In Memory...President Gordon B. Hinckley

June 23, 1910-January 27, 2008

I love to see our prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley! I can't believe how I have grown because of him. He is the most amazing example...Because of him, I study my scriptures and the words of the modern-day prophets and general authorities, wanting to have a deeper understanding of the Gospel. I remember our Book of Mormon challenge a few years ago-I remember how wonderful I felt because I listened to President Hinckley and did as he asked. Whenever I hear him speak, I want to be a better person-he inspires me. Because of him, I want to be kinder and more observant to the needs of those around me, seeing those who are in need of aid. Because of his example of always seeing the good, I too have tried to have more optimism, less fear. Because of the prophet, I have grown closer to Jesus Christ; I know Him better; I have felt His love. Gordon B. Hinckley is a true reflection of our Saviour. I believe he has given me a glimpse of what it would be like if the Saviour were among us today. I will always be grateful for his example.

I wrote these words about a month ago after reading one of President Hinckley's talks. I never posted it, thinking I would finish it later. But now is a perfect time. I can't believe he really has died...I never wanted this day to come, but knew it would-I am sad for me, but so happy for him. What a man of God!

Both Maddie and William could feel the Spirit as we talked about President Hinckley tonight. Especially Maddie...she wrote her feelings here. As a parent, I am grateful my children were able to grow to love President Hinckley and learn from him. I will miss him.

"It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers." -Gordon B. Hinckley (from the funeral of wife Marjorie)

{sunday reminiscing}

In August 2006, we took a family trip to Southern California for a little Disney and San Diego. It was a wonderful family vacation. I met Bob in Las Vegas with the children and they did not know that after Vegas, we were heading south for some family fun. They just thought the vacation was Las Vegas. They didn't even realize we were headed in the opposite direction of home until we were in Los Angeles and we couldn't keep the surprise any longer! I was dying to tell them we were going to Disneyland! Maddie started crying she was so excited! Honestly, it was the most fun we've had together as a family.

One of the highlights was going to the beach in Coronado. William had never seen the ocean before (that he could remember) and he was so excited! He loved walking along the water with his dad and playing in the sand. We had stopped at a little market on the island and picked up some munchies like cheese and crackers, bread and drinks and little white powdered donuts. :D Maddie of course could live on the water-she is fearless and loved every second of it-I think she would be a surfin' beach girl if she lived on the coast. We stayed for a while and swam, ate dinner, played and relaxed. It was a great day! And we ended it at The Cheesecake Factory for dinner...could it be any better!

(click to enlarge photos)


p.s. I was there...

Book Reviews

Wish You Well by David Baldacci
*5 stars (out of 5)

After suffering through a car crash and losing their father, Lou (11) and Oz (7) are forced to move to the Virgina mountains to live with their Great-Grandmother and invalid mother. The year is 1940 and times on the mountain and in the small mining communities are struggling. Lou and Oz are struggling to find where they fit in as well. This book is about finding ones self and discovering the things in life that really matter.

I actually cried in this book-books often make me sad, but rarely do I cry.

We live in a world where everyone is keeping up with the Jones' and trying so hard to be the the biggest and the best. Aren't we forgetting what is really important? Our families. Hard work. Honest living. I loved this book and I hope to re-read it often. It is a very good reminder of what is important in life.

The Magic of Ordinary Days by Ann Howard Creel

*4 stars

One of my friends loaned this book to me. Livvy, the main character in this novel becomes pregnant by a WWII officer and is forced into a marriage to Ray Singleton, a remote farmer in Colorado. Not only is the story a love story but it tells about Livvy's struggles with leaving her old life behind that had promise and education. Livvy dreamed of becoming an archaeologist. She becomes friends with two girls in a Japanese internment camp. The friendship leads Livvy into interesting paths and some dangerous situations. Hallmark came out with a movie of this book, which I vaguely remember watching. The movie left a lot of the book out, but was good too.

