2011 Habitat for Humanity Overall Ball

There is no happiness that is greater than that which comes from service. Scott invited me to help with Habitat for Humanity. WOW it was fun. It was for Park City and the Overall Ball. Very creative dresses made from hardware and jeans and overalls. There was a auction and food. There is not much if any low income housing in Park City and I know it was just one house but it is a start and it makes a difference. Plus I really like Scott and being with him and Guillermo is so funny we laughed all night. The firemen stripped and my mom would have enjoyed that- what good sports they were.

2011 No burn blaze

I was on stage rehearsing when my phone rang. It generally never rings at either theater because there are dead zones. I don't bother to turn off the ringer since it never gets a signal but in Farmington we had moved up stairs. It was Scott he said "Don't worry about the fire I am headed home". Well- that is a little unnerving. Where is the fire? I had not heard of any fire. I thought of Anthonys wild fires last year. First I thought at least Aunt Sue is dead so she can't burn. Next I thought good thing our out of town guests left today and the next set arrives tomorrow who will need hotels. Then I thought Oh no! Bella is home. All my photos and crafts and books. Next my mom called to say my cousins had received a evacuation call to be ready to move out. I wanted to be home and make sure all was well and Bella was safe along with a few dozen albums. But we are very lucky to have good weather conditions, great firefighters and experts who had the blaze 100 % contained within 24 hours of out break. The view once I hit the freeway home was impressive. There was a huge oval burning on all sides miles long. It got with in 100s of yards of homes but not one was damaged. No life was lost nor any photos or kitties:) I am really grateful to public servants who are true heroes like firemen and teachers- very unsung underpaid adn much appreciated by me:)

2011 Cell Phone

I got my very first cell phone in 2009. Okay Scott had bought me several others which I never used. But in 2009 our lives changed completely. We went form 10 plus years of working and living together 24/7 to Scott having a traditional 9 to 5 job away from home. We also we in transition and building our home and renting and moving and selling our old home so I needed to port our home phone to a cell so Arbonne clients would still be able to find me during the moves. I love any photos of Scott.

I just figured out how to port all the photos from the last few years that are stored on my phone. Here are a few of them. Some favorites are any of Aunt Sue. From her falls to noticing Anth and her had the same beautiful grey color hair. Or all the different babies I am holding at blessings. The beach shots and family and holidays. The day Salina pierced her ears. For a cell phone the photos are not to shabby and bring back lots of warm memories:) And yes if you look at my camera on the cell now it is full of George.

2011 Zurmatt

Scott had a Wells Fargo conference at the Zurmatt resort and it was great. We were there from Wed to Sunday. I got to help introduce him to his fellow bankers with the other families. Wells Fargo is amazing to work for. They really take great care of Scott and reward him for his hard work. His work ethic is strong and he is consistently a top performer. He wins trips and awards and makes us all very proud. They have the best support team and business plan. With next day funding and little to no reports Scott can focus on helping his clients and selling like mad. We had a seafood dinner yum yum. Gelato daily. Explored new places went for walks and drives. Saw wildlife. I got to hold Sarahs baby which I love doing. Window shopped with Anth and Salina. Worked on youth conference and Phantom. We enjoyed time with friends and family and the great outdoors.<
Here was his intro
The TOP TEN things you might not know about David Scott Riffle
1. This could have been a TOP Eleven list. Scott was born with 11 fingers. Maybe that’s why he has a green thumb.
2. LIKES: travel with his Missy, the smell of gunpowder, time with family, Golden Retrievers, Hawaii, Deep Sea fishing, Backpacking, hunting, and Disneyworld, Montana, Wind Rivers, National Parks, Mexico, water skiing, and snow skiing.
3. His OCD makes Mister Clean look dirty. DISLIKES: being cooped up, blue cheese, dry feet, bare feet, messes, loaning things, and choirs. A great fix it man. Tim the tool man has nothing on him.
4. Enjoys wearing Billy Bob teeth while playing games and begins each turn with the phrase “Why you little”. (His mom is so proud.)
5. He is Loyal, honest, warm handed, NRA member who prefers melody over lyrics.
6. Laugh if you will but baby face Scott only shaves once a week; yet he received tickets for breaking the city noise ordinance with his loud snoring.
7. He is celebrating his 17th year of marriage, which proves his wife is lying about her age unless she wed at age 13.
8. Survived hurricane, tsunami, jelly fish, shark, and overzealous salesmen in Jamaica.
9. He does a mean Elvis impersonation while under hypnosis.
10. If it moves it’s a target to sell too or shoot at (what did that dove ever do to you?).
Just for that 11th extra finger...
11. Spent the 80s as a Sammy Hagar look alike with perm, combat boots and all.
Missy’s TOP TEN things she loves about “Sammy” working for Wells Fargo
1. Angela. Need I say more?
2. He can spend his time selling-- not doing absurd reports.
3. Amazing internal support and ongoing trainings.
4. The stage coach logo- fun.
5. Next day Funding.
6. Generous time off.
7. Internal referrals from building working relationships with bankers. Win WIN.
8. The Top Gun trip (If just for the hot cocoa in the lobby of the W.)
9. Awesome co workers.
10. He is so happy at Wells Fargo.

