Sherry and McKay's Wedding

Friday the 13th of July Sherry and McKay were married. I drove up early Friday mornng to attend the wedding in the Snowflake Temple. It was beautiful wedding. Sherry was gorgeous! I helped Eileen after the luncheon until Ronnie and Aleia came with Tyson, Ethan, Jonah and Andrew. The boys had a lot of fun with them at the Little Red Cabin. I drove them home that night after the reception because their dad was flying in Saturday morning. Then Heath and I went to the Mac store and bought me a new MacBook. Thanks Heath for all your help getting it loaded with all my old pictures and programs. Heather's family left Sunday afternoon to go back to Utah. I sure will miss them. I had Tyson and Ethan for three whole weeks. We had so much fun together. Then I had all the grandkids for a week and Heather. It will be lonely here without them and quiet! I will miss the hugs and the story time at night. I love them all so much.

I'M IT!

1. Jobs I have had:

1. Started working at POPULAR SURPLUS when I was 15 (later called Popular)
2. Telemarketing for a whole WEEK!!!
3. worked at Dickson's (later called Sieman's Electronics) until I had children
4. Dance Studio and sewed 100's of costumes
5. Currently at Gilbert Elementary for the past 14 years. (I went to work for two years to pay for Christopher's braces...it's been a log two years!)

2. Places I have lived:

1. Colorado
2. New Mexico
3. Pennsylvania (a short time) and then
4. Arizona


3. Movies I can watch over and over:

1. Grease
2. Somewhere in Time
3. Hairspray
4. Staying Alive
5. Old Classics

4. Favorite TV shows:

1. American Idol
2. Prison Break
3. 24
4. Smallville

5, Vacations:

1. San Diego (honeymoon and family vacations)
2. Hawaii
3. Utah
4. Mountains (Greer)

6. Websites I visit:

1. LDS.org
2. Blogs


7 Places I would rather be:

1. Around all my grandkids with their arms all around me
2. Lying on the beach
3. Walking in the forest next to a stream

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY ETHAN!

Today (7-02) Ethan turned 7 years old and he got to spend it here in Arizona with his Grandma and Grandpa. We are so excited to have him here and Tyson. Aleia and I took the boys and Faith to the movie to see Ratatoille. We then came home and went swimming. Ronnie, Christopher, Bailey and Brody came over and we had pizza and swam. Then Traci's boys came over and went swimming and had cake and ice cream with us. It wasn't planned out but I think Ethan had a great birthday. He decorated his birthday cake and had a fun time opening gifts. Transformers, Fantastic Four Figures and $$$. He is the sweetest little guy and is always being the peace maker. I am very proud of him and his example.

FUN DAY!

Ethan, Faith and Tyson had fun trying on hats after the Buzz Light Year Ride. We had sooooo much fun at Disneyland despite the long lines and the heat. Next time though we'll go in the fall or winter. I really enjoyed watching my grandkids eyes and there excitement throughout the day and at the beach. Looking at the world through a child's eyes brings so much joy! We need to stop and enjoy the little things. Here are just a few things I observed...The laughter of Ethan as he catches a wave, Tyson helping some people block the waves from there sand castles, and Faith strutting up the beach...I love watching each and everything thing they do. Even the little babies...Brody and his fun personality and his love for FOOD!!!! Jaylee and her sweet disposition and her hugs. I wish my other grandkids could have been here too. Next year they will all be here.

Uncles

Uncle Ronnie and his Buddy Tiger Tyson. Ronnie has always loved this kid!!! He was out in the ocean today helping him and Ethan Boogie Board. He is always having fun with all the kids. Uncle Christopher is having a slumber party in his condo tonight with all the goodies and games. Fun Uncles to have, that's for sure!

Jedi Knight

At least you can see how cute he is in this picture when he posed for me. I am so glad Heather, Tyson and Ethan got to come this week!!! Thanks to Heath and his wonderful mom and dad. If you read this Chris ...Thank you so much for watching the other four kids. I wished they all could have been here though. Thank you Heath for letting them come too. We miss you though!

Jedi Training

Look through the blur and there is Ethan fighting Darth Vader!!! Stinkin' camera...!!!!

Carousel ride at Seaport Village

Brody and Jaylee's first carousel ride! That was the fastest carousel ride I've ever been on. Luckily we didn't get sick! We had ate at Anthony's and then went over to Seaport Village.

Sunny For Two Days Straight!!!

Gorgeous Outside!!!

What a HUNK....well, the girls are hotties though!

Just to Cute!!!

Jaylee and Bria!

BEACH BUMS!!!

This one is for you Aunt Bailey and Uncle Christopher!

Beach Bums! This one is for you Bailey and Christopher!

I thought this was a sweet picture of Jaylee and Bria!

This one is for you Bailey and Christopher! Before this happened Faith was running and her pants fell to her ankles and she fell flat on the ground. She wasn't very happy at that point!

San Diego Here We Come!!!

We leave tomorrow for San Diego! Yeah...it will be so much fun! Ron's family is going too. (His Brother Gary and all his kids and grandkids). Christopher and Bailey will come next week because they were so sweet and let an employee have the first week. He had helped them in their business so much this past year they thought this would be nice for his family.

Heather and Heath will be home tomorrow from Haiti. They are in Florida tonight and will get home late tomorrow. I bet their kids are excited to see them ! I talked to Heather for over an hour today when they arrived in Florida. They had a great trip and will be posting a video soon on her blog. I hope she can come for a few days to Cali with Tyson and Ethan! It just cost so much to fly. I wished they could all come, but they had their Haiti trip to go on. Next year hopefully they will all be there including the girls from Haiti!!

Special Pictures

First Day of Vacation. Lot's of plans!

First day out of school...Yeah! I got up and exercised, washed clothes, cleaned the pool, and then Ron and I went to a movie. Dumb movie..."Waitress." Slow and definitely not worth the money. Funny here and there and that's about it. Ok for a movie at home when you're really bored.
One week until we go to San Diego for a whole month!!! What are we thinking? I can't wait to get to the beach and relax. Then we have Sherrie's wedding on July 13 and following that is our Sister's Outing for two nights on the 16th and 17th. Then the 23rd is Ron and my 36th Anniversary. Wow...that is a long time! Then, of course I want to see my grandkids in Utah before school starts on the 8th of August. Hopefully I can work it all out. My summer is planned!!!

LOVE THURSDAY

I chose Shauna for Love Thursday this week. She is graduating from high school tonight. The last of Eileen and Gerald's children. She has grown up to be a beautiful young woman who her parents and family can be proud of. She has high ideals and is going to go far in her life. What a fun and lovable person she is. We love you Shauna and are so very proud of you!!! We wish we could have been there to help you celebrate tonight. I hope you have a great and fun graduation and night!!! This is a new beginning for you and for your parents. CONGRATULATIONS SHAUNA!!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY RONNIE AND ALEIA

Seven years has gone by!!! Sometimes slow and sometimes fast. You two have grown so much in those seven years. You have a beautiful family now. Remember the important things in life and you will always have happiness. We love you and Happy Anniversary!

Little story about Thursday!!! I picked up my Aunt Lurlene at the airport after work. We stopped and rented a bed for her for the next two weeks while she stays with Mommo. I took her to mom's where Eileen left Jason's car there for them to use. They were hungry and decided to go get something to eat. I wasn't going to go because I had my visiting teachers coming at 5:30 and then I was going to go to a friends daughter's piano recital at the college. Anyway, something told me to keep an eye on them. So I followed them onto Broadway...punt, punt, punt, about 5-10 miles an hour they go. (oh, by the way Jason car is a stick shift) They pulled over and I turned on the side street and watched them. They started going again and turned left on Power Road going towards the mall. They were going about 15-20 mile and hour now. Then they pulled over to a left hand turn and I went ahead and made a u-turn. I turned on the road they would be turning on. They had no idea I was following them. They didn't turn and didn't turn even when the traffic was all clear several times. So I got out of my car and asked them what was wrong. The car wouldn't start. I went across Power and got Aunt Lurlene in the back seat and drove it to my car. (It started right up) I don't think she had the clutch all the way to the floor. So, I had Aunt Lurlene drive my car back to mom's and I took them to dinner. We went to country Buffet. When we got inside Aunt Lurlene was having a sugar low so we had to pass all the people and get her somewhere to sit down and get her a drink. It took her about 30 minutes and then she ate her dinner. I took them back to mom's and we were laughing as they tried to get their behinds out of the car. I told them I wished I had a movie of them. I helped Aunt Lurlene unpack and got home around 8:30. Long day, but I'm glad I was there to help them. Today they went to Walmart and McDonald's and didn't have any problems. We'll all be there someday!

LOVE THURSDAY

Jonah Michael McDonald is my Love Thursday. He turned 5 years old on the 15th of May. He is such a sweetheart that I love so much. I remember the day he was born. He scared us to death when the nurses pushed the code red button after the delivery. But he was OK, thank heavens, and we had another wonderful grandson. He has brought so much joy and happiness in our life. We miss having him near us to hold and give kisses to. We love you Jonah!!!!

This was hilarious! Jaylee was chewing on a cup and Brody took it away! She was brokenhearted. The solution...they all got their own cups!

Happy Mother's Day

I sure hope you all had a great Mother's Day. We did! We (Ronnie Aleia, Faith, Jaylee, Christopher, Bailey, Brody, Grandma Etta, Ron and I)had dinner at my house of yummy ham, funeral potatoes, fruit salad, rolls, corn, and green beans. Connie, Homer, Josh, Meagan and Brooklyn came over for dessert and we had cheese cake and strawberry shortcake. Of course we had a taste of both. Meagan made the cheescake. Yum!!! I had some funny pictures to put on but everytime I,ve tried I just get letters and numbers when I download the pictures. Anyone know why???
Later that evening I took a plate to Mommo. She had an upset stomach earlier and didn't come.

I've Been Tagged!

1. I'm talking to Heather on the phone so she is giving me some ideas to help me....The first one is that I crunch on ice whenever I can. (as I am now!)

2. I can make up some pretty weird childrens nighttime stories!!! I make them up as I go and act them out at times.

3. I got on the yearbook committee my senior year and then I joined a lot of the clubs so I could have my picture in the yearbook a lot. (How vain!)

4. I had a burglar come in to my house before I had kids. Ron slept through most of it while I was under the bed calling the cops!! (to long for the blog, so ask me sometime about it)

5. I like to water ski and snow ski like Connie. I'm definitely not very good and its been years.

6. My talent??? I like crocheting as most of you know. I've made 3 blessing dresses so far and lots of afghans and baby blankets.

7. I've worked in the Young Women the past four years and for many more since 1971. To many to count. I've had many callings that I thought....ME??? But with Heavenly Father's help you can do a lot more than you ever think!!! I've learned and grown during those years, so don't ever underestimate yourself. Heavenly Father is always there to help you get through all things.

The only ones I see that hasn't been blogged is Ashleigh and Allison. So, you two have been tagged.

Busy Weekend

Wow! What a busy weekend. Connie came down and we went to a movie Thursday night. We saw "Disturbia". It was a scary movie! (Connie said it was the scariest she has ever seen). It was good though and it sure kept your attention. Then Friday night we took her car in to get fixed. Katie came over and when Brendon came for their kids we went and saw "Lucky You" with Drew Barrymore. It was a pretty good movie too. We came home and had an ice cream and visited for awhile. Then Saturday morning Connie and I took mom to I Hop for breakfast. After that we went to the mall and shopped until her car was done. I came home after a stop at Sam's Club and cleaned the pool, vacuumed, and washed clothes. Ron has been hunting since Thursday with Ronnie and Christopher and Aaron. Luckily, Ronnie is OK after flipping his four wheeler and Ron is OK after falling on his knee. I'm so thankful that they weren't hurt. We are very blessed.

LOVE THURSDAY (a little late, but here it is)

Tyson is my Love Thursday!!!! He turned 10 years old on May 4. He has always been a sweetie! I remember when we first started having him over and how much he needed to be loved. One look in his big brown eyes and you automatically fell in love with this awesome boy. We are so lucky to have him in our family. He has brought so much joy and laughter in our hearts. Heavenly Father has blessed us more than we ever expected. Tyson, Grandma and Grandpa love you so much and are so glad that you are our grandson! My, how you have changed!!! (Hee-Hee, six eyes???)

LOVE THURSDAY

My sweet Grandchildren!! This is the last time they were all together. Pretty soon we'll get an updated picture of them. You can see who are the hams!

Run Ragged!!!

Heather was here for three days and we ran ourselves ragged!!! We drove around Saturday, Sunday afternoon and Monday looking at possibles homes for her. We went as far as Johnson's Ranch and to the end of Val Vista (which is Hunt Highway). She has two favorites that she is thinking about. One is off of Gilbert Rd. and Warner. Perfect location, big back yard and a pool. Six bedrooms. The other one is off off Meridian and Elliot. (Not as big of a yard but has a pool and is two years newer) I hope they can figure out which is the best for them or if there is another one they should be able to find. Christopher looked at the Highland homes and I'm going out to look at them and see if that is a possibility. They have basements which Heather would like to have. There were others that were nice but little things weren't quite right. We still had a good time but ate to much...Pei Wei, Matta's and Cracker Barrell. I did good today though. So keep them in your prayers that they will find the place they are supposed to be. Good Ward, great schools and good friends in the neighborhood!!

Proud Grandpa!

I didn't think this picture was going to work but it turned out pretty neat. Grandpa sure is proud of his little Angel Jaylee Joy! So is her Grandma!

Beautiful Like Her Mother

I think this is a beautiful picture of Jaylee and Aleia. They are both so beautiful. What a special day this was to see this special little angel blessed by her daddy. (April 15,2007) Unfortunately most of my other pictures were blurry with her and her daddy and family! I need a new camera!!! You can hint to my husband...Mother's Day, Anniversay, and birthday coming up in the next few months.

EASY-CHERRY COBBLER

2 cans cherry pie filling (or whatever fruit you want)
1 yellow cake mix
1 and 1/2 cubes of butter (I use margarine)

Spray 9x13 dish with Pam. Put the fruit pie filling on the bottom. Sprinkle cake mix (dry) over the fruit. Dab the butter all around the cake mix or melt the butter and pour over the cake mix.

Cook in oven (or dutch ovens) for 40 minutes on 350 degrees or until bubbly and a light golden brown.

Put vanilla ice cream on top and enjoy!

EASTER

Easter weekend we went with Ronnie and Aleia and the girls to the Little Red Cabin. (as Aleia already told on her blog) We had a lot of fun with them. It was fun to visit with Connie, Homer, Eileen, Gerald, and Shauna. (missed Linda and Mike though) I am so thankful for the wonderful family that I have been blessed with. I know we can always count on each other. I wish my other children and grandchildren could have been with us too. I slept a lot better then I thought I would there. It was plenty warm with their electric heaters. I did miss having a toilet though! You know what I mean? It was definitely a different Easter though...grilled ham and cheese sandwiches for our Easter lunch. Actually they tasted pretty good.
I've been helping the students do there Aims testing the past two days. We have two more to go!!! I'll make it hopefully! I've got Y.W. tonight and I need to make a dessert. Recipe coming!
Thank you Shannon and Jason for taking care of Mommo and inviting her for Easter dinner. I appreciate it bunches!

HOME FROM UTAH

Well I got home yesterday afternoon from Utah. I had a wonderful time with Heather and the kids. I think Ethan hugged me several hundred times and I'm not kidding either. It was fun to be there for Sophie's birthday too. Heath picked me up because Heather had a plumber fixing a bathroom plug and almost bad flood. When I got there Andrew gave me a big hug and then I snuck up on Jonah and Sophie. Sophie screamed and came running to hug me. Jonah was in shock with his mouth opened and then he came and hugged me. It made me feel good that they were so excited to see me. Tyson and Ethan got home a little later and we weren't there yet so they hid from us and then jumped out to surprise us. Even Saige acted excited and wanted to hug me. I love them all so much and miss them that after about three months I have a Grandma downer and have to try to see them if I can. On Wednesday their van's battery died and had to go in to the dealership so we didn't have a vehicle one day. Luckily it was just the battery. We went to the movie Friday with Tyson and Ethan and earlier to the park with the younger ones. Saturday they had a party for Sophie at the park and then Heather and I went to a little shopping place with Jonah. Then we went out to dinner. The time went to quick though and I wish we could of done some other things. We still had a great time though. Thanks Heath and Heather for putting up with me.

It's weird to not have Blackie around. Last night I checked to make sure he wasn't under the recliner before I kicked it in. I keep thinking he is going to come up to the gate outside when I get home from work. I feel we did the right thing because he had to be hurting the way his foot was. I have a big bag of dog food and his cage if anyone would like to have it for there dogs.

I have Tuesday and Wednesday off because my class went to Sea World. I hope I can accomplish some things!!!

Just to let you know Marvin Longhurst mother passed away. It would be nice if everyone could send a card to him and Gay. They have been so supportive of our family over the years. Call me and I'll give you the address. I know it would make them feel good.

Ronnie and Aleia are stinkers!!! Don't you think? I still love them though!!!

Blackie

Well today Blackie went to live with Poppo. I bet he was so excited and so was daddy!!! It was really a hard decision to make and I cried all morning. I made Ron take him in because I'm a wimp! The vet said he had cancer and he found four or five more lumps in his leg beside the big one I found. He said his heart was bad and that he could feel it with his hand when he picked him up. We know the vet personally and he said he is pretty frank when people ask him what to do and he felt that we made the right decision. He didn't think he had very much time left either. So....I can just see his tail a wagging and him jumping around and licking Daddy. I can visualize my dad's big SMILE too. Tomorrow I'm off to Utah. I can't wait to see Heather and Heath and the kids!!! Toodle-lou for now.

Eileen's Post

Eileen posted some info today that you night want to read. They have been fixing up a trailor for Bronson. Click on her link to find out the info.

YEE-HAH!

We had a Ward Party a couple of weeks ago. It was pretty fun and I got one dance with Ron. Ya like the cool cowboy hats? They fit so well!

Lydia, You're a Bernise Mountain Dog!

No bones about it, you're a good-hearted, people-loving Bernise Mountain Dog. Down-to-earth and loyal, no one works or plays harder than you do. You put your nose to the grindstone when it really counts, but you never neglect your social calendar. Simultaneously strong and sweet, you're very tuned-in to the feelings and needs of other dogs you run with. Without having to be asked, you always have a helping paw to lead and a sympathetic shoulder to lean on. "Communication" is your middle name, and when that's paired with your unswerving devotion, you get a breed that everyone respects and trusts. Woof!

Ron went to Pamona again this past weekend. I exercised and then got ready for Faith's party. She had a fun time. I can't believe that her and Sophie are going to be 4 yrs. old. Time does fly by! Last night I went to a Musical Fireside with Janice Kapp Perry and her husband(Douglas, although he said he his known as Brother Janice Kapp Perry). It was really good. She has written a lot of the songs in the Children's Hymn Book, like "A Child's Prayer, I'm trying to be like Jesus, Army of Helaman, etc). She is so talented and has shared it with everyone. It was well worth it. She talked about setting a goal that was high and reaching for it. So...what should my goal be? Anyway, it is Fast Sunday today so I included that in my fast as I try to figure out what I am supposed to be doing at this point of my life. One sister at church said, "It is March 4th so I decided I needed to march forth and bear my testimony before I chicken out." I thought that was a clever pun on words! Anyway, once I figure out how I can get my little dog saying up, I'll let you know what kind of DOG I am. For some reason it won't let me copy and I can't download my pictures off of my camera any more either. ????? SO...toodle-lou for now.

