Cave Run Storytelling Festival

Mindy and I are super excited to have Melissa and three of her lovely children joining us in Morehead, Ky for the Cave Run Storyfest this year. Here's the link if any of you wish to check it out. Let me know if I should make hotel reservations for you. If not, just come out another time (you won't have to stay in a hotel).

http://caverunstoryfest.org/

September 23-24, 2011

kids say the darndest things

Mindy overheard Hannah the other day while Hannah and Remington were in the bath. She said "Oh Remington, you're so cute! And you have such a cute little penis. Jack does not have a cute penis. But he is a nice boy."

Happy Easter

Hold on a Little Longer

I loved this article!! We can do hard things. :)

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Hold on a Little Longer,” Liahona, Jan 2010, 4–8

If ever you are tempted to become discouraged or to lose faith, remember those faithful Saints who remained true in Kirtland. Hold on a little longer. You can do this! You are part of a special generation. You were prepared and preserved to live at this important time in the existence of our beautiful planet earth. You have a celestial pedigree and therefore have all the necessary talents to make your life an eternal success story.

The Lord has blessed you with a testimony of the truth. You have felt His influence and witnessed His power. And if you continue to seek Him, He will continue to grant you sacred experiences. With these and other spiritual gifts, you will be able not only to change your own life for the better but also to bless your homes, wards or branches, communities, cities, states, and nations with your goodness.

It may be hard to see that at times, but hold on a little longer, for “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” and wait for Him (1 Corinthians 2:9; see also D&C 76:10; 133:45).

Following President McKay’s well-known statement “No other success can compensate for failure in the home,” he went on to say: “The poorest shack in which love prevails over a united family is of greater value to God and future humanity than any other riches. In such a home God can work miracles and will work miracles."

I love youse!!!!

"Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. Wrote William Shakespeare, “They do not love that do not show their love.”3 We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us."

--Thomas S. Monson, "Finding Joy in the Journey"

Pervert

I went and got a massage this afternoon. I'm so achy. Anyway, when I got home Zack asked me if they used whipped cream to rub my body! WHAAAATTTT?????? I'm so disturbed!!!!

Tiffany and Susan

I love it when kids use their imagination and play make believe. It cracks me up the things they do and so often to imitate my daily activities. I was eves dropping on Zack and Taylor playing house. They were in Taylor's kitchen making waffles and Taylor has make believe names. She is Tiffany and Zack is Susan. HAHAHA!!!! He get's so mad that his name is Susan. Every time she calls him Susan he yells, "MOOOMMMM!!!! I don't want to be Susan! Make her stop!" So the tease Taylor is, try's to sooth him and rubs his head and says, "It's ok sweety! Don't be mad Susan!!" And the yelling starts over. It makes me laugh so hard. And where did she get these names...we don't know anyone with either name. ????

Evil three year old

Taylor and I were snuggling the other morning. I was feeling especially warm and fuzzy towards her since the night before when I was tucking her in, she gave me a big hug and said, "You're my favorite girl mommy!" Awwwww...melted my heart. Anyway, we were snuggling and she reached over and grabbed a handful of my hair and pulled it out, threw it over the side of the bed and says, "You'll never find your hair now mommy, HAH HA HA!!!!" in an evil laugh. What the heck??????

Beware of big beaked birds!

So Saturday morning Zack the rooster was up at 5:30. This should be illegal to get up that early and wake everyone up on a SATURDAY!!!! And boy was he full of it. So as I was making breakfast I sent him outside. He came slinking back inside and went right up to his bedroom. Jay and I looked at each other and knew there was trouble on the horizon. So I went upstairs to access the situation. I asked him what was going on...nothing he denied. Asked again....nothing. Asked AGAIN and this time he tells me, "Welllll, when I was outside I saw a bird with a big beak and he pecked out daddy's window." Let's go see. So we go outside and sure enough, the big side window on the Expedition is "peaked" out and shattered. Jay and I asked him in unison, "ZACK!!!! Did you do this?" He looks at us and says, "NOOOO!!! How could I do that? I don't have a big beak! Look at my little nose!" He was very offended that we would even consider him as the culprit. Yes...HE was offended!

Beautiful Leavenworth

Dad forges ahead on his great fence project

Eternal Homes--Thomas S. Monson

"A home is much more than a house built of lumber, brick, or stone. A home is made of love, sacrifice, and respect. We are responsible for the homes we build. We must build wisely, for eternity is not a short voyage. There will be calm and wind, sunlight and shadows, joy and sorrow. But if we really try, our home can be a bit of heaven here on earth. The thoughts we think, the deeds we do, the lives we live not only influence the success of our earthly journey, they also mark the way to our eternal goals."

Canada, eh?

Our visit to Canada with Ralph and Claire was awesome. What a beautiful place. HUGE mountains and friendly people. Lots to see and do at Whistler.

Monstees

We had "monstees" visit while the Deckers were at GG and Papa Paul's in July!

That's right-I'm lookin' at YOU!

...and I'm likin' what I see!

We're so glad she doesn't look like a Klingon any more :)

Gi Gi and Paddy Paw visit hell...er...Las Begas

Madison and Hal got acquainted

We visited the scenic desert

Played with Paddy Paw

Madison learned how to say "Grandma"

It's hot here, but we're sure glad they came anyway!!!

Can't wait to meet the aunts and uncles too!!!

UP THE LAZY RIVER

FUN TIMES IN UTAH WITH OUR FAVORITE SONS AND DAUGHTER-IN-LAWS