10 Ani Fa!!!

My mini missionary companion, Slla. Rossini a Milano.

La Mostra with Slla. Costa e Anz. Guastella!

Today 10 years ago I got home from my mission to Italy, Milano. It is so crazy to think it has already been ten years...but when I stop and think about what I have done these past years it has been a while.
I am just so grateful that I got to spend 16 months in Italy meeting amazing people and things. Learning a beautiful language, learning the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and then sharing them with those wonderful people.
They say that you can't truly put into words those feelings about a mission and it is so true. It was wonderful and unbelievable.
Everyday something reminds me of my time spent as a missionary for the LDS church in Italy... either saying some Italian word (they just sounds so much better than the english word), wishing I could cook like those amazing women there, reading my scriptures and remembering what I learned then and continue to learn. It was awesome. I am glad for what I learned and hope to be able to share with my children the truths of the gospel in everyday life. That is what we are here to learn on this earth. How to live our lives the fullest while following the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I love Italy... don't know when I will return, hopefully sooner than later. When I stop and think about that place it always makes me smile, probably because I had the most amazing blessing to serve there as a missionary for the LDS church e il cibo e fabuloso! CIAO!

A Challenge for Vern

Last night at dinner Elena said she needed a box to make her valentines from school. We pondered her different options. Well Vern said, "I will make you a box." In which Elena responded, "But I need it by Thursday." Knowing that dad takes his time with wood projects. Well that was enough for Vern. After dinner he headed out to the garage and during our beloved show, Biggest Loser, he spent the time in the garage. Elena went to bed not knowing what her dad was doing.

This morning, Elena woke up in amazement at her Valentine box made so quickly by her father.

All she has to do is paint it today. So if it is not ready I quess it is her problem.

Props to Vern for making a fabulous Valentine Box like none other in such a short time.

First Friday Nights

Friday night Vern and I had a fabulous date, and it was free! In Phoenix, on the first Friday night, many of the museums and other places are open to the public for free. We chose to go to the Phoenix Art Museum. It was great! Definately, a different crowd than what I see around my house, but very fun. We saw great artwork and some interesting modern art. One of our favorites was a room that was all dark, with mirrored walls...it had hanging lights all around the room. IT was awesome. You get all turned around in there. Very cool. There was also a hanging display of charred firewood in the shape of a box. Amazing. I can't very well describe it. So if you have a first friday free, go on a free date to the Art Museum. I think we are headed to the Science Center next month!

A Pull Up!

I did a pull up today! Okay it was an assisted one at a machine at the gym, but it sure felt great pulling myself higher than thebar. I have always cursed my arm strength because I never got the Presidential Fitness Award in school because of the stinking arm hang/pull up(starting inJr.High). It was embarrassing to 100% in the other areas and -% in the arm strength area. Now I feel good about myself. I do one day want to be able to do a real pull up, but I have a lot to lose before I can do that.

One goal done

Last week I finished one of my New Years Resolutions!!!!!!!! I made my 3 month food supply plan. It actually turned into a 4 month plan and I am so excited! I know what is for dinner until May. It takes a load off of my mind at 4pm. I am also about half way through purchasing the needed food items. It feels good to be doing what we have been counseled to do by our church leaders. They truly are inspired. Now I just have to keep up with the program!!!

7 Stitches!

Natalie's foot all bandaged up!

Last night Natalie ran to get her scriptures off of her top bunk. While in the process she slid down her ladder and tore open her skin at the base of her second toe. I had to call Grandpa Nurse Wolfley over and he confirmed that she had to go get stitches. Vern came home from his meeting early and took her to Good Night Pediatrics. After only 2 hours they were home and Natalie had 7 stitches in her toe!

She is doing better this morning. We kept her home from school because of walking on her foot was painful. She is getting better each hour. She has to be better by tomorrow because it is Show and Tell at school. What could she show?

Silly Mountain Hike

On Saturday afternoon, 1/17, we hiked Silly Mountain near the Superstition Mts. It was a good hike. The kids were troopers! Even little Vern made it half way up before his little legs couldn't climb the rocks. He then became a permenant figure on dad's head. We hiked with the Rockwoods, Rapiers, and Scotts. It was a fun Family time.

We want to try to hike a different spot in the Valley each month this year, when the weather permits of course.