Temple...

Before Trent left we were able to go to the temple as a family! We picked a great night because our old ward was there and we knew LOTS of people. It was such a cool experience being in the temple surrounded by family and friends!!

5 years!!

It was 5 years ago on September 23rd that Mike and I met!! We met at a singles activity in the desert... so to remember that great day... I gave Mike a cactus!!

Happy 5 WONDERFUL years to my bestest buddy!! Love ya!!

Non-farewell, non-homecoming!

With Brandon and Trent, coming/going within 13 days of each other they were able to both talk in church on the same Sunday. We were so excited as a family to have this take place... Trent put this on facebook:

 It says "Trents non farewell talk and Brandons non homecoming talk"! We're not suppose to say "homecoming" or "farewell" (it's a hard habit to break) So Trent came up with this! I thought it was cute!

 Sacrament meeting is one of those things you just have to keep memories of in your heart since we can't video or anything. But I knew this would be a LITTLE emotional so I put plenty of tissues in my purse. They both did such a good job and I didn't have any idea what they would be saying (I quit helping them with talks a LONG time ago!) Trent caught me off guard when he talked of his medical experience when he was getting ready to put his papers in and how his doctor (who is LDS) was an example to him on all his visits (there were a LOT of visits) and shared scriptures with Trent. Tissue time... for me and Trent (sorry Trent ... you have my emotional gene!). One scripture his doctor shared with him has become Trent's favorite:  Alma 26:22 Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing-unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall bring forth thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring these our brethern to repentance.
Tissue time again (even for Brandon who does NOT have my emotional gene) when Brandon talked of how the people in Brazil said missionaries were angels. And this is Brandon's favorite scripture that is on his missionary plaque: Doctrine and Covenants 84:88 And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.
I don't want to sound like a MOM or anything... but I have GREAT kids!!

So how could we complete this day but to go home and have one of the boys favorite meals... Hawaiian Haystacks!

Whew... what a great exciting, busy, spiritual week! AND... ther's more to come!!

Me and Braxon's birthday!

Braxon and I share the same birthday. We think this is very cool... I hope he still thinks it's cool when he is a teenager... at least when he is old and doing his family history he will always remember what day his grammy's birthday is. On this birthday Braxon turned 4 and I turned much older that that! 

 Braxon picked the restuarant... He wanted Texas Roadhouse! Good choice!!

 Yummy!

 That's the biggest chicken fried steak I've ever seen!!!

 Then we had to sit on the saddle thingy and have people stare at us... priceless!!

 after dinner we chilled at our house...

 ate birthday cupcakes...

 and opened presents... Braxon got some weapons of mass destruction...

 and I get to go shopping...

and listen to music!! Thanks everyone for another great birthday!!

More on the return!

I asked Brandon where he wanted to go eat on the way home from the airport.... ANYWHERE you want to go.... so he picked Panda!!

 Dustin called while we were at Panda... technology is amazing!

 Missionary decor at home!

 On our way to the Stake President's office to get released. It was absolutelya great experience!

 Almost released Elder Lewis and soon to be Elder Lewis!

 On the way home from the release! Now he is Brandon, a returned missionary!

THANKS Brandon for your great example to this family and everyone!

Brandon's home!!

Brandon returned safe and sound from his mission to Brazil on September 16! (yeah... this post is late but it was a BUSY month!) We gathered at the airport with signs and anticipation. He was skinnier, had an accent and a little trouble switching back to english but looked great!! Wonderful family times!! 

Mission picture bloopers

Hahahahahahahahahahaha! Enjoy these... maybe we should have hired a professional!!