Our trip to Sandy

Mindy and Kris taking time out for a picture. I think we all took a lot of pictures and theirs are probably better than mine but I will post some anyway. We had a good visit at Mindy and Evan's and the time went by fast. Thank goodness for pictures to help me remember all that we did. Mindy and Evan were probably glad to have us leave after 4 days of activities so they could get their lives back on schedule. Anyway, it was a fun time.

Storytime with the boys

Kris and Mindy reading stories to the two boys while they were sitting still for a minute.

Mom, Mindy and Kris

Just catching a photo session at Mindy's

Be Fit

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FHE with Carli

Fun with Papa J

Birthdays

Tool Christmas

This is my new toolbox and drill from Dad. Also my new apron, which doesn't exactly go with tools but who cares. Work is work.

Time for Scones

Just before Erin came over, Dad made scones for an afternoon snack. They were so yummy. We all stuffed ourselves and then they opened their gifts.

More Christmas Fun

Erin & Jeremy came over to open their gifts. We just kind of hung out for a few hours with them and the dogs. Kind of a nice and quiet afternoon. Later on we went to Donna's for a very nice prime rib dinner that Erin had cooked.

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.