So I've decided to tackle my mountains of photos, and start compiling them into scrapbooks. I've discovered digital scrapbooking, and I LOVE IT! All of the creativity of regular scrapbooking, NONE OF THE MESS! And a fraction of the cost. Here are pictures of my first pages.
Tell me what you think!

July is traditionally my favorite month. Mostly because it is warm. But also because it has my two favorite holidays--Independence & Pioneer Days. I love those two holidays, because they pretty much sum me up--I am probably the most patriotic person you will ever meet, and I am also very proud and loyal to my pioneer roots. But this year (& it will probably be this year only), I've decided November is pretty awesome too. Our baby girl turns 17 today (Becca, still can't believe it!), and we had a great Thanksgiving dinner at Kathy's house Thursday. That girl pulled out all the stops! She made her amazing home-made stuffing, baked her own pies, and planned a beautiful table. Every detail was thoughtfully planned out, and it was a beautiful & yummy meal. Hanging out with family has got to be one of my favorite things to do. Ashlynn & Garrett played really good all day, and the adults had good food & conversation. Here's what I am thankful for:
1. My husband Eric. Even just here lately I have discovered new reasons to love him. I see my friends & family struggle with their spouses, and I realize that I've got a good deal with Eric. Pride & Ego can destroy relationships. And I'm not saying that we haven't had our share of issues, but on the whole, both of us really are motivated by peace. Being right isn't the most important thing; our relationship is. Eric taught me that, and I am forever thankful for and to him.
2. My children. Man, I love my kids. They are all so very different, and wonderful in their own ways. They are a trial sometimes too, but in the big picture view of things, I like who they are becoming. Sarah is becoming more and more independent as an adult, and is learning some good lessons & some harsh lessons. She is learning about adult consequences, which is painful sometimes, but it seems like she is progressing. I need to remember that she will progress in her own way, in her own time. The parent in me knows the heartbreak & struggles she will encounter with bad choices (been there done that), so I want to reach out and stop her from making those choices. She will be 3000 miles away from me very soon, and I worry about her and the choices she will make so very far away from her mama. But then I remember that I am far away from my heavenly home too, and must learn from my heavenly parents' example. They lovingly allow me to learn for myself the concepts of choice and accountability, so I must do the same for my children. Rebecca is 17 years old today, and has had probably the best year of her life so far. She was the one Eric & I were worried about when she was younger. She was the rebel...the back-talker...the one that had to learn every single thing the hard way if she learned at all. That's all changed. She has seen some real, raw things around her from the people she loves most, and she has made a decision...a committment...to live her life in such a way that will be productive for her mentally & spiritually. I am so proud of her. She is not afraid to stand up for what she believes. She has told her sister a time or two that what she was doing was wrong, and what she needed to do to get back on track. I would have NEVER done that as the youngest in my family! I was too much of a chicken. Rebecca is courageous, and strong. She has plans for college, and a mission (she says, if she's not married first), and plans to marry in the temple. She has made that very clear to all of us, and I'm loving the woman she is becoming! And then there's Garrett. I LOVE MY BOY!! Now I truly understand Phyllis, and her love of her "boys." He is so smart, so loveable, so fun to be around. Watching Garrett learn and experience things is the best.
3. Alan & Alexis. We've been thru a lot in the last few years, and I am just now starting to understand why. It's a tug-of-war sometimes when you blend families together, and ours was no different. At one point in our lives, we were on very different sides of the rope, but I feel that is changing--slow but sure. I had a text conversation with Alexis & her boyfriend Taylor the other day that gives me real hope for the future. We both have a lot of stuff to let go of, and I really hope it happens. Alan is coming up to begin BYUI next semester, and I am so proud of the man he's become! Having Garrett has really taught me that a boy really needs a mom to think they are the best ever, and Alan needs that desperately. Even though I'm not his "official mom," I plan on telling & showing him that as his C.M. (he named me his "Co-pilot Mom" years ago).
4. My family. I don't know what I would do without my mom, Kathy, Kevin, & Brad (& their families). I don't know what I would do without Phyllis, Ray, Glenn & Connie, Rick & Carolyn, Lori, Kirsten, Amber, Jenny, & Kara (& their respective families). Each of them enhances my life in such specific ways. We have our issues and trials, but I have learned that family is FAMILY.
5. My friends. To me, they are family. Joyce, Bill, Mark, Denny, Mary...etc etc etc! I am so happy that Joyce found a good man, and that she is working towards true happiness. I love her like a sister...she IS my sister. I am so happy that Bill has Mark too. He deserves someone to truly love him. I am so grateful that my friends accept me, warts and all.
6. Our jobs, our health, & our home. Three things that should NEVER be taken for granted!
7. I am thankful for the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I learn to be more and more thankful for this the older I get, and the more I realize that I shouldn't take this gift for granted. Sure, there are issues with things, but the Gospel itself is perfect and can always be relied upon. Always.
8. The Atonement of Jesus Christ. The best gift ever. I would be lost without the sacrifice of my loving elder brother.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE.

Hi there friends and family! It's time the Embrees join the 21st century! We're gonna start our own blog so that we can keep in touch with friends/family. We've got family all over the place - as far away as FLORIDA (miss you Sarah), so this will be our way of keeping our family and friends together. Hope it works!