Proud of my soldier

Last weekend, my family was involved of our 60 day Yellow Ribbon Ceremony. Its amazing David has been home that long. This included a ceremony called the Freedom Salute. My husband was given the following items:

He received a medal, a coin (military members know the significance of the coin), A flag in a case, The certificate, lapels (one for him, one for the significant other) and the kids received a special future soldier case (seen in the back) which included games and military trading cards. It is a great feeling to see my husband be called and be shown appreciation for his sacrifices along with his fellow brothers and sisters in arms.

Saibrynn's Baptism Pics

I am kicking myself in the butt right now because we didnt get any group pictures that day. I did get pics of everyone eating, just wish I would of got ones of everyone together. Other than that, it was a wonderful day.

Hiking

Today, we decided that every Sunday we are going as a family and hiking. We are going to find different trails to go on and this week we went up to Mount Ogden. The kids were wonderful. They played, found golf balls, and ran around and got nice and dirty. Even Colten had a great time and didn't complain about anything, suprising for a teenager. If anyone has any good trails let us know, there is a long summer waiting for us. See colten is still a kid, he loves swinging

Searching for golf balls and playing in the water.

Chasten loved playing and throwing the rocks

They could hear a squirrel but couldnt see it.

Of course, nobody could all look the same way.

Fun in the Sun

Awww gotta love the nice weather. The kids of course think its summer. Yesterday, we had fun outside finger painting.

Did we ask for our trials?

Sometimes I wonder before we were born if we sat with our Father in Heaven and discussed our trials we would come across in this life. Did we know that we could face each trial and grow? Did our discussions help us prepare so God would know what we could bear?

Lately, my personal trials seem so much. I can not go into detail about them because they are extremely personal but I wonder how at times I endure. I thought I wouldnt make through the deployment and here I am and a month has gone by since he's been home. Where did the time go? I know I am a strong person but I also question at times if I asked for this so I become the strong person.

I know one thing, when I think I cant go on I look around me and see the things are most imporant to me, my family. I watch as the little ones grow and learn and how much they make me laugh and I know its worth it even though at times it doesnt feel like it. The small things my children do to make me laugh is my confirmation that God is there and knows I need to laugh so he sent me these angels to help.

Its the small things we take for granted but these are the things that get me through each and every trial. They are the reason I wake up every morning and the reason I strive to be a better person.