The 5th of July

We took Katie swimming for the 1st time on July 5th. She was the happiest she has ever been. She loved it and took right to it. We have since been about 5 times and she lives for it. Of course I forgot her swimsuit this first time. My sister-in-law Amy took these pictures. I thought they were so fun. She also got some more of our latest swim party. Wait till you see Katie's new swim suit, it really is to die for :).

Independance Day Part 2

Our kids played outside almost all day on their new slip "n" slide. We found one at Target that lets you race 3 at a time. They had so much fun. Even Katie loved it. We loved being with family that night. I am still trying to find those pictures. They all raced on the slip "n" slide, and played in the big blow up pool we bought. We had a great meal and lots of fun conversation :-). Then we went down on Charbray road and had a great veiw of the fireworks. While we were waiting for the fireworks to start this lady came and parked by us. There were lots of poeple out on this road with us. She had her music blaring and it was really annoying. Everyone was yelling for her to turn her music off, but she wouldn't. We were all very irritated, but we just tried to ignore it and enjoy the fireworks. Then about half way through a cop came to her car. She obviously turned her music off and we all started cheering. We were torn between watching the firework finale and watching this woman get charged for drunk driving. When the fireworks were over she was out of her car doing all the different tests they give. She didn't pass. She was getting hand cuffed right there infront of us. Our kids thought it was pretty cool. Anyway, glad to know she wasn't out driving with us. She couldn't even stand on one leg at all. It made me so greatful the cops had come. I hate to think what could have happened. I wish people that got caught drinking in their cars would go to jail for a seriously long time. They don't deserve to drive at all after that (in my humble) opinion. Anyway, it really was a great night despite that. We loved being with our family and having so much fun. Thank you all for sharing your holiday with us. More pictures to come :).

It's Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July! We have had a fun filled day. It started with fruity pebbles for breakfast. We thought that was very patriotic :-). I was very nostalgic today thinking about our past 4ths. Those of you in my family will know what I'm talking about. Those great holidays in Montana where we actually got to use fireworks. I was thinking about when Tim and I would hold a firecracker in our hands light it and throw it -I can't believe mom would let us do that (maybe she didn't know :-). Then when Mike would have our big finale! Do you all remember when he had the 100 missle firework finale and it caught our back yard on fire. It was awesome, Dad was prepared with the hose and buckets of water from the ditch in the front yard. I loved our 4ths in Montana. They were one of my favorite holidays. Then in New Mexico when we would all go to the church super early in the morning for the breakfast and brother Ferguson would be dressed up like Uncle Sam. Then at night we would watch the big firework show at the Space Hall from the church parking lot, or our front yard (sometimes even on the roof of our house). Those were the days. Then it occured to me that these are the days too. My kids might not get to do fireworks like we did, but man did they have fun this year. They were surrounded by aunts and uncles and cousins. What could be better.

Food Storage and Emergency Preparedness

Right now I think most of us would agree that being prepared is on all of our minds. I had a very interesting talk with a friend about the fear and panic we feel. Those are obviously not righteous feelings. We are commanded to be prepared, but that doesn't mean to do more than we can or should. In Mosiah 4:27 it says "And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strenth. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order." It is important to do what we can and try our hardest to get prepared. But if we are honestly doing all we can to be prepared, then that is enough. I was thinking about all the different excuses David and I have used over the past.... We don't have enough space (when we were in a 700sq. foot home with 3 kids).... We don't have enough money (when we were going out to eat at least every other week)..... I am no good at rotating.... etc. There are so many things that can hold us back. Not that these things aren't valid, they are, it's just I think we used them sometimes as a crutch. Even in that 700sq. foot home I had space under my beds and space above my kitchen cabinets. Under the bed is not ideal, but if you remember to rotate the food that is down there it's as good a place as any. David still won't give in on the above the cabinet issue, but as long as he helps me find somewhere to keep our food I'm okay with that. :-) As far as money goes, you can't tell anyone whether or not they have enough. I figure as long as someone does something every month, even if it is only 20 bucks a month they are trying to get their food storage. They are trying to follow the counsel of the prophets. If that is all we can do, then good for us. We are trying. I think that is the biggest thing. Just trying to take the step. And the whole rotation thing..... well that one still stresses me out. We have gotten a lot of Mountain House food for our storage because it has a 30 year shelf life and rotation is so daunting to me. It is a little bit more expensive, but it just helps me out. I am so excited to keep getting prepared. Every little bit helps. I think we all need to look at the big picture and remember, there is a reason for this commandment. It is not just to make it hard for us. We would not be counseled to do something that is impossible. It might take years upon years, but all we have to do is try. We need to do our best. I know this was long and rambling, but it's been on my mind and I just wanted to share it. For those of you who are working on your food storage - which is most, if not all, of us - Way to Go!

Beautiful Baby Girl

Oh my gosh! Does it get any better than this. I wasn't going to post these because David has them on his blog, but I was just so afraid someone wouldn't get to see them. Now they have double the chance. Look at this adorable little baby. I love how David captured the moment. She is an angel baby. Look at the way she is looking at her Daddy. This little girl is just so happy to be here, and according to her blessing she is a very special baby. We had so much fun with Tiffany's family. They made us all feel so welcome, and there were tons of us :). It was a very special day and Tiffany's family really knows how to do a luncheon. It really was great. Thanks for the wonderful day!

Kaylee's Blessing

We got to enjoy John and Tiffany's baby Kaylee's blessing today. It was so beautiful. She was blessed with so many wonderful things. What a wonderful, sweet baby. These are just some pictures of our little family heading into the church. We were early and were quite pleased with ourselves about that.

Cartwheels, Cartwheels, Cartwheels

Emma has recently discovered that she can do cartwheels. Now we get to enjoy them on a regular basis. She is very proud of herself.