Relative in August Ensign

“Keeping Scripture Study Alive,” Ensign, Aug 2008, page 18

ASK QUESTIONS

"I ask questions while I read. My questions fall into two categories. First, I try to understand the scripture and see how it might apply to my life. I ask questions like: What in my life is like this situation? What is the principle that is being taught? Why did the author include this? How can I apply this to my life right now? Second, I ask questions about things I am struggling with in my life: situations or problems for which I am searching for an answer. These could be anything from dealing with a family situation to making a career change. As I ask these questions, I may find I spend all of my scripture reading time on just a few verses as I try to listen to the Spirit and find what the Lord is trying to teach me. I have found that answers come when I read with questions in mind."

Joanne Z. Johanson, California (aka Aunt Joanne)

San Diego - Favorite Picture

As I continue to edit our pictures from San Diego, I had to post this one immediately. This picture was taken at the Wild Animal Park. I LOVE IT! Now, where can I find some empty wall space?

Family Trip to San Diego

Stay tuned....

Good Sport

Khloe loves to eat ice.

This time however, it stuck to the hair on her chin.

The poor little thing had to wait for us to finish laughing and taking pictures before we pulled it off.

What a good sport.

Flashback Friday

August 1989 - SLC Temple Grounds - 5 yrs. old

This picture cracks me up! All I can say is that I am extremely grateful I did not go through my teenage years during the 80's.


My Mom opted not to dress me in the trendy 80's clothes, which makes looking at old family pictures a lot more enjoyable. My sisters on the other hand, fell victim to the horrific style. They may have teased me back in the day, but now I get my revenge.

5th Wedding Anniversary

Last Saturday was our 5th wedding anniversary. Time flies by so fast; it's hard to believe that Erik and I have been married that long and have managed to remain childless. It'll happen someday Mom & Dad; I promise.

I am so lucky to be married to such a wonderful husband. That evening, he surprised me with a diamond wedding band. The little trickster that he is, put the ring on Khloe's collar and as I went to attach her leash I found there was an extra ring. I was so happy; I still can't help myself from staring at it.


My gift to Erik was a trip to New York next June to attend the final round of the U.S. Open. I thought long and hard about what to get him and I knew I couldn't fail with something golf related. He kind of knew what his present was and although his reaction wasn't outrageous, I know he is really excited.

Thank you Honey, for making these the happiest five years of my life. I love you!

Flashback Friday

Christmas 1982 - Erik at 2 1/2 years old

I absolutely love this picture. Erik is combing his little sister's (Kari) hair. If you look closely you can see his tongue sticking out. Sometimes even today, he does this when he's concentrating. So adorable!

Happy Sister's Day

A sister's love is special in oh so many ways, now miles stretch between us and minutes turn to days.

We've shared so much as children - the tears, the joys, the pain; a lifetime spent together those memories remain.

In times gone by we've pondered the paths our lives have taken, knowing that in spite of this our sister love unshaken.

A sister's love is special in ways that are unspoken, still that binding force exists our sister love unbroken.

I am so grateful for my two older sisters, Liisa and Erika. They have been so influential in my life and have helped mold me into the woman I am today. I am also very grateful for Erik's two sisters, Liv and Kari. I love you all! Happy sister's day!

Flashback Friday

Here I am at 4 years old, icing cupcakes. I loved to help my Mom cook when I was younger. She even took the time to make me my own red apron.


This picture was taken in the house I lived in until I was about 6 years old. Unfortunately, the few memories I have of living there are extremely vague. I don't even remember which room was mine or what it looked like. I'm so glad we have the ability to look back at images from times we don't quite remember.

Wasatch State Park

Yet another Saturday golfing. The scenery is always pretty which makes it easier to walk along the course for five hours while Erik golfs with his friends; but last Saturday was an exception. It was more than pretty; it was absolutely gorgeous!

As we left the course and drove into Park City to eat dinner at Baja Cantina, we saw the most beautiful rainbow. You could see the entire arch! I got lucky with this shot. I held my camera out of the car window on the freeway. You really can't go wrong when you're in front of scenery like this --


What a beautiful state we live in.


Oh, and we saw another deer. It makes me sad that seeing deer isn't as exciting as it used to be; we see them so frequently now. On our drive up we saw a moose which was really cool. Sadly, by the time we got out of the car it was gone.

Eeeeeekkkkkk!

Imagine sitting on the couch watching TV, then looking down at your stomach and seeing this -


What would you do? This happened to me last night and I was a little freaked out. Erik was sitting next to me and quickly picked up a magazine to remove the giant insect from my shirt. It was seriously one of the biggest insects I have seen inside a house!

This raises the question....where the heck did it come from? How did it journey all the way onto my stomach without me noticing? I was so grossed out that I ran up and took a shower to ensure the fact that there were no more giant bugs crawling on me. But first, I grabbed my camera and took a couple pictures to document the event. What can I say, I'm slightly obsessed.

*For the record, the enormous insect was about 1 1/2 inches long. It was on my stomach people! Not just wondering along the floor.

Fun in the Sun

A couple of weeks ago, Erik and I went boating with the Drage's (Andrew & Jessica) up at Jordanelle. Erik and Andrew both went wake boarding while Jessica and I enjoyed relaxing in the boat. Later that evening, we had dinner at a wonderful Mexican restaurant in Park City. Ahhh, the joys of summer!

Favorite Animal

After going to the zoo last weekend, I think my new favorite animal is the zebra. I love their black stripes and horse-like features. I read that when zebras are born, they are white and brown in color. Their black stripes form gradually after four months of age. What beautiful creatures!

Family Fun

My sister's family was in town last weekend and we had a blast. Besides going to the Stadium of Fire, we played at the SCERA pool in Orem, made chocolate chip cookies, visited Baylee at our parent's house, had dinner at Erik's parent's house where we also played badminton and croquet, and also spent a day at the Hogle Zoo. Here is a look back at our weekend:

My family only comes in town a couple of times each year, so I always get excited when we get to be together. Since my parents are away on their mission, this was the first year that I had the opportunity to entertain them all at our house. I was so thrilled to have them over for a few days and miraculously, the house seemed to not even get dirty from all the kids running around. I love to entertain, so hopefully they'll come again sometime soon. We already miss them.

Flashback Friday

For this edition of Flashback Friday, we're flashing back to.....well....last Friday. Woo hoo!

Last Friday, I had the privilege of taking two of my nieces to Stadium of Fire to see Miley Cyrus (aka Hannah Montana). They were so excited! Lindsay, the oldest, said she had been practicing her scream; although she was too shy to scream once we got there. Even I was excited for the concert. I went to WalMart and bought a $5 Hannah Montana shirt just to be silly.

About half way through the night, Lindsay asked me if next year I could get tickets up by the stage. I thought that was pretty funny. I tried to explain to her how difficult it was to even get three tickets, but I don't think she fully understood.

The weather was perfect (not too hot), Miley was great, and the fireworks were amazing. We had a blast!