Service Timeline

I have been thinking about our family and the callings they have held in church. It gives us courage to know that we were not the first in our family to have the blessing to serve. Also I thought it would be nice to have a record of our own assignments. We are lucky to have support from both sides of our family in giving service. After all-- our time and everything we have is not our own, we owe all we have to God. I wish I knew or remembered more but here is what i recall right now.

Great Grandpa DeMille Bishop

One of the Riffles was a Reverend

I know there is more on Scott's side by not sure how to find this out

Grandpa Dixon in Bishopric Parleys ward

Grandma Dixon YW President ward and Stake YW Pres. Sugarhouse

Grandpa Scharrier Branch President New York

Lynda is an amazing worker for her church and community

Neal ushered at church

Marianne was in YW in the mission field, Relief Society Sec., Libraian

Ted was Secretary in Elders and High Priests, taught primary, library

Scott:

1st Counselor in YM

Home Teacher

1st Counselor in Sunday School

Gospel Principals teacher

Fast Offering Collector

1st Counselor in Elders Quorum

Bishop

Missy:

Relief Society Teacher (3 times- 3 wards:))

Visiting teacher

Secretary in Sunday School

Stake Women's Conference Committee

Ward YW President

Stake YW Secretary and the 2nd Counselor in Stake and then the 1st Counselor (no I did not off the others to take their places)

We both are now working on Youth Conference in addition to Eagle Court for Scott and my Relief Society teaching.

2011 San Fransisco

Scott won a sales award trip for Wells Fargo this year called Top Gun. He works hard and loves every minute. I really enjoyed watching him receive the award in person. The award dinner was at the top of the Wells Fargo Museum. We went on a Bay cruise. Melissa drove us all over to see the city sights we had never seen before and to quirky neighborhoods and little towns. We rode all kinds of transportation. They put us up at the W. The hot cocoa in the lobby was worth the entire trip. We spent several days after the city time with my cousin and her family. They call us Uncle Cott and Uncle Missy. They think I smell good. We went for drives to the beach and ate two seafood places I can't wait to visit again. One in the city called The Waterfront Restaurant and Cafe sourdough bread oh yum and Barbara's Fishtrap in Half Moon Bay crab and key lime. Allisons boys a so cute and Jason always gets Scott into the nest best tech stuff. I just love Melissa and Allison and love any chance I can get to spend time with them.

