Exercise

I have to say that I have really enjoyed getting back into shape. It has a lot to do with my buddy Martha. It has been fun to renew our friendship and learn more about each other. We did 3 miles the other day and I about died doing it but kept going because she kept going. It was fabulous. I feel so much better for it. Thanks for the inspiration to be better!!!

Games

Today I got the chance to go play Phase 10 with mom. I had such a good time. I forget how much I love to play and hang out with her. I also won by 10 points. Closest game I have had against her in a long time. Now that the babysitting is pretty much done, I am hoping that mom and I can spend more time together. Levi had a ball terrorizing the joint. He found lots to do.

Long Winded no more!

Wow! I was sure long winded the last entry. Had a lot to be thankful for, I guess. Well July is really officially here. My baby boy will be 14 months in two days. Yikes...he's a growing boy. I am currently busy with trying to get myself in better shape. I decided that now is the time to be healthier for me. Thanks to my friend Martha, I am currently on the road of exercise. I am tired of being a recliner potato and ready to get more active. So I am determined to set up a schedule to allow me to get major cleaning done in the house.

I organized our bedroom last week while Mike was off at Scout Camp. Most of it, I had to do while Levi was out for the night. Our bedroom looks better but I have ideas to make it a bit more cute! I think if I take one room at a time and focus on it. It will give me something to do besides chase munchkin around. I have lots of craft ideas that need to take fruit as well.

Summer Days!

I loved Oregon. We had a blast. The weather was nice and breezy in the 60s. We came back and had to re-adjust to life again. Levi became super clingy. He recognized his toys but was needing time to figure out that he was home again.

I started working out again with Martha. It has been fabulous. I really needed to get out and exercise for one and to have a social buddy for another. Levi enjoys the stroller too. Although we are doing more working out indoors of late than outdoors due to this hot weather. It jumped to the 90s. Where's my happy 70's? Oh, I did get that for the 4th of July which was a couple of days ago.

We stayed home for the 4th of July weekend. Mike did lots of work outside to have the yard looking so good. He is such a dedicated hard worker. I really hope the kids get his ambition one day. At church, it was fast sunday and there was a lot of talk about the soldiers serving. I thought of Mike and how much he had served his country. It still gets me to hear his voice choke on the words to The Star Spangled Banner. He is so patriotic and I just love that about him.

It also makes me think of those from the Book of Mormon. They came to this continent by the guidance of the Lord. They had hopes of being able to worship with freedom. Then with the split among the people and the constant battles for freedom, the nephites eventually were wiped out for their unbelief in the end.

Then Columbus along with many conquistadors discovered America. There began the pilgram voyages on the Mayflower and other ships. People searching for freedom from religious persecution. They wanted a new start even in a land with so many dangers. The Indians (Lamanites) occupied the land. The Colonies were established and soon the revolutionary war occurred. England was being unreasonable. So the War happened. Farmers against Soldiers. The Farmers won with the help of George Washington. A country was born. The Forefathers set up the constitution.

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This allowed for a young man to be born who would restore the gospel to the earth when religious freedom was allowed. Joseph Smith grew up searching for answers. He wanted to join the "true" church. He read a scripture in James 1:5 and went to a small grove to pray. The first Vision happened.

So the church began. I am so thankful for the faith Joseph had in order to find the answer that we all needed to know. I am grateful for his sacrifice to bring it forth as well as all the early members of the church who lost homes and loved ones. I know there was still persecution and still is today but the Lord has said that the gospel would roll forth to the ends of the earth and shall not be taken away again. I am so grateful for that. I am grateful for President Monson and his couselors who serve so faithfully and guide us. I am grateful for the 12 apostles. I am grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ who paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us to return to our father again. Jesus loves everyone. He is charity. He is our dear sweet brother who would do all to help us so long as we do our part to show our love for him.

I pay honor and respect for all who have sacrificed so much for us to have this great land and knowledge of the gospel.