Meekness

"If we peeled away from our many verbal communications the ego-driven portion (things said thoughtlessly, or for effect, or to achieve advantage), how much substance would then remain?

Meekness serves us well in this respect and in so many others. When, for instance, we are overlooked or bypassed, we can easily feel slighted. Meekness emancipates us from such a reaction, because it neither regards others as rivals nor as objects of envy. Nor does meekness spend valuable time decoding incoming communications in anxious search of praise, criticism, or hidden meanings. Meekness also avoids that added fatigue brought on by the breathless pursuit of preeminence.

Whether at the office roundtable or in our neighborhoods, it isn't that the meek always and automatically have better information. Rather, they draw strength from a much more fundamental assurance: they know that God loves them (1 Nephi 11:17). They also know that the Lord is just and is "no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34), so they seek to please Him rather than playing for approval from the various niche galleries.

The meek are simply more free, more peaceful, and more cheerful."

Elder Neal A. Maxwell - Whom the Lord Loveth

"months"

When anybody and I mean anybody asks Darla how old she is she says, "Months." She has learned that the first two questions people usually ask her are, "How old are you?" and "What is your name?" Now she will see someone and before they even ask she will tell them, "Months. Darla."

Speaking of months she will be 18 months this Sunday. What in the world? I love this toothy grin!

"cheese" to life

The first two pictures are ones we just received from our trip to Utah. Darling. The second two are - well Darla devoured her first Scotcharoo (thus the gigantic smile) and the next is Darla listening to Daddy's music (one of her favorite things to do).

Other things that have been going on - we have been selling our furniture on craigslist. We've gotten rid of our couch and our LoveSac should be disappearing soon. Good thing people have a need for random pieces. Now we are on the hunt for a nice couch . . . or at least one that will last. Any suggestions on what to look for in a couch?

Good Times.

Just some last few pictures from our trip to Utah. We are now back in MN and I have to say it feels good to be here. Of course I wish I could be in Hegben with the rest of my family - but we had a wonderful trip. Sunday we had a big birthday dinner for my mom and 9 of us 10 kids were there! It is rare these days to have that many together at one time. My sister-in-law Marcie is expecting twins in July so of course we had to take a belly picture. Doesn't she look great for carrying twins?! She is incredible. I'm excited that our little babe will have 3 cousins so close in age. Darla loved the time with her cousins. They taught her all about make-up, Mr. Potato Head, tea parties, and much more. She grew up this trip. I can't believe she is almost a year and a half. Where has the time gone?

Heavenly Hebgen!

We made it up to Hebgen! Quick trip and chilly, but just a breath of that air is worth it. 

UTAH

25 weeks along.

Stylish.

Swimming.

Sweet.

Don't worry we are having a fabulous time. . . and it's not over yet.