Free day at the Zoo

Our family decided to join Kristy, her kids, and the rest of the State of Utah for the free day at the zoo.

It was PACKED!!  But, we had a lot of fun!

Youth Devotional

We had a little devotional at our house last week for all the Young Men and Young Women.  Darin and I were asked to speak on dating—one of my favorite subjects!  After our talks we had some scones.  It was my first time making scones and they turned out great!  I sure do love the youth in our ward! 

Stressed to Blessed.

I realize that I’ve been vague in regards to the difficult time we’ve been having.

People have asked, and I thought I’d open up a little.

Sometimes it feels like everything hits at once.

This month we got hit with a bunch a medical bills we weren’t expecting.

Then we lost insurance.

Then Darin’s aunt, uncle, and cousin died this week—two from cancer, one from age.

Then the biggest one…Darin lost his job.

It’s been a mess.

10 months ago THREE companies wanted him.

Now, finding something has been a struggle.

It has been stressful.

However, it has brought a lot of blessings as well.

People have blessed our lives.  It is times like this I realize I need to be doing more.

People are SO good!—There have been so many little (and BIG) acts of kindness we have received.  THANK YOU to all those who have been so kind to us!!

We know things will work out—they always do.  And, until they do, we have been living off of this quote,

“Don't you quit. You keep walking, you keep trying, there is help and happiness ahead. Some blessings come soon. Some come late. Some don't come until heaven. But for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. It will be alright in the end. Trust God and believe in Good Things to Come.”  Elder Holland

Russia

Since the Olympics were in Russia this year, I thought we should take a family trip there.

It was one of our less exciting trips.

We did a little site-seeing.

And ate some stroganoff--you can get the recipe HERE.

I don't think this is traditional borscht, but it was actually really good!

You can get the recipe HERE.

And, unlike Russia, we had CLEAN tap water! :)

10

I can hardly believe this boy is 2 months from being a year old.

He has some new tricks he loves to show off.

He can clap, wave, blow kisses, fold his arms, and put his arms up for "touch down."

He loves to cuddle--I hope it lasts forever.

He really is a happy happy baby!  

Happy 10 months little buddy!

Valentine's

Lindsay had a Valentine's Party at her ballet class.

Last minute we decided to make homemade valentines.

Then, Matt wanted some too.
Naturally, we had to make one for Andrew too.
I thought they turned out cute!

St. George and Zion

We recently took a little trip to St. George to visit Darin's parents.

On the way down, I noticed about 15 police cars pass us.

Then, I looked behind us, and saw about 15 more.

I called my dad, to find that it was the funeral procession for the recently killed officer.

It made the drive more exciting, as we saw all the overpasses were filled with firetrucks, and people waving flags.

Right when we got out of the car, Lindsay saw "a friend" and immediately had a new pal, Adaline.

Andrew and Grandpa playing the piano.

We spent the next day exploring Zion's National Park.

It was BEAUTIFUL!!

Darin and his Dad spent an afternoon golfing.

So naturally, we had to play a little golf too.

And Lindsay had fun exploring in mom and dad's beautiful backyard!

It was a great trip!

Thanks mom and dad for everything!

Lindsay Ballerina

I have been waiting for this day for 3 years...and 9 months.

Pretty much since the day I found out I was having a girl!

Today was Lindsay's first day of ballet!!

Love this little ballerina!!