100 Day Reading Goal

I finished the Book of Mormon in 100 days! Back in March our inspired Stake Relief Society President put each of the women in our stake up to this challenge. We were given a Daily Reading Chart to follow. I am always up for a challenge and it was just what I needed to get back into the habit of reading from my scriptures daily. I love reading my Fantasy books everyday...Pendragon, Fablehaven, Twilight Series, Percy Jackson & The Olympians, Harry Potter. If I have a spare minute then I spend it reading - I am known to even read while I am working out!:) I was hoping to be as passionate and devoted about reading the Book of Mormon as I am reading these books.

I learned real quick that the worst time to read from the Book of Mormon was right before bed...I would doze off easily. Oops!:) Late morning was the best time for me. It took a little while, but sure enough I developed the habit and the passion came right along with it. I love the Book of Mormon! I know that the Prophet Joseph Smith translated this book correctly. I know that the stories and teachings found therein are to teach, guide, and help me in my life. I am thankful for this spiritual experience and the knowledge I gained. Here's to "Scripture Power"!

Our Newest Family Additions

First of all, sadly, both Matt and I are not pet lovers. Now don't get me wrong, we would never wish any harm to an animal, we just would rather not spend the time, money, attention, and all that goes into having a pet. Well, Kynlee came home from school a few weeks ago asking if she could have 2 of her class fish. We talked it over and gave her the O.K. After talking to her teacher, I realized it was going to be more than just getting a fish bowl and some food to keep these fish alive...I needed to get an aquarium. I was ready to back down, but Kynlee's "crocodile tears" got the best of Matt, so off to Wal-Mart I went. More money than I thought I would spend later, I came home with all that was needed for 2 fish: 10-gallon tank, pump, gravel, plants, log, heater, thermometer, net, brush, gravel cleaner, water conditioner, and food. I stayed up until midnight getting the tank ready, but it was worth seeing the excited faces on the kids when they woke up. Kynlee brought the fish home on the last day of school. They are Albino Barbs and are stinking cute! Yes, I am hooked (no pun intended)!:) I find myself talking like a baby to them, asking them how they're doing and telling them how cute they are. We all like to sit and watch them...it's so relaxing. Kynlee is so excited that she FINALLY has pets, even if they are little fish!

Meet "Flo" and "Shark Bait"...aren't they so cute!?!

We promised Matthew, Karley, and Kenzie that we would get them each a fish also. A week later we brought home 3 Tiger Barbs to add to our fish family. Kenzie named hers "Dot", it's the smallest, Karley named hers "Scar", and Matthew named his "Nash". Gotta love the names!

When Given Lemons Make Lemonade

Summer = Lemonade Stand = $$$! The kids set up a lemondade stand...the first of many to come this summer. They sold yummy "homemade" lemonade, large otter pops, and no-bake cookies for .25 cents. Karley and her friend, Abbie, worked hard this week and collected plastic bottles to make "homemade" snow globes to sale. They also drew pictures of fossils on river rocks, colored pictures, and Abbie made cute jewelry. Their creations were a hit! The kids worked for 1 and 1/2 hours and when we totaled up their earnings they had made a whoppin' $32.00! They each had earned a good chunk of change once it was divided up. Here's to successful lemonade stands...can't wait for the next one!:)