Life can change in a second!

We have a new reverence for the power of nature as it was a grueling night in North Texas. The weather bureau is still determining if it was tornados or straight line winds. But in Hurst, several power poles that were rated to withstand 125 mile/hour winds were snapped off leaving most without power. In fact, 250K people were without power throughout the night/day and ours just went on about 3ish - 12 hours later.

Andy's neighborhood took a heavy hit knocking down many fences and yanked their bbq right out of the granite! The pitty-patty pattern of destruction is mind boggling forgiving one and taking down another.




The biggest scare was with all the fences down, Ginger got out and roamed the neighborhood fighting the high winds, incredible lightening and rain.
Andy braved the storm at 4am looking for Ginger and Haley Mae called saying, "Gwamma, will you say a prayer for Ginger? Our dog is lost?" A real tug on heart strings and grateful she has the faith Heavenly Father would bring her puppy home.

After a long morning, canvasing neighborhoods, posting a lot of signs, and more prayers, a kind soul brought home Ginger. She is a tired puppy taking a well deserved nap! Happy ending to this story and a new perspective on how quickly things can change ... not to take ANYTHING for granted ... count our blessings ... live and serve in a manner to draw claim upon the blessings of the gospel ... hug more ... and know i love you! xo ...

dc trip report - Cherry Blossom Festival

The blossoms in full bloom were a beautiful backdrop everywhere we went. Heather's charming street even has the blooming color - this is off her front porch.

This pic is taken off the Masonic Temple tower looking straight down King Street in Old Towne Alexandria. Heathey's house is just behind the big hotel on the left of King St right off the metro stop. Great location!

We rented bikes and rode the blossom-lined beltway in just a few hours. Fortunately the bikes come equipped with little tingy bells to alert pedestrians we are coming up on their heels!

It was awesome to go to the National Archives and view the original documents setting our nation apart, and thought it fitting to take a day field trip to Philly to see where the drafting and signing took place. Between the two places, freedom rings loud and gives overwhelming pride and gratitude for the patriots that so valiantly paved the way for our freedoms and the truth and light the restoration needed to come about. It left me with a firmer resolve to follow their examples of integrity, conviction and courage to continue to let my voice be heard.

(While in the birthplace of America, we also had to check out all that talk about philly cheese steaks being the best. Honest critique ... the bread was fabulous, but Italian Place in Provo does it the best!)

Anyone Need A Smile?

ANYONE NEED A SMILE?! This should do the trick! (Grandma Vickie, this one is especially for you - tax season is almost over!) Remember to pause the music at the bottom of the page before you play this.

Another marathon weekend!

I'm a big girl now!

What a fun 3 years it has been!


Joy in the park!

New skates, knee and elbow pads and helmet.
We added the garden gloves for added protection!




It was a whirlwind weekend! Heather home, birthday parties,
Easter, lots of food, family, junk food, egg hunts, playing Pit,
more food, hugs and a delayed flight home for Heather .... whew!

The only thing missing was Ashley and Bobby! xo

(for the record, i find posting to this site very user UNFRIENDLY! it has a mind of it's own and frankly, i like my mind! argh!)

When Daddy Feeds Me...

I'm not sure if Tanner had more food on his face than what he ate... but it looks like he had fun at this feeding! He even managed to get some carrot on Todd's face. Ha!

Superman!

Tanner was happy to play with his new duck slippers he got for Easter when we got home tonight. He slid around the kitchen floor trying to be Superman with his bib as a cape. Todd and I think Tanner is so cute stripped down to a diaper!

I Love My Aunt Heather!

Thanks for flying to Texas and playing with me!

Cute Pic of the Fam

American Idol in Training

Raw talent emerges in Haley's solo and LOVE how Todd has inherited the technique to blow out bday candles in one puff! Happy, happy birthday to you, Todd! xo

Happy Birthday Todd!

A small tribute to the one who can bring a smile to anyone's face in minutes... Thank you for bringing so much happiness into our lives. I love you babe! Happy 27th Birthday!