BYU Take 1

The first week of classes is done! It has been a long and overwhelming week to say the least. Classes are definitely different from high school in many ways. 

- The professors (so it seems) expect you to teach yourself and they reinforce what you taught

-Classes are very time consuming. My chemistry professor said that is order to do well in his class we need to study at least 12 hours a week! 12 hours!!! 

-In a class of 250 you are just another student and it is hard to develop a personal relationship with the professor. 

-One thing I have loved about classes though is the religious perspective that all of them have. In most classes we begin with a prayer and sometimes even an opening hymn. I love it. It sets the tone for learning so well. I also love how every professor relates what he is teaching back to the Gospel--how it relates to a doctrine, or how it can help us in church service. 

This week was just kind of a trial week, a figure things out week so to speak. I now have an idea of what I need to do and when. 

I have a few pictures of the first week to share. 

Who's excited for the first day of school? I AM! The day started bright and early 5:50! I get up at six everyday in order to be at class by 8:00. Luckily Saydi likes getting up early to. 

We decided that we would cook together. We each take a night and our responsible for everything that night. I had the first night and chose to make chicken quesadillas and strawberry spinach salad. Everyone's schedule was crazy that night and it ended up only being Lexy and I. 

Saydi's here now! The room is complete! 

Ya for Canadians! It seems a small minority down here! 

Some of the roommates. Ki Ki Golden, Lexy Anderson, Saydi Wilde

First Football game of the season? Yes! It was a lot of fun! They played Washington State and won! It rained in the beginning but managed to stop in time for the opening kick. 

It was a white out game. 

The had a marching bag and the girls who twirl the flags. (Whatever they are called?)

These are the cougarets. . .One of my roommates is cheerleader I didn't get a picture of them unfortunately. Next time! 

The game was on a thursday night so there was till classes the next day. Saydi and I left at 11 because we were very tired and had to get up early the next day. 

Well the first week has also brought many challenges and surfaced many weaknesses that need to be worked on. 

One thing that has been on my mind though is a run in I had with a family that I knew. I just happened to pass them while walking home. We stopped and talked for a few minutes and then continued on our way. It wasn't but two seconds after that he turned and hollered back to me. In the most sincere voice he asked if there was anything he could do for me or get for me. I know it doesn't sound like much but it made me feel so good and taken care of. I have been really missing my family and the comfort that this mans request had just made me feel comforted even though my family isn't here. I am so grateful to know so many amazing people that would do anything for me. I love that about church members. You don't have to be good friends but yet you are willing to do anything for them. 

Well again this post has been quite juggled and not very orderly. There are so many things I want to share right now I just can't find the words. I hope and pray that I can share them when ready and that it will be a growing experience. 

It is crazy to think that my university experience has begun! I am so overwhelmed right now with so many emotions and thoughts that I really don't know where to start. I usually have a clear direction as to what I want to write about but today I really don't know. I hope everything flows well and makes sense somewhat.

So I packed all my stuff. . .  I thought I had so much stuff, but when I got to my apartment, I quickly realized that I had hardly anything compared to all of my roommates stuff! I can't believe all of the things they brought! I think I brought just the right amount of stuff and don't regret it at all.

Mom and Dad took me down. It was nice to spend some time with them. I love them so much and am so grateful for all that they have done for me. They really are the best parents anyone could ask for.

We drove to Rexburg on Monday and there stayed the night at Chris and Echo's apartment. We drove the rest of the way to Provo on tuesday.

The first thing we did was get a phone. I was really nervous about getting a phone as I don't know much about them. I had done a little research and was somewhat prepared. We were able to find a great deal. It is a Samsung Comment by Cricket. It is a pay as you go phone and for $35 a month I get unlimited texting, unlimited calling, and unlimited calling and texting to Canada which is ideal!