{sunday reminiscings}

William's Adoption

William was born April 9, 2003 in Provo, Utah. He came to our home on April 11, 2003. Maddie was nearly 5 years old and we were more than ready for another child. William was a little miracle in that we found out about him in February and less than two months later, he was in our home! We never met his birth parents and know very little about them-only that they made a difficult decision in choosing to give Will a better life than they could. Our social worker called us as soon as Will was born, but we weren't allowed to see him in the hospital so that the birth parents wouldn't see us. But...we just happened to be at the hospital and thought we'd take a look in the nursery...there he was...our little boy! We pretended to be looking at all the babies so that it wouldn't be obvious incase someone was there looking at Will too. I was so happy, but so sad because I wanted to hold him so badly! He was crying and there was no one comforting him. Leaving that nursery was one of the most difficult things to do. Needless to say, I didn't sleep the next two nights, wondering and thinking about him. Two days later, our doorbell rang before we were to go pick him up at the hospital, and there was our bishop, with Will! It was so exciting-special delivery! For the rest of the day, we just sat around holding him while friends and neighbors came over to meet him. It was a wonderful day!

I can't believe how Heavenly Father has blessed our lives. We have two amazing children-they are perfect for our family and to think that they would not be our children if I'd been able to biologically have children-the thought is unbearable. Not only to think they wouldn't be ours, but to think of where they would be instead is also unbearable. They have so many people who love them, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, church leaders and neighbors...Before Maddie and Will were born, I was so frustrated at not being able to get pregnant and have children...why couldn't I? It was a righteous desire...a good thing; yet, it would not happen. But I know now...our children came to us in a different way...they were always meant to be ours and they needed to be able to come to a family where they could be part of an eternal family. So many children are born without that blessing. I am so grateful for my eternal family.

William's Finalization, Sealing and Blessing

On October 22nd, William's adoption was finalized in Provo with Judge Lynn Davis. He was so great-very pro adoption. It was truly an amazing experience and I'm so happy my family and siblings were there. We went out to breakfast afterwards and were looking forward to the next day at the Temple.

On October 23rd, William was sealed to us in the Mt Timponogas Temple. Nearly all of our family was there. It was a wonderful sight in the Temple to be surrounded by family and true friends. William was blessed by Bob in our home later on that day.

The weekend was a very special one -it will never be forgotten.

Favorite Christmas Gifts...

Bob and I exchanged iPods for Christmas...he got black, I got green! At first, I thought what am I going to do with an iPod? Would I really use it? When would I get a chance to listen to music without the ability to hear children talking to me and asking me questions all day long? Oh, how wrong I was! First of all...the fun Bob and I had choosing songs to purchase on iTunes! (We each had a $25.00 itunes gift card and we spent every last dollar and then some.) We spent a couple of hours reminiscing the past...middle school, high school, early days of BYU,old girlfriends, old boyfriends-think...Asia, Toto, Chicago, Journey, Foreigner, Donna Summer, INXS, Depeche Mode, Eagles, Michael Jackson, Howard Jones, OMD, Styx, Rick Springfield, Tears for Fears, Whitney Houston, Madonna, Whan!, etc.-you know you love it! Nobody really makes music like they used to. Great Fun! Second, it's a great way to tune out the kids when you need a break from the talking/questions. And, believe it or not, that music right in your ears actually makes you want to exercise-resolve of 2008 :D! And last night, I fell asleep listening to 80's soft rock. I slept like a baby (one that sleeps through the night without making any noises to wake up its parents).

My other favorite gift is my Breville Ikon Panini Press! Can I just say it makes the yummiest sandwiches ever! Clean-up is a breeze-just wipe it down with hot soapy water and you're done. We've had mozzerella, tomato and basil; turkey, swiss and bacon; regular grilled cheese-a favorite after-school snack for Maddie (and she makes it herself). And my favorite is turkey with pepperjack cheese-I add thin sliced tomatoes and romaine after I grill it-YUMM-O! And you don't have to have hard, crusty bread-regular sandwich bread works too. Everyone should own one of these-it's not one of those weird appliances that you think you'll use and never do. I'm having a love affair with my panini grill!

