Eat my words and a temple dedication

In my last post I mentioned I was ready for spring as I saw my little family jumping in rain puddles. That very night it started to snow for two days straight. I have to eat my words because I found that I wasn't quite ready for spring. I'm still enjoying the winter. I took these snow pictures on Tuesday. I love the beauty of snow. And I love that while I was taking this picture the sun was out and these soft little flakes were falling that were only useful for watching, because they would melt when they hit the ground. I'm falling in love with Utah again. I love that winter has breaks of sun and rain around here, and that it can snow again.

Today we went to the Draper Temple Openhouse. Another great thing about Utah, is that there are temples being dedicated every couple of years and that there are close enough to go see. They are working on another temple that should be completed soon. Monkey was so excited to be able to go to the temple before she was 12 and see all the rooms inside. This is on our bus ride from the church to the Temple. This is the first time that Bug has cheesed it for the camera. She saw I was taking pictures of her did this cheesy smile and said "I wanna see"! Oh digital age. I think I would have liked pictures better as a child if I could have seen how they turned out immediately after.

Monkey is in a funny phase, where she has to be goofy for all pictures. It drives her mother crazy. I love those blue eyes though.

Monkey's favorite room in the temple was the sealing room. When we came to it, she just stopped and stared. When asked why that was her favorite, she said because it was so pretty. On the way home she asked her Daddy if he would come to her wedding at the Draper Temple. I thought it was so cute. I just hope a temple wedding remains a goal until that day. The tour ended in a nearby church. They had a beautiful display set up and one of the volunteers offered to take our picture. It was very sweet, but he was kinda in a rush. I love my little family so much.

Raindrops keep falling on my head.

Ok I know this is a lot of posts for me lately, but I couldn't pass this one up today. Plus I can't wait for the snow to be gone. I know there is probably more coming, but my head is so confused. What is this, March? I had forgotten how fickle Utah weather can be.

Not to brag or anything

But I think my husband is amazing.
We were both sick yesterday with this awful cold that won't go away.
But here's the difference. While I decided to take a nap to feel better, my sweet hubby did this:(with a 1 year old hanging onto his pant leg).

I feel so loved!

This day we sailed on.

So today the effects of the economy hit our house again. But even before that happened because of the stress of school, being sick etc, I knew I needed something upbeat to post to pull me out of my dreary self.
Last night Kurlz insisted that I watch the CES fireside where President Monson spoke. It was fantastic as always, and it gave me the encouragement I needed. My favorite part was where he told some helpful hints to achieve our great expectations.

1. Avoid pitfalls or detours that will keep you from your celestial reward, i.e. thoughts such as "just this once", or bad habits. Good habits are our souls muscles. The more you use them the more they grow.

2. Beware of a flashy start and a fadeout finish. "Stick to your task until it sticks to you". Work is a continuous effort to a given goal. A second effort is often required in the game of life. Then he quoted Christopher Columbus' log "This day we sailed on."

3. Help others in the race of life.

4. Seek the help of the Lord.
In order to find Him we must first make room in our lives.
He will teach you the way of truth.
Then at the end you will be able to say, I have fought a good fight I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

This is just a summary of part of the talk. President Monson said it so much better. You can find the entire talk here.

We have to keep moving on and not give up. I am so grateful for a husband who is multi-talented and works so hard for us. And I know that as I seek out the Lord and give a second effort I will be able to say that I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Because "this day we sailed on."

Happy 29th and a plug.

Happy Birthday Kurlz!

Saturday was Kurlz' birthday and since he will never read this, I will tell you why I am so grateful he was born 29 years ago.
I love this guy. I love that because of his dream we moved across the country where we made friends with some truly incredible people.

I love that he is supportive of me while I go to school. He usually makes dinner, helps me clean the house, and frequently even breakfast, all while holding two jobs.

He loves playing with his girls and is so good to help me out with them. He also loves his Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and takes his priesthood responsibilities seriously.
I love that he will carve pumpkins and go to parties with me even though he'd rather skip the pumpkins and stay at home being with me or else working on his art.

Which brings me to these pictures and a shameless plug for my husband's work. I love that my husband is passionate about his art, and that he is willing to explain to me the processes that sculpture requires.

(His senior project at Lyme Academy of Fine Art)

(Bas Relief of Monkey)

(Drawing of the Salt Lake Temple)
(Drawing of a friend's son)

I love that he is passionate about scouting. He is willing to camp in single digits during the winter and he cares about the boys he works with. Not to mention scouting has created one outlet for him to sell his work.

You can also obtain original neckerchief slides at Ebay. His business is called neckerchiefsllc.

He is so sweet to me, and I am so grateful he is mine.

(A shout out to my brother. Happy Birthday tomorrow!)

Welcome to my new blog!

I've decided to go public. I am tired of the hassle and wish certain friends and loved ones to be able to check in on my family who aren't able to when my blog was private. I also look forward to meeting new friends. I am still nervous about identity's getting out so I will refer to nicknames instead of real names. I would ask that you do so as well when commenting. Unless you can't remember or don't want your comment to be published. Then feel free to use real names, as I will be moderating comments. I'm excited to move into this new phase of blogging.
Much love,
Vee

It's a new year

I am so excited for 2009!!

Last year was kinda depressing and stressful. Even January 1st of 2008 there was a certain dread in my heart. This year I am determined to be better. I'm going to look for the joy and beauty in life. I'm going to be more balanced spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally. I'm not going to be perfect because I have so far to go before I reach that, but I will be better.

Ok, so that may seem kinda broad, so I have to admit that the goal that I wrote for the Thacker envelope was to read my scriptures every day. I'm telling you this to make myself more committed to it. I figure if I end 2009 and I have read my scriptures 90% of the time, then I'm doing pretty good.
This year started out fantastic. My Dad picked up the girls for the day, I was able to read my scrips, my sweet husband made me breakfast and even dinner, I was able to get a shower first thing in the morning (which is harder to do in the mornings these days), and I was able to finish an assignment. I love this start I've got.
We have had 5 deer visiting our house this past week. They even slept here one night for a little while. They finally came during the day and my hubby got a picture. I guess this is what happens when people build on top of their homes. I'm just glad I could provide them with some grapes, rotten apples, grass and a safe place to rest. Can I just say that I think they look so much better then the scary looking white tails I saw in Connecticut. Merry Christmas my friends, merry Christmas.

For New Years we went to my mom's house. They had been out celebrating my brother's full tuition scholarship. GO Bry! So we helped make some yummy food. By the time we got done it was almost time for the new year, so we decided to stay. Here is poor Bug almost asleep on the floor.

Here is us getting ready to ring in the New Year.
Monkey thought the Poppers were pretty neat.
Here's a funny picture of me for your enjoyment. I love my new hat.

HAPPY 2009 Everyone! It's going to be a great year.