The Reason

I've always had a hard time waiting for things I want. I just hate waiting! Well, tomorrow in Seminary we're talking about Blessings. Here is one of the quotes that was part of the lesson. It's by Richard G. Scott : "We see such a limited part of the eternal plan He has fashioned for each of us. Trust him, even when in eternal perspective it temporarily hurts very much. Have patience when you are asked to wait when you want immediate action. He may ask you to do things which are powerfully against your will. Exercise faith and say, 'Let Thy will be done'. Such experiences, honorably met, prepare you and condition you for yet greater blessings."
Lately I've been thinking about how Blessed we are and about how there really is a reason for everything that happens. In the time that it happens. There are many reasons for the time things come to us. Like the reason we love it here in North Carolina is because of the wonderful people we've met here. The loving Ward Family that has welcomed us with open arms. The reason I'm teaching Seminary is because...well, I'm still not sure why I'm teaching Seminary, but it is teaching me how to get up early and the importance of quality nap time. The reason Jon is Deployed is so he won't see me sooo sick right now. And the reason I'm sick right now is because I'm pregnant!
I guess it's true that good things come to those that wait. Because as you know we've been waiting a looong time for this!

Charlie turns one!

Happy 1st Birthday to the newest member of the family...
Congrats on becoming part of an awesome family!!
We love you Charlie!

Stay Tuned...

Yes, I know you guys are wanting more... Bear with me and just:



Next Post promises to be a good one! (just give me a week or so)

It's my Mom's Birthday!

Happy Birthday ... To the Woman who gave me life... The Woman who nearly bled to death bringing me into this world... The Woman who probably thought several times about taking me back out of this world... The Woman who has had the most influence in my life, even when she thought I wasn't listening... The Woman who taught me how to Phoon ... The Woman who supports all my crazy ideas and still loves me.

Happy Birthday Mom I love you!!

The People of Wal Mart

My Newest Favorite Blog... A definite MUST SEE... The People of Wal Mart


I think I saw some of these sexy people in our local Wal Mart!!

Clown Town is celebrating another Birthday...

Our favorite Twins turn 8 today!!

Their Favorite Auntie!

Bosom Buddies...

The Best of Friends...

Happy Birthday Liam & Quinn!!

Jon's Home away from Home...

Home Sweet Home...
Some of you have been asking where Jon is...Unfortunately I can't say. It's G-14 classified. Since he's in the middle of enemy territory, I can't give out his location. I don't want the Taliban knocking on his door. (cause I know they read and love this Blog...Who doesn't?)
On the inside...looking down the hall. These are all separate rooms.

This one is Jon's...I'm very disappointed he didn't make his bed! At least he has his own space.

Here's his Closet..all neat and tidy...

And here is 'The Cadillac'...AKA the bathrooms / Showers.



Thanks for the pics JTP...keep 'em coming.

See you in a few months Jon T Pants...

He's got his Cheez-its and he's ready to go!

One last group photo!! I love you Honey!

Deployment packing

Christmas came early for one little boy in Brown town this year.


I think he's ready to defend some freedom!



Jon got all kinds of new gear. Gloves, goggles, bags etc. Plus four new uniforms and two pairs of boots. Even new winter gear which he's been wanting for a while.

Packing..

He had to cram it all into two big duffel bags and his carry on back pack.

Good news is: He did it!

My little Buddy...

Remember in the 80's the 'My Little Buddy' Doll? (I know you're signing the song in your head...'My Little buddy, My little Buddy'...and now we know your age!!!)

So Jon has his own real life version of this doll. His name is Landen, he's in our Ward and he's in love with my hubs. He's been wanting to come over to our house for forever and finally he got the chance...So he came home with us after Church. He and Jon grilled up some hamburgers and hot dogs and after we ate we went for a bike ride. Here they are airing up the tires:

Landen's ready to go!

Isn't he the cutest kid?!

Now look at the doll again....total look-a-likes!!
After the bike ride, we came home and hung out for a little while before they went Home Teaching. Landen played on the X box and Jon played on the computer...

When they got back from Home Teaching, we took Landen home. It was a fun afternoon. Thanks again Renee for letting us borrow your cute kid!!

Adventures in Salsa making...

What do you do with 15 plants worth of tomato's?! And 12 plants worth of peppers?!
Make Salsa!!
I borrowed Some canning gear from our friends, the Thrift's and decided I needed my own stuff. So with my 'Birthday Money' I got myself some gear... These are definite must-haves!

And Don't forget the big pot!!

I've made three batches now...it takes about 6 pounds of tomato's for one batch of salsa, so I had to wait a week between batches... the first Salsa was very Mild, the second a Medium and the third is Mild with some Garlic...It's tasty!! Jon actually helped me with the last batch.

Yummmmy!! It tastes best with homemade chips.

Now I'm waiting for the next batch of tomato's and peppers to make some more. (we eat a lot of salsa)

Brown Town got a new coat of paint.

This is what our house looked like when we bought it:

We washed it...and most of the old paint came off. Then we put some super duper Primer on it:

Then we started painting...

...And kept painting...and painting...and painting...

Put up some new numbers:
And Voila...Our Beautiful House!!

I'm taking a break from Posting for awhile...Jon and I have WAY too much stuff to do before he leaves at the end of the Month.

Happy Birthday Ryan...

Happy Birthday to my Craziest, Funniest, Strangest, Favoritest Brother-in-Law! You've brought nothing but craziness into our family since the 1990's...you taught me how to embrace being a big Dork...You taught me all the tricks on how to get high scores and save the Princess on Mario Bros... You helped me Move more times then I can count!...and I love you!!

If you like Facebook...you'll love this!

I love this ....Check out their funny Blog ... Rhett & Link