This Life - A Test?

I finished another exam yesterday - Yay! And I know Candace is glad to have her husband back. This test was on much of the heart and blood vessel diseases and how to treat them. And it also covered diseases of the nervous system. I must say, we have found some amazing ways to cause problems in our bodies, but it certainly is fascinating to learn what we can do to help people with these problems.
By now, I'm starting to get used to this "test thing." I certainly don't freak out as much. And aside from literally living in a cubicle in the library for a few days with only my thousand-page books to console me, taking the test really isn't all that bad. I'm trying to apply this same strategy to the real Test - this life. I'm learning, as I'm sure most of you are, that as I go through life, the challenges and trials seem to get bigger and more difficult. But my ability to handle them also seems to improve. And I've noticed my attitude largely influences my happiness. So I hope that I really am getting used to this "test thing!" And even though it's rarely very easy, taking the test really isn't all that bad.
Sorry to get all preachy, but it's been nice to have some time to think about the things that matter most. I'll post again soon with some pictures.

Misc. musings

Glad that you are on board Rod and Jenny! Now we just need to convert Brad and Kim. We will get there! Mom, to get to the page to post, just go to "theslaterfamily.com" which will pull up the blog. In the upper right hand corner it says "sign in". Click on it, then sign in. It should pull up "A Forever Family" then there will be a place that says "new post." Click on that and there you go!
Anyway, Rod and Jenny, I didn't realize that you sold your house!? That is great news! I have to say that I am just a little bit jealous that you get to move into the basement! We have spent the past couple of weekends de-junking and trying to get ready to put our house up for sale (a bit of a project with our three little kids). We actually had two couples come and look at it on Sat. and one of them called us back that night to tell us that they wanted it. They are trying to get pre-approved this week. I am not holding my breath, but it would be sooooo great to get it sold without having a realtor and trying make my house not look cluttered each time we show it. I still don't know where half the stuff in my house is because we ended up just throwing stuff in cabinets and up in the attic before they came.
Well, you all might as well start making your plans now to come and visit us in Reno. We promise to take you to Lake Tahoe (a mere 30 min. from the practice). They are flying Ryan to North Carolina on Feb. 14th and 15th to meet with the financial group. It isn't set in stone yet, but it looks like that is where we most likely will end up. We surprisingly feel really good about it. I told my OB today that I wasn't too excited to tell people that I am moving to Reno, and he said...well, just tell them you are from Tahoe. I actually like the sound of that.
Like mom said, I have a personal blog that you are welcome to check out. You can read the lastest about Tyler.
Love y'all!

Welcome Rod and Jenny

Hey, Rod, so glad you are with us! (He made a comment on the last blog of mine, about the R.S. Conference). Did you have a hard time knowing where to go to Post? Well, it takes me a lot of fiddling around on the computer to finally pull up a page where I can Post! Julie and Ryan (you must know how to do it faster than me), can you give instructions that may make it easier?
Also, regarding Rod and Jenny's move----they are going to be living in the apartment downstairs. I think it is going to be fun to have them around. They may be experiencing a few different feelings. But, Welcome Home! Hope you are all having a terrific day, (even you, Ryan, with the BIG test on Tuesday -- GOOD LUCK!!) Julie, was Sophie a "Shirley Temple" today?
**The rest of you should check out Julie's personal blog page at: ryanandjulie.blogspot.com it is pretty interesting!!! Sure love you all. Mom

Powerful Stake Relief Society Conference

Hi Family~~
I went to a most wonderful Stake Relief Society Conference this morning. I just wanted to share a thought that I know you can all relate to (Travis in the future). President John Miller, (yes, the band teacher whom I railed on in a Daily Herald editorial, because he did not take a pep band to the High School basketball games) (but I surely do love and respect him now). Anyway, he took the song, "I am a Child of God", and placed an additional tender meaning to the words. He asked us to take the phrases and apply them as though our own children were asking us to LEAD them, (lead out in the direction they and your family should go); GUIDE them, (point out to them, and be aware of the many pitfalls, and danger areas of life); WALK beside them, (be with them. Go places with them. Support their activities and interests). HELP them find the way, (help them by example of family prayer, scripture study, fasting, service, living righteously, etc.)
I know you are all already doing all of these things, but I did really like how it felt in thinking that my precious grandchildren do have that help from their parents.
I surely love all of you! Mom

A Great Christmas Break

Sorry it's taken me so long to sign on. I think we've finally settled down again into real life - Yay!? Anyway, just wanted to thank everyone for a wonderful Christmas break. We really had a great time. We're already looking forward to seeing everyone again in the summer. Hope to hear from all of you soon. - Ryan

How about a Disneyland trip in 2008?

Mom's at it again!!! I just am yearning to see my grandkids having fun at Disneyland (and my own kids too!) I emailed Ryan about it, and when he might be available. It won't be until May or June of 2008, but hey! that is not so far away! Do you all think that would be a possibility? I hope we can somehow work it out. Talk it over and let's see what can be done about it. OK?
Love you all! Mom
p.s. The next time I post, I am going to try doing a picture!?!
Come on, the rest of you! We want to hear from you!

Newport Aquarium

Hey all! We went up to Cincinnati today to go the the Newport Aquarium. We had such a great time! I love watching the kids as they discover new things. They were fascinated by the sharks and could have watched them for hours! Anyway, we miss you all sooooo much! We can't wait to see some of your posts! (hint, hint)

Still Testing!

OK. I am still testing. Now, if I, (Mom) , can do this, ANYONE can do it!!! Let's surprise Julie (and Travis), and learn how to use and enjoy this site!
I must say, it has been a most wonderful Christmas Holiday, with all of the family visiting. Aside from the enormous amount of illness, I know we have all enjoyed spending time together.
Here's to the New Year of 2007!! We wish all of our family a glorious year, with dreams, goals and ambitions finding success in each of your lives. We love you all so very much, and especially pray for the blessings of spirituality to be upon each of you!

testing

Are we ready to post? Isn't this a darling photo? Mom is just learning how to post. Great example mom! Now how about the rest of you?????