Hope

“You can live without love,

But you cannot live without hope.” Vaughan J. Featherstone

Many friends have asked me from time to time… “How do you do it? There’s no way I could handle the trials you've had to go through like you.” I know that most people could and they would, probably better than me. Real life is hard. But after experiencing so much as a parent, I am ok with that most of the time. I know from experience that after the pain and hard stuff, the best stuff happens ~ so yeah I am ok with real life. I kind of laugh and smile to myself when I hear people allude to the fact that all will be rosy in their family if they do all the right things (FHE, family prayer, scriptures, service etc. etc.). After all what could go wrong when they are doing their part? Let me just say…..plenty !

I am not sure what other “stuff” is still yet to be learned as I carry on through my earthly life, but I will do my best to be taught and keep “learning” for as long as it takes. I will hold on to hope ~ after all, according to Bruce R. McConkie “hope is always centered in Christ; and without hope there can be no salvation.” So, I will continue to faithfully grasp onto HOPE for my children. What a grand word. Hope.

Last week our cute Sister Bridges wrote and this was a part of her letter, which touched my heart…..This work is true and real. The change which comes over people when they feel the spirit is such a gift to see. I don't know why the Lord has trusted a little person like me to change the lives of others. The spirit is the one which does the heavy lifting. I am so blessed.

What comfort I feel today as I have faith and hope for my children. I am blessed and lucky to experience my “real life.”

The countdown begins....

FIVE days and slowly counting~and then it's back to school for me.  Why is it that summer ALWAYS flies by way too fast?  I continually over the years have amazing intentions to get so much done during my break.  What a joke~~Ha!  The summer seems so long and I have so many goals that I want to accomplish the morning after graduation....then POOF it's August!!! 
So, this summer my days were filled with planning, planning and some more planning for Stake Girls Camp, a perfect trip to Maui with Lynn, a couple of quick trips up north, a few hikes, trying to tend my garden, two education conferences and a couple of classes. Even though I didn't get one home project done~~ I did have some fun and made some memories with family and friends which is more important than projects at home---AND there will always be next summer!
CAMP PHOTOS~~~

The PINK Tribe -- These ladies rock!

STRONG Women of Bloomington!

Even STRONGER women!

My friend - Ruth....she drove 604 miles round trip just to speak to our girls. 

I will never be able to repay her for such selfless service.
Her gift of sharing gospel messages inspires me --

FIRST's for Kambria -- It has been quite a summer!

First Cereal...I loved it!

First REAL game....I loved it!

First Swim...I loved it!

First Temple Trip...I loved it!

First Hotel stay...I loved it!

Maui with "the man!"