Work Day

Well, another day is almost gone. I worked hard today cleaning the house, laundry, cleaning the pool, giving Blackie a bath and being a Dr. to him. His foot is not getting any better. I went and bought an inflatable neck thing but he could still get at his foot. He has been on medication for a week now. I'm worried about him. I don't know what else to do to help him. His foot needs air to dry but then he chews on it. If I wrap it , it stays moist and can't dry out. Whenever I think it is better then he gets at it again. We even duct tapped the E-collar where he could barely see but then he manages to get it turned just right to get at his foot. Well that's the story for the day.
Ron and Ronnie went pig hunting. Christopher, Bailey and Brody went there but the trailer isn't heating so they came home. Ron said it was cold. They should be home tomorrow. I have to give the Young Women lesson tomorrow on communication. It's a pretty easy one because there is role playing in it and a lot of activities. So....toodlelou for now. Goodnight!!!!

Happy Sunday!

I was going to post a couple of pictures but the computer wouldn't download them for some reason... We had a great Sunday today. We had our ward conference and it seems every scripture had to do with our thoughts. Everyone came over for dinner. We had ham and cheesy potatoes, corn and rolls, etc. Mommo came over but Etta didn't feel good so she didn't come. Faith played games on the computer with Aunt Bailey and then me.
I talked to my sisters today. Linda was watching "The Secret." She had ordered it after she saw the show on Oprah. Connie had some Secret experiences too. I've had a pretty good week except for my negative Thursday but I turned it around and finished out the week good.
We had to take Blackie to the Vet. It cost $92 for an anti biotic, inflammation pill and something to soak his foot in. He has a heart murmur and the vet said it could be cancer on his foot. I didn't tell Mommo that though. Anyway, I hope the medication works and that he won't keep getting at it. I gave him a positive message tonight...your foot is better!!! It will work! Bailey took a picture of me giving him a bath Thursday night after he chewed his foot up again and I was upset!!!!! That's when I said, "help"...vet time.
So tonight...I will sleeep 8 to 10 hours tonight...Goodnight ya all! (P.S. Have you read Heather's blog? Their papers are finally in. Yeah!!! Now let's pray that they will push it through so the girls can get home and start their new life.)

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

I thought this was a cute picture of Faith and Jaylee. Can you believe that Faith is not making a face? Yeah! They are both beautiful little girls. I know I am the Grandma, but it really is the truth!

Brody's Blessing Day February 4, 2007

What a special day, this day was. Christopher did a wonderful job blessing his first born son, Brody Keith Michael. A lot of relatives were there, Grandma's, Grandpa's. Great Grandma's & Grandpa's, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Great Aunts and Uncles, and friends. We had a yummy dinner afterward of enchilada's, rice, tortilla soup, tamales, chips, etc. Yum, Yum! We stayed afterward and watched the Superbowl (well, the mom's and babies slept, Grandma took Faith to the park behind the house for a walk) while the guys watched the game. It was a nice day. Christopher bore his testimony too and that was very special.

Tired Mommy's and Babies

Brody's blessing day. After dinner and company and while the Super Bowl was on...two young mother's and their sweet babies sound asleep. I thought these were cute pictures.

"THE SECRET"

That is so funny that Meagan had that on her blog. We watched it with Christopher and Bailey the other night. I totally believe it. So...I'm trying positive self talk. I feel silly but I have to do something. After being sick for a month I got a little down...now it's time to get back up and have some fun and enjoy life and everything around me. I think we can all help each other...so let's create positive things for ourselves and BE HAPPY AND ENJOY OUR LIVES! I told Christopher the other night we should have a family home evening and make our posters. It would be fun. Everyone bring magazines and pictures and lets start making things happen! It's OK if you think I'm crazy but that 's the way I am. CRAZY!!!!

Here's a picture of Faith and Jaylee a couple of weeks ago. I thought it was cute of them posing.

