Birfdays and Such

Isaac turned 8! I cannot believe how old that kid is. I remember when he was a baby I would take him to Golden Valley on my lunch breaks and show him off. 

We had a party to celebrate and took the kids on a motorcycle ride afterwards. Some of these pictures are too cute!

That's How We Roll

So, Monday afternoon Michael and I had a break together before he had to go back to work. I kissed him farewell and he was out the door. I went to the window and watched him  as he left because he is just so nice to look at (we are married, so that is not creepy at all.) 

He gets in the car and slowly, ever so slowly pulls, out. As he is doing so, a huge man truck is slowly, ever so slowly, driving past him. As luck would have it, they collided. The rear bumper was fine, it just has a scrape that we can smooth out. Same with the other car as well, but the owner was being kind of a butt about it.  They exchanged insurance and off they went. 

Michael was flustered and annoyed. I was calm, which is not normal. I repeat, in times of crisis, I am not ever calm. I go in crazy mode and freak out. However, in this case I was calm and collected. We called our insurance and told them what happened. Half way through the call, I remembered that you can get money from insurance when stuff like this happens. I only know this because once Covey hit my Jetta and barley made any damage, but we got like a grand out of it. 

Point. Me remembering is what we call inspiration kids.

I asked the kind insurance lady what we would need to do to get an estimate and then work on fixing it ourselves. She got us all straightened out, the estimate appointment made, and we were good to go. After the estimate appointment and deductible was taken out, we ended up making about $400. Our monthly insurance wouldn't really be affected (effected? I can never get those right) because Michael will be officially old next month and we have a great track record with them. If you can, you should totally get USAA because they rock.

I have decided that this is my tithing story.  You know, when you pay your tithing, crazy blessings come from it?  Well, everyone can always use a little extra cash, and now because we paid our tithing and had a little accident, we basically have a free car tune up. Tithing = Blessings.

Bendiciones! I can't help but remember about a similar experience that I had back in the day. Sue and I were living at the condo with Erica and Latara I think. I had been broke for months, and could never seem to get ahead. We all go through that stage of being poor and broke college students, but for real, this time I really was. One day I came home after a long day at work and school and found and envelope with my name on it. Inside was $300 and a note saying that I was loved and to not try and figure out who had given me the money.  I sat on the kitchen floor and cried.  I was overwhelmed with love and gratitude. How can people be so generous and kind? To me, it proved that there is a loving Heavenly Father who is in tune with our needs and answers our prayers. We sometimes are the ones who can be the helpers, and other times we are the ones who need the help. 

That day I promised that when I was able to, I would do a similar thing for a poor college aged girl.

I still to this day have no idea who left that on my porch. I do know though that they are super kind and in tune with the spirit. So, if it was you and you read my blog, please know how grateful I am to you and your kindness. You helped me strengthen my testimony when I needed it the most. You will never know how much you affected me that day. Thank you.

9/11

I cannot believe that it has been ten years since 9/11 happened. I still remember it like it was yesterday. I was not going to write about it, but today in church we talked about how a weak pen is better than a strong memory? I think that is how it went. Anyway, I will not always remember these things, so I am writing it down now. 

I was staying at the Nielson's with Lynlee while mom was in Florida with Christine to visit Jacque Robinson who was playing volley ball for the Gators. We had slept in because we were home schooled and didn't have to be ready early in the day. I walked into their family room and Theresa had the news on. A woman had just jumped out of a building live on tv. Theresa explained that two planes had hit the towers, towers that were filled with people. The planes were American Airline planes. My dad is a pilot for American and was flying a similar route. I was terrified that he was on those planes. I called him, there was no answer, I called my mom, there was no answer. 

It was hectic, it was the longest day ever. I swore my dad was dead. It wasn't until hours that felt like days later that I finally spoke with Mom and Dad. They were both safe. Our prayers were answered. 

I just remember the day being so long and slow. Sue was staying at our house with the Bowen's. She went through the exact same fears about our parents  as I did, and we were able to grieve together but then comfort each other as well. 

We went to Mutual later that night, and everyone was talking about where they were when they heard what had happened. I remember there being a sense of unity, a feeling of Americans joining together as Americans, united and turning to Heavenly Father in this time of crisis. When Dad got back into town, I remember him going up into the attic where all of his stuff was and opening up his American Flag that was in a display case. I think he was given it when he retired from his service in the Air Force. He hung it on the right side of our house, and it hung there until we moved. I remember everyone getting those American Flag car flag things. 

Alan Jackson wrote a song about his experience. I think it totally encompasses how many felt that day. I hope we can all remember that day and use it to progress as a county united and to always remember the true important things in life. 

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or working on some stage in L.A.?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Risin' against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?

Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?
Did you burst out in pride for the red, white and blue
And the heroes who died just doin' what they do?
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?

[Chorus:]
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell
you the difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you teaching a class full of innocent children
Or driving down some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty 'cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone?
Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?

Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Or speak to some stranger on the street?
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Or go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watchin'
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns?

Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Did you stand in line and give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love?

[Repeat Chorus 2x]
And the greatest is love.
And the greatest is love.

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day? 

Labor Day 2011

I guess I should finally sit down and right about our trip up to Idaho. We both had to work, so we didn't leave Orem until about 8 o'clock Saturday night with Michael's mom and Nathan's girlfriend Megan Davis (coolest last name ever right?)

The first stop of the night was in Roy at the Burger Bar. Michael and I fasted somewhat all day so we would be able to eat the ginormous burger. We forgot to tell Mama and Megan not to eat before hand, so they missed out but made sure we stopped on the way home as well after having a bite of ours. If you have not been there, go. Go right now. You will thank me later.

We finally made it to Soda Springs Idaho at like 1 in the morning. We stayed at Christy Jean's club house with the Lambsons. Sunday morning we woke up, met with everyone, including Luke and Bryce, my personal favorite little guys to visit while in Idaho. Bryce and Michael became best friends and got along very well. 

We went to church, had some dinner, and headed up to Bear Lake. Twas fun. 

Monday we went and floated down the river in some tubes. It was scary/boring/super duper fun/exciting all rolled into one. We were in a three man tube with Michael, Sammy, and I. I was the only one wearing chacos, the boys were in flip flops and had to take them off so they wouldn't lose them in the river. Being as I was the only one who had shoes on, I felt it was my responsibility to protect us when we were coming upon any rocks or walls. That was stupid. We were coming towards a really big jagged rock, so I stuck my foot out to push off. Rather than pushing us off, my leg took the brunt and bent in ways that legs should not bend. It killed. I did however save our tube from popping. Go me. 

After hanging out there a tad, we headed home and stopped by Christy and Eric's house. It was so good to see them and I cannot wait for them to have their little baby boy this month! 

Here are some pictures to prove we were there. Enjoy.