An Overdue Family Picture

If my memory serves me right the last time my entire family was together to take a family picture was when I was in 7th grade. The day we took that last family picture was not so great. The power went out in the middle of us all trying to get ready so the only girl that looked good was my older sister. My mom and me had to just put our hair up in pony tails. (Not a great look for me) On top of that my lovely mother decided on the Taco Bell colors for our picture, so we all looked like Taco Bell employees dressed in polos of either purple, navy blue or turquoise. I still don't think we will ever let my mom forget those color choices. Love ya mom. So as a last request from my little brother getting ready to leave on his mission he wanted a family picture before he left. Since we knew our last time together as a family for 2 years would be in San Diego this summer; we all headed down to La Jolla beach for some snapshots. I must say the results were much better than the whole Taco Bell fiasco of 1997.

One Voice

I am just one voice
But one voice can still be heard

I have made the choice to seal my witness with my word

Changed by holy fire that has burned into my soul

Filled with new desire that calls me now to go

I am just one voice

But one voice can carry far

Rising through the noise of a world so deaf and dark

Shining bright and clear to those with eyes to see

Honest hearts will hear the truth that lives in me

One but not alone a thousand voices sing

Praises of the throne of our Master and our King

With one voice, with one voice

I am just one voice

But a voice of light and hope

Grateful I rejoice as I share the gifts I hold

I will search with all my strength for the humble and the meek

And pray they'll receive the simple truth I speak

One but not alone a thousand voices sing

Praises of the throne of our Master and our King

With one voice, one voice

He was just one voice

But one voice that changed the earth

Teaching love and peace to a lost a weary world

I am just one voice, but one voice that will be heard

I have made that choice to seal my witness with my word

My youngest brother got his mission a few weeks ago.

Lisbon Portugal

I have very strong emotions when I think of missionary work, especially when it's someone so close to me who is serving the Lord. I was so blessed to not only serve a mission for my Savior, but get to serve at the same time as my brother Casey. What a special time it was for me to know we were both proclaiming the words of our savior at the same time, just in two different places. It was hard, it was draining but it was the most rewarding time I had had up until I started my own family. There is truly no greater calling to come to me than that of motherhood. Oh how sweet the gifts of our Father in Heaven. So as my little brother leaves, it is my prayer that he will become the instrument in the Lord's hands to share these precious truths I myself have come to treasure above all else in my life. These next two years are just a stepping stone for the rest of your life. The experiences you will have will enrich and bless your life and your posterity's into the eternities.

Murder and a Little Mystery....

In the soft moon light eight figures emerged from the shadows of the island. They walked slowly towards an open fire on the beach, where a suckling pig sat roasting. The salty breeze had the smell of death on it as it wafted from the dark ocean. It was quite a sight to see all these faces together in one spot. But yet they were all here because on one person, and now they could not leave because of one act committed, MURDER..

It's on all of our minds, who could it be?

The Chief Wikki Wikki was very suspicious......

The scubba expert just kept blowing bubbles trying to distract us....

Would Nadia the sexy swimsuit model lift her manicured nails to put a nail in someone's coffin?

Could it have been Lavender the organic lettuce and coffee bean farmer? We just couldn't trust those coconuts!

Was it the hula girl with the violent moves? She does have looks that kill....

Or was it the rich wife of a multi-billionare?

The tourist and the surfer turned secret detective requested their pictures not be taken. Very suspicious if you ask me!

Who could it be?

We love being with my family. We love being goofy and above all else love to laugh with and at each other. Everyone dressed up and had a great time. Even Shane was excited he got to have "coconuts" for the night. I'm not gonna lie at times the murder mystery took turns for ultimate weirdness that left us confussed and a little grossed out, but it was a fantatic night of fun in the moonlight!

Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

Who are these people you might ask? None other than my family; well part of my family. The only part of my dear family that was motivated enough to get up early on the birthday of this great nation and run a 5k on Coronodo Island. When my family (cough Jessica) suggested that she sign me up for the 15 k, I politely opted out. What is that old saying?.... I quite exercising, it was bad for my health. My thighs would rub together and my underwear would catch on fire. Well, that's how I felt at that moment and not wanting to get my belly out of bed. I was totally happy with just enjoying the doughnuts the runners brought back, and according to the picture my dad feels the exact same way that I do.

We all went to Old Poway Park for a day of fun. Colson thought is was great to ride the train around the park. It was a great 4th of July. I'm so lucky I got to spend it with all my family. I feel blessed that I live in a country where I am able to do be with all the ones I love.

Half Boy, Half Fish

Since moving into our new home we have become frequent users of the complex pools. There are two different pools, and we're lucky enough to have one about a 30 second walk from our front door. I was a little nervous about Colson at first, but he has proved to have the potential of the next Michael Phelps ( At least I think so). He has no fear when it comes to the water, which is a little scary, but is comforting to know that he's not terrified to try new things. This week he has started jumping in all by himself. He could honestly care less if Shane was their to catch him. He even sometimes gets made as Shane follows him around making sure he's right next to him. And if we thought that just running and jumping in was a full dare devil move, he's started to jump/ dive into the pool backwards. It's official this kid is CRAZY!!!!!!

Looking Cool with Dad

Ready to go home after a long afternoon of swimming!

On Our Way....

On our way down South we stopped to stay a day in St. George before traveling on to Henderson, to our new home. While we were there we did a little shopping. Seeing as it's much much hotter in Nevada than Idaho we needed to get more warm weather clothing and pajamas. Colson was such a trooper the entire time. I found this really cute hat and he loved it. He actually kept it on his head, which Colson does not normally do. Most of his hats end up being Frisbees or a container to pour his water bottle into.

Colson's trying not to look too bord

I'm sure Colson is thinking "Wow lady your legs are way smoother than my mom's!" "Hey Mom! This lady doesn't have prickly legs like you!"

I'm sure I'll become more accustom to making sure my legs are smoother now that I can't hide them in pants. Boooooo hot weather! (But I'm sure Shane is jumping for joy)

Colson got a kick out of sitting on this dog. I'm not quite sure if he realized it wasn't a real dog, but it kept him occupied while we waited for Grandma to finish shopping.

Farewell Blackfoot Idaho

Well, I have mixed emotions as I sit and write this post. Over the past hour I've cried, laughed and continue to giggle uncontrollably. I'm so proud of my husband. He is truly a remarkable man, but of course that's why I married him. Shane has been accepted to Touro University in Henderson Nevada. It's a suburb right outside of Las Vegas for those of you not familiar with the area. We are still in shock but so excited. We have a busy two months ahead of us. Sell the house, pack up, I need to finish out the school year teaching, find a new home and move.

This will be a wonderful experience for our family. I am a firm believer in this. We have prayed, fasted and humbled ourselves to know if this is what we should be doing. I've never felt so calm amid so much excitement. We will be so much closer to family. We are excited to be near my sister, grandmother and my aunt. We will miss our family in Idaho so much. There will be more to come once our ducks are all in a row and we start toward southern Nevada!