The first day after school

Ethan, Jason, Bella, Nicole
Brock, Victoria
Hannah, Christina

This was the first day AFTER school! I wasn't on my game that first morning cause I had 4 kids going 3 different ways so I snagged a picture after school when the kids came over to ride bikes and play. Everyone was on a bike riding around and around and around my house! IT was great! I LOVE THESE KIDS!

Susquehanna River, Harmony PA

We took off after church last Sunday and went to Harmony PA to see the Susquehanna River. This is a special place to me because this is where the Holy Priesthood of God was restored to the Earth. The priesthood was taken from the Earth when Christ and the apostles were killed. The Earth was lost in the "dark ages" because the TRUE and ONLY Priesthood of God was gone. In May of 1829 John the Baptist came back and restored the priesthood to the Earth through Joseph Smith Jr. and Oliver Cowdry right here on these banks of this beautiful river. The kids really enjoyed being here. It was so beautiful! I'm grateful this event occurred because the priesthood means so much to me. The amazing events that can occur if we have faith in blessings given from one who is worthy and one who honors this priesthood is truly another show of love from our Father in Heaven.

While we were here we caught a few crawdad's in the river, waded around, got a few lessons from dad on how to skip rocks, walked out to the island and when we were done we lit the burner and cooked a nice pot of chili for dinner. The kids ate theirs in the back of the van. The bugs were starting to over-run us! It was a spiritual and beautiful Sabbath. I'm so glad we got to go experience the feeling of this Holy place.



Kids eating Chili

"Girls Camp"

My friend Nikki let me take her kids for a few hours last week. The 4 boys (my 2, her 2) wouldn't play outside because it was so warm. But the 3 girls were so cute about everything. We had lent our tent to the Stake for their Trek...they got caught in a tropical storm so it came home DRENCHED! I put it up and left it out to dry...the boys did help put up the tent but that was the end of it! I couldn't drag them away from the X-box. The girls wanted to play and had this great idea to build a "fire" on the grass. They gathered rocks for the fire ring, found sticks for firewood then we found marshmallows and the hot dog sticks so they could "roast" their mallows! What a cute bunch of girls. They even got out the camp chairs. Such imaginations! I loved sitting there and listening to them play.

Jen's Lake...peaceful!

I was very happy we got one last trip to Jen's lake. It was such a beautiful day! NOT too hot and the water felt good. Brian was working, so we were forced to enjoy the day without him. The one addition that made my day just that much more enjoyable was the fact that Brent came. He played with the kids when they really started needed something more to do and allowed us poor mom's just a few more minutes to enjoy the sun and some peace.

The kids found a bunch of minnow's swimming so of course Brock caught one. My loved on that little minnow until its untimely death. Ethan buried it under the lifeguard chair. The kids decided they missed the little fella so they caught a new one. Luckily for the new guy they decided they would take better care of him. They found a pail and kept him there until they released him back into the Lake. It was such a great time! Joanne and I decided we were there for one last sunburn! It definitely wasn't my worst. Considering the sunburns I've had this summer, I think it was my best. It hasn't hurt me at all! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

I have to admit I have the best friends in the world! I am so relieved we got to spend so much time together. I have really enjoyed being with you all!

Angelo's BEST buy EVER!!!

Our wonderful neighbors, the Angelo's, built a pool this summer! They have been so accomodating and willing to let my kids swim. They have enjoyed EVERY single minute/hour in the pool. There were times when we would get home from the Lake and they would beg to see if the Angelo's were swimming cause they really wanted to swim there with them. I am SO glad we had this option for a passtime, because it really was enjoyable.

Karma!

I heard giggling in the kitchen but didn't check it out. About half an hour later I went to the kitchen to get a drink, I turned the water on and got shot in the stomach with the sprayer. WHAT THE HECK!!!! HOW'D THAT HAPPEN? Was my reply to that! Upon further investigation I found that some wonderful children had taped the handle of the sprayer down so some unsuspecting person would get shot next time the water was turned on. Ethan and Bella are still giving me a hard time about it. They walk past me and giggle! I have pulled my share of pranks so I guess I deserve it...but I'm gonna get them back! You wait!

From the kids!

The kids decorated the hall, all three bedrooms, the bathroom, kitchen and butler nook for our anniversary on the 22. 6 rolls of TP later this was the least of the damage! They had so much fun doing it how could I be upset. Well then they dressed up for us too.

Hannah sporting Daddy's shorts, shirt and hat

Bella wearing my pants and cowboy boots, dad's shirt, and Hannah's hat being a pig farmer.

Brock's fashion was inspired by Hannah and Bella... tights, dress and cardigan from Hannah, hair by Ethan, makeup, fingernail polish and bag by Bella. SO proud!

Ethan has a nice underwear helmet sprouting nerf antenna and sun visor with shirt shorts. Aren't they stylin?

Our 11 wedding anniversary, Sharon Vermont, part 8 of 8

We decided since we were only 2.5 hours from Sharon Vermont we would take the kids to see where the Prophet Joseph Smith was born. They put up this monument to him years ago, I can't remember how many. It is one of the largest solid pieces of solid granite in America.

The missionary who took us on a tour of the Visitors Center is from Boise. He was so kind to us. It was fun to run into someone from Idaho. He took us through showing us the chair that Joseph had made his mother when he was a young boy, the hearth stone that used to be in the cabin where he was born and then the front step of the cabin that still sits in its original place outside on the hill.

This is where the front step still sits.

This is the monument during the daylight.

The hearthstone

This painting depicts when Joseph was 7 years old and got typhus. The infection had gone to the bone in his leg. One doctor said he would have to cut Joseph's leg off in order to save his life. Another doctor said there was a new surgery where they drill the affected bone and remove it. His parents choose to do this. The doctor wanted to give Joseph liquor so he wouldn't feel so much of the surgery, but Joseph refused saying he would hold still if his father would hold him. The surgery was very painful but it was successful. It took three years for his leg to completely heal. I tried to imagine Hannah going through this. It takes 4 people just to give her one shot. 3 to hold her down and one to give it. Joseph was an incredibly strong person all his life, it definitely started at an early age.

this is the chair he made his mother

I loved what the New York Harold said of him.

And again what London thought of him also.

I have always had a testimony of Joseph Smith. I know he was a real prophet of God called to restore his only true church to the earth. I know he received the true priesthood of God and was called to act in his name. I know he translated the Book of Mormon and that it is a true piece of scripture that testifies of Jesus Christ. Joseph suffered so much in life, but he never left the work he was called to do. He was a great example of Jesus Christ. I know his life's work was so I could enjoy the peace of knowing I am a part of the one true church of our Father. I know he was a prophet of God and taught his gospel, the same gospel Jesus set up when he was alive, nothing changing.

the drive leading to the visitors center

this is the chapel built just below the visitors center

This was the best anniversary gift! I'm so happy we got to end our trip here, in this sacred place.