Cousins, friends, birthdays, Neighbors, and bright red

There is something awesome in the times where your family ends up being who you would choose to be with on purpose. We now live one mile from my cousin and his family and it makes things really fun. We went for Teri's birthday to a place called Sego Lily where they had the best french fries ever and I am not a fry person in general. It is a nice adult place. A little fancy feel in a historic old home. Teri makes life fun and Kelly and I love to talk about the gospel. We have gone to the Temple together and have the best time ever thinking and talking about our pondering. He thinks our minds work the same in many regards. It makes it feel not so lonely up there. Teri is always making me smile about life. Her kids crack me up and the girls are so sweet. Their oldest is part little Missy. Scott and Kelly enjoy the politics discussions. What a fun time we had. Then for Salina birthday we went to the Joesph Smith Memorial Building. It was beautiful we sat by a fountain and looked at the temple and beautiful greenery. We dressed up and then forgot the camera. The highlight was Scott doing a dance for Sailna in the parking garage. She was embarrassed beyond words. Her face looked like sheer terror. Scott is so funny becasue if you do not know him he is super shy but if he feels comfortable watch out. He was singing and dancing and then he went bright red in the face as he noticed we were not just the 6 of us in the parking garage and he was on a secruity camera! In all my years of loving this boy I have never seen him blush! Bright red I tell you. If you want proof just ask him to dance for you:)

Ringing out 2009

I can't even blog my joy at having my brother and sister back in town. They complete my heart and I feel like dancing. Scott and I adore them! we had a really great time spending this holiday with them. My friend Lynette told me about how to make the beautiful giant snowflake hanging from my chandelier. You can't tell but the paper is shimmery on one side so it reminds me of snow.

The moral of the story...

This photo reminds me of how these plants multiply which made me think of all the blessings we have had multiplying in our lives. Scott used to head up the merchant service department for Bank One Utah. He became friends with Angela who at the time worked for US Bank. They would compare notes and refer business. When Angela heard Scott had been laid off she got Scott an interview with the VP for Wells Fargo where she is now the head hancho for Utah. Her boss is a great man who lives in Colorado. Scott had a phone interview and last week went to an in person interview in St. George where we would have been living. They loved Scott! Today they created a job for him to bring him aboard. It will be classified as a temp position but at the very latest Jan 2010 they will bring him on as permanent:) He will be working out of Salt Lake with several of the branches but we do not know yet which ones. They asked him when he would like to start and he decided either July 15 or 30th. That way he can get a backpacking trip in with his brother and nephews and help his wife get out form under some of the boxes that she is trapped under.

I know I am prejudice but I just ADORE this amazing man. He spoils all of us and is really the person I choose to be with 24/7 over anyone else. I love ow I feel about myself when I am with him and how safe I am around him. We are very different but the overlap areas are awesome and we have so much fun together. Plus he is my dreamboat hunk. His hair has gotten more blond and his skin tan from all the outside work he has been doing. It is really gross how much stuff we have collected over the last 15 years. EBay here we come. So with my cool new job and not having to pay rent and getting a salary we will be able to save all his income which is more than he was making at his last job. Which means we could pay cash for the new house.

The moral of this story is two fold. First of all, I need to trust God, all the time no matter what. He has never let me down and even when I think all is lost He always saves the better part for me. It does not happen the way I think it should or plan on it happening but it is always better. He has our best interests at heart. I have got to trust him better and not be so controlling. Pres. Hinckley always said that things always work out-- he is right. It is not a free from pain or toil road but it also is a path that you never have to be alone on.

The second moral is life on earth in business is all about WHO You KNOW. It is not about degrees or experience-- not that they are a bad thing. But both of the jobs we have are because of who we knew. I guess it also helps to have interviewing skills and to not burn bridges, my dad was always trying to teach me to not burn bridges. Wouldn't it be cool if I could learn these morals before I die and head on to the next chapter? We can only hope because what good are low hopes anyways:) Here is to Scott landing a job and me learning something sometime soon.

