More Fun for Dad

Here is Dad opening the gift from our kids. A new DVd/video player which I think we need because ours is making a strange sound that doesn't sound too normal. Anyway, thanks to you all.

Scott and Carli's Birthday

We had a birthday cake for Scott and Carli - course Avery blew the candles for Carli and it worked okay.

Merry Christmas to All

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The Tin Man

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Dashng Through the Snow

Here we are warming up in the Coeur d"Alene Hotel after a walk on the boardwalk. Mindy, Evan, Davis and Jack were with us - - maybe she will post her picture in the sleigh on her blog. It's such a beautiful place to relax and enjoy one another. Merry Christmas and our love to all.

Spokane Temple

"I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not." (D&C 6:21)

My Piano - A Best Friend

By default, the piano teaches us patience, determination, coordination, confidence, concentration, and so much more! It teaches us how to set goals and achieve them, it teaches us how to deal with frustrations, it teaches us how to come up with solutions. As you can see, I can go on and on about the hidden benefits of playing the piano. Playing the piano is one of those precious gifts and activities you can enjoy all of your life. You don't need to be physically fit, you don't need a team, you don't need a partner, you don't need to be strong, you just need your piano, or a keyboard. Playing piano is not just about hitting the right key, or counting out loud, or getting the rhythm right... (don't take that literal!), but when you look past today and see the future, you can easily see how the piano can bless your life and lives around you. My piano and I have gone through a lifetime of ups and downs from sad times to happy times. I have mourned at the piano with tears literally falling on the keys as I play, I have found strength as I played my favorite hymns and invited the heavens to intervene, I have pounded on the keys in anger and frustration, I have celebrated love, played for weddings and funerals and enjoyed countless quiet hours in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep. My piano is just about my best friend and very forgiving. It has even been through the ups and downs and trying times with my children and their lessons.* * * * * * * * * The Story of the piano: My mother bought my piano for me when we lived in Idaho. I was about 12 or 13. A fellow was driving around our town with this piano on the back of his truck. He was from a music company in Lewiston. They had a fire and this piano had some smoke damage but had been all refurbished and a new keyboard. He was looking for someone to buy it. My mother took one look and decided it was the one for me. She paid $50.00 and he moved it into our living room. It was a dream come true & I will be forever grateful to my Mom for her insight in that purchase.

Veteran's Day

Avery invited Lee to attend the Veteran's Day program at his school today. We both went and enjoyed such a nice program for the Veteran's. How proud I am of Lee and the service he gave in the Air Force and for our country. The program consisted of a breakfast and songs and stories/poems from the children plus a video presentation showing our service men in action. Thank you Avery for inviting us to your school's program. It was very nice.

Big Scout Night

Last night was Scott's Arrow of light ceremony. It is such a cool thing to see. I think he was pretty excited and seems that all of a sudden he is such a big boy now. This is where they are ready to light the candles and do the ceremony. It was good that CJ and Matt could participate. Jake came but didn't have his uniform on so he couldn't help. Jake has done his EAgle and CJ and Matt are working hard on theirs. They are planning a triple Eagle Court of Honor in February for these boys. How great is that? Don't know why my picture turned out blurry. Must have moved the camera a bit. And everyone looks a little down in the mouth but they really weren't that way at all.

Scout Neckerchief

this is the scoutmaster presenting Scott with his Scout neckerchief. The one he had was taken off and given to Cory

The Walking Stick

At the end of the ceremony, Scott was presented his Walking Stick. These are made by Cory and Beka to give to each of the boys when they leave Cubs. It's pretty cool.

Little Dalmation

This is Miss Carli the Dalmation. She was bundled up warm and cozy.

The Star Wars Gang

Just had to take the kids' pictures. They were all dressed up and came for candy and treats.

Happy Halloween

These are our pumpkin decorations. Dad puts these up every year and they are quite bright and cheery. Hope we have some trick or treaters.

The Little Smile

Carli is sitting up well now and finally has the crawl down. I watched her and Bodee today while Erin went to Avery's party at school.

Look at me sit up

You just have to see those pretty blue eyes.

This is a Pumpkin

It's just an orange thing - not sure what it's for yet.

Weston Cemetery

On our way home, we stopped in Brigham City to buy some flower wreaths and then stopped at the Weston Cemetery to decorate the family graves. It was very cold and had been snowing briefly. You can see how dark it was getting too. It still is an important stop for us because we don't get there often. WE used tent pegs to secure the wreaths so they should last until spring when they start to mow the lawn again. Miss my Momma and Dad so much.

Mercer's Baptism Day

Mercer and family after the baptism outside the church building. Oct. 24, 2009 He was very excited to be baptized and become a member of the church. There were three little girls who were baptized the same day. Gavan baptized and confirmed him and Grandpa J gave a short talk on the Holy Ghost. He was so honored to be asked to participate. Following the baptism there was a lunch served at Mercer's home. We were so happy to be able to be there for the occasion.