California knows how to party!

The whole "A" clan got to travel to sunny San Diego to support Sheridan and Adam as they became an eternal family. Such a great excuse to get away:). It was a pretty short trip, considering all day Saturday was spent with the wedding festivities, but it was great to be together.

Dane absolutely LOVED his first trip to the beach. The water was cold, and he didn't mind one bit. He'd get knocked down, and pop right back up for more. It was a bit too chilly for Campbell to get a taste of the ocean, but she did experience the sand, and was all smiles.

Saturday was a long day for everyone. We were up and at-em pretty early, and just kept going, going, going. Dane didn't really get much of a nap (he slept for about 20 minutes while we were driving to the luncheon), so he was an absolute peach (HEAVY on the sarcasm) for pictures on the beach afterward. (I wish someone could have helped him understand that when you are in a tux, you don't superman onto the sand!)

All in all, it was a great trip, and we are so excited for Sheridan and Adam! They are a wonderful match, and we're all so happy to have him in our family now.

Here's a little taste of our adventures:

Campbell kickin' back

Dane enjoying the sand with a couple cousins

Campbell looking deliciously adorable
Dane LOVING the waves!
(Can't tell you how long I waited for this shot.)
A small glimpse of the joy that Daner experienced:

The happy family:)
Sooo tired
At least one of them woke up happy:)
Superman aftermath. Lookin' good:)
Let's hope the photographer got at least one good picture ;)

This one's for you

I was reprimanded yesterday for not posting more pics of our beauty, Campbell. So here you go:) Enjoy!

Short

I know I'm not the only one who has ever felt this way. You know the feeling, right? The one where you just feel like you are falling short in EVERYTHING you are trying to do? I know I'm not alone out there. I also know that it's not the last time I'll feel this way (as it is definitely NOT the first.)

There seems to be this cycle in my life. I'd like to think I'm not the only one that continually has to experience this particular one. The one where: You feel short so you work really hard to overcome that feeling by pinpointing things that you realize are holding you back. These realizations hopefully propel you into action which hopefully leads to personal growth and generally becoming a better person. Life is good. You're doing okay. Then something new gets thrown at you and you may stumble a bit, but still feel like things aren't totally falling apart. Then you realize you've been kidding yourself, and you're back to feeling short all over again.

But repetition is how we learn, right? When our Heavenly Father wants us to really understand something, he teaches us over, and over, and over again. At least that's how I see things. When something is really important for us to learn in our eternal progression, He wants to make sure we get it right. And since none of us is perfect, we need to have the repetition to remind us when we forget. These little reminders keep us on the right track.

This "short" cycle for me, is (among many other things) a reminder to me that I am not perfect. (As if I really need a reminder!!!) And though I absolutely KNOW that I am not perfect, I can sometimes get comfortable with how I am doing--not being as conscientious about focusing on those areas in which I can most definitely improve. It's a little reminder that I need to remember that this life is a time to prepare to meet God, and that that preparation requires a constant effort to becoming more like my Savior. More Christlike in all I do.

Change is possible. And thank heavens! (Just ask anyone I went to High School with, who still knows me today.) Because of Christ, and his infinite love for us, we can become better. The Atonement has the power to heal, and help, and comfort...Words will never be adequate for me to describe how I feel about that most amazing gift.

And so, as I am writing this today, I feel invigorated. It is time to be done feeling short (for now) and time to start pinpointing those things that I need to change. Time to be a better, and more patient mother. Time to be a better wife. Time to enjoy life, and stop worrying about those trivial things that really don't matter. Time to be a better homemaker. Time to be a better friend. Time to develop my talents, and discover new ones. Time to make more time for my Father in Heaven. Time to be a better leader for my young women. Time to take better care of myself. It's just time. Time for some change.

Change is good. It means we are going somewhere. Hopefully I can start to make some changes in the right direction, and have a good long while until this "short" cycle starts again :-).

My Dear Friend, Helen

Many of you know that I was privileged to teach Spanish lessons to an amazing woman, Helen Nelson. I met her almost 6 years ago, and immediately loved her. What 90+ year old would have the inclination to learn a foreign language?!? She is such a special woman in many people's lives, and I feel blessed to have been one of them. She returned home to be with her sweet husband yesterday. How happy she must be; she missed him so much.
Until we meet again, I love you Helen.

Helen Spencer Nelson 1/4/1913 ~ 5/11/2010 Our beautiful sweet Helen Nelson, passed away on May 11, 2010. Helen was the daughter of Charles H. and Martha E. Spencer. She married Ray Nelson on July 11, 1931. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. They were happily married for 71 years. Ray preceded her in death eight years ago. Ray was the love of her life. Helen and Ray with her parents formed the C. H. Spencer and Company. The company continued to grow and prosper selling industrial and power plant equipment in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and Wyoming. Helen and Ray ran and operated the company until 1981, at which time it was sold and they retired. Helen and Ray have provided many scholarships to students studying engineering, music and business. They made generous contributions to the Primary Children's Hospital, Brigham Young University, BYU-Idaho, Hillsdale College, and Dixie State College. Helen enjoyed music very much. She was a gifted pianist and organist and freely shared her talent. Helen was a faithful member of the LDS church and was active in her callings. While in Bloomington in the winters, Ray and Helen served in the St. George Temple. Helen is a regal lady with the capacity to open her heart to all those with whom she came in contact. She gathered everyone in and had lasting friendships with people of all ages. She never forgot names, everyone was welcomed into her lovely home and they never left without a small bottle of juice, a piece of candy or a handful of nuts. Helen was an example of love and charity much of which was known only to God. Helen made it financially possible for many young men to serve missions. She had a deep and abiding faith in God and loved the Savior and followed his example of service to others. Helen is survived by adopted children Marna P. Berry and Jim Jensen. Much thanks to her devoted care givers Gail Dennis, Blanca Lockwood, and Darcie Walsh. Also thanks to her trusted friend, Lee Derrick. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 14, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cottonwood 12th Ward, 1750 East Spring Lane, Salt Lake City. Friends may call Thursday 6-8 p.m. at the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary 3401 Highland Drive and one hour prior to the services at the Ward. Interment will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Primary Children's Medical Center, 100 North Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84113.