And I say to myself....

Well mother nature has once again shown us who is boss (like every good woman). Just when I thought I could enjoy summer and work in my yard, BAM 49 degrees. So instead of cleaning inside, I sat down at my computer to check on a few friends. I should warn you now, I am already crying so prepare yourself!

I have a dear friend, Becky, from college, I hadn't seen or heard from her in over 13 years. One evening I got a call from our other mutual friend letting me know that Becky had been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Immediately my thoughts turned to her husband and children. How can some one so young (my age) have something so devastating happen. Through the power of the Internet I have been able to keep close tabs on how she is doing. We also attended a fundraiser event in her honor back in April. I just have to tell you, she has absolutely taken the high road with this. She has allowed it, the cancer, to bring her closer to her Heavenly Father, her family, and her friends. When I just checked on her this morning, she had just reported on her mastectomy procedure. And again, I say to myself...... to young! Go here to see what an amazing person she is!

Over the last few months I have been able to spend a little more time with my sweet ten year old. She had a big year in school this year. When I say big, I mean BIG! Through it all we discovered that she may need a little help moving forward in her education. Some how the stars aligned and we found a wonderful program to help us out. It requires a lot of time and training on her part and mine. But as we take each step and level I can see what a wonderful talented daughter I have been blessed with. She is changing right before my eyes both mentally and physically. And I say to myself... pre-teen what?


She has also discovered a love for the guitar. Her guitar teacher tells me she is the most talented guitar student she has. Ellie surprised me the other day when she heard a song and went to her guitar and figured out the cording so she could play it.

I am sure many of you have heard, mostly heard me complaining, Tim and I are going on the Stake Trek. We were called as Ma's and Pa's. It really is a calling! So for six months we have been going to meetings and training and somehow the time is at our back door. In the meantime, I have been trying to prepare myself spiritually for this Trek. I have such an appreciation for the Pioneers and my ancestors. I am beginning to feel excited for the experience. Instead of complaining about my "summer vacation" being spent in sagebrush-ville Wyoming, I have realized it is going to be a perfect week for me. NO CELL PHONE, no computer, no tv, no distractions. Just my sweet loving and gorgeous husband and I spending all day everyday together! (Minus the ten children pushing the handcart) but still. And I say to myself.... Charles Ingles!

Last but not least, you may know if you are a face book freak. I AM NOT! But, if you are friends with my sister Giselle you know that she and Noah are moving back to Utah!!!!!!! I have been begging, pleading, crying, screaming, more begging, and praying that Giselle would return to me. Just when I had given up, the heavens opened up and brought her back. I can not wait for fall, BMDC has been growing and I have been killing myself trying to keep up with it. NOW the dynamic duo will take on the world. And I say to myself.... worth the wait!

These are just a few of my random thoughts while "enjoying" today's weather. And here are a few pictures of my adorable children because after all that is what I have been doing, being the mom!

AND I SAY TO MYSELF..... WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD!