Connie Gayle Bingham

Twenty-four years ago today my mother passed away. I was about three weeks from turning 4 and for this reason any memories of her are void. The events surrounding her death are heavy and sad, but I am grateful for the goodness that she possessed.

She was born the second daughter to Daniel and Dorothy Mineyard in Detroit, Michigan. Her father died in a work accident when she was only three years old and her mom passed away when she was thirteen. She was then raised by her step-dad until she met my father at the age of 17. They met in high school and shortly after were married and my oldest brother, Jamie was on the way. He paved the way for seven more kids to follow totaling 3 boys and 5 girls.

The most prized possession my mother left behind (excluding her children) is a journal she kept starting about five years prior to her death. In this journal she talks about her testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and her conversion; her children and pregnancies; and other day to day rantings. I love reading her thoughts and seeing her writing.

What I know about her is limited to what older siblings and her sister remember of her. She was a great cook, a wonderful seamstress, loved being pregnant and having babies, a horrible housekeeper, and a simple woman. I wish I knew more but in time I'll have that opportunity.

Years after her fourth child was born, Gina, she felt that there was a son who still needed to come to her family. She convinced my dad and three girls later their son was finally born. My youngest brother, Marty was barely two when she passed away.

My husband has done family history on her side and it has been such a blessing to get to know her better in this way. About two months ago we did the initiatories for Dorothy Minyard and Daniel Minyard-her parents! It was a spiritual experience, one that helped me feel closer to my mom. I am excited to get sealed in proxy with my husband acting as her mom and dad.

I look forward to having a relationship with my mom. Oftentimes I wonder how different my life and personality would be if she had been here. Her absence is all I have ever known. This trial has taught me so much and strengthens my desire to be the best mom I can be.

Evening with the Rascals

Pushing swings, serving chocolate pudding, watching the Backyardigans, and playing cars is a perfect way to spend a Friday, especially when it's with my favorite Rascals.

5 Months Down....

...an eternity to go.

Date Night

I love going on dates with my hubby! I think I forever will. Our date night this week took us to the Provo Temple where we did initiatories and then to Los Hermanos where we enjoyed a beautiful dinner.

Labor Day

Our Labor Day was simple yet fun! We hung out at home with me cleaning and Lance working and then enjoyed a beautiful bike ride with our great friends and fellow newlyweds-Carrie and Zach Paul.

We biked up the canyon and took in all the beauty a Utah County summer has to offer. Our Arizona summer offered us heat and more heat. What a treat to be back just in time to bask in color and cool summer evenings! My favorite part-feeling the wind go through my hair as I biked! We followed our bike ride up with a night of wii and smores at the Paul Residence!

Hope your Labor Day was great!

Utah here we are!

Lance and I are just about settled into our new Orem apartment. I must say that being back has been wonderful! I've enjoyed being able to see Melissa and others. I feel that Lance and I "fit" here more than we did in Arizona. Arizona was a great experience but certain factors made me happy to come back. For example-the immodestly was uncomfortable, the heat was killer, and the education system weak. I never want to teach there again or have my children go to school there.

We love living in Orem and are grateful to have friends already in our ward! Carrie (my old roommate) and her husband Zach live literally right down the street from us! It's so fun because she met her husband only two weeks after I met Lance and it was wonderful to have a friend to share our love stories with!

I'm still looking for a teaching job but definitely enjoying my time off. It's been so relaxing to set up the apartment and take things one day at a time. We are still working with only one car which I love because it means more time together! Each morning I take Lance to work, bring him lunch, and pick him up! I LOVE being able to serve him and be domestic! It's marital bliss and I couldn't be happier!

First Grade

Our lil' guy is a 1st grader!

Before Zander arrived I approached the Lord on how to be a good mom for him. My answer was to take the talents I have and apply them on a daily basis. I'm a good teacher-so I decided that school was a necessary thing to do each day.

Zander did an excellent job this summer at school time. Each day we would do school with him; reading, writing, and math. We would practice sight word cards which he mastered all 100 (with the exception of a few) by the end of summer, read stories together, practice addition and subtraction, and write 3-4 sentences in his journal daily. Every time we did school Zander received a quarter and once he had 4 we would go to the Dollar Store. He loved it!

Zander really enjoyed learning and was so obedient during school time. It was such a blessing to watch him progress. Lance was so thrilled to see Zander grow so much in the short six weeks he was with us.