I Forgot...

... to include a picture of this too-smart-for-his-own-good, bus-riding, chillin' like a villain - Joshy Washy!

(he hates it when we call him that!)

Just Some Thoughts

I miss Utah. I miss my family and friends - the people who really know me. For the most part, I put on a brave face and try to act positive. But it's exhausting sometimes. I think I am learning a lot about myself since I am here. Some days, I can't fake it. Now that there is a countdown until our trip to UT, I feel myself getting very impatient, and wanting to stay there for weeks. (not just 1)

But, while we are here, we are going to really see Wisconsin. You know? Right now, we are in a tiny town in just 1 corner. We will be heading to Milwaukee for Dan's b-day next week, so I will get a chance to see something new. I hope to see Madison, WI. I have a couple of EHS friends there. If my kiddos continue to be good road-trippers and fall asleep, then we should have no problem. Anywhere we go is over 25 minutes, so they are getting used to it.

Josh was able to start attending Trempealeau Elementary's 4k. (this is preschool run by the school district) He gets on a big, yellow bus Mon-Thurs and is gone ALL afternoon. He loves it all - bus, class, teacher!! But the cutest part of his being gone, is how lovey Layla has gotten with him. EVERY time he walks through the door, all suited with snow pants, coat, and hat, Layla gives him a sweet hug. Oh, it melts my heart!

We had a huge snowstorm last week. We are tired of winter. I can't wait to go to the playground in town, (yes, I just said "in town") and discover trails rumored to be all over the bluffs. We are all really, really pearly white and some sun would do us all some good!

And you know, I am so excited to see THIS missionary come home this year!! His mission has been incredible, and the stories he sends home about the people he has met are amazing and inspiring. And the letters are a weekly reminder to me that no matter what challenges I face, our Heavenly Father has our best interest in mind ALL of the time. And I know that HE wanted us in WI, for whatever time it amounts to be. The lessons just keep presenting themselves - easy and not easy.

Turning 30 - part 2

Remember when I had almost no time but I decided to set 30 goals to achieve before I turned 30? Crazy, I know.

Well, before I go through each goal, I'm gonna say that I'm not going to go through each goal! I don't have that kind of time.

A few years ago, Elder Dallin H. Oaks gave a General Conference talk entitled "Good, Better, Best." He discussed the fact that we each have this list of all the things we need to and have to do in our lives, and that sometimes it's hard to choose between all the "good." With my limited amount of time, I found that I felt okay as I started to put my time towards certain goals and maybe realizing that others will have their place in the future.

With that said, can I just say how grateful I am for The Book of Mormon. I am so happy that I set the time-consuming goal to start and complete it by my birthday. I love the conversations I have had with Josh (and Dan) about the prophets who lived amazing lives, taught us so much, and loved their people with their whole selves. I can honestly say with my whole heart that this book changes lives. It has changed mine. I know it will continue to be a source of strength to my family. It has brought a sense of peace to me as I brave this challenge I find myself facing . I know that my Savior, Jesus Christ came to this nation, among others, because he loves all of God's children and taught us to just endure with faith and hope in the face of all adversity. He wants us to return home.

That is what The Book of Mormon has done for me.

Amen.