The next thing was check in to my apartment. It is called the Lodge's of Glenwood. It is old but still decent. My rent is $269 a month. I live with five other girls: Saydi Wilde (from my homeward), Alexis Anderson (Lexy), Jessica Walker (Jess), Christina Golden (KiKi) and Brigitte Williams. So far I have gotten along with all of my roommates really well and hope I can build relationships with them. I know it is going to be hard as they have all already known each other for a few years and at times I don't think I will be able to fit in with them but I know as I continually make an effort it will all work out.

My room! Katelyn made the quilt on my bed. I absolutely love it! It brings such a special feeling to my room knowing that she made it for me. Aunt Ginny crocheted the blanket that is on the end of my bed as well; it also contributes a special feeling. 

The top of my dresser and shelf. 

The desk. Still a bit messy.

Closet.

Above my closet. Notice the bag that says "24 Hour Emergency Home Sick Kit". It was a special surprise that I found in my closet after my parents had left! That is how amazing my Mom is!!!! It contains multiple wrapped presents with an assigned opening date. I can't wait to open the first one! My Mom knows me well and she knows just what I need. 

On Wednesday my parents dropped me off and it was really hard!!!! I shed a lot of tears that day. Just thinking about it now has made me begin to cry! I love my family so much and it is so hard being away from them! I have a family picture as one of my desktop backgrounds and every time I see it hurts so bad! I know though that as I keep myself  busy that I will be ok. After my parents left I tried to keep busy unpacking and preparing for the days ahead. 

On Thursday I attended New Student Orientation for all the incoming freshman here at BYU. It was tons of fun and I am so glad that I did it. The split us up into Y groups. These Y groups contained people that shared a class. My group all has writing 150 together. It is nice knowing that I can go to class on Monday and know most of the people. Many of the girls in my group share other classes as well. It makes me feel so much more confident knowing that I already know people in my class. I was the only Canadian in my group; consequently, I am learning real quick that Canadians are a small minority down here. Most people have know idea where Alberta even is. I have had multiple questions concerning how cold it is, our "weird money" toonies and loonies, and many others. 

We did many activities for New Student Orientation that got me really excited to be here. We had an opening devotional, welcome from President Samuelson as well as the BYUSA president, campus tour, library tour, and game nights. 

There is so much going on here it is insane. I went to a service fair that showcased all of the different types of service clubs there are. I was amazed and overwhelmed at all of the opportunities there are. I hope that I can take the time to participate in these organizations. The BYUSA President encouraged us all to join a club of some sort and to join a service group. I plan todo both. 

I am surprising myself at how open I am being. I am quickly realizing that in order to make friends and meet new people I am the one who needs to initiate it. People aren't going to come up inquire about me always so I need to do the same. I am so glad that I have been doing that as I have met many people walking on the sidewalk who have now become my friends. I typically ask if they are freshman to and where they live. Surprising me, there are many other freshman who do not live on campus. I have made friends with two girls who live in Alpine which is the complex next to mine. We were all so happy to find other freshman who don't live in the dorms. 

BYU is a special place and I am so lucky to be apart of it. It is amazing to me all of the wonderful people who are here. There is a special spirit here and I hope I can contribute to it. There is so much going on all of the time and I hope to be anxiously engaged. 

In one of the open talks a brother was relating how special our freshman class is: most are at or near the top of their graduating class, 16 got perfect scores on the ACT and many were near perfect there are around 200 student body presidents, and most have served as class or quorum presidents. It made me realize just how hard I need to work. 

I went to my first singles ward today. I am in the 83rd ward. We meet in the Tanner building for our meetings. It was overall a good experience; however, I realized many important things. 

1. I have a lot of room to grow in testimony

2. I really need to learn to not be so shy

3. I have such great potential and need to do all I can to obtain God's vision for me. 

It was very intimidating to be around so many adults that are only at most a few years older than me. Most are so strong and confident in themselves. I hope I can grow into a more confident person. Most of the guys have served missions or are planning to and it is amazing to see how spiritual they are. I hope I can become actively engaged in my ward. There are so many activities going on. We had a meet the bishopric breakfast on saturday, a munch and mingle after church today,  prayer meeting tonight, FHE tomorrow, and a break the fast after church next week as well. There is so much going on! 

