Small Town USA

This song makes me heart sick for home. I have lived in the Valley for 8 years, but yet somehow it still doesn't feel like "home". Home is small, everybody knows everybody, houses aren't on top of each other. I want my girls to have the kind of life that I did. Out in the country. We rode horses, went spotlighting for fun, shot paintballs with a slingshot as we drove through town in Taralee's "Wild Thang". I know our time will come when we can do that again, but here is to hoping it is sooner rather than later. I am a country girl, and that's the life I want. I'm feeling the need for a trip "home"... anyone want to go on a road trip?

Back to School, Back To School...

Bailey went Back to preschool today. All week I have been talking to her about going back, and she has adamantly insisted that she was NOT going, and she was NOT riding the bus. I was a little worried, but this morning came and at 6:00 she came in our room dressed and ready to catch the bus. She was sad she had to wait another 3 hours! She was so excited, and when the bus finally came she hopped right on, gave the bus driver a little pat on the hand, and excitedly told him, "I AM SO HAPPY". I knew it would be a great day!!!

Camping 2009

Last weekend we went camping with two of my sisters, and their families. It was so fun! We could have done without the wind (Show Low is notorious), but all in all it was a good time. Are these not the faces of true campers!?
Addisyn
Brooklyn
Brinlyn
Bailey
Gracie

Have You Met This Little Lady?

You Totally should... she's a riot!

Train Trip 2009: Part 5

Our last and final leg of the trip was a visit to Kirtland, OH. There we toured the Kirtland Temple, and the Newel K. Whitney Store. The Kirtland Temple is owned by the Community of Christ Church (reformed LDS), so there was definitely a different feeling there. But it was really neat to see it and know that is where the prophet stood.



The N.K. Whitney store and home was awesome. In the top of the store is the "School of the Prophets", and where Joseph and Emma lived while in Kirtland. That was amazing to sit in that room knowing who all walked those floors before and the great revelations (Word of Wisdom) that took place there. Newel K. Whitney and his family were great people, who supported the prophet whole heartedly, and I am grateful to them for that.
N. K. Whitney Home
Kirtland Visitors Center
Top of the store where Joseph and Emma lived with twins and new son
Inside of Whitney Store
N. K. Whitney store
Sawmill that was built in order to build the Temple


From there we went to the train station for a 4 hour wait until we caught our train for Chicago. Boarded... arrived in Chicago... waited another 5 hours... then boarded for the train back to Winslow. It was an unforgettable trip. I am so thankful to my grandparents for taking us all. My testimony has been incredibly strengthened. I know without a doubt that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God. He endured tremendous heartache and trials on behalf of this Gospel that I am blessed to have today. I am humbled by is faith and perseverance. I am blessed.