So, I have been irrationally worried about this whole economic crisis thing. Baden will tell you that in my head I already have us and our entire extended family living up at my in-laws cabin, tilling the land and hoarding guns to survive- but if I were honest, I would have to admit that I have gone
much farther than that! (Yes Aunt Natalie, I am still the queen of what-if.) So, to alleviate my fears a bit, and hopefully yours, I have accumulated a list of positive things that might come of a Second Great Depression. Here goes:
First, Elder Uchtdorf’s grandmother joined the church after a conversation she had with a member in a bread line. That’s right:
Bread Lines = Missionary Opportunities!
Second, Oatmeal for breakfast: … hopefully with milk and brown sugar… but, as long as it’s warm… mmmmmm. I'm ordering 10 more cans for my food storage this week!
Third, More Quality Family Time: My aunt recently told me that while running out the door to her fourth competition soccer game in a week, she glanced at her piano and realized she really wouldn’t mind if the economy collapsed and her family had to stay home and sing around the piano in the evenings.
Now we’re talking! Can we say Little Women? That heartwarming tale begins with Jo grumbling: “Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents”… and of course she is wrong!
And, lest you complain that pianos are expensive I got my piano FREE on craigslist -well, free to mover… (Thanks Mike and Phil and the Missionaries, especially the Elder who got your arm slammed between the door & the piano- I really appreciate it!)
Fourth, Smaller houses: I don’t know about you, but I am tired of the characterless McMansions that are so popular these days. Houses like this are going for a song in the city I live in, complete with full grown trees and blackberry bushes in the backyard! I’m starting to think I could easily raise nine kids in a house this size or smaller. Hey, our grandparents did!
Fifth,
No more Plastic Fischer- Price gee-gaws! I would love it if we returned to a time when we bought things because they are quality and will last long enough to be passed down to our grandchildren! Toys like these:
and these:
And finally, consider this awesome quote by Cicero: "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need." This sign hangs above the two loaded book shelves in our bedroom:
and this spring I am making plans for something a lot bigger than the basil, cilantro, and rosemary pots I planted last year… so I’d have to say I feel pretty much ready for anything! How about you?
Baden was disappointed that he didn't come when he heard Abe was there. We are glad Abe came though, because he makes everything fun. 
Our model students...
and Lori in the dunce hat! I love this gal!
Faith and Eliza became fast friends at our family reunion this summer, and the bond has stuck. 
We had a great time! 
William in front of Stonehenge. (He is pretending that he is William the Conqueror!)
William at Big Ben. 
William in Trafalgar Squre. 
William at St. Paul's Cathedral.
William at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
William in front of the House of Parliament.
William sitting in the pew that CS Lewis sat every Sunday in Oxford. 
William in the smallest elavator in Paris (perhaps in the world!)
William at the palace of Versailles. 
William has two teeth that he seems quite proud of. He now growls all the time like Lizzy did, and loudly attacks and gnaws on anything he can get a hold of.
And he is rolling around.
Lizzy has been making all sorts of tents and "turtle houses" lately (I have no idea where that name came from.) She loves to get William to come into her forts, which he patiently endures.
and more crafts
Have you seen William?
Eliza loves this.
William relaxing at Brock's Bed and Breadfast in Bath after a long day of sightseeing. 
