Reflection, Job offer, Great Husband!

I was pondering during church today about trials and faith as I was reading from my church manuel. I am amazed at Joseph Smith, the trials he went through, his faith, his perserverence, his determination to serve Jesus Christ, etc. I am amazed at his wife Emma for her strength and endurance in faith amidst all the persecution they endured. This last year we have gone through some difficult trials. I don't want to go into a whole list or anything, but it's been a doozy of a year. I however had a bit of a reality check today reflecting on the life of the early saints and realizing as I often realize upon true meditation that my life really isn't all that difficult! In fact I feel truly blessed. (above picture is when we took a trip to Carthage Jail)

On a differen't note those of you wondering what we've been up to. Well you might have guessed-more camping! We headed up to the Uintah's once more this time with an air mattress and real food. It was great to sleep on a soft bed and to drive up to the camp site.

This past week Shaun got a job offer on a job in Nebraska! We are still working out all the details, but are moving toward accepting it. It will be another definite leap of faith for us. (most decisions are I guess).

My darling nephew turns 1 this week! Happy Birthday to Brigham!

I will be doing my sister-in-law's hair for homecoming. Yay! How fun!

Alexis got to go to Kindergarten twice and loves it! (my mom's a teacher)

My brother's wife is pregnant!

My sister's pregnant!

Shaun has been cooking up a storm in his spare time. It has been awesome. Anyone who knows him knows he likes to keep busy. It has been driving him nuts to be waiting on all the companies to get back with us and the interview stuff. He has always enjoyed trying and learning new things. Lately he ahs been cooking up many delicious recipes. Namely:

2 differen't kinds of peach pie

chocolate mousse pie

sweet beens and rice

fresh trout and pasta

lime fettecine alfredo and chicken

Marinated Grilled chicken

His own Wonderful made up Strawberry salad

Cream Pea soup

Homeade meatballs

I could go on! I'm so glad he loves to cook because it is great to sit back and let him enjoy it -I sure enjoy eating it too!

Just want to say how greatful I am for my awesome husband and all that he does for me and for our little family. I am so greatful for him in my life and the joy he brings to me!

Backpacking: A Love Hate Relationship!

We just got back from our 3rd backpacking trip as a married couple. We headed up to the Uintah's with my brother, Uncle and Cousin. Backpacking and I sort of have a love hate relationship. I love the mountains, the solitude, the smell of the pines, the beautiful reflections off the lake, the challenge, the fire, the friendship, the fishing, and the stories. I dislike however the aches and pains, the cold, sleeping in a confined mummy bag, the last few hours of hiking in to camp with a heavy pack, the sore feet, etc.

All in all this last trip was one of my favorites. I was a little more prepared for what to expect and knew what to bring- or not to bring (the lighter the better). It was nice to have a well groomed trail and shade. It was pretty cold this year and we ran into a little snow in our camp but we didn't get rained or snowed on. The fishing was really good. My little brother taught me how to fly fish too. I really think mountain house dinners (ready to eat meals that you add water to) are very good. We especially liked the pasta primavera, chicken polynesian and rice, and the raspberry crumble desert. The scenery was awesome! Enjoy the slide show of some of our pictures!