This is what summer is for

The kids and I went to the ranch this weekend. I know I have discussed my total love and endearment to this wonderful place so I will try to spare you. Summer has been awesome and I (and the kids)really wish school didn't start so soon. Ashalee starts Tuachan on the 11th and I have a feeling I won't see my daughter much. She is really excited to get in there and get involved. The boy's start school on the 13th. Andrew will be in sixth grade and I am holding my breath that it will be a healthy, positive transition for him. So back to summer, we love it and wish it was summer everyday. I guess if I home schooled it would be, sort of......

Summer at the ranch

Saying Goodbye

Yesterday we went over to my parents house to say goodbye one last time before they head off for the adventure of their lives, second to raising seven children of course. It was sad to say goodbye, in some strange way it felt like I was sending my children off to their first day of kindergarten. Maybe it has to do with the circle of life thing when the children start feeling the need to become caretaker of their parents, I don't know. I know they will do awesome in South Dakota and fulfill everything God asks them to do. But I am guessing that the people of South Dakota will have more of an affect on my parents then my parents will on them. That is just how service is. You go to serve people and before you know its because of them allowing you to serve them, you receive the overflow of blessings of knowing people that will change your life forever. I miss them already, but know they are in good hands.

Christian the lion

If you haven't seen this video you have got too! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__UHSZHJ9LA It makes me want to get another dog! ha ha just kidding. The lions hugs remind me of Bombo when he hugs you like that they call it a wheaten greatin. So I thought I would post recent pictures of him. One of the coolest dogs in the world.

My is was and is to come

My faithful Father, enduring Friend. Your tender mercy’s like a river with no end. It overwhelms me, covers me Each time I come into Your presence I stand in wonder once again.
Your grace still amazes me Your love is still a mystery. Each day I fall on my knees. Your grace still amazes me because Your grace still amazes me. Oh, patient Saviour, You make me whole. You are the Author and the Healer of my soul. What can I give You, Lord, what can I say. I know there’s no way to repay You, Only to offer You my praise. It’s deeper, it’s wider It’s stronger, it’s higher It’s deeper it’s wider It’s stronger, it’s higher than anything my eyes can see. Your grace still amazes me Your love is still a mystery each day I fall on my knees because Your grace still amazes me.

I have had many people ask me why I chose my blog address to be http://www.iswasistocome.blogspot.com/ and I found the perfect song to explain it, so I typed up the lyrics and put the song on my play list. I don't consider myself a "religious" person. But I do know that my faithful Father IS completely in charge of my is (present) was (past) and my is to come (future). Surrendering to HIM and HIS plans, (not my plans) for me has been the best thing I have ever done. And when I forget who really knows what awesome plans, are in store for me all I have to do is look up, and remember He is and always will be my is was and is to come. This may not be others' truth and I respect their truth, whatever gets us through the day. This is my truth and I don't know what I would do without it. My foundation IS in HIM.

Growing Pains

The boys and I drove to see Amber and Jeremy this weekend with Mom and Dad. Ash couldn't come because she was at girls camp. We really enjoyed hanging out with Jeremy, Amber, Cole and Cali. It was weird not having Ashalee there and I continue to have major issues with her growing up. Speaking of growing up, I have never stayed with Amber and Jeremy as now they are adults. Except one problem, nobody told me. You see, Amber and Jeremy were made for each other, I truly believe that. And like most married people both or one party often forgets. It's strange watching your littlest brother morph into a man, trying to provide for a family and parent two children. As I watched Amber and Jeremy live in the real world of parenting, marriage and just plain surviving I was so inspired by how much they have to offer the world through their own personal lives and through their children. I admire their strength to keep on going even when it is rough. I know they will continue figuring things out and I will LOVE to attend their fiftieth wedding anniversary, with their children and family surrounding them, where they can stare in each other's eyes and be able to say, "What a ride!" I love them both so much, and I know they love each other. I also got to see Kristi on this trip my the baby, youngest, the spoiled one whatever most people call the youngest member of the family. She is no longer any of those. She is a strong, beautiful women with two children that are blessed to have her as a mom. She is patient and loves her children, and once again I was never informed of the transformation she is continually making. She is no longer a little girl, I'm not sure when that happened. So what I have concluded from all this is that I am obviously the only one that still has to grow up, but do I have to?

The two cutest boys in the world

Three generations of really cute men.

I miss Ashy

So Ash is at youth conference at Snow College with her blue hair. (She thought they might kick her out.) They probably would have if she were going to BYU. There are some real straight laced weirdos at that school that are just looking for someone to kick out :). My point is that I REALLY miss her. It's just not the same around here. There is no one to talk politics, religion, morals, other people and our own misjudgments, and of course if the guy playing Edward in the twilight movie is hot. While she has been gone I have suddenly realized how much I love talking to her and listening to her. She is at that stage where she can conceptualize an idea and look at it from any angle and choose cognitively and in her heart what SHE feels is right. It is quite an amazing thing to watch. She is so bright and loves to debate hot topics that she feels strongly about(just say the word abortion or holocaust and you've got one heck of a fight standing in front of you with blue hair.) So the blue matches her perfectly, but it will only last so long. Tuachan doesn't allow any color in hair, in fact she will be spending the next four years in khaki pants and polo shirts. But I know she will shine no matter what her hair color or clothing is because that's what she does best. Ashy come home! Here is a before and after. BEFORE
AFTER