Merry Christmas to all

Our family in real life...

Catching up

I was so blessed to fly out to NM and

be at my grandmother's funeral.

The service was beautiful.

Seeing so much family was great!

This is my whole family.

Nine kids and two wonderful parents!

My brothers requested that they be allowed to help

bury grandma. It was nice to see all of the grandsons

grab a shovel and get to work.

Grandma would have loved it!

Here I am with two of the best role models

a girl could ever have!

Mom and Aunt Jo.

(my mother was so kind to let me wear some of her tourquoise!)

My Sweet Grandma

My sweet Grandma Irvin passed away peacefully Monday, December 7th.

I will miss her so much.

She was kind, gentle, and full of love.

Her whole life was about family.

She lived a long, good life.

God be with you till we meet again!

This picture was taken during the summer of 2008 at the cemetery where my grandpa is buried.

Grandpa died when I was only 6 weeks old.

That was a lttle over 40 years ago.

I'm sure that my grandparents are having a sweet reunion.

Spiritual Thoughts

I read this quote the other day as I was preparing to go visit a friend. I've been thinking about it ever since. It has changed my perspective about my own wants and desires.

“Disciples of Christ throughout all ages of the world have been distinguished by their compassion. … In the end, the number of prayers we say may contribute to our happiness, but the number of prayers we answer may be of even greater importance. Let us open our eyes and see the heavy hearts, notice the loneliness and despair; let us feel the silent prayers of others around us, and let us be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to answer those prayers”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Finally a picture of Lauren!

Brock was nice enough to pose with her.

This was taken at her 7th grade chorus concert the other night.

It was a lot of fun. Her chorus class is huge!

The girls sang beautifully, and the boys all sang in monotone.

Why can't 7th grade boys carry a tune?

I found myself feeling grateful that I am not a

middle school choir director.

I would much prefer high school!

Thanksgiving

Our feast!

We counted our blessings

and named them one by one.
The best potato peeler in the house!

I love this kind of help.

Me and the boys getting ready

for our family picture experience.

A rare moment...

She let me take some pictures of her.

About the whole taking family pictures experience...it was awful. It rates right up there with jeans and bra shopping.

It was very frustrating to say the least.

Next year...I'm hiring a professional photographer!

No Dogs Allowed

Many of you know that I am not a dog lover. I don't mean them any harm, I just don't want one in my house or yard. My kids beg for a dog all of the time, especially Matthew. I do feel a little guilty, but not enough to give in. I have so much to take care of already.

The other night Lauren was searching for a poem to memorize for her language class. She came across this one, and thought it sounded just like I wrote it. Enjoy!