In Memory

Many of you are aware of the passing of my beautiful sister-in-law, Becca. It has been a very long 10 days, but I will always remember those sweet moments at her side in the hospital as we prayed for her recovery. We are so thankful to know that we will see her again and she will be with Jared and her sweet children forever someday. 'Til we meet....

Rebecca Leonard

November 13, 1978-September 29, 2009

*I have opened a memorial account in her name for the benefit of Jared and their three children, Elijah(8), and Rachel & Lauren (5).

Jam session.

Dessert on toast.

Reading=Free D-Backs

Two-fer

Chocolate-Peanut Butter cake

for BOTH of our September Students-of-the-Month:

Paige and Trevor!

Lunch with the Principal, for the siblings, was a hit, and we are now stocked with free kids' meal gift certificates to last us awhile.

Remembering

Watch this video to hear a survivor's story. The end of the video is very powerful.

Of career women.

Teacher and Fashionista

What: Stake "Girls' Activity Days" Career Day

When: The other day

Where: At church

Who: Girls 8-11 years of age

How: By wearing stuff that shows what you hope to be when you someday grow up, even though whatyouwanttobewhenyougrowup will change weekly, if not daily, until you are an old and silver-haired woman....

Result: A daughter who won for her costume of "Fashion Designer Extraordinaire" (Please note: measuring tape around neck; ribbons and fabric in tote) and who invited our next-door-neighbor friend because she's outgoing like that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What I want to be when I grow up: Paige

missyoumissyoumissyou

Sometimes a little brother can really miss his big sister when she's at school all day. And sometimes he tackles her and gives her hugs just to show her so.

Of wind...

...and dollar kites

and foreboding clouds

and childhood

and raindrops

and bliss.

For who doesn't enjoy a good Ode?

* Written for my parents who, next week, embark upon their mission to Nova Scotia.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ode to Canada

O Halifax, Canada,
take care of our missionaries.
Keep their hearts warm
when your chill makes them wary.

They’ll come from afar
to help in the work
of teaching your people
the gospel’s word.

Your islands and ferries
and bridges, for the novices,
will lend for weekend adventures-
some distraction from the office.

We hope the sea air
will guard them from chill,
or frostbite, or windburn,
or any other frigid ill.

(Oh, and we’re thankful
that near them, in close proximity,
are plenty of stores
for healthy snacks unlimited.)

These servants will go
with faith, as in times of old.
To further God’s plan--
did I mention there’d be cold?

Though missed by their loved ones,
we know we are blessed
to send out our parents
and wish them the best.

The Lord will provide
for doesn’t He know?
Yes, the way is prepared
Now, sow missionaries, sow.

We'll miss you!

Who watches Wipeout?

I just had to post this. Last night, I reminded Steve that my friend, Travis, was going to be on Wipeout. "Remember Travis? He helped deejay our wedding reception?"

Well, we had the absolute viewing pleasure of seeing my old high school buddy win--yes, WIN--Wipeout!! Aka "Super Shorts" (brilliant!), Travis took the obstacle course by storm and did us proud. His goofy get-up was so Travis, a shout-out to his former class clown status. It was such a hoot to see him go for it and then win the whole thing! Stake Dances, high school musicals, and prom seem a long time ago, until last night, when my funny friend made his debut. Awesome.

Put some money in a savings account for your kids, Trav. Then, GO TO DISNEYLAND!