Howdy from the land of Spanish Fork. Where the grass is turning brown and the yard is taking a turn for the worst. We were doing so well on the yard. Our neighbors were so HAPPY! The sod we put in did great on the north side of the yard. The south side not so much. I don't know why that side of the yard will not cooperate and grow. Well better luck next year. I have been very busy lately. I started babysitting again. Even though I said never again. It has nothing to do with liking children. I love kids! But it sure does tie you down. I feel bad having to divide my attention between the kids I tend and my sweet Brenda. But I guess it is an easy way to make some extra money! So I stopped ignoring those not so subtle promptings (as much as I wanted to) and decided to give it another go. There is one major draw back, 4:30 and 5:30am comes awfully early. But we are surviving.

I spent 2 or 3 days a couple weeks ago with Melisa and Heather at my mom's canning salsa. We ended up with 130 something pints/quarts. Then this week Heather, my mom, and myself canned 66 quarts of tomatoes and my mom and I did Grape jelly that decided it really wanted to be syrup instead. It sure is good with waffles and vanilla icecream.

It all took some work and time, but I love working and being with my mom and sister-in-laws. We can sometimes get very silly but it is great. I am so greatful for them and the love and support we give to one another. They are awesome. I am very lucky to have them.

It seems that lately most everyone I know is having some sort of trial in their life. Including myself. I am sure it is a sign of the times and the way the world is. It sure is difficult to be positive sometimes. But I know that we can make it through anything if we just have faith. I know that if we stick together as a family and remember why we are here. We will make it. I know I have a long way to go when it comes to doing all the things that I need to do but I know I will get there. I hope things get better for all of my family. I wish I could fix everything but if it were that easy we would not need to be here. I have to keep reminding myself of my Dad's example. Things were not easy for him, not saying that he was perfect, but he really was a good example of enduring to the end. He was a pretty positive guy for all the things he had to go through. I want to be just like him.

Well enough of that!

Brenda is starting to discover many things. She loves to play with anything with buttons and lights. She is great at turning off the TV during Mac's programs. She is only nine months but what a tease. She can get anywhere she wants to go and is getting very fast. She can not always get out of places but she can sure get into things.

Mas is doing great as always. I could not ask for a better kid. He has a hard time with his dish duty and cleaning up after himself but he is a great kid. He is so tall I hardly feel like I can call him a kid. I have to look up to talk to him. He also has a great spiritual connection. The things he understands about the gospel amaze me. It took me a lot longer, some things I am still trying to figure out. I just love him.

Hope all is well and wish everyone the best of everything!