27 Days

The count down continues to the reuniting of these two souls. Its funny how you wait so long for something to happen and then it passes in a flash. Nevertheless, I shall continue to eagerly anticipate the arrival of my dearest little brother, my side kick, my right hand man.

In no particular order, I'd like to share with you some of my favorite memories I have with this guy.

1. Teaching him how to swing dance (the pretzel was often tough because he was so much shorter than me. That is no longer a problem)

2. Cruising down Elwood Way on a tricycle. We'd take turns on the pedals and the other would stand on the back

3. Pool time in the back yard in our tiny 4 foot diameter kiddy pool

4. Late night conversations about relationships and dating and a world of other things

5. Going to the movies together eating mike'n'ikes, and quoting movies with perfect wit, humor and timing.

6. Grueling games of chess, he usually won

7. Watching him solve his rubix cube

8. Pulling pranks on our mom by hiding in the very back of our big blue van

9. Doing my best to stifle a laugh as he sang the soprano part in my range in church

10. Learning from him how to drive my first car, which was a stick shift. He was the best teacher I had and so patient with me as we practiced in the church parking lot

These are just a sampling of the many memories we've shared. I hope to have many more, though I know it will be harder as we go our own ways. 

Josh has been my best friend my whole life... while that status will eventually evolve to another, I am so thankful to have been blessed to have him in my life.

See you soon "Shua"!

Findlay Second Generation

Adam

Benjamin

Aaron

Hugh

Lizzy

Jane

Kirsten

Abby

Liam

Susie

Henry

Natalie

Ammon

Alec

Clara

Eli

Lydia

New Years Resolution Recap

We're a little more than halfway through the year. I thought it would be a good time to look back at my goals for the year and see how I am doing.

Goal #1 Attend the temple every week

So far so good on this one. Its been wonderful. I feel so much joy from temple service. It is so awesome to be able to do something for others that they cannot do for themselves.

Goal #2 Give equal time to the Lord

This one is definitely one I need to kick it up a notch. I do well at this one in waves. Sometimes I have a tendency to get on a spiritual high and then try to rely on it for a few days, when really it needs to be constantly fed to remain afloat. Its good to remind myself of this one.

Goal #3 Live each day to the fullest

Perhaps this goal is a bit lofty, but I don't think its completely unreasonable. The only time we have to live is the moment we are in right now. Why not make it good? I will focus on this a bit more as well.

Goal #4 Establish and abide by a Personal Mission Statement

I just read over it again. I really need to put it in a more prominent location so I see it every day. However, even though I have not read it frequently, I do believe I have been doing a pretty good job abiding by the principles it contains.

Here's to finishing 2011 strong!

Findlay Girls

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend a family reunion in Southern Utah. It was so much fun to gather with the family for some outdoor fun. We were able to see the spectacular sights of Zions National Park.

My favorite part of the trip was hanging out with my nieces. The nephews are awesome too, but I am inclined to have a soft spot for the girls. Having been raised in a home with no sisters and six brothers, it is about time I get my reward for enduring all that guy stuff. 

Though not all my family was able to attend this weekend, we had more than half of the grandkids. This included 4 of my beautiful nieces. 

While we were in the park, each adult was responsible for a child. I chose to be in charge of three. Abby, Kirsten and Susie. 

Kirsten and Susie are sisters and Abby is the only girl in her family just like me. I love being with these girls. They are totally adorable and sweet. They have me wrapped around their baby finger. I would do anything for them. 

When it was time to say goodbye, the parting was tough. Kirsten was especially sad to say goodbye, but I gave her a ray of hope when I informed her that Uncle Josh is coming home next month, which means I will get to see her again at his homecoming. (6 WEEKS!!)

We have one more niece joining the family this fall. This will make 9 nephews 9 nieces. I love even numbers don't you?

48 days

Isn't it funny how life never turns out the way you expect it to? It is especially funny for me because I am a blue personality who likes to have control of things and their outcomes. In the end, I am grateful the Lord is in control because he sure makes life a lot better than I ever could on my own.

I thought it might be fun to think back on some of the major changes that have occurred in my life since my dearest little brother departed to Scotland.

1. I started running, this has been the best thing I have ever done for myself. I finally found something I love and that I can stick with. Since Josh left I have run 2 Ragnar Relay races and several other small local races.

2. I decided to go back to school, and did so. I am happily enrolled at the U of U plowing my way through classes and eating it up. I love learning, especially when its something I want to learn about.

3. I finally entered the realm of relationships as a step beyond going on dates. This has been quite the roller coaster adventure. I really wish Josh would've been here for all the drama, but then, he's probably glad he only had to endure the small jolts of information I give him in his weekly email.

4. I had the opportunity to serve as a ward Relief Society President. That was the hardest and most rewarding calling I have ever done. I loved it and was in tears when they released me.

5. I made a goal to attend the temple every week and since that time have successfully done so. It has been a huge blessing.

6. I've lost weight. The running has definitely contributed to that. I still have a long ways to go, I've just focused on holding myself accountable. It must be going well because in my last email from dear Elder Josh he mentioned that after seeing a recent picture of me he thought I looked "fit". I want to be sure to live up to and play up that compliment as much as I can. ;)

Well, I'm sure there are more, but I don't like to make posts so long that you get bored by the end of reading them. I am just anxiously awaiting the evening of August 24th when my dear brother will "Return in Glory" from the land of our forefathers. Until then, the countdown continues...