World's Greatest Dad

Happy 57th Birthday to the best dad I could ever ask for!!

On my mind...

Out of our adversity we might seek our greatest triumphs, and the day may well come that from our challenges we will understand the familiar words "for thy good."

Richard C. Edgley

For some reason Iowa has been on my mind a lot lately. I went over to my parents home yesterday and they said that one of their sister missionaries, Sister Stratton was stopping by. I shouldn't say that I had favorites but this sister was basically a sister to me when my sisters weren't able to be with me. I could not miss out on the opporunity to visit with her again. We spent a couple of hours reminicing on Iowa and shared funny memories. I could see how happy my parents were to have someone else around who truly felt the joy and love of that place that holds such a special place in their hearts.

Sister Stratton, or Carrie, asked my parents what they felt they gained the most from their experience in the mission field. As my parents shared their thoughts I thought about what I would say if someone were to ask me the same question. A lot of the time when people ask me about Iowa I am quick to say that I am so glad that I was able to come home and when people ask if I miss it, truthfully most of the time I say no. BUT there is a bit reason why and as I have gotten older I regret saying no, because Iowa truly does hold a special place in my heart.

Iowa has been on my mind lately because it truly was one of the most difficult experiences of my life. I had to leave my home, family and friends and start over in a new place. It was hard! I cried myself to sleep a lot. I remember my first day of school when I got home I just cried. Things got easier as time went on, but it never became home for me. I was blessed to have made great friendships and I had amazing experiences with my parents and missionaries but I always missed home. I was able to return home for the last half of my junior year and I finally felt like myself again

The greatest blessing or lesson I gained from that experience was how strongly I came to know that my Heavenly Father was aware of my struggles and that he was always by my side. I truly came to know of his love for me and feel his constant companionship as I went through hard times. I have been given many opportunities to reflect back on those three years and I have truly come to know that it was an experience I was meant to go through. Even though it was hard, I know that it was meant for me good. It has definitely become a reference point for me in my life when other trials come my way. It helps me to remember that I must always put my faith and trust in the Lord and he will help guide me through and I will come out stronger. I am so grateful for the knowledge of the gospel and the love of my Heavenly Father that helps me through this life.

Dirscoll Reunion 2011

This past weekend we traveled to Island Park for a reunion with my parents and my siblings. We were definitely in need of a little get away. Even though it was only a weekend it felt so good to forget about real life for 72 hours. I went up a day early with my mom and helped her get a lot of the food and the cabin ready for the rest of the family. I forgot my camera so I had to rely on my sister Heather and I am so that she sent me a few of her snapshots. My mom's parents have a cabin just down the way from the Driscoll family cabin. We planned on a few of us staying down there and we soon found out that we had a few visitors...BATS! Eric's family stayed there the first night and killed 4 bats. Little Brooklynn told me that Batman visited them :) My mom asked me if Tanner and I would stay down there, I feel bad but I said no way! My mom along with my dad, Devonee, and Neal braved the bat invested cabin. They weren't visited the first night, but on the second night they killed 5. It was so nice to be surrounded by family for the weekend. A few of us went to the Playmill Theater and got our tradition scoop of ice cream from our favorite parlor in West Yellowstone. Saturday was full of boating and riding the four wheeler. Saturday night we had dinner around the camp fire and mom's homemade ice cream. A few of us played games late into the night and enjoyed lots of laughter. Devonee's boyfriend Neal told her that he found it really neat that our family was so close to one another. I truly feel that when we are together. We laugh for hours and I never get tired of their company. I am so grateful for the knowledge of eternal families and the gift that it is to know that I will be with them forever.

Neal was a hit when he brought the 4-wheeler that actually worked

It looks like a leisurely tube ride, but Braden really punched it after this picture was taken

what great little helpers grandma has!

Saturday night hot dog roast

Brooklynn loves hanging out with Great Grandpa Dan

Our best attempt at getting all nine grandkids together for a picture

Can't wait till next year!

"Sure Love Ya!"

Last Monday I was able to attend Chet Wahlen's funeral service with my parents. The Driscoll/Wahlen friendship has been there for years and I loved learning so much more about Chet and the great person that he was. President Lankford got up at the end to give a few remarks and he told a story about how everytime he got off the phone with Chet he would say, "Sure love ya!" I thought that was so neat! During the closing song my dad slipped me a note a little piece of paper that said, "Krystle, Sure love ya! Love, Dad" I looked over to smile at him and he had a small tear in his eye. It was a very tender moment for the both of us. I kept that note and I put it in my scriptures. I love my dad so much. He has done so much for me in my life and every time I talk to him on the phone he asks if there is anything he can do for me. He is always thinking of others and continues to be one of the greatest examples for me in my life.

Sure love ya dad!