So glad we're friends...

Thanks to a WONDERFUL friend who is a GIFTED photographer (although she refuses to believe it), fun memories were captured today at playgroup!

Maddie and Abby taking turns blowing dandelions


Maddie giving Abby a turn

*Right after this shot, both Abby and Maddie dabbled in tasting the dandelion. Maddie literally chomped it, and we spent several minutes trying to clean the seeds off her tongue.*

Abby is, I daresay, Maddie's best girlfriend. When we are not playing with her, she wants to be. When she SEES her, she squeals in delight. And when we have to leave, she asks me when she'll see Abby again. Seriously, two little peas in a pod. Maddie couldn't ask for a better friend. And neither could I--So glad we're friends, Lauren. We so enjoy our time with them and will be sad to see them leave...we just won't even think about that...

Yay for friends!
(excuse the pink pants--Mommy had to change her since she fell in wet wood chips!)

One year older and wiser too...?

I'm not sure about the wiser part, but I definitely am one year older and more BLESSED than ever, thanks to a WONDERFUL husband (and loving family and friends) who made my birthday so special.

I definitely have a lot to be grateful for.

A couple of thoughts brewing in my mind....

1.) I DO recognize favoritism when I see it.
2.) Why in the world is my daughter still awake in her crib at almost 11p.m.?? Tomorrow should be fun.

And i'm done.

Sorry, I had to vent.

Pitching our Tents

(*Preface--the date is ACUALLY 10/2/2010--i started writing this last night, and blogger won't let me change the date*)

In preparation for Conference , our family literally and figuratively pitched a tent towards the Prophet (or the t.v. where conference will be broadcast) this weekend. This came about as we were reading in Mosiah about King Benjamin and how the people pitched their tents to wait and hear his words. We came up with this idea last year and created a dinky little blanket tent. But THIS year, since we have a bigger living room, we decided to get our real tent out and make a weekend of it. And how FUN it has been! Here's some pictures to give you an idea of how much room this tent takes up in our living room:

and we have a PRETTY big living room!

And camping wouldn't be complete without tinfoil dinners!
(Spencer and my brother, Gary, eating in tent)

Turned out quite nicely, I might add--and easy clean up too!

And delicious, hot smores too! :)

The next morning....

Let's just say sleeping in a tent is no where near as comfortable as a bed, but hey, it's part of the camping experience, right? Spencer went quickly to work on our breakfast...omelets in a bag, boy scout style. lol. And here is my concoction:

(Please excuse me--afterall, I just woke up!)

All analogies and family traditions aside, I just LOVE the opportunity I have hear from these wonderful men, these men of God! I honestly look forward to this time of year, and it never comes too soon--i'm always ready and eager to hear what they would have me do. I do remember being younger and sometimes dreading two whole days of broadcasts, but I have learned to appreciate the importance of hearing from our Prophet, especially knowing that he is our Father's mouthpiece and speaks to us by and through the power of God. How incredible is that?!? I know without a doubt that our Heavenly Father has placed a Prophet on this earth to lead and guide us. Many faiths believe that God no longer speaks to those on the Earth, but I say to this--if He wants to speak, He will. He has placed Prophets on the Earth throughout its history, so why would he stop? He hasn't. And to many of my non-member friends who read my blog, I invite you to listen to these wonderful men and hear for yourself the message of Jesus Christs' gospel. Just go to: www.lds.org, and the main page will have a link so that you may listen. Please open your heart and mind to the messages, for they will truly change your lives if you let them.

Enjoy your Conference Weekend! :)