The rain has come and gone...for a bit.
Our house is warm and cozy.
Our cupboards are filled with food.
Our street and town is inhabited by kind people.
Our home teachers came to visit yesterday.
My visiting teacher asked how I was doing.

All this comfort makes me a little uncomfortable.
I can't stop thinking about the suffering in Haiti.

We all want to do something for our Haitian brother and sisters. If you can give a little financial support I recommend using this link.
http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/

I love knowing that 100% of the donations are given directly to the cause and NOT bureaucracy.

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has issued this statement:
“Money is not the only need in Haiti,” the statement continued. “People are frightened, bewildered, and wholly uncertain about their future. In addition to what people can do in helping with food, water and shelter, there needs to be a calming influence over that troubled nation. We invite people everywhere to supplicate God for a spirit of calm and peace among the people."
Money or not-We can all contribute!

Happy Anniversary

38 years ago Craig:

Sent me roses~

Took me to a BYU basketball game~

Asked me to marry him!~

I still have the roses.

He still watches basketball

We still have each other!

I am so grateful.

January

Buckets of rain have poured upon us. One day I went to pick up dry cleaning but was unable to get out of the car. Torrents were falling from the sky at the same time wind blew fiercely. The umbrella inverted and wouldn't revert. Stuck I remained in the car...driving home without our clothes. The earth is saturated.

Shannon and Derek have moved into a 'new home' that will be theirs for many years to come. It is large enough to house a large family comfortably. The white walls will soon become delicious colors creating, once again, the cozy home that she is so good at creating...the seaside cottage look.

Joel and Lori have returned to Utah taking with them 2 darling children who once laughed and slumbered in our home for several months. We miss them.

Christmas 2009

Even though it has been a long time since a new post has been written on this blog I have been blogging in my heart.
Having all of our children and their children at our home for a week (longer for some of them and less for others) kept this house busy. The beds were full of darlings. The refrigerator and cupboards were filled with food. Sounds of excitement rang in the air. Just being together is grand in its own way but coupled with Christmas makes for a TREMENDOUS time. Once again our family is united because of the Savior. We gathered to honor Him by loving each other.
Some highlights at least for me:
The nativity story was portrayed by darling grandchildren along with nieces and nephews-a long standing tradition in our family.
Christmas morning we slowly enjoyed watching each other unwrap their gifts. We all seem to enjoy this process. We even stop in the middle for breakfast and then continue. I love sitting together engaged in conversations of excitement and astonishment over gifts. The chit chat is delightful.
We have traditional games that simply Must be played when we all gather- Eye Die, The Thimble game (now played with a spray bottle) and Rambo. Such excitement.

Besides Christmas our family celebrated my father's 80th birthday! A great milestone indeed. I have a wonderful father but that's another post!

Mary's Thoughts

May I share with you my writings of Mary?

It is with pleasure that I once again share remembrances of my life. As you know, I was espoused to a godly man of the house of David, Joseph the carpenter. We both lived in Nazareth. One day as I went about my duties there suddenly appeared unto me an angel. He declared his name to be Gabriel and addressed me as a woman Highly favored of God. Said he, “The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women.” An Angel to declare to me that I am ‘favored’ and ‘blessed’?

This saying troubled me. What manner of salutation should this be to a young woman, such as I? But, his words, “Fear not.” filled my soul with calmness. He continued and I listened with every fiber of my being, “Thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name, Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest.” These words I understood. Long had my people waited for this Promised Child.

Many families had hoped to receive the honor of bearing the Son of God to save Israel from oppression and mankind from their sins. But, me? Yet, somehow the questions of doubt that would seem so easily to befall a young girl such as I were erased before they could form. Every word the angel spoke was accompanied by a cord of Faith that encompassed me until truly I was so sure of the mission I had been called to that only one question remained. “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” Simple words were used to express a beautiful answer, “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee....For with God nothing is impossible”

Those words, ‘For with God nothing is impossible,”burned within my heart the moment Angel Gabriel spoke them. How many times have they come to my rescue through the years? My response is always the same as it was that day, “Be it unto me according to thy word.”

