I Had a Bad Day (OOps! I thought I was putting this on Brookes mission blog)

I had a bad day... all I wanted was to be the teacher. I have realized that I don't make a very good student. I think my teaching skills are strengthened every second as I have learned more than ever before what it is like, not to get it...I am pretty close to being the lowest student in the class & everyday I say, "poor kids!" I would think of my strugglers last year & want to cry for them. As everything built up the last hours of class, I was ready to go home. My companion wanted me to ask for a blessing. I had thought about it, but I didn't want to say anything. I wasn't happy with the Elders in my district, so I decided if the zone leaders were still there (my adopted district) I would ask. We went downstairs and they were there. (I love their whole district.) I was nervous to ask and there was a big deal made--I was embarassed, but we went into their classroom & talked (only five were there--two had left.) They asked me some questions & then they all shared their feelings. Elder Parkinson shared the feelings we had in common & then Elder Shepherd & Elder Grandy. I think they all went through again before they asked who I wanted to have give the blessing. At first I wanted Elder Grandy--but after they all poured out their souls I couldn't choose. Elder Parkinson stood up and did it while the other four stood in.The spirit was So strong & I felt peace and comfort come through my whole body. Elder Parkinson told me when he feels the spirit he shakes...and he was shaking...I think they all were. Heavenly Father bore witness through Elder Parkinson that this is the restored gospel and that I am going out to touch lives that only I can touch. There were many other personal things, but I know I am suppose to be here. They all told me how much they loved me & I believe it because I love all of them. The mission does amazing things. I have a testimony of priesthood blessings...I know they come from God.

Cassie's Gymnastics Meet

We went to watch Cassie in her gymnastics meet today. She was great!

She got 5th place in her trampoline act!

Here she is with her medal!

Cassie, Grandma, and Jason

Then....

She got 1st place in her floor act!!!
We are SO PROUD of you Cassie!

Grandma and Cassie

Grandma and Jason

Cassie and Auntie Brookie

Cassie and all of her medals!

Family Night Fishing!

Ethan was hoping to catch a big one but he actually had about as much fishing with the reeds along the shore!

Sara was cold!

Jacob was playing and running around with sticks. He was the only one to catch a fish just before we left. They made him throw it back and he was way too sad cause it was a rainbow!

Devyn made a pole out of a stick and some line and a lure she found! They had the most fun running and creating their own stuff.

Ain't she sweet!

The men.

PEACE....

Ainsley and The Cookie

Looks good mom!

Are You serious? I can eat it?

OOO yum!

The snooring papa awakes!

Cute little baby bear Jamo!

"My Beautiful Family" January 2009

Zach Strong

Brooke Strong

Airaka & Nate Strong

Devyn, Dan, Ethan,

Sara, & Jacob Olson

Sydney, Britney, Grady, Jason, Ainsley, & Amelia Nielson

Kallysta, Mark, James, Andrew,

Penina, Edris, & Tyree Strong

Riley, Alice, Scott,

Jason, & Cassie Strong

Jeri and Kenneth Strong

Our Whole Fan Damley!

We are so proud and love them all ! ! !

I saw this Quote today at work:

"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."

Victor Frankl
(holocaust survivor)

I thought this was good food for thought.

Our Adorable Baby Dogs

Too cute for words!
We've got to plan our escape!
What is Mom eating?
You guys are planning without me! I'm goona choke!

I give up! let's break out another day.

Rileys First Deer

A few pictures of Riley and his first deer. He got it with a muzzel loader on opening morning with Grandpa. He was happy even though he didn't have to work too hard for it. Grandpa was Soooo happy. It was a life dream for him to do this with his grandson.

Good thing Riley had a broken arm. Grandpa didn't make him clean the deer. He just got to observe
(and learn) for "next" time. You look pretty intense there Riley.

Congratulations RILEY!