GIVING THANKS

This is the time of year to be thankful.... sometimes it is hard to see blessing when you are in the midst of a trial.  But the blessings are there.

I don't want to say much about the trial we are going through, but I do want to say a lot about the blessings we have received through dear friends and family who care.  When you look, it is easy to see the hand of the Lord.  I am so grateful for dear friends at school who have done so much to help me.  I am also thankful for my neighbor Marie-for being in tune and for being there.  Her cheerful disposition has brought me joy.  I'm grateful that my family members are also my friends.  They let me vent and cry and they give me so much support, both physically and emotionally.   I am also grateful for other caring, kind ward members.  I feel very loved.  So, thank you everyone!

A Happy Halloween!

We couldn't have had better weather for trick or treating. The kids had great fun. Anth and I took Elli out, but the boys are too old and too cool to hang out with us. Andrew went with his best bud Marcus and Anthony had a party to go to. Andrew recycled two old costumes to make this new skeleton pirate and Elli wore the cloak my mom and I made her to be little red riding hood.


The kids, like always, enjoyed carving pumpkins. Once we finally could agree upon which person got to use the skeleton pattern, we all got along and had a great time. We missed out on going to Hee Haws or pumkinland this year, but still had a good time picking out pumpkins and carving them.

Andrew's Last Game

Andrew really enjoyed the football season. It was fun to see him get better at each game. We had a breakthrough at the last game-Andrew got an injury, but didn't cry. And he stayed in the game to help make a QB sack on the very next play. We were super proud of him.

UEA WEEKEND

Since we had a few days off, we had to have some fun.  Anthony Jay went camping with the scouts at Goblin Valley where his highlight was catching a frog.  Me, Andrew and Elli went with my mom and dad to St. George to see Russ and DanaLee.  We hung out and had a good time.  Elli said the best part of going to St. George on a little trip is "not cooking".  I would have to agree with her.  Anth's big highlight of the weekend was staying home and working at his new job.  It sure is good to see him happy.  However, he had us take him somewhere "fun" and cheap when we got back because he missed out on all fun.  So we drove up to Gardner Village and checked out the witches there.  What a cool place!

DAD

After many years dealing with CADASIL, Dad had a very bad stroke.  He's been in the hospital all week, but today seems to be coming out of it.  I spent an exciting and long night at the hospital with mom. (broken hospital bed, buying Snickers bars, waiting for the Valium to work)  About 2am he woke up and was able to speak and read.  He remembers the stroke starting and wants to go home very badly.  We are hoping Monday we can bring him home, then we we'll see how he is and where to go from there.  The best part of this experience is that Erick's mission president gave him permission to call home as much as he needs and gave Mom his number.  It was very touching to listen to Dad talk to him this morning.  We are taking the kids up tomorrow and Dad will walk to the waiting room and see them.  The last thing the doctors want to do is the lumbar puncture with x-ray assistance- that is supposed to happen Sunday.  We are grateful he is still with us and we're so blessed that we all live close and can work together to support him and mom.

Fall Drive

We took a Sunday drive through Alpine loop.  It rained most of the trip, but we were able to stop at one point to take some pics.  

CUTE ELLI

We still love having a little girl at our house. Although, she sure isn't little any more. Hard to believe she will be 5 soon.