My blog is crazy

My blog has been doing weird things so I dont know if anyone has even been able to view it. I went private and put in all the email address's then had some that couldn't view it. So I went back to an open blog and still have some that cant seem to view it either. Oh well its really my journal anyway and I am the most interested in what I have to say right! I cant believe fall is here and October is this week! I have really enjoyed watching the changes. I love eating apples and everything pumpkin! I also start getting this cooking bug and want to be baking all the time. I am missing my family a lot these days. Sometimes I wish I lived closer and could see them more often. Then I think of the friends I have made here and get sad too. Life is full of ups and downs we just have to have joy in the journey! I have the cutest new niece I have to show her off. Her mama made her this adorable outfit and then took her picture. Isn't she sweet! If she doesn't make you want to smile no one will!

this and that

I haven't blogged for awhile so I thought I would just let you know I am still here! I have been really busy working quite a bit. Nothing really exciting happening in my life except my sister Lisa's visit! I am still trying to get my phone to down load the pictures then I will blog about it. I am loving the fall weather its so nice! I love it when the leaves start changing color and when football season is here. Its just a great time of year! I have been thinking a lot lately just how blessed I am and how many things I have to be thankful for. Maybe its because fall is here and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. That always makes me reflect on my blessings. It could be because of the stories I hear about those less fortunate. There is a lady in my ward who was homeless most of her life and she has just got back on her feet. She just started getting interested in the church and she is so full of faith. She doesn't have hardly anything but she always says how good god is. I think its quite something for her to have such faith that he will help her. I need to be more like her. I am getting so excited to listen to general conference coming up. I just really enjoy the talks and music and it lifts me so much. I hope everyone is doing well and I promise to have something more interesting to say on my next post!

Grandpa Keith

This is my grandpa Keith he is an amazing man to me. Today is his birthday so I thought I would write a little bit about him. He married my grandma in 1980 and even though he wasn't my original grandpa I cant think of a better man. He fits so well into the family and has the biggest heart. He has always done things for others and put their needs first. My grandparents have served 5 missions for the church! They are truly an example to me. My grandpa battled prostate cancer quite a few years ago and for some unknown reason it came back. He has battled with it the last 2 years and it has really done some damage to him. He had to go through chemo and endure being really sick. I am so proud of him and the way he was able to stick with it. I know his days are few but I am so glad to have him in my life. Happy Birthday!

Where I am from

I am from a home with homemade play dough and playing school. I am from hours in a big sandbox and weeding the garden.

I am from helping cook and long summer nights playing night games like stranger or no bears.

I am from braces on my teeth, glasses on my face and endless pigtails. I am from 2 sisters and 2 brothers who love me and have shared many memories.

I am from the mom that is an amazing cook and seamstress. I am from the dad that taught me how to work hard and enjoy the blessings of doing so.

I am from the fun summers of playing at my grandparents in the irrigation water and eating eskimo pies in the gazebo. I am from the years of family camp outs and fun vacations.

I am from going to the girls home every summer and hiking to willard peak. I am from many aunts and uncles who share love and concern for me.

I am from homemade spudnuts and Lawrence Welk with grandma Ida and butterscotch candies and feeding cows cucumbers with grandpa Ben.

I am from orange soda pop and candy to milkshakes and cow auctions with grandpa Glen.

I am from crafts and UEA's and lemon custard with grandma Joyce. Spending time laughing with 2 close cousins and visiting great grandma in the nursing home.

I am from a bee keeper with a big heart that plays the harmonica and sings so sweetly. From a man suffering everyday to keep going from the cancer that infects him.

I am from hiking the mountain and cutting down Christmas trees to homemade Halloween costumes that take first place!

I am from many backyards of playing colored eggs,tag and jumping on the trampoline. From going to the country store and buying penny candies

I am from an amazing home ward where my dad was respected as bishop and where I sang in a great choir of angels.
I am from hours of playing in the marching band and finding the values I hold dear this day.
I am from many lessons piano, tennis, bowling, choirs ,swimming that have taught me skills I need.

I am from old journals kept by my parents and endless picture albums. To completed baby books and journal jars.

I am from many memories but these are the ones I share with you. I am from hard work and the present as I continue on life's journey.

I am the American dream from broken despair and gained hope
I am the present, past, and future history in the making.

Winner!

And the winner of the giveaway is.....Amy! Congrats!If you will please send me your address I will put your prize in the mail:) Thanks for all the comments!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my dad's birthday. He is such a great guy and has always been such a great example. I am so grateful he is in my life and for the many things he has taught me through the years. He is such a hard worker never quits till the sun goes down. I found this poem that is a lot like him. Happy Birthday Dad I love you!


Without delay he's up each day
before the crack of dawn.
After breakfast, a kiss from his wife,
he yawns and pulls his work boots on.

Out the door he stands with pause
to smile at the gold-blue sky.
The rooster crows and the man steps off
with purpose in his stride.

There's livestock to feed and fences to mend,
till the soil and plant some seed.
His list of chores has no end
for there's always some kind of need.

The man looks around at his open land
proud of the work that has been done
Knowing the hard work and blisters on his hands
Was worth the sweat and tears

The sun has set and he's earned the right
to relax on his old back porch.
He shuts his eyes and breaths in the night
praying tomorrow he'll rise once more.