The Nitty Gritty

Isaac had a teaching conference at the Cliff Lodge in Snowbird all last week. It was very refreshing to be in the mountains and have someone else make the bed everyday. We took the tram ride (I had no idea I had the guts to ride in a mechanism hanging by a cable at an elevation of 11,000 feet), had some fine dining, and watched a large amount of television. I'll never forget the breaking news of MJ's death during Oprah! It was funny that TV was a luxury for us. I was reminded of how much I despise local news and commercials, and how thankful I am we don't invest in cable. Will and I hung out during the day at the swimming pool. Grandma brought cousin Deacon one day to swim. It was very fun. Will's ready for a dip in the pool! Here's his first time swimming. I couldn't get over how adorable he looked in his swim gear. I can't wait to go again! After Snowbird we babysat Deacon for about five days. Aunt Sophie left matching pajamas for the boys. What cute cousi...

Isaac celebrated his FIRST Father's Day. William is soooooo lucky to have Isaac as his dad. Whenever Will sees his dad his eyes light up. I've never been able to get the laughs and giggles Isaac can get out of Will. Thank you Isaac for being beyond helpful with our little boy. I think we make a great team and I'm so happy you love being a father. It's so fun for me to watch you interact with William and see the sweet bond between the two of you. Happy Father's Day.

Happy Birthday Mom! The three words that I think best describe you are: FAITH, HOPE, and CHARITY. First, faith. In my life I have learned how to overcome hardships from your example. When experiencing your own tribulations, you share the words from the serenity prayer, "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference" or "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding, but acknowledge Him in all thy ways and He shall direct thy paths." You've always had faith that Heavenly Father will help you no matter what. The greatest thing is that He has. It seems most of your sentences begin with "I have the faith that..." I hope to have your faith someday. Next, hope. Whenever I envision a hopeful person, your countenance enters my mind. You radiate hope and uplift those around you. You see the good in everything and encourage others...

In my efforts to reform health care in America, I took on the challenge to phone my representatives: Congressman Jason Chaffetz, Senators Orrin Hatch and Bob Bennett. I did not speak directly with any of them, but did speak with their, I assume secretaries or some intern. I began the conversation by introducing myself and included a schpeil about how I support Barack Obama and his three principles on health care which are: 1. Reduce health care costs 2. Guarantee choice – including a public insurance option 3. Ensure quality care for every American I asked if Congressman Chaffetz supported President Obama on these three principles. Here's how it went: Secretary of Chaffetz : No, Congressman Chaffetz does not stand with Obama on his health care plan. You can look at his website and see where he stands on the issue. Me : Well doesn't he believe every American should have quality health care? Sec : Well he wants every AMERICAN to have health care, but not the illegal aliens. Ob...

I've been receiving numerous comments lately on what a good-natured baby William is! Every time I take him to the store he's so content and flirts with the female checkers by flashing his cheesy grin and making his cute noises. Lately he's been clapping his hands. This past Wednesday he kept clapping with the students at Isaac's assembly. I thought he would be bothered by the noisy applause, but he just joined right in. Another trick is saying "hi." Actually, he's only done it two times but I like to pretend in my mind that he can wave hello and goodbye. Of course he's still got those pipes and loves to use them when Daddy sings with the ukulele.

  Here are some close up shots of Will. Can't wait to read which one's your fave.