An inspiration

I had the privilege of serving with Brother Stacey Miles while I was in the Akron 1st ward. He was an inspiration to all of us and I loved learning from him as he taught our gospel principles class and prepared to go to the temple himself. He is an incredible example to me of faith and optimism--and ever since I got home I've wanted to contact the Ensign and have them feature him in an article. Then they started Mormon Messages and again, I wanted to have Brother Miles to be featured. Someone took the initiative and Brother Miles is featured on the latest messages clip...he still is an inspiration.

The wedding blog

Just thought I'd let you all know that the wedding blog is up and running...I hope it's helpful. Click here to see it!

There are moments in my life when my spirit taps my heart...

I was having a rough-ish day earlier this week and saw this video on Mormon Messages. I cried, I admit it, right in my cubicle in the grad lab. Hearing Stephanie's story put a lot of things in perspective and strengthened my testimony. I know it will for you too.

Is there such a thing as bride brain?

Yesterday I spent a bit of the morning figuring out some wedding stuff before I had to rush to an observation. As I walked into the classroom the student teacher and her mentor seemed surprised to see me.

That's when I realized I showed up an hour early.

Who knew

you could listen to pandora and see an add for live chat with the church?

This (among countless other way more important reasons) is why I love my faith.

June 12th, 2010

I like the sound of that.

Dear Homework

Can you leave me alone please? I am tired of staying up thinking about being done with you without getting anything done. Thank goodness we only have to deal with each other for three more weeks.

Not forever yours,

Steph

Engagged...

When I got back from Spokane after President's day, I went to visit Monica and the kids. When Ethan got home from kindergarten, he rushed up to me excitedly...

Ethan: "Guess what?"
Me: "What?"
Ethan: "I know you're engaged with Alex."
Me: (stifling a giggle) "Oh yeah?"
Ethan: "And guess what else?"
Me: "What?"
Ethan: "I'm engaged with someone too."

He then proceeded to tell me about a girl in his kindergarten class who had recently moved in...man, i love this kid (and yes, I still love him the most, I might add).

backpost #7: summertime

Here's the highlight reel from this summer. It consisted of the following:

 

Dad's induction into the wolves t-shirt club

see here for more info

hiking to Tablerock with my ward

Blake prepping for preschool

  

hiking to a lake...or getting lost while hiking to a lake

4th of July boating

 

Our family reunion on the Oregon coast

 

being a counselor for Boise Youth Spectacular

  going to Spokane (sigh)

  

more hiking (we didn't get lost this time, though we did get rained out)

going to the fair

Whew! Can you believe I made it through all that fun?

backpost #6: blessing babies

We headed down to Utah the first part of June for Noah and Maylie's baby blessings. It was a great weekend!

backpost #5: single mom of six

During May I got the chance to house and babysit for a family with six kids ages 18 months to 13 years for several days. It was a lot of work but they are a great family and I had such a wonderful time being with them. It helped me to see the type of home I want to have when I grow up...whenever that actually happens.

backpost #4: trips and stuff in between

After spending some time with Monica and the boys, I headed down to Utah and New Mexico to visit family. It was really great to see Grandpa and Grandma Cannariato, Gina and Kara, mission friends, Jake, Nicole, and baby Noah, Becky, and Grandma Hayes. General Conference was fabulous and hit on so many things I needed to hear.

 

When I got back after my week of lots of visiting and driving, I was able to spend Easter with the family and then headed to Rexburg and Utah to pick up Alexis' stuff as well as Eliza and her stuff. Needless to say, it was a tight trip!--Liz literally had no room to move and rode with her fish in her hands the whole way. She was a trooper and so was the fish, may it rest in peace.

The next picture probably deserves some explanation...Becky's fob stopped working and her only door with a lock was broken. So this was our attempt to break in ourselves. Yeah, we're great crooks.

Last but not least, I thought I'd showcase Dawn's spectacular cake decorating talents for Becca's birthday. Remember the days when cool birthday cakes were everything on a birthday? Bec still gets to live the glory days...