It's been too long

I finally decided to just post a blog about what I'm up to. With limited internet at home its been a bummer...dial up just doesn't allow for much to happen. I have been meaning to put up some pictures from the trip to St. George we took a month ago, and i will do sometime when i get home because right now i am eating lunch at work...how cool is that?! I am eating a delicious PB & J if you were wondering. Anyway, speaking of work, i love it! it is a challenging job, with long hours from the commute, but i really enjoy it. It's so fun getting to work with the same people everyday because you really get to know them. I have had some interesting conversations about my mission, mormons, my scar on my arm and becoming a surgeon with people. And, another cool thing is that when im done for the day, I don't smell like a Porta-potty or blow dirt out of my nose (even though i loved working on your house last summer Aunt Kathy!).

Thank you to all of you for your support and excitement about my mission call. I can't wait to go be a Minnesotan for 2 years! And I am even more excited to see you for my farewell, which is coming up fast. I will be on the road to the MTC in 38 days. I am excited, nervous, happy, anxious, ready to just leave for there next week sometimes, other times i get sad thinking about leaving, but most of all i am feeling the spirit the most i have ever felt it in my life. It really is quite the experience!

Another great experience i had last week was going through the temple. I went with Mom and Dad and Aunt Karol and Uncle Joel were there too, and the Daybells. It was absolutely incredible and mom and i already went again on Tuesday. I love it and I can't wait for the chance to go with our whole family! We really are going to be together forever and that is so awesome. Hope you are all doing well. I hope to post some pictures SOON. Love you all so much!
:)

What's up you all!

Hey, Hey to everyone! This week I've been thinking a lot about how wonderful life really is. I think that as we go through life we can loose sight of all we have when we think so much about all that we don't. It is a great blessing to be ambitious and always want more, but I am realizing more the true joys in life lie in how we are able to enjoy what we are given in our current circumstances, instead of always wanting something else. I know my life has truly been blessed.

Here in Utah, things are going well. My internship is going pretty good. I'm learning more about what I want to do when I finish school. I also see that I have a lot more to learn as well. It's so great that I had this chance to be here this summer. The singles ward is good, but I going to start going to the new ward in Sandy. Partly because of gas prices, partly because of trying something new. My golf game is improving, but I'm still not that good. I don't think it matters how athletic you are in golf, it still won't make you any better when you start.

I'm excited to come home for a while and to have everyone home too. It's going to be sweet to see you all. Hope you all have a great week! Love you all and Word to you Mother.

Summer Jobs

we've been busy getting settled into our new place and enjoying the summertime

the boys helping Uncle Neil wash his car

having some watermelon after saving the day (yes, Sam is wearing a cape)...this is the walkway from the driveway to our basement

do you think Grandma would be proud of my muddy gardening gloves? it took me 3 days, but the garden is planted and weeded

Way to GO Dean!

Congrats on the mission call Dean! You're going to do such a great job. It will be such a wonderfully challenging, growing time for you. Your mission will be such a blessing to you and your future family. You will bless the lives of so many people and will have the chance to be a great example.
You have so many wonderful traits that will be a strength to those you serve. The people of Minnesota are so lucky to have you there for 2 years. It has been so great to be a part of your life, have you be a part of mine and now even more people will have that blessing in their lives too. Way to go bro!

On a less serious note, I ask just one thing while you are there, try not to become a viking's fan. Remember you're a Ram! Even though I already know you're partial to Purple and Gold.

Love,
Your Bro. Neil
-writing in Terra's sign in

Happy Fathers Day!

The other day we all came back from a softball game and Paul rode home with me in my car. He kept talking about how cool it was going to be to get big so he can play baseball and his Dad could be his coach. I remembered the old Days that Dad was my coach.

Thanks Dad for all the great memories. The best way you showed me your love is by sacrificing for us kids and trying to be a part of our lives. I loved it when you would take me out to play ball, go camping or even work with you (I don't enjoy the working with you as much now that I'm older). I Love you so much and am forever indebted to you. Hopefully I'll have the chance to one day be a Dad like you.

Your Eldest Son,
Neil

Happy Father's Day!

To the man who let me dance on his feet, made us waffles on Saturday mornings, rarely lost his temper, taught us how to rollerskate and ride our bikes. Thank-you for my wonderful childhood!
I love you, Daddy

Finals...

Well this last week has been finals week...and it is weird having feelings similar to senoritis when its only my freshman year! It might be because I know I am not coming back for a while. Anyways, this is a picture of what my desk has looked like for the past few days. Its been so fun studying! Tonight is my last night so I decided to take a break and post. Monday morning I had chemistry and it was harder than I had thought it could be. I have a music history final in the morning and will be all done tomorrow evening when I turn in my English portfolio! I would appreciate any encouragement you can give! I'm excited to go home, but really sad to leave UW. I have made some really great friends and I realize this could be my last week in the dorms. Dorm life is awesome! I will post some pictures later after our going away party for the end of the year. Anyways, two more days till I go home!!!! Love you all!