Target Shooting

Perry shared his love for target shooting with his cousins while in Arizona.  I was nervous about this activity until I saw how well planned out Perry made everything.  The kids all had a great time.

Enchiladas and Family Home Evening

On Monday night we invited Christian's mother, brother and his family over for a Enchilada dinner and a fun family Home Evening.  Bill gave a spiritual message and then we played a getting to know you game.  It was fun to hear about things that different people have done.  Thanks to Aunt Angela and Aunt Amy for putting it all together. 

Sunday Luncheon

After Lincoln's farewell talk in church which everyone said was excellent, we had everyone over for a salad luncheon.  It was a great time to see so many special people who have been a part of Lincoln's life. 

Happy Birthday Ben!

Endowed

This morning Lincoln and his parents went to the Gilbert Temple where he became an endowed member of the church.  This Sunday he will give his farewell talk and on January 7th he will board a plane to Mexico City where he will enter the Missionary Training Center for three weeks and then on to Argentina. 

Our Mermaid!

Congratulations to Abby who will be going to the state swim meet.  She will be doing the 200 meter backstroke.  Way to go Abby!!

Class Project

In Caleb's class this year the kids were given a clothespin to take home and dress it like a person representing their cultural heritage.  Caleb wanted to do a person from Scotland with bagpipes.  Uncle Andy helped him make it.  Aunt Angela said it was fun to see some of the other clothespin dolls--especially the viking!  She said you can see how much cultural diversity there is at his school!

Polar Plunge!

                I don't get it but there are people who do this every winter.                                      I wonder how they'd fare in                                            North Dakota or New England!

Another Amazing!

Caleb had his friends over for a Christmas party and again Aunt Angela did an amazing job! 

Katie & Aunt Cathy!

This was the creation that Aunt Cathy and Katie did.  Great Job!

Pajama Tradition!

Thanks to Aunt Amy and Uncle Christian for coming over tonight and sharing in their Christmas Eve tradition of opening one present the night before.  Pajamas were loved by all!

Happy Birthday G-daughter!

Abby

is 

14 years old

today!

Congratulations Lincoln!

As of Friday Lincoln is a high school graduate!  So proud of him and how hard he has worked to finish early and to accept the call to serve as a missionary.

The New Testament

Tonight I finished reading the New Testament.  I have especially loved the things I learned this time.  I am always reminded when I read the scriptures that there is so much to be learned and to truly enjoy the messages we have to spend time reading them on a regular basis.  During my time of studying the New Testament this time I was especially appreciative of the writings of Paul.  It is such a reminder to me that when God calls he qualifies.  None of us need ever believe that we are beyond redemption.  Good things come to those who are willing to ponder the words of the prophets and apostles.  As I read each chapter and verse I became so sure that God didn't leave us without prophets and apostles in our day just as he left prophets and apostles when he returned to live with His Father.  I know that President Nelson is a living prophet on the earth today as are the apostles who have been called and ordained to serve with him.

I am so grateful for these wonderful scriptures that many have sacrificed even their lives to make it possible for us to have them.  They should be treasured, read and reread often.

Special Company

Caleigh & Emeline Kipp

One of the best parts of our mission was being able to rub shoulders with the amazing young missionaries.  Since both the elders and sisters lived in our apartment complex we were especially blessed to get to know them.  Today one of my favorite Sisters came to visit from Logan, Utah where she and her husband Austin are attending school.  They brought a beautiful daughter along who stole my heart! 

Amazing!

This was the hot chocolate bar at Ava's Christmas party for her friends.  Aunt Angela is absolutely the master of making a party special.  I heard everything went really well which didn't surprise me at all!

Christmas Concert

Last night Uncle Christian came and stayed with Grandpa so I could attend the Christmas concert at Highland High.  For Lincoln this was his final performance before he graduates this week.  A sweet moment during the conference was when they had a special performance by the Special Needs class.  One of the boys is in their ward.  After he got sat down he looked up and saw Lincoln standing in the aisle in front of him and he got a big grin on his face and said, "Lincoln!"  The music was beautiful and I closed my eyes several times just to savour the time to sit quietly and listen.  Ruth and Lincoln have done an excellent job as members of the orchestra.  I am grateful for the musical talents that our          grandkids have.

The concert finished  with snow falling
as the orchestra played "I'm dreaming of a
white Christmas."  LOVED IT!

Update on Will

Today was the doctor's appointment at the Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake.  They spent an hour and half  with the doctor who Bill said was wonderful and very good at explaining what was happening.  Will has something similar but not as severe as Rachel because her issues have affected her heart.  Will has such low pressure that it has affected his circulation and because the blood doesn't move through his body he is prone to fatigue.  Apparently this particular condition often involves more than one family member so not surprising that Will and Rachel have similar conditions.  Will's heart has not been affected and they spent a good deal of time talking about things that Will will need to do.  First they will be communicating with a Physical Therapist (who apparently has a daughter with the same issues but has it in control and plays on a volleyball team now) and he will work with helping Will adapt to the issues that he will have.  Mainly now is the extreme fatigue.  They were told that he is to have a high sodium diet (get the potato chips out!) and is to drink a great deal of water.  They will also be having him drink protein shakes.  He is to wear compression socks at least up to his knees which will force the blood back up and into his heart.  He is also not to take hot showers, or go into hot tubs.  The bathroom basically is off limits except to take care of business because of the concern that he can faint and fall and get injured.  When those who are coming for Linc's farewell Cathy and Bill can give you much better information that I can but this is the basic gist so far. 

Favorite

I have realized that I don't have many pictures of me.  I always hated to deal with the reality of my weight.  I made an exception when Aunt Amy wanted to take a picture of the kids after decorating the gingerbread houses and she told me to get in the picture.  I am so happy now that I did.  Thanks sweet Eden for helping me camouflage myself a little! 

California Gingerbread Houses

Caleb and Ava and their cousin Lilly had a nice visit with Santa at their Ward Christmas party and then did some house decorating!