A Teary-Eyed, Proud Moment!

Last Saturday afternoon I had an experience that I'll never forget! On July 17th, 23-year-old Sgt. Nathan S. Barnes of the 4th Battalion 31st Infantry Regiment in the Army was killed in Iraq. He was from American Fork, Utah--a town very close to where I live. Our whole community has grieved his passing and wanted to show our appreciation for the service rendered on behalf of our country and each one of us. His father is a big time Boy Scout fan. So--what seemed like an impossible task was pulled off. Last Saturday, Sgt. Barnes' funeral was in the tabernacle in American Fork. About a mile away is the cemetary. Over 1,000 Boy Scouts lined the mile-long street (on both sides) leading to the cemetary. Each held a flag and saluted the police officers, hearse, limosines carrying the family members and other family relatives while they drove to the cemetary. What an awesome sight to behold. One thousand boy scouts reverently paying respect to a fallen brother and hero. The wind was slightly blowing and the 1,000 flags were gently waving. I will never forget the feelings I had at this moment--feelings of love, admiration, respect and grief. Many of us then went to the graveside service where the boy scouts silently looked on--flags still raised in the air. The 21 gun salute and the sound of taps are still ringing in my ears.

May God bless our troops and may God bless Nathan's family at this difficult time. May their burdens be made lighter knowing their son was fighting for the cause of freedom.

Please join me tonight in saying a prayer for our troops.

With Gratitude,
Lisa B.

I'm Back from my Amazing Pioneer Handcart Trek!

I just got back from a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Martin's Cove and Rocky Ridge Wyoming! Around 400 youth in my area between the ages of 14-18 (plus 100 adults) walked around 30 miles through rocky mountains, sandy trails, creeks and lots of sagebrush in 90-100 degree weather pushing and pulling handcarts (which contained all their gear). Everyone was dressed in the time period. There were no cell phones, ipods, televisions, makeup, or even showers. There was no indoor plumbing--only outhouses. Just lots of walking, lots of sweating and many, many faith promoting experiences along the way. It truly was an amazing experience for Steve, Kade and myself (Kade's the big guy in the middle in a cowboy hat pulling the handcart through a creek).

During the four-day experience, I didn't hear one complaint from the youth. It was very hard and very hot and very monotonous, yet they all had cheerful dispositions, were anxious to hear stories on the trail and were willing to help people in their group who were having a hard time. Every person walked in behalf of a person from the Willie or Martin handcart companies in the 1800s (many of these people died due to starvation or freezing weather). Every person wore a bracelet with the words "He Carried Them" (meaning Christ helped them through their trials). The themes of each day were so cool. The first day, "He Carried Them." The second, "He Carries Us." The third, "We Carry Others." And the fourth, "Carry On!"

I'm still on a huge high from this experience. I'm so lucky I got to go!

Enjoy the last few weeks of your summer.

Lisa

(More photos of Wyoming trip below!)

Read Below!

I only know how to post two photos at a time so this picture of Kade goes with the below story!

My Little Entrepreneurs!

Hey Everyone!

It's scourching hot here in Utah. We've had over 100 degree weather here in Utah for several days in a row! Luckily there is not much humidity in the air so it's a little more bearable.

Brecken and Kade have teamed up with a little backyard business. The neighborhood kids come over on certain days of the week for 3-hours of swimming in our pool (plus endless Otter Pops) and Kade lifeguards (he's certified). Brecken has her snack shack set up by the pool and sells churros, frozen homemade oreos, snowcones, pop, homemade ice cream and popcorn. It's so much fun to watch them in action! Kade made $75.00 today and Brecken (and her friend, Kenya) made $46.25. It's also fun to see all the neighborhood kids having so much fun! Brecken and I made fliers to advertise these events and Kade delivered them. At the end of the text it said, "Be there or be ... Hot!"

Next week I'm off for a four day trek with 400 youth from our church (ages 14-18). We are dressing up in pioneer clothing and pushing a handcart like the early members of our church did in the 1800s. We've been planning this since January and it's finally here. I'm so excited!

By the way, people have been asking about Collin and why he wasn't at Lake Powell. He actually went for three days, but had to leave early for a football camp. Collin's doing great--busy this summer pulling weeds (an hour a day), keeping his room clean, babsitting the neighbor kids and hanging out with his friends.

