"Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God." --Joseph Smith

I believe this to be true, more than ever! I'm so grateful for Joseph Smith's teachings. Can you believe all he taught, revealed, accomplished, and endured in his short life? Wow.

I enjoyed sharing the Israel fireside again with a group in Payson last week. I am so grateful for the teachings of Jesus Christ! My goal is to teach the principles more than make it a travel log when I share the slide show. Hopefully with more time and thought...

So, speaking of happiness, I had my first day of the next school year with my students today! HAPPINESS! :) They are a pretty cute bunch, and I can't believe how fast the day flew by! My favorite thing was how several boys at the end of the day looked at me and said, "It's time to go? I don't want to go!" Wow! Kind of shows how cute and sweet they are. We'll hope for the best on day two as well. ;) The funny story was how I woke up, thinking it was 7:20 this morning, going, "Oh no! I have to leave in 20 minutes!" I scrambled to shower, get ready, etc. and when I left in my car I looked at my car's clock, and would you believe it wasn't 8:00, it was only 7:00! LOL! What a great first day to the school year, huh? At least I gave myself a good laugh. The students enjoyed that funny story too. I thought it was awfully dark outside for 7 am! All in all, I have confidence it will be a great school year, as busy as it will be, thanks to a wonderful father's blessing last night and peace and comfort in knowing I'm not alone!

It was a good summer, busy, and full of family time and working at school! I enjoyed reading, the parade of homes, a mini trip to Las Vegas with my aunt Patty, days swimming with the nieces and nephews, a trip to Bingham Copper Mine, hiking in the mountains with friends and family, attending plays & musicals, and lots of running outside!

I hope to find time to still get lots of running in while I teach. I did the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay- an awesome experience-- and will be doing the Red Rock Relay (also a 12-member 188-mile race) in 3 weeks! Don't call me crazy, but I sure enjoy running!