Summer in Pictures

Last week as I started my final year of summer science class, I came to the realization that summer is over!  I am sad to see it end, but I am anxious to get busy in my classroom and fill my time caring for and serving 21 wonderful children.  I was transferring photos onto my computer, and I found several that I wanted to have saved on this blog.  So this post is more for my sake of memories than anything!  Enjoy...

Swift Creek 5k

Several weeks ago I decided I didn't want to be the "lame" sister who didn't join in the Swift Creek 5k in Star Valley.  So I committed to run, and then trained a grand total of around 5 days!  The race was on the weekend of Dad, Jodee, and Kenley's birthdays.  So we decided to make a fun weekend out of it.  Chelsea, Dad, and I headed to Star Valley on Friday morning and spent the day playing with the kids and relaxing.

We woke up early on Saturday and headed to Afton where they shuttled us to the start line.  We were freezing, and we made the mistake of getting in the first shuttle instead of the last, so we were at the start line for awhile.

We came in right under 35 minutes, and I for sure was just thankful that I made it all 3 miles after minimal training!  We had a great time with our "Star Valley Family."  After the race, we came home and enjoyed a fun birthday celebration for Kenley!  It is hard to believe that she is already 2!  She is super happy, and loved every minute of her party.

 I am blessed with an amazing family!  They keep me going from day to day, and I am forever grateful for them!

July 24th

Chelsea and I headed over to Star Valley on Wednesday afternoon to watch Cody play soccer and just spend some time with the Nelson family.  We had a great time playing, relaxing, and visiting with them.  I am so grateful to have strong relationships with all of my siblings...they truly are my best friends!

On Saturday night, we went to the movie Ephraim's Rescue.  There were several different parts in the movie that really stood out to me and made me want to do better and be better.  In my scripture study and reading this week there has been a universal message of "Obedience Brings Blessings," so the movie struck close to my heart.  I was reminded of several principles that I hope to improve upon.

I was first impressed with Ephraim's willingness to obey with exactness when President Brigham Young asked him to shave...what a small thing, but he was immediately obedient without even asking one question.

Then next scene that touched my heart was when President Young asked the men to bring the Saints in from the plains.  There were several men who accepted and said they could be ready later in the week, but when Ephraim accepted he was prepared and ready at the moment.  He lived his life to always be worthy and willing whenever he was needed.

The last scene that particularly touched me was when he told Sister Dobson that he makes so many mistakes, but he tries.  And the Lord blessed him and all those around him because he tried to always do his best and be the man God would have him be.

I felt like these were three things that I could really work on in my life.
1) Obey with exactness
2) Be worthy, willing, and ready at all times
3) Try my best

I know as I strive to become more like Christ, the Lord will provide.