Stay cool and enjoy the rest of July.

Lisa B.

See You Thurs., Fri. and Sat. on QVC!!

Hey Everyone!

I'm heading off to Philly in a few hours and just wanted to remind you of my shows over the next three days. I'll be on for two hours on Thursday July 12th from 8-10 p.m. (EST), Friday July 13th from 10 a.m. to noon (EST) and Saturday July 14th from 1 a.m. - 3 a.m. (EST). I've got approximately 10 new items--so lots of exciting products.

Just had to share with you some fun times we had last week in Nauvoo, Illinois. This is a small town which was basically founded by the early members of my church in the mid 1800s. At that time, it was the second largest city in Illinois with thousands of inhabitants. It was a complete swamp land that the people made it into a beautiful city. Due to religious persecution, the people were driven out of the city and journeyed to the Salt Lake Valley in Utah to build another city out of the desert.

Back to Nauvoo. My family spent three days in this lovely city. It's been completely restored so it looks like it did in the 1800s. You can tour through a gun shop, an old post office, bakery, school house, blacksmith shop, brick yard, etc., etc. We also spent a lot of time playing games from that time period (Kade killed me on the stick pole) and the girls had a blast dressing up. In the evenings from July 6-Aug. 4th, there is an amazing production that 's shown at 8:45 p.m. All of this is free. Nauvoo is not far from Quincy and Keokuk, Iowa. Really a great time had by all. If you're in the area, you really should stop by.

I'll wave at you while on QVC. Hope you're having a fun summer and are able to beat the heat.

Sincerely,
Lisa

I Found Buried Treasure!!

I returned yesterday from my week's stay in Missouri and Illinois. What a wonderful time had by all. The first three days were spent in Concordia, Missouri at a family reunion on my mom's side. We had so many great experiences but a highlight was going to the home where my Grandpa Kiehl grew up and walking (okay, stumbing) through the home. I said stumbling because the house is vacant and has been completely abandoned. There was so much clutter and junk inside the home that it was almost impossible to walk. Plus some wild little creatures are living in the home and the smell was almost more than I could take. But--I was determined walk through with some of my other family members and it was amazing what we found.



First of all, Becky (my sister) found these old photos of my great grandparents. They were on the floor under so much clutter that it's a miracle they were found. We also uncovered an old organ my grandfather used to play and an old ice cream maker that my great grandmother used to hand crank along with lots of other neat stuff. By the end, I'd forgotten about the horrible smell and the mice running around the place (not really--I'm scared to death of mice!). But really, the spirit of that great home and what happened within its walls really was touching. Seven beautiful children were raised there--one being the grandfather I've never known--August Otto Kiehl.

Later that day, we visited the owner of the home (my mom's first cousin) and begged her to let us go through the house and preserve the treasures. She was reluctant (more embarrassed about the state of the home) but I think we found a soft spot inside her! Hopefully within the next few months, my sisters Angela and Becky, will fly to Alma, Missouri and go through the home. I can hardly wait to see what they find!

I had tons of other neat experiences. I'll share more later. Hope you had a safe and fun 4th of July. We let off what seemed like thousands of fireworks. Especially fun for the guys!

Talk to you soon!

Lisa

Wow! I'm Impressed! Contest Results.

I've decided one thing since starting this blog--scrapbookers are really smart people. I honestly didn't think anyone would answer my last trivia question correctly. But--I was wrong.

So what did we see way up in the sky on our last trip to Lake Powell? The Space Shuttle Atlantis getting ready to land! One of our friends had heard on the news that it was going to fly right over our heads and called to tell us. So--we were lucky to know when to look and what we were looking for. It was too cool. Many of you got the answer right. Congrats! The first four people were: Tablankingship@aol.com, Lisawalker@hotmail.com, anniepooh6@bellsouth.net and cowtownstacy@gmail.com. I also loved the bald eagle and Good Year Blimp answers!

If you won, I'll get in touch with you for your snail mail addresses.

I'm having a blast here in Missouri. I've taken lots of photos and can't wait to tell you about my trip. I found quite the treasure today! I'll write more when I return home.

Hope your 4th of July is great!

Lisa B.