Each life that touches ours for good

I believe that everything happens for a reason and people are placed in our lives just when we need them. 23 years ago, one of those people come into my life and changed me. Her name was Wendy. She fought hard for almost 6 years to beat cancer, but unfortunately 15 years ago today the cancer won. She was 20 years old. Sometimes in the midst of darkness, there is light and she always seemed to find it. She was able to use her cancer for good and to help others.

In her journal she wrote, "why me, why anyone else. Cancer isn't something you put on your list of things to do today."She never placed blame on anyone for having cancer, instead she wanted to use her cancer as a way to help others. She would spend her time visiting the other sick patients in the hospital giving them hope, she served in the community, and she served her friends. How can you not be inspired by someone like her. She showed me there was so much more to this life and instilled some of the greatest gifts. One of those being service.

In such a busy world it's hard to find the time or remember simple things like showing kindness or little acts of service. Today I was reminded of this. Each year on the anniversary of her passing, I try to find some way to honor her. This year, I asked the Young Women in our church to help me make puppets to donate to a children's hospital. I was touched by their excitement and willingness to help. Wendy would have been proud of them.

Payton on the phone

Payton loves to talk on the phone, but especially to Lucy the dog (aka Grandpa). This is one of her usual Sunday conversations with Lucy.

Fall

I love this time of year when the leaves are changing and the weather starts to cool off. The only problem is, the weather is still hot and I haven't seen any changing leaves yet. Even though we have been in TEXAS for 2 years now, I still haven't gotten used to a warmer fall. It seems strange to be able to trick or treat without a coat on. I have to admit, I like the warmer fall weather.

First day of School and a flat tire

I haven't had a chance to post about the boys first day of school yet. They are starting their third week and both boys are loving school so far. The boys are now in different schools, we thought we would have a few more years with them together, but they seem to be fine with it. Carson finally gets to ride the bus. He has been waiting for this moment since he started school. Grandma used to drive buses and would give the boys rides on them so when we lived too close to the elementary school in Utah, he was very disappointed. Then again here in Texas, we were too close to the elementary school, big disappointment. I walked him to the bus stop the first morning, but then he was too cool for Mom to walk him again. I guess I gotta let him grow up some time. Last week, Milan was out with the missionaries and was just dropping them off when he realized he had a flat/low tire. He drove on it home and we looked at the tire to see what the cause was, on the inside of the back tire, the tread was about gone and there was a long hole in it. As we changed the tire I noticed there was also a nail in the tire. So I guess we are lucky there was a nail in the tire or he most likely would have had a blow out on the freeway. I feel like we were blessed.