Bob told me last night "you're into things with the letter 'p'...paninis, iPods, Project Runway, pepper jack." (hehe) Silly man.

2008

I've really been thinking about this new year and what it will bring. It seems like I've always set new goals for a new year but in actuality, I just think about setting them. This year is going to be different. Many years ago, I had a bishop who taught that we should call them resolves...it seems to have more of a meaning that we have really made up our minds to do these things. So in 2008, I resolve to be a better me and have balance in my life.

*more scripture reading/studying*
*more praying*
*be more observant to others needs*
*be more patient*
*watch less t.v.*
*exercise*
*have more fun with my children*
*have more fun with my husband*
*more outings with girlfriends*
*spend less money*

This year in Sunday School and Relief Society we are studying the Book of Mormon and the teachings of the prophet Joseph Smith. I am going to take the opportunity to study the lesson each week and be prepared for Sunday. I can only imagine the better me I'll be this time next year. I am so looking forward to 2008!

Tom Dickson

Tom Dickson is in our ward...he is hilarious. He invented the Blend-Tec Blender, among other things. I took our Cub Scout Den on a field trip there and he gave us all the Will It Blend DVD...the destruction of Guitar Hero is not on there. William thought he was being very naughty (I hope he doesn't want to try this at home) and Maddie just wants Guitar Hero and could not believe he would destroy it! :D

Remember This...

GOOD TIMES!

New Mexico

We left for New Mexico on the 26th at 8:00 pm, hoping to miss the huge snow storm! The kids were really excited to leave and wanted to drive in the dark. We didn't miss the storm! We got to Kirtland at 4:00 am! Our normal 6 hour drive took 8 hours...U.G.L.Y! The roads were a mess the entire way, slushy, wet, snow-packed-we had it all! I've never been so happy to get to Kirtland!

Once we arrived safe and sound, we had a relaxing, enjoyable time with family. Maddie and Will loved being around their cousins. They took their Wii and had lots of fun playing it with everyone. Tennis is a favorite game...I even like it. We saw movies (The Water Horse and National Treasure), played Spoons and Wii (a remote flew from a hand and and broke Yancey's t.v.) at Uncle Yancey's and Aunt Natalie's and listened to Bob and Maddie jam on the piano, ate at Fuddruckers and Costa Vida (new to Farmington), and hung out relaxing! Just what we all needed.

Maddie and Dad jamming on the piano!

Sleepover with the cousins...All the cousins with Uncle Ben

McKenna Cluff...Will and Uncle Ben

We went to church Sunday morning-the 30th, came back and said goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle George and took off on our ride home...drove to see Shiprock (Maddie noticed it from a distance and wondered what it was)...hoping for clear roads...no such luck. The roads from Price on were worse than on the way to New Mexico....good times!

goodbye...Shiprock from a distance

Santa Rocks!

Traditionally, the children wait at the top of the stairs while Bob or I go down and turn on the tree lights. They were so excited they were squealing!

"Santa Rocks!" These were Will's words as he saw his loot from Santa. I have never seen a kid rip through the gifts like this one! Honestly, he was done in 5 minutes!



FAVORITES

:: Remote Control Helicopter

:: Spiderman Web Blaster



I had convinced Maddie she would not be getting a Wii this year due to the lack of them available. When she saw that Santa had not come through for her, she was very suprised to unwrap one from Bob and me! We saved this gift for last and she was very excited!

FAVORITES

:: Wii (duh)

:: i-dog

:: roller blades

It was a wonderful Christmas. We have so much to be grateful for.

Christmas Eve

We spent our first Christmas Eve with just the four of us. Bob and I decided we wanted to make it as memorable as we could for the kids. They were really missing Grandma and Grandpa, aunts and uncles and cousins! Maddie was especially concerned about no extended family around..."Christmas is about being with your family". I said "what are we...dog meat?"

