Happy Thanksgiving

Things for which I am truly grateful.

• A husband who loves me no matter how I look, how much I weigh or how mean I get.
• A miracle of a little girl that calls me "momma."
• A tight and loving extended family.
• A secure knowledge of the love of God and Christ for all of us.
• Good friends that make life more fun.
• A country that despite problems is still safe and free.
• Football.

David on the Air

I shoul have posted this way earlier, but if you're online now (6:00 p.m., Monday, November 23), you can go to utahfm.org and click on the "Listen Live" box at the top right to hear David being interviewed and his music being played. He'll be on until around 9:00 p.m.

Whirlwind Catch Up

I'm way behind on the blog, so here are some pictures to summarize our recent activities.

We watched Timpview (my dad's school) take their fourth straight state championship in football. They've won five of the past six years. We got to watch the game from a loge. It was awesome. Go T-birds!


We got sideline passes for after the game. Now how many toddlers can say they've stood on the 50-yard line of a Division I football field? (Or as my dad pointed out, how many of their mothers would care?)


We had fun raking and playing in the leaves.

Danielle helped us winterize our apartment (hope she forgives me for the picture)...

...while our girls read a few books.

We had an unexpected visit from my Uncle Eric, a real cowboy. Some of you in the Utah area may have heard of him when he received a reward from the FBI for finding the remains of a missing fugitive. (The FBI totally ripped him off and only paid him half the promised reward.)

Baylie tried on his stetson.

It's been a busy couple of weeks!

Matching Mondays - Utah Children

I'm just waiting for approval from the Utah Adoption Exchange in order to continue featuring children available for adoption. Stay tuned.

Thank You Veterans

(pictures on this post are from my brother-in-law's funeral earlier this year)

I spent the entire morning crying, but in a good way. My dad is the principal of a local high school. I am frequently impressed with this school and it's students. Today I was even more impressed than usual. Today the school put on an assembly to honor veterans. My mom and I decided to attend. When I first got there, I was surprised to see how many kids were dressed up, some in suits and ties. At first I thought they must be participating, but then I realized they were just being respectful to the veterans. It was very impressive.

Selected students gave brief recaps of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War the Gulf War and the War on Terrorism. After each recap - from which I learned a lot I didn't know - they honored a veteran of that conflict. The veteran stood to be recognized and the student body gave them a standing ovation. It was very moving. It was obvious that these men were humbled to be honored by these high school students.

One student played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes, the ballroom dance team did a naval-inspired number and the choir sang the service song medley. During the medley the men and women who had served in that branch of the armed forces stood to be recognized. The students clapped again. I cried again when one elderly man stood and saluted the students and another waved to them.

In a day and age when there is not always respect shown from the younger generation to their forbears, this was a beautiful experience and one that I wish could be repeated in high schools across this nation. I think it would be a powerful tool for patriotism and honor. I'm just grateful I got to be a part of it.

On a humorous note, today is also my dad's birthday. The student body started the assembly by embarassing him with a dorky hat and by singing happy birthday. I think it meant a lot to him. He works hard and I'm glad the kids like and respect him. Unfortunately, my camera doesn't take very good indoor pictures.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!

Love this Video!

Cowboys and Little Indian

We premiered Baylie's costume at Gardner's Village. It's a fun shopping area made from old homes.
Every Halloween they decorate with huge paper maché witches. This one is called "witchy poo."


Baylie loved the pony ride and petting zoo. She cried when we left.

Baylie wore a costume that I wore when I was a little girl. She was a little Indian, so David and I decided to be cowboys. Trick or Treating was a big hit with Baylie this year, but she didn't want to put any candy in the bag. She just wanted to eat it right then.

Here is the only picture I could find of me in the costume. I was MUCH older than Baylie when I wore it. I'm here with my brother Clark. I think my mom went a little crazy with the war paint!