The Heavenly Messenger kindly told me of another Miracle Child to be born of cousin Elizabeth. I went with haste unto her house and abode for 3 months. Upon my arrival, Elizabeth just hearing my voice knew my Holy Secret, as did her unborn babe who leaped within her! My soul did magnify the Lord and my spirit did rejoice in God, my Saviour.”
It was a precious gift, Elizabeth knowing my situation without my speaking of it, for there was yet the unsolved situation that I was with child and had no husband. For these 3 months my constant prayer was that Joseph would also be able to believe as did Elizabeth, for I knew that ‘with God nothing is impossible.’

God granted that prayer for which I will always rejoice. Angel Gabriel appeared to Joseph assuring him that all I spoke was truth. We were married. Joseph was good to me. He carefully protected me from difficult situations and kindly cared for me through the discomforts of being with child. For these attributes I was especially grateful during our journey to Bethlehem some hundred miles away- a long journey for one great with child.

Joseph attended to me with tenderness and concern. It was not easy, I admit, but what did it matter? I held within my womb not only my child, but the Son of God, the Babe that would save the world. So many times I yearned to shout my secret to those who passed by. Surely they would rejoice as Joseph and I to know that the Long Promised Saviour would soon be born. Yet, I kept all these things in my heart - a heart that wanted to burst with the Good News.

What a glorious sight to finally see Bethlehem in the distance. The city of our father David. The city in which I would bare my son. The city where we would rest for a time. Then came the unwelcome news - No room in the inns? How could it be? How I prayed for a comfortable place to rest my body, to bring forth my son; “For with God Nothing is impossible!” A stable? I still had lessons to learn. Yes, God can do anything but somethings are best done in ways separate from my ‘wisdom.’ The words I spoke to Angel Gabriel months ago guided me, “Be it unto me according to thy word.”

So, it was that my days were accomplished and I did bring forth my firstborn son wrapping him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a lowly manger. You must know that Joseph had done all he could to prepare the stable; cleaning, arranging, and making us comfortable. I was grateful for the shelter.

I confess the joy of the occasion overshadowed the inconvenience. For we received visitors that very night! Shepherds! They spoke of an Angel appearing to them with the glad tidings: of angel choruses singing anthems!
And of a star! A star that led them to us! Joseph went outside to see it. He hurried back in scooping me up in his arms taking me out to see the sky. A star! A glorious star hung above this lowly stable. A sign to signify that the Light of the World was born. Then these kind simple shepherds knelt in reverence before my baby. They worshipped Him.

I worship HIM. Yes, he was my baby. But, He is your baby too. The honor of holding Him, of being the one to hear His sweet little voice, rocking Him in my arms, are blessings that I know you wish you could have. You have imagined: the surprise blessing of being visited sometime later by the Wise Men and receiving their gifts, poor as we were, the horror that accompanied the wrath of Herod, our fleeing to Egypt.

Although you know only a small part of the details of it all-it is enough. For what God gives is just the right portion.

I am the only person who was with Jesus at birth, throughout his life and then at his death.

I am a witness of His life, death and resurrection. He lived, I know. He lives. He is my son. He is my Saviour. He is my God.

I bring a message from Him to you. He loves you. He knows you: your name, your face, your family, your joys, your troubles. Please believe. It is all true. Everything. He is your Saviour. Perhaps like me, will find comfort in declaring, “be it unto me according to thy word.”

Nothing is Impossible. In fact, right now, He is working miracles in your life. Can you see them? You may have to walk out of your ‘stable’ and look up to discover them. They are there.

Art by Carl Bloch and Joseph Brickey

Thank YOU, Santa!

A special package arrived yesterday from the North Pole! It was addressed to me! Fancy that! There are 2 darling children living at my house but Santa sent a gift to me! What? Who? Why? I tore the package apart with childish glee.

Gasps! Thrills! Smiles! Yippees! My heart soared.



Just hours earlier I had shared the You tube video of IL DIVO (Click on IL Divo to hear) singing Amazing Grace at the Coliseum in Rome with my son Jeff. No matter how many times I watch/ listen I can scarcely breathe. It touches my soul! In fact I am grateful that hearts beat without being told to or otherwise mine would have STOPPED.
The next thing I did was change the background music to my blog (did you notice)? It is by far IL DIVO Christmas music. All this and not even knowing that Santa was sending me a surprise.

THANK YOU SANTA, whomever you are!

