I’ve actually had people emailing me to see if I’m alive. Heh. Just because I haven’t answered an email in over a month… sheesh. It’s nice to be missed! LOL

In answer to everyone’s questions: yes, I’m fine. I’ve just been really, really busy. And I have a bunch of good news to report, too. So, let’s back up a bit, shall we?

From mid-June:

• Father’s Day was lovely. I ordered DH’s priesthood line of authority and it came the Friday before Father’s Day, so I typed it up nicely, printed it on vellum, and framed it over a copy of the painting of Peter, James and John conferred the priesthood to Joseph Smith and that was DH’s present. He was actually surprised for once. Yay.
• From this post - the answer was #3. The first one was a random child in junior Primary, the second one was from a kid DH was dealing with in senior Primary. The third was between my own Sweet Girl and Little Man.
• The MOFia pulled through again and supported one of our sweet sisters through the untimely death of her young husband. I love my friends.
• The day after the funeral, I went to a Girl’s Weekend Out with my MOFia. It was amazing. It was a smaller group, only 25 of us, in a cabin in the beautiful wilds of Washington. One day we made a day trip into Seattle (sorry Kissy, I didn’t have a chance to call you) to see the sights, the next day we hung around the cabin and held some classes, had our hair done, and assembled over 200 hygiene kits for a local homeless shelter. Again, I love my MOFs.

• When I got back from GWO, I flung myself into cake-making. My nephew got married the last weekend in June, and for some odd reason they thought I’d be the person to ask to make the wedding cake. It was slightly stress-ridden, but it turned out okay. The happy couple liked it, and that’s good enough for me.

• We got to attend the sealing of my nephew and his beautiful bride. I love weddings… and my kids were ultra-cute, too.

• The day of the wedding reception, DH drove down to Nevada and back to retrieve Kiddo and Munchkin. Yay! Kiddo will be spending the remainder of the summer with us, but Munchkin will go back after Scout Camp. Boo.
• We are no longer unemployed! DH started his new job earlier this week. It is with the company he was really hoping for, and it sounds pretty interesting. Thanks to all for your prayers!
• Munchkin had another birthday! He wasn’t here to celebrate with us - he and Kiddo were lucky enough to hitch a ride with my uncle and sister to Utah and spent a few days at Lagoon. Happy 15th birthday, Munchkin. When did I say you could grow up?

So far in July:

I’ve been recovering. LOL Laundry, house cleaning, remembering what it’s like to have all four kids home all day long, taking Munchkin to the orthodontist, watching fireworks from a local patriotic rally. The rally was held at a large amphitheater just over a small hill from our home, and we were able to watch the fireworks from the comfort of our driveway. Cool.

Today my sweet DH turns 40! Of course, he’s not around to celebrate… he took off early this morning to go help his dad finishing baling and stacking hay. I did manage to have his cake ready and waiting for him this morning, though.

We will be celebrating his birthday, Munchkin’s birthday*, and America’s birthday later today at my sister’s home with a large BBQ/potluck and fireworks with our extended family. I’ll be bringing two cakes for the birthday boys, plus some baked beans that Prudy suggested. They look delicious and I can’t wait to try them! Family, food, fireworks - what better way to spend the day?

* Wanna see Munchkin’s cake? Too bad. I’m showing it anyway.

I am so grateful for the blessings I have been given - including the opportunity to live where I do. I couldn’t ask for a better life.