Rainy Days

I LOVE THE RAIN! We've had quite a few days of rainy - stormy - weather. I am loving it! Everyday I look out the window and hope that we get one more day. I love how cozy my house feels and that I get to stay in my pj's and curl up with my kids and watch movies. I love it!

Uncle Jared's Obituary

Jared Earl Higginson Jared Earl Higginson was called home suddenly on Aug. 13, 2008 when he was struck head on by an on coming vehicle. He was 53 years old. He leaves behind his wife, Dana; a son, William, 17; daughters, Janey, 12 and Gracie, 7; and a son, Luke, 5. Jared has lived in Eagle his entire life. His family currently lives in the home he grew up in on the old family dry farm. Jared only left the farm twice in his life. The first was to serve a two year mission in Ecuador for the LDS church. The second was when he and his wife went to school together at Connor State College in Warner, Okl. where he received his degree in Equine Technology. At that same time, he was able to complete his internship in Scottsdale, Ariz., with Reining trainer, Al Dunning. Jared returned willingly to the dry farm where he was honored to care for his aging parents for the next 17 years. He was a completely devoted son. Having sacrificed many opportunities to further his career, he was able to set up a training business of his own. Jared had a great passion for horses and was a gifted horseman. To watch him ride was like poetry in action. He trained many horses but training and showing reining horses was his love. As his family grew, so did his desire to be home to help raise his children. He left horse training and showing for the retail business. He has been the western manager at Flynn's Saddle Shop for the past 7 years. He greatly enjoyed sharing his knowledge and love of horses with others. When he gave up the thrill of a sliding stop, he also rekindled his passion for motorcycles. He has owned several cruiser type bikes. He loved the feeling of being one with the road. He enjoyed being a part of that silent brotherhood of bikers the wave they all give to one another as they pass. Jared had many different callings in the LDS church over the years but his current calling has always been his favorite, serving in the nursery, sitting for two hours in a recliner with a lap full of children, reading stories and dressing dollies. He knew how to always make them feel loved and safe. Jared was a very meticulous man, and he fussed over his children. Their needs and comfort were of utmost importance to him. He was a very huggie-kissie kind of daddy. He had deeper feelings and an ability to love more completely than most. He had an intense love for his wife, children, and his parents. He was sensitive to the humanity and beauty that surrounded him. An Honorable Gentleman. Jared was deeply loved and respected by so many in the horse community, as well as his family, church and friends. For Dana, he has been and always will be her knight in shining armor. Truly, he was the man of her dreams. She and her children look forward to the day when they will be reunited again. But for now, COURAGE. "Courage is being scared to death-but saddling up anyway." (John Wayne) Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008 at the LDS Chapel located at 1133 N. Park Lane, Eagle. Friends may call to visit with the family on Wednesday, August 20, from 6 - 8 p.m. at the church and on Thursday, Aug. 21, from 9 until 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the services. Interment will follow the services at Star Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Relyea Funeral Chapel. http://www.relyeafuneralchapel.com/

So Sweet

I love it when little kids start to say their own prayers. Porter is starting to want to say every single prayer himself. Usually we just go ahead and say the prayer and in the background you will hear Porter mimiking his version. I know it is probably not the most reverent thing to do - but I had to sneak the camera and take a picture :o)

Thank You

I wanted to take a minute today and thank everyone who has been so kind to me through the past few days. As some of you know my Uncle Jared was killed in a tragic motorcycle accident on Wednesday morning on his way to work. The news of the accident was heart wrenching. I am still trying to learn how to comfort those who are deeply affected by this tragedy.

I am so grateful for my testimony of the gospel. Life is so fragile and how lucky we are that when this mortal life is over - it is not the end!

I read through this months First Presidency Message by President Monson - it was such a comfort to me and I'm sure to others. It is titled "May We So Live." I thought I would share some of the things that touched my heart.

• "The darkness of death, however, can ever be dispelled by the light of revealed truth.
  “I am the resurrection, and the life,” spoke the Master. “He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: “And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” (John 11:25-26)
  This reassurance—yes, even holy confirmation—of life beyond the grave could well provide the peace promised by the Savior when He assured His disciples: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”(John 14:27)
• "May we resolve from this day forward to fill our hearts with love. May we go the extra mile to include in our lives any who are lonely or downhearted or who are suffering in any way. May we “[cheer] up the sad and [make] someone feel glad.” May we live so that when that final summons is heard, we may have no serious regrets, no unfinished business, but will be able to say with the Apostle Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

I am so grateful for the many calls from everyone. I have not had a chance to call many people but it was amazing to me that suddenly I would get a call from someone just to offer support. I have not been able to answer all of the calls but I want you to know that it means a lot to me.

Ultimately this has opened my eyes to how quickly this life can be over and how "the little things" that we fuss over or get mad about are so, so not worth it. I hope I can go this day forward and be a little kinder - more forgiving - and most of all more open about my feelings for the ones I love.

I HAVE LET MYSELF GO.....

This is for sure one of those stories that will be funny one day - right now I am so embarressed. My cute friend Natalie just stopped by to say hello. So I'm standing at the door chit chatting away - no big deal and then I remember......... I HAVE ZIT CREAM ALL OVER MY FACE! No this is not a joke - this is so for real! It is 6:30 and I have already showered and decided I might as well do my nightly routine early - zit cream and all. Poor Natalie (and her husband by the way) is standing there trying to carry on a conversation with me and not burst into hysteric laughter. She did so good - that is the definition of a true friend. One who can carry on a serious conversation with a girl in zit cream and not loose control. :o) So Natalie and I are now very close. Not everyone gets to see me like that. Lucky girl :o)

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL :(

I always say towards the end of summer that I am so ready for school to start. The minute I drop my kids off at school I immediately regret that I ever said such a thing. Colton and Kaden were so excited and nervous to start at their new school that Colton came in this morning at 5:10 am to make sure my alarm was set for 6:00. UGH!!!! So we made it to school on time without any major disruptions. Colton refused to let me take pictures of him in his class :( (He is getting to old) and Kaden was not very happy at all that I took a picture of him and his teacher - As you can see from his happy face in his picture - (He is getting to old) Porter would not leave the house without HIS PACK PACK - He wants to be big so much! They are such good boys - I feel very blessed!

Band Manager

The cutest thing happened today. The little neighbor girl from across the street came over this morning to ask Colton if he was available for a "band meeting" at 1:15. They want him to be the Band Manager. The "band" consists of three girls other than Colton. Two vocalists and one pianist :) - not to forget one handsome band manager.:) SO CUTE!!!

Mommy Is Busy :)

So - my new book came out today - YAY!!! Somebody tell me vampires are real - PLEASE! :)