Update

Here's some pics of what we've been up to lately.
We had a little gathering with some friends from the mission... we thought it would be fun to have a little play group. Crazy how we all have little ones now. These are friends for life! I know this pic is dark, unfortunately my camera was on the wrong setting!




Here's an update on what Gracie is doing lately.
- She says words like ball, mamma, daddy, hi, duck, yes, and no. Her favorite word is "Hi." She says hi to every person she sees. At church,the play ground, or at the jogger running by. At the grocery store she'll say hi to the clerk, they will say hi back... but she doesnt stop there! She will say hi at least 20 times while waving! I feel bad sometimes for people who keep answering "hi" over and over, I just tell them, its ok, you dont have to keep answering, cause she'll keep going for hours!

- She loves being with her Dad more and more. They water the plants outside together in the morning and at night. Its their little routine. James will squirt her with water, and she thinks its so fun. Most days they come back in the house and Gracie is soaked!

- When Gracie does somthing she knows she should'nt do, like throw her sippy cup off her high chair, before I even say anything, she points her finger at me, and says no, no. We try to look away so she doesnt see us cracking up. Its so cute! So now I try to say "yes" more to things that she can do and can have. Its been fun to watch her shake her head up and down and say yes!

Celebrating our Freedoms!

This last year James and I have spent alot of time learning the history of our Founding Fathers by taking a constitution class, and by reading books like, 1776, The Making of America, The Spiritual Journey of George Washington, exerpts from President Benson, and Cleon Skousen's 5,000 yr leap. All such amazing books!
I never really read alot of history books growing up, but now it seems I can't get enough. I feel I have awakend to a wonderful flood of teachings and stories that have become a heart beat for me. Allthough, I guess I am playing catchup for all the lost time before now, but what's most important is that I am learning it. I have such an increased love and respect for our Founding Fathers, and know that they were truly led by the hand of God to establish this land as a place where men can live, work, and worship with peace and freedom. Yet, there are principles they taught that if we as a nation neglect, will result in a loss of these freedoms. It is amazing to me how slowly but surely socializm has creeped up on our society.

Truly, we are all grateful for the country we have and the freedoms we enjoy. But recently, I have realized how important it is in the midst of our gratitude, to make sure we do what we can to continue to preserve these freedoms. When we recognize how far away from the true principles of the constitution we have veared, it causes a true awakening, and desire to do all we can to uphold it.

David O'McKay said, "Next to being one in worshiping God, there is nothing in this world upon which the church should be more united than in upholding and defending the Constitution of the United States!" (The Instructor, 1956)
So.... with that tangent, Happy Fourth of July! I think this is such an exciting time to be alive!

James ran the 10K in the freedom run!
James' two brothers and nephew also ran!


Amy and I watching the boys do fireworks!