My Friend Skye

 
https://open.spotify.com/track/2Qq9VJ6WOoRqqAjB54fokM?si=0215039469e94e9c

I threw on a Sunday playlist on Spotify this morning as I was getting ready for church, and the first song that played was "You Know Better Than I." Every time I hear this song, I think of my sweet friend Amy's son Colton, because someone sang it so beautifully at his funeral. The chorus says "You know better than I. You know the way. I've let go the need to know why, for you know better than I." I needed to hear those words that day at the funeral, and I needed to hear them today because once again, I have been asking "Why?" I asked why the day of Skye's diagnosis, and repeatedly over this past year as I've watched her courageously battle cancer. Why does such an amazing person have to endure so many unimaginable trials? Well, I don't know why, but I do know that these trials can mold and form us into who our Heavenly Father intends for us to become. As I look back on the few trials I have faced, I can now see the knowledge, compassion, and understanding I have gained throughout those hard times. Skye has faith and is at peace with His plan, and I will follow her example. I miss my friend Skye, but I will be forever grateful that I am one of the many that were so blessed by knowing her.

First Day 2022-2023!

 My sweet Lyddies is a SENIOR! 😭

Meleah Susannie is a Sophomore

Cam Cam is in 8th and has officially passed up both his older sisters and his mother in height, much to Meleah's dismay.  (Lydia and I are used to being passed up, so it doesn't even phase us.) He really hopes to ascend higher than his brother by the time Carter comes home next year, and maybe eventually...his DAD. 😏

Savanna is in 6th but informed me this morning that she has no plans to "rule the school" as is her right as the oldest grade there.  I should have known she is too nice for that.  😊

And my baby Emma Sue is in FOURTH GRADE this year. 😳 As many of you know, her middle name is actually Sophia, but although they each have their own unique personalities, her creativity, independent nature, and sass are very reminiscent of my Meleah Susanne...much to Meleah's annoyance. 😆 Thus the nickname.

Too cool to do their cheer pose this year (or maybe just no longer feel like cheering on the 1st day anymore...) but at least they still let me take their picture in front of the school.

Throwback!

Carter's doing great, and is currently in Minot, North Dakota for his 4th transfer in a row.  It's a good thing he likes the area!  He's using some of his school skills to sketch during his free time with very limited art supplies...  I love his sketches! He's also spending lots of time teaching the gospel (of course), meeting people, playing with puppies, searching for skeletons, and giving service any chance he gets - including helping a family slaughter a bunch of bunnies they raised for meat. 

I HATE how fast time flies...particularly the summer (although I must say, having a missionary definitely makes the passing of time bittersweet, rather than my usual - just plain bitter) but I look forward to this year and all the experiences my family has ahead of us.

Mom and Pops

We were trying out new tents, and fixing old tents last night to get ready for Palisades, and I couldn't resist sneaking a pic of these two cutie-patooties.  Love them so much!