Choose Your Own Adventure

When I was a little girl one of my passions was reading. I always had a book in hand. I would find little nooks to curl up in with a book. We had these beautiful picture windows in the formal living room that had benches and long Gothic drapes. I would let lose the fancy drapery pulls and the long 24 foot drapes would create a perfect retreat to escape with my books. Aunt Sue was always reading to Anthony and I or making up stories complete with voices. Sometimes I would drape sheets over my canopy bed and read by a string of Christmas lights pirated from my parents Christmas supplies. A favorite day at school was read-a-thon days. I would drag my blue bean bag into the station wagon along with a bag of snacks from mom with little love notes hidden inside from her and run into school ready to attack my leaning tower of books. Of all the childhood books I read the ones that is standing out to me right now are the choose your own adventure variety. You would begin on this magnificent journey and hit a fork in the story where you would take the reigns and turn to page 34 to see your fate. Of course I would go back and explore every possible option. With a well written story this would provide countless paths to experience and learn cause and effect. What a clever method of teaching. 20 years later I am living a choose your own adventure. The last months have been full of almosts and would have beens. Scott and I felt we only had options listed in our book. We would turn to page 34 but it is blank. We trace our steps back to page 12 and try the next option which leads us on to page 61 yet there we are again at a blank page. From family prayer we decided that we do not like someone else deciding for us and that we will just have to choose for ourselves and have faith that God will circumvent any eternal disasters. Really the only problems that would be devastating are to lose faith in God, to give away our eternal relationships. There is a fine line for me of Gods directing our path yet allowing us to grow and utilize our agency. I am working hard at letting go of control and trusting my husband as he follows God. Scott has always had my best interests at heart- well maybe not in Oct as Hunting season outweighs all else. But I know God and Scott want only what is best for me- for me to fill the measure of my creation. Scott and Missy have arrived at a clean blank page but the difference this time they brought their own pen. They won't let doctors, real estate agents, bosses, job postings turn pages for them. Taking a step back and zeroing in our our ultimate goals gave us a clarity. Scott stays close to God and can hear his voice. I sometimes get so busy and noisy that it is hard to hear the still small voice. With numerous priesthood blessings and many prayers we are very happy to head to St George. My mom is gracious to let all 4 of us descend upon her home. Scott will focus on IT certification and school, I will paint my moms walls. We will keep applying for work in the Salt Lake area. All our earthly treasures will remain in a climate controlled warehouse until we obtain gainful employment, build our next and hopeful last home and have the pods delivered to our new address. We hope it will be in the valley we love but Washington, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, California, and Texas have options, pages we can turn to. The nice part was how many loved ones were willing to help us preserve capitol. We feel beyond fortunate to have no debts not even a car payment and money and food laid up for a rainy day. We would prefer to keep them safe so we can use them in the future for down payments and if things got really bad. So the offers came pouring in. Loved ones willing to take us in under their roofs. Some of the offers were most tempting but we feel like the chance to help out my flirty widowed and needy mom outweighed the easy or fun paths. My mom is insisting she does not want anything in return for our lodging but we have other plans. As for packing... I am finally out of bed once again. After a long hard month we have decided to take me off of all the medications. Yes it is risky and yes the doctors freaked out- I had to sign a living will advance directive. But I would rather live my days until I am dead than lie in bed in pain until I die. Scott agreed quality out weighs quantity. Not that I have a dated death sentence. Who can really give one anyways unless perhaps a death row date looms in your future. After all doctors told me dad he had months and lived years. Depending on the treatment options we will take the least life altering and rely on a more natural approach. I have to be able to get out of bed and help pack and feed Aunt Sue and I just don't want to be sick in bed anymore. As the drugs clear out of my body I am feeling more and more like the old me and that is a happy day. So the status update of the week is... 1. we are moving to St. George temporarily. 2. Scott and I do not have jobs, yet. 3. the doctors are stumped with my health so we are taking a natural approach while they argue it out. 4. We are packing fools dividing up what to keep for 6 months and what to store up here. 5. We are speaking in sacrament as a our welcome to the new ward as a couple only to surprise them at the end with a fond farewell speech. Stay tuned as you are choosing your own adventures to see where page turning take us next.

If you are Happy and you know it, play some games!