REJOICING REFLECTIONS

While considering the past week of Thanksgiving there are a myriad of emotions that intertwine.
The basic and important Gratitude of being born to goodly parents in a blessed land and in the gospel! How do you top that? Well, there is so much more. Just like you, my list is long.

50 descendants of my parents gathered for Thanksgiving Dinner. 50! And we are still growing. While the sisters worked together in the kitchen we REJOICED :
Stacey brought her week old baby Aiden to the dinner!!!!!!!
Abbie got engaged!!!!!!! (this week)
Rachel (newlywed) is with child!!!!!!
Jammie (newlywed) is with child!!!!!!
Lauren (newlywed) is with child....again!!!!!!!!!!!
AND Rebecca (my girl who has 4 children) is with child!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We sisters were jumping and clapping and smiling with GLEE~ no matter the kitchen mess. Being together is the closest thing to HEAVEN.
Now to add the leavening to our JOY. Aunt Georgia died the day after Thanksgiving. Dear Sweet Aunt Georgia

has been paralyzed by Multiple Sclerosis for years. In spite of her sufferings she always expressed JOY for her life and appreciated every little thing done for her. SADNESS? Yes. I love her. I do miss her already and will. REJOICE? YES!! She is released from the body that held her hostage. She is with her 2 sons and parents.

REJOICE for one more time Jesus is the REASON. In fact, He is the only reason we can REJOICE. Because of Him we all will be released from our imperfect bodies and our sins (as we choose) and be united in JOY.

Christmas is cresting. Let us Celebrate with REJOICING for the Gifts HE gives us.

This has been a busy week.
I am helping Shannon and Derek move.
Boxes and boxes and boxes.
It is amazing how much we mortals accumulate.
Have you ever noticed that when you are on vacation you don't yearn for your possessions? Maybe your bed or some other convenience but not your collections, or piles or momentos. Really, when it comes right down to it all we need is a roof over head, some food, a few things to wear and a good bed. Hmm, well a toothbrush and paste,makeup, and some earrings, beautiful paper to write on and lots of pens and pencils and lovely dishes Hmmm.

Autumn

Isn't Autumn a beautiful? The air is fresh and cool. Leaves are bursting in color. This Fairy inspires me to be calm and stop to enjoy the beauty.

Today is dedicated to the last little details of another first. The FIRST Auxiliary Training mtg. with me as the president. There are more items for business and discussion than fit into the time slot. Countless hours have been spent in preparation. Now, I will take inspiration from this beautiful fairy and let the leaves fall where they will. It will be beautiful and I will be calm:

For God is the Strength of my Heart. Psalms 73:26.

This is the scripture that we chose for the meeting. We will be studying President Eyring's and Sis. Beck's talks to the Relief Society. Although this scripture is not specifically mentioned in either it encapsulates their core. As I/we receive from God we are able to give to others. We love because He loves us.

I could go on and on but the leaves are falling....

Just thought I would say hello.

Punkin and Grandpa Jack

I would like to share a little story I wrote:

There is a woman. She is just about your age. She loves Fall. The color orange has long been a favorite with her. In fact, as a child she preferred to say her hair was orange rather than the common color of ‘red’. When ever the opportunity arose she would choose orange...suckers, crayons, popsicles, dresses and yes, her bedroom was painted orange. What a good mother she had.

Her name is Pamela. Some call her Pam. Mela was her little brothers favorite name for her. All these were fine but, nothing made her heart soar as when her beloved Grandpa Jack called her Punkin. Not only did Pamela love the color orange but she loved ANYTHING that was orange especially pumpkins and Grandpa was a Pumpkin Farmer!

Going to Grandpa Jack’s house was always a treat. He lived in such a magical place. The smells and sounds of a farm were treats to her eyes and nose.

Being a Pumpkin Farmer was serious business. Pamela understood this. Grandpa taught her that a pumpkin needs lots of sun, water and room to grow. They grow on prickly vines that can scratch your skin so she always wore long pants when she went to see Grandpa Jack in hopes that he would take her on a walk through the field. They made up games to play while they walked. In the spring they would search the sprawling vines trying to find the little pumpkins hiding under the big leaves. In the summer the challenge was to find the biggest pumpkin.

