I'm a survivor!

I got back from Girls Camp this past Saturday with these amazing young ladies!

I had such a remarkable week.

I could go on and on about all the fun ~

there was plenty of it!

I need to record a testimony strengthening experience for me. If you have followed my blog for awhile, you may remember this post from when Shannon and I went up to Camp Lo Mia to find a place for our ward hike. I knew that that occasion had been special and an answer to prayer but I didn't realize the impact of that blessing until our hike experience took place last week. We have a Mia Maid in our program who has some severe health problems. Hayden was born with these serious health issues. Mostly lung related, she deals with this as part of her everyday life. Because of Priesthood miralces in her life, she is able to be a part of our YW's ~ and she is a gem!! Always a smile on her sweet face and a shining example of faith, courage and hope. Before camp she became quite sick and was advised by her doctor not to attend camp. Never one to miss the annual event, Hayden asked for a priesthood blessing that she would be able to make it to camp with our ward. Hayden's blessing was granted. Although she was not feeling 100%, she was well enough to attend - with certain restrictions. Hayden's physical exertion really had to be monitored. Our girls always made sure she had a piggy back ride up and down the trail from the lodge to our campsite. They really take such good care of her. When the morning dawned of our hike we realized that this might cause a huge problem for Hayden. More than likely she would have to be excluded from this part of our activities. As part of the hike, we had planned an experience where the girls would search the area for some objects and we would come together to discuss them. Unbeknownst to the girls, these would be the FOUR CORNERSTONES of the gospel. Before camp I had asked Hayden to participate during this hike and bear her testimony about the cornerstone of the Priesthood and the impact it had in her life. She was prepared and now she might not be able to go on the hike. While the girls ate breakfast, Shannon and I broke away to post signs and set up our hike experience items. We realized that the place we had found three months earlier was the perfect spot for Hayden. There was road access the entire way. Hayden could be driven to the "doorstep" of where we were going to be. Hayden was able to bear a powerful and heartfelt testimony of the power of the priesthood to our Young Women. As Hayden was driven back to the main camp the rest of the girls hiked back, I was overcome with emotion. The Lord knew that this was the experience our girls were to have. Had Shannon and I picked ANY other spot, Hayden would not have been able to be there with us. Heavenly Father was watching over Hayden three months earlier when Shannon and I decided to try the path less trodden. Truly, oh how lovely was the morning!

They call him what??

We were watching the MLB All-Star game last night. Derek Jeter was a fan favorite and the crowd would chant his name over and over - Jeter! Jeter! Finally Cooper asked, "Why do they call him that? Is he a big ol' cheater or something?" After a family laugh, Brent explained that his name was JETER not CHEATER.

4th of July moments

I just posted a slide show of our family vacation to Utah over the 4th of July holiday. I had so many fun pictures that I couldn't decide which to post. The slide show made it easier!! Here's a little commentary to accompany the pictures:

On our way to Utah we stopped at Bryce Canyon. It was THE most perfect day to do so. I don't consider myself much of a picture taker but I really liked the shots I got. The sky was such a gorgeous blue and the fluffy clouds made for fail-proof pictures. And yes, we did feed the animals. Why is it that kids cannot resist the cute little trail creatures that beg for a cracker??

Once we were at my Dad's, one of the first things I did was visit my Mom. I got a sweet smile from her that absolutely made my day! Oh how I pray she knew I was there and that my arms were wrapped around her. I took her to the commons area and played some Hymns for her. I love to do that for her. Mom, I love you. Your mansions await.

Our schedule was packed from then on:
- drive in with the cousins and swimming in their new pool
- working on Scout projects with Grandpa in his shop
- Cherry Hill water slide
- family BBQ at my brother's home. Jim is always so great about opening his home and inviting us all in. Being with my brothers and their families was the highlight for me.
- my kids playing Wii to their hearts content. Cooper took Jamie down in a boxing match!!
- fourwheelin' is always a must
- my Dad's delicious dutch oven ribs and chocolate cherry cake
- picking yummy fresh berries from my dad's garden
- Davis threw a baseball through one of Grandpa's windows. This is a first for us. I consider that pretty incredible given the amount of time we spend playing ball. That turned out to be an extra $100 we didn't have planned for the trip.
- celebrating the 4th!! My little hometown parade made me so happy!
- the patriotic flyover gives me such amazing chills!! My heart is full of gratitude.
- a fun evening of street fireworks and sparklers in Provo with the Penningtons
-watching the Stadium of Fire fireworks from the comfort of their lawn and again feeling the power of another flyover!! In the words of our little three year old friend Bennett, "it shook the whole earth!"
- we were close enough that we could hear Miley Cyrus and the Blue Man Group perform
- enjoyed the incredible french toast at Kneaders in Provo for breakfast. It should be a must on anyone's list
-took a little detour up the canyon and stopped at Bridal Veil Falls to cool us off
-the sound of the Provo river rolling by made me very emotional. It was a comforting and beautiful sound.
-hung out on BYU's campus and spent an undisclosed amount of money at the bookstore
-Brent was able to further his brainwashing of our children
-lunch at the Brick Oven topped off an wonderful trip!!

And that about sums it up!
For me the 4th of July holiday is best in Utah surrounded by cool evening temps and my family!!

Gooey goodness

A friend asked for this simple recipe just the other day so I thought I'd post it here. So yummy and so easy!!

2 bags of popped microwave popcorn - sift out the unpopped kernels
2 sticks butter
1 cup brown sugar
36 big marshmallows

Melt the butter and brown sugar at a medium heat. As soon as it is melted, add the marshmallows and stir. For the best and most gooey results, don't melt your butter and sugar too fast or too hot. As you stir in the marshmallows, take the pan off the heat everyone once in awhile. Pour this mixture over your popped corn and mix completely. I add peanuts to this recipe every once in a while. YUM-O!