Temple Night!

I have been so horrible about attending the temple lately. Clay and I were talking about the last time that we went and that was back in October when my brother went through for the first time. I can't believe we have waited that long to go to the temple. Clay was able to get off work early. I don't mean a few minutes early. Almost a half a day early!!!! Surprising! That never happens. He spent a few hours doing something with his truck and then my mom came over at 4:30 and we were able to leave right after that. The session was at 7:30 so we had lots of time to spare and to spend time with each other. We went and had dinner at this Greek restaurant which I don't recommend. We laughed about it afterward because we thought it was going to be really good, but it was pretty much bar food. Not so good! Oh well! You live and learn! We then went to the bookstore near the temple. We only have one LDS bookstore in the Dallas area so it is a big deal when I am able to go. I always spend way more than I should. I really needed to go this time because I just got called as the Nursery Music person. Aughhhhhh! I don't know why singing with 3 year olds intimidates me, but it does. I also picked up the 3rd book in the Great and Terrible series. Which I totally recommend to anybody who likes to read! It is an awesome book. Finally we made it to the temple. I love going to the temple. Everytime I go I feel so much better and more ready to take on the world when I leave! I felt rejuvenated! I love the feeling of peace that it brings to be in the House of Lord, the most sacred place that we have on this earth. Anyway, we had a great night!

The Cannery

I had my first experience yesterday at the cannery. What an awesome experience it is to know that I am doing something for my family that can help us in times of need. I had an interesting experience when I went into the cannery and started to put the foods in cans. I felt the spirit so strongly. It was very similar to the feeling that I had when I went through the temple my first time. I knew that this was something we are supposed to be doing. I truly have a testimony of storing food and having a supply to sustain life through the times that may come. We had a great time. There was 5 sisters that were able to make it. I liked the feeling that I had to work to put the food together. Work is good. I feel better knowing that we are more on our way to having a year supply. Unfortunately we were only able to can 6 cans of each item. I guess I will be going back soon. Anyone want to join us next time??? Also does anyone have any good ideas of where to store this stuff? Eventually under the beds is not going to cut it.

My Brothers!

Elder Minson

I love my brothers! I want everyone to know this because they are two very important people in my life. They will probably never see this, but I want others to know how proud I am of them and the things that they are doing in their lives. They are both serving missions...one is serving for our Church and the other for our Country. My brother Scott is 21 years old and is serving our country. He is in the Marines. Currently he is at Camp Pendleton, CA. He is training to go to Iraq in August. I am so nervous for him, but I know that he is doing the right thing protecting us from danger. It is men like him that give us the freedom that we experience and enjoy. I am so proud of him! I don't have an updated picture of Scott, but he makes a handsome Marine.

My other brother Eric, is 20 years old and serving a mission in Ecquador for our church. I am so proud of him and the decision that he made to serve this mission. It has been difficult for him to learn the language, but the last two companions did not speak much English and that has helped him out a lot. He has been out for 6 months, but has had much progress in those 6 months. He is a bright young man and has grown so much in the gospel these past few years before his mission. I know that his testimony will become deeper as his mission progresses.

I miss both of my brothers very much, but I know that they are doing the work that is required of them at this time. I am proud to call them my brothers!

Pictures

Okay... So I have finally taken the time to redo my blog from boring. When I started adding pictures on the side I have realized that I don't have any recent ones of my 3 year old. Do you want to know why? Elyse, my 3 year old won't take pictures. When she does she has the funniest grin that it doesn't even look like she is smiling. What happened to my photogenic child? Mady took good pictures until she started walking. Since she started walking she wants to walk towards the camera instead of staying still. While I am on the picture thing...I think it is time to update our family photo as well. I don't have any recent pictures of my husband with me and the girls! Pictures are a thorn in my side right now with uncooperative children! This will have to do for now!

Indy Car 550

The cars were super fast and super loud! As you can tell from this picture.

So last night we had the BEST DATE in a long time! Clay called me on Friday afternoon and asked if I wanted to go to the car races this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway! I totally jumped at the offer. He got them free from work! Although I asked him if he wanted to take a friend instead, but he said no that he wanted to spend time with his wife. I smiled knowing full well that I wanted to hear that from him. We dropped the girls off at my parents house and right as we were leaving Madyson decides to throw up. I don't mean just a little either. I felt really bad and told my mom that I would just take her home. My mom was so sweet and said that she had sick kids before and this was something that she could do for us. I really appreciated my mom taking care of a sick little girl. I am thankful to her for recognizing that we needed this night out! My mom is THE BEST!

I did not know much about racing except what I learned on the movie Cars. Did you know that they really change tires that fast? I wish that they could change my tires that fast and not leave me stranded at Walmart for half the day! Ha!