Hot Air Balloon Ride

Last Saturday we were able to help my mom check something off her "bucket list." She's always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon. Even though the ride was short and we were tethered to the ground (not really rising above 100-150 feet), it was great. I even climbed into the basket, which was tricky at 37 1/2 weeks pregnant.

Make-A-Wish Foundation

Our oldest son's best friend was able to have a wish granted. He has a degenerative muscle condition. But without going into details about that, I'll just share some pictures from the party where his wish was granted. We went up to the Make-A-Wish Foundation Building in Salt Lake and had a great time celebrating. He wished for Star Wars Lego Sets. And boy did he get it...along with a million Star Wars characters to deliver them. It was a great experience.

Happy Father's Day!

We love our Daddy O! Happy Father's Day to you. Thanks for all you do for us.



Music in the video is by Frances England and is entitled "Daddy O." Perfectly fitting. If the above video doesn't work, view it here...
Happy Father's Day Movie

Faith

One of the Young Women in my ward asked me to write down what faith means to me and how I know I can trust things to work out. Here's what I gave her.

FAITH

To me, “faith” is an action word. People often refer to it simply as “believing in something you can’t see.” It is…but it is also so much more.

If you have faith, you believe so strongly that you cannot help but act in a way that follows that belief. What you DO shows what you BELIEVE! I was tested on this often in my growing up years and still am. Sometimes I am not perfect in my actions, but I am always trying.
Faith is also one of the great Gifts of the Spirit…each of which we are told to seek after. Through my patriarchal blessing, I feel very grateful to know that I have been given this spiritual gift and I have strived to always keep it. I know if I don’t put it into practice (ACT on it) I will lose that gift. I also know, EVERYONE can have the gift of faith if they seek for it and act on it.

I have been given certain trials of my faith, as all of us are. It seems to begin with little trials here and there as we grow in spirituality. I’ve learned that Heavenly Father won’t give me anything I can’t handle. I have faith in that promise…I’ve lived that promise. Through Him, all things are possible. As I’ve put that belief, that faith, into action during each trial, God has proved his promise to be true to me. I learn from my past experiences and try not to forget them as I encounter new more difficult ones.

So now I can trust in God and have faith that the next time something tries me in my life, He will be there. All I need to do is SHOW my faithfulness by not doubting, but by having a perfect brightness of hope.

I know God loves me and each one of His children. He will not leave us alone. We may walk off and leave Him…but He will not be the one to walk away. May we all have faith in Him.

Baby Boy doing well...

Went for a follow up ultrasound today to make sure my placenta had moved out of the way (it was too low in our 20 week ultrasound). The news was good...it moved clear. We also got a cute profile picture of our little boy's face. I think he has our middle son's nose (whose nose that is I don't know...not mine or my husband's). They said he'd be a good sized baby...already measuring to be nearly 4 lbs. At this rate, the smallest they think he'll be is 8 1/2 lbs...just like my first was (and that wasn't an easy delivery on my small body). Let's just hope this time isn't so tough. At least he'll be a strong healthy boy from all estimations. Less than 9 weeks left now...hard to believe.

Turning 9 already!

I can't believe how fast they grow up. Our son wanted a Laser Tag birthday party again this year. So we did the cake, dinner, a game and presents before taking all the little boys to play Laser Tag. On his actual birthday, we gave him a new bike and then went camping as a family. It was very fun!

Music Recital

Our 6 year old daughter has been taking music lessons in the "Let's Play Music" program. This was her second year in the program. They first start out learning the solfeg (do, re, mi, etc.) and rhythms and intervals on a small set of bells and also learn to sing and match pitch. The second year this is expanded and they also start learning piano. I'm amazed at how much she has learned and she loves it. Here are a few shots from the evening.





Pupil and teacher.