Carson's creative carving

Mr. Po-ta-to Man... Mr. Po-ta-to Man... I need music for this.

Mom's Birthday

Lake Fork 1972

It is my Mom's birthday today.  She was born in 1926 and saw many things in her lifetime.  I love and miss her, but know she's watching over all we do.  Here are some pics of us.

Bear Lake 1974

My mood

I've been feeling really hammered and worn-out for days.  I'm in the mood for some pictures of the sky, which I adore looking at on different days, and a funny poem.  I think I will share those with you:)  Enjoy!

The Necessity of Appearing in Your Own Face

There are days when that is the last place
in the world where you want to be but you
have to be there, like a movie, because it
     features you.

                         Richard Brautigan

                         

The Boys of Summer

Their is a chill sneaking into the air in the late evenings.  School has started, and life is picking up the pace.  A change of seasons is fast approaching.  I welcome the change, but thought . . . just for the fun of it, I would post some watery pictures of the boys in my life.  The best thing about summer is watching them enjoy it.

Wishing Emily safety and adventure

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail."
                                                                              ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

My friend, Emily, is on her way to Africa soon.  I have loved working with her and getting to know her.  There is no one who can resist her smile and personality.  I know she will do a great job teaching English and Public Health to those who are in need, and can't wait to hear about her experiences there.  Good luck in Tanzania, Emily!  Many thoughts and prayers go with you.

Trying Times

I generally try to keep these posts on the positive side, as well as the rest of my life.  However, some things need to be said.  Sooo... on July 27th, Ray lost his 15 year job with Springville City.  It was unexpected and very sudden.  They offered him no severance, extension of benefits... nothing.  After the first few days of shock, we went to work on trying to just get through it. 

Ray has another job now (minus the benefits) and I am so grateful for mine.  I've always had faith that things happen for a reason, no matter how far off that "light at the end of the tunnel" seems.  Okay, it seems pretty far at times!  The love and prayers we received from others have been incredible to us.  We have felt the blessings from those each and every day.  Ray's co-workers cashed in their scrap metal they had been saving at work, and brought us the money.  On my side of things, I received hugs and support (which meant more to me than those giving them thought).  I found little notes and surprise cards and gifts in my locker almost every day at work. 

I want to document my gratitude for these tender acts of kindness that sit on a little shelf in my heart.  Dakota said something that summed it up well for me.  He said, "God's answers to prayers are like popcorn, you just have to light a fire under them."

Family

Blood is truly thicker than water.  We have been able to see some of our extended family over the past week.  Last Saturday, my cousin Rob and his family, and cousin Karen and her family came to visit us.  It was a great afternoon.  My boys enjoyed seeing their cute cousins so much.  They each have such beautiful families. 

Today, cousin Joan came to visit and brought a collage picture she made of all of us at her Easter lunch, Jessica's wedding, and other family events.  It's probably obvious, but I adore my cousins:) 

Here are the pics.