Sunbeam

Opening song to tonight's FHE.

Tonight's mini-lesson on kindness went over surprisingly well. When playing the kindness ball game, the kind words to me were along the lines of how much the kids enjoyed our family home evenings. Not sure I buy that, but it was kind.

Super post - Tetons

A super post for a super trip: Six nights camping in the Tetons, in a tent, with my family.

Favorite photos, once more, in no particular order:

A quick break on a hike - photo op

The kids loved to carry around walking sticks while they hiked.

I wouldn't have been able to handle any of the hikes without Michelle and Shay who took turns carrying Landon. He LOVED it.

Riding in the back of Grandpa's truck.

We found a lost bear cub and took him in. Funny, he loved to eat dirt.

Ella - great hiker. She went on an extra long one this day with the grownups.

Landon was pretty good at standing up on this trip,

but hadn't quite mastered walking,

which of course meant a filthy child from the moment we arrived at camp.

Tie-dye: a Smart tradition. Ella and Carson sporting their new shirts.

Hiking. Ella and I loved learning the names of some new wildflowers

and finding them along the way. We found some we didn't know

the name of and Ella made up a name for them - "baby-bells."

Grandpa and Ella

Logan, Grandpa, and Grandma

Lincoln

The best parents/grandparents anyone could ask for.

Dinner in Jackson. A table of goofs.

Roasting hot dogs. Shay, John, me

Landon held by Shay.

Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone.

We made a fun day trip where we saw tons of Bison and Elk,

took a dip in some hot springs pouring into a river near Mammoth Springs,

and walked to Prismatic Spring.

Logan and Grandpa

Thank goodness someone thought to bring bikes.

Along with eating straight dirt,

he liked to dip his food in the dirt as well.

Extra flavor, you know.

A lot of time was spent floating in Jackson Lake.

Best buddies, Logan and Josh, in their car floaties.

More hiking.

Sisters.

Here was our attempt at a family photo at the viewpoint on our last hike.

As you can see, we never quite got it right.

There was not a lot of sleeping happening at night for this little guy, but he did find time to squeeze a nap in during the day once in a while. I would have loved to join him.

Amazing trip. I can't believe I survived it.

It wouldn't have been possible without the family I have.

Unfailing kindness

There has been some grumbling happening over the last week or two. Yes, from me. I hate when I am like that...in a slump I can't seem to get out of. A week and a half ago on Sunday I asked for some much needed peace and strength, a sign of Heavenly Father's love, something to keep me going, and I received it, but then the week went on and I let the feelings come back. And then today I was humbled by some amazing people in my life. Absolutely humbled. Everyone is so good to us. I often wonder what women do in my circumstance who don't have the kind of support that my family has. I can't even imagine how difficult it must be for them. I have cried many tears of gratitude today. Thank you.

Also, thank you for introducing me to this beautiful poem.

God Hath Not Promised

"God hath not promised skies always blue

Flower strewn pathways, all our lives through;

God hath not promised sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God hath promised strength for the day,

Rest for the labour, light for the way,

Grace for the trials, help from above,

Unfailing kindness, undying love.

God hath not promised we shall not know

Toil and temptations, trouble and woe;

He hath not told us we shall not bear

Many a burden, many a care.

But God hath promised strength for the day,

Rest for the labour, light for the way,

Grace for the trials, help from above,

Unfailing kindness, undying love.

God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,

Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;

Never a mountain, rocky and steep,

Never a river turbid and deep.

But God hath promised strength for the day,

Rest for the labour, light for the way,

Grace for the trials, help from above,

Unfailing kindness, undying love."

By Annie Johnson Flint

Bear Lake

Bear Lake is one of those places I absolutely love and can't wait for each summer. I feel so lucky to have grandparents who own a cabin right on the beach so we can spend a week there each summer. I have so many wonderful memories as a kid playing with all my cousins and love that my kids are getting to experience the same thing. Here are a million pictures of our week there in no particular order.

Michelle, me, Katrina, mom

Lincoln all snuggled up in a towel after a dip in the lake.

My kids loved to be wrapped up tight so they can't hardly move.

Ella and cousin Breanne

Sailing! Ella couldn't get enough. Too bad a part on the sailboat broke and she only got to sail a few times. She's looking forward to next year.

Fireworks at night.

Landon. He turned one by the way. Yes, we celebrated and had a party, but no I didn't document it when it happened. Bad mom!

He loves me!

Always fun when grandpa comes. Rolling a truck full of rocks down the ramp into the water.

Ella and Evelyn.

My muscle men. They like to exercise with me. Can't you tell?

Logan and his 2nd buddy, Michelle

Logan. If he had his way he would have been on the beach from sunrise to sunset.

Lincoln and I digging holes and building sand castles. The water is so high this year that I could put Landon down for a nap, bring the baby monitor out, and play with my older kids.

Logan and Lincoln playing bumper boats.

Landon

Lunch at Cafe Sabor in Garden City.

Evelyn and Logan

Grandma and Landon. Landon loves holding on to grandma's fingers and walking around. She's a good sport about it and helps him for longer than I would.

Logan and me

Off for a ride on the paddle boat. Caroline, me, Logan, Lincoln.

While putting all these pictures on here I couldn't help but feel completely grateful for my life and the experiences and blessings I enjoy. What a great week.