Here's a cute picture of Brody smiling at his Grandma the other night while his mom and dad were at the gym. We had fun taking a few pictures while they were gone.

I just typed a whole post and lost it when I went to add some pictures. I was telling about our poor dog, Blackie. He lost a toenail and has been chewing at his foot and it is infected and swollen. I bought an E-collar to put around his neck, The first collar he could still get at his foot so I got another one that was bigger. He was still managing to get to his foot though so we put an ace bandage around his neck to hold it in place and then Ron used duct tape to make it hold. Then we wrapped up his foot after putting peroxide and neosporin on it. He looks pitiful. He runs into things and hops like a rabbit. I really feel sorry for him. Sometimes my inheritance is a pain in the behind. Anyway I hope this works so we don't have to spend a fortune at the vets. I know I'm cheap but I bet it would cost a few hundred dollars. Hopefully this will work and it will heal so I won't have to.

"SPIRITUAL GIFTS"

Today was my turn to teach the Young Women's lesson. (I am a Beehive advisor) It was on "Spiritual Gifts." I only had about 20 minutes for a lesson that said you could take two weeks to do. It went pretty good though and the girls were receptive. The objective was to learn that by developing our spiritual gifts it will enrich our life and others. We discussed D & C 46:6-26 and wrote down the spiritual gifts that were mentioned. Our high councilman in his talk mentioned these and then when I was setting up my room, the teacher that was in the room before me mentioned his lesson and it was very similar but went on to talk about charity. I told the girls this and said that charity is a special gift to have and to pray for it. I used Heather as an example because her and Heath have that pure love of Christ. The love they show for the little girls in Haiti (way before they had even met them) is the true love of Christ. That is one of their gifts!!! I am so proud to have had Heather in my home as she grew up. She came with that special spirit and and she continues to use this gift that God has given her along with many others. So this is a kind of tribute to a wonderful daughter and son of God who I love with all my heart!!! Their children are indeed blessed to have them as their earthly parents!!! My sons and daughter-in-laws have special gifts too and their children are blessed to have them as their fathers and mothers. They love their children and you can see it in their eyes and on their faces as they interact with them. They all have such good hearts. I have the best family in the world!!! And also the best extended family!!!!

"Our gifts and opportunities differ; some are more visible and impactful....We all have at least one gift and an open invitation to seek 'earnestly the best gifts." (D&C 46:8) (Neil A. Maxwell)

How can you recognize your spiritual gifts?
1. Pray and ask for help
2. Obtain and read your patriarchal blessing which may identify some of your gifts.
3. Observe traits and talents that seem to come naturally to you.
4. Accept calls from priesthood leaders.
5. Notice compliments you receive from others.

One Y.W. in the Miamaid class started telling the girls what she saw in them, the teacher was really moved from that. It touched the girls hearts and hopefully it will help them recognize their gifts.

So, I challenge each of you to start looking for your spiritual gift or gifts. You have at least one of them. For some reason this lesson touched my heart and has given me the desire to find my gift. Whatever that may be. I do know that Christ lives and that he is my Savior. I want to be good enough to live with him again and to have my family with me forever. Satan works hard on me and makes me feel like a nothing but I know deep inside I am a child of God and I pray for the strength to be a better person and to find my gift. I know...preachy mom!!! But this is in my heart and I want us all to make it and be together forever. Satan is out to ruin the family and each of us individually. So together we can be strong and we can make it and help each other along the way. I LOVE EACH OF YOU!!!

My little grandson Brody, smiling BIG at Grandma's house last night. His daddy bought him the cute camouflage outfit for Christmas!!! He will be 8 weeks old tomorrow. I can't believe it. Isn't he the cutest?

Christopher and Brody

Kisses from daddy!!!!

Here's a picture of Christopher at around 6 weeks old. Isn't he a cutie pie? What do you think...does Brody look a little like his daddy?

Christopher at 6 weeks old on his blessing day.

Heather at 6 weeks old. Isn't she as cute as can be. And she still is. Happy 30th Birthday Heather!