The card that says it all!

Mercedes loves to pick out cards for people. We have a box of various cards that she often goes through and addresses to people in our family. I was the proud recipient of one of her choices this year for my birthday. She picked it out all by herself and even had everyone in the family sign it.Isn't that sweet. Little did she know just how perfect her card was.
Isn't it pretty!
What?! Did I read that right?! Wishing you peace at this time of sorrow! Yep, it was the perfect card. Hopefully she will be able to read by next year's birthday, if not I'm sure I'll have a good laugh. Didn't anyone in my family question the choice of cards?

End of Summer Hiatus

Hey TV shows have them, so can I! And yes, in Arizona, April is the beginning of summer, and furthermore, in Arizona, summer does last until the end of September(sometimes even October). Technically I'm starting up early. This blogging season is sure to bring action,surprises,drama,fun and much more. Okay that's TV, not my blog. It should definately be interesting though. Now it sounds like a documentary! Well you'll have to decide for yourself.

MP 3 Player

My dad turned 73 in March and so the music on my MP3 player this month is music that reminds me of him. I remember listening to these songs in the car whenever we went somewhere and I even have them on my playlist that I listen to regularly. I am grateful for my dad and appreciate him so much! Thanks for everything dad!My dad and my Grandmother (She is 95!)

Our College Girl!

I can't believe that it is already time for Courtney to come home from her first year at BYU! Time has really flown by. We are very excited for her to be home for a couple of months and to hear her fun college stories, and I'm sure there are a few that are not so fun.I have been forgetting and remembering and then forgetting and remembering to ask her for some of her pictures so that I can post them. Today I finally remembered at the right time. She has had a blast and is attending next year as a sophomore. She will be living in an apartment (Branbury for those familiar with Provo) with 3 of her 5 roommates. We can't wait to see you Court! Courtney and her Roommate Rachel

Court and all of her Roomies
Her Family Home Evening Group
A trip to the St. George Temple
Horseback riding in St. George

Happy Birthday Cody!

Just 16 years ago!
A handsome guy!

Today it is official, I have a 16 year old boy in my house! I am so excited for Cody! Mostly because he is going to become a priest and gets to bless the sacrament! He was so excited to get a new suit for his birthday and I must say he looks handsome in it! Cody is the most sensitive and compassionate boy I know. At home he doesn't like for his sisters to be upset and he does whatever he can do to make them happy. Just the other day he told Jesus that he really watches out for our dog Mitt and it makes him nervous if he can't hear him because he knows how much the girls love him. He said he knows that they would be devasted if they lost him. He is also becoming a great tennis player and is really working hard at school and seminary. Cody we love you and hope you have a very happy birthday!

The Age of Figuring Things Out

Kids at the age of five, going on six, are so funny! They are kinda' starting to figure some things out about life. Sometimes this works to our advantage and other times we are COLD BUSTED! Take,for instance, this conversation with Mercedes in the car today:

Mercedes: Mom, did you know that if one kid stays home by themselves the cops come?

Me: Yes, if you are not old enough to stay home then the cops come.

Mercedes: Well am I old enough to stay home by myself?

Me: No, you have to be older to stay home.

Mercedes: Then why do you always say "Mercedes hurry or I'm going to leave and you'll be by yourself?"

Me: (Trying hard to contain my laughter) Because it's scary to stay home by yourself when you are little and I want you to hurry.

Mercedes: Well I guess if you ever did that the cops would come! (little devilish laugh)

Sedona

Sedona has become a favorite place for our family and we wanted to share that with my sister Edwina and her family! We went on two hikes, West Fork and Bell Rock. It was a lot of fun and just gorgeous! We can't wait to take more of our family there!Edwina and Justin
Megan and Mercedes check out some ruins from a lodge.
Katryn enjoys the ruins also!
Jayden poses by an ivy covered entrance that reminds us of "The Bridge To Terabithia".


We crossed the stream in three different places and it was so fun!


Mercedes climbing to the top of Bell Rock.
Jesus & Sherry pause to look at the beauty of it!

"And all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator."
Alma 30:44

Resting and admiring before the journey back down!