In church today most of the talks were based on the fact that a new semester begins tomorrow and what we can do to make the best of it. Talks were about balancing secular and spiritual learning along with how they go hand in hand, as well as balancing our time and the importance of goal setting. 

I have a vision in my head of where I want to be now I just need to start taking the necessary steps towards reaching that destination. I know without a doubt that it will not be easy. Nothing good and worthwhile is ever easy. 

I would now like to record my goals for this semester. 

1. Attend devotionals/forums ever week.

2. Make a daily schedule and to do list and stick to it. 

3. Balance my time and get important things done first.

4. Exercise and eat healthy daily. 

5. Pray aloud morning and night.

6. Meaningful scripture study. 

7. Do well in my classes.

8. Strive become a confident person.

9. Gain meaningful relationships with others.

10. Become a strong communicator. 

11. Never do homework on the Sabbath. 

12. Remain in church dress on the Sabbath.

13. Serve weekly and become involved in student activities.

14. Develop meaningful relationships with my roommates, professors and other leaders.

15. Become closer to Christ.

16. Attend the Temple often. 

17. Learn to always recognize and act on the impressions of the spirit. 

18. Read meaningful books.

This is not all of my goals I plan to add more as they come. I think this is a good place to start. 

While I know that this post was jumbled and didn't have very much organization to it. I apologize for that. My mind is just everywhere right now. I promise to make it better next time. Well classes start tomorrow and it will be an eye opening experience I am sure. I pray to start off this semester right. 

O and I just realized that I shared absolutely no pictures from NSO. . . so here they are. 

A nice note that was left for me from my roommate Lexy. She is so so so nice!!! I am so lucky to have met her. I hardly know her but she makes me want to be a better person each time I talk to her. 

Not to good of a picture of me. It had been along day! This is Mary we were in the same Y group and spent most of our time together. This was at the pep rally where they introduced most of the BYU teams. It was a ton of fun. I can't wait to watch the basketball games. 

So one night we had the option to hike the Y. No one in my Y group wanted to hike it but me so I was had to make new friends along the way. I met up with these girls and we had a fun time. I cut off the one girls head by accident. Oops! 

The view was gorgeous! It was quite a hard hike because you climb high really fast. You can see the Provo Temple in this one.  

The first meal I made. I didn't have to cook hardly at all this weekend because we got fed at NSO. We as roommates are hoping to all cook together. It is hard to juggle 6 peoples food in the fridge and freezer and would be a lot easier to co-ordinate meals together. I hope it works out because I am really picky about what I eat. 

I didn't take to many pictures of the NSO just because we were so busy all the time. 

To sum it all up I am really excited to be here and hope to experience all that I can while I am here. 

Camping Pictures/BYU!!!

Well I made it down to BYU but I will talk more about that later. Firstly, my pictures from our family camping trip.

Sitting around waiting for dinner. 

Supper was smokies/hotdogs and vegetables. Yum! 

O just me and Dad chilling by the fire

The morning was beautiful! Dad cooked us breakfast over a smaller fire. It was really fun and I am glad we got to do it together. 

BYU TOMORROW!!!

It has been a CRAZY week! Pretty much all of my time and effort has gone into preparing to leave for BYU tomorrow. I can't believe the time is finally here! I am extremely nervous and excited. I feel overwhelmed to say the least. I am going to try to sum up the week as best as I can.

I worked monday through friday at Atkins from 10 to 6. Friday was my last day. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had to work at Atkins. I have throughly enjoyed every minute of it. I have also very much enjoyed working with Carley and Kris MacDonnell. They are so smart about money and how the real world works. I have learned so much from them. I was truly guided to work there. I will miss them and hope to work for them for a few weeks next year when I am home for the summer and Kris goes to Mexico. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had to work and save money for school. It has been such a blessing. The only regret that I have is that I didn't get a picture with them.

