Aliana turns 14!

Pictures are coming soon! We just have to download them. Aliana turned 14 on Saturday. It was a real treat. Aliana, you have brought much joy into our lives. I have watched you grow with much amusement, and much amazement. You are such a typical teenager! You love all the things that every girl your age loves, and that's a good thing. You are so beautiful! Never forget how much your Mother loves you, Aliana. Never. I will always be here for you. You make my life so much better!

We had Nana and Granddad here from New York Friday night and had a huge bbq with a lot of family and friends. She had a great time and Saturday we went shopping. It's so fun to watch her grow and develop into such a beautiful young lady. She is now a Mia-Maid. Unbelievable!! My Mom bought her the cutest outfit for school while she was out here for her birthday. So - this week we are just missing everyone and reading everyone's blog's from Utah and really feeling family. Last night for Family Home Evening, we wrote Uncle Boyd letters and sent them out to him. He has been an amazing influence in our lives. We really love him a lot.

Vinny has been busy visiting with the Chinese this week. We have been busy still trying to get settled into our house. Elder McKell is doing fantastic! He was made District Leader, and we are so very proud of him. We love his letters, and we are sending him a care package this week.

We miss and love you all. Pictures are soon coming!!

Utah and family

Well - I just got back from Utah - and I have to say it was hard to leave. I was so happy to see Holden - always the highlight of my trip... and I taught him how to do the "hoky poky". I love how when I go there - it's just like we left off the time before. Whit and Casey are wonderful hosts, and I got to see Mikey there also. Clint came down from Ogden, and I got to spend a special evening with him. My parents are wonderful - I miss them so much. My sisters had sister day, and I got to see my Aunt Nadine and my cousins that I haven't seen in years there. It was really fun. The BEST part, was my mom came home with me for a week!!! She just left yesterday. It was so great having her here, having her love and support, I really appreciated it. ANYONE ELSE WANNA COME OUT??????????? OPEN INVITE!!! The girls went to the beach with Vinny when I went to Utah- and I came home to fried red people. HAHAH! They forgot their suntan lotion or sunblocker. Actually - it wasn't funny. But - They miss Utah as much as I do - and I just want everyone out there to know how much I love them and appreciate them. Thanks Whit for making my page so pretty - you did a fantastic job.

So - that's been the highlight of my summer so far. Aliana will be fourteen in three days - can you believe that?? ARGGG. She will be a mia - maid. I love being in Young Women's with the girls. It's awesome.

Oh - In Utah- I got to drive past the new South Jordan Temple. I can't remember what it's called but it's amazing. I can't wait till I can go through it.

Have a HAPPY DAY!

Frankie in on the action - he loves his blankies!!

Nikki crocheting - both girls doing it for Young Women's project!! Go girls!!

Aliana crocheting a afghan! How pretty!

How DO you know? =)

We LOVE this song. Everybody start singing!!

Time for a Solemn Assembly

In the last General Conference, we were honored to raise our hands and stand to sustain our new Prophet and his counselors. President Thomas S. Monson, Henry B. Eyring, and Dieter F. Uchtdorf were sustained in an historic solemn assembly. How comforting it is to know that the work of the Lord goes on - and to see these great men take charge and lead us in these latter days. As President Monson said " As your hands were raised toward heaven, my heart was touched. I felt your loved and support, as well as your commitment to the Lord."

I watched with tears as my girls got to stand as members as young women. I thought of Elder McKell, who has been out in the field thirteen months, giving up his precious time working so hard for the Lord as a missionary. His sacrifice has been so sweet and humbling to us. I watched my sweetheart stand as a high priest. This conference was one I will not soon forget.

I loved Elder Lance B Wickman's talk on seeking forgiveness while extending charity to others. He stated we should not postpone matters of repentance until tomorrow. Today is the day to forgive others their trespasses, secure in the knowledge that the Lord will thus forgive ours... Perfection may elude us here, but we can be merciful. And in the end, repenting and forgiving are among God's chief requirements of us.

I am not perfect. In saying such - if I have offended anyone - I am truly sorry - and will strive harder every day to become more and more Christlike.