Today and Always

I been reading from Sister Hinkley's book Small and Simple THINGS. As I have looked over the last couple of years, I have realized how much we do need to get back to the basics of life and simplify our lives. When I was asked to cook for the Stake Girls Camp last summer, the theme was Small and Simple Things. Women's Conference this year was By Small and Simple Things. I think Sister Hinkley's insight was personal revelation when they published her book in 2003. So to insert in our blog, I want to put in some of her insights as I hope it will help me and my family. I have been struggling again with myself as to my prominent purpose, if at all. Robert Louis Stevenson said, "To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life." The gospel calls to us to stretch ourselves, to embrace our talents, to concentrate on our strengths, to be productive, to be creative, to reach our full potential, which few of us ever do. We seem to get discouraged by such trivial things and fail to see the great things we are capable of doing. (Sister Marjorie Hinkley) I am grateful to gifted sisters in the gospel that teach me. Every now and then I need reminded of how important I am to my Heavenly parents. What am I doing today to reach the step I should reach today? So enjoy life! Don't spend your days wishing them away and waiting for better ones ahead!

New Pictures

Well I usually don't like posting pics of myself, but since there is nobody here anymore, Grandpa and I are going to have to be a little more willing with our photos! The last time we went to Washington, Sis, took some pics of the three of us and we just got them back this last trip! That's okay, Ashley, because you need to do the others first. We are extremely proud of Ashley with her talent of photography and appreciate the times she is able to capture us looking fair! HA! So let's see what we have.

Layouts

Just a couple of layouts I wanted to do of Tanya and Nate at their reception on March 26, 2011. Tanya was beautiful and the reception was very simple and warm. Sometimes the simplest things turn out the best.

Tanya and Nate's wedding

Okay I really should be walking on the treadmill right now, but instead I'm posting on the blog! What! Well after I got this idea of making a new book, it is pushing me to writing more often. We had such a fun day yesterday driving to Linden and Salt Lake for Aunt Marilyn's Birthday party and Tanya's wedding. Took a few fun pics with the family. It is so wonderful to be able to see family that anymore, it seems, we never see.

The kids took Kim and I on a Carribean Cruise with them in October. This was us coming down the Zip line in Jamaica in the bush. It was fun spending some time with the kids and it meant so much that they wanted to take us with them.

Older Layouts

Layouts from Thanksgiving with the kids in Heber Valley.

YSA Dinner

Hoyt's and Kim and I were asked to host a Murder Mystery Dinner for the YSA in our stake. We did a luau at Hoyt's and had so much fun. Leave it to the girls to come dressed in full costume!

ACTIVITY DAY GIRLS

So here are my girls! Since it was St Patricks Day, we wanted to do something for the temple workers serving in the temple. I made cookies and the girls frosted them. We talked about how service brings the best out in each of us and allows us to focus more on the needs of others. These girls are so much fun and as you can see quite the little performers, too.

Summer Passing Quickly

As you can see we haven't posted for awhile now. It was sooooooooooo coooooooooold for sooooooooooo long and when Summer did arrive (July) seems like we have been hurrying to enjoy to warm weather! Grandpa and I did drive to Washington with Gabe and Hunter to bring back Logan and Lincoln with us for 6 weeks this summer. They have been busy 4 days a week (1\2 days) mowing lawns with Grandpa and another young man that is helping. They are such good little workers and very conscientous about doing a good job, especially little Lincoln! Grandpa also did a little bit of trading and got Grandma a 1974 VW Bug! Gabe said that we need to put black dots on her so she will be an official Lady Bug! Ashley, that's your assignment along with a name for our VW! Well so now I'm supposing you are wanting to see this 74 VW Bug, right? Let me finish with the other computer (I'm making a book!) and you can see for yourself and see what you think.

Although the day was cold, the feelings were warm and heartfelt today. Gabe and Hunter even got a ride on Grandpa's shoulders while we were placing flowers. The boys were awesome and so respectful. It was a fun day with everyone.

Memorial Weekend

|We had a really nice Memorial Day Reunion with the Harding side of the family on Saturday. The wind was blowing and made it very cold, but after meeting at Sunset Memorial at Dad's grave, we gathered at a small park that was sheltered and had a very good time. It was fun to catch a shot of all the great grandchildren sitting with Grandma Harding on Grandpa's headstone. Everyone brought a plant and so all of the relatives got a potted plant on their headstones. Memories made and not forgotten.