Riley is on his way to Thailand...

We were able to talk to Riley last night.
He is my favorite missionary this year.

We had a wonderful conference call with Riley, Sam and Katie.

Sam came up from Provo to be together for the call.
For Katie it was 1:15 in the morning. But she is a trooper.

It was so good to hear Riley's voice and hear his enthusiasm for his mission.
What a joy.

Here are pictures from his latest disc:

Happy Easter...

He is Risen, A Prophet's Testimony

Our Savior lived again. The most glorious, comforting, and reassuring of all
events of human history had taken place—the victory over death. The pain and
agony of Gethsemane and Calvary had been wiped away. The salvation of mankind
had been secured. The Fall of Adam had been reclaimed. The empty tomb that first
Easter morning was the answer to Job’s question, 'If a man die, shall he live
again?' To all within the sound of my voice, I declare, If a man die, he shall
live again. We know, for we have the light of revealed truth."
—President Thomas S. Monson,

What a Week...

The week started with the funeral of my courageous nephew.

He was an amazing person and his life was cut short.
You can read about his many accomplishments here.
Our love and prayers go to his dad and family.
They have been through so much.

Funerals are heart wrenching,
but when the family gets together it is a little slice of Heaven.

THEN

after three months of pain and various doctors appointments
I have a diagnosis - Rheumatoid arthritis!

I had to come home and look it up:

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that typically affects the small joints in your hands and feet. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.

An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. In addition to causing joint problems, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect your whole body with fevers and fatigue.

Rheumatoid arthritis is much more common in women than in men and generally occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing joint damage.

information from here

So our world around here has changed a bit.
But we can handle anything as I heard in Conference this morning:

I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up. (D&C 84:88)

This weekend is fabulous. What a blessing it is to have General Conference
and to be inspired and feel God's love through his Prophets and Apostles.

Mike and Sam were fortunate to get tickets to go.
Aren't they cute boys!

They are at the Conference Center
with 21,000 of other dear saints.

I was happy to rest on the couch and enjoy it on TV.

Quick weekend with family & friends

We celebrated Birthdays, saw the Hunger Games
walked out of the Hunger Games

(I just needed a little break)

and played card games.

Fun weekend but too short!

Girls Weekend

I had a great weekend with 6 of my sisters.
We headed to St. George for a girls weekend.
We all brought a knitting project,
we watched lots of movies,
did a little shopping,
reminisced about growing up
and laughed a lot!!


It was a great relaxing weekend,
who says you can't put your pajamas on at five.

My sister from Phoenix, flew up to drive with us.
we did some serious knitting in the car.

I came home with a stack of fabric...
the result of sisters who quilt!

I am going to learn to be a quilter.
I am going to start with a baby quilt,
you know I could be a grandma in 5 years.
I better start now!

A Great Birthday Today....

Oreo's are 100 years old today.
That is cause for a celebration.
Oreo's are a staple in our home.
There always some in the pantry.
So celebrate the birthday and enjoy a few oreo's.

Sunday Visitors

Sam brought a few friends home for Sunday Dinner.
They found the bikes in the garage and
wanted to go for a spin around the complex.
We are just happy to see the boy!