Learning about Faith

I have to post this cute story/incident before I forget. Yesterday, Brennan broke out with a little rash around his lips and cheek. It was suspicious looking so I checked his body. I told him I was checking for chicken pox. I told him if he got sick we would have to stay home instead of going to the Lake. I told him he looked okay, but that we would keep on eye on things.
I guess he must have been really concerned about it because that night as Ed was helping him get to bed and helping him say his prayers he told Ed he wanted a blessing. He said, I want the "oil blessing" (for my non-Latter-day Saint friends, Brennan asked for a blessing with consecrated oil - a Priesthood holder consecrates pure olive oil for its holy purpose of anointing the sick or afflicted). Ed proceeded to give Brennan a blessing. Ed recounted the event to me because I wasn't around when this was going on, but he said it was very special and an amazing experience for him as a Father and Priesthood holder. When Ed told me about this, I started to cry because I was so impressed that Brennan would know to ask for a blessing and also that Ed is able to give him a blessing. I felt so humbled by Brennan's faith, by the Priesthood Authority and the great blessing it is to learn from our children. I thought the teaching moment was over...
This morning when Brennan woke up and came downstairs, he was really bummed out and came right up to me and said,
Brennan: "It didn't work"
Me: "What didn't work?"
Brennan: "The blessing"
Me: "What do you mean it didn't work?"
Brennan: (pointing to his cheek) "See, they are still there!"
Me: (looking closely at his cheek) "Yup, they are still there, but they look a lot better"
Brennan: "Yes, but it didn't work, they are still there!"
We then proceeded to have a conversation about Faith and the workings of our Heavenly Father (mind you, I'm still trying to figure out the workings of our Heavenly Father). Regardless, what an amazing teaching moment for him and for me. I have no doubt that Heavenly Father gives us what we need, when we need it most and in the most inspired ways.

It was GRAND!

A few weeks ago on our way back home from Southern Arizona we made a detour to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The boys had wanted to see it "live" since they had seen it on TV. Ed and I had not been there since 1994. In 1994, our good friends the Ericksons (mostly Paul) had the brilliant idea of hiking the canyon rim to rim (23.5 miles). So Dena and I dropped the boys off on one side and drove to the other side to pick them up. This trip did not require any hiking and it was great to share it with the boys.

Ed and I (hanging on tight so I don't fall!)

Me & Brennan

The boys!

Me, Ed, Paul & Dena in 1994, the last time we were there.

Fourth of July, A Challenge & Big Thank You

Our 4th of July and last night with our Arizona family was spent relaxing. Ed, John and Brennan were in the pool, we played billiards, picnic in the park with fireworks and just hanging out.
Natalie challenged Ryan to wear a "patriotic" scarf for the night and she would give him $10. Ryan needed some money for fireworks, so he wore the scarf.

Natalie & Ryan at the end of the challenge. Natalie is wearing her "patriotic" sunglasses.

The scarf...sorry Ryan for posting this..some day you'll thank me.

Picnic in the park.

Brennan working the glow sticks.

A big THANK YOU to John and Donna for their hospitality. They pretty much fed us and kept us entertained all week, even with their busy week of getting ready for the wedding. Every time we spend time with them, I wish we lived closer to each other. I just love their family. I especially love my sister-in-law, Donna. I like to think that we have grown closer over the last few years and I always value her thoughts, advice and support. Also, a big SHOUT OUT to Natalie! She is an amazing young woman, beautiful inside and out! I loved hanging out with her and going to Yoga and Zumba. Love you guys!!!

Callahan Family Pics

Love these "boys"!

Desert Hike

We were lucky enough to spend almost an entire week in Arizona with family. We stayed in the Rancho Vistoso area near Oro Valley where Ed's brother lives. Thanks to my in-laws, Dale and Mary for getting us a really nice condo for the whole week. We really felt like we were on a vacation. We went on a little hike in one of the washes the morning after a big thunder/rainstorm. Those desert thunderstorms are awesome.

Brennan sneaking up on a lizard.

Brennan's squinty "heat stroke" eyes.

Brennan and Ed on our desert/nature walk.

Beautiful Arizona....I want to live there!

I love the desert! I am biased being that I grew up in the desert in California. I remember the first time I went to Tuscon and immediately fell in love with it. I told Ed I wanted to live there. My wish hasn't come true....yet!
Here are some pictures of why I love the Arizonan desert (Yes, I even love the HEAT!):

This picture does not do the amazing sunset any justice.

More Wedding/Family Pics

I feel bad that I don't have any good pics of my sister-in-law Donna and brother-in-law Johnny to post. I'm sure Donna is relieved, because she loves taking pictures as much as I do. And Johnny was always on the other side of the camera taking pictures of just about every single meal we ate.

In-laws, Dale & Mary

Ed and Brennan getting funky on the dance floor!

Brennan , Grandma June & Ryan

Natalie & Ryan

Super cute picture of all the Cousins

Natalie (love this cute girl) & Ed

Chad & Simone's Wedding

Last week we had the opportunity to travel to Arizona for our nephew Chad's wedding/sealing. It was so beautiful. I had not had the opportunity to go to a sealing in a very long time and I was so touched by the words of the sealer. I hope Chad and Simone recall all the great advice that was given them. I was reminded of how our marriages are entered into with Christ and that marriage requires lots of love, repentance and forgiveness. I was so touched and overwhelmed by the Spirit that was present and testified to the eternal nature of marriage.
The bride, Simone was beautiful. Chad was handsome. The reception and setting were awesome. The weather was great. It was so fun to spend time with family and friends and be able to be there for such a great event.

Great Blessings

A few weeks ago I got a phone call from my mom giving me some great news. Twenty-one years after I became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints my dad has also chosen to be become a Church member. It was a wonderful baptism. I feel so blessed to have been able to witness the great power that the Gospel has in my life and the life of others. I can't say enough about it.