Sometimes, after they found the largest pumpkin she and Grandpa would sit on it and he would tell her stories. Even though she is as old as you are now she still remembers the most important story he ever told her. It was a warm day late in September. They had found one of the most beautiful huge pumpkins she had ever seen. They were sitting on it together sharing the sections of a juicy orange.

Grandpa Jack looked at his little Punkin with smiling eyes and asked her why she loved pumpkins so much. She told him they tasted good, they were orange and they reminded her of him. Grandpa smiled even bigger and gave her a hug. He asked her if she knew why he grew pumpkins.

“Because you make money?”

“Oh, I do make money. But that is not the reason.”

“Because they are food?”

“It is true they feed many people.

But that is not the reason.”

“Because they are beautiful?” She asked.

“They are beautiful. But that is not the reason.

Little Punkin, I could be a corn farmer to make money. I could be a potato farmer and feed people. I could grow flowers because they are beautiful. I grow Pumpkins for one reason...”

“Because they are orange?”

Grandpa chuckled and put his big strong arm around her. “We do love orange don’t we, Punkin?

I grow pumpkins because I love Jesus.”

Pamela looked at Grandpa Jack in surprise!

“Yes, honey. You know I love Jesus but today I want to tell you why. I am like a pumpkin.

When I was just a young man wondering what to do with my life and if I even mattered I prayed as my mother and father and Sunday School teachers had taught me. A wonderful thing happened to me. My prayer was answered. Some day I will tell you more about that but today I want you to know that it was as if God lifted me up. Just like I can this pumpkin. He washed off all the dirt. He opened me up and touched me deep inside. The yucky stuff- like the seeds of doubt, selfishness and despair were all scooped out of me. Then He carved a Big Smile and put His light inside me to shine.”

“God made you into a Jack O Lantern!?”

Chuckling. Grandpa said, “Yes, honey. I am Grandpa Jack O Lantern.”

Grandpa Jack looked out over his huge field now mostly orange with pumpkins, with a smile and explained, “Soon all of these pumpkins will be harvested. They will be chosen by little children whose mothers and fathers will help them make Jack O Lanterns. They will scoop out the yuck, carve a face and set a little light inside them. In the dark of night the Jack O Lanterns will shine and bring light to little Trick or Treaters.

The scriptures tell us that Jesus is the Life and Light of the world. His Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world.

When you allow His Light to shine through you by being nice and sharing with your little brother you are a Light to the World too. Just like the Jack O Lantern.”

Even though it was long ago that Pamela first heard the story of Grandpa Jack being like a Jack O Lantern she never can read these scriptures without thinking of him:

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5: 14-16

Pamela never can smile without thinking that she too is a Jack O Lantern. She has had many opportunities to have the Carvers hand remove yuck from deep inside her but each time He does her smile gets brighter.

based on “A Christian Pumpkin Poem”, Anon

Saturday is JAN'S BIRTHDAY!!!!!
Come one and all send her happy greetings via her blog!
/jananddarien.blogspot.com/

Even though we are back to 'life on land' memories of the cruise linger. Sometimes the sound of waves interrupts my thoughts. Wafts of air remind me of the salty air we were enjoying just days ago. I miss seeing Mom and Dad or turning a corner and finding a niece or nephew. I miss eating with my brothers and sisters. I yearn to be together again.

These yearnings are real. They are good. They are planted in hearts by Heavenly Father. He is reaching out to us by quietly speaking to us through yearnings. He is saying that He can make these dreams come true. It really is possible to be with those you love forever. I KNOW IT! It is for this I HOPE and for this I REJOICE EVERMORE!

Cruise 2009

These couple own my heart. They are my parents. They adore each other. They adore their children and have accepted the 'in laws' with the same adoration. Each member of our family feels loved, acts loved and shares love easily. We are our own best fans.

Going on a cruise together was a dream come true in many ways. We never tire of each other and always leave family functions a little frustrated that there wasn't enough time to really visit with so and so.

17 of us joined the cruise-just a small portion of the possible total. When we gathered for portraits we didn't all fit in the space available. So, we split up into groups. This picture includes the children and their spouses.


