It's only October and I am already missing the warmth I felt this day out in the Owyhees. We went on a family drive not too far from our house in search for some old Indian arrowheads. I know they're out there...I've seen them. But we just found some shavings. Some really neat ones too! Bristol even spotted some herself and picked them up. Her little pockets were completely packed with "arrowheads." 

And now I'm sitting here in my sweatshirt really needing some of that heat in my bones. *sigh*

Our Sunday

We believe in keeping the Sabbath Day holy. At our house that means not going shopping, out to eat, or doing recreational activities. Instead we spend some good quality time together as a family. 

TyRell needed to air out the tent from his previous Scout camping trip. What a better way to do it than inside so the kids could play in it. Lets just say that we spent some good quality family time in that tent on Sunday. It was a hit.

We watched "The Ultimate Gift" (a great family movie), and then played hard in and around that thing. So awesome!

Dream Catcher

It rained hard here in good ol' Idaho. We were watching the storm from our window talking about rain and clouds when out of nowhere appeared the most beautiful rainbow. It was stunning. The picture doesn't do it justice, but it was awesome. The kids loved looking at it! Do the wonders of this world ever take your breath away? Happens to me all of the time.

Thoughts of Spiritual Uplift: Ninety and Nine

Church. I love it. But sometimes it's all I can do to survive it. Ya know those moments? Well, that's how it was for the first hour. The kids were fighting over toys, singing out loud when everyone else was being quiet, the list goes on. So as I was trying to listen to the words being spoken I thought to myself " Well, I can't hear let alone listen so I guess I'll just feel the spirit around me as I survive this hour with the kids.

Well I made it.

Second and third hour were really busy, but I made it through them too.

On my way home i realized how starving I was. No matter what time church is, I'm always starving when it's out. So, I am almost home when I see a long line of cars stopped ahead of me.
"Oh great."
But then I saw what it was holding everyone up. 
A huge flock of sheep. Hundreds of them, following one man with another man bringing up the rear. It really took me back. First I went for my camera, not there. Then I chuckled. Who gets stopped on their road home by a ton of sheep? And then the wheels really started turning.
I looked at these sheep. All struggling to quickly follow their master. Some went astray and separated themselves from the herd but were quickly brought back by the soft whistle of their shepherd. And if they didn't move quickly enough, two sheep dogs came bounding out of nowhere and helped them along their way. (Do you see where I'm going with this?) 
I thought of a song. "Ninety and Nine" by Michael McLean. I am one of those sheep. Finding my way back to my Heavenly Father with the help of His Son, my Saviour Jesus Christ. And if for some reason I can't find my way, I have people who love me to help me find my way back. 

You can listen to this song here.
Michael McLean-Ninety and Nine
I am one of the ninety and nine
I’m not perfect but basically I’m doing fine
I have not lost my way, I have not gone astray
I’m just one of the ninety and nine
I am here in the heart of the fold
I’m not mindless but I try to do as I’m told
I’m not tempted to run and become the lost one
I am here in the heart of the fold

So why is my shepherd coming this way toward me
He’s holding his arms out and he’s calling my name
Yes he’s calling my name! But how, how can this be?

I’m just one of the ninety and nine
I have stumbled and fallen, but I’ve kept in line
I’m not one he must seek; I’m not all that unique
I’m just one of the ninety and nine

So why is my shepherd treating me like a lost lamb?
He’s searching to find me 
And he’s holding me now, yes, he’s holding me now
And teaching me who I am

So why am I feeling like I’m the only one here
It’s like I’m his favorite
And he takes me aside, and he sweetly confides
These remarkable words in my ear

You are one of the ninety and nine
Have you any idea how brightly you shine?
You are safe in this fold, and it’s time you are told
That I know where you’ve been so I know where you’ll be
Because all of your life you’ve been following me
You are more than just one of the sands of the sea
Or just one of the ninety and nine

You are mine, you are mine, you are mine
You are mine

I am one of the ninety and nine.

To make it even better, I heard this preformed live just a week ago. It was awesome!
I am one of the Ninety and Nine. And so are you!

Come one, Come All!

If you have ever driven the freeway through Boise, Idaho, you have probably seen this building. Ever wondered what it is other than beautiful? It is the Boise Temple for The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. Or...the Mormon Temple. Usually LDS temples aren't open to the public. However, the Boise Temple has just been newly remodeled. With this recent remodeling project comes an open house to anyone who wants to come see it before it is dedicated. That means YOU can come see what is inside. Go here for more details.

What does this temple mean to me? There are a ton of reasons. But lets start with the architectural reasons. It's beautiful! And, the original architect was my Granddad, Ron Thurber. 

But lets get on to a few other reasons why I love this building. I was married there. I married my best friend for time and all eternity. My family will be together for eternity.That means the world to me. There are many times that I have used the words "heaven on earth" on this here blog. Describing certain places that I love to go. But this really is heaven on earth, one of the most sacred places on the earth. I love going here to worship. 

I am taking my little family to see the inside tomorrow night. Bristol is so excited. She has always loved driving past the temples in different cities. Now, she will go inside. The inside is breathtakingly beautiful. I hope that you will take your family there. 

Project Pen

There is pen on the wall,

There is pen down the hall.

It's all over your arm,

and the toy farm!

Pen on your dress,

Oh what a mess.

But you love your dance tights!

No! That pen doesn't make them look nice!

There is Pen on the cushion,

 your butt is gettin' a whoopin'.

Not to mention my shirt,

that whoopin's gonna hurt.

I know, I know there aren't any traces left,

What can I say? My cleaning skills are the best.

But, say "goodbye" to your friend the pen,

Crayons will just have to work in the end.

No...there wasn't a "whoopin'". But you get the idea right? Mom has had it!

The Power of Disney

About a year ago Bristol started having nightmares. There were monsters in her closet. This went on for about a week until I talked to my mom. (Mom's know everything!) She reminded me that "Monster's Inc." is Bristol's favorite movie. Light bulb. Problem solved. Ya, she still watched the movie. Just less frequently and we had a little talk about how to make the monsters go away.

Well, today in the car I called TyRell who has been hunting all week in Utah. He answered the phone!!! Bristol has this new infatuation with talking on the phone. She loves it. (More on that later.) But the conversation went a little bit like this.

Ty Guess what I got today?

Bris What?

T A BUCK

B A buck? Whoa! Is it big or little?

T It's a big buck.

B Whoa! A big buck? Like Bambi's dad?

T Moment of silence..."No. More like Bambi's Grandpa."

Haha! I couldn't stop laughing while she was on the phone. (Of course I had to call Ty to get the full conversation.) This little girl just absorbs everything! I love it. She is too cute to boot... and talks my ears off!

Baby Fish do do, do do da do

This little lady spent an honest 2 weeks practicing in the backyard with that little Barbie fishing pole. It was the cutest thing in the world. Casting out into the lawn and reeling it in all by herself. Grandpa E. got her going on it, and all in preparation for this big day:

Fishing Day!

She ate.it.up.

Bristol fishing
McCall, Idaho
Summer 2012

Watermelon Galore

We grew some watermelon...

And we liked it!

We grew two different types of watermelon. They were great! 

Granted, we planted a few too many plants (my husband would disagree),

But we enjoyed them a ton!