Runter

Well today was a happy and sad day rolled together. One of the puppies "aka the Runt" has had some challenges since he was born. The first few day's we had to bottle feed him. Once he learned how to nurse we were finally getting some sleep. Over the last week though we realized his intestines weren't working properly so we had been trying all different kinds of things to help him along with no avail. Finally we decided today that we needed to put him down. So we have 2 boys and 2 girls. Kind of ironic because that is what we thought we were getting in the beginning until Jomby surprised us with an extra. They are big enough now so anyone is welcome to come see them if you want.

Friends Good Deed Gone Bad!!!!

This is Brandon and I giving Sparky Dog a haircut.... Maybe its time to call in the professionals!!!

NEW PUPPIES

I know we told most of you that there were only 4, but then came one more! Jomby had 5 puppies early this morning, 3 boys and 2 girls. They are adorable! Jomby is doing good and so are all the puppies. She is being such a good mom, except for when she sits on them, we're assuming thats an accident; I'm not sure if I'd be able to keep track of where 5 kids were at one time ;) The birthing went well, we were actually asleep through all but the last pup and it looks like Jomby took care of it all. It amazes me how that mother instinct kicks in....and she is so protective of them, as any mom. If you try to pick one up she trys to cover it up so you can't grab it. We're lovin it! What an amazing thing to witness. In a couple weeks when the puppies are a little bigger, come see us, we'd love to show off these adorable guys!

Suns VS. Jazz

We got to go to the Suns game the other night. It was so much fun! I (Rachel) have never been to a pro basketball game live, it was way better than on TV. Our seats were totally in the nose-bleed section but since they were free we definately won't complain. It was a good game, until the end when the Suns lost :( They were winning the whole game too until the very end. We definately had a good time though and it always helps to have some crazy fans around to laugh at. It was such a good experience I want to go again...but definately for free, even those nose-bleeds were expensive!

Nauvoo, IL.
So much to say I don't even know where to start, what an amazing trip!! I never expected to learn and feel so much from one place. We feel soo lucky to have been able to make this trip and enjoy the experiences which came from being there. I gained such a great respect and a better understanding of what people went through to bring the Church to the hearts of the people.

If we look cold that would be because it was only -4 outside! Unbelievable that the Saints lived here and traveled during this bone chilling weather; what an amazingly strong group of people.
A replica of the wagons they used during their relocation due to religious persecution. Can you believe they used those wagons to cross the frozen river below??
Behind us is the Mississippi River, frozen over. Yes, those are gynormous sheets of ice washed ashore when the river began freezing. I have never seen such a thing!

Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. What amazing men to aspire to become like. With their strength and courage we stand beside them hoping we can someday be closer to them.

As I'm sure you can see, we had an amazing week being in Nauvoo and St. Louis. We had experiences we never imagined and being there while it is sooo cold, there were only a few other tourists so we were able to receive very personal tours by the missionaries serving in the area. We truely feel blessed to have had this experience and feel our testimonies have been strengthened by the knowledge and feelings felt from this experience. I know that we will all endure our own personal struggles; however, I truely cannot imagine facing the challenges they were given. These people had a great Spirit and understanding of the truthfullness of the Gospel, I admire their testimonies and the legacy they have left for us to protect.

We love you all and hope you someday will have the wonderful opportunity to visit these historical sites and witness the amazing stories of our ancestors and their incredible belief and courage.

St. Louis

We had so much fun at the Leadership Convention and learned more than expected, as we do everytime. We are so greatful to be able to learn from great leaders with integrity and courage, driven with a purpose.

Below is the girls, havin too much fun waiting for things to start.

This is everyone up inside the St. Louis Arch
Can you believe we were in the top of this?? What an amazing site!
I know everyone wants to see lots of pictures, sorry I'm low on words to describe, but we had a great trip, even stuffing 8 people in a hotel room we had a blast! We took lots of notes at the seminar and have a renewed vision for the future. We so look forward to great things to come and the blessings for everyone's patience will be great. We love you all and hope those of you who were there with us had as much fun as we did!

Nauvoo, IL

We are here in Nauvoo, IL and we have seen and heard some of the most amazing stories and evidences of people before us. The people who left Nauvoo for safety from religious persecution was the largest community to ever move as a whole; moving their families, religion, trade, commerce and culture. It is truely amazing the trials these people faced and still stood strong because of the strength of their Faith in God and his plan for them. We feel so lucky to be here walking in the footsteps of the heroes before us. It has been an enlightening experience being here, visiting has made us feel so grateful for the things we have.
**We will have more details and pictures to come (I promise we will be in a few of the pictures as requested by some of you).