Huzzzaaaah!

For those of you who keep asking - Yes, the dust has settled and life has returned back to normal.  Finally! It spent 4 1/2 years in the wishing/planning stages, and 2 sho...loooong months in the making stage.  But it's finally done.  We now have a kitchen where all the stuff works. Huzzzaaaah!  Here's some pics for those who haven't seen the 'show' live and in person.

So, um, there it is. A kitchen. I think my favorite part is the bar where the kids sit to eat their breakfast.  Super easy to clean up and nice to have them all lined up for scripture time!  It would have been really nice to do this 4 years ago - or before we moved in - but.... that's the way it goes when people won't give  out free samples of cabinets.  I keep looking for 'em at Costco, but all they ever give me is soup, chicken nuggets, and the occasional chocolate chip cookie.  I'll keep my eyes open for free toilet and tile samples - cuz the bathroom's next! (in 2015)

Wanna Play?

Is it time for a new post? 

Absopositivolutely!  

Waiting 2 months in between posts is the norm, right? Good.  Well, I'd like to talk about all the happenings-on around here in the last little bit, but rather than bore you with all the details, I decided to let you play a game.  It's one of those "what's different between these two pictures."  Our kids love these games - so we hope you will too.

The differences are pretty subtle - but I have faith in you. You can DO it!

11 Years

11 years ago today, I gave my "farewell" talk just prior to entering the MTC.  In sacrament meeting today a young man gave his talk, and will be entering the MTC on Wednesday.  A number of emotions and memories flooded my mind as I thought about a 19 year old kid with curly hair (I had hair!) black-rimmed glasses and a new suit share his testimony with family and friends - with no clue of what was before him, with no idea that the world was so big.

During my 2 Years, I visited with people from almost every culture imaginable (or so it seemed), ate food I didn't know we 'could' eat, saw things I don't want to see again (embalming shout NOT take place in a garage!) and shared some of the most wonderful moments with complete strangers.  It was an experience I'll never forget.

As I think about the 9 years that have passed since returning home, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for all of the blessings in my life.  From my wife and children, to opportunities for learning and guidance in my career - it has all fallen into place.  President Eyring challenged us a while back to make a daily record and list a way in which the Lord had blessed us that day. Today he blessed me with a remembrance of the blessings he had already given me.

Here's to 11 more years. (Jodie just reminded me that I'll be in my 40's - doh! - 41 years young, and driving a 2500 HD. Yea baby)

The Cabin!

We had tons of fun in the Uinta Mountains this last week.  It was a MUCH needed break.

Provo River Falls

Up the south face of Mount Baldy. The kids did AWEsome.  We'll make it all the way to the top one of these years, although I think we did pretty good.

My sweetie pies, at the falls.

Our first day hike on the Pass Lake trail.  We made it all the way to Scout Lake, and got eaten alive while we ate lunch.  

All in all, it was an awesome trip and I can't wait to go back.