Stained Glass Windows

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I was at the gym on Saturday and noticed a quote that was on one of the boards. It read:

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.
                                                                     Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

I usually don't pay attention to the quotes but this one stuck out to me. What a wonderful imagery that this author paints. I love spending time talking with friends and reading their blogs. Every once in awhile I will come across other people's blogs and find myself drawn to read their stories. It amazes me to read of all the trials and conflicts that people face every day. What is even more amazing is their strength and courage to get through, the light from within. So many people that I know and don't know are going through some rough times and I find extra strength to push through my trials as I see them find the blessings in their lives and rise above their problems.

I'm grateful for the help I have from friends and family and especially my Savior as he truly is the light from within. I know that my knowledge and testimony of him and the church is what gets me through the day!

So I want to thank those of you who are fighting for the light from within to overcome the darkness inside! I want to thank all of those Stained Glass windows, the ones I know and don't know!

Across the Nation and Back

Get ready for picture overload! This was truly one of the vacations that I was not ready to head back. I really felt like home when we landed in Sacramento and was sad to leave. It was quite a busy trip and enjoyed all the family we saw!

Kellen did amazing on the plane! He got fussy once (I mean come on he is a baby) but other than that he slept and ate!

Thursday night Brad's dad took us to a Kings game along with his brother! It was my first pro game and I had a lot of fun.

Grandma loved playing with Kellen and it was nice that she volunteered a ton to watch him. She got him some very cute animal puppets and he loves them already!

My brothers got to meet Kellen for the first time and the consensus was that he was cute. Efrain really liked to  hold them, it was fun to see them around him.

We celebrated Leanne and my grandma's birthday that weekend as well. And in case you were confused Leanne turned 18  and my grandma 69. I am so glad that her and Bob (Elder and Sister) were able to come up.

Here is a picture of the four generations of my dad's side.

On Sunday we blessed Kellen and had many family there. We took up four rows, but we are used to that by now. Kellen did very well and he was blessed in the same outfit as Brad. And was blessed in the same blanket that my dad and uncle Loren was blessed in. He has great shoes to fill!

Brad's dad took the kids on a ride in his Chevy, they loved it!

We celebrated Hannah's birthday, watched the superbowl, went to many yummy restaurants, and just hung out with family. The rest are just some misc photos that we took during the week. We were very sad to go but know we have to get back to reality. We found out Kellen is more of a home body and has been a little more pleasant since we've returned. Brad is off to Africa in a week and while I am excited for him to go I know I will pray for his safety!