Happy Birthday!

Today is my sister's Birthday. The big 32.

She's the only sister I've got.....

When we were little I was grateful for the fact I only had one.....

.....Now that we're older, I would take 3 more of her!

She can do anything she set's her mind to. One of the most determined and accomplished people I know. Once she makes up her mind, she follows it through. (wish a little of that gene could have been passed to me! :)

and now, in most recent years, she is an example of a great mother to me.

She is also one of the most giving people that I have ever came across, she was always dubbed the "peacemaker" in our house.

I am greatly blessed to be able to call her Sister.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Hope it's a good one and the next 32 are just as great! I Love Ya!

Draper Temple Open House

The kids were out of school yesterday, so we took the opportunity to take them down to the new Draper Temple before it is dedicated.

What a beautiful place with an awesome spirit. The kids seemed to enjoy it, and had some questions that we were able to answer and hopefully they have a better understanding as to what happens there, and what a special place it is.

The wind was blowing like crazy so I wasn't up for the typical outdoor photo with the temple in the background. This was taken in the Stake Center that is next door and where you go to wait for your bus back to where you parked.

Gage was not a very happy little man, because he wanted another cookie, and I wanted to take a picture first! :)

Waiting for the Bus..... what good kids!

It was a great day, and I am glad we took the opportunity to go. And it's always fun to go with good friends!

Chuck E Cheese

After the Temple Open House we took the kids to Chuck E Cheese.

Ahhhh, the things we do for our kids.... {{Cha-Ching!}}

Gage and Kambree loved this ride..... go figure.

Gage liked Chuckee the mouse.... as long as he didn't try to touch him. Thomas?... not so much!

Mediocre pizza.... but the salad bar wasn't bad!

This is what Gage did for more than 30 minutes because his mean mom wouldn't let him go play without eating. Poor kiddo. (He hasn't realized yet that his mother is a Thurgood.... they are known for their stubborness.) He did not win.

Chuck E Cheese Cont....

I used to be the Skee-ball champ in our house. Cory always knew he would lose.

I have currently been demoted.

She beat me 320 - 400. Little stinker.

I am gonna need some practice apparently.

Kassie & Hailee Jo.... had a blast. We just gave them thier tokens and didn't see them for an hour!

Gage had a blast with the squirt guns. He needed to sit on my lap so he could see and reach, but did rather well on his own. (this was AFTER he ate his pizza! :))

Flashback Friday - 6 years ago

Wow.... it's been 6 years!

I could go back today!

Australia - February 26, 2003

Cory, Katie, & Ashley in front of the Sydney Opera House.

Manly Beach, Sydney Australia.

Dad & Katie on the Fairy Boat in the Sydney Harbor.

I have no idea what I am doing here..... probably talking to Ashley and she snapped a pic. (I know we were in an airport) But, wow.... holy DARK hair!

Best Vacation EVER. Great Memories.... with the BEST people.

Like a Bird I Sing...

Kristian's Chior Concert was tonight. She has really enjoyed Chior this semester and was excited to participate in the Concert. Grandpa Chris & Grandma Arlene came to watch too.

She did a great job and I am excited that she is experiencing and finding out these things that she enjoys.

In A Matter Of Seconds....

....Life can change. Are you ready for it?

This is what I have been pondering today.

Something interesting, and strange happened yesterday. Yes, it has something to do with the following pictures, but not entirely.

First, to explain where my head was, I have to say I have been doing alot of thinking and praying for my family lately. Memories of my Brother's accident a few years ago have been on my mind, and I have just felt like something was going to happen, and we needed to be ready for it.

Cory called me around lunch yesterday, asking if I knew where Dad was working. I didn't. But he was insistent, and I asked why? He then told me there was a page for a rollover accident on Southbound I-15 for a White Ford Ranger.

(Stomach drops)

(Memories come back)

(Heart races)

I call Mom to find out..... and he left earlier in the Day for work. Can't be him. Whew!

Skip ahead 3.5 hours and you get THIS.

A 17 year old girl pulled out right in front of him in Roy on his way home. Right in front of him is a girl, looking at him coming at her in a truck, and he knows it's going to hurt her, but has nowhere else to go. His truck hits her broad side at her door. She was knocked unconscious, and Dad was afraid she was dead. She was pinned between her door and the console of her camaro. So far, Dad is fine, just a sore shoulder from the seat belt. The girl had some internal bleeding, ruptured spleen, and a broken pelvis. (we found this out after Dad called the hospital and spoke with her Dad)

So today I am thinking about our choices.

We have heard the statement: "It's My life", and yes, we were all given the gift of free agency.

We are free to make our own choices.

But our choices effect our friends, family, and loved ones.....

and perfect strangers.

Am I blaming or accusing this girl?

No, not at all.

Dad is lucky, this won't effect him much, physically he is fine, and he even is lucky enough to have another truck. (Which is much bigger and heavier, so we are grateful he wasn't driving it yesterday)

I am asking myself today, to pay more attention to how my choices affect those around me. Not just the obvious like my family and friends. But perfect strangers. (And I am not talking about the way I drive!)

So today I am asking this question..... Yes, our Father In Heaven is aware of us, and wants us to be happy. But is our life mapped out for us? Do we have a pre-determined destiny? If we have our agency, and are fee to make our own choices.... wouldn't it make sense that we need to remain close to our Heavenly Father, do what we can to stay close to the spirit so that we can make those little choices every day that will determine not only our futures, but those around us?

We are reminded of this many times. But for some reason when it hits closer to home, we pay more attention.

We NEED to be ready for it.