I hope to be back to regular blogging this week.  We'll see how that goes…stay tuned (all 4 of you).  In the meantime I thought you all would enjoy this blog that is just fascinating me of late.  This young Aussie girl is attempting to sail around the world – by herself.  And she's blogging about…

I have a serious case of post-vacation-funk-syndrome (PVFS).  I also am fighting a real-life-hope-it's-not-the-flu "bug" that is keeping me down.  And I have a case of the messies – messy laundry, messy kitchen, messy me.  It's not good – I wouldn't be comin' around here if I were you. But this came in the mail…

After a crazy busy week of preparations, Derek and I are off… to Banff, Canada!!  (And Lake Louise and Calgary). I can't wait for the beautiful hotel, luxurious spa, and heavenly meals.  I can't wait to hang out with Dana, Matt, Shelley and Scott…I can't wait to laugh and laugh and laugh!  I can't wait…

It seems much of the family talk these days is about the upcoming nuptials of my handsome brother, Mark and his darling fiance, Anne.  In 5 weeks we'll be all dressed in our very best duds, watching Samuel walk down the aisle with rings and the boys pass out programs.  It's exciting! These two are…

Almost a month ago (behind in blogging!) we were invited to our lovely friends The White's home for barbecue and swimming.  Ray White was Derek's mission president, way back when.  We.love.this.couple!  They are the warmest, kindest, most generous, loveliest people.  And they love us, which makes this relationship even sweeter.  In our ward is one…

Two weeks ago we celebrated Jacob's big 10.  On the night before his b'day we had the missionaries over for dinner – I made Jacob's favorite, taco salad this time with fried corn tortillas (yum-o) and chocolate sheet cake.   Caleb was ecstatic to give him a dollar-store pocket knife.  I love this picture, despite it's washed-out-flash-look. Then…

Remember that program we did for Girls Camp called "Women of Light"?  Well, we were asked to perform it again last week for the Stake.  I loved digging out and ironing the costumes, tweaking the script, and seeing the girls again.  The inspiration for this program came to me one night after prayer and study,…

An upcoming wedding plus all my siblings living in the same metroplex-area = lots of opportunities to get together and enjoy each other, which for me is pure joy.  Love my family!  This weekend my Dad and Christy were in town so we all met at Jacob's soccer game, part of the time in the rain. …

Twice a year our Church has its semiannual General Conference.  Two days, 4 sessions (+ a priesthood session for the men and a women's session the week before).  It is uplifting, inspiring and wonderful.  It's one of our favorite times of the year.  Partly because of the break in routine.  Partly because of the fun…

I took a week off of blogging.  Somewhat unintentionally, although as last week got going and blogging kept slippng lower to my list of things-to-do, I decided that it was indeed my "week off".  I love to blog, but the truth of the matter is that it takes time, and last week I was lacking…