What's up with Meg?

Meg is lovin' riding her bike without the training wheels.

Feelin' the wind in her hair. And playing with her best Bud Sarah.

(love those toothless grins)

"I have faith in America"

Over the last several months I have had some real concerns about some of the choices the leaders of our country are making... really, really, big concerns.

I've worried and stressed but ultimately felt I needed to get rid of the fear because I know that it's not from the Lord and instead focus on having faith.

I heard this quote today and wanted to share it. It gives me hope and reminds me once again that the Lord is in charge and we are never alone or hopeless. He has a plan.


Pres. Harold B. Lee’s writings, “Ye Are the Light of the World.” pg. 350.

“Men may fail this country, earthquakes may come, seas may heave beyond their bounds, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation, founded on the principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail. This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this earth began in the Garden of Eden. This is the place of the New Jerusalem. This is the place that the Lord said is favored above all other nations in the world. This is the place where the Savior will come to his temple. This is the favored land in all the world. Yes, I repeat, men may fail, but this nation won’t fail.
I have faith in America; you and I must have faith in America, if we understand the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are living in a day when we must pay heed to these challenges. I plead with you not to preach pessimism. Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world. This is the favored land. This is the land of our forefathers. It is the nation that will stand despite whatever trials or crises it may yet have to pass through.”

Note: I wrote this post then walked away and realized I failed to mention I am a strong believer in being informed and proactive. Although I have faith that the Lord is in charge I also know it is my responsibility to take a stand, to send out some emails, and make some phone calls to our elected officials, and to let my voice be heard. I cannot sit and do nothing and just hope that something changes and somebody else does what I am afraid or just "don't have time" to do. I believe one of the best ways to show gratitude for this wonderful country is to VOTE and let our government know what we value- our freedom, our family, our religion.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. " - Edmund Burke

Okay, I feel better. ;)

Happy 9th Birthday Hallie

Hallie woke up very tired on her birthday last Saturday.

Apparently she was so excited she couldn't sleep half the night! ;) Her big surprise was a Plasma Car. Unfortunately no one would let her ride it for more then 2 seconds before is was their "turn". I guess we need to invest in a few more of these puppies, they are just too much fun.

I caught Hallie and Meg laying on the backyard swing chatting... love these moments.

Every other year the kids get to do a big "friends party". Hallie decided to have a Pajama Party late-over. This age is so fun. No need to plan a bunch of games because the girls just want to hang out and be silly and just have fun with each other.

Made it really easy for me.

Above: Waiting for all the girls to arrive.

Eating Pizza

Making beaded bracelets

Then we opened presents, ate pie and ice cream, and the girls watched "The Frog and the Princess".

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HALLIE!!

Battle of the Books

Hallie was in "The Battle of the Books" at her school this year. The kids are given a list of 10 books to read and then there is a competition where they are quizzed on those books. Hallie loves to read and so this challenge fit her perfectly. She was so excited she could hardly sleep the night before.

She came home from school beaming with a 2nd Place ribbon around her neck.

Way to go Hallie!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TREV

Unfortunately Trevor had to work the afternoon shift on his birthday so we celebrated in the morning with a birthday breakfast.

(I had to add an extender to the birthday crown to fit Trev's noggin)

A friend watched the boys while Trev and I went out to lunch for our favorite sizzling fajitas, yummy! Then off to work he went with a plate of cup cakes to share with the staff and a friend at work brought in a cake for him too.

The next night we had the official ice cream cake.

That's the face of a 32 year-old. lol


That's a whole lot of candles.
Happy Birthday Trev.
We love you!