Although we did see some bald eagles so that was cool.  It was great being together and the girls went "ice skating".  Our Brigham City day was an awesome family together day.  Although we probably won't be back to eat at J&D's diner.

January 14, 2018

Funny how when someone else sums up the month of her son's mission and your son is his companion, you learn a lot about what's been going on.  :)  It also sounds really cool.  Elder Andersen's mom's post of FB:

This month the Elders did a lot of service (raking millions of leaves, baking cookies for friends and neighbors, Christmas caroling, and visiting the elderly).  They also sang at a baptism.  They have had some really good visits with their investigator Ashley, who is on date for baptism.  They also had a "funeral" for Elder Breen and his companion, Elder Seastrand, joined them in Cabot for the remainder of this transfer. 

 (Pic of Elder Seastrand, Andersen, and Draper earlier in the month for Pday Nerf war.)

January 13, 2018

That moment when you put on a different coat to go to the movie and there are hidden treats in the pocket!  (The Greatest Showman for my third time and Darren's first.  I do love that movie.)

And pre-movie you had a good, hard hike up Battlecreek to the sign.  Good date day.

January 12, 2018

Drove to Gunnison today with Kelly to meet my parents for lunch.  It was a good lunch and a good drive and my dad took us to the Gunnison cemetery and showed me my great great grandpa's grave.  Kinda cool.

January 9, 2018

Sadie and friends have been into kickball and they love it and its so cute to hear them talk about it and organize games.

January 6, 2018

Sometimes when Darren and I go out to eat we get food from different places and then just eat it in the basement.  Also, sometimes Sadie and I watch nature shows.

January 4, 2018

3 months out for Mason.  (Feels like way longer than 3.)  But 3 is half of 6 and 6 is half of 12 and 12 is half of 24 so he's practically almost home.  :)

Also, mopping the kitchen floor is way better when you listen to The Greatest Showman soundtrack.

January 3, 2018

President Monson passed away last night.  I will miss him.  I learned much during his time as prophet.  My testimony of prophets increased, as did my testimony of the Book of Mormon.  Also, I will forever be thankful for the revelation that was received when he was prophet for the missionary age change that is currently blessing our family. I also learned that a lot of stories have gospel principles that we can learn from and apply.

I listened to one of President Monson's BYU Speeches (from 2009 - not too long after he was sustained as prophet titled Principles from Prophets) and it was just what I needed.  He gave a summary of all the prophets he has served with.  As he spoke of them I could see the influence they had on his life as he seems to have developed a gift from each prophet.  He concluded with, "As the sixteenth President of the Church, my story is yet to be summarized by those who will follow.  In the meantime, I pledge my life, my strength - all that I have to offer - in serving the Lord and in directing the affairs of His Church in accordance with His will and by His inspiration."  How thankful I am for his service.