It's A Desert Paradise...

This past weekend Andy and I took the family down south for a little R & R in the desert. We had a wedding to attend in Zion park and thought we would make a vacation out of it. It was a fabulous vaca to say the least. We went swimming, rock climbing, hiking, did a little casino diving and of course ate! I loved every minute of it. It is like a second home for me. This time of year is really nice because it's not to hot. My brother lives in St. George so I get to hang out with my other half. My Aunt Jill has lived there practically my whole life. She offered to take the kids a couple nights, so it was really great to get a break from the kiddo's and do some adult stuff. Again, it was a good time.

 

Yes, that is my Brother wearing a belt to hold his swimsuit up. LOL

This candy store is a childhood favorite of mine. My Gramdpa use to take us here all the time, so when we come down we HAVE to go to JUDDS candy store. They have all the old school candy.

We found this WAY cool spot to do some rock climbing. It's called the Black Mountain. SOOOO FUN!

I met up with an old buddy of mine I went to school with. I hadn't seen him in years. Turns out Cara, Andy's friend who came down with us knew Eric too. Small world. To top it off. Eric's girl friend grew up two blocks from where Andy grew up, and they went to the same high school?? Small world... to say the least!!!!!!

Ella killed it on the Mountain! She is seriously a natural. I didn't realize how high she had gone, until I climbed the same spot! WOW!

This was the venue the wedding was held at. It was so beautiful.

These were little party favor's at the wedding. I thought they were super cute.

The next Louie? LOL

This looks like a rock but it is actually soap. It smells amazing. I just HAD to get one.

Follow Your Calling, Follow Your Heart.

A little over a year ago, I was called to be a Gospel Doctrine teacher in Sunday School.  At first, I was terrified and very unsure of myself.  I thought there was no way I could fulfill this calling.  Not only was I terrified of speaking in front of people, but I was also a convert and felt like my knowledge of the church wasn't strong enough for myself and definitely not strong enough to be a teacher.  A year and a half later, I have been so immensely blessed to have this calling.  I can not even believe the blessings I have received.  This calling has done so much to strengthen my faith in the church and faith in myself. The Lord works in mysterious ways and He knows exactly His plan for me. Thus far, His plan is working. 

A few days ago, I received a call from a member of the bishopric asking if he could meet with me.  At first I thought I was going to be released from my calling.  I asked him right out the gate, "am I being released"? With a bit of hesitation he said, "NO!, do you want to be released?"  I nervously laughed and said, "oh no, I love my calling."  I think he may have thought I was just saying that to appease him but I really do... I LOVE my calling.  After meeting with him later that week he did inform me that they are opening up a new class and I had been chosen to teach it.  It's a "Marriage and Family Relations" class.  I was so flattered and filled with joy.  Even though I have had my fair share of struggles, I do believe my struggles have brought Andy and I closer, and in turn making our marriage stronger.  I think I have a lot to offer this class.  It's 16 weeks and I will still be teaching Gospel Doctrine afterward.  It will be a nice change.  I am really excited to do this.  I am so grateful for the church and all it has done for me and my family.  I am so proud to call myself a Latter Day Saint!

"As you overcome adversity in your life, you will become stronger. Then you will be better able to help other's -those who are working, in their turn, to find a safe harbor from the storms that rage about them". -Joseph B. Worthlin

Quality Time.. Is a Friend Of Mine.

 Andy has been studying like crazy this week for the CCRN test and this weekend was no exception. In order to keep the kids preoccupied and out of Daddy's hair, we got SUPER creative. Here are a few fun things we did on this awesome "Fall" weekend.

We have a couple of apple tree's.. So we have LOADS of apples. We decided to pick a bunch and make apple crisp. The funny thing is, is I for got to take a picture of the actual apple crisp. So here is what I did take a picture of. LOL

Ella made her first wreath!!! I asked her what kind of craft she wanted to make and she suggested a wreath. We got a clothes hanger and bent it into a circle the best we could. We had some old tulle lying around that we cut into strips and tied onto the hanger. She actually did most of the work. I just helped cut the strips.

While Ella was making her wreath, Rowan was painting me pictures of super hero's. LOL

These are his super hero's! Future Picasso right here. He insisted on putting Mr. Potato head in the picture.

Here is the final product. She REALLY did an amazing job. I am so proud of my little artist.