WOW! Has it really been almost 3 weeks since I last posted?! My life has been a little crazy lately, as I'm sure all of yours has been, and our computer decided it didn't want to work for a little while but I'm back and for a very special reason. My not so little girl was baptized today!!! I can't tell enough how proud I am of this amazing little girl! I love her so much and I know, without a doubt, that she was sent to me so early in my life for a very special reason. This girl is seriously the best! Madi we love you and are so proud of you!!

Ok, funny story: Yesterday we were in the car and I look back at Madi and I could tell that she was deep in thought about something so I asked her what was up and she asks me, " Mom, what am I going to do? We haven't picked up mine and dad's karate looking suits yet!!!". I thought it was hilarious! She does have a good point. They do look a lot like those suits. :)

“… the tests of life are tailored for our own best interests, and all will face the burdens best suited to their own mortal experience. In the end we will realize that God is merciful as well as just and that all the rules are fair. We can be reassured that our challenges will be the ones we needed, and conquering them will bring blessings we could have received in no other way. If we constantly focus only on the stones in our mortal path, we will almost surely miss the beautiful flower or cool stream provided by the loving Father who outlined our journey. Each day can bring more joy than sorrow when our mortal and spiritual eyes are open to God’s goodness. Joy in the gospel is not something that begins only in the next life. It is our privilege now, this very day. We must never allow our burdens to obscure our blessings. There will always be more blessings than burdens—even if some days it doesn’t seem so. Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Enjoy those blessings right now. They are yours and always will be.”

My sweet Sister-in-law returned back to her Father in Heaven yesterday evening. This quote is how she lived her life to a T. I love her and will miss her dearly. I am a better person because of her and her example to me. And to my brother Justin, you are amazing! Or as Susan would put it AWESOME! I love you and more importantly, our Heavenly Father loves you and will be there with you during this heart wrenching experience.

Susan, you will be missed. I loved you then, I love you now, and I will love you forever!!!!!!!

SUSAN TURLEY

May 7, 1983-December 5, 2008

IT'S GREAT TO BE 8!

Today is my oldest baby's 8TH BIRTHDAY! Can you believe it? I have an 8 year old!! I want my sweet angel to know how thankful I am for her. I love her so much, I don't know what I would ever do without her. She is so caring and loving and so incredibly understanding of her crazy mom :) This girl has the funnest personality ever! She will make a best friend where ever she goes and everybody just loves her.

Here are just a few pictures of this silly little girl.......

(she used to just sit on the corner for hours doing nothing)


Her favorite messiest food to eat....spaghetti

before surgery

She just had to be baby Jesus last year in the childrens version of the story of baby Jesus. (I know it looks bad but she's just a kid :)

It was crazy hair day today so she convinced me to do it!

Madi Bear, I love you so much! YOu are the bestest 8 year old ever!!!

I am not going to go into much detail right now but I have a sister-in-law who is losing her battle with colon cancer. I feel so helpless right now so this is where we all come in. I would ask that whoever is reading this blog will please include her, Susan, and my brother, Justin, in your prayers. Thank you all, and I love you!

Megan