What would I do without my birthday boy? Cry and be sad. He is harassing his mom right now on the phone as she tries to wish him a Happy Birthday Day. But he is teasing her with a "What is there to be happy about". She laughs only because she knows her son in not capable of being negative. I married Pollyanna. Yup he is the eternal happy go lucky all is right with life man. It is a good thing he is so cute because sometimes I feel like he does not understand what is going on. But he says if we are going to live in a delusion it will be his as mine which I call reality he says is negative Nelly. Scott reminds me to not steal dreams... reality does a fine job all by itself. Instead of being at Disneyland and then off to our cruise-- our original plan for my handsome hubby's birthday... we are headed to the hospital-- again. Last year it was Doctors and hospitals for Scott and Aunt Sue this year I guess it is my turn. Not a fun place to hang out at unless you have an optimistic spouse who likes to laugh and play games. Scott and I are playing the game "What is there to be happy about?" Some of our answers are not blog appropriate but here are a few. 1. If you are going to have tumors have lots and really do well with stumping the doctors. 2. If you are both out of work think of all the free time you have to count blessings together. If you have jobs you can't sit around and count blessings. 3. When you are ill and there may not be a cure you at least get to be together and play fun games. 4. Look at all the love from friends and family. 5. Becasue of said friends we are happy-- becasue who can be down when we are cheering them up. That is a huge gift. 6. If we were not cheering them we would really be down. 7. If you are about to be homeless at least it is summer time and we have lots of camping gear. 8. Bella and Aunt Sue because if we didn't have our two girls we would disappear to a remote island and not return. Which would upset the family and life sure would have less meaning without our girls to love and smother. 9. There is a basement waiting for us in Iowa-after our homeless camping Iowa will look great. 10. I have a second interview:) See all the happy things- I wish I coudl share some of our others as they are very inventive:) Happy Birthday Polly love ya Nelly!

Fundraising, house hunting, and sparkly Bella

I have a vampire cat. I know this because she sparkles in the sun:) Here is what turned her, no Edward did not drop in. The house is a disaster right now with packing boxes everywhere. Bella and Sue are out of sorts and need constant reassurance that all is well. I could add that Missy requires that as well. Humor goes a long way. Todays laughter comes thanks to my very own vampire sparkly Bella. Yup- my Bella has been glittered. I had plastic shoe box which I use to glitter things in on the bed and I came home to Bella the kitty trying to curl up in it. Her face and body glimmered in the sun light:) She makes me so happy. What a sweet little girl she is. Naughty to the core but friendly and very people oriented. If you are wondering the answer is yes... she is named after Bella Swan Cullen-- but I did not name her. Her aunt Leah named her. I however did not object. Aunt Sue is very excited to be moving so she can get outside and wants to take Bella on a leash for walks. I have tried to tell her kitty cats are not much for walking-- I have not sold her on that one quite yet.

It is time again for our annual Fundraiser for the Utah Down Syndrome Foundation. I am sorry to say we are all full for this year but as soon as we have a date set for 2010 I will let you all know. You can see More about it at charitycrop.blogspot.com. It is a crazy fun 2 days with amazing women raising money for kids effected by Downs right here in our own state:) Companies have been awesome and generous as well as private business owners. Here are a few of the top donors who rock to work with on the food portion which is my forte: Hires Big H, Olive Garden, Johnny Carinos, Fridays, Pei Wei, Einstein Bagels, Paradise Bakery, Papa Johns, Starbucks and that is to name a few:) We have over 100 exciting raffle items and for the silent auction-- homemade aprons, bags, and a brand new cricut:) I love working with Marlene and this is a great cause. More humor in my life comes from my adorable hubby who I have spent hours with laughing. We drive all over looking at houses talking to builders and laughing. It has been like a second honeymoon as just the two of us search out the next House of Riffle. Hilary said to me the other day Scott is like a whole new person. He is laughing again talking up a storm and he even did stand up comedy at a party with me. He had everyone rolling on the floor in tears with his routine- which he ad libbed! I am heading into to busy season with my YW calling but I am enjoying my last weeks of service. I have 6 hours of church tomorrow and 2 meetings but for dinner our cute friends are feeding us so that will be nice to look forward to. I sure will miss our whole Stake but we are ready for new adventures and trust that our path will not be far from the ones we love.

