All things...

We painted our cabin this week, just interior and only 4 rooms, but it looks amazing. Basically we asked the painter to paint anything that had been painted brown. There were at least 4 shades of brown painted on various walls or door frames. I love it. Sometimes we all need a good coat of white paint. 

The rest of the week is a blur. Dan is back, and the last of his hard training was this week. He has a race in California this weekend. Roadtrip! He has been training with Derrick occasionally and they swim in Deercreek reservoir a couple times a week. This pan of steak isn't steak. Dan has been eating the liver Bonita left in the freezer. How much is too much? I can't figure out how to prepare it.

Mary had one day of volleyball camp at BYU. She makes friends so quickly. She walked out with a new best friend and plans to hang out... too bad we live so far away. She quickly exchanged emails and said see you next summer! 

The last of the reunions ended on Saturday. I agree with Robert, "This is fun, but it will be even better with everyone here next year." I think he was referring to Dallin and Hannah.

Dan and Abe out for a run after/during the reunion's 5k that Sam organised. Abe was well prepared with a pair of jeans and his crocs. 

Fenton (and Robert) did a great job hosting and organising everything. He was everywhere. By the time we left 3/5 children were crying because they didn't want to leave. Fenton and Uncle Raymond make a great team. And Abby and Mark should be on cleanup duty every year. She is meticulous.

Cousins make the best friends. 

Saturday night we got a babysitter and took a "hike" down to Sundance and back. I think you are going to love this place. I forget how much I love the mountains when I am away from them. It is easy to see God in all the beauty around you. It is harder to see Him in the business of our life at home. I want to recognise Him in the people we see and the work we are doing. Alma 30:44.

Oh! And Maeser learned how to pump himself on the swing. Victory!

Camping

I can't say I'm a fan of camping. Very few showers, lots of junk food, sleeping in the same room with my own children. Some mothers are amazing and can handle round-the-clock companionship with their littles. I would rather get more thank 2-3 hours of sleep a night.

And I don't know that sleeping in a cabin in Manti qualifies as real camping, but lets leave it at that. My mother's family reunion was this last weekend. I left early after two rattle snakes in just as many days and an accident on an ATV- I didn't know the driver took Moses and they were thrown from the ATV while going up a hill.

We left, miraculously in good condition. When I got back and spoke to Dan we realised that between all the chaos, Dan (working in Bangkok) had begun his fast and I am certain that some of the blessings we experienced last weekend were because of him.

There is a great talk by Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Recognizing God's Hand in our Daily Blessings, read it. I should keep a more consistent record, but I do believe so many of the little things come about as blessings and I don't always acknowledge them as such or thank the Lord, which I should do immediately. And that God is a part of all the intimate details in our life.

A couple photos. Sharing my bed with Maeser and his glow sticks. And playing at the lake.

Favorite scripture this week: Helaman 3:35. The blessing of continually keeping your covenants and plugging away is that you grow "firmer and firmer in the faith". And sanctification cometh because we yield our hearts unto God. 

Keep doing good. Keep repenting and trying hard, and trying harder tomorrow.

Colonial fest... Armour and stocks.

Moses is a snot factory at the moment, avoid kissing at all cost.

Moses has got the BBQs figured out.

Hiking in Sundance.

When dinner is at 8pm and Dan is out of town... it's cereal. Don't judge too harshly.

Maeser isn't such a morning person.