Bitter Sweet...Food for Thought...

Well today is the day. We are moving to Provo. My stomach is sick, and I am flooded with emotions! I have so many good friends here in Cedar that I am so Sad to leave. I loved my job working at Horizon House, a treatment home for people with substance abuse problems, it was a great learning experience. There are a flood of thoughts that come with this life altering decision... I keep thinking Why? How? Are we sure? This is crazy! It is amazing how difficult stresses and trials in life can be, even when WE CHOOSE them for ourselves! Even with all of the questions though I do not question IF we should do this because I know this is right for me and our little family at this time. I can not tell you of the countless blessings that have been poured out over us with this decision. I don't know why and how, I just know what?
It is difficult to compare trials, I know, however I am going to a little... I was thinking yesterday why does this have to be so difficult and filled with emotions, (seriously as I think about this tears are coming to my eyes). I do not want to leave the comfort of this modest, but beautiful home in Cedar City. I don't want to leave our ward and my dear friends. I only ever wanted to be a stay at home mom, so why in the world am I CHOOSING to go back to school? I am so comfortable here!
I truly believe we (Dave and I) have been guided and almost just placed in this decision. I KNOW that this is what Heavenly Father wants for us! But I am choosing this, why does it have to feel so difficult and uncomfortable? Why do I get to choose my trials and some people don't????? How can I even compare this trial to theirs for theirs seem so far greater than mine, yet this feels difficult. I have had this thought that I truly believe the last couple of days and that is that we all choose/chose our trials. I don't know why but I really feel that Our God, Our Creator, Our Father in Heaven, loves us each so much that he LET US CHOOSE and lets us choose because of the gift of His Son. He knew and We knew before we ever tasted of the breath of life, what would help US grow and return back to Him and his Beloved Son. For that, for my Saviour, for Our Saviour, I am truly greatful!
I ask myself how do I expect to grow if I am not challenged? How do any of us expect to grow without stretching? I don't necessarily have these thoughts on a regular easy basis, they come with trials. With trial comes progression, understanding, love, and knowledge. I am so thankful for these thoughts. I am greatful to be able to embark on this adventure, because I know I will learn so much. I am so greatful for my family, for my wonderful supportive husband, for my three year old and five year old boys! For my mother, for my siblings, for my cousins, aunts and uncles! Where would I be, who would I be without all of these wonderful people in my life? I am excited for the fun that I will have with the family and friends I have in Provo. I know that I will make new friends and have a wonderful time, it is just getting there that is a little difficult. (Packing and saying good-bye are not my favorite things to do.) Anyways I just thought that I would post these thoughts. I am not sure how long it will take us to get our internet hooked up there so this may be it for a while. Joey turned 3 two days ago. I feel bad I did not post his picture, but my camera battery died when I was trying to take his birthday picture, and I have been too busy to get new batteries. I think it is amazing how on the birthdays of our children, well atleast for me and a few others I have talked to, we are given the gift of remembrance. It's almost as if you can relive the day, the emotions and memories, of the day they were born. I love it! That is a whole other blog though...
Love you all! Smile! Life is good! Marilla

My baby David is 5!!!

Went to Texas Roadhouse for lunch yesterday to celebrate my brother Robert and Davids birthdays. Robert is the day after Davids so I totally forgot Rob's birthday 5 years ago. I felt terrible, but I guess he understood. They let David sit on this saddle while they said some cool birthday stuff...
Here he is in a pair of his new school clothes. I can't believe how big and cute and smart he is.
Happy Birthday buddy... I love you!

Fishing in Alaska...

Here are a few of Dave's pictures from his trip. It seems like it was amazing, an out of this world experience! Brendon Gunn, Dave's Fishing buddy... Look, SHHH, it's a bear! Stay away from mama bears and cubs, because although they look cute, that mama will tear your face off. The bears were everywhere. Dave says you had to keep talking when walking on trails so you did not walk up, catch a bear by surprise, and then you're a bear meal.

Beautiful Alaska...

Here's my Hot Grizzly Man... Isn't this beautiful?... More of his fishing buddies...He said these were actually small bear paw prints. This was one of my favorite clips he brought back, if you want to see more let us know.

In Mesa, last week of July...

First of all to preface this picture, I took the boys to Mesa while Dave was in Alaska fishing with his friend Brendon. We had so much fun. My cousin Brittany kept us busy, and it was definitely nice to spend time with her and the rest of the Arizona part of my family!
One of the days we took the kids to the teddy bear factory. We got a tour of how they make teddy bears then the kids got to make their own ten dollar teddy bear.
We swam a lot because it was hot and we could, thanks to my Aunt Margie and Aunt Drana's pools.
I sure love these boys!
Don't they look cute and silly with those goggles on...
Don't pay attention to the mom in the picture, I just have to document that I was there too.
We ended the vacation in Las Vegas at my friend Tiffany's, a BFF from grade school. It was fun for our kids to play together. The boys were all tuckered out! We picked up Dave at the Las Vegas airport the next morning.

Lately. . .

In St. George with a friend and her kids around July 20th.
We went to the splash pad by the tabernacle.
As you can see they had a blast!
Check out this one of Joey on a statue that was there...