Moving and Christmas 1st's

What a way to start 2009. A week before Christmas we got some exciting news that has turned our holidays upside down. We have to move:) Scott got a new boss at work who wants him traveling 3 weeks a month, Aunt Sue's doctor wants her on the main level and interest rates are low which all add up to a move. We ended up home for the holidays for the first time in 14 years. I had a nasty cold, bad weather, starting to pack for the move and Scott had a big work load so we did not travel like usual. We canceled our plans last minute and stayed home. We enjoyed a white Christmas and loved being with Aunt Sue and Bella. We stayed warm and enjoyed the soft falling snow outside while we had a fire and the tree lights glowing. I made prime rib for the first time ever and it was a huge hit. I did not even taste it as I do not eat any kind of red meat. The holiday was peaceful. Then we drove around the next few days looking for homes and neighborhoods that we like. We have to have a main floor bedroom for Aunt Sue, close access to the airport for Scott, and a big kitchen for me:) I will really miss our fantastic views, my huge tub, tall ceilings, and the seclusion I feel we have now. We have things narrowed down and met on Monday to finalize things. I really have a hard time with things up in the air. I know we are moving but where to, how soon and when are a mystery. Marlene keeps reminding me to breathe. We met with our awesome Stake Presidency and I cried after. I just love these men and I have loved my calling with the YW. The women I have served with are my dear friends. Scott will be harder to replace as it is not issued at a Stake level. We have been here for over 8 years! That is lots of memories. Change is good and being uncomfortable is not the end of the world. But I sure do like to have things planned out better so I am going learning to be patient. I am trusting Scott. He reminds me so much of my dad in the whole sales process. He tells me to keep quite and let him play hard ball. It is a buyers market right now- there are 100's of choices. So here's to a new adventure in 2009.

Grateful

Thanks so much everyone for all the love and prayers. I was very upset to be out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday with Scott's family because I missed the funeral. But I was also very proud of Deb's children, who all spoke- as I learned from the 'play by play' from my friends back home. I miss Deb already. I will never forget the first hug we had when she walked into the room with a Mitford bag and I tried to steal it:) It is lucky in life to find friends who you can let your hair down with. Deb was very supportive to me during a big trial in my life. I was scared and did not know the right course of action to take. I was fearful for some children's safety in my life and worried about what to do. Deb helped to to sort it all out and stood by me. She also was great at teasing me into trying something new and not taking myself so seriously. I was very sad to miss being here for the funeral but I have an awesome mom-in-law, sister-in-law and niece who did their best to distract my grief. I celebrated my birthday while away, had a nice break from the play and enjoyed time with Scott and family. I am grateful for friends like Deb and my family.

This year I flew over 10 flights and I am alive and I don't even cry anymore and I am actually enjoying the flight. On the way to and from Phoenix it was turbulent- the flight attendants could not even stand up to give us drinks. I pretended Jasper was there and he was using his calming influence over me. I often pretend I am a little girl sitting in Gods lap or that I am in a movie playing a role and not even in the air. How grateful I am for hope and healing.

I have been so busy I am missing journaling important meaningful memories. One was a visit form Anthony and Salina! It was really short but wonderful. We went and stayed at Snowbird. While Anthony was here he came to the play with me and got the part of Sam in the play! He will record his part. We also got away with Kinikini's:) It was our first trip with all 4 kids. We had the pleasure of seeing Kelsie dance in the Nutcracker! Scott hitnks ballet is his new favorite since there is no talking:) I'm grateful for travel with the people I love, great people to love in my life and little girls who dance as sugar plums!

Bella brings lots of adventure to our everyday lives. She is naughty but soft and gets more loving each day as she feels secure in her new home. She keeps me company and if I give her 24/7 attention she is great. She has lots of energy and the most beautiful face. Bella is not excited about sining puppies. She has won over our hearts. Even Aunt Sue adores her. I'm grateful for my furry friends.

Aunt Sue is the least judgmental person I know. Although my mom is a close second. I really have amazing women in my life. I love how Aunt Sue helps me memorize my lines. I Love that we view the world differently yet have respect and love for each other. I love her example of faith in prayer. I'm grateful for Aunt's and prayer.

Scott is my best friend. He loves me in a way that guides me to be the best me. I still have a crush on him and get butterflies when I hear his voice or he smiles at me. After 14 years he has still got it. I admire how much he endures with his health challenges. He has had a great seasons with hunting and is enjoying his work. I learn so much from him. I'm grateful to be loved by Scott.

