Fun things we did this summer

I know its kind of late to be posting these but I thought you might like them anyway.
When we first arrived in Joplin we received a brochure from a friend full of fun things to do in Joplin. Here are a few of the things we did before Trevor started rotations. We've truly enjoyed our time here.
Grand Falls is about ten minutes from our home. It is such a beautiful place to go. While we were there we got to see a gentleman catch a huge snapping turtle and try to place it in his trunk. The boys loved seeing the turtle, walking on the rocks and watching the water flow over the falls.

When we arrived at our home for the first time we were so shocked to find a huge basket full of essential household items, the fridge full of food and a note on the fridge that said welcome Home!! It definitely made us feel like we'd made the right decision.

The Joplin Museum Complex is full of things pertaining to the history of Joplin, including a mineral museum. Joplin once was a huge mining town.

Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center-Great place to take kids. Beautiful nature trails, a huge aquarium, reptiles, and other fun things.

The Candy House-YUM!! We had the opportunity of watching them make chocolates, then we got to taste the chocolates and finally we were able to purchase some decision candy. The boys were in Heaven!!!

Watch me Grow

These pictures were taken at the first of October but I thought I'd still share them anyway.

I can't believe how big he is getting.

I love his smile.

The Digital Camera is Dead

Hey Everyone,
I'm sorry to break the news but our digital camera died earlier this week so we've had to resort back to the disposal kind. I will post pictures of Ryan's birthday, Halloween and Caden's Birthday as soon as I get the film developed. Wow, I wonder what the pictures will look like.
I am also trying to figure out how to download video from our camcorder so you can see some of the fun things the kids have been up to.
Today we carved pumpkins. It was so fun and funny. When I asked Ryan and Caden to take out the stuff inside the pumpkin Ryan quickly reached in and then started to turn green and I got it all on tape. Caden quickly followed suit. I guess we don't have any future medical workers in the family just yet. You'll laugh when you see it.

Ryan's Five

On Monday, October 27, 2008 Ryan turned 5. I'm still in awe that I have such a handsome 5 year old boy. It seems like just yesterday we were anxiously awaiting his arrival.

Today I decided to go back in my journal and read about some of the moments we've had with Ryan. We found out we were expecting the week of March 6, 2003. My Mom, the cute woman she is, went out right after she found out and bought him three outfits. We found out that Ryan was a boy on May 27, 2003 and on June 8, 2003 decided that his name should be Ryan Laron Bright. We had also toyed with the idea that it should be Caden. Trevor felt the baby kick for the first time on the 22 of June. I remember the first time we heard Ryan's heart beat. I was so excited to go to the doctor for this appointment. In my mind I had decided that this wouldn't be so much fun for Trevor, since he worked in the medical field and had heard the beating of a heart before. When the doctor placed the machine to my stomach and the quiet rhythmic sound of the heart become noticeable Trevor's face lit up with excitement and joy. That's my baby. We can really hear his heart beat. I was so grateful that he to could feel the thrill of the moment. What a miracle it is that we are able to be instruments in producing life and helping the plan of salvation move forward. We blessed Ryan on the 7th of December surrounded by our family. He went to his first pumpkin patch on October 9, 2004. He gave me my first flower, dandy lion, on the 17th of February 2005. He blew bubbles for the first time in April 2005. He blew his first kiss in Sept. 2004. A few weeks ago he read his first book entitled Cat. He loves to help with his little brothers, ride his bike, going to primary, having family home evening, singing songs, having preschool, playing with his friends, building anything and learning. His favorite bed time song is Away in a Manager. He loves webcam and talking to his grandparents and other relatives on the phone. I am grateful for his strong spirit. He has taught me so much about being a better person and putting everything we have in what we do.

Pumpkin Patch

This Year we visited the Fredrickson Farm Pumpkin Patch with our friends the Wallace Family.
The kids had such a great time running around trying to find the perfect pumpkin. The minute Ryan got out of the car he ran as fast as his legs would go, grabbed a cart and began putting pumpkins on faster than we could take them off. The little boy behind him, who wasn't more than two, decided that was a great idea and followed suit.

One of the Lucky Ones

This past weeks I have struggled with the question Why me? Why have I been so blessed when other around me struggle so much. Why do I have an amazing husband, wonderful kids, a great family, a warm home, food on the table, clothes to wear, the gospel of Jesus Christ, to be a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the list goes on. One day this question weighed so heavy on my mind that tears began to stream down my face and guilt filled my soul. The answer came to me yesterday in a beautiful song written by Micheal McLean and John Batdorf entitled: One of the Lucky Ones. Its on his As I Am CD. I love it and would like to share the words with you tonight.
One of the lucky ones
One of the lucky ones
I'm watching some photographs
Of a terrible loss
And nobody seems to be sure
How much damage was done
Or how much it will cost
Why am I one of the lucky ones
Why can I fly when so many cannot run
And why does a stranger whose dreams were denied
Have me wondering why
I'm one of the lucky ones
I'm one of the lucky ones
Don't know how this could be fair
To be one of the lucky ones
Could have been me who could have been there
I can hear the voices unspoken
They're calling my name
And the eyes of those who've been broken
Keep on staring at me
Begging me to explain
Chorus
This yearning I feel
It won't go quietly
The answer I seek
Is somewhere inside of me
Now I know why I'm one of the lucky ones
And I know why I can fly when so many cannot run
A stranger's misfortune brings a promise tonight
That I'll do what's right
And fell someones plight
And help them take flight
Like one of the lucky ones
God bless the unlucky ones
I hope that I can give back to those that are around me and show my Father in Heaven how much I love him and am grateful for what he has blessed me with.

First Time Fishing

At the end of September Trevor had the opportunity to go fishing for the first time. He went with two of his good friends: Jim and Justin, at a pond near Justin's home. He was able to catch and release two bass. It was a fun opportunity for him to get some guy time in. He looks forward to taking Ryan and seeing what the two of them can catch. I'm sure Trevor will catch a Ryan or two.