Stephanie Nielson

This past week I have been reading Stephanie Nielson's book called Heaven Is Here. And if you don't know who Stephanie is, then you should check out her blog here. She is truly an inspiration to all, not only because she survived a plane crash which resulted in 80% of her body being burned, but because of her dedication as  a wife and mother.

You can watch below a short clip about her book and life before and after the accident.

So, what have I learned from Stephanie? She is committed to getting better, to be a better mother and wife, to feeling better, do doing more things without help. And I can be better as well. I'm really busy in my life. I work 3 jobs (teaching at Marsh Valley High School, part time at Deseret Book, and teaching an online high school class). Sure, I'm busy, but who isn't. I've learned from Stephanie that there is always time for my kids.  So I resolved to be more at home, with my kids, with my family. And I'm not talking physically. I need to play with them, to read with them, to cook and clean with them. And as a result, I feel like I can accomplish more. Yah, it's summer, but baby steps right?

I've also resolved to be a better blogger. Not just to have a record of day to day events, but to explore gospel topics and realizations that I've had. I want to edify my readers, not to bore them.  So thank you Stephanie Nielson, it is true that a book can change a person, and yours truly has. And for that I am grateful.

What to blog?

When I first started blogging a few years ago, the reason was simple. We lived far enough away from our family and we wanted them to be a part of our lives. But, times have changed, and my blog has gone to the back burner as life took over. We moved closer to family and instead of writing about life, we all got together more often and we talked about life.

I'm now ready for an upgrade.  I want to take a different turn in my blog, and I hope I can pull it off.  Stay tuned.

Washington DC, here I come!

This time tomorrow, I will be here, the heart of our nation. And I can hardly wait!

Yes, I'm leaving my kiddos for 6 days and yes, Allen is coming with me. We're taking a few high school students to compete nationally with BPA, a club that I advise at school. We're going to have a blast!

I've got tours for the Supreme Court, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the Library of Congress, the Archives, the Capital, the Kennedy Center, and Mount Vernon. We're hoping to get to the Holocaust Museum as well as see as many of the Smithsonians as we are able. I would also love to see Georgetown, the National Cathedral and of course Arlington Cemetary is a must.

This is my second time to DC, but Allen's first and I'm excited share this experience with him.  Wish us luck!