Our First Garden!

For Family Home Evening Monday we taught the kids about "The Law of the Harvest." We likened it to their testimonies and how blessed they will be if they work hard at their relationship with their Heavenly Father. We then took them out to harvest our garden and to see the fruits of their labors!

Not everything turned out perfect - like some of our carrots had serious issues, but they were still edible! Next time we need to weed them out alittle more to get away from the "alien" look.

The boys loved digging the carrots out and could hardly carry the bucket.

Our corn didn't work to well - clearly. Actually, it didn't work at all...we will have to work on that next year.

Some of our yummy Roma Tomatoes! We actually don't eat alot of tomatoes unless its in fresh spaghetti sauce or salsa. But we could live off of Mike's homemade salsa, so this should get a us a few batches worth!

She loves her mini carrots. They were just her size.

Joey loves to pick things. Finally our squash was ready (and so yummy by the way, had some for lunch today!) and was so happy he got to pick it. He has picked a few of our watermelons early (we didn't have the heart to tell him it was way too soon) and wondered why they were green inside...poor little guy.

I would recommend a garden to anyone! It was easy, VERY inexpensive, and extremely fulfilling to see things grow. Our kids loved getting the watering job each morning verses dishes and eating fresh sugarsnap peas for breakfast. Can't wait for next year to try our hand at it again!

Yahoo Momma!!!!

Last week I got some bummer news. My Mom was diagnosed with Color Cancer. After my Dad was diagnosed earlier this year as well, it came as a surprise. All the while I felt strangely at peace with the news. Monday she went in for surgery to remove all the cancer they could find and she has been in the hospital for a few days. We have been waiting for the lab results to see if and where the cancer had spread. And then my Dad called this afternoon -

They got it all!!! There is no more sign of cancer!!! I am elated for my sweet Mom, who was so positive and update through this little ordeal. Love her for that.

Yahoo Momma!!!

Deal Diva!

Well, my girlfriend calls herself that ("Deal Diva"), but I am copying it for a moment. I am so proud of myself! I am not actually a shopper, never have been. I usually get my kids clothes from really cheap places and rarely even spend more that 5-10 bucks for an item. But I had some coupons today and decided to hit the little local mall to see what I could find. I left there with $502 dollars worth of clothes and only spent $113!!!! I was so proud of myself! I got 27 pieces of name brand clothing (including the shoes and outfit Joey has on even though it was for winter...)for an average price of $4 each. Anyway, just had to post my deals, we should be good until the next kid grows out of something!

It just rained and oohhhhh - I love that smell...

Often this is the backyard scene at my house. I love this picture because Mikey and his two neighbor bud's were thirsty after a fun ride and came in for a drink. I glanced out to see these bikes all parked in a row. I love to hear little motorcycles getting fired up and watching all the boys go off our home made jumps, they have so much fun. Mikey and Dallin always know the drill before they ride - helmet, jeans, longsleeves, and heavy shoes...then off they go. Love that so many neighbor buddies like to ride with them!
This is what happens though when you try to teach a four year old how to ride a 50cc. Mikey started when he was 6, but I guess Joey acts holder, cause we thought he was ready...
Mike tried to chase after him as fast as he could once we realized that Joey had forgotten where the break was. He climbed right up the hill, missed the fence by a hair and then crashed through my tomato plants.
It broke my heart when he came running to me sobbing, not because he was hurt but because he was so devastated that he ruined my plants. I made sure he knew after that, that my garden meant nothing compared to him - poor little guy.

And by the way, Mike re-propped them up on their bases and we have still gotten a huge crop of Roma's after all! We are waiting to teach Joey about dirtbikes till next season...

2 down and 2 to go -

Dallin was baptized this summer and we are so proud of him. He was so brave and handsome and already has such a strong testimony of the Gospel. I love it when his Primary teachers come tell me what he says in class, they are amazed at his knowledge and so am I!! Sister N and Sister S are the best teachers and he learns so much from them. He enjoys church all except when he is the only boy in class - HATES THAT! In high school he will love it I am sure...


Joey adores him...
best buddies...
some of our cute cousins...
and aunts and uncles...
his awesome teachers...
the Ballards...
the Prices...

The Goodness of Home Teaching...

So often you hear that word and frown because you have done it yet and feel guilty or don't even want to do it and feel worse. Yet I am blessed to have a fantastic hubby who truly "believes" in home teaching and its power. This week in particular we got to see the fruits of this inspired program and how it truly blesses families.

A few years ago Mike got a new assignment and I was alittle taken back when he came home and told me of his first visit. The gentlemen opened up the window with no shirt and hollered "What do you want?!!!" Mike, unafraid, let him know who he was and what he was doing on the doorstep and set up a time when he could come back. LONG LONG story short, Mike faithfully visited this family for months and after a while the husband started to join the wife and daughter. The whole ward joined in the effort of loving this family into participation - The Bishop, Relief Society President, and Primary all worked diligently together to help this family feel welcome.

After a long time we saw miracles happen. I still remember the day I watched that same big gruff man stand in testimony meeting and bear the simplest and most genuine testimony I have almost ever heard. Then the day came we got the phone call that they had made it to the Temple and would be sealed together as a family forever. Mike still feels this honor to attend was one of the sweetest experiences of his life.

Then this week we got another phone call. Brother Keele, at age 52, had passed away from a short and unidentified illness, leaving behind his boys and wife, and a young daughter still at home. When Sister Keele called Mike he was amazed at her strength and comfort as she was suffering, and she immediately commented it was because of her Temple Sealing that she was so peaceful.

Mike had the honor of speaking at his funeral yesterday and relaying this wonderful story of change. How a grown man in his habits and customs, saw things that would make his life happier. He had the faith to make dramatic changes towards righteousness and faithfully lead his family to do the same.

If you ever wonder if Home Teaching is really important, or just a job that keeps us all busy, I testify even stronger than ever - that HOME TEACHING changes lives. It lifts people and assists their families in coming closer to Christ. All it takes is the courage to go each month and the love to make true friends. Those who faithfully engage in this work of the Lord will be blessed forever. We have seen it...