Stuck in the past

This summer's trip home was so fun it still brings smiles to my face. Now that the kids are old enough to entertain themselves, life has become a lot more enjoyable and vacationing a lot more relaxing. The majority of the kids' time was spent jumping on the trampoline, swimming, riding bikes, going to the park, you name it-we tried to do it. My parents transformed their backyard into a little oasis for the kids, and they even tried to keep them contained by putting in a temproary fence. (Nice try, Dad)

To West Virginia's credit, it is sure a lot easier to go down a Slip n' Slide when you actually have a hill.

Summer, I will be sad to see you go.

It's amazing how life kind of works its own kinks out. After we left Indiana, my dad, mom, me and the kids headed to North Dakota. It was about Beloit, WI when we ran into car problems. A strange rattle we heard in Indiana turned out to be a big clunk in Wisconsin. If you have ever tried to find a mechanic on a holiday (Sunday and the Fourth of July) in the middle of nowhere - you'll understand the mild stress and tension hovering over us. We were stuck there for a couple of days, but it turned out to be one of the best parts of our vacation.

We found a hotel with a pool, the town had a beautiful park, and grandpa couldn't sneak away to go to work while we were stuck. The kids were great, we just played and had fun, and eventually we made it to our destination.

The rest of our trip was smooth. We got up to Minot and spent a few days with the great grandmas. It was fun to see them and spend time with my cousins' kids, whatever that relation is. The pictures above were taken at my Grandma Elaine's house. The trees they're climbing were the ones we climbed as kids. My grandpa would chase us down so no one would get hurt. Now that he's gone, the torch has been passed to my generation as we were all out back telling the kids to get down and be careful. The circle of life I guess.

(the next couple of entries will continue to be a vacation log. more for my purposes than yours. Remember-patience is a virtue.)

The Fourth - Just the beginning

Drew was done with his Martinsburgh rotation for three whole days before the kids and I left for three weeks. Nice, I know. We did get to have a day in Indiana to spend together with his family. The Swindell family 4th of July is not one to be missed. The three "Fs" were in full force this year. Food, Family and FIREWORKS.

This is the stash of fireworks that Drew's Uncle Mark brings to the party. He puts on such a great show cars stop on the road.

Blessed

Over the past year I have really worked to make scripture study a priority. I must admit that my motives were purely selfish. I need blessings, and I wanted to win the race. Four years ago Drew and I set the goal of reading the Old Testament cover to cover. We wanted to be finished before he graduated medical school (in 2007). Well, needless to say the task proved to be a little daunting given the two kids we were about to have, the Book of Mormon challenge issued by President Hinckley, the tendency to put scripture reading off in favor of sleep, etc.
So Graduation came and went, the first couple years of residency came and went (again sleep proved to be too powerful of an alternative) and my progress in the Old Testament amounted to having meandered my way through less than the first half by this winter (2009). Then it happened.
I have never been one to stick to the goals I set for myself, especially not ones that take too long. This effort was falling into that category, but I persevered. Drew told me how far along he was and I decided I better get into gear if I was going to beat him. When I hunkered down and dug into my scriptures, a change came to my reading. I loved and devoured the words on the pages. I began to pray more earnestly for understanding of words that had always seemed over my head. Before I knew it I was almost finished. This May, I read the last words of Malachi and began to sob. Not because I was finally finished or because I won the race or because the kids were pounding on my door for breakfast. I was so touched by the spirit and by the testimony I had received that these ancient records are true and relevant. There are lessons pure and priceless tucked away between the historical lineages and time lines that fill the Old Testament. I have gained an appreciation for this (big) book that I had put off reading because every time I tried I couldn't get over the hump I refer to as "The Book of Numbers."
Our Bishop has issued a challenge that our ward read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year. I am excited to move on to the "plain and precious" truths found in this record and to share the experience with my ward family. Any of you can join with us! It can't hurt, right? And if you need a Book of Mormon, I know a couple of young men who can get you one. ;)

"I just don't have room for the horse"

After a few weeks here in Fargo, the time has come to pack up and head back to West Virginia. We came out in a Suburban and will be trying to consolidate everything into a couple of suitcases. I had to break it to Elena that there will just not be room for her stuffed horse. Instead I sent it ahead with Drew, who graciously agreed to carry it through the airport (and even got teased by the slightly feminine flight attendant).

My mom came out and spent the month of June with us while Drew was working out by D.C., and then we tagged along back to North Dakota for the month of July. Two months together. Hmmm. At first I was skeptical, but it actually turned out to be really great. I love my mom and it was so fun to get to spend that time with her. She was a real trooper. My kids can be relentless, and she held her own! Thanks, Mom! Now it is time to get back to real life.

We've had a great trip, and I'll do the picture thing within the next week or so. Be prepared.

Good Things to Come

I have loved this story since the first time I heard it. We all go thorugh times of struggle and strife, but there is hope in the future. There is hope in the gospel. There is hope in working together as a family to organize our priorities and loving each other and supporting each other.

Happy Father's Day

What better way to say 'I love you' than with a pie? I couldn't think of one.

Happy Father's Day, Drew! Words can't begin to touch on how grateful we are for everything you do for our family. You truly are our hero, inspiration, example, and everything in between!