More later

This morning Craig and I are joining my parents, siblings plus amazing spouses and 7 nieces and nephews for a 5 night CRUISE!!!!!!! Who cares where it is going?! We are going to play, talk, laugh and don't forget EAT for 5 days and None of us have to bring a favorite goodie or clean up! AND none of the husbands are going to get that look in their eye that says..."let's go home."
There is one Very Sad thing. Our dearest friend, Jan, has been planning to join us for months but her health is preventing that. We miss you, Jan and love you so much. Get better, okay?

This morning during scripture study I discovered a few verses that beautifully describe feelings that are mine. Isn't that fun? Those type of scriptures always make my list of favorites.
Psalms 119:10 "With my whole heart have I sought thee:(I dare not say "my whole heart" but the desires are deep) O let me not wander from thy commandments.(yes! I do want so badly to keep the commandments) :11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart,(by cherishing the scriptures, words of the living prophets and my covenants) that I might not sin against thee.(this is the hope~ perhaps these efforts will keep me from sin) :18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.(often I do see with eyes of understanding teachings in the scriptures that were once overlooked or mysterious) :10 I am a stranger in the earth:(so much happens on this earth that pains the sensitive soul. Life is not easy either to live nor watch others you love struggle) hide not thy commandments from me."(for I do really believe that by knowing the commandments I have a better chance of obeying them. It is a sorry life many live because they do not understand that there really are commandments from God. How grateful I am to know because then I have a better chance at obeying them. Sometimes I just want to call out...Do YOU have more commandments to give me because I need more direction!!)
Isn't it wonderful to read the scriptures and feel blessed? What a great way to begin the day.

Do you know that a SMILE can make everything better?
It has been proven that a smile actually increases the chances of happiness?
Here are some studies :
A DePauw University study shows that kids with weak smiles in childhood photographs are most likely to experience divorce and unhappy marriages in their middle age, according to a story in Scientific American.

Conversely, kids with big grins, as indicated by the crow's feet around their eyes, experience a divorce rate of only one in 20.

did you know

When your baby sees you smile, it causes chemicals to be released in her body, which makes her feel good. The chemicals (called opiates) also help your baby's brain to grow.

Endorphins are naturally released whenever we smile. Some people call it our natural happy drug because it calms you down, makes you feel good. It is the same one released whenever we exercise, and it is better at pain relief than any chemical that we can synthethically manufacture.

And Let's not forget the scriptures:
S.spiritually M.inded I.is L.life E.eternal
(2. Nephi 9:39)

SO
Let's SMILE!

September 11th

8 years ago today Craig and I were on a plane at the terminal ready for take off. It was the beginning of a dream vacation to Nauvoo, Illinois. Neither of us had ever been there. We yearned to see where our ancestors had built a city Beautiful and a Temple of Holiness. An announcement came from the Captain telling us to to disembark and leave all our carry on baggage.

We never boarded that plane again. Instead we gathered stories of a plane accident in New York City as we walked through the airport. Eventually we sat in our car in the parking lot listening to the news. Horrified we left our belongings at the airport (they would not be released until hours later) and drove home-Stunned-Worried-Anxious-Craving more information.

We were proud of the overwhelming Patriotism of America as its citizens rallied together. We were proud of the heroes. Our hearts are DEEPLY saddened for the loss of so many innocent peoples lives. We are proud that our military genius was able to capture/get rid of (to say it kindly) terrorist leaders and supporters.

We are proud to be Americans. We love this land and what is stands for (at least is SHOULD stand for).

Today we wear RED, WHITE and BLUE as we celebrate America's goodness by attending our favorite place---The LA County Fair

Vacation Highlights

We are back home after a 2 week vacation to see family and friends in Utah. Craig and I love to travel alone in the car together. We can talk and talk until there isn't anything pressing to say and then we love to listen to music. We have so much music! The background music of my blog gives a glimpse of some of our favorites.

Of the many and varied things that we did here are a few highlights:

1. We went to Back to School night with Makayla.

2. We visited with and helped Craig's mother. She doesn't get out much any more so it was good that we came and helped around the house and did some errands for her. Fortunately her sister and family live in the same time. They include her in their family doings often.

3. Thanksgiving Point has an amazing dinosaur museum which we all visited for the first time. I am sure glad to live on the earth when the animals aren't so big!

4. At last we dedicated Craig's dad's grave! He died over a year ago but every single time we have tried to do it something happens. First of all he couldn't be buried right after the funeral because it was scheduling. The first time we tried Mom couldn't remember where the plot was. The next time it Rained too hard. The next time ...ummm..don't remember. Anyway it is done and now WE can rest in peace.

