My Big Cheese

Hello all. Well, the big move is nearly upon us and we are full of emotions. We love our ward and stake. We love being close to so many family and friends. South Salt Lake has really become our home.

We know that we will be able to find friendship and a sense of belonging at our new place but nonetheless it is hard to move away (not to far) from what has become so much a part of us.

One thing though that I am especially grateful for among all the changes that are taking place right now is my wife and beautiful children. Last night as I lay in bed I was overcome with appreciation for Ginger. She has truly made it possible in so many ways for me to become who I am today.

Below is just a small list of things she has done for me:

- Encouraged me weekly (sometimes daily) on my mission
- Helped my find work and transportation when I got home from my mission
- Helped me get enrolled in college
- Married me!!!
- Supported me while attending school for SEVEN YEARS
- Carried and delivered three of the most beautiful and lively children ever
- Supported me in seeking out a career path
- Supported me in serving in the bishropric
- Found my "dream home"

She has sacrificed so much for my happiness and I just want you, Ginger, to know how much I appreciate you. It's too bad that the following statement is so cliche but you really do complete me.

By the way, it would be great to go on a date tonight. Would you consider it?

Happy 1st Birthday IKEA Draper!

Today is one year ago that we stayed the night at IKEA. It occurred on May 23rd, but being leap year it really was a year ago today. Jason was 27th in line and I was 72 in line. We each received a Poang Chair, t-shirts that read "I slept with IKEA...to be the first 100 in line." The kids received a stuffed heart. They had lots of giveaways...frisbees, key chains, gift cards, etc. It's a fun memory.
We went last night (the 23rd) to shop once again. They had cupcakes and specials throughout the store. We looked for ideas for the new home and had some yummy meatballs with Grandma and Grandpa. We love IKEA! Duh. ;)

Flashback Friday!

I thumbed through files on my computer and found these. I am the youngest of 3 brothers and Jason is the oldest of many brothers and sisters. I took ballet when I was 4, but the outfit I am wearing was just a loan. I went on to play soccer at 5 till high school...no more dancing for me. The outfit was a part of my mother's doing. I look like a little showgirl surrounded by my pimps! :)

American Idol Mania!

Just a look into the past...time to embarrass Jason a bit since he embarrassed me a bit at church yesterday. Heee Heee! I was looking through older pictures on the computer yesterday and I thought it would be fun to post one of them. Jason was supportive enough to go with me to see American Idol when Reuben Studdard and Clay Aiken were winners. We weren't going to go and the last week prior to the concert I checked out the tickets again. The Pop Tarts sponsor put up front row seats at the last minute. I couldn't resist and bought them. Anyways, Remember to Vote for David Archuleta everyone! Personally, I would buy his cd more than the other David's. David S. has a good voice, a bit raspy at times, but realistically I would buy David Archuleta's cd before I bought his.

One Letter Away from Heaven

I know most of you heard this but I wanted to have it written for my own good and I wanted to share it again because I believe it's true.

I was released from my calling at church today and had the opportunity to say a few words (I spoke too long) and I chose to talk on Elsie Fitt's (one of the originals of our ward) observation that:

HAVEN WARD IS ONLY ONE LETTER AWAY FROM HEAVEN!

Upon pondering this statement I thought it would be interesting to look up the term "Haven" in Webster's Dictionary.

The 3 brief definition's are as follows:

1. Harbor, Port

2. a place of safety; refuge

3. a place offering favorable opportunities or conditions

It was amazing to see how this truly applied to our ward in unique ways.

1. Harbor, Port

Haven ward brings in vessels of all kinds with business of all kinds. This may be true of many other wards throughout the church but I am reminded of when Pres. Eyring visited our Stake Conference a few years ago and said:

The South Salt Lake Stake is a "crossroads" within the church.

Many members of the church can tell you of someone they know that has been a member of the stake at one point of their lives. There are many good people trained up by those stationed in the Stake and then turned loose to serve elsewhere in the church.

2. a place of safety; refuge

Many are aware now of the refugee situation that abundant in our ward. It has been such a growing opportunity to serve these humble and faithful people who dealt with a great deal of turmoil and now move forward in a strange place, usually confronting a strange language, and always among the strangest customs. We are truly blessed by the opportunity to serve these wonderful people.

3. a place offering favorable opportunities or conditions

Finally, anybody who walks through the doors of our chapel will tell you how hard it is to run faster than those who would like to put you to work. There is a great need for service in our stake and what is even better is that eternal truth that with service comes satisfaction, even an eternal joy.

We are not gone yet and we will always have a place in our hearts for the Heaven...excuse me, Haven Ward. Thanks for all you have done for us. We love you.

...After

I needed to add a new entry...so I decided to add photos of the completed room. Jason had it completed a long time ago. Looks good, huh? All is well and busy in the birdhaus. I am packing, waiting, cleaning, and hanging with the kids...while Jason has started his new job...learning, commuting, and computing!