Life Changing Moments

Emily Halverson, our amazingly talented friend, compiled a book called Life Changing Moments about people's... life changing moments. It's a very touching book with heartwarming stories that make you ponder your own life and course. The stories come from the lives of a varied group of people, and one happens to be Billy's story of his conversion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His story is number 23, "name withheld." Sorry to blow your cover, Honey!

Amen to what he said!

I LOVE General Conference--the music, the testimonies, seeing the Salt Lake City temple grounds, the renewed commitment I always leave with to try a little harder, to be a little better. Elder Holland's talk in this afternoon's session was such a powerful witness and testimony of the Book of Mormon, and of the incredible blessing that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth. Here's in case you missed it, but especially so I won't ever forget it!:

Enter in...

Today something very significant happened for the Hall family, something Billy has been hoping for, dreaming of, and praying about for a long time! His brother, Andy, was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It is inspiring to see someone take that leap of faith and enter into the waters of baptism. What a glorious path he has stepped onto!

biRthDayS!

Where does the time go? I now have a 7, 4.75, & a 2-year old. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Billy & Grace!!!

Refugio

The end-of-summer-blues were postponed this year, as we enjoyed a great campout at Refugio State Beach with my family.

Local Influence

We enjoyed a little downtown SB "culture" the other day. But when we arrived home, I was surprised to see that Billy decided to set up a wishing well of sorts on our front walkway, for all the neighbors to try:


Inspired by our local homeless, he'd set up a little pan-handling station... which, to my relief, turned into a penny tossing contest for the neighborhood kids, with prizes for the winners.

So today the boys hosted a lemonade stand and actually gave people something for their money.

Jesus Wants Me for a SuNbEAm

Today was Grace's first day in Nursery! It's hard to believe she's already 18 months old (actually on the 6th). The experience went well, considering Grace's history of greeting other toddlers with a shove in the chest... it must be all those gentle interactions with her older brothers.

After she got a little more comfortable, the serious face softened and our fun-loving Grace came out. Check out her dare-devil balancing stunt. She's gonna be a bad influence on those other kids!



She, and a bunch of the kids, helped out with the closing prayer. And during the prayer she had to make sure her belly-button was still there. Oh, she's funny.