"Arise and live"

During a hard moment this past month, I came across this phrase in D&C 43:18 "arise and live."
Those three words really helped me gain the perspective and hope I was seeking. Once again the word of God healed my searching soul and brought peace to my mind.
Thanksgiving was spent here in Bloomington - Tony and Jill Albano were so kind to drive all the way from Lincoln, NE to join us. WE LOVED BEING TOGETHER. Jill is my dearest friend.
This thanksgiving I vocalized that I was thankful for faith - more than my own faith - I am thankful for the faith of others. I know the last few months I have been carried by the faith of those around me, by prayers they have offered, and the testimonies they have freely shared.
I am also thankful for health - Erik's torture mystery pain is no more after having had his gall bladder and appendix removed.
I turned 33 yesterday and as I received numerous texts, phone calls and messages throughout the day - I am humbled. I am the one who needs to express praise and gratitude to all of these people. They have carried me. I felt undeserving of their praise. I hope and pray that they each know how much they individually mean to me. Sincerely.
We have decided to head to Utah for Christmas. I believe the last time we went Bennett was a baby. The kids are so excited to be with grandparents and cousins. Oh there's no place like HOME for the holidays.

His Plan

I had no idea how behind I was. My goal was to post once a month. But months have now gone by and as I was scrolling through so many pictures, trying to decide which to choose - I knew it had to be these three.
Since moving our life to Bloomington we have been tried, tested, stretched, humbled, and carried. Health as often been on our mind. Emotional health. Physical health. Spiritual health. In our hardest moments His Plan has been our light. His Plan has poured comfort upon us. His Plan is the Light. His Plan protects, guides, blesses, and encourages us to place one foot in front of the other in faith.
This past Sunday during Ward Conference I had the question in my mind - "How do I need to move forward?" The choir sang a wonderful hymn, More Holiness Give Me.
I felt in my heart that I needed to - Be More.
So that is the goal. That is one lesson. There have been so many simple moments of guidance from the Spirit.
I am grateful for my family - for His Plan and binds us together FOREVER.

there and back again

 last girls night with St Louis wonderful women

 last swimming at the citygarden - downtown St Louis

 Splash pad while truck was being loaded

 everything fit into a 20ft truck - barely.

 Good Bye St Louis.

 On the road again- van turned 90 :)

 After a quick great stop at the Albano's, we finally saw the Ohlsons - after 2 years!! We love Winner.

 From Winner - to Rexburg for a INCREDIBLE farewell - you are inspiring Isaac.

 Hebgen. Heaven.

 Pineview with Nelson's. Great memories

 Hanging out with the Gladwells - darling darling kids.

 Hebgen. Heaven again.

 Cafe Rio with Brooklynn - to see James - hear his Homecoming. Again incredible.

 On the road again- Dane pooped through every outfit I had ready in the car.

And off we go! School started today - Clear Creek Elementary - 1st and 3rd. They were all smiles getting on and off the bus so that was an answer to prayer. Working on getting settled here in Bloomington. Here's to another great adventure.

one final week

 school is out and LUCILLE couldn't be happier to have every one home all of the time!!

 celebrating the last day of Kindergarten at Chick Fil A~!

 splash pad

 Quick trip to TX for Kate's baptism. SO FUN!!!

 SO TIRED!

 Dane at 4 months. Happiest baby on the planet

 One last game day with Fran (Sister Drown our St Louis grandma)

 Bowling with Lucy Cade

We will be pulling out of St Louis in one week. Heading to Bloomington IN, then on the 4th of July heading west for some much needed family and cousin time in the MOUNTAINS!! We have loved our time in St Louis. We will miss the custard and people of course. Good thing Bloomington is only a quick 4 hours away. Here's to new adventures!