"Happy Happy Birthday Sally Dear"

Happy 30th Sally!

We wish we could be with you today to help you celebrate.

May the good Year continue and just get better and better. I hope you know how much we love you and are thankful to have you as a sister, s-n-law, and aunt.

Here are some reasons we love you

• "She is always fun"
• "Always has good ideas of fun things to do"
• "She is a Great example of living righteously"
• "Her heart is as big as the sun"
• "A strong love of family"
• "Strong values"
• "She is Kind"
• "A good attitude"
• "An amazing knowledge of the scriptures"
• "She is Happy"
• "Sally is Smart"
• " She is Pretty"
• "Great taste, always looks classy and put together"
• "Sally always has a smile on her face"
• " Sally always has good shoes"
• "She has a strong testimony, and love of the gospel."

As you can see there are many many reasons that we love you,

Thanks for being you!!!

We had a super trip to CA this last weekend! We rented a condo there that was such a great price and by far the best place we've stayed in, there. The best part was that it had a little backyard- one of the few over there. As Emma put it -there were "thousands" of snails back there. And thats where they spent all of their time when we were at the house. Naming the snails, and playing with them like little toys. "Come on Smiley lets go over here..." The funny thing is that they would leave them on this table with an umbrella alot and when we would leave and come back half the snails had climbed up the umbrella, and some gone under the table, etc. So then they'd have to gather them up again. Snails are so gross! Even Holly who was tenative at first but did get right in there. And of course they loved the beach. It was a little cold but of course that never stops kids from playing the water and sand for hours.

We had almost as much fun at "Gram's" and felt very loved by all. I finally got some new "4 generation" pictures for each of my girls which I've been meaning to do for awhile. And a boy 1 of Eli, Dana and Grandpa. Sadie even did great at night! An overall great trip.

El Templo

Today I had an interview with the temple presidency and they called me to be a temple worker. They told me I could say no if I feel too busy, but it's something I've wanted to do for a long time now. I think I just have to do it and make the time. I told him I can start in June, so I can wrap this quarter up first. They already set me apart, right then and there! Gotta love the Church; they are always very efficient.
I'll be working the Saturday Spanish shift, which is an extra bonus. The San Diego Temple serves most of Baja California as well, and Saturdays are when the Mexico stakes come up, so it gets packed with Spanish speakers. Just my style!
I'm really grateful for this chance the Lord has given me to serve, first as RS Pres and now in the temple. I feel it shaping my life in good ways. And I always feel like Dad would be proud of me when I make time for the temple, like he always did. He was such a good example that way.

Back to Basics

Okay so like I said I don't really ever take pictures. So this weekend I did something I haven't done in a long time I tore off a roof! Then we actually laid down ply would over the support beams and everything. It was a ward service project. I was hoping to get a chance to put on some shakes but we didn't get that far. So if there's anything left this Saturday maybe I'll put some shakes on after all.

The whole thing was a flash back to working with Dad. I dressed the part and probably looked somewhat like him. Old t-shirt, hat, sunglasses and headphones (the headphones were connected to my i-pod not a radio headset). I remember this one time when he and Roger were shooting at me with their stable guns. They were trying to tell me it was time for lunch without having to walk across the roof. I also remembered why he told me not to be a roofer. It's such hard work! I know he hated doing it but he loved us. When Roger, Nate and I re-did our roof I remember him telling me "Make sure you get an education because you don't want to have to work for a living." Now that I have graduated and have a real job and all I can see how right they were. It would be so hard to do that everyday.

Anyway even though I don't want to have to do that everyday. It was sort of fun to do for a few hours and brought back some fond memories of Dad. I miss him everyday and I know you guys do too. Well gotta go seminary at 6:00 AM...

A Beautiful Weekend

Yesterday I went with a couple of friends (and yes, Doug is just a friend.) to Bryce Canyon. Having lived here for a year without seeing it was basically a crime I guess. It was beautiful. The video really doesn't capture it. It was an amazing reminder of how awesome the Lord's hand is, and how small I am, but incredible to think that he is in the details of each our lives just the same.

My pie party was a mild success. A lot of people came, but not as many as I expected. I have whole cheese-cake left over, but I'm donating it to the ward today, and I'm making salsa with the left over tomatoes.

Life is good. I am blessed. That is about all there is to it. This will tell you more of my thoughts about life.

Here's my excitement...

AND...Twirly-Whirly's blooming! Actually, the garden is looking really pretty right now. Spring is sprung. It's not nearly as much exersize as soccer, but at least I get outside now and then.

Wanted: Soccer Mom

Tonight my soccer team ended our second season. It's an outdoor but enclosed mini-field and it's just 3 on 3. It's really fun and FAST because you use the walls and everything. We're really bad--haven't won a game yet, but it's fun and a good workout. I feel like I've been discovering my athletic self little by little since I was around 25. Better late than never, I guess. And now I finally have the pictures just like all the kids! But no moms to bring us orange slices afterwards. Mah!