All About the Argyles

Holy Cow this book is fantastic. I found out about it from one of my favorite bloggers/singers/TOFW Presenters Mrs. Hillary Weeks. She recommended it on facebook so I downloaded it immediately to my kindle, started reading it later that afternoon, and couldn't put it down. One recent December, at age 53, John Kralik found his life at a terrible, frightening low: his small law firm was failing; he was struggling through a painful second divorce; he had grown distant from his two older children and was afraid he might lose contact with his young daughter; he was living in a tiny apartment where he froze in the winter and baked in the summer; he was 40 pounds overweight; his girlfriend had just broken up with him; and overall, his dearest life dreams--including hopes of upholding idealistic legal principles and of becoming a judge--seemed to have slipped beyond his reach. Then, during a desperate walk in the hills on New Year's Day, John was struck by the belief that h

If I am being completely honest, my most recent church assignment has been the most frustrating one I've ever experienced.  There have been times I wanted to throw my hands in the air and quit.  I have never felt that way about any other calling in my 24 adult years.  I started the day off resentful and bitter about it.  Many times I spend 20 plus hours a week planning trek.  I feel like the things I love to do and the people I desire to serve most are paying the price. Its been an exercise in futility in more ways than I care to detail here.  That is how I started the day. Then I went to institute.  As I drove there, I prayed that Heavenly Father would soften my heart and help me learn what it was I was supposed to be learning and be able to work productively with some of the individuals I have to work with.  I prayed that He would help me carry out His work for his youth and that I might be able to feel His approval, which is all that REALLY matters. Then when I

A week ago, McKinley's best friend, Caty, texted me and asked if she could throw McKinley a surprise birthday party on her birthday.  The girls had been challenged by their Young Women leaders to do a 10 hour project for Individual Worth and she thought it would make a great project to plan a fun party for her! She invited 14 fun friends to join in on the surprise. I wish I would have taken the time to take a picture of the cute chocolate fountain and home made cupcakes she made.  She had blown up about 20 balloons and when McKinley walked in to the house they jumped out and showered her with shredded paper. Then they went swimming.  Yes, in November and NO, they had not heated the pool. kiki and  Lexie   with Emily  and Molly  and Mallory  and Kylie H.  and Kaly   the Lloyd twins and Abbey  Megan  Kaylie W.  Michaela  and Kylie P who had celebrated her birthday with a party the night before. What a lucky

This man gave another amazing talk at General Conference and I spent some time studying it today.  I loved everything he had to say.   Here is a link if you want to read it for yourself. There was a part that caught my attention and made me do a little more research.  Elder Oaks said,  "In many countries and cultures (1) the traditional family of a married mother and father and children is coming to be the exception rather than the rule, (2) the pursuit of a career instead of marriage and the bearing of children is an increasing choice of many young women, and  (3) the role and perceived necessity of fathers is diminishing. " I googled "Statistics on children of single parent households" and a web site popped up called "FATHERHOOD. ORG." that had some really interesting statistics about children who live in single parent homes. If you want to see for yourself, here is a link . And before you think I am being judgmental, please kn

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf When I was young, falling and getting up seemed to be one and the same motion. Over the years, however, I have come to the unsettling conclusion that the laws of physics have changed—and not to my advantage. Not long ago I was skiing with my 12-year-old grandson. We were enjoying our time together when I hit an icy spot and ended up making a glorious crash landing on a steep slope. I tried every trick to stand up, but I couldn’t—I had fallen, and I couldn’t get up. I felt fine physically, but my ego was a bit bruised. So I made sure that my helmet and goggles were in place, since I much preferred that other skiers not recognize me. I could imagine myself sitting there helplessly as they skied by elegantly, shouting a cheery, “Hello, Brother Uchtdorf!” I began to wonder what it would take to rescue me. That was when my grandson came to my side. I told him what had happened, but he didn’t seem very interested in my explanations of

 Sunday afternoon treat making.eating is a favorite thing around here.   They really enjoyed these oreo mini cheesecakes.  Brady was proud to say he eats boogers.  I'm such a weird mom that I got these for him.  General Conference was fantastic.   Totally filled my bucket and got some great talks and quotes to ponder/study for the next few months.  Tanner said goodbye to a dear friend for two years.  Elder Austin Jetton will be serving a fulltime two year mission for our church in Reno, NV.  That means Tanner is next.....  Yes, it's true.  one day we had to break out sweaters and hot chocolate.  But only one day. Then we were back to the 70s.  Fall in Texas is Heavenly.   Winding up the football/ cheer season.  Saw this on facebook and laughed.  a few of our parents might need to see this.  Spent a day at the Big Orange Pumpkin Patch in Celina with Lindsey, G and Hank.  Spent a fabulous weekend with these great ladies at Time Out for Wom