Whoever said that Diamonds last Forever?

Today the unthinkable happened and the main diamond on my wedding ring disappeared. I am still so shocked that I haven't even cried (I know some of you are shocked by the not crying part I have for sure shed tears over lesser things).

The kids had the day off, and Kevin took off early so we could enjoy this day together. The kids had a vote at lunch as to how we would spend the day, and after a debate of pros and cons we ended up at the Nickelcade (I didn't vote, just for the record). We spent hours there and played and played and played. It is amazing how long $15.00 will last when you are playing games that only take nickels. I played right along with the kids (my ooowww so attractive competitive side always comes out in true form in this kind of atmosphere).

Kevin met us there so we drove away in two cars. As we neared the freeway on ramp, I noticed my diamond was gone. I gave Kevin the hand signal to pull over and no it was not that hand signal. We both pulled over and I showed him my missing diamond. I immediately went back to the Nickelcade to see if I could find a beautiful shining diamond among so much filth. The older lady who worked there just gasped when I told her my predicament. She felt bad for me and took my name and number in case a miracle happened. We both looked at each other both knowing it was pretty much a lost cause. Lexie said a prayer anyway and got on all fours casing down the joint. Bless her heart.

I left the Nickelcade empty handed and sick to my stomach.

Now I ask all readers of this blog how long should a diamond ring last? I guess it wasn't the diamond that didn't last the test of time it was the metal under the diamond that just wore out. I never took that ring off. I slept with it on, showered with it on, did dishes with it on. I guess it is a wonder that it lasted this long.

It is not the money value that makes me so sad, it is the fact that Kevin picked out my ring all by himself, he did a great job, and I have loved this ring (oh great here come the tears, you knew they would).

For now, I am going to take a deep breath be grateful for how long it lasted, and hold out for a twinge of hope that it could still be found.

My Baby turns Seven!!!

My little Lexie turned Seven on Sunday. On Saturday we went out to dinner with Grandma and Grandpa with bowling afterwards. I think Zach and Carson thought that they would do better at real bowling then they actually did due to all their practicing on the Wii. Not quite the same, I had to laugh to myself. Lexie wanted the ramp and heck it was her birthday, she scored far better than all the boys in our family including Dad. Sunday morning Lexie had breakfast in bed a family birthday tradition. Sunday evening Great Grandpa and Grandma came over along with Uncle Cody, Aunt Rachel, and Makayla (Lexie's favorite 2 year old cousin) for cake and ice cream.

Lexie I love you and all your girly ways. I love your willingness to try new things, your eagerness to learn anything and everything. You are still cuddly, and you look forward to girl time with just me and you. You love your brothers with all your heart. You are thoughtful and considerate of others. I hope you had a great day!

Snowboarding

I went snowboarding for the first time yesterday. For having lived in Utah for most of my life, and Utah being known for its snow I could not wait to try it. It was for my birthday, my brothers and I to Brighton to snowboard under the fireworks. Other than starting my very first time on the intermediate hill, kind of important to know how to turn, how to stop, or how to tighten my own bindings. I could just go straight full throttle, or fall which there was a lot of. After a short break after my first run through, to catch my breath, and watch the fireworks, a worker suggested I go to the easier hill (some of you might call it the bunny hill) that was much shorter and I could learn the basics. I loved that bunny hill and after only a couple of times I could go without falling and without going full throttle. I could turn, stop, and tighten my own boots. I loved the ski lift, quiet, peaceful, and just long enough to catch my breath. I was even the last chair for the night. I had a great time and can't wait to do it again.

Now that it is a day later and every muscle in my body hurts. I will have to wait for the aches and pains to go away before I do it again.

My brothers Justin and Cody

Look at me "no hands"

Snowing while we were there

Fireworks on the Mountain

Wii Reaction

This says it all!

Family Night

Zach appointed himself in charge of the family night activity. He wanted us to go as a family to Classic Skating for their family night deal of $10. Zach had recently gone Roller Skating for the first time a few weeks ago and ever since as been dying for us all to go. We even got to wear the "old skates" these are his words, meaning they weren't roller blades.

I loved roller skating as a child, but as an adult Kevin and I have been only once when we were newly married. That was 14 years ago. Last night was fun, and it is always nice to show your kids that you can do things they didn't think you can do. We played all their skating games, including a game called wipe out which is like the word implies you wipe out, crashing on purpose I do not recommend. Lexie struggled at the beginning and by the end she was really getting the hang of it. What was intended to last for just an hour turned out to be 2 1/2 hours later.

Girls Can Play Too!

As a parent I have spent many games on the sidelines cheering for my kids at their different events. Today my family came to watch me play football with a bunch of girls. It was a beautiful day for football. We were competitive and we had several touchdowns, but we lost in the end. Wait till next year and we actually have a couple of practices they won't stand a chance.

We ran

We blocked

We kicked

We tried to entertain

We can't breathe

We had fun

A new perspective

I mentioned in the previous post that while visiting Kevin's parents we were able to go to church with them twice. This time I was particularly observant and noticed a few things. One thing I noticed was that they only had 53 people counting all the babies, kids, and us. This is a ward, not a branch. Everyone has a calling. Kevin's dad is the Young Men's President (only one young man) no counselors although he is hoping to get one just so they have two leadership. Kevin's mom is a counselor in Relief Society and his sister is a counselor in Young Women's. Carson and Lexie were in the same Primary class along with their cousins. They have one sharing time all together Sunbeams to eleven year olds. They are extremely under staffed yet they do their jobs the best they can. They pray for growth. Zach passed the Sacrament with the one other Young Man and they had two adults help them.

I noticed almost ALL the members are converts to the church. I noticed that the lessons in Sunday School focused more on application, because they are questioned daily by co-workers, friends, and even family members who are not members why they believe in what they do. They are examples of the church everywhere they go. They sacrifice so much more, many drive long distances to even come to church. Not to mention any activities, visiting teaching and home teaching are sacrifices in money and time just to do what they have been asked to do.

Everytime we have visited people come from out of town visiting the area, they do not want to miss church. This time we had two truck drivers who came in regular clothes as they were passing through the area. They did not just stay for the Sacrament block they stayed for the whole meeting. I was so impressed.

I enjoyed the lessons, and really had a new perspective. I am thankful for the gospel in my life and I am grateful for where I live and the conveniences it brings. I also am grateful for the members in the mission field and the examples they are to me in dedication and committment. I loved that everyone knew we were visiting and welcomed us over and over. I loved the overwhelming feeling of being needed.

I did not mean to go on and on, I have been spoiled by living in Utah almost my entire life and it is good to experience new things and realize the blessings in our lives. The gospel is a good thing and it requires committment, dedication and a strong testimony no matter where we live. There are good members and good examples of the church everywhere.