Happy Father's Day!

Just want to post a quick thing about two important father's in my life. I married Todd 13yrs ago and knew that he was wonderful but had no idea what a great dad he would make. He is the best "throw in the air" dad, "really fun to play with" dad. He teaches the kids to play ball-I am not athletic. At the children's museum in Omaha he got busted for have a war with Garret with the fake fruit. I love that he is young at heart and knows how to have a good time. He also has put up with my bossiness for this long. He's a great guy.
The other father is my father-Earl. He gave me a great life! We practically saw the world with him. He taught me to respect other people and their beliefs and religions. He also taught me to share my testimony with others. In spite of the struggles near the end of his life, I love him deeply and wish he was here to be with my kids. Happy Father's Day to two great guys!!

Slides, Jungles, heat!

We just got back from our family vacation to...Omaha. Yes I know, it sounds exciting so I'll give you the reasons. Brenna was born there and has wanted to go back to see her birthplace. Todd did medical school there. And to top it off the College World Series was happening. Garret and Todd got to see ASU play at Rosenblatt stadium. We all got to see the zoo which has change a great deal over the last 7yrs. The coolest addition was the butterfly pavilion. I'll include a picture of just one of the butterflies. Luke loved the jungle and tried to scare me at a corner by growling..."are you ready to visit the sins of your death?" Todd proceeded to jump out of a dark corner and scare me to death. He knows that freaks me out. We went to the much improved children's museum, the "free" slides in Glen Leahy mall and a new free waterfountain near the riverfront bridge that crosses to Iowa. We saw Winter Quarters and in spite of the stifling heat we wandered the cemetery looking for any sign of letters on the headstones.
All in all a fun time had by all. Can't believe I lived there for 4 yrs but pretty sure I know why the Saints left! So glad to be back in the cool mountain air!

Girls Camp

So many of you may know that in February I was called to be the y.w. president. I stewed and prayed about this calling for weeks and was not sure I could do it. Mainly because in June I'd have to leave my family and go to Daughter's of Promise(our stake's version of girls camp) with the girls 14-18yrs old. Luckily Todd's sister Amy agreed to accept a paid vacation to the Springs with her family and come stay with the kids while Todd was working and I was off to girls camp.
It's been some years since I've been so I was hoping for a nice place to sleep and warm showers with running toilets(not much of a camper anymore.).
As a y.w. president the only responsibility I had was to "love on my girls". We had 16 girls going from our ward. I was grateful to be in a small cabin with three other presidents sleeping on pillow top mattresses and an adjoining bathroom with shower and toilet. Ahhh the Lord does answer prayers. Felt a little guilty when my Laurel advisor was stuck sleeping in a huge cabin with 30-40 girls on horrible thin mattresses and a bouncy thing underneath. I offered my shower and toilet anytime she wanted.
I could blog for hours about camp but I will only tell you that it was a wonderful, spiritual, tiring experience. I feel like I know the girls better, I climbed a 70 foot tree and rang the bell at the top and was scared to death. I ate more heavy food than one 37yr old woman should and as a result and banning sugar and bread for a few days. I am also grateful for the spirit that touched me and strengthened my testimony. I think I'll be a better Mom, wife and person.
Now, on to pack for a trip to Omaha tomorrow with the family.