If Not 10 lbs. Lighter, At least 10 Degress Cooler

Savoring the Shoreline- Family Retreat on the Beach!

There's nothing like sitting near a campfire, feet touching the sand, moon hovering above, wind and waves crashing in...what a blast we had camping on the beach! We were up till early morning, unable to convince ourselves to leave the beautiful splendor, it was breathtaking and rather unreal.


We spent hours touring the USS LEXINGTON, a World War II-vintage aircraft carrier, which rests in Corpus Christi Bay "Commissioned in 1943, she served the United States longer and set more records than any other carrier in the history of naval aviation." It was absolutely intriguing and left us with a sense of pride, loyalty, motviation to fulfill our personal responsibilities, and a deep respect for those who have given so much for our freedom.

The Best Decision I Will Ever Make

Four years ago, at this exact time, I was sitting in an endowment session in the Portland Temple, surrounded by my loving family, occasionally gazing at a handsome and valiant young man, giddily contemplating the covenants I was about to make with him. Completely filled with JOY.

I'd been home only a month from my mission when this dear friend made a confession of love to me. Although it came shockingly, he being engaged to another of my dear friends, his expression seemed to shoot straight to my heart and land in a place that was only meant for him to reach. I could hardly believe how strangely right every second of talking and being with him was. It was like coming home.

The decisions was not only the best I've made, it was one of the easiest. A valiant, talented, faithful, strong, athletic, enthusiastic, humble, fun, always learning, intelligent man, whom I trusted with all things eternal, wanted me to team up with him for eternity. Just the greatest all star around, the perfect match for me in every way...of course I'd ride with him through the thrills, jolts, bolts and detours to exaltation. If I had hand picked attributes, spiritual and physical characteristics to make up a mate for myself, it would've made him (and he even came with a few I wouldn't have picked that inspiringly end up complimenting me). Even if I hadn't been bombarded with spiritual pressure from heaven, I would have completely chosen him on my own. The undeniable heavenly promptings will forever solidify that I have great taste. :)



And so, four years ago I made promises to him, in the presence of heaven, that I would give him all that I am. That I would do my best, to love and serve the Lord, and love and serve him.

Today I sit, giddily contemplating the covenants I have made. Knowing full well that I hardly deserve such a man. So happy that I chose him, so honored that he chose me, and so grateful that I have forever to live up to the potential he believes in.

I love you forever my Sweets.

Tell the Wonders of Your Eternal King!

We had a glorious weekend at the coast, with many heavenly highlights. A stroll down the pier surprised us with dancing dolphins, the first time I've ever seen them in the wild, untouched, untrained...breathtaking.

This is for my Daddy, because he taught me how to marvel.

"And the Gods said: Let us prepare the waters to bring forth abundantly the moving creatures that have life; and the fowl,
that they may fly above the earth in the open expanse of heaven.
And the Gods prepared the waters that they might bring forth great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters were to bring forth abundantly after their kind; and every winged fowl after their kind. And the Gods saw that they would be obeyed, and that their plan was good." (Abraham 4:20&21)


"Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!" (Doctrine & Covenants 128:23)

Change the Picture!

I love change. The anticipation builds in those final days of the month leading to the big reveal of the next months display picture on the calendar. No offense to the old one...just thirty+ days of the same and I get ready to see something new on my bathroom and kitchen walls. Let me tell you, June did not disappoint with a display of beautiful Texas Bluebonnets and Beach Morning Glories (which look similar to the flowering vine weeds growing among my planted flowers, which I refuse to pick). And so it goes, into June with a new picture and a calendar anxious for scheduling.

Here's to ending May with a bang! Work it Girls!

May Days!

Few off us around the country get to enjoy nearly triple digit temps in May, so we do our best to join the heat! We recently graduated ourselves to the 8 ft. pop up pool (which I'm sure disappointed our neighbors who must've loved watching all the family squeeze into this one for F.H.E.)


Adzy- Our ever learning, unique word using little helper. Reads to herself (the animated- changing voices for each character and adding in songs- style), hums herself to sleep, plays Mother to her little sister "kamorzy, no. you must not touch dees clothes that mother folded.No... no no, please. Now, Morzy, it's time for you piano lessons now." Asking why to everything with an added "tell me the truth mother". Sings, sings sings, and constantly asks to play games like "rosies" (ring around that is). Consistently, and dramatically runs herself to the bathroom. Is currently working on reciting the pledge of allegiance with words she so cutely mispronounces.


Kamorzy- Joy joy joy! Tan blondie, more than a bombshell enthusiast! Took her first steps and now excitedly stumbles her way around. So Strong...the girl requires a lot of might to play with,change and chase. She got her- makes them look totally different- top front teeth in. She's a little rhino of energy and full of light!





Nater- My little brother has moved in with us and has been a delight. A pool maintainancer in 100 degree temps, he's a hilarious, institute loving sweetheart. I am thoroughly enjoying getting reacquainted with one of my truest friends.

My Sweets-A spiritual intellectual, he finishes the school year as teacher in 2 weeks and begins the school year as student for graduate work. A Mormon doctrine sharer and enthusiast, he has been able to rise to the challenge of testifying and defending our faith with everyone, including some great blogging conversation. Has a bittersweet relationship with his calling as early morning seminary instructor but expresses how much he will truly miss it when it ends this week. I love you Babe!


Our home- it's been a few weeks since we did it, but we finally put our first paint on the walls! All the walls in the front room and powder room now have color! I love color! We are excited at our options for the rest of our place. We also got ceiling fans and some other decor (thank you tax refund, craigslist, and Texas thrift!)







As for me, I'm currently engrossed in the biography of James E. Faust, In The Strength of the Lord (thanks Sal)- loving the tender example of a man who stood behind "rather than in front of- the messages and sermons he has shared with millions during his ministry"(James P. Bell; Author) Contemplating my own pridefulness and being renewed in my faith.
I've had some amazing experiences teaming up with the missionaries to teach a new friend of mine. What an awesome thing to see someone taste of the joys of the gospel. I felt so honored to be included in her understanding, feeling and accepting of the spirits teachings.

What opportunities we have to be on holy ground...I only hope I remember to take off my shoes.

"And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." (Exodus 3:5)

Weekend Wonders

We're back from the Amazon!

Well...Palmetto State Parks version anyway. We spent the night camping with some of our favorite friends in our ward! What a blast! Although I didn't capture any of the group fun on film we shared some late night campchair chatting hysteria, took turns having the loud "wake up the camp in the middle of the night" children, savored s'mores, made our OWN fires (what's camping if you don't have your own campsite fire?-thanks Giffords for humoring me), let the children play for hours on the playground, fed the friendly ducks, swam in the African Safari river. I love our ward. We know great people.

As a family we: enjoyed the exotic nature trails, danced to "moonlight serenade" (tradition), ended up with 4 of us on the air mattress, had bowls of fresh fruit in the morning, actually got chilly at night, were attacked by fire ants (that's what you get for stepping on their mound), marveled at the "little Tinkerbell's" (fireflies), roamed through the old deep south at night (huge hugging trees and plantation included), took long deep breaths...

and felt full of peace and tranquility while enjoying the spectacle of God's hands.

We might go back this weekend. :)