My First Home Video

I made my first home video with the camcorder Conner and I got for Christmas last year. It took me six months, but I think it was worth it. Feel free to check out Conner's video highlighting his career as a Griffin. The quality of the video is not as nice on youtube as the original but I hope you like it!

Conference Weekend

It was another fantastic Conference weekend. I always love listening to the prophet. His messages are so simple, yet so profound. I loved his talk on gratitude. We tend to continually ask for more and forget to thank our Heavenly Father for all of the many blessings He has already given us. When the prophet speaks, the spirit is so strong. He is truly the mouthpiece of Heavenly Father. I know the church is true and that Thomas S. Monson is our prophet today. I am so happy to have him leading the church. There couldn't be a better man on earth at this time.

 After Conference, Conner and I decided to take a quick drive up the canyon before all the beautiful leaves fall from the trees. It was magnificent. How can anyone believe that there isn't a God when His hand is so apparent in the world around us? It was so peaceful...a perfect activity following Conference.

 This self-timed picture turned out rather well...too bad we're sporting our pajamas! I hate to see summer go, but there really isn't anything as beautiful as a crisp fall day.

Hunger Games Book Club

 After finishing Mockingjay, the final book in the Hunger Games trilogy, my friend Kylee and I decided we MUST do a book club to discuss this fantastic novel. We took weeks to plan every detail so that we could create an appropriate Hunger Games environment.

 Not only was there a cornucopia filled with necessary items (prizes) to compete in the games, we had Peeta's famous cheese rolls, wild turkey from the Seam, Haymitch's beer served in frosted mugs, and Nightlock berries over ice cream. We decorated with dandelions and fire representing Peeta and Katniss respectively.

 Jen even came with a real Katniss braid- I was so jealous. Everything was fantastic: the food, the quiz questions, the discussion, and the company. I have the best friends in the world. We can't wait to do it again!

Primary Children's BFF's

I have had the privilege of working at Primary Children's hospital for the past 2 years. These two girls were hired with me: Michelle Cluff and Elizabeth Tanner. We became best friends so quickly. I have so much fun with both of them. Elizabeth was recently married and I couldn't be happier for her. Unfortunately, she moved with her new husband to California. I guess Michelle and I will have to plan a road trip out to California soon!

The Beav's Birthday

 The little beaver has turned 18. She was nick-named "The Beav" because when her big adult teeth first came in, the front teeth seemed much too large for her little face. Those days are long gone and she has turned into a beautiful young woman. We celebrated her birthday by going out to dinner at P.F. Changs.

 We are all getting older, yet I still feel like I am in high school right along with Marissa. She probably feels that way too since I frequent Brighton high more than I should. Marissa was nominated for homecoming queen, was the chairman for American Problems, and participated in the annual Olympic assembly. Since I enjoy supporting her in these activities, not to mention the 3 sporting events in which she participates, my face has become recognizable at BHS. And believe it or not, some of the boys think I'm "HOT!" Some legends never die. Although the boys may like to see me roaming the halls on a frequent basis, Marissa pointed out that I wore the same outfit two days in a row and I have been banned from the school.  Kids these days!

Happy Birthday Marissa. I am happy to be your wise, older sister and I thank you for putting up with me as your second mom. I love you!

And after Marissa read this post, she had to e-mail me this picture from my birthday last year...I guess we  are more alike than she would have hoped. Isn't she lucky?

Shotgun Shooting

 We went shotgun shooting a few weeks ago with my Dad, Julianne and her recently returned missionary, Garrett. It was loads of fun and I actually did quite well. Conner has a great shot thanks to his Ephraim days out in the country. Thanks dad for the fun day and welcome home Garrett!

The Garden

We didn't collect all that we would have hoped from our garden this year, but we had fun harvesting anyway.  We were very successful with our acorn squash and we had zucchini coming out of our ears!  Here are a few of the crops that were harvested this year.

Boating

I love boating! Conner has become quite the fan this year as well. His brother, Doug, bought a boat and we have been more than happy to join him and his family on more than one occasion. Conner has gotten so much better at wakeboarding. He is so much fun to watch and I am just the little proud mom who likes to catch everything on the camera. Look at him go! Thanks to Doug and Jami for sharing such a great toy with us!