Forever Changed

The last couple of months I have had the unique opportunity of being a visiting teacher to a girl who had terminal cancer. I knew when I was called to visit her that she would likely not live long.

I never thought in a million years that I would be so changed by someone that I barely knew. Anne is the epitome of strength, faith and graciousness. I have learned that some things just don't matter. I have learned that even in my weakest moments, I still have much strength. I have remembered that as long as I have faith and my family, I have everything.

Anne passed away this last Saturday. Even though it was expected, it still sucks. But I know that she fulfilled her purpose here on earth, not the least of which was helping me to find my perspective again. She came at a time in my life that I really needed her.

I am forever grateful that I got to know and love her. I am even more grateful that someday I will get to see her again and thank her for all she taught me.

Fight Like Susan

This guy, Fat Cyclist, has been an amazing force in the fight against cancer. His wife passed away tonight. Send up your prayers. I don't know how you can ever really be prepared for something like that.

More Perspective

I took this from a post of a good friend of mine. She went through breast cancer this last year.

"I am most grateful for my Savior. I don't recall a single time when I felt alone or that I couldn't get through this. I have felt his arms surround me with love and strength. There where times I felt as if I couldn't or didn't want to get it and somehow I managed. I also believe our Heavenly Father works through each of you, it seems like you guys knew when I needed some dinner or someone to take Broc or just a ear to listen to. I know that our Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers. I know he love me, even with all my faults. He knows what I need and when I need it.
I guess the bottom line is I am thankful that I had to go through this because it has brought so many wonderful, kind and loving people in my life, it has strengthened my marriage and my love for Broc, it has brought me closer to my family, and it has also strengthened my testimony. And for all those things I would gladly go through shots, surgery, chemo, hair loss, boob loss, throwing up, all of it to have what I have now."

She is a true inspiration to me as are so many others that are fighting cancer in some form. I love you Tracy!

LIVESTRONG

A celebration....and a plea for help!

As you may have heard we are showing sheep in the Weber County Fair again this year. Last year we brought home 2 blue ribbons and hope to get 3 this year. Its a great experience for the kids( you know... character building) and they really do enjoy it, most of the time.

A big part of the fair is the auction at the end. Each kid is supposed to find a buyer or 'booster' for their animal. We have not had any luck thus far finding a buyer for any of our sheep. Maybe the economy, maybe bad timing or maybe its just fate that you happen to be reading this blog right now! The purchase of the sheep is a tax write off and goes to support our child, the 4H program and the fair. If you would be interested as a person (or business) then please let us know.

If buying a sheep is not exactly your style, but you would still love to support Tyson, Jaden and Corbin you can be a 'booster' also. A booster is someone who donates anywhere from $5 - $500 (or anything in between). Sometimes enough booster can be more beneficial than the buyer. If you would like to be a booster please email us, call us or even comment below.

We really appreciate your help and sorry for hitting you with a sales pitch on the blog. We wouldn't do it if we weren't so worried about not having a buyer lined up. The fair starts next week!

(click the photo above for larger and readable version)

15 Books

I stole this from my friend Kelli. Don't take too long to think about it. Fifteen books you've read that will always stick with you. First fifteen you can recall in no more than 15 minutes.

My Fifteen books:
1. Book of Mormon-that might sound cliche, but truly no book has changed my life like this one has.

2. Nancy Drew Books-the first series I ever fell in love with as a kindergartner. I wanted to be her when I grew up.

3. Pride and Prejudice-Classic love story very reminiscent of real life and mistaken judgments.

4. The Outsiders-I read this in 9th grade English. A sort of coming of age book where you realize the world isn't all good.

5. Harry Potter Series-Brilliant. Period.

6. Lord of the Rings series-Classic good versus evil.

7. The Miracle of Forgiveness-I am actually not a lost cause. Who knew?

8. Wuthering Heights-loved it. Such complex characters.

9. The Monster at the End of This Book-This is the one that my kids wanted read the most for a whole year.

10. Oh the Places You'll Go-Dr. Seuss classic.

11. The Chronicles of Narnia-Such beautiful writing and very fun. I especially love the last part of the last book.

12. Who Moved My Cheese-very enlightening. Get it. Read it. Work it.

13. Rich Dad, Poor Dad-the reason I am a Capitalist today.

14. The Alchemist-so cool. That's all I can say.

15. The Old Testament-I was a youth Sunday School teacher for a year when we studied this. I was blown away by some of the amazing stories in there. I had never given it much of a chance before.

And The Winner Is.....

The charming Mrs. Kelli Booth! Way to go VP!

I will deliver your loot sometime this week.

Thanks for playing everyone!

A little bit late

I officially hit my 2 year blogiversary about 2 months ago. I couldn't believe I have been blogging that long! Or even more weird, that you have been listening to me that long!
In honor of your solidarity, I am doing a giveaway. I am not going to reveal what I am giving away but I promise it will be fabulous. All you have to do is leave me a comment to this question: What inspires you?
I will pick a winner in exactly 1 week!