Employee of the Month

Nick has been named the Employee of the Month at the farm for about 8 months in a row. But this month he was named Employee of the Month for the whole Thanksgiving Point property. They took this picture of him with Jodi (horse) and Diesel (goat) to display at all the venues.

It's amazing what happens when you absolutely love your job!

Elder Wright's Homecoming

When we skyped with Bryson at Christmas we got to meet his companion Elder Wright. They were zone leaders together and Bryson absolutely loved serving with him. The awesome thing is that he is from Highland, UT so we got to meet him and go to his Homecoming. His talk was AMAZING and we can see why Bryson thinks the world of him. 

It was also really great to hear stories about Bryson from him and all the fun as well as incredible experiences they had together.

Quotes to Bryson

In my emails to Bryson each week I try to include one funny quote and one inspiring quote

These are just a few of the ones I've sent recently for the new year...

New Years Day Trip to the Farm

Nick was responsible for feeding the animals and milking the cows at the farm on New Years Day. Somehow, he talked Brian and I into going with him. :)

The look on my face in this first picture gives a hint of the anxiety I have around large animals...specifically the cow Nick asked me to come help him get into the shoot to get ready to milk. :)

 But, as proof that I will do anything for my son...I ventured into the cow pen??...stall??...unit??...and "helped" round him up.

 In the meantime, Brian amused himself by taking selfies on my phone. :)

 Nick showed up the proper technique for milking...that kid is FAST!

 ...and I stepped up to give it a try...

 ...I didn't enjoy it!

 Brian milked cows as a kid at his uncles house in Blackfoot, Idaho so he was a natural as well...just not quite as fast or as efficient as Nick. :)

 I thought it was pretty clever that they distract the cow with food at the end of the shoot and they are perfectly content to stand there and eat and be milked.

 Nick then showed us how they filter the fresh milk through cheese cloth and just like that, you have fresh milk.

 A trip to the farm would not be complete without Nick cuddling with Diesel for a minute. That goat LOVES him! So cute!!!

Happy New Year!

This year was a little different from last year when we had a table full of friends and missionaries...including the Atkinson's (our standard New Year's Eve dates who decided to go to California this year) and Sis Dahl and Sis Cochrane. This year it was the 4 of us...and I loved it just as much. :) It is not often that we get the pleasure of our children's company out to dinner these days...they are normally working or with their friends. So I enjoyed every moment of our dinner tonight. :) Of course, they are off to hang out with their friends the rest of the evening but that's fine, I'll take what I can get. 

Happy New Year...it's been a great year and we are looking forward to what 2015 has to bring!