After my last day of work I came home and we went camping on an island just down the river from us. The family was able to come and it was a joyous time. We packed everything on quads and horses. Those not on horses had to wade across the cold river to reach the determined site. I got their later so everything was already set up and everything. Benny even came along for the ride and swam across the river multiple times never wanting to get left behind. We fed him some moldy blueberry muffins earlier that day so we was not feeling to good that night. We ate dinner and just sat around the campfire and talked. Mom, Dad, and I slept in a tent together as well as Chris and Echo had their own tent, but Travis and Katelyn slept out under the stars. In the morning we had a yummy camp breakfast of potatoes, bacon, and eggs. It was good. We then relaxed a little bit then packed everything up and headed for home. It was a lot of fun and I am so glad that we could spend that time together as a family before I head off to school.

Saturday afternoon, after we cleaned up from our camping adventure, some of us decided to float the river: Chris, Echo, Travis, Dad, and I. Travis and Dad canoed while Chris, Echo, and I shared a big tube. We started at horseshoe ben and concluded at Kimball.It was a lot of fun and I am so glad that I could go with them.

Today I have spent most of my time packing. I wish I would have prioritized my time better so that I wouldn't have had to pack on the Sabbath, as today didn't really feel like a sunday besides the fact that we went to church. Brigitte Russell came out and took some family pictures for us tonight. Katelyn picked out all of our outfits and helped co-ordinate the entire thing. It was a fun and memorable thing to do and I am glad we did it. I will share some of them as well as pictures from the camping trip when I have more time to upload them and what not.

I am beginning to feel quite apprehensive about going tomorrow. My Dad gave me a father's blessing which helped to calm the nerves. Travis assisted him in the blessing. I am so grateful that my Dad and brothers could hold the priesthood and what a blessing that is in my life. I will miss not having that comfort while at school though the thought of willing bishopric and hometeachers does help to fill the gap. I will now want to share a few things that my Dad said in my blessings. It is not word per word but rather the idea that was mentioned.

-I will become self reliant. 

-I need to ALWAYS use good judgement and by doing so I will be protected through hard situations.

-There WILL be hard times but as I serve others I will make it through the hard times. 

-I need to always show faith and inquire of the Lord. . . Ask for his will and follow it. 

-I will experience many new situations in church callings, school, and real life and will be able to handle them. 

-I will continue to have a sharp mind in school and out of school. 

-It will be a joyful time and I will be happy. 

-Remember the things that I have been taught in home and by leaders and put them into practice. 

I am again so grateful that my Dad could hold the priesthood and be worthy to give me a Father's blessing. I love my family so much and it is going to be a real trial being away from them. I can't believe that tonight is the last night I am going to sleep in my bed for until either Thanksgiving or Christmas. It is a terrifying thought! I know as I trust in the Lord everything will fall into place. I look forward to tomorrow and plan to embrace this new situation and make the best of it.

Well all for now. Next time I write I will be in Provo Utah. And finished my first week at BYU!!!

Catch Up

Last Sunday I received my Young Women "Honor Bee". It is a part of Personal Progress that can be awarded after you have received your medallion. It requires 40 additional hours of service and reading the Book of Mormon again. I did a vast variety of activities for my service hours: baptisms for the dead, volunteering at the handicapped association, volunteering/playing piano at the chinook home for the elderly and doing STATS for the boys basketball team. When I look back on these activities I realize that I am the happiest when I am in the service of others as I remember very vividly the happiness and content I felt while in service to those people. I am also glad that I could read the Book of Mormon again as this is always a faith building experience. I am so grateful for the Personal Progress program and the growth I received because of participating in it. I look back and realize that I wouldn't have such a strong testimony nor the desire to serve others that I do have I not participated in this inspired program. I hope I can help other women realize the importance of the program and have a desire to participate. In particular, I hope that I can work along side my daughters and help them to complete the program and consequently, grow in faith and testimony. I am also really grateful for my Mom, Katelyn, and Young Women leaders and for the support they have given me throughout the program, for without them I could have never completed it.

