Sugar House

Monday, for Family Home Evening, our family took a tour of the Sugar House Ward Building.

My great-great grandfather, LeGrand Richards, was the first bishop there.

It really is the most beautiful LDS chapel I've ever been to.

There are VERY few church buildings that have artwork in the chapel, but this is one of them.

I just loved all the details throughout the moldings in the building.

This was grandpa's office--complete with FIREPLACE!
(We saw two other fireplaces while we were there).

Sometimes, I don't know how Heather puts up with Rick.

But he IS hilarious!  Love him!

After the tour, we drove a few blocks to the house where my grandma grew up.

I think it is so pretty!!

Employed!

Darin got a job!!

As luck would have it, the EXACT same position that he left a year ago, opened up.

So, we're back at eTrade!

And feeling SO thankful!

Thanks for all the help, thoughts, and prayers, from so many family and friends!

So, in honor of being back at eTrade, I thought I'd better do my eTrade dinner!

Darin bought me these flowers for "Beautiful Wife Day!"

I thought it was perfect that the colors just happened to be etrade colors!

Everything was the same from last year, but my mom helped me come up with this new addition:

I thought that was pretty clever!!

Hooray for a job!

Grandpa's Ipad

I kind of hope I never have an iPad.
I'm afraid I'd be doing this all day long.

Matt and I couldn't stop laughing!

My mom's going to be mad that I posted these, she thinks they're so ugly.

I think they're hilarious.

Enjoy!

Let's Go Fly a Kite!

I woke up to a phone call from Darin saying to look out our bedroom window.

When I looked out this is what I saw:

Darin with Matt and Lindsay flying a kite in the field behind our house.

Andrew and I hurried over to join them.

The wind really picked up, so we decided to see how high we could fly the kite.

We ended up letting out ALL of the string!!

Do you see that TINY dot in the picture?  

That's our kite!  

I REALLY thought an airplane was going to hit it!

These kids are SO LUCKY to have such a GREAT dad!!

Twenty and Nine

I turned 29 last week.

I feel so thankful to so many friends and family that made it so special!

It really was a WONDERFUL week!

I can’t believe this is my last year in my 20s.

I have less than a year to accomplish my 30 before 30.

I think I’m going to have to make a few changes…

I don’t think Disneyland is going to happen. L

And I REALLY don’t think I am at the skill level to take on Claire de Lune. 

(Sorry Aunt DeeAnna).

28 was GREAT, and I think 29 will be DIVINE!

Sushi

My awesome cousin, Blake, came down from Idaho, and took us out for sushi for my birthday!!  It was honestly, the best sushi I've ever had!  And, the company was pretty fabulous too.  My stomach hurt from laughing so hard!

Thanks Blake!!

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!