The Loves of My Life & a Life-Changing Experience

So I have found another love in my life...quilting! This is my very first ever quilt I actually just finished the binding on, but I don't have the quilt right now to take a picture of so this is the best the blog is going to see of it. I signed up for a beginning piecing class and this is what I made. It is just a random pieced quilt, and there are a few things I would change about my fabric placement, etc, but I love it any way. I am taking another class right now that has you do a few blocks each month for an entire year and the finished product is a surprise. I have always loved to sew, but quilting is where it's at!!

So one day I set Will in his booster chair to eat some oatmeal for breakfast and went in the office to send a few emails, and this is what I came back to find...oatmeal everywhere and totally mesmerized by cartoons.

Apparently he thinks standing on the counter is approved in our house. I guess by the fact that I was standing there taking a picture of him doing it instead of telling him to get down he's right.

Ah the little trouble maker. I think this one needs no explanation. Let's just say we love the Magic Eraser around our house (I don't mean on his face though!)

Ry's 29th birthday! Our friend Sarah was super cute and when she found out we didn't have any decorations for his birthday party we were having, she brought over some leis and balloons. Ry and I also always do the traditional breakfast in bed for each other. I can't wait until next year and the big 3-0! I'm already getting psyched up to make fun of him all year for that one!

The other week we went with one of my best friends Jacquelynn (and Anna) to the Gateway for the kids to play in the fountains.

Our ward was lucky enough to be able to take our youth to Martin's Cove for pioneer trek a few weeks ago. I remember wanting to go as a youth, but I can't remember why I missed ours. Since Ry is in the YM, we were able to go as a Ma & Pa. I was so excited to get to go! Especially since I was only able to be a leader in YW for about 6 months before being pulled out, and I miss those girls! This was truly a life-changing experience for me. I don't think words can express any of the feelings I felt within those short, three days. Suffice it to say that we were able to walk on hallowed ground and traverse the paths of those who lived through a miraculous experience, as well as many others who didn't. We have an absolutely amazing bishopric who were all there, as well as some fantastic leaders. I can't even describe how fun all these adults are. Then there were the youth. I don't know if I have ever come across a more remarkable group of youth in my life. They never complained. They never gave up. When it got tough, they pushed harder. They bore witness of Christ and the truthfulness of the Gospel. They are inspirational to me. We have such a close bond with those in this ward. I will always remember this trip and those who died for me to know of the truthfulness of this Gospel and have it in my life today. I walked in honor of Sarah Ann Franks, a pioneer who was in the Martin Handcart Company with no other family besides her fiance, George, who died in the cove and was hung in a tree in her shawl when they had to leave the cove. As we walked out of the cove, tears filled my eyes as I thought of Sarah. I kept saying to Ryan that I don't know how she ever left that place. I just kept looking behind me at all the beautiful trees, wondering which was George's tree. I will always have a special place in my heart for Sarah. I know the Lord walked with her the day she left that cove. I know that because of her sacrifice, I can know the truth today. In a way, I owe so much to her. Thank you Sarah Ann Franks. This moment is in memory of you.