My Young Women medallion along with my recently awarded Honor Bee charm. I love the feeling of accomplishment as well as the feeling of  approval that I receive from my Savior each time I wear it. I know he is proud of my progress. I hope I can always please him. 

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to go to Lethbridge all by myself and shop for university supplies. I bought things such as towels, storage containers, a few clothes, shoes, school supplies, and toiletry items. Although it was nice to get that shopping out of the way, I wish I could have done it with my Mom. It would have been fun to spend that time together. The reason I didn't go is because I wanted to stay home and work and didn't want to sacrifice two days of work. I realize this was not the right decision and that I should have spent time with my family. I will talk more about this later. When I got home I had the afternoon all to myself. I didn't eat in Lethbridge, so I decided to make a meal for myself when I got home. Although it wasn't an elaborate meal by any means I was quite proud of it and wanted to share this simple thing that brought me joy. : ) 

I made scrambled eggs with tomatoes, onions, peppers, olives, and mushrooms. I love making simple meals that are healthy for my body. I also had fresh strawberries and kiwi. One of my favorite things about summer time is the variety of fresh fruit that is available. It was rewarding to sit out on the deck and eat my colourful nutritious meal and realize that God's hand is in everything. I am so grateful for all of the things that God has put on the earth for the benefit and good of the body. 

On Monday it was Heritage Day holiday so everyone had work off. We decided to spend the day in Waterton. Did I mention Chris and Echo up!!! They got here last thursday and are staying here for a couple of weeks until school starts again. It is great to have them here and have the entire family be together. We decided that since we didn't make it all the way to Rowe Lake last time that we would do it again now that all of the snow is melted. It was a beautiful day to hike and we all had a lot of fun. 

Beautiful Rowe Lake. 

Dad wanted to climb the peeks surrounding Rowe Lake. It was a hard steep climb to the top, but we all did it. We had to go up some steep shale which wasn't very fun for Katelyn and I to go down! Chris, Echo, and Travis just motor up and down! It is a lot harder for Katelyn and I. I think it is because we are not in as good as shape and are not nearly as strong! In Dad's words "Travis is strong like an ox!". Dad was readily their to help Katelyn and I down the shale though which was very helpful and encouraging. The view from atop the peaks made it all worth it. The pictures don't do it justice! 

The view from atop the first peek. We were now very high above the lake! 

Even higher up! It was gorgeous. Mountains everywhere! Katelyn and I made it to the first peek fine but we were a little hesitant to get to the second one due to fatigue. Dad, however, told us how beautiful the view would be. He proceeded to show us a little mountain peek that we could see and followed by saying that the next peek we would see dozens of mountains. We agreed to continue and we made it to the top and the view was exactly how he said it would be! I thought about how that can relate to the gospel. We only know and feel a small portion of what eternity will be like (like the little mountain peek). The journey looks long and hard and sometimes unreachable (like the hard trek to the top of the next peek). But by working hard we can achieve Eternal life and it will be everything and more that we could have ever imagined (like reaching the top). Anyways I was just thinking about the many parallels that could be drawn from this experience. Another being, Travis, Chris, and Echo were already to the top and cheering us on to come. I know I have family in Heaven who are anxious and excited to have me their with them.

Dad, Katelyn, and I at the top. It was neat you because you could see both Wall and Cameron Lake from where we were! You can kind of see a little of Cameron in the back of this picture. 

All of the kids. (Dad was taking picture and Mom was waiting down below)

Chris and Echo, Travis, Melissa, Katelyn

After we climbed back down we found a stream that comes off of Rowe and we decided to take a minute to soak our feet and eat some snacks. My feet were pretty sore! I still have bad blisters. 

All in all Rowe Lake was an excellent hike and I am glad we finally were able to do it. We came home and barbecued hamburgers. It was a great day and I am so glad that we could spend it together as a family. 

