Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

Our ward split yesterday! Yes, I know we were all a buzz about it for months, but it finally happened. As I looked around at some of the crying faces, I thought......this IS a little sad. I've always been pretty ok with change....I think my optimistic personality helps me deal with it well.  I was sad, of course, as there are many in the SR 2nd ward who I will really miss seeing every Sunday, some great friends.

Our stake presidency described the change the best. I had never thought of this myself and it was kind of an "Ah ha" moment, as Oprah would say.  Yes, we are busting at the seams for our little building, but "we are not changing because of necessity for us, but because we need to make room for those yet to come".  I LOVED this!  How awesome is that??!! Our ward literally has the most baptisms I have EVER seen in a ward. The church is on the verge of exploding in this area and how awesome that the Lord has told our leaders to prepare now......(aren't they always telling us to be prepared!).....to get ready for those who will soon be finding what they've been looking for.  :)  This change is good. The Lord has a purpose in all things. And even though change is difficult, it's always for a reason. This time the reason just happens to be crystal clear. :)

Friends uplift the soul!!

I have been feeling so blessed with great friends lately. The Lord truly does put people in our life purposefully. He knows us and loves us and wants us to have friends who express His love through their friendship. I have some great friends (old and new) who make me smile, laugh, teach me cool things, help me learn more about myself, strengthen my testimony, and truly uplift my soul. I am so grateful for them and a loving Heavenly Father who knew exactly when I needed them. Prayers truly are answered. :)

The big 5th grader!

Local heroes



Today we talked about the importance of our local heroes. With it being close to 9-11 we thought it was appropriate. We talked about what are local police and firefighters do for us and our community and how important it is that we thank them and always treat them with respect. After a short discussion we made thank you cards and took them and some cookies up to the local police station. The kids LOVED it!! They were actually kinda busy, which was a bummer. The kids thought it was so cool to meet a real police office (in uniform) and an undercover detective! They got stickers and a tour. They said they would have taken us back to the jail cells, but there were people being processed back there so we couldn't go back. We did get to go look at the camera feeds from all over the building, so that was cool.  The kids got to talk to the dispatcher as she showed them how her equipment works and how she can talk to all the different police and fire stations with the push of a button. The kids had a great time and have requested a trip to the fire station soon. I'm sure we will have to make this happen. It was a great FHE!

The kids and officer Gibbs :)

Remembering......

I am reminded everyday when I see my husbands uniform hanging on the back of the chair.  Today, I have a prayer in my heart for those lost both on that day and in defense of freedom since.

A good weekend!!

Other than a trip to urgent care we had a great weekend. Parker ran through a rose bush well over a week ago and got several scratches on him.  They looked fine for a week until Friday evening

 they started looking like this....

.....by Sat morning they were BRIGHT red.  So, we went into Urgent Care and it was determined he was having a delayed allergic reaction....a WEEK LATER!!  Anyways, a couple doses and steroids and they are looking a million times better. Steroids really are a miracle cure all.

Our friend Derek came for a nice long visit.  My Sooners won, BIG! Although, it's not fair to start college football season and your team have a bye in week 2.  It's kind of torturous, actually. I guess I will have to use my good "fan" skills to help BYU kill Texas this week. My friend sent me this awesome picture.....

........I LOVE it, and it's true. :)

My dear dear friend Cassie also had her sweet little girl this past week.  She has been working so hard and waited so long to have this baby.  I am soooo excited for her and her hubby, Chad.  So glad baby Hope made it here!!

I LOVE this picture. 

Chad, Cassie and sweet baby Hope. :)

Baby Riley got to go home....

Alyssa and Riley



He got to go home just in time for
 his first OU game!

It's so much more relaxing
when OU wins big. :)

Sunday we had a great testimony meeting at church. I mean, one of those where you feel every testimony shared was said just for you.  Normally, we have a line of adults and children waiting to share.  On this day, it was not the case.  There were no "story" testimonies or "thanktimonies", they were solid direct testimonies of Christ or a specific principal of the gospel.  A brother in our ward spoke of Christ. Of the true nature of our relationship with Him.  He did not come to earth to atone for strangers. We are His family. His love for us is real and tangible.  A sister bore testimony of the power of personal revelation. How our Father in Heaven truly will direct our path.  Another bore testimony of knowing we truly are put in places at a specific time for a specific reason.  These testimonies made me think and really touched my heart.  It was a great Sunday.

Monday......the gorgeous weather!!  I woke up, went outside and said, " Oh my goodness, I am opening my windows as wide as they will go!!!!!"  What a gorgeous day. Today is just as awesome. Last night for FHE we just had to get outside, so we went to the park.

At last......