Lucky...

Goodness gracious, I live in a beautiful  place.

Hope...

The greatest thing took place this weekend. Our church held a three day youth conference/music festival. This wasn't like an other youth conference I have ever seen. The preparation on it started by church leaders a whole year ago and I will tell you why. The conference was to consist of a concert of over 1000 youth performing for the entire Portland community. 

When I first heard about it I thought to myself "what a great idea ...but my teenagers will NEVER actually sing." But boy was I wrong. The youth have been traveling into Portland several times this past year to practice, practice, PRACTICE. They were to put on three different performances (same songs, different times) so that as many people as possible could attend. 

It was held in a huge building at the Portland fairgrounds. ALL THREE sessions were completely FULL. Members of our church, and MANY non members attended. 

you should have seen it. A thousand youth, all dressed in black and white. 

As I looked at the program, I noticed the theme was "A Perfect Brightness Of Hope." I got teary eyed and that point I knew I would be crying the whole time. And I kinda did. 

It wasn't until the last song "Come Thou Fount" that the spirit was so strong I thought I might burst. The volume and sound from all these youth was amazing. And midway through the song on either side of the audience you see missionary after missionary carrying large white flags walking towards the front...all in a continuous row. I sat and stared at all those women and men who have sacrificed two years of their lives to share this gospel. It made me think of the missionaries that taught my parents the gospel. What would have happened had they chose not to serve their missions? They literally changed the course of my parents lives, and changed generations because of their sacrifice. How I wish I could find them and say thank you.

The purpose of the conference was to remind everyone, everywhere that there IS HOPE. A perfect brightness of it. Life can be so freaking hard at times, and yet we are not alone. What an amazing message.

I have a testimony of the gospel. There's no denying it. Either it's real or it isn't, and I'm here to say that it IS real. I'm grateful on every level for that.

Scarlett's birthday...

My sweet baby turned 5 years old on Wednesday. Seems like yesterday I was at the doctors office begging to be induced a week early because I was so sick and tired of being pregnant. The doctors gave into my coaxing and out came this lovely child with bright blue eyes. I wish I could go back and carry her in my tummy again, feel her kick, and yes...even bear the pain of labor contractions. I am so blessed to have this little girl in my life. Love you, Letty.

Epic 2014...Awesome...

We did it again. Another year of blood sweat and tears. Okay, maybe not quite...but sweat? Heck yes. And even a few tears. I love running 187 miles with these girls. Cheering each other on...cheering other teams on...meeting new people. Making new bonds. It's an experience that is truly unforgettable and a great reminder to the fact that I really do love running. We got a total of 2 hours of sleep, each ran between 13 and 20 miles a piece. And managed to get ourselves nearly 200 miles from where we started. Great times. I love these girls and am once again grateful for this chance to run with (and learn from)these amazing women.

Love notes...

When I was a teenager I would write my dad random notes, telling him to have a great day, or that I loved him. Grace does this often to Chris and I. I found this one today that she texted from my phone. What a sweet, loving girl you are, Grace. Your name suits you.

Happy 14th...

Austin turned 14 today. His voice is deeper than ever. He's taller than me. He weighs more than me....FACT, because we tried the seesaw today and he wouldn't let me down. And yet, he respects me. He loves me. He talks to me...and that's huge. We love you Austin. The day you were born my life got brighter and more beautiful.

The dreaded chores...

It's back!!!!!!! Chore time...bwahahaha. Welcome home from school, kiddos.