I woke up and saw.....

Is it...could it be....underneath that snow was...
A little bit of green!!! Yay!! Armed with the camera, the dogs and I took a Saturday morning stroll.
The future tree orchard! The order has been placed, the shipment has arrived, and now we wait on spring. Eight lovely fruit tress will grace these already gorgeous six's presence!
The wet winter has destroyed our 1/2 mile long driveway. More gravel needs to be ordered.
My future garden! It is the size of a 1/4 acre lot. I think behind the garden (where the dead grass is) is where the future honey bees will live! Dare I do it?
Wait...Is that the...Oh NO!! The neighbors horse might be calling for a visit. Quick dogs run, hide!!
What...Why are we getting closer?!
Be kind..this is pre-shower, pre-picture time! I just couldn't resist, I am terrified of these animals, and finally one was restrained and behind bars. I could finally get close enough to take a pic with the both of us!
And finally back to the chickens!! I love living here!! I just cant wait until it warms up a bit, and the grass turns completely green again!

Our Wildlife...

When Kaylee and I look out our window these days we mostly see...
There is a family of about 10 deer living in our woods and pastures. They have been here since they were babies, so its fun to see them growing. They have gotten used to the dogs for the most part. Kaylee and Lulu will chase them a bit, but half way down the pasture they will both stop and just watch each other. Super cute, I love our wildlife!!

Seriously....

I cant believe it, but it has snowed once again!! I am having a hard time with winter this year. I like a good snow storm like the rest, but three in one year is too much. I moved from Utah with the anticipation of mild winters in my future. Instead I have been graced by three winter storms that have iced me in. Two storms ago I was iced into my rural surroundings for an entire week...an ENTIRE week!
Yes, it is pretty. However, the gloomy gray sky in this picture...is in actuality snow continuing to fall. I am over the snow...I am thinking a move to Arizona might be needed.

Reflection

I sit in the hotel room with ample time and not many distractions. I could turn on the TV and watch movies or take a long nap, but instead I have been thinking. I have never been one to do resolutions with the New Year, but for some reason this year is different. When thinking about what it is I want to work on this year, I have come to a few conclusions. To sum it up for you....

I AM NOT PERFECT. I AM NOT CLOSE TO PERFECT. I WANT TO BE CLOSER TO PERFECT.

I say that with confidence. I look at this as a challenge, and it helps to motivate me. I took a step back, and asked "If I could be perfect in any one area, what would it be?". I realized I want to be a perfect saint, and a perfect sister to my loving Savior. I want to know him more personally, more deeply, and more perfectly. To do that I have set a goal to read the New Testament cover to cover, read Jesus the Christ completely, and also read The Mortal Messiah completely.

My hopes are that as I read and study about the Saviors time on earth, and inspired words written by Special Witnesses about Him, I will gain a deeper understanding of who he is. Both while He walked the earth and who He is today.

I am hoping that with this I will become more perfect in other aspects of my life as well. I want to be a better YW leader, a better friend, a better sister, and a better wife. I have a lot of growth to do, but I know that with the help of my elder brother, Jesus Christ, I can do anything. And one day I will be able to recgonize my Savior not by His teachings, not by the glowing white around Him, and not by others pointing Him out. I want to know Him by feeling our personal connection to one another.

Wish me luck!

Yay!!

Today is a Big Day on the Cottle farm!! We got our very first ....wait for it....egg!!
We have been waiting for quite some time and it finally came. We arent sure which hen is responsible, but I think it might be this beauty!!
Yay for our very first egg!!

Sisters in Zion & Armies of Helaman

This is my brothers mission in Romania! Jeff is the 3rd from the left, on the top row. (he looks a little tired, but he looks good) I am so grateful that he has a mission president and wife that have an active blog!! Don't they sound fantastic? I think they sound sooo good, and I was in tears through the entire thing. Possibly because I love to see my brother, or maybe it was the sweet spirit they brought through this song. I love you Elder Suppes!

Kind reminder...

5321, those were the numbers I have come to memorize as I pull into their trailer community each and every Wednesday night. I drive through and pull up to the cute trailer and sit and wait. I cant go in because Kylyn gets embarrassed that she sleeps on the front room floor, so I sit and wait. I have gotten to know the mother from teaching her in Gospel Essentials, and now that I am back in Young Woman (YAY!!) I am getting to know her daughter too. I love these two women and I am grateful for their example. Here is why...

I pulled up to their house and they had Christmas lights on their front porch. This was new from last week, so I got excited to talk to them about their Christmas traditions on the ride over to the church. As they snuggled into the warm car, I complimented their lights and asked when they had put them up. They had done it that morning. Kylyn was beaming!! She went on to explain that this was their first Christmas season in a home. Ramona (Kylyn's Mom) had been a truck driver and they typically were on the road. Since the accident, they had settled into their very first home this year. Romona is now not able to work, and due to a heart complication from the accident she can never be left alone. So sweet Kylyn volunteered to stay home from school and watch her Mom everyday. She is one of the smartest and most tender girls I have ever met. I asked if they had put up a tree yet, you know this being their first Christmas in a home. Just as I said it Romona started shaking her head, I could tell instantly I had said something I shouldn't have. Kylyn looked down and got teary eyed. Romona explained that she didn't have the funds to buy a tree. They were grateful to their neighbors for giving them their leftover lights this year.

Kylyn through her damp eyes said "I love this time of year. Everyone is so nice, so kind, and they are much more receptive to hearing the gospel from me this time of year." I couldn't believe what I was hearing. She went on to explain that she goes through her community each and everyday this time of year to preach the gospel to her neighbors. She may not have a tree, but she has the true meaning of Christmas. I was in tears and I couldn't say anything. Kylyn said "Mom, I have never had a tree before, maybe we could get one just this year?" Romona now teary eyed said "Sorry Kylyn but its not in our cards this year. Lets appreciate and enjoy our lights."

I dropped them off at the church and pretended I had an errand to run before mutual started. I couldn't believe the lesson I had just learned from this precious 12 year old girl and her newly converted mother. I have always had a tree, haven't you? I have always had lights, haven't you? I have always had decorations and a BIG Christmas dinner, haven't you? I have never gone door to door to preach the gospel to my neighbors, have you?

This darling ritual of picking these ladies up for Wednesday night activities has changed me. We always hear and are taught the true meaning of Christmas, but it wasn't until last night that I really got it. Thank you Ryder family!


*Names and numbers have been changed for privacy purposes**