The big one got away Deep Sea Fishing

One of the things I love about Scott is his patience and never give up attitude. They went out fishing and did not catch a thing for 6 hours and he was happy as a clam. He says that is part of fishing sometimes they hit and sometimes they don't. The down side was that Kelly and Neal were not as happy. Kelly commented that it was just awful and only 3 minutes of the whole time was exciting. Scott had a blast he likes to talk to the captain. He would really like to be a fish boat man. He could do it everyday. The thing I enjoy most about Kauai is the boat ride to see the Napali coast. We did not do it this trip as we had a full schedule but if you ever go you must see this amazing sight. The last time we went it was also whale season so we enjoed dancing dolphins and whales and scenery out of this world. You can really only enjoy it by helicopter or boat-- I prefer boat. Neal did get a huge fish on his line this trip so they say but it got away.

Scott and the Doctor Update

Dr Meads got us into a specialist!!! Hooray- this doctor sees all kind of weird cases so we will fit right in. He spent 2 hours with Scott at the first appointment plus he is reviewing all the tests they have done so far and had a bunch more done. I would love to trade places with Scott because it is really hard for me to watch him suffer. It is selfish of me because I know that through our suffering and trials we come to know God but it is very hard for me. He now has an excellent doctor that I hope can make a huge difference in at least narrowing down on what he has. The pain is now constant and I don't know how he keeps going, but he does and he rarely complains. Some of the tests are just plain old awful. He is very brave and I just love him. His hands, feet, intestines and mouth are so very dry and the pain in his back can drop him to the ground. It was just a year ago I sat with Aunt Sue in the hospital for almost a month all together. Aunt Sue and I had a good time talking but there were some very hard times. Now if I am not with Scott at an appointment I am on the phone with doctors or records departments. I sure pray that our health care system does not become socialized as I can't bare any more hoops to jump through. Well I guess I can bear anything because I am working to trust in God. I know within me is greatness that has been unlock from blessings and that if we endure we can do it all. Sometimes I just feel scared and wish Scott was healthy again. I think stress is playing a huge part but I am not yet sure how to help him cut down on it. I am often afraid to ask in prayer because can I handle what I know I need to do? What a wimp I can be. I have never regretted following a prompting. Why would I not want to follow advice from an experienced guide who wants me to succeed? Faith is a funny thing. Scott is my bestest buddy, I love to talk to him. That is one of the blessing I get to spend lots of time with him at appointments, he can make me laugh. He is very special. He has been on the road working, doing his calling and everything else on his plate still being sweet in all that pain. He really is my hero. By the way construction and hospital just don't mix.

Wind Rivers

For the weekend of the 24th Scott went with his dad, brother and 2 of his nephews to the Wind Rivers to backpack and camp and fish and what ever else men do in the middle of nowhere. Evan loved every minute. Erry had serious breakdowns. Evan is more like Scott- care free daredevil. Erry is more like Steve- cautious planner. Erry is a smart boy and he thinks of every negative possible angle. Evan is like Scott they do- they do not think. I am not saying they are not smart they just jump first. Evan was glued to Scott which was perfect so that Erry could hang with dad. Grandpa even did hiking and fishing. This is the spot that Scott loves over anywhere else on the earth. Neal has taken him here since he could walk and he adores the whole area. I am so happy that had a wonderful trip and survived the bugs, bears, snow, and fits.

Camping- I survived:)

People are just not believing me when I tell them I LOVED my camping trip with Scott this week. Our church had a camp out and I slept in a tent:) We were going to use our friends trailer but they did not have hook ups and we would have roasted in the sun with no protections from shade so I said "lets do a tent". Scott was all for it. He could work from up there as there is cell phone and thus computer service. He even closed a big deal up there. I read my June Ensign and listened to my latest obsession The Course of Human Events by David McCullough. I loved the way the aspen tree leaves dance in the wind and watching the sun hug the tree in the morning. I love sitting and watching the fire with all its brilliant colors. Being with Scott all alone for hours on end was a rare treat. Even after everyone else arrived we still had a grand time. He had a huge per-ma grin. I thought he might die from happiness when we both finally climbed into the tent. SO sweet! During the night I thought I might freeze to death. I had told Scott to not bother to bring anything warm as I have been roasting from the heat and looked forward to cool mountain air. WOW- it was freezing... really it was in the 40s. I was shaking and felt like I might just freeze to death and right at them moment I was going to surrendered to the grim reaper my hubby shared his body heat and I lived to see the light of day. I saw a snake that had just eaten a mouse, a huge moose, and some cute kids from church fight over my lap. I guess my ample thighs make for a great lap to sit on and look at the fire. One of the little boys named Taylor told me he thinks I would have been a great mom- he thinks I would have named my son Jason. He had just got a new stuffed ape named chunky monkey- so I feel he was an expert. The kids also took turns roasting me the perfect marshmallows- yippee! My adopted dad brought me up a yummy meal for dinner and I found out I am really related to his wife as we have the same great great grandfather:) I did not like the bathroom or rather the hole to go in as there is an unpleasant breeze. How is there a breeze? I do not get it. There was no sink- so I brought soap from home and washed my hands anyways:) I did not shower. I do not like the bugs and spiders but I can finally see why people might enjoy the great outdoors and I am making Scott take me again soon.