This past week was busy! After spending a nice day off with the family on Heritage Day Monday, it was hard to get back into the swing of things. I have had many pressing demands lately it seems: working full time, organ practicing, getting banking information straight, applying for student loans in hopes of receiving a grant, and preparing to leave for school. The last one has held the biggest demands. I have made countless phone calls and sent many emails to see that all is set when I get down to provo in one 8 days! It has been stressful but I am sure it will be worth it. 

The weekend was Cardstons Heritage Day celebrations. It includes activities such as a parade, ranch rodeo, night rodeo, mud bog, family ball tournament and many more. While it may mean fun and family for most people, for me it can be summed up in one word--WORK! I am not proud to say that I worked the entire weekend! Let me give a little schedule of my friday and saturday so it will be in perspective. 

Friday 

Worked at Atkins from 10 to 6. Worked at Rodeo concession 6 till 11.

Saturday 

Helped out at Lions Pancake breakfast 7-9. Was in the parade with the basketball team (more on this latter). Worked at Atkins from 11-5. Worked at Rodeo concession from 5 to 10:30. 

While it may not seem like much in print, it was two long days.  The only thing I could think about was getting from one job to another and counting down the hours till I would be home and in bed. I found this quote on my Mom's dryer and it really hit me. It was what I needed to hear! 

On both friday and saturday I didn't have meaningful prayers nor an effective scripture study. While being busy is a good thing, it can be taken advantage of when work consumes all available time and other things are pushed aside. This weekend I learned that although it is good to be busy we must be busy doing the right things like spending time with family and doing those things Heavenly Father expects of us. Had I said no to working at the Agridome I would have been able to spend the night with my family at the rodeo and the fireworks, as well as read my scriptures. One side affect I realized is while I was working all day I wasn't very happy and as an effective of a person as I could be. I know one of my downfalls is the pride I receive from working and knowing that I am making a lot of money. This is not good as I am starting to realize what an immense affect it has on me. It pulls me away from what I know is right. It is my hope and prayer that I can strive to not work all the time and set my pride aside and be thankful for what I have. When I do things that the Lord asks of me I know I will never fail. 

Well that is all for now. I have pictures of the parade that I want to share but will do it later. I need to get geared up for the week ahead as it is my last week in Cardston before heading off to BYU and their is a lot that needs to be done. I am going to strive to not procrastinate and do the most important things first as I know that by doing the important things first everything else falls into place accordingly. 

Family is the Path that Leads us Home

Both my Grandma and Grandpa Hartley turned 80 this year as well as celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. That was the inspiration and cause behind the Hartley family reunion held this past July  here in Alberta Canada.

My cousin Kristi and Aunt Bev, along with the rest of their family, planned the reunion and my mom and the rest of our family planned the 50th anniversary party. When amazing people work together amazing things happen. Simple as that. My Dad, as of the rest of my family, worked especially hard to get the ranch all cleaned up and ready for the family to come. We did many things to prepare: mowed our lawn, grandma's lawn, around the ranch buildings, and at the campground, we painted outhouses, and picnic tables, cleaned Grandma's garage, and cleaned Grandma's front yard.

Luckily, almost all of our family from the States were able to come up: Jennifer and her family, Jody and Keith and their family, Uncle Ken and Aunt Cindy, Trent, and Jared and Kristi and their family. All of these people obviously needed a place to stay while up here. Jared and Kristi have stayed at our house on other occasions so we were more than happy to welcome them into our home for the weekend.

Javan, Kacelyn, Mom, Katelyn, and I sought picture taking on Photo Booth as entertainment. 

The first day of the reunion was Thursday July 19. It was held at Pavan Park in Lethbridge. It was a really nice park that included a very nice kitchen/picnic covered area as well as an immense amount of grass space. The day included get to know you games, king of the hill, bounce house, water fights, and concluded in the evening with minute to win it games. My team consisted of Dad, Mark Weir and myself. We weren't very good and came in dead last! But we had a fun time doing them! Their were many fun minute to win it games: pizza box egg roll, flip a cup onto a water bottle (man is that eve hard!), stacking dice on a popsicle stick, sorting skittles, transporting skittles with a straw, and hitting down water bottles with a baseball in a nylon over your head! 