5. MIRACLES!!! Joel and Lori's home sold...for the price they needed...in 2 business days the title was transferred...the new owners are allowing them to live in the home for FREE while they pack!....AND they are moving in with US!!! That is a LOT of miracles. Each of which we are very grateful for.

6. We stayed with dear friends on the way home. Reg and Sherrie graciously shared their Tuscany Villa (in St. George) with us. It was so comfortable there. They are tremendous hosts and great cooks. Really. We want to plan staying with them as our Destination not our mid-point stop.

7. Just a mile away from Reg and Sherrie are Jim and Nancy. The 6 of us were together 2 nights in a row for dinner and fun. When I say dinner I mean DELICIOUS dinners on beautiful plates with FUN people. We caught up on each others families, we laughed, we discussed politics and played games. These 2 couples have been our friends for longer than we feel old. Spending time with them has renewed our love and appreciation for them in our lives.

It was wonderful to get away and live a slower paced life for a while. Now we are home catching up on things AND getting the bedrooms ready for a cute little family to live.

SORRY NO PICTURES>>> HAVING TROUBLE

Recently I took pictures of one of my favorite edifices.

THE REDLANDS TEMPLE

I wish that I had the words to describe the feelings that swell in my heart each week as I prepare be here. In the darkness of the early morning as I travel alone in my car I offer these words in prayer. "Heavenly Father, I am coming home today. " That is how it feels. Home.

The Bible Dictionary defines 'Temple" as " the most holy of any place of worship on the earth,” followed by this insightful statement: “Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness.”

This suggests we can make our homes or bedrooms (as I used to tell my seminary students) a “house of the Lord.” Don't you just love that idea?

In April Conference Elder Stevens recommends that we take a Virtual Spiritual Tour of our home.

"Imagine that you are opening your front door and walking inside your home.

What do you see, and how do you feel?

Is it a place of love, peace, and refuge from the world, as is the temple?

Is it clean and orderly?

As you walk through the rooms of your home, do you see uplifting images which include appropriate pictures of the temple and the Savior?

Is your bedroom or sleeping area a place for personal prayer? Is your gathering area or kitchen a place where food is prepared and enjoyed together, allowing uplifting conversation and family time?

Are scriptures found in a room where the family can study, pray, and learn together? Can you find your personal gospel study space?

Does the music you hear or the entertainment you see, online or otherwise, offend the Spirit?

Is the conversation uplifting and without contention?

That concludes our tour. Perhaps you, as I, found a few spots that need some “home improvement”—hopefully not an “extreme home makeover.”

Whether our living space is large or small, humble or extravagant, there is a place for each of these gospel priorities in each of our homes."

Craig and I have purposely strived to make our home a holy place. We still have 'home improvements' but

we won't give up!

Along with the theme of this post I announce that Craig and I are smiling BIG these days because as of August 15th our mortgage is PAID IN FULL!!!!

Fire Powa!

Micah

MICAH!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU!!


This is Micah...the boy Grandma misplaced in her last post.
(You can't believe all the trouble I am having downloading photos. I think it is a setting in my computer because I had the same problem trying to download a photo to Facebook--which I just joined thanks to the many friends that keep inviting me)

He belongs to this cute family ( I am trying to make up for the countless tears that have been shed in behalf of forgotten Micah by giving him lots of attention)



Here Micah returns hand in hand with Uncle Jeff to our campsite after a successful day of swimming and fishing.

The county fair had a petting zoo.

Speaking of the FAIR!
Jeff, Krysta, Joel, Lori, Micah, Makayla and Craig and I all went to the fair together. This is one of Craig's and my favorite things to do-go to the fair! Well, we all wanted to have funnel cake. Since we had never heard of Mexican Funnel cake we thought we would share one and then get the traditional version later. AND since there were so many of us Craig decided to get the largest version. He had NO IDEA how LARGE LARGE would be!

How large was it? Strangers were taking pictures of it as Jeff carefully walked it over to the table where we all sat STUPIDFIED.

Notice Makayla eyeing it. It was larger than her head! than anyones head. And certainly larger than our combined stomachs!

We did our best...and no one ate the rest of the night.