Stars and Stripes Forever

We sure love hanging out with Marlene's extended family. Her 3rd child has a 4th of July baby so it is fun to celebrate the birth of our Nation and of the firecracker aka Kenna. We had a BBQ at their house and then went to see the local town fireworks display. Scott and Paul had the kids doing sparklers which makes me crazy nervous. Scott was sad all his snaps were duds so he could not sneak up on Marlene and throw them at her feet while shouting "DANCE". I know he seems all sweet and kind but really he has his dad in him and that equals tease and naughty. I was sad to forget some earrings I had made for Marlene and my camera as I have been cheated out of the last couple 4ths as Scott was a sick boy. So maybe one of the kind camera holders will share a few shots with me? I cried during the fireworks. I usually do on the 4th. I imagine all the tremendous sacrifice made for my freedom. I think of how much I miss my family that is either far away or dead. I have GREAT memories of 4th and 24th of July with loved ones. I used to march in the parade with my drill team Razz-ma-taz. We always had BBQ and watched the fireworks with family and neighbors. I lived on a circle so we would all gather and do our own little displays. My dad had a great love of our country, my mom loved uniforms and Anthony loved music- it was happy times for us all as I adore the fireworks and being together. What a win win holiday it was for us. Michele gave me some glow sticks which I made into a crown for Scott and I and we just had a wonderful day. Karson would not do the interpretive dance called freedom with me this year but Marlene was all over taking both our places and had the kids not been there-- boy what a show. I played pet shop with Kelsie watched Kaden be his cute monkey self, got big hug from Lily, visit with April and Ranae, teased, laughed, and reflected. God bless America- I hope we are forever the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Velveeta, crawdad fishing, and East Texas

I don't know if I am spelling that right but Scott went with his friend Mike to Strawberry reservoir to go crawdad fishing. He had a great time with Mike and Kaden. Mindie, Bella (their daughter), and I stayed home. SO it was a boys day out. I guess you dangle a chicken leg from a string and then they suck onto the leg and voila! Scott then came home and cooked them got the meant out and made jumblia(sp). He used sausage from a local place and really enjoyed his dish. Aunt Sue thought the sausage was a little too spicy and took away from the taste of everything else. I did not even take one tiny bite. It looked like tiny lobster meat. I guess I am haunted by the memories of being in east Texas and Louisiana and watching people eat crawfish's which look very similar. Down south they would pinch bite slurp chew swallow toss. They would make loud noises and rude comments while consuming the tiny things. It was yucky to watch so I just can't bring myself to taste them. Strawberry does bring back lots of memories for me of fishing with my dad. Actually he would fish I would debate with him about killing the fish. He always said that they could not feel it but I proved him wrong when I touched one and it moved. How could it feel me touch it but no the big hook nor the big bonk in the head? Sometimes I would read and hike around before crying. I liked his tackle box and all the colorful lures and little bottles of shinny things. I sure would love to be with him again on a fishing trip. I enjoyed the time with my dad and I think he loved to fish and maybe even enjoyed my desperate pleas for the fish. That is why I can't eat Velveeta cheese-- because my dad often used it as bait and so to me when I see the yellow box I think fish bait. Scott is sometimes surprised I can even last a day in the real world with all my little quirks.