We went to The Cheesecake Factory for an early dinner and then went to see "Alvin and the Chipmunks". The best part of that movie was watching the kids laugh. They really enjoyed it. We then came home, ate our cheesecake, wrapped presents and the elves came bearing new pajamas! The night was a success...with just us dog meat!

Note the time I went to bed...too funny!

A New Christmas Tradition

Tonight we went to the Hale Center Theatre Orem to see

Dicken's Christmas Carol.

The show was wonderful! Maddie and William both sat in awe the entire time...even though there were some pretty scary parts. You know that Ghost of Christmas Future is pretty creepy! The music was great and I actually cried when Tiny Tim died-Bob Cratchet sang "What Child is This?" at the gravesite and I could not help myself from getting emotional...imagine that!:D I love this classic Christmas Tale. It reminds me that the true spirit of Christmas is giving-not just of our wealth, but more sincere compassion and love for others in our daily lives. We should all enjoy the Merriment of Chritmas and share that with others all year long.

Maddie saw in the program that the Hale Center offers acting classes for children. And there were several children in the performance. Maddie has chosen two parts she wants to play next year-the beggar girl and the Ghost of Christmas Past. (She has such lofty ambitions) She could not stop talking about the play the whole way home. And William was worried he was going to dream about the "ghosts" just like Scrooge did.:D It was quite a magical night for them. We will definetely be making this a Christmas Tradition.

In the words of Tiny Tim...

God Bless Us Everyone!

Frogs In December?

So I'm in the kitchen and in walks William wearing a green tee shirt of mine and croaking like a frog. After a few minutes I look at him (I mean really look at him) and he's also wearing my green chenille gloves on his feet...like a frog! So dang funny!

Candy, Candy, Candy...

My mom and I have been making candy for the past two days...caramel-chocolate pretzels, toffee and caramel. YUM-O! It was so much fun to spend time with my mom making these fun treats for friends (and ourselves, right Mom?) My parents are going to be gone for Christmas so it will just be the four of us until we leave for New Mexico a couple of days after Christmas. I'm glad I got to spend time with my mom making our traditional holiday treats! Thanks for all the help Mom.

So many pretzels...milk chocolate, milk chocolate with mini m&ms, white chocolate, white chocolate with cinnamon sugar



Making the yummiest caramels on the planet...so buttery!



All packaged up for friends!



And our little helper/taster/mess maker!

Will's Winter Program

Is there anything better than a preschool program? I mean seriously, the cuteness of it all and the sheer laughter watching those darling little kids sing and dance. I could have watched all day long! Watch how Will shakes his little buns...oh and that's Isabelle...his "girlfriend" (He has kissed her on the lips!) Don't you just love the way she moves him around too...girls are so bossy! :D

p.s. I got the videos loaded for Maddie's program and the ward party...check them out!

The True Joy of Christmas

Today was our annual cul-de-sac Ladies Lunch. This gathering has been taking place for nearly 30 years-longer than I've been here! I have been for the past 15 years. Traditionally, we make gifts for each friend in the neighborhood, past and present. This has truly been one of the highlights of living here. This group of women is amazing. The talent within the group is beyond words...quilters, painters, crafters, singers, teachers, spiritual leaders, cooks, performers, just to name a few. I am so blessed to have moved here and to be able to call these women my friends-I miss those who have moved away :(

This year we decided to do things a little differently...we chose someone to give service to. It just happened that one of our former neighbors was in need of a helping hand this year-Carol Moore. Carol lost her father this year, started dialysis three times a week and her overall health is not good. We truly felt that she was someone we could help have a Joyful Christmas! We all pitched in by quiliting, donating money, shopping, wrapping and giving in any way we could. The highlight was giving Carol the quilt. Diane and Kathy spent hours piecing this beautiful quilt and we all helped tie it and the party. Giving these gifts to Carol has truly been the best part of my Christmas. I hope this becomes our new tradition.

And of course, the lunch party was at Bianca's beautiful home (that alone can get you in the Christmas Spirit)!

Check out this Pinocchio collection...it is amazing!

What a Wonderful day