One Woman's Trial is Another Woman's Blessing

This post is dedicated to my sister Jessica and her 7 kids. Poor Jess came to visit for a few weeks, and unfortunately for her it turned into a few months. The army has put Jess and her family through the ringer these last few months. Oh the helplessness and frustration created by government bureaucracy! So, Jessica's husband had to leave and report for duty in Korea without her and the kids. It has been a nightmare for her, and while I feel badly for her, it has been a HUGE blessing for me.

Since me and my sister have both been husbandless, we have been able to hang out a lot and be each other's support system. It also helps that she has 3 older children that have helped me a lot with babysitting. Also, Jess and her family are about the most adventurous family I know! They are a party all the time! My kids LOVE and adore their cousins. We have had more Michael
Jackson dance parties and ninja/transformer/lightsaber fights than I can count!


Jess and her family have truly been the highlight of my summer! It is a difficult time for both of us, but we have also made some awesome memories together. We've made the best of our bad situations. And while I hope it's not my fault, sometimes I wonder if the Lord kept the family from getting to go to Korea with their Dad just so they could bless my life and the lives of my children!

Here are some more of our good times with cousins:

Our adventures in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake Temple East Entrance

Church History Museum

Liberty Park

Bonfire and Hide and go seek up Provo Canyon

Sibling Bonding

Petting Zoo at "This is the Place" park. (I think she'll be ready to mutton bust by next year!)

Pulling a ridiculously heavy handcart (and that's with nothing but one kid in it.) It only took me 3 minutes of pulling it uphill to once again be filled with admiration for the pioneers.

"This is the Place" park was awesome! (It was particularly awesome with my sister's military discount!)

For being such a crappy summer (since Mike is gone) it sure was an awesome summer! I am so grateful for my family. I have a special place in my heart for my big sister. It almost makes me wish Ruby could have a sister. . . . .(but not quite!)