Experiment:

I copied this from someone's blog :) I wasn't sure it would work, but I'm glad it did.
I love this picture!

Hawaii 2012

Just sit right back and we'll tell a tale -

When we arrived in Oahu after dark last week, we had no idea what our surroundings (yes, our back yard) would be
. . until . . .

5 AM the next morning.

The word "breathtaking" is SO overused. How about "dumb founded". . . "beauty full" . . . speech less"????!!!

We ate ( A'Oki's shaved ice),

played (PCC)),

"beached" (Hanauma Bay),

ate,

played

on the beach (there was a whale we had our eyes on),

ate (malasadas),

played,

appreciated,

and loved

every minute of being together

for 8 "awe some" days!




the cast:


Gilligan . . .the skipper, too


the millionaire and his wife



the movie stars



the professor and Maryanne



Aloha!

Onward, Ever Onward!

Rusty was released today from serving valiantly in the Bishopric. They moved from their previous home last October, with the idea of finding a new one. Their new home did come about in February. It's beautiful . . . and closer!

Since October, however, Rusty has faithfully served. Meeting after meeting, for the people in the ward they originally left - never skipping a beat, just continuing to serve (despite some opinions from the peanut gallery).

Onward, Ever Onward!

I think, in order to receive blessings, you never stop serving. People serve in all kinds of ways, but I am proud of Rusty for continuing to serve the way he felt was right.

Doctrine and Covenants 4:2

2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

March 14

Happy Birthday, Jeff! A story about when you were born. . .

We were so excited to finally have a little boy! That morning, after they weighed you and wrapped you tight in a warm blue blanket, the nurses handed you back to me. As I held you, we called the Grandparents to brag. You were a beauty. I remember talking to Grandma Buehner on the phone. Then she said, "Is that him I can hear?" And I realized that in between our conversation on the phone, you had been getting used to your new voice. You had "talked" nonstop for most of the morning. Not crying, but "talking". I had a feeling that since you had never heard your own voice before this earth life, it must have been kind of fun to experiment with your new "talent". It was sweet. We all were over joyed with having you here, and overcome by how smart we knew you'd become for discovering your abilities so quickly! I'll never forget it.

This birthday will be extra special as you will become a Dad shortly. You and Vita have hoped and dreamed about little Henry's birthday. I'm SO happy and proud of you. Henry will be a lucky, lucky boy and man. He'll be smart and beautiful, too, just like both of you.

You'll be starting your own collection of stories about your precious children soon. Get ready!

Happy Birthday, Jeff!
I Love You!
Mom

What If. . .

I remember the first time Julianne came back to AZ for a visit after living in NE. It was the day before she was to go back and a group of us were in Last Chance. (Julianne home + Last Chance = a good combination.) As we roamed the store, I kept thinking, "What if we could just stay at Last Chance? Forget the clocks and dates. Then she would never have to leave. We'd be forever in Last Chance."

Last night, a few AZ visits later and a couple of red headed children more, I sat next to the bath tub as they took their bath. Today they would go back to NE. I thought, "What if they could just stay in the bath tub forever? If I never got them out, they would never have to go back."

Crazy, I know. But the time always flies by too fast.

This morning the house is quiet again. Their plane leaves in 45 minutes to go back to NE. But not just NE . . . back to Brenden, who has missed them and needs them more. It's been quiet for him in NE as he's shared Julianne, Emmie and Peter with us. I'll always be overly grateful for his letting them come.

Parting is such sweet sorrow.