My Sister

I was able to spend some time with my sister on our trip out west. Oh, how I love her. She is a beautiful woman. She looks so much younger than she is. She is kind, thoughtful, and giving. She is a wonderful mother. She is patient and waits on the Lord. She is so real and so genuine. She is lovely through and though.

Thank you for treating us so well, my sister, and for sharing yourselves with us. We love the memories we made with you and your family.

I am so proud of you and your family. You all work so hard. I love that Jase is on a mission and is on FIRE! I admire your beautiful girls and loved being with them. I still am laughing from our times together!

I love that you are such a caring daughter to mom and dad. I am so excited that they'll be near you soon. I can't think of anyone more wonderful to watch over them!

I hope we can have many more special times together!

Three Temple Visits on our trip out west

We love visiting Temples! We visited the Las Vegas, Nevada Temple, the St. George, Utah Temple and the Salt Lake Temple.
BEAUTIFUL!

Our stay in Las Vegas

Michael, William and I stayed two nights in Las Vegas. The first night we stayed at a place called The Palms Casino Resort. The second night we stayed at Paris Las Vegas Hotel. I especially liked the Paris. (see photos below)

This was the first time I've been to Las Vegas (besides being at the airport). My thoughts of the strip were mixed, but mostly negative.

I felt people were wasting their time gambling their money away. I felt sad about the way women were dressed and were portrayed on billboards and cards as sex symbols. I felt irritated that sleaze and filth was being touted as entertainment. I felt annoyed and bewildered that the seven deadly sins were so blatantly flashed around as desirable. There was Lust, Gluttony (we just ate once at a buffet), Greed, Laziness, Envy, and Pride. The only one I didn't see was Wrath - but I'm sure it's there when gamblers lose big. It gives a new meaning for me of "Sin City." It's one thing to hear about it, and it's another thing to see it.

On the other hand, there was good entertainment available (we attended the Phantom of the Opera show), interesting architecture, historic sights (the wedding chapels were pretty fun to drive by), and fun sights (Bellagio fountains, men dressed up like statues, Gold and Silver Pawn store, etc.,)

Michael said one of the first things he saw when he arrived at the Las Vegas airport to begin his mission was a woman dressed with very little on. The next thing he saw was his mission president coming to greet him. The mission president right then and there taught Michael "DILIGENCE OF MIND."

Now missionaries are not allowed on the strip itself, but Michael lived not too far away where prostitutes lived and worked–so I think it's safe to say he saw it all. I have such a greater respect for him and what he dealt with.

It really was quite an experience!

Las Vegas Families We met and Love!

We just got back from a trip out west. We had a ball. Our first stop was Las Vegas. Michael met us there and we were able to tour his mission.

The favorite part of our Las Vegas visit was meeting the people that Michael loves and the people that love MIchael. They complimented him and our family so highly. These people are GOLD and we love them all. I didn't expect to feel such an immediate and strong connection and bond with these saints. It felt like a little bit of heaven being with them.

I am one proud grandmother! These little ones are so beautiful. Chloe is three weeks old, Jack will be one year old tomorrow, Kate will be two years old this month, and Addie is four years old. Happy Birthday Jack and Kate! Oh, how I love them all! Best news–I get to see them all soon!!!

INTRODUCING CHLOE LYNN

I'm totally and completely IN LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Welcome sweet granddaughter!

It's been a while

Things never slow down here. I haven't blogged in a while. I'm going to try something new, and just write short blogs. I think I'm in the category of writing too much. We'll see how this goes!

Here's a breakdown for the month of June 2011.

My dance recital was this month. It went well. It's always such a relief to have it over. I was proud of my students! They looked wonderful in their costumes, and danced their hearts out. You can't tell by the photo, but there are about 195 students who barely fit on the stage for the finale.




We've worked hard on our yard and gardens. We're very pleased with them.
I've always wanted a fountain in our yard, and William and I created a fountain garden on Memorial Day. I'm loving the calm influence it creates. I love hearing water trickle and fall. It relaxes me, and makes me feel so peaceful.










Michael came to see us this month, and we loved his visit. He helped us de-junk our basement, and helped Marc and Laura Lee move. He also helped Laura Lee on her drive from Cincinnati to Utah. Unfortunately, they had major problems with Laura Lee's car overheating because of radiator problems.

William and I are missing Marc, Laura Lee and family already. They've only been gone for a few days. They'll be in Utah for three years. How we miss our granddaughters and family.



Ryan and Sarah and Jack are doing well. Jack is as cute as ever, and Sarah is taking lots of pictures, which we LOVE! We miss him so much too!



Jenn and Jeff are only 2 weeks away from their baby's due date. We can hardly wait!! We are so excited for this baby to come. I can't wait to post pictures of their new baby girl!!!

Tanner is doing great on his mission. He's absolutely loving it. We love hearing from him! We're so proud of him. I love being a missionary mom.




That's the short of it all.