This collage is an attempt to show you just a little bit of the fun we had! 

Sadly, Grandma and Grandpa were unable to make it to Lethbridge for this part of the reunion. Grandpa's health as been anything but good the past while. His back brings him constant pain, and his feet are very swollen as well. Because of this constant harsh pain, he is beginning to feel depressed as well. Kristi's friend made grandma and grandpa a cake in honor of their 80th birthday. The plan was to sing to them thursday night. But, even though they were not in attendance, we sang to them anyway.

The cake was beautiful! The little kids couldn't wait to dive in! 

I had strep throat the entire weekend and it was especially bad this day; however,  I tried my best to be happy. 

Day two was held in two different places. In the morning it was hike to Bertha Falls followed by lunch by the lake. In the evening we had a wiener roast out our campground. It was scheduled to rain so we were all a bit nervous. The rain did come but it was short lived and we were able to have an enjoyable evening. 

Walking to the campground with my mom and great aunts.

Two of my Grandpa's sisters and their husbands were able to come up as well as one of their sons. Hazel and Clinton and Lola and Gene. They were brought up by Kelvin, Gene and Lola's boy. 

I love these members of my family! I don't get to see them very often. I love being around them because they have all experienced so much and have an immense amount of wisdom and knowledge. It is great to here their stories. It is evident that the Lord has been the center of their lives and I hope I can epitomize that one day. 

These are some candids that Katelyn took.

We had a pinata that all of the kids enjoyed. 

Day three was the anniversary party. It was held at the Temple Street Chapel. We spend the morning preparing food and distracting the little kids with games like clue and barrel of monkeys. Merrick (Jennifer's boy) referred me as "the girl with the monkeys" from then on. Everyone worked hard especially my mom doing everything from decorating the gym to making the food. It was a true success and I think my Grandparents really enjoyed it. My Grandpa has not been very healthy lately and it was quite hard for him to participate but he endured it well and was able to spend several hours at the party.   

                              

We had a program and each sibling was in charge of number. Aunt Bev's family did their rendition of "Old MacDonald" into "Grandpa Hartley had a Ranch". It was really cute. Aunt Pam's did an activity that involved everyone doing some silly actions as you can see me and Erica (Clayton's wife) doing above. I was in charge of our number and did a piano solo of "I Stand All Amazed". The program was special and I think my Grandparents really enjoyed it. 

Uncle Burton and Aunt Barbara (grandpa's brother) came up for the day as well. Uncle Burton didn't surprise anyone when he showed up in overalls and a toothpick in his mouth! He is something special! 

To end the day we took some family photos. 

All of the family that was present minus Katelyn because she took the picture. 

All of the siblings with Grandma and Grandpa. 

Pam, Jason, Steve, Tim, Bev, Cindy

Youngest to Oldest. 

I am so grateful for eternal families and even though Matthew and Jill are not here now I know I will get to meet them one day! What a glorious reunion that will be when our family is reunited with them! 

And finally Katelyn and I with Grandma and Grandpa. 

I am so grateful for my Grandma and Grandpa and the amazing influential people that they are. I am so blessed to have lived next door to them my entire life. I have learned so much from them. They been through so much, and while others would weaken under the pressure, they have stood firm and strong. I strive to possess their Christ like qualities. 

One of the decorations my Mom made was a mirror with the words "Family is the Path that Leads us Home". This quote has really resonated with me. I know that family is most important in our lives. It is the center of the Gospel. It is where all good begins. I love my family and don't know where I would be without them. I know that when families establish a christ centered home by continually loving one another they will be guided to eternal life. 

I am so grateful that we could have this joyous reunion and celebrate these precious milestones that my family is now experiencing. I hope to forever maintain good relationships with all of my family members and together work towards our eternal goals.